Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
‘League One Leeds – A Journey Through The Abyss’ by author Rocco Dean; Reviewed by Gary Strachan I first visited Leeds United’s Elland Road home on 19th September 1970. A rite of passage allowing me to witness the most successful Leeds side to grace the LS11 turf. An overcast autumn Saturday seeing a John Giles penalty... Continue Reading →
Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the passing (from COVID-19) of ex-Leeds United footballer Norman Hunter. The indiscriminate pathogen, which's tainted millions of lives globally, proving a hard man reputation wouldn't deter it from maintaining a path of death and economic destruction. Enclosed below is the narrative I penned twenty four months ago in tribute... Continue Reading →
As a young lad I was a significantly more inquisitive than's been the case in adulthood. Free from adult distractions of paying a mortgage, working shifts in a job I wasn't fond of and providing for a family of four, my fledgling inquiring mind was given carte blanche to roam, learn and expand. For instance,... Continue Reading →
As I disclosed in yesterday's prose Skimming the Surface, I learned many useful life lessons as a child growing up in Low Fell, Gateshead. Amongst these tutorial gems were, when partaking in the controversy laden world of table football games, my brother Ian was a right flaming cheat. Our kid will no doubt have his... Continue Reading →
Regular readers of my blogs may, or may not, be aware that I'm a regular listener to talkSport...... Actually, thinking about it, you don't have to a regular reader to may or may not know...... It's binary, so it goes without saying you either know or you don't........ Anyhow, in digress...... Listening to talkSport means... Continue Reading →
Yesterday teatime, while yours truly hovered over the bbq grill listening to talkSport on the radio, the serenity of my soul was soured by an item relating to England football fans. In particular a description of one England fan's behaviour before, during and after England's Euro 2020 final game with Italy. Incidentally, when saying hovering... Continue Reading →
Like a weeping trench foot infection, this Sunday a less salubrious side of my nations social zeitgeist oozed toxically during England failure to secure the Euro 2020 trophy. Supporters behaviour providing evidence, if any were needed, of the 'without thought for others' culture flowing through a section of misguided Englanders veins. Before proceeding yours truly... Continue Reading →
My prevailing knee ligament injury still doggedly refuses to afford me pain free days. This limb trauma, although no longer bestowing acute pain of the initial post-strain days, seemingly determined to persist with imparting me with tendon discomfort. Consequently, although not as pronounced, my limp continues unabated. Thankfully, though, my hobble isn't severe enough to... Continue Reading →
I begin this prose with a woolly head, consequential of yesterday evening's celebrations following England's progression to the final of Euro 2020. A hard fought victory over Denmark, setting up a game with Italy on Sunday to secure European football champions bragging rights. National fever born from Gareth Southgate's boys' achievement seemingly a catalyst to... Continue Reading →