I may look a miserable old git, but really, I’m quite a Happy Chappie.

It would be too simple though to say I’m happiest at home, surrounded by family and friends, with a supply of beers in the fridge and music blaring from my turntable’s speakers.

(See? It really was that simple. 😉 )

But if we take that as a ‘given,’ then my ‘happy place’ is undoubtedly at the home of my football club, Renfrew FC.

Renfrew FC, play in the West of Scotland Football League. Currently we compete in the First Division, which is effectively the seventh tier of Scottish Football overall. To put this in context for American readers, it’s the equivalent of Minor League Baseball. Renfrew FC would probably be a decent ‘AA’ standard.

When I moved back to Scotland from Stockport, North West England, in 1989, I visited several local football clubs to see which I’d adopt. It didn’t take long to settle on Renfrew FC. At that time, we played in a dilapidated, old ground in the town, but where the Club won me over was the friendliness of the supporters and the welcome extended to me as a newcomer.

We may have since changed our ground to a lovely, modern wee stadium just a few hundred yards down the road, but the atmosphere is every bit as cordial.

When I had my Sudden Cardiac Arrest in April of this year, just before last season ended, I naturally missed a few games … not many, mind. One however, was the match that finally saw us clinch the League title. Having already won a cup a few months earlier, big celebrations were planned for the last match of the season when we’d be presented with the trophy.

I was not long out of hospital and still feeling rather delicate, having broken most of my ribs while initial CPR had been administered. It was not easy moving around at all. So I was well chuffed when team manager, Jimmy Quigley, contacted me to say that if I was unfit to attend the match / celebration, he’d come to my home with the cups so I could get some photos.

There was no need, however. One of my friends and fellow fans, Alan Liddell, offered to pick me up and take me to the match. (Indeed, he and Craig Geddes have ensured I’ve missed only a couple of games this season … I was not allowed to drive myself for eight months.)

On the day, there was a stadium announcement to welcome me back; I had drinks bought for me; the players posed for photos … and even chanted my name! Supporters whose names I still do not know, came to shake my hand and wish me well.

It really was quite emotional. 🙂

I must indeed say a huge ‘Thank You,’ to all connected with the club; the players; management team & support staff; committee; bar / catering staff; fellow supporters … everyone!

But it’s not just for that one day that New Western Park is my ‘happy place.’

To me, there’s nothing better than playing sport. My football-playing days are about forty years in the past, but watching and rooting for your team comes a good second.

To be stood on the terrace, no matter the weather, a pie in one hand, a steaming hot cup of Bovril in the other, forgetting all else in your world for ninety minutes and simply shouting on your team in the hope of victory … as we say in Scotland, ‘ye cannae whack it!’

‘Mon The Frew!

🙂 🙂 🙂