My only real hobby away from Motherwell Football Club is Subbuteo, those finely detailed ‘wee mens’ as my daughter Clare T. puts it. Almost everyone of my generation has played Subbuteo but I’ll bet not many have gone back to it after a gap of, oohhh what…..20 years at least. Not that I was any good at it, and I’m still not, but ability doesn’t have to hinder enjoyment of the game. I renewed interest when we moved into our first house and my box of Subbuteo from my childhood was moved with us, the thought came to me that there was potential for a wee bit daftness. I got a few of the lads down one Sunday for the inaugural One Step Beyond Subbuteo tourney, big carry-oot, and a right good carry-on, none of us particularly skilful at the game, and the proper finger flicking technique was universally ignored in favour of a more comfortable method. So enjoyable was that night that calls were made for another, then another, but it sort of died away as I became busier (and each of the weans came along, difficult enough with initially only Amber to invade the pitch never mind Clare & Evan as well).
But the bug had bitten again and I set out to add to my collection of teams which then stood at around 20 or 30. Top of the shopping list was obviously any Motherwell teams I didn’t have, I found the numerous Subbuteo sites on the web, and my collection rapidly grew to over 150. I’ve also been able to complete my replica Fir Park Subbuteo stadium, with the miniature terraces and stands, although the cost of spectators means the stadium is about as full as some of our darkest 1st Division days. The gallery shows my complete collection if you’re prepared to go through it all.