Real fans stay loyal in bad times

I RECALL the scene vividly. Two gentlemen, one in sheepskin, one in wax, puffed out their prosperous paunches and muscled their way into the already crowded back row of the terracing.

Masters of all they surveyed, they conducted a running commentary throughout the match, in loud braying tones, refusing to allow their lack of knowledge hinder their dogmatism.

"Crikey Dermot, that Jim Williams, he is absolutely enoorrrrmous," bellowed one.