A quarter of footy fans claim to have ‘encyclopaedic’ knowledge of game as Newcastle legends stage pub takeover

A quarter of football fans reckon they have an “encyclopaedic” knowledge of the game.

And can reel off facts about their club’s history, stadiums around the world and former pundits of footy shows.

ReutersA quarter of footy fans claim to have ‘encyclopaedic’ knowledge of the game[/caption]

A poll of 2,000 fans of the beautiful game found 26 per cent could list the players who wore the armband for their team, and 24 per cent could discuss random managers from back in the day.

Nostalgia plays a big part in the knowledge of football fans – as 23 per cent are in their element chatting about players from the ‘90s.

And 16 per cent love reminiscing about retro kits from their childhood. 

It also emerged that 54 per cent think football conversations are the best way to break the ice – and 52 per cent have found themselves nattering to a stranger in a pub about it.

The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group, who alongside TNT Sport set up a pub takeover in Newcastle.

It was hosted by former stars Nolberto Solano and Andrew Cole, and presenter Will Brazier – ahead of the Magpies clash against Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday.

The research went on to find that 65 per cent have learnt their knowledge about football by sitting through hours and hours of matches over the years.

While 41 per cent have learnt from talking with other fans, and 37 per cent attribute it to reading articles online.

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Whereas 24 per cent believe they have gathered their know-how because of the time they have spent in the pub watching games with other fans.

When it comes to catching a game at the local, 53 per cent love the lively atmosphere it generates, and 42 per cent enjoy the big screen experience.

Nearly one in three (31 per cent) of pubgoers enjoy being able to watch the action unfold with their favourite pint, and the same percentage love being able to celebrate with other fans.

More often than not, 38 per cent always try to catch the really big games at the pub, as 56 per cent agree it is the next best place to watch football after being in the stadium itself.

On average, viewers arrive nearly 25 minutes before kick-off – with 58 per cent of those polled via OnePoll wanting to get there early to grab a drink before the game gets underway.

Jean David Thumelaire from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “We know that for football fans, pubs are among their favourite places to enjoy the beautiful game.

“And we can only imagine the excitement for Newcastle fans, seeing their club back playing European football.

“To celebrate our partnership with TNT Sport, helping pubs create memorable experiences for their customers, we can’t wait to open the doors for a night to remember – no matter the outcome.”

Budweiser is inviting fans to watch the Champions League clash on Tuesday, November 28th at The Grove and take part in a Q&A with the former St James’ Park favourites.

Top 25 football trivia fans know all about

The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group who surveyed 2000 footy fans

1. The history of the club they support

2. Former captains of the club they support

3. Who used to present and be pundits on football shows (e.g., Match of the Day)

4. Random managers from back in the day

5.  Stadium names from around the world

6. Past winners of certain competitions

7.  Random players from the 1990s

8.  Nicknames of certain players

9. Wondergoals scored throughout the years

10. Club chants

11. Retro kits from back in the day

12. Football games they played when growing up (e.g., FIFA or Football Manager)

13. Former club shirt sponsors

14. Record transfer fees

15. How much certain players cost

16. Terrible refereeing decisions from games over the years

17. Player’s hairstyles from when they were growing up

18. Different competitions which no longer exist (e.g., UEFA Intertoto Cup)

19. Seemingly meaningless matches from when they were growing up

20. The hometowns of football players

21. The next big player coming through their club’s academy

22. How many goals certain players scored in their careers

23. Capacities of stadiums across the country

24. How certain players wore their kits (long-sleeved shirts, socks down low, etc)

25.  How many international caps do certain players have