Source: Telegraph
Walking the superstition tightrope all the way to my lucky Everton pub
Gosling righly claimed the glory after scoring Everton's winning goal - even though ITV spoiled his finest hour. [LNB]But I think I should claim some of the credit for the win, despite being 200 miles away from Goodison Park. [LNB]I watched the match on television in the centre of snowbound Watford, with three men and a dog in my "lucky pub". [LNB]Lucky because on 14 visits there to watch a live televised match featuring my beloved Everton, I have yet to see them lose. [LNB]An impressive run, which spans 18 months of topsy-turvy fortunes for David Moyes' side and the three recent Merseyside derbies, two of which were at Anfield. [LNB]But as anyone who walks the superstition tightrope knows, the further you go, the more you wobble, the more you dread falling off. [LNB]What happens if on my next visit to my pub Everton lose? Is that the pub's fault, or mine for going on the wrong day? [LNB]I have been on the horns of this dilemma before. I used to take my dogs for a walk on a precise route on matchdays, fearful of deviating from the prescribed journey by even one step in case it damaged Everton's chances. [LNB]When I was in my teens I stopped the normally prolific Everton striker Bob Latchford for his autograph hours before kick-off. He had a stinker that day. My fault of course. I never asked for another signature. [LNB]Obsessive, compulsive or just mad? At least I am in good company. John Terry wore the same shinpads for 10 years, Don Revie the same blue suit for a similar period. And I am sure we all have friends who insist on donning a trusted scarf, pair of socks, underpants or maybe all three to cheer on their favourite team. [LNB]And the good thing about superstition is that even when my lucky pub stops working its magic, I can always find a luckier one. Fingers crossed. [LNB]-- [LNB]Do you have a lucky pub? Does your 'OCD' come to the surface on match days? Tell us about your football rituals in the comments box below. [LNB]
