Previous Cobblers Comments - July 1998

Steve at 16:42:2 Saturday August 1 98
Dave(Stoke Fan) - your on your way? The M6 must be bad these days if it's going to take a week to get here.

dave(stoke fan) at 21:44:27 Friday July 31 98
We are on our way. I haven,t got a ticket but what the heck

hartwell cobbler at 18:1:58 Friday July 31 98
Ralph - no. The covenant would be a private treatise placed on the land, probably by the original owners or those who turned it over for sporting use. In which case there is usually a trust which administers the site, in the same way as the Cockerill Trust oversaw the use and letting of the County Ground. I doubt the council would have any involvement in this at all.

Ralph at 17:21:56 Friday July 31 98
If it's the council who have approached Barwell to come in at Sixfields, would it also be the council who would ultimately decide on the covenant protecting The Gardens?

hartwell cobbler at 15:37:33 Friday July 31 98
Thanks for your message, Spin Doctor. I am very impressed with your inside information! This is indeed big news. Regarding the discussion yesterday about Franklins Gardens covenant I have been asking my own "Deep Throat" - he says, yes, there is a covenant on the site which precludes it from being used for anything other than sport. However, his comment was :"I don't think a little thing like that would worry Barwell" He believes such covenants can, in fact, be over-ruled, especially if none of the original signatories are still alive! Whether this is right or not I can't say. But one thing's for sure - Barwell would not buy such a key piece of real estate unless he was sure he could ultimately open up the Gardens site as development land if he so wanted.

hartwell cobbler at 15:37:25 Friday July 31 98
Thanks for your message, Spin Doctor. I am very impressed with your inside information! This is indeed big news. Regarding the discussion yesterday about Franklins Gardens covenant I have been asking my own "Deep Throat" - he says, yes, there is a covenant on the site which precludes it from being used for anything other than sport. However, his comment was :"I don't think a little thing like that would worry Barwell" He believes such covenants can, in fact, be over-ruled, especially if none of the original signatories are still alive! Whether this is right or not I can't say. But one thing's for sure - Barwell would not buy such a key piece of real estate unless he was sure he could ultimately open up the Gardens site as development land if he so wanted.

Ralph at 14:11:45 Friday July 31 98
Ray - What can one say? Bez - I'm skint, I got suckered into buying the new shirt which is a bit on the tight side.

Ray at 13:28:4 Friday July 31 98
OK - heres a "pedant" for you above - cut it out and wear it with pride....

The Spin Doctor at 13:15:6 Friday July 31 98
Hot news on the future of Sixfields coming from the only source which really counts. Keith Barwell didn't approach the Cobblers. It was the other way round. Sixfields is costing the Borough Council 300,000 a year, so they quite fancy getting rid of it. Barwell is going to buy it on a 125 year lease. The Council will ensure the Cobblers have full use. This is of course in Keith Barwell's interests, as he needs the income. The pitch will be re-laid with more hard-wearing grass. Barwell will extend the stadium to 12,500 capacity, to include executive suites. He will sell Franklins Gardens for residential development. When negotiaions started, he insisted on total confidentiality. This agreement was broken, not by him, but by someone on the Council. This will all happen - so brace yourselves!

Bez at 12:20:22 Friday July 31 98
That Richard Hope looked useful but maybe a little unsure of himself from time to time. Ralph why didn't you pay to watch it inside the stadium? You missed one of the all time great cock-ups by a cobblers player. Three cheers for Clarky!

Ralph at 8:24:47 Friday July 31 98
Ray - Wot's this about pedants? What colour are they, gold, siver? How much are they and how do I get one? I will certainly wear my Cobblers Comment pedant with pride!

Ray at 23:51:15 Thursday July 30 98
Just a reminder that u now have only 24 hours left to vote (and a few minutes for the pedants)

Ray at 22:45:47 Thursday July 30 98
Apparently the trialist was Richard Hope of Darlington.......

Ray at 22:42:26 Thursday July 30 98
Reported to the email group as: 1 Turley (Woodman came on mid way through the 2nd half);2 Gibb (Warner replaced Gibb with 2 minutes to go!);3 Spedding;4 Hill;5 Warburton (replaced by Clarkson mid way through the 2nd half);6 Bishop (replaced by trialist at half time, unsure of the name);7 Mathews (replaced by Frain at half-time);8 Hunt;9 Wilkinson (stretchered off in 1st half, replaced by Heggs);10 Corazzin (replaced by Chris Lee mid way through 2nd half);11 Parrish (replaced by Peer at half-time)

CHRIS at 22:37:8 Thursday July 30 98
CAN ANYONE TELL ME THE STARTING LINE UP AGAINST WOLVES AND ALL THE PLAYERS POSITIONS. THANKS.

Ray at 19:16:2 Thursday July 30 98
Latest reports say that Wilkinson, Sampson and Hunter will all miss the start of the season.

Ralph at 13:13:16 Thursday July 30 98
Bez - The West Stand was in the way coz I wuz watching from the bank outside the ground. I seem to be confusing everyone, I must improve my diction.

Ralph at 13:10:30 Thursday July 30 98
Sorry for any confusion - it would appear Wilkonson has fractured his cheekbone.

Gaz at 13:9:7 Thursday July 30 98
Wilkinson definitely suffered a head injury. He was rolled onto a stretcher after quite a time motionless, and taken straight down the tunnel where he was loaded onto an ambulance and whisked away. Brian Lomax said it was a cheekbone injury, in the bar after the match. On a more positive note it was another confident exhibition of passing football. Yes Corrazin looks reluctant to shoot with his left, but his all-round game was outstanding, and his goals were crackers! Clarky looked poor again, and 2:1 probably flattered Wolves.

Steve at 11:32:12 Thursday July 30 98
Mmmm, I'm a bit puzzled. One report says Wilkinson might have broken his shin, the other that he was carried off 'out cold'. Perhaps that should've been his 'chin'.

Bez at 10:49:10 Thursday July 30 98
The crowd last night was 2290. Ralph what do you mean the West Stand was in the way? Duncan Spedding looked very good indeed along with the main bulk of the 19 players we used. Corazzin's first goal was excellent but what worries me is the fact he turned the ball back onto his right foot when it would have been easier to hit it with his left. A great own goal by Clarky, he had only been on the pitch 2 o r 3 minutes! The Wolves fans cheered him for the rest of the night.

hartwell cobbler at 10:44:15 Thursday July 30 98
It looked like Paul Wilkinson was out cold when he let the pitch last night, which suggests concussion. The attendance, incidentally, was 2,100, Ralph. Chris - if you're right about that covenant it must clearly indicate the Barwell intends to redevelop Franklins Gardens. Otherwise, as you say, why buy Ritzy's ? Personally, I would think it quite possible to carry out the building work at the Gardens without them having to play elsewhere, unless they do it all in one contract. In which case Barwell may well go for short-term ground-sharing. In which case Saints would certainly be the sub-tenant and, pitch wear apart, I doubt whether it would affect the Cobblers.

Ray at 9:50:34 Thursday July 30 98
Well Brettys comment made me laugh at loud - best start to a morning for ages....

Bretty at 9:38:11 Thursday July 30 98
Sixfields will be the venue for the most home defeats in Div 2 this season - from a loving Col Utd fan

Ralph at 8:49:46 Thursday July 30 98
Rumour has it that Paul Wilkinson may have broken his shin against Wolves last night - confirmation anyone?

Steve at 8:30:59 Thursday July 30 98
Re - the Pot Vendor, perhaps the Boys in Blue should take a closer look (or should I say sniff) at those highly attractive floral hanging baskets suspended outside the Pot Vendor's office windows in St. Giles Street. How did the Cobbs get on last night against Wolves?

Ralph at 8:22:33 Thursday July 30 98
Had to watch the Wolves game from the bank last night, second-half only. Two good goals from Corazin gave us a 2-1 win. Not sure how the defence played as the West Stand was in the way. Crowd looked really small, around 2500 I guess.

Chris at 23:18:51 Wednesday July 29 98
Ray There is a covenant on the land that Franklins Gardens is built on. It can't be used for anything but recreation. Being the cagey chap that he is, Barwell never does anything straight forward. Who in their right mind would pay over Ł1m to have access to a playing field then move your club elsewhere. Expect the Saints at Sixfields next season while the Gardens are being rebuilt. In lieu of rent perhaps the council, in their infinite wisdom, have agreed to some ground minor extension instead.

RICHARD at 23:0:49 Wednesday July 29 98
Jolly good show, Ray! How about a sweepstake on the date and time (to the nearest minute) of passing the 50,000 mark? If enough people subscribe, we might even be able to raise enough to assist with the 6fields capacity problem, ourselves! (Well, maybe a deck-chair or two on the sunny side of the ground!)

Ray at 22:50:51 Wednesday July 29 98
whoooo - I missed it :-)

Ian at 19:4:17 Wednesday July 29 98
Another milestone passed (35000) with no comment. Success must be making everyone blase. I guess no big celebration until 50000 is reached. Before Christmas.....? Cheers Ray!

Ray at 18:21:0 Wednesday July 29 98
I wouldnt count all our chickens yet - it was suggested to me by that well known "Pot Vendor" that Barwell now has much more chance of selling the Gardens site to a developer as he can now allow greater access - and this is the real reason why he purchased Ritzys. hmmm - wonder if our boys in blue know about this bloke selling pot?

hartwell cobbler at 17:17:51 Wednesday July 29 98
Today's news that Barwell has bought Ritzy's and the pub next door suggests groundsharing is no longer likely. Barwell's comment is that he's now able, if he wishes, to develop the Gardens and give the fans the facilities they require. Acquiring these two sites means Barwell can improve access to the ground and increase car-parking - a further problem which was blighting Franklins Gardens. It also gets the Saints fans who don't want to move off his back. Having spent a seven figure sum on this purchase,redevelopment of the Gardens looks the serious option - although I'm sure he would be able to sell on these sites if a new home for the Saints was, in the end, still favourite. It does seem, however, as if the dye is cast and groundsharing may no longer be on the agenda. Which brings us back to the question of how Sixfields can be meaningfully expanded - or more precisely where the money may come from. As I've already said I think we have to rule out Council cash for anything more than a minimum increase in stadium capacity. Maybe in due course a further Football Trust Grant could become available. So, while we may no longer have worries about the consequences of dual tenancy, we are faced with the issue of how to find the resources of grow Sixfields.

SBJ at 13:53:55 Wednesday July 29 98
Just found out I'm working on Saturday 8th - no Stoke game for me, so please put lots of match feedback on the site. Any possibility of match reports from the Chronicle & Echo making their way onto the site? The occasional column in the Sunday papers and 30 seconds on Nationwide League extra at 4.00 a.m doesn't quite give all the required match info for Cobblers away from Northampton.

Bez at 12:52:46 Wednesday July 29 98
Barwell's bought the Ritzy nightclub outside the Saints ground for a 'seven figure fee'! The nightclub is shutting in January so does this mean that Barwell is staying at Franklins Gardens I wonder. By the way are there any Irish Cobblers fans about?

Ralph at 11:12:8 Wednesday July 29 98
Richard - The Sussex connection goes on . . I think I may have mentioned that I originally hailed from Saltdean, just outside Brighton although I've lived in Northampton for twenty-odd years.

hartwell cobbler at 8:53:9 Wednesday July 29 98
Richard - yes, I entirely agree with you that the current capacity of Sixfields is not enough and that it must be increased. While the Barwell Fields scenario is still potentially fraught with problems - in particular the Cobblers status in any joint leasing arrangement - it is presently the only avenue open to us which will lead to significant ground expansion. It has been said on this site that Barwell's quoted figure of 12,500 is not enough and the stadium should be expanded to 15,000. I think you will find that, in fact, Barwell's ambition is to initially increase Sixfields to 12,500 - with a further option to increase it further, if required, at a later date. Don't forget he's also talking about at least 30 exec boxes, which could offer enormous extra earning potential for the Cobblers. I still have an entirely open mind on groundsharing. It could prove extremely advantageous to the Cobblers, so long as the club's tenancy position is in no way compromised. As I have said before, this one's set to run and run...! In the meantime, roll on 8 August!

RICHARD at 1:36:13 Wednesday July 29 98
Ralph: I went to Millwall for the 2nd leg League Cup tie (remember the penalty shoot-out? - 2-0 to Millwall after 10 penalties!)It was my first time in a new, relatively large, purpose built stadium and, I must admit, I was reasonably impressed. And the lack of numbers (approx 4,500) didn't seem to dampen my enthousiasm for the game (the noise which greeted John Gayle's last minute 'equalizer' was phenomenal). Admittedly, a day in, day out support which only filled a 200000 capacity ground with less than an average 6000 might leave a lot to be desired in the 'atmosphere' department, but theirs is a culturally displaced following. We have shown steadily increasing gates as success has teased. Excluding the away capacity, we have regularly filled the available seating to, or near to, capacity. Hartwell cobbler: What concerns me about the Barwell situation is the influence he might eventually bring to bear. If the Local Authority allows him on the board in response to his cash influx for ground expansion purposes initially, what will happen if he offers more and more cash for improvements. Under a lease arrangement, presumably, he has no say. But how long will the Council prevail under a cash-strapped administration? Bez/SBJ: Sussex is certainly a hot bed of NTFC support; I'm Crowborough Cobbler!

Ray at 18:36:57 Tuesday July 28 98
Is this also available through the shop John?

John Whelan at 18:2:44 Tuesday July 28 98
"UPTON WAY" BY QUENTIN JONES IN MAY 1996 NORTHAMPTON TOWN FINISHED THEIR SEASON JUST THREE POINTS OFF A POSSIBLE PLAY-OFF PLACE IN DIVISION THREE. AFTER YEARS OF STRUGGLE AGAINST BANKRUPTCY AND RELEGATION AND FOR SURVIVAL, A NEW AIR OF EXPECTANCY HIT THE CLUB. "UPTON WAY" DESCRIBES THROUGH THE EYES OF A SUPPORTER WHAT THEN HAPPENED AS THE COBBLERS EMBARKED ON THE 1996/7 SEASON THAT WOULD INCLUDE THEIR ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY. IT CHRONICLES THROUGH TO MAY 1998, THE END OF THE CLUB'S CENTENARY SEASON. THESE TWO SEASONS PROVED TO BE TWO OF THE MOST REMARKABLE IN THE CLUB'S HISTORY. IF YOU WISH TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BOOK AND HAVE YOUR NAME PRINTED IN A ROLL OF HONOUR INSIDE, THEN PLEASE SEND A CHEQUE FOR Ł9.99 ( INCLUDES Ł1 p&p) TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS. UPTON WAY PO BOX 702 OLNEY MK46 5FH. PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO QUENTIN JONES AND STATE IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR COPY SIGNED OR NOT. THE SUBSCRIBERS DEADLINE IS 7 SEPTEMBER 1998. INTENDED PUBLISHING DATE IS 24 SEPTEMBER 1998. ISBN:- 0 9529117 1 X

hartwell cobbler at 17:38:19 Tuesday July 28 98
oxford cobbler - it isn't the council's attitude which prevents any meaningful expansion of Sixfields. It's lack of available cash. As regards creating standing areas, while many supporters appear in favour, that is not government, sports council or football league policy. Safety is their number one concern in sports stadia. And quite rightly. Following Heysel, Hillsborough etc soccer could have begun a terminal decline. While we may not agree with all Taylor's recommendations they have restored the game to health, forced clubs to consider spectator comfort and safety and paved the way for an unprecedented influx of cash. I know much of that money has, up to now, been for the fat cats of the Premier League. But I think in due course, with good facilities and good marketing, the football league clubs should be in a position to improve their lot.

Ralph at 17:20:44 Tuesday July 28 98
Millwall have a stadium that holds 20,000 and when we went there last season there was 6,000. The atmosphere was non-existent. As regards taking seats out of the North Stand; as I understand it this is against the loan agreement with The Football Trust which was for an all seater stadium.

Ski at 16:7:24 Tuesday July 28 98
Try this for the Stoke Oatcake Fanzine site http://www.oatcake.co.uk/ See you all on the 8th. Ski

SBJ again at 14:16:15 Tuesday July 28 98
Ray - the link to Stoke City through your fixtures list takes me to a company called Trading Spaces: shurely shome mishtake? Will you be putting up a list of pre-season results on the results page? It's really only our scorers against Tamworth and Bromsgrove that I'm looking for, but a full list like last year would be great. Ta.

ray at 14:15:34 Tuesday July 28 98
The email address for the chron is, editor@normerc.co.uk . The "pink 'un" now appears as a supplement to Mondays Chron.....

SBJ at 14:11:1 Tuesday July 28 98
There's certainly merit in the argument that stands are good for atmosphere: I remember a good lot of noise from our lot in the away stand at Fulham last year, and that was about the worst stand I can think of outside the Jewson League. Incidentally Bez, I also know a Cobblers season ticket holder in Sussex - a guy called Adrian - maybe there's a nest of us down there?

COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 13:17:19 Tuesday July 28 98
I am aware at this crucial time of Pre-season build up how unapropriate this question may be but does anyone have an e-mail address for the Chronicle and Echo as I would love to get back in touch with local events.And while I'm at it is the "Pinkun" still on the production line?

The Oxford Cobbler at 13:17:0 Tuesday July 28 98
Anon - I too prefer a full ground! I was replying to the Hartwell Cobbler who was concerned that a 12,500 or 15,000 capacity would be too big if we had a bad season. I personally feel that it is a very negative attitude as I believe that the club has the potential to pull in an average gate of at least 5,000 if the bad old days returned. Unfortunately, the council has the same attitude and therefore without outside investment the ground will remain as it is. As you said atmosphere is a personal thing. In my opinion the it is a contridiction in terms to mention the words "atmosphere" and "all seater stadia" in the same sentence. I am all for a small areas of the ground being converted to terracing. Why not take the seats out of the North stand? This would sort the atmosphere and capacity problem over night and I would defy anybody rejecting this idea on the health and safety grounds.

The Oxford Cobbler at 13:16:40 Tuesday July 28 98
Anon - I too prefer a full ground! I was replying to the Hartwell Cobbler who was concerned that a 12,500 or 15,000 capacity would be too big if we had a bad season. I personally feel that it is a very negative attitude as I believe that the club has the potential to pull in an average gate of at least 5,000 if the bad old days returned. Unfortunately, the council has the same attitude and therefore without outside investment the ground will remain as it is. As you said atmosphere is a personal thing. In my opinion the it is a contridiction in terms to mention the words "atmosphere" and "all seater stadia" in the same sentence. I am all for a small areas of the ground being converted to terracing. Why not take the seats out of the North stand? This would sort the atmosphere and capacity problem over night and I would defy anybody rejecting this idea on the health and safety grounds.

Bez at 10:49:16 Tuesday July 28 98
Jesus, A lot has happened in the 2 weeks I was in Barcelona. Whilst I was shopping there I happened to come across another Town fan from Sussex, who is a season ticket holder. You see now we get everywhere! I also met a couple of Burnley fans. They reckon Damien Matthew is quality on his day, and can pass a ball onto a Sixpence from 40 yards whilst on others he couldn't hit a barn door at ten paces. Sounds like another Heggsy to me. The Burnley lads don't hold out much hope for next season as they are yet to sign anyone. Our last seasons loan signing Gleghorn has joined Altrincham on a free. Shows how good he is! Who is Duncan Spedding and who is Karl Simpson? The Sun said Spedding cost Ł100000 is this true? Sorry about all the questions but 2 weeks without the Cobblers is a long time. P.S. Heybridge 0 COBBLERS 0

Ray at 10:22:56 Tuesday July 28 98
Only three days left to vote!!!!

Ray at 10:14:5 Tuesday July 28 98
Good point "anon". Even if the Saints and the Cobblers do have to share then we will still be the major user and should therefore have the greater say - not sure how well this would go down with Barwell though.

Anon at 9:52:1 Tuesday July 28 98
The issue of atmosphere is, of course, a subjective one. Pesonally prefer a nearly full stadium to a half-empty one. That is just a side issue, really. The crux of the wole groundsharing issue is of course cost. If we want Sixfields expanded significantly and soon, then groundsharing is the only option currently on the table. Unless someone with big money comes joins the Board I can't see this changing. Even then its questionable whether they would put cash into a structure which the club doesn't own. As Oxford Cobbler rightly says, groundsharing is not altogether popular but might be the best compromises situation. I am in favour, but only if the Cobblers are guaranteed at least equal rights to the stadium's use. After all we are the major user and have been from the start.

The Oxford Cobbler at 9:0:6 Tuesday July 28 98
I am sorry but 12,500 (or even 15,000) will not be a problem with respect to atmosphere. There will be no difference between 3,500 (ave crowd in crap season) or 6,000 (ave crowd in a good season) in that size stadia. The biggest difference would be the lost revenue that those extra seats would generate. I am not infavour of the groundsharing scheme. However, if it's the only route to increased capacity I might have a change of opinion.

hartwell cobbler at 18:52:39 Monday July 27 98
kevin - ref Barwell's intentions for the capacity of sixfields - I believe he sees the initial expansion as being up to 12,500 (against the designed-for maxim of 15,000). The actual amount of expansion is of course driven by just one thing - cost. Without groundsharing we will be lucky to see another 1,000 seats added as neither the council nor the Cobblers have the cash to do the work - and there's no guarantee that any grants will be forthcoming. There has to be a sense of reality to all this. Also, bear in mind neither the Cobblers or the Saints will necessarily take the world by storm. It's not written in stone. In which case the stadia could actually be be too big, the result being to scatter the crowd with a subsequent loss of atmosphere. It is important to keep a sense of perspective on this.

Ray at 18:11:17 Monday July 27 98
The reserve teams fixtures are already on the web - at the address I gave a few days ago (and the Worthington Cup matches are also there)

Peter at 15:17:14 Monday July 27 98
What are the dates for both the Worthington Cup matches against Brighton ?

Kevin Simons at 14:14:37 Monday July 27 98
Goal was scored by Karl Simpson, trialist from Norwich City. I hope Paul Wilkinson isn't going to be a permanent feature of the line up. Anyone know his career scoring record? And any chance of putting the reserve team fixtures on the web? As for a 12500 capacity Sixfields - that might serve Barwell's ambitions for the Saints but is this really the limit of the Cobblers' ambitions? If it is then the club should say so now and save people the cost of a season ticket.

Anon at 13:50:49 Monday July 27 98
stoke fans are obviously crap at maths, 10000 does not fit into 7000.

cockney cobbler at 13:49:42 Monday July 27 98
according to the nationwide league page for the cobblers a karl simpson scored the cobblers goal who is on trial with cobblers,but ian sampson was carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury

Ray at 12:14:2 Monday July 27 98
Anyone know who scores our goal at Cambridge? (btw - we lost 2-1 for those without the information)

hartwell cobbler at 11:8:22 Monday July 27 98
The recent centre page spread on groundsharing in the Chron & Echo threw up a few new twists. Firstly, it confirmed what had been reported here earlier - that Barwell is indeed in negotiations with the council to lease (not buy) sixfields. Secondly the remark that Barwell's a Cobblers fan, admired what IA has achieved and sponsors the youth team to the tune of Ł20k a year (anyone else know about that?). Thirdly, it gave a glimpse of what he actually wants to do with sixfields - laying a new pitch (presumably one which will take the strains of rugby and soccer), extending the stadium to 12,500 and adding some 30 exec boxes. Reading between the lines it looks possible the council will be prepared to do a deal. However the one thing that still might scupper the whole ball of wax are the saints fans. Looking at their web site they appear, up to now, to be pretty muted about the whole thing - perhaps they don't actually believe Barwell is serious. Well, I have news for them ! He's a very focussed and determined man who doesn't waste his time. Be sure he'd not be into this if he wasn't serious about it. If Barwell and the council come to an agreement I wonder what overall reaction of Saints fans will be ? I suspect a large number will be totally opposed. Barwell will be certain to listen to them, especially if the groundswell is large and vociferous enough. This is one which is certain to run and run. On a different tack, thanks Richard for your pre-season prognosis. Having seen the Chelsea match I'm also optimistic. It also looks as though we're prepared to play the ball on the ground more and pass and move. It can't have gone un-noticed how often Turley threw the ball out. I wonder whether this is part of a new tactic, whether it's just something Woodie never does, or whether the whole shape we saw on Friday will change once the cut and thrust of league games starts. I seem to recall we played the ball around well pre-seaosn last year!

Ray at 0:38:27 Monday July 27 98
The reason why you have only been allocated 960 tickets is because this is the limit for away supporters. Its not good turning up without a ticket - you just wont get in.

stoke mad at 22:34:39 Sunday July 26 98
No disrespect to Northampton but why have you only give us 800 tickets. Is this what going down means? I,m going whether I,ve a ticket or not and so will about 3000 travelling fans. I,ve never missed a Stoke match for 10 years and I dont intend to now.By the way 2-0 to the Potters

RICHARD at 1:34:15 Sunday July 26 98
I feel constrained to impart a few words on the forthcoming season, in light of the pre-saeson matches to date upon which we which have had some interesting feedback and comments. It would appear that, contrary to the usual pattern of early season fortune, we have acquitted ourselves with a degree of respectability. By all accounts, we seem to have a squad this time around which will have to fight for places in almost every department(will Billy push Woody to greater achievements?). The early signs are good; the prognosis is favourable; the players we have are worthy of Div 1 footie. All that remains is: 46 league fixtures from which we require approx 78 points; maybe a few cup games to add a little extra-curricular entertainment; full houses all season long; plenty of shirt buying regardless of the nausea it might cause devout non-stripeys; firm backing for IA, whatever the early results produce; and the right club structure/management, whether it be ground-sharing or otherwise. I haven't felt as positive about the start of a new season for years, despite the varoius activities going on, off the field. I hope my optimism is not ill-founded and come May next year, we'll be wearing the new kit with pride and looking to a bright future either via Wembley (though it would be an anti-climax to go for a third year in succession, wouldn't it?)or more satisfyingly, through automatic promotion, of which we are surely capable. We have to guard against the 'Wembley loser' syndrome, which befell the likes of Brentford and Swansea amongst others, but their plight came through over-optimistic expectation. We have bought well (builing on last season's sensible acquisitions); pruned the squad sensibly (I was particularly pleased to see Warner retained in the firing line and doing well); shown an appetite for the game in pre-season, which may have been lacking in previous times (commendable result v Chelsea, by all accounts). I shall be spending a small fortune travelling to Sixfields and away games this season. I'm not concerned though; I'm sure my money is well spent!

Bob Whitworth at 23:1:37 Saturday July 25 98
Steve, Thanks for the summary of the game against Chelsea - much appreciated. Only hope that your views of what you saw leading to a promising season bodes well when the real action starts. Delighted that new signings impressed - I must say that I had my doubts about Wilko.

hartwell cobbler at 18:35:38 Saturday July 25 98
steve - well said. I couldn't agree more. Especially about the shirts. I have been saying the same thing - we don't play in stripesd. The last time we did that was in Barnwell's days - and he nicknamed them "butchers aprons." Do you recall that ? Yep - Chelsea were good value for money and we did play some neat football. I hope that's a sing of things to come. But we've seen that before - only for the ball to get thumped into the air once the real stuff starts! I also feel we're in for another good season, though. Certainly likely to be interesting all round !

Ray at 16:16:41 Saturday July 25 98
You'll just have to make sure your available for next years presentation Steve. Anyway - its not as if your going abroad - u could be an "away" supporter for the day.

Steve at 14:59:51 Saturday July 25 98
A few points. Cobblers were pretty impressive last night. I don't care what anyone says - that strip is going to take some getting some used to. It looks horrible. It just ain't us. I guess designing new shirts should be a bit like new buildings. Being up-to-date is good, but there has to be some 'link' to tradition (a good example in architectural terms is the new Guildhall extension which is stylishly modern, yet fits in really well with what's next door). In the case of the Cobblers, the tradition is that WE DON'T WEAR STRIPES. The design is terribly cluttered and is just trying to be clever. It also fails on the commercial front. The idea is surely that the sponsors name should be clearly legible. Well it isn't. We were within 25 foot of the touchline last night and all you can see is a big pink hole in the middle of the shirt. No way can you read the word 'Nationwide'. This must surely mean something to the sponsors. Would it be a complete waste of energy to bombard Nationwide with our views, in the hope that they might consider re-designing it, for the sake of their own brand recognition as well as our own delicate tastes. Enough of that rant. Now the important stuff. I was pleasantly surprised last night. I had anticipated a dull evening watching a bunch of over-paid continental posers strutting around trying to avoid being kicked to death by their coarse and hairy country cousins. On the contrary, what we had was a good night's entertainment with Chelsea pretty committed and the Cobblers giving a good acccount of themselves. We gave them one or two scares, which was encouraging. They won 2-0, which was a fair reflection. It was great to see some flashes REAL skill on and off the ball. Chelsea looked pretty impressive in all departments. The best bit for me was simply how well the Cobblers played. It would seem that Atkins biggest probl;em this season is going to be keeping all of his squad happy - a problem more usually associated with the likes opf Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal Man.U. e.t.c. Wilkinson and Corrazin looked as though they knew what they were doing. Wilkinson making a better job of holding the ball up thgan Big John Gayle was ever capable of. Corazzin looked sharp (possibly something of the Seal od 12 months ago). Matthew looked fine, as did Warner and Hunt. Spedding looked very good on the left of defence, but then so did Ali Gibb. I would have thought there was a definite doubt about Clarkson. O.K. he's fine in defence, but if one Cobblers player is guaranteed to give the ball away when we're going forward, it's him. There's a real problem as to who's going to play on the right side of defence - Gibb, Hill or Clarkson. There's also a problem on the left side, where you've got Frain, Spedding and Warner all capable of doing a job at left/wing back. Then in midfield - who are going to play out of Hunter, Parrish, Hunt, Matthew (I'm unkindly assuming that Dean Peer is out of contention), and upfront, who will it be from Corrazin, Seal, Heggs, Freestone and Wilkinson. I suppose Atkins is assuming there'll be injuries and just wants to keep himself well covered. If that's the case, then I reckon he's done a pretty good job. I just hope he can keep all the non-playing members of the squad happy till the injuries come along. One last thing - I am sorely fed up that as the provider of the Internet Player of the Year Trophy, I will be unable to join Ray in making the presentation before the Stoke match, due to being on holiday. I would like to make it clear that the bloke from Church's is not me but my brother, and that I am very peeved at missing out on my moment of glory. Sorry this contribution is so long. P.S. WE'RE GOING UP!!!!

Ray at 0:18:58 Saturday July 25 98
Cobblers 0 Chelsea 2

Ray at 20:58:0 Friday July 24 98
No can do Richard ......... I aint there....... can't stand these namby pamby friendlies where no-one gets stuck in...

Anon at 20:30:1 Friday July 24 98
Can it be true ? Keith Barwell sponsors the Cobblers youth time at Ł20,000 a year. One of the suprises in the Chron tonight.

RICHARD at 20:23:36 Friday July 24 98
Ray: I know your at the 'Big Pre-season Game' right now, but when you get home could you post a brief synopsis of the Cobblers' victory?!!!

Ray at 17:33:23 Friday July 24 98
All details about the squad can be seen at http://www.ntfc.co.uk/squad.htm.......

Ray at 17:31:50 Friday July 24 98
I was at the club today - the pa sounded a bit louder. Saw the new strip - 1000 per cent better in the flesh than in the piccies!!

hartwell cobbler at 16:48:58 Friday July 24 98
chelsea team coach was unloading at sixfields at 3pm today. obviously can't wait to play us! tonight's game will be interesting -- and we'll also have first sound of the uprated pa system. it just won't b..t....ame...witho..t..ptrtlin p...radio mi..! if anyone's thinking of going but hasn't got a ticket - there are only singles left. so it must be nearing a sellout.

The Shropshire Cobbler at 15:30:48 Friday July 24 98
Saw the lads at the friendly match at Bromsgrove on Wednesday night (3-0 win to the Cobblers) - they're looking good for the new season. Definitely auto promotion this time (or a 3rd successive Wembley appearance?). Anyone coming up to Shrewsbury on 1st August?

steve kelly at 15:4:51 Friday July 24 98
COBBLERS WERE THE BEST TEAM LAST SEASON IN THE WHOLE LEAGUE THEY SHOWED DETERMINATION AND DUG IN WHEN THEY HAD TO FIRST DIVISION IS A SEASON AWAY

Ray at 14:30:30 Friday July 24 98
To check out all the fixtures for next season (and a priveledged sneak preview of the all new Official Cobblers Site) check out http://www.ntfc.co.uk/fixtures.htm

Sibs at 13:36:31 Friday July 24 98
Stokie D. - I'm realiably informed that your a good 6 points each season, but then again, my gf is a Vale fan! I'm looking for a good solid start to the season. 2-0.

Bob Whitworth at 6:25:9 Friday July 24 98
Saw on Soccernet that Brian Little the manager of Stoke City has signed a Phil Robinson on a free transfer. Is this the same Phil Robinson that played for the Cobblers about 3-4 years ago?? I think that we should be told - can anyone oblidge? Cheers.

LEIGH DAVIES at 22:20:33 Thursday July 23 98
I LOVE THE COBBLERS

SBJ at 15:33:54 Thursday July 23 98
Saw the new kit in the club shop on my first pilgrimage to Northampton this Summer: it's not great (stars & stripes!) and it's not easy seeing the badge on that pink shirt. Possibly no need to queue overnight outside the shop on Thursday to ensure getting a shirt when they go on sale on Friday. Worthington Cup vs. Brighton: 1st leg at Sixfields, 2nd at Gillingham.

RICHARD at 23:24:12 Wednesday July 22 98
Reading back through some of the earlier comments, I came across mention of our Worthington Cup ties v Seagulls. Is it 10th home, 17th away?

Ray at 13:58:2 Wednesday July 22 98
You mean Roy Hunter I guess T....... did you want him on you mantlepiece or something?

T. at 13:55:22 Wednesday July 22 98
Hey Ray, need any help carrying that HUGE trophy?

Ray at 1:52:34 Wednesday July 22 98
Well - I've been to the Chelsea pages to see how the other half live - the buggers have nicked our revolving balls, there are missing links, everything is done using graphics so it takes a week to download and they didnt bother even putting a link to these pages on their fixture list. Oh well - nobody is perfect.....

RICHARD at 23:14:38 Tuesday July 21 98
Stokie D: Welcome to Cobblerville. I've been on the net to my mate from Holmes Chapel, who is a mad Hudite. He agrees with me that their are striking similarities between the two teams: red and white stripes; sponsored by a building society; brummie-biased manager and we had your best two players - Clarkie has been seen venturing down the right now and then and even netting the odd goal! - sadly, Big John has moved on to pastures new, but will be fondly remembered as the Man Mountain who was so scary, he even shocked himself when looking in the mirror! Score-flash - Saturday 8th August - Cobblers kick 'Pots' off Stoke in 0-0 thrashing!! This could be the start of a new intense rivalry, but we're bound for glory and Div 1 this season (We don't mind you tagging along for the ride though). Good Luck in the Big One.

Hugh Jarce at 23:8:36 Tuesday July 21 98
TO RAY . Our web page budget would keep you in players for a season. Good luck though. Respect.

Ray at 18:48:36 Tuesday July 21 98
Just a reminder that there are only 10 days left to vote on the Sixfields issue. (I'm gonna keep repeating this until everyone has voted - grin)

Ray at 18:46:12 Tuesday July 21 98
Watch out for yours truly at the Stoke game presenting Roy Hunter with his Internet Player of the Year Award!

Ray at 18:43:34 Tuesday July 21 98
Dear Hugh - give me Chelsea's budget for web pages and then see how its really done!

hartwell cobbler at 16:59:53 Tuesday July 21 98
stokie d - yep, we're looking forward to the game, too! it's all ticket but i'm not sure what sales are up to now. i would think it'll be a 7,500 sellout thought. yes, you do wonder what happens to those many thousands of away-day fans who will happily follow you to wembley - but never to be seen within miles of your home ground! suppose its the way of the world. have you all recovered from the traumas of relegation ? (we know all about that in the past, too!). big john's gone to the knackers (aka Scunthorpe)! We've bought carlo corazzin from plymouth plus three others. so our line-up will be somewhat new to us. welcome to sixfields on 8 aug (2-0 to us, though!!)

SBJ at 16:43:41 Tuesday July 21 98
Wouldn't you expect a good site from a club which can spend as much on a player's weekly wages as some clubs spend on transfers in a year? The Cobblers site is damn good, and it's about the only way I've got of finding out what's happening up there from my London viewpoint (why does everyone near my flat in Wimbledon wear Chelsea shirts?). For a club site which is really good despite the size of the club: http://www.yeltzland.demon.co.uk/htfc/roughguide.htm is the home of Halesowen Town FC. Also, I reckon we'll beat Stoke as they could still be deflated from last year's drop. Cobblers to go up through the play-offs?

Hugh Jarce at 16:31:59 Tuesday July 21 98
Nice page, but if you want to see how its done go to http://www.chelseafc.co.uk. Methinks its not the only lesson you will get from the Blues this week.

Stokie D at 16:10:15 Tuesday July 21 98
Greetings from the potteries, just checking you out in anticipation of the big kick off. Any thoughts? How's Clarkson getting on? I always thought he was a useful defender but a bit wayward when attempting anyhing a little more adventurous. Still got big John? You gonna sell all your tickets? Saw the crowd you took to Wembley- pretty impressive, we did the same thing a few years ago and then its back to 15000 every week- where do they go? Anyway, look forward to visiting you in a couple of weeks (2-0 to us by the way)

SBJ at 12:23:59 Tuesday July 21 98
Cheers. I called the shop, and they reckon on the replica kits being available for sale within 2-3 weeks. They didn't sound too much in love with the shirt design themselves, but maybe we'll all grow to like it once the season gets going.

hartwell cobbler at 11:52:10 Tuesday July 21 98
ray - thanks for the "insider information" about sixfields groundsharing. if it's a lease arrangement with the saints i for one am more comforted. i spoke yesterday to a leading "behind the scenes" saints man. he thinks the club may well move to sixfields - but not in the immediate future. regarding the new shirt - saw it for first time at club shop y'day. looks as tacky as it did in the paper. a design disaster. and anyway the cobblers don't play in stripes (other than the butchers aprons from the barnwell era!). i'm all for good, modern design...but this one leaves me cold.

Ray at 11:19:9 Tuesday July 21 98
A "reliable source" has reported that negotiations were underway last night between the council and Keith Barwell with regard to proposed use of Sixfields by the Saints. It is understood that the purchase of the stadium was not included in the talks. Further reports as and when I hear anything further.

Ray at 11:16:39 Tuesday July 21 98
The new squad details will be up to date. No idea about the kit - might be worthwhile phoneing the club first.

SBJ at 11:9:6 Tuesday July 21 98
Ray, will the new replica kit be available in the Sixfields shop tomorrow (Wednesday)? I guess it's unlikely, but I'll be in Northampton for the first time in ages tomorrow, and might drop in on the shop. Any details on the win against Tamworth yesterday?

COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 4:17:36 Tuesday July 21 98
Another stupid question for you.Why is Seal not included in the squad details?

Ray at 0:32:28 Tuesday July 21 98
The voting on the Barwell/Sixfields debate will be announced when voting closes on 31st. July.

Ray at 0:31:43 Tuesday July 21 98
Terry - send a mail to Dave Thornton email: D.R.Thornton@durham.ac.uk - who should be able to help you with any problems with the email group.

Terry Hawes thawes@is2.dal.ca at 20:57:53 Monday July 20 98
Has the club released their new kit for the season? Is there a new away kit as well because I did not like the orange strip! PS : I have been having problems getting to the email group on onelist, for some reason I am not getting the email from you guys...can you help me out in finding what the problem is Thanks, Terry

POSTMAN PAT at 18:54:47 Monday July 20 98
To Hartwell Cobbler. Jess is very excited at the prospect at seeing top quality football at your expense, Mrs Goggins and Ted Glen may also come to the occasional match. So if anyone has a missing season ticket you now know where they are.

Anon at 18:51:45 Monday July 20 98
duncan spedding cost Ł70,000.

hartwell cobbler at 17:8:10 Monday July 20 98
ray - what's the latest on the barwell fields voting ? i've just been on the saints website and the one things which stand out most are the lack of dialogue and general dryness of messages. this site is far,far more inter-active and humourous. long may it remain so.

Ray at 14:0:44 Monday July 20 98
Overheard in a computer shop: Customer: "I'd like a mouse mat, please." Salesperson: "Certainly sir, we've got a large variety." Customer: "But will they be compatible with my computer?"

Ray at 22:51:37 Sunday July 19 98
The squad details will be updated shortly........

Robert Dunkley at 20:14:57 Sunday July 19 98
For Ins and outs just look at the squad page on Cobblers Heaven on http://freespace.virgin.net/robert.dunkley/index.htm PLUG OVER!! Also, what was the Solihull score, and is our next game away to Bromsgrove??

Ian Platt at 20:0:40 Sunday July 19 98
Ray, your Clarkson detail in "The Squad" is missing a word: "during the summer of on a free transfer.and missed just one match"

pete at 19:41:19 Sunday July 19 98
Is there any chance of making a simple list of squad info covering recent happenings, cheers.

hartwell cobbler at 18:57:6 Sunday July 19 98
no, postman pat, it'll be you who'se nicked !

POSTMAN PAT at 13:39:59 Sunday July 19 98
I WORK IN THE POST OFFICE AND I HAVE NICKED HARTWELL COBBLER'S SEASON TICKET.

Bob at 2:30:36 Sunday July 19 98
Who are Raunds anyway??

Steve at 19:43:3 Saturday July 18 98
We got our Season Tickets nearly a week ago. The tragedy is, due to holidays, we're going to miss the first two home games.

Robert Dunkley at 18:10:10 Saturday July 18 98
We usually do not win against Raunds anyway, I think we lsot last year. It was probably only a gentle start, Anymore use on the away kit.

hartwell cobbler at 16:11:46 Saturday July 18 98
steve - i don't know. perhaps the writer would like to enlighten us ? changing subject - my season tickets are being posted. haven't seen them yet. anyone got theirs?

Mark Too at 11:24:6 Saturday July 18 98
The score at Raunds was 2-1 to The Cobblers Gibb and Wilson scored. Doesn't look like we will be going to Wembley again then! ;o)

Anon at 10:54:27 Saturday July 18 98
What was the score at Raunds?

Steve at 23:25:32 Friday July 17 98
But why did he say it was the funeral 'today? Am I missing something. Also - wot's the result of the match tonight. Here we are - first match of the new season and no-one's posted the result. It's a disgrace. That Ray bloke needs a good kicking :-)

hartwell cobbler at 19:24:9 Friday July 17 98
ray - i think the writer of the foxy item was talking about the funeral and then referring to the chanting incident at Sixfields the week after the fan's death. i recall someone posting a notice on this site a while back referring to a short outburst of chanting at the fulham game. i think the writer said it came from the north stand but that it was quickly shouted down by other fans. does that help ? or am i further muddying the waters ?

Ray at 16:53:51 Friday July 17 98
Now I'm begining to understand (I think). I assumed he was referring to an incident recently - not 3 months ago. The impression I got was that it was the funeral "today" and people were there chanting. I didnt hear any chanting in the West Stand to this effect during the match.

hartwell cobbler at 16:4:51 Friday July 17 98
matt - thanks for clearing that one up. simon from fulham - my sincere sympathies ref your fan who died at gillingham. nobody in their right minds wants that kind of thing. it should also post a warning to those who commit violence at football matches - it doesn't take much for a punch-up to end in death. all decent cobblers fans would also wish to dissociate themselves from those sick chants. sadly there seems to be a vocal minority who are unable to display any common decency. but please don't think we're all like that at northampton.

SBJ at 12:27:48 Friday July 17 98
Presumably there was some unwholesome crowd 'support' from the West Stand at the Northampton vs. Fulham game in April following Fox's death a week or so previously?

Matt (ITFC) at 11:50:48 Friday July 17 98
This Simon is refering to Matthew Fox the Fulham Fan killed in a fight with Gillingham. He seems a little miffed at you lot

hartwell cobbler at 11:44:53 Friday July 17 98
Ray - do you mean Simon's message ? Beats the s**t out of me, too!

Ray at 11:40:21 Friday July 17 98
I'm still puzzled about the SteveFFC posting.......anyone any idea at all what he is on about?

Treenie at 11:1:56 Friday July 17 98
Pre season starts today. I'll see you all in september when I'm in my second year of A levels.Bye bye

RICHARD at 9:46:52 Friday July 17 98
Gotcha, Ray. Ta.

Ray at 8:55:57 Friday July 17 98
The colour scheme is set as "claret" text and "default" background colour - which you can set to whatever you want using your browser. If you accept the default then the background should be white.

Ray at 8:53:41 Friday July 17 98
What you on about SteveFFC?

RICHARD at 2:32:11 Friday July 17 98
Que?

SimonFFC at 1:40:43 Friday July 17 98
It was Foxy's funeral today. I would just like to say that, after seeing him get kicked to death, how enjoyable it was to hear your jovial "Where's your Foxy gone" and "it only took one punch" "etc" Lovely bunch of fans. Cheers.

RICHARD at 0:59:47 Friday July 17 98
Ray: What colour scheme have you got on your pc for these illustrious pages?

RICHARD at 0:57:13 Friday July 17 98
Ray 'Quick Draw' Clements: That was a mighty swift response,Ray, and I'm pleased to learn that I'm not going mad. However, I'm still not sober!

Ray at 0:46:28 Friday July 17 98
.......and sorry it took so long to answer........

Ray at 0:45:54 Friday July 17 98
There has been one change - the request for sponsors at the top of the page has been replaced by "Sixfields Debate"....

RICHARD at 0:44:17 Friday July 17 98
Have I been drinking too much tonight, or has this page changed drastically in both colour and style? Please help. Insane of E.Sussex

hartwell cobbler at 17:42:52 Thursday July 16 98
sorry, I wasn't hiding - that last message ref the kit was from me!

Anon at 17:41:54 Thursday July 16 98
T - sounds like the Cobblers kit is some kind of 'orrible synthetic material. Rather like the old nylon shirts (ugh!) - remember them ? I deny ever having worn one, honest! Normally the new strip's not avalable until the start of the league programme or thereabouts, so I would doubt if it will be on view tonight at Raunds. But you never know! Like many others I think the new shirt design is a travesty - a mish-mash. And I don't even think the predominent colour is even claret. It reminds me of that awful shirt we wore one season when Barnwell was in charge - which he called the Butchers Apron. Who remembers that ? Also, the Cobblers do not play in stripes ! What is the club doing, for goodness sakes ? I would prefer a simple claret shirt to all this schmaltz. At least the Torino one looked like a Cobblers shirt ! Even the supporters polo shirts are better than the new strip. Whoever's responsible for them should be ashamed. And as for the away strip...well...it's not even worth commenting on.

Richard from HK at 13:11:6 Thursday July 16 98
I will be flying over to England tomorrow arriving at H'row at some god forsaken hour on Saturday morning. I will be in Northampon all next week so if you see a frought looking man with a wife and three children in tow then it is most probably me, so stop and say hello. I will call you Ray over the weekend, to the rest of you have a great summer, if you think it's all getting out of hand with the Saints just remember what you would have thought about such a deal a few years ago..... yeah right, crap.

T. at 12:17:3 Thursday July 16 98
Hartwell Cobbler, sorry its taken me so long to reply, the materialsl is all shiny and goes all static, not very attractive at all. What a day tomorrow will be, my last day at work for 7 weeks and the first time seeing the Cobb's in action since Wembley. Any defo news on the strip yet, last year it was available for the Raunds match.

pk at 19:9:14 Wednesday July 15 98
What colour is the new away kit ?

Ray at 18:8:26 Wednesday July 15 98
and how dare you come on here and mention *that team* - heading for the Conference and beyond at the end of the season........now go and wash your mouth out and dont come back until you promise to behave!

Ray at 18:3:49 Wednesday July 15 98
Isnt Boardman some sort of cyclist?

craig boardman at 16:1:59 Wednesday July 15 98
http://www.angelfire.com/de/craigboardmansboots/ Craig Boardman David Stephenson's Halifax Town website talks of Boardman's Talents Centre back - 30/11/70. Varied career has seen him play at Nottingham Forest and Peterborough. Signed for Halifax in November 1993 and moved to Scarborough at end of 1994/95 season. Joined Stalybridge Celtic last season and then rejoined the Shaymen in August 1997. Has played only a handful of games this season due to injury. Hardworking player who is keen on turning defence into attack

Ray at 15:39:14 Wednesday July 15 98
The full squad will be published shortly. The match against Brighton is, I am reliably informed, at Gillingham

SBJ at 14:7:17 Wednesday July 15 98
Could you please list the players we've signed / given new contracts to this Summer? I'm finding keeping track of it all a bit tricky. Also, will the Worthington Cup first round second leg against Brighton be at the Gillingham ground, or are Brighton due to have Withdean Stadium sorted out by then?

Ray at 12:20:14 Wednesday July 15 98
With 56 votes in, the current state of the parties on the Sixfields vote stands at Against 83.93% In Favour 10.71% Undecided 5.36%

hartwell cobbler at 11:47:52 Wednesday July 15 98
sibs - I think the real reasons Barwell wants to buy Sixfields are: a) it's the most cost-effective way of getting the saints a 15,000 seater rugby stadium and b)it would be a profitable business venture. Imagine the revenue the stadium would generate from weekly gates of 7,000 alone, plus a mass of corporate hospitality boxes which he'd have to install just to satisfy demand among saints sponsors alone. These could be cross-sold, as could seat-selling, ground advertising, programme advertising, etc. Then there's the added income from one shop selling both sets of merchansise. There are other tie-ins and possibilities too numerous to mention here. Finally, leisure is one of the true growth industries in the UK. So, if we had Ł10m to spend, we might be tempted go down the same investment route - although we would I'm sure put the Cobblers interests first and foremost. As a very shrewd businessman, it's not therefore surprising Barwell's eyes Sixfields with great interest. It would be surprising if he didn't!

Ray at 10:36:37 Wednesday July 15 98
The Saints have started a petition against the Keith Barwell prosposals for Sixfields. I know we have the voting form but is anyone interested in taking some sheets along to the matches and handing them out/getting them signed etc.?? If we are going to do this its no good only doing half a job - I'm game but can't do it on my own.

Ray at 10:33:25 Wednesday July 15 98
Forget the last message - that'll teach me to read the rest of the page.........

Richard from Hong Kong at 10:31:14 Wednesday July 15 98
This is Ray! Richard from HK - I need your email addy or phone number - please mail me!

CK at 22:12:14 Tuesday July 14 98
Do you remember Tait's t-shirt at the auto-windscreens final against Carlisle? It was the one saying "sh*t on the villa" and got him into trouble.

Sibs at 15:41:3 Tuesday July 14 98
Thinking about this ground sharing... seems to me that maybe Barwell is jealous of the success of the Cobblers whilst the Saints appear to be sinking. 'Taking over' OUR ground would i reckon severly affect our chances and maybe improove his...

hartwell cobbler at 14:44:39 Tuesday July 14 98
cobbler down under - yes, the club is certainly looking to progress further. As you might have seen we've signed 3/4 useful looking players and especially strengthened our attack - a weak point last season, despite our high league position. regarding the stadium, sixfields, as you know, was built to accommodate 7,500, all-seated, with expansion options available to take the capacity to some 15,000. Apart from the main (west) stand, all ahe other three sides can be double-tiered and the corners filled in. I believe at the end of this coming season we'll need a minimum capacity of 8,000. To this end, and providing the ground stays in the hands of the council, some modest expansion is expected. It all depends, though, on cost and how of if finances can be raised to pay for the work. Ultimately I would like to see the whole stadium double-tiered to 15,000. Frankly, unless we were to gain Premiership status (I get a nose bleed just thinking about that!) this kind of capacity would probably suffice for most games. In some ways the club is an a critical cross-roads: to go forward it badly needs a major, cash-rich sponsor/benefactor in the Griggs mould. If we don't secure such a backer we may not be able to sustain our progress. Soccer today requires such huge resources, doesn't it ? The one thing we don't need is people like Barwell coming in and causing confusion and posible destabilisation. Having said all that, yes I believe the Cobblers future is very rosy and the Big Jim Hall spirit is very much alive here! Good to hear from you. Regards from Cobblers fans over here.

Ray at 12:52:36 Tuesday July 14 98
I have changed over to "digest" for the email group. This means you only get one mail a day but it means you get them all - I appeared to be having a lot of missed mails before I did this.

COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 12:21:2 Tuesday July 14 98
Thanks for your response to my quandry Hartwell Cobbler it was informative with regard to the logistics of the share/ownership situation at Sixfields.The next question I would have to ask is what ambitions the board,the club,the fans et al have for the future development and progression of the mighty Cobbs? With the close miss last season and the obviously realistic prospect of promotion next season,as we look 3 or so seasons beyond the next one a ground with a capacity of less than 25,000 is going to be totally inadequate.What if any options are available to the only team in the town who are going to be able to bring National and European status along with the success that will surely only be a question of time.I can understand a share option at this time but what contingency plans have been laid down if any for the future to provide a stadium big enough to hold "Big Jim Hall's" legend?!!

Steve at 11:46:38 Tuesday July 14 98
I think there must be something wrong with the e-mail list. For several days, when I attempted a 'Send & Receive', it tried to download 75 e-mails and kept getting stuck on number 54. Now - it's not downloading anything. Anybody else having the same problem? As for these new signings, I'm getting quite excited. I have absolute and total faith in Atkins. He's not put a foot wrong yet. This guy ain't stupid. He knows what he's doing. Bring on the new season!

Richard from HK at 11:40:57 Tuesday July 14 98
Ray , richlin@ibm.net

Ray at 10:12:31 Tuesday July 14 98
I've transferred the old postings - be warned - the old comments file is now 1.5 Mb.......

hartwell cobbler at 9:38:57 Tuesday July 14 98
cobbler in Auz - the problem isn't about groundsharing. It's about ground ownership. Many Cobblers fans can actually see benefits to a proper 50/50 sharing with the Saints at Sixfields. What is concerning us acutely is the possibility of Barwell buying the stadium, especially in view of his recent and very unwelcome comments (that he would turn it into a very good rugby stadium which the Cobblers could use "occasionally".. "if they wished").

COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 8:55:55 Tuesday July 14 98
Not having been in touch for 7 years and having left when we were still at the County Ground it seems a bit strange to hear everyone debating the "Sixfields" issue.The mighty Cobblers always had to share a ground with the cricket team and when they moved to the new ground I thought things were on the up.It now seems that a ground that holds about as many fans as the Hotel End on a wet Saturday afternoon against Darlington being shared with the funny shaped ball wankers is the main topic for debate! It took us long enough to find our own piece of turf to play on how can the powers that be even consider a share option.Does the Football Club have any say in the matter or does the council hold the strings?Any team that can muster up 40,000 odd supporters for one game surely has the right to their own stadium.If the capacity was increased do you think that crowd levels would grow to support the extra room?If so and if the Club is in a position to remain as the sole team at Sixfields then there is no debate and we need to piss these handball specialists off immediately.Last option, most of the pitches on the Racecourse have a standing crowd capacity of 200,000 plus if you don't mind missing most of the action!

Ian Platt at 3:57:29 Tuesday July 14 98
With the signing of Spedding we now have youthful cover for both full/wing backs (or maybe that should be that the current incumbents are the cover for Spedding and Ali?). Whatever else there is certainly going to be quite a competition for places. Should be fun! What a different squad compared to when IA arrived.

Ian Platt at 3:53:39 Tuesday July 14 98
Now 15000 for Tait sounds more like it. If I remember correctly he was something of a youth sensation so there may be some latent talent there that IA can release if we get him.

Eddie at 23:24:33 Monday July 13 98
I was wondering if it was just my server or if the mailing list has been very quiet lately as I have hardly received a message .

RICHARD at 23:16:8 Monday July 13 98
Surely not John "Night Train" Frain? However, all the good news on signings makes me ponder the line-up for this season.

Anon at 21:14:13 Monday July 13 98
does this mean the end of Frain?

hartwell cobbler at 17:22:57 Monday July 13 98
Duncan Spedding has today signed for the Cobblers from Southampton. Apparently he's a left-sided player capable of playing either left full back, left-side midfield or at any station on the left up to Crewe...perhaps he could cover ALL the left-side on his own, saving us a lot in wages!

Ray at 14:28:5 Monday July 13 98
Richard - your email address?

Ray at 14:27:31 Monday July 13 98
I hear that it is Ł150K and we are in contention with Stoke who are also after him.

Richard from HK at 13:11:15 Monday July 13 98
Ray, I am arriving Northampton on Saturday, you kindly mentioned a trip around Sixfields, any chance Monday / Tuesday next week? Cheers.

hartwell cobbler at 9:11:34 Monday July 13 98
The Chron, Sat's edition carried a page of letters and comments about Sixfields. Made very good reading. The general consensus: OK to groundsharing on a true 50/50 partnership basis, with the Council retaining ownership and control of the stadium. But no to any Barwell Fields deal. Columnist Steve Pitss also weighed in on same theme. Barwell's comments on any future Cobblers use of "his" stadium were described as "arrogant". Many on this site probably share the view and see his comments as counter-productive. At least we now know what are his true ambitions.

Joe at 9:11:12 Monday July 13 98
Cobbs have offered Ł15k for Paul Tait, NOT Ł150k someone mentioned on here. I reckon it would be a sound investment myself.

Ralph at 8:20:22 Monday July 13 98
Oh well, sun sea and cheap booze beckon. Look forward to reading these pages on my return to find; Barwell has gone broke; Stephen Griggs has taken over the helm at The Cobblers; Ian Atkins has stopped wearing white socks; Stephen Griggs invites The Saints to play at Sixfields 'occasionally'!

Ian Platt at 2:52:2 Monday July 13 98
150000 sounds like a lot of money for someone who does not appear (according to Matchfacts) to have even played for Birmingham last year. Is this for real?

Anon at 23:34:9 Sunday July 12 98
Bugger, the french won.

Anon at 23:33:28 Sunday July 12 98
Tait isn't that tall.

RICHARD at 19:10:29 Sunday July 12 98
An interesting statistic on Tait from 'Matchfacts' datafile, which still has him down as a Cobbler "...on loan from Birmingham", is that he is listed at 6' 11" tall !!! We should certainly keep the long ball strategy in our gameplan if we sign him!

Robert Dunkley at 18:27:45 Sunday July 12 98
Help we've offered Ł150k for Paul Tait of Birmingham, Stoke want him as well!! When Tait was on loan he came on a sub and everyone thought he was POTTER (remmeber him??) Cobblers are 20-1 with Ladbrokes for the title and for 5-1 you can back the Cobblers to finish in the top three. Would any bookies in Northampton do a bet for the Cobblers to get promoted if so what odds?

CK at 15:41:39 Sunday July 12 98
Also, full credit to Hartwell Cobbler. Why shouldn't he contribute to the site rather than work. He has got his priorities correct and should be congratulated.

CK at 15:37:57 Sunday July 12 98
It seems Mellor has taken a liking to the cobblers. THIS IS BAD NEWS KEEP HIM AWAY, HE CHANGED HIS FAVOURITE TEAM FROM FULHAM TO CHELSEA, WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF CHELSEA HAVE A BAD YEAR.

RICHARD at 11:38:5 Sunday July 12 98
Did anyone catch the Radio 5 '606' programme last night? As I drove home from walking the dog (does that sound right?) I tuned in and the first caller I heard was a Geordie named Ray, from Northampton! He admitted to being a Newcastle supporter at heart, but had seen a few games at 6fields and was commenting on their professionalism on the pitch. His point was that others adrift from their home teams should support the local side and they might be rewarded with consecutive trips to Wembley. Is this a scheme of yours, Ray? If so the accent was perfect! Mellor also chipped in with praise for the way the Club had pulled itself up by the boot straps, moving from near oblivion to the proud status of today. He was also upholding the ground and it's facilities as a model for the needs of the disabled. More national coverage. No wonder Branson wants to invest his millions here :-)

Ray at 22:50:44 Saturday July 11 98
Pity we appear to have developed a slight slanging match - can we save it for talking about Fry's lot?

Bedford Cobbler at 21:39:52 Saturday July 11 98
I cannot wait until the season starts. Hopefully Corrazin will do the business and be a 15+ goal scorer. Whatever happens next year, we have got to get 6 points off Luton - the boxing day game was the most dissapointing league game for myself last season.

RICHARD at 20:12:13 Saturday July 11 98
Insider: Our e-mail list suggests that MG's son, who is now in charge of Dr Ms and is a keen Hammers fan, has instigated the sponsorship. Max has apparently retired, hopefully with an even larger wad to invest in his true love, the Cobblers. R&D have done remarkably well; let's hope the force can be with us this season. BTW, is the new strip design a cunning plan to copy the shirts of all our opponents in turn so they forget who's at home and we benefit from THEIR passing game? Could be costly, a new strip every game, but check out how Stoke perform on 8th August.

RICHARD at 19:57:55 Saturday July 11 98
It's a sad state of affairs when criticism is levelled against well thought out and clearly expressed views from decent, long-standing, true fans. It is those who take the time and have sufficient intellect and interest that help to separate this site from the rest.

hartwell cobbler at 19:35:56 Saturday July 11 98
Steven - If you must know I use the internet for business. In spare moments as a Cobblers fan I come onto this site. OK ? You're entitled to your opinions and I would defend your right to express them. But why do you have to be so offensive ?

Ralph at 18:50:20 Saturday July 11 98
Oi Steven, maybe you're the sad twat. Hartwell Cobbler may be able to use all fingers to type a message. I suggest you use more than just your thumbs and constantly having to stop to wipe the dribble of your keyboard.

Steven at 15:41:22 Saturday July 11 98
Oi Hartwell Cobbler. Dont you think that you have a little bit too much spare time on your hands. The ammount you write is ridiculous. Take a long serious look at your life before agreeing that you are a bit of a sad TWAT who probably wears an anorak and has no friends. Why so many strikers then Ian? Its a few more than we need. P.S Hartwell Cobbler RSVP

Ray at 10:16:34 Saturday July 11 98
A woman called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer. The tech asked her if she was "running it under Windows." The woman then responded, "No, my desk is next to the door. But that's a good point... The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his is working just fine."

Ray at 9:18:9 Saturday July 11 98
To be fair Ian, the Fulham official site aint 2 bad - check out http://www.fulham-fc.co.uk/ (although this wasnt working when I compiled the fixtures list).

The Insider at 8:53:12 Saturday July 11 98
Is it true that Max Griggs has bought West Ham?

Ian Platt at 5:5:33 Saturday July 11 98
One thing that the moneybags don't have is a decent website. (Ray, you're a genius!). Try the link to Fulham from the fixtures page and have a good laugh!

RICHARD at 21:40:0 Friday July 10 98
hc: The possible Southampton signing is, according to the Nationwide site and our own e-mail list, 20 year old Duncan Spedding, a central defender who made 4 appearances for Saints in the Premiership last season, but couldn't command a regular place. We're offering Ł70,000.

hartwell cobbler at 20:14:20 Friday July 10 98
having just visited the saints site there seems to be a mixed reaction to groundsharing. Several Cobblers fans have added their t'pences - like me not amused by Barwell's unhelpful and devisive rhetoric. Facing such an important issue we need calm, logical debate. It is also vital for the leading player in the game to win the hearts and minds of both sets of supporters. Unfortunately Mr b's remarks will have done just the opposite. I have left a message on the site indicating my position. Maybe many of you would like to do the same, if you haven't already. But, please, show a little dignity. Even if the wannabe owner of Barwell Fields hasn't!

hartwell cobbler at 17:12:30 Friday July 10 98
T - what's wrong with the shirt material ? i haven't seen one yet so i can't comment. maybe you have. one further item of information on the barwell fields saga: i am told the cobblers have a 50 year lease on sixfields. which should guarantee the club's status there, especially its right to play all league and cup games at the stadium. as the prime user the club certainly should have some legal safeguards. barwell must know this. in which case it makes his statements the other day even more puzzling. all he's doing is alienating both the cobblers AND saints fans. when questoned about the huge hike in admission charges barwell was quoted in yesterday's daily telegraph as saying "look, it it costs me Ł55,000 every time I watch the saints." it's all getting a bit alice in wonderland, isn't it ?

T. at 14:2:42 Friday July 10 98
My Unc nearly ran Seal over the other day, as he was strolling along with his back pack and swigging orangeade(that's what unc said I think it's more likely to be beer) Why can't they change the crap material that the kit's made of? and use the same stuff as Brazil and Arsenal this year, it might bring us some more luck as look at the success they're having at the moment. Only 1 week to go 'til 7 weeks of HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW! So I may then have more time to post messages here! Back to material, it makes me all static and sweaty and smelly

mkcobbler at 10:50:23 Friday July 10 98
sorry cant spell, reading. Billy call me about the friendlies, cheers.

Mick mkcobbler at 10:48:48 Friday July 10 98
Hi, all. mkcobbler here, i can hear the boo's already. There are quite a few of us who have been following the cobbs for year's. Remember Phil Sandercock, anybody. Been redaing this page for many a month & can say there is no better, execllent job Ray. Gus Ullen*Ł%Ł%Ł$$ signed for money bags on a free from Ipswich.

hartwell cobbler at 9:16:28 Friday July 10 98
hi there, richard - hope i haven't put you in information overload ! However like you I feel the Barwell Fields issue is crucial to the future of our club. No I hadn't seen the e-mail ref the Southampton player. HoweverI have a mole down there who I'll ask - he's a big Cobblers fan, sits next but one to me and works and lives down there. In fact my younger son's at Soton uni and they come up together for the home matches. If I get any wind of this from him I'll post a note. Meantime the major focus, unfortunately, remains groundsharing. The one good point is that we have on our board some skilled negotiators who, I'm sure, will not let the club be compromised.

Sad Bloke at 9:13:46 Friday July 10 98
For those that don't know and on a slightly different subject to our major debate, the moneybags have just signed John Salako on a free from Coventry and one other first div player who I can't quite remember at the mo, though an international I think.

RICHARD at 20:37:39 Thursday July 9 98
hc:I'm still here soaking up the info. No doubt you've picked up the Saints website from Ray's note. Did you see the e-mail about the Southampton laddie supposedly on his way to us? Another Saints connection!

hartwell cobbler at 19:35:33 Thursday July 9 98
tonight's Chronic Echo reports Geoff Howes, Leader of the Council, as saying Sixfields is not for sale. "We didn't build a community stadium to sell," he says. Well, that's OK, then, isn't it ? Actually, no. If Barwell does weigh in with a Ł10 million offer it would have to go to full council. And I'm quite sure not all councillors would vote against it, when there's that much cash on the counter. Some might, quite logically, see it as too good an opportunity to miss. I notice, also, that Barwell has jumped on the bandwagon about council money being spent on the Cobblers. I really can't see what all the fuss is about. The Cobblers have, in the last two seasons, provided Northampton with millions of pounds worth of good publicity and positive PR via the news media. That seems a pretty reasonable return on the council's Ł300,000 investment (if that's what it is). No, it's clear to me that we don't want Barwell Fields. What we do want is alternative outside investment to help the club/council extend the stadium and include sponsorship boxes, which would further boost income. Anyone out there?

Merton Cobbler at 14:2:31 Thursday July 9 98
Posh Spice has e-mailed the West Ham website mailboard pleading for Beckham to be left alone. The address is www.whufc.co.uk - or try Posh's own e-mail at posh.spice@aol.com - should you want to take this plea seriously. Hoax or for real? You decide . . .

Anon at 13:17:13 Thursday July 9 98
the saints are crap anyway and will soon be down in the bottom leagues with one man and his dog watching them.

cockney cobbler at 9:55:49 Thursday July 9 98
any chance of giving a site address where one can view new cobblers kit?

cockney cobbler at 9:55:43 Thursday July 9 98
any chance of giving a site address where one can view new cobblers kit?

Ray at 9:49:7 Thursday July 9 98
btw - the Saints page is at http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Loge/6919/saints1.htm

hartwell cobbler at 9:48:5 Thursday July 9 98
one other point about groundsharing. We've seen how much Barwell has hiked the Saints prices at the Gardens next season. I believe its Ł10 just to stand and up to Ł20 for a seat - that's Premier League prices. One can only imagine what we'd be asked to pay to watch the Cobblers at Barwell Fields.

Ray at 9:43:22 Thursday July 9 98
There is now a voting form for the proposed Sixfields Sale. Please pop along and register your view. Click on Sixfields Debate in the main menu.

hartwell cobbler at 9:29:14 Thursday July 9 98
richard - can you give me the saints web site/e-mail address please? for the first time in my life i feel a need to post a message on it! Yes, I also noticed the piece about the other options. But in reality, Barwell is unlikely to build from new. The infrastructure costs alone would be enormous and it would take time. Barwell's a man in a hurry. Everything's in place at Sixfields. It just needs expanding. Barwell could probably buy and extend Sixfields for half the cost of a new purpose-built 15,000 seat stadium. I therefore think Sixfields must be his chosen option. It makes sense to a businessman. I would, therefore, urge ALL cobblers fans to think very carefully and reconsider their positions about ground sharing following last night's comments. Clearly the Cobblers would just be an irritant to Barwell at Sixfields; to be tolerated for the cash the club would bring into the stadium. As to the Cobblers using Sixfields "occasionally", where else does Barwell think we'd play ? We do, in fact, have a far larger league fixture list than the Saints. The answer is he probably doesn't care. But we should and do!

RICHARD at 1:8:1 Thursday July 9 98
HC: Thanks for the info. Actually, I don't dislike the Stobbart colours which Carlisle parade in at home, except there's not enough claret in it! Having just come from the unofficial Saints site (is there an official one?) there appear to be more options than I first thought. It's not just Franklins, 6fields or bust: there are "...four other out of town sites up for consideration...". Why not build a separate rugby ground next door to the running track, where they can grow the grass as long as they like?

TRB Mark at 22:24:22 Wednesday July 8 98
Yep, I'm still here in case anyone wondered............ I would endorse entirely what the Hartwell Cobbler says. I have also gone from ambeguity (sp?) to outright opposition. I think Barwell is a cheeky tw*t who is talking like he already owns Sixfields. It is all so reminiscent of the CG and we must not let it happen.

hartwell cobbler at 19:14:25 Wednesday July 8 98
Tonight's Chron & Echo story headlined "Barwell:I am interested in purchasing Sixfields" contains some quotes which, if accurately reported, have chilling implicatons. I have up to now been a supporter of ground-sharing. But Barwell's latest comments - if true and in context - would lead me to change my opinion totally. Barwell is quoted as saying:"If we did buy Sixfields and move there, the Cobblers could share if they want to." He talks about increasing Sixfields capacity by 5,000, "turning it into a good rugby ground that will occasionally be used by the Cobblers." IF WE WANT TO......OCCASIONALLY ? On the face of it these remarks clearly demonstrate that Barwell wants Sixfields as a rugby stadium - with the Cobblers no doubt being a sub-tenant. If these are his true intentions we must at all costs fight this and keep Sixfields for the Cobblers. Even if that means no increase in capacity. Better that than a return to County Ground serfdom. Richard, if it is true the Cobblers are getting some form of sponsorship from Eddie Stobbart the reason is because the firm has just moved to the area, investing heavily in a huge complex at DIRFT (Dav Int Rail Freight Terminal).

RICHARD at 18:52:40 Wednesday July 8 98
Hartwell Cobbler: The answer is Barwell WILL invest in 6fields; he has little alternative. The final decision, sadly, does not lie with loyal Saints fans; they don't have the wherewithall to oppose what Barwell wants to do. Apparently, Franklins Gardens cannot be redeveloped appropriately so, if 6fields is not an option, then Barwell walks and takes his 'ball' with him. Hello Saints: Welcome to Sixfields'. re sponsorship: Eddie already has his beloved colours all over Carlisle. Is he wanting to expand his footie empire?

ck at 18:42:57 Wednesday July 8 98
the new kit is horrible. why did they need to change it anyway?. good news about the 70 grand from nationwide.

hartwell cobbler at 14:4:29 Wednesday July 8 98
richard - i just caught the tail end of an interview with barwell today on bbc radio northampton. His attitude to groundsaring is that it will provide a stadium of which northampton, the cobblers and the saints can be proud. but he said it was up to saints supporters whether they wanted it. If not he said he'd keep his money in his pocket.that suggests he's not prepared to invest money improving franklins gardens. which begs the question: if they stay, how will the saints fund the development of their ground within the next two years to meet the requirements of the taylor report ? regarding cobblers sponsorships, i assume more news is likely once the club has settled its final repayments to creditors in august. can someone enlighten me, though, on the eddie stobbart sponsorship situation ? i was told the firm was to be the new shirt sponsors - the away strip does, i believe, incorporate the firm's corporate colours. however as we know nationwide was y'day revealed as our new shirt sponsors.

RICHARD at 9:57:34 Wednesday July 8 98
Barwell has just shelled out Ł100K for Pat Lam; his intentions to raise the profile of the Saints seems clear. Will this bring about the dreaded ground-sharing arrangement? Who are the mystery financiers of the Cobblers' drive for automatic promotion? All this and more in next week's exciting episode - Same Cobblers' time, same Cobblers' channel!

hartwell cobbler at 9:15:39 Wednesday July 8 98
ref the new shirts - if the chron's got its colour register right then the only part which appear to be "cobblers colours" is the trim. it looks suspiciously pink to me. but it may just be the photo. has anyone actually seen it yet ? our colours are "claret and white". but how long has it been since we had a real claret shirt ? and is there a definitive claret colour, anyway ? questions, questions. just like real life!! looks like the groundsharing saga is set to run and run. last night's chron had a series of comments.

Ralph at 8:19:59 Wednesday July 8 98
Oh well there's another shirt I wont be buying! Last season's looked like a rugby league shirt and this one looks like a design that the USA rejected. Who makes these decisions? What I want is my football team in a football shirt. Claret shirt white sleeves, no collar, would have been just fine.

RICHARD at 21:31:7 Tuesday July 7 98
I've just downloaded the Chron photo of the new kit!! I really liked the last kit; why change the design? Why not just add the new sponsors logo to the old shirt? Money, I suppose! Although, at first sight, the new design looks weird, 70's, non-macho, etc. but I'm sure we'll all come to love it, and in years to come, find it hanging in the back of a wardrobe, or in the bottom of a drawer and recall with misty-eyed nostalgia that this was THE KIT in which we won the 2nd division title way back in '98/'99!!!!!!!!??

Bez at 19:26:26 Tuesday July 7 98
My computer is cack and Atkins may play Garry Hughes our only signing from the youth team last season even though he does like experience at the back.

Bez at 19:24:26 Tuesday July 7 98
Has anyone else seen the new kit yet? It was in th Chron this evening . What a state! It is described as:'A claret and white pastiche, something of a quirky design throwback to the pink creation of the early 1990's' Personally I don't like it at first viewing but i'm sure it will grow on me like last years orange monstrositiy. Also the Chron says Brightwell has joined Carlisle on a 2 year contract for free and Atkins has been 'granted permission to speak to' a 21 year old defender who played a couple of games in the Premiership last season. ALSO

Greg Wilson at 17:48:25 Tuesday July 7 98
Almost as good as filth!!!

Ray at 15:26:5 Tuesday July 7 98
Cancelled due to lack of interest........

RICHARD at 11:11:16 Tuesday July 7 98
What happened to Monday?!

THE WHOLE WORLD at 22:16:31 Sunday July 5 98
What a shame that the huns are on their way home.

adrian at 12:30:39 Sunday July 5 98
the cobblers must use d. seal he is an aussie. just look at harry kEwell.

Ray at 12:27:48 Sunday July 5 98
Paul Wilkinson: 37 appearances - 3 goals. Started season well but then tailed off badly playing the last 6 as substitute coming on in last 20 minutes or so.

Anon at 11:26:46 Sunday July 5 98
Wilkinson is a class act. I used to see quite a lot of him when I lived in the north and he played for Middlesborough and then Barnsley. He joined a poor team at Millwall which struggled all last season. He now joins a significantly better team which is beginning to look very strong for the coming campaign.

Ian Platt at 2:26:45 Sunday July 5 98
It will be interesting to see what IA can make of Wilkinson. He may have cost 200000 pounds but the Millwall fans hated him. However IA has always fancied him so we'll see.

Ray at 1:10:33 Sunday July 5 98
Ray wakes up from his pleasant dream.............

Ray at 1:10:13 Sunday July 5 98
What gives with IA signing all these strikers? Are we going to see a new way of playing next year? - "we dont care how many you score - we'll get more than you"

Amanda Hampson at 16:13:18 Saturday July 4 98
Whats going to hapeen to David Seal now that Atkins has brought in new strikers? I bet he won't play him afterall hes only last seasons top scorer

cockney cobbler at 12:28:28 Saturday July 4 98
dont know why IA has brought in wilkinson from millwall he's even slower than dozzell hope IA proves he's a worthy signing

Bez at 12:8:13 Saturday July 4 98
The last line should read surely not suely. Sorry

Bez at 12:7:10 Saturday July 4 98
It's all over Teletext. Paul Wilkinson,33 , a former Barnsley, and Middlesbrough forward has joined us on a free only ten months after a Ł200000 move to Millwall. Atkins says that he is in the mould of Thommo and is a born winner. On the other side. 'saftey' Brightwell is in negotiations with Carlisle United over a move to them in the next few days. As an extra. Are you annoyed at all the pathetic foreign tossers ruining the game we invented? Are you disgusted at the fact the best cheats will win this world cup? If you are you should join me on the quest to bring FIFA back to Britain where it belongs. It is our game and that twat Blatter is ruining it, PLUS we probably won't get the World Cup in 2006 because of him. Suely it is our right to have the World Cup hosted in England whenever we want it!

Andy at 11:32:16 Saturday July 4 98
I know it's late, but thanks for destroying Bristol Rovers in the playoffs! Best laugh we City fans have had for ages!!

hartwell cobbler at 10:57:2 Saturday July 4 98
richard - paul wilkinson unknown to me. also, i don't know the name of the "Third Man" IA is tracking, other than he is reputedly a forward.

Ray at 0:19:2 Saturday July 4 98
Hi T!! Where u been? Won the lottery and off on a world cruise?

T. at 20:2:27 Friday July 3 98
Hello

RICHARD at 19:42:58 Friday July 3 98
Hartwell Cobbler (continued): ?

RICHARD at 19:41:2 Friday July 3 98
Treenie: So EG can afford a Merc! We couldn't possibly afford his wage bill then. Ray: It must have been a good one then, or matters too embarrassing to relate took place on that steamy night last June!! Hartwell Cobbler: Would it have been Paul Wilkinson, who is reportedly joining us on a 'freebie' from Millwall, according to an e-mail list source.

RICHARD at 19:35:40 Friday July 3 98
Ralph: Withdean Stadium is to be the temporary home. Seagulls are hoping for a more permanent Brighton-based facility in the near future but nothing yet set in concrete. I don't believe Withdean is suitable for first class fixtures at this stage, so it will be Gillingham, where we was robbed last season by a penalty even less justified than the ones given at this World Cup!

hartwell cobbler at 18:31:3 Friday July 3 98
sorry, richard - nothing to tell (as yet). IA's now keeping his cards very close to his chest, isn't he ? france through by the skin of their teeth.

Ralph at 17:0:33 Friday July 3 98
The sun is shining. Wow!

Ray at 16:9:8 Friday July 3 98
Sorry - I'm afraid I don't know...now u made me feel guilty!

Treenie at 15:14:3 Friday July 3 98
Eddie McGoldrick was served by my brother at Peter Harris Mercedes dealer in Kettering the other week.

Treenie at 15:1:52 Friday July 3 98
Ray-you'll know because you seem to know everything. What's Michael Warner's nickname because it really is driving me mad now

BGPS at 10:12:42 Friday July 3 98
You probably already know but Cobblers have drawn Brighton in the league cup now Worthington Cup

Ray at 8:54:54 Friday July 3 98
Richard - well.....unfortunately if there was any I was too newted and/or stoned to remember.......

Ralph at 8:25:47 Friday July 3 98
Richard - Being a Sussex Boy where are The Albion playing this season? I heard they may return to Brighton, possibly Withdean Stadium. Hopefully we wont be going to Gillingham for the Worthington tie.

RICHARD at 0:57:44 Friday July 3 98
Hartwell Cobbler: Release that latest signing information! Is a contrite Beckham prepared to take a (massive) pay cut and work his way back into the Nation's good books by doing community service in the lower divisions?

RICHARD at 0:52:23 Friday July 3 98
'Blast from the past' - Northamton Town 8-0 Brighton - League Cup 1966/67!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RICHARD at 0:47:39 Friday July 3 98
Ray: Any feedback/gossip/scandal to convey from the " 'Net party" last month?

RICHARD at 0:39:44 Friday July 3 98
Adrian: go to 'Cobblers Main Page', select 'Links', pick out 'OzSoccer' and click on 'Overseas Players'.If you scroll down, you'll spot David Seal from the Cobblers and perhaps others. If you access the chat pages you can alert other Aussie socceroos to the Cobblers' connection and swell the hits for Ray's website here, and forge a new association with our antipodean cousins, to boot!

Kieron Whitehouse (Bolton Cobbler) at 15:40:51 Thursday July 2 98
Right. I've been absolutely Cobblers-starved and have heard absolutely no news on any comings or goings, especially since I'm now off the e-mail group. What's been going on?!! Did I hear the word Corazzin? How disappointing as I remember him saying whilst still at Cambridge that he'd rather play in the Vauxhall Conference than play for a team with fans like us.

Joe at 14:42:9 Thursday July 2 98
If anyone is interested Cobbs play Brighton in the Worthington Cup (was Coca-Cola Cup) on 10th & 17th August.

Ralph at 8:57:57 Thursday July 2 98
Sob!

Ray at 1:6:25 Thursday July 2 98
Yep I agree Richard - but its a damn sight easier to win games when you have a complete team.

RICHARD at 23:25:52 Wednesday July 1 98
Beckham debate: It takes more than one player to lose a game. And, by the way, we didn't lose the match we came second in a penalty shooting competition! Notwithstanding 'Hands of God', nordic myopia and brainless petulance, we played a pretty good team and could, and probably would, have won. If one good lesson came from all this hopefully it will be that, yes we can play well when forced to defend, but we frighten other teams more by attacking! Oh, and one other lesson - win the game before the penalty shoot-out!

hartwell cobbler at 20:40:38 Wednesday July 1 98
adrian. the answers to your questions, in order: no. good. no. why - is there a michael owen lurking out there in wagga wagga ? ref recent signings - another's due tomorrow (thurs).incidentally, it can't be true that corazzin's on Ł150k a year - that's more than the whole team!!!

continued/ at 18:55:47 Wednesday July 1 98
Beckham up by his Goolies Party"?

Ray at 18:32:1 Wednesday July 1 98
OK - how many people are gonna sign up for the "Lynch

NTFC fan at 17:37:23 Wednesday July 1 98
bored

adrian tamplin at 13:40:28 Wednesday July 1 98
do you have an australian fan club?what are the prospects for 98/99 season?do you need more aussies in the team? regards adrian

Matt at 12:56:24 Wednesday July 1 98
England was robbed. What a robbing game.

Ray at 9:10:42 Wednesday July 1 98
For all the ex-pats - check out http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/audio/live/rnorthampton.ram on Wednesday morning (1st. July) Radio Northampton Live

Previous postings are here.

Current June 1998 May 1998 April 1998 March 1998 February 1998 January 1998 December 1997 November 1997 October 1997 September 1997 August 1997 July 1997 June 1997 May 1997 April 1997 MarchMar 1997 Feb 1997 January 1997 December 1996