Get Yourselves to Hillsborough
Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday 9th September 2017, 5;30pm k.o
It’s frustrating when the early rush of football in August comes to a shuddering stop after a few weeks for the international break. Yet this season it possibly falls at a good time for us. The closing days of August perhaps saw the tiniest hint of impatience creep in in the aftermath of the defeat against Leeds and a couple of desired signings failing to materialise. In truth we can count on one hand the amount of negative comments we’ve seen in the last few days. Hopefully it is linked to a wider acceptance that NFFC need a nurturing & patient support network for the foreseeable. That is from the owners through to each and every one of us.
The summer of 2017 has been good to us. It’s strange to think how on the morning of Sunday 7th May we were staring into the abyss only for events to rapidly change. A matter of weeks later we were witnessing what we all hope will be the start of a successful transformation of the club.
We’ve spoken at length before about these changes and the feel-good factor that has emerged but with the opening period of the season over we should all take stock and think of where we are starting from. Let’s not get carried away – nothing has been achieved as yet – but there is a resurgence and a belief amongst the fans once again.
And it’s this reason why we write this today…
Our next game is at Hillsborough. Always a great trip, a fantastic old stadium and only a short journey up the M1 for the majority of us. How fantastic it would be if we use this as a rallying point; to travel in our thousands and show everyone that we well and truly have our Forest back.
The away following has dipped in recent seasons which is perfectly understandable but, like the home gates, it’s already recovering. Taking huge numbers to Sheffield will really help continue that trend.
Yes, the game is on TV but that serves to give us another reason to turn out in force and, as you will know, it is no replacement for being there in the away end. And, while tickets at £33 are rather steep, the club have announced free coach travel. And even the train can be done for a very affordable price, especially when travelling in groups of 3 or 4. Obviously if you insist on ten pints before the game it doesn’t become such a cheap day but most of you will spend that in the pub watching it on TV anyway!
It’s a bloody expensive passion following your football club and there are other appealing trips on the horizon but get yourselves to Hillsborough if you possibly can. The new ownership and board have already placed a big emphasis on recapturing the hearts and minds of the fans with various initiatives that we have all shouted for for a long time. In turn, the support has responded magnificently and we really need to carry this on. Last season we talked a lot about turning up behind the team in defiance of everything else that was tormenting the club. Already this season we are turning up united and with pride once again. We’d like this game to be a focal point for this. To show the owners, the manager and the players that we are all in this together.
Let’s pile onto the trains and coaches and let’s invade Sheffield. We are firm believers that our role is to inspire the players. As they walk onto the pitch and see a packed away end full of noise then I’m sure they will be.
So if you can, get yourself a ticket and we will see you in Sheffield. And come and find us for a beer.
UP THE GARIBALDI RED!