Just back from the match (well it feels like it)

We arrived at the directors entrance at about ten to five and were shown upstairs and introduced to our host for the evening - the legendary Terry Allcock!

After a drink Terry took us on a brief tour of the ground. We saw the 59ers lounge and the trophy cabinet. Then we went downstairs to inspect the dressing rooms - and who should be sat in ours but Glenn Roeder reading the programme. He was very relaxed and in a good humour - justifiably of course!

We then went on the pitch - it must be more than a quarter of a century since I've been on the pitch and I must say that even from ground level the stadium is very impressive. I had my picture taken in the home dugout - and took one of the Wrath's own Kenton Canary who was part of our party.

We then adjourned to Delia's for our evening meal - which was really jolly good. I enjoyed this tremendously because we sat with Terry and got to talk to him about his career and hear his views of football in general and NCFC in particular. Basically from the 50s to the 70s he played with or against, or coached just about anybody who was anybody. He was very forthright on modern football and the current state of NCFC.

AFter that it was off to the sponsors' box - the one in the River End nearesr the South Stand. I'm not suure that I would generally enjoy the experience but since our party was basically a bunch of NCFC nutters like Kenton, Camcan and I it was pretty raucous. I have to confess that I jumped so high for the first goal that I knocked a ceiling tile out. I then repeated the feat for the second goal. My guilt at this was somewhat assuaged when Kenton knocked one out for the third goal.

After half time we we were joined briefly by the man who was paying for us all to attend - Michael Foulger. He is a charming man and naturally was beaming from ear to ear. Throughout the evening Andrew Cullen joined us from time - he is, of course, City through and through.

We were supposed to pick the man of the match, but Terry decided that it was obviously Leroy and that was who was phoned through. Personally I thought Sammy was immense and I know I wasn't alone in that view.

We then adjourned to the Gunn Club where we were introduced to Leroy and Marsh and had our photos taken with them (see if you can spot us in Saturday's programme).

It was a wonderful evening and I can't do it justice in words. A big thank you to Andrew Cullen, and to Terry Allcock for being such marvellous company, and especially to Michael Foulger for making it all possible. And thanks Rob.

Posted By: Reg Presley, Oct 22, 20:38:25