After all football’s ups and downs, I’ll be glad to get back to cricket
WRITING this column has become a Wednesday habit that I do enjoy. I have a chance to see what memories it brings back for me, and the last week of May was no exception. It was sport from start to finish, with the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final on the Saturday.
I always remembered this because it used to be on the first Saturday in May. That was the day each year when I was making my way to take part in my trade union conference the following week.
If the conference was at Scarborough, I would be travelling north on the M1 whilst the supporters making their way to Wembley for the Rugby League were in the southbound lanes.
This was a very colourful group of cars and coaches as the supporters certainly made everyone aware of their favourites for the trophy.
In those days I rarely got to see the match, but this year as the cup final was played at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground, I was ready to watch. It was a close contest with Huddersfield leading with two minutes to go, and then Wigan scored a winning try that at least meant the bookies got it right!
I was also keen on that Saturday to watch Port Vale versus Mansfield playing in the Wembley play-off for promotion from Division 2. When Mansfield went 2-0 down, and then had a player sent off, I went back to my rugby league. However, I was hardly surprised, albeit saddened, when I eventually tuned back to the football to find Mansfield had lost 3-0.
That Saturday evening saw me in front of the screen for Liverpool against AC Milan for the Champions League final.
The bookies were supposed to be favouring Liverpool, but that was not to be, and then the French police had to get involved to create chaos outside the stadium in Paris.
I was now left with the Sunday play-off, which all the East Midlands knew was meant to see Nottingham Forest get back to the Premier League.
I am not a Forest supporter and if I am forced to choose, I would opt for Derby County. Sadly, I will have to hope Derby keep Wayne Rooney and can make a successful bid next year to get back to the Championship.
Meanwhile, I do want to congratulate Forest on their win…but I will always feel sympathy for the Huddersfield lad who scored the only goal in the Huddersfield net to get Forest back into the Premier League after 23 years.
The big ask is, will they be able to stay there for more than one season?
Many who do make it to the Premier League seem to struggle. The money they receive for getting to the top league looks huge, but when they have increased the wages for the players and staff, there is often not much left to strengthen the team. I think Brentford this year may well prove to be an exception. There are only a few weeks before the football season starts again. The fixtures will soon be published and then we will all see when the big matches will be coming to the City Ground.
My son-in-law has always been a keen Forest fan and I wonder if he will be making more trips north during the season to support his beloved Reds?
The one play-off that I did not get to watch was that involving Grimsby Town and Notts County. I am sorry that the 2-1 score was for Grimsby. I hope this will be the season when County get back into the Football League. With all the football players going on holiday, I shall now enjoy my cricket and hope that Derbyshire have a good season.
Sadly, I will have to hope Derby keep Wayne Rooney and can make a successful bid next year to get back to the Championship.