THATCH

OF THE DAY

No 1 Joe Corrigan, Manchester City FC goalkeeper 1966-83

The first in an occasional series of great sporting barnets from the 1970s (aka The Land that Fashion Forgot).

It didn't matter at the time, because we all looked like proper charlies, but now it matters quite a lot, to the extent that people I know hide their parents' photo albums.

This is particularly necessary for those male baby boomers back in the dating market after a career break (aka marriage) who find themselves squiring 20-somethings around town.

If the poor girl ever gets as far as meeting his parents (assuming they're still alive) there's always the chance the dreaded album will come out, with a conversation as follows:

Lady friend: "Oh Malcolm, why have you got your pet hamster on your head in that picture?"

Gentleman friend: "Er... that's not a hamster darling."

Lady friend: "Is it a comedy merkin?"

Gentleman friend: "Er no........that's my hair."

Lady friend: "You paid someone to look like that?"