And Lo......

By Cmonbath
August 24 2007

And lo, the people didst make their way to the mountain to seek the seer and didst find him somewhat changed. He didst not appear to them bearded and in flowing robes, but clean-shaven and arrayed in buckskins of the finest blue, black and white.....

He stared pensively ahead and seemed oblivious of their presence. After a period of awkward shuffling of feet and coughing, he spoke.

 

“You come seeking the wisdom of Running Back, no doubt.”

 

“Well, … yerrrssss, … suppose so. Bit of a radical change of direction tho’ …”

 

“They say a change is as good as a little lie down you know”.

 

“Okay, we can live with that. Ermmm, you used to welcome in the new season. Or at least you did in your … beardy … roby …. period.”

 

“Yes. Do you come with peaceful hearts?”

 

“Well, let’s just say with a promising 9 and 10 combination coming in; a full pre-season for the new coaching team; and some talented players coming back from long term injury, things are looking up a bit.”

 

“But still you are troubled. Okey dokey. Look to the skies and see the eagle. See how he rides the air and is master of his domain. See the lines he flies and see that he is without fear. These shall be your backs.”

 

“Okay, backs as eagles. With you up to now.”

 

“Right. And on the wide prairie. Look to the majestic buffalo.”

 

“Forwards, right?”

 

“You’re getting into the swing of it now. Indeed. See how the buffalo dominates the open plains. Note well his strength and the way the things he bumps into tend to stay bumped into. Yes, your forwards shall be like the buffalo.”

 

“Right …”

 

“Look to the mighty river. See how in the lowlands it scythes through the earth brought down from the hills by the storm. This shall be your attack. But look also at the granite in the high country. See how it is impenetrable and forces the river to take its course. This shall be your defence.”

 

“Ah, but surely running water eventually cuts through even granite?”

 

“Yes, but not within 80 minutes smart geology boy. And finally, look to the humble squirrel. See how if effortlessly kicks the acorn between the upright twigs of the manzanita bush with unerring accuracy. This shall be your kicking game.”

 

“You just made that one up.”

 

“Yes”.

 

“Okay, okay. So, are there any individual performances we should be looking out for?”

 

“You must watch for Blonde-Man-Running-Fast”.

 

“You’re going to have to be more specific. Have you seen the squad photos?”

 

“Okay, Nick then. He is a young warrior with fire in his belly. He has been denied a place with the hunting party of the strangely clad and has much to prove. And also Other-Blonde-Man-Running-Fast, known as Alex. He too has much to prove and his return will be good medicine for the midfield.”

 

“And of course, there is El Gringo …”

 

“Yes, El Gringo …” and they were silent on the mountain.

 

“Do you want the supporters like the leaping bobcat bit?”

 

“Can we get back to you on that one?”