Ok, normally these reports are put on the away days board, but I reckon some of you who don't want to normally read about the exploits of the millbrideger, might just want to know what it's like spending a day in the company of Dean Hoyle.
03:40
I wake 20 minutes before the alarm is due to go off. It's time to get ready.
A pot of tea, a shower, and I'm getting my suit on. Much attention is paid to the fine details as I fasten my tie, and put on my cufflinks. Today is the first, and most probably the last time I'll get the chance to experience a day like this. I want everything to be right.
04:00 hrs
Tonywallterrier arrives.
He looks dapper in 2 pieces of his 3 piece suit, and we seize the chance for the first photograph of the day.
A quick 10 minute drive to the stadium, and the coach is waiting for us to embark.
In true Pikey Style, Tony heads for the back seat (lower deck), and starts to question where the beer is stored. I'm not quite as eager to get on the ale, today is a day for keeping my wits about me, and I'm a bit of a lightweight on the drinking front.
The coach steadily fills, and eventually Dean Hoyle arrives, with his wife Janet and kids, Daniel and Josh. After a bit of a tour of the bus looking for some seats, we all end up sat back downstairs, and settle in for the journey.
Me and TWT are now sat within feet of our esteemed chairman. I'm slightly startstruck, and despite Deans attempts to strike up conversation, I'm having trouble getting to grips with the reality of what I'm now experiencing.
As the miles click by, daylight breaks and we start to discuss what fate may await us. Mr Hoyles a fan like the rest of us, and a realist. We all agree that we need a solid performance, something to build on. Dean voices his concerns about taking a beating, and the knock on effects on confidence, for the upcoming Carlise League match. I contemplate the worst.
We roll up to The Emirates, this is an impressive stadium, and we take a few more opportunities to get some photos as we walk round to the directors entrance.
As we enter the stadium, there's a couple of Busts (Phnarr).
One of Arsene Wenger, and adjacent to that, Herbert Chapman. The group heads up stairs, and we enter the directors lounge.
We're now in a room, where very few people will ever go. Tens of thousands of Arsenal fans would love to be in my shoes right now. David Beckham was in this very room last week. We make our way to the massive plate glass window, and take in the view. It's impressive to say the least.
More photo opportunities are taken, the staff at Arsenal make us feel really welcome, and after an obligatory coffee, TWT is on the Strongbow. I follow suit with a Heineken, and then head outside to the seating area to text and phone a few friends and the lovely Bubbles.
This is where the surreal levels go up a notch. I turn to go back indoors, and theres a tall, lanky, grey haired bloke on the other side of the plate glass doors .
"Tony - Its Arsene Wenger".
TWT's military training comes into operation. His camera is thrust into my hand, we burst through the doors, Tony throws his arm around the Arsenal manager as he politely tells him he's having his photo taken. Click, Flash. PAPPED. It was all over in 3 seconds. We look to our right and the majority of the Huddersfield party are laughing at the unbelievable scenes.
It's closing in on kick off time, and we're offered BLANKETS to keep us warm for when we go outside. Go on then, why not.
Now there'll be plenty of talk about the game, so I wont discuss that here. Suffice to say, we deserved more.
I've taken my seat for the 2nd half, and I look round, to see Stuart Pearce (Miserable B@st@rd) sat about 10 foot away. Tony slowly reaches in his pocket for his camera, but I tell him we'll get him at the final whistle.
As the whistle blows we make our move. Tonys gone and I hurry after him. Click, Flash, PAPPED. I'm not sure Pearce was too impressed. Shame he couldn't have taken the penalty for Arsenal, eh.
Our amazing day continues and we spend time chatting with Ann Hough, and Tony, her other half. Sean Jarvis is up for a bit of banter, and we reflect on what could have been. Arsenal TV seem to have lost the bit of footage for the penalty award, which is met by ironic jeers from the blue and white side of the room.
We take a walk along the directors lounge and look at the trophies that Arsenal have won, I take note of the Herbert Chapman Trophy. "Huddersfield Town" is engraved into the plate as the losing side. It's an acknowledgment to the history that connects these 2 clubs.
We take our last drinks, and head off back to the coach, still time for some celebrity stalking, as TWT spots Darren Gough. Fair play to him, he 's happy to take a minute out for a photograph with the 2 of us. Maybe he doesn't talk shite on Talksport after all!
We board the coach, and slowly make our way out of London, There's a lot reviewing of the game going on. We make our way up the M1, and all agree that we've seen a special display today.
Dean turns to ask what the general opinion seems to be amongst the fans. I've been looking at a few comments on facebook, and there's only one word, "Proud" I reply.
As we get back to the Galpharm, we thank Dean and Janet for their hospitality. Sean Jarvis, Nigel Clibbens, and Ann Hough are also thanked. Lovely, welcoming, down to earth people - all of them.
The club is in good hands folks.
