Liverpool FC legend Jason McAteer (left) with Brendon Bainbridge, Managing Director of TEG Asia, at a press event to announce the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 2022.
(Photos courtesy of Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 2022, unless otherwise stated)
Local football fans have already saved the date: on 15 July, English Premier League (EPL) clubs Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC will take to the field at the National Stadium and battle it out for the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 2022. Both clubs will be in town as part of their pre-season tour of Asia. The last time Liverpool FC did so was in 2009, while this marks Crystal Palace FC’s first visit to Singapore.
In a prelude to the star-studded match, Liverpool FC legend Jason McAteer — who was in Singapore in April to help announce the event — and two diehard Crystal Palace FC supporters, Adam Flinter and Andrew Fong, share their thoughts on the fixture and the beautiful game.
WEARING HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE
During his 15-year professional career, Jason McAteer played for five clubs in England — including a spell with his boyhood heroes, Liverpool FC, between 1995 and 1999. He also represented the Republic of Ireland at the international level. Since hanging up his boots in 2007, the former midfielder-turned-football pundit remains a keen Reds follower and regularly appears for Liverpool FC Legends charity games across the globe.
Jason McAteer was a mainstay in the Reds first XI during his four-year spell with the club.
What excites you most about the upcoming match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC?
Jason McAteer: After everything that has happened over the last couple of years, it’s a relief for fans and players to just get together again and enjoy each other’s company. As a former Liverpool FC player, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to all four corners of the world. It’s great to be around fans and see the smiles on their faces.
Has the pandemic made you reflect harder about football being more than just a game?
Jason: Massively! The pandemic has been a tough time for everyone, especially in the beginning when we were locked down. The fact that we could sit around the telly, watch football and cheer on our favourite teams helped us feel like life was still going on in some way. From a mental health perspective, we needed that. Thumbs up to leagues around the world for managing the logistics of keeping games on, and to the players for going out there and putting in good performances, despite the circumstances.
Many football fans are armchair watchers who don’t play the game. What would you say to encourage them to give it a try?
Jason: Football is cheap, to start with. Other sports like golf — which I also enjoy — can be quite expensive, as you need to purchase a full rig-out and equipment. But with football, all you need are some mates, a couple of goalposts and a ball. When I was a kid, I made my own ball by rolling socks up and taping them together!
Besides being a good form of exercise, football also allows you to be part of a team. That sense of camaraderie, of having friends with whom you can share a laugh after a game, is invaluable. And as a team sport, it doesn’t matter if you’re a skilful footballer or a beginner — everyone can join in.
You’ve visited Singapore a few times in an ambassadorial role for Liverpool FC. What do you like about our country?
Jason: The local food is right up there. I love seafood, and chilli crab is a can’t-miss. There are so many things to do and see. Singapore is also very efficient, clean and safe. Most of all, the people are so hospitable. I’ve made a lot of friends here. It’s one of my favourite countries, and I really enjoy coming here.
‘EAGLES’ TAKE FLIGHT
Hailing from London, Adam Flinter, 47, has lived in Singapore for close to 11 years and is currently a managing partner for a local holding company. Andrew Fong, a Singaporean, is a 40-year-old wealth manager. Both are ardent Crystal Palace FC fans and became friends through its supporters’ club here.
Adam Flinter (left) and Andrew Fong (right) are friends and staunch Crystal Palace FC fans. Photo courtesy of Adam Flinter.
How did you become an Eagles fan?
Adam Flinter: Crystal Palace FC was my local club in London, so I was naturally drawn to them and have remained so for over 30 years. As a former season ticket holder, I used to watch the team play regularly at Selhurst Park. I still try to catch them in action whenever I’m back in London visiting family. Our pride is in the club’s strong connection to the south London community. We’re like a family — the club, players and fans are very united.
Andrew Fong: I moved to the United Kingdom when I was 10. Most of the boys in school supported the big London clubs. Only a handful supported Crystal Palace FC, but they had a humble attitude about their club’s results, and I liked that about them. I’ve been a fan ever since. Yes, there is disappointment about losing matches, but we just accept it instead of thinking we’re entitled to win all the time.
Some might be surprised to meet a supporter of a smaller club, like yours, here in Singapore. What do you make of that?
Adam: The tendency among football fans in Asia is to support the bigger or more glamorous clubs, which is understandable. Singapore has only a handful of local Eagles fans. That said, we are a lot of people’s second favourite team!
Andrew: I do notice more Asians starting to support the non-Big Six teams. That’s a good thing. For example, when I travelled to Hong Kong in 2017 to watch Crystal Palace FC play in the Premier League Asia Trophy, I was surprised to see quite a lot of local Leicester City FC fans too.
What is it about football that you love?
Adam: Football is simple and beautiful. You can play anywhere where there is space and a ball, and form friendships and strong bonds in the process.
Andrew: Football is a global game. Not only is it easy to understand and follow, but it’s also a good conversation starter.
Do you play football yourself?
Adam: Yes. I play 11-a-side games for a local team on Sundays, either as a winger or a striker. I think my teammates prefer me being a striker, as my general match fitness is woeful and I’ve long since given up tracking back. [laughs]
Andrew: No. I used to play rugby when I was younger — I suppose I was better at running with a ball in hand than kicking it. These days, I stay active by walking in the park, leisure cycling and hiking.
Tickets for the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 2022 are still available. Grab your tickets here before they are gone!
