Danny Dyer and Josh Widdicombe shine as fans of all 92 Premier League and EFL clubs voice their hopes for the 2024/25 season | Football News

From Arsenal to Walsall, 92 passionate football fans from every club in the Premier League and EFL, including a few familiar faces, came together to share their expectations for the 2024/25 season.

This is evident from new research commissioned by Sky Sport reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism within the football community, just in time for kick-off.

Stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment have joined Justine Lorriman, landlady at The Royal Dyche in Burnley, and supporters from Newcastle United’s deaf community. The fans, who have travelled across the country, have all shared their hopes, pride and dreams for their club’s upcoming season, brought to life in a variety of ways and showcased on Sky’s social platforms.

Club-specific fan stories include diehard West Ham supporter Danny Dyer recording an inspirational message for new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, brazenly requesting that ‘Jules’ build the team around future son-in-law Jarrod Bowen. Darts star and Stockport County fan Nathan Aspinall has stepped to the oche to predict promotion for the Hatters, while Arsenal fan and pioneering fashion designer Priya Ahluwalia has produced a shirt to show faith in Mikel Arteta’s men, embroidered with the message “Third time’s a charm” as the Gunners once again aim for the title.

Meanwhile, comedian Josh Widdicombe has made a video predicting that England legend Wayne Rooney will not only secure promotion to Plymouth Argyle, but also become his new best friend and eventually go on holiday with him.

The campaign follows new research of more than 5,000 fans from the 92 clubs which revealed an overwhelming sense of optimism across the leagues, with 65% of fans feeling hopeful for the 2024/25 season. Supporters of Accrington Stanley (88%), Wrexham (81%) and Stevenage (80%) are among the most positive about this season and are optimistic about a promotion push.

Fans of Manchester City (89%) and Arsenal (85%) are, unsurprisingly, the most hopeful for a strong Premier League season, while Liverpool fans also appear confident that Arne ‘Slot’ will ‘fit in’ straight away at Anfield (84%). Southampton (36%) has the least optimistic fanbase in the top flight, while Tottenham supporters (61%) are the least likely of all the ‘big six’ teams to express hope for the new season.

Sky Sports football analyst Jamie Carragher said: “The football pyramid is what makes the game so loved and competitive in this country. I’ve seen that love and tribalism first-hand across the country!

“I’m a fan at heart myself, so it’s fantastic to see supporters coming together with all their talent. It really shows you what football means to so many people, and I can’t wait for it all to start.”

The research also shows the huge range of emotions that football evokes in fans, with excitement (56%), anticipation (40%) and hope (36%) topping the list. A quarter of fans surveyed say the sport makes them happy, while a further 21% say it gives them a sense of community.

More than one in 20 fans (6%) believe football is the most important thing in their lives – even compared to their family, work or opportunities for romance. Perhaps that’s why 13% admit they would 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 you can watch at YouTube, Instagram, X And TikTokSupporters can also get a closer look at their respective clubs’ creations as each team’s fan stories will be published on Sky Sports’ social media channels until Wednesday, August 14.

*Premier League and League Two stories coming soon!

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 all competitions 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 matches shown live and exclusively throughout the season.

For instant, contract-free access to all Sky Sports channels, non-Sky subscribers can subscribe NOW Sports Day or Monthly Membership to unlock every live Sky Sports+ stream at no extra cost. Select catch-up content available on demand.