GEOFFREY Lindley always adds sparkle to the Letters page and his footballing thoughts are no exception.

As one of AFC Bournemouth’s fortunate season ticket holders, I know I’m not alone in experiencing many pinch-me moments this season as we watch our local side take on some of the best footballers in the world.

However, I agree with him that this wonderful experience can’t help but nudge the nostalgia button.

Momentarily, perhaps as the crowd are advising the referee on an incorrect judgement, the mind can wander back to that very different world of football past.

For me, it was schoolboy football in Lancashire in the late 50s and as we now see these bright pink or orange luminous, velcro-fastening boots dance before us over manicured turf, I sometimes think about dubbin. Big brown multi-laced, well dubbined boots, over the ankle to protect against kicks; and nailing in new studs.

Whilst now the ball seems to float heavenwards as it catches the wind, there was that dead weight of the waterlogged, bladder-driven, leather object as you got your head to it – or the stinging blue lace mark as a well-hit, heavy, frost-covered ball struck the top of your leg and a.

A forced grin as team-mates assumed it was a courageous stop rather than maybe just a failure to get out of the way fast enough!

Watching Rochdale on a Saturday and greeting our heroes on to the pitch, some respectfully stubbing out their fags as they left the tunnel.

With modern-day football, much has changed, some for the better. Like Geoffrey though, I think we could do without some of the theatricals.

The constant falling, diving and disputing decisions are, I think, not for the best.

I guess it’s just the way things are but I also say endorse Marc Pugh as one who would have held his own, as footballer, team player and sportsman, in either of these worlds.

Enough of these Meldrewesque meanderings. Come on you Cherries – just keep on making Bournemouth proud!

DOUGLAS EYRE

Kirby Way, Bournemouth

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