Jussi Jaaskelainen testimonial - Bolton

My first chance to do photography at a Premier League ground - as I photographer the Jussi Jaaskelainen Testimonial for Finnish press. Afternoon game, so didn't get to appreciate the numerous floodlights but very nice stadium and enjoyed a good afternoon.

Photographers press-room wasn't much to write home about, it had the space to work (could've done with chairs though...). No WI-FI access either, which meant editing photos at the press-room and off to McDonald's to send them onwards.

As a Finn it was great to see a Finnish player getting a testimonial in the Premier league - something that I personally doubt that will happen in a long time (if ever again). The fans really did seem to like Jaaskelainen, and I am sure the fact that he has stayed with Bolton - despite rumors linking him to bigger clubs - has something to do with it.
Photography wise it was more chasing images of Jaaskelainen - and less about getting good action images. The best ones (IMHO) were as he entered from the tunnel with his kids - got the full stands nicely framing Jussi in some of them (not displayed here).

The game being still pre-season, it never raised to the level I was expecting it to do. And to be honest, I probably took less images than in a conference game... which tells of the lack of action in the game.

Getting to/from the stadium by public transport was a slight hassle - no extra carriages in the trains from Bolton, so even the train three hours prior to the game was jam-packed with people. Coming back was easier, as it took time to edit some photos and eat a McD's - so most people had already disappeared by then.

Little argy-bargy with the Wanderers and Hibs fans at the game - by the end of it it was more of shouting match between the fans, than watching what was happening on the pitch. Hibs fans acknowledged Jaaskelainen well as he walked to the goal at their end - big plus for them for that!

Not sure what sort of planning it is to put the two opposing sets of fans right next to each other... but it did give something to photograph, so I should be thankful ;-)

Bit of Conference Football, International Basketball and Women's Premier League next week in the calendar..