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
Žiadne komentáre:
Zverejnenie komentára