Brilliant piece Michael. We are of a similar age so same memories but Mexico 70 still stands out for me. My dad somehow managed to buy me the full Brazil strip and that was great as a 10 year old. Happy memories indeed 😀⚽️
Great read, great memories! In those days the commentators always sounded to me as if they were broadcasting from the moon. Like they were a million miles away. It all looked and felt so exotic & different & far away.
My parents married on the day England won the World Cup Michael, mass at St Bedes then the fun part in Jarrow Labour Club. So I’m told the lounge emptied when all the men went into the bar to watch game.
I arrived 11 months later and as was the norm became 100% bitten by the love for football. Luckily my family were black & white 🙏
The 1970 WC was a game changer TV - wise. I think every match was televised, and I watched them all. In colour too: I remember that Alan Clarke scored the winner against Czechoslovakia wearing a pale blue strip. Back at school there was lots to copy (or try to) - bending shots, overhead kicks, backward headers (Uwe Seeler - thanks) and goal celebrations; there was a Rumanian player who dropped to his knees and genuflected after scoring against Brazil! His name escapes me.
Scotland, in 74, had our very own Jinky Jim in the squad, though I think his only involvement was in a drunken escapade in a rowing boat with Billy Bremner and mates. Happy days!
Great read. Substitute Gateshead for North Kenton and Kenton Bar and it could be me writing that. I had joined the Army at 16 and watched the 78 tournament on leave in Jubilee Estate , Elswick which was paradise in those days little knowing that 4 years later I would be fighting against some of the Argentine fans in the Falklands and living in Germany watching Hamburg games at the weekends. Great days
Brilliant piece Michael. We are of a similar age so same memories but Mexico 70 still stands out for me. My dad somehow managed to buy me the full Brazil strip and that was great as a 10 year old. Happy memories indeed 😀⚽️
Great read, great memories! In those days the commentators always sounded to me as if they were broadcasting from the moon. Like they were a million miles away. It all looked and felt so exotic & different & far away.
Loved it Mick. So many similar memories but one of the advantages of touching 70 is being able to remember the England 66 win.
My council house move was Slatyford, canny little place with a kazoo band based in the bus depot at end of the street. Oh joy.
Had a decent bet on the Argies in 78 which made things more interesting.
I look forward to the accounts of the rest.
Loved that - a great piece of writing; although the image of you sat on a potty in Bensham is one I would rather not have!
😂
My parents married on the day England won the World Cup Michael, mass at St Bedes then the fun part in Jarrow Labour Club. So I’m told the lounge emptied when all the men went into the bar to watch game.
I arrived 11 months later and as was the norm became 100% bitten by the love for football. Luckily my family were black & white 🙏
Great piece as always
A great read Michael.
The 1970 WC was a game changer TV - wise. I think every match was televised, and I watched them all. In colour too: I remember that Alan Clarke scored the winner against Czechoslovakia wearing a pale blue strip. Back at school there was lots to copy (or try to) - bending shots, overhead kicks, backward headers (Uwe Seeler - thanks) and goal celebrations; there was a Rumanian player who dropped to his knees and genuflected after scoring against Brazil! His name escapes me.
Scotland, in 74, had our very own Jinky Jim in the squad, though I think his only involvement was in a drunken escapade in a rowing boat with Billy Bremner and mates. Happy days!
Great read. Substitute Gateshead for North Kenton and Kenton Bar and it could be me writing that. I had joined the Army at 16 and watched the 78 tournament on leave in Jubilee Estate , Elswick which was paradise in those days little knowing that 4 years later I would be fighting against some of the Argentine fans in the Falklands and living in Germany watching Hamburg games at the weekends. Great days
Just watched the latest TF rant with you starring Mick. Cogent points as always but..
…all we really want to hear from the ‘other side’ (i.e. the club we worship) is some sort of answers/explanation..
But hey, I guess we have to wait for the next autobiography we get mugged into buying…