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Ricky’s Rant…..
As is always with Motherwell, we go from high …well, sort - of to low but never falter in our devotion to the Well. Always remember just how better you are compared with the vile hun or the great unwashed!
Anyway, thought I would run over what was a brilliant 24 hours in the life of a 'Well fan back in November. You’ll perhaps have heard ( and even read ) of the exploits of seven 'Well fans on Soccer AM. Well, here’s my recount! Soccer AM gave me a call on the Tuesday and said to be prepared for the shout, it was between us and the Hibbees for the chance to appear that Saturday we gave the Dutch a spanking. Next day was a nervous one, but thankfully I got the call to collect together seven hardy 'Well devotees and we’d be on. Frantic calls were made, and I was able to say a big YES we’d be there that week - end. As with all things TV - wise, it never ran smoothly. On the morning of the journey South, Dave Wardrope unfortunately called off after failing a fitness - test on a dose of the ‘flu. A quick and able replacement in Evenflow was recruited and all we awaited were the tickets for the train. Again, as with all things Rail, they were late as well ! However, come
The sight of Frazzle belting along Darlington Station trying desperately to find a bin for the large amounts of empty bags and bottles already emptied was priceless. But, I hear you say, they wanted seven. Nope, Dave was still ‘flu - bound, but he admirably got out of his sick bed to meet us at Edinburgh with the remaining ticket. It was none other than Geoff Baby who made up the team and his appearance at York was greeted with great cheer. With rations rapidly running out we got to London. No pick - up in sight, not unless you were prepared to shell out for some “ company ”. Anyway, Big Keith burst into song and suddenly our Limo drivers turned up - probably just in time to ensure we avoided arrest. The trip to the Hotel, virtually right on the runway at the Airport, was full of anticipation of the Bar and a fair session of sampling some beer.
Unfortunately, some Yobs of an English team had rioted a few weeks earlier and the bar was SHUT ! Tragedy, but not quite, with some beers left we all piled into rooms and finished them off. However, crash - time soon came. So did wake time too, all too soon we were all up again getting ready and trying to have breakfast. That was until the Drivers again turned up with an unnerving sense of timing, though this time it was ensuring we had no time for brekkie. Got to the studio about 75 minutes before show - time, just as we got there the Luvverly HelsBells appeared blasting out Level 42 on her flashy car - taste as well as looks, eh ?!?!
We got the talk beforehand on what to say and not say, but we just couldn’t wait to get on set. And five to nine, we took our seats. It was a great experience, fantastic laugh, and we decided beforehand to ensure they would always remember the 'Well. And they did ! You could see the look on Helen Chamberlain’s face when we started to sing “ Lovejoy is a mother… ” clearly thinking we’d add a word or two. Then when the fantastic Phil Tuffnell gave the fingered salute live on TV, priceless moment that was even better in the studio. Folk behind the scene looking somewhat worried and an instant apology from Lovejoy, though Tuffers gets top marks for a brilliant moment. Quick-thinking from Evenflow had the googly eyes out when the Soccerette came on which went down well. Fixtures man was superb, in fact the whole crew just top - notch. Jay Boothroyd appeared but our chants of “ Who are ya ? ” failed to impress Lovejoy who looked somewhat unimpressed.
Frazz, however, definitely was with the sight of Helen sitting in front of him. It was amazing to think how much goes into the show and how it takes place in such a relatively small area. Near the end we were outside for the Champions League. Making my second appearance I still failed to hit the target, you cannot argue with consistency though …… ). Still, we got enough goals to ensure a fellow Level 42 fan got the T - shirt. We were hoping a Well fan would phone in, guess zero, etc well, you know the probable script. Stevie Craig’s top went down a bomb; they took it away to put it into a glass frame and now adorns the wall every week. Don’t see too many other SPL clubs represented… ! My wee lassie wasn’t too impressed when Helen announced she’d give the bear to her dog though ! The whirlwind time sailed past, in fact the whole three hours went by just so quickly and enjoyably that it was all over too soon. We got plenty of pics, had a quick chat with everyone, then a rapid pint across the road before being taken back to
With Yir and Geoff off early to catch a train, the rest of us headed for a pub to take in the game. Faddy’s goal was met with wild celebrations, and at the time Pearson making his Scotland debut with loud acclamation. Had to sprint for the 5pm train but we made it, and were back in good ol’ Motherwell at half - ten. Brilliant day in the life of a 'Well fan for sure, it was an absolute pleasure and an honour to represent the Club in the top Fans proggy on the Telly. This is perhaps the most famous pic from Soccer Am, Fraz definitely getting an eyeful !
Thanks to the lads for taking part, and providing pics. Brilliant time, and hopefully we represented Motherwell with great dignity and a few laughs as well. It was an honour indeed !
As for the time since November, we certainly hit a bit of a rut. Couldn’t score in an “ entertainment salon ” came to mind for a while but it wasn’t for the want of trying. Anyway, we need only think twelve months back to see how far we have came. Keep supporting the team through it all, there’s a quarter final coming up and with the correct attitude for ninety minutes this time Hampden beckons once again. Could it be our year, well, it has the hallmarks of 1991 in certain aspects, particularly struggling against First Division opposition at Fir Park ! Believe, it can happen, and if we give the right support then anything is possible. It’s football after all
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Forever ‘Well,
Ricky Mullen
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