Charlotte Browne - Smith (Ultimate Football Heroes)

It was a cold winters day in the village of Garston in Watford. As Bernard Smith held his two-month-old baby Kelly in his lap, he settled down to listen to the Saturday football results. Christmas 1978 wasnt far away, but Bernard and his wife Carol hadnt had much time to think about it as they adjusted to life with their firstborn Kelly there was still a lot to get used to.

Thankfully Bernards sister Beryl lived just around the corner and had invited them over for Christmas so cooking a turkey was one less thing to worry about this year. Carol looked over and smiled at Bernard who had a worried expression on his face. He wasnt thinking about Christmas, he had the footie results on his mind. He shook his head in frustration as he heard Watford FCs results for the afternoon. Hed been hoping for a win.

Shall I take her, Bernard? I think shes due a feed, said Carol.

No, hold on a while, eh... I think shes alright, replied Bernard. He loved hugs with his baby daughter and bonding with her as much as possible, especially while listening to dismal football results she helped to ease these tense moments.

I thought Taylor was going to do great things with our club, Carol, but were still in the fourth division!

Give him a chance, Bernard, hes only been in the job five minutes!

Well, nearly a year, actually Carol, but youre right... Watford will rise again, he said smiling. Ive every faith. Well be in the FA Cup within six years. Then who knows the Premier League within ten?

Er, yes dear, said Carol, hopefully. She didnt quite share his optimism, or enthusiasm, as she turned back to ironing Kellys babygrow.

Bernard switched his attention back to Kelly. Blissfully unaware of any football results, she looked into her dads eyes and wriggled her fists and legs playfully in the air. He rocked her in his arms and chanted Watford till I die. He held her out in front of him and gave her more room to kick.

Shes got strong legs on her this one, Carol, he said, shes already trying to stand up by herself shes not even two months!

Youre telling me, you didnt carry her! replied Carol, She was always kicking in there!

Bernard turned to look at his wife and beamed. Maybe shell play for Watford FC one day... He looked back to Kelly whose eyes widened as he nodded his head at her.

Dont be daft, Bernard, replied Carol, shes a girl.

Under her breath she muttered: I hope not, theyre rubbish.

Now dont you be sexist! teased Bernard. Were in the age of womens lib, arent we? Girls are doing all sorts of things theyve been told they couldnt do before... running marathons, running businesses... You know what, we could even have one running the country by next May! He added: So why shouldnt girls play football?!

Yes, alright Bernard... but its not very likely, is it? She shook her head somewhat regretfully. Her husband was a huge fan of football and she knew hed love to pass that down to his children. She hoped hed have a son he could share that love and passion for the sport with one day.

She thought for a minute and said: I certainly dont know any women who play football, thats for sure. No girls at my school ever played it either. I was mean on the netball pitch though, I can tell you... they didnt stand a chance with me in wing attack!

Bernard turned to a frustrated Kelly who was still trying to force her strong legs up to stand on his lap. Now dont you listen to your mother, sweetheart you wanna be a footballer, you be one, be whatever you want to be. Kelly looked back at him and gave what he thought was a smile.

Shes smiling Carol! See, she agrees!

Oh, its just wind, Bernard...