A day like no other

The past couple of days for myself haven't been like any others, it's actually been awhile since I felt this type of excitement. I had been asking the Italian Magpies quite a few times when or if they planned to come over, very much wanted to meet them, and I can now say I have had that pleasure. What an absolute honour for us, to be included and able to share the day is just beyond anything I can write or say. Very surreal! It felt like the whole two days were more than just a gathering, almost family being reunited – Two Hearts and One Soul.

I'm not sure I can give this occasion the credit it deserves, yet I am inspired with ideas and so I will be turning this into a couple of blogs also. I think Nottingham/Italy will be hitting the Facebook severs with how many statuses/image uploads have been made (or should I say will be).

The day for me and Jake started off by catching the bus into town. We had arranged to meet up with Andy Black at the train station as a couple of the Italian Magpies were travelling down.

I felt pretty nervous. I can usually overcome this if I push myself but I think the excitement didn't allow me to do so. I pretty much stayed in the background but was concerned about seeming rude or uninterested, just very overwhelming.

We got to near the Broadmarsh bus station and I noticed Andy, Paul, Lindy and Josh walking. I mentioned to Jake they were who we were meeting up with and he kindly reminded me of a time. I shouted 'You Pies' to Lindy in the Broadmarsh shopping centre as they walked out of Wilkos.

Paul quickly noticed us, and he said hello and I introduced Jake to the group. I'm sure he must have felt a lot like me, if not worse, though both Paul and Lindy were amazing with him.

After meeting up with two travelling Italian Magpies, Max and Phil (His real name isn't Phil), we all walked down to the Jury's Inn where the rest of the group had been staying. Jake by this point was a little more nervous and he was getting a little impatient, as children do.

When everyone was together, it was amazing. The bond was interesting, as an outsider to watch, as you could tell instantly it was a special group of friends who all enjoyed the excitement of such an amazing event.

A quick tram journey to the City Centre, another short walk to Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, several photos taken at this point and a nice look around the pub. The group sat down, we all enjoyed our drinks and the laughter/banter started to come a little more.

Jake by this point was playing games with me, at one point he pretended to be Spiderman and insisted I was the bad guy who he was going to beat up. He can get quite hyper if allowed, though he's a credit to me and my wife (very lucky with all 3 of our children). He wanted to put his “Pride of Nottingham” T-Shirt on and was asking if I would be handing out flyers.

Jake wanted to hand some to the Italian Magpies, though I didn't really like the idea and I was sure, thanks to the kind work of Giorgio Zunino, that each would know about the site. He quickly came out of his shell, laughing and asking me questions.

Andy returned from meeting up with Paolo and his son. Jake by this point was very, very excited about the day ahead and repeatedly mentioned 'Can I say hello to them'. I was already on the verge of doing so myself, however Jakes enthusiastic largely helped and we went across to introduce ourselves.

We finished our drinks and then we had another short walk to the Robin Hood statue where we had many photos taken, Jake being a little poser was disappointed as I wouldn't allow him to go into the photos and I asked him to wait so they had one with all the Italian Magpies without myself or him photo bombing.

Amazing, I might type this quite a few times but all the group were very kind to Jake (I know he'll be proud of this for years to come). Phil kindly gave Jake his “Juve Scarf” and things like this always makes him very happy, He was very grateful.

The journey continued with something Nottingham residents would have wondered what was going on. A large group of Notts County supporters walking to the ground, all very proud and acting as any football fans should – respectful to all.

Once at Meadow Lane the event stepped up to a much higher level, 'special' just doesn't give it credit and I'm afraid I can't explain it.

Walking onto the pitch with the Italian Magpies – One of our proudest memories. Included as friends and a affiliates. Do they ever stop giving? Such loyal, passionate and amazing people who I wished I had gotten to know much better. I have to say I wished I could have come out my shell a lot more, however I enjoyed it and you can tell that they did.

Credit needs to go to Lisa and Andy Black, great hosts and they've introduced the Italian Magpies to the best of Notts County. Lindy, Paul and Josh all credit to the group as-well. The club did fantastic to make this day special, I hope it brings us all closer together.

Juventus doesn't owe a single thing, the Italian Magpies travel for the passion and much to their dedication. I hope the day is documented by the club because each visit does deserve to be remembered in a nice way.

After all the amazing efforts from many, this was exactly the type of “positive” day the club as been in need of for a very long time. We need things to lift the spirit, fans majority amazing, also very warm and welcoming.

People clapping such deserved support! I felt like an imposter and rather feeling I didn't deserve the memory, I still don't but I am thankful.

Thank you to everyone who made Jake feel on top of the world, all the warmth and love. I sincerely hope the Italian Magpies had a great time, feel the warmth and love we all gave. If I am not too selfish, I would also like to mention that I dearly hold on to the future and hope to get to know them all much better.

Italian Magpies – Dear friends of Notts County Football Club.