Blimp idea more than just hot air

Last updated : 11 January 2007 By Michael Morris
Upset at the idea of being banned from seeing City play at Wolves, messagebaord user Steve Day, came up with the idea of hiring an airship to watch the game from above.

The idea was bounced around half jokingly until a genuine plan came into effect. The hire costs may run into thousands.

'A few of us came up with the idea and we got the wheels in motion,' said Day.

'There are about 28 of us going so far and we can take up to 30 on board.

'We have checked West Midlands Police's regulations and what restrictions they're enforcing.

'There's nothing in there which says we can't fly above the ground in an airship.

'We're just going for the panoramic views.'

'We are willing to go to any lengths to see the team play.'

'I think the restrictions are ridiculous - to stop decent, honest people from going there.

'They have set the laws out and we have found a way round them.

'We want to watch football. If we have to watch it from a thousand feet then so be it.'

He added: 'It should be a good day. We get to see the football and get a trip in an airship too.'

Whether or not this grand scheme get's off the ground is another matter. Will the WMP allow it? Whateve happens it's getting the media attention that will bring the ban that most football fans are against, into the public domain.

Already a protest has been arranged for 9am in Wolverhampton with the backing of the Football Supporters Federation.

The airship story has made the local press and media, the BBC news and there are plans to take the story onto Sky Sports as well.