I managed to get a press area pass for Saturday’s game. It’s at hut, well that’s not entirely fair it’s a about three huts and a press box full of wires and lap tops. Mixed together with lots of people who look furtively like they shouldn’t be there.
There are at least two press stewards who wear long Albion coats with ‘press ‘ on the front , I did just that, but neither of them laughed.
Everyone in the ‘press area’ talks in riddles, nod to each other and tip each other the wink. Occasionally, they disappear into darkish corners with prominent local Estate Agents and Bar owners, and laugh at something obviously hilarious, but not at the same time.
The man from Radio Sussex chats to his producer, who in turn talks to those in the studio who want him to sort out an interview. ‘Nah he said he can’t do it’ ‘Nah we asked him as well’ yeah and Him’ ‘Yeah I know, even he said he couldn’t ...no really’ ‘Hang on, Jordan and her husband are here’ you What? Oh ok you’ll do the standby instead! What’s the Standby? Pease Pottage Rugby Club chairman, ok!
There is then a flurry of excitement, as one of the men with ‘Press’ on his lapel hands out the team sheets. Everyone scours these intently, then points at one of the names and either, nods, laughs, or shakes their head. The first half of the match was fairly entertaining a couple of well worked goals with Ashley Barnes scoring again for the Albion, proving he can score at this level. Australia beckons then?
Then at half time the reason a Withdean Press pass is so valuable becomes apparent, you get to go to another albeit bigger hut. There you are treated to either a sausage roll, a Cornish pasty or if the steward who runs this particular Bullingdon Club with stringent discipline allows it, both. You also get a cup of coffee or tea in a plastic cup. No bell rings to indicate the start of the second half, although you get the message when about 22 youngish men file past. A lot of them with their hands down their shorts. Funny I didn’t think it was that cold.
The Albion had a few chances and Rovers had a few chances and just as everyone was filing a report or summary for a draw, the Albion won a penalty and won the match. One guy lost about three paragraphs trying to change his headline, he said a word so full of syllables I am still not sure of its definition.
Afterward you get to go back to the original hut but you are not allowed to go upstairs unless of course you are Rupert Murdoch. Great fun though.
You can’t help notice it’s getting very exciting in the race to replace David Lepper in the Pavilion constituency.
All the three main parties judge it as one of the top ten seats to win in the country.
Both the Tory candidate Charlotte Vere and the Labour's Nancy Platts must have been hopeful of claiming the seat when selected. Vere probably looking to take advantage of the general apathy towards the Government and her refreshing approach. Platts hoping to maintain the majority enjoyed by her predecessor.Although after today's faux pas Brown may advise his candidates to go just go home! Neither can have bargained for the apparent pockets of support for the Green Party. Brighton being Brighton has to have some diversity attached to it. It is a three horse race of course but with The Green party all but replacing the Lib Dems, who to be fair seem,to have conceded Brighton Pav, before Nick Clegg became the Michael Buble of politics.
Yes of course Pavilion takes in North Laine, Hanover and Preston Circus all area’s that personify support for Caroline Lucas. But will a Green MP in what many outside the region will consider a dormitory town for England’s weird, wonderful and possibly darn right peculiar, cut much ice in Westminster? How many Brightonians will think the object of this election is to vote in relation to the national agenda? And perhaps be seen to be oh so trendy and perhaps a little ironic next time around, when the nation is on a more even keel. However Dr Lucas is aware of the dynamic of her electorate, so to pitch up as leader of a party in an area not known for its political prowess is not an unexpected move. However if she becomes member for Brighton Pavilion I am sure she will do a sterling job.But she may want to lay off quoting her odds with the bookies at every given opportunity. Any ideas for the Derby Caroline?
Best wishes to all candidates. P.S I was pleased my original match ticket went towards fund raising for the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund. There is a match at Lewes F.C on Friday 30th between Albion fans and Palace fans ! Admission £5 adults and £2 cons (I think that's cesssions not servatives) lots of other things going on get along if you can.Kick Off 7.45.pm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel