The Journey

Colin Head unpicks the simplicity and 'joy' of the matchday routine

Bromley are playing their first National League home game this coming Saturday and, as has been the case since the mid-1970s, I will be going. Even at fifty-one years of age, I’m looking forward to it. 

My matchday routine has changed over the years, but the walk remains roughly the same. I’ll leave home at 2 pm with my twelve-year-old son and we’ll walk down Homesdale Road and Hayes Lane, cutting through the leisure centre on the way to the turnstiles.

We observe the same routine: a wave to Machel in the press box (or a quick chat if I can get past the security guard), grab a team sheet from Matt, offer a nod and a hello to familiar faces in the main stand, queue for chips and a can of Fanta (my son’s usual) and a coffee for myself, and maybe a KitKat if I need to add a little sugar to my caffeine hit.

Then, it’s either our usual seats up in the top corner of the Glyn Beverley Stand or a short stroll to the side terrace, where I can rest on one of the crush barriers and make notes for the Kent Sports News match report. I’ve been reporting for KSN since 2009.

My son often meets a couple of his mates who come along with their dads. Together, we go through the experience of watching Bromley play. It’s a blessing to be able to share something like this with your kids and it’s something I’ll never take for granted, even when he asks for a drink midway through the first half when I’m trying to make notes!

Throughout the match, I’ll meet people I’ve known for years through our shared love of Bromley. We’ll chat about the game and football in general. And I’ll try to catch up with my cousin, Mike, too. We’ve been watching Bromley since we were kids. His enthusiasm and optimism is always an antidote to my more pessimistic nature.

When the game has finished, we’ll wait for the crowd to clear a bit before heading home. My lovely wife may ask how Bromley got on, but she usually knows the answer from our demeanour. I’ll round off the day by typing and sending the match report before cooking dinner. 

This is Saturday, July to May, as standard. If Bromley aren’t at home, I’ll be at the Cray Wanderers match doing virtually the same thing, except I’ll be picking up my Dad in the car on the way there. If both teams are away, I’ll watch Holmesdale FC as Oakley Road is only a couple of miles away.

I rarely leave BR2 for football these days, but who needs to go any further when you have such a bounty of great football clubs on your doorstep! 

For me, Saturday remains the day you can get away from the crud of everyday life for a couple of hours. Even if the game is rubbish, it’s still enjoyable and something I would never want to miss.

Whether your match routine involves meeting friends at a pub, bar, or café, or going it alone and appreciating a little time away, it’s priceless. Enjoy!

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