Playing away

[dave.woodhall]

John Russell writes about going to away matches in days of yore.

https://heroesandvillains.info/2023/03/25/playing-away/

[Brend'Watkins]

Wonderful.

[bill]

In the Seventies you could roll up to New St on away days and pretty much get to most Villa games on the “ special” for around a quid. Still remember the little cardboard tickets. They were real cattle trucks though. The frequent vandalism was a problem but they were usually rammed. Happy days.

[Paul.S]

The last special I remember getting was to Portsmouth. I think it was 1985 and it may have been in the FA Cup. I do remember a few in the 70’s as a kid when the old man took me, queuing at the side of New Street with many others. One being in 79 away to Bristol City when we’d just gone top of the league. Got in at half time as they were trying to move home fans to accommodate the thousands of Villa fans. As per, we lost but those memories will stay with me forever.

[algy]

Love Mr Russell's articles.

[Lastfootstamper]

The last special I remember getting was to Portsmouth. I think it was 1985 and it may have been in the FA Cup. I do remember a few in the 70’s as a kid when the old man took me, queuing at the side of New Street with many others. One being in 79 away to Bristol City when we’d just gone top of the league. Got in at half time as they were trying to move home fans to accommodate the thousands of Villa fans. As per, we lost but those memories will stay with me forever.

My second pastry-wrapped-meat-referencing post of the day... 3rd round in '86 we were away at Portsmouth. I went on the special. I wasn't allowed to take my pork pie into fratton park. I know it was 1986 because I sprinted to get the hawaii home, quick change, and then back in to town again and legging it to Millionaire's to get in before the cut-off time for free entry with the ticket for my mate's 20th. Only to be thwarted after all the effort by the doorman stopping me, saying "over-21s only tonight, mate". Arsehole.

[eamonn]

Playing Away? Thought this was the title of John Terry's debut album. Would explain why he's been so quiet recently.

[Paul.S]

The last special I remember getting was to Portsmouth. I think it was 1985 and it may have been in the FA Cup. I do remember a few in the 70’s as a kid when the old man took me, queuing at the side of New Street with many others. One being in 79 away to Bristol City when we’d just gone top of the league. Got in at half time as they were trying to move home fans to accommodate the thousands of Villa fans. As per, we lost but those memories will stay with me forever.

My second pastry-wrapped-meat-referencing post of the day... 3rd round in '86 we were away at Portsmouth. I went on the special. I wasn't allowed to take my pork pie into fratton park. I know it was 1986 because I sprinted to get the hawaii home, quick change, and then back in to town again and legging it to Millionaire's to get in before the cut-off time for free entry with the ticket for my mate's 20th. Only to be thwarted after all the effort by the doorman stopping me, saying "over-21s only tonight, mate". Arsehole.

That’ll be the one and I’m sure Birch got a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

[darren woolley]

Fantastic what great memories.

[Chico Hamilton III]

Last special I went on was to Leeds for the Cup game in 1988.

[trinityoap]

Mrs.TOAP.was a bit concerned to discover me reading a page headed "Playing away".