Derby and Back for Jimmy & Jack

For myself I had been disappointed that something I knew I could have helped with would be passing me by, I had quite seriously dislocated my knee and although I am now on the mend. I was advised that this would be too much and likely cause me further complications, I had taken to Facebook to filter my disappointment. I wasn't aware that help was required, so I was really chuffed when I was asked to consider being a Marshall.

On the 14/07/2013 I arrived to see scenes which looked quite spectacular, a large amount of people lining up outside various places. From the main gate/conker tree, club shop all the way to the ticket office. Immediately I was alerted to the ex players who were forming to the side of the conker tree.

It took me a little time to realize who some where, regardless of being told who was already there. I could only recognise players who I had grown up watching, the likes of Tommy Johnson, Steve Cherry, Mark Draper, Lawrie Dudfield and later “Charlie McParland”.

After obtaining my high-visibility vest, it was soon time for myself and Andy Black to set off to our locations but before we could reach our points, Andy needed to pass on some more details, along with their vests to some of the other Marshall's and make sure they understood their location points.

Andy also needed to place some ribbon to a bench, as concerns of turning right at a point was raised which could send the cyclists in the wrong direction. As we approached the area, the first team was already zipping by us but it was fairly large in numbers and it appeared that some had separated away from their team leaders.

The ribbon was placed on the bench, as the third team was approaching and it was now our time to get into position. If we didn't reach our points fairly quickly, the first team would pass us by and we'd have no way of knowing if they were on course.

Thankfully by the time I had reached my point nobody had passed the Marshall before my point, which was Jimmy Willan a name most if not all county fans will know. I set my point up, sat in my chair and took to taking some photos of my point, Nooning Lane. Quite a nice and peaceful area, I really like surroundings like this and I felt quite lucky to be stationed there.

Not long after I had gotten comfortable, a car passed and some easily recognizable faces who seemed to be chanting county songs (possibly my name also but I couldn't quite tell). Then after that, the players approached who had broken off course and came flying passed me. Mark Draper was talking to the other three about Jimmy Willan and I heard one say 'Who's he?' and amusingly the other three piped up 'The guy who writes and sings those county songs' followed by a quick 'Oh right, yeah'.

The first team passed me not long after and before I knew it, I was being kept company by Jimmy himself. A lovely man, my feeling of privilege and luck was almost sky high by this point. My grandfather had a lot of respect for Jimmy Willan, I often heard his songs as a child and when we went on trips we always sang 'County's the team for me'.

I have to admit, which I hope is not taken the wrong way, I was a little nervous of seeming ignorant, as I was concerned that I would struggle to pick up his Scottish accent but unlike my next door neighbour (who's Irish) I could easily follow.

Jimmy shared some really nice stories, I was surprised to learn that he had spent time living in and supporting Liverpool but the part I feel most came home was when he told me why he liked supporting Notts. Very similar to what made me connect, as when my Grandfather first took me I wasn't all that interested. I wanted to go watching Derby with my father, although this has been touched upon before by me. It was the fact that you can feel 'close' to the club and that players like Michael Johnson would speak to fans, a player my Grandfather often chatted too.

During our conversation we had missed a phone call each from Andy, neither of us had heard our phones but the first team had set back off to Meadow Lane. I was a little saddened I didn't have longer to speak with Jimmy, although I hope there will be a next time.

I stupidly sat back down forgetting I need to change locations, as I tend to forget things. I thought I noticed a part of our group which reminded me, so I folded my chair and collected my things. Before making a dash across to the other side and thankfully it wasn't any of our group.

I took to trying to share the event via our Facebook Page and Twitter, although Twitter doesn't seem to like me sharing images via 3g and so I missed an opportunity there.

All of a sudden a group of four emerged and I was on the phone to my wife, who notified me of a change at home. As the cyclists got closer and I'm not joking, I responded 'Oooh It's Tommy Johnson and Mark Draper'. Followed by Dudfield, Cherry and then Bartlett. They briefly stopped and chatted to me, Mark had noticed who I was and he asked me how I was (followed by a why aren't you doing this?'. Despite having spoken to Mark and Tommy quite a few times, I still felt like a child seeing their icon. Luckily, I didn't stutter and I spoke pretty clearly.

By the time the second group had passed me, Andy had joined me and we was waiting for the other groups to pass.

Andy took to taking some photos of the teams/cyclists who passed. I pointed them in the right direction and as soon as it started, we were on our way back. Quite amazing how events like this can bring a sense of pride, a word I'm rather fond of for obvious reasons.

After sweeping and running some safety checks, I had found my way back to the starting point and the scenes again very impressive. I liked how the players mingled and everyone had huge smiles on their faces, it was nice to see younger fans turn up along with their parents. Time for the celebrations to start and several group photos, which I quite happily hide from but I did think it would have been nice to have a group photo of all the helping hands and organizers.

The celebrations continued at the nearby Navi pub, where I was surprised to receive a certificate and photo with 3 three of our ex players. Also, noticeably the atmosphere increased after England had won their first test match.

I'd like to take time to Thank Lisa and Andy Black, also Jimmy Willan and I'd like to give a special mention to one of our other Marshall's Shaun.

Well Done to everyone involved and thank you, Photo's will eventually follow.