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Journeyman Spectator
Welcome
Journeyman Spectator is a resource for those with a love of sport and a case of wanderlust.
Here, you will find practical travel guides to venues around the world, celebration of those intrepid fans who traverse the globe in support of their teams, and personal reflections on things seen and learned along the way.
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A Soft (Drink) Corporate Takeover? Newcastle-Bath at Kingston Park
Newcastle is no stranger to a re-brand. It started life under Roman rule as Pons Aelius in 122 AD, given the same name as the bridge (which took its moniker from the family name of Emperor Hadrian, whose eponymous wall ran through land occupied by the current city) that spanned the Tyne around the site of the modern-day Swing Bridge. There is little evidence of continued settlement following the end of Roman occupation, with the area eventually gaining the name of Monkchester
Journeyman Spectator
5 hours ago6 min read
Latest Posts
A Soft (Drink) Corporate Takeover? Newcastle-Bath at Kingston Park
Newcastle is no stranger to a re-brand. It started life under Roman rule as Pons Aelius in 122 AD, given the same name as the bridge (which took its moniker from the family name of Emperor Hadrian, whose eponymous wall ran through land occupied by the current city) that spanned the Tyne around the site of the modern-day Swing Bridge. There is little evidence of continued settlement following the end of Roman occupation, with the area eventually gaining the name of Monkchester
Journeyman Spectator
5 hours ago6 min read
Fool Me Twice: Hampden Park is Still Pretty Embarrassing
So, you did it again. You didn’t learn from that old cliché about who’s to blame the second time you get fooled. By the time that particular adage floats into your mind, it’s already too late. You’re there and not only are you there, but you also remember you paid extra for a ‘premium’ ticket this time round in the vain hope that it might yield an improved experience. Standing in what looks like a drab, lifeless conference room while you queue for beer, you realise money can
Journeyman Spectator
6 days ago4 min read
O Scrum All Ye Faithful: Glasgow-Toulouse at Scotstoun
To some extent, attending live sport, whether you’re following a particular team or just an enthusiast attending whatever is available, can feel like chasing the highs of seeing extremely unlikely victories and triumphs over adversity. That pursuit is usually both fruitless and expensive. Sometimes, though, your persistence is rewarded with something truly spectacular. This happened to me on December 13 th at Glasgow’s Champions Cup group stage contest against Toulouse at Sc
Journeyman Spectator
6 days ago3 min read
If the Hope Doesn't Kill You: Scotland-All Blacks at Murrayfield
In the 120 years since Scotland first squared off against New Zealand on a rugby field, Scottish hopes of a victory have rarely been so high. In the build-up to the match, pundits and columnists have spoken of the strength of the current side and the relatively lacklustre recent form of the All Blacks as signs that today, at long last, might just be the day that long-awaited victory is seized. And yet, amongst fans, that optimism is tempered with a resignation bordering on fa
Journeyman Spectator
Nov 22, 20253 min read
Ireland-England at Malahide: Contrasting Scheduling Crises
Perhaps it’s the onset of autumn; the sun hanging low over the top of the temporary stands and shadows lengthening earlier than they did just a few short weeks ago at the height of summer, the first hint of brown on the leaves of the stately trees that surround the ground. Or, perhaps, it’s the fatigue of the England players marching onto the field one last time after a madcap summer of international fixtures; or the frustration of the Irish team playing the last of a much mo
Journeyman Spectator
Oct 15, 20255 min read
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