I am a Leeds fan of fifty years, Goole-born novelist, now living in Toronto, and co-author (with Rob Endeacott above) of the upcoming Marcelo On Together
For the Marcelo book, it was the endlessly kind Stix who orchestrated a phone call from the great man to me and to Rob. He does not sit for “official” interview for books. However, when Marcelo called, he did extend the ridiculously generous invitation to us both to go meet him in Oslo for a seminar he was putting on for the Norwegian coaching union, in conjunction with the 8,100 strong Leeds United Supporters’ Club of Scandinavia. This was his unique way of saying, “Come and listen to me, and take what you what from my words.” Wild horses would not have stopped me.
The experience – one I am still processing three weeks later – shall stay with me forever, especially the hour he spent with 100 lucky Leeds fans drawn from a lottery to have this audience with him. But I was only there because of my friend, Stix. This is an excerpt from our book that sums up what Marcelo thinks of our dear friend. And there is no greater judge of character on this spinning blue and green football than Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera.
In my pidgin bar Spanish, I managed to say, “Marcelo, I am a friend of Stix Lockwood. He sends his love. You and I spoke last Friday on the phone.”
His expression – previously tense – changes and it becomes euphoric. He emits a lengthy and joyous “Stiiiiiixxxxx!” and bows his head, purses his lips and chuckles happily.
Rob later says to me. “I saw you speaking with him. What did you say? He hasn’t smiled like that all day.”
“Nothing to do with me. Just his love for Stix, mate.”
I am reminded of Rotherham manager, Paul Warne’s words. “He is the calmest person in the stadium. It’s like going on The X Factor and being backstage next to Elvis Presley with his collar turned up. You’re wearing jeans and a white t-shirt and psychologically you fear the worst.”
The thing is now, I feel like Elvis is on our side. Stix was right. He is a humble and lovely man. I just saw it all in the ridiculously authentic smile and heard it in that involuntary purr of his dear friend’s name.
Stix
Thank you my friend
Ian Thornton
Novelist