Tickets and Fixtures

The close season has always seemed to last forever. There are many more sporting events during the summer, but none of them, for me anyway, have that sense of anticipation I get with each game in the football season. I suppose it's because I don't have any real connection with any of the participants. For instance,  I don't follow the cricket as much as I did, mainly because I find the game has changed so much. A 50 overs Tournament with the final played over 20 overs? Even the thought of the Ashes hasn't sent my blood pressure higher than it already is. Mind you, I can't work up much enthusiasm for the England football team these days either. I suppose I might get a bit steamed up if we went on a good run in the World Cup, but they'll have to get a move on, I haven't got much time left. I suppose I am lucky to have seen us win it once, I mean, think of the poor Scots.

Last Wednesday was, therefore, a bit of a special day. Next season's fixtures were published. At least now I can start planning, knowing where I am going and when (until Sky muck it up). Season starts on August 3rd with a home game against Huddersfield, a bit low-key, but the start of a real fun season for me. The first away game is at Blackburn. That part of the country is thick with Championship clubs, so I should very easily be able to cover every league ground outside our division up there. I have decided to co-visit Preston for that game.

I had thought of going up to get my ticket sometime close to fixture publication and Thursday was a grand day for it. Not only was there "An Evening with John Robertson and Derek Randall" at the Approach, but Carl Froch was accorded a civic reception that same evening. I duly arrived at the City ground, parked the car and went into the ticket office. Purchased a Season Ticket for the Upper Brian Clough Stand (above Row 21; I have to watch the pennies) because I like to be around the half-way line and also an Away Season Ticket to ensure that I get a ticket for all 46 games and the Cups. The away season ticket is to make sure I get tickets sent rather than rely on my dodgy memory to apply for them.

It was a lovely day, so decided to take a walk round the stadium. The lady in Reception organised a Pass into the ground and I wandered around the ground taking photos. The newly laid pitch looked in good shape. Then it was time to walk over to Meadow Lane and do Notts County. Forest, of course, counted as ground number one and Notts as number two.

I then made my way into town and went to see Cloughie's statue. After this I met up with a friend, a fellow Forest fan, for the evening.

The evening started with Carl Froch doing a number of interviews with the media before coming out onto the balcony of the Council House to greet his fans, all standing in the pouring rain. I'm sure he would have had a much bigger crowd if the weather had been fine, but we made up for that with some enthusiastic cheers and applause. John Robertson and Derek Randall were excellent company. Randall was much as he was at the crease and in the field, constantly on the move, all the while chatting and chuckling. Robbo was much quieter, but honest and humorous. A really nice man.

On the way back to Suffolk by the sea, having plenty of time in hand, I detoured to Norwich, to make that my third club of the season. Although not too far from my home, it was better to make the stop then than have to make a special journey later.