Fast Fiction: No Way
Richard Mallinson's tale features the seedier side of sports journalism.
'There are too many of them,' he said. 'I don't stand a chance.'
'Oh,' I said. 'Don't be such a big girl's blouse. Now get in there and sort the buggers out.'
He stumbled in.
Christ, I thought, if he can't handle a press conference how's he going to captain England?
Well, as it happened, he captained England only once - then returned to his rightful place at club level.
I came across him in a West End bar.
'How's it going?' I asked, as if I cared.
'Very well,' he said, smiling. 'We're doing fine in the league and I'm married now . .. see you later.'
He was waiting for me outside.
'You won't believe this,' he said. 'My wife's on the Daily Blare. The things she tells me ... lot's of rumours and stuff they can't publish without more evid -'
'Fascinating,' I pretended.
'Yes, your name cropped up the other day. Something to do with taking bungs.. . Of course I said no way, there was no way you'd -'
'Thanks,' I said, watching a yob throw up.
