My Grandad and his brother took me along in November 1988 when we hosted Derby County. I remember the smells (the pitch, beer, fags, bovril and pork pie, for some reason), sitting in the lower Trinity and being devastated at a 2-1 defeat. I hated Dean Saunders for almost five years as he got the equaliser that day.
Looking back now I can see that life-long bonds were forged between my heart and Tony Daley, David Platt, Gordon Cowans and Alan McInally on that day. Also, the noise of the place was incredible to my nine year old ears. Instantly addicted.
I actually only kept a very limited number of programs and ticket stubs when we relocated here years ago but the one from this fixture will be with me for many more years yet.
