Cobblers Comments
January 2000

In Memory of Martin and Gail

Sean from London at 23:37:35 Monday January 31 2000
Just read the tragic news about Martin Aldridge. It is at times like this I especially value Cobblers Comments and the opportunity to read and share the thoughts and emotions of ordinary supporters from all the clubs Martin played for.


Webmaster at 23:36:23 Monday January 31 2000
On behalf of all Seasiders we would like to extend our thanks to the Cobblers fans who have left so many messages on our own board. We share the loss of Martin with all the clubs he was associated with. We are also saddened by the loss of Gail Ashwell and send our condolences to family and friends alike - a sad weekend for both sets of supporters. Best wishes and good luck for the rest of the season - Peter Seasiders.net


adam at 21:43:59 Monday January 31 2000
there is an online tribute to martin aldridge at http://members.aol.com/martinaldr - its at times like this that we should forget local rivalries as life is far more important than football, despite what shankley said


Ian Markie at 21:22:48 Monday January 31 2000
CAN ANYONE HELP ME......IN MY FAMILY HISTORY A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY MARRIED A PERSON CALLED FRANK WILSON WHO IS SAID TO HAVE PLAYED FOR NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC DOES ANY ONE HAVE ANY INFO ABOUT THIS IF SO CAN YOU E-MAIL ME drewsankie@lineone.net cheers.


MK Townie at 21:9:12 Monday January 31 2000
RIP Martin.


Bez at 21:7:10 Monday January 31 2000
Apparently Aldridge was an unused substitute on the afternoon and left to go to another Diamonds players house to help set up his 30th Bithday party in Northampton. This meant that around 20 minutes later the entire squad drove past and instantly recognised the car. Ray Warburton stopped and went to the hospital with him. I'm not sure whether he went to the hospital in Oxford with him but it was a true showing of Warburton's character. I'm sure that both Blackpool and Rushden can both recover enough to give Martin results to be proud of. He was a talented youngster at the Cobblers who at times was absolute class. Few can begrudge his teams a successful run in now it is just unbelieveable that the best player to come through our ranks in over 15 years has gone. Sympathies to all involved and good luck for Blackpool and Rushden for the rest of the season. I feel a plaque remembering him and other ex-Cobblers who have died tragically young like David Longhurst should be put up somewhere in the ground. Maybe in the North Stand where Aldo scored THAT goal.


Anonn at 21:1:2 Monday January 31 2000
Condolences to all involved with the sad events of the week-end. Events like this put all others into perspective - which has been shown by the unaninimous support/sadness/shock shown on this site and all other sites irrespective of which team is supported. Sudden loss of life is a tragic waste whether it be the player or the fan..


Norwich Cobbler at 20:22:9 Monday January 31 2000
Martin Aldridge - immortal to Cobblers fans for scoring the first ever goal at Sixfields.I was only looking at the Centenary video on Friday night and replayed his somersault for the benefit of my children.It was a complete shock to see the news on this mornings Ceefax.RIP Martin - Cobblers Hero.


Sid at 19:36:53 Monday January 31 2000
In all, it has been a rotten weekend for Cobblers fans, with Aldridge, Ade's friend Gail and the Lincoln yobs. I am glad Northampton have agreed with a one minute's silence, and it definitely is ironic that Blackpool and Oxford play each other this weekend.


Market Harborough Cobbler at 18:55:2 Monday January 31 2000
On my way to work this morning I nearly crashed the car when Radio 1 announced the news of Martin Aldridge's untimely death. Despite his being a "Cobblers reject" as some may say, and his playing for the Direones, he was and always will be a Cobblers legend for one reason. The opening goalscorer at Sixfields first ever game should always have a place in Cobblers history. I for one will be paying tribute on Saturday, despite what others may say. I deeply hope that all present will pay a respectful tribute to him. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.


No1 Cobbler at 18:54:46 Monday January 31 2000
I still can't believe that the best youth team player ever at Northampton Town has died. I was hoping that one day he would return to us. Farewell Aldo. R.I.P YOU WILL SADLY BE MISSED


Job at 18:53:35 Monday January 31 2000
I have just learned, with deep sadness of Martin Aldridge's death. My first memories of him was when I joined Daventry Athletics Club in 1992. I was amazed by the speed he and his colleagues ran around the track during training. Martin's talent in athletics matched that of his football, he was one of the best in the country on reaching when the English Schools Championships. Football took priority when he signed as a trainee at Northampton Town (the same route Brad Piercewright took), but he still kept his links with Daventry Athletics Club. At that time I began following the Cobblers, standing in the family enclosure of the county ground, now amazed by Martin's football. I attended most of the home matches until last year when A-levels, athletics and university commitments halted my attendance. I will never forget the goal he scored against Barnet and the celebrational somersault. Throughout his career I kept track of his performances , particularly a hattrick he scored against Sheffield I believe, for which I have kept, amongst many others, a press cutting. It was a huge coincidence that on the day the results of the Northants Cross-Country Championships were published in the Chronicle and Echo two weeks ago both a report of myself and Martin appear on the same page, reporting on his move to Rushden. That was a dream come true, a chance to see Martin play locally again. I am devastated, all my wishes go out to Peter, family and friends. I shall dedicate my race for Loughborough Uni this weekend in the British University Cross-Country Championships at Edinburgh to my inspiration. God bless you.


Ray at 18:17:48 Monday January 31 2000
Northants96 email address is reception@northants96.musicradio.com


Danny at 18:15:34 Monday January 31 2000
Concerned, I have already written a statement for Lincoln City regarding what happened on saturday at Lincoln, I should find out what the outcome is by the middle to end of this week.


Anon2 at 18:13:38 Monday January 31 2000
Sorry, I was in the wrong mood, I think we should hold a minutes silence on Saturday for Aldridge.


My Tribute at 18:8:53 Monday January 31 2000
Martin Aldrige was quite a talented player whose life was taken away tragically on saturday night at the age of 25. No one will ever forget the "First goal at Sixfields" and the celebration that followed. Quite fitting that a local lad who came up through the ranks at the club should score the goal. It seems a waste of a young life and talent that Martin has passed on but I'm sure all our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in Peace Martin..... Danny.


Anon2 at 18:7:53 Monday January 31 2000
Hi people. :-)


Northampton Gas at 17:41:22 Monday January 31 2000
Sorry about my email, it was written off line before I had time to read emails about Martin Aldridge.


G-Man at 17:40:42 Monday January 31 2000
Martin was my favorite player for years. Even towards the end when some people were calling him lazy, I thought he was doing enough to keep his place. Obviously Mr. Atkins didn't and I was gutted when he was given a free transfer to Oxford. I was pleased when he started scoring plenty in the first division and one day I hoped he would come back here to spearhead Kevin Wilson's attack. But it wasn't to be, thanks for inspiring a young boy to play footie and rest in peace.


Concerned at 17:32:15 Monday January 31 2000
After the unpleasant incidents following Saturdays match at Lincoln you would expect there to be something in the local paper - not a thing - what a surprise - I am no lawyer but Lincoln City have a duty of care to as far as is reasonable `protect' spectators - at the very least there should have been a police presence at the end by the supporters coaches - if the police have any Police intelligence they would know that in the past there was no love lost between the fans and in more recent times the Clarkson incident - their keeper Richardson is to blame as well in inciting fans -I know that the Martin Aldridge death is important -= however, there were knives in evidence on Saturday - football hooliganism must not be allowed to come back ...... The Lincolnshire Echo Email address is editor@thisislincolnshire.co.uk - if you witnessed what happened or feel strongly enough email him or her - sorry but it had to be said


Where are we at 17:20:40 Monday January 31 2000
Midlands club's new Sixfields Stadium ????


hoops at 17:4:34 Monday January 31 2000
with all due respect, i think there are other former players more deserving in terms of the service they gave the club to have a stand named after them.


Dyl at 17:1:2 Monday January 31 2000
I agree that there should be a permanent tribute. I'm not sure about the West Stand though. As this is something that happens from time to time, I think it would be good if the garden of remembrance could be used.


Dave at 16:59:9 Monday January 31 2000
I feel it would be apropiate for a permanant tribute to Martin A ldridge,such as naming the west stand in memory of him.


Anon at 16:48:47 Monday January 31 2000
Blackpool statement Martin Aldridge receives fatal injuries in a Car Accident Martin Aldridge who was currently on loan to Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was involved in a serious car accident on Saturday evening and has died as a result of his injuries on Sunday morning. A further press statement will be made on Monday." Seasiders.net on behalf of all fellow Tangerines Online would like to send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Martin Aldridge 1974 -2000 26 year old Aldridge joined the Seasiders from Oxford, initially on trial, in August 1998. A clutch of goals in friendlies against Goole Town and Bolton Wanderers lead to the offer of a two year deal. The former Northampton prodigy - who scored the first goal at the Midlands club's new Sixfields Stadium, had a good start to the season, but was dogged by injuries for much of last year. Martin was surprised to discover a family connection with Bloomfield Road - his uncle Trevor is involved with the BFC Gold Bond scheme. Martin made 29 League & Cup Appearances for Pool scoring on 10 occasions before a loan spell at Port Vale and then more recently Rushden & Diamonds. Pool fans will fondly recall his two magnificent goals away to the then League leaders Stoke City in front of 15,000 in September 1998 which sent Pool into 3rd place. He also scored a brace in the League Cup at home to 1st Division Tranmere in the first leg two weeks earlier. His last game for Pool was in the home 2-1defeat by Wycombe replacing Junior Bent in the second half almost a year after that sensational game at the Brittannia Stadium. The message board has received a considerable number of messages of sympathy from fellow Seasiders and other clubs supporters online.


Joe Kerr at 16:41:24 Monday January 31 2000
Oxford United Statement Monday 31 January 2000 It was with great sadness that we learnt of the premature and tragic death of former player Martin Aldridge in a car accident over last weekend. Former Oxford United manager Denis Smith brought Martin to Oxford in December 1995 from Northampton Town on a free transfer. He went on to make a total of 56 full appearances and scored 22 goals before being released by then manager Malcolm Shotton at the end of the 1997-98 season. He then joined today's opponents Blackpool. Martin's most memorable match was probably our Division One game here at the Manor on 14th December 1996 when he scored a hattrick. Ironically, his last game for the U's was against Sheffield United, away. Martin scored 10 goals in 29 games for Blackpool and was on loan at Rushden And Diamonds at the time of the tragedy. First Team Coach, Mickey Lewis who played in the same team said, "Martin was a great player around the box and his goal scoring record for us just proves it. Everybody is devasted here. He was a smashing lad." We offer our deepest sympathy to Martin's family and friends. A minute's silence will be held in memory of Martin prior to Saturday's match against Blackpool.


Danny at 16:11:19 Monday January 31 2000
Very sad news about Martin Aldrige. He wrote himself into Cobblers folklore with the first ever goal at Sixfields Stadium. He was a good player whose morale was affected badly by Ian Atkins. I would like to pass on my respects to his family. Rest In Peace.


Trav at 16:7:44 Monday January 31 2000
What really pisses me off is Northants 96 this morning. It seems they can't be bothered with newsreaders so the DJ read the news (at 7.00). He just carried on with his poxy happy-go-flippant voice like he couldn't give a toss and it was getting in the way of him playing the next Vegaboys record. He didn't say who had died but I was angry he showed no respect in his "bubbly morning crew" tone. Then when I got to work and found out it was Martin this made it worse. I wanted to email Northants 96 to complain today but they don't even have an email address. Poxy.


Gaz at 15:53:17 Monday January 31 2000
Full credit to NTFC for the sensitivity they have shown in light of events.


TRB Mark at 15:22:14 Monday January 31 2000
Ade, please make sure that someone let's the club know so that we can remember Gail, as well as Martin. The thing I find depressing is that Radio 5 live feel fit to report the hand bags that some overpaid brats at Man U had with the the referee, every half hour on thier sports news, but can't mention once the loss of a talented, young but albeit a lower division striker. I phoned and complained but I don't supposse it will do any good.


TRB Mark at 15:15:13 Monday January 31 2000
Northampton Gas. Tonight's game has been postponed as a mark of respect to Martin Aldridge.


hoops at 15:13:12 Monday January 31 2000
the reserve game has been cancelled as a mark of respect to aldridge


Northamptom Gas at 15:10:0 Monday January 31 2000
Garry Thompson will be attending tonight's reserve game against Barnet. We are after a decent left back and a young competent goal keeper. Anyone fitting that description in either team?


Anon at 15:7:50 Monday January 31 2000
here here!


Joe Kerr at 15:1:34 Monday January 31 2000
5 minutes ago I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself suffering with broken ribs compliments of Lincoln local yobs - I had been unable to log on for 24 hours - enough of me - so I had not heard the news - it puts it all in context Martin, the 4 year old lad who got sprayed, the young girl who died on her way back - and then my thought went back to David Longhurst - there are so many tragedies the lad who died on that wet night on his way back from Brighton the list goes on - so lets use the minutes silence to reflect/respect on Martin A, the young lady who died on her way back home (and all our old friends that are no longer with us, remember - was his name Cyril a great big elderly man that kept shouting `keep um out'he died of natural causes I think after a cold night game at Hartlepool) and lets all make a concious effort not to accept racism and violence at football!


hoops at 13:39:17 Monday January 31 2000
what an appalling coincidence that a cobblers fan should be killed at the same time as aldo. sympathies to all families of course. glad to hear that the cobblers will have a minute's silence on saturday and all the cobblers fans i know will remember fondly those somersault celebrations when the teenager emerged as the star of the post-McRitchie debacle. It was a shame he never realised his full potential but who can forget his contribution as such a young lad and that wonderful goal against Barnet in the first game at sixfields - that's a moment no-one who was there will ever forget.


Gaz at 12:50:2 Monday January 31 2000
So sorry to hear of your loss Ade. Tragedies like this underline that it could easily happen to any of us. I earlier suggested a minutes silence for Martin, I believe that should now be Martin and Gail. My thoughts are with those who have lost people in these tragedies, and I send my best wishes to Ade and Russell for your recovery.


DavCobbler at 12:29:21 Monday January 31 2000
Whilst not meaning to turn this page into an area for condolences I feel that it is only correct to inform you of another fatal accident on Saturday evening. Whilst returning from Lincoln we unfortunately had an accident near Bourne, Lincolnshire. The driver of the car, Miss Gail Ashwell was classified dead at the scene, the rear passenger, Mr Russell Brown, also a close friend of the late Martine Aldridge, is currently in Peteborough District Hospital suffering a broken leg in two places, a badly broke hand and lots of other slightyly less minor injuries. I, Ade Miller, am most definately the lucky one in all of this. I am at least able to be at home typing this message when one of my very good friends never will be and another may be able to but certainly not at this moment. My deepest condolences go out to the family of Gail, a true friend and Cobbler, she will be truly missed. I would also like to extend my families condolences to the family of Martin Aldridge. All in all a very sad weekend for the folk of Daventry. Thanks.....


AnImp at 12:25:3 Monday January 31 2000
1) Firstly sympathies about MA. Recognise a good player when I see one, and know what a waste it is for someone to die that early. 2) Gruff is in a very small minority if he thinks Clarkson's injury was funny. All City fans I know were have a lot of sympathy for Clarkson and wish him well in the future. 3) Those tossers who attacked you in the car park were nothing to do with the club and were just a bunch of dicks looking for trouble. Not seen them before, and don't know where they decided to crawl out of. The Hull trouble was mainly caused by a few Hull 'fans', and there was no trouble expected from the Northampton fans (obviously), hence the lack of police. Anyway, apologies on behalf of all online Imps fans (e.g. the ones on the mailing list, the messageboard is mainly ignored by us).


lincoln faithful at 10:13:23 Monday January 31 2000
i was shocked to hear about saturday and iam very sorry. but these hooligans are not true supporters and WE ARE NOT ALL RACIST IN LINCOLNSHIRE


Gaz at 10:12:39 Monday January 31 2000
So sorry to hear about Martin. He was a good player and it is a tragedy for him to die so young. I hope that NTFC will hold a minutes silence on Saturday.


Anon at 9:16:29 Monday January 31 2000
There are sme touching tributess to Martin from football fans everywhere on the Blackpool messageboard http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi?acct=mb651081&TL= It seems fitting that Blackpool play Oxford this weekend.


Vince at 9:5:17 Monday January 31 2000
I've just heard the news of Martin Aldridges death and join you all in sending condolences to Martins family, friends and colleagues.


JAMESYBOY at 1:7:14 Monday January 31 2000
Sorry for being sad But what about the next time both teams play at home. We all sing there is only one MA i will do it at Nene park at least ten times. Lets all stick togeather on this one please


Spring Park Cobbler at 23:38:43 Sunday January 30 2000
My condolences to Martin's family and friends. A terrible thing to happen to one still young. Like all Cobblers fans he will be remembered for that first goal at Sixfields and missed by us all.


Sydney Cobbler at 23:25:36 Sunday January 30 2000
Martin Aldridge R.I.P Thanks for the memories


adam at 22:51:4 Sunday January 30 2000
i am preparing a tribute to martin aldridge to go online tomorrow evening, if any of you wish to write something to on this for exammple your favourite memory of him then please email me. sid has already kindly agreed to write a piece - i'll put the address on here when the site is online


Anon at 22:48:53 Sunday January 30 2000
thank you


Anon at 22:45:19 Sunday January 30 2000
Anon. www.thediamondsfc.com/ is the official site


Chipp at 22:42:56 Sunday January 30 2000
May God bless and keep you always, may your wishes all come true. May you always do for others and let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung, may you stay forever young. May you grow up to be righteous, may you grow up to be true, may you always know the truth and see the lights surrounding you. May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong, May you stay forever young. May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift, may you have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift. May your heart always be joyful, May your song always be sung, May you stay forever young. RIP Martin x x x


Anon at 22:38:31 Sunday January 30 2000
has anyone the address of the rushden and diamonds site please.


Steve at 22:15:52 Sunday January 30 2000
This very sad news should bring all true fans together regardless of which team they support


Jamesyboy at 22:14:38 Sunday January 30 2000
I am sure you cobblers will hold a minutes silence before you next home game. As will R&D, and im sure Blackpool. What a terrible thing to happen.


T. at 22:14:1 Sunday January 30 2000
I'm just stunned by the news, I've just driven home by where it happened aand knew nothing of it.


Luton Cobbler at 22:9:20 Sunday January 30 2000
There is not really a great deal else that can be said regarding the sad death of Martin Aldridge. My own personal memory will be his first league goal away to Scarborough, where he ran from the half way line, chipped the keeper and followed it with the sommersault. It puts into perspective so much of the rubbish written and the goings on of the last week or so.


Robert Dunkley at 22:5:40 Sunday January 30 2000
I am shocked by the terrible news, and all our thoughts are with Martin's family. It also seems taht he was doing well at Rushden, and he was back to his best. Hopefully, the club can arrange a minute's silence for the game at Sixfields. It will pay tribute a player who served The Cobblers well.


Ralph at 21:59:57 Sunday January 30 2000
Very sad news. It is hard to imagine that Martin was still so young. He must of only been 18 when he made his debut for the Cobblers, ironically away to Blackpool. My thoughts are with his family and friends.


charl1991 (Tommy) at 21:44:8 Sunday January 30 2000
I am very saddened to learn of Martin Aldridge's death condolences to his Family and friends


The Romsey Cobbler at 21:43:42 Sunday January 30 2000
Anon - there's a message on the R&D site. It's a terrible thing to happen and I feel very sorry for his family and friends.


Anon at 21:38:53 Sunday January 30 2000
Ray, can you give any creedence to the comments below regarding Martin Aldridge. I have seen nothing on TV, radio or text.


WSD at 20:48:20 Sunday January 30 2000
I'm stunned by the news, I'll always remember Martin for scoring the first goal at Sixfields. Condolences to his family.


TRB Mark at 20:13:51 Sunday January 30 2000
My neighbour, a Diamonds fan told me this morning that Martin Aldridge had been involved in a car accident at the Wilby roundabout not long after yesterdays game agaist Northwitch. H e added that they were going to switch his life support machine off within the hour (he told this at 11.30am) I saw the the news on Anglia and the state of the cars involved and it is not surprising that someone was killed. They did'nt name names but unfortuanely it looks like the info I got is true. I wish to send my condolences to his family and remember Martin for some of the great moments he gave us football fans.


manny at 19:59:12 Sunday January 30 2000
R.I.P MARTIN. NO COBBLERS FAN WILL EVER FORET THAT GOAL AGAIST BARNET!


Sid at 19:41:17 Sunday January 30 2000
Martin Aldridge has died as a result of the car accident. I wouldn't wish that on any footballer, and it just puts everything into perspective when someone from your club, (or used to play for your club) dies so tragically. My condolences go to everyone who knew/played alongside him, and to R&D fans.


mitch at 19:19:17 Sunday January 30 2000
this is well lively, see ya i'm going


mitch at 19:15:51 Sunday January 30 2000
who saw walsh's elbow on the box


mitch at 19:11:31 Sunday January 30 2000
i agree


mitch at 19:10:38 Sunday January 30 2000
hurry up


MartinW at 19:4:39 Sunday January 30 2000
Jeezo, no! Martin Aldridge? What the hell happened and where? Oh no! Many many commisserations to all his family. He was only a young chap,too and a decent player.


mitch at 19:3:31 Sunday January 30 2000
iz anyone there


Mitch at 19:0:26 Sunday January 30 2000
I've just been on the boro offical site ,if u try 2 speak 2 people on their chat site the scum just don't reply r they fvcking stupid or what!


Mitch at 18:59:11 Sunday January 30 2000
I've just been on the boro offical site ,if u try 2 speak 2 people on their chat site the scum just don't reply r they fvcking stupid or what!


MartinW at 18:58:11 Sunday January 30 2000
Annonyworry, for god sake get a grip! If you are going to have a go at the way someone else didn't get their facts right, at least get YOUR facts right. Of course Parrish was playing, I corrected myself as you must have read because you refer to Hunt. I blame it on the beer. What's your excuse. And I don't read OPTA stats so: "Neh, neh, neh, neh, neh!" Having come down from my shirtiness, I have to disagree about Hunty! He is a fab little player for this division and has been fine for us in central midfield. Better than Frainy in that position, in my view. Lastly, Danny, nice to see that someone has written, because quite frankly I could not believe what I saw. Cowardly,too, because they waited till outside the ground, where there are no cameras (or at least I didn't see any) to start trouble. Oh finally come on, we can go up!!!


adam at 18:54:1 Sunday January 30 2000
i am sorry to inform you that martin aldridge died last night in a car crash, all of us at rushden are devasted by the news. he had looked very promising for us on his loan spell but football really isn't important when you hear things like this. i believe he was a crowd favourite at northampton and if you wish to leave your condolences then the unofficial rushden forum is a good place to visit as a lot of people are there. :o(


CIRCA at 18:18:58 Sunday January 30 2000
A great new site for lovers of music and local music at that - www.northamptonbands.co.uk - visit the CIRCA page and download some mp3's. Hope you like them!


Danny at 16:33:51 Sunday January 30 2000
Oh and the defender hitting his own post, I think we had a corner, there was a little confusion between two of their players and one stuck his foot out and kicked the ball against his own post. Why won't anything fall for us at the moment.


Danny at 16:8:8 Sunday January 30 2000
Sid, I had actually left the ground and got on the coach, I was seated at the back and saw virtually everything that happened from the moment it started. Basically these lads were waiting for the majority of Cobblers fans to leave the ground before starting. As the last Cobblers fans came out of the stadium they were confronted and were attacked, one was laying on the ground while 2 or 3 were putting the boot in. Another was being beaten against a car. The yobs then walked round and I think were joined by 3 or 4 more. They then rounded up on anyone wearing a Cobblers shirt, and particularly targetted some lads who had come down in a mini bus (these are regulars at The Cobblers home and away). When people began to realise what was happening they began to confront the lads, one of them produced the CS Gas and sprayed it peoples faces at random. This is where the four year old lad got it in his eyes. Still no police or stewards. At this point I phoned Lincoln City FC who seemed totally unaware that anything was happening. A couple of minutes later the stewards finally arrived. The yobs ran off leaving Cobblers fans stunned and angry, arguing with the stewards. I spoke to one of them, told him what happened. He told me that none of the stewards that eventually turned up were from the away end. God knows where they went!!!! When the police turned up they were shouted at by angry Cobblers fans. Where were they, why did they wait until these yobs had gone before they turned up? Eventually we left but the Mounties and the Trust were still there. I think Lincoln City should have a good look at their policing policy, because as we all saw on Sky, they had problems before during and after their last home game with Hull. I should be getting some sort of response from LCFC and will post a copy of any letter, if I recieve one, on this message board. I hope that this incident will not stop supporters travelling to away games, especially that of the four year old lads.


Kobbler at 14:49:27 Sunday January 30 2000
Gruff if you think a mans career ending is funny then youre sick Also if you heard the sickening snap after that disgraceful tackle like I did then I doubt you'd be making fun either. I hope something horrible happens to you at work so you can't claim your pay cheque anymore then who'll be laughing ya bastard. Imps fans have gone down in my estimation big time....


Sid at 13:24:59 Sunday January 30 2000
MartinW, partly frustration, but I was thinking of the Halifax match - and the fact that three out of our last four away games have seen us score, then three minutes later the opposition scores!


Joe Kerr at 12:37:59 Sunday January 30 2000
there has been no condemnation as yet on the Lincoln city message board around what happened yesterday. at the last home match I was apologising (on behalf of true football fans)to a decent supporter who got jumped on at Posh - its 2 away games on the trot - TV football will win if this carries on - how many will now watch the Swansea game on TV that would have gone before yesterday - its so sad - I thought those days were gone!!


Anon at 11:34:48 Sunday January 30 2000
we were last out of the ground and as we came out next to the supporters coaches e.g children and old men/women (no disrespect meant) and there were a few Lincoln yobs causing trouble - there were none of the similar Northampton idiots around to have provoked them. they were indescriminately hitting everyone because there was no one to have a go back, there was 5 of us and we got seperated and 3 of us got attacked by I dopnt know how many -0 not worried about us - it was the boy of 4 (I was told) who got CS gas in his eyes and all the people that had cuts etc. These were totally innocent true football fans no one there was looking for trouble. This was planned due to Lincoln Cities policy of no police presence at the ground - this as we know can work 2 ways - when the police arrived of course they had gone. The first aid people were sorting everyone out and suddenly the stewards appeared as if they didnt realise that if there was to be trouble that it would be here??? Went down the Railway station and the Northampton lads (not saying they are trouble makers) were all there and unaware to what had happened - these were the type of `targets' that the Lincoln yobs ignored and picked on families. These are the fans of the future - and some will never come back. Next time we meet it will be now a magnet for all idiots to turn up and we will be back to the 70s where true fans are marinalised. Not having a go at you true IMPS we had a great day out and at night time everyone was brilliant. They are scum!!!


The I C fc at 10:47:57 Sunday January 30 2000
HIS CAREER WAS OVER ON THAT DAY!


Anon at 10:47:3 Sunday January 30 2000
Clarkson's leg was broken


Anon at 10:46:3 Sunday January 30 2000
Gruf the imp if you have not crawled back into your hole yet,


Anon at 10:46:2 Sunday January 30 2000
Gruf the imp if you have not crawled back into your hole yet,


Anon at 10:45:59 Sunday January 30 2000
Gruf the imp if you have not crawled back into your hole yet,


Gruff the Imp at 10:39:35 Sunday January 30 2000
I guess you jammy sods will think that spelling mistake is funny as well will you, well so what at least we've got a decent football team, and not a team of faking crocks


Gruff the imp at 10:36:31 Sunday January 30 2000
You jammy sods the mighty imps deserved three points yesterday. Theres no way you r better than us and should be below us in the league. Has that crock of yours recovered from that perfectly fair tackle yet Theres only one Lee Thorpe (TAHNK GOD)


???? at 10:30:59 Sunday January 30 2000
No one likes me . Who am I ?


Bandersparling at 10:29:43 Sunday January 30 2000
Snatch my hole !!


Flying Teapot at 10:28:59 Sunday January 30 2000
I am in a wet cheese delirium !


Mister Long Shanks at 4:28:26 Sunday January 30 2000
Gong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Tartan Flask at 1:47:42 Sunday January 30 2000
having been around football for a while it makes no supprise that our friends from Linconshire are complete racist thugs.From Scunthorpe to Boston they're all the same.


Anonnywonny at 1:19:8 Sunday January 30 2000
Martin - Parrish was actually playing, so how can we miss him and if you actually wathed games instead of OPTA stats you would know that Hunt is a complete waste of space


MartinW at 0:59:34 Sunday January 30 2000
Sid, I'll join you in the frustration, because in mine, I completely got the old names mixed up, I meant we miss Hunt (when he's on his game, mind). Doh!


MartinW at 0:54:34 Sunday January 30 2000
Sid? Did you really mean to say: "EVERY TIME WE SCORE WE LET IN ONE IN INJURY TIME!" Can you give some examples? Or is it just that the frustration got out of hand. Can understand the latter, because it was a frustrating day. Steve Howard, is game as ever, but really he is not a partner for Carlo up front. Savage continued to be quiet and - we would not have said this last season - we missed Parrish's forward surges and hard work in tracking back. Yes, we did dominate large sections of thegame, but if we cannot convert the possession into goals, we are going to remain play off contenders, rather than automatic promotion contenders. Not a moan, but the way. Just a desperate bid to keep the 'get another striker' ideas still on the agenda. Lastly, a word about these supposed Lincoln fans. Usually you go to game and you have not got a whiff or trouble. Then these total gits decide picking on some good humoured fans and at least one women with a child would ge a bit of a hoot. I hate to sound cliched but the majority of fans are great. But these guys had not banter, not good humour, they were just neanderthals and no amount of trying to calm them down would suffice. Some people just won't chill. I'll take home of a frustrating day on the football field and a little more cynicism about so called fans.


Ray at 23:49:4 Saturday January 29 2000
At last - someone posts a decent lyric!


Chipp at 23:26:30 Saturday January 29 2000
Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son? Oh, where have you been, my darling young one? I've stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains, I've walked and I've crawled on six crooked highways, I've stepped in the middle of seven sad forests, I've been out in front of a dozen dead oceans, I've been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard, And it's a hard, and it's a hard, it's a hard, and it's a hard, And it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall. Oh, what did you see, my blue-eyed son? Oh, what did you see, my darling young one? I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it I saw a highway of diamonds with nobody on it, I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin', I saw a room full of men with their hammers a-bleedin', I saw a white ladder all covered with water, I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken, I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children, And it's a hard, and it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, And it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall. And what did you hear, my blue-eyed son? And what did you hear, my darling young one? I heard the sound of a thunder, it roared out a warnin', Heard the roar of a wave that could drown the whole world, Heard one hundred drummers whose hands were a-blazin', Heard ten thousand whisperin' and nobody listenin', Heard one person starve, I heard many people laughin', Heard the song of a poet who died in the gutter, Heard the sound of a clown who cried in the alley, And it's a hard, and it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, And it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall. Oh, who did you meet, my blue-eyed son? Who did you meet, my darling young one? I met a young child beside a dead pony, I met a white man who walked a black dog, I met a young woman whose body was burning, I met a young girl, she gave me a rainbow, I met one man who was wounded in love, I met another man who was wounded with hatred, And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall. Oh, what'll you do now, my blue-eyed son? Oh, what'll you do now, my darling young one? I'm a-goin' back out 'fore the rain starts a-fallin', I'll walk to the depths of the deepest black forest, Where the people are many and their hands are all empty, Where the pellets of poison are flooding their waters, Where the home in the valley meets the damp dirty prison, Where the executioner's face is always well hidden, Where hunger is ugly, where souls are forgotten, Where black is the color, where none is the number, And I'll tell it and think it and speak it and breathe it, And reflect it from the mountain so all souls can see it, Then I'll stand on the ocean until I start sinkin', But I'll know my song well before I start singin', And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall.


Gomez at 22:35:51 Saturday January 29 2000
Jamesyboy - Maybe if you can give us a few more sensible postings you won't be as disliked as you have been. I think there is room for two league clubs in Northamptonshire, and if i'm honest, I'd quite look forward to a Cobblers/Diamonds derby in the football league. Just don't expect any niceness then!!


JAMESYBOY at 22:28:51 Saturday January 29 2000
Cheers Anon at 21. 51 24. Expect a lot of postings now from Jamesyboy. Saying violence is OK it wont be me.


Sid at 22:25:12 Saturday January 29 2000
To think that actually happened at Lincoln! I went there last year, and there wasn't even a hint of trouble outside the ground - in fact, it was a nice away game to come to! I hope the people in the baseball caps are caught - while i think it does seem naive that any football club doesn't have some police presence at matches, even if there is no trouble. 4,000 people packed into a stadium and no-one to keep it under control, even when leaving!?!? Danny, where you near it all - if so, can you elaborate anymore on what happened? - and to anyone that went, what happened in the run-up to the defender hitting his own post?


Lincoln City FC at 22:6:29 Saturday January 29 2000
First my Lincoln site is at http://www.theimp.lincolnfans.co.uk for anyone that's interested. Second lets answers some of those points raised in messages below. 1) Apologies for the "idiots in the baseball caps", I didn't see any trouble myself but there's hardly any bother at Lincoln, we don't get enough fans to have a punch-up, hence no police at matches. 2) Who wants motorways - if we wanted to inhale all that pollution we'd move to Yorkshire. 3) Yes there was a railway behind the stand - now replaced by Southerners in bungalows whinging about the noise from the ground and how they'd much prefer a supermarket. 4) Regarding the steep hill to the Cathedral ask a local to show their way around that hill. Then again don't bother if he thinks you're a tourist he'll only send up a even steeper one.


Anon at 21:51:24 Saturday January 29 2000
Full marks JB. Congrats on your victory.


Danny o'shay -hunting for info at 20:51:41 Saturday January 29 2000
Can anybody help me i am trying to trace Danny o'shay?,Who was he?,where did he come from/where did/why did he go?


JAMESYBOY at 20:41:16 Saturday January 29 2000
I was going to come on here and boast about our great win today. But after reading what Danny said, i wont bother. Mindless morons comes to mind. James


Anon at 20:32:2 Saturday January 29 2000
Manny, I applied to go on Soccer am months ago via e-mail, all they sent me back was the word "Cobblers" to which I replied "No we really are Cobblers fans" to which they replied "Cobblers." Don't waste your time.


Anon at 20:28:49 Saturday January 29 2000
wow, someone with intelligence and wit!!!!!


Barry "psyco" at 20:27:2 Saturday January 29 2000
Danny iym serprised you cant smell/spill HAVE U NOT GOT SCOOLS IN NORFAMMPTON?????


Barry "PSYCO" Richardson at 20:24:19 Saturday January 29 2000
It was mey and my maytes who did was giving yu lot a good kiking today arfter the game and you are wayting to get on your bussess, coz ay lott of u took the piiss out of me.if the refereeye had not av ended the first alf when e did and if theyre had been no stewarts ariund i would have jumped the fence beyhind my goal and given yous all a good kikking bey fgour half tyme


manny at 20:19:49 Saturday January 29 2000
why never any ntfc fans on socceram?


Danny at 20:18:57 Saturday January 29 2000
I'm clearly having problems typing and spelling this evening. Still angry!!!


Danny at 20:18:41 Saturday January 29 2000
I'm clearly having problems typing and spelling this evening. Still angry!!!


Danny at 20:17:22 Saturday January 29 2000
That ruined a good day and a good entertaining game. Welch was a bit undecisve for the second Lincoln goal but apart from that The Cobblers played very well, once again outplaying the opposition and once again returning home with just a point. Frainy hit the Crossbar, a Lincoln defender hit his own post, shots flew just wide. We could and should have won easily.


manny at 20:13:29 Saturday January 29 2000
are ntfc ever gonna get any fans on socceram? we are the only LEAGUE team not to be on!! from a massive ntfc & soccerette fan!! (apart from todays ruff stuff)


Danny at 20:12:15 Saturday January 29 2000
Just returned from Lincoln after witnessing some digracful scenes near all the supporters buses. As we left the ground there were 5/6 lads in baseball caps outside one of the turnstyles. As the last of the Cobblers fans were leaving the ground, these lads started fighting anyone in sight. Then one of them got somthing out of his pocket (CS Spray I'm told) and was spraying it at Cobblers fans. 6/7 people got it in their eyes, a four year old boy and a woman included, and there was just mayhem. NOT A STEWARD OR POLICEMAN IN SIGHT. The first lot of stewards turned up about 10 mins after all this started. There were St Johns Ambulance staff treating people and fans just angry and bewildered at what had happened. The police eventually arrived and Cobblers fans were arguing with police and stewards. Eventually we pulled out of the ground at 6pm. I hasten to add the Cobblers supporters involved were ALL innocent fans who travel on the various travel clubs.


Confused at 19:52:9 Saturday January 29 2000
What were the fenland in-breads on about Atkins ?????????????


Anon at 19:50:24 Saturday January 29 2000
Having just returned from Lincoln eventualy!!,having been stuck behind those idiots in their bloody tractors !! (crunching carrots as they ploded around the fens) HAVE THEY NEVER HEARD OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS PAST lEICESTER,i would just like to say i was APPAULED BY RICHARDSON enciting the crowd ! i forgot what a total half brain he was!


Chumley at 19:30:26 Saturday January 29 2000
Our Mr Atkins?


Steve at 19:16:17 Saturday January 29 2000
Just been on the Lincoln City site and read the match preview,I quote. 'The looney`s gone(to chester?!)and with him,it seems,Northampton`s appalling form.Fairly usual for a team in the doldrums to be swept along by a new broom,but if ever there was a team that deserved a new broom it`s the put-upon Cobblers. Bonkers Mad Atkins has been tidied away to an even more extreme environment in the North West and Northampton have rebuilt with renewed vigour.They now,get this,sit confidently in the Play-off berths and have just sent their ex-manager`s trap door fodderbunch of unfortunates back home with three goals in the first hour'. Something tells me our Mr Atkins isn`t liked !


CIRCA at 19:10:56 Saturday January 29 2000
A great new site for lovers of music and local music at that - www.northamptonbands.co.uk - visit the CIRCA page and download some mp3's. Hope you like them!


Sid at 19:0:56 Saturday January 29 2000
Hartlepool scored a late goal, meaning we did not move up to 5th on goal difference!


Miller at 17:58:10 Saturday January 29 2000
Daryl Clare may not have started for Grimsby, but, from soccernet..... "Grimsby immediately introduced Daryl Clare, returning from a loan spell at Northampton, and his energy turned the game their way. Clare's pass to Kevin Donovan led to a cross from the right and a diving header from Groves which flew wide. But all the action came in the closing stages. In the 89th minute Clare chased a long ball into the corner and won possession. He turned his man and fired in a left foot cross which fell to Allen in the box. He twisted and turned and connected with his left foot as he fell, the ball trickling into the corner. "


Ray at 16:57:2 Saturday January 29 2000
Gillingham 3-1 up in the Cup! Go get 'em!!


Robert Dunkley at 16:56:37 Saturday January 29 2000
We have actually gained points on most teams, apart from Pooh we must have had 16+ corners!


Ray at 16:55:49 Saturday January 29 2000
Final score 2:2 - Lincoln commentator reckoned it was a fair result so I guess the Cobblers were the better side.


Ray at 16:48:8 Saturday January 29 2000
The commentator might be biased but hes 3000% better than the Radio Northampton one.


Phil Baron at 16:31:18 Saturday January 29 2000
Grimsby fan if your ground and fans are anything to go by then you should be in the Conference!!


Anon at 16:26:38 Saturday January 29 2000
CARLO SCORES!! WHO NEEDS CHALLINOR WHEN YOU HAVE ROY HUNTER!! COME ON SWANSEA< HARLtlepool ARe losing. Take advantage!!


Anon at 16:20:16 Saturday January 29 2000
Another corner, cleared. Spedding throw,Lincoln on break, Battersby over the bar


Anon at 16:17:19 Saturday January 29 2000
Corner for The Cobblers, taken by Frain, another corner, pause in play


Anon at 16:3:22 Saturday January 29 2000
Guess what Clare is only on the bench for Grimsby! BUCKLEY IS RUINING HIS CAREER!


Anon at 15:54:41 Saturday January 29 2000
It might be a wise move to bring on Ali Gibb??


Robert Dunkley at 15:52:24 Saturday January 29 2000
Wilson will kill them! Howard and Carlo seem to be having a quiet game, whats Adam Blackmore's spin on it?


Sid at 15:49:38 Saturday January 29 2000
WHY THE F**K DOES THIS HAPPEN!!!! EVERY TIME WE SCORE WE LET IN ONE IN INJURY TIME!!!!!!!


Anon at 15:49:1 Saturday January 29 2000
Oh no! Battersby makes it 2-1!


Sid at 15:48:45 Saturday January 29 2000
Linconl have scored again!!!!!!


TRB Mark at 15:48:31 Saturday January 29 2000
I don't mind admitting that was an exciting end to Saracens V Saints (Saints won 32-34),. Meanwhile, back at Lincoln, Cobblers have equalised through Roy Hunter. F**k Lincoln go 2-1 up.


Sid at 15:46:49 Saturday January 29 2000
Frain corner, headed towards goal but Hunter got in front of Richardson and headed in.


Anon at 15:45:31 Saturday January 29 2000
HUNTER EQUALISES!! AFTER OVERWHELMING COBBLERS PRESSURE


Sid at 15:44:59 Saturday January 29 2000
Hunter scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sid at 15:44:9 Saturday January 29 2000
Apparently Frain hit the bar earlier in the half with an overhead kick!


Sid at 15:42:46 Saturday January 29 2000
I see it's our usual form against Lincoln!


Anon at 15:41:2 Saturday January 29 2000
Christ!!!!!! bugger this useless commentary on radio lincs - i've never heard more biased reporting.


Anon at 15:26:43 Saturday January 29 2000
Lincoln have scored, bugger


Anon at 15:25:42 Saturday January 29 2000
Parrish, just wide with a shot. We seem to have the best of the game at the moment.


Anon at 15:22:3 Saturday January 29 2000
Cobblers with the wind behind them. Lincoln making a sub already.


Anon at 15:11:47 Saturday January 29 2000
Corner to The Cobblers!


Sid at 15:7:59 Saturday January 29 2000
Good commentary, isn't it! Download RealPlayer to listen to it, but if you already have it, put this address in "Open Location": pnm://redimps.co.uk:7090/live.ra


Anon at 15:6:58 Saturday January 29 2000
Cobblers starting okay, Hendon and Savage are getting into the game. Welch has made a save from Gordon. Corner to Lincoln


Robert Dunkley at 15:2:22 Saturday January 29 2000
An extremely strong wind, with Winter as ref. The idiot on Radio Lincolnshire thinks our colours are red and white, we are playing in green today.


Robert Dunkley at 14:59:29 Saturday January 29 2000
Come on Cobblers, we can get into fourth!


Anon at 14:56:15 Saturday January 29 2000
Team Savage is in for Calre. Subs: Hunt, Gibb, O'Reilly, Hope, Sturridge. Full commentary on www.redimps.com


The Romsey Cobbler at 13:28:4 Saturday January 29 2000
Have you heard the latest stupid idea from the FA? The Cup Final is to be held one week before the season finishes. All my life the Cup Final has been the last game of the season and that's the way it should stay. What is the point of changing it?


kev at 12:54:48 Saturday January 29 2000
When Steve Howard scored that goal against chester, and ran over to the bench to celebrate ! I`ve found out what was said, and why he held his hand to Richard Hopes face, when Atkins had a chat with the lads after a game, and was ranting and raving about the performance of inderviduals, shouting and slaging them off, making them feel inadequate, and if they tried to answer back, Atkins would push his hand in their face to stop them, while he carried on shouting! so it was howards way of taking the piss at Atkins.


OHHHH AND FOR FUN at 12:31:27 Saturday January 29 2000
GO TO THE SWANSEA WEB-SITE AND LEAVE ABUSE !!


SHUT UP SWANSEA at 12:30:33 Saturday January 29 2000
OHHHH SWANSEA TWAT, YOU CANT COME ON ARE SITE AND GIVE US GIP LIKE THAT, SO BEWARE COS WHEN THE COBBLERS GO AWAY THEY BRING A CROWD !!


Mighty_Imp at 12:21:46 Saturday January 29 2000
4-1 definatley, easy who r Northampton


JAMESYBOY at 10:26:9 Saturday January 29 2000
Well best of luck today wobblers,hope you lose badly.Just remember what NAT said.HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!HA!HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!HA!HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!


CDU at 9:37:47 Saturday January 29 2000
So am I, I thought they shagged sheep not horses ?


GREG at 8:50:42 Saturday January 29 2000
Im confused, is he a Taff or a Turk?


WE ARE THE BRONCOS FROM DA VALLEYS IN DA WALES at 2:54:0 Saturday January 29 2000
YOU TOWNY FAGGOTTS U WILL ALL DIE WHEN YA PLAY DE SWANSEA MASSIVE EMAIL ME IF YA WANNA DIE...........UP DA BRONCOS


TRB Mark at 0:38:50 Saturday January 29 2000
I remember that game , another nat. It was 3-1. I think Paul Stratford got the consolation goal, I think. It was a bit hairy that night. Someone tried to nut me. It was the Spring of 76? I remember smashing the Lincoln biscuits into place the next day at my part time job as a Co-op shelf stacker.


JAMESYBOY at 23:55:50 Friday January 28 2000
I repeatDont listen to this Nat he wants to get revenge for what ever he said happened to the train. I hate NTFC but dont listen to him he is a thug. If anyone knows who he is put his e mail on here and i will grass him up.


Sumner M Redstone at 23:20:29 Friday January 28 2000
Look at my name, wow what a name. I'm also chief executive of Viacom. What am I doing on here. I don't know. Way to go Cobblers!


Gomez at 23:7:20 Friday January 28 2000
OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!! Jamesyboy says UP THE COBBLERS!!!!!! In case anyone wondered, the Gomez entry was not me but in fact Jamesyboy. And Jamesywamesy if you're still lingering, it wasn't actually me that was impersonating you earlier.


JAMESYBOY R&DFC at 23:6:53 Friday January 28 2000
Dont listen to this Nat he wants to get revenge for what ever he said happened to the train. I hate NTFC but dont listen to him he is a thug. If anyone knows who he is put his e mail on here and i will grass him up.


another nat at 22:56:26 Friday January 28 2000
Anyone remember the away game at Lincoln when they were top of div 4? It looked liked they had a train track at the top of a stand behind a goal. I think we lost 3-0 or something like that. More importantly do you remember the twats that stoned our coaches on the way home?


Chipp at 22:46:16 Friday January 28 2000
Strange face, with your eyes So pale and sincere. Underneath you know well You have nothing to fear. For the dreams that came to you when so young Told of a life Where spring is sprung. You would seem so frail In the cold of the night When the armies of emotion Go out to fight. But while the earth sinks to its grave You sail to the sky On the crest of a wave. So forget this cruel world Where I belong I'll just sit and wait And sing my song. And if one day you should see me in the crowd Lend a hand and lift me To your place in the cloud.


GRIMSBY FAN at 22:22:13 Friday January 28 2000
Just thought I would wish the Cobblers well against Lincoln on Saturday although I do remind you all that if you like Daryl Clare that much he will be STARTING the game for Grimsby (Home v Crewe) and Grimsby is only another 35 miles up the A46. Also again I remind you all that designs of Grimsby new 20,100 all seater stadium can be seen at www.gtfc.co.uk . A would say see you soon but that isn't technically true, so see you in 2 promotions time.


Derf at 22:11:6 Friday January 28 2000
Atkin's had brains? No way, maybe that's where he went wrong, didn't use instinct enough?


OFFICAL 'BORO HATER at 21:17:49 Friday January 28 2000
I NEED PEOPLES FEELINGS ON THIS : I AM A COBBLERS SUPPORTER WITH SOME VERY INTERESTING INSIDE LINKS IN TO THE DALY LIFE AT N.T.F.C., HOW U ASK, WELL I HAVE 2 YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS LOGDING AT MY HOUSE, ANY WAY I WAS THINKING OF SETTING UP MY OWN WEB-SITE "INSIDE-THE COBBLERS", I JUST NEED TO KNOW IF PEOPLE WOULD GO THERE, WRITE BACK WITH YOUR IDEAS,***CHEERS***


JAMESYBOY at 20:59:7 Friday January 28 2000
nobOdY stUNderands me


TotheGrimsbyFan at 20:53:35 Friday January 28 2000
Shows that a few screws are loose amongst the Grimsby fans that they can get more excited about the Auto Windscreens Shield final than the play off final!!!! How can you possibly have more people go to the shield final, that we cannot even take seriously! Some serious questions need to be asked.


creaton cobblers at 20:49:45 Friday January 28 2000
I hope Lincoln have got rid of that si'ren


manny at 20:40:27 Friday January 28 2000
come on cobbs stuff the imps! f**k the posh, yeah baby!!! 2 nil to town!!!


Fred at 19:38:22 Friday January 28 2000
No, Tony's not going as he will be on holiday like he stated a few posts back, but then maybe they havn't taught you to read correctly at school yet?


JAMESYBOY at 19:35:19 Friday January 28 2000
Well your not going Tony along with alot of the other armchair supporters on here. This place is full of armchairs, this place is full of armchairs, this place is full of armchairs, armchairs Etc Etc


Tony at 19:29:49 Friday January 28 2000
I wish I was going to Lincoln, it's not a bad journey and there is a fair chance we will win!


Tony at 19:29:3 Friday January 28 2000
6000 and we were near capacity? Dont think so, Sixfields can hold 7800. Though not that high, if we had the money this stadium has potential for expansion as it was designed like that. I agree with Hartwell, without Corazzin we are weaker up front and with him in the side you always know we can score. I don't think Clare is an issue, as we always knew he would go back after the Carslile game. Incidently GRIMBSY FAN, acording to "footballnews.co.uk" Clare will start on the bench!


DavCobbler at 19:0:56 Friday January 28 2000
Lincoln......Nice place....crap journey...Have they not heard of bloody motorways in Lincolnshire ???? ALL GOING LINCOLN....UP THE COBBLERS !!!!!


aNoN at 18:10:32 Friday January 28 2000
Nope, me neither


Anon at 17:57:17 Friday January 28 2000
nOT ME!


Anon2 at 17:31:58 Friday January 28 2000
Okay,okay, I've read what you've all said and I agree that what I said was a bit, hmm, how can I put it, over-reacted? I was in a bit of a bad mood on Wednesday anyway. So, who's going to Lincoln?


Ray at 17:19:44 Friday January 28 2000
I was just about to launch into a tirade - when I saw the last bit - all is forgiven...


GRIMSBY FAN at 16:59:20 Friday January 28 2000
I can't believe that my comments caused such an up roar. Sorry I should of been a little bit sensitive after Daryl leaving, if you miss him that much come to Blundell Park on Saturday as he is starting the match up front with Bradley Allen. I just thought I would point a few things out in responce to things that some of you have said following my own comments. 1- We took 21,000 to Wembley for the Play-off Final but we took 32,000 just 5 weeks earlier for the AWS Final and lots of people can't afford to make two 380 miles round trips in a month. 2- About those who critised Blundell Park. Firstly BP holds 9,500, on my own visit to Sixfields in Feb '98 I remember the place almost being full and the gate not even reaching 6,000 (and Grimsby fans filled the away end and a bit of the smaller side stand. 3- Secondly Grimsby are building a new 20,100 all-seater stadium to be ready for the start of the 2001-02 season. The designs are excellent and you can all see them by visiting www.gtfc.co.uk 4- Also the the person saying that NTFC are a bigger club than Grimsby. I can't believe you really mean that as if you were a bigger club than us you would be able to afford £200,000 and you wouldn't be after our 4th/5th (now 3rd/4th) choice forward. Don't get me wrong I would be only to pleased to see NTFC get promoted this season. Cobblers fans seem quick to critise Grimsby when really they should be full of admiration of clubs like us as we are more than matching many teams in the 1st Division and are at no risk of relegation. Just one last point:- I hate the POSH.


Hartwell at 16:31:13 Friday January 28 2000
It's a crucial time of the season to lose first Howey, then Clare and, for three games next month, Carlo. The first two cannot be helped. It's just circimstances. But one has to question whether a club the size of the Cobblers can afford to dispense with the services of its best forward at such a key time. It's maybe OK for Prem teams with large squads. But we have very few workable options up front and Carlo is by far our most consistent striker and really the only one who seems capable of chipping in with his full quota of goals. While it's an honour to have an international player in your side, if that player has to miss a series vital games for the club that pays his day-to-day wages, surely questons should be asked ? I wonder, in particular, what he was doing earlier this month playing relatively meaningless friendlies ? Yes, it's nice to be in the sun (ask Man U). But there's business to be attended to nearer home. I'm not for one minute suggesting Carlo is in any way a luxury we cannot afford. I'm just querying the sanity of allowing him to depart whenever, seemingly, Canada call and for whatever reason. Without Clare and Carlo we will be sadly stretched next month and it might prove difficult to land another loan man of similar quality to those two.


Sid at 15:56:25 Friday January 28 2000
Danny, why? I thought the away stand has changed to seating (anyway, that's what the bloke from Linocln's ImpNet site said!)


Tony at 15:18:45 Friday January 28 2000
I fly out on my holiday tomorrow for 2 weeks, so I will miss tomorrows game (one of 3 I miss). Anyway, I'll be taking my laptop with me, so I can stay in touch! Though I wont be online for the updates tomorrow, i'll be interested to read them in the evening!


Athena at 15:1:6 Friday January 28 2000
Have always enjoyed visiting Lincoln. Nice city, cathedral is superb (if you like that sort of thing - and I personally do), but climbing up the hill to it can be a bit of a challenge. Lots of old book shops in the city as well, always good for a browse. First went many, many years ago and saw us score four - just a pity they scored five! A shame I cannot get there tomorrow. But all who can get there should go - Lincoln has always been one of my favourite away trips. Up the Cobblers!!


Danny at 13:7:11 Friday January 28 2000
Sid, I think we're still standing tomorrow.


To Carl at 12:42:6 Friday January 28 2000
Don't flatter yourself, darling.


Sid at 12:42:2 Friday January 28 2000
I'm sure that's cheaper than last year - and we had to stand for that!


Sid at 12:41:20 Friday January 28 2000
Lincoln away ticket prices:- £12 Adults, £8 Concessions.


Carl at 10:29:12 Friday January 28 2000
Jamesyboy, you really are a card, a joker per chance, don't worry about being gay. Dr. Fonseca says that it is ok, therefore it must be. I am no piece of Nazi scum, so I can accept your position, just don't stand behind me.


Sid at 9:2:15 Friday January 28 2000
Get your remianing GTA's in for Lincoln City (A) by e-mailing me on the above address!


JAMESYBOY at 2:1:16 Friday January 28 2000
I am gay...just thought I would mention it. I shag Diremond Jim up the Nene Park!!! Speak to you later darlings xxxxxx


JAMESYBOY at 0:31:42 Friday January 28 2000
Better in the morning me thinks not. You support shite, you are shite, R&DFC the future.


Tony at 0:26:3 Friday January 28 2000
Still depressed at Clare being gone, going to bed now and maybe things will look better in the morning... night all.


Mug at 0:18:30 Friday January 28 2000
Thank god 6fields holds over 7000 then!


BR at 0:16:33 Friday January 28 2000
I've looked under the cloak!


JAMESYBOY at 0:15:20 Friday January 28 2000
Nice one non parent, ya mug. Anyone who does not take 20000 to wembley don't deserve promotion. Anyone with a ground that holds 6000 to 7000 dont have to much hope for the future. SEE YA SOON MUGS JAMESYBOY


Hidingunderthecloakofanonymity at 0:11:34 Friday January 28 2000
I can say what I want and nobody can catch me, ha ha.


ToFedUpParent at 0:9:59 Friday January 28 2000
If your views are to be taken seriously, the people who matter (namely Ray) need to know who you are. Otherwise you could be any old nutter wanting to create some mischief and there are enough people on here doing that. Maybe that's one reason why a password scheme to those who are responsible may be a good idea. But then who judges who is being responsible? And should WSD not be allowed a password, even though he writes a load of drivel. Should I, because I like to have a go and another contributor. Hmmm!


TotheGrimsbyFan at 0:4:38 Friday January 28 2000
Any club that cannot take 20,000 to Wembley for a play off final does not deserve promotion.


JAMESYBOY at 23:41:44 Thursday January 27 2000
If that is you the nice Nat i am sorry. Best of luck, and i hope you have a great life.


Comment#2 at 23:38:38 Thursday January 27 2000
The opinion seems split we should have a vote Ray to see if passwords are preferred.To say language at games is worse is benile and foolish.We have a responsibility to protect our children and at the same time expose them to life.If they cannot be protected then we are failing in our primary responsibility towards them.


BR at 23:37:4 Thursday January 27 2000
I agree gomez. I was in Grimsby on Tuesday and couldn't find a decent chippy! Poxy hole. I ended up on Cleethorpes seafront.


Comment at 23:18:33 Thursday January 27 2000
Ray please don't make it password based comments, I accept the opinions re children and know you remove offensive comments, but I think it would remove some of the feel of the page. I think bad language heard at matches is much worse than usually appears on here.


Max at 23:17:12 Thursday January 27 2000
Fed up Parent gives himself away when he tries to protect the "ladies" from the language on here. I'm sure all the "ladies" who contribute to this site would be insulted by this. And anyway how does he cope with the language at a game?


Roget at 23:9:24 Thursday January 27 2000
MartinW You can only have one alternative - look it up


Gomez at 23:1:13 Thursday January 27 2000
Can I just say to the Grimsby fan below: WHAT!!!!!!!! - Your tinpot outfit isn't fit to lick the boots of the cobblers - Clare has gone on record in saying that he didn't want to go back to Grim Grimsby and wanted to stay at the Cobblers. Which of the two clubs is the one with a future - YOU know the answer.


TherealMartinW at 22:47:54 Thursday January 27 2000
Sad to see that Daryl Clare is going back to Grimsby for one reason, he was brought in because everyone at the club recognised we were short up front. KevinW has gone on record as saying he was looking to sign someone and there were reports of him looking at young Nicholl the Chelsea player who ended up going to Reading on loan before Clare joined us. I hope he is still looking to find a goalscorer. Stevey Howard, scored a cracking goal on Saturday following up his goal in the reserves against Luton, which is encouraging. But it should be noted that he has still scored fewer goals this season than Sammo in defence. He HAS had a fair run in the team and he was on the verge of going to Carlisle because it seems he wasn't wanted. It seems from all the body language on Saturday, that KevinW is now sticking with Howard, but I would guess that is because he knew Clare was not a long term prospect, he doesn't have the money to buy him and he has no alternatives. Maybe big Stevey has found an extra something recently that he did not have before, I really really hope so, but am really not convinced yet. Other options in the squad? Young Morrow looks a bit short of pace and strength at this level, Ryan Thomson looks our best prospect with his pace and enthusiasm and looks like one for the future but maybe too risky for our present campaign. The question remains, if Howard wasn't the answer before Clare, is he really the answer now? Some I feel underestimate the flair Clare brought to the team. His clever runs and dribbling skills helped bring others into play and he seemed to link up fairly well with Carlo. Perfect for our new passing game mentality. It's a very odd situation now that Clare has gone and there is no news that we are still looking for someone to replace Clare. And with us into the final stages of the end of the season, it is I would dare to suggest, as crucial that we find a 20-goal-a-season goalscorer now as it was last season and beginning of this season. And it should be pointed out that we have a cutdown squad with Peer, Wilkinson, Matthews, Hodgson and Clarkson all departed and (theoretically) off the payroll. Nevertheless, if Howard is who we are sticking with, I won't be like some in the crowd who barrack him when he does something wrong. I'll be encouraging him vocally as always and hope against hope that he can be the difference for us. He's not short of confidence and guts, there's just a big question mark - his finishing.


Marina at 22:41:53 Thursday January 27 2000
Would just like to thank that Grimsby fan for his/her sensitivity at this terrible time. Sorry, that was a complete lie... actually I'd like to punch him/her out, but I'm a)far too lady-like, and b)nowhere near tough enough. And thank you Daryl....best of luck where ever you go.


Nat at 22:36:44 Thursday January 27 2000
No probs JB, get yer facts right next time eh?


Anon at 21:17:21 Thursday January 27 2000
What an interesting couple of days... abuse, recriminations, apologies and for once, agreement as well - all topped off with little sprinkling of football - quite amazing really!


GRIMSBY FAN at 21:17:0 Thursday January 27 2000
Daryl Clare is certainly in Alan Buckley's plans. He sold Lester because his contract is up at the end of the season and he would of left for nothing. Clare is going straight in the team for our FIRST DIVISION match v Crewe on Saturday. Grimsby fans would like to thank the teams from the lower divisions for giving our youngsters a run in a first team, even if you aren't that good. Also Alan Buckley's son is a decent player and is suffering from being brought into a team with no confidence. 1-0 TO THE MARINERS, 1-0 TO THE MARINERS!!!!!!!!!


GRIMSBY FAN at 21:10:23 Thursday January 27 2000
Where's ya Daryl gone, where's ya Daryl gone. Just think if you could of stumped up only £200,000 he would of been yours permantly. Never mind eh. Oh and 1-0 to the Mariners, okay you took twice as many fans to Wembley than us, but we are in the 1st Division now whilst you are slumming it in Division 3.


Luton Cobbler at 19:55:47 Thursday January 27 2000
Grant - still waiting for the James Hunt list. let me start you off. Preston last season.....


The Romsey Cobbler at 19:0:0 Thursday January 27 2000
SBJ - in response to your challenge of a Cobblers team made up of occupations, here we go.....Andy Woodman; Mark Parsons, Nobby Clarke, Kevin Farmer (well he started out at centre half), Geoff Coleman; Barry Cooke, Micky Wright, Roy Hunter; Eric Weaver, Mark Cooper, Gary Sargent. That was a tough one - the pre 1960 ones are too long ago for me and I had to look them up. Am I a sad individual or what?


hoops at 18:0:13 Thursday January 27 2000
i'm not convinced clare was worth £200,000 or a 20-goal a season man but he was an exciting talent who caused problems for defenders, had a good touch and a touch of flair. we do still need a natural goalscorer but who doesn't and we have one of the third division's most consistent scorers already in Corazzin, all he really lacks is pace. If we can get someone quick to play alongside him then we've got a chance of promotion. I personally don't think Sturridge is the answer and I'd rather see Howard given a run


EGG ON FACE TIME at 17:31:57 Thursday January 27 2000
A well look like I got the wrong person this is going to hurt. (Because it’s to a Wobbler.) But I must apologize to Nat the regular on here thought you where the same person. If you had read what the other Nat had said about the Posh game. It was nasty stuff. I hate football thugs. I normally come on here for a wind up, I didn’t intentionally mean for this entire debate about this site. Sorry to the bloke who runs the site as well. SEE YA SOON JAMESYBOY


Bez at 17:21:6 Thursday January 27 2000
With Clare gone it is obvious that the answer lies with an ex-Diamonds player. Carl Alford has a proven track record in the Division below us and if he can consistently score 20+ goals a season there he could do a good job for us. Alternatively there is the good old advice of stick with what you've got Howard and Sturridge who between them have 5 goals this term. Makes you think doesn't it. To be perfectly honest I feel that Grimsby have sold the wrong man as they only got £300000 for Lester when he was on top form in the 1st Division when Clare would have got them £200000 for a player who wasn't even a regular. Whatever happened to managers like John Ward who let Seal play against his parent club and he subsequently scored. By doing that sort of thing he has earned a reputation that has kept him in a job at Wolves. Mr. Buckley it seems that you can't manage any club other than Grimsby anyway. And you can see what happens to managers who sign their own son. Mr. Dalglish, Mr. Macari, Mr. Todd, Mr. Strachan and Mr. Buckley have all suffered as a team. Sorry I'm just bitter to lose BOTH our strikers.


Tony at 16:7:16 Thursday January 27 2000
Yes, I guess Matthew Rush is one I was sad to see go, maybe there are others too, it just gets me down, as Buckly probably has no intention of playing Clare and he was doing so well for us. Maybe he could have scored more, but if you watched him play, he was so good at running at defences.


loan signings at 15:32:5 Thursday January 27 2000
Tony, how about Matthew Rush. I for one was sad to see him go, and even more sad that his career ended so prematurely.


Robert Dunkley at 15:24:55 Thursday January 27 2000
Indeed the story of Clare/Buckley seems very similar to a number of players Atkins praised and said they were in his current thinking; Lee, Warner, Aldridge (who scored 8 goals in a DimOnes reserve game!)


Tony at 15:17:51 Thursday January 27 2000
As you can see, Calre has been re-called. I think it sucks as Buckley has in the past said Clare will be in his plans and then leaves him out of the squad. Maybe if after he goes back, Daryl gets pissed around a bit more he will tell Buckley where to go? So long Daryl, and thanks for your efforts. You are the first loan signing I have seen that I never really wanted to see go!


oh dear at 15:1:34 Thursday January 27 2000
Grimbsy Town have recalled striker Daryl Clare, who was part way through a third month on loan at Northampton Town. 21 year old Clare made 10 appearances in a Cobblers shirt and scored three times. He scored on his debut for Northampton against Cheltenham in November and continued to make a good impression throughout his two and a half month stay at Sixfields. Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson said, "Daryl has done very well for us. He’s been good for us and I think we’ve done a lot for him. I thank him for his efforts here and wish him well for the future. I always knew this could happen and with fellow striker Carlo Corazzin going away with Canada for three matches in early February this is a situation I will have to look at." Football League regulations state that a club can recall any player at 24 hours notice once they have completed their first month on loan at another club.


Danny at 14:11:23 Thursday January 27 2000
hmmmm busy on here this afternoon


Mark at 13:25:5 Thursday January 27 2000
Hi everybody, I'm new to this site. I bring my son to nearly all the Cobblers home games and we have a great time. For a young lad the play is much better under the two Kevs.


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 13:17:1 Thursday January 27 2000
Good afternoon all. Nice to see good comments have been left about Dean Peer. He was a good servant to the club over the years. Surprized he did not go to Chester! Will be a dam shame if we lose Clare. He is just the type of player I think we need. Lester is off to either Ipswich or Forest I think! Well must get back to some work up here in sunny Sunderland, VIVA LA REVOLUTION BABY! DAVE.E


Danny at 13:11:16 Thursday January 27 2000
How are password going to help this board. For a start you will lose the point of this forum as people who don't know the password won't be able to get onto it. Secondly who's to say that the MINORITY who drag the name of NTFC and their supporters through the mud won't find out the password and get on anyway. Ray does his best to monitor the board and delete anything that he sees as a negative such as swearing etc, but the poor bloke can't be up all day and night ensuring that people don't post bad things, its not possible. This is one of the best sites I have visited, it is well maintained and accurate. Keep up the good work Ray.


Deepcut Cobbler at 13:9:22 Thursday January 27 2000
Agree on subject of language. The isolated incidents from individuals not regular to the site is difficult to police or remove prior to being read but Ray does a pretty good job. The use of foul language by regular contributors is unacceptable by those who know the numbers and types of persons visiting this site. It is a family site, my children occasionally look over my shoulder, I should not have to put an exclusion zone around the station when I am on the guest book. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!


Deepcut Cobbler at 12:53:6 Thursday January 27 2000
Has Daryl Clare been recalled early? Thought he was here for a third month or is this connected to the Lester transfer?. Us out of towners have missed this one. If this is so, it is a real spanner in the works especially with Carlo off to play for Canada again shortly. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!


Carl at 12:52:24 Thursday January 27 2000
Is Clare DEFINITELY going back, I am interested, please tell us more. As for the swearing thing, if you watch Bread on BBC just before kids TV starts there is quite a bit of swearing on there, and anyway they know more words than most of us adults anyway, especially if you take them to watch a game of football at the weekend.


Serial at 12:29:45 Thursday January 27 2000
I with Ray. I don't see him getting paid for providing / monitoring this guestbook, and I don't see him posting any abuse on here neither. I don't see any evidence that this site is becoming a hooligans hotline, and to be honest, the amount of swearing on here is no worse than any other number of message boards you can find. Passwords are unecessary, IP addresses are misleading. I think the situation is fine as it is.


Tony at 12:4:40 Thursday January 27 2000
Isnt anyone even slightly concerned that Daryl Clare will be heading back to Grimsby later today? This will realyy hamper Wilsons plans for the game against Lincoln I am sure. If only we had a rich benefactor, why oh why can't we attract one!!


Bracewell at 11:44:22 Thursday January 27 2000
I don't think people are blaming you Ray I think they are fed up with the lack of supervision on a forum that is read by kids and women.This is after all a Club advocated Guest Book that therefore reflects their support. Perhaps if it were better controlled we might not see the type of attacks on the internet community that we have from the likes of Barry Stonhill et al.


Ray at 11:37:15 Thursday January 27 2000
Come on guys, give us a break. I provide this for people to post on - the fact that some are brainless morons isn't really my fault. How about maoning at them instead. btw - the posting about violence was done by ntfc_andy@hotmail.com - feel free to drop him a line.


Carl at 11:35:10 Thursday January 27 2000
Just found this report on Yahoo, thought it may interest one or two, especially as we get a name check. More Say For Fans In Clubs They Love Culture Secretary Chris Smith is launching a scheme designed to give football supporters more say in running the clubs they love. The Supporters Direct scheme is being unveiled as influential figures from football, business and Government gathered for a conference in London on supporter involvement in clubs. One of the main aims of the conference is to help supporters who need practical information and advice on how to organise Supporters' Trust holdings in their clubs. It is also aimed at club officials and representatives of the game's governing bodies to enable a wider discussion of the implications of these developments for the running of clubs. Under the scheme, fans will be able to create Supporters' Trusts to acquire shares in their clubs. The project is backed by the Co-operative Bank, which has started a preferential banking service to help make the Trusts a success. Mr Smith said: "There is an increasing danger in these days of high finance in football that clubs can become separated from their fans. "They may lose sight of the value of their supporters and could be tempted to ignore the desires and passion of their following. I don't want fans of any club to be taken for granted." The Government's Football Task Force has recommended better involvement of supporters in club decision making and cited Northampton and Bournemouth as examples of good practice. The organisers are keen to stress that it is not about foisting anything on clubs, as in almost every case supporters will only be able to take a minority stake.


Grant at 11:2:16 Thursday January 27 2000
Please continue Luton Cobbler - that about sums up the contirbution.


From The Official Site at 10:40:45 Thursday January 27 2000
We have decided, after careful consideration, and examining the kinds of entries on other Club's Web Sites, not to have our own Guestbook. However, if you click here you will find an unofficial Guest Book which we read on a regular basis. Alternatively, comments can be sent to the club via email.


Nat "the female regular :-)" at 10:40:36 Thursday January 27 2000
Oh, it's all clear now, Jamesyboy keeps accusing me of starting the violence in P'boro. I didn't have a clue what he was talking about. I didn't see the message posted by the other "Nat" 'cos I didn't log on to the internet till that Monday, obviously it had been deleted by then!


SBJ at 10:15:17 Thursday January 27 2000
Ta for the reminder Fed Up; I remember that posting now. Things used to be a bit different on this site a while back, but now there's a lot of abusive stuff on here and some of the more sensible commenters seem not to return here so much any more. It is a shame really, as the message board is one of the best sources of information for people who can't get to games (my position last year). I've just been to a web site where all postings to the message board are automatically tagged with the gatekeeper address for the person who sent the message. To test it out I delibrately mis-typed my e-mail address, but the message posted with the corrected gatekeeper address alongside my mistaken one. Any chance of something like that being put into action Ray, as a bit of a deterrent to 'undesirables'? Or a family filter on the posting form? It's a free board here of course, which I'm all in favour of, but the official link could give the impression that the club is somehow happy with some of the obscenities posted here.


Fed Up Parent at 9:47:46 Thursday January 27 2000
SBJ :- There was a particular posting from a Nat not the Nat who is a female regular on here (initials for a faction I believe)that referred to a gang of Northampton louts who went to Peterborough solely to cause trouble and violence. The report I was talking about was this one.Maturity is sadly lacking and we are not talking about age in a lot of the bile forwarded here. My point earlier was that as this site is pointed to by the Official one then surely the "Stewards" need to do their job.If they cannot then another form of restraint must be put in place.If the powers that be ie Ray are unable to do this then IMHO he needs help. Whatever form it takes the good name of Northampton Town Fotball Club must be upheld.


SBJ at 9:33:7 Thursday January 27 2000
I recall that the post-Peterborough comments were quite mature and spoke against violence; unless there's a few comments I've forgotten, or which Ray deleted. Romsey Cobbler: try doing a list of current / former Cobblers players whose surnames are occupations: Hunter, Woodman etc.


Anon at 9:13:24 Thursday January 27 2000
if people left their names it would also be helpful Ray.


Ray at 9:12:23 Thursday January 27 2000
A password system is something I have considered and discussed many times in the past - as past postings will show. However, the situation is monitored and I do not intend to prevent people coming on here more than necessary.


Fed Up Parent at 8:52:37 Thursday January 27 2000
Well what about the password thing if you can't monitor the situation properly?The posting about violence is more important given the nasty posting by the person who talked about fighting after the Peterborough game.Is this site going to turn into a "hooligans hotline" as well as a den of foul mouthed sick slanging matches?


Ray at 8:34:51 Thursday January 27 2000
Actually as people know I regularly delete postings on here - however, a complaint at 7:36 about a posting at 1:09 is hardly fair - gizza chance!


The Romsey Cobbler at 7:56:18 Thursday January 27 2000
I agree with Fed Up Parent. Sort 'em out Ray. I'm also concerned about postings such as that by "Violence Needed". I only hope it's some sort of attempt at ironic humour.


Fed Up Parent at 7:36:16 Thursday January 27 2000
Why is it that we have to put up with the sort of language displayed on this site. Kids look at what is written and so do ladies. If the administrator hasn't the time or cannot be bothered to clean up this trash then the connection with the Club and it's relevant kudos should be forsaken. This site is associated with NTFC and is therefore targeted by those that wish to be a part of a community that is reflective of that association. If it cannot be administered satisfactorily that point should be made clear and a password type message board on the Official Site such as R&D run must be adopted.I for one am fed up with the swearing and abuse that seems to have become more and more apparent on this once family safe messageboard.


JAMESYBOY at 1:9:45 Thursday January 27 2000
**************


Nat at 0:10:48 Thursday January 27 2000
I also see Saints are top!


Nat at 0:7:2 Thursday January 27 2000
BTW well done Tranmere, thouroughly deserved!


RICHARD at 0:3:48 Thursday January 27 2000
IK'CIWT: Atkins' City Blues. It was two years ago almost to the day (18.1.97) that Cobblers last entertained Chester at Sixfields; the home fans were also royally entertained - to a 5-1 romp on the road to Wembley '97 and eventual promotion to Division 2. Those who believe in Fate and superstition may have clung briefly to the notion that this game was destined for a repeat performance - until just 87 seconds after the kick-off that is! Gamesmanship was evident from the outset. "Take the home end chaps; it'll upset their rhythm". Now whose idea was that, I wonder? Well, it seemed to do the trick; early attack; dubious free-kick; rebound; shot; deflection (inevitably); goal; 0-1 !! How many times this season have we gone 0-1 down? About 14 I think. But we've come from behind to win 3 and draw 2 of those. So all was not lost. Then we proceeded to re-arrange their woodwork yet again - Carlo's header off the cross bar and Daryll's thwack off the post and (incredibly) straight into the arms of a bemused, yet grateful 'keeper! Would you Adam & Eve it! Was it the ghost of Atkins past, come to haunt us.? Talking of the recently departed (IA, that is, not the spirit world), the much talked of return was something of an anti-climax. Neither tumultuous rapture nor cacophanous abuse met our once-admired erstwhile gaffer. All a bit of a shame really. There were, eventually, some chants of "Atkins, Atkins, what's the score?" and I thought I caught a ripple of "Atkins out, Atkins out", but that must have been disaffected Chester fans after the tide had turned. Most of our chanting took the form of support for the Cobbs and Willo. One exception was Fred Flintstone - he of the Fab Four fame - who decided to continue his vendetta against Steve Howard, now that IA was no longer a threat to the Cobblers' future. The Fearsome Foursome, and you have to give them credit (or at least I do if I want to keep my boyish good looks intact!), are doing a sterling job these days. No longer the mindless jibes at the undeserving, theirs is now a more polished act, full of wit and constructive suggestion, usually aimed at the opposition where it should always remain. Yet Fred, who now appreciates his own 'internet' notoriety, has found himself out of pocket. It would appear that, in his opinion, Stevie boy was incapable of scoring again this season. He was so sure he put money on it. Imagine the gammet of emotions our Fred must have run through, witnessing that stunning long range effort on 31 minutes. Yipee, we've equalised. Bugger, it's that Howard fellow!! Steve Howard went some way towards silencing his critics on Saturday. It now seems outbreaks of abuse are isolated. I had him down as my MotM and I think others who vote on Ray's 'Cobb Comms' site will have put him still further ahead at the top of the MotSeason table. Not bad for someone who can't score, run, tackle, distribute, pass, jump or head to save his life........ according to some, that is. Hendo is still clinging on in second place, with the rejuvenated Captain Frainy enjoying a new lease of life in mid-field, ranking a distant third. Hendo, after some recent, minor lapses from his own, admittedly, high standards, is returning to the classy form of earlier this term. The delivery to Carlo for our third goal was out of the top draw. Move over Becks; Hendo for England! And what a sweet strike by the Canadian Cannon to hammer the final tack in the coffin for "Ian Atkins' harmless army". Even Sammo's 4th of the season was as sweet as a peach. Each scorer, evidently more than chuffed at their feat, seemed to put even more into their respective goal-scoring celebrations than usual, or am I reading too much into it? As for the rest of the season, 18 wins would give us 99 points. Shame we can't reach three figures! Two points a game would bring 81 points and a guaranteed play-off spot at the very least (someone please put me right on that statistic, if you can prove that a team with that many points has failed to make the play-off stage). I have taken the trouble to carry out a non-scientific analysis of anticipated results and come up with a further 33 points from the next 17 games [Wins:York,Carlisle,Brighton,Leyton O,Exeter,Southend,Halifax,Hull,Mansfield; Draws: Lincoln,Barnet,Hartlepool,Cheltenham,Plymouth,Rochdale; Losses:Swansea,Darlington], giving us 78 points going into the last game of the season, forcing the possibility of a vital win or draw required in the last match to secure a play-off position. It was ever thus. Four consecutive seasons of nail-chewing down to the wire - and the quick. The (Sea)Gulls then would hold our fate in their hands/wings perhaps. Speaking of nicknames, it may be of interest to note a peculiarity of this Division. Of the 23 sides we play, no less than 17 (if you can accept Torquay as above) have nicknames which commence with one of only 7 letters of the alphabet. So what, I hear you cry. Well, the really nurdy, fascinatingly anoraky thing about it is that all 7 of these letters are alphabetically consecutive in the range 'M' to 'T' (with only the letter 'N' not recording a hit, but that stands for Northampton anyway, so that doesn't matter, does it?)! Is that scary, or what? Try it yourselves at home - they can't touch you for it! Anyway, as the boy, Chris and I returned home much pleased with the day's turn of events, we were greeted, as usual, by the dog, Chester. "Chester, Chester what's the score? Chester --- what's the score?" we chanted. He looked at us, his head on one side, as Retrievers do. Within seconds, he whimpered once, then proceeded to bite two chunks out of the kitchen door frame, before barking joyously three times. Who said dogs were dumb creatures?


VIOLENCE NEEDED at 23:57:10 Wednesday January 26 2000
**************


Nat at 23:56:27 Wednesday January 26 2000
Well I can't believe he went to Shrewsbury and not Chester! All the best Deano. He certainly popped up with a few important goals and always gave 100%. What's done is done and the next stage is 3 points from Lincoln.


Anon at 23:39:17 Wednesday January 26 2000
Did Roy Hunter play with Billy Bremner ?


Deepcut Cobbler at 23:11:3 Wednesday January 26 2000
And Deano was always the one to roll up his sleeves and battle for results letting those who were more gifted than him do the crowd pleasing work. Players like him are in all good teams, never get the tahnks for the job to let the fancy dans play. Where would Beckham, Scholes and Giggs be without Butt and Keane. Gascoigne (When fit) for England without Ince and Batty. Charlton and Best without Styles. Bremner and Giles without Hunter.. Every team needs the unsung grafter like Peer and we don't even realise it!! COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!


Luton Cobbler at 22:35:6 Wednesday January 26 2000
Grant - Fulham (h)1998 Dean Peer scores winner. Watford (a) 1998 Dean Peer scores late equaliser. Plymouth (a) 1998. Dean Peer goes length of pitch to set up Freestone winner. 1998 Dean Peer scores against Man City. Jan 200 Dean Peer scores at Halifax. Shall i continue....... To say Dean Peer kept Parrish out of the side is complete rubbish. For a start Parrish has hardly been fit for 2 years and since when has Deano ever play left midfield? If we're going to get down to listing what certain players have achieved I can't wait to see your list for James Hunt.


Deepcut Cobbler at 22:29:2 Wednesday January 26 2000
Is the honeymoon period over??? Is it not right that you should normally wait for us to get a run of bad results before this sort of talk is generated?? Who is on the short list?? Phil Neal? Colin Hill? Richard Hill? Trevor Morley back from Scandinavia? NOOOOOO!!! Stop all this negative managerial talk, football the KW way is pleasing on the eye even if we do not get the right result all of the time. Where are all the comments previously attributed to mailers that said we would prefer to watch football rather than the up and under stuff that IA provided. We have got the football now, the results WILL come. We are too good not to go up....COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!


Pete at 22:15:0 Wednesday January 26 2000
Perhaps the goal keeper coach was allowed to go to lighten the wage billwith the knowledge that the man between the sticks was not requiring the amouny of coaching that merited the expenditure


Carl at 21:18:37 Wednesday January 26 2000
Apparently the Brighton fan could well be a Crystal Palace fan in disguise. It's nice to see such 'local' rivals following the other team don't you think


Carl at 20:32:4 Wednesday January 26 2000
There are some odd people about.


mick at 20:19:29 Wednesday January 26 2000
strange... he never left his name


Anon at 20:4:38 Wednesday January 26 2000
****************


Miserable Git. at 18:48:18 Wednesday January 26 2000
Ray - with all this crud at the top of the screen, I've lost interest by the time I get to the text. Isn't it about time you removed the advert for the CD? Nobody cares anymore (if they ever did!)


steve at 18:16:9 Wednesday January 26 2000
I can`t understand why anyone is moaning.I can honestly say that the quality of football we are seeing at the moment is the best that I have witnessed in the thirty years that I have been following the Cobblers.I think the two Kevins are doing a magnificent job and need all the support they can get,so stop grumbling and support your team!


Anon2 at 18:2:55 Wednesday January 26 2000
When we had Atkins we didn't conceed many goals, but didn't score many. Now that we've got Wilson, the goalscoring problems has been "cured", but we've let in a few more. Maybe because our goalkeeping coach left a few weeks ago. Any suggestions??????


Anon2 at 17:57:5 Wednesday January 26 2000
Hi everybody.


Newcomer at 17:32:35 Wednesday January 26 2000
Message to all moaners - Get off Wilsons back - you dont deserve him. Will you ever be happy. Atkins was dull and most people agreed we'd rather watch attractive football even if it menat we lost the odd game. Thats exactly what we've got. We are a small club without money. Unless someone invests we will stay that way so stop diluding yourselves and enjoy some attractive attacking football. I am.


The Romsey Cobbler at 16:55:54 Wednesday January 26 2000
With Dean Peer going, and with us having two other surnames which are verbs - Hunt and Hope - I have wasted a few minutes by coming up with a team of Cobblers' players whose surnames are all verbs. Pointless I know but I'm like that: (In 4-3-3) Alf Wood; Phil Neal, Richard Hope, Dean Peer, Bob Folds; Roly Mills, James Hunt, Bobby Park; Billy Hails, John Hold, Tommy Knox. A few out of position I know but you try it!


Bez at 16:40:22 Wednesday January 26 2000
Now that Peer has gone it has lightened the wage bill a little and with all the speculation over Lester's move to Ipswich or Forest the outlook financially is quite good. There are players about who are better than Clare for £200000. However, most are not available in any way, how about Collymore for... £14000 a week thats... ummmm... about 3 months! Or maybe looking to play a young youth team upstart by the name of Ryan Thompson. A top young player who with Dickson and Morrow, if treated right will score a packet of goals. Maybe in a couple of years. That leaves us with the possible situation of Carl Alford for around £80000, goals guaranteed and with the remainder Andy Sollitt off Kettering for £65000 and O'Reilly can go back to West Ham at the end of the season with our compliments. Cheers Deano for your contributions, sometimes fitful but your 25 yarder against Cardiff 4 years ago, your goals against Man City, Watford and Fulham were gratefully received. I will never forget against Millwall when you ran 75 yards from their box back to ours to bundle Shaw over when he was clean through on goal. The referee, Andy D'Urso was so flabbergasted at this he forgot to give a free kick. Oh happy days...


Kobbler at 16:4:2 Wednesday January 26 2000
Unless we have cash for Clare (significantly less than 200k, hes not that good) we should forget him. Howard, maybe there's a place in the squad for him but he needs to improve his all round game (Good finish on Sat Steve keep it up). Most of all we need to sign another REGULAR striker. I know how difficult this is but it's the link we're missing. Plus if Carlo gets injured we look punchless up front. If he had played when we beat Shrewsbury we woulda won 6-0. It's not really fair to rely on Morrow and Wilson. Another striker please!


Robert Dunkley at 15:18:17 Wednesday January 26 2000
I agree! It sounds like Ye Brumkins stance on one Mickey Warner. Who knows Clare, may go AWOL and then they will let him go cheap!


Tony at 15:15:27 Wednesday January 26 2000
I read the news about Lester on the Grimbsby site too, sounds like bad news. However, it also sounds like Buckly is a bit of an Ian Atkins. Going on past history he keeps praising Clare, and then wont pick him. Clare has asked for a transfer twice in the past and each time the board said no. We might not get him now, maybe in the future??


Darren at 15:6:27 Wednesday January 26 2000
Phil Neal would be the perfect answer, sack Wilson. Phil Neal now that is a big name and Aidy Mann as his assistant,up the Cobblers


Robert Dunkley at 14:55:5 Wednesday January 26 2000
According to Teamtalk, when Lester goes, Clare will be recalled by Grimsby! Hence we will have a striker crisis!


Robert Dunkley at 14:54:34 Wednesday January 26 2000
Jack Lester could go to Forest after Grimsby accepted a £300k bid, he is yet to agree to personal terms.


About as funny as Cosby Show repeats at 14:17:11 Wednesday January 26 2000
should Dean Peer be renamed 'Dean Disa-peer' now? Har har har


The Romsey Cobbler at 14:3:48 Wednesday January 26 2000
Anon - if that is your real name. What's all this about Phil Neal not being too fond of the Cobblers? Dish that dirt!


Carl at 13:47:0 Wednesday January 26 2000
I still don't quite follow why we are talking about getting another manager, could someone please explain!!


Anon at 13:43:37 Wednesday January 26 2000
I hope not. Neal has an awful record as a manager, and I don't think he's too fond of the Cobblers anyway!


Danny at 12:41:32 Wednesday January 26 2000
Surely to god you lot don't want Phil Neal as manager!!!!!!! Give Wilson a break, he's only been manager for 5 minutes and already people are on his back. Its the majority at Sixfields we want to be having a go at, we're playing excellent football but 90% of the crowd sit in complete silence. Get behind them and shout, sing, scream even. COME ON COBBLERS!!!!


Ray at 11:40:29 Wednesday January 26 2000
Another added feature folks - you can now search the whole of this site using the button above!


Vince at 10:14:44 Wednesday January 26 2000
So Dean Peer is joining Shrewsbury and has secured a contract until the end of next season. I wish him all the best. His contributions to the Cobblers were very mixed and his qualities were certainly unique. As Joni Mitchell sang "you don't know what you've got 'til its gone" and come April when we need to grind out a few more points to secure a promotion or play off place we might wish he was still around.


gaz at 9:34:28 Wednesday January 26 2000
My fourpenneth on Peer. I didn't rate him for a long time. When he came on in the 97 Play-off final I was convinced we were doomed. In Division 2 he started to look a better player, then last season he was one of many players who didn't distinguish themselves. This year under Kev's tactics I felt he had become a much better player. Perhaps all along it was Atkins' tactics that made Peer look worse than he is.


John Mcrirrick at 8:46:46 Wednesday January 26 2000
Quite frankly anon, I think we are measuring success on slightly different scales, my guage is to have played at the highest level in this country for a top team for a length of time, scoring plenty of goals, your measurment would of course mean players of the ilk of Robbie Fowler, Kevin Phillips etc aren't succesfull players.


Ron Archer at 0:21:28 Wednesday January 26 2000
Phil Neal was hugely overated by both Liverpool and England he belonged and should have stayed at The Cobbs.Wakely Gage was a far better prospect.


Titus at 23:59:53 Tuesday January 25 2000
Yep, sorry you did say Hunt. I've just watched Gormenghastly again and feel rather strange. It is shit isn't it? It's not just me!


Grant at 23:55:4 Tuesday January 25 2000
I don't remember seeing plaster casts on there legs whilst sitting on the subs bench. Read carefully i referred to Hunt not Hunter, but you probably right there too. He has minimal ability.


Rose Coloured Spectacles at 23:51:41 Tuesday January 25 2000
I dont know what some of you people have been watching but it isnt the Dene Peer that I have watched. Your all in some kind of hysterical nostalgic trance. He was rubbish.


Titus at 23:48:1 Tuesday January 25 2000
Silly me, I thought it was a broken leg and knee operations that kept Parrish and Hunter out. Apparently it was Deano all along. How could I be so stupid?


Anon at 23:44:30 Tuesday January 25 2000
John Mccririck explain this hugely sucessful career. fa cup winner? league cup winner? championship winner? world cup winner? if kw is hugely sucessful what was phil neal?


Grant at 23:38:9 Tuesday January 25 2000
CRACKER - At times there wern't much else to watch under Atkins! Cast your mind back, Peer kept Savage out at the end of last season. When Atkins finally picked Savage we started winning, too late. Peer has kept Hunt and Parrish out of the side, both can run all day and offer far more than Peer could ever. All I was ever looking for was the reason why, I never found it. Luton Cobbler your trite comment says more about you than I could ever possibly. Tell me all about the wonderful things our Deano has done.


John Mcrirrick at 23:22:22 Tuesday January 25 2000
I think once and for all people should leave Kevin Wilson alone. As far as I'm concerned he's done a great job since he started. Plenty of the fans that are berating his tactical naivety are the same ones that were shouting for Colin Hill's appointment based purely on the fact that he was popular!. Let's face it Kev is a hugely succesfull and experienced international footballer who has played at the top level and served a long and thorough apprenticeship as Asst manager, he should be given time, sure he'll make mistakes but I've no doubt that the Team will be better for the experiences. As for the teams current performance, there is no doubt where the problem lies. All too often when we are the better team we don't collect all 3 points, more often than not when we aren't the better team we can't scrape a result. Why, it would probably be churlish to claim bad luck, what about lack of backbone?, this argument doesn't really seem to stack up. The one thing that it is undeiable that KW has affected since his appointment is team morale and togetherness, to claim that a team such as this is weaker and more brittle than under the last seasons reign of Ian Atkins makes little sense. What is causing the problem, well the stats tell us that only one team in the division has hit the woodwork more than us, only two teams have had more shots on target, these are facts and not the usual conjecture that we usually see on here, this suggests that to a certain extent we have been unlucky, hitting the woodwork 14 times doesn't help anyones cause. This obviously doesn't explain everything. The rest of the answer I feel lies with confidence. Ian Atkins left this club in a demoralised state, players had lost confidence in themselves and each other, sure we had a great little run but it was always going to take more than that and confidence is something that doesn't reappear overnight, it affects resiliance and decision making in a crisis, exactly the areas where we struggle. It's time for everyone to attend in numbers and turn sixfields into the cauldron it once was, make some noise and support your Club, whatever Kev does this year we will be ten times better next time, and if we offer support there is no reason why that won't be in the Second division. Isn't it ironic that it's confidence that our team is lacking in, and confidence is the only thing we can really affect by our own performances at games. We've got 18 games left and probably need at least 2 points a game for automatic promotion, no reason why we can't get em. Let's stop moaning and make some noise.


WSD at 23:14:8 Tuesday January 25 2000
Will people stop impersonating me! I can make an arse of myself all on my lonesome without any help.


schizo (shrewsbury fan) at 22:50:20 Tuesday January 25 2000
Thanx very much for Dean Peer. You've seen how shit we are, as long as he has some fighting spirit, (unlike our current midfield) then we should be OK. He hasnt joined Chester cos even though we are quite bad, Chester are even worse, and he's from Brum isnt he? Well, Shrewsbury is closer to Brum than Chester, Big John Gayle turned Halifax down cos Shrewsbury is closer to Brum!


Luton Cobbler at 22:26:56 Tuesday January 25 2000
Grant - If all you think the game evolves aroung is free kicks, penalties and throw in's then you're watching the wrong game. Piss off down to Franklins Gardens and watch the egg chasing.


Cracker at 22:1:19 Tuesday January 25 2000
Grant: "Deano?... I often would watch him all game" Not at all obsessive then.


R+D at 21:56:46 Tuesday January 25 2000
Anon don't say things like that, i'm gonna pucke


WSD at 21:46:47 Tuesday January 25 2000
And as Kobbler asked, the address is http://cobbler.spedia.net


WSD at 21:46:2 Tuesday January 25 2000
And who was the twat pretending to be me AGAIN earlier tonight? It's so funny, oh look my sides have split.


WSD at 21:44:9 Tuesday January 25 2000
I'm glad Deano has found another league club, I honestly didn't think he had a future left at this level, but good luck to him. He will go down in history as the first Cobblers goalscorer of the new Millennium!


Tony at 21:28:12 Tuesday January 25 2000
Shame we havn't heard it via the club as official news, but I am sure in the morning they will let us know a good reason for this. I think it's sad news, but I can see Kev's thinking. After this season maybe he feels Dean won't be such a hot player, and if (big IF) we make Division 2, he wouldn't want a player on the wage bill who wasn't up to playing Div 2 football anymore. Just a thought I guess in the defence of letting him go.


Carl at 20:9:22 Tuesday January 25 2000
Sid, he is a Brummy lad as well, so that may have swayed his decision


Sid at 20:3:55 Tuesday January 25 2000
I say "Good luck" to Deano, he has had his ups and downs at the club, but sadly he found himself surplus to requirements here after his contract finished. I was surprised he didn't choose Chester, but then again - Shrews have more chance of staying up.


Carl at 20:2:50 Tuesday January 25 2000
I agree LC, the last 2 games he played for us were amongst his best, I will be sad to see him go, although I am when the majority of our players leave, I hate it when someone you have followed for so long disappears, and Deano although not amongst my favourite players was someone I respected, I know others have different views but that is mine. Good luck to you.


Grant at 20:1:29 Tuesday January 25 2000
Deano? He could trap a ball further than Welchy could kick it! Work rate? I often would watch him all game, Deano Cam, to try and fathom out exactly what mysterious quality he had. I am telling you he set up more attacks for the opposition by giving the ball away than he ever thwarted. He couldn't pass, he constantly gave colleagues hospital balls, he could not head, he couldn't shoot. I never saw him take a free-kick, penalty, corner or throw-in. I haven't missed many of the old chaps matches since he has been here and you can count on the fingers of one hand the games where he positively contributed to the result of the game. I think it is a move in the right direction for him and the club. I hope the Shrews fans enjoy, sorry!


Luton Cobbler at 19:41:10 Tuesday January 25 2000
So Deano has gone. I for one will be sorry to see him go. I fully accept that he was never going to be a flair player but the work he put in was incredible. Every successful team needs someone like him who stops the opposition playing and gets the ball for your creative players. Unfortunately from the start too many Cobblers "fans" were looking for a scapegoat after the departure of Chris Burns and Deano was an easy target. All that bull about him retaining his place beacause of his relationship to Atkins was complete crap. If you ask the players how they felt about him going, i expect most will be disappointed. I'm sure other tributes will be made to Deano. It's a pity more was not said when he was still here.


Leslie at 19:31:15 Tuesday January 25 2000
That's the ticket Anon!


Anon at 19:30:36 Tuesday January 25 2000
GET IN TO 'EM . . . F**K 'EM UP!!!!!!!!


Leslie at 19:28:38 Tuesday January 25 2000
There is no doubting that the current side are not up for a dogfight. We do have skillful players but you have to fight for the right to play in this division. Too often our players are looking to the referee for a decision. Individuals have to ensure that they win their own one on one battles. The balance has probably gone too far the other way, under Atkins we were always looking for a bundle, Parrish, Hunter, Larry and all were always looking out for each other. Darren has a point, I do not want to be remembered as the nice losers. I do not advocate a return to hoof we just need to combine our talents with a bit of bite.


Robert Dunkley at 18:54:19 Tuesday January 25 2000
The official Shrewsbury site has announced that Dean Peer has signed for them under the noses of Ye Brumkins! Who are Shrewsbury going to sign now from us or someone else? Methinks that Ratcliffe has got it in for Chester!


Anon at 18:51:35 Tuesday January 25 2000
Thats not drool.


R+D at 18:38:21 Tuesday January 25 2000
Darren, go back to your hole, and wipe the drool off your Pamela Anderson poster.


WSD at 18:6:28 Tuesday January 25 2000
I decided I was so crap at maintaining it that I finally gave up.


Kobbler at 17:40:29 Tuesday January 25 2000
Anyway Dave whats happened to your website?


Kobbler at 17:26:49 Tuesday January 25 2000
Don't tell me Peer's going? I was finally coming round to liking him after five years!!!


WSD at 17:23:6 Tuesday January 25 2000
I had that trouble before - sorry Darren.


Darren at 17:22:4 Tuesday January 25 2000
I have an identity crisis. Theres two of me but we are both talking crap.


Darren at 17:15:29 Tuesday January 25 2000
Nice one you dont agree with me so you post some rubbish. Then say i support the Direones. Well i dont i support the Cobblers,a team thats been around more than 8 years


Darren at 17:2:45 Tuesday January 25 2000
We will see you all next season!


WSD at 16:47:57 Tuesday January 25 2000
Pretending to be a supporter of a league team eh Darren, don't worry it's perfectly understandable.


Darren at 16:44:31 Tuesday January 25 2000
Suckers - Come on your Diamonds!


hoops at 16:31:2 Tuesday January 25 2000
I don't think too many people will be upset to see Peer go. As soon as Atkins went to chester it was inevitable that deano would follow him. Wilson says in the chron that he wants to keep him because you know what you get from Peer. That's certainly true - you know he will rarely manage to find a team-mate with a pass. It never ceased to amaze how a player whose only real asset was work-rate managed to have such a long professional career. He is among the worst passers I've ever seen and has a very poor first touch. Thanks for your work Dean but I don't think we'll miss you too much.


Darren at 15:49:59 Tuesday January 25 2000
I am sorry but statistics say 2 years ago to the day we sat 4th in the second division. Yes I agree about team spirit it seems to be good. But when we need to roll our sleeves up and fight for a point like against the Posh. We are not capable of doing it. Fair point about digging results out in IA last full season in charge. Although I believed we where out of are depth anyway. We have some class (for our division and probably the second as well) Again I think not we normally get beaten by the better teams. Swansea being the exception. Anyway that’s my tuppence worth.


Carl at 14:57:36 Tuesday January 25 2000
Darren, statistics say we are doing far, far better than at this time last year, we have more points at this time than we have done for the last 3 years, or so it appears from Rays graph, our Goals scored is far healthier as well, so I would imagine is our goals conceded but not overly sure. The team spirit is higher than it has ever appeared to be in recent times. We have some class (for our division and probably the second as well) players, our defence is looking good, our attack is doing better than for a while, our midfield still looks a little dodgy at times. The digging in and grinding out a result part of your argument doesn't add up either, name me one game when we did this under IA in his last full season in charge, and I'll bet you have to think hard. We do, maybe, need a couple more players to add a bit of grit in certain places, but I feel you are being a tad unfair on KW, and there is no chance he will be going anywhere for the forseeable future, so there is no point worrying about things like that anyway, just enjoy the much better class of football that you have hopefully been watching over the past few months.


Darren at 14:40:12 Tuesday January 25 2000
Hold on a minute, I haven’t come on here to have an argument with anyone. My point is when it really matters we don’t dig in and grind a result out. Yes I know the football has been a lot better, but sometimes its about results not performances. Peterboro I was as gutted as everyone else was, but when it mattered we went back to the long balls upfield. Against a team who are average why did it happen, don’t blame it on being a derby. Wilson’s tactics where wrong. And trying to play football against Darlington, surely he must have realized they have better players than us. Sorry but the man is out of his depth. Danny we are still in the third division, or have you forgot.


dyl at 14:37:28 Tuesday January 25 2000
Hmmm, so Darren says we have a team without the bottle for crunch games, but with Atkins we would have. That may be the case although I doubt it, but bottle is no good without ability.


Carl at 14:19:49 Tuesday January 25 2000
Me too, add me to the list KEV. OUT, KEV. OUT, KEV. OUT. It is quite scary isn't it. Maybe we should get a petition going to see how many of the others feel this way. Bring back the days of Macclesfield away, what an absolute joy to behold that was, so much commitment, grit and determination, Atkins had them playing so well and they looked up for it, until they walked on the pitch that was. :-)


Danny at 14:3:39 Tuesday January 25 2000
You and me both Ray...... we hate football!!!!


Ray at 14:1:56 Tuesday January 25 2000
Its just not on is it? I'll have a work with KW next time I'm down the club and tell him to stop.


Danny at 13:52:2 Tuesday January 25 2000
I respect your views Darren, and I agree, we're just playing attractive attacking football, its not good enough. Clearly somthing needs to be done, I just don't know how much more I can take of this attractive football. Oh how I long to be bored ridged once more when I shell out £40 to spend the day in places like Hartlepool and Carlisle, oh how I want to feel dead depressed when I get back on the coach/in the car after the game. Oh how I want to wake up on a saturday morning and think "christ its saturday, i suppose I'd better get ready to go up the Cobblers." How I miss all this. How I miss crap performances against Rochdale and Macclesfield, and the ball being belted from the edge of our area straight to an opposition defender/out for a throw/goal kick. How I hate seeing Carlo on the half way line when we're defending corners, surely he should be back getting in the way. What do we get now???? Attractive, watchable football, players passing and moving, go forbid.


The Romsey Cobbler at 13:48:26 Tuesday January 25 2000
I've just seen Steve Howard's goal on Nationwide Extra. It was a cracker, wasn't it?! Let's hope it's the start of good things to come from Steve.


Danny at 13:38:44 Tuesday January 25 2000
I can't even muster the energy to argue with Darren.


Carl at 13:36:28 Tuesday January 25 2000
Can't say anything still speechless from Darrens comment :-)


Danny at 13:33:49 Tuesday January 25 2000
hmmmmm bit busier in here now


Danny at 13:31:55 Tuesday January 25 2000
And Carl, I ain't even started work yet, I'm god damn bored already


Tony at 13:31:26 Tuesday January 25 2000
Just reading around, and maybe good news for us. Apparently Darlington were unable to play Shrewsbury this weekend due to the "terrible" state of their pitch. Also the Darlington manager is stated as saying they might have to revert to "Long-Ball" tactics to counter this, as playing on the deckis getting impossible. Maybe this might slow their progress in Div 3??


Danny at 13:30:46 Tuesday January 25 2000
Sorry Carl for not checking what had been posted on here, it was clearly a slanderous statement and I can only apologise for the inconvenience it has caused anybody. Thankyou.


Carl at 13:27:25 Tuesday January 25 2000
Darren, you are serious aren't you? Good god, I am speechless. That's it for me.


Carl at 13:25:45 Tuesday January 25 2000
Just read on the Chron. web page that it looks like Dean Peer is going to be moving North soon to either Chester or Shrewsbury, IA has offered him a contract until the end of next season, whereas we can only offer him something until the end of the season.


Darren at 13:25:8 Tuesday January 25 2000
I repeat when it comes to the crunch, we have a team with no bottle. I know for sure this would not be the case under Atkins. When the big games come along, we can’t perform. Wilson must go now. Before it is to late.


Carl at 13:14:51 Tuesday January 25 2000
Danny, I am sorry but this really bugs me and I have to disagree with you on this point, It isn't busy on here, in fact there has been only 3 other postings today including yours, please get your facts right before making such blatantly incorrect comments. There I ain't had nothing to moan about for a few weeks, that makes me feel better :-) Sorry but I am bored shitless at work, and am losing my mind.


Danny at 12:47:54 Tuesday January 25 2000
hmmm, busy on here today.


Anon at 12:39:8 Tuesday January 25 2000
..


Old Man of . . . at 9:42:15 Tuesday January 25 2000
Don't say 'Hoy' - say 'oi' instead. Hoy is me.


MartinW at 23:57:19 Monday January 24 2000
Hoy, I thought we weren't going to talk about IA!


Ray at 23:29:30 Monday January 24 2000
I for one have had very serious problems with Netscape since 1st. Jan - wonder if its some form of Millennium bug? I've now switched to MSIE5 which is behaving properly. (damn it)


Nat at 22:45:43 Monday January 24 2000
I'm Signed on using Aol and not experiencing any difficulties


Al Yankowicz at 22:25:17 Monday January 24 2000
Weird!


Pete at 22:23:3 Monday January 24 2000
Thank you Hotblack but it worries me that you answered the question I was going to ask next


Hotblack at 22:20:3 Monday January 24 2000
42.


Pete at 22:19:9 Monday January 24 2000
Now this is frozen at 2022, visit 226319!Steve, what are you doing- . Your 9pm + message has still not appeared on my computalynx server entry- are we in a time warp? Is the v Smug resultstill the same? I've fallen into a space worm - does this mean I can meet 7 of 9?


Al Yankowicz at 22:17:21 Monday January 24 2000
Weird!


Pete at 22:13:22 Monday January 24 2000
I'm having problems coming on site from aol but not from another server. The site seems to be frozen from aol.


Pete at 22:8:13 Monday January 24 2000
The site seemed frozen in time when I signed on with aol about 7pm but when I signed on with another server a few minutes later about 30 mins of exchanges suddenly appeared- is this what happened to Steve?


Steve feeling embarassed at 21:53:12 Monday January 24 2000
My odd comment to Norman seems out of place because Cobblers Comments on Netscape has been behaving very oddly recently and playing tricks like leaving out loads of postings, such that Norman's question about the next reserve match appeared to have only just been posted. Also, it keeps showing all the postings in Ariel Bold, instead of Times New Roman font. Anyone else having these problems?


Steve at 21:41:28 Monday January 24 2000
Norman - ther's one tomorrow (Tuesday) night. I don't know who against.


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 20:22:28 Monday January 24 2000
EVENING ALL, Well nice to see we managed a good win on Saturday. Only thing thing that was negative about it was that IA was booed. We all know he did have a few bad months before he left us. However, the guy did take us to Wembley twice and did a good job at first! Ray, you are right to do what you have done! I support you! See Ya Later all, Dave.e


Carl at 19:52:29 Monday January 24 2000
Steve, no he couldn't have, did he, he is one sad muppet. The training ends thing on Saturday was another sad moment, LONG BALL MY ARSE!!! The third one was but what a long ball not a hoof, what a tit!!!!


Steve at 19:48:11 Monday January 24 2000
Just to inject a smidgeon of optimism, I notice that, according to Ray's Seasons Comparisons bit on the 'Fixtures & Results' section of this site that, at this stage of the season, the Cobblers are in the best position they've been in the past 4 years (just!)


Steve at 19:41:19 Monday January 24 2000
I suggested in my posting of this morning that Kevin Wilson may have told the team to play negative possession football in the event of getting a decent lead. I was obviously wrong as in tonight's Chron. Kev is quoted as being slightly disappointed in the way we stopped going forward once we'd scored our third goal. I also read Atkins' somewhat churlish post-match comments, suggesting that we wouldn't have scored had it not been for Chester's defensive lapses and that all our goals were the result of us playing the long ball game. Is he trying to tell us that his long ball tactics had always been the 'righteous way'?


Anon at 19:23:16 Monday January 24 2000
What?


R+D at 18:50:27 Monday January 24 2000
Hey, all.


Pete at 18:45:41 Monday January 24 2000
I appreciated what IA did for the club when his tactics were successful and was against him when he arrogantly refused to change his failing tactics. I objected to the way he treated some of the players- but he too had a right to his point of view. What I found totally objectionable was the way he passed on player details to Darlington and the nasty personal attacks he made on some of the players in that brief- referring to players as useless/cowards etc. Even KW was astonished at this sort of unprofessionalism


Anon at 18:25:10 Monday January 24 2000
?


Ralph at 16:23:5 Monday January 24 2000
Yeah that's him!


Darren at 16:18:11 Monday January 24 2000
So apart from the Peterboro game you are happy, you stupid boy. Since Mr. Wilson has been in charge you have lost at home to Rotherham, and Darlington, in the league and Bristol Rovers in that shield thing. And a home draw with Plymouth. Away defeats at Shrewsbury twice, and Peterboro. Only drawing away from home against Mansfield, L Orient, Southend, and Halifax. I am afraid it’s not good enough. Wilson Out! Wilson Out! Wilson Out!


Ralph at 16:15:42 Monday January 24 2000
Yeah that's him!


Paul S at 15:59:56 Monday January 24 2000
Ralph shouldn't that be Jack "who's offside and has now fouled Colin Hill" Lester - or have I got the wrong player?


Vince at 15:52:16 Monday January 24 2000
You may have heard that Barnet FC may well be thrown out of the League at the end of the season due to the small capacity of Underhill. OK so there is little love lost between NTFC and Barnet but the draconian measures the League wish to take could lead to changes which ultimately threaten the League status of other smaller clubs including us. If you want to get behind the campaign a voice your views log onto the Keep Barnet Alive site http://www.k-b-a.com for further info. Remember we have nearly lost our club and its not a nice feeling, do all you can to help a fellow club who's supporters deserve more than the shabby treatment they are receiving from those who are entrusted to look after the interests of league members.


SBJ at 14:37:49 Monday January 24 2000
Doesn't the club also issue guidelines on conduct to all season ticket holders? I seem to remember receiving something when I got mine: something along the lines of the club reserves the right to take action against anyone doing various bad things at Sixfields, including racist chants, fighting, etc.; the instruction against over-indulgent barracking of individual players was issued as part of a general publicity appeal by Atkins, and by John Frain on behalf of the team, and I understood that it was to be added to the list of "things the club forbids". I think the club would issue a warning to any persistent offenders, with the possibility of banishment as a very last resort.


Ray at 14:21:45 Monday January 24 2000
As the Club have specifically asked for the numbers of seat holders who are members of the "boo boy" brigade on several occasions - as you will know if you are a regular subscriber to either the Waloc or CobbNews mailing lists, I think I'm entitled to do as they ask and pass seat numbers on. What they do with the information is up to them.


Trembling with Fear at 14:15:50 Monday January 24 2000
What's this "He's a season ticket holder, so I might have a word in the right direction if he continues". Who the hell do you think you are? Do we season ticket holders now have to live in fear that if we happen to say something you do not agree with we have you to answer to and that our holding may be in some sort of jeopardy as a result? Grow up!! I'm a season ticket holder and for the record I do not think much of Howard either. I await a letter from the club revoking my season ticket on your instruction with great trepidation.


Ralph at 14:10:52 Monday January 24 2000
Ipswich appear to be interested in Grimsby's Jack Lester who is out of contract at the end of the season.


Carl at 13:52:46 Monday January 24 2000
I totally agree, however it would appear that Northampton Town FC are not the most popular of teams outside of our support. We seem to upset other teams fans quite easily. Kobbler as for your problem my 3rd Div Messageboard link is still working fine, I bet they are gutted as well that you aren't on there :-)


Tony at 13:46:8 Monday January 24 2000
I think it would be great for Howard to go on now, and score lots of goals and really be the man to take us to Div 3 promotion. It would be a double celebration as Halifax and Carlise would be gutted having failed in trying to sign him! Maybe it will make £100,000 look like nothing if he goes on to be valused higher. Not sure it will work like this, but we can always dream!


Danny at 13:37:49 Monday January 24 2000
But Carl, if I watch a game and think the team that won deserved to I will say so, like Cheltenham did in a fixture I saw last season. When Cobblers win, we never get praised.


Anon at 13:36:20 Monday January 24 2000
Up above the streets and houses rainbows flying high everyone can see it climbing over the sky


Kobbler at 13:27:1 Monday January 24 2000
Does anyone know whats happened to Inside The Web, the messageboard service? All their messageboards appear to be down and I haven't been able to access the 3rd Division Messageboard for days, of which I am a regular.


Carl at 13:3:2 Monday January 24 2000
Danny, you answered your own question there, they are 'non-cobblers'


Danny at 12:48:30 Monday January 24 2000
Its now Monday afternoon, I am getting ready for work, having dinner and preparing for the "yeah but they are bottom of the league" bit from my colleagues. Why do non-Cobblers supporters do that? They take the piss when we lose, yet when we win they never say any thing complimentary?


Ray at 12:38:36 Monday January 24 2000
Actually I very nearly did clobber him - he was getting right on my wick. Had the desired effect though as he then shut up. Hes a season ticket holder so I might have a word in the right direction if he continues.


Anon at 11:52:41 Monday January 24 2000
I feel that if Atkins had been managing us on Saturday we wouldn't have won.


lodo at 11:49:59 Monday January 24 2000
I feel Atkins had to go. He had got us as far as he could, up to divison 2 and back down again. Willo is the man for the man for the job. Since he took over we've climbed right up in the table. Apart from the ******* POSH all the results have been O.K. Keep up the good work willo!


Mrs H at 11:46:19 Monday January 24 2000
Anon, Where was you on Saturday?? I was there but you never showed.


SBJ at 11:18:57 Monday January 24 2000
Well done to Ray, btw, for getting stuck in against the anti-Howard heckler! I thought you were going to clobber him at one point. There was another Howard heckler a couple of rows behind me who tried to pass off Howard's goal as a fluke (despite Howard's nearly identical shot on goal a few minutes earlier) - it's always amusing to see how quiet these people get when events go against them!


SBJ at 11:14:58 Monday January 24 2000
My only grumble about Saturday's game was that when we reached 3-1 and clearly had Chester on the ropes, our play slowed down. I'd be the last send our players in search of a 4th and 5th goal if it looked like Chester were going to get back into the game, but I really thought that there was no danger, and we could comfortably have secured a 5-1 win with a bit of effort. Rotherham keep pushing for goals no matter how many ahead they are (they've had a 5-0, and 4-0 a couple of times this season) and they have a very healthy goal difference. We're still on about +8, which won't be very reassuring if we get into a struggle for play-off places in April. That's my only grumble though; all the Cobblers players did well on Saturday, especially Howard, Frain and Green, and I'm looking optimistically at the next five games now: a draw at Lincoln and then 4 wins against York, Carlisle, Barnet and Brighton, is my prediction.


Robert Dunkley at 9:59:34 Monday January 24 2000
Balding, 40 something,


Carl at 9:54:28 Monday January 24 2000
I'm sure he has always liked his tongue, don't know about Terry Smith, as I don't know what he looks like.


Robert Dunkley at 9:52:18 Monday January 24 2000
Did he still like his tongue like he always did, when he gave an instuction. Was their manager Terry Smith on the bench as well?


Carl at 9:45:14 Monday January 24 2000
All three goals were good goals, and all three celebrations were good. Maybe the oppositions Manager has something to do with it, but I doubt it. He was very quiet on Saturday, none of his normal Arm waving etc.


Robert Dunkley at 9:43:27 Monday January 24 2000
From what I heard of the goal it sounded like Steve Howard is more than able to score from 30 yards, but not 10 yards! Maybe playing him in a deeper position, will allow him to score more long-range goals and boost his confidence. If he continues to play well, will Savage get back in the team?


Carl at 9:43:13 Monday January 24 2000
Howard is top by 8 points at the moment, I rest my case :-)


gaz at 9:42:2 Monday January 24 2000
Howard had a cracking game on Saturday and seemed to be playing an attacking role behind the front 2 (Something I have advocated for a long time). His distribution was excellent and his shooting was top notch. If we had had him v Boro I feel he would have tipped the balance in our favour. The pitch is in excellent condition and rumour has it that the groundsman is in line for Nationwide groundsman of the year. Good luck to him! The only downside for me at the moment is the form of Sean Parrish. He had an awful game v Boro and not the best of games v Chester. When he got forward he had a knack of breaking moves down, and when he was in our half he lost posession too often. A case being at the start of the 2nd half, it was parrish who was caught in possesion and robbed of the ball that set up a Chester attack and 4 successive corners. Despite this, the players completed a professional job, and without a couple of brilliant saves we would have won by a more convincing margin. Oh, and Carlo's goal celebration was superb.


Carl at 9:41:17 Monday January 24 2000
I must say I thought Hunter was Man of the Match on Saturday, it seemed odd giving it to Clare, I Thought it was his worse game for us, although he still wasn't bad. The Steve Howard thing really is getting beyond a joke now. I would imagine, although I haven't looked, he is still flying high in The Player of The Year vote on this site, but people still moan at him, whether he makes a run or not, someone even moaned about him not jumping for a ball on Saturday, and he would have had to have been about 9ft high to get to it. I thought he played really well on Saturday, but I think he plays as well if not better than most of our players in the majority of his appearances for us. His celebration on Saturday was great to see, hearing chants of his name were great to here. He looked delighted at the end, as did Wilson with his performance, and the cheer he got when he walked down the tunnel was marvellous. Maybe the tide is turning in his favour, here's hoping. UP THE COBBLERS!!!


Steve at 9:21:39 Monday January 24 2000
Just a few comments on Saturday's game. Yes - it was great to win 3-1, and Steve Howard was terrific and definitely deserved Man of the Match. However, I hate to pour on cold water, but I didn't think we were as dominant as we should have been. First half - fine. We were on top the whole time, but in the second half, after the third goal went in, we sat back and got VERY casual. Maybe I'm naive. Maybe at half time Kev said, 'Right - if we get a 2 goal cushion, play possession stuff, pass it around the back and midfield. Just hang on to the ball and we can't lose'. Maybe that's what he said and maybe he's right. It's just that we seemed to keep giving it away and causing ouselves too many dodgy moments. There were too many occasions when we'd move out of defence and instead of looking to attack up th flanks we'd stop, put the foot on the ball, turn round, and pass the ball back, giving them time to organise at the back and then press into our half again. Anyway, enough moaning. It was a good win, and fantastic to see Steve Howard playing so well. For God's sake, don't sell him Kev. He's what we need - that alternative option. He gives us a physical presence (in the same way that John Gale did) that irritates the opposition. His first touch and spraying the ball wide can be invaluable. Also - don't forget Carlo. His work rate was terrific and his goal was a cracker. A great pass from Hendon (who always seems to have a vision that belies his 3rd division status)and Carlo's control and finish were memorable. I have nagging doubts about our ability against better more physical sides like Darlington and Plymouth, but it's great to be in with a shout.


RT at 1:30:47 Monday January 24 2000
Totally echo the sentiments of the Confused massive. Bokasha! Let's keep it clean on the scene and hang loose, ya no wot ahm sayin.


Tartan Flask at 0:4:55 Monday January 24 2000
Please note that with the arrival of the new cashpoint machines customers will be able to withdraw cash without leaving their vehicles. To enable users to use this new facility the following procedures have been drawn up. Please read the procedure that applies to your own circumstances (i.e. male or female) and remember it when you first use the machine. MALE PROCEDURE 1. Drive up to the cash machine. 2. Wind down your car window. 3. Insert card into machine and enter PIN. 4. Enter amount of cash required. 5. Retrieve card, cash and receipt. 6. Wind up window. 7. Drive off. FEMALE PROCEDURE 1. Drive up to cash machine. 2. Reverse back to line up car window with cash machine. 3. Re-start stalled car engine. 4. Wind down window. 5. Find handbag, empty contents on passenger seat and locate card. 6. Re-apply lipstick using rear view mirror and re-pack handbag. 7. Attempt to insert card into cash machine. 8. Open car door to allow easier access to cash machine due to its excessive distance from car. 9. Insert card. 10. Insert card the right way up. 11. Go back to handbag to find your diary with the PIN written on the inside back page. 12. Enter PIN. 13. Re-insert card and re-enter correct PIN. 14. Enter amount of cash required. 15. Retrieve cash and receipt. 16. Get back into car and re-check make-up in rear view mirror. 17. Empty contents of handbag on passenger seat again to locate purse and place cash inside. 18. Place receipt in back of check book and re-pack handbag. 19. Drive forward two metres. 20. Reverse back to cash machine. 21. Retrieve card. 22. Re-empty handbag, locate card wallet and replace card. 23. Re-check make-up and touch up as necessary. 23. Re-pack handbag. 24. Re-start stalled engine and drive off. 25. Drive for 3 to 4 miles. 26. Release hand brake.


Confused!! at 0:1:5 Monday January 24 2000
Why are there people on here so bloody intolerent of each others views. What is it with these personal vendettas, I thought that had disappeared long time ago. I can't believe people like Oh No who won't write anything because MartiW is saying what he feels about Ian Atkins. He's a dedicated fan, having read a few of his previous entries, what's so wrong with that. I didn't join in in the anti-Atkins chanting during Saturday's game. He did some great things for the club and I didn't think it was necessary. It was all rather sad. That's my opinion and I no doubt will get a load of abuse for that. But I know someone who was singing some of those songs and he did it with good humour. Most people do. Most of the people on hear are amusing. It seems MartinW likes to be a bit colourful and that's fine by me. He's a lot more entertaining than some. I understand how he feels about Atkins, he makes his points well. But I was there when we won 3-0 against Bristol Rovers and that ranks among the most memorable days of mylife. Sad, as that might seem to some of you, who willno doubt tell me. So thanks Ian Atkins for all the memories. It's a shame about what happened afterwards, but then if he was so great he would have still have been in a job, I suppose.


Aaaaaargh! at 23:44:11 Sunday January 23 2000
Am I the only one who thinks that Ralph is right up his own ass. Why don't you leave people alone, you boring twat and concentrate on your own, oh so obvious, inadequacies.


Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 23:21:16 Sunday January 23 2000
I haven't seen anything posted by Jamesyboy this weekend. While I've often said in the past that I would welcome a proper local derby against them in the league, Diamonds' failure to get anything against the might of Forest Green Rovers did make me laugh. Will another failed league campaign bore/frustrate Griggs into submission. His money would be most welcome at Sixfields. Just think where we might be now if all that money hadn't been thrown down the drain in the nether - sorry Eastern - regions of the county. It could have built us a proper-sized stadium and a team to match...


T. at 22:45:50 Sunday January 23 2000
Mine's a G & T, ice and a slice!


BR at 22:44:21 Sunday January 23 2000
I've lost a posting in the ether, or in the top car park. If found please e-mail it back to me. Ta.


Ralph at 22:43:25 Sunday January 23 2000
Last orders!


T. at 22:42:56 Sunday January 23 2000
Night Ralph and give my regards to Michael


Ralph at 22:42:13 Sunday January 23 2000
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Oh be fair!


Ralph at 22:41:24 Sunday January 23 2000
I think the Sneck Lifter has done its job and I'd better go before I say something that WSD may use against me in a later life! Good night and don't forget the shipping forecast guys!


T. at 22:40:30 Sunday January 23 2000
So all I'm left with is a Cookie Monster smothered in after shave


T. at 22:39:34 Sunday January 23 2000
Well Ralph, the chaps away


Ralph at 22:39:30 Sunday January 23 2000
Sorry I think I should have used a comma in that last sentence!!!!! :-)


BR at 22:38:47 Sunday January 23 2000
Oh alright then. Goodnight. Yawwwwwwn!


Ralph at 22:38:12 Sunday January 23 2000
Hang on that was not aimed at your elucidations T it was in answer to BR's pitch enquiry!


WSD at 22:37:25 Sunday January 23 2000
I was in quite early on Saturday and thought the pitch was in excellent condition for January, poor old Boro :o)


Ralph at 22:37:17 Sunday January 23 2000
Very, very, very, very green with a few bits of brown.


T. at 22:37:16 Sunday January 23 2000
:o)


Ralph at 22:36:13 Sunday January 23 2000
Whoa! Sorry T, I can hang on while you elucidate!


BR at 22:36:11 Sunday January 23 2000
What does the pitch look like from up in the dear seats? It looks pretty good down in our cheap seats. I seem to remember it being in bad state by this time last year.


Ralph at 22:35:26 Sunday January 23 2000
Right, me and Wifey (sorry Vince) have been looking forward to snuggling down with Michael Palin, so with me wheat bag under me arm it's off to the Reform Club!


T. at 22:33:39 Sunday January 23 2000
Rude thoughts!


Ralph at 22:33:10 Sunday January 23 2000
Wot no Gomez on your machine heads?


Ralph at 22:32:32 Sunday January 23 2000
Steve Howard has been at the top of the ratings for ages, the others just haven't caught him up.


BR at 22:31:8 Sunday January 23 2000
To answer your questions Ralph. I walked home and no ornamentation appeared on the top of my strat!


WSD at 22:31:6 Sunday January 23 2000
Cos Howard has not played much recently?


Ralph at 22:30:20 Sunday January 23 2000
Why are you puzzled M?


Ralph at 22:29:37 Sunday January 23 2000
Wishing what T?


T. at 22:29:9 Sunday January 23 2000
I'm joining hands and wishing....


Ralph at 22:29:8 Sunday January 23 2000
Thanks old chap!


BR at 22:26:59 Sunday January 23 2000
It's the absolute truth Ralph. I won't reveal it on here for obvious reasons.


Marina at 22:26:50 Sunday January 23 2000
PS, I've just seen (not much on the tele at the moment) that my Howard is now top of Ray's player of the year ratings! I'm so proud! And just a tiny bit puzzled.


Ralph at 22:25:50 Sunday January 23 2000
Blimey everyone appears to be here. If we could just join hands!


Ralph at 22:24:55 Sunday January 23 2000
I find that very hard to believe BR! You is cooking up a plot wiv CDU!


T. at 22:24:4 Sunday January 23 2000
How are you TRB, long time no see.


Ralph at 22:22:52 Sunday January 23 2000
Hi Marina - Our 'stray' lived with us for around six weeks and for non-cat lovers we grew pretty fond of Mu. I eventually found her a good home with some real cat lovers in, wait for it, Rushden. She is doing fine and we get regular updates on her progress. Strangely this is the second time a stray has attached itself to us, what does it all mean? Do you know who this Joe Sculley chap is?


Marina at 22:16:7 Sunday January 23 2000
Ralph, something that has been causing me lack of sleep....what happened to that cat you didn't want? I recently found my missing cat, but unfortunately it was five months too late and it was a case of identifying the body (for those of you of a sensitive nature I should add she was very old and blind when she went missing...quality of life poor), so cat's are my weak point at the moment. And I hear Deano's been offered an 18 month contract at Chester, which he would be mad to turn down. But I did experience true love when I saw Howard's goal again on Sky this morning...he'll be shooting for the boot at that rate.


TRB Mark at 22:15:43 Sunday January 23 2000
One of the most pleasing aspects about yesterday was that the usual Howard North stand boo boys were singing his praises and Stevie, bless him, looked pleased as punch and even gave a couple of thumbs up to the crowd. He had a good game and I'm sure he will have many more if thecrowd continue to support him. I thought the atmosphere was poor yesterday considering we now play football, are ina play-off place and had a decent crowd of 5,400 ish. Why do you think that is?


WSD at 22:14:31 Sunday January 23 2000
Joe Sculley eh? Well thats got me confused


Ralph at 22:12:43 Sunday January 23 2000
Who we talking about WSD, me or Joe Sculley?


WSD at 22:11:54 Sunday January 23 2000
YOU LEAVE KEVIN ALONE!


Ralph at 22:6:28 Sunday January 23 2000
Mmmm . . . Joe Sculley . . . mmmmm . . . bugger I'm never going to sleep with that on my mind! I'm off round the world in 80 days.


Ralph at 22:2:12 Sunday January 23 2000
Totally buggered with that one! Whose Joe Sculley? We had a Pat Scully play for us, ended up at Southend as I recall.


Worried at 21:50:21 Sunday January 23 2000
Why has Ralph got a job in "Neighbours" as Joe Sculley?


Ralph at 21:44:4 Sunday January 23 2000
I'm not a worrier, honest. The only time I worry is if I can't see where the next 'cold one' is coming from. As long as I can get me hand round a 'Sneck Lifter' I'm fine.


Things to worry about... (Part IV) at 21:20:19 Sunday January 23 2000
Will Ralph ever stop worrying? :-)


Anon at 21:20:8 Sunday January 23 2000
You are very simplistic Deepcut.


Deepcut Cobbler at 21:14:39 Sunday January 23 2000
Thats assuming that there are computers in the portakabins.... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!


Deepcut Cobbler at 21:10:47 Sunday January 23 2000
Ref: All ticket games. 1. Do we have to take the police advice about making a match all ticket? If we do and I do know we do! What if we were to reduce their payment by the amount we lose in revenue? The trouble, as previously stated is not inside the ground but outside. A big enough security presence in all areas should be sufficient. 2. In these days of computers, all persons buying tickets at the box/portakabin of Cobblers persuasion should have at least one booking reference in the 'box'. If only for the Wembley games!! How difficult is it for this to be set up so all fans buying tickets for Home areas are suitably screened??? Or am I looking at this too simplisticly?? Come on and give us a break somebody. The amount of revenue lost on the occasional 'buy on the day' fan is not proportionate to the hassle. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!


Deepcut Cobbler at 20:59:30 Sunday January 23 2000
Ref: IA and when he should have gone. I believe that after the Yeovil game would have been right, his hanging on and down-right bloody minded, not listening to the fans got us relegated. We told him both directly and indirectly what was wrong. He didn't listen and his stubborness left us where we are today. What would have happened if he had gone after the Yeovil game. We do know that it all went downhill after that. He lost the plot. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!


Ralph at 20:57:17 Sunday January 23 2000
Things to worry about (Part III) - Whose gonna play up front in a few weeks time? - Will we be able to pay our way next year if the council are deemed to have been subbing us? - Why do every other club have an army of groundstaff repairing divots at half-time, with brand new 'Spear & Jackson Whomper Stompers', and we just have a bloke in an ill fitting tracksuit, with a dodgy moustache and a hand fork? - Where has the atmosphere gone? - Why is the North Stand never full? - Why does it take so long to get out of the car park and how long before the remaining car parks get built on? - When will Dave Savage start his season? - Is Deano going to Chester? - Why are we interested in David Oldfield? - Are we in danger of being too nice and being remembered as the team that played lovely stuff but came second? - Has Roy (Big) got home yet? - What dodgy hat will Ray wear to the next game? - Has anyone ever seen this Sid bloke? - Why has WSD got a car called Kevin? - Will Vince ever call his other half Wifey? - Does CDU know the difference between D#m9 and F? - Why did it take Hartwell so long to sell his house? - Did Gomez ever get the rough end of BR's Strat? - Is MartinW really just a misunderstood, loveable guy? - Will TRB do Christmas cards ever again? - Is Janet a true blonde? - Will T ever find Tony? - Will Marina ever find Howard? - Will we ever get a free holiday offer from Vegas Cobbler? - Will the queensway bloke get his lobotomy? - Will Anon ever be defrocked? - Will R + D ever get to an away match? - Are Mr Posh and Raymondo Clements one of the same? - Whatever happened to the Likely Lads?


Oh No! at 20:50:6 Sunday January 23 2000
Just when you thought it was safe to post a comment again . . . the return of MartinW! I'll bugger off for another couple of months perhaps by then he'll have gone away.


Ian Atkins at 20:31:56 Sunday January 23 2000
MartinW "Sorry to upset you so much, but there is no need to get so personal."


MartinW at 20:13:28 Sunday January 23 2000
Let it go... Sorry to upset you so much, but there is no need to get so personal. There a loads of people on here that are commenting on the rights and wrongs of Atkins, not just me. Should they be stopped from writing anything about him too. And it is totally relevant, because he was making a return to Sixfields on Saturday and he is still having an effect on the club today. If you don't agree, that's fine but everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone including me is allowed to give alternative points of view, whether you like it or not. If you don't like it, don't read it. How about telling us the other things to worry about and be a bit constructive.


Hotblack Desiato at 19:41:52 Sunday January 23 2000
You make me laaaaaaaaarf! You moan when R&D comment on here and you moan when they don't. When they do comment you get suckered in and it resorts to 'my dad is bigger than your dad'. What is the point! You'll be moaning about how long it takes to get out of the car park next or wasn't Ian Atkins a nasty man! Let's all move on shall we, the playground is a little cramped!


Fanatic at 18:42:30 Sunday January 23 2000
The morning after the night before,I thought it was a dream but a quick look in the papers Cobblers win R&D lose. Lovely jubbly jamesyboy.


Danny at 18:39:30 Sunday January 23 2000
Was'nt an invitation, just an observation. And every time we win, are you just gonna mention the tired old "well you lost to Boro" yawn. We know we did, but thats just one game, we still have 20-odd left to play.


DOESNT MATTER at 18:5:42 Sunday January 23 2000
A LITTLE INSIDE STORY : ON THURSDAY NIGHT , THE COBBLERS PLAYER ROY HUNTER GOT BEATEN UP, HA HA, BY A 19 YR OLD OUT SIDE VISARGE IN NORTHAMPTON, HOW DO I KNOW ?, WELL I HAVE AN INSIDE LINK !!!


JAMESYBOY at 17:3:49 Sunday January 23 2000
Sorry but I thought I was not welcome on here, but if that is an invite then thank you very much. So Danny boy I except your invitation to come on here and talk. Yes we lost yesterday 1-0 to FGR and the way they played in the second have it could have been more. So you beat the might of Chester well done nicely played. Do you realize if you had beat Peterboro last week? That on current form there would have been only four teams below them. But you could not even do that. That is even more embarrassing than losing to FGR. By the way we will still win the conference. SEE YA SOON WOBBLERS JAMESYBOY


Let it go... at 16:17:38 Sunday January 23 2000
MartinW.. it's starting to verge on absession. Just face it Atkins has been gone months, and we have other things to worry about. So leave it would you?


LA at 15:8:8 Sunday January 23 2000
Good game, good result. Shame about mix up .... Glad you enjoyed the view - and yes, wow 2u2! :-)


Danny at 14:35:27 Sunday January 23 2000
Good game, though we were a bit dodgy for the opening 15 mins or so. Great goal from Howard and Carlo. What annoyed me was the only songs we could really muster was anti-Atkins songs. Atkins is in the past, we should really get behind the team and management of the present. MartinW and everyone that decided that that was all we would sing yesterday are particulaly sad individuals. Apart from that had a good day (and night in Banbury, though that was nearly cancelled due to being stuck in the bloody car park.) Noted that there are no postings from certain supporters of a certain team that lost to the side who have been BOTTOM of the Conference since day 1. The future is not so sparkly is it????


MartinW at 12:28:40 Sunday January 23 2000
Glad we taught Mr Atkins a thing or two. A few players had a point to prove, methinks. Sammo's celebrations right in front of Atkins, told its own story. And it seems I was far from alone in singing Atkins Atkins what's the score, and Chester are going down, which I must say surprised me. God there were some chanting: "WE PLAY FOOTBALL," and pointedly chanting Kevin Wilson's name. A great reception? Hardly. When you consider what his fans say he achieved there should have been some sort of appearance on the pitch or something. But he crept quietly in and crept quietly out and you hardly knew he was there. I think he knew the score? And I'm not just talking about what was going on on the pitch. It's not what he did, it was the way he did it. And if he had been a bit magnanimous in his final months, perhaps he could have been thought of in a better light. I've heard a few say that he should have resigned after we lost to Grimsby and go out leaving us with great memories. But his ego would not allow that - or his contract. The good times in isolation were great. But in my view the crap which included his vitriolic, bullying response to fans, certain board members and players(unforgiveable), his one dimensional-tactics and negativeness, his refusal to listen to alternative views and then slagging off those who dared to criticise him, the way he released good players notably Michael Warner and scoring-goals-for-fun in the Second McGavin, the way he bombastically pronounced himself the greatest manager in Cobblers history, the way he took all the glory for getting to the second div play offs final by saying the players he took to there were only good enough to be midtable and the way he (rumour has it) has been briefing other teams in the league about the way we play, outweighs ANY of the great memories. 3-0 at home to Bristol Rovers or not. Finally, did anyone see him shake hands with Kevin Wilson? No, I didn't either. Good riddance Atkins.


Ralph at 11:22:49 Sunday January 23 2000
SA 184 all out. Time for a bit of lunch!


Ralph at 11:21:45 Sunday January 23 2000
I beg to differ m'lud, I saw at least three corners defended with a man left up. It was all a bit anticlimatic though, even the 'mind games' of pinching the North Stand end to warm up before the game was predictable. I just wish we had finished them off, we appeared to come off the gas or lacked the edge to bury them. For a seriously good team that should come naturally. If we could combine a steely quality with the 'new' way we are playing we would be right up there with Rotherham/Swansea.


The Yorkshire Wolds Cobbler at 10:46:13 Sunday January 23 2000
Just a quick point about yesterday. Ralph, you mentioned the fact that Atkins left one up for corners yesterday. On only one occasion when Chester were 3-1 down did he do that. Every corner and set piece they defended was with 11 men back. You can't teach an old dog new tricks!


MMmm at 10:26:14 Sunday January 23 2000
That joke's been done hasn't it?


Mr Careful Driver at 10:5:12 Sunday January 23 2000
I should be out of the car park soon now!!!


T. at 9:18:58 Sunday January 23 2000
There's a Tony sits 2 seats away from me in the East and wondered if it was the same one!


The Yorkshire Wolds Cobbler at 0:19:58 Sunday January 23 2000
Very satisfactory win today. It could easily have been 6-2 but for some very good goal keeping from both keepers. At the end I thought that the Cobblers took a breather and dropped down a gear. Chester were one of the poorest looking sides I have seen in a while. Their midfield were pretty creative but at the back they were awful. They have conceded nearly 60 league goals this season. I can see why. Pickering was also very lucky to stay on for a dreadful looking foul on Carlo. Cobblers were a bit patchy today but at times some of the passing was excellent. Well done Kevin, I think you and your team proved a big point!


Tony at 0:3:46 Sunday January 23 2000
No T. Why? I sit in the North Stand.


BR at 23:32:44 Saturday January 22 2000
I'll give it 10 more minutes then I'm getting out and walking . . . . . .


T. at 23:31:57 Saturday January 22 2000
Tony, do you sit in the East Stand?


Marina. at 23:7:25 Saturday January 22 2000
Home,sweet home! Still, I suppose you have to expect long journeys back when you live as far away from Sixfields as we do....eight miles. I'd quite forgotten that Chester scored in the first minute....what was that all about then Mr Deadman? (Linesman, East Stand, unless it was a made up name..... errh, probably not, would you call yourself that if you didn't have too, and you were a not very competent assistant referee?). Anyway, bloody marvellous, rather pissed...would have been home somewhat earlier had not our order at the Jade Gardens, High Street, Olney, mysteriously taken one hour to prepare. Mind, them flaming queues of traffic after the match...what a bastard. Reference man of the match....second half, in front of the East stand that nice young Mr Clare was poetry in motion , and Hendon's pass to Carlo for goal No.3 was beautiful. Apparently, Atkin's wife said after the match that Ian couldn't lose today as they were both his sides on the pitch today. Think Macclesfield at home last season and discuss. BTW read Waloc on the long journey home, and the Man Utd jokes are well worth a quid....compliments to the author. Goodnight.


Robert Dunkley at 23:1:22 Saturday January 22 2000
Well, a potentially dodgy game led to another win. Indeed every time Steve Howard has scored for The Cobblers we have won! It seems that mosrt of his goals are from long range efforts outside the box, and maybe plating him in a midfield role would make more use of this, and we would have two strikers to receive his long throws. Maybe we have sorted out our problem of a goalscoring midfielder,as Steve seems to go to pot when in the box. Maybe if he was not playing as a striekr he might be less nervous as well. I expect it surprised Ye Brumkins seeign Howard score!! Did Hendon have a better game, as he was given an 8 on football.sports.com, so maybe he is back on form.


BR at 22:14:12 Saturday January 22 2000
Not long now. I can see the gate!


Tony at 22:12:48 Saturday January 22 2000
As I have said many times before, I actually think Diamonds will get promoted this season. Having said that, it doesn't bother me one bit. They got money, we don't! Capich! As for staggering my journey, shouldn't need to, I usually leave right on the final whistle and "leg-it" to my car, and get out instantly. Either I am getting old and slow, or everyone else is getting faster. (Or more likely, people left before the final whistle)


Tartan Flask at 22:8:34 Saturday January 22 2000
I see the rich kids from down the road lost to the lowly FGR today, wondered why it was quiet. When are the going to realise that they will never be a League team with Talbot incharge. Look out div two here we come.


Ralph at 21:14:53 Saturday January 22 2000
Anyone got a flashlight?


BR at 21:7:53 Saturday January 22 2000
I've just moved forward three car lengths! I think it'll clear soon.


Bill at 20:56:25 Saturday January 22 2000
i suppose its better to provoke a negative reaction than none at all... :-)


Red Carpet at 20:56:3 Saturday January 22 2000
I suppose you expect me to say hi Bill? Then you'll just walk all over me again!


Ralph at 20:46:46 Saturday January 22 2000
Oh no! Bloody Bill's back!!!!!! :-)


Bill at 20:45:7 Saturday January 22 2000
i thought that today Parrish could have been used a lot more than he was in the 2nd half... whenever Spedding got the ball he seemed to run straight on with it himself or cut inwards rather than outwards. What did everyone else think?


Bill at 20:41:24 Saturday January 22 2000
ok, all welcome me back. I stopped goin' on here cos 1)i was spending less time on the net and 2)someone nicked my name. So where's the red carpet?!


Geoff at 20:40:48 Saturday January 22 2000
Stagger your journeys! I went to Boots to pick up a prescription, in to the holiday place and got some brochures and then picked up a snazzy shirt in JJB sale. Munched a MacDonalds and drove straight out of the top car park totally stress free. No problemo hombres!


Tony at 20:6:26 Saturday January 22 2000
Wouldn't surprise me BR, it was just crazy. If the Police did a bit of good old traffic controling, by stopping cars from different directions it would have been better!


BR at 19:52:12 Saturday January 22 2000
Helooooo! I'm on my laptop in the top car park. Any sign of movement at the front?


Sid at 19:43:48 Saturday January 22 2000
LOL Dangermouse, my game total is climbing, now 8 this season!! (hears gasps of astonishment) - Anon, too scared to put your name or something...?!!?!


Ralph at 19:23:18 Saturday January 22 2000
All a bit anti climatic really. Atkins got sort of clapped, I personally didn't hear any booing. Chester didn't play five at the back, they also left one up for corners and the keeper threw the ball to the full backs. Atmosphere was poor, not much singing until we went two up and then the predictable 'Atkins what's the score' started. Howard still has his detractors even after today's performance. He will never win over the type of twonk you describe Ray. A good first half performance was carried on after the break, although we did have to defend four Chester corners on the trot! After we went 3-1 up I felt we lacked the killer instinct to go for the jugular, it could of and should have been a 5-1 result but hey, ho it's another three points and leaves us handily placed. I hope Atkins enjoyed his sandwich and I suppose like many others I will watch to see if he can pull it off for Chester. It looks a far taller order than when he first came here.


Vegas Cobbler at 19:11:9 Saturday January 22 2000
Ian, Go to football.sports.com for updates of all games by division. It includes all the teams and reserves for the games and at half time details total number of shots etc. Very sad I know, but in the US there are not too many chances to see the Cobblers play - even the Sky game against Swansea won't be on over here unless I'm very much mistaken...


Hartwell at 19:10:12 Saturday January 22 2000
Tony - I expect you and I were just two of many who found getting out the Sixfields car parks a nightmare. Took me an hour from the top park. Which only adds fuel to what I was saying earlier today about the need to ensure that Cobblers and Saints game don't continue to clash like this. It's high time the nettle was grasped and at least stagger the kick-off times. I say it again - the police could be more usefully employed helping sort out this chaos rather than concentrating on controlling the Cobblers ticketing arrangements. Ref the game - though we played well in patches, especially once we got the upper hand. Chester weren't as defensive as I'd expected and in fairness were a slightly better team than Shrewsbury (the worst we've seen at Sixfields this season).


Anon at 18:31:46 Saturday January 22 2000
Sid didn't go to the match - he formed his normal expert analysis by listening to the radio again.


Ray at 18:30:59 Saturday January 22 2000
I regret to say I nearly came to blows with a bloke in front of me today - typical "lets get on Howards back" guy. Did nothing but rubbish him until he scored. Didn't have a lot to say after that.


Dangermouse at 18:28:26 Saturday January 22 2000
Good God! Sid went to a match. Hang out the bunting! Declare it a national holiday! etc. Did you remember where it was Sid?


Tony at 18:26:47 Saturday January 22 2000
Great gamw once we got going, even Ian Atkins said we were the better side playing the better football. Of course I would have benn home an hour ago, if I hadnt just sat in my car in that poxy car park for ages trying to get out!!


Sid at 18:5:43 Saturday January 22 2000
Good game today, we played well and had some neat passing moves. Sammo hit the bar with a header and Clare's volley came back off the post into the keeper arms. Then Howard scored a blinder, hitting the ball in the bottom corner from about 30 yards after shrugging off challenges. Chester scored but it got disallowed. Sammo lashed one in after half time, then a crossfield ball from Hendon was latched onto by Carlo who scored.


Steve at 17:51:28 Saturday January 22 2000
Its just like watching Brazil, its just like watching Brazil.


Sharon from Hunsbury at 17:41:55 Saturday January 22 2000
Great game! Bit slow at times, but generally an all round excellent performance. Linesman near the west stand needs shooting! Who chooses the man of the match?, Sampson had a good game but Howard played the best I've ever seen him. He didn't stop running, he had a superb shot saved by Chester, and his goal was a corker! Clare on the other hand didn't have a good match at all by his standards. Keep up the good work!!!


Ian at 16:31:8 Saturday January 22 2000
Vegas Cobbler, where are you getting the scores, particularly the Conference ones?


Ian at 16:29:40 Saturday January 22 2000
Yes Vegas Cobbler, it is the very same Martin Aldridge, on loan at R&D until the end of the season.


Vegas Cobbler at 16:24:41 Saturday January 22 2000
That's more like it! Sammo and Carlo have made it 3-1 after 57 mins. Both might have had the odd point to prove to IA. The page does not appear to be updating - the last comment that I've received is from Sunderland Cobbler ar 1512. Maybe it takes a long time to cross the Atlantic and most of the US until it reaches hot and sunny Las Vegas! Wish you were with me - but then I wish I was at the game. HT report had the Cobblers with 10 shots, 4 on target and 2 interventions of the woodwork. Chester's efforts amounted to 2 on target shots.


Vegas Cobbler at 16:14:13 Saturday January 22 2000
Notice that R&D who are losing 1-0 at present have an Aldridge in their team. Is this our former Martin??


Vegas Cobbler at 15:57:22 Saturday January 22 2000
1-1 at half time with Steve Howard equallising after 31 mins a 2 min Chester opener. Any commentary anticipated in the second half for us ex-pats??


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 15:12:35 Saturday January 22 2000
BUGGER ONE DOWN!


Pablo at 14:10:4 Saturday January 22 2000
Just been looking at up and coming fixtures: Between now and the end of Feb, Cobblers play Chester, York, Brighton and Barnet at home and Lincoln and Carlisle away. Six highly winnable games from which 13 or 14 points out of 18 must be gained to retain an interest in automatic promotion (the aim). After that, the six remaining home games again look winnable (as all home games should!), but how about the seven away games: Hartlepool, Swansea, Cheltenham, Plymouth, Darlington, Rochdale and Torquay! On present form, the pools panel would probably put us down for about 4 or 5 points out of 21 for those away games. OK, teams going well now may lose their form, but a good run between now and the end of February looks pretty important - as does getting in another striker, if Clare would cost too much.


Geoff at 13:54:53 Saturday January 22 2000
One of the problems with Sixfields is we can only give travelling fans 1300 seats. If three thousand made the journey it could be mayhem. Surely a man of your intellegencia can see this Mr Hartwell. At Peterborough we didn't take up our allocation. If we'd have strayed into home areas there would still be plenty of room to house supporters in the away end.


Eastander at 13:45:57 Saturday January 22 2000
Re the return of IA today, no I will not boo him this afternoon, but I will not applaud him either, his negative one dimensional tactics gave us relegation and a terrible start to the new season, why even on this site there was a "one-list" e-mail community for Atkins out, a few months ago nearly every correspondent wanted him out, I wish him well at Chester (after today) but I will not be a hypocrite


Hartwell at 13:38:42 Saturday January 22 2000
One of the reasons I made the comments about all-ticket matches here is because last Saturday's high-profile game against Posh was only all-ticket for away fans. Despite being, I believe, a Category A game (in police parlance the highest risk factor) you could buy a ticket on the day. In fact several of my friends, all Cobblers fans, went over without tickets, and were able to buy the best-in-the-house seats in the new stand right opposite the half-way line. Now, I know there was a little bother but that was outside after the game. Most football violence is, these days, in the vicinity of the ground not inside it - another factor to be borne in mind. The level of plod presence outside Sixfields underlines this. As for whinging, that was not my intention. All I was doing was drawing attention to some matters of fact which lower our attendances and revenues artificially. I also agree with Ray, the general ticketing arrangements at Sixfields are pooh anyway and actively discourage the casual fan. It is after all they who add the much-needed extra revenue. The committed among us will come come rain or shine. Ah, well, I'm off to fight my way thro' the traffic...!


Tony at 13:35:51 Saturday January 22 2000
Just leaving for the match now.... UP THE COBBLERS!!!


Geoff at 12:57:16 Saturday January 22 2000
re: all ticket v Brighton - If it was made all ticket for away fans only what would stop away fans buying tickets in home areas? I'd have thought this was the reason the game was made all ticket in the first place. By doing this the police are performing their primary function, keeping the peace. On the lost revenue front you'd have thought that the Cobblers/Council would sell tickets from a kiosk in the Grosvenor centre during the week. As for directing traffic, what's the rush? Leave in plenty of time, stagger your journey, have a bite to eat after the game perhaps, take in a movie. Just relax and stop whinging!


Danny at 12:44:52 Saturday January 22 2000
COME ON COBBLERS!!!!


Tony at 12:36:9 Saturday January 22 2000
Its on mornings of days like this, when I used to wake up and hear the howling wind, and think, bugger, thats all we need for the long ball game we play. Still it worked for a while, and now we have Kev and passing football. Should be interesting today if Atkins team hit and hope!


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 12:8:44 Saturday January 22 2000
Morning All, Well its pissing down up here. Trying very hard to snow as well! Should be a good game today. IA should be given a warm welcome as he did some good for the club! Wembley twice in two years! I predict 2-0. Carlo or Parrish to score the first goal in under 30 minutes. How about that eh? Have been trying to get on David Mellors show and sis-o-six for the last few weeks. Will try again tonight! THE FIELDS ARE GREEN, THE SKY IS BLUE. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!! DAVE.E


Sid at 11:43:18 Saturday January 22 2000
MartinW (20:35) I think everyone will be singing those sort of songs, including me!! It is what you do when people come back to the club - but I will applaud Atkins today, regardless of what he did (or didn't) do with the club. Kev - you hit the spot there. We cannot deny what he did with the club and resources in the first couple of years. Although MartinW is right in what he is saying, I still wont be booing him, even if he was a pile of cack in his last 18 months or so at the club.


Kev,? at 11:1:17 Saturday January 22 2000
what did Atkins do for us? well he took a club on its arse, full of yts kids, no money o spend,and moral at its lowest point after proping up the football league,he built a team full of confidence,playing football that wasnt always pretty, but got results, took us to wembley and into division 2, I will always remember that exciting day! the div 2 was the most enjoyable season that me and my son had, travelling to away fixtures and seeing some good football, I will applaud Atkins and thank him for the memory, but after that will want the COBBLERS to win! 4.0


Ray at 10:52:59 Saturday January 22 2000
I agree about the lost revenue. If you check the matches that have been all ticket in the pat you will probably find that many of them have relatively low attendance. However, on top of that, my own personal feeling is that the system for gaining admittance to the ground is awful anyway and I'm certain that it puts a whole load of people off coming.


HARTWELL at 9:54:50 Saturday January 22 2000
some thoughts on the police decision to make the brighton game all-ticket: 1- making it all-ticket will certainly lose the club vital revenue 2 - why can't the all-ticket arrangements only extend to the away fans ? 3 - the police's job is to police, not to have and exercise policy making powers which should, in any democratic society, be the preserve of the organisation(s) involved 4 - while everyone recognises the police's problems in handling football crowds, the standard of behaviour here has, in general and mercifully, been generally good and not surely requiring such stringent all-ticketing arrangements 5 - when will the police, instead, concentrate their minds on one of the truly awful problems, namely that of traffic chaos caused when (as today) both the cobblers and saints are at home ? Both clubs now play within an ace of each other. Yet kick-off times never even seem to be staggered, let alone a decision to play on different days. if there is anything they should surely be concentrating their minds on it is the public nuisance problems associated with having two crowds, toalling some 13,000 people, attending differerent venues within half a mile of each other at the same time.


MartinW at 9:10:4 Saturday January 22 2000
I give up


Ralph at 9:8:2 Saturday January 22 2000
'ugh' is a bit of a laugh!


MartinW at 8:41:1 Saturday January 22 2000
Mr Lucas, I'm gobsmacked that you are so sickened by songs about teams getting relegated. You must get really appalled when you go to football matches and hear some of the X rated songs that are sung. And Geoff it would be interesting to discover what evidence you have based on the last two months for your theory that I hate everything. For the record my mug is half full of lager - and very positive about the season - unlike many of the real moaners that you hear in the crowd who barrack players when they make one mistake. I hope we teach Atkins a lesson today and I don't think he will keep Chester up. But hey it's just one comment and this is Cobblers Comments folks. Come on you Cobblers! And hey, come on, there's nothing wrong with having a bit of a laugh.


u know who at 3:3:53 Saturday January 22 2000
atkins was god.if he hadnt of gone wed be top


Christophe Du Valier at 0:44:12 Saturday January 22 2000
A questionne for Ralph.I ask this of you as other than for Mr Nash you appear intelligent reasonable. Having followed only by the net as I abode in Tangiers and follow the Cobblers through Mr Atkins reign at the helm of wonderful Glory at Wembley and promotion.Whilst we are in the Division of bottom surely those days will not be repeated as we have a team terrible and with no money to come we cannot buy the great players.Mr Wilson has won some more games but when we play the good teams they always beat us. What can we do to bring back the magnificent memories of The Jim Hall and Billy Dodgin days and of the Graham Carr as didn't these men take us back to the Division of bottom too? Why does Mr Atkins take such rubbish from the likes of the Bumbadiers and would they say it to his face or are they hiding at home tugging their little Guillames ?


George Lucas at 0:21:45 Saturday January 22 2000
I agree, what kind sick person are you MartinW? You wish relegation upon them, you need to learn its not all about hate in this world. As a famous person once said. "Hate leads to anger, anger leads to fear, Fear leads to suffering", oh actually that was Yoda out of Star Wars! Doh !


Dupree at 0:0:14 Saturday January 22 2000
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun.


Fan on Terrace at 23:59:26 Friday January 21 2000
You don't know what your doing! You don't know what your doing! You don't know what your doing!


ref at 23:45:46 Friday January 21 2000
Game against Chester postponed due to waterlogged pitch. Atkins claims that fans have been spared a "truly dismal spectacle".


Chipp at 23:31:27 Friday January 21 2000
May God bless and keep you always, May your wishes all come true. May you always do for others, And let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars, And climb on every rung. May you stay forever young. Forever young, forever young, May you stay forever young. May you grow up to be righteous, May you grow up to be true, May you always know the truth, And see the lights surrounding you. May you always be courageous, Stand upright and be strong, May you stay forever young. Forever young, forever young, May you stay forever young. May your hands always be busy, May your feet always be swift, May you have a strong foundation When the winds of changes shift. May your heart always be joyful, May your song always be sung, May you stay forever young. Forever young, forever young, May you stay forever young.


Geoff at 23:16:18 Friday January 21 2000
What a sorry bunch of t***ers. Give Atkins a break. So you are going to ignore him are you, big deal that will add to the atmosphere, just like the rest of Luton. MartinW do you like anything or anybody? Cheer up you are more depressing than bloody Morrisey and he was shite. UP THE COBBLERS.


Scott (Chester fan) at 23:11:12 Friday January 21 2000
Nice to see that our new gaffer is still respected here. So far the results havne't gone our way but we are definitely improving. We've got players returning from injury and suspension and already we are looking like we could become a difficult side to beat. Don't be surprised if we spring a 0-1 on you tomorrow, we are looking capable. IAN ATKINS BARMEE ARMEE.


Luton Cobbler at 23:0:21 Friday January 21 2000
Its a pretty safe bet that Atkins will throw all his principles out the window tomorrow just to try and prove a point. You can guarantee he'll leave players up should they get far enough forward to get a corner and the centre halves will have three touches to hump it forward instead of two. I think he'll get a mixed reception. I for one will just ignore him. He thrives on the abuse and why should we rise to the bait. Motivation should be easy tomorrow. All Willo needs to do is remind them of all the public slagging offs, the negative tactics and the fact that they were always to blame for his short comings.Perhaps inviting Colin Hill and Charlie Bishop into the changing room might suffice.


Charlie Oatway at 22:55:2 Friday January 21 2000
I cannot bear grudges particularly against a man who gave the town so much pleasure by getting to Wembley. Who will ever forget the scenes in the town centre when people turned out in their thousands to welcome home The Cobblers team? I doubt if we will ever see such crowds again. He was always very approachable to the humble fan and not too many footie managers would be prepared to turn up at Trust meetings and answer questions in an open forum, that takes balls, particularly in the later stages of his time here. Okay he became intransigent but he led from the front and eventually got shot. I'm looking forward to seeing him. I don't know of any true football fan that would wish conference football on another league either MartinW! And I do feel for poor old Barnet in their current plight too.


Plod at 22:46:34 Friday January 21 2000
I will be pleased to see Ian Atkins return and will give him a good reception. You are entitled to your opinion Martin and respect for that but as much as I want us to win tomorrow I hope the fans give him a good reception. Is your glass half empty or half full?


MartinW at 21:35:2 Friday January 21 2000
Paul, what you said, is exactly why I will not and have never wept any tears for Atkins. Four and a half years of survival? Ugh! A few laughs along the way? Yup, in manic despair. The players we have are all still his, and if he could have played them like Kev does he would still be here and we would be in Division 1? Exactly. Atkins helped the club - and the fans - to realise what we DIDN'T want.


MartinW at 21:31:23 Friday January 21 2000
As we are in for wanton plugging, can I remind everyone that the new edition of the WALOC fanzine is due out tomorrow, from your friendly smiling Rob Marshall. And my new book, How I Kept My Head Up My Ass, a biography of Ian Atkins is available at every good book store.


Paul at 21:25:50 Friday January 21 2000
I was one of the people that wanted Atkins out badly in the end, but I would say he helped this club. For 4 and a half years we survived with him, and had a few laughs along the way! Sure it all went wrong, but the players we have are all still his, and if he could have played them like Kev does he would still be here and we would be in Division 1!!


MartinW at 21:22:53 Friday January 21 2000
Sorry, all the bad, outweighed the good. By far. I anticipate I will also be singing: Down to the Conference/ you're going down to the Conference/ down to the...


Ralph at 21:1:54 Friday January 21 2000
It will be interesting to see how the players respond tomorrow. I guess Frainy, Parrish, Peer, Howard, maybe Hunter, Hunt and Sammo may be happy to see Atko, whilst the likes of Carlo, Savage, Hendon, Hope, Spedding will have a point to prove. I wonder if Carlo will do his somersault in front of the away dugout when he scores? I suppose Gibby will be hiding in the broom cupboard until he's gone.


Ralph at 20:52:45 Friday January 21 2000
I never thought I'd see The Cobblers walk out at Wembley and for that I'm eternally grateful. I'm sure I will not be alone when I applaud the man to his seat. Then I would like to see us systematically take Chester apart and score a hatful. But in the back of our minds we know that Atkins' teams do not ship many goals, is that a form of respect? I dunno. But it all makes for a very intriguing encounter tomorrow, what a wonderful game this is!


MartinW at 20:35:20 Friday January 21 2000
I anticipate that I will be singing: "Atkins, Atkins, what's the score/ Atkins, what's the score". What has Ian Atkins ever done for us. Brought in some mostly good players. He did spoil some and then got rid of them. Yes, good point. Okay, apart from the mostly good players, some of whom he ruined and then got rid of what has Ian Atkins done for us? Taken the fans to two Wembley play off appearances on the trot. Okay apart from the mostly good players, some of whom he ruined and then got rid of, and the two Wembley play off appearances, what has Atkins done for us? Taken us back down to the bottom division. Errr? Sorry, that's a negative. Yup. Okay apart from the mostly good players, some of whom he ruined and then got rid of, and the two Wembley play off appearances,and the taking back down to the bottom division scenario, what has Atkins done for us? Brought unparalleled shouting and ranting on the bench directed at fans and supporters resulting in an all time low team and fan morale. Hold on that's another negative, isn't it. Yup. Okay apart from the mostly good players, some of whom he ruined and then got rid of, and the two Wembley play off appearances,the taking back down to the bottom division scenario, the shouting and consequent all time low team and fan morale, what has Atkins done for us? Encouraged attractive, intelligent passing football married to a keen tactical sense. No he didn't. Yes he did. But we never featured in a single entertaining match since that 3-1 win at Sixfields against the mighty Bristol Rovers, when Heggsy chipped in with goals to show Atkins a thing or two. Oh yes, sorry I was thinking about the moustached guy. You mean Kevin Wilson, you drongo, he's the new manager. Oh yes. Okay apart from the mostly good players, some of whom he ruined and then got rid of, and the two Wembley play off appearances,the taking back down to the bottom division scenario, the shouting and consequent all time low team and fan morale AND the boring tactically inept football what has Atkins done for us? Errrrrm? Called the fans sponging ponces. Ehhhh? Yeah, you know he thinks those posh fans are nothing more than sponging ponces, I heard him on the radio. No that's Posh fans, it was Barry Fry the Peterborough manager that said that, you total eeejit. Are you Father Dougal Maguire by any chance. How did you know. Anyway, this isn't working. Why not. Because it's all mixed up, you are coming up with too many bad things about Atkins, when everyone knows that for the sketch to work, you have to have positive comments. Oh.


DavCobbler at 19:39:15 Friday January 21 2000
Bloody hell !!!!!...Of course Atkins has affections for this club... HE, after all took the club from the worst period of its existence and took us to not one but TWO Wembley finals. I for one will applad Ian Atkins when he appears at Sixfields tomorrow...It is the very least he deserves...UP THE COBLLERS !!!


Mark Too at 19:9:39 Friday January 21 2000
I totally agree with you Danny.I just hope everyone has the sense to take the Atkins era for it's entirety, not just the final season and a bit!


Pete at 18:55:40 Friday January 21 2000
I would rather loose 'the double' to Peeboro and R&D for five seasons in a row than see Smug break his duck on Saturday. It would be enough to turn the moon scarlet- not that either of these events could happen. With the Big Fella missing and the known IA surprise tactic - it is a secret-....I'm scared!!!!


Anon at 18:1:55 Friday January 21 2000
queensway boyz you are queer. kingsway boyz kick your asses evry time KBC


Danny at 17:59:46 Friday January 21 2000
I suppose everyone has various feelings regarding Atkins. I for one will applaud him as I remember the shambles of a club, team etc that we had when he first turned up. He played a major part in kicking this club up the butt and turning a shambles into a promotion winning side, almost a double promotion. After that I will applaud the Cobblers onto the pitch and support them onto three points. COME ON COBBLERS.


phil at 17:14:23 Friday January 21 2000
I'm not sure about applauding him. He showed contempt for us!


La Fan at 17:1:3 Friday January 21 2000
Just wow.


Bez at 16:38:51 Friday January 21 2000
I think it would be gentlemanly to applaud Atkins for what he did do for us and not take out the anger of relegation on him. Lets be honest some of the players at the club because of him are absolute gems at times. Corazzin, Hendon, Welch, Savage, Hunter and ex players like Woodman and (for the money he raised us) Turley. If it weren't for him we wouldn't have a league team to support and the fact we are going to take three points off a very poor Chester side tommorow makes me feel a bit sorry for him. I say applaud him tomorrow and then re-consider afterwards as this may well be the only time he comes back as a manager.


speddming at 14:36:4 Friday January 21 2000
Atkins for England!!!!!


Ray at 13:55:25 Friday January 21 2000
It was so boring I feel asleep so didn't delete it.


SBJ at 13:13:37 Friday January 21 2000
I'll give Atkins a warm welcome, though I may stop short of chanting "Ian Atkins' barmy army" during the game.


CABLM at 12:59:32 Friday January 21 2000
I am starting a campaign against boring long messages which I never read, Ray why don't you join and delete them. cheers. yours expecting abuse.CABLM.


Sid at 12:37:50 Friday January 21 2000
Probably both..!


Ray at 12:25:5 Friday January 21 2000
Affection or infection>


Sid at 12:15:30 Friday January 21 2000
Don't forget your GTA's for tomorrow. It is interesting to read the stories in today's Chron about Atkins. He is generally going on about his time at Town, and said that he still has an affection for the club.


Vince at 12:5:26 Friday January 21 2000
In todays C&E Steve Pitts (that name rings a bell!) suggests that we should all give Ian Atkins a big welcome tomorrow.Atkins also looks back on his time at Sixfields with affection. Kevin Wilson say's that the last time he saw Atkins was at a Derby Reserves game and it was very uneasy and uncomfortable for both of them - must be something to do with Derby playing their reserve games at the old Baseball ground! It will be interesting to see what sort of reception Atkins gets tomorrow, I suspect it will be very mixed.


Northampton Gas at 11:59:46 Friday January 21 2000
A plea for help from all you Cobblers. On ITV 2 tonight at 11.00 pm there is a program called Gatecrashers which involves The Gas. Last season two individuals convinced the club that the use of Feng Shui at the Gillingham game would enable there to be a pleasing effect for the team in the game. As you can guess, it was a spoof AND we lost the game. If anyone can tape tonights game and let me have a copy, I am happy to reimburse the cost of tape and postage, please emaail me if you can assist. It should be a good laugh.


Jo at 9:2:53 Friday January 21 2000
Was that a serious comment from 'queensway estate wellingboro'?? Have fun everyone going to see Cobblers at the weekend. Think of me being dragged to see Sheffield Wednesday! My bloke supports the Owls and we take it in turns to see our teams, unfortunately it is Sheffield Wednesday's turn this weekend! Up the Cobblers!!!


MartinW at 8:22:23 Friday January 21 2000
Cheer up Barry Fry/Oh what can it mean/to the/Posh sponging ponces and a shite football team. Cheer up Barry Fry/Oh what can it mean/to the/Posh sponging ponces and a shite football team. Cheer up Barry Fry/Oh what can it mean/to the/Posh sponging ponces and a shite football team. Cheer up Barry Fry/Oh what can it mean/to the/Posh sponging ponces and a shite football team. NICE ONE BARRY, YOU'VE SUSSED OUT THE FANS THEN.


LA at 7:6:26 Friday January 21 2000
Some combination - DDG & incredible :-) Hope its a good game tomorrow!


queensway estate wellingboro at 3:11:22 Friday January 21 2000
Not to brag but in addition to being an advanced black belt in American Karate, I also make a pretty good living and live in a nice neighborhood. It's mainly good people in the neighborhood, but 2 houses down from me live a couple with a 17 year old daughter. They're basically good folks, but their daughter is an only child and they spoil her. Lately she's been dating a black kid from her school. Hey, to each their own. I try not to judge, but if my daughter tried something like that I'd probably re-introduce her to the belt. Little did I think what the neighbors daughter was doing would effect me, but here's how the problem started. This black guy she was dating was hanging out with a couple of ghetto thugs. He was from a good family, but I think he was trying to prove he was "keeping it real". One time when I was washing my truck, these 3 came riding up to see the girl and they had their windows down and they were blaring the worst ghetto rap garbage from their radio. They parked in the driveway and they all sat there hanging out on top of the car with this music at rock concert level. I was getting steamed, but I thought it was a 1 shot deal, so I let it go. Unfortunately, these idiots started showing up 2 to 3 times a week. Their music blared so loud that the windows of out house rattled and the kids and animals in the neighborhood were scared. I know they felt they were "representing", but the only thing they represented to me was a pain in my a**. I made up my mind, next time they came for 1 of their visits, I would deal with the situation. Sure enough, the next Friday I was coming home from work, the car and the punks were sitting in my negihbors driveway, with the fowl rap music polluting the air. Casually, I went inside, switched out of my suit and tie and into swaet pants and a t-shirt. I wanted loose fitting clothes in case hostilities arose. For the record, I'm 6'1", 225 pounds, a 4th degree black belt, an experienced kickboxer, a powerlifter and I've dominated many streetfights over the years. I knew I faced the prospect of a 3 on 1 fight. The boyfriend was about 6 feet tall and 160 pounds. Not much to worry about. The other 2 punks were a potential problem. They both looked around 18 or 19 and they looked powerful like they were atheletes or lifted weights. They had on that loose ghetto clothing along with potentially dangerous gold rings on their fingers. One of them actually had one of those scarves on his head like you see on Deion Sanders when he takes his football helmet off. It was time to be a man and deal with this problem for the whole neighborhood. The first thing I did was switch the radio off and I know from watching Chris Tucker in Rush Hour that black men don't like their radios messed with. I can't cuss on this forum, so I can't tell you exactly what they said. Basically, "What are you doing?" with about 20 cuss words thrown in. "Look" I said, "you're in a nice neighborhood. I don't know what goes down in your neighborhood and I don't care. When you're here you're going to turn the radio down, way down. That's how it is. Any questions?" The situation deteriorated quickly. They were cussing and threatened me with bodily harm if I ever touched their radio again. Then the biggest one cranked up the radio and said, "What you think now m*the* *u*ker?" "Let me tell you point blank", I said, "you're messing with the wrong bull." He got in my face and cursed me. I responded with a hard foot stomp and then backed up and launched a huge roundhouse kick. He ate shin sandwhich and went down to his knees holding his face in pain. The other 2 jumped on me and started throwing punches. I grabbed the smaller one's arm and pulled a Hannibel Lector and bit down on it hard. He screamed in pain. In the Ultimate Fighting Championship that would be illegal, but in the streets it was just another piece of business. Now it was 1 on 1. I started landing hard puches and kicks and he ran into the street like a chicken. I spoke to the other 2. "Who's next fellas?" I said. "Alright man, alright" the one who took the roundhouse kick said. "You're crazy." "I am", I said. "And I've got a lot of crazy friends in my karate class. This neighborhoods a rap free zone from now on. I hope you're smart enough to respect that." Not only have they not come back, but come to think of it, I haven't heard any loud music from any cars since then. I guess word got around. Not to brag but in addition to being an advanced black belt in American Karate, I also make a pretty good living and live in a nice neighborhood. It's mainly good people in the neighborhood, but 2 houses down from me live a couple with a 17 year old daughter. They're basically good folks, but their daughter is an only child and they spoil her. Lately she's been dating a black kid from her school. Hey, to each their own. I try not to judge, but if my daughter tried something like that I'd probably re-introduce her to the belt. Little did I think what the neighbors daughter was doing would effect me, but here's how the problem started. This black guy she was dating was hanging out with a couple of ghetto thugs. He was from a good family, but I think he was trying to prove he was "keeping it real". One time when I was washing my truck, these 3 came riding up to see the girl and they had their windows down and they were blaring the worst ghetto rap garbage from their radio. They parked in the driveway and they all sat there hanging out on top of the car with this music at rock concert level. I was getting steamed, but I thought it was a 1 shot deal, so I let it go. Unfortunately, these idiots started showing up 2 to 3 times a week. Their music blared so loud that the windows of out house rattled and the kids and animals in the neighborhood were scared. I know they felt they were "representing", but the only thing they represented to me was a pain in my a**. I made up my mind, next time they came for 1 of their visits, I would deal with the situation. Sure enough, the next Friday I was coming home from work, the car and the punks were sitting in my negihbors driveway, with the fowl rap music polluting the air. Casually, I went inside, switched out of my suit and tie and into swaet pants and a t-shirt. I wanted loose fitting clothes in case hostilities arose. For the record, I'm 6'1", 225 pounds, a 4th degree black belt, an experienced kickboxer, a powerlifter and I've dominated many streetfights over the years. I knew I faced the prospect of a 3 on 1 fight. The boyfriend was about 6 feet tall and 160 pounds. Not much to worry about. The other 2 punks were a potential problem. They both looked around 18 or 19 and they looked powerful like they were atheletes or lifted weights. They had on that loose ghetto clothing along with potentially dangerous gold rings on their fingers. One of them actually had one of those scarves on his head like you see on Deion Sanders when he takes his football helmet off. It was time to be a man and deal with this problem for the whole neighborhood. The first thing I did was switch the radio off and I know from watching Chris Tucker in Rush Hour that black men don't like their radios messed with. I can't cuss on this forum, so I can't tell you exactly what they said. Basically, "What are you doing?" with about 20 cuss words thrown in. "Look" I said, "you're in a nice neighborhood. I don't know what goes down in your neighborhood and I don't care. When you're here you're going to turn the radio down, way down. That's how it is. Any questions?" The situation deteriorated quickly. They were cussing and threatened me with bodily harm if I ever touched their radio again. Then the biggest one cranked up the radio and said, "What you think now m*the* *u*ker?" "Let me tell you point blank", I said, "you're messing with the wrong bull." He got in my face and cursed me. I responded with a hard foot stomp and then backed up and launched a huge roundhouse kick. He ate shin sandwhich and went down to his knees holding his face in pain. The other 2 jumped on me and started throwing punches. I grabbed the smaller one's arm and pulled a Hannibel Lector and bit down on it hard. He screamed in pain. In the Ultimate Fighting Championship that would be illegal, but in the streets it was just another piece of business. Now it was 1 on 1. I started landing hard puches and kicks and he ran into the street like a chicken. I spoke to the other 2. "Who's next fellas?" I said. "Alright man, alright" the one who took the roundhouse kick said. "You're crazy." "I am", I said. "And I've got a lot of crazy friends in my karate class. This neighborhoods a rap free zone from now on. I hope you're smart enough to respect that." Not only have they not come back, but come to think of it, I haven't heard any loud music from any cars since then. I guess word got around.


Rodeo Ralph at 23:14:22 Thursday January 20 2000
Blue Moon of Kentucky keep on shining . . .


Ralph at 23:4:59 Thursday January 20 2000
4.45 I thought! I'll be there with me didge and palms facing Mother Earth. It's times like this when you wished you were a milkman.


Last Boat To Cairo at 23:3:30 Thursday January 20 2000
Welcome to The House of Fun in the middle of our street!


BR at 23:0:59 Thursday January 20 2000
I'm not going to a match at 4 in the morning! Madness!


Ray at 22:54:51 Thursday January 20 2000
Actually its at 4 o'clock in the morning.....


PETE at 22:34:54 Thursday January 20 2000
Loosing to IA on Saturday is just too awful to contemplate. I would rather R&D plus Peeboro did the double on us for five seasons on the trot than see smuggy smile on Saturday. ...but I believe that that is as likely to happen as it is for the moon to turn red in the middle of the night


Ralph at 22:19:56 Thursday January 20 2000
A bit disappointed to see we are after Oldfield, we seem to be covering old ground a bit here. I understand that Savage, Howard and Sturridge are all fit for selection on Saturday. Losing Howey for the rest of the season is a major blow. Bugger only knows what the team will look like during February, no Howey, no Clare, no Carlo, no, no, no, no, how many more loans do we have?


Ralph at 22:15:5 Thursday January 20 2000
I should imagine that Stan Collymore's wages equal the rest of the squad put together and a bit more. Dream on. When he was up here playing for Forest in a pre-season friendly the crowd managed to wind him up to the extent he was subbed. More trouble than he's worth and I don't read the tabloids, or the broadsheets. Oh blimey that'll start Vince off again!:-)


Ian at 22:12:7 Thursday January 20 2000
Canada play in the Gold Cup in the USA from Feb. 12 to Feb. 27. So I would guess Carlo will miss Carlisle and Brighton at least. If Canada do well then Barnet also.


Ian at 21:57:6 Thursday January 20 2000
I can't see Cobblers letting Howard go at the minute. Clare's loan runs out soon and Carlo is playing for Canada in February.


Real life at 21:10:41 Thursday January 20 2000
I see hartwell has bought the tabloid slagging of Stan


hartwell at 19:52:35 Thursday January 20 2000
I think we'd be better off signing a chocolate teapot than Stan.


Dr Looneytunes at 19:30:41 Thursday January 20 2000
My client would be delighted to join.


Back Row Boy at 19:27:24 Thursday January 20 2000
If we don't sign Clare on a permanent basis, how about we sign Stan CCollymore on loan until the end of the season ?


hartwell at 17:27:14 Thursday January 20 2000
Atkins only expects to take "a cup of tea and a sandwich" from us on Sat. I hope he's right! As regards Dougie Hodgson's departure, I think this is another part of our active cost-cutting process. I also expect Howard to go, when and if Carlisle get real about the deal and agree an up-front payment. Whether this will all help us get another player in remains to be seen. At present any permanent deal for Clare looks unlikely. Which poses the obvious question: how lonely might it become for Carlo up front???


hoops at 17:15:15 Thursday January 20 2000
more news - dougie hodgson has joined the coaching staff at sheff utd


Danny at 16:39:27 Thursday January 20 2000
Sid, put it away..... put it away Sid......ahhhhhhhhhh


hoops at 16:14:46 Thursday January 20 2000
according to the footballnews.co.uk website we're after david oldfield from stoke didn't look too bad last time we played them but has never been the quickest


Sid at 15:56:14 Thursday January 20 2000
What's this, I have to expose myself...!?!? Kenny, (re comment from last night) LOL!


A Chairboy at 15:55:26 Thursday January 20 2000
Hello smelly cobblers fan it's a Wycombe fan here telling u to get your arses in gear and win promotiton besides the fact it's another 6 points for us when u are in division 2 (I know we only got 1 point of u last season but that is besides the point.) I really miss the local derby (because lots of my friends support cobblers!) and I enjoy the short trip up the road to sixfields so get winnig and I'll see you next season hopefully


MP at 15:1:25 Thursday January 20 2000
Argggh, have just seen the news that Howey is out for the rest of the season....OH NO!


F A Trophy Update (just for Ray!) at 14:15:26 Thursday January 20 2000
Last night Bedford Town managed by Roger Ashby won their third round replay with Newport County and will play Yeovil at home in the next round. Ex Cobbler Julian Capone was sent off in Spaldings replay with Bishop Aukland - Spalding lost 2-0. Rothwells chance of a derby game with Kettering is gone as The Bones lost their replay with Walton & Hersham.


Steerpike at 12:9:50 Thursday January 20 2000
Hi Richard, I love your pickle. Is that how you made your money?


Richard Branson at 11:2:28 Thursday January 20 2000
Hi, If anyone from the club reads this, tell the club to get in contact with me as i want to invest heavily in this football club-it has a lot of potential!!!!


Small Bloke at 9:12:10 Thursday January 20 2000
Don't call me 'Shortly'!


Small Bloke at 8:16:25 Thursday January 20 2000
Don't call me 'Shortly'!


Wellingboro Posh at 1:24:6 Thursday January 20 2000
A big allo to da Northampton massive. Booyaka i opes you boys enjoy you visit to the londan road ome of de peterboro massive.We was well chuffed wid the tree points,keep the peace keep it real an we opes you have a good rest of season. is your team crap? or was they just chillin satday


Ray at 0:11:27 Thursday January 20 2000
Actually I'm sure that all this is a figment of my imagination and I'll wake up shortly.


Deepcut Cobbler at 23:36:16 Wednesday January 19 2000
Are any of us real? Are we really? Where are we really? In realty what are we? Is that real? Was realty getting beat on Saturday? Or was realty a dream (nightmare)that we all had? If we all dream again will realty be stuffing Chester on Saturday? It really is late... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!


Ralph at 22:50:27 Wednesday January 19 2000
I once had a Vauxhall Duvalier, lovely little runner. WSD is real I've seen him, and his Uncle! Sid I'm not so sure about. It's about time you exposed yourself Sid!


Christophe Du Valier at 22:47:5 Wednesday January 19 2000
Ahh methinks they doth protest too much.Are any of the aforementioned names real WSD?, Sid? etc. Christophe is my name and Du Valier was my fathers you crazy little boys !


Chipp at 22:42:38 Wednesday January 19 2000
Though I know that evening's empire has returned into sand, Vanished from my hand, Left me blindly here to stand but still not sleeping. My weariness amazes me, I'm branded on my feet, I have no one to meet’ and the ancient empty street's too dead for dreaming. Take me on a trip upon your magic swirling ship, My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip, My toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heels To be wandering. I'm ready to go anywhere, I'm ready for to fade, Into my own parade, cast your dancing spell my way, I promise to go under it. Though you might hear laughing, spinning, swinging madly across the sun, It's not aimed at anyone, it's just escaping on the run, And but for the sky there are no fences facing. And if you hear vague traces of skipping reels of rhyme, To your tambourine in time, it's just a ragged clown behind, I wouldn't pay it any mind, it's just a shadow you're seeing that he's chasing. Then take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind, Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves, The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach, Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow. Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free, Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands, With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves, Let me forget about today until tomorrow. Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me, I'm not sleepy and there is no place I'm going to. Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me, In the jingle jangle morning I'll come following you.


mick at 21:28:17 Wednesday January 19 2000
DavCobbler etc. completely missing the point. These are conversations, not rallying cries, save those for the games.


DavCobbler Posh Hater F.C. at 20:50:49 Wednesday January 19 2000
Ok folks...Surely we have slagged off the Cobblers enough for one week ??? Maybe it is time to rally together and get right behind the lads for Saturday ??? UP THE COBBLERS !!!! FUKK THE POSH !!!


He tells the truth at 20:35:16 Wednesday January 19 2000
Nice one Kenny.


Kenny at 20:24:0 Wednesday January 19 2000
Sid (and WSD) I would imagine the reason you did an ntfc website is because you want to get a job in "new media", and it would look good on your cv. Whereas actually going to the games is a lot more hassle and won't impress any employer.


NSB at 19:50:32 Wednesday January 19 2000
no one player had an "off game" on saturday, the whole team collectively didnt have a clue, same as that darlington game..... it started badly and deteriorated....... nobody took charge of matters, nobody took it upon himself to shoot on goal, and nobody had the courage to get his foot in... what we're missing is sombody to lead the team..... frainys a good player but not a leader......... we need somebody to just bloody take charge and get things moving, instead of mope around like they seem to be doing now...........


Sid at 18:36:14 Wednesday January 19 2000
Well said Anon.


Sid at 18:35:3 Wednesday January 19 2000
Yep.


Umm? at 18:30:22 Wednesday January 19 2000
So Sid's your real name is it Simon?


Anon at 18:18:26 Wednesday January 19 2000
Well - haven't missed much then have I!! Same old same old.... I'll have a go at you if you have a go at him and so on...... Somewhat immature to expect people to always agree with each other - whether its football, music or even the weather - also would be very tedious!


BLUES BROTHERS WATTENSCHEID at 16:58:34 Wednesday January 19 2000
Black & white greetings from Wattenscheid, Germany!!!!! Come to where the Party is, come to BLUES BROTHERS WATTENSCHEID !!!!!!! http://www.prepare-to-party.de


SBJ at 16:57:42 Wednesday January 19 2000
Hi Cornonthecob; miserably slow day at work today. Where'd you get the extra '69' in your name, or is it a secret? I don't know anything about the Meade chap you mention. Anyone know A youth / under-16 player called Aaron Cavill? He's related to a Cobblers fan in my office, and apparently has played for NTFC once or twice; any witness reports gratefully received. I wonder who we'll see line up in the Cobblers XI for Ian Clarkson's testimonial in May. Might Ian Atkins turn out for the defence? Grayson will play hopefully, and maybe Woody in goal. Potentially a great game; even better if we've just secured promotion by that time.


Sid at 16:48:27 Wednesday January 19 2000
And for the other people you call 'idiots' on here - their contributions are just as good and valuable as any others, so why slag them off??


Ralph at 16:47:53 Wednesday January 19 2000
I'd have thought that the reason for the all ticketness of the Brighton match is to stop their fans buying tickets on the day in home areas. They have quite a large away following.


Sid at 16:44:59 Wednesday January 19 2000
For example, If me and WSD didn't care about the Cobblers, then why the hell would we contribute to this site, and run our own! Yes, it would also be nice to leave your real name - another person who slags off others without having the guts to put their real name.


Mrs H at 16:34:23 Wednesday January 19 2000
Anon, Where do you sit at home games.


Cornonthecob69 at 16:33:46 Wednesday January 19 2000
alright SBJ? looks lie theres no way now that howard will be sold as he scored for the reserves in their 1-0 win over Luton!. Seeing as we have trouble scoring they ain`t gunna let him go! Does anyone know much about Nathan Meade? he plays left back 4 the reserves at the moment and he`s only 17. I know him as his uncle plays with my sunday league team and he lives in oxford, if anyone has seen him play a game 4 the claret and white please tell me what u thought of him!


Danny at 16:4:42 Wednesday January 19 2000
Christophe du whatever..... Firstly, you don't know me, so how can you make a remark such as "don't care for the Cobblers." Everybody that knows me will tell you that I love Northampton Town FC with a passion. My life, my job, my social life, my family, my friends etc are all based around NTFC. I've been going Cobblers for nearly eighteen years, and have missed one game in the last 6/7 seasons. Tell me, if I'm prepared to travel round the country, supporting the team, how do I not care about them. I, and everyone else on here, pay our money. If we have an opinion then we put it in mediums such as on here or WALOC etc. We have every right too. I'm sorry if it pises you off that people say it as they see it but thats life. What a dull exsistence it would be if we could'nt say what we think. To my knowledge, I have never put anything on this board which would offened any player. Those that put things such as "Howard should **** off to Carlisle" are. Secondly, if you're gonna slag someone off at least leave you're proper name and/or e-mail address you faceless tosser.


fred at 14:57:25 Wednesday January 19 2000
what a load crap


B.B. Chops at 13:44:34 Wednesday January 19 2000
Nash: Nah mate I don't.


SBJ at 13:42:45 Wednesday January 19 2000
Well-chosen lyrics anyway, Chipp. The song is covered on Harris' 'Wrecking Ball' album.


Anon at 12:40:19 Wednesday January 19 2000
I'm just going on past experience of all-ticket matches. I know the police are generally to blame, but there really isn't much need for all ticket games in Div 3 at this stage of the season.


Lol at 12:31:17 Wednesday January 19 2000
Anon - please be positive!


Anon at 12:18:10 Wednesday January 19 2000
The Brigton game is all ticket due to expected high demand. So that means we'll get a low attendence then - more money down the drain!


Nash at 11:13:7 Wednesday January 19 2000
And with a name like Billy Bollockchops you don't?


Chipp at 10:45:1 Wednesday January 19 2000
SBJ - Not an Emmylou Harris lyric, she may have covered it. I just felt amongst all the angst being spouted that these words may cause some to reflect and help put things in perspective.


SBJ at 10:32:33 Wednesday January 19 2000
Ali Gibb has been voted 'sexiest footballer' by a couple of the (gay) men in my office. Runners-up included David Ginola, Gianluca Vialli and Frank Lebouef. The self-appointed panel of judges have now declared themselves 'Cobblers fans' as well as 'fans of cobblers' (their words, not mine!).


Anon at 10:10:40 Wednesday January 19 2000
and a packet of 'Big D' peanuts from one of those cardboard display things where the more peanuts you buy, the more chance you have of seeing that the apparently nude woman pictured on the board is actually wearing a strapless dress. Who ever got fooled by that?


Cockney Sparra at 10:8:52 Wednesday January 19 2000
Two lagers n lime, pint of string vest, and a couple a packets a stutter an lisps.


Fat Landlord at 9:59:36 Wednesday January 19 2000
Bloody Hell I told you not to turn up until opening time, its not even ten o'clock yet! Right quickly what is it, pint of mild, if the law catch me I'll lose me liscense...


SBJ at 9:51:17 Wednesday January 19 2000
Chipp: Emmylou Harris lyric - why? Re. comments on this site: I think most people who write on here care about the club, the team, the players etc (except the Posh / R&D lot), but just like Mick says, it's like any pub conversation, and everyone's bound to chip in with their own opinions, likes and dislikes. Incidentally, to make my time spent commenting on this board even more like a pub conversation, I've taken to spilling a pint of beer under my desk every day (gets the carpet nice and sticky), grinding some ciggies into the carpet, cranking the radio up to 11 on a constant loop of last year's chart hits, and I employ a couple of blokes to stand just behind me chucking darts at the wall and making half-baked observations about "yer bloody forren ponces" spoiling the modern game of football.


dyl at 9:44:39 Wednesday January 19 2000
This guestbook is for discussions. You cannot discuss without different opinions. Christophe, Nash et al whould realise this. If all they want is news then they can go to www.ntfc.co.uk


Billy Bollockchops at 9:39:26 Wednesday January 19 2000
Nash you don't half talk some rubbish. I agree with mick.


Regular at 9:18:40 Wednesday January 19 2000
Christophe Du Valier at 3:26:14 - another person slagging the regulars off without leaving their name, now there's a surprise.


Ian Hendon's Wife at 8:57:28 Wednesday January 19 2000
Hi Anon, my absence from recent games was due to the Flu but I will be there on Saturday, please come and say hello.


Christophe Du Valier at 3:26:14 Wednesday January 19 2000
Nash I think is a wonderful man/woman ? He speaks with a passion lacking in the majority of idiots who I read here.These people DEK, mick,Danny,Sid,WSD all care only about themselves and not the Cobblers.Why cannot they be like Nash and care for this team, our floundering heroes need inspiration not degredation. Love The Cobblers with passion and heart dont show off with your pigeon chests erect and your curled lips pouted. Like Nashy love the Cobbs they are magnifique.Bring on Chester and Mr Atkins and we'll see what these bumbadiers have to say then !!


Paul at 22:16:33 Tuesday January 18 2000
Ian Sampson+Lee Howey+Richard Hope+Richard Green.......which two will be playing reserve team football? Who's contract is up for renewal?Different subject, my wife has pointed out that the Cobblers have not won away since she had a holiday in New York, during which time they won at Exeter and Brighton, and says that in the sole interest of the club she loves, she would be prepared to return there if sufficient funds were forthcoming . She'll be the one passing round the very empty hat on Saturday.


Chipp at 22:16:21 Tuesday January 18 2000
In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need, When the pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed, There's a dyin' voice within me reaching out somewhere, Toiling in the danger and in the morals of despair. Don't have the inclination to look back on any mistake, Like Cain, I now behold this chain of events that I must break. In the fury of the moment I can see the Master's hand, In every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand. Oh, the flowers of indulgence, and the weeds of yesteryear, Like criminals, they have choked the breath of conscience and good cheer. The sun beats down upon the steps of time to light the way, To ease the pain of idleness and the memory of decay. I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame, And every time I pass that way I always hear my name. Then onward in my journey I come to understand, That every hair is numbered like every grain of sand. I have gone from rags to riches in the sorrow of the night, In the violence of a summer's dream, in the chill of a wintry light, In the bitter dance of loneliness fading into space, In the broken mirror of innocence on each forgotten face. I hear the ancient footsteps like the motion of the sea, Sometimes I turn, there's someone there, other times it's only me. I am hanging in the balance of the reality of man, Like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand.


Ian POSH FAN at 21:59:50 Tuesday January 18 2000
POSH 1 cobblers o POSH 1 cobblers 0


Ian POSH FAN at 21:56:48 Tuesday January 18 2000
CRAP SITE CRAP TEAM ENOUGH SAID


Paul Marcus at 21:44:52 Tuesday January 18 2000
POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS POSH 1-0 COBBLERS


Anon at 20:53:8 Tuesday January 18 2000
Gee thanks!


mick at 20:49:24 Tuesday January 18 2000
Anon I love you. (I really do)


Anon at 20:44:47 Tuesday January 18 2000
You are an utter prick Mick!


Tracy Cullen at 20:31:19 Tuesday January 18 2000
Sean parrish is our best player by far.


mick at 20:15:8 Tuesday January 18 2000
If a player loses confidence simply because of some remark critizising him on an unofficial fans' message board, he didn't have much confidence anyway. Say what you like, that's the whole point of this board. It would be nice to think that the statements on here are taken in by the club, but does anyone think they actually are? I doubt it. And why should they be? They are no more or less valid than any conversation in a pub.


Ralph at 19:55:39 Tuesday January 18 2000
It wasn't so long ago that Ian Hendon was, head and shoulders above all, our best player week in and week out. His form has dipped in recent weeks but I am sure that a player of his undoubted ability will return to form. I think the situation with Ali Gibb is slightly different in that he has had many opportunities to make his mark and make the full back position his own. He hasn't made the best of it and now finds himself on the fringe of things.


Nash at 19:34:15 Tuesday January 18 2000
To be honest Billy, my comment was not aimed at you but at people lower down the page.


Nash at 19:31:54 Tuesday January 18 2000
Is it boring to show a bit of sensitivity? The players do have access to this site (as does everybody else on the planet). Criticism has never been a great motivator and if we seriously want to see the Cobblers go up automatically or via Wembley, motivation is what is called for.


Nash at 18:19:52 Tuesday January 18 2000
Can't resist it can you? It's Tuesday, you're bored and there isn't a game until Saturday so what shall we do? I know let's start demoralising the players again. Let's pick on Gibb and Hendon this week. You sad buggers. Get a life and support the WHOLE team! UP THE COBBLERS! (all of them).


Billy Bollockchops at 18:16:0 Tuesday January 18 2000
The real answer is play Hendon over Gibb still but get him to work on his defensive game which has been lacking in recent weeks. As for Spedding in midfield...NO WAY...that means we would lose our newly found midfield maestro (not the Austin Maestro) John Frain...PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1999/2000!!!!


Kobbler at 18:10:34 Tuesday January 18 2000
Opta haven't obviously rated Hendon for Saturdays game yet...got one statistic for them if they haven't yet got them: TACLKES ZERO.


Robert Dunkley at 17:26:26 Tuesday January 18 2000
Of courde we can say that according www.optasoccer.com; Ian Hendon and Kevin Wilson were in the team of the week for the 8 January.


hartwell at 17:14:45 Tuesday January 18 2000
The reason I don't want to get into personal attacks is that some of the p>

Transfer interrupted!

on't help their confidence nor serve any positive purpose. And no Dek, I'm not the manager. I think you'll find that's one Kevin Wilson Esq!


Potato Couch at 16:46:26 Tuesday January 18 2000
No


Anon at 16:44:57 Tuesday January 18 2000
Don't you mean Couch Potato?


Potato Couch at 16:42:51 Tuesday January 18 2000
At least I'll see one Cobblers game this season.


Anon at 16:20:4 Tuesday January 18 2000
bloody typical, you sort out all your remaining days off then you have to move them to compensate Sky TV


Danny at 16:5:5 Tuesday January 18 2000
A few weeks ago I said that Hendon was'nt playing very well and I got slated for it.


Paul at 15:42:37 Tuesday January 18 2000
The Chron reports today that Carlisle have made a £100,000 bid for Steve Howard.... that the club have rejected! Well, technically only because it meant Steve would have to go on Loan for a month first, and Steve didn't want to do this. All the same, I think if he had gone, they wouldn't have paid £100,000 for him at the end of the month when they realised he can't score.


DEK at 15:23:51 Tuesday January 18 2000
Hartwell, why not name individuals, that what fans do or do you think you are the manager aswell !!


DEK at 15:21:56 Tuesday January 18 2000
Why not play Gibb at right back, Spedding can't tackle or defend either and he gets away with. Hendon is God, play him in midfield. Spedding is a good defender against 5ft schoolboys ala Halifax where he gave an 'aggressive display' (Andy Roberts)


Sid at 14:50:4 Tuesday January 18 2000
Christophe, calm down! Anon, I agree! Gibb has lost all his confidence and just boots the ball and chases it, but attacking has nothing to do with his defending! Hendon should be at right back, I was only suggesting an alternative!


Anon at 14:3:26 Tuesday January 18 2000
I have only one bookend perhaps Gibby could be the other. Nah, forget it, he'd probably keep falling over!


Anon at 12:16:23 Tuesday January 18 2000
Are you watching the same Gibb as the rest of us? Ali head down the line with tunnel-vision Gibb? Ali fall over all the time Gibb? Ali over hit crosses with alarming regularity Gibb? Ali who showed last season what a woeful defender he is Gibb? Ali pass the ball back into your own box Gibb? Sure, when he first came to us he looked a really good prospect. But after his injury he had lost some of his speed. He did excellently against West Ham but after that it seemed he only had one trick in his repertoire. For a long while I too believed that Ali had pace, but last season after watching him week in week out at right back, I changed my opinion. HAve Ali on the right by all means, but we need a specialist defender at right back, not a winger who has lost his pace.


Christophe Du Valier at 11:14:25 Tuesday January 18 2000
What would you know Sid you never go to any bloody games anyway.


Sid at 10:37:45 Tuesday January 18 2000
Gibb can tackle!! He outpaces the attackers and gets in front of them before a cross is made every time! Ok then, if not Gibb, who else? Hendon has to push up more to get the best out of him. It is no good dropping him for the sake of it, especially for the Chester game where he could potentially shine.


Anon at 9:40:36 Tuesday January 18 2000
GIBB ISN'T A DEFENDER!!!!! He hasn't got a clue about tackling. He would be better as a right sided midfielder than a right wing-back.


Sid at 9:26:49 Tuesday January 18 2000
Yeah, were all missing Steve Howey's command in the air - well, Newcastle supporters are maybe! I disagree about dropping Hendon. He has been by far the most consistent player this season, and has played the most games. When he gets into his rhythm, he is a class act. Chester haven't really got anyone to set the world alight, and Hendon can turn the play on at home. He should be pushed up more in Savage's abscene, because Hunt isn't exactly a winger. Perhaps Gibb and Hendon down the right - with Gibb at right back?


Anon at 9:0:37 Tuesday January 18 2000
The appaling state of the Pub which welcomed Northampton supporters on Saturday was such that it was impossible to tell if it had been turned over or not.


Hartwell at 9:0:29 Tuesday January 18 2000
Interesting to read Mick B's views on Saturday's game from the Posh perspective. I think he's right in as much as some of our players wilt all too easily and show no desire for the fight when the chips are down - and that usually means when we are up against the top teams in the league. While I'm not going to point the finger publically at individuals (that's Kevin's job in the privacy of the dressing room)it's been pretty to anyone watching the team performances against the better clubs (and they are the ones who give us the best measure of our progress). Having said that, we have to accept that under Kev Wilson our game has improved immeasurably and for the good of the team and the spectator, but the downside of a more fluent, attacking policy is that gaps tend to get left at the back and you are susceptible to the counter-attack. Looking objectively at the present squad and our current league standing I would say we are not a top three side but are capable of getting into the play-offs. If we did that, I would accept that as a reasonably successful season, bearing in mind the tripe delivered in the first ten games under Atkins.


Anon at 8:24:50 Tuesday January 18 2000
Hendon didn't just have an off game, he's not played well for several weeks. Is he unsettled (evidenced by the absence of his wife from recent home games)? Whatever, I think Ali Gibb would have been a better option on Saturday because he marks more tightly than Hendon and the switch should have been made at half time. We're also missing Steve Howey's command in the air, Sammo is going backwards. As for non-league players, have a look at Matt Fisher at Kettering.


CDU at 5:10:18 Tuesday January 18 2000
Sleep Whats that !! ? :o )


Ray at 0:34:19 Tuesday January 18 2000
Damn - I meant to say Gas not Andy.......guess I should get more sleep..


Ray at 0:33:37 Tuesday January 18 2000
Apologies to who posted after Andy - I accidently deleted whatever you wrote......soz!


Northampton Gas at 0:5:27 Tuesday January 18 2000
Sorry to use your web site Ray, but can anyone let me know how good Kettering's Solitt is. It appears that the Gas are interested in buying him, we only have four goalkeepers at present!!!! Also good to see the Gills fans on your list, you have to try to win games from the start, not when you go two goals down.


Mick B at 21:59:23 Monday January 17 2000
Both Posh and Cobblers have a minority of wankers who follow them and I for one do not condone it. It was a crappy first half on Sat, neither team impressed. I felt we upped a gear for about 15 minutes in the second half and it was only a matter of time before we scored, which we did through Lee, who is the biggest tosser ever to pull on a blue shirt and did nothing else in the match. Don't be hard on Jelleyman, he's only 17 and that was his league debut. The penalty save from Tyler was top drawer, his reaction afterwards displayed which team seemed to want it the most. The attendance was pathetic, with I would estimate 2500+ boycotting the game owing to Fry calling us Ponce's the week before. The bloke is a buffoon and we will never be promoted under him. The atmosphere was great, it has been far to long since we had a proper derby match - THE derby is Northampton for me, but then I am 40+. You are a very physical team, that's the requirement for the third in my book, I said at the start of the season you'd be there or thereabouts, I haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise.


TRB Mark at 21:54:53 Monday January 17 2000
East Northants Village Boy at 13:57:1 Monday January 17 2000 All I know, Mark Too, is that in the game of football, money talks and bullshit walks. Well, Cheerio then!


Tony at 20:59:21 Monday January 17 2000
Do we get money from Sky even though the game is at Swansea's place?


TeeCee at 20:38:42 Monday January 17 2000
Well wobblers, we stuffed you good and proper. Up the POSH


Ralph at 19:52:25 Monday January 17 2000
Really depressed to hear about the thuggery at Peterborough. It would be nice if all those involved had their balls removed.


Ralph at 19:47:16 Monday January 17 2000
That's official, the Swansea match is now a Friday night, 7.45, March 10th. Bugger poxy Sky!!!!!!


NSB at 19:9:21 Monday January 17 2000
Thats allmost as funny as the guy who masquaraded as rupert murdoch...........


Luis Nazzario Ronaldo at 19:5:0 Monday January 17 2000
Hi i'm a 23 year old brazilian player currently playing in italy, im interested in joining your club........


Anonn at 17:54:31 Monday January 17 2000
Swansea match now brought forward to the Friday night - But still on Sky.


Anon at 17:53:10 Monday January 17 2000
severely depressed...


WSD at 17:32:45 Monday January 17 2000
I agree with Vince, an extra £50,000 or whatever it is that Sky pay these days could be the extra cash we need to get him. He's made it clear he wants to stay here, as last month said he wouldn't have his heart in it if he went back to Grimsby.


Vince at 17:18:10 Monday January 17 2000
No more than Ian Clarkson deserves and lets hope he gets plenty of support. As he's now at Kidderminster maybe he could persuade Jan Molby to play. Good news about Sky covering the game at Swansea, perhaps it will provide us with the cash to help us sign Clare.


Anon at 16:54:33 Monday January 17 2000
I was in the pub that Danny mentioned below. I left at 2.30pm and the place was half empty as it had been for most of the afternoon (due to a 1 in 1 out door policy). I heard that a window had been put through earlier, but saw no trouble (unless you count the fire doors being opened to let people in). What I did find though was that when I tried to get out of the pub, the front door was locked, the fire doors guarded and I had to go out through the back room and down some stairs. Had there been a fire the place would have been a death-trap.


Anon at 16:52:29 Monday January 17 2000
A testimonial match has been agreed by the Football League for Ian Clarkson, who was forced to retire from professional football through injury earlier this season. Clarkson is currently playing for Kidderminster Harriers, who are top of the Nationwide Conference. The match will take place at Sixfields on Monday May 8 2000 at 7.45pm, with the current Cobblers squad taking on a side made up of Cobblers favourites over the last 15 years. We hope to have details of the players making up that side over the next few weeks. Admission prices are £7.50 and £2.50 and more details will be announced shortly.


Anon at 16:51:58 Monday January 17 2000
Swansea City v Northampton Town Sunday March 12 2000 Kick off 1pm Nationwide League Division 3 Please note this match will now take place as above and not as previously advertised. This switch has been made to allow SKY SPORTS to broadcast the match live.


SBJ at 16:50:23 Monday January 17 2000
They'd better not - I've already booked my travel for getting to the game on Saturday 11th.


Danny at 16:32:12 Monday January 17 2000
are we really???? god damn it, its a sunday so Sky will make that a lunch time KO


Danny at 16:30:4 Monday January 17 2000
what days the 12th march?


Cornonthecob at 16:27:47 Monday January 17 2000
Were gunna b on the box!!!!!!!! 12th march Swansea away, shame coz i`ll be there anyway!


Danny at 16:22:6 Monday January 17 2000
That pub that had "Northampton Town Fans Welcome" plastered all over the windows was turned over. No R&D we are not proud of these people but the Posh fans were just as much to blame.


Danny at 16:18:2 Monday January 17 2000
ooooooohhhhhh must get my ticket for the Billericay game, they might sell out.


Andy C at 15:55:52 Monday January 17 2000
Responding to Andy the other Gills fan below, I think we'd have lost several fewer games with Pulis in charge. Under Taylor we simply can't stop letting in goals. But the great thing is, we can discuss this till we're blue in the face and never know because it's hypothetical. To Cobblers fans, commiserations on the defeat and it's especially sad to find a few dozen people regressing several thousand years in behaviour afterwards. Greeny will do well for you but we need Hodgie to get us into the FAC q-finals.


Ray at 15:20:26 Monday January 17 2000
Stop! Stop! I can't stand the excitement!


Vince at 14:35:9 Monday January 17 2000
As it seems that R&D fans visit this site more than any others they may be interested to know that they have drawn Billercay away in the FA Trophy. Kettering will play Rothwell at home if Rothwell can beat Walton & Hersham in their replay. The other tie with (almost) local interest is that Bedford will be at home to Yeovil providing Bedford can beat Newport County in their replay.


SBJ at 14:24:31 Monday January 17 2000
Hi CornontheCob. Sorry to hear about your ball leaving without you. Whose was the pink alien? Jamesyboy: none of us are proud of the blokes who attacked innocent Peterborough people; neither should anyone be proud of the Posh fans who joined in with the violence. I have no doubt that your friend's story is true, and that there were a lot of Cobblers 'fans' who started fights against innocent locals. It takes two to tango though, and neither set of fans can take the moral high ground about Saturday's scuffles. Lucky for you that you only heard this 'interesting' story from a friend; I was unlucky enough to be in the middle of it all, and as people on our e-mail group know, I was challenged by various groups of fans / thugs from both Northampton and Peterborough, and felt pretty shaken by it too (as Cornonthecob already knows). I also saw groups of fans, again from both teams, chasing through the Cathedral Square. The police line, such as it was, wrestled some Posh fans to the ground on the way to the station - these guys were chasing Cobblers fans. Similarly it was a Posh fan who punched an NTFC fan to the ground in front of me on Bridge Street, and the blokes who then joined in kicking the NTFC fan while he was on the floor were also Posh fans. The police I overheard in Cathedral Square seemed to think both sets of fans were equally to blame, which from what I saw is an accurate view of things. They were all as bad as each other, and all equally pathetic and depolorable. The only pride the innocent fans can take is that we didn't get involved, and that we condemn those who did, for what little condemning them is worth. Don't try to apportion blame onto Cobblers fans, at least not in any greater measure than you apportion blame to the Posh fans. It would be a very dull sort of individual who believed all the trouble was caused by just one group of aggressive fans picking on another innocent bunch of nice fans.


Lad at 14:10:8 Monday January 17 2000
Anon why have you been saying our 'boys' took a kicking on sat. on Paul Dodd's web site, at least get your facts right before you give the scum something else to go about


MK at 14:4:13 Monday January 17 2000
Can someone spread any light on these story's of terrible violance


East Northants Village Boy at 13:57:1 Monday January 17 2000
All I know, Mark Too, is that in the game of football, money talks and bullshit walks.


Anon at 13:37:16 Monday January 17 2000
It seems that games with a big build up often fail to provide either a good result or a decent game. In view of this keep comments on Saturdays game against Chester low key!


Kobbler at 13:36:20 Monday January 17 2000
Greeno! Greeno! What I think of Richard Green: AMAZING.


Meeester Ieestanbull chilli sauce at 13:34:58 Monday January 17 2000
Why you crayzee keeds alway a-hanga round my kebab shop ata lunch time


Donner Kebab at 13:27:44 Monday January 17 2000
Did anyone here go to NSB a few years ago?? I'm looking for my owner who left me outside the Istanbul chef. cheers


Human Cobbler at 13:21:6 Monday January 17 2000
I think it's fair to say that all Football clubs suffer from brain dead fans that want to spoil things for everyone else but spare a thought for the people of Kurdish people who have suffered from the weapons "sold" to the Iraquis by Peterboro FC in the late 80's!!! Talk about people in glass houses and throwing stones...


Andy at 13:19:9 Monday January 17 2000
I was trying to add that Dickie Green is a good player but Hodgie is far better but I pressed return and it posted.


Andy (Gills but not Andy C) at 13:17:54 Monday January 17 2000
The hoggle would be a top class signing for you if you got him (£50,000 at a guess)He even looked good against Bradford the other day. Dickie As for the Gills, I think Andy C was wrong when he said we would be top if Pulis had stayed as I don't think we had much choice.


Kobbler at 13:16:0 Monday January 17 2000
Whoa where did my message go! I didnt say anything about Chester! Scary.


Kobbler at 13:12:49 Monday January 17 2000
BTW Saturdays game. Rubbish, in all honesty. I know the pitch was rough but booting the ball aimessly ala Atkins wasn't the solution. WORST PLAYER: Without a doubt Hendon. NOT ONE tackle in the ENTIRE game and he virtually let Andy Clarke walk past him when he supplied the cross for the goal. Other culprits: Sampson (again), Hunter, Hunt, Parrish (1st half), Spedding (1st half), Clare (2nd Half). Too many players playing under par. Their man of the match: Andy Clarke, another one who got away. Our MOM, once again John Frain. Their shittest player was Jae Martin, he of the sliced shots across goal and bad crosses repeat until fade...


Kobbler at 13:5:45 Monday January 17 2000
CornonhteCob I KNOW WHERE YOUR BALL WENT!!!!! I spotted a group of Cobblers lads in a maroon rented minibus drive off with it after the game!


Mick B at 13:5:16 Monday January 17 2000
Your big inflatable football was making it's way back to Cobblersville the last time I saw it - it was in a minibus full of your supporters. When was the last time you beat us?!?!?!?


Kobbler at 13:3:54 Monday January 17 2000
Jameseyboy do you cut and paste all your tiresome remarks or do you actually sit there and type out them word for word on two different websites you boring bastard. Get a girlfriend.


Cornonthecob at 12:24:55 Monday January 17 2000
Is SJB there? I`m sorry but i have to disagree with the majority, and say that we were no worse than the pish, and we deserved at least a draw! Fair enough our football will not win us any awards and we could not create a decent chance all the first half, but then did the pish, remember all those crap long balls they played which missed their targets by yards and yards in the first half? the only area they really looked any better was on the break, and that ended up being how they scored. The move that led to hunty hitting the post was inspired a couple of simple but astonishingly effective one-two`s down the left then (at last) a great dunc cross, and one of the best saves i have had the misfortune to see! Our wingbacks 2 me let us down today, and possibly lost us the game,. when will they both learn, that their is only a certain limit to the amount of shepperding of a player you can do as they run down the wing before u need to get a foot in? Carlo`s penalty was to be honest dire!, the worst thing is that had he hit the same penalty 99% of the seaseon anywhere else, it would probably have gone in! IF YOU MANAGED TO GET A TOUCH ON ME BIG INFLATABLE FOOTBALL CAN U ALL BACK ME IN MY PETITION TO GET IT RETURNED! i won it at alton towers in the summer, and then some twat from peterboroughs staff walks off with it!


JAMESYBOY at 12:24:50 Monday January 17 2000
So Wobblers I have heard something very interesting, after you’re humiliating defeat on Saturday. Instead of toddling of home, as I put it to cry in your beer. Some of your wonderful fans decided that violence was in order. And I can assure you a chum who was at the game with his dad gave this information to me. This was not handbag stuff he told me up to 50 lads all with bad intentions. The thing that annoyed my chum was it was innocent fans being picked on not groups of lads who would fight back. My mate was kicked and when his dad stepped in and told the bloke to leave his son alone 5 Wobblers set him upon. This is only one story he said it was happening all around him. Nice thing for a 15 year old to see don’t you think. Hope you are proud. James


Robert Dunkley(Lancaster Cobbler) at 10:57:32 Monday January 17 2000
That's unfair, Hendon always goes for a shot, even if it ends up over teh North Stand it is to be applauded. We seemed in the Shrewsbury game to be very good at putting pressur eon and winning corners, and scorign from them. Our set=pices seem to have improved under Wilson


Anon at 10:53:45 Monday January 17 2000
NSB - You only had to look at the celebration of the P*sh goalie when they scored to see just what a local derby meant to him


The Ghost Of Cobblers Past at 10:42:12 Monday January 17 2000
IMHO The Cobbs have always been crap and we should enjoy it when we actually win. Who cares about The P*sh we know they'll never be our backsides !, the Town are now, always were and will forever more be the one and only team we'll support.A Cobblers victory is worth far more than anything else it's a rare and precious thing and something to be savoured. If you come to expect it you will be dissapointed look forward to it and relish that thought.With hope and fervour we'll continue to hope, The Cobblers are the greatest football team that ever took the field of play.


NSB at 10:34:22 Monday January 17 2000
another thing: the reason it took us a whole half to register a shot on target was because when the ball gets into the box nobody takes it upon themselves to have a shot, and the ball gets passed around aimlessly, therefore we lose possesion, and because were so pants defensively the opposition can break and get the ball into our box. So atkins was right when he kept babbling on to us about not having the killer instinct, co s we dont...... when will the message get through.... if you dont shoot you wont score!


Anon at 10:27:0 Monday January 17 2000
I understand what NSB is saying, but I think it is really sad that they couldn't up their game on Saturday. Surely the fact that so many of us went to the game indicates how much it means! Or perhaps they are not bothered. We have now lost the last 3 games we have played against the P*sh. When are we going to reverse this trend? A play-off final victory v P*sh would be great!


NSB at 10:20:49 Monday January 17 2000
i dont think derby games mean anything to the players anymore...... except the merseyside derby possibly....... so dont expect players to treat the one match we REALLY want to win any different from any other match.......


Lancaster Cobbler at 10:12:42 Monday January 17 2000
I reckon Kevin Wilson shoudl look at the non-league scene, look at thay Malcom Christie from Nuneaton 50,000 and scored on his debut for Derby. What about looking at Nuneaton, they gave us some of our best players in recent times! Sorry it's in two parts my browser seems to be playing up!


Anon at 10:12:4 Monday January 17 2000
Typical, the only time we play a long ball game, Steve Howard is not fit. I am confident thatKevin Wilson is after a new striker as we have no chance of signign Clare. What we need is one of our players to be sold for a lot of money, and then we can afford 200k for a player who will develop and sell him on for 2m, it is what Bristol Rovers have doen int he past.


Anon at 10:10:5 Monday January 17 2000
Richard - thanks for your enjoyable review/comments on Sat's game. I wouldn't be too despondant. It was only one game out of 40-odd which make up the season. If I had to choose between losing to Posh and gaining promotion I know which I'd prefer (not, of course, that this is necessarily a valid hypothesis - we could have beaten Posh and gone up!). Still, what I'm saying is don't get too disheartened by one result, whoever it's against. Most of our ten remaining home games are against lowly opposition and I'm certain we won't repeat last season's hideous form, losing to just about everyone who bothered to turn up at Sixfields. Morale under Kevin is 100% higher than under Brumiekins, players are allowed to go forward in search of goals and we are trying to play some good soccer. My main concerns lie with the midfield who, it appears, are easily over-run by the league's better teams, resulting in no service to the front men, and in some niaive defensive blunders, some of which are clearly down to lack of concentration. I'm not going to pick on individuals here. I know Kev Wilson is acutely aware of where the failings lie. Anyway, all things said, we are still in a good position to finish in the play-off places (altho' having seen teams like Darlo, Rotherham and Plymouth, I don't now believe we are quite good enough to take an automatic place). Under the cirumstances, then, I think a top seven place could be regarded as a success.


Disgusted of Northampton at 9:53:55 Monday January 17 2000
I am surprised that no one has mentioned the appalling violence that some Cobblers nutters inflicted upon innocent Peterboro fans on saturday. I am ashamed of them


gaz at 9:29:59 Monday January 17 2000
A poor performance on Saturday. It took 40 minutes for us to have our first shot and nearly as long again for our second. We played a long ball game without a target man to aim for. If we must play that way then we should have had Howard on. In midfield there was a vacuum. No-one was taking control of the game for us. Again, Howard in an attacking midfield role could have acted as playmaker. PArrish was awful, and even more like a headless chicken than normal. I lost count of the amount of times he lost the ball. I would have preferred Peer, and it takes a lot for me to say that about anyone. We generally seemed half asleep, we would be caught in possession and make suicidal passes that Gary Neville would be proud of. Worst of all was Parrish heading the ball back into our crowded penalty area. We were doing the simple things badly and a change was needed, but reminiscent of the ATkins era, the change didn't come until after the goal. The introduction of Sturridge was a mistake bearing in mind the tactics we were playing. Playing a long ball game to the shortest man on the pitch is stupid, and he never looked involved. We had a couple of chances, notably Green and Carlo, but let's not forget P*sh had more. This was a bad game for the Cobblers, showing again that we can't beat our promotion chasing rivals, and that the local derby means a lot more to us than to the players. A draw would have flattered us, and although I would have been pleased to accept a point from the game, we were second best. Wilson needs to learn quickly that when tactics aren't working they should be changed. Was he the only one in the ground who couldn't see the goal coming?


Hendon's Defence at 8:42:57 Monday January 17 2000
Anon, I totally agree with you that Ian Hendon was shite on Saturday, but look at it from this point of view. Hendon has not missed a league game this season he plays week in and week out, he is entitled to have a few off games. Compare him to other players - if he played twenty games a season like most players he would have a 100% record at this stage, he has already played that amount anyway. And he has create alot of goals this season for us. Even though I was extremely disapointed with his performance on Saturday, I still think he is our best player.


Anon at 8:23:28 Monday January 17 2000
Ian Hendon was shite on Saturday, kept getting caught in possession and gave the ball away. I also have to question the tactics, it wasn't until we went one down that the full backs even dared to venture forward. Jason Lee gave Sammo and Green a torrid time in the air, Spedding and Hendon gave their wingers too much space and we never looked as if we were hungry enough. Ocasionally even the very best footie teams have to be prepared to slug it out.


RICHARD at 0:41:15 Monday January 17 2000
IK'CIWT: Of all the games in all the towns in all the world and we have to lose this one! (pace Humphrey Bogart) This is THE match report I didn't want to have to post. There's precious little to squeeze amusement out of when this fixture means so much to so many faithful fans. Even the fact that the flag-happy lino was called Griggs leaves me apathetic with indifference. Ellery, the ref, was ok though, from what I could see. He even gave us a dubious penalty. As it was awarded I thought, fleetingly, that there was a God (apologies to those of a religious bent, for the apparent blasphemy). The wave of emotion that swept the length and breadth of a our sardine-packed away stands was tangible. It flooded onto the pitch and must have reached the players; they too knew it meant so much. I was not the only one to turn away, head in hands before the fateful spot kick. But I had to watch; masochism urged me to turn and face the goal.The crowd fell silent; Cobbs fans unanimously sucked in; I tried to conjure a result by picturing the net billowing from the power of a Carlo special. Even if Tyler could get a flailing limb in the way, the force would be with us and CC's deadly right boot would prevail................ It was not to be. The die had been cast. This added insult to injury since, moments earlier, the post came to Poohboro's rescue, robbing us yet again of a needed goal. Jamesy flicked on Spedds far post header, but a desperate diving save from the demon Tyler, denied us once more. One day we'll marmalize a team utilizing every conceivable fluke in the game: post, crossbar, wicked deflection, back pass, 'keeper's arse - everything! The excellent Sport First's occasional "stat' attack", as at 9.1.00, includes a telling one regarding hitting the woodwork - we're streets ahead in that department (well, third [11] actually, behind Cheltenham [14] and Sarfend [12] ). Incidentally, we're also second on corners won (166), third in shots on target(141) and had third fewest shots off target (116). Strangely we're third in fouls committed, though a glance at the Division Disciplinary Record this season would clearly indicate we are not a dirty side by any means (16th i.e. only 8 teams with fewer card offences). But enough of lies, damned lies and figures that don't mean a thing if you're not winning the games. I have to say I thought the game was pulsating from a committed fan's point of view; even the Posh following would have to agree with that. However, we certainly did not do ourselves justice. Whether the pitch had a hand in that, I wouldn't like to say. It was, after all, the same for both sides. I might have to hold my hands up and say that, on the balance of play, S***eboro's commitment in mid-field and attempts on goal (Hell, they missed some chances), perhaps they shaded it over the 90 minutes!(Heresy)What makes it worse is that we had a golden opportunity to strut our stuff; we know we're better than yesterday's performance. I think we tried to battle with them, where we should have been disposing of them with skill and flair. Too often we resorted to the hoof from deep; to often CC and DC were isolated out wide; too often the 50/50 ball cannoned off to one of their players; too often there was a space where a Cobblers player should have been to pick up the loose ball; too often was the notion of running at the opposition with ball at feet eschewed for the 'lay-off and go' with the result that 'Boro got their collective foot in first to stymie many a promising move. And, perhaps, worst of all, as the disintegrating ranks of Claret and White faithful drained dismally into the darkening dusk, we knew that we'd blown it for another season. Bragging rights will only be restored this term if we gain promotion at Posh's expense. All had seemed so bright and beautiful as the away terrace began to fill with echelons of expectant emissaries from the East Anglian elite. We had received 3300 tickets; it appeared that we were oversubscribed! As the home fans began to take their places, they must have winced at the sight of so many foes facing them across the battlefield. The air was thick as the Moys Stand rocked to the sound of partisan chanting and affectionate abuse levelled at the common foe. Barry Fry took refuge from his personal onslaught, sandbagged behind a diminishing mountain of pies, all the while hoping for a crumb of comfort to relieve his beleaguered world. Surely only a win for the Pooh would deliver him from the wrath of his own kind as they turn savagely against the man they once proclaimed as their saviour. "I'm determined to take them out of this division", he is alleged to have stated on taking over the reins. And that he did, but down the drainpipe into the dungeon division! Who will own the keys to the jail cell come the conclusion to this Millenium season? And who will remain an incarcerated cellar-dweller for another impoverished campaign? On the day, Cobblers fans were magnificent to a man; that man being the mindless imbecile whose jollies, sadly, can only be obtained, it seems, by punctuating an otherwise solemn observance of a minute's respectful silence, to advertise the poverty of his wit, the weakness of his character and the profundity of his indecency. The Pish loudmouth who reciprocated with his mind-numbing profanity was of equally poor judgment. The two do little for either team or to raise the moral profile of the slime coating the depths of the stinking sewers from which they must have crawled. But what of the game itself? Perhaps the Blue Meanies needed this result more than we did. As Carlo was placing the ball for the spot kick, I told myself I wouldn't be greedy; I'll settle for a draw, which I believe would not have been an unfair result. Sport First's report also said, "Jason Lee struck his first goal for Posh to STEAL the points..." and, "...it took a fantastic penalty save from Tyler to keep Fry's side on top". Them's the breaks; that's the way the cookie crumbles; it's all part of life's rich tapestry! It was not to be our day, you could tell. Their full back, Jelliman (must be a Fry relative), was booked in the first half for a clumsy tackle; in the second he threw the ball away at a throw-in; Ellery reaches for his top pocket before the realisation sets in that he's yellowed him once already. "Off. off, off," bay the Cobblers end. But only a finger wagging from the whistle blower. Surprisingly, I find myself in agreement with the guy in black on this occasion, much as it pains me to have to admit. This match did not need a sending off and the 'offence' was unworthy of a card. With just that one earlier booking, it proves it was a relatively cleanly as well as keenly fought contest. But the incident that nearly made up for the disappointment of the day happened late in the second half. Fat Bloke on the front row of their new stand, inches from the playing surface, was quick to pounce on the ball as it trundled his way for a Cobbs throw-in. But did he generously toss it to our player, as any sporting Cobbs fan would have done in similar circumstances? No he bloody didn't! He threw it as far as his hulking great mass could manage (all of a few yards), before collapsing, flesh aquiver, back into his seat, or both of his reinforced seats actually, one for each behemoth buttock, wheezing like a deflating barrage balloon with a whoopee cushion attachment. Moments of mirth passed as the jovial banter between rival fans asserted that the chap was a bounder of the first water. Play went on then, menacingly from the depths of the police portacabin, treads the full force of the law, descending stealthily on the unsuspecting tub of lard. "Excuse me, sir. Would you care to accompany me to the boundaries of this 'ere hestablishment?" "Lord, luv a duck," replied the startled, displaced cockney, human superstore, (Fry's relatives everywhere at London Road) "It's a fair cop". The young constable in question was, in fact, ginger - you could tell by the way he twirled his truncheon as he sashayed down the side-line! And you thought I was going to crack that hoary old cliche, "Certainly constable. You sing and I'll play the harmonica!" Boom! Boom!


Lancaster Cobbler at 23:51:51 Sunday January 16 2000
Oh dear it needs to be longer. DO you reckon we will beat anyone away from home? when was the last time we won away and we have to play thge lieks of Swansea, Plymouth and Hartlepool all who have good home records!


Lancaster Cobbler at 23:50:33 Sunday January 16 2000
Right I am trying Netscape now. It could be the Uni network............... Why are gonna beat Chester la la la la


Lancaster Cobbler at 23:48:21 Sunday January 16 2000
I appear not to be able to send messages more than one line!


Anon at 23:46:35 Sunday January 16 2000
You can get a salesman to go away!


Anon at 23:46:8 Sunday January 16 2000
What's the difference between DOOR TO DOOR salesmen and JAmesyboy?


Anon at 23:40:48 Sunday January 16 2000
What do you call Jamesyboy at University? LOST


nsb at 23:29:10 Sunday January 16 2000
i agree on that note anon......


NSB at 23:28:38 Sunday January 16 2000
what would the teams nick name be? the diamond cobblers or something?


Anon at 23:18:55 Sunday January 16 2000
Except for "Razor" who we shouldnt have sold.


NSB at 23:17:6 Sunday January 16 2000
about the proposed merger....... theres little point in reuniting the cobblers with their ex-players is there, i mean we sold them for a reason!


NSB at 23:14:23 Sunday January 16 2000
the other night i downloaded an editor for championship manager and turned sixfields into a 150000 seater stadium with a retractable roof.......... ive also got ronaldo to play for the cobblers..... IM LIVING IN A BLOODY DREAM WORLD!


Mark Too at 23:13:54 Sunday January 16 2000
R+D supporters. Why do you come on here and leave ridiculous comments ? We have nothing in common with your club. Even if you get promoted, which is not a certainty, your club has one thing going for it. Griggs' money. We lost yesterday. So what? We play 46 league games this season. We are still 6th in the 3rd Division. At this moment in time taking everything into account we have as much chance of promotion as any club in the 3rd division. You have as much chance of promotion as any club in the conference. We may be 2 divisions higher than you next season. We may be in the same division. What does that prove? Football is a long term thing.True supporters can support clubs for a lifetime. You just haven't got that yet. Yours is a young club. Who knows what might happen if the money dries up. For certain if the money doesn't keep flowing you won't be the club you are now.We have a fan base, a loyal support, a proven history,a self sufficient club not supported by a major benefactor. Just think about that. All you do by mouthing off is to show your immaturity, and lack of real knowledge about the situation.


Spring Park Cobbler at 22:50:1 Sunday January 16 2000
Just coincidence Danny. My mates never miss an away game and they use the St James bus so when I travel to the odd away game they book me on the St James coach as happened for the Boro game.


Deepcut Cobbler at 22:21:6 Sunday January 16 2000
Despite yesterdays result, that will be the last time we will be travelling to that eastern edge of the shire for a number of seasons (when we leave them behind in this basement division), unless we draw them in the broken windscreen cup of course... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!


Plumb at 22:6:8 Sunday January 16 2000
Perhaps Cobblers and Direones fans should unite and slag off Bob!


East Northants Village Boy at 22:5:4 Sunday January 16 2000
No need for mergers. In a couple of seasons, they will all be coming to Nene Park anyway.


WSD at 21:53:7 Sunday January 16 2000
Bob - "I know this may upset the diehard supporters of both clubs", replace "the diehard" with "all" and you'd be getting there...


Ray at 21:14:15 Sunday January 16 2000
Hey - why not include Kettering, Wellingborough and Raunds in the merger as well? We could then call ourselves the Northampton Town and County Football Club United Wanderering Nomads.


Brian Munich at 20:33:0 Sunday January 16 2000
I think that is a super idea Bob. Northampton, Rushden & Diamonds Town Football Club has a certain ring to it. We could alternate home matches between Sixfields and Nene Park. Our kit would be a fetching mix of claret, red and blue. All the Diamonds fans could use this website and we could start abusing Spencer. The only problem is that FA rules state that the merged side would take the place of the lowest placed club and then Northamptonshire would have no league representative. Still think of allthe banter we could have with Rothwell, Raunds and Kettering!!!! It would be fantastic. You never know old Bob might even start supporting a side and really get to know what it is to be a fanatic, then he might stop making such stupid bloody suggestions like a merger!!!!!!


Anon at 20:4:11 Sunday January 16 2000
When i need love i hold out my hand and i touch love never new there was so much love keeping me warm night and day


Bob at 19:35:8 Sunday January 16 2000
I`m a football supporter with no particular allegiance to any team.I read your comments regularly, and without wishing to cause offence it appears to me that Northampton have the support and the potential to be a big club,and Rushden the money.Surely a merger into perhaps Northants Diamonds would enable you to compete at the highest level. I know this may upset the diehard supporters of both clubs, but this may be the only true way forward in this money dominated sport.


JAMESYBOY at 19:31:37 Sunday January 16 2000
Tell me R+D did you go yesterday bet you did'nt


BR at 19:28:23 Sunday January 16 2000
Ralph - Get that tongue out of that cheek . . . . . no your own!


Ralph at 19:26:29 Sunday January 16 2000
Not wishing to appear to be up anyone's bottom!


Ralph at 19:25:27 Sunday January 16 2000
Fantastic, I watched every minute. I thought Hansen and Lineker were superb. I'm so pleased my licence money is being well spent.


BR at 19:23:44 Sunday January 16 2000
I didn't spare it a thought R + D.


R+D at 19:14:26 Sunday January 16 2000
Now it's over, what does everyone think of the World Club Championship?


R+D at 19:12:37 Sunday January 16 2000
Oh, dear, oh dear. You have my deepest sympethies. (he he he...):-)


THAT GOOD OLD BOY at 18:48:10 Sunday January 16 2000
Well Wobblers how are you tonight have you recovered from your humiliating defeat by the Pish. I think not bet your not looking forward to work tomorrow. After all the talk of how you would win you should have kept you’re mouths shut, But its not in your nature you fickle bunch of losers. All the armchair fans will be waiting for you in work to take the piss. You will try and play it cool but someone will say something and you will bite. Then they will take you to the cleaners. SEE YA SOON LOSERS JB


Danny at 18:15:34 Sunday January 16 2000
Did anyone read the Chester report in Sports First, apparantly they were void of imagination and ideas and resorted to just "hitting long balls up the park....." sounds like us a couple of months ago. Spring Park, do I know you?


Pete at 17:59:42 Sunday January 16 2000
For those whom I confused last night, I was forecasting that we will end the Peeboro season by beating them in the Play Offs- more fun than going straight up... and more profitable?


Hartwell at 17:32:2 Sunday January 16 2000
Thanks Tony for that note of sanity. I heartily agree - it does absolutely no good anxting about Diremonds. They have the money. They will get into the Football League - if not this year then soon. They may also do well. Good luck to them. And don't forget if we eventually meet in the league it will provide moneyspinning local derbies, a lot of talking points and some real additional passion. All of which must be good for the county. So let's stop wittering on about them and also stop rising to the bait of their fans who enjoy a good wind-up. Ignore them and they will go away. They only do it because some respond. It ain't necessary. It does not good and just encourages the more moronic and witless elements from these clubs to keep on posting.


Norman at 17:19:18 Sunday January 16 2000
Does anyone know if there is a reserve game this week? Thanks.


Spring Park Cobbler at 16:33:5 Sunday January 16 2000
Danny I agree that the strikers need to be in the box rather than than playing out on the wings but the problem was that our midfield never got a grip on the game and Carlo and Clare were left isolated leaving them with little option but to go hunting for the ball. The period in the second half when we seemed to be on top was the only time the midfield won the ball. Agree the Butterfly at Ashton is a nice little pub. Enjoyed the stop and the food was good as well.


cob fan at 16:13:57 Sunday January 16 2000
Dear mr Posh super Posh & Posh Fan Sticks & stones may brack our bones but names will never hurt US!!!!!!!!!!! SO SHUT UP! O.K.


WSD at 14:55:45 Sunday January 16 2000
Yep I'll be there Dave, and I don't think anyone gives a sh*t the Saints won!


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 13:52:14 Sunday January 16 2000
OH BUGGER IT. BEAT BY THE POSH! I had a 10/1 bet yesterday for a 2-1 cobblers win.We just have to pick outselves up and play well next week to kick the crap out of I.A and his team. I am going to Carlise next month as well. Only takes about 70 mins on thr train from jolly old Sunderland. Are you going WSD? At least Saints won! SEE YA Later Commrades, Dave.E


I dont know if it's him or not but, what a sad case at 13:23:26 Sunday January 16 2000
http://home.talkcity.com/QuadCir/jamesyboy/


Hornblower at 13:17:52 Sunday January 16 2000
I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour but heaven knows i'm miserable now. Still it won't be long now until you have another short journey to the rich kids on the banks of the Nene.


Tony at 13:13:32 Sunday January 16 2000
I wish people on here would stop responding to the R&D posts. That's what they want, they are just winding you up and doing a good job. And for gods sake don't respond with "but your not in the league", cos next season when they get promoted this will come back to haunt you. Just face the fact that they exsist, and have more money so will probably do well. Who cares, we will just soldier on.


Jeffrey Archer at 12:29:18 Sunday January 16 2000
I'm in denial. I think we should all conspire and change the result. If people ask you tomorrow at work about losing 1-0 convince them it was 2-1 and the entire media got it wrong. It'll definitely work - the US even convinced us that man landed on the moon.


Ralph at 11:26:55 Sunday January 16 2000
If we are going to talk footie I thought I'd raise the problem with goals conceded down our right flank. Again the goal came from that side and as much as I enjoy watching Ian Hendon I beleive his first thought are always how to attack or counter attack. It would appear that his decisions do not take in to account what will happen if . . . His initial position defending the move that led to the goal left him two options, take Clarke out in the box or let him run. It wasn't just the penalty miss that cost us, bloody Tony Godden, and if we are going to progress we have also got to have a more disciplined approach to defending. We also have to tough it out and win the battle, particularly in games like yesterday's, before we can impose our way on the opposition. Still, lovely day for a walk and a light ale, care to join me Anon?


Ralph at 11:18:1 Sunday January 16 2000
Ah but that's when the team needs us Ray! We do have a poor record overall v Poo but it is always a good day out, result apart.


Ray at 11:14:19 Sunday January 16 2000
Well thats the last time I go to Pooh - what is it that happens to the team when we go there?


Ralph at 11:7:31 Sunday January 16 2000
It wern't me that started it T! It was that misery 'Anon'. Farmer's fine BR and the new site for 'London's Eye' is just being cleared.


T. at 11:3:53 Sunday January 16 2000
R&d win in a tin pot cup for NON league clubs


T. at 11:2:45 Sunday January 16 2000
Ralph u r rude!


JAMESYBOY at 10:58:22 Sunday January 16 2000
The morning after the night before, i thought it was all a dream but a quick look in the papers. Wobblers lose R&D win lovely jubbly


BR at 10:56:18 Sunday January 16 2000
Just sausage and chips Ralph. Couldn't check the old farmer's while you're up there could you?


Ralph at 10:44:50 Sunday January 16 2000
The air is surprisingly cool and fresh this morning. You obviously didn't stop off for a kebab!


Ralph at 10:43:31 Sunday January 16 2000
Will it help if I turn side ways?


BR at 10:41:10 Sunday January 16 2000
I feel constipated this morning.


Ralph at 10:36:8 Sunday January 16 2000
Blimey it don't half echo too!


Ralph at 10:35:20 Sunday January 16 2000
'cos BR hasn't had anally fitted street lamps yet.


T. at 10:31:43 Sunday January 16 2000
Why?


Ralph at 10:19:34 Sunday January 16 2000
Has anyone got a flashlight?


Carl at 2:5:11 Sunday January 16 2000
Boys you have to say F 'em, we will be higher and play better football than they can ever dream of, we will get abuse for the next couple of days, but come May let them see. Goodnight, I am pissed


Posh Fan at 1:41:58 Sunday January 16 2000
We 8 Cobblers.... we 8 cobblers. Great win for Posh today! You lot played shite!


BR at 1:1:42 Sunday January 16 2000
Anon - If you haven't got the balls to leave your name, shut the f*ck up!


Sid at 0:54:34 Sunday January 16 2000
S**t. Phoned up from work for the score five mins after it finished..... 1-0. Doh! It always seems as if Cobblers seem to lose these important matches, not just against Pish, but if we have a six pointer we lose. And most of the time its 1-0! Saw Carlo's penalty - my first thought was also "why didn't he do what he usually does??" Oh well, another defeat, teams are piling up behind us, so lets look forward to the return of Atkins next week against Chester...... just a bad week for penalties takers really!


Anon at 0:24:33 Sunday January 16 2000
get out from his arse Ralph


Ralph at 0:20:28 Sunday January 16 2000
That was a proper pub BR, light ale!


Anon at 0:15:11 Sunday January 16 2000
football


Anon at 0:14:46 Sunday January 16 2000
This is all getting rather silly - its only foodball for gods sake.


Paul at 23:29:11 Saturday January 15 2000
what again! Don't get that, but I'm sure he meant well. (I think)


JAMESBOY at 23:28:13 Saturday January 15 2000
I think you will find when we played you it was 1-0 to the team in white.That i think what loop guru is on about. I can still see you lot slagging Turley and him patting his wallet, and pretending to smoke a cigar. You did not seem to happy about that. SEE YA SOON JAMESYBOY


Anon at 23:22:17 Saturday January 15 2000
what?


Pete at 23:21:16 Saturday January 15 2000
Look, does the score today really matter when, in the end, the last game we play against the Peeboro at the end of their season gives us the result we want?


Gomez at 23:7:13 Saturday January 15 2000
yep ....... take cobblers fans to matches .... and make a tidy profit in certain cases. LETS HAVE AN OFFICIAL NTFC TRAVEL CLUB BARRY STONHILL!!!!!!!!!!!!


Danny at 22:48:38 Saturday January 15 2000
Right, I'm sick of all this, we put our money in the club they don't crap. All the travel clubs are there for one reason and one reason only, that is to take Northampton Town FC supporters to and from away matches, that is their sole purpose.


Gomez at 22:46:21 Saturday January 15 2000
Bloody hell ...... why do the cobblers always let us down when it matters? We've been playing some good football recently but today it all went to pot. The pitch was utter crap .. but it was the same for both sides - I guess these days Pish are more of a 'scrapper' team than us.


Anon at 22:44:13 Saturday January 15 2000
So do St James


Anon at 22:40:25 Saturday January 15 2000
The Trust do...


Gomez at 22:37:49 Saturday January 15 2000
But which travel club puts ALL of their profits into the club - not the mounties I know that much


Tony at 22:36:37 Saturday January 15 2000
What about those so called cobblers supporters who were not able to onserve the minute's silence at the start? Mind you, that Posh fan didn't help by calling us wankers. Fastest minute I ever 'lived'. :)


Anon at 22:36:3 Saturday January 15 2000
Some tossers who don't have the welfare of the fans at heart.


All seeing I at 22:35:44 Saturday January 15 2000
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain ........ la da da da dee - la da da de doo


Anon at 22:34:30 Saturday January 15 2000
Who the hell are the 'sixfields' travel club?


SIXFIELDS TRAVEL CLUB at 22:33:17 Saturday January 15 2000
SIXFIELDS TRAVEL CLUB RUNNING COACHES TO LINCOLN CITY 29th JANUARY TEL. 01604 706401


Anon at 22:26:42 Saturday January 15 2000
loop guru, I thought Direones won 2-1, you dont even know your clubs final score you twat


Danny at 22:25:3 Saturday January 15 2000
Had time to have a couple of beers and a laugh down the Fox this evening and forget about todays result (possibly not so when I return to work on Monday morning but what the hell). To be honest I thought both sides were poor today. Carlo and Daryl are NOT going to score goals if they continue to do what they did today. They were both trying to create chances themselves by going out to the wings, of course rendering this completly pointless as there was no-one in the box to finish it off. WINGERS, YOU'RE JOB IS TO CREATE THE CHANCES, STRIKERS, YOU SHOULD BE IN THE BOX TO FINISH THEM. And why oh why did Carlo decide to place the penalty. Every other pen he's took, he's just smashed it into the net. All in all a bad day at the office dear!!!!!! (Though the "Butterfly" in Ashton was a very nice little pub)


Paul at 22:22:7 Saturday January 15 2000
No, Posh_Fan, your wrong. It was a good penalty, it was just a great save. That's life, and we will carry on, forgetting this game like the Pro's we are and attempt to take 3 points off Atkin's lads!


adam at 22:17:53 Saturday January 15 2000
a lot of anti rushden stuff on this forum today, i think rushden fans will take that as a compliment, you wouldn't be bothered about us if we weren't seen as strong rivals


Loop Guru at 21:53:59 Saturday January 15 2000
Unlucky w@nkers. Just remember: one team in northants and it aint you.1-0 to the team in white.


THE SPARKLER at 21:47:51 Saturday January 15 2000
Well Gobblers 1-0 in your cup final ! Made me smile I must say . What now then ? Mid table mediocrity ? I can’t see you getting relegated :-) , so is this the end of your season ? I think so , 20 odd games of meaningless football without a hint of glory at the end of it . The SPARKLY BOYS on the other hand are still well involved ensuring , whatever happens win or bust , an exiting end to our season . And next season you’ll have another cup final to look forward to . REMEMBER THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT THE FUTURE IS SPARKLY


Anon at 21:30:5 Saturday January 15 2000
Enjoy it while you can. Posh_Fan We'll see what happens come May. That's what is important.


POsh_FAn at 21:13:34 Saturday January 15 2000
WE BEAT THE COBBLERS 1-0 hahaha WHAT A BAD PENALTY AND WHAT A BAD SIDE WE SHOULD HAVE WON 4 or 5 nil and the football on your official site is gay


creaton cobblers at 20:44:59 Saturday January 15 2000
James IF you get in the leagh where do your fans come from NORTAMPTON-NO KETTERING-NO RUSHDEN-NO cant you remember RUSHDEN hate Irthingborough


Paul at 20:43:14 Saturday January 15 2000
Oh, and to be honest I don't care if Diamonds get to the Premier League in 4 years, winning all the cups along the way. We can just look and say, if we had money, we would get there too, but we don't (for now). We can sing "Where were you when you were s*it" at their so called fans. People should just learn to ignore them on here and they will go away, and if they don't, and your ignoring them it won't matter.


Paul at 20:39:21 Saturday January 15 2000
Back from the pub, it was not one sided, and a draw would have been a fair result. However it was not to be, I still enjoyed my day out. The only time the P*&H "fans" ever made any noise was when they scored and we had our penalty saved. The rest of the game we out sung them, and that is something in itself. Overall not a disaster as other results could have been worse. I am not concerned as we are destined to do poorly against them if history is taken into account, so lets look at it as no points gained from no points expected. Were still above them, and will be at the end of the season. UP THE COBBLERS!


Mark Too at 20:38:0 Saturday January 15 2000
hartwell.. I think you are right about the tedium on Saturday, but fingers crossed, Atkins doesn't seem to be working his magic on Chester's survival hopes yet, so let's look forward to a win at least.


hartwell at 20:28:33 Saturday January 15 2000
mmm..well let's look on the bright side of life. most of our remaining ten home games are against clubs well below us - the likes of chester, york, orient, southend and hull. so there's still an awful lot to play for. what we can rely on, as sure as night follows day, is that we'll get the usual brand of atkins tedium on sat. for the sake of all that's good in football i hope we beat them. for sure, if we are to be serious play-off contenders we have to beat such teams - something which we singularly and consistently failed to do last year, which cost us our div 2 status.


Northampton Bloke at 20:10:49 Saturday January 15 2000
I'm feeling fine Jimmy. Showered and scented and ready for a good night out. Crying in beer? Feeling foolish? Gutted? Nah! I'm off to enjoy the various delights of Northampton nightlife. Have a little drinky, go for an Indian or a chinese or an Italian or a West Indian or a Thai or just plain old home cooking. Shall we go to the pictures, or perhaps the theatre? Round the evening off at the casino and then take a taxi home. You see there is so much more to life. Still I suppose you can always cycle down to Safeway's on your Grifter and hang out with da skateboard boyz or stroll down Rushden 'High Street', Peter Crisp's Ha! Does Mrs Slocombe still work there?


Rodney Marshall(MoaningCobbler) at 20:7:51 Saturday January 15 2000
Could Jamesboy remind me which division R&D are in? With Kidderminster top there is no reason to believe Diamonds will even make it this time around. Having viewed the Posh video clips, it wasn't a terrible penalty by Corazzin although I thought Hendon's marking for the goal was crap. Time to roll over Chester I think. However, with Clare back off in a few weeks and Corazzin back in Canada soon I'm not sure where the goals will be coming from!


Anon at 19:54:7 Saturday January 15 2000
What a sad tw@ you are Jamesyboy. Just remind me what competition you achieved you wonderful win in this afternoon. One that I believe we are not allowed to entered as we are a NATIONWIDE LEAGUE club.


JAMESY SMUG BOY at 19:43:4 Saturday January 15 2000
Wobblers how are you feeling tonight I ask myself, a little bit foolish I think. You have been spouting on for months about how you would beat the Pish, but it didn’t happen did it. So back home to cry in your beer make sure to wave at the sparkly stadium on your way home. I am sure you are aware we won today 1-0 down at half time but we turned it around. A great 2-1 victory don’t think we would have done that last season. You Wobblers must be gutted why dose it always-go wrong for you. Beaten by old pineapple head still when you got that penalty bet you thought it was going to turn out all right. All I can say is it’s a goddamn shame, don’t you think. Wobblers I hope you have a pleasant evening. When was the last time you beat the Pish? HA! HA! HA! SEE YA SOON JAMESYBOY


Lenny the Lion at 19:37:45 Saturday January 15 2000
I would like to thank you all from the heart of my bottom for the three points today,that makes it six this season doesn't it? Altogether now POSH Fans:-Can we play you every weeeeek.


Ralph at 19:19:48 Saturday January 15 2000
Thanks Steve but I'd sooner watch Lulu!


Steve at 19:4:23 Saturday January 15 2000
If you want to read the report or see the video clips of the goal and penalty save, they are now on-line at www.theposh.com


Ralph at 19:3:38 Saturday January 15 2000
Lincoln, Carlisle, Hartlepool, Swansea, Cheltenham (Tuesday night), Plymouth, Darlington, Rochdale, Torquay!!!!!! Better start saving for the petrol money folks!


Ralph at 18:56:11 Saturday January 15 2000
We were out battled today, ironically a much coveted quality of the Atkins era. The pitch was awful but a combination of Poo closing us down and our reluctance to play it on the deck renders that excuse invalid. Hunter looked a yard off the pace, probably due to Tuesday's game that also seemed to affect a few others. Poo's use of Farrell out wide gave them an easy option to relieve pressure and we never took steps to counter it. We need to be more combative in games like this and not allow the opposition to force the pace and seize the initiative. Our lack of strength in depth showed itself again today with Sturridge looking well short of the mark. Still the fun never stops and we can begin ruminating over Chester and Atkins next Saturday.


Super Posh at 18:53:11 Saturday January 15 2000
What no response! your nearly as spineless as your midfield players


TRB Mark at 18:52:0 Saturday January 15 2000
SH*T!!


Quality Football at 18:46:29 Saturday January 15 2000
WHERE THE HELL WAS I TODAY??


Ralph at 18:45:20 Saturday January 15 2000
Eleven years could be over two decades, and I take exception to being referred to as a tosser!


Super Posh at 18:45:12 Saturday January 15 2000
Well, I told you the other day not to bother coming to Fortress road ( sorry, London road) but did you listen, NO! I hope this defeat by a far superior side, didn,t hurt to much. Sorry again, what I meant so say is I hope it hurts like hell. Please feel free to have a little cry on POSH'S messageboard I,m sure you will get a sympathetic response,especially as a few sad t**ts tried to take it over earlier. 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 HA HA HA HA HA HA LOTS OF HATE IAN


Mr Posh at 18:34:48 Saturday January 15 2000
11 Years - tossers!! That's over a decade. You'll never beat the Boro.


adam at 18:34:15 Saturday January 15 2000
ouch!


Ralph at 18:5:36 Saturday January 15 2000
'Fat Barry' attributed the penalty save to 'great inside information from goalkeeping coach Tony Godden'.


Ian at 17:17:5 Saturday January 15 2000
Another result to continue our trend of losing to the better teams in the division. McGavin scored two more as Colchester won away, looks like we missed one there.


Robert Dunkley at 16:57:6 Saturday January 15 2000
Cobblers lose 1-0, Carlo missed a penalty and Woodmans ent off for Brentford. We are now in dange rof being overtaken by loads of teams. We must beat Chester well, and forget about this defeat, as it means the fat one will have more time to mess up the Scum


Vegas Cobbler at 16:49:8 Saturday January 15 2000
It's never over until the fat lady sings...there's still a way to go this season. However, we have not got good results against the better sides this season (and I suppose you have to include the Posh in that). On a day of conflicting emotions for ex-Cobblers Larry has scored and Andy Woodman has been sent off....


Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 16:40:28 Saturday January 15 2000
What a disaster, I just felt that we were going to lose today. A disappointing, and who knows, crucial defeat is looming.


Anon at 16:33:11 Saturday January 15 2000
S**T Jason lee has just scored (NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOO)


Robert Dunkley at 15:27:33 Saturday January 15 2000
Ah, but Peterborough have Jason Lee up front, altogether now!


Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 15:21:19 Saturday January 15 2000
Unable to make it to today's match: very strong line-up with Clare and Corazzin up front. I have bad vibes about the match, I hope they are unjustified. Starting line-up: Welch Hendon Spedding Sampson Green Hunter Hunt Frain Parrish Corazzin Clare. Subs: O'Reilly, Hope, Hughes, Peer, Sturridge.


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 13:14:51 Saturday January 15 2000
COME ON YOU COBBLERS COME ON YOU COBBLERS. WE ARE YOU GOING TO BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF THE BORO TODAY. IT WILL BE THE BATTLE OF LONDON ROAD TODAY STARTING AT 3pm. SUPPORT THE TROOPS ON THE FIELD OF PLAY. GO YOU COBBLERS ONTO BATTLE. FIGHT FOR N.T.F.C..... 2-0 3-1 WIN TODAY FOR THE MIGHTY COBBLERS. READ AND WEEP FAT BOY FRY!! LETS KEEP THE RED FLAG FLYING HIGH! DAVE.E


Sid at 12:40:42 Saturday January 15 2000
Oh well, the joys of working on one of the most important games of the season - They always spring a bloody stocktake on an important day don't they?!? All 3,000+ must get behind the lads today, even if we are losing - it has the makings of a classic match today! so lets kick some Boro ass..... COME ON TOWWWWNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!


Sid at 12:37:53 Saturday January 15 2000
Ray, Im sure we only had 3,300 to sell!


Bez at 12:37:41 Saturday January 15 2000
20 minutes before I set off to London Road... OOOh, lets remember 1986-7 for a moment. The Cobblers doing the double over Peterborough... aaaah the memories, it won't happen this year but today has a lot more in it than just a derby match we win and a gap appears between us and the pack, we lose and... oh we won't lose posh are crap anyway. NORTHAMPTON NORTHAMPTON NORTHAMPTON. Last time we play Posh for a while in the league so everyone at the Cobblers enjoy todays game and promotion beckons for us whilst under Fat Pie n' Chips we'll be putting our noses up at those working class 'posh' twats!!!!!!!!!


R+D at 12:15:55 Saturday January 15 2000
Come on, uuuuuuuuuu blues...


Fat R's at 11:57:58 Saturday January 15 2000
Dont forget to moon at Nene park on the way to Boro


Ray at 11:29:5 Saturday January 15 2000
3600 (ish)


Statto at 11:9:24 Saturday January 15 2000
How many tickets did we sell for pish in the end?


CDU at 10:37:56 Saturday January 15 2000
We love you Cobblers we do , We love you Cobblers we do, We love you Cobblers we do, Ohhhhhh Cobblers we love you !!!!!!!!!!


Anon at 10:31:55 Saturday January 15 2000
Are you walking then?


T. at 10:23:40 Saturday January 15 2000
I'm off in about 5 mins, haven't looked forward to amatch so much since Atkins went


Ralph at 10:6:45 Saturday January 15 2000
There is no known cure Roy!


BR at 8:42:58 Saturday January 15 2000
ssen?


BR at 8:42:14 Saturday January 15 2000
Is there a game today? If so, who have we got? Is it worth going? Has anyone ssen my medication?


DavCobbler FTP at 8:6:18 Saturday January 15 2000
Round of applause for the Poshie Geezer.....It takes some doing to spout like that on here...Congratulations...C you all in the Peacock....we will be there aty 12-00 WEY HEY...UP THE COBBLERS....FTP !!!


CDU at 7:51:53 Saturday January 15 2000
Jesus Ray wait till I've downloaded the bastards before you shop em !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the only action I'll get !


Anon at 0:29:38 Saturday January 15 2000
Well Posh Fan we were saying much the same not so long back !!


Posh Fan of 35 years. at 0:20:17 Saturday January 15 2000
Terrible thing for me to say, but I really hope you Cobblers stuff us tomorrow - in a perverse way it will be the only way we will progress as a club. How bas a situation are things when you have to admit something like that.


Ray at 0:3:2 Saturday January 15 2000
Will you be wearing your cape as well?


Ralph at 23:27:54 Friday January 14 2000
As a protest against the split within the Trust travel I am walking to London Road, I leave at midnight and expect to arrive in time for the big kick-off. If you pass me on your way give us a wave and a toot, you can't miss me I'm the bloke in the tight underpants!


Ray at 23:26:12 Friday January 14 2000
The reason why neither this site not the official one has either match pictures or videos is that at the beginning of the season the Football League issed an edict that no site would be allowed to show them...tight - just off to shop the Poo Site - cya later.


Ralph at 23:25:32 Friday January 14 2000
I'm always smiling, I can't get loose fitting underpants! I'm all for a bit of constructive criticism. So where is it?


Sexy blonde at 23:22:24 Friday January 14 2000
Id like a ride anon. Maybe we could take a detour...


JAMESYBOY at 23:4:31 Friday January 14 2000
COME ON BOR COME ON BORO please win pish


'Boro Pub Shagger at 22:49:35 Friday January 14 2000
Oi!!!! You blown my cover now.......


Sid at 22:48:22 Friday January 14 2000
Don't forget your GTA's for tomorrow match at BORO!!!!!!!!! Mail me on the above address with attendance guesses


Headmistress at 22:30:30 Friday January 14 2000
better still, get an education!!!


JAMESYBOY at 22:26:20 Friday January 14 2000
COME ON BORO COME ON BORO YOU ARE GOING TO GET SHAGGED IN THAT PUB


Head Teacher at 22:13:15 Friday January 14 2000
Charlotte - for Christ's sake get a dictionary you ignorant tart.


NICK CHAT at 22:7:2 Friday January 14 2000
BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY COME ON BARRY


Nick Chat at 22:5:30 Friday January 14 2000
BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY BLUE ARMY 2-0 2-0


Charlotte at 22:5:10 Friday January 14 2000
Up the COBBLERS - Who's impercinating me


Charlotte Thursby at 22:4:31 Friday January 14 2000
Iestyn sucks willies


Brassica at 22:3:55 Friday January 14 2000
Any wobblers fancy a drink before the match tommorow then why not try the Lion on Cowgate. Good food and great entertainment......!


IESTYN at 22:3:6 Friday January 14 2000
I am GAY and LOVE PETERBOROUGH utd


Charlotte Thursby at 22:1:10 Friday January 14 2000
Charlotte and Iestyn LOVE Peterborough UTD 4 eva


Brassica at 21:59:33 Friday January 14 2000
2-0 To the Boro', 2-0 to the Boro'. Read 'em and weep guys. Blue army - Salami - Ferrari


JAMESYBOY at 21:55:30 Friday January 14 2000
I was going to slag the wobblers off butR&d you are a dick going to Bath tomorrow I am


R+D at 21:51:7 Friday January 14 2000
Hi, all. Joke - a breast surgon gets a really nice lady in, but as she whips off her bra, she has a "c" between the breasts. The sugion says "where d'you get thet from?" she says "my boyfriend goes to cambridge, + he likes to wear it when we make love". Next week another women comes in, and she's got an "o" between the pair. She revaeals she has a boyfriend who goes to oxford, and he wears it when they make love. Next week a real stunner comes in, and as she takes off her bra, she reveals a "w" between he fabulous breasts. The sugeon goes, 'Ah, a boyfriend that goes to Warwick uni, then?'. 'No', the girl replies, under flashing eyelids, 'A girfried at Manchester'. Forever, R+D


Anon at 21:50:0 Friday January 14 2000
we know


Anon at 21:36:17 Friday January 14 2000
Nick Chattle is Gay


HP at 21:15:52 Friday January 14 2000
If anyone wants a chat go NOW to the new Posh chatroom at http://cobbler.spedia.net/ ... Where are you Pink SHirt Dave ?


Envious at 19:10:30 Friday January 14 2000
Wow! That's better than this site!


Steve at 18:40:44 Friday January 14 2000
Match previews uploaded at www.theposh.com The Official Posh website. Just click on Match Details on the main menu and then Match Previews. After the match there will be a full report (in the Posh Pink 'Un) and video clips (Match Details, Video Clips) of all the goals, uploaded on the site by about 6.30 pm.


Ray at 18:21:43 Friday January 14 2000
DON'T FORGET TO TIP FOR TOMORROWS GAME!!


Anon at 17:35:27 Friday January 14 2000
sorry bazza, i wouldn't give you a lift, even if you offered me the Etherington and Davies transfer cash.


Barry Fry at 17:33:2 Friday January 14 2000
Anon @17:3:38. I wouldn't mind a lift, I'm so fat I can hardly get up the stairs.


SixfieldsTicket Office at 17:30:18 Friday January 14 2000
Only 90 minutes left to get your tickets for the Peterborough game.


Anon at 17:3:58 Friday January 14 2000
just the one in my car. if anyone wants a lift via the a421, a1 then leave a message here


Not Anon at 16:52:39 Friday January 14 2000
Anon,I heard that we have sold between 3000 and 3500 tickets for Peterboro'.


Anon at 16:36:44 Friday January 14 2000
I logged on to share some excitement about tomorrow where is it?? does anyone know how many we are taking ... theres 4 in my car


IKCIWTold at 16:33:5 Friday January 14 2000
Yesterday's anon quote of £40,000 to pay off Wilkinson is correct. On a different subject, and I haven't been told anything about this one, but if it is correct that Atkin's gave details about our players to Darlington, it is not inconceivable that he could have cost us promotion. Three points could be really crucial come next May. And let's not forget that we are still having to pay the man £125,000 (have been told that bit) to see the back of him. So I'm not at all sure that I will be amongst the welcoming committee on the 22nd.


Vince at 16:4:16 Friday January 14 2000
Although Wilkinsons career as a league player is seemingly over ( I wonder if he'll turn up at a non-league club in a few months time?). He has at least played for a good number of years and at a level where he would have received an income that many players would have dreamed of. I'm afraid I can't feel too sorry for him but I do wish that he had been able to play to his full potential for NTFC, who knows - he may have saved us from relegation which would have been money well spent. As a player and a person, unfortunately we saw so little of him it was impossible to form an opinion, good or bad.


Ray at 15:43:47 Friday January 14 2000
Whilst to a certain extent I agree, I think we should all bear in mind that Wilkinsons career is over and that must sadden people, no matter what they thought of him.


Vince at 15:42:31 Friday January 14 2000
Daventry Cob & Anon, thanks for tips on Pubs. Now that Wilkinsons contract has been terminated does it mean we no longer have to pay him or has his outstanding contract been paid off? Either way he must be the most expensive player we've ever had in terms of games played and the total amount he has cost the club (a figure of £200,000 has been suggested) The injuries which stopped him playing were not his fault but surely the club has learned that paying huge sums to older players with nothing to prove is not a good idea.


Get your facts right. at 14:17:45 Friday January 14 2000
Constructive Criticism (yeah, right!) - I think you'll find Ralph was one of the loudest singers on there.


Anon at 13:56:0 Friday January 14 2000
sorry for taking your name in vain ray, but that gag had to come from you


Ray at 13:55:32 Friday January 14 2000
Anon.... You may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one. I hope someday yopu will join us. And Sixfields can be as one.


Constructive criticism at 13:48:6 Friday January 14 2000
Smile Ralph - you cant help it if your mates cant sing!


Carl at 13:37:20 Friday January 14 2000
I will be making my weekly trip upto mighty Northamptonshire in about an hour. Tomorrow is really beginning to get to me, I can tell you. So, so looking forward to it, just hope the anxiety I am feeling at the moment is worth the fuss. I feel if we play the game like we have been doing then we should have no problem, just worry a little about the number of key players who are missing. Still should be fun, will see you all there I am sure, although I won't know who most of you are. I am easy to spot, Shorts and a Bright Yellow Cobblers Fleece. Sing loud and have fun. You can buy me a pint in The Wheatsheaf in Braunston after the game if you feel like it, 'cause if we win it is gonna be a serious session. UP THE COBBLERS!!!!! See ya later.


TRB Mark at 13:31:11 Friday January 14 2000
I forgot to mention that I sold 5 CD's over the Christmas period so there's another £24.00! I too can't believe that track 3 at least isn't belting out of the PA at game's end when we lose and track 2 when we win. Thanks for the reply Andy C. I would like to see Gillingham go up. There's remarkably little talk of tommorrow's showdown. For me it is almost a home game in that it is only about 10 miles farther to London Road than it is to Sixfields


Ralph at 13:23:45 Friday January 14 2000
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM????? - Pah!


Carl at 13:17:24 Friday January 14 2000
Bloody apostrophes!!


Carl at 13:14:22 Friday January 14 2000
So the two Kevs are here until end of 2001 season, good news ahead of tomorrows game. Get's me wondering if there was any thought went into the timing of the announcement, i.e. the afternoon before the biggest game of the season, just a thought!


Anon. at 12:58:27 Friday January 14 2000
Ray you are a dreamer


Ray at 12:53:54 Friday January 14 2000
Andy C: Changing the manager and style of play following losing at Wembley, as you say, may have played a large part in you bucking the trend. I hate to say it but if the same thing had happened here would would probably now be in the First and not the Third.


Sid at 12:44:35 Friday January 14 2000
John Hodge would be an intersting signing. Since Ali Gibb's loss of confidence, and our conversion to 4-4-2, he would fit in superbly. I remember when he played for Walsall against Cobbs (in Decemebr 1998?) and he was superb. Scored a good goal v. Luton a few years back while at Walsall.


Anon at 12:34:20 Friday January 14 2000
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


DavCobbler .....All flu`ed up at 12:29:36 Friday January 14 2000
Well, would you bloody believe it !! One day to go and I get the bloody cold !!!...Will it stop me ????? Nahhhhhh !!!!...On the topic of Boozers...there is one called The Peacock just up the road from the ground. This has been our haunt on each of the last few times we have been to Pooh....always full of Cobbs looking forward to whipping the Pooh....C ya Tomorrow ...UP THE COBBLERS !!!


Anon at 11:30:59 Friday January 14 2000
The bridge, near London Road is the best pub (if memory serves me). It is away fans only and normally it is the town's gay pub.


mellon at 11:12:25 Friday January 14 2000
I feel let down by the trust member tony clarke, he says he speaks for us but does he, i feel he needs to consider what is bigger the trust of him


Vince at 11:10:6 Friday January 14 2000
Does anyone know of a "safe" pub near London Road or in Peterboro city centre that serves half decent grub?


Andy C at 10:42:14 Friday January 14 2000
John Hodge - 42 of his first 50 games for us were as sub. He's set up several Priestfield-shaking goals, but it's been suggested that he can only produce for about 20 minutes per game so there's no point starting with him. All of us would love to have him in the side but he won't fit into a 5-3-2 because he doesn't have the work-rate. I still think PT would ideally like to play 4-4-2 and in that system Hodgie might start more often. Don't think he'll leave until we're out of the Cup.


Andy C at 10:37:25 Friday January 14 2000
TRB Mark, I am here, although still somewhat speechless after Tuesday's shock win. A source at GFC tells me that the current form is a cunning ruse to keep the supporters happy for a while before we lose our last 23 league games and sneak into the Third Division on the final Saturday. Seriously though, we had a good side last year and if we'd started better we might have made the top two. (We might be saying the same again this May.) We kept the same players but changing the manager and the style of play have got their minds off Wembley. It must also be said that the general standard in Division Two is fairly low this year and we've lost to all the top three, but to do this without Asaba (injured since Wembley) and now Taylor is remarkable. Credit to Peter Taylor for strengthening the squad (in quantity, if not quality) and buying Andy Thomson who cost £25k and has scored 10 and claimed another he got nowhere near! If Pulis had stayed I think we'd probably be top of the table now, but we knew it couldn't last and no one is really complaining. Reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals (which didn't look viable when we scraped past Cheltenham in round one) would be tremendous - and we should make the play-offs. All of which begs the question why eight (I think) of the beaten finalists in the 90s were relegated the following year...


Constructive Critisism at 9:54:19 Friday January 14 2000
Regarding the CD. Great song, great idea, quite dreadful rendition! Full marks for effort but!


Robert Dunkley at 9:46:2 Friday January 14 2000
Cobblers ar ebeing linked with a move for Gillingham winger John Hodge according to their unofficial site.


Cornonthecob at 8:50:2 Friday January 14 2000
does anyone want a spare borough ticket? it is a concession ticket how are ticket sales going?


Carl at 8:18:55 Friday January 14 2000
So how many CDs have been sold then?


Ray at 2:13:52 Friday January 14 2000
You obviously did not see my tongue in my cheek BR....


Dan D Lion at 1:1:56 Friday January 14 2000
Go and boil your bottoms you sons of a silly perosn. I don't want to talk to you no more you empty animal food trough water. I blow my nose at you and all you so called English knnnnnnnnnnnnigits. Snzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Snzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!


MartinW at 0:56:22 Friday January 14 2000
NTFC Andy - and you can leave WSD alone too, you bully. Go and boil your bottom, you son of a silly person. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.


MartinW at 0:54:21 Friday January 14 2000
Sorry, Willo has done more in the short time in charge that Atkins has done in the years he was in charge. And I'm not talking about Wembley. Us fans are so easily pleased when it comes to Wembley and Bristol Rovers. What about day in day out entertaining football. That's what it is about. Football is about entertainment. That word was left out ofAtkins vocabulary. Sod Atkins. Sorry, sod him. I hope Chester go down, then maybe Atkins will wake up to the fact that he needs to understand the concept of flexibility in his thinking. Every pat on the back Willo gives the players, every passionate fists in the air celebration he show as he walks down the tunnel, means more than anything Atkins has EVER done. Why? Because Willo has the right attitude to the game. That's why a 3-0 defeat to Darlo doesn't hurt. Because I know we can win 3-0 next week. Yes, results matter, and we've had them. Good on yah, Willo. Who else would let the youngsters have a go. Who else would have given young Ryan Thompson and Garry Hughes a game - and they were tremendous. Not Atkins. And Richard Green looks like a tremendous signing. I've done something I've never done ever. Bought a half season ticket and intend buying my first full one next season. Why? Because for once I'm seeing entertaining football at Sixfields. It's worth ensuring I get the seat I always want. So you can stuff your moaning. Although disappointment over results and observations about our defending are valid - Willo seems to be taking all this on board. He's a total inspiration.


NTFC_ANDY at 0:53:48 Friday January 14 2000
WSD YOURE STILL A TWAT YOU ALLWAYS HAVE BEEN ALLWAYS WILL BE.


MartinW at 0:41:54 Friday January 14 2000
Come on - forget We're Simply The Best - get that song on as the players come down the tunnel. Northampton Town, I'm Proud To Be - The COBBLERS! I can hear it now. We'll all sing, won't we. WON'T WE!


MartinW at 0:39:46 Friday January 14 2000
And Atkins won't be getting a warm welcome from me. Let's not kid ourselves he was a twat. All the negatives outweigh the positives.


WSD at 0:38:4 Friday January 14 2000
BR, Ralph and Deepcut - we should all request the song on *ahem* "Radio Cobblers" before the rest of the games this season :-) I sold over 15 copies in the sixth form despite a big chorus of laughs when i first played it, so it certainly has something to it, it's not easy making an 18 year old part with £4 if it hasn't got alcohol in it!


MartinW at 0:37:45 Friday January 14 2000
Actually, I think we should start a campaign to get Fields of Green played as the teams come onto the pitch at Sixfields. It would really lift everyone. They tried Let Me Entertain You when Atkins was in power - but that didn't wash. Don't know why....


Canuck Fan at 0:8:20 Friday January 14 2000
Totally off topic here, but it may interest you to know that Gary Glitter's 'ROCK & ROLL' is a constant during the many commercial interruptions in many NHL cities. Of course, the teams all jumped off the bandwagon with the judgement against Glitter news out of the UK and now refuse to play the song. Of course, Michael Jackson's 'BEAT IT' still gets played as he paid off all the many complainants against him.


Anon at 23:49:18 Thursday January 13 2000
Simply because you love the Club BR unlike some of the ingratiating wagon jumping twats that speak a good game but have nothing to offer.Your mark has been made and will remain for eternity. Just check at the top of this page ! :o)


BR at 23:35:57 Thursday January 13 2000
So how is ridiculing the CD going to help sales then Ray? I wonder why I bothered sometimes.


BR at 23:32:2 Thursday January 13 2000
Thanks for that Ray. I still like it.


Ray at 23:4:37 Thursday January 13 2000
So what you are saying is - when people are really depressed - lets depress them more? We could always play "Fields of Green" everytime the opposition scored - that would put them off doing it again :-)


Deepcut Cobbler at 22:50:25 Thursday January 13 2000
Shouldn't they play the CD at relevant stages during the game to promote the old community singing. Have noticed that some teams have started playing tunes after goals or significant incidents have happened during the game, ala North American Ice Hockey. I think Man City were one club who have started this. We could use the CD on the occasions that 6fields goes into morgue mode... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!! ??Royalties every time it is played???


Ralph at 22:36:46 Thursday January 13 2000
A lot of time and effort was put into making the CD and it is nothing short of disgraceful that the club does not play the song or attempt to promote it. Bloody ridiculous 'cos they benefit directly from each one sold. There are still plenty to be sold but I guess most fans don't even know of its existence. Mark's cards are a quality product and I for one would be happy to buy them each year. What is it with the commercial department?


Deepcut Cobbler at 22:36:39 Thursday January 13 2000
With WHU having two keepers committed to overseas tournaments, is there a possibility of us having Alex O' recalled if they find themselves short??? COME ON YOU COBBLERS


Deepcut Cobbler at 22:29:21 Thursday January 13 2000
Just to reiterate earlier comments, sad that Marks cards wil not be selling next Xmas. Fellow lower division club fans acknowledge the Cobblers card but fail to produce one from their own club!! And talking of money and recognition, how many Cobblestones CDs were sold and how much has been put into the trust coffer thus far?? Can't get up for the pish game but will do a good impression of what a Man U fan does for all of their games.(Watch it on the teletext). COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!


Ralph at 22:22:31 Thursday January 13 2000
Really sorry to hear about the cards Mark, I hope you can work out something with the club. My relatives expect!


Ralph at 22:21:7 Thursday January 13 2000
TRUST - Belief, confidence, faith, hope, reliance, assurance, guardianship, commitment, responsibility. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!


TRB Mark at 20:41:21 Thursday January 13 2000
If Andy C is reading this, what has happened to Gillingham? After losing to Man City in such circumstances in the play -offs, your role was to slump in form and get relegated back to Div 3. Still in the FA Cup, near the top of the league! Explanations please!


TRB Mark at 20:38:48 Thursday January 13 2000
Thanks chaps, I'm filling up! As I said, I will only do a card in conjunction with the club, officially. I will do a painting, if commissioned, but the selling of and profits will be the concern of the club. I always had it in the back of my mind that the club would want to do their own card once someone had proved that it could be profitable. Actually I was presented with a certificate in by the Trust in recognition of the £1,000 plus that I had raised. If the club do ask me to do the card, I have a nice idea lined up..........


Canuck Fan at 18:48:26 Thursday January 13 2000
To Richard: "Why is Pesch playing for Fulham while Carlo is playing for Canada"?? Good question. Pesch has a history of late of nagging injuries preventing him from International appearances, however, in this case, he was given the OK by Canada's German coach, Holger Osieck, to stay with his club, as he is in a bit of a fight to play 1st team football with Fulham. Although he is a fan favourite (at Fulham), he is in tough with new signings at striker position. Carlo has only recently been given time on the team, and did well in October in Gold Cup qualifying. I for one am glad to see him back in the side as he seems to have improved immensely in the last few years. Pesch will be called back in February for the Gold Cup along with Carlo. I know this tournament is a pain for your clubs which pay the wages, but Concacaf stupidly has this midwinter timetable and a lot other clubs are affected such as West Ham (Craig Forrest CAN and Shaka Hislop T&T), Nottingham Forest (Jim Brennan CAN and Stern John T&T), Glascow Rangers (Claudio Reyna USA), Dundee United (Jason deVos and Pat Onstad (Can) among others. Club vs country problems get bigger as your various leagues increase their non-European content).


la fan at 17:34:3 Thursday January 13 2000
:-)


The Romsey Cobbler at 17:23:2 Thursday January 13 2000
Very sorry to hear that Mark Pacan doesn't plan to do Christmas cards this year. I found them very high quality and with a great sense of humour. Perhaps this is something that should be raised with the Club now so that any differences can be resolved in good time to change Mark's mind.


Anon at 17:21:39 Thursday January 13 2000
It's costing the club 40 grand to end Wilkinson's contract.


Anon at 17:1:42 Thursday January 13 2000
lma manager omn playstation, best and only managemrnet game on p/s. i recommend it. cobblers r in the 2nd div and sixfields is 14,000


hoops at 16:18:45 Thursday January 13 2000
low-key departure for wilkinson then. bit of a disastrous signing but he had a good pedigree and i guess it was just unlucky for all concerned that it didn't work out. looked to be past his best when he did play and no doubt he's been a drain on the resources for some time. good to see that it's finally sorted out


Anon at 16:16:7 Thursday January 13 2000
Northampton Town have this afternoon completed the signing of defender Richard Green on a free transfer from Walsall. Green has signed a deal until the end of the season after originally arriving at Sixfields on loan last Friday. He scored on his debut against Shrewsbury Town last Saturday and also appeared in Tuesday night’s Auto Windscreens Shield game against Bristol Rovers. While Green checks in, striker Paul Wilkinson has had his contract terminated by the club because of injury. Wilkinson last appeared for the Cobblers first team a year ago in a 3-1 defeat at Stoke City.


Anon at 15:44:32 Thursday January 13 2000
Charles Rivett - can you tell the difference between the two then??


LA at 15:43:44 Thursday January 13 2000
yep mmmmmm going HH now...... def wow...! Have a pleasurable evening :-)


Anon at 15:31:42 Thursday January 13 2000
.....its on the top of my head.....


Anon at 14:48:6 Thursday January 13 2000
Charles - So whats your point


Charles Rivett at 14:43:32 Thursday January 13 2000
I support Arsenal but watch cobblers every week


Charles Rivett at 14:42:22 Thursday January 13 2000
I hate cobblers and their fans


Al at 14:8:50 Thursday January 13 2000
Vince - Bit irronic though don't you think - there seemed little point in setting up the trust travel club in the first place when we already had two.


Vince at 13:54:17 Thursday January 13 2000
Mark, we too will miss your cards, they were a pleasure to send and always well received. I can also understand why you won't be doing them for next Xmas. As Dyl say's many of those helping the trust go unrecognised but then that is the nature of most voluntary work. The whole episode with the Parkers just seems sad as there really seems no logic in setting up another travel club.


Dyl at 13:37:29 Thursday January 13 2000
Sad to hear that Mark won't be doing another card, but I fully understand his reasons. Because of the amount of cash involved the Trust has to my mind always put the Travel Club on a pedestal. To me, it seems that running such an outfit whilst inevitably time consuming is not that great a challenge when you've done it a while. Coming up with new ideas however, takes much more time and energy -- a classic case is the Cobblestones cd which involved a lot of legwork and organisational time, as well as people backing it with private cash (like the xmas cards). I would suggest that as good a job as B+J did with the Travel Club, there are greater achievements going unrecognised. The Trust needs to take a long hard look at itself. It should not be about running a 'who can raise the most cash contest', it should look at other ways of getting involved in the club, and it should praise anyone who does anything, succesful or unsuccesful, to help the Trust and ultimately the club.


Ray at 13:32:8 Thursday January 13 2000
.....because Carlo is better?


Richard at 13:17:15 Thursday January 13 2000
Why was Peschisolicdo playing for Fulham while Carlo was playing for Canada?


LA fan at 12:58:20 Thursday January 13 2000
Pleased to hear it LA! Go to HH and think of trains. Wow.


LA at 12:33:45 Thursday January 13 2000
ditto.. tonic working wonders..


Carl at 12:21:15 Thursday January 13 2000
No that's not me, I am a native of Welton, little village outside Daventry, now exiled in Portsmouth, although hopefully not for much longer


TRB Mark at 11:38:55 Thursday January 13 2000
Further to the comments below about Barry Parker and the Trust Travel. At the Trust AGM, Dave Linnell was singing the praises of Barry and Jenny and a woman took issue with the fact that there were other people who work just as hard for Trust travel but never get a mention. This seemed to take Dave Linnell aback and the whole thing was a bit emarrassingly awkward. I would agree that Brian Lomax's deft diplomatic touch seems to be missing. The question of ego's being ruffled is a debatable point. For instance, I had to work hard and late to get the Christmas card done in time for the Trust AGM and the match on the following Saturday. I had to get a few people to bend over backwards and put my project first. I drove down to Watford on the day of the AGM and staight to Sixfields and spent the evening stuffing cards in envelopes so that I could start recouping some of the £500 that I had put on the line to help the Trust. Peter Alker, when giving an apprasial of the Trust funds completly mispronounced my surname and did'nt even know how much I had donated in prevoius years (He only had to ask!) Not the end of the world, but irritating. There was no announcement from Dave Linnell that the cards were on sale and it was left to me to stand up and shout something out at the end. Along with an earbashing I had from the commercial manager, Eric Broard, I have dedcided this is hassle I can do without. There will be no Christmas card from me this year, unless the club commission me to do one on a proper business footing. Someone once told me that when you do things for nothing, then people don't appreciate you and I think there is truth in this. Anyway, the good news is that this year's card raised £19 for the Macmillan fund for Cancer (via sales from Nationwide branches) and £504 profit. Normally, most of this would go to the Trust but I had to make a different agreement with with Eric Broard and this sum will go straight to the club. In Eric Broard's defence though, he has looked at all areas of sales in the shop and was going to produce a Christmas card, not realising that I had already done one. There was always the chance that the club would produce it's own card and without sales throught the club shop, it would'nt be viable for me to do it.


Abington Cobbler at 11:35:12 Thursday January 13 2000
Are you the same Carl who used to live on The Headlands, works on the market and gets thrown out of The Foundry most weekends?


Abington Cobblers at 11:33:32 Thursday January 13 2000
As an actual exile from the Town this page is an excellant chance to read people's "Northampton mentality" and remind me why I left in the first place!! Only joking! Anyway, can anyone tell me if the Eastern district is still as minging as I remember it to be and where are all those Kosovan refugees staying?? Thank you


Bum Rush The Show at 10:4:52 Thursday January 13 2000
Do you reckon that Atkins will bring all his men back to defend corners? He'll definately play at least 5 at the back, but what he does with them I don't know. They're all crap so he'll probably pack the midfield , and we'll pack it in his heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!!


LA fan at 9:25:57 Thursday January 13 2000
W is missing you.


Carl at 8:29:23 Thursday January 13 2000
Richard, are you the chap who writes Stuart Hall's aprez match round ups for BBC Radio 5. Excellent as ever.


RICHARD at 0:37:49 Thursday January 13 2000
BR: Must have missed it. Me and the match, that is, not Billy and the penalty!


THE SPARKLER at 0:34:35 Thursday January 13 2000
Good luck to all the posh lads ln the upcomeing game agin the Gobblers ! I and the sparkley end of the county are 100% behind you SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR POSH 4 GOBBLERS 0


BR at 0:18:58 Thursday January 13 2000
Richard - I remember penalties up Sixfields about two years ago in the AWS. Turley took one and scored.


RICHARD at 23:56:22 Wednesday January 12 2000
IK'CIWT: Gasheads piston by AWSome youth. Despite the winter cold, the match day timing, the horrendous cost and the nature of the competition, Sixfields welcomed a relatively healthy turnout of some 2400+ fans, determined to enjoy the evening in party mood (despite the derisory 64 page-light £1 match programme - a future collector's item, no doubt, which doubled as toilet paper of the old Izel scraper variety), was treated perversely to a dazzling gem of a spectacle. The team sheet read like a youth/reserve kick-a-bout, the announment of the starting line-up was greeted with.........well, nothing really. The sound of raised eyebrows was deafening! Were we just making up the numbers? Actually, yes we were. Willo had little option with injury, sickness and internatonal duty taking further toll on a still diminishing squad. The irony then, perhaps, is that the 'youth XI' not only gave a good account of itself, but thoroughly deserved the applause at the end of normal & extra time. That they made a 'useful' 2nd Division side look ordinary and, to my mind, took the honours after 120 minutes, is testament to the strength in depth we have in the squad and the faith Willo has in playing them. Led by Captain Hendo with stupendous style, aided and abetted by arch-henchmen, Welchy the superlative showman and Super Sean the Wrexham wrecking ball, the 'undergraduates' fitted in seamlessly during the course of the extended match. As for the Pirates, I'm not sure if they were entirely up for it. They had the likes of Foster in defence, Cureton and Roberts up front. The latter, whose 'Bambi on ice' impersonation, when clear on goal, intent on netting to put Rovers 1-0 up, faced only with the frightening spectre of Welchy's lumbering frame blotting out the goal, was the highlight of the night.He tried it again later in the match, with less comic effect, only to be foiled again by 'His Omnipotence, The Netminder General' ! Rovers looked nothing special, it has to be said, considering their league position. It was a pleasure to watch Cobblers passing the ball around, as fans have come to expect, under the new, improved regime. The first 20 minutes or so, to be fair seemed a little like a training session, the crowd chatting amongst themselves more than following the match. I've never earwigged so many different conversations all at once; it was hard to keep track of all the deeds of sexual conquest the blokes around the boy, Chris and me, were boasting of, real or imaginary! As the hour approached though, with no 'scoring' on the field of play either, and but a few chances for both sides, things began to warm up on the pitch-side. I would say that after 90 minutes it was 'honours even' and I would have been happy to make the trip to Bristle for the replay. But this is the AWS after all and no such niceties are allowed. And so to extra time, the hairy-arsed, sudden death variety. No one around me seemed concerned over the prospect of penalties, the first at Sixfields in my recollection. Rovers posed no threat in attack, ably policed by the intoxicating cocktail of youth and experience at the back. We had the unusual sight of the 2H Men in tandem, saddled with the responsibility of providing the mid-field dynamo. Stepping up a gear, they peddled their flair and pumped aggression in equal measure. Our spearhead was teenage vigour personified, chasing, striving, seducing and contriving. What had we to fear from average Avonites? Was youth going to hold sway in extra time? Cobblers fitness was to prove a key factor in determining the balance of play for that last 30 minutes. However, the game was unable to find a satisfactory conclusion over the two hours and the last passage of play, which summed up the match for me, saw Hendo breaking from deep right like Captain Marvel ( the fantasy comic strip hero type, not the powdered milk variety!), through a harrassed and distracted defence, bearing down manfully on goal hell-bent on winning the day, faced only by Father Ted look-alike 'keeper (except for the grey hair) Parkin, praying for salvation.............................................as the ref's untimely whistle blew - heralding the do-or-die, one-on-one ritual combat which we all love and hate in equal measure. But that's another story!


Ralph at 23:5:16 Wednesday January 12 2000
Thanks for that info Canuck.


Canuck Fan at 21:49:42 Wednesday January 12 2000
You'll be happy to hear that Carlo escaped uninjured from his Caribbean tour after being involved in both of Canada's goals in a 2-0 win over lowly Bermuda last night. Carlo flicked on a goal kick to Chester's Martin Nash who opened the scoring at 25 minutes. He combined with Werder Bremen's Paul Stalteri to again set up Nash at 30 minutes. With Bermuda tackling hard, Canada lost GK WestHam's Craig Forrest to a groin injury, Dundee United's Jason DeVos to a bad ankle and Colorado Rapid's MF Jason Bent to knee ligament damage. Quite the toll from a meaningless 2 game series for a national side without much depth. Good luck to you Cobblers this weekend.


Peaches & Cream at 21:33:32 Wednesday January 12 2000
like desserts do you....!


LA at 21:23:54 Wednesday January 12 2000
VG...just what the Doc ordered! :-)


Sid at 21:20:58 Wednesday January 12 2000
Don't see why we shouldn't give Atkins a warm welcome. He did good things with the club and they should be remembered - It should be interesting to see an Atkins side play against us!


Anon at 21:12:36 Wednesday January 12 2000
x


Carl at 20:40:19 Wednesday January 12 2000
I meant all this good news that is now coming from our club, not just The Clare thing. If you go back to October when Mr Atkins was here the conversation was a lot more feisty. Talking of Mr Atkins, what reaction do we think he will receive a week Saturday? I will give him a round of applause, what about the rest of you


Carl at 20:34:17 Wednesday January 12 2000
For wht, read why


Carl at 20:33:53 Wednesday January 12 2000
I reckon that is wht this site is so placid and quiet at the moment, all we are getting is relatively good news. Apart from all that travel crap, but that don't effect me 'cause we drive to all the games, part of the fun of the day.


MartinW at 20:25:1 Wednesday January 12 2000
Great news that we have secured the services of Grimsby Town striker Daryl Clare for a third month on loan. It means that he will carry on with us up to and including the Carlisle United game on 12 February. Hooray# And Richard Green....ooooh...suits me sir.


Ralph at 19:12:41 Wednesday January 12 2000
It's all getting a bit 'my dad's bigger than your dad'. There must be something more fulfilling than this?


Yawn at 18:50:6 Wednesday January 12 2000
We already know.


LATEST NEWS!! at 18:42:26 Wednesday January 12 2000
Believe me


LATEST NEWS!! at 18:29:29 Wednesday January 12 2000
Latest info (yes, this is true)! - Have you ever wondered why we got outplayed and thrashed 3-0 by Darlington, at home? Well here's why: It would appear that Ian Atkins provided Darlington manager, David Hodgson, with a detailed dossier on all NTFC players (strengths and weaknesses) to which Darlo used to their advantage. I.A. stabbed us in the back!


Carl at 18:12:56 Wednesday January 12 2000
I reckon you should change your name to East Northants Village Yob, oh my that spells out ENVY, job's a good un. Saturday should be quite good fun what with all their turmoil and strife, wouldn't it be nice to win, Saturday night would be fun then, I can tell you. UP THE COBBLERS


Peaches and Cream at 17:24:59 Wednesday January 12 2000
What a nice thought.


Ray at 17:22:44 Wednesday January 12 2000
....and we are probably taking more fans to Poo this Saturday than R&D have ever had for any home match.


Serial at 17:8:2 Wednesday January 12 2000
That's easy. They've never had a league match.....


Anon at 16:58:49 Wednesday January 12 2000
it would be a sad look-out if Rushden with all of their success couldn't muster a half-decent turnout for a local derby. But when was the last time you took 3,000 away for a league match?


Ray at 16:25:34 Wednesday January 12 2000
Nah - leave him to dream....sad case really.


Anon at 16:8:17 Wednesday January 12 2000
City?


East Northants Village Boy at 15:46:9 Wednesday January 12 2000
Gate numbers: perhaps not always applicable, agreed; but it just shows you how the gap is closing between us. I think it won't be long before we overtake you on gate numbers like we did Kettering Town. It's still getting very interesting. The village boys taking on the big-city barons. Can't wait.


SBJ at 14:49:21 Wednesday January 12 2000
Paddy O'Doors! ha ha ha. It's the only clean joke I know. Not very good, but there it is.


Carl at 14:47:59 Wednesday January 12 2000
I give in, do tell


SBJ at 14:43:21 Wednesday January 12 2000
Carl at 13:56:51 Wednesday January 12 2000: what do you call an Irish man with a big pane of glass behind each ear?


MP at 14:1:27 Wednesday January 12 2000
Nice result Andy C.


Anon at 14:0:38 Wednesday January 12 2000
WSD - Your postings last night are the saddest things Ive read on this notice board - and you face stiff competition. Get a life. You need help.


Anon at 13:58:42 Wednesday January 12 2000
GWS LA. I've still got the key.


Carl at 13:56:51 Wednesday January 12 2000
Stolen from Orient Meat Pie on the 3rd Div. Board, but I thought it humourous, probably the most ancient of all jokes but here goes:- Two Irishmen are having lunch. One says 'I've got one of those new Thermos flasks here. It keeps cold things cold, and hot things hot'. The other says 'wow, that's clever. What have you got in it today?'. The first guy replies 'a cup of tea and a choc ice.'


Carl at 12:39:53 Wednesday January 12 2000
Posh, er is you a boy or is you a girl, because if the latter, okie dokie, I'm up for that, however if the former, then I may have to decline your very nice offer, but my bum is for a pooing and a trumpin', that is all. Oh and the odd scratch now and again.


Danny at 12:38:50 Wednesday January 12 2000
Anyone know anything about this "Television" thing that they're introducing here in Wellingborough soon?


John Frain Appreciation Society at 12:35:12 Wednesday January 12 2000
I love John. I want to kiss his little bald head.


Ray at 12:31:25 Wednesday January 12 2000
Teletext has actually reached Little Billing......and tomorrow they are coming to lay this new fangled electricity cabling.


Carl at 12:16:47 Wednesday January 12 2000
I to was, TRYING, to be humourous, I hate the Red tossers


Posh Cobbler at 12:10:19 Wednesday January 12 2000
I hope we can all hold hands and kiss each other on Saturday!!


Abington Cobblers at 12:2:8 Wednesday January 12 2000
Carl you cheeky monkey!!! Unless you live in Little Billing you should have been blessed with teletext already. The beauty of it is that you can do important things like making model airplanes while keeping one eye on the T.V for the scores. As for my Man U. strip comment, I think you might benefit from an interview with an Autism specialist as you have clearly failed to recognized the humour (basic human emotion) element. My point was that I feel a bit peeved as to why I can only buy my team's shirt for the same price as Team that exploits their fans to the utter maximum. CIAO DARLINGS!!


Carl at 11:51:55 Wednesday January 12 2000
Where does one purchase one of these 'Manchester United' shirts, I for one feel that is a top idea. And this Teletext thing, how does that work. Does it actually tell you what is going on in the world as it happens, so if, or indeed when, these Manchester United types scored a goal, this Teletext thing would tell me and keep me informed how my team are doing. Christ no-one could accuse me of jumping on the old proverbial bandwagon then could they, up the boys in Green, that is the colour in which they play isn't it?


Danny at 11:40:29 Wednesday January 12 2000
Regarding our own little spat last night Ray, I worked out this morning that last season I spent just over £2500 on Northampton Town FC. I seriously need help :)


hoops at 11:37:45 Wednesday January 12 2000
couldn't make it last night what's the feeling about how the young lads who played last night? i hear gould, morrow and hughes impressed but dickson and thompson struggled


ABINGTON COBBLER at 11:35:53 Wednesday January 12 2000
I've just realised that you can buy Man U. football shirts for the same price as Our shirts!!! I think I will start wearing Man U. shirts to matches from now on. At least they are a Premiership team. Also, has no-one realised that instead of paying to watch at 6fields, you can get the score on teletext?


dyl at 11:33:40 Wednesday January 12 2000
just want to say I can't wait for Saturday when we STUFF THE POSH!


Danny at 11:30:34 Wednesday January 12 2000
Last night then, we played very well last night, and you really have got to praise those who played, a virtually reserve/youth team holding a team 3rd in the second division for 120 minutes. Gould, Dickson and especially Hughes all impressed me. Thompson looked ok. At the end of the day not too fussed about the result. I enjoyed a good game of football before the hurly burly, hostile atmosphere of a derby game we have coming up this weekend.


Danny at 11:24:15 Wednesday January 12 2000
And Stevenage isn't really as far to go as Darlington is it?


Danny at 11:20:46 Wednesday January 12 2000
Robert - I was the one in the picture presenting John Frain with the bottle of bubbly.


Ray at 11:20:32 Wednesday January 12 2000
If you check the facts East Northants Village Idiot, you will see that out of your crowd, 1300 of them were away supporters, and we only had 300. If you want to compare, then why not compare like for like. We also played on 28th. December at home, the same day as you, and we had 6,823.


Ron Manager at 10:38:17 Wednesday January 12 2000
Endearing image, isn't it?


Surrey Cobbler at 10:37:36 Wednesday January 12 2000
My claim to fame has to being captain of the town cricket team and having Goulds brother as my opening batsman. Richard Gould also went to my school.Playing football at lunch on the tennis courts jumpers for goal posts....


Tony at 10:23:44 Wednesday January 12 2000
I still can't feel my toes! Help! Darn that was one cold night, and I spose I am a bit sad. Wanted to go a bit further in the competition. Great pens, and even Roy's was not that bad. Didn't spedding hit it though?


East Northants Village Boy at 10:18:1 Wednesday January 12 2000
Your last home gate, against Shrewsbury Town, was 4,927 and at our last home game, against Stevenage Borough, it was 5,721. Could this be the first of many more to come? It's now getting very interesting!


WSD at 10:4:27 Wednesday January 12 2000
Oh dear Colt, you best get back to work quick smart boyo!


Mrs Reading at 10:1:42 Wednesday January 12 2000
YEAH COLT, GET BACK TO WORK YOU SLACKER


Mr Ditchburn at 10:0:53 Wednesday January 12 2000
GET BACK TO WORK COLT


Colt at 9:35:29 Wednesday January 12 2000
About a year a go I warned all you guestbook readers that Ryan Thompson is a god and will be playing for the cobblers within 2 years time. I mean I don't like to say I told you so to all those that doubted me, but I TOLD YOU SO!


Anon at 1:7:37 Wednesday January 12 2000
Absolutely Nash Nash you speak some Trash !!


Super Posh at 1:4:15 Wednesday January 12 2000
Even with Barry Fry in charge, It's going to be a easy 3 points on Saturday. I hear 4000+ are travelling, my suggestion is "Don't bother" you'll only be dissapointed. BORO TILL I DIE BORO TILL I DIE


billy at 1:1:54 Wednesday January 12 2000
Why do people (this time Nash) on here slag off others for not going to games, when the whole point of this site is for displaced fans to keep up to date with news from those lucky enough to be able to go to the games?


MartinW at 0:28:21 Wednesday January 12 2000
Ahhhh penalty shoot outs, don't you just love them. Everyone boots it and scores but old Roy, the penalty specialist tries to place it and misses. Shame because he was man of the match in my book. Now young players - Andy Morrow looked very sad when he was taken off and really he looked out of place. It was much the same in the Cardiff game, I recall. Ryan Thompson on the other hand was a real revelation when he came on, getting stuck in, trying two overhead kicks and really did not deserve the amount of shouting at he was getting from the Kevs. He looked more like a prospect. As did young Gouldy whose moments on the wing were full of confidence and verve. Mmmmm. All that talk about Morrow and it may be in Gould and certainly Thompson there is more in the backroom than meets the eye. Nice to see them given a chance. And Ali Gibb was another revelation in the first half and could have had a hat trick if he could finish. His pace caused Bristol Rovers allsorts of problems. Shame he was injured. Hooray basically. But booo! We're out of the Shield. And I was hoping for a home game with Wycombe. Bugger!


Northampton Gas at 0:10:31 Wednesday January 12 2000
Well the 2.5k who attended the game deserve a medal. At times I thought that I was watching a training match, it was clear that neither side were prepared to exert themselves for fear of injuries or bookings. I liked the Clown Tune from The Big Top when Jason made a complete pigs ear of two easy chances in the first half. At the end of extra time, I wondered if anyone was capable of scoring but the penaltys were well taken, apart from Hunter's and I feel for him. Best of luck for The Big Game on Saturday, will be back at 6fields on 3rd April for the reserve team encounter.


Nash at 23:53:24 Tuesday January 11 2000
I give in. Know any sites with a sense of humour?


Carl at 23:48:8 Tuesday January 11 2000
No 1 Cobbler, I would say that makes our first team better, and that we needn't worry. Or are you trying to say that the second team is better than our first team, if so then I must have missed the performance of a lifetime tonight, oh and Nash as I am sure you will be told tomorrow, or indeed later tonight, the poor lad had to revise for his exams, and sorry, but it does bug me that I wasn't there, but I would have been if I could have been but I couldn't


npton cobbler at 23:42:2 Tuesday January 11 2000
yes u can get a england flag from screen craft there no is in the phone book they are down duke st


No1 Cobbler at 23:38:33 Tuesday January 11 2000
.....AS I NEED IT IN TIME FOR BORO


No1 Cobbler at 23:36:51 Tuesday January 11 2000
If you think about it-2 things 1) If we can hold a top division 2 team with a reserve cobblers team it doesn't hold out much for the first team (is this going to be the new first team week in week out) 2)If we play like that on Saturday WE'LL WIN. Of all the people to miss it has to be our former No1 penalty taker. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET AN ENGLAND FLAG WITH NORTHAMPTON OR COBBLERS WRITTEN ON IT? DO THEY SELL THEM AT THE SHOP?


Nash at 23:30:8 Tuesday January 11 2000
I wasn't Carl. I know where you live. I was having a pop at WSD. Just coz I feel like it!


Ray at 23:30:5 Tuesday January 11 2000
The tipping table has been updated.


Carl Smith at 23:20:34 Tuesday January 11 2000
Nash, when you live in Portsmouth, staying at home during the week is not an option, it is a necessity as going to The Cobblers at weekends is my life, so don't you dare have a pop at me


Frozen Toes & **ob at 23:19:48 Tuesday January 11 2000
I can assure you we lost,it was a great effort but we deffinately lost on penaltys mate.I WAS THERE! SO I SHOULD KNOW!


Nash at 23:15:44 Tuesday January 11 2000
Well I'm frozen solid but at least I can say I was there to see yet another fine performance, unlike the "stay at homes" on here


Ralph at 23:14:38 Tuesday January 11 2000
When you say 'Clarence got one and Janet got one', are you referring to the Brass Monkey's plight?


BBC Teletext p 418 at 23:12:34 Tuesday January 11 2000
CLARRENCE GOT ONE & JANNET GOT THE OTHER ONE AN EXCELENT SHOT (FROM INSIDE HER SUPERSTORE)


Anon at 23:10:7 Tuesday January 11 2000
WHO SCORED ALL THE 5 PENNALTYS THEN??????????


We won 5/3 see text page 418 BBC at 23:8:58 Tuesday January 11 2000
Brass monkey no you are wrong your brain froze we won its official


Brass Monkey at 23:7:1 Tuesday January 11 2000
We lost I was there! Anyone seen a pair of balls?


Its official From The BBC We Won at 23:4:31 Tuesday January 11 2000
Yes We Won 5/3See text page 418


BBC TELETEXT PAGE 418 at 23:1:11 Tuesday January 11 2000
Teletext p 418 says Cobblers 5/Bristol 3 YES WE DID IT WE WON ??????????


Ralph at 23:0:5 Tuesday January 11 2000
Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


Sharon from Hunsbury at 22:47:46 Tuesday January 11 2000
Well done lads. You all did us proud!!! Keep your chin up Hunter. Is anyone else got frost bite now?


T. at 22:34:27 Tuesday January 11 2000
Pants, I'm depressed now, doesn't matter what team was out or that it was a mickey mouse cup, we still lost and it still hurts.


Robert Dunkley at 22:29:16 Tuesday January 11 2000
I think Hunter has never missed a penalty in a game, but that it twice now he has missed in a penalty shoot-out!


Anon at 22:27:53 Tuesday January 11 2000
Good Commentary. Cheers.


WSD at 22:26:17 Tuesday January 11 2000
14 posts in a row - is that a record? lol


WSD at 22:25:11 Tuesday January 11 2000
Goalkeeping coach Brian Parkin, playing for the first time in 4 years turns out to be the hero! Poor ole Roy


WSD at 22:24:17 Tuesday January 11 2000
bugger!


WSD at 22:24:4 Tuesday January 11 2000
Sean Byrne - GOAL - ROVERS WIN


WSD at 22:23:41 Tuesday January 11 2000
If Bristol Rovers score they win


WSD at 22:23:22 Tuesday January 11 2000
ROY HUNTER - SAVED!!!!


WSD at 22:22:47 Tuesday January 11 2000
Mark Walters - GOAL 3-4


WSD at 22:22:7 Tuesday January 11 2000
JAMES HUNT - GGGOOOAAALLL!!! 3-3


WSD at 22:21:47 Tuesday January 11 2000
Jason Roberts - GOAL 2-3


WSD at 22:21:28 Tuesday January 11 2000
SPEDDING - GOAL 2-2, by the way their keeper has not played a game for the first team for four years!


WSD at 22:21:23 Tuesday January 11 2000
SPEDDING - GOAL 2-2, by the way their keeper has not played a game for the first team for four years!


WSD at 22:20:19 Tuesday January 11 2000
Nathan Ellington - GOAL 1-2


WSD at 22:19:49 Tuesday January 11 2000
IAN HENDON - GOAL 1-1


WSD at 22:19:13 Tuesday January 11 2000
GOAL 0-1, nah i've done 2 hours of maths tonight!


WSD at 22:18:47 Tuesday January 11 2000
OKAY Here we go, first up is Bristol Rovers, Robbie Pethick, in front of North Stand


Anon at 22:18:16 Tuesday January 11 2000
I hope your Mths exam does not sufffer as a result of this commentary!


WSD at 22:17:44 Tuesday January 11 2000
Anon, you need five for a penalty shoot-out :p


WSD at 22:16:24 Tuesday January 11 2000
For the record Bristol Rovers saw out the last few minutes just passing the ball around, appearing to be playing for penalties (sorry, still music!)


Anon at 22:15:38 Tuesday January 11 2000
Hendon, Hunter, Green to take maybe?


WSD at 22:14:35 Tuesday January 11 2000
Here we go, kick by kick commentary from WSD! (after BBC Northampton's cheesy music of course)


Carl at 22:14:20 Tuesday January 11 2000
Please keep us informed


WSD at 22:14:0 Tuesday January 11 2000
IT'S A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT


Robert at 22:13:9 Tuesday January 11 2000
Commentary please


WSD at 22:10:32 Tuesday January 11 2000
Mark Walters is on for Bristol Rovers by the way, a few minutes left


Penalty shoot-out at 22:9:4 Tuesday January 11 2000
I'M LOOMING!!


WSD at 22:8:19 Tuesday January 11 2000
Thompson booked for foul, Hunter booked for dissent!


WSD at 22:7:46 Tuesday January 11 2000
Second half of extra time, Hendon's just put a FK over, could go either way still. Gould and Thompson both on.


Anon at 21:42:25 Tuesday January 11 2000
0-0 FT. Extra Time being played


Sean from London at 21:38:7 Tuesday January 11 2000
Any score yet. Up the Cobbs


Carl at 21:30:53 Tuesday January 11 2000
Anyone there? What's going on


WSD at 21:4:15 Tuesday January 11 2000
Thompson and especially Morrow seem to be doing okay up front - what price a Morrow start on Saturday I wonder? It sounds like a reserve game (both crowd size and pace of game!) and one goal is gonna win it. Wouldn't be surprised if it went to extra-time. Anyway back to my Maths revision, tarra!


Robert Dunkley at 21:3:55 Tuesday January 11 2000
!


WSD at 20:53:8 Tuesday January 11 2000
Gillingham 1 Bradford 0 in the FA Cup


WSD at 20:51:44 Tuesday January 11 2000
Gibb was up front, but Ryan Thompson has replaced him at half-time, we do only have 4 subs, and according to Adam Blackmore Clare pulled a hamstring so missed out. I still stand by my view that Adam Blackmore is the worst football commentator I have ever heard!


Robert Dunkley at 20:39:50 Tuesday January 11 2000
Football.sports.com says we have four subs and they have five! |Where is Clare?? and Frain


Carl at 20:19:16 Tuesday January 11 2000
So I wonder who is up front with Mr. Morrow?


Robert Dunkley at 20:15:4 Tuesday January 11 2000
According to Football News we have only four subs and Clare is not playing! Welch; Hendon, Hope, Hughes, Green, Spedding; Gibb, Hunt, Hunter, Parrish; Morrow subs Thompson, Dickson, O'Reilly, Gould


Carl at 20:14:49 Tuesday January 11 2000
No he's just a tit


Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 20:7:59 Tuesday January 11 2000
I think Jamesboy is actually a shit-stirring closet Cobblers fan. Discuss.


Carl at 19:51:26 Tuesday January 11 2000
Just me then, DOH!


Carl at 19:39:14 Tuesday January 11 2000
Anyone there for updates?


Ralph at 19:2:47 Tuesday January 11 2000
Wot's going on?


Anon at 18:57:22 Tuesday January 11 2000
Is this working?


Canuck Fan at 18:47:58 Tuesday January 11 2000
Quick update from Canada. Corazzin played on Saturday evening in a 0-0 draw against Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain. Not a bad result as Canada was missing 8 first team players. He plays tonight against Bermuda before returning back to your club. Hopefully he'll bag a couple and be ready for NTFC on Saturday.


WSD at 18:2:40 Tuesday January 11 2000
He's got you there Ray!


Anon at 18:1:52 Tuesday January 11 2000
Going to see some proper football eh?


THAT REALLY GOOD OLD BOY at 18:0:56 Tuesday January 11 2000
All right just cause I have nothing better to do I will make my way to shitfields to watch Bristol Rovers face the Wobblers.Will I be in the South stand, North stand, East stand or West stand. Not sure myself yet, who knows I could sit next to you. I will be easily recognized with my R&D shirt on. UP THE GAS SEE YA SOON JAMESYBOY


Robert Dunkley at 17:35:24 Tuesday January 11 2000
Which one are you Danny in the picture that is?


Danny at 17:34:39 Tuesday January 11 2000
I spend over £1000 per season on NTFC, how much more do they want from me?


Robert Dunkley at 17:33:38 Tuesday January 11 2000
I reckon Morrow will score tonight!


Danny at 17:31:52 Tuesday January 11 2000
Thats the 3,000 going to Peterborough


Danny at 17:31:13 Tuesday January 11 2000
Not really Ray, its just that I don't want to, its a personal choice. I do put money into the club in other ways such as buying shirts, mini-kits, scarfs, hats, flags etc (you should see the back of my car.) I also sponsored the Darlo game which cost me £70, somthing which I plan to do again next season. I am also going to sponsor a player next season. I have a season ticket, I travel to all away games regardless of distance, what day of the week it is (how many of the 3,000 planning to travel went to Exeter?) As I said, its a personal choice, I don't want to, I've never wanted to and I ain't gonna. Give me a reason why you don't travel on St James Supporters Bus.


Will at 17:21:15 Tuesday January 11 2000
Not enough recognition? At the one and only Trust meeting I've been to, their arses couldn't have been licked any more enthusiastically. What do they want? A statue next to Walter Tull? Their own page in the programme? Or perhaps financial recognition...


Anon at 17:20:45 Tuesday January 11 2000
Barry and Jenny out


Ray at 17:19:15 Tuesday January 11 2000
Well Danny, that is obviously your choice - but can you give a logical argued reason why supporters shouldn't join?


Ray at 17:18:23 Tuesday January 11 2000
By reading between the lines it looks like it was just a matter of egos....I can't see what they hope to achieve and they could do the supporters a lot of damage with the adverse publicity this matter is receiving.


Danny at 17:18:10 Tuesday January 11 2000
But Ray, I don't want to :o)


Vince at 16:56:34 Tuesday January 11 2000
Tonights Chron gives "in depth" coverage of the Trust Travel club situation and states that the Parkers felt that they were not getting due recognition for the hard work they were putting into the travel club. I don't know exactly what sort of recognition they wanted or what they will get by running a seperate travel club and paying any profits directly to the club - probably no more. It does seem a great pity that there are break ups within the main supporters group when we should all be pulling togeather to support NTFC. The trust seems to be missing the touches of diplomacy that Brian Lomax used to great effect.


Ray at 16:39:7 Tuesday January 11 2000
Actually, whether you travel with the Trust or not, you should be concerned. This is obviously a deliberate effort to prevent income going to the Trust and will therefore, in the long run, undermine the Trust's representation. (and you should join the Trust anyway :-)


Danny at 16:25:26 Tuesday January 11 2000
To be quite honest, I could'nt care less how many Trust Travel Clubs there are/will be, how much it costs (seeing as I'm not a Trust member it'll cost more than a tenner) I will still be travelling to all away games with St James. The money from there also benefits the Club indirectly with all proceeds going toward the Centre of Excellence, thus helping the club build for tomorrow!!!


Danny at 16:20:48 Tuesday January 11 2000
I'm a Wellingborough Cobbler too!!!! Me Woz and Nick will be there tonight so that's 9.


Vince at 15:17:23 Tuesday January 11 2000
Last posting had incorrect email address.


Vince at 15:15:36 Tuesday January 11 2000
I've replaced my PC at home and the old one (Pentium 100 with modem CD Rom etc but requires a screen) is available for a donation to the Trust. Email me if interested.


Anon at 15:11:12 Tuesday January 11 2000
The C&E also reports that Richard Green has signed until the end of the season.


Tory MP at 14:24:12 Tuesday January 11 2000
If you can remember Richard Green as Robin Hood you'll probably remember the Mitre an the lady who........happy days!


Tony at 13:31:52 Tuesday January 11 2000
Acording to the Chron, Parish may figure as a sub tonight, and only took a slight knock at the weekend. Sampson is able to play, but will be rested, again because of a slight knock at the weekend. Hope will come in for him, alongside Green. Morrow is likely to play up front alongside Clare, who is moving into what is likely to be his last month on loan. Wilson, is preparing for the worst assuming Carlo won't be fit for Po%* and will need to play himself.


Ray at 13:18:14 Tuesday January 11 2000
It has just been announced that tomorrows reserve match against QPR has been postponed. Please tell the person who was going.


Ray at 13:5:8 Tuesday January 11 2000
Only those of us old enough will understand the reference. *sigh*


BR at 13:1:15 Tuesday January 11 2000
Vince - I'm going tonight so that's eight! BTW Confused - Robin Hood = Richard Green *sigh*


Wellingborough Cobbler 2 at 12:56:25 Tuesday January 11 2000
Wellingborough Cobbler - isn't that like calling yourself Northampton Cobbler? There are as many of us W'boro cobblers as there are from the mother town.


Confused at 12:52:35 Tuesday January 11 2000
Sunderland Cobbler - Who is Robin Hood and what does this mean anyway? "Nationwide Extra last night said 'Robin Hood' is one is way this week? "


Dave at 12:46:29 Tuesday January 11 2000
I've had an excellent money making idea for the cobblers!! Read on. If you took the roofs off the Sixfield stadium (or at least replaced it with a see-through material), it would be possible to create an American style "Drive-in" experience for the fans!!! Just think, you could watch the whole match in comfort, not have your eyes OFFENDED by the mulletted fools that sometimes come to Sixfields and if the Cobblers are losing badly you can attach a hose-pipe from the exhaust into the car while the engine is running!!!


Vince at 12:37:35 Tuesday January 11 2000
i'm going with 5 others so they'll be at least 6!


Wellingborough Cobbler at 12:28:42 Tuesday January 11 2000
Talking about attendences how many people are going tonight? cos' not much has been said about tonights mighty mouse cup game


DEK at 12:16:33 Tuesday January 11 2000
OK then if the footballs so good then: 1. Make as much noise as possible to get the crowd going 2. Tell your mates how good it is 3. MAKE your mates GO to the games Lets get the crowds into the 6000 + and help make sure we get promotion.


Anon at 11:11:59 Tuesday January 11 2000
In respect to the travel clubs, i am under the knoledge that the Mounties club shant be running for much longer due to falling numbers-btw the trust do charge more than a tenner to non-members


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 11:7:8 Tuesday January 11 2000
Moring all, What is all this I am reading about with the Trust and the travel club? I cannot belive that people do not wish to support the club via the trust travel club! We all need to support the team and club to enable good quality players come to Sickfields! Nationwide Extra last night said 'Robin Hood' is one is way this week? Is that true? Any more news on players going and Clare comming in? I'M A COBBLER TILL I DIE. DAVE.E


Tony at 11:1:40 Tuesday January 11 2000
I too heard about Parish and Sampson being injured with knee problems. Starting to get as bad as last year I fear.


wsd at 10:49:1 Tuesday January 11 2000
re: Tory MP at 10:13: Don't suppose you know where she lives?


VINCE at 10:38:14 Tuesday January 11 2000
With all those players out maybe Ryan Thompson will be in with a chance of a first team place tonight, although did anyone notice that his squad number was ommitted from last saturdays programme.


Ray at 10:26:42 Tuesday January 11 2000
Re: Tory MP @ 10:13:17 - I bow to your greater knowledge.


Ray at 10:25:50 Tuesday January 11 2000
According to teletext today, Howey, Savage, Parrish, Sampson, Howard and Sturridge are all ruled out of tonights match through injury. (plus Carlo away with Canada) If you wish to change your tips, please do so within the next couple of hours.


Tory MP at 10:13:17 Tuesday January 11 2000
Ray @8:52, I seem to recall that years ago there was a woman who hung around the Mitre with a similar financial arrangement.


BILL HALEY at 9:57:12 Tuesday January 11 2000
What is a CDU? It sounds painfull, could it be prevented?


CDU at 9:41:29 Tuesday January 11 2000
Travel Plans that is not free parking !!


CDU at 9:40:26 Tuesday January 11 2000
We could philosophise that this issue could be seen as perhaps an opportunity for the Boards true feelings towards the Trust to become apparent.


BILL HALEY at 9:36:33 Tuesday January 11 2000
Can anyone tell me why people pay to sit in Sixfields when there is a perfectly good hill to spectate from? Also, BK is only a moment away and plenty of scope for evasion from renagades. How.


Ray at 8:52:18 Tuesday January 11 2000
I agree Vince. There are already three travel "clubs" taking fans to away matches and, by preference, I always use the Trust coaches because it benefits the club financially. I think you will also find that, in general, the cost of travel with the Trust is less for the longer trips as they have a deliberate policy of never charging over £10 no matter have far they have to go.


Vince at 8:47:53 Tuesday January 11 2000
I realise that the Trust Travel club oprerated as a seperate organisation but it used the good (?) name of the Trust and was seen by many Trust members as a way of supporting the Trust when travelling away. On the occasions that I have travelled away by coach I was happy to pay a bit more in the Knowledge that this extra would eventually be paid to the Trust. I just think its a great shame that something that has worked well is now being changed for what seems like a reasons other than improvement.


Vince at 8:42:9 Tuesday January 11 2000
Sorry, I thought my first posting wasn't posted!


Vince at 8:40:31 Tuesday January 11 2000
Just heard the report on Radio Northampton about the fall out between the Trust and the Trust Travel Club. It all seems very sad and may follow the "telling off" that Dave Linnell received at the Trust AGM, at the time this seemed a bit uncalled for - is there a clash of personalities?. This all detracts from the good work done by all those associated with the Trust. There is now the prospect of another coach operator seeking custom at a time when the numbers travelling away are unlikely to increase. Maybe all those involved should sit down and sort matters out so that the Trust does not end up as something to argue about but can still be something that we are pleased and proud to have.


Ray at 8:39:20 Tuesday January 11 2000
The point is that the Trust Travel Club and the Trust are not two separate entities. It just so happens that Barry and Jenny ran the Travel Club on behalf of the Trust. They have now decided to set up their own alternative travel scheme in opposition to the Trust and then approached Barry Stonhill in an attempt to make it "official" with the proceeds going direct to the Club instead of to the Club via the Tust in return for shares. Barry Stonhill, as he must, is putting the proposal to the Board at the meeting this coming Thursday.


Anon at 8:29:39 Tuesday January 11 2000
Just heard the item on Radio Northampton about the fall out between the Trust and the Trust Travel Club. Maybe this is a follow on to the "telling off" that Dave Linnell got at the Trust AGM from the Travel Club. At the time it seemed a bit uncalled for and suggests a possible clash of personalities. Its all rather sad and detracts from the good work done by all those involved with the Trust.It now looks like there will be another coach operator which will be competing for custom at a time when the numbers travelling away are not likely to increase. Maybe all those involved should sit down and sort things out now, it would be very sad if the Trust just became something to argue about rather than to be proud of.


Northampton Gas at 0:32:34 Tuesday January 11 2000
I notice all your messages regarding the BIG game this weekend, but you do have a game later today. Am I going to be the only one attending from either camp? From what I know of both teams availability, anyone who attends 6fields with a pair of boots has a good chance of playing. *s*


Ray at 22:23:35 Monday January 10 2000
Yeh - we are now sixth and not seventh.


Ralph at 22:18:9 Monday January 10 2000
Right it's off to bed with Dick Francis and Whip Hand!


Ralph at 22:16:47 Monday January 10 2000
Sixth Raymond!?


Chipp at 22:15:49 Monday January 10 2000
If I had ever been here before I would probably know just what to do, Don't you? If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel I would probably know just how to deal, with all of you. And I feel like I've been here before. Feel like I've been here before. And you know it makes me wonder. What's going on under the ground? Do you know? Don't you wonder? What's going on down under you. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before. We have all been here before, we have all been here before.


Ralph at 22:10:36 Monday January 10 2000
Don't blame me I'm not here!


Anon at 22:6:34 Monday January 10 2000
...and the one before it


Ray at 22:6:21 Monday January 10 2000
Sixth actually :-)


Anon at 22:5:29 Monday January 10 2000
That last posting has got to be Ralph


DEJA VU - DEJA VU at 22:4:37 Monday January 10 2000
Take your point DEK but it comes down to the lack of strength within the squad. In order to maintain a promotion push we must have all our better players fit, in the side, playing to their potential week in week out. To think in recent weeks we have lost Welch, Hendon, Howey, Sammo, Spedding, Savage, Hunter, Hunt, Frain, Corrazzin, Clare, Parrish, Howard due to illness, injury or suspension and still we are seventh. Bloody good going! Wilson does not have the quality of player on the bench that can come on and turn a game. The likes of Gibb, Peer, Dobson, Sturridge, Thompson are not really going to have any great influence on the game. Only Morrow or Hope have the quality to force themselves in to the first team on a regular basis and it isn't usual for someone like Hope, a centre back, to come on unless an injury has occurred. Given what we have got, we have come a long way in a short time. Wilson has until the end of the season and then he will be judged on whether he gets an extension on his contract, up until now he has done well, played football and the opposition are talking about us in a positive way. What more can we expect given the facts?


DEJA VU at 22:3:3 Monday January 10 2000
Re Wilson and tactical changes: I was pleasantly surprised to see how easily the defence coped with reverting to the sweeper system on various occasions against Plymouth; Parrish has definitely benifitted from his role in midfield which is less restrictive and sees him play more zonal marking than the strict man-to-man role under Atkins and this enables him to make those marvellous runs in to the box; it is very refreshing to see the build up from the back with the 'keeper being so aware and having the freedom to make a choice of how to distribute the ball by throwing it to the full backs rather than just the long punt; the recent introduction of Richard Hope sees us playing more ball out from the centre of defence through midfield; the attack minded use of the full backs has certainy given us more width and on several occasions Hendon has sortied down the left wing, strange but effective; the forwards have also enjoyed a new lease of life and this was particularly evident from the vantage point at Halifax. The work rate of Clare and Corrazzin is fantastic, the blind side runs and the way that they have created space for the likes of Hunt, Parrish and recently Peer is a far cry from the static days of Ian Atkins; the way that we move the ball through midfield and the fact that we now play with width has certainly made us a more entertaining team, it also gives the opposition a bit more scope which results in a more open game and therefore more true to the spirit of the beautiful game. I will concede that it does leave us open at times but I find it enthralling, exciting, action packed and much less predictable, dull, boring than 18 games ago (having seen 14 out of the seventeen matches). Apart from that I haven't noticed much change!


Mick at 21:47:51 Monday January 10 2000
Dek and Anon, If there is such a big differencve between the 2nd and 3rd divisions, how come Macclesfield, Lincoln and especially York are all struggling this year?


Vince at 21:26:12 Monday January 10 2000
at 17:23:52 met a Brighton and Halifax fan. I wonder which one is his 'glamour' team.


Anon at 21:24:18 Monday January 10 2000
Dek - you really are a miserable git...and excuse me but talk about stating the obvious.."If we were in this position in the second division then that would be brilliant but the gap between the two is almost equal to that of the Prem & 1st" of course it is - pillock! And just when would you be happy then? Conference status?? If so, why bother attending any games at all - makes you worse than a couch potato...do us all a favour and pick on another site and annoy them instead!


MP at 20:48:11 Monday January 10 2000
Just to fill in missing word...we are playing really WELL...not we really are playing, errr, I'll shut up.


DEK at 20:47:9 Monday January 10 2000
I am just not that impressed with the managements ability to turn things around when needed. Look at the recent poor run of five games (and I've seen all of them) without a win, yes two were last minute goals against but in both games we scored very late on ourselves, no management skills shown to ensure victory. I know we have injuries and illness but thats no excuse. The main reason that we had that good run was for two men, Hunter and Clare (hats off to Wilson for Clare). I afraid that when everyone starts moaning, I will still be here to say, told you so. If we were in this position in the second division then that would be brilliant but the gap between the two is almost equal to that of the Prem & 1st. Look at the bottom of the 2nd, look whose there, remember our 1st season, we hardly had a kick, yet would play for ten minutes and score two goals. With the ability within the squad we should be top 3 easy, even allowing for Atkins at the start.


MP at 20:46:5 Monday January 10 2000
Pay no attention to any Rushden and Diamonds supporter. I'm a pessimist when it comes to the Cobblers (much bitter experience to blame for that), but the team are playing really, and I think we're a very good bet for automatic promotion. I agree with your assessment of Barnet, and I'm mystified by Swansea having gone top as they were certainly nothing special when we beat them. Darlington are the only side in the top places at the moment who have really impressed us recently. Hope you enjoy your winnings!


Nash at 20:41:15 Monday January 10 2000
Isn't DEK an anagram of twat? No? Well it's close enough.


DEK at 20:29:57 Monday January 10 2000
Ok so the crowd was not that bad but where is the atmosphere ? I still think that the belief is not there and that most are suffering from post-Atkins depression. As far as Wilson goes I still would not be surprised if he was not here start of next season.


Anon at 20:3:13 Monday January 10 2000
R&D - I hope Bath pull the plug on you on Saturday!!!!


Anonnn at 20:1:23 Monday January 10 2000
Ref attendance on Saturday... considering Northampton had 3rd highest attendance figures in Div 3 with only Hull (5,898)and Swansea (7,163)higher and also more fans than some of the second Div matches, the whingers really should sod off to a different site/team/planet or do us all a favour a different universe!


R+D at 18:11:6 Monday January 10 2000
Tough luck - the Clobbers are going to be the team to let you down.


at 17:23:52 Monday January 10 2000
John, Walthamstow What is the general feeling amongst Town Supporters, Will they get automatic promotion. I hope so as i have a £20 e/w accumulator that arsenal, ipswich, preston and northampton will all finish in the top 3 of their respective divisions. If it comes off I,ll collect £21,000.A Brighton and Halifax fan told me they are the best team they've seen this season. I went to Barnet on Saturday and they were very ordinary. The Southend keeper had a nightmare (he was subbed at h/t) and gifted them both goals. Southend ran them ragged before half time and had most of the possesion in the 2nd half but didn't really look like scoring. Come on the cobblers i need the money its bloody pricey living in the smoke.


Tim at 16:1:41 Monday January 10 2000
does anyone have a picture of the first cobblers lotto kit (home and away) 95/96 i think it was if so could they e-mail it to me?


Hartwell at 15:44:12 Monday January 10 2000
Ref Saturday's "low" crowd - 4,900 would have been celebrated as a bumper figure in the final years of the old CG and it was still one of the largest attendances in Div 3. And don't forget this is Div 3 (actually the fourth Division in reality). Also, many had probably spent out with Xmas and the Millennium celebrations, the flu probably accounted for a few more absentees as did the poor performance against Darlo. In fact I was quite encouraged that, all these factors considered, we still attracted nearly 5,000 paying customers. Still, when we sign Del Piero, the crowds will improve somewhat, I'm sure!!


Ray at 15:19:46 Monday January 10 2000
Yes - you can book by phone, credit card etc. but by far the best method (except for queueing in the rain) is by fax - send the required information and your cc number. They can either be posted to you or picked up later.


John Gayle at 13:55:25 Monday January 10 2000
It's not my fault I'm in a crap team!! Can I come back to Sixfields please? You were so nice to me on Saturday!


Kobbler at 13:55:16 Monday January 10 2000
Oh yeah, I was in the North Stand on Saturday. Who was the annoying twat sitting behind me going, STOP THIS PRETTY BOY PASSING AROUND GET IT UP THE FRONT HIT IT LONG etc. I did check to see if he was being ironic but it did appear as if he was simply an utter moron. Anyone else recognise that? I'm all up for a chant of "It's just like watching Brazil" on Saturday myself. Hows the ticket situation by the way I still havent got mine. Can away fans book by credit card and pick them on the day ala Sixfields? Or is it possible to get them from Sixfields by credit card? I live away from Northampton but I can drive down on the Friday night and pick them up at Sixfields I suppose.


Tony at 13:54:20 Monday January 10 2000
OK Gaz, you might be right! As for the attendance, were still getting more people than we would / did under Atkin's at the start of the season.


gaz at 13:49:13 Monday January 10 2000
the low attendence could also be due to us having lost 3-0 when we had a high attendence. But I would think that if we can keep the momentum going it'll be pretty hard to get a ticket in April/May.


Kobbler at 13:48:51 Monday January 10 2000
Shut up Dek you miserable sod if you want to moan go and watch The Scum, they've got plenty to moan about.


gaz at 13:47:49 Monday January 10 2000
Tony, I wouldn't worry. The chances of me being the twat you are referring to is slight, after all there are plenty worse than me in the North Stand.


Cheer up Dek, oh what can it mean, to a sad miserable bastard watching a decent football team!!!!!! at 13:27:59 Monday January 10 2000
Dek, what more have the players got to do to make you happy. The low attendance could have been because people spent loads over christmas/new year etc. cheer up you miserable twat


Kobbler at 13:17:29 Monday January 10 2000
Saturday's game was the most fun I've had in ages with Kev, Frainy, Parrish, Clare, that new bloke Green and even Peer playing out of their socks. Superb. Nice to see Big Johnny Gayle again. Even if he was shite.


WSD at 13:8:36 Monday January 10 2000
SBJ - If Green hadn't got the ever-so-slight touch the goal would've been disallowed cos it was an indirect free-kick!


Anon at 12:57:54 Monday January 10 2000
Is DEK for real? I doubt it. Go back to Diamonds or Posh or wherever you hail from. This team is worth watching. Fact. End of story. I hate people who are only happy when they are moaning.


SBJ at 12:49:34 Monday January 10 2000
Bah! Thwarted from claiming my first maximum points scoop on the tipping competition due to Green's ever-so-slight touch on "Frain's goal". Can Green claim to be the Cobblers player who's scored soonest after signing? The way I was told the story, he only agreed to play for us a day or so before the game.


DEK at 12:40:19 Monday January 10 2000
If everything is so great( yes it is much better than Atkins but could it have got much worse) and we are playing such super football then why was it such a low attendance and why is there such a lack of excitement / atmostphere ????????? Hopefully a win next week will change things and people will start believing that we can / will go up.


DEK at 12:40:8 Monday January 10 2000
If everything is so great( yes it is much better than Atkins but could it have got much worse) and we are playing such super football then why was it such a low attendance and why is there such a lack of excitement / atmostphere ????????? Hopefully a win next week will change things and people will start believing that we can / will go up.


Tony at 12:26:33 Monday January 10 2000
Sorry Gaz...


Anon at 11:44:1 Monday January 10 2000
Possibly shit performance against Darlington?


Danny at 11:42:46 Monday January 10 2000
eeeeeee iiiiiii eeeeeeeee iiiiiiiii eeeeeee iiiiiii oh, up the tipping table I go!!!!!


Vince at 11:34:50 Monday January 10 2000
Great result on Saturday, lets hope we can do the same against Pish on Saturday. It won't be easy though and as long as we get at least a point I'll be happy. The crowd on Saturday at Sixfields was low, any ideas - flu, people spent out after Xmas and New Year ???


Gaz at 11:32:0 Monday January 10 2000
Tony, that's probably me you're taking about lol...


Poshite at 11:30:28 Monday January 10 2000
How many tickets have you sold for Saturday?


Tony at 11:29:26 Monday January 10 2000
Actually to be honest I agree too, just couldnt bring myself to praise a ref! He did have a good game in general, and I didn't find myself shouting at him too much. You can always tell if that twat high up behind me in the North Stand starts going mental, it's a bad ref.


Gaz at 11:18:45 Monday January 10 2000
Tony, yes I had serious qualms about praising the ref because of that elbow, but the linesman should have flagged. But generally the ref played the advantage really well and let the game flow. Contrast that with some of the whistle happy refs we have seen recently.


Ray at 11:15:30 Monday January 10 2000
Actually I thought the ref on Saturday was top class - and if he came every wekk I'd be more than happy. OK, he missed the elbow but thats the only thing I can remember he didn't spot. Neither the 4th. official nor the lino saw it either - only the whole of the West Stand - but what do we know :-) I thought he played the advantage rule excellently, making sure there was a clear advantage and, if there wasn't then calling play back to where the offence took place.


Andy C at 11:7:46 Monday January 10 2000
The other Andy was spot on his assessment of Greeny (that is his nickname, or was at GFC anyway). He was consistently one of our better players in a very mediocre team in the early 90s, even played left-back occasionally and was sold probably because he was the last non-Pulis signed player left rather than because he wasn't good enough. In fact Peter Taylor is after another defender and we could have done a lot worse than get him back, but maybe his fitness is suspect. He's only just moved to Stafford which is probably why he turned down Scunthorpe for you - plus of course it's even money which club is more likely to be in the Second next season. He used to have a great hairstyle and was a throwback to the days when footballers didn't have the lifestyle of an athlete: he was frequently seen sneaking outside for a fag and used to drink regularly in the Social Club. In short, top man and he'll be a good signing for you. Remember, I told you first!!


Tony at 11:5:16 Monday January 10 2000
Got my Posh ticket, cant wait for the game now. Think i'll just go into hibination for the week!


Tony at 11:4:26 Monday January 10 2000
Good Ref, what game were you at? lol Sorry, but he missed a blatent elbow on Hendon, and we all know what he did last season.


gaz at 11:0:22 Monday January 10 2000
A good performance on Saturday against a poor Shrewsbury side. We could have won by more and we looked fluent and confident .It was hard to pick out a Man of the Match as the whole team played well. Frain was assured and creative, Greene looked an excellent player and Dean Peer had one of his best games for the club. Clare was lively and was constantly harassing the Shrews defence. Wilson looked half a yard oof the pace in the first half but was better in the 2nd. Star performer of the day though was the referee. After all of the bad refs we have had it was refreshing to see one that good. It was also nice to see Gayle get a decent reception, and it was interesting to see that the Shrews use him as a footballer and not just a target man. All in all an excellent result, bring on the Rovers!


Ray at 10:53:2 Monday January 10 2000
Did anyone use the "Live football scores"? Did it work?


Ray at 10:51:37 Monday January 10 2000
Trust Travel is 791417. (as per the official site). Its not run by Barry and Jenny any more so don't expect to speak to them.


Fred at 10:3:48 Monday January 10 2000
The number for the Trust Travel club is? ... I think the one on the official sie must be wrong. Got some chap who had no idea who Barry or Jenny were! :) Thanks for any help...


Carl at 9:54:12 Monday January 10 2000
The change around in the two teams who face each other on Saturday, is really quite dramatic. When we played them in August they were on the up, with all these 'wonderful' youngsters being hailed as the next champions of Div. 3, whereas we were down, needing a new Manager behind the helm to change our fortunes, especially after the shocking display at Macclesfield on the first day of the season. Now look at the state of affairs of the two clubs, and you know what you have to laugh don't you. Roll on Saturday and hopefully a resounding victory.


the balcster at 9:45:8 Monday January 10 2000
Well that cobbler on soccer am was a beauty!! even though she didn't like been called a cobbler and probably had never been to a match but she was gorgeous!! Well i've never seen so much one touch ffotball from the cobblers, i didn't know they had it in 'em. well done lads!! you're doing us proud!! i can't wait for the chester game! easy win! atkins get your hands of peer! well we all know what style chester are going to play don't we? This could be Barry Fry's last game in charge at london road when we give the posh a good kicking! sweet revenge after earlier this season!!


Colt at 9:26:2 Monday January 10 2000
Would I be correct in saying that the women at the ticket office are about as much use as Dave Rennie was? I'm sure those cows leave the answer machine on on purpose. Am I on my own? For christ sake throw me a bone here!


Colt at 9:23:29 Monday January 10 2000
Would I be correct in saying that the women at the ticket office are about as much use as Dave Rennie was? I'm sure those cows leave the answer machine on on purpose. Am I on my own? For christ sake throw me a bone here!


billy at 0:55:40 Monday January 10 2000
Great to watch a 3-0 win especially after the Darlington game. Danny is right - Hartwell, Shrewsbury were only wretched because we we good. I'd love to see a couple of Italians in our side, if only to shut up the xenophobes on here. Can't wait til Saturday!


MartinW at 0:41:28 Monday January 10 2000
Well done Cobblers, and wasn't Dean Peer magnificent. Have to take my hat off to him, he looked spot on, lets hope he can play that way week in week out. Richard Green looks fine - but then he would be particularly up for it, being an ex Shrews player and it's his first game. Now at Chester, Atkins - who while Director of Football has been given free reign on all footballing aspects including picking the team - has been tipping us to get an automatic promotion spot. More pressure on Willo, perhaps??? He said: "My job is to keep Chester in the league, I know that and I think everybody knows that. I think the next three games are crucial. Darlington, Rotherham and Northampton are the three teams who I think will win automatic promotion so we know that we'll have to work hard." His high opinion of himself is still intact though. He said: "I would back my knowledge of players in this division against anyone. This is where your contacts come in very useful. I know that a lot of people wouldn't have had the bottle to take this job in case they were associated with failure. But if we can pull it off it will be terrific. I have been given free rein. If there is any interference I will pack my bags and walk out."


CDU at 23:0:2 Sunday January 9 2000
Hey BR are you out there ?,if so if you see Mrs CDU on your travels tell her to mail me or something I haven't heard from her since the last Osiris gig !


Tony at 22:57:19 Sunday January 9 2000
I didn't say our goals looked bad, but I am saying we should watch out for Clarke!


Ralph at 22:45:13 Sunday January 9 2000
All OUR goals looked good and we didn't concede any either.


Tony at 22:36:26 Sunday January 9 2000
Just seen P*&h on Sky, Andy Clarke really does look class right now. We will have to watch out for him on Saturday if we are to have a chance of winning. To be honest all their goals looked good, it has to be said, we should take note!


Paul at 22:31:15 Sunday January 9 2000
And she was a cute Soccererre who didn't have a boyfriend, so my number is....


T. at 20:17:41 Sunday January 9 2000
There were two Soccerettes on Soccer AM on Saturday and one was a Cobbler from Milton Keynes, the other a Gooner!


Norwich Cobbler at 19:52:57 Sunday January 9 2000
What a change of atmosphere and style since my last visit.It was a pleasure to see the ball passed by all the Cobblers players and some of the interchanges drew applause from the crowd - wonderful long may it continue.Kevin Wilson has changed the style of play and proven that you don't have to play ugly football in order to achieve results. So what if Shrewsbury were rubbish they still had to be beaten and 6-0 would not have been unfair for the Cobblers.Greene looked very good as did virtually every Cobblers player on the pitch and it was great to see a 19 year old striker joining the game with 20 minutes to go.This would never have happened with Atkins - I can't wait for Morrow to score his first goal for us I think he could end up being a Cobblers hero.It must give the other youngsters an incentive as well knowing that under Wilson they have got a chance.Wilsons enthusiasm is infectious and if we can continue to play the way we did yesterday we will be in the shake up at the end of the season and I hope regain our rightful place in Div 2. £22.00 for the tickets - 240 mile round trip absolutely worth it.Thankyou Kevin Wilson for showing us some class football.


LA at 19:21:59 Sunday January 9 2000
DDG - magic :-) ... and 3 goals all in the oppos net cant be bad!


DavCobbler at 18:58:35 Sunday January 9 2000
Oh Ralph...U are awful...he he he


Ralph at 18:32:38 Sunday January 9 2000
Apparently the two Italians are Giannluca Zaade and Atts Zoff, son of Dino Zoff.


IKCIW told. at 18:10:17 Sunday January 9 2000
Kevin Ratcliffe said after the match that he would happily pay good money every week to watch us play like we did yesterday.


DavCobbler at 17:33:9 Sunday January 9 2000
Hartwell... ???? Italians ???? Ugh ????


BR at 16:40:45 Sunday January 9 2000
Thanks Richard, having just broken into my second box of Kleenex and downed a quart of Benylin and Brandy, you've cheered up my Sunday no end.


RICHARD at 16:22:16 Sunday January 9 2000
IK'CIWT: Band of Merry Men. Part III: The farcical 'Shoot the Boot' competition still seems to have onlookers in raptures. This week's contestants both went for the £500, prize surprise surprise, bearing in mind that going for the car itself involves a lauch pad and a Saturn 5 rocket. Budding striker no.1 must have been a leftie, because he was so far wide of the car boot with his right foot that Shrews fans were in danger of injuring themselves with uninhibited mirth, as the ball trickled towards the goal. That shot came closer to scoring than anything they saw from their players in the second half.The second contestant was a young boy of maybe 10. Frankly, my granny could have kicked it farther, and she's six feet under. No, come to think of it, she's scattered around over several square feet of lawn at my parents home. Perhaps the kid's effort would have prevailed then. But he wasn't even given a second chance. Come on. Play the white man, for Heaven's sake. It's not as though Rover cars are disappearing from Sixfields in trailer loads. They could certainly do with the publicity. "Cobblers fan wins prestigious Rover 200, but under-age driving is frowned upon in these parts" We were all hoping for a rousing second half performance with a hatful of goals (at the North Stand end, of course). It would certainly help with the goal difference and we'd hate to sit back and soak up the increasing pressure until the opposition finally scored, wouldn't we? So the second half was, indeed, a cheery experience as we strode forward purposefully and should have bagged a few more than the single goal we scored. Sean's well placed drive from distance (outside the 18 yard box, I think) was just met and palmed over buy the octogenarian Edwards, who came to the Shrews rescue again when Hendo's bullet from the identical spot, was just tipped round the post. Our 3rd goal was, I'm afraid, for me a blur, as the ravages of 'flu and a late reaction to the road madness of the early afternoon, finally caught up with me. Amidst a coughing fit of epic proportions, and whilst bending to recover a boiled sweet which in the process had inadvertently lodged itself stickily to the furry coat collar of the man in front of me, the same man who only last week had received a torrent of coffee on the self same garment, we scored again. Having carefully removed the offending item of slobbery confectionery, undetected, I joined in the celebrations.That it was Clare that put the finishing touch to it, I have the boy, Chris to thank. His eagle-eyed observation is very helpful when play is huddled up at the far end (admittedly, this one was scored under my very nose, had I been looking). That he (Clare) now commands the nickname 'swivel' indicates the manner in which he scored. It seems to be a party piece of his. I just hope his internal organs don't become disoriented in the process and his vital functions cease to obey the laws of Nature. How embarrassing it would be if, invited to attend along with the Bishop, Mayor, Chairperson of the Women's Institute, Nelson Mandela and Max Griggs at the grand opening of the Clean Air Society's Retreat for the Easily Offended, in responding to the question from the Lady Mayoress, "Care for some tea and cucumber sandwiches, Mr Clare?", he simply leant across to her and farted! Enough of this anarchy. The plus points today were numerous; amongst them: a continuation of the gameplan to play attacking footie at all costs; the ability of the squad to pull together when injury, international duty (!) and illness conspire to whittle an already shrinking playing staff to the bone; a great game for Super Sean, our MotM, who seemed to be involved in everything; Daryll whose tireless and inventive performance only serves to underline the need to find a solution to the transfer impasse; Richard Green for joining us and allowing me to pad out this report with what passes for wit in this household at any rate (and I have studiously avoided any reference to Greeney, a nickname which, I trust, will not become popular, because it snot funny); Welchy for giving me the confidence not to worry when the ball crosses the half way line in the direction of our goal; Hendo for winging it in, hacking them down and taking it upon himself generally to kick team arse (even Willo's, who I noted was having a management conference on the side line when he was needed to fill a gap in the defensive wall) and returning to his near god-like status in the eyes of at least the Crowborough Cobblers Fan Club; Frainy for making me happily eat my words of much earlier this or even last season, when I questioned his ability to play the mid-field role; Willo for not accepting the level of support coming from the North Stand, even in apparent victory, and raising the volume a few decibels with a characteristic flourish of the fists (wouldn't like to get on his wrong side on a dark night in an unlit alley with only a rolled up copy of the Chron & Echo to defend myself with!); the peerless Deano for doing his bit professionally and allowing me to practise one of my favourite chants, "Deano, there's only one Deano"; Spedds for providing the left-sided wing play we can't call ourself a team without; Jamesy for slotting back in seamlessly and rising above the lack of a really good nickname; and Sammo for reminding us all of those care-free days when he formed one half of the dynamic duo, but remaining a top performer allowing us the luxury of not missing the 'other half'! Well, that's about it. It's already Sunday and I need to down some Tixylix before I go and wake up the wife. On second thoughts, I'll put the fan heater on and go sleep with the dog, Chester. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the homecoming of Big John Gayle. There, I've just gone and mentioned it! Bring on the Pirates, the Pooh and 'whatsisname' with that other team?


RICHARD at 16:19:51 Sunday January 9 2000
IK'CIWT: Band of Merry Men. Part IISo, match on and in brilliant sunshine too. The skies were blue and the field/pitch was green! Another green thing was our new defender Robin Hood, sorry Richard Green. Those of us who remember the strains of that famous title tune from the 50s/60s ripping yarn, PLEASE give it an airing at our next match, if Robin, sorry Richard is playing. I had a go but ended up having to explain the humour of it to the entire back three rows of the North Stand and nearly missed the kick off. A good buy on the evidence of today's little outing and some comments from Andy C our Gills near convert on the on 'Cobb Comms' site. Earl-y glory for Hood then, sorry Green, as he stole in and hit the target after only 7 minutes from Friar Frain's free kick. Some Cobblers stalwarts have gone years before netting their first for the club.It was like taking from the poor and giving to the rich, to coin a phrase, as his header arrowed into the back of the net. Green, sorry Hood, no Green then Maid his way back to the North Stand end where a band of Merry Men and women were all a quiver, singing his praises. If only we'd been playing Forest or Lincoln! None of this, though, should take away from the performance of our player/manager, returning to the fray after some absence, he was as lively as ever, and , if not quite as menacing-looking without the handle bars, at least he climbed another great step towards the fabled 200. A strange affair his goal after 22 minutes was too. I'll have to study the TV replay tomorrow, but at first sight it looked like another player had scored. Initially the ball, swung over from a Hendo corner, was headed back across goal 1/2 Y2K attempted to head it in via the underside of the cross bar, the scourge of our trips to Gay Meadow flailed at the ball and seemed to palm it out, the lino was frantically waving his flag, I thought it was for off-side, the ref blew his whistle as another Cobbs player rattled the loose ball into the back of the net. Everyone around me was shouting "Who, scored?" But as Willo started stripping off his shirt in celebration, all became clear, except to the guy behind me who had fallen over in the excitement, and was unable to rejoin the rest of us for some time - intoxicating stuff, this football! The ball from Willo's header had clearly crossed the line, as the Assistant Man in Black wisely spotted, unlike the guy on Match of the Day tonight during the Wednesday/ Wolves game. It was2-0 to the Town and game over. Shrewsbury were ineffective. Shrews fans, though, to their credit, were vociferous throughout. Undaunted by the tide of attacking at thier end, as their chances ebbed away and they were in danger of being swamped, they came up with some strange lyrics. "You're not singing any more" was heard once we'd settled down after our 3rd goal, half an hour from the end! The level of entertainment their own team must have been providing was highlighted by the fact that their loudest cheers were saved for the occasional refereeing decision in their favour. And after a particularly barren spell for them, they greeted the awarding of a free kick with a response that would have been warranted had they actually scored. Tough times down Shrewsbury way. Mind you, I felt for them; we've been there- recently, when nothing goes right and small crumbs of comfort are greedily consumed. Welchy was playing Joe Cool, as ever, and the rest of the first half was insignificant as far as incident is concerned barring one effort that might have produced a well desrved goal for Spedds. Breaking from our defence, he made a run through their back line following some neat interplay, culminating in a flick on from Dazza, was bearing down on Edwards, their pensioner 'keeper (actually, he's only 34, but why spoil a good story with the truth?) in a 1-on-1 situation, guranteed to score, when lo and behold, the same Lino who was so clear-sighted for the Willo goal, was obviously suffering from temporary myopia as he flagged for off-side. I ask you, would you credit it? Still, 2-0 at half time is not a scoreline we've been used to of late, at least not in our favour!


RICHARD at 16:13:47 Sunday January 9 2000
IK'CIWT: Band of Merry Men. PART I: There he was, the Flying Moustache ( ex-bristles! ), nipping in to bury(!) Cobblers' second goal,and his personal 199th, joining Phil Chard as the only Town player/managers to score against the Shrews. There's life in the old dog yet. What about a cameo performance as late sub' v. Posh and scoring no. 200 in the dying seconds to secure victory for the Mighty Claret & White? A thoroughly deserved win today which maintains our impressive run under new management. With the Pirates on Tuesday night, Posh next Saturday and 'Guess Who?' coming to Town in a fortnight, there's no end of entertainment in the offing. On a personal note, you'll be distressed, I know, to learn that, despite my best endeavours of late, Christmas, New Year/Century/Millennium, 'flu and work (but not necessarily in that order) have militated against a Bumper Festive issue of "IK'CIWT", incorporating all your favourites, the boy Chris, Road Rage Menace, Cullinary Corner and, who could forget, Half Time Golden Sh*t. If I can manage to re-wire my brain, I may be able to come up with a compendium edition, covering Sarfend and the Quakers, entitled "Whelks with Porridge". In a mild state of recovery, therefore, from the ubiquitous lurgy, I was determined to make the match at all costs. What can the dreaded 'flu do to me, I mused, me, the fool who rose from his death bed (football induced back spasms) in September '98 to limp, hobble and crawl to Upton Park to witness the Woody show that took us past the once mighty Hammers; me, the idiot who in February '99 had to be physically restraind by men in white coats (football induced sciatica) from attempting to become the first in motorway history to drive horizontal up the M1; me, the half-wit who, having promised the wife faithfully that in no way whatsoever would I consider attempting the break-neck journey across country with time not our ally,on Saturday 26th February this year, now intends committing matrimonial suicide by duping his wife and daughter (the boy, Chris is up for it, so he'll take half the blame) into believing the two of us have only nipped off to the toilet at the airport just before the taxi arrives,at 11.30 am, having just returned from a week's ski-ing in Mayrhofen, Austria and then shooting of on the Gatwick express to Northampton via London, to witness the Bees being stung by vengeful defeat? Influenza? Pah!! A small price to pay on the trip to Sixfields - the incessant coughing and hacking, clearing the inside windscreen of projectile phlegm - for the chance to see the Cobblers tame the Shrews. It was with some optimism, therefore, that we set out this morning for the (Six)Fields of Dreams. So it wasn't until we narrowly avoided being squeezed of the road at the Dartford crossing by a woman in a silver Mondeo estate, as we raced (immaturely, it has to be said) for the outside lane of the fast approaching dark hole that is the tunnel, that I had a chance to re-evaluate my state of health! The brief glimpse we caught of her as she sped past us, careering across the DOUBLE white lines IN THE TUNNEL, gesticulating wildly with what appeared to be only ONE finger, was sobering! Seriously, if I'd known she was handicapped in that way, I would not have attempted to boy-race her out of the 'pay as you go' traps and down the tunnel approach incline. How she managed to drive, deposit cigarette ash out the window, curse like a lumberjack AND keep her impossibly piled high '60s retro hairdo in place is a complete mystery. Naturally, I let the matter rest ..... after i'd finally caught and passed her, 17 miles farther on, as she slowed, marginally, leaving the M25 at the J27/M11 slip road by virtue of a neat hand brake turn! Some people just can't take a joke. My smugness was smartly wiped from my face, as moments later I was forced back into the real world by the unmistakable strains of a police siren, accompanied by the flashing headlights and the blue & orange thing on top. I glanced at the speedo...85 mph. Oh golly, I thought to myself! As I pulled over in sweaty anticipation of the inevitable extra 3 points on my tarnished licence, or maybe worse, the boys in blue sailed passed, heading for some other unfortunate, ignoring me completely. Safe in the knowledge that I was now immune from prosecution, we arrived at the ground in double quick time, the G forces having rearranged our facial expressions and the entire contents of the glove compartment. The boy, Chris' Discman had traversed the entire length of the dash board and back so violently and frequently during the remainder of our brief journey, that he swore he was getting a strange quadrophonic effect through the earphones. Anyway, what next? Oh yes. Macdonalds! Now as I said, we arrived earlier than usual, so no rush for lunch then? Wrong. Remember the days when you could hardly finish giving your order ( in stereo it used to seem as the helpful MacAssistant would echo your order to the back room boys and girls for added speed) than you had it dumped in front of you and your erstwhile devoted MacAttendant looked straight through like you weren't there, calling for the next customer. Well, not any more. Maybe the American service ethic has been diluted in this neck of the woods with the passing of time. Or perhaps they're trying to spare the population from pandemic BSE. Whatever, the term "Fast Food" is now something of a misnomer and a possible litigation issue into the bargain, were you to make it your business to press the suit. The coffee container is at least a useful weapon if throwing objects at the opposition netminder ceases to be an infraction of the law!


Hartwell at 16:11:25 Sunday January 9 2000
Good win but in all honesty Shrewsbury were wretched. Anyone know anything about our reputed interest in two Italian players ? (Serie G stars!?).


Sid at 15:44:41 Sunday January 9 2000
There is also a reserve game on Wednesday - will that be in danger of a postponment, or will the Youth team fulfil that fixture because of our injuries??


Paul at 15:9:46 Sunday January 9 2000
Still in wonderlad after yesterdays performance, and just hope we can make a good account of ourselfs on Tuesday night. Then to the big one on Saturday, in time to set back any hopes of Barry Fry's revival! Keep praying the injury's continue to go away, and that we don't pick anymore up Tuesday night!


Northampton Gas at 13:37:42 Sunday January 9 2000
Ray, you are almost right. The Gas are the only current football league never to have played in the top or bottom division. We like to be middle of the road *s*


Ray at 12:3:1 Sunday January 9 2000
Hmmm.....my memory must be playing tricks. I was convinced that Brovers held the distinction of never having been promoted or relegated. Must be someone else. Sorry.


Northampton Gas at 11:29:20 Sunday January 9 2000
Sorry about the spelling in the last email, I am still trying to get over yesterdays result


Northampton Gas at 11:9:46 Sunday January 9 2000
Ray, I do not understand your question. We were promoted in 1989/90 and 1973/74 and this season have a good chance of making the play offs. Preston will make it, the jury is out on Wigan. Millwall and Gillingham will also be in for a play off place. Currently, we have been playing very well. Jason Roberts is on fire at present and only Mitchell Thomas of Burnley has managed to control him by legitamate means. There is a way of legitamate way of controlling him, but as this site is monitored by NTFC, I ain't going tell you this here. It should be a good game, Challis and Thompson are suspended, but the later is injured anyway. Mauge is on this tour against Corazzin and may not be back in time. Tillson missed out on Saturdays game and we sure missed him as the result indicated. As indicated before, I want the Gas to get through Tuesdays game without any bookings or more importently, no injures. If that means that we lose the game, so be it. Perhaps we could get Garry Thompson to play in our back four, especially as I sponser his kit this season. May the best team win and promtion to both clubs at the end of the season.


Chester fan. at 11:5:59 Sunday January 9 2000
I'm told Atkin's wants Dean Peer and Carl Heggs-what are they like?


Ray at 0:23:54 Sunday January 9 2000
So NG - what are the chances of Brovers getting their first promotion ever!


Northampton Gas at 23:48:2 Saturday January 8 2000
Well you must now be feeling very confident, scoring three and us letting in five. I was traumatised by our game and took two wrong turnings on the way back, costing me an extra half hour on the journey. Well, it's only a game and Tuesdays is only a Micky Mouse Cup and you must be red hot favourites *s*. See any of you in the Sixfields Tavern before the game for a drink.


CHEAT ALERT at 23:2:29 Saturday January 8 2000
CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT CHEAT


Ray at 22:57:2 Saturday January 8 2000
Sorry - but late tonight - but the site has now been updated. Tipping table hotting up with only one person tipping Green to be first scorer (hee hee, me!). Cobblers now up to 6th. in the League.


Sarcastic Git at 22:51:41 Saturday January 8 2000
Northampton Town


The Romsey Cobbler at 22:41:14 Saturday January 8 2000
What was the team today?


Andy (Gills) at 22:33:42 Saturday January 8 2000
Good to hear abour Richard having a good debut for you. He scored twice at Cardiff on his debut for, but he did play right back then. He only left us in the first place because he likes the odd drink and fag in the supporters club afther the game, and Pulis did not see him as a team player (I did not agree). Still very popular with the Gills fans.


Robert Dunkley at 21:37:4 Saturday January 8 2000
Monkeyboy I have no children as far as I am aware!


RICHARD at 21:19:52 Saturday January 8 2000
Sorry R + D, don't get it! Either the metre is wrong or the song is unknown. Is this a new Direones epic chat or your reaction to Griggsy's money-wasting party in New York?


R+D at 19:59:6 Saturday January 8 2000
La la la la la FLUKE!, la la la la la FLUKE!, la la la la la, la la la la FLUKE FLUKE FLUKE FLUKE,......:-)


WSD at 19:50:35 Saturday January 8 2000
Cheers Scizho - it was a fairly easy game but we really needed a good win ahead of next weeks minor, insignificant game against... errr, umm...??


The Yorkshire Wolds Cobbler at 19:47:33 Saturday January 8 2000
Hello from the East Riding. Great result today. I'm working nights at the moment. I missed the torture by Ceefax today as I was too busy getting some shut eye. I was awoken by a cheer from downstairs. The Cobblers had won 3-0. What a lovely way to get woken up!


CHRIS CROW'BORO COBBLER at 19:42:5 Saturday January 8 2000
What a great team performance today. What a contrast in difference from today's game and last weeks shambles.Personally I thought there were four outstanding players on th pitch today, looking at things from the north stand. SAMMO- was very solid at the back, also marked John Gayle out of the game and won everything in the air. SUPER SEAN- ran his socks off in midfield, wherever there was a tackle to be made, he was there to make it, and also a superb strike from all of 30 yards out.DEANO- also ran his socks off, controlled and commanded the midfield with superb encouragement, but in all honestly, how in the world did he miss that shot back accross goal form all of 3 yards. DAZZA CLARE- ran his wotsits off up-front, showed a superb first touch, and could skin anything or anyone that stood in front of him, and when it didn't come off, it dosn't matter because at least he shows a willingness to run at and take on defences, and well done for being in the right place at the right time for his goal.Up the TOWN!!!!!!!!!Bring on the POSH!!!!!!!!See you all in Division Two again!!!!!


Sid at 18:25:34 Saturday January 8 2000
Comfortable performance today - and nice to see Kev get a goal closer to the 200 mark. I thought we played excellent, really laid back - but Shrewsbury just weren't up for it. The referee could have booked a couple of players in the first half, notably Aiston for an off-the-ball elbow on Hendon which was so blatant, (but the linesman managed to miss it!) and Gayle's tackle, also on Hendon. But instead he decided to book Sammo for what didn't seem like a foul! I think Green got a touch, because he celebrated on his own, before the other realised it was Green's goal. A good signing there. Two outstanding saves from Edwards though. First from Parrish's shot he tipped over, then Hendon's(?) 25 yard bullet was somehow palmed away.


Danny at 18:23:50 Saturday January 8 2000
R+D, why did'nt Direone's play today?


Tony at 18:23:17 Saturday January 8 2000
Acording to Kevin WIlson being interviewed on the Radio after the game. Green will sign on a Free Tansfer this Wednesday all being well, having tuned down offers from Chester and Scunthorpe. Also, he mentioned Clare might partner Morrow up from Tuesday night. While this is significant in that Morrow might start another match, also meaning Clare is on a third month here at Sixfields!


Danny at 18:23:13 Saturday January 8 2000
Regarding a couple of points from yesterday - 1. All those who moaned cos we signed another defender...... bet you're happy now. Secondly DEK, what the hell have you been watching since Atkins left. Apart from a couple of games we have dominated games, took teams to pieces, and basically deserved to win all of them (bar the Darlo game.) Face it mate, compared to Atkins tactics, we are going on all out attack. Christ, some people are never happy.


Danny at 18:11:59 Saturday January 8 2000
Great performance by the team today. We could have had 6 or 7 by the end of it but I'll settle for three I suppose. All the goals came from corners, good to see Wilson score aswell. Shrewsbury were poor and I dread to think what we would have done today had we had a fully fit squad to choose from. Great performance, great victory and from a team down to its bare minimum. Bring on Boro!!!!


MP at 17:59:5 Saturday January 8 2000
Weird to watch the last 20 minutes without being worried to death. What a start for a man who hadn't trained with the others once! The whole side must be proud of today's performance, especially with so many injuries....and good riddance to the Shrewsbury jinx!


No1 Cobbler at 17:46:9 Saturday January 8 2000
Did anyone spot the difference in style of lettering and numbers on Greene's shirt compared to the rest of the team


Ralph at 17:32:55 Saturday January 8 2000
Top marks to the Gills fans in their assessment of Richard Greene. He was involved in two goals from set pieces, his/Frain's and Darryl Clare's. I didn't think he got a touch on the first one, we'll see. His shorts look a bit dodgy, almost nappy-like, I think the fashion police need a word. A very entertaining game and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bring on the Pirates!


Ralph at 17:28:36 Saturday January 8 2000
Blimey that was all a bit of a rush!


Anon at 17:2:4 Saturday January 8 2000
3=0 full time


Ian at 16:32:56 Saturday January 8 2000
Latest score?


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 15:28:31 Saturday January 8 2000
TWO NILL TO US.... PLAY UP COBBLERS..... YOU BEAUTY.. DAVE


2-0 at 15:28:6 Saturday January 8 2000
kevin wilson scores !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


The Romsey Cobbler at 15:14:24 Saturday January 8 2000
1 - 0 to the mighty Cobblers! Perhaps my comments about Richard Green being a striker were right yesterday!


Monkeyboy at 14:51:51 Saturday January 8 2000
I did that too Ralph!! I was waiting to get in turnstile 12 and all i hear is this cheer and Sean Parrish has put on in the net, gutted!


Ralph at 14:13:55 Saturday January 8 2000
Tell them to hang on, last time this happened we won 1-0 against Luton and I missed the only goal!


Anon at 14:13:32 Saturday January 8 2000
WSD, every time you talk about Soccer AM, I tell you that my mate works for Sky and I can definitley get you on, your'e not interested because unless you are calling the shots it's no good to you. The current situation is that the only way you can now get on is if your team is topical, either on a live weekend game or have made the news somehow. You have missed the opportunity I presented you at least 3 or 4 times.


Ralph at 14:9:59 Saturday January 8 2000
Ever had that feeling you are going to miss kick-off?


Anon at 14:5:41 Saturday January 8 2000
Ah ! the dick was WSD - always wondered what the D stood for.


Ralph at 13:58:18 Saturday January 8 2000
Are we at home today then?


Tony at 13:35:20 Saturday January 8 2000
Off to the match, see ya ll there! UP THE COBBLERS!!


Ralph at 13:14:41 Saturday January 8 2000
WSD - Why are you now called Kevin? Does this mean we should refer to you as WSK?


Andy (Gills) at 13:10:39 Saturday January 8 2000
You have got a very good player in Green, to get him on a free is a really good. He has twice Gills player of the year and always looked solid even in the 2nd. He is very good at near post flick ons from corners, and earns loads of free kicks and gets away with lots himself. Hisa main poblem is his lack of pace and a bad back caused by extra rigs and vertibra. Main claim to fame is that he was one of the players healed by Drewery when at Swindon, when he was close to giving up.


WSD at 13:9:56 Saturday January 8 2000
Okay, but right now I'm zipping round Rugby and the surrounding villages in my little Peugeot 205 called Kevin !


Anon at 13:7:43 Saturday January 8 2000
Ah, so the dick was Dick!


Uncle Richard at 13:3:47 Saturday January 8 2000
How are the driving lessons going then Dave ?


Uncle Richard at 13:2:54 Saturday January 8 2000
No - you're walking


WSD at 12:54:9 Saturday January 8 2000
Ho ho very funny... Big Roy possibly? ;o)


WSD at 12:46:33 Saturday January 8 2000
Does that mean I've got a dick uncle Lift?! :o)


WSD at 12:31:26 Saturday January 8 2000
Does that mean I've got a lift uncle Dick?! :o)


Uncle Richard at 12:16:13 Saturday January 8 2000
Po*h tickets are still available - I got mine an hour ago - standing only , £9.00 or £3.00 conc


WSD at 11:59:36 Saturday January 8 2000
They're all talk, as Phil said below, I know of four seperate groups who've applied to go on now and they've all been rejected


Ray at 11:51:37 Saturday January 8 2000
For those unfortunate not to be going to the match, please let me have feedback on the "Live football scores".


SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 10:45:9 Saturday January 8 2000
MORNING COMRADES.... Good loan deal done yesterday. Green played against Sunderland this year in the Worthless Cup I think and did really well. Wonder if IA will come back and make some buys from us? 2-0 to the Mighty Cobblers. Play up Saints. I am in favour a gorund share as well... Dave.E


No1 Cobbler at 9:15:39 Saturday January 8 2000
My girlfriend and her friends asked to go on there and they retected them. Does anyone know if there's any Boro tickets left. SHAILLA QURESHI I LUV U LOADS


????? at 9:0:20 Saturday January 8 2000
WSD What happened to Cobblers fans going on Sky footie am - especially when Helen and Tim ask nearly every week for fans to go on especially Cobblers?


Chipp at 8:0:52 Saturday January 8 2000
Billy was 17 and mean as hell Bonnie said she was 30, it was hard to tell Billy met Bonnie on a Saturday night At the dirt track races, it was love at first sight Bonnie was wilder than the west wind blows Taught Billy every single thing he knows But she never told billy what she left out The part about the trouble when your times runs out When the thrill is gone, when your deal goes south It's all over when your time runs out Bonnie said, "Billy, don't you think it's time We moved on a little further down the line" So they knocked off a Texaco south of town Blew down the highway with the ragtop down Billy woke Bonnie up about first light Said, "You drive honey, I've been up all night" Now Billy wasn't sweatin' no APB ‘Cause they didn't leave a single soul alive to see The boy was just 16, made his mama proud That don't mean nothin' when your time runs out Bonnie kept pushin' that Cadillac Billy passed out with the seat reared back Slept through Louisiana, then just past dark Bonnie pulled over in a roadside park Left Billy sleeping and she called the cops He never knew nothin' when the dime was dropped Bonnie knew what she had to do She called the sheriff and she cried on cue And the state police rousted Billy out He was dreaming about Bonnie when his time ran out The sheriff told Billy, "Boy, you're bound to die ‘Cause this young lady's gonna testify That you done took her off against her will And she told us about the robbery and the boy you killed" The judge said, "Billy, what you got to say Before I have the sheriff carry you away" Billy looked Bonnie right in the eye But he didn't even have to ask her why But he turned around as they led him out He said, "I'll see you down in hell when your time runs out"


Deepcut Cobbler at 23:33:39 Friday January 7 2000
And how about filling the team against Chester with youngsters, or relative youngsters, giving them a stuffing to show IA how football teams should be selected and the way to play... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!


Tony at 23:25:47 Friday January 7 2000
Lets get ready to rock! Read on Football News site that Wilson is either going to name himself or Morrow alongside Clare! Dare I sugest he might plumpp to blood the young and superb talent of Morrow!


Nige+Nick at 22:37:29 Friday January 7 2000
3 points in the bag tomorrow. Stand up if you're going to Posh. Cheer up Barry Fry.


Deepcut Cobbler at 22:24:24 Friday January 7 2000
What is Chipp on?? Does he realise he is on a footie site?? Or am I missing something?? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!!


Monkeyboy at 21:55:52 Friday January 7 2000
Hey Robert Dunkley, is your son called Ian and does he work at Safeway?


Chipp at 21:45:44 Friday January 7 2000
We got somethin', we both know it, We don't talk too much about it. Yeah it ain't no real big secret, But somehow, we get around it. It don't really matter to me baby, You believe what you want to believe, You don't have to live like a refugee. Somewhere, somehow, Somebody must have kicked you around some. Who knows why you wanna lay there and revel in your abandon. It don't make no difference to me, baby, Everybody's had to fight to be free, You see you don't have to live like a refugee. Baby, we ain't the first. I'm sure a lot of other lovers been burned. Right now this seems real to you, But it's one of those things you gotta feel to be true. Somewhere, somehow, Somebody must have kicked you around some. Who knows? Maybe you were kidnapped, Tied up, taken away, and held for ransom. It don't really matter to me, baby, Everybody's had to fight to be free, You see you don't have to live like a refugee.


Ralph at 20:49:27 Friday January 7 2000
Take your point DEK but it comes down to the lack of strength within the squad. In order to maintain a promotion push we must have all our better players fit, in the side, playing to their potential week in week out. To think in recent weeks we have lost Welch, Hendon, Howey, Sammo, Spedding, Savage, Hunter, Hunt, Frain, Corrazzin, Clare, Parrish, Howard due to illness, injury or suspension and still we are seventh. Bloody good going! Wilson does not have the quality of player on the bench that can come on and turn a game. The likes of Gibb, Peer, Dobson, Sturridge, Thompson are not really going to have any great influence on the game. Only Morrow or Hope have the quality to force themselves in to the first team on a regular basis and it isn't usual for someone like Hope, a centre back, to come on unless an injury has occurred. Given what we have got, we have come a long way in a short time. Wilson has until the end of the season and then he will be judged on whether he gets an extension on his contract, up until now he has done well, played football and the opposition are talking about us in a positive way. What more can we expect given the facts?


Robert Dunkley at 20:35:14 Friday January 7 2000
I think Green is available on a free transfer, maybe it is just an admin thing, if he impresses he will sign up. We do need cover,and as he can play right-back maybe Kev is worried about cover for Hendon


DEK at 19:57:8 Friday January 7 2000
Ralph, some valid points but I was questionning Wilson's ability or courage in making tactical changes within a game, rather than hoping something might happen. It is nice to see the ball thrown out to Hendon but I feel that the full-backs do not push up anywhere near enough, especially as they provide excellent quality at times. Perhaps I had hoped that after Atkins we might have really gone all out to attack.


R+D at 19:54:29 Friday January 7 2000
Yeah, they do look similair.


The Romsey Cobbler at 19:31:27 Friday January 7 2000
DEK - Before the start of the season I would have been disappointed with 7th place at the New Year; but when I came home from the Rotherham away match I'd have considered it a miracle.


Ralph at 19:27:39 Friday January 7 2000
Nah! That was Talbot's nose R&D not Concorde!


Ralph at 19:26:26 Friday January 7 2000
I'll settle for seventh too BTW, given the lack of depth to the squad and the strength of several other clubs around us!


R+D at 19:25:48 Friday January 7 2000
Guess where Rushden are. We haven't got a game this week so they've gone to bloody New York!!


Ralph at 19:24:53 Friday January 7 2000
Re Wilson and tactical changes: I was pleasantly surprised to see how easily the defence coped with reverting to the sweeper system on various occasions against Plymouth; Parrish has definitely benifitted from his role in midfield which is less restrictive and sees him play more zonal marking than the strict man-to-man role under Atkins and this enables him to make those marvellous runs in to the box; it is very refreshing to see the build up from the back with the 'keeper being so aware and having the freedom to make a choice of how to distribute the ball by throwing it to the full backs rather than just the long punt; the recent introduction of Richard Hope sees us playing more ball out from the centre of defence through midfield; the attack minded use of the full backs has certainy given us more width and on several occasions Hendon has sortied down the left wing, strange but effective; the forwards have also enjoyed a new lease of life and this was particularly evident from the vantage point at Halifax. The work rate of Clare and Corrazzin is fantastic, the blind side runs and the way that they have created space for the likes of Hunt, Parrish and recently Peer is a far cry from the static days of Ian Atkins; the way that we move the ball through midfield and the fact that we now play with width has certainly made us a more entertaining team, it also gives the opposition a bit more scope which results in a more open game and therefore more true to the spirit of the beautiful game. I will concede that it does leave us open at times but I find it enthralling, exciting, action packed and much less predictable, dull, boring than 18 games ago (having seen 14 out of the seventeen matches). Apart from that I haven't noticed much change!


northanpton cobbler at 19:16:37 Friday January 7 2000
the gas heads are comming


northampton cobbler at 19:15:1 Friday January 7 2000
hi seen your comments friend (no names)lol u will be sitting next to me with the hooligans so please wear a cobbs top or a gas top that looks like a cobbs top lol speak to u saterday bye for now 3-1 cobbs


Uncle Richard at 19:6:45 Friday January 7 2000
Posh & Becks = Thick & Thin


DEK at 19:0:37 Friday January 7 2000
QUESTION: Who agrees with Wilson's statement that we would have been happy to take 7th place at the New Year before the season started ?


DEK at 18:50:59 Friday January 7 2000
QUESTION: In the seventeen games that Wilson has been in charge has anyone seen him make a tactical change ?


Norwich Cobbler at 18:16:53 Friday January 7 2000
Looking forward to my first visit to Sixfields in the 21st Century.Lets hope we can start with a win and remain unbeaten at home until 2100!!!Good luck to Atkins I'm sure he'll get Chester away from the bottom but now he's got another job I wonder if he'll be nice and say we can stop paying him?(fat chance).Heard KW on Talk Radio and he seemed quite serious about playing up front - he was also very magnaminous about Carlo going - Arsenal can give Bergkamp a game we can play the manager!!!!From what he said we lose him for two games in January and then virtually the whole of February - I think that could mean serious problems for us on the goalscoring front lets just hope he doesn't come back injured!2-0 tomorrow please Wilson & Parrish to score.Up the Mighty Cobblers!!!!!!!!


atkins lives on at 17:52:26 Friday January 7 2000
Northampton Town have signed Walsall central defender Richard Green on loan with a view to a permanent transfer. The loan has been completed in time for Green to be added to the squad to meet Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. Green, is a 32 year old 6ft 1in central defender and began his career at Shrewsbury. He made 120 appearances before moving to Gillingham in 1992 and played nearly 250 times for the Kent club, scoring 17 times. He joined Walsall on a free transfer in August 1998 and is well known as a powerful central defender who is dangerous at set pieces. In all, Green has scored 25 times in nearly 450 senior appearances. He will be allocated squad number 21 at Sixfields. Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson said, "He has turned down offers of 18 month contracts with both Scunthorpe and Chester to come here and I’m delighted he has signed. With the loss of Tony Dobson through injury for the rest of the season I felt the defence was an area we needed more experience and depth in and I’m pleased he has joined us."


MP at 17:26:18 Friday January 7 2000
It says in the Chron that we've got Daryl for a third month, until February 12.


Andy C at 17:19:45 Friday January 7 2000
Centre back but can also play right back. Not a wing-back though. Still, if you aren't signing him I won't bother to give you any more details. All the best tomorrow.


The Romsey Cobbler at 16:59:52 Friday January 7 2000
If it is the same Richard Green(e) who used to play Robin Hood then I'm surprised he's not a striker - he was pretty good at shooting.


Chris & Chaz at 16:25:15 Friday January 7 2000
Looking forward to THE clash next next week. As the team I mean is so shit they're not worth mentioning!!!!! WE HATE THE POSH!!!!!!!!!!


The Shropshire Cobbler at 15:35:39 Friday January 7 2000
Didn't he used to play Robin Hood on TV? He must be getting on a bit now.


Sid at 15:33:26 Friday January 7 2000
Yes, a central defender I think. He played for Gillingham aswell, didn't he Andy??


Chris and Chaz at 15:31:41 Friday January 7 2000
We gather Richard Green is a defender then. It's the forward players we need to consentrate on.


Chris and Chaz at 15:26:25 Friday January 7 2000
What position does Richard Green from Wallsall play ????


Sid at 15:25:57 Friday January 7 2000
Atkins was interested in Green back in August I think, but I don't know why we would want to sign him now! We have sufficient cover, but a midfielder or a striker would be more helpful!


from the ntfc website at 15:25:8 Friday January 7 2000
Northampton Town's part time goalkeeping coach Tony Godden has left the club. Boss Kevin Wilson said, "It's been done mainly as a cost cutting measure although Tony does also work with Rushden & Diamonds and Peterborough and I like my staff to be totally focused on the job at this club. I'd like to thank him for his efforts while at Northampton Town and wish him all the best for the future." Experienced keeper Keith Welch will take over some of the coaching duties as Wilson explained. "We feel Keith is experienced enough to help coach our younger goalkeepers. It's an area Keith wants to get in to and I'm sure he can do a good job."


from the ntfc website at 15:25:5 Friday January 7 2000
Northampton Town's part time goalkeeping coach Tony Godden has left the club. Boss Kevin Wilson said, "It's been done mainly as a cost cutting measure although Tony does also work with Rushden & Diamonds and Peterborough and I like my staff to be totally focused on the job at this club. I'd like to thank him for his efforts while at Northampton Town and wish him all the best for the future." Experienced keeper Keith Welch will take over some of the coaching duties as Wilson explained. "We feel Keith is experienced enough to help coach our younger goalkeepers. It's an area Keith wants to get in to and I'm sure he can do a good job."


Will at 15:24:9 Friday January 7 2000
I agree with Vince, I don't see how NTFC can be retrospectively charged for services that it was never contracted to pay for. We could be made to pay for them in the future though. And let's not forget that we are not the only organisation to use the ground. It is the Borough Council's Stadium and a facility for the Borough's citizens. I do not see that in essence this is any different from any other council own recreational facility. I don't go for walks in Abington Park but I have no problem with the Council subsidising those who do.


chris and chaz at 15:21:21 Friday January 7 2000
Looking forward to tomorrow. Getting one over the shrews. Come on!!!!


Andy C at 15:17:14 Friday January 7 2000
I'm hearing that you've signed or will be signing Richard Green on loan from Walsall. Anyone know anything about this?


Cornonthecob at 15:11:52 Friday January 7 2000
when`s Clare leaving? does anyone know how well the tickest r selling for the pish match?


Ray at 15:11:24 Friday January 7 2000
Yep - definitely off to see the mighty Cobbs thrash the Poo.


Vince at 14:4:19 Friday January 7 2000
Athena, I think the District Auditor may have difficulty raising an invoice for goods and/or services that were not ordered by NTFC, even if they may have benefited. However, the outcome of the case could mean that some or all of the services provided at Sixfields will be withdrawn leaving NTFC as the principle users of the stadium to meet future costs. One possible option may be to review a groundsharing scheme with The Saints which if negotiated and arranged properly could benefit both the Cobblers and the Saints. By the way todays C&E reports that Wilson wants Peer to stay at Sixfields until the end of the season.


Anon2 at 14:4:12 Friday January 7 2000
Is anyone else here?


Anon2 at 14:0:41 Friday January 7 2000
Is anyone else here?


Athena at 13:43:35 Friday January 7 2000
I fear the point is being missed by a great number of people over the Council/Sixfields payments issue. Whilst I would agree that 'prima facie' there appears to be no wrong doing by the Cobblers (nor even implied, as far as I can tell), this will not stop the District Auditor forwarding a bill to the club should it decide that there were payments made by the Council which should hae been met by the club. In fact he will have a 'Statutory Duty' to invoice AND to collect the outstanding money. Certainly the club could then contest this invoice but that would incure lengthy and costly legal proceedings. However, I have serious doubts that the club could defend its position - it is very unlikely to be able to prove the District Auditor was wrong. It should also be remembered that payment would have to be in full, and there would be no qualms in simply closing the club completely if it could not be made in full. This forthcoming ruling is potentially the most critical the club has ever faced, because I strongly believe that if the Auditor upholds Mr. Olivers claim of payments up to a £1m, it is likely to be the end of the club. This is a crisis just waiting to happen, and will make the McRitchie era seem like happy days. If we can only have one more 'result' this season, let this be the one we get in our favour.


Anon2 at 13:34:16 Friday January 7 2000
Cheers RAY, are you coming?


Anon2 at 13:33:6 Friday January 7 2000
Is anyone else here????? :-/(That's wrong isn't it?)


Ray at 13:29:14 Friday January 7 2000
If you check out the "Fixtures" section, you will probably find all the information you need.


Anon2 at 13:24:19 Friday January 7 2000
Is anyone actually there, because I am going


Anon2 at 13:6:13 Friday January 7 2000
Does anyone know the directions to London Road,(you know, P*sh' ground)


OY, RALPH! at 12:42:17 Friday January 7 2000
NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!


Ralph at 12:34:53 Friday January 7 2000
How many times must I say it?


Ralph at 12:34:12 Friday January 7 2000
Try Papa George Lightfoot - 'Going Back to the Natchez Trace'.


Ralph at 12:32:40 Friday January 7 2000
Try Papa George Lightfoot - 'Going Back to the Natchez Trace'.


DC Posh Hater F.C. at 11:47:54 Friday January 7 2000
Get ya tickets quick folks !!!!........There a` flyin !!!!


Glen Cousner at 11:43:36 Friday January 7 2000
Oh what fun we are going to have next Saturday. Posh are in turmoil,the fans are boycotting games,they are calling for fries head and they've sold their super-kids!! If ever there was a time to stuff these gits well and truly it has to be now. Get you ticket bought,get to P***boro,get to the pub,SING YOUR HEART OUT FOR 2 HOURS.....and watch the 3 points come home to Sixfields!!!


Ralph at 11:28:46 Friday January 7 2000
Try Papa George Lightfoot - 'Going Back to the Natchez Trace'.


BR at 11:26:13 Friday January 7 2000
bluesman - I have. Go CDU - Barnsey for president!


Sarcastic Bloke at 11:20:50 Friday January 7 2000
via the ticket office


Anon at 11:17:59 Friday January 7 2000
How are the tickets for Boro selling?


DavCobbler at 10:56:49 Friday January 7 2000
Ticket office here I com