Dad was an only child, and a villa fan, and son of a villa fan too, so I didn't get it from them. Brother is a glory hunting liverpool fan as a child of the 80's as deutsch described earlier in the thread.
first game was in the john ireland just after it had been built. Half the ground was closed. My brother had won tickets at school, and my grandad took us. I was already a fan though. Always had the radio on for commentary, or goal alerts.
For many years I was never really in a position to go to many games. I simply couldn't afford it for many years. It's been a dream since childhood to have a season ticket, even if just for one season. I'd say up to being 30, there was never a chance of affording it.
There would have been an outside chance for a couple of years, however dads long term illness started having side effects, and essentially resulted in him being in a coma for several weeks. I'll never forget the consultant telling us he didn't know how come dad was still alive. He pulled through, but had to give up work. Ain't all bad, as I genuinely believe that him stopping work at just over 50 probably prolonged his life, and has allowed him a retirement and time with mum he possibly never would have had. For that, and the fact he's still here (he never expected to reach 70 following initial diagnosis) I am forever grateful.
However with him no longer earning, and mum having more minor health issues, again I couldn't afford it.
Which was the case for years, and was fine. I still loved the club and obsessively followed results, radio, brief highlights, whatever I could get. Games on sky I'd watch with friends, as we never had sky.
Years ago, a fellow bowler, who was a STH with his son gave me a couple of opportunities to attend. It was amazing! The season after, I got 2 or 3 other chances to go, including survival sunday! Wow!
Then, more recently, but still a few years ago, I decided to be a cheeky fucker. darlo offered a ticket on here. After a couple of days, and no obvious reply, I pm-d him and he said it was available. I arranged to meet up, and a fucking strange journey began!
Darlo, aiki and sam between them began letting me sub in for whichever of them could't attend. Gracious and wonderful human beings that they are, they never asked for re-imbursement, though I'd always have happily given this, and I always bought at least a round. They'd frequently spoil that by buying me drinks back!
As a result of this bare faced cheek, I became a familiar face to other attendees. Some have offered me their tickets for games they can't attend. I have, as a result, had the joy not only of attending games (from before league one, to today) owing basically to the kindness and generosity of some amazing people that I am also now overjoyed to be able to call friends.
I've always tried to at the least buy people a drink, and with the way prices have gone for people now, it is only fair and reasonable to ensure anyone who loans me their ticket is reimbursed. I am totally happy to give anyone the value back, because for them to trust me with their ST is huge for me. If I recall, when darlo spoke with me about how much for the loan per game, it was almost like he was apologetic about it. But it is completely right and fair! Plus, I've managed to do a lot of work on supporting my arents financial situation, as well as my own over the past 5 years which has finally got me to the stage where I could, for the first time in my life, afford a season ticket. So I am on the waiting list.
So through sheer cheek, and some amazing folks, I've seen amazing football matches live, in 3 divisions. In reality, if I didn't know these people I'd probably by now have only attended 3 or 4 games in my life. It's actually 30-40. To be honest, the debt I owe some of these people is fucking massive, and to be sure, I will never forget their kindness to me.
So I'm on the waiting list. I'm a member. However I've got so used to subbing in, that I am always unlikely to ever have the points to acquire tickets later in the season.
But for me, that's fine. I remind myself of the joy I've had seeing the few games I do get to. I reflect on how fortunate I have been to make friends with, laugh with, and enjoy the company of some really good human beings. I have had some fantastic afternoons, and evenings. I was unforgivably late to a curry (and then didn't eat curry!) but I have been bloody fortunate. So if I then can't get a ticket for a game, like a cup semi final, or vs the champions elect, or whatever, no biggie, because my focus would be on the sheer luck I've had to be able to see my team live.
One additional issue, relating to some issues on the other thread. My wife is also amazing, and flexible, allowing me to attend. I know from friends who I bowl with how lucky I am with my wife, and how she doesn't restrict me in an excessive way. I hear so many friends who tell me they can';t do x, y or z and whilst I empathise, I also wonder about the relationship. My wife appreciates I love the opportunity to go to the football, and if some calls me at 5 saying "there's a ticket going tonight" she'll encourage me to go. She trusts me to be a decent human being and be respectful to her, and I do, by acknowledging that she's been so respectful to me, and I make time for her back. e have a great relationship. But we work at it. If she had a bloody good reason to say no, she'd explain this, and I'd understand. So some of the comments about life getting in the way is either about relationships, or about priorities, or about compromises people don't want to make. This isn't aimed at anyone in particular. We don't have kids, though we do have stepkids, but they're grown up, so it isn't an issue. But even so, I'm sure if we did, we'd find compromises so I could attend games.
