A View from Big Ben: Blackpool to Tennessee

#76
#76
iu
 
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#77
#77
HiltonHeadVol said:
So great to hear your story. I for one already knew about Blackpool and their clever kit choice, which I discovered around 2013 or so when I began to attempt to learn about English football in earnest. When American TV began to broadcast PL matches live, I began to get interested. I also read a book by a gentleman about his love for Blackpool as a kid and how he and his son travelled to matches wherever they played across the map and their bond that grew from that. Much like my story with my pop.....we had little about which to communicate, except the Vols. Whenever one sees the bright orange so close to Pantone 151 (our Vols color) one just has to pay attention. Also I came to admire Steven Gerrard and began to follow Liverpool and then of course enjoyed watching Leicester in their historic run to win the Premiership a few years ago. So welcome home my friend.
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Thank you for replying with your lovely story. GBO on what ever continent they are
 
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#78
#78
Great story. We're glad to have you. I enjoy your posts each week. Do you say "boots" rather than cleats? Grits are okay, but do not forget the biscuits and gravy, just make sure you ask someone local where to get the good stuff.
 
#81
#81
London Vol said:
As promised, I am happy to outline the journey I have been on from a 9 year old and Blackpool to a 61 year old and Tennessee


1969

In 1969 my wonderful parents took my brother and I to my first league football match, it was at Blackpool who were playing Birmingham City. I still remember this vividly because Blackpool played in Tangerine (otherwise known as Orange) shirts and White shorts (otherwise known as pants). Now in England we have 92 league teams and Blackpool are the only one who have these colors as their primary kit. Even though I have also supported Leeds, during the years Blackpool has always been special to me, It is also a club with really passionate fans. what do they say about your first love.


1982

Fast forward to 1982, American Football is now on British television but only as a 1 hour highlights show with Frank Gifford. I must admit whilst I enjoyed the action, I simply couldn’t understand some of the important points like what was these 4 downs and pass interference? Then the only game that season shown live was the Super Bowl between Washington and Miami. I decided the best way to learn was to watch the game in its entirety. Anyway, although enjoying the game and slowly understanding a bit we got to half-time and the Dolphins were 17 – 10 ahead. The commentator then said that in all the previous Super Bowls the team leading at the half almost always won. So, as it was 2am in England I decided that the Dolphins had won and I’m off to bed. When I found out in the morning that it was the Redskins who were the champions, I decided that Miami was going to be my team. Although Miami have still to win the Super Bowl since (good preparation for supporting Tennessee) my first American Football hero was drafted in 1983 and 15 years later my daughter was named Marino.


2009

27 years later British television is now showing a College game live. Now I knew absolutely nothing about the College teams so put on the TV and the game showing was from Tuscaloosa, Alabama (7–0) against Tennessee (3-3). The commentors went on and on how good the team in funny red shirts were and the team in Orange and White had no chance. Well once I saw the uniforms I was only going to support one side. As the match progressed this Orange lot hung on bravely thoughout the game and even managed to only need a field goal with the last kick to WIN !!. Yep, you know what happened next, you probably know the names “Mount” Cody and Daniel Lincoln (poor chap, he will always be remembered for this game). It finished Alabama 12 Tennessee 10, how could I not support such a brave heroic loser playing in Orange and White 😊.

Yes, I have managed to support the Vols though their worst period in over 100 years but I care not. Trust me I suffer with you all even though there are more than 4,000 miles between us. I’ve lost count the number of times my blood pressure has been tested and how many times I’ve gone to bed at around 5am (we are 5 hours ahead of you) but then I can’t wait for the next game. I wish there were 24 matches a season and not 12 or 13.

Finally, I thought I would list the 3 things that prove I have chosen the best team to support bar none.
1) When the poor boy was bullied for his homemade sign for his T-Shirt you the fans rallied so spectacularly, in fact I think you purchased something like 100,000 replicas. So special.
2) The hiring/not hiring of Greg Schiano, now I will not get into the details of Penn State but some Colleges would hire Genghis Khan or even Pol Pot just to win a Natty. Well sometimes you do need to have some standards and values. Well, done and thanks, it was down to your stance and protests.
3) All the people who have read my views and sent many kind messages. Of course, "the likes" are nice but I have always been careful not to lecture or imply I know more than anybody else it is just my observations and opinions that I see, I’m very happy for you to disagree. What I’m really trying to say is how welcome I have been made to feel, almost like an Honorary Tennessean.


GO VOLS
Click to expand...
I never knew that you were a true blue Brit. With Schinao, I think it was more about him being a Yankee, and us thinking we could actually land someone like Gruden. My daughter recently applied for a passport; she is wanting to study over there next fall for a semester. She is very limited on the schools since she will be using the Georgia lottery Hope scholarship. Cheerio!
 
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#83
#83
BACKDOC said:
Can you get Big Orange basketball? We're actually good in that sport. We usually regress come tourney time though.
Click to expand...
My ESPN SEC Network subscription gives me the baskekball. To fill the 9 month gap in seasons I starting following them in the Grant Williams window and Chandler and BHH look really good GBO
 
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#84
#84
London,
You've been through enough of the lean years. You've earned the triumphs (and the struggles which make the triumphs all the sweeter) of the pre-2009 Vols when your fandom began. When you are VFL you get the whole package. All of it, from Bad News Cafego to flying mustard containers. Therefore by the authority vested in me by the small and somewhat illegible print on the bottom of my diploma, I hereby backdate your fandom to 1890.
You now can lay claim to your full share of the General, Johnny Butler's Run, Heismans that should have been, Unbeaten-Untied-Unscored upon, the Chattanooga game riot, the Walking Horse and thousands of orange and white balloons rising from Neyland Stadium, Larry Sievers' tear-away jersey, #27 Al Wilson, "tackle by Puki, Noonan, and a host of Volunteers", Sugar Bowls and 9-6 and Manning to Kent on the first play from scrimmage, the first play from scrimmage! You get it all.
If you haven't seen it A 100 Years of Volunteers which UT put out in 1989 to celebrate the program's centennial is essential. It's on YouTube and always brightens a day.
 
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#85
#85
London Vol said:
As promised, I am happy to outline the journey I have been on from a 9 year old and Blackpool to a 61 year old and Tennessee


1969

In 1969 my wonderful parents took my brother and I to my first league football match, it was at Blackpool who were playing Birmingham City. I still remember this vividly because Blackpool played in Tangerine (otherwise known as Orange) shirts and White shorts (otherwise known as pants). Now in England we have 92 league teams and Blackpool are the only one who have these colors as their primary kit. Even though I have also supported Leeds, during the years Blackpool has always been special to me, It is also a club with really passionate fans. what do they say about your first love.


1982

Fast forward to 1982, American Football is now on British television but only as a 1 hour highlights show with Frank Gifford. I must admit whilst I enjoyed the action, I simply couldn’t understand some of the important points like what was these 4 downs and pass interference? Then the only game that season shown live was the Super Bowl between Washington and Miami. I decided the best way to learn was to watch the game in its entirety. Anyway, although enjoying the game and slowly understanding a bit we got to half-time and the Dolphins were 17 – 10 ahead. The commentator then said that in all the previous Super Bowls the team leading at the half almost always won. So, as it was 2am in England I decided that the Dolphins had won and I’m off to bed. When I found out in the morning that it was the Redskins who were the champions, I decided that Miami was going to be my team. Although Miami have still to win the Super Bowl since (good preparation for supporting Tennessee) my first American Football hero was drafted in 1983 and 15 years later my daughter was named Marino.


2009

27 years later British television is now showing a College game live. Now I knew absolutely nothing about the College teams so put on the TV and the game showing was from Tuscaloosa, Alabama (7–0) against Tennessee (3-3). The commentors went on and on how good the team in funny red shirts were and the team in Orange and White had no chance. Well once I saw the uniforms I was only going to support one side. As the match progressed this Orange lot hung on bravely thoughout the game and even managed to only need a field goal with the last kick to WIN !!. Yep, you know what happened next, you probably know the names “Mount” Cody and Daniel Lincoln (poor chap, he will always be remembered for this game). It finished Alabama 12 Tennessee 10, how could I not support such a brave heroic loser playing in Orange and White 😊.

Yes, I have managed to support the Vols though their worst period in over 100 years but I care not. Trust me I suffer with you all even though there are more than 4,000 miles between us. I’ve lost count the number of times my blood pressure has been tested and how many times I’ve gone to bed at around 5am (we are 5 hours ahead of you) but then I can’t wait for the next game. I wish there were 24 matches a season and not 12 or 13.

Finally, I thought I would list the 3 things that prove I have chosen the best team to support bar none.
1) When the poor boy was bullied for his homemade sign for his T-Shirt you the fans rallied so spectacularly, in fact I think you purchased something like 100,000 replicas. So special.
2) The hiring/not hiring of Greg Schiano, now I will not get into the details of Penn State but some Colleges would hire Genghis Khan or even Pol Pot just to win a Natty. Well sometimes you do need to have some standards and values. Well, done and thanks, it was down to your stance and protests.
3) All the people who have read my views and sent many kind messages. Of course, "the likes" are nice but I have always been careful not to lecture or imply I know more than anybody else it is just my observations and opinions that I see, I’m very happy for you to disagree. What I’m really trying to say is how welcome I have been made to feel, almost like an Honorary Tennessean.


GO VOLS
Click to expand...
Looks like Blackpool even embraced the orange and white checkerboard
6CC42602-2331-4B04-9650-59B6DBE9318D.jpeg
 
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#86
#86
hbjordan said:
London,
You've been through enough of the lean years. You've earned the triumphs (and the struggles which make the triumphs all the sweeter) of the pre-2009 Vols when your fandom began. When you are VFL you get the whole package. All of it, from Bad News Cafego to flying mustard containers. Therefore by the authority vested in me by the small and somewhat illegible print on the bottom of my diploma, I hereby backdate your fandom to 1890.
You now can lay claim to your full share of the General, Johnny Butler's Run, Heismans that should have been, Unbeaten-Untied-Unscored upon, the Chattanooga game riot, the Walking Horse and thousands of orange and white balloons rising from Neyland Stadium, Larry Sievers' tear-away jersey, #27 Al Wilson, "tackle by Puki, Noonan, and a host of Volunteers", Sugar Bowls and 9-6 and Manning to Kent on the first play from scrimmage, the first play from scrimmage! You get it all.
If you haven't seen it A 100 Years of Volunteers which UT put out in 1989 to celebrate the program's centennial is essential. It's on YouTube and always brightens a day.
Click to expand...
I will look it up 😊
 
#87
#87
Just ran across the thread-fellow Brit and UT alum here who moved to the states at the age of 4 in the late 1960's. Extended family lives in Pinner. Great post! Cheers
 
#90
#90
Why do I like the Vols? Well, my dad was born in Knoxville and lived his whole youth there in Strawberry Plains. His step father played for the Vols in 1921.I remember the first game I watched was against Oklahoma in 1968 in the Orange Bowl, I was 9 years old. Tennessee was ranked #2 and Oklahoma was ranked #3. The Okies won 26-24.

Enjoy your posts ole chap!!
 
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#92
#92
London Vol said:
As promised, I am happy to outline the journey I have been on from a 9 year old and Blackpool to a 61 year old and Tennessee


1969

In 1969 my wonderful parents took my brother and I to my first league football match, it was at Blackpool who were playing Birmingham City. I still remember this vividly because Blackpool played in Tangerine (otherwise known as Orange) shirts and White shorts (otherwise known as pants). Now in England we have 92 league teams and Blackpool are the only one who have these colors as their primary kit. Even though I have also supported Leeds, during the years Blackpool has always been special to me, It is also a club with really passionate fans. what do they say about your first love.


1982

Fast forward to 1982, American Football is now on British television but only as a 1 hour highlights show with Frank Gifford. I must admit whilst I enjoyed the action, I simply couldn’t understand some of the important points like what was these 4 downs and pass interference? Then the only game that season shown live was the Super Bowl between Washington and Miami. I decided the best way to learn was to watch the game in its entirety. Anyway, although enjoying the game and slowly understanding a bit we got to half-time and the Dolphins were 17 – 10 ahead. The commentator then said that in all the previous Super Bowls the team leading at the half almost always won. So, as it was 2am in England I decided that the Dolphins had won and I’m off to bed. When I found out in the morning that it was the Redskins who were the champions, I decided that Miami was going to be my team. Although Miami have still to win the Super Bowl since (good preparation for supporting Tennessee) my first American Football hero was drafted in 1983 and 15 years later my daughter was named Marino.


2009

27 years later British television is now showing a College game live. Now I knew absolutely nothing about the College teams so put on the TV and the game showing was from Tuscaloosa, Alabama (7–0) against Tennessee (3-3). The commentors went on and on how good the team in funny red shirts were and the team in Orange and White had no chance. Well once I saw the uniforms I was only going to support one side. As the match progressed this Orange lot hung on bravely thoughout the game and even managed to only need a field goal with the last kick to WIN !!. Yep, you know what happened next, you probably know the names “Mount” Cody and Daniel Lincoln (poor chap, he will always be remembered for this game). It finished Alabama 12 Tennessee 10, how could I not support such a brave heroic loser playing in Orange and White 😊.

Yes, I have managed to support the Vols though their worst period in over 100 years but I care not. Trust me I suffer with you all even though there are more than 4,000 miles between us. I’ve lost count the number of times my blood pressure has been tested and how many times I’ve gone to bed at around 5am (we are 5 hours ahead of you) but then I can’t wait for the next game. I wish there were 24 matches a season and not 12 or 13.

Finally, I thought I would list the 3 things that prove I have chosen the best team to support bar none.
1) When the poor boy was bullied for his homemade sign for his T-Shirt you the fans rallied so spectacularly, in fact I think you purchased something like 100,000 replicas. So special.
2) The hiring/not hiring of Greg Schiano, now I will not get into the details of Penn State but some Colleges would hire Genghis Khan or even Pol Pot just to win a Natty. Well sometimes you do need to have some standards and values. Well, done and thanks, it was down to your stance and protests.
3) All the people who have read my views and sent many kind messages. Of course, "the likes" are nice but I have always been careful not to lecture or imply I know more than anybody else it is just my observations and opinions that I see, I’m very happy for you to disagree. What I’m really trying to say is how welcome I have been made to feel, almost like an Honorary Tennessean.


GO VOLS
Click to expand...

This is awesome, London Vol.

They need to do one of those “Why I’m a Vol” videos with YOU!

Thank you for sharing.
 
#93
#93
HuntlandVolinColo said:
Somebody needs to sponsor London Vol for a big game weekend, complete with BBQ cookout, Texas Roadhouse, a diner breakfast including grits, frog gigging, noodling, a ride with the Vol Navy, Vol walk, 4 wheeling and fishing. Same weekend as NASCAR at Bristol would be icing on the cake.

I live in Colorado but I would contribute to the cause!
Click to expand...
Whoa now…I’m all for your suggestion, but slapping Bristol on a true yank is a bit much. Let’s put him through the moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky first.
 
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#94
#94
Here's one for you, LV. Yesterday I had court, so I took the day off from the regular job, and figured I'd hand out a few coupons while waiting on my cases. So I have this one stop. Rental car, and four Brits onboard. Turns out the driver is a Bobby, and they are over here for the funeral of a family member. Sad circumstance, but I've already stopped them, so I ask him "If you got me on the M5 at xx in a 70, what would you do?" His response is priceless. "Well, obviously we'd have a chat, but I'd likely send you on your way and offer to meet you for a pint later."

Totally British. And pulling a cash bond on a Brit for speeding is more trouble than it's worth, so I sent them on their way with my condolences for their loss.

Maybe one day I'll get over there to collect on that pint.

Oh...love your perspective and insight. Might be worth it to have you "LiveCast" a game over the internet as a UT announcer. I'd wager there's not another SEC team out there with a British play-by-play guy.

"Bloody Right! Give. Him. Six. Touchdown, Volunteers!"

:cool:
 
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#95
#95
GreyWolf1129 said:
Here's one for you, LV. Yesterday I had court, so I took the day off from the regular job, and figured I'd hand out a few coupons while waiting on my cases. So I have this one stop. Rental car, and four Brits onboard. Turns out the driver is a Bobby, and they are over here for the funeral of a family member. Sad circumstance, but I've already stopped them, so I ask him "If you got me on the M5 at xx in a 70, what would you do?" His response is priceless. "Well, obviously we'd have a chat, but I'd likely send you on your way and offer to meet you for a pint later."

Totally British. And pulling a cash bond on a Brit for speeding is more trouble than it's worth, so I sent them on their way with my condolences for their loss.

Maybe one day I'll get over there to collect on that pint.

Oh...love your perspective and insight. Might be worth it to have you "LiveCast" a game over the internet as a UT announcer. I'd wager there's not another SEC team out there with a British play-by-play guy.

"Bloody Right! Give. Him. Six. Touchdown, Volunteers!"

:cool:
Click to expand...
Thank you for the compassion to my fellow Englishman. I like you suggestions as well
 
#97
#97
Fightmaker said:
Whoa now…I’m all for your suggestion, but slapping Bristol on a true yank is a bit much. Let’s put him through the moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky first.
I knew I was leaving something out!

I have no idea what moonshine tasting at Ole Smokey first means, but i`ll give it a go
 
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#98
#98
London Vol said:
Fightmaker said:
Whoa now…I’m all for your suggestion, but slapping Bristol on a true yank is a bit much. Let’s put him through the moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky first.
I knew I was leaving something out!

I have no idea what moonshine tasting at Ole Smokey first means, but i`ll give it a go
Click to expand...
Ole Smoky is the premier distributor and producer of a commercialized version of “moonshine”, or corn from a jar, if you know the words to our theme song. It’s not the real stuff, but a reasonable facsimile to stay within legal limits. Now, Ole Smoky, at many of their outlets, does tastings throughout the day. They make a dozen or so flavors, and you will have a shot of all of them presented to you over the course of around 15 minutes. It’s a stupid amount of liquor to consume in such a short window, but it’s become a challenge of sorts for natives and visitors alike. I did it only once at the Island, and then zombie walked through my tour at the crime museum.
 
#99
#99
Fightmaker said:
Ole Smoky is the premier distributor and producer of a commercialized version of “moonshine”, or corn from a jar, if you know the words to our theme song. It’s not the real stuff, but a reasonable facsimile to stay within legal limits. Now, Ole Smoky, at many of their outlets, does tastings throughout the day. They make a dozen or so flavors, and you will have a shot of all of them presented to you over the course of around 15 minutes. It’s a stupid amount of liquor to consume in such a short window, but it’s become a challenge of sorts for natives and visitors alike. I did it only once at the Island, and then zombie walked through my tour at the crime museum.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the explanation, although it sounds faster than a John Heupel Offense
 
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