Newcastle Utd, Miami Dolphins and England. 3 teams whose recent apologies for so-called sports teams bring me untold misery from the false prophet of hope.

New signings bring excitement and then reality hits home as a succession of increasingly inept displays infuriate their supporters.

Even typing this brings forth not anger but resignation that I have been cursed. To be born in this town, in this country and to meet Dan Marino and the Pitt Panthers in New Orleans prior to the Sugar Bowl had led my sports life to whichever of Dante’s circles I deserve to reside in.

More thoughts on the futility of supporting mediocrity to follow.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton