A soccer legend in our midst, local soccer players and coaches could never have imagined they would be so blessed.
I read with great interest the article on Bruce Grobbelaar that appeared in Monday's edition of The Western Star. I have been anxious for months to see what this superstar would have to say about what he is hoping to do locally now that Corner Brook is his home. I was not disappointed.
An avid sports fan, I have seen and heard countless interviews with superstar athletes. Some, maybe most, put themselves above the rest of the world. They believe they are better than the people who have made it possible for them to make millions in this world. However, it is truly the greatest of greats who relate to us common folk, not putting themselves on a pedestal and letting those who idolize them do that.
Well, Monday, I discovered Bruce Grobbelaar appears to be just another one of us - a common man, with a history like very few before him. Maybe he has been grounded in his days of bankruptcy following the match-fixing scandal he was eventually cleared of in court. However, many English soccer fans never forgot or forgave - that can be another reality check indeed. Then again, this is a man who fought a war; this real life stuff is probably pretty simple in comparison.
I was actually wowed by the comments attributed to the goalie legend, who was often dubbed arrogant during his extremely successful career in the English Premier League, about his plans for life as a Newfoundlander.
He says he is not even looking to play in the local soccer league, which I say is a complete shame. He should come out and show the local goalies and wide-eyed kids just how it is done between the pipes.
However, if that is his humble way these days, so be it. He plans to make a Jordanesque-like foray into another passion though, baseball. Let's see which local team snatches him up.
However, he does plan to offer his soccer services in coaching clinics and other volunteering capacities in any way he can. What a treat for local players. With what Ian Marshall has already done for soccer in this area, I believe Corner Brook could one day supplant St. Lawrence as the Liverpool of Newfoundland.
In doing this, Grobbelaar said he doesn't want to come in and step on anybody's toes. Well, hopefully those toes realize that ol' "Spaghetti Legs" is here to stay, and can do so much to help grow soccer in this area.
So, guys and gals, move those toes back a little and make room for 10 more. I have never seen a soccer pitch too crowded for another set of cleats, especially ones so decorated.
Cory Hurley is a reporter/photographer with The Western Star. He can be reached via email at hurleysports@thewesternstar.com
