So, RCA out of the Vase, but England going to Brazil. A small mercy. Never mind, there is always next year, and we did win one game, and, so I am told, had a good day out at Bridlington, apart from the result. Good set up I hear, excellent pitch, good spectator facilities and a handsome clubhouse. Just like home then....
Still Brazil is something to look forward to next close season, a month of just about continuous football every evening. Tide us over to the pre-season friendlies no bother. Not the silky skills of John Jury, or the rugged line leading of Gav Barton admittedly, we must just make do with assorted South American ball players taking the proverbial out of lumbering Europeans, particularly England. What price Brazil in the same group? Odds on. And far it be from me to encourage anybody to gamble, but 7/2 about the host nation to win it? Like finding money in the street.
But at least we will be there, unlike the rest of the teams from these parts. Even the Irish, who usually put up a decent effort these days, crashed this time, while there appears to be no hope ever again for the Scotch and the Welsh; the Welsh are concentrating on the rugby, despite having the world’s most expensive footballer, while the ginger tartan hordes from north of the border would be well advised to put their faith in darts or possibly tennis to retain national pride. Whatever happened to the succession of great players they used to have? Even if they could never much get it together as a team there were plenty of top class individuals. Dalglish, Law, Johnstone, and many more. Now if you can get a game for Brentford and your grandad came from Berwick you are in. Quite sad really.
But of course we English can't just celebrate qualifying. Oh no, not with our press flying a kite and finding a host of self publicists and the easily offended happy to jump on it. If you see what I mean.
Yes, poor old Mister Woy held up to abuse and ridicule for telling a joke in what should be the sanctity of the changing room. It's not fair, given the old boy has been on the receiving end often enough and seems to take it in good part.
Oh, yes, leave Woy alone, you wotten wascals, that’s what I say. Or wather, he would...