But as for attending neutral fixtures simply for the sake of it, almost never, the diametric opposite of a groundhopper.
While I have racked up in excess of a hundred grounds, it has been almost entirely organically. It initially began by following Chester City in the Football League, then into Non-League and eventually into oblivion, rising phoenix-like through the lower divisions as Chester FC before getting relegated again. Throw in a spate of England games and a handful of random encounters and the century comfortably came up, although I have no idea where or when that landmark was achieved.
Whereas I would concede that football is the best sport, for me it’s largely about the journey, the ritual, the faces, not to mention a cheeky pint and some kind of pastry item. Predominantly though it’s about the total and utter investment in the result, whether having your guts ripped out or going into paroxysms of ecstasy, otherwise known as giving it limbs. It’s about taking a gloriously one-eyed view of proceedings and bellowing encouragement at the lads for the full 90 minutes.
Denne historien er fra April 30, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 30, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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ENSIGN TEEN IS TAYLOR MADE!
WHITE Ensign boss Aaron Bloxham has hailed teenage talent Taylor Jacobi after his stoppage-time winner created history.
RAMADAN A RHYTHM IS BACK IN AT BLUES!
CEMAL RAMADAN reckons Bury Town have got back into their rhythm- but knows the Isthmian North title race is going to be a long haul.
DECRUZ IS SINGING THE BLUES FOR DREAM TIE
MERSTHAM manager Jamie Decruz says it would be \"crazy\" not to stage his side's glamour FA Youth Cup tie with Chelsea anywhere other than Stamford Bridge.
GLASSBOYS'JORDAAN IS A SCROOGE FOR BUCKS!
STOURBRIDGE snatched a dramatic stoppage time equaliser to seal a share of the points following a pulsating contest with promotion rivals Telford.
CLINICAL CALLUM HITS THE BULLSEYE
DARTFORD their D place in the play-off places as a 79th-minute goal from Callum Jones gave Adrian Pennock's side all three points.
ARDLEY'S OFF TO A WINNER!
NEAL Ardley got off to a winning start as Woking boss with victory over play-off chasing Altrincham and then admitted the Robins have set the mantra he would like the Cards to follow.
MADINE'S A MARVEL AT POOLS
GARY Madine's third goal in a Hartlepool United shirt fired his team to within two points of the National League play-offs after a dramatic victory over Yeovil Town.
BEES RATTLED BY TOP TOWN
BARNET slipped behind York City at the top of the National League after they were held to a draw by FC Halifax Town - a result thoroughly deserved by the Shaymen who battled for the whole game and gave the Bees barely a sight of goal.
Rovers denied by resilient Shots
DISAPPOINTED Steve Cotterill believes that his side had enough chances to beat Aldershot Town after dropping two points in their title quest.
KEEPER JOS REVELS AS GOAL HERO
IF you think goalkeepers never score, you must be Bark-ing mad.