So at last my club, Birmingham City FC, have kicked off the new season. My family could tell straight away, because I got snappy when they asked me stuff while I was trying to listen to the match. The fact that we had just gone 2:0 down against 10 men didn't help.
For the record, we drew 2:2 with Sunderland via a last minute equaliser, which feels as good as a win. Last season we lost our opening match and the Sunderland away game, so whichever way you look at it we're a point better off already.
With the Blues back life gets that little bit more interesting. For a few hours each week all other problems disappear. Your horizon shrinks to the confines of the stadium around you (or the voices coming out of the radio). You have no control over events other than to shout, sing and applaud. Maybe that's the point, the attraction. You're not just allowed to broadcast your primal feelings of rage, joy, and despair, it's demanded. Thousands around you are doing the same, and if you all sing just that little bit harder, shout that little bit louder, and get under the skin of that opposing player, you might just tip the balance and turn frustration into victory.
Then there's the fun away from the games. Arguing with fans of your team and others, looking at the table and predicting results, checking injuries and form guides. Hope and worry are constant companions of the football fan and we wouldn't be without them.
Welcome back blues.
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