There’s no place like home: LOSC v Nancy

I never had the pleasure of watching Lille in the old Stade Grimonprez-Jooris. The year I started watching was the year they moved to the “temporary” Stade Lille Metropole” – eight years later the day had finally come for Lille to welcome everyone to their new home. AS Nancy were the visitors as the Grand Stade Lille Metropole opened to a near full house, all tickets were sold out but there were a few empty seats dotted around the ground. Still going from 18,000 to 46,000+ is a hell of an upgrade.

Never would I have thought eight years ago that I would get to share such an occassion with the Lille fans, and never could I have imagined the wonderful day it would turn out to be. I may write a longer version but for now here’s the short one.

Met a friend who I had spoken to on facebook ever since Umbro posted my story, had a few beers, got stopped by local paper La Voix Du Nord for a bizarre interview *FFW business card handed over* pictures taken. Started a rendition of the LOSC hymn on the metro which was pretty special. My friend Manu was delighted to introduce nearly all 46,000 fans to me as a Scottish fan of LOSC, the look of bewilderment in their eyes was pretty funny.

And then there it was….beautifully sparkling in the sunlight. The new stadium is breathtaking both inside and out. A magnificent arena to play football in, completly jealoud of the fans who get to go to every game. I will be back there next month for LOSC v OL but for now I will leave you with my pictures slideshow and a video a made of little clips from the game. Enjoy!