Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I concluded yesterdays yarns from the scorebox at the point I’d been promoted within the scoreboard operatives hierarchy. I was thirteen summers old and due to the promise shown at updating the wickets and overs, I’d been given the extra responsibility of ensuring that the teams and the crowd (including legendary old players) were kept... Continue Reading →
The table top football game Subbuteo taught me many useful life lessons as a child; one of which was my brother Ian was a chuffing cheat at table football games. He’ll have his own version of these events, but will never convince me he flicked the small plastic player to ‘kick’ the giant football, which... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, Huddersfield Town were promoted back to the top tier of English football for the first time in over 40 years. Despite being a fan of their West Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, I have to applaud David Wagner and his side for their unlikely achievement. Many Leeds fans won't share my sentiments of congratulation, but I'd like to give credit... Continue Reading →
There is a saying that you know you’re getting old when policemen start looking younger. Well, I’m firmly entrenched in middle age now and I can categorically say that the copper, in the video clip below, doesn't strike me as being in the throes of youth................The only way I would class him as young is... Continue Reading →
Thirty three years ago today US entertainer Andy Kaufman passed away at the age of 35 after losing his battle with lung cancer. I pigeon holed the late Long Islander as an entertainer as apparently he didn’t like being classed as a comedian; evidently his preference was to be categorised as a ‘song & dance’ man. I’m not sure why... Continue Reading →
There is not much happening this evening in the Strachan domicile; nothing of any note anyway. If I'd to accurately describe the scene as I write, my wife is watching Corrie by candle light whilst I’m slouched on a seat at the dining table. Not the most comfortable environment in which to ply penmanship; I really... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening, I drove my daughter Rachel to a fancy dress party, which had been organised to celebrate her and a group of friends birthdays. Sitting next to me in the car looking resplendent in her Princess Leia costume, I couldn't help but feel I’d let the princess down somehow. After all, this agent of the Rebel Alliance... Continue Reading →
On Saturday, just over 46 years after my first ever venture into its hollowed stands, I had a trip down to Elland Road stadium to watch Leeds United play local rivals Barnsley. To clarify, I’ve been to the ground hundreds of times since that visit as a young boy, fair of hair and euphoric of... Continue Reading →
In the early 1970’s, every evening at about 6pm my siblings and me would hear the words “It’s time for bed!” It was an authoritative almost regimental order barked from a head perched on a spring loaded torso. To clarify, neither of our parents were the source of this command. I can honestly say I’ve... Continue Reading →