There have been many great sporting quotes over the years, from Kenneth Wolstenholme’s never to be forgotten, “They think it’s all over…it is now!” to Ferenc Puskas’s astute observation, “I thank my father for all the coaching he didn’t give me.” Here are 20 slightly less well known utterances, all of which are attributed to GPSFA’s Lin Harvey.   

“The result never bothers me. I feel just the same after the game whether we win or lose.” (Before first ever Witney Cup fixture; November 1986).

“I’ve got a really good feeling about Saturday’s game. I think we’re going to do well.” (Before Witney Cup tie v Barnet; November 1996).

“I’m *!?*?  !*?*!?  !*?” (After 3-1 defeat by Barnet; November 1996).

“….And I think to myself….what a wonderful world!” (After beating Mid Oxon, the week after the Barnet game).

“I don’t know why I do this.” (Following 2-1 defeat at St Albans; February 1997).

“I can’t see what all the fuss is about.” (After beating Newham 3-2; Southern Counties Cup Final; May 1993 – the greatest night in GPSFA history).

“Who needs directions when you’ve got the instinct?” (Seconds before driving straight past the entrance to Watford’s ground; February 1994).

“I can’t believe we’re losing to this team.” (We weren’t – but Mr Harvey hadn’t noticed our equaliser after walking off to the other side of the FB Fields; April 1997).

“Look out of that window. Clear blue sky, not a hint of wind and a squad in top form. You mark my words Chairman, it’s going to be a great day today.” (On the way to the Cotswold League 6-a-Sides, April 1994. We lost in the semi finals and the co-manager drove to Hereford with the mini bus keys still in his pocket. Four hours after the final whistle, L.R.Harvey was still sitting underneath an apple tree in Carterton, waiting to be rescued).

“Just remember this. If we continue playing like we did in that first half, there’s no way in the world we can lose this game.” (Final line of half time team talk v Thurrock at the 1995 Jersey Festival. We lost 1-0).

“Forage Beast….forage!” (Instructions to Danny Mazurek during play off final; Jersey 1996).

“I’m sure I’ve seen that sign before.” (During one hour trip to Jersey Zoo – normal distance 5 miles; April 1994).

“This isn’t a pitch….this is a stamp!” (On arrival at small-ish Oxfordshire venue; October 1991).

“This is what we’ve waited for all season….” (Opening line of speech to parents after Ashley Pettit scored fourth goal v Hackney; Jersey 1997).

“Every road looked the same to me. Very narrow, loads of bends, high hedges and hardly a passing place in sight. Even when I found a hill and looked around, I still couldn’t work out which way to go. Eventually I found a local who directed me back the way I’d come, so here I am. What’s the score?” (The carefully worked out plan to drive to Newbury so he could enjoy a pub lunch at The Swan backfires due to navigational difficulties. We were 4-0 up with 10 minutes left when Mr Harvey eventually arrived; March 1995).

“That’s it. I’m off.” (As Solihull were about to score their third goal; November 1997).

“I got up at 6.30 this morning, drove 150 miles down the motorway, give up my whole weekend – and pay for the privilege – and they go and perform like this.” (From position on bank, 40 feet above the ground at Plymouth; November 2001).

“I can’t see them troubling us. They don’t look as if they’ll ever score.” (While watching Gravesham’s 0-0 draw with Basildon. Gravesham beat us 2-0 the following day; April 1999).

“Definitely left.” (10 minutes before realising the ferry didn’t sail from West Cowes; October 2001.”

“No problem.” (After reaching the ferry 55 seconds before it sailed from East Cowes; October 2001).

  The many faces of L.Harvey