Woke up Saturday morning thinking…are we really going to Aston Villa invited as guests to a premiership club to help them make a bid for the 2012 Football Pie League title, yes we are and we better get going.
Got to the ground and into reception, we then meet Russell and Malcolm who immediately make us feel we are more than welcome.
Russell takes us on a tour of the ground including all the match day hospitality areas, of which there are many. The overriding impression is one of community, one that comes back to us each time we go on a Road Trip.
Football is definitely a sport but more and more we are beginning to think it is equally a community or at least that is what makes football what it is, communities developing and sticking together.
It is match day and the fans, last Saturday at Villa 32,000 and at Arsenal/Spurs a few weeks ago 60,000 get together and celebrate being a part of something they contribute to and play an active part in.
Below the Trinity Road stand last Saturday we tried out the Villa Pies, Chicken Balti, Chicken and Mushroom and Steak and Kidney. The pies were OK, hot, tasty and filled a gap but what was much more impressive was the community. Lisa the lady in charge of the pie kiosk we were assigned to not only was a great host and ambassador for Aston Villa, she and her team knew and served the fans well.
The pie and a pint in many instances is a key part of the game ritual and everyone not consciously recognised and played their part in it.
It was not a great game by any stretch, both teams seemed to lack ambition or final touch that said a late winner for Villa probably on the balance of play, was just about deserved, just about.
We enjoyed our day, the pies were tasty and the Villa community we were temporarily glad to be a part of, albeit briefly. Thanks to Villa for inviting us up and hopefully see you again soon.
The Football Pie League