Farewell old friend

This topic contains 6 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by AKA THE RIDDLER AKA THE RIDDLER 6 years, 7 months ago.

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  • #1479507

    bloggy
    Spectator
    • :

    Ok Guys, not posted here for a while, but some occasions need to be memorialised.

    So it’s Man Utd at home on Sunday.

    No ordinary occasion this one. The final home fixture at the ground that has played a major part in my life for more than fifty years.

    Memories abound.

    The awe and wonder I felt the first time I walked into the ground on the arm of my dad…long departed bless his soul…at the shear size of the place. The noise! The atmosphere! Jeez I was sold on the whole experience at age nine. The players over the years. Mackay, White, Greaves, Gilzean, Jones, Jennings, England, Perryman, Hoddle, Waddle, Klinsman, Mabbutt, Archibald, Gascoigne, Bale, Modric, Rafa, Harry and so on and so on, everyone a hero, everyone an idol…this is who we are…

    No plastic fans at this ground. Oh no sir, the best atmosphere, and I do mean absolutely THE BEST ATMOSPHERE BAR NONE, in the league week in week out. Not for us the pitiful silence of the Library. Not for us the embarrassing quiet of the Bridge. This was support as it was meant to be. Deafening noise that lifted the players and the supporters. Made you so proud to be a part of it and guaranteed your return week in week out. It was a drug, pure and simple…this is who we are…

    Queuing up at ten in the morning for a three o’clock kick off as an eleven year old so I could secure my place at the front of the shelf where I could see the game. Relying on the grown up’s standing behind us to protect us from the crushing surge when we scored. Making the long miserable trek up the Seven Sisters road to the train station when we got beat. Tough guy skin head hair cut and bovver boots, when I couldn’t fight my way out of a paper bag. Growing up. Taking the girl friend, soon to be the wife, to games. Taking the kids to games. Taking the grand kids to games. Jesus, where did all the years go? This is like some sort of right of passage in our lives fellas…this is who we are…

    Those nights to remember. Those nights when the Gods conspired to bless us, one and all, with occasions that will live fresh in our memories forever.  The UEFA Cup Final win against Wolves in ’72 with forty two thousand packed into the stadium. Bobby Mimms winning the Euefa Cup final in a penalty shoot out in ’84. The 5-1 slaughter of the scum in the league cup semi final of ’08. The 125th aniversary come back to steal a four all draw from four one down against the Villa. Gareth Bale single handedly slaughtering the then European Champions, Inter Milan to overturn a loss at the San Siro in 2010…this is who we are…

    And so we look forward to the new ground…or perhaps more acurately…the newly aligned ground. Sixty one thousand in place of thirty six thousand. More noise from more fanatics. More dreams come true for more fans to celebrate. A natural step into a brighter future. The beginning of a new era, a new adventure. Destiny awaits us…this is who we are…

    But forgive me guys, on this auspiscious occasion, if I look back rather than forward…and shed a tear or two for the end of an era. For the loss of the love of my life for more than fifty years. Hey, I’ll be OK. I’ll enjoy the new dawn. I just need a day or two to mourn the loss of a loved one…an old friend…a best friend…this is who I am…

    Bloggs.
     

    #1479515
    scoff23
    scoff23
    Participant
    • :

    Wonderful post Bloggy.Cheers

    #1484902

    ecuadorspurs
    Participant
    • :

    Great to hear from you Bloggy. I share those memories and a few more before staring my visits in 1949.Mainly the reserves until I was a Little older and dared to watch the 1st team. Magnificent post and brought me much pleasure.
    Un abrazo amigo
    Juanito

    #1490095
    Rickys beard
    Rickys beard
    Participant
    • :

    Nice one Bloggy

    #1516227
    AKA THE RIDDLER
    AKA THE RIDDLER
    Participant
    • :

    Bloggy .. you still here ?

    #1516285

    bloggy
    Spectator
    • :

    Hi Riddler,

    I’m still floating around making the odd visit to this poor imitation of the old “teamtalk” mate.

    Do you still manage to get to the occasional game these days?
    Bloggs

    #1516910
    AKA THE RIDDLER
    AKA THE RIDDLER
    Participant
    • :

    Will do in October/November while in UK. Am trying anew to engage with this forum.

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