Last week, the girlfriend and I spent the week on a press jolly in Thailand, and a most enjoyable time we had too.
After a bit of sunbathing, sightseeing and a fantastic massage (don’t worry Mum, it wasn’t a mucky one), I am sure you will be pleased to hear that I could not have been more relaxed.
Even the news of Brentford’s dismal defeat to the franchise from Milton Keynes failed to darken my mood.
During my holiday I was able to talk plenty of football, as it turns out that Thai people seem to care more about the English game than us English do.
Of course, when I say the English game, I mean the Premier League. And when I say the Premier League, what I actually mean is Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Usually, when I’m asked the question of which team I support, it is part of some awkward, ice-breaking small talk with a fellow male of the species at a God awful wedding reception or house party.
Yet in Thailand I was asked this question countless times and it was always delivered with the same genuine sense of enthusiasm and curiosity.
Perhaps I should be sorry to say that, as the week drew on, I found myself revelling more and more in the utter confusion my answer, Brentford, caused my questioners. But I’m not sorry – it was hilarious.
The look of bewilderment that was suddenly drawn across their faces was absolutely priceless.
When I tried to explain all about the mighty Bees – our few triumphs and many tribulations – I am sure I was able to completely clear things up.
I wasn’t expecting Thai football fans to be au fait with names such as Jamie Bates and Ken Coote, or to have observed a public holiday to mark the passing of Jim Towers, but hopefully my missionary work has helped spread the Gospel According to Bob Taylor further.
Now that I’m back in Blighty my feeling of calm surrounding Brentford’s current predicament already feels like a distant memory.
Andy Scott may have picked up the manager of the month award but let’s not try and fool anyone – Brentford’s season so far has been a shocker, with the odd good performance papering over some huge cracks.
“Cheer up, Will, at least we’re in the semi-final (southern area) of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy,” I hear you cry.
If anyone has any more straws for me to clutch at, do let me know.
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