Post by Dave on Jun 28, 2008 9:05:31 GMT
Reading the thread about David Graham, made me first think about Mark loram and then Darren Bastow.I watched Mark play in a cup final about 15 months ago, over 40 years old now, but still banged in four goals. What was clear to me was this man loved playing football and it made me feel sad, that for what ever the reasons, he did not want or take the opportunities to play at the very top of the game.
There is another young man from the bay, who also did not take the same opportunities that were open to Mark. A young man who showed for Plymouth he was a bit special. Maybe being young and the discipline required by a professional football club, was too much for him, who knows.
About 7 or 8 years ago, I was involved with a charity project based up at Haytor. We used to have groups of helpers, who we provided lunch for, as a way of saying thank you. During a lunch break with one such group, I sat and talked with a young man, we soon got on to football. We talked about Torquay and I was talking about Mark Loram and went on to say, it was shame another local boy through away the big chance he had.
Little did I know that I was speaking with Darren and I always speak as I find and he was a pleasure to talk too. He told me that he was hoping to play for Torquay next season, I know at that time he had to wait for Plymouth, to release him as a player.
I got to see Darren play at Whiterock, sometime later, on a bumpy pitch; he stood out so much, talent there for all to see. Not sure how old he is now, maybe 25? Not sure if he really would ever want to try again, but I would like to think, now that he is a bit older, it may be in his mind. How great for the club, to have a player who not only is a bit special, but Torquay born, and with a family name so well known and respected, in local football.
There is another young man from the bay, who also did not take the same opportunities that were open to Mark. A young man who showed for Plymouth he was a bit special. Maybe being young and the discipline required by a professional football club, was too much for him, who knows.
About 7 or 8 years ago, I was involved with a charity project based up at Haytor. We used to have groups of helpers, who we provided lunch for, as a way of saying thank you. During a lunch break with one such group, I sat and talked with a young man, we soon got on to football. We talked about Torquay and I was talking about Mark Loram and went on to say, it was shame another local boy through away the big chance he had.
Little did I know that I was speaking with Darren and I always speak as I find and he was a pleasure to talk too. He told me that he was hoping to play for Torquay next season, I know at that time he had to wait for Plymouth, to release him as a player.
I got to see Darren play at Whiterock, sometime later, on a bumpy pitch; he stood out so much, talent there for all to see. Not sure how old he is now, maybe 25? Not sure if he really would ever want to try again, but I would like to think, now that he is a bit older, it may be in his mind. How great for the club, to have a player who not only is a bit special, but Torquay born, and with a family name so well known and respected, in local football.