Dear Graham………
Not so sharp Graham, our very own Agony Uncle answers readers questions…..

Dear Graham
I enjoy playing football, but my fellow defenders insist on playing the offside trap. I disagree, and as a result recently played the opposition on side every time they scored a goal against us. The other defenders asked me to apologise to the rest of the team, but I don't see why I should just because I disagree with them. I am worried I might get dropped.

Graham says:
Just because football is a team game, it does not mean that personal pride should take second place. You should continue to do what you think best, regardless of the bigger picture.


Dear Graham
I told my teacher that he was a John Pratt, and I was made to write 50 lines. Everyone knows he is, it's written on every desk in the school. What should I do?

Graham says:
You are entitled to have an opinion, all you were doing was stating what had already been written for all to see. The school rules that forbid criticism clearly need challenging, and you should continue showing blatant disrespect for those who make them and try to enforce them.


Dear Graham
I am a company director, and I am unsure whether I have any responsibilities over and above that of a normal unpaid employee. Please help me.

Graham says:
You have, but don't let that bother you in what you say or do. If you make an error of judgement, think of all the other things that fellow directors and employees have done over a number of years, and use that as a means to show others as the bad guys rather than yourself.


Dear Graham
I am on a football club committee, but the other committee members won't let me use their official publication to air my views. Can you think of ways to get my message across to the other members of the club, and to get them on my side?

Graham says:
Sorry, you've got me on the first part, very difficult in the current hi-tech communications world. However, if you need help to support your case, I know a couple of organisations that may be able to help you, try www.leshobbs.com or alternatively www.layne.com


Dear Graham
I have often heard an expression, something to do with humble pie, but I don't understand what it is all about. Can you enlighten me?

Graham says:
Sorry, I haven't got a clue what you're talking about.


If you have any questions for not so sharp Graham, please send them to jt1@cwcom.net. Not so sharp Graham regrets that he is unable to answer questions when Luton are playing. Jack's page would like to thank not so sharp Graham for giving us his time for free, when he could be earning lots of money instead.

(this was originally provided for publication in the Elmslie Ender, but was rejected on the grounds it was a) topical and b) not written two years ago)

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