Anyone else considering not going back?

This forced break we’ve encountered from attending games and other restrictions we’ve faced, has really made me take stock of my life and make some decisions. 60 in 3 yrs time, and after ‘going down the City’ since i was 11, and travelling to many away games, I’ve decided to throw in the towel.
Thinking of coinciding retirement, with moving away from Cardiff and spending my autumn yrs in a cottage on the coast somewhere in west Wales.
Kids grown up and away from the nest, coupled with the reality of how life can be snuffed out in a heartbeat, along with the reality of what a pandemic can do, has made my wife and i re-evaluate almost everything.

You certainly realise that there are far more important things but I miss going down there with my dad. The build up to it, watching live sport, the feeling of properly celebrating goals (think I've managed a smile for our goals so far).

It puts things into perspective but no I can't wait to get back down there.

I wont be giving it up. For me, football is escapism, away from all of the other shit that isn't work etc. I most definitely need it in my life.

Hardly old is it, do that when you struggle to get out and about in my view, take up some more hobbies and get out at every opportunity even if its pissing down.
Going down the City, is much more than 90 minutes of football, the build up beforehand, picking your starting 11, which you're convinced would easily win the game, the meet up with family and friends in the pub beforehand, the excitement of actually being there, the pub stop on the way back, catching up with old mates, dissecting the game, and talking about next Tuesday's or Saturday's team.
I've had some great days at away games with some really good people, often interrupted by 90 minutes of tedium😁 and I wouldn't have swapped that for anything!!
It might be a while before were back down the City, but I can't wait.

"a cottage on the coast". They don't come cheap. It's only 2hrs max. Go there for day trips/weekends. You'll be bored rigid after a couple of months.

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Originally Posted by olderblue

Hardly old is it, do that when you struggle to get out and about in my view, take up some more hobbies and get out at every opportunity even if its pissing down.
Going down the City, is much more than 90 minutes of football, the build up beforehand, picking your starting 11, which you're convinced would easily win the game, the meet up with family and friends in the pub beforehand, the excitement of actually being there, the pub stop on the way back, catching up with old mates, dissecting the game, and talking about next Tuesday's or Saturday's team.
I've had some great days at away games with some really good people, often interrupted by 90 minutes of tedium�� and I wouldn't have swapped that for anything!!
It might be a while before were back down the City, but I can't wait.

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Well said. Particularly liked your bit about getting out, even if it's pissing down. The best medicine (for me)is getting out and feeling the elements.

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Originally Posted by Tuerto

Well said. Particularly liked your bit about getting out, even if it's pissing down. The best medicine (for me)is getting out and feeling the elements.

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Today is perfect for that then. It will swing both ways I think, some will say they’ve had enough, others will think I need to get out more (as they’ve been locked up for so long). As for west wales, it’s nice to visit but not to live in my opinion. After living in Cardiff, it’s too slow and boring and the weather is definitely worse :hehe: I have a place there, have lived there, and could move tomorrow, it’s not for me, not yet anyway.

The thought has crossed my mind given the crap were playing at the moment.

Stopping work through voluntary redundancy meant have the time (and money) to attend nearly all the home and away matches for several seasons on the trot. It was a way of life until lockdown. I hate to think how many miles I've clocked up over the years. Two things have changed that though. Lockdown and selling up the family home in Cardiff after 55 years. Nowhere to pop into before and (for many years) after a match travelling from and back to the Midlands. More recently I'd been stopping over due to parents illnesses. Now all that is gone. I certainly dont miss the travel, the long hours on coaches, driving, trains and tubes or the finding somewhere to park, walking (in the rain) to stadia.....for "90 minutes of tedium"! I do miss the banter, the "edge" at certain matches, the goal celebrations and those moments where the hair stands up on the back of your arm as the teams come out.....the anticipation and infrequent but ever-to-be-remembered moments. Those wins at home and away where you leave a match signing your head off on cloud 9. Might I add "draw" to that. Leeds. 3 nil down and we came back to draw. How there were no broken bones when the third went in, I don't know. Carnage.
Will I stop going? No chance. CTID

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Originally Posted by goats

Today is perfect for that then. It will swing both ways I think, some will say they’ve had enough, others will think I need to get out more (as they’ve been locked up for so long). As for west wales, it’s nice to visit but not to live in my opinion. After living in Cardiff, it’s too slow and boring and the weather is definitely worse :hehe: I have a place there, have lived there, and could move tomorrow, it’s not for me, not yet anyway.

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Work on the house beckons today. sadly. I wouldn't fancy living in West Wales, it's quite deprived in a lot of ways. I'd get bored after a while. I love the coast and the countryside but need a City to keep me entertained. I'll say this quietly, i've always found west walians a bit odd, the ones i've met down here are as tight as cramp as well!

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Originally Posted by William Treseder

This forced break we’ve encountered from attending games and other restrictions we’ve faced, has really made me take stock of my life and make some decisions. 60 in 3 yrs time, and after ‘going down the City’ since i was 11, and travelling to many away games, I’ve decided to throw in the towel.
Thinking of coinciding retirement, with moving AWAY FROM CARDIFF and spending my autumn yrs in a cottage on the coast somewhere in west Wales.
Kids grown up and away from the nest, coupled with the reality of how life can be snuffed out in a heartbeat, along with the reality of what a pandemic can do, has made my wife and i re-evaluate almost everything.

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Whilst it sounds idyllic and lots have done it successfully, I've had lots of elderly customers who had tried this, only to end in heart break. Some have moved, only to lose their partner and are then stuck in a place, where they know no-body and have gone into deep depression. Think about it carefully, personally, I just take more short breaks, in Wales, England or Scotland to fill our old age. Think carefully !!! As regards football, I'm undecided at the moment, but definitely missing mates, more than the football

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Originally Posted by Dorcus

The thought has crossed my mind given the crap were playing at the moment.

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Didn't go down in the 80's, I take it :hehe:

Apologies in advance if you did :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by Tuerto

Work on the house beckons today. sadly. I wouldn't fancy living in West Wales, it's quite deprived in a lot of ways. I'd get bored after a while. I love the coast and the countryside but need a City to keep me entertained. I'll say this quietly, i've always found west walians a bit odd, the ones i've met down here are as tight as cramp as well!

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I think, as an escapee to Pembrokeshire of over 30 years I have to have my say.
The place is not boring. Certainly you have to adjust to a new way of doing things but I can honestly say I've never been bored.
I've missed little from Cardiff, apart from not being able to get to the football regularly and the occasional bit of culture at Chapter.
I agree about the people though. The friends I've made, have pretty all been escapees as well. It is quite difficult to get close to the 'locals' who certainly have a different mindset to City dwellers.
Having said all that, if your circumstances allow, go for it. You can always go back if you dont like it. W Wales is hardly the other side of the world.

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Originally Posted by BLUETIT

Whilst it sounds idyllic and lots have done it successfully, I've had lots of elderly customers who had tried this, only to end in heart break. Some have moved, only to lose their partner and are then stuck in a place, where they know no-body and have gone into deep depression. Think about it carefully, personally, I just take more short breaks, in Wales, England or Scotland to fill our old age. Think carefully !!! As regards football, I'm undecided at the moment, but definitely missing mates, more than the football

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I would just add to my other post that I moved down here in my 30s, and i think that was a big advantage and now have my own family around me. Doing it later in life can be more problematic I agree, but Cardiff is still only a couple of hours away.

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Originally Posted by Former Labour leader

I think, as an escapee to Pembrokeshire of over 30 years I have to have my say.
The place is not boring. Certainly you have to adjust to a new way of doing things but I can honestly say I've never been bored.
I've missed little from Cardiff, apart from not being able to get to the football regularly and the occasional bit of culture at Chapter.
I agree about the people though. The friends I've made, have pretty all been escapees as well. It is quite difficult to get close to the 'locals' who certainly have a different mindset to City dwellers.
Having said all that, if your circumstances allow, go for it. You can always go back if you dont like it. W Wales is hardly the other side of the world.

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I'm glad you lie it so much, obviously, i don't really know how i'd react as i've never done it. I'm not a massive fan of Wales anyway, If i had an opportunity to move away from Cardiff, then greece would be my destination of choice, or northern Spain. Both have their problems similar to rural areas in this country, although i like the people and culture, and with a bit of land to keep me busy and a balcony to smoke Cigars on into the night i reckon that i would be quite happy!

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Originally Posted by Tuerto

I'm glad you LIE it so much, obviously, i don't really know how i'd react as i've never done it. I'm not a massive fan of Wales anyway, If i had an opportunity to move away from Cardiff, then greece would be my destination of choice, or northern Spain. Both have their problems similar to rural areas in this country, although i like the people and culture, and with a bit of land to keep me busy and a balcony to smoke Cigars on into the night i reckon that i would be quite happy!

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I don't think he's telling porkies :hehe::hehe:

I'm missing the football I'm missing my mates and beer too on match days.
What I'm not missing are the late nights after midweek games. As I get older I struggle if I don't get a good nights kip, and while I can't wait to get back to normal, I'm not sure if my attendance at the night matches (which have always been special) is going to be as regular in future.

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Originally Posted by Former Labour leader

I think, as an escapee to Pembrokeshire of over 30 years I have to have my say.
The place is not boring. Certainly you have to adjust to a new way of doing things but I can honestly say I've never been bored.
I've missed little from Cardiff, apart from not being able to get to the football regularly and the occasional bit of culture at Chapter.
I agree about the people though. The friends I've made, have pretty all been escapees as well. It is quite difficult to get close to the 'locals' who certainly have a different mindset to City dwellers.
Having said all that, if your circumstances allow, go for it. You can always go back if you dont like it. W Wales is hardly the other side of the world.

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One thing I found when me and my wife lived there for a year about 13 years ago was that almost instantly, everyone knew us and where we lived despite never noticing them before! Whereas here, I’m not sure who lives 10 houses up the street....:hehe:
Might be a bit OTT to say I find it boring as I’ve always plenty to do down there, I could spend years in the garden for starters, but it’s just not for me. I like to mix the busy with a bit of quiet so to escape every few months is perfect.
Another thing for the OP, quite a few people are thinking of moving west as they believe they will always be working from home now so want a nicer space, prices have already risen in places like Nabarth (an hour ish from Cardiff) and I’m sure they will continue to farther west. You can get quite a lot for your Cardiff house out west too, detached, gardens and sea views for under 450k

I’ll still be going at this moment in time but you never really know until the time comes.
There are other things that could change too,going to the pub As to drinking at home.use card payments as to cash,shopping in store as to deliveries and so on......

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Originally Posted by Tuerto

I'm glad you lie it so much, obviously, i don't really know how i'd react as i've never done it. I'm not a massive fan of Wales anyway, If i had an opportunity to move away from Cardiff, then greece would be my destination of choice, or northern Spain. Both have their problems similar to rural areas in this country, although i like the people and culture, and with a bit of land to keep me busy and a balcony to smoke Cigars on into the night i reckon that i would be quite happy!

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Mate of mine just moved to Kefalonia a year or so ago, loves it.

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Originally Posted by BLUETIT

Didn't go down in the 80's, I take it :hehe:

Apologies in advance if you did :thumbup:

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Or Russel Slade days

Its in the blood now so I will return as soon as I can , the social side of the day with goods friends before and after the game are equally important to me , the whole event and day is very enjoyable missing it dreadfully .

I do miss it. Watching football with no crowds is soulless. The atmosphere is everything, even in 1990 when we had sub 2000 crowds, when just 2000 or so hardy should could be heard moaning! I think if I did move away I would manage without watching City, but being close to family is important. I had a house in the USA but sold it as it's different going on a holiday there to living there. With the internet these days, one place is pretty much like another. I have missed time down the City though, 1973/74 I cannot remember, 84/85 & 85/86 I think I only saw 1 game, and most of 2000/01, and only about 6 games in the Slade era too (it just felt hopeless then). But it's good now, decent players etc except we are not playing well at all and haven't for a long time.

My mate travels down from Leicester for home games, but I wouldn't travel that for for games. Radio Wales would do me.

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Originally Posted by Tuerto

I'm glad you lie it so much, obviously, i don't really know how i'd react as i've never done it. I'm not a massive fan of Wales anyway, If i had an opportunity to move away from Cardiff, then greece would be my destination of choice, or northern Spain. Both have their problems similar to rural areas in this country, although i like the people and culture, and with a bit of land to keep me busy and a balcony to smoke Cigars on into the night i reckon that i would be quite happy!

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Sorry to pee on your chips but don't you have to be a registered resident in Spain and Greece before 31/12/20 to live the dream?

To put it in simple terms, it’s 90 minutes in the middle of a good day out, looking forward to getting back to normality, fingers crossed.

I’ve wondered recently if people would get used to staying away. Personally I can’t wait to get back despite some benefits of watching at home. Saw the Wolves promotion game on sky the other night. What an atmosphere. Made me realise what is missing at the moment.

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Originally Posted by William Treseder

This forced break we’ve encountered from attending games and other restrictions we’ve faced, has really made me take stock of my life and make some decisions. 60 in 3 yrs time, and after ‘going down the City’ since i was 11, and travelling to many away games, I’ve decided to throw in the towel.
Thinking of coinciding retirement, with moving away from Cardiff and spending my autumn yrs in a cottage on the coast somewhere in west Wales.
Kids grown up and away from the nest, coupled with the reality of how life can be snuffed out in a heartbeat, along with the reality of what a pandemic can do, has made my wife and i re-evaluate almost everything.

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I'm debating it, the rebrand killed off most of my passion, modern football is generally shite and this may well be the final nail in the coffin for me.

Might be a relief the fact no one can go this season, looks like we might just stay up.....

No

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Originally Posted by cyril evans awaydays

Sorry to pee on your chips but don't you have to be a registered resident in Spain and Greece before 31/12/20 to live the dream?

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I don't know, although seeing as i'm in no position to go and live in either country, it doesn't really matter that much. One thing is certain though, i wont be retiring to West Wales, way to wet and grey for my liking.

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Originally Posted by Tuerto

I don't know, although seeing as i'm in no position to go and live in either country, it doesn't really matter that much. One thing is certain though, i wont be retiring to West Wales, way to wet and grey for my liking.

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It's almost like Brexit ended freedom of movement.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-i...-and-residency

So we have two strands to this thread - not continuing to watch City and moving away from this area.
Even before the pandemic struck, I had decided I wasn't going to renew my ST if Harris was manager. I was bored at matches and simply didn't enjoy the football. It was the Slade era all over again - when I also didn't renew. I just cherry-picked the matches I fancied - usually against the better teams. I think my mindset is different to many on here - I'm a fan of football more than a fan of City. For me, over the last ten years, generally the football at CCS has been watchable.
As regards moving away, its a total non-starter. We moved back to Cardiff when we started a family. We sat down and discussed where we wanted to live - and it could have been anywhere. We chose Cardiff - and it's been great living here.
If folk want to move, I wonder if it's because they are not happy with their life's course and/or where they live. For me, I have several hobbies which I thoroughly enjoy. Researching local and family history. Writing. Playing guitar. Building guitars. Gardening. There's something there for every season and I tend to immerse myself deeply in my hobbies. In short, I love where I live and love how I spend my life. Why would I want the upheaval of a move away?

As some have alluded to, I think I have gone off City because of a combination of things...

1. The move to CCS. Ninian Park, despite being a shit hole, had bags more character and added loads as a backdrop to "the match day experience". Smells, noise. Very nostalgic.

2. Tan. The red thing. I know that Sam left us in the shit, but despite Tan's efforts in putting the club back on track financially, he seems to be in it for himself. SH, despite being wreck-less, did seem to be in it for the common good. That's just my impression.

3. The on-field "project". A number of managers that have played dull football with no view to a future. Very few Welsh or local players. No youngsters in the side.

.... I can honestly say that with the pandemic I have gone one/two/three games without knowing what the results had been. First time that has happened for many years.

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Originally Posted by William Treseder

This forced break we’ve encountered from attending games and other restrictions we’ve faced, has really made me take stock of my life and make some decisions. 60 in 3 yrs time, and after ‘going down the City’ since i was 11, and travelling to many away games, I’ve decided to throw in the towel.
Thinking of coinciding retirement, with moving away from Cardiff and spending my autumn yrs in a cottage on the coast somewhere in west Wales.
Kids grown up and away from the nest, coupled with the reality of how life can be snuffed out in a heartbeat, along with the reality of what a pandemic can do, has made my wife and i re-evaluate almost everything.

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Get ready for the sticker shock when you head down west.

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Originally Posted by Divine Wright

As some have alluded to, I think I have gone off City because of a combination of things...

1. The move to CCS. Ninian Park, despite being a shit hole, had bags more character and added loads as a backdrop to "the match day experience". Smells, noise. Very nostalgic.

2. Tan. The red thing. I know that Sam left us in the shit, but despite Tan's efforts in putting the club back on track financially, he seems to be in it for himself. SH, despite being wreck-less, did seem to be in it for the common good. That's just my impression.

3. The on-field "project". A number of managers that have played dull football with no view to a future. Very few Welsh or local players. No youngsters in the side.

.... I can honestly say that with the pandemic I have gone one/two/three games without knowing what the results had been. First time that has happened for many years.

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Leaving Ninian was a stab in the heart, the rebrand pretty much machine gunned my head off and Covid may well be the final nail in the coffin.

I’ll be going back, but I’ll be cherry picking my games. No more season ticket as I won’t be bothering with the cold, dark, wet Tuesday night games. And anything that is televised means I’ll stay home or pop down the local.

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Originally Posted by Divine Wright

As some have alluded to, I think I have gone off City because of a combination of things...


Tan seems to be in it for himself. SH, despite being wreck-less, did seem to be in it for the common good. That's just my impression.

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I'd love to know what you think Tan is getting out of this. The club is costing him a fortune. He lives so far away he can't be getting any enjoyment from a team that is awful to watch, has a disappointing manager, loads of disenchanted fans, an ageing squad and debts up to the top of his trousers with absolutely no chance of ever getting his money back.

O

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Originally Posted by Vindec

I'd love to know what you think Tan is getting out of this. He has debts up to the top of his trousers

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Nobody, but nobody in the whole world has that much debt:hehe:

With my girls saturday commitments i havent been a regular for a few years ( living away doesnt help either ) but i always get to games when we can

But since lockown has ended ive taken a interest in my local non-league team ( infact 2 local towns teams ) one of my local teams i have seen the Reserve's play, the A Team ( my daughters boyfriend plays for them both ) and the ladies team, For the last 5 - 6 weeks Ive seen 4 games per week, supported them with a few drinks in the clubhouse ( all socially distanced of course ), the reserves get maybe 100 fans watching, its a decent game, they play with passion and it looks like the game means something to them

not sure ive missed going to watch city games that much, which is a shame, yes of course i will still pop up and watch a few games when i can, yes i still look for the results ASAP or even watch via a stream ( when i can )

To be honest, I doubt this season will be finished.
I also doubt football will ever be the same again.
It's going to be a long time before we get big crowds back.
This pandemic is going to get a lot worse before it gets better.