BOOKS

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When The Frozen Northerner first started blogging he compiled a list of what he thought were the best ten books he had read on sport, all highly informative, books, that would have profound effect on the way The Frozen Northerner, looked and thought about sport. At the top of the list was the Hunter Davies classic “The Glory Game” a book that gave you an insiders view into the world of professional football and to this day remains, The Frozen Northerner’s favourite book on sport.

However, this Christmas my youngest son presented me with a copy of the 40th anniversary edition of Eamon Dunphy’s great book, “Only a Game” Oh, my god, how did I ever manage to overlook Dunphy’s great analysis of the early part of Millwall’s 1973-74 season. In many ways this was going to the season where Benny Fenton’s side were going to achieve their ultimate goal and reach the English first division (now the premier league).

Millwall, were, or so we thought a team on the up, with the author, Republic of Ireland international midfield general Eamon Dunphy, arguably their best player in their quest to win promotion, however the best laid plans……

Dunphy’s brilliant book highlights how every player is filled with hope and optimism at the start of the season, but before we have even reached the half way stage of the season their dreams are left shattered, leaving the Millwall players disillusioned and frustrated. Dunphy’s leaves no stone unturned as he lifts the lid on the life of a professional footballer back in those halcyon days of the 1970s, for me this the beauty of the book because it doesn’t matter whether or not you played the game at professional or amateur level because the symptoms are the same, whenever you lose your place you lose faith, Dunphy’s reaction being the same the world over because you don’t care about the team and the results because your not playing. Once you open this book you will find it impossible to put down, Dunphy’s sublime book is on a par with Hunter Davies classic ” The Glory Game” and I can give it no higher praise, buy immediately

TALES FROM THE PIT POND (25)

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At the end of that glorious treble winning season, The Frozen Northerner made yet another mistake, when West Allotment Celtic decided to join The Northern Alliance, my lack of confidence once again surfaced and I unwisely decided that playing in the Alliance was maybe a step to far, stupid, the challenge was there to be taken and I bottled it, instead, I returned to the South Northumberland League joining North Shields St Columba’s.

Managed by notable John Wall, Columba’s was a nice little set up, nice ground at Square Press, good players, competing for trophies, it looked like a good move for me, however, it could the argued that the main reason I joined St Columba’s was it gave me the opportunity to play in the same side as the great Brian Lister.

Now, in the autumn of his career, Lister possessed a wicked sense of humour, aligned to a high level of football intelligence that always kept him ahead of us mere mortals. It proved to be a tough season for St Columba’s, a resurgent New York side ( featuring the unbelievably twice overlooked Allotment reject John Kiddie) set a blistering pace at the top of league, we couldn’t keep up and ended up chasing them all season. Nevertheless, despite our shortcomings in the league, we were having a good run the Northumberland Minor Cup, which kept us focused. We reached the quarter finals in good spirits, where we were drawn away to the notorious Benwell Blues, on bumpy pitch at there place, we pulled ourselves back from the brink gaining a hard earned draw.

We had to fancy our chances back at Square Press, but after leading 1-0 going to the second half, we threw it away, losing 2-1, in a game that we should have won. Chances like that don’t come along everyday, the disappointment was made worse when Benwell went on to win the competition. The season duly fizzled out with New York taking the league title in good style, not quite the season I had anticipated, but, the pleasure of playing with Lister was something I wouldn’t have missed for the world and besides there was also next season to look forward too.

However, when I’m was watching an end of season Sunday morning game, I’m approached by West Allotment Celtic’s secretary John Jackson, who starts quizzing me about what I’m doing next season, the direction of the conversation catches me completely off guard, I should have given myself time to think about what was on offer, naturally being up my own a… I didn’t and dived in and returned to the Allotment, I didn’t realise it at the time but it was a decision that would affect me for the rest of my life.

THE THREADNEEDLE EXPERIENCE

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Well, it’s the holidays and that means if The Frozen Northerners aren’t in Italy they must be in London, correct, we’re in the financial district staying at the Threadneedle Hotel, a stones throw away from the Bank of England. The hotel is formerly the home of the London, City and Midland Bank, however, in 2010 was turned into this swish hotel.

The square mile is not an area where The Frozen Northerners have ever stayed, so let’s see what the place is all about. This boutique hotel is pretty good, it’s impressive foyer leads you off to rooms that are fairly comfortable and feature a decent size bathroom with separate bath and shower. Also coming off the main foyer is a highly acceptable Caviar House restaurant that caters for all day dining, alongside this eating area is a excellent bar, where I would implore you to try an imperial old fashioned, the hotel’s twist on the classic American cocktail, which can best be described as, heaven in a glass, awesome.

Outside the hotel we’re about one minute from the Royal Exchange and The Bank of England itself, ten minutes from St Paul’s cathedral, which is well worth a view, five minutes from Leadenhall market, a great place for a drink and a bite to eat, all great experiences, nevertheless, the star of show on this short break to the Metropolis was Southwark’s Borough market. You could take the tube, or the bus, but, in all honesty it’s no more than a 10 minute walk which allows you to cross a very chilly London Bridge taking in great views up and down the Thames.

Borough market regularly features on programmes like Saturday Kitchen, so, you should know a little bit about it. The Frozen Northerners got there at about 11ish and the place was absolutely heaving, the queues for food at various establishments were the length of the street, therefore, no matter how ravenous you are, be patient when waiting for your food. If like me you are big fan of oysters, then this the place for you as the amount of places selling these beauties was mind-boggling, but, this place is not just about oysters, there is loads going on here, added to that the tons of good pubs such as The Market Porter or The Wheatsheaf, nearby so you really cannot miss, you don’t need to be a foody to appreciate visiting Borough market, you go for the atmosphere which is simply incredible. The Threadneedle Experience, something different, something, worthwhile.