On May 22nd 2011, I sat in the stadium of Newcastle United, in the same seat I had been in for the last eighteen years. I witnessed Newcastle score three goals against West Bromich Albion before conceding three for a draw.
After more then twenty years of football. This was my last game in England. I emigrated to America a couple of weeks later, and I was concerned if I would ever see my team in person again. Moving to another continent between seasons helped, I wasn't distracted by the english media. The closer it got to the start of the 2011/2012 season, I started to rely on websites for news about my team. I had to. The American media never cover the English Premiership. Occassionally Manchester United and Chelsea will have
a tiny footnote dedicated to them in the sports section of a major newspaper.
Once Newcastle started their first friendly games, I found myself using the website Twitter every day. Fans and Journalists would 'micro blog' about their day before the match, and I would be able to follow their thoughts during the games too. Not always about who scored, or who was sent off, users would tell the world which player was playing well, and who wasn't.
As an ex patriot, Twitter has become my lifeline for news about my team. Newcastles first game of the season was broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel, and the next few were as well. My cable company has a few dedicated sports channels, the others by ESPN. Both networks also have their own website that streams English Premiership. The quality of the picture is excellent.
As of writing, I have seen all but four games live. Two were not shown in America. The League cup game against Nottingham Forest, and the Monday night game at QPR. I haven't missed a goal either, one of the channels has a nightly highlights program. I see a lot more football here in America.
I feel very fortunate that I can keep up to date with the ongoings of Newcastle United Football Club, I can follow Twitter and the bbc sports website anytime. Apart from physically being at the match, I find out what is going on instantly.
Following a favourite team from abroad isn't so hard after all.
This blog entry was thought about as I mean to update you all with some new 'boys toys' I have purchased recently. One being an Internet Radio!
Expect pictures this week.
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