FOOTBALL IS NOT ONLY MESSI AND RONALDO

Today Billy Miller, the Tyneside Groundhopper tells us his story... 

MM:  First of all I would like to ask u to introduce yourself. Who are you? How old are you, which team do you support?

BM: I'm Billy Miller. I'm 44 years old and support Newcastle United. I've been a season ticket holder at Newcastle since 1988, although I still go, but I've become disillusioned with how the club is ran by the owner Mike Ashley. I started ground hopping to try and rekindle my love for the game.

MM: What fascinates you on groundhopping?

BM: I just love football, travelling and going to and experiencing different places. It doesn't matter if they're 1 mile or 100 miles away.

MM: Why would u advice other people to try it? 

BM: It helps to get people out and about. I feel it is more important than ever since Covid has taken away things we've previously taken for granted. I also believe,  people should fight against the narrative that football consists of Messi, Ronaldo and around 10 Champions League super clubs. It's much more than that! I've enjoyed games at places like Horden Community Welfare and Whitley Bay just as much as I have enjoyed games at Barcelona or at Wembley. Football isn't a TV show, no matter what people want us to believe. It's about primarily about the people.

MM: Well said. How many grounds do you have on your account so far? Are you a member of the 92 club?

BM: At present I've done 92 grounds in total. Although quite a few of those are non league and a few abroad. I'm not a member of the 92 club and at present I'm not aiming to achieve it. I do not have the free time. My approach is more random. I just get to games when and where I can.

MM: What is your opinion on the 92 club?

BM: It's something I'd like to do, but like I said work and family life means it's not something I'll do any time soon. Some people may claim you're not a ground hopper if you haven't done the 92. If that's the case I guess I'm not one, haha. My only rule for my ground hopping is:  I have no rules.

MM: How many countries have you travelled so far? 

BM: I've been lucky enough to travel to 19 countries so far and I've attended games in 8 of them. Hopefully when things settle down, I can add a few more to the list. I had some lined up in Portugal in April this year, but Covid knocked that on the head.

MM: What is your most exotic experience with groundhopping?

BM: I've been to both Barbourfields and Luveve Stadiums in Bulawayo, the second biggest city in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately I didn't manage to see a game there. Hopefully I'll manage it next time I visit there. Other than that I'd probably say OFC Pomorie v Fk Hebar 1918 and PFC Nesebar v Maritsa Plovdiv in Bulgaria. My favourite game abroad though was being one of 12,000 Newcastle fans in the San Siro for a game against Inter.

MM: Have you ever had any misadventures while travelling for football?

BM: Not really. Nearly missed the bus to Eindhoven after spending the day drinking in Antwerp.

MM: Do you collect anything from the games you visit?

BM: I get a match programme if there is one available.

MM: How do you commemorate your travels? I know you have a facebook page, but something else? If not, do you plan to publish a fanzine or a book maybe later sometimes?

BM: I list them on the Futbology app and my Facebook page. It is totally enough.  https://www.facebook.com/tynesidegroundhopper

MM: What is your opinion on all these restrictions around football because of Covid?

BM: It is what it is. I try to not let things I can't control bother me. There is a lot of contradictions in the restrictions, but I guess lines have to be drawn somewhere. Hopefully this time next year we might be back to something resembling normality.

MM: How do you connect groundhopping with real life?

BM: Oh. I have my Newcastle season ticket, so go to all their home games. Well, I did before Covid. Then whenever I get some free time I just get to a game. I usually decide last minute unless I know I'm going to be in a specific area for some reason.

MM: Do you have any wishes? What games or stadiums you would love to see when life will be normal again?

BM: The following spring I'd love to see games in Argentina. As well as Boca, River you have San Lorenzo, Rosario Central, Independiente, Huracan so many well supported clubs. The Real Betis - Seville Derby, Red Star v Partizan Derby. I want to watch Highlanders FC play at Barbourfields stadium the next time I'm in Zimbabwe. The ultimate dream though would be to see Newcastle to win a major trophy again. The league cup would do!

MM: Do you have a message to inspire all peaople who are new to groundhopping? 

BM: Simply give it a go!

Thank you, Billy!!!