Chris Garland: A life of two halves
Because of my involvement in local soccer at the weekends, the matches I have watched have been midweek.
I recently attended the match against Sheffield United, which was a drab 0-0 affair. In fact, the highlight of my night was enjoying a bit of banter and a few beers in a bar around the corner from the stadium.
There were many familiar faces there that I recognised from my many years in local football.
I nearly walked straight past one of my former team-mates from my time at Mangotsfield United. It wasn't until Dean Birkby turned around quickly and nearly took my eye out with his giant hooter that I recognised him!
Dean was a talented player, who also played for Bath City and Yeovil Town. He is also sharp-witted, so believe me, he always gives me as much stick as I do him. I saw him leaving at the end of the match, and he didn't seem to be too impressed, judging by his long face!
Another old pal of mine who was there that evening was Terry Cole. I have featured him in this column on numerous occasions, as he spent many years playing and managing in local soccer.
It was a couple of days before Halloween, so I greeted him by complimenting him on the ghostly white mask he was wearing. "What mask?" he answered.
On a more serious note, I had an interesting conversation with James Ryan, a keen Bristol City supporter. He has just finished co-writing a biography of the former Bristol City legend Chris Garland, aptly titled 'A Life of Two Halves'.
Along with sports journalist Mark Leesdad, they have documented the highs and lows of Chris's life.
The highs were obviously his time playing for Bristol City, as well as Chelsea and Leicester City. The lows have been well-documented, as he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1989. He has also had financial worries, some that have been linked to gambling.
James explained to me how the different chapters in the book link to the different stages of Chris's life, including some of the jobs he did after finishing his football career.
I'm sure there was no pun intended, but James told me how Chris once ran a fruit and veg business, but went on to say that it went pear-shaped!
I have fond memories from my youth, back when I watched Bristol City regularly, of Chris often scoring great goals.
I also remember him as one of the Ashton Gate Eight, who tore up their lucrative contracts to ensure that the club could survive – and in doing so became City heroes.
I hope this book is a great success – it deserves to be – and any loyal City fan should put it on his Christmas list. It's already on mine.
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