I don’t expect more than a handful of people who read this to ‘get’ what I am about to say…..but that’s because if you’ve not been there you can’t know.

As I have always said, since I started this diary, I’m a die-hard Spurs fan. I’ve lived and breathed the club for thirty years – all of my adult life.

For the last six years, I have shared my passion with my friend Sarah, because I did something most would regard as foolhardy at the very least. I advertised for a friend to go to see games with, having suddenly found myself without a match-going companion. I met Sarah and that was the start of a beautiful friendship.

It’s about more than just football, though undoubtedly we would not have met in any other circumstances. It’s an extraordinary tale of friendship – both between the two of us and later our wider net of friends ‘the dog shit hill mob’. We’ve shared each-others triumphs and trials. We’ve shared more than a few beers. We’ve been united in support of the Spurs and most of all we’ve become deep friends.

So, this really just sets the scene for what has to be one of the saddest days for me personally, although obviously a great day for the Spurs – a 1-0 victory means we still hold our 4th place and now, we cannot drop below 5th. The truth is, it’s in our own hands next weekend because if we win, it matters not what anyone else does. That slot is ours. We go to Europe proudly, having earned our place through the hard-fought battles of our season. This is so bittersweet, I have taken a full twenty four hours to find the reserves to talk about it.

Carol and Maureen, pictured above, have served us beer and dished out smiles, hugs and advice. They have our picture hanging behind the bar. What a wonderful pair of people.

Why so sad for me then? Well, I relinquish my season ticket today – it’s the last home game of the season so it’s the last time I’ll sit in MY seat – seat 47, row 2, block 33, South Stand, Park Lane, Tottenham, N17. It’s the most difficult thing about our Grand Plan – it’s just not possible to stay Season Ticket Holders for a team whose base is nearly three hundred miles away from our new home. It’s my only regret of the plan – nothing else has been a hardship to leave behind in London.

I have spent much of the day in tears, starting with a heart-to-heart with Sarah and progressing through a hugely eventful day, including one of the dog-shit-hill mob being arrested, one being kicked out of the ground, David playing ‘When the Spurs go marching in’ on his harmonica in the Bell and Hare with fifty folks singing along….and much much more. There was even a marriage proposal! This doesn’t even touch on a not-pretty but gritty performance from the team to win the match.

There was an ‘end of term party’ as there always is, with our old heroes, Ricky Villa and Osvaldo Ardilles at the game to watch the young turks of the new side play. They are a part of our past – I was there on the occasion of their first-ever game for the club – away at Notts Forest - 1978 I think. Ossie scored that day. I missed his goal, having fainted in the blistering heat of a mid-August afternoon. I didn’t miss Ricky Villa’s career best goal though – the FA Cup replay in '81 – yep, that goal……I was there. I’d queued all night for tickets and went to the match with my Dad. What a day. What a memory.

We are not the only ones leaving the dog shit hill gang today – Young Madge does too – he’s off to work in Dubai in a couple of weeks so he’s not going to get to games either.

This part of my life has been special beyond my wildest hopes. It has been full of good. My heart breaks to have to leave it all behind. When it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood.

Sarah and I are friends and will remain friends for ever. What we’ve shared over the last six years has been unique and very special. She says I should write a book about it because it will dispel the myth that football fans are nothing but a bunch of yobs. I think I am too emotional to even think about that for now. At the moment all I can think of is that someone else will be sitting in my seat next year and I will be confined to watching games on the telly.

No more will I stand on dog shit hill…..well, unless the gang will have me back for a guest appearance.

Somehow though, what I need to do now is say ‘thank you’ for the friendship and wonderful times shared with the gang. Last night, as we walked away, what you all did was very special. I am humbled and sit again, in tears thinking of you all…….

Photos of the last day here....

Last year, Rosie was knicking food!

For all the dog shit hill mob, all together now.....

You know I can’t smile without you
I can’t smile without you
I can’t laugh and I can’t sing
I’m finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you’re sad
I feel glad when you’re glad
If you only knew what I’m going through
I just can’t smile without you

You came along just like a song
And brighten my day
Who would of believed that you where part of a dream
Now it all seems light years away

And now you know I can’t smile without you
I can’t smile without you
I can’t laugh and I can’t sing
I’m finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when your sad
I feel glad when you’re glad
If you only knew what I’m going through
I just can’t smile

Now some people say happiness takes so very long to find
Well, I’m finding it hard leaving your love behind me

And you see I can’t smile without you
I can’t smile without you
I can’t laugh and I can’t sing
I’m finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel glad when you’re glad
I feel sad when you’re sad
If you only knew what I’m going through
I just can’t smile without you

Seems appropriate somehow....