Arthur Lau tells us about his growing love for Town
Huddersfield Town fan Arthur Lau is the perfect embodiment of the ‘One Game, One Community’ message permeating English football on the eve of the Club’s ‘Kick It Out’ focus match against Wolves on Saturday.
A native of Hong Kong, Arthur came to England to study Air Transport and Logistics Management at the University of Huddersfield and quickly fell in love with the Terriers, as he explained.
“The first time I saw Huddersfield Town was on a promotional video for the University. It showed the football stadium and it reminded me of the Hong Kong Stadium, so I started searching Wikimedia for the history of the football club.
“When I arrived to Huddersfield in 2010 I came to my first game – a home game against Bristol Rovers. We lost 1-0; Jamie McCombe was sent off in the 89th minute and then they scored!”
Despite that defeat on debut, Arthur has become a regular at the Stadium on Town match days ever since!
“I like that the players don’t cheat in a game; the honesty is one of the biggest reasons to make me come again and again,” he continued. “I’ve watched games in the Premier League when players cheat to win a penalty or get the opposition a red card, but Huddersfield never do this. I’m quite impressed by that.
“I think Huddersfield Town is just a friendly football club. Everyone has been really nice; staff, players and fans have been really nice. It’s usually not that easy to talk to the players, but I’m happy to be friends with the people at Town.
“Every time I come it is quite different. I’ve been with my University friends, my best friend and even my girlfriend, who came over to England for six months. I’m usually there every home game – even if I can’t find someone to come with, I will go on my own!”
Arthur has even befriended some of the Town players during his time supporting the team.
“I really liked Anthony Pilkington, but I get along best with Alan Lee and Scotty Arfield. I met Alan after the Birmingham game and he was in Varsity when I went to watch the Manchester United game – he even bought me a drink. We’ve exchanged mobile numbers and we still text. That’s really impressive. He even gave a shirt to me as a birthday present for my girlfriend.”
When Arthur returns home outside term time he still manages to find ways to follow Town’s fortunes – although it has caused some logistical issues, as he explained:
“I talk to my Mum all the time, but it has caused problems. Hong Kong is seven hours ahead of the UK and I watched the Cardiff game online at 2am. When we lost I was talking and my Mum told me to shut up – it was 5 in the morning!”
Despite this, he’s doing a fine job as Town’s ambassador in Hong Kong:
“I keep showing the town to my friends and telling people to watch the Championship and League 1. People tend to focus on the Premier League, but I think the Championship is more interesting!”
Join Arthur at Town’s home game against Wolves on Saturday – click HERE to buy tickets online!