Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

FOOTBALL JOKES EAT IN STAND?

Bernie and Eddie 1) ＿(were) fortunate enough to have a season ticket to watch Manchester United. They 2) ＿(could) not help noticing that there was always a spare seat (K37) next to them and they had a friend who 3) (wold love) to buy a season ticket, especially if all three could have seats together. So the friends 4) (went) to the ticket office and asked if they could buy the season ticket for K37. The official said that unfortunately the ticket 5) (had been sold). Nevertheless, week after week the seat was still empty. Then on Boxing Day, much to Bernie and Eddie's amazement the seat 6) (was taken) for the first time that season. Eddie could not resist asking the newcomer where he 7) ＿ (had been) all the season. «Don't ask», the newcomer said. And he told how his wife 8) (had bought) him the season ticket the previous summer, and 9) (kept) it for a surprise Christmas present.