Paul Ryan (USA)
My parents were never in to football, my Dad preferred Rugby to both watch and play. So was never taken to any games when I was young.
I think my first game was one I got in to free ! I was playing in a brass band at the time and asked to play carols on the pitch at halftime in return for watching the game.I think we won 4-0(possibly Grimsby 1986) but I got such a rush from the game that I was hooked! I used to go to as many games home and away as I could (including Brighton in April when it snowed!)
I got a season ticket in the Popside in about 1990 for a few years, even for my first year at uni on L***s, but this all stopped when I went to Germany in 1993.Since then cash and location, whether it be Germany, North Yorkshire or now the USA have limited my opportunities for getting back for games, but I try to schedule visits home for when games are on.
Being in Germany in 1993-94 made me realise how much I took for granted, getting results and information. I didn't have email at the University I was at and the Internet was really in it's infancy. I had my Mum send me the 'Green 'un' every week ,often getting it a week later .Only short wave radio to try and listen to results (in the 1st division then so no chance of any commos) but often the signal fading out at crucial times. I remember running up a huge phone bill when we played L*******r at Wembley. i couldn't afford to get home so had to phone my Mum very 10 minutes to get the latest score and have her hold the phone to the Radio for the last few minutes to listen to Graham Richards. Would have been cheaper to fly home in the end ;-)
Now there is the Internet which makes things so much easier for all of us abroad.
At least I got to Wembley to watch Derby in the Anglo -Italian final, there were so many Derby supporters then and a brilliant atmosphere shame about the result.
To me there was nothing better than going down to the BBG and cramming on to the Popside. The surge when Derby scored had to be experienced to be believed ,one minute chatting to your mate ,goal goes in and find yourself 30 yards from where you were. Incredible feeling, Only place you'll ever see grown men hug each other and cry.
PPS had to come ,but I really wish I could go back and stand on the Popside and experience that rush again.
c2001 Paul Ryan