World Cup leaves shoppers divided

NEW research claims England is the most football-mad country in the world.

With the greatest sporting tournament close to kick-off, reporter Richard Hooton asked Oldhamers whether the World Cup is a turn-on or a turn-off.

THE World Cup gets under way next week, leaving football fans in paradise for a month — but others reaching for the off switch.

A study by brewer Heineken found that people in England spend more time talking about, watching, reading and playing football than any other nation — clocking up 11 hours 12 minutes a week.

The typical football nut watches matches for two hours and 22 minutes, either in full or highlights, every week and spends 28 minutes a day chatting about the beautiful game.

In second place was Thailand at nine hours 56 minutes and Brazil in third at nine hours 53 minutes.

The study of 5,300 men aged 25-40 spanned 15 countries.

But will it be manna from heaven for locals or will World Cup fever taking over the TV and pubs drive us to distraction.

It was a game of two halves for shoppers quizzed in Oldham Town Centre.

Margaret Chapman, from Oldham, said: “I don’t watch the football. I’m not interested in it. I just don’t bother watching it. My son’s a Manchester City fan and watches it but we have two tellies. He’ll be watching all the games but I just don’t like it.”

Ian Holroyd (70), from Derker, said: “I couldn’t care less about it. I’m not interested and I don’t really watch the TV much. I avoid it if possible. It’s the way fans act. They all get really out their heads and cause trouble.”

Anna Dunn’s father is Italian so she’ll be supporting both England and Italy during the tournament.

The 68-year-old, from Royton, said: “I just love football and I love the World Cup. I’ll be tuning in. I’m a Manchester United fan. England is a big nation of football fans but then so are the Italians.”

Husband Peter (70) added: “I’ll be watching it. I’ll watch most of the games.”

Daughter Antonia (37) said: “I like football. I’ll be watching all the games. We’ll have Italian and England flags up.”

Kevin Regan (45), from Oldham, said: “I’m interested if England go further but not if they go out. I’m not that bothered by the football. Fifteen years ago I was interested but not now as it’s about big money. It’s not football any more. All the hype gets on my nerves. They say it’s going to be a great game and then it’s a nil-nil draw.”

Ann Hargreaves (54), from Delph, said: “I love all sport. I’ll be watching all the games. I get excited. I should have been a PE teacher and I ended up being a nurse instead.”

Regarding the hype she added: “It’s like everything else, when there’s something coming up there’s a lot of media attention but I’m all for it.”

Danny Carr (24), from Oldham, said: “I’m a football fan and I get excited by the World Cup. I will watch all the games.”

But partner Sarah Wright, with their daughter Amelia Carr (4) said: “I don’t watch it. We go out and leave him in peace. I think it’s over-hyped.”

Steve Ash (52), from Oldham, said: “I’ll be watching and I’m looking forward to it.”

Gerry McKyle, from Oldham, said: “I’ll try and watch as much as I can. I’m fed up with it already though and it’s not even started yet. Everywhere you go there’s a flag. It gets on my nerves a bit. I used to look forward to it but all the hype is too much.”

David Bates (25), from Oldham, said: “I will be watching. I’m more of a Manchester United fan but during the World Cup I support England. I’m looking forward to it. If the games are on TV and I’m not doing anything I’ll watch them. When England games are on I get really involved.”