Pompey Blogs

It’s Not Goodbye. It’s Until We Meet Again

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Today will mark the end of an era for me, but as one chapter ends a new one begins.

A regular at Fratton Park on and off for the best part of 20-years – previously taking a break owing to a return to education in 2000 – and a returning Pompey season ticket holder for the past decade, the visit of Peterborough will represent the changing of the guard. I’m taking another sabbatical, which will enable my cousin’s son to fill that void, doing so in a child’s capacity, not merely using my seat when I can’t make it.

Why am I stopping? No, this isn’t because I’m disillusioned or disinterested. Admittedly, these days it isn’t quite what it used to be for me and it doesn’t bring the level of enjoyment it once did. But, factoring in the time and the money this involves, which couldn’t be justified, a decision has been made.

It’s been a long road for my wife, Trina, and I to get to this point, but finally our first child will arrive in a couple of months. Ok, a baby doesn’t mean all stops. However, when you live in Devon and can’t drive, spending a day or two away for a game can’t be justified with a newborn involved. In fairness I wouldn’t want to lose this time away from my family.

But, as Arnie would say, “I’ll be back.” I’m not sure when, but when the time is right; however, I’ll probably take in the odd game here and there until I look at the potential option of another season ticket. Will I bring my child? Well, hopefully, but I must confess the old man will NOT be forcing footie or the need to become a Pompey fan on them. Working on the assumption they take to the beautiful game, if they were to follow their home town club this would be Exeter or Torquay, never Plymouth though and most definitely not the glory option of a big name Premier League club, never!

A break can sometimes be a good thing, priorities change and mine will focus on my family for a while. I’ll feel a little emotion this evening as I walk away from the ground, but hopefully this comes with me bowing out having enjoyed a great day and a better game.

So, to my mistress that is Fratton Park, it’ll not be a case of goodbye, it is simply until we meet again.

PLAY UP POMPEY

Follow @VitalPortsmouth.

2017-18 Prediction League – May
Peterborough (h) Saturday 5th May 2018 – click here.

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