I have been to Wilderspool at least 50 times since the last first-team game, so I have never really said goodbye. Every time since, it's never been the same as watching a full Wire game, but I have seen some crackers from u20's to Wizards and Aussie kids' touring matches.
It's like moving on from an old friend. You don't see them much anymore, because you've moved on and they'll never change, but you always know which pub the crusty old sod will be in if you ever want to go back and say hello.
Then one day, he's not there anymore. Tonight was very sad for that reason, but the game was of a very good standard and clearly meant a lot to all the lads who played.
There were TV cameras and interviews outside, which I presume will be on Boots N All next week and a real air of finality about the whole affair. I shunned the St James' entrance and walked over the bridge, down the causeway and down the Fletch one last time. Still no one was banging on the back of the tin shed. We talked about it, though. Ah nostalgia - always somehow, inexplicably, better than today.
Saturday the 31st of May is open day. Bring a wheelbarrow, go on the pitch, stand on the terraces, unscrew a seat. One last stand, but today was an excellent last ever game.
Warrington's Ryan Johnson scored the last ever try. The PA was so crackly that I could have sworn he said 'Brain'. How weird would that have been?
Saturday the 31st
