• Leaving out Greavesie for Hunt
    They questioned his judgement. How could he explain He was leaving out Greavesie for Hunt? Surely the Tott’nham man, now fit again, Would be England’s best option up front? The predator instinct, a goalscoring brain. Each England fan uttered a grunt. They casually wondered, was Ramsey insane To be leaving out Greavesie for Hunt. And […]
  • St. Gary Mackay of Sacred Hearts
    Down in a pub on Dublin’s quays, I drank my pint with carefree ease. Above the bar, a fuzzy screen Showed football. Not the Boys in Green, But Scotland playing in Sofia. And though the picture wasn’t clear, We knew the Bulgars were on top And soon our dreams would slow, then stop. The qualifiers […]
  • Chopper Harris and Tommy Smith
    Chopper Harris and Tommy Smith Eventually dispelled the myth. When both went charging for the ball It seemed the sky itself would fall. As Smith came thund’ring in full tilt, Brave Chopper’s nerve began to wilt And, pulling out with deathly pallor, Chose discretion over valour.
  • Silverware!
    With the rest of the world heading Mexico way, Big Jack turned his back on the sun. We flew up to Iceland to skies cold and grey To engage in some Arctic-style fun. ‘Twas not a big tournament, only three teams Whose World Cup ambitions became shattered dreams, But up in the land of great […]
  • The Gunslinger (above the pass)
    Above the pass, he lies in wait, His craggy face carved out of scorn. Intolerant of “second-rate,” His gun now from its hoster torn. The little band rides into view, Scanning hard the barren trail, Lined with boulders that accrue Among the dust and settled shale. No cover from the rifle fire, No place to […]