1972 and all that

[andyg]

Here's a glimpse into life in the past. Little did they know that the end was nearer than they thought.

https://twitter.com/Fan89Footy/status/1 ... 2239233024

[MisterPleasant]

Is that from the NW Evening Mail? If not, it's interesting to see the frequent use of the word 'soccer'; not such an American and Barrovian thing after all.

[Methuselah]

Great little article.

[spirit of 1990]

Is that from the NW Evening Mail? If not, it's interesting to see the frequent use of the word 'soccer'; not such an American and Barrovian thing after all.

I hate Americanisms creeping into our language, but I always found it confusing that “soccer” was classed as an American phrase because we all used that term as kids.

[Algernon-Beers]

Cor blimey, guv'nor! Yer wanna know abaht the bleedin' origin of the word "soccer," do yer? Well, it all started back in the late 19th century, when a bunch of toffs at Oxford University started playin' this new-fangled game what they called "Association Football."

Now, them posh fellas was always fond of slangin' words and abbreviatin' things, so they started callin' the game "Assoc." But then, a group of working-class lads from the town of Rugby started playin' their own version of football, which they called "Rugger."

Well, as you might imagine, the Oxford boys didn't want to be associated with them roughnecks from Rugby, so they needed a new name for their game. And that's where "soccer" comes in.

You see, "soccer" is actually a shortened version of "Association Football." The first part of the word, "assoc," got dropped, and then they took the "er" from the end of "football" and stuck it on the end of "soc." And there you 'ave it: "soccer"!

Now, some folks might try to tell you that "soccer" is an American word, but don't you believe 'em! We Cockneys 'ave been usin' it for donkey's years. It's only them fancy-pants yanks who started callin' it "soccer" to distinguish it from their own version of football, which they call "football" for some bloody reason.

So there you go, mate. That's the origin of the word "soccer," straight from the 'orse's mouth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the pub for a pint and a packet of pork scratchings. Cheers!

[Hadrian]

Is that from the NW Evening Mail? If not, it's interesting to see the frequent use of the word 'soccer'; not such an American and Barrovian thing after all.

I hate Americanisms creeping into our language, but I always found it confusing that “soccer” was classed as an American phrase because we all used that term as kids.

Agree - we should make efforts to retain it as part of our English language heritage and confound the Millennials who think it is an American term!

Like a number of other words, it remains in more common use in Australia and North America where the language may not have evolved in the same way/same rate as in the UK.

[pjdaly]

So, who have we got there in the picture featured in the article in Andy's opening post? Across the front, from left to right, I think we see Bobby Noble (number5), Ian McDonald, Harry Thomson, Malcolm Russell (our skipper in 1971-72) and Gerry Benson who was a reserve but later appeared in our first eleven in our early NPL days. I think the player partially obscured behind Harry Thomson might be Ambrose Clarke. I don't know the names of the other three at the back but I reckon they will be reserve teamers. Can anyone name them? Is the one on the left with the long black hair Barry Evans??? Anyone of a certain age with the answers?

Reading about the desperate plight of our club as depicted in that article it's momentarily possible to see why the BOD went for Speedway . . . but only for a moment because anything, anything, anything had to be a better direction for us than a speedway track.

Note the derogatory comment early on in the article about our town . . . "Barrow, hanging remote on the tip of North Lancashire like a drip on Andy Capp's nose" . . . well, things could have been worse I suppose – we wouldn't want to be a drip on Andy Cook's nose . . . not an image to dwell on . . .

[Bingo]

Its not surprising the club were kicked out with articles like that knocking about. The doom and gloom around everything Barrow seemed to be as present then as it is now. Poor little old Barrow syndrome

Reminds me of the article mark cooper did last season moaning about lack of balls.

What a shame article's then and now don't reflect the positive side of the club. Great place to live and work; great passionate supporters home and away, a club going places, an exciting prospect.

[pjdaly]

Reminds me of the article mark cooper did last season moaning about lack of balls.

To be fair, Bingo, I think there was a lot of truth in that article. He didn't have any.

[Hadrian]

[mickmike wilson]

I hate Americanisms creeping into our language, but I always found it confusing that “soccer” was classed as an American phrase because we all used that term as kids.

Agree - we should make efforts to retain it as part of our English language heritage and confound the Millennials who think it is an American term!

Like a number of other words, it remains in more common use in Australia and North America where the language may not have evolved in the same way/same rate as in the UK.

This for me, I often read the odd book and like Native Americans or indigenous peoples, Pirates & History etc & it’s fascinating how many words I hear over here & assumed they are American then later on read these exact words in old period English literature.

[mickmike wilson]

Agree - we should make efforts to retain it as part of our English language heritage and confound the Millennials who think it is an American term!

Like a number of other words, it remains in more common use in Australia and North America where the language may not have evolved in the same way/same rate as in the UK.

This for me, I often read the odd book and like Native Americans or indigenous peoples, Pirates & History etc & it’s fascinating how many words I hear over here & assumed they are American then later on read these exact words in old period English literature, So we’ve stopped using them while they haven’t.