Nick’s right – real life is far duller than an 89th-minute title win
Please, be tolerant of those who describe a sporting moment as their best ever. We do not lack imagination, nor have we had sad and barren lives; it is just that real life is paler, duller, and contains less potential for unexpected delirium.”
Nick Hornby wr0te this in his seminal book Fever Pitch ,in the chapter relating to Arsenal’s last-minute First Division title win at Anfield in 1989.
I have read that book many times, so I am familiar with those 43 words. And I remembered them last week as Conor Shaughnessy sent Pompey fans berserk.
For many, for younger fans especially, that header, that goal, that moment, could well be the most exciting split second of their lives. I totally get that.
I have spent 46 of my 55 years on this planet supporting my hometown club, Exeter City. We haven’t got Pompey’s history, tradition, supporter numbers, a 20,000 stadium, or even an EFL Trophy win to our name. But they’re my club and I care deeply about them.
In those 46 years, I have stood through more than my fair share of miserable Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. Why, I even once went to watch Exeter at Wigan on Boxing Day (thanks, fixture computer). And of course we lost – 4-1, if you’re interested.
But it was worth it, as was every other defeat I’ve seen – and in 46 years I’ve seen a lot – for the events of May 18, 2017. For that was the day Jack Stacey struck a 20-yard stoppage-time missile to send us to Wembley for a League Two play-off final. And I went as berserk as any Pompey fan did last Tuesday.
Real life, as Nick Hornby says, is far duller than a shot arrowing past the Carlisle keeper in injury time or an 89th minute header entering the Barnsley net.
So I hope every Pompey fan has enjoyed the past week, walking around with a giant grin and a hangover. You have to make the most of these occasions - most clubs aren’t Manchester City, winning trophies almost every year.
But I’ll tell you this. No
For many, that header, that goal, could well be the most exciting split second of their lives
armchair Premier League fan, no foreign tourist to Anfield or Old Trafford or the Etihad, will ever enjoy a goal like I did Stacey’s. Or as Pompey fans did Shaughnessy’s header. That is our gift as proper football supporters, and we must treasure it.