Many thanks for the feedback before Christmas. Most seem to have enjoyed the story and can relate to many of the events that have happened to me during my time as an Alex fan. There's a handful of copies still available on eBay if you haven't been able to get a copy from the shops. Happy New Year to all...
EBay item here
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Book on sale now
Many, many thanks to all who have supported and bought SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON. The launch afternoon was fantastic, and copies are now in the Alex Club Shop, Waterstone's in Crewe and Nantwich Book Shop. I've had some great feedback and look forward to more reviews on the post below, as and when people have read the story. Best wishes... Jules.
Book reviews
Okay, some of you have the SWASR book, but what do you think of it? Here's your chance to post a few words, constructive please, and under 500 words if possible. No one-word abuse, nor War And Peace epics. Just a concise appraisal if you will. Thanks to all who have embraced the crazy project, and to those yet to take the plunge... you know you want to!
Please post your thoughts below...
Please post your thoughts below...
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Thanks a million
Great time at Hops Cafe bar on Friday afternoon and early evening, plenty of books sold and signed, far too much Alex gossip, some great photos courtesy of Simon J Newbury, beers, cash raised for charity and more. Oh, and the Alex flag is fantastic.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Book launch today
It's the book launch today at Hops Cafe bar in Crewe (near Christ Church) and also the Celebration of Shirts. Still dithering, but down to five possibilities. None of the recent tops make the cut, the oldest have also gone, and I've even rejected a couple of goalkeeper shirts. So which one for today? Come along today, any time between 4pm and 7pm. Hopefully have the big Alex flag there as well...
Monday, 21 November 2011
Book launch at Hops Cafe bar in Crewe
New Crewe Alex story SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON book launch will take place at Hops Café bar on Prince Albert Street (near Christ Church in the centre of Crewe), on Friday 25th November (pop along any time between 4pm-7pm). An event has been created on the Crewe TV Facebook page HERE. Copies of the new paperback will be on sale, with a £1 discount if you wear an Alex replica top!
We’re also having a Celebration of Shirts, with a group photo (at 6pm) of anyone wearing a Crewe Alexandra top from any season (home or away) from the early 1980s to current day. Hopefully a cracking splash of colour, and a great chance to catch up with Alex mates and have a few beers at one of the best bars in Crewe…
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
SWASR now available!
Available from Waterstone's (Crewe), the Crewe Alexandra club shop and Nantwich Book Shop.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Where can you buy the book?
Okay, the new SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON paperback has been delivered. Copies are available at the Alex Club Shop, Waterstone's and the Nantwich Book Shop...
Friday, 11 November 2011
Book excerpts - Steve Holland
From chapter 28, SORCERER'S APPRENTICE
The club’s directors were in a state of shock, as the Alex were set up to play at the higher level. The wage bill was uncomfortable, the facilities top notch but the crowds were on the slide. The books hadn’t balanced in years, and those oh-so essential player sales had dried up somewhat. They needed an escape clause, something to appease supporters and breath life into the club. The answer was to promote from within, and the worst kept secret in football became a reality as Gradi shuffled aside to assume a technical director’s role, while his academy coach of many years took centre stage. So there was no hunt for a new manager, more a clever sleight of hand that left most - including the national media - scratching their heads. Who was actually in charge?
Nobody could fill Gradi’s shoes, and yet Holland had to squeeze his size tens into the Italian maestro’s petite hand-stitched, leather loafers. The seams were always likely to burst, and it was just a question of when not if he would fail.
Don’t get me wrong; I wanted him to succeed. We all did. It was the natural progression, the sorcerer’s apprentice finally getting to stir the pot, buy his own ingredients and cast the magic to keep Alex devotees pouring into Gresty Road. It just didn’t work, and many of us are still baffled as to why it collapsed around his ears.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
The club’s directors were in a state of shock, as the Alex were set up to play at the higher level. The wage bill was uncomfortable, the facilities top notch but the crowds were on the slide. The books hadn’t balanced in years, and those oh-so essential player sales had dried up somewhat. They needed an escape clause, something to appease supporters and breath life into the club. The answer was to promote from within, and the worst kept secret in football became a reality as Gradi shuffled aside to assume a technical director’s role, while his academy coach of many years took centre stage. So there was no hunt for a new manager, more a clever sleight of hand that left most - including the national media - scratching their heads. Who was actually in charge?
Nobody could fill Gradi’s shoes, and yet Holland had to squeeze his size tens into the Italian maestro’s petite hand-stitched, leather loafers. The seams were always likely to burst, and it was just a question of when not if he would fail.
Don’t get me wrong; I wanted him to succeed. We all did. It was the natural progression, the sorcerer’s apprentice finally getting to stir the pot, buy his own ingredients and cast the magic to keep Alex devotees pouring into Gresty Road. It just didn’t work, and many of us are still baffled as to why it collapsed around his ears.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Book excerpts - Deano!
From chapter 26, THERE'S ONLY ONE DEANO
One major highlight of the Ashton era also involved a father-son moment, away at Wigan’s then JJB Stadium. It was a last-minute decision, a chance to disappear for the day and use the family railcard. So we headed to Lancashire on the train with a few hundred Crewies. My lad had his mini Alex scarf wrapped around his neck, the latest replica shirt and one of my old badges pinned to his cute denim jacket lapel. I was proud as punch as we walked through Wigan town centre, bought him a pie and headed to the stadium hand in hand.
Wigan were all over us, and it was a typically robust and hard-working Paul Jewell side if ever I saw one. But they struggled to contain Ashton, Jones and Craig Hignett who all invited challenges from the Scouser’s henchmen. The referee missed nothing, and Ashton almost burst the net with two unstoppable penalty kicks within six minutes to leave Wigan on the ropes. They hit back, that was expected. So at 2-2, deep into injury time, we hoped to escape with a point.
Ashton thought otherwise, ignored calls to keep possession and camp out by the corner flag, danced past kamikaze defenders and drilled the ball low and hard past a horrified Wigan ‘keeper. If I could bottle that feeling of elation, absolute unbridled joy as I lifted my lad high into the air and saluted the goalscorer, well, I’d surely convince the Dragon’s Den millionaires to back my venture. But that mattered little. As I looked to my eldest he was singing ‘Deano, Deano, Deano…’ with one thousand delirious Alex fans. I didn’t stop smiling all day.
One major highlight of the Ashton era also involved a father-son moment, away at Wigan’s then JJB Stadium. It was a last-minute decision, a chance to disappear for the day and use the family railcard. So we headed to Lancashire on the train with a few hundred Crewies. My lad had his mini Alex scarf wrapped around his neck, the latest replica shirt and one of my old badges pinned to his cute denim jacket lapel. I was proud as punch as we walked through Wigan town centre, bought him a pie and headed to the stadium hand in hand.
Wigan were all over us, and it was a typically robust and hard-working Paul Jewell side if ever I saw one. But they struggled to contain Ashton, Jones and Craig Hignett who all invited challenges from the Scouser’s henchmen. The referee missed nothing, and Ashton almost burst the net with two unstoppable penalty kicks within six minutes to leave Wigan on the ropes. They hit back, that was expected. So at 2-2, deep into injury time, we hoped to escape with a point.
Ashton thought otherwise, ignored calls to keep possession and camp out by the corner flag, danced past kamikaze defenders and drilled the ball low and hard past a horrified Wigan ‘keeper. If I could bottle that feeling of elation, absolute unbridled joy as I lifted my lad high into the air and saluted the goalscorer, well, I’d surely convince the Dragon’s Den millionaires to back my venture. But that mattered little. As I looked to my eldest he was singing ‘Deano, Deano, Deano…’ with one thousand delirious Alex fans. I didn’t stop smiling all day.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Book excerpts - we stood there laughing
From chapter 22, BRAGGING RIGHTS
Then things went pear-shaped, we started losing games, and at one point it looked as though the New Year would see us relegated. Even Stockport turned us over at Gresty Road, followed by a worrying and embarrassing 5-2 thrashing by Huddersfield Town.
Incredibly, there were calls for Dario Gradi’s head; such was the desire to see the Alex keep improving. He’d worked hard for fifteen years, but after four tough months a few numpty supporters wanted a change. We were second bottom, just Pompey beneath us in the table, but they had games in hand.
As if we needed any more bad news, one of my favourite players tripped me up and then stamped on my crown jewels. He didn’t literally, but that’s how it felt when Dele Adebola handed in a transfer request. I was distraught. Why would he want to go anywhere else?
Next up was Stoke, two weeks before Christmas, at their fancy council-funded stadium perched alongside an incinerator (something that amused our tiny minds for years). It was a complete sell-out, the game we’d all wanted to see, but now wished wasn’t happening under such challenging circumstances. The Stokies turned up keen to see their annoying little neighbours mauled, while Crewe fans wondered if the season could get any worse.
It didn't, and the hero of countless high-profile matches stepped up, assessed his options from thirty yards out, and then drilled an unstoppable free-kick past the Stoke ‘keeper. Shaun Smith was the man.
‘One-nil to the Railwaymen,’ we sang, secretly wishing that we could emulate the Arsenal of old that would score and then shut up shop, boring the opposition into submission. In true Alex fashion, we carried on playing and left ourselves wide open. It was fortunate that Stoke were woeful that winter afternoon, as they didn’t look likely to score had we played until midnight. So when Colin Little added a second fifteen minutes from time, the Red Santa hats flew into the air as though Christmas had come early.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Then things went pear-shaped, we started losing games, and at one point it looked as though the New Year would see us relegated. Even Stockport turned us over at Gresty Road, followed by a worrying and embarrassing 5-2 thrashing by Huddersfield Town.
Incredibly, there were calls for Dario Gradi’s head; such was the desire to see the Alex keep improving. He’d worked hard for fifteen years, but after four tough months a few numpty supporters wanted a change. We were second bottom, just Pompey beneath us in the table, but they had games in hand.
As if we needed any more bad news, one of my favourite players tripped me up and then stamped on my crown jewels. He didn’t literally, but that’s how it felt when Dele Adebola handed in a transfer request. I was distraught. Why would he want to go anywhere else?
Next up was Stoke, two weeks before Christmas, at their fancy council-funded stadium perched alongside an incinerator (something that amused our tiny minds for years). It was a complete sell-out, the game we’d all wanted to see, but now wished wasn’t happening under such challenging circumstances. The Stokies turned up keen to see their annoying little neighbours mauled, while Crewe fans wondered if the season could get any worse.
It didn't, and the hero of countless high-profile matches stepped up, assessed his options from thirty yards out, and then drilled an unstoppable free-kick past the Stoke ‘keeper. Shaun Smith was the man.
‘One-nil to the Railwaymen,’ we sang, secretly wishing that we could emulate the Arsenal of old that would score and then shut up shop, boring the opposition into submission. In true Alex fashion, we carried on playing and left ourselves wide open. It was fortunate that Stoke were woeful that winter afternoon, as they didn’t look likely to score had we played until midnight. So when Colin Little added a second fifteen minutes from time, the Red Santa hats flew into the air as though Christmas had come early.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Book excerpts - hot date with WBA
From chapter 21, AWKWARD THREESOME
That all sounds quite dramatic, as though we sped off in the night to Gretna Green or hopped on a plane to Vegas. We didn’t, and Elvis did not read the wedding vows in one of the Gresty Road goalmouths that night. If I’d been forced to repeat after him, I would almost certainly have forgotten my lines, unless they’d asked me to honour and obey Mistress Alexandra.
I suppose any other blossoming romance would have continued the next day, with a walk in the park, a lunchtime meal or maybe a trip to the cinema. Unfortunately, I had to disappoint her immediately. There would be no follow-on date that Saturday. There was a match, the biggest game in our history as far as I was concerned. Gresty Road was about to welcome the First Division’s finest. There was nothing else on my mind. The party had run deep into the early hours and bodies were scattered around the house - in the lounge, kitchen and on the stairs. My only concern was turfing this bird out, politely of course. I wanted to see her again, but I had a million and one pre-match rituals to complete. It was Saturday morning. There were only five hours to kick-off!
‘Shall we go for some breakfast,’ she very sensibly suggested. ‘That nice café on Pepper Street?’
It was a lovely spot to eat, no doubt about that. But this was matchday morning. The lads would be arriving in Crewe around 11.30am. A sausage, egg and bacon bap from the greasiest spoon on Nantwich Road was the order of the day, followed by an early start in the Royal.
‘Er, sorry, love to, really I would, but the lads will be here soon. I need to crack on. I’ll ring you, maybe on Monday if that’s okay?’
So she knew where she stood from day one. I think Karen gave her a pep talk later, explaining my nasty habit, the addiction that would make me beg, borrow, steal and cheat to see an Alex game. She should bail out immediately or suffer the consequences. I didn’t have the best track record; a journeyman lover if ever there was one. A series of car crash romances that had broken hearts around the country, including my own. I don’t think Karen did a very good job of putting her off. She was a footy chick and probably saw nothing wrong with my errant behaviour.
So amazingly, following the briefest fling over cocktail sausages, egg sandwiches and a few beers at our housewarming party, she came back for more. What did surprise me was her knowledge of football, a refreshing and slightly disturbing trait in a woman. So when she joined me at a few games there were raised eyebrows from the boys, but no major concerns. It would blow over; she’d soon tire of the football banter, long journeys and excessive drinking. The lack of shopping on Saturdays would eventually frustrate her, so everything would sort itself out. It usually did. Besides, there was no way our matchday schedule was being changed – not even for Miss World. Well, unless they introduced a replica top round, and she wore an Alex shirt.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
That all sounds quite dramatic, as though we sped off in the night to Gretna Green or hopped on a plane to Vegas. We didn’t, and Elvis did not read the wedding vows in one of the Gresty Road goalmouths that night. If I’d been forced to repeat after him, I would almost certainly have forgotten my lines, unless they’d asked me to honour and obey Mistress Alexandra.
I suppose any other blossoming romance would have continued the next day, with a walk in the park, a lunchtime meal or maybe a trip to the cinema. Unfortunately, I had to disappoint her immediately. There would be no follow-on date that Saturday. There was a match, the biggest game in our history as far as I was concerned. Gresty Road was about to welcome the First Division’s finest. There was nothing else on my mind. The party had run deep into the early hours and bodies were scattered around the house - in the lounge, kitchen and on the stairs. My only concern was turfing this bird out, politely of course. I wanted to see her again, but I had a million and one pre-match rituals to complete. It was Saturday morning. There were only five hours to kick-off!
‘Shall we go for some breakfast,’ she very sensibly suggested. ‘That nice café on Pepper Street?’
It was a lovely spot to eat, no doubt about that. But this was matchday morning. The lads would be arriving in Crewe around 11.30am. A sausage, egg and bacon bap from the greasiest spoon on Nantwich Road was the order of the day, followed by an early start in the Royal.
‘Er, sorry, love to, really I would, but the lads will be here soon. I need to crack on. I’ll ring you, maybe on Monday if that’s okay?’
So she knew where she stood from day one. I think Karen gave her a pep talk later, explaining my nasty habit, the addiction that would make me beg, borrow, steal and cheat to see an Alex game. She should bail out immediately or suffer the consequences. I didn’t have the best track record; a journeyman lover if ever there was one. A series of car crash romances that had broken hearts around the country, including my own. I don’t think Karen did a very good job of putting her off. She was a footy chick and probably saw nothing wrong with my errant behaviour.
So amazingly, following the briefest fling over cocktail sausages, egg sandwiches and a few beers at our housewarming party, she came back for more. What did surprise me was her knowledge of football, a refreshing and slightly disturbing trait in a woman. So when she joined me at a few games there were raised eyebrows from the boys, but no major concerns. It would blow over; she’d soon tire of the football banter, long journeys and excessive drinking. The lack of shopping on Saturdays would eventually frustrate her, so everything would sort itself out. It usually did. Besides, there was no way our matchday schedule was being changed – not even for Miss World. Well, unless they introduced a replica top round, and she wore an Alex shirt.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Book excerpts - Luton semi-final
From chapter 19, SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON
That night at Kenilworth Road, just three days later, was a heady mix of anticipation, apprehension and expectation. Emotions were running high and a ticket to Wembley awaited the winners. Bizza drove down, collecting me, Richie, Mike and Andy along the way. The events that played out in their compact stadium that night will forever stay fresh in my mind.
For starters, Luton took a two-goal lead. That was horrendous, and another season washed away before our eyes. I saw Alex fans slump to the ground, totally dejected and inconsolable. Luton didn’t control the first half, but after David Oldfield slammed the second goal past Jason Kearton even the most optimistic supporters seemed to give up hope. Some had moaned before and during the game, wondering why on earth livewire Robbie Savage had been omitted from the play-off games. Rumours about a big fall out with boss Dario Gradi dominated conversations, and it split the fan base. If he was fit, then he should have played.
Then, no more than a minute after Luton had extended their lead, Colin Little popped up with perhaps his most significant contribution in an Alex shirt. GOAL. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope. We still had a chance. We pushed and probed for what seemed like hours. And then, as we all stood in unison to watch the ball leave Shaun Smith’s boot, it happened.
The equaliser came midway through the second half. Smithy, increasingly the man of the moment, added another goal to his growing collection and sent the travelling Alex contingent crazy. We had the vital away goals, more than Luton managed at Gresty Road. We just needed to hang on. It was a ding-dong final period, but the Alex players rose to the occasion. They were immense. Andy and I ran to the barriers at Kenilworth Road once again, but this time to grab some precious moments with our ecstatic players. It was a magical few minutes. We’d won, and we were off to Wembley again!
That night at Kenilworth Road, just three days later, was a heady mix of anticipation, apprehension and expectation. Emotions were running high and a ticket to Wembley awaited the winners. Bizza drove down, collecting me, Richie, Mike and Andy along the way. The events that played out in their compact stadium that night will forever stay fresh in my mind.
For starters, Luton took a two-goal lead. That was horrendous, and another season washed away before our eyes. I saw Alex fans slump to the ground, totally dejected and inconsolable. Luton didn’t control the first half, but after David Oldfield slammed the second goal past Jason Kearton even the most optimistic supporters seemed to give up hope. Some had moaned before and during the game, wondering why on earth livewire Robbie Savage had been omitted from the play-off games. Rumours about a big fall out with boss Dario Gradi dominated conversations, and it split the fan base. If he was fit, then he should have played.
Then, no more than a minute after Luton had extended their lead, Colin Little popped up with perhaps his most significant contribution in an Alex shirt. GOAL. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope. We still had a chance. We pushed and probed for what seemed like hours. And then, as we all stood in unison to watch the ball leave Shaun Smith’s boot, it happened.
The equaliser came midway through the second half. Smithy, increasingly the man of the moment, added another goal to his growing collection and sent the travelling Alex contingent crazy. We had the vital away goals, more than Luton managed at Gresty Road. We just needed to hang on. It was a ding-dong final period, but the Alex players rose to the occasion. They were immense. Andy and I ran to the barriers at Kenilworth Road once again, but this time to grab some precious moments with our ecstatic players. It was a magical few minutes. We’d won, and we were off to Wembley again!
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Book excerpts - Northwich, 1984
From chapter 4, PART OF THE PACK
That’s what the massive Alex contingent thought, many of them drunk and enjoying being able to dominate a smaller town. Some went overboard that afternoon, and took things too far. The mob from Crewe caused plenty of trouble throughout the centre. Northwich, however, had its rough element, and for the cup game it was obvious that lads who normally followed Man City, Man United, Everton and Liverpool had decided to join their mates to take on the Alex. It boosted the numbers, and inside the tiny ground it looked like a swollen river about to burst its banks.
It didn’t help that the visitors decided to stand in all areas of the ground. Some had cans of ale tucked under their coats, and the smell of alcohol was strong throughout the game. There was friction from kick-off, and the police were just happy to keep things contained and for the match to go ahead without any problems. Unfortunately, the crowd was bigger than expected and getting increasingly hostile as the game progressed. Things got a whole lot worse when Northwich took the lead and Alex fans realised that an upset was on the cards. While they celebrated the first serious altercations took place.
Barriers were kicked, the back of the stand took a battering as some Alex lads tried to break out, and several objects were thrown on the pitch. It wasn’t much at first, just alcohol, frustration and excessive numbers resulting in the inevitable outbreaks of trouble. But when the non-league side took a 3-1 lead, with an impromptu flash of his arse from the Northwich scorer, the terrace exploded. Some of the hoarding in the corner gave way and bodies toppled like dominoes. Missiles were thrown across the fences, by both sets of fans. An older man who was stood directly in front of us suddenly grabbed his head. Seconds later a trickle of blood ran down past his ear, and onto his collar. A coin had sliced into his scalp, hurtling through the air from an unknown assailant, just a few yards from us.
There was fear, excitement and anger. Even the most passive supporter would have reacted, and there was a rush towards the barrier that divided the two sets of supporters. We were swept along, driven down the steps as several hundred Alex fans bayed for blood and dished out their own justice. Some of them spat into the air as they fired a volley of abuse past increasingly worried police officers. They had genuine terror in their eyes, just a helmet and truncheon to protect them from the agitated mob.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
That’s what the massive Alex contingent thought, many of them drunk and enjoying being able to dominate a smaller town. Some went overboard that afternoon, and took things too far. The mob from Crewe caused plenty of trouble throughout the centre. Northwich, however, had its rough element, and for the cup game it was obvious that lads who normally followed Man City, Man United, Everton and Liverpool had decided to join their mates to take on the Alex. It boosted the numbers, and inside the tiny ground it looked like a swollen river about to burst its banks.
It didn’t help that the visitors decided to stand in all areas of the ground. Some had cans of ale tucked under their coats, and the smell of alcohol was strong throughout the game. There was friction from kick-off, and the police were just happy to keep things contained and for the match to go ahead without any problems. Unfortunately, the crowd was bigger than expected and getting increasingly hostile as the game progressed. Things got a whole lot worse when Northwich took the lead and Alex fans realised that an upset was on the cards. While they celebrated the first serious altercations took place.
Barriers were kicked, the back of the stand took a battering as some Alex lads tried to break out, and several objects were thrown on the pitch. It wasn’t much at first, just alcohol, frustration and excessive numbers resulting in the inevitable outbreaks of trouble. But when the non-league side took a 3-1 lead, with an impromptu flash of his arse from the Northwich scorer, the terrace exploded. Some of the hoarding in the corner gave way and bodies toppled like dominoes. Missiles were thrown across the fences, by both sets of fans. An older man who was stood directly in front of us suddenly grabbed his head. Seconds later a trickle of blood ran down past his ear, and onto his collar. A coin had sliced into his scalp, hurtling through the air from an unknown assailant, just a few yards from us.
There was fear, excitement and anger. Even the most passive supporter would have reacted, and there was a rush towards the barrier that divided the two sets of supporters. We were swept along, driven down the steps as several hundred Alex fans bayed for blood and dished out their own justice. Some of them spat into the air as they fired a volley of abuse past increasingly worried police officers. They had genuine terror in their eyes, just a helmet and truncheon to protect them from the agitated mob.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Book excerpts - remember Brucie?
From chapter 2, CAREFREE YOUTH...
The tail end of that campaign, another season of struggle, erratic results and regular defeats, saw us finish amongst the bottom teams yet again. I’d started to appreciate how serious the club’s situation was, but the latter half of the season stood out for one reason - Bruce Grobbelaar, a goalkeeper signed around Christmas time, formerly of Vancouver Whitecaps. Other clubs had tried to sign the promising ‘keeper, but failed due to passport and visa issues. For some reason the Alex gaffer pulled off a clever loan deal, assisted by the Crewe & Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody I later found out. The player’s name and his Canadian club sounded exotic, and the new ‘keeper started as he intended to go on – as an entertainer. If he wasn’t dribbling out of the area or booting the ball into the stand, he was leant against one of his goalposts chatting to supporters. He wore a constant smile and was often seen meeting and greeting fans outside the ground leading up to a match, usually wearing a flash suit.
Then, when York City arrived at Gresty Road for the final match of that season, he surpassed himself. Perhaps the manager knew he was going, maybe Brucie had made his mind up and expected an offer from a major club. Whatever, with the Alex holding a 1-0 lead and awarded a penalty, the madcap ‘keeper raced up the pitch to take the spot kick. He scored, of course, and the ground erupted. It was hardly Argentina ’78, but we threw a few bog rolls all the same, acquired from the train earlier that day. We’d never seen anything like it, and it just added to the magical experience that was slowly but surely consuming our young lives.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
The tail end of that campaign, another season of struggle, erratic results and regular defeats, saw us finish amongst the bottom teams yet again. I’d started to appreciate how serious the club’s situation was, but the latter half of the season stood out for one reason - Bruce Grobbelaar, a goalkeeper signed around Christmas time, formerly of Vancouver Whitecaps. Other clubs had tried to sign the promising ‘keeper, but failed due to passport and visa issues. For some reason the Alex gaffer pulled off a clever loan deal, assisted by the Crewe & Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody I later found out. The player’s name and his Canadian club sounded exotic, and the new ‘keeper started as he intended to go on – as an entertainer. If he wasn’t dribbling out of the area or booting the ball into the stand, he was leant against one of his goalposts chatting to supporters. He wore a constant smile and was often seen meeting and greeting fans outside the ground leading up to a match, usually wearing a flash suit.
Then, when York City arrived at Gresty Road for the final match of that season, he surpassed himself. Perhaps the manager knew he was going, maybe Brucie had made his mind up and expected an offer from a major club. Whatever, with the Alex holding a 1-0 lead and awarded a penalty, the madcap ‘keeper raced up the pitch to take the spot kick. He scored, of course, and the ground erupted. It was hardly Argentina ’78, but we threw a few bog rolls all the same, acquired from the train earlier that day. We’d never seen anything like it, and it just added to the magical experience that was slowly but surely consuming our young lives.
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON, available from Wednesday 16th November
Monday, 7 November 2011
So what's the book about?
There's no mystery here, SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON is my story over 35 years, a time where everything seems to have revolved around Crewe Alexandra Football Club. It's been a fascinating ride, with genuine excitement as a kid, the grim years when we all wondered if we'd be kicked out of the league, an upturn of fortunes under Dario Gradi, some amazing days out chasing FA Cup glory, heartache at Wembley, the play-off seasons, and then the incredible journey into the Promised Land of the Championship. That's all in there, but I've tried to tell a story that most will relate to, the anguish, the sacrifices you make trying to get to every game, the impact on your friends and family, the good times that are followed by bad, the amazing memories that we will always carry with us, then tales that we try to pass on to our kids and grand children. I've met the best people across the years, all passionate about the club I love, but I've also known many who have dropped off, enraged and disillusioned by it all. It's that roller-coaster relationship that I have tried to capture, how it drives us mad but we can't stop making that journey to Gresty Road each Saturday. Managers, players and other staff come and go... but we're still there. Hopefully there's something for everyone in this story...
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Online sales via EBay
The EBay item will be online again after the pre-orders have been posted, probably around Saturday 18th November. Also, anyone at Bentley Motors will be able to buy the SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON book direct from the author, from Monday 20th November.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Celebration of Shirts
Okay, to coincide with the unveiling of SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON there's going to be a Celebration of Shirts, where anyone coming along to the book launch will get a quid off the cover price if they are wearing a Crewe Alexandra top (any season, home or away). More importantly, there will be a group shot of Alex fans boasting colours and designs from the early 80s to current day. So dig out your favourite replica shirt. Full details of launch day will be posted on Friday...
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Book at printers...
Hoping for feedback this week about the delivery date for She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon. Some promotional cards have been ordered, I've chatted to Waterstones about stocking the book from late November, and I will be confirming the launch date this Friday. So all looking good. Pre-orders will be posted/delivered around 15th November, over a week before the launch and well ahead of availability in the shops. A new EBay item will be created in mid-November, at cover price plus delivery charge, so people can order and receive well ahead of Christmas plus details about the eBook version will be made available in early December. Once again, thanks to all who have helped and supported the project. More later this week...
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Back cover...
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Back cover text
SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON is one fan’s ongoing journey in cahoots with Mistress Alexandra. From boy to man, home and away, the good, bad and the ugly, to the down right ridiculous. It’s a never-ending love affair that causes pain, frustration, excitement and bewilderment. Will the bonds ever be broken?
Almost there...
Like making that long trip to a match, when the floodlights come into view you know you're almost there. I've always loved this view of Gresty Road, and I had a similar feeling as I finished the text to SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON on Monday night. It's not over, and I've already skimmed through the pages today, with a few friends also working through, chapter by chapter. It's a real up and down story, spread across 35 years. Just in the process of agreeing the final page count, spine of the book, print run and delivery date if we get the finished file to the printer by week four of October. As promised, more details about pre-orders and when it will be available will be on-line on Wednesday evening. Thanks to all who have supported and helped.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Book text finished
It was close, but no extra time or penalties required. Finished the core She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon book text on day 50 of 50. It was a bit hairy towards the end, but I've done it! Even whizzed through the 84,300 words one more time ahead of emailing to a couple of proof readers tomorrow. So all good. Need to see what interest is out there now to gauge the print run. So details on-line by Wednesday about pre-orders, a discount and free delivery etc. Thanks to Ray for his recent input.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Last two days writing..
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Yikes, day 44/50!
Been buried in the book, plus a few cheeky glasses of wine over the weekend. Final chapters being completed, loads of editing, first proof read returns coming in, cover and other bits sorted. All good, just very tired. The word count continues to rise, just under 79,000 as I call it a day...
I'm thinking the finished project will be around 85,000 words. We'll see. Will post a load of photos that capture the mood over the last 35 years on Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow is footy night, Alex vs Macclesfield Town. Stay in, write, I hear you say. I would, but I can't help myself. Looking forward to a natter to Ray...
I'm thinking the finished project will be around 85,000 words. We'll see. Will post a load of photos that capture the mood over the last 35 years on Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow is footy night, Alex vs Macclesfield Town. Stay in, write, I hear you say. I would, but I can't help myself. Looking forward to a natter to Ray...
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Day 39 of 50...
Must confess, a little weary now. Over 72,000 words in, a lot of time now being spent editing chapters before the first drafts go to willing proof readers. Also completed the production schedule. That involves the final ten days of writing, editing etc, then files to the printer, proofs, then printing. Also need to load the book on EBay to encourage advance orders to gauge likely sales (next week some time). That will help to determine the print run. Now looking at a launch date of Friday 18th November in Hops bar in the centre of Crewe...
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Final stretch...
Hoping to have over half of the chapters edited and completed by Friday, now over 70,000 words completed. Revisiting sections that need a little more work, checking dates and continuity etc...
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Day 35 of 50
Feeling weary now, and day 35 of the 50 target is a 10-hour writing fest instead of chilling out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Some great snippets picked up in the Alex Suite yesterday, memory jogged on several themes. Hoping to get the book out to a few friends by the end of next week for proof reading and polishing...
Friday, 23 September 2011
Nantwich Road junction, May 97
Just gone over the celebrations after Wembley '97, when we came back to Crewe and filled Nantwich road with noise and colour. Our group seen in the snap heading for a curry after a few beers in the Alex Suite. Cars were whizzing past, horns blaring, flags being waved and people still hugging each other in the street. The power of football...
Almost there...
Had a great week on the book. Now 33 days in (17 to go), almost 2000 words penned each day. Now sorted the cover, most of the chapter structure and had provisional quotes from the printer. Covered THAT Torquay match today, big lad being wrestled to the ground by coppers, then a police dog biting one of their players. Half of Crewe seemed to be on the south coast that weekend. So good progress, busy weekend ahead what with the Vale game tomorrow... today's photo is from the summer of 1995 when the Popside and Gresty Road End were remodelled.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Book front cover
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Getting there...
I have wondered about this crazy challenge, to pen a book about the Alex from a supporter's [my] perspective in just 50 days. It's been hectic, but I'm nearly there. Upwards of 60,000 words towards a target of 80,000 completed in 29 days, a vibrant cover design produced (pending the club's approval about one particular image) and the chapters starting to link up well. So really pleased. More info about some of the sunject matter tomorrow...
Saturday, 17 September 2011
A young Danny Murphy
As the book will not contain photos (it's a story, basically, plus it keeps the costs down) I've decided to post a load of photos I've collected from over the years, items that get a mention in She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon and would have been included if a scrapbook section of photos was being inserted. So we'll start with Danny Murphy, scoring against Birmingham back in February 1995. Just look at the Popside as it was! Murphy established himself in the first team while he was still a kid, and we knew that the Alex had someone special on board. It also endorsed all that was being done in the background with the academy.
If you've been following the progress of the book, as of day 26 of 50 the word count has just crept over 52,000. So bang on target.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Fanzine daze!
Some great times were had selling Super Dario Land. Finally completed this chapter having remembered some unforgettable days out, selling it in some bizarre places, losing copies, and including a free stick of rock with one issue! Just topped 49,000 words in total, and my mate Pottsy tells me that the cover's looking pretty decent. Simple idea, but hopefully effective.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Stranded in Belgium!
Just retracing a crazy few days in Belgium, when Cardiff City fans took me to their European Cup Winners game with Standard Liege. I was stranded at Dover, wearing an Alex top! Madness...
Sunday, 11 September 2011
40,000 words and counting...
Amazingly, I'm on target for the book in 50 days challenge. Busy weekend with the kids, the footy, Queens Park, and then junior footy on Sunday morning, but managed to crack on with a little more work on the Macca/Smithy section, plus a few more memories of the big signings at the start of our Division One/Championship era. Coming together nicely, but keep thinking of little snippets that I must include!
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Tony Waddington
Revisited one of the early chapters today, my first few years when managers changed almost every season. Tony Waddington was popular but didn't deliver. Remember Grobbelaar, Greenhoff and Conroy? Also, losing twice against non-league opposition in the FA Cup didn't help. Dark days. Tipped 35,000 words today. Also decided no photos. It a story, not a scrapbook. However, intend to publish a lot of old snaps on this site over the next two months...
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Wembley '93
Great catching up with people at the Alex on Saturday, plus a corking win that shows the side has real potential. Perhaps Shaun Miller staying (at least until January) will see us push into the top half and stop talk of dropping out of the league. What a difference a week makes. Anyway, some top snippets from pre-match discussion, in particular Wembley ‘93 vs. York. Such a difference experience to what would come a few years later. 12,000 Alex fans, first time at the national stadium etc. Brought back some amazing memories, inc the van journey back to Middlesbrough and giving a random student a lift home! Happy days, and easing past the 25,000 word mark. Well on target…
Saturday, 3 September 2011
23,000 words so far
Steady progress on the book, with almost 2000 words per day since I decided to complete the new project (She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon) in just 50 days. Enjoyed a cracking game at the Alex today and grabbed some tasty snippets from mates towards several chapters that remain unfinished. Remembered the Luton games in 1996-97, Norman Rowlinson and the Steve Holland era... all over a few pints.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Heather Small
Great memories penned today, the Wembley '97 experience, awesome performance, total domination but just a single goal that kept it tense until the final whistle. Never a big M People fan until I heard Heather Small belting out "Moving On Up" to a stadium of Alex fans, Brentford boys and girls already departed. Then the coach home, everyone buzzing, the Alex Suite packed to the rafters with the chairman serving beers, horns, flags and singing along Gresty Road. Brilliant. Even one cocky Alex fan wearing the 97/98 home shirt that hadn't been released yet! Crept past 20,000 words in my quest to write a Crewe Alex memoirs kinda book in just 50 days...
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Gentlemen
A more light-hearted theme followed today as I recalled Shaun Smith and Steve Macauley, true gentlemen who served the Alex well. I was part of the testimonial committee that coordinated the fundraising events, produced a souvenir programme and staged the showcase games against Everton and Liverpool. Some great memories of two fantastic players. I reckon both could more than hold their own in the Alex side even now! Word count for the project has just topped 17,700...
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Fleety and Mike
Sad day today, recounting May and June this year when an Alex stalwart and a close friend of mine both passed away. A huge loss to the Alex. Trying to put it all in words, how it affects the people connected with the club, other fans etc. Just passed 16,000 words across the various chapters I've completed so far. It's a good mix, hopefully capturing all emotions associated with the game...
Monday, 29 August 2011
There's only one Deano!
As part of The Championship era, I've decided to focus one chapter on Dean Ashton. One of my favourite players, for his actions during games but also how he handled himself off the pitch. He helped to transform our club, but we were left wondering if more could have been possible if he hadn't been sold to Norwich. So good and bad memories about this phase, as we nosedived after his departure...
Promotion away at Tranmere
The first promotion under new manager Dario Gradi. What a day! Tops swapped with Tranmere fans, packed terraces, everyone happy that the two sides went up. How did you celebrate that day?
The Beehive
Not a pleasant day, when we took on Carlisle in the FA Cup. I was based in Boro, at college, and took about five mates across for this game. Plenty of pre-match beers, as usual, but things took an ugly turn in the Beehive pub. Some horrific memories for me, nasty injuries, arrests and more. What do you remember about this day?
A book in 50 days!
Forgot to add that bit. I'm intending to complete this journey, my trawl through years of Alex experiences, in just 50 days. Indeed, that's going to mean around 1500 words per day, maybe more. I started on Monday 22nd August and, believe it or not, I'm on target. As of today, Bank Holiday Monday after the Alex's first win of the season (away at Plymouth), I've crept over the 12,000 word mark, spread across various chapters as things spring to mind. I'm now starting to focus on specific events and periods of time, something that will need input from other supporters to ensure that I get dates, times and details correct. So I'll start posting daily as I cover new topics.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
She wore a scarlet ribbon
She wore a scarlet ribbon is my latest writing project, something a little different from The Gradi Years that I completed - believe it or not - nearly 12 years ago. I had considered a follow-up, something that brought everything at Crewe Alexandra up to date and possibly ended with an awful low for the man himself, taking the club up and then back down the leagues again. But I didn't want to do that. Instead, I thought a more personal account of one fan's supporting life would be more apt, something that tracked my years with the club, its players and the fans, a relationship with Mistress Alexandra who has affected my life for 35 years...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)