What would be the greatest dream of a football fan? Mine was to cheer for my boyhood team, Tottenham Hotspurs at White Hart Lane. I have been a diehard fan of the club for the past 30 years. Despite friends and colleagues questioning my sanity in supporting Spurs, my love for this dream would remain strong as ever.

Watching them on TV and to have watched them live in action at the stadium was a totally different experience. Too often, after watching Tottenham Hotspur playing on TV, I wished fervently that I could be physically there cheering and screaming for Spurs. As I grew older and with my own family, I began doubting whether I can fulfill this boyhood dream.

The closest I came to witnessing Spurs was in 2011 when I was sent by my bureau for a month study at the UK’s Crime Academy. I went to White Hart Lane but could not buy tickets to watch the Champions League match against Real Madrid or the league match against Stoke. However I did visit the stadium which gave me the goosebumps. I could only sigh and felt regret that I could not watch a Hotspur game at White Hart Lane.

As destiny would have it on 7th May 2016, my dream was fulfilled. My comrades from Legion of Spurs (LOS), Doc, Manu, Alex and Cris and I entered the awesome sacred ground White Hart Lane! Even though the trip cost me more than $4k, the opportunity to cheer for my team live in the stadium was priceless!

Walking outside the WHL stadium before the game was an unforgettable experience. The electrifying atmosphere generated by the fans was intensed and we could not wait to enter the stadium to watch the players in action.

On our arrival hours before the game, we were ushered to the Oak Room for lunch. We were ecstatic when we saw Spurs Legend like Ray Clemence, Paul Allen, Clive Allen, Pat Jennings and David Howells waking casually in the Oak Room. We could not believe our eyes when they came over to speak to us. They were kind to agree to take photos with us. They were the heroes we supported growing up! These legends were so humble and polite and we were literally dumbstruck when they approached us.

Soon we made our way to our seats in the stadium as the game against Southampton was about to start. My heart, and Im sure my comrades as well, were pounding rapidly and hands were shaking. The blaring entrance music welcomed the fans with open arms. Once I saw the big field, I was choked with emotions. Yes, this is it! My boyhood dream will be realized. I could not believe I was about to watch Tottenham Hotspur playing in front of me.

The stadium was packed. The fans were extremely loud and the mood was electrifying. Our adrenalin were pumping when we saw the teams marched into the field. OMG! They were about to play in front of me! Am I dreaming?! We cheered and cursed loudly together with the rest of the fans. I could not resist taking several photos and videos of the game. I wanted to bring back these images to share with my family and friends. I wanted to tell them that I was at White Hart Lane.

Anyway, you guys knew the eventual result. But I was determined not to let the score dampened my spirits. Being here to support my team was already a blessing. I knew there were several Spurs fans back at home who would want to immerse in this unforgettable experience.

The experience was further enriched when we shook hands and took photos with the Man of the Match, Erik Lamela. I told him that he was my son, Bryan, favourite player. He smiled, thanked me and shook my hands. What a humble guy!

Thanks to LOS and my comrades for organising this trip. Thanks for fulfilling my boyhood dream. The experience of this trip would forever be entrenched in my mind. I definitely would share my experiences and photos with my family, colleagues and friends.

And I have another dream. I would want to bring my sons to watch a game at White Hart Lane together. A tradition passing from one generation to another. Hopefully then, Spurs would be lifting the league trophy at White Hart Lane! COYS!!!!!

Richard Soh