Where it all began!

I’m 18, but my story begins in the 1930’s. This picture is of my Great Grandad

– Joseph Clarke Vinden

he was a brilliant footballer, renowned in the Manchester area. My Grandad says that people would often stop him in the street, even years later, to tell him what a fantastic player his Dad had been. He was the demon of the back post, a striker with immense power. He received his England call up, how amazing. He was the pride of the family, and the pride of Stockport.

In them days you made your own way to go and meet the rest of the squad. He was told to get to Liverpool to meet the squad, and they would then be boarding a boat to travel over to Ireland. Knowing how important this was, he got to Liverpool early, SO EARLY that he decided he would go and have a drink whilst waiting. My Great Grandad was sociable and started chatting with others in the bar. Before he knew time had flown by. He ran down to the Dock to see the boat on the horizon, already on its way to Ireland. He lost his place and wasn’t asked again.

i can only imagine how he felt. I know how I would have felt. although I never knew him, he has taught me a lot in regards to life in general and more importantly on the field of play. He has taught me that, yes of course you can have banter down the pub, but when it comes to the game, it’s crucial to keep your head switched on, sheer professionalism is needed, until the job is complete, then maybe.. just maybe you could have a pint, or 5.