Northernprimate

I’m sure the new man will be given free range to do as he pleases.

My lad has never been to any junior latics events, but has been a mascot four times in seven years!

I don’t know why, just lucky I guess, although three of them have been away games where there aren’t that many kids going so odds should be better. One was Arsenal at Highbury in the Carling Cup semi final and we didn’t even apply. I just got a call from the club and have always assumed it was because he was probably the only child ticket they had sold for a freezing cold week night.

He also got Bolton away, Watford away and Charlton at home.

Sorry to rub it in for those who haven’t been lucky. We always entered the online comps. Stopped doing them when he was ten as his cousin had never been chosen and it was getting embarrassing.

Have to give a special mention to David Dein the former Arsenal board member/chairman and the rest of that club. When we arrived at Highbury he was stood at the top of the famous marble staircase there. He hung up on his mobile call and came over to welcome us to Highbury and spent a few minutes chatting to us. True gent. Got a tour behind the scenes and then into both changing rooms where he got both teams autographs. Couple of
weeks later and a framed picture with inscription containing the score, captains names and mascot details arrived in the post. Nice touch that.

My lad certainly qualifies. I may have been born and bred in Ince, but his 12 years have all been spent in Buckinghamshire. He’s had a season ticket since 2003/04 season. Anyone who thinks it was hard at school in Wigan as a Latics fan should try it down here with all the Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea scum. He’s never once hidden who he supports and never, ever considered changing teams.

When he was about eight he got into a few fights at school. It seems every day when he had his Latics hat on the other kids would nick it and throw it around. I suggested wearing a plain hat, but he wouldn’t have it.

“I’ll keep wearing this, it means I get to hit Chelsea fans when they pinch it”.

Oh and there seemed to be loads of out of town fans at the Emirates. Young Winston sat next to me had never been to Plat Waz, or had a babies yed and pey wet. ;)

Not half as ironic as when we sang it about the Emirates on Tuesday!

For me, it’s all about reinventing the matchday experience every few years. Once upon a time it was an afternoon out with my dad, flask of tea then a trip to the local newsagents afer the game for the Football Pink to find out all the other scores (no radio in our car back then). Later it was weekends on the lash.

I now have a whole new matchday experience, albeit by accident, that is far better suited to my advancing years.

Not only do I get to see the game through my own eyes, but I now have the experience of my twelve year old son.

We have a 320 mile round trip and as I work hard all week, I get some quality time with him before he becomes a moody teenager.

We leave around 10am and then stop off for a proper breakfast at the services. Back in the car and Five Live all the way up (Fighting Talk, early kick offs, etc.) listening to his views on all things football, especially Latics. Trust me, twelve years olds know every football fact going!

Arrive at the ground and get some food, meet relatives, put a bet on, etc. Maybe even a couple of pints if I’m staying over.

Watch the match, listening to the comments of my football mad son, joining in with a few of the chants/songs.

Half-time cuppa.

Second half and usually disappointment, but every now and then a piece of magic and we win.

Drive home with a large family size pack of Revels (I hate the caramels and he hates the coffees, so there’s lots of window opening and spitting out sweets), listening to Five Live again and laughing at some of the muppets calling in.

Services for dinner (sorry tea). Always bump into a few fans from other teams and have some good chats. Ocassionally bump into other Latics fans which is a real bonus given our numbers. If he’s up for it sometimes take a detour and go for a curry.

Arrive home and see how much wife and daughter have spent out shopping all day.

Kids to bed, Match of the Day on tele and couple of beers from the fridge.

Fall asleep on sofa during/after MOTD.

Oh to be 25 again!

Still not decided.

Going out Saturday night and need to be home (Milton Keynes) by 6.30, or my pass out will be revoked for a few weeks. Might just risk as it tho’ as I’ve rarely missed any our games at Fulham. If I do go, I’ll be the one with a 12 yr old smaller version of me at my side.

Griff, keep going down Fulham Palace Road onto Fulham High St, over the river and it’s 3rd or 4th road on the right (Lacy Rd). 5mins from Putney Bridge tube.

It’s late, so I had to read this a few times before I got it ( and only then ‘cos of others comments). :oops:

Thought it was a good ‘un though!