It's no surprise that there are Houston Dynamo fans all over the United States and Mexico. But, now there are Houston Dynamo fans in England as well -- in the seaside town of Blackpool, to be exact.
In a story posted on www.tangerine-planet.co.uk, the results of a survey asking fans to adopt an MLS team announced the overwhelming winner to be Dynamo because "they play in our magical colours of tangerine and boast the awesome Paul Dalglish who everyone knows is a former Blackpool FC player."
According to the article, the adoption was inspired by a program in the United Kingdom called David Beckham Soccer USA, in which the host, Tim Lovejoy, campaigned British fans to adopt an MLS team for the remainder of the season and follow them.
"It's flattering. To have a British team as supporters of the Dynamo, I think it's pretty cool. I think it shows that it's catching on over there," said Dynamo midfielder Stuart Holden, who has Scottish ancestry.
"I think it's good that we are making the right impression over there. I think we are doing that with our work on the field. Obviously, other players respect that. I think it's good that people like us over there."
Founded in 1887, Blackpool is currently in England's Coca-Cola Championship (second division) after winning the League One playoffs a season ago to gain promotion.
Dalglish remembers his time with Blackpool fondly. He knows Dynamo earned the vote mainly because of their orange color and because he plays for the Orange, but he said the support from his former team is welcomed.
"I think it's nice. It's great to have them support us," he said. "I think it has more to do with us playing in orange like they do because there aren't a lot of clubs that play in orange worldwide. I can't think of too many more that play in orange back home. I had a great time playing in Blackpool, and the fans there are great."
The adoption comes after David Beckham came to the MLS last month as a member of the LA Galaxy. Dalglish said in the UK, they are watching the MLS, and there is a show on YouTube even that fans here can follow.
"That's great, and I think it's all down to a show that's been shown back home that you can see on YouTube called 'David Beckham's MLS Show'. This program has been shown back home, and it's become very popular. I think the people are watching back home," Dalglish said.
Tangerine-Planet will follow the Dynamo for the remainder of the MLS season and keep fans updated to their progress. The international support, while sudden, isn't a surprise to Dynamo.
"I wouldn't say it's unexpected," Holden said. "Maybe so soon, but the way the league is heading, they are starting to expand the league more, showing our games weekly over there. People over there are serious about the MLS, so they are going to watch and make their own impressions. I think if we keep on making the right impressions over there, we'll keep making more fans over there, which is what we want to do."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
