Previous Cobblers Comments

Ray at 21:21:6 Wednesday December 31 97
Bob: And a great New Year to you as well. Unfortunately I won't be out celebrating tonight as I am laid up with a strained back and fighting to get fit enough to get to Leicester. I'll be OK getting to the ground - lets hope I can climb up to my seat (any volenteers to meet the Trust coach and give me a fireman's lift?)

Bob Whitworth at 19:54:52 Wednesday December 31 97
Ray and team - you'll all be ready to go out and paint the night claret in anticipation of a successful 1998 for NTFC. Happy New Year to you all for 4 hours and 15 mins time (Vegas is 8 hours behind Northampton in time, if light years ahead on entertainment!! Mind you no Cobblers games featured here which is a major blow. My thoughts will be firmly at Filbert Street come Saturday. I'm a Cobbler through and through (born in Kingsthorpe, Grandad was a cobbler, but sadly not on the pitch) and have suffered the anguishes of other supporters over the years (including from Saudi - my condolences to the Saudi Cobbler I know what it's like!). However, if we don't win through in the 3rd round of the FA Cup I'm in big trouble. The outlaws (from Leicester) are staying for the festive season and are avid Foxes fans. Consequently, there will be little goodwill for all men after 4.40 on 3rd Jan! Hope as many of you as possible get to see a great Cobblers start to the New Year. Cheers the Vegas Cobbler.

Mark Too at 20:43:33 Tuesday December 30 97
In the Chron tonight it says that Dozzell is on a one month contract thought to be worth Ł10000, so unless a major sale is imminent i think we have little chance of him staying much longer, which is a shame because he has oooozed class so far.

A JOHNSON at 19:49:16 Tuesday December 30 97
WHAT A SHAMBLES TO GET TICKETS FOR LEICESTER. THEY GO ON SALE AT 1200 ON THE 29TH TO THE PUBLIC "BO***KS". 1100 NOTE IN WINDOW SOLD OUT. I'M GLAD I WORK WITH PEOPLE FROM LEICESTER. I'LL BE THERE SATURDAY IN THE CARLING STAND IN AMONGST THE LEICESTER FANS @Ł17.50 AHEAD. AND I'LL MAKE MYSELF SEEN AND HEARD. WE WILL GET A DRAW 1-1 AND BEAT THEM BACK AT SIXFIELDS 1-0. GOOD LUCK COBBLERS.

Robert Dunkley at 19:42:16 Tuesday December 30 97
Did anyone else hear the Cobblers documentary yesterday afternoon on Radion Northampton. It featured Rob MArshall, and Saudi and Canadian Cobbler It's a surprise Ray wasn't on it :-)

NTFC fan at 17:24:47 Tuesday December 30 97
Yes Ray we need both Dozzell and Freestone together. They look good

Ian at 16:53:58 Tuesday December 30 97
Nice to see the four points when I got back from a week in the sun away from computers and newspapers. We seem to be putting out a lot of money on upgrading the squad, particularly in wages, I hope someone knows where it is coming from. We do not need to start piling up debts again, we all know where that leads. On the bright side and as a word to the moaners, look at the class of the new players, players with that ability would never have considered coming to the Cobblers 12 months ago. I get the feeling the Board have a good idea that they are soon to make a major sale (presumably Hunter or Woody), I just hope that this is based on reality and is not just a gamble. If this is so it makes sense to get the new men in before we land our windfall as the price of new men would go up steeply then. You have to give IA credit for his knowledge of what's available in his price range.

Ray at 14:37:46 Tuesday December 30 97
As I lie here at death's door hoping to be fit for Saturday, I can't help but feel some degree of excitement for the coming matchs. I know the defence has suddenly started leaking like a sieve but I think that finally we have an attack force that has got to be as good as any in the division. With a number of players missing through injury for the last few games we have still managed to go through December with only one defeat. Leicester are definitely going out - wonder who we will get in the next round? The need for ground expansion is now becoming more urgent - have any of the "insiders" got any news/rumours etc?

Ray at 14:27:34 Tuesday December 30 97
We can get Dozzell on a free transfer - the only problem appears to be the wages/perks/chauffeur etc. he will require. It is reported that he is currently being paid Ł2K per week - but from what I have seen hes worth it particularly when combining with Freestone. Both are Premier League players - and it shows.

NTFC fan at 11:57:12 Tuesday December 30 97
what sort of cash would we need to sign him up then if we and him were so inclined? any ideas?

Ray at 9:40:43 Tuesday December 30 97
Freestone is permanent - signed last week for Ł75K. Dozzell is on a short term contract.

NTFC fan at 8:47:36 Tuesday December 30 97
Tell me something - are Dozzell and Freestone permanent signings? I don't know buggery round here

Ray at 21:26:7 Monday December 29 97
Richard: I don't think thats its people being negative - I think that we have been disappointed so often in the past that we always look at the dark side - then we are never disappointed and sometimes surprised :-)

ALAN JOHNSON at 19:54:54 Monday December 29 97
COME ON COBBLERS KEEP IT UP ANOTHER TRIP TO WEMBLEY IN MAY WOULD BE NICE WATCH OUT LEICESTER ON SATURDAY FREESTONE ON FORM AND DOZZEL MUST STAY

Robert Dunkley at 19:20:41 Monday December 29 97
Ray van Dullemen scored for Kettering in his second match of a loan spell, seems with Turley, DeVito and now Ray , Kettering is a guinea pig first teama ction experiment for the Cobblers. NB I'm working on a celebration of three years of Atkinship, any comments aor thoughts about the great man would be appreciated for use on my site.

Richard at 18:34:9 Monday December 29 97
Ray,as a regular visitor to your site from Hong Kong I cannot believe how negative everyone seems to be . I know I can't watch them but they are 3rd in Div 2 , what do "supporters" want ? I would swop anyday with the crap we get here.See you at Wembley,cup or play-offs I don't mind , I enjoyed the trip in May so much I want to go again. Best of luck to the lads against Leicester , and the rest of the season .

NTFC fan at 10:56:50 Monday December 29 97
Er, I heard some fabled Div 3 manager saying it a few seasons back... something along the lines of 'Ayup, teams cannae go down wi' 44 points.' And it usually works. Allegedly. Probably. It sounds about right.

Ray at 10:33:17 Monday December 29 97
Where do you get the five points calculation from?

Ray at 10:31:2 Monday December 29 97
For those of you feeling a bit down, heres something to cheer you up: First 25 matchs last season: Points 34 For 33 Against 27 First 25 matchs this season: Points 39 For 30 Against 21 Five more points, only three less goals and although the defence appears to be leaking like a sieve at the moment we have conceded 6 less goals.

NTFC fan at 10:11:17 Monday December 29 97
We only need 5 points to be assured of div 2 football next season

This hasn't been said for a while at 8:41:46 Monday December 29 97
PETERBOROUGH ARE COMPLETE WAAANK

NTFC fan at 8:40:42 Monday December 29 97
Hello I'm back again. Nice win on Saturday....I think we are looking good for a battle with Bristol City for second. They will wobble in 1998 believe me. In the Mail on Sunday yesterday the pools predictions had Cogglers up for an away win at Leicester - yeeeahhhh up the cobbs - leicester shiiit

Ray at 22:41:24 Sunday December 28 97
Seal stands absolutely no chance of scoring against Bristol City in January - because the match will be posponed as we will be playing our 4th. round FA Cup match.

Robert Dunkley at 15:23:10 Sunday December 28 97
Phew a 3-2, Cobbs are now third and only thirteen points behind Bristol City. I fancy Seal to score against them in mid JAnuary. According Radio Northampton the Cobbs should have thrashed a team who had Chris MArsh defender in goal after Gayle collided with the Walsall keeper. Seal scored, then Walsall equlized. Two early second half goals from Freestone and Dozzell ahd me jumping. Walsall pulled one back Cobbs 3 Walsall 2 Woodman, Clarkson, Frain, Tait, Gibb, Brightwell, Peer, Dozzell(Warner), Seal(Freestone), GAyle(Heggs), Hunt Att around 7 000

neil stafferton at 11:44:53 Sunday December 28 97
after i worked on the stadium (electrics) its so good to see that the team are doing so well. good luck this season and i may pop along to see a few games in the new year.`

Robert Dunkley at 21:44:24 Saturday December 27 97
Call me a superstitious idiot but we've never won a game in that orange kit, it was a bad choice as our white shorts merges with the white bottom of the kit. |Could have caused some confusion for the players. Thank goodness we don't have to play at a ground like luton anymore. As a chanter I have to eat humble pie, such songs as why can't we play you every week, Ian Feuer' s got silly shorts good bye Lennie.. proved extremely premature. Like my comments about bAsingstoke, oh it won't go to penalties. Hopefully I might see some of you on the 31st against Oldham. My bar pass should be ready then..

Guy at 19:53:36 Saturday December 27 97
Think this site is great. Keeps me in touch with my home team, whilst I'm in New York for a year. Thanks for going to all this trouble for me! Keep it up Cobblers, you're doing great, I'm really proud of you. To think we were almost relegated a few seasons ago!! Well done!

Robert Dunkley at 15:42:28 Saturday December 27 97
Luton, a tail of two halves and a match which at 3:45 I thought we would win, by 4:50 we were lucky to get a point. The blame has to lay with Ian Atkins, how can he be proud of the team's performance. Instead of showing ambition and bringing on Seal to link up with Freestone, he takes off our new striker. It seems that Bishop, Hunter and Razor were all injured. Let's hope they are fit for Sunday. If we play like the first half in every match we would be top of the league. Luton obviusly are in a false position, although on their first half performance, it's easy to see why they are in the relagation zone. We are now fourth, although two teams ahve a game in hand on us. I fancy a win against Walsall. Oldham on JAn 31 will be a huge game. Going back to Luton what a nice stadium :-) As you go in you were filmed and given a thorough body search. For Blocks E,F,G, holding about 1 000, there were only five male toilets. They were built into a house. As for the stand, the poor people in the first couple of rows must have seen nothing as they were below pitch level. There was poor legroom and the seats were bolted onto the terrace. Thus when you let someone by you had to step backwards and up onto a small terracing ledge. The PA was worse than Sixfields.They did not even announce the scorers...(Cobblers) My view was okay the post was obstructing the near post. Anyone at the back of the stand had two supports to look through. Moan over Robert

Kevin Simons at 15:6:58 Saturday December 27 97
IA does it again by trying to shut up shop on a 2-0 lead. Where's the ambition? The Luton sponsors couldn't believe we subbed Freestone as this allowed their back four to push up to the half way line. Paul Tait looked like a Graham Potter double and lost every 50/50 challenge. The Sun gave Gibb m-o-t-m...and I think he'll be sold for a lot of money as a full back.

Ray at 10:35:40 Friday December 26 97
If anyone is going with the Trust to Luton or Leicester - make sure you say "Hello"! I'm on coach 3 for Luton and coach 2 for Leicester.

Ray at 0:37:49 Friday December 26 97
Matchfacts says that tait is 6' 11" !!! Really?

Ray at 0:25:25 Friday December 26 97
It was really lonely this Christmas without you all :-(

Ray at 10:39:49 Thursday December 25 97
Everyone still playing with their toys this morning then? Hope you are all having a good Chrimbo! One present we received a little early was confirmation that we have signed Chris Freestone from Middlesnrough for Ł75,000 - so he will be available for selection against Leicester - as will Jason Dozzell. I've got a good feeling about 1998! (wonder how long it will last)

The Insider at 10:10:30 Wednesday December 24 97
The Insider is alive and well and just to prove it, you may not have heard that IA has signed Paul Tait from Birmingham City. I heard yesterday afternoon, but I've only just hit the Web.

Ray at 9:17:21 Wednesday December 24 97
Just to let you know that the Cobblers Site has been awarded the very first Second Division Site of the Week award.

david abbott at 23:49:42 Tuesday December 23 97
After some very poor recent performances it was a pleasure to watch the Plymouth match. Some good footie. At last some real pass-and-movement from the Cobblers and the ball on the ground. Freestone certainly looks the business, mobile, quick and good in the air. Dozell showed some good touches, ball skill and took up intelligent positions. At last it looks as though we are starting to get some real quality into midfield/attack. Roll on Luton, Walsall and Leicester !

TRB Mark at 16:17:48 Tuesday December 23 97
Ah, but Ray, I did, which is why I was surprised at the Anon bit! Apparently IA is a bit of a Gary Glitter fan and was boogieing on down to Gazza at the NEC on Saturday night. Pity it was'nt Friday night cos I was there!

Ray at 0:49:19 Tuesday December 23 97
I've just posted the latest League table - what worries me slightly is that we are closer on points to an automatic relegation place than we are an automatic promotion place.

Ray at 0:46:46 Tuesday December 23 97
Mark: You appeared as Anon becuase you didn't fill in the name box. Re: Dozzell - like most things in this life - you get what you pay for. OK - hes probably getting paid more than the rest of the team but he is supposed to be a class player. I expect the moaners would also have a go if I won a roll-over jackpot and allowed the Cobbs to sign a really good striker - people like this don't come cheap and why should they come here for peanuts when they can get more elsewhere? I didn't see Colkin making good when he was away on loan. I would expect quite a number of contracts not to be renewed at the end of this season - irrespective of the outcome - which will reduce the wage bill quite a bit.

TRB Mark at 19:8:50 Monday December 22 97
Agreed, I also think "the insider should chip in a bit more!

Wilf at 17:6:6 Monday December 22 97
That's better, class gossip.

Kevin Simons at 16:47:41 Monday December 22 97
Let's just say that two players who are presently injured were bitching like hell that they'd asked for more money, been turned down and now saw what Dozell is being paid. What annoys me more though is Lee Colkin acting like a twat in the executive lounge at half time, waving his betting slip as usual, mouthing his head off after seeing Mickey Bell had scored for Bristol City saying "it's funny how players do really well after leaving the Cobblers" with his little gang of cronies close by (I mean Lee, Warner and Turley). He's nought but a stirrer, who if he's got any balls will resign if he doesn't like it and save me and the rest of the paying public some of their hard earned wages. Perhaps then we can pay the two players in question what they deserve. P.S. Sammo reckons he could be back by end January!

9224 at 12:23:15 Monday December 22 97
Kev - Tell us more 'bout what ya heard int' bar. I agree, at times Dozzell made very classy touches and passes but for large amounts of time he simply disappeared. However, if he a, scores or b, plays well away from home, I'll forgive him anything.

Kevin Simons at 11:35:35 Monday December 22 97
9224 - I thought Dozell was class on Saturday. He held the ball up superbly and created so much space for Peer, Hunter and Hunt with some great angled balls for the forwards to latch onto. The other players were all bitching in the bar about the money he's on (I also hear he has a drink problem). I'm one of Gibb's biggest critics - as a winger - but he could well make one of the best full backs in the country.

Wilf at 11:19:59 Monday December 22 97
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

TRB Mark at 9:47:2 Monday December 22 97
The comment attributed to Anon was from me. What Happened Ray?

Anon at 9:45:50 Monday December 22 97
Great match on Saturday. Nice to see some football and a comeback. I thought Plymouth looked a good side, they always seem to against us but we always win!! I'd just like to wish Cobblers fans all over the world, a HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR and ANOTHER TRIP TO WEMBLEY!!

Wilf at 9:4:50 Monday December 22 97
Not much to moan about really, perhaps that's why it's gone quiet!

Eay at 9:1:50 Monday December 22 97
Well - that must be a record - no postings yesterday!

Ray at 22:7:34 Saturday December 20 97
I think the number of visitors over the new coupple of weeks will certainly be lower than of later because of Xmas hols. from Universities etc. Six of us managed to meet up at Sixfields - so we had to get a slightly larger phone box than last year. Gareth has a piccie and no doubt it will be appearing on his pages soon.

9224 at 19:1:23 Saturday December 20 97
Has everybody stopped visiting? I've still been regularly attending but watching in silence before making my opinions known. Besides, I wasn't @ PNE so I couldn't join those conversations.

9224 at 18:59:42 Saturday December 20 97
How many of the E-Mail group met up Ray? Being a member myself I was disappointed to have missed it. Freestone's great, Dozzell isn't. Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

Phil Baron at 17:42:42 Friday December 19 97
Anyone want a xmas print of the winning goal at Wembley? if so e-mail me,I will be at the meet on Sat. ps I was a photographer at Wembley.

Phil Baron at 17:25:37 Friday December 19 97
I hope Dozzell does a better job at Northampton then he did at Spurs.He never had the heart in him there so I hope his reasons for coming to Northampton are for more then just money. If he is on Ł2000 a week grab him at the bar on Sat !!!!

Wilf at 8:5:1 Friday December 19 97
If we want to compete then we have to pay the price. Sky's money has ensured that ex-premiership players expect a big wage wherever they play, clubs like ourseleves must make sure we can balance the books come the end of the season. Remember, money doesn't talk it swears.

Ray at 22:31:28 Thursday December 18 97
100K a year? Thats a bit over the top for a 2nd. Div. side I would have thought - I guess he must be getting more than IA then.

Ian at 22:14:57 Thursday December 18 97
Dozzell is reported to be on 2000 pounds a week. With the recent additions of Hill/Freestone/Bishop/Dozzell, I'm not surprised the wage bill is way over budget, none of them can be cheap. I suspect the wage bill is where most of the Leicester profit will go.

Ray at 21:57:13 Thursday December 18 97
Dunno - but it is reported that so far this season we are 25% over budget on our wage bill - and it is expected to be even more over by the end of the season.

Six at 20:19:18 Thursday December 18 97
So how much are we paying Dozzell?? More than Rennie? More than Atkins?!?

Mark at 14:54:37 Thursday December 18 97
If only nice Mr. Atkins would give Conway a chance. Ahhhh... I continue to live in a dream world!

Wilf at 14:4:27 Thursday December 18 97
You can have all the decent strikers you like but until we give a service that creates clear cut chances we will always struggle to score. Give me a quality midfielder anyday. I heard Atkins and Conway nearly came to blows. Accusations of holding back international aspirations were flying around, maybe that's why Conway never got a chance.

T. at 12:47:18 Thursday December 18 97
Are we going to use the dosh from the Leicester match to buy a (dexcent) striker ? Happy Christmas everyone my last mail for three weeks i thinl u=nless santa;s really kind and thanks TRB Mark for cleaqning the windows and lights of my car I hope you stumbled home ok !

Ray at 8:57:16 Thursday December 18 97
It is reported that the Cobblers expect to clear Ł100K profit from the Leicester match.

TrBeee Merk at 8:48:53 Thursday December 18 97
Shhhhhober? Warrya mean?

Six at 1:37:33 Thursday December 18 97
Hey TRB Mark!!! sobered up yet mate? and 'T' I got your emails and Nadine thanks (you know why!!)

Ray at 23:31:37 Wednesday December 17 97
Yea - speaking of Hereford (almost) - who is this Grayson chap who keeps scoring all these goals?

Trb Mark at 23:15:47 Wednesday December 17 97
Yep, I thought we'd blown it too, like Lincoln did tonight!! Hee Hee. (Can afford to be smug but not tooooo smug)

The World of Carl Heggs at 20:18:21 Wednesday December 17 97
Watching the gane on Sky, Carl Heggs was described as ...... I forget now ah flamboyant, runs misses, I do not know what. Anyway he can't be that hard he wore gloves, not even Seal wore gloves. Stillmust take som enerve to take your shirt off in that whether. When Hill missed his pen i thought we had it... Robert Dunkley

w walker at 17:12:49 Wednesday December 17 97
Bring on Leicester!!!!

Wilf at 13:48:20 Wednesday December 17 97
Didn't go to Preston, instead I spent most of the day at the Irish Centre. An all day music 'festival' of bands from Northampton and Oxford. Well the guys who stole the show were from Northampton called CIRCA. If you get the chance to see them you will not be disappointed, promise. Who mentioned the Seahorses? Good single but as ever the album did not live up to expectations.

Kevin Simons at 13:41:18 Wednesday December 17 97
Our seats were covered in frozen snow and Basingstoke police decided to turn the game into a dress rehearsal for for an EU summit by switching all the traffic lights to red for half an hour after the game just to escort 3 coaches away. And I'm sorry I can't share in all this positive thought - after the first half we were poor...no, garbage - although I reckon Dozell will be a decent signing.

The Prof at 11:45:11 Wednesday December 17 97
Having recently spent 2 years away from the UK it is such a delight to be able to access the Cobblers matches, news and results even if it does make hard watching, listening and reading at times. Good on those who keep up the postive attitude. Well done to all in Basingstoke last night. Watch out Leicester. Incidentally we now have a supporter in Brisbane, Australia - welcome Jeff Giddings - good on ya mate. If anyone wants to contact him he can be found at: j.giddings@law.gu.edu.au,internet

Wilf at 10:56:43 Wednesday December 17 97
True supporters. To anyone who made the journey to Basingstoke last night and endured those conditions; my hat is off to you.

T. at 10:42:15 Wednesday December 17 97
Six where are you ? Its your last chance to mail me b4 the hols

Ray at 9:17:8 Wednesday December 17 97
Win, lose or draw - my compliments to both sides in last nights replay. It must have been b**** cold - there was a brass monkey on my doorstep crying its eyes out.

John at 19:15:6 Tuesday December 16 97
Is it me or do I always seem to get seated next to some loud-mouthed Gibbon who spends the entire match saying "How crap so and so is " or "Why doesnt Atkins do such and such....." and then they damn well go and leave 15 minutes before the final whistle moaning about value for money!!! Remember kids being a supporter isnt a business transaction.......its about turning up in all weathers , having a good time and generally being positive about life ( I know the last one has been tough recently!!) Cheers,John.

Ray at 18:5:0 Tuesday December 16 97
T. you're not an heiress then? hmmm.... shame.... I was looking for one.

TRB Mark at 16:47:10 Tuesday December 16 97
Ex Ipswich and Tottenham striker Jason Dozell has signed a short term contract for the Cobbs

T. at 12:50:13 Tuesday December 16 97
Hey TRBMark everyone will be thinking an heiress to millions andthink that i can save the cobblers with my millions !

TRB Mark at 10:17:34 Tuesday December 16 97
"T" I will take the Cobblers cards up your Mum's superstore this afternoon and mug her of Ł3.95 on behalf of our beloved club. I will endevour to be there (where ever) I usually go for a drink before the game anyway

T. at 9:15:17 Tuesday December 16 97
Six I've mailed you lots yesterday so what is it you've got to tell me? Let me know soon I'm intrigued. TRBMark are you meeting for a beer on Saturday?

Ray at 0:31:40 Tuesday December 16 97
Basingstoke 0 COBBLERS 3 - no chance for the Railwaymen!

Ray at 0:30:45 Tuesday December 16 97
Only 167 since 20 past 1 on Friday? hmmmm....

Robert Dunkley at 21:0:1 Monday December 15 97
I was looking in my footy books, and it siad that Potter was effectively a left-winger! I haven't seen him myself but he can't be that bad if he was signed by a prem club, or am being thick!

Terry Hawes at 19:4:43 Monday December 15 97
Being the optimist that I am, the Cobblers will came out of the replay with a 2-1 win. I think this is the time where they will come out of the slump. Preston is not an easy place to win, despite this slump, the Cobblers are still 7th, only two points behind 3rd place. With games against Plymouth and Walsall at Sixfields the playoff push will only heat up. from the Canadian Cobbler, spreading the word!

Kevin Simons at 16:54:0 Monday December 15 97
The readers' panel in the Chron clearly watched a different game to Atkins. If Potter got a 5 from Roberts, he must have had a mare. The only good news is he's ineligible tomorrow night. I'm going but sense I'll be seeing history of the wrong sort in the making.

Gareth at 16:47:26 Monday December 15 97
Correction to my earlier message about the email meet-up. It's 1 - 1.15pm outside the Club Shop. Let's hope we can beat last year's total!

Gareth at 16:31:31 Monday December 15 97
Bishop wasn't a donkey. Far from it. He looked better than any defender we currently have. Yes even better than Razor!

Neil McDermott. at 15:39:48 Monday December 15 97
While looking at the Cobblerrs team sheet in the sun today, I was astonished to see Bishop playing centre back. As I live in Stoke I was unaware of this exciting new transfer. Could it be Ian Bishop, ex-premiership superstar? No it's some donkey from Wigan. Oi Atkins NO!!! WE don't need anymore centrebacks.

Ray at 13:19:45 Monday December 15 97
Some indication of who will be there would be useful, so whos coming? (apart from Gareth and me) Lets hope we need more than a phone box to accomodate us this time :-)

Gareth at 13:3:47 Monday December 15 97
I don't know about Chevy's, but the email group is getting together outside the club shop between 1 and 1.30 before moving off for a drink. The more the merrier.

T. at 12:33:44 Monday December 15 97
I wrote a long message an hour ago and forgot to send it (plank) TRBMark please give cards to my mum or pop them through my letter box its not far ! I've now met Six! (or should I call him Sexy ?) What do you think TRBMark ? Check your mail six you've got two ! And for the grouchers some football news when are we going to put some goals away i'm seriously worried about tomorrow and i've got to go to the school concert so i can't even watch it live. Is there a get together in Chevy's before saturdqay's match ? I'll need to know by Thursday lunchtime at the latest as we break up pretty soon ! If not TRBMark can you let me know if the details arrive later ? Ray what did Six tell you its all lies (if it onvolves me ot is anyway)

nadge at 11:59:56 Monday December 15 97
I'm still alive T, Mark, Six and Ray......

Ray at 10:47:12 Monday December 15 97
OK - so we lost on Saturday. To put it a little more into perspective how would we have felt if we has lost 3-0 to Plymouth (as Millwall did) or were held 0-0 at home by Luton (as Chesterfield were)? Everyone around us is having absolutely crap results as well so at least (at present) we are not losing any ground. Watford and BR are running away with the automatic promotion spots but I still feel that a play-off place is a real possibility. One win could actually put us back up to 3rd. Lets not be too down hearted yet - after all we don't start playing until the New Year (says Ian Atkins). Perhaps he is deliberately getting poor results at the moment just so he is proved right :-)

T. at 10:35:26 Monday December 15 97
TRBMark yes please (in the shop) and demand the money off of her and tell her i'll settle up later or drop them through my door next time your passing Six I've got something to tell you as well ! My last 'broadcast until after Chridtmas or even Christmas will be on Thursday and then i'll be on my hols (i have such a hard life !) So Six can you survive 18 days without my mails? and now some football what a crap result on saturday Six you didn't collect your pressie and did i look like you imagined/ is this get together happening in Chevy's before the match on saturday ? I need to know by Thursday 12.15 at the latest if not TRBMark will you let me know?

Ray at 23:2:19 Sunday December 14 97
That can't be seriously true can it Six what you mailed me about Mark?

Kevin Simons at 21:27:44 Sunday December 14 97
I boycotted my first league game since early Feb, and seem fully justified. With just one league win in 10, we're in for a relegation scrap. What really pisses me off is that Conway scores on his home debut for Scarborough, while Atkins persists with playing defenders in midfield. The purchase of Bishop is amazing, it's a class midfielder we need. Start with Mark Tinkler of York (75k), or recall Conway (0k). Atkins seems to be allowing his personal dislike of Conway to interfere with his professional judgement. I agree with Robert: Potter has the tackling ability of a divot, the pace of growing grass and a kick like Basingstoke's mascot.

9224 at 13:20:48 Sunday December 14 97
Why doesn't he play Colkin instead of Potter? Potter is useless! I hope Johnny Frain will be fit for tuesday (7:30 - Sky Sports Two)

Robert Dunkley at 20:55:16 Saturday December 13 97
God, I'm getting depressed. It seems that Potter is a younger version of Dave Martin. Rumours are that Atkins wants to sign him. Goodness help us. Yet again he subs Seal, who played badly according to Oglethorpe on Radio Northampton. Of course he's going to play badly if he does not getting any passes! It seems that Kettering and Corby may merge and build a stadium on the A43, why don't they just merge with Rushden, what abour Rushden , Poppies and Diamonds! VISIT COBBLERS HEAVEN and help me reach 2000 visitors. I'm a bit behind RAy

Richard at 20:40:36 Saturday December 13 97
Another not so good result away from home. Bring back "Larry" , he`s usually good for three goals at Preston. Hope we can do better in the week at Basingstoke?!

Ray at 19:30:3 Saturday December 13 97
Yep - thats a good one. Lets see if we can make it within the next half hour :-)

9224 at 17:40:28 Saturday December 13 97
Looks like the next milestone is 11,111, eh Ray?!?

9224 at 17:39:47 Saturday December 13 97
Why do we play so badly away?????????

TRB Mark at 17:14:44 Saturday December 13 97
PNE 1-0 Cobblers. Bugger!

TRB Mark at 15:38:1 Saturday December 13 97
"T" you forgot your Cobblers christmas cards-shall I drop them in your Mum's shop? (Latest score from Preston 0-0)

Six at 11:30:20 Saturday December 13 97
after last nights little get-toether I'm eagerly awaiting the next one. will NTFC fan dare to show (her?) face? and is Nadine STILL alive (although some how she arrived at my house last week! eeekkkk!) and 'T' email me cos I think I lost your addy, I have something to tell you! and Yo Mark-ski! Your secrects safe wit me buddie old pal!

Six at 2:37:35 Saturday December 13 97
TRB Mark >>> weeks???? ha! months you mean? Or maybe years!!!

TRB Mark at 1:21:14 Saturday December 13 97
Whatever Six or "T" may say in the next couple of weeks, please disregard as utter lies!!

Ray at 0:5:48 Saturday December 13 97
Don't stop coming just because we reached 10K!

9224 at 19:23:19 Friday December 12 97
Damn, that didn't come out too well. I'm not typing it again, just imagine the appropriate punctuation to fit with the tune :-) Here's to the next 10,000 (At least I don't have to change my pen-name)

9224 at 19:21:49 Friday December 12 97
All together now!.... Happy Ten K to You Happy Ten K to You Happy Ten K Dear Raaaaaaay Happy Ten K to Yooooou

9224 at 19:18:15 Friday December 12 97
10035 - Bugger!

NTFC fan at 17:49:39 Friday December 12 97
shit can't believe it. I deserve to be shot

NTFC fan at 15:6:6 Friday December 12 97
shit I missed the bloody 10000

Tor Aage Braathen at 14:16:28 Friday December 12 97
I was realy hoping to be 10000 since I got the 1000 mark first. But I got the 10001 Mark: I haven`t recieved them yet. But the mail are always late in Norway at Christmas time

Ray at 14:16:25 Friday December 12 97
Looking back at my previous comments, I notice that I made the remark that we clicked over to 7,500 on 4th. December - which means we have had 2,500 visitors in last 8 days!!!! Unbelieveabubble!!! By my calculations if we keep up this rate we will average 10000 per month and hit 100000 in the middle of next September - just after the start of the new campaign in Division One :-)

Ray at 14:8:12 Friday December 12 97
Thanks everyone! Lets go for 100,000 next :-)

Ian at 13:51:19 Friday December 12 97
Conratulations Ray, quite a milestone!

Gareth at 13:19:55 Friday December 12 97
Hey....I got number 10000. Do I win anything?

T. at 11:30:8 Friday December 12 97
Looking forward to seeing you tonight Six and Mark has nadge gone into hiding? I've got a bit of a sore head today

Ray at 10:35:40 Friday December 12 97
32 to go! We're gonna crack it today......

TRB Mark at 8:6:8 Friday December 12 97
There has been no mention of how the tickets for the re-play are selling. I'm not going because I have a heavy work load (deadlines-the curse of the self employed) and all this football is getting bloody expensive! Six, I have heard of the Seahorses but hav'nt heard much by them. I WILL bring some cards. Thanks for the info "T". Tor, have you got your cards yet?

Tor Aage Braathen at 7:29:50 Friday December 12 97
Only 46 to go. Logging in later to try to get the 10000

Ian at 3:27:49 Friday December 12 97
From memory ours is something like NTSC and yours is PAL(?)

Ian at 3:15:1 Friday December 12 97
Thanks Ray, I'm not sure of the names of the different systems, but ours is different from yours and a straight UK tape doesn't work here, I know I've tried.

Ray at 1:26:54 Friday December 12 97
Six - if it hasnt allocated the Bookmark correctly then got to "Goto Bookmarks", highlight Cobblers comments, click Item then properties and then edit the URL to read http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ntfc/cobbcomm.htm. The link should then work although you will not get it in a frame.

Ray at 1:24:31 Friday December 12 97
btw - I forgot to answer 9224 (or whatever) question regarding cost. The cost doesn't include web space or ISP (both of which I do not pay for) just telephone bills/faxes and programs. You could probably do it a lot cheaper than the 2K I quoted. Depends on how much time you spend on line.

Six at 1:21:46 Friday December 12 97
Ray - Netscape 3- ut just bookmarks the main menu?

Ray at 1:17:58 Friday December 12 97
OK - will attempt to do so. Assuming I can remember to set the video correctly and my wife doesnt decide to swap satellite channels half way through (which is really annoying! Which format do you have over there?

Ian at 1:11:45 Friday December 12 97
Wow, only 52 to go now. If I check when I get up it will be lunchtime with you guys, should be there by then at this rate. Nice to see a bit of sanity from the last visitor, I think the score on Tuesday will complement a well known London ditty: One nil to the Cobblers. Ray can you keep a copy of the game on tape? If it is a good game I will come up with a way of paying you for it and getting it shipped over here. Then all I would have to worry about would be getting it changed to our system.

steve at 0:40:8 Friday December 12 97
Just had a quick look around, very good page indeed. I live in Basingstoke and look forward to a good game on tuesday night may the best team on the night win. Lets face it who ever wins it will be a night to remember.. Good luck both teams.

Ray at 0:2:31 Friday December 12 97
Which browser you using Six?

Six at 23:59:45 Thursday December 11 97
Ray...it don't work!

Midgers at 23:58:4 Thursday December 11 97
Ray - its ok we are gonna sell all of our allocation!........and i go on record now saying....don't count us out!

Ray at 23:56:50 Thursday December 11 97
Hi Midgers! I dont think u will be getting many going to the game - particularly now it is going to be live on Sky..... but we will give your regrets to Leicester when we play them.

Ray at 23:52:37 Thursday December 11 97
Yes - you can bookmark the Guest Book all on its own. The way to do it depends on on your browser. For those using Netscape 3 or higher, right click in the Cobblers Comments frame and choose add bookmark. Just the frame itself will be bookmarked. For those using MSIE 3 or later, again right click within the frame and choose add to favourites. Do not use the Add Bookmark or Add to Favourites in the top menu. Those not using the frames version will have no problem.

Midgers at 23:52:5 Thursday December 11 97
Andy Gray at the camrose......never thought I'd see the day! well as i saw from tuesdays result Northampton are ready for a penalty shootout if there is one....if any one needs directions to the Camrose for next tuesdays replay you can email me and i will be happy to supply the info

Six at 23:36:12 Thursday December 11 97
hee hee! - hey Ray - you around?

Six at 23:34:36 Thursday December 11 97
Ray, you CANT bookmark the guestbook page on its own, but we used to be able to!!!

Ray at 23:31:28 Thursday December 11 97
Well I certainly haven't. Which league do they play in?

Six at 23:30:34 Thursday December 11 97
I played football tonight and proudly wore my Cobblers away shirt and everyone commented on it...NICE SHIRT!!! they said!!! - honestly! (its better than the home!)

Six at 23:28:9 Thursday December 11 97
hee hee! - I bet hardly any of you have heard of the Seahorses!!!!

Six at 23:26:10 Thursday December 11 97
Mark >>> slightly strange????? WHY???

Six at 23:24:48 Thursday December 11 97
I hope to be as good as the band I see the next day THE SEAHORSES!!! (yeah right!) I wish!!! the cards?????

Ian Platt at 21:53:45 Thursday December 11 97
94 to go. Guess it ain't gonna be tonight! Maybe I'll log in and out 90 times while you are all asleep so that Ray has a surprise in the morning.

9224 at 21:31:8 Thursday December 11 97
Ray, you could ask for an E-Mail group silence until you've watched it. I could save one of my controversial match reports until then

Ray at 21:5:48 Thursday December 11 97
.... but it may be difficult to not find out the result before hand.

Ray at 21:3:47 Thursday December 11 97
I've got Sky but won't be watching as I have a priot engagement. However if you wanna drop a tape off I can record it for you and we can take a couple of hours off on Wednesday and watch it if u want Mark.

TRB Mark at 20:58:9 Thursday December 11 97
Yep, I am planning to go although I feel slightly "strange " tonight. Six, do you think you'll be as good as Embrace who I saw on Sunday? Who has got Sky-I want to watch the replay, which apparently is LIVE!

Six at 20:21:58 Thursday December 11 97
Mark, if you ARE coming...bring so cards will ya? (or give em to T!)

Six at 20:19:20 Thursday December 11 97
What? So who is going on Friday? I dont recommend it I dont think It will be that good, but I doubt Nadge will turn up (she never does! - hee hee!) Mark? you going?

9224 at 18:20:31 Thursday December 11 97
If I'm number 10,000, I'll change my pen-name to that!

9224 at 18:19:38 Thursday December 11 97
Wahoo, I am number 9900 - Ray, you'll get there before the weekend easily. I wouldn't be surprised if you get there tonight. (and if you don't I'll go on and off several times to help the counter along)

Gareth at 13:57:4 Thursday December 11 97
Are there any season ticket holders out there who would be willing to give/sell me their ticket stub to Tuesday's game, in case it is needed to get a Leicester ticket?

Ray at 10:50:25 Thursday December 11 97
50 visitors since yesterday afternoon! Can we make 10000 by the weekend? Only 135 to go - yeehahhhh!!!!

T. at 10:40:38 Thursday December 11 97
I went on Tuesday but if i hadn't already got my ticket i wouldn't have done. Iwas hoping for no extra time but i enjoyed it anyway' Billy stuck it awat well didn't he ? an why were we not on anglia news the next night but S*****borough were ? TRBMark Check your mail !

NTFC fan at 10:13:40 Thursday December 11 97
You need to use his own language.....hold on...........UP THE COBBLERS BLEEEEURGH AAAAAAH GONNA DECK YA YA GITS!!!!!!!!!! Try that

Ray at 9:34:53 Thursday December 11 97
Yes, it really makes all this worthwhile when opposing fans can have an on-line debate regarding the respective merits of their two teams. I actually suspect that this post was not from a Railway man but from one of the wooden sleepers.

TRB Mark at 8:54:13 Thursday December 11 97
Great intellectual contribution Basingstoke fan.

BASINGSTOKE TOWN FAN at 1:27:57 Thursday December 11 97
well im looking forward to seeing you sad git's down the camrose Tuesday ......... and i will let you in on somthing.......... 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke 2-0 to the Basingstoke well thats all i have to say apart from bring on the Leicester BYE BYE

9224 at 23:43:58 Wednesday December 10 97
Read on Teletext that in addition to the injuries to Peer, Sampson and Parrish, Frain, Hill and Warburton are all doubtful for Preston. Although having said that, I asked Frain at Sixfields after he came off if he was OK and he said he was.

NTFC fan at 17:38:40 Wednesday December 10 97
And our kit is better than the Newcastle away strip

NTFC fan at 17:35:12 Wednesday December 10 97
CALM DOWN. The email list has gone particularly negative recently. We've dropped a couple of places in the league - OK - well, we've got a few injuries. They will clear up in time and a couple of signings are bound to be on the way...couple of good wins and we're well into the play offs. So we drew with Basingstoke - well we'll have a tough game there, probably win 1.0 or something. They'll be too nervous to play like they did at Sixfields. As for Leicester, well we'll play our hearts out - think we'll get a draw, maybe even a 1.0 win - remember Coventry a few years back??? If not, well we're still happy to be in Div 2. If the ball had gone differently at Wembley we could have been playing Macclesfield this week. If we go down................well, we won't........but at least we'll get the chance to deck Peterborough at Sixfields. And lastly...at least Barry Fry isn't our manager cause he's a fat tit. And we don't have a bald goalkeeper. 1998 is a world cup year. They'll always be a game over Christmas too and thats my second favourite occasion of the year. You can rely on me to cut through to the things that really matter.

Ray at 14:37:38 Wednesday December 10 97
Yep - you will still get counted if the "count" appears (only another 186 to go!). I have also cchanged the front menu - so take a look at this (hope it works). Martin was with Welling (where he did quite well apparently) but they sent him back in October when they mainly had cup fixtures. I can't see him getting back into the side (unless its a dire emergency) - although I thought the same about Colkin and he played on Tuesday!

Ian Platt at 14:13:43 Wednesday December 10 97
Thanks Ray, I have Cobblers Comments bookmarked now. It's much faster although I suppose that I now don't get "counted"? IA has done very well with extremely limited resources. We are still in receivership until next summer and the first priority must be getting that paid off. The best way to get a new player or two would be to beat Basingstoke and reap the financial rewards of Leicester. Even then the wage bill has to be addressed as IA has a large squad. No doubt the departure of Rennie was to make wage bill room for Hill. He needs to offload more before bringing people in. Easier said than done as the prime candidates (Martin and Colkin) seem to be hard to shift. Martin is one of the best paid players at the club and I can understand why no-one even wants to take him on loan.

The Insider at 9:24:19 Wednesday December 10 97
I'm sick and tired of hearing how much money the directors have put in, particularly the recent repoorts of them "digging deep into their pockets" to find 100k for new players. Most of them haven't put a penny in, granted they guarantee liabilities up to a maximum level (25K?); remember the club is a limited liability company and the directors' own liability only extends to the value of the shares they may or may not have actually paid for. Any new players are self funded from the club's income.

Ian Platt at 3:35:42 Wednesday December 10 97
Everything seems to be working now. Thanks to TRB Mark on the Chat line and Paul Bland on the e-mail group for their reports on the Plymouth game. As far as I could tell, by 1.30am UK time, neither Soccernet nor Matchfacts had the score. Nice to see us win and I guess there is some logic in us scoring all five penalties when we missed all five at Millwall.

Ian Platt at 3:30:38 Wednesday December 10 97
Test

Ray at 0:44:8 Wednesday December 10 97
This another party I'm not invited to then?

TRB Mark at 0:0:3 Wednesday December 10 97
Ian and others. Cobblers beat Plymouth on Penalties tonight. Plymouth took the lead in the second half after a mistake from Billy Turley (according to Radio N'hampton-you don't think I went do you?) Carl Heggs headed the equalizer in the 82nd minute. Extra time failed to produce a Golden Goal. "T", yep, I'm still on for Friday-furnish me with details (privatly if you want so as not to pee people off here)

Ray at 23:31:52 Tuesday December 9 97
OK - I'll see what I can do. In the meantime why dont you bookmark the Comments page and go straight there?

Ian Platt at 22:58:38 Tuesday December 9 97
Ray, Could you put the button for "the guest book" near the top of the list, say swap its position with "away fans"? The reason that I ask is that the first few buttons load quickly, the rest have been taking several minutes and "the guest book" or "fixtures/results" is usually where I want to go. If it's not a major problem, it would be much appreciated.

Ray at 14:22:18 Tuesday December 9 97
Well I've got the acumen if someones got the cash :-)

Wilf at 13:15:56 Tuesday December 9 97
Ian Atkins has achieved a great deal with very little to work with in a style that few could call entertaining. It seems to me that when you ask around you're always told that is the way you have to play to get out of this division, third, second or first. Once you get to the premiership you have to play the same way to survive. Maybe mid table obscurity, high scoring draws and the occasional big win is what we all want. The time has come to ask how ambitious are the directors, is that where we need a change? I'm the first to acknowledge what they have done for the club but if we have true ambition it has got to be backed by cash and hard nosed business acumen neither of which is in great abundance in the current board.

Kevin Simons at 12:45:28 Tuesday December 9 97
Well said, Ray. I think you echoed the views of most people I speak to. Fans would have more respect for IA if he'd given Conway a chance instead of playing a succession of defenders in midfield (I reckon Andy Roberts mistook Clarkson for Hunter). I'm boycotting tonight and have serious reservations about driving to Preston.

T. at 12:36:49 Tuesday December 9 97
Anyone tape MOTD or Sky on Saturday ihaven't got sky and my tape ran out on MOTD and as we were on last (so i'm told) i didn't get it Six is it absolutely, definitely on on Friday now or will you change your mind again? So nadge the gig is on again can you make it ? Can you TRBMark? Can we win tonight ? Will Billy Turley, Ray Van Wotsit play ? Can I get a lift to Basingstoke and what time will the coaches leave?

Ian Platt at 23:46:19 Monday December 8 97
As far as I know, Soccernet ignore the competition in which we play Plymouth, do Matchfacts cover it? I suppose no-one knows yet. Anyway, would someone please post the score after the game, as I may not be able to find it elsewhere. Thanks.

Ray at 23:13:49 Monday December 8 97
............... and where have you been all these months? (and more importantly how did you find us?)

Ray at 23:13:3 Monday December 8 97
Hi John!

John Whelan at 22:56:31 Monday December 8 97
First time here. Excellent!!!

Ray at 21:52:31 Monday December 8 97
I notice that here and in the email group - the first signs of discontent regarding IA are beginning to appear. I must admit that although he has done a magnificent job getting us to where we are, he appears to have run out of ideas, and I personally would not be broken hearted if West Brom (or whoever) offered him a great deal with good compensation to buy out his contract from the club. I can't see us making any further progress this season and have grave doubts about next season. Although he states that the "youngsters" are the future of the club I cannot see any future for them without gaining experience. There I said it ..... and feel better for it.

9224 at 21:30:19 Monday December 8 97
Read recently that Scarborough want to sign Conway on a months loan. It also said that Atkins is reluctant to let him go. Ha! Not nearly half as reluctant as he is to pick him. I think that Conway and Van Dulleman should be given a chance. At the moment I don't care if they're shite so long as they give 100%

Shellshocked NTFC fan at 17:3:35 Monday December 8 97
I hate weekends like that. Still I'd rather get knocked out by Basingstoke than Fulham. I am really beginning to detest Fulham. Windiest ground in Div 2 as well. I may go to their website(s) and barrack them.

Gareth at 16:3:21 Monday December 8 97
Ray, if you're not allowed an opinion, you'll be the only un-opinionated Cobblers fan in the world. Wilf, you are right about giving the ball away. We like to think that we can break quickly, but that just translates into hoofing the ball forward. It was interesting that on Match of the Day, Roy Hunter was pointed out as the only man willing to put his foot on the ball. I think we should be a bit more patient, and also build a strong midfield. We have too few options in the centre at the moment, and I think that is why we hit optomistic long balls. I could rabbit on for ages as those on the email list know, but I'd better get some work done or they'll dock my wages.

Wilf at 12:25:35 Monday December 8 97
Ray apologies if my comments came across as a little harsh, put it down to post-match angst, nothing personal. Moving on. . . John Gayle did not appear to happy about the substitution and his replacement could omly be seen as defensive. Were we trying to defend a 1-0 against non-league opposition?? As regards playing superb football at times, Gareth, we still give the ball away to readily. Why do players persist in getting rid of the ball so quickly when under no pressure? Invariably to the opposition to boot!

Kevin Simons at 11:7:21 Monday December 8 97
Heggs gave a V sign because a contingent of around half a dozen "fans" above the tunnel hurled a stream of abuse at him. He's the one player who can genuinely create chances at the moment and I think we have to forgive him for not being the best finisher - there's plenty more who are far more guilty of not finishing crosses he lays across the box.

T. at 10:29:37 Monday December 8 97
Yes we were shite on saturday Six I'm sure you did your best about friday but i am disappointed and s o are the hundred other people who have already bought tickets My school has now got its own website so why not take a look ( we won it in some comp and some girls got to meet Bill Gates) address to follow later

Ray at 10:10:25 Monday December 8 97
I was going to say I agree Gareth - but I'm not allowed an opinion becuase of where I sit.

Gareth at 9:43:48 Monday December 8 97
I'm torn as to what I should write. At times on Saturday, we played superb football and were let down by hopeless finishing. Had we buried them by half-time we would not be so moany now. On the other hand, in the second half, we sat back, and conceded a goal, just like at Burnley (ie I agree with Mark). Atkins claims that he gave no instructions to the players to sit back, but it was very obvious that we tried to step up a gear after losing the goal. If we had been in that gear in the first place we probably would have won. With regards to Larry, I agree that he always gave his all. And looking at how he is doing with Hereford, I wonder whether we should have played him as centre-forward. But that's by-the-by, the important thing is that he would have given his all for the club. Heggs, despite having a good game, flicked a v to the West Stand at the end. Bit of an attitude problem methinks. Finally, sorry Ray, but from where I was in the West Stand, the team was booed off (apart from the last few players), and the Basingstoke players were applauded off. Perhaps the difference of opinion is down to the West Stand's acoustics?

Ray at 2:1:30 Monday December 8 97
Actually I think its a great draw - bound to be a very large Cobblers contingent - local derby, they are 6th in the Premiership and all that and I would guess at a near capacity crowd - and I think we can beat 'em - as we should have done in the Centenary game if any of our players had shown any guts. (Damn - looks like we are in for a hiding.)

FUCK! at 23:4:10 Sunday December 7 97
another crap draw for us!

9224 at 18:34:32 Sunday December 7 97
We're going to Leicester so bog off Midgers!!!

9224 at 18:32:55 Sunday December 7 97
Why oh why oh why oh why did IA let Larry go? He always gave everything in a match-The team now lacks commitment. If Larry had played against B*****stoke, we would have won

9224 at 18:30:21 Sunday December 7 97
Away to Leicester in the Third round if we win

TRB Mark at 15:46:58 Sunday December 7 97
I think our real problem is the ultra defensive mentality of the team. Yesterday's game was very similar to last weeks at Burnley and I just felt that if we did'nt score in the first 10 minutes of pressure after the second half, then the next goal would come from the oppossition. We seem to sit back and invite the other side to pound our defence until they score, which they invariably do. Surely there are times when all out attack is warrented, especially at home against a side that are near the bottom of the division BELOW Diamonds and Kettering. Maybe we will win the replay and aquit ourselves against a prem side and all this will be forgotten. The worst thing for me is that it feels like the bad old days but maybe thats part and parcel of supporting the Cobblers. Midgers should'nt get too excited because they were a crap side made to look good,

9224 at 14:14:31 Sunday December 7 97
Who else thought the team just didn't give a toss? IA should dock their wages if they play like they don't care (which is becoming more and more regular). They should play like their wages depend on their performance. A draw or a loss I can handle, but when a game is GIVEN away to a team of NO-ONES, thats when I start to lose faith and get very, very ANGRY!!!!!!

Ian Platt at 13:20:53 Sunday December 7 97
Http://www.soccernet.com under "England" and "Results" if I remember correctly do keep a pretty up to date ongoing coverage of the scores in all the divisions. For the FA Cup they also include the goalscorer and time of goal. When I saw Seal, 39 yesterday I thought it was all over, oh well such is life! They do this midweek as well so all of you offshore can keep a check on the replay. They will also have the draw for the third round later today.

Ray at 11:56:50 Sunday December 7 97
OK - I bit my tongue before typing this. One thing I do not do is suck up to anyone - and who are the powers to be anyway? There was no snide swipe at anyone - all I do is report what I saw and heard. I honestly do not believe that we were as crap as people are making out - our only problem was finishing (but there again isn't it always). If we had put away a couple more of the many chances that we created we would have been 3 or 4 nil up at half time and none of the moaning would now be taking place. If we were so crap could anyone explain why no Basingstoke player actually touched the ball within our penalty area until 25 minutes had elapsed? Where I sit is unimportant, the only reason I sit where I do is because I think it gives a better view of the game.

Wilf at 10:54:11 Sunday December 7 97
No Ray the West Stand did not cheer. Along with others in the West Stand I was totally mistified by Clarkson playing in midfield. Kevin Simons comments sum up my own, both home and away has been abysmal for at least two months. We give up possesion to readily on so many occasions players have an opportunity to carry the ball twenty, thirty yards but opt to punt, in Clarkson's case usually in to touch. There is something fundamentally wrong woth this team, they do not appear to be enjoying themselves. Your comments Ray sound a little like you are sucking up to the powers that be. You also appear to be taking a snide swipe at those who sit in the other parts of the ground other than the West Stand. We all see the same game and you should not take such a lofty view that only those that can afford to sit in the expensive seats have a right to comment.

Ray at 1:35:18 Sunday December 7 97
OK, OK, I know nothing about football then (this must be why I'm a Cobblers supporter - or perhaps because I am)

Rat at 21:44:59 Saturday December 6 97
I just thought I'd pop along here and say "Three cheers for Basingstoke!!"

Kevin Simons at 21:33:10 Saturday December 6 97
I reckon I watched the same game as Midge. We were shite, and at last the home fans had the chance to see the sort of drivel we've been dished up for the last couple of months away from home. Ian Clarkson couldn't hit a barn if he was in it (had possesion over 20 times and only once found a teammate with a 5 yard backpass) and yet again we've paid the price for experimenting with a defender in midfield. The West Stand sang what a load of rubbish at the end and were gunnning for Atkins' head. He kept the players in the dressing room at the end, but his selection and tactics stank; sooner or later he has to carry the can. PS Sammo told me he's in for an op on both knees next Monday and is out for up to 4 months.

Midgers at 21:27:34 Saturday December 6 97
so ray the football you saw was not complete toilet by Northampton then?.....if it was'nt then 2nd Division footie is a very low standard!

Ray at 21:13:26 Saturday December 6 97
I sometimes wonder if I watch a different match from the West Stand to the folks that sit in the North Stand (and the South from Midgy's comments). The majority of the play was actually down the wiing from Heggs and that was very little of the "hoof it and hope" brand of footie we have come to expect. We created enough chances to bury Basingstoke well before half time and quite a number after. Basingstoke didn't have one shot on target all game (their goal was deflected off Warburtons knee). Perhaps it is a different game I watched because the North Stand booed and centre West applauded. Oh hum. I also watched the game again on Sky whos main camera was centre West and I still didn't see any "long ball to Gayle (hopefully)" play. This is obviously why they charge more for the West Stand - you see a better class of football :-)

Midgers at 20:40:5 Saturday December 6 97
I warned ya Ray about Basingstoke.......tut tut thinking the result was a foregone conclusion!.....we had other ideas and now the cobblers have to go to The Camrose where lets just say it is not very pleasant for the away team......no point Northampton watching th draw tomorrow for the 3rd Round because Basingstoke are gonna be playing in it....must say looking at Northampton.....they play the most awful football i have ever seen...i thought Wycombe were bad! The Hoof and Hope style does not work with Basingstoke...we were a class above with our neat passing...and yer goal was miles offside...but apart from that a very good day for Basingstoke...not so good for the Cobblers! I will leave you to cry in your beer now....Super 'Stoke Fan :0) 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 ;0)

9224 at 19:50:59 Saturday December 6 97
Ł2000 - Bloody hell! Does using free webspace lower the cost (I believe Global offer up to 3MB Free). I agree with TRB Mark - We were! Is it normal to get disillusioned with the team and begin to question whether it would be a bad thing if Atkins went to WBA.

TRB Mark at 18:1:5 Saturday December 6 97
Hate to use bad language but we were WANK today.

Ray at 1:26:45 Saturday December 6 97
Well we had 75 visitors today - most gratifying- thanx folks! At this rate we will hit 10K by next weekend!

Ray at 1:17:50 Saturday December 6 97
BTW - I forgot to mention that those wonderful people "Potz'r'uz" - sorry .... Churchs China have a link from the Cobblers front page.

Ray at 1:5:40 Saturday December 6 97
Well - how long is a piece of string? As a rough guide this site costs me about 2K a year but you could do it for less.

9224 at 23:22:11 Friday December 5 97
I'm thinking of starting my own website - roughly how much does it cost Ray?

Six at 23:11:15 Friday December 5 97
A guy walks into the bar and orders 9 shots of tequilia. So the bartender pours nine shots and the man downs one after the other. "Holy shit!" the baretnder exclaimes "That the most tequila I've ever seen anyone drink that fast before - whats the occassion!?!" "My first blow job" the man anounces quite plainly "Well" the bartender replies "let me buy you another!" "Listen, if 9 doesn't take the taste out of my mouth, another one won't help."

Six at 21:15:2 Friday December 5 97
Nadine...are YOU alive this time?

Six at 21:14:17 Friday December 5 97
'T' >>>> sorry mate (about next week!)

Six at 21:13:12 Friday December 5 97
So NTFC fan, where is the little party gonna be? Do I need to bring a weapon?? hee hee!

9224 at 18:24:26 Friday December 5 97
Perhaps we would have charged Wycombe fans more money as they are, well, Wycombe fans!?!

The Insider at 13:22:18 Friday December 5 97
A source within the club said that had we drawn Wycombe instead we would, with the same attendance, have netted more money playing at Wycombe than at Sixfields. Now work that one out....

NTFC fan at 13:18:23 Friday December 5 97
If this Xmas meet up works then I'd better start apologising to everyone. Nadine you are lovely and I'm sure a much more worthy fan than myself. Everybody else - you're all great. As for me, I'm small and wiry and cocky...sorry.

NTFC fan at 13:13:6 Friday December 5 97
Look I'm being stupid but its possible to lose touch - we're playing Basigstoke tomorrow...where...and where can I get tickets..?

Ray at 12:41:24 Friday December 5 97
I don't think we should forfiet home advantage - no matter who we draw (as long as I can get a ticket). It may be more money from the gate but is hardly "cricket". If its a really big club then there is probably a good chance we could get onto Sky again anyway - which would certainly help pay the electricity bill.

T. at 12:28:42 Friday December 5 97
Sorry Mark I've had a bad week. Forgive me ? Our IT bloke has gone off to Australia today for a month so I'm not going to be able to send as much mail. A good idea about the meet, Maybe we can have a guess the commenter ? Why do we have to forfeit the home advantage if we get a big club I know we'd make more money but it just wouldn't be the same atmosphere

Ray at 12:18:37 Friday December 5 97
Is this still working?

Ray at 20:52:29 Thursday December 4 97
Q. What do Michael Hutchence and INXS groupies have in common? A. They just hang around near the hotel door.

Six at 20:16:47 Thursday December 4 97
NTFC Fan...thanks a damn good idea!!

Ray at 18:51:24 Thursday December 4 97
There is an email group meet being arranged for the last home match before Xmas - how about organising a Cobblers Comments get together for just after Chrimbo?

NTFC fan at 18:37:42 Thursday December 4 97
I think we should all meet in a pub at Xmas and I'll probably get my head kicked in by Nads and the suchlike. I'll even stop being anon - there you go

NTFC fan at 18:31:39 Thursday December 4 97
hello

Ray at 17:25:43 Thursday December 4 97
Well it had clicked over 7500 before I arrived moments ago.

9224 at 16:13:47 Thursday December 4 97
Only 5 Away @ 16:12 on the 4th

Ray at 12:53:18 Thursday December 4 97
Looks like I'm back in the land of the living :-) 9224: I would think we will reach 7500 by tonight! Bob Whitworth: Welcome! Try www.soccernet.com as they have a "live goals" feature - not sure if it covers the second division though!

Ray at 11:42:14 Thursday December 4 97
I'll just be grateful if we win in 98! BTW - I'll be transferring Novembers comments to "Old Comments" shortly - so this should run quicker.

TRB Mark at 10:45:45 Thursday December 4 97
Did we win in 95 Ray?

kevin Simons at 10:45:36 Thursday December 4 97
I don't like to be the purveyor of gloom, but I work with two Middlesboro supporters, one a season ticket holder, and they cannot believe anyone is actually going to pay for Freestone. I'm told he's a lanky streak of piss who falls over as soon as he senses the breath of an approaching defender. It sounds like the same hype we had from Atkins when he signed Gavin "give him the ball in the six yard box and he'll finish it" Warboys. But Matthew Rush...well then you're talking, although I hear he has another serious knee injury. PS. It won't be Cobblers v Man U at Sixfields even if we win and draw them in the Cup; I'm told we'll forfeit home advantage against any of the big clubs.

Ray at 9:52:4 Thursday December 4 97
I'm still here in spirit - anf will be commenting as soon as I get this bloody Win95 sorted out!

T. at 9:29:18 Thursday December 4 97
Definitely the worst ref on Tuesday and wasn't it bloody cold

bob whitworth at 6:16:28 Thursday December 4 97
All Cobblers supporters,It fair warms the cockles of your heart to read of so many people who care as much about the boys as I do! I thought that I was the only "depressed abroad" come the Grandstand teleprinter on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, I'm deprived of seeing the boys play for real but I suppose the blue skies and warmth of Lv helps to blow away the blues whilst waiting for the full time scores on the Internet (oh for teletext). Does anybody know if there is asite (other than Sixfields on a home day) where I can find out the scores throughout a game to try and keep up with the score? Would appreciate any information. Thanks the Yankee Cobbler!

Steve at 0:58:53 Thursday December 4 97
......or rather "website was brilliant"

Steve at 0:56:45 Thursday December 4 97
I thought Aidan meant MY webaite was briiliant. Oh well, I can live in hope.

WILF at 23:48:4 Wednesday December 3 97
The Chesterfield ref was diabolical, but for him though there would have been bugger all to shout about. When for Chrissake are we going to attempt to play football?

Aidan at 23:0:36 Wednesday December 3 97
Brilliant web page dude, it has everything for a Cobbler Supporter! I live in New Zealand, but follow Northampton FC every week through the internet as there is no coverage of them over here. Keep up the good work!

Steve at 21:30:26 Wednesday December 3 97
You may have noticed a plug from Ray the other day about the new Church's China website. You may well be wondering what Church's China is doing associating itself with the Cobbs. Well, there's no secret. I just love the Cobblers and have followed them since I was a spotty little nerd of 10 and we were in the first division. I'm now a spotty little nerd of 42 and still haven't grown up. Still crazy after all these years. This of course will be of no interest to anyone. However, what you should know is that our great leader, Ray, got me out of a hole last week when my server went bust and he totally reconstructed our website. You might not be interested in what we flog, but you must agree it's a neat site (www.churchs.co.uk) and it's all Ray's work! So - be impressed, and if you want anything similar doing, Ray's yer man! (How was that Ray?) Furthermore, I love all this Cobblers chat. I just wish I could join you all at Sixfields more often. Best of luck to all for Saturday.

9224 at 21:11:20 Wednesday December 3 97
Hey Ray, think you'll get to 9,500 before the Weekend?

Terry Hawes at 19:29:17 Wednesday December 3 97
I did not notice that Doncaster won 2-1 over Chester. The actuality of seeing more goals on their side sort of strained the eyes. Still they will be relegated to Vauxhall. Peterborough will mess up towards the end and lose the playoff. Watford and Bristol City will go up to divsion 1 with the COBBLERS BATTLING Millwall, Oldham, Chesterfield and possibly Wrexham. Interesting to hear from you who the surprise team is in division 2 other than the COBBLERS. For me, it has to be AFC Bournemouth, they could actually make the playoffs!

Terry Hawes at 19:5:39 Wednesday December 3 97
The COBBLERS are going through a mini-slump, but there still in a playoff position. Rennie's either upset because he's going to Posh or he's happy because BAD ASS BARRY FRY will ship him somewhere else.. COBBLERS have to be careful this weekend against BASINGSTOKE or else they will join WYCOMBE on the sidelines. NORTHAMPTON v MAN UTD at SIXFIELDS..you never know! PS. DONCASTER will not win a game this year

TRB Mark at 18:22:33 Wednesday December 3 97
Everyone is obviously struck dumb with last nights match. The ref was one of the worst I have ever seen! Had a phone call from a Chesterfield fan today and he said they could'nt believe it either. They were even singing "The referee's a Spirite.

9224 at 17:31:37 Wednesday December 3 97
Hopefully Chris Freestone (loanee from Middlesbrough) will give us some much-needed consistency up front

TRB Mark at 9:26:9 Wednesday December 3 97
Oh : )

Ray at 0:40:4 Wednesday December 3 97
I'm still here :-)

john f. munday at 20:19:23 Tuesday December 2 97
Keep up the good work! Looking forward to the Gillingham match (just up the road from me.) Altogether now..."John Frain in the last minute, John Frain in the last minute..."

john f. munday at 20:19:13 Tuesday December 2 97
Keep up the good work! Looking forward to the Gillingham match (just up the road from me.) Altogether now..."John Frain in the last minute, John Frain in the last minute..."

ray at 19:4:24 Tuesday December 2 97
If I disappear for a day or so - don;t worry - I'll be back. I'm just gonna try and upgrade my computer - lol.

Trb Mark at 14:17:50 Tuesday December 2 97
Not only am I married "T" but I am also a gentleman which is why I did'nt give an answer to Six's question. If you can't tell the truth, keep your gob shut my mum always taught me. (Miaow)

T. at 12:48:20 Tuesday December 2 97
Six of course I am Super Ssexy how can yoo doubt it!And any way if the gigs off you've broken my heart TRBMark is a married man how does he know what sexy is? (sorry Mark)

TRB Mark at 12:32:46 Tuesday December 2 97
To our fellow Cobbler from Canada, welcome and here is my opinion to your query. I thought the sale of Neil Grayson was very much premature and this seems to be borne out by the amount of goals that he has scored, 2 in the FA cup against league opposition (one a pearler) which was seen on national telly. But his contribution and committment was never less than 100% and would get up and run for 90 minutes with 2 broken legs! There was a debate recently (can't remember if it was on this site or the email group) about the pluses and minuses of Sixfields v County ground (our old ground) For me there is an atmosphere surrounding the whole club that says we are moving forward and a pride in our Stadium which was'nt there before. Other fans even pay us compliments! The actual match day atmosphere is more muted than at the old ground which is due to all seater stadia, but even Man Utd supporters complain about the lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford! When there is a big match, the atmosphere is great but I think Cobblers fans are much more vocal when the club\team have their backs to the wall. Hope that helps you. Btw, knock Shoot! on the head and get a decent footie rag like "When Saturday Comes".

Kevin Simons at 8:6:40 Tuesday December 2 97
I haven't missed an away game since before Mansfield last Feb, but after Atkins' comments last night "we went to kill the crowd" he'd better not count on my future support - and many who travel away are starting to say the same thing. The only crowd he killed was from the Cobblers. The match stats said it all, only 3 attempts on goal all game.

Ray at 0:17:31 Tuesday December 2 97
Visit the great new site at http://www.churchs.co.uk and buy your Chrissie pressies now.

Ray at 0:15:17 Tuesday December 2 97
I didn't ignore you - I just didn't type anything :-)

Six at 21:59:41 Monday December 1 97
great I post 4 messages and I get f**king ignoring. Fed up..

Ray at 20:10:32 Monday December 1 97
Quite frankly I have very seldom agreed with the Man of the Match award (given out at least 10 minutes before the end of the game) - and I sometimes wonder if whoever chooses it picks the name out of a hat.

9224 at 17:25:55 Monday December 1 97
There's something dodgy about Cobblers man of the matches. Every time Rennie played like a true P****borough player (i.e against Millwall in the League) he got the Man of the Match!!?

thawes@is2.dal.ca at 15:16:18 Monday December 1 97
Until 3 or 4 years ago I did not even follow English soccer and now I'm hooked completely. Even though I live in Canada and the coverage is light, I still get SHOOT magazine to follow up on the lower divisions. Northampton is one of my favorite teams along with NOrwich and Wimbledon. I have kept a COBBLERS scrapbook of this year's club for myself, not for selling ! I would like your opinion on Neil Grayson going to Hereford, I thought that was a bad move, Grayson was one of their better players. Also, what SIXFIELDS is like in terms of the atmosphere! Hope to hear from you soon. Terry

Kevin Simons at 9:47:1 Monday December 1 97
I agree with 9224 about Chris Lee, but he must feel as if Atkins has stabbed him in the back after virtually saying he'd be in the team and wouldn't bow to criticism. Lee needs to get fit and develop his upper body strength. As for Hill MotM, I can only assume it was either awarded by a Chesterfield supporter or was protest (I was going to vote for Kevin Wilson for the way he marked the subs bench).

Gareth at 9:44:4 Monday December 1 97
I'm refusing to get too despondent about the Burnley result. As the previous 3 games I've been to were Grimsby, Blackpool, and Wrexham, this was the best Cobblers performance I've seen in months, and at least we didn't spend all game playing the long ball. But as for Hill, I only noticed that he was in the side yesterday when I saw the team sheet in The Observer. For a more full report on the match, you'll have to be on the email list or check my website in a day or so.

TRB Mark at 9:21:30 Monday December 1 97
Six, you ent! (until I get my free tickets to the gig in I'boro). I'm still pissed off about the Burnley result and I fear for the next two home games.

Ray at 1:19:50 Monday December 1 97
There once was a dog show to determine the world's smartest dog. Three dogs were in the finals. One dog belonged to a doctor. One dog belonged to an engineer. And, one dog belonged to a lawyer. For the finals each dog was given a bag of bones to see what it could make. The doctor said, "Stethascope, go!" The dog built a human skeleton. The judges were ready to award the trophy right then. But, they decided to give the other dogs a try. The engineer said, "Slide-rule, go!" (So, its an old joke.) The dog built a suspension bridge. The judges were beside themselves. Which dog would they pick? The lawyer said. "Loop-hole, go!" The dog ate the bones, got a percentage of all the tolls from the bridge and screwed the other two dogs.

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