Quiet times in The Great Institution of Chatham Street (TGI of CS) are my favourite. These are the times when I wander inside, white cane in hand, and have my choice of seats at The Holy Grail Known As The Bar (THGKATB).

My current favoured location at THGKATB is situated just past the first set of taps that pour forth The Life Enhancing Liquid of Chatham Street. Here I am in prime position to exchange words of wisdom with The Good Folk Behind The Bar (TGFBTB). Coincidentally I am also in excellent position to call for a little refueling when the occasion demands.

TGFBTB are one of the main reasons for my devotion to TGI of CS. They are a knowledgeable motley crew with a keen eye and ear for the various happenings within TGI of CS, amongst other things.

The Red Devil is one of TGFBTB. He is an avid Manchester United supporter. As my own allegiance stands shoulder to shoulder with The Boys From Anfield (Liverpool),, I sit on the opposite side of the footballing fence to The Red Devil.

For many years The Red Devil had much to celebrate as the great Alex Ferguson stockpiled the trophies with one swashbuckling team after another.

In the Fergie Years United never seemed to understand the concept of defeat. To be leading United 5-0 as injury time approached would be no guarantee of ultimate success for the opposing team.

At such rare times Fergie would start prowling the touchline and then make eye contact with The Man In The Middle also known as The Referee (TMITM aka TR). He would start pointing furiously at his watch, demanding added time upon added time.

At moments such as this Fergie was a man who was not in a hurry home.

Fearing for his life, TMITM aka TR seemed to have extreme reluctance to ever blow the final whistle once Fergie began gesticulating.

Fergie was not a man to be crossed.

United would then score one goal, with a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth quickly following. United ahead 6-5. TMITM aka TR immediately blows his whistle.

Game over. United do it again. Fergie is a happy camper.

A few years ago Fergie finally decided to call it quits and move on to pastures new. Replacing him has not proved easy for the hierarchy of Old Trafford. The Red Devil has not had much to celebrate of late.

Meanwhile The Boys From Anfield are going along quite nicely these days.

How times change.