Cod Almighty | Postbag

Harry Shutes and fond memories

14 April 2021

We have some great letters from our readers this week.

Mr Plowes - rest in peace.

I heard from a school friend a few years ago, that Steve Plowes had sadly passed. He taught us in Lytham. Some of my funniest and fondest memories of school, involve Steve Plowes. Sometimes it was a case of getting Steve sidetracked on Grimsby Town (or even general football talk) and there'd be half a chance that the lesson went out of the window, and it became a debate about football. One of the funniest incidents at school, involved Mr Plowes. A few folk had written some rude things on another lad's rough book (remember rough books?). Mr Plowes decided to stick up for the lad and the following morning, came bursting into the classroom, shouting out that it was wrong, and folk should be ashamed. He then read out the comments/scribbles on the book, which immediately led to somebody laughing. Mr Plowes dished out a Saturday detention (this was a standard punishment for more serious bad behaviour, and involved two hours at school on a Saturday morning). Mr Plowes then read out further comments, which resulted in more people laughing, and receiving Saturday detentions on the spot. As the comments were read out, it became like the Biggus Dickus scene from the Life of Brian.

I remember Steve Plowes as a decent, intelligence and fair guy, who was a great English teacher, and a true character. Life is dull without characters like Steve Plowes.

from Martin Docherty

Letters Ed responds: I couldn't help but laugh out loud at this letter. Fantastic memories.

Diary response jogs memory

Ah yes thanks Shaun (Second letter), that's the man, I thought his surname was Dannatt, I should have gone with my first answer.

From an opposition viewpoint he was football moody, only played when he felt like it, often easily distracted. I do remember that was "the word on the streets" at the time. I'm sure he was a pleasant young man. I don't remember him speaking, he just seemed to stand in midfield spreading defence splitting passes to teammates who hadn't seen what he had seen. Then tut.

The Gale brothers at Toll Bar, not a local R&B combo, but midfield maestros and miles better footballers than Paul Wilkinson. But they, like Pete Dannatt, seemed happy to play football very well, not as a life.

And if you mean Kevin Lund, well, the family always said young Kev was the more naturally skilled footballer. He always seemed happier hanging around with his mates. Talent is one thing, it's what you want to do with it that determines where you end up.

I was blessed with no talent and no determination, it makes life so much easier. It frees me to do what I have the talent and determination for - standing around and telling those unfortunate enough to be skilled practitioners what they should have done.

There really were some very, very good footballers around in that generation born between 1958 and 1965 - and all so much bigger and sturdier than the local generations that followed.

It's all Thatcher's fault, of course. Bring back free school milk and we will rise again!

from Tony Butcher

Harry Shutes!

Greetings Sisters & Brothers Mariners,

After Good Friday there can only be one headline:
HARRY SHUTES!

We are Mariners, we are above boardroom shenanigans and pisspoor refereeing. We are Mariners and we will never give up. We are Mariners and will support our team, manager and staff come what may. We are Mariners and are strong. We are Mariners and believe in better. We are Mariners and will never sound the retreat.

from Norfolk Ancient Mariner

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