Actually the punchline came from my missus but the story went something like this... not sure what year it was but Tim moved in to a house two down from me in Overndale Road, Downend - the first time we chatted was across the fence and I said the usual neighbourly stuff welcoming him to the area, we got around to hobbies and what we got up to and he mentioned going to football with his mates. Now for most blokes this is that definitive moment, that split second in time when you know it's going to go either way - will we be mates for life or will we just tolerate each other, or maybe it will escalate and violence will ensue, maybe court cases, at the very least one of us will have to move house, if the response isn't to your liking. I eventually plucked up courage to ask the 64,000 dollar question... 'So, who do you support, Rovers or City?' The seconds passed... a bit like waiting for the results of X Factor, but with more at stake. 'Rovers', Tim replied with a slight hesitancy, he was going through the same agony as me.... the correct answer!!!!
Within minutes he was around our house, the famous quarters shirt on, sat in my armchair watching videos of past Rovers exploits...and drinking my beer, Tim liked beer, the more he and I drank the more I liked him. Anyway a while passed while we discussed favourite players, favourite games and the inevitable 'do you know so and so' questions and answers.
Eventually the wife (Carole) came in, just as well as we were getting hungry... 'This is our new neighbour, Tim' I said grinning insanely... 'he's a Gashead'. Carole took one look at the Tim, sat there holding a pint, feet up watching the famous quarters on the telly and promptly replied 'Well he wouldn't be a f*cking shithead would he!'
Brilliant. And so easy to picture, Chris!😂