Where do we start? Colin's fitness regime (gym 3 times
a
week plus football twice a week) all-round build, and height gave us all
the
impression he could play - still, my mum thought that Bin Laden looked
"a
nice sort of chap, soft brown eyes, wouldn't hurt a fly...."
Pacy, Colin could run all night, and when the ball approached him in
front
of goal, liked to "freeze", almost like a black cobra ready to strike.
Admitted himself he was never the most talented on show, but always
reliable, always showed up, and gave his all for the cause.
Any time he took his turn in goals, Colin was the only one who was daft
enough to dive, and saved many a "goal" on many a dreich winters
evening.
STRIP:
Black T shirt/Hibs "Carlsberg" strip.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT:
Although mainly a close range striker, Colin scored a
few
flashing volleys - the best one being on my very first game at the Pitz,
early 1997, with a dipping, swerving effort, top corner, which
immediately
made me think "wow, this guy's brilliant!"
Also, there was that unforgettable night after one game, when Colin
(somewhat surprisingly) decided to hang out with us for a couple after
the
game. There are, of course, a hard core element who do not know the
meaning
of the word "couple", so seven pints later, still at the complex itself,
we're up there partying with a pre-booked function - this old dear's
90th
birthday party, Colin & Co are up giving it YMCA on the dance floor
"young
man...theres no need to feel down...I said YOUNG MAN...."
Colin, galvanised after his lagers, and slightly peckish, staggers over
to
the buffet (clearly for the guests), rips a chunk out of this chocolate
gateaux, and grabs a couple of chicken drumsticks, before devouring them
like a coyote.
One of the party, clearly not amused, turns to us and growls, "aye, go
on
and help yorselves why don't yooz?"
Well, we didn't need asking twice, and all piled our plates as high as
we
could...the looks on their faces..mad night, unforgettable, the usual
suspects that evening being Colin, Yours Truly, Harry, Steve, and Iain
Connelly.
I think.
WHERE IS HE NOW?
Still working at RSA, Colin gave up the game after
becoming a dad to wee Jack, and due to some awkward babysitting times,
can't
make it on a Friday anymore. Pah! Excuses. Still plays the occasional
charity or testimonial game, but that's about it for Colin these days.
