If the Cap Fits.
I have mentioned BBC Scotland's one hour discussion based show on occasion before, 'A View from the Terrace' is Hosted by Craig Telfer, a Stenhousemuir fan. There are four other regular contributors, Joel Sked(Jambo), Craig Fowler(Jambo), Robert Borthwick(Jambo) and, Shaughan McGuigan(Raith Rovers). I enjoy the show, it's eclectic and so far in it's third season, has not been unreasonable in it's dealings with matters Rangers. The strong suit of the show is the information imparted on the lower leagues, the foundation building blocks of our national game deserve more attention.
If there's a growing weakness in the show, it's their increasing propensity for having a special guest taking up 15-20 minutes of the show. They have had the likes of Craig Levein, Lewis Stevenson, ........ and, Pat Nevin. The diminutive star of ra Sellik Boys' Club has being doing the press rounds these last few weeks, he has an autobiography to peddle, 'The Accidental Footballer'. Pat held court in the last episode. 'A View from the Euros'. Clearly garrulous, he referred to his pal, "Clarky" and told of his confidence in Clarke's ability to get Scotland through the group stages.
Sitting astride a white unicorn, the former Chelsea winger rode into green pastures and told of a nervous English media, "they remember Leigh Griffith's free kicks". The temptation to over egg could not be denied as he lionised John McGinn, "Modric, honestly I watched him in the Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Chelsea. McGinn is currently a better player than Modric and I would rather have him in my team". Reminded that Croatia were World Cup runners-up three short years past, Pat got the unicorn to gallop, "I'm not sure Croatia are the team they used to be. If you ask me, Modric or McGinn, I would always choose McGinn. Modric is one of my favourite players in the last twenty years, but he is old now, he can be overtaken".
Watching Croatia's performance at Hampden last night, particularly Modric's; I am wondering if Pat continues in the saddle. Surely Clarky will have at least fitted stablisers to Nevin's unicorn? Pat is making a habit of callous statements. He told of not being bothered by the child rapists at Sellik Boys Club because, "my dad organised all the training". If only his then team mates could have relied on such protection. It's the opportunity never passed up too, he was asked four weeks ago by Hugh MacDonald to relate an example of sectarianism suffered in the immediate wake of Rangers supporters title celebrations? Pat related an incident as a young teenager, after playing well in a game and scoring a few goals. Apparently, he was approached by a Rangers scout who asked his name? Pat replied, "Patrick Kevin Francis Michael Nevin, I never heard back".
I am NOT denying Rangers signing policy is the mid-late seventies was not what it had been, and not what it is today. However, Pat's tale is most similar to Danny McGrain's and ignores the experience of a 12 year old John Spencer. He had already been moved from SaintJohn Bosco School to Saint Ninians because of threats of constant beatings from his fellow pupils and bullying from Teachers. Of course, if only John's dad had did all the teaching. Too twee, too trite.
I note these last couple of decades, Pat has chosen to reside in Duns. Depending upon one's point of view, the most famous or notorious former resident in John Duns Scotus. A 13th century Friar who determined how many angels can balance on the head of a pin. Pat's objective appreciation of Modric and Croatia as a favour to Clarky - as they say, if the cap fits.