Another article about nothing much from a long time ago.
I grew up in a three bed semi in a suburb, went to infant school then junior, then grammar school. I was middle of the road at everything/ I only mention this to show how mainstream I am and that therefore my opinions are likely to be the same.
Childhood was different then, we were immortal, or I was. No airbags, seatbelts, childproof tops on bleach or medicines. A railway line to play on, out all day in summer, no phones.
I did a two week tour of Wales when I was 15 on a bike staying at youth hostels, I sent one postcard home. When I got back Mum asked if I had had a nice time.
Going to the match with the neighbour in the sidecar he wore gauntlets and goggles, but no crash helmet. We squashed into the sidecar, which was really for one, no belts, plastic windows, perishing cold in winter. At OT he just bumped it up the kerb and left it, it was always there when we came out.
Some players I haven't mentioned.
Norman Whiteside. What a talent, plus 'that' goal. He was wrecked by his mid twenties by injuries.
Paul McGrath, what a player, for a CB he had great skill, Pep would have loved him, we all did. Both these liked to quench their thirst occasionally.
Clayton Blackmore. Underrated I think. Really good on the ball, but then he was up against Irwin I think, and he wasn't as good as him.
Gordon Strachan. Good player who did well for us, and even better for Leeds when we sold him. The author of my favourite managerial quote. " Could we just have a quick word Gordon" reply "Velocity".
Andrei Kanchelskis. An absolute favourite of mine, fast, scored goals, Eric held the ball up and then released it for him to run on to, lethal.
I'll do another on grounds when I have time, and how they have changed, not least Old Trafford. I had a seat in the new cantilever stand, an engineering miracle we all thought, no obstructed views.
The problem is that all seater grounds have killed the atmosphere, the noise is so much less than it was, so safer, comfier, but less exciting.
Ramblings
posted on 20/5/19
He was a machine rob. A raging alcoholic with no knees. Watch his performance against Italy at USA 94. Absolutely magnificent and bear in mind he was partnered with Phil Babb!
posted on 20/5/19
Apparently made a fortune from property development in Ireland in the 90s - or so I was told by a crazy Irish ex I once had
posted on 20/5/19
comment by morespurs (U15748)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 53 seconds ago
Paul McGrath the best player we have ever produced
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Roy Keane doesn't count?
Denis Irwin doesn't count?
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Irwin was 25 when he signed for united, hows that producing a player?
posted on 20/5/19
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 20/5/19
comment by KLS - TOP FAN (U1695)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by morespurs (U15748)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 53 seconds ago
Paul McGrath the best player we have ever produced
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Roy Keane doesn't count?
Denis Irwin doesn't count?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Irwin was 25 when he signed for united, hows that producing a player?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
IrishRed is an Irish Liverpool fan, if that helps?
posted on 21/5/19
Nice read MU52. We could do with McGrath and Kanchelskis now!
Out of interest whereabouts in Wales did you go?
posted on 21/5/19
comment by Shinjury list (U1700)
posted 10 hours, 56 minutes ago
comment by KLS - TOP FAN (U1695)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by morespurs (U15748)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 53 seconds ago
Paul McGrath the best player we have ever produced
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Roy Keane doesn't count?
Denis Irwin doesn't count?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Irwin was 25 when he signed for united, hows that producing a player?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
IrishRed is an Irish Liverpool fan, if that helps?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahhha!
posted on 21/5/19
Helo Diafol,
It was a long time ago so can't remember details, but in essence right around. First stop Chepstow, then down to near Cardiff, along the coast, St. David's I remember, up the West coast, Pippin sands, Aberdovy, missing out the peninsular, Caernarfon, Rhyl, the Horseshoe pass for some reason and home. We had 13 stops, most of the chores were washing up, some potato peeling, and one grass cutting. Everything went in a saddle bag, shorts, t shirts, toothbrush, jeans.
posted on 22/5/19
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 10 hours, 6 minutes ago
Helo Diafol,
It was a long time ago so can't remember details, but in essence right around. First stop Chepstow, then down to near Cardiff, along the coast, St. David's I remember, up the West coast, Pippin sands, Aberdovy, missing out the peninsular, Caernarfon, Rhyl, the Horseshoe pass for some reason and home. We had 13 stops, most of the chores were washing up, some potato peeling, and one grass cutting. Everything went in a saddle bag, shorts, t shirts, toothbrush, jeans.
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Some going there MU52. I live between Caernarfon and Rhyl having originally come from a town famous for slate mines and famous for hiding the UK's art during WW2.
Shame those kinds of trips don't seem to happen now.
Keep up the good work with these articles as they are an enjoyable read especially during the silly close season.
posted on 22/5/19
Blaenau Ffestiniog, it is then. All Lancashire and large parts of the midlands used slate from there, Cumbria had its own, and Yorkshire often used stone.
We always holidayed in Anglesey, but visited an aunty and Uncle whe were staying on a farm there when I was young. I remember the sheep dog had five puppies, furry bundles of joy, I spent most of the day playing with them as the six of us understood the purpose of life is to enjoy it.
Also the farmer taught me how to swing a bucket of water round without spilling it.