THE SHOWMAN MUST GO ONBy Neil Cameron
The Daily Record 
FALKIRK boss John Hughes fantasised about what Russell Latapy could bring to his team when he signed him four years ago - but never dreamed his good mate would still be playing now.
But that's nothing compared to the Trinidadian's view on his career. Latapy would have needed a lie down and a cigarette if anyone had suggested he would sign on for another year at the age of 38.
Yet the two men were at the Falkirk Stadium yesterday talking about the former Hibs and Rangers man staying on for another 12 months in the SPL.It makes perfect sense to the duo and, for the rest of us, it's a nice to know one of the true entertainers in Scottish football will be around for a little longer.
Big Yogi loves a joke, but he is deadly serious when he talks about what Latapy has brought to Falkirk over the past four seasons and what he can continue to do for one more year, at least.
Hughes said: "It was four years and a stone-and-half ago that I signed Russell. His brain and feet are so quick that I knew he would be a great player.
"He has one or two different rules to the rest of them but you have to get the best out of him.
"I think Russell has another year in him. He always has a massive part to play at this club and I don't just mean on the playing side.
"I don't think he realises what it does for the young kids when they play against him in training. I think he has a year left but maybe we will use him more sparingly because we have slogged him this season.
"If he keeps playing with a smile and enjoying himself then he can play on. He also likes to see the development of the kids we have here.
"I spoke to Russell two weeks ago with a thank you and an apology. The first was for all he's done for this football club and the second for all we've asked of him this season.
"Football comes naturally to him and he does play with players who are inferior to him but to still have the desire to go and do it is fantastic.
"Four years ago Russell was going to retire but he has shown great commitment to Falkirk. He's moved his family through here because he sees what's happening at the club."
Latapy revealed that the idea of playing football at the age of 39 had never crossed his mind.
He said: "I would love to stay for another season. But when I signed four years ago, when I was 33, I wouldn't have thought there was a chance I would be playing now. I would have thought I would play until a maximum of 36.
"One of the reasons I can go on is that I've been fortunate in the game and haven't had a lot of injuries. I also have technical ability and have never been one to chase around the park, so if I continue to do that then I can keep playing.
"I'm having fun. The team gets the ball down and likes to pass it. The reality is that's the only way I could play. I couldn't be in a team which plays down the channels because I don't have the legs to begin with and, in my head, I have never seen football that way."
Another reason the Bairns are extra time winners is that Latapy loves this country.
He said: "Scotland has been great to me. My family loves it here, I have made friends and have a lot of feeling about this place.
"I have been here eight or nine years now and I really love Scotland. Even when I'm away, I think of Scotland as home."
Latapy does owe Hughes for taking what doesn't look like a risk now but four years ago was something of a gamble.
And he is one who isn't surprised by the manager's football philosophy.
Latapy said: "The gaffer was a strong player and winning tackles and headers is part of the game.
"But he also knows that if you get the ball down and pass it to someone in the same shirt, then you are giving yourself a chance. That's why I like being here."
Falkirk and everyone else in the SPL should be grateful that our game has not seen the last of Russell Latapy.
