• Long Live Phil Robinson
    Long live Phil Robinson, a diamond true, Stockport County through and through, hope and heartbreak, loss and win, He wore them easy, with that grin, no grudges held, no bitterness sown, he stood his ground, but not alone. he loved a pint, he loved a chat, he loved the County – plain as that. But […]
  • Half & Half Scarves
    Outside a pub in town, not blue, not red, there was a sign for proper fans, this is what it said: NO HALF & HALF SCARVES. NO EXCEPTIONS. CHUCK ‘EM IN THE BIN. CLEAR YOUR CONSCIENCE. I knew at once this was the place for me, for those who guard their club’s identity. A pub […]
  • Ode to Non-League Football
    Oh, the glory of non-league play, Where football’s played the proper way. No diving divas or corporate glee, Just heart and soul, at an affordable fee. Ramshackle stadiums, a single small stand, With loyal supporters, pint in hand. Dogs on leads, tails wagging with pride, As their owners question every decision from the side. The […]
  • Turnstile Ghosts
    I miss the match in bygone days, when whistles pierced the smoky haze, And factory roofs and ashen skies, framed Saturdays before our eyes. The ground would take us in its keep, a human tide, both loud and deep, Scarves aloft and breath like steam, bound as one in chant and dream. No seats to […]
  • The Scarf He Gave Away
    He stood in line, with hope and pride, for tickets to the game, Three seats he sought, with mates in mind, many times before, he’d done the same But lo! The clerk, with steely gaze, said, “Tell me, kind old gent, Your number, postcode, email too, and inside leg measurement.” “A what?” he gasped, “This […]