The Commonwealth Games baton winged its way through Scotland this week (probably avoiding Kilmarnock after the international incident there in 2014) on its way to the Gold Coast in Australia for next year’s extravaganza.
Even our own Susan Egelstaff got in on the act, getting her moment of celeb status.
“Why are you getting to carry the baton,” I enquired as she limbered up.
“Because I am a badminton diva.” I’ll leave that thought with you.
The baton made a guest appearance at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, which meant weans, flags, and mascots, our ‘diva’ being joined by Clyde, our offering (with the scary fingers) from Glasgow 2014, and Bonnie the Seal, mascot for the 2018 European Championships that Glasgow will host.
I know, think of Glesca and Scotland and the first thing that crosses your mind are seals. Put it down to democracy at play.
But you can’t have a team of an event without these days having a mascot. However, imagine training morning noon and night in the pursuit of glory, only to fail, then have a seal take the limelight. Susan?
For me, mascots are only really entertaining when they fall out. For that, buy some popcorn and consult YouTube.
The Round Three draw for the Carabao Cup probably became the most famous third round draw since Manchester United dodged the FA Cup, when it was announced it would take place in Beijing on Thursday, and be staged at 04.15 BST.
Yes, that’s in the morning, or middle the night depending on your lifestyle. But I’m all for exclusives for evening papers.
And, it is certainly food for thought. For I’m sure after his Airdrie experience, Rod Stewart would be up for doing a draw after a night out
There was a treat yesterday on talkSPORT when Max Rushden stepped in to Alan Brazil’s shoes with his special guest, Ally McCoist, in the studio.
Ally was in good form, reminiscing about his days on A Question of Sport, Rangers, and in particular, his days spent in the company of a certain Paul Gascoigne.
Coisty’s tales were hugely entertaining, particularly the one about finding Gazza in his kitchen at four in the morning, making a sandwich!
However, I can’t help think Max and the listeners were short changed, simply, because the best Gascoigne tales from his time in Glasgow couldn’t be broadcast ...
And finally, the Walsall fan who booked his hotel for the away trip to Portsmouth was one of the better stories from last weekend.
The hotel in question looked the part, was reasonably priced, and just 12 miles from the stadium. The problem was, his digs were on the Isle of Wight.
It was a bit like one of my friends, who, late for a game when travelling with a few of his pals, spotted floodlights and headed for them.
There was a bit of surprise that they managed to park so close to the ground, with little congestion. And an even bigger surprise when they found themselves faced by a railway goods yard.
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