Football

So, you can now buy the program for last Sunday’s Manchester United game against Chelsea in WH Smiths. I used to go to Old Trafford every fortnight in the late 70’s and 80’s (Stretford Paddock, Stretford End, United Road). Part of the experience was travelling there, getting to the ground early, securing your position on a barrier, reading the program, the atmosphere building, the smell of pies and bovril, the chanting, the opposition fans, the players warming up, the tension, the goals, the celebrations, the moaning, everything....

My post about Patrick Gibson reminded me of another Irish genius who, sadly, is currently critically ill in a London hospital. A bell-boy was summoned to George Best’s luxurious hotel room. He stared in amazement at the scene that greeted him. Empty, discarded bottles of champagne everywhere, a scantily clad Mary Stavin (Miss World) lying on the bed surrounded by ten pound notes. ‘Tell me, Mr Best, just where did it all go wrong ?...