Ever Met One of Your Heroes?

It seems that the unexpected highlights just keep on coming...

On wednesday I took the train up to Durham to meet up with Jools, Andy n Kelly for the Tottenham match against Newcastle later that night. With some time to kill I got a bit of time to actually check out some of Durham itself after Megan had told me how nice a place it is. You weren't wrong mate!

I may not have had as long as I'd have liked to look around, even if that is the point of doing the away games - to see a bit more of England itself because football is only a small part about being here. Durham is quite a picturesque little spot as you can see. That's the castle and cathedral on the other side of the river. I didn't get the chance to go through either, but after a nice walk along the river I still got to have a good look around them both.

A little later in the afternoon we headed in to Newcastle and met up with some others for a few pre-game drinks. It was here in the pub that something happened to reduce me to a bit of kid again - one of my boyhood heroes was introduced to me. I was chatting with a guy who mentioned he knew Graham Roberts (A club legend from the multi-cup winning Tottenham team that my grandfather introduced to me back in the 80's). I didn't pay too much attention, although a slight tone of disbelief must have been in my voice, because Ben then disappeared into the crowd. Shortly after, I got a tap on the shoulder and was introduced to Graham. I was a little surprised to say the least, as well as a bit speachless, although I did manage to maintain some composure. We chatted a bit about 80's football and Australia as he's planning on heading there early next year. A really nice guy too.

On to the game we went to discover that the away supporters section is up in the heavens. It didn't stop us having the section filled and in fine voice too. The atmosphere in the away fans section is far more enjoyable than the home games. Admittedly it helps when the side is winning as well, which they did fairly convincingly.

From the game it was on to the nightclubs that Newcastle is famous for, and they didn't disappoint to provide a fun night out. Certainly an entertaining one as well thanks to some of the odd antics of some of the Geordies. They truly are a different breed around these parts!

At least there's only one more day to the weekend!