WALK ON, WITH HOPE IN YOUR HEART

Last Saturday, 30 of us met up at Oakwell at about 3:15am to walk 26 miles to Chesterfield to watch Barnsley lose a game of football. As you do. 

No, we were actually doing it in aid of charity. The walk was organised by the lads at West Stand Bogs with all donations going to a local homeless charity, the BCDP (Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project). The target was £500. The total raised was well over £5,000. 

I've been through the reasons behind the chosen charity and its aims etc in the previous blog post, so I can't be arséd doing so again. Soz. This posting is about the walk itself and in parts, about the game of football at the end of it. 

I'd travelled over to Barnsley by train on Friday afternoon, with only the clothes on my back and a bag full of waterproofs. The forecast for Saturday was horrendous. I met up with Red Roy at the Premier Inn Hotel in town around 4.45pm, which is where we were staying overnight. We had a couple of pints and then headed into town to find some food and more ale. We chose Bramah's and settled on the Barnsley Chop. Think it was about £7 for the meal and a pint which seemed good value. That is until we saw the chop. There's more meat on my arsé. Not many. Tasted oreight, like, to be fair. 

We'd bumped into Gaz and Dale at that point. The latter was sleeping at Gaz's and doing the walk the next day. Unfortunately, Gaz had purposely broken his leg a few weeks prior so he wasn't able to join us, but did say he'd be at Oakwell to wave us off. Which was nice of him. 

After supping up we headed back to the hotel where we'd decided to have just the one more pint before getting our heads down in preparation for the day ahead. One pint turned into three and we finally headed upstairs and off to bed at around 10pm. The weather at that point was atrocious. 

I bumped into PDC Darts player Dean Winstanley as I put the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the outside of our door. He told me he was getting an early night. Lying bastárd. As he opened his room door and said goodnight to me, there on the bed lay a bird fully nude, waiting for the superstar sportsman. 

I told Roy, and we laid in bed (separate beds, ta) shouting all manner of dart related puns. 'Look what you could have won', 'Step up to the oche' and of course, '180'. Very adult and mature of us. As usual. 

Four hours later and I'm awakened by Roy grumbling about not being able to turn his alarm off. Got him on brew duties, supped that, and within half hour we were out and off down Oakwell to meet up with the other idiots. 

The weather was kind. Just very light rain and not that cold either. Tidy. 

As promised, Gaz was there, crutches n all (for effect) and after a few photos and a growler we were off and on our way to deepest Derbyshire. 


Me and Roy were up front for the first part of the journey with the younger lads. Jonny, Adam and Daniel I seem to recall. By the time we'd made it to the Red Lion at the bottom of Worsbrough Bridge my feet were on fire as they began to blister. I was also gagging for a drink of some sort after the growler had left my gob drier than Gandhi's flip flop. That was honestly the hardest part of the whole walk for me. Once we got to Tankersley and McDonald's I nicked Roy's blister plasters and they were a proper God send. The coffee was decent too. And we'd got there in quick time. Nice one. 

After freshening up etc, we gathered outside and waited for Dyson to give us instructions. I think he referred to it himself at one point on the walk, but he was like a school teacher, taking a load of kids on an outing. Albeit the school for special kids. Obviously. 


It was at that point that he must have had a text. He told us that two lads had already pulled out down Worsbrough. Nobody had noticed. And so Teacher Dyson gave us a dressing down and told us to 'never leave a man behind'. Or was it, 'never do a man from behind'? I forget. 


We then set off on probably our longest stretch, to Hillsborough. Very little traffic, lots of dark, country lanes. It was at this point that I chatted with Dyson for a while. That while probably felt like a lifetime for him, and I do believe he slowed down intentionally just to give his ears some respite. So I moved on to Ben and educated him about boxing instead. Folk love listening to me.... 



A quick mention for Spencer, who was doing the walk in loafers as apparently this earned him an extra £50 from his sponsor. Either that, or he was on acid. I think his feet felt like they were stood in acid. He was looking a likely candidate for being third man down. Here's a photo of said loafers... 

We were joined a few miles down the line by Fiona, who had a bag full of food and drink. The food looked like sausage rolls but once in my gob I realised it was chocolate inside, which was an experience. I was then offered a bit of whiskey by Hicksy, and heard him mention pulling out too. 

We motored on, as sunrise approached. Next pit stop was a fence, where we waited for Barnsley Sime to arrive on his scooter with drinks and Jaffa Cakes. The legend. It was also there where I borrowed more plasters for my feet. 

As we approached Hillsborough and its rust bucket of a football stadium, Hicksy disappeared off for a dump. How very fitting. I quite enjoyed the discussion over which supermarket he should use. We waited for him and took a few photos etc. Once back, we all shuffled on, next stop Bramall Lane, or so we thought. 


After talking to Marc and Roy for a bit as made our way past the myriad car showrooms, I noticed that Hicksy and Spencer were no longer behind us. They'd had enough and would now be making their way to Chesterfield via public transport. Four men down. Just halfway there. 

The climb up through the centre of Sheffield was a bit of a tow, my back was on fire once we'd made it. Our next photo opportunity at Bramall Lane never happened though, as Ray was adamant that it would add an extra couple of miles to the walk and we were behind on time already. This turned out to be bollócks, but being the elder statesman, nobody wanted to argue with him and so again we pushed on a couple of miles before stopping for a piss at a Costa Coffee. 



I've no idea where we were by this stage. Woodseats? Grenoside? Dunno. These were place names that I kept hearing but all my mind was focused on at this point was alcohol. We were about four or five miles away from the pub we were supposed to be stopping at where sandwiches were going to be laid on for us. But we were well ahead of time and it wasn't opening until 12pm, and so a few of us suggested stopping at a Weatherspoons. Again, Ray (and others) scoffed at this and so I walked past the bar gutted. Dyson practically told me to man up and explained there'd be pubs in Dronfield even if the one we were meant to go to was shut. This cheered me a bit, and I motored on. Up a bastárd hill. 

It wasn't any steeper than Harborough Hill, but it had more length. As we climbed it, me, Roy and Marc noticed that Dyson and a few others including Parker had gone out of sight. They were behind us, probably 30 minutes behind at a guess. But Ray and co were on a mission and way ahead. We eventually caught them up and explained about the lads way behind. My idea was to get into a pub and wait for em. We'd gone past the point where we took others' ideas on board and so headed for this pub on the corner. It was closed. Obviously. 



Fast forward a couple of miles and we finally made it into Derbyshire and a Toby Carvery came into view. Yes. We were definitely going in it. Bring on the ale! 

Or not. It was 10:35am and they didn't start serving alcohol until the hour. Typical. Give it 20 minutes and Dyson and the others arrived, and by 11am we all ordered a pint of whatever and had a nice 30 minutes or so relaxing. A few lads looked spent, Ben in particular who I expected to sack it off next. 




This was it now, another few miles non stop, before eventually getting to the pub expecting us, The Three Tuns. We got there around midday and they had put us a reight spread on. Sarnies, chips, growlers etc. I ordered another pint, but by that stage I was towing to do anything but keep my eyes open. It was such a relaxing place I could easily have nodded off. 

Thankfully, it was pretty much all downhill (or flat) from there on in. 



We all waited for the stragglers (Dyson and co), and headed into the home straight together, as one, united. It was an immense feeling, got to be honest, knowing you'd just walked 26 miles for charity. Bit of an achievement. 



Here's a few more photos... 

We staggered on up the main road, and as we neared the stadium we were met by a group of reds supporters waiting for us, who gave us a round of applause. Felt good did that. We shook each others hands, 'well done' all round. The pride felt was something I know I'll treasure. 


Dyson did his media duties with some wally from Peak FM. And then we had our photo taken a few times with the WSB flag, which holds a message dear to us. 

Twas a fantastic trip shared with great people and all for a tremendous cause. 



There wasn't an argument, a cross word between us. Just good fun, humour and encouragement. From a group of lads (and a couple of lasses) who just happen to support the same little football club. Proud. 

We then made our way into the ground, but only after having our bags checked and certain items confiscated. No need for that, but none of us had the strength to argue with the jobsworth stewards. Once inside, we got another pint and sung a few songs, before settling down to watch the Tarn lose at football. Standard. 

The game itself wasn't one I'll remember particularly. We could have come away with something considering the chances we created and spurned, but Chesterfield probably deserved their victory and fair play to em for that. 



After the game, myself, Marc and Roy headed towards the train station (took us a while to find it, mind) and got different trains home. I was fortunate enough to get a seat, and rested my eyes until Leeds. I was glad to be home, once in Bradford, but glad that I'd completed the walk and done my bit for the charity. 

And now I'm going to name as many of the heroes as I can remember. Apologies to those I forget, but I've slept since and have the memory of a fish. 



Adam Glover, Dale Cleeve, Ray Brammer, George Gilmore, Rob Gant, Paul Hicks, Fiona Hall, Daniel Firth, Chris Dixon, Jonny Smales, Darren Skirrow, Damian Green, Waza Bird, Marc Cooling, Roy Kemp, Ian Parker, Liam Dyson, Tony Thompson, Ben Lockwood, Stephen Lowe, Peter Samba, Spencer Davies, Ian Denton.



Like I say, apologies to those I either don't know or can't remember. 



Well done to us. See you all on the next one. 



For anybody still up for donating, here's the link: DONATE HERE 

'Love Barnsley, Hate Football'






.

FROM OAKWELL TO CHESTERFIELD

Saturday, around 30 of us Barnsley supporters are walking the 26 miles it will take to get from Oakwell to Chesterfield. We're setting off at 3am, hoping to be there in time for the game itself. We are idiots, but that's not our reason for doing it. We're doing this as a nod to the reds fans who did the same walk back in the dark days of the administration period, and this time for charity. 


The charity chosen is the Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project. They provide shelter, food, drink, clothing and toiletries for the vulnerable in our town. Here's a summary in their own words describing what they do: 

‘Barnsley Churches Drop-in Project is a local charity which provides meals to the homeless and impoverished in Barnsley. We open 3 times a week and serve hot food and drinks, and provide sandwiches, warm clothing and toiletries to our clients. Our numbers have increased substantially over the last few years and we are regularly seeing 100 people in one session. The people we see often have drug or alcohol problems, but many don’t. We see young families struggling to make ends meet because of welfare changes, sanctions, break ups or other reasons. And older people fearful for the future and choosing whether to eat or heat.' 

I can only speak for myself. But I'm looking forward to another Christmas surrounded by friends and family, lots of good food, great company and no worries whatsoever. I'll be warm, I'll be comfortable and my belly full. But some folk in Barnsley - for whatever reasons - aren't afforded that security. They're becoming reliant on charities such as the BCDP. Now I know that we could debate all day about the why's and how's around the reasons for folk getting into this situation, but it's the charity and their voluntary work to help people that I personally am doing this walk for. These people will be giving up their time over the festive period to help the less fortunate amongst us. Hats off to them. And if our walking to Chesterfield raises enough money to make that easier, whilst making the period easier for vulnerable people too, then I'll feel pleased that I've helped play a part. 

I've experienced some tough times in my own life. I've had, and conquered my own issues/demons. I'm sure many of you will have been through some hard times yourselves. The world's tough. Life can be tough. And so it's nice - in my own humble opinion - to help those in need if you are willing and able. 
Of course, some folk scoff at such talk. Tories, the lot of em.... 




The event was organised by the lads at West Stand Bogs. They are a credit to this town. The fundraising has been going on now for a few weeks and the £500 target was met a while ago. We're closing in on £3,000 now! I cannot state enough just how appreciative we all are with the kindness shown by those who've donated so far. Hats off, again. 





Here's a link to the WSB article regards the walk: WSB Charity Walk 



And here's a link to the donation page: WSB Charity Walk Donations 






I'm hoping to get a few photos of the marathon mission that it surely will be, and then blogging about the event some time next week inbetween work and living life etc. 





There's three points at stake too. 




Thanks for your time. 



Whitey. 



'Love Barnsley, Hate Football' 

SHEFFIELD UNITED AWAY

It's been a while, hasn't it? Quite some time since I last updated the blog, and even longer since I reported on a reds victory. I say report, but as ever on here I'll leave match reports to others and instead give you a supporters perspective on the day out yesterday in the steel city, where over 3,000 of us travelled to in hope and journeyed home from in delight. Twas a reight good day, November the 1st... 

Due to my usual matchday company making excuses, I was a lone soldier yesterday. That's twice now this season that I've attended a game on my tod. Both results were 1-0 wins though, and I only had three pints on both occasions. Three pints seems to equal three points. Unlike my trip over to Barnsley for the MK Dons game where my eight pints saw us involved in an eight goal game and horrid defeat. Be nice (and blummin barmy) if the 24 miles I'm walking to the Chesterfield game shortly ends up in a 13-11 victory. That'd be like Rugby, and I don't like Rugby, ever since I tried it at Wath Comp as a 12 year old lad and got thrown around like a rag doll. The chewing gum earholes dint appeal to me either. But I digress... 

Upon arriving in Full Monty country, I made my way into the city looking for somewhere to drink. Unlike the many reds fans in the photo above, I don't see the appeal of the Howard or Globe etc as they're always rammed so it takes you forever to get served and you end up escorted to Bramall Lane by South Yorkshire's famous boys/girls in blue. As ever if in Sheffield on my lonesome (same a couple of years ago when my mate had man flu) I end up finding a 'no away fans' pub. They've no idea of my allegiance, I don't wear colours and so long as I swap my thees and thars for dees and dars am reight enough. 



On this occasion I chose the Roebuck as it was only a short walk to the pig sty from there and because it had a large outside area where I could enjoy a smoke with my lager. It was busy, but I got served within a minute on each occasion and the lager went down nicely as did my conversations with Unitedites who seemed sure that "we'd" do the 'Dingles' easily. I think they were impressed by my knowledge of 'our' team. 

I then received a txt message from r old boy telling me we'd signed Marcelo Trotta on loan from Fulham and that he was on the bench today. This pleased me. A proven scorer at this level and a mobile target man, something we clearly needed adding to our ranks as another option. Soon after that I made my way to the Lane. 

Getting into the stadium proved a lengthy experience. Good job I set off to the ground in good time as the stewards on the turnstiles were very meticulous in their searching of us, I must have been stood queuing for ten minutes at least. At around 2:50pm I was finally inside the lower tier of Jessica Ennis. There I found plenty of fellow reds who I know of, we exchanged pleasantries and I made my way to my seat. But was then told by a couple of old chaps to "just sit anywheeear, kid" and so I parked my backside next to the pair of em and I'm glad I did. Both old boys in their 60's I would have said, and both were great company and the vice like grip given by Frank (the one directly next to me) when Sammy Winnall put us in front I'm surprised hasn't left a bruise. I love away days. 

I was pleased that I'd also got to my seat before the minutes silence was observed as I always like to show my respect for the many fallen heroes who helped to shape the country we live in today. Well, kind of. Until the Tories and New Labour started altering that shape. But this isn't a political blog and thank God for that because I know less than nowt about politics. Some might say I know less than nowt abart football n all but, thanus. 



Now, as much as I detest most things Sheffield United - I don't think I need to list them - I have to say I was very impressed with their fans in the kop whose tribute in the shape of a large poppy deserves much credit. Kudos to them for that. Although I don't think they ought to have held a 95 minute silence in the home ends, but each to their own... 

The minute silence was observed impeccably by all inside the stadium. There were a few lads on the concourse who could be heard chatting, unaware of the silence commencing I think, but after a bit of 'shushing' from plenty of us they too shut their gobs and as I say, twas observed impeccably and you could hear the proverbial pin drop. Lovely. 

So, what of the kicking about of a football for 90+ minutes? 

Well, as I say, I don't do match reports but I'll give you a rundown of a few key moments as well as giving my opinion on player performances and what not. But in all honesty, it wasn't pretty to watch and would definitely fit the old cliché of a 'typical derby' game. Lots of graft and endeavour, little in the way of quality. 

The home side were quick out of the blocks, and had early joy down the flanks where initially I saw us struggling to contain the lively wingers at their disposal. But within ten minutes or so our full backs were much wider and contained them well in the main. But within that opening ten minutes came the first real chance as former red Jay McEveley rose at the far post but his header was somehow swatted away by Ross Turnbull and the reds survived. 


Soon after, the outstanding Joe Dudgeon beat his opposite full back all ends up before putting across an inviting ball that Sam Winnall clipped just over the bar from about eight yards out. It was a great chance. 



Our midfield were struggling defensively, and unable - Ryan Williams aside - to retain the ball when in possession and only a fantastic last gasp tackle from that man Dudgeon denied James Wallace a chance to have a clear pop at goal and Turnbull gathered with ease. 
Conor Hourihane was off colour throughout much of the game and was losing possession frequently. On one such occasion his cheap giveaway in midfield saw Jamal Campbell-Ryce come away at pace out wide but yet again, Dudgeon was there to block the former BFC man's attempted cross. 




The reds did look dangerous themselves when coming forward, particularly through Williams and the hardworking Winnall. After good link up play by those two, Luke Berry fired in a rasping drive but it was straight at Mark Howard who saved comfortably. 



It was Berry back in his own box soon after who came to our rescue when he cleared his lines with a late lunge as Jose Baxter was waiting to pounce behind him. But in terms of chances, the half petered out as the referees decisions became more bizarre by the minute. 

Scott Mathieson

Half time came and much of the discussion during it centered around the pint sized official who seemed loathe to let the game flow and gave so many decisions against us, in particular against Winnall. There was hardly a bad challenge made in the half, but any kind of contact by a yellow shirted player on a United player resulted in a free kick for the home side. One incident that stands out was where Winnall was penalised for holding Michael Doyle as the cross came over for our corner. Mr Mathieson had warned the pair of em before Hourihane floated in the set piece, but you just knew he'd be blowing for a Blunts free kick as soon as it was put in. And he did. Apparently, Winnall grabbing Doyle around the neck was a foul (yep, I agree) but the full nelson applied by Doyle on Winnall prior to that wasn't a foul, and thus, wasn't a penalty. 

Biased little man. Although he did start giving us random free kicks towards the end of the half, which left me thinking perhaps he was just useless, and not a blatant 'homer' of an official. Either way, he annoyed me. 

The second half we started much more brightly and after just under an hour or so a Devante Cole effort from just outside the box forced Howard to turn around the post for a reds corner. It was from that corner that we took the lead, Hourihane's delivery as precise as ever and Winnall's clever run not picked up by Palace loanee Paddy McCarthy who could only watch on as Barnsley's number nine rose like a salmon to power a header in and send us into raptures. 


It was fitting in so many respects. He's become 'the' fan favourite so far in this new look BFC squad, has built up a great rapport with us supporters and the songs yesterday were mainly focussed upon him. So aye, fitting that he was the scorer, in front of the kop end where Super Johnny Hendrie also fired in a winner in Danny Wilson's last visit to Bramall Lane as Barnsley manager, some 18 years ago, in another memorable 1-0 victory. Smashing. 

We could have made it 2-0 shortly afterwards when Hourihane threaded a ball inside for Winnall but this time the future Tarn legend wasn't as clinical as he found the deluded in the kop with an erratic effort from 12 yards out. 



United had one or two forays into dangerous territory but of the few decent balls put into the box they were thwarted by great defending, good goalkeeping once in particular from Turnbull and poor finishing from sub Marc McNulty who somehow found the upper tier with a free header from about eight yards out. 



The referee was again failing badly at hiding his United bias. A fantastic slide tackle from Dudgeon on Campbell-Ryce was seen as a foul by the linesman, not Mathieson, but the little imp decided it warranted a booking anyhow. Shocking decision. Fast forward a few minutes and Dudgeon is uphended by Doyle unceremoniously but although the foul is awarded, a yellow card wasn't deemed necessary. Tosser. 


Then we saw Turnbull booked for timewasting. And as much as I accept he takes his time with goal kicks, he wasn't taking any longer than he had before we scored. Seriously. The fact the referee booked him before the ball had barely left the pitch said it all. He'd been gagging to book him for a good five minutes. I was expecting him to give United a penalty when Turnbull made a great save low down at the feet of Steffan Scougall. Thankfully, he wasn't that biased. 

It was a fantastic result, and even without the free flowing, attacking football shown in recent games it was still a superb performance by a very dogged, resolute reds side who made this BFC supporter a very happy chappy indeed. 


As the lads came over to applaud us for applauding them, the image of an emotional Sam Winnall stuck with me. Hands on head, mouthing the word 'wow', he looked overcome with the occasion, and fair play to him for that. Just like many in this squad, Sam looks and plays like he really cares. It's all we ask for as fans, innit? Try hard for us, wear that shirt of ours with pride. If tha good at football n all then that's a bonus. 

Turnbull - A solid, calm and assured performance between the sticks from the big man. Deserved his clean sheet, if not the ridiculous yellow card. 8. 



Cranie - Looks a lot better at right back than he has recently in central defence. Doesn't really give you much of an outlet going forwards, but defensively solid and like Turnbull, calm when it's needed most. 7. 



Nyatanga - Another impressive showing this season from Lewin at centre half. Neat and tidy in possession, a rock in the air and good communication late on as the Blunts piled on the pressure. 8. 



Ramage - Looked exactly what he is. A leader. He won practically everything in the air, made great tackles also and like Winnall you can see it means something to him, playing for BFC. One header at shin height he made said it all. Warrior. 9. 



Dudgeon - For a lad getting a bit of stick from some quarters he's come back in and proven a point. A very good full back, both offensively and defensively. His knee trouble is an issue, but when fit like yesterday we'd struggle to find better. My man of the match. Dealt with the tricky JCR all afternoon and came up smelling of roses. 9. 




Bailey - Gets better with each game in that holding role, linking attack with defence etc. Some fantastic mobility, has bags of time on the ball and not afraid to get stuck in despite looking like he belongs in One Direction. 8. 




Berry - Standard Luke Berry. Which is a compliment. Gets stuck in, wins more headers than he ought to, and positionally he's the best in the side. The way he holds his line and knows his role is both frightening and exciting for a kid so young and inexperienced. Reight signing. 8. 



Williams - Stand out player in the first half for either side. Some audacious technique and close ball control. Our only threat for much of the first half but did tend to struggle to get involved as the game wore on. 7. 




Hourihane - Probably the worst I've seen him play. But still created a goal, and could have created more. He was AWOL for much of the first half especially, loose with his passing, but much improved second half and never stopped working. 6. 




Cole - Similar to Conor in that I thought he was too quiet for large parts of the game. Clearly a huge talent, but also very clear that he's got a lot to learn. 6. 



Winnall - Just gets better and better, goes from strength to strength. Getting the goals that his overall game deserves now too. Ran himself into the ground again, caused United problems all day and scored the winner. 9. 

Whilst this was another great performance of which there have been many in the last few weeks, we really need to kick on now and start picking up three points more regularly. And here, if we play like we did in this game, especially as a defensive unit then I'm hopeful those bizarre defeats against Notts County and MK Dons in particular will be things of the past. 


We've not had much luck in recent games, if any really all season. I don't think we were lucky yesterday either. That result may have been harsh on United in a game I thought was very even as a contest, but we took one of our chances and they didn't. Nowt lucky or fortuitous about that. 


The train journey home was an experience. Hundreds of reds fans packed in like sardines. Was like a sauna it was so warm. But the jovial mood made it almost pleasurable. I'm tempted to come over home next weekend for the cup tie with Burton Albion now. But I'll have to see what my gaffer (missus) says. 





Before I go, a polite reminder that the next issue of BFC fanzine 'West Stand Bogs' will be released on the 14th of this month featuring my long talked about interview with Bobby Hassell. I'll be uploading the same interview to this blog page too, but only after a week or so as obviously I'd rather folk paid to read it and thus the point of WSB earning coin for charity (Dyson's back pocket) remains. 


And in about three weeks time the charity walk from Oakwell to Chesterfield takes place. That's also organized by WSB. Busy bastárds aren't they? I'll be taking part and will be blogging about it soon after. It's for a great cause I reckon, and I thank those who've donated so far and invite others to follow suit should it be something that appeals to them. 


Here's the link to donate: WSB Chesterfield Charity Walk





Thanks for reading once again. 

And big thanks to Rob Nunns for allowing me to use some of his fine action shots of the game yesterday. He's reight good he is.
Whitey. 



'Love Barnsley, Hate Football'