We made it to Wigan

We had to wait until the next half term before we could start visiting football grounds again. My in-laws wanted to see the Isle of Man as we have a distant family connection to the place. So a road trip through Lancashire was on the books!  We booked some tickets to see Wigan (the Saturday kickoff suited us and we appreciate the fact that ticket prices are so reasonable). We like many of Martinez's players for their good play and good attitude.  As soon as we booked the tickets I sent an email to the Wigan customer relations person and mentioned that it would be our first trip to the ground hoping that they might offer us a behind the scenes tour. Unfortunately they said that it was not enough time and that they were going to be busy. But it would have been more than we were expecting and we would get to see the ground anyway. But we tried to leave enough time so have a little explore. The match was against West Ham, who were on a spell of good results. After our visit to Upton Park, we also had a soft spot in our hearts for the Hammers, so you could say we were neutrals for this one.

Driving in to Wigan on game day involves sitting in alot of traffic, and when we finally arrived we didn't have as much time as we hoped. The ginger-nut biscuits I had brought in the car were just not enough to keep us going. We needed some stadium food! Luckily Wigan's own fish and chips restaurant was very good, and good value too.  After a pies and chips for the boys and fish and chips for me at their takeaway we had just enough time for a spin through their tiny shop. It was crowded but the staff were friendly and they had a good selection of things. We needed to get to our seats, so we hurried along and only realised too late that there was not many program sales people and we didn't want to go back so we skipped a program and went into DW Stadium.

We had great seats, in the Boston Stand just in the centre of the length of the pitch and a few rows back. It was a sunny clear but cold day. There was a good family atmosphere at the game and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The away fans were remarkable that they stood and cheered through the entire match. Their songs  drowned out the meager drumming and chants from the Wigan fans.  When you watch a game live you have to pay attention as you might miss out from seeing the goals as there is no replay. I missed Wigan's second goal that way.

*** 10 years later I have now found this blog post and decided to publish - though it isn't finished.

Wow! I can't believe I did this  and don't remember at all setting up this blog.

I've visiting many many stadiums since this, but the thrill is still there for me. 

My sons are proper teenagers now and we all still love the beautiful game.

Much more to come from this blog! Thank you to my 10 years back self for doing this.