Ernie

Photo by Alan Roe

In memory of Ernie Moss, 1949-2021

Appearances for Chesterfield FC - 468
Goals for Chesterfield FC - 162

Ernie

We all remember.

The terraces, crumbling
under our frozen feet. Floodlights,
straining to light the four corners
of our hallowed field. Those minutes,
before gladiators appear, blue
scarves and hats streaming
in from Saltergate. Anticipation
rising like the steam
from the open roof of the toilet block.
Gloved hands, transferring
a 10p piece, receiving a programme
and some change. The metallic
clang, clang of the turnstile.

On the team sheet, one name,
one number, defines the team.
Lifts our hopes.

The local lad, leading from the front. 

His name,chanted by the massed choir 

on the Kop; his number, rising into the night sky,
propelled by will power. That hanging
moment, when time stood still,
the crowd breathing in. We had been
in this moment before. Many times.

His head, meeting the ball, arcing
it towards the enfolding net. The roar,
straining the rusting roof, rattling
the ancient stand.

The noise fading in our minds,
into legend. 

Tim Fellows 2020