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Getting By At Bescot

Andy Lockett

Thursday, October 5th, 2006

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Anonymously squashed between bigger clubs –
Not better, the Walsall Saddlers would say.
Looked on fondly by fans of Wolves, Albion
And Villa – no direct threat, no competition.
But a local outfit, with local pride for the loyal
Four to five thousand who turn out every game.
Next to the M6, not the most stylish of grounds
But home to a Football League team, nevertheless.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 They have a history, a past that once impacted
Onto the national scene when mighty Arsenal
Succumbed in ’33; ever since a modest existence
Twixt the lower levels – save the odd encounter
With high-ups in the Cups; still, they trundle on –
Financial prudence a key to survival, living on
Loanees and youngsters and the odd seasoned pro.
A club to be nurtured in these harsh modern times.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Once of Fellows Park – ramshackle, but homely
With a great programme shop, it’s often a struggle
For attention amongst their well-heeled neighbours.
Merson came and went – a celebrity presence who
Didn’t work out, so it’s it’s back to basics and a man
Named Richard Money, or Dickie Dosh to the fans.
The manager makes do – rather well – with what
He’s got; a fact of footballing life in this Midlands town.

© Andy Lockett 2006

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/getting-by-at-bescot/?shared=email&msg=fail