We all face problems or hurdles as we travel along the road of life, this article gives my viewpoint on how to deal with these issues. I have personally taken inspiration from my favourite football team, Birmingham City. They have a famous song which their supporters regularly sing, it is called, keep right on to the end of the road.

Birmingham City are not exactly a successful football team and have won very few trophies in their one hundred and twenty year existence. I have been watching and supporting the team since the age of four. Despite many poor results and seasons, the fans always try to remain positive and in good humour. The song is basically telling the players to keep going and hopefully showing them that whatever happens the supporters will always remain true and loyal.

I have often been amazed by the passion and the buzz that I get when going to watch them, and also the passion of the rest of the crowd. During one season, these supporters without knowing it, taught me a huge lesson. The season in question had been a very poor one for Birmingham and it resulted in the team being relegated to the then second division (the leagues have been reformed since then and this division is now known as the first division). This was the lowest point the club had ever reached.

With two games remaining the club was already doomed and the next match was the final home game of the season. At most clubs the fans would no doubt give the players some stick and would make it an uncomfortable afternoon for them. Not so at Birmingham, the fans were as passionate as ever and continued to support and cheer them on. At one point a leaflet was sent round the Birmingham supporters which had been produced by the supporters club members. It stated on this leaflet that despite the club reaching its lowest point, that they wanted as many fans as possible to travel to the last match of the season, which would be in London. This was to show the team that we still supported them and that we would be back the next season. I went to that match as did around six thousand other Birmingham fans. One song was sang throughout the whole match, keep right on to the end of the road. It was an amazing experience for me and one that I will never forget. The team still lost but that did not matter one bit.

Later I thought about what had happened. I realised that when I felt a bit depressed, I needed to think of that day and to quickly pick myself up. I was a very negative thinker and realised I needed to think in a far more positive way. This is not easy however but is something that I try hard to do. My belief is that positive people have positive and happy lives. This is what I want and the above example has helped me to get back onto my feet many times.

Birmingham City have recently managed to progress back up through the leagues and three years ago reached the promised land of the premier league. This season has not gone so well and the team yet again are facing a relegation. Guess what, I and many thousands will still be supporting them next year whichever league they are playing in. Keep right on!