A recent facebook debate made me
think, what made people become Saints Fans? Were you born and bred in the Shire
or like me were you a latecomer to the rugby and happened to be in the shire
when the passion took hold?
Would love your response! (Just curious)
Born, bred
but moved away at 20odd (Wuss catchment). I still come back when I can, and
when I’m not attempting to play myself (Sat matches are out).
Ta.
Moved to the county from Scotland
in the early 1970's - Northampton rugby club really registered with me when I
went to the High School in 1975 and my bus used to trundle past the ground.
I remember buying my first Saints shirt in 1978 from a shop in Giles Street -
the shop assistant explained that I couldn't have a shirt with a club crest
because those were for players only. It cost me £13.50. How times have
changed....
Born Northamptonian. Dad from
Cov, mum from IoW. Dad played for Heathens ( helped run the bar late 60's when
their club house was up Poets Corner area).
First Saints game was in the 83/84 season. Don't recall who against, but have a
feeling it was Aberavon (Witches?). 20p to get in with a ticket from school,
mum went shopping in Hillards.
Had a couple of glory seeking seasons in the Hotel End circa '87, watching the
Cobblers under Graham Carr, before coming "home" to FG after I quit
college. Went to a couple of games season we won promotion first time (89/90?),
and bought my first season ticket for the 91/92 season. So I guess this is my
20th consecutive season of being an STH
Barrett Boy. No choice in the matter...
Born and bred in the county, but
didn't really get interested in rugby until I went to Uni in 1999 and watched
the World Cup. As I was in Reading when the Saints played at the Madejski for
the Tetley's semi final, went along to see the game and was hooked. Couldn't
afford to go for the Heineken semi at the same venue later, good news in a way
as my hall of residence was full of Welshmen...
First season ticket in 01/02, not looked back since. The only reason I miss
games now is if it's away on a Friday evening or a European trip during the
school term.
semilong boy
Was passing the Saints ground circa 1974 when I noticed a match going on, walked in and watched my first game under the corrugated sheets on Gordon terrace. Regarding an earlier post from Phil proclaiming himself a Barratt’s boy, only last month whilst passing the old abandoned St. Edmonds hospital on the Wellingborough rd. my mother pointed out the very room I was born in!
Born and Raised in a village just outside of Northampton, first went to watch Saints play when I was about 7 years old, back when I was playing mini Rugby. I remember all the highlights, including heading down to Twikkers when I was 11 to watch the HC final, then going straight to FG to celebrate on the pitch. I'm at University 100 miles away, but still have a season ticket and make the commute for the majority of home games.
St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad
Born and bred Northamptonian.
Like Alan I had the 20p school ticket in the 84 season and my first match was
Saints V Bedford. I didn't start going regularly until the 89/90 season and
since then I've tried living without a season ticket once and it didn't work
out!
The sport I mostly watched between 84 and 89 was however basketball as
Northampton Ladies (Avon cosmetics,) were the leading club in the country and
my sister was in their youth set up.
On Saturday it looks like I'm at sixfields to watch Cobblers v Bradford
B&B in Northamptonshire. Mid 70's in the shed where you could walk up and down to follow the play. Granddad sat in the wooden stand. As a child, his father(my great grand father) would carry the players boots up from changing rooms at the Green Man pub (think it was the Beckett) I therefore claim unbroken lineage from the very early days of the club. I am sure I must be entitled to a lifetime membership and best seat in the house. Back in the real world my son is an avid fan so the bug has been passed on!!
Moved to
Northampton from Ireland in 83, Dad played for Men’s Own and I started playing
when I got to Northampton School for Boys. Wanted to be good enough to play for
the Saints but was barely good enough to get on the bench for NSB.
Dad went on to play as a prop for Heathens and I went to watch a their matches
at the racecourse and only really followed saints on paper to see how they
where getting on.
Went to my first game in 2005 against Wasps I think, and it made me want more
of the same.
Not yet become a STH as I currently live in Germany and only get back now for 2
or 3 games a season. Hopefully moving back in 2012 and ST will be purchased for
myself and the tribe at the earliest opportunity.
What makes me continue to be a supporter of Saints?
Loyalty to the hardest working team in the Premiership
the feeling I get when I see a Saints shirt or car sticker when I am away (even
over here I have seen a few)
the fact that we are always welcoming to away support and are respectful of
tradition.
The greeting that we always give to former players when they return to play
here either for or against us.
Moved to
Northampton in 1995 from North Wales - following MrPs career - as I could work
from anywhere.
Soon realised that there was something going on from reading a Chron - asked a
neighbour where the ground was and went to my first game which was as recall
Saints v London Scottish.
I remember a loud Scottish lady shouting out traitor every time Gregor Townsend
touched the ball.
went to several more games alone and eventually persuaded the Mrs and daughter
to come to a game - they too were hooked. Season tickets for about ten years
now.
I was born
in Northampton but moved away when I was 6 months old. I didn't get into rugby
until I started playing for a club in Leicestershire so naturally started
following the tigers along with all my friends.
My dad (a massive Saints fan and former STH) soon cottoned on to this and
started taking me to FG to put me right. I'm extremely glad he did
Started going down with my father in 1948-49 season. Immediately fascinated by the game and the atmosphere in the crowds. John Hyde and Niall Bailey on the wings, George Adkins at full back, Don White doing amazing things at (in those days) wing forward... I was hooked and 62 years later still am.
Moved to Brackley in the late 70s and had the pleasure of playing at the Gardens several times the last one being a Lewis Shield Cup Final vs. Old Northamptonians. in the late 80s started refereeing and have received advice from the Gardens stands on many occasions. Most memorable games East Mids vs. Baa Baas, Saints vs. Stirling County and vs. Saracens. First game as a fully-fledged supporter was 2000 Final vs. Munster. Get to games whenever I can.
born and Bred in Northampton.
Moved away for college. After my own playing sport days finished became a
season ticket holder in 2001/2 with Mrs H. Still make the 300 mile round trip
most games.
North Bucks Ouse Valley boy in the Saints catchment area with nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon 20 seasons ago, been going ever since though now I have to find nothing better to do on Friday nights, Sundays, Saturday evenings etc. etc.
Born &
raised in Wellingborough, Dad was a good footballer who had played for the Army
during the war so that (and the Cobblers) was my interest until I went to the
Grammar School, where soccer was banned and there was a high standard of rugby
(teachers: Johnny Hyde and Bob Taylor). Got to be reasonably good at it
(trialled for the Saints and failed!), but sadly wasn't good at other aspects
of school so on their advice I left at 15 to join the merchant navy.
I moved away from the county on coming ashore and I have still not returned in
35 years. But I always followed the Saints on paper and when my young (8) son
showed an interest after the RWC in 2003, I took him to a game. We got season
tickets the following season and haven't missed much, home or away, since.
Started
watching Plymouth Albion as a student at Beacon Park many years ago. Fell for a
Northampton lass whilst studying and moved to the Shire. My first game was
about 15 years ago against Orrell. I stood against the green fence and was
amazed at the sight of Tim Rodber leading out the side.
On getting home from that first game I was told I would be introduced to one of
her friends called Richard who is a keen supporter. St.Rich Joe, Niamh and
Sam's Dad and I have been good friends ever since.
Last season I moved back to Plymouth and became an Albion season ticket holder.
I still try to get to as many Saints games as I can and will listen to radio
Noddy on the Internet or hopefully pick up a live feed for any televised games.
Can't wait for the Exeter game in March.
Albion Saint
I grew up
for the first 28 years of life in a Northamptonshire village. My Dad brought me
to a Mobbs Match and was blown away by the experience.
Remembered watching a Eng. V Scotland five nations match and seeing a whole
host of Saints players playing for both teams so thought that the club can't be
that bad. Been coming for 14 years now.
Born in
Kettering, lived in Rothwell up until 3 years ago. Used to watch Kettering on
Saturdays, I started playing at about 12 years old, around the same time my dad
took me and my brother to our first game in about '93, Bedford away. First home
game was Irish the following week, for some reason we were very late getting to
Northampton, didn't get there till halftime, bloke on the turnstile let us in
for free.
I remember asking my dad why everyone cheered when the Tigers result was
announced at the LI game (they lost) I fully understand now!
Have had a ST since around 2001, there are currently 7 of us with ST's (Mum,
Dad, both brothers, sister and my girlfriend) every game is a proper family day
out!
Rowell Saint
Born and bred in Northampton. My
parents were regulars at the Gardens in the mid-60, and saintsdave (brother)
was taken to a few matches when he was very young. I remember important
childhood TV programmes like Play Away being interrupted for 5N matches, and
the discovery on Grandstand one day that Northampton had a rugby team.
I went to a Mobbs match in the early 80s with school (Abington Vale Middle),
but didn't see the Saints until I was at Nene College in the late 80s - I went
to see Llanelli with a Welsh girl from the course (I still live with her ), but only
saw very occasional games, including the Pilkington Cup final in 1991. Moved to
London in 1992 (and then Bristol) and only really got into it in 2000, going to
the Tetley and HEC semis and finals (an expensive month for tickets and
travel!). I try and get to a reasonable number of home and away games - I think
I saw about half of the home games last season.
Even though I've lived away from the town for almost half my life, I can't
imagine supporting anyone else.
What a great thread ! To add a bit to my original post when I went to NGS my PE teacher was Frank Sykes who had just come back from the Lions tour of SA. He also taught me geography and Roger Hosen taught history. They both used to encourage the boys to go down the Gardens. Later on my main prompt to buy a ST was Buck Shelford and the immense interest he generated in the Club.
Personally I'm a gloryhunter first and foremost. When this lot goes down the tube I'm off to Watford!!!
My late
Father was involved with the Saints in the 60's, and fondly recalled hitting
the Salon post match for beer and singing.
Used to take me to the Saints and the Cobblers on alternate weeks in the 70's
before my own sporting events took priority at weekends.
Returned to the Gardens in 1994 with a cricketing mate and have been doing so
ever since.
Dad played
for Black Rock College in his younger days and when we moved to the town in the
early 70's (aged 6), we had no choice but to watch internationals on TV, listen
and follow anything and everything rugby related - especially the Saints.
First match was the Pilkington Cup Final (I think), been a STH since 93/94 -
never looked back!
Born and bred Tonian, started playing rugby at under 7's at the mighty Old Scouts so was a no brainer for me to support the Saints and have done all my life, been a season ticket holder since 1999.
Moved near Northampton with work and started going with friends. Used to watch them on TV occasionally beforehand. First game was a trip to Twickenham for the powergen cup final. Village pub laid on a bus so despite the result it was a great day out!
Family moved
up to Cogenhoe in the mid 70's. Only used to watch the five nations. After uni
moved to Twickenham for 8 years but only took note of Saints in a big way after
noting their contingent in the 97 Lions tour party plus a certain Mr Geech.
Prior to that I'd been to one Mobs match at the Gardens plus a Cogenhoe WMC
trip (6 of us on a 56 seat Yorks coach) to see a Saints Llanelli match. Got
very drunk in the players bar after and had my first hangover!
I moved to Northampton in 2001 to
take up my first teaching post. I was born and raised in Chesterfield, but the
Union scene was dying in my teenage years so I went over to Sheffield and
Doncaster to play League.
I must admit I was one of those typical league-types who thought we League had
the "game" and union had the "occasion" - not quite the
"kick and clap vs. shiny shorts" but I knew which I preferred.
My first game at FG was against London Irish and I was sat in the South Stand.
It only took one visit to reel me in and I've never looked back. It was my good
mate Albion Saint that moved me to C block where I've stood with St Rich et al
whenever I've been back.
I had to move back home in 2004 to become primary care for my father in his ill
health, but I managed to convert him too. He was a frequent visitor whilst I
lived in the town. We're saintmen and will continue to be. It's a select band
we feel proud to be part of and we attend when we can.
Born in
Lincoln, grew up in East Northamptonshire (so Northampton always seemed a
little distant), however remember passing the ground and thinking it would be
fun to go and watch the rugby.
Went to university in London, at which point got a lot more interested in
rugby, mainly by being taken down to London Welsh by some friends (and I'm
afraid a brief flirtation following Quins though was a little haphazard).
Came back to Northampton, and finally got chance to go to FG through some free
tickets with Barclaycard about 98 or 99 I think, sat in temporary stand in the
South End and got soaked, thing we were playing Bath.
Various one off games, then got a ST. Sadly lack of time means I haven't had
one since 08/09 season, and concerned results are better since then! Get to
occasional games, and thanks to a friend, got to the Bath game on Friday.
TomDSaint
Long time
lurker, first time poster.
Like many above born in the Barrett.
First game would be accompanying my Dad (ThruppArtist) at some point in the
1980s. Many a Saturday was spent standing on the mud bank (under where the
South Stand arch now stands); the Gordon Terrace was reserved for times of
severe weather only.
The East Mids vs. All Blacks game (early 90s) sticks in my head if only because
it was the first time I'd seen someone bungee jumping.
The early 90s also corresponded with the first of my sporting heroes: Ian
Hunter. The England game against Wales where he finally started at full back
was pretty special
Born in
Kettering, lived in Wellingborough briefly, but brought up in Poole, Dorset
since a young age and 25 years later I’m still here (except for 3 years uni at
Essex). Still have a lot of family in Northampton though.
To be honest the total lack of top flight sport in Dorset (except for
speedway), sort of draws me back to Northampton when it comes to following
teams. Ok bit of a glory hunter, but I have at least stuck with Saints through
thick & thin!
Bish01
B & B in
Northampton and never moved.
I have, however, done the 'Bermuda Triangle' of Spencer, Duston and Jimmy's
End!
Won a season ticket at work for the 86/87 season and been hooked since - I had
Keith Parker as my PE teacher at Mereway from 80-83 and I remember him as a
thoroughly decent chap who had a great rapport with the pupils. I’m not sure
what he's up to now but if you get to read this Keith please accept my regards.
I don't drive so when I bought my house in 96 I had a tick list of what I
needed in the vicinity - bank, supermarket, chemist.....and Franklins Gardens!
So I'm now in a prime position 5 minutes from the ground in Jimmy's End and
although things have changed dramatically round here recently (as this is a
rugby thread I'll keep politics out of it!) I don't regret it at all.
After the Bath game I was at home in minutes with a beer watching The ESPN pundits
fawning over us.
Heaven.......
Mattysaint
Dad born in
Hull, his family moved to Kingsthorpe after WWII, Mum born/raised Kingsthorpe
as were my 6 older sisters. However, family moved to Tamworth near Brum so I
was born up there.
Football ruled and was lucky enough to be Villa just before they won the league
and European Cup, Fair bit of mediocrity and at least one relegation since
then...sound familiar?
Moved to Northampton to work in 98, became mates with a Tigers fan and started
following the Saints mainly to wind him up. Didn't work really, they won just
about everything going. However, began to really love the game, the attitude,
the culture (especially on the terrace, Villa v Birmingham not for the
faint-hearted I assure you) and, finally, the Saints.
Now in my 6th season as a season ticket holder (D block terrace, bang on the
22), I feel personally responsible for our decline & relegation, which
coincided with my regular attendance, however feels like my penance has been
served and loving what we've been seeing for the last three years. Also had one
of the best weekends of my life when I travelled to Limerick for last season’s
quarter final (no details, family website), locals quite astonishingly
friendly!!!
All in all, becoming a Saints fan is one of the best decisions I ever made.
Arrived in Northampton 1984 from Letchworth as part of a new job. Had very little interest in club rugby and only watched the internationals. On arrival, met a fellow Welshman at Work who started training with the Saints - back in the days when it was Tuesday and Thursday nights.. His rise to fame was a few appearances for the Wanderers and I felt obliged to go and cheer him on. Not sure whether it was the smell of the "Winter Green" or the creaking wooden stands but Franklins Gardens grew on me. Decided to watch the first team - and that was that as they say.
Another one
born and bred in Northampton (though dad is from Luton, mum from Coventry). Was
brought up watching the cricket - took my first steps at Wantage Road and we
used to travel all over watching the county play.
My dad used to play rugby and I know he went to watch the Saints a few times
with friends, etc., before he took us - not sure if it was my first match, but
I certainly remember going to see a boxing day game against Stirling County
very early on!
I think we had season tickets in the season we were in division 2 the first
time round, but we'd started watching before that (sorry everyone!).
I've had a season ticket most years since, though time away at uni meant I
missed a few - I was lucky enough to be at uni in Texas when we lost to London
Irish at Twickenham!
Live in Newcastle-under-Lyme now, but hardly miss a match - don't know what I'd
do without the Saints!
saintlymark
Born in
Peterborough but moved to the West Midlands in the 70s (and saw more of
Coventry - big fan of David Duckham - have to say I am genuinely sad to see
them where they are). Now in Kent but make the trip up the M1 most home games
(but sadly not the Friday night ones - can't get out the City in time).
Love the whole ethos of the club - passionate but friendly support, respect for
tradition, attractive rugby. Wife (a New Zealander) equally bitten by the bug.
I was
brought up near Leeds and my family were totally sport focussed. Played Union
at School (Nigel Melville went there, 3 years ahead of me and other illustrious
ex-pupils included one of the hardest men ever to play cricket for England,
Brian Close).
I grew up watching League and suffered for being a Leeds supporter as they were
always wealthy but rarely successful. When I started working I was in the North
West and had to watch my team demolished by the likes of Widnes, St Helens and
Wigan, much to the amusement of my colleagues. (The names Edwards and Myler
were particularly grating at the time)
I moved to Northampton in 1992 and once the professional era got into full
swing started visiting Saints more regularly, finally taking a season ticket 5
years ago. I am also an Athletics coach and am currently living out my
athletics dreams through my 13 year old daughter.
Moved to
Brackley in 1996 having been all over the country but originally born and brought
up in North West (Swinton/Stalybridge) watched and played league a bit at
school and just after, not very good but it was fun, Swinton Lions anyone?
Through work in North West started to watch Union as my employer British Gas NW
sponsored Orrell and Waterloo - one of Grayse's old clubs and I soon got a rep
for nicking all the corporate hostility gigs to do with these clubs. Watched
Internationals too a bit like Bleach and started going to a few Saints games in
97. Bought 1st season ticket in 1999-2000 was there at THAT game at HQ in May
2000 and the rest is history.
Born is South London (Matty
Stewarts stomping ground), move to the Yorkshire Coast when 2. RU not played at
school and footie club was just a couple of hundred yards up the road so I was
a round ball fan. I am still a Whitby Town and Leeds United follower but I
never go to see them.
Spent 10 years in Manchester (uni and post Uni) and lived with Rugby lads but
didn't get bitten at that stage. Sale was the first ground I visited for an
18th birthday party.
Moved to MK but by that stage had fallen out of love with football and rarely
went and then kids came along. In MK a mate persuaded me to go to the Saints
and I enjoyed it BUT the deal was done when a few weeks later took the
youngster (sat him on the wooden electric box under the pylons on the old
Gordon Terrace.
Season Tickets followed and one year even 'er indoors attended with the
daughter in tow. Unfortunately all the others have now fallen by the wayside
but I am still GB&G.
Born in
Kettering, lived in Irchester, schooled at Wrenn in Wellingborough. Played junior
rugby for Rushden and Higham before switching to Wellingborough.
Dad took me to Saints in the 80s, I recall it was a cup game against Leicester,
might have been 89,I was wedged against the railings at the Sturtridge end.
Never looked back, remember being deeply upset at losing the league away at
Nottingham (one game to far and Shelford had gone home) and that final against
Quins. Remember the wooden stand as used to sit down at the clock end and
playing touch rugby on the running track at half time. Remember the turnstiles
and the shed selling programmes. Remember standing with Paul Bryant away at
Moseley. Remember the work experience I did at the Saints in the Glenn Ross era
and the free Sat work after, remember having to phone around for skipping
ropes. Remember upgrading from the Wooden Stand after Uni to the Gordon Road.
Remember the bowls club!
And now it starts again with my three year old, whose favourite player is
Ashton.
Being a Saints supporter is definitely a high!
Finally what a great thread, being 'local' I always wrongly assume that we are
a 'local' team but we're not we have fans from all over and that’s something to
be very proud of!
Born and bred north of the border
and eventually came south with family when I was 16. Played a bit when in the
RAF and married a North Bucks girl who had been watching Saints on and off
since she was 8. We first lived in Leicester after marriage (25 yrs. ago last
week!!) and went to Welbad Rd a few times but couldn't get into being a Tigers
fan.
We moved to Npton in 1985 and joined the club the season after the committee
revolution and the start of the new era, (1987?).
We'd watched the Saints a couple of times previously and decided to get a
season ticket when the new management took over. When applying, club office
said "Pick a couple of seats in the main stand that you like which don't
have names on and let us know which they are. Half way line, half way back
seemed free and been there or thereabouts ever since.
Helen and I became friends with some of the players at that time, especially
the Pasks, Alstons, Heavers and Steels and the wives formed a group to help
with the very early forays into corporate hospitality (no sniggering at the
back!).
The thing about Saints is the tradition and the friends we've made over the
years. We've been to lots of places home and abroad that we'd never have
thought of without rugby. It isn't just another rugby club, it's a club that
gets inside your soul and demands your support and loyalty, through good times
and bad. We remember being bottom of Division 2, the struggle for promotion to
Div 1, the thrashing at the hands of Orrell but then revenge in the 1991 cup
semi final. We remember Buck Shelford's arrival and Tim Rodber's first match
and Matt Dawson having his 19th (?) birthday cake, courtesy of his Mum, in the
bar at Orrell one year.
It's a whole different game these days but the ghosts of the hundreds of heroes
who've trod the turf at FG and worn the GB&G make Saints a special club in
many people's hearts.
Gareth Roberts (78.150.125.195)
Date: 21 September, 2010 10:42
born in n wales,
brought up in Nottingham and still a Notts County fan. Moved to Rugby in the
60`s and followed Rugby Lions. Our big games were against Cov and Saints(the
stuck up lot with jacko Page at scrum half). After a period away went to live
in West Haddon late 70`s and played for Dav. Played against jerry Sharpe of
Trinity who went on to play for the Saints and that sparked my interest in
them.
Moved away for about 20 years and started going to FG in late 90`s and have
been a STH or about 10 years. 10 years of travelling all over the place
following our team and making lots of friends, drinking a lot of beer and wine
and enjoying countless meals(Chez Albert in Biarritz tops the lot).Very proud
of the "matchday experience" that is franklins Gardens when we are at
home.
Following Saints has even curtailed my golfing activities, such is the drawing
power of our great club.
T
My family moved from Bermondsey
to Hemel Hempstead while I was a callow yoof, and I played at the old Apsley
Grammar School. (nothing special, but I was hopeless at football!) I played for
a short time after school, but it all went by the board when I moved to London
and the folk rock scene took precedence over pretty well everything.
After getting married to Elaine, 39 years ago this month, we spent eight years
in Kent then moved to Leighton Buzzard. I was involved in School governorships,
and while Chair of Cedars Upper School I fell into bad company when I appointed
John Mitchell (aka Slimjimmie) as the Head Teacher.
Being in IT sales I went to a lot of Corporate Hostility, and soon learned that
I enjoyed the Rugby far more than the football or golf. I was moaning about
having to go to a Chelsea match one day when he said - "you should come to
Northampton to watch the Saints". This was just after the 2000 HC win. I
joined the Leighton Buzzard Massif -I loved it - and am now a 10 year season
ticket veteran.
In 2004 we decided to move away from Leighton Buzzard and finished up 1 mile
from the Gardens in Cliftonville. (Funny that - Elaine could never understand
why I was so keen on the Avenue!)
On my first overseas trip, Biarritz, (I have been there 3 times and we got
closer each time and then beat them at San Sebastian), I was fortunate to meet
a Headteacher from Walsall who taught me more about the game, the Saints and
how to wear my heart on my sleeve with pride than I had ever known.
I am an unashamed convert.
For the past 8years or so I have been fortunate to be associated with COYSDC,
and I suppose sometime I will have to get a life!
Was a roundball fan when brought
up in N Wales and although never played the game much as it was only introduced
at school in my last year, the internationals were always interesting as most
of my school friends were naturally Welsh supporters and me being English!
Moved to MK in mid 80s then N'ton in 88 and started watching the occasional
match from the mid 90s after the golf bug eventually worked its way out of my
system.
Got first ST about 8 years ago sitting in the Tetley’s but as soon as a friend
of mine said there was a seat in the Church's next to him the season after that
I crossed the pitch! He gave up his ST 4 years ago and have been in the
excellent company of my next door neighbour and my neighbour from cross the
road in the South stand since then.
Been though some lows with the Saints but now enjoying the fantastic highs from
the last 3 seasons - long may they continue...
Living in
Norwich, Northampton is the most local professional club to me.
I was introduced to rugby in 2001 by my brother (nsaint), who was already
following the Saints. Most of the matches I therefore got to see on the TV were
of the Saints.
As with most people, I also had my favourite players in the England squad and
most, if not all, played for Saints.
I have been a fan for the past 8 years and loved every moment of it (highs and
lows).
Dare I say
it was born in Watford (shoot me now) but now in Kettering.
When first met Hubby I would be taxi and drop him at the gardens, eventually he
got the hint about me joining him and from the very first game I was hooked.
Went to the final 3 games that season and purchased my first season ticket the
following season. That was 5 years ago. We even delayed our honeymoon so we
could go to the last game of the season the day after our wedding and invited
loads along as a post wedding celebration. Needless to say I didn't wear my
dress but the boys wore their skirts - traditionally!!!!!!!
Born in the
Barrett Maternity Home, educated at Headlands Infants, Headlands Juniors,
Cherry Orchard Middle School and then NSB. Thereafter I went to both Leicester
and Newcastle Universities hence it had to be the Saints. I must admit
that I did go to watch the Leicester Panthers a few times but never the
Tigers...
Started going to FG on a fairly regular basis whilst living in Suffolk in the
mid-90s (a nice 250 miles round trip) and became a STH on moving to Berks (no
comment needed) in '99 (down to a 150 miles round trip)....and boy, what a
season that was! Started off in the Black Stand where I met SaintColin, on its
subsequent demise I moved to the Tetley's, sitting close to Barry's very own
Robert Leach. I was later joined by Mrs saintian and 2003 onwards, Miss
saintian, both of whom became STHs in their own right.
I'm an Essex
boy who emigrated to Suffolk about 23 years ago. I've always been a keen
follower of football, especially my beloved Arsenal. That said, I always watched
the 5N/6N & World Cups.
Marriage/divorce then marriage again which was followed by 3 kids. These
include a lad who is now 14. He has played football since he was 5, but at the
age of 12 he went to watch his cousin of the same age play rugby (my brother is
exclusively a rugby nut). My brother persuaded my son to 'give it a go' and he
did quite well and decided to join a local club. 2 years on and at present, he
trains with Saints EPDG. Even if it comes to nothing, its an experience he'll
always remember.
We went to our first ever live game (GP Final) with some friends and it was a
cracking game and brilliant atmosphere.
Finally, we attended our first Saints match last Friday and watched the team
trounce Bath....another great match/experience. As my lad plays football
Saturday & rugby on Sundays, the Friday KO's suit us just dandy (sorry).
Hope to be a more regular supporter in future years.
Born in the Barratt but bred just
on the Bucks/Northants border and schooled in Wolverton. Worked in Northampton
for a number of years and after giving up playing roundball was introduced to
the Saints through my company that in those days sponsored the ball for
occasional matches. From the relative comfort of the old wooden stand via the
Gordon Terrace I now, after some 18 years, find myself in the Shrubbery.
Support where I can and only have Newcastle left to visit - followed Saints to
France 3 times now and looking forward to Castres.
Can't really explain what draws you in - just one big family and a feeling of camaraderie
(??) amongst the fans.
Born in North Northants-Desborough-which I believed for many years was the centre of the universe. I watched my first rugby match on the telly...on my wedding day. It was a 5 nations match, can’t remember who it was now. Hubby always watched the championship and Rugby Special. I didn't mind it, but really got interested when England hosted the World Cup in 1991.After watching the final, I felt lost with no more rugby to watch. It was the next year before I just said to hubby that I'd love to go to a rugby match. He found out that Saints were to play Tags at WR and managed to get tickets (this is pre-internet and mobile phones) for the midweek game. I must admit to being nervous, sitting in the crumbly amongst so many Tiggs supporters...the pleasant surprise that there was no segregation still makes me smile...until John Olver burst down the wing with the most manic look on his face. Both me and hubby and the happy hooker knew he wasn't going to reach the try line...then I was on my feet, screaming him on and all the folks around me looking worried. I was hooked...saints won, then lost on the Saturday to Nottingham. They’d have won the league...and it was a very long time before we witnessed Saints being victorious again at Wren came to FG the following season, buying tickets on the gate, then decided to become ST holders. So we've been parting with hard earned cash for close to 2 decades...money well spent indeed
Just back from Sarries – less
said about that the better.
Mr BBF born & bred in Reading watching & supporting Reading FC for
nearly 50 years, me Mrs BBF a Yorkshire lass born in Huddersfield growing up
watching cricket at Headingly and have always been a sporty girl!
Flash forward Mr BBF moves to Northampton in early '80s with job and wife and 2
young children- gets divorced but stays in Northampton.
Feb 1986 goes on trip to New York meets me 25 years ago next February. I’m
living in Boston, Lincs but move to Northampton and we spend all our weekends
with family commitments entertaining his children.
Flashforward to Jan 98 - kids late teens not quite so interested in staying
with Dad & me. Wow we have weekends to ourselves to do grown up things -
lets go to the rugby. 1st game Jan 98 - hooked ever since - season ticket
holders from 98/99.
In 2001 Bradley comes into our life. He’s the mini Bernie I am always carrying
around with me. Hence the BBF – Bernie best friend tag. Go to all the home
games last one missed Nov 03 (at world cup in Oz for Mr BBFs 50th) only miss 1
or 2 away games a season. Love the camaraderie and friends you meet on our
travels. Enjoy the European trips - been to many a place we wouldn't normally go.
Bradley loves Biarritz best or “beer and Chips” as he calls it.
The thing with watching Saints even if anything happened to Robert or I we both
know the other will be able to go the rugby and be among friends and not be
alone.
I hardly
ever post on here normally but I am a frequent lurker I find that other posters
say the things I want to say!
I was born in Bedford and my first impressions are watching Bedford play in the
1980's. One of my first Saints games was one against Bath when Wavell Wakefield
was a guest of honour and I got his autograph. I really got the Saints bug in
the early 1990's I guess after the Cup final around this time Martin Bayfield
was playing so I kind of followed him. I moved to Northampton in the 1994 to go
to Uni, becoming a member the same year.
I used to stand near the old gate next to the Main stand, I think next to an
old player as he seemed to know everyone. I sometimes used to stand on the
mound near the lake but hardly ever in the Gordon Terrace. After a few years I
moved to the Shrub end, but after moving to London found life in the South
Stand. To be being a member of the Saints community is one of the best things I
know win or lose I could never support any other team.
Biggysaint
Born
Collingtree after Father moved to Northampton for work. Attended NGS and
watched first Saints game after playing at FG in a school cup final (against
Trinity) - we were the warm up act. Was hooked after watching that first game.
I suppose attending the same school as Mick Roper, Bryan West and Bob Kottler
at that time as well as having Frank Sykes as PE teacher it would be inevitable
that there was interest in the Saints. We were all well aware, as a rugby
playing school, of how in the past it had been a feeder into the Saints as the
senior club in the area.
Went off to Nottingham to get a degree and then met and married Mrs B who
attended Nene College. Moved to Hertfordshire for work and became a regular
after the 'take over'. Work colleagues became interested in attending as there
was no senior rugby in the Herts. Some are still ST holders and journey to each
home game (and a few away). The HC trips are where Mrs B (and friends) get very
enthusiastic and the chance for a long weekend on the continent is always
welcome, especially the post match hospitality.
My three sons always join me when they are in the area, so the Black Green and
Gold is never far from our thinking. They were introduced to the apron of the
old wooden stand in Buck Shelford's time before our first appearance at HQ.
After that it was facing the elements on the mud bank at the Lake End (after it
was gravelled it lost some of its raw appeal) and we graduated to the Gordon
Terrace. Been there ever since as it is such a great place to have banter with
opposition supporters, and the extended family can watch together when they are
around. One day they might just pay for themselves!
Favourite memory? There have been many, but Dave Powell standing on a chair
behind the bar in the Crooked Hooker telling Geoff Cook what might happen if
'our Ian Hunter' was not picked to play in his next England team was amongst
the funniest. Needless to say, Hunts was in for his first cap the next week!
Rarely post
but lurkalot.
Born and bred in the county and was taught to play at Corby GS by Matt Cooper
who played at Kettering before emigrating to New Zealand. We were taken in 1972
to see the Mobbs match and we stood at the front of the Gordon terrace and I
can't remember anything except the glory that was David Duckham.
as an adult watched some occasional divisional/rep' games and also saw Vince
Cannon at the end of his career and Pearce at the beginning of his. However it
was mainly dire 10 man rugger.
My brother (a more regular poster here) was getting fed up watching the
cobblers so persuaded me to join him at the saints really so we could both let
off steam and have a good shout and sing as well as see a better quality sport.
We saw the start of Daws (in the centre), Hunter and Rodber and I even wrote a
(polite)3 page letter to Geech pointing out where he was going wrong-it was
after another defeat at the hands of an inferior Irish side. He was kind enough
to reply.
my brother picked up a season ticket so that we could get cup tickets -that
Orrell game was special with big Tim at the front of the line out on their
ball. When the Tetley’s was built we both bought a share and have been season
ticket holders ever since. We are still on the Gordon terrace and always enjoy
the familiar company. My youngest son seems to enjoy the banter a bit more when
I'm the victim, but if you can't take it....
we rarely get to away games as we all play cricket and we need some Saturdays
at home, but were at the big one.
lots of treasured memories but one of the funniest was an early one.
Old terrace , Orrell kicking off and someone shouts 'what about the honey Bob?'
to Bob Kimmins (?) he turns round and looks long and hard at the crowd as we
all fail to catch his eye, meanwhile play has moved on.
Born at the Barratt but raised in North Bucks. Played rugby at school and when we finally moved to Northampton in late 80's better half gave me tickets to Saints v Not Nots. Hooked ever since and STH for 10+ years
Born and
bred in Cambridge. First saw Rugby at Grange Road with my father watching
players such as Iain Robertson, Mike Gibson and Gerald Davies.
Then played at school (against and, once, with Jacko Page) before going on to
play for my Old Boys team.
I moved to Northampton in 1976 and went to the occasional game in the time of
Barry Oldham, Ian Wright, Bob Taylor and Jacko of course.
It was not until the late 80’s that a friend from work and I started going
regularly becoming STHs around 1990. Over time two of my children have joined
me as STHs until they moved away. They still cost me for casual tickets when
they come home though!
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