Byline: BRYN LAW
PICTURE the scene in an office at Sky Sports HQ in West London. The draw for the FA Cup first round has been made as have the decisions about which matches are going to be shown live.
A team of crack reporters are sitting at desks, swotting upon Stuttgart's star strikers, Manchester United's record in games against Liverpool and the like, when a producer walks in. ``Okay, who fancies Yeovil against Wrexham next Saturday evening?'' he asks.``It's in Somerset by the way.''
Twenty minutes later,my mobile phone rings.It's the Cup producer. ``Bryn, you'realways going on about Wrexham. How do you fancy seeing them play Yeovil next weekend? It's in Somerset by the way.''
``Yes please!'' I enthuse,all professional detachment and coolness out of the window. Imagine that,I'm going to be working on a live Wrexham game for the first time!
Yes,Yeovil is a long way from Leeds. Mind you,it's a long way from Wrexham as well and at least I'm being paid to drive down there.
I will cast an envious eye towards the travelling Reds from my position down by the dug-outs.
I really enjoy working on the live matches -it's far and away the best part of the job -but it still doesn't really compare with watching the game as a fan.
The view from the Press box is rarely that of the fan either, particularly higher up the ladder.
Even for those journalists who served an apprenticeship on the terraces, free tickets, expense accounts and access to players do seem to dim the memory.
Personally,I haven't found anything that compares with jumping up and down celebrating a last-minute winner but I'lldo my best to be impartial this evening.
However,if we do go out, heaven forbid,Denis Smith ought to expect a pretty tough time in the post-match interview.
CAPTION(S):
Dragons supporters in song
