Football Poets

Hi Alex,

what a fabulous poem!

It captures the essence of non-league football, and the travel involved to and from matches.

“Gathering on a Thames island for a sing-song”: possibly Eel Pie Island back in the 60s or 70s, a local venue that I never went to, but watched recently on a documentary.

I’ll count myself as one of these few Met fans!

I played on saturdays (SAL), but pre or post our season, I’d be supporting the Blues / football.

Given my ‘manor’, I’d be at either:

Stamford Bridge, or

Brentford, or

Imber Court, or

the Beveree (for Hampton, as was – now Hampton and Richmond Borough).

Imber Court holds a lot of fond memories for our family – it’s where we went on a regular basis to let off steam. I could cycle there safely with pals any time I wanted.

I watched Wimbledon champions in their early days there (venue for Junior qualifiers);, watched Chelsea train there for one pre-season (and grabbed a left behind sweaty shirt! Still have it – and yes, washed!).

Dad wasn’t much of a fan generally, but he joined me as we watched his friends and colleagues play, so a bonding time for the both of us.

My sister had her wedding reception there, and we had my mother’s funeral reception there earlier this year.

So your poem brought back some very touching personal memories, I thank you profusely for that.

But again, in itself, it is a great poem.

The website is actually called Goal Nets and Stanchions.

Please insert after line 15 “Where life was hard and occasionally brutal”

I meant to write 4th round. Oops !

I loved all Mishi’s poems!

His passion shone through so brightly.

Every club needs a Mishi.

God Rest His Soul.

Editor Note
Welcome to Football Poets Tony. More please! Keep on.

Hi Denys, it’s great to have another Toffee posting on Footy Poets. I haven’t contributed for some time, but if you click my name you’ll find some Everton poems going back several years.

Yes, now we’re all made up about the Chelsea result. And the return of the team spirit. And the two strikers formation.

Thank you Al and Welcome to Football Poets..

Too often in the shadow and wake of Hillsborough, Bradford and Heysel, your powerful and emotive lines remind us of a tragic day when 66 died and many more were injured at Ibrox .

RIP

great three lines Alex…table football..says it all

Kev….. the Rev, of that place that rhymes with Les Fridge!

🙂