Lower-League Love in London
I have long preached the joys of lower-league football, and on this last trip to London I went really, really low.
 I realize, and grudgingly accept, that most people reading this are all about Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and that lot. But for me there is much joy to be had in clubs and towns most tourists never go to -- places like Sheffield, Bristol, and Burnley. But also parts of London off the tourist grid.
Places like Dulwich (DULL-itch), in South London but in another world as far as football goes. It's a world where 3,000 is a historic crowd. Where you lean on a rail with a beer in your hand to watch a game. Where the otherwise assumed fact of a 120-year-old club playing in its home ground can come under threat and inspire a community to rise up and save it.
I speak of Dulwich Hamlet FC, of the sixth-tier National League South. They made their triumphant return to Champion Hill on Boxing Day, and I was there with friends to see it. Brilliant day out!
In the next Groundhopper I'll take you to Leyton Orient and Bromley.
High Life on the South Coast
 It wasn't all small-time action on this last trip. I also hit up Southampton FC, where I now offer a nice hospitality package. It's killer seats in a small, modern stadium with a nice meal in a pleasant bar. And as all of this is just 90 minutes by train from London, you could do it as a day trip. I even got back after a 7:45 pm kickoff.
Southampton is a decent option for an outing, especially if you have any interest in The Titanic, which made its last stop there and drew hundreds of its (doomed) staff in town. Here is a post introducing you to the town and club.
Introducing Groundhop 2!
 Groundhop 1 was a smashing success, as I was joined by crews of three groundhoppers at Wembley for a Spurs game, two at Crystal Palace v Chelsea, six at Leyton Orient, and then seven at Manchester City 2, Liverpool 1 -- easily one of the most intense experiences I've had in English soccer. That's our hearty crew to the right, postgame at The Etihad.
So now it's time to talk Groundhop 2, which I am calling Northern Patrol.
On the weekend of March 16 around Manchester, there are two massive games happening, one of which you will not be able to avoid hearing about, the other you don't even know about but which is, for me, even more exciting.
 First up, it's the Manchester Derby, United vs City at Old Trafford (right). Need I say more?
Next it's Leeds United hosting Sheffield United. What, haven't heard of them? Well, they lie less than 40 miles apart in Yorkshire, making this a spirited rivalry. They are also, at the moment, first and third in the second-tier Championship, fighting it out for three spots in the Premier League next season.
We will make Manchester our base for a couple of nights, tour the Manchester City stadium, visit the National Football Museum, and enjoy a tour of historic Leeds. Depending on how the schedule breaks out, we might even catch a third game.
And, as readers of the Yankee Groundhopper, you are the first to know!
Get in touch if you want to know more.
|
