Stan Smith / Trimm Trab

Can't remember the last time I bought any adidas. Kind of fell out of love with them when I felt quality was dipping, designs straying from the OG and because of those daft teds who camp outside size? three days before a questionable colourwayed city series is being released.

Another deciding factor was a Nike factory shop opened about half a mile from my home, so for the past half decade been getting knock down Wimbledon, Cortez, Airs and Tennis Court / Majestic instead. 

However got pulled back recently by an originals classic which Adolph Dassler doesn't tamper with - Stan Smith. Had numerous pairs over the years - they don't go out of style, go with everything and look cool as fuck. Particularly these bad lads with the pale pink trim. Direct from adidas site with plenty of disco.

Then got another pair of adi runners after being tipped off on a forum. I didn't realised Schuh had an imperfects site, where you can buy new but worn - they're the shop trying on pairs. Saw some Trabs in a, yes, admittedly, questionable colourway for 25 quid (and then a 20% off code). Fine for kicking around in the summer - if we're allowed out.

Finally some two pairs of grey gazelle, one each for the lads in the interest of fairness.

Ma Strum Torch

2019/2020 - The Season That Wasn't

News yesterday that the National League have cancelled their remaining fixtures, meaning Hartlepool's season has been cut short and and they face a future of uncertainty.

With all fixtures/results looking increasingly like they'll be null and void, 2019/2020 will be the season that never was. Got me thinking about the few games I've attended this season, how positivity had returned to our club (despite league ranking) and how things appeared to be improving (typically with a now defunct late dash for the playoffs).

First up was a nice sunny friendly at Billingham Town. Was ridiculously early, 2nd July, a good three weeks before the kids even finished school for the summer. They come along for the ride, me pushing it somewhat as their first ever away day. A really good attendance as Poolies came to view the new signings and Hartlepool, wearing a summery bright yellow shirt, were too good for Billy, running out 4-0 winners.

Next up was home to Wrexham in August. The sun was belting down once again, a perfect bank holiday Monday. First time I can ever recall donning shorts to Pools - even in August you usually have to wrap up warm at the Vic. The lads didn't fancy this, as last season they saw the same fixture and were a bit unnerved at the handbags out on Clarence Road afterwards.
A good end-to-end game and an international feel to the atmosphere (always a fair few England chants at these), Pools ran out deserved 4-2 winners.

From the summer sun to the dark of winter, as Stockport came to town in January. Two clubs chasing playoff positions should have been an even encounter, however County never got going and Pools played some of the best stuff I've seen for years. Cheered on by a raucous crowd they got a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Had a couple of further home ties (and also Hampden Park tickets for a Euro 2020 fixture) planned, however COVID reared its ugly head in the UK and 2020 fixtures frozen and cancelled. All that positivity and good feeling around the club and it's all been for nothing. What a waste of time.

The Five Year Furlough

Its taken 35 days of isolation boredom to kick start the blog again, after five years of nothingness.

Those last few years I was in a pretty grim place, struggling a bit mentally and I used the blog as a form of escapism - looking back over it, I'm shocked how the family doesn't ever get a mention.  Although things had improved by 2015, I just couldn't be arsed with keeping it going...

Fast forward five years and things are much happier and positive. Well, they were until a global pandemic. And with a bit of time on my hands I stumbled across it, tidied it up whilst making it somewhat brighter and airy - thus reflecting my current mood - but again offering yet another form of escape, away from the news bulletins and sirens. 

Good Northern. We go again.

STAY SAFE

These are uncertain times - I couldn't decide which tin of food to have for dinner today. In the end I opted for alphabetti spaghetti. And it spelled disaster...

Joking aside. Please stay home and stay safe. Obey lockdown instructions in order to look after friends, family and foe alike. I know us of a Good Northern persuasion are heeding govt. advice, it's those pesky Londoners that'll prolong this quarantine for us all. Get inside, lock the doors and fuck this virus off in time for summer.

Look after yourselves.