Need less to say, it was stress! For me at least. When dealing with Trinis you must always be doubly prepared and have back up plan A, B and C. After so many people indicated that they would be going by coach, the majority of Trinis who went there as spectators chose to drive up, or fly up, or take the train up in the end. By the time we got to Sunderland I wished I had done the same.
I managed to get a smaller coach the afternoon before the trip by sheer luck. Mostly everyone got to the coach pick-up point on time. Some were there a whole hour early, which while commendable meant they were gonna be waiting a long time to leave London. The steelband members got there first because they were told an earlier time. But the carnival girls/models got there up to an hour late. So we left London more than an hour late.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, we had some “mature” folk on the coach who apparently had been drinking alcohol since we left London, and of course “had to go” often as a result. So on top of being late, we’re stopping more than we should. Then there was the catastrophe where the driver tried to make some short cut onto the A1. This did not work out. We went around in circles and eventually made it back on to the M1, but lost half an hour in the process.
End result? We got to the stadium just in time for kick off. Off course by the time we got in about 10 minutes of the match had already gone. But those were the lucky ones. I had to get the models and the steelband settled in. So I was very busy for awhile. By the time I got to my designated seat in the stands (right at the touch line mind you), it was 5 minutes to go in the first half. I missed nearly all of the first half, couldn’t believe it.
At least I got to hang with some Trinis in the stands at half time. And of course hear some soca playing on the loud speakers whilst the models made their way around the stadium. Talk about reaction. It was very funny to see the crowd react to the girls. It’s probably the first time many of those men have seen girls in carnival costumes before, much less dancing a jiggling about.Anyways, second half starts and at least I’m right there to see the game. Enjoyed that bit. But when it was over, it was back to co-ordination and running around time. The steelband were all set to perform in the hospitality bar, and I had to round up all the Trinis I could find to let them know that we’re not gonna go off to look for a pub, we’re gonna party right here in the bar. With the steelband. Sweet!
But before I could soak up anymore atmosphere, it was time to go do the serious bit – the presentation of gifts by the Information Attache of the High Commission of T&T, Ashton Ford, to the three players, the club Chairman, the Manager and the PR Manager who was so helpful in getting the day organised. So I met the players and went up to the Director’s office with them, and stayed for the presentations.Let me say that Niall Quinn, the club’s Chairman, is one tall man! Good looking as hell, and oh so tall. That was nice…..lol Anyways, the presentations were made, and lo and behold, one was made to me as well, for organising the day. After that little bit, I was asked to stay on a bit by Mr. Ford, and help him give out some memorabilia to the people in attendance. Of course they wanted to ask all sorts of questions about T&T, and the players. So didn’t get to leave for awhile. But I did let the players know that our supporters were in the bar having a jam session with the steelband. And they decided to go down and greet the fans and thank them for coming all this way.
Of course by the time I left the Director’s office and made my way back to the bar, the steelband was all packed up and a massive photo and autograph session was going on with the players. I just kept missing out on stuff all day….lol But did manage to get some photos with the players. Wish I had remembered about that and taken out some with Niall Quinn and Roy Keane. Sigh!At about 6:45 pm it was time to head back, so we made our way to the coach, and even got a last minute wave and shout to the players as they came out to wave goodbye. It was a very memorable day, and from all concerned I’m told highly enjoyable. I’m glad everyone enjoyed themselves, though I wish I could have gone there as just a fan like everyone else too.
Before we could even get back to London, I’m handed a mobile phone and told someone wants to speak to me. It’s another of our national players here in the UK. He wants to know when we’re gonna do a Road Trip to his club now.
Good Lord! Here we go again………
