Fans think about it EVERY minute of EVERY day – poll
MORE than half of football fans think about football at least once every minute of the day, research reveals.
An overwhelming 94 per cent admit they plan their year around the football season, and 89 per cent book their holidays around football so they never miss a game.
Nine out of ten say they have cancelled plans such as attending a wedding or a birthday party because of footie.
The study of 1,167 adult fans was carried out by The Football Association to mark the Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day on this Saturday.
It found that over 50 per cent of fans think about the beautiful game more than food or work.
And two thirds revealed football is the first thing they talk about with colleagues on a Monday morning.
The summer transfer window is an exciting time of year for expectant fans who hope to see their clubs attract major signings and 63 per cent of football fans also said football was their main topic of conversation.
Half said summer transfers are their only source of pleasure during the close season.
Meanwhile, 41 per cent of football fans play more in the summer months to make up for the lack of games to watch.
More than two thirds said football is a common ground for people who are otherwise very different and 65 per cent said the game instils a sense of community in people.
Half of the fans revealed that the start of the football season is the point in the year when they feel the happiest.
The FA are encouraging the nation to get out and play football this Saturday as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations.
A spokesman said: “Our research shows just how much football infiltrates our daily lives, and at this time of the year, the country really gets football fever.
“The Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day is an opportunity for everyone, whatever age or skill, to get involved in the game”.