Derek Dougan

One of my boyhood heroes died on the weekend, aged 69. Derek Dougan was a striker for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the early 70s when I first got into soccer, and I remember well the League Cup win over Manchester City in 1974. There’s a review of his career in The Times and on the Wolves website.

His autobiography 'The Sash He Never Wore' was the first sports book I ever read, and led me down the sports fan route from which I've never recovered. Thanks, Doog.

Rugby Notes

Ebbw Vale RFC has strengthened its squad in readiness for the 2007-08 season.

The newcomers are:
Player-coach second row/number 8 Will Thomas (Cross Keys)
Flanker John McPhail (Neath)
Back row Rhys Williams (Cross Keys)
Utility back Aaron Bramwell (Neath)
Prop Anthony Lott (Bargoed)
Prop Ross Jones (Bargoed)

And from the Dragons Academy come Wales U20s flanker Dan Lydiate, Wales U19s outside half Dai Langdon, Wales U19s hooker Richard Wilkes and Wales U20s centre James Lewis.

The South Wales Andrex reports James Lewis’ brother, Rob, a scrum half will also be with Ebbw Vale. It also reports that the club is still looking for three players: a prop, inside centre and fly half (to replace Sam Mills who has joined Llanelli).

The new club captain will be outstanding flanker John Bowd.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse

On 25 June an email arrives, headed up “Xmas Do 2007”. Heck, now that the solstice has gone its downhill all the way to Christmas.