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Matt Realises Driving Ambition
Written by Newcastle Utd
California-based superfan Matt Medlock has a car registration plate with a difference and is thrilled to see Newcastle playing in Sacramento this week
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
When Matt Medlock drives through the streets of California, there's no doubting which football team he follows - for the passionate Newcastle United supporter's registration plate reads 'NUFCFAN'.
So when the Magpies held an open training session in Sacramento on Friday, he could barely contain his excitement about seeing players he normally watches on television from thousands of miles away up close and personal.
When Newcastle last headed crossed the Atlantic, Matt was there; but this time they are playing within a long goal kick of his home in Fair Oaks.
"It's a dream come true," he told nufc.co.uk. "It means more to me than just about anything other than my family. It's like getting a Willy Wonka golden ticket.
"I can't explain it and I get choked up when I talk about it because I wake up at 3.55am on Saturdays to watch the team - I watch them live, I don't record it.
"So for me to get to see the people that I idolise, my heroes who I wish I could cheer on with the other 52,000 Geordies, that to me means something.
"Twenty-plus years ago, we would only get one game a week on the old Sacramento cable and that game was generally an Arsenal game. But occasionally, we would get a Newcastle game and I saw this team in black and white; they were bombing down the wings and sending the ball over, and players like Ferdinand and Shearer were hitting it into the back of the net.
"And I said 'that's my team. That's the kind of football I want to watch.' I've been obsessed for the last 20-plus years.
"Everything from my smartphone to my computers to my TV are Newcastle-themed. As soon as I turn them on, they'll go to the official website and the BBC. I follow everything I can to stay up-to-date on transfers or injuries."
And then, of course, there's that registration plate.
He explained: "About 15 years ago, I thought to myself 'what would be a good way to put out there that hey, I'm a Newcastle fan and I love my team?'. So I registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, paid the extra fee and got my license plate.
"People are pretty envious because they like it. Some people look at it and think it's about the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) or think I must be a cartoon fan or something like that.
"But most of the time, people roll up to me honking ferverishly and asking me to roll down my window and shout out 'Toon Army' or 'Magpies' or whatever it might be."
Matt will be at Saturday's friendly against Sacramento Republic (kick-off 8pm local time) and admitted that he's looking forward to seeing his team at the Bonney Field.
"Very much, especially to see the players get more of a run-out against a pretty good Republic side," he said.
"I was really happy that they beat Sunderland the other day. I'm thrilled that Newcastle are going to be here and thrilled to see them in action. It'll be a really good workout to get ready for the season ahead."