The social networking site has gained some bad press in recent times, but can be very seductive for both player and fan alike.

Twitter is in the news of late largely due to Maurice Edu and his comments regarding imbeciles outside Ibrox. For some, it will be a surprise that contracted players are permitted to offer such comment free from representation or influence from their employer - especially on potentially controversial and significant issues - but the rise of social networking has brought with it many problems for people of all occupations and social position, many of whom seem to believe that their online utterances do not and can not be projected and heard outside the bubble.




Those of us who followed the summer Ashes contest will recall that Phil Hughes announced his exclusion from the Australian team via Twitter, many hours in advance of the team being presented to the media and the opposition. Cricketers seem to enjoy the opportunity to offer their thoughts, although one-day specialist Tim Bresnan had a rude awakening when forced to apologise for swearing at a fellow user just three days into his pattern of usage. Football's biggest muck-up so far would probably be Darren Bent's foul-mouthed rant at Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy, imploring him to hurry up with his end of transfer dealings to take the player to Sunderland. That account was promptly closed.

Across the Atlantic, the phenomenon has taken off to the extent that the NFL and NBA have been forced into setting guidelines. Players will no longer be allowed to 'tweet' during games - or at half-time - and the first ever fine for an offence committed through Twitter (when Dallas owner Mark Cuban slammed an official for refusing to call a foul) illustrated the dangers in such immediate and unfiltered comment being available to athletes and officials.


There are, at present, a number of first team players as well as ex-players, who use FF, and no doubt other message boards. Understandably, it may sometimes be difficult for them to post as themselves, so it makes perfect sense that those who are 'net-savvy look for opportunities to offer their thoughts to interested parties.

Edu is notable not only for his keen use of Twitter, but also his occasional live streams, where fans and followers have been able to send in live questions to Mo, and watch him play online games and other such delights. During one of those he was subjected to IRA-monikered interlopers abusing him racially and with sectarian terms. This was hushed up to an extent by (we can only assume) the Club and the media. It's a pity that an act of idiocy from other people is deemed enough to bring it out into the light, but such stories will lead to many people wondering if such easy access is suitable for both footballer or fan.



That is a matter for the Club and the player, but the popularity of Twitter, Facebook and (increasingly) 'lifecasting' through live streams has meant that those players who through their salaries and lifestyles have perhaps become increasingly isolated from their fans can now close that gap and offer a personal and informal service to delight and inform their followers. It would be a shame if regulation and censorship meant that link was completely removed, although it is clear that some form of common sense may have to be applied.


You can follow FF on Twitter. In the weeks to come we will be offering prizes and minor exclusives through the medium, so keep your eyes peeled!

http://twitter.com/Follow_Follow_