Andy Booth column: A wonderful send-off I’ll always remember

May 8 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

I’D like to start my new Examiner column by saying that the last few weeks could not have been scripted any better for me.

Ever since I announced my retirement things have gone well, and to mark my last home game with a goal and then bow out with my 150th for the club was just fantastic.

The reception I got at the Galpharm and then down at Orient was absolutely brilliant – typical of how the Town fans have been to me over all the years I’ve played.

I would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to each and every one of them. The fans are a massive help when they get behind us and it’s really touched me how many cards and messages I’ve had thanking me and wishing me all the best for the future.

The scenes after the last match at home and then again last weekend made me feel very proud, and it was great to have my son, Harrison, with me for my final game.

It was brilliant for the gaffer, Lee Clark, to allow him to come on the team bus, stay at the hotel and be part of all the team meetings.

He then experienced the whole matchday in the changing rooms and he had a fantastic time, which was great for me to share.

It goes without saying that I’ll always remember my goal.

I think the keeper was a bit slow coming out when the ball was headed back and I managed to get my foot to the ball first.

The ball was then rolling towards the goalline and the angle was getting tighter, but I managed to get a good contact and the fact my momentum took me towards the Town fans just made it so special.

I have to say, though, that six or seven years ago I would not have struggled to catch up with a trickling football!

A few years ago it would have been a lot easier to score, so this is definitely the right time to go.

In fact, I should probably have retired straight after that goal, because I didn’t do much else in the whole game.

But it was great, and to see all the supporters down there – and the lads – celebrating like they were just made it all so special.

I’ll never forget it, and neither will Harrison.