"Now That's What I Call Hockey"
In the spirit of increasingly random match previews, here goes ......
Not sure whether it's the impact of the Olympics on the UK, but M4 has seen its squad size grow considerably over the early weeks of the season, with new recruits coming from all walks of life. And it seems that this popularity has even extended to the world of celebrities, with a number so desperate to get game time playing for the Mighty Fours that they even tweeted requests in over the weekend.
The team sheet already shows who has been selected for the short trip to Stratford, but sadly there's no room for a range of veritable musical legends who we just can't fit into the squad, despite some compelling (lyrics/song titles) reasons as to why they should be considered.
An eclectic group, I list their details below in case the expected half-term availability problems mean that they need to be considered on Friday night as a last resort by Tom, Mo or Rich :
Name - Position/Role - Reason
"AT THE BACK"
Craig David - GK - he says that he was "Born To Do It"
Rick Astley - LB - because he's "Never Gonna Let You Down"
Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour - CB - wants to fulfil a lifetime ambition and play alongside Mick "the Brick" Lane in "The Wall"
Jazzie B - Sweeper or RB - he said he would play "Wherever That You Want Me, Wherever That You Need Me ...."
"IN THE ENGINE ROOM"
Most of Musical Youth - LH & CM x 2 - well it's obvious isn't it ? They'll "Pass (the Duchy) on the Left Hand Side"
George Michael - RH - will push down the flank and always ready to take "A Different Corner" whenever Sils get an attacking set piece
"UP FRONT"
Squeeze frontman Glen Tilbrook - LW - but will play anywhere, so desperate for a game that he told me "Take Me I'm Yours"
Collapsed Lung's Jim Burke - CF - can't wait for the opposition to "Eat My Goal"
Pharrell Williams - RW - reckons he hasn't played for the Mighty Fours before, but that is not the case as we all know he's really "Happy"
"ROLLING SUBS"
The Whole of Earth, Wind & Fire - because they are the "Mighty Mighty" Fours
SUPPORT STAFF
Sting - Coach - "Every Step You Take, Every Move You Make, I'll be Watching You"
Paul McCartney - Tactician - "We Can Work It Out"
The drummer from the Kings of Leon - Rushy's Kit Man - because "your stick, it's on fire"
The Script - Match Report writers
The above may not be able to displace the likes of Bates, Russell, Rush, Willetts (which one?) and Harrison from the starting line-up but their tunes could make a wonderfully eclectic mixtape, useable on away travels. Is anyone in the team up for the challenge of making this a reality ? If so, bring your iPods to the Sils for 2.15pm this Saturday as we set off for Stratford at 2.30pm sharp. The Mighty Fours will be boosted by the return of Frank and Tony but without Craig and Steve as well as longer-term absentees Shaun and Mike. A tough game beckons but so too does a second away win as M4 have gelled well over the month, playing some exceptional team hockey against strong Khalsa and Edge sides.