Something i wrote during lockdown when i was missing Millwall
I miss
Getting my best clobber ready.
The phone calls and messages with life long mates to make plans.
Waking up and knowing that within an hour i'll be with life long mates.
Putting on my bet and remembering my old man saying never back Millwall.
Sitting in Manzes and hearing that wonderful south London accent.
The old boys and girls tucking into double double whilst joking and recounting tales of old.Walking into the booze to be greeted by all manner of loons both young and old. The banter and stories form the week just passed. The piss taking and ribbing- no one does it better than us!
The walk down the back streets that i first did with my dad over 40 year ago.
Recalling battles that we had with old foes.The tingle and goosebumps that i still get as we walk past the old place and where the love affair started. The sound of the monks chant as we get nearer the Den. Seeing generations of wall and the families chucking spare coin into the collection buckets. The walk through the carpark, the handshakes and nods. Hello mate, you sweet? Hope the family is well! The shouts of allright mate i'll see you in there.
The smell of manky burgers, hotdogs and fried onions. Programs get your programs. The click of the turnstiles. More nods, handshakes and piss taking. Facing those steps that elevate you to the stand. Seeing the lush green pitch and Den in all it's glory. More hugs and handshakes as you get to your seat. Chucking the habitual wanker sign to some trampy northerners to my left. Londons calling belting out on the tannoy.
The lions running out on to the pitch to great cheer. It's Saturday down cold blow lane we've all come down to cheer, come rain or shine all the time,,,,,,,,,,
The feeling of being at home with one big family. No one likes us ringing around the ground. Lino you're a cunt. Shit refs we always get shit refs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ending up two rows from my seat after the ball hits the back of the net. The nerves, the hope, the joy, the smiles, the doubt and elation again as the ref blows for full time and we've won. The world is a better place and your weeks been sorted. Seeing the youngens bouncing around to rocking all over the world. The walk home with a small on your face.
Let em come.