The talk on the plane was about Saturday's performance in Tel Aviv and how England would cope against minows Andorra that evening, there were some very confident people, and others not so confident...like myself. It had been an early start, woke up around 0315 in time for my train from St Albans to Gatwick Airport at 0419. Was about to leave the house at 03:45 when my old dear said she would give me a lift to the station. Got to the station and saw a few other England regulars waiting on the platform ready to catch trains to different airports to make their way to the game in Barcelona. The train journey down was fairly uneventful, and slept most the way, apart from talking to a bloke about Tel Aviv on the previous Saturday. Got to the airport and checked in, the usual stuff and made my way to meet a mate in the bar, where we had a couple of pints before boarding the plane at 0830, for the relativley short flight to Barcelona. On the flight, I got talking to a few Palace fans which was a rather intresting chat, mainly with them taking the **** out of me and vice versa. Landed at Barcelona El Prat to beautiful sunshine, and although it wasnt overly warm, it was very plesant. After leaving the airport, we made our way to the Camp Nou, which is my favourite place in the world, and so was nice to have a look around and saw a couple of Barca players leaving the stadium. We then made our way back to La Rambla, where after a bite to eat, we met up with some other lads and carried on drinking in a square that was draped in St George's crosses and a couple of thousand England fans singing and drinking. The police then turned up and caused a scene by making everyone take their flags down, which only caused problems and they eventually stood back and let everyone get on with what they were doing. We made our way down to the port for a quiet beer before going upto the ground. This was cut short when a group of L*ton fans turned up, there was the father, son, daughter and her boyfriend and they were exactly what you would expect someone from that neck of the woods to be like...mouthy and thick. A lot of verbal was exchanged, but as I left I just said "Always remember, October 1997, L*ton Town 0 - 4 Watford" and walked off. Made our way upto the ground via Metro and bus and got to the ground at around 2000 where we joined the queue to access the official England section of the ground. The queues were a nightmare and we eventually got into the ground at about 2030 and found a few seats for our group to stand near, we were in the Upper tier, bang on the half way line about 3 or 4 rows up and so had a very good view. The atmosphere was good and made me laugh when a bloke from Oldham climbed up the flag pole and took down one of the FIFA flags and put his own 'Oldham Athletic-Keep The Faith' flag up instead. The game started and was pretty uneventful and some of the songs we were singing were really good. As you can imagine, the majority of the songs were Anti McClown, England etc and very pro David Beckham. Half time there were quite a few arguements as people with different views clashed, but second half it was more of the same, except we scored three goals but even so, the Anti songs continued and were very loud of the TV, so I have heard. After the game, we made our way back to the airport and got back to Gatwick at about 01:40 which was good timing as I needed to get the train from Gatwick back to St Albans at 02:30. Whilst was standing on the platform, I saw a mate who goes to every Watford game, home and away, who had been holidaying in Gran Canaria. Got back to St Albans at 03:55 and was back home by 0415 and then in bed by around 0430. Was up again this morning at 0800 and had an exam at 1300 so when I recieve that result that will be very intresting. All in all, had a fantastic day and although it cost a lot of money, it was worth it. Next stop, Tallin! Would be grateful for any comments on my writing here as I intend to use it in the future for one thing or another.
Good read, it’s interesting to get the perspective of someone who was actually there! Are you going to write one for the Chelsea game?
I am shattered at the moment, but hard work has never hurt anyone. I dont tend to normally write one, due to time and going to everything game a lot of it would be the same, but if enough people wanted me to write a blog for different games then I would oblige
Thanks mate, I love England games mate...nothing like it. But yesterday, met up with lads from Cambridge, Stockport, Tottenham, Derby, Man United just to name a few
I can see why, after game like last night, but its more of the day out and meeting people that appeals to me
Suprisingly I am, I feel that McLaren only dropped Beckham to make a statement that he is the manager
Interesting. Sounds like a great time. I enjoyed reading about the England fans gathered the plaza, likely scaring the bejeexus out of the Gardia Civil. Must be incredible to be in a stadium abroad packed with supporters of your team. We can't even get that at home! I was curious to hear more about the pro/anti - McClaren & Beckham issues, though that may not be so specific to Andorra v England...
It was good in the square, as everyone was drinking and singing and generally enjoying themselves. The police just wanted to create problems and hope to arrest as many people as possible. I didnt actually see this, but some of the lads were playing football in the square and the ball got stuck in one of the trees, one lad climbed the tree and got it back, started doing the old EASY EASY and fell out the tree, the kicked the ball straight into another tree :]]
Thanks for a very good write up and I would be interested in reading your blogs from future England matches. Couldn't agree more.
I agree with that formula. If we lose but I’ve had a good day I try to forget/deny the realities of the result (temporarily) but I tend to then suffer more for it the next day. I’d love to go to an international game abroad for the experience. My dad and step-mum went to Germany and only saw the England games on the big screen, but saw Sweden vs Trinidad and Tobago, a poor game, but the experience sounded amazing. I think it is the experiences which generally make away games more fun because they are a bit different. One of my best memories was after an awful 1.1 draw with Blackpool when loads of Watford fans were on the Pepsi Max Big One, all singing ‘Watford till I Dieahhhhhh’ (you probably had to be there)
I think what makes going to football is the overall 'football experience'. The atmosphere, having a few drinks, meeting a few mates or new people and a bit of banter all makes up part of the 'football experience' for a large amount of people. Obviously the game itself is the most important part of the day, but too overlook all the other aspects of matchday is very narrow minded. Personally, finances permitting, i'd love to make an away journey to some far off part Europe following England, and in all honesty, i'd be going for the whole experience rather than just the game. Beeing in a city square packed with England fans must be a fantastic experience and something you probably wouldn't forget. Personally i've little pride in our national team, it's been a while since i've looked forward to an international game because theres such a lack of passion and pride amongst our current squad. Back to the original point, excellent write up, i'd personally look forward to and enjoy reading any blogs from future England matches.
Thanks mate, I shall do one if I can get a ticket in the second sale for Estonia, if not, the next one will be Russia in October
yeah very good write up i do feel that the england player and manager have no write to say england fans should get behind the players for the likes of you who pay loads of money to see them play the way they did agaist part timers you have every right to boo them sing what ever song you want
Something else about young fans: They haven't had their souls devoured by the man yet. Once they do, they will know the release of getting away to spend time with other fans in an interesting place to watch their country battle it out on the biggest stages in the world. Cut them a break. Young Fans: put yourselves in someone else's shoes and cut us a break. Trust me, you'll know what I mean in 7-10 years.
I also was in Barca but due to intense alcoholic consumption throughout the day I have little memory of the evening!!! Good times!
