Vocal Rovers?!

Loyal Rovers Fans Having a Cheer!

Whilst Southampton appear to be the clear leaders, Rovers have come in 7th place - not bad, especially considering that within the top 7, most of the clubs have scored very closely...

Bolton Wanderers’ fans are the most off-key according to the report which has been put together by measuring the musical ability of each clubs’ supporters.

The report, which (Unsurprisingly!) is the first of its kind, has been published by FA Premiership sponsor Barclaycard.

Professor Howard, who analysed recordings of all Premiership fans singing at home games, used all the latest scientific technology to achieve his readings. He examined the collective voice of the fans to uncover their relative tuning accuracy and their tendency to go sharp or flat, the key elements of good singing.

The professor reported: "All the fans sing with real passion and belief, but in some cases the vocal skills of some fans don’t come close to matching the ball skills of the players that they support. Southampton fans have good starting pitch and hold their tuning extremely well to produce a consistently outstanding performance. At the other end of the scale, Bolton fans’ pitch moves around wildly and has an alarming tendency to drift sharp and flat."

Below is the "Barclaycard Premiership Top Of The Kops League"... The closer the score to zero, the closer the singing is to perfect pitch.

1: Southampton - 0.007

Rovers Drummer No.1

2: Manchester United - 0.032
3: Derby County - 0.301
4: Newcastle - 0.429
5: Liverpool - 0.445
6: Charlton - 0.461
7: Blackburn Rovers - 0.953
8: West Ham United - 1.135
9: Everton - 1.254
10: Leicester City - 1.548
11: Chelsea - 2.013
12: Sunderland - 2.346
13: Arsenal - 2.797
14: Middlesborough - 2.926
15: Ipswich - Town 2.966
16: Leeds United - 3.098
17: Fulham - 3.142
18: Aston Villa - 4.326
19: Tottenham Hotspurs - 7.476
20: Bolton Wanderers - 11.256

Barclaycard sponsorship director, Nic Gault said: "It’s fascinating to finally find out which fans really are the best singers but as our table shows, the quality of the singing is not necessarily reflected by results on the pitch. However everyone knows that strong vocal support can often be worth a goal start. If they get it in tune too then that has to be music to everyone’s ears!"

So, 7th place out of 20 clubs. Not bad, is it?

Unfortunately, it’s not good enough! Here at Rovers-MAD we want to see Rovers at the top of the table next time this "study" takes place. So, especially for you, we have compiled a list of ways to improve your singing. Enjoy!

Rovers Drummer No.2

It is important for good vocal health that the voice is warmed up before singing, chanting or shouting and that the body is placed in a position that puts least strain upon and provides a solid platform for the voice to function in a healthy manner.

The following ten tips provide some guidance which will help the voice to work in a healthy manner:

Vocal warm-up…

1. Stretch tall, shake shoulders and rotate neck for about 20 seconds
2. Move lips, jaw and tongue over their fullest extent for about 20 seconds
3. Take a few deep breaths in and out
4. Hum very softly to yourself
5. Keep neck area warm too, both during and after the game (wear your scarf!)

Whilst singing…

6. Keep feet placed squarely on the ground (whether sitting or standing)
7. Stretch up tall and keep shoulders relaxed in a low position
8. Don’t start too high or too fast
9. Take really deep breaths
10. Listen to everyone else

So, print yourself a copy of those tips and practice whenever possible. In the car or in the shower are excellent places to test your skills! Tell our friends, too. Lets to Rovers to the top of the Kops musical ability league!

Happy singing!!!