Qualifying is no longer a memory
Scotland stars land Euro 2021 dream
From the moment Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall saved that penalty from an unfortunate Serbian – who’s probably still self- isolating in his wardrobe for his own safety – it’s been choc- ablock down ‘ Memory Lane’.
It’s been 22 years and almost 222 days since Scotland last kicked a ball in major tournament.
Yes, nostalgia might well be a thing of the past - but right now . . . . I’m wallowing in it!
Back in the day, when a college, secondary or even a primary school would invite me to talk about journalism, it was odds on that during questions at the end – I’d be asked about my “most memorable” moments.
Criss- crossing the USA in 1996 – a trip that began with Mike Tyson beating Frank Bruno in Las Vegas, stopped off in the Olympic city of Atlanta, and ended with Mel ‘ Braveheart’ Gibson clutching two Oscars in Los Angeles – is right up there.
Then there was 2000 when I checked into the Hotel Bondi for 26 nights – my Sydney Olympic Games “media pass” dangling proudly around my neck.
It doesn’t get much tougher than opening your curtains every morning to see the Swedish Women’s Beach Volleyball team working up a sweat . . . swathed in golden sand!
By any reckoning, it would take some doing for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France to top all of the above. But it did. Mais qui . . . it really, really did!
If this was a sports page – I could revel in the goals, the games, the interviews with Colin Hendry and the banter with Craig Brown.
But for me, France ’ 98 was more than just football. It was a chance to get immersed in a wonderful country with wonderful people and a wonderful culture.
Getting to wear a kilt, watch Scotland play football - and have all your expenses paid - was just an added bonus!
I was put I charge of the Daily Record’s ‘ Tartan Army Mobile HQ’ – a specially refurbished open- topped bus that Stagecoach had handpainted in tartan.
Initially, this month- long French adventure was to be paid for by sponsors – and every drinks brand in the country had formed a queue to get their name on the coach exterior.
From Johnnie Walker to Tennents Lager – the bus looked like a big, fat Formula One car, smothered in decals and logos.
That’s when we hit our first major bump. We discovered Stagecoach boss Brian Soutar eschewed any links with alcohol due to personal religious convictions.
Overnight, Johnnie Walker and Tennents suddenly became Barr’s Irn Bru and Tunnock’s tea- cakes!
I recall us setting off from Glasgow’s Anderston Quay on a sunny June morning.
Minutes later - when we brought the Kingston Bridge to a car honking, window hanging halt – I knew this was going to be one hell of a trip!
That said, once we got south of Carlisle, the honking and gesticulations from passing motorists had a subtly different tone!
Our first official stop was the House of Commons in London – where a uniformed jobsworth gleefully stopped us at the front gate – palm fully extended. “No chance mate! Get this bleedin’ heap of crap out of ‘ ere!” he bellowed.
But his glee was no match for mine . . . as I pulled out our Palace of
Westminster Vehicle Access pass – personally authorised by Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Secretary of State for Scotland - and a great friend of the Daily Record – The Rt. Hon. Donald Dewar, had put the fix in for us! And he knew a photo opportunity when he saw one. He was straight into the driver’s seat – with every other Scottish MP clamouring to get in on the act! Even that Alex Salmond chap! Aye – happy memories.
And as we countdown to Euro 2020 – in June 2021 – I’ll be slipping a few more onto this page!
Yes , nostalgia might well be a thing of the past - but right now .... I’m wallowing in it