There must be something in the air around Highbury as the arrival of Sophia May Fowler this week extends an already impressive list of babies around the Town squad:
By David MitchellThere must be something in the air around Highbury as the arrival of Sophia May Fowler this week extends an already impressive list of babies around the Town squad:
‘It must be something to do with promotion!’ said Town’s midfielder, ‘it’s a really good place for kids at the moment as well as on the pitch! The gaffer’s been really good as he knows how important family is and I’ve had a couple of days off but it’s back to business now as football is what supports my family. We’ve already made arrangements for my missus to be at her mum’s the night before games but I’ll be sharing responsibilities during the week and no doubt taking information on board from the other dads in the squad!’
There will be no shortage of opportunities, not least with Scott Davies, whose well-documented race back from pre-season training in Austria, ensured that he reached hospital in time to see the birth of Sonny.
Fowler is unlikely to swap notes on the pitch but if he were he wouldn’t have to look far. Northern Ireland international and fellow midfielder, Damian Johnson, became a proud father for the first time just over a month ago when daughter, Maria, was born:
‘Maria and her mum are happy and everything’s good. It’s so important to have good back-up at home and thankfully my wife ensures that I get a good night’s sleep when I need it before matches.’
Up front, striker, David Ball’s son, Mason, is a year old:
‘I love family life and have settled into it well over the last year. If you have a bad day on the pitch, you get home and soon there’s a smile on your face.’
Central defender, Rob Atkinson, currently on loan at Accrington, became the proud father of twins while fellow former Grimsby Town defender, Paul Linwood, celebrated fatherhood for the first time shortly before moving to Chester in the summer.
Full back, Alan Goodall, is an experienced hand, having just witnessed the birth of his third child, Evie, six weeks ago:
‘It certainly gets quicker. My wife seemed to be only in for five minutes! It was that quick that I bought a paper and didn’t even get to read it!’
