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Members Present: Paolo, Cheggers, Hibbert, Leon, Kel, Coop.
Two members of the BVC set out for this potentially explosive and exciting encounter at Wigan’s JJB Stadium. Paolo and Cheggers ensured that they had a few drinks in Mansfield before they assembled at Field Mill ready to board the Supporters Coach. They stepped off the bus in Mansfield, and already the alcoholic member of the Crew had guided Paolo into the Widow Frost. Cheggers had immediately proved that he was unable to walk 100 yards without entering licensed premises!! The members also popped into the Queen’s before heading to Field Mill to get onto the Coach.
The Coach reminded them of Cheltenham away several seasons ago when the temperature on the bus was boiling. The journey was fine until they reached the Manchester area. The driver went the wrong way around the M60, meaning that the journey took much longer than expected. We ended up passing through Stockport and the Trafford Centre. This was already exciting Cheggers, as he was being given a full tour of his favourite City in the World, Manchester. The excitement built on his face as we passed very close to Old Trafford, which even led to Chegger’s almost injuring his neck, as he stretched to see his favourite Sports Arena.
The Coach arrived at Wigan at almost 7pm, after driving around every street in the Manchester and Wigan area. The Coach arrived in the Car Park at the ground, and the first words from Cheggers were about where we were going for a drink!!
Cheggers made a decision to go for a drink inside the ground, leaving Paolo following just behind, knowing that they wouldn’t sell anything, which he likes to drink. This became reality when they got into the ground, this left Paolo fuming that he couldn’t have an alcoholic drink before kick-off. Cheggers had only just managed to get into the JJB Stadium, he attempted to get in as a Child, and when questioned about his age, he replied, “I’m 15 years old”. This also left Paolo’s attempt in doubt, but acting cool and relaxed, he pulled his cap down and managed to get in for £9, despite some very strange looks!!!
Paolo met up with other Crew members Leon, Coop and Kel inside the ground whilst Cheggers met up with the Déjà vu gang. The biggest shock of the season didn’t come on the pitch, but quite the opposite, in the stands!! Hibbert, one of the longest serving Job Centre customers in their history, made a shocking appearance. He appeared to fall up the steps, as he arrived in quite a drunken state. The Garden Gnome of the BVC had apparently done some “special work” for his mother, to enable her to borrow him some cash, so that he could attend the match.
The game provided much excitement for the Crew members and it got all too much for one member. Hibbert started to destroy the structure of the away end when the referee sent off Stuart Watkiss. This almost got him arrested on a Criminal Damage offence, but luckily enough he got a let off. The Crew were very pleased with the performance despite a 3-2 defeat. The Crew went home from the game in separate ways. Paolo and Cheggers on the Coach, Hib got a lift and Leon, Coop and Kel went home in the car.
The trip back to Mansfield was much better; obviously it had signalled that the driver had asked for the directions home!! The Supporters Coach followed the Déjà vu bus out of Wigan, so we must thank the Déjà vu for actually having a sense of direction, unlike our driver. The Crew gave the driver a tip, hoping that he will invest it in an up to date Map book.
Paolo and Cheggers arrived back at Field Mill at 12.30am, had a walk through town, and waited for a taxi at the top end of Mansfield. This spelled the end of another good Crew trip until Wycombe on Saturday, which will only be attended by Cheggers. Paolo will be back in action at Stockport, along with Ben.
CREW REVIEW
Cheggers: The alcoholic of the trip. He didn’t drink as much as usual but he loved his trip around Manchester. He sat with Déjà vu throughout the match. He managed to sniff out the Pubs!!
Paolo: He had to ensure that Hibbert didn’t fall down the stairs during the match. He was left disappointed after the club didn’t sell his favourite alcoholic drinks.
Hibbert: He was very excited by the experience of visiting the JJB Stadium. He was quite drunk throughout the whole game and he built up a fear of Wigan fans chasing him around the Car Parks after the game.
Leon: This was the quietest that I have seen Leon. He didn’t say much at all.
Kel: The usual funny guy of the Crew!!
Coop: Didn’t seem his usual self either, but he is one of the key Crew members. He had been down Wigan before the match for a drink. He smuggled alcohol into the seating area, without the stewards even noticing!!