The psychology of an average QPR fan

I think I'd need therapy to work out why I put up with this shit.

I'm very much like Corbs.

Really don't like ripping into the club, players or manager. The owners have make some poor decisions over the years, but have paid for those mistakes - so I believe they're an honourable bunch who will stick by the club. We could do better, but we could do an awful lot worse.

As things are, I have been ground down by the way things have been since the club didn't extend Warbs' contract.

I felt he was a manager very suited to the club. He steadied the ship, and made incremental progress. I know some were pleased when he left, but I was disappointed by the club in failing to show a bit of loyalty and reward for his work. Have to say, my overall feeling towards the club took a dive at that point.

The Beale adventure was initially quite exciting, but soon went very sour, and it's been a disaster ever since.

Realism, optimism and scepticism?

Realism and scepticism - yes. Optimism - no.

From where we were at the end of Ainsworth's tenure, I suppose I am slightly more optimistic than I was, but I'm on the verge of writing the season off and seeing how things are in August and League One.

But then that's how I felt in the play-off final. Our aging warhorses were getting battered by a young, creative Derby County side. And when O'Neill was sent off with over half an hour to play, well it was one-way traffic and the nervousness was excruciating. I was almost hoping Derby just scored to put us out of misery - I could then just accept it and move on. But the joy at Zamora's goal... I didn't get my voice back for two days.

And I suppose that's how I feel about our season now. It looks hopeless and I've kind of accepted relegation. For now I'm pretty depressed about things.

But if the players show some guts and passion and start putting in some decent performances, I know I'll get sucked right back into the hope and expectation...

Born in Queen’s Park meant a lifelong association for me. I went to school in St John’s Wood and most of the catchment was in the opposite direction so plenty of Spuds and Arse. No glory hunters in those days so even when we won the League Cup me and one other kid from QP estate still got the piss ripped out of us for following a little club. One kid followed Fools but he got away with it as they were in old First Divn. Watford and Brentford nowhere in those days. Enjoy watching others as a neutral, sometimes a bit biased but never the same gut feeling as watching my team.

Same fascinating and insightful responses so far. Thanks all.

Just to clarify a couple of points from my OP:

I am an optimist by nature. That doesn't mean I am ALWAYS optimistic about the fortunes of my club, but in general I am. I don't believe this is anything we can really control because it comes down to personality types.

Regarding the pessimism and cynicism aspect, again my personality in general does not possess these traits - which is why I draw the distinction with this against realism, optimism and healthy scepticism. These traits inevitably have a bearing on how we handle the rollercoaster ride of supporting our club.

You would have to be mental to support Qpr

Really think this

I think you'd have to be mental to choose to be a QPR fan now - I can see the attraction for those who piggy backed on the club in the 70s/80s/90s - but like us, some kids didn't or don't have a choice!

I've a long list of how my Dad was an absoloute disaster as a father and I'm certain forcing me into this should be on there...

My maternal side if the family are all Chelsea and my Grandad tried to tempt me when I was a very small boy into supporting them.

Apparently, and I don't remember this of course, my Dad told him he'd never see me again if he carried on 🤣

Here's AI's answer:

Supporting a soccer club, or any sports team, involves complex psychological factors. Here are some key aspects:

Identity and Belonging:
People often associate themselves with a team as a form of identity. Supporting a soccer club can provide a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals who share a common interest.
Social Connection:
Fandom fosters social connections. Supporting a team allows fans to connect with others who have similar affiliations. This shared passion can lead to the formation of friendships and social networks.
Emotional Attachment:
Fans develop emotional attachments to their teams. Wins and losses can have a significant impact on their emotions. The sense of joy during victories and disappointment during defeats contributes to the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan.
Cultural and Regional Affiliation:
Many fans support a team based on cultural or regional ties. The team may represent a city, region, or community, and supporting it becomes a way of expressing local pride and identity.
Sense of Tradition and History:
Soccer clubs often have rich histories and traditions. Fans may be drawn to the legacy of a team, its achievements, and the narratives associated with its past. This historical connection can deepen the fan's loyalty.
Escapism and Entertainment:
Supporting a soccer club can serve as a form of escapism and entertainment. It provides a break from daily routines, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the excitement and drama of the sport.
Symbolism and Rituals:
Fans often engage in rituals and symbolic behaviors associated with their team. Wearing team colors, chanting slogans, and participating in pre-game rituals create a sense of unity and shared experience among supporters.
Group Dynamics:
Being part of a fan community involves group dynamics. Fans experience a collective identity and shared goals, creating a sense of unity. Group dynamics can amplify emotions and intensity during matches.
Sense of Ownership:
Fans may feel a sense of ownership or responsibility for the team's success. This psychological investment can lead to increased dedication and involvement in supporting the club.
Personal Achievement by Proxy:
Fans often experience a sense of personal achievement by proxy when their team succeeds. The victories of a soccer club can provide fans with a feeling of accomplishment, even though they are not directly involved in the players' actions.
In summary, supporting a soccer club is a multifaceted psychological phenomenon driven by identity, social connections, emotions, cultural affiliations, tradition, escapism, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.

We'd all be suicidal at the moment! 

Read some posts on Twitter and LFW and some are hurting as if the person they love most in the World is dying...

Indeed Loftus, we are quite the smorgasboard  

More than enough for a fruitcake!

Let's not beat about the bush (Pardon the pun for a QPR board).

What makes this site fantastic is that there isn't a clique and circlejerk like LFW and we don't have a cult around Stan either.

I love the fact that people feel that they can post whatever they want and sometimes they may be called a cunt and on other occasions many posters agree with them but its a platform for debate and discussion. It makes it a great place to be.