Supposedly lots of the so called followers were in the Far East and their following is normally not restricted to one club. That is they follow several or even lots of clubs. Not the same as what is normally thogiht of as being a fan here in the UK. Here in Scotland I've always supported Celtic though (through my paternal family) I've a softish spot for Heart too. However as far as English clubs go I don't really support any one team. The nearest getting to that would be Newcastle who are the only English team I sometimes watch in the flesh but that is probably just proximity. However I like watching others. Norwich and both the Manchester clubs, both the Liverpool clubs even Sunderland. Tend Tottenham apart not to like the London clubs though Wenger even swung me to being keen on watching Arsenal at one point. So yes I agree following and being a real fan are different things