Archive for May 2011

Day 4

So as we left Torquay, we knew we has some driving to do. Along the south coast, back to London and then the final journey to Brighton. And waiting at Brighton we had the added incentive of getting there for the final game of the season, which also happened to be the final game at their stadium, Withdean before moving to their new ground. But more about that game later.

So we had a good 12 / 14 hours ahead of us and some miles to do. We hit the south coast quickly and with ease. It was time go rocket into London and see what was what. The plan to leave London last and in the middle of the night paid off. Hardly any cars or traffic. Just a few people strolling home from the bright lights of the city having missed the last tube. We got through clubs very very quickly and the number came tumbling down. Soon we were in the late eighties and saw light at the end of the Blackwell tunnel.

One thing to point out at this point is how welcoming the football community is. You forget that their is more to football that the top four and Wayne Rooney. People who we met, were friendly, chatty and just brilliant. It is this was everywhere. It actually made me fall in love with the game again and I now have my eye on about 20 teams come final score on a Saturday.

However on the early hours of Saturday morning we turned up at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC. This club and only this club did not let us take a photo outside the ground. It was 3am. No one was around. No one. It was crazy. Even writing this now, is just seems madness. I posted this on twitter and got a massive response. Clubs had opened their doors, gave us gifts, free tickets to games. Chelsea wouldn't let us even take a photo.

However, 91 decent clubs and 1 that just let themselves down.

Apart from that London was great fun. Had a great cup of tea at Millwall, away fans at Palace were brilliant and even the bouncers at Rudolf's were good fun. For you non Spurs fans, Rudolf's is a nightclub next to the ground.

As the sun came up over the Olympic park, things were looking good and we finished the last couple of clubs and hit the road south. Brighton, we were coming to get you.

I will cut a long story short, but we made it to Brighton 75 hours after leaving Watford. We had done over 2500 miles and met some amazing people along the way. As we drove into the Withdean, The feeling was amazing. We took some photos, made some calls and chatted to staff. We had done it, but more importantly we had raised some money and had an amazing trip. Really amazing.

The final game, although Brighton lost was brilliant. A great game. Some amazing characters in the crowd. Dave and his sidekick stood out for me.
It was party atmosphere. And even though we only had 10 hours sleep since Wednesday morning, we were on a high. The game had everything. It was a great way to finish our trip. So happy we had chosen this as our 92 ground.

Now it was time for a rewarding beer.


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