SUN, SAND AND SHANKLY!! ALL IN A DAY!!!

Visit to Anfield & Blackpool Illuminations 

Saturday 27^th October 2012

On a brisk autumn morning, we gathered our squad and headed west across the Pennines – destination Liverpool! After a brief stop en route, we made our way into what was the City of Culture 2008. Taking a short detour into West Derby, we got a brief view (from the coach) of Melwood – Liverpool FC’s training ground. Then onward to one of the most iconic venues in the football world – ANFIELD!

At the Shankly Memorial Statue, we met our tour guide Jack – a charming, quite good looking (some said), young man who took us into some of the not normally accessible areas of the ground!

First the Legends Lounge – walls adorned with photographs of players and managers from yesteryear who all contributed to make this great club what it is today! Dalglish, Rush, Beardsley, Keegan, Paisley and of course Shankly.…all on view!

Then into the Press Room – formally the home of the ‘Boot Room Boys’! This is where the media compile their post-match reports courtesy of both team managers!

                                             

Some of group took centre stage here!  

Then into the dressing rooms – home & away – and what a difference between the two!

The home dressing room still has remnants of the Shankly years – shirts hung in the same positional areas – plus a small ‘boot room’! Here lots of photos were taken with our favourite current players (well just their shirts anyway!). The away dressing room was sparse in contrast!

For those who could reach, we touched the ‘This is Anfield’ sign, and made our way pitch side into the dugouts – to the sound of the cheering crowds! Fantastic views of the pitch and stadium welcomed us!

The next Liverpool FC Ladies???

Finally, to the sound of the Liverpool Anthem – ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, we made our way to the ‘Spion Kop’ – where for decades the ‘12^th man’ have encouraged and motivated the Reds! 

The ‘Kop’ needs little explanation in the world of football history!

Following this fantastic tour, we made our way to the Museum, where we got to see the many trophies and accolades including the ‘FIVE’ European Cups – Liverpool FC being one of only 5 teams to gain this achievement!

Early afternoon, we reboarded the coach and headed northwards, passing Aintree, home of the Grand National, making our way to Blackpool – famous for its Illuminations and Tower. We spent a couple of hours exploring this popular resort – time for amusements, fish and chips and even a donkey ride! 

We then proceeded to the north end of the Promenade, just in time to see the switch on of the lights.

          

At a snail’s pace, we made our way along the 6 mile route, taking in the splendid Centenary Illuminations – including some well-known characters, bling, snowflakes and several decorated trams! In record time, we reached Starr Gate – and finally made our way home!

It was a long day but very much enjoyed by all!!

Thanks to all concerned for your support!

Next stop – Wembley???