My trip to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (part two)

You can read about part one, here.

Also on the tour, there was an opportunity to visit the trophy rooms, as well as learn more about the history of club. From entering the museum, there was a slight air of self-importance – a board en route displayed the heading “the best track record in the world” with regards to both the football and basketball team. If that wasn’t bad enough, the trophy room itself was titled the “best club ever room”. Best seemed to be a recurring theme and a superlative they often referred to themselves as. 

The room itself was impressive with plenty of things to look at (and the information was printed in English as well as Spanish). Interactive screens were down one side, with options to research former managers and squads; you could also relive goals and moments from La Liga campaigns, Champions League finals and much more. The near side was strictly memorabilia, each presented with a caption – very interesting.

An illuminated screen displayed the history of the club’s crest and from a historic point of view and there were plenty of items from the early 1900s, including old-fashioned balls, boots and shirts. Trophies lined up in chronological order, grouped together based on competition – some of which I had never even heard of and most likely were no longer existent.

 

The “best players of the world” was another display dedicated to former and current Los Blancos’ stars, whom had won a number of awards including the golden ball and golden boot. Ronaldo was a name that featured prominently, with both the Brazilian and his Portuguese namesake dominating the board. While this was interesting to read, it was another example of the club showing off their achievements, which after a while, seemed like arrogance.

The tribute to Alfredo Di Stefano also interested me and his various trophies and personal possessions were donated to the Real Madrid foundation’s heritage centre for the museum. Again, there were HD screens with clips on display, showing some of his greatest achievements. The interactive elements throughout made it a lot more visual and gave you the opportunity to delve more into his life.

I wish I had taken more photos inside the museum, particularly as some of the trophies were odd-looking and clearly archaic. The newer elements appealed to me a lot more, as someone who doesn’t really have an interest in the club. There was a glass cabinet with the current squad’s boots (and in the case of the goalkeepers, their gloves), but my favourite was the hall of fame. Down one of the corridors were lit up screens with snapshots of every player to have donned the famous white kit – it was quite funny spotting some of the more awful players (Thomas Gravesen) along with a few of my favourites (eye candy purposes of course: Beckham, Kaka...), but the room was quite bright.

In all, it was a lovely few hours, particularly as we were allowed to walk around at our own pace. Even though I had been before, I was still looking forward to going and if anything, it was better than my last recollection. Tickets were €19, which is reasonable considering you could spend hours there and there was plenty to see. It’s also really easy to get there, once you’ve mastered the Spanish Metro system (which isn’t exactly difficult), so it’s something I thoroughly recommend visiting if you’re in Madrid!

My trip to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (part one)

I recently went on a four-day break to Madrid and while there, had to go and visit the Bernabéu. I’d been a couple of times before (including on match day), but my boyfriend hadn’t and was desperate to go! No matter how many times I visit, the sheer magnitude of the stadium always overwhelms me. I think this is largely due to the fact it’s far superior to the grounds I usually visit during the season.

On arrival, we had to collect our tickets and luckily you can buy these on the day and there’s no need to book. The tour begins in tower B, which is the direction you originally come from once at the Santiago Bernabéu metro stop. After ascending a number of escalators, you find yourself in the top tier where you’re presented with a fabulous panoramic view of the while stadium. Because it isn’t a guided tour, you can spend as much time as you like taking photos and standing in awe and admiration. I’d imagine it would feel a lot higher up when full, if you were sitting at the back for a game – to me, it didn’t feel too far from pitch level, but I guess that’s because it was so empty. From here, you go down the stairs, a level at a time, with plenty of view points on the way, before reaching the pitch.

I found being on ground a lot more exciting and you’re within touching distance of the hallowed turf (although it’s obviously cordoned off to prevent it getting spoilt). Walking around the edge, there are plenty more photo opportunities, including pitch side, as well as the coaching area and players’ bench – again a far cry from anything I’d ever seen before! The seats in the dugout were even more comfortable than the ones I sat in when I visited Old Trafford! After soaking up some of the beauty up close, it’s time to walk down the tunnel, which weirdly is separated into two different walkways, divided by railings.

With it being so quiet and empty, with no buzz surrounding a game, I found the interior quite eerie – there was a weird hospital smell, which soon turned to one of strong bleach. Everything was so dark as well. The last time I visited, the home dressing room was close for refurbishment, so it was good to finally look around – even if you couldn’t sit on the benches. Pictures of the current squad and their numbered shirts hung from the walls and it was quite amazing to think we were sharing a room utilised by so many legends and world class players! It was also funny seeing where everyone’s positions were, including the fourth-choice goal keeper who sat on his own! The away dressing room was similar, but you were allowed to take a seat. There was also a couple of hot tubs, the toilets and showers (which weirdly, someone took a photo of) and a massage room. The latter was rather disappointing compared to everything else we had already seen – it was a small cramped room with four massage tables and a couple of cabinets filled with various medical products. It almost seemed out of place and like I say, was underwhelming.

The press room was the final place of note and was clearly one of the more popular areas – there was a queue outside the entrance and groups of people standing around, waiting to have their photos taken. After taking a seat in the press area while the queues died down, I took my place in the manager’s seat in the middle of the podium. Of course it was a little strange, not having an audience, but you were left imagining what it’d be like post match, in full flow.

There were also a couple of professional photo opportunities on the way round and you could have your photo taken holding a trophy, as well as with your favourite player (we both chose Kaka). You were given a ticket and were allowed to view and purchase the photos in the club shop – unfortunately, I couldn’t justify spending €12 or €17 on them, but it was a bit of fun regardless!

Look out for part two with photos and a write-up from the museum.

It’s my birthday! Competition

Two years ago today, I wrote my first post and I never thought so many people would read (and help contribute towards) so many of my rambles! As a way of saying thank you to you all for your support and feedback along the way, I thought I’d run a little competition. To clarify, I don’t receive money from advertisers or the like so the prize will be coming out of my own money, but it’s the least I could do to say thank you!

The prize

A t shirt by Cult Zeros.

If you have no idea who they are and what they do, check out the website.

A cult zero can be anyone, no matter what league or nationality and the team have a large database of clubs and players, as well as the option to create your own! You may have seen on Twitter I have a rather lovely #goalslikehydey tee, which I requested to Paul. I love it.

The rules

·         Complete the following raffle draw

·         There will be ONE winner and I will be carefully moderating the results

·         Prize is for a women/men/youth t shirt to the value of £13.99 + postage and packaging

·         Although they ship across the world, the competition will be open to UK residents only (sorry international followers!)

·         Competition ends on Saturday 15th June at 00:00

·         No returns policy, as stated on the Cult Zeros website

Thank you everyone for your continued support over the last couple of years and the future. Enjoy!

Lucy x

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where are they now? – 2012/13 programme special (part two)

As many of you are aware, last season it was my job to write up the player biographies on the opposing teams visiting Underhill, for the matchday programme.

Although I received copy from other contributors, which in a lot of cases meant just sub-editing, there was also a lot of researching involved, particularly when information was out-of-date or incorrect.

I came across a number of former Bees while producing the copy, which brought back a lot of memories and was interesting to see how (in some cases, forgotten) players were getting on. I thought I’d include all of these in a ‘where are they now?’ two-part special.

I previously posted part one: My XI former Bees, so here is part two – or everyone else who didn’t make the cut, including a goalkeeper five-a-side.

Goalkeepers

JAKE COLE (Plymouth Argyle)

27-year-old keeper Jake joined the Pilgrims in August 2011 as a free agent and went on to play a huge part in helping the team retain their Football League status. On the books at QPR, he acted as understudy to other goalkeepers including Lee Camp, spending time on loan at various clubs including Hayes, AFC Wimbledon and Barnet. He eventually signed for the Bees on a permanent basis and in his first season was named ‘Player of the Year’; he went on to make over 100 appearances in two years. Following his release he joined Plymouth.

Where are they now? Out of contract, rumours suggest he’s off to join Walsall.

STEVE COLLIS (Rochdale)

Goalkeeper Steve arrived at Spotland towards the end of the January transfer window on non-contract terms. Now at 31, he started his career at Barnet and also had a spell with Nottingham Forest, but first played League football for promoted Yeovil in the 2003/04 campaign. After three seasons at Huish Park, Steve moved on to Southend and has since appeared for several other clubs, including Crewe, Torquay and Northampton.

Where are they now? Signed a one-year deal with Rochdale in May, to act as goalkeeping coach.

ROSS FLITNEY (Gillingham)
Ross began his career at Arsenal before joining Fulham as an apprentice. Released in 2005, he signed for Barnet where he made 58 appearances and will be remembered for that red card after 90 seconds at Old Trafford in League Cup. After two seasons, he dropped down to Non-League football playing for Grays and Croydon, before joining Dover Athletic. The 28-year old shot stopper then moved to Gillingham in 2011 on a two-year deal but knee injuries have kept him out of being first choice.

Where are they now? Released by Gillingham in January, he plays for Eastleigh in the Conference South.

MIKHAEL JAIMEZ-RUIZ (AFC Wimbledon)

The 28-year-old goalkeeper has a wealth of experience, both at club and international level. Venezuelan-born Mikhael played against the likes of Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Mikhael began his career with Romanian side CFR Cluj. After an unsuccessful trial at Tottenham Hotspur, Mikhael spent time at Barnet, before earning his breakthrough in English football at Aldershot, where he helped the club into the Football League. A move back to his native Venezuela followed and he put in consistent performances for Premier League team Yaracuyanos. He then returned to England re-signing for Aldershot. Mikhael spent last season at Dover Athletic and joined the Dons in August

Where are they now? AFC Wimbledon but will discuss his future on return from holiday.

SAM WALKER (Bristol Rovers)

Young goalkeeper Sam joins Rovers on-loan from Chelsea. At 20 years old, Sam has already had a season and half of experience in League Two with loan spells at Barnet and Northampton. Last year he spent half of the campaign at League One Yeovil.

Where are they now? Returned to parent club Chelsea, after a spell with Colchester.

Defenders

Damian Batt (Oxford)

Where are they now? Free agent, following his release from Oxford.

Strikers

ADAM BIRCHALL (Gillingham)

Striker Adam joined a three-year deal on arrival at Priestfield in 2011, but a cruciate knee injury pre-season kept him out of last campaign. Joining from Dover, Adam was a great success, scoring 63 goals in 93 appearances in all competitions. Starting out at Arsenal, but never making the first team, the 27-year old also had spells with Mansfield and Barnet.

Where are they now? Gillingham.

Where are they now? – 2012/13 programme special (part one)

As many of you are aware, last season it was my job to write up the player biographies on the opposing teams visiting Underhill, for the matchday programme.

Although I received copy from other contributors, which in a lot of cases meant just sub-editing, there was also a lot of researching involved, particularly when information was out-of-date or incorrect.

I came across a number of former Bees while producing the copy, which brought back a lot of memories and was interesting to see how (in some cases, forgotten) players were getting on. I thought I’d include all of these in a ‘where are they now?’ two-part special.

A little bit difficult to compile, particularly considering the numbers (i.e. six goal keepers and three midfielders), part one includes my XI Former Bees. Part two will be in the next couple of days and will include everyone else.

Goalkeeper

LEE HARRISON (Wycombe Wanderers)

Lee joined Wanderers in August as goalkeeping coach, but also registered as a player. The 41-year-old has over 400 appearances during his professional career which began in 1990. A fans’ favourite at Underhill, Lee reached the landmark figure of 300 appearances during his two spells with the Bees; the first (1996-2003) saw him win Player of the Season on three successive occasions). While at Newport, Lee was assistant manager before being put in caretaker charge, albeit for a single game.

Where are they now? Wycombe

Defence

ABU OGOGO (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Right-back Abu is another former Arsenal trainee, who joined The Daggers in July 2009 following his release by the North London club. Having signed his first professional contract in September 2007, Abu was unable to make any first team appearances for the Gunners, instead joining Nottingham Forest and then Barnet on loan. Abu played in the League Two play-off final in 2009/10 and continued to impress playing in League One. The 23-year-old has since proved his versatility, also playing as a central midfielder. He’s now the club captain and signed a new contract last summer.

Where are they now? Dagenham & Redbridge

MICHAEL HECTOR (Cheltenham Town)

Tall centre back Michael joins the Robins on loan from Reading. He’ll be familiar to the Underhill crowd, having made his Football League debut in November 2011 whilst on loan at Barnet. During his time with the Bees, Michael was named ‘Young Player of the Year’. At the beginning of this season the 22-year-old, who can also play in the centre of midfield, joined Shrewsbury on loan, and after being recalled by the Royals, joined Aldershot in November. He arrived to Whaddon Road for an initial month, before having the loan extended until the end of the season.

Where are they now? Returned to Reading after Cheltenham lost in play-off semis

ANTHONY CHARLES (Northampton Town)

31-year-old defender Anthony began his professional career with Crewe Alexandra, never playing a game and joining Hyde on loan for experience. After being released and signing for Non-League Hayes, he moved to Aldershot where the club won the Ryman League Premier Division title. Anthony also enjoyed promotion success with Barnet in 2004/05 and enjoyed a second spell with Aldershot two years later having previously been on loan, while with the Bees. Having made over 150 appearances for Aldershot, Anthony was awarded with the captain’s armband, but injury kept him out toward the end of the 2010/11 season and consequently he was not offered a new contract. He signed for the Cobblers in March.

Where are they now? Without a club, following release from Plymouth (the club he joined in January) in May

GRANT BASEY (Wycombe Wanderers)

Where are they now? Without a club, following release from Wycombe in May

Midfield

BEN STREVENS (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Ben is in his second spell with The Daggers, having previously been at the club in 2006. He’s familiar with the Underhill slope and the Barnet faithful as it was with the Bees that Ben began his career. Scoring 45 goals in his time with the Black and Amber, he was also a member of the squad that won promotion to the Football League in 2005. The 32-year-old joined Crawley in 2006, before suffering a fractured cheekbone. In his first spell at Victoria Road, forward Ben helped the side win promotion from the Conference before moving on to Brentford. He has also enjoyed success with Wycombe, who achieved promotion to League One in 2010/11, before being relegated the following campaign. Ben rejoined The Daggers in January from League leaders Gillingham.

Where are they now? Without a club, following release from the Daggers in May

RYAN BURGE (Port Vale)

Midfielder Ryan signed a two-year deal with Vale in the summer of 2011, joining from Hyde. Prior to that he played for Jerez Industrial, the team partnered with Glenn Hoddle’s academy. Beginning his career with Birmingham, 24-year-old Ryan made a solitary appearance for Barnet, before being struck down with appendicitis. He has also played in Japan.

Where are they now? Without a club, left Port Vale in April

STUART LEWIS (Wycombe Wanderers)

Stuart initially arrived to Adams Park, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge, but he made the move permanent in January 2011 after an impressive couple of months. The 25-year-old midfielder began his career with Spurs, but moved to Barnet in search of first team football. Limited opportunities encouraged a switch to Stevenage, before joining Gillingham. Stewart was an integral member of the squad which won promotion in the 2010/11 campaign.

Where are they now? Wycombe

SAM DEERING (Cheltenham Town)

Starting his career as a youth at both Chelsea and Charlton Athletic, Sam then linked up with the Oxford United youth set-up. He made his debut against Weymouth, having been promoted to the first team in 2008. Although Sam was sent on loan to Newport for a month, he soon became an integral part of the Us squad that won promotion to the Football League in 2009/10. He’s no stranger to the Underhill slope, having joined Barnet on loan before signing on permanent terms, spending all of last season with the Bees. The 22-year-old midfielder signed for Cheltenham last summer on a two-year contract.

Where are they now? Cheltenham

Strikers

JACK MIDSON (AFC Wimbledon)

Striker Jack embarked on his football career with Stevenage Borough and spent a season with Dagenham & Redbridge before establishing himself at Bishop’s Stortford – he appeared 84 times in three seasons. Following a successful spell at Histon, Jack signed for Oxford United in May 2009 and featured regularly as Oxford gained promotion to the Football League. After spending time on loan at Southend and Barnet, the 29-year-old signed for the Dons in June 2011. He was last season’s joint top scorer in League Two with 18 goals.

Where are they now? AFC Wimbledon

JOHN O'FLYNN (Exeter City)

28-year-old striker John started out as a youngster at Peterborough before joining hometown club Cork City. In six years he racked up 68 goals in 138 appearances, winning the League of Ireland and FAI Cup; as well as becoming a fans’ favourite. From Cork he then signed for Barnet where he spent two seasons and again was amongst the goals. Injuries prevented John from playing as much as he’d have liked last season but fit again he hopes to pick up from where he left off.

Where are they now? Exeter

2012/13 awards

Player of the Season

1) David Stephens

Absolutely solid and in my opinion, didn’t really put a foot wrong in his debut season with the Bees. A consistent defender who kept us in so many games with his last-ditch tackles and no-nonsense style of defending, David’s quality performances in so many games were the reason why it wasn’t settled weeks before the end of the campaign. I think he’s one of the best defenders we’ve had for years – and he’s only 21!

2) Graham Stack

16 clean sheets. Unbeaten at home in eight matches with only one goal conceded.

3) Jake Hyde

14 goals for the season. His goals won us 18 points.

Young Player of the Season

1) Elliot Johnson

Making his debut in November in the 1-0 win against Torquay, the young defender went on to make 25 more appearances, becoming ever-present in the left back position. A worthy winner, Elliot only signed a professional deal in May, having previously been named as an unused substitute. His debut was fairly outstanding, the occasion didn’t faze him and he looked so comfortable on the ball, always keen to get forward. Since then, he’s grown in confidence and hasn’t looked back. I’m surprised he wasn’t handed his first start earlier, considering our previous left backs were Edgar and Brown. I imagine he will be a big player for us next season!

18 years old. 26 league appearances, 1 goal.

2) David Stephens

21 years old. 42 league appearances, 1 goal.

3) Andy Yiadom

21 years old. 39 league appearances, 3 goals.

Most improved player

I couldn’t pinpoint one single player, so my top three are in alphabetical order:

·         Mark Byrne

In my opinion, Byrner has improved since the start of the season. He’s copped his fair share of stick, which has largely been undeserved. He is sometimes a little inconsistent but there’s no doubt that Byrner is a class player and deserves to be playing at a higher level. It may have been a tough ask to be asked to play alongside the likes of Edgar Davids and John Oster but he thrived on the opportunity and his performances definitely improved. He’s one of my favourite players and he’s come a long way from the player he was when he returned from injury when initially on loan. Back to his best, I’m praying we manage to hold on to him.

·         Barry Fuller

The beginning of the season was one to forget for everyone, none more than Baz. Giving away a number of needless penalties, looking nervy on the ball and not making the right decision. It would be wrong to pinpoint one defender, when as a unit, we looked horrendous at the back, but a lot of the blame was on Baz’s shoulders. He definitely improved towards the end of the season with a number of quality performances (that also saw him win the Man of the Match award), it’s a shame it all ended with a needless red card after the final whistle v Dagenham & Redbridge.

·         Jake Hyde

I may be biased because he is my favourite current Barnet player and I rated him from his first spell with the club, but Jakey has come a long way since then! Back in 2009, he was only 19 and making his Football League debut (having previously played for Weymouth while on the books of Swindon Town). Six goals in 34 appearances may not have looked a good return, but we had John O’Flynn up front who got the bulk of the goals, while the midfield also chipped in. Returning at the age of 22, Jake netted over twice as many goals this time round, playing largely as the lone striker and often with little service. He absolutely works his socks off and you can’t fault his effort at all.

Goal of the Season

I’ve been trying to find video clips of each of these, but that’s proved unsuccessful, but here’s three you won’t forget:

1) Ricky Holmes v Southend (October 6^th 2012)

I remember rushing home from town to listen to this match on BBC Essex and even Southend’s commentary team said this was a contender for goal of the season! As soon as I saw it later that evening, I wanted to watch it over and over – a stunning goal! It’s a shame we went on to draw, because that was a strike worthy of winning any game!

2) Ross Jenkins v Accrington Stanley (March 19^th 2013)

Overhead kick. Say no more.

3) Luke Gambin v Morecambe (March 9^th 2013)

Not a bad feat scoring on your first full start. Lovely assist by Dani Lopez.

Photo Gallery: Farewell Underhill

Long overdue, I’ve been meaning to upload a few of my photos (I took over 50!) of the final game at Underhill, against Wycombe.

One last time CM13 to EN5.

A final drink in the pav, before going in.

Been in Block C since I was 13.



Block C, Row H, Seats 3 & 4.

Before the game.

The teams are out.

Just before kick off.

The Wycombe fans who were behind the goal.

 

I have this man to thank for my love of the Bees.



Where I always stood at half time when I was little.

Pitch invasion at the end of the game.