As you know, TLF is always partial to a bit of spontaneity, a bit of non-conformism. But tradition still has its place. Especially in the run up to the new football season. There are traditional worries. Have we signed the right players? Are we going to lose one of our best players before the transfer window closes? (Harry, I’m pleased you were good in Russia, but did you have to be that good?). Some supporters like the tradition of pre-season optimism, TLF prefers a good dose of pre-season pessimism and spectacularly low expectations, which in many seasons Lesta have done their best to stoop to.
There is also the annual requirement to get Mr TLF back into the rhythm of football attendance and regular TLF absence. A couple of traditional pre-season friendlies, can help to raise awareness that we are shortly back to business as usual. And this year there was one that actually involved him. I know! Don’t worry though, it’s not a new leaf, it’s the affect of an invitation to our friend’s new corporate box at Lesta. He has been upgraded and now occupies the box once owned by one Mr R Mahrez. Every cloud etc.
Kit launches are a tradition but one that TLF was adding to her repertoire for the first time. Bravo to the Mighty Saints for the friendly and informal tone set by holding it at the very welcoming Hare and Hounds, and for the getting the players and manager to attend as well. A newly created Saintette tradition may well be our approach to player sponsorship; get a list of those who aren’t yet sponsored, engage the assistance of one of their very amused team mates who will get the ‘lucky’ candidates over to the Saintettes’ table. They will then undertake a rigorous selection process and make their choice. I am not sure whether Tarik Moore-Azille is terrified or delighted to have received the Saintette seal of approval.
The biggest TLF tradition though is the missing of as many games as possible for both teams; especially the opening fixtures and 2018 is no different. Personally I blame August. Just because once upon a time you we’re the sixth month in the Roman ten month year there’s no need to make life so difficult.
The Mighty Saints started with a home win, courtesy of a 94th minute winner. TLF meanwhile was preparing to see the creative midfield pairing Mistress Page and Ford, of Windsor FC, run rings around the veteran centre back Sir John Falstaff. The Merry Wives of Windsor isn’t exactly the most taxing of Shakespeare’s plays – more hoof and hope than tikitaka – but done well it is funny as eff and fortunately this production made TLF laugh as loudly as she might have cheered that 94th minute winner.
The weekend approaching isn’t going to be any different either; music. Although does TLF really want to be watching Lesta from behind a cushion as they visit Old Trafford courtesy on a Friday evening courtesy of SKY?
And apparently the weekend after that I probably ought to spend some time with Mr TLF. It’s traditional apparently when you live with someone. Crikey.
Back after the summer, sort of Fox