Dameerto wrote:So you're level headed enough to carefully weigh up everything former players have said before forming an opinion based on it?
And you're not using bits of remembered quotes and interviews to reinforce an existing opinion?
I see, what a reasonable person you are. You should consider a career in science. (I bet you never tell fibs either).
I always assumed fans made a difference, as the old 12th man gets mentioned time after time. I've therefore been surprised to hear ex-pros say something else, but I've never been a professional sportsman and therefore 'in the zone'. Maybe some are affected and some aren't and I've only seen quotes from those who weren't, but my revised opinion is based on the people fans are trying to affect.
As I've said previously, I still want a good atmosphere and hate the nights when you can hear the players shouting over the crowd noise, I'm just not sure it makes a difference on the pitch.