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.'
FOOTBALL fans can be sensitive souls.
They can hurl the most foul, racist, hurtful verbal slurry at a player for the best part of 90 minutes, then scamper off to the local rozzer to bleat when they get a flash of backside or a two-fingered salute in return.
The cops are obliged to investigate such a complaint which, I guess, is usually the motive behind the scam.
It can lead to eye-catching headlines.
BREAKING NEWS: Police are investigating allegations that Premiership star Wayne Rooney curled his lip and belched Lucozade Sport gas at 20,000 spitting, drunken, poisonous, hate-filled, chewing gum-lobbing yobs...
I myself am not perfect. No. Lee Bowyer copped an earful at Elland Road once and I gave that cocky cockney Frank Lampard something to think about after he dared to prean himself in my midst.
And, I have been known to let my usual high standards slip at home, allowing the odd expletive to pop out in front of our Jack.
As I stand in front of the TV action replay expressing my view to the referee, The Gaffer usually steps in with calming words such as 'Ignore your dad, Jack. He's a very naughty boy' or 'He's just showing off.'
Alternatively, she'll put her hands over Jack's ears and sing 'Bring Me Sunshine' while leading him out of the room.
So far we've had no problems with Jack swearing (although like all little boys he's obsessed with toilets, their contents and associated matters).
The nearest to a football expletive came the other day while he was watching Chelsea on telly. The target of his frustration was striker Didier Drogba, who has picked up a reputation as a diving cheat, although since he has stopped falling over so much he's developed into a top class player.
After being felled by the turbulence from a passing bus on Carnaby Street (it's the only road I know in Chelsea), Jack shouted: 'Drogba, you big girl!'
I think he must have heard The Gaffer say it.
I thought I'd better have a little chat. Father and son. Arm round the shoulder. Even though he was spot on. There's a lot of hypocrisy in fatherhood and, I suspect, as our kids hit their teens it will reach fever pitch.
Our short talk was along the lines of cheering your own team and not saying nasty things about the opposition.
He asked if it was OK to call him Mrs Drogba or was that insulting too? I said that was fine.
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