Beneath Bath Avenue Railway Bridge, a lowly coin was tossed. Those who favoured “Shelbourne” won, while “Bath” supporters lost. ‘Twas back in 1895 that fate produced that script. But what if it were otherwise, when that small coin was flipped? Headline writers down the years would not have used “Shel-shocked.” Just think of all the […]

Time measured in soft-falling drips. Come, let me mop your brow. The whistle’s poised beneath His lips, It’s nearly over now. The tough-fought game is near its end. You’re asking me who’s won. “You did,” I whisper to my friend, “Go on, go on, my son.” The dressing room is bathed in haze, The bath […]

When they bay for his head, As they doubtlessly will, With that small statuette still elusive, It’s taken as read That the cries will be shrill, Dissonant, harsh and abusive. The guitar will not weep, The bow will not draw And the trumpet won’t mournfully moan, And the cello so deep Will be silent once […]

Spare a thought for Port Vale On this cold winter’s day. The FA Cup trail Has gone cold in the mud. When the giant is killed, The romantics hold sway, But the fact that they’re thrilled Doesn’t do him much good. He knows that for years His fierce rivals will gloat. It’s the worst of […]

Raise a glass, light a flare now for bandy-legged Jim – Will we ever see someone as loyal as him? Cajoling the youngsters though business looked grim, A true Shelbourne hero was bandy-legged Jim. May we never forget the almighty guffaw When he rounded Bohs’ keeper to make it 6-4. Others grabbed headlines, nobody gave […]