I'll introduce myself my name is Elisha or Eli for short, even though i was born in Dudley - The Black Country*, West Midlands. I'm classed by race as Afro-Carribean due to my mother (who passed away nearly 4 years ago) & dad. They were both Jamaicans who migrated to the UK about 48 years ago. The team in England that i support are Walsall who play in League 1 at the moment i.e. the third tier of English Football.

The first signs of interest in Walsall was when they played Liverpool in the 1984 League Cup Semi Final - 1st Leg at Anfield. The result of the first leg was 2-2, but they lost the second leg 2-0 at the former Fellows Park (which is now a supermarket for the last 18 years ).

Because of this game i've got a soft spot for Liverpool, because one of my older brothers is a big fan of this club. My favourite German teams are of course FC St Pauli & 1 FC Koln - who have a good relationship with Liverpool FC . One of the many reasons i like and respect FC St Pauli is because of their strong principles & policies with regards to anti-racism, homophobia, facism & sexism. Not forgetting that the club's rebellious stance or anti-establishment stance towards football.

Plus i remember the 2001-02 season when The Pirates were in the Bundesliga. I'm sure that there was some TV highlights covergage of the Bundesliga and because of it i liked the vibrancy of the fans.

*Due to the area's industrial past it was called the cradle of the Industrial revolution by many historians in the 19th and 20th century.

Hi Eli, and welcome. Hope you like it here.

Sorry to say this, but Köln just got knocked out of the cup yesterday evening, but at least it was to Mainz, who are also cool.

Remember seeing one of the greatest cup upsets back in '83-4 when Walsall won against the(no so then) mighty Arsenal in the League Cup,those days when big clubs didn't take the mickey by fielding reserves

Never got the chance to get to the old ground but remember with great fondness the famous Balti Pies at the Bescot.

BTW Welcome..

Hi Eli,

Welcome to the St Pauli family.I'm a Leicester City fan living the dream we will get back up first time!

Hi Eli
Carlisle play Walsall this Saturday. I've family stuff going on so I cant make the match but I'm coming down to Brum for Brownstock in November and fancied your game against Northampton.

Welcome to the board.

Alright Eli

Good to see another West Midlander on here, and a Saddler to boot!

In fact I think you're the first Black Country poster on here. We have a couple of Wolves and Baggies fans (from Lower Gornal and Penn) who come over to Hamburg from time to time, but I haven't seen any other of there fans on here. So you're a first!

As Brido says, we're putting on a fundraiser for St Pauli fans in Brum on Nov 1, so do come along if you fancy meeting up with like minded Midlanders.

Welcome to the forum mate.

brido05 wrote:

I'm coming down to Brum for Brownstock in November and fancied your game against Northampton

Bri.

If you're serious about this fixture why don't we suggest this match as an afternoon meet for all those visiting Birmingham that weekend?

I get the impression there's a fair amount of interest from board members for that Saturday in Brum. A football match, a few libations and then Brownstock?

John x

I m in ! just need to look at how I can get from northampton to brumland afterwards.

Yes, I would like to go along and Walsall are at home, 3pm ok.
I just need to see about my train. I'll travel down in the morning but I'm not sure when it get into Brum.