Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I was saddened yesterday to read of ex-Leeds United utility man Paul Madeley's death at the age of 73. A consummate professional footballer, Madeley displayed career long loyalty to the team who played a few hundred yards from his childhood home. For eighteen years, a class act on and off field, representing both club and... Continue Reading →
Nations who've achieved final success in the FIFA World Cup traditionally adorn a gold star above their shirt crest, advertising to all and sundry the number of occasions they've been football world champions. For instance, England have won the world cup once meaning their badge adorns one star; whereas four-times winners Italy's shirt emblem dons... Continue Reading →
With only a few hours of waiting to see if history will be made, excitement levels in England's high streets, offices, homes and off-licences are at an almost unprecedented level. Displays of giddiness I've not witnessed since last year when an acquaintance heard he'd won TV chef Gordon Ramsay's swear box in a raffle. Consequently... Continue Reading →
In our English sun scorched brown and pleasant land, summer 2018 is starting to feel a bit like summer 2012 was amongst the whole of the Great Britain. As I write, growing euphoria ensues. It's catalyst the exploits of the English football team that yesterday saw them progress to the semi-finals of the FIFA World... Continue Reading →
As I commence this literary offering, it's five hours until England play our european cousins Sweden in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. I say cousins, as many English people will have a percentage of Scandinavian heritage within their DNA. My brother's is his blue eyes and once white hair; mine is a bizarre love of... Continue Reading →
After all my recent words conveying an indifference about the ongoing football World Cup in Russia I got into the spirit a tad yesterday evening. Watching the England v Colombia on TV I experienced a rare episode of football sourced euphoria. Don't get me wrong this lack of enthusiasm is a fairly recent emotion for... Continue Reading →
One of the first televised football matches I recollect from childhood occurred on Saturday 11th April 1970 - The showpiece FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Leeds United. Unlike it's contemporary version, an era when claiming the premier cup competition in England was more aspirational to the games big-hitters. From memory it was a game... Continue Reading →
On this day in mid-1960's Kirskstall, Leeds my younger brother Ian made his appearance into the world. Born at home, our kid arrived shortly after the conclusion of the second Cassius Clay vs Sonny Liston fight. With Clay (latterly Muhammed Ali) winning by first round KO, Ian didn't turn up on time to witness Liston... Continue Reading →
It's Monday 19th March 2018. The snow has melted and the oft suffering shrubs are enjoying respite from the ferocity of the now departed easterly gusts. Consequently, a rare serenity engulfs the back garden as the spring daffs, tulips and tete-a-tete's tentatively peer above soil as if to ask "Is it safe to come out... Continue Reading →