The Longside Meets The Gaffer

On arriving at Turf Moor at 11-30 am to hand out the match tickets and badges the sun was just starting to hide behind the rain clouds that were forming, it didn't seem to pose much of an issue at this stage, but by 12-15 the heavens had opened and the rain came down quite heavily. It didn't dampen our spirits though as we started out on the ground tour, following like sheep behind Mick Docherty our host for the afternoon.

I had been informed earlier in the week by Carl Sanderson that unfortunately Besart Berisha this seasons chosen sponsored player due to an appointment with his specialist would not be able to present the match shirts that we had been promised as part of the deal, but rather fortunately for us he had managed to get Owen Coyle to stand in and carry out the presentation. This news was given to the rest of the group on arrival and everyone seemed very pleased with this substitution. The Longside group broke away from the main party at 12-30 and after a few brave souls had been on the pitch for an official photo we convened in the press room for our very own private audience with The Gaffer.

Owen Coyle arrived and immediately apologised on behalf of Besart, and told us he was available for photos, autographs and questions, the ladies rushed over and couldn't wait to have their piccies taken. TUW asked the first question, "What's the team news" I can't tell you as I haven't told any of the lads yet. I asked how Besart was progressing, he said he was doing well but didn't expect him to play for the first team this season, I asked if he had seen much of him as a player he said he hadn't but he was hearing good things. Caretdaz gave us all a laugh when Owen asked his name and he wouldn't tell him. After more pictures and autographs we asked if the official photographer would take a group pic, no problems was the reply, so we were all marshalled into positions big uns at the back, little uns at the front, ( notice where LC is stood), the ladies drape yourselves around Owen. Great pic was the outcome.

After saying our farewells and wishing him the best of luck for the game the gaffer left, and we all trundled off back to the 1882 Lounge for our lunch. Good meal all round with food a plenty, no shortages on the plates.

The match guest was none other than Frank Casper, who during his interview, spoke about THAT tackle, you all know the one, Norman Hunter's. I was amazed to hear Frank say that Leeds players in those days were actually taught in training how to break players legs, then thinking about it maybe I shouldn't have been amazed. Michael Duff turned up out of the blue and immediately had the ladies in our party dribbling and swooning, so more autographs and piccies.

2-50pm and we went to our seats in the Bob Lord stand, we were spread about a bit but overall we had good views. Looking at the pitch before the kick off we could see the water lying in great puddles, mmmm were we going to see this game finish?

Half time came and we went back to the 1882 Lounge for cheese and biscuits and for some of us more beers.

Back out for the second half and the rain started to ease up, and the match now looked like it was going to be possible to finish, it did and as we all now know we won 2-1, both teams playing their part an under the difficult circumstances provided some good football.

At the final whistle we all trouped back to the 1882 Lounge once again, after the results of the quiz, which by the way the BBC'S table won, with the help of L1882, the first goal time and the attendance figure (by the way Bedfords won a prize of a signed pic of Andy Cole Barry Kilby came in with Man Of The Match Kyle Lafferty, after more autographs, beers and kissy kissy goodbyes, we left to meet up in The Grove pub for our evening bash.

Good turnout at the bash, a great pie and pea supper, kareoke, raffle and a really good quiz, meant it was a good night out for all.

The highlights of the evening for me, were BBC2's 200 decibel blast over the microphone, Fred doing his solo song, seeing Burnleyboi thoroughly enjoying himself and to top it all the Star Of The Night was LC with a superb rendition of Oasis's Stand By Me.

 All that is left fo me to say, is a big Thank you to all the helpers, to all those that donated prizes and especially a Bigger Thank You to all those Longsiders who turned out and made it such a great day.

here's looking forward to the next one.