They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
JACK stood before me in his Buzz Lightyear pyjamas, hands on hips. I kicked him hard in the shins. Instead of falling to the carpet and rolling in agony, he laughed.
‘Do it again, Dad. Do it again. We’ll trick Mum.’
I didn’t fancy chancing our comedy double act with The Gaffer, so instead Jack clambered into bed still wearing his new ‘shinnies.’
They’d cost almost as much as a new kit – well, £8.99. In my day, shin pads were nasty lumps of cheap, off-white plastic, which snapped if you stood on them.
The 2007 versions are jet black, menacing and manufactured by astronauts on the Space Shuttle while they’re not busy making golf sticks and frying pans, I’m told. The Sondico Conflict ‘shinguards’ are like something from a police drugs bust.
As well as bullet-proof protection of the shins, they also feature built-in ankle pads.
‘Big day tomorrow, mate. You need a good night’s sleep,’ I said.
It’s the first game for Jack’s newly-formed under-6 team, Crosby Stuart, after weeks of training every Monday night.
He was giddy with excitement as he snuggled up beneath his footy bedding, thankfully now cuddling his shin pads rather than wearing them.
‘I’m a bit nervous,’ he confided. ‘I’d love to score. Do you think I will Dad?’
‘Of course,’ I said. ‘But I’ll be proud of you even if you don’t. Anyway, it’s not all about scoring or winning, is it Jack?’
‘No dad. It’s about making friends, getting some fresh air and erm…oh yeah, having fun,’ he said.
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