Forest Green Rovers Clanger!!
First of all, I really dropped a clanger today, didn't I. Went to see Forest
Green Rovers play Tranmere to take me down to just two to do. I have already
been to FGR when they were non league but went again to keep my 92 club
membership 100% legit.
So I arrived about an hour and a half before ko which is my preference as I like
to get a couple of pints and something to eat before the game starts. As I got
to the stadium and approached the entrance to the bar I had a fleeting feeling
of deja vu - there was a spot, just outside the bar, which looked very much like
where I had a photo taken with fellow 92 clubbers on my last visit. Well that
wasn't possible because I've only been here once before and that was when they
were non league so I dismissed the feeling, went into the bar, ordered a pint
and found a seat by the food counter.
I'm looking at the counter and it doesn't take long to notice that the only thing they're serving is chips. At least I didn't see anyone buying anything else. So I turned to the gentleman next to me and asked if they had stopped doing the normal fare to which he replies, no, they have lots of stuff but it isn't very good. I asked if he could recommend anything to which he responded, don't get this or that and don't get that or this, but the beetroot burger is pretty good. Beetroot burger!! There is no way on earth I am going to eat a beetroot burger.
It was at that point that I had another feeling of deja vu - the last time I
was here, I was talking to people I knew. That was odd because I knew I came
alone. Maybe Welling Utd (my local team) were playing and I bumped into a couple
of familiar faces. That must be it. Not 92 clubbers though. Definitely not!!
So I finished my second pint and went up to the food counter and ordered a
portion of chips, to be safe and something which they were passing off as
chicken nuggets. Actually the nuggets were not too bad although I wouldn't have
been able to tell the difference anyway after those two vegan lagers.
I like mayo on my chips and they did have some though it was plant based. I had
a taster. It was not bad so I covered my chips with it. I quite enjoyed my food
in the end but was wondering, if the mayo is plant based, how come it's yellow?
It must be all that pig fat they squirt into it!!
Anyway, saw the game - my first 0-0 in, I don't know, how many years. Ages
anyway. A good game despite the score line and a pleasant afternoon all in all.
Then I made my way back on the bus to Stroud to catch the train. When I arrived
I had some time to kill so went in search of the toilets but it was gone 6pm and
they were all closed. Someone suggested the Wetherspoons around the corner so
off I went.
As I approached the Wetherspoons that feeling of deja vu came back although this
time, it wasn't deja vu, it was hard solid FACT - I have been here before. I
walked in and clearly remembered those cubicles on the left where I was sitting
with Mike Kimberley, Kevin Markey and several other keen 92ers.
So I'm trying to work out how this has happened as I am actually quite meticulous in keeping records. Covid has obviously got me muddled. That and the fact that I've been to over 400 grounds doesn't help. All very confusing. So, I've only made a trip that I didn't need to do. I could have gone to Harrogate today. What a plonker.
Now that I come to think of it, when exactly was it when I last went to
Harrogate! Incidentally, the 92 Club photo at the top of the 92 Club Facebook
page was taken at FGR and I'm in it!! Joking aside, just Harrogate and Barrow to
do.