21 years ago today

Quite possibly the Post of the Year, Kev. (Could we have some sort of award for that?)

It's striking how many responders on this thread have shared that sort of legacy. My old feller took me to Oakwell on Easter Monday 1968 to see us comfortably 'do' Brentford 3-0. He worked on Saturdays so my second game was when I wandered down for the last game of that season to see us slam Newport County 4-2 and clinch promotion. I'd never seen anything like it, what with all the celebrations. Of course, that was it - I was hooked for life!

Dad had a kidney tumour which weighed over 14lbs removed in 2012. Fairly obviously the kidney went with it, but strong old bugger that he was, he recovered to enjoy a reasonable quality of life up to this year. I took him to Weston Park for the last (of many) times on 4th March this year when the medics told him that the drugs were no longer working. Lockdown kicked in on 23 March, and the family and myself were able to have only limited contact with him thereafter. He became convinced he'd got Covid, but the reality was that the secondaries had invaded his lungs. He weakened throughout April and passed away on the 30th.

Dad wasn't perfect. But By God he was there for you if you had troubles. When we lost a baby at three weeks old he stood ten feet tall and was there for us, organising the funeral even though (as I have realised since, as a father) his heart must have been breaking for us. That was the greatest of many things he did for us. He didn't have an easy life, raising five kids on an ordinary workingman's wage, but we lacked for nothing. As I say, he wasn't perfect (nor am I) but he was a proper man.

 

Surely a striker or you can't actually win games?

 

Didn't stop Lee Johnson though did it

 

I know how you feel old mate. My memory is not as good as yours, but I think we're probably around the same age.
My dad used to take me to the game when I was very young. He would stand halfway up the West Stand (left hand side as you look from the pitch) with his mates. I was down the front, trying to look over the wall at player's ankles.
He passed in 2003, although he wasn't in great health. My mother was taken suddenly when I was only 21, which was more of a shock.
I too, think of both of them often.
All the best mate in these trying times.

 

yes but a keeper wins you games.

 

only if someone scores at the other end

 

A keeper stops you losing games

 

That was for your Dad BigLil, Al raise a glass or two

 

Thank you, old mate. My Dad will have been pointing out to Saint Peter what we've done wrong & what we've done right! Whether Saint Peter wants to listen, or not!

 

I wish you happy memories dear @JLWBigLil . Thoughts with you Kev.
34 years ago today my Mum passed away to the big C. She was only 42 and I was in my first term at Uni.
I had the best Mum in the world, of course, and her memory lives well even today. I just wish my sons had known her.
She occasionally joined us in The Brewery Stand to cheer the lads on.

 

but not if the keeper lets in two.

my argument is that a keeper can earn a point (0-0). A forward can score as many as they like but if you keep conceding you lose. Biglil and I have had this discussion many times (I played in goal, Kev was a centre forward of the old school. We never got agreement.)

 

We'll have the same argument sat in the car again, old mate, waiting for the carpark to clear!

 

Well, I was a goalkeeper (not a very good one) and all I'll say is the striker(s) is/are the most important. Goals win matches

 

Not sure it ever gets any easier Kev - but try to remember the good times.

COYR.