A TRANMERE fan's message of hope will appear alongside those from actor Danny Dyer and comedian Josh Widdecombe as part of a new campaign from Sky Sports.

The channel's new 'Start of Season' campaign, features a fan from each of the 92 Football League clubs – including a few famous faces – sharing their hopes for the 2024/25 season.

The fan messages include Dyer’s hilarious inspirational message to “Jules” aka West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui anf Widdicombe’s hopes for Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle.

Support from the likes of Newcastle United’s deaf community and the landlady of The Royal Dyche in Burnley, as well as a bespoke Watford pie throwing support behind Tom Cleverley and a specially designed shirt praying it’s third time lucky for Arsenal.

Sweeping the length and breadth of the nation, the fans have all shared their hopes, pride and dreams for their club’s upcoming season, bought to life in a variety of ways and showcased across Sky’s social platforms.  

Tranmere's message comes from supporter Jordan Edwards and predicts a top half finish in League Two for Rovers fuelled by the "positivity" of manager Nigel Adkins.

(Image: Sky Sports)

Research from Sky Sports echoes the feelings of hope from the 92 supporters, with the survey of 5,000 fans revealing 65% are feeling positive for the new season.

Supporters of Accrington Stanley (88%), Wrexham (81%) and Stevenage (80%) are among the most positive about this season, feeling optimistic for a promotion push.  

 

Fans of Manchester City (89%) and Arsenal (85%) are unsurprisingly most likely to be hopeful about a strong Premier League season, while Liverpool fans also seem confident that Arne will ‘Slot’ right in at Anfield (84%). Southampton (36%) have the least optimistic fan base in the topflight, while supporters of Tottenham (61%) were least likely of any ‘big six’ team to express hope ahead of the new season. 

Sky Sports football analyst Jamie Carragher said: “The football pyramid is what makes the game so well loved and competitive in this country. I used to experience that love and tribalism up and down the country firsthand! 

“At the heart of it, I’m a fan myself, so to see supporters come together with all their talents is fantastic. It really does show you what football means to so many, and I can’t wait for it to all kick off now.” 

The research also shows the huge range of emotions football elicits for fans with excitement (56%), anticipation (40%) and hope (36%) topping the list. A quarter of fans surveyed feel that the sport gives them happiness, with a further 21% stating it gives them a sense of community.   

More than one in 20 supporters (6%) believe football is the most important thing in their life – even when compared to their family members, work, or chances of romance. Perhaps that’s why 13% admit they’d skip a first date to watch their beloved football team. 

As part of the campaign, Sky Sports has also produced a video telling the story of all 92 fans narrated by presenter and football personality, Chelcee Grimes, which is available to watch on YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok. Supporters will also be able to get a closer look at the creations from their respective clubs as each team’s fan story will be released on Sky Sports’ social media channels up to Wednesday, August 14. 

With the EFL season kicking off this week, the soon to launch Sky Sports+ will bring more football to fans than ever before, with supporters across the leagues able to watch their club at least 20 times this season. And once again, Sky Sports will be the home of the Premier League, with 128 games being broadcast live and exclusively throughout the season. 

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