Dulwich Hamlet Football Club are known throughout these Isles and further afield for our hospitality, and our hand of friendship extended to the North West of England for the game against Faversham Town,the weekend before last. Three die hard Liverpool FC supporters had been promising lifelong Hamlet and LFC supporter Christian Burt, from Nunhead, for a while how they’d like to experience real grass roots football and, given they were down for the NFL match at Wembley on the Sunday, their dreams of seeing the Pink 'n' Blues would come true.
Dave Usher has been editor of "The Liverpool Way" for over fifteen years, an independent fanzine for LFC supporters. He was accompanied by two regular writers to that publication – Ian Brown and Julian Richards. The lads enamoured themselves to the "Rabble" behind the goal by instantly veering towards the Club Shop and donning three pink n blue scarves. By the second half, they were joining in the hearty cries of “South London’s number one!” and “I heard a rumour”, with Ian nearly ending up on the pitch such was the enthusiasm for an near Ellis Green winner at the death. The final score of 1-1 was agreed to be slightly harsh on the Dulwich lads who would’ve been well worth three points.
No slinking away for these boys – up to the bar post-match for a few pints – and they were delighted when Junior Kadi, Gavin Rose and Erhun Oztumer agreed to pose for some photos. Committee member Shaun Dooley completed our Liverpool friends sojourn in SE22 by booking a table at the new local eatery on Melbourne Grove, "My Big Fat Greek" Restaurant, the beers flowed and there was even talk of a TLW vs. DHFC Supporters fixture in Summer of 2013 – well, and hopes of Jamie Carragher attending (but that could’ve been the jovial wine enhanced mood!).
“I can’t stop singing the Erhun song” - Ian Brown
“Been singing Pride of South London all week. Even in the shower, not even joking!” - Julian Richards
With the NFL fixture in place each Autumn, it’s likely the lads will visit again and I’m sure will receive another warm welcome.