I have to say that I was worried about making kick off. A late departure from Blackpool was a problem - let alone the M62 on a Friday evening. Thankfully, the biggest issue was caused by a broken down car that didn't hold us up too long and we were passing the Humber Bridge by 6.30. Strange conversations about Johnny Cash being from Bolton and Rolf Harris being from Much Wenlock if they were British had at least taken our minds off football for a while. The car park caused it's own talking points. Being a pay and display across the road from Hull hospital it had a big sign stating that "Blue-lined spaces are for patients and visitors only". Having driven round the car park confused by the lack of blue-lined spaces, it turned out that the sign was obsolete. Clearly it had never occurred to anyone to take it down.
It was a bit weird being back though. No barcode entry? No allocated seating? It was like a return to the dark ages! What kind of division is this?!
The first game of the season is like the first day back at school. You see friends and faces you've not seen all summer, and there's always opinions flying about. Especially when you've had a negative build up to the game. Neal Eardley and Ian Holloway's depressive press conference were the main taking points but Hull's proclamation of delight at being able to hold their beer prices at "only £3.40" for this season, raised an eyebrow or two - especially given the beer was warm, and there was plenty of discussion over the size of the shirts. It's safe to say they're nice - but a bit on the small side. I think it will take me a while to get over buying a large, and I remain to be convinced how many layers it will go over come winter.
There's talk of the game available in so many other places, but once we'd settled we played well. Very well. Especially once we got Gary Taylor-Fletcher involved. It's time for some players to step up to the plate. The strike was worthy of winning any game, and the general conversation settled on the defence. There were some magnificent blocks, but still work to be done. I think it shocked a lot of people the difference in the Championship, and how much more you can get away with. We could have been severely punished last season - but this isn't last season.
Having said all that, one of the most exciting things to happen in the first half was a massive argument that started a few rows in front. A woman took exception to being asked to sit down. I've never known such a set of fans who can get so het up over sitting and standing. I'll be honest, I have no opinion either way. But I am hopeful that a return to smaller followings and unallocated seating may stop one of the stupidest debates. It is good to have a bit of "Seaside Aggro" though.
I do like this Friday night football though. It made it feel like it was Saturday. And that made it feel like a long weekend. Friday-Thursday-Sunday-Wednesday is such a bizarre fixture pattern though.
It might not be the Premier League, but I love the Championship. You never know what's going to happen, the teams are so much more evenly matched. Plus, you have something to play for. The Premier League is where you want to be - the prize is massive. We've taken step one to getting back there, but there's a long long way to go yet. Hull will go down as a highlight of the season - just because it was the first game back.
The buzz is back - and man it feels good.
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