Sorry but you can’t beat being there , even though we have had it rough over the last few years we need to be able to say in the words of Max Boyce - I was there ! I for almost the last sixty years that has been the case and watching on the box is a poor second best , when it is safe to go back to the SOL I will be there no ifs no buts from early sixties till now I still enjoy the match whether we are going through good times or bad times . Had a season ticket for many many years and when the renewal drops through the letterbox for me and the Grandkids it will be dealt with ASAP if it is not a automatic renewal that is , match day is a special day , just hope that all of the supporters that I have been sat alongside since the SOL opened have came through COVID safely - here’s hoping .
Your match day from mansfield sounds very similar to mine from Huddersfield Smug. Taking into account , the cost of the match ticket, the fuel and food etc, I reckon I've saved about £2700 over the past 12 months. I'm 72 now and travelling up in the daylight is okay, but driving back in the dark , when I'm getting tired is a bit of a pain. But I'll still be back as soon as we can. Howay the lads
Been shouting at TVs in local pubs for away games for the past ten years marra... ST for home games, the wife (no - smb craic) understands she married not only the gent but SAFC. Hhaaawwwwwaaaaaayyyyyyyy the Lad's
I agree with everything you've said there mate. The drive up is always good with chats and the excitement of the game. But that drive back in the dark, especially after a loss, is a crippler especially if the conversation winds down and its drizzling. At least with away games there's a different road to travel but after hundreds of trips to Sunderland that road home is bloody boring. Funny how much shorter it is after a good win though
i love the matchday routine, up & early breakfast, club for 11am, few beers before minibus comes, then beers in town til the game, followed by walk back over to town after, then take a vote on what time minibus comes for us (depends on result) and booling back through the door 12 hours later, usually carrying some takeaway concoction, which usually remains unopened. then hopefully make it to bed (spare room on matchdays) then do it all again next time. wouldn't miss it for the world!
Thing is. Being a lover of the social side of football in my younger days 'away games' and the trip associated were always more enjoyable. Different boozers to visit etc etc, and no disrespect to anyone most times our away fans more fervent (imo). If I still lived 275 miles away (which I did pre '86). I would really be looking forward to a trip to Roker park (or SOL) but pre '86 that would only be 4 or 5 times a season hence the excitement. When I moved to Washy in '86 I attended all home games even the 'Mickey Mouse' ones. 1st got season ticket in '88 and have had one ever since. Used to travel away regularly prior to Man City League Cup final. (Albeit 12 or 13 games a season). Having avidly attended all home games I always found the away games more of a 'buzz'. Always had seat in Premier Concourse at SOL which I treasured, but now having relocated to East Stand its just not the same and the decline in things on and off the pitch in recent years has added to my 'lethargy'. Having said that, my heart is still with the club and always be. I have watched all League Games this season and openly admit I have not subscribed to the Papy Johns or whatever its called but will do on Sunday.. Of course I will be routing for us to win. Its a great pity that our fans will not be able to enjoy another trip to Wemberley. However like just like the Pompey Final 2 years ago, even if fans were allowed to attend, my choice would be to watch it at home and ticket would go to whoever I deemed worthy and not just to a fan who only chooses to attend Wemberley finals. If we happen to be in play off final and fans are allowed well who knows what I'lll do. I would really be up for that, far moreso than Sundays Match My tuppeneth worth Part Time Jack
Agree this is now the danger for football as a whole, appreciate like you say some have very time consuming journeys alomg with the expense. I really hope as much as possible thimgs return to pre this crap. I guess the bigger question, regardless of the football side. Did you enjoy the plenty beers & zoom with mates better than 2 beers rushed standing face to face with them? We have all enjoyed the former & think that will probably win it for you???.....but its scary how society will be after this, look at kids playing xbox with mates from anywhere compared to kicking a ball around the park....surely long term its not healthy Get fans back & lets get back, when its rocking & you cpuld see that on the lapotop....you know as well as me its in you to be there
You're quite right, I'll be there, cant wait to go to a match tbh. I do think there's been a change though, and lockdown is to blame. We're surrounded by beautiful countryside, we love walking but we've done less, not more, since the pandemic hit. I'm also communicating with people less, not more, even though I have more time. I've always been the kind to 'carry on regardless' so thought I'd sail through these lockdowns and come out laughing ... ... but it's been too long and too confusing, I still don't really understand what restrictions are in place tbh. Having said all that I've booked flights to be 'home' so I can be with my son on the last day of the season. So, you're right, it's still there
If you knew Gil you would know that his tongue will have been firmly in his cheek when he wrote that..
I bumped into my neighbour just as I was going out for a walk, so we walked for an hour together, keeping a few yards apart. After an hour we returned home. Now apparently that is allowed, but my neighbour who is member of the same golf club as I, we would not be allowed to lay golf togethe... nuts. For many men and women, especially the older retired ones, meeting their friends at the club is their only social outlet, otherwise they would not be talking to anyone at all for days. Or even eating properly!