Bootle 2 GNE 0

What do we know of Bootle? Well, as a town, my memory is that it was the headquarters of the National Giro Bank. An early piece of Governmental social engineering when the newly formed organisation was put into Bootle as some sort of compensation for the loss of jobs at the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board as a result of containerisation and the rise of Felixstowe. The National Giro Bank then, of course, gave rise to any number of jokes relating to the non-payment of debts. “my Giro is in the post”; “the dog has eaten my Giro” etc. which, to an extent, added to the well established sense of dark humour which prevailed on Merseyside then and now. (A certain Mr. Tom O’Connor was born in Bootle – but we were talking about humour!!!).

No, seriously, following the public service ethos of these short essays, if anyone is really have trouble with a lost or missing Giro then consult the following source of information – clear and precise Government-ese – I think not!!

www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/GettingAdvice/WelfareRights/Factsheets/missingpayments.htm

Having said all of this – the National Giro Bank no longer exists.
On the footballing front, both Steve McManaman and Stevie Gerrard are sons of Bootle. Your ageing scribe wonders why Mr. Gerrard is known as Stevie – what is the value of the letter i in the name? Maybe it scans better than the more simple “Steve” when chanted by the Kop but could you imagine the irrepressible Ultras chanting “Stevie Young’s Blue and White Army” at fortress Surrey Street? I think not – would ruin the carefully constructed image of our indomitable Manager.

The impression of the town of Bootle in the modern day is that the community has lost confidence in itself and it’s role. On the other hand, Bootle FC are on the up. Recently promoted to the dizzy heights of the Vodkat Premier league, and losing in 4th round of last year’s FA Vase to a certain club from the North East who finished their season some 300 miles south of their home ground – boo, hiss!!

The (proud to be) Chairman of the Supporters Club arrives at the Friendship sporting a green beret with two little “black dangly bits” at the back and, despite the hot weather, wears it all day. Something to do with the Swiss Fusiliers it seems. We set off in a specially chartered 17 seat minibus. Real family affair this with supporters in the age range 7 to 70 - nice friendly atmosphere -and arrive after an impeccable drive by Shifty at the Delta Taxi Stadium. Notice outside the ground welcomes us to the home of “The Bucks” - must find out the origin of that (more later).

£4 entrance and £1 for a very good programme - competition here Neil.

The stadium is new(ish) and this is the first time that the mighty GNE have played here. We later discover that this is the fourth ground that Bootle have occupied since the mid-sixties. Just outside the ground is a wind generator - you know, the type of thing lauded by promoters of “green energy” but absolutely useless as a source of reliable energy - cue debate on Government energy policy for 2020 and beyond. It may be that this wind generator is a high tech version of the gargantuan antique generator used to power the floodlights at Rammy, but this being a sunny afternoon in August we never get to find out.

Excellent clubhouse (new) with, I am informed by an expert on the subject and “proud to be“, excellent toilet facilities. Could be a serious contender for the newly thought of “Best Toilet Facilities in the Vodkat League” award. Every window is guarded by a security mesh - very wise - but watching from behind one of these windows the scene looks like a ready made “spot the ball” grid.

Trying to find the answer to the question relating to “The Bucks”, but fearing a language barrier, we send our secret agent scousemark over the trenches to find out. Note the use of the diminutive in the word trenches as we all know that the proper noun “Trenches” relates to a specific area behind the goal at the clubhouse end of the beautifully painted (in Battleship Grey) fortress Surrey Street. Answer comes back that everybody from Bootle is known as a “buck” as the town crest sports several stags - sounds a bit suspicious to your ageing scribe but there we are.

The players enter the arena onto a pitch more clover than grass. GNE in White again - oh dear!

The Glossop contingent of 40 - 50 (of a crowd of 135) spread themselves around the ground. After 45 minutes, it’s half-time and the score is 0-0. No good comments about the pies! Cod arrives having assumed that Bootle FC play in Bootle - well, well.

Ten minutes into the second half, Blackie returns to action in a GNE shirt to a returning hero’s welcome (slightly muted). We give away yet another penalty (three in three league games so far) and are a goal down. A newly inspired Bootle then get another goal and the game ends with a 2-0 defeat.

Maybe our indomitable Manager was correct when, in the 5 minute interview with the erudite Haggis, he included Bootle as one of the “teams to watch” this season.

The minibus going back was quiet. Nevertheless, a good day out was had by all even though all we really brought back was a suntan.