Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
"Break a leg!" - Unorthodox words of support aimed at thespians prior to them taking the stage. A superstition adopted after it was deemed to be bad luck to wish an actor "Good luck!" pre-performance. Traditional well meaning felicitations utilised to bode 'luvvies' a successful performance. Although 'break a leg' is used exclusively within the theatre world,... Continue Reading →
On Tuesday evening, I took a journey on foot that I've taken many of times over the past 47 years. A sojourn that commences with parking in the vicinity of the Dragon Pub on Whitehall Road, Leeds, with a ultimate destination of Elland Road football stadium. It's a walk that starts with crossing Whitehall Road, followed by an amble down a bramble bush... Continue Reading →
Den of iniquity, with a fortuitous cast Pimped, although from sources without hats A score of ostentatious geezer’s, contesting four holy grails Mother enquires is any player worth £100 million “Neymar” opines her Yorkshire son. Den of iniquity, questionable of behaviour Tis' no riddle why thy is wall to wall pitched Be happy to know serial goal... Continue Reading →
Two years ago today the ‘voice of horse racing’ Sir Peter O’Sullevan passed away at the age of 97. Born in County Down, O'Sullevan was from a generation of legendary sports broadcasters whose distinctive tones guided millions of viewers through the BBC's weekly sports show Grandstand. It was a time when sport provided me with a wealth of special childhood memories. Those were the pre-Sky Sports days... Continue Reading →
Matchstick arms enclosed in long sleeves achromatic Boy of ten summers stretches cotton kit for palm stealth Mimicking hero’s posture, in flight and in goal celebration Visage smile matches contemporary shirt motif Socks accessorised with tag blue, number eight white Imitation accuracy usurps discomfort of adorning accessory. His hero a man of Willenhall, Sniffer by pseudonym Second... Continue Reading →
In cantilever stand, perches boy; heir apparent Adjacent perches hirsute father; hair apparent Mild April eve in LS11, fledgling noughties White hat’s with white plumage seek further tarry One of quart legions left standing, now seeking scalp Valencian Foe’s both achromatic of uniform; visitors acquiesce, clashing colour forbidden Beyond expectation performance bring charges of Emerald Isle leader... Continue Reading →
Ninth month 1970 Boy of seven summers, witness of owl badge eleven inaugural Peacocks by name but not by feather, plumage white of spectre Shirts a blank canvas at kick-off, soon rendered by sweat and blood Child’s blank canvas rendered by fledgling football memories Pater’s eternal gift for offspring; a point from where he can't regress Amongst tribe, son's... 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 →