September 14, 2004

The unifying power of football and the internet: A heart-warming story. [More inside]

posted by squealy to soccer at 12:46 PM - 10 comments

When Middlesboro won last year's Carling Cup they won the right to compete in Europe for the first time in their 128 year history. Obviously, there was much interest in attending their first ever away game in European competition against Banik Ostrava. However,the logistics of organising such a trip proved to be difficult for many, knowing little of Czechoslovakia and nothing of their language. Then who should pop-up on a Boro message board but an English-speaking Banik fan who was willing to help. "Miro" set up an English website for Boro fans and was soon providing travel timetables, guides to Ostrava pubs and even booking hotel rooms for the Boro fans. Expecting nothing in return he did much of the legwork for many Boro fans. However, the generous and grateful Smoggies would not let such selfless efforts go unrewarded, they organised a collection and raised enough money to pay for Miro and his son to travel to Boro for the first leg of the tie, and to pay for his accomodation. It's enough to make a grown man cry, well maybe smile a little.

posted by squealy at 12:47 PM on September 14, 2004

Miro has inspired me. squealy, if by some strange singularity, Birmingham have to travel to the Bay Area to play the San Jose Earthquakes, you and the Buddha are welcome to stay at my place. I'll pick you up at the airport, and we can spend some time at the wineries (or some of our local English pubs) before the game. Or I could just drop you off at billsaysthis's place.

posted by worldcup2002 at 01:34 PM on September 14, 2004

My place IS closer to the Quakes' stadium. But one wonders where the team will be playing home games after the MLS Cup.September 17 is only three days away. Very cool story though.

posted by billsaysthis at 02:48 PM on September 14, 2004

This is now one of my favorite sports fans stories I've ever read. Hurray for Miro! Hurray for the fans of Boro!

posted by Joey Michaels at 02:54 AM on September 15, 2004

I hope all the Boro fans have checked these "bookings" he's made for them - what if it's all a cunning rouse and they arrive in the Czech Republic to find no accommodation? [/cynicism] Nice story - and can I just take this opportunity to say to anyone reading in Liverpool that I am desperately poor but an avid Liverpool fan if anyone ever wanted to fly me up there and get me a couple of tickets for a game some time *cough*

posted by JJ at 07:39 AM on September 15, 2004

Very nice...

posted by StarFucker at 08:22 PM on September 15, 2004

Like JJ, I am a true-red childhood fan of Liverpool, but am unable to afford the cost of the trip and ongoing accommodations once I arrive in that fair city. I would also like see one game at Anfield before I die. Just one game is all I ask. Oh, and I'll need tickets, because I can't afford that either. Preferably in a box seat. Because being out in the harsh air is bad for me in my fragile condition. A condition that, coincidentally, necessitates the constant consumption of prawn sandwiches.

posted by worldcup2002 at 09:14 PM on September 15, 2004

I am fucking glad that I finished my coffee before reading your comment, WC.

posted by billsaysthis at 11:44 AM on September 16, 2004

Update.

posted by squealy at 04:55 AM on September 17, 2004

Geez, whatever happened to good old fashioned football holligans? Youn Englanders will never live this one down!

posted by billsaysthis at 11:15 AM on September 17, 2004

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