Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I was delighted to see a post from Frank Worthington’s daughter on my Facebook yesterday. We have been FB friends for 10 years and it was wonderful to see a photo of her father looking so well. Many will know that Frank has been fighting that cruelest of cruel diseases Alzheimers for a number of years so I was pleased to hear from him.

As a fan on the terraces, Frank was always one of my favourites. He was a maverick and an entertainer. He was loved by the fans but despite scoring goals for fun, he only got eight England caps. Why? He was a Bowles, a Marsh, a Hudson, a Charlie George. Players beloved by the fans but “difficult” for managers. An easier option for them was a player more willing to fit into a structured formation. He was the antithesis of the dour defenders of the 70s and 80s, journeymen in an eight-man defence with cloggers determined not to lose but with scant regard to winning. He wanted the ball, up-front, and he wanted to entertain.

Many years later when I was planning my 92 club ride, a friend said as if by accident. “Oh, I know Frank Worthington. Would you like me to ask him to sign a shirt?” “Errrr, yesss!” Ann was concerned she might not tell the story well but there was no problem. As soon as Frank, heard about my journey he was, “Great, fantastic, what do I need to do?” Hero. 24 hours later … shirt signed and a note of best wishes from a true legend. Kim was kind enough to stay in touch and that led to yesterday’s photo.

I am an active member of a FB group about English Football in the 80s. We banter about a very difficult decade in the history of football in the UK – Heysel, Hillsborough, tiny attendances, regular violence and hooliganism.

I added the photo and as I write this, just over 24 hours later, it has attracted an incredible 1200 likes and no less than 280 comments. What is AMAZING is that there is not one bad word. Normally if a Spurs player is mentioned, Arsenal fans bleat that he was average and would never have got games in a better team or that when he moved on to York City he cost them their place in the cup etc. None of this at all. Every single post is a variant of “Great player, entertainer, destroyed us single handed, brightened up many a poor game etc.” This unanimity is unheard of among football fans.

Going through the thread was a particularly touching comment from John Charlton who went on play for England Schoolboys and then was signed by Arsenal. He mentioned a trick he saw Frank perform at Sunderland and how he practised it for days on end, time in, time out. I pinged John and he said he would be pleased to be quoted and sent a couple of photos of himself (below). Tragically, a serious injury killed John’s career but he still remembers Frank’s trick and how he practised, practised, practised.

John wrote, “Honestly, Steve, as soon as I saw the post I had to say… I have to attribute part of what I achieved to Frank Worthington… legend. Before the times of YouTube first time I saw a trick when Frank signed for Sunderland catching the ball on his neck. It inspired me to master the trick.. in doing so I then went on to appreciate the game even playing for England Schoolboys… something so small was an inspiration.

You had no You Tube see skills for fun or tricks… it sticks to this day. Inspired me no doubt.. the difference Who doesnt love a bit of magic and get you wanting to be able to do it? It’s about Frank … only the skill etc he impacted lives.”

Pognantly, John concluded, “If you can inspire one person you’ve done something amazing and he did.” What a great testimonial to Frank.

As John says, there were no 247 football channels but here is Frank at his best with perhaps the “Goal of the Century.”

One of the members who was kind enough to comment on the post was Steve Moran who played with Frank at Southampton. He said that he played with Frank in, “Season 1983/84 Southampton runners up in First Division & semi-finalists in FA Cup! Frank Worthington led the line magnificently and, although he only netted 4 goals, his hold up play led to 25 goals for myself & plenty for David Armstrong & Danny Wallace! Frank was a legend & a gentleman! Love to him & his family xxxx.”

Meanwhile, Andy Hodkinson said, “I was privileged to share a dressing room at 3 clubs with Frank.Bolton, Tranmere and Stockport County. Brilliant player and an even better human being. Great memories.” He asked for his best wishes to be passed on to Frank.


So, there we are – some small signs of gratitude and appreciation of the TRUE LEGEND, an entertainer and a showman on the field and a gentleman off it. It only remains for me to wish Frank the health and happiness he deserves.

Karen Considine

Penelope’s Route

Now, I know this feature is not about football but sometimes I read a story of a fellow adventurer and think, “wow.” I can’t claim to be a horserider but I could absolutely see me doing this – with not a football shirt or stadium in sight. In 1961 the intrepid Penelope Chetwode borrowed a mare, and set off on an adventure into the remote backlands of Spain. Her subsequent book “Two Middle-Aged Ladies in Andalusia” was given to me by my mother for my 15th Birthday. For 52 years I held onto the dream of retracing her steps, and in 2019 I rallied my courage and my two horses and off we set.

Penelope’s Route is an account of my journey across the same trails, mountains, plains and villages some sixty years later. In essence it’s an account of adventure on horseback; but it also examines the historical evolution of Spain’s rural communities. On my travels I meet some of the same people as Penelope, who remember her unique character and unusual expedition, but had no idea she had immortalised them in writing.

The English version of my book “Penelope’s Route” was published on 28th August 2020. You can order a copy here dream and my promise to the Andalusians who became my friends along the way is that they too can read my book in Spanish as “La Ruta de Penélope”.

I am therefore calling on fellow adventurers to help me financially to fulfil this final and critical element of the project; to translate Penelope’s Route into Spanish and fund its publication in Spain. Without the kind generosity of so many families and Town Halls who welcomed me and helped me in moments of crisis, the adventure would have been a non-starter. I am determined to give copies of the book to these wonderful hosts, and would be so grateful for your financial support in helping me achieve this.

Any contribution you are able to make in the name of adventure, culture, history and friendship will be deeply appreciated. Please click here for further details.

Above, you see two third choice kits – West Ham’s and an absolute hideous monstrosity from Manchester United. It made me think yet again about the obscene commercialism of the kit business. Many teams now have three kits, marketed in the sure and certain knowledge that the third choice will rarely if ever be worn. Some teams even have “cup” kits to be worn in European games etc. I leave it to the reader to muse as to whether they want to spend over £200 on 3 or 4 shirts. Then, of course, there are the goalkeeper shirts and the “Leisure wear” shirts. Where does it end? How does the parent with two children who are massive football fans afford to buy them both all the shirts they want (not to mention the overpriced shorts and socks!)? Clubs, think long and hard. With the Covid 19 virus hitting hard, can your cash cow be milked this season?

Harry Kane picks Haven House for Leyton Orient shirt deal

We are thrilled to be chosen as a charity beneficiary in Harry Kane and Leyton Orient sponsorship deal. 

Leyton Orient announce the club’s groundbreaking front of shirt deal for the 2020/21 season. Haven House Children’s Hospice will feature on the team’s away kit.

Cast your mind back to the 7 January 2011, when a young man joined The O’s on loan from across London. Making his first-team debut for Orient against Rochdale, he scored his first professional goal a week later in a 4-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday.

His career went from strength to strength; from PFA Young Player of the Year, through to winning the Premier League Golden Boot for two years running.

In 2017 he became Europe’s top goal scorer, breaking a seven-year dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, and the next year he won the Golden Boot for England at the World Cup – only the second player to do so. If you haven’t got it already, he wears the captain’s armband for the Three Lions.

It is with great pleasure we announce that Harry Kane has taken our front of shirt sponsorship for the 2020/21 season.

With approval given from the Premier League, FA and EFL, a first of its kind deal has been agreed which the club are extremely proud of. During these troubling times Harry wanted to support the club that gave him his first professional start and not only has he been so generous to the club, but he has also donated the shirt sponsorship to the following three causes.

Home Shirt – A thank you message to the frontline heroes
Away Shirt – Haven House Children’s Hospice
Third Shirt – Mind mental health charity.

This donation will enable the benefactors to receive hospitality, where guests of both Haven House and Mind can escape reality for an afternoon at the Breyer Group Stadium to enjoy The O’s in action.

The hospice will also receive huge coverage during the season, and we are pleased to announce that 10% of proceeds of each shirt sale will be passed to the charity beneficiaries.

Giving Back

“I was born and brought up only at a couple of miles from the stadium and I am really happy to have the opportunity to give back to the club that gave me my first professional start,” said Harry Kane on the sponsorship.

“This also gives me a platform to be able to say a big thank you to the many frontline heroes and charities out there who provide care and support during these challenging times.”

A True Role Model

“Well where to start,” said Danny Macklin, Leyton Orient Chief Executive. “What started with a simple idea has escalated into a very unique and emotive shirt sponsorship agreement.”

“When we discussed with the England captain Harry Kane and his team at CK66, we all decided that we wanted this to be unique.

“We wanted to say thank you for the exceptional hard work and dedication of the frontline heroes during this pandemic and also bring attention to the other charities out there who are suffering financial losses due to the pandemic.”

“We are in uncertain and worrying times across the world but thanks to their efforts we will get through this together.”

“Thank you, Harry, for your amazing support and generosity – you are a true role model for the modern game.”

Josh Stephens, Head of Commercial, said: “Further to Danny’s comments, I think every Orient fan has a soft spot for Harry and it’s fantastic that Harry is supporting three extremely worthy causes.”

“He is also supporting the club during these challenging times and we are extremely grateful to him and all at CK66.”

“As we all look forward to live football, I for one cannot wait until the O’s run out at the Breyer Group Stadium donning the ‘Thankyou frontline heroes’ message.”

Pre-Order Your Shirts Now

We’re delighted to say that all three shirts are available to pre-order right away – with three fresh and eye-catching designs. They will all be dispatched closer to the start of the 2020/21 season. 

To purchase yours, please visit the Leyton Orient online store by clicking here.

The season is nearing (hopefully!) and the shirts keep coming through!
Brighton and Hove Albion

Who better to tell us about Brighton’s new shirt than my friend and fellow Hispanophile, Russ Pearce. Russ is a huge Brighton (and Real Betis) fan living in Spain.

“In recent years, blue and white stripes have been the combination of choice for Brighton and Hove Albion. For the 2020/21 season they have decided to break with recent tradition and have released a first kit which is predominately blue with white pinstripes running down the front. It has divided fans like Marmite! Younger fans cannot believe the stripes have been abandoned, whereas older fans will recognise it as a homage to the FA Cup finalists of 1983. Sadly, that season and that kit also saw the end to their only other stint in the top flight of English football!!

Modelled here by Brighton fan and author of www.anythingbutpaella.com in Spain, you’ll see the white collar rather stands out. Worn with the button undone it’s fine, but few fans like the buttoned up version comparing it to a girl’s blouse!!! The new kit made a successful debut with a victory at Burnley to close out the 2019/20 season.”

Anything But Paella – A Different Side of Spainanythingbutpaella.com

Norwich City

Relegated from the “Top Flight” at the end of 2019/2020, they will be promotion candidates again such is their yo-yo existence.

Leyton Orient

I think the shirt designs are fine but much more important is the story behind it. It is far too good a story to be squeezed into a blog post like this, so please see the Harry Kane post.

Blackburn Rovers (VERY unofficial)

… and don’t forget to keep your sense of fun during these challenging times.
This T-shirt was sent to me by a Blackburn Rovers fan. Their neighbours Burnley finished in the top half of the Premiership but let’s not get facts stand in the way of local rivalry!

Manchester United 2020 – 2021

I am struggling to know what to say about my beloved Manchester United’s shirt. The pluses are that it is red and the sponsor’s badge is not that of a betting company. Apart from that …..

Predictably there are multiple new shirts to be lapped up by eager rich buyers from Korea to the Cook Islands. All at www.ManUtd.com

The brand new European Football Stadiums Poster 20% off with code EURO

NEW European stadium poster – out now!Order the new European football stadium poster today! And save 20% with code EURO.Our brand new A1 poster features all UEFA nation stadiums with a capacity of more than 40,000. From Villa Park to Valencia, Old Trafford to the Olympiastadion, this brand new map charts the biggest and best stadiums that Europe has to offer.The poster is printed on high quality 170gsm paper and includes a number of statistics, beautifully illustrated shirts and the ability to physically “tick off” the grounds you have been to.This is an essential purchase for any European groundhopper and looks great on any bedroom or office door or wall!All posters include FREE UK delivery. Payments taken by PayPal or credit/debit card. Click here – with 20% off using code: EURO

….and still they keep coming. Here a few more of the new offerings for 2020 – 2021. The good, the bad and the ugly! You decide which is which!

Drawing inspiration from the 85/86 Away Kit, adidas have reworked and revamped the classic lime green number, to create a strip that is sure to be a hit when the champions take to the road.

The 85/86 season saw Danny McGrain captain his Celtic side to a 5-0 victory at Love Street, sealing their first league victory in three seasons in front of a euphoric travelling support in Paisley.

This is what away days are all about. It’s moments like these that we never forget. It’s games like this that go down in history.

Well, I guess nobody has any real idea when the “next” season will start. As I write this on 16th July the 2019/2020 season still has not finished!

Nevertheless, the new shirts are coming through apace and I picked up a couple of interesting ones.

Leyton Orient

Celtic

FC Barcelona

Newcastle United

It is always a great pleasure when I come across a dedicated shirt collector and, more so, when the collection is from just one club. So, I was delighted to learn of the superb collection of Tottenham Hotspur shirts that Øystein Haugen from Trondheim, Norway has collected. Yes, you read that correctly Trondheim and not Tottenham, Norway and not N17!

I met him on a Facebook group (Football Kits the World Over ) where I quickly realised that he had a fantastic knowledge of the shirts as well as a love for the club. I decided to drop him a line and found that he was very happy to talk of his love of all things Spurs. He told me that he had a complete collection of replica Spurs shirts from early 1970 to 2020, and a few cup shirts etc, except 83-85 home with Holsten!

He continued, “I started to support Spurs in the late 70’s. In those days in Norway we only had a few games on the TV like Saturday’s Match of the Day. If you were lucky, they showed Spurs. Then came BBC Radio 5, Panini stickers. We got Match and Shoot and that is how Norwegian kids started to follow English teams..”

“My first trip to White Hart Lane was New Years Day 1988 against Watford (2-1) On that trip I bought my first Spurs shirts – the home shirt and the navy blue away shirt. To this day, that navy blue shirt is one of my favourite. Since then, buying a shirt every season became a must – I always wanted to stay updated with the newest kit(s). Over the last 10 years I have started to buy on eBay, trying to get hold of some of the shirts I was missing. This last year – and especially since the Covid lockdown – I have really put my mind to getting a complete collection of replica shirts. Yes, home, away, 3rds etc. All are originals except a few from Toffs of retro shirts. Spurs started to sell through the shop in 77/78.”

” I’ve managed to get hold of two Spurs shirts made by Coffer Sports which I am really proud of – a 1966-77 home shirt and a yellow away shirt 75-77. These are the oldest shirts in my collection. In total, I have about 120 Spurs shirts. I am just missing the 83-85 Le Coq Sportif home shirt with Holsten as sponsor. I do have the 83-85 light blue shirt with Holsten but it was not cheap! I’m also missing a couple of cup final specials and 2 or 3 away shirts with Investec as sponsor. I’ve been to 50+ Spurs games both home and away, some European Cup (h/a) , cup finals and friendlies ……..and the past few seasons I have been the proud owner of a season ticket. “

What an interesting story! I thanked Øystein for taking the trouble to speak to me and we agreed to have a coffee the next times are paths crossed.

Spurs’ kit for 2020/2021 has not not been officially unveiled, but the official club shop does have some huge discounts on 2019/2020 kit. Check their website here

I was delighted to reach a post by Papilios Creative on a Facebook Group that I joined recently. Dave Baldwin is a huge Aston Villa fan and a very impressive artist. He has painted many of the UK grounds and showcased a few on Facebook. I thought the images of various stadiums were truly excellent and brought back many happy memories of my visits to grounds over the past 50+ years.

I introduced myself to Dave Baldwin, the owner and artist, and asked him to tell me a little bit more about his passion. He was kind enough to reply.

“Welcome to Papilios Creative commissioned bespoke watercolour paintings and specialist in football and sports stadiums paintings. As a specialist in football stadiums if there is a particular team that you want, and you can’t see it on our website, then let us know and we will add it as soon as possible for you.

Sports stadium paintings are available as A3 or A4 prints, coasters, keyrings, fridge magnets and greetings cards. It is the aim to eventually paint all 92 English Football League Club grounds which may also include any old grounds that teams used to call home providing that bit of nostalgia. We also do Non-League Football Grounds when requested. Football greetings cards are available in several options such as Father’s Day, Birthdays, Mother’s Day or just blank. You can add that personal message which will be printed inside.

If you want a custom watercolour painting of something that you treasure, send us a picture and I will turn it into a unique keepsake artwork!

A beautiful gift for every occasion, for parents, for an anniversary, birthdays or other special event.

Give someone a special artwork that they will treasure forever!
Sports stadiums, Pet portraits, landscapes, your favourite vehicle or even your house.

Visit our website and browse the galleries of existing paintings. There is also a library of other watercolours from landscapes to wildlife if you are looking for general art. Visit: www.papilioscreative.com“