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July 2003 Is obsession a good thing? Given examples of stalkers and train-spotters, we’d be led to an easy conclusion. Perhaps passion is a better word, although it’s a fine line. I’m reminded of Rich Hall’s observation on the similar fine line between being a genius, and a nutter. Bob Dylan picks up a guitar and plays a harmonica at the same time and he is called a genius, but if he had made that extra effort to tie a set of cymbals to his knees… Passionate or obsessional? Lets lurk at the airvidence, to quote some weird mush off the telly. Last season stats. *Games attended: 74 (57 first team, 5 friendlies, 5 reserve and 7 youth). *Beer rounds involved in: 127. Rounds bought: 3. *Amount of people staying over in Barry Island with me after attending the opening friendly: 0 *Amount of round-trip miles walked to attend a youth team game at Horndean: 13 *Amount of people of who thought this was a stroll too far: Well, everyone. Obsession/passion/nothing better to do, who knows? Love or an acute form of dementure? Could be either. Certainly in the last couple of seasons I’ve gorged myself on all things Hawk, got myself totally addicted to the whole sphere – the sport and the social. It’s surprising how much you can get from breathing in the WLP air on a cool, fresh October night watching the stiffs with about 40-odd others. Without the pressure of Dr Martens League and cup fixtures, the atmosphere is jovial, despite a consistent will to win. This is not to say it comes anywhere close to winning a vital league game in the final minute, but it’s a different experience and all adds to the big love thing. This also includes fretting about the drainage, fixture pile-ups, a potential Super Jim goal-drought, rumours of player unrest and Timmy Hambley’s pink shirt (although sadly, no longer). All this is why it’s going to be excruciating now that I take myself away to Leeds to study. Where once I was a glutton, I shall become a waif, feeding occasionally on the scraps I am tossed, but more on that later. It’s not completely cold turkey though, as Rich’s website message-board will keep me up wi’t gossip, and I should be able to make it to our more northerly fixtures and, hopefully, cup games. Drip-feeding the Hawk action then, so hopefully Mr Strudwick will space the Midlands away days out for me. However, even if he does there will be many an empty Saturday and, like a Fareham Town initiative to increase attendances at Cams Alders, that’s one big hole to fill. Of course, I won’t be able to totally compensate for my WLP absences, as the appeal of Farsley vs. Ossett just won’t be the same as the nervous excitement of turning up to watch the Hawks go for glory, natch. Also, considering that for most of the weeks I’ll be studying (honest!), will my delightful girlfriend in Liverpool appreciate using our weekends for the delights of Southport against Hucknall and a meat pie over a trip to the cinema and a nice restaurant? You say, of course not. I say, she’ll have to learn. Reports from nowhere near the front line will follow… skif Havant & Waterlooville Independent Supporters Association (Leeds Branch president-elect) back to index |