A fan's-eye view from Turf Moor, with Stephen Cummings
EVERY year they come. They turn up in their hundreds. Droves of them file through the Turf Moor turnstiles like a group of over-excited schoolkids out on a day trip. And they invariably depart the ground with their tails between their legs.
I am, of course, referring to that breed more commonly known as Blackpool supporters.
I don't know what it is about our coastal cousins, but they possess the ability to wind me up no end. Maybe it's something to do with those silly balloons they insist on bringing (now what's all that about? No other visiting supporter does this.)
Maybe it's something to do with that migraine inducing trumpeter they bring who parps tunelessly away at the back of their stand from start to finish. Or maybe it's the fact that they spend half the time fervently yelling "Tangerines! Tangerines! Tangerines!" somewhat lending them the air of the largest fruit and veg stall in England.
No, there is something decidedly unsavoury about those who hail from the capital of Kitch.
All of which made Micky Mellon's goal celebration all the more special. And outrageous. And, frankly, hilarious.
For those unable to get to Turf Moor on Sunday, I shall explain. Having lashed home the winner, Mellon to quote the Times "back-pedalled the length of the pitch, pointing to the name on the back of his shirt, just in case any of the visiting fans . . . could not remember him." What the man from the Times omitted from his report however was Micky's coup de grace. Having reached the Blackpool supporters, Mellon spun on his heels to face them and saluted them with clenched fist. They hated it. I loved it. There are those who will bellyache that it's not good for the game, particularly in these times of so-called anarchy on the pitch.
Personally, I thought it laudable, and commend Mellon for upsetting the Tangerines. (Reactionary letters to the usual address please).
Others deserving of commendation are the Turf Moor faithful. Over the past couple of matches we have re-learned the virtue of patience - the art of getting behind rather than on top of the team. And that has reaped rich dividends with victories over Wrexham and Blackpool.
That same patience may well be needed against Rotherham in the FA Cup this weekend. Let's get behind the lads and get into the third round.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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