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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, 40, was a writer for the Liverpool Echo during the 1990s and has been editor of Trinity Mirror titles the Crosby Herald, Bootle Times and the Advertiser Series, 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. He's played in the Bootle and Netherton league and Hightown league in north Merseyside. Jack has also played for Crosby Stuart. He is being encouraged to appreciate both Liverpool AND Everton...for now at least.

The Gaffer

The Gaffer

THE Gaffer is a true Blue. She's now swapped her Gwladys Street season ticket for one at the new Liverpool One shopping complex. 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 dressing up, make-up, bangles and beads. Oh, and shoes. She changes them at least five times a day. Likes ballet, swimming and shopping. 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, Shrek and Wall-e. He's got the second worst temper I know...

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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Tears at Bedtime

Posted by Peter Harvey on May 23, 2007 9:58 PM | 

AC Milan LFC
AC Milan 2, Liverpool 1
Champions League Final, Athens


I SCURRIED back from the pub on the stroke of full time to see Jack.


He had been crying. Mostly, I think, because he wanted Liverpool to win for his dad. We watched Maldini hoist the European Cup as Jack snuggled up still gently sobbing.

John Arne Riise


I guess it's a big blow when you're so young and the subtleties of the game and the realities of life are still a mystery.


We decided that Liverpool's players should be proud of their achievement and that we are proud of the way they had played. It's tough explaining to a six-year-old that the best team doesn't always win.


Jack picked up his spirits when he talked about penning a letter to Rafa Benitez to cheer him up.


For my part, it was a frustrating night but one which offers comfort in the definite belief that Liverpool Football Club is progressing at speed, much to the annoyance of those who consider themselves rivals. Another memorable night for Liverpool fans which takes the club on to the next chapter.

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Comments (5)

RON SILCOCK wrote...

My son cried too...

Posted by: RON SILCOCK  | May 23, 2007 11:39 PM

RON SILCOCK wrote...

I agree with what you say. The better team lost. We have reason good reason to feel proud and good reason to feel optimistic.

Posted by: RON SILCOCK  | May 23, 2007 11:42 PM

csb wrote...

My son told me off for getting angry.... and also for eating all of the Pringles!

Posted by: csb  | May 24, 2007 12:40 PM

Mary wrote...

Mr Harvey, Jack wasn't crying because Liverpool lost, he was crying because his Dad wasn't with him when Liverpool lost!!.. In your defence, I suppose you never imagined Liverpool would lose.

Posted by: Mary  | May 26, 2007 10:11 AM

Touchline Dad wrote...

Yes, I did feel bad for not being with him while Liverpool were losing. Being an arrogant Red I never anticipated such a scenario.


The Gaffer said he was very quiet during the match and she struggled to raise his spirits. But kids are more resilient than us moody grown-ups.


I did lie with him in bed until he fell asleep...under his Everton bed sheets no less.

Posted by: Touchline Dad  | May 26, 2007 10:37 AM

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