John McCormick writes:
It was a special day.
At about half three I was in the Liverpool Women’s hospital, holding my new-born granddaughter.
“It’s been a good weekend,” I said to Peter, my Blackburn-season-ticket-holding-son-in-law.
“Yes”, he said. “Before Leeds I said all we needed was three points and a baby”.
“Three points and a baby. That’ll do me,” I thought.
And I hoped like hell, as we drove home, trying to hear the radio above the noise of grandma and auntie Helen in the back, that that’s what it would be.
And it was.
A special day.
Even Dick thinks so, as he lets Colin, and maybe one or two others, know.
But, believe me, good as Jermain Defoe’s strike was, becoming a grandad for the first time is better:
Dear Colin,
Please pass on my congratulations to John. I understand why he couldn’t be there and I forgive him.
The work rate and effort was fantastic; I always say if you put the effort in and work hard you get the results.
It was a difficult game but we deserved to win it because we were the much better side and applied pressure from the off.
Jermain [Defoe] worked himself very hard; it’s the first time I’ve seen Billy Jones play and I take my hat off to him after that performance today.
We were just waiting for the goal, we were creating chance after chance and really putting Newcastle under pressure and then with that little bit of luck came that shot from Defoe.
To win five in a row is great; but we need to think about the present, now what is important is the three points and now we have to build on this when we face Crystal Palace.
The fans were terrific; they were so excited, it gave me a special feeling. I’m happy for my team and the players, but even happier for the fans.
When we arrived at the ground you could feel a special atmosphere and that was there all the way up to the final whistle.
And happy, happy birthday, Hazel. Born on the day we did five in a row.
Thanks for your support,
Dick Advocaat
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A beautiful insight into Dick Advocaat, obviously a very caring and well grounded human being, who understands the passion of football but sensible enough to know there ate far more important things in life. He appears to understand the area and I’m sure he will give his everything to make us successful in the time he is with us. He will inspire the players to give their best and we can ask no more than that
No offence, but Defoe’s strike, to beat the mags for a fifth time is very rare, another grandchild will be along, eventually!
I speak as one who has never lived down telling my, in labour, wife that Bridges had just scored to beat crystal palace 1-0. I thought it was important. Apparently I was wrong.
You weren’t wrong but one generation removed is different.
I hope another grandchild will come along.
Yes or no, I can bounce this one on my knee and tell her of the day she was born.
We live for such days
Great day for you and your family, John, and, of course, a great day for the SAFC family.
What a great day. The buzz was back in abundance. Importantly three points gained and not insignificantly five in a row against the neighbours. The Mags must be wondering what’s happened to create such a turnaround to burst their arrogance in this fixture.
Perhaps just as importantly we’ve undoubtedly knocked back the growing confidence of the five teams immediately around us.
Great day.
Thanks Dick