Who Are These Jobbers?
Oh, it’s you. This is pretty awkward. I mean I had a really good time last weekend but I wasn’t looking for anything long-term really. You’re nice and that but I think it would for the best if we spent a little time away from each other? Honestly, it not you, it’s me. I’m not sure what I want and I know it seemed like I enjoyed myself but I don’t think this will last.
I like you more as a friend, that’s all.
What? Erm, I guess we could go for a coffee or something.
Next weekend? Oh, erm, don’t you think that’s a bit too soon?
You’re not going to be weird about it, are you?
Alright, I guess we could try that.
Okay, okay I’ll see you at the Bescot Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.
The magic of the FA Cup is bringing the people of Sunderland and Walsall together for round two of this burgeoning rivalry. After the prancing on the pitch following Lynden Gooch’s last-minute equaliser, I know absolutely no-one that is going to this match.
There is only so much of Walsall one person can take in such a short space of time, so if you are going to this Saturday’s meeting, you probably have a really, really good reason to do so.
What’s The Ground Like?
A couple of things about the Bescot Stadium. Firstly, it is really easy to get to which is an absolute delight in a league where stadiums tend to be on isolated retail parks with horrendous public transport links. Secondly, it has loads of obstructing pillars which is great for all you Against Modern Football weirdos who think football was better when you had to strain your neck for ninety minutes.
Thirdly, the concourse (and that’s a very generous term) in the University of Wolverhampton Stand is incredibly tight ensuring that the pre-match and half-time scrum for a pint is intense. Fourthly, it’s dead easy to hop the advertising hoardings and hug Luke O’Nien when we score.
A repeat of the 3,400 following on Saturday looks highly unlikely so you’ll probably have to sit on your own behind the goal.
How Do I Get There?
Come on, you know the drill.
Leave the M6 at junction 9 and follow the signs for the Bescot Stadium (or Banks’s Stadium) and you will find the Bescot Stadium (or Banks’s Stadium). Parking is available at the Bescot Stadium for £4.
The Bescot Stadium railway station serves the Bescot Stadium with trains from Birmingham New Street every 15/30 minutes to the Bescot Stadium.
A Love Supreme coaches leave the Stadium of Light at 8am with return fares priced at £30. Book your place here.
Where Can I Get The Sesh Started?
Admit it, you went to Birmingham city centre on Saturday afternoon, didn’t you?
You tried to get served at The Shakespeare outside New Street and spent an eternity doing so. Were you one of the sorry bunch of people queuing outside The Briar Rose to get a sweet hit of that Wetherspoons goodness?
See, the progressive and cultured supporter headed into Walsall town centre and escaped the pandemonium of Birmingham’s Christmas markets which engulfed the entire city. Those of you that heeded this advice would have found the charming Black Country Arms, which served a range of delicious ales and even featured a guest appearance from Look North’s Jeff Brown.
There are other pubs available which I covered last week but here’s a quick recap - The Pretty Bricks, The Tap & Tanner (cheap), The Pitch Sports Bar & Grill, Radisson Park Inn (next to the ground).
I’m Staying Owa, Is There Owt To Do?
I was rightly chastised by a Walsall native in my appraisal of things to do in the West Midlands. Aside from The Leather Museum being an absolute must, I apparently missed out The New Art Gallery Walsall. And, my, how foolish I was to do so.
Since 2000, it has been showcasing modern and contemporary art and currently features the work of Mahtab Hussain, Elizabeth Magill and Lily Wales among others. If you want an incredibly cultured pre-match experience then get yourself down here... it certainly beats battling through the actual Hell of Birmingham’s Christmas markets.