Surely it can't have been eighteen years? We were trying to work out when it was when we all last met for a Subbuteo tournament, alfresco in John's parents' back garden. Was it for a World Cup, or for a European Championship? Opinions varied; we couldn't quite believe it was 18 years. Perhaps Mark was right, and we met for a European Championship - though I've a feeling it would have been Euro 96 when we got caught up in the national fervour for three weeks.

A hugely enjoyable occasion it turned out to be. Hosted, most graciously, by Mark, the protagonists arrived, selected first their drink and then their team. With Simon not being able to find a single Subbuteo item in his loft, John looking both longingly and suspiciously at Chett's interchangeable goalkeepers and Mark displaying a vast array of classic heavyweight teams on his kitchen side, the four competing teams were chosen. Steve had brought his own Sweden team, amongst others,and elected to use them. Mark selected a vintage Cruyff-era Dutch side, Simon borrowed an Argentina (with one replacement for a loose slot - presumably from a Sheff Wed side) and John plumped for an outside bet with Morocco (where did you pick those up from? One of Redgates best sellers no doubt?)

The format was rapidly decided upon - round robin between the four of us and then a third/fourth place play off followed by the final. A quick photo to mark the historic event and then the ceremonial ironing of the cloth signified the opening of the 2006 tournament. And so, with the teams chosen, the format settled and the prospect of a few pints afterwards at "The Old King Something" or the "Russian's Knees", the 2006 World Cup of THE Subbuteo League commenced.

Hope you enjoy what I've quickly put together. We're none of us as young as we once were, so if my recollections of less than a month ago are inaccurate then just let me know and I can alter details as appropririate. All the photographs on the 'internal' site pages can be clicked to produce an enlarged image, and I've knocked up a few wallpapers of varying designs and resolutions which you may wish to peruse.

Once again, enjoy, and let's not leave it another (possibly) eighteen years!
Simon.