(in memory of Hughie Gallacher, Newcastle United’s record goalscorer in 1926-7, who committed suicide in 1957)
Thirty six goals,
more than one way to skin a halfback.
Thirty six snapshots
of a legend
framed in Tyneside pubs.
That’s how we remember you Hughie,
for the good things in life.
Thirty six steps to fame
and a sprinking of treasured ashes
in a football boot.
You put us on the map for a season.
A thirty six gun salute
is the least we can do
for a man
with poetry in his feet,
a bottle of Brown in his pocket,
and a championship medal
round his neck.
You kicked us
into ecstasy,
into the Blue Star yonder.
You were a magic dribbler
and stocky with it.
So, keep your feet still Hughie hinny.
They’ll never drive
those bonny dreams away.
KEITH ARMSTRONG
