Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 35

Job bit | When the rain comes | Gareth Southgate documentary | The Thing | Pride 2026 | Carers’ Week | Farewell| Social links| Links to past posts

Important please read – The job bit

I’m going straight for the jobular this week, remembering what this blog was originally established for.  

June is here and that marks the 12th month since I left my last substantial role, the type of year that would have been unthinkable at any point in my career. It would seem I have a CV only a mother could love 😊 

I’ve reeled off 35 of these blog posts now and I hope I am giving a flavour of what I might be like as a colleague. I’m not too modest to say I think I can throw a sentence together. I’m just looking for a home now.  

My amended CV is done and can be viewed here. A reminder that I am a communications and public engagement/involvement manager with experience in major campaigns like the COVID-19 vaccine campaign and the North Kensington Recovery Programme established following the Grenfell Tower Fire. If any of your projects need extra capacity and you think I could make your life easier, get in touch.    

I think she’s got it – the bad weather that is 

One job that is secure in this country is that of the weather people. If the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, the rain in Britain stays mainly on the people. The weather has been a bit rubbish this week. I’ve been snorting my treble dose of vitamin D. However, it’s an unfortunate expression but every cloud does have a silver lining. The weather did bring some amazing clouds, at least one rainbow and spectacular lightning. There was some fine drying weather on Sunday as well.  

Our lavender has returned for the summer and with it, hundreds of the big type of bees, whatever they’re called. They don’t mind the rain at all. And the birds who have spent the winter and spring avoiding us have started to return to the feeders.  

Springwatch has nothing on us, I tell you.  

Southgate’s ‘ere’  

I can’t remember if I mentioned in a previous post that former England manager Gareth Southgate has been hanging around Hitchin a bit over the last couple of months filming a documentary for the BBC called ‘Gareth Southgate: Changing the game for young men.’ The documentary reveals the struggles many boys and young men face, asking why some feel left behind and what could help them move forward. 

My son had told me back in March that he was in town meeting some of the boys from his school and then he turned up at Hitchin’s game against London Lions on Good Friday. I was alerted to the fact that he was there when I was leaving the bar at the club and someone behind me said ‘Southgate’s ‘ere’.  

I haven’t seen the documentary yet but I have to say that he was very generous with his time, posing for selfies for everyone who wanted one, staying for the whole game to chat to supporters and I understand he went and spoke to both teams in the dressing rooms as well. It’s a shame about some of his CV, but top bloke.  

The filim bit 

I didn’t get to the cinema this week but I did watch John Carpenter’s The Thing on Saturday. I don’t know if the version I watched was digitally enhanced or touched up but boy has it stood the test of time. It would have been a huge task to film under those extreme conditions but to a man (there were no women in it) it was acted extremely well, and the special effects to create the creatures in it were ahead of their time.  

It’s not a new film so I am assuming knowledge with the write-up but if you see it on any of your platforms – and there should be no additional cost – give it a go. It’s not for the faint-hearted but who has one of those anymore.  

Pride 2026 

I love the headline ‘Explore the most welcoming and inclusive bars to experience Pride 2026 in the UK,’ that’s on the Pride 2026 website. I have a strong held belief that whoever you are and whatever your creed or persuasion you should be welcoming and inclusive and I do wish all those celebrating, a very successful campaign. Info on events in cities in the UK are online.  Here also is a link to Dublin Pride.  

Do Good Well – Carers’ Week  

8-14 June is Carers’ Week. Throughout my NHS career I have promoted and supported this campaign and carers, in particular promoting what services they have access to such as vaccinations. The campaign site says, ‘Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. ‘And they certainly do.  Please raise awareness of this campaign where you can and if you can spare a few bob you can also donate to Carers UK.  

Goodbye and thanks  

I’ll end where I began, with an appeal to keep me in mind for any of your projects that need extra capacity. Once again, here is my CV and a link to my LinkedIn profile.  

Have a great week and I’ll see you next week for number 36.   

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 34

Falling slowly | Hot stuff | Do good for Dementia | Hit for ÓWander | 50 reflections | Good Power Ballad | Mind your skin| Farewell| Social links| Links to past posts

‘You fell over’ 

Comms people know you should never use caps for emphasis, but I have fallen over while running AGAIN and I feel like a complete arse. If only I’d ended up on my arse, but I landed straight on my left knee. It must be something to do with my technique. This wasn’t one I could ride out either like with my ribs; I had to pop to the minor injury unit to get seen to.  

Nothing was broken. I got a precautionary tetanus shot and was on my way within a couple of hours. I’m glad things have improved in that respect. Some of you will remember very long waits when we were kids and I have to say I had a few when I lived in North London as well.  

But one door closes and another one opens; I volunteered at yesterday’s Parkrun which was a great experience. I scanned barcodes at the finish. No one got their right times but it’s the taking part that counts.  

Ten degrees of separation – there’s warm and there’s warm   

It was another hot one at Parkrun yesterday and on the weather theme there was a ten-degree difference in the temperature between Dublin and London on Tuesday, with no prizes for guessing where was hotter. It was an absolute scorcher, with overnight temperatures only getting down to about 20.  

I like the heat so there were no complaints from me. It was nice to head to work in just a shirt for the five days. And even though they said it was due to turn today, as I type on Sunday morning it’s still rather pleasant out there. June, no pressure.   

It’s but a 50-minute flight from Dublin to any of the 85 London airports, so if you were looking for a city break where it’s a bit warmer, you don’t have to go to Paris, Berlin or Rome; you’ll get the warm temperatures here.  

I’ve just realised I’m not getting paid for that so when you’re here, why not stay at Premier Inn…😊 I’ll let you know if I get a bunce for that.    

Go FTD Brothers – doing good well  

As mentioned, the temperature in Ireland has been a little bit cooler and I was delighted to see online footage of Jordan and Cian Adams, the FTD brothers running past my estate in Dublin as part of their 33 marathons in 33 days challenge across Ireland.  

I posted about this on socials during the week. They really have captured the imaginations of everyone in the UK and Ireland as they raise awareness of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), the condition which cruelly took the life of their mother and will one day also claim theirs unless a cure is found.  

So this week’s ‘do good well’ request is to go to their website, find out more about FTD and if you can, add to their amazing fundraising total.  

The Madness of ÓWander 

My cousin whose artiste name is ÓWander has released a new single called ‘The Madness of it All and it is very catchy and instantly likeable. He describes it as ‘a simple song about the everyday’. I’d call it a piano-fuelled indie pop tune. You can get it in various places, but I bought it on Apple music for 79p. ÓWander is a great artiste. Another song by him to seek out is Road Left to Go, which is a personal favourite.  

Colin and Cillian turn 50  

One of my oldest school friends turns 50 today. By coincidence he was born on the same day as Colin Farrell and in the same hospital.  

Both Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy turn 50 this week and as this blog often features film I think it’s worth giving them a nod as I think they are two very talented actors who have achieved so much during their modest stays so far here on planet earth. Standout films they’re in for me would be The Wind that Shakes the Barley for Cillian and Minority Report for Colin, with Phonebooth and The Banshees of Inisherin as highly commendeds.  

So Happy Birthday to everyone turning 50 this week. It’s the age to be it would seem. I’ll see you in September.  

The filim bit – Power up  

So on to another Irish film release this week. Power Ballad, by John Carney is great. It stars Paul Rudd who plays Rick Power, a Dublin-based American wedding band singer who has a chance jamming session with pop star Danny Wilson, played by Nick Jonas. Wilson makes a hit of one of Rick’s songs and gives him no credit for it. The film is based on the fallout from that as Rick becomes obsessed with seeking the acknowledgement he deserves. The beauty of this film is the seamless way Rudd’s character slots into Dublin suburban life and the dynamic between him and his four Irish band mates; in particular the unhinged Sandy, played by Peter McDonald.  

I don’t want to give too much more away but although I would also say it is one you can enjoy on TV, it’s too good to wait for that. Go and see it.  

Goodbye and thanks  

There was no job bit this week but as ever I remain a keen comms campaigner waiting in the wings to help you with your next project. While I do some further work on my CV do check out my LinkedIn profile. I would be very happy to work with you and I’m open to offers of support to help me secure my next substantial role.  

As ever, thanks for your support.  

Adrian   

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 33

Turty Tree| Pulp fact| Dad reflections| Jobbing| Sunny Bank| Obsession movie| Mind your skin| Farewell| Social links| Links to past posts

All the 3s  

So we’ve reached post 33. For over 30 years people over here have been asking me to say, ‘33 and a third.’ That and ‘Curly Wurly’; and it’s never been funny. Ok, it’s a little bit funny. Elton John, you can have that line.  

I don’t help myself by having a section in this blog called the ‘filim’ bit but hey ho. I stop short at wearing an Aran sweater though. God bless Val Doonican and The Clancy Brothers.  

The Book bit  

Staying on matters Irish, in a recent post I mentioned the release of the book Leaving Russia by an old friend Jason Corcoran. It’s flying off the shelves in Ireland and still available everywhere over there. Go and grab yourself a copy if you haven’t already and I’ll let you know when things start to ramp up over in the UK. Well done on your success Jason. It’s well deserved.  

And in other book news, my good friend Liza Hoeksma and her colleague Patrick Regan OBE have just released a book, Small Steps for a Big Change and would you believe it, it has already hit number 3 on The Sunday Times Bestsellers List. A very well done to you both. Again, check it out, and if you can support Patrick and Liza, do buy a copy.    

Premium Dad  

A poignant thing happened the other day. My Dad wasn’t one for WhatsApp and his house phone has been on the blink for some time so the only way to contact him was mobile to mobile, which of course wasn’t economical but absolutely no problem. My phone bills have been consistent for the last six months or so, but the last one, covering the month since he passed, was noticeably cheaper, reflecting the calls I no longer make to him. (My Mam is on WhatsApp). It stopped me in my tracks when I saw the amount. The comedian in me wants to say ‘Ah well every cloud…’ but no, I wish I was still paying that little bit extra every month.      

Some of you know my mother-in-law passed just ten days after my Dad and I know my Mam and step father-in-law have so much to do so are carrying a heavier weight than the rest of us. We are very lucky to have them heading up the support networks that are keeping us going and we are grateful every day.

The job bit  

The job bit is also the kindness bit this week as I had an hour plus Teams chat with a former manager who kindly reviewed both my CV and LinkedIn profile and reminded me of some of my achievements during my time working with them. This has been a huge help and if anyone is in the same boat as me jobwise, I couldn’t give networking like this a higher recommendation.  

You can probably tell from this blog that I sometimes struggle to be succinct (no really, it’s true) so one of the things I will be working on is tightening my wording so I can fit more achievements in. One other piece of advice I was given was to try and look and sound a bit more like myself, so if you check my LinkedIn profile you’ll see I have updated my profile pic to something that’s a little more true. I’m also reviewing my CV and will send a link to that in next week’s post.  

Bank holiday again, and ridiculous degrees  

When I was a contractor and not getting paid for them it felt like there were eight bank holidays in May. I’m in a different situation now so bring them on. It was 25 degrees before 11am on Sunday, so an absolute scorcher.  

With my potato complexion I’m better off out of the sun but sometimes I risk it, just for the vitamin D. I took a picture after Parkrun yesterday and I was so red I had to post it in black and white. You can see it at the top of this piece.  

I hope everyone enjoys the weather, but if you’re Irish make sure you apply that factor 500.   

The filim bit  

There are so few 18s movies released these days, but horror ‘Obsession’ which came out last week is one (16s if you’re in Ireland). In a nutshell, it’s a ‘Big’ scenario where a guy wishes that a girl he has a crush on will love him more than anything else. And let’s just say his wish comes true. The guy in question is Bear, played by Michael Johnston and his achievement in this movie is staying in unison with co-star Inde Navarrette who plays or should I say completely indulges herself in the character of former friend but newly-obsessed Nikki. The film is full-on physical and psychological gore literally from every orifice and although a comparison to Emma Stone in Poor things is probably a bit too much, Navarette puts her body and soul into the performance. The film starts too slowly for my liking but overall it’s alright. You will not be expecting some of the jump scares so brace yourself. It’s certainly for you if you are a fan of horror. Three stars. 

Do Good Well  

As a key message for the week should be staying safe in the sun, a nod to Melanoma UK, the charity for one of the fastest-rising cancers. The charity, ‘believes through collaboration, education and support, they can help save lives, prevent avoidable cases of skin cancer, and make sure that no one faces melanoma alone.’ Find out more on their website, help spread the key messages about staying safe in the sun and maybe donate a few bob if you can.   

Goodbye and thanks 

So the sun sets on another issue of Adrian’s all. I did go a little longer this week so we can claim it to be 33 and a third. Ok, I’ll stop that talk for now.  

Thanks so much for sticking with us  and go and enjoy the sun.  

See you next week.  

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23 January


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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 32

A smidgen on Eurovision| Vote wisely| Gis a job| Jurassic parking| Go and be good| Social links| Links to past issues

My lovely horse 

And then it was Eurovision. I can’t get enough of it, and everyone else in our house likes it as well. I started writing this before the first semi-final but now know our winner is Dara from Bulgaria with the song ‘Bangaranga’ which was once a working title for this blog (that’s not true). Top performance. Only the UK did better for me on the night but a highly commended could also go to Delta Goodram representing Australia.  

I’ve had a couple of brushes with Eurovision in the past. I got to hang out at the soundchecks the year it was in Dublin and Riverdance stole the show, and my dad once nearly ran over Johnny Logan in a car park in my sister’s hometown, where he was living at the time. Three winning entries could have been wiped out in one foul move. Hold Me Now! 😊  

Ireland boycotted the competition this year, but nearly deceased Mr Logan said in a recent interview that watching the competition was an individual choice and he doesn’t mind if others do. I went with that.  

I’m guessing for viewers in Ireland the only option was to watch on the BBC. And once again it was commentated on by Graham Norton, so a local accent anyway; like when it was commentated on by Terry Wogan back in the day.  

I won’t dispute the winner, but I think the strongest evidence of political voting could be seen with the UK coming last, or next to last. I’m far from an anglophile but I loved the song.  Eins, Zwei, Drei.  

Politic 

I’m pleased to see engagement in politics this week. I’m not expressing views either way but thank goodness there isn’t apathy surrounding the important matters affecting our countries. There’s a slight ‘same sh1t, different day’ feel about some of what is happening but in an apolitical way I will find myself rooting for whoever is the underdog; not naming any names. I’m just hoping for the best possible outcome for us all, including off course Ireland where events from the UK can have a knock-on effect.  

The job bit 

I haven’t written a substantial job bit for a while. The fact is events in April derailed plans somewhat. But I’m approaching the headspace once again. I still face the same issue mind; lot of jobs that I’m partly and sometimes mostly qualified for, but overlooked for, and I’m desperate to fill that gap. “Change the record, Adrian” I hear you shout and I intend to. But please do keep me in mind. Here is my CV.  

The Filim bit 

So the film bit this week is about flagging that I’m seeing a special screening of Jurassic Park on Monday (18 May). There’s a Stephen Spielgerg season at Cineworld. I’m not sure why. But this one sold fast and I’m glad I secured a couple of tickets for it. I love the soundtrack to the movie, and it gives me the tingles. I can’t wait.  

I’m keen to see a new release as well so I’ll pick one and include a review next week.  

Do Good Well – get involved 

Instead of promoting one issue this week, I’m going to signpost to the campaign calendar of the London Association of Directors of Public Health where links to all important health and public health contains are publicised. I draw upon resources like this just to highlight one campaign so why not link you to a resource that can raise awareness of multiple. 

Goodbye and thanks 

I often round off these blogs with a reflection on length, disingenuously stating them to be shorter than they actually are. But if I stop rattling on this will be a shorter issue,  

Thanks for sticking with me and I’ll be back again next week.  

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23 January


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21 November 

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7 November 

31 October 

24 October 

17 October 

10 October 

3 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 31

It’s your birthday| Remembering Dave| Extended filim bit| Mental Health Awareness Week| Social links| Links to past issues

I’m quite enjoying May so far. Birthday season has kicked off in our house and beyond, and the weather’s not too bad. The lavender in our front garden is also starting to show which is very exciting. I’m looking forward to that blossoming over the coming week. (What am I like!) 

Make a wish 

Speaking of birthdays, I was at two 50ths this weekend, both with connections to Leeds. The first was for an old course friend from London who I met on my first day at Leeds Met over 30 years ago. Top night, which like all these occasions was a reunion as well. The second was for a friend who grew up in Leeds but now lives in our town. Our families are close and we have both recently suffered bereavements, so it was nice to have everyone together. 

Again, I’m glad to have the opportunity through this blog to highlight how important friendship is and this is certainly the week for it.    

It was a wonderful life  

On a similar theme I was honoured to attend the memorial for Dave Dix, who sadly passed away last year. Dave was a much-loved music all-rounder but will be remembered mainly for his skills as a sound engineer making many many up and coming music artistes sound amazing, giving them the best possible chance to shine in their live showcases. His talent along with his words of encouragement and industry insight has been a key part of the development of many who are gracing our airwaves today. He was also a cherished Dad, husband, partner and friend so it was an honour to be there to toast his memory.  

A pleasant surprise on the evening was short performances by Dave Sutherland, Daniel Caner, Annabel Lamb, and Ash Grey, artistes who have had their lives touched one way or another by Dave. I hope it was some comfort to everyone who came to the memorial to see how much he was loved and respected.  

The Filim bit  

It can’t be a bad week when your biggest dilemma is wondering whether you have to have seen The Devil Wears Prada to enjoy The Devil Wears Prada 2. Any takers on that one? I’ve had mixed luck with the cinema this week. It’s always good to go and even better when it’s quite full, but Hokum (a folk‑horror story about a novelist who retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes and becomes entangled in terrifying legends surrounding a witch that haunts the honeymoon suite) was a strange movie. It ticked most boxes to make a good, haunted house horror, but it was totally bizarre and, in the end, (spoiler alert) suggested that some of the experiences were down to hallucinogenic drugs. It’s well-acted though and worth a look at the cinema as opposed to on telly if you get the chance.  

I cut my Hokum review short to squeeze in a few words about the Iron Maiden pic which I’m guessing was just out on a limited release. Of course it was one for the fans (and in my cinema they came in their t-shirts), but it was also an enjoyable watch for the likes of me who doesn’t really know their music. One thing you have to say is that they really put on a good show. And by their own admittance they are a bit shy so hide behind their visuals, but what visuals and that is all part and parcel of what has made them the legends they are. In addition, from what I saw today their songs are also good and what a voice Bruce Dickinson has. Up there with any opera tenor. I’m not on commission for plugging this but the concert at Knebworth is going to be something special if you were thinking about getting tickets. 

Do Good Well – Mental Health Awareness Week, get involved  

11-17 May is Mental Health Awareness Week. Mind is leading with the slogan, ‘Great mental health care is human’. They go on to say, ‘It’s the kind voice at the end of the phone when you’re worried about rent and too unwell to work. It’s the advisor who listens actively, rather than waiting for their turn to speak. It’s the therapist who talks through what’s happened to you, not what’s ‘wrong’ with you.’ 

If you’re in a position to support Mind, find out how you can get involved or donate, on their website.  

Goodbye and thanks 

I thought this week’s post was going to be shorter than average but it seems I didn’t have enough time to do that.  

As ever, thanks for sticking with it. We’re into the 30s now and still going strong. My CV is here for your perusal, and I will see you next week.  

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Past posts

2 May

26 April

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22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

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14 February

7 February

1 February

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16 January

9 January

2 January

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12 December 

5 December 

28 November 

21 November 

14 November 

7 November 

31 October 

24 October 

17 October 

10 October 

3 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 30

Getting back to work| Back running| Bluebells| Better half| Looking back| Saving face
British Red Cross| Footy takeover| Social links| Links to past issues

Working class  

I did my first full week of work for a while after the events of the last few weeks. My sister has described normal life as a parallel universe now my dad is no longer with us and I know exactly what she means. However, in my mind I’m rich in that parallel universe, making reality that little bit harsher :).    

But even though they say kindness costs nothing, it is still very much appreciated when it comes. And everyone has been very kind and for that I am grateful.  

Run for your life  

My body is also showing a bit of kindness currently and I’m back running after my rib incident a month ago.  

It’s a real tonic I have to say. I did a couple of miles around St Albans on Thursday, and I trundled around the Parkrun on Saturday. It was my first one in about five weeks, so I was happy. I was lapped by a couple of the faster runners which gives you an indication of my pace but just taking part was what it was all about. 5K was about as much as I had energy for but big trees from little acorns grow and I’m looking forward to getting the miles in during the upcoming nicer months. The local Poundland has sold out of Bourbon Creams so that will help the campaign as well.  

Blue Saturday  

Something I wasn’t running from was the bluebells which we went to see last Saturday. We go every April and once again they didn’t disappoint. We got some great pictures and the weather was stunning. We’re spoiled for bluebells in this area with three big woods and a couple of small ones dotted about the place. The area is more famous for its lavender (search Hitchin Lavender on Instagram) but for this small window in April, the bluebells take over.  

They’re a real shot of happy I have to say. 

Wife matters  

Talking of beautiful things, a big happy birthday to my wife who turned ‘I dare not say’ at the weekend. She has been a rock since I left work in June and the engineer of the quality of life we are trying to maintain. This blog tends to be a family-free zone, but I want to break protocol to wish her a happy birthday and to thank her for all she does.  

20 years since…  

Because I have a significant birthday this year, I’m reminded of some great times I have had in years ending with a ‘6’. In 2016 I was treated to a trip to New York by my wife. In 2006 I went to Barcelona and ran The Dublin Marathon and in 1997 (the year of my 21st so cheating slightly) I spent the summer in New York and took in a trip to Canada to visit family. 1986 I don’t remember too much but hitting double figures is special for every child.  

This year who knows but at some point, over the next twelve months I’d like to visit the Champagne region of France. If anyone has any recommendations, do send them on. 

Oil of what?  

One thing that’s unavoidable through these milestone ages is ageing itself. Because I went grey before I was conceived, like my dad, my ageing is all in the face. I have developed a pouch under my chin which is useful only for storing fish, and all signs of youth are fading away. I’m also learning that weight that takes months to lose can go back on in a matter of days. So if you’re wondering what you can get me for my 50th, think products that will make me look ten years younger.  

Do Good Well 

It’s British Red Cross Week which is an annual celebration of the movement’s work across the world. The Red Cross needs no introduction as the world’s emergency responder. Check out the campaign pages to see how you can support their work during the week and other fundraising opportunities like Shake that bucket.  

Football addendum  

This blog is largely a sports-free zone but it has been a week of comings together for football play-offs and I wouldn’t be reflecting the week accurately if I didn’t give a nod to the couple we went to.  

First up was Hitchin (our hometown team) v Thame in the playoff semi-final to get out of the 7th tier of English football. It was won 1-0 by Hitchin in the second period of extra time so right down to the wire. I must commend both teams for the quality of the football and with well over 1,000 supporters in attendance it was a great occasion. It seems few were drawn away by the Arsenal Atletico Madrid Game. The play-off final is on 4 May. I’ll let you know how it goes.  At the time of writing the game is sold out.  

The second what I’m calling ‘play-off’ was Stevenage v Wigan in the final game of the EFL League 1 season. Stevenage needed a win of any type to secure 6th place and get into the playoffs. Throughout the game they moved in and out of the play-off spot as goals went in, in other games, but in dramatic fashion they clinched a 91st winner so secured 6th. There were amazing scenes at the end of the game which is included in the Sky Sports’ coverage on YouTube.   

So Biggleswade up next for Hitchin and Stockport up next for Stevenage. I’ll let you know next week how they get on.  

Goodbye and thanks 

So that’s it for now. Sorry for being a bit late but thanks for sticking with me. Take a look at my CV and then you are dismissed. 🙂 

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Past posts

26 April

12 April

5 April

29 March

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January


16 January

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2 January

26 December

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28 November 

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7 November 

31 October 

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3 October