Frank exchange of views

HERR TODAY . . . Eintracht Frankfurt fans mix with their Athletic counterparts on matchday.

LATICS LIFE: THE TRAVELLING support for Athletic's last two matches has had a distinctly cosmopolitan feel.

A fans’ coach to the Colchester and Leeds games departed with a group on board who would normally be supporting a team in red and black — Eintracht Frankfurt — rather than blue and white.

The tie-up between Athletic and the German club dates back to 1982, when fans from both sides met at an international football supporters' competition in Belgium and regular exchange visits have taken place ever since.

As well as taking in the football, the 14-strong German group who travelled over for the two matches enjoyed sight-seeing trips, including a rail tour of various real ale pubs in Marsden, Sowerby Bridge and Dewsbury.

The overseas fans were based at the Rifle Range and landlord Mark Appleton was among the organisers of the trip along with Pete and John Wild and Steve Astley.

A group of Athletic fans are set to go over to Frankfurt in April.