EWEIE (N*tt*ngh*m)
The first game I went to must have been about 1975/76,It was either Boxing Day or just after xmas, can't remember who the opposition were being only 10 or 11 at the time.
Mum and Dad likewise had never been to a footy match ,I think they were just bored going shopping on Saturday afternoons! Anyway they were hooked and we went loads of times after that .I remember worrying that we would miss Basil Brush at 5:05 pm and not worrying too much about what was happening on the pitch.
We used to sit in the Ossie Upper Tier, another thing I remember was the glow of fags being lit up around the ground as darkness fell in the depths of winter .Also the generator Derby employed when the three day week came in and everyone was having power cuts. All other clubs kicked off at two o'clock ,but Oh No not Derby.....and what happened? ..yeah it broke down and we all sat in the semi gloom .Things don't change do they ?
Later on I ditched the parents and went and stood in the Ossie End with me mates and the skinheads. When they used shove side to side instead of front to back you all went down like a pack of dominoes.
I had my heroes , Charlie George was and still is my all time fave. Steve Buckley was another ...all shoulders and thunderous shot.
Time went and we progressed to the Popside .Relegations and promotions followed but I still supported the team I luv.
It all seems a long time ago now , that 1st match...my Dad died a year before we moved grounds -at a youngish age. That last match at the BBG made me think about all those years we had gone to the match together ,Its a pity he never saw Pride Park.
Ah well sentimental sheep that I am .
Really enjoyed reading every ones' stories ,there's nowt like footy is there ?
And nothing like being a Ram through and through......
c2001 Eweie