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To John Neal. R.I.P. Thanks…….

kevin raymond

Wednesday, November 26th, 2014

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 For the everlasting memories John
When great days being on the road
With you and the chaps
Were a real joy, rarely staid or boring
Where we never knew what was gonna happen
In truth nor did you most like?

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 A time when the elfin like Wee Patsy Nevin
Out on the wing
and a real working class hero in our community
Living in a basement flat
In Cumberland Street, in our beloved Pimlico.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Was often seen buying a packet of bacon
In a local shop, for his breakfast!
Sporting a right cool hair-cut,
A blinding record collection
Whilst being talked about by us (at least)
As heir apparent to the lauded throne of Jinky Johnson.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 When the astute signings of:
Dixon, Speedie, McLaughlin, Spackman, Jones,Thomas
Canny gladiators all, enabled us to walk with hope
Into the powerful often daunting arenas of The North
With pride, knowing – finally – and at last
We were going to be giving it a real go
Out there today. Unlike the empty years before.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 For telling Paul (King) Canonville
To get out there and show the racists and fascists
Amongst our fans they would and could not beat him
Into submission
When their awful slurs and profound insults
Aimed toward him at the time… seemed to have won.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 For laying the foundations
With Ken (I don’t care who hates me) Bates
Of what we are and have blossomed in to today
When it all could have so easily gone pear shaped
For us fans and our beloved West London club.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 For all that and so much more than words can ever say.

8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 Thanks John. Goodnight and may your God go with you.

© Kev 2014

Notes

R.I.P. John Neal. April 13 1932 – November 24 2014.

Former Chelsea manager, a canny spotter of raw talent and a real gent.~Carefree…….Peace – Kev.

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Editor Note: Indeed a lovely man and all -time legend at The Bridge throughout those difficult times. R.I.P John Neal.

Click here for Chelsea Tribute to John Neal/ The Guardian

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/to-john-neal-r-i-p-thanks/