Last night's triumph for United in Europe - reaching their 2nd European Final (ignoring the Anglo-Italian) was witnessed by 4 "Old Contemptibles" who witnessed the previous United appearance and triumph in a European final in 1969.

These brave survivors of that night last century, were all released from their nursing homes to attend the United-Munich game. Their Continental ventures are long gone (the struggle is more incontinental these days), but Pit Bill, Screacher, Dr Bill and Jonno in the care of nurses Steph and Dougal were proud to be part of another historic night in United's history.

"Age shall not wither them" (is well wide of the mark unless they always looked like that) one might have thought as these grizzled veterans of the 1969 Fairs Cup triumph assembled and swapped stories of their heroism in those bygone days of glory, their memories of battles fought. The names of the places they fought trip off the tongue, hallowed names in the United lexicon, The Leazes End, The Gallowgate, The Popular Side, The Paddock. Yes our heroes had stood and played their part in the victory in all of them. They told stories of those who had fallen, (mostly after 8 pints in The Strawberry or during a crush on the terraces). The odd tear could be seen running down the face (as they learned of the current price of beer in The Strawberry) Some could remember going "over the top" and running onto the pitch when Joe Harvey's boys won promotion. Others were unable to remember what day it was. Their kind will not come again - (not since SKY and all seater stadia anyway).

Lest we forget - Give generously to the Fairs Cup Veteran Fans Fund.

It's aalways gud te beat The Jormans. :-)

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2001

Answers

Aye lad, it was a grand time. And hopefully some of the youngsters who weren't around in those days (so that's everybody under 32) will witness something similar this season.

How times have changed. Your report should surely not be allowed in this modern era. Indeed, I was shocked that the lad next to me wasn't hauled out by the bill (or other even more painful parts) last night for daring to suggest it was time for the subs. Hadn't he heard of the Graf Spey (neither a tennis player nor a glen in Scotland) or the Bismark? Bliddy youngsters. The to cap it all, what should be sung as we left the ground? Toon Aaar-mi, Toon Aaar-mi. I expected the Panzas to be massing in Straabeery Place. Thank God we didn't mention the "Wor". Oh, crikey, you did. Take cover.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2001