I'm going to be in London Dec 27 through Jan 8. I want to catch a game while I'm there. I've done a little research and one of my constraints was I didn't want to go to a Premiership game. I want to see what a lower tier game to experience the atmosphere of the fan base of a smaller club. So, a little help, please. Of the games listed below, which would give me the best experience? Jan 3 - Leyton Orient Home to Southend Jan 3 - Barnet Home to Grimsby Town Jan 3 - Brentford home to Chesterfield Dec 28 - Luton Town home to Lincoln City Dec 28 - Milwall home to Yeovil Town Jan 3 - Milwall home to Swindon Town Dec 28 - QPR home to Watford Jan 1 - Wimbledon home to Fischer Athletic Jan 3 - Wycombe Wanderers home to Bury Thanks for the help. Oh, and I need to know fairly soon. Thanks again.
I think you should go to a premiership game if you can, as even if you can't guarantee the game will be great, you will at least have the experience of a big crowd and stadium. Of the games listed, QPR v Watford would probably be the best (if not cheap) although Watford matches can get a little agricultural. Other than that I'd go for the ones where there'll be a reasonable number of fans from both teams, which leaves you Orient v Southend or either Millwall match. A little outside of London (but not too far), you could also consider a trip to Aldershot (v Dagenham or v Notts Co) to get a real feel of what lower division football and grounds used to be like in the old days. Also consider that the games on Jan 3rd will be postponed in either team is in the FA Cup 3rd round, although the 3rd round draw might present possibilities not there presently.
Or to watch good old fashioned Football get yourself to Cambridge Vs Barrow AFC Yes Cambridge is just outside London but very easy to get to and its a delightful quaint city full of history etc But a very good game is in the offering here, I expect a gate of around 5000+ with a very loud and proud Barra support of between 200 + 300 Real and raw game with all the delights of genuine fans in non-league footy, enjoy it you will foget it you wont
I'd largely agree with Richard, aside from recommending a Premiership game, and not being so positive about the QPR game (though it will be the one that attracts the crowds, Watford being pretty close). A couple of those are going to be very easy to get to from central London, and if you are staying there might as well try and make one of those (i.e. not Luton or Wycombe).
A few years back, I had a great time at Victoria Road for Dag & Red vs Telford. The Daggers were shocked to have an American who knew the team and its players (long story as to why) and I was treated to a watch party for an England WCQ in their clubhouse afterward. On the same trip, I went to an Arsenal Champions League match, and was also treated well, but the experience was not quite as memorable ( and much more expensive) than the visit to the Conference level match.
Thanks for the help and the suggestions. Have a good one! I'll let you know what I thought of the event I chose after I get back. Take care!
Thanks Tiger.............. I was gonna ask the same thing. I would have recommended the QPR game simply for ease of transport using the tube.