MY old chum Duggie Greenall brought up the subject.

"Where have all the town-centre characters gone?" asked the old Saints warhorse who himself was a somewhat larger-than-life figure during his illustrious days at Knowsley Road. (Remember his Al Jolson-inspired rendition of 'Mammy' which for some obscure reason put the wind up the Aussie Test players?)

Duggie makes only rare ventures into our town-centre watering holes these days.

"There's just no atmosphere; and you're lucky if you find three or four lunch-time customers in any of the pubs."

It was all so different when, as a young landlord, Duggie ran the curiously-named Victoria Tap pub in the old market place.

Then, says Duggie, you were knee-deep in genuine colourful characters, especially from among the stall-holders and their hangers-on.

Duggie mentioned a couple of the more out-sized ones -- Carpet Sam and Diamond Jim.

Unfortunately, I never encountered either of them, but I'm intrigued to learn more.

CAN anyone fill in a few details about that twosome or any others of their ilk? If so, please write to me at the Star.