Ignore this thread if you don't like me ...

... I understand, believe me I do.

I was in the Three Tuns on Wycombe High Street, before the match yesterday, and met up with a few new lads, which was truly excellent, a few I know to nod to and some of the old guard. I sorted a few tickets, sat back while the taxi was sorted and allowed people to buy me drinks for whatever reasons.

A couple of lads turned up, one from Sheffield and one from Hastings, who were cracking on about the days back then when every away game was dicey and likely to end in a bit bother. They realised they'd first met on a train station platform on their way to some far flung game at Plymouth or wherever.
They, as I did, were either jumping trains or hitching to games with no guarantee they'd make it home that night.

It dawned on them that this was 50 years ago and was a kind of 'anniversary'.

At the ground I bumped into lads I 'know' in one way or another who came up to shake my hand and ask what's new or I'd do the same. It made me quite nostalgic tbh and I felt blessed to have spent a lifetime amongst such decent people. When I've gone some may raise a glass, some may recall me without ever having known me and some will never miss me, but whatever the case, I'm proud to have just been one of the lads and never wished to be anything more. So the point of this ramble is just to say 'cherish what you have', whether it seems important or not, because one day you'll realise how good it was.

@Joni Mitchell

 

I tried to ignore it for the reason stated, but I just couldn't 'cos . . . . nosey bastard

 

Nice post @Smug in Boots and so very true.
Sheffield & Hastings. I wonder who that could be. You could all write a book about some of the antics you’ve all got up to. Cracking lads as well even though I’ve only known them in their latter years when they have calmed down a little.

 

Cracking post marra, I'll raise a glass to you, cheers

 

I like you, so there's one at least

 

I used to love going to away games more than the home ones and have some great memories of away trips, the days out rather than the matches themselves. Good times

 

It's strange how I recognise more people away from home.

Mind you, there were loads of 'Cockney' sounding accents in our lot yesterday.

 

He's quite a soppy tart at heart isnt he.

 

Top post that Smug

 

Sorted me for Portsmouth away, if only you could have sorted the weather and result ya bastard

 

He's not a bad stick, is he?!

 

You're a one off Smug
Ain't that the truth!

 

I was hoping your kids didn't see me after the game ...

... I left early to get away from them

 

Why are there no posts after the thread title.

 

Mate I reckon you have summed up away games well. I doubt we know each other but bet we have been in the same boozers. Away days you meet faces and they become mates, no names swapped. I always remember at the 92 cup final being scatteted around the ground but lads around us we knew from away days. Probably different now with mobiles and stuff, but reckon we kmow a lot of each other as mate or a nod of the head.

 

Good post Smug, I don't know you from Adam, but you come across as a top lad, both as a poster, and as a person. I know you sort out loads with tickets, and go out of your way to help other fans.

Covid aside, I've had a bit rough time over the last couple of years with one thing or another, and this place has really helped me....more than anyone would ever know.
There is loads on here I would buy a pint for and say thank you....they wouldn't know why, but I would!
I know you were referring to football in the op, but the line "cherish what you have", is great advice full stop.
I know!

 

Take care Snaggey, all the best

 

Some interesting responses, on here, and it's great to see that people will open up and post their true feelings.

This, as most people understand, isn't a 'me me me' thread, more an 'us us us' effort.

It just dawned on me that we all have something money can't buy and that some people will never have or even understand.

It's not anything of monetary value, or really tangible, but as long as we all believe it exists then it does.

All it takes is a bit of faith.

It's great to see new generations coming along with people you've seen over the years and you hope that following Sunderland will provide a 'constant' for them as it has been for us. It's also heart-warming to know that we have forums, like this, where we can feel part of it whether exiled, unwell or otherwise unable to actually attend. We've all had to come to terms, through lockdowns, etc, that we're not always the tough clear minded people we'd like to see ourselves as. If something as daft as watching a football team, and chatting about it with like minded strangers, can help us through this madness then we're blessed ... some people don't have either.

 

Brilliant post.