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Pembroke & Sefton; probably the best quarter-milers in the world.

Never, in the 100 + years of Liverpool Pembroke AC and Sefton Harriers history, can there have been a time when either club had such a rich vein of talent in a single event as we are now blessed with over the 400m. Some of these exceptional athletes are shown below enjoying a Sunday morning session on "The Steps" at Barrowbridge, near Bolton.

Harry "Psycho" Doran

Harry acquired his nickname after he decked Stuart Pearce for spilling his pint. 400m PB 48.15s

Mark "Grim Reaper" Grimshaw

Ever cheerful, Marks happy disposition to sessions on the steps and in the sand dunes is legendary. 400m PB 48.07s

Mike Zaim

The elder statesman of the group Mike makes no secret of his preference for the shorter sprints. 100m PB 11.00s 200m PB 22.0s

Adam Thomson.

Beware of the quiet ones, still waters run deepest. 400m PB 49.61s

Nathan "Rocky" Hilton

So called ever since a certain Hollywood actor wimped out of a gym session with him. 400m PB 48.62s

Ray Twentyman

Coach Twentymans approach to training is well understood by all his charges; "Rigor Mortis is no excuse for missing a session."

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Missing from the photographs :

Phil "The Power" Taylor - former Eurpoean indoor relay gold & silver medallist. 400m PB 47.16s (i) 200m PB 21.60s (i).

Wayne Ashall - more at home on the sand dunes of Formby. 400m PB 48.34s

Danny Higham - moved up to LPS from Liverpool FC on a free transfer from their academy. 400m PB 49.40s

Jack McGinn - excused training with a mild dose of anthrax. 400m PB 48.9s

Kieron McGing - works 7 days a week now as a trainee actuary. 400m PB 49.15s

Coach Trish Farrell - if Ray keeps the lads in line; Trish keeps Ray in line ! The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Michael Johnson - bottled it after hearing Ray had set the session.

Usain Bolt - just off the bottom left-hand corner of that last picture; couldn't keep up.

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I must apologise for the blurred nature of these photographs, but they were taken from video footage of the athletes training and the sheer speed of the subjects made it almost impossible to get a sharp image.

Dave Brown