Life does exist outside the Premier League

I support Carlisle, and always will. I believe your football club picks you rather than the other way round. Not surprisingly, those who do choose usually select a successful Premier League club to whom they have no affinity

Usually they have little loyalty. I know one who used to be a Liverpool fan but converted to Manchester United, presumably because they’ve won more trophies of late. Worse still, I work with a bloke who reckons he supports both Liverpool and Manchester United!

Talk about hedging your bets. “Supporting” the two most successful clubs in English football, regardless of their fierce rivalry.

It really irritates me when I say who I support and I’m then asked but who’s your Premier League team? It’s as though it’s hard to accept I don’t have one. As if life doesn’t exist outside the Premier League. Anyway, with that rant out of the way, I was really looking forward to this match as I know more than a few Morecambe fans so there’s always a bit of friendly banter.

I was lucky enough to receive a number of corporate invitations but politely declined as my three sons and I much prefer it on the terracing among the other away supporters. As always, a sizeable number of Carlisle supporters made the trip and were in good voice. Without rubbing anyone’s nose in it the noise levels increased when we scored two late goals to win the game. The away end was rocking to the chant of “Bounce around if you love Carlisle.”

My mate Denby was in charge of security at the away end, and although there were a few flares going off, things were handled brilliantly and there were no major incidents.

I had a drink with my Morecambe mates after the game and managed to only mention the result every other minute. Mickey taking completed, I set off home with my three boys reflecting on what a memorable day we’d had. As a football mad dad it would be hard to imagine a better day.