Little did Ernie Gifford know when he attended an American Football game in which his stepson was taking part that it would turn into a consuming passion - almost an obsession - that would form a large part of his life for the next fifteen years. For the author, those years were a roller coaster of emotions, from the ecstasy of winning the Division 2 Championship in 1994 to the final despair of the dark season when the team folded after Ernie and his indefatigable wife, Margaret, retired. Here is the whole gamut of emotions from joy, happiness and laughter, to sadness, frustration and ultimately a touch of bitterness. Here are the glory days of The Milton Keynes Bucks, later to become The Pioneers, and the humorous little episodes involving kilts, lost shirts and ladies in showers that throw light on the tangled lives of managers and players. Those who played in The Pioneers will relish Ernie's battleground accounts from the sidelines and his generosity with praise. Those who were involved in the 'political' side of the game, or who helped with publicity, sponsorship or simply marking out the lines (a mammoth task) will enjoy reminders of their contributions, as well as that of the heroes who braved baking sun and pouring rain to participate in a sport that we borrowed back so successfully from our American cousins. |