Sophie Darby
All this nostalgia - it's making me feel very young!
I was born in 1983- and as little girls do I used to play with dolls and avoid little boys wherever possible, because of this football meant little to me. I was aware that my brother Dick supported a team called Derby County, so whenever the football results came on a Saturday afternoon I used to look for their score. To be honest though I found it more interesting the way the funny man read them "Crystal Palace niiiiiil Charlton Twooooooo"
When I got a bit older I realised how passionate people were about the game. Nobody was interested in sports I played like Hockey and Netball. so what was so special about this football lark? So I attempted to sit down and watch a match- I asked my Dad who he wanted to win ,he said Sheffield W*dn*sd*y. I decided I must be a W*dn*sd*y fan then .Thankfully this didn't last long, as my brother soon informed me that I was indeed a Derby fan. I have since learned never ever to listen to my Dad when he talks about football.
One Saturday afternoon when my parents picked me up from school RADIO DERBY was on and a man called Graham seemed to be getting very excited about something. I was told that Derby had just beaten Crystal Palace and would be promoted to the Premiership . I thought "That's good Dick will be pleased ."
That summer Euro '96 meant whenever I switched on the TV it was football and everyone was talking about football. I watched bits of games and was surprised at how much I enjoyed. It stopped being 22 men kicking a ball about and became an entertaining game with skill and passion. I think the first game I ever watched from start to finish was England v Holland and after that I became hooked .
My Brother realised he could take advantage of that and for my 13th Birthday present in 1996 I was taken to the BBG to see Derby v Everton. I know I don't need to describe the experience being at a football ground for the first time as its a feeling we have all shared. I'm sure (its captured very well in 'Fever Pitch') but the moment I walked up from the concourse in to the Normanton Upper Tier was the moment I was well and truly infected by the beautiful game.
Of course that game was far from beautiful and Derby lost 1-0 Nick Barmby scoring right at the end. I didn't pay much attention to the match itself, as there was so much to take in around me. My brother told me that the old man sitting next to me with a bag full of Lemon Sherbets , always handed a sweet out to everyone around him when Derby scored.I have to admit I was more disappointed with the score when realised I wasn't going to get a sweet !
Since then I have become increasingly besotted with Derby and have had a season ticket for two years . I only went to three games at the BBG two of which (Chelsea 3-2 and Arsenal) were in executive boxes which I liked at the time because I could meet the players afterwards, but not any more.
I've realised that the only way to enjoy a match is with other TRUE fans. I'm glad I had the chance to experience the BBG as I am with Pride Park.
When i read everyones memories of the Popside and things like that I really feel like I've missed out ,but I suppose we can't have everything.
Sorry it was so long but if you're going to tell a story you might as well tell it properly !
c2001 Sophie Darby