A visitor from Brazil...

Diego · 29-12-2011, 18:35

Hi everyone,

Don't know if anyone remembers me but I posted here for a while some time ago. My name is Diego, I'm 24 years old and I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My interest on Accrington Stanley was born after I watched Stanley beat Nottm Forest in a Carling Cup match years ago. Since then, even though I'm not able to watch the matches, I've followed its results very closely. Last season being denied the chance of going to Wembley must have been heartbreaking. I also bought the book "Accrington Stanley: The Club That Wouldn't Die" (I wonder how many copies of it exist in Brazil!) - fantastic read btw.

In a social network called orkut (similar to facebook, particularly popular here), an English man, born in Accrington but a Rio resident for decades, contacted me after seeing me talk about the club in some football forums. The stories he told me about the club - and the fact that he also supports Flamengo in Brazil - were all very nice and helped growing my affection for Stanley.

But you're probably wondering why I'm saying all that stuff. Well, it's because I'm making plans of visiting England again. I say 'again' because earlier this year (in April) I spent 3 days in the city of Liverpool, went to Anfield (did the tour, even won a quiz competition about the history of the club) and watched a game there (5-0 against Birmingham). My 'big team' in England is Liverpool FC. But this time I want to go back, stay for longer (probably around 3 weeks in late January and February 2012) and see a lot more of the country than just Liverpool.

My 'crazy' plan consists of watching a game in each division of the main English leagues - EPL, CH, L1, L2 and even the Conference (I have a friend from a Liverpool forum who is a Barrow fan, so...). I still don't know who I prefer to watch in the Championship and League One, but my EPL and L2 clubs are easily defined - Liverpool and Accrington Stanley.

And that's why I'm here, after all. I'd like to make some questions. Any help is much appreciated.

1. How much is the ticket? I suppose it's not difficult to get one, right?
2. How do I get to Accrington from either London or Liverpool? Easier way is by train, I guess. If so, how long it takes and how much it costs?
3. Would I get a nice welcome and some company for a beer or two before/after the match?

4. Any advices?

Well, that's it. I'm still not sure if the travel will happen (I'm doing the maths, calculating the costs, all that stuff :P), but I really hope so!

Thanks in advance

Diego

Lewi · 29-12-2011, 18:55

Hi Diego
You can buy tickets from the website, the ticket office on match day or even on the turnstiles. Prices vary depending on if you sit or stand but can be seen here

Best way to get to Accrington is probably by train - you can get one from London or Liverpool to Preston and then transfer to Accrington. You'll always find someone to have a beer with before and after the match!

cashman · 29-12-2011, 19:44

You will get a good welcome in the "Crown" or the "Oaklea" Diego, suggest the Oaklea Pre-Match n Crown After, but entirely up to you.

As suggested the train is easiest from London or Liverpool,Would also suggest standing in the Clayton end, the Ultras create a great atmosphere fer a small club.

Bob Dobson · 29-12-2011, 22:39

What's the name of the Accrington chap in Brazil? How old? I bet someone on here knows him. Which school did he attend? Where did he live?.

I live 30miles from Accrington and the landlord ( he who holds the licence) for my local pub is a Brazilian ( Pedro) - a great guy with a fantastic grasp of the English language and humour.

I hope that Dan or someone at the club reads this, as it is an opportunity for them to show hospitality and get some publicity out of it.

Bob Dobson · 29-12-2011, 22:41

More thoughts.....You should find time to visit the Peel Park ground and the Peel Park pub........Have a pie at half-time.

Dan · 30-12-2011, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I hope that Dan or someone at the club reads this, as it is an opportunity for them to show hospitality and get some publicity out of it.

Off to Hereford shortly, but I'm aware!!!

Somebody will be in touch soon Diego...

Diego · 30-12-2011, 15:16

Thanks a lot for the replies!

I'm trying to sort out the logistics of my planned trip and I'd probably be based in London by the time of the Stanley game (January 28 against Gillingham). I'd need to take the train to Preston and then Accrington, is that right?

I'm used to stand at football games here in Brazil, actually I prefer it to sitting, so Clayton End sounds the best place indeed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

What's the name of the Accrington chap in Brazil? How old? I bet someone on here knows him. Which school did he attend? Where did he live?.

I don't have too much contact with him these days, but he's my friend on facebook, just checked, his name is Philip Steven Carruthers, he studied at the Hutton Grammar School... not sure how old he is, but it says "class of 1964". Hope he doesn't mind me saying this stuff here

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I live 30miles from Accrington and the landlord ( he who holds the licence) for my local pub is a Brazilian ( Pedro) - a great guy with a fantastic grasp of the English language and humour.

I'm afraid my grasp of the English language is not exactly 'fantastic', but if you guys are patient and speak slowly, I'll be fine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Off to Hereford shortly, but I'm aware!!!

Somebody will be in touch soon Diego...

Cool!

Press/Media Dan Jewell

Is that you?

Dan · 01-01-2012, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diego

Cool!

Press/Media Dan Jewell

Is that you?

yep

I'll be in touch later this week.

Bob Dobson · 01-01-2012, 14:41

My pub landlord, Pedro, has only met two Brazilians outside of London in the past 30years.

Hutton is near to Preston. I was hoping that you would say Accrington Grammar School.

In addition to having a pie at the match, have a pie and peas in the Peel Park pub. - superb.Order a pint of bitter from one of the small breweries' beers sold inh the Peel Park. And of course, look at the old ground which is opposite the pub's front door. Have your camera with you. There are few better examples of an English pub- in every respect.

dabeast · 01-01-2012, 15:26

Diego its probably cheaper to come from kings cross via leedss to accy. (check east coast.co.uk) I always go to london that way. Nicer trains too. Hope to see you on the match.

Bob Dobson · 01-01-2012, 15:48

How will we know it's Diego? What is Brazilian traditional dress? I only hope he doesn't try a coffee at the match- he won't recognise it. Maybe he should wear a Stanley shirt with his name on the back.

widnes viking · 02-01-2012, 08:05

I suspect he will be the only Bloke in Accrington with a decent tan in January Bob

Bob Dobson · 02-01-2012, 10:04

I hope that some of the lads will compose a chant based on 'Diego' . I've tried - hopeless. I cannot even think of a limerick.

mab · 02-01-2012, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I hope that some of the lads will compose a chant based on 'Diego' . I've tried - hopeless. I cannot even think of a limerick.

How about this.....'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh "hes a stanley fan from Brazil"'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh.......

Diego · 02-02-2012, 20:21

Hey guys, how is everyone doing?

I'm still studying some details but there's a good chance I'll be in Accrington on February 18th, day of a home Stanley game. It would probably be my 1st day in England and I'd head straight away to Accrington, after arriving in London. I plan to stay in the city for at least one more day. Do you guys know any hostels or cheap hotels where I could stay for the night? I'll already spend a lot of money with all the traveling, so I'm trying to spend as little as possible with accommodation.