Agree with Chris and some of the above. For context, have supported for 25 years, season ticket holder for some of them, sold Strike it Lucky for a few years. Not been regularly for a few years due to money going elsewhere (namely the kids!) but the strangest thing happened. The day after the Forest game, someone told me we'd beaten them in the cup. I honestly didn't know we were playing them, that showed me something was wrong.
Latics have always been in my blood, since standing on the Rochdale Road terrace as a lad in the very early 90s, buying luke warm pies from that trolley thing they used to push around, and spending my days learning everything i could about the players, the club, Big Joe.....Not knowing a) that we were in the 3rd round and that we'd beaten Championship opposition shamed me. Since then, money or not, I've watched every video I can find, Read every thread on here, and realised that supporting Latics is NOT just about attending the games as so many obsess about on here. It's like falling out of love with someone, you still care for their well being but don't see them anymore?
Anyway, after hurling myself around the front room like a man possessed during the Liverpool and home Everton game, I jumped back on the horse. I spent last night in the company of 4000 like mind souls and loved every minute of it despite the result, shouting and singing myself hoarse, feeling emotions that are unique only to football, and reconnecting with my very first passion in life- OAAFC. This cup run has re-ignited something in me that until I realised it had gone, I didn't realise how much I missed it, namely the kindred spirit, the never say die attitude, the immense pride (even in defeat) that comes with being a true football supporter.
To that end, considering I quit smoking at Christmas, I will put the money I am saving towards my season ticket for next season. Christ, I may even get one for the kids (please keep the tenner ticket!) and see if I can continue the chain!
Thank you to the boys, to TP & Gezza, to SC, for making this lapsed supporter realise that you are never too detached to get re- attached. I can only hope that more people feel the same, and can share in this incredible journey of highs and lows that is supporting this wonderful club of ours.