Have to hold my hands up here and admit that I didn’t hear any of these chants / songs from the Utd fans about the ‘S*n was Right’ – but that was purely down to how loud the Anny Road was ! We were in the Upper Anny Road, right by where the BT crew were and it was quite comical as you could see the expressions on Scholes’ and Rio’s faces close up as they saw their team being dismantled in front of their eyes. I could hear the ‘Fergie’s Right, Your Fans are Shite’ chants loud and clear, and genuinely thought they were due to the fact that their lot were virtually silent throughout the game ….. it was only after I got home and watched the highlights at 2am on BT that I realised what they had been chanting.
Anyway …. On to the main reason for my post ……
I’ve been a Liverpool fan for more years than I care to count and I’ve spent many a happy day standing (and sitting) as part of all four stands of our famous ground, and I have no doubt bored my kids to tears on numerous occasions about the atmosphere that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck …… the occasions that really gripped my soul and wouldn’t let go. My wife experienced it back in April 1996 when Collymore hit the last gasp winner against Keegan’s Newcastle from a spot roughly 40 yards in front of where we were standing with our hearts in our mouths, barely able to catch our breath.
I bring my kids as often as I can get tickets now to Anfield more in hope than expectation that they will get chance to experience that special atmosphere that truly hits you like no other. Sitting at work prior to the game yesterday I could feel it building – there was a definite tension. On the drive towards the ground, I mentioned it to the kids ……. ‘Tonight is the night, lads – it’s against ‘them’
Suffice to say that we took our seats in the Upper Anfield Road and took in the sight of the rest of the ground …. But particularly the Kop. Obviously there was the usual flag waving, songs and chants, but then it started ……
‘When You Walk, Through A Storm ….’
I looked to my left at my kids and I knew, and what’s more, they knew …… it had got them. Totally and utterly. Heart and soul. 100%. If there had been any doubt before, there was none now. I could see it in their eyes. They had never felt it like this before – yes, they had been to games, good exciting games. Games with good atmosphere, but this was different. This was visceral …… and this will stay with them forever.
The absolute best rendition of our anthem I have seen, heard and been part of …. Maybe ever ? How many times did the chorus repeat ? In my heart it’s still going on now.
To all of you who helped make it happen, I salute you.
Thank you.
