The Accrington Experience

Colmeister · 28-01-2009, 20:33

As promised, here is my posting on going to see Accrington Stanley.

We started off earlier in the day by trying to get in to the Crown but it was closed. Instead we headed down the steps at the back down to the ground to take a quick wander round. That worked out very well for us as we were very fortunate to bump into Mick (Caretaker – and jack of many other trades!) who kindly offered to give us a tour of the ground, and for that we were truly thankful and appreciative. Mick gave us as much time as we needed to take a walk round all the stands/terracing (as it hadn’t been segregated at that point), taking many snaps along the way. Stanley truly are a great example of a family club and its good to see it’s still run that way in spite of now being a League club.

Early evening we had a pre-match pint at the Grey Horse followed by a couple at the Oaklea. We had been touring North England for a couple of days and the Oaklea was by far the nicest pub we had been in - ideal that it’s right at the ground!

Upon arriving at the ground itself, it was great to have the option of having a beer inside. Laws prohibit this up north so it was refreshing to be able to get a bottle of beer before kick off (and at half time, naturally J).

As kick off approached it was also great to meet up with message board regular Valarian – I just assumed you were based in Accrington - had no idea of just how much travelling you had to do to and from the game – definitely my definition of a die-hard fan! Stay in touch.

Another special part of the day, apart from the result itself of course, was the fans (sorry, The Ultras) and the atmosphere in general. I went in the Clayton End and the noise was constant – in fact I think the ‘Red Army’ chant alone lasted longer than the 90 minutes! My own personal fave was ‘lets all have a disco’ whilst my wife was more than amused with Twist N Shout. The only song that should have been sung much more often (as it kept fading out as soon as it started) was the Minder theme tune – that was priceless! I absolutely love non football songs getting sung at games (very rarely happens up here) and as someone who is just old enough to remember watching Minder every week, this went down a treat. Sadly my own team play at one of the new breed of ‘lego stadiums’. You get used to it after a while but its completely soulless and devoid of any atmosphere so it was great to be able to stand on the terraces again and be part of a proper atmosphere.

As for the game itself, it could have (should have) been 3 at half-time alone. Fantastic goal by Ryan to finally settle the game and a very important three points. Good to see that you also have a bar in the ground too for a celebratory post-match pint. Also came in handy as it meant I could check all the other scores – which were very favourable from a Stanley point of view.

Definitely a great day/night out and already I’m plotting to return for another game before the season ends. Hope you guys have a strong finish to the season and can then build on that over the post-season to prepare for next year.

Cheers

Col

K.S.H · 28-01-2009, 20:40

Glad you enjoyed your day out.

VALAIRIAN · 28-01-2009, 21:04

Cheers for that Col, I am glad that you and your good lady had a good time and I was very pleased to meet up with you both.
Your write up of the experience of your excursion is very pleasing in so much as I think it is great that a little club can offer such a BIG experience and I hope that when you are next on tour we will be able to meet up again.

I think that I will now be adopting CLYDE F.C. as my second club!!

southernred · 28-01-2009, 21:40

Sir

So glad you enjoyed the FES experiance

If you want to join the "prawn sandwich briagade" ( pint & pint) in our posh bit on your next visit, PM me and I'll sort it!!

In my bit you pick the team (or add ur views) talk to the ref (befre the game) and tell the Chairman and directors what there doing wrong (according to Accy Web, loads!!!!)

See you soon!!!

PS the club doc is scottish, so you get a free medical as part of the deal!!

Colmeister · 28-01-2009, 21:51

Southern - sounds like a plan.

However, I already know my medical - I've to eat less Chinese, lay off the beer, and oh yeah - he also indicated that I must stop going to Clyde and Stanley games - not good for my health apparently, raises the blood pressure! He suggested Celtic or Man Utd. The latter wouldn't feel right and the former would simply never happen!!!

Colmeister · 28-01-2009, 21:52

Meant to add - might talk my dad into it next time. He's no spring chicken these days so the 'prawn sandwich brigade' treatment might actually suit him. Will let you know.

southernred · 28-01-2009, 21:57

The good news our doc atcually precribes "the FES experiance" on the NHS!!

Please come and join us, its a fantastic experiance!!

Where else can you have a coffee with the gaffer as he fills the official team sheet in, whilst the Chairman pitches in with views!! (they're ALL overpaid!!)

K.S.H · 28-01-2009, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernred

The good news our doc atcually precribes "the FES experiance" on the NHS!!

Really - I have a pre-paid card for prescriptions, I'll use that next season then

Colmeister · 28-01-2009, 22:08

I don't do tea or coffee - throw in a cold can of Pepsi and you have yourself a deal!

southernred · 28-01-2009, 22:09

Thats sounds a good idea!!

If there's a few thousand in Hyndburn with these cards and they all come paid for by the local PCT, we gain and the PCT actually pay for something worthwhile!!

Maybe our gates won't be the lowest in the Football League!!

southernred · 28-01-2009, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colmeister

I don't do tea or coffee - throw in a cold can of Pepsi and you have yourself a deal!

Sir,

Please PM and it WILL be sorted!!

Chat with the doc and King Kenny ( in their best Glasweigen)

We're sponsored by Coke and they do attend, so that's our "poision"

Meet the gaffer and the Chairman, its all in our unique package!!

See you soon!!

K.S.H · 28-01-2009, 22:13

Here ya go lads, season ticket for next year £102

southernred · 28-01-2009, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by K.S.H

Here ya go lads, season ticket for next year £102

Sir,

Thats SUPERB.

The doc thinks that 90 minutes on the Clayton End will cure all East Lancs depression and negative thinking!! (no queues at the docs on a Monday am!!)

Just need to run it by the East lancs PCT and I'm sure we're on to winner!!

lancsdave · 28-01-2009, 22:30

Bet Mick has a chuckle when he sees his job title as caretaker