Aelred was already in the pub with a large flag and his son (sons? Can' remember!). After that we moved on to our regular watering whole the Duke of Wellington, who had cheap beer on sale all day (so how did I spend that much?!?!?!?).
The place was rocking and you just knew we would be crowned Champions. We caught taxis as usual and arrived at the ground around 2.50 and were soon in our seats and celebrating. The good news was the 2 out of my 3 mates who travelled down got tickets. One paid £20 the other £40 and they were soon sitting in with the Swindon supporters!! It made trips down from Selby andChesterfield worth while!
I wont go into the game as 1) it was poor and 2) I cant remember much aboutit. I watched the brief highlights on Sunday and they showed our only real effort on goal, a long distance attempt by BZ.
People have mentioned 'Mouth' having a go at Taylor. He was taking the p***. Mouth has supported the Albion through thick and thin, but once again his loud voice and people unable to grasp sarcasm nearly lead to a punch up! At the final whistle pandemonium. We waited for the Reading score and then it was party time, again.
Out came the stage to be built and as per last season, players introduced in 2's and 3's. Rogers came out last with Taylor. There were loads of Albion fans in the Swindon end, and a few mates outside without tickets did get inside to see the presentation.
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All our best mates from football were there and it was a brilliant couple of hours, even the mad but legendary Crispies was with us, and we even got a rendition of the infamous Crispies rap!!! Our mate also did his rendition of an Albion song he wrote. Its about the glory days and the dark days, it's a classic, makes the hairs stand up on your neck when you listen to the lyrics.
We moved back up to the Wellington, but stopped off to join the masses outside Finnegans. I remember seeing Darren, Phil and probably loads of others, but the memory is hazy! People were dancing in the streets, but we crunched over broken glass and headed on up to the Welly.
The pub was packed and we carried on where we left off. Brush was in the pub, but totally incoherent (nothing new there then !!). Ash W was still standing, the Fatty Taxman was wobbling and Graham (BHAlba) totally legless. A few of the Seagulls over London were still going strong, what a night!
We caught the 10.23 train and saw a drunken mess resembling Brush stumbling round Southwick station (hope you got back ok Brush) and stumbled home.
As I said a day never to be forgotten, not only the football, but also as I announced my engagement to Liz as well. The amount of champagne we got bought and being with most of your best mates made it a day I will always remember!
Sunday morning - hangover, Monday morning hangover - quiet night tonight I think!
C U all at Port Vale
Mark R
Ps Darren, what were you doing sitting all alone in that bus stop at about 10.20. Did you ever get back to Jons?