Well. Strange but true. After years of absence, I finally turned up at the Valley last week. It was a bit sudden (my Dad took a fall before christmas and I had to come home to help out a bit) which is why my plans to postbefore and hopefully meet a few of you before the game were abandoned. I had no internet access in the UK as i was mostly housebound and far from broadband, my parents are only at the tech level of colour TV, but I was told a mere 15 quid would see me in. My first visit to Bartrams. Loved it, but as a real ale man, being offered John Smiths or Fosters was'nt really my idea of a pre match drink, but I was in Greenwich after the match, which more than made up for it. My mate was desperate for the West Stand, so the view was almost at ground level. The match was dire, not what I wanted on my long awaited return, in fact, I reckon we did'nt shoot in the first half. The red card was absolutely stonewall, but for some reaon, it sparked a guy in front of me to start to abuse the Hddersfield manager. As he was sat there with children (presumably his!) and his language was basically 70's terraces, it was a shame the stewards were'nt there as the guy was an embarrassment. After the sending off, we picked it up a bit, but the service provided by the wingers was BSS level, and the result was we got knockeout at home by ateam that had'nt won in their last ten games. I'll avoid offering quick solutions for the january window, as it's only the seond game I've seen this season (the other was Palace up the pub) and CP took advantage to blood a couple of youngsters. The keeper looked sound. The defence looked okay, but the mistakes they did make were howlers and created real danger, and the midfield looked a bit lightweight. It was a pleasure to be back at the Valley after years and years, but the football spoilt the afternoon a bit. Hopefully, we can turn it around against Blackpool, who I've always had a lot of time for.
It's a shame you didn't get to see a decent performance, though they have been a rarity at home this season.
yeah, I have to admit I'd hoped for better than that. Still, beggars can't be choosers and it was nice to be back at the Valley again. Hopefully without my influece they'll hit a bit of form now.
I'm missing the blackpool match unfortunately BUT MT junior will be there we really need to put on a show at the valley it's getting depressing these below par performances
If what I saw is anything to go by, the players owe the fans a performance. Not for want of trying, but certainly for style and charm. ps cheers tewks!!
I enjoyed reading this at lunch today Ken. I always like to think that just being at The Valley, and everything associated with the event (the walk to the ground etc, the people [even if I loathe most of them without knowing them], the memories etc), is enough for me. In fact I can honestly say if we lost the next 51 Home games I'd still go. 52 would be too much.
