by Sean Gorst 

In this, my first contribution to RAMFC's Official Web Site, I will endeavour to bridge the gap between the lowly existence of footballers and the higher spiritual plane upon which I exist. As I reflect back on my many years of mis-spent youth, I realize how fortunate I am to have escaped the endless cycle of football matches and visits to various public houses. Many of my former friends and acquaintances still revel in this hedonistic, yet ultimately self-destructive, lifestyle. My good fortune in finding a way out of the mindless drudgery, while exhilarating, is somewhat tempered as I cast a derisory eye over those who still dwell in the darkness, some of whom will never, unfortunately, see the light which shines so brightly down upon me. A brief review of recent years gone by would perhaps indicate that I was, until recently, a lesser soul than them. While the majority had seemingly progressive existences (steady jobs, fixed addresses, no criminal records etc.) they were merely facades that barely hid the truth. My reality, on the other hand, was revealed to all who cared to look. A determined, yet ultimately only marginally successful, music career and a passion for football that burned so bright my anus hurt, were often punctuated by scrapes with the law, broken friendships, episodes of drunken stupidity, getting my head kicked in despite my prowess at tae kwon dope and enthusiastic recreational drug use. While descending further into the ways of the devil, I feel I was more able than others to see the truth. And the truth I have seen. While some may look upon me as some sort of nut-job, with my rosaries and crosses, and ill-fitting bathrobes with various religious-type markings on them, I resist the urge to revert to my former self and attack them with foul and abusive language, rather, I just say a quiet prayer for them and carry on along my chosen path. And that path is an uphill path, with many potholes to challenge me. The path is never-ending, so I will be walking for a long time, but I am a sturdy soul, and I will persevere. It is my sincere wish that some, if not all, of my former teammates will join me on the path to enlightenment and glory.

Everlastingly Yours,