Arsenal fan won over by ‘remarkable’ Town

Sugar Ray Leonard, former boxer, Enya singer, Trent Reznor, singer

Jeremy Vine journalist/presenter, Hill Harper, actor, Andrea Corr, singer Derek Hough, dancer/choreographer, I FEEL compelled to write to you, the newspaper of record for Huddersfield, to pass on my warm regards to the fine people of your town.

I do so having driven from my home in Bognor Regis, along with my Dad, 80, next month, to watch Arsenal against Huddersfield.

From the moment we arrived it was instantly apparent that the folk of your fair parish are an absolute credit. Football fans, as you will no doubt have documented in your newspaper, can often let their emotions overcome them in a negative way.

Yet, there was not a whiff of hostility on the day. I’ve been all over the world watching the Gunners and I tell you now, I have never been amongst more decent, friendly, knowledgeable and remarkable fans. They should be cherished.

As well as off the pitch (with the fantastic noise in the stadium, enthusiasm and sheer fervour), Huddersfield are a credit on the pitch, too. It is a blessing to the sterile world of Premier League football that David Wagner and his determined, hardworking and heroic players have kept Yorkshire’s finest in the division.

They gave Arsene Wenger a tumultuous send-off as he left his job as our manager following a tenure of 22 years, and heralded their success of staying in the top flight. Yes, we won 1-0 but, frankly, the result wasn’t too important on the day.

The record will show Manchester City are the champions for the season on which the curtain has just descended. And fair play to them.

But I contend that, actually, Huddersfield’s achievement is much, much more meritorious!

Good luck to the Terriers (except for two games!) next season. I for one will give ‘em a cheer’ now and again and certainly a more emphatic backing when they play north London’s second team! HOPEFULLY most Examiner readers will have read about our upcoming concert in the Hilarie Stelfox column recently.

I would like to give readers a gentle reminder of the event. We have the best known brass band in the world in Black Dyke, over 200 male voices from nine male voice choirs and local star soprano Sarah Ogden who will be accompanied by Keith Swallow.

We have Thom Meredith, from Colne Valley, and Steven Roberts, from Honley Male Voice Choirs, taking turns in conducting and compering.

This is the biggest event we have staged and are hoping to raise £10,000 on the night, but we do need to fill Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday, May 26, at 7.15pm.

So far we have sold around 500 tickets so, still about 300 more need to be bought by you good folks. We are in your hands.