Mackenzie's much anticipated latest football release in time for Christmas and all you footy fans out there – remember 2 years ago he unveiled another just in time for Crimbo: ‘Always Warm In The 'Boro’

This time the artist flexes his impressionist side with his trademark naive imagery, as the young lad is caught in the rain the water causes a pleasing haze on the landscape of this limited edition giclee.

Mackenzie has always had an endless fascination with the Beautiful Game, as well as his beloved Middlesborough FC, so discover his various additions to the ‘Mackenzie Thorpe - Football Collection’ (over the years) or his ‘Game Of Life - Tour' (2003) - a portfolio entirely dedicated to it!

I assume that the No.7 football shirt is Mackenzie's nod to Manchester United's George Best, or of course it could be a whole plethora of famous Man U legends! including Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, or Cristiano Ronaldo

The boy is the only coloured figure in what is a cooling grey-green monochrome composition with large imposing houses, perhaps in contrast to the Victorian era grand buildings that have stood the test of time for countless families. Don’t forget the powerful sky, with the moon shining through with a beacon of white light representing hope and the dreams of a bright future for this young footballer!

Just as an amusing anecdote I thought I’d share: I keep saying the title as slightly different in my head as I am reminded of this dog art image by the famous Nigel Hemming - ‘Rain Stops Play.’

The only difference is Mackenzie's young footballer carried on despite the weather, but the black labrador has to wait a bit longer to out and play 'ball' lol!