Don Hale Blog

*Pictured above - author Paul R Stroud with his wife Marie at a Japanese match. Special NW Coast and Country Author Spotlight Feature Welcome to another new author feature in conjunction with Amazon. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul R Stroud.    MAGNIFICENT J-LEAGUE: From the tribal warfare of England’s terraces to the respectful exuberance of the beautiful game in Japan. An English fan’s ... what sets the J-League apart from the rest. Paperback – 24 June 2025. J リーグ    サッカ グサッカ *This is an Amazon link to Paul Stroud’s new paperback book - MAGNIFICENT J-LEAGUE: https://amzn.to/44ljjKi *This the Amazon link to  Paul Stroud's new ebook link to the MAGNIFIECEN J-LEAGUE:   https://amzn.to/45OvfH2   The author of Magnificent J-League, Paul Stroud, provides us with a fascinating insight into what it has been like following football, at different times, and in different places, over the past 50 years.  It...

*Pictured above the Bury FC squad in 1968/69 season at Gigg Lane. Fan’s stories required – Going to the Match!   Introduction by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com I was most fortunate to have spent several years working with and playing as a promising young footballer with Bury FC as youngster from the age of about thirteen to my late teens.  I enjoyed every minute playing for the juniors, youth team and reserves, with some mainstream game time and friendlies against top clubs thrown in.  It was a memorable time in my life and a great club and when I was injured, I recall Les Hart being a tower of strength during my rehab. A really good atmosphere and an interesting time in the club's yo-yo years, playing with some fascinating characters.  Memories are so precious and I have just found a nostalgic team photo from the 1968/69 season. I am shown third from the left on the front row.  This is the capti...