At most of the clubs I visit there is always someone to chat to. Sometimes the club bore but most of the time a sprinkling of Coaches and Players. It is always difficult to stop too long as invariably I or they have to go. Occasionally a team will invite me to sit with them but most of the time you are usually stood with blazers/coaches/players as they hang around the bar.
I find having an assesor stimies the conversation with hosts etc as you tend to get whisked away for 1/2 hour to a corner table and unless you get up and leave the assessor no one ventures forth as they perhaps think they may be disturbing you.
As the level of match gets better the players tend to get younger and I think that sometimes kills the conversation as they perhaps feel it's a bit like talking to their dad? I tend to have the best discussions with coaches, assuming they don't wat to labour a point of law or a decision I did or didn't make.
I like Y2 as very few clubs are wholly results driven but the standard is such that the thing has a sense of "professionalism"
I have only travelled on the train once but I always think Ciaran's mode of transport round Cumbria is very civilised and allows for a bit of a drink.
Next week I am as close to home as I can get in Y2 (9 miles) I may try and get my wife to drop me off/pick me up.
epper:
