From a half-time pie to a football special train, what makes the perfect away day with the lads following your team as a fan?

The Journey There

     In order to get to an away day, you actually have to get there. This could be by car, train or something else. However, the Football Special train is a classic way to arrive to watch your team. These are off charter trains that are designed to take football fans to and from matchdays and are heavily policed. It is a great way to get to the ground as you can socialise with other fans but also drink and not have to worry about driving. The train is also better as you can soak up the atmosphere and get chants going. However, you can't beat driving having a chat with your mates going to the ground and sticking a tenner on your team to win on the way. Additionally, it means you don't have to worry about getting the latest train home and allows for you to relish the moment. Overall, the train is the best way to get there as you can drink at the game, socialise with fans and it adds to the excitement of the day.

Pre Match

    After arriving, you need to prepare for the match. Firstly, you need to get that all important overpriced first pint. Then, depending on how long till kick off, stay in the concourse and join in with some chants and talk with your fellow fans about the team and the match ahead. After that it's time to head to your seats and get ready to watch the game. From there, you and your pals will be able to chill out and prepare to watch your team. Additionally, you can make predictions, read the team sheet and roar the players out of the tunnel and wait for the referee to blow the whistle to start the first half.

During The Match

    This is the main event, the thing you've actually come to watch. Chants are going and abuse towards the ref is everywhere. The limbs if you score are always worthwhile and silencing the home crowd makes it even better. If there is a delay or hold up in play due to an "injury", getting another drink is the main priority, you got to run down the stairs to avoid the queues and maybe even sneak in a pie. The atmosphere is heating up and you're in the moment. If the game isn't going your way though, things may be a bit different. Home fans giving it large and profanities are being shouted left, right and centre. The loss is obviously due to the ref and VAR as it always is. You need to join in with the chants and have a laugh with your friends to get the most out of watching the game.

Half-Time

    Let's be honest, the only thing you do at half-time is get some food(a pie), and get a few more pints down you. The right pie is crucial, the classic original Steak and Ale pie is unbeatable and is an away day staple. It's truly iconic and easily top things like chips and sausage rolls. In the concourse, the first half is being discussed and the team is either being slagged off or getting heavy appraisal. You've got to get some pints too and drink them with your pie to make a proper away day with the lads.

After The Match

    After the full-time whistle, there is one place where you're heading, the pub. Having a couple of pints with the lads is the best way to end an away day win, draw or loss. After hoping for a win but happy with a point, they day comes to a close and before you know it you're on the train back home. Before that though, if you're sober enough, you could explore the local area depending on where you are, this is very important as some places in the UK are absolutely minging.

What Does Make The Best Away Day?

    The perfect away day is down to personal preference, but typically, you want to get the train then have a few pins before and after the game with a pie at half-time, soak up the atmosphere and join in with the chants and hope for a win. But lets be real, it's just an excuse to get away from the wife and drink alchohol.