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FRANKIE GOES TO...
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The coach arrives 20 minutes late, and the anxiety thickens when you get to the end of the M58 and there’s a huge tail back. It’s 5-35pm, and with less than two hours to kick off, I was a little concerned about the time we’d get there. No doubt that we’d get there on time, but I was thinking we should’ve left perhaps around 4-30. It’s always nice to get to a place handy, just to relax a little more than anything. That’s not always possible on mid week games, but this was a cup final, and I think we’ll learn from this mistake. We arrived with an hour to spare…surely that can’t be right?
To be honest I was relieved just to get there in the end. The driver, Timewells leading Hell’s Angel, was driving like a maniac. Driving right up the arse of anything in front of him, even the larger vehicles that he couldn’t see beyond, and had anyone of them chosen to break sharply, there wouldn’t have been a cup final! I think the worry I expressed during the journey was substantiated by the fact that twice the driver failed to see the sign for Gigg Lane, and it was only when he took his sunglasses off that he managed to get us there at all!
As impressive as it is going to a big club, a certain amount of romance is lost. As a club director one was alienated from the real supporters of the club, when to be perfectly honest I would’ve sooner spent the night cheering Skem on with them. If memory serves me right, there isn’t anywhere for the supporters to go and have a pint, unless they walk half a mile down the road. The North West Counties Showcase Finale is one for the “prawn sandwich brigade” I’m afraid, when really speaking it should be the event of the year for the two finalists.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…the problem is created in the beginning by having the final on a Monday night. It’s hardly fair to the fans or the players, nor is the timing of the event several days before the official end of the season. Let’s be honest the game should be played on a Saturday afternoon a week after the final game of the season, when everybody has the opportunity of attending the game. Maine Road played Curzon on the same night, and regardless of whom the finalists are, all representatives of the NWCFL should be invited to the event. There are many hard working committees in each and every club, and it would be a chance for all to meet up after a gruelling season to sit back relax and watch the league’s show piece. Sharing a pint after a game is often a great way for committees to get to know each other, and resolve issues they had early on in the season, and perhaps the league may consider changing things, as a bonding session even over a couple of ham butties, would do the members a great deal of good. Before an official mentions the AGM, let’s be fair we can’t all afford to take off to Buxton or Kendal, for the annual bonding session!
Don’t get me wrong the hospitality laid on for the officials of both clubs is superb, and it’s a great experience to sit in the hospitality suite that over looks the ground whilst having a pint, although when we lost the game and went for the buffet it was like attending a wake. Albeit I’ve been to happier wakes!
Frankie Goes To...Barry Town.
Barry Town 0 Caernarfon 5
After years of contemplating a visit to Jenner Park, I finally arrived there on Saturday 10th January 2004.
‘The Journey to…’
Now that I’m armed with the latest technology in the shape of SNS, (Satellite Navigational System) the days of getting lost are more or less a thing of the past. With that in mind I often disarm the aid of my lady friend in order to get lost just for the hell-of-it anyway! Life wouldn’t be the same without getting lost, although if the truth were known, lately the SNS has been suffering from leftitis. Most journeys these days end up with me going round in ever decreasing circles. That’s a sore subject at the present time, and currently under scrutiny by the manufacturers.
Let me set the scene prior to the journey first in order to give you some idea of how this particular epic journey came to fruition. I’ve wanted to visit Jenner Park for sometime, as it is one of the few grounds in the League of Wales that I hadn’t visited. Through one reason or another the window of opportunity hasn’t presented itself before, but on this occasion I find that my beloved United haven’t got a game for a span of 18 days. That is almost three weeks, which in domestic terms means only one thing…the dreaded paintbrush. The thought wasn’t worth contemplating!
Mick my co-pilot and good friend arrived around 6-30am armed with the directions for the alternative scenic route. The two of us plus my son James set off shortly afterwards, bleary eyed but nonetheless excited about the mission ahead. There’s no particular rules set aside for these adventures, indeed we have changed our plans last minute and headed to a different ground. So you could say there is a certain mystique to our days out.
We headed down the M6, M56 and joined the A49, a road that is probably best described as the road that divides England from Wales. The journey is relatively simple, but for some reason we always seem to end up taking the wrong turn when we hit Whitchurch, and we invariably end up in Nantwich for some reason. Maybe one day somebody will explain the reason why to us, but for now we believe that it some kind of magnetic force the ‘Demon Dabber’ has on us; as let’s face it on previous visits to Jackson Avenue we have found it extremely difficult to get out of Nantwich!
If you’ve ever driven down the A49 or intend to, you’ll be able to back up the following statement. It has to be one of the most scenic drives along an A road anywhere in the UK, especially from Shrewsbury to Hereford. I’m a romantic when it comes to the countryside, and have fallen in love with many parts of the United Kingdom during my travels, but this area takes some beating for scenery. The distant contours of the Black Mountains are a constant reminder of how harsh the countryside can be, as you edge further south, but as you switch from the A49 to the A40 and skirt the edge of the Forest of Dean and pass through Monmouth, the green & quaintness of Southern Wales presents itself. That was soon forgotten I guess, as we took on the M4 from Newport through to Cardiff.
As time was on our hands we decided to visit the Millennium Stadium, following a brief stop at the ‘Cardiff Gate’ services for refreshments. Now I like to drop in on the odd ground during my travels, it was not long since we’d passed Hereford’s ground, and I guess I was expecting a lot out of the ‘Millennium Stadium,’ given the fact it was the Welsh National Stadium, so much so that when I actually stood outside the place I was extremely disappointed with it. Who in their right mind would decide to build a Stadium bang in the middle of Cardiff, with little or no thought about access or entry to the damn place? The answer’s more simple than the question, and on that note the planners should be lined up alongside the Stadiums Riverbank and shot forthwith! I wasn’t impressed at all. My overwhelming memory of the place beside the lack of parking facilities would be the cinema complex adjoining the Stadium. It was that memorable that I’ve almost forgotten everything about it. In fact I was more impressed with Ninian Park just around the corner. (The home of Cardiff City Football Club) We even managed to stop outside the place and get a match-day programme to add to our vast collections.
We were almost at the journeys end, so with small matter of finding Jenner Park and almost two hours to do so, we decided to take a look at Barry Island the resort! In doing so we actually passed the ground. On first impressions the resort looks tired and unwanted, and yet in the area we parked, the beach before it was clean, the esplanade was lined with beautiful palm trees. I guess the mist & rain prevents one from seeing the place in its best light, and perhaps a visit in the summer sun would change my overall opinion. I kind of got the feeling that Barry was rapidly falling into decline; I hope that isn’t too much of a slant on Barry, because that isn’t what I aim to do. It is indicative trait of most seaside resorts in the UK I’m afraid, and perhaps has a lot to do with the offer of cheap package holidays in warmer climbs.
We headed to the ground soon after, using the SNS to be on the safe side, but this time she ended up with rightitis, and had it not been for the intervention of the human brain, we would’ve ended up being late for the game or downright dizzy in the least!
‘The ground’
I guess my first impression of Jenner park wasn’t as favourable as it could’ve been, as you climb the road alongside the ground you get the impression that the pitch is going to be on a slope. There wasn’t any parking space available; some excuse about the car park having a skip on it didn’t carry too much weight, as it could’ve still held 40 cars or so I guess. Instead we had to park in one of the side roads, which isn’t something I like to do, as I always feel sorry for the residents that have to put up with it. I guess the skip on the car park and all that had some safety issue about it, so who am I to argue?
We entered the ground from the clubhouse end, and to give you some idea of how the land lies…the clubhouse, offices and changing rooms are incorporated together and situated behind one of the goals. From the clubhouse the view onto the ground is somewhat top of fish bowlish if you get my meaning? You are looking down on the stadium, and to either side are two impressive grandstands, which house about 2650 people so I’m lead to believe. At the opposite end is a path to the turnstiles, but the entire ground is wrapped in with an athletics track. I don’t like athletics tracks surrounding football pitches, but I guess it is a necessary evil for some clubs. In any case Jenner Park isn’t as bad as Newcastle Town’s Lyme Valley Park, as you don’t feel as isolated from the action. I think that is down to the stands more than anything, as the elevation seems to put you closer to the void…if you know what I mean?
It was particularly bad day weather wise and you could sense that the driving rain across the park was bitterly cold and harsh on the players. On top of that the mobile dugouts looked rather small, and if you were to stand outside them you would be far too far away from the stands for them to give you any resistance from the elements. But why should I worry, as I was relatively cosy in the top row of the stand?
‘Catering’
Other than crisps and peanuts, the clubhouse only offered liquid refreshment. It would’ve been an ideal place to view the game from if you were scared of getting wet, but I don’t know what the rules on that would be! On the ground itself, the catering van was shut…and the only people milling about with food had crossed Barry Road to the chippy to get theirs! Given their recent problems, I gather that the supply of food is bottom of their list.
‘The Game’
It has been well documented how Barry Town have hit hard times. Fortunately they have been saved from the hands of doom and are now out of administration. Nevertheless the 2003/04 Champions are still glued to the bottom of the JT Hughes Mitsubishi Welsh Premier with only 2 points to their name. Times are extremely hard, but the proud former Champions of Wales, (7 League titles in the last 10 seasons) now facing a different fight to which they are unaccustomed to; are at least saved from extinction.
Barry Town fielded six new players; unfortunately their football didn’t get any better as a result. Once Steve Watkin opened up the scoring in the first minute, the writing was on the wall. They eventually lost 5-0.
‘The Journey Back…’
I was absolutely shattered on the return journey. Although we’d opted for the reduced return time via the motorways, I had to take a stop just to take a break. We eventually decided to take our break in Tewkesbury. I didn’t realise the significance of this stop until I looked at the map once I returned home that night. Tewkesbury is only a few miles away from a place called Bishop’s Cleeve. Some 18 years ago I worked nearby Cleeve restoring an old building. I was officially living in Bristol, although at the time I stayed in digs in Cheltenham, during the three months it took to finish the job. The ironic thing was I never actually went as far as Tewkesbury in all that time, which is a pity as from what I could see of the place, (and that wasn’t a lot as it was dark) it looked extremely nice. The fish & chips were also nice, sufficiently so that my batteries were charged amply enough to take us the rest of the distance home!
‘Final thoughts’
This was an epic journey; not in the same league as the trip to Weymouth, (Coming soon) but in overall terms including breaks in Cardiff & Tewkesbury on the way back, the total travelling time was about 10 hours. I would’ve preferred an overnight stay, but the second mortgage hasn’t been approved just yet!
The Millennium Stadium was just one huge concrete (or whatever it is made out of) elephant, so for now I’m quite happy to wait until our new Wembley Stadium is built before seeing United get to the FA Cup Final!
After so much anticipation the trip to Jenner Park was a little bit of a let down. I suppose that had a lot to do with ‘how the mighty had fallen syndrome.’ It’s rather sad when a club that has had so much success, falls into decline. There was a sense of, (nobody caring that much) with a lack of catering on offer, and nowhere to go to buy club badges or anything else. That’s my view looking in, but of course in reality they are just getting themselves back on their feet, and that alone will be a steady progress. We found the people that we spoke to, to be warm & friendly, which is worth 10 times more than anything material I suppose. I guess I will probably go back some day, but perhaps I’ll wait until they regain some success this time. All in all it was a good day out…if not rather tiring
Frankie Goes To Blackpool.
Blackpool v Bristol City
Sat 29th November 2003.
When I set off to watch a football match it wasn’t this game I had in mind! I was indeed intending to watch my beloved United play Fleetwood Town. It’s always a good idea to check whether or not the game is on before setting off, given the fact that we’d had a fair amount of rainfall that particular day and the night before. Something in my mind said that the sea breeze would dry the ground off, but if I’m really honest then I guess my mind was more on the Fish & Chip shop that had been recommended to me!
To quote from a well-known Bob Hoskins phrase, ‘It’s good to talk’ nobody actually phoned to tell me it was off! That’s another argument, but in fairness I didn’t make my usual Saturday morning surf on the net, which would’ve revealed the fact. Mike, my co-pilot did make the wry comment that the game could be called off, but they were not the words I wanted to hear given the fact that we were almost there. But as I say my first priority was to eat from the best Fish & Chip shop in Fleetwood. (Allegedly)
We arrived in Fleetwood at about 2pm and found the Bramley Avenue Chippy almost instantaneously. (Funny how a good appetite gets you to a place on time…no pun intended!) The halibut & chips at £1.99 had been recommended to me by Kingfisher on the Fleetwood website, but on first inspection I was beginning to wonder whether or not the fish had been on the Atkins Diet. There was indeed two pieces of fish wrapped in a lovely golden batter, but I couldn’t help but think that I’d been served with Gold Fish rather than Halibut, but then my eyes are bigger than my belly! I was indeed pleasantly surprised as I tucked into my low calorie meal. The fish albeit it small in length, was quite thick. (Stop it!) But the taste mattered more and it didn’t let me down, it was the finest goldfish I’d ever eaten, and the chips were a good accompaniment. The presentation was good too, because rather than wrap them in paper they were offered in a cardboard box. Top marks to Kingfisher and the Bramley Avenue Chippy!
Whilst indulging ourselves, we sat outside the playing fields adjoining the ground. The fact that the Fleetwood players were training there held no significance over my thoughts at all, because we’d passed the turnstiles on the other side of the ground. And as far as I can remember I was sure that somebody was standing there. Obviously not for the purpose of collecting money as we learnt once we’d finished our chips. I had a brief look at the pitch and spotted a small puddle on the centre spot, and began to wonder whether the game was turning into a sport for namby-pamby’s! I don’t doubt the decision of the grounds man or official, it was just the fact that I was so miffed off having travelled all that way!
We had to make a decision. If we could find another game to go to…should we? Would we have enough time to get there? The answer was…we should at least try. As time was stacked against us and we didn’t fancy going to Squires Gate, we decided to drive into Blackpool and see if they were playing at home. Indeed they were. We arrived at the game shortly after kick-off and ended up in the visitor’s section. Now I have an affinity with Bristol as I lived there several years ago, but I couldn’t help but feel a little perturbed about sitting in the same section as the Bristol fans…given the fact that I’m a scouser! It didn’t turn out too bad to be honest, the more worrying fact was that we were completely exposed to the elements. In case you don’t already know, Bloomfield Road is under going a huge overhaul, and at present only half the stadium is complete. (The home section) Opposite the main stand, we were sat in a makeshift stand…no cover…no nothing. Now I’m not expecting umbrellas and central heating, and I appreciate the fact that whilst Blackpool’s ground is being rebuilt, there will be a certain amount of unrest. However, what I don’t appreciate is the fact that I was charged £14-00 plus £7-00 for my son, to sit in such un-comfort. Surely the price structure should reflect the conditions? In fairness had the sun been cracking the flags we would’ve sitting in the best deck chairs in Blackpool. That wasn’t the case though!
The game wasn’t much better, although we hoped it would be entertaining enough to take our minds off the blustery wind and the damp conditions. It was settled by the odd goal, which was the highlight of the game, as the home team took all three points. That was about as good as it got I’m afraid. I left the stadium a little disappointed, but heartened by the fact that I’m a supporter of non-league football. For a third of the price I get more value for my money, but I also get the chance of going on a mystery tour every now and then. Blackpool collected all three points on the day…but of course the real winner was the Halibut & Chips!