Post by Taxigirl on Dec 2, 2003 11:00:01 GMT
A nationwide search has been launched to find the football chant equivalent of the Poet Laureate.
Fans are being encouraged to write ditties for their favourite team - with the winner crowned Chant Laureate for next season.
They will be expected to churn out tune after tune during their year in office - picking up £10,000 along the way to help with the creative process.
The champion will be chosen by a select panel, including current Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, Radio One presenters Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave and Radio 5 Live's Stuart Hall.
Motion, appointed by the Queen until 2009, said: "In all its many and varied forms, poetry retains an element of chant, of song. It's an essential part of its primitive appeal and pleasure.
"I'm delighted to be involved in the search to find the first Chant Laureate, who will chronicle key events in the football calendar in this unique way."
Football songs have become more and more innovative in recent years, with the empasis on humour and one-upmanship.
West Ham treated Paolo di Canio to a rendition of La Donna E Mobile from Verdi's Rigoletto during every game, while Freddie Ljunberg's red hair has been immortalised in Andy Williams' Too Good To Be True.
The Merseyside clubs predictably favour Beatles favourites. Liverpool replaced the lyrics to Let It Be with "Stevie G", and Everton adapted Just 17 to pay homage to Wayne Rooney.
Then there's Manchester United, who reclaimed the "Who the **** are Man United?" chant as their own.
The Poet Laureate will get the wheels in Motion
Nic Gault, of competition sponsors Barclaycard said: "Football chanting is a modern day art form.
"Chants continue to be the strongest link between fans and their team and are often passed on year to year, telling the story of famous games, players and goals.
"We are delighted to be working with Andrew Motion to offer this fantastic opportunity to a real football fan."
All chants can be based on a new melody or an exisiting song, with the emphasis on wit, passion and originality.
Entries should be posted to Barclaycard Chant Laureate, PO Box 2760, London W1A 6BD or emailed to chant@4thegame.com. The closing date is 31 March 2004.