• The Seven Sorrows
    The first sorrow is of the Gaffer, Who promised so much, But whose reputation now lies in tatters. The second sorrow is of the keeper, Whose bungled save derailed the Campaign Before it had time to get underway. The third sorrow is of his team-mates, Who quake at the thought of flying home To face […]
  • In your Pomp
    Now you are in your pomp. The ball is at your feet, And life is a romp. Fame and fortune are yours. Only training is a chore. Cars and cash, gravy and girls, Camera’s flash and wild social whirl. This is your heyday, your payday, your prime – Suck the last drop from this fruit-laden […]
  • Don’t Go to the Match Today
    “Don’t go to the match today, my son, The journey is arduous, long and tiring. I’d rather you stayed here at home with me, And helped me to do that re-wiring.” “Don’t go to the match today, daughter of mine, Much better remain here with me. We’ll go to the centre and look round the […]
  • In the Land of the Yak
    Are footballers paid a sensible wage, Or do they earn all they can grab? Do their agents grow fat, like plump, overfed cats, In the Land, in the Land of the Yak? Are the prices of match-tickets cheerful and cheap? (Say, the same as a pint or Big Mac.) Or are they sky-high (and nobody […]
  • When the Final Whistle blows
    When the final whistle blows, The match comes to a close, The players head for bath or shower, The fans to pub or home. The journalists file their reports, And tell in crisp, terse prose Of targets hit and chances missed, Of Villains and Heroes. And just like Football, Life’s a game, With players, rules […]