Bob, some see the Somme reference as misplaced but knowing the Shankly
comment makes it an allowable as far as I am concerned.
Liked the poem though, writng about any sport has to be difficult in that it
meets with a chilly indifference or a furious alternative point of view. You
have done well here and not angered a Man. United fan in any
way.regards.Arthur.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Cooper" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 10:48 PM
Subject: With The Toon Army
> For C & C:
>
> With The Toon Army
>
>
> Like everyone else, I love 'em. That's obvious.
> But when it was crossed, high and up
> over the penalty spot, the panic
> had already set in. The Centre Backs that
> had looked shaky already, but not absurd,
> had no chance of clearing it, not
>
> a chance of clearing it. Not
> a bloody hope. If you were there it was obvious.
> So obvious. The keeper, with that absurd
> dainty jump, should've shouted, leapt up
> and punched it clear. Not that
> he could've stopped the panic,
>
> that chaotic, can't be stopped bloody panic
> there must have been on The Somme. Not
> that it's war, or life or death. All that,
> as Shankley said, is less serious. It's obvious
> we'll do great this season. And up
> front we're all right. Shearer. But the word Absurd -
>
> that's the only bloody word, AB-SURD -
> that describes what goes on at the back. Panic
> is too effing polite as well. Hell. Two up
> at half-time. Should've cruised it. Not
> sat back but played steady. It's obvious
> we'll have to buy again. Another European. That
>
> would sort it. Height. Elbows. You buy that
> from abroad. I know Phil Babb's heard
> we want him. But Italians are obvious
> choices for defence. No panic
> and ruthless. Crunch 'em, but not
> so you'd see. Then hold it, dribble it up
>
> well past half-way. Dribble. Not hoof it up
> and hope. Footwork and thinking. That
> sums up what we want. Positive play. Not
> the old English way, long shorts, absurd
> toe-cap boots, all that sort of crap. An' Nick,
> who's got the next seat, knows it's obvious
>
> too. I ought to phone. Obvious, a drink. Not
> serious, no panic, just fun. Now that
> would be good. Start absurd rumours. Set 'em up.
>
> Bob Cooper
>
> (N.B. The Toon Army is one of the names assumed by Newcastle United's
fans)
>
>
>
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