Heartbreak can come in many different forms and following Leicester City provides this in ample measure. Just a week after the unprecedented highs of a maiden FA Cup success, LCFC have missed out on the top 4 in consecutive seasons. Football is a roller-coaster of emotions, and today simply added to what has been a tumultuous year for everyone.
Nevertheless, the return of 8000 fans to the KPS was a welcome sight and brings hope for the coming season. As a supporter lucky enough to return to the stadium, I’d like to share my experiences on this anti-climatic day.
440 days. Over a year since I had attended a match of football at the KPS. Walking down to the ground was like a trip down memory lane, yet in many ways, it felt like yesterday. It’s amazing how fast old, long-forgotten routines can become familiar.
Some things remained constant from before, with free refreshments being laid on by the club. This is a further sign of our owners’ generosity and thought. In life, the little things really make a difference; even for something so small as a bottle of water and a chocolate brownie (which was delicious!).
Inside the ground itself, you will be pleased to hear everything was done to COVID-19 safety regulations, with fans socially distanced and (mostly) wearing face coverings.
No sooner as I had sat in my seat, the heavens decided to open in typical fashion. Thank goodness I decided not to choose a seat lower down, otherwise, I’d have been drenched as well as disappointed.
Making light of a reduced capacity, the 8,000 Foxes faithful managed to create a vociferous atmosphere, with the roar sending shivers down my spine. Such intensity and fervour continued for the opening quarter, with every tackle and throw-in being cheered passionately.
Unfortunately, despite a positive start, nerves began to creep into the stadium, and this was reflected in the tentative performance. There were glorious highs of celebrating two Jamie Vardy penalties. Yet, there were also four shattering blows, topped off by a Gareth Bale brace, shattering Leicester’s hopes and dreams.
I, was hoarse by the end cheering and urging the team onwards, and perhaps most others were the same. As well as the impact of a debilitating loss, this helps explain the relative silence by the final whistle. Alas, in the end, the efforts of the fans were all in vain.
Even though the mood was flat due to the result, most fans, myself included, remained to serenade the post-match ceremony. Here, the outgoing captain, Wes and Christian Fuchs were given ‘thank you awards’ by Alan Birchenall MBE; ‘the Birch’, if you did not know, is a former professional footballer for LCFC and a particularly beloved and down-to-earth announcer for the Foxes at home games. In addition to being a Leicester Ambassador.
After this, there was the customary lap of honour, and lifting of the FA Cup; provoking cheers from the remaining supporters. It was sad to see Tielemans in tears, who hopefully has not played his last game in Leicester City blue.
Attending Leicester’s last game of the season was a huge privilege and despite the result and weather, I enjoyed every moment of it. In truth, such an experience was more a reminder of how football behind closed doors on the TV cannot compare to the real thing.
Yes, the performance today shows there is much work to be done, and in truth, the players did ‘bottle it’. Nonetheless, there are signs of progress that bode extremely well for the Foxes’ future, with an exciting crop of young players. Let’s hope this summer leads to further advancement and consolidation. Indeed this remains a thrilling time to be an LCFC fan, even amidst the shortcomings.