I MIGHT have mentioned this before, but, in a former life, I spent some time on-attachment to the finest body of fighting men, ever, McAlpine's Fusiliers.
This was an itinerant band of mainly "Paddies" with the odd "Jock" mercenary such as I, who, when not building England's motorways and dams, wrought havoc in their pubs, whilst boosting the Guinness and Jameson's profits.
The craic was good in Cricklewood and elsewhere, and, if nothing else, I learned: "Paddy" is by no means as tick as those of us on mainland Great Britain make out.
Armed with this hard-earned knowledge, I am therefore minded to treat the shock news of FIFA's alleged "bribe" to the Football Association of Ireland, to avert possible legal action, following the notorious "hand of Henry" incident, as one of those "so-what" moments.
The money which FIFA paid-out helped fund the Aviva Stadium, so, win-win, and, all I can say is: why cannot the SFA come up with such great scams?
After all, had the referee seen the blessed Thierry's sleight of hand and disallowed the goal? What can we definitely say would have happened?
The game would have finished all-square, triggering a penalty shoot-out, which the Republic might or might not have won. So, there qualification for the World Cup finals was by no means a given.
Scant grounds on which to threaten legal action, but, even the threat worked and the FAI got a pay-out.
Thick Paddies - I think not.
Just one question, who came up with the scam - Father Ted Crilly?
THE NEWS that Airdrieonians has a new owner somewhat slipped below the radar this week. The Diamonds have failed to sparkle of late, but, with the set-up they have, if new owner Mr Wotherspoon can bring the same drive and direction to the club as he has in running a leading logistics company, then the road ahead is clear for the long-awaited revival of the club.
The take-over sees the end of the Ballantyne Years. Jim Ballantyne and his family have put a lot of time, money and effort into the old club in recent years.
OK, what they did has won JB few friends around Clydebank, but, he laboured long and hard for the club he loved, as well as giving his time to the Scottish League and SFA.
Like many Hampden blazers, he made mistakes along the way, but, he loved football and Airdrie and will surely continue to support the club.
But, a new era has started, let's wish the new owner well.
The take-over sees the end of the Ballantyne Years. Jim Ballantyne and his family have put a lot of time, money and effort into the old club in recent years.
OK, what they did has won JB few friends around Clydebank, but, he laboured long and hard for the club he loved, as well as giving his time to the Scottish League and SFA.
Like many Hampden blazers, he made mistakes along the way, but, he loved football and Airdrie and will surely continue to support the club.
But, a new era has started, let's wish the new owner well.
In 64/65 I placed myself at the Tynecastle tunnel. One day the smiles were large as rumour of the top of the table Hearts side playing a bounce game v Civil Service Strollers. the result a draw!
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