The Leigh Limpet

Just read on off. site that game will be played on Sat 5th Jan, ko 3pm. Hooray!

Should be a good game. Be interesting to see what day & time we play it ( Sat 3pm ideal, but unlikely ), as both Fulham & QPR ( v dirty Leeds ) at home. No doubt old bill will want to spread them out over the weekend.

Me as well ( put it down to Monkey Glands & Ginseng! ). My first away game was at West Ham in April 1969 ( my Dad took me ), & 1st home game ( first time going with 'the lads' ), midweek v Man Utd in Aug 71. Personally only difference between then & now, is back then I looked forward to the game all week. Now with ridiculous KO times, & regular train maintenance meaning bus travel between some stations, it takes me a week to get over a game!.

To the tune of Jim Reeves 'Distant Drums' I hear the sound ( clap clap clap clap clap clap ) of distant bums Over there, over there, ( pointing to away fans ) And do they smell (clap x 6 again ) Like f*****g hell Over there, over there. Remember that clearly up to early 70's.

Age is but a number!.

Fast forward to present day & in my case, substitute 'bog roll' with Glasses, Glasses case & Mobile. I need more pockets!.

Pre season 96, we were in a 2 day tournament at Forest, along with Man Utd & Ajax ( I think?). I went up there on the 1st day ( Sat ), 1st game kicked off lunch time, 2nd one nigh on straight after. Tried to get in the TBI for a pre match beer, but they wouldn't let us in. Man U had few thousand there, all in the opp end to the Trent, where Forest obviously were. We were put in the lower section opp the side the teams come out, reckon we had around 1,000 there. Ajax had a Band amongst their fans in the upper stand where we were, who were quite entertaining with their music. As for the games, think Forest beat Ajax, & we drew 0-0 with Man U (?). Seem to recall that we won our sunday game, & the other game was drawn, & we won the Tournament?. Not 100% certain, as many brain cells have diminished since then. Do remember chatting to 'Chelsea Bob' ( still has his scarf/ shirt/ souvenir stall outside Fulham Broadway side exit ) who was in one of the side streets leading to the ground, selling his 'wares'. ( we go back to 78 at Benfleet ). Anyone else on here go that weekend??

Poor old Bobby ( RIP ) only had one, as he had Testicular cancer in his 20's, & had to have one removed. Think Neil Harris ( Millwall Manager ) also had it, & beat it ( good for him).

As it was pay as you entered that day, reckon many turnstile operators made enough cash for a new car & a holiday??.

Still remember that evening, as it was my first home game. The Ref was Norman Burkenshaw, quite experienced & IIRC didn't take any nonsense from any players.

Glad I wasn't standing behind them!. Bloke just to the left of flag, wearing a Trilby & glasses, for you 'old un's' on here like me, looks like Harry Worth!!.

I was there, that evening. Had forgotten it was so close to Christmas Day!. Also went to the 2nd Leg, (2-2), walking up Tottenham High Rd pre game, many of our fans had the old white Butchers coats on, daubed with slogans/graffiti. Filled the Paxton Rd end, went off big time when the teams came out, directly opposite in lower terrace. After our last min equaliser ( which put us through ), was like the old 'Wild West' outside the ground. Jeez, that was night never to forget!. ( Let's not mention the Final ).

Remember watching that on MOTD, with Jimmy Hill ranting on about it!. Sure I read on here a year or so ago, that the guy in question 'Irish ****'?, is no longer with us?.

6 weeks ago, I did the Museum & Ground tour. Very interesting couple of hours, & no away club Manager would say that now. According to our host, our away dressing room is the biggest in the Premiership & it was a good size with ample facilities. After that, we went into the home dressing room. Jeez, talk about all luxuries. Even the small locker draw where they put their Watch's, car keys, jewellery etc are felt lined, so nothing can get scratched!.