An American college student’s mistake led to an unexpected encounter with international football fandom. According to Fox 10 Phoenix, 21-year-old Evan Johnston, an Arizona State University student, found himself among the Southend United Football Club fans after accidentally boarding the wrong boat during his semester abroad in London.
Originally planning to take a history cruise along the River Thames, Johnston instead found himself quickly becoming a Southend United fan. According to a report by Goal, he joined the team's supporters on a trip to a National League match at Sutton United. "I was completely out of my element," Johnston said in an interview yesterday. Despite being unfamiliar with the chants, cheers, and football culture, the fans made the experience memorable.
Fans like Andy Ward helped him secure a ticket to the game and familiarized him with the traditions of the Shrimpers supporters. "I’m a Shrimpers fan till I die now," Johnston told Fox 10 Phoenix, stating his newfound loyalty to the team. With his enthusiastic adoption into the fan community, Southend United has invited him back for a private tour and to meet the players.
Johnston has decided to attend more games following his unexpected experience. "I had a blast on the boat and at the Southend game," he conveyed to Goal. "I had so much fun I plan to go to another Southend game next weekend and hopefully they can pull out the win." A spokesperson for Southend United extended warm anticipation for his visit, stating, "We’re really looking forward to welcoming Evan to Roots Hall this weekend for our game against Solihull Moors on Saturday."
