Epidemic - A Fashion Story

Yaka Clothing

I like an independent clothing brand.

I especially like an independent clothing brand forged out of the darks of a working class coal mining village in North East.

Step forward Yaka Clothing.

A Sunderland based brand put together through the heritage of coal mining and a passion for good quality clothing. And they've been making some smashing looking coach jackets, pastel tees and a summery cord bucket hat. The latter arrived in time for the May bank holiday.

One to keep an eye out for, especially when there's some Perry-esque polos and Harrington's in the pipeline.

Alan Partridge - Sports Casual

Cool customer or all the gear, no idea?

International Workers Day

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.