'I could only see the ball when a corner was taken'
Colin: One day in September 1958, my older brother said to me: 'Right, I'm taking you out today'. We got on a train and ended up at Upton Park. I was instantly hooked by the incredible scenes and atmosphere that engulfed me. The noise, singing, chanting and colours surrounding me was amazing and I was hooked. The walk down Green Street to the stadium still lives with me. We entered the ground on the North Bank and what a thrill. The only time I saw the ball was when a corner was taken, and to cap it all a certain Mr B. Moore made his debut. Fantastic day.
Kerry: My earliest memory aged four was the street party following the 1980 FA Cup victory and my first match was in 1983 against Bury in the Milk Cup. I remember walking from my home in Custom House, along Prince Regent Lane to Greengate, as the crowd slowly grew.Whether onto the Barking Road or nipping through via Haig Road West past my Aunt's house, the crowd, noise and anticipation grew. Just short of Green Street, opposite the Boleyn pub, there was always a programme seller, then that turn onto Green Street.The wall of sound and smell, the mass of people, the sight of the stadium and the memorabilia stalls.Always with my brother, rest his soul, meeting his mates and walking to queue at the South Bank turnstiles. Pay then disappear into the darkened concourse under the stands, the noise and food smells ramping up in that enclosed space, up the stairs and into the light and that sight of a manicured pitch opens up before you. My brother and mates would head to the back to sing, being little I'd go too, before heading to the front just right of the goal. Vendors would walk the perimeter selling programmes or food and drinks. The players warmed up, the XI announced to a cheer, except the "oooh" that was reserved exclusively for Neil Orr, and then the song - our song - drowned out almost every other noise bar the ref's whistle.kickoff.For 90 minutes, my fate was in their hands, those XI of Johnny Lyall's claret and blue army.
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