Sue and I were in Wolverhampton for the last home game of what, in all honesty, has been a horribly disappointing season.
I woke up on Saturday feeling pretty awful. TheWolves team might have been ‘On the beach’ since we became safe from relegation but I felt like I should be ‘In the bed’.
The game against Everton didn’t do much to make me feel better. Their equaliser in the 100th minute of time added on (well it seemed like it), took away what wind I might have had left in my sails.And the Everton fans spoiling our farewells to Ruben, Raul, João and whoever else is leaving this Summer just put the sickly icing on a particularly sour cake.
What I was desperately in need of was a night out with some good mates, a decent bit of nosh and an infusion of alcohol.
As luck (or Lord Twix, who very expertly did the organising), would have it, my wish was about to be granted.
Rocco’s in Darlington Street was the chosen meeting place and a pleasant stroll from APV soon saw myself and thePMDG’er encsonced in the welcoming bosoms of our fellow bloggers.
Over the years that we disparate band of Wolves supporters have been gathering together to celebrate the blog we have come to love, I have attempted to keep a brief record on video so the occasions and the characters that have made them so special, will be forever remembered.
This year, alongside the usual suspects, we welcomed for the first time Danny (Norsk Wolf), who travelled all the way from Norway just to be with us. Plus the now regular visit from across the pond from Marin Wolf and the lovely Linda.
Filming was quite difficult in the restaurant as, being a Saturday, it was pretty full and quite noisy. But I’ve done my best to capture some of the atmosphere of a slightly frustrating day and a highly enjoyable evening.
At one point during the proceedings, I proposed a toast to all bloggers who, for whatever reason, could not make it to the Ballbash… especially those we have lost since the last meeting. Two of our best loved contributors, Clive from Houston and Major Steve Biles – Brompton Wolf – who over the few years that Sue and I knew them became our firm friends.
Unfortunately, due to some technical hitch, most of my wise words were lost in the general hubbub (the Cameraman and Sound Recordist have been sacked and the Best Boy and Key Grip are on a warning), so in honour of those not present that evening, can you please, the next time you have a glass of the good stuff in your hand, raise it and drink to…
“Absent friends”
CAST OF CHARACTERS (In no particular order): Thomas, Ben, Lord and Lady Twix (Mike & Lilian), Norsk Wolf (Danny), London Wolves Loyal (Matt), West Parkian & family (Dougie, Barbara & Tricia), Marin Wolf’s pack (Brian, Linda, Andrew, Mike), Wolfstroker (Steve) & Jayney, theDOOGooder & thePMDG’er (Mark & Sue)…. and Rocco.