Cobblers comments

Cobblers Comments
July 2001

J. at 23:40:42 Tuesday July 31 2001
Can someone tell me when Sammo's testimonial is?

TherealslimMartinW at 23:35:49 Tuesday July 31 2001
OKAY to nail the Jamie saga well and truly on the head (this is reality) JAMIE IS STAYING FOR THE TIME BEING. As was perhaps predictable the personal terms between him and Wycombe were the big problem. He wanted more than they were able to give. And lets face it he would need a wod more to go there. Not that much of a bigger club, lets face it. Wycombe tried by ha ha, nay chance, my son. A Blues press release out today says: "After discussions with Northampton a deal for the player had been agreed but in the end it was the players personal terms that was the stumbling block. Manager Lawrie Sanchez called the deal off this morning after his final offer had not been accepted. " HOORAY JAMIE CAN SCORE LOTS MORE FOR US! Or is that a dream again?

TherealslimMartinW at 23:30:48 Tuesday July 31 2001
Oh my God Gabby has just scored a sublime overhead kick winner from the edge of the penalty area to beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Neu Camp. What? That's a dream? Not reality? But I saw it! I was asleep? S...t I am awake I couldn't have been in Spain. There couldn't have been a massive baying crowd. Clearly I have drunk far too much. Forgive me.

Martin at 22:9:29 Tuesday July 31 2001
Apparently Carl Heggs is only training with the club (as a favour) until he finds a new employer. What if no one buys him? Will he be able to play for the club until someone does!

Anon at 22:0:16 Tuesday July 31 2001
pansy shirt lifting toss piece

Anon at 21:58:40 Tuesday July 31 2001
I've spent the last half an hour trying to think of an obscure way of letting someone know by reading this message that I am absolutely mad about him. And I've failed. On the football side, I saw Marco today and he was limping, so does anyone know if he played tonight?

Anon at 21:46:43 Tuesday July 31 2001
i not suffering from this virus thingy! how dya get it? not that i want it!

blatant plug at 21:40:1 Tuesday July 31 2001
All you lot suffering with the code red virus should allow us Mac users a patronising smirk. iMacs are so cheap right now it's a crime. For a virus free life go Mac, you know it makes sense (don't mention autostart though).

Ralph at 21:33:8 Tuesday July 31 2001
I feel that I must distance myself from earlier comments regarding Frank Large and my reclining Myers!!

Anon at 21:30:59 Tuesday July 31 2001
3-1 victory not bad at all. Nice to see Lee Hodges playing , maybe he will become the 7th signing???

Neil at 21:30:36 Tuesday July 31 2001
It says on the news page that the launch of the new site has been postponed for 48 hours, but then says that it's hoped it'll be up and running by the weekend. Which is to be believed? I'll go for some time next week!!

Ray at 21:27:43 Tuesday July 31 2001
The second posting about Red Alert was not me.

Neil at 21:23:25 Tuesday July 31 2001
We're 3-1 up (Sammo, Hunt, Gabbi) - it's on the latest news page.

Anon at 21:7:41 Tuesday July 31 2001
what is the score at bedford

Anon at 20:35:56 Tuesday July 31 2001
Cobblers to finish 4th,get down the bookies asap! believe you me!

A PAYING FAN at 20:14:41 Tuesday July 31 2001
Anthony would it not be a good idea to use the free tickets you falsely say all travel club get as raffle prizes on your half-filled coach or do you not want to raise money for the Trust/Club. Why use it for your own benefit? Is this just the words of someone who is gutted that he doesn't get any!? BTW what were you doing posting during the day when you should be working. Does your boss know???????(He will do soon)

TRB Mark at 20:5:5 Tuesday July 31 2001
My God! Here I am in sunny Frqnce wondering how the Cobblers were getting on.............now I feel suicidal!! Pass me another carafe of wine ..............

Anon at 19:46:46 Tuesday July 31 2001
My point was that it is not a realistic judgement to assess a player after i match when you really need to give someone at least 6 games to see the real player begin to emerge.

Anon at 19:41:28 Tuesday July 31 2001
Anon at 19:13:59 - admire your optimism. if i were you i'd go srtraight down the bookies and put a bet on your prediciton. you'll get wild odds. and don't forget the bookies are more often right than wrong.

Anon at 19:13:59 Tuesday July 31 2001
twos a friendly,do not fear we will make the play offs

Anon at 19:0:53 Tuesday July 31 2001
Marco would'nt know which way to go if you gave him a map.

NTFC@2view at 18:46:17 Tuesday July 31 2001
The result was not as appalling as the standard of our play. Even Sammo was 'overstretching' and feeling the need to foul when he came on to 'close the stable door'. I hope I'm proved wrong, obviously, as I am a Cobblers supporter. I still saw what I saw - and was horrified.

Anon at 18:27:7 Tuesday July 31 2001
to oviedo for a straight swap with stan.

Anon at 18:26:52 Tuesday July 31 2001
Marco is on his way.

Gman at 18:26:30 Tuesday July 31 2001
Ok so the result on Saturday was apalling but why all the doom and gloom? Come on, lets go into the new season witha bit of optimism, lets show the players that we believe in them and arent waiting for them to fail. Also 2view: for gods sake give the players a chance how the fcuk can you compare any of the new lads to old on the strength of 1 game. Me thinks you made yourself look a bit of a twat. Sorry.

just another mushroom at 18:10:49 Tuesday July 31 2001
Does this mean that other players are to leave the club? Why are we always kept in the dark?

Come clean, tell us at 18:8:17 Tuesday July 31 2001
Stonehill has said (radio Northampton 5.30) that Jamie Forrester is to stay at Northampton. The need to sell for financial reasons has been resolved by other means. What other means?

Ray at 18:3:13 Tuesday July 31 2001
The new web server is infected with the Code Red virus, hence the delay. It has affected a lot of sites today.

Anon at 18:0:15 Tuesday July 31 2001
Don't blame Ray or NTFC for the website 'cos its not their fault. Remember NTL are running the show now, that's what they paid money for. If they cock it up and cant meet deadlines (look at some of the awful division 1 websites that they have produced) then thats entirely their fault.

Preppy at 17:27:6 Tuesday July 31 2001
I try not to use this board but id like to aks you about the new site Ray.When do u expect it to be up and running and also what happend to the other msg board?

Ray at 17:11:42 Tuesday July 31 2001
The delay on the new web site is nothing to do with NTFC - try getting the facts before blurting off!

Mark at 17:5:47 Tuesday July 31 2001
Great song about Derek 'Hasamower' earlier on. Anyone got any others?

17:01:38 at 17:1:40 Tuesday July 31 2001
missed again

17:01:37 not at 17:0:9 Tuesday July 31 2001
Just testing....

Anon at 16:54:53 Tuesday July 31 2001
Suprise Suprise the new website wont be up today,typical NTFC.

losing interest at 16:47:24 Tuesday July 31 2001
The new web site seems to sum up NTFC perfectly. Promise much, deliver very little.

Anon at 16:44:41 Tuesday July 31 2001
Why am I not surprised.

Hartwell at 16:42:33 Tuesday July 31 2001
Are drums banned from Sixfields? I recall there was one at the North End a season or two ago. But something strange happened....the drum sticks were thrown down onto the pitch! After that I cannot recall seeing or hearing the drum again. If drums are banned, we must be the only ground in Europe which does so. I wonder what the tifosi on the Curva Norde in Rome would make of it?!

Ray at 16:24:25 Tuesday July 31 2001
Doesnt look like being today now...

Pablo at 16:20:14 Tuesday July 31 2001
Just spent about half an hour trying to get through to the Sixfields ticket line to get my ticket for the Bristol City game...then when the line was finally not engaged I got 10 minutes of Cliff Richard's "Congratulations" played on one key of a piano!! Obviously that result against Wimbledon has led to an outburst of euphoria among fans and staff alike.

Anon at 16:20:9 Tuesday July 31 2001
When is the new site going to come on line.....

Anon at 16:19:38 Tuesday July 31 2001
Anon at 16:12:6 Tuesday July 31 2001 I agree with you. 99% of away games fans always have horns, drums and rattles and sometimes even fireworks. How come the so called stewards dont stop these. If we were to take these items into then they wouold be consfiscated straight away. (The easy thing to solve this is to get a Marching band to sot in the crowd)

Frank Large at 16:14:24 Tuesday July 31 2001
We need a FL statue outside the ground, for me him and Ian Story Moore (a Forest god!)football gods of last half century, when Frank was last at 6 Fields I was praying that the club had kept up his registration - he was never booed by our Hotel Enders, but when a Swansea fan heckled him he knocked him out and the Magistrates were lenient as they were s..ing themselves!! Frank is famous for appearing I think it was 9 times on the same cover of the Foootball League Review in all the kits of the many teams he played for he is still a god for all those clubs as he always gave 100+% I know Ralph would sleep with him!!!

Anon at 16:12:6 Tuesday July 31 2001
NEXT SEASON WE HAVE GOT TO MAKE MORE NOISE. It's a pity that our stupid ground regulations don't allow air horns and drums etc. How come visiting fans always seem to get these items into the ground.

Anon at 15:42:17 Tuesday July 31 2001
Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson joined Northampton Town Chairman Barry Stonhill in confirming that Wycombe Wanderers interest in Jamie Forrester is now dead. The Bucks outfit had been in talks with the Cobblers striker but Forrester is staying at Sixfields and Wilson said, "The Jamie deal is dead. Wycombe have not been in touch for a while and I am very pleased he is staying. I hope we can now get things out of the way and can concentrate on football now."

ENCF at 15:40:22 Tuesday July 31 2001
Instead of moaning about the boo-boys and the negative atmosphere at Sixfields why don't we try this idea. How about we sing? Whenever the boo boys start why don't we drown them out with positive songs. I have to say Wimbledon's small band of followers put us to shame on saturday. It was only a friendly but they were singing from the kick off.

Mal at 15:21:34 Tuesday July 31 2001
Apparently Bristol have sold over 1000 tickets from their 1250 allocation, and they haven't gone on general release yet. So looks like they will sell all theirs. Unfortunately because of our stupid police policy we probably wont sell all ours. Still roll on the 11th UTC. FTP.

something else to worry about at 15:9:7 Tuesday July 31 2001
Is it me, or is anyone else annoyed by the way tv and radio constantly refer to our town as North-Hampton, with extra emphasise on the 'H'. Don't they know ther is an 'F' in Norfampton. UP THE TOWN.

Altogether now.... at 14:55:50 Tuesday July 31 2001
Derek went to mow, went to mow a meadow, one goal, two goal, three goal, four goal, Derek has a mower. - Brilliant. COME ON YOU COBBLERS.

Anon at 14:41:51 Tuesday July 31 2001
I think he means the deal with Wycombe is off. I still believe Forrester will have to go in order to ballance the books.

phil at 14:41:43 Tuesday July 31 2001
what time is the new site launched?

Peter at 14:38:55 Tuesday July 31 2001
Stonhill, according to Teletext, is reported as saying the Forrester dedeal is off!!

Anon at 14:11:15 Tuesday July 31 2001
Ray what time does the new site launch this afternoon ?

Ant Collett at 13:52:1 Tuesday July 31 2001
What colour would you like me to wear. I will try Claret. Nice to be famous though.

This is on the official website at 13:17:23 Tuesday July 31 2001
The Cobblers are taking a first team to Bedford for tonight’s game and a full report will be on the official site shortly after the final whistle. Wilson confirmed that Marco Gabbiadini and Chris Hargreaves, who both missed Saturday’s defeat against Wimbledon with minor injuries would both return, saying the only injury picked up by anyone on Saturday was "wounded pride."

Ralph at 13:14:23 Tuesday July 31 2001
I'm sure I read somewhere in last week's freesheets that tonight's team v The Eagles would consist of triallists and yoof.

Ceefax at 12:55:49 Tuesday July 31 2001
page 312 - stonhill says Wycombe deal for Forrester is OFF - doesnt specifically say he is not going at all, just not to Wycombe.

Davo at 12:47:52 Tuesday July 31 2001
Mr Collett dont turn up all dressed in virgin white for the Chelsea game like you did against Wimbledon.....there are too many people looking out for you

Trying to be optimistic at 12:20:36 Tuesday July 31 2001
Even at the age of 20, Asamoah already looks too good a player for the Cobblers, I hope he gets a full game tommorow, but I doubt he will still be here at the end of the season. Contract or not.

Dyl at 12:17:42 Tuesday July 31 2001
I don't know if the club would dare to put out a weak team against Bedford after last yr. Last yr Bedford were expecting a decent side (ie Gabbi + other first teamers), when the biggest names playing were Wilson, Sollitt, Morrow and Thompson. All the rest were kids. Bedford were not happy at all hence NTFC promised to send a first team this year. What I would guess will happen is that the whole squad will travel and none will play for more than 45 mins (that's if the club is honouring its committment to Bedford).

Mark at 12:16:37 Tuesday July 31 2001
What time will the "New website" be up and running?

Anon at 12:16:19 Tuesday July 31 2001
RAY When is the player part of the site going to be update? I got an idea aswell for the site rather than have the name and numbers of the squad why dont you have the back of the shirt!!

Anon at 12:14:15 Tuesday July 31 2001
It would appear that the club need the money from this game more than Sammo, although it does seem a shame.

Vince at 11:39:20 Tuesday July 31 2001
.....and as Sammos testimonial year has been mentioned (although I can't quite see the point that "Paying Fan" is trying to make) doesn't it seem a pity that Sammos testimonial game has not yet been sorted out but the club have managed to arrange a pre season game with Chelsea which looks like selling out. I wonder why that game was not for Sammos benefit?

Vince at 11:34:49 Tuesday July 31 2001
Bearing in mind that we are playing Chelsea on Wednesday I would guess that the team at Bedford will be mostly youth and "fringe" players. Ant, you are right about taking free tickets for away games, I'd be perfectly happy to accept any that came my way, as you say its not as if it costs NTFC.

Anon at 11:29:43 Tuesday July 31 2001
you wont be able to get your usual seat. tickets have been on general sale. ring box office 01604 588338.

Richard at 11:18:49 Tuesday July 31 2001
Is the game against Chelsea going to be sold out or all ticket? I only ask because I haven't been able to get to sixfields yet so have no idea if I will be able to buy my usualy season ticket seat on the door (in the cabin)

Nosey Parker at 10:38:53 Tuesday July 31 2001
I think the boo boys will have lots of booing to do this season.....unfortunatly? As much as I hate to say it I think relegation is more of a yes then a no. Forrester has to go ....he wants out no point in playing him is there? the whole squad is pissed off by the situation and who can blame them really.

Hartwell at 10:32:36 Tuesday July 31 2001
Is it true that Millwall have re-opened their interest in Jamie Forrester now that Wimbledon appear to have colled on him ? I gather they are but only at the current bidding price - ie £200k. Does anyone have an update on this?

Ant Collett at 10:12:14 Tuesday July 31 2001
Spineless again Anon. For booking with Trust Travel phone Jim 01327 312701 and Brian/Vanessa 01604 889051. I think you will find the other travel clubs have scabbed (as Paying fan states)tickets for years. You are only jealous anyway, if you had the opportunity I am sure you would not turn down free tickets. Anyway we do not want to give any money to other clubs do we. Anybody going Bedford tonight?

Ralph at 10:11:11 Tuesday July 31 2001
Funnily enough I did have a verbal barney with Rob Marshall, away at Mansfield (last century) where he was equating ourselves with Barcelona and Juventus! And I'd like to differentiate between those that utter 'twat' when we miss form a yard and those that constantly spew out all kinds of crap regardless of an individuals performance.

It should.. at 10:5:11 Tuesday July 31 2001
..say NTFC@2view.

Anon at 10:4:17 Tuesday July 31 2001
Should say NTFC@2view.

FC@2view at 10:3:21 Tuesday July 31 2001
I've no sympathy with the 'wonder of Broadhurst' brigade, but I could turn on KW if things aren't soon better than the game against Wimbledon. OK, it was only one game, but Greeny is far better than Burgess, Lavin no better than Dempsey, McGregor not as good as Savvo except perhaps at shooting, Wolleaston lasted about as long as Damien Matthew and Parkin can head as well as my granny. OK, Parkin shouldn't have to head balls arriving from low orbit, neither should Forrester, but I don't see where 'quality' ball is going to come from. In fact, the more I think of it, the more depressed I become about next season. We have to play 5 at the back, on Saturday's showing, so that buggers us for a start; with no mid-field we'll be swamped and defending most of a game and the way we've shipped goals bodes very ill. Worse still, if we are relegated, think of the huge wage bill we will face on 3rd Division income. Will we survive?

To Ralph at 8:48:48 Tuesday July 31 2001
Sometimes you talk sense sometimes Id rather hear the Boo boys, how can you equate a cinema with a live sporting event, moronic insults happen at most team events (I know you will say not at Equestrian events!), I dont like the boo boys but they are for me part of the fabric of the game and will never go away, im more concerned when it is rascist insults etc. What amuses me is that some of you have said that you will challenge these morons, well if they are as thick as you all say what will that achieve, what happens if you get involved in a fight, you will get banned. Report them to the stewards well one or 2 are as bad as these idiots and you would have to prove what their behaviour was of a nature that was more than just slagging one of top stars off. So which one of you is going to challenge the Fanzine Edititor whatshisname, he will deny being a boo boy, hes one of the worst - he thinks its amusing his tirades and sometimes it is when its not aimed at a player. so like you all im wasting my time typing this because in 10 years it will be the same...to his horse to his horse to his horse....

Anon at 1:1:25 Tuesday July 31 2001
if he wants to go why keep him, he's not tall, hasn't done anything since december, has no left foot and apparently no loyalty (although the board may be to blame)

Anon at 1:0:20 Tuesday July 31 2001
sod it, let him go

TherealslimMartinW at 0:13:13 Tuesday July 31 2001
Hoy! What's going on down there. Just pop in and.. Just come in from a tiring day to say that the latest on Jamie is that is not quite over. According to Wycombe Wanderers the signing is now at "the D-day stage", as they put it. Bloody hell, it's like a WWII film, intit. "A decision about his coming to Wycombe will be made over the next two days as the Wanderers manager still looks to strengthen his side before August 11th," said a club statement. Which tends to mean the club realise the onus is on them and not Jamie. Which I can only summise is whether they are willing to pay the money (personal terms).

TherREALAnonymouse at 0:7:17 Tuesday July 31 2001
Of course we all know that the message below was not by TheRealSlimMartinW. Grow up! It is blatantly nothing like anything he would right. So what is the bloody point, eh. God kIDS, who'd have em.

Anon at 23:52:13 Monday July 30 2001
I heard Sammo's testimonial dinner had been booked at the Diamond centre in Irthlinborough, but for some strange reason has been cancelled.

TherealslimMartinW at 23:40:8 Monday July 30 2001
It’s only a seasoned-up hyena. We have got to show some pattern or shape to our jigsaw. Sampson says we are aware of the functional problems at the club such as not being able to get through on the blower when booking a ticket and closing most of the stands when they are needed most. Crap players are paid to play, not make excuses for the manager and his staff. They are all poor coaches and clueless tactically. Did this not tell the story from December until the end of last season? The young squad of two years ago has been ripped apart to be replaced by poor over aged players costing a fortune, that’s why we have difficulties financially. Wilson has got to hold his hands up and not blame everyone else it’s his team now. The one that went up again was Ian Atkins and up until December. The last time we went down we had terrible injuries all season that will not be the excuse this time. Anyway did not Wilson say he was going to play a 4.4.2, what happened to this system yesterday? Then again as Hartwell says ‘I would much rather this than the awful 5 man defence of two years ago’. Two Wembley’s opponents who respected us and hated playing against us. We played some awful football during that period W.H.U and Bristol Rovers. At Manchester City at least we competed and the crowd got excited we had something to look forward to. I don't know quite how patronising I can be, but I'm only a snob and a fool.

Ralph at 23:13:48 Monday July 30 2001
I too echo the TOP sentiments and have many times said my bit about so called boo boys. To suggest that because you have paid your money you have the right to hurl abuse at players and staff of the club is utterly crass. I cannot think of any other leisure activity that would put up with such moronic behaviour. Can you imagine paying to go to the cinema and abusing Bruce Willis throughout the film and telling the manager he was a twat. You'd be lobbed out and rightly so. Why then should I have to put up with such behaviour? It's time the club did something about it.

Retired to the backbenches at 23:5:14 Monday July 30 2001
As regards atmosphere and those that don't sing - I can't help but think it is the younger element that are letting us down. I did my bit in my day, I 'knock-kneed chickened', 'his name is Franky Large' etc. etc. But these days it is so hard to keep the teeth in and why do I dribble so much now? I look around me and there are plenty of youngsters but they just don't sing and friends like Albert only want to f**k the Posh! No it's not me, I've done my bit it's over to you boys now. Sing up you bums!

Anon at 21:38:28 Monday July 30 2001
Here are the details for the Trust Travel Clubs first away game of the season.MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Still thinking MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Still Thinking MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Oh My brain hurts MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Shall we just call for Sixfields Travel :) MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Sixfields Travel have the details Stoke City 18th August 2001 12:00pm leaving Sixfields £7.00 Adults £5.00 Senior Citzens/Children MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Now where is the Trust, Left back in the changing room!!!!!!!!!!!

Uncle Richard at 21:0:20 Monday July 30 2001
Why is last season's fixture list still up in the ticket office?

Uncle Richard at 20:59:12 Monday July 30 2001
When is Sammo's benefit game?

A PAYING FAN! at 20:54:29 Monday July 30 2001
It was nice to attend the official start of Ian Sampson's testimonal year last night. It was very noticable that no representative from the trust was their to send Ian there regards. Dare I suggest that this was because they had to pay for their tickets and couldn't scab them off the players!?

Hartwell at 20:43:4 Monday July 30 2001
Top - I also totally agree with what you say. I just wonder why those loudmouthed idiots even bother coming to games. It seems their only source of entertainment is slagging off every Cobblers player who makes a mistake. They seem to know and care little about the game itself, they sour the atmosphere and may even have an effect on those around them who want to get behind the team. I am, to be honest, totally baffled as to why they bother to come and pay their money. I am sure all clubs have this element but it does seem to be particularly pronounced at Sixfields. Maybe, we hear them more because the atmosphere is usually so quiet.

james at 20:25:15 Monday July 30 2001
Jamie's situation is a bit like David seal - the clubs best stiker and we sell em' .

NTFC@2view at 20:18:7 Monday July 30 2001
Of course, they could contain the same amount of material etc and be dearer to produce due to economies of scale.

NTFC@2view at 20:15:24 Monday July 30 2001
How long have you had the stutter James?

james at 20:12:37 Monday July 30 2001
£40.00 for the cobblers shirt is it ?wow its as expensive as the premiership ones

james at 20:12:31 Monday July 30 2001
£40.00 for the cobblers shirt is it ?wow its as expensive as the premiership ones

james at 20:12:25 Monday July 30 2001
£40.00 for the cobblers shirt is it ?wow its ase expensive as the premiership ones

MK18 Cobbler at 19:41:9 Monday July 30 2001
Hartwell - you are right. Training should begin and end with the ball to the feet in the penalty area and in the attacking zone of the pitch. The high ball has a part to play but its use should be strictly limited and anyway most defences just gobble it up.

soia at 19:38:2 Monday July 30 2001
i heard a certain striker (no names) given 5 mins of his debut before the boo boys struck ,since when did abusing a player make them play better you morons,you are entitled to your oppinion but why should i have to hear this drivel.just shut the f**k up and i will say it to their face. my moneys on asamoah being first the higher the expectation the more the abuse.it worked on gary hughes, well done boys hope your proud of yourselves

Arrogant - you - not me! at 18:25:27 Monday July 30 2001
Who the hell do you you choir boys think you are, do you imagine that there is any team that does not have boo boys. we may not like them but they have as much right as the person next to them to express their views. They have been there since the beginning of time and will be there long after youve gone, they are part of the fabric of football. If you support Northampton it goes with the territory as they if you cant stand the heat get out the kitchen!!

Gman at 18:14:57 Monday July 30 2001
Nice one TOP I agree with every word you said. There are too many Twats who go and watch the Town, sure everyone is entitled to an opinion but going to games seemingly to undermine the manager and verbally abuse the players is in no way having a positive effect on the players. This tipping competition - is their a category for "who do you think will be the first target of the boo-boys?" My moneys on Marco followed by Spedding and in third place when the other two have been forced out of the team Parkin.

NCC win!!! at 18:2:5 Monday July 30 2001
If the County can win then we can beat even the Chelsea

Anon at 17:24:42 Monday July 30 2001
chelsea game shud be a good un!

Anon at 16:49:33 Monday July 30 2001
Wimbledon fans sang "Can you hear the Cobblers sing?" We don't sing at league games, we were hardly gonna start in the friendlies!!!

Anon at 16:43:6 Monday July 30 2001
TOP: If this guy was in fact drinking whiskey, than he was breaking the law, as alcohol is banned from all seating areas at Sixfields. We should'nt have to tollerate moronic behaviour from scum like this, what were the stewards doing?

Arthur at 16:37:48 Monday July 30 2001
How about running out to "Sunk" or "Strung Drawn and Slaughtered" by Snatch?

Ryan Chapman at 16:37:15 Monday July 30 2001
This is a Football Prediction Competition based on the 2001/02 English Football season. To find out more information please visit the link below, but hurry, only 1 week to enter! http://nav.to/footballgames OR http//www.geocities.com/footballgames Thanks Ryan

Anon at 16:26:58 Monday July 30 2001
Good old Albert!

TOP man at 15:21:28 Monday July 30 2001
Well said TOP, I could'nt agree more.

TOP at 14:59:25 Monday July 30 2001
Those who were not at the match- don't be too dismayed, the players learned some lessons and there were a some positives. The big lad up front looked good before he started to limp- I gather he had large blisters. Shouldn't be allowed to happen but it does, especially on brick hard ground. He looked sharper than most. Wimbldon were in a different league .. but then again, they should be. The other thing I noticed was that our players took drinks less and less as the match wore on - and it showed. But as always, we were top in one department - I think we won the award for the leagues worst fans (as usually). A very small crowd but it contained all of last years Boo Boys- they were shouting abuse long before Wimbledon took over the match. The team were crap said several? The supporters ARE crap!! There are several who just want to impress there friends with their 'wit'- they trundle out the same old cliches every match until someone sniggers then they smile feeling they have got some attention. Total inadequates- I do hope the one who was sitting just behind the bench sipping his whisky from a minature - matches his brain - gets caught and expelled- why do you come to matches?

Dyl at 14:45:48 Monday July 30 2001
I thought it was great that we ran out to "Do you really like it" on Saturday, particularly as it is the tune my girlfriend most hates at the mo.

Rachel at 14:26:47 Monday July 30 2001
Like it Ant, Like it!!!

Vince at 14:4:42 Monday July 30 2001
And when Uriah Rennie is the ref - anything by Simply Red. (I think that he is due to referee he game at Boston on Saturday). As regards the result on Saturday against Wimbledon the big concern is the number of goals we have conceded in all of the pre season friendlies except for the game against Spencer. It looks like very little has changed since the end of last season and unless there are some significant changes a season of fighting relegation looks a strong possibility. Although its "old hat" I think we really are missing the tactical input of Kevan Broadhurst.

Be careful at 13:57:47 Monday July 30 2001
Asamoah is a good player, but we have to guard against biulding him up into some sort kind of super hero. He is only 20 remember, if he breaks into the first team and has a few quiet games, the boo boys in the west stand could destroy him. GIVE HIM A FAIR CHANCE.

The second coming at 13:41:15 Monday July 30 2001
And on the Saturday the Lord said unto Sixfields,"let ther be light", and there was light, and it came in the form of ASAMOAH.

Anon2 at 13:20:4 Monday July 30 2001
Like it! :-)

Ant Collett at 13:15:5 Monday July 30 2001
Following on from someones suggestion for a song for Lavin, how about: Lavin it, Lavin it, Lavin it. Lavin it like this.

Anon at 12:47:47 Monday July 30 2001
£10 for the games against the Wombles and Leicester is a bit steep but the Chelsea gane is virtually a sell out.

A Childs View at 10:40:31 Monday July 30 2001
Not been on here for a while - too busy chasing tail!! Pre-season games are a bit of a nonsense but 7-0 can't be good for confidence! All along I've not been worried by the friendly results, however, winning is a habit and our squad have lost it! I do feel the games against Bedford and Chelsea should be taken 'VERY' seriously - no excuses, a round thrashing of Bedford and a display of effort and endeavour required against the blues. We need that winning feeling back, its worth a goal head start in most games. Not much by comment about the massive overpricing for the friendly games! £10 quid a throw!! I think that's having a laugh at our expense. Surely these games are a good opportunity to get as many people into Sixfields as possible, why not run them as a bit of a 'loss leader' and hope to get a longer term payback through people catching the Cobblers bug? Let's hope the new CE can bring a bit of marketing clout to the club. It seems to me that we've always done our best to make buying tickets and, in general, supporting the club as difficult as possible!! Looking forward to next Saturday. A win against City, who we generally do well against at Sixfields, and all the pre-season nonsense will be forgotten!! Roll on the 11th!!!

Hartwell at 9:17:44 Monday July 30 2001
Good logic to The Real Martin's comments below. It is indeed an old saying in football that a good team is built on its defence. It's the pillar on which the rest of the building stands. In that respect I also believe the foundations are still flawed and that it was a strange decision to keep Howey ahead of a youngster who was doing well but still learning his trade. Samo is still our outstanding defender but as you say he's getting on a bit. We also still appear to have an immobile midfield who simply will not get up and support the front men. Also too many long balls for the likes of Forrester. Whjen will we learn to play to his strengths and those of Gabbiadini. They thrive from good midfield support, good balls in from either the middle of the field or the wings (which is another of our remaining weaknesses). Unless we can, for a start, get our defence to mark their men and hold their positions under attack, we will continue to leak goals. Will we be good enough to beat Bedford Town?

TherealslimMartinW at 23:55:15 Sunday July 29 2001
Oh there's also Down Down by Status Quo. Uptempo but all about doing the drop.

Dave Savage at 23:11:49 Sunday July 29 2001
Summer Holiday

hoddle/waddle at 22:35:54 Sunday July 29 2001
Diamond shites

JAMIE F at 22:34:22 Sunday July 29 2001
Born to run, springstien

J.FORESTER at 22:32:6 Sunday July 29 2001
NO WHERE TO RUN TOO!

Too Much Sunshine at 22:18:34 Sunday July 29 2001
Not bad, one a minute for half an hour. Where were the rest of you miserable sods? There's a couple in there that are quite funny, well they made me laugh!

Billy at 22:16:39 Sunday July 29 2001
One eyed Joe

Woody at 22:15:51 Sunday July 29 2001
Lady in Red, white, green, blue, purple, yellow . . .

David Seal at 22:14:54 Sunday July 29 2001
It's my party and I'll Cry If I want to.

Richard at 22:13:17 Sunday July 29 2001
High Hope by Frank Sinatra

Pete Smith at 22:12:25 Sunday July 29 2001
1 2 3 (testing)

Russell Slade at 22:11:53 Sunday July 29 2001
Coz I Luv You

Ian Sampson at 22:11:1 Sunday July 29 2001
Delilah!

Sam Parkin at 22:10:29 Sunday July 29 2001
Beep! Beep!

Sam Parkin at 22:9:39 Sunday July 29 2001
I've been driving in my car!

TherealslimMartinW at 22:8:32 Sunday July 29 2001
I think the song should be So You Win Again.. Hot Chocolate. As long as Errol Brown does a new version steeped in irony.

Mike Hunt at 22:7:56 Sunday July 29 2001
Fanny By Gaslight.

Barry Stonhill at 22:7:29 Sunday July 29 2001
This Old House!

Kevin Wilson at 22:6:55 Sunday July 29 2001
With A Little Bit of Luck.

Adam at 22:5:42 Sunday July 29 2001
Solitude.

Danny at 22:4:6 Sunday July 29 2001
Swing Lowe, Swing Chariot.

Duncan Spedding at 22:2:51 Sunday July 29 2001
Motor Biking.

Anon at 22:2:5 Sunday July 29 2001
ooooh, we are getting clever!

James Hunt at 22:1:30 Sunday July 29 2001
The Chain.

Marco at 22:0:43 Sunday July 29 2001
Just-a-one Cornetto.

John Frain at 22:0:6 Sunday July 29 2001
When I'm 64.

Gerald at 21:59:24 Sunday July 29 2001
Lavenders Blue, Dilly, Dilly.

Jamie Forrester at 21:58:42 Sunday July 29 2001
Wave Hello, Say Goodbye - Soft Cell.

south beds cobbler at 21:57:48 Sunday July 29 2001
Fairies wear boots by Black Sabbath.

Anon at 21:56:20 Sunday July 29 2001
I've Got A Luvverly Bunch of Coconuts by Max Bygraves.

Anon at 21:55:22 Sunday July 29 2001
A.C.M.Y by The Dyslexics.

Anon at 21:54:23 Sunday July 29 2001
or 'Dance of The Crackpots' by Ian Dury.

Toots at 21:53:20 Sunday July 29 2001
'Are You Being Served' by John Inman.

Serge at 21:52:21 Sunday July 29 2001
How about J'Taime?

Lemmie at 21:44:44 Sunday July 29 2001
How sad, SBC! I can just see all the villagers head banging to that!!

south beds cobbler at 21:28:45 Sunday July 29 2001
Song we could run out to next season. Bring your Daughter to the slaughter, Iron maiden. Any others you can think of, on this theme ?

Stroll On! at 21:19:24 Sunday July 29 2001
You are getting frightfully posh in SW1, 'drinking facility'? We call them pubs 'ere tosh or even rub-a-dub, cocker!

Tin Pan Tim at 21:17:1 Sunday July 29 2001
One Lav in Sixfields, there's only one Lav in Sixfields, one lav in Sixfields, there's only one Lav in Sixfields!

A Womble at 21:12:48 Sunday July 29 2001
Just a quick word on yesterday, Firstly well done on having a decent ground and drinking facility nearby. Better than Selhurst and indeed the old County Ground (where's the tea bar gone??!). Good luck for the season.

Rufus`s Dad at 21:11:39 Sunday July 29 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly !

Rufus at 21:5:12 Sunday July 29 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

Anon at 20:45:48 Sunday July 29 2001
Kevin Wilson refused to speak to the press after his side's humiliating 7-0 defeat to First Division Wimbledon at Sixfields yesterday. The Cobblers boss watched his team crumble to a first-half hat-trick from David Connolly as the First Division side ran rings around the Northampton defence. And Wilson refused to talk about his players' performance after the game and was in long discussions with his players after the final whistle. The latest defeat means Northampton have won only once in pre-season, that coming over local non-league side Northampton Spencer. The Cobblers will be back in action against Bedford Town on Tuesday with big-spending Chelsea the visitors at Sixfields 24 hours latter.

Anon at 20:42:13 Sunday July 29 2001
TIN PAN keep em coming, these are beauties. The next Tim Rice I reckon. The Hodgie one is priceless.

My Public Do Not Understand Me! at 20:30:4 Sunday July 29 2001
Yes 'Has-a-Mower', perhaps that is why it went so well with 'One man went to mow' eh?

Tin Pan Tim at 20:28:11 Sunday July 29 2001
I have others . . . Johnny Hodge, Johnny Hodge, Johnny, Johnny Hodge. With a big fat arse and a wayward pass, Johnny, Johnny Hodge.

Anon at 20:28:9 Sunday July 29 2001
i like it i like it! how do you pronounce Asamoah! i have been pronouncing it - Asa-Mower, as in LawnMower. any ideas?

He bought me a beer once you know at 20:26:48 Sunday July 29 2001
Blimey, so Ian Atkins knew what he was doing then? There is a surprise! All good sides are built from the back and through the middle and that is exactly what Mr A did and we were a good side too.

Anon at 20:26:7 Sunday July 29 2001
thats right martin, only smarties have the answer

Anon at 20:25:9 Sunday July 29 2001
lets wait until the team have played a few more games together before we start on all the doom and gloom shall we? - with five new players having only played a handful of games together you cant yet judge how we will do over the season - DONT PANIC - have faith my friends

TherealslimMartinW at 20:22:50 Sunday July 29 2001
I still think that we should be more concerned about our defence than signing another midfielder. Burgess is an unknown proposition and remember he would not get into the West Brom side because he was slowing up. Sammo is also the wrong side of 30. Hopey is inconsistent. And it will be unbelievable if we keep Howey when we released Green and he was a much better proposition. If we cannot sort the defence out we will be relegated, as I've said before. It's too easy to get excited by attacking play. But the teams that survive in this or any division can defend FIRST. I still think we need at least another decent central defender.. Howey isn't the answer.

Tin Pan Tim at 20:22:17 Sunday July 29 2001
Or at least treat me to a Light and Bitter! BTW why come down so heavy on Hartwell? The man talks much sense.

Tin Pan Tim at 20:15:15 Sunday July 29 2001
Thank you so much! Please remember where it came from when we are all singing it at Wembley!

Hartwell at 20:14:30 Sunday July 29 2001
Newver mind, everyone -- we beat Spencer!

i like it.. at 20:9:17 Sunday July 29 2001
One man went to mow, went to mow a meadow, one goal, two goal three goal, four, derek asamoah

Anon at 20:9:8 Sunday July 29 2001
Tin Pan Tim - I love it!

There you go anon, I have tried to make sense of this nonsense. I have to confess you sound a little bitter. Were you involved in any of this? at 20:8:11 Sunday July 29 2001
It’s only pre-season. We have yet to show any pattern or shape. Sampson says we are aware of the financial problems at the club. Crap players are paid to play, not make excuses for the manager and his staff. They are all poor coaches and clueless tactically. Did this not tell the story from December until the end of last season? The young squad of two years ago has been ripped apart to be replaced by poor over aged players costing a fortune, that’s why we have difficulties financially. Wilson has got to hold his hands up and not blame everyone else it’s his team now. The one that went up again was Ian Atkins and up until December. The last time we went down we had terrible injuries all season that will not be the excuse this time. Anyway did not Wilson say he was going to play a 4.4.2, what happened to this system yesterday? Then again as Hartwell says ‘I would much rather this than the awful 5 man defence of two years ago’. Two Wembley’s opponents who respected us and hated playing against us. We played some awful football during that period W.H.U and Bristol Rovers. At Manchester City at least we competed and the crowd got excited we had something to look forward to. Keep talking crap Hartwell!

Anon at 19:57:17 Sunday July 29 2001
it.s only pre.season. we have yet to do any pattern or shape. sampson says we are awear of the financial problems at the club. crap players are payed to play not make excuses for the manager and his staff. they are allpoor coachs and clueless tactically. did this not tell the story from december till the end of last season. the young sqad of two years ago has been ripped apart to be replaced by poor over aged players costing a fortune thats why we have difficulties financially.wilson has got to hold his hands up not blame everyone else its his team now.the one that went up again was i,a . and up till december. the last time we went down we had terrible injuries all season that will not be the excuse this time.anyway did not wilson say he was going to play a 4.4.2 what happened to this system yesterday.then again as hartwell says i would much rather this than the awfull 5 man defence of two yearsago. two wembleys apponents who respected us and hated playing against us.we played some awfull football during that period w.h.u...bristol rovers. ..man.city. at leats we competed the crowd got excited we had something to look forward to.keep talking crap hartwell

Anon at 19:49:15 Sunday July 29 2001
THAT could catch on!

Tin Pan Tim at 19:42:32 Sunday July 29 2001
HOW ABOUT - 'Derek went to mow, went to mow a meadow, one goal, two goals, three goals, Derek Asamoah'?

Ticket Office at 19:36:15 Sunday July 29 2001
There are 23 tickets left and you may purchase a ticket on the night. They are available fom the foyer of the MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas.

Anon at 19:8:12 Sunday July 29 2001
I also wud like to know if u can buy tickets for the Chelsea game on the night and how manys left?

friendly person at 18:20:50 Sunday July 29 2001
can you buy tickets on the night for the chelsea match and is there many tickets left???

Anon at 18:12:4 Sunday July 29 2001
i hope we sign lee hodges,asamoah,what a man but what song can we sing about him

Anon at 17:7:12 Sunday July 29 2001
I hope they have a lengthy and happy stay in Lincolnshire.

Shadwell at 16:37:42 Sunday July 29 2001
Clare scored the first and Heggs the second against the Posh for Boston.

Shadwell at 16:29:42 Sunday July 29 2001
9224 - I thought Parkin impressive for the first ten minutes, then he missed every jump for the ball by about two yards. Later he started getting his head to the ball but the ball rebounded like it had hit a brick. Then finally in the last 30 minutes he managed a few fairly heavy flick-ons so I agree there was progress. If anybody can pick up on Parkins Flick-ons I would say it is Jamie (and hopefully Asamoah) but it takes time for players to read each other. Unfortunately we got relegated in the year we were trying to work out where Howard's headers where going. Lets hope we can read Parkins' sooner. On a different note has anybody notice some pretty good signings going to Boston, Clare, Gould and now possibly Heggs. Might be worth keeping an eye on them and taking a trip to the bookies?

Anon at 16:5:31 Sunday July 29 2001
Please let it be Boston!

Next Saturday... at 15:48:31 Sunday July 29 2001
Apparently Heggs played for Boston Utd yesterday and scored the winner in a 2-1 win over...P*T*RBORO. Interesting to see (if all the rumours are true) what side he lines up for next Saturday when we play Boston Utd!

9224 at 15:21:4 Sunday July 29 2001
I'd have to agree with Shadwell's comments below but would like to add that Wimbledon didn't appear to me to mentally go down the pub towards the end, their passing was sharp and accurate. The defenders that Asamoah kept catching in possession may have been, having gone practically a whole game with bugger all to do. Did you not think Parkin's aerial performance improved as the match progressed? At the end he was making intelligent knock-downs but no-one was reading them - perhaps Gabby could feed off him. When we attack our midfield does not take up threatening positions. Hunt and Frain seem content to hover outside the box and our 'wingers' cut inside - McGregor didn't spend a lot of time out on his wing and this allows the opposition back four to really tight, with the full backs coming in to help the centre-backs. I think our defence always seems stretched. The full backs stay wide but the centre backs close in. This may explain all the goals we concede in the channels between centre backs and full backs and may explain the slack back-post marking yesterday. I think a lot of our problems could be solved by more intelligent movement off the ball - even at throw ins we're static. A wily old fox like Kev can coach the strikers in movement, but who'll do the midfield and defence, as better movement/positioning in there would have prevented the seven nil.

Pim at 15:17:58 Sunday July 29 2001
On a day like this can there be a better sound than the 'chink, chink' of ice in a cold glass of something?

Shadwell at 14:41:35 Sunday July 29 2001
Difficult to know what to make of yesterday's game. On the face of it we were soundly thrashed and out played in every area. As has been said though it was only a friendly. It struck me that we went out with that mentality. It was a hot day, we've got Chelsea mid week and we were going out for a gentle knock around. Unfortunately, Wimbledon hadn't read the same script and came out fighting from the off. Even their fans chanted like it was the FA Cup final, while we just looked on bemused. Before we realised it we were four nil down and being run ragged. We all see the game from different angles, but for what its worth here's mine; Sollitt - Everybody keeps saying he is a quality player but I must admit to having doubts. I am sure he will develop but based on yesterday and several performances last year he isn't the finished article yet. To have seven fired past you and not get a hand to any is worrying. One on one you always thought it was going in. While I don't want to knock the lad I couldn't help feeling that if Welch had been in goal one or two wouldn't have gone in. Spedding - Started off shakily but I thought had a solid enough second half and got some good diving tackles in. Burgess - Probably too early to tell but I wasn't left thinking 'wow what a talent'. The gaps at the back seemed huge but to be fair to all the defence I'd have to study the videotape to work out who was at fault. I'm sure Kevin will do this and hopefully we'll learn something from yesterday. Wimbledon was very good but not dissimilar to the way Bristol City swamped our defences away at their place last year. We have been warned. Hope - Not one of his better games but fairly typical, good in the air but backing off when run at. Lavin - Some lovely crosses and runs down the right. Seemed slow at getting back though and to me looked the most at fault for several of the goals by being AWOL. Echoes of Hendon, pleases the fans going forward but can he defend? Woolaston - Showed some tricky foot work but didn't create much. I look forward to more from him when it really starts. Frain - Not my favourite player but did well yesterday. Probably Cobbler's best player. Hunt - Can do better. Did seem a little lost as play bypassed him. McGregor - Disappointing. Never really seemed to get into the game and was often stranded with half the team in the Wimbledon half when the ball was already in the net. Showed he had some skill though and should be better than Savage. Parkin - Some good touches and some dreadful attempts to make contact with the head. Very similar to an early Howard but more skilful with his feet. Knew he was playing big boys football when he went up against the Wimbledon defence but should mature quickly into a good asset. Forrester - Still sadly out of sorts. I thought though that there was a slight glimmer of the old Jamie and if only he can shake off his off the field problems I am sure his form will come back soon. Sampson - Very solid. Much missed in the first half. Asamoah - Excellent introduction. Turned, wriggled and shot with purpose. Very short though and coming on at the end was playing a Wimbledon team mentally already down the pub. Made me smile when he kept going up against six foot defenders and managed to take the ball on his chest! How did he manage to do that? Shame 7-0 will knock their confidence but there is still time to sort it out and I for one still have great confidence in Wilson's ability to get it right. He'll be a brave man though after yesterday if he plays a 4-4-2 against Bristol or Stoke. Finally, on the Heggs front. I wouldn't mind seeing him back especially if his recent travels have made him appreciate being a Cobbler. When Heggs, Razor and Parrish left we lost some of the passion on the pitch that used to put bums on seats. That said I think we've probably got enough attacking players at present and Kevin may be wiser to shore up the back in the short term.

Rufus at 14:16:8 Sunday July 29 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

Anon at 13:17:9 Sunday July 29 2001
Pickled Judge, the individuals played well, but as before, we don't "Gel" enough as a team!

Rachel at 13:12:31 Sunday July 29 2001
Stewpot - yeah, wen in ireland there were lots of ppl wearing them, and us lot kept misstaking them 4 NTFC shirts, we thort "Theres loads of cobblers shirts out today" Wrong, they were Galway shirts

Drive at 12:22:5 Sunday July 29 2001
There is no mileage in signing Heggsy, drop it! He was not good enough then, although I take your point about fighting spirit 9224, we do lack a bit of wide-eyed foaming at the mouth which is prevalent in any team with aspirations.

Stewpot at 12:17:21 Sunday July 29 2001
I know yeaterdays result was a bit of a shocker but those of you that have end of season video 1992-93 the season we had to beat Shrewsbury to stay alive at the team photo shoot Phil Chard is interviewed and we had won all our pre season matches that season. On another note I am getting a second pc so that the missis and I can have one each so I can have my own wallpaper/screensaver so has anyone got the clubs crest or team photo or something Cobblers related or know where I could find something like that? I would imagine that this seasons team photo will be available on August 10th in the Chronicle & Echo? I read it daily online but only 2 shops sell it in Newport Pagnell and you have to be quick off the mark to get it luckily she who must be obeyed works in Northampton so I get a copy when I need one thankfully. I watched a game of Gaelic football yesterday and the team Galway have very similiar coloured shirts to the Cobblers.

Verdi at 12:17:6 Sunday July 29 2001
Play to our strengths, have a game plan and stick to it. Let the opposition worry about us and not the other way around. When they look at OUR teamsheet it should send shivers down to their toenails! Forrester, Gabby, McGregor, Parkin, Wooleaston, Lavin, Hodge all have a reputation particularly at this level, teams should be crapping themselves. But you can have the greatest virtuosos in the orchestra but without a great conductor they are nuffink! Wilson has assembled a good squad around him and he now has to command the respect that will make them play to his tune. I think an intriguing start to the season is just about to beguine . . .

9224 at 12:15:51 Sunday July 29 2001
I can't decide whether re-signing Heggsy would be a good or a bad thing. I can see how it can be a step backwards and in one-on-one situations he couldn't finish but his aerial presence, work-rate and general fighting spirit are things we've missed since he went.

9224 at 12:13:51 Sunday July 29 2001
I thought Frain had a great game. There was one moment I particularly remember - one of his corners had been cleared and Wimbledon had a two-on-two situation. As a striker broke clear into the box, out of nowhere up popped John Frain with a goal-saving tackle - The only player to have got back! Kev Wilson says he is the kind of player you want around you and I couldn't agree more. I'd have Frainy in my team over Savage any day! As for those writing off Hodgie, he was slow towards the end of last season but remember he was playing with this injury he has now - a hernia. Don't know about you but that would slow me down and if I couldn't train properly I'd put on a bit of weight too. If we can get him back to the shape he was in when he joined and when he broke into the team last year he will be an asset!

Hartwell at 12:2:37 Sunday July 29 2001
It was our lack of any decent ball and support from the back and midfield which was so evident last season. I hope yesterday's display doesn't suggest that we still haven't got it sorted in this respect. Reverting to five across the back with long balls pumped up front is a barren tactic, especially with the front men we've got. If Wilson's going to play that game - and I hope he isn't - then at least we need a target man. I am left wondering exactly what Wilson's tactics are going to be for the season. I don't much loike this chopping and changing depending on the opposition, available players etc. Consistency is a key element in the game - players know where they are and perform best when they know exactly what is expected of them, week in, week out. I recall Atkins's disastrous change to a flat back four at Notts County, when at least his five man defenive system made us difficult to score against (that said, there was precious little else to commend that formation).

Anon at 11:55:45 Sunday July 29 2001
Thank heaven we're not, it seems, about to resign Carl Heggs. That would be like going forwards into the past.

Rufus at 11:41:29 Sunday July 29 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

Anon at 11:36:32 Sunday July 29 2001
- NEWS Saturday, July 28, 2001 Cobblers cool on Heggs rumours Northampton have played down rumours they are about to sign Carlisle striker Carl Heggs. The Cumbrians have come to an agreement with Heggs over his disputed contract and the player is believed to be lining up a move to Sixfields. The 30-year-old was one of the four players who was sacked for allegedly being too expensive. The other three players Lee Maddison, Steve Soley and Steve Halliday have all returned to Brunton Park and will see out their contracts, but Heggs is now aiming to join the Cobblers. Although Heggs is reported to be training with Kevin Wilson's side, chairman Barry Stonhill revealed the club are not looking to sign him at the moment. Stonhill said: "As far as we are concerned our budget has already been spent for this season."

NTFC@2view at 11:32:54 Sunday July 29 2001
John Frain was our best player over 90 minutes.

Anon at 11:27:9 Sunday July 29 2001
nice posting

A view from the cheap seats at 11:22:43 Sunday July 29 2001
Well yesterdays game was a great dissapointment. Before the game I felt that we would be in for a tight pre-season game with a close result, how wrong I was! We can only hope that Welsh doesn't get injured during the season because Sollitt can't catch a cold! Our back 4, 5 and even 6! at one point, where just hopelessly lost. Ian Sampson being the only player to have a semi-decent game. In midfield our best player went off at half-time, Wollanston. I only hope we are quick to sign him up after his 3 months have passed. James Hunt looked lost for half the game running around trying to find a sniff of the ball. As for John Frain why is this bloke in the first 11? A tactical substitute perhaps(!?) but to start from the begining? Our problem with the midfield is that we don't get good enough balls from our back line, who are content to just kick and rush. No that takes me to the front line. Parkin, Forrester and McGregor. This was the only area I took some pride in. Parkin started slowly but picked up speed by the second half. He did have a bit of trouble with some of the high balls but this seem to go as the game went on. McGregor will I think be this years Dave Savage. Excellent player when he can be arsed to play! In fact the only thing that will seperate the two will be McGregor can score from open play and not just do all the hard work and bottle it in front of goal. Onto Forrster. First my I congratulate Jamie on the birth of his son Freddy. I understand that his wife was very poorly during this pregnecy and has been in hospital since the last game of last season. So I hope mother, father and son are well. Now the player side of Jamie yesterday reeks with someone who has been under a lot of stress. In fact this reminds me of a story that I heared a few years back concerning a Aldershot player, when they were finacially in a mess. The story goes that Aldershot accepted a transfer price that was well below the players market value from a local club. They hoped that the other club would offer better terms and conditions to make the player accept the transfer, which had come to him as a bit of a shock. Well when the player didn't receive better terms, one of Aldershot's directors offered a sum of money to the player as an incentive for the player to move. Just to aid the burden on Aldershots wage bill. Last but not least I would like to talk about Derek Asamoah. On his brief performance yesterday he showed the type of skill, speed and overall awareness for where the goal is that Cobbler fan's have been after for years. ( His over-head kick pulled off a magnificant save from the Wimbledon keeper) BUT, and this is a big but, can he find this kind of form in a division where big central defenders elbow left and centre? If he can, then we could expect a big season. Now if only the Cobblers defense could be as organized as Sixfields Travel Club! We would be in the Premiership by now!

TherealslimMartinW at 11:5:6 Sunday July 29 2001
Planet Football, behind with the news as normal, I see.

The Ashford Cobbler at 9:40:58 Sunday July 29 2001
From Planetfootball.com EXCLUSIVE PLANETFOOTBALL can exclusively reveal that Jamie Forrester's proposed move from Northampton Town to Division Two rivals Wycombe Wanderers has fallen through. The 26-year-old striker had been the subject of a £200,000 bid from The Chairboys, but the former Leeds United and Grimsby Town has failed to agree personal terms on a switch to Adams Park. Forrester's decision to pull out of talks will be a major blow to Wycombe boss Lawrie Sanchez, who is a big admirer of the player and was hoping to make him his major signing of the summer. The highly-rated forward, who is regarded as one of the league's best strikers, is still seeking a move away from The Sixfields Stadium and he is hoping that new offers will come in for his services. The collapse of the move is sure to lead to a number of clubs registering their interest in the former FC Utrecht ace with Millwall, who have been previously linked with the player, possibly rekindling their interest.

NTFC@2view at 8:10:54 Sunday July 29 2001
I agree Den. He's not got the pace to beat Div 2 fullbacks anymore. A pity, he did give us some good moments.

den at 8:2:34 Sunday July 29 2001
It must be just me who thinks Hodge is a waste of space. He has 1 good game in 10 and yet is a hero. Remember Dave Martin who Atkins said was great in the dressing room (?) read Hodge cos he's no good on the pitch (most of the time)

NTFC@2view at 7:53:40 Sunday July 29 2001
We got better in the 2nd half by playing 5 at the back, which means another season being overwhelmed in mid-field, which means another season knocking it long and high to a midget and a man who can't head, probably because he thinks ball should come to feet. He looked to me (Parkin) to be someone who has just relised he has a year's sentence to serve and is looking around for something to tunnel with. The Ireland results didn't really shake me, although 3 goals against 10 wasn't ideal and I went up yesterday with hope. After 9 minutes we conceded one of the 'end of season goals' - cross to free header and from then on it only got more depressing. I think we could be on the beginning of the slippery road to extinction as we are carrying a wage bill more suited to promotion hopefuls - 1st Div promotion hopefuls. Jamie will have to be sacrificed, if the offer is still there, for sanity's sake. So I'm negative - I think realistic. Unrealistic is the bloke who has us 5 at the back, playing Hodge and McGregor on the wings, leaving us one central midfielder to win the ball. I just wish I could wake up one day and say, 'I don't care any more. I can't see why I did.' As it is, I can see another miserablr winter ahead.

9224 at 0:55:8 Sunday July 29 2001
Anon at 21:54:11 - saying i'm no another planet were you at the match? what did you think? i stand by my comments, they are my opinions/comments for discussion. I just think that people will see 7-0 and not bother showing come the 11th - I'm just trying to add my perspective in the hope that their decisions will then be based on what actually happened, not what they perceive to have happened. BTW forgot to mention performances by Forrester and McGregor. Jamie played well, linked up well with the new boys. I'd like to see him pair with Gabbiadini again, watching videos showed that Marco laid on more goals for Jamie than a lot of people care to remember when slagging him off. McGregor played reasonably - he doesn't track back like Hargreaves does - he's more of a Hodge type player. While he is bigger (and at the moment fitter) than Hodgie, he appears to me to be a striker/hole player assigned to the wing rather than a natural winger like the Hodge. Hodge's one-on-one skills and crossing ability is far better (he seems to be the only one at the club capable of crossing dangerously) whereas I think McGregor has more physical presence and may score more goals. Which one should play? IMHO Hodgie, but I'm biased. In reality, it depends on the opposition and the rest of the Cobblers line up. Can they play together? i don't see why not - remember Hodgie is nearly as happy on his left as on his right and so we could see them on each wing, possibly swapping during the match!

9224 at 0:39:57 Sunday July 29 2001
Parkin was a positive because he got better as the match went on. For a big man, he has good control, can pass a ball and, unlike the last three target men we have, doesn't have a turning circle comparable to that of the QE2!! He won plenty in the air in the second half - granted he wasn't up to much aerially first half but who was?

ENA at 0:38:5 Sunday July 29 2001
Does your future reflect in the past, Two seasons in, then down you go again.

TherealslimMartinW at 0:29:52 Sunday July 29 2001
Anyone who does not think the board room crap does not effect players only has to look at this result. Nobody in their right mind would ever say that those players should lose 7-0. And the fact that Sammo would even mention the board room think post match only goes to show it. LET'S SORT THIS JF THING ONCE AND FOR ALL. For the sake of everyone fans and players.

The Rock at 0:5:55 Sunday July 29 2001
we were totally shit today it was a waste of time going and that big gay up front was crap

Any Use? at 23:53:19 Saturday July 28 2001
There's defence at the bottom of me garden!

Rufus at 23:52:8 Saturday July 28 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

Pickled Judge at 23:51:21 Saturday July 28 2001
How on earth can Parkins performance be a positive? I thought he was very poor. New guys, first home game to meet the fans, surely they should be trying harder than that. There is little point in having a big frontman if he is both incapable of winning a ball and not interested in supporting the play. Positives were the inspirational Sammo and the quite extraordinary Asamoah who was quite simply the best player on the pitch on the day. Very exciting prospect if we can find a defence from somewhere!

4-18-6-5 at 23:36:40 Saturday July 28 2001
Wake up 9224,you have been dreaming.

Deepcut Cobbler at 22:39:59 Saturday July 28 2001
A lot of words defending the performance from 9224. Doesn't make the result seem as bad. Forget the knee jerk reactions, we got better in the second half and remember we conceded five without five regular first teamers. My money won't be wasted with Corals. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Fran from Travis at 22:11:56 Saturday July 28 2001
It was only a friendly - yes, but 7-0 at home to a mediocre 1st division team is cause for serious concern. Sort it Kev!!! After the disastrous end to last season you know you don't have much time to turn things around before the axe is wielded.

Harpenden Cobbler at 22:3:59 Saturday July 28 2001
9224 please can you e-mail me

Anon at 21:54:11 Saturday July 28 2001
I think 9224 must be on a different planet

The Insider at 21:51:51 Saturday July 28 2001
When Sammo admits in his post match interview that everyone is aware oF the club's financial difficulties, you know we're in the shit. Ask which director (there was only one) it is who wanted to mount a keep JF fund - you know the rest are cheating us.

9224 at 21:51:35 Saturday July 28 2001
Remember at this stage it is all about improvement and identifying problem areas. Kev will know to work with his defence, (and to try and clone Sammo) but he'll also be aware that a 7-0 mullering on the 27th July is preferable to one on the 11th August. We should also look forward to the return of four key players (listed earlier) and the continuing development of Carruthers and Asamoah (who reaally looks like a good signing and should be offered a longer contract at Christmas if he performs in the league to prevent a repeat of the Nicholson fiasco)

9224 at 21:47:25 Saturday July 28 2001
OK, I can see how a 7-0 defeat could dent morale, but they have to take heart from the massive second half improvement. The only concern in the second half is that they got a lucky, LUCKY second goal and we can just hope we don't get a season's load of luck like that. The sixth goal (first one in the second half) was possibly the best goal I've seen scored against the Cobblers at Sixfields. He got the ball, made Hope look like a schoolboy defender, nutmegsed Burgess and Sollitt had no chance with a powerful drive to the top corner from just inside the box. Despite conceding 7 goals, Sollitt didn't look dodgy and shouldn't be demoralised by his performance. Yes Wimbledon were the better team but they were recently in the Prem and took full advantage of slack marking. They played open, attacking football and passed the ball really well. While we didn't do that as well as they did, we put one or two moves together that will be incisive against lesser teams in division two and, most importantly, improved as the game progressed. We won't win the title but I'm not as pessimistic as before I'd seen a match. I do have to say, however, that I'd probably be as downbeat as others if I'd not gone today. I suppose if I'd left at half-time I may even have been worse!!!

TherealslimMartinW at 21:33:56 Saturday July 28 2001
Anyone who has seen our results pre-season had to be concerned. But to lose 7-0 to Wimbledon is a bit of a shocker. To lose, fine. But the results says more about the mood in thecamp than anything else. It's time the club sorted out all the uncertainty and moved forward. The is he or isn't he going surrounding Jamie does not help the stablity in the camp. I mean not knowing whether your number on goalscorer is definitely going to be around with just a couple of weeks till kick of is a bit of a shocker. It affects everybody. It needs to be sorted out so that some postivity can be injected into things. All than need be said about the Wimbledon result is: "F... me."

NTFC@2view at 20:36:25 Saturday July 28 2001
'Bordering on the negative'? And what does the second half of the post mean? A bit too much sun today, old bean?

Rufus at 20:2:2 Saturday July 28 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

COWGOI at 19:59:51 Saturday July 28 2001
NTFC@2view, you are boardering on the negative. As for being a tosser we'll see how the evening 'progresses'!

NTFC@2view at 19:39:38 Saturday July 28 2001
Noah: 'What's it like out 9224?' 'Spitting a bit, but it looks brighter over there,' replied 9224. Anon - did you go today?

gman at 19:32:47 Saturday July 28 2001
A womble what did you think to todays game? A fair result/scoreline?

gman at 19:31:59 Saturday July 28 2001
9224 nice one mate. A fair and even view on a game not many of us went to. After hearing what you had to say I dont feel quite so bad.

A Womble at 19:29:25 Saturday July 28 2001
Jobi McNuff would be weird, but everyone got it wrong...his actual name is Jobi McAnuff...... like it matters....if he can score goals as lucky as the one today i don't care what he's called!

ENA at 19:24:29 Saturday July 28 2001
We lost 1-0 against Hitchin today, but only fielded a scratch side, but a 7-0 defeat, even though it was a friendly, I would be really concerned

Henry at 19:10:20 Saturday July 28 2001
A while back we were discussing odd names in football. Today Wimbledon fielded Jobi McNuff, surely one to add to the list!

Anon at 19:5:40 Saturday July 28 2001
A good balanced view from 9224.

9224 at 18:50:33 Saturday July 28 2001
I meant to say Asamoah linked up well with Jamie, not Gabby as he didn't play

9224 at 18:46:6 Saturday July 28 2001
Despite 0-7 I'm not too concerned about this season based on the second half. FACT we were shit first half, but all their goals came from poor marking, which was improved in the second half by the appearance of Sammo. The two second half goals were unstoppable and fiendishly unlucky respectively. POSITIVES - Sam Parkin's form on the deck, and his improvement in the air as the match progressed. Derek Asamoah looks like a superb signing - quick, tricky, determined, skilful AND he linked up well with Gabby. John Frain - although not an attacking force he is strong, brave, calm, composed and VERY, VERY determined. Sammo - I don't want to imagine where we'd be without him. Burgess played better with Sammo AND Hope than just with Hope. Spedding improved massively as the game went on, doesn't look 100% fit yet but got near his form of last season defensively before he went off. Sollitt's distribution was good, and he couldn't do a thing with any of the goals. Hunt seems to be getting back to last year's form as well. Negatives - We don't seem to be able to play without Sammo. We don't move well off the ball when attacking. We still hoof the ball forwards towards Forrester. First half marking was very, very slack and defensive four didn't get tight enough. More Positives (just remembered) Young Carruthers looks very good on the ball, we still have the quality, quality players to return (possibly four of the best in the squad) in the shape of Hodge, Gabbiadini, Hunter and Hargreaves who will add massivly to our attacking potency. Don't be dismayed by 7:0 - the signs were there for a good season (2nd half) and Wimbledon looked very, very good even when 5:0 up!

KC at 18:43:17 Saturday July 28 2001
We were really bad mate! Still its only a friendly dont be to down boys! it sounds bad but it ent too bad,look at alot of pre season scores.

Norseman at 18:32:1 Saturday July 28 2001
Hi there Northampton fans. Hope you don't get too upset if a Dons fan pop in here for a visit. I am not here to stir things up - honest. I just want to ask those who went today for an honest opinion. Were we really that good or were you just really bad today. Appreciate serious answers. I am trying to find out where the Dons stand at the moment. Also want to wish you good luck in the coming season. Believe me - you can not read too much into a friendly... So don't worry - be happy :-)

Harpenden Cobbler at 18:27:9 Saturday July 28 2001
I am concerned about Wilson and his new training techniques he harps on about - I do know that for some friendlies he had them training on the day of the game. Maybe the lads were just shattered.

Harpenden Cobbler at 18:27:5 Saturday July 28 2001
I am concerned about Wilson and his new training techniques he harps on about - I do know that for some friendlies he had them training on the day of the game. Maybe the lads were just shattered.

Harpenden Cobbler at 18:27:1 Saturday July 28 2001
I am concerned about Wilson and his new training techniques he harps on about - I do know that for some friendlies he had them training on the day of the game. Maybe the lads were just shattered.

NTFC@2view at 18:21:43 Saturday July 28 2001
I don't see how you can call me, indirectly, 'a negative tosser', because I witnessed it. It cannot be excused because it was a friendly either; it was a friendly for them too, but, more to the point, you can see if a man has pace, ball control, positional sense etc, even in a game on the beach. And we hadn't! In spades, as they say.

MARK at 18:19:12 Saturday July 28 2001
IT IS NOT THAT BAD LOOK AT CHELSEA THEY HAD A VERY STONG SIDE OUT AND LOST TO DIV2 RIVALS QPR. ON WEDNESDAY THE REAL COBBLERS WILL COME OUT AND SHOW THE COBBLERS FANS THAT THEY CAN PLAY FOOTBALL AND WILL BEAT CHELSEA YOUTH TEAM.

Come on now, we'll get over it! at 18:11:19 Saturday July 28 2001
OF COURSE NOT! The hottest day of the year, Mike Hussey on fire, Saturday's papers to be read and a fine curry for lunch at The Bilash on Wellingborough Road. I've had a truly splendid day old thing and I'm now looking forward to tiffin, toodle loo!

Rufus at 18:7:28 Saturday July 28 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

NTFC@2view at 18:5:32 Saturday July 28 2001
Did you go today, 'Come on now,...'?

John hodges fat ass at 18:5:1 Saturday July 28 2001
Come on now we`ll get over it,you were right 2mins 16 seconds later there it is.

Anon at 18:0:14 Saturday July 28 2001
There was a strange feeling of apathy around the ground today, it appears that everyone is resigned to the fact that we are going to have one hell of a tough season.We didn`t look as if we had played so many games in pre-season, alot of the players didn`t look too fit, which is one thing that Wilson says they have worked hard on.It just makes you wonder how long the fans are going to put up with this. Unfortunately we look as though we have started this season the way we finished the last,a club in turmoil.Time is running out to turn things around before the new season starts. I just hope that something can be done quickly,as we are fast becoming a joke.

Come on now, we'll get over it! at 17:57:58 Saturday July 28 2001
I can predict, with confidence, that there will be gushings from various anon's, negativity from a variety of tossers and an abundance of glee from the 'I told you so's'. I suggest those that have a penchant for the positive things in life avoid the temptation of visiting this site for the next few days and allow the shallow mutterers the time, space, and above all, a little privacy in which to conduct their inane wailings. Hot and sunny again tomorrer, luvly, jubbly!!

Rachel at 17:54:4 Saturday July 28 2001
As long as the season is a load better than the pre-season friendlies I dont mind..........

Rufus at 17:52:50 Saturday July 28 2001
Yes, but it was only a friendly!

Anon at 17:51:36 Saturday July 28 2001
"Whats wrong with Adam Sollitt?"

NTFC@2view at 17:41:51 Saturday July 28 2001
I went, I watched, I cried.

wellingborough claret at 17:31:42 Saturday July 28 2001
With the new signings that Wilson has bought in this summer I found myself genuinely excited about the prospect of next season. After the Ireland tour I was still hopeful as most games were played using trialists. However, after todays game and a 0-7 scoreline I fear for our division 2 status next season. If we can't even score a goal and our defence is constantly carved open like a hot knife through butter then we'll be lucky to avoid relegation next season. I'm usually never negative when I speak about the cobblers but now just seems too much.

From the Boundary at 17:30:39 Saturday July 28 2001
Mike Hussey finished 329 not out today! The highest score ever recorded by a Northants player, I know he's an Aussie but not all is doom and gloom today. Another gin & tonic anyone?

ENCF at 17:22:8 Saturday July 28 2001
It was a Cobblers 1st team out there today.... Line up as I remember Sollitt, Lavin, Burgess, Hope, Spedding, Frain, Hunt, Wolleston, McGregor, Forrester, Parkin. Sampson replaced Wolleston at half time, I went home after 60 mins cos I could take no more!!! It was SHOCKING!!!!!

gman at 17:15:31 Saturday July 28 2001
Was is really as bad as the score suggests? I dont feel very well. What was the teamsheet like? All youngsters and trialists please. No first teamers played. Please tell me we put out a womans team or something.

Anon at 17:11:19 Saturday July 28 2001
2view did u go to the game?

NTFC@2view at 17:9:45 Saturday July 28 2001
You can read nothing into a friendly game - except that we are very, very poor. The new signings haven't strengthened the team at all. The only bright spot was Asamoah. If the £200000 is still on the table for Jamie, take it, play Asamoah and then bring in a bit of class in Tony Naylor. Is it thought 'a bad show' to get a few bob on at the bookies for a relegation place? I've got to try to make back my season ticket money somehow.

Anon at 17:8:0 Saturday July 28 2001
we never had a first team out did we? please tell me we didnt. anyone wanna buy a season ticket?

Anon at 17:4:19 Saturday July 28 2001
sorry final score

Anon at 17:3:51 Saturday July 28 2001
WHATS THE LATEST SCORE?

Anon at 17:1:11 Saturday July 28 2001
yep 0-7 what a pile of cr@p.

Harpenden Cobbler at 16:53:48 Saturday July 28 2001
7-0 Final score, I hope those who went get a refund.

richie fan from nz at 16:9:32 Saturday July 28 2001
you wana beer on we get passed the third round anon.?????

Anon at 16:7:12 Saturday July 28 2001
any clues as to the line up today? please let it be youthers

richie fan from nz at 16:4:16 Saturday July 28 2001
a dicking like that is going to make or break the team could be a god sent,

Anon at 16:3:1 Saturday July 28 2001
anyone still thinking we'll have a good cup run? WAKE UP TIME!

richie fan from nz at 16:1:39 Saturday July 28 2001
as long as we know we chit then K W can do something about it bet hes going into orbit right now.

MARK at 15:59:19 Saturday July 28 2001
I THOUGHT WE HAVE PUT A STONG SIDE OUT TODAY? SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE OUR YOUTH TEAM OUT. WHATS THE FINAL SCORE GOING TO BE I SAY 2-8 TO THE DONS. ANYMORE PREDICTIONS?

Anon at 15:49:54 Saturday July 28 2001
0-5 we're shit, and we know we are.

MARK at 15:48:10 Saturday July 28 2001
WHATS GOING ON? WE ARE LOSING 4-0 AND IT IS NOT EVEN HAFT TIME YET.NEIL SHIPPERLY HAS 2 AND D CONNOLLY.

Martin at 15:47:1 Saturday July 28 2001
0-4

Martin at 15:31:45 Saturday July 28 2001
25 min david connolly

Martin at 15:30:35 Saturday July 28 2001
Winbledon are winning 2 -0

MARK at 15:28:38 Saturday July 28 2001
0-1 COBBLERS ARE LOSING AFTER 9MINS TO A NEIL SHIPERLLY GOAL.

richie fan from nz at 14:50:51 Saturday July 28 2001
lol i just filled in a tipping form for a game against walsall, think i''ll go bed lol.

richie fan from nz at 14:42:51 Saturday July 28 2001
brb

richie fan from nz at 14:41:19 Saturday July 28 2001
if the tipping compertion is not up and running were have i just bin.

Deepcut Cobbler at 14:15:48 Saturday July 28 2001
Ray, Also has the Cobblercam packed up or is there no-one turning up for this afternoons game? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

NTFC@2view at 14:10:53 Saturday July 28 2001
Bloody Hell! Ray - great bloke, shame about the knees - Warburton. Whoever next? Frank Large for me.

Deepcut Cobbler at 14:9:33 Saturday July 28 2001
The last one was obviously me!!!

Anon at 14:8:56 Saturday July 28 2001
Ray, Any joy with starting the Tipping Comp early?? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Lancaster Cobbler at 14:0:56 Saturday July 28 2001
Cheers Ray, I like the idea of the new features but not the downloadtime, what I think will happen is that people will be put off and not look at it which could cost us money when it comes out to NTL payouts.

Ray at 13:55:38 Saturday July 28 2001
Yes - Im afraid its just as shocking and takes ages to load - although with this in mind you wont find many grahics on ours to try to speed it up.

TherealslimMartinW at 13:43:2 Saturday July 28 2001
I like the sentiment over Heggsy. It the dark days of Atkins he seemed to be a shining light until he went off to Rushden. Don't know whether he could still cut it now. His track record since leaving isn't great. One player we should get back right now, no questions asked and no arguments and campaigns should be started immediately to secure his signature is that of Ray Warburton. Get him back. He doesn't belong at Rushden. His heart is at Sixfields. If we played Rushden he would be professional - but not THAT professional. GET RAY BACK! Okay it's a pipe dream. But I am having to b...dy work this weekend!

Harpenden Cobbler at 12:40:54 Saturday July 28 2001
Ray, I hope the new look NTFC site is not a shocking as all the other new NTL sites as they take ages to load up and quite frankly have no identity to them. Will we still have Cobbcam on the new site?

NTFC@2view at 11:51:13 Saturday July 28 2001
Here's me still hoping we can sign Naylor and there's others after Mad Heggsy and Fat Colonial Boy! It takes all sorts!

splat at 11:50:35 Saturday July 28 2001
not that lazy bugger! how many more forwards do we need?

Anon at 11:35:33 Saturday July 28 2001
now somebody we should get back before heggs is david seal

Anon at 11:33:50 Saturday July 28 2001
anybody wanna chat?

NTFC2001 at 11:25:46 Saturday July 28 2001
If Wilson gets a chance he will sign Carl Heggs. Heggs is one of those players that didn't realise what a good thing he had when he was at the Cobblers until he left (JF Take note) and at 29 he is entering "last chance saloon". Wilson had tried to sign him twice before but becuase R & D still owed us money for him we couldn't afford him I would love to see Heggs back at Sixfields and back in full flow Heggseee,Heggseee,Heggseee

Anon at 10:19:3 Saturday July 28 2001
I enjoy talking to myself, i'm that sort of person

Anon at 10:17:4 Saturday July 28 2001
WHAT A PRAT!!!!!

Anon at 9:10:17 Saturday July 28 2001
One glass of pop too many?

Marriott at 3:46:35 Saturday July 28 2001
OOOOHHHH JA-MIE JA-MIE...........JAMIE, JAMIE, JAMIE, JAMIE FORRESTER! OOOOHHHHH AAAARRRR JAMIE FORRESTER OOOOHHHHH AAAARRRR JAMIE FORRESTER CHEERS FOR THE PROMOTION AND SOME GREAT GOALS JAMIE, HOPE YOU DECIDE TO STAY, BUT IF NOT, CHEERS MATE AT LEAST IF HE'S GOING TO ANOTHER CLUB FOR MORE MONEY, LIKE WE ALL WOULD, IT'S NOT A TEAM LIKE SHITTY, FUCKING LUTON, GOOD LUCK TO THE LAD

David Seal Lookalike at 3:30:45 Saturday July 28 2001
What a great result, 4-0 against the mighty Spencer, looks like Bristol City will see that result and will be shaking in their boots!!

Anon at 0:18:23 Saturday July 28 2001
Hartwell and Vince, you seemed to have bought the tabloid and club’s slagging of player's agents. Why shouldn't they have people negotiating for them? Don't forget the clubs negotiate through lawyers or their own agents. Of course the clubs hate the agents, it would be a lot easier for them to directly twist the arm of a player. All credit to those clever enough to have someone act for them, then they wont get ripped off as often happened in the past.

East Northants ,Accountant at 23:19:24 Friday July 27 2001
If you keep JF another season you will loose even more money when he is eventually sold on.

Sid at 22:43:7 Friday July 27 2001
Raunds won 2-0 - the team was made up of youth and trialists.

Anon at 22:7:13 Friday July 27 2001
What was the score against Raunds last night?

Anon at 22:3:8 Friday July 27 2001
Really can't see us keeping all these strikers on the books. If the board accepted £200K for JF that signals that they need the money surely. As it looks like the Wycombe deal has fallen through then you have got to think that either JF will go to the next club that bids in the region of 200K or we sell someone else.

Anon at 22:2:41 Friday July 27 2001
We dont need Heggsy now that Brizzol rovers have gone down, he always seemed to save his best form for when we played them.

NTFC@2view at 21:29:40 Friday July 27 2001
I agree we have moved on from Heggsy's days, but he cruyffed a few people and slotted in a couple of good ones. Mentalist, but I liked him.

Hartwell at 20:27:51 Friday July 27 2001
Yep, Martin, it does bode well. However our midfield must be far, far better than it was for most of last season if the front men are to prosper. The midfield must get up in support when we've got the ball. No more of this hugging the half-way line, watching from afar. Our front men must have service and support from midfield and we must also use the width of the pitch to much greater effect. Finally we must learn to speed up our game in the final third of the pitch. Last season it was, at times, like watching a slo-mo film - or as someone near me said "like watching one of those exhibition games where 50-year-old managers tried to relive their pasts"! Neartly every team who came to Sixfields moved the ball quicker and with more purpose than we did. If we can rectify these failings, as you say, there's every reason for optimism.

Martin at 19:52:53 Friday July 27 2001
I think that this season is going to be a very exciting season! We have brought some very good players and it seems like we have hung onto jamie. I dare say that means we will not be buying hodges unless another player goes. You never now the board might be going for it this year in a big way hoping for a cup run. I personally can not see us making it to the first division! But i hope we can make the play off and have a good cup run. We seem to have endless opions upfront now which is very exciting to see. When was the last time we had so many potentially good strikers?

Frank from Germany at 19:51:49 Friday July 27 2001
Hi everybody. I´m a youth coordinator from Germany. I´m looking for english youth teams to invite them in 2002 to our international tournament in Germany, near Cologne. Also I´m looking for to make an exchange between english football clubs and my club. I would be happy if you contact me. Wish you good luck for the season. Bye Frank

Anon at 19:49:28 Friday July 27 2001
The Barbadian international mentioned earlier was Wayne O`niell, the last I heard was that we are still waiting for a work permit, that was 1989 I think.

Anon at 18:46:25 Friday July 27 2001
i think we should offer sewage a new contract only paying him half what he was getting before - just to rub his nose in it.nice.

Hartwell at 17:30:17 Friday July 27 2001
Vince - I agree entirely with what you say about agents. It also seems to me they have very little insight into the game at our level. They appear to think that money is washing around in bucketfuls in the lower leagues. They are sadly mistaken. There may be a handful of clubs who have reasonably fat wallets. But the majority do not and , like the Cobblers, are already paying every bit as much as they can afford on players wages. Yet some agents blithly try to convince their clients they only have to ask and their wages can be doubled. Or else they can triple their current salaries by moving. As far as I know Savage still hasn't got a club. I wonder what, privately, he is now thinking?

Happy - In the east stand at 16:51:59 Friday July 27 2001
Oh Jamie, Jamie, Jamie Jamie Jamie Jamie Forrester. Oh Jamie, (well you know the rest).

Do you get the feeling we are about to embark on yet another load of tosh at 16:28:22 Friday July 27 2001
Oh but DEANO was such a good player! How could this be? Surely this is a jape? We should sign him on, what a midfield we would have.

MARK at 16:22:23 Friday July 27 2001
Cobblers chairman has admitted that jamie looks likely to stay with the cobblers as contract negotiations has broken down. Jamie was at the wycombe game with spurs and had long negotiations with the wycombe boss after the game but since then nothing has happened. [ story on www.msn.co.uk]. cobblers old boy deen peer has joined moor green after been realeased by the sherws.

Good comment at 16:9:13 Friday July 27 2001
Another anon: I'm with you on that one. Lets all get behind the team,shout and cheer our heads off, BUT ENJOY IT.

Anon at 15:52:55 Friday July 27 2001
An Anon after me own heart!

another anon at 15:41:51 Friday July 27 2001
I can remember when supporting the Cobblers was so much fun, away days with the Winterburns on the official supporters club coaches, when the only thing we had to worry about was standing under a hole in the hotel end roof on a wet November evening. The thing was that in those days we knew we were rubbish and accepted it. Today our expectations are often far to high, and we take ourselves far to seriously. Football is only a game, it is entertainment, we are supposed to enjoy it. So relax, what will be will be, lighten up and enjoy the season.

Anon at 15:35:50 Friday July 27 2001
far more eloquently put Vince.

Vince at 14:58:58 Friday July 27 2001
It looks like Forrester may be yet another player unsettled by the actions of agents. Have a look at the PlanetFootball.com and the interview with Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore which highlights what a bunch of chances some of these agents are. The worst thing that has happened at NTFC was Steve Howards agent getting him a good deal at Luton - now every player, pumped up by his agent, thinks he is worth twice what he's being paid and every club in the land is desperate to sign him. How any lower division player can benefit from an agent when there are so many unattached players available at the moment is beyond me. It's time the PFA gave their members a bit of guidance and told them when they were well off.

Anon at 14:39:28 Friday July 27 2001
what a twatish comment!

B S H at 14:17:21 Friday July 27 2001
Thanks for the goals and memories Jamie,but your agent has spoken.On a cautionary note remember this about Wycombe like the direones "they will always be non-league"

Paddington at 14:16:38 Friday July 27 2001
A lot of ordinary working people feel thay are not paid enough by their employers, so I guess footballers are no different. I am surprised that the Club is willing to accept 200k for JF. In business you generally get the best price for your assets when they are performing well. Given he has another two seasons under contract I would think that a better strategy is to hold on to him until he is regularly scoring again. I've no doubt this will happen if he gets decent service from midfield. Of course, this is the very time we fans hate to let a player go, although from a financial viewpoint this is often the best time to sell.

Ralph at 13:54:39 Friday July 27 2001
I think I've said all I can on the matter Dyl!

Just a thought. at 13:47:52 Friday July 27 2001
Crazy, Disgraceful,Finacial suicide, how can we afford that....Have you seen the cost of petrol. --- Oh I'm sorry, you thought I was talking about what? Jamie who?

Had enough !!! at 13:42:16 Friday July 27 2001
It all boils down to player and agent greed at the end of the day. Forrester was quite happy with his THREE YEAR deal at this club until his agent told him that the grass is much greener at Millwall.

TherealslimMartinW at 13:14:18 Friday July 27 2001
JAMIE NEWS. And it looks like he could be staying with us. The Jamie negotiations with Wycombe are up in the air and it all over money. The negotiations with our hero are set to go into a second week with Blues boss Laurie Sanchez saying it could go either way. Apparently Jamie watched Wycombe narrowly lose to Spurs - about the time when all the players and Sanchez were trotted out to say what a wonderful ambitious club Wycombe is on Sky. Mr Parry's influence, perhaps? Anyway Jamie wants more dosh that Wycombe wants to pay. Jamie is supposed to be on a fairly tidy sum with the Cobblers and it is about whether he gets a pay rise. Sanchez said: "It could go either way. We're having on-going discussions. There's a bit of an impasse. What his expectations from the club are and what my expectations from the club are and whayt my expectations are for him are a bit different. No-one is going to move for a pay cut but it is a matter of how much of a pay rise they are coming for. I have a wage structure and I'm not prepared to break it. He's got to come to us on our terms, not his. I'm not going to have people outside the club's structure out of loyalty to my players. He's got every right to ask for what he wants to ask for and I've got every right to decide whether or not to pay it. I think we've showed him what we've got here. He's gone away to think about it, but as with all these things, money is the deciding factor." Meanwhile Wycombe have got former West Ham striker Gavin Holligan on trial who scored two goals on Tuesday. And Sanchez says he did himself "a world of good". Clear sign that Sanchez is not keeping all his eggs in one basket. Like anyone... really.

Dyl at 13:8:12 Friday July 27 2001
Heggs was a player who could turn it on from time to time. But one decent performance in 3 is not good enough. Unless he has mastered his erratic form - and let's face it if he's been dropped by Carlisle that's unlikely - then we shouldn't touch him with a bargepole. I often felt he used to suffer from "not being Larry". Anyone else agree?

Anon at 13:5:25 Friday July 27 2001
We make talk crap on "hear" but at least most of us can spell

Anon at 12:25:32 Friday July 27 2001
COBBLERS boss Kevin Wilson has launched a scathing attack on Wycombe Wanderers over their treatment of striker Jamie Forrester. After weeks of uncertainty over whether the front man would be leaving Sixfields for Adams Park, Wilson’s patience has finally snapped with the Swans. The Town boss has accused Wycombe of ‘messing’ Forrester about and of being unprofessional in their dealings over the proposed transfer. And it is now, to Wilson’s delight, looking ever more likely that Forrester will still be plying his trade at Sixfields this season - starting with tomorrow’s friendly clash with Wimbledon. The saga began when cash-strapped Cobblers reluctantly agreed a fee to sell their top scorer two weeks ago, but since then things have dragged on. And Wilson is laying the blame for that firmly at Wycombe and Lawrie Sanchez’s door, saying: “Wycombe came in with an offer for Jamie Forrester, it was accepted and ever since then Wycombe have messed the boy around. “He is too nice a lad to be messed around, and one thing I don’t like is the way this has all been conducted. “If Wycombe had done things properly then it wouldn’t have been so bad but now this can unsettle Jamie. “It has definitely unsettled me because I don’t want him to leave the club, as nobody here does, but we all know the implications and financial situation at this club.” Forrester was at Adams Park last weekend to see Wanderers lose 2-1 to Glenn Hoddle’s Tottenham, and Wilson added: “Jamie went down to Wycombe to speak to them on Saturday. They never came to any agreement, he watched the game against Tottenham and came home. “But ever since then it has been all quiet, nobody has been in touch.” And he added: “It upsets our preparations because he’s a valuable member of my squad. “He scored 19 goals last season and I’m sure he will score a lot more this season. “I mean I don’t really want to comment too much on how Wycombe Wanderers have dealt with this, but it wouldn’t have been dealt with like this by us here.” Forrester is likely to start tomorrow’s game in attack alongside Sam Parkin, with Marco Gabbiadini struggling with a slight hip strain. Other players to have picked up niggles in the past week are Chris Hargreaves (groin) and Rob Wolleaston (back), while neither Roy Hunter (shingles) and John Hodge (hernia op) are back up to full speed in training yet. Whatever team lines up against the Dons tomorrow can expect a real workout though, with Terry Burton’s men renowned for their whole-hearted approach to the game. “It will be a tough game, but this is the start of the real preparation, the fitness work and looking ahead to the season,” said Wilson. “It’s another part of our pre-season training, it’s all still building towards August 11.”

Anon at 12:20:53 Friday July 27 2001
you all talk crap on hear

Denis at 12:18:33 Friday July 27 2001
I thought it was quite amusing. IMHO the only reason so much was made of Heggsy's transfer was because he went to Diamonds anf Razor went at the same time. Move on Anon or do you want to sign Darryl Clare too?

Ralph at 12:15:57 Friday July 27 2001
This is beginning to bore the pants off me so it is probably the case for others. Let's just say we agree to differ Anon.

Ralph at 12:13:55 Friday July 27 2001
Heggs was lanky, blond, socks down, shirt untucked, played wide, couldn't score, did not make any sort of run to create space, verbally and physically agressive, enjoyed getting involved in a bit of a barny with the opposition and liked to argue with referees. Your right that's is Jamie to a tee!

Anon at 12:11:20 Friday July 27 2001
The other reason why Heggs couldn't score was cos the way the whole team played under twAtkins

Denis at 12:10:34 Friday July 27 2001
Spot on Ralphy. How Anon could even begin to put Heggs in front of Parkin, Gabbiadini is beyond me. Or Danny Lowe for that matter!

Anon at 12:10:18 Friday July 27 2001
Apart from the goal scoring he is a similar player to Jim

Ralph at 12:7:46 Friday July 27 2001
Blimey I missed the bit about similar to Forrester!!!!! Jamie scored more goals in one and a bit seasons with us than Heggs has probably scored in his whole league career. What a barmy comparison!

Ralph at 12:6:4 Friday July 27 2001
I may talk crap but at least I'm happy to put a name to it! Heggs caused us so much trouble at Wembley that Swansea didn't manage to score a goal and we won the game. He missed so many chances for us, he was not a natural goal scorer, he has a bad attitude towards his chosen profession and I still maintain to sign him is a backward step.

PATTCOBB at 12:3:38 Friday July 27 2001
Re SONG FOR WHOEVER HOW ABOUT You've had that LAVIN feeling whoa, that LAVIN feeling etc etc (from Righteous Brothers) when he hacks down yet another opponent

Anon at 11:59:15 Friday July 27 2001
Ralph what a load of crap you speak. You seem to forget the damage he caused us at Wembley and when he did play for us he was a similar player to forrester- he was skillful but didn't score much

Ralph at 11:44:53 Friday July 27 2001
Surely Heggs is a step backwards? He left us to play non-league and could not hold down a regular place. He then embarked on a journey that took in several clubs all fighting to avoid relegation to the conference. Now he finds himself looking for a job and there are a few who appear to see him as some kind of Messiah. He was a bit like Monte Zuma's revenge, red hot in spurts. I always thought his best position for us was as substitute, he was never that good was he?

Vince at 11:27:37 Friday July 27 2001
I can't see why Wilson would want to sign Heggs - I suspect that the club are just doing a favour for a former player by letting him play in a "high profile" friendly so that other clubs may see him.

Anon at 11:11:43 Friday July 27 2001
What a forward line Forrester, Heggs, Asamoah, McGregor in a 4-2-4 formation

Chronicle & Echo at 11:5:26 Friday July 27 2001
Kevin Wilson is looking to add former town striker Carl Heggs to his squad by the start of the new season. He is set to play a part in at least one of the pre-season friendlies at Sixfields against Wimbledon, Leicester and Chelsea respectively.

Anon at 9:54:52 Friday July 27 2001
JAMIE - STAY!!!

Ralph at 9:25:23 Friday July 27 2001
Hi Harry, look forward to seeing you at the opening game. I have suggested to Big Roy that we put the end of season curry off until the start of the season! We'll discuss it at the match.

Anon at 9:25:16 Friday July 27 2001
From the Planet Football site: FORMER Carlisle United striker Carl Heggs has been arrested by Cumbrian Police after a brawl in a busy Carlisle city centre pub. Officers were called to Yates's wine bar at 12.20am on Sunday to investigate reports that a man had been slashed in the face with a broken bottle. Heggs, who is currently trying to win a contract with Northampton Town after being released by The Cumbrians, was arrested shortly afterwards as he left the bar. Following the incident a 29-year-old man from nearby Gretna was admitted to hospital suffering cuts to the head and a broken nose. Heggs, also 29, was subsequently released on police bail and has not yet been charged.

MK18 Cobbler at 9:17:31 Friday July 27 2001
Although I hope Forrester stays the burning issue is not so much the fact of selling him because clearly the board have agreed a fee with Wycombe but the price at which we are selling him and to a club in our division and about the same size. I reckon most would have accepted that if £500,000 or more was paid for him that should help the club's finances and also give something to Kevin Wilson for replacement player(s). A sale at £200,000 remains a very poor piece of business and sends the signal out to its loyal fan base that our ambition at best is to remain in this division. To me that is simply not good enough. Yes I hear the cry of financial problems but with season ticket money in the bank the critical "dead" period for income is past. According to TCMP money is tight but the club is finanially well managed. The sale of JF for £200,000 only for me would destroy any notion of good financial management.

No reason to get (too) excited at 9:15:45 Friday July 27 2001
Let me tell you a little story, I played for a Sunday side and we were managed and trained by the centre half and captain of the local football league third division team. On a Saturday I used to watch him from the terraces, he was a great big lumbering whack-it-to-the-back-of-the-stands (and any of the opposition he could find) type of player. He fell out with the manager of the day and was basically kicked out of the club. Whilst he was between clubs he signed on for us. What a revelation, he had a first touch as soft as a baby's bum, vision that was at worse sublime and a pass that created a goal chance every time. On top of that he had all the time in the world. Having missed several open goals laid on for me by said manager he ruffled my hair and said 'you didn't know I could play did you!'. The point I am making is that he was fantastic at our standard and any thought I had of being able to make a professional went down the drain. Asamoah is an exciting prospect but a performance in the sunshine v Spencer in July will not offer the same challenges as a drafty November's afternoon in muddy Wigan.

Hartwell at 9:14:54 Friday July 27 2001
Ralph - yes, it's funny how short are some people's memories!

Vince at 9:13:21 Friday July 27 2001
Harry C at 21:23:40, what newspaper hack could resist a headline like that? The clubs nickname is loved by reporters everywhere - my favourite was after a draw at Mansfield when the headline was "Stags held by the Cobblers"

The Drilling Cobbler at 8:22:40 Friday July 27 2001
I remember thinking the same about Efan Elad based on 30minutes of football (versus Colchester) ! Hopefully this time you are right! Likewise a certain Barbadian international player who played against Walsall reserves and scored a 25yarder in the 1st minute. After that.......

Anon at 7:22:35 Friday July 27 2001
Ok to all you who were at spencer on wedsnesday: How come none of you have told everyone one else about the skill of Asamoah? The lad did things on the pitch on Wednesday that even made the bench gasp. For all of you who didnt make it to the game let me tell you this: KW has unearthed a gem, quick? Fcuk me quick isnt the word - lightening more like, and as for his skill, well, lets just say when he comes you can expect a lot more than what we (hope)get from Hodgie. 2 weeks to go.........

Anon at 7:2:11 Friday July 27 2001
The profit on Jammie is all the wonderful goals you all idolised last season

New Golf Clubs at 7:1:16 Friday July 27 2001
Thanks for the tip, still kept in the same place, you communist!

NTFC@2view at 6:9:50 Friday July 27 2001
Stupid mathematics. Counting his wages against profit and loss is nonsense.

Bez at 2:9:24 Friday July 27 2001
There is one bit I want to clarify. When I said he must have sacrificed a lot to still be a pro footballer I meant that if he had stayed a Leeds player and become a first team regular he would have made a fortune. Don't say he doesn't have the talent to do that, because his first few months at the club proved he does.

Bez at 2:6:49 Friday July 27 2001
Lets look at the maths. IF Forrester is going for £200,000, (that is if he is going and if that is actually the transfer fee) then we wouldn't have made a bean. £150,000 to sign him, wages of £2000-£3000 a week = £100,000 to £150,000. Bonuses for goals etc., roughly £10,000. Signing on fees, generally 20% to 25% of transfer fee. Say £20,000. Add that all up and we get £150,000 + £100,000 + £10,000 + £20,000 = £280,000. Money made from sale = £200,000. Defecit £80,000. The only thing that is a slight worry to me is that I have heard that Keith Barwell has been paying the wages of the best paid 2 players. That would be Gabbiadini and Forrester. Ho Hum Maths is a great thing. RELAX everyone, remember the old song; 'Que Sera, Sera, What ever will be, will be. Our lives for us to see.' We can't do anything about what Jamie decides. Let him make it up. What ever he decides to do I say fair enough. A lot of people here are saying what can we get for him, what are we going to be losing. This lad is 26, has wasted 4 years of his career at Auxerre, Scunthorpe and Utrecht. Think of the untold amount of money he has sacrificed just to still be a pro footballer. He has a limited shelf-life and needs to bring in the pennies. All I can say to Jamie is decide what is right for you, and to all of you who are saying get lost Forrester, I say stop being bitter all your life and appreciate his and our teams talents. He may stay and then I can see you looking like tossers. If he needs time give him it, it might benefit the Cobblers and stop being so impatient.

Anon at 0:0:29 Friday July 27 2001
HOW THE HELL WOULD WE MAKE A PROFIT??? YEAH WE SIGNED HIM FOR £150,000 AND SELLING HIM FOR £200,000 BUT AFTER THE SIGNING ON FEE AND HIS WAGES, BONUSES ETC FOR THE YEAR SURELY IF WE HAVE MADE PROFIT, IT WON'T BE MUCH.

Anon at 23:43:11 Thursday July 26 2001
DavCobbler - the transfer may be delayed because JF wants a payoff from the Cobblers for a move as a settlement against the profit the club may make on his sale. I can't think of any other reason why it would take so long - he must have made his mind up by now.

An MK Cobbler at 23:40:16 Thursday July 26 2001
Haven't posted here for quite a while, but the Forrester saga has driven me back to the keyboard. I think in retrospect it is obvious that the club were just dying for someone to come in and buy him. Think back to last season - "it would take a million for him to leave", very swiftly became "alright then, half a million". THen Wycombe come in with a bid that was "tabled", but with nothing else happening. The fact that the the bid was disclosed, but not the amount of it, was a clear invitation to other clubs to come and make a pitch for him. No one did, so JF s value is whatever Wycombe offered and we can't copmplain about that. Personally, I don't understand the animosity that appears to have been generated towards Forrester. I always felt that the effort was there, even if there did seem to be a fair number of absences for "family reasons" after the Millwall bid was turned down. I don't buy the argument that Forrester is an asset worth hanging on to. Assuming the club doesn't make progress over the next two years, he wouldn't have renewed his contract, and would then be worth nothing. And the new transfer rules would mean that he wouldn't fetch much if he gave his notice in before then. So all in all as the clubs single transferable asset, it makes sense to sell now, albeit at a reduced price from the one we thought he might go for last year. For what its wroth I think he has gone or will go. Asamoah is described as quick, skilful with an eye for goal. And he is "something we haven't got" - though he sounds quite like Jamie.....

Anon at 23:22:22 Thursday July 26 2001
Anon at 19.43 the songs have to be simple so that plebs like you can follow the words.

Andy at 22:42:45 Thursday July 26 2001
Forrester - Is he staying or going? If he wants to go good luck to him but I wish he'd make his mind up. Personally I think he'd be better off staying, banging in a few goals and moving to a bigger club mid season. We'd also get more money which would also be nice.

DavCobbler at 22:21:33 Thursday July 26 2001
Ah, I see.........so now you are not really sure exactly what I am eh? May I suggest you keep your ill-informed comments to your own immagination before you really a fool of yourself. Oh, and the golf clubs were shite anyway, my new ones are far superior.

Rodders at 22:17:32 Thursday July 26 2001
If Carl Heggs has really been on trial at the club, could someone tell me how come he hasn't featured in a single pre-season friendly, unlike others such as Scott and Hodges? He is far too much of a loose cannon nowadays, last season having the worst disciplinary record of ant third division player. Had that really been JF logging on earlier I would have told him: if you want to stay, please do.

Transfer speculation at 22:14:19 Thursday July 26 2001
Looks like Cobblers will be getting the following on frees/loan Eric Brookes, Peter Hawkins and John Fairbrother just spotted on Telex or was it Telstar

Rascist at 22:12:28 Thursday July 26 2001
No Dav I dont no what a fascist is but then I forgot your a rascist with that idiot Chris

DavCobbler at 22:6:44 Thursday July 26 2001
Mr Anonymous......I'm so hurt by your nasty comments, please please leave me alone? You would't know a fascist if one were to land on your lawn. Back to more relevant matters...........what could possibly be holding Forresters decision up? Either we have the cash to keep him or we don't.

jamie at 21:58:37 Thursday July 26 2001
i have been asked to come on here to settle a few things. I did have talks with another club, but i would really like to remain a cobbler. so if you want me to stay could you please say so.

Golf Clubs at 21:57:58 Thursday July 26 2001
To Dav NobCob, your golf clubs are great you fascist!

Anon at 21:25:41 Thursday July 26 2001
below is the team vs. bristol city

Anon at 21:24:37 Thursday July 26 2001
Welch Lavin Sampson Burgess Frain Mcgregor Hunt Hunter Wolleaston Parkin Asamoah (or Naylor) bench; Sollitt, Hope, Howey, Hargreaves, Gabbo

harry c at 21:23:40 Thursday July 26 2001
Hi Ralph..long time no speak. Me and me boy moved up a seat. Was in carlisle last night and the headlines on the back page of the evening paper was HEGGS SAYS COBBLERS TO UNITED ...Carl Heggs is almost certain to return to his former club followi9ng talks with Kevin Wilson....etc..........Whats going on?

Ralph at 20:39:23 Thursday July 26 2001
Spot on Hartwell!

Anon at 20:13:10 Thursday July 26 2001
heggsy has been arrested in cumbria follwing a barroom brawl!!!.Also, I was in the club shop this afternoon and spoke to lavin. He rekons Forrester has gone, didn't know how much and Naylor had his medical tis afternoon!!!

Anon at 19:43:3 Thursday July 26 2001
really original songs there..

Anon at 19:19:58 Thursday July 26 2001
I have had a truely terrible week. Roll on the distractions of the football season. I'll just keep listening to the Super Furry Animals in the meantime.

Anon at 19:5:21 Thursday July 26 2001
its ass-a-mower

Anon at 18:39:39 Thursday July 26 2001
How is Asamoah pronounced? Has-a-mow? Has-a-mower? Cookno?

Song for whoever at 17:57:0 Thursday July 26 2001
New players need new chants - Lavin could be the new psycho (ala barry richardson), McGregor will of course be supermac, the best I could come up with for Asamoah is 'Der-ek Asa-moah oh Der-ek Asa-moah oh Der-ek Asa-moah, here the Cobblers roar' (to the tune of 'give me hope Joanna by Eddie Grant(?)); 'Theres only one Darryl Burgess scans ok; 'Super, Super Sam, Super, Super Sam, Super Sammy Par-kin' fits quite well but I'm stuck for Wooleaston. Can anybody come up with anything better and If I start signing them on August 11th will anyone else join in, or will I be on me own in the North Stand again?

Hartwell at 17:51:42 Thursday July 26 2001
I think some people are being a little unkind to Jamie Forrester, regarding his goalscoring record. Yes, they did dry up in the New Year. But to be fair to him he and Howard/Gabbiadini had no support whatsoever from midfield - a situation which in itself got worse as the season wore on, reflected I believe in Forrester's lack of goals from January onwards. I just hope this season we will have a midfield which is willing and capable of supporting the front men in thne proper manner. So often, even at home, we had the ball in the opponent's box with only two players up. Same may well apply to Gabbiadini, who was forced to come back to the half-way line too often in search of the ball, when he ought to have been fed from the midfield and (when we played any) from the wings.

Martin at 17:46:35 Thursday July 26 2001
That is very precise of you!

Jamie is going at 17:40:27 Thursday July 26 2001
...to Wigan

Anon at 17:15:25 Thursday July 26 2001
anyone know if there are chelsea tickets left? the ticket office is shit they were engaged for 10 mins and when i did get through the office was closed!

guess at 17:13:47 Thursday July 26 2001
CIJY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CIJ at 17:1:58 Thursday July 26 2001
Drilling Cobbler. Kevin Wilson said that due to our lack of funds we were going to be operating on a one in one out basis, and with us bringing in Asamoah I can only assume that Forrester is going to be the one out.

DavCobbler at 16:53:31 Thursday July 26 2001
PattCobb...........Good to see you again. May I ask............since when have I not been ready for a beer session?? :-) See you soon matey!

marco at 16:47:58 Thursday July 26 2001
different lee hodges, DC, this one is on a free from reading. They did pay 250k though to sign him from barnet a few years back, started out as a trainee at spurs.

The Drilling Cobbler at 16:43:5 Thursday July 26 2001
CIJ, I am just assuming that if Forrester does go he is likely to be replaced by Naylor and Hodges. The Naylor situation has been well documented and Hodges is on trial with us - a 130k signing for Scunthorpe 2yrs ago from West Ham (I think) and who is now available on a bosman, therefore he will be looking for good money. I presume these signings will only be sanctioned if money is raised.

Lis at 16:41:23 Thursday July 26 2001
Jamie should piss off to Wycombe. What with his comments about being disappointed that the Millwall deal fell through last season and his interest in Wycombe now, it seems obvious that he doesn't want to be at Northampton. People like that just aren't worth the wages!

Anon at 16:19:23 Thursday July 26 2001
Anon at 14:42:11 Thursday July 26 2001. Did you go to school? Were you at Spencer not was you!!!!! No I didn't but I saw him enough last season. Besides friendlies don't matter you wait till the new season he will be scoring week in week out

CIJ at 16:9:56 Thursday July 26 2001
Drilling Cobbler - Why have you mentioned Naylor in your starting line up for next season?? Have you heard that we are going to sign him or has something already been confirmed? Please help as that comment confused me a bit!!!

Mark at 15:59:58 Thursday July 26 2001
Any ideas on who might geta game an Raunds tonight?

Baker (WWFC) at 15:13:7 Thursday July 26 2001
Well, it took us 10 days to sign Darren Currie so we should sign Forrester soon.

Anon at 15:6:41 Thursday July 26 2001
My understanding is that the club did not want to sell Forrester, he wanted to move. I hope the deal as not fallen through because on current form he would not get a place on the bench.

Vince at 14:50:10 Thursday July 26 2001
The Forrester transfer saga has been dragging on for so long now it makes you wonder if the deal has fallen through - maybe Forrester couldn't agree terms with Wycombe that make a move wothwhile. If it has it wouldn't have done his confidence any good knowing that the club want to sell him.

Anon at 14:42:11 Thursday July 26 2001
Was you at Spencer last night. god my arse

Anon at 14:38:17 Thursday July 26 2001
How do you know the Forrester deal is off. I hope it is Forrester is GOD

Anon at 14:27:0 Thursday July 26 2001
If the Forrester deal is off, it must be because Wycombe have seen him play recently.

Anon at 13:31:32 Thursday July 26 2001
Just one problem - the Forrester deal is off!!!

The Drilling Cobbler at 13:22:12 Thursday July 26 2001
Thinking along the same lines only this morning anon and sterling. The more I think about it, the more I would take Naylor, Hodges and 200k in return for Jamie. Yes, he may have been worth more than 200k - in fact last November I would have said nearer 2 million! But times have changed. Why? Because he no longer scores goals. Whilst never questioning his work rate, when Jamie doesnt score he contributes very little to the team. He is rarely responsible for 'assists', and doesnt assist defensively apart from closing down his markers. I'm not saying he's a bad player - but on current form (the last 8 months) he is not worth peanuts. Cynical? Fickle? Maybe. Another point I would like to make is that concerning Parkin. What would be the thoughts of those dismayed at the pending departure of our cherished number 18 if we had paid say 250k for Parkin instead of bringing him here on a 1 year loan? 9 goals in 13 games whilst on loan at 3 different clubs in our division. No time to settle at any of those clubs. Premiership quality. The point I am making is that because we havnt broken our transfer record to get him - which we undoubtedly would have had to do to purchase him - and merely got him on a seasons loan, people dont consider him to be OURS. But for a whole year he is. Like Jamie was. Think about it. Parkin (9 from 13) and Naylor (21goals) up front. Hargrieves, Mcgregor, Hunt and Hunter supplying the ammunition. Sammo, Burgess, Spedds and Lavin stopping the goals. Welchy behind them. Hope, Gabbadini, Wooleaston, Sollit and Hodge keeping their arses warm on the bench. Frain, Lopes, Dempsy, Asamoah and Howie sitting in the stand. Not forgetting the youngsters and more than likely Hodges. Just think about it.

PATTCOBB at 13:17:41 Thursday July 26 2001
Oh by the way agree with Orange, the king appears to be going......long live the new kin - ASAMOAH number 19 please Janet does the club do name and number printing?

PATTCOBB at 13:14:15 Thursday July 26 2001
PATTCOBB returns just had a quick browse real tight rules here on internet use. Howya doin' Davcobb ready for 11 on the 11th? Has anyone any information about what has happened to Dave Savage who was too good for us (in his own mind) has he got a club yet?

ORANGE at 13:0:14 Thursday July 26 2001
The future is bright, the future is ASAMOAH. The future is NOT Jamie Forrester. Face the reality of the situation now and enjoy the season.

stirling cobbler at 12:37:0 Thursday July 26 2001
oh sorry don, were you at the match last night? actually i'm not in stirling at the moment. i got to a few games at the end of the season and i am totally in agreement with anon - now is the time to sell JF because as anon rightly said, if he starts this season as he finished the last, we'll not get 100,000 for him in three months time. and for the millionth time, it's spelt S-T-I-R-L-I-N-G.

DD at 12:34:3 Thursday July 26 2001
no pun intended!

DD at 12:33:31 Thursday July 26 2001
So Rodders, you win the lottery, have a couple of million spare, and you are going to 'invest' in the Cobblers? Having to put up with the 'negative tossers' on this board says it just ain't worth it!

Don Davis at 12:31:34 Thursday July 26 2001
like you can tell all the way from Sterling!

Ant Collett at 12:27:53 Thursday July 26 2001
Gabbi bad back apparantly

stirling cobbler at 12:12:25 Thursday July 26 2001
spot on anon, spot on

Anon at 12:9:45 Thursday July 26 2001
Based on pre-eason form and 90 mins last night, it would appear that Forrester is going to continue this season as he finished off last season. In fact he was put firmly in the shade last night by a unknown 20 yearold (Asamoah) who only played for only half an hour. If Forrester plays for 4 or 5 weeks on this form his value will drop way below £200,000. SELL HIM NOW while he is still worth something.

Anon at 11:59:15 Thursday July 26 2001
Why did gabbie not play last night, he was at the match?

MARK at 11:40:59 Thursday July 26 2001
In the paper today [daily star] it says we are after yet another [former] chelsea player welsh defender garath hall who was released by swindon. Any news on lee hodges is he going to be the 7th new cobblers player?

Anon at 11:14:15 Thursday July 26 2001
I think the cobbs should apply for a lottery grant

Rodders at 10:57:6 Thursday July 26 2001
Of course I'm not talking about small sums of money, hence the use of inverted commas, 'spare cash'. Didn't you study English at school, Get Real?! Having said that, a million is not such a huge amount nowadays. Millionaires are being created by game shows and the lottery every week. Surely someone out there...?!

Anon at 10:45:30 Thursday July 26 2001
very!

Anon at 10:19:43 Thursday July 26 2001
quiet or what?

Please be specific at 8:51:22 Thursday July 26 2001
Do you mean that it was a case of mistaken identity, or that Ralph was wrong are you encouraging all to wrong Ralph?

Anon at 8:14:12 Thursday July 26 2001
wrong ralph

Anon at 2:52:14 Thursday July 26 2001
my cat smells of wee wee

The orinal Anon - accept no subsitute at 23:35:59 Wednesday July 25 2001
Ralph, come on, you're an intelligent man and you have children. How many times have you had to say no to your kids? A shirt costs, what £30? I know a man of your means could afford that without noticing. It's just the cost of one curry meal plus lager. When you think how much you spend on them what's £30 anyway? Don't act on behalf of the poverty struck of Northampton, they sadly couldn't afford to go to a game anyway because you know how much that costs. So what's the point of having the latest shirt? Ralph, I'm being flippant simply because there are a lot of things to complain about with being poor, but your kids not having the latest Cobblers shirt should be pretty low in the scheme of things. It's tabloid crap, don't buy it

Anon at 23:24:53 Wednesday July 25 2001
In todays Chronny in says we accepted an undisclosed bid for Jamie,meaning it must be more than 200k

Anon at 22:57:46 Wednesday July 25 2001
no it wouldn't

Get Real at 22:50:12 Wednesday July 25 2001
Considering that it would take about a million just to wipe the debts, I don't think that rates as spare cash to even the richest of our supporters Rodders.

Anon at 22:47:48 Wednesday July 25 2001
How about everyone's favourite local home builder?

Anon at 22:45:50 Wednesday July 25 2001
I've got some but I not giving it to the same directors that put us in this mess.

Rodders at 22:40:26 Wednesday July 25 2001
Northampton has a population of about 250,000 and there are lots of nutters like me who support the club from outside the county; surely someone out there has some spare 'cash' to pump into the club to alleviate the financial problems the club has found itself in...again. We need a win against QPR to start us on a lucrative cup run, a la Wycombe. They made a cool million from last season's.

Big Roy at 22:35:51 Wednesday July 25 2001
... and it was Lee Hodges who came on for Frain, not Carruthers. Sorry, the light was getting dim (like me).

Big Roy at 22:31:43 Wednesday July 25 2001
btw - it was 4 -0. Asamoah scored towards the end but I forgot to tell Ralph!

Steve1960 at 22:26:4 Wednesday July 25 2001
First time I've posted on here, how much( can direuns fans help us here) did they pay us for Heggs? snigger snigger. Oh yes Stuart Robinson was seen at 6fields today??!!

Big Roy at 22:22:21 Wednesday July 25 2001
Well that was all very encouraging. Parkin looks very, very good, as does MacGregor and Wooleaston. Asamoah looks a good replacement for JF if he goes. Jamie looked lively but missed some golden opportunities and had one goal disallowed for offside. The chips were good too.

Delroy A Pilgrim at 22:13:28 Wednesday July 25 2001
Carl Heggs is signing for you yeah??? He is probably the worst player I have seen in a football shirt for years! Del

Another Direone at 22:10:2 Wednesday July 25 2001
are you sure you don't want Gary Setchell as well....snigger, chuckle

A Direone at 22:3:33 Wednesday July 25 2001
Carl Heggs LMFAO

Ralph at 21:38:1 Wednesday July 25 2001
Well that's me out of here, shame Anon did not expand!!!!! (make of that what you will).

Ralph at 21:36:50 Wednesday July 25 2001
3-0 the final score. BR was going to ask Frainy how he thought the coming season would go but he couldn't catch him!!!!!!! His pockets were weighed down with twenty four pack of ribena. (excuses!!)

Ralph at 21:32:38 Wednesday July 25 2001
Might be obvious to you old love but some of us are not so well informed. Please explain.

Ralph at 21:31:48 Wednesday July 25 2001
Neil - It's all down to BR and little BR, they have promised a resume at the final whistle.

Anon at 21:31:41 Wednesday July 25 2001
come on its pretty obvious!

Ralph at 21:30:50 Wednesday July 25 2001
You are surmising now, I thought you knew!

Anon at 21:30:41 Wednesday July 25 2001
read below then!

Ralph at 21:29:58 Wednesday July 25 2001
Oh yeah and I'm still waiting for your explanation Anon.

Ralph at 21:29:24 Wednesday July 25 2001
Parents with not much money, or have loads of kids, or both.

Neil at 21:28:35 Wednesday July 25 2001
Good work Ralph - cheers!!

Anon at 21:28:4 Wednesday July 25 2001
well why accept a crap offer, lower than what they wanted unless the overdraft amount is starting to worry them

Anon at 21:27:27 Wednesday July 25 2001
I'M 'BOARD' WITH THIS. simple answer - don't buy the new shirt loads os don't bother. The old one about kids demanding new ones is totally false. They have usually grown out of the old one within a couple of years, and what parent only buys their kids one shirt a year?

Ralph at 21:26:51 Wednesday July 25 2001
ANON - Why did the board have too?

Ralph at 21:26:10 Wednesday July 25 2001
Carruthers came on for Frain. Asamoah came on for Parkin. Loads of subs now, MacGregor off, Howey on for Hunt. Forrester is still on, he missed from a yard out!!!! and several others too. Still 3-0 with 5 minutes to go.

Ralph at 21:23:21 Wednesday July 25 2001
Why? was aimed at Anon. Carruthers? I'll ask Roy to ask Kevin, hang on.

Anon at 21:23:8 Wednesday July 25 2001
the only reason they accepted is because they had to

Ralph at 21:22:20 Wednesday July 25 2001
Why?

Neil at 21:22:16 Wednesday July 25 2001
Quite a strong team we're playing there. Is Carruthers is one of the subs?

Anon at 21:21:56 Wednesday July 25 2001
the board must be praying that the Forrester deal goes through

Ralph at 21:21:53 Wednesday July 25 2001
and what do fans on websites ever know about anything? 'If Forrester plays tonight then the deal is off', don't see the logic meself.

Ralph at 21:19:54 Wednesday July 25 2001
No jest, the starting line-up is as below. Two substitutions made at half-time. Big Roy knows his onions!

Neil at 21:17:14 Wednesday July 25 2001
Been on the Wycombe site and their fans reckon that if Forrester plays tonight, the deals off!! Ralph, if that line-up is right, you don't think...?

Alan Titchmarsh at 21:4:53 Wednesday July 25 2001
I 'as a mower in my garden shed.

The Great Unwashed at 21:3:12 Wednesday July 25 2001
Ohhhhh no you didn't!

Ralph at 21:2:44 Wednesday July 25 2001
Yes I did Dave.

GrowOldie at 21:2:14 Wednesday July 25 2001
To his horse, to his horse etc etc

Hartwell at 20:54:7 Wednesday July 25 2001
Ralph - did you check both ends of the pantomime horse?

Ralph at 20:51:22 Wednesday July 25 2001
Forrester is looking like a £200,000 player.

Ralph at 20:50:39 Wednesday July 25 2001
SBC - There's a game on you know!

Ralph at 20:49:15 Wednesday July 25 2001
GOAL FLASH - Hargreaves heads us 3-0 up from a deep Lavin cross. BR managed a quick word with Kevin Wilson who confirmed that Hope for Sammo, Hargreaves for Wooleaston. Asamoah is one of the subs and wears 19, his squad number. The lights are on thanks to a whip round by Roy. Apparently Asamoah should not be confused with that well known Ghanian maestro Fly Mo! (Geddit?)

south beds cobbler at 20:47:47 Wednesday July 25 2001
What is so wrong with a club bringing out a new shirt every year? fans clamber to get them and makes clubs money, surly there can be no shame in wearing last years model if you don,t want to update, and as for kids wanting the very latest etc, we,re fortunate as kids are not encouraged to attend sixfields!!

Ralph at 20:42:59 Wednesday July 25 2001
oh and no sign of Carl Heggs Mr Hartwell!

Ralph at 20:37:47 Wednesday July 25 2001
Well that intrepid touchline reporter Big Roy (and his cub reporter Little Big Roy) inform me that we are 2-0 up, both goals by Sam Parkin. Given the oppostion Parkin and Wooleaston look terrific and a good performance from MacGregor. Welchy not troubled. Welch, Lavin, Sammo, Burgess, Spedding, McGregor, Hunt, Frain, Wooleaston, Parkin, Forrester. Crowd about 150 strong, £3.50 to get in, good hot chips, £1.

Ralph at 20:21:9 Wednesday July 25 2001
We had 611 of these e-mails at our place.

Ray at 19:46:6 Wednesday July 25 2001
I got stung.. you need the absolutely very latest update on your virus software. Mine was 1 day out of date.

NTFC2001 at 18:25:10 Wednesday July 25 2001
Heggseee Heggsee Heggseee the Mavrick is back

Anon at 18:22:13 Wednesday July 25 2001
anyone else here been stung with the new virus going around?

the real anon at 18:21:50 Wednesday July 25 2001
I heard we went for Heggsy back on deadline day but direones still owed us cash for him and the board stopped the deal as a result

MK Cobbler at 18:21:2 Wednesday July 25 2001
Who would you put money on for promotion - Wycombe with Forrester or Northampton without? This board is about to do the worst piece of business in many years and I am very pissed off about it.

Anon at 18:17:49 Wednesday July 25 2001
Oh you cynic!

I'M 'BOARD' WITH THIS.. at 17:26:35 Wednesday July 25 2001
Because the board need to raise cash from any source they can, they have to have a new shirt every season. They also know that the fans will not stand for this so they came up with a cunning plan. Make out that the shirts will last for two seasons but at the end of the first season, bring out three new designs and let the fans vote for their choice, with the option of keeping the current design (for the second year). Because only the club see the real results of this so called vote, guess what, we all voted for a new shirt. The board are happy and it's all our fault. I'ts a simple plan but brilliant. I wager that at the end of next season we will go through the same sham voting system, even though we are promised that this years design will last for two years.

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS at 17:11:48 Wednesday July 25 2001
Carl heggs, I mean, come on, behave yourself.

Ray at 17:6:11 Wednesday July 25 2001
Correct Vince.

Hartwell at 16:52:48 Wednesday July 25 2001
Carl Heggs for Jamie Forrester? Surely someone's playing a joke on us!

Vince at 16:45:28 Wednesday July 25 2001
With all the changes to the clubs website that were announced earlier today I don't suppose they will spend time updating the current site, that's probably why the ticket ordering facility is out of date.

Anon at 16:37:29 Wednesday July 25 2001
When is the players part of the site going to be updated it still has savage, gould etc and no sign of mcgregor or burgess etc

Rodney at 16:25:11 Wednesday July 25 2001
Eddie McGoldrick at Celtic I think not. He left us for Palace and subsequently Arsenal reserves and Man City. He could never have graced the green and white hoops. We did well to get £250,000 for him!

Mark at 15:38:37 Wednesday July 25 2001
Rachel - Sorry. I meant 7:30pm. I'm hot and bothered and aren't thinking straight.

Mark at 15:36:9 Wednesday July 25 2001
Rachel - I believe the KO time is 7:45pm

Ant Collett at 15:34:28 Wednesday July 25 2001
As you have put your name 7.30pm

Ant Collett at 15:33:15 Wednesday July 25 2001
I agree surely a joke, Andy Roberts quake in your boots

Rachel at 15:31:39 Wednesday July 25 2001
please, does ne1 know KO time 4 spencer game?

Ant Collett at 15:31:36 Wednesday July 25 2001
Anon that is

Ant Collett at 15:30:16 Wednesday July 25 2001
Not unless you tell us your name

a nonny mouse at 15:29:6 Wednesday July 25 2001
he mite play well 4 us.............

STILL GOB SMACKED at 15:27:49 Wednesday July 25 2001
Please - please tell me it's joke, someones having a laugh, aint they?

Anon at 15:23:28 Wednesday July 25 2001
ne1 know wot time the Spencer game kicks off 2nite?! Price?!

Vince at 15:3:56 Wednesday July 25 2001
After his performance for Carlisle against Arsenal last season I suspect the only job Heggs would get in Northampton would be as a nightclub bouncer! As for Dave Savage i think he is still looking for a club - I bet he's delighted that he followed his agents advice.

GOB SMACKED at 14:45:53 Wednesday July 25 2001
This has got to be a joke, please tell me it's a joke!!!

marco at 14:42:58 Wednesday July 25 2001
SURELY NOT!! Clubcall: Sacked Carlisle striker Carl Heggs is in the East Midlands today having trials with former club Northampton Town. The 30-year-old was one of four players illegaly sacked by the Cumbrians earlier this month, and even though Carlisle were forced by league regulations to reinstate the players, Heggs decided against a return to Brunton Park. A return to Sixfields could be on the cards if Northampton front man Jamie Forrester completes his long drawn out move to Wycombe Wanderers. Any move is expected to be announced later today.

Don Davis at 14:7:16 Wednesday July 25 2001
Anon (oh why don't you put your name up?) Would Savage get in the side now we have made new signings? With Hunt, Hunter, Frain, Wooleaston, McGregor, Hodge, Lopes, Hargreaves all vying for a midfield slot competition is stiff.

Rachel at 14:2:32 Wednesday July 25 2001
I was told yesterday that there are 1, 000 shirts on order, and will be available on August 6th. Unless there is a launch, which would be earlier, but it would be in the press so you would know about it.

Anon at 13:33:3 Wednesday July 25 2001
Speaking of Savage. Is he going to be playing for us on a match-by-match basis until someone signs him or will he be at home in front of the tv on August 11th

Don Davis at 13:22:45 Wednesday July 25 2001
That's true Hartwell, but Wycombe aren't Man U are they? One has to assume that if Man U are after a player they must be pretty good si it stands to reason if they wanted Jamie he would fetch a far higher price. Unfortunately, as with Dave Sewage, there is not a bloody great queue of clubs jostling for him to sign on!

Denis at 13:19:48 Wednesday July 25 2001
We sold Eddie McGoldrick for not much, £250k? The biggest crime was not having any sell on clause in his contract as he bounced between Celtic, Arsenal, Man City etc.

Hartwell at 13:18:41 Wednesday July 25 2001
Vince - yes, either the market is saying we don't have any players of real value or the club is not getting what it should when we sell. Perhaps both is true to be honest. Did I see the other day that Man U have paid someone like Crewe £2.5 million for a stand-in keeper?

Anon at 12:17:43 Wednesday July 25 2001
Is it a bird , is it a plane... no it's a PIG

Vince at 12:14:4 Wednesday July 25 2001
Hopefully I will be proved wrong when Asamoah turns out to be another Neil Harris, scores 30+ goals and signs for a Premiership club for £3 miilion!

Vince at 12:11:12 Wednesday July 25 2001
NTFC@2View, what the rest of the squad is worth is anyones guess but personally I'd by surprised if based on what we seem to sell players for any more than £200,000 could be raised. What surprises me is that NTFC never seem to get decent money for any player that we sell whereas other clubs do, it seems that clubs who buy our players know that they can pick them up cheaply. This is highlighted by Barnets situation when it appears that their squad is probably worth more than ours (even in a forced sale situation) yet those players finished bottom of the league.

TherealslimMartinW at 12:1:17 Wednesday July 25 2001
A note of caution about this Derek Asamoah guy. He may well be promising. But Willo said that he can only bring in someone if we let one go. So who is he replacing?? Surely he is not going to be the replacement for Jamie. If he is another addition it is fab news. Nothing wrong in picking up a young player who might develop into something. I'l take some of that! As long as if Jamie decides he wants a trip to Wycombe, we get someone with experience to replace him. That would be great. Got to take a gamble and Asamoah may well be worth it. Time, as they say will tell.

NTFC@2view at 11:24:44 Wednesday July 25 2001
So Vince, what are you really saying? Value of Forrester aside, how much would you want for each of our players? Are you saying they're worth a lot but the Board wouldn't get much, or thet they aren't worth much? It's been said before, but Forrester has not been the subject of a bidding frenzy. 'What am I bid?' '£200000...going once.. going twice........going fiftieth...'

Happy Cobbler at 11:20:43 Wednesday July 25 2001
New shirts from 6th august wey hey

Don Davis at 10:57:9 Wednesday July 25 2001
Too right!

Ant Collett at 9:40:11 Wednesday July 25 2001
Good point Vince other clubs do seem to be able to get more for their players. Also some of these people who come on the comments as Anon should put a name to their views

When am I going to be able to order tickets online for any of this seasons games at 9:29:21 Wednesday July 25 2001
I wanted three tickets for Chelsea, Bristol, QPR and Brighton home etc. But yet again, as with the shirt fiasco this club doesn't want to take my money. The website still says tickets for three games at the end of last season and won't let you overwrite. No wonder we are having to sell our most valuable player to make ends meet. This club doesn't no what marketing is. Thats why poxy R&D are gaining support all the time and the Cobblers are losing out.

Vince at 9:19:42 Wednesday July 25 2001
.....and Barnet needed to offload players to reduce their wage bill

Vince at 9:18:35 Wednesday July 25 2001
Isn't it strange that we can only get £200,000 for our most valuable player and would probably struggle to get another £200,000 for the rest of the squad yet Barnet, who were relegated from the league, have sold a few of their best players for £500,000+

NTFC2001 at 22:36:35 Tuesday July 24 2001
Forrester is only worth what somebody will pay for him 200k That 200k will secure the Cobblers finance for another season. If the financial situation is as bad as we think and we slip back into to administration what will Forrester be worth then ? Fcuk All along with the rest of the playing staff and then you will blame the board for not selling him ! One Again Jamie Forrester is NOT bigger than the club

MARK at 22:31:40 Tuesday July 24 2001
Asamoh played 8 games for slough last season and scored 3 times also he has had a trial for leicester he played 2res games and scored 2. Sounds good to me and yet another young lad. Lets hope he comes on even better next season and gets an extended contract.

Rodders at 22:24:24 Tuesday July 24 2001
Let's look on the bright side for once. Some exciting new signings - I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Wolleaston and McGregor. New web site launced next week, a new season beckons and who knows, maybe a good cup run to boost the coffers. To be honest, I have no idea how we will do next season which is - in a funny sort of way - quite exciting in itself. Let's all cheer the lads on on 11 August and hope for the best!

NTFC@2view at 22:12:13 Tuesday July 24 2001
So you agree that wages can't be counted? Sale price £200000 - Cost price £150000 = Profit £50000. His wages = His labour, so cancel each other out? Well, it could be argued that he did so well that we underpaid him, so we did even better on the deal.

NTFC@2view at 21:58:30 Tuesday July 24 2001
We don't know the details of the Millwall 'offer'. It could have been £200000 plus a player they 'valued' at £200000, who we didn't want. If you sign a player on a free and then let him go later on a free, you have made a loss? Is that what you're saying?

Neil at 21:47:20 Tuesday July 24 2001
Asamoah sounds a good signing - 5'4, pacey, skillful - very much like JF if i'm not mistaken. Still, aside from being obvious that Jamie is definitely on his way to Wycombe, it's good that we've got a young replacement for him, who could well make us some kind of profit inthe future.

Anon3 at 21:32:17 Tuesday July 24 2001
Besides which, that begs the question: why didn't we see Millwall coming? I'm sure Gillingham fans weren't happy when their hero was sold mid-season. At least they know they got out at the top so to speak. Even taking a fan backlash into account I can't see how it would have cost the club £200,000. We would still have been enthusiastic about seeing the new signings play.

Anon3 at 21:27:59 Tuesday July 24 2001
Why shouldn't you take wages into account. This club is supposed to be run on business lines, everyone talks about Forrester as our only real asset. Look at it in strict business terms and we've probably spent over £200K on this particular asset and that is all we are recovering. If he is our best asset and he's not making us a profit no wonder the financial position is dire.

NTFC@2view at 21:14:32 Tuesday July 24 2001
Is there a time lag on this board so that posts can be vetted?

Nosey Parker at 21:13:49 Tuesday July 24 2001
Evening all....forrester will be sold to Wycombe because no one else wants him.....Its better to take the money now then to sell him for £100000 mid season when he is playing shit again? As for the shirts does anyone remember the club getting the new shirt order right at the start of any season......I dont!!!!

NTFC@2view at 21:13:34 Tuesday July 24 2001
That only proves that someone saw Man City coming. You have forgotten to cost what JF added to gates when he was scoring. And everyone gets wages. You can't count that against 'profit'.

Anon3 at 20:49:33 Tuesday July 24 2001
Anon at 19:52, JF is only 26! You talk about him as if he is nearly 30. No, in real terms we won't profit from this deal at all if you include the cost of JFs wages. There are loads of players over the age of 25 that are traded by clubs for a profit. How about Robert Taylor, bought by Gillingham at the age of 28 for £500K then sold a year later to Man City for three times that amount?

Deepcutio Cobblerario at 20:47:20 Tuesday July 24 2001
Ray, Can we have the tipping competition up and running prior to this weekend so that I and probably many others can place their tips prior to departing on holiday to the land of no Cobblers takeovers. I'm off to near Florence (Fiorentina) who were nearly put out of business last season if I remember correctly. And before anyone starts, I know its sacrilege (good spelling..tick) going on holiday for the start of the season but work is restrictive....COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Sammo is the man at 20:29:50 Tuesday July 24 2001
Wots happening about Sammo's testamonial?

Deepcut Cobbler at 20:26:52 Tuesday July 24 2001
Why have they cocked up on the shirts again? Dispair, Dispair and more dispair!! We are short of money and we are desperate for hard cash. The best time to sell shirts is before the season starts. More people buy then before the reality of possible relegation sets in. How many will buy if we have a poor start? The rush between the 6th and 11th will stop on the 7th when they are sold out of the good sizes. Oh dispair, dispair and even more dispair. Why can't we stop shooting ourselves in the foot. The little things aside from the football do matter. We need to generate the dosh... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Anon at 19:52:5 Tuesday July 24 2001
about the jf move, if you think about it, we bought him for £150000 from fc utrecht and now we will probably sell him for £200000 so i don't see the problem we are in effect making a profit on jamie forrester which is alot more than what you can say on most players in their late 20s, they normally sell at a loss from their original sale, name a player who was bought one season and then sold the next season for a profit

Anon at 18:17:19 Tuesday July 24 2001
Raymond any news on the new site?

Anon3 at 17:54:52 Tuesday July 24 2001
Isn't it typical that on one of the few days recently that something positive has happened, they go and sour it by messing up a simple task like the new shirts?

Anon3 at 17:47:37 Tuesday July 24 2001
No I don't think we'll be selling anyone else once Jamie goes, at least not for while!

Anon at 17:39:14 Tuesday July 24 2001
are slough in the conference?

marco at 17:37:23 Tuesday July 24 2001
just been on the slough forum and managed to get this response from one of their less-than-happy fans: "he is a very small about 5`4 but very fast. He is very skillful, but as with most skillful players he doesnt like to pass that often, but maybe a pro club could sort that out! I for one wish him all the best with you and thanks for the bad News!!"

MARK at 17:37:6 Tuesday July 24 2001
Now we got that asamoh does that mean that someone is leaving?as kevin said the other day that if he wants to bring ANYONE in that he will have to sell?

Hartwell at 17:34:53 Tuesday July 24 2001
Stirling Cobbler - looking at it another way, wasn't it Jamie Forrester's goals that kept us up ? I thyink you'll find that without them and the points they generated, we'd have been relegated.

MARK at 17:33:35 Tuesday July 24 2001
That asamoh bloke apprently used to play for slough? That is all i know about him.

Anon at 17:33:34 Tuesday July 24 2001
WELL SAID RODDERS, YOU DON'T MIND ME CALLING YOU RODDERS?

Anon at 17:31:48 Tuesday July 24 2001
Anthony - strange sense of humour you have

Rodney at 17:28:59 Tuesday July 24 2001
Superb news about Asamoah. I think it's exciting to see a young, pacy and keen striker at the club. Naylor, Scott etc are the past. Hopefully, Asamoah is the future. We have not had many colourful players at the club recently - no racist pun intended - and it's great to see young non-league talent given an opportunity to shine. Well done, KW!!!!

Anon at 17:28:12 Tuesday July 24 2001
OOOOOOOOOO JAMIE, JAMIE, JAMIE JAMIE JAMIE JAMIE, FORR-ES-TER!!!!!

Anon at 17:27:8 Tuesday July 24 2001
yeah the shirt thing is a bit off. I wont have one in time before i go on hols then will prob have to wait another month before they get more in stock. I thought they learnt there lessons a few years ago with pro-star when they wern't ready for the beginning of the season. I see how it's our fault though because we all should've voted before the close season, WELL WE MIGHTAVE IF WE CUDDAVE!!!

Anon at 17:24:7 Tuesday July 24 2001
wasn't daniel amakachoi (?) ghanian? used to play for everton and i believe scored the winnetr in the Fa cup against man U? What I've heard is that asamoah is a good player, and will be better than master jamie! out with the old and in with new is what they say!

A BIT ANNOYED at 17:23:57 Tuesday July 24 2001
Just got back from the club shop, guess what, no new shirts untill August 6th. Surely the club have missed an opportunity here to have the shirts available at the time fans are picking up their season tickets and tickets for the Chelsea game etc. And who's fault is this, is it the club for not ordering in time, no, I'm told it's our fault because we had a vote on the new design and it took longer than they thought. They did it last year, have they forgotten how long it takes, I did'nt want a new design anyway. So once again it will be a mad rush to get a shirt before the first game, and than they won't have all the sizes or run out of the popular sizes on the first day. Still I think we are to blame. FOR PUTTING UP WITH IT.

me again at 17:16:50 Tuesday July 24 2001
that new cheif exec bloke wrote some good stuff in the chron last night, how we need a town centre shop and we need more money. sounds like he knows what he's talking about!

Anon3 at 17:8:10 Tuesday July 24 2001
Not surprised by Asamoah's signing. I don't really think we could afford Naylor's wages. Have to give credit for taking a chance on the youngster, hopefully we can develop his potential.

Vince at 16:47:32 Tuesday July 24 2001
All those with memories of Darlingtons Feethams may be interested to know that work is well underway on their new 24000 all seater ground. Pictures of the work to date can be found on the Darington rivals site http://darlington.rivals.net - a very ambitious project for a club thast struggle to attract gates of more than 4-5000.

marco at 16:42:58 Tuesday July 24 2001
asamoah signed one year contract, anyone know anything about him?

Anthony Collett at 16:25:39 Tuesday July 24 2001
I feel I must reply to certain comments made on Cobblers Comments on July 9th sorry if this is boring for most people but I would like to put the record straight. I have many friends on the Sixfields Travel Club coaches, I sent a text message to one of them saying the game was off, thinking they would know my sense of humour and take no notice. However as far as I am aware they pulled the coaches to one side and phoned up to find out if the game was off, again as far as I am aware no harm was done. A friend of mine who travels with Sixfields had tried the same prank on me a few weeks before. I saw this as a joke between friends not an us and them situation between the Trust and the Sixfields Travel Clubs. I thank-you.

Mark at 16:0:8 Tuesday July 24 2001
Has anyone seen Asamoah play? I've been unable to attend the matches he's played for us and wondered if he was any good?

Mal at 15:32:48 Tuesday July 24 2001
What sort of a commercial club have we here. I hope the new CEO soon sorts them out. I want tickets for the Chelsea Match. All day with the phone on constant redial and the so called ticket office on the website won't except tickets for the Chelsea game. Don't the club want my money? I thought they were going broke!

marco at 15:11:30 Tuesday July 24 2001
christian lee is playing for peterborough v west ham tonight, been offered a contract by colchester as well

Ian Sampson Benefit Committee at 15:6:58 Tuesday July 24 2001
Sammo's Launch is on Sunday 29th July 2001. It is a BBQ, Pig Roast and Disco starting at 6.00 for 6.30. Tickets priced at £20 are on sale by telephoning 499651, faxing 790057 or by e-mail to Ian.

Rachel at 14:58:25 Tuesday July 24 2001
I mean Someone

Rachel at 14:57:42 Tuesday July 24 2001
MARK, I know womeone else who had that problem, best 2 go up and get them yourself if u can

MARK at 14:49:18 Tuesday July 24 2001
Has anyone got a ticket for the chelsea game via the telephone? i seem to get the engaged tone all the time i have been trying since 11am.

I'm still waiting... at 14:21:27 Tuesday July 24 2001
Well, what is happening. Is no news good news or what?

TWSP at 14:12:52 Tuesday July 24 2001
Ex-Cobblers Jim Whitley is being sought after by Wrexham, whilst £1m pound man Christian Lee is being offered a contract by Colchester. Any news on the whereabouts of Dave Savage.

richie fan from nz at 14:2:47 Tuesday July 24 2001
weres all these dorment fans mr gary hodders on about, hes not going to dig up the dead surely,

richie fan from nz at 13:46:10 Tuesday July 24 2001
well said stirling cobbler,think its time for marco to put his hand up too.he might go better this season theres no expectations of him scoring 20 goals this season so he might be relaxed and put a few away.come on dads army (oppssss) cobblers

AGAIN at 13:17:51 Tuesday July 24 2001
Like I said, Would the real Jamie Forrester please step forward.

stirling cobbler at 12:27:10 Tuesday July 24 2001
if we get relegated it will not be because of the sale of JF. it will be because of the performance of the team as a whole. i think an excellent point was made below that JF only scored twice in the second half of the season. this might have been the key to our slide down the league table, in which case surely that is the best argument to get rid of JF, not keep him, as an out of form striker will waste the chances that an in form striker wouldn't. so why don't we look on the positive side; we're getting 200k for a striker whose goal rate was one in ten games for the second half of last season.

WAYNE at 12:11:7 Tuesday July 24 2001
Do the people in ticket office ever answer their phone?

Richard at 12:9:59 Tuesday July 24 2001
I think there may be problems with the transfer (by the way I have no insider knowledger or whatever) If everything was fine I am sure all would have be done and dusted by now, seems a little strange that the 3 parties (NTFC, WWFC & JF) are dragging there heels with announcements and all are keeping their cards very close to their chests.

Anon3 at 11:38:50 Tuesday July 24 2001
If the suspense over JF's exit is proving too much, spare a thought for Derby fans. Is Ravanelli going or not? Place your bets......and that transfer has been going on for about 6 weeks now.

Anon3 at 11:36:37 Tuesday July 24 2001
Come on Anon, it's not over yet! The players we have got will score goals, for my part I think it might be the rate we concede them that might hurt most.

Anon at 11:24:19 Tuesday July 24 2001
If it wasn't for Forrester we would have been relegated. If he goes we will be relegated after all before he came here he was noone

Anon at 11:19:18 Tuesday July 24 2001
why not bombard the club with emails begging for him to stay?

tcmp at 10:11:30 Tuesday July 24 2001
and to pay the boards expenses.

tcmp at 9:44:17 Tuesday July 24 2001
cause we're skint as per

Anon at 9:35:22 Tuesday July 24 2001
Lets all submit a question to TCMP about why they accepted wycombe's bid for forrester

snake at 0:32:49 Tuesday July 24 2001
anyone know what time the ticket office is open this week? i want chelsea tickets. mail me if possible!

A Childs View at 0:23:58 Tuesday July 24 2001
Leave John Frain alone - he scored an important goal once don't you know!!!

Illinois Cobbler at 22:43:21 Monday July 23 2001
Damn, I've been away so long I thought all this talk of selling JF to Wycombe for 200k was a dream come true...then I reliased it wasn't John "run rings round me" Frain you've all been referring to.

the artist formerly known as pessimistic at 22:12:44 Monday July 23 2001
Colins dad. I hope you dont think you were having a conversation with the real me. you should know that i would never resort to one handed typing. have you noticed how i always seem to miss at least one out of every message. Anyway up the cobblers, whether its with or without jamie lets all get behind the team.

the real pessimist at 21:56:50 Monday July 23 2001
damn hard to type only with left hand

soia at 21:54:32 Monday July 23 2001
i think everyones left us,oh well back to the one handed typing

the real pessimistic at 21:47:6 Monday July 23 2001
yes there's a different type of moaning in those good old porn movies!

soia at 21:41:12 Monday July 23 2001
sorry it was'nt there a minute ago, any way bit of porn would make a change from all this moaning!

soia at 21:38:56 Monday July 23 2001
vice being a specialty of yours!

the real pessimistic at 21:25:53 Monday July 23 2001
leave the porn out of it

soia at 21:20:36 Monday July 23 2001
vice being a specialty of yours!

the real pessimistic at 21:13:17 Monday July 23 2001
ADVICE NOT ADVISE!!!!perhaps you would like to join me in remedial class!!!

sioa at 21:5:35 Monday July 23 2001
hiya moggs the temerity of someone stealing your name,bad spelling though mate! lighten up you happy bunch.(hope all my english is in order, i think there must be teachers with nothing to do over the hols on here, with all the puntuation advise,do you need a red pen?)

south beds cobbler at 20:40:25 Monday July 23 2001
A cross section of how the Cobblers support is made up? 3200 season ticket holders. 500, 15/20 games a season, tickets bought in advance. 1000, 10/15 games buy tickets on the day (if available). and as many as 20,000 1/10 games a season would be more regular, but most dont bother because of all ticket games, sixfields non league apperance but with 1st div prices, or just poor marketing. The latter fans being just as important as season ticket holders..

Deepcut Cobbler at 20:10:33 Monday July 23 2001
Don't worry, 8 o'clock must be their bed time or do they stay up late when there is no school tomorrow? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Anon at 19:41:2 Monday July 23 2001
You can really tell school's out by the sudden plummet in standards of postings on this site. If those silly little boys and girls cannot manage a sentence without every other word being an expletive they should get back to school and learn some proper English. But please spare us your moronic drivel.

Anon3 at 19:16:46 Monday July 23 2001
sorry, typo: should read... before the season starts

Anon3 at 19:15:5 Monday July 23 2001
Personally I have now come round to the idea that we can do without Jamie on the pitch. I have enough faith in the other strikers to get goals for us. It's probably for the best that he leaves but the season starts so we can try and work out the best pairing up front. None of this, of course, vindicates what is an awful piece of business for the club, selling for half of what we should have got a few months ago. I think we were deluded to some extent that our good run would continue for ever and that we were going to make the play-offs. We should learn from this.

Anon at 19:12:52 Monday July 23 2001
WHY DONT WYCOMBE JUST TAKE NAYLOR ON A FREE AND FUCKING WELL LEAVE JF ALONE?

MK18 Cobbler at 19:1:9 Monday July 23 2001
It seems that Jamie Forrester is thinking over a move to Wycombe. Let's make it clear to the board what we the supporters think about agreeing top sell JF for £200,000 only. As for me, I am really disappointed in the board and that is putting it politely. I have supported this board on thes epages when it has come in for some stick but this is one sale too far.

marco is a wanker he wears a wankers hat he plays for ntfc he is a fucking twat he misses with his left foot he misses with his right and when he plays for the cobblers he's a load of fucking at 18:45:20 Monday July 23 2001
shite

the real fake pessimistic at 18:36:49 Monday July 23 2001
perhaps you meant enigmatic?

the real fake pessimistic at 18:35:34 Monday July 23 2001
"unimaginatic"? are you taking extra spelling lessons at summer school?

the real fake pessimistic at 18:33:47 Monday July 23 2001
why? there was not a hint of optimism in anything I said.

me again at 18:29:43 Monday July 23 2001
marco get the ball upon the half-way line; Gives it to Johnny on the wing; Passes to sammy standing on the spot; And as he hits it in we begin to sing ... O-Bla-Di, O-Bla-Da sammy parkin; La La La, La La, La Laaa; O-Bla-Di, O-Bla-Da sammy parkin; La La La, La La, La Laaa.

the real pessimistic at 18:28:23 Monday July 23 2001
sorry that should say use IT. bloody school holidays.

lee h's sponsor again at 18:27:7 Monday July 23 2001
heres a good song for us all to sing andy clark is a wanker he wears a wankers hat he plays for scum united he is a fucking twat he fucks up on the left wing he fucks up on the right and when he plays for boro he's a load of fucking shite

the real pessimistic of npton at 18:26:41 Monday July 23 2001
if you must insist on copying my name you unimaginatic idiot please use to say something useful.

lee howey's kit sponsor at 18:22:35 Monday July 23 2001
here's a interesting few lines from the unofficial wycombe website: Wycombe fans are waiting with bated breath for news of the signing of Northampton striker Jamie Forrester. Wycombe have bid £200,000 for the 26 year old and talked to him for the first time late last week following his early return from The Cobblers pre-season tour of Ireland. Forrester watched Wycombe lose to Spurs on Saturday and he's now gone away to think about Wycombe's offer with money likely to be the deciding factor. and there was me thinking that jamie came home early because of family problems, if he wants to go i say let him

Anon at 18:10:43 Monday July 23 2001
lets be honest there are a lot of anons around!

pessimistic of npton at 18:2:47 Monday July 23 2001
Anon you may not be the tw&t in question but you have made yourself look stupid, since the post you are complaining about was written by Rodney, take it up with him if you object about the FACTS contained therein.

Anon at 17:47:49 Monday July 23 2001
how's the song writing going Ray?

Anon at 17:41:30 Monday July 23 2001
pessimistic, I dont think I'm the same twat to whom you refer - I hope you realise that pronouncing something a 'FACT' does not make it so my friend - shame Cob Comments doesn't support HTML then you could put it inch high bold italics for even more emphasis... :-) ( ...still wouldn't make it more believable though Im afraid )

Sonny at 17:25:40 Monday July 23 2001
Copies of my book "Blind Faith: The Power of Positive Thinking", co-written with my friends U.Geller, B.Stonhill and B.Hancock are available in the club shop now.

Great at 16:51:55 Monday July 23 2001
What fantastic news, brilliant. Look out city here we come.

IM SO SORRY at 16:33:46 Monday July 23 2001
I should have said the sun is shining.

very optimstic at 16:24:51 Monday July 23 2001
Why can't more people be a bit more positive, it's going to be a great season, the suns shining, I have just got some new wax crayons (we are not allowed sharp objects in here). Marvellous...

pessimistic of npton at 15:37:38 Monday July 23 2001
Anon at 13:14:54, i thought you said you had left this board for good,everyone knows who you are from your writing style and still think you're a tw*t.

Sonny at 15:34:26 Monday July 23 2001
Not pissed off at all, just focusing the mind on more positive things. I'm looking forward to the coming season and it would appear that we have made some good signings. Wilson has quite a few options so long as we stay suspension and injury free. Stiff competition from Stoke, Cardiff, Brighton, Reading, Hudderfield, Bristol City, Wigan, Notts County and Bournmouth shold be an intriguing season.

pessimistic of npton at 15:31:15 Monday July 23 2001
Rodney I had my heart set on a cut price move to wycombe but the outlook was too bright so I decided to stay put!

DavBlue at 15:30:5 Monday July 23 2001
Bring on the cobblers!

pessimistic of npton at 15:28:29 Monday July 23 2001
sorry rodders! Those last posts were an experiment to see how alert everyone is, not very much it seems. Also wanted to see how long before the optimistic backlash, but even they sound pissed off at the moment.

DavCobbler at 15:8:52 Monday July 23 2001
Bring on the Chelsea.............

Richard at 14:55:22 Monday July 23 2001
Anon-look you are anon for a reason and nobody knows who you are, so just say why Jamie will still be a Cobblers player and why the deal has fallen through. Otherwise it is just like all of the other crap we see day in day out (something wonderful is going to happen, i know somethig you don't know honest, cobblers are talking to a player but i can;t say who FACT, we will play at least one game at a ground begining with the letter S)

Anon at 14:48:29 Monday July 23 2001
Jamie is a Cobbler, Jamie is a Cobbler, da da da da, da da da da......

deary me at 14:47:5 Monday July 23 2001
not much to say, eh?

at 14:46:28 Monday July 23 2001

dude at 14:45:20 Monday July 23 2001
are wycombe going to become one of those clubs that we sell all our decent players too? mickey bell, steve brown, jamie? Do they know they get a cut price deal or what?

Rodney at 14:43:16 Monday July 23 2001
Pessimistic of Npton: please don't bother to copy and paste previous comments of mine. Either come up with your own, or else join Wycombe.

Anon at 14:43:15 Monday July 23 2001
like i said i guarantee jamie will remain a cobbler, all will be revealed shortly.......

pessimistic of npton at 14:23:56 Monday July 23 2001
I forgot to say that's a FACT.

pessimistic of npton at 14:4:54 Monday July 23 2001
If we stay in the second division for another season and then follow that up with a sucessful 2002/3 season will we not have to expand the ground capacity? If that is the case then in my opinion with the short sighted tw*ts that run this town we will certainly be made to seek relegation the following year.Surely a town the size of Northampton could support a first division team especially if the same short sighted tw*ts could lure a big money backer.Or am i just being over optimistic.

MARK at 13:50:53 Monday July 23 2001
John frain has said that he feels with the current squad has potential to gain promotion this season he says the players which have come in over the summer are quite young which is pleasing and the 2 lads from chelsea have great potential. He also says that teams that say that they will be the top 2 or 3 just makes it hard for themselves.[story at www.sportinglife.co.uk] Great news about the chelsea game for the club i can see sam or rob scoring the winning goal for us.

anon-anon at 13:16:34 Monday July 23 2001
The king is dead... long live the king. Come on you COBBLERS.

Anon at 13:14:54 Monday July 23 2001
Pessimistic, why the feck should anyone believe anything you spout...? You bandy the word 'FACT' around like some arsewipe trying to give some credance to your fanatsies....

one last thing... at 13:1:13 Monday July 23 2001
and remember to email ray, with songs so he can form a web page

OPTIMISTIC at 12:54:35 Monday July 23 2001
I Have already got used to the idea of NTFC without Jamie, Marco does not count so I am looking forward to the season with our new band of merry men who can more than adequately fill the lead laden boots of our recent history. By the time Christmas comes around we with all be saying Jamie who!!!

DARTH at 12:31:39 Monday July 23 2001
its obvious at what has to happen , the board have to sell in order for the new owners to buy the club lock stock and barrell . the board are bleating on as if they own the ground as well, which is the biggest asset to any club , the new owners after buying the club and ground then would realise healthy profits after not having to pay the bloody council such high rates of rent, of which as a tax payer like yourselves actually own the club and not some jumped up oik, with a free ticket to every match plus his mates, al a tcmp how many tickets did you not have to queue for this year. SELL and stop picking pockets of the innocent.

PLEASE at 12:26:53 Monday July 23 2001
Can someone tell Jamie Forrester where he can get hold of a banjo, and a herd of cows. Maybe he should continue his training there. And take Marco Gabbiodonkey with him.

An IDEA at 12:15:50 Monday July 23 2001
When they send the 1st team squad to Bedford im assuming its the prison cant they keep them there!!!

Anon at 12:14:17 Monday July 23 2001
If the financial situation is that bad surely another three or four months will not make a lot of difference. Give Jamie a run in the side for that period to see what he can do, if after four months he's scored a hat full of goals, that will increase his selling price which would be good for the club, good for Jamie and the goals would give us a useful safety net. The only problem with this plan is the two sides to JF. One side can't stop scoring the other can't hit a cows arse with a banjo, the danger is that if we have four months of the banjo version, his value will dip far lower than £200,000. Will the real Jamie Forrester step forward!!

pessimistic of npton at 11:51:56 Monday July 23 2001
The financial position is grim. A lot of people on here did not believe me when I said a few weeks ago that it is a FACT that the board met over the summer to discuss the possibility of going back into administration. The main reason they did not was the probability of an imminent takeover. Any imminent takeover - as I understand it - relies partly on Jamie being sold. One thing remains a mystery to me: how is a club which is financially ****** able to match Burgess' WBA wages, which they had to do in order to fight off rival clubs? How were they able to offer McGregor attractive wages to beat off other bigger clubs?

Anon at 11:34:46 Monday July 23 2001
Northampton Town have added a further fixture to their pre-season programme, a home game against Chelsea on Wednesday August 1. The London club have promised to bring a full first team squad for the gme, which has been arranged at short notice by Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson who wants his side to gain all the match practice they can ahead of the new Nationwide League season. The game against Chelsea will kick off at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £10 and £5 and will be on sale from the Sixfields Box Office from tomorrow. Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson said, "This is an excellent game for us and a great addition to our pre-season programme. The game came about because of our connection with Chelsea, and strengthens the link that’s in place with the 2 loan lads we have here. They have guaranteed a first team squad to come here for the game and it will be part of a very tough week for us. We will send a first team to Bedford the night before we play Chelsea as our buld up continues and steps up a few gears. As I have said before, all of our work is geared towards August 11 and our aim is to be in the best shape we can be ahead of the Bristol City game. I would like to thank Chelsea, and in particular Gwynne Williams for their assistance and I hope that the game will be of great benefit to both sides." Meanwhile, the club can now confirm that tickets are now on sale from the Sixfields Box Office for all home Nationwide League Division 2 games.

Anon3 at 11:22:48 Monday July 23 2001
Inside-out: you can also reach the same conclusion when you read TCMPs comment that "the offer was not detailed enough for the board to form an opinion on". No prizes for guessing in what way it wasn't detailed enough.

Don Davis at 11:15:25 Monday July 23 2001
and if you knew ANYTHING about football then why would you suggest that a football league manager would want to set a an advice line! Strewth!!!!! Ray ought to change the clock at the top of the page to how many days left until the kids go back to school.

Anon at 11:13:13 Monday July 23 2001
Wolves have agreed personal terms with Stan Collymore over a move to Molineux but will only sign him if Oviedo waive the transfer fee. The Spanish side, who were relegated to the Second Division at the end of last season, want in the region of £350,000 to officially take Collymore off their hands, even though he walked out on them before the end of the season. Wolves' interest in the player surfaced last week as Dave Jones looks to add to his forward line before the season gets underway. It was thought Jones would be put off by the legal wranglings between the player himself and his former employers as Oviedo seek to recoup the signing-on fee they paid Collymore when he moved to Northern Spain. But it appears Wolves have agreed terms and will now try and convince the Spanish outfit to think again over a fee. "We can come to agreement over terms with Stan but for anything to happen the Spanish have to lower their sights," Jez Moxey told the BBC.

Don Davis at 11:12:24 Monday July 23 2001
PESSIMISTIC OF NORTHAMPTON - How can we call you a boo boy when you don't leave your name?

Inside-out at 11:4:1 Monday July 23 2001
If this board has the best interest of the club at heart why have they not sold the club to the interested party?, if i recall correctly barry stonhill said, they would sell the club at the 1st opportunity if the offer was right. Reading between the lines my interpretation is more concerned with what he does'nt say ie. he and his fellow board members want to re-coup ALL of their investment without caring if there is any money left for the club. As for being commersially astute it is very difficult when you don't own the stadium and the management group are bleeding you dry with the full knowledge and blessing of the council. But this is no excuse, why did the board get rid of the commercial manager who started creating a greater interest in the club, it's only a couple of seasons ago that we had nearly 5000 people at a reserve team game and the unsuing story made headlines in the local press, maybe this was'nt the answer to all our woes but at least it was a step in the right direction.May i suggest in my humble opinion the board are only concerned with personal gratifaction, and the sooner we move on the better. Good luck to the new CEO, you'll need it.

Anon3 at 11:2:9 Monday July 23 2001
Report must be wrong. Jihai was signed for Palace when Venables was in charge so presumably he was on mega wages. I also doubt very much whether he would play in Division 2 when he is easily good enough for Division 1. The other thing is that he is only 24, we will not be interested in him for at least another 6 years!

richie fan from nz at 10:40:11 Monday July 23 2001
we getting to look a bit like dads army if all these transfers go through.

Richard, from Plannetfootball.com at 10:39:24 Monday July 23 2001
I am sure this must be wrong. NEWCASTLE UNITED could well be back in the hunt for Chinese defender Sun Jihai, who has revealed he will not be playing for his country having been dropped from the national side. Sun Jihai's club in China, Dalian Shide, are claiming they are in negotiations with various English sides over his transfer, with Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Northampton Town, the first two credited with former links to the defender. The player spent a year with Palace in 1998-99 and also spent time on trial with The Magpies, although no transfer was concluded. Now with Chinese national coach Bora Milutinovic not selecting Sun Jihai for the World Cup qualifying tournament, he would appear to be back on the market. The 24-year-old had not been allowed to leave Shide before Milutinovic had named his squad, with the Chinese looking to qualify for their first ever World Cup. Lin Lefend, a spokesman for Shide said: "Since the national team has no place for Sun Jihai, this will come as positive news for European clubs interested in Sun. "Many European clubs are aware of the World Cup commitments of Asian players between August and December, and Sun's international background will find a playing permit in most European countries."

richie fan from nz at 10:33:34 Monday July 23 2001
theres a guy in green overalls talking to an italian in a pinstripe suit on the pitch.

pessimistic of npton at 10:28:7 Monday July 23 2001
I have never liked Stonhill and am prepared to say so at matches where it counts. Call me a boo boy if you want but if you dont let them know how will the club improve. I would say imho that I know as much as anyone on this board about football.Why doesnt Kev Wilson have a chat room with us to maybe pick up a few ideas?

bb at 10:11:10 Monday July 23 2001
Give it a break you twat!

How bout this at 10:3:57 Monday July 23 2001
Stonhill is a wanker, stonhill is a wanker la la la la

Or at 10:3:4 Monday July 23 2001
Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out! Stonhill out!

Keep Forrester or (next years song) at 9:54:15 Monday July 23 2001
Sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board, sack the board

MAD Pesamistic at 8:50:17 Monday July 23 2001
Paul McGregor alongside JF on ceefax nah is he trying to tells us something in terms of gossip or is he rasing our hopes but just imagine it frontline of: Forrester,McGregor,Asamoah,Gabbiadini,Naylor wow THERE GOES THE WAGE BILL !!!! No seriously as usuall we will probably sell JF cos the BOARD WONT BE HAPPY otherwise. Hey lets think of a chant for matches including the cobblers board!

NTFC@2view at 8:39:23 Monday July 23 2001
Cobbler, Cobblers, give us a win today We're all with you, cheering you all the way 'Gainst Coventry or Swindon 'Til we're in the 2nd Division We'll shout and roar, until you score, And we're safe in Division 2. Sung to the tune of 'Diasy, Daisy' Needs an adjustment or two.

Anon at 0:20:39 Monday July 23 2001
theres a dinosaur who tries to sing in the west stand

Chris W at 22:40:49 Sunday July 22 2001
...or maybe its the Dinosaurs who don't sing at games.

Ralph at 22:29:20 Sunday July 22 2001
Hmmmmmm! Can't you tell Jurassic Park has been on recently!!

Anon at 22:27:4 Sunday July 22 2001
I thought that was Diplodicus?

Ralph at 22:24:48 Sunday July 22 2001
It's the one with the really long tail and the little head.

Mark Too at 22:16:57 Sunday July 22 2001
Who's Theosaurus?

Den at 22:10:33 Sunday July 22 2001
When I suggested you help yourself to some punctuation you still have to stick them in the correct gaps! Now try again.

Mr Pastry at 22:7:57 Sunday July 22 2001
Man, this is going to be one heck of a long school holiday! Didn't anyone bother to teach these people how to spell or punctuate?

soia at 21:56:18 Sunday July 22 2001
like the idea of the song sheets,cant beleive people are being so negative(no sorry i can) its not hurting anyone and if it encourages a few to sing then all well and good.i now no longer care if jf stays or goes this situation is nothing new surely all you die hard fans are used to this by now ? also if memory serves me right wernt we struggling against relegation to the conferance on a regular basis a few short years ago so even fighting for 2nd div survival is a step foward! weres that intelligent and good looking pessimist bloke?

Anon at 21:23:22 Sunday July 22 2001
Spellcheck and Theosaurus also available with most good software packages.

Den at 21:21:53 Sunday July 22 2001
Hi Rock, you seem to be short on punctuation. Fortunately I have plenty spare, help yourself. ,,,,,,........!!!!!!!!''''''';;;;;::::::"""""""""".

Anon at 20:54:41 Sunday July 22 2001
JF AINT GOING

The Rock at 20:48:40 Sunday July 22 2001
i wouldnt give a song sheet to everyone in the ground cause exept from the top corner of west stand at the away end and north stand and very few in the east stand the rest of them say jack shit and it pisses me off at the end of a match when we lose they start moaning on how crap they were when if they had got be hond there so called team maybe the result would be different

Anon at 19:28:35 Sunday July 22 2001
isn't it real?

MARK at 17:33:18 Sunday July 22 2001
Paul mcgregor is relishing the PROSPECT of playing alongside jf, paul says we can be potentially dangerours and also says the key to doing well in div2 is turning defenders early and getting the ball in the opposing half early as possible and jf does that well.[story on ceafax] Pitty he is not going to play alongside jf?.

ashling at 17:24:10 Sunday July 22 2001
Derick and Brian??? The somebody brothers does ne1 know who they are?? big question going on at fridays game????

Anon at 17:22:15 Sunday July 22 2001
So if JF decides to stay will the PFA ending up paying the wages again? Its a no win situation.

Anon at 17:13:53 Sunday July 22 2001
ok it was obvious then! www.clubsincrisis.com

Anon at 17:12:41 Sunday July 22 2001
Now I know how much cr@p we are in, I guess it's time to support that clubs in crisis thing. What's the web site address?

Anon at 17:2:0 Sunday July 22 2001
So what about the Cobbolds, we've got Con Wilson!!????

NTFC@2view at 16:18:39 Sunday July 22 2001
I do largely agree with what you say on this, but it all comes down to not having our own ground. This could be developed bit by bit (could have been) and used to secure loans to do so etc. We have our debts, and while they might not be large by other standards, they are large for us, because they stop us doing anything other than 'make do'. In other words, if we had zero debt at the moment, and our own ground, we could build the stadium up and generate more money at once. ('I'll be a pissed off if I don't get a ticket, but that's what we have to put up with when we are still in Division 2 and have to go to small grounds such as Northampton' is a comment from the Bristol City Rivals site.) But ifs and buts are useless. The sooner the season starts the better, as I feel we might have something to really worry about then. I'm a pessimist - but then I'm a Cobblers supporter!

Ralph at 16:12:22 Sunday July 22 2001
That's also true of R&D Dave. It may have been Max's millions that started them off but comercially they are in a league above us!

Hartwell at 15:55:25 Sunday July 22 2001
Sorry, NTFC@2View, I wasn't intentionally being naughty! As you rightly say Ipswich have been buoyed up by the Cobbold family, that is true. However, I am told by a friend who lives in Suffolk, that much of what Ipswich has achieved has been as a result of the club's own endeavours. It has gone out and sold itself to the community and most of the modern money was generated by the club's own pro-active marketing work - enabling it to eventually achieve Prem status. Having said that, I would be the first to agree that things would be a lot easier here if we had a Cobbold. But that in itself is not enough. It's a great start, but the directors then have to take up the challenge and make full use of what money is available, rather than allow it all to be spend in an attempt to gain a short term advantage. The fact is this club is living proof that taking just the short-term view doesn't pay. I am not for one minute advocating we try to build a team totally from a youth policy. That could never happen. What I believe is that we ought to develop a serious youth policy and expect from that to come a minimum of 2/3 players at a time who can truly command first team places. That way not only do we save on transfer and signing-on fees, we will also have some home-grown talent, a few of whom might go on to earn us significant transfer fees. At present most players we buy we then sell for less money, who go on a free or worse still we lose through injury. The more older players we buy the greater the percentage of serious or long-term injury problems we are likely to encounter. Sadly, history tells us that we have, over all these years, achieved no long-term, lasting, progress. Just a few peaks, followed by long troughs. And unless and until the problem is addressed at grass roots, we will continue in this way. That's why the club must grasp the nettle and set its stall out with a vision of the future it both believes in and is committed to achieving.

Dave at 15:8:27 Sunday July 22 2001
not this season.

trueblue at 14:39:41 Sunday July 22 2001
do ntfc have pre season at woodford this year ?

Tim Cannell at 14:8:39 Sunday July 22 2001
I see Bristol Rovers have turned down a bid of £450K from Wycombe for Nathan Ellington... Let Sanchez sort out JF's personal terms then lets take up the slack in Wycombe's bank balance by upping the asking price by 100 grand or so... :-)

John Metcalf at 13:54:58 Sunday July 22 2001
Lets all try and get slaughtered for the games next season and release our inhibitions. Here we go, here we go..........

Anon at 13:4:11 Sunday July 22 2001
But I think if he goes, and we get sum of the new lads who played in Ireland, we'll be fine!!!

Anon at 13:1:50 Sunday July 22 2001
suposedly he did, cos his wife was being induced...........

MARK at 12:56:46 Sunday July 22 2001
I was at the wycombe match yesterday as my brother is a spurs fan we sat in the home stand and who did i see? yes none other then our jf sitting with lawrie sanchez. I tought jf came home early for family reasons?

OI! at 12:38:50 Sunday July 22 2001
EVERYONE REMEMBER TO EMAIL RAY WITH SONGS/CHANTS!!!!

Knock-kneed Chicken at 12:38:35 Sunday July 22 2001
Now that was a great song! Probably before your time ChrisW!

Anon at 12:38:19 Sunday July 22 2001
off round ma's for me sunday lunch, will be back tomorrow, I'll email you then Ray when I can rack my brain cells.

Anon at 12:36:44 Sunday July 22 2001
chris, are you tarring yourself with the same brush mate? Are you a boring fool?

Anon at 12:34:39 Sunday July 22 2001
you go girl!

Not a fool or only been watching football since Wembley, and as far as I know my family and friends don't find me boring! at 12:21:57 Sunday July 22 2001
ChrisW, what credentials do you have to generalise so vehemently about those that follow NTFC? One could suggest that 'getting blathered' prior to a game quite boorish behaviour. It is individuals like yourself that are responsible for driving decent folk, of all creeds, from this great game.

Anon at 12:11:39 Sunday July 22 2001
that was both players and supporters BTW!

OH MY GOD! at 12:10:0 Sunday July 22 2001
why was Bristol Rovers so good for atmosphere? Why in previos seasons have we had an ok ish atmosphere but last season was shit, even the boro game when we all had the chance to sing and f**k them, it still wasn't great, what is wrong with the people who don't gt wound up when a blatant decisioln by th ref goes in the other teams favour, we all sit there nice and quiet. Football is a passionate game and to go with that we need passionate supporters who give there all, like the players should on the pitch. Now where do you go to get some of those......?

Percy's Wedge at 12:8:50 Sunday July 22 2001
Has this ever happened to anyone else. I was playing Football Manager (as NTFC of course) and was in the middle of a game (Coventry City v Cobblers 2004/2005 season Division One) when all of a sudden the screen fades to a claret background with a black border. A message then fades into the middle in white writing and says 'The Board of Directors of NTFC have pulled out of season 2004/2005 in the Football League in order to enter The European League Trophy starting May. This match is abandoned and removed from the records. NTFC are now a hybrid team renamed Cobblers UK and founder members of The European League Trophy.' Weird! We were winning 2-1 as well!

me at 12:5:4 Sunday July 22 2001
a good atmoshphere would bring them back, imagine the casual fan driving home after a game humming away to fields of green? they'll be back, they enjoyed themself, it's amazing how a good sing-song is good for you, whether you win/lose/draw. It's one of the main reasons I go to the away games, for the laugh and fun the fact that my beloved cobblers are also playing is a double bonus!

Mick at 12:3:16 Sunday July 22 2001
Song sheets, new songs, getting blathered . . . the fact remains that those wishing to sing are dotted around the ground and more importantly sitting down amongst those who just want to watch the game. Travel Club factions only create divisions and the desire to f**k the P**h is sadly overwhelming. We need to create an area in the stadium that will only accept those willing to sing, group them all together and create the atmosphere from there.

Anon at 11:59:57 Sunday July 22 2001
Unreserved seating would help this too, no chance of that this season though?

NTFC@2view at 11:58:43 Sunday July 22 2001
On the Rivals site, Fulham supporters have been pleading for help to free them from 'the suits' who are taking over their club. Now, on this board, I read of 'Mission Statements' and 'Corporate Direction'! Deepcut Cobbler seems to be saying that the money for Jamie should go on a glossy brochure to be sent to businesses to get them to.... Hang on, we haven't got the Hospitality Suites yet. Ok, Jamie's money to go on Hospit... No, £200 000 won't stretch that far. 'Appearing to give something for nothing entices them to return' Come on, this is football! You could give 'floating fans' funny hats, a Cobblers' pen, a Clarence lolly - but if they watched us v. Port Vale, they still wouldn't return, even dragged screaming. The only thing to get bigger crowds returning regularly is to do well on the pitch, and I'm too old to wait for them to go down to the Conference before the youth policy pays off. That's selfish, I know, but, crap as they are, they're my only hobby. Do all this long term stuff after I'm dead. I'll let you know when that is.

Anon at 11:58:22 Sunday July 22 2001
and now it's time to change all that!

Anon at 11:57:7 Sunday July 22 2001
Maybe because thats the only song that ever gets sung and its boring! A lot of people noramlly start singing, but because nothing original is ever sung only anti-boro, a lot of people don't join in. Many people do not know many other songs for the simple fact they are mostly sung at awat games, where the atmospere is more healthier!

Chris W at 11:53:40 Sunday July 22 2001
Do you honestly think that a songsheet on every seat would make a blind bit of difference? Everybody knows the chant of @Nortmapton, Northampton etc.' but still its only about 10 people that sing it at any one time. People already know the chants, the fans are just a boring lot of fools who have only been watching football since Wembley, and know nothing of what a real football crowd should be like.

Anon at 11:51:31 Sunday July 22 2001
Ummm, 6,000 drunken cobblers just what we all need!

d'oh at 11:50:29 Sunday July 22 2001
and a lot of mess to clean up after....still those who don't need one can make ticker-tape.....it all adds to the atmosphere!

Chris W at 11:49:18 Sunday July 22 2001
I've got a great idea to improve atmosphere - go up Chevys before the game and get completely and utterly leathered. If everyone did that, then the atmosphere would be fantastic.

ummm..... at 11:48:35 Sunday July 22 2001
Come on people lets put our thinking caps on, re-create some songs, remmber all the other songs, send 'em along to Ray, who'll produce a sheet for us all to print off.......would it be possible to put them on every home seat in the ground? Or is that gonna be a lot of time wasted?

NTFC@2view at 11:42:37 Sunday July 22 2001
MW. Byfield looked nothing when he was here. Lazy and arrogant and, obviously, unhappy with the style he was expected to play. I was pleased when he went. Didn't Darryl Clare follow him as a loanee? It all tends to blur! Now he DID look the part. Quick, plenty of skill and put everything into his games. So Byfield has worked out for Walsall, but I think it wasn't just HE who got Walsall promoted, neither was he the major player. I don't see the point you were making, however. Neither Christian Lee nor Jamie Forrester will ever add up to a million in their joint careers. Hartwell. On the subject of Ipswich. Partly agree, but to leave out the millions put into the club by Tolly Cobbold (?) breweries is naughty. You seem to want us to believe that they had an impoverished board who beat us on a level playing field. It was not so.

it's all coming together... at 11:42:30 Sunday July 22 2001
superb idea Ray, that site Mark, hasn't got Fields of green, but definatly some old skool songs/chants, cheers mate!

Ray at 11:39:13 Sunday July 22 2001
How about if people can send the songs to me by email, I'll set up a page, people can all print off a couple of dozen or so and then they can hand them out. Won't cost the club a bean.

I'm offf! at 11:36:16 Sunday July 22 2001
cheers Mark, brb!

paulo at 11:34:41 Sunday July 22 2001
yep an inexpenive way to create an atmosphere. Obviously we don't put the songsheet in the away supportyers programme, taking the piss springs to mind. I like the idea all the same, must admit I don't know that many as its a bit dull where i sit in West (lower towards the North) but would love to sing, if only everyone around me did.

Mark at 11:31:20 Sunday July 22 2001
Check out the following website. It has a number of old Cobblers chants on. http://home.wanadoo.nl/maarten.geluk/

come on you lot! at 11:29:45 Sunday July 22 2001
gives us something to do in the next 20 days, get all the songs we know together, make a few more up, bobs yr uncle, fannys yr aunt, bingo, atmosphere at sixfields.....is it really that easy? Who's up for it?

Mark at 11:28:41 Sunday July 22 2001
Not a bad idea about having a songsheet. Not sure about the number being called out as in church though!!

an idea..... at 11:26:56 Sunday July 22 2001
we could produce a songsheet, just on abit of paper therefore not expensive, put in in with the match day programme and everyone learns new songs even the new folk would learn some of the original songs. They could be numbered and we could have like a serman telling us what number to sing (like in church, well it is sunday) or even Pete Smith! The ground will be singing the same song at the same time, what an atmosphere and rivalled by no-one!

on a roll... at 11:22:50 Sunday July 22 2001
oooo we are the northampton boyz/cobbler boyz (delete as applicable) oooo we're making all the noise....and if you follow boro, surrender or yo'll die, cause we all follow the cobblers/Northampton town (again delete as appliable)

me agian... at 11:20:11 Sunday July 22 2001
northampton til i die, northampton til i die, i know i am i'm sure i am, northampton til i die

songwriter #1 at 11:18:22 Sunday July 22 2001
we need new songs, the ones we have are tired boring and blatantly not uplifting! We are cobblers, we are cobblers, super cobblers, thru and thru, we are cobblers, only cobblers never boro, only town. (to the tune of we are sailing) any more ideas?

Anon at 11:15:35 Sunday July 22 2001
come on lets focus and get ready for the new season, with or without jamie. Anyone up fo a verse of fields of green?

person in the know at 11:14:21 Sunday July 22 2001
like i said i will guarantee it!

Anon at 11:13:34 Sunday July 22 2001
like the Eastern electricity, Powergen? :-)

more in the know.... at 11:12:39 Sunday July 22 2001
I think you'll find the deal has already gone through, Jamie is NOW a wanderer and we'll find out tomorrow morning.....mark my words, this information has come from greater power sources!

person in the know at 11:9:4 Sunday July 22 2001
the wycombe deal is OFF! details will be revealed next week, Jamie is Still a cobbler and so may Tony Naylor be! From very good sources who are never wrong, in fact I GUARANTEE THIS! you mark my words!

Ray at 10:43:27 Sunday July 22 2001
The new site address is http://www.ntfc.co.uk... but it isn't up and running yet.

Hartwell at 10:37:43 Sunday July 22 2001
Mmmm, yes Cotton Ender, you may well have something there. Deepcut Cobbler's points reinforce what a number of others (myself included) feel is wrong with the club deep down. We have never had a proper business strategy, never looked long-term. As a result we have just continued treading the same worn, and increasingly dangerous, path of buying players rather than investing in the development of our own. Yes I know money's tight. But it's about how you manage it, how you invest it and how you plan that is so vital. Never more so than when you have limited resources. Due to this lack of direction, the Cobblers have, by and large, never done more than tread water while other small clubs - notably Ipswich -have prospered. They are a classic example of what can be done by a small club that thinks positively, plans ahead and invests wisely. Ipswich's population is smaller than that of Northampton. Yet the gulf between the two clubs grows by the day. Unless or until we begin to plan strategically for the future, rather than go on muddling through, the club will never prosper. Yes we will no doubt have a few moments as we always have had. But they are fleeting and followed, inevitably, by long period of drought.

Dave at 10:33:44 Sunday July 22 2001
I was just catching up on the messages left over the last few days when I came across someone celebrating the old chant "To his horse, to his horse". I was just wondering what everyone elses favourite chant was?

Ralph2 at 8:57:37 Sunday July 22 2001
Can anyone tell me the address of the new site please.

richie fan from nz at 2:12:55 Sunday July 22 2001
ive been with the cobblers since 1960 one way or the other and what ive read below is nothing new,things like what is happening at the cobblers now allways seems to rear its head now and then.remember phil neal leaving cobblers sold him for 100,000 to liverpool so they said to balance the books allso there was an uproar at the time.but no player is bigger then the club wether jammie goes or stays we must look farward and go on.northampton has the capacity to fill a ground has been done when we used to get 25,000 at the county ground.if there realy serious about selling the club they will there is somebody with the money out there that will buy it,one door closes others open.in three months time everything said below will be be forgotten because we will be into a new season.lets not dwell on if jammie goes or stays lets look farward to a new season and better years ahead.dontgive a stuff about pre season results theres no points for winning,as long as K W and the team are learning and bonding thats what counts.true supporters will still be back here in 5 years time,SO GO YOU MIGHTY COBBLERS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Deepcut Cobbler at 0:9:26 Sunday July 22 2001
Darren Byfield always reminds me of the great Ian Wright and he was a late developer from almost a pub side. Look at him now. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

TherealslimMartinW at 0:5:25 Sunday July 22 2001
NTFC@2view - Atkins also said that Darren Byfield would be a million pound player. We failed to pick him up early on a free AFTER Atkins had left. And... he got Walsall into the First Division. Football... It's a funny old game.

Deepcut Cobbler at 23:23:7 Saturday July 21 2001
Running the club as a going concern surely should be the new mindset. At the moment the club is run solely for the purpose of achieving the best for the football team on the pitch. Yes, great but where does that get you. All monies gained are blindly put back into the bottomless well, without a bucket, of transfer fees and wages without some being diverted to investment in the long term strategy. reason: No long term strategy. No Mission Statement. No Corporate Direction. The new CEO should change that. A new and proven youth team manager is a start in the investment process. I cannot believe that the season tickets are packaged so badly. That is a prime example of not doing the little bit extra to put trimmings onto the goods to present an organisation going forward. Corporate hospitality is what its all about, appearing to give people something for nothing entices them to return, the provision of season tickets is no different. If this is the standard, the CEO has a job to do but at least he has a carte blanc to start with. He can only improve the situation... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Chris W at 23:12:22 Saturday July 21 2001
Anymore news on when the new kit is on sale?

Cotton Ender at 23:11:2 Saturday July 21 2001
I take your points about marketing and club has been very poor and has no real pedigree to talk of. The council's involvement in the club also gives me cause for concern. In the past ten years our town centre has dramatically deteriorated, shop after shop has closed only to be replaced by bars and the major stores that remain are dull and tatty by comparison to branches in other major towns and cities across our region. There is no belief in this town from the council and their apathy to deal with the town's image reflects on the attitudes of the townsfolk. Hence many of the derogatory comments found here about the club many purport to support.

Ralph at 22:9:0 Saturday July 21 2001
Welch, Lavin, Sampson, Burgess, Frain, Hodge, Gabbiadini, Hunter, Hargreaves, Scott? Naylor? Would give give ample options to have a balanced side. Assuming Forrester goes!

Anon at 22:1:54 Saturday July 21 2001
Perhaps the peoplewho criticise too many oldies and too many youngies are in their weird way trying to say they would like to see some balance.

south beds cobbler at 21:20:48 Saturday July 21 2001
R;E NTFC@2 JF is every bit a legend as was frank large and jim hall, who like J.F. both left the club to better themselves at lesser clubs In frank larges case left us to join chesterfield twice.i also remember the backlash in 1970 dixie mcneil left to join lincoln. Others that got away too easy were Derick christie,and George riley. Regarding over thirtys, how many of Bill Dodgins great promotion winning team were over 30? hall ,best, buchannan robertson, starling, felton, carlton and jim hall..

NTFC@2view at 20:59:59 Saturday July 21 2001
'Wrapped and presented in a way which will entice the public to sample and buy'? Good god man, haven't you heard of the Advertising Standards people? You're not allowed to just lie to try to get people to 'taste' your wares! We who go regularly do so DESPITE what it's like. I often wouldn't wish it on a casual visitor as they aren't built of stern enough stuff to take it.

Anon at 20:42:47 Saturday July 21 2001
Ralph - you could have Carruthers in that team instead of Lopes - this would bring the average age down even more, just a thought!!

Hartwell at 20:41:52 Saturday July 21 2001
Chris W - yes this is another reflection of the Cobblers exceedingly poor overall marketing. Let's hope the new CEO has the vision and the board has the willingness to back him. Otherwise we will not just continue to stumble along in this arbitary, lackadaisical way - we will actually continuie to go backwards against the opposition posed by other better, sharper, marketing leisure concerns in the town. What we must see from the CEO is the projection of a club which is clear in its intentions to move ahead and develop (demonstrated, if you will, by a Mission Statement) and backed by some real concerted and cohesive action. In short the product needs to be wrapped and presented in a way which will entice the public to sample and buy - be they paying supporters and/or sponsors. One fundamental element of Sixfields that needs urgent attention is the development of the stadium - but not just for its added seating capacity, but also for the introduction of corporate boxes. How this can be funded, of course, is a matter which must also exercise the mind of the CEO. He has a lot of work to do. I hope it won't be long before we begin to see positive signs of his reign.

NTFC@2view at 19:58:2 Saturday July 21 2001
And the same people that moan about old players were the ones who moaned last year that we were playing too many youngsters.

Ralph at 19:47:34 Saturday July 21 2001
There has been much criticism of the amount of 'old' players either at the club or potentially being lined up to sign for us. Interestingly Wilson could pick a side, Sollitt, Dempsey, Hope, Lavin, Spedding, Lopes, Hunt, Wooleaston, McGregor, Parkin, Lowe, that the average age would be just 23!

Spud at 19:25:53 Saturday July 21 2001
I see that Christian Lee scored for Colchester against Charlton this afternoon and that Arsenal sent a very strong team to the diamonds this afternoon.

Julie at 19:24:13 Saturday July 21 2001
Pessimistic of Northampton - If my memory serves me well John Hodge came here as he could not hold down a regular first team place at Gillingham. His sporadic form saw him on the bench too often and he wanted to move. I can see exactly why he was treated so at The Priestfield, erratic or what?

Julie at 19:21:26 Saturday July 21 2001
I LOVE THE WAY OUR SEASON TICKETS ARE PRESENTED. Having a seperate ticket for each game makes it so easy on match days. It is also nice to keep the tickets inside the match day programme as a memento of the day. The way we are going we'll be asking for shiny beads with our hot dogs!

NTFC@2view at 18:48:39 Saturday July 21 2001
Just for interests sake. JF total transfer value to date - £ 210000 Total games played 249 + 55 as sub. Total goals scored 89

Chris W at 18:39:42 Saturday July 21 2001
Marketing suggestions No1. - our season tickets are presented disgracefully. Just a bunch of tickets stashed in a brown envelope with a mebership card thingy. I would say that 90% of club's season tickets are presented in a book with tear off match vouchers, including fixture lists, squad details and pen - pics, money off vouchers for local business, money off vouchers for home cup ties etc, etc. My mate showed me his Oxford Utd season ticket yesterday and it was a world apart from us. I do get the impression that this new Chief Exec. knows what he's talking about, and believes that one of the most fundamental marketing strateies we need is a town centre prescence. I could'nt agree with him more, but I just hope that we don't try doing this and end up with an embarassing corner of Nationwide Building Society (eg. the attempted 'shop' in the Grosvenor Centre, 1997). I really believe that if we have a proper town centre prescence then our ave. att. will increase from 500 - 1000 pretty easily.

Hartwell at 18:30:17 Saturday July 21 2001
The RealslimMartinW - oh, you flatterer!! Thought you made some very salient points as well and in fact stimulated the marketing discussion to a greater extent.

hugh jarse at 18:22:43 Saturday July 21 2001
news flash------ cobblers stuffed 5-3 last night by a bunch of mick's, and at least one ex cobbler, Wilson happy with the progress made?????

NTFC@2view at 18:20:10 Saturday July 21 2001
And Atkins said Chris Lee would be a £million player. He went fo nothing.

TherealslimMartinW at 18:1:23 Saturday July 21 2001
We actually turned down a £400,000 bid from Millwall before deadline day, Anon. And yes, it does make us a bit stupid. But from the board's point of view, they were looking at the outcry that there would if they sold then. So waited till everyone got their season tickets... Oooh I am a cynical sod. But I think you will find its about right. Willo was saying he was a million pound player not so long ago. The board think he is worth £200,000. Where's the logic? Where's the sense? Where's the ambition? What's the point?

TherealslimMartinW at 17:57:22 Saturday July 21 2001
Touche' again Hartwell. You are too intelligent for CC.

MAD at 17:16:25 Saturday July 21 2001
so am im to understand it that if we do sell JF it will really show how dedicated and what an AMBITIOUS loyal club we are and that it proves every season that we SELL some our best players EVERY season just to keep the northampton board happy it is discracefull to the club and the supporters, and how are we mean't to get anywhere when we do this. Is it any wonder we don't get a very good cup run when our players are sold within weeks of the first round tie and we go sadly out to people like Fulham for example?

NTFC@2view at 16:35:18 Saturday July 21 2001
To Those doubting Glen. He only faltered from Jan 1st to May 5th. Please get it right.

Anon at 16:4:8 Saturday July 21 2001
If you dont mind me saying, then us even considering the £200,000 wycombe offer, but rejecting the £300,000 Bristol Rovers offer and the mystery one on dead line day makes us look abit stupid...

Anon at 16:2:57 Saturday July 21 2001
Are we to assume that as we have heard nothing from the club that the wycombe bid is still on the table and nothing is going to happen with it? If only...........................

Those doubting Glen ! at 16:1:49 Saturday July 21 2001
DSS....I'm not a stupid twit! Forrester was class last year and only faltered when we either put Priom Gabbiadini up front with him or we sold the target man (Howard). With the big man from Chelsea up front, I think he will come good again...but then football is all about opinions isn't it? As for the bloke talking about Corrazin...yes he did bang a few in over two seasons...and then we let him go ! Which was what I was arguing about in the first place...i.e a regular scorer being let go just because he's had a barren spell. Let's hope we can start being a bit positive on this site soon eh? All this "let's shoot ourselves before the season starts attitude" is getting me down. Turn up for all games and make some noise like we used to....

Ralph2 at 15:30:28 Saturday July 21 2001
Hartwell,I just wish I could be as eloquent as your good self,thats a top post mate,My thoughts entirely,nice one.

I Agree with NTFC see below at 15:26:36 Saturday July 21 2001
and I stil hate the P.sh, who are the Dimeones???

Hartwell at 15:19:53 Saturday July 21 2001
Martin - I wonder if the club will ever get into the 21st century in marketing terms? Disappointed's comment about us not having the same competition as clubs in Lancs/Yorks is valid to a point: yet paradoxically they don't have the competition the cobblers face from a leading UK professional rugby club which is right on its doorstep - half a mile away. That is one of the major challenges the new CEO must address and quickly. Most of the clever corporate money goes to Franklins Gardens. Yes, I know they are a top rugby club. But the Cobblers have done nothing to redress the balance.And that's my main point. We don't even try because, frankly and in all defference to the directors, we haven't got the knowhow. I hope the new CEO changes this and produces a new modern marketing culture at the club. I know this on its own won't change our fortunes overnight. But at least it would be a start and a move in the right direction. From a long-term point of view perhaps the £200k from the sale of Forrester (if it happens) might be better directed towards the development and implementation of a proper, cogent and focused marketing strategy and campaign, aimed clearly at demonstrasting the club's ambition. If we could get the ball rolling, that might begin to produce more income and that in turn would give us more money to spend, initially on the field to improve the size and quality of the squad and in doing so start moving us upwards towards loftier goals. If the club is to ever progress from its perrenial spluttering existence, a far more radical approach off the field must be developed.

Disappointed at 14:20:26 Saturday July 21 2001
Not only that but they're also living in some kind of time-warp,harking back to what they have achieved in the past. What have the Cobblers achieved in 100 odd years? Nothing of any consequence or value that's for sure. The fact is that they are an anachronism in the modern game (like many other small fry in the league).Northampton is not a major football town rather a rugby and cricket area, with the corresponding lack of local investment or large scale business investment. The council own their ground, so whatever the supporters say,there was precious little local input in its construction; they merely pay to play on it like any local pub team would do, on a local council owned park,albeit at a much higher charge; they were simply lodgers at the County Ground for all their past; and they have a set-up now more designed to convince themselves of their own worth,than any sane minded person. You have no worthy past success to defend and really are destined to flounder around the lower leagues(including the Conference) in the next decade. The supporters are proud of their attendance. What for? What is there to be proud of in "attracting" 5-600 now and again, when until recently, there were no other Football League clubs for miles around. Compare the Cobblers to the north west, and they are nothing like comparable connurbations such as Bolton Blackburn Preston or even Blackpool,where the local interest is much more prevalent; in fact they're more like Bury or Stockport. Stop deluding yourselves Cobblers; you're going nowhere, stagnating maybe. The Forrester saga reflects every false dawn over the last few years: a grossly over-estimated value for a relatively non-descript player.

TherealslimMartinW at 13:55:36 Saturday July 21 2001
Hartwell.... touche'

Anon at 13:5:29 Saturday July 21 2001
The Cobblers have a tiny mostly worthless squad, they rent the ground, they have no training facilities, the worst youth set up in the league and moaning fans...how much do the Cobblers board expect for the club..

Hartwell at 12:58:6 Saturday July 21 2001
You have to give Wycombe credit for their marketing enterprise. I'm not particularly keen on mission statements as such (mostly they are just plain generalisations and platitudes). However Wycombe's contains express, clear, and specific goals and a timetable for their achievement. That kind of statement can only send the right vibes to the fans, sponsors, and most importantly of all from a commercial point of view the right messages to potential new fans and investors. In that respect alone they are light years ahead of our club. I think the new CEO should take note of what Wycombe are doing. It shows commitment, enterprise and drive - something that the current Board (for all its admirable qualities of loyalty) has shown itself unable to match. In short Wycombe look like an entrepreneurial, progressive club. We look just like we always have done - a club corporately stuck in the long lost past. I do not say this lightly and am not seeking to criticise the directors per se. They have done all they can with limited finances. But fact is their marketing vision is strictly limited and, as I say, stuck formly in the past.

pessimistic of npton at 12:44:0 Saturday July 21 2001
If memory serves, Gillingham were keen to get rid of John Hodge because they couldnt afford his wages. So how come we can afford them? He must be one of our highest earners and never seems to play well for more than half an hour at a time. I know about once a season he might come on and change a game but am i the only one who thinks he's a bit too much of a luxury to keep in our present financial state? I have nothing against him personally. When he turns it on he's great but its just not often enough.

NTFC@2view at 12:22:39 Saturday July 21 2001
MartinW. Your definitions are as odd as the rest of your thinking. Jamie's 'end of the season' stretched from Jan 1 to May 5 - 21 games, 2 goals. You are like the girl in the bar who was angry when asked if she would go to bed with a man for £200 000, then admitted she would for £400 000. You are still a tart, but haggling about price. And I am one of those real odd people who bought a season ticket largely for convenience - I like where I sit - in the hope that the Cobblers might win a few. Not to see any one player. I'd keep him, by the way, if all things were equal, as he can score really good goals. But then I'd still have Frank Large and Jim Hall and lots of others on the books - but they were legends, not a lad who did well for a short time and is looking to impress other teams so he can get away.

Hector at 12:21:48 Saturday July 21 2001
Answer to County Cobbler,Stay in the division, Survival.

pessimistic of npton at 12:17:27 Saturday July 21 2001
When was the last time we sold a player for a profit, no matter how small. I think JF may as well go and help balance books. Who knows when we will get another offer for him.

Hector at 12:10:23 Saturday July 21 2001
What everyone seems to forget is , due to the Bosman ,players have doubled there wages during the last few years,the Club loses , the players gain. Why do you think the Club is always put under constant financial pressure ??? You have to balance the books or we will all have no club to support .

Hector at 12:2:24 Saturday July 21 2001
The Board sell out , who to?, it's the same as the Jamie situation you can only sell if someone offers you something ?

Anon at 11:57:18 Saturday July 21 2001
Everyone has been kept in the dark about our terrible financial situation. Only a few months ago, Ray, you told us that YOU thought it was not as bad as some were suggesting: maybe a 400,000 loss. Now we know that it was over 1million, what is the board planning on doing? It has to 'sell out' surely?

wycombe's mission statement at 11:40:48 Saturday July 21 2001
The Club have issued a 'Mission Statement' that outlines a four-year plan to gain and sustain Division One status. The statement is included in an ambitious brochure, You and the Blues, that is being sent out to fans, existing and potential sponsors and to other members of the local community. The Mission Statement reads "Winning promotion to Division One while creating, building and rewarding supporters and interest groups by providing great entertainment and first class service and facilities" The brochure talks of the Club's plans to increase the fan base and also of the need to consider expansion and upgrade to the ground. In a series of meetings, both internally and with fans and people outside of the Club, a list of strengths and weaknesses has been derived.

DavCobbler at 11:26:6 Saturday July 21 2001
For what it's worth, my view on the Forrester saga.............If JF has the desire to even talk to anyone else, particularly a team so alike ourselves, then he has lost the will to play football for Northampton Town and the sooner he goes the better. The King is dead but fekk him, long live Northampton Town.

pessimistic of npton at 11:4:40 Saturday July 21 2001
hello s.o.i.a.

pessimistic of npton at 11:1:27 Saturday July 21 2001
despite being full of pessimism, i've got a gut feeling that asamoah might be just the bloke we've been looking for.

The Ashford Cobbler at 10:20:45 Saturday July 21 2001
I don't think Wycombe are any more ambitious than if the Cobblers had reached the semi final of the FA Cup Last year. They are more liquid than the Cobblers at the moment. On paper with the players that left replaced with the potential of those brought in we are considerably stronger than last year. The signings of someone to really focus on the commercial side and the youth team manager are also ambitious signings but will take longer to bear fruit. We have to be realistic that we need to build a strong second division presence for a number of years and if that means bringing in some proven 30 year olds as a short term measure then so be it. If Forrester goes, which I sincerely hope he does not, then it will give Gabbiadini the opportunity he has rarely had to have an extended run as a goal poached and prove what he can do alongside Parkin. Bringing Naylor in as well plus increasing strenth in midfield with Hodges will give some quality depth. Might also be worth taking a flyer on this chap Amosoah. Probably wouldn't be to expensive contractually but could be a gem of an asset. Here's hoping for an extended cup run this year so we can expedite the ambition that the board have in the long term.

TherealslimMartinW at 10:4:0 Saturday July 21 2001
We'll agree to disagree. I don't thing it can be said too often that Jamie's imminent departure is a scandal. There... said it again. I think it is a question of motivation. Jamie knows that if he wants a bigger club to come for him then he has to produce the goods. Wycombe are not that much of a bigger club and maybe he will realise that. Maybe they are more ambitious. Jamie has a great opportunity to boost his profile with Northampton Town. You are right, that he was poo towards the end of last season, but you couldn't leave him out because it was all about attitude with him towards the end. If he shows the right attitude as he did at the beginning of last season, and his stock goes up, then sell. And tell the player about the plans. Tell him that if a big club comes in for him they will sell. At least, if that is what he wants, he will be clear about what is happening with his career. It is clear Jamie was as surprised as anyone that the two clubs had agreed a fee. Where's the communication. We shouldn't sell just for the sake of it. Now all the season ticket money is in. That's a real kick in the teeth.

NTFC@2view at 9:21:17 Saturday July 21 2001
I quote: "Sorry, it cannot be said often enough." It can be said too often though - and has been. Look on the positive side - we scored 3 goals without him and 1 goal with him. 'Nuff said. (Parody of typical CC thinking.) I quote again: "..Forrester is an asset whose value can only go up..." They said that about houses once! If he scores 3 goals in his next 23 games, as he did in his last 23, he will be worth £4 7s 6d in old money. I wish I'd known when to sell my house!!! Worst scenario - he stays. Then what do we wail about? And we do need to wail.

TherealslimMartinW at 8:53:59 Saturday July 21 2001
Three games three defeats in Ireland, the latest 5-3 against Shamrock Rovers. Good to see that Rob Wolleaston scored two of them. He does look like a class acquisition. Nevertheless, have to be concerned about the form. There is nothing like a win to boost confidence and with Forrester off the Cobblers could really do with a good win to boost the squad. Still cannot believe that the board would let Forrester go just for a quick buck. It's as narrow minded as the fact they almost did not go for him last season. Of course the club has cash problems. But Forrester is an asset whose value can only go up in my view. Sorry, it cannot be said often enough. This whole thing is a disgrace. And I feel sorry for the fans who feel they have been cheated by his imminent departure. Lets hope Jamie says he doesn't fancy moving. But these Irish results cannot be convincing anyone that it is right for him to stay. I notice Lawrie Sanchez is on Sky Sports hyping the club up and saying they must get promoted this year. Andthe players have been rolled out to say the same. Nothing like a bit of self belief to promote the club and persuade ambitious players to sign up.

COUNTY COBBLER at 6:17:25 Saturday July 21 2001
Mr.Stonhill-please,please give the supporters some positive news, instead of the continual dour,hanging on by our fingernails drival the supporters are having to endure.I want to be positive, but the Board of Directors have to be the catalyst!When we could put out a team averaging 30 years of age, I wonder what the clubs future aspirations are! Welch,Lavin,Sampson,Howey,Burgess,Frain,Hodge,Hunter,Lee Hodges,Gabbiadini,Scott.Please outline the future plans you have for the next three years Mr.Stonhill.

Cher at 0:48:37 Saturday July 21 2001
Well at least you agree that they are positives Anon. Come along Sonny!

Sonny at 0:47:28 Saturday July 21 2001
Only just got in, well it is Friday night. What is the point in my repeating myself, I know you lot do all the time but me . . . I have better ways to exert my energies. Just coming dear!

The real Gomez at 0:24:22 Saturday July 21 2001
Any Gomez you see from now on is not the real Gomez. I return for five minutes and suddenly I have a bunch of internet nerds stalking me. Get back to your hardcore sites and spot cream and stop using my name. I know its the first day of the school summer holiday but ...

Gomez at 0:20:17 Saturday July 21 2001
I'd love to have a stalker actually, then i may be able to find a friend.

Gomez at 0:0:36 Saturday July 21 2001
And by the way - why did somebody use my name last night after I had retired to bed. Not even to insult me, but to carry on as if it was actually me speaking. Have you got no life? Have I got a stalker!!!!

Anon at 23:45:34 Friday July 20 2001
tost and turnips makes a good coffess

Anon at 23:31:58 Friday July 20 2001
What's happened to Sonny & Cher tonight?? have the board stop paying you to say all those absurdly positive things????

Gomez at 23:27:21 Friday July 20 2001
If JF goes then I will demand a refund on my season ticket. And I won't be the only one. If you're reading this Mr Stonhill et al, and i'm sure you are, Surely you know this will be the end of your involvement in this club (if JF goes and we make the expected awful start to the season). Or are you after a McRitchie style pay day before you jump ship?

Gummy at 23:16:20 Friday July 20 2001
now!

Gummy at 23:15:50 Friday July 20 2001
I think he should look for another job.

fearful of next season at 22:14:19 Friday July 20 2001
i think on pre season results so far willo should strengthen the defence!

realistic of npton at 22:13:17 Friday July 20 2001
not true. Some of that money is still owed to utrecht.

optimistic of Rushden at 22:11:1 Friday July 20 2001
Correct me if i'm wrong but they are talking about 200k all of which goes towards balancing the books for this year, the money we paid for him is water under the bridge and has been accounted for. Also remeber we only saw the best of jamie when Stevie Howard was playing and at the end of the season he couldnt score with pat butcher. Wilson has strengthened in midfield an next season we will create more chances and play to Marco / Parkin/ Naylors strengths. Sign naylor as player coach and sign asamoah as well and sell him in two years for half a million.

Anon at 22:3:11 Friday July 20 2001
Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you are a gazelle or a lion. When the sun comes up - you’d better be running!

pessimistic of npton at 21:48:38 Friday July 20 2001
where's my posting got to

pessimistic of npton at 21:43:41 Friday July 20 2001
5 bloody for christs sake. we're f%*$ed. get kevan broadhurst back before its too late.

The Rock at 20:18:58 Friday July 20 2001
and jf is flighing home tonight after the game to have talks with mr tabolt tomorrow morning

The Rock at 20:15:11 Friday July 20 2001
i have news jf is not going to wycombe but r&d have made a 275,000 bid for him

TherealslimMartinW at 20:6:55 Friday July 20 2001
It shouldbe said that Jamie has still to agree personal terms and it could be that the wee man might think that its best to stay where he is because are Wycombe that big a club. Nevertheless, the clubs have agreed the fee. Jamie is clearly surprised that the fee has been agreed and may well not stay at a club that are more interested in the money that they get for him. And THAT is the problem. He may go because WE would rather have the money for him. Which is an absolute f...ing disgrace. You lot will find what Sanchez has said about it outrageous. I quote: "Until the deal is done I'm laissez-faire about it. There's no point in getting too excited at this stage, but I wouldn't be interested in him unless I thought he could score goals. He scored 17 league goals last year in not the greatest team and we need someone who can put the ball away like that." Not the greatest team? Actually, I guess he is right. Butwhere were Wycombe in the Second. He's talking like they are some top flight first division club or something. It's total pishwater.

Gareth at 20:2:47 Friday July 20 2001
George Cain also told me that Ian Atkins is widely regarded by the referees as one of the most unapproachable managers in the game. 'Away with the fairies' was the phrase he used I think!

Gareth at 19:58:4 Friday July 20 2001
MAD-Jamie hasn't gone yet, check the official site for confirmation if it happens, and the official line is that Jamie has returned to England on family business, although I don't think any of us would be too surprised if he was currently talking to Mr. Sanchez about the number of zero's on his signing on fee.

Deepcut Cobbler at 19:57:15 Friday July 20 2001
Gareth, That explains the conversation I had with KW down at B'Miff when IA was refusing to play the best striker we had the time David Seal. KW was agreeing with me and also couldn't understand why IA wasn't playing him! Its OK disagreeing with your boss but not in public when you are meant to be a team! Obviously lots of discontent behind the scenes only revealed by putting many incidents together in hindsight. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!

MK18 Cobbler at 19:53:30 Friday July 20 2001
The Forrester saga continues but all the signs are that the board has accepted Wycombe's offer of £200,000. I think the reality is that Jamie is on his way and we can only question what will be a poor pieces of business as we replace a 26 year player with a veteran (Naylor).

TherealslimMartinW at 19:50:44 Friday July 20 2001
Naylor is the contingency plan that Willo was going on about in his press statement over Jamie.

TherealslimMartinW at 19:48:16 Friday July 20 2001
It's real simple. Naylor is coming to us, that's why Cotterill is pissed off with him. He held out as I said before awaiting what happens to Jamie and his move has been agreed. Interesting to see that Naylor scored more goals than Jamie last season. But then Naylor is 34. I think it is atrocious. £200,000 is the agreed fee and it is total pishwater.

Gareth at 19:45:42 Friday July 20 2001
Still over here in Minnesota, met George Cain (football league referee) who told me that Atkins once put pressure on him to play a game in bad conditions because he was going to play his second choice goalkeeper as a premiership club were coming to look at him. One can only assume that the player in question is 'butterfingers' Turley. He also told me that Wilson was appointed as assistant manager purely by the board, and he wasn't Atkins choice. Atkins subsequently threatened to resign, but wasn't accepted by the board. Idiots.....

Anon at 19:20:18 Friday July 20 2001
What NTFC@2view? We know for a fact that there are people out there who would replace the board if they started to be realistic and stopped pricing themselves out the market. Remember we had a bid of 400,000 for Jamie now we settle for half that cos the board sanctioned signings when everyone else knew we couldnt afford them. This has happened before so why did they wait before selling him.

Mad at 19:9:59 Friday July 20 2001
Has Jamie actually gone yet? and why if he isn't going is he not in Ireland? somebody please tell me

NTFC@2view at 18:55:2 Friday July 20 2001
You've had 3 seasons of Div 1 (in 100 years) SBC - even though the 3rd was totally crap. Be grateful. More usefully, oust the current board. I'm sure you have the financial clout and knowhow to take us to a new level - you're prepared to take a risk, for instance. I don't know if it's your money you're prepared to risk, by the way. I'm 'cozy' with the present board until the next Derek Banks comes along - why do people only remember McRitchie? - or, preferably, Richard Branson. It's absolutely pointless knocking the board if there is no-one else out there to replace them. It's just as stupid as saying that £200 000 is not enough for JF when no-one is offering more.

Anon at 18:5:20 Friday July 20 2001
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Anon at 18:3:54 Friday July 20 2001
Jesus do you ever give up you sad sad boy. Y u feel the need to coninually use my e-mail add i do not know, what i do know is that im off to the pub and you will obviously still be on here makiong a fool of urself. Now go get a fecking life u silly little boy,i'll tell ur mum if ur not careful.Just to let u know also that e-maill add has been cancelled so use it as much as u like.

Click here and mail me at 17:58:36 Friday July 20 2001
thanks

Anon at 17:53:4 Friday July 20 2001
The sad person continues, please why dont u use ur own add rather than mine, its doing no good apart from pouring abuse onto urself,grow up or feck off.

CobblersNeil@aol.com at 17:45:0 Friday July 20 2001
wasnt me

Anon at 17:41:52 Friday July 20 2001
..and no girlfriend I bet...

Anon at 17:41:2 Friday July 20 2001
Anon - some stupid sad individual felt the need to type my address in loads, someone with a very poor life with little to do and possibly no mates.

Sad bloke with no girlfriend at 17:40:55 Friday July 20 2001
Shame JF has to go to apoxy little outfit like Wycombe... Millwall would be far more palatable...

Anon at 17:38:33 Friday July 20 2001
acute case of withdrawal symptoms eh Neil?????????

Anon at 17:36:37 Friday July 20 2001
and Nole82

Anon at 17:36:3 Friday July 20 2001
i love splat

CobblersNeil@aol.com at 17:35:35 Friday July 20 2001
CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com CobblersNeil@aol.com

Anon at 17:32:55 Friday July 20 2001
We dont like Splat-boy's tone does we ...?

Anon at 17:32:5 Friday July 20 2001
true

splat at 17:30:42 Friday July 20 2001
you having a little conversation with yourself there anon? Do carry on....!

Anon at 17:29:14 Friday July 20 2001
They probably have a willing and able board who like to speculkate to accumulate

Anon at 17:28:2 Friday July 20 2001
but even before they went on a cup run , they've redeveloped Adams park and splashed out abit on a few good players. They're not a bigger club than us, barely out of the conference so how did they manage that?

Anon at 17:25:52 Friday July 20 2001
you see you have to look at things in prospective!

Bitter b*stard... :-( at 17:25:45 Friday July 20 2001
...Wycombe that is...

Anon at 17:25:12 Friday July 20 2001
Thats not far from Grimbsy, where he probably lives so would be easier for him rather than to move up to carlisle, where the standard of football would be on the same par!

Bitter b*stard... :-( at 17:25:9 Friday July 20 2001
Hopefully they'll be left with acrippling wage bill when the money's all run out :-)

Anon at 17:24:48 Friday July 20 2001
Yeh Boston....the new direones?

9224 at 17:23:35 Friday July 20 2001
Daryl Clare has joined.....................wait for it................. Boston Utd! Ambitious move for him

splat at 17:22:25 Friday July 20 2001
No shit sherlock!

Anon at 17:21:54 Friday July 20 2001
we could do with a cup run

splat at 17:21:15 Friday July 20 2001
remember some small 2nd division team having an incredable cup run, losing to Liverpool in the semi-final of the FA cup? That was Wycombe, doesn't need a brain surgeon to figure the rest out!

Anon at 17:20:5 Friday July 20 2001
wycombe got loads of money from their cup run

Anon at 17:19:16 Friday July 20 2001
when is the new shirt on sale, that should bring in a few quid

Anon at 17:18:59 Friday July 20 2001
Where have Wycombe suddenly got enough money to sign 2 x 200,000 players from - anyone know...?

NTFC2001 at 17:17:34 Friday July 20 2001
If Jamie Forrester was worth more than 200k then don't you think there would be a Q of people bidding for him ? Look at his record he never stays at a club for longe than 2 Seasons and every club he has been at he has Shit On. If Jamie Forrester dosn't want to sign for Wycombe then he is entitled to stay and see his contract out Remember no player is bigger than the club

splat at 17:15:53 Friday July 20 2001
Lets forget about the whole situation, if he goes he goes, it's not the end of the world, players come and go and often for FAR less than what they're really worth. He's proved he can't hack it at a higher level so £50,000 profit plus savings in wages (of which must be one of the highest paid) is not a bad deal. Yes we could have got more for him last season but the offers been open now for about a week and Wycombe are the only interested party. We'll get a new striker, Tony Naylor scored more than Jamie last season and he's free, ok he may not be an asset and maybe on the same wage but whilst he's banging the goals in will anyone really care? The youth is being sorted out, slowly enough but it'll get there, Chris Curruthers and Danny Lowe have already broken into the first team and Marcus Benson looks very promising. This Mansfield bloke should sort them out a bit, he's found them some real gems, one of my mates is a Mansfield fan and he was gutted when he joined us. There could be a lot of exciting times ahead, it would be great if Jamie could be part of it as he certainly got the ball rolling for us in the previous seasons, but whatever will be, will be! NTFC is on the up and no player is bigger than the club. Thank you!

Thick bloke... at 17:13:38 Friday July 20 2001
Wot I doesn't understand is how we can get five new faces on board, and then have to sell a player whose individual goals alone might keep us in the division....? How does that one work then ? I cant add up but surely those clever chaps on the board must have some clue ?

Anon at 17:6:10 Friday July 20 2001
probably in the top of your head

anyway........... at 17:4:52 Friday July 20 2001
was shopping in town earlier on today, not one saints shirt in site but i did count 4 Cobblers shirts, myself included! Is this because Saints are long sleeved therefore worn in the cooler weather ie winter, but on summery days like today, its too hot so they dont bother! you know, you'd think i'd got a point?!!

A nonce at 17:3:42 Friday July 20 2001
NTFC-Jamie...its geting better and Im getting used to the prospect of !!!?

Herbert at 17:2:4 Friday July 20 2001
Everyone seems to forget that the football club has to run on a budget. If anyone on this message board thinks otherwise, put your hand in your pocket, or better still join the board .

splat at 16:59:32 Friday July 20 2001
Anyone going to the town show tonight? We should all wear cobblers shirts with pride and prove we're not a rugby town! Stirling Cobbler, your spot on about the forrester situation. UTC, ftp, ftd, fww, fjf!

Anon at 16:58:45 Friday July 20 2001
Thanks Ray.

Ray at 16:55:54 Friday July 20 2001
I havent commented on the new site basically because there is little to report. The launch date has been put off twice but it anticipated next week it will see the light of day.

Anon at 16:54:6 Friday July 20 2001
I think the sooner people get used to the idea and accept the prospect of NTFC-Jamie the better. IT WILL HAPPEN.

Real Deal... at 16:51:57 Friday July 20 2001
C'mon board - lets keep JF till the middle of September and see what we can get for him then...

Anon at 16:50:9 Friday July 20 2001
ermm u spelt board wrong

Real Deal... at 16:47:39 Friday July 20 2001
FACT : Jamie Forrester is an NTFC player

The Bored at 16:47:18 Friday July 20 2001
Sorry about selling Jamie but we are skint. Times are hard you know.

Neil at 16:45:18 Friday July 20 2001
Of for fecks sake please do something about this Ray, some flaming gallah has impersonated me yet again and announced my e-mail add,why?

Anon at 16:44:46 Friday July 20 2001
FACT: Jamie Forrester did not want to continue his career with NTFC.

Real Deal... at 16:43:37 Friday July 20 2001
I dont think it makes sense to offload JF at this point - if we need to offload him let him have a few games, bang in few goals and suddenly he'll be worth £400k again... I cant see his value dipping any lower than £200K - hes aproven goalscorer at div2 level... from what I understand the deal is far from completed yet so all this talk of him having already gone is far from the truth...

Nole82 at 16:38:26 Friday July 20 2001
I won't be coming back on this board but for those who want my email address - CobblersNeil@aol.com

BOB at 16:34:35 Friday July 20 2001
TRV' so why did we get rid of the other younger lads who could of got more experience this year. And what younger players do we have who is not that experienced anyway sam p and rob w are not ours so that will not benfit the club in the long run cos they will be gone at end of season, and danny lowe is looking good all he needs is 1st team games under his belt. Talking about our younger players who left the club does anyone no where they are now?

Anon at 16:29:26 Friday July 20 2001
When Jamie returns with Wycombe i really hope everyone can give him a good reception, he deserves it, im sure he would have been happy to stay with us and also he said he was shocked at the clubs decision. GoodBye Jamie and Goodluck, i wish we had a chance to say goodbye.

Anon at 16:25:38 Friday July 20 2001
The whole JF saga shows that the board are out of their depth.

Anon at 16:24:29 Friday July 20 2001
Cher - the original positive tosser. What is his hidden agenda?

Hotel Ender at 16:22:58 Friday July 20 2001
I don't think the problem is that Jamie is leaving - its the fact we are letting our most saleable asset go for peanuts - I'm sure we'd all be happy to see him go if it was for maybe half a mill .... I bet the boo boys will give him stick on his return with Wycombe - those boos should be reserved for the short sighted individuals selling him

Anon at 16:22:49 Friday July 20 2001
Didnt Mr Naylor bang in 21 goals for Port Vale last season.

NTFC@2view at 16:16:30 Friday July 20 2001
Do you mean that he is 34 now and can't hack it in Div 2? Do you know who he is? Did you not see him totally destroy us last season? Were we and PV in Div 2 last year? Could he hack it? Do you watch football?

Anon at 16:15:27 Friday July 20 2001
Cher 's post at 15:10 .......What I do have a problem with is ill-mannered, unfounded and ill-thought vitriol ......... Cher's post at 09:07 ..... the negative tossers are once again crawling from the woodwork! Try and say 'good morning' and mean it you sourfaced gits .... erm negative tossers, sourfaced gits .... the words stones and glasshouses springs to mind

TRV at 15:53:40 Friday July 20 2001
You don't think that having a bit of experience with the younger players that we now have will be of benefit then Bob.

BOB at 15:36:24 Friday July 20 2001
Tony naylor is now wanted by macclesfield who he is with at the moment during pre season but is still keen on playing with the cobblers. Cheltenham have withdrawn their offer for the 34YR old player. Naylor is going to be another marco and that is SHIT he is a good div3 player but he cant cut it in div2. So i think that is bad move and i can see us struggling for a mid table place next season unless he brings in more younger players or keep jf.

R.E.M. at 15:33:11 Friday July 20 2001
What's the frequency Kenneth?

Anon at 15:17:46 Friday July 20 2001
He wasnt the only one stunned.

Anon at 15:17:9 Friday July 20 2001
Northampton Town striker Jamie Forrester is due in Wycombe this weekend to discuss details of his move to Adams Park. The two clubs have already agreed a fee that is believed to be in excess of £200,000 and the former Leeds player, who scored 19 times last season, is set for contract talks at the club in the next couple of days. Forrester still has two years left on his Sixfields contract and was said to be stunned that The Cobblers had accepted Wanderers' bid. Now Wycombe chief Lawrie Sanchez must persuade him that the Buckinghamshire club have the potential and ambition needed to help him complete the move. The Cobblers have already lined up a potential replacement for Forrester should he decide to join the FA Cup semi-finalists and he is a name that will be familiar to all Wycombe fans. Keith Scott, who had two distinguished spells at Adams Park, flew out for a trial with The Cobblers during their pre-season trip to Ireland this week, after Forrester flew home early because of family reasons. Picture: Forrester is due for talks this weekend

BEN at 15:10:12 Friday July 20 2001
Lee hodges will sign for the cobblers next week along with tony naylor or keith scott if the jf goes to wycombe. 2 players.

Cher at 15:10:5 Friday July 20 2001
I don't have a problem at all with differing opinions, honest! What I do have a problem with is ill-mannered, unfounded and ill-thought vitriol aimed at those who are totally comitted to the club. That's all!

Anon at 14:56:19 Friday July 20 2001
MITCH - nice meathead!

Vince at 14:45:41 Friday July 20 2001
Stirling Cobbler,I don't agree with everything you say but you are spot on with that last posting.

stirling cobbler at 14:41:31 Friday July 20 2001
er, aren't we all getting a little over emotional about the whole JF saga? "a sad day in the history of NTFC" "shameful, disgraceful" what's all that about? the way some people have been going on you'd be forgiven for thinking that we've just sold zinedine zidane for a bag of wotsits and a copy of the beano. at the end of last season, JF didn't really seem all that interested and his goals dried up. the fact that the deal has been in the pipleline for a while has given other clubs the chance to get in on bidding for JF. result - no-one has done so. therefore the only club willing to pay for him is wycombe and they are willing to pay £200000, no more and so that IS how much he is worth. if JF's form carries on the way it went at the end of last season we'll not get half that at the end of next season. if we all think that the loss of one out of form player spells relegation then what does that say about our attitude to the rest of the team. are we a one man team? no, the signings made in the summer have been positive so lets wait and see until we've played at least ten games before even thinking about that famous old song "sack the board"

What? at 14:19:50 Friday July 20 2001
What has happened?????

Anon at 14:15:11 Friday July 20 2001
A sad day in the history of NTFC.

Anon at 14:14:22 Friday July 20 2001
SHAMEFUL - DISGRACEFUL - SHORT-SIGHTED - HIDEOUS - ABYSMAL - SAD.

Anon at 14:6:58 Friday July 20 2001
Ray is staying silent about the new official site - why? Is something wrong?

Barry Stonhill at 14:5:27 Friday July 20 2001
No refunds allowed. But keep positive and with our undoubted integrity, respect and diligence everything will turn out just fine. Division 3 is quite a nice place you know.

Anon at 13:55:32 Friday July 20 2001
If Forrester has gone to Wycombe I shall want a refund on my season ticket.

Anon at 13:52:15 Friday July 20 2001
Forrester signs for Wycombe, Naylor Signs for NTFC. Money rules!

Anon at 13:39:8 Friday July 20 2001
When something wonderful happens, wake me up. This is boring the shit out of me, we've got him, no we havn't, yes we have. What a load of bollocks.

anon at 13:34:37 Friday July 20 2001
up the cobblers J forrester is staying

TherealslimMartinW at 13:25:28 Friday July 20 2001
Well it's as I predicted, Naylor is coming to us and Jamie is off to Wycombe for £200,000 only the final dealings to be settled. Naylor had been hanging fire on going to Cheltenham because Cobblers were interested. But Cobblers were waiting to see the Jamie deal go through before nabbing Naylor. Robins manager Steve Cotterill was p..ed off with Naylor who had a contract but was stalling because he was waiting toohear if he could come to us. Now Cotterill has told Naylor to get lost because of the stalling, leaving the path free for him to come to us. So we will be adding another 30something to our squad and losing a bankable asset. SCANDAL. If you don't believe me... just watch.

Bez at 13:23:18 Friday July 20 2001
It was in the nationals that Clare decided that he didn't want to play in a team that was destined for struggling. Instead he signed for a team going the other way. Incidently he has a strike rate of roughly one goal in every six to seven appearances. As for the Forrester thing, just wait and see what is happening. Looks like I won't be walking to Collymore's first game though! Another point quickly, Wilson said there was now a one in one out scenario at the club. How therefore can he sign more than one of Scott, Lincoln, Hutchings, Hodges, Naylor and Asamoah? I remember Hutchings from Bristol City and Brentford, absolute quality. Naylor, I even got a Stoke fan to admit he was quality even at 34. Hodges ditto from Reading. The rest I don't know or want to (except Asamoah who is obviously worth considering, but remember that Essandoh bloke?)

Evil Gazebo (Cheltenham) at 13:11:10 Friday July 20 2001
I was speaking to our manager Steve Cotterill last night and he is best mates with Lawrie Sanchez. He told me the JF deal is practically done, they have resolved with NTFC how the fee will be paid and everything. Sorry about that. Tony Naylor is no longer coming to us, so could be the man to replace JF for you if he can be arsed to make a decision over where he wants to go.

happy in the hotel end-where did it all go wrong at 12:40:33 Friday July 20 2001
To his horse, to his horse, he was saying goodbye to his horse, and as he was saying goodbye to his horse, he was saying goodbye to his horse....ah happy days! -- They don't write songs like they used to.

Vince at 12:25:8 Friday July 20 2001
Although Clare did join Carlisle and even started training with them his contract was not finalised due to the various problems at Carlisle - he has obviouslt got fed up with the uncertainty and joined Boston Utd - see www.bostonunited.co.uk for more info

Statto at 12:5:12 Friday July 20 2001
I think You'll find Clare has joined Carlisle. He did this on July 4th. This was Atkins final signing before he left for Cardiff. This was on the Carlisle Website. "The 22-year-old became Carlisle United's first summer signing after joining them on a free transfer from Grimsby Town. Clare has agreed a two-year deal after Atkins beat off fierce competition from a string of other clubs to land the player he first tried to sign for Northampton three years ago."

Anon at 11:52:55 Friday July 20 2001
No he didnt

Anon at 11:32:4 Friday July 20 2001
Afraid not he signed for Carlisle a couple of weeks ago

Anon at 10:56:37 Friday July 20 2001
Just out of interest I see Daryl Clare has signed for Boston - hope that was not Wilsons master stroke in the event of JF going. Not that anyone will care I suppose, but I fancy Boston to win the Conference this season (and not just because they have signed Clare).

Anon3 at 10:12:58 Friday July 20 2001
Cher, is that your sole point of coming on here? To make things all happy and positive? I thought last night people were disagreeing with some of the things you said? OK so there's no point in being endlessly negative but you are at the opposite end of the spectrum with your blind faith.

Mitch at 10:11:47 Friday July 20 2001
how r u lads

deano at 10:10:13 Friday July 20 2001
I know for a fact that Sammo asked the board about extending his contract beyond the end of this season and they have flatly refused.

Hotel Ender at 9:20:36 Friday July 20 2001
I'm sorry if you're upset Cher, I am just expressing an opinion - I didn't realise that all comments on here had to be in favour of the Board of Directors and the fact we are likely to be selling one of our few hopes for survival for peanuts is just an irrelevance. I better go take a happy pill and become a Man Utd supporter so I'll have nothing to worry about

Rhe Sun Has Got His Hat On hip hip hip hooray at 9:12:55 Friday July 20 2001
Everything in the garden is rosy, Forrester will only go to Wycombe for a million, the board are giving away season tickets with the free matchday programme .......................... Cher - just cos people haven't got your view - it doesn't make their points any less valid - surely by expessing some form of debate it gets the grey matter working - far better than all those pointless rumours about Collywobble during the close season

Cher at 9:7:1 Friday July 20 2001
After all the positive stuff of last night the negative tossers are once again crawling from the woodwork! Try and say 'good morning' and mean it you sourfaced gits!

Grapevine Cobbler at 8:42:13 Friday July 20 2001
Anyone heard about whether Sammo is fed up as his testimonial is being pushed back and he may be going as player manager of Kettering ?

Hotel Ender at 8:21:29 Friday July 20 2001
I stand by what I said last night (stirred up a bit of a hornets nest there) - I honestly believe the Board don't give two shits for the people who have put the most money into the Club over the years. Over the last 7 years - we the fans have put more money into the club than the Directors - - that is a fact. We are without a doubt one of the most expensive clubs to watch in the lower divisions, and a lot First Division Clubs have cheaper season tickets. So yes I feel we get shafted. BTW Sonny - who was on the Board with Dick Underwood and McRitchie (before he sacked em)? erm Stonhill, Kerr, Hancock .......

TherealMartinW at 3:9:55 Friday July 20 2001
Don't let go, you've got the music in you! Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go. Don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go... don't let Jamie go...don't let Jamie go.

Anon at 0:36:14 Friday July 20 2001
Whilst the though of Forrester buggering off to Wycombe is depressing, it is evident that he is not so highly thought of as we once imagined. The club obviously trunpeted the news of the Wycombe bid with the comment "it's on the table" in the hope of smoking out another higher offer. The fact that there hasn't been one means that Wycombe are the only customers in the shop. If only one club wants him, that speaks volumes for his value. And bear in mind that Bosman frees and the ability of players to walk away from contracts means thatmarket values are plummetting anyway. Forester wouldn't be worth a lot in a years time. Personally, I think I would take Naylor and Hodges in a virtual swap for Jamie. I wouldn;t get hung up on the building for the future line. PLayers - all players - are here for the ride while it suits them and then they will push off somewhere else. If we get two decent years out of Naylor, or anyone else, we'll have done well.

Gomez at 23:38:27 Thursday July 19 2001
How does that work? Surely he cannot be both people?

Anon at 23:34:10 Thursday July 19 2001
He's Nole82

Gomez at 23:33:27 Thursday July 19 2001
Serious last question of the evening : Who is KC?

Anon3 at 23:29:35 Thursday July 19 2001
You can all be fake Anon3s if you like. I don't care being ripped off, you're right I already miss KC

Ralph at 23:27:59 Thursday July 19 2001
Try Gates Of Eden by Bob Dylan.

Anon3 at 23:27:45 Thursday July 19 2001
Actually i already miss Nole82, even if he was a bit thick.

Ralph at 23:27:22 Thursday July 19 2001
Life is just a bowl of All Bran . . . Cromerty, Dogger, North Ouertsera, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Anon at 23:26:55 Thursday July 19 2001
Chip is that War Pigs by Black Sabbath?

Chip at 23:24:39 Thursday July 19 2001
Of war and peace the truth just twists Its curfew gull just glides Upon four-legged forest clouds The cowboy angel rides With his candle lit into the sun Though its glow is waxed in black All except when 'neath the trees of Eden

Dave Bowman at 23:24:2 Thursday July 19 2001
...something really wonderful is going to happen...

Gomez at 23:23:0 Thursday July 19 2001
Last question of the night: Just where is Pink West Stand Dave?

Anon3 at 23:22:47 Thursday July 19 2001
Nole82 can't stop himself, he'll be back

The Observer at 23:21:53 Thursday July 19 2001
The only person who ripped Noel82 was Don Davis . . . and stop posting about yourself Leon and GO!

Sonny at 23:20:48 Thursday July 19 2001
Me too, remember the bright side of the road is a far happier place to be. Adjust your Karma!

Anon at 23:20:43 Thursday July 19 2001
A good nights work...RIP Nole82

Nils at 23:19:36 Thursday July 19 2001
I'm off to bed with Harry Potter too!

Anon at 23:19:0 Thursday July 19 2001
Ron make sure you lock the cubicle door!

Ralph at 23:18:47 Thursday July 19 2001
It's getting like the old days, must go now as book at bedtime and the shipping forecast are imminent. Cheers!

Gomez at 23:18:23 Thursday July 19 2001
Nice joke Don, you are a witty man

Don Davis at 23:17:6 Thursday July 19 2001
Well I'm off to take a piss Gomez! I seem to have contributed to a little debate, I'll leave you and Leon to enjoy a mass debate . . . wet dreams little ones!

Gomez at 23:16:41 Thursday July 19 2001
Well... Don Davis was talking a lot of crap - I had to make my return

Nole82 at 23:15:45 Thursday July 19 2001
This is my last proper post, and will not be posting on here again,any post as Nole82 will not be me it will be one of those sad individuals who have nothing better to do than cause havoc and wreck a perfectly good board.Goodbye all.

Nils at 23:15:3 Thursday July 19 2001
Are you sure?

Anon at 23:14:30 Thursday July 19 2001
Hey Gomez, you haven't been about since your run in with Big Roy. They're all coming out tonight!

Anon3 at 23:13:23 Thursday July 19 2001
I resign! Please don't ask me to stay!

Ralph at 23:13:19 Thursday July 19 2001
I think I may be being mixed up with Ralph2, nice bloke but not the original!

Sonny at 23:12:34 Thursday July 19 2001
One down . . . (Yessssss!) Bye, bye Leon and don't come back under another name there's a good boy!

Gomez at 23:12:17 Thursday July 19 2001
Don, I don't think you're capable of a piss take mate.

Nole82 at 23:11:34 Thursday July 19 2001
Nole I get more flak than you do so why this trend of saying "that's it i'm off"??

Don Davis at 23:10:46 Thursday July 19 2001
I did, but never let the facts get in the way of a good piss take!

Anon3 at 23:9:50 Thursday July 19 2001
I know that Ralph so why does it seem that there is like a cover-up operation now. I don't mind admitting that I enjoyed most of the Atkins era and I know most other people did but few admit it these days.

Nole82 at 23:9:43 Thursday July 19 2001
I tell you what i quit this board, you cant give your point of view without getting shouted at, abused or what have you. So many idots support Cobblers,its sad to see. As this will be my last post then i will see you all at the first game,Ralph im sure i will see you on TwoView or CC2,cya mate.

Don Davis at 23:8:49 Thursday July 19 2001
Yup! He's rattled!

Anon3 at 23:8:14 Thursday July 19 2001
Don I don't think you understood the insult

Ralph at 23:8:10 Thursday July 19 2001
There is loads of good stuff written about Ian Atkins, you will have to trawl through the archives or just believe me!

(Imitation Of) Don Davis at 23:7:17 Thursday July 19 2001
Lets let the board weaken our team further from last season - it doesn't matter, they once gave a good manager a crap budget to get us out of trouble and let Northampton Borough Council build a stadium for us

Anon3 at 23:7:8 Thursday July 19 2001
We really need a good start to the season! REALLY need!

Don Davis at 23:6:49 Thursday July 19 2001
Correction can't even get me name right! I think he's rattled and all his uptight negativity is not allowing him to think straight. Shame!

Anon3 at 23:5:44 Thursday July 19 2001
Nils I dealt with those issues a long time ago. I might say more verbally but I'm not stupid enough to put it down in print.

Ralph at 23:4:54 Thursday July 19 2001
Just floated in on a vibe to see what was hanging. Good too see some positive stuff for a change!

Nils at 23:3:59 Thursday July 19 2001
It's not me that professes to know so much Anon3. Physician heal thyself!

Anon3 at 23:3:46 Thursday July 19 2001
Hey! It's the return of Ralph! long time no hear..

Ralph at 23:2:56 Thursday July 19 2001
For the record: I enjoyed much of Ian Atkins time here, he took us from division 3 whipping boys in to the team that everyone hated to play against. He gave me some of the proudest and most memorable times following the club. Oh, and he bought me a beer too!

Anon3 at 23:2:4 Thursday July 19 2001
Well Nils if you know more than me then why bother asking in the first place?

Mr Correction at 23:1:32 Thursday July 19 2001
Don Davis - you are obviously on a different intellectual level to me - I bow down. You are right, I am obviously wrong.

Correction at 23:0:28 Thursday July 19 2001
shut it Ron Davis. wimbledon common awaits you

Nils at 23:0:13 Thursday July 19 2001
Oh suuuuuuuuuurely you are not referring to the Italian Job? And I thought you had something to say on the matter.

Don Davis at 22:59:12 Thursday July 19 2001
Mr Correction if you were to read what you have written and fully understand what you say, then it explains why you are probably too embarassed to put your real name.

Dining out on the bad times at 22:58:38 Thursday July 19 2001
Dont you just love the way we harp on about the bad old days when were still up to our necks in the brown stuff! Can any one tell me which division are we playing in next season, and which way will we be kicking, it will be a fantastic season, hope to get a good terrace spot!

Anon3 at 22:57:42 Thursday July 19 2001
Don't agree with that Sonny, only seen piss taking out of Atkins on this board.

Anon at 22:57:34 Thursday July 19 2001
and to Mr Barnet - keep out - you are nothing

Sonny at 22:56:8 Thursday July 19 2001
That's tosh Anon3, the same people who diss the board do the same to the players and manager. They are 'negative tossers'. I have seen many plaudits to Ian Atkins and Kevin Wilson but the NT's just lambast you out of existence for doing so, as they are my support of the board btw!

A Correction at 22:55:48 Thursday July 19 2001
I know the history - that's the point. If we had kept Barnwell then we'd be playing Dr Martens league football by now. There must be a thousand other cobblers fans out there who could keep the club afloat with a 'limited budget, but the point is we want to be more than a division two and three yoyo team

Anon3 at 22:55:20 Thursday July 19 2001
Pardon me if I'm wrong but there was a firm offer made??!

Nils at 22:53:41 Thursday July 19 2001
That's just fluff Anon3. There is still no firm commitment or offer from anyone. If you are so well informed tell us.

Anon3 at 22:53:8 Thursday July 19 2001
Don't want to go over the top but it also seems that people give all the credit to the board for things that happened in the Atkins era. Everything that was bad was down to Atkins apparently. Why not give the manager some credit for his achievements with little resources?

Barnet at 22:52:2 Thursday July 19 2001
Who makes the money available for the manager! What a twatish remark Mr Correction. Have you any feet left?

Anon3 at 22:50:46 Thursday July 19 2001
Nils, you should know that a number of approaches have been made to take over the club. On the face of it they should have had ample money to do a deal. Are the board realistic in thinking they can recover all their expenditure on the club, as these investor groups obviously don't?

Don Davis at 22:50:23 Thursday July 19 2001
Then you believe wrong, I'm too tired to give you chapter and verse of the boards involvement. If you cared about the club enough you would know the history.

Sonny at 22:48:55 Thursday July 19 2001
Marcus Benson?

A Correction at 22:48:52 Thursday July 19 2001
Northampton BC moved us to a new ground and provided first class disabled facilities. Bringing in decent players on a limited budget is down to team managers I do believe?

Anon3 at 22:47:12 Thursday July 19 2001
OK fair point now here's the downside..we rarely make a profit on players, have no young players coming through, don't own the new ground and have been committed to paying Division 1 wages to a veteran striker who can't seem to score goals. Now we are selling our top scorer to replace him with another veteran who looks like he will never score a goal again.

Nils at 22:46:47 Thursday July 19 2001
Come on then Anon3, you ask that we name names, WHO? You are the bloody master of wait and see and I told you so. Back it up baby!

The voice of a 'true Cobblers fan' (twat more like) at 22:45:27 Thursday July 19 2001
If Keith Scott signs for us then im going to go and bloody watch Wimpole Wanderers FC, bloody Keith Scott instead of Jamie?? A FECKING JOKE! I hope all the board etc realise what they are doing coz i cant sure as hell see what they are trying to do

Don Davis at 22:43:32 Thursday July 19 2001
Saved us from extinction, moved us to a new ground, took the club to Wembley (twice), have seen the club held in high esteem as regards disabled facilities, have brought in many excellent players on limited resources, just a few of the top of me head but it is getting late and the horlicks is beginning to kick in!

Anon3 at 22:43:12 Thursday July 19 2001
Clearly there are other people out there who believe that they are suitable candidates to take this club forward.

Nole82 earlier today at 22:41:32 Thursday July 19 2001
If Keith Scott signs for us then im going to go and bloody watch Wimpole Wanderers FC, bloody Keith Scott instead of Jamie?? A FECKING JOKE! I hope all the board etc realise what they are doing coz i cant sure as hell see what they are trying to do

Sonny at 22:40:12 Thursday July 19 2001
The fact that they do give their all on limited resources and in the face of no other suitable candidates to take the club on is enough for me. Like others I would love to see a Branson lead us in to the promised land but they are few and far between. There are many clubs that have fallen foul to the likes of McRitchie and I would sooner be as we are than risk all as SBC suggests. Funnily enough I ENJOY following NTFC!

Anon3 at 22:39:46 Thursday July 19 2001
I think it would help the forgetful if those who support the board list their main successes over the last few years. Be specific and don't just say "loyalty, business acumen" etc. That's too vague.

Nole82 at 22:39:42 Thursday July 19 2001
am a true Cobblers fan by the way and also i was not being Ironic, i am in total agreement with Sonny, think about what the current board have done for us.

Goldie at 22:36:34 Thursday July 19 2001
If it helps to boost your argument by denegrating my support of the club Anon go ahead. The fact is I have followed this club regularly since 1961 but hey you just go and make rash statements if you think it will make your dick grow bigger!

Anon3 at 22:35:56 Thursday July 19 2001
Well i supppose that the question then has to be is giving their all for the club enough in the light of recent events?

Anon3 at 22:34:26 Thursday July 19 2001
I agree, I am sympathetic to those who want to get behind the club but why should we automatically be barred from questioning where the club is heading, just because the board are jolly nice people who apparently love the club and have done some good in the past?

Sonny at 22:34:8 Thursday July 19 2001
We've only managed first division football twice in a hundred years, doncha fink your being just a bit over optimistic, SBC? Anon3, nothing is ever perfect and we have our problems BUT to see misinformed and unintelligent accusations aimed at those who are giving their all for the club . . . I just think we need to balance the debate.

Anon at 22:32:39 Thursday July 19 2001
Come on - get real - 'negative tossers'!!!! The second half of last season was a disaster and to weaken the team further would mean certain relegation. Lets have some views of real fans, not part time Wembley freaks like goldie

Goldie at 22:29:26 Thursday July 19 2001
What a nice change to see some support for the club on these pages. Some well thought out points and putting the 'negative tossers' in their place. You know it might just catch on, might bring back some of the old guard, boy I enjoyed the halcyon days of decent debate!

Anon3 at 22:28:58 Thursday July 19 2001
OK so is there a middle ground here? I'm not in the suicidal camp but I don't think everything is sunny (sonny?) either.

south beds cobbler at 22:26:44 Thursday July 19 2001
Sonny boy, from my simple existance in my primeval swamp, All i ask for is Health, wealth, love, and a reletivly successfull football team,i,e to watch them play 1st div football once in a while (and not to give thanks to the board, on my hands and knees for ever and eternity for saving? our club in our time of need!)Im afraid 3 out of 4 aint good enough for this swamp dog!!

Don Davis at 22:25:44 Thursday July 19 2001
Thanks for pointing that out Anon, hadn't noticed, I just don't give a shit what he has to say. Judging by his comments he's probably a Dimones wind up merchant, he certainly ain't a Cobblers fan.

Anon at 22:21:10 Thursday July 19 2001
Nole82 is being ironic if you hadnt noticed

Nole82 at 22:19:41 Thursday July 19 2001
Sonny you make some great points mate and i must say having mulled things over i am in agreement, the board know what they are doing,alot more than we think i presume.

Don Davis at 22:18:10 Thursday July 19 2001
well a few home truths seem to have shut them up, but probably not for long. Northampton Town I'm Proud To Be!

Barnet at 22:15:24 Thursday July 19 2001
and while I'm at it . . cynical sums you up MartinW. Having read most of what you have to say you just have no soul. Vacuous to the hilt!

Northampton at 22:12:17 Thursday July 19 2001
I wouldn't really want to meet up with one of you tossers

Sonny (in Thorplands) at 22:11:25 Thursday July 19 2001
If I was either of whom you suggest I would have no worries as you could never afford to move in next to me.

Barnet at 22:9:43 Thursday July 19 2001
I'd love to meet up with some of you negative tossers. Get behind your team and be thankful you have such a well run club.

Come on admit it at 22:7:41 Thursday July 19 2001
Sonny Stonhill or Sonny Hancock?

Don Davis at 22:7:4 Thursday July 19 2001
If all you have ever known is crap SBC, I suggest you go to more of the games so you can share in the many glorious times that I have enjoyed following and supporting all elements of NTFC.

Sonny at 22:4:34 Thursday July 19 2001
The board know more about football, committment, good manners, business acumen and loyalty than most of you lot put together. You only have to read your shallow, ill-thought out, sad comments to see just how far you have emerged from the primeval swamp! I hope you never move in next to me.

Anon3 at 22:4:31 Thursday July 19 2001
Oh SBC you are a true revolutionary! Shouldn't the manager take some blame as well, presumably it is his idea to bring people like Keith Scott to the club?

Anon at 21:53:58 Thursday July 19 2001
I was inclined to say "you lot got us into this mess, now get us out" but I don't think the board know enough about football to do it.

Ive got you babe (sbc) at 21:51:15 Thursday July 19 2001
Im all for a big shake up, its getting very boring this just surviving malarky.so put that in your NTFC@2 cozy with the board pipe and smoke it !lifes too short and all we,ve ever known is crap, so lets take a risk..

Board Meeting at 21:48:27 Thursday July 19 2001
Barry Hancock: So what would be the best thing we could do to start the season on a high, get a flying start, with the crowd behind us? Barry Stonhill: How about we sell our best player for peanuts to a village team and replace him with some old git who can stroll out his playing days with us? Barry Hancock: Good Idea!!! Lets do it!

Anon82 at 21:38:8 Thursday July 19 2001
i dont care if any tom dick or harry takes over the club as long as they know about football and how to run a lower league club properly, like buying or coaching young players making them better and selling for a profit.

Anon82 at 21:35:5 Thursday July 19 2001
Yeah right. Walk now and they can wave goodbye to all the money they have loaned (not given) the club. They cant pay themselves back because that would bankrupt the club and would be seen as a preferential transaction. So stop scaremongering

Cher at 21:29:59 Thursday July 19 2001
Some may see the club as going backwards, but we have to face up to the fact we are where we have always been and that managing to exist is in fact moving forward.

Sonny at 21:27:2 Thursday July 19 2001
My point is until someone does come along we have to face up to the fact we is wot we is. Some would gladly see any old Tom, DICK or McRitchie take over and we just cannot afford that to happen. Much more criticism and the board will walk!

Anon82 at 21:21:45 Thursday July 19 2001
Point is that increasing numbers of fans think the board are now taking the club backwards after the good work they did to start with.

Sonny at 21:20:49 Thursday July 19 2001
SBC - The Directors made the appointment and probably pay his salary.

NTFC@2view at 21:19:21 Thursday July 19 2001
The likes of Wycombe - for christ's sake - earned £million in a cup run. We struggled past Frickley Colliery Welfare (as was) and then made £42 losing at Rotherham. With Jamie. JamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamieJamie - fekking boring. We survived before him, we'll survive after him. I'm surprised that most of you can remember him scoring - I can't.

south beds cobbler at 21:5:19 Thursday July 19 2001
Sonny boy , its not that the good folk on this msg board are not greatfull of the good work that was put in at the time of our SHAME, but when can we get off our knees shake off our sack cloth and ash and start holding our own with the likes of wycombe, for christs sake!and don,t give the weve got no cash excuse , its down to the board to promote the club and generate the money but they havnt got a clue! Good luck to the new guy in charge of promoting the club, lets get behind his ideas and get the club moving.

false name at 20:50:47 Thursday July 19 2001
the itv football website has jf's departure as breaking news now.

south beds cobbler at 20:44:56 Thursday July 19 2001
Im wondering how the J.F transfer negotiations between the two clubs was conducted, i imagine something like this. Sanches to his chairman" let me buy a proven 20 goal a season striker,and i will get us in to the play offs at least, someone like forrester, but he will cost 500 k " nonsence said the W,W,chairman" we could get him for only 350k, the,re always skint lets test the water! " Phone rings in Stonhill office," hello wycombe wanderers chairman here , we,re wondering how much forrester would cost?"" 200K and he,s yours!"

TherealslimMartinW at 20:43:13 Thursday July 19 2001
What on earth. I hoped there would be some snag over the Jamie deal, but it looks like it is happening. What on earth. £50,000 profit from him by selling to Wycombe. WYCOMBE! Words fail me. And the morale within the club seems to be reflective in our performances. Losing twice to duff Irish sides after scraping a win over Milton Keynes. I know preseason friendlies are nothing to go by. But you would think we could beat Bray. Maybe the failure in the Naylor deal is indicative of what is happening with Forrester. Perhaps Naylor has kept one foot in either camp and when the Forrester deal was imminent decided not to to to the Third Division. Let's see if we don't get Naylor. But he is not a patch on Jamie, in my view. In the sense that he is not going to be an investment at 34. He will be another who finishes their career at Northampton. And we cannot sell. We need players who will sell. And we are running out of them. Och, I hate being downbeat. But Jamie's imminent departure is nothing short of a scandal. Nicely timed so that everyone had bought their season tickets. It's cynical. And to think we could have got £400,000 before the season tickets went on sale. Mmmm. Cynicism abounds I am afraid.

The Rock at 20:39:54 Thursday July 19 2001
oh well we cant beat the shity teams from ireland so we aint got a hope this year espelly if we dont have jamie i agree with some thing i read the other day on this if we are so struck for cash why are we going all the way over to ireland with that money we could probly get any other player are the itaians still taking over if the are they had better hurry up cause we need money and we need it now

Sonny at 20:34:5 Thursday July 19 2001
I'm getting really sick of the mindless morons who continue to slag off the current board. They became involved after the Dick Underwood/McRitchie debacle, not to make money but to ensure YOU UNGRATEFUL BASTARDS still had a club to follow. I hope those that continue to dish the crap on the board will not be surprised when they call it a day. YOU ought to be mightily comforted that the club is in such caring hands, get off their backs before they decide enough is enough!

Anon3 at 20:31:29 Thursday July 19 2001
not to mention big fat signing on fees...

Anon at 20:30:41 Thursday July 19 2001
after checking out other clubs official websites I have come to the conclusion ours looks a load of poo

Anon3 at 20:29:58 Thursday July 19 2001
Also rent payable for Sixfields....

Anon3 at 20:28:44 Thursday July 19 2001
Other players on £2500 - £4000 a month....it doesn't last long.

Anon3 at 20:26:23 Thursday July 19 2001
About 20% to Gabbiadini.....

NTFC@2view at 20:24:39 Thursday July 19 2001
Your point Hotel Ender? (A million is a bit strong. 3000 tickets includes lots of concessions. Probably about £750 000.) Where does the ticket money go? Please publish your ideas on this Hotel Ender.

Anon3 at 20:23:58 Thursday July 19 2001
Naylor would be great for a season but he is 34 and probably wants good wages and a 2yr contract. From the finance point of view having both he and Gabbiadini on the books could be a problem. We've already talked over the need for the club to invest in long-term assets. Hopefully Asamoah may give a solution.

NTFC2001 at 20:19:9 Thursday July 19 2001
Anon I think you will find my comment was half the wage not half the Transfer fee. Lets judge the 200k sale of Forrester on who we bring in. If Forrester had only scored 5 goals last season then 200k would have been a great deal but it would still have been the same player being sold. Derek Asamoah could score 25 goals next season who knows where the next Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand will pop up ! Sixfields ?

Anon at 20:17:24 Thursday July 19 2001
ok we will have naylor and hodges in and jamie going out? is this so bad? the more i think about it the more it seems ok, if you look through the bitter pill of seeing jamies name under that of wycombes on teletext you will see a proven scorer of 21 goals last season against that of 19 from our man! I still dont want to see him go but these 2 players for our 1? doesnt always seem so bad. Oh by the way Scott please fack off..................no offence.

Hotel Ender at 20:17:14 Thursday July 19 2001
the Board don't give two shits for Cobblers fans - they've now taken close on a million pounds in season ticket money, the amount of extra money they will take in gate money over the season won't be a fantastic amount so they are cashing in as many chips as they can before the going gets even tougher. Once again the fans are shafted - and still we go back for more crap - cos we support NTFC - not the board, and not necessarily the players, we support the entity that IS the Cobblers - and those bastards know it

Anon at 20:14:32 Thursday July 19 2001
"Naylor deal is off" - Steve Cotterill Tony Naylor will not be joining Cheltenham Town Steve Cotterill announced today. The scorer of 21 goals in Division Two for Port Vale last season was unable to come to a decision over whether to accept the club's offer of a contract, so manager Steve Cotterill withdrew the offer. "As far as I am concerned that deal is dead now," said Cotterill this morning. "I spoke to Tony who told me that up until now he has not been able to come up with a decision, so we have made the decision for him and called it off. "The offer that was on the table from us has now been withdrawn." Naylor, 34, agreed terms with the club last week and passed a medical at Whaddon Road, although he wanted more time to discuss the move with his family. He is understood to be reluctant to move too far from his home in the Potteries, although possible interest in him from Northampton Town may have been another factor delaying his decision. Either way, it appears that Naylor will not be joining Cheltenham Town despite the deal appearing virtually done and dusted only six days ago.

Anon at 20:11:18 Thursday July 19 2001
Derek Asamoah is another 20 year old youngster on trial with the club. He scored two goals for Slough Town back in April after moving from Hampton and Richmond earlier in the year, while Asamoah also appeared for Leicester City reserves last season. He scored an superb overhead kick in last night's match with Dublin Saints, which will have certainly impressed the Cobblers manager - but could he be another Neil Harris?

ANON at 20:9:49 Thursday July 19 2001
RAY PLEASE WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE NEW SITE??

Big Deal at 20:7:18 Thursday July 19 2001
They come, they go . . .

Anon at 19:56:44 Thursday July 19 2001
lets take mcsporran in a straight swap

anonny nonny at 19:55:35 Thursday July 19 2001
Is there nothing we can do as fans to pursuade the board to keep JF? Hands up all those out there who feel completely useless just sitting waiting for the inevitable. I agree that replacing JF with Scott doesnt seem very logical and what about this lad who scored the over head kick last night? What do we know about him? wheres he from? Hmm could this be the boy with the talent we are crying out for? Cant wait for the new season to start.... altogthor now "sack the board, sack the board, sack the board............................"

Ray at 19:54:12 Thursday July 19 2001
I think the Club do...

anonny nonny at 19:53:49 Thursday July 19 2001
Is there nothing we can do as fans to pursuade the board to keep JF? Hands up all those out there who feel completely useless just sitting waiting for the inevitable. I agree that replacing JF with Scott doesnt seem very logical and what about this lad who scored the over head kick last night? What do we know about him? wheres he from? Hmm could this be the boy with the talent we are crying out for? Cant wait for the new season to start.... altogthor now "sack the board, sack the board, sack the board............................"

Nole82 at 19:22:13 Thursday July 19 2001
I would have thought it has to be around 250k doesnt it

Anon3 at 18:59:57 Thursday July 19 2001
Anyone know how much the new sponsorship deal with Nationwide is worth to the club? Ray?

Gareth at 15:45:19 Thursday July 19 2001
Brighton Womble - I wouldn't panic too much, I met Pete Winkelman, who is the guy financing the proposed move to Milton Keynes, at a 6-a-side tournament about 3 weeks ago. He told me off the record that he thinks if it WAS going to happen it would have happened by now, as he has been working on this project for three years. But he has to keep positive for the benefit of the media.

Nole82 at 14:59:19 Thursday July 19 2001
Sean,Sean,Sean - FECK OFF! Anon - Cracking point, perhaps they are still hoping for a better offer even though it seems they ave accepted wycombes bid.

Sean O'dell at 14:40:35 Thursday July 19 2001
Boyz boyz boyz, i'm lookin for a good time. phone 01933 381252

Brighton Womble at 14:34:7 Thursday July 19 2001
I don't know how much you all know, but Wimbledon moving to Milton Keynes story has reared its ugly head again. Many people close to the workings of the club are beginning to confirm that this is the plan of Charles Koppell - our Chairman. If there is anything you lot want to do to help fight this - as your club will be one affected by this -please get in touch with: publicity@wisa.org.uk It is imperative that MP's, councillors, the FA, the Football League and Premier League are all lobbied, bombarded with questions and asked for support against this - as yet not public - plan. Thank you.

Anon at 13:43:7 Thursday July 19 2001
Maybe the board leaked the Forrester news not just to inform the fans but see if any other clubs would make a better offer

Anon at 13:41:21 Thursday July 19 2001
Ray whats happening with the new site?

Anon at 13:38:53 Thursday July 19 2001
Northampton Town have paved the way for striker Jamie Forrester to join Nationwide Division Two rivals Wycombe Wanderers by reportedly accepting a bid in the region of £200,000. The well-travelled 26-year-old netted 19 times last season but the Cobblers are keen to cash in on one of their prize assets. "Jamie is a player I have been interested in for some time. It is a pity the news has got out as I always prefer to my business in private," said Chairboys boss Lawrie Sanchez. Forrester told the Cobblers official website: "I'm happy to stay, but I think everybody knows the club's financial position. The situation is out of my hands." Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson drafted former Plymouth Argyle hitman Paul McGregor into Sixfields earlier in the summer as a possible replacement for Forrester.

Nole82 at 13:24:44 Thursday July 19 2001
No worries Mr Sterling, i think most sensible people realised it was not you mate.

stirling cobbler at 13:5:47 Thursday July 19 2001
sorry about the idiot who copied and reposted my comments hundreds of times over yesterday. it wasn't me. as i have said before, it seems that a lot of people don't like other people having different opinions to their own and this sort of behaviour is the childish response some of us get to sensible debates. sorry about that.

Arse, arse, arse, arse, arse at 13:4:44 Thursday July 19 2001
That is what you lot all talk, ARSE

Nole82 at 12:57:18 Thursday July 19 2001
I'd like to congratulate the club on one thing,thats the fact that they let us know about Forrester, i mean they could have kept it quiet and he could have gone out of the blue.

Nole82 at 12:43:4 Thursday July 19 2001
Yes but the agents are still tw@ts! No matter what u say Mr Anon3 i hate all agents.

Anon3 at 12:26:26 Thursday July 19 2001
Another thought - there's no point in slagging off agents. If/when JF goes we need another forward. We will have to talk to other agents to do this! If NTFC gets/already has a reputation for being difficult with agents then that's one hell of a lot of players who will not be pushed in our direction. You may not like the system but that's life. Of course I recognise there are dodgy agents about but in the lower leagues at least there's not a load of money to be made.

Anon at 12:21:55 Thursday July 19 2001
Whether this is trus i dont know,i swiped it off TeamTalk! The agent of Wanderers target Jamie Forrester has confirmed that a £200,000 fee has been agreed for the player, and negotiations will open soon. Lee Payne said: "The fee has been agreed and it is now a case of sorting out Jamie's personal terms." 26-year-old Forrester, who is also being hunted by Millwall and Oldham, is currently in Ireland with his club Northampton.

Barry Stonhill at 12:17:24 Thursday July 19 2001
Sorry, we are unable to give refunds.

Anon3 at 12:16:48 Thursday July 19 2001
If we sign Keith Scott in my opinion that shows either a complete lack of judgement by Willo and the board or just plain desperation. Where is the sense both economic and in football terms by signing a slow 34yr old centre forward who has not really done anything for the past 6 years?

Nole82 at 12:16:9 Thursday July 19 2001
If Keith Scott signs for us then im going to go and bloody watch Wimpole Wanderers FC, bloody Keith Scott instead of Jamie?? A FECKING JOKE! I hope all the board etc realise what they are doing coz i cant sure as hell see what they are trying to do

Anon at 11:26:51 Thursday July 19 2001
Nothing is happening with forrester until it is on official news

Neil at 11:3:22 Thursday July 19 2001
Who's this Derek Asamoah lad?

Anon at 11:3:17 Thursday July 19 2001
Tossers like Payne and Noel0-Hill are destroying this game.

Rodney at 11:0:40 Thursday July 19 2001
Forrester's agents Lee Payne and Stephen Noel-Hill have announced that Jamie is now to talk terms with Wycombe. I am dismayed that Scott will be offered terms by Wilson if Jamie leaves, according to the Chron. Do we really want another slow 34 year old. That would leave us with two veteran strikers, one loan man plus McGregor. Surely Clare would have more to offer long term. Our club never seems to look long term: players' contracts expire, they leave and the replacements are often inadequate. Forrester must be replaced by someone more exciting, surely.

Anon at 11:0:0 Thursday July 19 2001
Why is it taking so long to sort out this Forrester fiasco. The current situation is hardly fair on the player, the club and more importantly the fans.

Vince at 10:58:21 Thursday July 19 2001
Anon 3, yes, with Forrester gone the value of the remaining players is probably less than £200,000 particularly in a "forced sale" situation. Having said that the changes to the transfer system and the current large number of out of contract players (at all levels)must mean that many other clubs are in a similar position. Unless a cub owns its own ground which can be developed for housing etc what tangible asetts will clubs have in the future. The only real chance we would have of gaining a lot of money is to get into the premiership which is awash with cash ( I think Bolton reckoned that winning the Div 1 play offs last season was woth £30+ million even if they were relegated after 1 season). Just think what NTFC could do with that sort of money.

Anon at 10:51:37 Thursday July 19 2001
Three games: scored 3 - conceded 6, hardly the sort of form that will keep us in div.2 is it.

Anon at 10:47:48 Thursday July 19 2001
He's gone

Anon at 10:47:26 Thursday July 19 2001
TO LATE

Anon at 10:23:41 Thursday July 19 2001
Jamie Forrester at 200,000.....going....going.......

well blow me at 10:19:7 Thursday July 19 2001
Ceefax p396.Redevelopment work at the Abbey stadium will result in fewer spaces for away fans and so many matches next season will be all ticket for away fans.To enable genuine united fans to still pay on matchdays a card scheme is to be introduced.The cards will be free.

The Insider at 10:18:23 Thursday July 19 2001
Forrester is talking to Wycombe right now.

Claudette at 10:13:54 Thursday July 19 2001
The club have got a lot of assets I would'nt mind stripping, Hunter, Sampson, Hope.......

Anon3 at 10:6:57 Thursday July 19 2001
I don't see how the fear of asset stripping is really relevant at this club. You can't sell the ground, and there are only a couple of players who have any real transfer value. We all know the real reason why advances have been rejected...no one will pay the directors what they think their stake is worth, mainly due to the club's lack of assets.

Voice of Reason at 7:46:41 Thursday July 19 2001
Football is fast paced both on and off the park. The conditions that prevailed at the end of last season sre already quite different from the current climate. If Jamie has to go so be it - its not possible to pick a price... we have five new faces already and enough striking options... if we can bring in a quality creative midfielder like Lee Hodges then I think we have the makings of a balanced side even without JF.

COUNTY COBBLER at 6:28:26 Thursday July 19 2001
The board tell the supporters that they have not sold the club because they believe new owners would come in and asset strip the club.Well if they GIVE Jamie away for just £200K isn't that what they are doing!!!Realistically that only leaves James Hunt who clubs have been interested in.Maybe it is worth the risk of new owners who might be true to their word and invest a sum of capital to stimulate the current situation.Most clubs in our situation don't have the potential of the Cobblers but we will be left behind if the club is not expanded in the next couple of years.New facilities at the Saints,Leicester,R&D(spit),Coventry,Milton Keynes?,Luton and even Kettering!Please Board are we going to see any expansion or just stagnation!!!

Anon at 23:13:6 Wednesday July 18 2001
The board made 2 cock ups last season. Refusing millwalls offer and refusing the consortiums offer. Now we see the results.

Anon at 23:3:37 Wednesday July 18 2001
Or the fact that we are more likely to go down than Wycombe this season.

TRB Mark at 23:3:10 Wednesday July 18 2001
Laurie Sanchez has come up with the perfect solution! If the deal is "halfway there" then keep it like that. We'll have the freescoring Jamie until Christmas and then they can have the "could'nt hit a cows arse with a banjo" Jamie for the rest of the season. Problem solved.

Nole82 at 22:42:41 Wednesday July 18 2001
I dont understand why he would want to move except for money! Surely he cannot be moving to further his career!

Anon at 22:22:50 Wednesday July 18 2001
well he can fuck off then if he's even considering the move

from wycombe unofficial site at 21:54:47 Wednesday July 18 2001
Wycombe's attempt to bring in Northampton striker Jamie Forrester are 'half-way there' according to Lawrie Sanchez. However, Forrester has yet to speak with Wycombe following the £200,000 bid made last week. The 26 year old played in The Cobblers 3-0 defeat at Irish side Bray Wanderers on Monday evening but is returning to England early due to a family illness and is expected to meet with Wycombe late in the week.

GROUND HOG DAYS at 21:53:38 Wednesday July 18 2001
98,All ticket games, small ground, no casual support, boards skint, no fund raising. 99. All ticket, small ground, no casual, skint,no funds raised.2000.all tick, no cas, small ground, no casu, skint,funds?,2001. all tic, sm grnd, casu? skint,fnds.....

Spud at 21:51:57 Wednesday July 18 2001
From the official site:Dublin Saints 2 Northampton Town 1 An expermiental Northampton Town side continued their tour of Ireland with a 2-1 defeat against Dublin Saints over in Ireland this evening. After a goalless first half, Marco Gabbiadini went close with a rasping drive on 52 minutes but the Cobblers took the lead through trailist striker Derek Asamoah on 66 minutes. Substitute Danny Lowe’s cross was headed away but trialist midfielder Brian Launders turned the ball back in for Asamoah to send a spectacular over head kick in to the corner of the net. The home side levelled on 82 minutes when Jamie Harris stabbed home from close range, and they stole the win in the 87th minute when Michael Holt slammed home a direct 25 yard free kick. The Cobblers side contained 3 trailists, former Colchester United midfielder Brian Launders, ex Arsenal trainee Greg Lincoln and former Wycombe and Reading front man Keith Scott. NORTHAMPTON starting line up; Sollitt, Dempsey, Spedding, Launders, Howey, Hope, Lopes, Lincoln, Scott, Gabbiadini, Carruthers.

Spud at 21:50:51 Wednesday July 18 2001
Cobblers lost 2-1 in Dublin tonight

Anon at 21:49:31 Wednesday July 18 2001
Sorry Hotel Ender can't agree that selling Jamie is on a par with the Adcock and Barnes debacle. Adcock was a really class act, one of the best strikers we have had. Barnes was more like Jamie and we got £70000 for the pair if I remember correctly. This was in the McRitchie days and the club was on the verge of bankruptcy. I don't feel this is the situation at the moment. I would love to see Jamie stay but if he wants to go then thats it, let him go.

Rodney at 21:47:40 Wednesday July 18 2001
Cobblers seem to be going trialist mad! A whole load played tonight including this Asamoah guy scoring a spectacular goal in a 2-1 defeat. With Hodges and Hutchings waiting for trials next week it surely means that Jamie F is off.

Ralph at 21:7:36 Wednesday July 18 2001
Fortune100 - Thanks for making me laugh, funniest thing I've read on here in a while.

Hotel Ender at 20:37:4 Wednesday July 18 2001
bizarre - the posting at 8.22 didn't materialise so I posted again - now you got both!

Hotel Ender at 20:36:14 Wednesday July 18 2001
proposed sale to Wycombe i meant to say

Hotel Ender at 20:22:17 Wednesday July 18 2001
oops - I meant proposed sale!!!

Hotel Ender at 20:21:48 Wednesday July 18 2001
I wonder what this board would have been like ten years ago whe we sold Adcock & Barnes to the scum for £60,000 - the sale of Forrester to Wycombe is on a par with that (imho)

Anon3 at 20:1:15 Wednesday July 18 2001
I thought Gabbiadini was the highest earner at the club.

Anon at 19:52:24 Wednesday July 18 2001
NTFC - if you can find a striker who'll score 25 goals a season for half Jamie Forrester's price (ie £100k) you are either a genius or else (more likely)from cloud cookooland

Guy at 19:49:53 Wednesday July 18 2001
If anyone is interested in a much worse side, the Northampton cricket squad, visit www.northantscricket.co.uk.

Neil at 19:47:14 Wednesday July 18 2001
NTFC2001 - true no player is bigger than the club, but Forrester has to be worth more than 200k!

NTFC2001 at 19:42:40 Wednesday July 18 2001
Lets think about the Jamie Forrester saga We sell our highest wage earner for 200k and secure the financial future of the club for the next year and lose 20 goals We then buy 3 players on Forresters wage and have strenght in depth and more options We had a team without Forrester before so we will again and who know who Wilson has got lined up ? maybe a Striker who can score 25 goals a season on half the wage ?? just remeber no player is bigger than the club so if Fozzys got to go then Fozzys got to go

podge at 19:8:46 Wednesday July 18 2001
hello people come come what is all this talk over Gabbi having a good season surely this cannot be

Nole82 at 19:3:37 Wednesday July 18 2001
Hey all,found the story below on www.fakenews.com(teamtalk), you should really go and have a look at it,read the Forrester story then look at the pic of Forrester, he certainly shot up since i last saw him,and his hair colour has changed! Southend boss David Webb has said that he had not given up on contract rebel Carl Hutchings, even after he signed on a week's loan deal at Town. The defender turned down a new one-year offer at Roots Hall has joined Kevin Wilson's men for a week. However, Webb expressed the feeling that he would still be willing to accommodate the 26-year-old. Webb said: "Of course I'd still have Carl back as he's a great soldier to have around the place. "But I can't give him the sort of money other clubs are offering - I have put a wage structure in place at Roots Hall and it wouldn't be fair on the other players to break it. "The best deal I gave out went to Kevin Maher, but he worked for it and deserved his contract. "Carl on the other hand had a long time out injured here and I have to take all of these things into consideration. "I haven't closed the door on Carl as he is a very good player, but I don't think we'll see him while other clubs are interested." One of those interested clubs is Northampton and Wilson wants to run the rule over the player during the pre-season. Picture: Hutchings to hold out for a better deal

Phil Baron at 18:31:41 Wednesday July 18 2001
Ray can you e-mail me your phone number please.......Ta

Rodney at 18:28:56 Wednesday July 18 2001
Hutchings is a midfielder, kicked out of Exeter last season by Noel Blake for an alleged bad attitude. Has also played for Brentford and Southend in the last 18 months.

9224 at 17:31:44 Wednesday July 18 2001
Gabby will have a good season for us this year - his first year at Darlo was quiet and I think he was more unlucky than anything else last year. Even if he doesn't score he is a quality player with superb vision, control and passing. The only part of Gabby's game I'd change is when he hurls himself to the floor at the slightest contact - I'd rather he stayed on his feet, he's much more dangerous that way. As for Jamie being tricky, I'd have to disagree. If he has half a yard on a man he will beat him but he does not have the one-on-one skills of, say, John Hodge which isn't helped by the absence of a left foot of which to speak. What Jamie does have, however, is a tremendous goalscoring instinct (Oldham, Reading) and eye for goal from long range (Cambridge). I also believe he could lob a 6foot5 keeper who was stood on his line, such was the quality of his lobbing last year (Brentford, Wrexham, Port Vale, Frickley to name a few. Parkin sounds like Steve Howard only with more potential and ambition, which has to be good. Of all the signings, I'm most excited by Parkin and McGregor, although I know little of Wolleaston. Lavin and Burgess should solidify our defence a little more, which would be harsh on Richard Hope but on so many occasions last year we got caught in the channel between left centre half and left back - I remember commenting on it many times. Also, Hughes was prone to getting caught out as a right back and the only player who looked remotely like fitting in that position was Chilvers. I think we'll miss Hunter again this year (he just doesn't seem able to get himself fit) and we'll miss Hodgie while he's out. KW said the hernia was carried on from last year so that explains why his form dipped and he appeared to be struggling. If Hodgie comes back at peak, and Hunter gets fit - watch out div2 'cos they'll feed Gabby, Jamie and Parkin!!!

Richard at 17:4:13 Wednesday July 18 2001
I think this would be a great idea. When the kids are out shopping with there parents and they see this they will pester them into buying a ticket, then one of the parents has to come along as well. All this and the person probably wasn;t even a Cobblers fan beforehand but just brough a ticket on a whim. Even if it only puts 20 or 30 people on a gate each week it is better than nothing, and who knows they might even buy more tickets after seeing us play (ok ignore that one) and maybe a shirt after a few games then a season ticket in the future. You have to start somewhere and what do we have to lose if we tried this out for the first month of the season.

Anon3 at 17:3:33 Wednesday July 18 2001
Yes and look how long it took us to find someone anywhere near as prolific as Carlo C.

Anon at 16:55:42 Wednesday July 18 2001
Perhaps it would help if tickets were on sale in the town centre, just a thought.

NTFC@2view at 16:53:2 Wednesday July 18 2001
Anon. What I am saying about casual fans is that there aren't that many that don't know until the day that they can go to a match. If we were on a good run - perish the thought - then extra people might want to come, but they ought to be organised enough to get a ticket. Games don't happen at 10 minutes notice.

Valium taker at 16:47:32 Wednesday July 18 2001
All together now... Going down, going down, going down, going down, going down, going down, going down....

TO GLEN at 16:37:54 Wednesday July 18 2001
So Forrester is the only goalscorer in recent years.... Ummmm, didn't Carlo Corazzin score 32 goals in two seasons for us, or was I imagining it?

Im boring and im from Sterling at 16:6:23 Wednesday July 18 2001
actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.

BEN at 16:5:47 Wednesday July 18 2001
Former cobbler richard green has joined rochdale on a 2yr contract.Menwhile carl hutchings out of contract at southend and lee hodges will join the cobblers for a weeks trail upon there return of ireland.Then they will have a chance to impress wilson. carl is a 26yr old defender who has had a few injurys in the past 2 years.

Stirling Cobblers at 16:5:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.

Stirling Cobblers at 16:5:8 Wednesday July 18 2001
sorry about posting that twice, goes to show i'm not that hot with computers

Season Tickets at 16:4:22 Wednesday July 18 2001
Just went to SixFields to pick up my season tickets, they were neatly stacked in a wire basket, but no Zs. they printed them off and just about to leave and within them were matches against Tranmere, BPA and Manchester United, I was assured that it was the right season, im hesitant to go back what should I do.

Anon3 at 15:52:23 Wednesday July 18 2001
From TCMP: "The Cobblers operate within a bank overdraft limit which is secured by those on the Board therefore, cash flow rather than cash is responsible for many of the problems that we experience." I don't know how rich you think the board collectively are but they have not put £1million into the club as you suggest.

Rodney at 15:50:30 Wednesday July 18 2001
We have signed Carl Hutchings on loan from Southend, according to Teamtalk.

stirling cobbler at 15:37:27 Wednesday July 18 2001
sorry about posting that twice, goes to show i'm not that hot with computers

stirling cobbler at 15:36:26 Wednesday July 18 2001
actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.

stirling cobbler at 15:36:12 Wednesday July 18 2001
actually, we only had 7 all-ticket home fixtures last season (reading, stoke, bristol city, boro, luton and cambridge and Walsall) and two all-ticket away games (walsall and boro). four of the home all ticket games were 'local' teams who brought a lot of fans and the two away all ticket games are also 'local' where we took quite a few. that sort of statement "I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season" was a bit ill judged.

Richie Humphries at 15:31:55 Wednesday July 18 2001
Hes the new Conservative Leader signed today

informed cobbler at 15:18:28 Wednesday July 18 2001
anon 3..if the balance sheet is over £1m in the red who is funding the difference between the overdraft and the declared losses..the f*****g fairies!

Fortune100 at 15:15:26 Wednesday July 18 2001
Why don't we ask Nationwide to build up Sixfields to a 40,000 capacity? They could then make it compulsory for all people in Northampton with a Nationwide mortgage to attend every home match. Bob's your uncle. Those in arrears should be made to go to away matches as well.

Richard at 15:2:10 Wednesday July 18 2001
Would be helpful if we only had about 5 or 6 all ticket games this season, I reckon about half of them must have been all ticket last season. The only way forward to avoid this is to extent the away area further, either by using more of the east stand or by re-building the size of the south stand so that it has a 2000-2500 capacity. That way most div 2 teams will struggle to fill it and the home cobblers fans can have all of the east stand back. Howver I do understand that brick and cement don't grow on trees, and that this will be more or less impossible at the moment. However with Natuionwide onboard maybee they could help out and we could have a Nationwide Sixfeilds Stadium, the The Nationwide Stand. I am sure that if we increased the away end by 1,500 making the capacity of the ground 9,000 we would increase our home average attendence by at least 1,000 people per game (£250,000 per year) what with more away fans for the big games (leaving more room for the home fans in the east stand and no more all ticket nonsence)

Anon at 14:53:13 Wednesday July 18 2001
ntfc@2view:-Who are you on about being a casual fan

stirling cobbler at 14:33:49 Wednesday July 18 2001
richard - good point, if you hadn't been able to get ticket for the game against fulham you might not have become a season ticket holder. but, for the big games with large away followings, there is no option but to make the gmaes all ticket for security. every club has a handful of all-ticket fixtures each year; it would be interestinn to see if fans of other clubs whinge about it as much as we seem to do. anyway, the majority of home games are not all ticket and the 'casual fan' can still buy his ticket on the day.

Richard at 14:17:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
I heard Humphreys had gone to Hartlepool.

Richard at 14:14:59 Wednesday July 18 2001
Re-Ticketing. My first game at Sixfields was when we were in Div 3 and were playing against Fulham (the season we went up). I was sat at home and though that I fancied going to see the Cobblers again. I had been to the County ground about 40 or 50 times before that but had to pick them when my parents were going shopping in town as I hadn't passed my driving test. So having passed my test I was free to go to as many games as I wanted. So me, my brother, my cousin all went to the game Vs Fulham (they were top of the league) and we had no problem buying a ticket on the day. Then us 3 all brough season tickets for the next season, my brother dropped out the next year and my mate brought a season ticket instead, and to this day my mate and I buy a season ticket each year. The point being that without the facility to buy a ticket on the day the club would have lost out on all that money and support. How many fans and season tickets have we lost by people not being able to go to the games on the ofchance of getting a ticket.

Baker (wsab.co.uk) - Wycombe fan at 14:14:37 Wednesday July 18 2001
"Did anyone notice that Wycombe signed Richie Humphreys from Sheff Wed last night?" First I've heard of it...

Anon3 at 13:56:9 Wednesday July 18 2001
Good news about new 3yr deal with Nationwide. Informed cobbler, you are wrong to say that the directors underwrite £1M in losses. They don't. They underwrite an overdraft facility with a bank which is nowhere near £1M.

Vince at 13:51:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
.....and lets face it if a Bristol City fan or any other visiting fan was intent on getting into the home end it wouldn't be that difficult to buy a ticket a few days before the game.

Anon at 13:47:41 Wednesday July 18 2001
ITV Sport will be covering Nationwide games next season and to watch the games you will need to subscribe to ITV Digital (previously ON Digital) If you telehone 0800 100 0101 they will tell you what to do. However I don't think that you can receive the signal in the Northampton area.

stirling cobbler at 13:42:19 Wednesday July 18 2001
good point drilling - the database idea may work to prevent any city fans getting tickets in our area. i have to disagree with you about the amount of fans coming form bristol though. the first game of the season is always long awaited and always brings good support from the away team, no matter where they're coming from. however, the databse idea for ticket sales may be a good one.

Anon at 13:38:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
Have you heard the story about the hare and the tortoise, well Jamie Hare and Gabbi Tortoise decided to have a race and see who could score the most goals in a season. At the start of the season Jamie Hare shot off at an alarming rate, more like Shumee Hare than Jamie, and soon he had a large lead over Gabbi Tortoise. So big was Jamie Hare's lead that he thought he could have a rest and not score for a few games. Now at this part of the story Gabbi Tortoise is supposed to catch up to Jamie Hare and overtake him, but we all knew that was not going to happen, unfortunately so did Jamie Hare and he thought "well I don't have to score again" - and he didn't. Goodnight children

The Drilling Cobbler at 13:31:23 Wednesday July 18 2001
Have to disagree with you Sterling Cobbler. An away end of 1250 should be efficient to accomodate the Bristol contingent - or certainly the vast majority of them for a 1st game of the season. After all, its a long way, people are on holiday, and Northampton isnt going to be one of their 'must go' games anyway. My suggestion, as a compromise, would be to allow people on the sixfields database to still buy tickets on matchday. This would then only effect 1st time 'supporters' - not the casual fan that often makes that last minute decision. It would also stop Bristol City fans (or any away teams fans) from purchasing tickets in the home end. Simple? Or have I missed something.

Barry Fry at 13:30:37 Wednesday July 18 2001
Now that NTL or ITV or whoever the hell it is have Nationwide games I need a de-coder for cable. Who can help me?

Not another one at 13:30:23 Wednesday July 18 2001
LETS SIGN ALL THE PLAYERS GOING, THAT MAKES PERFECT FINANCIAL SENSE. Become Big Jimmy soon for Christ's sake

LITTLE jimmy at 13:23:15 Wednesday July 18 2001
Richie Humphries has gone to Darlo so they won`t be after Gabbi after all.Why could we have not gone for him?

Anon at 13:17:2 Wednesday July 18 2001
Stirling Cobbler: Good point

Malcolm McWrongald at 13:16:28 Wednesday July 18 2001
Great news about new things, I think it's great.

Did you know...... at 13:15:1 Wednesday July 18 2001
.....you have to earn £50,008 per year to take home £666.66 per week. Cool eh?

stirling cobbler at 13:13:1 Wednesday July 18 2001
mal and hartwell - i think you'll find that the game has been made all ticket for both sets of fans because it would be utterly pointless to have it all ticket for the Bristol City end but not the other three stands. the reason it has been made all ticket is to prevent more city fans than we can handle coming to sixfields on the saturday morning expecting to buy a ticket and get in to the ground. if it wasn't all ticket for all areas of the ground, we'd simply see the bristol city fans in our sections of the ground and trouble would start, which is the exact reason for making it all ticket. the police aren't out to ruin the cobblers, they're out to preserve law and order and the only way they see fit, and i agree, is to make our first home game all ticket. personally i'd rather go without a few thousand quid at the turnstiles if it means that the fans are segregated properly and no trouble starts. if they aren't segregated trouble may start and this could cost the club a lot more than a few thousand in gate money.

Pompey Cobbler at 12:46:15 Wednesday July 18 2001
Did anyone notice that Wycombe signed Richie Humphreys from Sheff Wed last night ? I believe he is a striker so may have an influence on the bid for JF. Still, at the end of the day if JF doesn't want to play for NTFC there's not a great deal anyone can do about it and personally I don't want to see anyone in the side who doesn't care or who doesn't try - I don't care who they are. You can't knock JFs ability at this level but I think the number of clubs that he has had at his age may suggest something about his attitude and further why such a talented player hasn't made it at a higher level and in my opinion never will.

Vince at 12:34:28 Wednesday July 18 2001
Like it or not the "casual fan" provides much needed extra revenue and without them the club would not exist - 3000+ season tickets sold is great but we need 2000+ home supporters to keep going. Make it as easy as possible for them to get into games and sooner or later they will be regular fans and not casual fans and might even be tempted to buy a season ticket.

Anon at 12:23:33 Wednesday July 18 2001
I think Gabbi is a very deceptive type of player, he's a lot slower than he looks.

NTFC@2view at 12:22:57 Wednesday July 18 2001
Another old chestnut. The 'casual' fan who may come along if it's a 'good day' or if he is given the 'democratic' right to choose to on the day. 'Casual fan'? Not in my opinion, more 'total tw@t'! Just imagine it - "Oooh! It's a bit cloudy. Not very nice. I think I'll stay in and watch Big Brother. Ooh no, it's brightening up." Or - "Well I DO want to go today. I didn't yesterday, but I do today. But I can't. Pooh! That's not fair!"

Parp at 12:21:14 Wednesday July 18 2001
Trrrrrrrrrrrrrrump!

Anon at 12:20:17 Wednesday July 18 2001
DSS you haven't a clue what you are talking about. Gabbi is slow,lazy, falls over all the time and doesn't score whereas Forrester dribbles with the ball, shows some great trickery and scores BRILLIANT goals

Mr Smith - clas 6 at 12:10:30 Wednesday July 18 2001
Some of the spelling on this site is attro... atrosh.. atroshu.. not good. I thank you.

Anon at 12:8:23 Wednesday July 18 2001
So is Gabby

DSS at 12:5:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
No you plonker I'm in Ireland ..ooops !!

Anon at 12:4:5 Wednesday July 18 2001
DSS Are you Gabby in disguise.

DSS at 12:0:21 Wednesday July 18 2001
The fact Gabba doesn't last 90 mins doesn't mean the 100% effort he gives in the good 70 mins and the thwarting (Stuart Robertson type play)20 mins is worth every penny the Club pays him. You cannot compare Forrester to Gabba. Gabba is a Pro, Forrester doesn't know the meaning of the word.

Anon at 11:59:48 Wednesday July 18 2001
Great news about the new three year sponsorship deal from Nationwide. A bit of good news for a change.

Anon at 11:55:12 Wednesday July 18 2001
Maybe the police should contribute to a fund to help keep Forrester at the club or at least pay gabby's wages.

Mal at 11:54:51 Wednesday July 18 2001
Maybe the police have made the First game all ticket to protect the board against angry cobblers fans because Jamie won't be there. Seriously why can't they make it for away fans only like other forces around the country. I don't remember the Posh away games being all ticket for Posh fans. In fact last season although it was all ticket for Cobblers fans they opened a cash only turnstyle in the away end. It seems that Northamptonshire police are out to ruin the Cobblers.

Anon at 11:51:45 Wednesday July 18 2001
DSS - WELL SAID

Hartwell at 11:51:21 Wednesday July 18 2001
I underatand the club is very close to finalising a deal to sell Jamie Forrester. Once again the police are putting a steanglehold on the club, which makes it even more difficult for the directors to increase revenue. As Vince says, what logic is there for making the Bristol game all-ticket for both sets of fans? I will be the crowd doesn't exceeed 5,500 - there'll be plenty of empty seats, many of which would certainly be filled by casual fans, given a good day and the ability to choose democratically whether they wish to come along on the day. What a mess this is. I was hoping this all-ticket fiasco would at least be less intrusive this season. Of course I was just dreaming. As someone else has said, bearing in mind the control they have over the club and the money they make (indirectly) out of it, perhaps the Police should be asked to make some positive contribition to their home town club? Well it would make a change. I am really fed up with the policing policy at Sixfields.

DSS at 11:50:3 Wednesday July 18 2001
Glen Cousner you stupid twit how regularly did Forrester wear his heart on his sleeve for the Town and score after the mid way mark of last season????????????????????? He aint that good !!! Sell him now and focus on victory not on on Prima Donna wannabes.

Athena at 11:21:59 Wednesday July 18 2001
I'm afraid I can find no logic at all to the actions of the Police towards the Cobblers. All ticket games when it is clearly not necessary, noon kick-off against P'borough, representations to the League that we and R&D should not play at home on the same days. On that point what happens if we are both drawn at home on FA Cup round 1 day - November 17?? Supposedly one of us have to play on Sunday? I just the wish the Police would be 'transparent' about their reasoning for all these decisions because as far as I can see neither the club or the supporters (either home or away) have given them any justification for these measures to be applied.

GLEN COUSNER at 11:10:41 Wednesday July 18 2001
TO THE BOARD !! Having renewed my season ticket again after vowing not to at the end of last season because of the lack of effort from some players...I am fuming about the Jamie Forrester stories. Yes, you have bought in new players..great, let's hope they live up to their billing. Yes, we've got Paul McGregor...how many did he score last year? Yes we've got Marco (7 goals), Yes we've got Steve Howard ...oh no we sold him too didn't we? How can we even think of selling the only player who has scored regularly for us over the last few years? OK the Chelsea lad maybe Premiership class...but what proof do we, the paying public have that he will be as good as Jamie? I was so much looking forward to the new season....but this will be a major major blow if he goes. FORRESTER MUST STAY !!!!

informed cobbler at 11:7:17 Wednesday July 18 2001
rodney you are very very wrong and sadly people read this sort of rubbish and believe it..thank your lucky stars you dont support carlisle, york,etc etc.the club is run by supporters who put a lot of time(unpaid) and money into it so that we can watch league football.if any football club with gates of 5,000 was run at even breakeven we would be scrapping with york and carlisle.the fact that the directors underwrite losses of over £1m should indicate ambition, or some would say insanity..but if the likes of you keep slagging them off for it i promise you yoi'll be watching diamonds on a sat..its your call

Vince at 10:14:8 Wednesday July 18 2001
What is the logic in making the first game all ticket? - OK make it all ticket for Bristol City fans as they will probably have a decent following but for home fans its a waste of time. The attendance for the first home games is often reduced due to holidays and some supporters still playing cricket and Bristol City are hardly renowned for causing trouble and I can't see loads of ticketless fans making the trip from Bristol to try and get into home areas. It looks like the police are once again regarding NTFC as a "cash cow" to pay overtime to police officers to watch the traffic problems as fans try to leave Sixfields.

Fortune100 at 9:56:42 Wednesday July 18 2001
I was once given a kicking by 5 knobeheads claimimg to be NAT in Visage, even after my protesting that I had been a fan for 20 of my 25 years. I sincerely hope that this element is not still going around claiming to be fighting for NTFC or anything to do with the club.

Hotel Ender at 9:52:21 Wednesday July 18 2001
Here we go again - Northants Police should put in a bid to join the Board - cos it seems they run the club - they've just made the Bristol City game all ticket - crowd predictions? 5500 instead of over 6000?

Ki Ki at 9:38:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
Hows the house Hector?

Vince at 9:35:56 Wednesday July 18 2001
I think its a bit unfair to say that the Directors of the club lack ambition - the simple facts are that they are doing a job which no one else is prepared to do and have to do that job knowing that the income that can be acheived from a ground witth a capacity of 7500 is limited, the commercial oppurtunities are more or less bringing in as much income as they can and short of selling a player for big bucks there really is no other significant source of income. I'm sure that any of the directors would stand aside if someone was prepared to take over and put significant sums of money into the club. It's hardly the fault of the existing board that they don't have the wealth of the late Jack Walker, Max Griggs et al. Yes, we all think we could do a better job than the existing board and when it comes to certain issues such as all ticket games we probably could. As I recall the last time the club showed what some fans would describe as ambition was when Dick Underwood was chairman and all sorts of players were signed on the basis that they would bring success/promotion. We all know what happened and if the club are not careful the signings that were made last year could lead us down the same path. There is a difference between ambition and reckless ambition which could easily lead to us not having a club to support.

Hector at 9:33:32 Wednesday July 18 2001
It seems to me us as supporters want it all ways ? Five new players at i would suggest at a considerable cost to the club, a need to be prudent springs to mind. It would be financial suicide not to balance the books with Forrester going { two goals in the last eighteen games ? ) All this talk about what he is worth means nothing, he's only worth what another club would pay for him, be honest how many clubs have come in for him ? Fans want it all ways , i would rather have a club next year than the board commite financial suicide .

NTFC@2view at 7:55:39 Wednesday July 18 2001
Rodney, you plonker!

NTFC@2view at 7:54:40 Wednesday July 18 2001
All this bleating about JF - and some of our youngest supporters have yet to see him score!

lee howeys kit sponsor at 1:2:44 Wednesday July 18 2001
we cant sell jamie for £200,000 thats ridiculas (sorry about the spelling it is 1:00am) lets all hope that kev sorts out the team before 11th august and hope we can have a sucessful season?!!!!

Rodney at 0:54:34 Wednesday July 18 2001
I understand the anger re JF; what I don't understand is the incredulity. We all love our club but surely we all know deep down that the people who run the club - the board of directors - have never had any ambition. Not in the late 70s when I started to go and certainly not now. They would like 1st Div football if it didn't cost them anything. Dream on the board.

TherealslimMartinW at 0:22:0 Wednesday July 18 2001
According to Wycombe Wanderers sources, Lawrie is all set to talk to Jamie Forrester about the £200,000 move. The two clubs are working out a way to pay. It sounds like that if Jamie wants to, he will go. The offer has been on the table and it has not been rejected. Sanchez is on record as wanting him, although he did not want it made public. If it goes through it WOULD BE A TOTAL SCANDAL. Please, protest to the club, e-mail do something, because this would be the worst thing ever. £50,000 profit does not make business sense. It's total and utter bollocks and it is time the board were told this. If Blair decided that the community charge was a rather good idea and should be reintroduced, it would be less of a scandal than this. Warburton and Heggs off? Pah. That has nothing on this. Not been disgruntled since the latter days of Atkins. This is up there with that period. And some.

Nole82 at 23:36:41 Tuesday July 17 2001
Now i have heard of NAT but nothing else, i have never seen or know who these ppl are though.

Anon at 23:16:31 Tuesday July 17 2001
Anon, you're calculation forgets his contribution. He didn't have his feet up watching tele when picked for the side.

rachel c at 23:11:0 Tuesday July 17 2001
here in dublin shame abou result last nite bye

Anon at 22:53:27 Tuesday July 17 2001
If Forrester goes for £200,000 have we really made £50,000??? Have we actually eh? Have we? I don't think so, when you consider signing on fees, wages, win bonus, goal bonus etc. Surely this amounts to around £50,000 at the end of the day. So maybe we're actually making a loss on Forrester.

Anon at 22:26:46 Tuesday July 17 2001
I hope Ray doesn't resort to 'airbrushing' out comments on here. As long as they are legal and no profanities, they should be allowed. This is the unofficial site and should be treated as such. Free speech anyone?

Hartwell at 22:16:14 Tuesday July 17 2001
Well, went to get my season ticket this afternoon. All neatly stacked in wicker baskets. Mine was nowhere to be found, though. The reason given was that the computer either wouldn't or couldn't run out the A's! Eventually it was decided to re-run them. By chance I happened to glance at the set and noticed the opening game (11 Aug) was not there. So the girl printed a replacement. Then I decided to count the tickets, and found I was still one short! That turned out to be the Brighton game. Eventually I managed to get what I hope is a full set. The wonders of science!

Anon at 22:11:30 Tuesday July 17 2001
Please let's have no more about this so-called/mythical "mob"

oh dear the kids are in at 21:57:35 Tuesday July 17 2001
Affray - never any Cobblers hooligans called the Bushwackers - the only "mob" of any note in recent years were the NAT as alluded to by Gareth - but can I suggest to Ray that this thread be deleted - we don't want kiddies glorifying in being wannabe hoolies

Affray at 21:53:16 Tuesday July 17 2001
Never any Northampton mob called that, last was the Bushwackers

Nole82 at 21:39:50 Tuesday July 17 2001
I class myself as a supporter who knows alot about our club but i have never heard of the below mentioned firm.

Chris W at 21:28:24 Tuesday July 17 2001
If your'e a Cobblers fan that hasn't heard of them then you can't really know much.

Gareth at 21:2:53 Tuesday July 17 2001
Does anyone know anything about a Northampton Affray team? I'm currently in Minnesota, USA, refereeing at a tournament and I bought a book at Gatwick to read on the plane about football hooliganism. There is an index at the back of the book that lists all clubs 'firms' that were known to the author, and the Northampton Affray Team was listed as our only one. Has anyone else heard of them, or know of them? I should point out that I'm NOT interested in joining them, just in finding out more about them, as I didn't class us as a club with an organised hooligan element.

MK18 Cobbler at 21:0:11 Tuesday July 17 2001
It seems Tony Naylor is delaying committing himself Cheltenham until the end of the week. Seems to me he is waiting to see what develops at NTFC with JF. Expect him to join the Cobblers if the board decide to sell JF. Like most people posting messages here, I think it will be a bad news day if JF is sold whatever spin is put on it because in the final analysis we would have sold (more likely undersold) one of the better strikers in Div 2 and that sends out exactly the wrong message at the wrong time to our loyal fan base who once again have bought season tickets in numbers that make the majority of clubs in our division envious.

Hartwell at 19:59:25 Tuesday July 17 2001
Informed Cobbler - I heard Barry Stonhill talking about the Jamie Forrester offer not long ago and he quite categorically said it was £400k. One of the reasons the directors didn't accept it was over their (justified) concern about a backlash from fans.

splat at 19:14:41 Tuesday July 17 2001
lets stop with all this negativity, keep occupied over the next 24 days and think of some more original, catchy songs to boost the atmosphere, which may have some good effects on the players? UTC

Anon at 17:49:47 Tuesday July 17 2001
informed cobbler you are the one making inflammatroy comments. Where have you come from all of a sudden or are you a regular poster using a different name???????

NTFC@2view at 17:26:14 Tuesday July 17 2001
No wonder we didn't score in the first half. Our striker, JF, was at Wycombe talking about leaving us. Allegedly.

Anon3 at 17:12:21 Tuesday July 17 2001
9224 - interesting theory - but the club has to look to the future and alternative sources of income. It can't just keep living for the present or ultimately we will always be lurching from one mini crisis to another.

Anon at 17:8:49 Tuesday July 17 2001
ray, when's the new website being launched - is this still going to happen?

Anon3 at 17:7:22 Tuesday July 17 2001
No, informed cobbler(!), they did. At least one board member was interested in receiving a Millwall player in a p/x. FACT. It doesn't really matter in any case, and you know full well that Jamie would have commanded well over £300K if he had been sold at the right time. What is the point you are trying to make? You accused me of being vague, then you say "one player who the cobblers were interested in was on £750 pw and the agent said he could get him for similar money but he wanted £40k in his back pocket". Not exactly giving it all away are you. Steve Riches, yes you are right but don't you think that the club might have worn the overdraft a little too long already and that's why they have to sell now?

9224 at 17:7:14 Tuesday July 17 2001
Sorry Mr Hodder, I didn't mean to be so unsupportive so early in your NTFC career. I wish you all the best, you have my full support (despite the implications in the previous message) we are all just VERY worried about the Forrester situation.

9224 at 17:4:52 Tuesday July 17 2001
Just one question, does the board realise quite how great a supporter backlash will result from this Forrester deal if it goes ahead. It also instantly puts Mr Hodder in an awkward position of being the extra money that Forrester's departure had to make up. I'd rather have a great striker than a Derby salesman any day. Incidentally, Mr Hodder believes that not being an 'emotive' Cobblers fan will help him to be objective. Fair enough, but won't it mean he cares less? There's a difference between being emotive and irrational (which I would probably be, having to see through my Claret-tinted spectacles) - I'd want an MD / CEO to care passionately about his concern, particularly when it concerns me so much!!

9224 at 17:0:37 Tuesday July 17 2001
Informed Cobbler, when you say end of next year, have you remembered that Forrester signed a 3 year contract? (Not criticising, just trying to work out if 'next year' means 01/02 or 02/03?)

Anon at 16:51:13 Tuesday July 17 2001
Steve, I admire your optimism (most unusual for a Cobblers fan!). Lets hope you are right and Forrester doesn't carry on where he left off last season - ie not scoring - and then leaves at the end of the season for nothing.

Steve Riches at 16:13:20 Tuesday July 17 2001
If we sell Forrester now before he starts banging in the goals again - which he certainly will - then we'll be the laughing-stock of the Division when the recipients sell him on for four times the amount. The trick is to wear the overdraft a bit longer and then REALLY cash in when he's on the up. And of course, when that happens, everyone will moan again because we won't want to lose him, but at least we'll have a healthier financial deal out of it.

informed cobbler at 15:55:21 Tuesday July 17 2001
vince..you are spot on ..the game is being killed because of agents and players greed..one player who the cobblers were interested in was on £750 pw and the agent said he could get him for similar money but he wanted £40k in his back pocket.

Bob at 15:38:37 Tuesday July 17 2001
Money doesn't talk, it swears!

Vince at 15:0:31 Tuesday July 17 2001
The situation with Dave Savage and his lack of a club (hopefully to be resoved soon) highlights how agents put their own interests before the players they represent. Having convinced him that he was worth a big pay increase at NTFC which if he didn't get he should leave I bet Savage wishes he was still at Sixfields being paid his old wage. Clubs like Barnsley who may have paid him more seemed to have lost interest and I can't see the likes of Colchester paying him any more than he got at NTFC. Thanks to his agent he could end up moving for less or even not finding a club. How these agents can convince lower division players that they are better off moving when the game is awash with players who are out of contract is beyond me. Presumably the agent only earns if he gets the player a decent move or a big pay increase?

Anon at 14:51:6 Tuesday July 17 2001
The Teamtalk site has almost as much gossip and rumour as this board, worth a look though if only for a laugh.

informed cobbler at 14:33:21 Tuesday July 17 2001
anon 3 you are talking bollocks..i can catagorically assure that they never mentioned any player swap and if they had put an offer on the table at anything remotely near £400k the club would have bitten there hands off..stop making inflamatory statements that have no basis in reality..get back in the real world

Anon3 at 14:30:5 Tuesday July 17 2001
Just one point, I'm not speculating about present events. I'm talking about what went on several months ago. I wouldn't expect anyone to lose sleep over it since we know the Forrester transfer didn't happen. Well informed? That's for you to decide. You have your own opinion and I won't criticise you for it. If you don't like it then just ignore it. I dare say that others on this board know more about the club than the average fan and therefore certain things ring true. I would also say that those interested in the financial status of the club etc can discover a lot by searching at companies house, look at the last set of accounts etc. If people are really interested they only have to keep their eyes and ears open. Unfortunately too many people are open to manipulation by blindly reading the papers and listening to "official" news because that is all they want to hear.

Hartwell at 14:22:15 Tuesday July 17 2001
I can't fault the cliche "speculate to accumulate." However before you can speculate you first have to have some money to speculate with.

The Drilling Cobbler at 13:56:50 Tuesday July 17 2001
Northampton T are officially top of the league! Log onto www.jamba.co.uk, register (quick and free) and play football trivia quiz. See the top scores of the week. And there I am, top of the table - makes me so proud!

Blowers at 13:39:41 Tuesday July 17 2001
Test Match starts on Thursday!

LITTLE jim at 13:20:29 Tuesday July 17 2001
Can`t see WANCOMBE wanting Jamie if they r about to sign Steve Jones

P.S. Saddo at 13:19:33 Tuesday July 17 2001
It's L O S E not L O O S E

Yes you are sad at 13:18:47 Tuesday July 17 2001
Grow up. How could any team ever beat any team in any league higher than the one they are in, and it is the middle of July, muppet.

SAD at 13:16:28 Tuesday July 17 2001
How can we loose 3-0 to a no-hope non league Irish team. Any player combination playing any system should have been far superior to Bray Wanderers. WHAT IS GOING ON.

More shite at 13:2:21 Tuesday July 17 2001
He makes it all up. It's easy if you have a go, just think of a name and some money and away you go. Most of you lot believe all that is written and it saddens me to think that you can't just wait until the new season, see what happens, and get behind your team anyway. Still I won't be losing any sleep over all the rumours and will be there with my new bright and shiny Season Ticket, oh yes my cup is always half full, but I cannot understand all these rants, tirades, speculation and mostly lies that spout from all these incredibly stupid 'insiders'. MY ARSE!

Come on at 12:47:44 Tuesday July 17 2001
Anon3 - give us a clue as to how you appear to be so well informed. A clue to who you are?

Anon at 12:46:36 Tuesday July 17 2001
Roll up, roll up, who is the next team that apparently wants to by Forrester? According to Teamtalk its now Wigan.

Anon3 at 12:37:11 Tuesday July 17 2001
informed cobbler you are not that well informed! Various discussions took place with Millwall including a player plus cash deal. Millwall really didn't want to lose the player in question nor were they happy with how the Cobblers board valued him so they offered just short of £400K for Jamie on a take it or leave it basis.

Anon at 12:2:11 Tuesday July 17 2001
vince..as i said i think that every club that has watched forrester realise that he wont make it above this level and ipswich think miller could make it..as for the club selling cheap ,i think that we probably do sell early but that is probably because we dont have the financial clout to take the risk that could result ultimately in no sale and losing the player under a bosman.

Mal at 12:1:53 Tuesday July 17 2001
Talk about stronger youth policy. I know a young lad with tons of potential from Milton Keynes who has just been signed up by the Direones. Reason being they have been scouting all the junior sides in MK, not just in Northampton but in a wider catchment area, where many, me included, cobblers supporters come from. Now his dad, brother and two uncles are going to be going to Direones games instead of Cobblers. Our guys have got to start spreading their wings and looking at the bigger picture.

Vince at 10:53:1 Tuesday July 17 2001
Informed Cobbler, what you say is true and any player is only worth what another club actually pays for him and not an amount that is suggested they might pay if they did buy him. However it does seem that NTFC never seem to receive "big money" when selling players and in real terms the last player to be sold who brought in a decent figure was Richard Hill. Other clubs in the region such as Cambridge, Colchester and Peterborough have regularly sold players for big money and only this week Ipswich paid Hartlepool £750,000 for a player who scored a similar number of goals to Forrester. It makes you wonder if other clubs know that they can always buy cheap from NTFC and that they know something that we don't!

informed cobbler at 9:54:41 Tuesday July 17 2001
can we please get rid of this notion that an offer of £400k from millwall was turned down by the club..the facts are that millwall enquired and tat was the figure quoted..they subsequently decided to take claridge and cottee on the basis forrester was not worth that money..there have been no other offers since..the fact is that forrester is a good 2nd division striker and that is where the interest will come from and it would be a miracle if a bid of any real size came in..also it must be remembered that by the end of next yr his value will diminish even further as he gets towards the end of his contract..nobody wants to sell but at some point that must happen because it is an odds on certainty that come next summer his agent will be telling him that he will get more money elsewhere and he wont sign for us..whether thats true or not..in howards case it was but savage was also of the misguided opinion that he could double his money and that now looks highly unlikely..the club has no choice in letting these players go because it cant afford to be held to ransom and they have to plan for the next season..so nobody doubts that forrester is an asset but in 12 mnths he could have no value let alone £200k..

Sid at 9:42:52 Tuesday July 17 2001
Anyone know who Asamoah is, the trialist who came on as a sub? I just checked on Soccerbase, and apparently he is a full Germany international with three caps - and played against Finland and Albania last month in World Cup qualifiers................ surely not......!!!

TWSP at 9:33:31 Tuesday July 17 2001
Excerpt from Teamtalk "Dave Savage is expected at Layer Road for talks this week." I am surprised that he has not found himself a club, with less than 4 weeks left to the start of the season. Heartening rumours linking Marco with Hartlepool. That would make grater financial sense by saving - or making available - £300k over two seasons than selling Jamie to Wycombe for £200k. Disappointing result last night.

Ray at 9:4:22 Tuesday July 17 2001
Far too many negative comments about the club recently. I will be getting out the blue pencil again if rumours about the future of the club persist.

Ray at 8:56:35 Tuesday July 17 2001
Not quite sure what you mean by your reference to the Official News being run by different people. It comes direct form the Club - and always has done. To sign up for any of the email groups, just click on the logos at the top of this page. You will need to register with Yahoo Groups to do so.

Paddy Cobbler at 0:59:32 Tuesday July 17 2001
Dear oh dear, out thought, out fought, outplayed and outscored. Bray Wanderers 3 Cobblers 0. A much fitter Bray team completely dominated this friendly in which Town looked very mediocre. Remember too that this is the League of Ireland's close season as well. Nice to see Cobblers "in the flesh" again tho'.

The Bicester Cobbler at 23:56:13 Monday July 16 2001
Ray, can you help me? I would like to join the WALOC email list but am not quite sure what to do once I've clicked your button above. I am on the official news list but joined up a while ago and the people behind the service seems to have changed. Also should I know a password? Help please. Thank you!

TherealslimMartinW at 23:23:23 Monday July 16 2001
Rhubarb and custard.

Anon3 at 22:52:47 Monday July 16 2001
Nah on second thoughts that would be a shameless attempt to flog a few more season tickets.

Anon3 at 22:51:55 Monday July 16 2001
Perhaps we should sell Jamie after all and go back in for Collymore. Wolves have admitted to talking to him today.

Anon3 at 22:50:33 Monday July 16 2001
Gabbi has bust ups everywhere!

Hotel Ender at 22:47:22 Monday July 16 2001
The fact Hartlepool might be in for Gabbi might hold some credence given they've just sold Tommy Miller to Ipswich for £750,000

Nole82 at 22:46:9 Monday July 16 2001
Yeh but didnt Gabbi have a bit of a bust up at Hartlepool when he played their with Darlo?

Rodney at 22:45:49 Monday July 16 2001
Someone was asking earlier about R&D's youth policy. They already have 2 very young midfielders - Mills is one, can't remember the other's name - who are being tracked by Premier teams. We need to start producing our own players. Mickey Bell was the last one of any note!

Anon3 at 22:38:10 Monday July 16 2001
Hang on a minute- Hartlepool are selling Tommy Miller to Ipswich for a million! They might just be able to afforf Gabbi's wages!

Nole82 at 22:32:50 Monday July 16 2001
Aye he isnt too good is he! Anyone know how many people travelled to Ireland to watch the games?

Anon3 at 22:32:20 Monday July 16 2001
Yes but everyone forgets that the Spanish government gave Real Madrid the land on which they built their training facilities for free many years ago. Now the football club have cashed in big time and helped sign the best player in the world. A similar act of generosity by the council (give NTFC Sixfields) would be much appreciated!

Anon3 at 22:29:38 Monday July 16 2001
I hope that I never see Keith Scott in a Cobblers shirt. Slowest of the slow....

Nole82 at 22:20:42 Monday July 16 2001
I see Keith Scott didnt feature!

Ray at 22:6:4 Monday July 16 2001
Thats a better deal than is being offered to Season Ticket holders South Beds Cobb - I really don't think its on.

Ray at 22:4:50 Monday July 16 2001
Probably by subscribing to Cobbnews...

Nole82 at 21:58:11 Monday July 16 2001
How dya know that NTFC@2VIEW?

South Beds Cobb at 21:56:54 Monday July 16 2001
How,s this for an idea to help our cash flow problem,if there is one! Any supporters buying 10 tickets of their choice, in bulk get one game free and gaurenteed cup tickets etc, advertise the offer on radio the chron even on the side of busses if needed, if 1000 fans take up the offer it would leave very little room for casual fans ,and hopfully create a stampede on the box office. LOL

NTFC@2view at 21:49:48 Monday July 16 2001
Bray Wanderers 3 Northampton Town 0

Nole82 at 21:36:50 Monday July 16 2001
Now im sure recently Real Madrid sold off their training grounds to pay off their debts!

NTFC@2view at 21:30:18 Monday July 16 2001
'Their assets are on the field' - AND ARE THE FIELD! They both own 100 000 plus stadiums, training centres etc. What would we stick up as collateral for Ronaldo?

TherealslimMartinW at 21:18:15 Monday July 16 2001
The fact is that the only players in our team young enough and good enough to really profit from any sale are Jamie and Hunty. The significant thing about Jamie's comments in the Chron are when he said: "I'm happy to stay." Because in my view we just cannot sell Jamie for just £50,000 profit. It is as narrow minded as the very real prospect of us not buying him last season because of the cost - when it was clear that he would eventually become a bankable asset. It's called taking risks which is what business is all about and NTFC must be seen as a business. The problem we have is that the players we are buying do not look like they will be bankable assets in the future. We have to hope that the young players we have might be, but at the moment they are very raw. The ones that were touted as such, Morrow, Thompson, Gould have ended up where? Shipped out. Because they were not good enough. My view is that we should be buying talented young players. Wolleaston, if we bought him, I think would be a bankable asset for the future. But we won't take the gamble, because it is a big risk and also his price may be way out of our range. But what if he was offered for £200,000. Would anyone take that risk. They would be concerned if he doesn't make it. As a chairman, with a limited footballing knowledge, do you rely on the expertise of Willo? He very nearly did NOT when it came to buying Jamie. I think selling Jamie, now is very narrow minded. He should be told to get out there and prove himself so that he can move on - but when the club get a decent fee for him. Otherwise we end up with nothing on the field that looks like an investment for the future of the club. I am only too aware of the financial problems of clubs the size of ours. But I also know that you have to speculate to accumulate. Look at the likes of Barca and Real who are massively in debt. Their assets are on the field. We should be investing more heavily in youth, otherwise the likes of Griggs will with Rushden, if he hasn't already, and cream off the talent that NTFC should be nabbing. I have to say that I remain cynical about the refusal to sell to Millwall for £400,000 last March, if we have not yet ruled out the Wycombe offer. Cynical? Why? Because it would smack of the board keeping Jamie until such time as the season ticket holders renewed. And of course by that time his value would have plummeted. WE MUST AND CANNOT SELL JAMIE NOW. And I would encourage as many people as possible to e-mail the club with their messages to this effect. A £50,000 profit is more than ridiculous - it's scandalous when you consider the history. As Jamie said: “I’m happy to stay, but the club haven’t said they’ve turned the bid down. I think everybody knows the club’s financial position. Until they have agreed a fee there’s not a lot I can do.”

Nole82 at 21:17:58 Monday July 16 2001
Yeh i got in so to speak! Its a pretty good board just very quiet! Theres always a good talking point but its never really busy at all which is why i am on here!

Anon3 at 21:1:12 Monday July 16 2001
Nole82 did you get "admitted" to CC2? Everyone else that expressed an interest in it doesn't appear to have come back. Is it any good then?

Anon3 at 20:57:45 Monday July 16 2001
Hartwell/Rodney - the new youth coach we've got (I forget his name) came from Mansfield, where they now have an excellent crop of youngsters. Stuart Watkiss has taken a lot of credit for this and has now been promoted to asst manager there, so it's not easy to say how good this new coach is. Without wishing to sound too pessimistic (again!) I think it takes a lot more than a coach to create a successful youth system. However the new CEO comes with a good track record at Derby, albeit in a slightly different capacity. Apparently he came here to further his career. He's certainly got a job on his hands.

Nole82 at 20:40:35 Monday July 16 2001
*Wanderers

Nole82 at 20:30:15 Monday July 16 2001
Im sure we are playing Bray Wanderes tonight!

Not as young as I look! at 20:21:44 Monday July 16 2001
Hey Dave don't knock the yoof policy! What about Paul Stratford, Peter Hawkins, John Gregory, Phil Neal, Neil Townsend, Ade Mann, Wakeley Gage, just wait until these whippersnappers break into the side. Cyprus or Nerja this year?

Courage at 20:13:45 Monday July 16 2001
Game? Didn't even know there was one Leon. Too busy having a cold beer and a gander through MOJO in the garden. Season don't start for another twenty-five days and eighteen hours or so, so let's enjoy the sunshine and not having to wear any socks!

Hartwell at 19:57:54 Monday July 16 2001
Yep, Rodney - the new CEO will need to generate a large amount of additional income otherwise I cannot see how such an appointment can be viable, given our financial circumstances. I have been away for a while so may have missed something. But has the exact role of the new CEO actually been spelled out in public ? As regards the development of a good youth structure that is something this club has been very remiss about over the years. It has been patently obvious that in the long run we must bring on home-grown talent rather than keep relying almost entirely on purchases. Yet the club has continued to buy players rather than invest in youth. The youth set-up we have at the moment just isn't up to the job as it hasn't produced players of suitable calibre/character for Div 2. Regarding Sixfields, I would be very surprised if the Council were to sanction any further expenditure on it. They have taken enough flak as a result of their present commitments.

Nole82 at 19:54:30 Monday July 16 2001
Thats a mighty fine idea! What time did the game kick off tonight?

Courage at 19:38:8 Monday July 16 2001
Think about having a beer Leon!

Nole82 at 19:25:9 Monday July 16 2001
Im baffled by the clubs current financial state, i just dont know what to think!

Rodney at 19:15:6 Monday July 16 2001
Question for Ray: why has the official site today quoted Jamie F commenting on the club's dire financial position when the club itself has been very quiet on the subject of late? As I suggested this afternoon, where did the money come to hire a chief exec. a new youth team coach, expensive players like Burgess? Are we financially ******** or not?!

Rodney at 19:11:49 Monday July 16 2001
Just read the article about Hodges. If the manager is really interested in him, why not take him to Ireland rather than injury-prone 34 yearold striker: Keith Scott. Teamtalk is linking Gabbi to Hartlepool. We could soon be operating with 2 strikers!

Anon at 19:2:20 Monday July 16 2001
http://www.planetfootball.com/Article.asp?ARTICLE=52101 LEE HODGES could be about to sign for Northampton Town after it emerged that the midfielder has been engaged in talks with Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson. The 27-year-old confirmed that Town have shown an interest in him, also revealing that he has already turned out for the team. "I played for the whole 90 minutes in a trial game against Walsall on Friday," he revealed. "They have gone to Ireland this week but the manager has invited me back next Monday so I will just have to see how things go." It is also understood that Hodges has been involved in negotiations with Wycombe Wanderers and Notts County.

Anon at 18:59:41 Monday July 16 2001
Where is this club statemenr about Jamie coming home?

Anon3 at 18:4:48 Monday July 16 2001
Yes I might sound pessimistic but I did say below that results on the field will be the deciding factor. Don't overlook the power of the council in the future of NTFC. They are effectively wasting taxpayers money year upon year by retaining Sixfields. Surely they would benefit in the long run by cutting their losses? Similarly, this club cannot go forward without owning a ground on which to base investment, expansion and so forth.

Hartwell at 17:45:54 Monday July 16 2001
In fairness to Jamie, according to tonight's Chronic, he hasn't had any contact with Wycombe and that all he knows is that Wycombe have made this £200k offer. Anon3 has probably summed up the situation pretty accurately and while some might say this is pessimistic it's just being realistic. We can't delude ourselves. The possibility that the consortium (or anyone else for that matter) might be just sitting back and waiting for us to go back into administration before making a move is pretty chilling. Yet it's logical from a business point of view. The more you look at it, the less appetising the club would appear to be to an investor right now. What depresses me the most is that under Barry Ward the ship got refloated and that once on an even keel we remained in the black while he was on board. But once he left the club it appears the club has once again plunged back into the red and it appears ever more deeply. As to what may or may not happen at Diremonds, that is something I know and care nothing about. It's the future of this club that is my consideration. And I'm not happy at where we appear to be right now.

9224 at 17:3:12 Monday July 16 2001
TCMP - Please reassure us that the board is not about to agree to the grossest undervaluation of a player since the Warburton saga!! Ok it's more than we paid, but he's accumulated much more than 50k in his year with us and if signing all those new players was always to be at the expense of Jamie why were they sanctioned? Wycombe's offer is derisory, they are no bigger a club than us and are insulting both Jamie and NTFC by offering so low a figure. If Jamie is pressured to leave then regardless of the stirling work the board does for NTFC they need to look at themselves in the mirror and ask if it really is NTFC's best interests they have at heart. If Jamie is truly given the choice and even considers a move to Wycombe, then I'm afraid it says a lot about his character, allowing us to draw comparisions with Steve Howard. I read an article in Total Football yesterday which basically translated the footballers' standard "I just want to win things" claim, into "Give me more money!". If Jamie moves and cites the reason as being money, I'll be disappointed but will understand, but will find it unforgivable if he comes out with the "Wycombe has more chance of winning things/are more ambitious line" and, again, regardless of his great year for us, will not afford him a warm welcome back to Sixfields. Rant over, sorry but had to let it out!!

Anon3 at 16:55:31 Monday July 16 2001
On reflection perhaps I answered myself. The answer for any potential investor, of course, is to wait until the club goes back into administration, do a deal with the creditors, hopefully some of the players will go of their own free will and then at least you have a cleaner slate to start with.

Marriott at 16:55:0 Monday July 16 2001
Well, I'm in Ibiza at the min, so the web site is the only way of me finding out any info on the cobblers for the next week or so, have to say, I'm very worried about the Forrester thing, cant the club actually tell us what is going on? honesty is always the best policy!

Anon3 at 16:51:43 Monday July 16 2001
Yes Hartwell, the club isn't well positioned for a takeover! Why? Well suppose you had a load of cash to turn the club round. What do you do? Quite frankly, as good intentioned as the current board are, all they want is to get out of quite a deep hole. It always comes down to money, whether they love the club or not. So to get rid of them, they want their loans repaying. So now you've got total control but your pocket is lighter. Now what? Pay off the overdraft. Why? It will soon grow again. So you decide you need more income, how do you do that? Buy the ground off the council? Do that and you're out of cash unless you've got one hell of a lot of money. Set up a proper youth system? It will take years before you have a chance of getting any return. Decide to go for promotion? Bigger clubs have tried and failed. Besides, how do you offload most of the current squad when most of them aren't going to get a better deal anywhere else? So basically, anyone who wants to buy the club has to buy the infrastructure that many other clubs already have: ground, youth academy etc. Just to get the club facing the right way again would require (I guess) about £1million over the first 2 years. Who's going to do that?

Nole82 at 16:33:39 Monday July 16 2001
Well im looking forward to the new season and cudnt really care who is wearing the claret shirts come the first game,no matter what they have got my support! Still id love it if Jamie stays!

MONEYGRABBERr at 16:17:33 Monday July 16 2001
Look there is one bright side to this!!! it may be far away but while our club is in financial peril you have to remember in about ten uears time the Dimonds will of run out of money and then they will be up shit craek and they won't have enough money to buy a paddle cos unknown to them and Griggs money doesn't grow on trees

Anon at 16:15:25 Monday July 16 2001
And if we did have a sugar daddy you lot would be moaning at the quality of the players, football and the fact we'd never have a shit season.

Anon at 16:14:42 Monday July 16 2001
Can't see what your all moaning about, we're always skint, always selling our best players for a tracksuit and set of footballs and until we have a sugar daddy we will continue to do so.

Hartwell at 16:9:19 Monday July 16 2001
Anon 3 - yes, and I wonder if the bank might not have already instructed the directors to reduce the club's widening deficit. I have always said - and will continue to maintain - that the board has done everything it can, given its very limited resources. They are all great fans of the club and I for one am very grateful for all they have done and all the money they have put into the club. However they are the first to admit we need new blood and more importantly a great deal of additional cash. Barry Stonhill has always said he would welcome any potential benefactor so long as he/they had the best interests of the club at heart. Barry has also said many times that the club is well-positioned for a takeover. That, unfortunately, is hardly the case. Yes, we are a big town and there's potential here. But we don't own the ground and have considerable liabilities and (players aside) have little in the way of assets. If, indeed, Jamie Forrester and Marco Gabbiadini do go, we will indeed be a very thin squad.

Nole82 at 16:6:12 Monday July 16 2001
yes but if u believe what teamtalk says then u really are a monkey loving apple muncher!

Anon at 15:10:35 Monday July 16 2001
Further cost saving measures? - according to Teamtalk Gabbiadini may be joining Hartlepool!

MARK at 15:3:52 Monday July 16 2001
THAT IS WANT TO BE TOP OF THE TREE NOT WONT AS IN MY LAST POSTING.

MARK at 15:1:31 Monday July 16 2001
Why dont the board just sell up now they might still get a good price cos soon we will be in adminstrition and the club will be sold for a £1 like swansea. Season after season we have to have a small squad and no money and stay injury free, it is time for a change, evrey bid what comes in over 50k the board will snap it up. So i think barry and co should sell up and get out. We wont to be at top of the tree, We always start off good then fade away cos of we wont stay injury free and wont bring in anyone else cos we have no money. Also jaime will not be a cobblers player come start of the season he will be off this week as he has contract talks not family reasons.

Anon3 at 14:41:17 Monday July 16 2001
Hartwell/Rodney - you are absolutely right. I expressed concern about where the club was heading at the end of last season but no one really seemed to believe it, thinking I was mischief making when I posted information about the consortium. It's no coincidence that they did not follow up their initial (strong) interest once they had reviewed the club's books. They concluded that the board's valuation of their own shares was unjustified given that the club was facing spiralling debts (in which case their shares are worth exactly zero). In my opinion the board's current strategy is only leading to a lot of money going out of the club (which it hasn't really got anyway) but stands no chance of getting a return on (long term loan deals). This ethos has got to change or at some point the club's bank etc are going to say enough is enough. The only way forward is for the club to produce its own players through the youth system, which quite frankly seems years away given the current situation.

Anon at 13:3:16 Monday July 16 2001
Club Statement says Forrester returning home from Ireland - 'For Family Reasons' COME ON NTFC - what do you take us for?!!! Tell us the truth for a change instead of rediculous lies. We all know why he is coming home.

George at 12:58:49 Monday July 16 2001
the board tossers? I think the great majority who post on here stating their loyalty may first want to look in the mirror! GIVE IT, AND THE REST OF US, A BREAK . . . please!

the board at 12:55:10 Monday July 16 2001
speculate to accumulate? - dont you need money in the first place to be able to do that?

The Bored.............................................. at 12:35:26 Monday July 16 2001
Speculate to accumulate tossers..........................

Hartwell at 12:34:15 Monday July 16 2001
Rodney - it all looks so familiar, doesn't it ? To be honest the most recent annual report doesn't give a very clear picture of the club's finances. However if I recall right, the AGM was told that there was a trading deficit of about £1m. Now that figure is almost certai9n to be higher and in that respect is close to the figure under which we last went into administration (£1.2 million if my memory serves me well). It's clear, without major cash injections from whatever quarter, the club will continue to struggle to remain competitive on the pitch in Div 2. As I say it's the same old story - when have we ever had a respite from this scenario? As to any relief from a consortium buy-out, that appears as afar away as ever - or at least from what I know it does. Seems like we might just have to struggle on in the usual manner, trying to get as much as we can from a small squad, bolstered by one or two (hopefully) good long-term loan players. That is about as good as it'll get as far as I can see until or unless we do indeed get an injection of capital from a takeover. We are told the club is well-placed for such a thing but it never seems to materialise.

David at 12:32:14 Monday July 16 2001
I dont understand. If we are so skint then how, as somebody mentions below, do we afford wages for Burgess, McGregor and Lavin. Surely, if we was so terribly poor, then we instead of signing these we would of bought in some youth players. However, I may be answering my own question now by suggesting that, that would highly increase your chances of a shit season and therefore relegation. So maybe the board have to go somewhere in between where they spend as much as they possibly dare, that will take them to the brink of financial ruin, but hope that they will get bigger gates, live TV games, playoffs or promotion therefore making up for the money that they have spent. Or, perhaps I dont know what I am talking about!!!!!

Anon at 12:12:3 Monday July 16 2001
You don't have to be a genius to see that the club are not exactly flushed with funds. The accounts for the 12 months ending June 2000 showed a substantial accumulated loss and since then nothing has happened that could rectify the situation - we have not received any substantial sums from selling players, the income via gate receipts has not increased significantly and we have not had the benefit of cup runs and apart from the Fulham game only one live TV game. The cost of players must be much higher and barely covered by any increased revenue received for being a Div 2 club. A repeat of the problems of the early 1990's may not be that far away and we may have to accept that in the absense of a benefactor and/or a local authority who are prepared to expand the stadium (and fans who will fill it) that we are never going to have enough income to do little more than survive.

Splat at 10:53:20 Monday July 16 2001
The Ireland trip was funded by the Sixfields travel club, not by NTFC. Although i do agree about the quality of the opposition, couldn't they have gone the same distance East and played in a country that are reigning world and European cup holders?

Rodney at 10:45:13 Monday July 16 2001
Forrester's comments in today's Chron tell us all we need to know: the financial position is grim. A lot of people on here did not believe me when I said a few weeks ago that it is a FACT that the board met over the summer to discuss the possibility of going back into administration. The main reason they did not was the probability of an imminent takeover. Any imminent takeover - as I understand it - relies partly on Jamie being sold. One thing remains a mystery to me: how is a club which is financially ****** able to match Burgess' WBA wages, which they had to do in order to fight off rival clubs? How were they able to offer McGregor attractive wages to beat off other bigger clubs?

DSS at 10:44:28 Monday July 16 2001
Dickens Character, who other than Imposter b@stards on this message board said money was tight? You are the weakest link Goodbye

Anon3 at 10:34:27 Monday July 16 2001
The change of emotions on this board are amazing. One week we are saying that we are excited by the new signings and might make the play-offs, the next week the club is back in crisis and we are no hopers who are going down! True, the stories coming from the club don't look good at all but the season hasn't started yet and more than anything the future of the club depends on the results on the field.

Same old song at 9:57:5 Monday July 16 2001
You lot are sooooooooooooo depressing, GIVE IT A BREAK, or go back to school . . . . please!

Mr. Micawber at 9:49:6 Monday July 16 2001
If money is so tight and cut backs need to be made, why do they go off to Ireland for a week? I understand a playing squad of 22 have gone plus Wilson and his 'team' so how much will all that cost for flights, hotels, meals and travel etc. etc. I also find it difficult to believe that the 'quality' of opposition being provided over there could not have been found over here. OK so Wilson goes on about developing 'team spirit' but according to some of the players that is pretty good anyway. The question must be asked therefore, is the trip really necessary?

Nole82 at 23:40:42 Sunday July 15 2001
So ur saying if we didnt have Jamie u wudnt have bought a season ticket?

The Rock at 22:48:52 Sunday July 15 2001
the club is falling apart selling jamie would be crap if it wasnt for him we wouldn t sill be in the div2 we wouldn t of even got in it we oh him alot and leting him go wouldn t be far on us season ticket holders who have payed a lot of money to watch the go down again

the roock at 22:43:18 Sunday July 15 2001
letting jamie go would be a mistake did wilson not say he would not go for any thing less than a millon

Jim at 21:44:0 Sunday July 15 2001
I KNOW EVERYTHING!

NTFC@2view at 21:16:27 Sunday July 15 2001
The trouble is, Martin, none of us REALLY knows things that are going on. The reports of amounts paid, amounts offered etc are often not the real story. In Champ Manager you got different levels of insurance payout for different premiums. I usually had the 'send him to get seen to but pay his wages for the duration' level; I'd be surprised if we have superduper level at our beloved, but tatty club. My point about Roy is simply that, had he not been injured, he wouldn't be wearing the Claret and White; we'd have had a £million, but not him - allegedly. I fear we will never see that Roy Hunter again, but I'd be very happy to be proved wrong. As for getting less for Howard than we could have, that's simple. When we were offered whatever it was, he was part of a team riding high. When we got rid of him he was demanding silly wages and we took what we could get before he walked at season's end. At both times he was the same big-hearted donkey. The Jamie Forrester case is more complicated. I want to believe the best; the guy who turned up at the shirt ceremony even though he hadn't signed yet, endeared him to us as much as his goals. The other scenario is that we were the most likely to rescue him from his Dutch nightmare after failing to ensure his escape at Walsall and having done so, he's ready to leave us for someone else now we don't seem to be going to Div1.

Anon at 21:6:12 Sunday July 15 2001
BEZ - You have missed out on one important point about Asaba, his wages! What the Blades 'saved' on his transfer fee to Brentford probably went straight in his and his agents' back pocket.

Rolls at 21:2:52 Sunday July 15 2001
Loyalty, hmmmm . . . whilst I agree that the fans remain loyal to the club I would question their loyalty to the players/directors/managers. Just a brief scoot down these pages show just how fickle the average fan is; todays great signing is tomorrow's scapegoat. Steve Howard . . . carthorse, crap, donkey . . . scores a few . . . 'I always thought he had it in him' . . . signs for Luton . . . 'he was crap anyway'!

George at 20:59:9 Sunday July 15 2001
The Club belongs to the Town and its Fans. Players, managers, staff, all come and go, in some cases the Club and the Town get in their blood and they become fans but to the majority this is just another job in an industry much like any other. There is very little loyalty/security in football so you should not expect those that choose to work in football to show much loyalty either.

s.o.i.a at 20:18:43 Sunday July 15 2001
almost all lower league clubs are in the shit financialy, we're no different but 200k is a joke it would be nice for a change not to sell players for less than other teams have offered for them.please note board this is not good buisness

TherealslimMartinW at 20:16:42 Sunday July 15 2001
NTFC@2View, interesting point. Of course players are only loyal to those who pay their wages. Would you expect anything else? You certainly cannot every player to sweat blood for the cause just because they are paid, in this day and age. Do you not know people in your workplace who are just jobsworths? And they probably get paid the same as you. God we should be grateful for players who wear their heart on their sleeve on the pitch. If they were all like that, you would not need managers. The club will probably not be paying Hunter's wages if he is injured -as I would imagine there is some insurance for long term injured. So the thought of getting rid of a player because he is injured for a long time, is an tad merciless. My point was, that Hunter has been a loyal servant of the club. Unlike some players who are here today and gone tomorrow. We should just be a little more charitable to those players who have shown their commitment through their service.

MK18 Cobbler at 20:12:9 Sunday July 15 2001
Ssome slightly more optimistic news that throws doubt on an imminent transfer of Jamie Forrester to Wycombe. Steve Jones the Bristol City forward is training this week with Wycombe so that Sanchez can have alook at him with a view to a permanent transfer.

NTFC@2view at 19:49:57 Sunday July 15 2001
I have a few questions Bez. Are you saying that Forrester at £200 000 would not be a bargain for Wycombe because he's not as good as Asaba, who was only £95 000? Are you telling about the entry costs to complain, or does the size of their ground, which you also mention, explain why they don't need to charge as much? When you say that we should keep Roy fit, do you mean if he is ever fully fit again? I think that it is difficult to decide when continually paying a bloke for not playing changes from the decent to the foolish - but we've probably gone as far as we should. A post further down the page talks about Roy having sweated blood for Northampton Town and being as committed as you can get. Fine, you'd expect him to be while he plays for us and we pay him, but do you think that Larry and Razor give less to their present clubs than they gave to us? Don't forget, the only ones totally dedicated are the fans - the rest are doing a job.

Bez at 18:37:20 Sunday July 15 2001
I have a few points that I would like to make after reading knee-jerk reactions etc. I can tell how you lot react after getting dumped by your girlfriends. i.e. Hated Forrester anyway = bitter person with negative attitude and never talks to ex again. Love Forrester = Eternal optimist who struggles to get over stuff. The reality is Wycombe have made a £200000 bid for Forrester. Carl Asaba cost Sheffield United £92500. Having watched him in Sheffield with great interest (Incidently Mr. Stonhill, students get in for £5 and non concessions for £10, oh yeah and their Kop Stand holds more than our entire ground) and he is a much better player than Forrester. More strength, heart, confidence, height, shooting ability and I can go on. I know his contract was about to run out but THAT is a bargain, Forrester to Wycombe for £200000 is not a bargain, instead an audacious bid to test our resolve. Now if Stonhill does not have the resolve/funds to hold out then he should put the club up for sale. I have never doubted his love of the club but they treat the fans like the current government treat the electorate. Forrester is capable of 20 goals a season, so are Parkin and Gabbiadini if they get an early goal. Finally as for the Hunter pasting, If you were there at Wigan when the nightmare began for him you would have sympathy. He could have sued the Wigan Centre-back at the time for hacking at his knee to prevent the ball going out for a Cobblers throw. He didn't as he preferred to get on with getting fit. That man is our best player and if we can keep him fit, him and Hunt will have a greater bearing on whether we go down than Forrester. BUT I still want to keep Forrester to for once show the fans we can hold on to our best players.

Rodney at 18:13:44 Sunday July 15 2001
Wycombe have a very rigid pay structure and have already missed out on a number of players because of this. It is very doubtful that they would pay him more than we currently do. So if the money is no better and the level - ie. Div 2 - is no better, then why leave? Is he jumping or are the board pushing him? Has he definitely flown to Ireland? If so it would appear to put off any move for the time being.

TherealslimMartinW at 17:10:11 Sunday July 15 2001
...would be a scandal. No wonder Willo is quite wisely distancing himself from any decision that is taken by his cleverly thought out comments about understanding the club's position. Make no bones about it, £200,000 for Forrester would be a scandal to put alongside all the others. But then it is quite possible Jamie might not want to go. He might have been unsettled last season. But look at the players we have brought in. Sam Parkin sounds like a more than adequate replacement for Howard. And it all looks very optimistic. Why would he want to go to Wycombe? Doesn't really make sense from his point of view. Having said that, I would still be happy of we achieved a midtable place next season. Avoiding relegation. Oh and the stuff that was said about Roy Hunter here is unforgiveable. The guy has sweated blood for the Cobblers cause and is probably as committed a Northampton Town player as you are likely to see. Leave him alone.

TherealslimMartinW at 17:5:11 Sunday July 15 2001
Wanting Jamie to go is a ridiculous notion. In fact going past mecca at the weekend, I really felt that someone, maybe myself, should put up a great big banner right across the front of Sixfields saying: "Don't go Jamie, we love you". Can't everyone remember how his goals got us to the Second while on loan. Have we such short memories that we can't recall his breathtaking trademark 'chip the keeper' goals of the first half of theseason. Everyone I spoke to thought he was class. God I was talking about remortgaging the house to help pay for his transfer fee because the club were umming and awing about buying the bugger. But to sell him for £50,000 more than we paid for him to WYCOMBE

yorkshire cobbler at 16:30:23 Sunday July 15 2001
I see that Sammo has a bbq at the westone hotel on the 29 july. I hope he gets alot of support at his functions. He deserves it. He's been really loyal to the cobblers.

Hartwell at 15:21:37 Sunday July 15 2001
Ah well, if Collymore does go to Wolves at least it will put paid to be one more of those silly rumours (that he might have been joining the Cobnblers)! Regarding Jamie Forrester we will just have to wait and see what transpires. I am still hoping he wants to play for us and that we keep him unless or until we get a significantly greater offer than £200k.

Anon at 14:25:26 Sunday July 15 2001
Former Walsall, Coventry and Stoke City forward Kyle Lightbourne is in Sweden for a trial with Allsvenskan strugglers Norrköping. Lightbourne, who has not found a new club since being released by Stoke, has been invited for a trial at Norrköping, who are in desperate need of new firepower after netting just 11 goals so far this season. The striker made his name as a free-scoring hitman at Walsall, but never made the grade at a higher level, and is now looking to resurrect his career abroad. Lightbourne, still struggling for full fitness, has four training sessions and a practice match to show under-pressure Norrköping coach Tor Arne Fredheim that he is capable of delivering the goals to preserve the team's top-flight status. "You can tell that he has not trained for six weeks, but he has proved that he is a good passer and his overall game is impressive," the coach said.

Hotel Ender at 12:36:6 Sunday July 15 2001
I have just sent the following e-mail to the editor of Sports First - anyone else see the paper today? The reason I am writing is because as an avid Northampton Town supporter I noticed a glaring error in the details about my club in this week's paper. I sincerely hope that opposition fans intending to watch their team at Sixfields do not follow the directions to the ground printed in your paper otherwise they would end up over 100 miles away!!! Unless of course the directors at Northampton have decided to groundshare with Norwich City without informing us first (a move I would not rule out knowing our directors!!). I hope you will find a way to rectify the error in the paper - otherwise if our gates are lower than expected next season we will know who to blame!

Anon3 at 11:54:59 Sunday July 15 2001
Strong rumours today that Collymore might be going to Wolves, his hometown club. I suppose his wages wouldn't be a problem for them and there is an incentive for him as they were the club he supported as a kid, and also were the club that kicked him out at 18 because he kept missing traininng.

Anon at 11:44:38 Sunday July 15 2001
lies, damn lies, statistics and cobblers comments

A Childs View at 9:40:28 Sunday July 15 2001
The previous MartinW wasn't him - more imposters again stirring it up!! Its even more deceitful than usual - taking snippets of intelligent comment and then twisting them to a ridiculous conclusion. I don't want Jamie to go, however, if he wants to then he has to be sold - but not to Wycombe - PLEASE!! I also agree with the comments below about getting tough with him and saying he has to turn it on for a few games so we can get a better price. At the end of the day, we rescued his career in bringing him back from Holland and he owes us as much as we owe him. This whole saga illustrates just how little the fans actually KNOW. Here we are, all speculating further to some words from Wilson, when in fact Jamie may be looking forward to the season and trying to form a forceful partnership with Parkin. In truth, we just don't know what is going on - do we??

Anon at 9:39:29 Sunday July 15 2001
Morning

Ray at 0:3:44 Sunday July 15 2001
No - Ray is still here.

Anon at 21:24:44 Saturday July 14 2001
There's enough bull**** going on behind the scenes at NTFC already so why would they want KC Nole82 involved?

Anon at 21:23:11 Saturday July 14 2001
Has Ray disowned this board now or something?

Anon at 19:31:44 Saturday July 14 2001
Lets hope MartinW goes to CC2 or Ireland or both.

Dixie mcneil&George Rilley (S.B.C.) at 19:18:52 Saturday July 14 2001
Jamie, please join us at the sideways club, other members include Mikey Bell, Steve Brown and many others, who down the years were shown the door to balance the books for chicken feed to clubs with less potential but more ambition! Despite having a lot less supporters than the cobblers, Wycombe still increase there ground capacity to 12,000.If this nightmare senario comes about, the blame must lay with the size of sixfields, i.e if the present capacity could be surpassed by 2000 for the five biggest league matches and two cup games, with away or home fans, then surly the need to off load our crown jewels at give away prices to lesser clubs would be a thing of the past. Im all for our best bettering themselves at bigger clubs but WYCOMBE for christs sake!

Me at 18:36:28 Saturday July 14 2001
I was talking to my friends about sport today while enjoying a carefree day out at the Amerivan Adventure theme park and we figured out that one of the rollercoasters that if all the roller coasters and aatracktions there were sold they could buy the cobblers out sell forrester and still have enough money to buy bloody deacent players. But i guess what i am trying to say is that i am fedup wioth the current board and think they should all go to hell!!!

Hartwell at 16:50:9 Saturday July 14 2001
MartinW is, I think, being a little harsh on Jamie Forrester. He says Jamie "will never perform for the club." I don't think any of us would have been heard saying that in the first half of last season, when he was scoring more regularly than any Cobblers player for many a long day. I guess we have short memories. Sure he went off the boil in the last part of the season and from what's been said here it may well be that he'd lost faith, especially after the sale of Howard. The crux of the matter, now, is whether he really wants to continue to play for us. If he does he must get his act together and work hard to capture his form and get among the goals again. If not, then as I said before, I must reluctantly agree with those feel he should go. There may, indeed, be other pressures at work here - ie the need for the Board to recoup some cash. But as has already been said £200k won't go far these days, especially if Kevin requires a replacement. In the end this is just another chapter in the same old story - players come, players go....

MK18 Cobbler at 15:37:12 Saturday July 14 2001
It will be a sad day if Jamie Forrester leaves and I think the majority of fans will be very disappointed if he goes. Selling him may be an economic necessity but selling him at well less than his true value will be rubbing the noses of season ticket holders and true fans in the dirt and will send out a very negative message. In other words, any suggestion of accepting a £200,000 offer from Wycombe is an insult and the board had better take note.

Nole82 at 15:1:33 Saturday July 14 2001
Me take over? I see some good points today and DSS no abuse! Well i can see the plus points for selling Jamie but i really think he must stay, altho if kev has a suitbale replacement lined up then it could be deemed as good business.

Anon at 15:1:19 Saturday July 14 2001
If we got £200K for Jamie, that only pays Gabbi's wages and bonuses for another year.

Just think at 14:7:32 Saturday July 14 2001
If we had'nt signed Gabbi as well as forrester our front two would have been Forrester and Howard, a partnership which yeiled goals. A partnership which got us out of Division 3. If I was Joe Kinnear, I'd rustle up £210,000 and buy Forrester now. I think the board should come clean and tell us the EXACT financial position of NTFC. If our asset is available for £200,000 then I think somthing is wrong.

TherealslimMartinW at 13:39:18 Saturday July 14 2001
I don't understand the sentiments about what looks like the certaint departure of Jamie Forrester. He has never been a true Cobbler and will never perform for the club. I think it has been since he arrived that his only interest is in picking up a salary cheque. He conned us into paying too much for him from Utrecht by playing decently to start with then as soon as he has a contract he goes awol.What concerns me is that we are accepting an offer that is half of what we could get. So we should be getting a lot more for him. I will be glad when he goes.

Anon3 at 12:6:2 Saturday July 14 2001
I have it on very good authority that the club still owe Utrecht money for the Forrester transfer. Don't know if it is a large amount or small, however.

TherealslimMartinW at 11:52:55 Saturday July 14 2001
Understand the sentiments about what looks like the imminent departure of Jamie Forrester. But his heart isn't with the club. I think it has been obvious since a bid by Millwall in March was rejected before transfer deadline day as Steve Howard left for Luton for a paltry £75,000. A few weeks before that Willo said Forrester was in the million pound bracket. And remember the club turned down what was considered a pathetic £300,000 bid for him from Bristol Rovers in December, last year. What concerns me is that our bigget asset will end up leaving for a pittance. We bought him for £150,000 when he was just not playing for Utrecht and did not impress on loan. So we should be getting a lot more for him.

Anon3 at 11:51:54 Saturday July 14 2001
2view: the point is that none of the board can afford to just walk away. One way or another they have tied themselves to this ship and only they can decide whether it will sail or sink. None of the board members are rich enough to just liquidate their losses and say goodbye. They are stuck in the game of roulette for the time being. If the club goes down so will they to some degree. Having said that it doesn't appear to have stopped Knighton at Carlisle does it?

NTFC@2view at 11:48:3 Saturday July 14 2001
JF First 24 games, 15 goals. Second 23 games, 3 goals. £200 000 a good price. IF First 24 games, 3 goals. Second 23 games, 15 goals. £200 000 robbery.

Anon3 at 11:47:10 Saturday July 14 2001
DSS/Hartwell - yes I agree. JF is capable of 20 goals a season in Division 2 in a half decent team that plays to his strengths (ie has a good target man) and if he is motivated. But everyone knows that this is his level. Therefore his value is limited. If anyone really thought that we had the next Jason Roberts/Jamie Cureton/Carl Asaba etc then JF would have been long gone by now. The best plan of action for the board is to sit down with JF and his agent, tell them that the only way he will get a move is by recapturing his best form and that the club will not stand in his way if a decent offer then comes in.

NTFC@2view at 11:36:58 Saturday July 14 2001
If Nole82 makes the board go, who will keep the club afloat later in the season? Or is he poised to take over?

DSS at 11:2:8 Saturday July 14 2001
That dear Hartwell is the point coming from the not so rose coloured Jamie glasses brigade. He aint that good otherwise the footballing grapevine would have seen offers flying in without us knowing, and he would already have been sold.KW would have posted a regretful message via the Official News and everyone would debate the consequences.JF is not the player his supporters spout he is and whatever money we can get for him now is more than we will in the future.This is not a KC rumour but I will unlike him stand by my statement wrong or right.Sell JF NOW, his heart is not with the Club and hasn't been since the middle of last season. He doesn't give a sh#t about NTFC.

Hartwell at 10:53:21 Saturday July 14 2001
To be honest nor can I. How long has it been since we sold a player for any sigificant sum of money? My concern is that Forrester is the only player in our squad who has proved he can score a decent tally of goals. But if, as it appears from messages here, his heart is no longer in the club, the board is right to consider offers. Mind you, they aren't exactly pouring in are they ?

Anon at 10:6:30 Saturday July 14 2001
Who else could the club sell for a reasonable amount of dough? I can't think of anyone.

Anon at 10:5:22 Saturday July 14 2001
Morning

Anon at 9:9:26 Saturday July 14 2001
TESTING

Anon at 7:35:56 Saturday July 14 2001
Its not the fact that Jamie is going that cheeses me off, its the fee and the possible club that forces its way right up my arse. I dont want thim to go but when he does it has to be for a fee that is going to leave us in good stead for the future, how long will 200k keep us looking rosy for?

Nole82 at 0:20:0 Saturday July 14 2001
We have other assets just Jamie is our MAJOR asset. If the board sell him then i fear they may have to go also,they cant sell him its just not thinkable.

Anon at 23:37:3 Friday July 13 2001
The clubs only asset, don't you mean?

Anarchist at 22:43:4 Friday July 13 2001
I like many others have given Stonhill the benefit of the doubt over the past season or so, but if Forrester goes for peanuts - then Stonhill et al have got to GO!!!!! To con people into grudgingly renewing season tickets and then sell the clubs major asset is unforgiveable.

Anon3 at 21:39:33 Friday July 13 2001
MartinW- Willo may have a contingency plan but if the board sell Jamie to balance the books, any contingency plan will have to involve the club spending £nil. What managers want and what they get are often miles apart.

TherealslimMartinW at 20:24:11 Friday July 13 2001
Forgot to mention that Rob Wolleaston looked a class act last night. I really hope that we can get him for longer than three months. Seems to be a good passer, could take a man on, was powerful, tackled well and surged forward quite effectively. Could be top man for us.

TherealslimMartinW at 20:18:31 Friday July 13 2001
I think it was obvious that Jamie Forrester was unhappy that he was not moving onto a bigger club last season and played like that. And when Steve Howard went, he expressed his "disappointment". Basically he is pissed off and played like that towards the end of last season. He was firing on all cylinders until January and then just did not have that buzz that any good striker needs. Of course, if he doesn't want to be here, he should go. And all the signs, if Willo's statement is anything to go by it looks like it is only a matter of time. "I don’t want Jamie to go but I understand the situation at this football club," he says repeatedly in his press brief. But the disappointing thing is that we will probably get a lot less for him than we would have last season. I would worry if we were relying on Sam Parkin, Gabby and McGregor, although I am heartened to hear Willo has a "contingency plan" to replace Forrester. I thought McGregor was bought as a player who could step into a striker's role only if necessary. He is essentially a midfielder. Gabby is fab, but showed last season that he is a bit too slow at this level but could be good from the bench and Parkin is so far untried. I worry about where the goals are going to come from if Jamie goes. But we wait and see. I think that's why we went for Naylor. From what I hear, Cheltenham pushed the boat out to nab Tony Naylor, matching NTFC's offer, but the Glos club is nearer to the Potteries, apparently.

A Lad (Broke) at 20:17:33 Friday July 13 2001
I agree 100% This gambling business is a pain in the proverbial Jensen Interceptor. I know he needs to generate funds but please....

Anon at 20:13:15 Friday July 13 2001
I wish gareth wilsher would stop emailing me about gambling. I have no desire to waste my hard earned cash on jensen button finishing last in the grand prix or Gloucester to win some shitit cup final.

Anon at 18:56:52 Friday July 13 2001
Millwall won't be back for Forrester because let's face it, he is a good second division player when he wants to be but wouldn't pull up any trees in the first. Hence the relative lack of interest in him up to now.

Anon at 18:55:4 Friday July 13 2001
Nole82 - stop deluding yourself. We may as well plan as if Jamie has already gone. We will not see him start the season in a Cobblers shirt. As other clubs cope, so will we. We should go for Gabbi and Parkin and be a bit more direct.

NTFC2001 at 18:36:12 Friday July 13 2001
Judging by Wilsons comments Forrester will go sooner rather than later but probably not to Wycombe. The Board are probably using Wycombe's bid to see if there is any intrest from other clubs (Milwall) and if nothing comes in then wait and see how the season goes. 200k would be a disgrace but selling Forrest would allow us to get 2 / 3 players in and balance the books I predict that Marco will fire this season becuase i don't think he ever got on with Howard or John Hodge and they were the players supposed to be setting up his chances !! Was that bloke from Arse nal any good last night ? Greg Lincoln

Nole82 at 17:49:30 Friday July 13 2001
I dont think Jamie will leave, as surely he is taking a step sideways if he moves to Wycombe! If he moves then the reason has got to be for money and not to further his career!

Andrew taylor at 17:35:57 Friday July 13 2001
Never in the feild of FOOTBALL was so much owed by so many to JAMIE FORRESTER -Winston Churchills Ghost 2001 #I agree wioth the childs point of veiw jamie has had roumoured talks with other club but has never said to the press he wanted a move althoug every body knows that not moving to millwall was dissapointing for him he has a new striking partner that i hope he will get on with very well

Andrew Taylor at 17:29:14 Friday July 13 2001
I am Gunna miss da start of da season and i would like to tell every body this makes me extreamly pissed off

Stuck at 17:26:36 Friday July 13 2001
UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

A Childs View at 17:24:22 Friday July 13 2001
Some bad behaviour on here!! It is not acceptable to hurl abuse at Roy Hunter. The lad has been injured - its not his fault and, if we can get him consistently fit, he is a class act, not too mention Northampton through and through. Also, on what basis is everyone having a pop at Jamie? His goals were invaluable last year and only dried up when the form of the team took a dip. I'm not aware of him blubbing to the press and saying he wants to go? Fair enough he was dissappointed at the loss of Howard - the two of them played very well together so I think that's understandable!! The question is now can he play with Sam Parkin. Lets hope so!! Why is everyone in such a bad mood on here? It can't be the MK game - surely? Pre-season friendlies are nothing other than a kick about - they mean NOTHING and its ridiculous to read things into them. I'm off out now and I hope everyone cheers up a little before I'm back. We've still made good signings over the Summer, we've still got Jamie and we still have a season to look forward to!! Come on the town!!

Anon at 16:52:49 Friday July 13 2001
Fortune100: Behave yourself.

Fortune100 at 16:51:14 Friday July 13 2001
The town are going up! etc etc

Anon at 15:25:46 Friday July 13 2001
Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill expects to complete his fourth signing of the summer early next week when striker Tony Naylor will return to Whaddon Road to sign a two year contract. Naylor has been in three days of negotiations with the Cheltenham supremo and has gone away for the weekend to discuss the move with his family, although Cotterill expects no problems with the deal going through. Speaking on Friday lunchtime, Cotterill said: "I spoke to Tony for the second time today, we have agreed terms and he has passed a medical. "There are no problems and we anticipate the paperwork will be completed early next week. "We are very much looking forward to working with him and I am sure he is looking forward to working with us. "I think it is a great signing, Tony will score goals but there is much more to his game than that. He is a good all round footballer as well and I am sure he will turn into a big crowd favourite." Naylor joins Cheltenham Town with a proven record as a Football League goal-scorer, having found the net 72 times in 207 starts for his last club, Port Vale. He was offered a new contract by the Valiants at the end of last season but chose to look elsewhere and Cheltenham beat off competition from at least two other clubs for his signature. "Obviously my family comes first and I'm having the weekend to discuss things with them," said Naylor. "I was very surprised when Cheltenham first came in for me but went there with an open mind and I must say after speaking to Steve Cotterill I was impressed. "I think you have to like the person you are going to work for and I can't say any more than that. He seems a very genuine guy. "Naylor is also comfortable with both the travelling to and from Cheltenham and dropping down to Division Three, both of which could have been seen as potential stumbling blocks. "The good thing is I won't have to travel on my own because Chris Banks lives only 20 minutes away from me," he said. "I played in Division Three before when I was at Crewe and I had a very enjoyable time there so I have no problems about dropping down a level. "In any case, with a bit of luck perhaps Cheltenham Town can win promotion and be playing in Division Two before much longer." The arrival of Naylor follows that of defender Keith Hill, goalkeeper Carl Muggleton and former Robin Steve Jones into the club this summer. Tony Naylor, who is 34, began his career in Manchester area non-league football and was spotted playing for Droylsden in the Northern Premier League by Crewe Alexandra boss Dario Gradi. He joined Crewe for £20,000 and made 122 League appearances scoring 45 goals. Port Vale then paid £150,000 for him in July 1994 and he went on to play 253 League games (including substitutes) and scored 72 goals.

Dave Bowman at 15:25:24 Friday July 13 2001
...something really awful is going to happen... it is friday the 13th you know...

CLARET COUNTY at 15:9:53 Friday July 13 2001
Diamonds are for ever ? or for as long as griggs cash lasts, forever is a long time.

Anon at 14:58:9 Friday July 13 2001
Is something wonderful still going to happen, or was that it, last night! JUST AWFUL.

Anon3 at 14:44:19 Friday July 13 2001
Rodney/Hartwell - As I understood it, the £400K deal for Jamie might not have been a straight cash deal. The reason it was refused was because Millwall wanted part of the fee to be offset by giving us a player in exchange. The board did not want that particular player they were offering but were interested in one of Millwall's other players (not Harris!).

little jimmy at 14:23:35 Friday July 13 2001
Did Darren Currie just sign for Wycombe for 200k? or am I deceiving myself?I think that is where the money supposed to be for Jamie went to.

Hartwell at 14:8:29 Friday July 13 2001
Rodney - to add a little more meat to the bone, one of the reason's the Board didn't accept Millwall's £400k offer was their concern over possible fan reaction at the time. In hindsight they probably now wish they'd taken the money! Some fans have been criticising Jamie Forrester's contribution and I would be the first to aaccept that his second half of the season's strike rate was poor. But we must remember a)he was operating all season with precious little support from midfiel, which got less and less as the season wore on b)every goalscorer suffers a loss of form at sometime c) it was Jamie's goalscoring allied to Welch's goalkeeping that together kept us within a shout of the play-off places for four months. So let's not be too critical of Forrester. Someone said it doesn't matter if he goes because we've got more options now. Yes, but none of them have yet been able to prove themselves. How many of them will score as many as Jamie did next season ? Of course we just don't know, but to lose Jamie would be to lose the one player we have who has proven his ability to score goals for us. Nobody else in the current squad has done so, even the one(s) on large salaries.

A call for Ray at 14:6:41 Friday July 13 2001
Ray when is the new official site coming? Seems like most of the Division 1 clubs have theirs up and running.

Anon at 13:50:51 Friday July 13 2001
HELP... I've just reallised it is Friday the 13th.. Is it good that nothing bad has happened yet, or bad that there is still half the day to go..I think I will go back to bed.

Anon at 13:36:6 Friday July 13 2001
This club really should have little time for overpaid prima donnas who play all their football with the mouth. Are you listening Marco. And as for Jamie Forrester, can we really afford a player who only plays for half the season. I think if both players left we would hardly know the difference.

Anon3 at 13:20:27 Friday July 13 2001
Well, well, well! I go away for a few days and all hell breaks loose. I'm not going to gloat but why all the furore about Jamie? I have repeatedly told you that there was no way the club could afford the purchases/commitment to contracts it has made this summer. Now reality begins to bite. Quite why the directors have done things this way round I don't know. Personally I don't think it too clever to spend past your limits when all the other clubs know it. Anyway, it's not the end of the world, we have other options up front now. From information that I have previously been given, I am led to believe that we bought Jamie on an instalment plan and some amount is still outstanding. In my opinion that is the real reason why it has suddenly been decided that Jamie will be leaving. Someone is applying pressure from somewhere.

TIRED OF THE SAME OLD CRAP at 12:54:18 Friday July 13 2001
Now that Roy Hunter is fit again, (well nearly) can we sell him off to someone before he gets injured again, or catches a cold or something.

Anon at 12:42:8 Friday July 13 2001
How can you put a price on a player who clearly does not want to play for his club. If and when Forrester goes to Wycombe, at least he wont be a threat to us when he returns to Sixfields with his new club. We play them near the end of the season and well after transfer deadline day, so he would have lost interest by then. WYCOMBE BEWARE!!!

Sid at 12:31:5 Friday July 13 2001
Was very impressed by Carruthers last night, and Danny Lowe on the other wing, very raw talents with good skill. Gabbi was lazy (nothing new there) and Parkin, McGregor and Wolleaston all looked handy.

Anon at 12:21:47 Friday July 13 2001
I should have added he was not the only one who did not impress me. It might have only been a first kick around of the season but if we had won by a landslide we would all have started to be very optimistic for the forthcoming season As it was it was poor and perhaps we should not get too carried away over our chances this year - it could be a long hard season.

Anon at 12:8:44 Friday July 13 2001
To the lady who is Lee Howeys sponsor - I'm afraid I have some bad news for you, your waisting your money. He was absolutly awful last night and perhaps that Sam is right, off load him quickly.

Richard at 11:55:48 Friday July 13 2001
I would have thought about 1,000-1,500 people we there, mostly up by the bar but also spread right round the outside of the pitch.

Anon at 11:40:40 Friday July 13 2001
HOW MANY WENT TO WOLVERTON?

marco at 11:33:40 Friday July 13 2001
if jamie goes for less that richard hill went for 14 years ago then it's an absolute scandal. We must get at least 300k and probably closer to 500k in today's market

Fortune100 at 11:30:0 Friday July 13 2001
A simple equation. Decent Players = More Wins = More Points = PlayOffs/Promotion = Cash

Fortune100 at 11:20:31 Friday July 13 2001
I mean surely the book balancing can wait for 10 games.

Fortune100 at 11:19:27 Friday July 13 2001
Why don't we keep Jamie for a while, if he does well then we either keep him or surely the likes of Millwall will be back in for him at a decent price. If he's not doing so well then we can flog him to Wycombe for £200,000.

Richard at 10:56:19 Friday July 13 2001
Oh yes, sorry I forgot about our bargaining techniques, or lack or them. But seriously if they let him go for £200k they must have either a sell on claus or a bonus paid to us per goal or whatever. £200K for a man who will get at least 15 goals seems very cheap to me, and I am sure that with the Neil Harris situation Millwall will be back in for him, although Harris looks like he will be back playing this side of Xmas. I think without Forrester we will finish the season about 10pts or 5 places worse of than if we had him, so the board must weigh up the situation regarding relegation or play-off positions and see if £200k is the sort of money we have to accept.

Anon at 10:51:45 Friday July 13 2001
Richard, you've not been a Cobblers fan for long have you??? If you have you should know better. The board won't start an auction, they'll snap up the first offer on the table

Richard at 10:1:1 Friday July 13 2001
Who was the black lad playing centre midfield in the second half for us last night, he was wearing orange socks looked quite young and I think he came off early (not sure though) He looked a very good player, was he Rob Wolleaston. Not good news about Jamie but if we can get £300k plus (which I reckon we will now everyone knows he is available, we may get a bit of a Auction going on) then we will also save £150k on his wages for this year. We just need to up the performances of Marco and hope that Parkin, Mcgregor and any new player replacement we get in can do a good job to replace him.

big JIM at 9:25:24 Friday July 13 2001
hOW COME kEITH sCOTT SCORED FOR US? iS HE ON TRIAL/ iF SO ,wHY? iS jAMIE GOING?

BIG jim at 9:17:34 Friday July 13 2001
Will everybody E mail the club to try and keep JAMIE!!!!!!!!

The Drilling Cobbler at 8:22:1 Friday July 13 2001
Didnt Keith Scott play for Wycombe last season? The same Wycombe that are reportidly after Jame. In effect, that means we could be getting 200,000 AND Keith Scott! WOW! Thats what I call a sound piece of business. And its not from us either! ENCF, reference Cureton 250k sale - last season I was talking about this doon at Brisol to a couple of Roovers fans and that said that the reason why he had gone so cheap was because he had a pending court case coming up where he stood a good chance of going inside. Cant remember what it was for, but the allegations were pretty serious. So maybe Jamies been upto no good at Chicagos recently! And Roy Hunter - Shingles for f@@ks sake! Whats next for the poor lad - measles, chicken pox, piles, mumps - VD?He surely must be one of the unluckiest lower league players in the country. He would surely be gracing the premiership by now or at worst playing for an aspiring prem team in division1 on 10k plus per week if it hadnt been for all the injuries and illness's he has suffered. Come on Roy, get fit because we need you come August 12th. We are on the verge of having a great team next season - but also on the verge of having a side that will slip back down to the basement. Please keep Jamie - it is highly likley that he will be the difference. AGAIN.

Anon at 1:39:16 Friday July 13 2001
wowza

Nole82 at 0:47:21 Friday July 13 2001
I think you may have played along those lines for a little too long now DSS, to tell u the truth mate its just become funny, why do u come on here just to abuse people?

DSS at 0:44:1 Friday July 13 2001
Don't be such a twat KC Nole you bloody idiot

Nole82 at 0:29:56 Friday July 13 2001
Or if we are in such a state that we HAVE to sell Jamie hen why dont we offer him to Milwall for 300k or something.

ENCF at 0:18:44 Friday July 13 2001
What is it with The Cobblers??? Allegedly we received a bid which was considerably higher than £50,000 for Steve Howard early last year, turned down because "it wasn't enough." Millwall have offered £400,000 for Jamie Forrester on Deadline day, turned down because "it wasn't enough" Last I remembered £200,000 was LESS than £400,000!!! If we need to balance the books, fine, but for christ sake, lets not do a Bristol Rovers and let our players go for less than they're worth (Cureton to Reading - £250,000) We cannot let a player with the talent that Forrester has go for less than Richard Hill went for back in 1987. (All due respect to the legend that is Richard Hill of course.)

9224 at 0:17:45 Friday July 13 2001
£200,000 ??!!??!!??!! Are they having a laugh? They can shove their two hundred grand up their arse!

Anon at 0:13:6 Friday July 13 2001
that said, no-one will be more pleased than i will be if hunter makes a full recovery and shows anything like what he did before (except possibly stonhill, wilson and hunter himself that is!)

Anon at 0:11:41 Friday July 13 2001
Not bein' funny, like, but if he's unhappy why would we want him? anyone who doesn't want to play for the club can sod off as far as i'm concerned - no place at NTFC for egomaniacs. btw how long does a hernia op take to recover etc - how long will we be without hodgie. as for hunter, he's been a waste of space and money since feb 98 and i've seen no signs of that changing ever! i was really optimistic before i read tonight's news, now i feel like shit about the season again.

Dr Vernon at 23:12:49 Thursday July 12 2001
Apparently Roy Hunter has shingles. Is there any disease/ailment/allergy he hasn't had?

Rodney at 23:3:1 Thursday July 12 2001
Enigmatic/odd comments from KW tonight. Is the subtext: he will probably leave but my hands are tied? Certainly, he IS referring to the fact that the club is broke. I wish the financial situation could be eased without us selling one of our better players.

from official site at 22:40:3 Thursday July 12 2001
12 July 2001 Wilson – "I don’t want Jamie to go" Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win at Milton Keynes City on Thursday, Northampton Town Manager Kevin Wilson commented on reports linking Jamie Forrester with a move to Wycombe Wanderers. Wilson said, "A bid was put on the table for Jamie Forrester recently but nothing more has happened since then. I don’t want Jamie to go but I understand the situation at this football club. The options we have up front with Jamie, Sam Parkin, Marco Gabbiadini and Paul McGregor excites me. It’s not a case of holding out for a higher bid. I don’t want Jamie to go, but I understand the position here. I think we are slowly building a squad that can be a force in Division 2 and I want to keep hold of players like Jamie. But, if he does go, I do have a contingency plan to fall back on. But, as I’ve said before, I don’t want Jamie to go but I do understand the situation at this football club." 12 July 2001 Wilson explains trialists apppearance at MK The Cobblers side that won 2-1 at Milton Keynes on Thursday night contained two trialists, experienced striker Keith Scott and young former Arsenal trainee Greg Lincoln. Wilson said, "I took a chance to look at Keith Scott. He hasn’t got a club at the moment so it made sense to have a look at him while I could. It’s the same with Greg Lincoln. He is without a club so I thought we’d call him in to have a look. I’m not syaing these two will be joining us but it’s a case of being pro-active and having a look at players." 12 July 2001 Wilson happy with MK workout and explains absentees Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson was happy with his sides showing in Thursday night’s 2-1 win at Milton Keynes. After the game Wilson said, "We have worked hard on our fitness this past week and it was a good result, although that wasn’t my main concern. You know what you will get against sides like Milton Keynes but considering the lads had trained morning and afternoon today I only wanted to give them 45 minutes each. We leave for Ireland in a good mood with a lot of fitness work already in the bank. Jamie Forrester linked up well with McGregor and Parkin and that excited me. Daryl Burgess was a rock at the back and also showed up well." There was not such good news on the injury front however and Wilson said, "John Hodge didn’t play tonight because we think he may need a hernia operation. He is unlikely to go to Ireland and the same goes for Roy Hunter who is suffering from shingles and that has put his fitness back a touch. Ian Sampson had a slight strain but he was only left out as a precaution." 12 July 2001 Winning start for Cobblers The Cobblers began their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Milton Keynes City at Wolverton on Thursday night. In all the Cobblers used 23 players, with Kevin Wilson giving a run out to most of his squad. The opening goal came on 44 minutes, when trialist striker Keith Scott stabbed home from a Chris Hargreaves through ball to give the Cobblers the lead. The Cobblers boss made 11 changes at ahlf time and the home side levelled matters on 58 minutes before Jamie Forrester curled home a 20 yard free kick 10 minutes from time. The Cobblers side included 2 trialists, experienced striker Keith Scott and former Arsenal trainee Greg Lincoln. FIRST HALF TEAM; Welch, Dempsey, Spedding, Burgess, Hope, Hunt, Lowe, Hargreaves, Keith Scott (trialist), Gabbiadini, Carruthers. SECOND HALF TEAM; Sollitt, Lavin, Frain, Howey, Chris Thompson (youth), McGregor, Wolleaston (sub 84 Colgan – youth), Lopes, Forrester, Parkin, Greg Lincoln (trialist)

Spud at 22:5:14 Thursday July 12 2001
The Cobblers had Keith Scott playing the first half tonight.Had to leave a couple of minutes from time Cobblers winning 2-1.Hargreaves and Forrester scoring the goals

Rodney at 21:55:24 Thursday July 12 2001
The more I think about it the odder tonight's planetfootball article seems. Is it really Garreth Willsher's job to speculate about Jamie's future and - even more bizarrely - his potential replacement? Naylor, at 34, would hardly be an adequate replacement for a player just reaching his peak, would he?

Rodney at 21:37:12 Thursday July 12 2001
I agree with Hartwell's comments about Jamie. However, as I understand it, Jamie was annoyed that he wasn't allowed to join Millwall on deadline day. He spoke out - according to KW - after the Howard sale as well. I am slightly surprised by the fee being mentioned as I know that his agent was looking for a fee of over £400,000 in order to get a cut of the transfer. Who knows what the truth is?! I understand that it was 2-1 tonight. Was that the final score?

TRB Mark at 21:27:12 Thursday July 12 2001
I think you'll find that the Rushden Cobbler was being sarcy re his "sod the third etc" comments. I think there are enough supporters in Rushden Higham, Raunds, I'boro, Irchester, W'boro and Finedon to form and East Northants Supporters club and get our own coaches up.

Anonn at 20:17:52 Thursday July 12 2001
PS and when did Rushden become Northampton or am I missing something....

Anonn at 20:16:1 Thursday July 12 2001
After reading the following quote via Rushden Cobbler ha, bloody ha, "Sod the third of the supporters who come from outside town" I think I should keep my money in my pocket! I would have thought any support was better than none especially if it actually put money into the club! Obviously I thought wrong....

Hartwell at 19:46:18 Thursday July 12 2001
Yep, Fortune 100, indeed what we were badly in need of was a midfield that was able and willing to support the forwards. Like you, I was/am hoping to see Forrester score even more goals for us than he did last season, given a better midfield.I am unaware that Jamie is unhappy here. But if that is the case then I can at least see some logic in selling him, even at cut-price. After all, as Villa know to their cost, you can't keep player(s)who are unhappy and don't want to play for the club. I'm not for one minute saying Jamie doesn't want to play for us - I just don't know what may or may not be going on behind the scenes. If he is unhappy I wonder why. I believe he wasn't best pleased when we sold Howard to