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‘We all dream of a team of Carraghers’: comparing ‘local’ and Texan Liverpool fans' talk

2011; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 14; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/17430437.2011.530009

1743-0445

Joel Rookwood, Peter Millward,

Media Studies and Communication

There are strong grounds upon which it can be argued that the English Premier League holds global appeal. This article carries out a semiotic analysis on the role that Liverpool FC's Bootle-born defender Jamie Carragher holds amongst two spatially disparate supporter communities, one principally based in Liverpool and the other in Texas. Despite the historical influence and connection with locally born players, evolving European migration patterns and continental football philosophies have limited the progression of 'Scouse' players at Liverpool. Jamie Carragher is a contemporary exception, who has become a focal point for the 'local' supporters' affections. His status has been propelled by his interpretation and implementation of the core working-class values of the city and the club, displayed through his conduct off the pitch and his performances on it. Drawing from the perspectives of 'local' and Texas-based fans, this paper expands upon these issues, and examines Liverpool supporters' evolving heroism of Jamie Carragher. A mixed-method qualitative approach was adopted, involving ethnographic techniques, participant observation, interview methods and podcast analysis.