I am so, so sorry. I know it comes across as if the Carrier Bag Firm have a story for every occasion. And it's all self promoting & self congratulatory. But, I'm afraid we have a Shirt Begging story. I'm always loathe to tell this one. Because the CBF are famously non-violent, and the story unfortunately includes threats of violence against our own players!!!!
It revolves around the events of July 23/24/25 1989. The CBF had decamped to Germany for United's pre season. With Dave Bassett in charge & Derek Dooley wearing the blazer & pressing the flesh, that tour was effectively hosted by the British Army on The Rhine. The first game was a 2 all draw with TuS Celle. Absolutely superb Clubhouse. The management, players, the opposition, the British Army guests & the CBF were all in there after the game. There were various speeches & thank yous. But, natch, we were just in pursuit of alcohol. At one point, Bassett was telling various players to take their trakkies off & he was presenting them to random "soldiers". One of the CBF (sadly no longer with us) had his young son with him. Various "Oy, Bassett, ne'er mind them, what about some kit for my Lad" noises were made. Olive branches were extended. Promises were made. Deals were brokered. The upshot was a promise of a match shirt at the end of the final game of the tour. Next day. Won 6-0 at TSV Havelse. Superb Clubhouse. (Incidentally, the British Military Police were called to arrest us at Celle station after that one, I took great pleasure in explaining their lack of jurisdiction & they'd need German Police & it probably wasn't worth the hassle). Next day. Final match of the tour. Shirt promised for the young 'un day. Lost 2-1 v TSV Friesen (Wilder scored). Superb Clubhouse. Spectacular last match of the tour drinking celebrations by the CBF. To this day, I still don't fully know what happened. But, somehow (I'm going to say "unsurprisingly") the management & team took exception to our antics. And when Dad n Lad requested the promised shirt for their (and the CBFs) dedication in following the team to Germany - the request was REFUSED. Well, in common parlance, the lot has gone up. Strong words exchanged. The team left in no doubt what "we" thought about them. Fs. Cs. Ws. Etceteras. They left to get on their bus. But, I think they had some straggler issues & must have sat on it for ages. Because, when our taxis arrived, the bus was still there. Recognising us, and presumably still fuming at the earlier war of words, a largish group of players got off the bus to confront the frankly rag, tag, CBF physically. (imagine....). The then CBF hard lad simply stepped forward & said "go on then, what are you going to do next.....?"
No answer, bus refills.
Look I'm not proud of that story. But, Shirt Begging is nothing new & essentially can't end well.