"And then like my dreams they fade and die".
Little bit of cockney sentimentality there, but it feels appropriate after last week. Three defeats in a row and probably, though not definitely yet, the end of the dream for the daft lads from Ryhope. But hasn't it been fun? And, amazingly, still top of the league deep, deep into April, though probably knocked off by now, who would have thought it? Not me for a start, I am happy to admit, the usual hard fought battle against the drop was what I was anticipating, and quite looking forward to it to be honest. This has been a new experience though and no mistake, fair had me spinning in my proverbial at times. Little bit of upheaval and sharp words at times to spice things up, some cracking goals, though most of them far and wide across the North East while we home birds had to make do with scrambled one-nils. But overall we looked like a good side, with some stand out performers in amongst it. The two new lads in the middle were top notch, Adsy came on a ton once he got his head on straight, and Jonesy had another rock solid season. Which is not to pick people out, everyone did well, apart from the gold digger up front who passed this way for a few weeks, but we won't mention him. But we will mention Neil and George and their crew on the sidelines, absolutely top drawer, if a little too free with their language occasionally...
And further developments on the ground, though not yet with the lights, lovely little house for the gateman though, enough to please the management committee; they were here and gone in a crack the other week, must be back in the good books...
And if we have done well, what about the boys up the road? Finally making the step up into the big time? Has the Welfare passed the inspection? I hope so, I really do, would bring the long looked for derbies closer to reality for a start. Mind, I think it would cement our place as number two club in Ryhope, certainly as far as they are concerned. But lets not be churlish, it would be great for Ryhope and great for Sunderland, though I doubt if the council would realise it, still you never just know, we might get a joint freedom of the City....
And what about the Vase final? Is the club getting a bus on? No, I didn't think so, though I hear the League is organising a group shot of all the Northern League clubs. Just need to make sure we get the RCA shirt front and centre, that's all. But who will be wearing it? The Badgie Gadgie? The season ticket holder? The Surrey fireman? Who can tell?