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Touchline Dad

Touchline Dad

TOUCHLINE Dad is written by Peter Harvey, a newspaper editor with Trinity Mirror Merseyside. Father-of-three Peter, 39, worked as a writer for the Liverpool Echo during the 1990s and is the former editor of the Crosby Herald and Bootle Times newspapers (2001-2006). He is currently editor of the Advertiser Series in West Lancashire. Touchline Dad is a lifelong Liverpool fan.

Our Jack...

Jack with his first Man of the Match award

JACK Harvey is seven, going on seventy-seven. He's a dependable, no-nonsense defender for Marine FC's U7s playing in the Bootle and Netherton Junior Football League in north Liverpool. Jack played for Crosby Stuart U7s in 2006/7, helping them win every league game. He is being encouraged to appreciate both Liverpool AND Everton...for now at least.

The Gaffer

The Gaffer

THE Gaffer is a true Blue. Although she's now swapped her Gwladys Street season ticket for looking after three children on a Saturday afternoon, she still gets steamed up thinking about Graeme Sharp in his skimpy shorts.

Not forgeting...

Emily

EMILY is five and has no interest in football. Her kicks come from Barbie girls and make-up, bangles and beads. Oh, and shoes. She changes them at least five times a day. Dabbles with ballet and swimming. Cross her at your peril.

And finally...

Paddy

PADDY inherited a mini Everton kit from Sam down the road. No doubt 'Pads' will also get Jack's pass-me-downs, so that will narrow his allegiance to Real Madrid, Juventus, Republic of Ireland, England, Everton and Liverpool. Loves pirates, yoghurts and Josie Jump. He's got the second worst temper in the North West...

Marine AFC

FORMED in 1894 and based in Crosby, north Mersyside. The first team plays in the Northern Premier League and were champions in 1994 and 1995. 220.jpgThey 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."

Snapshots

Jack and his Marine U7 teammates
Jack, Carra, Emily, Touchline Dad and the European Cup
Jack, Emily and Paddy
Jack at Goodison Park, 2007
Jack at Anfield, 2007
Jack (stripes) in action for Crosby Stuart
Jack's former team Crosby Stuart U7s

Crosby Stuart

THIS was Jack's first club. It was formed in the early 1970s in north Liverpool and is now one of the biggest and most successful junior football clubs in the North West. Crosby StuartFormer players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'

Football Crazy

"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.' 'Maybe tomorrow, eh dad?' he asked as he closed his eyes to see his Premier League heroes greet him."

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Touchline Son

Posted by Peter Harvey on March 26, 2007 8:57 AM | 

stuart.bmpTHERE'S nothing worse than watching helplessly from the touchline as your team loses.


Last week Jack played OK in the first half before making way for one of his teammates at half-time. This week he again came off at half-time after keeping another clean sheet and found it equally frustrating as his pals lost to a late goal which sneaked in at the near post from the corner.


Who'd be a coach, eh Steve?


Substitutes are a necessary evil at this age - after all, it's more important to give everyone a game than go all-out for a win. But it's difficult explaining that to a little boy who's itching to play every minute.


Who would be a coach?

The club website report:


Late Winner
Crosby Stuart FC U6s 0, TMS U7s 1


It was an even start to the game with both teams having few chances and both defences dominating.


Midway through the first half Crosby Stuart had two good efforts from Max Smith and Peter Silcock saved by the TMS keeper.


After a goalless first half the second period continued the same way as the first but as the game went on TMS created the better chances with Crosby Stuart keeper Paul Williams forced to make two good saves.


With just a few minutes remaining, TMS finally broke the deadlock with a superb near post glancing header from an in swinging corner, giving both keeper and defence no chance.


Despite the single goal defeat it was a great all round team performance against an older and well organised team, with all the boys working hard for each other.


Special mentions for a great defensive effort from the much improving Jack Harvey and Liam Bromilow and also to MOM Paul Williams whose saves kept the boys in the game but he also had another excellent all round game with some great clearances.

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