Cobblers comments

Cobblers Comments
December 2001

ICF at 22:52:27 Monday December 31 2001
You're a shit stirring, shit stabbing, shitbag, Albon. You're done for.

The Anus of the North (he tells it like it isn't) at 21:17:26 Monday December 31 2001
My New Year's Resolution is to command respect from fellow cobblers fans, unfortunately I have been unable to achieve this so far.

Anon at 20:25:9 Monday December 31 2001
From the Teamtalk Site: Second Division Peterborough could have new owners early in the New Year, with a consortium headed by Kevin Tatam set to take over. A group of six investors, headed by Peterborough businessman Tatam, is believed to have had further talks with club directors over the Christmas period and will meet again once the New Year celebrations are over. Tatam's consortium is believed to be the only group interested in buying Posh chairman Peter Boizot's 99 per cent share holding. Boizot himself is abroad at the moment, but it is believed he has pumped £5million of his own money into the club in the five years since he rescued United from financial ruin. Tatam owns Kennedy's Credit Collections and is chairman of Peterborough Pirates PLC, the company which owns the city's ice hockey team, who themselves have run into serious financial problems this winter. He has tabled an offer worth just over £1million, with the promise of an immediate cash injection to pay off the club's debts, but has been unavailable for comment.

Sean from London at 19:49:59 Monday December 31 2001
Happy New Year to all Cobblers supporters everywhere "Though cowards flince and traitors sneer We will stay in Division Two next year"

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 19:34:23 Monday December 31 2001
..i would just like to wish all the cobblers fans (except that tw*t DR4E) a happy new year! Let's hope we have more to smile about in the football arena!!!

DR4E at 19:29:55 Monday December 31 2001
Dyslexic twat below.

RD4E at 19:22:15 Monday December 31 2001
Happy New Year cobbler fans i follow you lot in 2002

Rodney at 19:16:38 Monday December 31 2001
Anyone - is there anyone? - who does not think that Jamie is a god should watch the Cobblers 'Millennium' video. I have to suggest that his goals look better than Morley's were...and he WAS a god! After Richard Hill, surely the best Cobbler in 25 years.

Oi Albon at 18:56:2 Monday December 31 2001
why don't you just stop being a total twat and leave the cobblers alone until next season when we play them.

The white elephant at 18:51:2 Monday December 31 2001
Don't sell sixfields on the cheap council, with the wobblers going to the dogs, it would with a few alterations make a lovely greyhound stadium, and you dont have to pay the dogs any wages either, a real money spinner three nights a week.

Dave Albon at 18:39:6 Monday December 31 2001
I already knew you wobblers were of dubious sexual persuasion...I will turn my back to you.

Dave Albon at 18:21:1 Monday December 31 2001
You better watch your back mate!

KC at 17:29:26 Monday December 31 2001
Please could you give me some advice, I would really apreciate it. Please try not to use the complicated terms, as I dont really know them. I would feel pretty embarrased going to a doctor but I think I could tell my mother. What should I do ?

Anon at 17:21:48 Monday December 31 2001
He's a bit thick that KC

Anon at 17:20:38 Monday December 31 2001
It might come as a shock but most people have a credit card these days Hotel Ender. Hardly jumping on a bandwagon.

Anon at 17:19:58 Monday December 31 2001
KC - there really is no mystery or conspiracy theory as to why Fash wants the stadium. We've covered this already. Would you lease a house then spend large sums of money redeveloping something you don't own? OK?

Hotel Ender at 17:6:40 Monday December 31 2001
that Direone's website is SO good it has adverts to obtain a Liverpool FC Credit Card - from one set of bandwaggon jumpers to another I suppose.

The Real KC at 16:19:56 Monday December 31 2001
Who is my mummy? Which one is my daddy?

The Real KC at 16:18:44 Monday December 31 2001
Woof!

DR4E at 16:17:24 Monday December 31 2001
quite advanced for a 10 year old really.

The Real KC at 16:16:40 Monday December 31 2001
I might try necro-bestiality in the new year.

DR4E at 16:15:57 Monday December 31 2001
I fancy my sister.

The Real KC at 16:15:45 Monday December 31 2001
Not surprising since you never start a decent conversation in the 1st place.

DR4E at 16:15:24 Monday December 31 2001
I wánk over mummys underwear.

The Real KC at 16:14:33 Monday December 31 2001
I daresay i would be missed due to the childish people that use this board,not many of you seem to be able to hold a decent debate or conversation.

The Real KC at 16:14:0 Monday December 31 2001
Run along now

The Real KC at 16:13:32 Monday December 31 2001
Goodbye u wont be missed

The Real KC at 16:11:52 Monday December 31 2001
I forgot why i stopped using this board,now i have rememberd,coz theres idiots such as you on here.

The Real KC at 16:10:6 Monday December 31 2001
It's really quite small

KC at 16:9:11 Monday December 31 2001
Would you like to see my tinky-winky?

The Real KC at 16:8:33 Monday December 31 2001
Stop impersonating me,a joke can only go so far.

Po at 16:8:2 Monday December 31 2001
anyone seen la-la

KC at 16:7:56 Monday December 31 2001
I know why they say dogs are a man's best friend.

KC at 16:7:8 Monday December 31 2001
Mind you the cats are still squealing.

KC at 16:6:44 Monday December 31 2001
Ok stop impersonating me now please.

KC at 16:5:24 Monday December 31 2001
DR4E,fair play to you on that one,it made me laugh!

KC at 16:4:57 Monday December 31 2001
Sheep and goats r good but a bit expensive.

KC at 16:4:33 Monday December 31 2001
Is anyone from ere going to The George tonight? I wont name the village though!

KC at 16:3:58 Monday December 31 2001
I'm into bestiality myself. I have 7 cats and 11 dogs.

KC at 16:3:33 Monday December 31 2001
By the way is the meeting between the council and the club today? I thought it was thursday or friday? Theres no doubt we wont be told what happens for a little while. If they decide against selling Sixfields they will not be getting my vote come the next election malarky. As for the rumour about Fash wanting to merge us with Wimbledon and Luton,its bollox that is,for a start the league wouldnt let it happen,remember a while back when Reading wanted to merge with someone and the league said no,they are opposed to clubs merging. I dont think Fash would want to do that anyway! There is a bit of worry why Fash is so desperate for the stadium,why cant he accept a 100yr lease or something? Understandably the council have to be wary,so yes they have to take their time,i think maybe we have all been a bit quick to jump on their backs,they could well know something we dont,then again they could just be tossers.

KC at 16:0:17 Monday December 31 2001
Mustaphaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

DR4E at 15:59:27 Monday December 31 2001
I like boys.

KC at 15:58:48 Monday December 31 2001
DR4E are you really as sad as you make yourself out to be? As it seems to me your a young 13yr old who enjoys looking at animal porn or something.Have u ever felt like getting a life? Mind you supporting Direones is upsetting and enough to send anyone crazy.Grow up you stupid litte boy. UTC....FTP....FTD

DR4E at 15:47:16 Monday December 31 2001
Please note my new email address.

DR4E at 15:42:8 Monday December 31 2001
Make any more threats of that nature and they will be passed on to the police.

ICF at 15:39:42 Monday December 31 2001
Albon, you're dead, tosser. You're not going to be hard to find are you? mummsy thought by going ex-directory that would save you. Boy am I going to enjoy this.

sod off at 15:39:31 Monday December 31 2001
Stonhill out Hancock out & take that stupid trust with you BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

oldbrook cobbler at 15:30:46 Monday December 31 2001
with reference to cardiff cobbler. i went down to aldershot a few weeks ago as my bro was referee down there. believe me the cobblers dont want to end up like they have. shit ground, 1,000 watching every week. so the directors really have to think long and hard before they say no to fash as this is generally the expected outcome on here anyway.

DR4E at 15:26:12 Monday December 31 2001
Sorry I'm ex-directory. If you are so interested in the Diamonds why not visit a brilliant website www.thediamondsfc.info, it puts this one to shame. Click on Fans Forum if you have anything CONSTRUCTIVE to say.

The Squeeze Buster (Dormant) at 15:19:54 Monday December 31 2001
Ray: If you don't update tipping table soon I am going to tweak your bytes and byte your tweaks quicker than you can say Smirnoff.

MR FASHANU at 15:14:56 Monday December 31 2001
I'm stll waiting

inside leg at 15:11:57 Monday December 31 2001
how long before we here the outcome of todays meeting between N.B.C.,N.T.F.C.& WWW. MR Clarke, MP please let us know the truth, unlike messes Stonhill, Hancock etc (players embargo etc)

ICF at 15:6:27 Monday December 31 2001
So no the secret's out, the little shit DR4E is really Dave Albon. Can someone find his telephone number in the directory and then his address? Publish it on here please. We'll deal with Master Albon when we get back. What a cunt.

KC at 14:21:4 Monday December 31 2001
Happy new year and all that to everyone.Things are awful for us lot as Cobblers fans at the moment,to be honest it is quite upsetting to see the club in this state but as long as we keep turning up and cheering them on theres hope i suppose! See you all at Notts County.

Anon at 13:50:36 Monday December 31 2001
no game no sale no takeover no ntfc----Happy new year! OH the joy of supporting the Cobblers-----a fine tradition. Please may the powers greater than me have new years resolutions to enable the Cobblers to go forward.

Mal at 13:30:6 Monday December 31 2001
I was dead in-line with the edge of the area on Saturday and Welchy put both fists to the ball. Now in his defence, I would also say that he was putting his fists out to try and protect himself from the oncoming forward, however it was touching the ball with his hands outside the area so I suppose it is a sending off. What do people think of extenuating circumstances like this, I belive it should only be a yellow as he wasn't trying to cheat?

Cardiff Cobblers at 13:27:26 Monday December 31 2001
Brighton off, well at least we won't lose again! What a terrible year for my team. Down here at the moment there are two things going on, one of which is probably the way ahead for the cobblers. Two years ago Cardiff were busy being relegated, watched by 2500 fans. The other day against Bristol Ciy they got 16000 for about the 5th time this season, have spent 7 million on players and are about to build a 30,000 stadium. Meanwhile down the road at our old friends Swansea, their new ground move is off, crowds are down to 2-3000 and the players didn't get paid last month. They have a McRitchie owner who runs the club from Australia!. The point is it's a very fine line and of course the only difference is money and commitment. Swansea fans really think their club is finished and if we're languishing in the bottom half of the third this time next year it could be us. So, I really hope a sale goes through. The days when clubs survived 'just because they have been there for years' are gone. Just look at Doncaster, Chester, Scarborough, Aldershot, Barnet. I'm sure they all though it would never happen, but you probably will never see them in the league again. So, lets all get behind them, because good gates and support are the only things we can provide that will help, not because they will stay up this season, but because its the onlt thing we can do to help the club survive at all and in the meantime lets all hope that the council see sense and 2002 becomes the first year we have ever owned our own ground and have a real chance of (at least) a more secure future. Time to go and get drunk. Happy new year Cobblers Fans

Come Back at 13:25:8 Monday December 31 2001
Come back Sir Max Griggs OBE, all is forgiven.

STONHILL OUT at 13:24:10 Monday December 31 2001
Stonhill OUT!

Inside Right at 13:20:45 Monday December 31 2001
Today is judgement day, meeting between the council & Gary Hodder, Tony Clarke M.P. is sitting in on this meeting, so seeing he is the supposed to be the supporters representative we SHOULD, no where we stand later this week. I heard Stonhill had rejected Fash's first offer.

DR4E at 13:17:40 Monday December 31 2001
Also features a team managed by your (anti) hero, Mr Ian Atkins! Visit my site at thediamonds.f2s.com

DR4E at 13:15:58 Monday December 31 2001
Chance to see a match where either side has a chance of winning, might make a pleasant change for you!

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 13:15:55 Monday December 31 2001
Northampton Town's New Years Day trip to Brighton & Hove Albion has been postponed because of a frozen pitch at the Withdean Stadium. The sub-zero temperatures affecting the whole country led to referee Mr Tomlin calling the game off following a lunchtime pitch inspection on New Years Eve. The pitch had frozen beneath the frost covers installed by Brighton to try and protect the pitch. No new date for the game has yet been set, but supporters who had purchased tickets for the game should note that refund details will be announced when the new date is confirmed.

oldbrook cobbler at 13:13:58 Monday December 31 2001
why ir dr4e promoting diamonds games on a cobblers site? is he all with it?

oldbrook cobbler at 13:12:40 Monday December 31 2001
fair comment gus but i can asure you goalkeeping is not as easy as it seems. remember there are ten players in front of welchy. where were they in both sendings off? anyhow ive just seen highlights of the game on here and to be fair it looked like it hit his hands first so maybe the linesman was right.

DR4E at 13:9:50 Monday December 31 2001
Rushden & Diamonds Officials today reminded supporters to purchase their tickets as soon as possible if they wish to watch tomorrow's "All Ticket" clash with Oxford Utd. Tickets are currently selling extremely quickly, supporters have until 5:00pm today to contact the ticket office on (01933) 652 936 to obtain the last remaining seats.

Rodders at 13:1:17 Monday December 31 2001
Brighton match OFF!

Rodney at 12:55:21 Monday December 31 2001
Still too many questions left unanswered by NTFC: why did that Oldham player get announced as an imminent signing when the club has an embargo on it; why is the club making the council out to be villains; after all they paid 16 million for the ground to be built - the cost of clearing toxic waste was 8 million. Why should they 'give it away' for 1 million or so? NTFC remains unimaginative, naive and unambitious. Like the town itself, the club is a shambles. Will 2002 bring significant changes? The facilities at the cricket and rugby clubs embarrass us now.

Happy New Year at 12:44:23 Monday December 31 2001
http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/empics/20010811/1208582170.jpg

SuperDons at 11:2:39 Monday December 31 2001
Important message to all you Cobblers - some of you may be aware that we here at Wimbledon have a fight on our hands over Milton Keynes. We've had pretty good word that there's more to this Milton Keynes move than just WFC. Rumours abounding down here of a 3-way merger in MK. WFC, NTFC and LTFC. Rumours also of possible QPR involvement. Rumours, rumours, you may say. Rumours, though, were all we had to go on on MK for a while, but the rumours proved to be right. This is serious. Fash is a known and publicly quoted admirer of the MK idea. If any of you out there are responsible for fighting NTFC fans issues and want to think this through further, come and visit us on the message boards at either www.wisa.org.uk or www.weirdandwonderfulworld.com leave a post and an e-mail address and one of the WISA (Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association) team will make contact.

Ray at 10:57:50 Monday December 31 2001
Unfortunately a lot of it looks like pie in the sky at the moment.

Bloke with a twitch at 10:1:38 Monday December 31 2001
That's a pretty rubbish year coming to a close, from a Cobblers point of view. The new year comes with extra hope attached. How much is factual and how much is pie in the sky ? Well the jury's out on that one. All I can hope is that the club is still in business in 12 months time. I'm optomistic, maybe blindly optomistic, my glass is neither half full or half empty, it's twice as big as it needs to be. So to all Cobblers fans, every match supporters or been to Wembley once supporters, if your heart is behind the Cobblers, and you didn't buy your children Man Ure shirts for Christmas, HAPPY NEW YEAR

Gus at 8:57:53 Monday December 31 2001
Re: Oldbrook Cobbler at 19:51:51. No, I'm not a goalie, but does that deprive me of a view of an incident which I was probably in as good a position to see as anyone? I'm not a politician either but they still allow me a vote every four years. I agree that our predicament would be a lot worse were it not for Welch's performances over the season but the fact remains that his recklessness cost us at least a point on Saturday when we need every one we can get. Nobody around me thought the ball hit Welch's chest - not seen any replays - but my point was essentially that, having been caught out at Canvey Island, someone of Welch's experience should have learnt his lesson and not come even close to repeating the experience

anon at 23:4:46 Sunday December 30 2001
hi

RUBBER DUCK at 22:34:30 Sunday December 30 2001
HERE HERE Silk purse the council could do with the money by off loading the ground to a N.T.F.C with new owner(s) which would have more money than its present board have. Any now if i don't post on here again this year HAPPY NEW YEAR FELLOW COOBLER FANS. I think most of us want the same outcome, an improving team on & off the pitch 2002 has got to be better than this one. So raise you glass & heres to a more prosperous 2002 UP THE COBBLERS

Paul S at 22:18:26 Sunday December 30 2001
I didn't make it to Wycombe or Wrexham, but if we played half as well in those 2 games as wqe have in our last 2 home games we have reason to be downhearted. It doesn't look like we are going to get anything out of this season - which after the early KevAn results agaisnt Tranmere and QPR will be a big let down. I can't really comnplin about the performance on Sat or Wed, just wonder when we will get some luck and win a game. Guess I'm expecting to get relegated - actually sinc crap pre-season games - just let myself get carried away when we won 2 on the trot. Can't reall see what Kevan can do to change things round - after all we played well on Sat and still lost. You need competition for places and there isn't any. We need to win the games yet get caught on the counter attack. In the end I blame the strikers whop should have put away the precious chances they had - but even that seems unfair somehow - oh well local derbies gain next year - Dustbins, Oxpoo, Cambridge, & Luton? - depressed at Xmas

Nosey Parker at 22:16:56 Sunday December 30 2001
True fans go what ever not like that little shit DR4 who now has a " I love Max" tattoo on his arse.The day Mummy lets you go to Plymouth mate hell will freeze over!! I have missed one game home and away al season and that was when I had to work......DR4 get back to school soon and chat about life in the village full of idiots.

Silk Purse at 21:23:23 Sunday December 30 2001
The council make a loss running 6fields, the Cobblers can't make any money while the council own the ground, it makes sense for the council to offload the ground. They funded it by selling the rest of the land for the "retail/leisure" complex, so any sale would be pure profit. Whether Fashanu & co or another concern were to buy it, selling 6fields is the only way forward for the club.

MOANY FROM THE WEST at 21:21:47 Sunday December 30 2001
ANGEL A HOME GAME CONSISTS OF A 75 MIN TRIP BY CAR EACH WAY FOR ME .I AM ALSO ON ROTA SYSTEM AT WORK AND HAVE TO TAKE UNPAID LEAVE COSTING ME APPROX 60 QUID BUT AT THE MOMENT THEYRE TRYING THEIR BEST AND THATS CURRENTLY GOOD ENOUGH REASON FOR ME TO GO.WHILE I AGREE THAT IT LOOKS BLEAK AT THE MOMENT EVERY FAN IS NEEDED TO TURN UP WHENEVER THEY CAN. OUR PLAYERS ARE ON BIG WAGES COMPARED TO US PEASANTS BUT NOT BY DIV 2 FOOTBALL STANDARDS BETTER PLAYERS WILL CERTAINLY COST MORE AND WHOEVER OWNS THE CLUB WILL NOT GET MORE MONEY ON MATCH DAYS UNLESS MORE FANS COME.THE CLUB NEVER SOLD ME MY TICKET PROMISING PROMOTION OR PLAYOFFS I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE I WAS BORN THERE MY DAD IS A FAN AND SO WAS HIS DAD ETC.HALF OF US HAD A GUT FEELING HOW THIS SEASON WOULD PAN OUT ANYWAY ,I TRIED TO STAY AWAY BUT I CANT, NOW I FEEL WE MUST GET THROUGH THESE DESPERATE TIMES AND THE BEST WAY WILL BE THROUGH GOOD ATTENDANCES AND PERHAPS A BIT OF GALLOWS HUMOUR PLEASE TURN UP HOWEVER OFTEN PS IM NOT ANY RELATIVE OF THE BOARD

Anon at 21:17:57 Sunday December 30 2001
I'm sure Fash looks at it as an NTFC debt buy-back scheme, perhaps that's why he's interested? ;-)

Anon at 21:7:37 Sunday December 30 2001
From some of the previous postings, it would seem to me that the council would have to do an in depth search into the background and the genuine reasons of Mr Fash and his agents before selling Sixfields to them. This would no doubt take a very long time sort out, and it is for this reason that I am doubtful that anything will ever happen. There are a lot of rich people in Africa, but I have yet to meet a rich man coming out of Africa, they cannot get their money out of the place.

Anon at 20:22:20 Sunday December 30 2001
Anus horribilis either way you look at it, eh NTFC?

oldbrook cobbler at 19:51:51 Sunday December 30 2001
gus i think your being a bit hard on welchy. are you a goalie yourself? i think not. so you cant really comment on something you dont know about can you. welchy has been one of the shining lights this year and its people like you that destroy a teams confidence. footnote: i saw welchy today in mk and he said it hit his chest. believe what you will

NTFC@2view at 19:3:49 Sunday December 30 2001
(Last 2 posts under my name not actually by me. No worry.) Anus, I have been saying since before the end of last season that we were destined for relegation, the pre-season backed it up etc etc. But I go because it's what you do. If you can enjoy it ,it's better, but you go. Yesterday was quite enjoyable - until we lost, at least - and we played pretty well. I had some laughs with friends, some abuse at the ref and some of the Oldham players, a lot of groaning etc etc. That's what supporting the Cobbblers is about. It isn't all 93rd minute at Wembley. If you were humiliated you're a sensitive little soul - too sensitive to be a Cobblers supporter - and someone gave you good advice to take up with ManUre as your TV team.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 18:52:7 Sunday December 30 2001
I was humiliated at the Cavey game. I am sure I was not alone. I also said i cannot afford to go to watch the cobblers, if this makes me a prick then at least 75% of genuine fans are falics (not sure of spelling on that one) I appreciate that there are fans who go to every game and can comment on individual performances far better than I. However, I recognise that we are in a mess and I feel that something should be done about it. Returning to my original comment I find it frightening that nothing has been done about it. The same under acheiving players are selected to under acheive again. this strikes me a wasted season especially for the ticket purchasing fans!!

Anon at 18:37:8 Sunday December 30 2001
Angel you are a pr!ck. To suggest that people would watch the cobblers just becuase they could afford it is complete tosh. Man Utd or another good premier team maybe, but not the cobblers. And if you are "humiliated" watching a game on the TV you must lead a very sheltered life. If you want to support a team on TV take a tip, support Man Utd you will not get "humiliated" as often.

Explain this ANUS of the North at 18:21:44 Sunday December 30 2001
"i was humiliated watching the Canvey game on the box" what? You don't know the meaning of the word.

voice of reason at 18:14:47 Sunday December 30 2001
I see i have upset Rubber Dick and Rushden Cobbler again but then, thats not difficult is it.... Rubber Dick I think you will find that the % is 25 and that the council pays out more on pitch maintenance and stewarding, and ticket sales staff etc than they recieve from NTFC so as always your analysis does not stand up to any examination and Rushden Cobbler like you I hope that all parties sit down and talk over the next few days but whilst the club seem keen and the council have said in the press that they are open to suggestion the third party Mr Fashanu seems to have gone walkabout, choosing to discuss the bid on soccer am and sky sports but not with the people that he needs to convince. Like all cobblers fans i want the deal to go ahead but I am losing faith in Fash he seems all talk and no action to me. The players commitment was superb yesterday 100% but we should have finished Oldham off in the first half and the reason we did not is that our strike rate in front of goal is shocking. also Ashomoa should have been given 25 mins not 5 then he might show us some of that skill we know is there.

NTFC@2view at 17:58:13 Sunday December 30 2001
THANKS for pointing out some BLEEDING OBVIOUS facts. FACT.

NTFC@2view at 17:57:10 Sunday December 30 2001
I am already prepared, are you? Or will Division 3 football be still too expensive, too far away or too sh*t for you to watch?

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 17:46:57 Sunday December 30 2001
NTFC@2view, just in case you you have missed the point, we are ROOTED to the bottom of the leaugue, 9 points from safety and have just LOST 2 home games! Please don't tell me 'I am pretending to know things'. We are sh*t! FACT. i don't have to have a half time hot dog freezing my balls off to know that. The team are not good enough and i was humiliated watching the Canvey game on the box. I know we are sh*t and your whimpish 'justifying your ticket' defence of the team will not make me swallow the bullshit. You cannot polish a turd NTFC@2view. FACT, and you can't argue with a fact. Accept it and prepare for division 3.

Aldo at 17:25:39 Sunday December 30 2001
Check out the great, bang up to the minute stats on the Northampton players at www.statsfootball.co.uk?=Northampton Cheers

NTFC@2view at 16:30:34 Sunday December 30 2001
I think people were upset by your '11 P45s' remark for a bunch of blokes who worked their socks off and were unlucky to lose. Support, but don't pretend you know things you don't.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 16:23:49 Sunday December 30 2001
I would like to offer a defence for myself in respect to those who seem to think I cannot offer an opinion on the Cobblers because I do not go to the games. Well, the simple reason is that I do not live in the town anymore and I cannot afford to travel there and watch a game. It seems that again that someone with little money (the average fan) is to be pilloried by those with more money who perhaps only go to football because they can afford to do so. I will NEVER be a 'fashionable' fan, EVER. I support my team like everyone else. If I were on the dole, would I not be allowed to watch the results on TV in support of my team? Am I not allowed to visit the web sites including this one because I did not go to the game? I would like to remind those with more money than me who seem to think that loyalty is decided on attendance are quite simply talking sh*t. Thanks for listening.

Anon at 16:17:30 Sunday December 30 2001
DR4E was there on Teletext with mummsy ironing his glovesies in the front room. Tad too cold for the poor little mite to venture outside.

DR4E at 16:8:14 Sunday December 30 2001
I was there, seems quite funny you accuse me of being a stayaway merchant when you have more than your own fair share of those. Like the Anus of the North as someone said below.

Nosey Parker at 16:1:27 Sunday December 30 2001
DR4 did the say that on the teletxt report then? You sad little shit

Rodders at 15:45:35 Sunday December 30 2001
How do you know DR4E, you weren't there, as usual.

1 EYED CHARLIE at 14:58:45 Sunday December 30 2001
DR4E I thought i told you where to go over xmas, The Firm are still watching your every move. ERRRRRrrrrrr

DR4E at 13:56:33 Sunday December 30 2001
Funny how you were all slagging Turley off earlier in the season after a couple of red cards, looks like Welch is no better. Whereas Super Bill has turned in some outstanding performances of late, he nearly earned us a point on his own yesterday.

DR4E at 13:54:30 Sunday December 30 2001
Probably. Although some might say they were the enlightened few.

the geoge melly scotsman at 12:53:19 Sunday December 30 2001
we fought, we tried, can't ask anymore than that, if we've not good enough, well at least we tried, instead of laying down and giving up, nice to hear some noise at last, but there is still the odd 'fan' who just wants to slag the whole team off, what's there problem, mummy dosn't love um or what.

moany from the west at 12:39:29 Sunday December 30 2001
fairs fair frain was outstanding yesterday but so has spedding recently.the trouble with playing frain at left back is as soon weve been watched a few times the opposition will play a pacey winger on the third of the money hodgey is on and twice as hard working and he will skin us alive time after time.if dempsey is on back stick duty the game will be over in twenty mins.mind you if we could take our chances it would only be 3 each at half time .cant we try delboy and gabbas up front it cant be any worse

NTFC@2view at 12:5:29 Sunday December 30 2001
It must have been hard for Gus and CC - but well done guys; however, you could have been just a little more generous at this festive time and left some of your comments to another time. What am I on about? Sorry, your 'damning with faint praise' of John Frain! He 'coped OK' did he? Pity about the next match though - when, of course, he won't. Then, what about the 2nd Parkin chance, Gabbs header and McGregor's one-on-one? That sounds like 3-3 at half-time to me.

Phil Baron at 11:21:34 Sunday December 30 2001
Nosey and Angel (as much as you hate them!!)are right.Football has turned greedy and the only ones to suffer are going to be the smaller clubs to start with.Anyone eaning £70000 a week for kicking a ball around is a disgrace.Whats the average wage at the Cobblers? £1500 a week.... They are not greedy but can you blame them wanting a slice of the cake while is being served? The team battled hard yesterday for what I saw and if spirit is anything to go by we should be safe!! Happy New Year as well lads.

County Cobbler at 11:5:20 Sunday December 30 2001
That is a fair reading of the game, Gus. Frain is far too slow to be a midfielder but copes OK at fullback. We are too slow all over the pitch and that shows every week when even ordinary teams out run and out pass us at will. Wilson left Broadhurst with mission impossible. We will go down because we are a poor old team and have no money to improve things.

Anon at 11:1:0 Sunday December 30 2001
Angel and Nosey Parker are right - the football bubble will burst. Many of you might not like it or want to face up to it. But football has been oversold on TV and some of the viewing figures have been pathetic - under 1,000 for some FL games. Also the FA Cup final last year was watched by only half the numbers of previous years - the only real mass interest is in the Champions League. The TV media will not pay inflated prices next time round because the laws of economics dicatate that you can't spend more than the likely income. Those who disagree ought to look at the facts. They tell the real story. The knock-on effect down at our level will be greatly felt as well. Clubs will be going broke - most have over-spent in the misguided belief that the fat cat of TV will forever continue to fill their coffers. How wrong they are. The only way out for the lower league clubs like the Cobblers is to go part-time. Within five years Divs 2 and 3 will be regionalised and semi-professional. If not then the result will be many club collapses. Those who say clubs have always been in the red and survived should look at today's figures. Clubs are now so out their depths in debt that no bank is going to continue to support their overdrafts for ever. The writing is on the wall. Whether football in England has the sense and desire to notice and confront it is another matter.

Watcher at 10:48:24 Sunday December 30 2001
Gus - I agree with a lot that you say and I too never heard any racist insults which has to good. However, the referee gave the "right" decision after consulting with the linesman. If the linesman had a clear enough view to be confident it was handball then why did he miss the obvious offside just a split second before?

Gus at 10:17:14 Sunday December 30 2001
I think Welch should look long and hard at himself. How often do you hear of a goalie being sent off for handling outside his area, and yet here he is, sent off for a second time in a month, for the same offence. Cobblers were struggling to keep a grip on the game with 11 players at this point, and to do so with 10 was always going to be asking too much. The linesman may have been a long way away, but that was not his fault, he was on the other side of the pitch where he was supposed to be. The ref’s decision was the first correct one made all match (a shame, black refs are too infrequent, but, at least in my part of the main stand, all of the abuse was on merit, not a racist slur was heard, which must represent some form of progress). Until the sending off Oldham, whilst never looking anything like a team in the top half of the table, had marginally the better of the chances, and put at least three clear-cut opportunities wide. Cobblers were having difficulty in getting a grip on the match, but all that changed for a period of around twenty minutes in the second half when chance after chance was created and spurned. Forrester was the chief culprit, caught with his back to goal inside the penalty area, and unable or unwilling to take advantage. Frain and Hargreaves were my men of the match. Frain coped well at left back, and it’s a shame that Spedding’s return will force Broadhurst to play him in midfield where his lack of pace makes him a liability. Generally Cobblers are slow and frequently beaten to the ball; is there any player who can be said to be regularly quicker than his opposite number? This, together with a lack of commitment, has been the main failing this season. Dempsey was disastrous, and I can’t see a future for him at Sixfields when his contract expires this summer. Burgess also disappointed with frequent mistakes and lack of ambition, difficult to believe he spent 10-odd years at the heart of a First Division defence. No-one could fault the crowd’s support, but they were merely responding to the effort shown in the second half and a sense of grievance at the poor refereeing decisions. Generally the crowd does not seem to mind losing provided the team has shown commitment sadly lacking in so many performances this year. There is still no sign that we can reproduce the second half performance sufficiently regularly to make the difference; we have just lost twice to the sort of mid-table sides we need to beat at home to stand any chance and now face Brighton, Stoke, Bristol City, QPR and Tranmere in the next ten games. If the takeover ever occurs it will surely be too late to save us now.

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 9:39:22 Sunday December 30 2001
Voice of reason-Believe it or not people are allowed another view to yourself,so b****cks to your pomposity.If the current board are left in charge, I envisage them having the unenviable honour of a second Administration, within the next 12 months,even after all their previous honest work.Lets hope for the clubs sake ALL parties sit down together,next week, and resolve the horrendous position we are in at present.

anon at 1:3:7 Sunday December 30 2001
hi

anon at 0:57:7 Sunday December 30 2001
so fash say one thing then another. Council never do that & Stonhill never does that. EH voice of reason

voice of reason at 0:30:24 Sunday December 30 2001
looney left

RUBBER DUCK at 0:28:17 Sunday December 30 2001
VOICE OF REASON BOLLOCKS we are struggling like hell can not see the light at the end of the tunnell with the way the present situation is going.What revenue/profit the club do make, the council take about 30%(if not more) of that, far too much even if fash or anyone else does not buy the club what it pays to the council has got to be bought down to try & improve the clubs lot

Part time supporters view at 23:47:27 Saturday December 29 2001
Went down to Sixfields today and heres a neutrals view. How the fuck the linesman can get Welch sent off from where he is is beyond me after the ref gave nothing. (And I'll bet that if that donkey Allan Smart had scored the open goal the game would have carried on) (P.S the muppet on here who said sending off a keeper for handling outside the area, thats wrong only if he is denying a goal scoring opportunity which there was cobering defenders in this case.) Dempsey i think would not be out of place on the Racecourse, he really is poor. he trys but so would i! i thiught frain played his heart out, he really is a left back tho. sammo and burgess were ok. mcgregor done ok but is a lazy git. Hargreaves was outstanding (no man of match! what?) gabbs was super and hunter done well. Parkin tried but has no ball controol like Forrester. Bottom line was that before Welch was sent off, Cobblers should have been 2 up and more after the red card. McGregors chance was golden. Heratbreaking game for the Cobblers, they really gave there all. Footnote; Angel, you are a twat, those 11 played 100% today, try going to Sixfields before you judge them prick.

Watcher at 23:42:20 Saturday December 29 2001
Welch definitely handled the ball outside the area but that should have been of no consequence. The Oldham player running onto him was clearly offside (I was exactly in line with the incident). Look up the word "disgraceful" in a dictionary and you'll find the names of the officials at todays game. I seem to be in a minority but I really don't think Parkin had a bad game today, in fact all of the players gave a hell of a lot more than they did against Colchester although Dempsey was having a bit of a nightmare before the forced substitution.

The Liquidator at 23:24:20 Saturday December 29 2001
BJM is being slightly economical with the truth "it only costs a couple of quid". To run off a report costs 50 quid. As you like to give the impression that you have access to this yourself, why don't you show us the colour of your money and quote it on here and do all the less well off fans a great service?

Gomez at 23:22:53 Saturday December 29 2001
"with our current squad we should be up in the play-offs or automatic spot come May", "Latics dominated the game and deserved the win", "Northampton have three good players in Burgess, Frain and Gabbiadini" - Burgess? Good Player? The man is SHIT!!!

I Just had to copy this from the Oldham website!!!! at 23:20:9 Saturday December 29 2001
Midlands_Blue Posted on 29/12 22:23 Email this Message | Edit | Reply Today's game - players ratings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Latics dominated the game and deserved the win. Northampton have three good players in Burgess, Frain and Gabbiadini but both Forrester and Parkin disappointed. Both of their keepers should have been sent off but no penalty for Smart was justified by our handball in the box late on. Personally speaking, if we sign up Beherall, Baudet and Reeves on permanent deals then we have quality to get promotion and continue to build in the first division. My only concern is the wings. We need a quality right-winger and I don't think that Eyres can continue week in, week out in the First Division. This will be the same for Shez Senior, Reeves and possibly Duxbury so we will need an extra three players for them. However, with our current squad we should be up in the play-offs or automatic spot come May. A great balanced team with an effective blend of youth and experience. Me thinks though that once some of the fourteen go then a few new faces will join and Mr Moore will allow Waddo to dip into the kitty once again! OLDHAM FOREVER!

Gomez at 22:32:8 Saturday December 29 2001
here here Angel of the North

9224 at 22:13:38 Saturday December 29 2001
Am I the only one who hopes that the Arsehole of the North would actually attend a football match before spouting off with his opinions? It is sad to see that this person who professes to support the cobblers is actually less of a football fan than dr4e.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 21:55:23 Saturday December 29 2001
I totally agree with you Nosey Parker. The football bubble will burst. Fact. I predict Coventry will be the first 'big' casualty. They are 60 million in debt and their ONLY asset are their players. The developers want them out of the stadium and they have no home to go to. I hope all the the past idiots who have condoned massive salaries and 19 year old Porsche drivers know that THEY are to blame. This was a great 'sport' for the working man. RUINED, by money hungry middle classes pandering to short-term greedy agents. Roy Keane gets 70 grand a week while a heart surgeon gets that a year!! We have had our priorities wrong and we will pay the price. By attending football games we have all 'fiddled while Rome burned'. Fact.

B.J.M at 21:53:14 Saturday December 29 2001
Am I the only one whose patience is being severely tested? After today I don't think I can be bothered to watch this shower anymore until the bigger picture is resolved.

B.J.M at 21:48:41 Saturday December 29 2001
I don't think so. After today it must be quite clear to Fash that he is buying Division 3 football next season. "Liquidator" below, it only costs a couple of quid surely you want to review the accounts yourself? http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk is where you want to go. The guy below who was talking about loans is right, in terms of hard cash put into the club I think you will find that a certain Mr C Wilson has been the main one doing that. The others have done so to a lesser degree, many of them in the form of guarantees only (which surely they will have to pay up in the light of the present situation, probably what they are bickering about with JF/WWW).

Nosey Parker at 21:47:31 Saturday December 29 2001
The players out of contract at the end of this season will either have to take a massive pay cut or bugger off.This is going to be a knock on effect because TV cannot keep paying the millions they do for football. At the rate it is going ALL our fotball will be heading like the American Football. Mllins payed in wages = pay for viewing = fans revolt = no subscription = no money for wages =bankcrupt clubs. Smaller clubs like the Cobblers will be first, when the money drys up (5 years max) teams like Chelsea will have Parkin playing first team because they will not afford anyone else. If clubs like Chelsea were a business they would be declared bancrupt.

A F riend at 21:35:42 Saturday December 29 2001
This may disappoint Voice of reason and a few others,but the deal with Fash looks likely to be completed very very soon.

Kevan at 21:21:13 Saturday December 29 2001
Kevan Broadhurst's reaction to Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Oldham at Sixfields was a philosophical one. He was quick to praise his players for their work, but also admitted to a growing frustration. "I can't complain at the effort or the commitment," said Broadhurst. "We have created enough chances and we should have got something from the game. We deserved a result but that's been the story of the last few weeks. I couldn't ask anymore of the players today. I'm worried that if we keep losing while playing well what effect it will have. Someone must have run over some black cats with our luck! "I felt we deserved a clear penalty for handball late on and when you look at the penalties that we have had given against us away from home you wonder what we have to do to get one. The linesman was involved all afternoon until it came to giving us a penalty, then he didn't want to know. "Welchy's handball was unlucky. I am not sure it is deliberate but the linesman has given it but he is 40 yards away. "We created more than Oldham in the second half but we didn't take the chances. I am delighted with the players efforts and we kept going. Jamie Forrester went through and got caught, he could have fallen and got their goalkeeper sent off but we are too honest, unlike some others in the game. Hello, it's me, Kevan the spoon. Here is my excuse for yet another failure on the pitch. I won't accept that the team is sh*t, intstead i will hoodwink the fans and try and paint over the disasters that get dressed in the changing room! "The fans were very good today and the players responded to that. The crowd really helped us today and they deserved a goal to cheer. It didn't happen, but if we play with that effort every week I won't have a problem."

voice of reason at 21:19:56 Saturday December 29 2001
Why do people like rubber duck and rushden cobbler spout the same crap time after time? don't they read any other postings other than their own? for the final time, THE COUNCIL HAVE HAD NO OFFER FROM MR FASHANU SO CAN NOT RESPOND TO AN OFFER HE HAS NOT MADE, and as for comments along the lines of the board MUST sell to Fash, after all the stuff reported below about his uncanny habit to say one thing one minute and another the next, has not the penny dropped o dim ones, we are being taken for a ride, perhaps people would be better served writing to Fash and WWW asking them to put their money where thier mouth is then we might see some action!!!

MR FASHANU at 20:58:44 Saturday December 29 2001
HERE HERE

RUBBER DUCK at 20:56:58 Saturday December 29 2001
I dont know what desirioy offer Fashanu has offered, but its got to be better than what the present board can offer & if fash is willing to improve the grounnd (this board/concil won't) then sell If fash is willing to pay the debt this board got us into then sell If fash is willing to improve the playing staff then sell & quick before it is too late

LH at 20:47:56 Saturday December 29 2001
We played well today and showed great spirit & committment but if everybody (including a freezing crowd) tried their best and we still didnt get a result then I fear we've crashed & burned. You can feel the longing in the team & the crowd for a goal , however hard we all try it just isnt going to happen. In answer to previous posting for putting players on frees whose gone to take them on and offer a better or similar contract? No one , would you change jobs for less money ? I also think the Fash deal is dead in the water , he seems hot air & hype with the intention of buying a Club on the cheap to serve his own purposes ( i am open minded so please prove me wrong)

Anon at 20:47:20 Saturday December 29 2001
You lot do talk a load of bollocks at times. Fashanu has made a desirory offer and you expect the board to leap at it? Have some bloody sense.

CALL ME ZANE at 20:43:13 Saturday December 29 2001
lets protest

MR FASHANU at 20:39:5 Saturday December 29 2001
I'm still waiting (just)

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 20:37:28 Saturday December 29 2001
Wake up Northampton council, what choice do you have? Sell Sixfields or let the Cobblers move to MK and be left with an expensive white elephant!!!! Get in the real world QUICKLY!!!!

FTD at 20:33:17 Saturday December 29 2001
If the current Board of Directors are still in control at Easter then kiss good-bye to any future for our beloved club.No excuses Mr Stonhill a deal must be negoiated within the next month!!! At present it feels like a slow death.P S Besides Hargreaves has any other Wilson signing been a success during 2001. NO! As Graham Carr said, he has never seen a manager make so many bad signings in such a short time,and as he is the Spurs chief scout, I know who I believe!

RUBBER DUCK at 20:31:38 Saturday December 29 2001
The writing was on the wall back in pre season embarrassing againest Leiecester, Chelsea, Boston & in Ireland. Early form was naff at home to, Bristol City, Notts Co, Chesterfield & Blackpool, blame Wilson for that, poor players who where not up to the job & bad training & preperation, no tactics .So apart from a good win over Brighton & lucky win at Port Vale. The manager had to go Broadhurst comes in get a point at home to Swindon(a bit of confidence) good wins at home to Tranmere & at QPR & a battling point at Cambridge. Then it all goes belly up again injures & suspensions galore, bad refree decisions at Bury, Wycombe & Wrexham . Outclassed by Huddersfield & Reading after looking good early on. A good battling win over Bournemouth after the bollo**s dished up at Canvey, with talk of take-over happening, things could improve & we could get out of this sh*t, but bad results againest Brentford,Colchester & now Oldham we are fcukerd. Our only hope for the new year is that money is made avalible for new players & if the present board can't do that then sell to Fash & the cheif. If you really care mr stonhill + co then do this. If the council want to improve this town with a better community stadium,& a more prosprerous professional football club then sell the ground & perhaps we can all have a good 2002

NTFC@2view at 20:13:31 Saturday December 29 2001
To The Anus of the North. It's pretty annoying having some so-called supporter not going to a game and then spouting rubbish on the site. Get a team, get a life and píss off from this site!

Mr disgruntled at 20:11:10 Saturday December 29 2001
Anyone else think that Oldham were well offside when Welch handled outside the box?

just an idea at 20:7:33 Saturday December 29 2001
Seeing as its all over now, how about giving free transfers to some of the top wage earners like Gabbi, Hodge, Hunter, Burgess, Welch and McGregor.... that way we can bring in a few youngsters or non league players, who we can afford, and give them a few games to prepare for next season in Div3. The savings made on wages will also help the club out financially in readiness for when Fash finally calls the deal off.

Anon at 20:0:30 Saturday December 29 2001
Dennis Wise? more like Ernie Wise.

Anon at 19:53:55 Saturday December 29 2001
Dennis Wise? Fashanu is at it again. Who'se his agent? Max Clifford?

Anon at 19:30:40 Saturday December 29 2001
Northampton,famous for shoemaking and PARKIN problems.

Anon at 19:24:45 Saturday December 29 2001
Well Mr Broadhurst,as nice a man as you are,you are about to have your place taken by Dennis Wise.

Anon at 19:20:40 Saturday December 29 2001
Welch came up into the main stand in second half and claimed the ball hit his chest. Pigs, fly, might! He came out and handled the ball outside his area. Simple as that. Doesn't matter who was behind him, in front of him, above or below him. Rules say handling on purpose outside the area is a red card offence. So that's that.

Liquidator at 19:1:8 Saturday December 29 2001
If BJM has access to Companies House perhaps he would be so kind as to publish on here the shareholdings and loans...come to think of it, if this is such an open and democratically run club, can Ray not publish them on here? And no doubt Fashanu has seen them and he doesnt own a share yet. He will not get involved in Swansea, a former director is suing the board for over 800 grand. That makes our plight look positively rosy!

Nosey Parker at 18:42:7 Saturday December 29 2001
Welch had to go yes or no? ......what is the law? He was not the last player? There defender hand balled it with 3 mins to go? why make changes when there are 2 mins to go? There are a lot of questions to be asked tonight. Parkin has to go....he is the worst player the club has ever loaned..Clarence has more pace!! Brighton will be a hard hard match on New Years Day. Broads looked gutted after and so might he be justified. No wonder Mark Wright abused him (the ref) he is the worst I have seen for a long time.

MP at 18:25:22 Saturday December 29 2001
He handled outside the area...or should I say that he appeared to do so from where we were sitting???

MP at 18:23:46 Saturday December 29 2001
Really upset for the team today, nearly cried when Oldham scored. Hargreaves my man of the match again.Daren't look at league table.Pointless of course to moan about referees-Welch had to go, but not giving the penalty was unbelievable. Will now go and drown sorrows. Let's do the double over Brighton...slightly less likely things have happened before.

On hols at 18:22:36 Saturday December 29 2001
Any match reports? why was Welch sent off? If it's indiscipline again, then we have a serious unneeded problem, how many is that this season? And I'll wager you that the wanker DR4E logs on here about 10 telling us what a bad journey he had back from Plymouth.

Nosey Parker at 18:21:20 Saturday December 29 2001
Angel of the north......Nice comments seeing you were sat on your fat arse at home when REAL supporters were freezing at Sixfields. IF you were there you would of known that The ref robbed us of at least a point? Hargreaves was superb and "DONKEY" Parkin was worse then ever.esides that we battled hard......Or did they not say that on teletext!!!

Gaz at 18:17:19 Saturday December 29 2001
Broadhurst made the comment of not being able to sign any loan players AGAIN!!! after todays debacle. He stated that all the monies were spent for playing staff, why don't he send back that poor excuse for a striker PARKIN and sign a half decent non-league player to fill his spot!!!

BF at 18:7:24 Saturday December 29 2001
To Angel fo the North, I m surprised you have only jusst realised we are going to be relegated. The last 21 games need at least 36 points. This is promotion form and with the luck we are having, coupled with decisions given by a referee like today,the low confidence and the lack of money to bring in new players, we have had little hope for some time. If we were a top team, the final handball would have been given.(Brentford's dubious penalty last weekend!) Our defeat today stems from the total lack of willingness to shoot when we had the chance. Twice Forrester needed to swivell on the ball and shoot, both times he laid it back and no shot went in. We need money. ... we need a backer... and soon... and we need to get a new injection of players to stop the rot. Full marks to the players today. They worked their socks off and did not deserve to lose. The crowd were great and need to keep supporting as they did today. We need everyone pulling together otherwise the club won't exist let alone play in Division 3.

NTFC@2view at 17:52:57 Saturday December 29 2001
How come you were posting with 6 minutes to go to kickoff?

The Angry Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 17:30:17 Saturday December 29 2001
We were relegated this afternoon. We have had a sh*t team now for months. Nothing was done about it, NOTHING. We are 9 points from safety. IT'S OVER. I can't be asked anymore, it is like watching a parent die, I just don't want to see it. I hope there will be 11 P45's on Kevans desk next week. At least there is a good sense of humour down there at Sixfields.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 14:53:17 Saturday December 29 2001
Thanks for that Ray, I did not know. I am praying for three points this afternoon against Oldham. We need a demonstration from the team that they do have the ambition to remain in this league. This season we have been a sinking ship but a loss today and we will hear the echos of "women and children first".

Ray at 14:28:48 Saturday December 29 2001
CobblerCam has been removed on the instructions of NTFC.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 13:59:42 Saturday December 29 2001
Does anyone know where the cobblers cam is on the official site. I would have thought in this day and age with all the technology at our disposal the official site could have an icon quite simply saying 'cobblers cam'. The official site like the current team is an embarrassment.

anon at 13:41:30 Saturday December 29 2001
miss the buck lefties

MR FASHANU at 13:36:25 Saturday December 29 2001
I'm still waiting

anon at 13:26:49 Saturday December 29 2001
Here Here, you are wrong, Fash said to the Chron that his bid for the club had "I believe been accepted" and as to the ground he said "we are just waiting for the council to come back to us on our offer" which we now know he never made. as for anon at 12.41.13 Prat loving your club and not wanting to get took for a ride has got nothing to do with being left or right, and isn't it amazing that those on the right lose all inabitions and refrain from there normal racist filth whenever there is money to be sniffed.

Insider Mole at 13:11:51 Saturday December 29 2001
Well fans.....gotta be quick. FA represensitive will be at the ground today.....WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Here Here at 12:51:10 Saturday December 29 2001
I agree, why are you all so against Fash? Fact the club confirmed on the Official site that a formal offer was made, and FACT.. Fash never said he had made an offer for the Stadium to the council... he said he had asked Gary Hodder on behalf of WWW to contact the council. Why is it taking so long for you all to realise that?

Anon at 12:41:13 Saturday December 29 2001
I see the "lefties" have infiltrated this site.No wonder this club never moves forward.

Anon at 12:38:57 Saturday December 29 2001
I'll say again - The Fashanu saga is, in fact, a modern version of Alice Through the Looking Glass -- where nothing is at it seems.

Duston Fan at 12:28:47 Saturday December 29 2001
I think Fash plays one of against the other. I know someon ithin the club very well and Fash has NOT made any formal offers to the club.Why is he so desperate to own the ground? I will tell you why,if it goes tits up sell the land sod the club.Just beware folks all hat glitters is not gold!!

anon at 12:25:2 Saturday December 29 2001
I found this piece at www.burn.ucsd.edu....CELEBRITY PRAT OF THE MONTH Here at resistance we refuse to be intimidated by the threat of terrorists and state terrorists. So it’s back to normal with our regular column on famous arseholes. As the disparities of money obtainable under capitalism come ever more to depend on ‘status’, they move far beyond the bounds of basic common decency when it comes to celebrity, profit and property. Television presenter, John Fashanu, lured a homeless man off a London street with a bribe of £300 to stand for two nights in a huge queue so that he (Fashanu) could bid a million pounds on a two-bedroomed flat. Obviously the irony escaped the dumb, or perhaps he’s just insanely insensitive, Fashanu: here’s a fellow human being without a roof over his head and no prospect of regular shelter or even a hot meal, and Fashanu sees fit to splash a seven figure sum on a property he doesn’t need and will likely spend very little time in. What sort of a society is it that, not only permits, but positively encourages such offensive inconsistencies to take place in its name? Not only that, as if Fashanu’s self-delusions of superiority had barely surfaced, he goes on to humiliate the itinerant street-dweller by gloating: “I put down polythene for the man to sit on in my Mercades. I told him to sit in line and not to move whatever he did.” Frankly, we’re only surprised the crassly arrogant Fashanu didn’t insist the poor bloke travel inside the boot of his fancy, but ultimately useless (on London’s streets anyway), limo! --- Do you think Fash has paid Gareth Wilsher a similar amount to do his dirty work at NTFC?

anon at 12:20:38 Saturday December 29 2001
hmmm. some good stuff below, the plot thickens

wellwisher at 12:17:0 Saturday December 29 2001
PS that last www.allafrica.com piece was not from me, and I apologise for the long postings I will try to shorten them in future.

wellwisher at 12:14:48 Saturday December 29 2001
It is very easy to find pro or anti stories on Fash if you look and the real point in all of these be they the Nigerian Scandal, The South African Stadium Disaster, The Kanu Affair, or even his ill judged comments about Justin after the latter came out, is that Fash has a habit of saying one thing one minute and apologising or denying it the next. I became suspicious after the Chron revealed that he had lied over his bid to the council which did not exist. Therefore I believe we should tread carefully and not all fall into Fashs trap of whipping up publicity (which he is good at) so that everyone says "great lets do it, come on board, come on council sign the deal" before we know more about it.

FROM ALLAFRICA.COM at 12:2:24 Saturday December 29 2001
John Fashanu, the former England football star, claims he has solved a Pounds3.7 billion debt trading fraud perpetrated by members of Nigeria's former ruling elite. Fashanu, 37, a millionaire businessman and Nigeria's official sports ambassador, has extensive business interests in the West African country and says he has been investigating the fraud for the past three years. Nigeria was systematically looted by the previous regime, the family of the late dictator General Sani Abacha and the previous president, General Ibrahim Babangida. International financiers and bankers knew that billions of pounds disappeared from the Nigerian central bank in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was suspected that senior figures had hidden the cash in overseas accounts. The precise mechanics of how the money was funnelled overseas remained murky. If Fashanu's claims are correct, however, the incident was one of the largest banking frauds in history - exceeded only by the 1991 collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce. "I and one other person have personally financed this investigation," claimed the sportsman. "I consider it a duty. Nigeria's reputation reflects badly on all of us and it is time it was cleaned up. As a Nigerian [holding dual citizenship], I want this to be sorted out." Fashanu may be influenced by more than national pride. He has made no secret of his political ambitions and has been mooted as a future sports minister in Nigeria, where he spends six months a year. His African business interests range from a duty-free centre to acting as an agent for Nigerian football players, including Arsenal's Kanu. Fashanu says he met the Nigerian High Commissioner in London, Prince Bola Ajibola, last week and gave him a dossier which has already led to the freezing of five bank accounts holding Pounds125m in Switzerland and Austria. "There are a lot of prominent names among the beneficiaries," Fashanu said yesterday. The fraud centred on a Nigerian debt buy-back scheme run by the Central Bank of Nigeria between 1988 and 1993, he said. Hundreds of millions of pounds were diverted into foreign accounts. Fashanu said he first came across the fraud three years ago when he was doing background checks on some Nigerian potential business partners. "A lot of information began to come out," he said. "I was even called anonymously and offered Pounds500,000 if I stopped making my inquiries." He decided to press on, hiring investigators who gradually pieced together the story. "It got bigger and bigger," said Fashanu, "until we were looking at a fraud of at least $6 billion [Pounds3.75 billion], involving 200 separate bank accounts. I have all the data and information on the people who have stolen this money." A Nigerian central bank report has already established that up to Pounds7.75 billion of government payments made between 1988 and 1993 are not accounted for. The sum was part of the windfall from higher oil prices after the Gulf War. Some of this had been earmarked for currency stabilisation and debt buy-back, but these schemes cost only Pounds1.5 billion and there are no records of other payments during the period. Nigeria's decision to buy back its debt in 1988 was kept secret because it was technically illegal. With official government backing, two Americans with close links to Babangida were brought in to set up front companies and offshore companies. Jeffrey Schmidt and Robert Minton used a London-based company, Growth Management, to buy back the debt with funds from Nigeria channelled through a leading Austrian bank, Osterreichische Landesbank. Further companies set up in America helped to disguise the origin of the funds. Money was later routed through banks in New York and Basle to buy back the debts. Big lenders to Nigeria, including Barclays Bank, had thought they had little chance of seeing their debts repaid and were glad to take advantage of the scheme. Barclays sold almost Pounds190m of debts to the Austrian bank in 1991. However, much of the money made available for the buy-back scheme ended up being diverted by others into Swiss and Austrian bank accounts. Minton told the newsletter, Africa Confidential that he had made money - but not the sums that were now being mentioned. "We made tens of millions of dollars, not hundreds of millions and certainly not billions," he said. Minton added: "If any money was stolen, it must have been from transactions which were outside our control." Stefan Pinter of Growth Management said: "It was one of the most effective buy-backs I've seen and of great benefit to Nigeria." Fashanu says he has been warned off the investigation several times and received two anonymous threatening phone calls last week. President Olusegun Obasanjo's democratically-elected government has pledged to crack down on the fraud and corruption which has given Nigerian business an appalling reputation throughout the world. After much pressure from Nigerians and the international community, President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally agreed to freeze foreign bank accounts belonging to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd). Already, the president has instructed diplomatic aides in Europe to ask two European banks, Bank Austria and Discount Bank and Trust in Austria and Switzerland, to freeze some accounts through which at least $5 billion worth of Nigeria's debt trade transaction was conducted during the regime of Babangida. The directive to freeze IBB's account abroad, P.M.News learnt is the long awaited challenge to the 'evil genius' who seized power in a palace coup in 1984 from his colleague, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and left in disgrace in 1993 after annulling the presidential election won by his supposed friend, late Basorun MKO Abiola. Late Abiola died in military custody on 8th July, 1998. During his last official trip to France, President Obasanjo challenged Nigerians who thought Babangida was corrupt to produce concrete evidence of that. Last week in London, the authoritative newsletter, African Confidential, reported that soccer star, John Fasanu has responded to the challenge by launching a private investigation into $6 billion debt buy-back scheme carried out by the IBB regime between 1988 and 1993 which he believed was racked by corruption. Sources in London and Washington hinted P.M.News at the weekend that the government's move to seek a freeze on the hot accounts stem from the information it got from the Fashanu report which fingered two American bankers, Jeffery Schmidt, a close Babangida friend, and Robert Minton as the principal actors in the complex business drama that bled the country of millions of dollars. Minton, however in an interview with African Confidential denies any shady deal. The Fasanu report also stresses that more Nigerian funds are residing in London, Vienna and Geneva vaults of the Bank Austria and Discount Bank and Trust and details how the regime facilitated the secret Nigerian buy-back scheme.

Anon at 11:59:9 Saturday December 29 2001
FROM BBC.CO.UK FASHANU APOLOGISES TO KANU Fashanu has now done an about-turn saying: "Kanu is my brother. He's Nigerian like me. Fashanu had Kanu's word "Kanu has some personal reasons why he can't play for Nigeria which I fully appreciate and having been explained to me, I 100% support Kanu. "I've listened to both sides and I believe, having spoken to David Dein, that Kanu should be allowed to play for Arsenal and not Nigeria. His personal reasons are very valid. "Kanu has sweat blood for Nigeria and helped us to achieve the gold medal in the last Olympics. Kanu is a very patriotic person and if it wasn't for serious reasons he would be in Sydney defending the gold medal. "I apologise to Arsenal Football Club and the wonderful Arsenal supporters if they had misinterpreted my previous comments about Kanu going back home. That was never my intention."

B.J.M at 11:55:5 Saturday December 29 2001
Wellwisher, who is Kanu's agent? Interesting one isn't it in the light of that story. Also if it is that easy to blackmail Fashanu how come we can't make him buy the cobblers??!!

wellwisher at 11:53:48 Saturday December 29 2001
Newshound, I am not trying to put anyone down, all of the stories below were written by reporters and others, not me, the problem is that all cobblers fans rightly want whats best for the club perhaps so far they have wished the deal to be true because they see no other option, and are blind to anything that suggests Mr Fashanu is anything but the good guy. If they are still of that opinion after reading the pieces below then fine, however a bit of balance never hurt anyone.

wellwisher7 at 11:48:47 Saturday December 29 2001
From www.ireland.com Kanu blasts 'hypocritical' Fashanu 06/09/00: Arsenal striker Kanu has launched a blistering tirade against John Fashanu over his request to pull out of the Nigerian Olympic squad. Kanu has written to the Nigerian FA asking to be left out of the squad after consultation with the Highbury club over his participation in a competition which is predominantly for players under the age of 23. His decision brought an angry response from former Wimbledon striker John Fashanu - now Nigeria's sports ambassador - who claimed that Kanu had given his word that he would play and added that 'there is no point him going back to Nigeria for his holidays' because of the ill-feeling the pull-out would generate. However, Kanu, who is set to play for the Gunners in the London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, has responded with a fierce attack of his own. "I find the statements made by John Fashanu both reprehensible and hypocritical," raged Kanu. "It should be remembered that in his playing days he chose to desert Nigeria and play for England instead. "He has no right to criticise me when I have given so much to the country I love."

News Hound at 11:45:43 Saturday December 29 2001
Wellwisher, what is all this longwinded unreadable stuff for? Are you trying to put Fashanu down? If so, why?

wellwisher6 at 11:40:54 Saturday December 29 2001
From www.myweb.worldnet.net There is no doubt that Lukman, with his Scientology handlers hand-picked John Fashanu to be their boy for the frontal assault on me. The Scientology PI, David Lee/Lebow, using the alias of Robert Clarke, did the infamous Fashanu Report and wiretapped Fashanu to be sure of his loyalties. Lee recently played an audio tape in Washington D.C. of Fashanu talking on the phone with a Nigerian Senator discussing how they were going to blackmail some Nigerians whose names and offshore account details had been uncovered by David Lee. "Fashanu can't get out of the Scientology blackmail trap. There's no where Fashanu can go to extricate himself from this quagmire. Lukman has been peeping out from behind the Scientology mask. In June he personally arranged for the Nigerian president Obasanju, during a state visit to Switzerland, to meet with David Lee to hear the Scientology spin on the Fashanu report."

wellwisher5 at 11:21:58 Saturday December 29 2001
From www.suntimes.co.za Mampara of the week JOHN FASHANU HOW does a footballer dribble and shoot with both feet in his mouth? Ask John Fashanu, former Wimbledon striker, United Nations sports ambassador and now - thanks to his utterances on last Sunday's tragedy at Harare's National Stadium during Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe - a mampara of the lowest order. Commenting on the 13 people crushed to death in the stampede that followed when tear gas was fired into the crowd of 40 000, Fashanu complained bitterly of police overreaction. But this was before his audience with handsome Bob Mugabe. After meeting the president, Fashanu went on to underwhelm anyone with an iota of sass with suggestions of "hooligans" at the game who had a "political agenda" and "who were doing strange things with their hands". A red card, then, for Fashanu. Take an early shower, John, and wash your ears out.

wellwisher4 at 11:9:46 Saturday December 29 2001
just an excerpt this time. From www.skeptictank.org THE REAL STORY ABOUT JOHN FASHANU'S SO CALLED PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR by George Noah The man with many identities, his links with the Scientology organisation, his recruitment of John Fashanu & his intrigues with the Nigerian government in his bid to destroy Bob Minton David Lee (aka Robert Clarke aka Ron Christopher), whose real name is David Lebeau, is a private investigator who has worked for the Scientology organisation for at least eight years. For the purpose of this report, we shall refer to the investigator as David Lee. After he was handed the project of destroying, Bob Minton, the retired American investment banker, the Scientology organisation is hell bent on destroying, Lee's first task was to research into Minton's past to find out where he could be vulnerable. Lee soon found out that Minton's company once did a debt buy back operation for the Central Bank of Nigeria between 1988 - 1993. The private investigator/cum Scientology agent immediately went to work with the hope of digging up something unpleasant about Minton. For three years he compiled a dossier on Minton. These were the years Fashanu was later to claim, he spent his own money investigating those who looted Nigeria's treasury! The fact is that Lee personally compiled the ''Fashanu Report'' and equally placed John Fashanu on his payroll and not the other way round as the former footballer has been suggesting. Through recommendations especially from another Scientologist, Chief Rilwanu Lukman, who claims to be a devout Muslim, Lee recruited Fashanu to spearhead the assault on Minton. Journalists who interviewed Fashanu on the debt buy back deal are unanimous in their views that Fashanu could not hold any intelligent discussion on the report he claims he put together. Lee who is Fashanu's boss, is extremely cagey about being identified as a Scientologist, lest his cover is revealed. This was why both men failed to appear at the public forum on the debt buy back deals organised by the Nigerian Democratic Movement at Howard University, Washington DC, two months ago. They both claimed to have been advised not to appear by their lawyers! Yet both men had craved media attention for the debt buy back scheme. Lee was always at the background whilst Fashanu hopped from one media house to another. Indeed, Lee was aware that former Scientology members were to attend the public forum. Hence his decision to abscond. As for Fashanu, he must have succumbed to his cerebral deficiencies and had decided not to embarrass himself or his paymasters. Having recruited Fashanu, thought to be an ideal candidate for the job at the time, Lee devised a media plan in April this year, to give the ''Fashanu Report'' the required publicity blitz. He prepared a question and answer document and both men went to work. Within two weeks, the media began to take interest. The Nigerian debt buyback scheme soon became headline news in several London publications including; Africa Confidential, The Times, The Voice, New Nation and The Mirror. Shortly after, the Nigerian media followed suit. Lee ensured that Fashanu was placed under surveillance. Fashanu on the other hand tried to outwit Lee by acquiring new fixed network and mobile phones to make discreet telephone calls. It is believed that Fashanu had considered quitting the project, due to the scrutiny of his credibility and his motives, but he appears incapable of doing so, because of the dossier Lee has on him. Sometime in May, Lee shocked Professor Bolaji Aluko in his Howard University office by playing back a conversation Fashanu had with Ned Nwoko, a member of the House of Representatives. Lee was at that time on the verge of abandoning Fashanu because the ex footballer was becoming a liability. He felt it was a high wire strategy to pin all his three year work on a man whose credibility was being eroded by the day and confided in Aluko that Fashanu could not be trusted. He said Fashanu was like a lose cannon. Fashanu had approached the Abachas with the aim of extorting money from them claiming the ''Fashanu Report'' had information that showed they stole Nigeria's money. The Abachas wanted Fashanu to substantiate his claims, but the former footballer never went past that stage because he never had that information in the first instance. Fashanu had also ''recruited'' Ned Nwoko as someone from the Presidency who could facilitate the prosecution of Minton. Lee was to find out from his secret taping of Fashanu and Nwoko, that Nwoko was on his own and was not working for the Presidency. Sensing that the Fashanu angle had outlived its usefulness, and that the ex footballer was more of a liability than an asset, Lee began work on plan B. In June when President Obasanjo went to Switzerland, Lee and his group were on his trail. With the help of Lukman, Lee was able to meet Obasanjo for about 30 minutes. Lee later said he was so surprised about the lack of security around Obasanjo. ''They (security agents) did not even frisk me before I met the President'' Lee later told Aluko. It was during the meeting with Obasanjo that Lee brought up the Minton issue. After that meeting, Nigeria at attempted to press charges against Minton. But it is believed the government is reconsidering its move because independent lawyers have counselled that Minton has no case to answer. One source said several lawyers had rummaged through the ''Fashanu Report'' and thought the country could end up with eggs on its face if the case was taken any further.

wellwisher3 at 10:58:19 Saturday December 29 2001
From www.dubbin.com Former Wimbledon and Aston Villa footballer, presenter of Gladiators and recently acquitted of match-fixing, John Fashanu owes his success to dubbin. He spreads it thickly on his inner thighs to create a pleasurable sensation which makes him really nice and friendly. Although he doesn't take money for rigging football matches, John is more than happy to be bribed with dubbin, as snapped here, in exchange for quick glimpses of his unusual genitals. John also claims that his excessive height is due to the laxative properties of Black dubbin.

BIG JIM at 10:58:0 Saturday December 29 2001
JUST A LITTLE THOUGHT,SWANSEA HAVE SOLD THEIR CLUB TO A SET UP NOT TO FAR FROM THE SAME COMPANY AS WWW

report at 10:55:33 Saturday December 29 2001
anyone seen the report on the Cobblers on page 93 of today's daily mail? is says dennis wise may take over as player-coach if fash gets his way

BIG JIM at 10:53:37 Saturday December 29 2001
B.J.M. Happy Xmas,had a walk down at Konnos Bay,Protaras with the dog,wife and outlaws. It was 22 degrees C. Nice. You do have my E mail address though ? Well enjoy the rest of your XMAS and a Happy new year to you and to all Cobblers Fans on this message board not that p*#!K dr4e !!! Up the town and keep your heads and hopes up....... `SING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS`

BIG JIM at 10:53:34 Saturday December 29 2001
B.J.M. Happy Xmas,had a walk down at Konnos Bay,Protaras with the dog,wife and outlaws. It was 22 degrees C. Nice. You do have my E mail address though ? Well enjoy the rest of your XMAS and a Happy new year to you and to all Cobblers Fans on this message board not that p*#!K dr4e !!! Up the town and keep your heads and hopes up....... `SING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS`

anon at 10:49:11 Saturday December 29 2001
No future, direones run at a loss every year, its just that MG stumps up the cash to cover the loss. They have a bigger wage bill than NTFC smaller gates and less revenue from TV money, not to mention the crazy sums they pay for second rate players (remember Billy Turley)The Cobbs are in trouble because they try to live within thier means not spend beyond them.

Ray at 10:35:18 Saturday December 29 2001
Isn't a loan generally cash? Or am I missing something?

Robert Dunkley at 10:3:41 Saturday December 29 2001
So, according to the article below from the Indy - the directors have only ever put loans into the club, not actual cash?

No future at 9:15:18 Saturday December 29 2001
So how come the village people arent two million in debt then, No Sparkle. How come they are still getting in new players. If we are to believe stonhill we are much better run than the diamonds so something cant be right can it?

No sparkle at 23:30:23 Friday December 28 2001 at 0:15:38 Saturday December 29 2001
What you are forgetting is that Max has no money anymore. BRING ON THE CHIEF AND FASH!!!!!!

anon at 0:15:23 Saturday December 29 2001
Oxy, Do you remember the disued rubbish tip on the Weedon Road, There wer no buildings, and the only thing that could catch fire was the methane. Now they have built plastic leasure palaces and with the proceeds built a Football Stadium for the Town.

Oxy the Moron at 0:3:11 Saturday December 29 2001
George, do you remember the warehouses down southbridge? They were listed buildings. They caught fire, then turned into profitable development land. Now they are beautiful ugly plastic dwellings by the riverside

Oxy the Moron at 0:0:21 Saturday December 29 2001
George, do you remember the warehouses down woolmonger street? They were listed buildings. They caught fire and turned into profitable developement land, now a beautiful plastic shopping precinct

the george melly scotsman at 23:56:29 Friday December 28 2001
OXY,i can't believe that there a arsonist working for the council, well how come he's not burnt down that,prefab,ground near them villages, r there any other teams formed out of village people? um um um um um um um ahhh ahhh ahhh . um um um um

Reserve Watcher at 23:50:28 Friday December 28 2001
Stand up sit down man, It's getting bad, i didn't see shellsuit thin lizzy bloke at the last reserves game

sit down stand up man at 23:48:36 Friday December 28 2001
too right

Oxy the Moron at 23:47:31 Friday December 28 2001
but george, the past is history, all we've got to look forward to is the councils tramp setting fire to the stadium. I think it's better for fashanu to give the corrupt councillors a backhander than mr barret homes so they can build little boxes on the hallowed turf

the george melly scotsman at 23:42:54 Friday December 28 2001
ANON oh dear, typical n'pton attitude, lets give up now.If one thing is worth fighting for(and i don't mean MILLWALL style of fighting)is the local football team, it doesn't matter if our history is pants over the last 25 years,its the fact that we all have memories of great games we went to, ie shrewsbury,3-2,cardiff play-off,bristol etc, it doesn't matter if it not worth alot to u to me it's priceless,and this season will be the same OK

Bloke with a twitch at 23:34:4 Friday December 28 2001
Whatever happens off the pitch, I think we will win tomorrow, I will hold my own protest against all that is wrong by clapping and cheering loudly

No sparkle at 23:30:23 Friday December 28 2001
Two clubs merge and Max gets what he always wanted, the Cobblers. His aim with the village idiots was to prove a point, that his money could buy a league position. He's proved that, now he wants the club he loves.

Anon at 23:30:12 Friday December 28 2001
our history is worth very little as it is a history of bare existence in the lower reaches of the league structure. It does not give the club a right to a future.

the george melly scotsman at 23:25:59 Friday December 28 2001
THERE IS only one football team in n'ptonsire, THE COBBLERS, over a 100 years old and with HISTORY.Forget about that PREFAB team in the east, their a rich(but losing it fast)mans dream, a fad like new kids on the block, in a couple of years it will be, who? oh yeah i've heard of kettering, but there was never another team, was there?.PS TIME TO KICK START THE SEASON 3-0 WIN 2MORROW,OK I'M TAKING BETS AS WE SPEAK.

reality check at 23:18:46 Friday December 28 2001
with comments like that anon no wonder many businessmen dont think we are worth saving.

reality check at 23:17:10 Friday December 28 2001
ahhh so now we are an ideal model on which all football clubs should be based. If others are more badly run than us how come we are going to be the first to go to the wall, answer me that mr stonhill.

anon at 23:14:42 Friday December 28 2001
No doubt reality check is a direones fan who knows that when Max is no longer around that his son Stephen will spend his money elsewhere andthe direones will be left to wilt. So what does he do suggest a merger, get real loser. The direones will always be the counties third team behind the Cobblers and Kettering, and thats only as long as Corby and Wellingborough dont have a revival

reality check at 23:10:45 Friday December 28 2001
so you would rather watch our club being killed by those who were supposed to have saved it 10 years ago, rather than merge with another local team? get real guys. The combined power of the clubs could allow division 1 football, you talk about the diamonds being a lower league club but what have we done all these years, yes nothing.

wellwisher2 at 23:5:21 Friday December 28 2001
From the independent 28-12-2001 David Conn: Northampton brought back to reality 28 December 2001 John Fashanu's stated intention to take over Northampton Town Football Club generated some entertaining pre-Christmas heat, and all is quiet now at the London headquarters of Winners World Wide, the sports management company in which he is involved with the Nigerian chief and billionaire, Sonny Odogwu. Bizarre as the story seemed – and there is a long way to go before the chief buys the Cobblers – Odogwu is in fact the third foreign businessman in recent years to consider buying the struggling Second Division club. The Icelandic consortium which subsequently took over Stoke City looked at Northampton first, and last year Giovanni Paladini, Fabrizio Ravanelli's agent, reportedly fancied using Northampton as an English showcase for Italian talent. Fashanu, who has talked about doing the same for his agency's playing clients, became involved earlier this month after Northampton's chief executive, Gary Hodder, announced that the Cobblers was up for sale. Hodder advertised for buyers in the Financial Times, received few offers, then chased Fashanu after reading an interview in which the former Wimbledon striker said his ultimate ambition was to own an English football club. "We're still hopeful a deal can be done," Hodder said yesterday. "This club needs new investment. In the New Year we hope to look seriously at the details." Fashanu is understood to have offered around £200,000 to Northampton's current directors for their shares, but they have not agreed a deal, saying they need to be assured that Fashanu has the best interests of the club at heart. They have not met Fashanu formally yet, and an emerging sticking point is Fashanu's desire to buy the ground, Sixfields Stadium, which is owned by the local council, not the club. This arrangement, entered into in 1994 when the club emerged from administration following a previous crisis, and the ground-breaking involvement of the renowned supporters trust, have led to Northampton being highlighted as a model, modern community football club. The spectacle of the club now being so publicly bartered over and, as some see it, becoming a publicity vehicle for Fashanu, has prompted some Christmas angst among fans. Brian Lomax and three fellow Cobblers' fans decided to form a trust over a post-match pint and grumble in the Brewers Arms in December 1991 when the club were in £1.6m debt and in danger of collapse. Next month the trust celebrates its 10th anniversary, and such meetings are being replicated all over the country as Lomax, now the chief executive of the Government-backed initiative Supporters Direct, advises fans how to forms trusts at their own clubs. Lomax promotes the idea, once revolutionary and now commonly accepted among fans, that football clubs are more than businesses, that they embody their towns, communities and a sense of collective endeavour, and so should incorporate that spirit by having fans involved in running the club. "Supporters are there forever," he tells packed public meetings. "They are the moral owners of football clubs." He points to the scheme's practical success, too. Galvanised partly by fans' passionate response to the trust idea, Northampton climbed out of administration, moved to Sixfields and paid off the whole of the club's historic debt. The trust raised £60,000 and acquired eight per cent of the club shares. When building the stadium, the council decided that the community's wider interests would be protected by having an elected supporters' trust representative as a director of the club. This was introduced as a condition in the club's lease. Lomax himself served for seven years until March 1999, when Tony Clarke, Labour MP for Northampton South, took over. One worry now is that if the council were to sell Fashanu the ground, the lease would lapse and the supporters trust would lose its right to a fan on the board. Lomax helped to introduce progressive policies on equal opportunities and anti-racism, and also believed the trust had a key role as a watchdog. "I have learned that some football club directors do not apply the same principles to running football clubs as they do to running their own businesses," he said. "The main duty is to ensure clubs are there for future generations, and so you have to cut your cloth according to resources." At Northampton, monthly forums are held at which supporters can question directors, officials and the team manager. Club officials are proud of such openness. For four years following administration the club turned a profit, paid off debts and also had playing success: two promotions and one relegation, and two play-off finals in 1997 and 1998, when 41,000 Northampton fans travelled to Wembley to watch the club lose 1-0 to Grimsby Town. Lomax is melancholy about the club's current predicament, back in debt and up for sale, in the hands of directors who also served in the run-up to the previous crisis. The Cobblers are bottom of the Second Division and were dumped out of the FA Cup live on BBC by the part-timers of Canvey Island. They lost £1.1m two years ago, £300,000 last year and are heading for a £500,000 loss this year. The club hover at the limit of their £350,000 overdraft and owe around £500,000 in directors' loans. The reason is a familiar refrain: excessive players' wages. "Wages have spiralled and you have to pay to get the players to compete," the chairman, Barry Stonhill, said. "Most Nationwide League clubs are in trouble and some will go to the wall. The directors here are ordinary local businessmen, and we've put in six figure loans to keep the club going. We need more investment." Stonhill accepted the club are paying wages beyond their means: £1.7m in total, with some senior players on over £100,000 per year. "We all play fantasy football to some extent and chase success. But many clubs manage worse than us. The players' wages gravy train has to end." Tony Clarke, who balances his Westminster duties with acting as the Cobblers' supporter-director – and filing match reports for a local radio station from his mobile phone outside the boardroom – insisted the trust still works: "We have recognised the need to refresh ourselves after 10 years, but we're still effective. The policies are still cautious, we're comparatively stable. But the economics of lower division football are impossible. "Most British business magnates who are interested in football are probably involved already, and it is no surprise that some foreign businessmen are interested in becoming involved in English football. Our job as a trust is to represent the fans and local community and provide transparency." This reality hardly provides an inspiring role for fans – as a safety valve for foreign-owned business ventures. Lomax, proselytising across the football nation, has learned lessons. "All voluntary organisations can become stale," he says. "I believe in the benefits of supporter democracy, but trusts need to have clear long-term aims. To use the modern jargon, they need constantly revised business plans. Or, as Mao Tse-tung said, they need a process of constant rejuvenation." Whatever happens to Fashanu's schemes, Lomax is surely alone among football administrators in looking to Chairman Mao for help in formulating his New Year resolutions. davidconn@freeuk.com

Drying Paint at 23:3:53 Friday December 28 2001
Watch me

Duston Fan at 22:57:1 Friday December 28 2001
This site is now overrun with idiots from other clubs......Why do you think other clubs do not have a "Guest Book".DR4 why dont you post on your own shitty site...I will tell you why,it only get about 20 visitors per day and most of them are from you anyway!!! I for one would rarther watch the egg chasers then buy a season ticket at Rushden&Diamonds. Uncle Max will soon shut he cheque book and you will linger in the lower leagues for ever.

voice of reason at 22:54:30 Friday December 28 2001
You lot still don't get it do you? take a look back at the comments pre xmas. Thier is no bid for the stadium from Fash, Mores the point the council today confirmed that they have not ruled anything in or out, this was a day after they also confirmed that dispite Fash saying otherwise no bid has been recieved from him! He changes his story from one day to the next, and as for his bid for the club a little bird tells me that its not worth tuppence, in fact the Independent today said it was as low as £200,000. Mark my words before long he will say its all off and blame the club and the council and all you suckers will fall for it. Then he will probably buy York City for a £1. All Fash wanted was a shot at cheap publicity so that other clubs would go running to him and we have been made fools of.

OH DEAR THERE IS NO HOPE FOR U better idea at 22:42:11 Friday December 28 2001
MONG

better idea at 22:41:7 Friday December 28 2001
lets merge with the diamonds, it won't be that bad once people get used to it.

a lawyer who now retired at 22:27:21 Friday December 28 2001
um lets sell the club to nationwide they seem to have a few pence and they did start in n'pton

Not a lawyer at 22:22:33 Friday December 28 2001
Now I need another lawyer to get me out of paying the bill by proving that I didnt enter into a legally binding contract by asking the question in the first place. No wonder they all drive around in ferking Porsches

A LAWYER at 22:14:56 Friday December 28 2001
oh dear i've undercut myself

Anon at 22:10:45 Friday December 28 2001
Yes I am... that'll be £2000 please

a lawyer at 22:4:33 Friday December 28 2001
r u qualified to give such advice, if so BLOODY CHARGE

Anon at 21:59:53 Friday December 28 2001
No - no company is allowed to go into administration more than once.

a lawyer at 21:54:36 Friday December 28 2001
i don't know but give me £1000 a hour and i'll find out

Not a lawyer at 21:52:6 Friday December 28 2001
Isn't it illegal to go into administration twice?

No sparkle at 21:42:15 Friday December 28 2001
I'd rather watch paint dry than watch egg chasing or village idiots. I might have followed the village team 'cos they're from Northamptonshire, but their fans that come on here are such tossers, I'd go to B&Q for a pot of liquid gloss - 16 hours entertainment for less than a fiver

les miserables/dodgyfrenchishposs at 21:33:9 Friday December 28 2001
no we'd go the aldershot way

Anon at 21:22:4 Friday December 28 2001
would it be the first time a league club has gone into administration twice, with the same set of directors, how do they get away with it,and a MP who is helping to run the country and our borough using our tax payers money,amazing but it does say it all about the people concerned. does crooked come to mind.

the george melly scotsman at 21:21:32 Friday December 28 2001
lads, come on all this doom 'n' gloom, how many times have we in the sH*t(and not just having a delicate paddle).DON'T WORRY we can still pull this off, we've done it before and we'll do it again.The season not finished until the fat bloke sings(no names mentioned).Look last season we went mad in the first half of it, winning nearly every game and then decided to be rubbish,this time we've gonna do it the other way round. COME ON,i'm taking bets now, as i use me crayons on the screen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CP at 21:2:29 Friday December 28 2001
Oh Bugger. BJM is usually right about most things and if the Board and Fash cant agree then we are sunk. The events of the next two or three weeks are likely to determine our future for the next 10 or so years. I really cant believe that the Council will mess things up for us, the real issue surely lies with the Board, but what (and who) do we believe? Fash with his brave new world?, Stonhill with his dour approach saying things arent actually happening and that the garden isnt full of roses anyway (see the quote on CC2, Stonhill: 'theres more truth in the Fanzine than there is in Fash'), or Hodder with his spin doctor style, rubber stamp at the ready and asking us for opinions when we dont know the facts? I have written this season off as well now, but I have been clinging to the vain hope that the future was bright, although if things dont turn out well with the takeover the future will be very dim, and not only because we wont be able to sign any players, we wont even be able to afford to pay the electricity bill.

Anon at 20:29:10 Friday December 28 2001
Child's View - agree with what you say. If WWW walk away we're sunk. Because a - the two other (alleged) interested parties will likely do the same (if they exist at all) b - we're in deep financial problems which will almost certainly proclude any new player arrivals and c - the only two names left - who have been mentioned in public - are Lord Hesketh and Dick Underwood. Neither would provide any long-term solution to the Cobblers woes. Both might keep us going. But before very long we'd be back where we are now. We desperately need someone with deep pockets. The Saints have Barwell and the Cricket Club - although barely supported and serial losers in their own right - seem to keep finding benefactors. As you say long-term the buyout is the only thing that really, really, matters right now. Even more important than tomorrow's game or the remainder of the fixtures this season (as were gonnas anyway). The worst scenario is a club playing in some minor league and the council left with a big white elephant in its backyard.

B.J.M at 19:29:14 Friday December 28 2001
ps How can you call it Christmas when it is 21C outside?

B.J.M at 19:27:49 Friday December 28 2001
Sorry Big Jim you have to let me enjoy Christmas you know! Reason I haven't written is simple - do you really want to be depressed? Omens aren't looking good I'm afraid. Fash's head is easily turned. The ball is in the directors court as far as I see it.

A Childs View at 19:14:38 Friday December 28 2001
I'm trying to keep the faith, but its hard - surely, I pray, logic and honesty will prevail in the end? If we take a worst case scenario view - the council must, on the base of simple logic, see the sense in selling Sixfields in order to cash in on the sale price and avoid the losses they subsidise every year - it really is that easy, just do it!! On a similar basis, all common sense and reason suggests that the board will want to just cut their losses and, I hope, make good on their stated promise of simply wanting what is best for the club? If not, why would they have got into football club ownership in the first place - they must be genuine fans?? I've officially written this season off now, it'll take a miracle for us to survive - we've some very tough games coming up, relegated by the end of Feb seems more likely than making a fight of it, this year's Oxford I fear! All efforts should be focused on the takeover - nothing else matters. I can't even bear to think about us getting relegated and WWW walking away - what would there be to look forward to next season - absolutely nothing. I'd be torn between loyalty and a strong sense of being taken for ride, coughing up my hard earned for nothing, wasting my social time and doing a 100 mile trip per game - and for what? The board need to realise this, if the sale collapses even the loyal support will be so disenchanted that season ticket sales will only just struggle past a 1000 - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - GIVE US SOME GOOD NEWS IN DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF NEXT YEAR!!

KC at 18:35:25 Friday December 28 2001
Id rather watch the egg chasers than have cobbs merge with direones.

My feelings at 18:33:25 Friday December 28 2001
Kind of Mr Stonhill to keep some of his Xmas turkeys for the fans on Boxing Day, unfortunately they must have been the last turkeys in the shop judging by the way they huffed and puffed around on the pitch trying to keep up with Chrissy Hargreaves and a couple of others. I assume the silence on the sale of the club is due to Fash the Bash and Chief Sonny still partying in London, whilst Stonhill and Co wrestle with the decision as to 'what is best for Northampton Town Football Club'. Well, if it comes to pass that the wise men decide to follow their own waning star, they had better have some good reasons for not selling. If we find that they held out foe a little extra personal gold, frankenscence or mhyrr (can't be sure of the spelling here), then they will no longer be welcome at our cow-shed called Sixfields. Their position will be untenable. Regarding the posting below absolving Adam from blame for the 2nd goal, I would disagree. Whilst Sammo's overhead sliced clearance would have taken anyone by surprise, he fatally hesitated in making a decision (in the end made the wrong one) and could have got to the ball before the attacker. You could physically see him wrestle with the decision.

A Diamond friend at 18:25:9 Friday December 28 2001
Not many other choices for you is there, remember what happened last time you refused MR Griggs?

Anon at 18:12:28 Friday December 28 2001
Bog off you tosser

A Diamond friend at 17:32:30 Friday December 28 2001
Perhaps it is time to consider merging the two clubs again?

KC at 17:1:15 Friday December 28 2001
I think its pretty obvious that Fashanu is not going to buy the club,and i think it is pretty obvious we will never be sold to a big money backer with the current board in charge.The Death of Northampton Town FC is near i fear.

Anon at 16:11:58 Friday December 28 2001
The Council is having a meeting with the club soon to discuss the stadium's future. But it won't be until the New Year and no date has been set. By which time Fashanu may well have lost patience and moved on. He's got a queue of clubs waiting in the wings.

JOHN DICKIEHEAD at 15:49:5 Friday December 28 2001
YOU CAN PUT YOURE MONEY IN THE DERNGATE MR FASHANU

JOHN FASHANU at 15:45:59 Friday December 28 2001
I'm still waiting

anon at 15:30:46 Friday December 28 2001
dr4e mummy is his sister

Anon at 15:21:36 Friday December 28 2001
Whats the ICF?

DR4E 's mummy at 14:53:59 Friday December 28 2001
well said Drilling cobbler, he never comes out of that room, even at x-mas!He's got no mates the only ones he goes on about, are mouse 'n' internet, but i've never met them. I'd wish he'd get a life!!!!!!!!!! oh and he's thirteen soon.bless

a little bird tells me at 14:35:6 Friday December 28 2001
That our beloved MP and board representative was once a member of the infamous I.C.F. in his younger days, come on Tony lets see the tatoo!!!!

The Drilling Cobbler at 14:27:8 Friday December 28 2001
Never before have I openly 'slagged off' another contributor to this site. But whoever DR4E is really does need to look at themselves in the mirror and ask the question 'what have I actually got in my life?' Judging by your postings, you must spend every hour of every day you are awake looking at this website - and you dont even support us! Why not try getting a job, going out socialising(but not with me!), taking up a hobbie or something? You obviously have no partner, no family and no friends. Did you share your christmas dinner with your computer? Assuming of course you can cook because theres little doubt you would have had anyone else with you at the time. Get a bloody life mate and stop annoying everyone else with your constant 'jibes' and opinions. Funny to start with perhaps, but you have now outlived your sence of humour and you must move on. Please!

Steelers wheel at 13:16:48 Friday December 28 2001
I'm stuck in the middle with you

Hugh Jarse at 13:15:43 Friday December 28 2001
I'm still stuck on the bog

Elton John at 12:57:4 Friday December 28 2001
I'm still standing

anon at 12:35:53 Friday December 28 2001
more injures for the oldham game, players are not hiding are they?

MR FASHANU at 12:21:53 Friday December 28 2001
I'm still waiting

RUBBER DUCK at 12:21:0 Friday December 28 2001
I'm still waiting

Anon at 12:7:40 Friday December 28 2001
Distraught - think Fashanu has given the Cobblers Board two weeks to take or leave his company's offer. If they either haven't responded or turn it down then it looks certain WWW will move on. They seem to be an organisation in a hurry and won't be bothered hanging around with ditherers.

DR4E at 11:7:54 Friday December 28 2001
So now I am a martyr to Ray, Nosey. Keep it up.

PATTCOBB at 10:51:46 Friday December 28 2001
Dumbfounded to read in the fanzine that Dick by name Dick by nature Underwood, is part of another consortium intertested in The Cobblers.

No sparkle at 10:18:40 Friday December 28 2001
Rushdens ambassador for sport is here again. Please take the hint, you are not liked, you are not funny and you are not welcome here. You are putting off people who might otherwise be pleased to see another club in the county progressing. You are a bad representative for your team, dr4e, now please go away.

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 10:14:9 Friday December 28 2001
No point in slagging him off when a little twat like you is on here?

DR4E at 10:8:32 Friday December 28 2001
Bit rich coming from you (brown) Nosey. Have you given up trying to get Ray's attention by slagging him off?

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 9:37:33 Friday December 28 2001
DR4 what is the point of coming on here sprouting crap all the time? Your not exactly Mystic Meg with your "predictions" are you? I think if your on here by 9.15 in the morning your paper round is to short!!

News Hound at 9:33:44 Friday December 28 2001
I believe the Chronic headlines a few weeks ago were something along the lines of the leader of the council was prepared to sell the ground. Next day he 'changed his mind' to the party line. They know when they're on to a good thing, need a new car, councillor ? If the Cobblers were to fold, the councils mysterious arsonist would turn up, and suddenly new shopping centre could be built, or 'houses'

Anon at 9:21:53 Friday December 28 2001
Amazing. Suddenly Sixfields has become an expensive white elephant. Use your common for goodness sake!

DR4E at 9:15:45 Friday December 28 2001
You know wrong then don't you.

Anon at 9:0:17 Friday December 28 2001
The majority view FTD, is from cobblers supporters.The rest of the public have had no say in the sale of sixfields,or indeed have the council given any clear indication that they would sell.

I know who DR4E is at 8:15:56 Friday December 28 2001
Look no further than a certain Poo fan born in Kingsthorpe.

FTD at 7:58:1 Friday December 28 2001
What an arrogant attitude by councillor Dickie in last nights Chron,'let me get on,free from the hysteria'.The majority view of his constituants is to sell Sixfields and I was under the impression that he was their to represent them!!!His criticism about the 'senior management'ie Mr Hodder'is called keeping the CUSTOMERS informed as we can be talked to as adults,something he could learn from.SELL SIXFIELDS PROMPTLY OR JUSTIFY THE COST OF AN EXPENSIVE WHITE ELEPHANT IF THE COBBLERS FOLD!!!!!

RUBBER DUCK at 2:10:31 Friday December 28 2001
I'am still waiting

RUBBER DUCK at 0:13:15 Friday December 28 2001
Sod it.We all know we are going down. Lets not pretend. So if the present board don't sell to Mr Fashanu & the cheif what scope have we got for our assult on division 3 next season ?

Rob at 0:11:16 Friday December 28 2001
I do think after this season we might want to re-name the stadium "have3points" though :))

Rob at 0:10:45 Friday December 28 2001
Lets all just hope that Garry Hodders meeting (On behalf of WWW) with the council is a sucsess. Once he finds out weather the council will sell Sixfields or not, we will alll know more as to what the future holds. Until then, I'm just keeping my hopes firmly downbeat.

distraught from the west at 23:52:27 Thursday December 27 2001
shock horror... whilst at work in peterborough today i was informed that fash had announced publicly he wasnt getting into an auction with two other parties over ntfc and was going to start looking elsewhere .please can someone shed any light on this and preferably tell me it isnt true.couldnt blame sollit for the loss yesterday why would you come for a ball if your defender could clear it, second goal the colchester player did well with his 1 0n 1 whereas forrester and hargreaves didnt the midfield was good apart from roy who looked out of his depth at times.

anon at 23:42:37 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E, Even the bookies made Canvey favourites.

DR4E at 23:38:5 Thursday December 27 2001
That guy below is right about one thing, many of my predictions do come true. Look on December 8th I predicted you would lose to Canvey Island. I also predicted the wobblers will go bankrupt. I don't anticipate waiting long.

J.J.J. at 22:48:13 Thursday December 27 2001
THE FASH TAKE OVER SEEMS TO HAVE GONE A BIT COLD, SUPPOSE ITS BECAUSE ITS CHRISTMAS OR ARE THE DIRECTORS BEING GREEDY LIKE NORMAL AND HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR TO MUCH.

Bloke with a twitch at 22:44:2 Thursday December 27 2001
The promise of new players after the Canvey embarrasment hasn't been fulfilled, what a surprise. Now is the time for the board to act decisively. If they are going to sell then get it over quickly. If they are not going to sell then find some cash for players quickly. I think some positive news before the Stoke game, or that protest might rear it's head again. Personally, I shall protest at the Oldham game by clapping and cheering loudly

Rodders at 22:37:53 Thursday December 27 2001
Ray: any chance of e-mailing me with confirmation that the tipping competition is still running? It now hasn't been updated since mid-November.

TRUE & FED UP OLD FAN. at 22:33:29 Thursday December 27 2001
LATEST NEWS FROM THE BOARD ROOM AFTER COLCHESTER GAME, WE WONDERERD WHY THE DIRECTORS HAD THERE HEADS DOWN, AFTER TELLING FASH LAST WEEK HIS OFFER IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH, FASH HAS NOT RETURNED WITH AM IMPROVED OFFER. SOUNDS NORMAL DIRECTORS BEEN GREEDY YET AGAIN.

harry c at 22:25:51 Thursday December 27 2001
Just thought I would see whats happening on comments....same old childish banter ( dr4e would soon get bored if noone replied to him....try it)

KC at 21:49:12 Thursday December 27 2001
DavCobbler is indeed a sound geezer who took me to Wrexham and we had a great time,not one racist comment and not one reason to call him a twat.

KC at 21:45:53 Thursday December 27 2001
DavCobbler is neither a twat nor a racist.

Anon at 21:42:42 Thursday December 27 2001
Scrooge he did not promise, if that is a promise then Marco Gabbiadini is under contract at Sixfields until he is 45.

Anon at 21:42:38 Thursday December 27 2001
Scrooge he did not promise, if that is a promise then Marco Gabbiadini is under contract at Sixfields until he is 45.

Anon at 21:41:10 Thursday December 27 2001
Not only is DavCobbler a tw@t he is a racist tw@t as well.

Anon at 21:40:25 Thursday December 27 2001
DavCobbler is a tw@t

Scrooge at 21:39:1 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E - you promised to stay away from this site until next season @ 12.20.17 - why can't you keep to it??

Anon at 21:15:50 Thursday December 27 2001
he is an idiot ad not a diamonds fan as he's been on our site being a twat too. Like i said probably a poshite

Anon at 21:0:26 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E is an idiot but you have got to smile at some of the comments he comes up with, which strange as it may seem, are sometimes never far from the truth.

KC at 20:48:33 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E - Idiot of 2001.

Massive club at 20:44:0 Thursday December 27 2001
A massive club with big ideas,like champagne tastes, and beer pockets.

Anon at 20:36:2 Thursday December 27 2001
Did all of Northampton have a vote on the sixfields sale, or was it just a few wobblers supporters, who think they speak for the town.

ted at 20:27:42 Thursday December 27 2001
were only going oxford to join there boys in givin u faggots a good hiding.

DR4E at 20:14:3 Thursday December 27 2001
What's it like to have no command of spelling the English language? People in glass houses KC....

KC at 19:34:45 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E wats it like to have not reached puberty yet?

DR4E at 19:16:36 Thursday December 27 2001
Having to resort to lies now are we? Funny how the sell the stadium vote increased from mid 60% to "over 80%" when they took the on screen results away.

HELPFUL at 18:26:31 Thursday December 27 2001
result of, sell the studium vote

KettCobb at 18:13:3 Thursday December 27 2001
Out of interest why are we mentioned on Ceefax?

BIG JIM at 16:36:6 Thursday December 27 2001
It is great to see Northampton Town FC being mentioned on Ceefax Pge 312. Hopefully they might take some notice of what `WE` the public want ! Any more news B.J.M. you said you would E mail and you haven`t..... Go on e mail or have you lost tyour bottle mate.....Haooy Xmas and it`s 21 Degrees C out here at the moment

Mr Angry From Duston at 15:58:28 Thursday December 27 2001
You really are a little twat DR4.....go away and get back to your mummys tit!!

Loyal Deserters at 15:36:59 Thursday December 27 2001
Let's all go to Oxford!

DR4E at 15:35:51 Thursday December 27 2001
Another one not going to Brighton then.

No sparkle at 15:14:12 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E, diamonds are a Northamptonshire team, thats why people might go to watch them at oxford, why don't you make the effort and support them? Personally, with wankers like you pretending to support them, I will avoid them at all costs. Were you at southend on boxing day? I don't think so. Spend more time on your own site, try watching your team, come up with something constructive or go away. Sorry you've never been away in your life.

DR4E at 14:58:7 Thursday December 27 2001
Why are so many of your loyal supporters buying tickets to watch the DIAMONDS at Oxford on new years day? And standing with the DIAMONDS fans. Don't try and deny it! Or is it because you now know that Atkins was your saviour, and look how you thanked him.

Mal at 14:43:22 Thursday December 27 2001
I see Clarence had his minder with him again yesterday. Who is that guy? Does he get paid for being Clarences minder? or is he just another hanger on, getting in free when the club could do with all the money it can get!

Anon at 14:10:12 Thursday December 27 2001
Mmmm..LH. But however you look at it this team ain't at the races. We keep making excuses for them but the league table doesn't lie. All this business of "we aren't getting the rub of the green", "ref was against us", "we were better than them but didn't get our just rewards" is all bull***t. If we were good enough it would show over half a season. Fact we are bottom is because we have been shown to be the worst team in the league. Facts say it all. Our only genuine excuse is a small squad. All other excuses are just that...

Anon at 14:4:55 Thursday December 27 2001
Never known things so bad - nobody's even bothering to slag 'em off any more! Wonder how many will bother on Saturday? 2,500 plus away support probably.

MASSIVE CLUB at 13:33:7 Thursday December 27 2001
NTFC are a MASSIVE CLUB, WITH 40000 STAYAWAY FANS, THEY ARE ANOTHER MANCHESTER CITY IN THE MAKING. LETS HAVE A 25000 SEATER STADIUM SO WE CAN LAUGH AT THE DIAMONDS AND PRETEND WE HAVE THE UPPER HAND.

No sparkle at 13:9:29 Thursday December 27 2001
See you next season dr4e, you are the worst ambassador for your club, keep it up, but for now, keep your promise and keep away from this board 'til next season. GOODBYE

DR4E at 12:21:25 Thursday December 27 2001
Next season YOU will all be complaining that you are not as potent as Carlisle.

DR4E at 12:20:17 Thursday December 27 2001
Let's see what you say next season. See you next season.

Scrooge at 11:59:46 Thursday December 27 2001
Diamonds future is about as bright as that of the Cobblers under their current Board of Directors. Without Max's millions (which are no longer available) they will be about as potent as Carlisle. We have already seen the signs this season. The plastic fans will melt away in favour of Changing Rooms or Charlie's Garden Army. Even now their 'supporters' (who don't travel to an away game on Boxing Day) have to visit this site for any football chat because on a Diamonds site you would be waiting 10 hours for a posting. I've said it once and I'll say it again - Diamonds fans - you can't polish a turd.

No sparkle at 11:41:7 Thursday December 27 2001
Max will shut his factories and import his boots from china. The village idiots will have to move to their local big towns to sign on (just mark the box with a cross if you can't write) - go to W'boro please, we don't want you in Northampton. The few remaining inhabitants can graze their goats on none park

DR4E at 10:38:0 Thursday December 27 2001
Fashanu will tell the papers again that he is going to buy the wobblers but not until April 1st.

DR4E at 10:26:10 Thursday December 27 2001
I am not on a wind up, in fact I think most of you are, you really think John Fashanu is going to pour millions into a club that is more dead than a Christmas turkey? Now that is a wind up.

LH at 10:21:11 Thursday December 27 2001
Anon. You must have been at a different game to me. We had a grip on the game in the first half, our midfield created more than I can remember in a long time. Sollit failed to come for their goals 1 & 2, would we have won with Welch in goal , I think so. Sammo had a mare but how often does that happen ? I bet you were pleased to see him on the team sheet before the game ! We scored the best goal of the game with the best move of the match. Colchester moved the ball well & looked dangerous on the break but never really hurt us , we gave them all 3 goals. Yes we gave the ball away , Yes we made three costly invidual errors but on the balance of play we e should of pulled a result.I agree that soon only Championship not promotion form will get us out of this.

DR4E at 10:16:5 Thursday December 27 2001
There is an alternative admit the truth and come and support Northants finest the DIAMONDS, a club with a future.

Anon at 10:4:38 Thursday December 27 2001
How can 11 men all fit into the back of the panto horse? Seems impossible, but a lot of men in claret shirts managed to achieve it yesterday. Talk about a lot of horse***t. If Broadhurst really thinks the midfield were so wonderful, why were we so easily over-run from the middle of the park (as always?). Broadhurst must be catching Frain's delusions ("we're getting better")! It's about time we all faced reality. The league table doesn't lie. We are awful, simply awful. Can't defend, have no midfield creeativity and going forward (or more often backwards)at a speed even snails would find tedious. This squad is too small in numbers, too small in stature, too lacking in quality. We can't be surprised that we are where we are - and having been also beaten twice by mediocre non-league sides further underlines the point that this lot are worth sod-all. If we don't get a buyer and quickly many long-suffering fans are going to wonder if it's worth all the time, heartache (not to mention cost) of following the club week in week out. The only hope lies in a takeover. The alternative isn't worth contemplating. Whatever concerns we might have about WWW, we have to face up to it - there is no real alternative.

Jingle bells at 9:18:25 Thursday December 27 2001
The futures bright, the futures sparkly

Anon at 9:16:11 Thursday December 27 2001
If you go bust you can always go to watch Spencer.

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 9:3:36 Thursday December 27 2001
I wish the manager would come out with his true feelings " The midfield was outstanding today" What game was he watching? I think its time to face facts....we are down for certain and the last posting is right we have to start building for next season.I hope to god we can find a buyer for the club because the thought of us going bust and having to watch Rushden interbreds scares me!!

MK18 Cobbler at 8:28:29 Thursday December 27 2001
Grim day - back to work and no points. Div 3 is staring us in the face and there is little hope of avoiding the drop. It will take promotion form and with the present players we can forget that. The best we can hope for is that WWW take over the club next month and we rebuild the team with Div 3 in mind.

Plain to see at 1:57:15 Thursday December 27 2001
This DR4E bloke is a wind up. My money is on some sad tw@t from Poohboro.

Anon at 1:55:1 Thursday December 27 2001
DR4E - Answer the challenge, you shit, why were you not at Southend?

No hope at 22:44:24 Wednesday December 26 2001
Let's face it we have got no hope of beating the Diamonds next season. Things can only get worse from here.

No sparkle at 22:28:29 Wednesday December 26 2001
4000 village idiots leaving Artlenock ? Max'll shut the place down while you're out and bugger off to West Ham. No one will care though, the villagers can go back to rendering horses, and the hovels can be given to the travelling fraternity. Should be good for house prices

Anon at 22:24:2 Wednesday December 26 2001
Better hurry up and increase capacity mr Fashanu, the DIAMONDS will bring at least 4000 next season.

DR4E at 22:22:51 Wednesday December 26 2001
Wow 4740 today!

Bloke with a twitch at 21:59:0 Wednesday December 26 2001
Sammo, Zimmer Frain, Hunter and Forrester all had 'mares, but McGregor, having his best game so far, was substituted. Puzzeled ? I was

Anon at 21:56:1 Wednesday December 26 2001
Some supporter DR4E is, given the time of his post he obviously couldn't scrounge enough pocket money from his mummy to go to Southend.

Oxy the Moron at 21:53:25 Wednesday December 26 2001
What a performance, panto season in full swing. I was going to give up and go watch a village team, but I see they lost by even more than us

Oxy the Moron at 21:53:21 Wednesday December 26 2001
What a performance, panto season in full swing. I was going to give up and go watch a village team, but I see they lost by even more than us

Anon at 20:18:52 Wednesday December 26 2001
Broadhurst thought our midfield today was "outstanding". Does he mean outstandingly bad? No wonder we're in such a mess, even Broadhurst seems to have entered fantasy land. Save the shouting - and there wont be much more of that this season - we're down. The team is also so weak, physically, that it will get rolled over in Div 3. So if you things things can't get worse.....The only strand of hope we have is that someone still might buy the club. But on that score as well you wonder.....

Anon at 20:5:32 Wednesday December 26 2001
We've even given up moaning. Things must be really bad.

the george melly scotsman at 19:41:17 Wednesday December 26 2001
aye been up north too see the old ones, but didn't miss any games, well when your down, your down, poor old sammo he does'nt have many bad games but today, what fun he had, two goals gifted. i think we need to win at least 15 of the next 22 to be safe, um me thinks we may struggle, but then again FOOTBALL IS A FUNNY OLD GAME, ask frain cos he's old, whats happen to Hunter(he's gone crap i hear u say). PLAY THE KIDS WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE, except last place in the final positions mong

Son of scrooge at 19:0:54 Wednesday December 26 2001
We lost 4-2, but as they say every cloud has a silver lining. 2-3.

Scrooge at 18:52:29 Wednesday December 26 2001
What another Xmas turkey. We had the game for the taking and mistakes both sides of half-time cost us dear. Frain and Hunter were awful and I'm afraid that Adam's reactions are about as fast as mine after a Christmas eve in the pub. We even lost the Question of Sport on BBC N'pton after being ahead at half-time!! The only bright spot today was the Tonka Army losing 4-2, they will soon be returning to where they rightfully belong.

John Fashanu at 18:36:5 Wednesday December 26 2001
Sorry about Todays result, I was hoping for a win myself, I hear you were very unlucky? That's how it tends to go when your down there. In answer to your question concerning weather we (W.W.W.) would install undersoil heating & increase ground capacity or not. That's something for the future, our main priority, short term, would be to steady the ship financially, Then try & bring in some new players to improve the current squad, club. I hope that I have answered your questions. All the best, John.

LH at 18:15:16 Wednesday December 26 2001
Well you can tell its the season of goodwill we gave Colchester 3 points today. We had the game & let it slip.

Anon at 14:4:36 Wednesday December 26 2001
Will you beat 3909 today?

DR4E at 14:4:1 Wednesday December 26 2001
25000 is twenty five thousand you moron. Surely you meant two thousand five hundred the way your attendances are dropping?

Anon at 13:29:24 Wednesday December 26 2001
Bugger the undersoil heating - what about under seat heating?

Silk Purse at 13:19:31 Wednesday December 26 2001
Thanks for your cheery message Mr Fashanu. Will you install undersoil heating before or after you increase the capacity to 25,000 ?

ANON at 13:16:6 Wednesday December 26 2001
Bluddy hell, are you going to todays game john?

John Fashanu at 12:42:37 Wednesday December 26 2001
Merry Christmas, to all fans of Northampton Town F.C. Hopefully early in the new year, Chief Sonny and myself will be taking charge of this great club. The welcome I received at the Bournemouth game was overwelming, I would love to be in charge as soon as possible, to bring a couple of new faces in, and salvage the season, but that all depends on Mr Stonhill and his fellow directors. GOOD LUCK Today against Colchester, hope to see you soon. John.

Anon at 12:33:17 Wednesday December 26 2001
i see the vote about selling sixfields is rigged as you can vote as many times as you like and they have now taken off the pi chart showing the results of the voting so far once again the fucking crooks at northampton town pull the wool over our eyes why are we constantly kept in the dark why wont anyone there ever tell the truth im getting serious pissed off with all this crap we constantly get fed and think we should organise a protest against the overpaid hangers on like crooks the whole lot of them

Anon at 11:39:30 Wednesday December 26 2001
MATCH OFF due to complete and utter boredom.

Advice Please at 11:13:9 Wednesday December 26 2001
Is the game okay, on, off, frostbound?

anon at 9:12:46 Wednesday December 26 2001
here here

RUBBER TUEKEY(just for xmas) at 9:2:20 Wednesday December 26 2001
Festive greetings to one & all at this time of year & here's to giving col u a xmas stuffing they will never forget.

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 7:6:38 Wednesday December 26 2001
I used to think DR4E was a wind-up merchant,but as each posting proves he is just a very sad, mentally sub-normal, individual who only has himself to play with!!PRAT!

truth teller at 23:40:33 Tuesday December 25 2001
dr4e is not a rushden fan, just a wind up merchant

DR4E at 23:18:28 Tuesday December 25 2001
nosey parker how did u know my dad's me brother and me sister is me other dad,oh it be the breeding season soon, and i've got me eye on me uncle, cos he b from the village too

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 20:13:24 Tuesday December 25 2001
I am delighted that persons have realised that DR4E has indeed got NO mates. Sad.

Nosey Paker "For Real" at 13:20:5 Tuesday December 25 2001
What a site that is.....DR4 with his mum who is really his sister and his dad who is his brother....Good old Rushden Xmas!!!Opening presents from the local salvation army!!

Re DR4E at 12:45:36 Tuesday December 25 2001
I can just envisage a whole gaggle of east Northants inbreds sat round the Computer (draped in Garlic to keep the evil spirits inside the box) laughing at the clever messages left by dr4e. Especially on Xmas Eve, you sad sad little man.

Ralph2 at 10:35:5 Tuesday December 25 2001
Whoops!I of course meant Hotel Ender Bill,or was it Steve.

Ralph2 at 10:19:28 Tuesday December 25 2001
That'll do for me Rob,I might catch you just before the game tomorrow all things being well.Have a good day mate.

Hotel Ender at 9:28:38 Tuesday December 25 2001
Ralph2 - was thinking more of Fellows, Morton Clayton - Fellows Bitter £1.38 a pint!!!! Merry Christmas mate.

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 23:31:34 Monday December 24 2001
DR4 will now be known in the future as "Billy Nomates of Rushden" If you dont get to bed soon santa will fly by and miss you? Then you will have to go to boots on boxing day and get your industrial strength acne cream from there instead.As for the family gathering they do love a bit of incest in Rushden dont they!!

DR4E at 23:3:33 Monday December 24 2001
wobblers aside of course.

DR4E at 23:3:1 Monday December 24 2001
2002 is going to be a great year, don't you think?!

DR4E at 22:59:22 Monday December 24 2001
All it means is that there is a whole family here laughing and joking together at these sad old wobblers fans.

Watcher of the Lies at 22:53:31 Monday December 24 2001
The fact that you are on here when most people are out with their friends or with their family says so much about you DR4E (I've just got in from visiting family before you come back with some cheap retort)

DR4E at 22:46:4 Monday December 24 2001
So youre about 19, second car is an XR2 (smashed up your pride and joy Capri?) Youve got a big Kenwood sticker in the back window and you listen to Eminem. No wonder they all look up to you.

DR4E at 22:43:59 Monday December 24 2001
XR2 affectionately known as the dagenham dustbin.

DR4E at 22:42:45 Monday December 24 2001
You mean you've got an XR2. Nice! You'll never catch me in my shiny new Impreza WRX though.

'THE REAL' N.T.F.C. FIRM at 22:19:6 Monday December 24 2001
I've got a ford fiesta G.T.I. SO DON'T MESS.

Anon at 22:8:38 Monday December 24 2001
Were gonna sleigh you though.

'THE REAL' N.T.F.C. FIRM at 22:6:3 Monday December 24 2001
Merry xmas DR4E.

DR4E at 21:59:24 Monday December 24 2001
Shall I start running when I see a rusty Capri?

DR4E at 21:57:6 Monday December 24 2001
No, We now know you are a FOOL. Are you coming in a sleigh then?

'THE REAL' N.T.F.C. FIRM at 21:53:41 Monday December 24 2001
We now now where you live, & you have HOURS to live.

DR4E at 21:51:47 Monday December 24 2001
You are getting there anon, seems you have been practising saying that before???

DR4E at 21:47:28 Monday December 24 2001
FIRM?????ARE YOU COMING ON A SKATEBOARD?

anon at 21:47:21 Monday December 24 2001
Have u got a stammmmmmmmer u stpid DIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONS FAN?

DR4E at 21:46:16 Monday December 24 2001
Shouldnt be too much of a problem you must be used to humiliation every week by now. ONE CANVEY ISLAND, THERES ONLY ONE CANVEY ISLAND!

DR4E at 21:44:56 Monday December 24 2001
Santa is not going to leave you fifty points tonight so PREPARE TO FACE HUMILIATION NEXT SEASON!

1 EYED CHARLIE at 21:44:14 Monday December 24 2001
We wont be useing bottles my friend, not the N.T.F.C. Firm.

DR4E at 21:42:46 Monday December 24 2001
DDDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

DR4E at 21:41:48 Monday December 24 2001
even your hooligans are the worst in the country! and getting fewer by the week!

anon at 21:39:1 Monday December 24 2001
Theres some major edditting going on here.

DR4E at 21:36:44 Monday December 24 2001
Like you did this season???, poor old wobblers you just cant take it can you? You can't even throw bottles straight.

1 EYED CHARLIE at 21:34:34 Monday December 24 2001
Yeah i fucking agree, it's time for REAL cobblers boys to stand up & be counted,IF we go down & have to play in the third with those wanky diamonds, lets beat them on & off the pitch.

Ralph2 at 20:45:8 Monday December 24 2001
Happy Christmas everyone.Hotel ender,shall we meet for a couple in the Navigation before the Notts County game?Happy Christmas mate.

Flipping heck at 20:4:51 Monday December 24 2001
Wobblers v Bournmouth 3909. Diamonds v Carlisle 4142, thats twice in a row the No1 team in Northants have recorded better support.

Spotted at 19:20:43 Monday December 24 2001
Ian Sampson outside Halfords at the Riverside shopping complex. didn't look too bad anyway lads. Merry Xmas

anon at 18:28:23 Monday December 24 2001
Ray is the clubs press office you clown

anon at 17:17:5 Monday December 24 2001
Did the club think we would not notice if they took away the pie chart with the results on, what sort of mugs do they think we are. Ray why not start a new poll. Do the Clubs press office take us for idiots? yes...no... or we dont know yet cause the chron havn't told us how to think?

voice of reason at 16:50:30 Monday December 24 2001
So now we know the truth. There was no bid from Fash for Sixfields, so how can the council have responded negativly or otherwise? Interesting to note however that COUNCIL WONT SELL SIXFIELDS was a front page story but STADIUM OWNERS STILL WAITING ON FASHANU was tucked away on page 9 on xmas eve. probably in the hope that we would not notice

notdr4e at 16:45:22 Monday December 24 2001
wow direones have beaten those football giants Carlisle at home!! bring on Torquay!!

DR4E at 16:5:20 Monday December 24 2001
Diamonds are unbeaten in their last nine league games at home after beating Carlisle and they certainly boast an impressive record at Nene Park this year.

DR4E at 15:8:48 Monday December 24 2001
Diamonds 3 Carlisle 1 PAUL HALL inspired another home win for Rushden & Diamonds to end 12 unforgettable months at Nene Park. The former Walsall winger set up Jamaican international team-mate Onandi Lowe’s equaliser and then fired home his first Football League goal for Diamonds just after half-time to put them ahead. Ten-man Carlisle United’s away-day blues continued with skipper Stuart Whitehead scoring an unfortunate own-goal near the end to provide an early Christmas gift for Diamonds in their last home game of 2001. A year ago Brian Talbot’s team were five points behind Yeovil Town who still had two matches in hand during the Nationwide Conference title race, only to finish behind Diamonds last May. Now his new-look side have reached the midway stage of their Division Three campaign in eighth spot – just one place outside the promotion play-offs with 33 points to provide a very encouraging half-term report. Diamonds are unbeaten in their last nine league games at home after beating Carlisle and they certainly boast an impressive record at Nene Park this year.

Anon at 15:5:44 Monday December 24 2001
Ray do you know anything about this?

Anon at 15:4:17 Monday December 24 2001
It was up to 73% yes this morning.

anon at 14:56:20 Monday December 24 2001
Enough is enougth, those recording below were dead right, First the Chron today confirm that Fash lied and no bid has been made for the stadium, (have we been made fools of or what!!) and now the club have removed the results chart from thier poll. Talk about a fix. Do they take us for idiots. The last time I visited the site the results were 69% yes and 31% no and the no's were increasing. so what do the club do? see they have been rumbled and change the poll half way through it is a disgrace the clubs PR section are taking us for fools first stirring up trouble against the council and now manipulating the news. enough is enough.

Official Site at 14:24:31 Monday December 24 2001
What has happened to the results of the poll on the official site, you can vote but you can't see the results?

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 13:35:26 Monday December 24 2001
Merry Christmas to you to!!!

Watcher of the Lies at 12:29:33 Monday December 24 2001
Shades of pot calling kettle etc. there Nosey

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 12:15:13 Monday December 24 2001
Not you DR4.....your a twat!!

DR4E at 9:35:53 Monday December 24 2001
thank you.

merry christmas at 7:40:5 Monday December 24 2001
merry christmas

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 23:10:54 Sunday December 23 2001
Chronic paper + Chronic staff = Shit paper...I say editor should resign whoevr you are...Even the pics in the chronic are blurred on most pages!!!

revenge at 22:21:59 Sunday December 23 2001
as the song goes, violence it's the only thing that will make you see sense. Chris W are you there?

Anon 2 at 21:29:50 Sunday December 23 2001
Chron Exclusive DAME EDNA EVERIDGE IS A MAN plus on pages 2,3,4,and 5 Council robs pensioners-Council eats babies-Council ate Fash's hamster etc etc

anon at 21:25:19 Sunday December 23 2001
insider, they will use anything do divert attention from themselves.

Anon at 21:19:35 Sunday December 23 2001
The Council, WWW, the club...and now the Chron! Well that's just about put the blame on everyone except Dame Edna Everidge then.

The Insider at 21:18:54 Sunday December 23 2001
The club also had a Boycott the Chron banner made,wonder if they will use it.

MQTA at 21:11:35 Sunday December 23 2001
Where have all the "LETS SIGN A PETITION CREW" gone? Has reality dawned? will people apologise to the council when the truth comes out? will there be a protest on boxing day? who will we protest about? will there be another (club made) banner? what will it say? who will carry it? will they be found out?

Anon at 19:57:31 Sunday December 23 2001
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........

Frankie Howard at 17:24:41 Sunday December 23 2001
ooer missis just read the official site on the stadium they say "OUR FREINDS AT THE CHRON" and "The council do not APPEAR to want to sell" I detect a stitch up. Rubber stamped deals or rubber necked cheek thats whatI would like to know.

anon at 17:14:31 Sunday December 23 2001
totally confused, its been the chron all along... who was it that telephoned the council for a qoute..the chron! who then phoned Fash and said the council wont sell... the chron! who rang Hodder and Stonhill trying to set one off against the other... the chron! and above all who knows that Fash had not been even been in touch with the council and that he lied about waiting for a response but still printed the it because it sounded like a good story (even better, one they could have a go at the council over)the chron! then just for good measure they rip off comments from this site launch polls and get us all e-mailing to fill pages at a slow news time. I rest my case m'lud

Totally confused at 16:27:17 Sunday December 23 2001
Just what the f**k is going on, now its not the Council its the Chron that are putting the kybosh on the deal, can one of you insiders give me a definitive answer as to the situation? It would appear from the article in the Sunday Express there should be a deal in the next few weeks. A response please.

anon at 16:17:57 Sunday December 23 2001
anybody fancy e-mailing the chron and telling them what we think of them, if so it will be interesting to see if they print them like they have all the anti council letters.

voice of reason at 16:15:56 Sunday December 23 2001
Halaelueya you got it BJM, no problem with the council, no deal agreed by the club, just a bunch of spotty faced journos who know nothing about football but could screw up the whole deal by playing one party off against the other. Boy are the council mad now, but who could blame them

voice of reason at 16:10:10 Sunday December 23 2001
No BJM, but I would expect him to put in a bid before commenting publically that he is waiting to hear a response to it.

B.J.M at 16:8:14 Sunday December 23 2001
This whole issue about the ground has flared up from that article in the Chron.

B.J.M at 16:6:33 Sunday December 23 2001
voice of reason at 14:39:15 - "By the way BLM the basis of any bid is that the buyer names his price first for the seller to do so would leave no room for negotiation" really? When you sell a house or car you either name your price and bargain from there or more unusually you say "offers invited". Would it really be so terrible if the council named their price high, say 4 million and expected to get knocked down to 3.5million? Also - anon at 14:42:0 - read what I said below, Fash has made it clear to his associates from the start that it would be club first, then the ground. Nothing inconsistent with that is happening now, he just wants to find out what the price would be for the ground and under what conditions. What do you expect him to do, buy the ground first then try and buy the club?

a wellwisher at 15:53:54 Sunday December 23 2001
I thought cobblers fans might be interested in this piece from the Financial Times Website (sports pages) it would seem that Mr fashanu has been economical with the truth on numerous occasions... The plot thickens. Fash and Cobblers It could yet prove quite a week, too, in the history of Northampton Town. There were the Cobblers, down on their uppers after being ejected from the FA Cup by non-league Canvey Island in full view of a nationwide television audience when - as if from nowhere - there was a blinding flash. And it was Fash.... John Fashanu, ex-of the Wimbledon crazy gang, has like Vinnie Jones moved on to far greater things. While Vinnie's street cred wows the likes of Dustin Hoffman in Hollywood, Fash has clearly impressed people in Lagos as a man of contacts and influence. He and his associates may be at Northampton's home game against Bournemouth on Saturday just to run the final rule over their objective. The talk around the town in the last few days has been that a Fash takeover of the struggling second division club is a "done deal", though latest reports suggest this is still far from certain. The ex-Dons' striker may actually be more of a figurehead, than the main mover of the deal. The money behind him appears to be that of Chief Sonny Odogwu, a Nigerian businessman. Northampton should be a good buy for some football devotee. It has a large catchment area - in each of two Wembley play-off finals in the late 90s it took over 40,000 fans - and by lower division standards has a manageable debt. In financial terms its main problem is cash flow. No one will ever make money on the club, concedes freelance broadcaster Steve Riches on the fans website, NTFCunofficial.com. "The miracle we need is the rich person who loves the club and doesn't mind losing his/her money on us." Northampton is, of course, some few miles from Nigeria, where presumably the Cobblers' fan club is not overly active. Fash has also been upfront from the outset and said he is involved in a straightforward "business proposition". Thus, let's hope there's no contradiction between the Riches and rich African standpoint. But so far Fash's arrival on the scene has wowed the town. His "high profile", says chief executive Gary Hodder, will be of great use in achieving the club's goal of getting off the bottom of division two and into division one. Talks appear to have been going on for some time with what Hodder referred to as Fash's company, Winners World Wide. The club, meanwhile, talks of his being the "Ambassador of Sport for Nigeria." Dons' fans may recall when Fash enjoyed the title of honorary club president, or some such, while he was at Wimbledon. The press reported this quite seriously, though enquiries at the training ground usually evoked laughs from the other players. They'd rigged up a grand-looking chair for him in the corner and affectionately referred to him as "Chief". He always appeared to have intriguing business irons in the fire. Some eight years ago he told me of an interest he had in gold bullion, for example, in Cameroon; he visited there about once a month, he said, and in fact might be off there later that week. When I mentioned it to Joe Kinnear - Dons manager at the time - and that wouldn't this mean Fash not playing on the Saturday, Kinnear replied in blunt terms that it was the first he'd heard of it. Fash was on the team sheet as normal. Working for a TV company, I asked Fash if we could film him at his office, somewhere in the upper reaches of north London, where he apparently handled large properties used by visiting west African dignitaries. Fash said no problem, though I could never quite finalise the arrangements. Eventually someone called to say I wouldn't find it interesting and that, anyway, Fash was repositioning himself, mainly through his work as a presenter of ITV gameshow Gladiators. Alas, his showbusiness side was diverted when in 1995 he, Bruce Grobbelaar and Hans Segers were charged with match-fixing. They were cleared in 1997. As Fash indicated, he was married into a very rich west African family and wouldn't have needed the money from any sordid deals with Malaysian gambling syndicates. After this month's World Cup draw he was among the first to point out how England and everyone else would have to watch out for Nigeria next summer. If Fash can actually deliver them, Northampton would surely be very keen to see a few young Nigerian players feeling their way into the big time by way of a season or two at Sixfields stadium. How will the business end work out? Northampton pioneered the supporters trust idea. Their fans have an 8 per cent shareholding and a place on the board. Their representative is the Northampton South MP, Tony Clarke. "Our strength is we've opened up football," says Clarke. "Our decision making is transparent and there's no mystery in what goes on in the boardroom." As for talk of a deal via the mediation of Fash, he adds: "I'm happy with a business proposition as long as I can see what benefits there are to grow Northampton Town FC." Fash, meanwhile, is just one of those high profile characters who compels you to watch.

CALL ME ZANE at 15:32:29 Sunday December 23 2001
If so why you on here

6FIELDS STRANGLERS at 15:24:36 Sunday December 23 2001
Most people on this site are complete dick heads, who a'int got a clue.

Phil Baron at 15:7:58 Sunday December 23 2001
The Chronic is a crap paper everyone know it prints old news over and over again. Lastmonth the headline on one of the internal pages was "Beatties employs 3 new managers".....what ground breaking news that was? Also Fridays had a picture of roadworks near Radio Northampton.........We did not know that was there really did we with all the delays its caused!! Do not believe bugger all in the chron its a miinformative pile of shit?

DEK at 15:4:38 Sunday December 23 2001
oops, sorry that should be... who sets out just not to lose (great English that there)

DEK at 15:2:25 Sunday December 23 2001
Lets invest in a quality manager who can develop and get something from the players, whilst perhaps exciting and entertaining the fans. Lets please, please, please have someone who wants to win matches not someone who sets of just to not lose. There is a big difference.

DEK at 14:59:53 Sunday December 23 2001
So Broads is doing OK? Its the all the squads fault. He said, we all said, that the squad was good enough to stay up, now its not!!! The same squad that had supposedly improved so much under Wilson. Now not good enough. Are Forrester, Gabbers, Sampson, Welch, Hunter, Hargreaves, Hunt, Asamoha, Burgess all not good, all totally at fault.

the northstand is getting very lonely and cold agian at 14:55:32 Sunday December 23 2001
whats happened to everyone, most of the people near me have now done a runner, i know its getting cold but it's starting to look like a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the northstand is getting very cold and lonely at 14:50:12 Sunday December 23 2001
never believe the local rags,they'll do anything for a story, even if they have to generate it themselves, ie 'beggers earning £100 a day' er i don't think so, or every scumbag would be doing it

anon at 14:42:0 Sunday December 23 2001
Fash is now saying he is waiting three weeks for the CLUB to come back NOT the council, has he forgotton what he said on Tuesday or is he making it up as he goes along? Martin, change the wording on your petition the pressure is now on the club!!

voice of reason at 14:39:15 Sunday December 23 2001
It looks as if the Chron has taken us all for a ride, Fash definately said "we are waiting for the council to come back to us on our offer" and he definately has not made one. My sources tell me that the council do not have a problem with talking to fash but they are pretty pissed off with the chron for their constant "council will not Sell" line and trying to blame them for the break up of a bid that has not been made. Fash said this morning on sky that he is still interested so he has not taken too much notice of the Chron exclusives.Personally I believe that the only threat to the future of the deal is if the Chron and supporters piss off the council so much that they walk away. By the way BLM the basis of any bid is that the buyer names his price first for the seller to do so would leave no room for negotiation. I also find it difficult to understand why Fash is so against a long lease ie 150 years he could still have control and would get it for half the price I believe £2m not the £6m that the council spent building it this would leave more money to expand the stadium or build the team.

Sky at 13:56:39 Sunday December 23 2001
Fash just said on sky he'll give a few weeks deadline to wait and see what the cobblers come back with. he said it concerns him being at the bottom of div2, but hopes cobblers can avoid relegation and they can then plan to get in div1

NTFC@2view at 13:56:14 Sunday December 23 2001
So - the deadline is about 3 weeks then!

B.J.M at 13:48:34 Sunday December 23 2001
I saw the first section but not the end, so it looks like he didn't say anything.

Sky at 13:43:42 Sunday December 23 2001
I saw him on goals on sunday too, but only at the back end. anyone see the start?

Paul at 13:7:46 Sunday December 23 2001
Did Fash say anything about the Cobblers on SKY this morning? I saw him on Goals on Sunday and didn't manage to record the right channel!

Ray at 12:1:26 Sunday December 23 2001
There is a new link above to Ebay. Please find the time to click and register. You don't need to buy or sell anything but every registration helps support these pages.

NTFC@2view at 11:15:35 Sunday December 23 2001
Very true. Why does everyone look at the worst case scenario - 'If we get to the Conference WWW build a hotel on the ground. No club.' To be honest, in 45 years of watching there have been very few high points. If this takeover is ruined by the club or the council I think I'll call it a day anyway. We can get to the Conference unaided and have no real chance of making it back. Don't forget, we are not a well supported club. Under 4000 and counting. How many on a February Saturday to watch Stalybridge Celtic? Take the gamble - it can't be worse than 'playing safe'.

B.J.M at 10:54:38 Sunday December 23 2001
Yes & remember WWW is a young company, not been going that long yet already has a host of famous clients. It has the backing to go places. Surely we want to be part of that, as you say at the centre of it even.

NTFC@2view at 10:52:14 Sunday December 23 2001
Have you read the article in the Sunday Express financial paper? It sets out the aims of WWW to create a media empire, with football at its centre, and Northampton Town FC at the centre of that.

B.J.M at 10:49:39 Sunday December 23 2001
Eh? Nosey parker. I wasn't agreeing with you that Fash is whipping up a media frenzy just for the sake of getting his name in the papers. I was trying to explain logical reasons for him approaching a deal for the stadium in the way that he has done.

B.J.M at 10:46:31 Sunday December 23 2001
PS Remember Fash is one Sky Sports this morning, "Goals on Sunday".

Re Nosey Parker for real at 10:46:25 Sunday December 23 2001
I rest my case, BJM thankyou for your honesty.

B.J.M at 10:42:39 Sunday December 23 2001
Why should I reveal my sources? If I do that = no more information. No I am not on the board. I am not deliberately telling mistruths like some people, you can see that from my past predictions, let's just leave it at that. Now then, here is the explanation why no offer has yet been made for Sixfields. As Fashanu sees it he wants to take over the cobblers ASAP, every week that goes by more damage is being done if nothing happens. So provided that his offer for the club is accepted he is prepared to go ahead, based on a calculated gamble that he will secure a deal for the ground by the end of the season or so. He knows it will take months to buy the ground. He is trying to see what the council's position is and to me it looks like Hodder is helping him now, trying to force a formal statement or at least commit to some sort of rough figure if the idea appeals to the council. There is a bit of a stand-off at the moment. The Council say "make us an offer and we'll consider it", Fash is basically saying "What sort of figure are you looking for and under what conditions?" You can understand Fash's position. Why should he come to the table and offer a figure when the council are likely to want to impose all sorts of conditions, which in all likelihood will make him want to revise his offer? The council are the idealists here, it would be easier if they put their cards on the table first then let him decide what he is willing to pay based on that.

Anon at 10:29:2 Sunday December 23 2001
Yes Nosey Parker, but why should Fashanu want to come here (of all places) just to create a media "frenzy" as you put it? He doesn't need the publicity (he was headlines in a national daily yesterday for entirely different reasons other than football). You're way off the mark. But as to why all this "yes I have, no I haven't" nonsense is going on I just don't know and let's be honest I don't think any of us outside the boardroom do. And even in there.....?

RUBBER TURKEY at 10:28:22 Sunday December 23 2001
Dont sell the ground, don't let fash buy the club,get relegated to div3 still can't sign players because of a transfer embargo in the conferance the following season. Club folds HAVE A NICE XMAS

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 9:47:57 Sunday December 23 2001
Sell Sixfields for 4 million.......team goes into conference...Fash says sod this..folds the club.......Big luxuryhotel built with leisure facilities......result NO CLUB. I spke to a "real" insider ysterday intown....Fash has made NO FIRM OFFER. He is using the media big time to whip up a "sellsixfields" frenzy which will leave the directors in a no win situation...Happy Xmas one and all

Anon at 8:16:40 Sunday December 23 2001
this web site used to be so good,now its full of saddos on the wind up, being apsolutelly,SAD BAAAAAHHH

All the "insiders" at 8:1:40 Sunday December 23 2001
Are any of you priveleged persons on here with inside knowledge prepared to put your monies where your mouths are and reveal your sources? BJM appears to have good information (board member?)Anon is just muck raking(probably a pishie)and the rest would appear to be grabbing ideas from thin air and trying to make them fact. I would hazard a guess at none of us know what is going on, we're hearing stories and whispers and trying to cobble the truth together from them. Some people are enjoying playing the all knowing Oracle, it gives them a sense of(imagined) power and privelege over us lesser beings. And fans of our Rivals are stirring the S**te and loving every minute of it as we indulge in our internicine warfare. How about giving it a rest until after Xmas.

Anon at 1:11:19 Sunday December 23 2001
so mr ducky rubber you actually think several thinly spread voting poles may possibly influence the councils decisions as to weather they totally stuff up any chance the cobblers have of a future, not suprised your here realy,

RUBBER DUCK at 1:0:30 Sunday December 23 2001
ANON whats you're real name

RUBBER DUCK at 0:58:21 Sunday December 23 2001
NO the more voices for the sale of 6fields the better so the more polls, letters to the club/chron/counccil/Hodder has, Has got to help the cause, don't you think?

Anon at 0:50:39 Sunday December 23 2001
why is 3 already not enough ?

RUBBER DUCK at 0:45:55 Sunday December 23 2001
CAN WE NOT HAVE A POLL ON THIS SITE ON THE SALE OF SIXFIELDS

CALL ME ZANE at 0:37:49 Sunday December 23 2001
ANON at 1940, could Tony Clarke have been booking up for Brighton.H.A. on new years day

CALL ME ZANE at 0:32:34 Sunday December 23 2001
O if the counci did/does run the derngate trust, perhaps thats what they want to do the same with the cobblers/trust

RUBBER DUCK at 0:27:32 Sunday December 23 2001
On northantsnews.com there poll says 89% say sell the ground. Thats more like it, tosspots from shitboro & those rural towns in east nothants can't be getting on it

Anon at 0:24:32 Sunday December 23 2001
Did used to fund Derngate, then used to partly fund the trust that runs it, now the funding is either very small or zero.

CALL ME ZANE at 0:17:19 Sunday December 23 2001
Did/does the council still fund the Derngate?

RUBBER DUCK at 0:5:34 Sunday December 23 2001
Just been on the club site & ntfcunoffcal.com & the vote to sell sixfields is falling. Is everybody losing the plot or what. 30% on the club site say the council should own the ground, are they true fans or what? The council has got to sell, it can put money made from a sale towards other avenues (recycling,street cleanig,graffiti removal & grass cutting etc) & instead of burdening (us) the taxpayer. The club can move forward with some cash behind it, improve the squad & ground & maxiumize its profits to move further forward. Bringing a better profile to the town, more jobs, etc instead of missing the buck as always. Lets try a bit of private enterprize for once, its got to better than what else is on offer, who knows it could help us get city status!

moany from the west at 0:4:3 Sunday December 23 2001
anon i accept there is no bid but i cant think or the life of me why fash would lie it would be pointless and indeed very embarrassing when exposed.did he ever say he had put in a bid or did he ask could he buy the stadium and meant he was waiting on the decision.anybody else four million is a bargain isnt it that cant be right a house nearby would be 200k to put things in perspective.actually i know nothing im just desperte for news preferably good, failing that ACCURATE

voice of reason at 23:59:54 Saturday December 22 2001
anon youhave hit the nail on the head. If the chron are such super scoops (and we know they read this site, why don't they ask the council on Monday if Fash has made the bid he is waiting to hear back on on? the answer is that when they have to print the truth and admit they printed Fash's lies without checking them out then they will be shown up for what they are low rate hacks who dont give a shit about NTFC but simply want to print a cheap story.

anon at 23:43:58 Saturday December 22 2001
Gomez, how many more times do you have to be told there is no bid!!!

Gomez at 23:38:16 Saturday December 22 2001
What is the point of having a 'stadium vote' on the official site? It is obvious that all Cobblers fans will vote in favour of selling Sixfields to The Chief and Fash. All you are going to get is a bunch of jealous egg chasers, diamonds and piss fans trying to fix the vote. Northampton Borough Council know the score - and the bid for the stadium is considerably more than £4 million - trust me.

Anon at 21:36:38 Saturday December 22 2001
Ray/gareth why can't I vote on the official site? Is there a problem with the official site?

voice of reason at 21:24:38 Saturday December 22 2001
anon at 20:41:6 How about the following whip up a frenzy to silence the protest, realise that the deal is far from done notice the chron is having a field day with the council and then whip up a storm against the council to divert attention from the deal which was supposed to be rubber stamped. much easier to blame the council than accept responsibility yourself. I wonder what would happen if the council said O.K we will sell and then Fash stays silent after all he has been so silent so far that he forgot to tell the council he had put a bid in !! either that or he lied I will leave it for you to decide.

DR4E at 20:43:26 Saturday December 22 2001
DIAMONDS!

Anon at 20:41:6 Saturday December 22 2001
So Voice of Reason, what is the truth then?

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 20:4:21 Saturday December 22 2001
Perhaps it was Gareth Wiltshire.....or Rays mate as he is known on here? Whoever it was they will look slly when no one buys it. Its like buying the titanic after its hit the iceberg...lost cause really isnt it?

anon at 19:40:20 Saturday December 22 2001
overheard last night at Brentford from Tony Clarke talking to Sixfields Travel Club members outside Brentfords ground. " The council have no real problem selling the freehold with conditions but its up to Fashanu to make the first move"

voice of reason at 18:59:51 Saturday December 22 2001
I see Martin and the Angel of North are still walking around the Town with their blinkers on. So let me lay down a direct challenge to either of them. can they explain why as recorded below and in the Chron on Wed did Fash say he believed his offer for the club had been accepted when it has not? and how can he be waiting for the council to come back to him on his offer when he has not made one? Also my contacts told me today that there was a "SELL SIXFIELDS NOW" banner at last nights game. Will the club employee who made and arranged for the banner to be displayed come forward and admit his involvement now or will I have to expose him online. Its alright to indulge in a little council bashing even if it is all bollocks but I think a lot of people will have egg on their face when the truth comes out!!

harry c at 17:43:22 Saturday December 22 2001
Good news is that Wrexham nd Cambridge both lost today.I was at Brentford and it was the same old story...Hodge should never even grace the subs bench again..give the youth players a go. We simply had too many passengers and even those who gave their all knew that we would never score in a month of Sundays.

Anon at 17:26:5 Saturday December 22 2001
BallotBox.net, who are hosting the vote, claim that they can prevent users from voting twice. Mr H, can you start the vote again with this option invoked?

Anon at 16:10:13 Saturday December 22 2001
The way things are going Broadhurst will be lucky to have enough players to name a team plus subs. He cannot be blamed for what's happening. We are a club with no money and a council who seem more concerned with maintaining their dogmas rather than facing the reality of life and helping the club and themselves and the ratepayers of Northampton. You only have to see what a pigs ear they've made of such things as recycling. There is also the infamous non-event of the rapid public transport system which the town deserves but never got (but which the likes of Cambridge is going ahead with). It goes all the way back to the railway saga. The way things are going they will end up with a stadium but no team...but of course they will still have their dream "community facility" won't they? It would be funny if it were't so serious.

Anon at 16:7:27 Saturday December 22 2001
Nice to see that some sad loser with too much time on his hands is fixing the vote on the official website.

B.J.M at 14:34:27 Saturday December 22 2001
I think 4 million is too expensive actually.

B.J.M at 14:33:50 Saturday December 22 2001
I agree LH, can't really criticise Broads as he inherited a very poor squad that lacks basic ability and not just organisation.

ANON at 14:29:1 Saturday December 22 2001
That sounds a bit cheap to me.

6FIELDS STRANGLER at 14:27:2 Saturday December 22 2001
The figure i've heard the countcil will sell the ground for is 4 million.

Anon at 14:10:50 Saturday December 22 2001
I think the demo should be reinvoked, not against the players, not against Fashanu who probably won't be there, but against the Board who publicly stated that new faces would be coming in two weeks ago. TCMP was one of those who trumpeted this. Now we hear rumours - and again we have to rely on rumours - that no players can be brought in. I feel for Broadhurst in all this. What the feck is going on?

Nero at 13:47:12 Saturday December 22 2001
I have lent my fiddle to Barry Stonhill.

Anon at 13:39:5 Saturday December 22 2001
Well said LH.

Sell, Sell, Sell at 13:36:38 Saturday December 22 2001
They're having a vote on the official website now, as they did on the chron & echo shite so Hodder can use it against the council. vote now! I say say sell, sell, sell

LH at 12:18:56 Saturday December 22 2001
BJM. I'm back after having my back slapped . How can some of the posters below critcise Broadhurst ? We have not given the bloke a fair chance he has had the sort of restrictions placed on him that would make lesser men resign. Judge him when he has the chance to do a the full managers job ie: spot & develop players , trade & improve the sqaud. After all you dont test drive a car without putting fuel in do you !

Ray at 11:11:13 Saturday December 22 2001
As I very seldom post on here now, you will gather that most of those saying they are me - aren't.

VISITORS TO COBBLERS COMMENTS at 10:53:53 Saturday December 22 2001
Should Ray back the fans instead of the board? Vote now!

Ray at 10:48:32 Saturday December 22 2001
Sign a pro-board petition at http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ntfc/cobbcom2.htm (© Gareth Willsher and Ray Clements) Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the difference.

Ray at 10:33:32 Saturday December 22 2001
Sign an online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html we need as many as we can get as quickly as possible. Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the differnece. Stand up and be counted this could be your only chance

Martin at 10:20:49 Saturday December 22 2001
I thought you would get piss off at some point sorry! :)

Ray at 10:18:10 Saturday December 22 2001
Please stop spamming this site with the posting about the bloody online petition.

Martin at 10:14:48 Saturday December 22 2001
He was a good stop gap while we looked for another manager, but that just did not happen. We clearly can not afford to get in a decent manager although we can try to afford to bring in a new player. We can not afford to get rid of another manager since we are still paying the wages of another two and don't want to make it three. It is not for lack of talent wanting to come here since we had over 50 applicants. It is just another case of series miss judgement in the running of the club. The only good thing that has happened to our club was when they employed Gary Hodder! Now they realise he has done what they brought him in to do they can not believe it. I see us going down not getting brought out and getting another crack pot manager.

Martin at 10:3:43 Saturday December 22 2001
Sign an online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html we need as many as we can get as quickly as possible. Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the differnece. Stand up and be counted this could be your only chance

DEK at 10:1:58 Saturday December 22 2001
MK Cobbler, who do you think is Manager, Wilson or Broadhurst? What Broadhurst COULD do is motivate the players, develop a system that gets the best (or something better) out of the players and stop praising every bloody defeat. (he even does it for the reserves)Lets face it Broadhurst is also as bad as Wilson in terms of results. ANYBODY THINK ANY DIFFERENT??????

MK Cobbler at 8:34:11 Saturday December 22 2001
All too predictable that once we let in a goal others would follow. I state the obvious - we are in dire straits on and off the pitch. Realistically, unless new players with ability and commitment can be brought in there is little hope of avoiding the drop. On which subject - statements were made about there definitely being new faces this week. What happened? And what has happened to the tv money that was to repay the PFA loan and so apparently enable Broadhurst to bring some new blood in? Desperate times for all Cobblers fans and I feel for Kevan Broadhurst. I think that with some financial resources he will do well but with nothing and the board's promises to him via the Chief Executive not being met what can the bloke do?

Half-time summary at 8:8:23 Saturday December 22 2001
So we've reached the halfway point of the season. Even the most mathematically challenged should be able to work out that based on the performance over the first 23 games, we will end up with 34 points! If you accept that 50 points is the target to avoid relegation (and even that's not guaranteed - ask York) then we need 33 more points. That's 10 wins and 3 draws, or 9 wins and 6 draws etc. etc. So we need to win twice as many games as we already have and lose less than half of the remaining matches. Happy Christmas.

FTD at 5:20:1 Saturday December 22 2001
Mr Stonhill you are overseeing the current situation, what future do you plan to give the Cobblers if you stay????

Anon at 2:21:28 Saturday December 22 2001
and Í'm pissed too.

Anon at 2:20:49 Saturday December 22 2001
I've a better suggestion for Chris W: urinate on the pitch AND if there's a councillor in the ground, shit on the centre spot. perhaps do some begging on his way off and the council will turn their usual blind eye. but don't dare park your car on a meter an overtsay more than a minute, now that will attract their attention.

ANON at 1:34:4 Saturday December 22 2001
Does this site work or what

RUBBER DUCK at 1:27:11 Saturday December 22 2001
Thats it Giles Lawrence. THE TEDDY BEAR GETS IT

Anon at 0:5:45 Saturday December 22 2001
make that 3000

Ray at 0:2:53 Saturday December 22 2001
LOL, what about next week "Hooligan urinates on pitch in front of crowd of 4000".

Chris W at 0:1:10 Saturday December 22 2001
Where's my commission for getting this website in the paper???? LOL

Ray at 0:0:36 Saturday December 22 2001
How about urinating on the pitch? The players are always taking the piss.

Chris W at 23:59:39 Friday December 21 2001
By the way, I am drunk. But nevermind - its Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris W at 23:58:7 Friday December 21 2001
...and if you don't wanna get involved in anything violent, then just urinate on the town hall steps.

Ray at 23:58:4 Friday December 21 2001
Before or after going on the pitch?

Chris W at 23:56:8 Friday December 21 2001
If the council won't sell the ground, we should smash the f*ck out of the town hall.

Ray at 23:53:13 Friday December 21 2001
Can't be arsed.

Why is the tipping table now a whole calendar month out of date? at 23:47:36 Friday December 21 2001
Just asking Ray, not having a go. Has it been abandoned?

Anon at 23:42:0 Friday December 21 2001
what does ray know he is just gareth willshers lapdog. he also has a severe case of sour grapes, he can't take the fact that all the hard work and infrastructure put in at the diamonds has paid off. now it looks like the cobblers are going to be left with nothing.

Anon at 23:21:51 Friday December 21 2001
Ray Not long ago you were all saying non league we will always be,you will never be in our league, No1 in Northants,village idiots etc etc, and now your predicting our demise. Do you getsome sort of comfort by saying these silly things.Or is it that you secretly know that Diamonds are No1 in the county already, and you find it hard to come to terms with.

Luton Cobbler at 23:12:53 Friday December 21 2001
Another miserable evenings "entertainment" in West London. Given the side that we had out, it was probably nothing less than expected, but for the first 70 mins we looked quite comfortable. Granted we never looked like scoring either. The first in my opinion was a penalty but Owusu needed no invitation to fall and the ref had blown before he'd even hit the deck. From then on in we capitulated. Dempsey couldn't be blamed for the og and the third was the sort of pace and power we are so badly lacking. Well done to the 400 or so Cobblers who turned out tonight. We deserve better.

DR4E at 23:11:20 Friday December 21 2001
On the contrary. As soon as the going got tough I have witnessed how 2000 disappeared off the wobblers support as they evaporated along with the backing, while the Diamonds attendances have gone from strength to strength. But I take your word for it, no 'loyal' wobblers fans have actually seen the light and switched sides have they.

Ray Hope at 23:0:7 Friday December 21 2001
I'm going bed now Ray and cry myself to sleep

Gutted at 22:43:33 Friday December 21 2001
DR4E your team obviously have a future, I think I shall start supporting them. Please tell me when they're on the telly,as I'm told theres only room for one horse in your village

Gutted at 22:40:37 Friday December 21 2001
Arggggggggghhhhhhh

DR4E at 22:33:19 Friday December 21 2001
yes i will follow u when we are finished it is written

Ray at 22:21:53 Friday December 21 2001
No - we'ed rather stay in existance and, we will come back. As soon as the going gets tough watch the Direones support evaporate along with the backing.

DR4E at 22:14:44 Friday December 21 2001
Would you rather go out of existence than suffer the indignity of seeing the Diamonds overtake you next season and become undisputed Number 1 team in Northants?

Martin at 22:2:7 Friday December 21 2001
Sign an online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html we need as many as we can get as quickly as possible. Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the differnece. Stand up and be counted this could be your only chance.

Anon at 22:1:16 Friday December 21 2001
Players, manager and board without a clue. If this Fash deal doesn't go through then this club is finished.

Anon at 21:59:3 Friday December 21 2001
It is also hard for the players to perform when they have little or no ability.

The Angel of the North (Adam talks out of his a***) at 21:57:7 Friday December 21 2001
I am NTFC@2view's secret love child, only happy when I'm moaning.

Martin at 21:56:18 Friday December 21 2001
It must me nigh on impossible for the players to perform knowing that if we are taken over then most of them will be out the door. I find it difficult to believe that we will maintain 2nd division status this year. Although I keep hoping for a rally. "just 3 games on the trot, three" I pray.

DR4E at 21:52:57 Friday December 21 2001
Hi cobblers ;0)

Ray at 21:42:16 Friday December 21 2001
Final Score 3-0

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 21:39:12 Friday December 21 2001
I bet Fash is putting his wallet away. Sorry cobblers, you only have yourselves to blame. Only a plum would blame it on injuries and "we were robbed" or even sillier "we could have got more out of the game!" I am waiting with amusement for the after match lies, sorry, I mean talk.

Noddy Holder from Slade at 21:36:43 Friday December 21 2001
cheer up cobblers fans.............IT'S CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIISTMAAAAASSSSSSS!! hey hey hey.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 21:32:28 Friday December 21 2001
...here comes the token substitute who has been given 10 mins to change the game. What a waste of time. Again, the last 15-20 mins and we go to pot.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 21:29:28 Friday December 21 2001
..IT'S ALL OVER BAR THE SHOUTING!

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:27:52 Friday December 21 2001
BRENTFORD 2 - 0 Cobblers (Hope o.g 78)

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:26:50 Friday December 21 2001
What's Parkin done wrong. It was Spedding who (suposedly) flattened their forward.....

Anon at 21:26:1 Friday December 21 2001
Five live reckon Brentford really didn't deserve that goal.2-2 at Brighton!!!!

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 21:25:8 Friday December 21 2001
..or the last 20. Well done parkin.

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:25:2 Friday December 21 2001
There's cheering on the sorting floor here in Shiteboro'......

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:23:36 Friday December 21 2001
BRENTFORD 1 - 0 Cobblers (Evans pen 76) WELL DUBIOUS....

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:22:33 Friday December 21 2001
Penalty to Brentford.......

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 21:19:10 Friday December 21 2001
Holding on for a draw will be a very acceptable performance. Please let's not throw it away in the last ten minutes like at Wrexham.

Listener at 21:16:12 Friday December 21 2001
"SELL SIXFIELDS NOW" apparantly

Listener at 21:2:54 Friday December 21 2001
Did anyone hear the bit on the commentary at the start of the second half, where he said the Cobblers fans had banners? What is on them?

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 20:46:30 Friday December 21 2001
Ahhhhhhhh Blesssss.... :-)

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 20:44:58 Friday December 21 2001
Bloody hell............ It's that Fat Bloke from POPSTARS.......

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 20:43:41 Friday December 21 2001
Nice music....... ;-)

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 20:41:55 Friday December 21 2001
Same here Sean, I'm listening to the game via a set of Radio Headphones connected to a Office PC at work...... UP THE COBBLERS..... I've just slipped back in to grab a coffee out of the machine (or so I've told my Manager anyway..) HAPPY XMAS TO ALL COBBLERS FANS from a Royal Mail Worker here in Shiteboro'.....

Ray at 20:38:7 Friday December 21 2001
Still 0-0.

Anon at 20:34:58 Friday December 21 2001
Ha ha very funny its 0-0. Fash the bash is in the main stand with Vinnie Jones.

Anon at 20:31:23 Friday December 21 2001
here we go again 0-1

Sean from London at 19:58:11 Friday December 21 2001
Can't be at Brentford - working - but come on you Cobbs!!

The pieman at 19:37:56 Friday December 21 2001
That's the trouble with Football clubs in council owned stadiums it never works, too many fingers in the pie.

Anon at 19:30:34 Friday December 21 2001
Angel if the council don't want to sell the ground they don't have to take any notice of anyone. I think you are only seeing things the way you want to see them out of desperation for something to happen,but perhaps there is a very good reason why they wont sell the ground to Mr Fash.

Anon at 19:7:32 Friday December 21 2001
Oh no! Sammo not playimg tonight.

The Angel of the North (he tells it like it is) at 18:29:18 Friday December 21 2001
I would like to have a rant about the ridiculous situation that is facing Northampton Town Football Club. I have lambasted the council on previous postings on this site but I feel there needs to be further condemnation. I would like to point out that the Sixfields stadium is indeed a community stadium but at the very forefront, the backbone if you like, is the football club. The councils ambition not to sell the ground is a sickening exposure of jabber that I am afraid is rampant in local councils all over the country. I was frightened to read that there are concerns amongst a absurd minority whom feel that athletics will be affected by proposals by Mr John Fashanu to purchase the club. Well so what? I am sick of these rather futile athletes who desire to run 100 meters better than those who can’t be bothered or to jump into a sandpit and expect the local taxpayer to subsidize it. If I had had the ambition to be an excellent snooker player would the local council be expected to supply me with ‘facilities’ such as a snooker table and a cue? No is answer. I was subjected to a ridiculous rant from a Welshman yesterday who, armed with cheap local rag lies about how in this country we have poor tennis facilities. Rubbish. There are tennis courts everywhere. If you go to the racecourse in Northampton there are masses of unused tennis courts. The deciding factor of how good we are as a tennis nation is by the skill of the person with the racket, not if there is a coffee machine in the foyer. The athletics brigade want all these facilities, what facilities and why? If I wanted to be a good runner I could always run to the shop, or dig a hole and fill it with sand if I wanted to be a long-jumper could I not. Oh no, the self-appointed athletics enthusiasts want a piece of grass with a 400m chalked line oval. A Lucozade machine and gym. This is to be utilised by a very small minority whom explore a pursuit of athletic fame. Well if they want to do this is fine but why should we the majority have to foot the bill. Going back to the snooker scenario, if wanted to become good at snooker I would have to pay £4 an hour and £2 for a beer like everyone else! The council would belly laugh is I asked for ‘funding’. The selfishness of athletics even stretches to them demanding an athletics track at the home of world football, Wembley. If they want to jump into sandpits in front of 20 people (all family and friends) in a 75 thousand capacity stadium then they can go to Manchester where a purpose built stadium has just been completed. My point is that Sixfields belongs to the town and the majority of this town would rather have a first class football team rather than a bloke who can jump the 56th highest in the world. This is a fact and why it is ignored is a frightening reminder of how democracy has evaporated in this country. The council fail not see logic, instead they adhere to a tragic code of political correctness that fails to meet the desires of the majority. We on this site may jest but if the ground was bided for by a charity who wanted to house lesbian single mothers of ethnic origin then the deal would be rushed through without any newspaper comment. If the council do not sell the ground I think the town should come together and question the aptitude of those who we supposedly elect to make decisions for us. Our biggest (along with Saints) sporting asset in our town that attracts thousands every Saturday, the Cobblers may become extinct because of the folly of council. FACT.

FTD at 18:26:37 Friday December 21 2001
Councillor Davies you say sell Sixfields, then you change your stance.You then say 'Sixfields is not for sale',well if we are to believe that comment, if somebody offers £1, OK but if somebody offers £100 million do you still say no,OHH! you want to change your mind again!!!It is people like you we are supposed to have faith in upholding the Democratic process!!!!SELL SIXFIELDS PROMPTLY. It is what the majority of your electorate wants.

Adam Faith at 18:8:52 Friday December 21 2001
Good luck against the Brentford tonight.

B.J.M at 17:41:45 Friday December 21 2001
On second thoughts - with a bit more back-slapping we might get a seat on the board or the council! Can I have a couple of complimentary tickets and a "Guest" badge please?

B.J.M at 17:40:4 Friday December 21 2001
Even though I don't always agree with what they say, CP, LH and (when he posts, rarely recently) Hartwell usually make a good deal of sense. Anyway that's enough back-slapping for now.

B.J.M at 17:36:20 Friday December 21 2001
A compliment! Thanks. I can tell there are others on here who either have contacts and/or an ability to predict likely outcomes. There is also a lot of rubbish being spouted (probably out of desperation for the deal to happen) but it has been said from the outset that it was going to take time. The best thing we can do is get behind what we've got and get a few points over Christmas. Even with the financial repercussions of relegation, Fashanu & co are talking about a huge sum of money in comparison and I guess are prepared to take the risk of waiting in the hope of getting everything as they want it in the longer term.

For BJM at 17:22:52 Friday December 21 2001
Are you related to the late lamented Eartowall? You seem to have you're finger on the Pulse at present. Then again you could be making it all up, I for one am impressed by the logic of your arguements so far.

who's on first at 16:55:33 Friday December 21 2001
Big Jim, who at the Council has said what?, when did they say whatever they said? and where did you hear or see it?

cp at 16:53:25 Friday December 21 2001
I just checked out the state of play on the Chrons on-line poll (www.norhantsnews.com) 90% voted 'yes,sell the ground' 7% say 'no' and 3% said 'dont care', good news, but just who are the sad gimboids who take the time and trouble to go to the website and then make the effort to vote as 'dont care'?? if they really dont care why the frig are they voting anyway, it takes all sorts.

The Oregon Cobbler at 15:54:17 Friday December 21 2001
My, hasn't it been busy? One question for TCMP please. Should not the current board and shareholders be given the same opportunity to raise the finance to purchase Sixfields as may potentially be afforded to Mr Fashanu, or to renegotiate the terms of the lease as appears (and I stress appears) to be the case?

B.J.M at 15:16:38 Friday December 21 2001
BTW Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

B.J.M at 15:15:55 Friday December 21 2001
Are you alright mate, you sound a bit agitated????? Nothing's happening, it's christmas after all, people getting worked up though its still early days yet as far as the deal goes. Moment of truth will be first 2 weeks in Jan, then we will see what the real position is.

BIG JIM at 15:9:23 Friday December 21 2001
wHAT IS GOING ON ?????

BIG JIM at 15:9:22 Friday December 21 2001
wHAT IS GOING ON ?????

BIG JIM at 15:9:20 Friday December 21 2001
wHAT IS GOING ON ?????

BJM reply at 14:5:28 Friday December 21 2001
BJM the council just said something that people did not want to kear. Fash lied through his back teeth.

voice of reason at 14:3:18 Friday December 21 2001
Al.G What your response be if the council sold to WWW without a condition that pheonix could still use the athlectics track.

Al. G at 13:35:51 Friday December 21 2001
I am a veteran athlete who runs for Northampton Phoenix AC, as well as a season ticket holder at the Cobblers. The athletics track at Sixfields does not have a safety certificate to hold major events, because the Council did not apply for one. This means that this year major athletics events that were due to be held at Sixfileds, where moved to other venues, hence the Phoenix lost out on having home advantage. Maybe, Winners World Wide would improve the athletics track making Sixfields a sports centre of excellence for both football and athletics.

Calm down..... at 12:54:15 Friday December 21 2001
At the moment the council have received no offer from www to buy Sixfields. Until they do they cannot say yes or no - commnets in the chron are by individuals who are voicing an opinion and will not make a decision on their own Logic suggests that if the right offer is made they are duty bound to proceed as this would be in the public interest providing any sale is conditional on the use to which the area is put.

Martin at 12:40:24 Friday December 21 2001
We are now in the list of top online petitions at www.petitiononline.com Help to keep this up. The longer we stay in the top 25 the greater the chances of success. Spread the word my friends. Stand up and be counted. P.S. We are at the 100 mark now!

Martin at 12:32:12 Friday December 21 2001
Why don't 10 or more of us get together and start a paper petition in the town on Saturday? We could also advertise the online petition while we where there. We may also get the interest of the local press

Martin at 12:15:36 Friday December 21 2001
Sign an online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html we need as many as we can get as quickly as possible. Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the differnece. Stand up and be counted this could be your only chance. Any ideas on how to maximise awareness of the petition??? Maybe if enough people sign it tonight the chron may write something a about it

B.J.M at 12:15:34 Friday December 21 2001
Why do you deem the council's words more trustworthy than Fashanu's? I don't believe that Fash will necessarily give up on the Cobblers if the council decide they want to hold on to their white elephant. You are right there are other options, it would depend on whether Fash could come to a suitable arrangement at one of the alternative venues.

voice of reason at 12:9:56 Friday December 21 2001
See the muppets are still loose what is the point of slagging off the council when you need them to deliver a decision in favour. I read Mr Fashunus comments in the Chron he said 1) "We have made an offer for the football club which we believe has been accepted" not true!! no decision has been made by the club. 2) Now we are just waiting for the council to come back and tell us whether or not our offer for the stadium has been accepted" What offer John? you have not made one !! Later on in the same article after saying the deal was done he says "The deal hasn't been done" if he is not confused them I am!! How can the council enter into negotiations unless he puts in an offer!! You have all been led by the nose and you bleat on about the stupidity of the council. What a bunch of wasters

MATT ROCKINGHAM at 12:5:18 Friday December 21 2001
IF THE COUNCIL DONT SELL THE STADIUM THE COBBLERS WILL THEN MOVE TO FRANKLINS GARDENS LEAVING THE COUNCIL WITH A £400,000 A YEAR WHITE ELEPHANT HOW VERY CLEVER !!!

MATT ROCKINGHAM at 12:2:22 Friday December 21 2001
THE COUNCIL DONT SELL THE STADIUM, THE COBBLERS MOVE TO FRANKLINS GARDENS,THE COUNCIL

NTFC@2view at 11:51:31 Friday December 21 2001
I think you can cross York off the list. Permanently small crowds, nowhere near anywhere. One club that's not a rival.

Anon at 10:12:18 Friday December 21 2001
So York City have now put themselves up for sale with threats that they may be forced out of business at the end of the season if a buyer cannot be found. I bet Fash is on the train already. He may well be off to visit Swindon as well I would imagine. Lets face it, no ground, no chance, no future.

Working in NW London at 9:4:28 Friday December 21 2001
PattCobb - Trust me, the traffic will be a complete nightmare. Would suggest M1, North Circular, but allow plenty of time to get thru Hanger Lane and from there on. Avoid M25 at all costs! To anybody else going tonight - be aware that away fans have now been moved back to the open terrace, opposite end to where we have been the last few seasons

PATTCOBB at 8:50:28 Friday December 21 2001
Some light relief aqnd a moan, moan first f*ck Brentford for moving the game I mean this Friday in London of all Fridays, hopefully travelling in to London will not be as bad as travelling out, do all the cockneys have houses elewhere, that they travel to on the last Friday before Christmas, before Easter etc etc. How about this for tonight generally we do sing away from home so here goes " YOU'D BETTER WATCH OUT, YOU'D BETTER NOT CRY, YOU BETTER BE GOOD I'M TELLING YOU WHY, FASHANU IS COMING TO TOWN!!!!!!!! see you there tonight!!!!!

Mr Boombastic at 3:16:19 Friday December 21 2001
I am a black transvestite who is related to swampy..I have a chinease mum and an kosovan grandad.....I also vote green party and I am marrying a one legged deaf african who speaks no English but can Say "Bobby Moore".........can I buy the stadium NBC?

Anon at 0:25:30 Friday December 21 2001
Gary Hodders comments in the Chron about there being two other interested parties could be preparing us to be let down gently when we are told the Fash deal is off.

Anon at 0:21:26 Friday December 21 2001
Tony Clarke is no longer a Borough Councillor he is a member of parliament - hence the name TCMP. Next local elections arent until 2003 - shame its not next year, the rate we are going there may not be a Cobblers in 2003.

ass dirc at 0:21:2 Friday December 21 2001
told me the fash deal was never on

WITH HOLD MY NORMAL NAME at 0:18:8 Friday December 21 2001
Being a community stadium means nbc leisure & envioment get tickets & old farts from the nfa

Anon at 0:2:25 Friday December 21 2001
There are too many freeloaders at Sixfields, they're called players!

Anon at 23:59:57 Thursday December 20 2001
PS I have the greatest respect for the Councillors who served the town at that time, just I cannot say the same for the present shower.

ANON at 23:58:44 Thursday December 20 2001
IF THIS LABOUR COUNCIL DONT SELL SIXFIELDS THEY WILL NOT GET IN NEXT TIME, NO TRUE NORTHAMPTONIAN WOULD VOTE FOR THIS LOT WHO HAVE SOLD US DOWN THE RIVER. YOU ARE ON BORROWED TIME TCMP!

Anon at 23:57:21 Thursday December 20 2001
Nick Ancel, I think, once explained on this how tickets were allocated in those nazy, mazy days of play off semis. NBC get an allocation of tickets for every home game (Leisure and Environment I think it was called back then). So just who in that department gets the tickets and how? Do not those tickets fairly belong to the ratepayers of Northampton? It all sounds rather Orwellian to me.

cp at 23:52:3 Thursday December 20 2001
....besides which it was people like him who managed to get the stadium built in the first place. You may not agree with his point of view (nor do I) but at least respect his opinions.

Anon at 23:50:16 Thursday December 20 2001
Where do you get this bullshit about an all party vote? Council decisions are now by Cabinet, Labour have overall control in Northampton and they will decide the outcome unless by some extraordinary decision they allow councillors a free vote, free from the party line.

cp at 23:49:27 Thursday December 20 2001
Common Sense at 22.59 he is an Ex-Councillor, nice chap and old style socialist, and regular at the Cobbs home and away. I wouldnt be suprised if he had bought himself a plantinum lounge pass either which could explain why he has a 'guests' badge.

An athlete's parent at 23:23:30 Thursday December 20 2001
With regard to the athletics track at Sixfields...it has never been perfect from the day it was built due to shortcuts made during its construction. The county championships still take place at the much older and less central Corby track. Northampton Pheonix have done very well considering what is on offer to them...there is enough talent within the area to raise athletic's profile. Apparently pole vaulters can't train there, problems have been experienced with the javelin and long jump run-up section...in fact I am not sure if it even has league status ?? Pehaps any money from a sale or part of the clause could include upgrading the track to at least county competition standards. Does this affect the way the Council have been using their facts about being a community stadium....perhaps a better investigation is needed on that part, in fact I don't think we have had a true view point from the athletics club. I don't want to see another Wembley/ Picketts Lock scenerio here in Northampton where athletics and football lose out to political blunders.

B.J.M at 23:8:15 Thursday December 20 2001
Martin - set your sights higher than just the Chron. Send the petition to Fashanu at Winners World Wide, 779-781 Finchley Road, London NW11 8DN. He will get it into the national press.

Common Sense at 22:59:49 Thursday December 20 2001
I see a councillor at almost every game, he is local to kingsthorpe, but shall remain nameless. He had a letter published in the chronic last week against selling the stadium. He ALWAYS has a guest pass on him. He might lose his free seat if the stadium is sold. This is the side of the council we are up against.

Martin at 22:29:12 Thursday December 20 2001
Sign an online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html we need as many as we can get as quickly as possible. Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the differnece. Stand up and be counted this could be your only chance. Any ideas on how to maximise awareness of the petition??? Maybe if enough people sign it tonight the chron may write something a about it.

moany from west at 22:12:31 Thursday December 20 2001
on the official site it wont accept my email address as genuine anybody else having the same problems?

Councillor Bullshit at 22:3:39 Thursday December 20 2001
I'm always using the word community in my retoric & I occasionally use the word Northampton and sometimes even the the word Town (although never the word city - I'm not that ambitious) - so I've done my bit

Captain Sensible at 21:58:12 Thursday December 20 2001
What a load of bull being discussed - firstly as a previous post stated any serious offer would be formally concidered by an all party body - if it came to a vote it could go either way. Secondly community this community that what complete bollox - the whole town knows that without the Cobblers there would have been no sixfield and with no cobblers in the future there is no future for sixfields. Thirdly if the council are really concerned about asset stripping put in clauses. ....and finally to any member of council who plays the community stadium card on a "no sell vote" please provide a list of how you personally have promoted the venue as a community stadiun in the last year!

NTFC@2view at 21:48:57 Thursday December 20 2001
Sorry, missed my name off the last one. Pooh eh? POOH! Getting tired I think; beddie byes now. Pooh first though darling! And don't forget to wash your hands.

Anon at 21:45:15 Thursday December 20 2001
Ooooooh! One word. Sorry! Heprobablymeanshedoesntthinkthat4000outof200000isamajoritywhichiswhatdemocracyisaboutassumingall4000agreeandjudgingbytheargumentsonthisboardtheyhardlywould

NTFC@2VIEW RHYMES WITH POOH. at 21:43:19 Thursday December 20 2001
How appropriate when that is all that is spouted from your gob.

NTFC@2view at 21:41:52 Thursday December 20 2001
He probably means he doesn't think that 4000 out of 200000 is a majority - which is what democracy is about. Assuming all 4000 agree - and judging by the arguments on this board, they hardly would.

Anon at 21:40:47 Thursday December 20 2001
democracy does not exist. Look at the assylum issue. The majority have no say and no power.

Democracy? at 21:35:2 Thursday December 20 2001
When a member of the council says he will not bow to pressure - does that mean as an elected member he will not listen to the wishes of the voters? One word answer please TCMP

Ian 'lovejoy' McShane at 21:30:42 Thursday December 20 2001
I think Northampton is a fine club for antiques, especially down there on the pitch at sixfieldds. That Gabbi is a real relic.

Rod Hull at 21:28:51 Thursday December 20 2001
If you don't get the deal through I would hit the roof and not fall off it.

Phil Atkins at 21:26:55 Thursday December 20 2001
Did I ever leave a pair of Pro-Star trakie bottoms down there at Sixfields? Come on, who's the tea leaf?

Keith Chegwin at 21:24:45 Thursday December 20 2001
Hey folks, remember me? When I fronted 'Cheggers Play Pops' in the early 80's I was convinced that football was only for the rough and tough. It is nice to see that the game has removed all barriers and we are at the amusing stage of even letting women throught the turnstiles. Good luck with with you take-over ambitions but as 'Cheggars' always says...you aint got a hope in hell.

The Roman Emperor Caracala at 21:22:1 Thursday December 20 2001
Don't let these Barbarians take your club.

harry c jnr at 21:10:31 Thursday December 20 2001
sell the club now. if the council wont sell 6fields, then lets move to grange park.

Ray at 21:6:6 Thursday December 20 2001
You have had your fun now Adam / Angel of the North. Can we get back to serious points now please?

Voice of Reason at 20:59:48 Thursday December 20 2001
Your spelling and your grammar are that of a 3 year old. Your comments are also totally ridiculous. Turd.

Voice of Reason at 20:50:7 Thursday December 20 2001
Don't live in Northampton so have no elected representatives to lobby. But my thoughts on this are that the Council are actuallyplaying a canny game. Man knocks at your door and says he wants to buy your house. REally importantthat he buys your house. Your private reaction is "that's good - he'll pay a pretty penny for it". Your public reaction isn't "great . Take it off ourhands please". That's no way to secure a good price, which the council, whatever their faults, have a duty to do. You say, "don't really want to sell". And you negotiate a way through. At a higher price. Calm down a little. The deal has onlyu bee npublicly mooted for the last five or six days and it will take time to resolve. At the end of the day, the council has a communuity stadium which is anything but and Fash and the club have a great negotiating stance - sell us the ground or we'll go to MK or elsewhere in Northants where we can build one. White Elephant time on Upton Way. Finally, a reality check for the council. They ask why the Cobblers or Fash need to own hte ground. It's so they can develop it and reap the financial rewards themselves for progressing up the league (please God) and the increased attendances and money that goes with it. And finally, finally, the increased attenances will bring more moeny in locally and improve the lot of the businesses of Northamoton shire

Anon at 20:44:50 Thursday December 20 2001
Give the club to Barwell, and go play down the road. I'm sure he could be interested in filling his stadium every week, so why doesn't someone go and ask him.

The Angel of the North at 20:19:8 Thursday December 20 2001
That is why I think Fash will be able to buy the ground. if he plays the race card he will be belly laughing.

FRIGHTENED OF WRITING MY NAME at 20:17:1 Thursday December 20 2001
This is not a political site but I agree with Angel from the north. The council will not give you a job if you re white or even worse, straight. Minorities have the power and the council promote this. That is why all social workers are black.

Anon at 20:3:7 Thursday December 20 2001
That was not nosey parker.

Nosey Parker"For Real! at 19:56:18 Thursday December 20 2001
The council is run by people who will only sell to black,lesbian,greenpeace protesters who also vote liberal or for that Fat ugly cow Tina Harveys party......if not you have no chance!!!

The Angel of the North at 19:48:30 Thursday December 20 2001
Read between the lines will you!! I have nothing against uphill gardeners or todger dodgers but I wish the council would represent the majority instead of small insignificant groups that need no or little help. Political correctness was the cause of death of this once great nation.

Martin at 19:44:8 Thursday December 20 2001
Sign an online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html we need as many as we can get as quickly as possible. Please tell everyone, email everyone you know. Make the differnece. Stand up and be counted this could be your only chance. Any ideas on how to maximise awareness of the petition??? Maybe if enough people sign it tonight the chron may write something a about it.

Anon at 19:18:52 Thursday December 20 2001
Adam would know all about that.

Steve1960 at 19:16:45 Thursday December 20 2001
Is there a bit of Gay Bashing in your post?, lesbian Vicars,Gay Artists??? you need more Roughage in your diet.

A FRIEND at 19:10:47 Thursday December 20 2001
As someone who has an insight into local politics,and also sympathises with your cause.I would like to inform you of the following.The possible sale of the stadium will inevitably result in a decision made by the counsellors of all the political parties.The general consensus is very favourable towards the sale of Sixfields,although I must add, not only for the ultimate sale and prosperity of Northampton Town FC. I therefore urge you all to contact your local council representatives stating your wishes,and also urging family and friends to do likewise.The more weight behind your cause the better. Please make sure other supporters receive this information on other websites etc,and I sincerely hope that you ultimately find success. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The Angel of the North at 18:19:14 Thursday December 20 2001
The council will sell the ground once they get their money stuffed envelopes. It has always been the same. If you are not a gay black modern artist the council will do nish for you. They would sell the stadium if it was to house homeless lesbian vicars. I am sorry to say that the idiouts at the Guildhall are like every local council, run by a bunch of middle class, wine sipping pricks who havs absolutely no idea about the real world. They represent the community do they bollocks. They are only interested in themselves. This is why leicester city council sponsor all the big premiership games at Filbert Street...so they can go to the games. Then they will pat each other on the backs.

clarke out at 18:8:39 Thursday December 20 2001
he wont get free tickets if they sell the stadium, maybe he will lose his power?!!?? supporters rep i dont think so, glorified power trip, we need the supporters view not a labour mp.

6FIELDS STRANGLER at 17:44:37 Thursday December 20 2001
Thanks for that in depth annalysis mate.

ANON at 17:41:8 Thursday December 20 2001
With got two chances, slim & very.

6fFIELDS STRANGLER at 17:38:23 Thursday December 20 2001
What are our chances tomorrow?

NTFC@2view at 16:59:53 Thursday December 20 2001
Derek. Who was to pay for the Brackmills stadium? By the way, how often have you actually seen a councillor at a burger chain?

Nosey Parker"For Real" at 16:58:48 Thursday December 20 2001
Well there are a lot of upset peeps on here.......What do you expect with a "mickey Mouse" set up...Fash will but the ground and clun ..then sell it for development or build a hotel on it.......makes more sense then having a second rate football team with no ideas!!!!!!! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

dave at 16:44:47 Thursday December 20 2001
Have you Signed the petition to sell sifields, 27 people have in the last 3 hours. Make your voice heard. Go to http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html

Derek Smith's Farm Shop Supporters Club at 16:40:25 Thursday December 20 2001
Mr Realist 2 - you obviously misinterpreted me, I agree the Council would love to have some money spinning retailers and burger chains built on the pitch to further inflate their coffers and egos and sell the Cobbs down the river. How often have you actually seen a councillor at a home match? However, I think a few people on here view NBC through rose-tinted (or red?) specs. Remember, back in the annals of time the then Development Corporation supposedly offered a site for the club at Brackmills, but NBC stymied the development on some phoney baloney story about it being zoned only for commercial not leisure use. Second, the devlopment at Buckton Fields to which I'm assuming you refer, was actually turned down by Daventry District Council. Now the Labour controlled County Council with the connivance of the developers are seeking to challenge that decision with it has to be said some measure of support from the same Keith Davies.

Anon at 16:27:37 Thursday December 20 2001
A shining example of an old organisation with a proud heritage of success and more success. No I'm not talking about the Trust.

ANON at 16:10:36 Thursday December 20 2001
As anyone noticed that's all the trust ever go on about, history & the past?

Martin at 14:38:3 Thursday December 20 2001
Everyone who is willing to petition then do so at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html tell everyone you know. e mail everyone you know.

Anon at 14:35:41 Thursday December 20 2001
or alternatively find out the facts first before burning our bridges.

Martin at 13:38:7 Thursday December 20 2001
Sign an onlione petition to sell the stadium at http://www.petitiononline.com/sellOC/petition.html

Anon at 13:14:52 Thursday December 20 2001
Re: Wondering what the Trust do... Well dickhead, if you had even taken the trouble to find out what the trust do then you would be supporting them not knowing them down. The information on the Trust site is HISTORY - geddit? No I suppose not. People like you get right on my tits. What a complete and utter tosser.

North Stand Just at 12:56:39 Thursday December 20 2001
100yr lease sounds pretty fair to me. Like any of us will be here in 100 yrs anyway. Is Fash up to something fishy hhhmmmmmmmmmm.

anon at 12:43:6 Thursday December 20 2001
Martin, i suggest you go back and read the last couple of days comments before coming on here rehashing the same points from a position of little knowledge and much assumption. I would sign a petition against stupid comments and ill informed nonsense

Anon at 12:43:3 Thursday December 20 2001
Martin why dont you just post your comments on the official site - that is as good a petition as you can get. or e-mail the leader of the Council Mr Keith Davies at keith.daviesikd@btinternet.com, remember to be nice and check your spelling though.

Martin at 12:35:2 Thursday December 20 2001
Hodder said: "An announcement to sell the stadium would actually open the doors to a couple of other consortiums who really wanted to look at the club and the stadium hand-in-hand." We need t sell the stadium. Would am online petition count? If so I could set one up. If any one with web experience wanted to do it they would be most welcome. I would not be able to have it up until tomorrow or Saturday some time due to lack of time!

wondering what the trust do??????????? at 12:25:17 Thursday December 20 2001
people is whittling on abourt what good work the trust are and how marverlous they are, well i thought id have a look at their web site and see, link from ntfcunoficial, according to that they havent done anything for a few years now!!!!!!!!!!!!!, so ray shut up

Anon at 12:18:33 Thursday December 20 2001
I'll sign the other half.

Anon at 12:18:31 Thursday December 20 2001
something wonderful is going to happen

Anon at 12:17:30 Thursday December 20 2001
Here Here Martin

Oxy the Moron at 12:16:6 Thursday December 20 2001
Half of me wants to sign your partition, Martin

Martin at 12:6:40 Thursday December 20 2001
1. Fash wants to bring heavy weight boxing, concerts and other major events to Sixfields. Would he do this if he did not own the stadium? NO. That is because he would have nothing to gain. We as a town would lose out. 2. The consortium wants to expand the stadium and upgrade the facilities. Would they do this if they did not own the stadium? Would they own the parts that they built? Do the council think that the consortium will improve the stadium so that they can then hold big events there and take the credit (and money)? 3. Who are the community people that use the stadium? The phoenix running club and probably the council. Which is more than likely only used for the Christmas party and a few other events when they want to impress another mp. 4. The council think that there is a possibility that the club could go bankrupt and the consortium sell the stadium to Kentucky fried chicken. These are business men, why would they want to spend tens of millions of pound to sell the land for much less? If this is a concern simply have a contract written up to stop this happening. 5. Can the council please give us some better answers with some decent logic behind then? I want to know the real reason why the council will not sell and I want the answer in more than one sentence. 6. With the money they get from the sale of the stadium I am sure that they could drum enough money together to build another un-financially viable stadium. The fact is they would not be able to do this without the excuse that it was for the town football club. They need us more than we need them now. This they can not stomach. 7. Millennium dome all over again. Will they never learn? 8. In a politicians eyes it is better to lose half a million a year than to lose face for a few days in the press. 9. When they give there answer it is for the community. They should look at the 45 thousand people that went to Wembley because that is more people than who voted at the last election in Northampton. Then ask them what they think. 10. If needs be we should start a partition.

B.J.M at 12:6:29 Thursday December 20 2001
The Chron has run out of things to say, now its resorted to rehashing old stories with a couple of new quotes sprinkled here and there, including lifting TCMPs comments from CC2.

ex mANAGER IN TROUBLE! at 12:3:37 Thursday December 20 2001
Paddy Crerand in the dock for ROAD RAGE!!!

COMMUNITY STADIUM MY AR*E at 11:29:10 Thursday December 20 2001
Who uses it other than the Cobblers and who provided 1.5 million pounds towards its building (via the FOOTBALL trust - ie no football club no grant)!!! As in an earlier post why not sell and use the money to further develop the athletics side of things which I am sure would not be part of Mr Fashanu's deal. Personally I think if this deal does not come off, this town will be left with two White Elephants, one up at Kingsley Park and one at Sixfields - where a football club used to ply their trade until they were forced out of business.

Martni at 11:25:2 Thursday December 20 2001
News just in go to the chron for two more stories http://tbacon.datagate.net.uk/sport/pages/football_cobblers.asp

Anon at 10:51:50 Thursday December 20 2001
Dont you mean that the fans won't have a representative on the board? Why this constant Trust knocking? Do you think you would hear half of what is going on if the fans weren't having a say at board meeting?

Ray at 10:37:3 Thursday December 20 2001
No - not in the slightest. Covenants could be written into a sale as well as a lease. Wouldnt make any difference.

anon at 10:35:46 Thursday December 20 2001
if he is paying millions for the club why should he settle for anything else than full ownership? I wouldnt.

Anon at 10:27:24 Thursday December 20 2001
You're not influenced by the fact that the trust has no guarantee of a voice unless there is a lease Ray?

Ray at 9:53:15 Thursday December 20 2001
What now worries me is the insistence by Fashanu that the takeover will not go through if the Stadium is not sold to him. Why is this so important? A 99 year lease with full use should be perfectly sufficient and saves any asset stripping. He is reported as saying in the Chron that a lease would not do - which makes me seriously worried about the true motives behind the proposed takeover.

go and post on here at 9:40:51 Thursday December 20 2001
to seriously express opinions , chronicle web site and go to the sixfields forum

Anon at 9:9:19 Thursday December 20 2001
Thanks for that Phil. If cc2 is so great why do you care?

Phil Baron at 9:0:19 Thursday December 20 2001
After the remarks last night is anyone suprised that decent posters only go to CC2. There are some very sad people on here?

Anon at 1:17:8 Thursday December 20 2001
"Humilation heaped on ntfc fans as money they thought might be used to improve their club is spent on *******."There is a headline."Never fear Cobblers fans are used to Hardship.""They will put up with second best."I'm not so sure we can now see a better future if it all goes pear shaped will it be a fight for survival.Please all parties involved make sure decisions ARE made in the best interest of NTFC because all we seem to be getting now is petty arguments and people getting entrenched in party lines.

RUBBBER DUCK at 1:2:38 Thursday December 20 2001
Have MR Realist & money from the west been on the offical site to place there views with Hodder & voted on www,northantsnews.com yet you're views count

anon at 0:49:16 Thursday December 20 2001
I hear Hans Segars and Bruce Grobbelar are also interested in a (deal) at Sixfields.

Mr Realist 2 at 0:43:25 Thursday December 20 2001
No, their objection lies in the fact that Daventry and South Northants Council's just want to offload their responsibilities on the Borough instead of building in their own major urban areas of Daventry and Towcester.

Mr Realist 2 at 0:40:40 Thursday December 20 2001
County structure plan my arse!!! The borough spent £12m recouped £6m from the sale of the surrounding sites and would be better off if it sold the Cobblers fans down the river by selling out cheaply to John Fashanu forcing the club to go broke and relocate to Franklins Gardend as A.F.C Northampton and letting WWW build a leasure palace on the Sixfields pitch and claw in the business rates from that as well.

Anon at 0:39:5 Thursday December 20 2001
PS and is that not the reason why the Borough has objected so vociferously to retail developments to the west and north west of town, but outside the Borough boundary? i.e. to protect its "investment" in Sixfields?

Anon at 0:35:10 Thursday December 20 2001
NSB probably means socialists since to my knowledge it is largely the left of politics that is wedded to the ideal of public ownership of assets. there also appears to have been one aspect of the Sixfields development that has been overlooked namely the income from the uniform business rate levied on the other commercial occupants of he site such as Virgin, Burger King, TGIs etc. Would development of the Weedon Road Tip have been allowed under the then COunty Structure Plan, but for the fact that it was detsined to provide a home for the Cobblers. Regrettably I worry the Council has bestowed upon the club a poisoned chalice, eternally condemning us to the sort of mediocrity with which Northampton is synonymous.

Mr Realist 2 at 0:33:31 Thursday December 20 2001
twice!!!!

\Mr Realist 2 at 0:32:58 Thursday December 20 2001
Well done Moany from the West, constructive comment at last perhaps the sensible posters are winning at last

\Mr Realist 2 at 0:32:54 Thursday December 20 2001
Well done Moany from the West, constructive comment at last perhaps the sensible posters are winning at last

moany from west at 0:31:12 Thursday December 20 2001
from someone who knows nothing about politics surely the council could use some of the revenue of a sale to upgrade the running track and build some sort of academy for athletics for "the community" to use. it could have a small stand facing the track and the inner grass area could still be big enough for a small sided / junior pitch.perish the thought but they could also make the car parking pay and display, if i have to pay a pound to park my car every game for fash to be able to come in so be it..it must happen

Mr Realist at 0:30:12 Thursday December 20 2001
will the council kill us, I think you must have been very young if you talk about "the trouble we had getting sixfields" my recollection is that the Labour council spent over £12M on the stadium and its infrastructure. some trouble

anon and TCMP fan at 0:26:0 Thursday December 20 2001
Tony Clarke left the council in 1999. So thats another red herring reeled in. As for whether or not he is a cobblers fan, are you serious!! he would lay down his life for NTFC.

RUBBER DUCK at 0:23:22 Thursday December 20 2001
To will the council kill us. Surpose the council should of sorted you're stammer out as well

will the council kill us at 0:19:35 Thursday December 20 2001
the council has never seemed to want a football club, as a youngster even i know the trouble we had getting sixfields. i want to see banners on friday at brentford. is clarke a council fan or a COBBLERS FAN. he wil desert the club at any cost to save his seat on the council. CLARKE OUT

will the council kill us at 0:18:23 Thursday December 20 2001
the council has never seemed to want a football club, as a youngster even i know the trouble we had getting sixfields. i want to see banners on friday at brentford. is clarke a council f

will the council kill us at 0:18:22 Thursday December 20 2001
the council has never seemed to want a football club, as a youngster even i know the trouble we had getting sixfields. i want to see banners on friday at brentford. is clarke a council f

RUBBER DUCK at 0:17:21 Thursday December 20 2001
NSB have you voted on www.nothantsnews.com yet, the poll is at 86% to sell the ground if not please do it & anyone else whos on here do something useful instead of travel club/trust bashing

not NSB at 0:15:38 Thursday December 20 2001
NSB the fascists also control NSB thats where they send all their kids

NSB at 0:12:5 Thursday December 20 2001
RE: JJJ, the fascists also control population numbers by f***ing up the NHS, and condemning us to medievil healthcare! So no way would they ever consider using sale profits to build a hospital.

NSB at 0:7:16 Thursday December 20 2001
The council are fascist, the labour party is fascist, the country is a one party fascist system, and the fascists dont want the club to control its own destiny. They want to impose finacial restrictions, control crowd numbers by declaring "all ticket" fixtures and keep us under check, how do they do this? By owning our stadium!! We fought the war to kick the bloody fascists out of europe, ironic that our own nation has now been overrun by fascists!

Rubber Duck at 0:5:37 Thursday December 20 2001
Hi Rubber Duck some ones coming down the lake to feed you they got a bag full of broken directors and some maggotts from the council.

Mr Clarification at 0:5:11 Thursday December 20 2001
anon at 0:1:29 are you also John Collier and have forgotton what travel club you side with?

anon at 0:2:36 Thursday December 20 2001
Sixfields Travel Club thank the f*@k

anon at 0:1:29 Thursday December 20 2001
Who's side is this John Collier on i would like to is he Inpendent, Sixfields or Trust.

anon at 0:0:31 Thursday December 20 2001
JJJ or John!! if you didn't keep breaking your head against someone elses you would not end up in the general hospital on a saturday night. by the way John councils dont build hospitals.

ANON at 23:59:15 Wednesday December 19 2001
Rubber Duck Good night go to bed its work to-morrow. quack Night

MQTA at 23:58:11 Wednesday December 19 2001
who is the real key player in all this? who would it be best to get on board with? are those who are most vocal simply those who wish they had more of a say? have we been taken for a ride? if so how can we get our own back?

J.J.J. at 23:56:17 Wednesday December 19 2001
Well i dont know who is worse Mr Stonhill & his mates who lend him the money or The Labour Run Council Typical Labour they change there minds each day sell the stadium and build a new hospital with beds for the community dont forget the doctors & Nurses to shorter the cue Sat down there all bloddy night.

RUBBER DUCK at 23:53:34 Wednesday December 19 2001
1/2 decent conversations over i think, same old tosspots on hear no wonder the club is in the shit if you lot only say you follow the club to have a pop at other surporters i wish thay would f off

anon at 23:39:45 Wednesday December 19 2001
John get off line!! you great erp can't you go out and find someone to fight with?

Anon at 23:36:37 Wednesday December 19 2001
Mr Realist - the Labour may not own Sixfields...they just think they do!

anon at 23:34:21 Wednesday December 19 2001
23:26:50 thanks for that missive John Collier, now we know who the real voice of the Sixfields travel club is!!

ANON at 23:32:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
I Bet Barry Parker brought his car from the Tuck Shop money ? ? I thought i saw Barry Parker driving a little fiat van sponsored by the Trust ? or was it Carlsberg Probally Not

J.J.J. FROM SIXFIELDS TRAVEL at 23:26:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
We should sell to Fash before we lose everything our current directors can't improve things because the money has run out they have been boring money from all sorts and we are still running at a big lost. Crowds are getting smaller debits getting bigger looks like we shall be down to the 3rd division and next season 9 players are out of contract no finance to re-new contracts no finance to bring in new players and no finance to pay off any debit. good future lies ahead could be conference or even worse the bank shuts us down. So what do we do throw away the one and only chance sell the stadium to Fash and his www let him build it to a bigger stadium where we can watch a good team play, Concerts, Boxing, Town League Finals, and another events that you can think of. Surely if this was done it would be a community stadium more than it is to-day because its never used apart from the FOOTBALL.

HomeParker at 23:25:47 Wednesday December 19 2001
anon @ 23:15:22 How did Barry Parker pay for his big car?

RUBBER DUCK at 23:25:38 Wednesday December 19 2001
If there are any councillors reading this i think you are great and would like to wish you all a merry xmas & happy new year you all do a fantastic job , low rates,clean town, good road layouts, plenty of free parking in the town centre , zero tollerance on gypo's & drunks cheers to you all at the guildhall. Now if you can just find it in you're hearts to sell the cobblers to fash we would be very greatful & you could make a few bob on it aswell. Thanks for you're time

Anon at 23:24:2 Wednesday December 19 2001
because there's nothing that can be done about them until a takeover is sorted.

ENVB at 23:18:49 Wednesday December 19 2001
Why dont you start talking about the real issues at your club like having a crap team, the need for new players, and praying for a bright New Year

B.J.M at 23:18:10 Wednesday December 19 2001
Anyway I 've been here for an hour now, doesn't time fly. Goodnight, wonder what bull**** headlines we will be reading tomorrow.

B.J.M at 23:16:0 Wednesday December 19 2001
I don't agree with this bit: "As for other parties, I would not be surprised if after all the recent publicity some of the other interested parties came back and asked to be considered, this may just be wishful thinking however I believe it will happen. " Don't count on the Italians coming back Tony, absolutely no chance!

ANON at 23:15:22 Wednesday December 19 2001
To MQTA at 22.56.6 Tuesday You better look out next home game you might get run over by Mr parker's Big Car. or Sixfields Travel clubs Coaches are the trust running coaches this week or are they still part time.

B.J.M at 23:13:33 Wednesday December 19 2001
Broadly speaking it seems as that I am agreed with TCMP on a lot of points!

Anon at 23:8:53 Wednesday December 19 2001
Its sad to think that Councillors spend their time reading CC1 -they would be btter off reading CC2 or another Community based messageboard - not that there is one worth reading, in fact that alone demonstrates that supporting the Cobbs (or the Saints) is arguably the biggest single community ativity in the town - how does that theory hold up in the 'community stadium' argument I wonder?

Clarence at 23:8:37 Wednesday December 19 2001
Community stadium my a*se! Its been used for 'Its a knockout' and a Status Quo concert! The council won't sell to Fash, its the only chance NTFC has of getting anywhere. He'll probably go and buy the Posh, they're up for sale too!

B.J.M at 23:4:31 Wednesday December 19 2001
Many thanks, reading thru it now.

anon at 23:2:8 Wednesday December 19 2001
Shit I did it!! I never knew that was possible!! I suppose I will get sued now by TCMP for breaking copyright!! any way this is what he said earlier today in response to a number of questions. TCMP at 14:6:37 Wednesday December 19 2001 Where do I begin? Dave, I do agree with you that the club have been making contradictory noises, however I must say that the Chron is having a field day. Billy, Yes the Trust will try to arrange a meeting/Open Forum however the reason we used the term "try" is that we need to call a meeting when we have all the facts and when the membership can make an informed decision, and not vote simply on gut feeling. We are not at that point yet. The exec did meet last Friday and I gave a full update and asked for opinions and views without saying what my personal view was so as not to effect the outcome. I think it is correct to say that they were cautiously optimistic. Now for the stadium. I believe that the council would negotiate a deal with any potential investor. But they will not do it through the pages of the Chronicle and Echo. The daily missives from the Chron are causing some real difficulties. You cannot play chinese whispers through a third party (ie the Chron) and as yet there has been no official approach from WWW or Fash to the council. I believe that the Council would discuss the sale of a long lease (ie 99-150-250 years) or possibly a sale with covanants attached. What they cannot do is lose all future say as to the use of the land. If they did sell outright then anyone could come along buy the stadium run the club out of business and then build Hotels, Casino's Nightclub's etc in it's place. Because the land around the stadium is already used for Leasure the council would not have a leg to stand on re planning permission. My personal opinion and I believe the Trust's is that we would like to see a sale of the leasehold or sale of freehold with a covanent protecting future use. That is still possible but only through direct negotiations. For that to happen the purchaser must make the first move. I have said in the past that I will not comment on PFA loans. However embargos are not the only problem, the big issue is that the wage bill is already too high and someone would have to go out before someone came in, unless it was on a non contract basis. Shareholders not on the board will have to make their own minds up however I dont believe any of them would stand in the way of a decision that had board backing. David Kerr has come off the board as he is concentrating on other business interests, however he is still a shareholder and very much involved with the club. The Trust will vote the way that the membership and or the executive (if the whole membership cannot be contacted in time) advise me to vote. I am a great believer in the collective responsibility and the representative role and would not act outside that franchise. As for other parties, I would not be surprised if after all the recent publicity some of the other interested parties came back and asked to be considered, this may just be wishful thinking however I believe it will happen. Ray, as I have said before I did not agree with the term "rubber stamping" I believe is was unfortunate, what is clear though is that dispite any over enthusiastic comments, Gary is trying to raise the game for the benifit of the future of the club and that is welcome. Paul S The simple fact is that the Football Trust at the time could only make grants to Proffesional Football Clubs. N.T.F.C put thier trust money in the pot to help the scheme reach fruition, however it is still 100% owned by the council. Vince, Don't worry too much about Peterborough. They are reported as owing £16m so any purchaser would run a mile. The Wimbledon link is more intersting and may need chasing. I thought I heard at one time that Fash was a Vice President at Wimbledon, if this is still the case then we may need to ensure there is no linkage in any deal. Finally Billy I hope your last questions are answered in the main above, however as to your last comment the decision would be taken first by the Cabinet on the Council and then agreed by Full Council, but the real power lies within the Labour group who will advise the Cabinet as to which way it thinks they should go. phew!! I think thats that sorry about the spelling I have little time to recheck it all cheers Tony.

B.J.M at 22:57:38 Wednesday December 19 2001
Cut and paste it here if u can.

anon at 22:57:32 Wednesday December 19 2001
shit B.J.M we seem to be on the same wavelength. this is spooky

B.J.M at 22:56:47 Wednesday December 19 2001
the best part of the last 6 weeks!

anon at 22:56:19 Wednesday December 19 2001
B.J.M have you read CC2? interesting stuff from TCMP, perhaps the games not up yet.

B.J.M at 22:55:57 Wednesday December 19 2001
Ray - can you ask TCMP next time he is on CC2 what is his personal view on the sale of the ground and what if any influence he has at council level.

anon at 22:54:36 Wednesday December 19 2001
as if you ever did

B.J.M at 22:54:13 Wednesday December 19 2001
anon at 22:50:35 you don't know how much time and effort Hodder has put in to this. If it fails, he has failed and I don't anticipate him sticking round for long, quite frankly there are no other options. Then what will the board do?

News Hound at 22:52:23 Wednesday December 19 2001
The councils mystery arsonist could burn 6fields down. Then they could sell the land for cardboard houses and salmonella joints. If the council block the sale of the ground, I will never vote Labour ever again

B.J.M at 22:52:8 Wednesday December 19 2001
I understand Fash's position perfectly. He knows what the rest of us have suspected for a long time. NTFC will never run profitably until it owns its own ground.

anon at 22:50:35 Wednesday December 19 2001
only amongst the braindead and brainwashed I think the calm is about to break after the storm and all those who have been throwing their knickers on stage at Fash and Gary Hodder will relise that it was a bloody good act, but it was still when all said and done a pisstake.

B.J.M at 22:49:27 Wednesday December 19 2001
What these councillors should remember is that it is not their money, it is taxpayers money. Sixfields has been a money pit for the council ever since it was built. All these idealists love the idea of a community stadium but it not used for the non-footballing community very much is it? Not exactly giving good VFM is it.

B.J.M at 22:46:9 Wednesday December 19 2001
Whether Fash buys the cobblers or not, be sure that he will win the PR battle with the board and the council.

anon at 22:44:34 Wednesday December 19 2001
I think it is also the same borough council that has advanced ticket money every summer to the club in liue of season ticket sales to keep the club trading through the close season. Wonder if they will do it next year if this keeps up

Borough supporter at 22:42:48 Wednesday December 19 2001
This borough council that most are slagging off - it wouldn't happen to be the same borough council that helped the Cobblers move out of the County Ground by building Sixfields? The same borough council that helped the club onto a firmer financial footing? Get real you whingers - don't bite the hand that fed you!!

ANON at 22:40:31 Wednesday December 19 2001
B.J.M I agree my only worry is that I know through talking to them that a number of councillors read this site and after seeing all the anti council stuff on here I would not be surprised if they didn't just say well f*$k the cobblers if thats the way they are going to behave

B.J.M at 22:31:58 Wednesday December 19 2001
ANON at 22:27:55 I wrote my last message before I had read your post. Looks like we are thinking on the same lines....like I said there is a long way to go yet, the Chron like to paint it one way or the other. The truth is somewhere inbetween.

B.J.M at 22:29:52 Wednesday December 19 2001
Have any of you considered the fact that Fashanu is the king when is comes to playing with the media? He suggests that the council could scupper the deal. The Chron find a councillor who is against the idea of selling Sixfields and they have a story. Who comes out of this looking like the bad guys? The council. Not Fash trying to get the stadium on the cheap. The ironic thing? No official decision has been made by the council yet. But the clamours of "sell Sixfields to Fash" have multiplied within hours. Even Gary Hodder is joining in.

ANON at 22:27:55 Wednesday December 19 2001
B.J.M Your last post is very important as I know for a fact that Fash has made no offer for the council. I should know I work in the C Execs office. So what does Fash mean when he says "Now we are just waiting for the council to come back and tell us whether or not our offer has been accepted" or even worse "we have made an offer for the club which we believe has been accepted" Stonhill told the world on Monday that no offer had been accepted. Do we need any more proof of the mistruths and rumours that are being put out by WWW

missus miggins at 22:27:53 Wednesday December 19 2001
fun fun fun fun fun now thats the end of that, c'mon u lot time for bed

B.J.M at 22:22:44 Wednesday December 19 2001
oops hit return by mistake. Contd...THE COUNCIL HAS NOT OFFICIALLY REFUSED TO SELL THE STADIUM - not yet at least. What we do have is counciller Davies mouthing off and saying "we" like he speaks for everyone else on the council. I am under the impression that they have to have a vote on such things. How do we know that the other councillors are going to say the same thing? We don't, until they give Fashanu a formal response. And even if they say no it doesn't mean they can't reconsider or negotiate a solution.

anon at 22:22:27 Wednesday December 19 2001
TWAT, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL DONT RUN THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS,THATS THE COUNTY.AND THE SHEEP DOG TRIALS WERE SCRAPPED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. WHEN ARE SOME OF YOU GOING TO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE. THERE IS NO FASH DEAL. GARY HODDER AND FASH HAVE BEEN LEADING YOU ON AND YOUR ALL TOO GULLIBLE TO SEE IT. AND WHAT DO THEY CARE. THE COUNCIL AND THE BOARD GET ALL THE STICK DONT THEY?

B.J.M at 22:19:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
Mad - petty insults aside, read just the quotes and not the accompanying story. Fash says in particular "We have made an offer for the football club, which we believe has been accepted. "Now we are just waiting for the council to come back and tell us whether or not our offer for the stadium has been accepted." THE COUNCIL HAS NOT OFFICIALLY REFUSED TO SELL THE STADIUM

anon at 22:17:45 Wednesday December 19 2001
twat, the borough council dont run education so cant close the middle schools. The sheep dog trials were scrapped about 5 years ago. And the great Fash has got you at it just to make some of you wake up and smell the coffee, ask yourself how can the council make any decision until Fash has contacted them. some of you are so gullible. will you still love Mr Hodder when you realise he has been having you all on with Fashs help?

THANKS Northampton Borough Council at 21:51:11 Wednesday December 19 2001
Well done Northampton Borough Council !!! I have been to all home games for 15 years and also travel to many away games. NO MORE !!! Fash was our only chance. We will have to make do with has been players, who are old, knackered, always injured and other peoples cast offs. I am sick of free transfer players who don't give a shit about NTFC but just about receiving a pay cheque at the end of each month. At least the stadium will stay remain a Community stadium and we can still look forward to all the memorable event that are reqularly held there. WHAT A BORING BUNCH OF BROWN SUITED, MISERABLE BASTARDS WHO ARE LUCKY TO HAVE A JOB. GREAT BUSINESS SENSE NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL !!! I nolonger have the will to support NTFC. If they go down this year and get more in debt they could go to the wall and wait for it..................the idiots at the council will be left with a stadium that is not used. They can then build houses on the land or leave the stadium as a reminder to all tax payers of how their money is mananged and how it is used to improve the environment of the people who pay their fucking wages !!! We all know they are closing middle schools so that the land can be sold for housing, making them millions of pounds and we have all witnessed another fantastic business decision with the stadium saga. All the best COBBS, but I cant bring myself to follow you any more. We have all dreamt of someone taking over the club with loads of cash. Our wish was granted but our friends at Northampton Borough Council have made sure that the future is forever bleak. ANYONE FANCY COMING TO THE SHEEP DOG TRIALS - A FANTASTIC EVENT PUT ON BY NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL !!!

Who let the Baron Out? at 21:42:31 Wednesday December 19 2001
I demand an answer why some nobody has aired his views?

Phil Baron at 21:41:56 Wednesday December 19 2001
I am gay

Phil Chard at 21:41:15 Wednesday December 19 2001
That Phil Baron even makes me look like a nobody!!

Baron, BARON? who the f*ck is Baron? at 21:40:23 Wednesday December 19 2001
stop boring us with your childish remarks. You are evidently a complete nobody and a waster. Leave this site you uneducated, nosensical inept t*at.

Pam Ayres at 21:40:5 Wednesday December 19 2001
Phil Baron - what sort of made up name is that. Sir, your views are silly and immature and are not welcome on this site. Sensible postings only please.

Phil Baron at 21:38:0 Wednesday December 19 2001
The council will not sell Sixfields because they coin it in from all the parking fines in the town so they do not need the money? Also they are planning to issue permits in the St James area sometime next year...whats next the whole town!! When the club goes bust (thanks to the council) they will have the best unused stadium in the country.Sell it now while there is a chance? If we by some miracle get to the premiership in a few years think of all the parking fines the council could rake in from unsuspecting fans!!

David Capel at 21:37:17 Wednesday December 19 2001
Hi, remember me, former Northamptonshire and England star all-rounder David Capel. Well I have now quit the game to give all those poor bowlers some respite after I used to thrash them so much and instead I am on the look out for a donkey sanctuary. I believe I have found the perfect site for them at Sixfields. After all there are plenty of donkeys who seem to be having a relaxing time on that field.

Wayne 'NED' Larkins (ex England and Northants cricketer) at 21:36:9 Wednesday December 19 2001
Like Keith Della it has all gone downhill since I was booted out of first class cricket. My wife left and I'm skint.

Jeramy Beadle at 21:30:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
When I fronted Beadle's About I was asked to wind up that all time classic cobblers player, The Phil of Chard. What a tosser.

Keith Della at 21:28:18 Wednesday December 19 2001
Remember me with the 9 dart finishes in the 80's? Well just to let all my fans know that I have achieved absolutely nothing since.

Jim Bowen at 21:24:38 Wednesday December 19 2001
Keep out of the balck and in the red, sixfields will not be sold the council said. That Gabbiadini shouldn't play darts coz lets be honest he is always off target. To be honest I think the whole team are pooh (freshly squeezed from Ronald Reagans bottom)

Cliff Thorburn at 21:19:29 Wednesday December 19 2001
My highest break was 147 which is coincidently is my age age at 14 with 7, the colour of the black added on the end. I think the the football pitch should enter the Guinness book of records for the largest snooker table. The goal post could be used as cues. I could attempt to pot a red ball from the the centre circle and miss.

Peter Andre at 21:16:17 Wednesday December 19 2001
Hello it's musical extraordinare Peter Andre here. Remember me and my hits such as Mysterious Girl. I am a genius but in order to keep up my six pack stomach I need a monster gym and I hear there are plenty of dumbells down at Sixfields

Gordon The Gopher at 21:12:52 Wednesday December 19 2001
Me and my friend Philip Schofield wanted to buy Northampton but we were told them would never do business with a muppet. So I have got rid of Philip and hopefully they will now deal with me.

Fred Dineage at 21:11:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
When people tell me the Cobblers need saving I always give them the same answer and to be honest it flumoxes them. What I tell them? 'How' of course. Play Up Pompey

Mr T at 21:9:45 Wednesday December 19 2001
Hey I'd like to ask the board one thing - what are you doin you crazy fools?

David Hasselhoff at 21:3:45 Wednesday December 19 2001
I have always thought that Sixfields would make a wonderful set for my smash television series Baywatch. After all, there are plenty of tits on show.

Lisa Stansfield at 20:49:38 Wednesday December 19 2001
Don't go to cash Converters on the wellie road. One of my cd's was for sale at £1.50. It should have been available for no more than 70p. What is the worls coming to? Sorry about the stadium. Anyway, that Fashanu is a liar and a cheat.

Dogtanian at 20:42:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
I agree it is time for one for all and all for one on this. And if you need any help Muscahounds are always ready.

Corpral Jones at 20:41:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
we could amass outside the town hall and shout "don't panic" when the council refuse to sell.

anon but thoughtful at 20:40:0 Wednesday December 19 2001
Having read the crap below a thought came to mind. If the deal is to go ahead both Stonhill and the council will have to give it their blessing. so what do we do? Slag them both off at every opportunity. The two people who can have the most influence on this matter are Gary Hodder who has no vote on the board but can bring them round to our way of thinking. And Tony Clarke who has no vote on the council but can bring them round to our way of thinking. Also if the fash deal goes ahead these two may be the only two people left at the club in positions of influence. I also thimk the chron should back off. they are just playing one off against the other and causing more problems. lets unite around a common cause of being positve and start a charm offensive towards GH TCMP BS and the council.

David Ike at 20:39:31 Wednesday December 19 2001
perhaps we could have religious apiritionson the pitch once a fortnight. It will pull in the crowds both religious and secular. There is plenty of cash in religion, especiallly if you are disabled.

Clive Dunn at 20:38:35 Wednesday December 19 2001
I think it is time for us old wrinkles to stage a demonstration against this idiotic board of ours. Remember - they don't like it up them.

cp at 20:35:43 Wednesday December 19 2001
Angel of the North, Childs View and Rubber Duck, plus everyone else, you should post your comments on the official site. Gary Hodder is asking for our views so he can present them to the Councillors next week. Some people have moaned before about the club not keeping us informed, well now they are asking for our views. Hodder has done some stirling work over the last couple of weeks, lets give him a hundred or so comments supporting the sale of Sixfields to show our appreciation.

Delia Smith at 20:34:49 Wednesday December 19 2001
F*ck off Thora, I have never seen you there. LIAR.

Thora Hird at 20:34:8 Wednesday December 19 2001
Football is not a game really in that sense, it is more about God and his love. I support Norwich City.

Christopher Biggins at 20:32:46 Wednesday December 19 2001
When I hosted Safari we always wanted to have an outdoor episode.

A Childs View at 20:30:32 Wednesday December 19 2001
Just checked out the official site noticeboard - its not as good as CC but its somewhere else we can make our unanimously held view known - WE ALL WANT THIS DEAL TO WORK!! Bombard it with as many hits as possible telling Stonhill and the council what they need to do!! Stop prevaricating and start signing the bloody contract!!

Peter Duncan (of Blue Peter acclaim) at 20:25:23 Wednesday December 19 2001
I think the stadium should be sold for £40. Instead of holding football matches it should be used once a year for a local cake competition exclusively only available to the over 70's.

anon siging in again as anon cos i dont wanna be accountable for my views so there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at 20:24:47 Wednesday December 19 2001
yes to everthing that is said, and then no. to cause as many agruments as poss, now thats being british or not or possible not or not maybe

the george melly scotsman at 20:19:34 Wednesday December 19 2001
knock it down and build the new wembley on the site,

The Angel of the North at 20:19:15 Wednesday December 19 2001
I hope you are right. The council have no abition..what do they want the stadium for? Community? Councils always shy away from common sense and hide behind bizarre ideals that benefit nobody. There is no greater ambassador of political correctness and resulting money wastes as local councils. This is not just about our stadiums, this is a national problem. P*ss take. I am up for a revolution that will support common sense and erase political correctness. Do I have any support? Let's get this country sorted. We are british after all, it used to mean something!!

ORTUS at 20:15:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
I know some of you lot dont like the official site but ive just paid it a visit and if you register you can let Gary Hodder know your feelings on the subject so he can present our feelings to the council at next weeks meeting.What ever happens we cant let this pass us by and we must take action NOW!!!!!

A Childs View at 20:14:58 Wednesday December 19 2001
Community Stadium - don't make me laugh!! Asides from some women's football and a Satus Quo gig is it ever used by anyone other than the Cobblers? If the council scupper this deal by adhering to some archaic communal ownership concept all residents of Northampton should refuse to pay their council tax. What a joke, can they not see the sense in realising a substantial capital sum from a property that may lose its sole tenant if the Cobblers can't restructure financially? Furthermore, a succesful club would attract masses of growth for the town and lead to development and extra revenue streams everywhere! Nobody can lose!! This deal is our chance, we have to take it in the hope it will give us a team to be proud of. If the board cause it to collapse they simply do not, in spite of what they say, have the best interests of the club at heart. In addition, if the council mess things up they have criminally misunderstood the mood of the vast majority of the Northampton public - WE WANT A FOOTBALL TEAM THAT IS SUCCESFUL AND ON THE MAP!!! This counts for far more than an unused community stadium that sounds quaint when small minded Trotskyites have a half-pint of ale together!! Wise up - SELL THE BLOODY THING AND LETS MAKE THE COBBLERS A TEAM TO BE PROUD OF!! I'm getting very concerned about the deal now, Stonhill is umming and ahhing and the council are coming out with unbelievable backward thinking remarks. Mr Hodder - if there was ever an opportunity for you to make a mark on a football club and live forever in the memories of its fans, this is it! Please, please, please see this deal home and defeat the pettiness and parochial thinking of the other involved parties. Fash and WWW want Northampton - at the moment - there are plenty of other clubs who may begin to look more attractive if they are continually faced with the intransigence of the council and Stonhill. Here's hoping and praying!

What about the club's contribution at 20:12:54 Wednesday December 19 2001
Just a thought to our council - what is the legal status to the substantial part of the monies used to build sixfields that was provided by the national football trust - direct work by NTFC (not the council and certainly not Barnwell) - do not the trust put that funding under some sort of covanence - if not the council still have a moral obligation over that portion of the money.

The Angel of the North at 20:11:35 Wednesday December 19 2001
I am disgusted by Northampton Borough Council if they do not sell the stadium. All this community bullshit they are talking about. The council don't give a monkeys about the community. They are always taking the p*ss with our money. leicester council for example are always mentioning tight budgets yet they can afford £50, 000 of 'modern art' to sit in a roundabout. We should all withold from payment of the council tax in protest. They will soon want to sell when they all have had their back-handers. NBC..get rid, bunch of tosspots in suits. Community? I think our football is for the community. I blame the middle classes on the council, what the f*ck do they know??

NTFC@2view at 19:44:29 Wednesday December 19 2001
You did not seem to understand that I was taking the píss at the Anons of this world then?. When I say 'we' I wasn't including myself. My opinions, which I've argued here at length, are that the players are doing their best, the board also, and have been 'supported' by me in many posts. The Council have just this second come into the frame and the Chron was doing its job. My post was in response to a post just before it where someone said he would blame the Chron for any failure of the bid. Thrashing about for someone to blame seems to be the in thing. Are you, by the way, the person who misquoted me at 9:34:59? Was that on purpose, or are you a poorish reader?

Mad at 19:36:8 Wednesday December 19 2001
BJM. BUT SURELY THE QUOTES IN THE CHRON ARE ALL TRUE AND VALID. HOW DO YOU SENSATIONALIZE QUOTES? THIS IS NOT THE NEWS OF THE WORLD WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. YOU SEEM TO BE THE TYPE OF PERSON WHO THINKS THEY KNOW EVERYTHING, BUT IS ACTUALLY A BELL END

B.J.M at 19:31:14 Wednesday December 19 2001
"If we did come in and take over Northampton I would still like to work alongside the chairman, the directors and other people and seek their advice," said Fashanu. My opinion on all this stadium nonsense it that it is still early days, Fash hasn't even spoken to the council yet, this is just typical sensationalism by the Chron. Remember it's their ideal story, both politics and sport involved, they want to sell papers. No one else has picked up on these comments by Fash (about the board) "They are people who have been around, they are community people, they are people who are respected very much in the community and we certainly wouldn t throw away that sort of advice and experience that they have." Read here Mr Fashanu, now tell me they are respected? Or, (IMO more likely) the board have indicated that they want to stay connected to the club in some capacity and Fash has made conciliatory noises through the press. I do not for one minute believe that any of the board members would have much of a role to play if Fash took over.

Phil Baron at 19:29:1 Wednesday December 19 2001
Why should TCMP resign? Is it his fault the council will not sell the stadium? I am sure if Tony had his way he would be just an "ordinary" face in the crowd every week. He is in a no win situation as he cannot make everyone happy!

Another classic from NTFC@2view at 19:21:33 Wednesday December 19 2001
"We've now got the players, Stonhill, The Council and the Chron to hate". Haven't you started hating yourself yet m8, if not why not? not a single constructive comment made by you.

Anon at 19:17:14 Wednesday December 19 2001
except near election time?

Anon at 19:16:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
Since when have politicians given a toss about the electorate?

Anon at 19:10:30 Wednesday December 19 2001
Ano at 19.1.17 - Its better than doing nothing, and atleast we can say we did our bit, besides you might be suprised about how much notice politicians take of the views of their electorate.

Anon at 19:5:14 Wednesday December 19 2001
Protests and demonstrations do work.Look at what happened to those proposed travellers camps.

Anon at 19:1:17 Wednesday December 19 2001
Seriously - grow up you lot. Protests or votes won't have the slightest effect on the councils decision.

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 19:0:39 Wednesday December 19 2001
To councillor Keith Davies,if you stay entrenched and don't sell to Mr Fashanu,what will you do when Mr Winkleman offers the Milton Keynes Stadium he has proposed and NTFC move. I think you have a very expensive white elephant nobody will use,just because of your political ideas.To Mr Stonhill you always quote 'I'll do what is best for the club'if you don't negoiate a deal what future are you and your fellow Directors going to offer the Cobblers in the future!!!! Admit Mr Fashanu has out PR'd you, plus you have shown a ignorance re the protest with your 'I'll walk away'comment,the protest was against the PLAYERS not you!!

Anon at 19:0:18 Wednesday December 19 2001
I MEAN BUY

Ray at 19:0:15 Wednesday December 19 2001
Yes, TCMP is the supporters representative on the board? I suspect the point being made is that there is no reason for him to resign because some councillors have voted against the sale of Sixfields - and I must say I agree.

Anon at 18:59:24 Wednesday December 19 2001
PEOPLE NEED TO COMPROMISE. THERE MUST BE A WAY. HOPEFULLY THE PAPER WILL GET BEHIND FASHANUS BID TO BY THE GROUND

RUBBER DUCK at 18:58:22 Wednesday December 19 2001
IF we march from sixfields to the guilhall will the council lay a park & ride on at sixfields as i can't park anywhere in the town.

Anon at 18:51:49 Wednesday December 19 2001
Right,only one thing for it .We must organise a march from Sixfields, and finishing at the Guildhall.We must show our support for the sale of Sixfields.A chance like this will never come again,we must act now. PEOPLE POWER !

RUBBER DUCK at 18:50:2 Wednesday December 19 2001
ITS TIME TO PUT OUR SILLY SQUABBLES ASIDE AND COME TOGETHER ON THIS WE ALL(MOST ABOUT 80%ON INTERNET POLLS) WANT THIS DEAL TO HAPPEN PERHAPS THE TRAVEL CLUBS CAN GET JOINT PERTIONS TOGETHER TO GIVE TO MR HODDER TO SHOW THE COUNCIL HOW STRONG THE NORTHAMPTON PUBLIC WANT THIS TO HAPPEN

RUBBER DUCK at 18:42:33 Wednesday December 19 2001
URGENT!! CAN ALL COBBLERS FANS RING/E-MAIL/FAX OR POST MR HODDER ON THE SALE OF THE GROUND TO MR FASHANU AND HIS CONSORTIUM. THIS IS IT THE BIG ONE WE WON'T GET ANOTHER CHANCE TO MAKE NORTHAMPTON TOWN F.C. A BETTER OUTFIT IN A HIGHER DIVISION THAN THIS

anon at 18:33:11 Wednesday December 19 2001
COME ON COBBLERS COME ON COBBLERS COME ON COBBLERS COME ON COBBLERS

Anon at 18:31:14 Wednesday December 19 2001
Melly you must live in a very cozy world where you think you can get the council to sell sixfields and now you think you can just walk in on Barwells patch. Quite amazing

anon at 18:4:18 Wednesday December 19 2001
let the towns pro footie club go down the road to MK, happen there council might one

the george melly scotsman at 17:57:41 Wednesday December 19 2001
bang on 'THE DRILLING COBBLER' lets sell the bloody thing, if fash the cash does decide to build houses on it, who cares we could just use that stadium down the road, used by the eggchases!, as it seems a bit of a waste them using it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make yourself useful. at 17:57:29 Wednesday December 19 2001
Vote on line at www.northantsnews.com on the Chrons straw poll about selling the stadium (uninformed opinion it may be, but a yes vote will make better hadlines than a no vote) and post a message of support for Gary Hodder on the official site www.ntfc.co.uk - he is meeting the Council soon and wants our opinions in writing. We owe him one for getting us this far and he deserves our support.

MQTA at 17:54:8 Wednesday December 19 2001
is TCMP not involved? is he not on the board then?

Anon at 17:52:5 Wednesday December 19 2001
With only 3909 last game can't see why you need an enlarged stadium, with a gates like that you will soon be able to play at Spencer.

Anon at 17:45:21 Wednesday December 19 2001
You are right drilling cobbler, fash and co would definately be looking to maximise revenues.

anon at 17:38:38 Wednesday December 19 2001
i ment no s on its then sorry again mr realist

Anon at 17:37:10 Wednesday December 19 2001
Why should TCMP resign? Dickhead! How is he even involved?

RUBBER DUCK at 17:36:29 Wednesday December 19 2001
Fash could buy the club sort its, then start looking to buy a new ground or land to bulid one on(just a thought)

MQTA at 17:32:0 Wednesday December 19 2001
What else could Fash and Co to maximise revenue or capital opportunities? Could they sell the club down the river? who could stop them?

9224 at 17:31:6 Wednesday December 19 2001
Can we not petition the council?

RUBBER DUCK at 17:31:2 Wednesday December 19 2001
SOZ i ment labour council not goverment at the start of that i do hope you forgive me MR Realist

MQTA at 17:29:15 Wednesday December 19 2001
Is tcmp on the council? What should he resign from? who will take his place?

The Drilling Cobbler at 17:29:14 Wednesday December 19 2001
Surely it would be in the best interests of everybody for the council to sell sixfields to the cobblers. If the council argue that they should not sell it because it was built for the community, are they planning to put a halt to selling council houses to tennents? After all, Sixfields is in effect a council house that the Cobblers live in! The fact that they are unprepared to invest further in the facility, ie increasing capacity/ building exec boxes etc, is more evidence that they should look at selling up to someone who is prepared to do just that. LESS COUNCIL TAX, A BIGGER AND BETTER FACILITY TO BE USED BY THE PEOPLE OF NORTHAMPTON - AND A MUCH MORE SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL CLUB. A final point I would like to make to the council - how can they argue that they could not gaurantee that the future use of the stadium would not be geared towards the community needs if they sold up? I'm sure Fash and Co will be looking to maximise revenue opportunities, meaning considerably more events being staged there than at present! And who attends these events - the people of Northampton. SELL SELL SELL SELL......

What do tory & lib-dem councillors say about it? at 17:27:5 Wednesday December 19 2001
if the council stop this club moving up, then tcmp must resign

Mr Realist at 17:23:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
Rubber duck you idiot since when has the Labour Government owned Sixfields? If If If If!!! If they were giving out medals for nievity you would be in the front of the queue

anon at 17:21:9 Wednesday December 19 2001
I wonder what John Oliver would have to say about the council selling Sixfields at a knock down price after spending so much money on building it?

RUBBER DUCK at 17:20:22 Wednesday December 19 2001
Agree with anon 15.41 this labour goverment should take the money & go sort out the graffiti & litter in the town with it, perhaps bulid a travellers site somewhere. Community stadium this Labour council don't know the meaning of the word community, if the cobbs where not at sixfields then no one would be at sixfields if fash can buy it, increase the capacity, bring some much needed sucess then the community will be in sixfields

Mr Realist at 17:19:6 Wednesday December 19 2001
get real PRC given that all the roads and sewers are already built and the site would make a great hotel, night club and casino I think it would be worth several millions as long as no one resticted its use as a football stadium

anon at 17:14:43 Wednesday December 19 2001
so sod off to Milton Keynes then

TAKE ME TO MILTON KEYNES! at 17:0:55 Wednesday December 19 2001
I'm sick to death of this backward thinking Labour Council. They have run roughshod over the citizen's of Northampton with many of their policies and choosing to ignore basic shortcomings of this once proud Town. They choose to ignore/or spew platitudes regarding crime, violence, travellers, general hospital, school closures, asylum seekers, parking, graffitti, transport infrastructure and the general down turn in appearance of the Town. JUST BEAR THIS IN MIND AT THE NEXT LOCAL ELECTIONS!!!!!!!

PRC at 16:27:51 Wednesday December 19 2001
I'm not so sure, MQTA, that Sixfields would represent a plot of land worth several millions. I would be interested to know what an experts bottom line valuation of it's worth would be. In any event Sixfields Stadium without the football club could be Northampton's own version of the Millenium Dome, a facility without any viable means of support.

Danny at 16:23:59 Wednesday December 19 2001
TCMP, other than football, could you tell me what else is held at Sixfields Stadium??? As far as I'm aware its only the Cobblers that use it.

Let's all 'ave a whinge at 16:18:8 Wednesday December 19 2001
Bloody great ennit, the one time the directors are going to accept a consortium's bid for the club and it still can't go through 'cos the sodding council won't sell the fecking stadium.

Anon at 16:15:7 Wednesday December 19 2001
Anon at 16:2:6 you say 'other entertainment at 3pm on a Saturday', that implies that we already have some entertainment at Sixfields - shurely shome mishtake.

Anon at 16:2:6 Wednesday December 19 2001
Call it a community stadium if you like, but noone is in any real doubt that its the home of a football club - so currently if they want the council can schedule other entertainment for 3pm on Saturday afternoon ? The reality is its a football ground and we should all be looking for the best way to take the club forward and in the process raise the profile of Northampton.

why worry 2 at 15:59:24 Wednesday December 19 2001
Unless you support Wimbledon and need a new stadium

Why worry... at 15:57:27 Wednesday December 19 2001
It's all immaterial anyway. Apparently a number of Div One clubs are putting in resignations from the League by 21 December, to form this breakaway league. If they do,thats the end of professinal football in Northampton, and many other places as well.

anonsmate at 15:57:19 Wednesday December 19 2001
anon at 15:41:10 What a Knob!! You need to get out more. people like you deserve to live in Wellingborough where nobody pays any council tax. No services are ever delivered and they all go and pay homage to their capitalist demogod at Nene Park every Saturday. Sod off to Tory ville you fascist

MarkBD at 15:54:41 Wednesday December 19 2001
Indeed it is correct that local league finals are played at Sixfields, but only at an extortionate cost to the leagues or teams involved. I've been involved in local Cup Finals for 4 of the last 5 seasons, yet only played on the main pitch at Sixfields once. Venues such as Cogenhoe and Fernie Fields have been preferred, usually on the grounds of cost, so the inference that this is one of the great 'community' events which means the stadium needs to remain in public hands does not hold water.

Anon at 15:53:13 Wednesday December 19 2001
Its a Community Stadium and should always remain so. Man. Utd dont let local leagues play their finals on their pitch, bully for them, they own it and can do as they feel best, no problem with that. The Community, built and own Sixfields and should be part of it in the future, not much to ask is it? The Cobblers maybe chief users but they are not exclusive users.

anon at 15:45:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
Lest we forget if it were not for the Labour controlled council we would still be at the County Ground, or out of the league. Some people have short or selective memories.How can we really know whats possible until there are real talks and not just messages passed on through the Chron

Anon at 15:41:10 Wednesday December 19 2001
Since when has it been a Council's remit to own multi thousand seat stadia? NBC should concentrate on street cleaning, refuse and toilets, it's about all the wankers are fit for. I think we need to enlist John Oliver in this instance. How can NBC justify losing 300k a year on a few politically correct jamborees that attract barely a few hundred people. As for local leagues playing their finals there - so what? Do you think Man U let the Wooden Clog FC play Salford Dcckers WMC in the Withenshaw Div 7 league cup final the night before their semi with Real Madrid? I think not. Fat Dickie has only ever been to Sixfields twice for a football match and that was to jump on the Cobblers promotion bandwagon when it suited him for votes or the Wlter Tull Memorial. It's this sort of mentality that left Northampton without a main line railway station. What does TCMP have to say? Is he prepared to see the club fold thorugh Labour Party dogma?

PR at 15:23:43 Wednesday December 19 2001
NTFC can be a great asset to this Town instead of a modest burden to the tax payer.

The Community at 15:16:53 Wednesday December 19 2001
Everyone talks about whats good for me but noone thinks of asking me !

Anon at 15:10:45 Wednesday December 19 2001
Ray are you ever going to fix the crappy minute display problem on the timestamps ?! 15:8:26 -> 15:08:26

Anon at 15:8:26 Wednesday December 19 2001
The Labour council obviously think they are doing everyone a favour by not selling - I wonder if they're now genuinely interested in the opinions of the people who elected them ? I fear they'll just dig their hells in...

Anon at 15:2:7 Wednesday December 19 2001
Would Sixfields have been concieved without NTFC ? Why this Labour obsession with public ownership ? Im sure Mr Fashanu could be persuaded to sign a contract with the council for the 'provision of local services'. From http://www.northampton.gov.uk/News/pr307.htm 'Northampton Borough Council's element of the Council Tax looks likely to rise by 7.9% next year'. £400K susidising the Cobblers cant be helping. I say put the ownership of Sixfields to a referendum, then we'll find out what the community wants to do with their community stadium, and indeed whether they want to continue subsidising the Cobblers.

anon at 14:38:52 Wednesday December 19 2001
Typical braindead voting option from the Chron "should the council sell sixfields" yes-no-dont know That will help wont it Tommorrows Headline "CHRON READERS SAY SELL SIXFIELDS" The chronicle and Echo can exclusivly reveal that 80% of our readers given no information and no other option believe that the council should sell Sixfields. Mr John Fashanu said "I am with the Chron on this it's Sixfields, The Chron, and the Express Lift Tower or nothing. Mr Keith Davies Leader of the Council said "Its only my personal opinion but I would not buy the Chron" Garry Hodder CE NTFC said " I think the poll is a done thing, it just needs rubber stamping" Barry Stonhill said "Its a little too early to be discussing the outcome of the poll" Tony Clarke MP said "opinion polls are very unreliable unless they are in favour of the Labour Party" A spokesperson for the Sixfields Travel Club was unavailable for comment but sent a message in saying they are running a trip to Chester Zoo in the new year.

LH at 14:32:55 Wednesday December 19 2001
Make the Chron sit up & notice. If they they screw this up for us by playing the interested parties against the other with selected half quotes or general mischief then BOYCOTT the Chron. They should report facts not S**T stir . Make sure if we loose out then they do.

NTFC@2view at 14:21:41 Wednesday December 19 2001
I like the Chron comments. Things get better all the time. We've now got the players, Stonhill, The Council and the Chron to hate. Who needs good news when we have got all this?

Mark Too at 14:20:49 Wednesday December 19 2001
On http://www.northantsnews.com there is a vote at the bottom left of the main page whether Sixfields should be sold to the Cobblers.

MQTA at 14:20:20 Wednesday December 19 2001
If NTFC folded would the league allow Wimbledon to play at Sixfields?

MQTA at 14:19:28 Wednesday December 19 2001
If Fash owned Sixfields and NTFC fold would he not have a plot of land worth several million pounds?

MQTA at 14:16:50 Wednesday December 19 2001
would they not also have a plot of land worth several million pounds?

ANON at 14:15:36 Wednesday December 19 2001
The Chron says " Its Fash done and dusted" (Fri) "Council will sell" (Sat) "Its not a done deal" (Tues) "No sale of Sixfields" (Wed) I dont see them being so vocal and upfront over there own little take over deal (Herald & Post) I agree with the comment below if we lose all this just because the Chron wants its glory then we should never forgive them.

LH at 14:11:51 Wednesday December 19 2001
Does the council know something we dont. Will they not sell Sixfields to any body as a matter of principal or will they not sell to Fash ? They have to be realistic because if NTFC fold they will just have an unused Stadium .

MQTA at 14:9:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
Should we stop worrying? are there not plenty of other people interested in buying the club?

Anon at 13:20:59 Wednesday December 19 2001
So how long will it be before we get the intelligence insulting comment... "not to worry because there are plenty of other people interested in buying the club?".

ANON at 13:18:43 Wednesday December 19 2001
I for one blame the Chron. All they have done since this story started is ring around grabbing qoutes and setting one person off against the other. If they really cared about the club they would have reported just the facts and not tried to play one off against the offer. I can see hear them now "So you will only sell the leasehold Mr Davies" "Hello Mr Fashanu, the council have said Sixfields is not for sale, will you pull out if you dont get full control?" Why don't they just let both parties negotiate instead of putting the whole deal in jepoardy for the sake of a cheap headline. If it all falters I know who I will balme.

North Stand Just at 12:57:16 Wednesday December 19 2001
Well thats that wrecked then. I thought the council needed a cash injection as they were up to their eyes in it due to financial mismanagement! Sixfields would give them instant cash!!!!! Nevermind. On the otherhand most Italian teams get on fine in council owned stadia. Why can't we be the same? I'm dreaming now aren't I..........

Anon at 12:55:38 Wednesday December 19 2001
Sixfields is used by all the local Saturday, Sunday and Youth leagues as well as the Town Football Association for their cup finals although I agree that surely a clause to allow these matches to continue could be arranged, and surely the new owners would want them to bring in some income.

CP at 12:43:56 Wednesday December 19 2001
So we'd have two white elephants in the town, or maybe they could just start using the ground as a land fill site, or sell the pitch off for allotments. On the other hand why cant the conditions of the sale be such that 'Community use' is included - not that there has been any Communty use for the last five or so years.

Sid at 12:41:7 Wednesday December 19 2001
Amazing - even Labour councillor Keith Davies has now made a U-turn on his position from the weekend, where he supported the BC seeling up to Fashanu - now he feels that Fash wouldn't use it for community purposes. Also, another councillor said in the Chron “Why does he need to own the stadium to make a great club? That’s down to players and the management.” True, but wouldn't it be advantageous?

PRC at 11:59:4 Wednesday December 19 2001
So the Council don't sell, the deal falls through, the Cobblers go belly up, the Council get their Community Stadium. Sounds like a good idea.

Don't count your chickens.... at 11:21:1 Wednesday December 19 2001
Don't know if the Council would sell Sixfields - financially it would probably make good sense to do so but politically it may not. I wonder how much of Sixfields WWW would want to buy. If the ambition that they have for the club bears fruit presumably they would want to be able to expand the ground which could impede on the athletics area. This could take an age to sort out by which time other issues such as Wimbledon moving to MK or P'boro being up for sale with ground included could send WWW looking elsewhere. Read the report in today's Chron and Hodders statement on the clubs website and relax while you are slowly let down!

Hotel Ender at 10:59:31 Wednesday December 19 2001
If you are right, it wouldn't be the first time that the "Good Burghers" of Northampton had turned down an opportunity to put the town on the map. In 1856 they turned down the Main West Coast rail route to Scotland, because it was too noisy and tok up too much land, thereby relegating the town to a branch line existence which has continued ever since. They are not well known for their vision unfortunately, but they are very good at making shoes (or used to be)

Rubber Stamp at 10:53:7 Wednesday December 19 2001
Don't think I'll be needed now!

I had a dream at 10:30:54 Wednesday December 19 2001
So the dream is over. The Council say they will not sell Sixfields and Fash says he will not buy the club unless he gets Sixfields. Oh well....it was good whilst it lasted.

NTFC@2view at 10:8:5 Wednesday December 19 2001
'slagging off...' by the way.

NTFC@2view at 10:6:59 Wednesday December 19 2001
"NTFC@2view at 9:19:50 Tuesday December 18 2001 This board is in a much worse state than the team." Funny how you can change only a couple of letters to change the meaning of something.

NTFC@2view at 9:58:25 Wednesday December 19 2001
You should be on tele "anon at 23:4:11 Tuesday December 18 2001". That's brilliant. "if the club had loads of money & had sucess & stability would wankers like MQTA, COMMON SENSE, NTFC@2VIEW & OTHERS STOP SLAGING OTHER FANS/SURPORTERS CLUBS OFF?". Do you mean "if the club had loads of money & had sucess & stability would wankers like Anon, etc. etc. etc. stop slagging of the players, the managers, the board......"

NTFC@2view at 9:53:28 Wednesday December 19 2001
Fash also said that several other Nationwide clubs had approached him. I wonder if our cousins up the Neeeeeeene are one of them. That would hurt, wouldn't it?

AWOOGAHH at 9:53:3 Wednesday December 19 2001
if the bid does not go through do you know who's fault it will be ??? - simple the internet "nerds" and cobblers chat room users, i can see it now, front page headlines on chroni'c, after all loook at all the damage we have done before, remember it was us who wasresponsible for cobblers getting relligated.

NTFC@2view at 9:51:32 Wednesday December 19 2001
Well children, you will be pleased to know that the Council won't sell Sixfields and Fash won't come without it, so yuo can go back to pretending to be other people and gfet on with your main hobby of Stonhill hating. Read the Chron if you think this is invented as most other pieces of 'news' are on this sorry site.

Classic quote from NTFC@2view - friend of the board at 9:34:59 Wednesday December 19 2001
"The board is in a much worse state than the team."

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 9:27:2 Wednesday December 19 2001
Sorry to say it again..Ray is a mole for the club. Stonhill at best is a bad estate agent...Fash will run rings around him!!!

Nosey PArker "For Real" at 9:11:26 Wednesday December 19 2001
I do not think it was TCMP posting last night...it was spelt right for one!!!!!

Anon at 23:37:56 Tuesday December 18 2001
If Barry stonhill can't talk to the press without making a major cock up every time, what is he doing in the job?

NTFC@2view at 23:32:4 Tuesday December 18 2001
Change your name? Disgraceful. How can that be for the good of the club.

Public Relations Consultant at 23:31:50 Tuesday December 18 2001
Could I be of any service, Mr. Chairman?

John Fashanu at 23:29:8 Tuesday December 18 2001
The board have done this for the good of the club? Crikey. Funny ideas some people have. AWOOGA!

RUBBER DUCK at 23:29:7 Tuesday December 18 2001
GOODNIGHT CHAPS & I SHALL CHANGE MY NAME AFTER AWOOGA ANOB LAST COMMENTS

AWOOGAanon. at 23:24:20 Tuesday December 18 2001
Let's all post as AWOOGAanon. except when we want to have a go at each other, then you can post as RUBBER DUCK or NTFC@2view.

RUBBER DUCK MEETS FASH at 23:21:43 Tuesday December 18 2001
Look john at all the postings on hear mate, see how united northampton town is as much as everyone likes what our present board has tried to do for the good of the club & we are struggling in the league l know, but we are all sticking together to put things right we just need a cash injection a few players here & there. ..............................................GET STUFFED sorry RD me old mate tell Hodder i won't bother with helping you lot all YOU fing do is slag each other off i'll try that MR BOIZOT chap see ya....

AWOOGAanon. at 23:21:36 Tuesday December 18 2001
Let's set up a new club bigger and better than the Trust!

Anon at 23:19:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
We can all be Awooga Anons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWOOGAanon. at 23:18:56 Tuesday December 18 2001
I'm AWOOGAanon.

Awooga Anon at 23:17:12 Tuesday December 18 2001
I'm Awooga Anon. Nice to meet you sir

Anon at 23:16:1 Tuesday December 18 2001
which anon are you then ?

a different anon at 23:14:21 Tuesday December 18 2001
Hide behind the name Anon? And you are not hiding behind the name Common Sense? twerp

Common Sense at 23:12:59 Tuesday December 18 2001
Anon, who are you to call me a wanker ? Who are you ? Hide behind anon, I will not lower myself to say what I think of your comment. Also, please tell me who I have slagged off.

MQTA at 23:11:46 Tuesday December 18 2001
Is TCMP running the show not Stonhill? How are the Labour Party's finances going?

Anon at 23:11:5 Tuesday December 18 2001
Do you lot not have anything better to do?

MQTA at 23:10:8 Tuesday December 18 2001
Is it not pay back time? Are not other supporters groups good at dishing out advice but silent on every important issue? What is the position of the Sixfields Travel Club? Fash or Stonhill? Atkins or Wilson? Club or personal gain?

look at it like this at 23:9:17 Tuesday December 18 2001
Ever since tcmp joined the board the clubs finances have gone downhill in a big way. Is there a link

Anon at 23:6:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
anon at 23:4:11, people like ntfc@2view only come on here to have a good old moan about other fans.

MQTA at 23:6:2 Tuesday December 18 2001
If we do will that mean that other supporters clubs will declare their income and expenditure instead of spending the profit on Curries on a Saturday night?

Anon at 23:5:7 Tuesday December 18 2001
No, and I didn't disagree with what the chron wrote about tcmp in retaliation.

anon at 23:4:11 Tuesday December 18 2001
if the club had loads of money & had sucess & stability would wankers like MQTA, COMMON SENSE, NTFC@2VIEW & OTHERS STOP SLAGING OTHER FANS/SURPORTERS CLUBS OFF?

MQTA at 23:2:36 Tuesday December 18 2001
Did anyone disagree with what he did to Atkins? Did we not all say "more strength to your elbow" its about time someone stood up for the fans?

Glenn at 23:2:3 Tuesday December 18 2001
Can we just wait and see what happens before we let emotions run too high. Stonhill says it's far from a done deal. This has to be correct as the deal is bound to take some time - remember part of it hinges on the council selling the ground (when have the council ever done anything quickly?). Stonhill's only mistake was his misguided comments to the press which, to be fair to all the postings here, were extremely negative and contradict Hodder's comments. But he's never been a great communicator, proved by the fact that he hired Hodder to be the club's spokesperson. I believe him when he says he has the club's best interests at heart, and don't think he's stalling for a better offer - He's just trying to add an air of realism to the proceedings.

Anon at 23:1:22 Tuesday December 18 2001
TCMPs style is remarkably like dr4e's now you mention it.

Not taken in? at 22:58:45 Tuesday December 18 2001
It probably was TCMP actually, he likes jumping on bandwagons remember what he did to Atkins?

MQTA at 22:57:2 Tuesday December 18 2001
What is TCMP's style of writing?

MQTA at 22:56:6 Tuesday December 18 2001
If all fans who cared about the club gave the Trust £20 would we be in a stronger position? If we gave it to Sixfields Travel Club where would it go? Would Barry Parker have an ever bigger car?

BLOKE WITH DODGEY GOLDEN TICKET at 22:55:40 Tuesday December 18 2001
The trust might have 8%, but appears it can't run a raffle

A Childs View at 22:55:31 Tuesday December 18 2001
Ohhh? It says Raymond@UKOnline - is that Ray as in Ray? It sounds like TCMP though, his style of writing.

anon at 22:52:45 Tuesday December 18 2001
the club will be ok coz the trust has 8%

MQTA at 22:52:2 Tuesday December 18 2001
Is Irony the same medicine as a spoonful of suger? Why can't Fash tell us how much his bid is? If he is in London will he be there on Friday? was John Pertwee the best Dr Who by miles?

I'VE GOT A DODGEY GOLDEN TICKET at 22:49:42 Tuesday December 18 2001
A raffle with no winners (it will never work) can i sue

J.J.J. at 22:46:31 Tuesday December 18 2001
I am getting a bit confused over all this it seems to me Mr Stonhill does not know what he says from one minute to another correct me if i am wrong but on Fri morning Breakfast show radio Npton he denied any deal being put on table from Fash & Gang. yet in tonight's paper he says yes fash did put a deal on table on Thur last week. Then in last night chron & Echo Stonhill says the deal is acceptable its down to the Council to sell the stadium to Fash & Gang. To-nights lastest in the local rag is that man Stonhill saying the DEAL IS FAR FROM DONE . Personally i think he is digging him deeper and deeper into a hole. On another note is he egging the cobblers fans to bo & hiss on Boxing Day game so he & his fellow directors clear off for good (is this a wind up or what) Personally i think they should take the deal that fash & his mates have laid on the table and run if they DONT They will finish the club off once and for all.

Taken in at 22:45:38 Tuesday December 18 2001
Ummm Childs View, I really don't think that was TCMP you know (look at the e-mail address). I think it's called irony. A difficult concept apparently.

he should have gone in 98 at 22:45:13 Tuesday December 18 2001
Cobblers chairman Barry Stonhill admitted that he was thinking about resigning from his post after he was verbally abused by supporters during the home match at Preston last Saturday. Fans were angry that he allowed Ray Warburton and Carl Heggs to move to Rushden & Diamonds and chanted for his head in the stands. Stonhill stated "I was close to packing it in but I had fantastic support from my fellow directors".

PETE WATERMAN at 22:44:5 Tuesday December 18 2001
lets make a x-mas record, the team can sing a lovely song that i'll write. then u won't have to sell the club to that terrible man who wants to save the club from another 20/30 years of yo yo

RUBBER DUCK at 22:41:27 Tuesday December 18 2001
HAVE A PROTEST IF U WANT, THAT WILL IMPRESS FASH & THE CHEIF

stonhills wife at 22:41:26 Tuesday December 18 2001
no go ahead.

THIS IS THE MAN DRIVING OUR CLUB TO THE WALL at 22:39:32 Tuesday December 18 2001
http://www.northantsnews.com/images/Archive/Sport/JPM_666.jpg

stonhills lover at 22:38:9 Tuesday December 18 2001
leave him alone you big bully

Guess what at 22:37:16 Tuesday December 18 2001
There were no winners.

Observer at 22:35:20 Tuesday December 18 2001
I notice Ray has not posted since he was exposed as being an unofficial spokesman for the board. It is probably now only a matter of time before this site vanishes on the instruction of the board, now real opinions of the board are being expressed.

I'VE GOT A GOLDEN TICKET at 22:35:0 Tuesday December 18 2001
Can someone put the names of the recent trust raffle winners from the agm i bought a ticket & don't know if i won. O & howmuch didit raise? Thanks for you're time merry christmas you can now go back to moaning at each other.

RUBBER DUCK ANOTHER SAD STONHILL FAN at 22:26:46 Tuesday December 18 2001
HOW THE FÚCK CAN YOU TALK ABOUT FASHANU LEAVING HE HASNT EVEN JOINED YET? STONHILL HAD HIS CHANCE AND BLEW IT, HE IS NO BETTER THAN MCRITCHIE.

RUBBER DUCK at 22:22:17 Tuesday December 18 2001
WHAT A DICK stonhill out at 23.8.47 the present board go fash & co comes in throw a load of money at things it does not guarantee sucess(WISH IT WOULD) they clear off. GREAT. Whos that leave the trust, yep let the lunatics run the aslum

A Childs View at 22:19:40 Tuesday December 18 2001
Blimey, bold words from TCMP below - thanks for being so candid! Lots of high emotions at the moment, I've got them myself. When can we expect the next official announcement from Mr Hodder - I much prefer listening to him and his impartial enthusiasm for taking the club forward. Does anyone know?

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 22:16:41 Tuesday December 18 2001
Sorry to say it again..Ray is a mole for the club. Stonhill at best is a bad estate agent...Fash will run rings around him!!!

stonhill OUT at 22:8:47 Tuesday December 18 2001
GET THE FÚCK OUT OF THIS CLUB YOU ARE NOT GETTING YOUR LOANS BACK

RUBBER DUCK at 22:3:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
A protest is a fing stupid idea. lets all pull together, we cheered the lads on sat & we won lets do that at brentford & sixfields on boxing day win them & we will be out of the bottom 4 (hopefully)

Not TCMP at 21:59:17 Tuesday December 18 2001
the TCMP earlier doesn't realise how little the proportion it takes to get a global view of how supporters feel. Pollsters take samples of just 1000 to get extremely accurate predictions on how the country will vote. Ok, their samples are carefully controlled but the percentages are miniscule. I would say the serious posts on here, and there are quite a few, are an accurate reflection on what people are generally saying around Northampton. Ironically, you can get much more extreme views in The County, North Star, Spread Eagle, etc. etc.

TIME'S UP! LET THE PROTESTS BEGIN! at 21:58:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
FTD at 16:59:5 Saturday December 1 2001 Quoting the chief scout of Tottenham Hotspur 48 hours ago 'the last two years has seen some of the worst signings by the Cobblers,and unfortunately you have no chance of staying up!' Thank you for those signings Mr.Wilson!! You have overseen this mess Mr Stonhill,you have a maximum of TWO weeks to sell out and give the club even the smallest of chances of surviving!!!

EVIDENCE THAT RAY MUST BE PAID BY THE BOARD at 21:56:55 Tuesday December 18 2001
Ray at 21:25:59 Saturday December 1 2001 Gabbiadini has been and still is a superb player for the Cobblers.

ARTHUR SCARGILL at 21:50:16 Tuesday December 18 2001
EVERBODY OUT/EVERYBODY IN it reminds me of the 70's,if protesting got us anywhere they would legalise it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! would'nt they

STONHILL OUT at 21:44:34 Tuesday December 18 2001
Spread the word,all fans who care about this club are to congregate on the grass bank in front of the main office on Boxing Day at 2.30.We will remain outside the ground until 3.15.The protest is to be peaceful , but noisy. In the light of Stonhill's latest comments something now needs to be done.

The Angel of the North at 21:35:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
It's real boring now NTFC@2view has stopped doing his MR Angry impression. Please, carry on.

anon at 20:42:15 Tuesday December 18 2001
hi

RUBBER DUCK at 19:53:54 Tuesday December 18 2001
Would MR Fashanu & MR Stonhill like to go down the welly rd, have a few beers then a ruby murray i,m sure they would come to a deal for the club

RUBBER DUCK at 19:46:4 Tuesday December 18 2001
I may be wrong on that, but i can't see it being sorted by the new year, but i do know Hodder & Stonhill should talk together before they put comments out in the media/internet so they are saying the same thing, it might stop a lot of rummors/crap/fans bickering. Sorry no chance on the last one

NTFC@2view at 19:44:51 Tuesday December 18 2001
We've had long-term stability before. It's cráp. 1 year top flight, 3 years 2nd top, 10(ish) 3rd flight and the rest - as low as you can go. Give me a bit of short-term glamour!

MQTA at 19:42:38 Tuesday December 18 2001
Or is it Mr Realist as in real(i)state?

MQTA at 19:40:57 Tuesday December 18 2001
Is not 2view as in NTFC@2view not a term used by estate agents?

MQTA at 19:39:33 Tuesday December 18 2001
Are not some of the postings on this site a bit too well informed? Could it be possible that board members participate? are there any clues as to thier handles? is not Rubber Duck a lorry drivers handle? does not one of the board run a lorry firm?

RUBBER DUCK at 19:33:24 Tuesday December 18 2001
Hello boys & girls, still arguing are we. Has no one got it yet, their might be more than one offer on the table, fash could of gone public get us lot all worked up (his going to save the club sign all these stars buy the ground etc)pressure the board into selling early before looking at other offers that might/will bring better long term stability to the club, but other person(s) would prefer to thrash a deal out in private, not in the public

NTFC@2view at 19:31:40 Tuesday December 18 2001
You can't tell which Anon you are trying to answer, or whether it's a twát who is so thick he changes his opinions from post to post. Anyway, did any of you Anons demonstrate against a rise in prices a couple of seasons ago? I bet you did. Despicable lot. "Put YOUR money where MY mouth is, but leave my money alone." ******************* "If money is tight you should manage it properly...." Yeah. We're bottom, got injuries, need some new players, in debt..... Mr Anon writes in, "Don't get us some new players. Manage it properly." Does he bóllocks!

TCMP at 19:25:7 Tuesday December 18 2001
Now that the dust has settled over last weeks proposed protest against the players, it is time to reflect on a number of issues: Firstly, all posters to this board are anonymous, irrespective of the name and email address that appears above. Also, this messageboard has many fewer contributors than one would believe. If there were more than 10 regular daily posters and 50 weekly I would be surprised. Doubling my prediction of 50 to 100 to be generous, and taking an average gate of 4000 home fans, that would indicate that this messageboard reflects the opinion of under 3% of the fan base. Many of the postings are from a couple of Diamonds fans, the odd Posh supporter, and the mindless element of our own supporters.So, for the Chronicle and Echo to report a planned protest by a vast minority of supporters is an outrage. I believe in free speech, but I do not want DR4E and other wasters to be talking on behalf of my club. Secondly, I read the Barry Stonhill interview today with incredulity. If he and Mr Hodder are supposed to be representing the Club then they are making a diabolical mess of Public Relations. It appears that the left hand has no clue as to what the right is doing. Furthermore, how can Mr Stonhill say in one breath that the board will do what is best for NTFC, while with the next say that he will walk away if anyone says anything against him? I have no fellings either way for the board, I just expect them to do the job to which they (generally) appointed themselves. Don't try to tell me that Mr Stonhill has not had any fringe benefits by running NTFC. It is good publicity for his other business interests, and if one Cobblers supporter has sold his house thru S & S Estate Agents, then that is a benefit. I bet that it has happened. As said, nothing against you Mr Stonhill, but you must learn to treat your customers with respect, whilst getting your act together with Mr Hodder. Oh, and I just learnt that you have another contributor to this messageboard who uses the same name as I have chosen, sorry Mr Clarke, just goes to show that the anonimity I referred to earlier can lead to mislead! I will forthwith continue to post under my former 'handle' - which will also preserve my anonimity!!

MQTA at 19:4:58 Tuesday December 18 2001
Are you weakening? are you admitting that they did do so good work?

Anon at 19:4:54 Tuesday December 18 2001
d.kerr obviously has half a brain and got out before the greed of the others finished this club for good.

Anon at 19:3:37 Tuesday December 18 2001
they are fans, yes of course, thats why they are trying to drive the club to the wall unless they get what they want out of it. Undoing any good work they might have done.

MQTA at 19:1:19 Tuesday December 18 2001
Did we not tell Mr Atkins to go sing for his money? Did he not also slag the board off? are you in anyway related?

DavCobbler at 19:1:5 Tuesday December 18 2001
For fúcks sake give Barry Stonhill and his board of Directors a break!! These COBBLERS FANS have put everything they own at risk for the love of this club, some of the attitudes on here regarding these people ar ridiculous. I didn't see many other reasonably wealthy (N.B. "reasonably wealthy" does NOT mean that these folks are rich beyond dreams, it means exactly what it states) local heroes coming along when the club hit dire straits a few years ago? Give them some credit, there is plenty due!

Anon at 19:1:3 Tuesday December 18 2001
so atkins was a poor manager then? nice to see we are doing so well with the first time managers.

Ted at 19:0:36 Tuesday December 18 2001
I see our old mate Barry Stonhill is finally cracking up.I think he knows that he is well and truly cornered.He either sells the club and fails to recoup most of his investment,or refuses and the deals off, the fans turn against him and the club goes down the pan and he still doesn't recoup his money.Still, if what he says is true that he'll do what is best for the club,then I think the the first option would be preferable.

Anon at 18:59:38 Tuesday December 18 2001
if money is tight you should manage it properly. that is up to the board. they shift the blame and sack the manager, nice one boys, now were paying for 3 managers at once.

MQTA at 18:58:42 Tuesday December 18 2001
Is that the same Mr Atkins who signed Chris Greenacre on loan, made the board pay his wages and hotel bills and never played him once? How much are Mansfield going to get for Chris Greenacre? Would it not clear our current debt?

Anon at 18:57:10 Tuesday December 18 2001
who sold howard for half that because they were paying gabbiagreedy 3000 a week?

NTFC@2view at 18:55:24 Tuesday December 18 2001
Remind me. Is this the Atkins that spent the Wembley money on Paul Wilkinson's 1 goal? Or bought David Seal for £85000 and stopped picking him? Or bought a striker (Steve Howard) for £120000 and said, "If he could score goals he'd be £500000?

MQTA at 18:55:10 Tuesday December 18 2001
Can any league club manage the wage bill without making dodgy under the counter payments?

Anon at 18:53:30 Tuesday December 18 2001
who should control the wage bill then? Exactly.

Anon at 18:52:28 Tuesday December 18 2001
Stop pretending they were in it 'for us'. they liked the idea of sitting in the boardroom but couldn't do the job. Time has proved it, they have to go now.

MQTA at 18:51:59 Tuesday December 18 2001
Didn't Mr Atkins create most of the debts by running up the wage bill beyond £1.5m? and buying players who were not fit? and bringing in a backroom staff the size of most squads?

Anon at 18:51:41 Tuesday December 18 2001
Mr Stonhill is ok, He is not going to be brainwashed into doing anything he does't want to do.

NTFC@2view at 18:49:58 Tuesday December 18 2001
Cardiff - you could get a new job, so you could get a new team! Or do you see a tiny difference? What a selfish twát you sound. "So they kept us going for a bit - now píss off!"

MQTA at 18:49:17 Tuesday December 18 2001
If they bribed refs, did they get value for money? Has anyone seen any of the boards wifes party dresses?

Anon at 18:49:1 Tuesday December 18 2001
he ran up the debts by knowing nothing about football, making poor decisions because of this. the club was not that much in debt when atkins was sacked.

NTFC@2view at 18:43:47 Tuesday December 18 2001
I don't know which is the most depressing, the vindictiveness or the stupidity on this board. The stupidity I suppose; if people were sharper they wouldn't be so vindictive. Well Anon - surprise us. How did he run up the fúcking debts? Buying party dresses? Having the board room decorated? Going on cruises? Bribing refs? Come on - time to get it all out into the public domain.

Cardiff Cobbler at 18:35:29 Tuesday December 18 2001
Its very interesting to read all the views about the Fash thing here. Who cares about the board. I don't care about the board at my company.Fail and get bought, or go under, it's as simple as that. Some people on here seem a bit suspicious about Fash, Why? Loads of clubs or companies get bought by someone they're not sure of. The people that are left then have to prove themselves all over again, which in my experience is a great motivator. Interesting to see a couple of near racist 'chief' jokes appearing over the last couple of days. Grow up people of Northampton - the world is bigger than Lumbertubs! Stonhill, who I've never met or bought a house off, according to Northants on line,seems a bit of a cold fish. You have to remember that he is only an 'estate agent' and completly out of his deapth now.Hodder with experience from much further up the league seems to know what it's all about, so good luck to him! I hope they all don't drag their heels over Christmas and interest doesn't wane. Put the bloke off now Stonhill/council and there are plenty more clubs out there for him to buy. Bottom line, we're dead without this, so fingers crossed. Lets all hope that everything comes together fast. Apart from anything else, it'll be bloody interesting.

Anon at 18:35:2 Tuesday December 18 2001
there have been lots of people who were prepared to take the club forward but the board thought they could do bteter. They failed.

Anon at 18:33:49 Tuesday December 18 2001
Read below. con wilson put most of the money in actually.

Mr Realist at 18:26:6 Tuesday December 18 2001
I know it's a hard fact for some of you to take in , but if the current board had not put there ( substantial amount )of money in over the last few years we would not have a football Club.

Anon at 18:25:4 Tuesday December 18 2001
he made the loan and he enjoyed spending the loan on the club's behalf

Anon at 18:23:34 Tuesday December 18 2001
buy something for nothing take on huge debts rubbish players, first time manager and stop them losing any more of their own money.

Anon at 18:21:36 Tuesday December 18 2001
Would we have a youth team? would we own a ground? why did we buy gabbiadini? why did they not sell before?

Mr Realist at 18:20:15 Tuesday December 18 2001
Come on all you clever dick's ,what would you do if you had helped out someone with a considerable LOAN, and he wanted you would walk away to help him buy something for nothing. ???????????

MQTA at 18:18:25 Tuesday December 18 2001
What would have happened if Stonhill and co had not put in money over the last few years? Would we be in the 2nd Div? Would we have signed Forrester? or Gabbiadini? would we still be in business?

Anon at 18:15:16 Tuesday December 18 2001
NTFC@2view at 17:49:19 I dont support the same team as stonhill. I support the cobblers. He supports himself. why else has he dragged the team down while he tries to get a payoff when he could drive the club out of business.

Anon at 18:11:33 Tuesday December 18 2001
Kept the club going,yes, by running up a lot of debts. Well done.

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 18:7:54 Tuesday December 18 2001
Crikey shall we hold a farewell party for the board? Come on - they bought it as businessmen and made a mess. If they were losing money three years ago the writing was already on the wall. They chose to hang on and refuse takeovers THEIR OWN CHOICE.

Anon at 18:1:40 Tuesday December 18 2001
NTFC@2view the only person who will be making million in profits will be Fashanu. NTFC is a tool to help him achieve that.

Anon at 17:59:13 Tuesday December 18 2001
Only one way to findout ANON.

LH at 17:54:20 Tuesday December 18 2001
If appreciating & acknowledging the fact that someone has put there hand in their pocket and kept the club going but cant do it any longer then I too must be guilty of Pro- Board Propaganda.

ANON at 17:53:29 Tuesday December 18 2001
If we boo & chant stonhill out, next home game, is he & the rest of the board gonna walk out, so fash & his millions can walk in?

NTFC@2view at 17:51:13 Tuesday December 18 2001
Anon at 17:36:8 "yeah right....northampton town has always made millions of pounds in profits." Don't know if this was aimed at me, but see what Mr Fashanu said about the club and being a businessman.

NTFC@2view at 17:49:19 Tuesday December 18 2001
Pro-board propoganda. As if they were the fúcking enemy and hadn't kept the club afloat. I'm beginning to think you're a Poshie just trying to stir things up. You certainly don't support the same team as Stonhill.

LH at 17:48:0 Tuesday December 18 2001
BJM. Youve lost your credibilty with me on this one (not that you'll lose sleep). Its simple IMHO we are negotiating . Remember this is GOOD NEWS compared to what we had before. Stop the pessamistic navel gazing & contemplation.

MQTA at 17:43:53 Tuesday December 18 2001
If we end up with more money than Direones, will we have to start buying their cast offs and misfits to recipricate the deal? If Mr Kerr and Con Wilson and "others" are not directors but hold lots of shares, couldn't WWW buy their shares and take over the club without the current board having a say?

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 17:43:12 Tuesday December 18 2001
What is going on? Ray stops posting pro-board propaganda and NTFC@2view takes over? How much are you getting paid?

MQTA at 17:39:0 Tuesday December 18 2001
Are they not called Alex and Marjorie?

Anon at 17:36:8 Tuesday December 18 2001
yeah right....northampton town has always made millions of pounds in profits. stonhill would let is crash and he would still be saying he is only acting in teh bes tinterests of the club.

NTFC@2view at 17:29:41 Tuesday December 18 2001
"IF the club were to go under after their loans were repaid, company law says they have made a personal gain that they shouldn't have (treating themselves as preferential creditors). Simple as that." IF it didn't go under and went on to make millions, does Stonhill get his money back then? No. So he wants it now. Not greed, but common sense. I don't know anything about receivership etc, but last time everything went títs up everyone got back about 10p in the £1. I think if I were Stonhill at the moment I'd let it crash and raise my middle finger at all those calling me a 'greedy bástard'. I might lose my loans etc, but I wouldn't see someone doing well out of it. And you could all go off and moan at Max Griggs then. "Here's how the deal goes Mr Fashanu ,you invest in the club and we use your investment to pay back our loans! Its a great deal!" This is bigger cráp than most!

Gary Hodder at 17:18:9 Tuesday December 18 2001
"What I mean is, Barry Stonhill confirmed he is ready to go. He won't be missed. WHAT? IS THAT MICROPHONE STILL TURNED ON?"

Gary Hodder at 17:12:40 Tuesday December 18 2001
"The board are also very happy with things...The conversations in the board room at half-time and full-time were really friendly, and they sort of had an informal confirmation that they were going to go."

The Fans at 17:9:59 Tuesday December 18 2001
Shall we start now?

Barry Stonhill lays down a challenge at 17:8:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
have a go at me then I will walk out of the club and I mean that

Barry Stonhill at 17:3:8 Tuesday December 18 2001
Here's how the deal goes Mr Fashanu ,you invest in the club and we use your investment to pay back our loans! Its a great deal!

ANON at 16:59:33 Tuesday December 18 2001
Question to MQTA,who are the official supporters club, cause i don't bluddy know?

Anon at 16:52:15 Tuesday December 18 2001
ntfc2view. Dont pay your mortgage, you lose your home. The board reject the offer from www ,the liquidator comes in and they have to pay the bank guarantee and lose the loans. www dont want to pay the loans back because the club is in a mess but at least if the board sell they know they dont need to worry anymore about the bank.

EXIT at 16:44:24 Tuesday December 18 2001
Taxi for Stonhill?

Anon at 16:29:34 Tuesday December 18 2001
That's it from Gladiators. I'm John Fashanu, AHHH-WOO-GAAAA

Anon at 16:27:54 Tuesday December 18 2001
in that case they would be insane to turn fash down?

Anon at 16:26:52 Tuesday December 18 2001
I get it now. The board cant' threaten to leave and take their loans with them and leave the club in the poo.

B.J.M at 16:19:8 Tuesday December 18 2001
Don't confuse what I have said and how NTFC@2view is trying to distort those words. I asked a question "do you deem repayment of some/all of their "loans" as them making a personal gain or the club returning what is rightfully theirs?" IF the club were to go under after their loans were repaid, company law says they have made a personal gain that they shouldn't have (treating themselves as preferential creditors). Simple as that.

B.J.M at 16:14:2 Tuesday December 18 2001
cp - no one bar a mind reader can say, but I know Fashanu wants it to happen, it is not a publicity stunt, he has got the money to do it. Privately Stonhill must want it to happen as well despite his comments in the press. I say 70/30 in favour of it happening, although I would have said 80/20 last week. LH - I can take control of the company by buying enough shares, the loan is a separate issue (although you might say you won't sell the shares unless the loan is paid first). If your company is doing well I might be inclined to pay your loan back, if it is losing money hand over fist why would I want to do that? And if you company was doing that badly you could not decide as a Director to pay yourself back as the company may become insolvent as a result of it. That is the only point I am trying to mkae.

LH at 16:1:53 Tuesday December 18 2001
BJM. Cant follow what your trying to say. I'm a Company Director. I lend money to the business . If someone wants to buy my shares to obtain control they have to repay my personal loan to the buiness. Exactly how do I stand to benefit, especially if I dont get full price for the shares and all my loan back ? Have you actually put your money where your keyboard is? The Directors of NTFC have.

cp at 15:38:21 Tuesday December 18 2001
ok bjm simple question - based on what you know, will it go through or not? - yes or no.

B.J.M at 15:27:28 Tuesday December 18 2001
You can find out a lot with simple research, then you use contacts to delve further. Companies House website and a couple of pounds will get you plenty of info on the club.

cp at 15:23:1 Tuesday December 18 2001
bjm - you should be making a lot of money with all this financial knowledge!, I'd like to know how you develop all this knowledge, some of use can guess or assume things...but do you have a closer tie?

Anon at 15:20:43 Tuesday December 18 2001
The gauntlet has been laid down. Let the protests against mr Stonhill begin!

cp at 15:18:56 Tuesday December 18 2001
Surely Mr Stonhill would have been better off saying in the press 'we want to do a deal, but it may take time, and we have to ensure the future of the club is in the best possible hands' rather than complaining about protests that werent directed at him. Ok there may be ins and outs to sort out but for gods sake look at it positively, 3 months ago we were up shit creek without a paddle, and the boat was sinking, Now we have found someone with a helicopter who just might pick us up. As fans it is our job to get excited, especially after so many years of almost complete pap and stuggling to survive so Barry please excuse our initial exuberance, but as a fan I am sure you understand. How many more takeover deals are we going to turn down?, people will only offer what the club is worth and that is the black and white of it.

B.J.M at 15:15:58 Tuesday December 18 2001
Well is it a Nigerian bid Insider? Where Winners World Wide UK get their backing from is a separate question.

B.J.M at 15:12:17 Tuesday December 18 2001
One more thing NTFC@2view - your mortgage analogy is inaccurate, a house is subject to a legal charge (secured loan). Loans made to the club by the directors are unsecured, if the club can't pay them back there is not much they can do about it apart from stand in line with the other unsecured creditors.

B.J.M at 15:9:30 Tuesday December 18 2001
I know the answer to that one Insider,no he doesn't own them all unless Con Wilson has given him all his shares for free! How wealthy is Con Wilson because he has invested all this money on the basis of the directors knowing what they are doing? What is his opinion now? Can he afford to lose all that money?

B.J.M at 15:6:32 Tuesday December 18 2001
That's a bit more like it. Directors can't loan money to businesses they own, preside over the failure of the business and then ask for all their money back. You don't run a business do you NTFC@2view? Read up on insolvency law and preferential transactions involving directors.

The Insider at 15:1:51 Tuesday December 18 2001
Just one question for Mr Stonhill: do you actually own the shares you purport to control? And remember, I was the first to tell you about the transfer embargo and that the Sky income would not result in its lifting. For those who are quite close to the mark (BJM and Friend of the Directors) D. Kerr is no longer a director and has not been for several weeks. And do not be surprised if a Nigerian bid attracts the interest of certain financial authorities...no doubt I shall now be accused of being racist.

A loyal home and Away fan at 14:53:7 Tuesday December 18 2001
Just when the mood of the average 'Cobbler' is swinging towards optimism, out comes Barry S with a typically downbeat inteview which contradicts everything thats been on the OFFICIAL website. Hodder must be a liar then? Why has BS not denied the 'problems' on the same OFFICIAL site? Ever since I have known, under the current regime NTFC has been run commercially unprofessionally, consistently failing to maximise their earning potential. From not having stock in the club shop to not proactively seeking new business in the form of sponsorship, to not marketing home games or club merchandise... The list is endless. We all know that we currently do not have a rich enough/willing enough invester on our board - but there is no excuse for the running down of the club that we have recently seen.

NTFC@2view at 14:16:3 Tuesday December 18 2001
Hasn't he now? Anyone who thinks being paid your own money back is making a personal gain has to approached with caution in my opinion. Like Mrs Blééding Thatcher trying to sell me British Gas!

BIG JIM at 13:47:12 Tuesday December 18 2001
Ithink we should all listen to what B.J.M. writes as so far, He has not been off the mark....has he now ?

MQTA at 13:31:34 Tuesday December 18 2001
If Chief Odogwu was called Smith would we still have the disrespect to mispell his name? If someone wanted to buy your house for half its worth would you still sell just to keep the neighbours happy? If the Trust was not there how would we know what was going on? Do Sixfields Travel Club have a position on the takeover? How would we know? Is TCMP in London? Are Fash and Chief Sonny in London? Will they meet? What are the council going to do? who runs the council? If the board walk away, what then? should we be patient? for how long? Do the Official Supporters Club have a view? will they get a divorce if they don't agree? Is it too late to stop the print of WALOC ? If not will it be up to date?

NTFC@2view at 13:1:59 Tuesday December 18 2001
Overseen its financial downfall? A funny way of saying kept it going, but it takes all sorts I suppose. I'll ask my mortgagers whether me paying up could be construed as them 'making a personal gain' or getting what they are owed. I'll post their reply as soon as I get it. Should be interesting.

North Stand Just at 12:55:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
A sensible point from me for once: If Stonhill walks away like a big sulky kid (bearing in mind that he wants to sell!) what position does this leave us in re: a takeover. Can Chief Awooga just walk in and take over? Sorry if it's a silly question but I would like to know please someone!!!

B.J.M at 12:34:1 Tuesday December 18 2001
The embargo has been in force for a while, why does it come as a shock? I find it amazing that our manager and TCMP have been talking about new signings when they know the score. Wishful thinking will not change the situation.

B.J.M at 12:31:28 Tuesday December 18 2001
No not really, depends on how you interpret "personal gain". I can understand that they are unlikely to make a profit on shares given the circumstances of the club, but do you deem repayment of some/all of their "loans" as them making a personal gain or the club returning what is rightfully theirs? I say they invested in the club with their eyes open, they have overseen its financial downfall and in any other business they could not expect any kind of payoff, loans or whatever you want to call it. They are being relieved of a large potential liability if the club were to go under.

Massey at 12:29:24 Tuesday December 18 2001
Why is Barry Stonhill such a negative / pessamistic TWAT ?

NTFC@2view at 12:23:3 Tuesday December 18 2001
So you don't believe what he says in his final sentence then?

News Hound at 11:57:40 Tuesday December 18 2001
Teamtalk says the Craig Dudley move is on hold due to the transfer embargo in force. Who is imposing this embargo ? The club? the league? the PFA? And why? is it the finances? is it the possible takeover?

B.J.M at 11:31:42 Tuesday December 18 2001
Nice to see Stonhill being calm and rational. "The deal is fraught with difficulties" he says ("what's in it for us?") and then in the same breath he threatens to walk away. Either he's very confused or he's doing his best to try and confuse everyone else. Seems to confirm what I thought all along. He doesn't like what's happening because there isn't much in it for him, but realistically he has no choice. I would not be surprised if there is significant tension between Hodder and the board at this moment in time.

LH at 11:15:26 Tuesday December 18 2001
Chronic makes interesting reading. I'm not surprised that the board are not rushing because it did seem that Fash was trying to force the isuue , but its good that we are going back to them ie: We are negotiating. Barry Stonhill has really interpreted the planned protest the wrong way . It was against the players NOT the board. Most sensible supporters appreciate what the board have done. I think its a miscalculation to threaten to walk away from the club as some of the idiots who attend sixfields would be more than willing to goad Stonhill into following through his threat. ( maybe thats he wants?)

NTFC@2view at 11:2:17 Tuesday December 18 2001
They kept away from the visitors in case some of the braindead on here started mouthing off at them, thinking it might be bad for the potential buyers to realise just what some of the fans are like. As for FC...

Father Chrismas at 10:12:36 Tuesday December 18 2001
If you are still talking about a deal by the end of the week , have a good drink over Christmas, and forget it.

Anon at 10:6:6 Tuesday December 18 2001
If Stonhill and the board are keen,then why were they not sitting next to Fash and the Chief last Saturday. Doesn't seem like it's all cut and dried to me.

NTFC@2view at 10:1:1 Tuesday December 18 2001
BJM. I understand. The article mentioned £7-11m. I would guess that they might find £1m to add to the Football Trusts £1m to upgrade the ground. I'm easy with the not Jack Walker bit - I know some have been carried away, but why not? Good 2nd Division is beyond us at present and almost always has been. That must be number one priority. After that's a bonus. I still think that the 'make money' idea for the consortium is playing Nigerian/other young blokes for us in a shop-window scenario. Ormerod went from a few bob to £1.75m etc. There is an element of wanting to own a club in the Chief's thinking, so he might not be too 'mean'. Think positive or think Hartlepool!

B.J.M at 9:49:9 Tuesday December 18 2001
I'm basically saying that Fash should not be seen as a Jack Walker, Jack Hayward or John Madejski. Not necessarily a bad thing but money will not solve all of the clubs problems overnight.

B.J.M at 9:45:41 Tuesday December 18 2001
I was only sounding a warning that there is a limit to what the chief will put in to the cobblers cause. How much change do you reckon they will have out of £7million once they have taken control, paid off £2million debts, bought the ground and bought a couple of players? I reckon none. They are buying an infrastructure for the club, if best use is not made of it then they will not stick around.

Vince at 9:45:8 Tuesday December 18 2001
Ray, sorry, forgot to mention that and also the £2000 a year or so the 250 club raises, plus the Travel Club which has a few seats left for fridays game at Brentford - ring Jim on 01327 312701 to book (there must be a few who want to go after saturdays much improved performance!)

Common Sense at 9:25:35 Tuesday December 18 2001
That is a bit of a fear with Jonny Foreigners coming in. The right wing gets active (no, not Hodgie). The nudge nudge jibes about voodoo and rain dances etc will no doubt surface, I hope this wont put off our potential investors. Fashism is unavoidable !

Ray at 9:21:44 Tuesday December 18 2001
..... and don't forget the 600 smackers handed over from the CD Sales. There is also a 5-a-side football tournament in January coming up.

NTFC@2view at 9:19:50 Tuesday December 18 2001
This board is in a much worse state than the team. I can understand some people not daring to believe it all, but some of the crap is terrifying. 'will only get £7 million, then..' (the last £7 million was no use, was it?) 'can a foreign company...? (sod, they never thought of that) 'if we find we've been sold a turkey...' (usually positive Northampton thinking) 'brown envelopes at service stations...' (only kidding!!!) 'powow, peace pipe.. (oh....I get it! chief, 'Red Indian', nice one!). Mind you, I suppose some of our Neanderthals must be very worried about being owned by ....

No sparkle at 9:13:36 Tuesday December 18 2001
What has Fash to gain from building us up and letting us down? I don't think so, Anon. If you're so sure, come out from behind your anonimity and give yourself a name

Vince at 9:12:24 Tuesday December 18 2001
Mr Realist, the Trust passed £5000 to NTFC a few weeks ago and the Last fund rasing event was the Autumn Raffle drawn at the AGM in November. MQTA, I don't know what discussions the Trust have had with WWW but there were plenty of smiles and friendly chat when TCMP, John Fashanu and Chief Sonny Ogunawa were seen together at Sixfields on saturday. At the risk of upsetting people who like to take pot shots at the Trust please remember that the Trust exists to give ALL supporters representation at Board level - it cannot work miracles although comments such as "Where are the Trust now?" after the Canvey game suggests that some people think they should be able to solve all the clubs problems. If you don't like or agree with the way they are doing it then why not join the committee and make a positive contribution.

North Stand Just at 9:12:9 Tuesday December 18 2001
I just heard from someone close to the club, I can't tell you who, that Chief Awooga is going to buy the San Siro and have the Cobblers playing in the Italian League! We're then going to use Manchester Utd as a feeder club. Frain will be player manager. Remember who told you first!

Anon at 2:20:4 Tuesday December 18 2001
Maybe so bjm but lets all enjoy this moment.

Captain bird shite at 0:4:16 Tuesday December 18 2001
It's the biggest load of bull I have ever heard

Little chief sitting bull at 0:1:28 Tuesday December 18 2001
If Max built a stadium in the middle of nowhere he certainly got it right because his gates are now bigger than yours, Now what did you get last game in front of the mighty Fash and the Big chief sitting bull, Oh dear oh dear 3909.GOING DOWN GOING DOWN GOING DOWN.

Anon at 23:49:36 Monday December 17 2001
There is no billionaire out there waiting to buy the cobblers when are you all going to wake up and realise there is no deal it's just a fash publicity stunt. Remember where you read this.

J.J.J. at 23:19:32 Monday December 17 2001
Well some very intresting reading in the Chroc & Echo tonight, the board seem aggreeable, so now its down to the council to sell the stadium to Fash & his pals. Come on Labour Council you are always crying you have now money now is your big chance to get rid of that noose around your neck called Sixfields Stadium.

B.J.M at 22:38:49 Monday December 17 2001
Don't go overboard. the chief is no fool with his money, he will give Fashanu an initial budget to buy the club, ground and a few players and then it will be up to him to prove it can work, I reckon £7million max for the lot. No more money will come unless significant progress is made and unless he can see a profit coming out of it eventually.

have faith at 22:28:38 Monday December 17 2001
Everybody is only worried because nothing good normally happens to us and certainly nothing on this scale - I mean a billionaire!!!!, everybody relax, as Dave Bowman used to say - something wonderful is going to happen.

A Childs View at 21:58:12 Monday December 17 2001
Back from Mexico now - wow, its all been going on hasn't it!! On the face of it, the deal is something to get really excited about - more money, buying the ground, international quality players and a plan to make NTFC an established 1st division club. This all sounds very tempting to me, however, I can't help but shake my nagging suspicion that something will go wrong, that the current board may want to recoup more of their losses and reject the deal, that World Wide Winners will go bust or that Sonny will be exposed as a corrupt businessman. On that note, the Nigerian economy has a first class reputation for dishonest business activities, fraud and criminality - I'm going to try and find out more about WWW after this post, I've panicked myself now!! Reading between the lines, I think the new venture may be about using Northampton as a spring board to launch the career of unproven players who can be sold for more money - not a bad plan given the lucrative transfer fees in football these days. Out of all this Mr Hodder comes through with real credit. He was hired to give us some commercial acumen and seems to be doing very well - I'm impressed that he 'cold called' Fash and, effectively. sold the club to him - good stuff, well done Mr Hodder. In 5 years time if we are in the first and own the ground a huge debt will be owed to him, I for one would support naming a stand after him!! I'm also looking for the players to prove that they want to be a part of this new Northampton, previously there was nothing to our future, however, just maybe, there could be big things on the way - Jamie and the others should want to prove they are worthy to be a part of that? I can't believe that Broad's will stay, if he's not gone when the deal goes through I'd be amazed if his contract is renewed in the close season. May be, just may be, great things and a lot of excitement are in store for us long suffering fans, here's hoping!!

News Hound at 20:57:5 Monday December 17 2001
Learn a bit about Sonny Odogwu at http://www.abrnet.org/members/ndogwu.htm

MQTA at 20:54:46 Monday December 17 2001
If the board sell too soon and then we find out we have been sold a turkey will all those slagging them off then call for them to be reinstated?

bbc .co .uk at 20:51:35 Monday December 17 2001
Have the board had there powow tonight chief sonny whats his name his at home smoking his peace pipe Fash his at home drawing up plans to develope Sixfields provisonal to 15 thousand spectors and reducing the prices to bring in the supporters. The new players are already listed. The only downer is Stonhill & Co have not said yes yet. If they dont go along with this deal they will let the club down and the fans yet again. There will be no support for them and the Bank will close them down. No more overdrafs

anon at 20:46:38 Monday December 17 2001
nice pen picture of the chiefs son Ken Odogwu at www.thisdayonline.com look in the archive for Ken Odogwu

Bloke with a twitch at 20:45:13 Monday December 17 2001
tgms, nice thought, but I think we've got a small obstacle of the estate agent to convince first, then we can start dreaming of monday nights in the pub, watching the mighty Cobbs stuff Villa, on Sky, where you can protest by clapping and chanting in a nice warm hostelry

MQTA at 20:40:27 Monday December 17 2001
Basmati or long grained?

the george melly scotsman at 20:40:22 Monday December 17 2001
aye bloke with twitch, but two wins would makes a nice x-mas present for us, and sets up the new year, ready for a play-off place and maybe to europe 'n' japan/korea, and the worrrrrrrld oh dear i must sit down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats better

anon at 20:37:51 Monday December 17 2001
wow try running a search on Chief Sonny Odogwu He is a busy man, www.postexpresswired.com says he won a 50kg bag of uncle bens rice and a CD player with ticket numbers 77540 and 775399!!! and thats just for starters

Common Sense at 20:35:41 Monday December 17 2001
I imagine the council will sell the stadium, but lease the land

LH at 20:34:35 Monday December 17 2001
If the council sell the ground do they have to pay back the grant they received to help build it ? From the football trust I think. Re: Anon 19:49 The council will still control the development of the Sixfields site through planning permission.

Bloke with a twitch at 20:32:51 Monday December 17 2001
Don't get carried away georgemellyscotsman. One win doesn't make a season. I will be clapping and cheering if we draw

the george melly scotsman at 20:26:45 Monday December 17 2001
victory about f**king time not pretty but who cares, let fash the cash get in free every week, at least the players looked up for it,even frain who's not a mid-fielder by any strecth of the imagination, so 0-2 on friday night then???????????????????????.

MQTA at 20:0:52 Monday December 17 2001
doesn't Chief Sonny Odogwu already own a Hotel? Is it not the £70m Grand Hotel in Asaba in the Delta State of Nigeria? are these last two postings not connected?

Anon at 19:49:56 Monday December 17 2001
This is the problem with selling the stadium. As soon as it is sold it can theoretically be immediately pulled down and the land can then be used for any leisure activity including hotels, restaurants etc. and theres nothing the council can do about it.

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 19:42:5 Monday December 17 2001
I suppose Fash "allegedly" will be paying cash in brown envelopes at the service station for the club. Grobbalar as our accountant.....Things are looking up!!!!!!....only kidding!!

MQTA at 19:40:18 Monday December 17 2001
If the Chron's got it all right and they are shouting SCOOP why has there been no comment in the Chron from Barry Stonhill or TCMP?

MQTA at 19:38:13 Monday December 17 2001
If WWW have made the bid is from the UK or from overseas? can an overseas company run a football club in the U.K without a U.K arm?

Gordon Bleu at 19:20:33 Monday December 17 2001
What could you build on the site? More re-heat resturants? drive thru hyperactive grub bars? more pubs? Hotel? We've got enough of them thanks

Bloke with a twitch at 19:16:20 Monday December 17 2001
If we hear no more news on the 'buyout' I will protest on boxing day by clapping and chanting loudly.

Nosey Parker "For Real" at 19:11:12 Monday December 17 2001
I cannot believe you muppets believe whats in the Chron.....thats as crap as the club !!!

The Drilling Cobbler at 19:9:13 Monday December 17 2001
The purchase of the stadium could well be the most significant step in the history of NTFC. Never before has the club owned its own ground, and for the first time ever we would be able to commercially compete on an even playing field. Being effectively homeless has always stopped prospective investers investing in the past. If Captain Fash The Cash takes over the reigns and the council agree to sell, the one question I would like answering (TCMP?) is would the club own the ground or would WWW own the ground and in effect rent it out to the club. In other words, when Fash and friends sell the club in years to come(assuming the deal goes ahead), could they keep hold of the stadium and act as land lords (Kettering Town rent Rockingham Road from a private land lord). I would like to think that the council would only sell if it becomes an asset of NTFC'S regardless of who is running it. The worst case senario in the future is that WWW'S could in effect dictate the level of rent that NTFC has to pay, or worse still they could sell the land for other development. I hope that my concerns are unfounded, and that they take the club forward to previously unknown heights and leave us in a considerably better position than they found us - and with our own ground!

Big Chief Sitting Bull at 19:7:29 Monday December 17 2001
also I am still grinning about our victory on Saturday....just goes to show how low my expectations had become....

Big Chief Sitting Bull at 19:4:52 Monday December 17 2001
It says in the Chronic that my old mate Chief Sonny Odogwu is a BILLIONAIRE!!!!!! By comparison, Max is likely to be arrested for vagrancy........ho ho ho ho.....I am sure that Fash the Bash didn't even bother to visit Nonce Park, bacause, after all, what potential is there apart from a village idiot and a few hundred sheep? I can understand Max's desire to be a philanthropist, but he must have just been plain pissed to build a stadium in the middle of nowhere. I am so happy that I am sure the deal must be about to fall thru.....

NTFC@2view at 18:27:10 Monday December 17 2001
First Anon says that it's a 'must happen', then he says 'hang on', now he says 'beware the deal'. Make your mind up mate!

jjj at 18:20:42 Monday December 17 2001
Fash & his chairman from worldwide, hopefully will take over this week, Chief Sonny Odogwu says he has many scouts watching football all over the world & his looking to bring atleast 12 players to sixfields, to make sixfields a happy hunting ground.

ANON at 18:11:21 Monday December 17 2001
I think for what it's worth, the directors have done a pretty good job over the years, sticking there money where there mouth is & keeping this club afloat, after all there local, successful businessman, they have more money than most, but they a'int millionaires. Lets give them the pat on the back they deserve, saying that though, they have taken the club as far as they can. Let fash & his consortium, buy the club, hopefully give them a pay off, everyones a winner, let the good times roll...

Mr Realist at 18:0:43 Monday December 17 2001
The answer to the person who said the trust has put more money than sweet f.a., will find that in the last 3 years it has not amounted to more than 3 weeks of Marco's wages ? and all of that has come from running coaches to away matches, when did the trust last hold a fund raising event and give the Club the money.?They talk a good game but don't deliver the goods.

Anon at 17:51:12 Monday December 17 2001
Fash say's he's made on offer, easy to say, it could be £1 and walk away ? He's trying the oldest trick in the book, build us all up by using the media etc, get us to put pressure on the Board to get out and pick a Football Club up for nothing.Give the Board some credit ,they are not as stupid as we all think. Beware of people bearing false gift's ?????

anon at 16:27:25 Monday December 17 2001
MQTA ours is not to question why, Ours is but to follow the new leader Fash the Bash and his side kick Mr Hodder

MQTA at 16:24:7 Monday December 17 2001
How much is Stonhill owed? How much are the rest owed? How much would they settle for? half? three quarters? What would the Trust want?

Regular contributor who again wishes to reamain anonymous at 16:13:41 Monday December 17 2001
Is Mr Stonhill the most pessimistic man in the world or what????

Anon at 16:9:8 Monday December 17 2001
All I can say is that if Mr Hodder pulls this one off( including persuading the council to sell Sixfields ), and he has driven everything as far as I can see, then he deserves a f**king knighthood - or at least a statue outside the ground.

LH at 16:7:49 Monday December 17 2001
What happened to Lord Lucan ?

MQTA at 16:5:45 Monday December 17 2001
What happened to Lord Hesketh?

MQTA at 16:4:22 Monday December 17 2001
Has TCMP been in touch with the Council?

MQTA at 16:0:22 Monday December 17 2001
Has Garry Hodder been in contact with Barry Stonhill

Massey at 16:0:13 Monday December 17 2001
Don't worry about the TEAMTALK comments....... As usual they are 3 days late with the news....... Stonhill DID say no offer was on the table, but that was FRIDAY & things have moved on considerably since then. Stick with the LATEST comments (in todays Chron etc). I must say i thought HODDER was full of hot air, but if we pull this deal off then the bloke deserves serveral pints off ALL us TRUE SUPPORTERS. Until it's signed & sealed then i am still pessimistic because things like this NEVER happen to NTFC. FASH ETC - PLEASE MAKE IT HAPPEN !!!

MQTA at 15:59:42 Monday December 17 2001
Has Fash been in contact with the Trust?

MQTA at 15:58:1 Monday December 17 2001
Has Fash been in contact with the council?

LH at 15:53:17 Monday December 17 2001
Thanks for the link. Lots of conflicting statements it was even on the official site on saturday Fash said he'd made an'official bid'. I dont think that anything would be lost by the club clarifing the situation. Just Yes or No the directors have a received a formal bid and it is being considered or awaiting further details etc. Or does the Right Hand know what the left is doing ? I cant blame the Directors for holding for more if its a low bid but a Bird in the hand etc...

MoreQuestionsThanAnswers MQTA at 15:52:0 Monday December 17 2001
How much is the bid? How do we know that its not just an attempt to buy the club on the cheap by getting the fans on side and forcing the hand of the board? How does Chief Sonny Owuganu make his money? What would happen if Sixfields was sold and the club was closed down? could a hotel be built on Sixfields? Why is Gary Hodder so keen to comment? When will the board meet to look at he bid? Why has no local bidder come forward? Whats the trading record of worlwide winners?

Anon at 15:50:18 Monday December 17 2001
Yes... There isn't much of a future otherwise

Anon at 15:38:28 Monday December 17 2001
What is everyones gut feeling, will he sell to Fashunu? Yes or no?

News Hound at 15:27:44 Monday December 17 2001
L.H. Go to http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/Team_News/0,1562,108,00.html Stonhill is playing silly buggers in my opinion.

LH at 15:23:54 Monday December 17 2001
Rodders . Have I missed something here ? When did Stonhill say no offer had been made ? Was it on the radio ?

Rodders at 15:16:49 Monday December 17 2001
Who is telling the truth? Today Stonhill said that no offer has been made despite Fash claiming that a bid has been made. Last week we were promised new signings yet Broadhurst says there will be none until the New Year. What is going on?

Martin at 14:57:4 Monday December 17 2001
According to the chron it is a done deal bar the fact that Hodder has to negotiate with the council to buy the stadium. Read the full story at http://www.northantsnews.com/sportstory.asp?storyid=1

Anon at 14:55:52 Monday December 17 2001
Nah - not pleased - DELIGHTED!

Anon at 14:48:43 Monday December 17 2001
IT'S OFFICIAL, IT'S ON THE WEB SITE: Broadhurst is pleased with the result on Saturday.

News Hound at 14:45:59 Monday December 17 2001
Anon, I do believe it was Stonhill who announced the club was up for sale, back in october. Hodder is doing the job he's paid for, by brokering a deal. If he doesn't communicate with his employees, then more fool him. If it was just a ruse to avert a protest, someone should swing.

Stonhills Secretary at 14:40:35 Monday December 17 2001
I hope he sells up quick, that way I might still get a Christmas bonus and he might just still get that snog he so enjoys under the mistletoe (mind you I always feel sick afterwards).

Anon at 14:37:27 Monday December 17 2001
because Newshound, Hodder has done a great job in shafting the man who employed him eg Stonhill. By announcing it he has put Stonhill in an unenviable position and he is now under a lot of pressure to sell. Think of the position if he does not, his standing in the town will not be worth having. Mind you all Stonhill has to do to get his own back is turn the offer down and wait for Hodder to resign.

News Hound at 14:25:59 Monday December 17 2001
Stonhill has said that no formal offer has been received from Winners world wide (teamtalk http:/teamtalk.com/teamtalk/Team_News/0,1562,108,00.html ). If that is the case, why did he allow his Chief Exec to announce anything? Why has Fashanu commented publicly about his offer? Time's up Stonhill, come clean, why have two different stories from 2 different club officials?

Chairman of the Council at 13:54:7 Monday December 17 2001
Sell Sixfields - never!! For a start I can continue to pour lots of taxpayers money into it and keep local poll tax high, and secondly what would that nice Mr. Barnwell and that shining jewel in the Northampton crown the 'Saints' have to say after refusing to sell to them a couple of years ago. We could not possibly go and sell to a load of mercenaries like you, we just could not look their hospitality tickets in the face again.

LH at 12:59:26 Monday December 17 2001
I think that some of ill judged comments about the present board posted earlier are academic now if you read the back page of the Chron. Seems that the board are receptive to the offer ! All we need is for the council to aggree to sell Sixfields.

Anon at 12:35:22 Monday December 17 2001
quiet init?

Anon at 11:8:13 Monday December 17 2001
.

Bloke with a twitch at 10:11:32 Monday December 17 2001
I'm sure they will be compensated, that's why there are negotiations. If I was responsible for the club over the past years, I would have invested the money in the club, not loaned it to them. Shows what faith they had in their own business acumen. The board have kept the club going, to their eternal credit. But by their own admission they cannot take it any further. Any return should be a bonus for them. But please don't forsake the opportunity to progress with Mr Fashanu et al

Anon at 10:4:3 Monday December 17 2001
If I had been responsible for keeping the club afloat over the last few years, I would be a little disgruntled if I then became obliged to let it go, without at least getting token recompense for the cash I'd pumped in to prop it up - lets face it there wouldnt be a club to buy without the financial support of local people. Ive no doubt that Mr Fashanu is well intentioned, potentially good the club, and that a reasonable deal can be reached for the good of NTFC.

Bloke with a twitch at 9:58:55 Monday December 17 2001
Anon - The board have said the club is up for sale, as they cannot take the club forward. In my opinion, it says they haven't got snowballs chance in hell of turning the business round, to get their loans back. Hence cutting their losses as they would get nothing back when the club folded. As for the trust, they are suppoters who have done more than just buying a match ticket, but have not asked for their money back when things turn rosy. Leave them alone.

NTFC@2view at 9:40:44 Monday December 17 2001
I have 'supported' the board - often to great abuse - and just below I wrote that I could understand them wanting to get some money back. The difference this time is that the bid seems to be real and offering a way forward. Without it, there hardly seems to be a future. I don't know how much the trust has put into the club since that time long ago - but whatever, it has been welcome, but I don't even think it paid for the wages of Paul Wilkinson.

Anon at 9:33:28 Monday December 17 2001
and I can assure you its more than "sweet f.a."

Anon at 9:32:40 Monday December 17 2001
Well that was quite sensible until you started Trust bashing. If you were a member you will see how much the Trust has contributed.

Anon at 9:29:2 Monday December 17 2001
Let me ask a Question? If any of you had agreed to lend a friend a large amount of money on the agreement that you would be paid back in time ,would you then say to him forget it ,put it towards your other millions i don't realy need it ?? All you lot shouting your mouths off would soon be around to pick your money up if it was owed to you. If the current Board were not supporters we would not have a Club , its the limited money they have put in that has kept us alive, Why don't the trust help out , what have they given in the last 3 years while the Club has been struggling financially sweet f.a., but they have a say on the Board ?? If we want a Football Club in this Town , I suggest we don't slag off the only ( local ) people who are prepared to put there ( limited )money where there mouth is.

North Stand Just at 9:5:56 Monday December 17 2001
Stonhills got no choice. Fash has got him over a barrel with his pants down, so to say. He's manipulated the press extremely well: got all of us excited and on his side. Stonhill is out of his league and will have to agree to sell.

Bloke with a twitch at 8:47:38 Monday December 17 2001
Please please please Mr Stonhill, accept the fact that you cannot take the club forward, and accept whatever Mr Fashanu is offering. Don't invent another 'offer' and try to gazzump the offer. It's for the good of the club !

NTFC@2view at 7:32:43 Monday December 17 2001
Anon, I thought you were a Cobb's supporter. If you mean Max Griggs, he didn't just get fed up etc. That was a different problem.

NTFC@2view at 7:30:50 Monday December 17 2001
The Trust is nothing to do with me. Everyone talks of McRitchie, never Derek Banks. Now there is a serious (looking) bid instead of 'maybes', I can't see how anyone supporting the club can say no. The future's bleak or the future's Fash. I don't see a middle course.

cp at 23:43:46 Sunday December 16 2001
Rubber Duck, dead right mate. The Trust promised to hold an open meeting once details of a bid were received, although I heard somewhere that there will be a board meeting next week to discuss the bid and as it seems that Fash wants to move quickly there may not be time for a trust meeting. I think its fair to say that 99% of fans / trust members would want the deal as its been presented to go through and I'm sure that the trusts representative on the board will put foward that viewpoint (if not there had better be a very very good reason to go against it - by the way I'm a life member). If for some reason the deal is refused then there will be some very difficult questions for the board and the trust representatives to answer. As someone inferred earlier to lose one millionaire was foolish but to lose another would be unforgivable. The stadium is a side issue - believe me the Council will bite Fash's hand off if he offers them the chance to get rid of it, and the figures quoted in the Nigerian press would seem to allow for buying the club the stadium and providing working capital. I hope 'A Friend of the directors' is relaying what the board are thinking as well. This could be the best Christmas present ever - Santa is indeed a Cobbler.

J.J.J. at 23:19:6 Sunday December 16 2001
It would intresting to read Antony collett's comments on Fash's take over bid i suppose he has not been on over the weekend because he is not at work see you at work your Boss

J.J.J. at 23:6:30 Sunday December 16 2001
Well if Fulham have Mr El-Fayti & Stoke have there Islantic sponsors why can't we have Fash & his Nigeria Sponsors none of these folks come from there local teams but having lots of fun along the way. including the fans surley it is the fans who need the entaining, and not the boring football that the board are dishing up at the moment.

RUBBER DUCK at 22:51:49 Sunday December 16 2001
Not been on today because its full of stupid bickering, but that stuff on dillinet.nigeria or what ever it is just makes it more bloody crazy if the board don't sell this lot clearly see the scope to develop ntfc & the support it can get. However you've got to worry about which way the board will vote on it. Looks like stonhill & hancock want to make a load of cash on it, so unless fash puts the money up they will say no. Don't know what way smith,randall(&kerr if hes still there) will jump i suppose it depends if they are looking for loads of cash or the club to improve. TCMP well whos he going to represent the club/fans or the trust there is a diffrence

oldbrook cobbler at 22:46:7 Sunday December 16 2001
sorry anon when i said "we" i meant supporters,directors,players etc etc. after all we all have one thing in common dont we, we all want to see the cobblers doing well on and off the pitch.

NTFC@2view at 22:31:7 Sunday December 16 2001
Money can't buy love!

Anon at 22:28:57 Sunday December 16 2001
NTFC2view, You once tried it with a wealthy bloke but he got pissed off, and went elswhere to have his fun.

B.J.M at 22:24:1 Sunday December 16 2001
Everyone on the board does what Stonhill tells them to do anyway, including TCMP.

Anon at 22:21:55 Sunday December 16 2001
But I thought it was the trust led by Lomax who clearly stated 'Never again must one man be aloud to be in charge of NTFC again. NTFC 2 view.

B.J.M at 22:17:17 Sunday December 16 2001
What about the bit that mentions £7 - £11 million? LOL!

Anon at 22:13:52 Sunday December 16 2001
I love the bit in that article that describes Northampton as "tucked away between Milton Keyes (sic) and Coventry"

B.J.M at 22:8:57 Sunday December 16 2001
"a friand of the directers at n t f c" at 20:3:39 can't spell very well but he clearly knows what he is talking about. Con Wilson is the major shareholder in the club by a long way, shame he continues to sit back in silence and let Stonhill etc play with his money. Stonhill once cared for the club, now he is in it to claw back as much as he can, understandable to a point but let's not forget he is ultimately responsible for the mess the club is in. I don't personally think Fash's offer is contingent on the stadium being bought at the same time - he just wants to find out what kind of figure the council are looking for.

NTFC@2view at 22:2:0 Sunday December 16 2001
We means the club, the council - everybody. You are so right Anon - the supporters can't make the decision - but that isn't what he meant. This is no airy-fairy thing; this is real. We have been run by grocers, chemists, candlestickmakers etc for ever - let's try it with someone wealthy. We might like it. If I'm not turning up to the Chief Odogwu Stadium next season, I'm probably not turning up at all. It could be this or Hartlepool on a November Tuesday for ever.

Anon at 21:42:5 Sunday December 16 2001
Who is the WE in all this Oldbrook Cobbler, I think Mr Stonhill and the Council might have something to say before you do.

oldbrook cobbler at 21:36:5 Sunday December 16 2001
interesting reading "ntfc@2view". i think its the only way forward for the cobblers. if the deal goes through and we manage to stay up this year who knows what could happen next year, division 1 football, on the tv on a sunday afternoon? surely we have to take the deal.

J.J.J. at 21:23:10 Sunday December 16 2001
Yes i have to agree very much with friend of the director the directors that we have to-day are only local business men i.e estate agent, builder they have taken us as far as they can the travel clubs can only do so much making an odd pound here and there, so i think it is time for a change and let fash and his pals give it a bash

NTFC@2view at 21:9:0 Sunday December 16 2001
Read - http://odili.net/nigeria.html for something interesting. OK, most of you would rather bicker, but it's there.

NTFC@2view at 21:7:35 Sunday December 16 2001
Shut up Nosey - real or otherwise. Stuck record or what? BIGTIME.

Fash in the pan at 20:49:20 Sunday December 16 2001
Fash could pick up the club for nothing, and the council could sell the ground for peanuts,that would be nice work if you can get it Mr Fash. but will it really happen like that, somehow I doubt it.

"The Real" Nosey Parker at 20:36:51 Sunday December 16 2001
What was offensive in saying that you put on here what the club want to see......You really have sold out Ray BIGTIME

Ted at 20:23:10 Sunday December 16 2001
Very cleverly Mr Fashanu has dangled a huge carrot infront of the fans.It's hard to see where the board can go from here if they refuse to sign.Surely even the hard core fans wouldn't tolerate another disapointment.I say lets gamble.Do we really have anything to lose? P.S. Hartwell where are you,you always talk sense and I want to hear your opinion.

Ray at 20:5:25 Sunday December 16 2001
Yes - and I will continue to delete postings that I consider offensive.

a friand of the directers at n t f c at 20:3:39 Sunday December 16 2001
B.Stonhill dont want to let go but he has no dosh, "BRING ON FASH" B.Hancock dont want to let go but he has no dosh, "BRING ON FASH" D. Kerr has the cash but wants out. "BRING ON FASH" C.Smith he is a cobblers fan and has helped as much as poss no more dosh. "BRING ON FASH" P.Randall no more dosh " BRING ON FASH" T.Clarke M.P. our supporters reprative on the board repreating a small 10% of cobblers fans from the trust funds not very large "BRING ON FASH" Associate directors M.Church, B.Collins N.Stephenson all hoping to get rid of there bank guarantee's "BRING ON FASH" B.Church our President hoping to get dosh back from shares "BRING ON FASH" Sixfields Travel small funds not much help repsenting about 12% of fans not much dosh "BRING ON FASH" Trust Travel running coaches at a loss not much dosh "BRING ON FASH" Cobblers Independant Travel running coaches to get to the pubs early & early have no dosh. "BRING ON FASH" Con wilson & friends keep on helping with kind loans etc. but this cannot carry on so BRING ON FASH" Council say they are losing money at the stadium so "SELL TO FASH" I will finish by saying Gary Hodder in my opion has done a fanastic job sorting this deal out this is a master stroke "SO BRING ON FASH and he will take this club to a new high. ALL THIS DEPENDS ON NPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MAKING A QUICK DECISION OF THE SALE OF THE STADIUM. BUT HAVE YOU EVER KNOWN THE COUNCIL TO DO ANYTHING QUICK ! ! !

"The Real"Nosey Parker at 20:2:53 Sunday December 16 2001
Delete postings now Ray....freedom of speech Ray..heard of it!!!!!

Barry Stonhill at 19:59:56 Sunday December 16 2001
Oh no they're talking about liquidators again! Quick, someone find TCMP and get him to tell them everything's fine and that the debts are only 800K.

B;oke with a twitch at 19:59:35 Sunday December 16 2001
If the directors are businessmen, they would realise they will not get much back if the club goes to the wall. Better take what's offered now rather than lose it all when the liquidators come in

NTFC@2view at 19:30:26 Sunday December 16 2001
Blue pencil? Is that for crossing out posts made in someone else's 'name'? This is how to write cráp - so you're not very real at 19:0:34. Still, that's the FUN of this board. We're Northampton, so football is out anyway. Let's pretend to be someone else. What a jolly jape! Nosey - Fashanu's still trying to get the club for as little as possible and turned up on Saturday to pressurise Stonhill and co. I have put nothing into the club, so I don't care if it goes for 2p, but I can understand people who are about to lose a lot. I will, however, be totally shattered if it doesn't go ahead, whatever happens in the future - as long as the home kit is claret and white.

Anon at 19:10:32 Sunday December 16 2001
Ray, time for the blue pencil, Adam's back in town with his alter ego DR4E.

The Angel of the North at 19:6:46 Sunday December 16 2001
Adam? WRONG!

DR4E at 19:5:38 Sunday December 16 2001
You are second from bottom........ha ha ha ha ho ho ho ho ho ho!

Anon at 19:5:35 Sunday December 16 2001
...calling you a little tw@t like the rest of us.

Anon at 19:4:52 Sunday December 16 2001
Adam, mummy is calling you.

Anon at 19:3:43 Sunday December 16 2001
So we a community club now, right? We get a badly run stadium which loses everyones money? Thanks but no thanks I say.

The Angel of the North at 19:3:15 Sunday December 16 2001
what do you bloody well 'Sean Bean'?

DR4E at 19:0:57 Sunday December 16 2001
lol wobblers are going down ho ho ho ho ho ho ho. DIAMONDS are better than the Cobblers he he he he. See you next year ha ha ha ha ha .

Anon at 19:0:42 Sunday December 16 2001
same board same people taking the club under for the second time.the club will be sold for there own purpose not if its the right deal to take the club forward.when are some of you going to wake up.as for tcmp surely he new how much we where getting into trouble as the supporters reprsentative how come we where not informed.he,s stuck in the chron most nights of the week using this club for his own political means not forb the benifit of the supporters. your right never trust a politician.if fashanu took over would it be the end of a communite club, used only for him to trade players from his agency his companies benifits. people are right to think aboutit.

LOL at 18:43:15 Sunday December 16 2001
Personally I can't see much for Direones to laugh about. Max has had to throw a few more lives on the scrap heap by cutting back on boot production so he will feel guilty about pumping any more money into his hobby. The future a diamonds is about as bright as a polished turd.

ANON at 18:33:11 Sunday December 16 2001
I hate too admit it, but i think DR4E will be proved right. He's still a knob head though.

NTFC@2view at 18:16:48 Sunday December 16 2001
If Nosey is a real fan - the silent protest, walk out early variety - I'm glad Ray isn't.

DR4E at 17:58:2 Sunday December 16 2001
Still laughing in fact at your expense. You know that the board will turn fashanu down, they are driving your club to the wall! And your brilliant "Trust" is agreeing with them and letting them do it! Never trust a politician.

ANON at 17:54:2 Sunday December 16 2001
DR4E Has gone a bit quiet, is he sulking?

Ray at 17:45:30 Sunday December 16 2001
My postings are nothing to do with the "Official Line" - I only try to post facts that I know.

The "Real Nosey" Parker at 17:45:23 Sunday December 16 2001
Ray you really are licking up to the club?. Next you will be washing the players cars after the training sessions? Sad to see you really have sold out Ray....voice of the fans my arse!!

Ray at 17:44:49 Sunday December 16 2001
This is what I posted on CC2 - it was only put there to ensure that people knew it was me. "There is not any Java or Javascript files accessed when you open the pages and no rpograms are run. You cannot be infected with any kind of virus by reading or posting to Cobblers Comments 1 or 2. The Nimda virus referred to will not affect any Window 95/98 or ME machines and is really only a problem for hosting companies. No need to worry."

clarence at 17:23:4 Sunday December 16 2001
I'm bored, any one fancy a chat?

Outsider at 16:4:5 Sunday December 16 2001
Ray, that's a bit unfair. You put a report on the 'hacker' on CC2 only. And to make it worse, you use CC to to let CC2 members know it's on there.

6fields strangler at 15:48:35 Sunday December 16 2001
That rumour is'nt a rumour it's fact, cut the crap.

Bloke with a twitch at 15:42:59 Sunday December 16 2001
Excellent result yesterday, not such a good performance though. Frain is certainly not a midfielder, put him back to left beck, give Carruthers a go down the wing. Nice to see a few people joining my protest by clapping & shouting, the singing needs a bit of tuning tho'

Anon at 15:18:34 Sunday December 16 2001
Why bother trying to cover for them Ray the truth always comes out at this club. Gary Hodder sees this as the only way forward and if they don't accept he will probably resign. Then all hell will break loose!

Anon at 15:16:15 Sunday December 16 2001
Ray takes the official line AGAIN. Of course Stonhill is against it thats why he said no bid had been made. Trying to bury his head in the sand.

:o) at 15:11:2 Sunday December 16 2001
the best firewall is zonealarm @ www.zonealarm.com

Ray at 14:57:55 Sunday December 16 2001
You shouldn't listen to rumours. None of the people mentioned are against the take over - but very few details have been notified so they are all probably still asking questions.

ANON at 14:40:27 Sunday December 16 2001
Rumour has it, that the powers that be at the cobblers, i.e. directors, TCMP, & the trust are dead against the take over bid made by fash's consortium, winners world wide, if thats the case & they f*ck it up, they will be held accountable, & god help them.

Ray at 14:19:51 Sunday December 16 2001
Remind me who scored first for the Cobblers at Wrexham.

Rodders at 13:57:26 Sunday December 16 2001
Tipping table to de updated soon, Ray? If Fash takes over it could be exciting times ahead. Will it happen, though? What do people think?

Ray at 13:32:25 Sunday December 16 2001
Tis me - report on the so called virus/hacking is now on CC2.

CONFUSED at 13:30:34 Sunday December 16 2001
Report of what on cc2?

CONFUSED at 13:28:58 Sunday December 16 2001
Is that you Ray or another imposter?

Ray at 13:28:32 Sunday December 16 2001
Report on CC2

Ray at 13:27:47 Sunday December 16 2001
I do not think its anything to worry about. There is not any java on this page.

BIG JIM at 13:27:25 Sunday December 16 2001
I have Norton Anti virus 2001 but I am not suffering from what you are. Norton Anti - virus is not a firewall.

CONFUSED at 13:26:52 Sunday December 16 2001
So is it a hacker or a server problem? Or both?

He's right at 13:11:56 Sunday December 16 2001
I have the latest version of Norton Antivirus and every time I have visited this site today it flashes an alert saying it is infected with a w32 Nimda worm.

Anon at 13:7:56 Sunday December 16 2001
I think the message by Ray which Ray says was not his was actually posted by the hacker to gloat.

Anon at 13:5:56 Sunday December 16 2001
How do you know it was scanned if it was done without your knowledge? Try loading the latest security updates for Explorer - that may help. If you still feel there is a problem then write to support@ukonline.co.uk and express your concerns. Personally I don't think its particularly specific to this site.

watch out at 12:53:30 Sunday December 16 2001
you need a firewall to lessen the risk of others entering your computer via the internet connection and causing havoc.

watch out at 12:52:22 Sunday December 16 2001
someone took control of my PC last night and set my printer to print 999 copies of this website, luckily I was at the screen and realised what was happening.

BIG JIM at 12:47:16 Sunday December 16 2001
Basically, I have had my computer scanned recently without my knowledge.

Anon at 12:42:49 Sunday December 16 2001
Why exactly do you need a firewall? What was the so called hacking last night?

BIG JIM at 12:24:37 Sunday December 16 2001
All, try this link for a free firewallhttp://www.sygate.com/free/spf_download.htm

NotRay at 12:17:4 Sunday December 16 2001
http://www.webattack.com/Freeware/security/fwfirewall.shtml

BIG JIM at 12:8:22 Sunday December 16 2001
Ray do you have any freeware firewalls?

john frain at 11:34:57 Sunday December 16 2001
i want to play, it's my ball and if i don't play then nobody else will be able too so there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NotRay at 11:29:33 Sunday December 16 2001
The ground will not be bought before the summer.

ANON at 11:25:57 Sunday December 16 2001
six months that much

NotRay at 11:21:12 Sunday December 16 2001
If Fashanu takes over the club I give the Trust six months before it has no raison d'etre.

The Real Nosey Parker at 11:19:56 Sunday December 16 2001
What is the street value of that package ray? I might be interested after all!

Question for Ray at 11:19:29 Sunday December 16 2001
What will happen to the Trust and their shares in the club?

The Real Nosey Parker at 11:18:58 Sunday December 16 2001
Sorry ray I don't do drugs runs!

watch out at 11:16:32 Sunday December 16 2001
It may not have been you Ray but there was a hacker operating on this site last night! Your last message may be misleading.

Ray at 10:52:25 Sunday December 16 2001
Actually this really is me - one last post under my name. I need a man with a van to pick up a large package from Rochester in Kent sometime in the next couple of days. If anyone is able to help then could they email me please urgently.

Ray at 10:48:53 Sunday December 16 2001
The postings regarding the hacker are hoaxes and were not posted by me. In future no posts will be made in my own name. People who know me will recognise who I am.

watch out at 10:31:23 Sunday December 16 2001
Watch out this hacker is dangerous. Last night he (or she) managed to make my printer start printing out all of the comments from this page. I dont think he got any of my files probably because I disconnected from the internet once I realised what had happened.

CONFUSED at 10:20:13 Sunday December 16 2001
Came out of the game forgetting how I should feel, a win and 3 points at 10 to 5 on a saturday-it had been so long coming. Parkin should have been MOM yesterday he looked like Howard at his peak (half hearted compliment?) killing the ball on his thigh tracking back making a complete nuisance of himself to all the opposing players instead of his own-a great performance, long may it continue Sam. Carruthers had a superb game a shame that he plays in a position that is already filled by a player who shows grit, determination and fight in Spedding(along with Hope one of the few plusses this season). Little JF ran his size 3 socks off in the second half, Old JF showed Hunter how to play with AND without the ball. Burgess? Division 1 wages we are led to believe hhhmmm distribution was poor, I will leave that one there. Sammo was a rock again. My head is hurting from too much juice last night...............im gonna be sick.

The Keyobblers at 9:26:46 Sunday December 16 2001
Better yesterday but still not what we should expect every week, Bournemouth looked like a well coached team with a couple of big players who knew what they were doing the guy up front and the #11 who was everywhere. They were unlucky as on a better day we would have lost, that is the reality, but thanks for a win, we need to now get something at the next match, its still early doors, the worst player for us was the guy at the back from WBA cant think of his name, too many beers last night, he was poor in all departments and considering his experience he should be doing better.

TOP to 'To TOP', Sat night at 9:23:48 Sunday December 16 2001
Yes that is what I was trying to say- unusual event on the site - I was admitting I was wrong! I too think that Hodge should be given another chance - maybe he has regained that lost yard of pace which is the difference - that got him back to stop that goal in the first half which might have killed us off, turned the fickle fans, awakened the boo boys. The ones who sit behind me where virtually silent the whole match. No cheers. I wish they would go and what a nearby village team. My firewall has just told me that someone tried to hack in. Men of the match- Carruthers and Parkin

TOP to 'To TOP', Sat night at 9:23:47 Sunday December 16 2001
Yes that is what I was trying to say- unusual event on the site - I was admitting I was wrong! I too think that Hodge should be given another chance - maybe he has regained that lost yard of pace which is the difference - that got him back to stop that goal in the first half which might have killed us off, turned the fickle fans, awakened the boo boys. The ones who sit behind me where virtually silent the whole match. No cheers. I wish they would go and what a nearby village team. My firewall has just told me that someone tried to hack in.

Oxy the Moron at 8:49:29 Sunday December 16 2001
We scored more than the opposition, do we win a prize ?

COBBLERSHIRE at 7:8:48 Sunday December 16 2001
The real men of the match, were Carruthers and Parkin(both not usually selected??).Nice PR Mr Fashanu!To Mr Stonhill,you talk about 'what is best for NTFC',well I don't care how little the current Directors have been offered,Mr Fashanu's consortium offers a full package that you must not refuse!!( I do realise it is not a perfect deal,but that is not available!)It gives the club a long-term opportunity.PS Well done so far Gary Hodder.The big success is finalising the deal and getting the new show on the road, DO IT NOW.

i love the cobblers at 1:6:17 Sunday December 16 2001
what a change today. after last week i felt so down. today there seemed to be some passion. carruthers showed what we want. lets hope this deal goes through, we deserve some success..

i love the cobblers at 1:6:13 Sunday December 16 2001
what a change today. after last week i felt so down. today there seemed to be some passion. carruthers showed what we want. lets hope this deal goes through, we deserve some success..

to TOP at 22:51:52 Saturday December 15 2001
I don't think Hodge's work-rate can be questioned today. Yes he was caught in no-man's land a couple of times but defensively we couldn't have asked for any more from him, he made a couple of last-ditch tackles and was always back lending a hand - remember he really isn't a defender. That he was then a little slow to get forward is down more to lack of match fitness than laziness - I for one thought he was up and down the pitch more than McGregor. If Hodgie is dropped on Friday I for one will think him very unlucky.

Ray at 22:48:39 Saturday December 15 2001
And before the imposters come on - the last message is not a hoax!

Ray at 22:47:52 Saturday December 15 2001
IMPORTANT - those of you without firewalls, please be careful as there is a hacker scanning visitors of this site. I have reported this to UK Online and others but this does not guarantee that this will be stopped.

Ray at 22:6:6 Saturday December 15 2001
Amazing. There I was doing something else and all the time I was really on here. Neat trick.

TOP at 21:52:6 Saturday December 15 2001
Parkin got the crowd behind him and played well- taken off with a head injury, I don't know if anyone knew about it until after he came off. I hear he had concussion and a bad cut that had to be stitched. Another case of a player being brought in to a role he wasn't used to - but now beginning to learn - a bit like the supporters, get behind the young players and they play for you. Feed them to the Boo boys and they don't. I complained about the Hodge work rate to one player - he defended Hodge, pointing out that he is short of match practice and thus was never sure where he should be. Good point - and it shows the team standing up for each other. I am glad to stand corrected. I would have taken off Hodge or Hunter today - but again have to admit that perhaps building up their confidence is more important than a knee jerk reaction. Didn't Carruthers do well.

MK COBBLER at 21:40:5 Saturday December 15 2001
GARY HODDER IS GOD. FASH THE BASH 4 COBBLERS!!!!!!!!!!!

Anon at 20:40:12 Saturday December 15 2001
you must be gullible.

moany from west at 20:33:46 Saturday December 15 2001
could be, but he has read it to me off tynetees teletext he says

FASH FASH FASH at 20:33:3 Saturday December 15 2001
i was talkin to fash at the match today as he came down to the dugouts he a great man

Anon at 20:20:31 Saturday December 15 2001
'tis a wind-up

moany from west at 20:15:10 Saturday December 15 2001
im the first to slag him off but credit to him frain was as good as anyone today better than hunter definately.also parkin was outstanding as was carruthers parkin did fluff a chance but made up for it because he put himself around a bit and at last seems to have developed the stomach for a fight.on a more confusing note i have relatives in middlesboro who claim the news up there is fash is already a cobbler!apparently its on tnyeside tv but he does like a wind up.

Anon at 20:5:37 Saturday December 15 2001
knowing our luck, the deal will be called off on monday!

RUBBER DUCK at 19:58:58 Saturday December 15 2001
Even parkin had agood game!

Anon at 19:58:0 Saturday December 15 2001
constebated??

RUBBER DUCK at 19:57:58 Saturday December 15 2001
We won yes at last can we stop in div 2? fash & co where there, did anyone see Jim "BALD EAGLE" Smith there pos director of football. He was at derby with Hodder,(can we sign Evatt now) does this add up Why was Carruthers not man of the match

Anon at 19:54:45 Saturday December 15 2001
helicopter?

relieved at 19:48:13 Saturday December 15 2001
IT WAS A BITLIKE SPOT THE CELEBRIRY IN WEST STAND TODAY WASNT IT ? Then Flash Fash with The Cash,after finaly finding a parking space for the hellicopter arrived, And we Won bl****y h*ll, Iam so relieved its like being constebated for 3 months and now ive just been and had a shit!

Anon at 19:40:32 Saturday December 15 2001
its because the cobblers have won, adam has got nothing to moan about for a change.

Anon at 19:38:54 Saturday December 15 2001
Same old story, Adam from leicester & co strike again.

The "Real" Nosey Parker at 19:27:37 Saturday December 15 2001
I have not posted today actually......taken in again Ray.tut tut...good site for idiots this DR4 is right?

Ray at 19:13:50 Saturday December 15 2001
Grow up.

Nosey Parker at 19:9:53 Saturday December 15 2001
Looking for promotion Ray? A straight fight between you and Gareth :o)

Ray at 19:5:13 Saturday December 15 2001
I have been in the directors lounge actually - had a good chat with a certain Mr Fashanu!

Nosey Parker at 18:50:53 Saturday December 15 2001
Ray in the directors lounge with Gareth and Stonhill plotting the return of the pink wallpaper on the official site.

Nosey Parker at 18:24:41 Saturday December 15 2001
Mr Twat to you Frank?

Gerald at 18:10:44 Saturday December 15 2001
Underwood? No thanks! He was recently asked to come on board but he declined. £150,000 was mentioned. He not for us!!!!!

Frank at 18:7:29 Saturday December 15 2001
Give us, it and Ray a rest you sad twat!

Nosey Parker at 17:52:41 Saturday December 15 2001
Wheres Ray...in the directors lounge with Gareth and Stonhill etc....sold out big time Ray. Give it a month and and it will be back to normal.......trust me on this one?

:o) at 17:46:36 Saturday December 15 2001
dont get all excited now still 7 points from safety

Anon at 17:45:9 Saturday December 15 2001
I couldn't care less who they are, as long as it takes us up the league.

:o) at 17:38:29 Saturday December 15 2001
reading in the paper it looks like you'll have a African side next year after Fash has brought all his homies in LOL *laughing at the cobblers*

Anon at 17:3:10 Saturday December 15 2001
He should be - cobblers won 1-0!

Anon at 17:2:33 Saturday December 15 2001
Suffering from a bad stutter are you Big Jim?

BIG JIM at 15:18:56 Saturday December 15 2001
B.J.M : THIS IS THE E MAIL YOU WANT MATE

BIG JIM at 15:17:34 Saturday December 15 2001
Thi is the E

BIG JIM at 15:17:33 Saturday December 15 2001
Thi is the E

BIG JIM at 15:17:32 Saturday December 15 2001
Thi is the E

BIG JIM at 15:11:22 Saturday December 15 2001
B.J.M. Are you gonna get in touch or what mate ?

Ray at 13:48:30 Saturday December 15 2001
Thanks Nosey - I'm a bit brassic at the mo - 30 pieces of silver will come in real handy.

BF at 13:47:1 Saturday December 15 2001
It's no surprise the C & E report that the council are willing to sell the ground if the deal goes through. They are losing money hand over fist, propping up the management company running it for them. It would be a good move for the Cobblers if we took over the stadium. As it stands the stadium is a non-earner for the club. How many fans realise the club gets nothing from the game other than a percentage of the gate receipts (most of which is already paid in season ticket sales and probably spent already), the programme money and the 50-50 draw. It is no wonder the club has little money and wants a buyer. On top of that everything the club uses has to be paid for. Unlike most clubs where they get income from bars, letting out to other organisations and food sales- we get nothing. Perhaps we might get a decent service with the club taking it over - all the cash we spend on match days goes out of the game and little goes back into providing us a good service. Its time for a change - If Fash and partners come in, and it is a gamble - what isn't?, then there might be some good positive movements out of it. The club needs access to more income otherwise were gone and none of us want that. Do we?

Nosey Parker at 13:44:4 Saturday December 15 2001
Dont forget your 30 pieces of Silver for Ray?

Anon at 13:26:46 Saturday December 15 2001
Do the board need rubber ducks help to rubber stamp the deal ? if they do i am sure he is availbe free of cfharge as he has the cobblers intrest at heart. lets hope the board has the same intrest lets move on

Anon at 12:51:37 Saturday December 15 2001
Hear an interview with Fash on BBc Radio Rushden at 2pm. It time we started thinking bigger than the likes of Dick Van Aid.

ANON at 12:46:54 Saturday December 15 2001
Correct mr underwood sold a crippling club to Mcritchie, but apprantly he has a lot more money with him this time & He was at a game recently sitting with stonhill & co

Common Sense at 12:30:47 Saturday December 15 2001
Dick Underwood stripped the club, hid the debts and sold to McRitchie, he should be kept well away from the club

Anon at 12:8:0 Saturday December 15 2001
You have got to realise that the bottom line in buying the club is to make money.Fashanu is a business man , and has no particular allegiance to Northampton Town and its fans.But,and its a big but.What is the difference between us and say Fulham ?Was Al fayed born and bred in Southwest London or indeed stand on the terraces as a boy? we must take this opportunity, otherwise the club will probably dissolve,or at best be a small time struggling club. We must take this opportunity,without this happening we will surely dissolve, or at best be a small time club Ok things may happen that we are not happy with

Anon at 11:13:31 Saturday December 15 2001
Is that what you really think? You are so naive.

******* at 11:11:38 Saturday December 15 2001
Think we all should thank mr.hodder for caring bout NTFC so much. Thank you Mr.Hodder

Ray at 11:9:12 Saturday December 15 2001
A five a side football tourney is to be held on 20th. January at Lings Forum, in conjunction with the 10th Anniversary of the NTFC Trust. For further details go to http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ntfc/5aside.jpg

B.J.M at 10:44:10 Saturday December 15 2001
Well the comments by Fash on the official site seem to confirm what I said yesterday. Hodder is the man who has the credibility and has set all this up, if it comes off well done to him I say. It looks like Hodder will be staying at the club and I would not be surprised if he had a large say in the day to day running of the club, Fash has too many other things to do.

waloc at 10:17:11 Saturday December 15 2001
Apologies to anyone expecting to see the fanzine on sale today - unfortunately the printers were broken into during the week and printing equipment was damaged - it will now be on sale on Boxing Day - unfortunately it may appear a little out of date by then!

RUBBER DUCK at 10:9:37 Saturday December 15 2001
V intresting news,most of it sounds good, if like i said earler a deal goes ahead congrats to Hodder on keeping every one happy, i think we have got to take a gamble on this what else have we got, but go steady for fecks sake remember singing supermac (THAT WENT TITS UP). if a deal happens who else make the board up. As i understand fash as chairmn, with tcmp & hodder running the club day to day, we could do with more input than that if it goes belly up. Perhaps a wealthy businessman from Barclaycard, Carlsberg etc or do any of the board remain or fash has more folk with him. Can the trust get more shares/another board spot. what about asking Con wilson on or dick underwood

Oxy the Moron at 9:59:58 Saturday December 15 2001
Anon, that's a typical statement about nothing by no-one

Anon at 9:57:36 Saturday December 15 2001
Thats the typical moronic statement I expect from badly informed lunatics.

The Future at 9:45:21 Saturday December 15 2001
Sell ! Sell ! Sell!

Anon at 9:43:9 Saturday December 15 2001
I FOR ONE SAY LETS GO FOR IT.DO WE REALLY HAVE ANYTHING TO LOSE ? LOOK WHERE WE ARE HEADING IF NOTHING CHANGES.

CTAT at 9:40:11 Saturday December 15 2001
Lets not let this chance pass away.I know its a risk, but the risk of missing this opportunity far outweighs the risk of taking it.

News Hound at 9:30:14 Saturday December 15 2001
Very encouraging talk from Mr Fashanu on the official site, but please don't forget that you are dealing with an estate agent.

Anon at 9:18:57 Saturday December 15 2001
Very interesting new comments from Fashanu on the official site.Look now !

Oxy the Moron at 8:59:46 Saturday December 15 2001
Stonhill's waiting for the chance to gazzump someone

BIG JIM at 8:18:10 Saturday December 15 2001
As requested by you B.J.M.

Bash at 1:34:20 Saturday December 15 2001
Awooga!! Glad to see my old gladiator mate Hunter plying his trade with you boys now.

Anon at 0:52:38 Saturday December 15 2001
Highlighting the number of players out of contract was perhaps a mistake, but it may even motivate them to perform in order to try to get a new contract here or elsewhere. If we get even half way near to doing a Wimbledon then it will be a milion times better than what we have achieved recently...and it doesnt always take bucketloads of cash to suceed, and and for once we could be on a financial par with clubs at first division level. We probably would see a bit of a mery go round of players, from home and abroad, it may well all fall flat on its face but I'd much rather take that chance than suffer the only alternative I can see.

moany from west at 0:4:5 Saturday December 15 2001
i know my grammar is shocking but is late

moany from west at 0:2:26 Saturday December 15 2001
the way i see it is fash is whipping the fans up in a frenzy with his climb the league publicity talks so stonhill will have to accept a very disappointing offer.in the cold light of day from people on here who know far than me if he doesnt buy were doomed and if he does buy we might be doomed it s not the good news it may have seemed.will it happen? i dont think the future is thinkable if it all goes pear shaped again

Gomez at 23:45:2 Friday December 14 2001
"We could have gone in to other clubs but we wanted to buy small and try and re-create what we did at Wimbledon a few years ago" This statement worries me - you can't get success on the cheap these days Mr Fashanu. This whole thing worries me. Im sorry.

Luton Cobbler at 23:13:22 Friday December 14 2001
Some interesting and at last sensible points raised over the last little while. Whilst I accept that beggars can't be choosers, I have the feeling that Fashanu's comments regarding the number of players soon to be out of contract, means that next season we will be watching a variety of players from a certain African country trying to further their careers (and line peoples pockets)in a claret shirt. I also wonder what having such an owner would do for the club's reputation. As a player, every time he crossed the white line he seemed to bring the game in to disrepute. The match fixing allegations were never proven, but how many of us at the time were not so sure ? People in the football world have long memories and I hope this does not back fire on us in future. Anyway why am I fretting ? If Mr Stonhill is to be believed it won't be happening anyway

Common Sense at 22:19:36 Friday December 14 2001
Curious to find what effect Fashanu's comments (from teamtalk), 9 players out of contract out of the current squad, loads of scope to bring in new players. What will that do for already rock bottom moral?

B.J.M at 22:11:29 Friday December 14 2001
As for it being risky playing pressure games with Fash, yes of course it is but Hodder has been negotiating with him for some time now (as I revealed some weeks ago). Now it has got to the stage where it is basically put up or shut up, especially with the on-field problems and it being critical that this is done before Christmas to have a chance of survival in D2.

B.J.M at 22:7:35 Friday December 14 2001
Good points CP, the board brought in Hodder probably thinking he could fix all their problems. I was just trying to convey the idea that to think Hodder always agrees with the board is naive in the extreme. He wants a solvent football club, they want their money back or most of it. Could quite easily lead to conflict even though each party understands the others position. As for Stonhill's contradictory remarks I know whose words I would trust more.

cp at 19:52:1 Friday December 14 2001
BJM - I cant believe for a moment that Hodder called a press conference to announce the bid without the knowledge and approval of both the board and Fashanu. To say that announcing the bid would 'put pressure' on Fash is highly risky as he could just as easily turn around and say sorry guys but you broke the confidentiality clauses, deals off. Furthermore if Stonhill isn't aware of what will be discussed in a press release on this scale it shows that either he is a fool or he has absolutely no interest left on what goes on at the club. Either way he just made matters worse by going on the radio this morning and trying to pour cold water over the whole thing, especially afer a fellow dirctor said there is a bid , but it might not be acceptable to all parties.

cp at 19:37:55 Friday December 14 2001
Its probably also tue to say that if Stonhill et al do not accept this bid (assuming there is a bid) then they will end up with bigger and bigger losses and with a diminishing hope of ever getting anything like what they want back. It seems to me that they'd be better of getting while the gettings good, in 'the best interests of the club' of course, and probably themselves. The alternative? refuse the bid and watch the fans drift away while the club spins in ever decreasing circles towards playing part time football in the Conference. I can remember chanting 'Supermac' a few years ago before a game against Darlo. I had my doubts about him, as he never seemed to give a straight answer even before we all knew the extent of the problems - Fash, IMO, is completely different. Arrroooogaaaahhhh.

B.J.M at 19:20:43 Friday December 14 2001
And that concludes the case for the prosecution, m'lord.

B.J.M at 19:18:41 Friday December 14 2001
You wanted an explanation well here you've got it. Gary Hodder is the most impartial of the three mentioned and is able to take an objective view of the situation the club finds itself in. He has done all the negotiating so far, he knows roughly what sort of deal Fashanu can put together. Stonhill is p***ed off to say the least. He and the fellow directors pray every night hoping they will get their loans repaid, even though their brain realises it will never happen. Stonhill wants to play the hardball game to try and look after his own interests. Hodder wants what's best for NTFC, after all he could walk away from the club into another job without any financial loss if he wanted to. So Stonhill plays the card of "no bid has been made" - sounds familiar? this one was wheeled out with the Italians remember, what Stonhill means is "I don't really want to have to agree to this but I can't scare them away either cos then we will all be in deep sh*t." So - FACT - A BID HAS BEEN MADE. Guess what? The terms of the bid mean the directors will never get all their money back out of the club. So Stonhill pretends that the bid is incomplete, ("you forgot to address the issue over the loans Mr Fashanu!"). Hodder, standing in an objective position, probably thinks this is the best that the directors can hope for, after all he should know as he has spoken to all the interested parties, so thinking it is a deal in the best interests of the club he tells the press. There's also a bit of pressure tactics in there as well because it forces Fashanu to get on with things and means the directors cannot reject it out of hand without facing the wrath of the fans, and rightly so. TCMP is not a major player in any of this. He as an MP is probably worried about his reputation more than anything so needs to be seen to be keeping the fans informed, to his credit he is doing this but he will not know as much as Hodder. TCMP will also not want to speak out against the other directors in case he gets portrayed as a traitor on the board which would not endear him to new owners.

ANOTHER REASON TO LOOK FORWARD TO TOMORROWS GAME.................... at 19:16:24 Friday December 14 2001
Its not really Rennie reffing tomorrow is it? For F@cks sake noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

COBBLERSHIRE at 19:5:2 Friday December 14 2001
Tomorrow MUST be for fans to postpone any protest,so as to give the Board the opportunity to negoiate a deal, PROMPTLY!!!

Mad Micks Ma............... at 18:54:12 Friday December 14 2001
Oi Michael, where have you been for the last 15 years?

Mad Mick at 18:47:32 Friday December 14 2001
Body Rebuilded!!!

Tony Ansel at 18:47:11 Friday December 14 2001
Rebuilt Hamburger Style!

North Stand at 18:46:45 Friday December 14 2001
Rebuilt Hotel End Style!!!

Champions at 18:46:20 Friday December 14 2001
By a winning margin!

Automatic Promotion at 18:45:54 Friday December 14 2001
Thats the aim now!!

the george melly scotsman at 18:22:45 Friday December 14 2001
NEWS HOUND what, u don't think we've been told the whole story, i find that very hard to beleive, don't u, i mean i always trust estate agents cos in their job, they have to tell the truth all the time everytime.

News Hound at 18:7:47 Friday December 14 2001
Are there more offers waiting to be tabled for the club ? Is yesterdays 'news' just an attempt to force the hands of potential buyers ? Are estate agents to be believed ? I think we should be told.

Anon at 18:0:28 Friday December 14 2001
No - not the deal - the fans. Roasted, basted and turned over by christmas

NTFC@2view at 17:48:19 Friday December 14 2001
Why is the chief executive saying in the Chron that it could be done by Christmas?

Ray at 17:17:53 Friday December 14 2001
I'll think I'll have a t-shirt printed - "Judas of Sixfields" - has a nice ring don;t you think?

Ralph2 at 17:14:59 Friday December 14 2001
Keep the good work up Ray.

Hartwell at 17:14:49 Friday December 14 2001
Andy C - yes Greenacre so impressed Atkins that he failed to put him on the field at all while he was here on loan! So much for Mr A's perception.

Nosey Parker at 16:58:32 Friday December 14 2001
Ray you can sit on the protest leaflets to make your seat softer....JUDAS OF SIXFIELDS

Ray at 16:48:47 Friday December 14 2001
One answer may be that no firm definite offer has been made, just a declaration that "I'm prepared to make a bid, lets start negotiating"

Anon at 16:25:21 Friday December 14 2001
Have you noticed the lack of comment from DR4E lately, good in it.

RUBBER DUCK at 16:25:15 Friday December 14 2001
his an estate agent

Anon at 16:22:25 Friday December 14 2001
Hes wanted to at least give a semblance of honouring the disclosure agreement - until Fash went public...

Anon at 16:17:6 Friday December 14 2001
Yes I agree, so why is Stonehill still denying any firm bid being made?

RUBBER DUCK at 16:12:1 Friday December 14 2001
The deal must be serious else fash would not go on skysports,l'm sure details of it where released to put the fans off a protest & it has worked,i don't want to protest & neither do must of us on here now. we should be cheering the lads on to victory over bournemouth tomorrow that will impress would be buyers & hopefully put a few more on the gate. Also if a deal goes through that keeps the present board happy, the trust happy, the council happy & fashanu,s crowd happy then well done MR Hodder

Anon at 15:58:51 Friday December 14 2001
If everything in the garden is now so rosey, why is the chairman of NTFC saying that there is no bid been made for the club, Why? tell me.

Anon at 15:39:25 Friday December 14 2001
The playoffs are still within our reach....

Anon at 15:38:30 Friday December 14 2001
I can see it now JF No1 stepping out onto the hallowed green turf - hands raised in the air to rapturous applause. Followed by a hatrick from JF No2 as we stuff Bournemouth 6-0. You never know it could happen.

Anon at 15:34:44 Friday December 14 2001
We luv u Fash'nu , we do. We luv u Fash'nu, we do. We luv u Fash'nu, we do, Oh Fash'nu we luv u....:-)

Anon at 15:33:14 Friday December 14 2001
Fash for Mayor!

Anon at 15:6:9 Friday December 14 2001
This could still be a rouse by the club to avoid any trouble on Saturday, Knowone there seems to know what they are doing. Are they even talking to each other?

TOP at 15:4:30 Friday December 14 2001
There are people around who contribute solely for the purpose of causing trouble. I suspect one former manager may be one of them. I think he would be over the moon if there was significant trouble on Saturday. The purpose of protest is to make sure your grievance is highlighted and acted upon. That has happened - I suspect this site had a lot to do with speeding up the action. Having a greatly reduced crowd and an increasing number of disaffected fans would not be helpful to the board who are trying to sell. If there is too much strive, the potential buyers may try to lower the offer ... which may then be turned down. I hope that the fans get behind the team on Saturday - I feel our protest has been successful - let's not ruin what we have achieved.

WHAT THE F- -K IS GOING ON? at 15:4:7 Friday December 14 2001
Why did Stonehill say that no firm bid has been made to the club on Radio Northampton this morning, Friday!!!!

Anon at 14:34:25 Friday December 14 2001
To Gary H..... If you are going to impersonate someone use the proper name! I think Hodder is the name you were looking for.

Cheshire Cobs at 14:33:7 Friday December 14 2001
Has a long suffering life long Cobblers fan now living in flat cap land, lets hope this proposal takes off. I am sick to the back teeth of listening to hard done by MU/MC & Scousers who have had a bad weekend if the only draw 00 in the prem in front of 60000/50000 gates come on NTFC lets get nearer the big boys its what the Town Deserves

To Gary H at 14:31:7 Friday December 14 2001
What are you on about?

w at 14:30:17 Friday December 14 2001
www.fugly.com

w at 14:29:54 Friday December 14 2001
wwwwwwww

Gary Hodgers at 14:28:46 Friday December 14 2001
Northampton Town Football Club deny any involvement whatsoever in talks with Jon Fashanu. The resent reports have been just a rumour that has got out of hand. It was made up to stop the fans from protesting on Saturday.

Mark Too at 14:13:31 Friday December 14 2001
We have the fans rep, Chairman, and Chief executive saying 3 different things. What exactly is going on? As a long term supporter of the club even I am getting very sceptical, as I suspect many other people are. I think if we don't get the definitive truth, the current people in charge at NTFC will have no credibility with the fans whatsoever.

The Oregon Cobbler (formerly of Illinois) at 14:0:49 Friday December 14 2001
Perceptive or what? Illinois Cobbler at 0:26:35 Monday October 8 2001 According to today's Sunday Times, John Fashanu is looking to buy a club - and he's loaded. Ray, don't suppose you've got his email address? We were crap today...

Jamie at 13:53:25 Friday December 14 2001
True LH, but you need to take the chance. Northampton need to progress both on the pitch and off and they won't get a better opportunity than this.

Anon at 13:48:13 Friday December 14 2001
If Hodder cannot get his words right then I question his suitability as a Chief Executive.

LH at 13:41:40 Friday December 14 2001
Jamie. Cast your memory back ,things can get worse remember McRitchie. I think the board have every reason to be cautious they have had deals pulled away from them at the 11th hour before.

Jamie at 13:14:8 Friday December 14 2001
Why are people concerned about Fash taking over and having money making (if that is possible by buying the Cobbs !?!) as his main aim and not the interest of the club? How can things possibly get any worse than the position the club is already in !!! Relegation certain, no commitment from 90% of the players, no cash - not even to get in loan players, no long term future or ambitions etc etc. I say go for it !!!

Andy C at 13:5:12 Friday December 14 2001
Just thought you might be interested in this extract from the Telegraph today, talking about one Chris Greenacre.... 'Northampton Town was one of Greenacre's many ports of call during his loan years, and though he did not play a first-team game there, Ian Atkins, then the manager at Sixfields, remains an ardent admirer. Atkins, now director of football at Oxford United, who entertain Mansfield tomorrow, said: "I thought he may have to drop down a level or two, even into the Conference, but I always felt Chris had a future. He's a lovely lad, he's enthusiastic and he has a real willingness to learn. "He is now stronger and has started scoring goals. And he never stops making runs into goalscoring positions. Mansfield took a chance, and they are reaping the benefits, but he always looked the type who would bounce back."'

Helloooooooooooooooo! Hi! I'm a Diamonds fan. at 13:0:25 Friday December 14 2001
I'm into reading, book writing, bowles, and bell ringing. My name is Gertrude and i'm 22 and a half. I'm still a virgin and i'm looking for a partner who is similar to me in the way that they are a bit gone in the head.

From Mrs Fash at 12:57:39 Friday December 14 2001
"my husband is a complete wanker he holds in his hand the intrests of 10 fans and 600 people and he was in the center of the scam not grobelar!!!!!! please protest especially cos the ref is uria rennie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Colcherter Fan at 12:54:20 Friday December 14 2001
Col U r da bestest teem in da unionverse

To The Players at 12:41:14 Friday December 14 2001
Of course we love you all, you just have the rather annoying habit of pissing us off immensely from time to time. We don't understand how, when the squad is so much better this year in terms of individual ability (if not size) it can produce what appears to be a far worse team. We do all think you can turn it around, I personally think we can win tomorrow if we play with the confidence that players of your reputations should have, or just work so sodding hard that the opposition never sees the ball (or maybe both)!!!

The Grauniad at 12:12:43 Friday December 14 2001
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4319851,00.html.

Anon at 12:6:15 Friday December 14 2001
surly not!

cp at 12:5:1 Friday December 14 2001
ooops I didnt mean to imply that all the Board are surly. No surely not.

cp at 12:2:6 Friday December 14 2001
They say the darkest hour is just before dawn and Canvey was very very bleak. But I am deeply worried by Barry Stonhill's comments on the radio this morning. Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing? Hodder says its a case of the deal being rubber stamped, Tony Clarke says on CC2 that a deal has been received and has a 50/50 chance of going through and then Stonhill (aka Mr Postive thinker) says no firm offer has been made at all. This cant all be a sham to stop a minor protest, especially has Fash is quoted as saying an offer has been made and has hinted at his future plans IF the deal is accepted. Does anybody know what is really going on? and surly the Board must realise that if this deal falls through they have nowhere left to run and that the fans just will not accept any more excuses.

Regular contributor who again wishes to reamain anonymous at 11:40:28 Friday December 14 2001
Well what a day yesterday personally i am now not going to protest. It will be in our best interests not to. Fact is football these days is about money, we have none, Mr Fashanu has, its as simple as that really as far as us fans are concerned for direcrtors and shareholders it is obviously somewhat more complicated, but hey can you really see any alternative, and at least we have made national news for reasons other than last weeks game...

Anon at 11:17:23 Friday December 14 2001
In case anyone is wondering the "this morning" relates to thursday morning

Anon at 11:15:47 Friday December 14 2001
Hang on to your leaflets - we are going to need them when this all falls through.

Answers from TCMP at 11:8:21 Friday December 14 2001
The bid came through this morning so we will need to spend some time examing it before we can make too much comment. But fans I hope will realise that we have informed them as soon as we could. Two weeks ago people were asking why are we kept in the dark? isaid then that no bid had come forward, today that changed and within 8 hrs the club had announced the same. I think we should be cautiously optimistist, the bid has probably a 50-50 chance of success (maybe 60-400. I think the use of the term rubber stamped was unfortunate. Of course if it is the best interests of the club then the board will vote in favour but their are 5 votes and until we see the detail it is not possible to judge the outcome. The club may think it is helpful to announce the bid to reduce any dissent, however the thought of a major protest occuring at a time when any potential investor is present is not a good one so I am sure that came into the clubs thoughts. We are not able to disclose financial elements of the bid at present but if successful we would be in a position to stregthen the squad. Yes some Nigerians would come through Sixfields (indeed one may sign next week from QPR) but I think a nursury club is stretching it. Apart from Craig Dudley and Samuel Koeje there are no other potential signings as yet. These two players would probably join us initially on a non contract basis. It is highly unlikely that we could conclude the signings before Saturday although we are hopeful that both players will be in attendance at the game, if not on the pitch. difficult one to answer but I will try. The current directors apart from the Trust have 3 financial interests. 1)the shares they hold which could be bought 2)The loans they have with the club after putting in money to assist cashflow, and 3)release from bank quarentees. The offer will have to be looked at by each individual given their interest in each of the 3 areas without wanting to over complicate things the offer could be negotiated in a number of ways ie a high share price with low repayment of loans or a low share price with a better settlement of loans, and of course a release from any commitment with the bank. It is for individual shareholders to decide what is in their best interests and that will form the view of directors over the coming days as to how they feel about the bid. no not really, of course any new share issue would have the effect of diluting our shareholding unless we purchased more. But the Trust's security rests in its shareholding and its inclusion in the Sixfields lease. What has annoyed me recently is that the Trust has brought in new blood started to communicate more etc etc but still thier are people who would be happy to see our demise and return to a subserviant existance of pay up at the turnstile and dont rock the boat or have an opinion. no need for concern, I was simply pointing out that at some stage we will have to vote on the deal and each and every one of us will have different criteria for determining our vote. For me its easy I have hundreds of people giving me thier view, but for the other directors, they will have to consider the points I have raised alongside thier desire to move the club forward. I am confident that they will each put the club first, but before we reach that stage each of them will have to consider a lot of issues not least thier own desires for continuing or not to be involved with NTFC. The players are very aware, and some of them even log on ( I think they like to discover whether they are loved or not, and like most work groups they gossip!!

Questions for TCMP at 11:3:6 Friday December 14 2001
What are the serious chances of this "bid" going through? Do you think that the fact that the Club has announced it is that the deal is just going to be rubber stamped or do you feel it was a tactic to prevent any protests from the fans at Saturday's game? How much cash injection are we talking I don't expect figures but is it 100s, 1000s, or 100s of 1000s, as it seems we do need a few quid to strengthen the team. if the deal goes through do you think that the Cobblers will become a nursery club for young up and coming Nigerian players? That could be quite an exciting prospect. Gary Hodder has said that Craig Dudley is set to join next week, and he also hinted at more new faces. Are we likely to be excited by these signings and are moves being made to sign young players who we can sell on for profit. Are we talking about signings before Saturday or more likely later? Wihout going into exact financial details, is the deal likely to "pay off" existing directors so that there will be a new board? What is the likelihood that directors apart from the Trust will remain? (assuming all this goes through of course) I know that the position regarding the Trust's shares has been made clear on many occasions - ie they are not for sale, but do you invisage a situation where they would have to be sold? How aware are the players of our complete dissatisfaction with their performances of late (if you know)? I appreciate that the sale of the club could change attitudes but I'd be interested to have an answer to the question.

For Sale at 10:27:12 Friday December 14 2001
4000 "Silent Protest" leaflets!

NTFC@2view at 10:12:2 Friday December 14 2001
I think you should all wear your pants on your head if you go ahead with any of the protests. If you don't, no-one will know you are protesting, for obvious reasons. 200 silent people, facing away from the pitch? 200 people leaving early? 200 people staying away? etc.

Paddington Green Cobbler at 10:11:48 Friday December 14 2001
Read the article in this mornings Guardian and I must admit to having doubts. I seem to remeber that Fashanu was involved in some dodgy scam a few years ago and he is also one of the 'new breed' presenters who trade on their fame in an another area i.e. sport to present very bland over hyped tv programmes. A sort of modern McRitchie. Hope I'm proved wrong.

Anon at 9:54:30 Friday December 14 2001
So what was Stonehill talking about on local radio this morning, has an offer been made or not, who do we believe, who do we trust. I say we must continue with the silent protest on Saturday. As always, things are not what they seem, be warned.

Nosey Parker at 9:38:48 Friday December 14 2001
U Still sold out Ray.....U lost all respect on here?

West country cobbler at 9:36:11 Friday December 14 2001
As I havent had time to read all of the posts (stuck at work with a growling boss over my shoulder) i was wondering if the silent protest is still going on this Sat, or has it ben shelved for the impending visit of Mr Fash?

Sean from Northampton at 7:57:32 Friday December 14 2001
New future or false dawn?

Anon at 7:56:54 Friday December 14 2001
Fashanu spearheads Cobblers takeover bid Former Don praises 'wonderful' Northampton Simon Burnton Guardian Friday December 14, 2001 John Fashanu is likely to make an unexpected return to British football next week as leader of a consortium buying Northampton Town, the ailing Second Division club. The Cobblers were put up for sale in October, since when they have slumped to bottom of the division. They have won only one of their last 10 games, against Third Division Torquay in the FA Cup, and they were eliminated from that competition on Sunday at the hands of non-league Canvey Island. Their fortunes could now be turned around by the arrival of Fashanu, the former Wimbledon striker who has spent much of the past seven years working as an agent for hundreds of players, many of them African. If the bid is successful Northampton can expect to see several new faces in the team. "We're looking to bring in some exciting players - it doesn't matter where they come from," Fashanu said yesterday. Though Northampton - crippled by a small but constantly increasing debt - have been contacted by several interested parties, Fashanu's is the first concrete offer. The bid was faxed to the club yesterday. "In the next few days I hope to conclude a deal to bring back for the board of directors to rubber-stamp," said the chief executive Gary Hodder. Fashanu is acting on behalf of Winners World Wide, a London-based sports agency of which he is the chief executive officer. He is, though, largely a figurehead - most of the money will come from a Nigerian businessman, Chief Sonny Odogwu. Fashanu has had no active involvement in the game since February 1995, when a knee injury forced him to retire. Later that year he, with the goalkeepers Bruce Grobbelaar and Hans Segers, was charged with match-fixing, although they were cleared in 1997. Fashanu had a brief media career as a presenter of the ITV gameshow Gladiators but has since been concentrating on various business interests. "It was time to put my family first," he said. "I've spent my time since then recovering from the traumas I'd been through over the past 10 years. But I've always wanted to be in a position to own a football club. "Northampton are a wonderful club with great potential. They've got a massive catchment area and there's no limit to what they can achieve. If you look back at what Wimbledon were able to achieve - what a yardstick. There are very few people who can say they've had that kind of background." He dismissed worries about the club's potential to make money. "I'm a businessman," he said. "Any business that is losing money worries me but the fact that we're trying to buy it indicates that we're confident that we can plug the leak." Fans yesterday welcomed the news that a potential buyer had been found. "We're in such a dire strait that if there's a consortium that can put some money into the team I'm sure they'd get a cautious welcome," said one. "If they think they can take the club forward then good luck to them - as long as they respect the feelings of the fans towards the club." Any new owners will be forced to do that - the supporters' trust owns 8% of the club's shares and has a seat on the board guaranteed in the ground's lease. It is currently occupied by Tony Clarke, the local MP. "We very much welcome John's interest," he says. "He's an individual we've got a lot of respect for. The club has tremendous potential - we took over 40,000 to Wembley for the 1997 and 1998 play-offs - but there is a lot of work to be done." Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2001

Sean from London at 7:53:26 Friday December 14 2001
Good morning everyone. Have you seen the article in the Guardian today? "Fashanu spearheads Cobblers takover bid - former Don praises "wonderful" Northampton" It is really on ?

COBBLERSTILLIDIE at 5:31:59 Friday December 14 2001
CALLING all Cobblers fans,get off your backsides and make the effort to go to the Bournemouth game.It will show John Fashanu and company the passion there is for the club!!!

Anon at 23:26:36 Thursday December 13 2001
It still makes you a hooligan - guess you don't intend to watch any England away games then.

Chris W at 23:25:1 Thursday December 13 2001
..and no it wasn't for indecently exposing myself.

Chris W at 23:24:7 Thursday December 13 2001
Nothing indecent in my exposure m8 - model material if I say so myself.

Anon at 23:14:19 Thursday December 13 2001
You got arrested for indecently exposing yourself?

Chris W at 23:12:55 Thursday December 13 2001
Private m8.

Anon at 23:11:47 Thursday December 13 2001
What were you arrested for Chris W?

Chris W at 23:2:22 Thursday December 13 2001
Oh, and I am already part of the statistics mentioned in a previous post (post re. Millwall).

Chris W at 23:0:18 Thursday December 13 2001
Protest postponed for a while to see how things pan out is how I would put it.

KettCobb at 22:56:31 Thursday December 13 2001
Does anyone know what TCMP said on CC2 tonight?

fash .co uk at 22:54:9 Thursday December 13 2001
i am on my way to help with new players

B.J.M at 22:46:33 Thursday December 13 2001
Atkins will not be returning but until he is paid the money which TCMP claimed he is not entitled to, he will be a talking point between the board and the new owners. He is owed a lot of money by anyone's standards.

GRANDAD at 22:37:41 Thursday December 13 2001
8-0-2 under Atkins George Melly Scotsman.I used to dream of 8-0-2. Best I can remember was 9-0-1

RUBBER DUCK at 22:35:27 Thursday December 13 2001
See what a bit of good news does (deal not done yet)but we can be a bit more positive now, put the protest on hold, get 3 pts on sat start moving up the league table, get some sleep, have a nice xmas. come on fash come on COBBLERS

the george melly scotsman at 22:32:22 Thursday December 13 2001
i've all ready stated atkins could be the director of longball, also i want to go back to the days of a flatback ten or the famous atkins formation 8-0-2,

KettCobb at 22:31:23 Thursday December 13 2001
Superb news,call off the protest,this cant be a wind up by the club otherwise they know they will literally get lynched.

Silk Purse at 22:27:44 Thursday December 13 2001
With fresh cash available, we could afford to get Atkins to help out with the coaching &tactics

the george melly scotsman at 22:25:46 Thursday December 13 2001
grandad don't worry it's all new to me this typewriting thing,anyway cobblers to win by 4

Anon at 22:22:55 Thursday December 13 2001
I am and Angel sent from heaven ,and I am soon going to be a diamond geezer.

Bloke with a twitch at 22:19:56 Thursday December 13 2001
Grandad, get your shell suit on and get protesting, you can join me by clapping, cheering and singing on saturday

Anon at 22:18:6 Thursday December 13 2001
One Matabele Ankinwande, there's only one Matebele Akinwande...let's hope they all have nicknames.

GRANDAD at 22:17:9 Thursday December 13 2001
Sorry I must have clicked twice, I'm just a beginner.

GRANDAD at 22:13:36 Thursday December 13 2001
Fashanu is right, we do have a massive catchment area.Pity most of the sad idiots have already been 'caught' by Man Utd/Liverpool/Arsenal/blah,blah,blah,etc.

GRANDAD at 22:13:33 Thursday December 13 2001
Fashanu is right, we do have a massive catchment area.Pity most of the sad idiots have already been 'caught' by Man Utd/Liverpool/Arsenal/blah,blah,blah,etc.

rubber duck at 21:59:3 Thursday December 13 2001
fash has said why not n'pton they are a club with loads of potenial in a massive massive catchment area they should be at the top not the bottom(or something like that) his dam right

Bloke with a twitch at 21:48:18 Thursday December 13 2001
Has anyone seen anything from Fashanu's side to confirm the stories from the club?

the george melly scotsman at 21:42:33 Thursday December 13 2001
dear COMMON SENSE funny enough they wanted to put a lovely travellers site near a mate of mine, so point taken.

RUBBER DUCK at 21:37:32 Thursday December 13 2001
9 players out of contract if they don't buck up they will be out, fash won't stand for the slackers on show at canvey.

Common Sense at 21:34:32 Thursday December 13 2001
Mr georgemellyscotsman, I'm not having a go at the council, just pointing out that they are persuadable at a price. Look at the travellers camps, they were going to put one down the road to a friend of mine (also a season ticket holder). As soon as people started protesting , they backed down. Both money and protest have a considerable effect in local politics

the george melly scotsman at 21:33:22 Thursday December 13 2001
yes great idea BLOKE WITH A TWITCH, i'll wear mine aswell ok. at least we'll get on t.v.um um um um um

the george melly scotsman at 21:30:27 Thursday December 13 2001
COMMON SENSE. lets not have a go at the council at least we've got a ground unlike some,and if it cost me an extra £50 a year to pay for the ground then good,

Bloke with a twitch at 21:27:32 Thursday December 13 2001
My shell suit is nicely crumpled, and my pornstar moustasche and Keegan perm were looking good for TV exposure, I look great clapping and cheering my team in protest

Mark Too at 21:26:7 Thursday December 13 2001
If Fash saying that 9 players contracts are up at the end of the season on Sky Sports doesn't get the players motivated I don't know what will.

Common Sense at 21:23:33 Thursday December 13 2001
One step at a time please. Let's make sure of div 2 survival, full houses on a regular basis, then focus on the long term needs of the club. A ground to call their own, executive boxes, youth acadamy, I bet the council would sell the ground to balance their books, after all, they've almost sold every asset off, and still our council tax goes up year after year

another anon at 21:22:34 Thursday December 13 2001
to anon whats subversive mean & because i dont know am i dim, but in the trust or not does it matter as long as you suport the club, ignore the trust they cabt seme to take a joke

J.J.J. at 21:22:9 Thursday December 13 2001
Guest what they are at it again the Trust are trying to stop the take over because they might lose there place on the board if this happens we all know who to blame.

the george melly scotsman at 21:15:27 Thursday December 13 2001
so no protest in shellsuits then, bugger, i'd gone and got mine dry cleaned, oh well at least the players should be fired up, ie playing for a contract etc,lets hope we can put some sort of display on sat, cos i'm sick of getting home after the game and booting the cat, so is the cat i think

Dave The Realist at 21:14:30 Thursday December 13 2001
eggs, basket, easy boys and girls.

Anon at 21:1:6 Thursday December 13 2001
BJM I am prepared to take your word that you are not just another trust basher, and looking at previous postings it is usually Rubber Duck, Ted and others that are the worst offenders, but they still piss me off we all know that they are the football version of trainspotters and think its funny to be subversive yet dim

RUBBER DUCK at 20:55:53 Thursday December 13 2001
If the deal goes through whats the deal with the ground? Will it be expanded, 99yr lease, or sold

Glenn at 20:51:59 Thursday December 13 2001
I say well done to the board. They have shown that they do indeed have the best interests of the club at large and seem to have thought carefully about the decision. Not only have they realised that they had taken the club as far as they could (twice) but they refused to accept any old offer that was put to them. I would also imagine that the timing of the statement was due in no small part to the impending protests which also shows that they care about and listen to what the fans think. Good point also from LH (below) - Just because we appear to be close to finding someone who can inject cash into the club doesn't mean we should say cheerio to the Trust - chances are we may need them.

Anon at 20:50:41 Thursday December 13 2001
Club without lease = Trust dead.

LH at 20:48:56 Thursday December 13 2001
Ray , Thanks will do. Dont mean to put a dampner on things or appear totally negative as the club plainly needs help to take it forward BUT if as quoted Fash sees the club as a purely business investment what happens if this investment fails to work or he does not get the return he expected ? Would NTFC be treated like any other business investment ? This is not unchartered water (MacRitchie) and therefore i suggest (unlike previous postings) that the Trust has an important role to play. I welcome with open arms someone to realise the true potential of our club but just a word of caution. Thought i'd share that as its what I wanted to ask TCMP.

LH at 20:48:33 Thursday December 13 2001
Ray , Thanks will do. Dont mean to put a dampner on things or appear totally negative as the club plainly needs help to take it forward BUT if as quoted Fash sees the club as a purely business investment what happens if this investment fails to work or he does get the return he expected ? Would NTFC be treated like any other business investment ? This is not unchartered water (MacRitchie) and therefore i suggest (unlike previous postings) that the Trust has an important role to play. I welcome with open arms someone to realise the true potential of our club but just a word of caution. Thought i'd share that as its what I wanted to ask TCMP.

Anon at 20:42:7 Thursday December 13 2001
So Ray is not only Gareth Willsher he is also TCMP's spokesman.

RUBBER DUCK at 20:37:45 Thursday December 13 2001
If my cheap jibes have offended anyone i apologise (sorry), but it is the best news we have heard for along time & its about time we had something to crow about, dont you agree? & if you look at my comment/jokes its not all anti trust, but if you want it to be it can be.

Anon at 20:37:41 Thursday December 13 2001
Tcmp was never on CC2, Ray trying to protect him because the future of the trust is under threat.

B.J.M at 20:36:21 Thursday December 13 2001
Eh Anon? What make you think I was "anti trust"? I thought anti-trust is a field of law that the US government were threatening Microsoft with?

Ray at 20:34:36 Thursday December 13 2001
Hes gone now I'm afraid. If you want access to CC2 and future events then please email me requesting the URL.

LH at 20:23:18 Thursday December 13 2001
Ray ,would be interested to see what TCMP has to say on subject how do I obtain access to CC2 ?

Anon at 20:16:50 Thursday December 13 2001
BJM and Rubber Duck, your constant anti trust bollocks really pisses me off. Why don't you go and follow the Diamonds (you probably already do) If you did join the supporters at Nene Park it would mean that the average IQ of both sets of supporters would instantly rise. What is the point Rubber Duck of being so fash happy and then spouting all this Witch Doctor, Ganja and voodoo crap which will really please our new owners!! BJM and Solution could form a new supporters group devoted to paying more money for less input. You could call it Northampton Town Supporters Lackies to the board (oops sorry Sixfields Travel Club already occupy that ground.)!!

Anon at 20:9:12 Thursday December 13 2001
Unfortunately Mr Fashanu cannot make it saturday,Stonhill's just bitten his hand off.

NTFC@2view at 20:8:42 Thursday December 13 2001
Just been told that Anglia news says the deal is done? Anyone confirm this?

Mal at 20:7:35 Thursday December 13 2001
Teamtalk is stating that Craig Dudley the Oldham striker has definitely signed on a one month loan

Common Sense at 20:7:30 Thursday December 13 2001
Rubber duck, I think you could welcome our potential saviour with something other than cheap jibes about Nigeria.

RUBBER DUCK at 20:6:9 Thursday December 13 2001
Will RD4E jump on the cobblers band-wagon.

tHE mEXICANO cobblers at 20:5:44 Thursday December 13 2001
Arreeba. Some great news at last. Fash the bash´s bid is official and everyone is interested. Does that mean that we will get a host of Nigerian U-21s coming into the team. And will that not be a bad thing for England´s attempt at qualifying for the next stage of the World Cup? JOKE! Is there any news about how much money he would bring into the club, though??

RUBBER DUCK at 20:3:47 Thursday December 13 2001
Will 6fields travel run a pre-season trip to nigeria? ifso what jabs do i need?

Bloke with a twitch at 20:1:58 Thursday December 13 2001
Cobblers for the play off's? Full house saturday? Forrester div 2 top scorer come May ?

RUBBER DUCK at 20:0:26 Thursday December 13 2001
Will the trust have a new membership drive in Nigeria?

RUBBER DUCK at 19:57:23 Thursday December 13 2001
Will the club shop get some cheap wacky backey in

Uncle Richard at 19:56:43 Thursday December 13 2001
Teamtalk claim we have signed Craig Dudley on loan http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/Team_News/0,1562,108,00.html

the george melly scotsman at 19:55:36 Thursday December 13 2001
had a look at the direones web page, oh dear no wonder so many of their 'fans'/'glory hunters' sign on here, don't blame um, encourage um. when we storm the leagues you may find they will suddenly change sides,has happened before, will happen again.

RUBBER DUCK at 19:54:55 Thursday December 13 2001
If the club gets new shirts from nigeria they will never be in the shop for next season!

RUBBER DUCK at 19:50:46 Thursday December 13 2001
Will the club if fash takes over with his Nigerian cotacts make denis casey the club witch doctor?

No sparkle at 19:48:56 Thursday December 13 2001
I would like to see 'organic' growth in the club. An acadamy to rival Crewe Alexandra, bringing our own youngsters through, or polishing prem clubs 'cast offs' as we really aren't great fans of moneybags clubs, such as Fulham, Direones, etc. A quick fix to keep us up this season, then a couple of years growth, who knows, we could be bigger than Coventry, Leicester, Ipswich.

S-Man at 19:48:4 Thursday December 13 2001
..so how is work in Cov?? and when are you going to make an appearance in the mysterious East???

war dance at 19:46:54 Thursday December 13 2001
umm bongo umm bongo they drink it in the congo

RUBBER DUCK at 19:45:53 Thursday December 13 2001
PROTEST OFF THEN. We will have to stay quite then. perhaps we can do a nigerian vodoo dance & scare bornemouth off. Hows it go ummm wonga bonga fonga

stobbins at 19:45:2 Thursday December 13 2001
ok

S-Man. at 19:44:11 Thursday December 13 2001
...I am fine stobbins, and how are you??

B.J.M at 19:43:42 Thursday December 13 2001
"Solution" is right to a degree, I can't see the Trust having any long term role to play if/when Fash takes over.

Silk Purse at 19:42:21 Thursday December 13 2001
Mr Fashanu, if you're coming on saturday, please bring your boots !

RUBBER DUCK at 19:42:0 Thursday December 13 2001
Fash the bash with the dosh is back on, let the good times roll and fash dont be put off by the trust. this could be good

Bloke with a twitch at 19:38:38 Thursday December 13 2001
I think new owners might be impressed by the fans showing their feeling, the fans showing more passion than the players. Personally I shall protest by chanting singing and clapping.

Solution at 19:38:36 Thursday December 13 2001
MONEY!!

Ray at 19:37:25 Thursday December 13 2001
Even if a new lease is signed, which is extremely doubtful, what makes you think the council will change their stance regarding the Trust? The Club is tied to the stadium for another 18 years with an additional 25 year option, they have nowhere else to go. Why should the council agree to a new lease anyway?

Solution at 19:34:1 Thursday December 13 2001
new lease.

Anon at 19:32:22 Thursday December 13 2001
sorry Ray you won't need to check the site logs to see who's responsible - he can't resist entering fake email addresses.

Ray at 19:31:19 Thursday December 13 2001
Yes - very funny. People will know thats not me. I'm interested in this "simple" idea to get rid of the Trust. Like to post the solution?

Ray at 19:26:51 Thursday December 13 2001
This is getting tiresome. Don't push your luck.

DR4E at 19:24:43 Thursday December 13 2001
That adam has to sort his life out. Come on everybody. Let us get rid of this adam. Wobblers are rubbish but the diamonds are really good.

Anon at 19:22:34 Thursday December 13 2001
piss off Adam

DR4E at 19:22:18 Thursday December 13 2001
yes angel from the north and adam etc. Shut up. Wobblers are not as good as the Diamonds.

SADDAM at 19:21:32 Thursday December 13 2001
DR4E is my only friend. But he is not real, he is in my head.

SADDAM at 19:20:37 Thursday December 13 2001
Like my namesake I have many aliases. I also have many foes.

DR4E at 19:20:16 Thursday December 13 2001
that is if you can afford the petrol. wobblers, you are going down.

ADAM from Leicester - Named and Shamed at 19:19:11 Thursday December 13 2001
Adam you have nothing to contribute so please give it up.

DR4E at 19:18:59 Thursday December 13 2001
I think that the wobblers fans should not protest but come to a Diamonds game. See you next season boys!

Anon at 19:18:2 Thursday December 13 2001
Fash is putting in serious money and will not tolerate obstacles being put in his way at boardroom level. He already knows what he has to do to get rid of the Trust.

Pathetic? at 19:17:51 Thursday December 13 2001
WRONG!!!!

Ted at 19:17:10 Thursday December 13 2001
Excited..Sorry I got all exited. Whoops I mean excited.

No. at 19:16:4 Thursday December 13 2001
Even more simple than that.

Ray at 19:14:32 Thursday December 13 2001
Build a new stadium you mean? Can't see that happening.

So? at 19:13:46 Thursday December 13 2001
There's one easy way to fix that.

Ray at 19:12:22 Thursday December 13 2001
Do you refer to the Trust? In which case I venture to suggest you are incorrect in your assumption. The Trust is guaranteed a representative on the board under the terms of the lease of the ground ie until 2019.

TCMP - enjoy it while it lasts. at 19:10:5 Thursday December 13 2001
Once Fashanu takes over you lot are OUT!

Anon at 19:9:15 Thursday December 13 2001
Ithis hasnt been completed by Christmas as the ntfc site indicates then the protests will really start to grow in volume.

Pathetic at 19:9:4 Thursday December 13 2001
Adam from Leicester you are one sad pathetic individual. Ignore any postings from him, the angel of the north and DR4E, they all come from saddam as he clearly has no better way to spend his evenings.

Anon at 19:7:48 Thursday December 13 2001
You can exit if you want Ted.

Ted at 19:5:56 Thursday December 13 2001
Well well well,great timing you've got to say.Nevertheless the protest has now most definitely to be put on hold.It's the famous Northants trait of glass half empty and not half full,but I for one am going to get really exited over this.I firmly believe this is is the start of something big.For one thing ,if this deal were not to go ahead,where would that leave the board ?The fans have shown this week that they are at breaking point,and one more major let down, and the whole things going to crack.No,lets go down to Sixfields on saturday and sing Cheerio cheerio cheerio to those wasters who have let us down in recent weeks.

JDT_NTFC at 19:0:21 Thursday December 13 2001
From hearing what fashanu said on sky im feeling quite positive. And then I look at the league table and I think can we be saved from the drop? But who cares if we are in the 3rd div when he takes over if we are rolling in money and playing attractive football with some decent players. We could even do a Fulham. Lets hope he is as ambitious as he says he is.UTC!!!!!!!FTP!!!!!!!!FTD!!!!!!!

Ray at 18:54:43 Thursday December 13 2001
George Melly Scotsman - reply - "We are not able to disclose financial elements of the bid at present but if successful we would be in a position to stregthen the squad."

Ray at 18:50:16 Thursday December 13 2001
I agree - the protest poster has been removed

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 18:49:43 Thursday December 13 2001
Postpone the protest Saturday, and lets all get behind the club,to get the future we want!!

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 18:47:46 Thursday December 13 2001
DR4E-you are not old enough to go for a pint,as your braindead,juvenille drivel proves.

RUSHDEN COBBLER at 18:45:20 Thursday December 13 2001
As John Fashanu said on SKY 'Northampton Town have a massive catchment area and we will put in substancial funds'.All true Cobblers fans ask, is the opportunity to compete on level terms financially, and become a good 1st Division club.Mr Fashanu if you keep your word, just sit back and enjoy the support Cobblers fans will passionately give your company.

Cardiff Cobbler at 18:35:10 Thursday December 13 2001
your right, I forgot about that. Thanks DR4E.

DR4E at 18:34:0 Thursday December 13 2001
Of course he is corrupt. He was only found not guilty because he bribed the football hating judge. Wobblers!!! ho ho ho.

the george melly scotsman at 18:33:45 Thursday December 13 2001
i think the protest should wait, if this all works out we'll hopefully celebrating, not moaning for a change.

the george melly scotsman at 18:30:43 Thursday December 13 2001
to tcmp, how much cash injection are we talking i don't expect figures but is it 100s, 1000s, or 100s of 1000s, as it seems we do need a few quid to strengthen the team.

Cardiff Cobbler at 18:30:15 Thursday December 13 2001
Cymru. Corrupt? explain.

Ray at 18:29:5 Thursday December 13 2001
Correction: TCMP will be on CC2 from 6:30 - 7 and 7:30 to 8

e.g. at 18:29:3 Thursday December 13 2001
The person posting as DR4E, Adam, Angel of the North etc. really should try harder. Hitting two or three vertically adjacent keys on the keyboard as an e-mail address is a dead giveaway.

Cardiff Cobbler at 18:27:35 Thursday December 13 2001
Wow, is this really going to happen? I wonder how much money they've offered and whether our board will stall for more and blow it. Does this include the ground? Anyone know any real detail about Fash's company and how well off they are?

SANTA at 18:25:55 Thursday December 13 2001
Winners World Wide are a Sports Management company. Their Chief Executive is Mr John Fashanu, the former Wimbledon and England striker, and TV presenter. Mr Fashanu is the Ambassador of Sport for Nigeria and according to the Cobblers Chief Executive Gary Hodder, they are serious about their interest. "This is at the bid stage at the moment," said Mr Hodder. "They have indicated to us that if a deal is tied up then all current personnel at the club would remain in place. But, they will be injecting a large amount of working capital to help us take the club forward. Representatives of Winners World Wide may be attending Saturday's game against Bournemouth at Sixfields. "Representatives of the Mr. Fashanu's company have indicated an appearance here on Saturday," said Mr Hodder. "We should all rally around and support the club, and what everybody within the club is trying to achieve. Let's move forward together." "Why not Northampton?" Mr Fashanu told Sky Sports News. "I will confirm we have made a bid. We will sit back and see what happens. "There are many wonderful football clubs out there. Northampton Town have history and a massive, massive catchment area. They should be at the top of the league, not at the bottom." I THINK THE PROTESTS SHOULD WAIT A WHILE .....DONT YOU????

Ray at 18:25:11 Thursday December 13 2001
DR4E - absolutely- I whimper at anything - as anyone who knows me will tell you.

Ray at 18:23:56 Thursday December 13 2001
TCMP will be answering question on Cobblers Comments 2 from 6:30 til 7 and from 8-9 tonight. If you are not subscribed to CC2 then place quor question on here and I will relay them together with the answers.

NTFC@2view at 18:21:55 Thursday December 13 2001
the official website has announced that John Fashanu is interested in buying the club. Look yourselves. http://www.ntfc.co.uk

Cymru Cobbler at 18:18:47 Thursday December 13 2001
I saw John Fashanu in Wales. It has to be said he is corrupt. He is like Al Fayed but not as rotund.

DR4E at 18:14:58 Thursday December 13 2001
Ray, is it true you are the cobblers whimpering dog?

Ray at 18:13:59 Thursday December 13 2001
I have spoken to TCMP and it definitely was NOT him on the net at the weekend.