Letter from the Moon(Unit)
"Greetings fellow Space Cadets. Welcome to Planet Walsh. Firstly I want to begin by thanking The Unofficial Leyland & Farington Website for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with the world in this diary column. I make no secret of the fact that I have turned down numerous lucrative offers to contribute a similar column from such heavyweights of the publishing world as the Leyland Reporter, Lancashire Life, Take-a-Break and Bella."
What better way of letting my fans get an insight into what makes me tick, than by answering some of the many questions I have received recently via email:
Loss of confidence
Dear Aidan,
For many years people have told me that I make batting look very simple. However, watching you bat on a recent trip to Fox Lane, I must concede that no one can ever have made the game look as easy as you. The way you shuffle across your stumps and play the slice drive at a catchable height through gully is class personified. My problem is that having seen you play I am now considering giving up the game because I know it is not possible for mere mortals like me to achieve the same standard of batsmanship that you do day in day out. Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.
ST, Mumbai.
Aidan's Reply:- "You should never try to emulate or compare yourself to any other batsman. I can sympathize with what you are going through. When I first saw Rob Uphill bat, I thought to myself "If only I can be half as good as that someday." The only advice I can give you is this; our greatest achievement is not to out do others, but to out do ourselves. In other words set your own targets; e.g. If I've just dropped a simple catch because I didn't see the ball until it hit me in the chest, I'll make sure I'm at least looking in the right direction when the next chance comes my way."
Thinning on top
Aidan, We have both been lucky enough to receive professional advice about slightly a embarrassing problem we both used to suffer from. Now as a result of advanced laser treatment we have been able to overcome this problem and have therefore avoided nicknames such as 'Cue Ball', 'Kojak', 'Chrome Dome' or 'Pubic Head'. Would you like to join us and be part of the next advertising campaign?
GG, Chelmsford & AH, Leicester
Aidan's Reply:- "I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about."
Sharp as a tack
Dear Mr Walsh
Over the last couple of seasons I have found it very difficult to maintain concentration when I am batting or when the opposition professional edges a simple catch to me behind the stumps. In my 42 years of playing for top class club sides (plus the 10 seasons I was at Motors), I have never come across someone who is able to focus his mind as effectively as you. What is your secret?
Yours sincerely
CW, Preston
Aidan replies:- "I'm not sure if I can help you. For some reason I have always found it easy to completely clear my mind of all thoughts. One minute I'll be furiously concentrating on getting outside leg stump in order to waft the bat at the oppositions quick bowler, and the next I'll be completely relaxed back in the dressing room."
Next Month: Aidan puts his MA in Advanced Management of Catering Facilities at Regional Sports Events from Leeds University to good use as he guides us through his typical day waiting for the Fox & Lion to open.