I'm interested in media and comms personally and professionally (I teach digital comms and marketing), so this is fascinating for me.
What's particularly interesting is that the media output and the 'brand' of women's football in England suggests that the media industry behind the scenes is larger than it actually is. I think this partly speaks to the ease of producing and distributing media content compared to the pre-web and pre-social media era, but it probably mostly shows the relentless hard work by you, Tim, and other pioneers and stalwarts.
I've supported the men's team for over 40 years, and had a passing interest in the women's team, but mostly if they were occasionally shown in a Cup Final, or if involved in a trophy joint parade. However over the last 5 or 6 years my interest has increased due to 'discovering' the FA Player, but mostly due to your content which helped give the background and context essential to deepening the knowledge and connection essential to becoming a fan.
I spoke to you once at Borehamwood and said your coverage was the gateway drug to my interest in the women's game, so I'll take the chance to thank you again. The explosion of support at Arsenal, and the deep 'one-club' feeling is due to a range of factors; but your reporting and exposition is, I think, key amongst them.
Keep up the good work, huge appreciation to Andrew as well for his foresight and support.
Hi Tim, you say you have 'benefitted from the increase in interest in the sport thanks to the efforts of the players and the many people behind the scenes who have worked so hard to generate greater exposure for women’s football' but in fairness, we have benefitted by your work over the years. You are as much part of the growth as anyone you say you are thankful too. Keep up the great work
The reason why I became an Arseblog Patreon member was to help keep Tim Stillman in beer and kebab money, ie because of Arseblog's coverage of the Arsenal Women's team. Given so much of the media is click bait crap one needs to support good journalism and analysis especially in such a nascent industry.
Well done Andrew for having the vision to give so much space to the Arsenal Women's team coverage (still waiting for the MBM feed though!) and for Tim for doing such great work. Look forward to reading more over the next couple of seasons.
Tim, it's a great piece. I believe the pace of development in the years to come will surprise many. Women's football is both expanding the fanbase and creating a unique and different experience compared to the Men's game. You should be proud, having been one of the pioneers.
A brilliant article as always Tim. Two things spring to mind:
Your growing reputation for reporting on Women's football is the result of the in-depth knowledge gained during your early 'apprenticeship', during which time you gained the trust of all those involved.
The support shown to you and Arsenal Women by Arseblog reflects the site's commitment to all things Arsenal.
Thanks Tim I just love a bit of Meadow Park nostalgia. The first AWFC game I attended was (I think!) V Liverpool in July 2015. Sat in the East Stand and got chatting to a Mrs Stillman. Who gave me a full history lesson on the (then still) Arsenal Ladies.
Thanks for your service to the women’s game. I often feel more inclined to read content by those who loved WoSo before it became a thing. I’m glad the game is growing and it needs the influx of eyes and cash, but with that comes folks who don’t always have a lot of context when providing coverage. So many hot take merchants online. Your content always seems to have heart, good match analysis, and intention.
Most of the years you refer to were before Women's football came to my attention but it is a facinating article/account of things and Arseblog is one excellent place for news and views. My first interest in AWFC was my attendance of the cup final in 2014 at the Dons Stadium but I am closer to the women's team now than I almost ever was to the men's team.
I remember encountering you on what was Twitter quite some time before I knew of Arseblog and thinking 'who is this bloke, he thinks he knows everything'. Well you didn't of course and you don't pretend to now and I am a big fan of what do and have to say so carry on Tim and thank you.
I'm interested in media and comms personally and professionally (I teach digital comms and marketing), so this is fascinating for me.
What's particularly interesting is that the media output and the 'brand' of women's football in England suggests that the media industry behind the scenes is larger than it actually is. I think this partly speaks to the ease of producing and distributing media content compared to the pre-web and pre-social media era, but it probably mostly shows the relentless hard work by you, Tim, and other pioneers and stalwarts.
I've supported the men's team for over 40 years, and had a passing interest in the women's team, but mostly if they were occasionally shown in a Cup Final, or if involved in a trophy joint parade. However over the last 5 or 6 years my interest has increased due to 'discovering' the FA Player, but mostly due to your content which helped give the background and context essential to deepening the knowledge and connection essential to becoming a fan.
I spoke to you once at Borehamwood and said your coverage was the gateway drug to my interest in the women's game, so I'll take the chance to thank you again. The explosion of support at Arsenal, and the deep 'one-club' feeling is due to a range of factors; but your reporting and exposition is, I think, key amongst them.
Keep up the good work, huge appreciation to Andrew as well for his foresight and support.
Hi Tim, you say you have 'benefitted from the increase in interest in the sport thanks to the efforts of the players and the many people behind the scenes who have worked so hard to generate greater exposure for women’s football' but in fairness, we have benefitted by your work over the years. You are as much part of the growth as anyone you say you are thankful too. Keep up the great work
Lovely article, and how fortunate to be able to do something you enjoy. Your efforts have been much appreciated by me.
Excellent and honest Tim. Really appreciate your writing and Andrew’s support.
The reason why I became an Arseblog Patreon member was to help keep Tim Stillman in beer and kebab money, ie because of Arseblog's coverage of the Arsenal Women's team. Given so much of the media is click bait crap one needs to support good journalism and analysis especially in such a nascent industry.
Well done Andrew for having the vision to give so much space to the Arsenal Women's team coverage (still waiting for the MBM feed though!) and for Tim for doing such great work. Look forward to reading more over the next couple of seasons.
Same here with the Patreon membership.
Tim, it's a great piece. I believe the pace of development in the years to come will surprise many. Women's football is both expanding the fanbase and creating a unique and different experience compared to the Men's game. You should be proud, having been one of the pioneers.
A brilliant article as always Tim. Two things spring to mind:
Your growing reputation for reporting on Women's football is the result of the in-depth knowledge gained during your early 'apprenticeship', during which time you gained the trust of all those involved.
The support shown to you and Arsenal Women by Arseblog reflects the site's commitment to all things Arsenal.
What a great combination!
Thanks Tim I just love a bit of Meadow Park nostalgia. The first AWFC game I attended was (I think!) V Liverpool in July 2015. Sat in the East Stand and got chatting to a Mrs Stillman. Who gave me a full history lesson on the (then still) Arsenal Ladies.
Thanks for your service to the women’s game. I often feel more inclined to read content by those who loved WoSo before it became a thing. I’m glad the game is growing and it needs the influx of eyes and cash, but with that comes folks who don’t always have a lot of context when providing coverage. So many hot take merchants online. Your content always seems to have heart, good match analysis, and intention.
Most of the years you refer to were before Women's football came to my attention but it is a facinating article/account of things and Arseblog is one excellent place for news and views. My first interest in AWFC was my attendance of the cup final in 2014 at the Dons Stadium but I am closer to the women's team now than I almost ever was to the men's team.
I remember encountering you on what was Twitter quite some time before I knew of Arseblog and thinking 'who is this bloke, he thinks he knows everything'. Well you didn't of course and you don't pretend to now and I am a big fan of what do and have to say so carry on Tim and thank you.
South American football’s loss is our gain. Cheers Tim, Andrew and the whole Arseblog team!❤️