Fans Are Coming Home

Cast your mind back to March 8th 2020.

Remember Chelsea v Everton? Frank Lampard spanking his mentor, Carlo Ancelotti, 4-0? A day hen Man United beat City 2-0 and Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League grew to 25 points.

For football fans, that distant memory was our last taste of normality.

No quarter-full stands, no huddling around an outdoor TV, no more video calls with your old man during the game.

As a result, this week is one to savour.

For the first time in 16 months, fans can return, without restriction, to watch football in stadiums, pubs or at home, with whoever we wish.

This August, fans are coming home.

We've all made the best since Covid, but it hasn't been a patch.

Remember the Belarusian Premier League on YouTube?

Becoming an armchair Bundesliga ultra for a whole fortnight?

Spring pints 'savoured' through gritted, chattering teeth?

Throw in sterile atmospheres, knackered players and pubs covered in Perspex – it’s highlighted the little things we never appreciated.

All that is finally behind us. Fans are coming home.

It’s time to reacquaint ourselves with old friends, ancient traditions and even older rivals.

Bed in for pre-match nerve settlers, inquisitions at the interval and "I-can't-believe-we-nicked-it!" bear hugs.

Football is so much more than 90 mins of entertainment. It’s community, identity, release and belonging. Lockdowns tested those bonds, but we’re finally ready to celebrate a way of life returned to its fullest.

This week is special. Message your best mate and decide where you’re watching that first game back, I mean really back, for 16 long months.

Click to make your first game back plans now.

Whatever you do this weekend, make it memorable. Fans are finally coming home, we've certainly earned it.

Cheers,