New research has revealed the crucial part played by football in the timing of the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers in Dec 1620. William Brewer and John Billington had become keen fans of the beautiful game after their stay in Leiden where they enjoyed what they called 'complete footeball' played by the locals. Not overkeen to leave for new adventures they took the chance to see a game while waiting to set sail.
William Brewer takes up the story in his diary
'Went with JB to see the local team in an evening match lit by candles and an old Armada beacon. A pleasing proper tint of green marked their jerseys but strange were their strategies. They did regularly hump the ball forwards and upwards with players assembling together at the spot anticipated for the ball's return to ground. A melee usually ensued to no-one's great advantage. Just once did a player attempt to pass the ball to a fellow green shirt 'ah! guile - at last' I remarked to JB - but soon old habits returned. They did seem verily to have no plan beta! I am told they take many a packed cartload to games on the fields of foes but too often the carts return glum of face. Nothing therefore to give us good reason to settle here. So despite wondrous pasties that will be truly missed it is sad parting from these shores.'
Apparently the game was against the Wanderers from Wycombe and finished as the Mayflower passed Cawsand Bay!
William Brewer takes up the story in his diary
'Went with JB to see the local team in an evening match lit by candles and an old Armada beacon. A pleasing proper tint of green marked their jerseys but strange were their strategies. They did regularly hump the ball forwards and upwards with players assembling together at the spot anticipated for the ball's return to ground. A melee usually ensued to no-one's great advantage. Just once did a player attempt to pass the ball to a fellow green shirt 'ah! guile - at last' I remarked to JB - but soon old habits returned. They did seem verily to have no plan beta! I am told they take many a packed cartload to games on the fields of foes but too often the carts return glum of face. Nothing therefore to give us good reason to settle here. So despite wondrous pasties that will be truly missed it is sad parting from these shores.'
Apparently the game was against the Wanderers from Wycombe and finished as the Mayflower passed Cawsand Bay!
