Anfield, the Tour

I felt quite cocky getting into the taxi. "Anfield please, the Paisley Gates." You know, like it was a regular thing. Once there, like all new visitors I stood in front of Shankly and savored the moment. Let me take this opportunity to recommend the book 'Red or Dead' by David Peace. It is a long hard slog of a read, but worth it. By the end you can actually hear Shankly's voice in your head.

I couldn't begin to do justice to the tour in writing, you'll just have to make the pilgrimage for yourself. The staff are brilliant, knowledgeable, funny, helpful...I could go on and on. They actually seemed to be having as much fun as we were. The tour was serving two purposes for me: the obvious Anfield experience, and to research a major character in my novel - a dedicated tour guide, co-conspirator, and love interest. Well, I was spoiled for choice; Terry...Gordy...I could add 30 years to adorable  young Jack...

PIRLO! PELE! Pretty cool.
The others...meh.

This old KOP turnstile might have been my favorite thing in the museum.

Sitting in the Kop singing 'Der der, der der der der,  Gini Wijnaldum' is a much different experience than sitting on the bench where Mo sits. One is living in the moment, the other is a bit of history.

I wanted to sit on every bench all around the room. I know that would have been silly, but I have a list of seats that I have shared with famous folk (like the ancient wooden bench that was sat in by Samuel Johnson.) and this was a massive opportunity. For the record, I didn't.

At the end of the tour, we gathered at the foot of the Kop.

My first reading was 'an irresistible offence'. Notice the black plastic bin at the top of the pic. It contained newly mowed clippings. We all dug the little plastic bag from our headphones out of our pockets and filled them with grass - the kind that we can get through customs.

Next week I'll be back at Anfield for the Southampton game. For this game I'll be in the main stand way up in the sixth level. At least now I'll be able to find my way to my seat.

"Liverpool Football Club exists to win trophies." And drink beer!