I noticed a man crossing the park this morning with his dearly beloved, he was wearing a Manchester United football shirt, this just before 9 am. Here we are, 350 miles from Manchester, and a typical Man U fan is seen! I'll bet this creature has never lowered himself to enter the local teams stadium to watch them in action. A connection to the local side appears less welcome than following a side whose ground you have never visited!
This irks me.
Some years ago, delivering post up the Ridgeway, I noticed a 10 year old wearing a similar shirt. His dad told me he supported Ipswich, which makes sense as it is quite local and once was a top side, and he may well have originated from that area. But the kid was influenced by tv as so many are.
My football influence came from my dad, reading about the Hearts and wanting to play football constantly, even if rubbish at it. A dozen years of wandering about Scotland in all weathers, mostly wet, following a side with less hope of success than an ice cube in the Sahara. But this is what the fan does, and they still do. Those days have gone and the chances of ever seeing Edinburgh again diminish daily, but the club is still in my life. Not so important as it once was, real life now dominates, but if they win or lose I feel it. The long distance fan who has rarely seen his team in action cannot comprehend the life of a true fan, it is not possible. Anyway, next year his shirt will change colour and he will follow another.
Which brings me to thankfulness for Scotland qualifying in marvellous fashion for the Euros in Germany next year. Win, lose or draw matters not. We are again amongst the elite, this is where we ought to be as only by playing amongst the best can we improve. Steve Clark, much unsung by the Glasgow mafia, has led his side to success and looks good for more. Congratulations and applause for him.
Hopefully he will take on the Heart of Midlothian job afterwards...
