I recently discovered a Saltus yearbook from 1964. The book contained reports of the school’s footballing success, or rather the lack of it.

Given the present state of footballing analysis from mostly former players who seem unwilling to criticise greats of the game, it made for refreshing reading.

The report into the first team begins: “The Saltus 1st XI suffered another unsuccessful year.”

It concludes with: “There were few supporters and even less enthusiasm about the team’s progress. Also a factor involved in the constant losses of the team is its defeatist attitude. Some sort of acceptance of defeat has set in, and the school passes from defeat to defeat.”

Individuals were also in the firing line. One paragraph reads: “McClarron at centre-forward played well, but missed numerous chances because of his inability to kick with his left foot.”

It would be interesting to know what happened to the players in the 1964 team.

If you have any information, please contact RClarke@royalgazette.com

11am kick-offs unless stated

Today

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United, 4pm

The home team are without a win in their past six Premier League matches and are not mathematically safe from relegation. The visitors should have enough talent to prevail despite Romelu Lukaku being ruled out after he picked up an ankle injury against Arsenal last week. Prediction: 0-2

Tomorrow

Stoke City v Crystal Palace, 8.30am

Time is running out for Stoke, who will be relegated if they fail to pick up at least a point, which even may be not enough if other results go against them. Crystal Palace are all but assured of safety after their superb 5-0 win against Leicester City last week and can come out on top here. Prediction 1-2

AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City

A difficult game to call with both teams on poor runs. Bournemouth have won just once in ten league matche, when they beat bottom club West Bromwich Albion in March, while Swansea are just one point above the relegation zone after a run of five games without a win. When in doubt, go for the draw. Prediction: 1-1

Leicester City v West Ham United

Leicester’s 5-0 defeat by Crystal Palace last week will probably cost Claude Puel his job at the end of the season. West Ham have won just one of their last eight games, have the worst defensive record in the division and are in disarray off the field with Andy Carroll reportedly sent home from training after a training ground bust-up with manager David Moyes. Prediction: 2-1

Watford v Newcastle United

Two teams marking time until the end of the season, when Watford will inevitably look for another manager and Newcastle boss Rafa Benítez will look to move on to pastures new. Prediction: 1-0

West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur

Interim manager Darren Moore has done a great job at West Brom, but his team’s relegation could be confirmed this weekend. Tottenham fans should be worried about the long-term prospects for their team given manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to confirm he will be in charge of the club next season at a press conference during the week. Prediction: 1-2

Everton v Southampton, 1.30pm

The Goodison Park faithful may be calling for the head of manager Sam Allardyce but their team have lost just once in seven matches and are up to eighth in the league. Southampton will look to pick up some points in their struggle to avoid relegation but may be out of luck here. Prediction: 1-0

Sunday

Manchester City v Huddersfield Town, 9.30am

Pep Guardiola’s side will set a new premier League goalscoring record if they score in this match and they should net a few against a team who face a tough time to avoid the drop, given their last two matches are against Chelsea and Arsenal. Prediction: 4-0

Arsenal v Burnley, 12.30pm

This is Arsène Wenger’s last home game in charge of Arsenal. Expect flags, presentations, tears, cheers and goals in a tremendous send-off. Prediction: 2-0

Chelsea v Liverpool, 12.30pm

Both teams may have eyes on different targets, with Liverpool preparing for a Champions League Final and Chelsea looking towards the FA Cup Final. Prediction: 1-1

Congratulations to April’s winner, Paul Springer. To claim your prize, please e-mail bsaunders@royalgazette.com