This week we have Carlos the Vancouver Whitecaps fan come on to tell us his fan origin story as well as help us add another country to the list!

Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Club Overview

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a professional soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current club was founded in 2009 and began play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011 as the 17th team in the league and the first Canadian team based in Western Canada. However, the "Whitecaps" name carries a deeper history, originally used by the city's professional soccer teams since 1974, including stints in the NASL, CSL, and USL.

Since joining MLS, the Whitecaps have built a strong fanbase and a reputation for developing talent and competing with intensity. In 2012, they became the first Canadian team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The club has consistently aimed to blend local development with international signings, with a strong emphasis on youth through its academy system.

The Whitecaps play their home matches at BC Place Stadium, a downtown Vancouver landmark with a retractable roof and a capacity of over 22,000 for soccer. They have had multiple runs in the Canadian Championship, winning the tournament in 2015, 2022, and 2023, which secured them qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Over the years, notable players such as Camilo Sanvezzo, Alphonso Davies (before his transfer to Bayern Munich), and Ryan Gauld have contributed to the club's growing legacy. The Whitecaps maintain a competitive rivalry with other Canadian clubs, especially Toronto FC and CF Montréal, in what is known as the Canadian Classique and other domestic matchups. As of recent seasons, the club continues to focus on building a sustainable, competitive side in both MLS and continental competitions.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

This week we have Greg the Cheltenham Town FC fan come on to tell us his fan origin story.

Cheltenham Town FC – Club Overview

Cheltenham Town Football Club is a professional football club based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Known as "The Robins," the club has seen a remarkable rise through the English football pyramid since 1989. At that time, Cheltenham were playing in the Southern League (sixth tier) but began a steady climb under manager Steve Cotterill, culminating in promotion to the Football League in 1999 for the first time in the club’s history.

Cheltenham quickly established themselves in League football, winning the FA Trophy in 1998 and securing promotion to the third tier (then Division Two) via the playoffs in 2002. Though they experienced relegations in subsequent seasons, the club demonstrated resilience, bouncing back to League One in 2006. After fluctuating between League One and League Two, Cheltenham faced relegation to the National League in 2015.

Under manager Gary Johnson, the Robins responded swiftly, winning the National League title in 2015-16 to return to the EFL at the first attempt. In recent years, the club has continued to punch above its weight. Under Michael Duff’s management, Cheltenham won the League Two title in the 2020-21 season—their first ever EFL title—earning promotion to League One, where they have competed with determination despite limited resources.

Whaddon Road (currently known as the Completely-Suzuki Stadium for sponsorship reasons) has been the club’s home since 1932. Cheltenham Town is known for its strong community ties, well-organised football, and consistent overachievement given its size. The club continues to solidify its position in the Football League, striving for stability and success in England’s competitive lower divisions.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

This week it is the turn of Leeds United as I welcome season ticket holder (home & away), David onto the pod.

It was a great time to talk to him considering Leeds just won the Championship title yesterday with a very late winner away at Plymouth.

Leeds United FC – Club Overview

Leeds United Football Club is a professional football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Originally formed in 1919 following the disbanding of Leeds City FC, the club became a major force in English football during the 1960s and 1970s under legendary manager Don Revie, winning two First Division titles and several domestic and European honours.

From 1980 onwards, Leeds experienced dramatic highs and lows. After relegation from the First Division in 1982, the club spent much of the 1980s in the second tier before returning to the top flight in 1990 under Howard Wilkinson. Just two years later, in the 1991-92 season, Leeds won the final First Division title before the inception of the Premier League. The club maintained Premier League status throughout the 1990s and enjoyed a resurgence under manager David O’Leary, reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 2000 and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2001 with a talented young squad.

However, financial mismanagement and overspending led to a steep decline. Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 and dropped as far as League One (third tier) by 2007. After several turbulent years, including administration and ownership changes, Leeds began a steady rebuild. The club returned to the Championship in 2010 and finally secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa, ending a 16-year top-flight absence. Bielsa's tenure earned admiration for its exciting, high-intensity football and strong connection with fans.

However they were relegated again but secured promotion back to the Premier league by winning the 2024/25 Championship title.

Elland Road, the club’s iconic home since 1919, remains one of English football's most historic stadiums. Leeds United has a passionate and widespread fanbase and fierce rivalries, particularly with Manchester United and historically with Chelsea. Despite recent relegation battles and managerial changes, Leeds continues to be a significant presence in English football with aspirations to re-establish itself in the Premier League.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

Another week without a guest gives me time to reflect on the clubs & fans that have been part of Random Fandom so far.

In this episode I look back at each club and see what has happened to them since we featured them and if they have anything left to play for in the remaining games of their seasons.

Again, if you know someone who you think would be a good guest or fancy coming on yourself, please get in touch!

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

Time for something a bit different this week.

First up we review the Manchester City game away at Everton after we had Chris come on the show last time out.

Then, as I was away this week and couldn't record, we have something a few of you have been asking for.

My back story.

Yup, time for my origin story and the highs & lows along the way.

Arsenal FC – Club Overview

Arsenal Football Club is a professional football club based in North London, England. Founded in 1886 as Dial Square by munitions workers in Woolwich, the club later became known as Royal Arsenal, then Woolwich Arsenal, before settling on its current name. Arsenal moved to Highbury in 1913 and became a major force in English football under manager Herbert Chapman in the 1930s, introducing tactical innovations and winning multiple league titles.

Arsenal has won 13 league titles, including an unbeaten league campaign in the 2003-04 season—known as "The Invincibles"—a rare achievement in top-flight football. The club has also won a record 14 FA Cups, demonstrating consistent success in domestic competitions. Under long-serving manager Arsène Wenger, who led the team from 1996 to 2018, Arsenal became known for their attractive, attacking football and developed a strong emphasis on youth and financial prudence.

The club moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, a modern 60,000-capacity venue. Arsenal maintains fierce rivalries, particularly with Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby and with Manchester United stemming from their intense battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Iconic players in the club’s history include Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira, and Ian Wright. Arsenal remains one of England’s most successful and widely supported clubs, consistently competing in the Premier League and European competitions.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

This week it is the turn of Manchester City as I welcome Chris onto the pod.

Before I speak to him I have to cover off the game for Universitario who we were following last week after talking to Renato.

Then it's Chris and his Manchester City story.

Manchester City FC – Club Overview

Manchester City FC, commonly known as Man City, is a professional football club based in Manchester, England. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), the club adopted its current name in 1894. City has experienced various highs and lows throughout its history but has become one of the most dominant forces in world football in recent years.

The club won its first major honor in 1904, securing the FA Cup, and went on to claim two First Division titles before the Premier League era (1936-37 and 1967-68). After a period of decline, including relegation to the third tier in the late 1990s, City’s fortunes changed dramatically following the club’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008. With significant investment and top-tier management, including Pep Guardiola, City has become a powerhouse, winning multiple Premier League titles, including a historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League) in the 2022-23 season.

The club has won nine English league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League, securing their place among Europe's elite. Their home ground, the Etihad Stadium, has been the stage for their recent dominance, with star players like Sergio Agüero, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland leading their success. City’s rivalry with Manchester United in the Manchester Derby remains one of the most intense in football, reflecting their rise to the top of the game.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

This week it's something a but new for Random Fandom as we have our first ever non-English based team as we welcome Renato onto the pod.

He is a fan of Club Universitario de Deportes based in Peru.

Before we speak to him we have a quick recap of the Spurs game we were following after fan Dave came on last week. The game was at home to Southampton so we'll kick things off with a quick match report.

Fact file as always for this weeks team:

Club Universitario de Deportes

Club Universitario de Deportes is a Peruvian sports club based in Lima.

The football team, popularly known as Universitario, has competed in the top tier of Peruvian football, the Liga 1, since 1928.

They are the most successful team in Peruvian football with 28 titles and have never been relegated.

The club was founded in August 1924 under the name Federación Universitaria by students of the National University of San Marcos but was forced to rename in 1931.

The club won its first Peruvian title in 1929, one year after its debut in the first division. The club won its first double in the 1945 and 1946 seasons and won its only treble after conquering the 2000 season.

Universitario has won twenty-seven first division titles, and was the first Peruvian club, and the Pacific, to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores in 1972. Universitario is one of the two most popular teams in Peru.

In the year 2000, they opened the 80,093-seat Estadio Monumental, currently the largest stadium in Peru and second-largest in South America, retiring their smaller Estadio Teodoro Lolo Fernández which was converted to a public training ground used by the club and the reserve team.

Universitario and Alianza Lima participate in the Peruvian Clásico, which has its roots in the club's first participation in the Peruvian Primera División in 1928.

The rivalry is among the fiercest on the continent and is the oldest and largest rivalry in Peru. It also has rivalries with Sporting Cristal, Deportivo Municipal, and Sport Boys.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995

This week we have Dave, a Spurs fan, come on the pod to chat about his fandom.

Before we speak with him we check in with the England result to see how they got on against Latvia which we previewed last time out.

Here is the usual fact file about the club we'll be following this week...

Tottenham Hotspur FC – Club Overview

Tottenham Hotspur FC, commonly known as Spurs, is a professional football club based in North London, England. Founded in 1882, the club has established itself as one of the most storied teams in English football. Spurs were the first club in the 20th century to achieve the league and FA Cup double, winning both in the 1960-61 season. The club has a strong reputation for playing attacking football and has consistently competed at the highest levels of the English game.

Spurs have won two top-flight league titles (1950-51 and 1960-61), eight FA Cups, and four League Cups. They have also enjoyed success in European competitions, becoming the first British club to win a UEFA trophy when they lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963. The club later won two UEFA Cups (now the Europa League) in 1972 and 1984. More recently, Spurs reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2019, finishing as runners-up to Liverpool.

The club's home ground is the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that opened in 2019, replacing the historic White Hart Lane. Tottenham has a passionate fanbase and maintains intense rivalries, particularly with Arsenal, in the North London Derby. Over the years, the club has been home to iconic players such as Jimmy Greaves, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker, Gareth Bale, and Harry Kane. While silverware has been elusive in recent decades, Tottenham remains one of England’s most prominent clubs, frequently competing in European competitions and striving for further success.

If you'd like to come on and chat about your fandom then drop me a line at randomfandomfc@gmail.com

You and also find the pod on the following social media platforms:

X - https://x.com/RandomFandomFC

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@randomfandomfc

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/randomfandomfc.bsky.social

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randomfandomfc/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571955523995