'Oldie' Time

A stunning three days for Tom Watson at Turnberry. Watson will be 60 years of age in September, and first won the British Open at Carnoustie twenty four years ago. To lead the tournament during the first day was an achievement, to remain at the top of the leader board for two further days marks him as an exceptional sportsman. I hope he goes on to win, so he can move up that final notch to be put alongside Nicklaus, Palmer and Player on the historical top table of golf.

It occurred to me that I could do with a couple of names from the past returning to assist current teams I’m following.

Gordon Strachan.
As Leeds start their third attempt to escape the third tier of English football, it seems likely that star player Fabian Delph may be plucked away to the Premiership. A handy replacement would be the fiery Scot, able to lead the side from the front as he did with the promotion-winning and subsequently league-winning side of ’90 to’92. A fantastic playmaker, he was also a superb crosser of the ball ( I may also have to resurrect Lee Chapman to get on the end of those crosses ).

Geoffrey Boycott.
Ravi Bopara’s performances to date in the Ashes series are worrying. It’s fine to batter a second-rate and disinterested West Indian attack around, but he doesn’t currently look like a long-term England number three. I may have an answer. Moving Alastair Cook down to three would allow Boycott to return as a solid base alongside the in-form skipper Strauss. This would give a right hander/left hander opening partnership, backed up by a left handed number three and right handed number four. Boycott is also one of the few that can influence Kevin Pieterson, so he would be a useful guy to have in the dressing room.

Tommy Smith.
I would just like someone to kick Didier Drogba and Robinho very hard. A return for the Liverpool legend of the sixties and seventies seems like a good option.