The series so tickled the fancy of a group of ex-pats based in Australia that, some 26 years ago, they asked Palin’s permission to form a real-life Barnstoneworth United FC in Sydney. Palin, who created the series along with Terry Jones, agreed; he has seen them play and, to this day, annually sends the club a quid towards their funds.

There are now six Barnstoneworth United teams around the world – three in Australia, two in England and one based in the USA.

In Sydney, on the ex-pats’ team strip, Palin is featured in red and white striped jersey, striking a heroic pose, complete with Victorian-style bristle moustache.

Drawn from emigrants around the globe, over the years the Sydney club has been a regular United Nations featuring young men from countries ranging from Austria to Zimbabwe.

The Sydney club currently has three sides competing this season, with nine Scots playing in their third team.

It was this Barnstoneworth United team which featured in the infamous “free beer for the lads” episode, a dark

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