greyseagull
New member
I've got something to say on this actually. Whether the players see it or not remains to be seen but at least it's a platform and an opportunity on which I can pour my heart out on as this season has left me very, very reflective.
One of my first ever posts on NSC was how important the Albion has been in regards to the relationship between my Dad and I. I had a somewhat turbulent adolescence; losing my brother to a tragic car accident when he was 16 fuelled what would become a tense, emotional and somewhat confused household for years to come. Both my brother and my Dad were at (both) cup finals in 83. Then, four years later in 87, my Dad took me, aged six, to my first ever game at The Goldstone. It snowed, it was effing cold, and we lost 0-1. Against Derby, of all people. Yet, unbeknown to me this was the start of something really special.
Brighton & Hove Albion from the very offset was more than just a football club - it was an escape, a release, a community, no matter what the outcome of the game was. The most important part of it all was it was time spent with my Dad, and this was the only one on one time I would really get with him when I look back. Being a grumpy teenager during the final days of The Goldstone I guess I didn't really look at it that way. Like all on this forum (and at all football clubs in fact), we have witnessed many glory days and some extremely dark days with this football club. In fact, Brighton has, as we all know, had a bumpier ride than most football clubs over the course of the past 25-years or so.
However, this season is more poignant for me for several reasons. Whilst me and Dad still sit side by side when we can at every home game, his health has been hit pretty damn badly over the past 24mths. It has been another trying period for the family. As a result, I've often been sitting next to an empty seat or alongside someone I have taken purely for the ride and who has no affiliation to the club whatsoever. It's just not the same. To say my Dad has been feeling pretty low and despondent over the course of this time is an understatement.
Albion has been his life since the 50s. He played for the club at youth level and also (correct me if I'm wrong here Dad) was an apprentice groundsman at The Goldstone. The club genuinely is his life and this season has given both of us so many Kodak moments (that sounds a bit American, I'm sorry). What I mean is, I can see his face now at particular moments in the season. It is freeze-framed in my mind forever. One notable moment is Skalak's wonder goal in front of the North Stand. I can just see his face going bonkers whilst we embrace. It's the only time we come into physical contact! I don't think we have even shaken hands! But that's what I mean; the football club does something to you.
And this season, the club from top to bottom has given us so many of these moments for which I will be eternally grateful for. I know I shouldn't need a reason to but it's really given me the opportunity to reflect on the special relationship between me and Dad. It's been hard when he's not been there this season. I ended up going to the Boro beamback alone and when we scored I immediately hit the phone and called Dad and in true Brazilian commentary mode shouted "GOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL".
Then against Sheff Wed in the play-offs I took a mate of mine and when we scored we of course went nuts, but I was instantly texting my Dad. It is like a reflex. If he's not there to jump on and go mental with then I need to call him! The performances, the style of play, the suspense, the passion, the sheer over riding joy felt throughout this season along with the pride from the players to the fans is something I've not quite felt before. This squad of players, for me, will go down as one of the most historic for it has reinforced a father & son relationship and provided my Dad with a much needed escape for what has been a truly dark period for him health-wise. It will be one of those squads where I'll be able to easily reel off the names of the starting lines ups when I reflect on the 2015/2016 season to my own children in 20-25 years' time.
It has made me realise that watching the club isn't the same without Dad there and that I will be forever grateful to him for introducing me to Brighton & Hove Albion all those years ago and equally as grateful to this wonderful set of players, coaching staff, and board, for providing me and Dad with so many moments that will become folklore in our family for generations to come.
Thank you, Albion. 'Together' has never been more apt this season.
One of my first ever posts on NSC was how important the Albion has been in regards to the relationship between my Dad and I. I had a somewhat turbulent adolescence; losing my brother to a tragic car accident when he was 16 fuelled what would become a tense, emotional and somewhat confused household for years to come. Both my brother and my Dad were at (both) cup finals in 83. Then, four years later in 87, my Dad took me, aged six, to my first ever game at The Goldstone. It snowed, it was effing cold, and we lost 0-1. Against Derby, of all people. Yet, unbeknown to me this was the start of something really special.
Brighton & Hove Albion from the very offset was more than just a football club - it was an escape, a release, a community, no matter what the outcome of the game was. The most important part of it all was it was time spent with my Dad, and this was the only one on one time I would really get with him when I look back. Being a grumpy teenager during the final days of The Goldstone I guess I didn't really look at it that way. Like all on this forum (and at all football clubs in fact), we have witnessed many glory days and some extremely dark days with this football club. In fact, Brighton has, as we all know, had a bumpier ride than most football clubs over the course of the past 25-years or so.
However, this season is more poignant for me for several reasons. Whilst me and Dad still sit side by side when we can at every home game, his health has been hit pretty damn badly over the past 24mths. It has been another trying period for the family. As a result, I've often been sitting next to an empty seat or alongside someone I have taken purely for the ride and who has no affiliation to the club whatsoever. It's just not the same. To say my Dad has been feeling pretty low and despondent over the course of this time is an understatement.
Albion has been his life since the 50s. He played for the club at youth level and also (correct me if I'm wrong here Dad) was an apprentice groundsman at The Goldstone. The club genuinely is his life and this season has given both of us so many Kodak moments (that sounds a bit American, I'm sorry). What I mean is, I can see his face now at particular moments in the season. It is freeze-framed in my mind forever. One notable moment is Skalak's wonder goal in front of the North Stand. I can just see his face going bonkers whilst we embrace. It's the only time we come into physical contact! I don't think we have even shaken hands! But that's what I mean; the football club does something to you.
And this season, the club from top to bottom has given us so many of these moments for which I will be eternally grateful for. I know I shouldn't need a reason to but it's really given me the opportunity to reflect on the special relationship between me and Dad. It's been hard when he's not been there this season. I ended up going to the Boro beamback alone and when we scored I immediately hit the phone and called Dad and in true Brazilian commentary mode shouted "GOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL, GOAL".
Then against Sheff Wed in the play-offs I took a mate of mine and when we scored we of course went nuts, but I was instantly texting my Dad. It is like a reflex. If he's not there to jump on and go mental with then I need to call him! The performances, the style of play, the suspense, the passion, the sheer over riding joy felt throughout this season along with the pride from the players to the fans is something I've not quite felt before. This squad of players, for me, will go down as one of the most historic for it has reinforced a father & son relationship and provided my Dad with a much needed escape for what has been a truly dark period for him health-wise. It will be one of those squads where I'll be able to easily reel off the names of the starting lines ups when I reflect on the 2015/2016 season to my own children in 20-25 years' time.
It has made me realise that watching the club isn't the same without Dad there and that I will be forever grateful to him for introducing me to Brighton & Hove Albion all those years ago and equally as grateful to this wonderful set of players, coaching staff, and board, for providing me and Dad with so many moments that will become folklore in our family for generations to come.
Thank you, Albion. 'Together' has never been more apt this season.
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