Supermac's tale
In December, Malcolm Macdonald told a packed Riversuite Suite at Venue 360 a story about the great Graham French, the Hatters’ star winger of the late 60s and early 70s.
“You never knew what you were going to get from Frenchie,” reflected Supermac. “On the pitch, he was mercurial to say the least.”
On this day 46 years ago today the Town won 3-1 at Bury and, true to form, French set-up the first two goals: one for Macdonald and another for Matt Tees – but that, according to Supermac, is only half of the story.
Turning up late at Luton station at quarter-to-eight on Saturday morning prior to the train journey to Gigg Lane, French was spotted by his team-mates wearing the suit he sported on Friday…
“We huddled around Frenchie to keep him up right, and out of sight from manager Alec Stock,” grinned a clearly amused Supermac to the hundreds of captivated eyes in the audience.
“Once on the train he snored all the way to Bury. We woke him up when we reached the station but as soon as we got on the coach to go to the ground he was snoring his head off again.
“Asleep in the dressing, too, it wasn’t until 20 minutes before kick-off that we woke him up again and told him to get his bloody kit on.
“In the first half Frenchie was amazing – he’s went like a rocket, dribbling past everyone. He sent in two crosses, one for me to head home and another for Matt Tees to convert.
“We’re 2-0 up and Frenchie’s walked over to Alec... and promptly threw up all over his shoes.
“Oh Frenchie…”