Fiery night and explosive morning.
That's how I would describe past few hours. It all started yesterday when I had no idea what I'm about to experience. Took the tube to work, had my breakfast and went to the office. Hard-working productive day as usual, therefore I ended up on Twitter. I wanted to read some deluded predictions of Arsenal fans. When I typed Arsenal after that hashtag, suddenly a hashtag Arsenal_tickets came up. So why not have a look if there are any tickets left for sale at a decent price? I threw a tweet if anyone could get me a ticket for maximum of £60, and guess what. I got a response. Apparently someone offered me first row in the middle of the pitch. That sounds very interesting, but after few minutes I realized it might be a little bit high price to pay to see the club I don't even support. I'll try to negotiate it down to £50 before the game. To my surprise I didn't have to wait that long, because I got another response with a ticket to a Club level for the same price and a free drink. When I mentioned the situation to the first guy, he dropped down to £50 which was what I wanted. So I had a ticket secured. After short nice break at river Thames I somehow got through the working day. I only enjoyed the news of 20 000 German fans having fun in London. It is going to be huge. Although they were allocated only 2 900 tickets, so I can't imagine what other 17 000 are going to be doing for two hours of the game. Anyway, it only brought up my excitement. The clock was getting closer and closer to that six when my phone rang. I could not answer for another few minutes, but as soon as I left the office I was on the phone back to the first guy. But I met only with bad news. The ticket he promised me was gone, but he had another one. He offered me a price of £45 for that one, which I was no happy about as he couldn't tell me where is the seat. I ain't paying that money for some corner upper-tier ticket to Arsenal. But I said I'd take it. Just in case. So I was back to the second guy with a Club level ticket. Luckily he still got it, so I arranged a purchase. On the way home I saw an Arsenal fan holding his ticket in his hand. I tried to take as detailed look as possible, to know what the original ticket looks like. When I got out of the tube at Holloway a young chap was shouting 'Anyone needs tickets?' I couldn't resist so I asked him what he wants for it.
-£80.
-£80? I am about to get it for £60.
-Where?
-I don't know. Some bloke from Twitter.
-You better be careful. You won't get any tickets for £60
-Oh yeah, I will be.
I got home and found a missed call when I was in the tube. I called back. It was second guy, saying to me to come to Arsenal station. I put my shoes on and was on my way. As I walked up the stairs to Emirates stadium, a massive crowd appeared in front of me. When I tried to force my way through, I heard more German language than ever in my life. And all of them in very good mood having a great time. Even though most of them were ticketless. It took me a couple of minutes to get through the crowd to the other side of the stadium. I was now from the side of Arsenal station. When I tried to call second guy, he wasn't answering. I tried first guy, but likewise. I was just left hanging around and try again. This time he answered and Send me to actual station. So I had to go again in opposite direction of the crowd. Then I heard a steward yelling that the game was delayed. I didn't know if that was just some kind of a joke, but it would certainly helped me. I was just in my shirt and the weather begun to be chilly. It would be nice to get back home for some jacket.
I came to the station full of people, so I was on the phone again. When I thought I saw him I hung up, which I shouldn't have done, because it was just a false alarm. Obviously I couldn't call him again in next few attempts, but It started ringing again at last. After further conversation I met with the guy. A black bloke with a cap on. Didn't trust him at the first sight. I imagine he could be well easily be a hustler. But that was the chance I had to take. Of course no businessman in a suit is going to turn up. I just had to trust a complete stranger and hand him my money. We went down the road where he met with another guy. He took out a bunch of papers. Those were home printed tickets, which made it a little bit less believable but, still looked legit though. He asked him one for the Club level and he handed it over to me. I had to ask him where he got them. 'Bought them' he said. I took out my wallet and said goodbye to my hard-earned money. Before I shot off the guy asked me where my seat is and advised me how to get into the ground, which I thought was both nice, and a bit unnecessary. I just thought 'You got my money, leave me alone. If it's a scam you don't need to show off anymore. I went back through all that crowd again and found a nearby supervisor, who informed me that the new kick-off will be 21:05. That got me enough time to get home and go online. When I inspected the ticket it seemed very good. The price on it said £88.50, so if it worked I was in for a treat for a bargain.The only thing that was keeping me from getting in was scanning of the ticket. At that point I could just hope. I got also a message on twitter if everything went well, which surprised me a little bit. It was about quarter past eight, so I decided to go and try my luck. If I'd get in, I'll have a beer. Drinks are supposed to be free anyway. If I get rejected I 'll try to to sell it to some scammer outside the station.
The outside of the stadium was much emptier now and easier to get around. I found my way to the big glass door with 'Club Level Entrance' on the top. After quick search I went to a turnstiles. A steward took my ticket and put it under that red light. Now was the moment of truth. After about 4 seconds it still wouldn't go green, but I knew it just a scanning issue, not with the actual barcode. After that it finally scanned the barcode and the light turned green. I heard the sweetest words. 'Just come through'. What a feeling. I wasn't robbed and I was about to witness a Europa league clash between Arsenal and 1. FC Cologne. I went up the stairs and saw the pitch. I felt like a VIP member. Big lounge full of people and a pitch behind the glassed door and windows. I headed straight to the bar, where unfortunately I found a drink price list. But according to the bartender the free drink will be there for me at half-time. I just got a pint for a start. Slowly sipping the Carlsberg I was observing the ground. What really surprised me were Cologne fans in away sector. It was full and packed. No one else was in the stadium but away sector was full and singing at its best. The players were out just to warm-up. Just mental. And what a noise they made. I was there just watching them until the very beginning of the game. It was fascinating. And they were everywhere, Around me, top level, bottom level, just everywhere.
After admiring the German chanting I went to take my seat. The kick-off was getting closer. Soon the players were out. No Champions League tune though. Well, that's Arsenal. At least no Bayern for them. Anyway the game started and the atmosphere was electric. I could not believe the scenes. I was watching top stars and I didn't even wanted to go that morning.
Cologne player made an ambitious pass to one of their attackers, but the ball went a bit too far and Ospina had to leave his posts to deal with the pass. However he dealt with it terribly and gave a ball away. Being about 20 yards outfield there was only one thing that was going through every fan's head. Shoot. Shoot. SHOOT! And he did. The ball landed beautify in the net and Cologne were suddenly 1-0 up. That was when it all kicked off. About 10 fans just in my area jumped in joy. I was funny to notice that some of them were wearing an Arsenal shirts. This was happening all over the ground and home fans were not happy with that. Stewards had a tough job to deal with the situation in all the stands. Soon even firemen got involved when a light parade started in away end. They got it over with quite quickly, but it made a great choreo. German fans were going mental. Arsenal were shite as usual and couldn't get back on track so 30 minutes in they were still trailing. The lager I had earlier was asking his way out of my balls so I had to leave my seat. I returned for couple of minutes to watch the rest of the first half action, but before the ref whistled for the end I made my way into the bar for the promised free drink. To my disappointment It was either Coke or still water. Got the bottled water in my jacked and grabbed a Coke. Before the game started again I took a quick leak and went out for the second part of the game. Cologne fans were going non-stop, and half-empty Emirates was silent as Tony Hopkins' lambs. I could not help, but stare at Alexis for majority of the second half. That boy is something else. I haven't seen this intelligent player since Paul Scholes retired. To play with such a bunch of plonkers must be really frustrating, what you could see in his face. Every pass he ran for and didn't get, every pass he wanted to make, but had no one to play with, every chance he tried to create, but couldn't, because no one in that team is on his level. After Arsenal scored and made it level, it was only matter of time when Alexis Sanchez will score. It didn't take long, and I promise you, if he had someone, just anyone to pass the ball to, he would gladly do it and create a great team-work goal. But as for the majority of the game he had nobody to play with, so hu just tried and succeed. The ball ended in the net behind the keeper and I just couldn't believe what just happened. I had to stand up and applaud the master. Arsenal made themselves comfortable with a third strike, which started nowhere else, but with Alexis. And what a pass. I don't think many players in the world are capable of doing what he does. With the third goal that wrapped it up it was job done. Although there were more than five minutes to go of the 90 minutes, the half-empty stadium just got even emptier. Yet, still it was Germans that you could hear. Being 3-1 down and have this kind of spirit is unbelievable. The game went to the finish stage. I was sitting, holding an abandoned programme and waiting for the final whistle. The game finished 3-1. Arsenal players went to their dressing rooms, but Cologne team huddled up on the pitch, had a after-match briefing and went on to thank their supporters for an amazing job. They just didn't stop even after the pitch cleared and there was nobody in the home stands. Well, lot of Germans were. It was over. Not for the Germans obviously, but for the event it was over. I headed home. The biggest advantage of living next to the stadium. I was watching fans chanting and in 5 minutes I was lying home in my bed. I went on Twitter straight away and thanked the stranger for the tickets. What an game that was. For that value, totally worth it.
I have to say, Germans, certainly the best support I have ever seen, and Sanchez perhaps the best performance I have ever seen.
Full of excitement I went to bed just to wake up to another ordinary working day.
No food in the house, so I had to leave early, to get some breakfast before the start of my shift. I was still looking for my headphones when I thought, screw it. I won't listen to any music today. But then I realized I wanted to listen to BBC 5 live daily football podcast, so I gave it another go and I found them after maybe 20 seconds. When I got to the tube station and down to the platform I saw a train leaving. So I got the next one. When we got past Fulham Broadway the train suddenly stopped just outside Parsons Green. I thought nothing of it as it happens quite often. Then I noticed someone running along the rails. I just thought it was some crazy guy. But then I noticed more and more people running from the station. Some of them were looking back but still running away. I was in the last carriage so I couldn't see what happened, but every knew something went wrong. I overheard someone mentioning a fire, but that was about all the information I had. The driver reassured us several times there is nothing to worry about. The train didn't move for good half hour when I found out from BBC website there was an explosion on the train right in front of us. I must admit I got a goosebumps. After an hour-wait they evacuated the train with a help from firemen and everyone had to find an alternative route to their destinations, which wasn't easy with all the roads closed. There were policemen everywhere. Outside the station were given out a free bottles of water, which was very thoughtful. I welcomed the drink after being stuck in a train carriage for an hour. The more I think about it, the more frightening it gets, and more I realize how lucky I was. If I left 20 seconds early I would get an earlier train. God knows what would happen to me.
piatok 15. septembra 2017
streda 19. júla 2017
POHODA
Once again. Pohoda je tu opäť. Mal som obrovskú dilemu, či si ju pôjdem po piatich rokoch brigádovania, konečne užiť naplno ako návštevník po prvý krát, alebo ostanem verný mojim kolegom na bráne. Nočné šichty, nepiť niekoľko hodín pred šichtou, prísť o deň skôr na letisko a sám stavať stan, nestihnúť všetky kapely, čo chcem lebo musím robiť. Toto je len niekoľko dôvodov prečo by som si chcel dať od páskovania trochu prestávku. Avšak by mi chýbala tá užasná robota so skvelými ľuďmi a super zážitkami. Bolo to ťažké rozhodnutie, no nakoniec som si vybral tú komfortnejšiu možnosť, aj keď to znamenalo, že taktiež po prvý krát strávim Pohodu bez mojej milovanej.
V utorok, dva dni pred začiatkom Pohody, som len tak ako zvyčajne skrolloval fejsbúčik, Zrazu som natrafil na status od Greši, že predáva lístky po 60, tak si vravím, že Maniška jeden zháňala, tak po pár telefonátoch som objednával oba lístky. Celé sa to začalo komplikovať, no nakoniec sa mi podarilo presvedčiť Kláru aby išla so mnou. To som však ešte nevedel, že jeden lístok je už fuč a ostal mi len pre Manišku. Tak som sa teda už len pobalil a vybral do Považskej (POSLEDNÝM vlakom o 20:30, super!)
Po pekne strávenom sviatku tu bol štvrtok. To som už čakal na Ľuboša a jeho červené Ferrari. Čakali sme dvaja, Klára nakoniec zohnala lístok, čomu som sa náramne potešil. Okolo 11-tej sme už čakali nastúpení. Areál sa otvára až o druhej, no my sme si išli chytiť miestčko. Pri Trenčíne sme sa vychytali s druhou skupinkou postarších Dadkiných rodinných príbuzných a pokračovali sme smerom na letisko. Ani som sa nenazdal a asfalt vystriedala veľká zelená lúka. V pozadí bolo vidieť veľké modré stany a masívne stejdže. Boli sme tu. Ľuboš prefičal až do Bé dvojky a zaparkoval ako pán, najbližšie ako sa len dá. Povystupovali sme z auta a pootvárali pivá. Doobedný chill na slniečku sa mohol začať. Po chvíli sa zobrali stany a vybrali sa zaradiť sa ku bráne medzi asi stovku čakajúcich ľudí. Ja som sa s nimi nechystal, pretože Maniške lístok ešte neprišiel a ja som ju nechcel nechať osamote. Greša mala naplánovaný príchod až niekedy okolo piatej, takže sme mali obrovské množstvo času, ktorý sa len ťažko zabíjal. Do Tesca sa peši z parkoviska zjavne len tak ľahko nedá dostať, tak túto možnosť sme zavrhli. Ja som si zatiaľ vytiahol fajku a chilloval v rade s ostatnými, kým otvoria festival. Do druhej ostávala stále ešte asi hodina, keď po ranveji prišlo k davu malé zelené autíčko naložené štyrmi pánmi v čierno-bielych pásikavých tričkách a trúbkami v rukách. Funny Fellows začali svoju úžasnú dychovku a roztancovali nejedny unudené nohy. Ja som utekal do auta po strúhatko aby som získal pár prvých záberov z festivalu. Vtedy som ešte ani len netušil že práve táto malá fialová prkotina mi pokazí časť festivalu. Tak som tak obskakoval hudobníkov so selfie tyčou a netrvalo dlho, a brány sa otvorili. Všetci ľudia sa nahrnuli dnu a ja, hoci som mal lístok, som musel ešte čakať vonku. Dlhé, nekonečné minúty a hodiny sa tiahli, a ja som nevidel ich lepšie využitie ako vyvolávať každé dve minúty Greši, že kde už konečne je. Jeden telefonát ma však naozaj potešil. Nebolo to ale od Greši. Bol to Matlo, s ktorým som sa ešte nevidel odkedy som priletel, preto som bol viac než nesmierne šťastný, že budem mať super ľudí okolo seba. Nieže by mi vadilo kto tam už bol, ale už som si ani nemyslel, že ho ešte pred zimou uvidím. Milé rozptýlenie a osvieženie v podobe piva prišlo s mojou sestrou. No oni sa ale dlho nezdržali a utekali za ostatnými. Ja som medzitým už držal klárin lístok (jej som dal ten môj), a ten som dal Mone nech ho vyskúša a ona mi dala svoj. Ak sa vám toto zdá komplikované, takéto som mal celé tri dni od utorka. Či už to bolo s lístkami, stanmi, odvozom alebo čímkoľvek iným. Každopádne piata hodina sa blížila a ja som sa už nevedel dočkať Greši. Teraz som už ani len nemohol ísť do areálu, pretože by som sa musel beztak o pár minút vrátiť. Grešu a Manišku som naraz poznal asi iba ja. Medzičasom nás prišli navštíviť Ľuboš s Dadkou a neskôr aj Klára. Všetci mali už po lístku na ďalší ročník, čo vraj nebolo vôbec také ľahké získať v tej prvej, najlacnejšej cenovej kategórií. Vraj tam bolo mrte ľudí a rad až do Stropkova. Teší ma, že záujem o Pohodu je takýto. Obvzlášť teraz, keď tento ročník ešte ani len poriadne nezačal a o akýchkoľvek kapelách na tom budúcom môžme len hádať. O to viac som sa tešil že jeden lístok som mal zabezbečený aj ja. Z Bratislavy sa ku mne nedostali príjemné správy. Stáli totiž v kolóne a budú vraj meškať. Tak to prvý koncert festivalu zrejme nestihnem celý. Neustále vyvolávačky, že už je na diaľnici, že už je tu, že už prichádza. Pozeral som do každého auta, no Grešu som nikde nevidel. Už bolo po šiestej, čo znamená, že Chiki už spustili festival. Nakoniec sme sa pomaly akosi presunuli do areálu a zaviedli sme ich k našim stanom. Bolo to po prvý raz, čo som si vlastný stan nestaval ja. Vlastne po prvý raz, čo som ho nestaval sám!!! Každopádne som len zhodil ruksak a až som takmer utekal ku hlavnému stejdžu. Po ceste som si však urobil ešte potrebnú zastávku. Po nekonešných hodinách a roku čakania som okamžite zamieril do Pohoda shopu a o pár minút som si už objednával dobre vychladenú šestnástku. Vtedy som osamel. Akonáhle som dostal pohár do ruky a odchlipol si, vtedy sa začala moja Pohoda. V pozadí už doznievali posledné tóny z pesničky Monte Carlo od Chiki liki tu-a. Po chvíli som našiel aj Kláru s Maniškou. To už Chiki pomaly končila a začali si baliť veci. Bol jej koniec a do ďalšieho koncertu mi ostávala hodina.
Klára mi stihla zhejtovať moje šľapky, tak som išiel teda vyskúšať čiernu jedenástku. Bol síce štvrtok a chcel som sa spivovať, no na šestnástkach by som si išiel ľahnúť o ôsmej a to som si nemohol dovoliť. Dnes večer predsa hrá môj headliner MOVITS! Zašli sme do Pohoda shopu (teda nie do toho oficiálneho, ale toho malého s terasou na streche), pretože Kláre sa zachcelo si kúpiť jedno tričko. Dlho vyberať nemusela, no čakať musela dosť. Chudáci za kasou makali ako mravce, ale inteligenti, ktorí si musia vyskúšať desať tričiek aby si kúpili jedno to tak trochu zdržovali. Keď prišiel rad na nás, tak sme im iba povedali" Chceme tamto v tej farbe a takú veľkosť. O pol minúty sme boli vonku. Ale obslúžiť nás jednoducho nemohli. Avšak šťastní s LASICA-SATINSKÝ-FILIP tričkom sme sa vydali sadnúť si vedľa na trávu. Keď tak spomíname tieto tri legendy, oni boli akýmsi symbolom celého ročníka 2017. Boli proste všade. Na tričkách, na pohároch, a hlavne boli ďalší účinkujúci na hlavnom stejdži. A ja som sa už nemohol dočkať. Bol proste o nich obrovský záujem. Rozhodol som sa teda, že moje šľapky si teda prezujem. Nebol to jediný dôvod. Trochu sa zvečerievalo a zima stúpala, tak som sa chcel ísť teplejšie obliecť, a taktiež som sa rozhodol, že natočím zopár ďalších záberov na Ľubošove strúhatko. Veru, zlé rozhodnutie. Ale nepredbiehajme. Po asi piatich krokoch som sa však otočil a zastal v nemom úžase. Hore na spomínanej terase hrali Movits. Proste som nechápal. Nebolo počuť takmer nič, no hrali si tam svoju acoustic session. Bol to pre mňa ko taký malý mini tajný koncertík. Bol som ohromený. Krátko na to schádzali dolu. Utekal som za Klárou, nech nám spraví fotku a po krátkom rozhovore som takmer utekal do stanu, čo som bol z toho taký šťastný. V stane som vybavil všetko, čo som chcel a pobral som sa na tribúnku vedľa hlavného stejdža. Začínal výnimočný koncert Bolo nás jedenásť. Príjemnú atmosféru, vytvárali najmä úžasní ľudia na pódiu svojou skvelou hudbou, no bolo to nádherné pri červenom západe slnka. Zopár záberov sa mi podarilo natočiť aj na strúhatko, no tomu došla baterka, tak som si ho vložil do vrecka. A to tak, že tyč som mal vo vrecku a strúhatko mi odtiaľ len tak vykúkalo. Mal som pod ním aj prázdny pohár, tak som si vravel, že ak by náhodou odpadlo, tak len do pohára. Koncert sa pomaly skončil a išli sme na oriešky. Karamelové, škoricoveé, mandle, kešu, proste všetkého možného sme si nabrali za sáčik a vychutnávali po ceste do stanu. Dohodol som sa s Matlom, že sa s ním konečne stretnem, tak som sa tešil, že ho konečne uvidím. Ako som tak prechádzal do stanového mestečka, oblial ma studený pot. Siahol som si rukou po vrecku a našiel som tam len selfie tyč. Bez strúhatka. Pohár bol prázdny a vrecká taktiež. Obzrel som sa a nikde ho nebolo vidieť. Nemohol som tomu uveriť. Celý čas som ho mal pri sebe a dával som si naňho pozor a zrazu ho nikde nebolo. Najhoršie na tom bolo, že ani nebolo moje. Ten pocit viny som takmer nezniesol. Otočil som sa a vydal som sa naspäť po ranveji hľadať stratené. Avšak po dlhých chvíľach bez výsledku. Našiel som len niečo, čo som si v tej chvíli prial vidieť najmenej, Ľuboša. Len som ho oboznámil so situáciou a vybral som sa ďalej po ranveji hľadať malú fialovú kocku. Bohužiaľ, s nijakým úspechom. Tak som len teda išiel zarmútený na Ylvis. Hoci koncert bol parádny a nskutočne zábavný, nedokázal som si ho užiť naplno, pretože som mal stále v sebe ten pocit viny. Aspoň som sa konečne stretol s Matlom. Po koncerte sme zamierili do stanu, kde Klára ostala až do rána, no ja som však ešte išiel na jeden koncert. Movits už hrali v plnom prúde, keď som prišiel 10 metrov pred zvukársku vežu. Čakala ma tam totiž celá banda. Trochu mi odľahlo keď som videl Ľubošov prístup ku mojej strate. "Á veď z toho si nič nerob!" Aspoň trochu som sa uvolnil a roztancoval na kapele, ktorú som po prvý krát videl práve na mojom prvom ročníku Pohody. A tak sme sa po skvelom predstavení vydali všetci do stanov. Po ceste sme sa však ešte zastavili a išiel som sa opýtať do stratov a nálezov či sa náhodou niečo nenašlo. Veru nič. Aspoň že si zapísali moje meno a číslo, v prípade nálezu. Prišiel som do nášho ministanu, a nejako sa mi podarilo sa zmestiť medzi Kláru a môj ruksak. Prvý deň Pohody by sme mali za sebou.
Ráno som sa zobudil do klasického rána. Síce ešte nepršalo, stan sme mali úplne mokrý, a to aj z vnútornej strany. Zrejme rosa, pomyslel som si, no to som ešte nevedel, že to neboli posledné kvapky v ten deň. Už len keď som vyšiel zo stanu (v ktorom sa nedalo dýchať) obďaleč som zahliadol mráčik dáviaci spŕšku mokra. Vraj sa blíži búrka podľa niektorých správ, a vyzeralo to naozaj tak. Podľa tých správ tá búrka tu už dávno mala byť a pomaly končiť, no ona len prichádzala. Išiel som si teda umyť zuby a po ceste som kúpil aj kávu na dobré ráno. Nakoniec som ju dal Domči, lebo Kláre sa ešte neráčilo vstávať, tak som sa vybral poprechádzať sa po areáli. Blížila sa búrka a vedel som, že každú chvíľu bude aj tu, no ležať v tom maličkom stane a celý premoknúť a čakať potichu kým to celé skončí sa mi teda nechcelo. Čo iné mi ostávalo ako zamieriť do stratov a nálezov. Hoci som o tom pochyboval, že niečo sa našlo, ale v tej chvíli to bolo jediné, čo som mohol s tým robiť. Chcel som si nabiť môj mobil, no vtedy som zistil, že power banka, ktorú som trepal až sem, je kompletne vybitá. Dal som ho teda nabíjať ku Mone, pretože keď som zaspával, svietilo na ňom jedno percento. Aj preto som sa chcel ísť spýtať, ak sa náhodou rozhodli ma kontaktovať, môj mobil bol vybitý. Keď som im oznámil, čo hľadám, žienka za pultíkom odpovedala s nádejným "Nóó, niečo také sme tu myslím mali." Žeby predsa sa to našlo? Nemohol som tomu uveriť. "Ah nie, počkať. To bolo napísané v stratách." *facepalm* "To som tam ja písal" V tej chvíli sa spustil obrovský lejak. Jednoducho klasická búrka. Prebehol som pár metrov do kafé Kušnierik a volal som Matlovi. On bol vraj na ceste za mnou, no asi po polhodine som bol presvedčený, že nepríde. Tak veľmi lialo, že sa mu ani nečudujem. Nemohol som si ani len poobzerať knihy, čo tam mali, lebo sme museli byť 5 metrov od všetkých kovových konštrukcií. Tak som tam stál sám a nemal som čo robiť. Vravel som si, že ten Matlo nakoniec prišiel, ale zašiel do Nay tanečného domu. Povedal som mu, že som pod modrým stanom vedľa hlavného stejdžu, a možno išiel len do toho druhého, o kúsok ďalej. Rozhodol som sa teda prebehnúť cez ten lejak do Nayka. Tam ho však nebolo, tak som sa rozhodol zavolať mu. On bol vraj v Red Bull stánku v ich stanovom. Ten lejak už nebol taký zlý ako pred chvíľou, tak som sa rozhodol, že to prebehnem. Aj keď som bol len v krátkom tričku, bolo mi to jedno. Všetko je lepšie ako postávať sám pod veľkým modrým stanom. S Matlom som sa stretol o pár minút, celý premočený. Po chvíli sme sa rozhodli ísť sa niekam najesť. Mne začínala byť trochu zima, no raňajky som ešte nemal. Zašli sme do Luntera, no akonáhle sme tam prišli, hlad ma akosi prešiel. Tak som tam len tak chilloval s Matlom a jeho milou. Naraňajkovaní sme sa rozhodli zájsť do čajovne. Vedel som, že musím ísť do stanu, trochu obhliadnuť situáciu, čo ten lejačisko narobil, no mne bola taká zima, že pri myšlienke na teplý čaj som ani len neváhal. Posadali sme si na koberec a vychutnávali rôzne čaje. Keď som čo najrýchlejšie dopil ten svoj, utekal som do stanu. Vraj sme boli vytopení, tak som nevedel, čo mám očakávať. Našťastie z toho nič hrozné nebolo. Len trochu vody v stane, no to bolo všetko. Išli sme teda s Klárou a Domčou na raňajky. Tu som si dal môj prvý langoš festivalu. Po všerajšku som bol pekne hladný, keďže som viacej pil ako jedol. Potom sa Domča chystala do stanu .Týždeň, a ja som chcel ísť na jednu diskusiu. Tak sme samozrejme išli do týždňa, kde ale bolo plno, tak sme sa len išli schovať do Ticketportal stanu, lebo znova začalo pršať. Zhodou okolností to bolo miesto, kde bola tá diskusia, kam som chcel ísť. Ako som tak sedel zrazu prišiel ku mne človek s pozdravom "Čau". Obzrel som sa a bol to Lukáš Turiak. Je to pekné takto stretávať ľudí o ktorých ani neviete, že tu sú.
Sedeli sme teda chvíľu na diskusií o slovenských kapelách, no moderátorova angličtina bola asi ako Rasťova čeština. Celé mi to pokazilo dojem, tak sme sa rozhodli odísť. Zašli sme teda na kávu, a keďže ja som už dneska jednu mal, nechcelo sa mi vysedávať a nič nerobiť. Som predsa na Pohode! Toto sa na Pohode nerobí! Vydal som sa teda za Matlom. On sedel na spomínanej diskusií, z ktorej sme len pred chvíľou odišli. Teraz to už bolo však o čosi zaujímavejšie, pretože rôznym zahraničným odborníkom, púšťali rôzne slovenské skvosty. Reakcie boli všeljaké a bolo to vskutku zaujímavé. Po diskusií som sa vydal do stanu. Keď som ta dorazil, spustil sa ďalší lejak. Tento však nebol až taký hrozný, no bol dostatočne silný na to, aby ma uväznil v stane. Keď dážď ustal, vybral som sa koncertovať. Pred Orange stejdžom som stretol Monu s Miňom, tak sme si dali s Miňom spoločnú Stone Roses fotku. To už na nás cerilo zuby teplé slnko. Tak som sa teda vrátil do stanu odložiť si mikinu, a o pár minút som sa ocitol pri stánku s pivom. Bolo sotva poludnie a nechcel som začať deň šetnástkami, tak som sa vybral o trochu ďalej na dvanástku. Keď som držal zlatý mok v ruke, vydal som sa ku hlavnému stejdžu. Hrala tam už totiž kapela zvaná Gallowstreet. Kapela, ktorá teda vie roztancovať človeku nohy. Dychová hudba plná energie. Asi tak by som to opísal. Slnko na mňa pieklo a ja som sa rozhodol schovať do Kušnierika. Tam sa už pripravovala kapela Dáša von Fľaša a ja som mal vychytané miestečko na lavičke, tak som sa rozhodol, že tam ostanem. Vtom mi zazvonil telefón. Bola to Klára. Mala pre mňa totiž tú najlepšiu správu. Našlo sa vraj strúhatko. Vyletel som ako zmyslov zbavený do stanu oproti. Bol tam voľajakýsi týpek, ktorému to trvalo snáď večnosť. Nebol tam ani tak dlho, no ja som sa nemohol upokojiť, dokým som to strúhatko nedržal v rukách. Keď mi ho odovzdali, tak som sa až roztriasol. Všetok ten pocit viny bol zrazu fuč. Mohol som si vychutnávať festival opäť naplno. Prečo však volali Kláre a nie mne, mi je dodnes záhadou, ale to mi bolo v tej chvíli maximálne jedno. Keďže som ho stratil vybité, rozhodol som sa zájsť do nabijačkárne. Ľubošovi o tom zatiaľ nepoviem a potom ho začnem bez slova natáčať na jeho vlastné stratené strúhatko. Som zvedavý na ten jeho výraz. Vybral som sa teda, takmer behom, do Oringe nabijačkárne. Ako som tak čakal v rade pri skvelej hudbe, ktorá sa ozývala z Orange stejdža, mi zazvonil telefón. Bol len Ľuboš so správou, že mám ísť na Orange na The Hydrants. Ako som tak počúval tú hudbu, neplánoval so ani inak. Tak som teda odovzdal strúhatko, a zavítal klasicky 10 metrov pred vežu. Tam som už našiel tancujúcich žilinčanov. Cigáni z Bali si to dávali ako to len cigáni vedia a ľudia šaleli. Tancovali a spievali nezmyselné hovadiny po Balisky a o zábavu bolo postarané. Po skvelom koncerte som sa presunul naspäť pred hlavný stejdž, kde sme sledovali Katarziu. Tá so svojim novým drum'n'bass štýlom mi moc nešla po chuti, no ostal som až do konca. Potom sme sa išli pozrieť na týpka, ktorého keď som videl asi pred dvoma rokmi na tom istom mieste v SLSP aréne, tak som si nadával, že som tam neprišiel skôr. Preto som sa náramne tešil na Beardymana. Keď sme tam však prišli, tak nás zasypala dávka akéhosi techna a hip-hopu, čo mi veľmi po chuti nešlo, tak sme sa vydali preč, do niečoho zahryznúť. Ja som si vychutnal svoju placku a naše cesty s dievčatami sa znovu rozdelili. Hoci Birdy nie je najhoršia speváčka, rozhodol som sa ísť ochutnať niečo zo slovenskej scény, čo som poznal už poriadne dlho, no živý koncert som však nikdy nepočul. Predtým som sa však stretol s Matlom a zašli sme na pivko do Pohoda shopu. Kým Matlo čakal na šestnástky, ja som išiel napred do stanu FM, kde už vyhrávali No Brake. Po ceste popri hlavnom stejdži som akurát započul People pesničku od Birdy, ktorú som poznal ako jednu z mála, tak som bol šťastný, že som ju aspoň letmo počul a nemusel som tam sedieť celý koncert len kvôli nej. Keď zahrali No Brake dve najlepšie pesničky, zjavil sa pri mne Matlo aj s pivom. Ten sa o chvíľu vytratil hľadať ToiToiku. Po pár pesničkách som sa vydal do stanu. Po ceste som zašiel po nabité strúhatko, ktoré som vymenil za vybíjajúci sa anglický mobil, zobral Matla a pri stane sme si posadali na deku. Vytiahol som strúhatko a od šťastia začal natáčať asi všetko čo som videl. Vtedy mi to celé pokazil Ľuboš, ktorý akurát prišiel ku stanom. Môj plán prekvapiť ho zlyhal. Teda, nie tak úplne. Bol poriadne prekvapený. S oborvskou radosťou a úľavou som mu už nabité strúhatko odovzdal. To bol môj posledný kontakt s ním asi už navždy. Radšej si kúpim vlastné a to si sám stratím.
Medzitým som dostal telefonát, že Klára ide k stanom. Ďalší telefonát dostal Ľubooš, že Maniška je pri vstupe do areálu. Tak sme sa vybrali za ňou, keďže Klára bola s ňou, keď som od nej odchádzal. Keď sme sa však stretli bola sama. Každopádne sme sa vybrali, akoby matlo povedal, na Katarziu v mužskom prevedení. Kým sme odišli, zobral som si však ešte zelenú knihu. Stretli sme sa tentokrát za vežou uprosted ranveja, keď som sa dozvedel, že Klára ja pri stane. Tak sme sa pekne obišli, tak som išiel po ňu. Zelenú knihu som nechal u matla, nech mi tam čosi pridá. Keď som sa však vrátil ku ostatným, Matla tam už nebolo. To som ešte nevedel, že ho už neuvidím dokým budem na Slovensku. Rozhodli sme sa teda pochillovať v tieni popri Billy Barmanovi. Po koncerte som si dal moju klasickú fotku a potom prešli asi tri hodiny všeličoho, z čoho nemám veľa spomienok. Pravdepodobne veľa pív. Viem len, že sa všetci vybrali na Solange, vraj sestru Beyoncé, no mňa to moc nelákalo. Na diskusií, kde som bol doobeda, hrali zaujímavú kapelu Nvmeri, no myslím, že som na nich nakoniec nešiel. Naozaj si nepamätám čo som robil až do jedenástej. Nieže by som bol v druhom stave, jednoducho mám blackout.
Anyway, o jedenástej som už bol nastúpený v Ticketportal stane na Saténové ruky. I keď som tam stál sám, veľmi som si to užil. Asi v polke koncertu ma však zaskočil smäd, tak som išiel do najbližšieho výčapu po pivo a vrátil som sa na posledné songy. Po koncerte som dostal ďalší telefonát. Tentoraz od Matla. Chcel odo mňa deku, čo som prekvapivo mal, a doteraz nepoužil, tak som bol aj trochu rád, že ju využije. Dohodli sme sa, že ho počkám pri Nay tanečnom dome. Tam mi hrali na spríjemnennie nálady Blow trio a robili dobrú robotu. Len vďaka tomu som tam dokázal čakať niekoľko minút a aj po tom, ako prišla Klára a následne odišla do stanu, som tam ostal čakať ďalších niekoľko minút. Matlovi som sa už viacej nedovolal a keby ma frajerka nečakala v stane, tak by som ostal až do konca. Bola to ten deň už tretia kapela s trúbkami a dychovými nástrojmi, ktorá ma neskutočne prekvapila a roztancovala. Mal som v pláne zájsť do stanu, no neukladal som sa ešte na spánok. Sľúbil som sa teda Marekovi, že pôjdem zaňho na Sleaford Mods. Keď som si ľahol do stanu, dohnala ma únava, tak som si povedal, že si dám power nap a pojdem na Sleaford Mods. Z power napu som sa až do rána nezobudl, čo veľmi ľutujem.
Nasledujúce ráno som mal voľno až do jednej. Po umytí zubov som zvážil, že rad do spŕch nie je až taký veľký, a tak som si zobral uterák, od Mony Pohoda šampón a zaradil sa za asi desiatku ľudí. Netrvalo dlho a bol som dnu. Keď som odchádzal, ukradol som si jeden Pohoda šampón aj ja. Osviežený sme išli s Klárou na ľahké raňajky a rannú kávu. Aj keď len čiernu, ale prebudila ma. Pomaly sme sa vybrali aj s Domčou do Luntera, no ešte pred tým sme sa však rozhodli, že si zájdeme. už klasicky ako každý rok, do Curaprox stanu po nové kefky. Nevyhli sme sa však povinnej prednáške, kde mi teta Curaproxka odhalila že mám pokazené zuby. Vraj mám medzi zubami zubný kameň. Čo sa človek nedozvie od cudzích ľudí. Po asi polhodine sme boli vybavení a tak sme zašli s Domčou na sajder obďaleč. Vtom mi zavolal ľuboš, že či vraj nejdeme do ihryska, tak som sa na túto možnosť nechal veľmi ľahko zlákať. Stretol som ich na mieste, kde som bol pred chvíľkou. V Curaproxe. Maniške sa vtedy zachcelo ísť na kukuricu. Moju radu však nepočúvla, tak ju jedla bez kečupu. Keď sme sa vydali na cestu, zastavili sme sa ešte v Európa stane po fotku. Vraj vám ju vytlačia zadarmo. Tak sme si jednu dali a čakali. Po niekoľkých minútach vypadla zo stroja fotka s troma hlavami. Pokračovali sme teda ďalej do nášho cieľa, kam sme sa však ešte nedostali. Natrafili sme totiž na báger. Normálny originál báger, ktorý si môžeš vyskúšať. Ani sme neváhali a Maniška tam už manévrovala s pákami. Z troch lôpt, ktoré mala zdvihnmúť z kužeľa, sa jej podarilo zodvihnúť dve. Solídny výkon, no rozhodol som sa, že jej to ukážem. Veru, nie je to také ľahké. Po troch pokusoch som nechcel odtiaľ už nikdy odísť. Podarilo sa mi zobrať len jednu loptu. Bol som horší ako Manička. Tento fakt som si jednoducho nechcel pripustiť. Tak sme pokračovali do ihryska, kde sme však došli len traja. Ja, Ľuboš a Dadka sme snáď tá najrýchlešia obsluha vo všetkých fast-foodových reťazcoch. I keď Ľuboš nemal ani len poňatia, čo sa ku koncu vlastne odohrávalo, my s Dadkou sme otáčali karty aj zaňho a úspešne sme obslúžili všetkých troch zákazníkov. Obslúžili by sme aj ďalších, no čas nám nedoprial. Na Orange-i na nás čakala Hudba z Marsu. Slnko bolo vysoko nad hlavami, tak sa išli všetci schovať do tieňa a ja som sa rozhodol zájsť si po pivo. Maniška išla so mnou, no jej sa chcelo tancovať a nie čakať v rade. Tak sa teda odo mňa odpojila a rozbehla sa do davu pred pódiom. Ja som si poctivo vyčkal na moje pivo pri skvelej hudbe, a vrátil som sa ku slečne s nápisom "YES" na tričku. To zhodou okolností znelo práve aj z reprákov. Keď som našiel Manišku, bola aj s Kapošovcami. Po koncerte som mal hodinu voľna, čo som flákaním premrhal a na Idles som vedel kde mám hľadať Ľuboša. Slnko pieklo stále a bolo jasné, že ten lenivec sa bude schovávať v tieni. Nakoniec tam prišla aj Maniška a neskôr aj Mona s Miňom. S Ľubošom a Dadkou sme sa poriadne namotali na roller disko, tak sme sa vybrali korčuľovať. Na naše sklamanie sme museli mať na sebe ponožky, čo sme s Dadkou nespĺňali. Tak sme si naplánovali riadnu korčuliarsku párty po Jakeovi Buggovi. Bola vtedy síce Dillon, no to ľahko oželiem. Pokračovali sme teda vo festivale. Bol som si niečo prejesť a pomaly sa sa potácal festivalom. Až nakoniec som sa ocitol u Kušnierika. Čakala tam veľká masa ľudí na Paru. Aj keď hrali iba pol hodinku, predpokladám, že väčšina prítomných ľudí mala rovnaký zámer ako ja. Druhý slot mali počas Alt-J, tak tí, čo sa tam chystali, si chceli Paru vychutnať teraz. Po chvíli čakania sa gitary rozozvučili a nohy roztancovali. Aj keď tam bolo mnoho ľudí na malom priestore, zábava bola skvelá. Po koncerte som dostal vynadané, že si chodím kade tade, tak som musel obetovať skvelý koncert Polemicu a musel som si ísť sadnúť na Rodrigo y Gabriela. Tam som sa moc nebavil, čo na mne bolo zrejme vidieť, a tak som dostal vynadané znova. Potom nastala najhoršia časť tohtoročnej Pohody, kedy sa mi začalo prekrývať veľa vecí. Nevedel som sa rozhodnúť, či mám ísť popočúvať aspoň prvú polku Od_veci, ísť na Slobodku alebo vypočuť si polhodinový setík Bad Karma Boy. To posledné ma lákalo najmenej, keďže to bola mladá slovenská kapela, ktorú môžem vidieť hocikedy hocikde. Od_veci je unikátne vždy, keďže to je improvizované a Slobodka keď má niekde nejaký koncert, tak pýtajú podstatne vyššie vstupné ako Karmaboyovci. A veď aj právom, ich hudba je omnoho lepšia a maju za sebou bohatú históriu. Tak si vážení môžete tipnúť kam chcela ísť Klára. Už bolo po piatej, keď som jej vysvetlil, že je nelogické byť na hlúpom krátkom koncerte, ktorý ma nebude až tak veľmi baviť, keď môžem ísť na lepšie veci, ktoré si užijem. Pustila ma teda na Od_veci, kde bolo teraz už asi milión ľudí a von zo stanu nebolo počuť takmer nič. Keby som sa tam vybral desať minút pred začiatkom, tak som si istý, že by som si ešte aj sadol. Keďže z toho nič nebolo, vydal som sa teda aspoň na Slobodnú Európu. Tam som si užil asi pol koncertu v klasickom tieni. Potom sme sa vydali na Jaka Bugga (alebo ako by som povedal s plnýmy ústami - Džagabaga). Tam sme však prišli už keď Jake hral v plnom prúde. Vychutnal som si aspoň niekoľko pesničiek, kým sme odišli z koncertu druhého najväčšieho headlinera, aby sme mohli ísť na Bez ladu a skladu. Opäť, hudba, ktorú v mojom mobile nenájdete. Tak sme tam sedeli na tráve, ďaleko od stejdža, pretože Budiš bol preplnený ľuďmi. Keď sme to tam presedeli, mohol som zabudnúť na moje korčuľovanie. Išli sme na Dillon, v EUrópa stane, ktorý bol preplnený, takže tam bolo asi tritisíc stupňov. Poznám od nej jednu pesničku, ktorá sa mi páči, no to je asi tak všetko. Ako som sa neskôr dozvedel, prišli sme už neskoro, pretože ju už odspievala. Po asi dvoch pesničkách sme sa vybrali odtiaľ preč. Naozaj sa to tam nedalo vydržať. Nasledoval headliner Pohody. Na Alt-J sme si sadli vedľa veže. Pomaly sa to začalo plniť a nakoniec prišli aj traja muzikanti a spustili svoju šou. Celkom to bolo v pohode, no zo slúchatiek to znie lepšie ako naživo, čo je asi to najhoršie, čo kapela môže urobiť.
Dlho sme ale neostali. Kláru pochytila únava a vybrala sa do stanu. Síce som nestihol ich najväčší hit Breezblocks, ale aspoň som si mohol vychutnať pesničku Something good, ktorá sa mne osobne páči od nich najviac. Vydali sme sa teda do stanu. Keď sme tak prechádzali okolo Ticketportalu, zachytili sme pár tónov od Pary. Keď som sa po festivale dopočul, aká tam bola atmosféra, začalo mi byť ľúto, že som na nich nešiel. Prešli sme tak teda popri Pare až ku Orange stejdžu. Tam ma pochytil ten známy nepríjemný pocit, že všetkému je opäť koniec a musím čakať celý rok, kým to znova príde. Čakám takto na Pohodu, ako každý čaká na Vianoce. Odpočítavam mesiace a dni celý rok. Sú to proste tie najlepšie tri dni v roku. Z mojich myšlienok ma vytrhli dvaja okoloidúci hipsteri. Už keď bolo po všetkom, stretnem ľudí zo Smečka. Braňa s Alicou som tu teda vôbec nečakal. A tak to je. Aj keď o sebe ľudia nedajú vedieť, osud to vždy zariadi tak, že sa aj tak stretneme. Hoci to je na úplnom konci festivalu. Tak sme sa pozdravili a pokračovali spať. Trochu ma mrzelo, že neuvidím Waltera Schnitzelsona v Silent disku, ale vybral som sa do stanu. Aj tak tam vraj bolo príšerne veľa ľudí. S tým som skončil moju šiestu Pohodu.
Nedeľné ráno som sa prebudil do zamračeného počasia. Síce ešte nepršalo, no vyzeralo to tak, že čoskoro bude. Oči som poriadne ani nerozlepil, no musel som sa pomaly pobaliť. Keď som videl, že náš šofér má už takmer pobalený aj celý stan, vedel som že moc času teda nemám. Hlavne keď som mal poskladať hneď dva stany. Musím poznamenať, že Ľuboš sa o mňa postaral dôveryhodne na tohtoročnej Pohode. Nielen že mi postaval stan, ale dokonca mi pomohol aj zložiť ten Monin. Ako sa na druhý deň ukázalo, bola to zbytočná robota. Mal som ho pripnutý na ruksaku, a keď som prešiel od autobusovej stanice na železničnú, už som ho pripnutý nemal. Vlak mi akurát prichádzal, tak mi neostal čas na hľadanie. Tak som sa s tým stanom mohol rozlúčiť. Nevadí, naspať na letisko. Tam sme mali už takmer všetko pobalené, tak sme si to namierili smerom k autu. Dadka, ktorá išla vrátiť poháre, nás bleskovo dobehla a tak, keď sme už boli všetci nastúpení, sme sa vydali na cestu domov. Dovidenia milá Pohoda.
Ľuboš určite vyzeral podozrievavo a opite, tak asi preto ho príslušník polície odstavil. Prekvapivo náš pán vodič nenafúkal. Tak sme pokračovali so zastávkou v Považskej až do Žiliny, kde som si dal u Ľuboša sprchu a požičal od neho dve knihy a kraťase. Znovu čo ma tento úžasný človek vytiahol zo šlamastiky a potešil. Za týchto pár dní mu dlhujem veľa. A aby toho nebolo málo, neskôr v ten deň mi ešte aj upiekol v Brezanoch pizzu. No človek môže byť jednoducho rád, že môže tráviť čas s takýmito ľuďmi.
V utorok, dva dni pred začiatkom Pohody, som len tak ako zvyčajne skrolloval fejsbúčik, Zrazu som natrafil na status od Greši, že predáva lístky po 60, tak si vravím, že Maniška jeden zháňala, tak po pár telefonátoch som objednával oba lístky. Celé sa to začalo komplikovať, no nakoniec sa mi podarilo presvedčiť Kláru aby išla so mnou. To som však ešte nevedel, že jeden lístok je už fuč a ostal mi len pre Manišku. Tak som sa teda už len pobalil a vybral do Považskej (POSLEDNÝM vlakom o 20:30, super!)
Po pekne strávenom sviatku tu bol štvrtok. To som už čakal na Ľuboša a jeho červené Ferrari. Čakali sme dvaja, Klára nakoniec zohnala lístok, čomu som sa náramne potešil. Okolo 11-tej sme už čakali nastúpení. Areál sa otvára až o druhej, no my sme si išli chytiť miestčko. Pri Trenčíne sme sa vychytali s druhou skupinkou postarších Dadkiných rodinných príbuzných a pokračovali sme smerom na letisko. Ani som sa nenazdal a asfalt vystriedala veľká zelená lúka. V pozadí bolo vidieť veľké modré stany a masívne stejdže. Boli sme tu. Ľuboš prefičal až do Bé dvojky a zaparkoval ako pán, najbližšie ako sa len dá. Povystupovali sme z auta a pootvárali pivá. Doobedný chill na slniečku sa mohol začať. Po chvíli sa zobrali stany a vybrali sa zaradiť sa ku bráne medzi asi stovku čakajúcich ľudí. Ja som sa s nimi nechystal, pretože Maniške lístok ešte neprišiel a ja som ju nechcel nechať osamote. Greša mala naplánovaný príchod až niekedy okolo piatej, takže sme mali obrovské množstvo času, ktorý sa len ťažko zabíjal. Do Tesca sa peši z parkoviska zjavne len tak ľahko nedá dostať, tak túto možnosť sme zavrhli. Ja som si zatiaľ vytiahol fajku a chilloval v rade s ostatnými, kým otvoria festival. Do druhej ostávala stále ešte asi hodina, keď po ranveji prišlo k davu malé zelené autíčko naložené štyrmi pánmi v čierno-bielych pásikavých tričkách a trúbkami v rukách. Funny Fellows začali svoju úžasnú dychovku a roztancovali nejedny unudené nohy. Ja som utekal do auta po strúhatko aby som získal pár prvých záberov z festivalu. Vtedy som ešte ani len netušil že práve táto malá fialová prkotina mi pokazí časť festivalu. Tak som tak obskakoval hudobníkov so selfie tyčou a netrvalo dlho, a brány sa otvorili. Všetci ľudia sa nahrnuli dnu a ja, hoci som mal lístok, som musel ešte čakať vonku. Dlhé, nekonečné minúty a hodiny sa tiahli, a ja som nevidel ich lepšie využitie ako vyvolávať každé dve minúty Greši, že kde už konečne je. Jeden telefonát ma však naozaj potešil. Nebolo to ale od Greši. Bol to Matlo, s ktorým som sa ešte nevidel odkedy som priletel, preto som bol viac než nesmierne šťastný, že budem mať super ľudí okolo seba. Nieže by mi vadilo kto tam už bol, ale už som si ani nemyslel, že ho ešte pred zimou uvidím. Milé rozptýlenie a osvieženie v podobe piva prišlo s mojou sestrou. No oni sa ale dlho nezdržali a utekali za ostatnými. Ja som medzitým už držal klárin lístok (jej som dal ten môj), a ten som dal Mone nech ho vyskúša a ona mi dala svoj. Ak sa vám toto zdá komplikované, takéto som mal celé tri dni od utorka. Či už to bolo s lístkami, stanmi, odvozom alebo čímkoľvek iným. Každopádne piata hodina sa blížila a ja som sa už nevedel dočkať Greši. Teraz som už ani len nemohol ísť do areálu, pretože by som sa musel beztak o pár minút vrátiť. Grešu a Manišku som naraz poznal asi iba ja. Medzičasom nás prišli navštíviť Ľuboš s Dadkou a neskôr aj Klára. Všetci mali už po lístku na ďalší ročník, čo vraj nebolo vôbec také ľahké získať v tej prvej, najlacnejšej cenovej kategórií. Vraj tam bolo mrte ľudí a rad až do Stropkova. Teší ma, že záujem o Pohodu je takýto. Obvzlášť teraz, keď tento ročník ešte ani len poriadne nezačal a o akýchkoľvek kapelách na tom budúcom môžme len hádať. O to viac som sa tešil že jeden lístok som mal zabezbečený aj ja. Z Bratislavy sa ku mne nedostali príjemné správy. Stáli totiž v kolóne a budú vraj meškať. Tak to prvý koncert festivalu zrejme nestihnem celý. Neustále vyvolávačky, že už je na diaľnici, že už je tu, že už prichádza. Pozeral som do každého auta, no Grešu som nikde nevidel. Už bolo po šiestej, čo znamená, že Chiki už spustili festival. Nakoniec sme sa pomaly akosi presunuli do areálu a zaviedli sme ich k našim stanom. Bolo to po prvý raz, čo som si vlastný stan nestaval ja. Vlastne po prvý raz, čo som ho nestaval sám!!! Každopádne som len zhodil ruksak a až som takmer utekal ku hlavnému stejdžu. Po ceste som si však urobil ešte potrebnú zastávku. Po nekonešných hodinách a roku čakania som okamžite zamieril do Pohoda shopu a o pár minút som si už objednával dobre vychladenú šestnástku. Vtedy som osamel. Akonáhle som dostal pohár do ruky a odchlipol si, vtedy sa začala moja Pohoda. V pozadí už doznievali posledné tóny z pesničky Monte Carlo od Chiki liki tu-a. Po chvíli som našiel aj Kláru s Maniškou. To už Chiki pomaly končila a začali si baliť veci. Bol jej koniec a do ďalšieho koncertu mi ostávala hodina.
Klára mi stihla zhejtovať moje šľapky, tak som išiel teda vyskúšať čiernu jedenástku. Bol síce štvrtok a chcel som sa spivovať, no na šestnástkach by som si išiel ľahnúť o ôsmej a to som si nemohol dovoliť. Dnes večer predsa hrá môj headliner MOVITS! Zašli sme do Pohoda shopu (teda nie do toho oficiálneho, ale toho malého s terasou na streche), pretože Kláre sa zachcelo si kúpiť jedno tričko. Dlho vyberať nemusela, no čakať musela dosť. Chudáci za kasou makali ako mravce, ale inteligenti, ktorí si musia vyskúšať desať tričiek aby si kúpili jedno to tak trochu zdržovali. Keď prišiel rad na nás, tak sme im iba povedali" Chceme tamto v tej farbe a takú veľkosť. O pol minúty sme boli vonku. Ale obslúžiť nás jednoducho nemohli. Avšak šťastní s LASICA-SATINSKÝ-FILIP tričkom sme sa vydali sadnúť si vedľa na trávu. Keď tak spomíname tieto tri legendy, oni boli akýmsi symbolom celého ročníka 2017. Boli proste všade. Na tričkách, na pohároch, a hlavne boli ďalší účinkujúci na hlavnom stejdži. A ja som sa už nemohol dočkať. Bol proste o nich obrovský záujem. Rozhodol som sa teda, že moje šľapky si teda prezujem. Nebol to jediný dôvod. Trochu sa zvečerievalo a zima stúpala, tak som sa chcel ísť teplejšie obliecť, a taktiež som sa rozhodol, že natočím zopár ďalších záberov na Ľubošove strúhatko. Veru, zlé rozhodnutie. Ale nepredbiehajme. Po asi piatich krokoch som sa však otočil a zastal v nemom úžase. Hore na spomínanej terase hrali Movits. Proste som nechápal. Nebolo počuť takmer nič, no hrali si tam svoju acoustic session. Bol to pre mňa ko taký malý mini tajný koncertík. Bol som ohromený. Krátko na to schádzali dolu. Utekal som za Klárou, nech nám spraví fotku a po krátkom rozhovore som takmer utekal do stanu, čo som bol z toho taký šťastný. V stane som vybavil všetko, čo som chcel a pobral som sa na tribúnku vedľa hlavného stejdža. Začínal výnimočný koncert Bolo nás jedenásť. Príjemnú atmosféru, vytvárali najmä úžasní ľudia na pódiu svojou skvelou hudbou, no bolo to nádherné pri červenom západe slnka. Zopár záberov sa mi podarilo natočiť aj na strúhatko, no tomu došla baterka, tak som si ho vložil do vrecka. A to tak, že tyč som mal vo vrecku a strúhatko mi odtiaľ len tak vykúkalo. Mal som pod ním aj prázdny pohár, tak som si vravel, že ak by náhodou odpadlo, tak len do pohára. Koncert sa pomaly skončil a išli sme na oriešky. Karamelové, škoricoveé, mandle, kešu, proste všetkého možného sme si nabrali za sáčik a vychutnávali po ceste do stanu. Dohodol som sa s Matlom, že sa s ním konečne stretnem, tak som sa tešil, že ho konečne uvidím. Ako som tak prechádzal do stanového mestečka, oblial ma studený pot. Siahol som si rukou po vrecku a našiel som tam len selfie tyč. Bez strúhatka. Pohár bol prázdny a vrecká taktiež. Obzrel som sa a nikde ho nebolo vidieť. Nemohol som tomu uveriť. Celý čas som ho mal pri sebe a dával som si naňho pozor a zrazu ho nikde nebolo. Najhoršie na tom bolo, že ani nebolo moje. Ten pocit viny som takmer nezniesol. Otočil som sa a vydal som sa naspäť po ranveji hľadať stratené. Avšak po dlhých chvíľach bez výsledku. Našiel som len niečo, čo som si v tej chvíli prial vidieť najmenej, Ľuboša. Len som ho oboznámil so situáciou a vybral som sa ďalej po ranveji hľadať malú fialovú kocku. Bohužiaľ, s nijakým úspechom. Tak som len teda išiel zarmútený na Ylvis. Hoci koncert bol parádny a nskutočne zábavný, nedokázal som si ho užiť naplno, pretože som mal stále v sebe ten pocit viny. Aspoň som sa konečne stretol s Matlom. Po koncerte sme zamierili do stanu, kde Klára ostala až do rána, no ja som však ešte išiel na jeden koncert. Movits už hrali v plnom prúde, keď som prišiel 10 metrov pred zvukársku vežu. Čakala ma tam totiž celá banda. Trochu mi odľahlo keď som videl Ľubošov prístup ku mojej strate. "Á veď z toho si nič nerob!" Aspoň trochu som sa uvolnil a roztancoval na kapele, ktorú som po prvý krát videl práve na mojom prvom ročníku Pohody. A tak sme sa po skvelom predstavení vydali všetci do stanov. Po ceste sme sa však ešte zastavili a išiel som sa opýtať do stratov a nálezov či sa náhodou niečo nenašlo. Veru nič. Aspoň že si zapísali moje meno a číslo, v prípade nálezu. Prišiel som do nášho ministanu, a nejako sa mi podarilo sa zmestiť medzi Kláru a môj ruksak. Prvý deň Pohody by sme mali za sebou.
Ráno som sa zobudil do klasického rána. Síce ešte nepršalo, stan sme mali úplne mokrý, a to aj z vnútornej strany. Zrejme rosa, pomyslel som si, no to som ešte nevedel, že to neboli posledné kvapky v ten deň. Už len keď som vyšiel zo stanu (v ktorom sa nedalo dýchať) obďaleč som zahliadol mráčik dáviaci spŕšku mokra. Vraj sa blíži búrka podľa niektorých správ, a vyzeralo to naozaj tak. Podľa tých správ tá búrka tu už dávno mala byť a pomaly končiť, no ona len prichádzala. Išiel som si teda umyť zuby a po ceste som kúpil aj kávu na dobré ráno. Nakoniec som ju dal Domči, lebo Kláre sa ešte neráčilo vstávať, tak som sa vybral poprechádzať sa po areáli. Blížila sa búrka a vedel som, že každú chvíľu bude aj tu, no ležať v tom maličkom stane a celý premoknúť a čakať potichu kým to celé skončí sa mi teda nechcelo. Čo iné mi ostávalo ako zamieriť do stratov a nálezov. Hoci som o tom pochyboval, že niečo sa našlo, ale v tej chvíli to bolo jediné, čo som mohol s tým robiť. Chcel som si nabiť môj mobil, no vtedy som zistil, že power banka, ktorú som trepal až sem, je kompletne vybitá. Dal som ho teda nabíjať ku Mone, pretože keď som zaspával, svietilo na ňom jedno percento. Aj preto som sa chcel ísť spýtať, ak sa náhodou rozhodli ma kontaktovať, môj mobil bol vybitý. Keď som im oznámil, čo hľadám, žienka za pultíkom odpovedala s nádejným "Nóó, niečo také sme tu myslím mali." Žeby predsa sa to našlo? Nemohol som tomu uveriť. "Ah nie, počkať. To bolo napísané v stratách." *facepalm* "To som tam ja písal" V tej chvíli sa spustil obrovský lejak. Jednoducho klasická búrka. Prebehol som pár metrov do kafé Kušnierik a volal som Matlovi. On bol vraj na ceste za mnou, no asi po polhodine som bol presvedčený, že nepríde. Tak veľmi lialo, že sa mu ani nečudujem. Nemohol som si ani len poobzerať knihy, čo tam mali, lebo sme museli byť 5 metrov od všetkých kovových konštrukcií. Tak som tam stál sám a nemal som čo robiť. Vravel som si, že ten Matlo nakoniec prišiel, ale zašiel do Nay tanečného domu. Povedal som mu, že som pod modrým stanom vedľa hlavného stejdžu, a možno išiel len do toho druhého, o kúsok ďalej. Rozhodol som sa teda prebehnúť cez ten lejak do Nayka. Tam ho však nebolo, tak som sa rozhodol zavolať mu. On bol vraj v Red Bull stánku v ich stanovom. Ten lejak už nebol taký zlý ako pred chvíľou, tak som sa rozhodol, že to prebehnem. Aj keď som bol len v krátkom tričku, bolo mi to jedno. Všetko je lepšie ako postávať sám pod veľkým modrým stanom. S Matlom som sa stretol o pár minút, celý premočený. Po chvíli sme sa rozhodli ísť sa niekam najesť. Mne začínala byť trochu zima, no raňajky som ešte nemal. Zašli sme do Luntera, no akonáhle sme tam prišli, hlad ma akosi prešiel. Tak som tam len tak chilloval s Matlom a jeho milou. Naraňajkovaní sme sa rozhodli zájsť do čajovne. Vedel som, že musím ísť do stanu, trochu obhliadnuť situáciu, čo ten lejačisko narobil, no mne bola taká zima, že pri myšlienke na teplý čaj som ani len neváhal. Posadali sme si na koberec a vychutnávali rôzne čaje. Keď som čo najrýchlejšie dopil ten svoj, utekal som do stanu. Vraj sme boli vytopení, tak som nevedel, čo mám očakávať. Našťastie z toho nič hrozné nebolo. Len trochu vody v stane, no to bolo všetko. Išli sme teda s Klárou a Domčou na raňajky. Tu som si dal môj prvý langoš festivalu. Po všerajšku som bol pekne hladný, keďže som viacej pil ako jedol. Potom sa Domča chystala do stanu .Týždeň, a ja som chcel ísť na jednu diskusiu. Tak sme samozrejme išli do týždňa, kde ale bolo plno, tak sme sa len išli schovať do Ticketportal stanu, lebo znova začalo pršať. Zhodou okolností to bolo miesto, kde bola tá diskusia, kam som chcel ísť. Ako som tak sedel zrazu prišiel ku mne človek s pozdravom "Čau". Obzrel som sa a bol to Lukáš Turiak. Je to pekné takto stretávať ľudí o ktorých ani neviete, že tu sú.
Sedeli sme teda chvíľu na diskusií o slovenských kapelách, no moderátorova angličtina bola asi ako Rasťova čeština. Celé mi to pokazilo dojem, tak sme sa rozhodli odísť. Zašli sme teda na kávu, a keďže ja som už dneska jednu mal, nechcelo sa mi vysedávať a nič nerobiť. Som predsa na Pohode! Toto sa na Pohode nerobí! Vydal som sa teda za Matlom. On sedel na spomínanej diskusií, z ktorej sme len pred chvíľou odišli. Teraz to už bolo však o čosi zaujímavejšie, pretože rôznym zahraničným odborníkom, púšťali rôzne slovenské skvosty. Reakcie boli všeljaké a bolo to vskutku zaujímavé. Po diskusií som sa vydal do stanu. Keď som ta dorazil, spustil sa ďalší lejak. Tento však nebol až taký hrozný, no bol dostatočne silný na to, aby ma uväznil v stane. Keď dážď ustal, vybral som sa koncertovať. Pred Orange stejdžom som stretol Monu s Miňom, tak sme si dali s Miňom spoločnú Stone Roses fotku. To už na nás cerilo zuby teplé slnko. Tak som sa teda vrátil do stanu odložiť si mikinu, a o pár minút som sa ocitol pri stánku s pivom. Bolo sotva poludnie a nechcel som začať deň šetnástkami, tak som sa vybral o trochu ďalej na dvanástku. Keď som držal zlatý mok v ruke, vydal som sa ku hlavnému stejdžu. Hrala tam už totiž kapela zvaná Gallowstreet. Kapela, ktorá teda vie roztancovať človeku nohy. Dychová hudba plná energie. Asi tak by som to opísal. Slnko na mňa pieklo a ja som sa rozhodol schovať do Kušnierika. Tam sa už pripravovala kapela Dáša von Fľaša a ja som mal vychytané miestečko na lavičke, tak som sa rozhodol, že tam ostanem. Vtom mi zazvonil telefón. Bola to Klára. Mala pre mňa totiž tú najlepšiu správu. Našlo sa vraj strúhatko. Vyletel som ako zmyslov zbavený do stanu oproti. Bol tam voľajakýsi týpek, ktorému to trvalo snáď večnosť. Nebol tam ani tak dlho, no ja som sa nemohol upokojiť, dokým som to strúhatko nedržal v rukách. Keď mi ho odovzdali, tak som sa až roztriasol. Všetok ten pocit viny bol zrazu fuč. Mohol som si vychutnávať festival opäť naplno. Prečo však volali Kláre a nie mne, mi je dodnes záhadou, ale to mi bolo v tej chvíli maximálne jedno. Keďže som ho stratil vybité, rozhodol som sa zájsť do nabijačkárne. Ľubošovi o tom zatiaľ nepoviem a potom ho začnem bez slova natáčať na jeho vlastné stratené strúhatko. Som zvedavý na ten jeho výraz. Vybral som sa teda, takmer behom, do Oringe nabijačkárne. Ako som tak čakal v rade pri skvelej hudbe, ktorá sa ozývala z Orange stejdža, mi zazvonil telefón. Bol len Ľuboš so správou, že mám ísť na Orange na The Hydrants. Ako som tak počúval tú hudbu, neplánoval so ani inak. Tak som teda odovzdal strúhatko, a zavítal klasicky 10 metrov pred vežu. Tam som už našiel tancujúcich žilinčanov. Cigáni z Bali si to dávali ako to len cigáni vedia a ľudia šaleli. Tancovali a spievali nezmyselné hovadiny po Balisky a o zábavu bolo postarané. Po skvelom koncerte som sa presunul naspäť pred hlavný stejdž, kde sme sledovali Katarziu. Tá so svojim novým drum'n'bass štýlom mi moc nešla po chuti, no ostal som až do konca. Potom sme sa išli pozrieť na týpka, ktorého keď som videl asi pred dvoma rokmi na tom istom mieste v SLSP aréne, tak som si nadával, že som tam neprišiel skôr. Preto som sa náramne tešil na Beardymana. Keď sme tam však prišli, tak nás zasypala dávka akéhosi techna a hip-hopu, čo mi veľmi po chuti nešlo, tak sme sa vydali preč, do niečoho zahryznúť. Ja som si vychutnal svoju placku a naše cesty s dievčatami sa znovu rozdelili. Hoci Birdy nie je najhoršia speváčka, rozhodol som sa ísť ochutnať niečo zo slovenskej scény, čo som poznal už poriadne dlho, no živý koncert som však nikdy nepočul. Predtým som sa však stretol s Matlom a zašli sme na pivko do Pohoda shopu. Kým Matlo čakal na šestnástky, ja som išiel napred do stanu FM, kde už vyhrávali No Brake. Po ceste popri hlavnom stejdži som akurát započul People pesničku od Birdy, ktorú som poznal ako jednu z mála, tak som bol šťastný, že som ju aspoň letmo počul a nemusel som tam sedieť celý koncert len kvôli nej. Keď zahrali No Brake dve najlepšie pesničky, zjavil sa pri mne Matlo aj s pivom. Ten sa o chvíľu vytratil hľadať ToiToiku. Po pár pesničkách som sa vydal do stanu. Po ceste som zašiel po nabité strúhatko, ktoré som vymenil za vybíjajúci sa anglický mobil, zobral Matla a pri stane sme si posadali na deku. Vytiahol som strúhatko a od šťastia začal natáčať asi všetko čo som videl. Vtedy mi to celé pokazil Ľuboš, ktorý akurát prišiel ku stanom. Môj plán prekvapiť ho zlyhal. Teda, nie tak úplne. Bol poriadne prekvapený. S oborvskou radosťou a úľavou som mu už nabité strúhatko odovzdal. To bol môj posledný kontakt s ním asi už navždy. Radšej si kúpim vlastné a to si sám stratím.
Medzitým som dostal telefonát, že Klára ide k stanom. Ďalší telefonát dostal Ľubooš, že Maniška je pri vstupe do areálu. Tak sme sa vybrali za ňou, keďže Klára bola s ňou, keď som od nej odchádzal. Keď sme sa však stretli bola sama. Každopádne sme sa vybrali, akoby matlo povedal, na Katarziu v mužskom prevedení. Kým sme odišli, zobral som si však ešte zelenú knihu. Stretli sme sa tentokrát za vežou uprosted ranveja, keď som sa dozvedel, že Klára ja pri stane. Tak sme sa pekne obišli, tak som išiel po ňu. Zelenú knihu som nechal u matla, nech mi tam čosi pridá. Keď som sa však vrátil ku ostatným, Matla tam už nebolo. To som ešte nevedel, že ho už neuvidím dokým budem na Slovensku. Rozhodli sme sa teda pochillovať v tieni popri Billy Barmanovi. Po koncerte som si dal moju klasickú fotku a potom prešli asi tri hodiny všeličoho, z čoho nemám veľa spomienok. Pravdepodobne veľa pív. Viem len, že sa všetci vybrali na Solange, vraj sestru Beyoncé, no mňa to moc nelákalo. Na diskusií, kde som bol doobeda, hrali zaujímavú kapelu Nvmeri, no myslím, že som na nich nakoniec nešiel. Naozaj si nepamätám čo som robil až do jedenástej. Nieže by som bol v druhom stave, jednoducho mám blackout.
Anyway, o jedenástej som už bol nastúpený v Ticketportal stane na Saténové ruky. I keď som tam stál sám, veľmi som si to užil. Asi v polke koncertu ma však zaskočil smäd, tak som išiel do najbližšieho výčapu po pivo a vrátil som sa na posledné songy. Po koncerte som dostal ďalší telefonát. Tentoraz od Matla. Chcel odo mňa deku, čo som prekvapivo mal, a doteraz nepoužil, tak som bol aj trochu rád, že ju využije. Dohodli sme sa, že ho počkám pri Nay tanečnom dome. Tam mi hrali na spríjemnennie nálady Blow trio a robili dobrú robotu. Len vďaka tomu som tam dokázal čakať niekoľko minút a aj po tom, ako prišla Klára a následne odišla do stanu, som tam ostal čakať ďalších niekoľko minút. Matlovi som sa už viacej nedovolal a keby ma frajerka nečakala v stane, tak by som ostal až do konca. Bola to ten deň už tretia kapela s trúbkami a dychovými nástrojmi, ktorá ma neskutočne prekvapila a roztancovala. Mal som v pláne zájsť do stanu, no neukladal som sa ešte na spánok. Sľúbil som sa teda Marekovi, že pôjdem zaňho na Sleaford Mods. Keď som si ľahol do stanu, dohnala ma únava, tak som si povedal, že si dám power nap a pojdem na Sleaford Mods. Z power napu som sa až do rána nezobudl, čo veľmi ľutujem.
Nasledujúce ráno som mal voľno až do jednej. Po umytí zubov som zvážil, že rad do spŕch nie je až taký veľký, a tak som si zobral uterák, od Mony Pohoda šampón a zaradil sa za asi desiatku ľudí. Netrvalo dlho a bol som dnu. Keď som odchádzal, ukradol som si jeden Pohoda šampón aj ja. Osviežený sme išli s Klárou na ľahké raňajky a rannú kávu. Aj keď len čiernu, ale prebudila ma. Pomaly sme sa vybrali aj s Domčou do Luntera, no ešte pred tým sme sa však rozhodli, že si zájdeme. už klasicky ako každý rok, do Curaprox stanu po nové kefky. Nevyhli sme sa však povinnej prednáške, kde mi teta Curaproxka odhalila že mám pokazené zuby. Vraj mám medzi zubami zubný kameň. Čo sa človek nedozvie od cudzích ľudí. Po asi polhodine sme boli vybavení a tak sme zašli s Domčou na sajder obďaleč. Vtom mi zavolal ľuboš, že či vraj nejdeme do ihryska, tak som sa na túto možnosť nechal veľmi ľahko zlákať. Stretol som ich na mieste, kde som bol pred chvíľkou. V Curaproxe. Maniške sa vtedy zachcelo ísť na kukuricu. Moju radu však nepočúvla, tak ju jedla bez kečupu. Keď sme sa vydali na cestu, zastavili sme sa ešte v Európa stane po fotku. Vraj vám ju vytlačia zadarmo. Tak sme si jednu dali a čakali. Po niekoľkých minútach vypadla zo stroja fotka s troma hlavami. Pokračovali sme teda ďalej do nášho cieľa, kam sme sa však ešte nedostali. Natrafili sme totiž na báger. Normálny originál báger, ktorý si môžeš vyskúšať. Ani sme neváhali a Maniška tam už manévrovala s pákami. Z troch lôpt, ktoré mala zdvihnmúť z kužeľa, sa jej podarilo zodvihnúť dve. Solídny výkon, no rozhodol som sa, že jej to ukážem. Veru, nie je to také ľahké. Po troch pokusoch som nechcel odtiaľ už nikdy odísť. Podarilo sa mi zobrať len jednu loptu. Bol som horší ako Manička. Tento fakt som si jednoducho nechcel pripustiť. Tak sme pokračovali do ihryska, kde sme však došli len traja. Ja, Ľuboš a Dadka sme snáď tá najrýchlešia obsluha vo všetkých fast-foodových reťazcoch. I keď Ľuboš nemal ani len poňatia, čo sa ku koncu vlastne odohrávalo, my s Dadkou sme otáčali karty aj zaňho a úspešne sme obslúžili všetkých troch zákazníkov. Obslúžili by sme aj ďalších, no čas nám nedoprial. Na Orange-i na nás čakala Hudba z Marsu. Slnko bolo vysoko nad hlavami, tak sa išli všetci schovať do tieňa a ja som sa rozhodol zájsť si po pivo. Maniška išla so mnou, no jej sa chcelo tancovať a nie čakať v rade. Tak sa teda odo mňa odpojila a rozbehla sa do davu pred pódiom. Ja som si poctivo vyčkal na moje pivo pri skvelej hudbe, a vrátil som sa ku slečne s nápisom "YES" na tričku. To zhodou okolností znelo práve aj z reprákov. Keď som našiel Manišku, bola aj s Kapošovcami. Po koncerte som mal hodinu voľna, čo som flákaním premrhal a na Idles som vedel kde mám hľadať Ľuboša. Slnko pieklo stále a bolo jasné, že ten lenivec sa bude schovávať v tieni. Nakoniec tam prišla aj Maniška a neskôr aj Mona s Miňom. S Ľubošom a Dadkou sme sa poriadne namotali na roller disko, tak sme sa vybrali korčuľovať. Na naše sklamanie sme museli mať na sebe ponožky, čo sme s Dadkou nespĺňali. Tak sme si naplánovali riadnu korčuliarsku párty po Jakeovi Buggovi. Bola vtedy síce Dillon, no to ľahko oželiem. Pokračovali sme teda vo festivale. Bol som si niečo prejesť a pomaly sa sa potácal festivalom. Až nakoniec som sa ocitol u Kušnierika. Čakala tam veľká masa ľudí na Paru. Aj keď hrali iba pol hodinku, predpokladám, že väčšina prítomných ľudí mala rovnaký zámer ako ja. Druhý slot mali počas Alt-J, tak tí, čo sa tam chystali, si chceli Paru vychutnať teraz. Po chvíli čakania sa gitary rozozvučili a nohy roztancovali. Aj keď tam bolo mnoho ľudí na malom priestore, zábava bola skvelá. Po koncerte som dostal vynadané, že si chodím kade tade, tak som musel obetovať skvelý koncert Polemicu a musel som si ísť sadnúť na Rodrigo y Gabriela. Tam som sa moc nebavil, čo na mne bolo zrejme vidieť, a tak som dostal vynadané znova. Potom nastala najhoršia časť tohtoročnej Pohody, kedy sa mi začalo prekrývať veľa vecí. Nevedel som sa rozhodnúť, či mám ísť popočúvať aspoň prvú polku Od_veci, ísť na Slobodku alebo vypočuť si polhodinový setík Bad Karma Boy. To posledné ma lákalo najmenej, keďže to bola mladá slovenská kapela, ktorú môžem vidieť hocikedy hocikde. Od_veci je unikátne vždy, keďže to je improvizované a Slobodka keď má niekde nejaký koncert, tak pýtajú podstatne vyššie vstupné ako Karmaboyovci. A veď aj právom, ich hudba je omnoho lepšia a maju za sebou bohatú históriu. Tak si vážení môžete tipnúť kam chcela ísť Klára. Už bolo po piatej, keď som jej vysvetlil, že je nelogické byť na hlúpom krátkom koncerte, ktorý ma nebude až tak veľmi baviť, keď môžem ísť na lepšie veci, ktoré si užijem. Pustila ma teda na Od_veci, kde bolo teraz už asi milión ľudí a von zo stanu nebolo počuť takmer nič. Keby som sa tam vybral desať minút pred začiatkom, tak som si istý, že by som si ešte aj sadol. Keďže z toho nič nebolo, vydal som sa teda aspoň na Slobodnú Európu. Tam som si užil asi pol koncertu v klasickom tieni. Potom sme sa vydali na Jaka Bugga (alebo ako by som povedal s plnýmy ústami - Džagabaga). Tam sme však prišli už keď Jake hral v plnom prúde. Vychutnal som si aspoň niekoľko pesničiek, kým sme odišli z koncertu druhého najväčšieho headlinera, aby sme mohli ísť na Bez ladu a skladu. Opäť, hudba, ktorú v mojom mobile nenájdete. Tak sme tam sedeli na tráve, ďaleko od stejdža, pretože Budiš bol preplnený ľuďmi. Keď sme to tam presedeli, mohol som zabudnúť na moje korčuľovanie. Išli sme na Dillon, v EUrópa stane, ktorý bol preplnený, takže tam bolo asi tritisíc stupňov. Poznám od nej jednu pesničku, ktorá sa mi páči, no to je asi tak všetko. Ako som sa neskôr dozvedel, prišli sme už neskoro, pretože ju už odspievala. Po asi dvoch pesničkách sme sa vybrali odtiaľ preč. Naozaj sa to tam nedalo vydržať. Nasledoval headliner Pohody. Na Alt-J sme si sadli vedľa veže. Pomaly sa to začalo plniť a nakoniec prišli aj traja muzikanti a spustili svoju šou. Celkom to bolo v pohode, no zo slúchatiek to znie lepšie ako naživo, čo je asi to najhoršie, čo kapela môže urobiť.
Dlho sme ale neostali. Kláru pochytila únava a vybrala sa do stanu. Síce som nestihol ich najväčší hit Breezblocks, ale aspoň som si mohol vychutnať pesničku Something good, ktorá sa mne osobne páči od nich najviac. Vydali sme sa teda do stanu. Keď sme tak prechádzali okolo Ticketportalu, zachytili sme pár tónov od Pary. Keď som sa po festivale dopočul, aká tam bola atmosféra, začalo mi byť ľúto, že som na nich nešiel. Prešli sme tak teda popri Pare až ku Orange stejdžu. Tam ma pochytil ten známy nepríjemný pocit, že všetkému je opäť koniec a musím čakať celý rok, kým to znova príde. Čakám takto na Pohodu, ako každý čaká na Vianoce. Odpočítavam mesiace a dni celý rok. Sú to proste tie najlepšie tri dni v roku. Z mojich myšlienok ma vytrhli dvaja okoloidúci hipsteri. Už keď bolo po všetkom, stretnem ľudí zo Smečka. Braňa s Alicou som tu teda vôbec nečakal. A tak to je. Aj keď o sebe ľudia nedajú vedieť, osud to vždy zariadi tak, že sa aj tak stretneme. Hoci to je na úplnom konci festivalu. Tak sme sa pozdravili a pokračovali spať. Trochu ma mrzelo, že neuvidím Waltera Schnitzelsona v Silent disku, ale vybral som sa do stanu. Aj tak tam vraj bolo príšerne veľa ľudí. S tým som skončil moju šiestu Pohodu.
Nedeľné ráno som sa prebudil do zamračeného počasia. Síce ešte nepršalo, no vyzeralo to tak, že čoskoro bude. Oči som poriadne ani nerozlepil, no musel som sa pomaly pobaliť. Keď som videl, že náš šofér má už takmer pobalený aj celý stan, vedel som že moc času teda nemám. Hlavne keď som mal poskladať hneď dva stany. Musím poznamenať, že Ľuboš sa o mňa postaral dôveryhodne na tohtoročnej Pohode. Nielen že mi postaval stan, ale dokonca mi pomohol aj zložiť ten Monin. Ako sa na druhý deň ukázalo, bola to zbytočná robota. Mal som ho pripnutý na ruksaku, a keď som prešiel od autobusovej stanice na železničnú, už som ho pripnutý nemal. Vlak mi akurát prichádzal, tak mi neostal čas na hľadanie. Tak som sa s tým stanom mohol rozlúčiť. Nevadí, naspať na letisko. Tam sme mali už takmer všetko pobalené, tak sme si to namierili smerom k autu. Dadka, ktorá išla vrátiť poháre, nás bleskovo dobehla a tak, keď sme už boli všetci nastúpení, sme sa vydali na cestu domov. Dovidenia milá Pohoda.
Ľuboš určite vyzeral podozrievavo a opite, tak asi preto ho príslušník polície odstavil. Prekvapivo náš pán vodič nenafúkal. Tak sme pokračovali so zastávkou v Považskej až do Žiliny, kde som si dal u Ľuboša sprchu a požičal od neho dve knihy a kraťase. Znovu čo ma tento úžasný človek vytiahol zo šlamastiky a potešil. Za týchto pár dní mu dlhujem veľa. A aby toho nebolo málo, neskôr v ten deň mi ešte aj upiekol v Brezanoch pizzu. No človek môže byť jednoducho rád, že môže tráviť čas s takýmito ľuďmi.
štvrtok 22. júna 2017
ROSES
I was flying up high with the clouds in my head, whilst I was sitting on my bed in Sheffield, watching the film starting. I was well out of my head after the stash we just burned and that was exactly what I wanted. I was prepared to watch Made of Stone. I'd heard of The Stone Roses before, but was never really bothered about them. After I watched that amazing film only then I found out what an amazing story this band had gone through and what a joyful music they've got to offer.
I spend most of my time on Facebook just scrolling down, until something stops me. This time it was an announcement about this gig at Wembley. I sent it to my brother, a huge Roses fan, and he reserved the day when the tickets went on sale. I still didn't think anything of it back then. When he was about to buy the tickets, he got one for me as well, and I thought, Why not? So there I was going to Stone Roses next year, Just like that. I decided to have a proper build up for the gig so I did not watch the film, that got me to like this band, until the very last night before the day.
In the meantime I got into Roses even more. I listened to almost whole discography and I liked it more and more. One day I was shopping at local Tesco's and I grabbed NME magazine on my way out. Just to have some quick light read on the bus. I was overjoyed when I spotted a poster for the Wembley gig. It didn't take me long and it was hanging above my bed. I liked it so much, that I desperately wanted another one, but I just didn't have my journey around that Tesco that week. To this day I regret I didn't go back a got another copy.
So the time passed and my poster got so worn out that I had to throw it away. The gig was just a couple of weeks away. The year went quick and I was already halfway through May. It was only a month separating me from the best event this year. I asked my brother to send me a book, a biography of Stone Roses, just to upgrade my build-up. It couldn't arrive any better time. I got it on Friday, one week before. On Saturday I finished my current book and and I spent all Sunday outside, chilling. I still did not realized how close the whole thing is. It's in less than a week for God's sake. Monday morning and I am on the train drowning into the new exciting book and I can't wait to finish it. It got me right from the first page and I just couldn't wait to read another tale of that beautiful story. As I got home that day, I started observing Spike Island concert, one of the biggest open-air parties ever, when I bumped into a film called Spike Island. I just had to save it for Thursday.
With majestic music in my ears and breathtaking words from the book I had Roses everywhere all the time. It was all about them. All week. I couldn't think of anything else.
Thursday came and I stepped inside my room. First thing was 'Why didn't you tell me you bought yourself a T-shirt.' It was my girlfriend giving me stick that I threw all the money on some lousy T-shirt again and never told her. Actually it didn't cost me a penny. And I just couldn't believe it arrived on time. It was a black shirt with Ian Brown pointing with 'ADORED' written underneath. If I did not have that T-shirt I don't know what would I wear on Saturday. I had a Stone Roses hoodie with a big lemon on it, but with predictions of 30+ degrees it wouldn't be very wise. I adored my 'adored' shirt and was well happy. I was ready to watch Spike Island. My excitement just got bigger. Only two days left.
Very next day when I got home I turned the lights off, cooked my pasta and put on Made of Stone. The film it all started with. After finishing my book I was looking at things differently (and maybe because of the fact that I wasn't high this time). I laid down. There was one more nap to take. It was here, Bring it on!
Saturday morning I woke up a bit disappointed by the fact I had to go to work that day. So I just put on my 'ADORED' T-shirt, and took my bag. No, it wasn't my usual bag this time. It was just a shopping bag with two bottles inside. My bus was coming, so I had to hurry to the bus stop. It was little bit too late. I would probably made it, but the bus did not stop on the actual bus stop, which annoyed me. I saw the bus stop there almost every time it goes here. I was fucked. I knew straight away I was gonna be late for work. To my innocence I was going to be on my own in the office that day, so nobody should really find out. I finally got to my work. Only half an hour late, but I made it. Even with a coffee in my hand. So a long day went through and I was on my way. I finished work, and I set off to the greatest gig I am about to see in a very long time.
First I will have to go to Liverpool street to wait for M&D. But, before I start my journey I nipped in next door's off-license to buy two-liters chilled coke (to go with Captain in my bag). I got on the train and on the tube and on another tube and there I was. A scouse street as I'd like to call it. I had about an hour to wait, which wouldn't bother me, but my chilled drinks were getting warmer. I decided to try my luck and went to Starbucks to ask if they would be kind enough to put my bag in the fridge. And so they did. I sat down with my ice tea and Roses in my ears (once again, and certainly not the last time). After a while I went to wait for the loving couple. Wasn't hard to spot them, being the only ones to wear Stone Roses' shirts. We went to McDonald's to grab something to eat, although I didn't fancy anything, so I just observed. After rather long wait we were on our way to the tube station. Got all the way to Wembley park and went to find a place to drink, which turned out to be nearby parking space with a few lads already sitting, drinking, getting ready for the gig.
Talking of getting ready, I think I had as amazing build-up as possible. I was looking forward to this like never before. I knew everything, every tune, every name and thing that happened to the band. Saying that, it was not perfect. I did one mistake I didn't think of before. I should have stopped listening to them for about a month, maybe two, and play them just before the event. I know it would be hard thing to do, but it would be as much sweeter.
Anyway, back to the parking lot. We sat down, and took out three glasses (well, plastic cups - plastics). One for coke, another one for rum and the third one for rum and coke. And D was sipping espresso martini, which was not the best so she did not really destroyed it completely. Never mind her, me and my brother poured the Captain down our throats in about half an hour. Well, not all of it. There was a bit left in a small plastic bottle which we took inside.
We had one last picture before we went in. We were quite early, but M wanted to see Sleaford Mods really badly. So much, he literally ran upstairs and left us two at the gate. When we got upstairs, up all those stairs, to the top, I went for a quick piss, grabbed some hot dogs and beers, and went to our seats where we found M's most disappointed face. He just missed the band he was looking forward to. Funnily enough it wasn't Stone Roses' gig, which was basically the reason why we came here in the first place, so he just had to get over it by enjoying the main band. Not until Blossoms finish their number. It was alright, but I was not that fascinated. There was a queue at the side of the pitch, which I thought was weird but thought nothing of it. It was only later when I found out that there was David Beckham, so probably him giving away autographs. I went to take a piss and I grabbed a couple of beers on my way back.
I don't even know how it happened (I was in deep conversation) and all of the sudden I heard a huge cheer. That was Ian Brown and his band coming on the stage.It all just came on. That first note of every Roses' gig. Tudududu. I wanna be adored. Down in the crowd were a few smoke bombs which made an unbelievable scene and I caught it all on camera. That was my last video of the night. I went on dancing and singing all set. A girl below me must had a nightmare as I just did not stop shouting to her ear to stop recording with her phone and start enjoying The Stone Roses. Poor thing. I told her I'm from Narnia, what wasn't far from the truth. And I don't mean being from a shitplace no one knows where it is, full of weird animals and dumb creatures (which would have been in place anyway), but I proved it with my dancing, mainly when I fell down to the row of seats below. So what. I was drunk as usual. My heart certainly skipped a beat when I heard first tunes of Breaking into heaven, one of my favorite songs. But basically all gig was perfect, but when I heard it start it was an amazing feeling. Well, not as amazing as when they started All for one. I almost cried. I almost did at the end when I just sat down during I am the resurrection and admired the creation of art right there in front of my own eyes. It was almost over, but I have to mention Fool's Gold, which I literally begged D to record. What a song that is.
Anyway as everything this also had to end once, so it did. It was time for us to go. We queued up in the mass outside the tube station and waited to get to the tube. When we got in there was a great vibe. Full train of Stone Roses fans. Someone started singing: 'Until Sally I was never happy...' and the whole train (when I say whole train I mean everybody) joined 'I needed so much mooree..' all the way to chorus. After they finished I took the chance and started behaving like I was dressed so I started with no words. Nothing, just 'Tududu' and everyone joined. I mean, I'm not even singing and everyone joins in. That's something powerful what makes this. So everybody on the train wanted to be adored and we carried on. Some lads had some sort of a row which I didn't caught what it was about, but really I wasn't that fussed about it. Finally we arrived to North Greenwich and luckily and surprisingly we got on 132 bus. We didn't even needed to wait a second. That's something that rarely happened to me.
On our way home, the kebab shop was closed (no wonders at 1am in the place where I live) so M&D had a pizza for the night.
Next morning was slow and hot. Somehow we managed to get to Victoria, where we had our breakfast a slowly went to our train. Sunday was ahead of me. A day full of beautiful nature and love. Eastbourne is lovely. Seaside is nice. This kind of seaside.
On the other hand I got burnt, but was worth it!
So The Stone Roses are really something and once you get into their music, there is no way out. I believe that when I'll be fifty I will be still listening to those grat tracks and remembering my first gig at big Wembley. And I am pretty sure, this concert won't be the only gig I will be remembering.
I spend most of my time on Facebook just scrolling down, until something stops me. This time it was an announcement about this gig at Wembley. I sent it to my brother, a huge Roses fan, and he reserved the day when the tickets went on sale. I still didn't think anything of it back then. When he was about to buy the tickets, he got one for me as well, and I thought, Why not? So there I was going to Stone Roses next year, Just like that. I decided to have a proper build up for the gig so I did not watch the film, that got me to like this band, until the very last night before the day.
In the meantime I got into Roses even more. I listened to almost whole discography and I liked it more and more. One day I was shopping at local Tesco's and I grabbed NME magazine on my way out. Just to have some quick light read on the bus. I was overjoyed when I spotted a poster for the Wembley gig. It didn't take me long and it was hanging above my bed. I liked it so much, that I desperately wanted another one, but I just didn't have my journey around that Tesco that week. To this day I regret I didn't go back a got another copy.
So the time passed and my poster got so worn out that I had to throw it away. The gig was just a couple of weeks away. The year went quick and I was already halfway through May. It was only a month separating me from the best event this year. I asked my brother to send me a book, a biography of Stone Roses, just to upgrade my build-up. It couldn't arrive any better time. I got it on Friday, one week before. On Saturday I finished my current book and and I spent all Sunday outside, chilling. I still did not realized how close the whole thing is. It's in less than a week for God's sake. Monday morning and I am on the train drowning into the new exciting book and I can't wait to finish it. It got me right from the first page and I just couldn't wait to read another tale of that beautiful story. As I got home that day, I started observing Spike Island concert, one of the biggest open-air parties ever, when I bumped into a film called Spike Island. I just had to save it for Thursday.
With majestic music in my ears and breathtaking words from the book I had Roses everywhere all the time. It was all about them. All week. I couldn't think of anything else.
Thursday came and I stepped inside my room. First thing was 'Why didn't you tell me you bought yourself a T-shirt.' It was my girlfriend giving me stick that I threw all the money on some lousy T-shirt again and never told her. Actually it didn't cost me a penny. And I just couldn't believe it arrived on time. It was a black shirt with Ian Brown pointing with 'ADORED' written underneath. If I did not have that T-shirt I don't know what would I wear on Saturday. I had a Stone Roses hoodie with a big lemon on it, but with predictions of 30+ degrees it wouldn't be very wise. I adored my 'adored' shirt and was well happy. I was ready to watch Spike Island. My excitement just got bigger. Only two days left.
Very next day when I got home I turned the lights off, cooked my pasta and put on Made of Stone. The film it all started with. After finishing my book I was looking at things differently (and maybe because of the fact that I wasn't high this time). I laid down. There was one more nap to take. It was here, Bring it on!
Saturday morning I woke up a bit disappointed by the fact I had to go to work that day. So I just put on my 'ADORED' T-shirt, and took my bag. No, it wasn't my usual bag this time. It was just a shopping bag with two bottles inside. My bus was coming, so I had to hurry to the bus stop. It was little bit too late. I would probably made it, but the bus did not stop on the actual bus stop, which annoyed me. I saw the bus stop there almost every time it goes here. I was fucked. I knew straight away I was gonna be late for work. To my innocence I was going to be on my own in the office that day, so nobody should really find out. I finally got to my work. Only half an hour late, but I made it. Even with a coffee in my hand. So a long day went through and I was on my way. I finished work, and I set off to the greatest gig I am about to see in a very long time.
First I will have to go to Liverpool street to wait for M&D. But, before I start my journey I nipped in next door's off-license to buy two-liters chilled coke (to go with Captain in my bag). I got on the train and on the tube and on another tube and there I was. A scouse street as I'd like to call it. I had about an hour to wait, which wouldn't bother me, but my chilled drinks were getting warmer. I decided to try my luck and went to Starbucks to ask if they would be kind enough to put my bag in the fridge. And so they did. I sat down with my ice tea and Roses in my ears (once again, and certainly not the last time). After a while I went to wait for the loving couple. Wasn't hard to spot them, being the only ones to wear Stone Roses' shirts. We went to McDonald's to grab something to eat, although I didn't fancy anything, so I just observed. After rather long wait we were on our way to the tube station. Got all the way to Wembley park and went to find a place to drink, which turned out to be nearby parking space with a few lads already sitting, drinking, getting ready for the gig.
Talking of getting ready, I think I had as amazing build-up as possible. I was looking forward to this like never before. I knew everything, every tune, every name and thing that happened to the band. Saying that, it was not perfect. I did one mistake I didn't think of before. I should have stopped listening to them for about a month, maybe two, and play them just before the event. I know it would be hard thing to do, but it would be as much sweeter.
Anyway, back to the parking lot. We sat down, and took out three glasses (well, plastic cups - plastics). One for coke, another one for rum and the third one for rum and coke. And D was sipping espresso martini, which was not the best so she did not really destroyed it completely. Never mind her, me and my brother poured the Captain down our throats in about half an hour. Well, not all of it. There was a bit left in a small plastic bottle which we took inside.
We had one last picture before we went in. We were quite early, but M wanted to see Sleaford Mods really badly. So much, he literally ran upstairs and left us two at the gate. When we got upstairs, up all those stairs, to the top, I went for a quick piss, grabbed some hot dogs and beers, and went to our seats where we found M's most disappointed face. He just missed the band he was looking forward to. Funnily enough it wasn't Stone Roses' gig, which was basically the reason why we came here in the first place, so he just had to get over it by enjoying the main band. Not until Blossoms finish their number. It was alright, but I was not that fascinated. There was a queue at the side of the pitch, which I thought was weird but thought nothing of it. It was only later when I found out that there was David Beckham, so probably him giving away autographs. I went to take a piss and I grabbed a couple of beers on my way back.
I don't even know how it happened (I was in deep conversation) and all of the sudden I heard a huge cheer. That was Ian Brown and his band coming on the stage.It all just came on. That first note of every Roses' gig. Tudududu. I wanna be adored. Down in the crowd were a few smoke bombs which made an unbelievable scene and I caught it all on camera. That was my last video of the night. I went on dancing and singing all set. A girl below me must had a nightmare as I just did not stop shouting to her ear to stop recording with her phone and start enjoying The Stone Roses. Poor thing. I told her I'm from Narnia, what wasn't far from the truth. And I don't mean being from a shitplace no one knows where it is, full of weird animals and dumb creatures (which would have been in place anyway), but I proved it with my dancing, mainly when I fell down to the row of seats below. So what. I was drunk as usual. My heart certainly skipped a beat when I heard first tunes of Breaking into heaven, one of my favorite songs. But basically all gig was perfect, but when I heard it start it was an amazing feeling. Well, not as amazing as when they started All for one. I almost cried. I almost did at the end when I just sat down during I am the resurrection and admired the creation of art right there in front of my own eyes. It was almost over, but I have to mention Fool's Gold, which I literally begged D to record. What a song that is.
Anyway as everything this also had to end once, so it did. It was time for us to go. We queued up in the mass outside the tube station and waited to get to the tube. When we got in there was a great vibe. Full train of Stone Roses fans. Someone started singing: 'Until Sally I was never happy...' and the whole train (when I say whole train I mean everybody) joined 'I needed so much mooree..' all the way to chorus. After they finished I took the chance and started behaving like I was dressed so I started with no words. Nothing, just 'Tududu' and everyone joined. I mean, I'm not even singing and everyone joins in. That's something powerful what makes this. So everybody on the train wanted to be adored and we carried on. Some lads had some sort of a row which I didn't caught what it was about, but really I wasn't that fussed about it. Finally we arrived to North Greenwich and luckily and surprisingly we got on 132 bus. We didn't even needed to wait a second. That's something that rarely happened to me.
On our way home, the kebab shop was closed (no wonders at 1am in the place where I live) so M&D had a pizza for the night.
Next morning was slow and hot. Somehow we managed to get to Victoria, where we had our breakfast a slowly went to our train. Sunday was ahead of me. A day full of beautiful nature and love. Eastbourne is lovely. Seaside is nice. This kind of seaside.
On the other hand I got burnt, but was worth it!
So The Stone Roses are really something and once you get into their music, there is no way out. I believe that when I'll be fifty I will be still listening to those grat tracks and remembering my first gig at big Wembley. And I am pretty sure, this concert won't be the only gig I will be remembering.
utorok 23. mája 2017
PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTION/REVIEW
I just found an article about Premier league review where were someone's prediction's from before the start of the season. I thought it would be a brilliant idea to look at my predictions, however I didn't think of that before. So I am going to try to predict next season, so I can look here in a year time and see how accurate I was. Not to make it only so boring I am also going to sum up the previous season on which I basically make my predictions (The numbers in brackets are Christmas standings).
Premier League 2017/2018
1. Manchester United (3rd)
The thing with Man U is that you can't say they had a disappointing season despite finishing 6th. How crazy is that? They won Community shield, EFL cup, unbeaten in 29 games and playing final in Europa league (which might mean a possible Champions league place). You just can't call that unsuccessful. Having said that finishing outside top four has been going on for way too long (expect one occasion which wasn't real stunner really). It was Jose's first season and the way they played their first game and their final one, is significantly different. There is definitely starting to show a Mourinho impact on the team. The only thing that cost them a top finish were all those draws. Jose is going to work on that during the summer and also he might bring a few more new faces in. Anyway Man United did well, but the result wasn't pleasant. That's why I think next year it's going to work out just perfect.
2. Manchester City (2nd)
Pep Guardiola's only achievement was finishing in top four last season which is a big smack in the face for Pep and city fans. They are playing an attractive football, but it was just not enough to be any sort of a threat for the league leaders. To be fighting to stay in top four till the last game of the season is quite shameful. Pep has certainly learned a lesion that Premier league is no fairy tale walk and will produce a decent team competing to win the league. I think the deciding fact, that they won't win the league will come a couple of matches early.
3. Chelsea (1st)
Conte is a sensational manager as last season showed. They deserved the title with the way they were playing. Even if Costa leaves they still have plenty of great players. I don't think they will go mental in transfer window, having just won the league, but if they sign one or two young talented players, Conte can let one or two of his key players go (he should keep hold of Kante though). He will be seriously one of the strongest managers to beat, but he won't be winning forever. They'll be top at Christmas, but the luck will turn the back on them. A couple of draws along the way will put them in 3rd just behind blue team from Manchester. 1-2 points behind, maybe decided on goal difference. It will be a tight run.
4. Arsenal (4th)
Oh, how useless Arsenal and Wenger were in last season. Being an Arsenal fan must hurt. I believe that we've just seen Wenger's last season at Emirates. The question is, who will replace him? It will be very hard to answer that question, but if somebody capable will step in Arsene's shoes, they will do well. Which means 4th, as usual. But you never know. It;s Arsenal. They sign Alan Pardew and Arsenal will be lucky to get to the top half. It will be decisive who will lead north-London team in next season. If I'm wrong and Wenger stays, my prediction will stay the same. They will be though to beat, but they will be possible to beat.
5. Liverpool (8th)
Scousers will face another disappointing season after being almost out of Champions league. Jurgen Klopp is a great man, doing a great job, but nobody can do magic. Managing Liverpool side and expect to win trophies is like cooking an exact portion of spaghetti for one. It is possible, but nobody has ever done it and nobody ever will. Southampton did rather well last season, so we can expect some more signings in Liverpool squad, but they can't let go Firminho and Couthinho. I think everyone else in that squad is replaceable, but those two 'inhos are a crucial part of the team. And if they won't sign a new keeper they might be in big trouble. After all it is going to be a difficult season next year, and I don't think Liverpool is going to handle it well. I believe that the same old thing is going to happen again. They will be unbeaten against top four all season, but they going to give away a Champions league place by loosing to Crystal Palace at Anfield.
6. Everton (7th)
Everton played extraordinary football last season. They did really well and they will keep going all the way through next season. It will be very exciting for them, spending most of the year above their biggest rivals from across the river, but the things will turn to be sour for them. Finishing behind Liverpool after a couple of lost important games. All of that only if Ross Barkley and Lukaku will stay at Goodison next season.
7. Newcastle (5th)
Geordies did really well in Championship and they deserve to be in the top flight. Newcastle are a big club and what can be better for them than being promoted as champions and seeing their rivals relegated from the bottom of the table. After having a non-pleasant experience from lower league, their finish in this season will pump them right up to the high finish in the Premier league. They've got many talented players who can help them to do really well. And with that fantastic support many great wins are on the way.
8. Spurs (6th)
Spurs hunted the champions again. Yet they failed again. Luckily for them they stayed second and what's better feeling than laughing at Arsenal for not making it into Champions league. They gave farewell to White Hart lane, which wasn't a good idea in my opinion. Just look at West Ham. They played some poor football at Olympic stadium. The killer for Tottenham will be Wembley. They never did well at this ground and I don't think they are about to change it. After quite successful season some of the key players might even leave the club which won't help them to keep up the good work. I see their next season as a big disappointment for them.
9. Southampton (11th)
Beach boys are doing better and better each season. There is always something missing to be among the elite of the league. With the budget they play with it's truly remarkable to see them doing so well. Next season will be another one full of positive surprises. But I'm afraid they will only go downhill from there. I'm just gonna throw in another predictions that it's likely they will change a manager during the season, which will be a right decision, but it will be a bit too late to do anything significant to the league table.
10. Brighton (14th)
Another one of those small teams which everyone likes to see them do well. And I think they will. I am not really sure about this one, as they might finish in lower places, but why not? Just look at Leicester, Burnley or Bournemouth. Is Brighton going to be another one of those? They almost won the league last season and to win Championship is a tough competition bearing in mind that you have 4 more teams to compete with, therefore 8 more games. That is something, that is not easy, but they managed to do very well, so I think they will keep on going.
11. West Brom (13th)
West Brom games have always been 50-50. Weather they play Liverpool or Swansea. They just have the capability to surprise, but to disappoint at the same time. Tony Pulis is doing a great work, but as I said it's so-so and that's why I'm going with middle table finish with West Brom.
12. West Ham (9th)
It was very hard for hammers this season. Having some great players and yet still not get the results as they used to is not something you see very often. But you see it. Olympic stadium was a big blow for them. I could never see them do well on this ground. It is not Upton park. And you can see that not only on the look of the ground, but in the way of play as well. One season was maybe not enough and they are gonna suffer more. It will take some time, to make Olympic stadium their home.
13. Bournemouth (10th)
It is obvious what is the reason Bournemouth are still in the Premier league. There is only one name. Eddie Howe. For me he is one of the best managers of the season. If you'd put in charge anyone else, they would be fighting relegation for sure. Eddie is making Bournemouth a decent club, and he will do for a long time. I can't see them having any big worries about getting relegated next season, although they will need to fight, but it won't be that hard.
14. Leicester (16th)
The famous Leicester. A big champions with a small club. Those days are gone. Ranieri is gone. Which I will never understand, but it happened for whatever reason. Foxes started to write a new story. Literally, when Shakespeare took over. It was a nice read at first, but then it got a bit boring. Vardy and Mahrez were not available despite being on the pitch, which is going to change next season. If you look at Leicester history they have every other season successful. They change every season and having last season not so great, in the next one they are going to break this streak. Leicester glory days are over. They will remain safe in the top league, but with nothing interesting to watch. Maybe season after that.
15. Stoke (17th)
Stoke are one of those clubs who are not on top of your watch list. Next season they will have to step up from the relegation zone, where they will find themselves for a short time. Nothing serious though, they will stay high and dry long before the end of the season.
16. Swansea (12th)
After a nightmare, stressful finish of last season, Swans are going to learn a lesson. The team in white are going to be a tough place to visit and will be playing some decent football, however, things will change. They will drop. Not too low, but close enough to give them some worry lines on their faces. The end of the next season is not going to be an easy walk through once again. But they will manage to stay up.
17. Burnley (18th)
Sean Dyche is another one of those who can surprise us. However I do not believe Burnley is a tem for Premier league. Yeah, it's nice to see them play with the biggest clubs in the country, but I think it's just a matter of time, when they will be sent back to Championship again. Having said that I can see them saving themselves on the very last day of the season having their arses burnt by the flames of Championship.
18. Crystal Palace (15th)
Palace is a club where you just don't know what to expect. Last season was played with only Zaha and Benteke. I believe they will do well until January, when either one of them is going to use a transfer window and we will see Crystal Palace slip all the way down to relegation place. As I mentioned above, it will be decided in the last game, where they will not be able to gain urgent, important points, that would keep them in the league.
19. Reading (20th)
I am going to go with Reading over Huddersfield. I saw the game at Hillsborough and Huddersfield to me was not the team for the PL. Reading are going to have that extra bit of luck and will be celebrating a nice win at Wembley (maybe after extra time). That's my prediction number one for them. The other one is, that they will go where they came from. Next season will be a struggle for them and they will only wish that the season would be over.
20. Watford (19th)
Sacking a manager just for not speaking English seems a bit harsh for me (just look at Pochetino. remember his first days at Southampton?), however I do think it is a right decision. What I don't think is a right decision is a choice of a next manager. I don't know who that will be, but I've just got this gut feeling, that it is not going to end well. Watford will suffer a painful season and Mazzurri will only look and laugh at them.
Here are some additional predictions:
FA CUP: Man City - I see an easy draw for City. Although challenging for PL title and having priorities elsewhere, they will manage to get all the way through to final and maybe compensate for the standing in the league.
EFL CUP: Newcastle - After spending a year in not so prestigious Championship Newcastle will surprise us with not only league performance, but I reckon they will manage to get their hands on this piece of silverware.
COMMUNITY SHIELD: Chelsea - Easy 3-1 win against Arsenal. Can't see it any other way.
Championship promotion:
1.Fulham - After last season of great football, they will get a revenge for not getting promoted last season.
2. Hull - If they will manage to keep all the hard-working players, maybe sign some more, there will be an exciting season for them
Play offs - Sheffield United - Yeah, for this one I am going with my heart instead of my head, but who knows? Chris Wilder is making a fantastic job. Top six is not that unrealistic.
Regarding Europe, in Champions league an English team will get as far as semis. To be knocked out by a Spanish team (Real or Barca presumably). Who will that team be? I'm gonna go with Chelsea. I might be wrong though.
Europa league will be a bit obvious with a giant called Arsenal in there. Although I would like to see them loose in the final. Just to bring some nice memories from Liverpool game. Oh. It still makes me laugh. That's that then. I'm off to have a Coke.
XX
Premier League 2017/2018
1. Manchester United (3rd)
The thing with Man U is that you can't say they had a disappointing season despite finishing 6th. How crazy is that? They won Community shield, EFL cup, unbeaten in 29 games and playing final in Europa league (which might mean a possible Champions league place). You just can't call that unsuccessful. Having said that finishing outside top four has been going on for way too long (expect one occasion which wasn't real stunner really). It was Jose's first season and the way they played their first game and their final one, is significantly different. There is definitely starting to show a Mourinho impact on the team. The only thing that cost them a top finish were all those draws. Jose is going to work on that during the summer and also he might bring a few more new faces in. Anyway Man United did well, but the result wasn't pleasant. That's why I think next year it's going to work out just perfect.
2. Manchester City (2nd)
Pep Guardiola's only achievement was finishing in top four last season which is a big smack in the face for Pep and city fans. They are playing an attractive football, but it was just not enough to be any sort of a threat for the league leaders. To be fighting to stay in top four till the last game of the season is quite shameful. Pep has certainly learned a lesion that Premier league is no fairy tale walk and will produce a decent team competing to win the league. I think the deciding fact, that they won't win the league will come a couple of matches early.
3. Chelsea (1st)
Conte is a sensational manager as last season showed. They deserved the title with the way they were playing. Even if Costa leaves they still have plenty of great players. I don't think they will go mental in transfer window, having just won the league, but if they sign one or two young talented players, Conte can let one or two of his key players go (he should keep hold of Kante though). He will be seriously one of the strongest managers to beat, but he won't be winning forever. They'll be top at Christmas, but the luck will turn the back on them. A couple of draws along the way will put them in 3rd just behind blue team from Manchester. 1-2 points behind, maybe decided on goal difference. It will be a tight run.
4. Arsenal (4th)
Oh, how useless Arsenal and Wenger were in last season. Being an Arsenal fan must hurt. I believe that we've just seen Wenger's last season at Emirates. The question is, who will replace him? It will be very hard to answer that question, but if somebody capable will step in Arsene's shoes, they will do well. Which means 4th, as usual. But you never know. It;s Arsenal. They sign Alan Pardew and Arsenal will be lucky to get to the top half. It will be decisive who will lead north-London team in next season. If I'm wrong and Wenger stays, my prediction will stay the same. They will be though to beat, but they will be possible to beat.
5. Liverpool (8th)
Scousers will face another disappointing season after being almost out of Champions league. Jurgen Klopp is a great man, doing a great job, but nobody can do magic. Managing Liverpool side and expect to win trophies is like cooking an exact portion of spaghetti for one. It is possible, but nobody has ever done it and nobody ever will. Southampton did rather well last season, so we can expect some more signings in Liverpool squad, but they can't let go Firminho and Couthinho. I think everyone else in that squad is replaceable, but those two 'inhos are a crucial part of the team. And if they won't sign a new keeper they might be in big trouble. After all it is going to be a difficult season next year, and I don't think Liverpool is going to handle it well. I believe that the same old thing is going to happen again. They will be unbeaten against top four all season, but they going to give away a Champions league place by loosing to Crystal Palace at Anfield.
6. Everton (7th)
Everton played extraordinary football last season. They did really well and they will keep going all the way through next season. It will be very exciting for them, spending most of the year above their biggest rivals from across the river, but the things will turn to be sour for them. Finishing behind Liverpool after a couple of lost important games. All of that only if Ross Barkley and Lukaku will stay at Goodison next season.
7. Newcastle (5th)
Geordies did really well in Championship and they deserve to be in the top flight. Newcastle are a big club and what can be better for them than being promoted as champions and seeing their rivals relegated from the bottom of the table. After having a non-pleasant experience from lower league, their finish in this season will pump them right up to the high finish in the Premier league. They've got many talented players who can help them to do really well. And with that fantastic support many great wins are on the way.
8. Spurs (6th)
Spurs hunted the champions again. Yet they failed again. Luckily for them they stayed second and what's better feeling than laughing at Arsenal for not making it into Champions league. They gave farewell to White Hart lane, which wasn't a good idea in my opinion. Just look at West Ham. They played some poor football at Olympic stadium. The killer for Tottenham will be Wembley. They never did well at this ground and I don't think they are about to change it. After quite successful season some of the key players might even leave the club which won't help them to keep up the good work. I see their next season as a big disappointment for them.
9. Southampton (11th)
Beach boys are doing better and better each season. There is always something missing to be among the elite of the league. With the budget they play with it's truly remarkable to see them doing so well. Next season will be another one full of positive surprises. But I'm afraid they will only go downhill from there. I'm just gonna throw in another predictions that it's likely they will change a manager during the season, which will be a right decision, but it will be a bit too late to do anything significant to the league table.
10. Brighton (14th)
Another one of those small teams which everyone likes to see them do well. And I think they will. I am not really sure about this one, as they might finish in lower places, but why not? Just look at Leicester, Burnley or Bournemouth. Is Brighton going to be another one of those? They almost won the league last season and to win Championship is a tough competition bearing in mind that you have 4 more teams to compete with, therefore 8 more games. That is something, that is not easy, but they managed to do very well, so I think they will keep on going.
11. West Brom (13th)
West Brom games have always been 50-50. Weather they play Liverpool or Swansea. They just have the capability to surprise, but to disappoint at the same time. Tony Pulis is doing a great work, but as I said it's so-so and that's why I'm going with middle table finish with West Brom.
12. West Ham (9th)
It was very hard for hammers this season. Having some great players and yet still not get the results as they used to is not something you see very often. But you see it. Olympic stadium was a big blow for them. I could never see them do well on this ground. It is not Upton park. And you can see that not only on the look of the ground, but in the way of play as well. One season was maybe not enough and they are gonna suffer more. It will take some time, to make Olympic stadium their home.
13. Bournemouth (10th)
It is obvious what is the reason Bournemouth are still in the Premier league. There is only one name. Eddie Howe. For me he is one of the best managers of the season. If you'd put in charge anyone else, they would be fighting relegation for sure. Eddie is making Bournemouth a decent club, and he will do for a long time. I can't see them having any big worries about getting relegated next season, although they will need to fight, but it won't be that hard.
14. Leicester (16th)
The famous Leicester. A big champions with a small club. Those days are gone. Ranieri is gone. Which I will never understand, but it happened for whatever reason. Foxes started to write a new story. Literally, when Shakespeare took over. It was a nice read at first, but then it got a bit boring. Vardy and Mahrez were not available despite being on the pitch, which is going to change next season. If you look at Leicester history they have every other season successful. They change every season and having last season not so great, in the next one they are going to break this streak. Leicester glory days are over. They will remain safe in the top league, but with nothing interesting to watch. Maybe season after that.
15. Stoke (17th)
Stoke are one of those clubs who are not on top of your watch list. Next season they will have to step up from the relegation zone, where they will find themselves for a short time. Nothing serious though, they will stay high and dry long before the end of the season.
16. Swansea (12th)
After a nightmare, stressful finish of last season, Swans are going to learn a lesson. The team in white are going to be a tough place to visit and will be playing some decent football, however, things will change. They will drop. Not too low, but close enough to give them some worry lines on their faces. The end of the next season is not going to be an easy walk through once again. But they will manage to stay up.
17. Burnley (18th)
Sean Dyche is another one of those who can surprise us. However I do not believe Burnley is a tem for Premier league. Yeah, it's nice to see them play with the biggest clubs in the country, but I think it's just a matter of time, when they will be sent back to Championship again. Having said that I can see them saving themselves on the very last day of the season having their arses burnt by the flames of Championship.
18. Crystal Palace (15th)
Palace is a club where you just don't know what to expect. Last season was played with only Zaha and Benteke. I believe they will do well until January, when either one of them is going to use a transfer window and we will see Crystal Palace slip all the way down to relegation place. As I mentioned above, it will be decided in the last game, where they will not be able to gain urgent, important points, that would keep them in the league.
19. Reading (20th)
I am going to go with Reading over Huddersfield. I saw the game at Hillsborough and Huddersfield to me was not the team for the PL. Reading are going to have that extra bit of luck and will be celebrating a nice win at Wembley (maybe after extra time). That's my prediction number one for them. The other one is, that they will go where they came from. Next season will be a struggle for them and they will only wish that the season would be over.
20. Watford (19th)
Sacking a manager just for not speaking English seems a bit harsh for me (just look at Pochetino. remember his first days at Southampton?), however I do think it is a right decision. What I don't think is a right decision is a choice of a next manager. I don't know who that will be, but I've just got this gut feeling, that it is not going to end well. Watford will suffer a painful season and Mazzurri will only look and laugh at them.
Here are some additional predictions:
FA CUP: Man City - I see an easy draw for City. Although challenging for PL title and having priorities elsewhere, they will manage to get all the way through to final and maybe compensate for the standing in the league.
EFL CUP: Newcastle - After spending a year in not so prestigious Championship Newcastle will surprise us with not only league performance, but I reckon they will manage to get their hands on this piece of silverware.
COMMUNITY SHIELD: Chelsea - Easy 3-1 win against Arsenal. Can't see it any other way.
Championship promotion:
1.Fulham - After last season of great football, they will get a revenge for not getting promoted last season.
2. Hull - If they will manage to keep all the hard-working players, maybe sign some more, there will be an exciting season for them
Play offs - Sheffield United - Yeah, for this one I am going with my heart instead of my head, but who knows? Chris Wilder is making a fantastic job. Top six is not that unrealistic.
Regarding Europe, in Champions league an English team will get as far as semis. To be knocked out by a Spanish team (Real or Barca presumably). Who will that team be? I'm gonna go with Chelsea. I might be wrong though.
Europa league will be a bit obvious with a giant called Arsenal in there. Although I would like to see them loose in the final. Just to bring some nice memories from Liverpool game. Oh. It still makes me laugh. That's that then. I'm off to have a Coke.
XX
pondelok 15. mája 2017
The finale - A farewell to the Lane
Old Trafford, Etihad stadium, Turf moor, Upton park, Madejski stadium, The City ground, Meadow Lane, Bramall lane, Keepmoat Stadium, The Valley, Stamford bridge, Craven cottage (Wembley, Hilsborough and Emirates on work duties).
Those are the grounds I ever visited in England. But there are few missing on the list that I wish to see. Newcastle's St. James Park is certainly up there, but there is one stadium I always wanted to go to. And this was my last chance.
I always liked Spurs. Maybe it's due to the fact that they hate Arsenal, but they also play great football, have some decent players in the squad, very good managers and loud fans. Seeing them succeed lately by NEARLY winning the league (again) felt good. I'd much rather see them lifting a trophy than bloody Scousers or City. Anyway I wanted visit White Hart Lane ever since I saw the pictures of it, yet this was my last opportunity to do so. Funnily enough it was the big club from Manchester to challenge Tottenham to defend finishing their last ever season at the Lane unbeaten.
I spent all Friday on the phone sorting out tickets to an away end. It would cost me £200 what is quite a number. I was on the edge, bearing in mind that this was my last chance to go to the place, I would experience my first away United game, there would be playing two top teams and the demand for the tickets was unbelievable. Still it was a high price. The deciding point was my visit to Upton park in 2012. What a beautiful ground and they just abandoned it for that big shithole called Olympic stadium. Don't get me wrong, it is nice and that, but I don't think there was any need in getting a new ground. Especially that far from the old one. It has nothing to do with proper English historical way of stadiums were built. It has its own thing. To be so close to the players is like you are on the pitch yourself. There is nothing like it in the world and you have to experience it to admire those grounds. So to see one of those to be knocked down is quite hart-breaking. In the end the things turned out as they did and I was nervously waiting for the postman to knock on the door on Saturday morning. If he never delivered the tickets, I would only be able to collect them on Monday, so a huge relief hit me when I was finally tearing that envelope. The guy would only give me two tickets together, so I had to sort out the other one out. Although I didn't know anyone who would want to go. Not anyone in London anyway. But that wasn't my biggest worry as it would not significantly affect the price I paid.
The Sunday was finally here and I was getting ready for the showing off with masterclass in local Sunday league. It didn't go too well and I was only hoping I wouldn't have to watch anything similar this afternoon. I wanted to have a little time before the game so I legged it after half time. We were surprisingly only 1-0 down when I left. With the way we were playing and chances they missed it was a result that we could be more than happy with.
I was on my way home. When I got out of the bus I popped in the local off-license to tool me up with some beer cans for the road. I opened a bottle of Pilsner as soon as I stepped into my flat. Had a shower and a little rest and off I went in my United shirt. I was a bit concerned walking around Spurs fans in Man Utd shirt, but I thought it shouldn't be such a big issue. When I changed at green park I noticed few Spurs fans around, but no one seemed to be bothered about what I was wearing. At my other change at seven sisters my heart started beating a bit faster. There were a couple of fans in white and I was just hoping to spot at least one similar brave man like me. When I got off at White Hart Lane station I felt like Eminem in a rap club. Everyone was still cool with me wandering around the streets in red. So I got to the ground. First thing that hit your eye is a massive round wall in process of building. The new ground was in early stages, but I could see the whole thing built and that image looked incredible. I was wondering why on earth would they get rid of such a beautiful place as White Hart Lane, but I could see something, new, something better, something remarkable was coming in Tottenham's way. I walked round the massive thing and there she was, I pictured it rather differently and more modern than it actually was. Anyway I was still trying to find my way through massive crowd of white, to the turnstiles for away fans, hoping to see some people in familiar shirts. There must have been hundreds of supporters, but I was definitely standing out with that shirt. When I got to South stand I finally noticed few away fans. I was still admiring the stadium from outside and I could see why it needed changing. Rusty and old. I went on to find some pub stuffed with reds, but after walking for few minutes I found only one with whites. I didn't want to go too far as you never know what might happen. I just sat down and opened my Guinness. I went back to the ground and walked past. Maybe I'll have better luck the other way. After I noticed the first one was for home fans I just gave up. I also read that it is hard to find that kind of pub. So I just went to the side road and opened my third beer of the day. I stood there as one guy came up to me asking me for a spare ticket. I obviously still had one, but I wasn't sure he was an United fan. After he showed me a membership card from last season I had no doubt and sold him the ticket. He then introduced me to his son and his son's girlfriend. They also needed a ticket to get in, but I couldn't help them anymore. I just stood there having a chat when a guy came up to me sayin' I was an idiot. He probably noticed what I was wearing. So I just smiled and congratulated him on putting pressure on Chelsea. I went to get a match programme. What would be a better memory than a programme? This is perhaps what a programme directors were thinking too, because they put the price on it of £10. Ten fucking pounds! Cheeky greedy sods. So I headed empty-handed inside. I was hoping there will be a couple of lads already half-wasted singing and drinking, as I saw in Wembley. To my disappointment there were just few people drinking quietly. So I just ordered a pint and started looking around the walls with all the names that ever played at WHL. I found myself stunned in surprise when I saw Slovan Bratislava in there. It made me laugh even more as it was next to Manchester United. So I went to my seat to see what my view is going to be. As I walked out I was amazed. The stadium is great. I was thanking myself for deciding to go. After few moments a went for another beer and pie. After that I walked to my seat again, but only now it was just few minutes till kick-off and the stands were packed. Everyone started waving their flags as the players came out of the tunnel what created a fantastic atmosphere.
Soon the game kicked off along with perhaps the loudest chanting I have ever heard. It was unbelievable. I was very glad to watch Premier league live again. My excitement didn't last very long, when Wanyama headed the ball past De Gea. It wasn't very good performance from the lads, but managed to keep it only one goal difference. My throat had enough after a couple of songs I screamed, but I still kept going. I just couldn't stop. What annoyed me though was 'Follow, follow' chant. Not that it's any bad or anything, but they were singing it way too often. They don't have much to sing about this season, but I was getting sick of the chant.
After halftime and a beer with Costa (I swear to God it was him, although he claimed that he is only a lookalike) I went to slightly different spot to watch the game from. Only when I turned round to start watching, Man U conceded second. Harry Kane, the king of Lane. There was a practically no chance of turning this game round with the team that was on the pitch, but the belief was still there. Anyway, it was painful to watch, but with every passing minute I tried to sink in every inch and every detail of White Hart Lane to my memory. Wayne brought my hopes back after netting one back to make it 2-1. After that United were trying, but not enough. Little raindrops landed on the fourth referee's board as he was showing the amount of stoppage time. Everyone was waving their flags again and the scenes were thrilling. I wished for only one more goal so we have something to cheer about, but my wishes never came true.
The ref whistled for the last time and everyone ran onto the pitch. It was celebration like no other. Well, in fact it wasn't even a celebration. It was a goodbye.
All I can say is 'Well done Spurs'. What a season for them to finish unbeaten at their own ground. Only that title that would put the icing on the cake, but this was sweet enough. It was very emotional. The end of a huge exciting era.
It was a perfect farewell. And when I say perfect, everything went according to plan. Even a beautiful rainbow over the Lane came to say goodbye.
On my way home there was full train of fans. Both white and red. As we got off at Seven Sisters some brave guy in front started singing the old familiar Stockholm song. After a couple of fans around joined in I did not hesitate and had one last shout. Walking down the stairs to the tube station I was banging my hand to the rhythm of the chants so hard, it turned red immediately and hurt for next few minutes. Some lads in Spurs shirts started pointing at me to which I replied with 'You NEARLY won the league' The chant that carried on until I jumped on the tube. Journey home was long, but safe. And those memories will stay with me forever. Because only them will remain of that magical place.
What a day! Certainly worth it! To miss a visit to White Hart Lane would be a big mistake. Luckily enough I managed to avoid it. There is an exciting future waiting for north Londoners in the new modern bigger better ground. Hopefully I'll have a look at that one anytime soon. All I can say for now is: Good luck in the new home, Spurs!
Those are the grounds I ever visited in England. But there are few missing on the list that I wish to see. Newcastle's St. James Park is certainly up there, but there is one stadium I always wanted to go to. And this was my last chance.
I always liked Spurs. Maybe it's due to the fact that they hate Arsenal, but they also play great football, have some decent players in the squad, very good managers and loud fans. Seeing them succeed lately by NEARLY winning the league (again) felt good. I'd much rather see them lifting a trophy than bloody Scousers or City. Anyway I wanted visit White Hart Lane ever since I saw the pictures of it, yet this was my last opportunity to do so. Funnily enough it was the big club from Manchester to challenge Tottenham to defend finishing their last ever season at the Lane unbeaten.
I spent all Friday on the phone sorting out tickets to an away end. It would cost me £200 what is quite a number. I was on the edge, bearing in mind that this was my last chance to go to the place, I would experience my first away United game, there would be playing two top teams and the demand for the tickets was unbelievable. Still it was a high price. The deciding point was my visit to Upton park in 2012. What a beautiful ground and they just abandoned it for that big shithole called Olympic stadium. Don't get me wrong, it is nice and that, but I don't think there was any need in getting a new ground. Especially that far from the old one. It has nothing to do with proper English historical way of stadiums were built. It has its own thing. To be so close to the players is like you are on the pitch yourself. There is nothing like it in the world and you have to experience it to admire those grounds. So to see one of those to be knocked down is quite hart-breaking. In the end the things turned out as they did and I was nervously waiting for the postman to knock on the door on Saturday morning. If he never delivered the tickets, I would only be able to collect them on Monday, so a huge relief hit me when I was finally tearing that envelope. The guy would only give me two tickets together, so I had to sort out the other one out. Although I didn't know anyone who would want to go. Not anyone in London anyway. But that wasn't my biggest worry as it would not significantly affect the price I paid.
The Sunday was finally here and I was getting ready for the showing off with masterclass in local Sunday league. It didn't go too well and I was only hoping I wouldn't have to watch anything similar this afternoon. I wanted to have a little time before the game so I legged it after half time. We were surprisingly only 1-0 down when I left. With the way we were playing and chances they missed it was a result that we could be more than happy with.
I was on my way home. When I got out of the bus I popped in the local off-license to tool me up with some beer cans for the road. I opened a bottle of Pilsner as soon as I stepped into my flat. Had a shower and a little rest and off I went in my United shirt. I was a bit concerned walking around Spurs fans in Man Utd shirt, but I thought it shouldn't be such a big issue. When I changed at green park I noticed few Spurs fans around, but no one seemed to be bothered about what I was wearing. At my other change at seven sisters my heart started beating a bit faster. There were a couple of fans in white and I was just hoping to spot at least one similar brave man like me. When I got off at White Hart Lane station I felt like Eminem in a rap club. Everyone was still cool with me wandering around the streets in red. So I got to the ground. First thing that hit your eye is a massive round wall in process of building. The new ground was in early stages, but I could see the whole thing built and that image looked incredible. I was wondering why on earth would they get rid of such a beautiful place as White Hart Lane, but I could see something, new, something better, something remarkable was coming in Tottenham's way. I walked round the massive thing and there she was, I pictured it rather differently and more modern than it actually was. Anyway I was still trying to find my way through massive crowd of white, to the turnstiles for away fans, hoping to see some people in familiar shirts. There must have been hundreds of supporters, but I was definitely standing out with that shirt. When I got to South stand I finally noticed few away fans. I was still admiring the stadium from outside and I could see why it needed changing. Rusty and old. I went on to find some pub stuffed with reds, but after walking for few minutes I found only one with whites. I didn't want to go too far as you never know what might happen. I just sat down and opened my Guinness. I went back to the ground and walked past. Maybe I'll have better luck the other way. After I noticed the first one was for home fans I just gave up. I also read that it is hard to find that kind of pub. So I just went to the side road and opened my third beer of the day. I stood there as one guy came up to me asking me for a spare ticket. I obviously still had one, but I wasn't sure he was an United fan. After he showed me a membership card from last season I had no doubt and sold him the ticket. He then introduced me to his son and his son's girlfriend. They also needed a ticket to get in, but I couldn't help them anymore. I just stood there having a chat when a guy came up to me sayin' I was an idiot. He probably noticed what I was wearing. So I just smiled and congratulated him on putting pressure on Chelsea. I went to get a match programme. What would be a better memory than a programme? This is perhaps what a programme directors were thinking too, because they put the price on it of £10. Ten fucking pounds! Cheeky greedy sods. So I headed empty-handed inside. I was hoping there will be a couple of lads already half-wasted singing and drinking, as I saw in Wembley. To my disappointment there were just few people drinking quietly. So I just ordered a pint and started looking around the walls with all the names that ever played at WHL. I found myself stunned in surprise when I saw Slovan Bratislava in there. It made me laugh even more as it was next to Manchester United. So I went to my seat to see what my view is going to be. As I walked out I was amazed. The stadium is great. I was thanking myself for deciding to go. After few moments a went for another beer and pie. After that I walked to my seat again, but only now it was just few minutes till kick-off and the stands were packed. Everyone started waving their flags as the players came out of the tunnel what created a fantastic atmosphere.
Soon the game kicked off along with perhaps the loudest chanting I have ever heard. It was unbelievable. I was very glad to watch Premier league live again. My excitement didn't last very long, when Wanyama headed the ball past De Gea. It wasn't very good performance from the lads, but managed to keep it only one goal difference. My throat had enough after a couple of songs I screamed, but I still kept going. I just couldn't stop. What annoyed me though was 'Follow, follow' chant. Not that it's any bad or anything, but they were singing it way too often. They don't have much to sing about this season, but I was getting sick of the chant.
After halftime and a beer with Costa (I swear to God it was him, although he claimed that he is only a lookalike) I went to slightly different spot to watch the game from. Only when I turned round to start watching, Man U conceded second. Harry Kane, the king of Lane. There was a practically no chance of turning this game round with the team that was on the pitch, but the belief was still there. Anyway, it was painful to watch, but with every passing minute I tried to sink in every inch and every detail of White Hart Lane to my memory. Wayne brought my hopes back after netting one back to make it 2-1. After that United were trying, but not enough. Little raindrops landed on the fourth referee's board as he was showing the amount of stoppage time. Everyone was waving their flags again and the scenes were thrilling. I wished for only one more goal so we have something to cheer about, but my wishes never came true.
The ref whistled for the last time and everyone ran onto the pitch. It was celebration like no other. Well, in fact it wasn't even a celebration. It was a goodbye.
All I can say is 'Well done Spurs'. What a season for them to finish unbeaten at their own ground. Only that title that would put the icing on the cake, but this was sweet enough. It was very emotional. The end of a huge exciting era.
It was a perfect farewell. And when I say perfect, everything went according to plan. Even a beautiful rainbow over the Lane came to say goodbye.On my way home there was full train of fans. Both white and red. As we got off at Seven Sisters some brave guy in front started singing the old familiar Stockholm song. After a couple of fans around joined in I did not hesitate and had one last shout. Walking down the stairs to the tube station I was banging my hand to the rhythm of the chants so hard, it turned red immediately and hurt for next few minutes. Some lads in Spurs shirts started pointing at me to which I replied with 'You NEARLY won the league' The chant that carried on until I jumped on the tube. Journey home was long, but safe. And those memories will stay with me forever. Because only them will remain of that magical place.
What a day! Certainly worth it! To miss a visit to White Hart Lane would be a big mistake. Luckily enough I managed to avoid it. There is an exciting future waiting for north Londoners in the new modern bigger better ground. Hopefully I'll have a look at that one anytime soon. All I can say for now is: Good luck in the new home, Spurs!
utorok 2. mája 2017
DERBY DAYS
It's been a while since I last posted a blog. In fact I don't even do it anymore apart from Pohoda festival. But the events in recent days were so out of this world, that I just have to scribble down my memories just so I can read it back and remember all the great things about last weekend.
It started on Saturday in this little shitty office. Couple of hours of boring work went through slowly. I was on my own so basically I spent most of my worktime watching the old-firm derby. And what a sensational result for Celtic it was. It made me think that I have never really been to any derby game. I always get the buzz when I'm going to watch Man U - Liverpool on a telly. United - City is the first game I look for when the fixture list is released. I take derbies very seriously and to win such a game is three times as good. Your team wins, your rivals loose and it's just fucking great to beat those fuckers from next door. On the other hand the loss is as much painful. But that's why they invented a word 'revenge'. I just can't stress this enough how important derby matches are for me and yet I haven't been to any. Well, this was about to change.
FULHAM-BRENTFORD
After I finished work I nipped out half an hour early (so I could make the match and I did not take any break so no harm done, right?). I was feeling a bit ill past few days so I just went to local Costa to buy a fruit tea. I did not feel very tough walking through Bishop's park with a Costa cup in my hand. I noticed there were a lot more people around than there were at Ipswich game a couple of weeks ago. I got to Craven cottage and collected my ticket. I saw few peoples selling match programmes for £3.50 which I thought is a fair price, but decided not to buy one. I didn't want the hassle of carrying it around. So I just went inside the ground. There was few minutes till kick-off so I went to my seat. It was a great view behind the goal on a packed stadium. When few hundreds of Brentford fans started singing, I realized I was sitting just about four seats away from them. Obviously I supported Fulham as I had a bet on. Anyway the sun was up and high and everything was ready for the game. The players walked out of the tunnel and a massive roar was produced by the fans. I just could not wait when the game actually started. Brentford fans were singing their lungs out and the atmosphere was astonishing. Fulham were challenging to qualify for play-offs and they had to get some result today if they didn't want to rely on Leeds slipping. They played some decent football, but still not enough to produce a goal. However it took them only 8 minutes to net one to send Fulham 1-0 ahead. I was quite relieved when everyone around me jumped in joy. It felt strange looking at those disappointed faces just few feet away. I joined in the well famous chant 'Who are ya?' to which they responded immediately with '..and it's suuupeer Brentfort. Suuupeeer Brentfort FC! We're by far the greatest team, that the world has ever seen'. Greatest team or not theu were 1-0 down. The atmosphere was electric. Fulham support was not at its best what was very well acknowledged by visiting fans. Fulham were dominating the game, but Brentford were dominating the support. Suddenly, out of the blue, Fulham forward found himself dribbling to the Brentford keeper on his own. He slowed down just before the finish amd went on to pass the ball past the goalkeeper. I could not believe my own eyes when the ball went waaaay over the bar. Brentford fans were cheering as if they just scored. It was still one nil to Fulham, so no big deal. However it became a big deal when Brentford put the ball in the net on the other side of the pitch. Only then I realized were I was sat. Half of the stand on my left jumped up screaming and another quarter of a stand on my right did the very same thing. I was trapped between two sets of away fans. Some individuals were clapping their hands even in the part of the stand were most of the people did not appreciate the goal as much. I just found it ridiculous. Almost no security between the two. If things were to kick off we would have no chance. At least I wasn't alone supporting Fulham in that area (although it was supposed to be for neutral fans). It was just before the half time so I decided to avoid the big queue and grab something to eat. But before I do that I wanted a programme. I felt a huge regret that I didn't buy one when I had a chance and now I would pay double for one. It was truly memorable match and I wanted a memory. Obviously there were no more programmes at half-time. So I just queued up for my burger. It was then when I heard a roar from the crowd. I had no clue what happened, but as it wasn't much of a celebration it was probably just a missed chance. But when after just few seconds Brentford fans went mental I knew it must have been a goal. I could only presume as the telly was out of my sight. So there I was standing and I HEARD the goal. After I enjoyed my burger I got back and the second half started. It was to my surprise when I noticed the scoreboard was showing a score 1-1. I was a bit confused, but perhaps the goal was ruled out or something. Anyway it's one each as it stands and the second half was well under way. It wasn't bad, but not much mentionable happened. The sound of the final whistle sealed it all and that was it. Even though I lost my bet a left the ground with a great feeling. On my way home a checked the results. Leeds drew as well to Norwich which means they'll need to win by 13 goals and Fulham would have to loose in the final game to qualify for the play-offs. Ooooh how I fucking HATE Leeds. SCUM! I checked the Fulham result too and then I noticed that the goal I 'heard' was actually a missed penalty. Now it all makes sense. Fulham just blew their chance of winning the game twice (inclucding the miss in first half). When I got home I just watched Match of the day and went to bed early. There was bigger game on the agenda on Sunday. And I had to wake up at 5am to go and experience one of the best days of my life.
SHEFFIELD UNITED-CHESTERFIELD
Bramall lane is just 10 miles from Chesterfield ground, but they write a completely different story. While one is looking to break all the records and is going to lift the trophy today, the blue team is at the very bottom of the league fighting maybe for dignity as they are relegated for a long time now.
The alarm clock went off at 5 and I was up on my feet in a moment. I was a bit afraid that I am going to lay in my bed all morning and I'm gonna miss my bus, but the excitement woke me right up. I got an early bus (just in case). It was half an hour early. You can never be too careful when you have this important game you're going to. So I went to Westminister and that bloody Sunday morning there was no District line to Victoria. So I had no other choice. I had to walk. That's one of the reasons why I go early. I finally got to Victoria at about 10 past 6. Still plenty of time to my departure. That fucking illness was still bothering me so I bought myself a tea latte. Yes those two words together in one drink. I'll tell you what, it was strange. It was tasty and disgusting at the same time. Still it was tea and I just got sick of those earl greys and English breakfasts. So I was sipping my latte while waiting for my bus. The clock hit 7 and there I was sitting in a bus. I was as excited as never. Honestly, I can't remember being this excited. Ever. It was like for the kid to go to Disneyland for the first time with Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse. On the bus I just watched a film, The Hooligan Factory, just to get into football mood. It was quite funny really. The film I mean. The latte I drank earlier find all its way through my body to my bladder. So I went to the back of the bus. The fucking door on the toilet just won't open. I was struggling what saw a lad sat by the door and helped me open the fucker. After I thanked him I got the most sweet response. 'Anything for the bladesman.' I felt good. Somehow I survived a long three hour drive and I started noticing beautiful hills and bit of civilization. It didn't take me long to know that we were in Sheffield. I just could not believe what I was seeing. After almost two and half years I was finally back. And it did not changed a bit. The very same just as I know it. Just as I like it. I'm back home. Sweet Sheffield. I got off the bus and I almost ran to the city centre. I was like a released dog. I was so happy and excited to be back. I briefly walked through the city and headed straight to the Bramall lane. I didn't have to check the way once. I could walk there blindfolded. God, it's been so long, but the greatness of the city is still the same. I was still some distance from the ground when I saw two guys selling programmes. I was surprised, but they looked official and also I new how the programme was gonna look like, so I bought myself one immediately (I wouldn't hesitate for a second after yesterday). I walked on and finally got to the home of football. There I was. I headed straight to the store to check a couple of new things out. I grabbed two balloons on the way and I was shocked when I got there. I only found a massive queue just to ENTER the store. That is quite interest in Champions. So I queued up and waited. There was almost an hour until kick-off. It didn't take that long when I got into the store, so I had a look around. If I had my own budget I would probably bought everything. After I browsed every single item I decided to hang on to 'Champions' scarf. The queue for the till was all around the shop. I never seen this big queue before. And I usually get pissed if there is only one old tart taking ages before me, but now, I was more than happy to stand there and wait. Sheffield just turns your life around. After I left with the scarf around my neck I headed straight to the stadium. I was thinking of grabbing a little lunch as I had only two bananas that day, but I decided to get one in the ground. As I walked through the turnstiles I headed straight for the bar. Having a sign with a picture of huge burger on it and a menu next to the bar with all food possible you would imagine that you are waiting to get served a nice chunk of edibles. Saying 'No pints, we serve bottled Carling only' you would think that you can do without a proper pint. But when I actually said that I want a burger they just told me that there was no food served at this window. So I left with a bottle, really confused and a bit angry. I just thought screw it, I will manage to stay off any food until after the game. There was no chance I would go and get something at half time. I wouldn't miss a second from my beloved club. Especially when you don't see them play very often. So i just stood there drinking my Carling. Having a plastic bottle is actually an incredible idea. You don't spill a drop while moving around, it's handy and easy to hold. It's the best thing I've seen in a long time. I just hope it'll catch on very quickly and it will spread all over the country and abroad. I started to have second thoughts. If I'm not gonna have a bite now, I will be starving for the whole game and I won't be able to enjoy it as much. There is still time so I should be fine. So I got myself a burger and stood by the wall to destroy it. Having a bottle of Carlsberg in my hand and a burger in another I had to hold on to my programme with only two fingers. Some bloke noticed that and walked to me. He offered me a tenner for the programme (which is double the price) as he can no longer get one once he's inside. I just shook my head and told him straight NO. He obviously understood that the thing I'm holding is a treasure. It's a life-lasting memory. So I finished my burger and went to my seat. I was sat there in the second row on the Kop next to a mad woman who screamed at every player and also her 'OUT! OUT! OUT!' was presumably addressed to the defenders to clear the ball from the box. By my right hand was a bloke with a nice sense of humor. So it was all set for the players to come out. The stands all around the lane were packed. An event that was sold out (twice). I was looking at something I saw only on YouTube. I have never seen this many people at the lane. It was special. Chesterfield players lined up to welcome the champions and they walked out full of pride. And deservedly so. A bunch of flame-works went off as they walked onto the pitch. It was magical. I got quite upset when players switched sides, meaning the second half will be played towards the other end. Well I wasn't upset for very long as the song started. Oh YES! That song. 'You fill up my seeenseees...' I sang as loud as I could. '...greasy chip buttyyyy. My Sheffield Uniiiteeed, come thrill me again! Nah na na na na OOOUH!' It felt great. It felt like one big family. I felt really proud to sing the champions' anthem. Soon the match started and I just sat back and enjoyed the moment. Seeing the players running around was like my dream. I watched every movement of Billy Sharp, every pass of Mark Duffy and every corner of John Fleck. I didn't mind if all this was just one big dream. I just never wanted to wake up. After a little chaos in Chesterfield box Kieron Freeman was the one who put the ball past the goalkeeper. I jumped high with joy. Everything was going well. I could not be more happy. Fans on the very top corner of the Kop celebrated the goal with a smoke-bomb and a flare. It felt really good. We are Champions! After just few minutes The Blades conceded a penalty and my joy was gone. All my hopes were now on Simon Moore, who guessed the direction of the ball wrong. Ch'field were back in the game. All the corners taken on the right hand side for Sheffield were like the biggest TV in the world right in front of me. It was just real. I could see John Fleck so close, that I couldn't believe it. When we were about to take a corner the game was interrupted for a little while because of some injury. Then John Fleck just stood there waiting to take the corner. Someone from the crowd shouted 'John Fleck, will you marry me?' what made us all laugh. He got no response though. The half time came and I went through the pages of my programme. 15 minutes were gone and the players were back on the pitch. Greasy chip butty started the second half again followed by my loud shout 'COME ON SHEFFIELD!'. I am pretty sure some of the players heard it. I felt like I could do something about the game. Even though it's only just one silly shout. But it feels great. You can't even compare it to when you watch a match on a TV in a pub. The game was well under way and it didn't take long until Billy scored his 30th goal of the season. 30TH!!! What a legend! Blades are back on top with 2-1 lead. I'm over the moon. I simply cannot believe what I'm seeing. Unfortunately Sheffield's performance wasn't at its best and you could see that mainly in their defense. Chesterfield took the advantage of it and scored second to equalize. I was gutted. It was only about 20 minutes to go and I wanted 100 points more than anything. Then something happened on the halfway line as Billy went on to kick-off the ball to start the play again. I couldn't quite see what happened as I was way too far, but a huge cheer meant the red card for Chesterfield player. So there we go again. Champions playing against 10-men bottom side. This shouldn't be so hard. But it was. Sheffield were struggling with almost everything. It was a nightmare to watch. I just kept asking myself why is that happening. We should get 4-0, 5-0 result today and not being level with 10 minutes to go. I just hoped for one more goal. Just one more. Daniel Lafferty made my wish come true. I threw my fists in the air and could not believe my luck. We were 3-2 up and the game was almost finished. But it wasn't over. United did everything to keep the ball out of the box. Although they sometimes failed, Chesterfield just could not find a way through. The ref whistled for the last time in the day and that was it. We were 100 point Champions. There is no better feeling than that, is it?
To my surprise (and disappointment) the fans stayed in their seats and did not ran onto the pitch. I was hoping to meet with the players. To touch them. To touch my heroes. That didn't happen. Players just walked back to the tunnel and waited for the stage to be built. Which took ages really. It was a bit boring but being a Champions and waiting just to lift the trophy I can't really complain, can I? After everything was set up the announcer started calling up all the people involved with the club all the way to the players. He started naming them one by one. Everyone but one. Before him he called on stage the man who stood behind all this success. The one of our own. CHRIS WILDER ladies and gentlemen. And now, the captain, BILYYY SHAAAARP!!!! The player of the year! He came to lift a trophy. As he did my heart skipped a heartbeat. I had a tear in the corner of my eye. It was just beautiful. The champagne was flying everywhere. The players went slowly around the ground showing that piece of silverware to the fans. They stopped at every corner and took loads of pics with their families and the trophy. Everyone wanted to be a part of it. When they came round to where I was standing I was on the goal line. I wished that somebody would ran off to them. I would definitely do the same in a second. On the other hand they had with them small kids running about, so it wouldn't be the greatest idea. But I was happy just to get near them. When they finished all round back to the dugouts I knew they were never coming back. I decided to go. As I was passing the south stand I noticed that you can easily sneak there. So I went all the way to the tunnel and found my way just outside the home bench. There were a couple of stewards holding us back. I went as close to the tunnel as I could just to see the players and maybe even ask for a shirt. Some of them started going to the dressing rooms and I realized they are not giving away their shirts. I managed to get a handshake from John Fleck and that was enough for me. There was a really nice gesture by one of the players (I can't really remember who he was) when he gave a pair of his boots away to a child. I stood in the ground for couple more minutes. I just didn't want to leave. Well, it's been an awful long time since I last went to the lane and god knows how long it's going to be when I step my foot here again. I just wanted to enjoy every second of it. So they had to almost escort me out. But I finally got out. After more than an hour after the game finished. So I just took a piss in a toilet and walked out. Although it wasn't finished for me. I went round to the players' entrance. I wanted more. I just wanted to meet them. They were working so hard all season and I just needed to see them. So I was hanging around, but no one was coming out. I gave it up. They will probably be partying all night in that dressing room. I turned and walked round the Chesterfield bus. And who didn't I see there? Chriss Hussey in his kit giving autographs. How the hell did I miss him? Never mind, he is here and he is signing my programme. Oh god, what a moment! He literally gave an autograph to everyone who asked for it. Not only that, one little boy asked for his boot (that he was holding). Do you think he hesitated? Oh yes he did. He was confused the boy wanted only one boot. He gave him both. And signed them. What a legend! I used a moment and took a selfie with him before he went to his Mercedes. Some feeling that. I only turned round and saw another player surrounded by a bunch of people. When I came closer I saw who he was. It's only Marc McNulty! The problem was I did not have a marker pen. I saw this blonde lass holding a marker next to me so I asked her if she would be so kind to borrow it to me. I did not know what I was getting into. Not only she borrowed it me, but she told me to hang around her and her boyfriend just to make sure to get autographs of all the players. What? I could not believe it. It was amazing. Another one came out along with Stefan Scougall. Onother two signed. After a while (from another door this time) Leon Clarke with Ebanks-Landell. I had to take a selfie with Leon. It was unbelievable. They just kept coming. I had only one big worry. My bus was leaving 5 o'clock. If I wanted to make it, I will need to leave soon. And I'm more than sure I am going to miss some players. And the most important ones. I'm going to miss the gaffer as well. This is hell. I am gutted. Why the hell have I booked this early bus? Dammit! Only when two of the nicest people offered me to sign all the players and send the programme to me in a post. Not only that, they offered me a beer and I was almost in tears. It felt like they were my family. Well, they sort of are. They are bladesmen! These things just don't happen at Ed Sheeran concert. This is magical. It's why supporting your club all your life is so special. Anyway it was almost time to leave. John Fleck came out just before I had to go, so I took one last selfie and I was on my way, leaving my precious programme with them. I was leaving with a huge smile and an amazing feeling. It was fantastic. I was so excited I had to run to the bus station. When I got there I saw a lad in United shirt. Guess where he was heading to. Oh yes, all the way to London. I got on a bus a it took me out of the place I love. It took me out of heaven back to filthy, cruel, shite, fucking reality called London. When I got out at Victoria I saw about three blokes in United shirts getting off. Bloody hell. The blades rule the world! As soon as I got home I put my scarf across my room window. Now all I could see, wherever I was standing in the room, was 'CHAMPIONS'! What a beauty. (It lasted only until my girlfriend got back home. it took her two seconds to take it down)
In the past month I found four new friends (fuck all before that), All of them Sheffield United fans. And fucking awesome people. Is it a coincidence? Maybe. But I like to think not. Footbal unites the people. You share the same joy of winning and the same pain with a loss. Sheffield United is a huge part of my life, so if you are a supporter, then we have a huge part of my life in common. I think we will get on very easily then.
Thanks L&L.
Those were my first two derby games. Although it didn't have that real spark. There wasn't that true hatred. There wasn't that feeling, that you would give everything in your entire life, just to destroy them. To humiliate them. To kill them, stab them in the back and turn the knife million of times.
I hope my time for that will come next year. Sheffield Wednesday, WE'RE COMING FOR YOU!
UP THE BLADES
#COYRAWW
It started on Saturday in this little shitty office. Couple of hours of boring work went through slowly. I was on my own so basically I spent most of my worktime watching the old-firm derby. And what a sensational result for Celtic it was. It made me think that I have never really been to any derby game. I always get the buzz when I'm going to watch Man U - Liverpool on a telly. United - City is the first game I look for when the fixture list is released. I take derbies very seriously and to win such a game is three times as good. Your team wins, your rivals loose and it's just fucking great to beat those fuckers from next door. On the other hand the loss is as much painful. But that's why they invented a word 'revenge'. I just can't stress this enough how important derby matches are for me and yet I haven't been to any. Well, this was about to change.
FULHAM-BRENTFORD
After I finished work I nipped out half an hour early (so I could make the match and I did not take any break so no harm done, right?). I was feeling a bit ill past few days so I just went to local Costa to buy a fruit tea. I did not feel very tough walking through Bishop's park with a Costa cup in my hand. I noticed there were a lot more people around than there were at Ipswich game a couple of weeks ago. I got to Craven cottage and collected my ticket. I saw few peoples selling match programmes for £3.50 which I thought is a fair price, but decided not to buy one. I didn't want the hassle of carrying it around. So I just went inside the ground. There was few minutes till kick-off so I went to my seat. It was a great view behind the goal on a packed stadium. When few hundreds of Brentford fans started singing, I realized I was sitting just about four seats away from them. Obviously I supported Fulham as I had a bet on. Anyway the sun was up and high and everything was ready for the game. The players walked out of the tunnel and a massive roar was produced by the fans. I just could not wait when the game actually started. Brentford fans were singing their lungs out and the atmosphere was astonishing. Fulham were challenging to qualify for play-offs and they had to get some result today if they didn't want to rely on Leeds slipping. They played some decent football, but still not enough to produce a goal. However it took them only 8 minutes to net one to send Fulham 1-0 ahead. I was quite relieved when everyone around me jumped in joy. It felt strange looking at those disappointed faces just few feet away. I joined in the well famous chant 'Who are ya?' to which they responded immediately with '..and it's suuupeer Brentfort. Suuupeeer Brentfort FC! We're by far the greatest team, that the world has ever seen'. Greatest team or not theu were 1-0 down. The atmosphere was electric. Fulham support was not at its best what was very well acknowledged by visiting fans. Fulham were dominating the game, but Brentford were dominating the support. Suddenly, out of the blue, Fulham forward found himself dribbling to the Brentford keeper on his own. He slowed down just before the finish amd went on to pass the ball past the goalkeeper. I could not believe my own eyes when the ball went waaaay over the bar. Brentford fans were cheering as if they just scored. It was still one nil to Fulham, so no big deal. However it became a big deal when Brentford put the ball in the net on the other side of the pitch. Only then I realized were I was sat. Half of the stand on my left jumped up screaming and another quarter of a stand on my right did the very same thing. I was trapped between two sets of away fans. Some individuals were clapping their hands even in the part of the stand were most of the people did not appreciate the goal as much. I just found it ridiculous. Almost no security between the two. If things were to kick off we would have no chance. At least I wasn't alone supporting Fulham in that area (although it was supposed to be for neutral fans). It was just before the half time so I decided to avoid the big queue and grab something to eat. But before I do that I wanted a programme. I felt a huge regret that I didn't buy one when I had a chance and now I would pay double for one. It was truly memorable match and I wanted a memory. Obviously there were no more programmes at half-time. So I just queued up for my burger. It was then when I heard a roar from the crowd. I had no clue what happened, but as it wasn't much of a celebration it was probably just a missed chance. But when after just few seconds Brentford fans went mental I knew it must have been a goal. I could only presume as the telly was out of my sight. So there I was standing and I HEARD the goal. After I enjoyed my burger I got back and the second half started. It was to my surprise when I noticed the scoreboard was showing a score 1-1. I was a bit confused, but perhaps the goal was ruled out or something. Anyway it's one each as it stands and the second half was well under way. It wasn't bad, but not much mentionable happened. The sound of the final whistle sealed it all and that was it. Even though I lost my bet a left the ground with a great feeling. On my way home a checked the results. Leeds drew as well to Norwich which means they'll need to win by 13 goals and Fulham would have to loose in the final game to qualify for the play-offs. Ooooh how I fucking HATE Leeds. SCUM! I checked the Fulham result too and then I noticed that the goal I 'heard' was actually a missed penalty. Now it all makes sense. Fulham just blew their chance of winning the game twice (inclucding the miss in first half). When I got home I just watched Match of the day and went to bed early. There was bigger game on the agenda on Sunday. And I had to wake up at 5am to go and experience one of the best days of my life.
SHEFFIELD UNITED-CHESTERFIELD
Bramall lane is just 10 miles from Chesterfield ground, but they write a completely different story. While one is looking to break all the records and is going to lift the trophy today, the blue team is at the very bottom of the league fighting maybe for dignity as they are relegated for a long time now.
The alarm clock went off at 5 and I was up on my feet in a moment. I was a bit afraid that I am going to lay in my bed all morning and I'm gonna miss my bus, but the excitement woke me right up. I got an early bus (just in case). It was half an hour early. You can never be too careful when you have this important game you're going to. So I went to Westminister and that bloody Sunday morning there was no District line to Victoria. So I had no other choice. I had to walk. That's one of the reasons why I go early. I finally got to Victoria at about 10 past 6. Still plenty of time to my departure. That fucking illness was still bothering me so I bought myself a tea latte. Yes those two words together in one drink. I'll tell you what, it was strange. It was tasty and disgusting at the same time. Still it was tea and I just got sick of those earl greys and English breakfasts. So I was sipping my latte while waiting for my bus. The clock hit 7 and there I was sitting in a bus. I was as excited as never. Honestly, I can't remember being this excited. Ever. It was like for the kid to go to Disneyland for the first time with Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse. On the bus I just watched a film, The Hooligan Factory, just to get into football mood. It was quite funny really. The film I mean. The latte I drank earlier find all its way through my body to my bladder. So I went to the back of the bus. The fucking door on the toilet just won't open. I was struggling what saw a lad sat by the door and helped me open the fucker. After I thanked him I got the most sweet response. 'Anything for the bladesman.' I felt good. Somehow I survived a long three hour drive and I started noticing beautiful hills and bit of civilization. It didn't take me long to know that we were in Sheffield. I just could not believe what I was seeing. After almost two and half years I was finally back. And it did not changed a bit. The very same just as I know it. Just as I like it. I'm back home. Sweet Sheffield. I got off the bus and I almost ran to the city centre. I was like a released dog. I was so happy and excited to be back. I briefly walked through the city and headed straight to the Bramall lane. I didn't have to check the way once. I could walk there blindfolded. God, it's been so long, but the greatness of the city is still the same. I was still some distance from the ground when I saw two guys selling programmes. I was surprised, but they looked official and also I new how the programme was gonna look like, so I bought myself one immediately (I wouldn't hesitate for a second after yesterday). I walked on and finally got to the home of football. There I was. I headed straight to the store to check a couple of new things out. I grabbed two balloons on the way and I was shocked when I got there. I only found a massive queue just to ENTER the store. That is quite interest in Champions. So I queued up and waited. There was almost an hour until kick-off. It didn't take that long when I got into the store, so I had a look around. If I had my own budget I would probably bought everything. After I browsed every single item I decided to hang on to 'Champions' scarf. The queue for the till was all around the shop. I never seen this big queue before. And I usually get pissed if there is only one old tart taking ages before me, but now, I was more than happy to stand there and wait. Sheffield just turns your life around. After I left with the scarf around my neck I headed straight to the stadium. I was thinking of grabbing a little lunch as I had only two bananas that day, but I decided to get one in the ground. As I walked through the turnstiles I headed straight for the bar. Having a sign with a picture of huge burger on it and a menu next to the bar with all food possible you would imagine that you are waiting to get served a nice chunk of edibles. Saying 'No pints, we serve bottled Carling only' you would think that you can do without a proper pint. But when I actually said that I want a burger they just told me that there was no food served at this window. So I left with a bottle, really confused and a bit angry. I just thought screw it, I will manage to stay off any food until after the game. There was no chance I would go and get something at half time. I wouldn't miss a second from my beloved club. Especially when you don't see them play very often. So i just stood there drinking my Carling. Having a plastic bottle is actually an incredible idea. You don't spill a drop while moving around, it's handy and easy to hold. It's the best thing I've seen in a long time. I just hope it'll catch on very quickly and it will spread all over the country and abroad. I started to have second thoughts. If I'm not gonna have a bite now, I will be starving for the whole game and I won't be able to enjoy it as much. There is still time so I should be fine. So I got myself a burger and stood by the wall to destroy it. Having a bottle of Carlsberg in my hand and a burger in another I had to hold on to my programme with only two fingers. Some bloke noticed that and walked to me. He offered me a tenner for the programme (which is double the price) as he can no longer get one once he's inside. I just shook my head and told him straight NO. He obviously understood that the thing I'm holding is a treasure. It's a life-lasting memory. So I finished my burger and went to my seat. I was sat there in the second row on the Kop next to a mad woman who screamed at every player and also her 'OUT! OUT! OUT!' was presumably addressed to the defenders to clear the ball from the box. By my right hand was a bloke with a nice sense of humor. So it was all set for the players to come out. The stands all around the lane were packed. An event that was sold out (twice). I was looking at something I saw only on YouTube. I have never seen this many people at the lane. It was special. Chesterfield players lined up to welcome the champions and they walked out full of pride. And deservedly so. A bunch of flame-works went off as they walked onto the pitch. It was magical. I got quite upset when players switched sides, meaning the second half will be played towards the other end. Well I wasn't upset for very long as the song started. Oh YES! That song. 'You fill up my seeenseees...' I sang as loud as I could. '...greasy chip buttyyyy. My Sheffield Uniiiteeed, come thrill me again! Nah na na na na OOOUH!' It felt great. It felt like one big family. I felt really proud to sing the champions' anthem. Soon the match started and I just sat back and enjoyed the moment. Seeing the players running around was like my dream. I watched every movement of Billy Sharp, every pass of Mark Duffy and every corner of John Fleck. I didn't mind if all this was just one big dream. I just never wanted to wake up. After a little chaos in Chesterfield box Kieron Freeman was the one who put the ball past the goalkeeper. I jumped high with joy. Everything was going well. I could not be more happy. Fans on the very top corner of the Kop celebrated the goal with a smoke-bomb and a flare. It felt really good. We are Champions! After just few minutes The Blades conceded a penalty and my joy was gone. All my hopes were now on Simon Moore, who guessed the direction of the ball wrong. Ch'field were back in the game. All the corners taken on the right hand side for Sheffield were like the biggest TV in the world right in front of me. It was just real. I could see John Fleck so close, that I couldn't believe it. When we were about to take a corner the game was interrupted for a little while because of some injury. Then John Fleck just stood there waiting to take the corner. Someone from the crowd shouted 'John Fleck, will you marry me?' what made us all laugh. He got no response though. The half time came and I went through the pages of my programme. 15 minutes were gone and the players were back on the pitch. Greasy chip butty started the second half again followed by my loud shout 'COME ON SHEFFIELD!'. I am pretty sure some of the players heard it. I felt like I could do something about the game. Even though it's only just one silly shout. But it feels great. You can't even compare it to when you watch a match on a TV in a pub. The game was well under way and it didn't take long until Billy scored his 30th goal of the season. 30TH!!! What a legend! Blades are back on top with 2-1 lead. I'm over the moon. I simply cannot believe what I'm seeing. Unfortunately Sheffield's performance wasn't at its best and you could see that mainly in their defense. Chesterfield took the advantage of it and scored second to equalize. I was gutted. It was only about 20 minutes to go and I wanted 100 points more than anything. Then something happened on the halfway line as Billy went on to kick-off the ball to start the play again. I couldn't quite see what happened as I was way too far, but a huge cheer meant the red card for Chesterfield player. So there we go again. Champions playing against 10-men bottom side. This shouldn't be so hard. But it was. Sheffield were struggling with almost everything. It was a nightmare to watch. I just kept asking myself why is that happening. We should get 4-0, 5-0 result today and not being level with 10 minutes to go. I just hoped for one more goal. Just one more. Daniel Lafferty made my wish come true. I threw my fists in the air and could not believe my luck. We were 3-2 up and the game was almost finished. But it wasn't over. United did everything to keep the ball out of the box. Although they sometimes failed, Chesterfield just could not find a way through. The ref whistled for the last time in the day and that was it. We were 100 point Champions. There is no better feeling than that, is it?
To my surprise (and disappointment) the fans stayed in their seats and did not ran onto the pitch. I was hoping to meet with the players. To touch them. To touch my heroes. That didn't happen. Players just walked back to the tunnel and waited for the stage to be built. Which took ages really. It was a bit boring but being a Champions and waiting just to lift the trophy I can't really complain, can I? After everything was set up the announcer started calling up all the people involved with the club all the way to the players. He started naming them one by one. Everyone but one. Before him he called on stage the man who stood behind all this success. The one of our own. CHRIS WILDER ladies and gentlemen. And now, the captain, BILYYY SHAAAARP!!!! The player of the year! He came to lift a trophy. As he did my heart skipped a heartbeat. I had a tear in the corner of my eye. It was just beautiful. The champagne was flying everywhere. The players went slowly around the ground showing that piece of silverware to the fans. They stopped at every corner and took loads of pics with their families and the trophy. Everyone wanted to be a part of it. When they came round to where I was standing I was on the goal line. I wished that somebody would ran off to them. I would definitely do the same in a second. On the other hand they had with them small kids running about, so it wouldn't be the greatest idea. But I was happy just to get near them. When they finished all round back to the dugouts I knew they were never coming back. I decided to go. As I was passing the south stand I noticed that you can easily sneak there. So I went all the way to the tunnel and found my way just outside the home bench. There were a couple of stewards holding us back. I went as close to the tunnel as I could just to see the players and maybe even ask for a shirt. Some of them started going to the dressing rooms and I realized they are not giving away their shirts. I managed to get a handshake from John Fleck and that was enough for me. There was a really nice gesture by one of the players (I can't really remember who he was) when he gave a pair of his boots away to a child. I stood in the ground for couple more minutes. I just didn't want to leave. Well, it's been an awful long time since I last went to the lane and god knows how long it's going to be when I step my foot here again. I just wanted to enjoy every second of it. So they had to almost escort me out. But I finally got out. After more than an hour after the game finished. So I just took a piss in a toilet and walked out. Although it wasn't finished for me. I went round to the players' entrance. I wanted more. I just wanted to meet them. They were working so hard all season and I just needed to see them. So I was hanging around, but no one was coming out. I gave it up. They will probably be partying all night in that dressing room. I turned and walked round the Chesterfield bus. And who didn't I see there? Chriss Hussey in his kit giving autographs. How the hell did I miss him? Never mind, he is here and he is signing my programme. Oh god, what a moment! He literally gave an autograph to everyone who asked for it. Not only that, one little boy asked for his boot (that he was holding). Do you think he hesitated? Oh yes he did. He was confused the boy wanted only one boot. He gave him both. And signed them. What a legend! I used a moment and took a selfie with him before he went to his Mercedes. Some feeling that. I only turned round and saw another player surrounded by a bunch of people. When I came closer I saw who he was. It's only Marc McNulty! The problem was I did not have a marker pen. I saw this blonde lass holding a marker next to me so I asked her if she would be so kind to borrow it to me. I did not know what I was getting into. Not only she borrowed it me, but she told me to hang around her and her boyfriend just to make sure to get autographs of all the players. What? I could not believe it. It was amazing. Another one came out along with Stefan Scougall. Onother two signed. After a while (from another door this time) Leon Clarke with Ebanks-Landell. I had to take a selfie with Leon. It was unbelievable. They just kept coming. I had only one big worry. My bus was leaving 5 o'clock. If I wanted to make it, I will need to leave soon. And I'm more than sure I am going to miss some players. And the most important ones. I'm going to miss the gaffer as well. This is hell. I am gutted. Why the hell have I booked this early bus? Dammit! Only when two of the nicest people offered me to sign all the players and send the programme to me in a post. Not only that, they offered me a beer and I was almost in tears. It felt like they were my family. Well, they sort of are. They are bladesmen! These things just don't happen at Ed Sheeran concert. This is magical. It's why supporting your club all your life is so special. Anyway it was almost time to leave. John Fleck came out just before I had to go, so I took one last selfie and I was on my way, leaving my precious programme with them. I was leaving with a huge smile and an amazing feeling. It was fantastic. I was so excited I had to run to the bus station. When I got there I saw a lad in United shirt. Guess where he was heading to. Oh yes, all the way to London. I got on a bus a it took me out of the place I love. It took me out of heaven back to filthy, cruel, shite, fucking reality called London. When I got out at Victoria I saw about three blokes in United shirts getting off. Bloody hell. The blades rule the world! As soon as I got home I put my scarf across my room window. Now all I could see, wherever I was standing in the room, was 'CHAMPIONS'! What a beauty. (It lasted only until my girlfriend got back home. it took her two seconds to take it down)In the past month I found four new friends (fuck all before that), All of them Sheffield United fans. And fucking awesome people. Is it a coincidence? Maybe. But I like to think not. Footbal unites the people. You share the same joy of winning and the same pain with a loss. Sheffield United is a huge part of my life, so if you are a supporter, then we have a huge part of my life in common. I think we will get on very easily then.
Thanks L&L.
Those were my first two derby games. Although it didn't have that real spark. There wasn't that true hatred. There wasn't that feeling, that you would give everything in your entire life, just to destroy them. To humiliate them. To kill them, stab them in the back and turn the knife million of times.
I hope my time for that will come next year. Sheffield Wednesday, WE'RE COMING FOR YOU!
UP THE BLADES
#COYRAWW
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