I was walking the dog in Tavistock this morning when I was aware of a car coming along the road towards us. I particularly noticed it due to two plastic flag holders, one positioned above each of the front windows. With the small flags flapping away as the car got nearer I fully expected to see the cross of St George and I was rather puzzled that we were nowhere near that level of “England” mania, just before they’re dumped out of the Euros or World Cup on penalties at the quarter final stage. To my complete amazement the car whizzed past me and I saw two Argyle flags. I was so shocked that I didn’t have time to respond with a thumbs up or a shout of “Green Army!” (and, to be fair, he was going at a bit of a lick).
Nevertheless, this morning’s revelation has followed hard on the heels of several recent encounters whilst walking the dog and wearing my Argyle beanie hat. Various “neutrals” have asked me how things are going at Home Park, who they are playing next and commenting on forthcoming matches. I even bumped into a guy with his dog the morning after the Wimbledon game and we ended up reliving that match in excited detail. All this is rather surreal. When wearing my Argyle hat in the past I have been much more used to a patronising smirk or a joke at Argyle’s (and my) expense.
I know it has been commented upon that “something special” seems to be happening but there really is a buoyancy and optimism that has been absent for oh, so long. It’s almost tangible. And, yes, I am old enough and ugly enough to appreciate that these things can be so fleeting in the life of an Argyle supporter. A few bad results could return us to mundane reality - but, for the moment, I am going to savour this new found spirit with a broad grin on my face and I will dare to believe. Even my dog has a spring in his step...
Nevertheless, this morning’s revelation has followed hard on the heels of several recent encounters whilst walking the dog and wearing my Argyle beanie hat. Various “neutrals” have asked me how things are going at Home Park, who they are playing next and commenting on forthcoming matches. I even bumped into a guy with his dog the morning after the Wimbledon game and we ended up reliving that match in excited detail. All this is rather surreal. When wearing my Argyle hat in the past I have been much more used to a patronising smirk or a joke at Argyle’s (and my) expense.
I know it has been commented upon that “something special” seems to be happening but there really is a buoyancy and optimism that has been absent for oh, so long. It’s almost tangible. And, yes, I am old enough and ugly enough to appreciate that these things can be so fleeting in the life of an Argyle supporter. A few bad results could return us to mundane reality - but, for the moment, I am going to savour this new found spirit with a broad grin on my face and I will dare to believe. Even my dog has a spring in his step...