Hi

My name is Gavin. I’m an old man, in my twilight years. When I was born we weren’t even part of the European “project”. I’m that old. Other than feeding ducks, playing bridge, and watching the One Show, I have few pleasures in life. I do like to totter out on the Downs on a Saturday and play football though. Waddling around the pitch and telling youngsters I was really good at football 40 years ago (I wasn’t).

in early January on a very slippery pitch I was given an undeserved red card for what can only be described as an “enthusiastic” challenge on a lithe young healthy chap a third of my age, who seemingly couldn’t avoid my slow motion tackle.

And now, according to the laws and regulations of the local FA, I’ve been presented with a £55 fine for this misdemeanour.

£55.

I’m sure some teenager could give up vaping for a week or 2 or buy less balaclavas and cover this cost, but for an elderly gentleman like myself?!?

Woe is me. I can simply miss the next 4 or 5 games to cover the cost, but my fear is will I still even be able to stagger out on to the pitch in a couple of months time? Will I even be around then, to tread the hallowed turf of the Clifton Downs?? Time is the enemy of us all…