Paul’s Soccer Stories
Paul’s Groundhopping Plans for 2023-24
Well, unless something major changes, my 2023-24 groundhopping run is complete. But I did finish the 92 this season as planned! Last season's tally was 65 games, adding 10 to my UK grounds list and leaving me at 85 of the current season's 92 league clubs. Thirty-one of those 65 games were in Europe, adding…
On the Bandwagon at Wrexham
In which the author goes to get a sense of what's happening in Wrexham with his own eyes -- and tick off ground #87 of the 92. I have been accused, with some reason, of a certain cynicism regarding what’s happening at Wrexham. In response, I have tried to make it clear that I see…
Seeing a Game at Accrington Stanley
There are so many layers to English football, especially clubs like Accrington Stanley, that one simply wouldn't know about or experience until one shows up, walks around, and talks to people. Just the simple question you may now be asking yourself -- "Accrington Stanley, who are they?" -- is engrained into the English football conscience.…
Groundhopping at Real Zaragoza
Some time, when your touring or groundhopping in Spain has you traveling between Madrid and Barcelona -- or looking for a nice day out from either -- stop off in Zaragoza, a city worth a day of your time with a football ground that is a trip back in time. I knew almost nothing…
Paul’s 2022-23 Groundhopping Run
"Groundhopper Paul" has wrapped up his 2022-23 groundhopping season, after 65 games. Updated May 5 -- all done for the season! Here's my 2023-24 groundhopping plan. Well, this season of groundhopping is done. I was checking out many of the European and Premier League tickets and hospitality options we sell. And touring the continent. And…
In Valencia, Yes They Can?
In Valencia, two clubs trying to accomplish different things share one thing in common: the belief that ¡Si se puede! At the big and famous club, they are fighting for survival. At the smaller one, known and supported by far fewer, they are aiming for greater heights. And while neither of the Valencia clubs are…
What “Welcome to Wrexham” Tells Us — Or Should, Anyway — About Football
Since I own a football-related company, and since I have been to more than 200 games all over the UK and Europe, many Americans have asked me what I think about the show “Welcome to Wrexham.” Or they have simply expressed their admiration for it, and the club. So I thought I would offer my…
Back to the Beginning at City Ground
I don't remember the first time I ever kicked a soccer ball, or watched a game, or walked into a stadium. But I do remember the first fact that made me fall in love with the game -- the first shaft of light, if you will, that shone on me from another world, which I…
I Guess I’m Not a Curse
In nine years of attending games all over the UK and Europe, I have come to believe I might be a curse for the home team. The reason? In the more than 200 games I've seen, the home team has averaged between 1.3 and 1.4 points per game -- basically an even split between wins,…
Stockport County May Be What It’s All About
There are a lot of reasons I love going to soccer games, and I came across quite a few of them on my trip to Stockport County. I try not to "rate" my groundhopping experiences too much, mainly because turning one's passion into one's profession, something fun into a series of checkboxes, is a sad…
