I scanned my ticket at Selhurst Park, cranked through the turnstiles and heard the steward ask, How many games have you seen this season? Well, I said, I’ve been everywhere, man. I’ve been everywhere, man. Crossed the city square, man. I’ve breathed the country air, man. Of travel I’ve had my share, man. I’ve been […]

The miller’s fans have rolled into town, convinced that they’re not going down. There’s Azza, Mitchell, Mark and Bushy, Richard, Mick, Dave; don’t forget Dalby. They’re a long way south of Millmoor and don’t enjoy Conway’s early score. They sup something stronger than halftime tea then cheer madly when they get that penalty. a soft […]

Football chants can be a source of great joy. I was at Elland Road one Saturday when the home fans taunted hapless local rivals Barnsley, whose full back had just shanked the ball into the stand where I was sitting, by singing, ‘Have you been watching Torquay?’ What a cheek I complained, albeit true. We […]

For the football poet in search of rhyme EURO 2020 is a prime time. There are at least two Dutchmen called de Jong, three Spanish Silvas and the list is long of Danes whose surnames end –son, I count nine; while Swedish –sen could be their starting line up. There are nine Poles with names […]

The football played by Manchester City is all about slick passing, possession and press. They show the opposition no pity, that’s the simple secret of their success. It’s all about slick passing, possession and press when de Bruyne, Foden and Sterling come to town. That’s the simple secret of their success, on their day they […]