February 1999
Cobblers Comments
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Matt Little at 23:29:48 Sunday February 28 99
Sorry I forgot to ask. Do any Cobblers fans know where Tony Witter went, and how to send him letters? I heard he went to Scarborough, is this true? And why are sad Peterboro' fans on your website, aren't they able to set up their own? I don't want to get involved with the local rivialry(yeah I do), but as I said in a previous message, Northampton have brilliant potential, a good ground, with room to expand, a decent team(with no luck!), again decent FANS, and one of the fastist growing towns in the Country. Then we have Peterboro', there you have it, that's how much I care about them, I can't be bothered to spell their whole name! The ground is a tip, it was called posh when it was opened in 1675, but then again you're considered posh in Peterboro' if you own a TV. The fan(s) are a bunch of gippo's, with more front than Brighton. Barry Fry is a fat tosser, and the team, well what can you say! I know, Div3 strugglers.
We(Millwall) were singing and chanting at Northampton fans, not because we don't like them, but because we see them as equals and chanting at opposing fans is part of the game(except for Man.Utd). Peterboro' who cares? I couldn't be arsed really, and lucky old Millwall & Northampton won't have to play you in league ever again!
If you are a Peterboro' fan, like Mr Posh, then feel free to e-mail me with your arguments & comments. I won't listen to them, I just don't care that much!
Here's to Millwall & Northampton and a good end to season 1998/99.
And sorry for using up space on your message board.
John Frain Fan Club at 23:21:31 Sunday February 28 99
Who the f#*% is this patheticly irritating sod from Peterbutthole, has he/it got nothing better to do, or don't they have web-pages in scum land.
pete at 22:10:21 Sunday February 28 99
Please nice Mr Atkins, can we at least have The Seal on the Bench? I know he is being a nerd in the reserves most of the time - but a little pride swallowing on your part might generate goals from his obvious anger. Go on, just the bench. He is fired up enough now.
Savage at 21:40:8 Sunday February 28 99
I can play upfront you know.
Angry at 21:38:22 Sunday February 28 99
If our ground's lego then yours is dried shit and straw like poor people had in the 1500's you scum. David Rennie - Cobblers Reject Cobblers Reject Wo Wo
Anon at 21:4:54 Sunday February 28 99
Mr Mr Mr Posh Mr Posh Mr Posh Mr Mr Mr Posh Mr Mr Posh Oh Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wank Wanker
Clap Clap Clap (Angry Cobbler) at 21:3:15 Sunday February 28 99
Can't wait til Tuesday - A couple of days before a match I start getting fired up for it. LOL
Mr Posh at 20:51:7 Sunday February 28 99
The trap door creaks open a bit more. DOWN you're going down you bunch of losers. You don't need to tell me we're crap, we all know it matey.....we're still bigger and better than you'll ever be though. How's the Lego stadium with the 6000 capacity lads, planning or what? DOWN, get used to it, you're through. FINISHED. HA HA HA HA HA! Love it.
come on then you guys at 20:32:9 Sunday February 28 99
I THINK COBBLERS SUCK IF YOU DISAGREE, AND WANT TO SEND ME LOADS OF ABUSE THEN E MAIL ME AT colt105@hotmail.com
who wants a ticket at 20:30:12 Sunday February 28 99
I HAVE A TICKET TO SEE MAN UTD INTER MILAND AT OLD TRAFFORD, I CANT GO IF YOU E-MAIL ME AT thehaddoncobbler@hotmail.com THEN IF I LIKE THE SOUND OF YOU I WILL ORGANISE A DEAL. I AM DESPERATE FOR CASH AT THE MOMENT SO GET YOUR BUTT IN GEAR.
Mike Hunt (Smells) at 20:27:29 Sunday February 28 99
OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Yep..................... I smell alright
If your all going City clap your hands!! at 20:20:48 Sunday February 28 99
I have never seen cobblers play that well in all the time that i have beeen a season ticket holder. As far as im concerned as long as we play like that every week, we'll one day get a ref who is not a complete and utter arse hole. We should have been leading 3-1 by the time they robbed us from 1 point at the end, and if there were'nt stewards in the ground i think most of us would have gone onto the pitch to have a quiet word with the ref. The standard of reffing in the nationwide league never ceases to amaze me. In our last two home games we have now scored 4 goals, hit the post or bar 4 times, and and had two many goaline clearances to count, yet we have not gained a single point, cos of the git who calls himself the ref. A few weeks ago i wrote on this thing telling atkins to change the way he plays. Instead he bought a forward who can win a ball, unlike Wilko, and now we are playing the best football of the season. With howards all round godness, freestones pace, and corrazin always some how scoring, we'll not only stay up this season, but be on for automatic promotion next term. Bring on Man City, i might see my first away win, in double figures of trying.
Dav.Cobbler at 20:3:43 Sunday February 28 99
Can anyone tell me which players have contracts that finish in the summer? Also, do we have important players tied up on long term contracts (apart for the recent signings I am thinking of Roy Hunter,Michael Warner,James Hunt & Sean Parrish).
Bill at 19:20:44 Sunday February 28 99
HA HA HA HA H.. Oh sorry, still laughing at P****borough. If IA was a Posh fan, that would increase the amount of Posh supporters to two, including yourself Mr. Posh. Not very likely is it? I agree with you John, I can't see why Savage has been left out, he hasn't done much wrong in my book, anyway.
Chris Bremner at 19:10:51 Sunday February 28 99
I overheard a conversation David Seal was having with a bloke in the bar yesterday and his words were" I am off to Oldham this week hopefully for about £30,000 its the best they will get as I am off on a free in May" He seemed to know this bloke well,I think it was the bloke that took pics last season who looks like Phil Mitchell but I cannot be sure!! If this happpens what about Atkins good buy theorys then?
Angry Cobbler at 19:10:25 Sunday February 28 99
Mr. Posh, you just can't accept that you'll never get back in the second division without buying out another team so why constantly post on here? Until the end of the season at the very very least we are better than you anyway. If we do play you next season, it'll be in the Cup (and we'll beat you you bunch of bastard Deep Fat Fry worshippers). Altogether now - Let's all laugh at P**erborough - HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
Mr Posh at 18:33:13 Sunday February 28 99
Ha Ha, another satisfying weekend. IAN ATKINS IS A FOOTBALL GENIUS (and probably a Posh fan). Down Down Down!!!
Anon at 18:18:28 Sunday February 28 99
Has Ian atkins upset some Romany Gypsy and been cursed. The only explanation as to why we haven't scored at least eight goals this week is that there is some supernatural force at work in the opposition goal. Call Mulder and Scully
John Mcrirrick at 18:11:28 Sunday February 28 99
The Dave Savage question. Undoubtedly Cobblers best player since his arrival, why is he not the first name on the team sheet ?. The answer seems to me that IA has gone with this attacking formation of three forwards and probably feels that Savage is a luxury in this formation who wouldnt do his share of defending. My feeling is that 1. He has so much class that the he should be used and the rest of the team built around his strengths and weaknesses, 2. He is such a good player that he must be able to discipline himself to play slightly deeper and defend more if Atkins asks this of him. 3. If IA perseveres in plying without him and using 3 forwards, there must be a case for changing quite early on, to me Freestones only real penetration and value come in the first 20 minutes, at this stage it's got to be worth letting Savege get on, beat people, surge into the box and offer a new penetration. Well thats my opinion for what it's worth. I just wonder what more Dave Savage has to do to warrant a first team place.
Sid at 18:9:16 Sunday February 28 99
Dont worry Angry, I just ignore them! Yeah, My team would be the same except Savage for Parrish. I know Parrish is doing all right, but i think he has reached his potential. Also, Spedding would have been a good option yesterday if he was on the bench.
Bill at 17:43:49 Sunday February 28 99
Sid, have you got a xoom chatroom? If so, can you mail me to tell me how to get a chatroom onto my xoom homepage, without all of the gubbings?
Bill at 17:33:12 Sunday February 28 99
Angry, I thought that the comment about the email was a bit too Angry for you!! See you tommorrow mate.
richard head at 17:25:38 Sunday February 28 99
hello
blank at 17:23:27 Sunday February 28 99
Angry cobbler: It was me...
Bill at 17:23:10 Sunday February 28 99
Will people stop giving my site negative publicity?! Anon, show your face! The address is now changed, it's http://www.cobbler-bill.freeserve.co.uk/cobblers.htm, and PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK! (The old address was my dad's) :-)
emma at 17:20:3 Sunday February 28 99
thanx amanda
nick at 17:13:17 Sunday February 28 99
to craig -- if youve been recently following the cobblers you obviously havent got a f####ing clue what your on about!!! go away and follow someone else.
Angry Cobbler at 16:59:30 Sunday February 28 99
What tosser posted using my name? I didn't write that Sid, some other nobjockey did. I've not been online today (except for now). Anyway, leaving Warner out was an oversight. Sorry.
Ray at 16:54:23 Sunday February 28 99
Phew - don't you lot have anything to do on a Sunday - like fall asleep after lunch? Craig - strangely - my previous remark was a joke *sigh* (I hate having to explain things) Nice comments from Millwall but although I accept its the "rub of the green" to lose the odd match - we played just as good as this on Saturday with exactly the same result. All I know is that if we continue to play as we are there is great hope for the rest of the season and someone is due for a real hammering (lets hope its sooner rather than later).
Amanda at 16:18:43 Sunday February 28 99
didn't Carlo look relieved when he scored. I wouldn't have said Hunter was MOM, id say Carlo or Hope.
AMANDA at 16:16:43 Sunday February 28 99
EMMA...IF U TYPE IN AN EMAIL ADDY UR NAME WILL BE IN BLUE
John Mcrirrick at 15:39:56 Sunday February 28 99
I see the anti Atkins remarks have calmed down after a couple of good performances. Personally I have been one of his biggest critics in the past, but the players are certainly playing for him now, the board are obviously going to stick with him, so from now until the end of the season he gets my full support. The 'Atkins Out' chants upset me yesterday. However dissapointed fans maybe, voicing those frustrations and dissapointments while the game is going on are unforgivable, all it does is knock the players confidence, leading to more mistakes. Forums such as this should be the place to voice frustration. i thought the reply from the rest of the supporters was magnificent, why not more of that, you can see it lifts spirits, perhaps giving Turley a shout, you can see he is petrified of making a mistake and has no confidence, that fear is just likely to see him making another one. The team is now playing well and positivley, we NEED results though to improve confidence, too often nobody seemed willing to take responsibility and pull the trigger yesterday, scared off missing and the stick off the crowd, this seemed to result in the strikers always wanting an extra touch. Howard has been magnificent, and only 22, what a buy !!. Atkins is becoming more popular in my house by the game, we even had almost the same team play two games in a row, we just need to get the luck that we deserve. If only we had started the season playing football at home this positivley, surely we would be near the top now. Saturday will be a good test, I think we'll definitley win on Tuesday, and then if we can put up a good show on Saturday things will turn around, our run in isn't too bad and our home games are excellent, Burnley, Colchester, Luton, Macclesfield and York. We'll stay up, COME ON COBBLERS !!!!!!!!
SOS at 15:13:42 Sunday February 28 99
A few notes from yesterdays game..
We played well and were extremely unlucky, but still a little naive and that cost us dearly.
The first Millwall goal came after a foul from Hope who was covering at left back because Frain was injured and couldn't get back. This was after Frain's first knock, but it was quite obvious he should have been took off. Atkin's gave Hope a right rollocking after which Hope played the last 20 mins very aggresively, showing some of his potential.
Seal sat in front of me in the West Stand, I must admit I feel really sorry for him. He didn't do anything wrong in the two games he strted recently and now finds himself in the wilderness again! It doesn't make sense when we are struggling to score. After Freestone missed a sitter on the stroke of half time Seal couldn't bear any more, he got up and walked out. Lets get him back to what he does best - scoring goals, he would have loved to have been on the end of some of the many chances made yesterday - that much was obvious by the look on his face.
Spring Park Cobbler at 14:47:41 Sunday February 28 99
A great performance by the Cobblers on Saturday. I just can't believe we came away without even a point. Following our bad luck on Tuesday I think we are on the up. My only criticism would be the subbing of Colin Hill, was he injured? The second Millwall goal came after he went off and the central defence looked very disorganised at this point. Wrexham looked very impressive up here last season and play a nice passing game so I don't think they'll be a pushover. I'm suprised they're not challenging for one of the top places. Still if we play like we did against Walsall and Millwall we have got to give someone a hiding soon. Come on the Town.
Craig Young at 14:39:39 Sunday February 28 99
Ray - You obviously don't have much faith in your team if you think all their opponents are paying off the referees. By saying things like that you are making The Cobblers sound like a right bunch of plebs who can't play footie.
emma at 14:35:26 Sunday February 28 99
How do you get your name in blue and underlined?
emma at 14:34:15 Sunday February 28 99
HEY MICKEY, YOU'RE SO FINE, YOU'RE SO FINE YOU BLOW MY MIND, HEY MICKEY! HEY MICKEY! I am THE biggest Michael Warner fan on earth and I'm here to say to Atkins: "Drop him from the starting line-up and I will start up a campaign to get him back!" Bye.
Anon at 14:27:27 Sunday February 28 99
Matt L - Millwall fan: you should be known as 'MISTER NICE'.
Angry at 14:26:12 Sunday February 28 99
Sid, why don't you e-mail me on ANGRY@pissoff.now.com
Matt L at 14:24:26 Sunday February 28 99
I've read your message board with intrest, as a Millwall fan who went to the game yesterday, all I can say is 'that's football'. I don't think you've got a right to complain about the ref. I think we deserved all the luck we got, we've earnt it over decades of anti Millwall refs given bad calls against us, so don't start moaning after one game, come to The Den for a couple of games.
In any case, last year you robbed of three points, so what goes around, come's around. And as for some saying we looked like relagation fodder, so you've based it on one game. If you had attended the game at The Den, then you would of seen The Cobblers out-classed in a brilliant second half display. This was are poorist display of the season, but that's the difference between good sides and bad sides. We still grind out results, last week with 9 men, v Stoke, with 9 men away to Gillingham, the list is endless.
Another thing, why bother having all-ticket games, when you just let anyone in, who turns up on the day. I bought my ticket weeks ago, knowing 800 tickets wasn't going to be enough. Why didn't Northampton take into account that there are alot of Millwall fans living in the area, I stayed with family in near by Bedford. Look what happened last year, this how trouble makers get in, I thought you would of learnt that, with that incident involving near by Luton in the 80's. That is no way to run a football club, but I think Northampton should do better. The club has good potential, a nice ground, with room to expand, loyal supporters, who seem to care about the club, and really should be thinking about division one, not the basement league. This is why I have made these critisisms, I know you could do alot better.
Good luck for the rest of the season, and I hope you play to your potential, and ablitiy, and have a bit of luck!
Sid at 14:21:19 Sunday February 28 99
Angry, your team for Tuedsay seems to be missing Warner!! (Or is he injured or something?) and Hunt is suspended.
Sid at 14:19:25 Sunday February 28 99
Hi, Sorry for not turning up at the Chat Room last night.
My Ratings for Yesterday: Turley 7, Warner 7, Frain 7, Sampson 7, (What a shot!) Hill 8, Hope 8, (was excellent yesterday, except for the foul that led to goal.) Hunter 9, (MOM definitely) Freestone 7, (Dont knock him, Okay he missed a couple yesterday, but we could do worse and have Lee in the side!) Howard 7, Corazzin 7, (Yes, a goal!) Parrish 7. Subs: Hunt 7, Gibb 6, (no time to produce anything.) Savage not used.
Matt Davies at 13:51:1 Sunday February 28 99
Bad luck guys, I support Millwall and I have never seen us play so poorly and come away with the spoils. I would say there was no way you will go down playing like you are, but from bitter experience I know that this might not be the case. I'll also say that it makes a change for the b'stard in the black to dissalow goals AGAINST us as opposed to for us, but then he got his revenge by sending off one of our young players for nothing. Anyway I hope we don't meet you next season in the league, but only because we go up, not you going down!
GOOD LUCK
Matt
Hannah at 13:26:49 Sunday February 28 99
Stick with lads. Our luck will change, we'll get a decent referee and the goals will come. Starting this Tuesday!
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:26:35 Sunday February 28 99
Well, yesterday's match suggests the players have at last taken command of the situation - there was passion, commitment and some very good football. It was a great game, spoiled only by the ref and the result. However, the real point is that if we'd played like that at home all season, we'd be nearer the top than the bottom. Instead, we've had to witness a succession of dreary, defence-ridden long ball displays, no doubt originated from the Atkins Book of Tactics. I was proud of every player on the pitch and the support from the fans was terrific. I doubt whether they'd be many teams who'd get soundly applauded off the park by their fans, having lost two on the trot at home! The result was something of a freak and we should not dwell on it. What we should, however, savour is the performance, which proves what we've been saying here all season - we do have the players. Given the right team selection and tactics, plus some decent man management, we are a good unit. Saturday again proved that Atkins has been wrong in ignoring Warner for so long. He's one of the most cultured players on the club's books, good on and off the ball, runs well with the ball, can pass and uses the ball intelligently. Maybe he doesn't have that yard of pace that Gibb possesses, but overall I believe he's a far, far better choice. You'd have to ask, however, why Savage wasn't in the starting line-up. Once again a player on form, showing commendable skill, the guts and ability to take on and beat defenders, is left on the sidelines by Atkins. Let's say it again: we have some excellent players here. What I continue to question is whether we have the manager with the nous to get the best out of them. I think Saturday's performance was all about the players wanting to perform for the club and the fans. Once again, well done every member of the squad. It was a delight to watch. Had we have been mid-table we'd all have gone away feeling we'd been well entertained. With more performances of that calibre the goals must surely come and with them the results. I would urge the players to continue to play the way they did on Saturday - positively and with conviction. Continue to knock the ball around, whip those dangerous low crosses into the box and attack on both flanks and on the ground down the middle. Don't be dispirited by Saturday's result. Many positive things came out of the game (result aside) - namely we have some excellent players who can play football and there is clearly ability, belief and the will to win. If we play like that on Tuesday I'll be very surprised if we don't start turning things round.
Ray at 12:29:13 Sunday February 28 99
Reference tickets: Its absolutely nothin gto do with Norman Howels - the police decide (generally) if a match is all ticket or not and this fixture has been all ticket for ages. The rules are that no tickets may be purchased later than close of business on Friday. Whether or not we agree or disagree rules are rules (although I must admit I was disturbed by the fact that a load of Millwall fans got in yesterday who arrived without tickets). Perhaps this is something you should write to the police about. I expect their arguement will be that they had to let them in to prevent a breach of the peace - or some such crap.
Ray at 12:25:55 Sunday February 28 99
Actually over the last few games I've now decided that we should stick with IA. What we need is a financial backer so that we can increase the backhanders the refs are obviously getting from other clubs.
Craig Young at 11:58:42 Sunday February 28 99
I have recently been following your team - The Cobblers - and I have a suggestion to make on how you can get yourselves out of the relegation zone.
1) Get rid of Ian Atkins
2) Get rid of Ian Atkins
and
3) Get rid of Ian Atkins
That's only my view on things of course. Does anyone else have any suggestions.
Amanda at 11:56:50 Sunday February 28 99
Rohb = Rob Sorry
Anon at 11:55:55 Sunday February 28 99
Anyone actually showed the strikers were the back of the net was?
Amanda at 11:53:15 Sunday February 28 99
3-2 to the Cobblers??? 2-1 to the ref??? oh well theres always tuesday.
Amanda at 11:52:1 Sunday February 28 99
Gavin.....WALOC...."Computer Problems have resulted in the loss of a certain amount of data and a number of suscriber records have been lost. This may result in some subscribers not receiving their copy of WALOC. Please contact Rohb asap in order for him to rectify matters. Apologies for ne inconevenience this may cause!!!"
Ben (i got nothing better to do) at 11:49:22 Sunday February 28 99
If anybody wants to complain about the CRAP handling of all ticket fixtures, dont moan at the girls at the ticket office (cos theres nothing they can do) write to the secretary NORMAN HOWELLS, my theory is if we send him enough letters he might get off his arse and do something to make sure that loyal cobblers dont get locked out
Ben Sturgess at 11:44:17 Sunday February 28 99
Richard i have two words for you..........
Ben Sturgess at 11:42:49 Sunday February 28 99
What a load of crap saturday was, firs i get refused a ticket then some dumb ass referee steals three points from under our noses, now i bet their manager takes full credit for it....
Richard at 11:39:44 Sunday February 28 99
Looks like Diamonds and Cobbler WILL be playing together in division 3 next season. That'll be fun. I cannot see why Heggsy was such a crowd favourite with you lot - he has been crap for us so far with the odd flash of brilliance - I don't know if its just my opinion, but I reckon he thinks he is above playing in the conference.
Ray at 11:27:38 Sunday February 28 99
I think all the noise was the sound of sobbing Cobblers fans.
Nosey Parker at 11:17:11 Sunday February 28 99
Did I spy Andy Roberts asking at the end what the final score was as he was doing his knitting in the second half and wondered what all the noise was about!!!!
Pete at 11:10:6 Sunday February 28 99
So what do we want from the manager next- try to 'grind out' a result on Tuesday or allow the sort of play that showed what a good team we have? Should he risk hoping that having 'clicked' in midfield we will suddenly click in front of goal? It is a bit like the cricket dilemma- do we bring on the spinners, do we have enough 'runs' to play with? We clearly have as good a team as we net scribblers have always felt was availably. We have been screaming for the sort of play we are now getting, the question is - grind out or keep playing and risk relegation? Me?- I will happily watch this type of play in any division.
Kev at 11:7:15 Sunday February 28 99
O.K. I got it out of my system last night, and suffering with a hangover now, but wrexham watch out! because our boys are going to give you a walloping! weve been building our game up and sooner or later our luck will change! no more goals disallowed no more bad decisions from the ref and all loose balls will fall at our feet!
every shot on target will be a goal! it has to happen and it will happen! come on town do the business.
nick at 10:35:40 Sunday February 28 99
to the FOOTBALL LEAGUE HQ----Leave it out you nob head its not over yet !!
Fotball League HQ at 9:55:26 Sunday February 28 99
SUBJECT : Next seasons fixtures
Looking ahead to next season we have pencilled in your matches against Peterborough United for Boxing Day and Easter Monday. Have you any preferences which one you'd like to be your home game ?
T. at 7:58:13 Sunday February 28 99
I forgive you Ian, I'm more gutted that we didn't win yesterday after the performance we put in, roll on Wrexham!
Ian at 0:59:55 Sunday February 28 99
Sorry T, I couldn't understand why you weren't around. Being a gentleman I would have let you have it had you been there. As it was I went from 74975 to 75000 without interruption. However even the best laid schemes .... nearly came amiss as I can only have beaten #75001 to the punch by a few seconds. Thems the breaks.
Anon at 0:52:5 Sunday February 28 99
Another 339 hits already! 100000 here we come. While I can understand the dismay at today's loss after dominating the game, remember Ray's stats yesterday highlighting that its the defence that is the problem. Today we let in 2, one at a set piece and one to 10 men. Nuff said.
From the Cobbler's Last at 23:13:39 Saturday February 27 99
Another unbelievable match. We outplayed a crap team in the top 10 of the division and they looked relegation fodder compared to us. Wallsall gave the same impression. Playing like that, I cannot understand why we are below either Wallsall or Millwall. Gillingham were none too impressive either. Things will change soon, they have to and once they do I'm sure we'll climb the table. (I hope!!!!!!!!!!)
Couldn't understand why the first goal was disallowed, Corrazin outjumped the keeper and put in the net from where I sat. Did anyone get a clearer view of any foul or possible offside? I agree with you Ray, I thought the second 'disallowed goal' looked offside when the pass came over. The flag was up well before the ball even left the foot for the net. Sammo's last seconds' drive was brilliant- any luck and it would have gone in off the bar instead of over. A win against Wrexham is a must but the 3-1 at Stoke, shows that it won't be easy. Good to see Burnley get a thrashing and with Oldham losing, I still think they'll be down there at the end of the season.
Anon at 22:44:33 Saturday February 27 99
Leave bill's web site alone
Emu at 22:26:55 Saturday February 27 99
And that's Rhain to to my sonney.How d'u Know she's rough and she's NOT a fishfinger.Rubbish game today. How was that goal disalould ?
Angry at 22:26:17 Saturday February 27 99
Good day
Ray at 22:21:8 Saturday February 27 99
Hello
a at 22:18:15 Saturday February 27 99
Hi
Glyn at 22:6:45 Saturday February 27 99
Agreed with most of the comments on the match, brilliant game. Stick to it lads, I'm sure we can avoid the drop :-)
Supporters were great it's ashame the chances weren't put away.
Stuart: If you read this, see you at the match on Tuesday, and tell Eric not to forget the flask!!!
Angry at 22:1:17 Saturday February 27 99
My team for Tuesday v Wrexham: (5-3-2) Turley, Gibb, Frain, Sammo, Hill, Hope, Hunter, Freestone, Howard, Corazzin, Savage. Subs: Hunt, Seal, Howey. Prediction: 1-0 to the Town (Howard)
Barnes Wallis at 21:4:59 Saturday February 27 99
Hi Cobblers,
You still seem to be below us in the league. We hope to stay up still. I think York will come dropping past us both. We are playing good footie, I notice your team, despite the plonker of a manager are now playing well. Good luck. The Imps are staying up!
Ray at 20:43:17 Saturday February 27 99
re: the "second" goal disallowed - although it was an own goal the linesman had signalled well before the opposing player touched it and Carlo was well offside before he hit it against the opposing player - but I couldnt see anything wrong with the first.
Ray at 20:40:54 Saturday February 27 99
Millwall's assistant manager Alan McLeary said: "Northampton played very well and that was as lucky a victory as we have had all season. We watched them play against Walsall on Tuesday when they should have taken something from the match and we knew they would make it very difficult for us.".
Angry at 20:9:59 Saturday February 27 99
And now my Chronic style match report: Turley - Strong kicking and a couple of supersaves - 8 - Warner - Made the Millwall left back look like a fool - 7 - Frain - Built on Tuesday's superb showing - 8 - Sammo - I never knew he had a shot like that - 8 - Hill - Plugged the gaps superbly - 9 - Hope - Mistake led to second Millwall goal but otherwise good - 7 - Hunter - The Premiership beckons - 9 - Freestone - Low on confidence, could have had a brace at least - 7 - Howard - Looked about a zillion times better than Clarence, sorry, Paul Wilkinson - 8 - Corazzin - Superb link up play but nowhere near selfish enough - 8 - Parrish - Looked sharp and made several tough tackles - 7. Subs: Gibb - Gave us another outlet - 7 - Hunt - Did you see that stepover? - 7. My M.O.M - Roy Hunter - Back to his best. We wuz robbed!!! Those bastards from down south shouldn't have won but we didn't take our chances and the only two mistakes we made let them score to win. God dammit! Ah well, see you all at Wrexham.
Millwall at 20:4:53 Saturday February 27 99
Cor blimey...ten men and we still won...It dont matter about all the goals you should of had..at the end of the day we won.
as for you mugs...all mouth.
Forget nothing. Forgive no-one.
The Millwall BPA.
Luton Cobbler at 19:51:1 Saturday February 27 99
If anyone from the club does read this page as we're led to believe they do perhaps they could answer this question.
Why, when a game is declared "all ticket" and announcements are made that absolutely no tickets are available on the day, are in excess of 100 Millwall "fans" allowed to pay cash and get in, and then the stewards spend 30 mins deciding what to do with them ? Yours, not anticipating a reply.
TRB Mark at 18:59:30 Saturday February 27 99
Words fail me! The second "goal" was dissallowed for offside, except that it was an own goal!!!!!!!! Kevin Wilson said that he had seen the replay and we woz robbed. So that 's 3 dissallowed goals in 2 games and all 3 in another season for another side could have stood. Millwall were (finally) singing 10 men, we only got 10 men, well, with the ref that makes 11 in my book. Howard got shoved in the back in the box as he was about to jump for the ball, not given. Ali gets elbowed off the ball by 2 players, not given. And before Posh w***ker, or what ever his name is comes on to gloat, at least if we get relegated we will have the pleasure of trashing London road. Sore? not half!
Sid at 18:47:42 Saturday February 27 99
If anyone see my message last night, i said it would be entertaining!!
Sid at 18:46:56 Saturday February 27 99
No Rob, I got that impression too when Teletext put that up. But i went today and that was one of the most one sided match ever played at Sixfields. CHAT---------------------------> I think it will be a bit later tonight, because of drinking duties. So i will speak to ya all later!!! Come after MOTD and i will be online then.
Phil Baron at 18:29:35 Saturday February 27 99
Well the first game for a while and I cannot believe that we did came away with nothing.The players are gutted for sure but for the few mindless idiots who kept shouting "Atkins out" the TRUE fans know the team and management are trying there hardest.It is time to shout out the mindless few who are shouting crap and the stewards who for a start flung out a guy who celebrated our goal and then just laughed at a bloke shouting and swearing about Atkins to sit there and laugh at him?Where is the logic in that? Also TCMP e-mail me and we can arrange our meeting.
Robert Dunkley at 18:24:51 Saturday February 27 99
Oops, the impression I got from watching events on Ceefax was that we were useless and created little and Atkisn should go and get lost in the Bull Ring in Brum.
I hope if Warner had a blinder, he keeps his place, maybe we could fit both Gibb and Mickey in the team
Pie eating Cobbler at 18:24:36 Saturday February 27 99
Words fail me. So I'll just shut me gob.
We played out of our skins.
Even Turley managed to impress me. Well done Ian. You did
everything right.I loved every minute, apart form the disallowed goals
but this is the turning point another 14 ganes like that and we'll
be at Wembley again this year.(If only, but its a nice thought!!!)
Carl at 18:10:21 Saturday February 27 99
Unbelievable, we were quite superb. Never seen us play better. Absolutely gutted!!!
Kev at 17:41:9 Saturday February 27 99
Just got in from seeing the cobblers best peformance this season, and we still lost 2-1 to millwall, I just cant believe it ! we had upteen shots at goal, hit the bar once, two goals disaloud and one of those was a home goal and the ref still wouldnt give us it! I feel so drained, what have we got to do to get a home win ! all the players put in a teriffic performance and i cant fault them we was robbed, if we carry on playing like this we will stay up and sooner or later someone is going to get a hammering (hopefully tuesday) millwall had the rub of the green and didnt deserve to win, with only nine men for the last 15 mins we put them under so much pressure to take the lead, with 3 mins to go we let in a second goal, gutted or what! but we carried on and hit the bar in the dying seconds, lets put this behind us and go for a win on tuesday.
nick at 17:37:26 Saturday February 27 99
well bugga me!! icant believe we threw away 3 pts again ,millwall were shite and the ref AGAIN why was savage on the bench AGAIN??
the team i thought played well especialy the first half we should have been 3 nil up same old story though eh!! im running out of things to say on our web site im just lost for words! :o(
COME ON LADS WE NEED TO FINISH THESE CHANCES..YOU CAN DO IT
SEE YA ALL ON TUESDAY NIGHT WE GOTTA BEAT WREXHAM???
Will Layton here at 12:3:54 Saturday February 27 99
I am telling Emu, Bambi
Tom Bamford at 12:3:9 Saturday February 27 99
I PRETENDED TO BE ROUGH GIRL RHIANN COOPER. EMU LOVES A WELSH FISHFINGER.
Anon at 11:52:19 Saturday February 27 99
COME ON COBBLERS!!! my prediction.....Cobblers 1 - 0 Millwall.....Chrissy Freestone to score
Anon at 11:51:14 Saturday February 27 99
my team.....(4 3 3) Turley, Sampson, Hill, Hope, Frain, Warner, Savage, Hunter, Corrazin, Howard, Freestone....subs: Gibb, Spedding,Parrish
T. at 10:25:4 Saturday February 27 99
T is upset, she is devastated, the first day I don't visit the site in months and the old 75000 happens, after a month off work and 3 days back I was so knackered I crawled straight in to my bed and crashed, Ian I think you're very unfair to take advantage of an ill person and nick my 75000, 75128 just isn't the same! It also means I don't get the prize that Ray promised and that we can't possibly win today either. POO!!!
Dave.H. at 10:15:32 Saturday February 27 99
Best wishes to Stevie Howard.(at least it will give one of the other players at Hartlepool a chance of the 'man of the match 'Trophey.)
I wonder if we play against you next season?
Nosey Parker at 9:52:49 Saturday February 27 99
With reference to Tony Clarke I had about a million newsletters when you were running for election and one of them had a family shot discriptions etc. Oh by the way I voted for you as well as you seemed like a good bloke and proved it when the floods come.See you tomorrow N.P.N.T.F.C.!!!
Bill at 9:49:48 Saturday February 27 99
Anon, why didn't you sign the guestbook?!?
Nosey Parker at 9:47:54 Saturday February 27 99
I have it on very good authority that Colin Hill plays today.
Gavin at 9:26:58 Saturday February 27 99
Any other subscribers not received their copy of WALOC yet? I vaguely remember Rob saying he'd lost recent subscribers addresses, but thought nothing of it as I've been subscribing for years. I can't miss this issue especially as the moaning Oxford Cobbler is back! Rob, a reply would be appreciated!
Anon at 9:16:58 Saturday February 27 99
I have been to bills site - now ive got to go and lie down in a darkened room to get rid of the headache. did you design clarence by any odd chance?
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:4:36 Saturday February 27 99
Ref Clarence - My immediate reaction was that it has got mislaid from Franklins Gardens. BTW - why is it that by the time we get a mascot the whole thing's passe, anyway ? I see Atkins has (as usual) said the game today "won't be pretty". Well, he says that before every game. Ang guess what ? He's absolutely right every time!
Bill at 8:24:39 Saturday February 27 99
The C Files is no. 21 in the top 100!! Yippee!!
Bill at 7:29:34 Saturday February 27 99
Ray, I haven't had the chance to upload the new files until today! Everything should be sorted by now, though.
Ray at 0:18:50 Saturday February 27 99
Oh - and the Posh are battling for promotion eh?
Mr Posh at 23:56:21 Friday February 26 99
Beginning to brick yourselves yet lads eh? Not long to go until the trap door slowly begins to creak open and you lot come back to where you rightfully belong. (Actually you should be in the GM and you know you should, still maybe 2000/01) ATKINS IN, ATKINS IN!!
Sid at 23:5:28 Friday February 26 99
Anyway, i have a very good feeling about tomorrow's match, (only cos i am going...) could be an entertaining one! COME ON TOWN!!!!!
Chris at 22:49:41 Friday February 26 99
Hi everyone, this is Chris from Crowborough, Richard's son. I am afraid that my dad and I are unable to make the Millwall match tomorrow, although we have already purchised two tickets. My dad has hurt his back, again !!!!He was playing and coaching my football team at indoor training tonight. He is currently and has been for the best part of 5 hours now, flat on his back on the lounge floor. We are now just awaiting the doctor to give him some pain-killers, and just to round the evening off, I managed to dislocate my index finger also at training. Good luck 'The Cobblers' anyway, we will be tuning in to Soccer Saturday though, me on the sofa and my dad on the floor. My dad has conjured up a team for tomorrow : ( 4 - 4 -2 ) Turley, Sampson, Hill (Hope), Howey, Frain, Warner, Savage, Hunter, Parrish, Howard, Carlo. My team ( 5 - 3 - 2 ) Turley, Warner, Sampson, Howey, Hope, Frain, Hunter, Savage, Parrish, Howard, Carlo. BBBBye !!!!!!!
Angry at 22:41:21 Friday February 26 99
Ooi, oim louking fowerd to watching the Cobblurs tommurow loike. (If you have the Brummie Buster plug-in installed it will all make sense). Anyway, I have seen the all mighty town win four times this season (Brighton, West 'Am, mighty might Lancaster and Chesterfield) and I have a good feeling about tommorow (as long as Deano is left out). In fact I think we'll win 2-0 with Savage and Frankie Howard on the scoresheet. And Paul Wilkinson will put on a sterling performance entertaining the kiddies before the match. Has anyone noticed the similarity between him and Clarence the Dragon? They are both tall, fat, slow and jump around a lot for little or no effect. And I can only think of one who will get on the pitch before tommorows game...
Emu at 22:20:29 Friday February 26 99
Thank you very much will
A)I'm not a bird
B)I don't support Ipswich I'm an avid Norwich City ,and am a regular ballboy.
Was that you pretending to be Rhian?I think so.Coincidence perhaps??
Score prediction Norwich 1-0 Sheffield Utd
Tony Clarke MP at 22:2:37 Friday February 26 99
Surry, eye mist tree batter!! Come on get a grip and leave my orthography alone, If a slight problem with the speed typing is my only sin then I am happy. Nosey Parker, identify yourself, how do you know where my wife works? Having spent all week away from the wife, I am certainly not going to waste my time on spelling lessons. On to the kit debate, please, please let us go back to the 70's stip of white shirts with two hoops. As for the away shirt my Daniels favorite is the yellow and sky blue (I can't spell turquoise) design of about 5 years back.Ray the figures on shots, ie 3.4 per game were printed in last's week's Match (Daniels copy honest)see you tommorrow. TCMP
Pete at 21:58:15 Friday February 26 99
Clarkie is looking good. But when he returns, whose place will he threaten? I think he will be challenging for a first team place in April. I wish IA would stop running the team down by saying how they are the best he can do with the available money- I think there is a great team available if we play to their strengths.We were every bit as good as Gillingham and Walsall. Carlo still looks as if he is not totally recovered? Why wasn't The Seal at least on the bench for a home match- he has been playing well? Ryt W, if it is indeed you, I hope we wont be playing you for a couple of years yet-perhaps in Div1... I'm not at all stupidly optimistic for the R&D- you'll get there!
Sid at 21:57:46 Friday February 26 99
Wel done Ray, 75,000 up and it seems like yesterday when we missed 70K!! 19 days!! Anyway, I'm looking for the loudest support tomorrow, no booing anybody, (except Turley if he makes a mistake!!) and don't knock Howard's confidence straight away. Give every player your full support and there will be no doubt that Millwall will be the first home league win of '99 (and my home win this season! I missed the other two) Perhaps i should stop going...........
Ray at 21:52:3 Friday February 26 99
All thicket eh? I doubt if you will get a ticket in the morning - your best bet is to fax them tonight.
Ben Sturgess at 20:48:17 Friday February 26 99
You know tommorows game is all thicket, if i try to get one by phone in the morning will they let me? if they dont im gonna give them a right bollocking....... BTW who will be making our new kit next year? prostar again? looks like im gonna need to save up some money....
Fareham Cobbler at 20:42:34 Friday February 26 99
Sorry about the double comments but I am new to computers and the Internet look forward to getting more news. Or you can always spot the deliberate mistakes in my piece/s
Fareham Cobbler at 20:35:31 Friday February 26 99
The season has become a nightmare for me I look forward to Saturdays
and when we play in mid week.I can't get up to see the Cobblers much so I have to rely on Sky Tv up to date scores it's no fun waiting for the Cobblers to score this season I also wonder why we play with five at the back we have some good players what has happened to FLAIR and STYLE in our game It is all about the long Ball- we are not Watford
and Graham Tayler is not our manager.We need to get the wing backs forward lots more so they can give good service to our front two and give them a fighting chance to score us a couple of well deserved goals So tomorrow I will be in front of my TV fingers and legs crossed for a 2 - nil score line! Come on the Cobbler you don't deserve to go down
Fareham Cobbler at 20:34:8 Friday February 26 99
The season has become a nightmare for me I look forward to Saturdays
and when we play in mid week.I can't get up to see the Cobblers much so I have to rely on Sky Tv up to date scores it's no fun waiting for the Cobblers to score this season I also wonder why we play with five at the back we have some good players what has happened to FLAIR and STYLE in our game It is all about the long Ball- we are not Watford
and Graham Tayler is not our manager.We need to get the wing backs forward lots more so they can give good service to our front two and give them a fighting chance to score us a couple of well deserved goals So tomorrow I will be in front of my TV fingers and legs crossed for a 2 - nil score line! Come on the Cobbler you don't deserve to go down
Ray at 20:14:33 Friday February 26 99
...... or even the playoffs (whoops)
Ray at 20:14:6 Friday February 26 99
5000 in 19 days... not bad..... at this rate it will be 100000 at about the end of May - just in time for the payoffs.
Ray at 20:11:2 Friday February 26 99
Congratz Ian! Bet T's gonna be upset - she said she was gonna be 75K.
Ray Warburton at 19:38:8 Friday February 26 99
I might consider it if Barry Stonhill approaches me. P.S How is Clarky?
Philip Hudson at 19:36:30 Friday February 26 99
How about you becoming player manager Ray.
Ray Warburton at 19:35:33 Friday February 26 99
I agree with you Philip. That's why I went to Diamonds.
Philip at 19:32:58 Friday February 26 99
ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT
IAN ATKINS OUT
Ian at 19:14:0 Friday February 26 99
YES!!!!!!!
You are visitor number 75000
Please make your visit count by loading all images.
The more visitors shown - the more encouraged I am to do more work on the pages!
Congratulations Ray, seems like only yesterday we were cheering 10000.
The BEST soccer site onthe net!
Amanda at 18:24:20 Friday February 26 99
Lets all hope 4 a penalty 2morrow then. Howard looked good on Tues. What did ya think of the mascot?
Nosey Parker at 18:17:53 Friday February 26 99
I think Mr Clarke should spend more time with his wife at school and learn to spell!!!!
Ralph at 17:46:9 Friday February 26 99
And on the subject of colour. Why the bloody hell is our mascot in Norwich colours? Wrexham will feel right at home on Tuesday night. Who thinks these things up? How can the supporters identify with a Welsh/Canary. COME ON - USE YOUR IMAGINATION!!!!! Let's begin the 'Bin Clarence' movement and replace him with something more in keeping with the club. Perhaps a bottle of Claret?
Ralph at 17:41:23 Friday February 26 99
Thanks for your support Hartwell Dave. Now come on everyone a few more and we can say we are a movement. Keep your Cobblers Claret.
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:16:58 Friday February 26 99
Here, here, Ralph - the Cobblers colours are claret and white. Not all white, not white with funny stars either. I liked the Torino style kit from a season or two back (can't remember exactly!). Plain claret with white trim please. Nice and simple, the traditional Cobblers colour combination. Incidentally I believe we will be announcing a new board member shortly.
Ralph at 16:39:24 Friday February 26 99
Well let's start canvassing early then. Can I please appeal to all fans out there that our club colours are CLARET and white and not if Mr Atkins had his way all white. Why can't we return to a more traditional design in football shirt. Arsenal's looks great. We always end up looking like a cross between a beach towel and a deck chair. VOTE CLARET - VOTE TRADITIONAL.
Ian at 16:24:15 Friday February 26 99
Andy, having spent over a million pounds on two strikers, I don't think Gillingham rate as a "small" club. "Small" clubs are those like the Cobblers, who find it hard to find 100000 pounds for a player, or can't even afford that (many clubs in division three).
Andy C at 16:5:45 Friday February 26 99
Just back from a holiday and perusing the table, with the Gills still nicely placed, I noticed something that may or may not be significant. Northampton are averaging fewer goals per game (scored and conceded) than everyone else in the division, even Chesterfield. This seems to reinforce the view that the problem isn't the defence but the lack of goals scored. As for Walsall winning 16 games by a single goal, that's the sign of a team that's brutally efficient. FWIW, the Gills have lost eight times this season in all competitions and only once by more than a single goal. I think it's an alliance of hard work, skill and organisation that is serving the small clubs like us and Walsall so well.
Ray at 15:57:40 Friday February 26 99
When I get copies of the pictures from the club of the new kit I'll post them here together with a form to vote.
Ray at 15:47:28 Friday February 26 99
Nope - I'm not bothered about the spelling - thats not what hes paid to do. However I am more concerned about his statistics. I'm not sure where he got them from but on reading his missive I gleaned up a few of my own - mainly comparing this season with last season. According to match facts we have had 115 shots on target compared with a total of 168 last year - averages out at 3.63 last season and an increase to 3.70 this season (bet that surprised you). When I worked out the figures for other statistics they tell their own story. Goals for (home) last season 0.72 this season 0.40, (away) Last season 0.41 this season 0.43. Goals conceded (home) last season 0.37 this season 0.46, (away) last 0.43 this 0.70. and so it goes on. It can clearly be seen then that the main problem is the DEFENCE and not the attack (except at home). Now theres food for thought.
Chicago Cobbler at 15:43:51 Friday February 26 99
Let's get three points this weekend. My call is 2-0 Cobbs. BTW, the Fire (MLS Double Winners) begin play on the 20th of March to defend their titles. We are undefeated in preseason, and look very strong. The best thing about following an American team and and English team is that we play our most difficult matches in summer while the other leagues are on break. Anyone coming to Chicago for holiday or business and want to catch a match should email me before the trip. My company has 8 front row seats at the center line. We are expecting to draw about 15-40,000 per game this season. Visit the supporters site at http://barnburners.com/index.html. Cheers all and come on Cobbs! -CC
Robert Dunkley at 15:38:22 Friday February 26 99
Ray, can you please post the designs for the new shirt after the Wrexham game, as according to the official site we can choose the new kit!!!!!!
Although I hope if Pro Star still make it, there is not a star in sight!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 15:35:17 Friday February 26 99
I was told by someone very close to the club today that Colin Hill is not being selected because he's considered as a threat to Atkins. This may/may not be true. However, there must be a reason why he isn't even on the bench. He's one of our most experienced players, has a cool head and is a model professional. We should at least be told why, when playing well, his name suddenly disappears from the team sheet. After all the Manager has a responsibility to the club and that includes the fans. In the situation, when it comes to matchday there's no room for petty squabbling and in-fighting. We need our 11 best players. We also need to scrap the five at the back at home, be positive, use wingers, play the ball out from the back, and let the midfield feed the forwards and wing men with good passes - not up and under stuff. The board has dug into their own collective pockets to buy the new man - let's give him and Carlo some decent service for once. I would like to see Hill, Hunt and Hunter included tomorrow, with Warner and Spedding on the flanks. They would provide the nucleus of a strong, constructive line-up and given the opportunity to attack would I think be likely to cause Millwall all kinds of problems and feed the forwards with some real opportunities. However, if we stick with the usual dreary, negative, hoof and hope tactics I fear relegation will be a probability. We can get out of it. We still have time. But, does Atkins have enough visual, imagination and nous to take the action that's needed? The jury's been out on that all season.
The Exel Cobbler at 14:52:13 Friday February 26 99
Good Luck to the lads tomorrow. Lets have three or four goals to cheer and stuff the Lions out of sight. Gary Riley, you're sound really hard and I'm really scared, so scared that I might just stay away tomorrow.....TW*T!!!!
Concerned at 14:51:35 Friday February 26 99
Is anyone else at all worried that Tony Clarke MP can't spell?
? at 13:46:24 Friday February 26 99
I am a cobblers fan am I the only person who thinks that Walsall deserved there win on Tuesday if you have anything else to say please e-mail me back husseybigone@hotmail.com
gary riley at 13:26:41 Friday February 26 99
i am a mill wall fan and i think we are all going to reck your seats because you are crap send your e-mail to the_bestdave@hotmail.com
Tony Clarke MP at 13:21:56 Friday February 26 99
A win on Saturday is critical, I know we always say that, but when you read back over past comments, ie we miss Hunter, and why isn't Warner in the team, etc, you realise that the current first choice 14 are as good as it gets (except for Colin Hill who ought to start every game) So a win on Sat is a must, and will be the difference between us pulling away from danger or fighting for survival until the last match of the season. On a seperate issue how can we defend having so many strikers on the books and yet have the 2nd lowest attempts on goal per game ratio in the div (3.4 at the last count)Whoever is selected on Saturday must start to take more risks. Now to be tottaly controvertial and say a word in defence of Andy Roberts, writing press reports that stir an emotion amongst supporters is his job !! and taking into account the comments on the site he's doing it pretty well. I agree that the Woodman story was a farce but if he had not followed it up, his editor would have gone mad. Having spoken to Andy on a number of occasions I know that he is a big fan of the club, but as a reporter he has little option other than to report the good bad and the ugly. I know this is a shock horror comment ie politician sticks up for the press, and I've had my fair number of reasons to feel agreaved at reports in the Chronicle and Echo, but I manage to take a less serious view of it's impact. The paper isn't what it used to be, but I for one hope that one day it will be. When things are going wrong we look for scapegoats, ie 1) The Manager 2) Individual Players or 3) The Board etc, but blaming the local sports correspondent is as absurd as the suggeations that the internet chat sites are to blame. Anyway rant over, I fancy the Town to win 2-0 on Saturday (please god let it be so) TCMP
treenie at 12:28:53 Friday February 26 99
I won't I'll be at work but hopefully the nice people at work will let me have radio northampton on to listen to it when I'm fetching shoes for annoying customers.
Well I'm off to town
Jacks at 11:50:33 Friday February 26 99
Thanks Treenie I feel much better now and hopefully I will feel even better at 4.45 tomorrow afternoon..woo hoooooooo
treenie at 9:18:30 Friday February 26 99
Jacks:- I don't remember what good ol' Clarkie was saying but it was something about him not being the slimmest person in the worlkd I think. I know he said that Dougie Hodgson had a big mouth and he couldn't belive he didn't realise that he was back cause he hadn't heard him!!!
I'm going into town today and as I usually see one or many of our great players I'm looking forward to it. (it's pay day aswell)
Ray at 8:44:44 Friday February 26 99
.... and I always thought that Oldham was the Forbidden City.
The China Cobbler at 8:35:34 Friday February 26 99
Great site, only recently got into this internet business but now I'm a regular. Anyway... COME ON THE TOWN! To be honest I can't understand why we're in such trouble at the moment, on paper it looks like one of the better Cobblers sides in recent memory. But then I'm about 4,000 miles away... Living abroad puts you in an odd situation, how many people can have stood in the Forbidden City wishing they were at Boundary Park, Oldham?
The Oxford Cobbler at 8:19:7 Friday February 26 99
It is fantastic to see Mickey Warner in the first team. In my opinion he has been an automatic choice for the last two seasons. However, his best position is centre midfield. Until Atkins plays him there we will never see his full potential.
Jase at 0:44:28 Friday February 26 99
What formation does the team primarily play this season...
Is the Club privately owned, or shareholder based or a community owned organisation?
Anon at 22:42:40 Thursday February 25 99
WE ARE COBBLERS WE ARE COBBLERS MIGHTY COBBLERS FROM THE TOWN WE ARE COBBLERS MIGHTY COBBLERS WE ARE NEVER GOING DOWN! COME ON THE TOWN!
Angry at 22:40:38 Thursday February 25 99
My Team for Saturday v Millwall: (5-3-2) Turley, Warner, Frain, Sammo, Howey, Hope, Hunter, Howard, Corazzin, Savage (playing where Carlo did on Tuesday behind the front two), Parrish. Subs: Deano, Spedding, David "Oh no Bruce! There's a tinny on the barby in the dunny! That's not fair dinkum" Seal. Prediction: All Mighty Town 2 - Our latest feeder club 0 - Howard and a Carlo penalty.
RICHARD at 22:23:4 Thursday February 25 99
IK'CIWT: This was our first mid-week visit to Sixfields since the glorious rout of Rovers last year. Big things were expected. No real problem with traffic, though we lost a good half hour on the M25/M1 junction, dicing with homebound Hatters! Even had time for a MacD's before the game. The ground looked impressive by night; the hope was that our performance would match its splendour. A keen opening burst led to hopes of a victory in style. Indeed, we should have netted in the early stages but for poor finishing. The Saddlers then began to have some influence in mid-field: I've noted this season that the teams who look most impressive against us have this easy, casual appearance in mid-field; skill positions filled by players with speed and composure. The mark of of these 'better' teams is the ability to close down quickly in mid-field and counter-attack swiftly from half chances seized upon because of greater application to the job in hand. This, I surmised, would be our fate, as Walsall took a grip on play in the 2nd quarter. BUT - unaccustomed as we are to seeing the Cobblers come back into the picture strongly after being a touch overrun, this was precisely what appeared to me to be the case! Biased, I certainly am, but I really believe that, relative to some woeful performances this season, the lads really got to grips with the game. It wasn't always pretty; at times we did resort to the long ball, but there were some touches of class and enough endeavour to lead me to the conclusion that, given a fair wind, the rub of the green in front of goal (both ours and the opposition's), a consistent team with the correct personnel, and a strong backing from the fans, we can and will survive. It could well go down to the wire - Burnley at home in the last game of the season. Remember, the Clarets escaped at the expense of their last match opponents, Plymouth, by winning 2-1. Book now to avoid disappointment! I assume Colin Hill is injured, ill, in dispute or in the Irish squad permanently, to account for his continued absence. That apart, and the surprising benching of Lily in favour of Deano, I have to applaud team selection for once. I'm not sure about the formation - 5-3-2, 4-4-2, or 3-4-3; all I believe is that the right 11 players on the field together can play any formation - total football! We have the skill, we can rebuild it! Billy had an unfortunate lapse again, admittedly, but if we'd stuck away a third of the chances we created, we'd have strolled home and no-one would be criticizing the 'keeper. Howey, Hope & Sammo seems to be the manager's favoured central trio; no problem with that as long as, injuries permitting, they have a consistent run and gell as team mates, now that Big H is finally signed up. The style of distribution from these three may be to orders, but the correct mid-field combo would be crying out for the ball to feet to set the attack up with a chance of keeping possession, whether it be through the middle or out to the wings. Talking of wings, we must get down the flanks and to the bye-line more often; this seems to be a dieing art at Sixfields. I didn't see Mickey Warner in action in his Gillingham and Oldham outings where, by all accounts, he was a star. On Tuesday he was good without being outstanding; I look forward to seeing more of his skills on Saturday. Sean has understandably struggled at times this season, coming back from serious injury. He now seems to be returning to form at the right time to help us dispel the relegation nightmare; ditto Roy. Frainy still does it for me; he has suffered criticism, which I think has been unjustified, in earlier games. But, apart from a reluctance to get forward and deliver telling balls into the box, he continues to shore up that left side (but don't play him in mid-field IA!) Deano is all heart and was presumably playing to fill a stopper/ perpetual motion role favoured by IA. What about Hunt? Why was Savvo left out initially? Up front we seem to have found ourselves a bargain (£90-120,000!) "Frankie" was the business, all that you want to see in a 'centre forward'. He is not in the Gayle/ Wilko mode at all; his touches, lay-offs and passing ON THE GROUND, were a joy to behold - the boy has class written all over him. His debut, if not a flash in the pan, is a good omen for our chances, not only of survival this term, but for a sustained promotion push next season!! Chris Freestone was as nippy as ever, but again couldn't finish. It was a pleasure to see three up front, though. So what about Carlo? His first few touches went awry, but his work rate was as high as ever. And he seems to have had two excellent games at Oldham and v. the Gills, so one less than impressive game is not a capital offence! Some in the North Stand were on his case from the whistle! What are these comments about his wanting to leave the club? More malicious, unfounded rumour? We need him. And playing him in the right position, alongside Steve Howard, will be crucial to our efforts both immediately and in the future. If you read this Carlo, PLEASE STAY - your chance to be the open play goal machine we crave, is at hand!!!!!!! On the night we may have deserved the win; we certainly didn't deserve to lose! The Walsall contributors to these pages have given their view on the match more honestly in general than many opposing fans before them and should be applauded for a reasoned approach. We have our view of events of course, refs notwithstanding, but the bottom line is we need points and to that end, we must not only make, but take the chances that fall to us. It's not unheard of to have a stunning late run up the league from a lowly start and I, for one, will be right behind the lads, starting Saturday against the Lions. Millwall will undoubtedly suffer the backlash of pent up frustration we, the fans and surely the players and management too, feel and, after only 4 goals in the last 9 games (including 1 pen!) surely some team is going to be on the wrong end of a goal fest at the hands of the Mighty Cobblers. Why not this Saturday?
Hartwell Cobbler at 22:15:2 Thursday February 25 99
Simon - like most teams who come up here, the Walsall team knew their jobs and responsibilities. In contract we usually look confused and disjointed; sometimes its hard to believe we train together at all during the week. I think you may struggle to go up -- but good luck to you. As for Saturday, it's impossible to predict, not the least because Atkins will probably meddle with team selection yet again. What's the betting he will drop someone on-form and playing well(like Savage on Tuesday)? I agree - Warner should play as a conventional wingman on the right with...please...please....Spedding on the left. That way we'd have some width and our front men would be likely to get some crosses. Then, who knows, maybe a goal from open play! If we continue the five at the back, boot it upfield and charge after it routine I can see it being a dour struggle. There's no question about it -- we have some good players in the squad. Come on Atkins. Open them up a bit, let them play, express themselves and give us all a bit of entertainment...and probably three points as well.
Kevport@aol.com.uk at 21:59:14 Thursday February 25 99
south coast journalist looking for Northampton fan interested in regular exchange.I have thousands of programmes to exchange for sports pages from local newspapers and sports papers.
If interested please email me at Kevport@aol.com.uk
Thanks KR
Kevport@aol.com.uk at 21:57:5 Thursday February 25 99
south coast journalist looking for Northampton fan interested in regular exchange.I have thousands of programmes to exchange for sports pages from local newspapers and sports papers.
If interested please email me at Kevport@aol.com.uk
Thanks KR
Ben Sturgess at 21:13:37 Thursday February 25 99
Recently I was written a letter by the chronic regarding my reference to Andy Roberts 0/20 vision (we all know why that is) Actually the real story of Andy Roberts is really quite tragic so i dont think we should mock him any more.... Anyway heres the story, when roberts first went to work for the chronic, he didnt quite understand the meaning of the word "chronic" so one night out of curiosity he smoked an edition of the chron.... although this is ill advised, you would normally survive if this happened to you, but roberts was unfortunate (well stupid really) enough to smoke the sports pink, the pink dye causesd him severe brain damage (yes the whole peanut was damaged!) But instead of getting rid of him, the chron kept roberts on as part of their equal opportunities for the mentally disabled scheme. So please be tolerant of poor old andy.... from my understanding he was actually quite a nice guy once.... before his ummm accident shall we say......
Kev at 20:38:41 Thursday February 25 99
O.K. lads lets have your predictions for the game against millwall on sat, I predicted the score against walsall incorrectly but I did get it right about freestone and carlo playing up front, I was impressed with our new man! looks like he could help us out of this mess,Im sticking with carlo and freestone up front with howey in support, hopefully we will see hunter playing from the start and warner supplying some crosses to our strikers, who knows we may even break our duck ! (we havent scored at home since dec 28 against fullham) I think we can beat them but its going to be on a knife edge, so 2-0 to the cobblers ! so come on Ian wind them up so we can have something to shout about.
Anon at 20:35:3 Thursday February 25 99
Birmingham, Birmingham, we got on the wrong train and we went to Birmingham
Bill at 20:27:58 Thursday February 25 99
lovely soft filly
Anon at 20:26:25 Thursday February 25 99
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORTHAMPTON!
Anon at 20:25:48 Thursday February 25 99
lovely soft filly
James age 9 at 20:22:1 Thursday February 25 99
Well done lads, well, it was O.K. on tuesday.YYYYEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!
(that might be at Millwall)I think it will be 1-0 to The Cobblers.
ORBITAL Ganja at 20:7:29 Thursday February 25 99
Will Layton will this bird called EMU be hooking up with the Macclesfield GK as he is a dead ringer for ROD HULL.
P.S. I DIDNT WEAR MY FRANKENSTEIN MASK SO I DRESSED UP AS CLARENCE THE DRAGON.
Rhian Cooper at 19:53:56 Thursday February 25 99
I am from Wales, and recently went skiing in Switzerland. I met someone called PHIL BARRON. Is that the one mentioned on this site?
WILL LAYTON at 19:51:14 Thursday February 25 99
HELLO NORTHAMPTON.
Some friends of mine might visit here soon,
so be aware of Tom Bamfordian and a bird called Emu.
They are irish Ipswich supporters and are sad................................................................
........................................... ********.
Simon Charmers at 18:47:27 Thursday February 25 99
Walsall fan here. I really do you hope you boys do not go down. I enjoy my visits to Sixfields and Northampton is the only `derby` we get!. I think you will just about stay up, but you really do need to change it around a little for next season. Seems to me that you have some decent players who I reckon would feel more comfortable with a wider more expansive (for you Rugby fans) game. On the whole you lot probably have more individual quality than we do, we just have a first rate manager and a team of fighters who recognise their strenghts. Even though we wiil probably finish in the top 5 we will be lucky to have any representation at all in the PFA div 2 side at the end of the season.
TRB Mark at 16:59:36 Thursday February 25 99
The next Trust meeting is a week today (Thursday) I suggest we get brian Lomax to invite Andy Roberts or mark Edwards so that us net gossips can have a right to reply! . Judging by Brian Lomax's artiicle in WALOC, the club seem to be of the same opinin, but only as far as the Woody saga goes.
Maybe Carlo was left up as a sop because he want s to leave, rather than any policy change by IA
Ian Atkins at 15:0:48 Thursday February 25 99
Yes I did notice - and guess which two players won't be in the team this Saturday.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:12:30 Thursday February 25 99
Good point, Gareth. I wonder if Atkins noticed!
Gareth at 12:10:40 Thursday February 25 99
I may have missed it, but I don't think anyone has mentioned that we kept 2 men upfield for corners on Tuesday. Lo and behold we had one superb counter-attack as a result. Let's hope it continues!
TRB Mark at 11:54:55 Thursday February 25 99
It is nice to read mostly reasoned comments from Walsall supporters, and no, the trouble did'nt look too bad. I was very surprised and I was remarking to my friend how there has never been any real animosity between the Cobblers & Walsall, despite the fact they must be the nearest club (who always bring alot of support) that we play with any regularity. I have always been well treated on my visits to Walsall especially by a lovely nurse from Heath Hays! Ah, memories!
Ray at 11:45:55 Thursday February 25 99
Bill - you have some missing images...... and I still haven't got a link - lol!
Jacks at 11:25:34 Thursday February 25 99
.oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh and NOT like Any Roberts at all!! phew!!
Jacks at 11:24:25 Thursday February 25 99
Sorry Nosey i'm having a stressful day...... no excuse really, i'm very jolly now though!! Cobblers 2 Millwall 1 ......see!!
Nosey parker at 11:20:58 Thursday February 25 99
Jacks it was ment as a joke!!! Lighten up you sound like Andy Roberts from the Chronic?
Bill at 11:3:44 Thursday February 25 99
I would just like to say that it's Angry who keeps on posting "lovely soft filly". Ray, I've sorted out the html files, you've now got a link and everything should be fine for the grand lauch (mark 2) of my website!! (hopefully). Can you give the address out now? Please?!?
hartwell cobbler at 10:21:32 Thursday February 25 99
Nick - I gather there were some Wolves fans at your end, which was the catalyst for the trouble. But it didn't look too bad - very isolated, really. I think what you said about us was a correct analysis. Atkins does not seem to be in tune with the changing style of the game, even at div 2 level nor have the tactical nous to get the best out of our present squad. He's a long ball man. I too wonder how Wilson feels about this, which everyone expects and knows how to counter with little difficulty? As you say, it's dead easy for defenders. Just wait for the predictable high ball up the middle, step forward and head it clear. We seem to start off playing quite well, but if we haven't had a goal within 20 mins our belief seems to vanish, and we spend the rest of the game going back to huff and puff, high ball, run and chase. Oddly our reserves play a different, more controlled, game - which is clearly daft as the one thing you do want is continuity. Which allows reserve team players to step up into the first team without too much trouble. I believe this is another of our problems. Atkins also doesn't appear to have the necessary motivational qualities on a match by match basis. He only seems able to wind the players up on special occasions (like when we're playing W Midlands teams!). Tuesday night, for instance, he described as our cup final for reasons which elude me! I also noticed his comments on the yellow ball, which he claims "fizzes." What doesn't appear to register with him is that both teams play with the same ball! How come they always seem comfortable with it ? I also agree Peer is well out of his depth in div 2. His continued inclusion also reflects Atkins attitude - he wants battlers. Trouble is they won't win us games....we need a spark of inspriation, someone who can do something different, surprise the defence and put players like Carlo in with a chance. Incidentally, I agree the new man looked good and that the ref was awful. Yes, Billy Turley was at fault. But we are always likely to ship a goal. The need is for us to score as well! The bottom line is you don't win game if we don't score goals. And as Ralph says, that is not so much a forward problem as a lack of quality midfield play and Atkins insistance on hoofing the ball from the back and playing five across the back at home. Playing three men up front was, in itself, no answer. After all we had four forward on at one stage recently, and still couldn't score...even though players like Corazzin are proven goalscorers. This must tell us something, surely ? Finally a note on the north stand which someone said was over-full. From the main stand you could clearly see rows of empty seats. So the problem appears to be fans not keeping to their seats. So, on to Saturday......and unending question - when will someone score from open play again ?
Jacks at 10:10:44 Thursday February 25 99
Nosey!!!!That is a dreadful comment!! Colin Hill has done a great job at out club......I cannot believe negative comments about him. He is dependable, reads the game beautifully, experienced and a damn good player.
Nosey parker at 9:19:0 Thursday February 25 99
Colin Hill goes to Waitrose at Milton Keynes because A: He lives there and B: There is loads of disabled parking there for him!!!!
Ralph at 8:25:42 Thursday February 25 99
Exel - The trouble is Atkins sees it as a fault of the strikers. The current lack of form/confidence with our forwards is the culmination of a whole season's bollocking and being made the scapegoat. It is not too late to avoid the drop and we are playing like a side that should be scoring goals. The new bloke looks good and, contrary to what others have said about Tuesday night, won a lot of ball and created chances.
Ralph at 8:21:45 Thursday February 25 99
I hate referees! Have you noticed the peculiar way they run? Look at the odd postures they take when standing over an injured player. Why is it they all seem to come from middle management and list gardening amongst their pleasures? One thing's for sure they understand nothing about the passions of Gods' Great Game. I hate referees!
The Exel Cobbler at 8:16:6 Thursday February 25 99
Did anyone see the quote from Atkins on Teletext last night? He felt we were the better team on Tuesday (yes I agree) but then said 'We lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.' At last Mr Atkins, you are beginning to work out the problem we've had all season. Now if you can just see that the service to the front players is crap, we may just be playing second division football next season.
Ray at 0:42:59 Thursday February 25 99
Nope...
Philip Hudson at 23:20:21 Wednesday February 24 99
I think its time for Atkins to go. Anyone else agree???
Nick at 22:40:49 Wednesday February 24 99
I am a Walsall fan who was disgusted to hear reports of
our own fans fighting each other. How did the Northampton
fans see it.
On to the game by all accounts we were shit and won. I admire
Kevin Wilson like most other Walsall fans did and I cant believe
he can truly agree with the sort of tactics Atkins is employing.
Regarding Dean Peer he never gives less than 110% but his
lack of quality at 2nd divison level is all to apparent, we
discared him when we were a mid table fourth divison side.
The goalkeeping error was bad but why did you sell Woodman
to a non league team, I always rated him along with Ray
Warburton.
Regarding tactics, I do think Atkins has somewhat lost the
plot. We have two central defenders who could sit there
all day dealing with high balls into the box, the trouble
is i dont think Atkins as he proved at Cambridge knows how
to play any different hence the reluctance for a bigger club
to come in for him last season.
I think you'll stop up at the expense of Macclesfield,
Lincoln Colchester and Notts County.
RICHARD at 21:39:42 Wednesday February 24 99
Angry: Burnley escaped last season with 52 points; Southend (43), Carlisle (44), Plymouth (49) and Brentford (50) dropped into oblivion!Southend and Brentford both lost ther last game; Burnley beat Plymouth to climb out of the relegation zone at the death,
NICK at 21:27:9 Wednesday February 24 99
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT IT SUMS UP OUR SEASON,BUT IT SEEMS LIKE WE ARE PLAYING AGAINST 14 MEN NOT ELEVEN WHEN YOU INCLUDE THE REF & LINO'S,WHRE THE HELL DO THEY COME FROM? THEVE BEEN SHITE ALL SEASON.
ATKO YOU MUST QUESTION YOUR PICKING OF DEAN PEER EVERY GAME? I KNOW HE GIVES 100% BUT HE JUST DOESNT HAVE THE SKILL TO KEEP UP WITH PLAY,I THOUGHT THE SAME ABOUT PARRISH THIS SEASON BUT HE PLAYED A BLINDER LAST NIGHT WELL DONE SEAN!! CARLO HAD A TORRID TIME BUT GOT NO COMPLAINTS THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS EFFORTS,I THINK BILLYS DAYS HAVE NUMBERED HES GIVEN AWAY AT LEAST 6 PIONTS NOW WITH THUMBULLED SAVES,ALL IN ALL GREAT PERFORMANCE ALL ROUND AND NEVER DESERVED TO LOSE,GOOD SIGNING WITH HOWARD-BATTLED WELL (HAD A SHOT OR TWO!!)
Angry at 21:7:37 Wednesday February 24 99
Referee 1 Cobblers 0 - I think we played well except for Dean Peer. He was f**king terrible - he gave the ball away about a zillion times - why didn't you pick Savo Atkins??? There was about 30 or so 50/50 decisions and in the normal run of play we would get 14 or 15 but we only got two! The linesman ruled Parrish out for offside when there was noone offside and he failed to spot one of our lads lying on the floor in agony and him and the ref let the game go on! How can we stay up with biased c***s like him not giving us a fair game. I've thought about it and we will probably be safe with 16 points (five wins and a draw) which will take us to 45 points. Does anyone have a copy of last seasons league table? I said Howard was good!
Hartwell Cobbler at 19:50:29 Wednesday February 24 99
Yes, Mal - than's exactly my point as well. Having bought some better players Atkins doesn't appear shrewed and tactically aware enough to change things around to enable them to play to their strengths. It is, sadly, the same old game, played with different players -- and all the less effective for it. As usual we flattered to deceive in the first 20 mins. There was width, some neat build-up, good interchanges and some deft crosses. But it seems that, if we can't score in that opening phase, we start to go to pieces; play gets ragged and before we know it, we're back to the bad old ways. And, finally, a mention about our deplorable free kick routine - well it's not a routine at all; Frain takes it, pumps it high into the middle, where grateful defenders are simply able to step up and head away. There's no variation at all. Not even an attempt to play the ball down a channel or (heaven forbid) out wide.There isn't even any attempt to run over the ball in the hope of distracting the opposing defence. It's sad, predictable,and absolutely and utterly ineffectual.we may as well invite the opposition to have the kick, so bad have some been. And while it was useful having a new long throw man, shouldn't he be the target man in the middle and the man who should be given the ball ? What's the point of having your centre forward on the touchline ? You can't deny he can throw a long ball. But to who ? Carlo ? Freestone ? No, sorry. The tactics are still horse manure.
Sid at 18:33:44 Wednesday February 24 99
Just saw the goal on Anglia News, and i am afraid to say that Turley has to learn how to catch a football. The keeper is making too many mistakes at the moment, and his confidence has not been helped. IA has to take him Back to Basics, with Catching being at the top of the list. No, i am not looking for a scapegoat, but it is happening all too much now, two home matches where Turley's mistakes have cost us dear. Freestone should have hit the shot he missed at the end of the first half. The problem with Freestone is he tries to finish in style, not just finish. Him and Corazzin are my first choice strikers, but i would like to see a Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink finish, instead of a chip. There. 'Critisisms' over with.
gnk at 18:26:4 Wednesday February 24 99
I can cope with us losing. God knows we've had enough practice. And losing when you have been the better team is a fact of footballing life, it happens. But when the ref makes 2 crucial bad decisions that lead directly to the winning goal, a bad taste is left in the mouth. Losing by fair means is one thing, but that ref took the biscuit.
Mal at 18:22:39 Wednesday February 24 99
Unfortunately although I am a lifelong cobblers supporter (from 4th division upto 1st and back, I have to agree with some of the Walsall comments about last nights game. The long high ball tactic of the 3rd division took all the clubs last year to suss out, thats why we got so high. This year it hasn't worked, but Atkins cant see why and buys another big striker to hope the same old tactic will come good again.
I must admit though that he looked like a real footballer but he is going to need feeding properly or he will just end up like all our other strikers (and we haven't got many of those, have we).
Ralph at 18:15:37 Wednesday February 24 99
Well it was one of those games and I find it hard to think about it even now. The term 'gutted' is often over used but last night 'gutted' summed up perfectly my feelings. Team selection, Peer was poor and always is, Corrazin was played in a withdrawn role that obviously does not suit him. If we must play three up front with one of them in a withdrawn role Atkins may as well play a player that is used to playing in that position, i.e. Savage. The new bloke was great, boldy going in where it hurts, I pray that it isn't as good as it gets. It was criminal the amount of chance Howard's presence created that were spurned by Freestone and Corrazin. I would recommend Malcolm MacDonalds book to both of them and they only need read the cover 'NEVER AFRAID TO MISS' the times they were both in shooting range but opted to check and lay the ball off was criminal and showed a massive lack in confidence. Freestone kept straying off-side which to me shows a lack in concentration. I haven't seen the goal on TV but another question mark must go against Billy Boy. I believe Atkins has to pick his best eleven players and bugger the system or adapting to the oppositions strengths. Surely Hunt gets in the squad and Hill's experience is invaluable. Still it's not all gloom and doom it was an excellent performance marred by another clown of an official. God I hate referees. Make no mistake we played well and did not deserve to lose. My lad summed Walsall up by saying that they reminded him of how we, the Cobblers, were last season. Soaked up the pressure and left with a 1-0 win. Bring on Millwall.
Terry Aherne at 17:7:39 Wednesday February 24 99
Oh dear, seems like you NTFC fans think you were hard done to last night. Has it occurred to any of you that you are were you are `cos you aint that good? I accept we were pretty awful last night but we did just set out to do a job. Your ming-calcifying long ball tactics have been well sussed. Graydon has had our players practising defending long throws, long balls etc etc all week. Why was this do you think. It is a very long way to Hartlepool you know. Change tactics now or you will go down, and that won't be FA's fault or any of their referees.
David Errington at 16:47:24 Wednesday February 24 99
Well at last IA has bought Cobblers a good player. As a Sunderland lad born and bread, but a Cobbler for the last 12 years, you get to see some good players up here. Steve Howard has played really well for 'Pool' more so since Peter Beardsly cam to their club. Howard was also a good none league player at Tow Law. Howey to in time will be good. He needs time to settle in.
Looking at carlo and what I have read from fans, we need as good winger.Carlo got his goal for Plymouth with good wingers. If he gets service he can score. Chris Lee needs to have a run with Ali Gibb to do this for Carlo.
I also follow Scottish football and see Ian Ferguson of Ary as a good buy in the summer and Zetterzund of Dundee United. Both players would give us good serevice I think.
If anybody up north wants to contact me, mail me at.
david.errington@sunderland.ac.uk
Cobblers for ever!
David Errington
Tim W at 15:54:53 Wednesday February 24 99
I do find it a bit rich to read all these 'we wuz robbed' comments. When your teams tactics are based 100% on getting a lucky rebound from a long & high ball, you cannot then complain if the lucky bounce does not come your way. We were pretty awful last night, but managed to grind out an away victory - at this stage of the season, most teams would settle for that.
PJD at 15:26:1 Wednesday February 24 99
Jack - I guess we can only argue over what we see of each others teams. If your team wins you are less likely to be looking at what went wrong than if they lose. I must admit that from my perspective NTFC's playing style has not changed since last season and yet you are at the opposite end of the table.
From what you saw yesterday I can see why you wouldn't think Walsall play football, since we were under a bombardment, you'll have to take my word for it!!
I think the point I'm making is this, if you set out to play a physical style and take the points, as you did last season, then fair enough really (as per Wimbledon's rise to the top division), but if you set out to play that way and lose it really isn't pretty and doesn't inspire much sympathy. When we beat Gillingham at home we had very similar pressure to withstand at the end of the match, but they sought to play the ball to feet and use the wings and I had much more sympathy with them, for doing this.
With regard to us going up, we'll have to wait and see, it is a tough task, but life is certainly better at the top than the bottom, I'm sure you'll agree.
Phil at 14:48:58 Wednesday February 24 99
Going back to what treenie said Colin Hill is a regular in Waitrose in milton Keynes
Jack at 13:54:6 Wednesday February 24 99
PJD - whilst your'e comments are obviously attempting at contructivism, I would certainly argue your point that you 'play football' - it was generally considered around the West stand that indeed you lot were championing the hoof tactics. With regards to the match officials this season - YES - they have been disgraceful this season. Your'e lads were pushing badly, tackling from behind, elbows in the face to Chrissy Freestone were a regular occurence and at LEAST 2 handballs were blatent. You were OK - but you are not going up, as one of my fellow supporters commented earlier, you are getting the rub of the green this season and good luck to you - we are not, there are several contributory factors to this and the standard of refereeing has played its part.
PJD at 13:36:3 Wednesday February 24 99
I cannot argue that Northampton had the bulk of possession last night, however, to argue that that means you deserved the win, misses the point.
The saddlers game plan worked a treat again last night. We have seen it on numerous occasions this season. We take a lead and sit back, trying to get a second on the break. Of the 20 games we have won this season we have won 16 by a single goal. It's a bit bloody hairy at times, but at the moment it works.
I think the key is to ask, what NTFC did when they had possession? From my seat it seemed that your lot just hoofed the ball towards your centre forward. You had no width at all and no other ideas when route one failed to work.
To blame the referee misses the point, you've won one of your last ten, was the ref to blame in all these games?
Also a question that occured to me last night, is it a pre-arranged thing that you all shout handball, if the ball hits an opponent between head and thigh? 'Cos it's not you know?
I would be much more sympathetic if you had played football, but I just can't stand to watch the big hoof. The way out is to get a manager who believes in playing football.
Jacks at 13:35:25 Wednesday February 24 99
So Treenie, what was old Clackers saying about our wonderful Roy Hunter?
Toni Harris at 13:14:34 Wednesday February 24 99
i watched the match last nite and i think we started to look like and work like a team. but i think corazzin looked a little put out.
i think we were unforunate. well done!!!
the ref was appauling, the ref was definately not watching our game he thought he was reffing a rugby match, how many hand balls did he miss, i was appauled. i demand a replay.
the game was that of a different team and its nice to see us getting suck in. The new Steven Howard is a treasure well done to the gaffer!!
David Nikel at 12:39:59 Wednesday February 24 99
So we can't win when we play badly, we don't win when we dominate the game ? Is there any way out ?
Nosey Parker at 12:10:26 Wednesday February 24 99
Does the photographer ever get any decent pics from the games or is he just crap?
Ray at 11:10:33 Wednesday February 24 99
Try reading the report again - particularly the INDEPENDENT report from Soccernet ......... "Walsall spent most of the match on the back foot"
treenie at 10:53:58 Wednesday February 24 99
Because I've been on half term I've only just read these pages and I noticed someone talking about cobblers in supermarkets.
Well here goes.
I've seen
Roy Hunter, Christian Lee and Billy Turley in Sainsburys in the Grosvener centre, James Hunt and Chris Freestone on the market square, Sean Parrish walking by HMV, Carlo Corazzin reading a newspaper wiht a picture of himself on the back (and it wasn't the chron) in Tesco at Mereway, and Roy Hunter with his Girlfriend in Sports world at weston favell.
Anyway did anyone listen to some of the comments Ian Clarkson was making last not on Radio Northampton about Roy Hunter and Dougie Hodgson. I do believe he was being rather nasty.
boris worrall at 9:58:30 Wednesday February 24 99
i just read you very biased report on the cobblers v saddlers game last night. perhaps if you didn't rely on the 'long ball/long throw' game you might do better. i think that is why you are in the shite and not 'bad luck'. try playing football, you might actually get somewhere. no wonder they call you the 'cobblers' !
Jacks at 9:31:24 Wednesday February 24 99
Depressed and elated all at the same time - I cannot BELIEVE we did not get a win tonight - we dominated the whole game! We so deserved the 3 points - That is the best performance I have seen us put in all season and we must continue the trend. Carlo did look rather on another planet, but he also looked extremely frustrated with himself. Their goal was an outrage - I demand a replay!!! a ha....Come on lads - we were really proud of you last nihgt, if we keep pulling off performances like that - of course we will avoid relegation.. Why though didn't Hunter or Lily play ?!! madness - Dean Peer - off the pace and not reading the game well. Nice to see Hunter has still got his sense of humour and appreciates the benefits of stretching! Nice one Roy......Saturday we will win - no doubt, let's play with as much guts and enthusiasm and we will cruise. Good to see Steve Howard flinging himself about too....
Gareth at 9:27:40 Wednesday February 24 99
Shame on you Walsall! This is the second time this season that a team hasn't done the decent thing after an injury stoppage, and again we come out on the rough end of the stick. If only we were playing in a high profile game and could whip up a press frenzy...The ref was dire. He missed the handball before their goal. He missed a clear handball in the box by a Walsall defender. When will we get a decent ref? On the plus side, this is the best performance from us for some months. If Freestone could score from 1 on 1 positions, if Parrish hadn't tried to put the ball on his left foot when clear on goal, if the Walsall keeper hadn't been so bl**dy good, then we might have won. Ho hum. Walsall look like us last year: Not particularly brilliant, but getting the results anyway. I can't see them going up.
Kevin Simons at 9:12:26 Wednesday February 24 99
A massive improvement, thought Parrish was superb, Corazzin was at his next club already but why oh why did Peer start ahead of Dave Savage? And why does Turley fluff on or around the 60 minute mark (Stoke, Gillingham as well)? Let's pay someone to stand behind the goal and keep him awake. All we are saying, is give us a goal...
The Exel Cobbler at 8:15:57 Wednesday February 24 99
Ok, so the referee was a complete waste of space, but at the end of the day we had enough chances to hammer Walsall big time. Same old story though, we just did'nt have what it takes to finish off the chances. Steve Howard looked good though. Do we have a safety officer at Sixfields? On more than one occasion this season the South Stand has had more supporters in there than it can cater for. Last night was no different, with people sitting in the gang ways. When we go to other grounds, if we even think about standing in a gangway we're threatened with ejection, possibly arrest. Secondly, did Andy Roberts inform Pete Smith of last nights attendance because there were more than 5700 in there. Last night also proved how stupid Brummies actually are when they started fighting each other. Apparently there were a number of Wolves fans in the away end.
Krank Goat at 1:9:41 Wednesday February 24 99
I guess it is no consolation to you boys but you were unlucky not to at least get a draw against us tonight. There are plenty of other clubs I would prefer to see go down. At the mo you aint getting the rub of the green. New player looks reasonable. Fighting in our end after Wolves fans spotted and sorted. Tight Lines
paul blower at 0:40:10 Wednesday February 24 99
Sweet revenge for kicking the shit out of us last season. We lost our keeper last season after he was kicked in the head by your lot so he
showed you what he can do tonight. Hope you avoid relegation though.
It won't make any difference to the super saddlers cause we are going
up!
Dav.Cobbler at 23:58:56 Tuesday February 23 99
Just back from the pub - the Cobblers played really well - Howard in particular looked sharp up front and good value for money. He won 75% of ball in the air and laid off well. Man of the match was a difficult call with 5 or 6 contenders but he deserved the decision as much as anyone. The downside (apart from the fact that we lost) was that Carlo looked like a man whose agent is trying to find him a new club. Come on Carlo - our position in the table is down to you as much as anyone. A timely reminder that anyone under contract should accept their share of responsibility for our current position. All in all, I felt that we didn't look like a side at the opposite end of the table to Walsall (their fans were certainly relieved to hear the full time whistle) and that, on this performance, surely a little luck will come our way.
P.S. The Walsall goal came from a blatant hand ball in the build up (revenge from the Savage incident v Balckpool) preceded by a bizarre free-kick incident in the Walsall goalmouth where their No.5 feigned injury to relieve pressure, the referee played on, and with Hunter preparing to cross the ball, the trainer was called on. Instead of the usual Arsenal/Sheff. Wed. protocol of giving the ball to the last team in posession (us), the keeper was given a free kick which resulted in the aforementioned hand ball.
What A load of boll*$cks. The referee was fuc*i$g dire.
From the Cobbler's Last at 23:42:47 Tuesday February 23 99
I'm absolutely dumbfounded. We outplayed WALLSALL and still lost a game we should have won. The performance had effort and the new boy looked good. Parrish kept their keeper busy and apart from the absence of Savage, the team selection was okay. The main problem seemed to be the referee. Easy to blame him I suppose, but he was totally inept! He allowed them to waste time, disrupt the game as we got the upper hand. He made a number of appalling decisions and failed to see many obvious foulss taht most people in the ground could see. Why do players not get penalise for jumping at opponents who are heading the ball? Tackles from behind went unpunished on many occasions. To cap it all he played a major pasrt in the Wallsall goal. First of all the Wallsall keeperpunched his own player who went down injured - the ball went out to the Cobblers wing where they had pocession. He then stopped play to get the head injury treated. He then gave Wallsall the free kick to re-start play and following a deft handball on the wing the centre came in a hey presto! 1-0 down. He must get the Wallsall MOM. The standard of refereeing is getting worse this season - and no-one seems to be bothered as we keep getting such poor officials. Even the ref at Oldham was poor and he gave us a penalty! If only we could score and I'm sure the tide will turn for us and we will escape the drop!
Steve at 23:4:56 Tuesday February 23 99
Can't be arsed to write up a report cos I'm still hacked off at the result, so, a little bit of cut and paste from soccernet, and....
Northampton paraded their new £90,000. joint record Club signing in Steven Howard from Hartlepool.
But it was Walsall's Icelandic debutant Sieurdur Eyjolfsson who teed up the decisive winner midway through the second half.
After coming on as a half time substitute for Jason Brissett, the Saddler's latest foreign import sent in one sreaming shot which was tipped away by Billy Turley.
In the 65th minute a close range header from Eyjolfsson slipped away from Turley's grasp and Darko Mavrak poked home a loose ball.
It was rough luck on the home side who had now gone 292 minutes at home without a goal and have just one victory to show for their last nine matches.
They were denied by the brilliance of goalkeeper James Walker who produced three breath taking finger tip stops to prevent Sean Parrish from getting on the score sheet.
His reflexes were also out of the top drawer in first half injury time when Chris Freestone seemed certain to score.
Walsall spent most of the match on the back foot, although Mavrak was unlucky with a first half volley which screamed wide.
But it was Northampton who finished the stonger, with substitute Duncan Spedding seeing a dipping volley narrowly missed the target while Parrish had an effort ruled out in injury time.
Ian at 22:14:5 Tuesday February 23 99
Arsenal 2 Sheff Utd 1
T. at 22:7:17 Tuesday February 23 99
bugger all my plans were thwarted, my radio would only receive Radio Northampton if I was standing right next to it and then I went off line at half time and my lodger got on the phone and I couldn't get back on! I didn't find out we were 1-0 down til 10 mins before the end! Still at least Preston stuffed Lincoln which will please my boyfriend's dad as he's a PNE supporter and the boyf is a happy chappy too as he's a Gooner.
Sid at 21:41:48 Tuesday February 23 99
Well, I have just been listening to the match, and Yes, its another 1-0 defeat. I cannot believe the amount of chances we had. It was all Cobblers until they decided to go to Diamonds for an update, and what do you know....... Walsall scores and Guess what... it sounds like another Billy Turley error (so Mike Sewell thinks)
Ian at 21:27:18 Tuesday February 23 99
Notts County winning at Luton, not a good night so far.
Anon at 21:23:19 Tuesday February 23 99
Notts 1-0 Luton Goal by Rapley 71st minute.
Ian at 21:17:43 Tuesday February 23 99
Cobblers losing 0-1.
Anon at 21:16:57 Tuesday February 23 99
Fulham 3-1 Reading by Symons (68)
Chicago Cobbler at 21:14:46 Tuesday February 23 99
Bad News: Mavrak (65) Walsall 1-0 Cobbs... PNE 4-0 Lincoln City.
Anon at 21:11:1 Tuesday February 23 99
Diremonds 3-0 halftime
Chicago Cobbler at 21:8:39 Tuesday February 23 99
Arsenal 2-0 halftime... Fulham charged back Horsfield (47,51) and lead Reading 2-1. PNE 3-0 Lincoln City. Luton 0-0 Notts. Gills 1-0 Bristol Rovers. Cobbs 0-0 Walsall. Come on you Cobblers!!!!
Chicago Cobber at 20:46:6 Tuesday February 23 99
2-0 Arsenal Overmars (15), Bergkamp (37). Cheers.
Chicago Cobbler at 20:43:32 Tuesday February 23 99
T. Arsenal 1-0. I believe it was Overmars in about the 20th minute.
T. at 20:28:17 Tuesday February 23 99
nil nil so far, Preston winning 1-0 and Diremonds winning 2-0 against a side with 10 men after only a couple of minutes.
T. at 20:25:54 Tuesday February 23 99
I'm still on my sick bed, missing the match, given my dad the season ticket for the night, listening to radio commentary, anyone with Arsenal scores please post I'll try and keep exiled Cobblers informed of the goings on!
Tony Clarke MP at 19:15:10 Tuesday February 23 99
Why oh Why oh Why am I sat here listening to the Welfare Reform and Pensions bill (second Reading)when the cobblers are kicking off in less than an hour? If only I hadn't have abstained against the whip last week, If only I could keep my mouth shut when I disagree with all the do-gooders, sigh bloody sigh !!!. Still I'm thier in spirit and Dan (my lad)will be there with Carole (my wife)west stand row u seats 102 & 103, say hello for me, I'm going to drown my sorrows in Annies Bar and watch Arsenal cheat against Sheffield United on the box. With more Tuesday night games coming up, I must remember to spend less time in the whip's office and more time at sixfields. Good luck lads, If ever we need a run of results it's now. I will try to log on during the game to get the score. Anyone with a mobile could page me on 0181 3456789 Code (880066) when we score if thier feeling particularly kind!! see yer TCMP
SBJ at 18:31:5 Tuesday February 23 99
Ben's site sounds very dodgy indeed. Orbital Ganja should be easy enough to spot tonight, unless it's acid Frankenstein night at Sixfields. Right, I'm off to see the Cottagers, from the comfort and luxury of a seat in the covered home end (as opposed to the open shale and 2 chemiloos they give the away fans). It's evenings like this I wish I lived in Northampton: finish up at work and nip out to the BK or wherever before going into the match, then off for a beer or so after seeing the game. It's been 4 years since I lived there; I didn't really think I'd actually miss the place much when I left. I suppose that's what following a football team can do. Enjoy the game everyone, and give all the usual feedback on what really could be a second succesive win for us!
Exiled Brighton Cobbler at 18:26:57 Tuesday February 23 99
Yes but Ray what I meant was why the hell does he need to download the contents of my C:drive for ??
Chicago Cobbler at 18:10:12 Tuesday February 23 99
Well done on Saturday. Rally round the lads, it's mid table time. Anyone who can provide updates would be appreciated. (Oh and shame on me on that Arsenal game as well!!!) -CC
Ray at 18:1:20 Tuesday February 23 99
.... and I see that Planet Cobblers is at number 6!
Ray at 17:59:51 Tuesday February 23 99
With regard to the accessing of your C: drive when going to Ben's site - if you are using Netscape (for example) you can see at the bottom of the screen "accessing/downloading C: drive" and then proceeds to upload to the host computer giving you a percentage uploaded. Now if this isn't a breech of security I don't know what is.
Ray at 17:56:25 Tuesday February 23 99
OOOOOOOOO.......... and STILL the number one UK footie site!
Sid at 17:38:53 Tuesday February 23 99
Okay then, my site at http://members.xoom.com/cobblers is about to hit 3000. Can people go there please?? I am currently 19 away, so it shouldn't be too long.
Well done Ray for reaching No 1 on Soccer Sites. 117 hits!
Wilf at 17:35:36 Tuesday February 23 99
Dead right SBJ - Link hands - Think positive - Smile and be happy. It all has an effect on the Yin and Yan. If the crowd are positive it will lift the players. The Bristol Rovers 2nd leg play-off is the finest example of positive attitude I have ever witnessed, the fans played as much part in that game as the team.
Exiled Brighton Cobbler at 17:18:9 Tuesday February 23 99
Ray can you explain what is happening to my computer/C:Drive when I connect to pages like Bens' ?? What do you mean by 'a severe security breach' ??
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:58:53 Tuesday February 23 99
SBJ My Predictions: Fulham 3 Reading 2
COBBLERS 3 Walsall 2
Nice talking to you see-ya!!!!
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:56:32 Tuesday February 23 99
I am logging off now, as it is time to go home. I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight, (which will hopefully mean 3 points). If anyone wants to talk to me at tonights game, I will be wearing an acid smiley face T-shirt and a Frankenstein mask.
Up the TOWN!!!!!!!!!
SBJ at 16:52:56 Tuesday February 23 99
Hopefully it'll have lots of goals at least. I don't really care who wins: Fulham can have the championship, as they've earnt it through good play (regardless of how they were able to buy, buy, buy) and Reading are just Reading. It'll be an ear that I keep on the Cobblers score: I always have the walkman radio on when I go to matches on my own (which is usually the case - everybody say 'aaaah'). It's a sure-fire way to get my sleeve tugged at regular intervals by other fans asking 'any score at the Arsenal yet?' etc. Something to look forward to during quiet moments in the match. Predictions: Fulham 2 Writing & Arithmetic 1; Cobblers 1 Walsall 0 (not a penalty). It's been 202 minutes since a Cobblers goal at Sixfields apparently, longer than any other club at home currently, stats fans . . . .
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:43:14 Tuesday February 23 99
Morrows call up to NI U18 squad is what he deserves, I wouldn't be suprised if a first team outing pops up in the near future.
On Howard I am not doubting his abilty, and hopefully tonight he will show us what a player he is tonight.
David Garthwaite at 16:37:2 Tuesday February 23 99
As a Hartlepool United fan, I just want to wish Steve Howard all the best. I was sad to see him go. Hopefully he will continue to improve because you have signed an honest lad with great determination and potential. He's not too bad at the minute either.
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:31:47 Tuesday February 23 99
Thank for replying SBJ, I hope you enjoy your match tonight, but you must always keep an eye on the Cobblers score.
SBJ at 16:28:47 Tuesday February 23 99
Hello lonely Orbital Ganja! Good luck to the Cobblers tonight against Walsall. I'm optimistic, as ever, that this is the start of the final positive run-in to a safe berth at season's end. Following Wilf's example I'm going to believe this anyway, so that the positive vibes help the lads win. It looks like 3 or 4 more wins would do it; Sport First said that Wycombe still need 9 more wins this season to be safe (one of those mathematical things I suppose) which looks scary. What I think will actually happen is that we'll inch above Lincoln, and pick up the odd win and some draws so that Oldham and Burnley slide past us towards the relegation zone. Not exactly a glorious escape in other words, but we'll do enough. Tonight I'm going to watch Fulham vs Reading because it's on my way home (sort of), I've been given a press ticket by a friend (no I'm not a journalist!). I'll let you know if Reading deserve their current league table position. THE COBBLERS MUST WIN TONIGHT!!
Orbital Ganja at 16:28:4 Tuesday February 23 99
Am I talking to myself
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:27:5 Tuesday February 23 99
Any way back to sanity, tonights game is the start of a run of three at home and it is crucial that we at least get 7 points from them. We must start finishing sides off and hopeful tonight with the introduction of Howard we might actual score a few goals.
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:21:15 Tuesday February 23 99
Would it make a good stadium
Anon at 16:20:32 Tuesday February 23 99
Marconi Puddings are the best, har har har , bet you've never heard that one before. Marconi's building at Chelmsford is really nice - would make a good residential conversion.
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:7:25 Tuesday February 23 99
I am not the only in the world
Marconi Cobbler at 15:52:20 Tuesday February 23 99
Carl
Marconi Communications in Nottingham
ORBITAL Ganja at 14:59:23 Tuesday February 23 99
or will I be the only one at Sixfields tonight
ORBITAL Ganja at 14:58:10 Tuesday February 23 99
Is anybody out there
ORBITAL Ganja at 14:29:28 Tuesday February 23 99
After saturdays win tonight is a big night against promotion chasing Walsall and we should really get behind the lads. To see that we get another three points in our quest for surivial.
This season are best run has been back to back wins and i can see us going on a run which SHOULD bring us survival.
Phil Baron at 14:6:51 Tuesday February 23 99
To the chronic sportsdesk try getting your storys printed in the fiction section in the library!!!!
Carl at 13:51:32 Tuesday February 23 99
Marconi Cobbler, which Marconi do you work for?
Marconi Cobbler at 13:31:44 Tuesday February 23 99
Some cobblers news I've just heard from my brother back in MK. They have just signed a new striker/midfielder his name is Steve Howard, 6 foot 2 and 22 years old , He will cost £120,000 eventually if he scores a number of goals and a number of apperances. He should make his debut today. We could do with a few more goals!!
David Nikel at 13:27:2 Tuesday February 23 99
Sorry for using this page to promote my site but if there's anyone interested in local football, especially the NORTHANTS COMBINATION, then please visit http://www.freeyellow.com/members6/whfc/
Ralph at 13:23:11 Tuesday February 23 99
Does anyone know the availability of players for tonights game. Roy, Gibb, Hill, Seal, Wilkinson et. al. Dare I say it but the squad is taking on Barry Fry proportions.
One Thankyou at 12:40:54 Tuesday February 23 99
Thanks two answers, I suspect IA won't be going anywhere for a while then.
The Exel Cobbler at 12:30:27 Tuesday February 23 99
Andy Roberts..... Probably The Worst Journalist In The World!!!!
Ray at 11:1:14 Tuesday February 23 99
Phil: I'd be more impressed if the Chronic returned my emails and phone calls - but I suspect they are more interested in printing rubbish rather than the truth.
SBJ at 9:55:3 Tuesday February 23 99
Good to see the happy comments on here again. What a smashing thing a win is when you're a team in our position! There was a point briefly when there looked to be only five relegation candidates (us being the highest placed), but now it looks a bit more promising; especially as the rest of Saturday's results made it look like we're one of the stronger in the last eight. 'Sport First' gave us a positive write-up too, which is encouraging - if we looked good to that newspaper we must have been OK. Hi to Wimbledon Cobbler: I could be known as South Wimbledon Cobbler (closest tube) - my Centenary shirt occasionally makes it down to Savacentre and The Alexandra pub by Wimbledon hill; the scarf is an almost constant companion. There's also a Cobblers sympathiser in my flat (a West Ham fan from Nene) but he keeps that to himself. And whatever happened to Fulham Cobbler?
Dan at 9:50:2 Tuesday February 23 99
I agree with Ray.
Not impressed by the site Ben.
Ray at 9:31:28 Tuesday February 23 99
I've told you before Ben - I do not go to any sites that as soon as I connect start downloading information from my C: drive and I would highly recommend anyone else does not do the same. This is a severe security breech and strongly suggest that if you wish to run a site you find somewhere else to host it.
Phil Baron at 9:29:5 Tuesday February 23 99
More crap from the Chron? why buy such a joke paper I suppose you could always wipe your %&*£ with it as its used to seeing crap on its pages!!! ps Hello to the Sports desk boys zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Anon at 22:40:12 Monday February 22 99
lovely soft filly
Angry at 22:38:18 Monday February 22 99
My Team for Tuesday v Walsall: (4-3-3) Turley, Warner, Frain, Sammo, Hope, Savage, Hunter, Howard, Corazzin, Freestone, Parrish. Subs: Howey, Seal, Peer.
Two answers at 21:10:55 Monday February 22 99
From the Woodman deal and 2 years.
Two Questions at 21:10:11 Monday February 22 99
Where is this money coming from and how long does Ian Atkins contract have left, Thankyou.
Ralph at 20:21:14 Monday February 22 99
Even if we have signed Howard I still stand by my previous team selection with Howard on the bench 'cos he's a bit leggy and not yet match fit.
ben (im not going away) at 20:11:37 Monday February 22 99
ooops i mispelled that address.... he he.. blush... how embarassing anyway for those of you who im sure are desperate to go visit it SHOULD be
http://members.tripod.com/~sturgess/ntfc/
ben (again) at 20:9:35 Monday February 22 99
by the way go to my site, make it as succesful as ray's (im being REALLY cheap advertising on ray's site.........) http:\\members.tripod.com/~sturgess/ntfc/
ben sturgess at 20:6:25 Monday February 22 99
so who is this howard bloke then, did atkins just buy him cos he couldnt get torpey? i mean he is the eighth striker now, do we REALLY need him that is the big question. We've been saying it on this site all season, no combination of strikers can make up for the fact that the midfield are not providing the service (mainly because long balls sent in from the back completely bypass them) and if atkins really does read whats written here like he claims to then he would have poicked up on that allready.
Graham Rix at 19:53:5 Monday February 22 99
Oi, Noticed that Wilkinson bloke got a goal as an overaged player for the youth team the other day - I thought I was the only one who scored with kids
Norwich Cobbler at 19:48:50 Monday February 22 99
Just read through the recent postings and its amazing what a difference a win makes.All of a sudden everyone is upbeat and full of belief that we're going to survive -of course we are we're the mighty
Claret & White!
How many strikers are there now at the club - 8 I think including Morrow & Howard -we don't need a midfield -play 5 strikers & 5 centre halves and we're sorted!
Next two games are crucial if we're to capitalise on Saturdays win -I'd be happy with 4 points -6 would be the dog's wotsits!
COME ON YOU COBBLERS!The tide has turned.Can we still make the playoffs?(I'm not getting carried away am I?)
Sid at 19:13:30 Monday February 22 99
Yeah, the deal is about £120,000 (90k + 30k for appearances) but Atkins said it was around 75k on Saturday. Teletext have just put this up today, but if you look back to my comment (on Friday 19 February 13:41) you will see that i have already pointed that this was the sum................ god I'm good........!!!!!! LOL
Wimbledon Cobbler at 18:9:51 Monday February 22 99
Apparently Steven Howard has joined us from Hartlepool in a deal which, according to my spies at PA, "could be worth" £120,000. Seems a lot of dosh to me - hope he's worth it. Apparently he's "set" to make his debut against Walsall so we can check him out then. And, if he's built like a brick outhouse (according to 'Ben' at 15:38) at least we'll have some decent aerial threat at last (if IA is insistent on playing us out trouble with the old route 1 method...)PS: Who's place will he take? Gotta be Chris Lee's
Ralph at 17:37:17 Monday February 22 99
Team for tomorrow?: Francis, Gibb, Hill, Hughes, Spedding; Matthew, Hunter, Hunt; Seal, Wilkinson, Freestone.
Northampton Gas at 17:26:17 Monday February 22 99
Is there a match at Sixfields tonight? I have a free night and am interesterd in seeing a good game of football.
Tim at 17:18:35 Monday February 22 99
What has happened to Freestone? He was excellent against us last season.
hartwell cobbler at 16:54:5 Monday February 22 99
For those who are asking, the Wrexham rearranged home game is on Tuesday (today) week, 2 March, 7.45pm KO...unless it's re-re-rearranged!! Incidentally, while not wanting to totally destablise the club, does the fact that Corazzin's unsettled and Hill was not even in the squad on Saturday have any relevance to anything ??
Wimbledon Cobbler at 16:51:21 Monday February 22 99
Just logging on for the first time in a few days and reading the back mail, I notice there's actually another exiled Cobbler (SBJ) living in Wimbledon. Small world or what! So why haven't I spotted another Cobblers shirt in Sainsburys then?
By the way, all this slagging of the Chron is particularly interesting fare for yours truly as I used to cover the Cobblers for the C&E is Barnwell's day and so know Mr Andy Roberts well. There, how to become unpopular at a stroke...
PS: Well done on Saturday Carlo and the lads. Now let's stuff Walsall tomorrow.
Ralph at 16:22:54 Monday February 22 99
Oh and by the way the Chron leads with another non-destabilising story on its back page, 'CARLO IS NOT FOR SALE'.
Ralph at 16:19:56 Monday February 22 99
Well it's my belief you don't change a winning team. Does anyone know where Seal and Hill were on Saturday?
Ben at 15:38:49 Monday February 22 99
Re: Steve Howard. He's improved immensely for us this season. If you want to play the long ball game, he'll make his presence felt (6'2 and 14 stone!) but is equally happy linking things up on the deck as part of a passing team. At 22, he has huge potential, particularly if he could find another yard of pace. He won us a penalty on Saturday, won every ball that was lobbed in his direction, and, if his teammates had looked up and squared the ball instead of pulling the trigger, would have had a couple of goals. We're heading towards the Conference if he goes.
The Exel Cobbler at 14:47:48 Monday February 22 99
Amanda,I quite agree that we would never have scored had we not got the penalty on saturday, but its the sort of 'luck' that Mr Atkins has been harping on about since the end of August. Mid-table here we come!!!!
Bolton Cobbler at 14:23:16 Monday February 22 99
No we wouldn't have won without the penalty, as Chris Lee couldn't hit a barn door with a free header. Please put in any striker except him please Atkins. Except maybe Wilko. Why not give Kev Wilson a runout on Tuesday night?! Am I the only person who thinks John Frain was superb on Saturday, I thought he had his best game in ages. Micheal Warner is the most talented player at the club and should play every game until the end of the season on Saturdays evidence. I also thought our midfield played the best I've seen for ages. Let's hammer the Walsall Tomorrow night. COME ON!!!!
Notsodepressed Man at 13:44:32 Monday February 22 99
Itake it all back, cobblers to survive in div 2 by one place and get relegated next season in a complete mirror of ten years ago.
Why bother with a name? at 12:51:22 Monday February 22 99
This urgent enough for you Carl? Yeah, we've got Wrexham Tue 2 March at home.
Bill at 12:50:57 Monday February 22 99
Sorry Ray, I just felt that I wasn't worthy! Seriously, I really haven't planned things well with my site, and I only go online at weekends (apart from at school) but I will put a link there as soon as I can. Oh, and the site address should have had a "www" at the beginning. B****r.
Amanda at 12:20:22 Monday February 22 99
Actually neva mind, who cares how we scored. Ne1 whos goin tommorrow night will get a surprise when they c the mascot (not clarence)! its worth goin just for that!
Amanda at 12:16:46 Monday February 22 99
Yeah but would we have won without the penalty???
Ray at 12:14:0 Monday February 22 99
Nod: Could you explain what you meant please.
Carl at 11:57:41 Monday February 22 99
Have we got a home game a week tomorrow against Wrexham??? An urgent response would help me to book time off work. Cheers.
i'm a fire starter at 11:7:35 Monday February 22 99
I am a Walsall fan and I am going to the game I am a old sad git who is drunk I will set fire to your rubbish ground then you will have to get a new ground with what funds also we will beat you 10-0 if Turley makes some saves. I will be sitting on the hill (Colin Hill)
i'm a fire starter at 11:7:12 Monday February 22 99
I am a Walsall fan and I am going to the game I am a old sad git who is drunk I will set fire to your rubbish ground then you will have to get a new ground with what funds also we will beat you 10-0 if Turley makes some saves. I am sitting on the hill (Colin Hill)
fulham cobbler at 11:7:2 Monday February 22 99
could someone tell me what the date for the wrexham game is ?
Nod at 10:42:6 Monday February 22 99
Ray, any chance of providing an 'advert' spot for the bus info somewhere permanant?
Jacks at 10:39:13 Monday February 22 99
WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo I KNEW it - !!! 0-1 !! fantastic, well done lads. It will be 2-1 to us tomorrow night see ya all there - must write my lecture now......phew....
Busman@County Council at 10:39:8 Monday February 22 99
Good News!! Your caring County Council has bowed to pressure from Cobblers fans (and others) and is using the new Rural Bus Grant to provide an evening service from Sixfields to Earls Barton, Wilby, Wellingborough, Little Irchester, Irchester, Rushden and Higham Ferrers. The bus will leave Sixfields at 10.30 (allowing time for a post-match pint), call at Greyfriars at 10.40 and head east. This bus will run Mondays to Saturdays inclusive, so it's ideal for evening games or trips to the cinema or to town - isn't that brilliant?
The Exel Cobbler at 9:28:53 Monday February 22 99
I went, We scored, We won. And no-one here at Exel has said anything. Funny how in the last few weeks people have stopped by to take the piss, but today.... well not a peep.
Ray at 21:27:21 Sunday February 21 99
OK - I found it but Im not gonna give out the address as you didnt even give Cobblers Comments a link!
Ray at 21:25:16 Sunday February 21 99
I'd dearly love to visit your site Bill - but you need to give the right address.
Angry at 20:31:21 Sunday February 21 99
Just read on Teletext that Hartlepool have accepted an improved offer for Steve Howard - I've spoken to a Hartlepool fan who says he's crap on the floor (can pass and thats' about it) but if you sling a good cross in then he will usually test the keeper. I still have my doubts, but we're in the shit so bad anything could help.
Angry at 20:22:47 Sunday February 21 99
Hey hey everyone - visit Bill's web pages - go on, you know you want to. Anyway, I might join the Eddie McGoldrick Society.
Kev at 20:14:5 Sunday February 21 99
Told you so!(see friday 16.50 my prediction of the result)I new the lads could do it and come away with all the spoils, what i was surprised about was where was seal? no sight or sound of him? anybody got a clue? Warner had a great game and Turly made a great save I`ll forgive you for that cock-up last week, just don`t do it again!
OK then my prediction for tuesdays game ? this will a great game and bring back memories of their last visit when we did the double,
carlo and freestone up front ? what I hear you say am i mad?
YEP! and wilkinson backing him up ! and the score will be ?
2-1 to the lads,
should be full house so dont miss it! if you do i`ll give a report if i have time when i get home after the match, and how right i have been with my predictions, and let`s see what your predictions will look like
p.s we will stay!
Bill at 19:38:27 Sunday February 21 99
But will anyone visit it?? Oh, thought not.
Bill at 19:37:49 Sunday February 21 99
Yes!!! My website is online!! Thanks Angry Cobbler!! Yes!! Wohoo!! Alright!! LOL! LMAO! http://tbillington.freeserve.co.uk/cobblers!!! Thankyou!!
John Mcrirrick at 18:21:25 Sunday February 21 99
I'm going,see you all on Tuesday night.
John Mcrirrick at 17:42:10 Sunday February 21 99
Oooh Anon, you are nasty, you've hurt my feelings. Your'e obviously not constipated, infact the shit is well and truly flowing. Hey your a funny guy.
Anon at 17:38:50 Sunday February 21 99
poo
Amanda at 17:38:0 Sunday February 21 99
We actually won!!!! Did anyone who went think we would have won if we didn't have a penalty?
Ian Atkins' mum at 17:36:23 Sunday February 21 99
Are you coming home for tea tomorrow bunny-kins?
Amanda at 17:35:46 Sunday February 21 99
Phil a..*LMAO* means Laughing My Arse Off.
NS at 17:32:32 Sunday February 21 99
I've heard the reserves are playing tomorrow. Any info?
nick slater at 17:29:18 Sunday February 21 99
Ian Atkins is Clarence!
Anon at 17:25:19 Sunday February 21 99
John M: sarcasm is the lowest form of wit and if wit was shit you'd be constipated!
John Mcrirrick at 17:19:28 Sunday February 21 99
Anon, your'e a bit too sharp for me, ouch, can I come round for some spelling lessons
Luton Cobbler at 17:13:8 Sunday February 21 99
Very quiet here today. Where is everybody? Or have the "Thought Police" rounded you all up and just not got down the M1 yet?
seymore at 16:39:25 Sunday February 21 99
Oooh. There's a bit of a cat fight going on between Anon and John Mcrirrick. Scrap!Scrap!Scrap!
Anon at 16:35:54 Sunday February 21 99
John M. I am Ian Atkins and I do think our recent bad form is your fault. ps BASTARD has only got one 'R'.
John Mcrirrick at 16:33:6 Sunday February 21 99
Message to anon, are you Ian Atkins in disguise. I thought I'd leave a message giving him another excuse for our league position. It'll probably be in the Chron & Echo tommorow that it's all my fault, "we can turn this season around and make the play offs, all it takes is for John Mcrirrick to stop attending games, it's got nothing to do with incompetance and shit team selection and an ego the size of the grand canyon, it's all John Mcrirricks fault, and that barstard yellow ball"
seymore butts at 15:38:8 Sunday February 21 99
This is a message to 'Mickey Warner Supporter'. You are correct, it is about time Warner got his chance. Let's just hope he keeps his place and Ian 'I don't make good decisions' Atkins doesn't ignore his talent.
Anon at 15:34:55 Sunday February 21 99
John M: if you think that, why do you bother going? Do you seriously want to see Town playing R&D next season? Why not ask your boss to give you more work on saturday afternoons!
Mickey Warner supporter at 15:32:59 Sunday February 21 99
Well done Mickey. It is about time you got your chance. All the best for Tuesday
John Mcrirrick at 15:29:13 Sunday February 21 99
Rejoice, Rejoice, three points at last. Another strange team selection though, musical chairs in the dressing room. Can't he try and keep a settled team and develop some continuity and confidence. IA says that he picks his 11 depending on who we are playing and how they play, shouldn't we just concentrate on ourselves, develop and system and style of play that suits us and let the opposition worry about us. Incidentally I am afraid I have worked out that my attendance is a bad omen on our performance. I have attended almost all games this season but work has kept me away from a few, namely Chesterfield at home, Gillingham and Burnley away, I was all ready for the trip to Oldham yesterday when I found a problem at work, have to cancel and hey presto 3 points. I am seriosly concerned !!!!!!!!
Anon at 14:34:48 Sunday February 21 99
What's with you lot? This isn't the Michael Warner fan club you know. (Although I do agree - he is a pretty talented chap!)
nobby at 14:33:14 Sunday February 21 99
*R* - I agree. Warner is an asset to the team, but who cares about the reserves?!
*R* at 14:27:9 Sunday February 21 99
A goal, a goal, a beautiful goal. What a win! Who cares that it was penalty that won us yesterday's game - it was a goal! Keep up the good work lads. And by the way,Atkins would be a fool if he didn't keep Warner in the winning side, although the reserves are missing him.
A fan of MW at 14:23:7 Sunday February 21 99
WARNER!WARNER!
The Angry Cobbler at 14:20:27 Sunday February 21 99
Ok then, the results of my Atkins Out quizlet: Out of a whole 26 respondents, 58% said "Yes", 23% said "Maybe", 15% said "I'd give him more time to sort it out" and 4% said "No". This week, my quizlet will ask "Who should play upfront?" - Vote now! http://olympia.fortunecity.com/norman/410
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:53:40 Sunday February 21 99
At last ! A goal (albeit a penalty) and three points! Sounds like Warner had another good game, even though I think he'd be more influential in midfield in due course. Chris Lee somehow doesn't seem to be fulfilling his early promise. He seems to be having difficulty taking the step up from reserve to first team football. Savage, once again, pivotal. He's a real prospect. When Damian Matthew, Hunt and Hunter are all fully fit we have enough midfield talent to go 4-4-2 or even 3-4-3 and play a far more fluid game. If we can do that, I'm sure Corazzin will start scoring outfield goals again, and with more midfield support we'll probably get some goals from them as well. Let's hope Sat's result isn't a flash in the pan and that we can build on the win in the next two crucial home games. They'll both be hard, but if we can get four points from them we'll be doing very well. I just hope we don't remain negative at home and as a consequence fall away again. We must drop the five at the back at Sixfields attack the opposition more. It looks, all of a sudden, as though, about seven teams could be in the relegation dogfight - and that now includes Oldham and Burnley (who look decidedly dodgy).
Sid at 13:41:13 Sunday February 21 99
If anyone wants to hear parts of the interview with Ian Atkins on BBC Radio Northampton yesterday, please go to http://members.xoom.com/cobblers and go to Sound Clips.
Bill at 12:54:19 Sunday February 21 99
Thanks everyone - I've always wondered what LOL meant! I must say I was very surprised that we won yesterday - but not surprised that it was from a penalty, though. I've tracked down Tony Witter - he got sent off for Scunthorpe last weekend. Re. E mail adresses, my address (cobbler_bill@hotmail.com) is completely genuine. Honest it is! Next weekend my website will hopefully be online with the help (hint hint) of the Angry Cobbler. Visit http://www.tbillington.freeserve.co.uk/cfiles next weekend and PLEASE DON'T LAUGH!
Rod Stewart at 12:35:44 Sunday February 21 99
To the tune of "Sailing"
We are Cobblers,
We are Cobblers,
Super Cobblers,
From the Town,
We Cobblers,
Always Cobblers
and we AINT going down,
said we ent going said we ent going down ad infinitum.....
Statto at 23:54:5 Saturday February 20 99
hust like to point out that Corazzin's goal at Macclesfield was not a penalty despite the post by the Angry Cobbler - although he did hit it from about the penalty spot
From the Cobbler's Last at 23:22:55 Saturday February 20 99
Some news for the ex-pat Cobblers. Good win at Oldham today. We deserved the points and should have scored more than the one. Lee managed to miss a super chance, actually created in open play - he headed over from five yards out with just the keeper to beat. Why did he jump in the air and still head upwards. I wasn't impressed with him but I rarely am!
Warner played well again and so too did Corrazin. Savage was in the thick of it and Parrish was better. Turley made a superb save to keep the points - all is forgiven for last week's mistake. It was the only time Oldham looked like scoring. They were not up to much and their fans shiould be worried. They could be down there at the end of the season, despite their good run recently. We still need to get the midfield involved more and get the ball to the forwards How about Warner and Gibb (when he is fit) attacking on the right flank - it would get Gibb forward more often and both of them could cover each other when they attack. Warner is looking better than Gibb at the moment.He defended well today and got in some good forward runs. Bring on Wallsall, Millwall and Wrexham - lets get the points now and not wait until the last games of the season.
Ray at 23:2:43 Saturday February 20 99
Trot along to IRC to #cobblers - theres a party going on!
Millwall at 22:17:39 Saturday February 20 99
See ya soon boys.
The Angry Cobbler at 22:3:42 Saturday February 20 99
I hope this isn't a false dawn - we got a 1-0 win at Macclesfield (same scorer, penalty in the first half) then it went pearshaped again. Anyway, I hope we can keep it going and get a result against Walsall. My team for the game is: (5-3-2) Turley, Warner, Spedding, Sammo, Hill, Howey, Hunter, Savage, Corazzin, Lee(apparently he was good today), Peer. Subs: Frain, Parrish, Freestone. Prediction: 2-2 with Carlo and Howey grabbing a brace.
Sid at 21:59:26 Saturday February 20 99
Okay, i am in the Chat Room now. Is everyone on the piss or something?? Well, not many peeps about. come to http://members.xoom.com/cobblers
Norwich Cobbler at 21:31:58 Saturday February 20 99
Brilliant!
Almost makes up for the Gillingham defeat -true supporters keep the faith!Lets just make sure we can capitalise on this victory by cheering the lads on against Walsall -an atmosphere like Bristol Rovers would frighten them to death.From the Soccerline report it sounded like Lee & Corrazin missed a hatful of chances -will someone please score during open play -hopefully a hat trick starting on Tuesday! - Well done the lads now just keep it going!
nb nn at 21:5:33 Saturday February 20 99
test
Las Vegas Cobbler at 18:33:50 Saturday February 20 99
Great result - well done the lads!! Most other results went our way today as well with the notable exception of Lincoln. Difficult games coming up but hopefully breaking our goals duck (even if it was from the penalty spot) and obtaining our first win for donkies will engender some confidence in the team. Please post spectator accounts as soon as possible for us long distant diehard supporters. Thanks in anticipation....
Luton Cobbler at 17:54:31 Saturday February 20 99
At last!!! Better not say anything else. Really don't need libel action against me at he momment.
COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 17:43:13 Saturday February 20 99
I knew there was a reason I couldn't sleep its 3.45 am here at the moment.Well done the lads at last!!
Sid at 16:54:51 Saturday February 20 99
Just finished, Oldham 0-1 COBBLERS
YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3 POINTS!!!!!
I dont believe it!!
Ian at 16:6:29 Saturday February 20 99
Team is all change once again: Turley, Warner, Frain, Sampson, Howey,
Hope, Peer, Savage, Lee, Corazzin, Parrish, Subs: Hunt, Freestone, Spedding. Incidentally, Heggs is the second name on the Diremonds teamsheet, is he really playing full/wing back?
Sid at 16:6:20 Saturday February 20 99
Yep, into the second half, stil 0-1 to Town. Savage had a shot saved towards the end of the first half. Keeper got a hand to Corazzin's penalty and Turley made a save in injury time in the first half.
hotel ender at 15:50:13 Saturday February 20 99
I suppose it had to be a penalty - it would never be from open play!!!
Sid at 15:12:5 Saturday February 20 99
errrrrrrrrr............. Yes, i think we are actually in the Lead (unless BBBC Northampton are lying!) Corazzin has scored a penalty after Garnett handballed for Oldham. Oldham 0-1 Cobblers
Sid at 15:10:55 Saturday February 20 99
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE SCORED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sid at 13:46:39 Saturday February 20 99
Okay then, we are definitely looking for 3 points ("What are they?? a conversion in rugby??" I hear you ask) no, well it is, but thats not the point. We NEED to win today, and some good transfer talk this week would have motivated some players to do better. It will be tight, as Oldham are lately on form, despite their setback to Macclesfield last week. Should be a good day though.........
BB at 13:28:21 Saturday February 20 99
Best of luck to the lads this afternoon but I can`t se them scoring many goals when the midfield and defence play so deep. Last saturday Seal and Carlo were having to come back to the half way line to collect the ball, even the Gillingham manager commented on how deep we played, and we were the HOME team. I think Seal and Freestone should play up front and stay up front, with Carlo playing just behind them (Wilko`s useless and needs dumping anyway) cause he holds the ball well, Varty looked really good on Monday hope he signs.
Why doesn`t anyone come up late at the back of the area like Ray used to for corners and set pieces even that was worth 4 or 5 goals a seaon.
One more thing I think they need to get they`re act together with throw ins and get the ball back in play immediately specially when we`re attacking, so many times no-one seems to want to take or receive throw ins
Ralph at 11:1:7 Saturday February 20 99
Damn can't make the game today - crisis at work so it looks like Radio Northampton for me. Good luck lads. For those going give them your best and let's pray that we will turn the corner. It's backs to the wall stuff now.
Bill at 10:56:4 Saturday February 20 99
Mr Posh your days are numbered..... BTW, we know that we're s**t, why would we be moaning about IA if we didn't?
Kevin Simons at 10:33:14 Saturday February 20 99
ray, please delete the first two - modem problem.
Kevin Simons at 10:31:55 Saturday February 20 99
I thought I'd heard everything in the excuses department, but last night's Chron revelation that the slump in form is according to Atkins down to the "yellow fizzing ball" caps the lot. His programme notes from last Saturday were insulting: "many of you four seasons ago would have settled for a mid table 3rd Division side now". Oh really? And to all those who hark on about his past glories and bemoan the absence of an obvious successor, look no further than Roy McFarland who has a proven track record and has turned one of the poorest, worst supported teams into probably the best footballing side in the 3rd Division and a very good youth policy to boot. I think I'm right in saying that if we go down it will be the third time in the last twenty odd years that we'll have been replaced by Boro or Cambridge. We don't need a boycott, the fans are voting with their feet - take away the 1300 Gills fans and there'd only have been 4500 there. And who's this prolific Steve Howard? 6 goals in 43 league games last season and 4 in 27 this. Obviously being brought in so that Wilkinson's record doesn't look so bad.
Kevin Simons at 10:31:21 Saturday February 20 99
I thought I'd heard everything in the excuses department, but last night's Chron revelation that the slump in form is according to Atkins down to the "yellow fizzing ball" caps the lot. His programme notes from last Saturday were insulting: "many of you four seasons ago would have settled for a mid table 3rd Division side now". Oh really? And to all those who hark on about his past glories and bemoan the absence of an obvious successor, look no further than Roy McFarland who has a proven track record and has turned one of the poorest, worst supported teams into probably the best footballing side in the 3rd Division and a very good youth policy to boot. I think I'm right in saying that if we go down it will be the third time in the last twenty odd years that we'll have been replaced by Boro or Cambridge. We don't need a boycott, the fans are voting with their feet - take away the 1300 Gills fans and there'd only have been 4500 there. And who's this prolific Steve Howard? 6 goals in 43 league games last season and 4 in 27 this. Obviously being brought in so that Wilkinson's record doesn't look so bad.l
Kevin Simons at 10:16:38 Saturday February 20 99
I thought I'd heard everything in the excuses department, but last night's Chron revelation that the slump in form is according to Atkins down to the "yellow fizzing ball" caps the lot. His programme notes from last Saturday were insulting: "many of you four seasons ago would have settled for a mid table 3rd Division side now". Oh really? And to all those who hark on about his past glories and bemoan the absence of an obvious successor, look no further than Roy McFarland who has a proven track record and has turned one of the poorest, worst supported teams into probably the best footballing side in the 3rd Division and a very good youth policy to boot. I think I'm right in saying that if we go down it will be the third time in the last twenty odd years that we'll have been replaced by Boro or Cambridge. We don't need a boycott, the fans are voting with their feet - take away the 1300 Gills fans and there'd only have been 4500 there. And who's this prolific Steve Howard? I can't even find his goalscoring record.
Kevin Simons at 10:12:11 Saturday February 20 99
I thought I'd heard everything in the excuses department, but last night's Chron revelation that the slump in form is according to Atkins down to the "yellow fizzing ball" caps the lot. His programme notes from last Saturday were insulting: "many of you four seasons ago would have settled for a mid table 3rd Division side now". Oh really? And to all those who hark on about his past glories and bemoan the absence of an obvious successor, look no further than Roy McFarland who has a proven track record and has turned one of the poorest, worst supported teams into probably the best footballing side in the 3rd Division and a very good youth policy to boot. I think I'm right in saying that if we go down it will be the third time in the last twenty odd years that we'll have been replaced by Boro or Cambridge. We don't need a boycott, the fans are voting with their feet - take away the 1300 Gills fans and there'd only have been 4500 there. And who's this prolific Steve Howard? I can't even find his goalscoring record.
Steve at 9:54:5 Saturday February 20 99
Listening to radio 5 late last night, and all of a sudden they started comparing Keegan & Atkins, who, apparently, despite their differing fortunes this season, are two very similar managers, without a doubt the two most passionate managers in the second division. (Football wise I guess) Couldn't work out why they were discussing Atko until half an hour later when Brian Hayes apologised for discussing the Fulham v Northampton game, when in fact, Fulham were playing Notts County. Very very strange.
Norwich Cobbler at 21:16:52 Friday February 19 99
Support the lads - 3 points and we are starting to turn the corner home wins against Wrexham & Millwall and we're out of trouble.
It can happen. Lets get behind them and MAKE it happen like we did against Bristol Rovers.
Ian -learn from that match -caution is no good goals win games 4-4-2
Seal & Carlo upfront - Warner,Hunter,Parrish & Hunt midfield
You know it makes sense -lets go for it
C-O-Double B -L-E-R-S Cobblers!
Terry Hawes at 20:7:42 Friday February 19 99
I believe it will go right down to the last match between the Cobblers and Burnley. I know Burnley are currently safe but I think they will hit a slump, they are overhyped as being a 'big club'.
They used to be and now they will go down, Oldham are also in trouble, I think right now it's Wycombe and Macclesfield that are destined to go down and I think Lincoln will as well leaving the Cobblers, Oldham, County and Burnley trying to avoid the drop...that said 'Get your butts in gear boys, I don't want to see Cheltenham next year or Diamonds!
Persephone at 18:31:53 Friday February 19 99
Thought for the weekend:
No trouble keeping cheery when life is like a song. A very different story when things just go all wrong. It's hard to smile - yet if you do, your clouded sky will turn to blue. Good luck Cobblers for Saturday.
Wilf at 17:50:12 Friday February 19 99
I sing myself to sleep, a song from the darkest hour. Secrets I can't keep inside of the day.
phil a at 17:22:48 Friday February 19 99
Wish I'd never bothered with the lol thing*LMAO*work that one out! My new "Duff Guide to the Cobblers" is now at Planet Cobblers (http://www.angelfire.com/co/bblers - I won't have to type that in every time as soon as Ray gives me a link (grovel).
KEV at 16:50:29 Friday February 19 99
OK.let`s talk cobblers, so any of you of true supporter`s going to see our belovered cobblers beat the latics (1-0)I predict this is going to be a hell of a game!I hope warner score`s our goal and collects man of the match, somehow I think he will walk away with player of the month for feb or even march, all this talk of a new striker is just to wind up seal and carlo, after all these two (on paper) should be the best stike force in our division, I know if we can survive and stay up, next season will be different and we won`t take anything for granted because no team has a god given right to stay in this division, I`ll be shouting hard, getting behind the lads and ecourage them on, because I don`t want to be watching 3rd division football (even it means playing against a Fat boring B####d and a s##t football team)so sing up lads! and get behind Atkin`s and the lads.
Ralph at 16:42:41 Friday February 19 99
Hartwell Dave is right it is the build up play that is letting the whole thing down. The strikers are not missing glaring opportunities Seal, Corrazin et. al. are not going to take every half chance if they did they wouldn't be here. It is interesting to see the difference between reserve play and first team play. The stiffs really knock it around and score goals. The catalyst for the reserves is Wilson. I really believe he ought to play for the first team, particularly as we are at crisis point, make no mstake about that. Wilson has the experience, heart and street-wise nouse to get us out of the hole. Wilson in midfield for seventy minutes, 2-0 up, take him off, defend a bit, score on the break, 3-0, three points, job done, simple. Cor this football manager lark is nearly as easy as the reporter lark. Wots all the fuss?
SBJ at 16:24:48 Friday February 19 99
24-hour shopping also solves that awful problem when you wake at 4.15a.m with an irrational craving for fennel (there must be a reason why they were hurrying to stock it up at that time last Friday in my Sainsbury's - obviously expected a run on the stuff). Predictions for the all-important lower-rungs clash at Sixfields: Turley to have a super game and make everyone forget the unfortunate mistake that led to Gillingham's goal. Frain to score our only goal, resurrecting Wembley memories (like the souvenir watercolours you can buy of 'the Frain free kick' in the Northampton tourist centre). Ian Atkins to nake everyone happy by saying afterwards "Pleased to get the three points under our belts; also thought the fans did us proud today as well". Some clod will hit the car at half-time and win the cash. All I hope is that we play well, play cleverly if possible, and win. 1-0 to us I think.
Jacks at 15:31:26 Friday February 19 99
...hmm your'e right about Cobblers players in Tesco's at Mereway - very handy after a match to pop into before whizzing off down the M1......Carlo was beaking in my basket once - think he had his eye on my Ben and Jerry's. NOT UNTIL YOU SCORE............. So Ray, when is Ian Atkins coming on-line? Also having trouble getting on the on-line shop..........prediction for tomorrow Oldham 0 Cobblers 1
The Exel Cobbler at 15:1:9 Friday February 19 99
I've just read that we have signed Lee Howey today for £50,000.
Ray at 14:54:59 Friday February 19 99
Good news on the shop opening hours - you can now do your shopping at any time as the "online shop" is now (finally) OPEN!!!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:30:35 Friday February 19 99
um...Ralph and others...looks like my choice of supermarket as an example of a consumer-driven business hit the wrong nerve-ends! Sorry if I offended every corner shop, every Indian restaurant, every specialist florist,etc. I wasn't suggesting they are particularly cuddly. I was just using them as an example of a business which listens to and responds to consumer demand. Unlike some football clubs, who pay scant attention to their customers. Regarding the signing of Steve Howard, he's in the same price bracket as Seal. Will he do any better ? Is he better than Carlo? I will be surprised, frankly, if he doesn't find life at the front here just as lonely, frustrating and unrewarding as have Seal, Corazzin, Lee, Clarke et al. It's not the front line that needs fixing. It's the build-up play behind them and lack of any decent service. So I don't expect a new forward to make much difference. Playing up front for the Cobblers is a job only suitable for loners. It should carry a health warning.
The Exel Cobbler at 14:10:50 Friday February 19 99
The Cobblers Club Shop could'nt be accused of ruining family life as it is only open when people are otherwise engaged eg when everyone is at work. Good luck to the lads tomorrow, hopefully Oldham fans won't be LOL at our attempts on goal!!!!
Anon at 14:7:56 Friday February 19 99
you lot all sound like the old gits
Ian at 14:3:57 Friday February 19 99
7pm to 8pm sporting starts are the norm in North America as well, with occasional slight variations to accomodate TV (usually earlier starts in the west to help TV in the east). Any difference in starts that you notice is because there are 5 time zones in North America and the west coast is three hours behind the east coast.
Sid at 13:41:2 Friday February 19 99
I have just been reliably informed that Northampton have offered Hartlepool £90,000 + £30,000 depending on appearances for thier striker Steve Howard. They said that it was likely to be accepted, but it looks as if its down to the player to decide on the move.
SBJ at 13:9:0 Friday February 19 99
Ray, I think your link to the Oldham site (from your fixtures list) is broken. Could be my PC of course. Here's quite a good Latics site as a distraction though: http://www.angelfire.com/mo/latics/
SBJ at 13:3:43 Friday February 19 99
Ray: service quality is supposed to be rising too, as customers can be more selective about where they go. Ticket offices for some football clubs (not ours) could remember that more often I think. Ralph: I can see your point from the family point of view. It's not like an evening footie match after all, where all the family can go and enjoy the activity. But, a friend of mine with a newborn baby finds it a Godsend, as do night workers, and me (no family btw) because I never seem to get any other opportunity to shop during the week. On a more footballing note (cos I suspect that we'll be harangued off the board for non-footie chat before long!) is there any actual reason why evening football matches have to kick off at the usual 7.30-8.30 sort of time? I'm not really thinking of league games here: I understand that the Japan / Korea world cup organisers were considering playing some matches involving Western hemisphere teams at times like 4a.m to satisfy Western TV audiences in other time zones. Some sports in the USA seem to be staged at late evening slots too (don't know about Major League Soccer though). Any mileage in that sort of idea?
Ralph at 12:37:49 Friday February 19 99
SBJ - On the subject of 24 hour opening. It's killing family life. Even married couples now lead a single parent existence thanks to cranky retail opening hours. As if opening longer is going to make us spend more money - sales are down so it ain't working. Don't buy the Chron and don't patronise late opening.
Ralph at 12:35:10 Friday February 19 99
I see Warren Donald and Irvin Gernon quite often usually at fabric softeners. I suppose you'll have to be shopping in Droitwich or The Bull Ring if you want to catch a glimpse of our current squad.
Ray at 12:24:6 Friday February 19 99
Tescos at Mere way is full of em after a match.
SBJ at 11:41:34 Friday February 19 99
You can also buy complete Man.Utd., Arsenal and Celtic kits in my local supermarket in Wimbledon, but not a Wimbledon kit. I think that says it all. At least they're open 24-hours a day on Fridays, which makes life easier. I wore my Cobblers shirt up there at 2a.m. once, and got into a good conversation with some other football fans about loyalty to small clubs. Has anyone ever bumped into a Cobblers star in the local supermarket? I once saw Trevor Morley in Rotherhithe Safeways, but that doesn't count for much.
Ray at 11:37:9 Friday February 19 99
Well that was almost restrained - good job I held myself in check else I'd have to go back and delete it - lol.
Ray at 11:36:3 Friday February 19 99
Don't talk to me about service. Why don't people understand thats its service that most people want - not saving the odd penny here and there. I expect the same sort of service from the people I deal with that I hope (or at least try) to give my customers - but in general the bigger they are the crappier they are. I've had two serious complaints I've made recently and even when you actually manage to talk to someone 99 times out of 100 they don't give a toss. What happened to pride in your work for God's sake? Rant over.....
Ralph at 11:14:41 Friday February 19 99
Hartwell Dave - Apparently Atkins was on Radio Northampton this morning saying the improved offer has been rejected and the player is not for sale. Don't mention supermarkets to me. They are proving to be the scurge of our society. Driving farmers to suicide; smaller shopkeepers cannot compete with their buying power; they will soon be so powerful as every other business will have gone bust they will charge what they like and their is evidence that they have already started. You can get your photos developed, get petrol, have dry cleaning done, bugger me if you can't now buy an Indian takeaway complete with little carrier bag. We have to put a stop to this now! Shop local - don't let the supermarkets win. If the Chron was any kind of paper it would run a story on this very topic and blow the whole gaff. I suspect they are more concerned with the potential loss of advertising revenue though. This reporting lark is a doddle. Ralph Mouth, for Ray's Roundabout, Mereway, Northampton.
SBJ at 9:4:58 Friday February 19 99
Ralph - re. the Hartlepool player: could it be Steve Howard, their chubby young forward? I saw him once at Orient; he can belt the ball goalwards nicely but otherwise didn't particularly shine.
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:1:31 Friday February 19 99
SBJ is right - Atkins must make up his mind. If he wants to go on playing the hoof and chase game we need a big man up front. But in the long run, if he really wants to see us progress, he's got to get the ball on the deck and play it to feet. The former is a short-term fix. The latter is the enlightened way ahead. You only have to look at the style being adopted by most of the more successful teams. Sure they have some steel at the back and you need that. But they play the ball out from the back, run it through midfield (instead of insanely kicking it over their heads all the time) and give the forwards passes they can run onto, control, turn and shoot. Pass and movement - that what football is all about. It's a simple game. It's managers and coaches that try to turn it into rocket science, worrying too much about the opposition, playing silly formations (like 5-3-2, putting all the emphasis on defence, hoping for a single goal then holding on to it like grim death, confusing players.... and worst of all, boring us spectators to death. The game can be fun, can be exciting. Indeed it should be - after all it's an entertainment. But played the way we're playing it is just unimaginative and sterile...and it's not even remotely successful. Most of the fans recognise this all too well. We are the ones who pay to watch it. I wonder how many of these dour managers would go to games if they were forced to watch this stuff week in week out ? No, it's about time clubs and managers like Atkins listened to their customers. If supermarkets insisted on giving us what they wanted not what we wanted, they would soon lose our custom. The casual fan is pretty soon going to walk away from the game if it's played in a negative, sterile, style. This is a throwback to the 80s ("one nil to the Arsenal"). Perhaps Atkins is forever tainted as a result of playing English league football in that era. BTW - Ralph - where did you get the news about the Torpey deal being off ?? (obviously not the Chronic, which was crowing about the likely signing last night!).
Ralph at 8:37:19 Friday February 19 99
I suppose lol should really stand for Little bit Of Luck. Something we could really do with at the moment.
Ralph at 8:35:52 Friday February 19 99
Torpey deal off - he's not for sale - We are turning our attentions to a 22 year-old lad at Hartlepool called Howarth. I know nuffink abaht 'im.
The Angry Cobbler at 0:24:53 Friday February 19 99
I presume Steve Torpey would be on first division wages if he signs for us (maybe he has a third division fetish???) which is the best way to bankrupt a club which isn't in the first division. IMHO we could do worse than try and get David Thompson on loan from Liverpool - getting him might convince Twatkins that we can play the ball on the floor after all. I bet if we do sign Torpey Bristol City will be laughing all the way to the bank. And I'd also bet on this being financed by one or more players leaving. Any thoughts anyone?
Amanda at 0:17:9 Friday February 19 99
LOL maens Lauging Out Loud. All of the chat pages use it.
Ther team looks as if they are all really happy with life at the mo don't they. They all put in 110% all the time, they get on really well with the staff, they can't stop scoring, there is a solid midfield, and yes i do have amnesia
Ray at 22:41:3 Thursday February 18 99
To save any arguement - LOL = laughs out loud.
Anon at 19:26:37 Thursday February 18 99
lol = lots of luck
Nod at 19:25:16 Thursday February 18 99
Johnny Payne was our secret weapon on a Sunday morning (whenever he didn't oversleep). Small but deadly he was a regular goal scorer in our promotion season, once we realised he wasn't a right back. (Maybe the Cobblers should try Clarkson at Centre Forward?). My favourite memory of Johnny, though, was on cricket tour in Worcestershire. He ran round the boundary at Long On to pull off a dramatic catch high to his right. However, the field was very small, on a hill and completely surrounded by barbed wire. His heroic catch ended up as a re-run of the Somme when he ended up disappearing bloodily from view as he went 'over the top'.
Ralph at 18:33:6 Thursday February 18 99
Whilst we are talking goalies, and this is not gossip nor is it an attempt at destabilisation but if you are watching Andy Roberts it is in fact a Scoop, Billy Turley got a parking ticket yesterday. How do I know? Well it was smack bang outside where I work. There you go this reporter lark is a doddle. Come and get me Fleet Street!
Ralph at 18:29:26 Thursday February 18 99
Regarding lol - Surely this is from the verb to lol or lolling. Do you remember getting moaned at by your Mum, God bless her, for lolling at the dinner table or lolling in the armchair? It's all about posture is it not?
Ralph at 18:26:58 Thursday February 18 99
Nod - The only view I ever recall of dear old Lol was of his bum as he bent over to pick the ball out of the back of the net. I remember a bloke called JP who played for The Lions, drinks at The Sunnyside.
SBJ at 18:13:50 Thursday February 18 99
I had an idea that lol might be a chap throwing his arms in the air in surprise or something similar. There was a guy called lol (surname Coxhill? Tolhurst?) who played bass for The Cure in the 80s, but I don't suppose everyone's suddenly decided to stick his name after every sentence they write. Perhaps the Chronic will write an article: "NTFC web site users are maliciously and libellously putting lol after everything they write . . "
Nod at 18:6:21 Thursday February 18 99
I'm not sure about this lol business either. There are two Lols of my aquaintance though; Lol#1 played near the goal for Houghton Lions and wore a bobble hat to keep his ears warm (do you remember him, Ralph?), Lol#2 was a Sealed Knotter of Lord Saye and Sele's Blue Regiment of Foote and used to drink at the Billy. Where are they now?
Exiled Brighton Cobbler at 17:49:25 Thursday February 18 99
I think lol means laughed out loud though I'm not too sure.I'm not familiar with this shorthand business you see......
SBJ at 17:30:53 Thursday February 18 99
Another version of Big Johnny Gayle, picked up for a peanuts fee or on loan (but not £250K), could be seen as a useful acquisition if Mr.Atkins is going to persist stubbornly with this Big Hoof tactic: in other words, if IA is going to carry on this tactic, then by all means bring in a big lad to punt the ball to. If goals by that means keep us in Div 2, then that's OK for a short-term solution. But if we're ever going to see long-term progress / consolidation on the pitch, we need to forget the Big Boys Up Front idea, and start playing tactics which utilise the skilful ball-to-feet players we already have. NB. I've given out my e-mail address in view of the comments posted yesterday, but I won't always bother because it takes a few precious seconds out of my life to do so. Add it all up and I'd probably spend about a day of my life typing in my e-mail address. What does lol mean by the way?
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:39:42 Thursday February 18 99
If Torpey is signed, half the cash will come from the sale of Woodie. I'm not getting very excited about the prospect because unless we can start giving our front men decent service, he's unlikely to score many goals. After all Corazzin's struggling -- and that is simply because the supply to him lacks any semblance of quality whatsoever. It's no co-incidence that forwards who leave this club regularly find the net for their new teams. What we really need is a manager who'll enable the existing players to play to their strengths and who is not afraid of adding flair players like Warner and Hunt to the team on a regular basis and casting aside the five at the back routine at home, which is costing us dearly in a goal drought and lost points. If he's "another Gayle" he's a very expensive purchase.
phil a at 16:34:54 Thursday February 18 99
Well I'm glad some of you got to see the Clarkson "Howard Jones" pic and others because I've decided to take many of the photos off after careful scrutiny of the copyright laws. Hopefully I will come up with some alternative visual treats. The nice one of Dave Bowen is still there though, that's so old no one knows who it belongs to! There are some amusingish bits still there so please all feel free to visit Planet Cobblers at http://www.angelfire.com/co/bblers
Ray, I hope you don't think I'm out of order "plugging" a "rival" site on Cobb Comms, I see our efforts and those of Sid/OzCobbler/Waloc etc as complimentary! For example, I don't think anyone else has my Clarence the Dragon exclusive (by definition).
And as for the Soccer Sites table, I was quite bemused myself - at one point the number of hits listed there was in danger of overtaking the number I had in total*lol*Never mind, I'm still in the top 10 today! Hope to see you there. PS There's a link to here, the official site and others on my links page, so you can always come home again if you feel sick!
Dodgy at 16:19:21 Thursday February 18 99
you wycombe, gillingham and ipswich all are crap.
super u's shite on you. barside bob rules the world.
Brum at 16:17:7 Thursday February 18 99
tony's gay!
The Exel Cobbler at 15:46:24 Thursday February 18 99
Is it me, or does Torpey sound just a tad like 'Super' John Gayle???
Ralph at 15:43:51 Thursday February 18 99
Rumours of Gibb and Warner courtesy of Ray's Digest. I watched Bristol City v QPR the other night and paid particular interest to Mr Torpey. He doesn't strike me as £225,000 worth of goal scoring hero worshippy stuff. He was big, not very quick, aggressive (got booked) and didn't score. That's all really, just my opinion.
Sid at 14:38:7 Thursday February 18 99
I disagree about Torpey. He is pretty mobile. But where did this rumour of Gibb and warner being sold come from??
Ralph at 14:1:54 Thursday February 18 99
Torpey or not Torpey? That is the question. Perhaps by selling Gibb and Warner we are raising cash for the deal. Well from what I have seen of Torpey he is another big, agressive striker that does not score his fair share of goals. Oh well back to the same old game plan then.
ben at 12:54:7 Thursday February 18 99
to the editor of the chron: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get rid of andy roberts, not only is he an imbecile but hes a crap (can i use that word???) sports writer...... its not us fans who are creating an "unsettled" atmos at sixfields it him, by thelling us that we dont have the right to express our opinions..... he does it, in the bloody paper each day and we have to put up with it cos there are no other papers where we can read whats going on at our beloved club..... Atkins asks us each week to get behind the club, and rightly so, but roberts the **** tells us we shouldnt say what we feel at all, thats just ****** up in my opinion! (btw: can you please ask MR Atkins to stop using the phrase "im confident of getting a good result on saturday" its starting to turn into a curse!)
The Exel Cobbler at 8:7:26 Thursday February 18 99
Ralph, you are right. No matter what anyone says about us or how bad the football is we all know that we will all still be there on saturday, and the saturday after that. Message to Mr Stonhill, DON'T LET WARNER GO!!!!!
Ray at 0:42:13 Thursday February 18 99
I dont think Andy Roberts goes.......... he makes up the reports from people talking in the pub after the game.
rosey at 0:11:59 Thursday February 18 99
testing. testing. testing
Angry at 23:48:49 Wednesday February 17 99
Can anyone tell me where Andy Roberts sits at Sixfields (if he goes?) - I want to punch him very very hard in his fat ugly face.
Me Again at 23:41:46 Wednesday February 17 99
I hope we don't sell two players to Diremonds. I could accept it (just) if we were going to get a fee of £2m or £3m for the players but knowing us we'll put the begging bowl out and take whatever small change Max Griggs has to offer. We could use £3m to make the North and South stands bigger and fill in the corners. We could then give the east stand to away scum. Oh yeah, vote NOW! http://olympia.fortunecity.com/norman/410
Ray at 23:35:23 Wednesday February 17 99
I still cant beleive that R&D have had 20000 more visitors than us..... don't worry - I'll probably prattle on about this for a day or two.
Angry Cobbler at 23:34:1 Wednesday February 17 99
It's at http://olympia.fortunecity.com/norman/410 Dave. Another centre half? I'm surprised we haven't looked to Birmingham - we could sign Gary Ablett - Admittedly he has a serious knee injury and can hardly walk but this means he will be viewed as an option upfront. Face it, he must be better than that f**king cripple Wilkinson (lol). To be honest, as long as we don't finish bottom and sell all of our players, backroom staff and mascot to Diremonds the season will have been salvaged. The only person here who I'd ship off to Nene Park doubletime is Ien Eetkens loik. Wo oi man, oiums frum Burmenghum.
Ray at 23:33:54 Wednesday February 17 99
Well, all that I know of - except the two new ones - are at http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ntfc/links.htm.
Dave at 23:23:34 Wednesday February 17 99
Iv'e just been to the cobblers site mentioned earlier on today to have a look , it seemed to take a long time to open is this the site ormy system/internet provider?, i guess if it's the site it will soon get faster,good picture!
Also i've been trying to access the angry cobbler's "should atkins go"quizlet, but when i go to that site it does not open ,anybody else been there? ,is it any good? is there a listing of all the cobblers related boath official and unofficial? perhaps somebody could post one here.
Ray at 23:16:31 Wednesday February 17 99
Dont worry Sid - Cobblers Comments has now returned to its rightful spot as the UK's most visited football site. btw - u now sneak in under the wire at number 100.
Hartwell Cobbler at 22:36:18 Wednesday February 17 99
If this rumour about Diremonds in the market for Warner and Gibb is true I would appeal to the directors not to let them go - especially not Warner. He is class. But, because Atkins has held him back so appalingly, he will probably be seen as a reserve player and fetch a derisory sum. Indeed it could be be the steal of the season. I do fear someone (if not Diremonds) will spot his potential, come in and take him away. From his point of view you can't blame him if it happens. It seems the only way he'll get on the pitch is in someone else's colours. I can understand and accept the arguments for selling Warburton and Heggs. Woodie wanted out after being dropped (without good reason, I believe) so there's little we could do about that. But Warner is a prize asset. Sooner (rather than later) I hope we will have a manager here who will exploit his obvious talents and play him as a regular first-teamer. Gibb - well, he's like the curate's egg, good in parts. He's quick and can take on and beat fullbacks -- but he must work on improving the quality and consistency of his crosses.Of the two, if we have to lose another player, I'd rather it was Gibb. Having said that we need wide men and someone with the ability to see options, move the ball freely and accurately. Warner and Gibb do meet these needs. If they go who will replace them ? According to the club, Atkins is looking at another central defender!!!! Does this mean he plans to go six at the back, with a centre-half-forward? Nothing (with the exception of a Cobblers goal or even a win) would surprise me at the moment.
matt t at 20:58:8 Wednesday February 17 99
sorry-
(and Kate Baker)
Matt Tremayne at 20:57:11 Wednesday February 17 99
Thanks for that WILL LAYTON. If you are a WILL LAYTON please email me so we could make friends.
Chris Hyam, are you really as boring as you sound? You are a disgrace to the borough of Northampton.
NORTHAMPTON ARE THE BEST.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW TWO TIER SOUTH STAND AS WELL.
MATT 4 NORTHAMPTON TOWN (nad Kate Baker)
Will at 20:51:31 Wednesday February 17 99
Does this work?
Will Layton at 20:46:6 Wednesday February 17 99
Hi to Chris Hyam, Matt Tremayne and Mark Harrison. I don't really care about Northampton Town but these guys are really cool by the sound of their comments. TO CHRIS HYAM: I am not a northerner and I suspect you are. I am actually a Kenyan living outside Norwich-so there.
TO CHRIS HYAM at 20:40:35 Wednesday February 17 99
WILL LAYTON IS NOT A NORTHENER. HE IS ACTUALLY A KENYAN LIVING OUTSIDE NORWICH.
Will Layton at 20:38:16 Wednesday February 17 99
A BIG SHOUT TO ALL AT NORTHAMPTON AND: CHRIS HYAM, MATTHEW TREMAYNE, ANDY WOODMAN AND MARK HARRISON WHO I AM SURE ARE GREAT GUYS BY THE SOUND OF THEIR COMMENTS. HI TO PHIL, RALPH, DAVE AND SID, AS WELL. I AM A NORWICH SUPPORTER AND PROUD TO BE SO.
Chris Hyam at 19:56:36 Wednesday February 17 99
I agree with MARK HARRISON and some Northener called WILL LAYTON. And
what they said at the middle is a complete lie. NORTH HAMPTON ARE RUBBISH.
Chris Hyam at 19:55:21 Wednesday February 17 99
I agree with MARK HARRISON and some Northener called WILL LAYTON and
what they said at the middle is a complete lie. NORTH HAMPTON ARE RUBBISH.
Sid at 19:19:45 Wednesday February 17 99
hey, Ray's site is being BEATEN by Phil Aguis' site by 2!! Unbelieveable! Ray has 29 hits and is 9th, Phil is 8th with 31! NOOOOOOOOO!!!! All the hard work on my site and i get a measly two.......... (goes to the corner and sobs!)
Sid at 19:11:39 Wednesday February 17 99
I hope people are not trying to stir up anything. Why would Gibb AND Warner want to go to the same club?? I think i will have to E-mail the club to see if this is true, or Ray will have to delete the message below.
Dave at 18:59:22 Wednesday February 17 99
Heared from a very good source today that Warner and Gibb are both about to have talks with Rushden, apparently a fee has been agreed between the two clubs.
Ralph at 17:59:14 Wednesday February 17 99
Well Exel managers come and go as do players and directors, it's only the fans that remain, unless you follow Man U; Chelsea; Liverpool; Arsenal etc. Surely we follow our club because we love our club and no matter what is said we will continue to follow our club. We are more aware of its shortcomings than anyone but we still love our club. See you at Oldham.
gnk at 17:51:57 Wednesday February 17 99
Phil A. I just checked out your website. A good start! Perhaps we could have a vote on whether the photo purporting to be of Ian Clarkson (Wembley 97)is actually 80's popster Howard Jones.
Phil Baron at 16:22:42 Wednesday February 17 99
Ray have you had a reply yet.......no neither have I just to show what the caring Chron is really all about?
Ray at 15:34:51 Wednesday February 17 99
If you believe that Rubbish & Dire Official Site has recieved over 90000 visitors - you'll believe anything.
phil a at 14:12:31 Wednesday February 17 99
Okay, it's time you were all allowed in. I've spent the last day or so knocking up a shoddy fanzine style Cobblers site that I would invite each and every one of you to have a look at. There are some lovely pictures (including one of Barry Fry) but for now you'll have to go back to the main page after each sub-page as I haven't sussed the links properly yet. I'm working on it! So to enter Planet Cobblers, just go to:
http://www.angelfire.com/co/bblers
Look forward to your visit!
The Exel Cobbler at 14:6:49 Wednesday February 17 99
I don't know about you guys, but I just can't see why we bother going to support the team when we are constantly slagged off by the Manager, the Board, the Players, the Chron, the Tea Lady etc etc. Yet there are 5-6000 of us who attend every home game and a core army of 6-700 of us who travel around the country and watch a poor excuse for a game of football. After what has happened on and off the pitch this season, have we not got a right to say how we feel. Well I say F*** the lot of them, let's just not bother going to Oldham on Saturday and boycott the next home game. Lets see just how far they can get without us.
Nod at 13:58:59 Wednesday February 17 99
No problem about giving my e-mail address, but is there some way I can operate my computer to fill it in automatically rather than laboriously type it out every time? That may sound a bit illiterate but the County Council can't afford for me to go on a course to learn these things...!
Ralph at 13:46:14 Wednesday February 17 99
Sounds totally hip to me Ray!
Ray at 13:39:6 Wednesday February 17 99
.... and I forgot to stress certain points. (a) Anything that is NOT of a libellous nature will NOT be traced - so carry on posting anonymously if you wish. (b) Information received will NOT be given to any third party - including the Club - so the "insiders" can carry on as before. I don't want to stop people posting or visiting - its just a weapon I felt we needed to combat some of the postings we have had in the recent past. What we don't want to develop is a "them" and "us" situation with NTFC and with the garbage being written in the local rag I thought I would need all the information I could get at my disposal to for the forthcoming counterattack. If anyone fervently disagrees (or agrees), I'm open to considered argument both for and against and am prepared to be swayed by public opinion.
Ray at 13:31:3 Wednesday February 17 99
Dont worry about the anonymity factor - I'm the only one with access to this information and I promise not to write more often than once an hour - lol!
Ralph at 13:8:48 Wednesday February 17 99
I think anonymity is an important factor. Whilst I am prepared to stand by and defend any of the comments I have made, and there have been quite a few, I do not want to be bombarded with junk e-mail. I enjoy the differing opinions and the way a single comment can create so much debate. So long may it continue Raymond. PS If you do not like what the Chron says or stands for don't buy it. You'll be surprised how much you can make an effect. Power to the People.
Derek Ibbotson at 13:0:45 Wednesday February 17 99
In reply to Phil Baron's comment regarding the Chron's attitude. It should be remembered the disgraceful way that employees at this establishment were treated a few years back. Without going into too much detail, staff that belonged to unions soon found themselves replaced by lower paid, lesser skilled individuals.
Ray at 11:38:50 Wednesday February 17 99
Personally I have no problems about people wishing to remain anonymous if that is their bag - however it is more polite to leave an email address so that i (or anyone else) can contact you to say how much they agree (or disagree) with what you have posted. Although the new system allows me to see who has posted this does not mean that people wishing to remain anonymous cannot do so - the information is purely provided to me for tracking down the libellous entries and will not be used for any other purpose. I'm sorry that its come down to this but the recent criticisms have really forced my hand but I won't even be looking at the addresses of the 99.99% of normal people.
Christopher Hyam, aged 11 at 11:21:24 Wednesday February 17 99
I disagree with the comment by Mark Harrison on 17/2/99 at 11:17 totally. I must oblige that my only visit to a football ground was that of Sixfields and it was a splendid and most inspiring piece of modern achitecture. My father also bought a kit and got all the autographs of the groundstaff. P.S The pies were delicious!!!!
MARK HARRISON at 11:17:42 Wednesday February 17 99
I think that Northampton Town are the worst team ever and the prices are way too high.
Andy Woodman at 11:14:50 Wednesday February 17 99
I WANT A PAYRISE
Matthew Tremayne at 11:13:52 Wednesday February 17 99
Northampton Town Football Club Copyright 1999 arE@ the best football strip, badge, stadium and players.My favourite player is Chris Freestone. Merry Christmas!!!
Phil Baron at 11:10:7 Wednesday February 17 99
Ray I think the chances of us getting a reply a nil because the people at the Chronic are a bunch of very ignorant and rude peoplewho hide behind the pretence of "being in the heart of the community" I think that they need a good look at themelves before they critisise others.
deliberately anon at 10:57:41 Wednesday February 17 99
I think the beauty of this guestbook is the anonymity. After all the stuff that gets on here is nothing compared to the rumours you get around Northampton. btw i keep hearing one about Ali Gibb and 1 million pounds.
Ray at 10:16:53 Wednesday February 17 99
I quite agree - however I deliberately stick with this particular guest book because (a) I think its the easiest one to use on the net and (b) erm..... There is no inbuilt check to confirm that a name and email address have been typed in however, steps are in hand to ensure that all IP addresses for people making postings are identified in a log file which should cut out a lot of the anonymous drivel and will ensure the culprits are positively identified.
The Oxford Cobbler at 10:4:39 Wednesday February 17 99
Ray, here is a suggestion to help weed those out who are ruining the chances of the true NTFC to discuss the love of their life (and I don't mean the wife). All contributors must enter a name in the name box and a address in the email box before their mutterings are displayed. Although, I have many gripes with the club at present,I have nothing to hide so i am quite happy to do both. I don't want to sound like a miserable old giffer but the majority of the crap which appears on the guest book is anon. If these people left an email address and so could be contacted they may think more carefully before putting finger to keyboard.
Ray at 8:59:51 Wednesday February 17 99
Hope you have better luck getting a reply than I did Phil.
Phil Baron at 8:23:28 Wednesday February 17 99
Ray and everyone else I have just e-mailed the editor of the Chronic and give him a few home truths about his paper and staff.I have seen the piece in the paper and to me it is just something to put in the paper instead of "an hours fishing with Nick Holte" or something of marginally more intresting news!!! The players and staff are doing there best at the club and I am sure a few comments hurt a few people but at the end its the fans that play there wages so they are entitled to have there say on here or at the ground.The chronic writes enough negative things about the club so I think it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Ralph at 8:8:2 Wednesday February 17 99
As I admitted I do not buy newspapers anymore but I had to get the Chron just to read this gormless bit by Andy Roberts. What caught my eye was the side swipe by Thommo. Since Thommo's move to Bristol he has been seen at Sixfields several times. When asked which of our players he was watching Thommo suggested something along the lines that our type of player would not suit the style preferred by Ian Holloway. Nice little destabilising piece from Mr Roberts!
Ian at 0:41:59 Wednesday February 17 99
Seems to me that the club and the Chron are simply pining for simpler times when the only comments that were published were either official club statements or in the Chron. There was no way for anyone to challenge what was said. The coming of e-mail and the internet has changed that forever and the sooner both of them realise that and start to use these communication tools to their advantage the better. Their current attitude is just like the luddites. The world has changed, maybe for the better maybe not. Being in Canada I used to often find it hard to get midweek results until I saw the table the next weekend. Cup games in midweek were often a mystery until I heard from my Dad. Now I know the results of the reserves and the youth team within minutes (well maybe hours for youth games). The challenge to both the club and the Chron is to use this "new" medium. The club are making small steps in the right direction but need to get up to speed fast. The Chron are remarkably computer illiterate, a look at their feeble web page attempts says it all.
Anon at 22:38:13 Tuesday February 16 99
Diamonds are sniffing round 3 (THREE) of our players to strengthen their promotion bid - and yes Warner is one of them. Whats going on?? Are the 'alleged' money problems really that bad ? Answers please ...
Sid at 20:51:51 Tuesday February 16 99
Ray, Like the addition to the disclamer!
Sid at 20:51:15 Tuesday February 16 99
Can someone post the Chron article that Andy Roberts wrote?? I am getting sick and tired with "us" being blamed for everything that seems to go on at this club. I will say this again. This is an Unofficial site!!! Whatever is posted here is not the thoughts of the club or official news (unless its copied and pasted freom the official site.) Why cant they (bring the club and any media) just accept that! Also, My attack on Tony Clarke MP was completely out of order as I did not read the facts about his views on the E-mail group. I apologise for my posting saying he was a part of the investigation into so called "Chat-lines" on the internet.
Dav.Cobbler at 19:30:6 Tuesday February 16 99
I thought that Steve Francis had an excellent game last night for the reserves and particularly noticed him looking for the opportunity to throw the ball to one of our players rather than hoof it and hope. Billy also did this a couple of times on Saturday,throwing out to Mickey Warner, and the result was inevitably a better build up than the long ball which the large Gills lads at the back tidied up every time. My question - did the expreienced Francis suggest this tactic to Billy and why have we not tried this obvious tactic all season (since the loss of big John)? Basics such as this, and the
clueless throw-in’s (Hunter long throw excepted), should have been addressed by the existing coaching staff when we introduced the supposedly more skillful players!! It is not too late. If anyone at the club reads this note - please commence practice immediately!! I also thought that Damian’s performance last night was a good omen.
hartwell cobbler at 19:1:1 Tuesday February 16 99
Ray & Ralph - tonight's Chron seems to be suggesting a conspiracy theory - ie we're out to bring down the club. i would respectfully suggest to andy roberts that the truth is out there..and it's extremely unlikely any of us, who love the club, would wish it any harm. Quite the reverse; most of the comments are borne from frustration at seeing what's happening on the pitch and wanting to at least air our views and beliefs about what can be done to save the situation and get the club back on course. whatever the club may say, it's hardly likely to miraculously cure itself. the club is in a way lucky we have this web site -- in days gone by the frustrations would by now have been boiling over on the terraces. They would do well to listen to the fans rather than appearing to treat us as though we were a nuisance, just because we hold differing views. well, that's enough. i'm off to walk the dog. trust that's not going to destabliise the club.....
kev at 18:54:40 Tuesday February 16 99
what we all need now is a win over the latics and our confidence will come flooding back, i have every confidence in the lads to get us out of this alfull mess, no matter what style we play now, we have to avoid the drop, we have to get behind the lads (like we did against Bristol Rovers)but at every game!
Ralph at 18:17:37 Tuesday February 16 99
Fine we can write to the Editor Ray but he wont listen - Vote with your feet, eh?, and BOYCOTT the Chron. Start tonight! Woody's Revenge is a fine example of investigative journalism, Woody said it so it must be true, Hold the Back Page!
Ralph at 18:14:4 Tuesday February 16 99
Well Andy Roberts that's a laugh coming from someone whose chosen vocation began the whole disgusting trait. How many untruths, vulgar lies, blatant scandalmongerings have the press delivered to our doormats in recent years. I personally have stopped buying newspapers and I would urge you all to consider doing the same. The majority of our so called journalists are nothing more than scum eeking out a living at huge personal besmirchment of others. It is sad that one day Andy, if you are to progress in your industry, you will have to sell your soul. So whilst you are sitting in your glass house matey boy I suggest you put down those stones. Oh and before I forget, you are still a lousy referee too!
Ray at 18:7:50 Tuesday February 16 99
We are being attacked AGAIN? The rag must be short of something to print. I've written to the editor. Feel free to join in if you wish - editor@normerc.co.uk. I've also copied this to the email group for their own particular brand of eloquence which is much greater than mine. I'm rather disappointed that this is still going on as I spoke to Norman Howells yesterday at some length regarding what is being published under the masquarade of "news".
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:49:36 Tuesday February 16 99
Any Roberts is having a go at internet gossippers in tonight's Chron (Talking Football). In one respect I totally agree with him. In another I disagree most strongly. I am vermently against the posting of any salacious, personal, gossip. It's offensive in the extreme, an invasion of personal freedom and may well severely hurt and damage the innocent. In some cases it's also probably libelous. The laws of libel apply once something has been circulated to a third party (ie seen by more than two people). If it's said verbally, it's slander. And beware: being true does not make it safe to print. The saying "the greater the truth the greater the libel" holds a great deal of currency. Apart from that I would defend every fans right to make fair and honest comment. That is what democracy is all about. Another cliche in this respect holds true:"I don't necessarily agree with what you say. But I defend with my life your right to say it." Aside from those few personal stories, I don't believe for one moment the fans comments on the Internet are being posted, as Andy says, "to promote disharmony between the board and manager" and "to destabilise the club." Aside from the personal stuff which I totally abhor, I believe the site is being used primarily as a forum for true fans' views and opinions. What is wrong with that ? I cannot believe Andy is for one minute suggesting we should not be able to speak our minds on any relevant aspect of the club, on or off the field. Surely, as a journalist, he should be the first to defend freedom of speech ? The club itself should be a broad enough church to take on board and accept fair and honest criticism - even if it doesn't like what it's reading. The bile aside, what you get here are the opinions of the supporters,spoken as they see it. In doing so we are creating a balance. Those wanting the "official view" can access it via the Cobblers site, in the programme etc. We are lucky in this day and age to have such a place where we can air our views. My plea to everyone coming onto this site would be to be careful in what you say, avoid bad language (which doesn't do your case any good) and at all costs do not use it for posting offensive, personal, gossip. In other words, use it responsibly. Other than that, we should be free to have our say, whether the club likes it or not, whether the Chron likes it or not.
mp at 16:31:34 Tuesday February 16 99
Arent we doing well since Wilkinson went off injured at Stoke?
Chicago Cobbler at 16:9:10 Tuesday February 16 99
Ray, I agree with your disclaimer at the top of the page, but I would worry that you are now bearing the responsibility for content and thus open to litigation by holding rights to the content therein. My familiarity with English Law and Solicitations is a bit slight, however, I would think that you can remedy this by adding a caveat which states that the messages posted here do not necessarily reflect those of the site, it's webmaster, or the club. I wouldn't want some idiot taking you to court over this... Keep up the great work that you do on this site!!!! -CC
Ray at 15:58:10 Tuesday February 16 99
This was the policy all along - Ive just printed it so thats theres no confusion.
ben the confused cobbler at 15:11:5 Tuesday February 16 99
Please note, any entries may be deleted at any time if they contain anything I think will
cause offence (or for any other reason I feel like at the time.)
Entries to this Guestbook become my © copyright and may not be reproduced in any form
except with my express written permission - by posting here you agree to this. -- whats with the new policy ray???
The Angry Cobbler at 14:40:34 Tuesday February 16 99
A whole eleven people have voted on my "Should Atkins Go?" quizlet. I f you haven't voted go to http://olympia.fortunecity.com/norman/410/ NOW!
Jacks at 14:33:0 Tuesday February 16 99
It is getting late in the season and the worrying thing is we cannot win at home - Pete Smith is driving me nuts with his countdown of our 'cup finals'!!!!!!!!!!!!!. We have to win this weekend - yes, but we also should be positive enough to look to win every weekend. The fact is - we do miss Razor - losing him splintered the team and is probably the biggest mistake made all season - and I am not being abusive or attacking any one - that is what I believe from what I see. However, we have some real talent in our team and we DO have the ability to get out of this...and we should. Surprised no-one has mentioned Seal's rather embarrassing dive late into the Gillingham game on Sat. - gotta stop doing that.........
Depressed Man at 13:43:22 Tuesday February 16 99
I reckon NTFC will be relegated because were boring, unlucky, injury prone with long ball tactics. Ian Atkins will rue the day he sold Ray Warburton, cause then he'll be sacked and get the England job, Comments please.
SBJ at 13:2:53 Tuesday February 16 99
Looking further ahead, there's another reason we have to stay up: having recently watched games involving Barnet, Brentford, Shrewsbury and Orient, it's clear that the standard of play in Div 3 is higher than people might expect. On current showings by the Cobblers, we would struggle were the unthinkable drop to happen. Poor Div 3 performances = attendances lower = club gets into difficulties. We have to stay in Div 2 for more reasons than just footballing pride. All my fingers and toes are crossed - we have to beat Oldham, or it will really look like four of the current bottom five are the only relegation candidates. Having said that, I fancy us for the win this Saturday: Oldham's run of not bad form could peter out, and with Clarence the Dragon up front and the Rover 213si in goal, who knows?
DN12 Cobbler at 12:57:32 Tuesday February 16 99
It doesn't matter who is up front of a possible combination of forwards. What matters is that we no longer have the forwards equipped to handle the big hoof up the pitch. My personal preference is Corrazin and Seal as Seal can provide the quick touches for Corrazin to snaffle. Please, please Mr. Atkins (maybe being nice will get the fans' view heard) don't be afraid to show faith in players who can pass the ball. Every team needs it's workhorses, but even junior school teams have some players who stand above the others in terms of basic skills. Warner, Hunter, Savage - I bet they weren't half bad at junior school :)
Lee Sweeney at 11:48:18 Tuesday February 16 99
I'm from the North and a big Newcastle fan but have recently been looking out for you as a girl a meet on holiday comes from Kingsthorpe and told me about you so hope you start winning soon.
hartwell cobbler at 10:35:5 Tuesday February 16 99
Yes, Ralph. While I still think Seal is not quite the article, I totally agree that the major issue is lack of support for the forwards. In fact that's something I and many other have been banging on about all season, especially at home, where Atkins still insists on playing five at the back. Until we play with true wide men, get the ball down and play it into the forwards properly, nobody's going to shine up front at this club. What I am worried about is that the tactical problems are clear for anyone to see - yet Atkins steadfastly refuses to make the necessary changes. All the while the games are running out and we're getting nearer and nearer the drop. If we do go down, getting back up will not be easy and we could find ourselves in the basement for some time. I'm certainly fed up with excuses - injuries, not enough money, people not pulling their weight on the pitch, not doing what they are told or looking "leggy", bad luck...etc etc. These just divert attention away from the real problem -- managing, coaching and motivating the players and employing a strategy which plays to their strengths. Tactics are I believe at the heart of the problem. Players don't like playing this way and are getting disillusioned and demoralised. That translates onto the pitch, with the consequences we are witnessing. (Incidentaly, Ralph, I thought you'd gone on hols? Perhaps you felt you just had to come back to lend support in our hour of need!? I have made my move - I'll be overseas for the Burnley game (just in case..!!).
Nosey Parker at 8:42:29 Tuesday February 16 99
Well done Ray for sticking up for the right of free speech.I agree that when there is idle gossip that it may affect moral etc,BUT wht does the club react in such a way to other things said on this site? Does the truth hurt,have to many people hit them on a raw nerve? Dont let the prats from the Chronic get away with it I would not be surprised if it was idle talk from THEM not the club.They normally print idle crap when the have not got anymore "kittens stuck in a tree storys" or "kids collect million hair clips for Duncan Goodyew story"
KEEP ROCKING RAY AND DONT TAKE NO CRAP FROM ANYONE!!!!!
The Exel Cobbler at 8:6:45 Tuesday February 16 99
In this morning's Sun, there is a comment from Ian Atkins about Fulham and that he believes they WILL go up. Atkins, Forget how well or bad other teams are doing and concentrate on getting our players morale up and get them working as a team again otherwise the one thing you'll be worrying about is where you will be employed next season.
Ian at 3:40:43 Tuesday February 16 99
Am I imagining things from afar or does Turley lose concentration at half-time? He seems to give up far too many soft goals in the ten minutes after the interval.
From the Cobbler's Last at 22:23:56 Monday February 15 99
Also just got back from the stiffs, stopped at the pub on the way home, last minute injury time goal meant we lost 1-0. Not too impressed as we began to look more like the first team after a bright start. Biggest shock of the night - Warner wasn't playing, nor on the subs' bench. Does this mean despite last Saturday's performance, he is likely to be reselected for Oldham this Saturday? He was outstanding against Gillingham and I really thought that that would be enough to get him dropped! Heard some interesting gossip about....
Angry Cobbler at 21:56:39 Monday February 15 99
Just got back from the stiffs - a good game of footy only marred by the result. With this in mind, I have picked Wilson in my team for Saturday - Here it is (4-4-2): Turley, Hill, Spedding, Sammo(c), Hope, Hunter, Warner, Savage, Corazzin, Wilson, Freestone. I would play Wilson and Savage in the middle with Hunter tucking in from the right and Warner playing as an out and out left winger. Subs: Clarke, Peer, Howey.
Sid at 20:54:31 Monday February 15 99
Ray, dont worry got your mail, and i like what you have put above. Right on that this guestbook is your copyright and anything that wants to be put in here should be. What are the club going to do?? The article in the Chron sounded like they would string you up! Sorry, there's me going on again. Saw Turley brilliant attempt at a save on the news, and just laughed. I cannot believe he didn't just picked the ball up. It looked as if he did dive over it! (watch out, the FA will be on to him for match-fixing!! LOL!) Anyway, any more news on the "Atkins on the Net" front??
The Realist at 19:46:31 Monday February 15 99
Id just like t say that im a bit disutbed about a couple of the team selections below involving Clarence the Dragon. I mean - he's just a big clumsy, useless beast, Atkins would never select anyone like that. Ah, I wish I hadn't said that, Im starting to get worried now...
Chicago Cobbler at 18:20:44 Monday February 15 99
Ray, I heard something over the loudspeaker about someone from New York (I was in the que for a drink), and until your comment it didn't dawn on me that he could have meant me. All Barry knows is that I'm "from the States." Did anyone notice Turley getting really upset just before halftime? He was screaming at one of the defenders, but I couldn't see who it was.
Ray at 17:53:10 Monday February 15 99
Bolton Cobbler - Ive mailed you seperately answering this one - it was purely a problem with mail delivery - nothing to do with anything you wrote.
Bolton Cobbler at 17:32:40 Monday February 15 99
Well, Saturday was sh*t but I can't say I'm surpised with any of it. One goal and one point in 1999 is not good enough. Sack the manager and give the players a good kick up the arse or we're going down.
PS To anyone on the e-mail group: Why was I deleted from the list on 3rd Feb? Was it because of my e-mail dated 2nd Feb? If so then its a shame people can't air their views, I certainly didn't say anything that wasn't true or in any way damaging. I basically said that the players played at Fulham like they didn't want to play for the manager that Ian Atkins openly mocked the supporters who booed at the end of the game and that from that moment on I was firmly in the Atkins Out camp. I wasn't abusing anyone and I wasn't spreading any so called malicious rumours, so why did I get the boot?
It's crap but what can you do? I'll be at the Oldham and Walsall games ever hoping anyway....................
Persephone at 17:15:25 Monday February 15 99
Thought for the day:
Never is it easy plodding on and on, when the weather's cruel, when your hopes are gone. But to those with courage (if they smile and sing), sooner than expected, winter turns to spring. I am a Hartwell Cobbler fan.
Ralph at 17:10:53 Monday February 15 99
One player who was not considered for Saturday's game was Kevin Wilson. Given the dire straits that we now find ourselves in I am pleased to see he is named in tonights stiff line-up. I hope this is a prelude to selection for Oldham. Kevin has consistently turned in top performances for the stiffs. He is a catalyst, just what is needed at present, getting the best out of those around him.
Ralph at 17:3:5 Monday February 15 99
Sorry Hartwell Dave I am going to have to disagree about Seal. Time and again he was the only player to show, always coming off his marker and making several runs that did not receive a worthy pass.
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:58:3 Monday February 15 99
In tonight's Chronic Atkins is again having a go at some of his players. In some respects he's right - there are several who are not prepared to give enough for the club. He says their goal was a toe-poke, which is a bit surreal... some toe-poke to find the bottom corner from 25 yards. It was a fairly hard well struck shot from in front of several Cobblers players, leaving Turley probably unsighted, diving late and seeing the ball go under his body. Let's keep faith in Billy. The displays which particularly concerned me on Saturday were those from Parrish and Peer. I don't think there's any point in playing Parrish again until he's properly fit and even then not until he recovers some confidence. Both seemed to be totally lacking against the Gills. I'm sorry if I fall foul of many fans, but I don't think David Seal's the answer up front. He's got nice touches and a good hard shot. But he doesn't seem to work hard enough off the ball, either making himself available to those with the ball or chasing it down. Even the best forwards have to graft at times. In fact he appears to be sharing a general mallaise which seems to have overcome the rest of our forwards. Remember against a very average Blackpool side we threw four into the fray - fat little good it did us, though. The bottom line, though, is that our tactics are seriously wrong. This, in turn, appears to be getting to the players. Resulting in poor performances, no goals and further defeats. It's a vicious circle, which has to be broken first of all by a radical change in our style of play and formation. Simply issuing a clarion call to the players to "knuckle down" isn't sufficient. It has to be accompanied by a new direction from the manager. But will he do it ? Time's running out and so, one by one, are the valuable homes games....
Ray at 16:11:0 Monday February 15 99
Who does Viagra play for then?
Ray at 16:2:31 Monday February 15 99
I was interested in the announcement on Saturday that Chicago has now been moved to New York.
jolly no more at 15:50:28 Monday February 15 99
can Viagra keep us up?
Hartwell Cobbler at 15:24:42 Monday February 15 99
Chicago Cobbler is right in that we must attack more and display better basic skills (especially passing). But I'm afraid once again much of this criticism should end up on Atkins' desk. It's his tactics -- especially his five man back line at home -- which prevents us from being a more sustained attacking force. As for basic skills, well, many of our squad are players he's brought here and/or selects. So he must take much of the blame for bringing in players or selecting players with deficient basic skills. He's quoted as saying "you can't have 11 passers in the team". Goodness knows why not - it's one of the most basic skills in the game. Just because you can pass the ball doesn't mean you are/are not also a good tackling, striker or workhorse. It just means what is says: you have the basic ingredients to play football. Watching the team week in week out, it's crystal clear Atkins is having his way - we don't have 11 passers. Probably six to eight at most any given week who seem to possess the basic skills. And often players who can do a lot more than just the basics are ignored in preference to ones who have "a good engine", can huff and puff around the pitch but who, when they get the ball, look as though it were a foreign object loaded with dynamite which must be hoofed away (anywhere) as quickly as possible. Every week we see teams playing us who also seem well drilled, know exactly what their tasks are and are allowed to do the unexpected.
Carl at 15:10:41 Monday February 15 99
It's official, people who support Northamptonshire based teams have too much time on their hands. This is due to the fact that I have just checked (3:13pm) the top 100 visited footy sites, Ray's Cobblers Comments is in 3rd and 5th is Rushden and Diamonds. 1st of course is Swindon!!!!!!
The Angry Cobbler at 14:55:56 Monday February 15 99
Team for Mon v Crystal Palace Res: (5-3-2) Turley, Gibb, Parrish, Hughes, Piercewright, Varty, Hunter (needs match practice), Wilson, Seal, Freestone, Morrow. Subs: Butcher, Lee, Clarence The Dragon.
phil a at 14:22:54 Monday February 15 99
Kevin S: I think you're asking a bit much. For them to hit a Rover parked in the dressing room, they'd have to swerve the ball down the tunnel and around a couple of corners, opening the changing room door before landing in the boot.
Now I know these Predator boots are good but...
DANNY BOY at 14:20:55 Monday February 15 99
'WHEN I FIRST CAME TO SIXFIELDS, THE DIRECTORS TOLD ME 'GET US OUT OF THIS MESS' AND I DID'
IAN - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET US OUT OF THE MESS WE ARE IN NOW. OH AND EVEN WHEN ALI GIBB IS FIT AGAIN, STICK WITH WARNER. IT WAS A JOY TO WATCH A PLAYER HAVE THE GUTS TO TAKE ON PLAYERS, STICK IN A DECENT CROSS AND EVEN HAVE A SHOT ON TARGET.
COME ON COBBLERS, WE CAN AND WILL SURVIVE!!!!!
Chicago Cobbler at 14:5:47 Monday February 15 99
An 8,000 Mile round-trip journey to see Saturday's dull effort against the Gills... (Cheers to Mr. Stonhill for providing me some great seats in the West Stand). I was a bit disappointed that we were out sung and cheered by the Gills fans, but outnumbered them 4-1. My concerns with the team are in order of importance: Attack more, fan support, practise basic skills!! Maybe it was the glare of Wembley in my only two other Cobbs matches, but I don't remember seeing the constant dodgy passing. I strongly believe after seeing the game that Ian Atkins is not to blame for this team. Everyone bears some responsibility. The players don't appear to be playing with 100% effort, and my God... who would want to in front of a home crowd that sounded like any away match!! I thought we had a great start to the second half and the tempo surely increased... Until Turley let that slow roller slide under him. What I didn't understand is that we never went back on the attack. We had several chances with the ball near the box, and the entire defense and mid field remained stationary. We do not move well without the ball, and lack the playmaking speed of a True Div1/2 Striker to counter this. I don't know the name of #9 for the Gills, but he was clearly in a different class, and I'm shocked he didn't get a couple in himself. Anyway, chins up. We are still in DIV 2 and if we want to stay, start supporting the team a bit louder. If we go down, I'd rather we went down singing. I'll be back again before the end of the season to check our progress. Cheers all, and see you then. -CC
Wobbler at 13:25:45 Monday February 15 99
Just for a moment on Saturday I thought they had a new 'Shoot for the Airship' halftime competition. Might have explained some of our shots though..........just a thought.
eddie mcgoldrick appreciation society at 13:9:40 Monday February 15 99
Interest in the society has now reached an all time high, with membership swelling to 3. Despite this incredible interest applications will still be considered and can be sent to eddiemcgoldrick@hotmail.com
Jacks at 11:49:51 Monday February 15 99
I thought we looked far more determined than of late - in the first half especially. Kevin - I CANNOT agree with you that Colin Hill is over-rated, he is one of our best remaining players, experienced, solid, never panics, CONTROLS the ball, acutely aware of where other players are. Billy was to blame for the goal - but to be honest he did very well on the whole, I think if Woody had been playing (much as I respect him) we would probably have gone down more than one. Michael Warner!!!!!!!about time he managed to get a full game - well done. However, did I have a different speaker in my ear - Dave Savage (quite rightly) was MOTM???? We Can't go down....my Shrewsbury mate keeps singing "going down, going dow...arg can't type that any more . WE ARE NOT. I thought there was a bit more crowd support Saturday which was encouraging. Seal still not quick enough, sorry, but he just seems lazy. AND WHY DID WE TAKE ANDY CLARKE ON LOAN, PAY PREM WAGES AND KEEP IN ON THE BENCH MOST OF THE TIME!!!!??? Ray - when is Ian Atkins coming on-line to "chat" with us?
Basically, we deserved a draw on Sat - no more, no less. If these "new" rumours about Mickey Warner are true(and I hope not) then he certainly shouldn't be wasting his time in the Conference at R&D, he can do much better, anyway - I think it will be Cheltenham that go up.
Ray at 10:40:46 Monday February 15 99
.....and if you don't read this - its still playing up :-)
Ray at 10:40:18 Monday February 15 99
Sid - if you read this - your mail is playing up again!
Andy C at 9:49:47 Monday February 15 99
For those of you who think Warner wants to leave, read TCMP's message down the page - I think that might explain Anon's message. As for Saturday, just relieved to get three points from what wasn't a very good game. Fair enough in view of the result at Priestfield I think. Looking at your line up, no one would expect you to play long ball with that team. Hope you survive, preferably winning games against Preston, Bournemouth, Man City and Chesterfield along the way. Or if you still can't score, at least keep it to 0-0.
Hartwell Cobbler at 8:46:16 Monday February 15 99
Well done Michael Warner. Given a start at last he demonstrated in the first 20 minutes that he has class - not that I've ever doubted it. Some of his link-up play with Savage was excellent. It's scandalous that Warner has been left out and overlooked for so long and his MoTM award was well earned. However I expect Atkins will drop him next Saturday, probably on some spurrious tactical grounds. If the rumour that Warner's seeking a move are true, you can hardly blame him. And someone's going to get the bargain of the season. I would also like to add a few words of sympathy for Billy Turley. While he appeared at fault with their goal, overall he played well. Trouble is with goalkeepers they are under the microscope all the time and every fault is magnified. I hope this one slip doesn't dent his confidence. It shouldn't be allowed to. As for the game as a whole, we probably didn't deserve to lose. But, if you can't score goals you can't win matches. It's that simple. And until Atkins stops playing five at the back at home and gives the front men proper sustained support,logically I can't see this dismal trend ending. Those of us who feel Atkins has gone as far as he can with us are not saying so out of spite. I respect what he's achieved in the past. But that's exactly the point. It is now in the past. It's no good burying our heads in the sand and saying "well it'll be alright next season when we get our injured players back." Right here and now we are in a survival battle on our hands and unless we get our tactics, team selection and motivation right, we stand no chance of staying up. At this end of the table it's not so much about quality of players as dedication and fighting spirit - coupled of course to tactics which will get the best out of players like Corazzin. If Atkins wants to persist in playing the hoof and hope game, he should have kept our big target men. What is clear is that we are not going anywhere playing this type of game with this team. Most fans and (from what I gather) player alike know this only too well. For some reason Atkins isn't listening to reason, common sense and sound tactical criticism.
Phil Baron(again) at 7:54:7 Monday February 15 99
Mr Posh dont ever go on countdown as scoring 2 points for a word every turn is not very clever!!!!
Phil Baron at 7:52:40 Monday February 15 99
Its funny that posh fans visit this site so much? Is it because there site is crap or no one else visits it!!!
The Angry Cobbler at 23:18:7 Sunday February 14 99
My team for Sat v Oldham: (4-4-2) Turley, Hill, Spedding, Sammo(c), Hope, Hunter, Gibb, Savage, Clarence the Dragon, Atkins, Warner. Subs: Wilson, Pete Smith, The Angry Cobbler, any homeless brummies who fancy a game, the golden goal seller by the ice cream van, Tony Ansell, Bill, Mr. Posh, the board, Griff the Griffin and Garry Hughes (shame i'd get in before hughesy). I wonder if any of our team are eligable for San Marino or another country like that???
The Angry Cobbler at 22:39:2 Sunday February 14 99
I always knew Posh were shit.
Ray at 22:29:26 Sunday February 14 99
Actually Mr. Posh - we knew you were as well.
Mr Posh at 21:22:45 Sunday February 14 99
To Bill - We are shit, but we know we are. You're shit and you still think your not! Ha Ha Ha Ha He He He He BACK TO THE WHEELIE BIN LADS!!
Nosey Parker at 21:9:46 Sunday February 14 99
Frustrated me? why I would not dream of such a thing as a goal or a win it would be like asking for blood out of a stone!!!!!
The Angry Cobbler at 18:27:50 Sunday February 14 99
Go to http://olympia.fortunecity.com/norman/410/ - I've put a "Should Atkins Go?" quizlet on there.
Hans at 17:19:12 Sunday February 14 99
Nosey Parker - are you getting a little frustrated there? It certainly sounds like it.
Nosey Parker at 16:51:35 Sunday February 14 99
How about buying a Rover car and putting it in goal? Also how about buying that bloke who got the ball in the back of the car,perhaps we could do a swap with Carlo!!!!
The Angry Cobbler at 16:27:12 Sunday February 14 99
I think we should have Mark McGhee as the gaffer. Any ideas - hey bill.
ben at 15:17:12 Sunday February 14 99
what about a twat the ball at barry fry competition at half time..... you just couldnt miss could you?
ben at 15:9:42 Sunday February 14 99
my friends...... nobody bothered to tell me what they thought of wilko, so ive changed the quizlet on my page, let me know your opinions on the subject.... (i have a pretty good idea what the majority of answeres will be, see for yourselves what i mean) BTW is our next fixture against walsall? is it all ticket? has it sold out???? somebody please tell me!
Bill at 14:1:32 Sunday February 14 99
And to Mr. Posh - "Cheer up Barry Fry, oh what can it mean, you're a fat Boro' B*****d with a s**t football team!!"
Bill at 13:59:41 Sunday February 14 99
OK, so my team for Gillingham had Hunt on the bench as well as on the pitch - oopps... Will Atkins please realise that we don't have a targetman, so why not stop the pump-and-hope football? Another few home defeats like this and I think Atkins will be out.
Ralph at 13:58:4 Sunday February 14 99
Well that's two at Stoke, one at Fulham, on at Notts Co and one against Gillingham on Saturday.
Anon at 13:45:48 Sunday February 14 99
Mr Posh: La la la la la la la la - I am singing
Mr Posh at 13:28:49 Sunday February 14 99
You're not singing anymore - Ha Ha Ha
Depressed at 13:21:35 Sunday February 14 99
To Nick, on the basis of this seasons performances, could any one do a worse job than Atkins, thats the question. One goal this year, one point this year. 95% chance of relegation, We all know what he HAS done before. But what is he NOW doing.
Bob at 12:54:4 Sunday February 14 99
Nice theory Nick.
John Smith at 12:52:12 Sunday February 14 99
Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton Northampton.
nick at 12:43:31 Sunday February 14 99
to everyone who wants atkins out-who's gonna do a better job last season he was a golden boy a saint if another club was reported to be interested in Ian we were willing to put up a fight to make him stay ,but now with nearly the same outfit on the pitch,plus some good signings eg carlo,its just not happening for us ,thats the problem when you have success you EXPECT more,i dont think anyone at the start of last season would think we would be where we were at the end of it if you were honest you would of expected a basement battle first time round in the 2nd division,could this season be part of a MASTERPLAN because the board is under the cosh to extend the ground to around 10,000 with what shirt buttons!!
Hans at 12:43:25 Sunday February 14 99
To 'Jennifer'. Sorry, I'm not sure but 'Anon' at 0:17 this morning seemed to think so. Does anyone know for certain? I'm sure it would put the poor girl out of her misery.
Jennifer at 12:34:24 Sunday February 14 99
Is it true that Rushden & Diamonds want to buy Michael Warner? This question is open to anyone in the know.
Hans at 12:32:9 Sunday February 14 99
To 'I used to live in Gillingham'. Get a life. If you don't like the Cobblers (and you obviously don't) then why visit this page? Go and find the official Gillingham site you daft c*nt!
I used to live in Gillingham at 12:29:41 Sunday February 14 99
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
The Angry Cobbler at 11:59:9 Sunday February 14 99
It's not over 'til the fat lady sings - come in Janet Knowles. I want Atkins to go but will the board do the right thing? I think not.
Miffed Cobbler at 11:53:17 Sunday February 14 99
To Goalkeeper Supporter.
I am well aware of Brentfords influx of goals but why blame Woody?
Brentfords defence are to blame for alot of them, our Billy is prone
to a case of the dropsies a the best of times.
I do hope he will get better but for goalkeeping skills Woody is better
then Billy anyday.You can,t blame our defence yesterday we had 10 defenders
during most of the match.
Phil Baron at 11:47:6 Sunday February 14 99
The chronic as it known can slag off who it wants but cannot hide the fact that it is a crappy third rate paper,and if it had any decent competition in the town then with any luck it would go bust.You cannot hide the fact the team is playing crap so do not look around for lame reasons why it is in such a way.I am sure Gareth Wiltshire and the rest are doing there best but one look at the table shows we are in touble.Maybe its because I am not photographing this season and the luck has deserted them!!!
Goalkeeper Supporter at 10:31:40 Sunday February 14 99
To Miffed Cobbler: Do you check 3rd Division Brentford's result at the moment? Andy Woodman has let in more goals than Billy Turley in the last 4 matches. So why want him back? Billy is far from a loser. Trouble is when he makes an error it results in a goal, and people such as you like to blame him for the result of the match. Its goals that need scoring then he wouldnt carry the burden all on his shoulders. Anyway many fans have been encouraging and that should make him feel less guilty. All the best Billy.
Luton Cobbler at 10:17:15 Sunday February 14 99
Letter to the Football League;
Dear Sirs,
I wish to bring to your attention one of the most unsporting pieces of behaviour ever witnessed at a football ground. At approximately 4.05pm yesterday, a player for Gillingham called Smith took a shot at goal which the Northampton goalkeeper left totally alone thinking he was passing the ball back to him following an incident that occurred very much earlier in the game. The cheeky Gills then claimed the goal should stand and somehow claimed all 3 points (The fact that we could barely muster a shot ourselves is irrelevant). Anyway the point is that such conduct should not go unpunished and the rules that you saw fit to enforce at other grounds yesterday should be therefore be applied here. We look forward to hearing from you as to when you wish the game to be replayed, however given the seriouness of the offence, perhaps it is more appropriate to just give us the 3 points
Yours in total desperation
The Luton Cobbler
Kevin Simons at 7:46:48 Sunday February 14 99
PS: we could park that bloody Rover in the dressing room and not one of our players would be able to hit it. And the last player whom Atkins referred to as "good to have around the dressing room"? (ref Howey). None other than Dave "Eusebio" Martin!
Kevin Simons at 7:39:25 Sunday February 14 99
Two months without access and look what happens! Ray Clements to be named in the House of Commons? Anyway, let's use the £50k we were going to spend on Eeyore Howey to buy Atkins out of his contract, although frankly I think it's too late. I don't know which game some of you were watching but the distribution from the central three of Hill, Hope and Sampson was appalling: on one occasion the three of them were marking Asaba, and not one put in a challenge before he let the ball bounce in front of him, chest it down then lay it off. Hill is the most over-rated player ever to wear the shirt and if he is indeed being lined up to take over from Atkins, heaven help! He can't command his line, never mind run the team. I felt like tearing my season ticket up yesterday, that's now four shots on goal in 270 minutes, no goal in four and no win in seven. Three cheers for freedom of speech: ATKINS OUT! ATKINS OUT! ATKINS OUT!...... (And take Howells and PR disaster Willshire with you). And I'm prepared to say that to Atkins face, bollocks to anonymity.
Ray at 0:32:39 Sunday February 14 99
Well R&D are definitely interested in someone - did you all see Max Griggs going over in his balloon? Bit of a giveaway having MAX painted on the side though wasn't it?
Dav.Cobbler at 0:18:27 Sunday February 14 99
Angry Cobbler - I think that your match report (a la Chronic) and mine are, in the main, in agreement. We perhaps differ on the individual performances of Parrish & Peer. I agree that Parrish has not yet fully regained the fitness/ability of 12 months previous, but did, in the second half, show some of the skill and vision that we are
going to need in the coming weeks. Regarding Peer, I marked his performance up on the basis that we really need players who will give 90 MINUTES of tireless effort from every player in the coming weeks.
Anon at 0:17:36 Sunday February 14 99
I've heard Diamonds are chasing Mickey Warner and he's unhappy at the club
Pissed off North Ender at 22:1:10 Saturday February 13 99
PISS OFF ATKINS YOU BRUMMY ****, CHEERS FOR GETTING US OUT OF TROUBLE, NOW GO BEFORE YOU PUT US BACK THERE.
Quite a Pissed off North Ender!! at 21:59:16 Saturday February 13 99
TO you Guy,
I am a season ticket holder in the north end, and over recent weeks of the fans blaming everyone from Paul Wilkinson to Clarence the Dragon i fell that it is time we all faced up to the fact that its our style of play thats the problem, not our players. Atkins is still playing the way we did when we had Johnny Gayle and mark Cooper upfront. Unfortunately we now how Carlo Corrazin up their. Not taking anything away from Carlo, hes a great player, but i know ten year olds that are bigger than him. He hardly stands a chance of winning balls and scoring goals if we keep playing our long ball game. We should buy some center backs who can play a bit, cos we already have good creative midfielders, wing backs and wingers, they just are instructed to hoof it instead of getting the ball on the deck , and maybe implimenting a bit of skill. If we tried this then Freestone could run onto balls on the floor through the middle like Owen does for Liverpool, and it would create real chances for Corrazin and Seal.
Nick faulkner at 21:49:42 Saturday February 13 99
feb 13th cobblers vs gillingham
bad luck billy,dont let this mishap get to you.pretty good performance all round,need to 'have a crack' at goal more often!
10 shots on target ones got to go in!!
keep on battling with PASSION ITS NOT OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS.
ALL THE BEST NICK AND MICHAEL FAULKNER
Miffed Cobbler at 21:40:43 Saturday February 13 99
Is there really anyone out there that really beleives that the
cobblers deserve to stay in the 2nd Division.We've only scored one
goal this year. Atkins might spout in todays programme how much he
has done for the club but this time next year we might be struggling
not to go down to the conference.
Atkins- its time to do a Hoddle and F*ck *ff
Miffed Cobbler at 21:32:49 Saturday February 13 99
What a lot of cobbler fans don't realise is that Northampton are not
half the team they were this time last year.
Todays performance can only be described as a bloody pantomime with
Turley and Atkins playing the comedy horse.
Bring back Big Johnny Gale and Woody, they would/t have let the team
or fans down like the losers that were on the pitch today.
Norwich Cobbler at 21:3:25 Saturday February 13 99
Back in Norwich from my first home visit of '99 - its a bad situation that we're now in.An obvious statement maybe but we are desperate for points and with relegation battles coming up against Oldham & Wrexham.With the tactics played today we really needed Johnny Gayle back.Our forwards simply didn't have the physical presence to unsettle a very big Gills side.Too often the ball was lumped up from the defenders to no one inparticular with the net result of the ball coming straight back!The Gills always seemed to have a yard on the Cobblers in the first half and their balls out of defence always seemed to find Asaba who held the ball up well.
We looked a far better side in the second half -Hunter is pure class
surely he'll be snapped up soon by a bigger club -but the Turley mistake was a killer and all of a sudden we're chasing the match.
We have now got to get results against Wrexham & Oldham -they can afford to go for draws -we can no longer rely on a watertight defence and we're not scoring goals -is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
The light is possibly the undoubted talents of Hunter,Warner, Freestone,Hope & Speeding etc. - there is a bright future but we must stay in the 2nd.
Its time for rolling up the sleeves - Come On Cobblers!
A. Miller at 20:47:38 Saturday February 13 99
Down with the POSH SCUM
A COBBLER TILL I DIE
tcmp at 20:44:42 Saturday February 13 99
Ray, I was as surprised as you to read today's back page. To put the record straight, Norman Howells wrote to me last week to enquire as to what could be done to stop malicious gossip on the net. I've not yet replied,but the Chron story semms to wish to turn me into some Jack Diamond style private investigator. I hav'nt got the heart to tell them that I contribute myself. The club do have a point though about damaging rumours and libel, if someone slanders you to your face you've got the right of redress either through the courts or by planting one big time on his nose. I know the home office is looking into the problem but it seems almost impossible to solve. However I will respond to Norman and copy you into the correspondence. Personally I do get annoyed sometimes when some anon comments come in because they could write any old rubbish, they could even be wishful thinking diamonds fans after another bargain, ie "I've heard Diamonds are chasing Mickey Warner and he's unhappy at the club" see, It's easy but it's still total B**l**cks. Is there not a way of highlighting within the page that unsolicited comments may be of highly questionable origin? Any way onto more important matters after seeing the team sheet I wondered if Ian had read my last entry. Although I let optimism get the better of my with the score prediction. We seemed able to compete with Gillingham on pretty even terms and they are not a bad side, but yet again we faltered in front of goal. Sealy was off the pace a bit today, when balls were knocked down for him he seemed too slow to react. The confidence is still not tottally there and perhaps only a win will bring it back for some of the players. Billy will feel sick about that error, but what's done is done. I reckon that the last group of gypsies that we evicted from Sixfields must have cursed us. We have had plenty of luck over the past few weeks, all of it bad. Still enough said,better leave some space for the malicious gossip, any way it's time for a Guiness, cheers TCMP
The Angry Cobbler at 20:8:8 Saturday February 13 99
My Chronic style match report: Turley - Kicked well but error cost dear - 6 - Warner - Showed his class but poor last 20mins marred his performance - 7 - Spedding - Shied away from the tackle but made several electryfing runs - 6 - Sammo - Solid at the back - 7 - Hill - Quality play from the old warhorse - 8 - Hope - Good tackling but let down by distribution - 7 - Peer - Not back in the swing of things and gave possession away too often - 6 - Savage - A world class performance by the Ireland 'B' international - 9 - Seal - Won his battles but not really given the service - 6 - Corazzin - Lost most of the aerial possession but looked sharp when the ball was at his feet - 6 - Parrish - Looked overweight and had a very poor first half but improved slightly in the second period - 5.5. Subs: Hunter - Showed good vision and added class to the engine room - 8 - Freestone - Freestone - Lacked confidence but battled well - 7 - Clarke - Looked sharp and won his battles - 7. Match rating: 5 - Angry's M.O.M - David Savage
Mandy Roberts at 19:37:0 Saturday February 13 99
Here is my Gillingham match report a la Chronic - saves you 28p and you don’t have to wait until Monday. Furthermore, you will not have to wade through the pictures of Saints and Diremonds who have now taken preference. It also has the benefit of being written by someone who watched the match through eyes and not arse. Points are awarded out of 10 with a possible deduction of up to 2 points for a yellow card offense and up to 10 points for playing completely crap.
Turley - 7. A reasonable game let down by a poor error. The 3 points lost today were more due to a lack of goals in the Gills net than to the leaking of a solitary goal.
Warner - 9. An excellent performance filled with skill and inventiveness. Ali has played poorly over the last few weeks and appears to have lost confidence. He should not be considered for a recall unless we are clear of relegation.
Spedding - 6. A good player for next season but does not show the bottle for the upcoming relegation battle.
Sampson - 7. A competent & solid performance as usual.
Hill - 7. Another competent display after recent exclusions.
Hope - 7. A reasonable performance. I believe that he is a fine prospect and will only get better so long as Atkins continues to play him. Needs to avoid telegraphing passes.
Peer - 7. Much has been said about Deanno's ability. One thing for sure is that we need his dedication & fighting spirit over the coming weeks.
Savage - 9. Man of the match along with Mickey Warner.
Seal - 6. The touches, passes and lay-offs are always a delight to see but there is a tendency for his head to go down as the match progresses. Not surprising considering the dire long ball tactics we employ.
Corrazin - 6. His low mark should again be attributed to the service provided to him and not for effort. Why do the defence insist on using him as a target man when he is only about 5’3’’ tall? Both he and Seal could have obtained a higher score if they had received service along the floor.
Parrish - 7. An average first half followed by an excellent second half.
Subs:
Hunter - 8. Good to see him back to his best after a disappointing performance last week (when he was clearly not match fit).
Clarke - 7. Did not have time to demonstrate his obvious ability.
Freestone - 7. Looked sharp. Is this an indication of a return to form?
Match rating 7. Star men Warner & Savage.
In summary, for the upcoming relegation struggle we need to use players who have consistently demonstrated their battling ability (Hunter, Hunt, Parrish, Peer) along with the skill of Warner and Savage and the defensive experience of Sammo, Frain and Hill.
Up front I don’t have a clue what to suggest.
BAKA at 19:30:9 Saturday February 13 99
Why doesn't Turley say that he was distracted by something in the crowd and claim a replay, the FA are giving them away.
Anon at 19:28:59 Saturday February 13 99
IF PEOPLE CANNOT REALISE THAT LOTS OF THE COMMENTS ON THIS SIGHT ARE SAID TONGUE IN CHEEK THEN THEY SHOULDN'T LOOK AT THE SITE, RATHER THAN SLATING IT AND BLAMING IT FOR THE CLUB'S POOR FORM.
Ray - just back from the match and Tescos at 19:23:27 Saturday February 13 99
Well - here we are - I see that all us "netters" are being slated in the local rag as being the reason why the Cobblers are in trouble at th efoot of the table. That aside I thought the team played quite well today and at no time were we second best - in fact on the second half performance we could have won this one - all we need is some decent service to our forwards to enable them to at least have a chance of scoring. The goal was no doubt Turleys fault but this was a single mistake and he was perfectly safe the rest of the time. Where we keep falling down is in midfield. We have the players that are capable of playing us out of the mire but until the back line learn that we actually do have players between them and the two at the front we are going to continue to struggle. btw - todays ref. was AWFUL - he missed so much it was unbelievable. Warner was excellent first half but got lost in the second half when he switched to the left side. Spedding was subbed at half time by Hunter- probably injured.
Keeper Supporter at 18:49:48 Saturday February 13 99
I dont think you are fair Sid. Turley did make a bad mistake but he wasnt the only one. It isnt fair to hold hom soley responsible for the defeat. We need goals and if there had been a couple his mistake would not have seemed so bad. What about Fulham when it could have been 4 or 5 goals if not for him. Anyway, it shouldnt have ended 0 - 0 it should have been 2 - 1 So there!!!
TAC at 18:42:18 Saturday February 13 99
Shut up Mr Posh - if we go down, we'll be playing you next season you bunch of fat bastards. Why don't you f*ck off back to London Road where you scum belong.
The Angry Cobbler at 18:40:25 Saturday February 13 99
My MOM wasn't Mickey Warner, it was Dave Savage. I was sitting about five yards away from him when he was running down the touchline - god, he's such a skillful player! He did about six dummies and made the full back fall on his arse, then he beat him again! What really pissed me off though was that the cobbs didn't try hard and play well until we were one down. That was f**king annoying - they did the same at Fulham as well.
Mr Posh at 18:38:10 Saturday February 13 99
He he he, not long to go. I told you at the start of the season, now didn't I chaps. Back to the wheelie bin.
Sid at 18:11:0 Saturday February 13 99
Well, it ended Cobblers 0 Gills 1. It was a disaterous mistake by turley. Paul Smith ran and shot from 30 yards, but Turley (somehow!!!) managed to let it squirm under his body!! Unbelieveable!
Mickey Warner, was MOM, Dave Savage played excellent, so did Hunter when he came on. Well, Turley should be dropped now, that was a fatal mistake and he has now made one too many.
It should have really ended 0-0, there wasn't anything to trouble the keepers.
Richard from HK at 16:38:50 Saturday February 13 99
Las Vegas, I have been here for 6 years and was here on handover day.
No real changes apart from the economic downturn that has hit all of Asia. Also distinct lack of tourists.
We are losing 1-0 and it's 12.40pm here so time for bed and hope we score two in the last minute.
Vegas Cobbler at 16:29:31 Saturday February 13 99
Vegas remains fantastic Richard - a world apart from anything in the US let alone Europe and Asia. However, despite all the gambling on the outcome of sporting events I still can't find the Cobblers results anywhere unless the Soccernet service is working properly. Never been to HK were you there when it was still a British colony - if so have you noticed any dramatic changes since HK became under new management such as a improvement in results?!@%*!
Anon at 16:27:58 Saturday February 13 99
Currently NTFC 0 Gillingham 1
Bugger
Richard from HK at 16:6:10 Saturday February 13 99
Hi Las Vegas sorry can't help I have tried a couple of the news pages as well but no joy. BBC is only giving FA Cup latest scores on their page.
How is Las Vegas I was there three years ago and had a great time.
Las Vegas Cobbler at 15:53:35 Saturday February 13 99
Can anyone update us on the latest NTFC vs Gillingham score - Soccernet is not updating any scores and having been up since 0655 and tuned in it's rather frustrating! No Frainy or Ali (injured?) in the team and Roy is a reserve - is this due to his lack of match fitness of late? Please update a worried ex-pat. Thanks
ben at 14:4:54 Saturday February 13 99
im still not quite convinced about howey...... i mean in the game against reading he played up front with lee and was complete pants.... in defense against blackpool last week he wasnt looking very good, and it appears that all he is good at is set peices........ so thats 50k for somebody to go up for a corner......
The Fired Up Cobbler at 11:48:22 Saturday February 13 99
I'm just getting fired up for todays match - COME ON TOWN! Hey Bill, I'll see ya there.
Sid at 11:11:9 Saturday February 13 99
Well, it should be an excellent match today, hoping for a goal or two though! Warner should play if Gibb is injured. No prediction today though, they are unlucky! COME ON YOU COBBS!
T. at 9:46:46 Saturday February 13 99
We have got to win today, I've been off work sick for 3 weeks and now its half term and one of the girls I teach, Frankie Pachmayr, is a mascot today so I know we'll win and I expect to get a name check, I need some good news and cheering up, unfortunately (or fortunately for her) Frankie has done so well at school she's moving up to top set and out of my group so I'll have no one to talk about the Cobb's with during lessons. Poo.
Bill at 9:19:12 Saturday February 13 99
For what it's worth, my team is ... (4-4-2) Turley, Spedding, Hill, Sampson, Gibb, Savage, Warner, Hunter, Hunt, Corazzin, Clarke. Bench: Seal, Hunt, Peer. Deported to London Road - Paul Wilkinson (you know it makes sense IA)
Anon at 8:51:20 Saturday February 13 99
Richard, just about every sentence you write actually
mp[not TCMP] at 0:33:28 Saturday February 13 99
I truely believe we will beat Gillingham today.I have had too much to drink tonight.The party was dreadful.I am depressed. Please send cheery and comforting message about team eg:it is possible that we will score a goal again this season.I heard from a reliable source that Duncan Spedding's girlfriend has a nose resembling a carrot.BUT does this excuse his performance in the reserves against Chelsea?I THINK NOT. I have no more to say-goodnight fellow sufferers.
RICHARD at 22:47:0 Friday February 12 99
Anon: I should remember the DLTisms, but which were you referring to exactly - the drink related one or the entire cannon of my inestimable oeuvres? Signing off for a week. The taxi arrives at 5:30 in the morning; hopefully I'll be in it when it arrives at Gatwick! I foresee a stunning victory tomorrow, securing for us the double over the high-flying Gills. And the 'Latics next week don't stand a chance against the resurgent Cobblers. Can't wait for the visit on the 27th of the Loins (sic), who need a good kicking where it hurts most, in the results column!! Come on the Mighty Claret and White.
Anon at 20:17:39 Friday February 12 99
lovely soft filly
The Angry Cobbler at 20:15:6 Friday February 12 99
My team for Sat v Gillingham: (4-4-2) Turley, Hill, Frain, t'Sammo, Hope, Peer, Warner, Savo, Carlo, Sealo, Hunter. Subs from: Wilkinson, Spedding, Freestone, Hunt, Francis. Predicition: 2-0 to Town (Savage 11, 62) Att 5,850
Malcolm Grace at 19:16:5 Friday February 12 99
Well I keep a close eye on things from ireland, but I am going to book my flight to London this year as we did for the last 2 years.
Malcolm
WanderSpur at 18:0:33 Friday February 12 99
What a load of old Cobblers! (nt)
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:39:45 Friday February 12 99
Atkins is nothing if not predictable. As usual he's done the rounds (Bham City, City Reserves, City B Team, etc?) this week to find another loan player - presumably so he won't have to break the habits of a lifetime and play Warner. Nobody's volunteered, though.....so, maybe, just maybe, Warner will be in the starting line-up. Somehow I'm not holding my breath! We're now the second lowest goalscorers in the entire football league with 24(only Wycombe, with 20, are below us). BTW - Atkins still hasn't signed Howey. Hiccup being personal terms. But he obviously thinks the player's worth £50k and describes him as a very useful addition to our forward line, being the second highest scorer!!
SBJ at 16:20:51 Friday February 12 99
Good luck to the Cobblers for tomorrow. Cobblers to edge the win having come so close last week. I'll be checking out Cardiff City at Barnet, since I have every confidence that we'll be playing Cardiff next year when they come up to join us in Division 2.
Scouse at 15:27:19 Friday February 12 99
Why are we so wrapped up in players that have gone.I mean all we have seen on this web page lately is Woody this Woody that!!! He has gone let us worry about the rest of the season and staying in this damn division!All the moaning in the world won't bring any of them back so let's have some positive thoughts, I know it's not easy I get peeed off with it as well, but we all know the players look in on this page so let's give them something positive to read for a change, and hopefully it will in some small way it will help us to survive...
Smithers the beers are on you in Chevies tommorrow.
Wal at 14:3:44 Friday February 12 99
I'm a Cobblers fan serving in the Royal Air Force at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Belgium. It's difficult getting any information over here, is there a Supporters Club I can join? Also what has happened to Woody, has he emigrated or something.
Andy C at 13:52:25 Friday February 12 99
I imagine they don't have the nerve to play "Simply the best" any more, not for the Cobblers anyway. 2-0 to Northampton is unlikely tomorrow, not least because we've lost seven games this season and all bar one by the odd goal. A draw looks most likely, which wouldn't be a good result for either team, but I think the Gills might just sneak it.
what!!!!!! at 12:39:26 Friday February 12 99
!!!!!!!! it's a SONG for god's sake!!!!!!!!!
Phil at 11:46:32 Friday February 12 99
I DONT THINK THE CLUB WILL WANT TO BE ASSOSIATED WITH A PEODAPHILE LIKE GARY SHITER
Jacks at 11:8:22 Friday February 12 99
.....regarding songs before the game, I mentioned a while ago that last season we were all boinging (love that word) to the one and only Mr Gary Glitter!!!and now look what has happened...get him back on!! At least you could stomp about to it and let's face it there hasn't been much to stamp about this season - hence leaving the ground with feet like blocks of ice AND voice still intact!! BRING GARY GLITTER BACK.
eddie mcgoldrick appreciation society at 10:13:20 Friday February 12 99
There are still some places in this exclusive organisation available .
Applications should be made to eddiemcgoldrick@hotmail.com.
SBJ at 9:31:18 Friday February 12 99
I hate 'Simply The Best' almost more than any other song played at football matches. It was played at the New Den when we drew there 0-0, and frankly it was (you guessed it) simply the worst game I've ever been to (non-league included). I recall three shots on goal between the two teams. Best my butt.
Anon at 9:6:52 Friday February 12 99
Richard, why dont you use normal words, instead of Dave Lee Travis cast-off expressions?
Ray at 8:48:48 Friday February 12 99
Has anyone else noticed that we have been crap at home this season since thy stopped playing "Simply the best" when the teams come out?
RICHARD at 1:25:28 Friday February 12 99
I would also like to apologize for the spelling, grammar and syntax in this weeks IK'CIWT. Speed typing is not my forte after several flaggons of the falling down fluid.
RICHARD at 1:19:37 Friday February 12 99
IK'CIWT: Never underestimate the myopic bias of partisan fanaticism! The boy, Chris and I accompanied our two Jaffa loving friends to Sixfields on Saturday. We joked, extemporized (try that at 85 mph up the M6!), threw cheese and pickle sarnies at each other without an ickling of the thunder and bad feeling that was to follow on the way home! Ok so Lily might have inadvertently touched the ball in the box early on. But, come on; he was clearly brought down for a penalty at our end before that following an amazingly slippery run atb the heart of their defence, that deserved a goal! This is a little known law of footie that sates that ex- Millwall Cobblers are alowed to handle the ball when playing at the away fans end in a month with an 'r' in it! Thes two, so-called friends were even prepared to dispute the dominance of the mighty Clater & White over the oranges for the full 90mins. There contention was that they had more shots on goal, more corners and more attacking moves! Even Worthington was disappointed not to have taken the three points! Gordon Bennett, which planet are these guys from? In view of time constraints imposed by a tough work schedule leading up to the family's ski trip to the avalache capital of the world this coming week (Saturday to Saturday; would you adam and eve it!)I am unable to post the full unexpurgated account of my clear view of the whole match from a totally unambivalent standpoint. Suffice it to say, we was robbed - and,for once, not by the ref, who had a splendid match in my humble opinion!! I would like to list three pertinent comments based on THE FACTS: 1. Lily is class and deserves the keys to the Town. 2. Carlo is a supreme craftsman and desrves the keys to the Town. 3. Roy, of course, already has the keys and will be lending them out to CC and DS im sure. All that remqins for me to say, before I slip of to the frozen tundra that was once the playground of the rich and famous, but now has to cater for the likes of me and mine, is - COME ON YOU COBBLERS - 4 points from the Gills and the 'Latics will set us back on course for a push for mid-table mediocrity. Normal service should be resumed on my return, excessive white stuff and fractures permitting! And get behind Ali on Saturday!
Ray at 22:13:29 Thursday February 11 99
Why bother with the car? Just get Pete to stand there - probably a bigger target - lol.
Luton Cobbler at 21:19:44 Thursday February 11 99
To add to the entertainment, they should make sure Pete Smith is in the car when shots are being taken. Greater incentive to smack the car as hard as possible. Maybe afterwards his mike might work.
The Angry Cobbler at 20:34:40 Thursday February 11 99
Twat the Car? What a good idea! Prediction: Cobblers 2 - 0 Gillingham (Savo with a brace)
Anon at 20:33:31 Thursday February 11 99
I think Henleys should change the "Hot shot Challenge" to "Dent the Motor at Half Time". The basic idea of this game is to damage the car as much as possible. You'd win a hundred for a dent, two hundred for a smashed headlight and five hundred if you could twat the ball hard enough so it hit the windscreen and smashed it. I think that would be great. And if Sid reads this, how 'bout a competition called Guess His Weight? - People send in estimates of Fat Barry Fry's weight and whoever is right gets Barry's weight in Wesslers hot dogs.
Leon Bailey at 20:33:28 Thursday February 11 99
I think Henleys should change the "Hot shot Challenge" to "Dent the Motor at Half Time". The basic idea of this game is to damage the car as much as possible. You'd win a hundred for a dent, two hundred for a smashed headlight and five hundred if you could twat the ball hard enough so it hit the windscreen and smashed it. I think that would be great. And if Sid reads this, how 'bout a competition called Guess His Weight? - People send in estimates of Fat Barry Fry's weight and whoever is right gets Barry's weight in Wesslers hot dogs.
monkey at 19:26:38 Thursday February 11 99
David Seal has contacted the board with a new idea for half-time entertainment, a "hit the Atkins competition".
Mark Kedian at 15:53:48 Thursday February 11 99
LET' GET BEHIND THE TEAM FOR A CHANGE INSTED OF SLAGING THEM OFF.
WE WILL STAY UP AND NEXT YEAR WE WILL GO UP SO COME ON THE COBBLERS.
The Oxford Cobbler at 15:39:18 Thursday February 11 99
I used to play against West Haddon for Byfield in the CNC and with some of their players for Braunston. I will be going there for sure.
John Frain Fan Club at 14:26:24 Thursday February 11 99
2-0 to the Cobbs against the Gills, Seal(if he is allowed to play) and Dave Savage the scorers, Frainy man of the match!!!!!
SBJ at 14:1:11 Thursday February 11 99
It's not bad, especially for a team that's lower than Spencer. Web sites are often better than the teams they serve though (any nominations?). I noticed that Barnet FC have four web sites (one for each fan?) and even Halesowen Town have two. Ours are the nicest though :-)
SBJ at 13:52:40 Thursday February 11 99
Spooky! Just as I was wishing there could be a West Haddon FC site! Just joking; I'm off to check it out now . . . . :-)
David Nikel at 13:30:13 Thursday February 11 99
Anyone interested in local football visit my West Haddon FC site on: http://www.freeyellow.com/members6/whfc/
Ray at 12:40:46 Thursday February 11 99
I assume you are referring to "make an arse of yourself at half time" competition. I for one will not be buying any golden goal tickets while this competition is going on (unless I can get Frainy to boot it in the car for me). What I think would be interesting is for each member of the team to have a shot - then we'll see how bloody impossible it really is. Henlys are so confident that that havent even bothered insuring themselves in case someone actually wins!
eddie mcgoldrick appreciation society at 12:3:41 Thursday February 11 99
Anybody wishing to join the society should e-mail eddiemcgoldrick@hotmail.com.
Hartwell Cobbler at 10:42:24 Thursday February 11 99
A fella won £500 by getting the ball into the boot of the Rover at, if I recall rightly, the last but one home game. The reaction of the crowd shows the competition does, in fact, create some half-time entertainment interest. And don't forget, its no doubt part of a sponsorship package, which benefits the club. So, while it's easy to knock it, we should be aware of its benefits. There, Ralph....something different....!
Phil at 10:30:57 Thursday February 11 99
Hit the car competion is a load of shit
Andy C at 9:57:39 Thursday February 11 99
This hit the car half-time competition - has anyone won anything yet?
Ralph at 6:37:17 Thursday February 11 99
It's all been said Ray - Time for a new theme I think. What about . . . . .
Blue Knob at 3:40:56 Thursday February 11 99
Ready for an invasion on Saturday and a home defeat? Well, we Gills fans can live in hope, eh?! See you there!
Ray at 21:16:35 Wednesday February 10 99
Plenty of visitors still - but not a lot of comment. Are we all saving our energy for the 29 home games over the next three weeks?
The Angry Cobbler at 18:32:33 Wednesday February 10 99
My team for Sat v Gillingham: (4-3-1-2) Turley, t'Sammo, Frain, Hope, Hill, Deano, Warner, Savo, Carlo, Sealo, Hunter. Subs: Kevin Wilson, Hunt, Morrow. I saw a Kevin Wilson lookalike on the way back from Wembley last year - it was this bloke who was behind me in the line for the train station - he had a cookie duster like Wilson and was wearing a club tracksuit. Strange huh?
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:59:19 Wednesday February 10 99
Witter reminded me of Macca (McPherson). He seemed solid enough and at least didn't panic like a scalded parrot when he had the ball at his feet. If Warner's in contention on Saturday, does this mean Atkins is down to his last 11 fit players (including Wilson)? How else can you explain it? For me he should have been given an extended run long ago. On the odd occasion we've had a sighting he's looked the business...bags of ability, confident on the ball and cool. Yes, I know he's not a ferocious tackler and doesn't steam up and down the pitch all the time, but we're already got too many of those.He looks as though he could add a bit of composure and class to the team. I would not be surprised, however, if Atkins manages to find someone (anyone) to take on loan before Saturday, once again relegating Warner to the role of spectator or at best 91st minute sub.
Ralph at 13:37:4 Wednesday February 10 99
Tickets for Man City safely secured. Yippee! There seems to be some confusion over the amount allocated. I see from the 'Official' site we were given 1400 and if we are good children and eat them all up we can have another 800. With a possibility of another 1000 if the Moon is in Uranus. My advice is to book early to avoid disappointment.
The Angry Cobbler at 11:50:33 Wednesday February 10 99
Witter was an excellent player - why didn't we sign him? Another IA blunder me thinks. I'll see you tommorow Bill if you read this.
Ralph at 8:32:19 Wednesday February 10 99
I thought Witter was a solid defender who gave his all whilst at the club. I do not recall any reason to criticise the old chap.
Ray at 23:55:13 Tuesday February 9 99
According to Matchfacts hes still at the Cobblers - which we all know isnt so.
The Angry Cobbler at 21:47:15 Tuesday February 9 99
Speaking of someone else who's disappeared: Charlie Bishop. Last time I heard he was pissing about at Ilkeston but I don't know where he is now? And what's this in the Chronic? Michael Warner on Saturday? Shurley sume mistake?
Sid at 21:8:8 Tuesday February 9 99
Witter, went to Torquay, then Barnet, but the week he signed for barnet he scored an own goal for Welling...... he's disappeared.....!!!!!!
ben at 20:31:58 Tuesday February 9 99
by the way whatever happened to tony witter..... remember him he was that guy we had on a week to week contract...... to make sure we didnt end up with another looser that we couldnt get rid of....
ben at 20:30:24 Tuesday February 9 99
by the way whatever happened to tony witter..... remember him he was that guy we had on a week to week contract...... to make sure we didnt end up with another looser that we couldnt get rid of....
ben at 20:21:42 Tuesday February 9 99
ray...... i thought i was the only one cheap enough to copy other peoples websites, but thanks to rubbish and diremonds i am no longer the only culprit
Ray at 18:39:54 Tuesday February 9 99
All people in the email group will be receiving detailed instruction with times, dates and RULES! I'll also post it on here. It will probably be next week some time. If you aren't in the email group please mail me and I'll ensure you are notified when the arrangements are made.
Sid at 18:6:41 Tuesday February 9 99
Yes, I feel that we need to ask the right questions to get the answers we want, and make sure a big range of questions are asked. It's no good sending in abusive questions, so construct any questions/critisism carefully. If anyone is unsure of the program to use, it will be IRC.
Jacks at 15:49:16 Tuesday February 9 99
When is Ian Atkins on? - in days, weeks....hours?, as I am sure lots of us would like some time to actually think about what we want to say and as SBJ comments, we need to ask relevant questions that we can get satisfactory answers from.
Tony Clarke MP at 15:45:3 Tuesday February 9 99
Just logged on for 5 mins during tea break to vent my frustrations and views as to what may be needed to bring the magic back to our game. In a nutshell we lack the two vital ingredients that brought us success in previous years, namely a settled side, and confidence amongst players on the pitch. There is still little doubt as to the individual abilities of the current squad, but for a variety of reasons, (namely injuries, lack of goals and neccasary changes to the formation) we never seem to field the same side two weeks running. Having Freestone, Seal, Corrazin, lee and now Clarke fighting for the two places up front could be looked at as a luxury but if no one player ever gets a proper run in the side it will eventually dent thier confidence. On a brighter note a fully fit midfield is an exciting prospect. Savage was a different class on Saturday, and Roy once back to full fitness will soon become a permanent fixture, then theres the promise of Hunt, Parrish and Warner (is he still at the club?) and the battling qualities of Peer. Finally the back line, I believe we were hit very badly by the injuries to Hodgson and Dobson and still lack the figurehead at the back to take total control. Hill could provide that leadership but I believe, to date he has not earnt the respect from the squad and management that his ability and expierience deserve. Frainy seems to have stepped up a gear, and Ali has the ability to succeed but he has to take more players on rather than checking back inside all the while. Sammo and Howey are still battling but need to be given a bit of respite by the side being more creative and forward looking. So there it is my little tea break rant, more confidence a settled side a little less misfortune and everything could change, as for Saturday Coming stick with Seal and Corrazin and we will win 2-0. TCMP
Ray at 15:2:53 Tuesday February 9 99
If anyone is unable to log in for the live chat with Ian Atkins - send me your questions my mail and I'll ask for you.
SBJ at 14:19:42 Tuesday February 9 99
70,000 hits, a point for the Cobblers, and moved up one spot in the table: not too bad a weekend. everyone note Ray's recent message: Ian Atkins will be live on the Internet soon, answering our questions! This has to be worth taking advantage of. Ask sensible questions that can be answered - be fair to the man - and we might get some good answers. Ray, can you offer a facility for people like me who couldn't be live on-line (my office wouldn't go for that) who might want to ask questions?
Dale Burton at 12:10:50 Tuesday February 9 99
Well payed Billy, lets see if you can keep it up with no competition, because frankly before woody left you were absolutly shit. As for Dave Savage, Wasn't he just out of this world Vs Blackpool, well played Cobblers lets just see if you keep it up, and maybe with some luck we might actually WIN a game this year.
Jacks at 11:26:11 Tuesday February 9 99
....good god!! - same old excuses, did anyone read 'Sports First'? ....something along the lines of. 'we have young and unexperienced players..", blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.....COME ON!!!! I thought Dave Savage was wonderful, running at their defence - basically prepared to have a go. I'm sorry to all the die-hard Seal supporters, but he gave anther rather lack-lustre performance I felt. Hunter did well and gave it his all, although obviously not fully fit. Why won't Ali challenge and run at defenders for a more effective and deeper cross anymore?? ~Hunt certainly should have started ahead of Peer - no question. Big congrats to Billy Turley. But basically, as Hartwell has said - the set pieces are pointless - it's the same old formulaic stuff that deceives no-one. We need to change them occasionally, get the opposition thinking, perhaps that is currently an impossibility because it is apparent that we are not thinking ourselves. Last season, we we conceeded a corner - no problem at all, THIS season - it's a case of heart in your mouth because we cannot defend them well enough. Similarly when we are taking corners - great last season and would either frequently score, or create something productive - this season.............AND why oh why when the opposition are taking a corner don't we leave at least one player up!!!madness - the ball inevitably bolts back into the penalty area for another assault on goal. SIGH.........see you all Saturday....
hartwell cobbler at 9:37:19 Tuesday February 9 99
Ralph - I don't think Hunter is half match-fit and probably shouldn't have played on Sat. Although he gave his all he was, as you say, a yard off the pace and unable to turn out of trouble. I also agree Hunt is a far, far better player than Peer and should get the nod every time. Hunt, Hunter (when fit), Savage and Warner are, in my opinion, our best midfield options and should be capable of providing the forwards with some better service. And, yes, we must play it more on the ground. As always it comes back to the question of Atkins tactics. It's no good having these players, plus smaller forwards like Corazzin, if he insists the game plan is still for the defence to hoof it. Last season he brought in dozell - who would have been an excellent short-term acquisition - except that we then bypassed him and the rest of the midfield with continual long balls. I believe he would have made a difference at Wembley, but that's history. In a nutshell, Atkins has changed the team, got rid of the big men, brought in several more skilful players - but doesn't seem to want to change the pattern of play to suit them. It's crazy and unless there is a basic change of tactics I can't see us scoring the goals necessary to win games and keep us in div 2. One final point - we are reputed to spend a great deal of time training for dead ball situations. yet our free kicks are always totally predictable. someone runs over the ball and someone else then delivers a high ball towards the penalty area. trouble is, even the delivery is more often than not poor. I watched the Nationwide highlights on Sky y'day and one thing i noticed again were the number of different free kick options being tried out - even in div 3! We are so, so, predictable both in open play and at set pieces. We never make the opposition think. They never have to second guess what we're going to do because we'll always do what's expected - unfortunately even the execution is usually second rate to say the least. It's not difficult to see why we are where we are in the league. We can only hope things will get better - but I don't hold out much hope while the present manager remains in charge.
Northampton Gas at 0:14:29 Tuesday February 9 99
Just thought you may be interested in the Gas Managers comments, that his best buy has been Gary Thomson. He praises the work with the strikers, who at present cannot stop scoring.
The Angry Cobbler at 22:45:0 Monday February 8 99
Well said Ben. I'm going to the stiffs on Monday - is anyone else going? It's against Palace isn't it?
Ben at 22:14:15 Monday February 8 99
upon examining the replay i was amazed at how savage got away with that handball..... from the north stand it was impossible to tell what was going on..... but i think our luck made up for the reading match when one of their defenders, literally held the ball in his hand and ran with it before dropping it and clearing it out of his penalty box. a few thoughts about the match..... gibb and savage in my opinion were excellent, hunter however wasnt at his best..... and howey was a load of poo..... and it became PAINFULLY obvious that we are crap in the air........ we have no tall players, it was a bloody farce watching carlo trying to win aerial battles with those blackpool lads really..... why dont we just keep it on the ground.... stick to our stregnths for once.....
john at 21:3:21 Monday February 8 99
check out site: http://www.nordicspirit.org
then go to contact page and send webmaster (me) some somments. i am new to this here in rural vermont and would like to see if this site poses any interesting material
there is nothing to be sold at this site so don't worry.
Ralph at 18:12:49 Monday February 8 99
Yes Ray - It wasn't a bad line-up. Hunt for Peer every time though. I'm also a bit worried about Roy. He's looking a shade overweight and is seriously lacking in stamina. We are gonna need him during the run in, I hope things will improve as he gets more games under his belt.
mkcobbler at 17:19:8 Monday February 8 99
Hi all, ref: cobbs home against walsall, ticket only, how many left ?, available on day ?, please help, keep ya chin up, Notts C. may not win all there games in hand
Ray at 16:51:17 Monday February 8 99
Just a preliminary announcement that Ian Atkins will be live on the Internet shortly - answering your questions. We will be using IRC - so if you dont know how to use it or require any additional information then please mail me.
Counnty Ground at 16:41:47 Monday February 8 99
PLEASE MR ATKINS LEAVE THE COBBLERS YOU HATE THE PLAYERS AND YOU HATE ALL THE SUPPORTERS. YOU WOULD BE HAPPIER OUT OF THE COUNTY AND SO WOULD WE.
WHY DONT THE DIRECTORS GET RID OF HIM - AFTER ALL HE IS FAILING TO TRY TO DO THE JOB FOR WHICH HE IS BEING HIGHLY PAID.THE DIRECTORS ARE LETTING DOWN THE FANS- JUST LOOK AT SATURDAYS POOR GATE- INFAILING TO TAKE ACTION BEFORE WE ARE AGAIN FIGHTING TO STAY UP.
Ray at 16:40:23 Monday February 8 99
When I heard the lineup for Saturday it would probably have been almost the team Id have chosen - with Freestone in for Lee perhaps - and a fully fit Hunter might help as well.
Ralph at 15:20:59 Monday February 8 99
Whilst we again drew a blank on Saturday, I pray that Atkins sticks with the Corrazin/Seal partnership. Somewhere along the line the manager must instill confidence in the strikers and give them a run, only by playing will their form return. If he changes it for Saturday he must be mad. A settled side is what is needed now.
Andy C at 14:6:15 Monday February 8 99
Thought you might like to know how your next opponents have been getting on. Look at the League table! Over our last 25 games (since you beat us) our record is W14 D9 L2, scored plenty, conceded not too many. On Saturday we didn't play particularly well against a Chesterfield team who made life difficult for us, and probably should have been behind before their keeper gifted Asaba a goal. In the second half, we scored two superb goals in quick time, gave away a careless one and still had time to chant abuse at Jason Lee. Tony Pulis has just started a 28-day touchline ban and doesn't care. We're doing pretty well considering our first-team squad is effectively 15 including the spare keeper, plus three youngsters with about six starts between them. (Puts Ian Atkins' injury complaints into perspective!) Our defence has been flimsy of late but Paul Smith is one of the best midfielders in the division and the partnership of Carl Asaba and Super Bob Taylor is getting better. (It's unusual for us to have two strikers scoring.) That's what you're up against. We have only one away win but a lot of draws against teams near the top; whether we can win on Saturday will be a good test of whether we're good enough to make the play-offs. We've sold our entire allocation for the South Stand and most of the East so there should be a good turn-out.
Person at 13:5:14 Monday February 8 99
Original joke had Postman instead of Northampton Town setup.
The Angry Cobbler at 12:51:50 Monday February 8 99
Howdy ho everyone. I'm bored, I'm the chairman of the board. Nah not really. Does anyone think that Clarence the Dragon is just Tony Dobson in a green suit? Judging by his pathetic attempt at kicking for the car it could well be him. Anyway, I must go because my Cobblers bong is just about ready. Hi Bill
Bill at 12:40:45 Monday February 8 99
As well as Mr. Posh and Glory Hunter, would Redimp please also bugger off. Thankyou. You just caught me at a bad time and will be my usual cheery self soon.
Paul S at 12:35:21 Monday February 8 99
Mr Angry, I think that Howey's last game was against Blackpoool and that his loan spell is over unless we buy him.
Anon at 12:1:42 Monday February 8 99
I didnt understand that.....
Person at 11:38:37 Monday February 8 99
The following is a joke and should not read by anyone under 16 and be considered true by anyone. One morning while making breakfast, a man walked up to his wife and pinched her on her bottom and said, "You know if you firmed this up we could get rid of your girdle." While this was on the edge of intolerable, she thought and replied with silence. The next morning the man woke his wife with a pinch on the breast and said, "You know if you firmed these up we could get rid of your bra." This was beyond a silent response, so she rolled over and grabbed him by the nob. With a death grip in place she said, "You know if you firmed this up we could get rid of the Northampton Football setup.
treenie at 9:33:34 Monday February 8 99
I've just found out that Sean Parrish supports Liverpool.
I'm sorry but behaviour like that will not be tolerated!!!!!
fulham cobbler at 7:57:12 Monday February 8 99
Well I was glad to see that the team came out with a bit more enthusiasm this week. As for the rest I think that the Luton Cobbler summed it up pretty well...
Ray at 0:23:19 Monday February 8 99
Well they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.... not only have R&D nicked my revolving football they have now decided to go onto Soccersites......lol! I'm open to offers guys - assuming you want a decent web site written.......
Whoops at 21:8:47 Sunday February 7 99
I picked Ali Gibb twice. The last Ali Gibb should be Roy Hunter.
The Angry Cobbler at 21:7:41 Sunday February 7 99
The highlight of my week: posting my team! Anyway, my team v Gillingham is: (4-4-2) Turley, Sammo, Frain, Howey, Hope, Deano, Gibb, Savo, Sealo, Carlo, ex Norwich City starlet Alistar Gibb. Subs: Hunt, Clarke, Warner. I didn't pick Chris Lee because he is wetter than the floor in the east stand khazi. Hi Bill.
Anon at 21:3:24 Sunday February 7 99
The fields are green, the sky is blue, the River Nene goes winding through, the market square has cobbled stones, it shakes the old dears to their bones, a finer town you'll never see, a finer town there'll never be, the city lights don't bother me, Northampton Town i'm proud to be. THE COBBLERS!
Barry Fry's Doctor at 21:0:5 Sunday February 7 99
Hello, I am Barry Fry's doctor. I am sad to report that his blood test results show his cholestrol level to be very high, but more alarmingly his gravy level is at chronic proportions. I would ask anyone within a 120 mile radius of London Road to wear a plastic mac as the fat c**t could explode any minute, leaving lard, half digested pies and bits of a P**erborough shirt everywhere. Thanks for your time.
Anon at 20:57:9 Sunday February 7 99
Cheer up Barry Fry, oh what can it mean
To a fat bloody bastard and a shit football team
Bill at 19:0:20 Sunday February 7 99
I've just realised - any donations of train tickets will be useless, as the likeliness is that the train would be late! Anyway, I think that yesterday we had really bad luck, and Seal was unlucky to hit the post with a header in the first half. Admittedly it was pretty lame, but it was one of the best chances I saw.
Ray at 18:8:25 Sunday February 7 99
Yes - I agree with your impression Paul, 442 or even 433 at times.
The Angry Cobbler at 18:1:28 Sunday February 7 99
IMHO Ali Gibb has his best game for a while yesterday, he got five or six excellent crosses in with his left and his right peg. Alright, he only beat his man twice (and made him fall on his arse once) but he looked a decent player yesterday. But Savage was class. Everyone shouting for a playmaker: I think we have one already. Little passes here and there, dribbling whenever he had the ball - he obviously has ability, and maybe if we can get him fired up all the time we could survive easily. He also got away with a couple of audacious dummies. I think we maybe made it hard at the end by bringing on three strikers but otherwise we played well. I'm still not sold on Atkins staying as manager, but as long as we get the results I'll be happy.
Luton Cobbler at 16:2:16 Sunday February 7 99
We haven't created a single thing down the left since Heggs left. I know he had his limitations and was often as not a liability, but the bottom line was that he could create things from nowhere (Remember Bristol Rovers - play off game?). The board say we mustn't be so negative so i'll try and be constructive. You can't rip the heart and spine out of a team and expect it to function as well as before. Woody, Warburton and John Gayle let go. Dean Peer and Roy Hunter out for the bulk of the season. These were all key performers last year and without them the spirit is dying too. WE NEED CREATIVITY. ATKINS - LET THEM EXPRESS THEMSELVES ! The first half at Stoke when they did so was superb. Why can't they be allowed to do so more often ?
Get to the byline at 15:5:38 Sunday February 7 99
What's happened to Ali? Earlier this season his crossing was too deep, now he can't even miss out the first man? He falls over thin air, and when he does go on a run more often than not he finds touch. Is this just a lack of confidence / inexperience or has he had all his atacking ideas knocked out of him by the coaching staff. At the start of the season this is where most of our chances were being created from. We are also lacking balance, I know Parrish is injured again and hasn't had the best of seasons, but with him, Spedding and Frain we could get things moving down the left, correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall one left wing cross from yesterdays game. Teletext wrote something about an interest in Stuart Slater a while back - is he worth a try?
I agree Corrazzin, Seal and Clarke will score but they need SERVICE.
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:48:16 Sunday February 7 99
Paul - by my reckoning we started out 5-3-2; then went 4-4-2 and finished up 4-2-4 (four forwards! Maybe I was dreaming! I gather our £200k bid for Torpey has been rejected. I'm not sorry. Saturday's game once more demonstrated that what we need is a proven playmaker and a change of tactics to ensure he gets the ball, rather than being bypassed with our usual over the top long balls. Given the right balls in the box, Seal, Corrazin and Clarke (while he's here) will score goals. Torpey, if purchased, would just end up another front man chasing lost causes. Atkins vain, late, attempt to win the game by loading the team with more forwards as the game progressed was never likely to work, given we had no width and no playmaker. Hunt should have started the game. Atkins said recently "you can't have 11 passers in the team." Where does he get his ideas from ? We'd be far better off if we did have 11 players who were capable of one of the most basic skills in football. Somehow Atkins doesn't seem to believe it's possible to play good football and win. He should open his eyes, take a good look all around him at the successful teams and think again....
Elvis P at 13:23:37 Sunday February 7 99
It's quiet here isn't it. Who are "The Cobblers" anyway?
Paul S at 13:23:1 Sunday February 7 99
And lo it came to pass we didn't play 11 men back at an opposition corner!!
BTW was it my imagination or did we play 4,4,2 yesterday or even 4,3,1,2.
A wa*k*r in the north stand at 12:34:19 Sunday February 7 99
Chanting's fun!
Cobblers goalie fan at 12:4:19 Sunday February 7 99
Well done Paul. My sentiments entirely. It's good to hear Billy Turley getting some support. He must have been gutted when most people bemoaned the loss of Woodman. He has waited patiently in the wings for four years to get his chance. Good Luck Billy.
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:2:26 Sunday February 7 99
Richard - thanks for the message and explanation. I take the point. Your son is dead right in respect of keeping things positive during the game. I was actually pleased that, in general, the crowd yesterday seemed supportive. To stay on the positive side I thought Savage's MoM award was the rightr choice and well-deserved. He is not afraid to take players on, which is refreshing. Thought Hunter did well, bearing in mind he's nowhere near match fit and lacked that yard of pace and speed of turn which are his hallmarks. Seal also put himself about and was unlucky with his header. Turley played well, despite some poor kicking. He's still learning and I'm sure he'll go on to become an excellent keeper. The things that, as usual, let us down, were our passing, lack of support for the player with the ball and movement off the ball. We still lack width and do not have anyone in midfield who can deliver enough telling passes to the front men in the box. I think Hunt livened things up when he came on - but it was too late in the game. Again, why not try, Warner. That brings us back to Atkins and his intransegence.....
T. at 9:46:8 Sunday February 7 99
70000 is nothing. I was 25000 and 50000 and aim to be 75000!!!
We thought they should have had a penalty too, thought luck was on our side yesterday until we hit the crossbar twice!
Ray at 1:39:21 Sunday February 7 99
As we are talking about getting some glasses - its a damn good job that the ref. forgot his today - we should have had a penalty against us after 15 minutes.
Paul at 0:11:7 Sunday February 7 99
Just to continue on this point... The guy behind me was so bloody anoying .. he kept giving "Seal" abuse when he had apparently messed up. However, I made it that Seal would have had to be wearing No.'s 10, 9, 8, and 6 for what he was saying to make sense. Get some glasses!!!
Paul at 0:9:7 Sunday February 7 99
Oh, also.. this really pi**es me off today at the game. The wa*k*rs at the top of the North Stand who have been chanting "Seal" for weeks, then the guy plays at last, and five minnutes later they are all singing "Andy Clark". I guess there is no pleasing you "Die hard supporter's" up there in "Heaven". Especially as he hit the post and looked as good as anyone on the pitch!
Paul at 0:5:2 Sunday February 7 99
You know it's funny but I am sort of happy after todays game! I mean we are out of the relegation zone, all be it as Notts County did not play, but were 5th from bottom. It was a gritty performance, and maybe we might score soon! However, one thing is for sure .... Turley IS a better keeper than Woody in the long term. Some of those saves were world class. Thanks to him we got a point!!
Ray at 23:5:31 Saturday February 6 99
Actually we moved up a place.....
ben at 22:44:32 Saturday February 6 99
S**T S**T S**T whoever invented cross bars needs to be shot in the b******s............... where does that leave us now 2nd bottom again?
Sid at 22:44:8 Saturday February 6 99
Sod, I was chatting aswell!!!!!!
i at 22:38:28 Saturday February 6 99
it's now 70001.....damn it....1 person out! doh!
RICHARD at 22:38:7 Saturday February 6 99
Reaching 70,000 is a monumental achievement, Ray and fellow COBB COMM posters, but I would have swapped it all for 3points today!
Anon at 22:35:9 Saturday February 6 99
make it 3
Anon at 22:34:46 Saturday February 6 99
5 to go!
RICHARD at 22:34:18 Saturday February 6 99
HC: That 'Crowborough Cobbler' comment was from my boy, Chris, who full of naive enthusiasm, was merely praying that the antagonism and animosity shown towards certain of the management and players over the weeks, could be avoided in the interests of supporting the lads on the pitch. His memories of the Mighty Claret & White only go back as far as a season or two before the Wembley Double, so HIS fears for the club's future on the dismal season so far, are in even starker contrast to the fears we older, wiser Cobblers feel. His perception and recent experience of the Cobblers reminds me of my rude awakening to the facts of football life when, in the same time period, having scaled the heights of Division 1 with the Town and World Cup glory with England, the downhill slide to mediocrity was even more unbearable! BTW he also apologises for the CAPSLOCK and speeling!!
Anne at 22:32:47 Saturday February 6 99
if i come on, and on again, and on again, and on again, etc etc, will we reach 70000?
Anne at 22:31:58 Saturday February 6 99
69989.......sooooo close!
Anonymous at 22:30:24 Saturday February 6 99
don't U just hate posts and crossbars? oh yeah, and David Seal
Sid at 22:11:50 Saturday February 6 99
25 to go.......... dont know if it will be made before saturday's out!
E.K. GILLS at 22:1:49 Saturday February 6 99
The EAST KENT GILLS are coming this Saturday - BEWARE !
E.K. GILLS at 22:1:46 Saturday February 6 99
The EAST KENT GILLS are coming this Saturday - BEWARE !
Sid at 21:46:51 Saturday February 6 99
Right, I am in the chat room now if anyone wants to CHAT about todays game. go to http://members.xoom.com/cobblers
Ian at 21:32:5 Saturday February 6 99
No comments since I was last here but the visits are up by 30. No-one got any comments on the game?
T.A.C at 19:30:5 Saturday February 6 99
Anyone going on chat tonight?
69919 at 18:59:4 Saturday February 6 99
69919
The Angry Cobbler at 18:58:37 Saturday February 6 99
We missed about a million chances-why??? Everyone played well, especially Savo (did you see his dummy in the first half - world class!) and Roy Hunter. Anyway, da Seal got a game and looked sharp, maybe he'll be in the team for a long time??? If we had John Gayle today we would have scored about 7. Hi Bill, did you get my donation of a limo directly to a disused coal mine in Solihull?
Sid at 17:56:47 Saturday February 6 99
90 to go, I was no. 60,000, but who will be 70,000!?!?!?
Sid at 17:46:13 Saturday February 6 99
Ridler, you get about 950 - 1300 tickets, depending on what the club feels like giving. You will probably only get 950, but i may be wrong.
Sid at 17:44:37 Saturday February 6 99
Well, the luck is certainly NOT in today!!! How the hell we cannot score is unbelieveable!!! Howey and Clarke in the final minute could have won us the game, but Howey hit the bar and Clarke was blocked, and Howey shot was blocked again!! 0-0 final score!
Goalkeeper fan at 17:2:22 Saturday February 6 99
Perhaps Woody should stop spitting his dummy and concentrate on his game.
23.01.99 Woody 2 Billy 1
30.01.99 Woody 4 Billy 2
06.02.99 Woody 2 Billy 0 !!!!!!!!
Ian at 16:56:12 Saturday February 6 99
Boy its been quiet this afternoon, just like at the game I guess.
Ian at 16:1:1 Saturday February 6 99
Stii 100 to go Ray, ain't gonna be 'til this evening or later, hopefully about 3am when everyone else is in bed.
Ian at 15:59:49 Saturday February 6 99
0-0 at half-time, Seal and Corrazin playing (and Hunter), Clarke on the bench.
Ridler at 14:53:21 Saturday February 6 99
Hi, I'm a Millwall fan and want to go to Lions Vs. Northampton later this month, could you tell how many tickets you give away fans, because last year we had to be moved into different parts of the ground after the away end was full, considering our repution most Millwall fans are friendly and just want to watch the game! but still the fans of the home team avoid Lions games and so there's less home fans going so could you give us more tickets> only in the event if we sell our first allocation, and make room incase more turn up on the day if we're still doing well, if after some important games we're still in the promotion hunt approx.1,200-2,000 could turn up, I'm asking all this because this season I'm taking my cousins to the first game and only being 9 & 12 I want to avoid the confusion and dealing with naive stewards. Also Man.City offer up to 5,000 tickets for away fans, that's number we recieved and I think it applies to all teams if the demand is there.
Sid at 11:56:58 Saturday February 6 99
Yes, Ray, The excitement mounts......... and i will be missing it!!! I will be going next week though for definite. Anyway, good news that Carlo and Roy are fit, they are poosibly the best players at the club at the mo. My team is :- Turley, Gibb, Frain, Sampson, Hope, Spedding, Savage, Hunter, Corazzin, Clarke, Freestone. Sibs:- Peer, Hughes, Seal. Lets go for the attacking formation for once!! Again, I have a good feeling, there could be a result in the air. Anyway, I wont say too much!!! Everybody get behind the lads today, and for god sake....... IF WE GO BEHIND, KEEP CHEERING THEM ON!!!! ITS THE ONLY WAY TO PULL THE GOAL BACK!!! ----------------------------------------------- COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 11:22:55 Saturday February 6 99
Yes, of course, we must get behind the lads on the pitch today. But, Crowborough Cobbler, we cannot afford to live in the past. Atkins must be judged on current performances. Misplaced loyalty is not a commodity to be recommended. And, to be frank, if Atkins or any other manager for that matter, gets a better offer, would they show unswerving loyalty by seeing their current contract through ? I don't think so. They (not unnaturally, would want to better their own careers). However, I do echo your sentiments about matchdays - let's put all are differences of opinion to one side and get behind the players during the games. Beginning today....
Pete at 11:13:43 Saturday February 6 99
Too many Petes spoil the broth...or something like that.
Pete at 11:13:34 Saturday February 6 99
Too many Petes spoil the broth...or something like that.
Pete at 11:11:52 Saturday February 6 99
Oi Pete, I know I've been off line for 2 weeks, but stealing my name and reputation...I'm a very bad loser- I hope you aren't I am confident that I will feel good tonight. Deano is fit- but with so many midfielders to bye pass who will be left out?
Pete at 11:5:34 Saturday February 6 99
Sorry we've got to beat you today.Looks like you're going down with the Burnley
Wilf at 9:15:48 Saturday February 6 99
What a beautiful day, what a beautiful day, nothing is impossible with our beautiful minds.
Bill at 8:55:45 Saturday February 6 99
Update on the IA memorial fund - so far there have been 27 train tickets to Birmingham New Street donated, but only 13 could be accepted because they were returns. We have also recieved the value of Wilko's contract in donations for pills, but I believe that £1.45 won't get us very far. My team for today (I'm not sure if all of these are available) (4-4-2) - Turley, Sampson, Frain, Gibb, Hill, Savage, Warner, Hunt, Spedding (?), Carlo, Seal. And high to the Angry Cobbler - see you at the game.
Ray at 8:22:37 Saturday February 6 99
oooooo - I cant sleep - the excitement mounts - first game of the year! (Can anyone remind me where Sixfields is?)
Ray at 0:20:36 Saturday February 6 99
280 to go - will we make it before kick off?
Ian at 21:52:32 Friday February 5 99
No-one seems to have mentioned this from the official site:Fixture Rearrangement
Northampton vs Wrexham- Tuesday March 2nd. - K.O. 7:45
This match has been rearranged for a 2nd time, and will now take place on the above date because
of potential international calls clashing with March 23rd.
Ray at 21:20:43 Friday February 5 99
It may be "haha" redimp - but you are still somewhere below us in the league (for the moment)
Roade Cobbler at 21:16:7 Friday February 5 99
After watching recent reserve games, why not play the reserve team against blackpool tomorrow?
Redimp at 20:50:51 Friday February 5 99
Haha.
Another Insider at 20:37:55 Friday February 5 99
Thank you Phil Baron for your corroboration.
Ben at 20:30:46 Friday February 5 99
hello people, can anybody confirm whether tomorrows match is all ticket or not?
stuart fielding at 20:21:7 Friday February 5 99
come on the cobblers. remember the hotel end
CROWBOROUGH COBBLER at 19:29:14 Friday February 5 99
CAN AYONE TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT BILLY TURLEY IS INJURED, MY DAD SEEMS TO THINK SO, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE. ANYWAY MY TEAM FOR SAT VS 'THE POOL' : (3-5-2) TURLEY,SAMMO,HOWEY,FRAIN,GIBB,WARNER,SAVO,HUNTER,PARRISH,CLARKE,CARLO!
AND JUST TO FINISH OFF, ARE PEOPLE FORGETTING WHAT IAN ATKINS HAS DONE FOR US IN THE LAST 4 YEARS, IF SO I WILL NOW REMIND YOU. SAVED US FROM GOING OUT OF THE ENTIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE, A COUPLE OF SEASONS ON HE TOOK US TO OUR FIRST EVER WEMBLEY APPEARENCE INFRONT OF 30,000 COBBLERS FANS AND ONE! FOLLOWING SEASON IN DIVISION TWO TOOK US TO WEMBLEY AGAIN!!!! INFRONT OF 40,000 COBBLERS FANS UNFORTUNATELY LOSING 1-0. SO COME'ON STOP SLAGGING HIM OFF AND GET BEHIND THE TEAM FOR ONCETHIS SEASON!!
Phil Baron at 19:21:7 Friday February 5 99
Hi all remember me I was the Phil Mitchell lookalike at Sixfields who used to send Ray the pics from the matches and Wembley etc. well the reason I stopped going was that Pete Norton made me and others so un welcome that I decided to go to other games instead.As I work for the Sport on freelance basis that is not a problem.I asked the Chronic if they wanted any pics from the matches but because Pete is best mates with all the other chronies at the Chronic I was just ignored.I agree with the board i am afraid the Chronic is a crap ignorant paper who work on a closed door system and have no ideas new or old. I hope the board take them to court and get every penny they deserve.(ps I wll be available as club photographer for the 99/2000 season !!!!!
Pete at 19:11:30 Friday February 5 99
Off line for two weeks- almost as bad as when I had to give up chocolate (didn't succeed there either). Some good news- Carlo is fit , Roy is fit and rumour hath it that The Seal will appear! If he does is it because he is 'in the window' or because he is to be given a chance? Sadly I don't see Colin H as being fit. It could be interesting- I hope we spend all our energy backing the team- especially The Seal if he appears- he desperately needs a lift- and ignore our anger at the shaddows in the background.
The Angry Cobbler at 18:56:23 Friday February 5 99
I don't want Barry Stonhill to leave the club but I can't believe that he and the board would let the club get that much over budget. IMHO Atkins has been given too much cash to buy too much dross. If we need crowds of 12,000 to break even why are we bidding for players? Atkins has been given too much cash already, he should be forced to use his supposed managerial skills to steer us to safety and keep the squad happy. IMHO he has made a bad choice choosing Frain for captain, all the other players see him as Atkins' golden boy - I think Sammo or maybe Peer would have been a good choice. I'm not happy that we are in the shit again and I hope Atkins realises this and doesn't buy Howey. Can't the board realise that we came close before and that we'll come close again unless people are sold or someone injects £4m to upgrade the stadium and bring us on an even keel again. Anyway, my team for tommorow is: (4-4-2) Turley, Piercewright, Spedding, Sammo, Hill, Peer, Hunter, Savo, Carlo (if fit or maybe ex Arnold Town star Chris Freestone), Clarke, Warner. Subs: Frain, Howey, Morrow.
The Oxford Cobbler at 17:29:41 Friday February 5 99
Re: Man City
Atkins calls for the supporters to be more positive and to get behind them and then the club only asks for half the allocation for the biggest game of the year. What the hell is going on!!!!!!
May be they don't want too many people calling for his head!!!
The Oxford Cobbler at 17:26:43 Friday February 5 99
By backing Atkins and his style of management, the Directors will always leave themselves open to criticism. I am hoping that the vote of confidence means that Atkins will be sacked within the month if results, style and his bloody stubborn attitude don't change.
Blue Moon at 17:5:12 Friday February 5 99
Look forward to seeing NTFC at Maine Road!
SBJ at 16:21:9 Friday February 5 99
I expect to see 70,000 hits when I return to work on Tuesday . . . Cobblers 2 Tangerines 1, don't ask where I expect the goals will come from though. Own goals? Clarke and Frain. That's sticking my neck out.
Robert Dunkley at 15:1:38 Friday February 5 99
Good news!! I have been on to Man City, and the 1400 allocation was decided by NTFC, but if they sell out we can have up to 3 300!!
Exiles at 13:39:41 Friday February 5 99
thanks anon
Ralph at 13:24:33 Friday February 5 99
Nod - Andy Roberts: I agree, decent bloke, but lousy referee. Sorry Andy but the ball was over the line by a mile even your keeper told you so. Although it was nearly ten years ago it still hurts!
Anon at 13:15:7 Friday February 5 99
this is the lettere to the chron - An open letter to the Chronicle & Echo from the Directors of Northampton Town FC
Below is a copy of a letter that the board of Northampton Town FC have asked the Chronicle & Echo to print on the back
page in an unedited version as soon as possible.
Mr M Edwards
Editor, The Chronicle & Echo
Upper Mounts
Northampton
Dear Mark,
We have read with great amazement your Andy Woodman article headlined "Woody's revenge" and firstly are disappointed
that your paper did not check the facts before going to print, which once again demostrates the lack of co-operation/assistance
being given to the club during this particularly difficult season.
With regard to the points raised, we would comment as follows;
Fact One
When discussing the transfer it was always made clear to Andy Woodman, his agent, and Ron Noades (Brentford) that if we
were to accept their offer that Andy's personal terms would need to acknowledge that we were not to be responsible for for
any outstanding signing on fees. The sum of £4000 was due on January 31 1999 for the next period of his contract and all
parties were aware considerably prior to this date that this signing on fee would not be paid by Northampton Town Football
Club if the transfer was completed by the end of January. To compensate for this, Andy Woodman received a substantial
signing on fee, increase in wages, 3 1/2 year contract etc from Brentford. At no time was Andy Woodman blackmailed and the
decision to sign for Brentford was his and his alone! After the transfer Andy asked for the £4000 but quite rightly his request
was refused and this obviously prompted your story.
Fact Two
The continuing Heggs/Warburton saga has been explained by both the board and Ian Atkins and surely this is now water under
the bridge despite the continuing mentions in your columns. In any event, how many players have been sold over the last 2
years? This surely demonstrates we are not continuously selling.
Fact Three
This season the board has backed Ian Atkins to the hilt with the introduction of 9 new players, an increase on the players
budget of some £700,000 over 4 years and we now have a squad of 25 players which is one of the largest in the league. In
addition the Club has recently offered in excess of £200,000 for a first division striker. Surely this demonstrates the ambition of
the club and in the absence of a large backer the club is being run sensibly. The board are continually looking to progress both
on and off the field without taking aboard any major debts and every Cobblers fan knows where this can lead. Do we want to
be Oxford, Portsmouth or any other club in serious financial trouble? In addition the club is now actively trying to sign players
and over the last 5 years the board have cleared the administration debts, moved to Sixfields and progressed considerably both
on and off the field.
Fact Four
Rushden & Diamonds offered £76,000 for Andy Woodman and at that time the quoted fee was £125,000. Rushden &
Diamonds would not increase the offer and subsequently withdrew the same and signed Ian Feuer. With regard to potential
"aggro" on a transfer to Rushden & Diamonds, true fans would sympathise with the situation and it was only mentioned in
passing not as a determent. In any event, some true supporters would not sell Andy Woodman to Rushden & Diamonds at any
price!
Fact Five
Andy Woodman was on the transfer list in excess of 4 months and during that time he made it known to the board, Ian Atkins,
colleagues, friends, sponsors and the fans personally and via your newspaper that he was DESPERATE to leave, preferably to
London because his wife was pregnant, unsettled etc. In fact, his house has been up for sale for some 4 months. Andy pleaded
with everyone concerned to let him go and he never wanted to play for the Cobblers again!
We are considering legal action over your article because the statements made are just not true. Andy was a great servant to
the Cobblers but the manager and his coaching staff firmly believe Billy Turley is the better prospect.
It is a great shame that the untrue article appeared. However, in these days of player power no player should be bigger than the
club and if the £4000 had been unjustly paid no doubt the story would not have appeared.
As a board we are held in high esteem by the Football League on how the club is run and we will continue to try and run the
club sensibly in the absence of serious financial backing, but the important thing is to survive in Division 2 and now your paper,
it's readers and all Cobblers supporters should get right behind the Ian Atkins and his team and support The Cobblers, not
mischeviously try to destroy all the good work carried out in the last 5 years or so. Was Wembley only 8 months ago?
Yours sincerely,
The Directors of Northampton Town FC
Another Insider at 12:26:4 Friday February 5 99
The word is that all other local photographers were banned on the say so of Peter Norton - who used his position as "official club photographer" to create a closed shop.
NOSEY PARKER at 12:8:45 Friday February 5 99
Andy Roberts a good bloke? I sometimes think he watches a different game to us most of the time,remeberHeggsy was trying to get to him earlier in the season for comments he made? Also he has more faces then a deck of cards.Another misery with the press is Pete "Mr personality" Norton the club photographer,how comes he seems to miss most of the action and all we get in the chronic is close up of Atkins or the players walking off the pitch!!! Change all things now and maybe our luck will change? What happened to the other 2 blokes that took pics on a Saturday the one with the goaty beard and the Phil Mitchell lookalike at least they had smiles on there faces even when it was pouring with rain!!!
I say a change is as good as a rest How about Andy roberts as Clarence the Dragon as he breaths enough hot air as it is!!!!!
Richard from HK at 11:19:11 Friday February 5 99
Ray I visit your page almost everyday and find it invaluable, please keep up the work. I have read the Directors letter with great interest,although I have not seen the Chron's article it does raise a number of interesting points. Was Wemberleee only 8 months ago, do supporters want to be another Oxford etc and the finacial situation are very strong points to make.
I spent most of my time watching the Cobblers at the County Ground mostly very dismal. I can remember many games when stewards walked around the pitch with blankets collecting survival money. Watching good players leave (Phil Neal, John Gregory, Frank Large, Richard Hill
Trevor Christie, Tony Morley to name just a few)just to keep the wolf from the door.
Football is a business, it is not about the fans any more. Successful business's attract top people who inturn command high wages. If the fans begrudge the money then the club can only go one one way. The success of the last few years has spoilt us,perhaps we
imagined going straight through to the Premier in successive seasons, well not practical me thinks. This season must be survival at all costs, it has taken so long to get back to Div 2 we cannot afford to go back down.Not only would we loose many players we would also be in dire financial starights and be forced to sell the youngsters as well. So all the way from Hong Kong is a plea for everyone to unite and back everyone from the Board,Manager and players tomorrow and for the rest of the season and play a part in retaining division 2 status. Cos you will have something to really moan about next season.
Exiles at 11:3:57 Friday February 5 99
Any chance of someone tpying the letter from the board on here, Cheers.
SBJ at 10:42:12 Friday February 5 99
Can we have John Rudge please?
SBJ at 10:26:6 Friday February 5 99
As 60s beat group Them sang, "Barry Please Don't Go" (or similar). Barry Stonhill is, by all accounts, a top bloke, and we'd be losing a lot more than a figurehead if he were to leave us. Maybe in the future when we're on firmer footing a change at the top wouldn't matter as much as it would now. With a stable base (the fans) and a stable top (Barry S & co.) the club has good prospects; without this we're in trouble.
Nod at 10:4:7 Friday February 5 99
I've no complaints about Stonhill, or the rest of the board (only Atkins, and Peer, obviously) but I am concerned about our outgoings. I really hope we're in a position to be able to sign new strikers for £200K, but where does the cash come from? Whilst we're on the subject of not blaming people, can I put a word in on behalf of Andy Roberts? I always found him to be a good bloke whenever we played Nene Valley Rangers (the odd dodgy linesman's decision notwithstanding).
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:50:47 Friday February 5 99
I can confirm Ray's current figure for wages. It's rocketed from £400,000 to £1.6 million in a very short space of time. If "Another Insider" is correct, it will be the second time this season Barry Stonhill has been driven to seriously consider resigning. It happened in the wake of the Warburton/Heggs transfer. I would plead with Barry not to give up. He's done a fine job. None of us should forget it was his unstinting efforts behind the scenes which played a leading part in our survival, our move to Sixfields and our "rebirth". Barry is a great ambassador for the club and I can't see anyone of his calibre in the wings to replace him. Those who chanted "Stonhill out" a while ago should reflect on the fact that he is as big a fan as the rest of us, and ask themselves who is either willing or capable of taking over from him ? No. Barry must not resign over this. We have all been through some awful times, have seen the club resurrected and go on to enjoy some historic moments. There are bound to be ups and downs and the lows have to be ridden along with the highs. What would Barry's resignaton achieve ? Peace of mind for him, I'm sure (and I can appreciate that). But for the club ? Even more instability, probably, and the ever-increasing chance that it may further precipitate our fall back to div 3. I am currently extremely worried about the whole fabric of the club - from the top, through to the team management, selection and tactics and the morale of the players. Losing our chairman now will only further destabilise matters. I hope he and the club can rise above all this. Certainly I believe changes have to be made. But not at Chairman level.
Ray at 8:43:44 Friday February 5 99
Its a bit early in the morning to do complicated maths but I can say that the current cost just for players for this season is £1.6 million.
Ray at 8:41:56 Friday February 5 99
I've no way of telling how many individuals read these pages on a daily basis - the only statistic I can give you is that a minimum of 25000 different individuals have been to the site and we are currently getting about 250 hits a day. (perhaps if I had a page 3 it would help)
Nod at 8:36:10 Friday February 5 99
I've just read the letter from the board, which seems free, fair and reasonable. The only slight worry I have is the massive increase in the players' budget. My man with a mole on the board says we now need crowds of 12,000 to break-even.
Ralph at 8:19:18 Friday February 5 99
One other thing. Ray how many individuals read these pages. A hundred or so? A lot of fuss is being made by the club, I could understand it if we had the same circulation as the Sun or even the Chron.
Ralph at 8:13:54 Friday February 5 99
Interesting bit in last nights Chron. Brian Talbot was corroborating the directors view of the Woody saga.
Ralph at 8:11:43 Friday February 5 99
Is Andy Roberts 'banned' because he is Andy Roberts or is he 'banned' because of the Woody story being published by the Chron? Oh and by the way Andy you are still a lousy referee!
Another Insider at 22:49:13 Thursday February 4 99
I'm remaining anonymous - although this is a real email address. The word is that Andy Roberts has now been banned from Sixfields in any capacity including reporting matches, Barry Stonhill is seriously considering resigning and the players are all under severe pressure not to make any comments about the unrest in the camp.
Sid at 22:10:16 Thursday February 4 99
GTA - Anyone who hasn't Guessed this week, please e-mail me at the above address. The game is BLACKPOOL (H).
Gavin at 19:53:2 Thursday February 4 99
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the Man City ticket situation. Apparently we've only been given 1400 tickets. This is the one away game most fans want to see this season. Its one per season ticket from wednesday. Surely MCFC have more space than that! Or is that the usual figure they've been getting this year for away fans? Despite our season, and for bizarre reasons, we're still well supported away, and wiil easily sell that amount. Ray, is there any chance of any more do yoy know?
Ian at 18:42:22 Thursday February 4 99
Still 600 away, maybe tomorrow?
Jayemm at 18:7:41 Thursday February 4 99
I do Cobblers 'Til I die
Ralph at 17:55:26 Thursday February 4 99
You know me Ray, anonimity at all costs. Didn't come across as 'netters' so they must have been 'nutters'. Let's face it most of have to be slightly cereabily challenged to follow our team. Perhaps we are paying now for supporting MUFC in a previous life. And I'm certainly not resigning!
Ralph at 17:51:2 Thursday February 4 99
Woody's Revenge - Lightly Buttered fingers of chicken.
Ray at 17:47:33 Thursday February 4 99
Did you introduce yourself to the adjourning tables Ralph? Were they "netters" or just ordinary "nutters"?
Ray at 17:46:21 Thursday February 4 99
As you were having a curry, is Woody's Revenge anything like Dheli Belly?
Ralph at 17:32:22 Thursday February 4 99
Sitting in The Bilash last night, enjoying a half-price curry, earholing the conversation on not one but two tables. Woody's revenge; Atkins; The Board; Blackpool Saturday. It's at epidemic proportions!
Paul at 15:33:27 Thursday February 4 99
If only IA would be as open as that!!
SBJ at 14:42:29 Thursday February 4 99
I've just read the open letter from the Directors. Seems about as open and honest as anyone would want, so good for them for speaking up for themselves. That's the kind of communication clarity many of us have been hoping for, and the Directors are to be congratulated for stating their side of the story so clearly and promptly. It's also good to hear that the Board are held in high regard by the football league, and to be reminded of how well the Board has done to clear our debts and try to drive the club onwards. It is a shame that their obvious dedication to the club has not been reflected in results / performances on the pitch, but at least we can see that the current difficulties at the club are, broadly, not down to poor Direction from above. The continuing support from the Directors for IA is, to me, a slightly different shorter-term issue than the long-term stability the Directors have managed to achieve.
SBJ at 14:31:5 Thursday February 4 99
Ray - presumably those among us who believe in God and also in a brighter future for the Cobblers will be 'praying for our wins'? Sorry, that's really scraping the barrel . . . .
Ray at 14:8:31 Thursday February 4 99
To those of you not on the mailin glist - make sure you read the latest news on the Official Site (www.ntfc.co.uk) where these is an open letter to the Chronicle & Echo following Woody's article - threatening legal action.
Ray at 14:0:26 Thursday February 4 99
.... or perhaps he was a fish in a previous life and is now paying for his fins.....
Ray at 13:40:48 Thursday February 4 99
.....sorry..... should I resign now?
Ray at 13:40:16 Thursday February 4 99
Tel Veg was probably a vegetable in a previous life and is now paying for his sins.
Chicago Cobbler at 13:34:15 Thursday February 4 99
Back again from hospital!!! I agree with the sacking of Hoddle, and believe that his performance, pressure from Nationwide, comments from players, pressure from Tony Blair, AND the comments were his undoing. Everyone has a right to their own opinions (even wacky ones like his), but the difference is when you are representing your country's team, your beliefs can be mistaken for those of the country. In other words, believe what you want, but as a public figure show a little discretion. News of this actually made the paper over here, and provided a break from the Clinton debacle. Read with interest the comments against this page, and agree with the many who have chimed in that this page is a good thing. Atkins, Woody, or anyone else should spend time worrying more about football, and less about who is saying what. I've never heard Atko congratulate the fans for his success, so it seems odd to blame them for failure. Let's get focused and stay up. BTW, I will make it to the Gillingham game, and am flying in for only that weekend to see it. I am not travelling 8,000 miles to hear people slag off Atkins and we lose 2-0. UP THE COBBS!
SBJ at 13:27:39 Thursday February 4 99
El Tel would be fine by me. Always found it amusing to call him Terry Vegetables. Is that slander, and should I resign?
Ray at 13:22:51 Thursday February 4 99
Regarding the new England manager - Terry Venebles appears to be back in the picture.
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:53:58 Thursday February 4 99
Ref Atkins contract - if I recall right he signed a new, improved, three year deal at the start of this season, following the euphoria of our defeat at Wembley Which, I reckon, means we're probably stuck with glummo.
Andy C at 12:49:18 Thursday February 4 99
I think the situation was probably that the players put in a few words against Hoddle as well and at the end of the day (Brian) if that's the situation then you have a situation where the manager is going to find it hard to survive the situation.
Hope you win on Saturday but I have an ulterior motive: I don't want your clueless manager getting sacked just before the Gills come to Sixfields.
Wilf at 11:15:5 Thursday February 4 99
Ray - Regarding Hoddle/sponsors - Remember the old saying 'Money doesn't talk, it swears'.
SBJ at 10:45:59 Thursday February 4 99
I would like to think that the FA and Hoddle agreed on the termination on purely 'moralistic' grounds (ie. because he caused offence with some of the stuff he said). Unfortunately, I'm with Ray on this one, and I think that the sponsors' pressure was taken closely into account. After all, what with the Graham Kelly business, and the lingering residue of fans' unrest in the World Cup, the new sponsors would want the FA to be squeaky-clean. With Glenn offending people, the FA must have been under pressure to act quickly. Personally I do't mind what the England manager says or believes, though I do think as a figure of public attention he will always have to watch what he says on record. Btw, I would go with Roy Hodgson for the new manager: proven at Switzerland for starters. Wilkinson better in his current position, other nominations (Bryan Robson, Howard Kendall, Gerry Francis) just seem a bit too lightweight for the international role. Happy to be proved wrong though.
Ray at 10:17:55 Thursday February 4 99
Personally I dont think he was sacked because of what he said. I think he got the elbow for lack of judgment plus the pressure from the Nationwide - the new sponsors of the England team - to get rid of him would, I believe, have played a large part in the decision. Anyone any opinions on this? What sort of influence (if any) should the sponsors have on the management? (bearing in mind that the Nationwide also sponsor the Cobblers).
Graeme at 10:13:12 Thursday February 4 99
I think that what Hoddle said was a bit out of order, but everyone is intitled to their opinion. And if that is what he thinks, that is what he thinks!
Ray at 10:9:30 Thursday February 4 99
For those people wondering what the article says - I'm scanning it in this evening - please mail me if you would like a copy.
Ralph at 9:32:27 Thursday February 4 99
Woody's Revenge - Having read the article I believe it says more about Woody than it does about our club. I was always mystified by the animosity shown to Woody by the Exeter fans whenever we played them. It's all a bit clearer now!
Ralph at 9:29:53 Thursday February 4 99
Angry Cobbler - Half your chosen side are unavailable through injury - Harris? Had a poor game on Monday night.
Badger at 23:14:8 Wednesday February 3 99
Isnt rumour mongering a big part of being a football fan. A true football fan supports their team through thick and thin and when it comes to football can talk only of how good their team is or should be a rubbishes everyone else. But when alls said and done the fan only gets 90 minutes of football a week ( 180 if he/she is lucky) so therefore there is not really a lot of football to talk about. But seeing as the genuine fan likes to talk about his team then roumors provode the ideal oportunity for all sorts of discussions. So long live the rumour mill and keep this one grinding away Ray.
Cobbler Down Under at 22:1:3 Wednesday February 3 99
I agree with Ray there is no doubt that we are losing through negativity in formation. Keep all the b$@#$%ks about the Chron and rumours etc etc etc etc etc etc its got nothing to do with bloody football. We need to play 2-3-5 or at the very worst 2-4-4 these days it would seem quite revolutionary and once we started winning with these unseen, unstoppable tactics Mr Atkins would be hailed as the new Messiah and become manager of Aston Villa back in Scum oops that should be Brum and Knocker Gregory would return a hero and take us all the way to mid table obscurity. Failing this scenario we will probably have to sit around listening to all the crap about shagging and nonsense till we get relegated or narrowly avoid it and then start again next year full of hope for the new season and how far up the ladder we are going to finish and how crap the right back is and how crap the midfield is and how the tactics are all wrong. Sh#t I hope they win Saturday and the next few games just to turn the talk around. Has anyone sent their views directly to the Club via email etc and requested a response because if not then we need to start doing it now. Explain your concerns and if they are rational they may listen if enough people are saying the same thing. They may well read these pages but don't forget they consider them to be rumour spreading, gossip mongering tripe from negative supporters so if you say your piece direct then they have to respond with answers. I emailed the Club with a series of questions and to their credit they responded swiftly with answers to the questions and a very positive view of the future. We need to set up the communication lines with the Club as they seem unable to do it themselves who knows it may lead to a forum or we may even be able to get key personel to visit the chat room regularly to answer questions etc. Go the Cobbs big win Saturday and on a roll in the next few weeks it is after Xmas so anything can happen.
Cobblers 'Til I Die at 21:47:5 Wednesday February 3 99
Who thinks Angry Cobbler is a tosser?
The Angry Cobbler at 21:38:55 Wednesday February 3 99
I suppose Kevin Wilson will use the 10 mil from Twatkins leaving to buy Juninho (1m for every ten games he plays) then leave him in the reserves for the duration of his 2 year contract ;) Then we'll swap him for Mark Stein and he'll stop scoring and then we'll get a crap striker from Middlesbrough called Mikkel Beck, he'll score 13 goals in his 20 starts until the end of the season then he'll dry up. Deja vu? Nah. Anyway I think a four man midfield is the best way to go as long as there isn't a six man defence behind it. I think the team for us against Martin Aldridge's latest shitehole should be: Turley, Harris, Frain, t'Sammo, Hill, Peer, Hunter, Savo, Woh carlo carlo carlo corazzin, ex-Arnold Town star Chris Freestone, Parrish. Subs: Howey, David "Fair dinkum! Oh no there's a barby with a can of fosters on it in the dunny" Seal and young Michael Warner. If you wonder why this post is so far removed from my normal sane and intelligent postings it's because I've been on the Cobblers nougat again (£1.99 from the club shop). Anyway, one last thought: I should be the Cobbs manager - I could have tracksuits with AC on them and sign loads of stupid idiotic players from non-league and win everything. Then I could go mad and play John Frain in the defence where he should be. Anyway, must dash - I'm going to smoke the Cobblers programme to see what effect it has.
Ian at 21:34:37 Wednesday February 3 99
Ain't gonna be today Ray and as I can't get to a computer until 5pm tomorrow I am going to miss the big one again.
Bozeat Cobbler at 20:41:55 Wednesday February 3 99
Bonjour tout le monde!
I have just recovered from a serious bout of depression - the result at Fulham and Atkins tactics very nearly tipped me over the edge.
Is it me or are the Cobblers attacks as common as rocking horse s**t.
Roll on Saturday for more fun and games at Sixfields - i predict a 1-0 home victory
Ray at 19:2:37 Wednesday February 3 99
Personally I'm still an advocate of the 2-3-5 formation - I blame Alf Ramsey!
John Mcrirrick at 19:0:30 Wednesday February 3 99
Angry Cobbler. As Ive said time and time again I believe a 4 man midfield is a must if we are to get out of this position, Savage, Peer, Hunt, Hunter and Parrish are all very good players and it is a crime for IA to only play 2 or 3 of these when they are all available.
Lancaster Gate at 18:57:25 Wednesday February 3 99
Press Release:
Ian Atkins has today been appointed coach to the England Football Team. Ian has signed a 10 year contract worth 1 million pounds a year and the FA will be compensating his former club Northampton Town to the sum of 10 million Pounds for breaking his contract.
The Angry Cobbler at 18:55:4 Wednesday February 3 99
Could someone post a list of who's unavailable on Saturday? I'm not sure if Billy is fit or not. And does anyone think a four man midfield could be good on Saturday?
John Mcrirrick at 18:53:50 Wednesday February 3 99
When will fans stop calling themselves loyal because they support Atkins still. On what grounds is he good for NTFC now. Lots of managers who peform mirackes at clubs then go on to have a nightmare at that same club, Howard Wilkinson, Brian Little, Roy Hodgson, Bertie Vogts are some high profile managers that come to mind. Blindly supporting someone because of past success is quite simply stupid. Fans that are prepared to let us slip back into the obscurity of the third, should take a good long hard look at themselves.
The Angry Cobbler at 18:8:58 Wednesday February 3 99
Here here Bill. I predict we are going to lose 3-2 - t'Carlo scoring a breece but t'Martin Aldrige scoring twice for Blackpool.
QUESTION MAN at 17:42:5 Wednesday February 3 99
How long does Ian Atkins contract have left to run?
Paul S at 17:19:16 Wednesday February 3 99
Hear hear HC. The Board may make decisions we disagree with ( and I do NOT think this is not one of them), but we cannot fault their commitment to the club.
fulham cobblesr at 15:36:51 Wednesday February 3 99
Thanks
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:56:44 Wednesday February 3 99
I've just been into our local newsagents where I caught a glimpse at the back page of tonight's Chronic. It's clearly "Woodie's Revenge" - he's making all kinds of allegations against the board of directors, some of which border on the ridiculous. I would urge fans not to take it too seriously. It is a one-sided and I think distorted view. I do not for one moment believe that the directors, for instance, are out to ruin the club. What possible gain can there be in that ? They are, at heart, also devoted fans. It's easy to criticise the board. But they have a difficult job to do. And they have a broader agenda than us, the ordinary fan. They want the team to win as much as we do. But unlike us they also have wide-ranging responsibilities - one being to ensure the financial stability of NTFC. If a player says he's never going to kick a ball again for his club, what can anyone do ? The only logical option is to find a buyer for that player. Any board has little choice other than to sell the unsettled player. And the reality and cold fact is that there is almost no interest from other clubs in any of our players. I understand that while some of the board may have wanted Woodie to go, others (including the chairman) did not. As I say I haven't read tonight's article in full so I cannot be sure if the board has responded and put its side. If this hasn't been done I would urge the directors to place their side of the story on record so proper, balanced, judgement can be made. There is already too much going on behind the scenes at this club - the fallout from which we are having to witness and put up with on the pitch.
Wilf at 13:46:13 Wednesday February 3 99
Oh Dear! It's all gonna get out of hand unless we all karma down.
Wobbler at 13:29:54 Wednesday February 3 99
Woody confirms that the reason that they didn't sell him to Diamonds was because 'they didn't want the aggro', although they would have sold him for £250,000 if Diamonds were prepared to pay that much.
Bill at 13:4:56 Wednesday February 3 99
If Nationwide are so worried about Hoddle's comments "tarnishing their good image", then why the hell are they sponsoring the Cobblers at the moment. With our recent performances, is that meant to do their reputation any good at all? I am also going to start the "Ian Atkins memorial fund". Donations are welcome of any pills that may give the man his marbles back, or perhaps any single tickets to Birmingham New Street
phil( reading cobbler) at 12:41:22 Wednesday February 3 99
whats this about the board ????????????????????????????????? what did woody say??????????????????????????????????????????
Fulham Cobbler at 12:19:40 Wednesday February 3 99
What did Woody say? I dont get the Chroni down here.
T. at 11:59:28 Wednesday February 3 99
Hello Surrey Cobbler
dave at 11:45:40 Wednesday February 3 99
Has anybody seen todays Chron
Woody spills the beans about whats going on in the boardroom and how he was held to ransom to go to brentford .
anyone seen it??
Paul at 11:17:40 Wednesday February 3 99
Brian, obviousley you havn't been to many away games this season. Cause if you had, then you too would be pi**ed off with the sh**e tactics and negative play. OK sure the guy got us into devision Two, but he's doing a superb job of trying to get us back to where we came from. Then when he is sacked or quits, well remember loyalty of fans like yourself who got us back where we came from. How can the guys blame the Internet site for what happend with Woody, for gods sake, didn't dropping him for 8 games have a little bit to do with it??
The guy is finished, I will support the team this weekend, but if we loose, I will again call for his head.
Gary at 11:6:40 Wednesday February 3 99
We need to get that Willie Boland on loan because he will help us out of this mess. Also we need atkins out and Glen hoddle in.
Phil at 9:46:26 Wednesday February 3 99
I DONT HAVE A SHORT MEMORY BRIAN BUT ITS TIME ATKINS WENT. HE'S DONE A SUPERB JOB FOR US BUT NOW IS THE TIME FOR A CHANGE, THERE IS A MASSIVE CLOUD HANGING OVER THIS CLUB AT THE MOMENT AND TO REMOVE ATKINS WOULD GIVE THE PLACE A FRESHER FEEL.
CHEERS FOR THE LAST 2 SEASONS IAN BUT NOW YOU CAN F*CK OFF
nicky williams at 9:29:20 Wednesday February 3 99
The Town are staying UP...
nicky williams at 9:27:41 Wednesday February 3 99
The Town are staying UP...
brian williams at 9:25:8 Wednesday February 3 99
keep it up
brian williams at 9:23:15 Wednesday February 3 99
Ignore all the idiots chanting Atkins out, I remember finishing bottom 0f the entire football league before Atkins came. Does anyone think we would even be in the 2nd division if Phil Chard or John Barnwell were still here? Didn't think so.
Not all fans have short memories, keep up the good work and let's have a few wins (starting with peeling the tangerines on saturday)
We will stay up and hopefully next year with Atkins still in charge we will continue to improve on the past seasons.
Ray at 0:10:19 Wednesday February 3 99
..... or will it be today?.......
Ray at 0:4:22 Wednesday February 3 99
Will we reach 70K by Saturday?
Anon at 23:43:6 Tuesday February 2 99
News flash: It was reported in The Thymes today that Ian Atkins, currently temporarily in charge of Northampton Town Football Club before promoting himself to God, is reported to have said "Its their own fault. Northampton Town Supporters obviously sinned in a previous life". It is also reported that the Nashunwide Lending Society currently sponsors of the Club have issued a message of disapproval condemning these remarks with the words "You cannot be serious - no-one sinned that badly". A full general meeting of the F.U. will be held within the next day or so to consider these comments and arrange to have the perpetator clinically certified.
Paul at 22:58:48 Tuesday February 2 99
Quick Sack Atkins, and appoint hoddle who will be wanting to re-build his name. OK he's an idiot off the pitch, but the guy did well at Swindon and Chelsea
RICHARD at 20:24:17 Tuesday February 2 99
IKC'IWT: There was an air of anticipation in the house Saturday morning; "Bring on the Lilywhites", could safely be chanted in the sure knowledge that we have the evil eye on them; our record in recent encounters against them is second to none! All this, added to the fact that they have also been preoccupied with their Cup giant-killing exploits, together with their strong home league form, pointed to only one result!! It took us an hour and a bit to drive the 47.4 miles to the Robin Hood roundabout on the A3. Not bad, but then another 30 minutes to negotiate a further 0.3 miles down Putney High Street towards Putney Bridge. And I complained about tardy trains the other day! The car park I used to frequent when working the patch in a former life, at the top of the shopping centre, just past MacDonalds, was within spitting distance (well, with a following wind and the right viscosity) when traffic ground to a complete standstill. Carefully avoiding 2 buses and an irate taxi cab, I squeezed into the inside bus and taxi-cab lane ( which was legit' because it was after 12 noon and before 3:0pm as the sign clearly stated ), across a block of waiting (and equally irate) shopping crazed locals, off to the left and parked in a side road for the remarkably sensible cost of only 70p for three and a half hours. Wandsworth Borough must have been practising some creative accounting of late, to allow such outstanding value for money! I wasn't sure how long it would take us to return to the car after inflicting yet another stunning result on the hapless Fulham, so I plumped for the extra half hour for the additional 10p. Well, you don't begrudge a few extra pence when your team's in town, do you? We left the car at 2:20pm. I calculated it would take us about 20-25 minutes, at a 4mph pace, as we legged it down the hill, across the bridge and through the park alongside the river, mingling freely amongst the black, red and white/claret and white-bedecked fans, most of whom appeared as if they had: i. smartly taken the traffic into account in their plans for the day; ii. arrived in good time; iii. imbibed sufficient 'amber nectar/brown warm stuff with a head'; iv. reeked gloatingly of cosy hours spent in the smoke-filled saloons which cram these murky backwaters of London life; and v. been not the least bit interested in my urgent need to take a leak! Now don't start me on conveniences! What is it with Alf Fayed? I know for a fact he has toilet facilities in Harrods. I've even used them. But must away fans still spend their pennies (you would need to have been on the SAS 'specially hard' extreme deprivation course to dare try No. 2s!) in mobile buckets? Is Alf waiting for promotion before he dishes out the dosh for the dunnies, lest he gets in over his head, financially speaking? It's not as if he's short of a bob or two, as the Fulham (sorry, Chelsae 2nd XI) playing staff will attest! Well, I made it back to my perch just in time to see the ---- "yellows" emerge from the tunnel, read the team line up, hear the changes announced and and agonise over the best line-up, curse my luck that the guy in front was so tall, and settle down for the ensuing 90 minutes of pulsating footie!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, what of the game itself? Well, clearly Fulham were the better side in all departments. But you don't need to be a rocket scientist to guess that one! With the available personnel the only argument over team selection might be Freestone for Lee, Hunt for Deano. Chris Lee has height on his side to partner the nippier Andy Clarke, has been putting in the effort for the stiffs, I understand, and therefore deserves a shot besides, the combination - Lee Clarke - isn't a bad omen!; unfortunately he was largely anonymous and completely overshadowed by Fulham's Prem/Div 1 pairing at the back ( what a come down for Albert; mind you, the pay's no different). Andy was quick,industrious and beaverish, but again, apart from one spectacular shot from distance, which had Taylor desperately stretching, he too was competently handled. There were some passages of play to be admired - Lily continues to impress - well, me at least! One of the boy, Chris' local footie team mates is a Milwall supporter and he swears blind that Savage was a popular star at the Den, until Ben Thatcher and (Mark) Kennedy left. His form and popularity then declined. IMHO, the Lions' problem became our good fortune. If he's in the line-up with Roy and 2 others (yes, let's revive the 4-4-2, or even the revolutionary 3-4-3; hell, what does it matter as long as you get the best players on the pitch at the same time!), then we have the makings of a team to contend next season!!! I think we were playing 5-3-2, with Frainy in the middle with Deano, to seal up their attacking options. Largely, it didn't work, but not due to lack of commitment, as some would avow. Deano was ferocious and earned a booking, but was lacking inventive skill; Frainy isn't, in my mind, a centre midfielder ( sorry, John if I've placed you in the wrong position) but with Duncan supposedly the stronger running left-sided player he has to take the wing back or left mid-field spot, depending on which formation you prefer. Ali still seems short on confidence, is still being double-teamed and isn't getting in the accurate crosses needed from a wing back; indeed, getting to the by-line these days, seems to be akin to the search for the Holy Grail - damn near impossible! At the back, the gruesome threesome did a reasonable job of keeping Fulham at bay; Colin Hill in particular was a stalwart in a crisis. Sammo was efficient without shining and Howey must have been injured when subbed by Hope early in the second half when exercising the option to put him up front in place of Lee, would have won some plaudits from the bemused punters at the away end, hoping to see some attacking play! Billy was receiving some encouragement from the faithful few and, save for some dodgy kicking in the second half with the Fulham end getting on his case, he was OK. There first 'goal' from Barry 'she fell over' Hayles was, to at least several hundred observers, off-side. Having said that, it was the Frain/Turley combo that was at least partially to blame again. The second, a strong header from the Belgian mercenary, his first for the new paymaster, was a carbon copy of many conceded this season; all back for the corner, all watching as the ball powers into the net beyond the flailing arms of a 'keeper with no defence to help him! Still, on balance, all things considered, taking one thing with another..... we were played off the park! But beyond every stormy shower of doom and gloom comes the occasional ray of sunshine and with it the glowing rainbow of hope, springing eternal: in all likelihood, at least we won't have to queue for the portaloos next time we meet the Lilywhites on equal terms! And finally.............. As those of us, braving it to the very end, left the terracing, and the lads walked forlornly towards the tunnel right next to our exit point, there were those of us applauding their efforts, but there was a shout from just behind me along the lines of, "How can you applaud that miserable performance?" Normally, I'd say little out loud for fear of a verbal shower, or physical abuse in response, but I was moved to remark that it was because I AM a faithful supporter, the team's our team, for better or for worse, and they deserved our encouragement, not the haranguing that breeds discontent and loss of confidence. Actually, I just said, "Because I'm a supporter!", but those words were meant to convey the fuller, aforementioned thoughts. Let's hope the general support of the fans is not lost to the guys that make the difference on the pitch and who will determine our future - be it relegation or salvation!!!!!!! Bring on the Tangerines!
A Cobbler at 19:38:16 Tuesday February 2 99
Atkins for England !!!!! PLEASE.....
Arseburger Man at 19:15:46 Tuesday February 2 99
I think its the third for us, arseburgers.
Sid at 18:58:21 Tuesday February 2 99
and Hoddle's Off aswell!
Sid at 18:45:4 Tuesday February 2 99
Sorry for the double message!
Sid at 18:43:40 Tuesday February 2 99
Just looking at a relatively new site called FootballNews. It is in its early stages of development, but the reports statistically are looking very good! Go to http://www.footballnews.co.uk/
Sid at 18:38:58 Tuesday February 2 99
Just looking at a relatively new site called FootballNews. It is in its early stages of development, but the reports statistically are looking very good! Go to http://www.footballnews.co.uk/
Ralph at 17:33:34 Tuesday February 2 99
Whilst we are on the subject of kit - Can the club return to a more traditional style of shirt the next time we have a new design and ensure we remain predominantly CLARET with a hint of white. If present trends continue will end up playing in all white soon!
Wobbler at 17:2:11 Tuesday February 2 99
Crap game last night at the reserves. Best moment of the match was when the linesman fell arse over tit for no apparent reason.........twice ! Was worth going just for that.
Ray at 16:42:3 Tuesday February 2 99
thats should have said third place of course - just so u dont get confuzzled.
Ray at 16:41:22 Tuesday February 2 99
Hmmm - not bad - third play with 67 hits in the last two hours - dont you lot have anything better to do - lol!
T. at 15:54:15 Tuesday February 2 99
Surrey Cobbler I'm here now and I've sent you a picture attachment so you'll know who I am now! Did you get bored at home working?
The Shropshire Cobbler at 15:36:7 Tuesday February 2 99
To Ian Atkins:
I blame it on reincarnation.
SURREY COBBLER at 15:26:0 Tuesday February 2 99
I'lltell you why we can't win.....it's those bloody pink stars on the home shirt. It must be so embarrassing for the players. Pink is not a football colour!! Remember the pink zig - zags of 1989? We beat Coventry City but then got relegated!! We beat Weat Ham and ......no please!!! Lets start a campaign to always where the 2 away kits, afterall we have won more away than at home!!
SURREY COBBLER at 15:15:47 Tuesday February 2 99
T ARE U THERE?
thehaddoncobbler at 13:12:42 Tuesday February 2 99
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE CHANTING "ATKINS OUT" ON SATURDAY ? I SUSPECT QUITE A FEW....
thehaddoncobbler at 13:11:19 Tuesday February 2 99
If Teletext is right and Atkins slagged off Northampton then he must GO. Then to have the cheek to give us a "Clarion call" just a few hours later? BYE BYE ATKINS, THANKS BUT YOU'VE HAD YOUR CHANCE.
Eddie McGoldrick Appreciation Society at 12:12:54 Tuesday February 2 99
Eddie as manager now.
Barry at 12:6:42 Tuesday February 2 99
To summarise the previous message Bert wants Atkins out.
BERT at 11:12:21 Tuesday February 2 99
ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT
Graeme at 11:11:26 Tuesday February 2 99
Hard luck about Northampton, but i think they will find form soon and
anyway i think Fulham have just got a bit more confidence after beating Newcastle.
Cheers
Graeme
Jacks at 9:52:25 Tuesday February 2 99
Ray, I am pleased to see you defend yourself - this site is important AND constructive (most of the time!) Something has to be sorted very quickly as the season is slipping away. We have talented players at OUR club - let's stop wasting them shall we, Carlo - you cannot leave us..hang in there WE NEED YOU. I thought the comment by Atkins on Ceefax/Teletext was PRICELESS - call to rally the fans - !!!!!!ha ha ha - how about looking a little closer to home Mr Atkins. Or do the decent thing...........
T. at 9:35:53 Tuesday February 2 99
Surrey Cobbler are you my E-mail chum?
The Oxford Cobbler at 8:36:40 Tuesday February 2 99
Well said Ray. There have always been rumours surrounding footballers banded around the terrace. It is a disgrace to blame the site. Why don't the club take advantage the technology instead of slating it. Please encourage them to use their site to deny or confirm rumours. If they told us the truth in the first place none of this would have happened. I still don't know why Warburton and Heggs were sold and why Thompson went even after emailing the club. All this information should be revealed.
John Frain Fan Club at 0:46:54 Tuesday February 2 99
Atkins and his tactics certainly make life hard for the players, but is everybody missing something, the players are playing crap...they can't even control or pass the ball, Atkins can't do anything about that. Frainy is still the god of the team though!!!
Ray at 0:41:8 Tuesday February 2 99
Well I heard that T was having this thing with.....
TRB Mark at 23:0:32 Monday February 1 99
Angry Cobbler, is that Frank or Northampton? Surrey Cobbler, what do you want with our "T"? She's got a boyfriend you know, unless this is a malicious rumour started by someone at the club! (Only joking T-get well soon)
linda at 21:43:22 Monday February 1 99
come on sid, me duck lets goo and get some brain traysis nay, ya lait
Linda at 21:41:47 Monday February 1 99
come on ducks, who wants to come up tain an a few beers
Sid (GTA Again!) at 21:40:46 Monday February 1 99
Just as i said to use the old e-mail address, DONT!!! My mail has just started working again!! Continue using the address above to post your GTA's in, but DO post them in again!! Thanks.
Linda Bolloxchops at 21:40:2 Monday February 1 99
Lets all goo rained tain an buy some brain traysis.
Sid at 21:38:40 Monday February 1 99
Ray, you are totally right what you are saying. Its as if he didn't have anything to do with Woody leaving...... just the matter of not playing him for two months. I mean, he never admits when he is actually wrong. Atkins, can you not blame this site for a players departure, when you know full well it isn't!
Sid (GTA Update) at 21:34:9 Monday February 1 99
It looked as though GTA may have to be cancelled this week, but I have decided to use an old e-mail address. Whoever has sent their GTA in already, can you please send it again to the E-mail address above (click on my name). Remember, its for the Blackpool game (H). Thanks!
Sid at 21:31:29 Monday February 1 99
Got back from the stiffs............ and we undeservedly lost 1-0!!! Seal, Freestone and Corazzin up front. Carlo excellent, even though short of match practice. Subbed at half-time. Hope's header went just over, Freestone/Seal looked lively, then faded off. Good tackling in midfield, and our trialist Andy Harris was actually quite good. Their goal was a bit of a scramble, and I think it was Courtney Pitt who scored, although I may be wrong i think. Ref booked three players, and managed not to book Warner for a scathing challenge on a player.
Nosey Parker at 21:16:40 Monday February 1 99
Well the blonde women who is the 'brains' behind our recent run is a member of the same order as Glenn Hoddle and David Icke!!!!I dont know her name but she seems to have a thing about Michael owen at the moment in the dressing room(perhaps she is looking for a toyboy!!)
The the other women in the track suit is the physio from Kettering who also massages the players aches and pains
cobserver at 20:54:48 Monday February 1 99
Not that I'm a sexist but can anyone tell me what contribution the mind women makes - clearly the players all regard her as a joke, (and to prove I'm not sexist) often see two women near the dugout, one wears a tracksuit, helps Dennis and has the respect of the players - the other wears unsuitable outfits and is meant to get the players minds in shape. Bit of a parallel here in the national game.
The Angry Cobbler at 20:15:11 Monday February 1 99
Well, after the enormonous massive disappointment of paying to see a load of rubbish at the weekend (I'm thinking of becoming a Fulham fan - to be honest even Spencer are better than us at the moment) I'm now looking foward to Saturday's game against Blackpool. And my team for the game will be: (4-4-2) Francis (Turley's injured?), Hill, Frain, Sampson, Hope, Hunter, Gibb, Savage, Corazzin, Freestone, Warner. Subs: Seal, Howey, Hunt. I just hope Atkins reads this and realises that letting me pick the team is much better than him selecting a shite team like last week against Fulham.
T. at 19:23:57 Monday February 1 99
I hope someone will post the result of the Chelsea match later as I'm confined to my sickbed
John Mcrirrick at 19:5:51 Monday February 1 99
Cobblers highest position so far this season, 14th after 2 games and 1 point, quite impressive eh Mr Atkins. Surely for a manager to be even half decent he has to know his best 11 players. Atkins, you haven't got a clue have you?, otherwise why would you desperatley be changingweek in week out. Everyone on thispage has different opinions, football is about that, but if you even had the courage to stand by yours and put the same 11 out for two weeks running people might respect you a little more
SBJ at 17:20:24 Monday February 1 99
Ah, the Jackson 5 - a group who sang "I just can't control my feet" - spooky coincidence? I'm going home to simmer.
Randy, Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, and Michael Jackson at 17:17:25 Monday February 1 99
He could always Blame It On The Boogie . . . .
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:13:6 Monday February 1 99
PS - Ray - As Atkins has blamed everyone else for his dismal results this season, its not surprising he's now starting on us long suffering fans. No. It's the players, the fans, the government, the environment, the pitch, injuries, introduction of the Ecu, global warming......Funny how it's not his fault that our style has more in common with rugby football, that forwards with goalscoring pedigrees come here and not surprisingly dry up, that insisting we play 11 behind the ball at corner kicks just gives everyone a chance to get in each other's way, that players with "big engines" are always preferred to those with touch and skill. Well, after all, you can't have 11 passers in the team can you ? That wouldn't be football.
SBJ at 17:9:23 Monday February 1 99
That too, Ralph! It feels odd being displeased with IA, when I was used to feeling so proud of him. For auld lang syne I hope that if he goes he finds success at another club.
Ralph at 17:5:47 Monday February 1 99
Come on you stiffs!
SBJ at 17:3:8 Monday February 1 99
Good stuff Ray! I had a civil exchange of e-mails with the webmaster at St.Paul's in which I set out your qualities as a first-rate filter of filth, and I'd say it all again for the sake of anyone at our club who wants to criticise the way in which this site is run. I notice for example that you've already deleted the expletive from the most recent anon message, probably before most people have even seen it. I can recall several instances recently where people have fruitlessly demanded to see controversial messages which you've deleted in the interests of not spreading gossip. You've kept RedImp in check, ousted most of the casual gossip about players' sleeping arrangements, and given us the opportunity to correct or criticise anyone who posts message we know to be unfounded or believe to be unfair. For IA to blame the departure of Woody or any other player message board is just passing the buck: I can't believe for one second that comments here were much more than an added knock to Woody's feelings. Boo, hiss IA! Three cheers for Ray!
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:56:47 Monday February 1 99
I've just read tonight's match report in the Chronic. Clearly Andy Roberts is not in tune with the fans and misses the point altogether when he asks who to blame a)the directors for "lack of ambition" or b)"berate the inferior quality player (?) manager Ian Atkins has at his disposal." Wake up, Andy. If you read the messages here, you'll be left in no doubt who the culprit is. The board has given Atkins all available cash that's come to hand (and that's a pretty penny recently, by our standards). It's what he's done with it that's in question. Atkins, for his part, is pinning his faith on the forthcoming run of home games. Well he might. But you can't win matches without scoring goals. And you don't score goals unless you have a good number of chances. Our forwards hardly get any opportunities to strike at goal because the quality of ball to them is so useless and because we spent 95% of the game behind the ball. The reason for this is not so much the lack of quality in the team (although we have some notable examples). It is down to Atkins style of play. How often do we have to say it: humping the ball 6o ft in the air downfield is easy meat for a defender - but next to impossible for a forward to control over his shoulder. I'm beginning to think the fans are the only people at this club singing from the right hymn sheet. The manager's lost it. The board, though misguided loyalty and in deference to past successes, seem to be sticking firmly to him. The players seem totally dispirited and uninspired - again, it seems to be down to a management problem. Which brings me to my final point: what management skills and training has Atkins had to equip him for such a role ? Why do so many clubs in this country still stick to the old custom of taking on ex-players, putting them in the hot seat without so much as a day's
management or motivational training ? They can only have half the picture.
Ray at 16:53:48 Monday February 1 99
OK - I'm just off to the printers to get my t-shirt saying "It was all my fault". I'm now getting really teed off with this continuing sledging of this site from Atkins. He knows as well as the rest of us that any remarks/rumours that were posted here were deleted as soon as was humanly possible - and I could have left them in if I wanted as many people as possible to see them. Quite frankly I believe its just being used an an excuse for poor man management - in fact its more than belief - I know - because I have received mail from sources that I trust setting out the real reasons for Woodman leaving - and at no time was the internet mentioned. (and no I'm not going to post them here before you ask). The source in question is, I believe completely trustworthy and, from what he says, next season we will not have a team unless IA does the decent thing now. OK - I know the club read this but this continuing harrassment now has to come to an end - they are perfectly aware that I do everything in my power to keep as much control of this site as possible - perhaps they should try and keep control their end!
Nosey Parker at 16:27:32 Monday February 1 99
Also if Atkins thinks he is so hard why does he always end up on his arse in a fight? ha ha ha
nosey parker at 16:24:34 Monday February 1 99
Do my eyes deceive me or is Atkins now blaming the FANS for making Woody leave? Teletext on ITV cannot lie surely I am afraid that he has now lost the plot for sure.Woody left because Atkins,and the club treated him like shit and the same goes to all the players there.The next wonderful thing Atkins does is to resign like a true man or carry on getting stick.Turley is also out with ankle ligament trouble so we can put the grandad in goal !!!!
SBJ at 16:4:49 Monday February 1 99
If anon can find our 'mannor' he can keep it. Would this be the first of the Gillingham fans popping in to see us? Bring 'em on - the way we're playing we can only get better.
Anon at 15:55:47 Monday February 1 99
The clocks ticking less than 2 weeks and were coming to take over your mannor. Hope your boys are readyto get battered.
Sid at 15:13:32 Monday February 1 99
Sorry, did I say Mark?!?!?! SBJ, after all, this is one of the best, sorry, the best guestbook a club could have!
Sid at 15:12:16 Monday February 1 99
Yes mark I agree with you.... If the club didn't read the comments, they wouldn't what we wanted. But I was saying they should choose to ignore what is said about players etc, when most of the time we dont know the half of what is going on at the club. They know its not true, so why bother taking it to account!! No-one wanted Woody to leave (well, not me!) but somewhere along the lines the rumours have got a bit twisted, and it has probably reflected badly on the club, thats why Atkins probably blamed us. It would be interesting to hear some of Atkins comments in an on-line discussion!
SBJ at 15:4:3 Monday February 1 99
I've just read Sid's message too: this message board IS unofficial, but at the same time it provides one of the few means by which IA and the club can find out first-hand what the fans really think. I don't know the context of the comments quoted on Teletext, but it would be very irritating if IA were only to take note of the scraps of malicious gossip posted here. I personally think some of the comments here did overstep the 'need to know' line, but I repsect everyone's right to free commenting. My point is, that IA ought also to see (and maybe he does) that the overwhelming majority of comment here concerns either opinion as to team selection / tactics, opinion as to the types of players we could buy / sell, and opinion as to what state the club is in more generally. I hope IA reads this larger bulk of comments and pays as much attention to them as he possibly does to the gossip on this page: it's not every club manager that has access to such a body of free grass-roots opinion and advice as IA has at his disposal here.
Sid at 15:2:23 Monday February 1 99
Yep, Jacks, but that is just Atkins!!
Jacks at 14:52:23 Monday February 1 99
Sid!! I have just read what you said about Atkins. Good God !! How does he possibly think we can be positive under such circumstance..I don't see ANY of the players coming out to support him. If you don't like us...too bad we are part of this club, we love this club....can you say the same. If not..what's the point??
Jacks at 14:46:27 Monday February 1 99
SIGH!!****** Well.although I held out hope of a miraculous recovery in the 2nd half - I knew in my heart it wouldn't happen. The players look SO unhappy ..and is it surprising, Fulham ran rings around us. The time for action is now, can't the board see, Mr Atkins either PLEASE MAKE CHANGES - the system is not working - or - leave.go now if you have no desire to battle with every ounce of your being. This club has had to fight against so many things, but we can't fight against complacency and stubborness.....do be a fool, we are all supposed to be on the same side. We won't accept bullying - it's childish and futile. Let's get some motivation and determination and HAPPINESS back into our players. I think all of us supporters should cough up at least £20 each to get Razor and thus our team back.......I was depressed last weekend....and I don't want to keep feeling this way.
Sid at 14:37:53 Monday February 1 99
I have just heard about the comments made by Ian Atkins on Teletext. He blames us (the fans) for Woody's departure, and the "malicious rumours" spread on a fan's internet site. Now, what I want to know is:- The Club shouldn't even be looking at information from the Unofficial web-sites. What is put on here (or any other guestbook/site) is up to the individuals, and the people who run them. If someone decided to spread a rumour, the club and the player knows it isn't true. So why don't they choose to ignore it instead of blaming an "UNOFFICIAL" site for spreading them, and contributing to the clubs affairs?? Its none of their business!! Okay, Woody will have been offended, but I don't think any person contributing to a site about the club that he/she supports would be so malicious!! So, the club should know that no-one in their right minds would spread gossip about one of the most consistent performers at the club.
He says "I have never seen a town with people taking such a negative view". Now, I'm not sure Atkins has respect for the fans at all now, so how can we respect him?? Some of the comments I have read about Atkins "smirking" at people is just cocky, and I, plus many other people are starting to get a bit sick of his attitudes towards us fans.
T. at 13:56:19 Monday February 1 99
Wilf, no I'm not I'm off sick. Hello Surrey Cobbler what do you want?
Wobbler at 13:37:52 Monday February 1 99
Sorry, don't mean to hog the page, but one last thought, the team is crying out for Razor. What a difference he made. Wish we hadn't sold him. Bring back the legend.
Wobbler at 13:27:21 Monday February 1 99
Keep finding myself looking for the Brentford score last couple of games, wonder how long that will last ??
Wobbler at 13:24:1 Monday February 1 99
Looking forward to watching the reserves tonight, they play such a different style to the first team, why is this ? It's great to watch and the youngsters are playing some great stuff on the deck, not panicking but looking very comfortable as well. Interesting to see how many turn up tonight considering the crowd (and cameras) against Arsenal when we heard Adams was playing. Gives us all the chance to watch young Mickey as well. Seal will probably get a run-out as well I suppose, even if it's just for the scouts as he is on the transfer list. Should be a good game, normally is.
Nod Again at 13:17:40 Monday February 1 99
The brightest moment for me was a little ditty my brother retailed to me at half-time. He lives in Fulham but supports Chelsea (why does Glory Hunter follow Fulham? I've never understood. Surely there's more glory down the Kings Road?) Anyway, the Chelsea chant at Highbury was going to be "With his bag of sweets and cheeky smile / It's Arsene Wenger - paedophile!". Well, it made me laugh. On reflection it must have been a worse day than I thought.
Nod at 13:14:2 Monday February 1 99
Yes, we walked away at the end. Partly because none of our lads as much as acknowledged our applause and encouragement at half time. Were they all in despair at the anticipated bollocking? Clarke ran a lot and was always busy, and his general lack of success was overshadowed by that shot - it really was good, the high point of the afternoon. Lee flicked on well, but nobody ran for him so there wasn't much point in that. Billy played well and Gibb was useful. But overal we didn't look as if we expected anything but defeat and a slagging off from the boss afterwards......very depressing.
Wilf at 13:10:11 Monday February 1 99
Well said SBJ!
SBJ at 12:19:28 Monday February 1 99
I just felt really sorry as the players were walking off at full time - most of the fans already heading home, a few stopping back to have a dig at IA (I heard Angry Cobbler's heckle!), but mostly just walking away, backs to the players. The lads must have felt really low themselves, and seeing Lee and Hill, looking like they'd just been run ragged, but still trying to applaud our retreating backs in acknowledgement of our having turned up, just made me feel really sorry for the players; and ashamed that I'd stood in near-silence for the second half rather than singing up to encourage them. If I looked as miserable after my day at the office as they did after the match, I'd be handing in my notice. The fact that they will still be putting their backs into it at the next game, and the next, has got to be worthy of some support from us. Sing up for the lads on Saturday - it might make all the difference!
Wilf at 11:36:51 Monday February 1 99
SC - T's at school!
SURREY COBBLER at 10:27:27 Monday February 1 99
T. Are You There?
Ralph at 9:58:41 Monday February 1 99
Yes the little game of keep ball during the warm up which involved all the squad and management looked a little contrived. A feeble attempt at saying we're all buddies and we're all happy.
SBJ at 9:52:22 Monday February 1 99
I saw the game, and agree with much of what's been said here. Very slack performance by the team (Clarke looked the most busy, but had no support or feed), but hardly surprising given the odd formation. Fulham looked good. their fans were noisy, we understandably went quiet, having spent much of the first half only cheering the free kicks we won (little opportunity for owt else). Change is in Smiler Atkins' hands, and if he doesn't act now (or assuming the club won't take action to make him go) it'll be off to Div 3 for us. My friend from Honduras who came to see the match said 'I can't imagine how that guy [Atkins] can get still have a job.' I agree.
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:33:34 Monday February 1 99
Any support for Atkins can only be out of misguided loyalty. None of us would disagree he has been successful and has helped us rediscover some self-esteem. Thanks for that, Mr A. But, as the saying goes, you are only as good as your last job. I am judged this way by my customers - and expect it. I'm sure many others are in the same boat. The rule should apply to the Cobblers manager. We must judge him on the last 27 results. And they have, to say the least, been poor. However it's not just the results. It's the manner in which they have been "achieved". The fact is we're losing and we're boring. I think it's the combination of these factors which is now driving most of us to demand change. Among the poor, the aged and journeymen we do have enough good players to comprise a good team. Given the right tactics, leadership and encouragement, I am sure they could perform, play some football, put a smile on our faces and win some games. Given the right service and support, players like Corazzin and Seal must score goals. Remember Corazzin scored 17 last season in a reglegated team. He's got a pedigree. The need is not for more forwards. It's for a style of play which gives them good ball in the box. The up and under approach never will succeed for quality forwards. That's crystal clear and has been proved beyond doubt this season. The jury isn't out on our tactics. It's presented its verdict...it's now up to Atkins to see the light, admit his mistakes and replan his tactics. If he cannot do this, and fast, the ball's in the directors' court....
the fulham cobbler at 9:24:18 Monday February 1 99
I have always eagerly awaited the cobblers journey to craven cottage and over the past recent seasons we have shown a good display, but from the moment the lads ambled out I new it was going to be a grim afternoon. In the twenty plus years I have been watching I have rarely seen a team so unmotivated as they appeared onto the pitch. Was anyone actually in the changing rooms firing us up. It is a well known fact that fulham dont like playing us because of our commitment and hard tackling, but what on earth happened. Listen to aggressive music, watch a boxing video, do something so that when you start the game you WANT to win. Somebody, anybody who will be in the changing rooms on Saturday please install some passion into the players ....we the fans will be behind the team, but is anyone else?
Wilf at 7:46:18 Monday February 1 99
Hmmm!
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