Football often throws up family rivalries – and the FA Cup third round draw which paired West Ham United with Bristol City did just that for Matt and Wendy Datson.
Both Matt and Wendy are blind but that in no way affects their passionate support for the two teams which meet today at London Stadium.
Hammers’ fan Matt, brother of James Datson who does an excellent job commentating on West Ham’s home matches for the visually impaired, will this afternoon be alongside wife and long-time Bristol City Season Ticket Holder Wendy after travelling up from their home in Weston-super-Mare.
Matt takes up the story.
“We actually met at a college for the blind at Hereford when we were both 17, some 35 years ago,” he says. “We became friends for the three-year course at Hereford and then went our separate ways – me back to London, while Wendy returned to Weston-super-Mare.
“We stayed in touch from time to time, Christmas, birthdays, that sort of thing, and met up on a couple of occasions in the 1990s with other friends.
“Then, in 2004, we began talking a little more regularly and decided we would meet up. We would travel to each other’s homes at weekends and then, around 2009 we sat down and talked about the future.
“Wendy didn’t want to move to London which I understood, while I said I would move down to Weston-super-Mare provided I could find a job.
“I found employment and I moved down there in May 2010 but there was one caveat which Wendy insisted upon – and that was that I kept my West Ham Season Ticket.
“It was honestly her idea and she said: ‘You must keep that Season Ticket, I know how much you love West Ham!’
“I’ve not regretted the decision for one moment since then and that West Ham connection has been so important to me because I’m back there a couple of times a month, to meet up with old mates and see my brother James.
“Wendy, on the other hand, is an avid Bristol City supporter. She’s been going to Ashton Gate since 1982 and had a Season Ticket there since 1990. In fact, we’ve both been Season Ticket Holders at our respected clubs for more than 30 years.
“I go with her to Bristol City sometimes and Wendy came up to London Stadium recently when we played Nottingham Forest. We’re both football mad.
“We’re both in full-time employment. I work as a personal claims handler for a furniture warranty company, while Wendy works in marketing.”
So, will marital relationships become just a little strained during the match for the Datsons?
“No, I think it will stay friendly and civilised!” says Matt. “I did ask Wendy if she would be happy sitting with me and she said ‘yes’. Her brother and nephew will also be there, in the away fans section, but Wendy must love me a lot because she has chosen to sit next to me, rather than them.
“Wendy phoned me when the draw was made and said: ‘You’re going out in the third round, because you’ve drawn us!
“You couldn’t make it up!
“I do think the game will come down to what team we are able to put out. We’ve lost a few players to the Africa Cup of Nations and I think it will be a close game but I believe we’ll just shade it.”
As for Wendy, she agrees with husband Matt that it will be a tight third-round tie. “I remember the games were close when both clubs were in the Championship [in 2011/12] and I don’t see this one being any different,” she says.
“Whatever the result today, though,” says Matt, “I’m loving the way things are going and David Moyes should take huge credit for that. As far as I’m concerned, I’m a big fan of his.
“I believe we will win today but whichever of our clubs comes out on top, I’m sure the two of us will still be talking afterwards. I’m banking on us winning though otherwise the journey back on the train with all those Bristol City fans could be lively!
“We will both be listening to James during the game. I know he’s my brother but both Wendy and I think he’s an excellent commentator.
“It’s an excellent service [named Soccer Sight] which the Club provide and the new equipment they have now has made things even better.
“We’ve both really been looking forward to this game since the draw was made.
“Now it’s here!”
