Matthew explains why it’s important to have one but appreciate it might not be the prettiest.
I was meant to be going on the latest tour of the British and Irish Lions to South Africa – it was my special birthday present to myself. I must caveat that with, I had checked with the current Mrs Bromham first and she had OK’d it!
Well, we all know what happened next.
So, like all the other supporters (I am careful not to use the word ‘fans’) I stayed at home and watched on the Sky Sports Lions TV Channel.
To say I was excited for the tour was an understatement – I was like a small child at Christmas before the first Test. I went to bed late and got up early, I busied myself around all day, fidgeted, walked the dog and then sat down for the prematch build up – 2 hours before the kick-off.
We won the first Test convincingly overpowering the Saffa in the second half. The whitewash was on. The social media platforms around the Tour were awash with positivity. I high fived fellow supporters in the pub as I arrived later that evening. But, beware the wounded Bok…
In the second and third Tests, two and three weeks later respectively – the Lions were out thought, out muscled, and overall - outplayed. The Test series was lost 2-1 to South Africa. Who in my opinion, were the thoroughly deserving winners.
Now get to the bloody point I hear you cry! Well, my point is this… You have just read my opinion of what happened. However, after the 2nd and 3rd Test defeats – the social media platforms became rather a different place. Awash with alternative opinions.
I didn’t know there were so many world class rugby coaches I’d never been aware of on our shores. I hadn’t realised that some of the players selected were no better than some of the 4th Team players (no disrespect to anyone who has ever played 4th Team rugby) who were always the life and soul of my rugby club bar. I was disappointed to hear from former greats of the game who haven’t coached the U9’s – let alone the cream of British and Irish rugby - as to what they would have done better.
In my humble opinion Warren Gatland is, and will go down as, one of the all-time greats in relation to coaching, selection and team management on the world stage. But that’s just my opinion.
Anyway, I’ve rambled on long enough. So look, if you want to discuss the merits of being a British and Irish Lions supporter - versus a ‘fan’, or indeed which piece of music would be best for your brand, then give me a shout. I’ll most definitely have an opinion.
