We did that regular, we were only kids 12/13 you could go to an away match with less than a quid go to Canley station get a platform ticket get off at Cov so you track side of the barrier scank onto the Sky Blue special and move about to dodge the ticket inspector. Went all over my parents never knew either get back to the Coachmakers before the bingo finished.
Going to Filbert Street was easy too. Midland Red bus stop opposite the Red Lion pub Walsgrave, a few of us would meet up after playing football for the school in the morning, and be in the ground before kick off. Me and a mate were only about 15 and we fancied going to a game local, and ended up at Leicester again,but Leeds were there and they took the ground over. They ran riot during and after the match. Scary but at that age probably exciting too !
That was my first visit to the Dell too. What an awful place it was. We were behind the goal in the little open end and were almost on top of the players. The other thing I remember is the state of the pitch. There wasn't a blade of grass on it. Even by 1968 standards it was diabolical. Went many times after that, the last time being for the 5-5 draw.
My one and only visit to the Dell, and a visit never to be forgotten. But I've read the Southampton fans of a certain age loved the place, all down to taste I guess. Our own Highfield Road had it's critics too, but to me it was great.
I can remember taking the kickoff for both halves in a Sunday league game and getting away with it. We told the opposing manager after the game and he went batshit.
