I loved the old place but if we wanted to move forward, or even keep up, we had to move.
So true. It's why i say we often see the old place through rose tinted glasses. It was falling apart and unsuitable for the way football was moving. It wasn't so nice and much fun when there was less than 3 thousand there. we had shockingly low attendances when i started going in 1977.
I think we see it as a special place because it's where we started the love affair, learned to be passionate and loyal, went from boy to man, felt you belonged, formed friendships, formed your first happy memories, remember being with your dad and grandad, the characters , oddballs and nutters that stood on the terraces. It really was a unique place in that manner. I often sit in my seat in the west upper, turn to my right towards the old place and have a smile and think fuck me what a crazy place that was. It will always be in my heart, Thanks dad.
Going to Wall as a twelve year with your mates and finding the nutters to stand near for entertainment. I've heard some of the funniest things ever said/ shouted by blokes down at wall. The humour is still there, it's part of our Dna, what gets us through tough times and forms part of our fuck em/ oh well outlook.
If we were doing well we'd get 7 0r 8k, go on a bad run and 3k would drop off the gate in no time at all. Contrary to what we often think is a very loyal support we can be somewhat the fair weather fans bar that 4/5k of absolute hardcore that go every game. I think we are much better supported now. Our average attendances are quite high and steady campared to years gone by.
As for where we play now i think it serves it purpose and most importantly is still on the manor. It has grown on me and is a great place to be when packed and at our most orriblest and noisy.