Cobblers Comments
March 2000

Pre-match tension at 9:58:45 Saturday April 1 2000
I wish I was in Plymouth. If I won the lotto or the bonds I would travel all over. I just can't afford it - sob sob ! Another bad joke - "What do you call a man with a small willy ? - Justin !" NOT THAT I WOULD KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT OF COURSE ! Come on lads, three points PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREG at 8:36:26 Saturday April 1 2000
WE ARE JUST SETTING OFF IS THIS AN APRIL FOOL OR IS IT OFF

AF at 8:8:10 Saturday April 1 2000
I heard from a fairly reliable source last night that the club are already considering the problems involved with higher attendances if the Cobblers go up to div 2 again. As usual, there is no money available for ground extension but it has been identified that the main problem involves the accommodation of away fans, especially for the larger nearby clubs (potentially Nottingham Forest!). A radical proposal has been put forward whereby the season ticket holders in the East stand will be relocated to the South stand thus freeing up the whole East stand for away fans! There are some security problems involved with this but it is considered a realistic solution, doubling the capacity for away supporters. It is proposed that the east end of the North stand will be segregated by a sturdy fence and the East Stand exits at that end will lead into the athletics complex and down to the south car parks. Those season ticket holders not wishing to move to the South Stand will be offered West Stand Tickets at a 10% reduction for one year only. That’s all I know but thought I ought to share it with you. Apparently a letter will go out to those affected within the next 2 weeks.

Youngster at 7:36:23 Saturday April 1 2000
Thanks Sid, glad you told us I was just setting off.

Hartwell at 7:35:47 Saturday April 1 2000
Sid, just heard the same thing on R5 some squaddies got into the ground last night and dug up some of goal mouth must be Scotch! sod it.

Sid at 7:34:13 Saturday April 1 2000
Bad news the Plymouth game has had to be called off, will give you more info as I get it.

Cobblers Wally! at 0:55:39 Saturday April 1 2000
As if Carlo was ever committed, all season ive been saying that your hero has been going through the motions, flue he had it for weeks, golden boot in the micky mouse cup!! him and spedding crap - bring on Frankie Largeone!!!!! The Goldie!!

MartinW at 23:54:35 Friday March 31 2000
Before setting off, a few words of concern about Carlo's latest utterances which show that he is not committed to Northampton and that if he was given any sort of decent offer from another club, he'd be off. Corazzin said: “To be honest I haven’t got a clue where I will be next September. “Come the summertime, I’ll look at all the contracts that are in front of me. “I will stay with the Cobblers if I feel that is in the best interests of myself and my family. “If another offer is more beneficial then I have to move on. “Anyone in any other profession would do the same. “Football is a sport first and foremost and we try to entertain the public and make people’s lives happy, but fans have to remember that it is also our livelihood.” I'm sorry but people do not just move jobs just because of money - if that is what you mean by an offer that's more beneficial. There are other factors like whether you like the area your colleagues and your present job - and it is clear that those factors do not seem on the surface enough for him to stay at the moment. If Carlo has ambitions to play at a higher level, then that's fine, you would expect that from players at our level, but it's not clear that anyone has made a firm offer from clubs on a higher level. Carlo was given a hard time at the tail end of the Atkins era by fans and Atkins himself. It would be a shame if that affected his judgement about where to go, because we need him. After all, who else do we have to turn to, Steve Howard. I'd rather have Frankie Howard. (Okay it was facetious, by I couldn't help it) I'll say one think for Howard, he at least wants to stay because he has settled in the area.

MartinW at 23:40:46 Friday March 31 2000
Does anyone care that we've lost Roy Hunter for the rest of the season? See you at Home Park. Come on lads, let's make it the first win away since Brighton on November 27. It's a long way to go, it is the south coast again. Union Street is an ace place to celebrate with JFK's and all that. That Cornish sea breeze and mad women. Mmmmm. Come on Cobblers, there's more than sufficient incentive, not to mention three points and a chance of still getting one of the three automatic play off spots. That's all well and good, but just think of night out in Union Street. Go on. I'd enjoy it more! Come on. GET RIGHT IN!!!!

Bollix to Armer at 23:33:44 Friday March 31 2000
So Mr Amer, you is the safety hoffiser for the mitey Robins. Then you should know that it is definitley unsafe to diss the Northampton posse in the way that you is doin. If you have sumting to say, say it in a nice way, not using the word bollix, which in my dictionary means a very hot oatmeal drink what you sup before going up the fairy stairs to beddy byes. Innnit. And don't do yourself down. Your no moron, matey peeps.

An18-year-oldMartinW at 23:29:22 Friday March 31 2000
I av supported the Cobblers massive for 18 of my 18 years through the good times and the bad and I is feeling that I want to cause some violence in the ground. So you is right me main man James Colson. Bokasha. Rrrrrrrrrespec!

Boring Day at 22:48:16 Friday March 31 2000
Have we all decided play offs! Danny will be in the bog at the PR tomorrow night - spread those cheeks!!

NPSB at 21:58:21 Friday March 31 2000
to james colson: thats bollox you old git......

Chad at 21:39:7 Friday March 31 2000
Wot no messages?

Carl at 14:33:0 Friday March 31 2000
From the Teamtalk page on Yahoo it appears that Frainy is only 50:50 for tomorrows game, and what with Royston Hunter out as well, we could be a little weak in that area. Plymouth are a good side coming forward as well, so it could spell trouble for tomorrow.

Bad Joke at 12:15:45 Friday March 31 2000
LOST AND FOUND A guy is standing in front of his locker at the country club admiring a golf ball in his hand. One of his golfing buddies says to him, "New ball?" The guy says, "Would you believe this is the greatest golf ball ever made? You can’t lose it. You hit it into the rough and it whistles. You hit it into the woods and a bell goes off. You drive it into the lake and a big burst of steam goes off six feet in the air for two whole minutes." "That’s amazing," says the friend, "Where’d you get it?" "I found it."

Danny at 12:14:43 Friday March 31 2000
Looking forward to tomorrows game, hopefully it'll be worth the 8 hour round trip, I'm sure it will be. A win is a must tomorrow but I musn't grumble if we get a point. Lets get behind the lads tomorrow. COME ON COBBLERS!!!!

nathan richardson at 11:56:37 Friday March 31 2000
That is a very typical stereotypeing of the younger generation all i want is the crowd to get behind the team and rally the town to promotion

James Colson at 11:54:40 Friday March 31 2000
Listen sonny i have supported cobblers for 65 years through the good times and the bad and i feel you young ones have no sense for the game and are only looking to cause violence in the ground

nathan richardson at 11:53:15 Friday March 31 2000
I am only 18 but i feel that i have given the best part of my life to the town what has it got to do with u

nathan richardson at 11:51:12 Friday March 31 2000
I have just read the comment from mr colson why does it matter how old i am i am only 18 but i have given the best part of my life supporting the town so who r u to have a go at me

James Colson at 11:49:35 Friday March 31 2000
I the last comment from nathan is correct i fully agree with everything he said but i wonder how old he is?

nathan richardson at 11:48:16 Friday March 31 2000
i think that all the supporters should stop moaning when we don't play very well because kevin wilson has only become first team manager and has not managed anyone other team prior to cobblers. he is doing the best he can and i believe the fans should support cobblers with more vocals instead of shouting abuse at the team.

david beasley at 11:44:46 Friday March 31 2000
this site is rather informative for cobblers supporters such as myself,I have been a cobblers supporter since i was 6 because it is my local team. I hope we get promoted because we will do better in division 2 under kevin wilson.

TowcesterCobbler at 10:35:16 Friday March 31 2000
Sorry, that was meant to be WON not WOM.

TowcesterCobbler at 10:34:26 Friday March 31 2000
Sorry, that was meant to be WON not WOM.

TowcesterCobbler at 10:32:58 Friday March 31 2000
I've just had a look at the top 3 teams recent results - and apart from Darlington they are struggling at the moment, Peterborough haven't wom since March 3, COME ON COBBLERS!!!

Anon2 at 10:29:28 Friday March 31 2000
Is anybody there?

Ivor Biggun at 10:4:28 Friday March 31 2000
Play Andy Morrow,Ryan Thompson, James Gould and Mark dickson more for the first team. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vince at 9:47:45 Friday March 31 2000
Carl, Demon have had to pay out as a result of a comment left on a chat site, I think the court case implies that the law applicable to libel also applies to enties on chat sites. I believe that Demon had been asked to remove the entry but failed to do so. Demon did not run the site themselves but the chat site was on a Demon website.

Carl at 9:33:22 Friday March 31 2000
Vince, what happened there?

Vince at 9:10:51 Friday March 31 2000
Ray. does yesterdays court ruling involving ISP's Demon concern you? Some of the comments on this site are not exactly complimentary of players etc etc.

Nick Armer at 0:0:28 Friday March 31 2000
Message for Will who posted a load of bollix at 9.25 on Thursday Mar 23. I am the Safety Officer at Cheltenham Town, and whilst I may be a moron it certainly isn't because of the capacity of the visitors end at our stadium. Capacities are calculated by formulae, usually by the Football Licencing Authority, and verified by the Safety Advisory Group. The only input a Safety Officer has into capacities is if he/she wants to restrict entry to less than the designated capacity. The capacity for our visitors area is over 1000. I suspect that the reason you thought it was full was that most supporters went to the open side of the terrace, leaving the covered area only about 1/3 full. There were just over 700 visiting supporters and plenty of room for another 300! I would just like to add that it was a pleasure having so many real football supporters visiting. We have had quite a lot of visiting hooligan interest this season and having such well behaved and good natured visitors was very refreshing!

LC at 22:20:28 Thursday March 30 2000
SBJ - Regretfully i think you'll be a quid worse of at the end of the season, with the Cobblers letting you down(I really hope i'm wrong). What odds Brighton going up? They really are the form team and if you think back to 96/97 this is the point in the season when we really started to hit make an impact.

garry at 21:36:12 Thursday March 30 2000
Does anybody know what has happened to Chris Lee, is he dead?

Garry at 21:33:33 Thursday March 30 2000
KEvin O.K so you have not got John Frain in your team, but where the fick did you get yor name

still searching at 21:8:28 Thursday March 30 2000
MK fan, where are you?

Woody at 20:54:27 Thursday March 30 2000
Watch out Barrie Fry he will be after your mrs if shes as good looking as you!

Desktop at 20:47:46 Thursday March 30 2000
I think you'll find all Woody's 'goals' were domestic. Some a bit too domestic.

re Woody at 20:13:12 Thursday March 30 2000
perhaps they are refering to his looks and his personal activities concerning the opposite sex

Uh? at 19:38:7 Thursday March 30 2000
Can we have that in English please?

Top Scorer at 18:41:53 Thursday March 30 2000
If they are going to include international goals, the last season Woody was top scorer off the pitch!!

Roy at 18:40:57 Thursday March 30 2000
Danny was that your boyfriend in the Dog and Duck!!

MK Cobbler at 16:25:30 Thursday March 30 2000
HI Bye

SBJ at 13:30:30 Thursday March 30 2000
LC, I placed a pre-season bet on Cobblers going up and Shrewsbury finishing last - 18-1 the odds. Only a quid placed though.

Danny at 13:14:4 Thursday March 30 2000
Its bad news that Roy is out for the rest of the season, I wish him well in his recovery. COME ON COBBLERS!!!!!

On the job at 11:17:6 Thursday March 30 2000
Kevin, if you hadn't realised Hunter is unfortunately out for the rest of the season so putting him in the side would not really be a good idea considering he is in a leg support........think again..Hunt perhaps ?

Ralph at 9:46:37 Thursday March 30 2000
There is something spooky about that posting by Morris. As a very recently paid up member of the grandparenting association I am just about to depart for Plymouth, down the A303. I'm not in my 80's though I fel like it sometimes. See you all there!

Kevin Johnson at 9:14:27 Thursday March 30 2000
Goalkeeper: Welch Right Back: Hendon Left Back: Hope Centre Backs: Green and Sampson Right Wing: Hodge Left Wing: Parrish Centre Midfield: Hunter Attacking Midfielder: Savage Forwards: Corazzin and Forrester Substitutes: Howard, Frain, Hunt, Spedding and Hughes What do you think of this team selection? And please, no abuse i am only putting forward my own opinion.

Helpful at 23:15:32 Wednesday March 29 2000
Don't forget the Sanatogen and have a pee before you set off Gramps.

Morris at 23:1:28 Wednesday March 29 2000
Hellooo i am inmy 80s and ive burrowed my gransons computing as he nose im a cobbler fan. just too let you new im setting off for plmouth now in my motor using only aroads as i am scarred of motywaves, wool i git there for suturday whot du u think follow fans

sAVAGE at 22:52:31 Wednesday March 29 2000
I was of the same opinion about Savage last season. When he lost form Millwall fans told me that he did the same thing there that they thought he would be there for ever. How he is going to turn it around i dont know I wish him well but........

LC at 22:42:7 Wednesday March 29 2000
What odds Shrewsbury being the team to go down? Carlisle overtook them last night and Chester are only one point behind them. Both are winning a few games now and the Shrews are in toal freefall. It has to be said they were one of the worst teams to come to Sixfields this season and how we lost twice there is beyond me. Then again who cares?

Pete at 22:6:19 Wednesday March 29 2000
Paulo, for the record, I think Savage is potentially the best player at the club, probably by a long way. All he lacks is confidence- which is not helped by supporters who feel it is their duty to slag off their own players during the match. Given the amount of operations Roy has had I am very fearful for his future- before his original injury I thought he was the best midfielder we had had for as long as I can remember. But woes aside, I'm still looking for the answer to the big question- how and when do we bring on our young players- would you have brought on Morrow on Saturday given how tight it was? Which matches would you have brought him on recently and who would you have taken off? We use to critise IA for ignoring young players.. but when do you bring them on? I would like to be clear... I have no idea as to the answer to this question!!

NPSB at 21:54:40 Wednesday March 29 2000
i agree..... its cheating a bit isnt it! BTW andy.... ill rephrase that: i wouldnt mind going to wembey and winning!

Andy at 21:53:54 Wednesday March 29 2000
MartinW, you're right it does seem wrong to include other games, but you can see the logic. If a player has to miss club games for international duty, there is a case to include goals scored. It always seems unfair to me that FA and league cup goals are also included. Maybe a strike rate would be fairer.

MartinW at 21:44:42 Wednesday March 29 2000
Great news that Swansea slipped up yesterday at Carlisle. But its devastating to hear that Roy Hunter is out for the rest of the season after undergoing a knee cartilage operation. He was just back at his best after another long period out. Finally according to the latest figures - Carlo has suddenly become second top scorer with 17 goals. Apparently the statto merchants included the goals he has scored for Canada. Without those, though, he wouldn't be anywhere near the top of the goal scoring charts. Surely you cannot count international goals at our level, because it just gives the wrong impression.

Andy at 21:25:47 Wednesday March 29 2000
Ok, I meant 1 in 4 chance of promotion. Who want's to go to Wembley to see their team lose? It's a great day out up to ten to five. Then it's a long depressing journey home, remember? (yes I know it's a Friday night game this year)

To Andy at 21:20:59 Wednesday March 29 2000
2 teams have a chance of going to Wembley its not that one sided.

Andy at 21:16:52 Wednesday March 29 2000
A problem with the play offs is that every team in it assumes they are at least going to Wembley. We've been relatively lucky so far, but realistically it's simply a 1 in 4 lottery.

NPSB at 21:8:7 Wednesday March 29 2000
Its not impossible andy, but jusging by our away form im not going to be desperately upset if we have to go to wembley again!

Andy at 20:29:46 Wednesday March 29 2000
I didn't think we would go up automatically after the Swansea game, but the top three all seem to be getting the jitters, so it would only take one of them to get a couple of bad results to give us a great chance. Our run-in is probably easier than anyone else's - we've only got Darlington and Plymouth (ok and Carlisle) who's season is not practically over. I seem to remember the last time we were in Div 3, at this stage, we were virtually as far off the play-offs as we are now from automatic promotion.

y.cobbler at 19:50:31 Wednesday March 29 2000
I know this is not the kind of in-depth analytical comment that has been posted lately on the great striker/mifield, hodge/howard debate, but am I the only person in the county who still thinks we can go up automatically? PS I agree with NPSB - put Hodge on the right

NPSB at 18:18:14 Wednesday March 29 2000
whatever happens, put hodge back on the right!

There's miserable at 17:38:35 Wednesday March 29 2000
Read the comments on scfc.co.uk for some happy letters. You think people on here are negative.

Anon at 17:36:6 Wednesday March 29 2000
The Conference transfer deadline is tomorrow. R&D's are offering big bucks for anyone who can score goals. Does anyone think they will put in an offer for Howard?

Paul S at 17:30:19 Wednesday March 29 2000
Paulo - that's an easy one. Hunter is injured, Savage was a waste of space in the middle of the field and we have three forwards. One solution is to play Howard in midfield where we won't be able to criticise him for lack of effort and where we could still use his aerial ability for corners and long ball passes

Paulo at 17:5:52 Wednesday March 29 2000
I think it's comical that a player is so bad in one position, that when usually he would be dropped, some people are so keen to try and prove he IS a good player that they would try him elsewhere! Then when it comes to Savage DISPITE scoring a couple of goals lately people would discard him from the team altogether!

Vince at 15:47:29 Wednesday March 29 2000
Pete, I missed the last reserve game but would imagine that Howard would make a better midfield player than an out and out forward. I still think he needs to improve his ball control as a midfield player also needs to get the ball forward, unfortunately Howard does not seem able to pass the ball without belting it and could learn a thing or two from Hodge.

Pete at 14:57:5 Wednesday March 29 2000
I still think Howard would do well at centre back ( anyone feel he could be goalie to cover all positions?). Vince may be right- I don't know if he was at the reserve match or not but Howard had 5 or 6 strong shots on target coming from midfield- 3-4 deflected for corners, two well saved. But who would be up for the cloud scrapers which seem to be a permanent feature of the game- though less so since IA left?

Carl at 14:43:38 Wednesday March 29 2000
From recent weeks, it seems that all the current top three are throwing a bit of a wobbler at the moment, and long may it continue. If you have a look at the remaining fixtures the top teams still have quite a few difficult games to go

Anon at 14:28:54 Wednesday March 29 2000
Does Carlisle's win over Swansea last night mean that Swansea have hit a bad patch or Carlisle have hit a good patch? Lets hope it's the latter as we still have to play Carlisle.

Vince at 14:23:54 Wednesday March 29 2000
Howard could be an option for midfield providing he can improve his first touch. He has the build and strength and may score more goals as he would be running at defenders rather than trying to outrun them.

Might be an option? at 14:18:21 Wednesday March 29 2000
The only option in playing Howard in midfield is missing out on any chance of play-off's let alone automatic promotion.

CDU at 13:0:58 Wednesday March 29 2000
That is surely bad news regarding Roy Ray maybe the Big Stevie Howie in midfield might be an option ?

Bob at 12:55:0 Wednesday March 29 2000
Rest of the season ? Oh bugger.

Ray at 12:49:17 Wednesday March 29 2000
Latest news: Hunter out for rest of season.

Sometimes cobblers comments at 12:20:1 Wednesday March 29 2000
I'm keeping quiet

Tony at 11:8:25 Wednesday March 29 2000
Leo Fortune-West out for season... due to the injury he picked up at the weekend... WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND LEO!

Anon at 10:35:40 Wednesday March 29 2000
.

Paddy Cobbler at 22:35:17 Tuesday March 28 2000
3 home games left (I think). What chance of making that automatic spot ?. Should at least make the play-offs. Might need to send over the Irish delegation to Wembley again this year. C'mon Cobblers.

Big Roy at 21:41:1 Tuesday March 28 2000
Pete - thanks for clearing that up. I was a little puzzled about the incident to say the least!

Charles Atlas at 21:24:59 Tuesday March 28 2000
Scunthorpe, Lincs, is furtherr north than Wigan, Lancs. (Well, for Lincs read Humberside and for Lancs read Greater Manchester, but you catch my drift.)

NPSB at 21:22:20 Tuesday March 28 2000
aout that top ten thing were mentioned about three or four times.... but the best own goal was scored by bez who is a frequent message leaver here..... corner comes in and he overhead kicks it into his own net....... beutifu finish

Swans 2 - 0 down!! at 21:5:56 Tuesday March 28 2000
Will we here from them no we wont!!

Tonny at 21:5:0 Tuesday March 28 2000
Oh and today's still happy, and incidently it was Razor who scored the second for Dire... guess that twat that posts the match reports on here will do so later. To save "whoever" you are the time, get a life!

Tony at 21:3:27 Tuesday March 28 2000
The Good news... Carlisle 2-0 up over Swansea.. the not so good news, but I don't care cause Kiderminster are gonna win the title anyway... Direones 2-0 up over Ketterin!

Diamonds at 20:47:56 Tuesday March 28 2000
I have had to leave the match after crowd violence.

Tony at 20:28:34 Tuesday March 28 2000
Swansea are 0-1 down away from home against Carlisle, and Direones are drawing with Ketterin 0-0. I think todays gonna be a very happy day!!!!

Crick Cobbler at 19:0:48 Tuesday March 28 2000
I miss Ali's legs and Carl's tatoos !

Player of the.. at 18:52:8 Tuesday March 28 2000
Not interested in player of the season - cos its John Frain whatever anyone says, but he wont get it if he stays injured, i wasnt a fan but he has been so consistent and we would not be so high in the league but for his influence. My vote and what the compo should be is player of the milennium = Frankie Largeone, and manager of the milennium = Sir Ian Atkins. I joke not. From Goldie

Wellsey at 16:29:48 Tuesday March 28 2000
I agree Ozzy is quality.

Deano at 16:29:10 Tuesday March 28 2000
How come Austin Healey isn't winning player of the year?

Wellingborough Tourist Office at 16:26:8 Tuesday March 28 2000
Don't come to Wellingborough it smells.

ernie at 16:24:29 Tuesday March 28 2000
Kate Terry is Steve Terry after the operation.

Kate Terry at 16:18:7 Tuesday March 28 2000
BOYFRIEND NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Hi all you lovely football fans.Im currently in the search for a man and would like to recive some saucy messages of you all so dont keep me waiting boys....... Love Kate

Kate Terry at 16:17:33 Tuesday March 28 2000
BOYFRIEND NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.Hi all you lovely football fans.Im currently in the search for a man and would like to recive so saucy messages of you all so dont keep me waiting boys....... Love Kate

Steve at 15:49:20 Tuesday March 28 2000
I just happen to be flicking through the tele channels on sunday night and I saw a football programme disscussing the Rangers and Celtic match. They then went on to show a bit of the only match Rangers have lost this season - at home to Dundee. Playing for Dundee was none other then Lee Maddison, that is one hell of a career move from playing in front of one man and his dog at Cobblers reserves away to Walsall to fifty thousand at Ibrox. However he still has not managed to get rid of his habbit of forgeting where he is on the pitch. Therefore meaning he picks up the ball and beats a couple of players get to the by line thinks its the half way line, suddenley realises with about 2 mm to spare and attempts some kind of cross, which ends up going in the opposite direction towards the corner flag. Just thought you might like to now what hes doing

Anon at 14:58:11 Tuesday March 28 2000
Ray for Chairman!

barry at 14:46:26 Tuesday March 28 2000
How come Ali's hair is only in the first division, it is surely premier league standard.

ian at 14:25:13 Tuesday March 28 2000
i miss Ali's hair

OiOi at 14:23:2 Tuesday March 28 2000
Welch for Player of the Year

Pete at 14:4:4 Tuesday March 28 2000
Big Roy, I was close to the bench despite the rain- Kev was angry at the ref and wanted Hendon off to protect him from and unreasonable ref. He had a frank discussion with the ref on the way off at half time- the removal af Hendon and himself was a protest. Hendon was booked for 'unspoting behaviour' because he called,'My ball' or similar then didn't go for it. When issuing the booking I saw the ref suggest that that was the second time he had done it. To book for this in a reserve match was seen as 'unacceptable behaviour' by the ref in Kev's book. Hendon said he was going for the ball then changed his mind. Unacceptable said the ref., your booked! But not a bad night otherwise- when we are discuusing Howard/ Forrester/Corazzin up front... what about the young players... are we too going to let them gather dust and inexperience in the reserve?

Skanky at 13:49:56 Tuesday March 28 2000
I gonna vote for stevie howard just to bog you all off!

Keith "Iceman" Welch at 13:19:29 Tuesday March 28 2000
The only way you can get me cooler is by packing me in ice, baby.

Kobbler at 13:18:3 Tuesday March 28 2000
That was funny when Wilko got MOM last season. He was taking a throw in right where I was sitting and when the whole crowd burst into laughter you should have seen the poor bastards face. I see why they did it but it hindered rather than helped the lanky useless git plight...Actually I was talking to a Barnsley fan the other day and he reckons the blokes a hero. Just over a year before he signed for us he scored a bloody corker of a goal that made history by sending Barnsley into the Premier League...makes you think what a tough job being a footballer is sometimes.

Kobbler at 13:13:11 Tuesday March 28 2000
Lancashire, Wellingborough, they're both shit. All I know is that my Mum lives in Bellinge and when she said she was moving to Wellingborough I made her realise what a tiny craphole it it so she stayed in Bellinge. Bellinge may be scabby but at least its still the mighty Town.

Tony at 12:58:30 Tuesday March 28 2000
Have to say I agree that the system is not really fair, the "Point Makers" is very true, people will vote for Howard after every game even if he wasn't MOM, just because they want to make him out to be some superb player. Don't get me wrong, he's been good sometimes, but there's NO WAY he should be that far ahead given what others around him have done.

ian at 12:57:9 Tuesday March 28 2000
i'd rather live anywhere than wellingboro

CDU at 12:46:45 Tuesday March 28 2000
I would suggest as an onlooker to the MOTM as I am unable to get to the games!!, that it is more a reflection of the individuals who frequent both the matches and the sites opinion as opposed to a reflection of the whole crowd.Is it not the "Internet" Man of the Season Award?Therefore one could assume that the views reflected as a whole across the postings would be mirrored in the Player of the Season standings. With regards to the system itself if it aint bust why fix it I haven't come across any whinges before, if the race were closer, would people be questioning the method behind the result?

RICHARD at 12:36:41 Tuesday March 28 2000
MotM voting system: There's never one absolutely fair way to decide the 'Guy of the Game' award, but a combination of the ideas posted on this debate recently would go some way towards producing a truer reflection, perhaps. For what it's worth, my own preference would be 3-2-1 vote for the top three each game, thereby, someone who consistently played well all season, but not necessarily outstandingly each game, would garner a larger vote throughout the season (ie by picking up 2 or 1 point each game) rather than the man who had a dozen excellent performances and 30 odd stinkers ( acquiring quite a few 3 pointers but bugger all else). In this way Welchy would be furlongs further up the MotM table. The only problem is the difficilty in deciding 3 players in descending order of excellence each game, when you might be struggling to name a third in a dire team performance, where none warranted a point at all! (Of course, this would never happen in a Claret & White line-up!!) Also, am I right in thinking that you can only vote if you have seen the match in question? In some of the games this season, it seems only half a dozen votes were cast in all - hardly a cross section of the paying public!

Danny at 12:11:24 Tuesday March 28 2000
If Billy Turley is "the poor mans Peter Schmeichel" then god knows what Keith Welch is. He is so calm and confident all the time, quality goalkeeper, one of Atkins best signings.

Vince at 11:53:14 Tuesday March 28 2000
Dyl, I agree that Keith Welch is one of our best players and on occasions he has won my vote as man of the match. Although he has had a good season there have been a lot of games, particularly at home, when he has not had a great deal to do and because of this other players tend to win votes. Overall he probably is the most consistent player and I believe he is the best keeper we have had for years.

Danny at 11:36:19 Tuesday March 28 2000
I remember when Wilko got man of the match, when it was announced over the tannoy the whole stadium erupted in laughter.

Danny at 11:32:47 Tuesday March 28 2000
I'd rather live in Wellingborough than Lancashire, though I am looking forward to Rochdale away and their wonderful Meat and Potato pies.

Jacks (NOT Swansea) at 11:29:3 Tuesday March 28 2000
Colin Hill was at the match on Saturday - looking very fit and healthy. SIGN HIM UP!!!! Dobbo was there too - looking grumpy and incredibly surly

MK Cobbler at 11:20:38 Tuesday March 28 2000
I think that Stevie Howard should be player of the year because he has scored more goals this season than he has in the last 3. He also works well with Carlo and he sets his goals up.

Kobbler at 11:17:24 Tuesday March 28 2000
Regards the voting system I agree with Ray that it shows a good way to judge player of the year, and the last couple of years its been more or less right. But I also think Dyl is right, too many votes for Howard this season have been by the point makers. Even Carlo last season (who was my player of the year by an absolute mile) and Hunter the year before didn't have such a lead at this stage of the season. If people vote more fairly the match by match system would have more credibility. Still I think the award is a refreshing change from the other end of season awards and should be kept up. Anyway an award for Big Steve may do wonders for his confidence....

Kobbler at 11:10:54 Tuesday March 28 2000
Lincs/Sleaford Cobbler: That's not the real north, I'm talking about Lancashire. Grim.

dyl at 11:0:10 Tuesday March 28 2000
we also feature in teh top 10 goals, and the top 10 goalkeeping errors

Dyl at 10:58:28 Tuesday March 28 2000
Back to football. Colin Hill was 10th in the top 10 own goals last season at: http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Pointe/2515/98-99.html

Dyl at 10:54:50 Tuesday March 28 2000
Surely Ray it means that you can vote for the same player 46 times a season? I've heard of vote early, vote often but really.... We all know that there are people here that irrationally hate players, as well as some that hold players up to be what they are not. Surely it is better to counter the inherrent risk of these people squewing the data, by allowing a one off vote. Another thing that could affect the data is that home games are going to garner more votes according to your system, thus players who do well away from home, whilst winning the man of the match would get fewer votes than if they had won it at home. A final thought, how many of the votes are people 'making a point'? It brings to mind the time last season when Wilkinson was given man of the match at Sixfields in an attempt to silence the doubters. Taking all 46 games together, looking at the season as a whole must surely be the fairest way to decide who is the player of the season. But actually the point I originally was making was not about the system itself, but the way the voters have ignored Welch. I was hoping to spark a debate about the players rather than the voting system.

Ray at 10:25:16 Tuesday March 28 2000
The reason why the player of the year competition is run the way it is, is because there are already other awards that vote at the end of the season - which is not necessarily a true reflection of the contribution played by a player throughout the whole year. By voting for a player immediately after a match it produces probably a truer reflection of the contribution made.

SBJ at 10:0:59 Tuesday March 28 2000
Dyl, last season someone on the e-mail group ran a survey of best player, best goal, best away pub, etc. etc. - if I could remember who it was it would be worth asking them to do it again. I think you're right though, people will usually not focus on the goalie when considering player of the season awards.

dyl at 9:36:38 Tuesday March 28 2000
Ray, as you well know I don't vote often (if at all). The reason I don't vote is that on your site I only ever visit Cobblers Comments. The only two cobblers sites I visit are this and the Official site. But surely that is not the point. If we liken the player of the year voting system to politics, your system is first past the post, whereas proportional representation (voting at the end of the season) would allow people to put things in perspective and give a balanced view. Strikers always tend to get the glory, but if Howard scores one a game for the rest of the season, he will have had an average season by the standards of the division's strikers. Yet he will be assured of player of the season. Whilst those players in unfashionable positions are the unsung heroes. If you want any proof, how much talk has there been about Welch (who had an excellent game on Saturday) as opposed to Savage who had an average game (better than of recent) and scored and great goal? As I said before I think Welch has been the player of the season so far. Howard has had a good season. He's a better player than when he came, and many of his performances have been superb. But I can think of at least 3 or 4 players who have had a better season than him. Perhaps the fanzine can run a player of the season poll where we can vote based upon the entire season, and with people stating the case in favour of certain players.

Ray at 9:29:50 Tuesday March 28 2000
Actually this was in a statement issued by the Club to the CobbNews email list and is also on the Official Site.

TOP HAT at 9:18:32 Tuesday March 28 2000
I have some more news, even more true than my transfer deadline day news. Hunter will miss the next 4-5 games throug injury,he`s having an operation(NOW THERES A SUPRISE), TOP HAT FIRST FOR COBBLERS NEWS)

daddy at 9:14:13 Tuesday March 28 2000
Whenis this wonderful thing going to happen?

Dave at 23:38:5 Monday March 27 2000
Something wonderful is going to happen, something really wonderful.

Tony at 22:58:32 Monday March 27 2000
Yes Nat I did notice that, well it twigged now you said Mark Nicholls and I actually engaged my brain. He didn't look too good to me either, I watched him on Player Cam for 15 mins, looked like he wanted the ball enough, just didn't get it. Doesn't Alan Brazil talk a load of crap.. always talking about Players and Teams "Airial Ability"... lol

CDU at 22:42:13 Monday March 27 2000
Well he sort of hit a streak of form and actually scored the other week. Other than that he's been struggling along with his side Northern Spiritless.Nothing changes really.

Big Roy at 22:38:38 Monday March 27 2000
You be careful you don't catch a chill. How's our old buddy David Seal doing over there?

CDU at 22:36:27 Monday March 27 2000
Not quite mate she's cooling down a bit now we're only around the 29c during the day now !!Winters on its way !!

Big Roy at 22:32:39 Monday March 27 2000
Much colder now the light nights are here thanks! I suppose you're frying eggs on the pavements over there.

CDU at 22:31:25 Monday March 27 2000
Cheers BR so hows sunny Cobblerdom today?

Big Roy at 22:27:28 Monday March 27 2000
It's an idea that has surely crossed Kev's mind. Nice to hear from you again CDU. The old poster returns. This site is getting better again.

CDU at 22:24:8 Monday March 27 2000
G'day Roy how the devil are ya? Do you feel Howard could move into this spot as coverage for Hunter?Maybe allowing oportunities up front for a smaller more sprightly front line?

Big Roy at 22:22:35 Monday March 27 2000
Kev seemed less than pleased with Hendon's booking and was apparently yelling at the bench to get him off!

Big Roy at 22:19:54 Monday March 27 2000
A cold, cold night up the stiff's match. We lost 2 - 4 to Fulham. Morrow and Thompson scored the goals. Steve Howard played a central midfield role in the second half and his distribution was excellent. Hendon was booked and was replaced at half time along with Wilson.

Nat at 22:15:15 Monday March 27 2000
Tony, did you also notice Daryl Clare was partened up front by Mark Nicholls I think this is the same bloke Kev wanted from Chelsea. He's on loan at Grimsby from Chelsea anyway. I forgot there was a reserve match on, any interesting news/action from those who didn't forget?

Be fair at 21:52:13 Monday March 27 2000
At least Sarfend's manager didn't say we were a big, strong team! What a load of monsters they were! Chicago bears on tour. Still, good job nobody told them that you pass the ball a bit and then try to score. They just wanted to pass for the fun of it. I bet they said 'Ole' to each other while they were doing it. Surreal stuff!

To Kobbler at 21:39:26 Monday March 27 2000
How far up North are you Im in Lincolnshire near Sleaford so its mid North I guess, can do the Town in 1hour and 15 minutes. I like it up here the natives are friendly, lager is 90p and can get to all the home games and most away. You must be in the dire North?

Tony at 21:31:2 Monday March 27 2000
Really bad news from the official site, Roy will need more surgery on his knee to remove some cartlidge. What a massive blow this is to our promotion hopes!

Swansea Jack at 20:58:52 Monday March 27 2000
Sorry, dam thing never cuts and pastes right...maybe next time. Apologies

Swansea Jack at 20:56:22 Monday March 27 2000
Swans Stats update (Inlcudes Northampton prediction for the end of the season. SwanStats, NEW FORMAT and updated for March 25, 2000 After - 39 - matches [Swans with one in hand]: __________________________ CLINCHED (mathematical certainty): EVEN IF THE SWANS WIN NO MORE POINTS, and also assuming an opponent wins EVERY remaining match, the following teams CANNOT finish higher than the Swans: Halifax York Hull Carlisle Leyton Orient Shrewsbury Exeter Chester Lincoln Southend Note: To calculate "mathematical certainty," we must assume other relevant teams win all of their points. _________________________ MEDIOCRITY INDEX: Assumption #1: the Swans finish out the season with an average of 1 point per game. Assumption #2: an opponent win every remaining game. Conclusion #1: The following teams CANNOT finish higher than the Swans: The 10 teams named above, plus: Plymouth Mansfield Brighton Macclesfield Torquay Hartlepool Conclusion #2: 16 teams cannot finish above us if we finish the season with an average of 1 point per game; and, by extension, 7 CAN finish above us. AT THIS MOMENT, we must take 9 more points to be mathematically certain of reaching the playoffs. _________________________ AUTO-PROMOTION INDEX (based on POINTS): AT THIS MOMENT, to guarantee auto-promotion TO A MATHEMATICAL CERTAINTY, the Swans would have to take 16 more points out of the remaining 24 possible. Note: To calculate "mathematical certainty," we must assume other relevant teams win all of their remaining points. ________________________ PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH FOR THE THIRD DIVISION, 1999-2000. This PROJECTION is based on present WIN RATE plus Goal Differential [the two stats which my studies indicate will determine the final standings]. Note that Goal Differential comes into play only when two teams have the same number of wins. Rotherham 26 wins +40 Goal Diff. SWANSEA 25 wins +23 Goal Diff. Darlington 24 wins +35 Goal Diff. Northampton 23 wins +15 Goal Diff. Peterborough 22 wins +7 Goal Diff. Cheltenham 21 wins +10 Goal Diff. Hartlepool 20 wins +8 Goal Diff, Barnet 20 wins +1 Goal Diff. Torquay 18 wins +6 Goal Diff. NOTE: The race is getting narrower as the Swans continue to draw games. _________________________________ WINS (need 55-60%) Minimum Wins Needed : 25 Now Have : 21 wins. Swans now have a win percentage of 55%. 8 matches left to get 4 more wins -- to maintain the minimum 55%. __________ WIN RATES of "top 7" [Auto-promotion is 55% to 60%] Rotherham 22 of 39 = 56% Near bottom of auto-promotion range. SWANSEA 21 of 38 = 55% Very bottom of auto-promotion range. Darlington 20 of 38 = 53% Below auto-promotion range Northampton 19 of 38 = 50% Peterborough 18 of 38 = 47% Cheltenham 17 of 38 = 45% Hartlepool 17 of 39 = 44% Barnet 17 of 39 = 44% _________________________________ If you prefer your PROJECTION based on POINTS, then here are to top 7+: SWANSEA 88 Rotherham 87 Darlington 84 ----- Northampton 78 (win playoffs) Peterboro 77 Cheltenham 72 Barnet 71 ----- Hartlepool 70 Plymouth 69

Kobbler at 20:28:9 Monday March 27 2000
Wellingborough a hellhole Danny why would you want to get pissed up there when the mighty Town, entertainment central for the east midlands, beckon just a few short miles away. Christ i live in a northern hellhole what I wouldn't give for a few bevvies on the Welly (Crown and Cush, Gardners, Racehorse. Minimum pub crawl.)then into town maybe a quick one down Bridge Street (I mean a pint!) or the Market Square then onto The Vault (The Lounge for you youngsters) or the Roadmender (soon to reopen i hear). I'm homesick!!!!!!! All you get up north is a few pints of manky shitty northern ale, smelly pie and peas and a grope of a fat old prossy for a fiver if you're lucky and then get chased home by rabid whippets and get beaten up by northern burglars who've nicked yer telly. No Fun. No Fun at all.

Tony at 20:15:6 Monday March 27 2000
Darly Clare is playing for Grimsby on Sky, they are losing 1-0 to Barnsley. I recon we might have more chance of getting him cheap come the end of the season when Grimsby decide he's not for them, having bought some new Strikers. Either way, I bet Kev has his eye on the situation!

Nat at 19:57:53 Monday March 27 2000
Nat @ 22.56.43 to NSB on March 23rd was not me! Not a bad game Sat, Forrester looks quality. Hughes did well on full debut and should be given another chance. Savage certainly showed what he is capable off. Atmosphere ok could and can be better....COME ON COBBLERS!!!

Anon at 19:50:6 Monday March 27 2000
Dog and duck isn't that a beefeater?

To Danny at 18:46:51 Monday March 27 2000
I read on here look back to Saturday night that you had a close encounter in a toilet at the Dog+Duck, but did you quack or bark???

Mr Love Pants at 18:43:25 Monday March 27 2000
Sad news regarding the passing away of Ian Dury this morning.

Danny at 18:42:0 Monday March 27 2000
all in all a normal saturday night in the might market town that is Wellingborough.

Danny at 18:40:22 Monday March 27 2000
All this talk of footy - I went out in Wellingborough, went to a few pubs in the town centre (Kingfisher, Swan, Horseshoe, Golden Lion),got wasted, went Network, danced, kissed some girls, went for a Kebab, ate Kebab on the way home, got in, had a cuppa tea, went bed, felt sick, got up, had a glass of water, went back to bed, went sleep.

Tony Dobson at 18:18:49 Monday March 27 2000
I reckon I'm player of the year

Kobbler at 18:17:51 Monday March 27 2000
Dyl...I agree, i dunno who votes and I must admit I do forget quite often (I don't get to many games at the moment either.) But for me Corazzin, Welch and Frain, possibly Sampson are the only real contenders for me. Howards doing ok now but had an awful start to the season and in no way deserves to be 20 points clear. I wouldn't even consider him for player of the year, his early season form discounts him.

All this talk of footie at 18:7:8 Monday March 27 2000
This site is back to talking footie, but I want to know from Danny what really happened Saturday night???

Ray at 17:50:0 Monday March 27 2000
When was the last time you voted Dyl?

Dyl at 17:40:47 Monday March 27 2000
I've just looked at the player of the year current standings and I must say that I think it's a travesty that Welch isn't higher. He has been the most consistent player and I believe the main reason why we are as high as we are. How many times has he kept us in the game? Even on Saturday he pulled off a great save when the striker was 6 yards out. A goal then would have made the game a completely different proposition. Of course people like to focus on strikers, but to say that Howard (who I am a fan of) is double the player Welch is, or has made twice as many important contributions is a travesty.

A.P. at 16:37:27 Monday March 27 2000
Just like me they long to be close to you...no its too high...oh you get the general idea...

From the Official News Site.. at 16:28:25 Monday March 27 2000
Darlington v Northampton Town Nationwide League Division 3 Saturday April 15 2000 The above match has been designated ALL TICKET. Northampton Town have been allocated 250 terrace and 450 seat tickets. Tickets go on sale to Northampton Town season ticket and half season ticket holders only at 1 per person from 10am on Wednesday March 22 at the Sixfields Box Office. Any remaining tickets will go on unlimited general sale from 10am on Monday April 3rd 2000. All sales for the game will cease at 7pm on Friday April 14 2000, subject to availability.

Anon at 16:27:29 Monday March 27 2000
why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?

C.Echo at 16:26:48 Monday March 27 2000
The Darlo game has been announced as being all ticket for aswway fans. It was in saturdays programme, and possibly also on the official news page.

Ray at 16:1:17 Monday March 27 2000
Not sure about the Darlo game..the Trust number is on the official site.

The Romsey Cobbler at 15:52:7 Monday March 27 2000
Can someone please answer me two simple questions? 1. Is there any danger that the Darlington game might be all-ticket for away fans? 2. What's the phone number for the Trust Travel Club nowadays?

Anon at 14:54:23 Monday March 27 2000
The teams above us are constantly playing each other or teams in the top half. starting on Saturday with Darlo vrs Rotherham. Swansea and Rotherham have espescially hard run ins. There will not be 4 teams at the end of the season with 80 pts+. I think Rotherham are the most likely to blow it, who play Swansea last game of the season. Our problem is that we need at least 2 away wins to make it automatically which hasn't looked likely just lately.

SBJ at 14:30:41 Monday March 27 2000
Predictions for the run-in: I reckon we'll end on 83 points (we're at 64 now). We can win at Plymouth - they were good at Sixfields, and are on a good run of results, but are still (according to their own fans) not being punished for their own mistakes. Then a win at home to Halifax and a narrow away win at Carlisle, to be followed by a probable defeat at Darlington. That will be a close-fought game though. Recover to beat Hull at home, earn a draw away at Rochdale, and then run in with wins at home to Mansfield and away to Torquay. OK, this involves us winning everything at home from now on, and also stepping up the away form in a way we haven't been able to this season, but I think it's well within the capabilities of the team now. I just don't think the teams above us will slip up again, at least not enough to allow us into the automatic promotion places. Still, we'll definitely go up via the play-offs, as Atkins said about us on Sunday morning.

Sid at 14:30:21 Monday March 27 2000
I thought Carlo did particulary well on Saturday, he won many headers despite being a couple of inches shorter. This isn't realy his position, with it being a bit like Shearer being converted into a target man for England. In regard to Hughes, he had an okay game for his full debut. Again, not the finished article but played okay, but he doesn't half have a good throw on him!! And also we had a couple of well taken goals! The crunch matches are definitely Darlington and Plymouth, with both being unbeaten at home this season. If we can record points against these teams, we could be in with a chance of that 3rd auto promotion spot.

SBJ at 14:22:38 Monday March 27 2000
Spedding was a bit disappointing on Saturday - he should really use the space in front of him when it's available, not just hoof it all the time. But he's very solid as a defender, so I'm happy to stick with him. My ideal line-up based on current availability would be: Welch in goal, Hendon, Sammo, Green and Spedding across the back, Hodge and Frain as outside right and left respectively, Hunt and Parrish sharing the middle, then Carlo and Forrester up front. Switch Hunt for Hunter when the latter is fit again. Hughes looked good, especially considering he was up against big beefy Carruthers and the awkawrd Jones and Maher. He'll be fine in time. Any substitutions should be made earlier than KW usually makes them - bringing on Howard with 30 minutes left against Southend might have given us enough time to change the pattern of attacks - there were some big crosses whipping in from the east Stand which Carlo and Forrester could hardly reach, but Howard might have. Better to try these tactical subs for longer than the last few minutes of a game in my opinion.

Daz at 13:20:22 Monday March 27 2000
I thought the thing that was most disappointing preformance on saturday was Dunc. Hodge spent more time marking their winger than Spedding did, and as a result was probably too knackered to be surging forward. Great performance from Forrester, but I disagree with the negative comments about Carlo. I'd be p**sed off if I had to spend 75% of the game jumping for aimless high balls. These two will gel up front if they play a little closer together. Both were looking for little touches, but were too far apart to make them count. Best thing about the game: Garry Hughes. he's not ina position to replace Hendon yet, but he's not far off - a little more experience required (don't know where he's going to get it - probably not at Northampton). Shame Carlo will be off at the end of the season. Hope we can sign Forrester permanently in the close season.

alex humphries at 13:5:10 Monday March 27 2000
on saturday it was a crap game but we got the result with 2 good goals especially foresters goal

Paul S at 12:58:1 Monday March 27 2000
Sunderland, don't look back look forward. Darlo are the team to look out for as we go past them :-)

SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 12:49:17 Monday March 27 2000
Afternoon chaps, I think from reading different views on 'Comments',Savage is starting to be come a better player. Goals do lead to confidence and I think playing him with Howard in midfield and a front two of Forrester and Carlo will give us some good attacking options in future games. Our cureent form, leads to me think that we could grab 3rd place and miss out on the trip to the Twin Towers. Hartleepool are the team to watch out for I think! Keep up the good lads!!! DAVE.E

Danny at 12:23:2 Monday March 27 2000
Goals breed confidence, and Savage has now scored 2 in 2. He looked more comfortable and confident as the match wore on on saturday. With him on top form and controlling the midfield as he did toward the end of last season, we will surely be lurking around the automatic spots come May. Hodge needs to play wide like he did against Orient. He dragged defenders out there to try and get the ball off him thus providing more room in the box for the likes of Carlo, Howard etc. And with Forresters pace up front running defenses ragged we must be a good outside bet for the automatic places. As long as we can keep the home form up and get this away thing busted, we will be there and leaving the dreams of Wembley to the likes of Boro. COME ON COBBLERS!!!! (Oh and Cobblers comments is getting better and better once again)

Ray at 12:14:15 Monday March 27 2000
Well he has scored 2 in 2... so lets hope you are right.

Cobbler Dave at 11:48:20 Monday March 27 2000
It was about this time last season that Dave Savage hit his legendary form, so hopefully he will be scoring goals again.

SBJ at 11:28:11 Monday March 27 2000
Savage was one of our very best players in the relegation run-in last season: his attacking runs resulted in quite a few goals for us, and so it's been a bit disappointing this season not to have seen the best of his form. I'm optimistic that he's returning to form now - his attacking play is getting good again, and hopefully with confidence the other areas of his game will start to pick up too.

Dyl at 11:1:37 Monday March 27 2000
I've been a Savage advocate for a long time. He's a very talented player but I don't think we've got the best from him yet. Most of what 'Be Fair' posted happened in the last 5 minutes of the 2nd half when he really came to life. That David Savage is a match winner. But the David Savage who was out of the game for long periods on Saturday, who wasn't up to his defensive duties, who gave the ball away too easily, he's the one in need of help. He played better than he did v Cheltenham but that's not too hard. I think we still need to find a game plan that suits him. I'm not slagging him off. Saying he isn't playing well is not the same as saying he's not a good player. Much of the problem must lie with our reversion to long ball play. Carlo is no target man, and if we must play that style then surely Howard must be up front. Hodge, Savage, Forrester all showed an ability to run with the ball. I'd rather we did that and lost the ball than hoofed it upfield only to have it pumped straight back.

Bushell and Harry Kewell at 9:51:35 Monday March 27 2000
Dave Savage is coming good again, nice to see. The good old boy Sean Parrish is back playing. And now we have Jamie Forrester. Wembley? No, we going up automatic!!!And Liverpool are going to finish second!!!Come On!!!

Suck at 8:45:35 Monday March 27 2000
Danny, dont u remember?? U were so good!

Danny at 23:39:12 Sunday March 26 2000
Truck?

Danny at 23:37:53 Sunday March 26 2000
Sadly Barker, I was just drunk enough to agree to hand over the fiver it cost to get in there :o)

Dog and Duck at 23:15:49 Sunday March 26 2000
Danny what rhymes with Duck, you were certainly there last night in the en-suite, you naughty boy!!

Barker at 22:36:24 Sunday March 26 2000
Couldn't have been much of a night if you remembered being there Danny! :-)

Dove at 22:31:58 Sunday March 26 2000
NPSB - I thought it rather humourous 'NSPB', be calm, and take things a little easier before you harangue others for being unoriginal. Love and Peace.

Be Fair at 22:20:50 Sunday March 26 2000
Savage only scored a good goal, had one headed off the line, dragged a shot inches wide after a mazy run and nearly succeeded with an outrageous flick and volley after a neat one-two. But we can't all be perfect. You should love all who wear the Claret and White; have a go if they're off, maybe, but not hate them. Hodge is no left-half (no what?), but he worked bloody hard for the team for 88 minutes. It's still a poor way to use him though. Those who need convincing about Forrester are probably also unsure of their own names.

Danny at 22:9:7 Sunday March 26 2000
oh and at 23:56 last night, I seem to remember being in Evolution "Wellingboroughs Premier Nightspot(!)" Anyway, onto football matters, not much happening Cobblers wise this week, though there is some small little derby game somewhere toward the East. Won't have any bearing on us though as the teams involved won't be in the league next season.

Danny at 22:5:46 Sunday March 26 2000
..... oh and thanx for the compliment Goldie

Danny at 22:3:10 Sunday March 26 2000
Why the hell would anybody want to go to the Dog & Duck on a saturday night? I know Wellingborough is bad, but for gods sake, The Dog & Duck, give me some credit.

NSPB at 21:23:56 Sunday March 26 2000
Stop trying to be, you can only be me if you are proud to be gay!

Nash at 21:20:55 Sunday March 26 2000
It is always an enlightening experience going to Sixfields. I see it as an essential part of my young lad's education. Not only can he watch the wonderful skills of our beloved team and digest the finer points of professional football tactical awareness but he can also learn the intricate wordplay of some fine song lyrics. Yesterday's main lesson was the meaning of the word "hypocritical". The blokes behind us have spent most of this season slagging Stevie Howard off at every given opportunity. Then lo and behold, not half an hour into yesterdays game they were yelling for him to be brought on and applauded and whistled when he eventually did come on. Whilst we were overjoyed at the result, my son left with with a perplexed look on his face which I was able to correct in the half hour it took to leave the car park with a lecture on the meaning of the aforementioned word. The lesson in two weeks time will be the meaning of the word "wankers". I thank you for your attention.

the real NPSB at 21:0:51 Sunday March 26 2000
that last one wasnt me, get your own name you unoriginal git!

NSPB at 20:49:1 Sunday March 26 2000
Bez Rectified is the latin term for the gannet!

NPSB at 20:42:21 Sunday March 26 2000
Bez: rectified is an unusually long word for you isnt it?

I see Chipp Fatts back yawn!!! at 20:32:46 Sunday March 26 2000
What a boring............

Chipp at 20:26:25 Sunday March 26 2000
May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold, may you never make your bed out in the cold. May you never lose your temper if you get hit in a bar room fight, may you never lose your woman overnight. Well you're just like a great strong sister to me and I know that your love is true. And you hold no blade for to stay me in my back, I know that ther’s some that do. So please, won’t you please, won’t you bear it in mind, Love is a lesson tonight in our time. Please, won’t you please, bear it in mind for me. Well you’re just like a great strong brother to me and I know that your love is true. And you never talk dirty behind my back, I know that there’s some that do. . So please, won’t you please, won’t you bear it in mind, Love is a lesson tonight in our time. Please, won’t you please, bear it in mind for me. May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold, may you never make your bed out in the cold. May you never lose your temper if you get hit in a bar room fight, may you never lose your woman overnight.

RELOAD at 20:2:49 Sunday March 26 2000
IT SEEMED TO ME YESTERDAY THAT CORRAZZIN WAS GETTING MIGHTY FED UP WITH THE TEAM LEAVING HIM ON HIS OWN OUT IN FRONT. SEVERAL TIMES HE CALLED FORM THEM TO SUPPORT HIM. THEY STILL HAAVENT GOT USED TO NOT DEFENDING IN LARGE NUMBERS.

RELOAD at 19:59:3 Sunday March 26 2000
DOES ANYONE ELSE FIND THAT BALL THAT BOUNCES AROUND ON THE MAIN MENU A BLOODY NUISANCE

M R Hart at 19:28:55 Sunday March 26 2000
if any other schools want to fight our pupils then feel free to e-MAIL ME AND ARRANGE A BRAWL YOU F**KING W***ERS MR M R HART MEREWAY RUDE BOY UPPER SCHOOL STAR STUDENT WHO WANTS A BEATING:JAMES KAY

Goldie at 19:14:44 Sunday March 26 2000
I only came here because of the footie, but I want to catch up with what is going on around the team, what happened in the past and what is going to happen in the future, I dont mind the moaners, I just move on or sometimes its me, its my outlet, I like to laugh at Papa, Chipp does nothing for me - I could copy the same stuff out of my Dylan music book, but how is it linked to Northampton or the Cobbs. So keep up the good work and keep out rascist scum and foul mouthed people!

OiOi at 18:59:34 Sunday March 26 2000
And it is also a place where you tell Swansea gypos to piss off back to their caravans..........

ORBITAL Ganja at 18:48:16 Sunday March 26 2000
FULL VERSION :Cobblers comments is still cobblers comments. Here is my side of the debate. When you go to the matches, you meet your friends and fellow supporters. Do you on a whole, talk about the Cobblers. No you mainly talk about the cobblers, but I am sure all of you moaners out there also chat about Work (or School), Films, TV, experiences and life in general. This is exactly what this site is all about. It is where fellow cobblers can meet on the web and talk about 'the town', but can also chat about how crap work is, or reccommend a new film or ask for advice on something etc... It is a way of telling fellow friends about life and its wonders and problems and getting feedback and starting conversations. OG

ORBITAL Ganja at 18:45:47 Sunday March 26 2000
Cobblers comments is still cobblers comments. Here is my side of the debate. When you go to the matches, you meet your friends and fellow supporters. Do you on a whole, talk about the Cobblers. No you mainly talk about the cobblers, but I am sure all of you moaners out there also chat about Work (or School), Films, TV, experiences and life in general. This is exactly what this site is all about. It is where fellow cobblers can meet on the web and talk about 'the town', but can also chat about how crap work is, or reccommend a new film or ask for advice on something etc... It is a way of telling fellow friends about life at its wonders and problems and getting feedback and starting conversations. OG

ORBITAL Ganja at 18:43:29 Sunday March 26 2000
Cobblers comments is still cobblers comments. Here is my side of the debate. When you go to the matches, you meet your friends and fellow supporters. Do you on a whole, talk about the Cobblers. No you mainly talk about the cobblers, but I am sure all of you moaners out there also chat about Work (or School), Films, TV, experiences and life in general. This is exactly what this site is all about. It is where fellow cobblers can meet on the web and talk about 'the town', but can also chat about how crap work is, or reccommend a new film or etc...

Where are U at 18:23:28 Sunday March 26 2000
Danny????????????????? Is it about your coming out last night!!

Didnt notice at 18:22:48 Sunday March 26 2000
Whys it called Used to be Cobblers Comments - is it because us old uns have been talking about real things in life that surround and are part and parcel of the life called the Cobblers!!

Kobbler at 18:8:49 Sunday March 26 2000
I'll tell you one thing thats more boring than the little kids messing about ad swearig...you boring bastards moaning about it. Get a life. It happens on every messageboard, accept it. This is still the best single club messageboard on the interet if its any consolation...

Kobbler at 17:56:50 Sunday March 26 2000
Come on, you are proving my point. We were miles better than you yet you scabbed and undeserved 4-1. We played you off the park and you know it. Our team is stronger as we proved in the home game, and it will be proved next season when you're propping up the bottom of div 2. Jacks are shite, face facts.

Anon at 17:55:30 Sunday March 26 2000
this is a message from your Kobbler friend posted on the div 3 message board Kobbler: I still maintain that Swansea are extremely lucky to be where they are. You'll amost certainly go up, but I've never seen such and undeserving team win so consistantly. I truly believe Northampton hae a better squad, but we'll have to prove it through the play offs probably whereas you jammy gits have got it made. (n/t) (26-Mar- now how jealous can you get ?? you supposedly have a better team even tho we thrashed you 4-1 when we played one of worst performances of the season ..we are going up where as you are not..as either pish or the gay men will be joining us ..so why not keep your jealous stupid remarks to yourself ..i know you crave to be welsh but never mind maybe you'll get lucky in your next life ...now fuck off back to your slum

Anon at 17:54:56 Sunday March 26 2000
this is a message from your Kobbler friend posted on the div 3 message board Kobbler: I still maintain that Swansea are extremely lucky to be where they are. You'll amost certainly go up, but I've never seen such and undeserving team win so consistantly. I truly believe Northampton hae a better squad, but we'll have to prove it through the play offs probably whereas you jammy gits have got it made. (n/t) (26-Mar- now how jealous can you get ?? you supposedly have a better team even tho we thrashed you 4-1 when we played one of worst performances of the season ..we are going up where as you are not..as either pish or the gay men will be joining us ..so why not keep your jealous stupid remarks to yourself ..i know you crave to be welsh but never mind maybe you'll get lucky in your next life ...now fuck off back to your slum

Jack the Mental at 17:51:1 Sunday March 26 2000
this is a message from your Kobbler friend posted on the div 3 message board Kobbler: I still maintain that Swansea are extremely lucky to be where they are. You'll amost certainly go up, but I've never seen such and undeserving team win so consistantly. I truly believe Northampton hae a better squad, but we'll have to prove it through the play offs probably whereas you jammy gits have got it made. (n/t) (26-Mar- now how jealous can you get ?? you supposedly have a better team even tho we thrashed you 4-1 when we played one of worst performances of the season ..we are going up where as you are not..as either pish or the gay men will be joining us ..so why not keep your jealous stupid remarks to yourself ..i know you crave to be welsh but never mind maybe you'll get lucky in your next life ...now fuck off back to your slum

Crick Cobbler at 17:34:23 Sunday March 26 2000
Opps - finger trouble !

Crick Cobbler at 17:33:28 Sunday March 26 2000
As regards the reported lack of noise and atmosphere in recent weeks -when a good chant / song was starting to get underway yesterday, the PA system (if I can glorify it by calling it that - more like tin cans and string) would cut in with some pointless announcement like the golden goal times.

Crick Cobbler at 17:33:19 Sunday March 26 2000
As regards the reported lack of noise and atmosphere in recent weeks -when a good chant / song was starting to get underway yesterday, the PA system (if I can glorify it by calling it that - more like tin cans and string) would cut in with some pointless announcement like the golden goal times.

Anonn at 15:40:17 Sunday March 26 2000
Havent been on site for a while but like the new heading "used to be Cobblers Comments" - thats why I decided not to bother in the end - aimless drivel is what it ended up. Hope to see if it changes for the better now.

Deepthroat at 13:28:18 Sunday March 26 2000
Carruthers never came in because Howard couldn't agree terms despite Southend accepting our £200k bid. Howard's agent asked for his wages to be doubled apparantly !. He didn't really want to go.

Tony at 12:11:0 Sunday March 26 2000
I agree Pete, in fact I hate it when people slag Savage off, just because he "has" been crap for a while now. Hughes was good, I would like to see him at right back for Plymouth. I must say one thing that really stood out yesterday was the incredible amount of high balls going forward. Indeed Forrester did sometimes seem to look as if he had no clue what was going on, it seems when Howard has been in the side we are stuck in Atkin's mode which is why I would have like to have seen £100,000 in the bank and one less Div 2 wage to pay! Wilsons not stupid, he allowed Howard to talk to Carlisle for a reason!

Pete at 11:34:10 Sunday March 26 2000
Dyl, in the first 5 mins or so Savvo flicked on to give Forrester his opening chance then had two good efforts cleared off the line- after that not many of the players seemed to do much until much later in the game. There was a fair bit of long high balls to their huge back four which gave Carlo very little chance to pass to anyone... and Forrester must have been rather puzzled by the high balls in his direction!!

DavCobbler at 11:33:39 Sunday March 26 2000
P.S. On another day I could have been almost impressed by our attempt at creating some atmosphere.......some more of the same wouldn`t go amiss......COME ON COBBLERS.....COME ON COBBLERS...COME ON COBBLERS......

DavCobbler at 11:30:41 Sunday March 26 2000
Dyl..... I have to dissagree with your comments about Carlo....once again he ran and chased his heart out........if we don`t have the ability to get the ball to our frontmen that is hardly his fault. As for Hodge......as an attacking option I seem to remember about two half decent runs.......But..........I`m ot bitter......Up the Cobblers !!

Pete at 11:28:46 Sunday March 26 2000
We keep having flashes of what Savvo can do- all he seems to need is confidence. When the crowd get behind him and the team, it ups his game. Given what he can do we must stay behind him even when things are going badly otherwise we are cutting our noses to spite our faces

Curious at 8:29:5 Sunday March 26 2000
What's the time Mr Wolf ?

Dyl at 3:33:51 Sunday March 26 2000
I thought Savage was hopeless in the first half (apart from the goal). Did anyone notice that his idea of marking was to stand 25 yards away. Carlo looked disinterested and contributed less in 85 mins than Howard did in 5. Only in the last 20 minutes did we wake up and with a bit more practice together, Hodge, Forrester, Howard etc will do really well Forrester certainly looked the part today. Pity Carlo wouldn't pass to him.

Ralph at 2:43:20 Sunday March 26 2000
I appear to have lost an hour somewhere!

Andy at 0:53:15 Sunday March 26 2000
I think I remember you Goldie. (fairish, gingery hair, always running around). I used to hang around the pylon or if it rained jammed myself under the stand. You wouldn't remember me, I just watched the game.

Bilbo at 0:13:7 Sunday March 26 2000
I couldnt stay away from the hottest site in town, great win today.

Andy at 0:12:50 Sunday March 26 2000
So the sponsers pick a goal scorer yet again. I don't know how it works at The Cobblers but usually a form is passed around the guests (feeloaders) who dont know any of the players so pick a scorer, or failing that, the goalie. Before you slag them off, the company paid a shed load of money and they could have gone to the rugby or paintballing or whatever.

Johnnny Reggae at 0:12:20 Sunday March 26 2000
Hi guys wheres my soul mate Chipp?

Hob Nail Harry at 0:11:28 Sunday March 26 2000
Is that you Goldie I remember you, what an awful noise. you and your mates did it for a few weeks and then i heard it on MOTD at I think a Liverpool game, caught on quickly. You must still be as mad.

Goldie at 0:9:36 Sunday March 26 2000
In the old Hotel End days I was famed for my loud bird noises like a parrot and various other tropical birds. I still try it out in the West stand and my mate Seamus returns the exotic cry! Unfortunately the throats not the same these days the lagers worn it out!

Goldie at 0:5:45 Sunday March 26 2000
Andy your not a friend of the one called Danny are you - sounds like a dodgy night in Doughboy Land!!

Premiership - The Golden One at 0:4:32 Sunday March 26 2000
Yes it is still a temporary blip, but Wembley 3 times in 4 years! who would have thought!! But id swap it all for 3 seasons on the trot in Div I plus a decent East Stand and North Stand and South Stand.

Youngster at 0:2:11 Sunday March 26 2000
Thats Frankie Large the best centre forward the Town ever had he came back 3 times.

Andy at 0:2:2 Sunday March 26 2000
Goldie, you are so right, we are simply a premiership club going through a temporary blip.

Who is Frankie Largeone?? at 0:1:17 Sunday March 26 2000
?????

Chester at 0:0:37 Sunday March 26 2000
Personnaly I want Chester out they dont desrve a league club. I still wish Sir Ian was at 6 Fields!!!

billy at 23:59:6 Saturday March 25 2000
Good to see Chester getting a 5-0. I must admit to looking for their results and hoping IA keeps them up. He was very diplomatic on Sky a couple of weeks ago.

Goldie at 23:59:2 Saturday March 25 2000
Im not that crinkly yet ive still got all of my faculties - hair and teeth. Im sorry im moaning but im frustrated as a few seasons back I thought the ghost of the Div 1, 1965/66 and then freefall was over!

Danny at 23:56:18 Saturday March 25 2000
Just got back from the Dog and Duck in Welli and Im Bramhsed and Litszed. I had my first gay moment tonight went into the toolet and got chatted up, trouble was I enjoyed it, he was a dead ringer for Michael George of Wham. He ran his fingers through my blond hair and we got all close. Talk sum footie tomorrow.

Ghost Of Posters Past at 23:54:56 Saturday March 25 2000
It's probably because people in this Town like living in the past !!ooooops Sorry Goldie.

Statue at 23:53:39 Saturday March 25 2000
I noticed some Southend fans admiring the memorial to the Black footballer, what about having something fro Dave Bowen, Frankie Largeone and Sir Ian! I thought next time we play Millwall they will spray this or smash it. Their manager was on Radio 5 today defending the rascists scum supporters - its never them and if it was its a really small minority!! He was just as bad sounded like a real east end thug - no disrespect to decent east enders - but not Ian Beal!

Goldie at 23:50:37 Saturday March 25 2000
Whats so frustrating is that as a club and as a town, and as a centre of population we are so near yet so far and should be in Div 1. Then we and the Saints are clueless we always seem to be playing on the same afternoon. Ive no problem with Sunday nor should the Saints, many of us would go to both. The cricket is as badly organised. what is it with this town - stone age organisation. Wait till we get to the playoffs - queing like last time - nightmare - sometimes you wonder the value of having a season ticket!!

Andy at 23:46:8 Saturday March 25 2000
Hello Mark, you don't feel the passion because like most of us, you are fed up with Div 3. Just look at the teams we were on a level footing with only a couple of years ago - Man City, Watford, Fulham, Grimsby etc, Being compared with Cheltenham would grind any supporter down. And that's probably why it's so quiet at Sixfields. Just be grateful we are not doing a York City.

TRB Mark at 23:23:40 Saturday March 25 2000
Nice retort Andy. In my original message I was'nt meaning to have a go at the Cobblers fans. I was just trying to work out why I didn't feel the passion of even last season and was wondering if anyone else felt the same and if so, what were the reasons. Despite our recent run of home victories, there has really felt that there has been something missing, to the point where KW has had to ask for us to make some noise. Anyway, good result and nice to be above Boro. And to all Diamonds, staying down, staying down , staying down!!

LC at 22:58:23 Saturday March 25 2000
No sense - Other than scoring a goal Savage contributed nothing to todays game. The obvious choice today was James Hunt. He worked tirelessly, led the midfield, broke up the opposition and was at the heart of what little we did create. The difference between him and Savage is that when the chips are down and the midfield is depleted he at least tries to take some responsibility and not hide. He'll never be a great player but you could never accuse him of not trying.

Howard MOM was a joke! at 22:34:10 Saturday March 25 2000
He was only on for a few minutes. Savage scored but that was all!

No Sense at 22:28:23 Saturday March 25 2000
So when Howard plays crap and doesn't score everyone wants to give him MOM, but when Savage has a pretty good game and scores youd like to *REALLY* try and give MOM to someone else. What is it with you people?

LC at 22:2:37 Saturday March 25 2000
One really has to wonder if the sponsors know anything at all about football when they make Savage Man of the match. Today was the day he really needed to work hard and help Hughes out by covering and supporting him, not ponce about showing very little effort. Fortunately Hughes was up to the job and full credit to him today. No doubt the papers and everyone else will go on about how well he took his goal and fair play he did, but his only contributions in the last 180 minutes have been 2 goals scored and 1 conceded. Why is he such an enigma? We know he's got so much skill, when are we going to see it regularly.

To R&D and other lukewarmers at 21:7:43 Saturday March 25 2000
I noticed on this board a few of you have been moving towards R&D and if they had come into the league you would have been off to MONOPOLY. Well where are you now and R&D where your usual rubbish, and you pro R&Ders prat off now!

Great Result - Goldie One at 21:5:33 Saturday March 25 2000
But Danny, Spedding was sill slighly better than crap. Howard was man of the match as the time he spent on the field he didnt miss any open goals. Dont start giving Hughes plaudits yet, we were only playing Southend who werent too adventurous and were one dimensional everything went through the number 11. Hughes to me looked fragile and needs to get street wise and that will come with time. Great result but it was so boring, Carlo - Golden Boots yes up the arse hes lazy, the only time he comes alive is when the keeper is trying to kick the ball out and then he hovers menacingly. And for those losers who have said they have departed good riddance I prefer the Dannys of this world who dont resort to gutter language and are human!!! With Savage he is replicating the end of last season and if he scores it will make up for his fairy like qualities. So well done to Hunt,Frain, Green, Sammo, the KEEPER, Hunter when hes back, Parrish and yes Mr Howard who at least tries. Forrester great goal, lets see!

R+D at 20:43:28 Saturday March 25 2000
Not good from us today, we might have to wait till Talbot's gone before we meet you in the league.

Anon at 20:14:57 Saturday March 25 2000
From the SportsLine Div 3 match reports: 'Carl Heggs set Chester on the way poking home in the 17th minute after a goalmouth scramble. Four minutes later the city striker turned provider after his brilliant run half the length of the pitch set up Luke Beckett who fired into the far side of the goal. On 29 minutes Heggs, who was a constant thorn in the side of the visitors, broke down the right and played a delightful ball into the path of Tony Hemmings who charged in on goal before slotting the ball to the left hand side of the goal. Heggs had further oppoutunities to increase their lead for the rampant City but his close-range effort was charged down by the keeper and his second effort skidded just past the post.'

Bez at 20:12:56 Saturday March 25 2000
Well I am impressed with Forrester. He seemed very lively and together with Corazzin I feel a glut of goals coming. But knowing the Cobblers it won't happen in the same way that Corazzin and Seal never happened. 2 good goals today with Forrester doing what Gibb should have done time and time again instead of drifting into isolation before giving a poor cross. The only thing that worried me was the amount of possession that we gave away which needs to be recified.

Anon at 20:7:39 Saturday March 25 2000
Chippy, Chippy gives us a song, give us a song, give us a song!

Ray at 20:0:19 Saturday March 25 2000
Site now updated - Cobblers above Poo - Sam Schofield outscores his rivals to increase his lead at the top of the tipping table - above average gate today - musta been the sunshine.

Danny at 19:53:51 Saturday March 25 2000
Good game and a good atmosphere made watching the Cobblers a pleasure once again. Good goal from Savage, but Forresters was top class. Fantastic skill, fantastic finish. Garry Hughes was in top form and deputised well for Hendon. I'd like to think he'll get another run out at Plymouth, but I believe Hendon will be available then. Spedding played Ok, Savage had his best game for ages but was'nt of Man of the Match calibre. All in all a good day, I'm off now to paint Wellingborough Claret & White. This is Danny, Cobblers Comments, at home. Oh and thanks Ralph, hope your ears are ok :)

Crick Cobbler at 19:46:18 Saturday March 25 2000
Surely Hodge should be on right and Savage on left ? Man of the match - Hunt or Forrester !

no preferred stand ben at 19:28:32 Saturday March 25 2000
by the way, why did we have hodge on the left??? he was SO ISOLATED! surely when you have a player of his quality, the last thing wou wanna do is put him somewhere where hes never going to be passed to......

NSB at 19:24:40 Saturday March 25 2000
ralph: i agree, hughes was terrific today, a great way for him to make his full league debut....... Today i did something i havent done in a while, i sat in the west stand, so i suppose i cant call myself north stand ben any more....

R+D at 19:21:16 Saturday March 25 2000
Shit.

Ray at 19:10:28 Saturday March 25 2000
Personally I thought Forrester made Carlo look pretty average today.

Anon at 19:6:18 Saturday March 25 2000
.

Ralph at 18:9:23 Saturday March 25 2000
Before the board becomes awash of how wonderful Mr Average, Dave Savage, was today, I thought I'd mention Gary Hughes who deputised for Ian Hendon. He did a fine job and contributed much to a clean sheet. His performance may give Wilson a few selection problems ahead of the Plymouth game. Greene was a rock again today but picked up a knock towards the end of the game, hopefully nothing serious as he is vital to the team. I thought Hunt had an excellent game today, Frain was given a couple of hospital balls by Spedding the second of which resulted in the poor bugger having to go off injured. Parrish came on and looked much better than he did on Tuesday night. I'm sure John Hodge is really John Robertson in disguise. Sammo also had another steady game. Corrazin won more than his fair share of headers but I always feel he could do just a bit more than he does. After Crowe and Sturridge finally we get a player in Forresterb who looks the part. Took his goal so well and I think he will probably get better. Not a great performance but a great result, we go up to fourth, six points behind Darlo. I thought we defended too deep, our midfield playing just in front of the back four and a massive gap to the forwards, shades of the Atkins era. We lacked width, it was noticeable on Tuesday and today that Hodge is playing a more withdrawn and central role and not the touchline hugging one that he produced on his debut. Still on to Plymouth, oh and the crowd were a bit more vocal today. Danny was deafening. :-)

Anon at 17:31:53 Saturday March 25 2000
Savage goes on a sudden and unexplained goalscoring spree...Haven't I seen this somewhere before?

Uncle Richard at 16:30:6 Saturday March 25 2000
Forrester makes it 2-0

He hee at 15:49:17 Saturday March 25 2000
Hartlepool are also 1-0 down !!

Ha ha at 15:47:6 Saturday March 25 2000
Posh are 1-0 down !

Why, oh why ?? at 15:45:24 Saturday March 25 2000
Why has Howard been dropped ?

Ian Benjamin at 15:42:41 Saturday March 25 2000
I have scored for cambridge !!

Carl Heggs at 15:40:50 Saturday March 25 2000
I have scored for Chester !!

Beckhams Haircut at 15:36:40 Saturday March 25 2000
Posh Spice was offered 2 million for pictures of her shaven tw*t

Uncle Richard at 15:31:52 Saturday March 25 2000
Team is Welch, Hughes, Spedding, Green, Sampson, Frain, Hunt, Savage, Hodge, Corazzin, Forrester.

Uncle Richard at 15:27:25 Saturday March 25 2000
Savage has scored

Anon at 14:54:26 Saturday March 25 2000
sorry, 'how about'

Anon at 14:53:29 Saturday March 25 2000
How abour Woody back here in the summer if/when O'Reilly goes? Or am I just being sentimental?

Greg at 13:26:53 Saturday March 25 2000
Has anybody seen Corazzins job application in the sun,"I AM OUT OF CONTRACT IN THE SUMMER AND WOULD LOVE TO PLAY IN THE PREMIERSHIP" HA HA should of put the advert in last week before dead line day ,we might of got some hard cash for him then

RICHARD at 12:2:32 Saturday March 25 2000
IK'CIWT: "Keystone Cobbs". The discovery that I could prepare these illuminating reports' and post them later was a godsend, not to mention a life-giving stimulus to my wallet. Whereas composing off-line is truly a great benefit, decomposing on the pitch is guaranteed to infuriate ardent supporters. That we were utter sh*te at Whaddon Road is uncontestable. A good crowd for a mid-week evening game in the West country was treated to a fine display of attacking footie.........by the Robins! Cobbs were left red-faced in their wake. We dithered ineptly throughout the match, always chasing but never catching, bungling where we should have been clinical. But time is a great healer; the intervening days since the Cheltenham Chainsaw Massacre brought a calm serenity down upon me, akin to the early morning dew which creeps up on you in the early hours as you slumber fitfully on the steps of your local hostelry amidst a pool of your the previous night's excesses. Which brings me back to Cheltenham. Save for the welcome but isolated oasis of passion in this numbing desert of apathy, that followed the introduction of our Midfield Generalissimo, the whole game should be expunged from the pantheon of Cobblers Archives. For the faithful fan, football is essentially a mirage, after all. It's not tangible but you think you can grasp the concept. It's all about relative values. Read the postings of Cheltenham supporters after the match and they are full of glowing praise for the Cobbs - words of encouragement for the down-hearted from the opposition benches - now that has to be a first! The gammet of emotions we experience week in, week out, season after season, is all part of the ritual, the self-deluding myth we create to satisfy our needs. We have a footie team we love - sometimes we love to hate, but, just like the fickle fans we are, we keep coming back for more. Spare a thought for the players feelings when you stoop to criticize. Their careers are rarely as closely intertwined with one club as the true fan is; just as we would dump an employer for the lure of wonga, so too does the average footie player. If at times they seem a little dispassionate, it's not that they are not trying as hard as they can, it's just that they do not experience a particular game through the same Claret & White-tinted laser-imprinted contact lenses that we all have grafted on at inception of our loyalties. To play the Pooh is, perhaps, just another game to the journeyman pro', but to us, it's a Bill Shankly truism. It's a question of perception and loyalty, you see. One has to stand back sometimes and view things with a shade more composure; become more sanguine about results; accept the knocks and enjoy the good times all the more for it; show a tad more understanding; get in touch with your feminine side! Having said that, however, if we don't beat the bejesus out of the Shrimpers (25.3.00), I'm going to shred what's left of my season tickets, spit on the detritus and deliver the mulch to Sixfields with detailed instructions as to where they can shove it!! A couple of interesting things from the Cheltenham game: The Larry factor. What makes Neil Grayson a hero and other ex-Cobbs villains when they cross our path? That one had Cobbs fans arguing amongst themselves on Tuesday evening! At least this time he had the decency not to score when he came on! 11 back at corners! Surely this is a thing of the past, but it came back to haunt us against the Robins. The forward debate. With Stevie, Carlo and now Philippa to add to the confusion, who will we retain and who will depart to pastures anew come the end of the season? And a final footnote. Who decided that we should don the Robins red and white sox, because of the colour clash? Cheltenham wore their home red and white striped shirts, white shorts and WHITE sox! We had our home shirts, claret shorts to avoid the clash and presumably were expecting to wear our own Claret & White sox anticipating Cheltenham would wear their usual hue. But no. The Premiership ref, in his infinite wisdom foisted the Robins' red sox upon us. Now how confusing is that for a lino'? I'll tell you how confusing! Confusing enough for the dung-brained dip stick to ignore the blatant off-side for their last goal because he saw WHITE SOX in the last line of defence and automatically thought they were ours!! Hendo generously offered to point this glaring error out to the Men in Black but, most discourteously, he was waved away, and with a yellow card to boot. Mind you, to have stolen away from Whaddon Road with a point would have been a travesty. Let's hope we make up for the dropped points with a continuation of our stunning home form. Kiss of death or what? Until next time.............

SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 11:19:54 Saturday March 25 2000
Morning one and all, JF is a good loanie for the club me thinks! He will cause problems I think with Carlo up front and Howard playing behind them. Southend have a stubbon defence, so watch out! To tell you that the Dire ones bid 350,000 for Gabbi at Darlo on Thursday. Barry Fry also brought in his 55 player at the Poo!! 3-1 win for the boys or a 1-0 win. VIVA LA REVOLUTION. DAVE.E COME ON CAMBRIDGE IN THE BOAT RACE!

This Site Is Fast Becoming Cobblers Comments Again at 9:47:29 Saturday March 25 2000
.

Danny at 9:35:46 Saturday March 25 2000
Well, more and more people are beginning to appeal to others to get behind the team...... so lets do it. Lets get three points today, lets all get behind the lads and lets scare Southend all the way back to Essex and off the pier. NORF-AMP-TON....

Pete at 9:16:40 Saturday March 25 2000
Carlo spells it Corazzin....but he is a Canadian...maybe we spell it differently? It takes all sorts.. I think Carlo and the others would be happy for us to spell their names anyhow... so long as we support them this afternoon. Not playing so well?... That is when supporters stand up to be counted. I have had my moans.. I'll be standing up to be counted today, will you?

Snob at 8:59:21 Saturday March 25 2000
Do you know the way to the garden party?????

auld fart at 8:58:35 Saturday March 25 2000
aahhh INDIA

WOLF at 8:57:51 Saturday March 25 2000
Has anybody noticed the number of different ways of spelling Carlo`s name............Corrazin............Corazin .........Corazzin? Does anybody know the actual spelling?

Come On You Town at 8:40:7 Saturday March 25 2000
SING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS!!!!, SIIIING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry to see them go. at 8:34:42 Saturday March 25 2000
How about a Condolence Page for our dear departed friends Ray?

Dawn,Bad Joke Societys Buddy,Crazy Emmanuel,Angry,True Fan and that really is it and still no sign of WSD (I'm sorry !!) at 8:14:49 Saturday March 25 2000
We're off too and we will never be back, as before we wish everyone the best.Come on the Town and lets sort out these baement division wasters once and for all.It just seems like pre wedding jitters lets sort it now and get this season over with and start Divvy 2 in a different frame of mind.

ODE at 6:22:44 Saturday March 25 2000
CHIPP FATT COPY CATT

Walter, Squonk, Bert, Bad Joke Society, Jane, Jimi, Little Bird and Bud Cranon also at 1:3:57 Saturday March 25 2000
Over and out.

Ralph at 0:39:33 Saturday March 25 2000
I think I need a cold one!

Old Fart,Bud Cranon,Youngster,Dead Bears Bum,Willy VD,Christophe Du Valier,Ron Dwight,and no not WSD !! at 0:11:2 Saturday March 25 2000
We will never come back as the Cobbs and this site are more important. People who believed in us we salute you and thank you. People who took us seriously we can only feel sorry for you and hope you are more able to recognise reality in your everyday lives. To Ray thank you for giving us a forum to live in we wish you well and hope the site continues to grow and flourish.We will now depart don't shed a tear for us just sink a pint and shout a bit louder at the next home game. Goodnight and God Bless...........:o )

CDU at 23:55:45 Friday March 24 2000
The problem with ignorance is that it tends to take something it doesn't understand out of its context and tries to relate it to its own end. Andy you are I am sure loved by your Mother.

Andy at 23:51:8 Friday March 24 2000
CDU at 12:7:56 Thursday March 16 2000 I have on a couple of occasions commented on the downward spiral that has happened here. CDU at 21:23:36 Friday March 24 2000 I don't think the site has really changed that much over the years. Make your mind up. Also TRB Mark, So you didn't make love to your wife last Tuesday. But I bet you didn't go round the next day critisizing other couples sex lives.

Pete at 23:22:35 Friday March 24 2000
Now that most of the players have contracts, I presume a few will suddenly discover they have injuries. If there are sudden injuries we will know which players are not going to give a lot over the next year or so. Carlo is unlikely to be greatly sought after because of his Canadian committments. The Nationwide clubs cannot afford the luxury of a part timer. I wonder if Howard will end up as a part time central defender- he has played there in the reserves and looked good. Unfortunately we appear to be returning to punting the ball blindly again so we need him up front....but at the match, let's keep behind the team no matter how we feel away from Sixfields- they are all we've got.

Goldie at 23:1:58 Friday March 24 2000
Us old uns staple diet is jelly babies as was Frankielargeone back in the good old days, stop having a go at Dripp or is it Chipp, he always gets me off here and into bed, he does a pubic service. Howard in midfield - seriously he is great at bringing the ball down and his distribution is good, he is just embarraing up front, but he is a true Cobbler!!!

Cobblers Jelly Babies at 22:47:9 Friday March 24 2000
What a bunch of wimps on here, dont say anything nasty to me or I will sulk!!!

CDU at 22:16:55 Friday March 24 2000
Here here Gomez..

Anon at 22:1:57 Friday March 24 2000
Gomez Gomez xxxx

Gomez at 21:58:41 Friday March 24 2000
Well here I am back at the old site after a long absence and what's happening? Cobblers Comments is going through a mid life crisis!!! Obviously this board has its fair share of tossers but take a look at the Sarfend United messageboard - full of sad essex boys using lots of swear words and generally being unimaginative and boring. I'd like to think that i'm not thought of as one of the 'tossers'. I speak my mind - I guess the medium of the internet makes that easy - but I speak my mind and I mean what I say. There's room for everyone here - we may not always agree with opinions of others but that's what a forum such as this is for - to put forward and discuss our own opinions. OK, so MartinW, WSD and the like may in your opinion talk crap at times but it is THEIR genuine opinion so you should respect that. Football is a game of differing opinions. That's what makes it such a great sport - not just going to the game, but discussing it for sometimes hours after the match over a pint. Please don't follow this post with the typical Anon "You're an idiot Gomez huh huh huh" that has become alarmingly predictable on this site.

CDU at 21:23:36 Friday March 24 2000
I don't think the site has really changed that much over the years. The main difference seems to be this hardcore band of Holier than Thou posters who find fault with individuals they dont like or disagree with.They seem more than any others to talk about anything other than the Cobbs. I guess as the site has become more popular a wider range of people will be met and really like anything the subject matter will widen.If you want pure Cobbs talk without having to filter out the nonsense then follow Rays link to the email group and receive it in your mailbox everyday.I'm as fed up as anyone with the rubbish and I would hate to see something that has had so much work put into it dwindle into obscurity.There again as our friend below said look at the hits counter people must still be coming here.

Anon at 20:57:20 Friday March 24 2000
Hellooooo! Anyone there? I'll just carry on talking to myself then.

Anon at 20:56:7 Friday March 24 2000
HA! GOTCHA! You sad loser, making up names. Why don't you feck off and go and watch dimonds you sad twat!

MartinW,PlayadelCarmen,Mexico at 20:55:44 Friday March 24 2000
Hello all, being stuck underneath the blazing hot sun for a week, didn´t stop me. Sad, really. But then some things get into your blood. Good thing about the internet, is you can keep up with your team´s results as the American dominated Mexican network gives you, if your lucky, only the Prem results. Good to see, I think that we are still in the play off hunt. But sad to see that we still can´t do the business away from home. I had a quick glance down the page (coz the main site is down) and is it true we have signed Forrester, if memory serves me correctly was with Scunthorpe and I know my memory serves me correctly in saying that Atkins was after him last season. Didn´t he go to Holland. Anyway, sounds promising. Come on you Cobblers. It´s 3pm and bloody hot. It´s 9pm with you and probably rather fresh. Over and out amigos.

Anon at 20:55:8 Friday March 24 2000
Occasionally. Who do you do then?

Ray at 20:54:10 Friday March 24 2000
Are you saying that to support he Cobblers you need to be Schizophrenic?

Anon at 20:53:31 Friday March 24 2000
Sometimes. Do you?

Anon at 20:52:52 Friday March 24 2000
Do you ever make up different identities?

Anon at 20:52:21 Friday March 24 2000
Yes!

Anon at 20:52:4 Friday March 24 2000
By yourself.

Anon at 20:51:43 Friday March 24 2000
What do you mean alone?

Anon at 20:51:22 Friday March 24 2000
Yes. Are you alone?

Anon at 20:50:58 Friday March 24 2000
Is that you?

Time for an original thought at 20:39:34 Friday March 24 2000
What if this entire board were made up of just two people who assumed different identities and never knew it.

Hmmmmmmmmm, we do not all think like you Fatt at 20:35:47 Friday March 24 2000
I wish that for just one time You could stand inside my shoes And just for that one moment I could be you Yes, I wish that for just one time You could stand inside my shoes You'd know what a drag it is To see you

Chipp Fatt at 20:25:41 Friday March 24 2000
Its about as useful as you sad loser have you not got an original thought!

Chipp at 20:16:43 Friday March 24 2000
BTW Gas that comment attributed to me about your good self was an impostor. Keep up the comments I find them very informative and helpful.

Chipp at 20:15:16 Friday March 24 2000
Oh, the gentlemen are talking and the midnight moon is on the riverside, They're drinking up and walking and it is time for me to slide. I live in another world where life and death are memorized, Where the earth is strung with lovers' pearls and all I see are dark eyes. A cock is crowing far away and another soldier's deep in prayer, Some mother's child has gone astray, she can't find him anywhere. But I can hear another drum beating for the dead that rise, Whom nature's beast fears as they come and all I see are dark eyes. They tell me to be discreet for all intended purposes, They tell me revenge is sweet and from where they stand, I'm sure it is. But I feel nothing for their game where beauty goes unrecognized, All I feel is heat and flame and all I see are dark eyes. Oh, the French girl, she's in paradise and a drunken man is at the wheel, Hunger pays a heavy price to the falling gods of speed and steel. Oh, time is short and the days are sweet and passion rules the arrow that flies, A million faces at my feet but all I see are dark eyes.

Jealous Guy at 20:5:27 Friday March 24 2000
Pete Holmes - were you being ignored did dums - grow up!

kev at 19:3:45 Friday March 24 2000
No one mentioned about Andy woodman joining shitborough, on loan till the end of the season, do you realise that we will probably meet shitborough at wembley, and could be facing woody, its just the thought of having to score against woody who was very popular in his spell at sixfields.hes one of a few elite who have saved a penalty at wemberley

peter holmes at 19:3:36 Friday March 24 2000
the manager should concentrate on team affairs,instead of plying 19 yr old girls with drink in chicagos(re weds 22nd march)

Great at 18:36:45 Friday March 24 2000
So the conceited few have declared that they will not come back to this board great - but they wont leave and who cares! As Ive said before u can all complain about every aspect - but its never been so popular - football whats that got to do with anything - it is the first reason why people come here - but to talk pure football all of the time - anoraks on - im a football fanatic but ive also got a life - but I do object to anything not Northampton/shire related football or otherwise on this site - that Chip is so boring he is just copying lyrics from one of the biggest conmen in history! So anyone whoo cant stand the heat go and put your Diamonds on!

Anon at 17:28:25 Friday March 24 2000
yeah Hunters a tenacious midfielder

Greg at 17:25:4 Friday March 24 2000
GAZ.. Hunt has more bite than Hunter??? PANTS

Danny at 16:12:2 Friday March 24 2000
Oh and Garry Hughes could be making his full league debut too.

Danny at 16:11:16 Friday March 24 2000
Well said Andy. We used to sing loads at away games, especially when theres not so many travel, like to Carlisle or somthing, and home games too. Now its like going to a bloody chess match or somthing. Tomorrow we really do need the 3 points. Looks like Savage and Howard will be dropped for Parrish and Forrester. Hopefully we can make some noise tomorrow, but I'm taking a book just incase. COME ON COBBLERS!!!!

Gaz at 15:46:21 Friday March 24 2000
Oops. I knew there was someone I forgot. Instead of Hope put Sammo. (I wondered why it looked a strange back four!)

G at 15:38:21 Friday March 24 2000
I sort of agree with Mal. I think Steve is doing alright at the moment, but we don't seem to win with him in the side. Not because he gives the ball away too much, or whatever. It is because we seem to lump it to him#

TRB Mark at 15:28:15 Friday March 24 2000
Andy, if you read my message properly, I said that I had to work. The fact that I can listen to the match at the same time is an added bonus (of sorts). Anyway, you can travel to every away game and if you don't make any noise, i.e are not expressing your passion, ie, then what's the point? You might just as well send off the admission money to the away club. I did'nt make love to my wife on tuesday night either, but it does'nt mean to say I'm not passionate about her.

Mal at 15:19:41 Friday March 24 2000
I don't understand why so many people are on Steve Howards back all the time. What people don't seem to see is the amount of balls he holds up and the lay offs he gives to the other forwards running on. It was his header down from a Forrester cross that gave Savage his first goal since I don't know when against Cheltenham on Tuesday. At this stage of the season this is the squad, like it or not that we have really got to get behind and coax them through to promotion. Lets get behind the boys and sing our hearts out on Saturday. Up the COBBLERS

Carl at 15:5:24 Friday March 24 2000
No Sammo then, interesting. Anyway I'm off up the Highways and Byeways to sunny Northamptonshire, see you all tomorrow, and remember to make some noise. UP THE COBBLERS!!!

Gaz at 14:40:14 Friday March 24 2000
I've advocated Howard playing behind the front 2 for quite some time. I would play 4-3-1-2. Spedding. Hendon, Green, Hope, Frain, Hunter (or Hunt), Hodge, Howard, Forrester, Corrazin. If we were being over-run in midfield I would have Hunt rather than Hunter in order to give us a bit more bite.

Carl at 14:27:6 Friday March 24 2000
Corazzin is off anyway, so why not drop him? I agree, in principal, about Howard dropping behind a front two, however the age old question always begs to be answered who do you drop and what formation do you play to accomodate such a move. Personally I think, while Corazzin is here, about another 8 weeks or so, Forrester will be the one given the attacking Midfielder role and one of our current Midfielders will have to make way for him, but again who do you choose, on current form Savage, but he can be so good. Sorry to talk about Footie on a Friday afternoon. UP THE COBBLERS!!!

Hartwell at 14:17:42 Friday March 24 2000
Howard turned down Carlisle's terms. Which was a blow to the board, as they had brought in Forrester on loan in the expectation of having a £100k fillip to the coffers. I believe the danger signs are out again regarding olur finances. While obviously not as critical as they were ten years ago, the downward spiral is heading in the same general direction. Luckily we have shed some players and reduced our top-heavy squad. But even so, this latest setback is worrying in financial terms. On the pitch I wonder what future Howard has, as Kev must surely play Carlo and Forrester up front. One option might be to play Howard behind them, which may have some symbolic logic all of its own!

Tony at 14:12:31 Friday March 24 2000
Yes quite sad indeed, it has come to this then? I agree, having been on many other teams comments pages, their really good, until we happen to be playing them, then one of the idiots from here posts.

Matthew Stapelton- at 13:31:7 Friday March 24 2000
Join me in saluting Kevin Wilson's FANTASTIC "managerial" skills over this year. See you at wembely!!

Carl at 13:11:17 Friday March 24 2000
When?

Nostalgia at 12:44:35 Friday March 24 2000
Something wonderful is going to happen.

Carl at 11:53:5 Friday March 24 2000
Ray, I don't know if it is possible with the way this Messageboard is layed out but is there any way you can put peoples IP addresses somewhere in the header of the Message sent. This is done on other boards and it does solve some of the problems of dickweed posters as anonymity is taken away somewhat. Just a suggestion, as this place really does seem to be going to the dogs, what will all the anally retentive knobs on here now.

Fat Rog at 11:49:52 Friday March 24 2000
I hadn't noticed the name change either Ray but it is very appropriate. As Bilbo says the idiots on here will be pleased to see the back of him and the rest of us who (he says modestly) actually have something to say. In fact I guess his departure will give them something else to abuse him over. I think its sad people feel this way. The rest of you can carry on insulting each other, threatening each other and acting like the infants you are until you get cheesed off with it. Why not open a separate nursery section Ray where the only qualification is that the member's IQ must not exceed his shoe size. There would be plenty on here who would meeet the standard. Over and out.

Carl at 11:39:30 Friday March 24 2000
Cheers DAS

DAS at 11:13:15 Friday March 24 2000
CARLS A TWAT

das at 11:10:51 Friday March 24 2000
BYE THEN MATE

Carl at 11:6:32 Friday March 24 2000
So lads and lasses what are we all going to do to help make our Managers thoughts about the atmosphere at Sixfields change tomorrow, it's about time we had a good sing, and what with Southend not being that far away, maybe there will be a few more of the away fans there to give us something to outsing. I'll be doing my bit by going to the pub a little earlier and getting the jaws sufficiently lubricated. So come on the rest of you sing your hearts out for the lads, it is of utmost importance that we win tomorrow, and if the players and manager have realised how quiet we have been at home then it is time to change. P.S. Bloody overjoyed to see Steve Howard stay, as for Corazzin he can go when he wants as far as I am concerned. UP THE COBBLERS!!

(the real) bilbo at 10:35:44 Friday March 24 2000
the new title is sadly appropriate Ray. The site has been taken over by childish abuse. I don't agree with all the opinions on here and I don't expect people to agree with mine but I wouldn't resort to abuse to counter them. It's also hilariously funny to see other people use your log-in to come up with stupid comments. I'm in total agreement with you Fat Rog and I won't be contributing any further. I'm sure the muppets who enjoy trading insults will be delighted to hear that.

Paul S at 9:55:57 Friday March 24 2000
Okay Ray, so I've just noticed the title change, now embarrass me and tell me how long ago you changed it

Tusker at 7:41:56 Friday March 24 2000
I am new to all of this and I did look at the previous 10 messages, they are probably into porn, Corby Town, drive in McDonalds, early morning Saturday morning shopping in the market with their wives shopping bags. So Goldie who ever you are you're probably right.

IRONIC at 7:28:52 Friday March 24 2000
The early morning sad morons find it easy to have ago at the site. Well the number of visitors to this site speaks volumes. Your perception maybe right that it is a crap site - so why keep coming back and back and back - if you dont like it do what I suspect you will do - go to R&D you scum! Its the same sad losers Youngster, Bilbo, Bud whatever.....

Goldie at 7:26:2 Friday March 24 2000
I see that iditiot Youngster (all of 30+) is back yawwwwnnnnnnnnnnnn!

Youngster at 3:3:9 Friday March 24 2000
Its ok its 3 in the morning and only Coppers, Burglars and musos are awake.Fantastic lets hope the lads can sort it out for Satdee and kick some timely ars*.

Youngster at 3:0:51 Friday March 24 2000
Oh and while we're at it a round of applause for the mighty Gong and that Budgie lot certainly give it a bit of max too. Hold on I'm falling into the trap of speaking drivel on this once great site aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Youngster at 2:58:42 Friday March 24 2000
It all started going down hill when the toothless skinheads and Northern Soul gits all gave it yesteryear nonsense. Why on earth no one has mentioned SLF I don't know I guess this indicates why there is no depth in the postings....

Fat Rog at 1:53:2 Friday March 24 2000
This used to be a real football site.

Fat Rog at 1:52:5 Friday March 24 2000
Oh and just to show I am capable of a bit of serious thought. IMHO the Cobblers will miss u on promotion this yera. I think th edefence just isn't solid enough with Ian Hendon unable to defend his post if his life depended on it - how many has that cost us -; Rickard Green who reminds me of the great and departed Colin Hill - great reader of the game but SLOW; and Duncan Speds who is not areliable full back and has taken crossing tips from Ali Gibb. A dodgy defence is ok if the attack is scoring for laughs but it isn't. That said, I admire KW for his commitment to attack. At least it's lively which is more than can be said for the old days. I'll take entertainment in divsion three if I have to.

Andy at 1:45:42 Friday March 24 2000
That one has got to be a wind up. If it's not then he's never been any other football site ever

Fat Rog at 1:41:12 Friday March 24 2000
Have to agree with many of the comments on here recently that the guestbook is no longer worth the internet call charge. It was formally an interesting read full of relevant news and gossip - most recent contributors struggle to complete a sentence without swearing at the rest of us. Song lyrics, abuse, and other pointless drivel fills message after message. Anyone with an opinion is immediately slagged off. Martin W who I frequently disagree with by the way (except about Steve Howard)only has to touch his keyboard to bring a torrent of abuse raining down on him poor chap. At least he expresses hinself clearly which cannot be said of the majority of the time wasters who populate the site. Its less of a guestbook than a chatroom for silly little boys who think swearing is big. Sorry for the criticism Ray - the CD has grown on me though.

Andy at 1:35:17 Friday March 24 2000
And as for Bud Cranon "pretty ordinary and going nowhere" what sort of crap is that? What do you expect, dancing bears? The only thing hindering this site is sad idiots moaning about it. While I'm here, what about TRB Mark? Sits at home for the Cheltenham game, then complains about the lack of passion of the supporters. At least they went to the game.

Andy at 1:27:40 Friday March 24 2000
Basically, u lost me - stop slagging this site off. got it?

Chipp Shopp at 23:59:4 Thursday March 23 2000
Hey man went down the greasy spoon in Adnitt Road man and dreamt of days gone by of that Hotel End, that Spion Kop and big Frankie Largeone man, of Davy Bowen man,George Reily man, John Kurilla man, boasting Gas man, all you morons janice, take it in the arm or take it up the... as all R&Ds do man, but one thing is for sure Adnitt Road rules man!!!

Andy u lost me! at 23:55:38 Thursday March 23 2000
Loser!

Gas at 23:54:46 Thursday March 23 2000
Yes you confirmed it your still one big boast!

Nick at 23:54:41 Thursday March 23 2000
The site just goes from bad to worse. Is it really worth it ?. It's a great shame Ray but I think not.

Bud Cranon at 23:53:52 Thursday March 23 2000
I guess that this site really is a true reflection of the Cobblers. It is at the moment pretty ordinary and going nowhere but with a bit of inspiration and focus it will once again fire up into a winning combination of talent and unbeatable power.At the end of the day everyone still comes here as all the other sites are complete crap,except Sids as he tries hard and updates frequently :0 )

Andy at 23:23:1 Thursday March 23 2000
Viz has a note on the front of its excellent comic "Not as funny as it used to be", perhaps Ray should put something similar on the top of here, to save you morons patronising current visitors.

Northampton Gas at 23:8:57 Thursday March 23 2000
Chipp, have not visited Ray's website for several weeks. What do I find, a message refering to me and I am sad to see the general tone of contributors now on this list. Before you complain about me, perhaps you need to question some of your own contributors. I have a great story about IA's interview at Shrewsbury, but sadly you reckon I am boasting just because I have contact with REAL footballers and people associated with football clubs. Keep up the good work, at least at the begining of the season I indicated that you would finish in the top seven.

Nat at 22:56:43 Thursday March 23 2000
NSB If you are under 80 years old you are a twat. If not.. there, there, it will be alright soon

NSB at 22:23:7 Thursday March 23 2000
were the most boring club in england, trasfer deadline day, the whole world goes insane.... not us, no one leves no one comes in..............

Chipp at 22:8:25 Thursday March 23 2000
Your as boring as Phil Mitchell, if it was your own stuff fine, but you are in the same class as GAS (where is he boasting at the moment)

Chipp at 22:5:37 Thursday March 23 2000
Crimson flames tied through my ears Rollin' high and mighty traps Pounced with fire on flaming roads Using ideas as my maps "We'll meet on edges, soon," said I Proud 'neath heated brow. Ah, but I was so much older then, 'm younger than that now. Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth "Rip down all hate," I screamed Lies that life is black and white Spoke from my skull. I dreamed Romantic facts of musketeers Foundationed deep, somehow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. Girls' faces formed the forward path From phony jealousy To memorizing politics Of ancient history Flung down by corpse evangelists Unthought of, though, somehow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. A self-ordained professor's tongue Too serious to fool Spouted out that liberty Is just equality in school "Equality," I spoke the word As if a wedding vow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand At the mongrel dogs who teach Fearing not that I'd become my enemy In the instant that I preach My pathway led by confusion boats Mutiny from stern to bow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats Too noble to neglect Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect Good and bad, I define these terms Quite clear, no doubt, somehow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.

Miner? at 21:55:49 Thursday March 23 2000
If youre not a miner are you an adult?

glad i'm not a miner at 21:50:57 Thursday March 23 2000
who gives a stuff?

Swans at 21:47:30 Thursday March 23 2000
They seem to be fascinated by the Cobblers, i admit that I used to have fun on the Chester board, but theres only so much you can do to a team that is going out of the league forever - in non league they would be smaller than most - if swansea or cardiff went out would they make it back in - cos financialy they would be in the shit and all their fans would go to the rugby.

what was that? at 21:41:18 Thursday March 23 2000
Swansea Jack - learn to copy and paste properly next time

Barry 'The Owl' Richardson at 21:40:12 Thursday March 23 2000
I can't believe that you lot bothered to answered such a banal question as R+D's earlier poser, if you had to choose who was going to be promoted . . . bugger me whatever next! What's your favourite jam Danny? What's your favourite knitting pattern WSD? If you had to choose between eating a dog turd or gorilla shit which one would you choose bilbo? WHAT EXACTLY IS THE POINT OF ALL THIS CRAP?

Swansea Jack at 20:54:52 Thursday March 23 2000
The Swans beleive that you will not gain autopromotion, but you will go back to Wembley, against Posh and WIN!! See the Swan stats: CLINCHED (mathematical certainty): EVEN IF THE SWANS WIN NO MORE MATCHES, and also assuming an opponent wins EVERY remaining match, the following teams CANNOT finish higher than the Swans: Halifax York Hull Carlisle Leyton Orient Shrewsbury Exeter Chester _________________________ MEDIOCRITY INDEX: Assumption #1: the Swans finish out the season with an average of 1 point per game. Assumption #2: an opponent win every remaining game. Conclusion: The following teams CANNOT finish higher than the Swans: The 8 teams named above, plus: Plymouth Lincoln Brighton Macclesfield Southend _________________________ AUTO-PROMOTION INDEX (based on wins): Assuming the Swans continue winning at their present win rate of 57% (that's 5 wins out of the 9 remaining), and assuming an opponent win every remaining game, then the following teams CAN finish higher than the Swans: Rotherham - must win 63% or more to finish higher Darlington - must win 89% or more to finish higher Peterborough - must win 100% to finish even Northampton - must win 100% to finish even ________________________ PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH FOR THE THIRD DIVISION, 1999-2000. This PROJECTION is based on present WIN RATE plus Goal Differential [the two stats which my studies indicate will determine the final standings]. Note that Goal Differential comes into play only when two teams have the same number of wins. Rotherham 27 wins +41 Goal Diff. SWANSEA 26 wins +24 Goal Diff. Darlington 24 wins +35 Goal Diff. Northampton 23 wins +12 Goal Diff. Peterborough 23 wins +7 Goal Diff. Hartlepool 21 wins +10 Goal Diff. Barnet 21 wins +2 Goal Diff. Cheltenham 20 wins +9 Goal Diff. Mansfield 20 wins -1 Goal Diff. _________________________________ WINS (need 55-60%) Minimum Wins Needed : 25 Now Have : 21 wins. Swans now have a win percentage of 57%. 9 matches left to get 5 more wins -- to maintain 57%. __________ WIN RATES of "top 7" [Auto-promotion is 55% to 60%] Rotherham 22 of 38 = 58% Near top of auto-promotion range. SWANSEA 21 of 37 = 57% Middle of auto-promotion range. Darlington 19 of 37 = 51% Below auto-promotion range Northampton 18 of 37 = 49% Peterborough 18 of 37 = 49% Hartlepool 17 of 38 = 45% Barnet 17 of 38 = 45% _________________________________ If you prefer your PROJECTION based on POINTS, then here are to top 7+: SWANSEA 89 Rotherham 88 Darlington 83 ----- Peterboro 77 Northampton 75 (win playoffs) Barnet 73 Hartlepool 72 ----- Cheltenham 70 Torquay 70 _________________________________ AVERAGE GOALS PER MATCH [LEAGUE] Swans Last year : 1.22 AGPM Swans Now Have : 1.16 AGPM Best in 3rd Division: 1.66 (Rotherham) There are 13 teams in 3rd Division with a better AGPM than the Swans.

R+D at 20:50:52 Thursday March 23 2000
Methinks not...

Worried?? at 20:32:26 Thursday March 23 2000
I've heard rumours from a couple of usually reliable sources that Rushden will soon be changing their name to NORTHAMPTON UNITED. Is it true?

I wanna watch at 20:31:48 Thursday March 23 2000
Macdonalds at 2:00? That narrows it down to about 10 million places then

Its really BILKO on Bilbo Baggins at 20:28:28 Thursday March 23 2000
Do you remember Bilko on TV a guy who couldnt see. Well when I was even better looking than I am now and was too vain to wear glasses - I couldnt see anything in the distance. I spent 15 years up the Hotel End acting hard so glasses were definately out, and I used to stare at people but of course I was not scared as I could not see who it was so I was considered hard. I only ever knew that there was one goal at the Hotel End end, and I never saw a goal at the Spion Kop, or any play for that matter. One day when I was squinting I got sussed out by a mate who said your as bad as Bilko, you cant see albert all. he was right, but I blamed it on wanking. now I am the fabled Goldie I wear glasses to matches, I know what the players look like and discovered what a referee is! I want a refund of half the admission fees I paid at the County Ground as I only ever saw half a game. So Binko or Bunko if I see you outside McDonalds and I walk into your pram Im sorry im just a vain bastard and you are a.....

Anon at 20:26:4 Thursday March 23 2000
where is Lima? I can't find it anywhere.

bilbo at 20:21:7 Thursday March 23 2000
any of you going to watch the fight

football man at 20:19:37 Thursday March 23 2000
yes you wanker i get my hands dirty for a fucking poof like you

bilbo at 20:17:8 Thursday March 23 2000
you fucking looking for a fight if so out side fucking macdonalds 2:00 on sataday

football man at 20:14:8 Thursday March 23 2000
bilbo your a poof rugby is shit football is good

bilbo at 20:10:13 Thursday March 23 2000
i dont atend to football rugby is a far better sport it is more manly

Hartwell at 20:9:46 Thursday March 23 2000
Dek - it appeared to me that Howard continued in some vague up front role all evening, altho' you'd be hard put to be sure exactly what he was doing. When the ball came near him, he generally he seemed more interested in playing the man than the ball. Which resulted in a series of freekicks,some too close to our posts for comfort. It appears from Ceefax that no deal was finalised. But I cannot see how Kev can continue with him, when he's now got a Carlo-Forrester partnership which must, on paper, be our best option. Although the Forrester loan sounds good, most of the forwards who have come here in recent years have proved to be underwhelming. So I think we have to keep an open mind on him and wait and see. After all Howard and Wilko came here with a roll of drums! There is another dimension to our forward dilemma - and that's the ability of our midfield and wide men to get good balls into the box. After a good start Hodge seems to have already faded. That may be due on Tuesday to what seemed like a tactic of playing him tucked in rather than wide on the right. Hendon remains frail at the back and I wonder, also, whether he may be best pushed up into midfield, where his attacking flair can be exploited. There remains a question mark over Savage who, while showing flashes of talent seems less than effective for long spells and on occasions costly. Spedding is another who sems to have lost form this season and although the Chron gave him reasonable marks on Tuesday, I thought he had a very poor game. All said and done, though, at least we are having a far more enjoyable and successful season than last year. While there's clearly a lot to do and a long way to go before we have the team Kev wants, at least we're progressing rather than regressing.

bilbo at 20:8:41 Thursday March 23 2000
i dont attend football games i go to the rugby it is a far better sport

bilbo is a gay man at 20:6:36 Thursday March 23 2000
kettering by fucing miles wanker

Danny at 20:0:6 Thursday March 23 2000
Evening Goldie :)

Richard Grey at 19:40:29 Thursday March 23 2000
why did you ever sell larry to here$$rd? up the cheltenham, rushden staying down..............

DEK at 19:29:37 Thursday March 23 2000
Had to listen to Cheltenham via Radio Npton. Memory of the night was, everybody back for the corner, wanting to keep it tight before half-time, GOAL Cheltenham take the lead !!. So much for attacking football. Why do most sides at Sixfields defend corners with two up, yet us only one or none, surely Hodge would be more use on the halfway line with Carlo. Going back to the Swansea game did you notice that once Wilson came on we totally went to pieces, because Hunter went to right back and Howard to midfield. The side are / were showing the classic signs that useless they get injured they will play 90 minutes no matter how bad they play. Out of interest did Howard drop back to midfield when Forrester came on ???

Oh gawd at 19:13:3 Thursday March 23 2000
Could you imagine a play off final with Peterborough with Andy Woodman in goal.

dek at 19:10:25 Thursday March 23 2000
test

Oioi at 18:24:22 Thursday March 23 2000
bilbo did i hear you baaa here have some straw and a set of mouldy old tea bags. "ooh, lets have some rivalry amongst the county" BOLLOCKS we're the best and always will be northants number one, so the villagers can feck off and you can go as well and appreciate their business acumen and complete lack of history if you want, give me ket-rin at least they're real.

bilbo at 18:16:36 Thursday March 23 2000
glad to see I've become the new site scapegoat. I know a damn sight more about footie than most of the people on here. If you look back I put on the new first about psycho, crowe and woody. I also back up my opinions rather than just slagging people off.

Goldie at 18:12:39 Thursday March 23 2000
Ive just read the days crap, well tried to, the sum amount is nil, nothing new nothing has changed, just realised Danny is a psycho, R&D has nothing better to do, and is it Bilbo or Bilko knows nothing about football, that means he is an average Cobbs fan.

LC at 18:7:58 Thursday March 23 2000
It's true. Woody has gone to **** on loan.

bilbo at 18:5:53 Thursday March 23 2000
for your information, I've been going to around 20 games a season since the mid-80s, I'm in my mid-20s and not married. Thanks for your thoughts, glad to stir up some debate

Oioi at 18:3:47 Thursday March 23 2000
bilbo you talk shit mate how many games you been to avbout three by the sounds of it. stick to shoppin with the wife of a saturday afternoon in future. ps...village idiots or ket-rin....ket-rin by a bloomin mile.

All Cobblers fans except the mincer at 18:1:36 Thursday March 23 2000
TO R+D: Ket-rin every time, KET-RIN EVERY TIME!!!!!!! AT LEAST THEYRE A REAL BLOODY CLUB UNLIKE YOU SUNDAY LEAGUE VILLAGERS. GOODNIGHT SIMPLETONS.

bilbo at 17:59:7 Thursday March 23 2000
as long as the cobblers win those games though ...

R+D at 17:55:14 Thursday March 23 2000
Good to see a bit of honesty...

bilbo at 17:40:50 Thursday March 23 2000
r+d I've never had a big problem with Diamonds, and I would like to see as many of the county's clubs as possible in the league. The derby games would be superb. When Diamonds were in the lower leagues, I know a lot of cobblers fans who went to watch them when we were away. The only reason so much animosity has grown up is because of fear and envy. Realistically with the financial backing, Diamonds should have a much better chance of success in the league. And what makes it all the more galling is that Griggs was a cobblers man first

John Motson at 17:37:48 Thursday March 23 2000
Recent European results as far as Premiership teams are concerned has led many managers and other observers to question whether English football is now on a new high. As far as I'm concerned there's certainly a peak in European club performance that we may not have experienced since our ban from competition in the late 1980s, and perhaps not ever in terms of the number of teams we've had this season that have done well. I think the one week in which Leeds, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all did well recently poses the question: is the Premiership now the best league in Europe? Is the Premiership the best league in Europe? It was interesting to hear various people giving their opinions, and I'm thinking of people like Gianluca Vialli who of course had huge experience of playing in European competitions; he feels that the Premiership has now overtaken Serie A, and if that seems a bit over the top then Trevor Francis, who played in Italy, struck a more cautionary note by saying that this may be a one-off season, and we shouldn't go overboard on this theme. But I think the statistics are telling. We know English teams did very well in Europe prior to the Heysel disaster in 1985, and given that our players missed five years competition and experience of European football after that, it perhaps isn't too surprising that the Italian clubs did very well even after English teams were re-admitted a decade ago. But now, partly thanks to the influx of continental players who've brought experience of European football from their previous clubs, added to what we've always had, namely the 'English' qualities of heart and endurance, and the technique, and it would appear, the tactical nous to outwit the opposition, the tables have been turned. I also think Manchester United's success in winning the Champions League last season was psychologically something of a watershed. On the way to beating Bayern Munich in the final they had to overcome Inter Milan in the quarter-finals and Juventus in the semis, and there have been few bigger names than those in European football in recent years. I think the biggest danger now is the risk of over-exposure to European football. Arsene Wenger has made the point that although we are better equipped than most of our competitors to play games twice a week, there is still an awful lot of pressure being heaped on our top players. That's especially true when you're playing a UEFA Cup tie on a Thursday night and are then expected to go at full throttle in the Premiership on the following Sunday. So I think having lived very much in the shadow of some of the top European clubs for some years, English clubs can currently hold their heads as high as they did when Liverpool and Nottingham Forest were marching through Europe prior to the Heysel ban.

Danny at 17:35:25 Thursday March 23 2000
lol @ Will

Danny at 17:34:14 Thursday March 23 2000
Thanks WSD, lol. we're about as popular as ginger haired stepsons. R+D, no contest, the Poppies. Though I'd rather see either Stevenage, Kiddy, Yeovil etc before either of you.

Will at 17:33:39 Thursday March 23 2000
I don't want to pick fault Danny, but your grammar.....

Ray at 17:32:18 Thursday March 23 2000
Personally I would prefer to see Kettering get promoted.

WSD at 17:32:8 Thursday March 23 2000
Welcome to the club Danny! R+D - Stupid question, Ket-rin.

Ray at 17:31:25 Thursday March 23 2000
Official: The transfer deadline passedwith no comings or goings.

Danny at 17:31:5 Thursday March 23 2000
And I'm the only one who does that am I? Don't think so. Have I explained myself that well that your gonna try and pick fault with everything I've done?

Mal at 17:30:34 Thursday March 23 2000
So no new ins or outs. I'm glad Howard hasn't gone. I see Andy Woodman has signed on loan to the Piss. Maybe its so he can get back to the area to do his own ins and outs.

R+D at 17:29:34 Thursday March 23 2000
I've been asking round at work, if one of either us or Kettrin HAD to go up, who would it be? Without bias, please......

Question at 17:23:52 Thursday March 23 2000
Why isn't the Official News link working ????

Mike at 17:21:3 Thursday March 23 2000
That was for my friend danny....

Talking of the Shrews.. at 17:20:59 Thursday March 23 2000
I have been informed that gayle is not favour of the month there...he has got a massive ban for all the usual sendings off ie 'shouldering people'etc, etc

Mike at 17:20:39 Thursday March 23 2000
Isn't 23 a bit old to be making w****r gestures at home supporters on Tuesday. Grow up before writing on here about how to support our team.

I am surprised the Shrews at 17:18:46 Thursday March 23 2000
didn't have any more of our players....are they Cobblers in disguise ?

What this.. at 17:17:42 Thursday March 23 2000
I have read about Lee Colkin, is he on a comeback ?

Ralph at 17:16:46 Thursday March 23 2000
on load? Don't ask!

Mickey Bell at 17:16:33 Thursday March 23 2000
He wants to leave Bristol at the end of the season...they have turned down a £50k offer for him so he hasn't been sold

Danny at 17:16:4 Thursday March 23 2000
Ray, I may need a late fitness test on my ankle :)

Ralph at 17:15:55 Thursday March 23 2000
Woody has gone on load to Pish!!!!

What about ... at 17:14:52 Thursday March 23 2000
SHERINGHAM...why didn't we put an offer for him, apparantly he hasn't signed a new contract yet....so he'll be up for offers at the end of the season

Danny at 17:14:2 Thursday March 23 2000
Mike, I'm 23.

finger crossed at 17:12:44 Thursday March 23 2000
We could still gat Gab' at the end of the season.....

Danny at 17:12:19 Thursday March 23 2000
And if we're all honest with ourselves, we've all been hypocritical at some point (we're football supporters for gods sake) A few examples: Ian Atkins our saviour, got us to Wembley twice got us promoted etc, the man could do no wrong. Now people think he's a moron. Steve Howard slated by many, yet when he scores everyone sings "Steve Steve Steve Howard" I remember those who had a go at Chester, I've seen them chant his name since. We are football fans, we are all fickle. Thats my rant over now. its 17:12 any signings, departures?

Just what I thought.. at 17:10:5 Thursday March 23 2000
Darlo would never sell Gab' to us, they had only just turned down a £250k offer from Rushden and Direones..so £175 is rubbish

bilbo at 17:7:15 Thursday March 23 2000
Very funny Marco/Bill This from the official site: The transfer deadline has passed with no arrivals or departures from Northampton Town

BILL at 17:1:32 Thursday March 23 2000
MARCO is telling the truth. I've just seen the confimation on Soccernews.co.uk. Well done MARCO

Ray at 16:59:10 Thursday March 23 2000
4:59: In a last minute transfer deal, this website was signed up by the Cobblers and all contibutors are expected to turn up on Saturday wearing shirt number 254058 with their boots. Kevin Wilson commented "I was going to say....with such a packed attack it is unlikely that the opposition will be able to pass the half way line"

Mike at 16:58:50 Thursday March 23 2000
Danny - how old are you if I may ask?

CIJ at 16:57:49 Thursday March 23 2000
If MARCO is telling the truth what does everyone think?

MARCO at 16:56:54 Thursday March 23 2000
About 10 minutes ago. Most of the deals were done around 3:00pm but we couldn't buy until we had sold so all the deals were reliant on each other. That is why it has taken so long for them to announce it.

CIJ at 16:55:21 Thursday March 23 2000
Marco when did they announce that?

MARCO at 16:50:25 Thursday March 23 2000
Hooray Cobblers have at last announced their transfers. We have sold Howard to carlise for £100,000 and Carlo has gone to QPR in a cut price £95,000 deal. This money has been used to buy Gabbiadini for £175,000 which is a cut price deal as his contract is up at the end of the season!!! Hooray!!!

bilbo at 16:48:39 Thursday March 23 2000
doesn't look like it CIJ

Danny at 16:46:9 Thursday March 23 2000
Mike, yes in the context that I did say that, but I was'nt really serious. People have shouted much much more worse than that, and with players close to the stands/terraces. Yeah, not the most cleverist thing to say, but then I spent most of the evening trying to encourage the lads whenever they were in earshot. Those who had it in for Howard at Chester, they were serious. How about we all make a pact and get behind the team from the first whistle to the last, create an atmosphere at Sixfields, one that will encourage the Claret and White and scare the **** out of Southend. I want us to win promotion (I really don't want to go to Wembley) and if supporters cheering and shouting for their team does lift the side, then hopefully we can cheer our way out of this league.

CIJ at 16:45:24 Thursday March 23 2000
HELP ARE WE GOING TO SIGN ANYONE????

Tony at 16:39:53 Thursday March 23 2000
Dean Crowe goes from Stoke to Bury till the end of the season on Loan, looks like he didn't like us! lol

poshie at 16:39:3 Thursday March 23 2000
Andy Woodman to Peterborough on loan!

bilbo at 16:35:16 Thursday March 23 2000
andy woodman signs for peterborough on loan!

Mike at 16:33:1 Thursday March 23 2000
So Danny - are you guilty?

Danny at 16:31:2 Thursday March 23 2000
So has Howard gone or what? If he has, thanks for your contribution Steve and good luck, if not, then good. COME ON COBBLERS!!!

Danny at 16:29:50 Thursday March 23 2000
Thanks Will lol. The highlight for me on tuesday night was the teams running out to "Rubarb & Custard". Mike, my point was that the players have ALL shown more willingness and desire this season, but, the Swansea game apart, seem to be thinking that this league is now a stroll. We really need the players to put more effort in and show more desire. The comment was more of sarcasm than anything else (as if I want the whole team transferred!!!!). I get very passionate at football, I want my team to win more than anything else, and this is one of the most talented teams we've had for ages. Its so frustrating that at times they don't use it.

WSD at 16:12:16 Thursday March 23 2000
Anon - I can't say cos Ray will chase after me with a stick and lash me for advertising... if you want to know feel free to email me :o)

Athena at 16:5:0 Thursday March 23 2000
It would be prudent to think that at one minute to five we shall sell Howard and Carlo only for Wilson to realise that's its then too late to replace. Doooh!!

CIJ at 16:4:16 Thursday March 23 2000
I'd better nip down the shop then and see if there is anything left. Mind you I must get there before 5pm or else they will shut and I've heard they're not opening again until June.

Carl at 16:1:57 Thursday March 23 2000
DOH!!! Too late they have been transferred, although should make a substitute appearance within the next couple of hours, probably about half an hour for the Tango, it's colour will have changed a little mind you by that time, but I'll see what I can do.

CIJ at 15:59:28 Thursday March 23 2000
Carl, If we sell Howard or Carlo then I'm sure the can of Diet Tango would get a starting place up front and if Sturridge is off to Shrewsbury then the drifter will geta place on the bench. I suggest you keep hold of them they could prove useful for the promotion challenge.

Anon 2 at 15:58:23 Thursday March 23 2000
Who pays you WSD?

Carl at 15:55:58 Thursday March 23 2000
I've just bought a Drifter and a can of Diet Tango, but not sure that is going to help.

CIJ at 15:53:2 Thursday March 23 2000
why aren't we signing anyone. We desperatly need to sign someone if we want to go up. The squad is good but we need some back up for the stikers. HELP KING KEV GO OUT AND BUY. IF YOU DON'T DO IT KNOW WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT TILL JUNE!!!

Anon at 15:51:58 Thursday March 23 2000
Thats a good enough reason for me!

WSD at 15:45:16 Thursday March 23 2000
Anon - because I get paid for it!

WSD at 15:44:42 Thursday March 23 2000
Dean Crowe has joined Bury on loan to the end of the season

Anon at 15:32:35 Thursday March 23 2000
WSD - why?

WSD at 15:30:7 Thursday March 23 2000
Carl, I do it from memory, I try to remember times of any important moments but that's about it! I usually have a pen and paper in the car to scriblle some stuff down on the way home though. Only an hour and a half to go!

To Mr I would hereby like to disagree as I believe that I have a longer name than any previously mentioned. I just hope that nobody else is enough of a loser to type anything longer. at 15:14:54 Thursday March 23 2000" at 15:21:59 Thursday March 23 2000
Er... that's me then!

~ at 15:18:16 Thursday March 23 2000
Not me, that's for sure

I would hereby like to disagree as I believe that I have a longer name than any previously mentioned. I just hope that nobody else is enough of a loser to type anything longer. at 15:14:54 Thursday March 23 2000
I am bored

Mr Rude at 15:7:42 Thursday March 23 2000
This is king boring

pk at 15:3:4 Thursday March 23 2000
I am not the wolf.

bilbo at 14:59:30 Thursday March 23 2000
dean crowe's gone to bury on month's loan. cobblers are leaving it late if anything's going to happen

You think you have the longest name in town that you'd like to slap on to websites, well take a look at this one matey person and eat your heart out at 14:57:59 Thursday March 23 2000
You reckon?

I have the longest name in the world and I like to slap it on to websites at 14:31:51 Thursday March 23 2000
I see Bob Monkhouse is in town

Wolf at 14:2:10 Thursday March 23 2000
Hello again Carl.I do notice this and it bugs me.We will more than likely sign somebody young and unheard of ,or old and knackered like (Danny O`Shea)we have on previous deadline days

Monster, Monster, Bloke at 14:0:20 Thursday March 23 2000
I see Ray and BR have gone on loan to Spencer!

WOLF at 13:59:18 Thursday March 23 2000
Martin Carruthers and yes,I got cut off due to dodgy Cypriot Internet connections.........shit

Carl at 13:58:13 Thursday March 23 2000
Has anyone else noticed how our club is always one of the last to say if players are going or coming in, it was the same last year, adds to the interest though, and all this nice lovely footie talk on this page for once. WOOHOO

WOLF at 13:58:1 Thursday March 23 2000
If you look on local teletext you will see we are not signing

Crikey at 13:52:33 Thursday March 23 2000
The Richardson story may be unbelievable, but its true. He is indeed on loan to Shffield Wednesday. He'll keep them in the top division ! ho ho

Carl at 13:41:18 Thursday March 23 2000
I saw it on TV yesterday, and I reckon you are about right, 10 yards, do you take a pen and paper with you and write down all the pertinant points throughout a game or do you do it from memory. I suppose sometimes it's easier to do it from memory as there isn't always too much to write about

ANDY ROBERTS at 13:41:4 Thursday March 23 2000
FUCK OFF SID

Sid at 13:37:11 Thursday March 23 2000
Talking of the Chron, has anyone seen Hendon's ratings lately in there?? I think Andy Roberts has taken a severe disliking to Hendon, giving him 5 in the Exeter game! He set up the first goal and got blamed for not clearing his lines on the Exeter goal. Now Hendon deserved a 6/7 in that match, not a 5!

FT at 13:36:37 Thursday March 23 2000
BMW Wanderers have just sold out Skint Rovers to Alchemy (No longer) United for 50p.

WSD at 13:27:21 Thursday March 23 2000
Carl - it looked to me like it was 10 yards max, but then again I could see bugger all from where I was... still managed to write a match report though :o)

Tony at 13:19:55 Thursday March 23 2000
Howard will stay (much to my personal disapointment), Carlo will stay and no one else will come in. Wilson said yesterday after the reserves match that no-one would be bought in without players leaving... and as I can only see Howard going this means no in's!.. Howard will stay because of the prospect of Div 2 football, and not non - league football. His decision is already made!

Carl at 13:19:47 Thursday March 23 2000
Dave, mine own eyes told me it wasn't 20 yards and I was at the other end of the pitch, so christ knows where that one came from. I first read it on Ceefax on my return from Cheltenham then saw it today on the Club call page, most bizarre.

Deadline Day Watcher at 13:15:55 Thursday March 23 2000
oooooooooooooooooo isn't it exciting

Kobbler at 13:13:13 Thursday March 23 2000
The Richardson story is unbelievable. If he plays for Wednesday I will die laughing.

WSD at 13:9:18 Thursday March 23 2000
Carl - my match report was more accurate! And you don't have to spend 30p on the rag to read it!

Carl at 13:7:31 Thursday March 23 2000
Has anyone else read how Savage's goal on Tuesday was a 20 yard volley, now either the size of a yard has halved, what with the new metric system and all, or these bleeding journalists who wrote the crap weren't at the game at all, I know which one I would choose.

Efon Elad at 13:0:43 Thursday March 23 2000
I am signing for you today again! I cannot speek eeengliiiish...

Anon at 12:54:3 Thursday March 23 2000
Cobblers sign statue of Sir Stanley Matthews from Stoke City town centre, come on Stan you can get us up, came the cry from the 24,072 strong crowd at Sixfields who turned out unexpectedly to watch the JCB deliver him.

Anon at 12:50:38 Thursday March 23 2000
The entire team from Escape to Victory have been snaffled up by Rushden and Diamonds, apart from the goalie who had his arm bust, they were going to have him but they have a keeper with only one eye so didn't want one with only one arm. Also Sean Bean has been signed by Hamilton Academicals on a free transfer until the end of the millenium, 'cause he was in a film about footie once. What about the rumours of Diego Maradona pulling on a Baggies shirt as well, deny that one if you dare you rumour mongers.

bilbo at 12:22:20 Thursday March 23 2000
barry richardson is signing for sheff wed on loan!

TOP HAT at 12:8:12 Thursday March 23 2000
Shrewsbury have just put in a offer for sturridge

TOP HAT at 12:7:49 Thursday March 23 2000
Shrewsbury have judt put in a offer for sturridge

top hat at 11:51:57 Thursday March 23 2000
I`ve told you we will sign carruthers, redmile and possibly rogers.going out is howard and may be welch, CARLO IS STAYING

Cheltenham fans talk shit at 11:49:53 Thursday March 23 2000
as if anyone gives a jar of monkey spunk about those non league twats. "Similar sized clubs"....yeah whatever tosspot. Go and have a kickabout with Rushden & Villagers

Bollocks! at 11:43:50 Thursday March 23 2000
Why are we bothered if we scrape out of the division? BECAUSE, mate, we are better than every other team in this division except Darlo and Rotherham. WE SHOULD FINISH THIRD. Won't happen though.

CIJ at 11:41:28 Thursday March 23 2000
Any news on any latest transfers involving Cobblers. I've just found out that Gabbiadini is up for free at the end of the season. Anyone reckon we have a chance of signing him? He could be a good replacement for Carlo and Howard. Does everyone believe we have lost both of them. I've heard Howard has agreed terms with Carlise and is on his way today. Carlo wont sign a new contract so he'll either leave today or at the end of the season. This means that we are going to be 2 strikers down anyone got any good ideas or info on latest transfers. PLEASE HELP!!!

Poo Man at 11:38:32 Thursday March 23 2000
I am DYING for a SHIT

james at 11:31:18 Thursday March 23 2000
missed the tusday game any trouble?

top hat at 11:24:45 Thursday March 23 2000
I can say Howard is going, Carruthers is coming in,Redmile is coming in(a centre back from Notts County) and right back Rogers from Orient has all so been shown round Sixfields. Big clubs also intrested in Welch.

Jimmy Stewart (From the Golden Era of Hollywood) at 11:13:3 Thursday March 23 2000
Check out http://www.soccernet.com/editorial/onthemovelatest.html for all the latest transfer deadline moves. Two transfers confirmed at time of writing.

Tony at 10:50:39 Thursday March 23 2000
I have to say I found myself not too bothered about losing the other night, simply because I don't expect us to win away again this season. If we had picked up a point I would have been ecstatic.

Carl at 10:15:7 Thursday March 23 2000
Go here http://www.sky.com/sports/football/div23/story7.htm for all the latest transfer news. It seems mostly up to date

Will at 10:3:48 Thursday March 23 2000
Oooh it's just like Tuesday night all over again. Fight, fight fight fight.....

Mike at 10:2:8 Thursday March 23 2000
Danny - I see you condemed our fans for cheering Larry and not cheering our own. And this is from a man who screemed 'I hope you are gone by 5 o'clock Thursday' (or similar) to one of his own team during the game. A little hypocritical don't you think?

will at 9:25:9 Thursday March 23 2000
Danny, no need to apologise, actually it was one of the more entertaining moments of the match. I thought there was going to be a scrap at one point between you and a guy at the back. Cheltenham Fan, if capacity for that dodgy bit behind the goal is 1000, then your safety officer is a moron. We filled it. There was no space on the terrace, people were standing on the stairways, on the walkway next to the pitch and hanging off the floodlights. When a steward asked people not to stand on the stairs you've never heard more sarcastic laughter. There was nowhere to go!

Supporters? at 7:29:41 Thursday March 23 2000
If you were new to this site you would think it was the Chester board. We are in a play off position (due to all the other teams being worse than us most of the time) so if if we creep out of this division so what. Its next season in Div 2 that counts. From Goldie alias........

Late News at 23:24:40 Wednesday March 22 2000
Steve Howard has agreed terms with Carlisle United and has completed a £105,000 transfer to be announced in the morning.

TRB Mark at 22:59:3 Wednesday March 22 2000
Work consigned me to listen to Radio Northampton last night and the commentators paid the pitch a massive compliment saying it looked like a snooker table and all credit to the groundstaff. I got the impression that's what the Cobblers fans were implying further down the board. It's a shame that all fans wern't as nice as Cheltenham's. In that respect they are "non league", unsullied and uncynical as yet by the constant rigours of lower division league. football. Does anyone else feel the same way as me? We lost last night but I really don't feel bothered. I don't care or not at this point in time if we get to Wembley and I don't feel we are good enough for promotion. Am I emotionally drained after the past few seasons? Or is it having a 14 month old baby changed my priorities? It bothers me because I feel like I ought to be bothered, but judging by the passion from other Cobbs fans, home and away, and by some of the performances dished up by the players, others feel the same?

Pete at 22:53:55 Wednesday March 22 2000
Bob's main advantage was that he could spell 'foreign'- I missed that lesson at school as I was off helping Janis in the clinic, she did have a tough time, I might have saved her if Bob hadn't needed me so much...

Pete at 22:51:20 Wednesday March 22 2000
Chipp. When Bob and I were in The Village together, he tried that line, "..a foriegn sound, in my ear". I thought I had persuaded him to change it - didn't sound right, didn't scan well. I thought I had persuaded him to change it to something like "...a sad sound..". Fitted better, simpler. Similarly, I was helping him to get to grips with his emotions in 'Sad eyed lady', Marianne was too tough on him really, still recovering from the Polish nuns...I said, " Robert( he didn't become Bob until much later) why don't you do it like a Rolling Stone?" but he had lost the thread by then and thought I was giving him another song....(cont. page 94)

LC at 22:35:31 Wednesday March 22 2000
Looks like Chipp is on the same stuff as Orbital. Long live sensible, stimulating, thought provoking Cobblers debate! (Unfortunately not on this site though)

Leo Fender at 22:16:27 Wednesday March 22 2000
Good Golly Miss Molly!

Chipp at 22:15:13 Wednesday March 22 2000
Darkness at the break of noon Shadows even the silver spoon The handmade blade, the child's balloon Eclipses both the sun and moon To understand you know too soon There is no sense in trying. Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn Suicide remarks are torn From the fool's gold mouthpiece The hollow horn plays wasted words Proves to warn That he not busy being born Is busy dying. Temptation's page flies out the door You follow, find yourself at war Watch waterfalls of pity roar You feel to moan but unlike before You discover That you'd just be One more person crying. So don't fear if you hear A foreign sound to your ear It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing. As some warn victory, some downfall Private reasons great or small Can be seen in the eyes of those that call To make all that should be killed to crawl While others say don't hate nothing at all Except hatred. Disillusioned words like bullets bark As human gods aim for their mark Made everything from toy guns that spark To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark It's easy to see without looking too far That not much Is really sacred. While preachers preach of evil fates Teachers teach that knowledge waits Can lead to hundred-dollar plates Goodness hides behind its gates But even the president of the United States Sometimes must have To stand naked. An' though the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it. Advertising signs that con you Into thinking you're the one That can do what's never been done That can win what's never been won Meantime life outside goes on All around you. You lose yourself, you reappear You suddenly find you got nothing to fear Alone you stand with nobody near When a trembling distant voice, unclear Startles your sleeping ears to hear That somebody thinks They really found you. A question in your nerves is lit Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy Insure you not to quit To keep it in your mind and not fergit That it is not he or she or them or it That you belong to. Although the masters make the rules For the wise men and the fools I got nothing, Ma, to live up to. For them that must obey authority That they do not respect in any degree Who despise their jobs, their destinies Speak jealously of them that are free Cultivate their flowers to be Nothing more than something They invest in. While some on principles baptized To strict party platform ties Social clubs in drag disguise Outsiders they can freely criticize Tell nothing except who to idolize And then say God bless him. While one who sings with his tongue on fire Gargles in the rat race choir Bent out of shape from society's pliers Cares not to come up any higher But rather get you down in the hole That he's in. But I mean no harm nor put fault On anyone that lives in a vault But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him. Old lady judges watch people in pairs Limited in sex, they dare To push fake morals, insult and stare While money doesn't talk, it swears Obscenity, who really cares Propaganda, all is phony. While them that defend what they cannot see With a killer's pride, security It blows the minds most bitterly For them that think death's honesty Won't fall upon them naturally Life sometimes Must get lonely. My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards False gods, I scuff At pettiness which plays so rough Walk upside-down inside handcuffs Kick my legs to crash it off Say okay, I have had enough What else can you show me? And if my thought-dreams could be seen They'd probably put my head in a guillotine But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only.

Fats Rickenbacker at 22:12:20 Wednesday March 22 2000
You make me dizzy miss lizzie . . .

Lizzie at 21:51:48 Wednesday March 22 2000
Anyone who thinks Carlo should sign a new contract and stay with us write "CARLO" ps savage has been shit all season

ORBITAL Ganja at 21:34:23 Wednesday March 22 2000
700 is actually very good considering it was a mid-week game. We only took 700 because the rest of us MOST LIKELY could not get the time of work. WORK!!!!!! I here you say yes most of us have to work, usually all year round. While the only piece of work you Cheltenham people get in the year is when the Gold cup is on.

Cheltenham Fan at 20:47:0 Wednesday March 22 2000
I find the arrogance of some of your fans quite suprising really, your a similar sized club to us, yet you make out that you are far superior. Did you not used to get small crowds when you had a crap ground? O.k the away end is small and crap, but you only managed to bring 700 tops which is still nearly 300 below capacity. So please less of the sour grapes, moaning about the best pitch in the division what ever next? CHELTENHAM TOWN (Play-off Champions 99-00?)

Simon Sturridge at 18:45:35 Wednesday March 22 2000
See I told you I could score goals.

Drop Savage he's poo at 18:44:38 Wednesday March 22 2000
Bring back Dean Peer!!!!!!

Lads this leagues shit at 18:37:14 Wednesday March 22 2000
Lets get fucking promoted and stop mincing about.

Jaime Forrester at 18:32:51 Wednesday March 22 2000
That was crap I want to go home.

My thoughts on last night at 18:31:2 Wednesday March 22 2000
Shit. Dave Savage your a moron.

Ralph at 18:5:5 Wednesday March 22 2000
Sorry Fred it may have come across as a back handed compliment but the pitch did look astroturf and all credit to 'the gardner'.

Fred Bassett - Cheltenham Town FC at 17:59:47 Wednesday March 22 2000
Hi!!! Just a few comments from last night. I thought the game was good with quite a good atmosphere made by both sets of fans. We've run you close now in both games and had some good banter with some of you before the game. The "you'll always be non league" bit was a bit cheesey, but the winner made up for it. Do you think that you may be a bit harsh with the comments about some of your players performance. 6 of our starting 11 were with us in our Dr Martens days and 4 joined us in the conference. We have no players on more than £600 per week and we need another striker but have problems raising 50 - 100k that we need. On saying that the players we have are superb, and wear the CTFC shirt with pride every game. Steve Cotterill knows how to motivate our players every game and winds them up like coiled springs ready to go and perform. Theres a rumour that a couple of your players may be on £2ooo per week, if so and the players are not playing 100% every game then it's your managers job to sort it. When you went 3 up front last night it did concern us and corozin and forester missed a sitting duck of a chance at the end. With regard to the ground, we are improving it bit by bit, and we know what the away end is like as it used to be our home end, but bear with us and it will get better. We are due to start soon i believe on a 2000 seat covered stand along the pitch opposite the main stand and the prestbury rd end behind the other goal will hopefully have a roof then too. Toilets will be added!!! someone commented on our pitch saying it looked like astroturf. It was inspected yesterday by a voting panel for pitch of the year.It's been nominated by quite a lot of visiting managers. And it's better than darlo's!!! The boss expects a pitch that we can play footy on and the groundsman works wonders.I think that about 45 games inc reserves have been played on it so far this season. Thanks for the support for larry last night, the guy is pure quality. Good luck for the rest of the season, and you never know we may meet in the playoffs. But don't be so hard on your players, we all have expectations. Our players have done more than we could of dreamt of and what they are achieving now is 100% bonus evey time. However , if your players are on good money and don't perform, give em hell as you the fans deserve better. See ya

Danny at 17:52:48 Wednesday March 22 2000
Yes Will, it was me last night, I was absolutly peed off with the Cobblers and just vented a little (!) anger. Sorry

will at 17:11:44 Wednesday March 22 2000
you're not blonde are you danny?

Vince at 16:41:37 Wednesday March 22 2000
Now that Dave Linnell has resigned as Chair of the Trust (albeit that he is standing again in what seems an attempt to gain a vote of confidence) does anyone have any idea who might be standing for election?

Danny at 16:39:2 Wednesday March 22 2000
And.... as much as I respect Neil Grayson is a Cobblers legend and has achieved cult status with us, the fans, its just a shame that we can't put a little more effort into trying to cheer on, encourage our own players in the way we welcomed an opposition teams substitute last night. LETS GET BEHIND THE LADS... COME ON COBBLERS!!!!

Danny at 16:37:2 Wednesday March 22 2000
Well last night we were absolutly shocking. None of the players on the pitch had any pride, passion or motivation. In fact most of them may as well have stood on the terrace with us. I'm not going to single any one player out, they should know that they have let themselves, the club and us, the travelling supporters down. On last nights performance, I don't think it'll be a bad thing if we stayed down next season, got some fresh faces in and went for it big time. Apart from the Swansea game, we have'nt really played at all well. Still, COME ON COBBLERS

Vince at 16:36:42 Wednesday March 22 2000
The way Cheltenham played last night reminded me of the Cobblers side in 96/97 and 97/98, full of running and determination. For all the improvements in the style of play that have happened since Kevin Wilson took over the team should remember that they have no right to any result and need to show far more passion and commitment.We may just do enough to make the play offs but unless some NTFC players start wearing their heart on their sleeve we are destined to another season in Div 3.

Fed Up at 16:2:0 Wednesday March 22 2000
Siiiiiiiighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Gin and Tonic anyone?

Jamie at 14:40:41 Wednesday March 22 2000
Cobblers, you have completely slated your team but there are many teams in the top half who have played worse at Whaddon Road than you did, and you almost got an (undeserved) point!!! Maybe you are not playing as well as the first half against us at Sixfields when you were the best team I have seen this season, but you were not THAT bad!! One comment - "we couldn't even beat Cheltenham" - was particularly unfair because if you look at the League table you will see that we are catching you, and you saw that we are not a bad team at all! And overall it was a thrilling game, no matter what you lot say. And as for the comment about blaming the pitch, well, is there anyone on here that has seen a better pitch than that all season?? Good luck for the rest of the season, and I hope we meet at Wembley!

Cornonthecob at 13:52:34 Wednesday March 22 2000
I want to go to plymouth,but live in oxford, does anytone have any suggestions how to get there and back, and not spend the £30`s it will cost me to take a train?

Cornonthecob at 13:50:42 Wednesday March 22 2000
Having been a long running, well travelled, and highly emotionally drained cobblers fan, i can honestly say that the overall performance last night was as bad as i have ever seen from the lads. I thought that Macclesfield would never be worsened but last night i was proved wrong! Going to Whaddon road for me was bad enough, to have to admit that despite our temporary rise into the height`s of the division 2 play offs, we are now back amongst the worst in the country. Going on from saturday, i was expecting a battling performance from the lads, as we look to pick up some vital way points, but the effort just wasn`t there! Every 50-50 was won by a cheltenham player, or if not our player gave it back almost instantly, and an overall lack of skill seemed very apparent. The severity of the performance, was driven home by the style in which our opposition, were able to split our defence in a few passes, where as we couldn`t put a few passes together all night. Savage had a stinker, hodge looked ordinary, and until hunter can on we had no midfield. The only positive aspect was the introduction of Forrester, upon being brought on he changed the game for a few minutes, until the other players began to play even worse to counter his efforts. I have been informed there second was clearly off side, but in reflection, if a player heads the ball like that you deserve to concede! As per usual other results went our way to a degree and a point would have taken us fourth,but as per usual we wasted our chance, and unless the players begin to want promotion, a final position of 8th or 9th looks quite possible. Come on kev, sort em out and lets get back to winning ways on saturay, but play some good football aswell, not scrape it like kast saturday!

dyl at 13:27:27 Wednesday March 22 2000
Cheltenham Fan, the reason we sang that was because we had nothing else to feel superior about. I found your club and everyone associated with it to be very friendly and helpful. Perhaps a little more space for away fans would have helped as would an adequate supply of programmes, and toliets where you don't piss in full view of the general public, but apart from that (and the football)it was one of the better places to visit.

Cheltenham Fan at 13:18:38 Wednesday March 22 2000
Cheers for the three points Cobblers fans, we are very similar clubs and we have no real problems with you. However, you were the first team to chant "you will alway's be non-league" to us which did'nt go down to well in the home end! Anyway, you must have the most friendly fans in the league, its just a shame you don't sing, quite like us actually. Here's to hoping we meet in the Play-offs

gaz at 12:15:35 Wednesday March 22 2000
When does Frain come back? Boy do we miss him! I think it is time a few egos were bruised and a couple of youngsters were given a start. That might make a few people battle for their place a bit more. I'm not naming names, I'm sure we all have our opinions about who should be in and out. But there needs to be a hunger. Whilst people can play badly for 90 minutes and still get picked again and again, where is the motivation to do well? In reply to Hartwell, yes I think we will make the play-offs but on paper we should do it easily and if we keep playing like this that won't be the case. Let's face it, the last few home games haven't been convincing. 6 wins on the trot masks a declining standard of play. I still feel that our squad is too thin, and we need to buy a couple more players. That is a strictly football based opinion. I know that there are financial considerations, but they are for other people to overcome.

fulham cobbler at 11:59:28 Wednesday March 22 2000
what an absolute load of rubbish last nights game was..there are no excuses, we were second to every ball, no motivation what so ever..they need a bloody good kick up the arse

Anon at 11:51:12 Wednesday March 22 2000
I suggest, as our next project, we raise funds for the Cobblers supporting trampolinist who is trying to get too the Olympics. Waddya think

Jones at 11:45:1 Wednesday March 22 2000
And of course Carlo was lazy too on Saturday, but HE still did something Steve Howard didn't, which is score. You can look for 100 things any player has done in a game when trying to defend them, but the truth is you always miss out the 1000 things they didn't do.

Cobbler at 11:41:16 Wednesday March 22 2000
I must admit that I never rated Steve Howard when he arrived at the club but finally, he has started to play well in recent weeks, apart from the odd bad match. However if there is a good enough offer (e.g. £100k or more) from Carlisle (or anyone else) then I think we should sell him, although we probably won't!

WSD at 11:24:16 Wednesday March 22 2000
Hartwell - I mean when Forrester came on and we went 4-3-3 we were more direct. I think this should have happened earlier though, it was clear from the off Cheltenham were not going to give us any time on the ball

bilbo at 11:22:46 Wednesday March 22 2000
Pretty much agree with everything else written. it was an inept performance, following on from the 2nd half v Exeter. It was Atkins style long ball stuff but without the passion. savage is one of our most talented players, and took his goal well but he hasn't adjusted to Div 3 and was woeful last night. His dreadful clearing header which gave away the winner summed it up. It's also a fair point made further down here about the lack of a leader at the back. hunter was the only one to emerge with credit as he made a difference when he came on. As for howard, although he did what he always does, win headers, hold the ball up, he does all his work 40 yards from goal and facing the wrong way. His presence forces the rest of the team to just whack the ball upfield and hope for knockdowns. Just remember how we played when it was carlo and clare up front.

Re:Mr Cross at 11:18:33 Wednesday March 22 2000
I noticed that on saturday, Carlo and Howard had no understanding, with them both going for the same balls. Howard isn't the greatest, but the likes or Carlo and Savage appear to be evryone's golden boys, when in effect they are just as much to blame. On Saturday Savage was in his favoured position, but looked as good as Dean Peer. It is increasingly difficult to find players who want to play for clubs, unless you are Man Utd so this will only happen more and more in the future.

Hartwell at 11:10:26 Wednesday March 22 2000
WSD - if knocking it long and early was to give us the better chance of scoring, why did Cheltenham (who know their pitch) play it around to better effect ? If that was our tactic, it was badly misplaced and the performance on the night proved it. Fact is it's easy to blame the pitch. Atkins was a master of blaming everything but himself. No, the real blame must lie at the feet of the players. Half a dozen of them should take a long look in the mirror this morning and ask themselves "did I do justice to my selection, my club, my fans and myself last night?"

Hartwell Cobbler at 11:4:54 Wednesday March 22 2000
Oh - ref Howard. In fairness it should be said that he was only one of several players who fans here have rightly had a go at following last night's sad show. Forwards, like goalkeepers, are always in the spotlight.

WSD at 11:2:34 Wednesday March 22 2000
A man with a good idea - Hodge may be our most talented player, but their left back had him in his back pocket last night, and he did little better out on the left. The switch was tactical, it was a short pitch and by playing three forwards and knocking it up to them early we had a better chance of scoring... which we did

Motty at 11:1:35 Wednesday March 22 2000
That Steve's commentary last night was pure quality.

Hartwell Cobbler at 11:1:34 Wednesday March 22 2000
Gaz - while it weas an awful and totally unacceptable performance y'day, we are still in play-off contention, thanks in part to some other results. If our home form is retained we should accumulate enough points to see us there. But what concerns me is that if we do, and if (IF) we win the playoffs, do we have a strong and committed enough squad for Div 2? The jury's out as far as I'm concerned. Interesting turn of events, suddenly finding Jamie Forester in the squad last night. I gather we signed him during the day. Is it a loan ? Or permanent ? Does this acquisition suggest either Howard or Carlo (or both) are on their way? I would be sad to see Carlo go. But I guess we won't be able to hold him one way or another. And you can't blame him if he takes a better deal and/or larger club.

A man with a good idea at 10:58:45 Wednesday March 22 2000
I know let's sign someone, maybe I don't know... a man who scored over 20 goals last year(Forrester), let's put him on the bench. I know, then we could play him for 18 minutes subbing our most talented player(Hodge) while up-front the two players Lazy(Corazzin) and Useless(Howard) can do fuck all. Leave Useless on because he "plays with pride".

Anon at 10:21:29 Wednesday March 22 2000
Whilst I am no great admirer of Howard (he may be part of the Cobblers'history by tomorrow)the number of messages having a go at him for last night's defeat is totally unfair. There are a number of Cobblers players under-performing and they should have a good look at themselves in the mirror especially about their away peformances individually and collectively.

Anon at 9:54:14 Wednesday March 22 2000
Oi JONES! It was Howard that put the ball on a plate for Savage. Why all this praise for Savage, he is taking the p**s and his wages and doesn't appear to give a stuff.

Jones at 9:25:42 Wednesday March 22 2000
Howard was no better or worse than the rest of the team, maybe true, but even when Savage plays crap he still manages to do something Steve Howard will never do away from home. Score a goal, I hope Steve reads this. Its nice up north, so go there! To NTFC, £100,000... I'm glad you accepted the offer, you won't get a better oppertunity to offload dead wood, and help the clubs wage bill.

Gaz at 9:16:29 Wednesday March 22 2000
A dire game last night. Once again we showed that we cannot concentrate for 45 mins and that we cannot do the simple things. We were clueless in the first half. By my reckoning it was 70 minutes before we had a shot on target. We had a purple patch of 10-15 mins after scoring when we looked ok, but that was it. It was interesting to see that Hodge was switched to the left wing in the second half and I felt he caused more problems there. I've been an advocate of savage because I know what he is capable of. Last night though was appalling. The goal was a blip (a welcome blip) in a rubbish personal performance. He was totally at fault for Cheltenham's winner. A free header in the box under no pressure and he heads it backwards to our goal. What on earth was that all about? He's a bit like Turley was, occasional flashes of brilliance but too many crucial cock-ups from inoccuous situations. I'm fed up, and have an awful feeling that the play-offs aren't a cert any more.

Hartwell at 9:16:15 Wednesday March 22 2000
Bud & Ralph - couldn't agree more. The only good parts were the journey through the delightful Cotswolds and Vale of Evesham and the overall hospitality and friendliness of the Cheltenham club and fans. Frankly our first half performance was a disgrace. They had six players in their line-up who played for them in the Doc Martens League. By comparision, our team was an expensive squad. Yet they played us off the park for most of the game and overall we got what we deserved - diddly squat. It's already been said - but you have to question Savage's schoolboy errors and an all-round lack of combativeness. We didn't look like we wanted it. They did and they deserved their win. Had it been 4-1 we couldn't have complained. I suspect Wilson made a grave tactical error in first half, as it appeared we went straight back to the Atkins plan - defend in numbers and in depth and just keep hoofing the ball upfield. It was meanlingless twaddle. I though we'd gone past that. In any even it backfired on us as it did continually under Atkins in his final 18 months. I'd imagine the team talk at half-time convinced Kevin to go back to a passing game. But it was only when Hunter came on that we began to win any ball and start stringing some passes together. If Howard never plays for us again it'll be too early for me. All his faults were well demonstrated again last night. He's got off-the-mark acceleration of a Morris Minor. And, yes I'm sorry if I'm offending some, but the facts and his displays over the season simply demonstrate that his all-round technique is sadly lacking. Cheltenham, by comparison, had front men who cost nothing and looked truly £100k plus. Well, you can fool some of the people all the time. But you can't fool all the people all the time. And so it is with our away performances. We are collectively anjd individually simply not good enough. I now think we have over-rated quite a number of our squad. When we are up against better or more committed teams we just fold up and roll over away from home. As has been said here, we must also question the desire of some of our players to the cause. When the going gets tough, some of our players are simply not up to the fight. The many fans who made the journey were again let down last night - as so often happens away from home.

WSD at 9:14:26 Wednesday March 22 2000
Seems a pretty fair reflection on things Alastair - Hendon got booked after the winner for arguing with the ref, and he was still moaning at him about the goal after the final whistle. Couldn't tell from where I was though, to the left of the goal, as the view was so poor I didn't see the ball go in!

Alastair Cross at 9:11:39 Wednesday March 22 2000
As a sort of neutral at the game last night I have to say that I don't think your lads WANT to get promotion, I thought it was scrappy, dull and unprofessional. I've seen better in the non-league. Howard and Carlo looked like they'd never played together before, Hodge was a dissapointment and some of the passing and positional play was just plain childish. Savage's complete disgrace of a header caused the winner although i've been told at least two cheltenham players were offside(i couldn't see the most of the goal from where i was). Forrester looked bright when he came on and seemed to stem the flow of hit and hope balls that seemed to be the order of the game. Ways to improve. Better use of the wings. players need to get their foot on the ball more and Communication, Sampson is the Quietest skipper i've ever seen and if the captain can't motivate, what hope have you got? Carlo seems like he's got some talent, reminds me of his countryman Peschisolido, just taller. I do think he needs to play in a higher league though it would by a pitty to see you lose him. Can someone teach Savage how to play football, apart from his goal i thought has was absolute rubbish.

WSD at 9:0:11 Wednesday March 22 2000
What a completely gutless performance, we got what we deserved. Savage was awful in the middle but the whole team lacked the will to win. What is going on? And what a pathetic away end

Question on Book Physicality for Goyldie at 8:54:23 Wednesday March 22 2000
Was Tony Book the one with the long face ?

Goldie at 7:9:21 Wednesday March 22 2000
Yes I remember Kim Book, brother of Tony Book of Man City fame. I still have all my hair and all the teeth that survived the Hotel End days - and I still have got the magic!! Wish the team did away from home.

Recriminations at 7:7:30 Wednesday March 22 2000
Yes you will all start saying what I have being saying for weeks. Carlo overated, Spedding ?????, Savage a `bunny' and Southend will be no push overs.

DavCobbler at 0:26:5 Wednesday March 22 2000
Once again a healthy away following were treated to A PILE OF ABSOLUTE SHITE !!!!! Soz Ray...........truth hurts !!

Ralph at 0:13:35 Wednesday March 22 2000
And just one more fing, their goalie was a chap called Book. Son of Kim! There's one for Goldie and his mates. He was much better than his dad though, he caught just about everything!

Ralph at 0:9:42 Wednesday March 22 2000
He didn't do it tonight SBB, he got taken off. We defended too deep and too often Hodge was tucked in right side midfield so we had very little width. Savage's lack of spunk meant Hunt and Parrish had to work overtime to compensate. Hunter made a difference and Forrester didn't get long enough to make a lasting impression. Savage's inept 'defending' led to their winner. Unchallenged beyond the far post at a corner he managed to nod the ball back in to the crowded goalmouth when it was easier just to clear it. I hope he feel as sick as the rest of us! Truth is we did not deserve anything from the game and Wilson must pick a balanced side, again we had no pattern and no obvious game plan. He made to many changes when the subs came on, Savage went right, Hodge went left, Forrester went up front, Carlo played wide left, Howard dropped back in to midfield. I was expecting Welch to turn up as a striker. Still I'm off to bed and pray that we improve for Saturday. Bloody stupid game!

Bud Cranon at 0:9:4 Wednesday March 22 2000
You're right in everything you say Ralph I couldn't agree more about either Howards performance or the pitch. A general lack of will to win was shown tonight we should have won this easily and again we lose. Selling Steve Howard is not the answer and again on tonights performance I think we will see Corazzin playing for NTFC next year in the 3rd Division.He wont go because he is payed 2nd Div wages and no one is going to give him a better deal as he is not good enough to warrant it.Once again Steve Howard was the most obvious man tonight with the Claret and White blood flowing through his veins as for the rest pound signs and apathy rule their lives.Oh and Fred you're an armchair supporter with no idea toddle off to the fridge and make yourself a sarnie ready for the next game.

Swansea Boot Boy at 23:58:9 Tuesday March 21 2000
Ralph, I saw Hodgey play last Friday and he is still a mean piece of meat. respect to the hodgey!

Ralph at 23:54:29 Tuesday March 21 2000
Just a word on the playing surface tonight, it looked like astroturf. I cannot recall a pitch looking as good as this one at the start of the season, let alone towards the end, a shame we didn't use it. Does anyone know why Parrish and Hodge were substituted?

Swansea Boot Boy at 23:53:41 Tuesday March 21 2000
"Victory" is sweet. Maybe you losers will make the playoffs.

Ralph at 23:41:23 Tuesday March 21 2000
The entire team woefully under performed tonight. Whilst you are bleating about Howard he stood head and shoulders above Dave Savage who was absolutelty awful again tonight. There was a general lack of commitment, urgency, call it what you like from too many players Wilson needs to get in to them! A wonderful turnout by the fans tonight, we were quiet but then again there was so little to cheer. Sorry I can't be more positive. BTW I didn't think it possible that we could get a smaller player than Dean Sturridge but we appear to have managed it in Forrester.

Fred at 23:32:46 Tuesday March 21 2000
Thats why I said from what the guy on the radio was saying, "Steve Howard hasnt the pace to get there".. "thats another poor header from steve howard", I'm fed up with people slating others on here who dare to question howards lack of ability. What is this, the protect steve howard message board. He's crap and we all know it!

Anon at 23:15:40 Tuesday March 21 2000
Fred: You are obviously the best footie pundit ever - you can assess a players contribution over the radio better than someone who was there. I take my hat off to you.

Person who gives up early at 23:3:40 Tuesday March 21 2000
Oh well the top three's decided anyway.

Fred Bassett - Cheltenham Town FC at 22:49:22 Tuesday March 21 2000
Whoops, hard luck boys and girls, ithink it was a cracking game. Maybe see you in the playoffs now.

A Disgrace at 22:31:43 Tuesday March 21 2000
This way form is no longer a laughing matter!

Fred at 22:29:0 Tuesday March 21 2000
Can't beleive Wilson keeps defending Howard, from the sound of the radio he didn't do much tonight... and he still can't score away from home to save us from defeat!

Anon at 21:59:43 Tuesday March 21 2000
R+D you are a fucking twat. Fuck off back to your inbred little village.

Steve at 21:58:49 Tuesday March 21 2000
Kevin's Kwote: First half, Cheltenham were the better side. We came back into it in the second half. We conceded 2 goals from set plays again. We gave away a free header. Unforgivable. We should have scored at the end. Lively start from Jamie Forrester. No complaints with the second half performance. We're missing John Frain's stability in midfield, but we should have done better without him. If the funds are available, we might bring someone elde in before Thursday. We'll see how the Stevie Howard situation turns out. It's up to Stevie and Carlisle whether he goes or not. He played well tonight.

Andy at 21:57:43 Tuesday March 21 2000
We can't even beat Cheltenham, that's it I'm doing a Mellor, hello Kettering, err maybe not. hello R+D, I dont think so. Wellingborough??...Earls Barton???.. Sod it come on you useless Cobbs!!!

R+D at 21:48:18 Tuesday March 21 2000
Gloat time - you're not even going to make the playoffs!!!

Cheadle Cobbler at 21:48:5 Tuesday March 21 2000
Thanks Steve for the running commentary-invaluable to us 'oop north'

Big Roy at 21:47:33 Tuesday March 21 2000
Sorry, Hartlepool drew

Big Roy at 21:45:13 Tuesday March 21 2000
Swansea drew, Hartlepool lost, Pooh lost, Barnet won, Rotherham won, Darlington lost.

Posh won at 21:41:44 Tuesday March 21 2000
3-2

Steve at 21:39:35 Tuesday March 21 2000
Apparently, Carlo almost scored at the death. By the sound of it, the result was probably fair. Has anyone got updates on the other games?

Big Roy at 21:39:4 Tuesday March 21 2000
The Stones - I can't get no Satisfaction. Sick!

Big Roy at 21:37:57 Tuesday March 21 2000
Final Whistle. Bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger

R+D at 21:37:54 Tuesday March 21 2000
Cheltenhamshire, la la la la, Cheltenhamshire, la la la la!! :-)

Steve at 21:37:44 Tuesday March 21 2000
It was a sick joke. We've got Oglethorpe on the phone. It's only 2-1, but we've lost 2-1. Sorry guys. I did my best.

Big Roy at 21:37:15 Tuesday March 21 2000
Still 2 -1

Steve at 21:36:24 Tuesday March 21 2000
Are we really losing 3-1? Is this a sick joke? Still no radio broadcast. La La La La Radiooooooo Northamptonnnnn!

Big Roy at 21:36:23 Tuesday March 21 2000
I'm playing along on my guitar.

Grayson with a 4th at 21:35:1 Tuesday March 21 2000
Just like at Swansea

Steve at 21:34:32 Tuesday March 21 2000
La La La La Radiooooooo Northamptonnnnn! How am I doing?

Big Roy at 21:34:28 Tuesday March 21 2000
You have a beautiful singing voice Steve.

Steve at 21:33:42 Tuesday March 21 2000
How often has this happened right at the death. I shall now sing the BBC Radio Northampton theme tune to you, whilst we correct the fault.

its 3-1 now shit!!! at 21:33:34 Tuesday March 21 2000
Shit

Big Roy at 21:33:28 Tuesday March 21 2000
2- 1 Cheltenham Anon

Anon at 21:32:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
please, what's the score?

Steve at 21:32:25 Tuesday March 21 2000
Would you believe it? Now the radio broadcast is breaking up in protest.

Big Roy at 21:32:21 Tuesday March 21 2000
Even the bloody Radio's given up!

Whats the score at 21:31:54 Tuesday March 21 2000
Help

Steve at 21:31:3 Tuesday March 21 2000
Spedding up to Howard - gives the ball away. Devaney to the by-line. Sammo clears for a corner. Concentrate Cobblers!! 4 minutes to go. Back the post. Cheltenham score after a mistake by Savage!

Big Roy at 21:31:2 Tuesday March 21 2000
Bugger.

Equaliser oh no!!! at 21:29:21 Tuesday March 21 2000
Just our luck

Steve at 21:29:17 Tuesday March 21 2000
...... just wide. Sorry - I won't do that again. Promise!

Steve at 21:28:43 Tuesday March 21 2000
Cheltenham break with Yates and Duff. Hendon breaks it up. The ball is with Forrester out on the left. Throw to the Cobblers. The big guys go up. Hunter takes the throw. Cheltenham clear poorly. Cobblers on the attack with Howard. Cheltenham clear. The Cobblers finishing on top. Milton brought down by Sampson. Free kick to the left of the area. Devaney shoots .......

2-1 great!!! at 21:28:37 Tuesday March 21 2000
Goal!!!!

Paddington Cobbler at 21:28:30 Tuesday March 21 2000
Carry on Steve you're doing a great job.

Big Roy at 21:28:21 Tuesday March 21 2000
I see the idiots are about. Keep up the good work Steve.

Substitution at 21:27:54 Tuesday March 21 2000
Carlo has just gone off and

Big Ron at 21:27:34 Tuesday March 21 2000
I like Steve's commentary.

Anon at 21:27:30 Tuesday March 21 2000
Bullshit

Hover at 21:27:24 Tuesday March 21 2000
Steve you are a set of rubbish at commentary, so **** off

Sending off at 21:27:13 Tuesday March 21 2000
Welch has just been sent off!

Big Roy at 21:26:40 Tuesday March 21 2000
Sorry again Steve! LOL!

Big Roy at 21:26:4 Tuesday March 21 2000
Grayson wastes a chance. Good old Larry.

Goalllllllllllll111111111111111111111 at 21:25:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
Great finish

Steve at 21:25:49 Tuesday March 21 2000
Still 1-1 with 10 minutes to play. Green beats Grayson in the air. Grayson in the area ..... wastes the chance. Thanks Larry!

IAN at 21:25:35 Tuesday March 21 2000
Where is that bird off of Tomorrow World Playing up front for. IS Peter Snow going to go in goal. Both are better than Welch and Howard. Even A smelly Gay ant is better than Howard

Big Roy at 21:24:52 Tuesday March 21 2000
Savage's only other goal was against Cheltenham. Funny old game innit?

Im at the game at 21:24:22 Tuesday March 21 2000
Ive got my laptop with me. Savage just scored a cracking goal we are all over them now.

Steve at 21:24:10 Tuesday March 21 2000
Corazzin on the edge of the area - Hunter crosses to the far post, but the keeper grabs the ball. End to end stuff. Savage's second goal of the season. His first was also against Cheltenham. Howard pressurises the full back. Spedding tries to go down the line, but is hacked down by Yates, who is booked.

Anon at 21:23:29 Tuesday March 21 2000
GOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!!!

Big Ron at 21:23:7 Tuesday March 21 2000
Is Forrester wearing big foam hands?

Ian at 21:22:21 Tuesday March 21 2000
Does anybody know where i can get hold of those funny foam hands that teams take to wembley .

Big Ron at 21:21:55 Tuesday March 21 2000
Have we done another goal yet?

Steve at 21:21:52 Tuesday March 21 2000
Forrester had a hand in the goal - a good cross from him, finished off superbly by Savage!!

Big Ron at 21:21:11 Tuesday March 21 2000
Sorry I just wanted to type Eddie McGoldrick.

Big Roy at 21:21:3 Tuesday March 21 2000
SAVAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve at 21:20:58 Tuesday March 21 2000
Savage scores!

Steve at 21:20:38 Tuesday March 21 2000
Still losing 1-0.

Big Ron at 21:20:32 Tuesday March 21 2000
Is Eddie McGoldrick playing?

Ian at 21:20:8 Tuesday March 21 2000
Poo Poo Wee Wee

Big Roy at 21:19:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
LOL. You must be nearer the radio than me Steve. You keep beating me to it.

Steve at 21:19:39 Tuesday March 21 2000
15 minutes left. Come on Cobblers! One point will do, but by the sound of it, we don't deserve any. I STILL haven't heard Forrester's name.

Big Roy at 21:18:46 Tuesday March 21 2000
Larry gets big ovation from Cobbs fans. Good.

Big Ron at 21:18:45 Tuesday March 21 2000
Have we done a goal yet?

Steve at 21:18:9 Tuesday March 21 2000
Cheltenham break, but lose the ball in a good position. Cheltenham keep squandering good chances. If only the Cobblers could make a few for themselves. Spedding's one two with Hunter comes to nothing. Cheltenham come forward towards the edge of the area. Hunter clears up to Corazzin. Heven't heard Forrester's name mentioned yet. Savage crosses - the ball goes out for a throw. Neil Grayson comes on for Neil Stevens. The Cobblers fans give him an ovation. Nice touch. Let's hope he repays our courtesy by not scoring.

Big Ron at 21:17:50 Tuesday March 21 2000
Canadian Ian is forgiven. But that other one sitting next to me is in trouble.

NOt Canadian Ian at 21:17:11 Tuesday March 21 2000
I am not Ian Canada, I am Ian off of the internet. big Ron you are a set of rubbish, i should know i am sitting next to you

Large Marge at 21:16:21 Tuesday March 21 2000
I'm here haa! haa!

In the Know at 21:15:24 Tuesday March 21 2000
Up the apples depositing a larger than life Richard the 3rd.

Ian at 21:14:40 Tuesday March 21 2000
I should say that I'm Canadian Ian, not the one attacking Big Ron!

Big Roy at 21:14:17 Tuesday March 21 2000
Forrester on for Hodge

Steve at 21:14:16 Tuesday March 21 2000
Welch up to Howard, but Brough does well to nod the ball back to the keeper. 25 minutes left. Come on Cobblers! Sort it out! Spedding in to Howard who turns his man, but is penalised. Hodge to Howard to Savage in a good position ...... good saving tackle by Victory. Green long to Hunter. Throw to the Cobblers. Cheltenham attack. They're still on top. Green clears. Lovely move from Cheltenham results in a good shot that's just over. Neil Grayson warming up. Jamie Forrester comes on for John Hodge.

Big Ron at 21:13:55 Tuesday March 21 2000
Where's Large Roy?

Anon at 21:13:44 Tuesday March 21 2000
Rotherham 1-0

IAn at 21:13:11 Tuesday March 21 2000
Was the goal anything to do with the fact that in Goal we have Keith 'I can't do a save' Welch, who by the way can't do a save.

Ian at 21:12:49 Tuesday March 21 2000
Thanks for the commentary Steve. If ever there was a game we needed to win it is this one. Our away displays in 2000 have been abysmal.

Large Ron at 21:12:32 Tuesday March 21 2000
Coz I'm really late and I should have this turned off and I'll get right in the bloody poop if I dont go now but I'll speak later if you're still around and that Ian's a tw*t he has no respect for the Big One so thats it cya later.And look at that I didn't slag off WSD !!

Big Roy at 21:12:18 Tuesday March 21 2000
Come on Cobbs. THIS is the night to win. There will never be a better chance to gain points on the others.

Big Ron at 21:11:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
I am the real Big Ron, not that imposter off of the telly.

Paddington Cobbler at 21:9:33 Tuesday March 21 2000
P'boro 2-nil down !

Big Roy at 21:9:5 Tuesday March 21 2000
Why 'ain't you at the match Big Ron?

Steve at 21:8:53 Tuesday March 21 2000
The ball comes to Hodge. His cross is too deep, but Cobblers get their second corner in a minute. Hodge inside to Hunter, to Corazzin, tries to play Hodge in. All the moves now seem to involve Hodge down the left. Seems to be working. Peterborough 0 Carlisle 2! I don't believe it!

Big Ron at 21:8:40 Tuesday March 21 2000
But Baldwin has the required drinking problems needed in any footballers CV.

Ian at 21:7:47 Tuesday March 21 2000
Shut up Big Ron surely Baldwin would be better up front, he is no where near as good as Terry. That chip against Mansfiled was amazing

Steve at 21:6:49 Tuesday March 21 2000
Poor touch by Sammo - throw to Cheltenham. They are looking much stronger than the Cobblers. Devaney runs into the area ..... Welch turns it round for a corner. Another escape. Cobblers struggle to clear the corner. Come on Cobblers! We need spark! We need inspiration. Hodge makes real space down the left, beating 3 men. Gets himself a throw-in, which is wasted. Two footed tackle over the ball on Hodge by Devaney. No booking. Corazzin - great move results in a corner to the Cobbs.

Guess at 21:6:7 Tuesday March 21 2000
I'm sure it is Big Roy, and that's why you spend all day checking other people's work

Big Ron at 21:4:44 Tuesday March 21 2000
Young Matthew Baldwin of the Village team in the Birmingham AFA league looks a quality young player, and should be able to follow in the footsteps of Steve Terry at the back.

Steve at 21:1:50 Tuesday March 21 2000
Hunter is warming up. That's a promising sign. Hendon is spoken to after giving away an unnecessary free kick. Howarth unmarked at the far post. Where was Green? Phew! Goalkick. Corazzin sets Howard clear, but he lacks the pace to make anything of it. Hunter is coming on for Parrish. Will this mean more creativity in midfield? Hodge is moving over to the left. Hunter on the right.

Big Roy at 21:1:48 Tuesday March 21 2000
It's a tough day down the mines.

Big Roy at 21:0:57 Tuesday March 21 2000
Hunter on for Parrish

Large Ron at 21:0:42 Tuesday March 21 2000
Lumme Biggun that's a mighty long day you've had their! You'll be up the apples for a King Richard and off to bed, you must be cream crackered !!

Big Roy at 20:59:8 Tuesday March 21 2000
I think the guy on the radio's lost it. Kettering just had a throw in resulting in a Cheltenham free-kick!

Steve at 20:57:10 Tuesday March 21 2000
..... the ball hits the post and Green clears. Sorry about the artificial 'break' there, but I wanted to create some suspense. Won't happen again. Cheltenham are looking the better side. Corazzin gets himself a free kick. Cheltenham can't clear. Corazzin on the byline .... can't keep the ball in. Goalkick.

Big Roy at 20:56:14 Tuesday March 21 2000
Phew, just got home. Bugger. Come on. All the rivals for promotion are losing. We MUST win.

Anon at 20:56:8 Tuesday March 21 2000
and then...

Steve at 20:54:14 Tuesday March 21 2000
Cheltenham attacking fluently. Stevens must score, just Welch to beat....

Steve at 20:53:0 Tuesday March 21 2000
Second half. Come on you Cobbs! All, yes all our rivals are losing. We've GOT to win this one. Remember Leyton Orient at home - the arrival on the scene of Hodge for his first appearance gave the Cobblers the necessary impetus. Perhaps Forrester can do the same for us tonight. Spedding clears for a throw-in. Long throw by Cheltenham. Hodge clears. Howard to Corazzon to Hodge. Throw to the Cobblers. Parrish out to Hodge, to Savage, who lays it out to Hendon. Cobblers throw. Long one by Howard. Sammo lopes forward. Cheltenham clear, but the Cobblers attack again through Hodge, but Corazzin is penalised for pushing.

Anon at 20:47:52 Tuesday March 21 2000
James It's a bit unfair to blame Steve for the goal. He was only reporting

Andy at 20:42:18 Tuesday March 21 2000
Steve, as long as it's not a Duff beer

James at 20:34:18 Tuesday March 21 2000
Bring the new chap on at half time for Steve, and maybe we might even get a shot on goal. THen when we win, we can sell Howard and maybe we can get our promotion challenge back on track.

Steve at 20:32:10 Tuesday March 21 2000
Sorry! Mike Duff was the scorer. In my gloom, I'm mis-hearing. Cheltenham attack again and almost score again! Come on Cobblers - get a grip. Throw to the Cobblers. Free kick to Cheltenham. I minute of stoppage time. Welch gathers the ball. Hodge long to Corazzin who wins a throw. Half time. Time for a beer.

Tony at 20:31:29 Tuesday March 21 2000
I don't know why we bother playing away games, were crap and so is Steve Howard.

Tony at 20:30:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
Cheltnam score... bugger!

Andy at 20:30:50 Tuesday March 21 2000
Now pish are losing 1-0

Steve at 20:29:51 Tuesday March 21 2000
I assume the unnamed Cheltenham player who went off has come back on. Hunt and Hodge down the right win a free kick. Hendon takes it. Howard gets the header in, but it's weak and Book gathers it. Cheltenham attack, but play a weak cross for Welch to intercept. Tim Oglethorpe has just compared Howard to Torville of Torville & Dean. Hmmmm interesting one that. Woooh!! Great save by Welch keeps Cheltenham out, but there's a free kick to Cheltenham. Spedding away. Cheltenham throw. Cobblers fail to clear, but then get the ball away. Savage fouls - sorry guys this really is pretty deadly. Every Cobblers player back. No! Cheltenham score from the corner! Poor marking! Marker is the scorer.

Steve at 20:23:31 Tuesday March 21 2000
Thanks Andy. Hodge throws long to Carlo who wins a corner. Hodge whips it in to no effect. Spedding breaks down the left but gives it away. Shot by Yates ........ just wide. Goalkick. 2 shots so far in this game. Both to Cheltenham. Banks out on the right to Yates, Cheltenham building but the Cobblers break it up. Free kick to Cheltenham. Everyone's back but Carlo. Hodge volleys away over his shoulder. Milton crosses. Victory heads, but Welch saves. Now it's with Book, the keeper. Throw to the Cobblers. Hendon takes it long to Carlo who works the ball out to the right, crosses to Parrish who just gets his head to it and the ball goes just wide. The Cobblers' best attack yet. Parrish to Savage who is held. Free kick. One two between Parrish and Howard. Cletenham break it up and set up their own attack.

Steve at 20:16:19 Tuesday March 21 2000
Howard wins the ball well. Free kick to the Cobbs. Cheltenham down to 10 men. Someone's off injured. They clear. Hendon misses his clearance. Free kick to Cheltenham. Long shot from Howells - just wide. That's the first shot of the evening. Grayson is warming up. Sampson clears. Parrish to Howard to Hodge who wins a throw. Hodge is so far our best player. Who says he can't play away? Offside against Corazzin. The keeper, Book, is wearing fluorescent orange. Thought you'd like to know that. Parrish forward, but it's offside again against Corazzin. Chester 1 Hartlepool 0. All the results going our way. Let's just score! It's easy really.

Andy at 20:13:51 Tuesday March 21 2000
Steve, check the counter when you reload, there are many!

Nick at 20:11:42 Tuesday March 21 2000
Steve, I'm sure there's hundreds of 'anon's' waiting on your every word. Keep it up.

Andy at 20:11:15 Tuesday March 21 2000
Swansea + Darlington both losing 1-0

Steve at 20:8:6 Tuesday March 21 2000
Cobblers seem to be muscled out of things in midfield. Quick low cross headed over neatly by Hendon. Welch gathers the corner - to Spedding who is fouled. This is very dull. Chipp - give us a song! Cheltenham break - offside. Book smothers Corazzin's attack. Sliced clearance from Sammo. Spedding charges down the left to Howard. Cobblers throw-in. Howard to take the long throw. Savage at the near post. Cheltenham clear and charge forward, but the usual long ball escapes them. Another thumped clearance easily cleared by Green. Midway throught the first half.

Steve at 20:3:5 Tuesday March 21 2000
Hi Nick! I have 'viewing figures' of 1! The referee is premiership ref Peter Jones. Long ball by Cheltenham. Cobblers' defence swallow it up. Free kick to the Cobblers in a so far scrappy game. Corazzin to Howard. Nothing comes of it. Cheltenham's long ball tactics are frustrating the Cobblers. Still - who are we to complain? Cobblers free kick. Hodge in to Carlo. Parrish abd Hodge lose it. Cheltenham break, but a good challenge by Hunt stops them. Corner to Cheltenham. Away by Howard. Duff into Yates who curls in a shot from 23 yards. Welch gathers the ball easily, and clears.

Steve at 19:58:12 Tuesday March 21 2000
Wow! Swansea 0 Shrewsbury 1. Come on Studger!

Steve at 19:57:29 Tuesday March 21 2000
Free kick 10 yards from the Cobblers area. Sammo clears. Book clears. Savage wins it. Carlo to Hodge. Hodge in the area - good cross. Hunt into the area. Cobblers pressing well. Free kick to Cheltenham. So far, it's pretty flat - 9 minutes gone. Cobblers in their first choice strip. Foul by Parrish - dangerous position out on the right. All the big guys come forward. Hunt & Spedding clear with the help of the ref. Hodge out on the right, brings in Hendon - a ball from him. Torquay 1 Darlington 0. That's what we want.

Nick at 19:53:49 Tuesday March 21 2000
Keep it coming Steve. Sterling work.

Steve at 19:52:47 Tuesday March 21 2000
If anyone's there give us a wave! If only to keep me awake.

Steve at 19:52:0 Tuesday March 21 2000
Corner to the Cobblers, taken by Spedding. Book gathers competently. Cheltenham in red & white. Free kick to Cheltenham in a dangerous position 7 or 8 yards outside the area. Milton takes it and deflects off Corazzin for a corner. Milton takes it - header just past the far post. Goalkick. Free kick to the Cobbs. Green to Spedding, away by Brough. Hodge on the right to Carlo, who gives away a free kick.

Steve at 19:47:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
Someone called Jim doing the BBC Radio Northampton commentary. Hope he's better than Blackmore. Welch, Hendon, Green, Sampson, Spedding, Parrish, Savage, Hunt, Hodge, Corazzin, Howard. As predicted. Good to see Parrish back. Cobblers have started well, with most of the possession.

Steve at 19:44:30 Tuesday March 21 2000
Evening all! All set to do my occasonal commentary. Looking forward to a great victory tonight. Team news so far - new boy Forrester on the bench. Hunter still out with his 'sore knee'. Very worrying. In the past this term has been used as a euphemism for something serious. Howey had the same complaint at Christmas.

Gordon Brown at 18:57:26 Tuesday March 21 2000
Yes, I am talking out of my arse and on no account should anyone take any notice of me at all. Thankyou.

Robert Dunkley (Lancaster Cobbler) at 18:50:58 Tuesday March 21 2000
Maybe, Forrester is available on a Free next season, and KW wants a look, if he is any good we will then either have a player in Carlos mould, or two smallish forwards and play some of the good football, like when Clare was there. KW seems to have good connections still with Walsall.

Sid at 15:52:12 Tuesday March 21 2000
In response to MAD last night, Norwich got some of the money for Gibb's sale as a sell-on clause was in his contract I think. Forrester should be a good signing - a bit of de ja vu though, we tried to sign him on deadline day last season!

Gordon Brown at 15:42:42 Tuesday March 21 2000
Gordy is an imposter, NTFC fans will actually get paid to drink more beer!

Gordy Gordy Gordy Brown at 15:41:26 Tuesday March 21 2000
NTFC fans get free beer!!

Gordon Brown at 15:37:8 Tuesday March 21 2000
peterboro supporters can only enter another teams ground if they have another boro supporters arm stuck up their arse up to the elbow. this takes effect from Aug 1st 00

Mal at 15:34:44 Tuesday March 21 2000
I saw Forrester play in the Youth Cup final for Leeds against Man. U. He was magnificent and I couldn't understand why he never really made it in the Leeds side. Maybe it was that he had the wrong manager, unlike today's O'Leary. Does this mean we are going to sell Howard to Carlisle?

zambian cobbler at 15:32:27 Tuesday March 21 2000
that is awful, my people would not do that to another tribe

THE REAL INSIDER at 15:31:45 Tuesday March 21 2000
....the Cheltenham players have a 'spray on' glue remover taped to their shin pads, so they can avoid sticking

THE REAL INSIDER at 15:30:37 Tuesday March 21 2000
I hear that the Cheltenham ground staff have used a special glue on the pitch so that the Cobblers players can't run very quickly - it will be like running in treacle!

Gordon Brown at 15:27:18 Tuesday March 21 2000
10p off income tax for Cobblers supporters!! R&D supporters and Posh supporters have to cut their bollocks off and give them to charity

zambian cobbler at 15:24:51 Tuesday March 21 2000
it is very odd do you not think that we have signed a player called Forrester yet some of the cobblers greatest fans come from our land of desert and wind where people are starving - let us hope this forest will shelter our people

bilbo at 14:6:5 Tuesday March 21 2000
We've just signed Jamie Forrester on loan from Walsall for the rest of the season. He was excellent for Scunthorpe last season and Atkins tried to sign him when he went on a Bosman, but he chose to go to Holland. This from the official site: "Northampton Town have signed former England youth international striker Jamie Forrester on loan from Walsall until the end of the current season. Bradford born Forrester stands 5ft 6in tall and won a place in last season’s PFA Third Division select team during his time at Scunthorpe. The 25 year old signed for Leeds United for £60,000 from Auxerre in 1992 and scored twice in 11 appearances for the Elland Road giants. He had a loan spell at Southend before joining Grimsby where he scored 9 times in 37 starts. He moved to Scunthorpe United in March 1997 and scored 43 times in 119 games for the Iron, before moving abroad to FC Utrecht last summer. He did not settle in Holland, and returned to England with Walsall in December. He has been signed in time to be available to make his Northampton debut at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, and has been allocated squad number 18."

zambian cobbler at 13:37:57 Tuesday March 21 2000
name the great club Northampton Zambia Bananas yah

Danny at 13:11:52 Tuesday March 21 2000
Oh and good luck boys for tonight, I'm going to have some dinner and get ready to go to Cheltenham...... COME ON COBBLERS!!!!!

Danny at 13:10:56 Tuesday March 21 2000
I cannot believe what I just read "Carlo is not good enough for Division 2." Sorry? So 18 goals for Plymouth the season before last in DIVISION 2, 17 goals for Northampton last season in DIVISION 2. He has 13 this season, has the 2nd best strike rate per games played in the 3rd Division, and people think he's crap. Out of all the players we have in the squad, who you going to put your money on scoring first tonight? He's a goalscorer, if he goes on thursday and we fail to score on saturday, people will say "we need a goalscorer" we've bloody got one!!!!

Richard at 12:58:22 Tuesday March 21 2000
Have just heard anoter rumour can anyone confirm or deny. If Northampton win's city status then we will become either Northampton City or just Northampton. Not only this but Rubbish & Direones are to change there name to Northampton United.

Carl at 12:2:57 Tuesday March 21 2000
Right that's me done for the day, I'm off home then to Cheltenham, hope to see a few of you there, and let's have a bit of a sing tonight, a bit like Cheltenham did when they visited us. UP THE COBBLERS!!!!!!

Tom at 11:45:33 Tuesday March 21 2000
this site is linked from the BBC budget website (www.bbc.co.uk)!!! I don't think thats what they meant! maybe someone should tell them....! rgds

Richard at 11:15:40 Tuesday March 21 2000
Any news on any tranfers yet, Carlo, Howard, Carruthers, Devine etc etc What will we get if Carlo and or Super Steve go?? No more than 150,000-200,000 for the pair of them as Carlo's contract is up at the end of the season. Who can we get in for that much that will be better. Although we will save having to pay out 2,000 a week for Carlo when he is away playing for Canada next season and from all account Steve Howard is on a fair whack as well. We need these type of players to stay at the club if we are going to survive in division 2 let alone even getting into that league.

zambian cobbler at 10:57:18 Tuesday March 21 2000
i became a cobblers fan after oxfam fowarded NTFC biscuits to us in the great famine you are all so kind my son says he plays like Corrazin but he only has one leg it was blown off in the civil war up the cobblers against chelmsford they are sinful

The Insider at 10:16:25 Tuesday March 21 2000
I have heard that Cheltenham's recent success is down to the manager selecting local players, whose speed, agility and sixth finger, comes from their fathers sleeping with their sisters.

The Insider at 10:12:36 Tuesday March 21 2000
Word has it Duncan Spedding has been arrested for sending bomb threats to Ian Atkins house. I also heard that Carlo has been having an illicit affair with a Canadian Beaver.

Carl at 9:42:54 Tuesday March 21 2000
How much is it to get in tonight, anyone know? The atmosphere is only good when there are a lot of away fans present, if, like Saturday, there aren't many there then it is poo.

prs at 9:40:52 Tuesday March 21 2000
WHERE HAS THE ATMOSPHERE GONE AT SIXFIELDS, ANYONE KNOW. IT`S A DISGRACE, THE WORST EVER AT SIXFIELDS

bob at 9:26:19 Tuesday March 21 2000
rewind

zambian cobbler at 8:51:11 Tuesday March 21 2000
hello your site is great we have just got the internet in our small village I have followed the cobblers for many years sell Howard and buy our village some tools to grow seed

To NSB at 7:25:16 Tuesday March 21 2000
The comp. that Carlo played in cannot be related alongside the World Cup or Euro Cup. You obviously know nothing, your point is not made. Talk to the average football fan and they will know very little about what happened recently, we only took note cos of Carlo. My point was that for a long while I have not rated Carlo as the god he is made out to be (I was supporting Cats view), it is probably the team that he is in, we will only know how good he is if he plays in a higher league. I am not trying to critiscise Carlo I wish him well.

CDU at 7:1:19 Tuesday March 21 2000
Come on the Town a really big win tonight and then a charge back to a better quality of football and opposition in the Second Division!!

RICHARD at 23:42:41 Monday March 20 2000
IK'CIWT. Beware Grecians bearing gifts: I may have given blood last week, which rendered me temporarily incapable of opening a packet of restorative custard creams to dunk in my reviving cup of luke warm tea, BUT it doesn't prevent me from passing reasoned judgment on the Exeter game! We're all eternally grateful for the turn around in fortunes this season - playing style, commitment and - not least- results, but Saturday was as dire as our Swansea performance was dominating. At least the TV coverage last Friday week saw us in a positive light, despite the 4-1 drubbing, which would have elicited some sympathy from the neutrals amongst the nationwide audience. Thank Heavens Saturday's dismal effort was not on Sky Live! We've witnessed it before, flattering to deceive, lacking the killer instinct. Notwithstanding the absence of three of it's four stalwarts from the 'engine room', we should have put 'City' to the sword. They came with an unenviable away record and did little to indicate in the first 45 minutes that they would upset our run of home wins. Indeed they conspired to gift us a number of early openings which we failed to capitalize upon. However, we managed to go in at the break 2 up. How many times can we say that this season? I turned to the boy, Chris and posed the same question. He stared blankly ahead. Acceptance of a 2-0 lead so early in a game was clearly beyond him. I left him to concentrate on strumming his lips with the fingers of one hand, whilst scratching his head with the other - his life values had really taken a beating. The first half was by no means pretty but we did enough. The second period by contrast was one of our worst; Having had the lion's share of play early on, complacency may have set in. We made Exeter look good and that's saying something. Grecian fans may well have gone a way feeling a little cheated at not securing at least a point from the territorial domination they seemed to enjoy in the second half particularly. I put it down to one of those 'blips' we like to delude ourselves by claiming; but it coincides with an emerging pattern of not being able to string two consistent halves together and allowing the opposition back into a game in which they should have been dead and buried well before the resurgence following their 57th minute 'free header'. Encouraged by our lack of urgency to seal the points, Exeter strove to score the equaliser their play deserved, and never gave up the chase. All this match-day angst overtaking me after such a relaxing and carefree trip up the asphalt jungle, too - save for the incident with the overladen pantechnicon, that is, the automotive equivalent of a 5 storey building on wheels, plus annexe. Overtaking is the key word here. For some road users, overtaking is a relative concept, the major principles of which are as obscure and unfathomable as the old philosophical conundrum," How many souls can balance on the point of a needle?" With the best will in the world, even on a down slope with a following wind, nothing on earth is going to shift these multi-tonned monsters of the motorway past anything remotely resembling a moving vehicle in anything less than a week and a half. So what possesses these leviathons, when approaching a 1 in 4 incline the length of a small principality, into the belief that they have the horse power to take on another beast of equally gargantuan proportions? Shere bloody-mindedness! The exciting news of the day was the Golden Boot. No, not CC's Concacaf triumph, but a Shoot the Boot participant, who nonchalantly stroked the ball into the back of the car for £500. And, bugger me, but the very next guy was only a whisker away too! You wait all season to see it just the once, then two happen on the same day. As strikers are in short supply, it seems, perhaps these two hotshots will appear on the club roster by Thursday's transfer deadline; who needs Martin Carruthers when we have such talent closer at hand? Normal service was resumed, however, when the next efforts barely got off the ground, let alone reach the car. And what will we have to shoot at next season following the demise of Rover? A BMW 540 Estate? I think not. All this brings me back to Cheltenham on Tuesday night. A win for the Cobblers? You can put your wad on it!

IMHO at 23:7:53 Monday March 20 2000
Its not a loss !! Its a defecit on what was earned last year. It was stated before the start of the season and if it wasn't budgeted prior to the start of play then the Clubs Accountant wants his arse kicked.Oh and Corazzin will stay because the only Club that'll want him is 3rd Division and he wants Div 2 football next year.He's not that good :o )

NSB at 22:21:6 Monday March 20 2000
r: my view; and euro2000 is a bunch of meaningless friendlies between a bunch of second rate teams...... and that world cup is farcical....

NSB at 22:13:34 Monday March 20 2000
although i do think the board are exaggerating, i know were not gonna make as much money in this division for various reasons, but half a million sound a bit far fetched, perhaps theyre trying to justify the fact that weve only spent 25grand this year......

Walter at 22:7:21 Monday March 20 2000
My point exactly NSB

My View at 22:6:31 Monday March 20 2000
I cant believe it when anyone defends Spedding he is crap. Howard has potential, but should we wait. I agree with Cat and I have always stated that Carlo is over rated, he is average, that tournament was Micky Mouse in the middle of most teams season so no one wanted to get injured. Best player is Frain and of course he is out. savage crap. Hunter good on his day as is Parish. Sammo ok but does get caught out. Hendon good but will get sent off again needs to channel his agression,Green good or average. Hodge of another world - magic. Hunt good or im not sure. So thinking about it it is a bad division where we have been slightly better than most of the other crap. I love the Cobblers but we do have a poor side! What would this side do now in the cup against WHU or against Bristol Rovers in play offs. Lot of the same players but they have lost it. I dont want to be disapointed in the playoffs but at home we may be ok, but away - help. we beeter play the first game away. Hope proved wrong at Cheltenham.

NSB at 22:5:10 Monday March 20 2000
mad: perhaps its gone into easing the half a million loss weve predicted for this year.........

Walter at 21:55:53 Monday March 20 2000
. . . and to suggest the Directors are lining their own pockets is complete lunacy.

Walter at 21:54:56 Monday March 20 2000
Maths wasn't your best subject at school then MAD?

mick at 21:54:17 Monday March 20 2000
Good news for those of us with Cobblers betting slips perched on the edge of the bin. Saturday's results means we have been upgraded from no-hopers to rank outsiders. Where there's hope...

MAD at 21:35:24 Monday March 20 2000
Ask the Director's where the other £25,000 went from the sale of Gibb. I might be wrong, but as far as I am aware we have only signed Hodge for £25,000. Which means there must be a spare £25,000 floating around some where. No doubt in their pockets.

MAD at 21:31:17 Monday March 20 2000
I don't care about his performance in the bed room with you. I'm talking about on the pitch. He has only played a few decent games this season. You can ask a lot of people in the West Stand and they will all tell you the same. He nevre closes people down. Just look at the Swansea game for instance and again this Saturday.

Dog at 21:29:32 Monday March 20 2000
MAD. Any suggestions on how to pay for a new leftback ?

WSD at 21:10:2 Monday March 20 2000
IMHO Duncan Spedding has been one of the most consistent players this season, he's rarely been brilliant but he has always put in a solid performance. OK Saturday was an off day but it was the same for the other 10 players...

MAD at 20:55:0 Monday March 20 2000
Is there any chance or sign, of getting a new left back in before the end of Thursday???

ED at 20:54:37 Monday March 20 2000
PLEASE,PLEASE, wILSON, DO NOT SELL HOWARD,HE IS TOO GOOD TO LET GO. HAVING TRAVELLED 200 MILE ROUND TRIPS SOME SIX TIMES THIS SEASON TO SUPPORT THE COBBLERS HE IS ONE OF THE FEW PLAYERS WHO WILL STILL DEVELOP, AND NOT LIKE SO MANY OF THE PLAYERS WHO ONLY WANT TO PLAY FOR THE FIRST 45 MINS. WHAT EVER WILSON SAYS TO THE PLAYERS AT HALF TIME IT CERTAINLY SENDS THEM TO SLEEP- THAY ARE SO SLOPPY. WHAT IS WANTED IS A GOOD QUALITY DEFENDER WHO WILL TAKE OVER AS THE CAPTAIN AND DEMAND A HIGHER WORK RATE FROM THE PLAYERS ON THE FIELD.HAS WILSON GIVEN UP ON US GETTING INTO A HIGHER DIVISION- HE DOES NOT EVEN GET ANY OF THE SUB'S WARMED UP AT ANY TIME DURING THE MATCH OR HAS HE TOLD THEM THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO 90 MINS SLEEP?????? WILSON HOW ABOUT A REPLY--SOME OF US CARE!!!!!!!

Optimus at 19:11:32 Monday March 20 2000
To sell or not to sell? My vote against. Not because I think Howard has a long term future or is a great prospect but with 3 days only to the transfer deadline who is going to replace him? It apppears that no replacement is lined up and if the board decide to sell KW would be pressurised into making over 2/3 days short term signing(s)that could backfire and de-rail our promotion prospects.

A little bird at 18:40:20 Monday March 20 2000
Sean Devine?

WSD at 18:33:5 Monday March 20 2000
Danny - very true, and I've had a number of people e-mail me directly agreeing with some of my points (especially on Howard) but don't want the hassle of leaving a message on here, cos they're going to get abuse. Many regulars have left. Vince - actually, that fell through when they found out I'm dying my hair lagoon blue. And to finish, saying we should accept £100,000 for Howard is not slagging him off! It is merely looking at what he's done here, what he's worth, and accepting a damn good offer from a side that are desperate for a forward.

Matt at 17:53:44 Monday March 20 2000
Howard has to go, he is useless. 7 goals in 47 games??? Prolific eh??

Anon at 17:37:34 Monday March 20 2000
They found out he wanted to wear a pink shirt and cancelled.

Vince at 17:8:37 Monday March 20 2000
WSD,I watched Soccer AM on saturday and remembered that you mentioned sometime ago that you were due to appear on the prog. Have you got a date yet or have I missed it?

Anon at 16:58:45 Monday March 20 2000
Carl, the sum was very low coming between the west/south stand gap, and I think Welch had a poor view. Nonetheless, Rowbotham seemed to have no problem!

Lancaster Cobbler (cont, cont) at 16:55:50 Monday March 20 2000
Or Linda Nolan, Marc Bolan....

Lancaster Cobbler(cont,,) at 16:44:47 Monday March 20 2000
If we put a sell on clause then I say sell Howard, provided we have someone lined up. Hopefully, if Carlo does leave (I hope not but it is likely) we can then sign someone on a Bosman. Names who might be targets?? Kurt Nogan, Lee Nogan, or one of those Italians??

Anon at 16:44:27 Monday March 20 2000
Wilson has had hands tied, he may want to sign an experienced striker in Carlo's mould but cannot until someone goes, if he tried someone else upfront, Howards' value would fall. Okay SH may not want to go, but if we go up, will he really suit Division Two, as all we know taht teams will remember us with Big Johnny Gayle.

Danny at 16:26:15 Monday March 20 2000
Well, Cheltenham tomorrow, will it be Howards last game (I agree with Ray), will it be Carlo's last game (god forbid)? We need three points tomorrow, no ifs no buts. Goldie, I'm all for bringing some nostalgia back, just to breath life into this page again (although the is Howard good or crap debate is quite good) and WSD, there ain't many of us left who dare leave our name AND e-mail adress.

Carl at 15:46:20 Monday March 20 2000
I think Welch was more to blame for Saturday's goal than Hendon, he really should have claimed the ball, it wasn't that far out. It was a very similar goal to the 2nd one at Hartlepool, just after he banged his head on the post. Still I suppose he is allowed to make a couple of howlers in a season, as he has been top class for most of it.

Jed at 14:26:7 Monday March 20 2000
Moorgate Cobbler you cannot blame Hendon for far post goals because the crosses shouldn't have got in the box in the first place. I think we should recognised the weekness on the left because thats where all defence errors and goals conceded are coming from.

Jed at 14:25:36 Monday March 20 2000
Moorgate Cobbler you cannot blame Hendon for far post goals because the crosses shouldn't have got in the box in the first place. I think we should recognised the weekness on the left because thats where all defence errors and goals conceded are coming from.

Fred at 14:19:57 Monday March 20 2000
Take the money and run, even if we don't get promoted for lack of fire power, we will be rid of Howard. IMHO!

Sid at 14:5:35 Monday March 20 2000
Ray, I agree with you totally. Okay, we have two recognised first team strikers on our books, (Carlo and Howard) along with Wilson (manager), Sturridge (on loan)and Morrow (no first team league debut). We would need at least two good strikers to cover the loss of Howard, plus with Carlo being subject of speculation - we could end up this week with no Howard or Corazzin!! I admit £100K is a good bid for a target man but we haven't got the strength to back it up if we miss out on some decent signings

Ray at 13:30:45 Monday March 20 2000
If they sell Howard I feel it will be a serious mistake...

WOLF at 13:20:45 Monday March 20 2000
Carl,a litle bit of a better website than our official one. www.teamtalk.com and www.e-soccer.com. The sacond website gives you all of the news from the world of sport within the last 5 to 50 minutes

Sid at 13:19:38 Monday March 20 2000
Carl, youre right. I doubt they would have even revealed that a bid has been made if something wasn't going to come from it.

Sid at 13:18:31 Monday March 20 2000
Looks like the news about Howard is true. Michael Knighton apparently has said that Town have accepted the £100K bid (stating it on local radio) and contract talks were going on yesterday. This was from a source in Carlisle - I'm just relaying the info.

Carl at 13:17:34 Monday March 20 2000
I still reckon Howard is going, simply for the fact it has been printed out on the Official site, as I doubt they put out every transfer speculation, unless there is good cause.

WOLF at 13:12:8 Monday March 20 2000
Carl,I told a little porky,I am sorry.We have as yet not signed Carruthers and I don`t think we will either.It would be nice to see him up front with Corrazin or even Clare but we can all dream.As a life log Cobblers fan and being one of the few to attend the mother of all football matches (MAY 8th 1993)I apologise. I get frustrated with writing postings and having no one replying.I am really the Cypriot Cobbler. UP THE COBBLERS

Carl at 13:1:17 Monday March 20 2000
Wolf if that is true then Steve Howard is off, as the Official site have just stated Carlisle's interest in Howard for a six figure fee. Also news from the Cheltenham site, Larry is a little dodgy whether he will be playing tomorrow, as he has been injured.

Wolf at 12:46:10 Monday March 20 2000
This a footey messageboard not a personal contact board.Either write something about football or get lost!!!!!!That goes to all persons who have written without reference to THE COBBLERS. We have just signed Martin Carruthers for £100,000

Moorgate Cobbler at 12:21:39 Monday March 20 2000
Everybody's right to a point. If Corazzin goes, he will be replaced by someone similar. Que sera sera. Cat and Amazed should bury the hatchet because ultimately we all want the same thing - promotion. I thought Howard was back to his worst on Saturday though. Not showing striker's instinct, half-hearted efforts, not getting into the box and getting on the end of crosses. Our second half performance was abysmal: we could have blown Exeter away but it looked like we couldn't be bothered. It either never occurred to Wilson to change things around or Parrish wasn't fit. Either way, it was worrying. Richard Green was superb and easily MoM. Hendon got done again on his blind side. How many goals is that we've conceded at the far post in a similar vein this season?

Amazed at 9:19:44 Monday March 20 2000
My God 'Cat', you are more stupid than even I thought. Yes I was at Posh away, a poor performance I'll admit, as there have been plenty this season, and you're right, that's why we're in Div 3. But unfortunatley the team we support is Northampton Town. We are a team that yo yo's between the second and the third, and has aspirations to make the first. We have an average gate of just over 5000 and very limited resources. Bearing that in mind I am more than satisfied with proceedings since Atkins went, of course there have been bad performances, this is the third division, but we're making our way out of it, despite the moaning and drivel spouted by retards like you. Quite frankly you sound like an angry little man who needs a third division football team as a vehicle to vent his anger. The club doesn't need morons like you, why don't you get lost and support Man Utd, there is a chance that they might meet your ridiculously lofty expectations.

Cat at 1:17:12 Monday March 20 2000
God'amazed' you thick as shit tosspot read the whole conversation.Quite frankly we haven't got a decent team that's why we're in the 3rd Division.If you were at Swansea and a lot of the other games away from home this year after Atkins left you'd know it aint talent and positive supporters we're missing it's players good or bad who don't give a toss about NTFC only there wages.If they gave a toss about the team and the fans they might well pull us out of this shite division we're in as the ones that can make a difference dont then here we stay .Were you at P*sh away? See who stands up and is counted when it matters matey cos from where I sit the only forward who cares about his performance and this team is Steve Howard at least he gives his all.Lets all learn that team is a description of a group who have pride in their colours and in the name they represent until these lame excuses for team members are sorted out we are going nowhere other than Div 3.IMHO

Amazed at 23:42:8 Sunday March 19 2000
God 'Cat' you miserable tosser. What is the matter with Cobblers supporters. quite frankly we don't deserve a decent team. Bring back Atkins so you really can have something to moan about. For fucks sake stop criticising bit by bit, one be one, every single player that we have. Be happy, support, encourage, enjoy and be proud. No we are not running away with the division, no none of the players are perfect, but for Gods sake start seizing on the positive instead of becoming immersed in the negative. Before you even start, I know 'it's an opinion, and this is a forum for discussing opinions.....', but everyone is in danger of spreading too much doom and gloom. Just look at the facts 48 points in 26 games since Atkins left and Wilson took charge. Continue that run and we've got a great chance of being automatically promoted. Let's all learn that being a supporter means 'supporting' your team. Get excited Div 2 here we come.

Bob yahoo at 23:1:29 Sunday March 19 2000
Orient's matchday programme has been voted as the third best publication in the third Division, behind Exeter and Northampton respectively. Anybody else seen this ?

Cat at 22:32:39 Sunday March 19 2000
I'm not moaning NSB I'm saying with the amount of forward posession we had and the amount of ball he had for the super striker you call him, one goal was not enough we lost and thats one of the main reasons why we are outside of auto promotion in div 3 we need a striker who scores goals as a result of natural talent and hunger not penalties.

nsb at 22:29:40 Sunday March 19 2000
chipp has been snorting too much!

NSB at 22:28:29 Sunday March 19 2000
you cant put all the blame on one player........ possesion is fine but if you dont do anything with the possession then there wont be the chances to score goals......... i dont hear anyone moaning at the defence for conceeding 4 goals but they did.......

Chipp at 22:27:9 Sunday March 19 2000
When you're lost in the rain in Juarez And it's Eastertime too And your gravity fails And negativity don't pull you through Don't put on any airs When you're down on Rue Morgue Avenue They got some hungry women there And they really make a mess outa you Now if you see Saint Annie Please tell her thanks a lot I cannot move My fingers are all in a knot I don't have the strength To get up and take another shot And my best friend, my doctor Won't even say what it is I've got Sweet Melinda The peasants call her the goddess of gloom She speaks good English And she invites you up into her room And you're so kind And careful not to go to her too soon And she takes your voice And leaves you howling at the moon Up on Housing Project Hill It's either fortune or fame You must pick up one or the other Though neither of them are to be what they claim If you're lookin' to get silly You better go back to from where you came Because the cops don't need you And man they expect the same Now all the authorities They just stand around and boast How they blackmailed the sergeant-at-arms Into leaving his post And picking up Angel who Just arrived here from the coast Who looked so fine at first But left looking just like a ghost I started out on burgundy But soon hit the harder stuff Everybody said they'd stand behind me When the game got rough But the joke was on me There was nobody even there to call my bluff I'm going back to New York City I do believe I've had enough

Cat at 22:16:43 Sunday March 19 2000
OK NSB cast your mind back to Swansea a couple of weeks ago how much domination did we have and he managed 1 goal.Fine at his standard but not good enough to put us in the top three in the 3rd Division.If we want to perform we have to get a top quality striker not a fat cat who can't finish when he has to.

NSB at 22:8:54 Sunday March 19 2000
i have to disagree with you there, cast your mind back to wigan last year, wilson completely buggered up that penalty...........

Cat at 22:4:6 Sunday March 19 2000
I'm not complaining he's not that good.I dont mind if he stays or goes.If he stays our top scorer will score the same amount of goals as the top scorers of those teams at the bottom of the table.I tend to feel he is more like the best of a sad and sorry bunch.If Wilson had played the same amount of games and taken the penalties who would have more goals now.I'd say he'd have at least one more that one against P*sh was a pressure penalty and he fluffed it.

NSB at 21:56:21 Sunday March 19 2000
cat what are you on, hes our top scorer twice running, he scored yesterday and had a goal ruled out by that moron of a referee.... so why are you complaining?

Anon at 21:55:48 Sunday March 19 2000
Piss him off!!!!

Cat at 21:43:7 Sunday March 19 2000
Carlo please go we do care how many goals you miss when you are here.

Anon at 20:54:30 Sunday March 19 2000
Sign him on!!!!

Dog at 20:53:11 Sunday March 19 2000
Carlo Please stay. We don't care how many games you miss while you are away with Canada, we NEED you

Ralph at 20:33:44 Sunday March 19 2000
Leave me out of this.

Anon at 20:32:11 Sunday March 19 2000
whose Ralph?

Anon at 19:50:50 Sunday March 19 2000
The Dick Francis anon must be Ralph

Anon at 19:49:7 Sunday March 19 2000
The Dick Francis anon must be Ralph

Ian Baker at 19:33:42 Sunday March 19 2000
I hope that we don't sign Steve Howard. In the unlikely event of it happening, you have got to be asking serious questions about the boys ambition, he could, theoretically be playing Conference footy nest season, where he could be playing 2nd division footy for you next season, although it seems that we will be playing each other again next season. One thing that may prove to be the deciding factor in him coming to Carlisle is that he is reading rumours linking players like Daryl Clare and Martin Carruthers for his shirt at the club. Once again, I hope that we don't sign him. Goodbye Ian

Ian Baker at 19:33:30 Sunday March 19 2000
I hope that we don't sign Steve Howard. In the unlikely event of it happening, you have got to be asking serious questions about the boys ambition, he could, theoretically be playing Conference footy nest season, where he could be playing 2nd division footy for you next season, although it seems that we will be playing each other again next season. One thing that may prove to be the deciding factor in him coming to Carlisle is that he is reading rumours linking players like Daryl Clare and Martin Carruthers for his shirt at the club. Once again, I hope that we don't sign him. Goodbye Ian

Goldie at 19:15:46 Sunday March 19 2000
Its been boring on here for a few weeks since we all odeed on nostalgia, it was rubbished by the junior few. Rascist scum then took, over with 4/5 people Hartwell, Danny et al prattling amongst themselves. Come back Papa who has only appeared a couple of times, come back all those memories - it was electric on here. Now we have Mr pointless. What were you doing on a Sunday night years ago. For me it was Sywell Motel, The Keep, Romany and that pub at Links View over the years. Then the Plough Hotel. Never a night club night in those days almost a holy day, boring, but loads of beer to set the week up. happy days.

Pointless Info man at 19:14:58 Sunday March 19 2000
Please don't bother me - I'm going to play FIFA 2000 now. Bye

Pointless info man at 19:11:21 Sunday March 19 2000
I don't know what came over me....

Anon at 19:9:7 Sunday March 19 2000
.

Pointless Info man at 19:8:48 Sunday March 19 2000
Oakey Dokey - bye. MAY POINTLESS INFORMATION INFLUENCE YOU TO LIVE YOUR LIFE THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO!!!!!

Anon at 19:6:37 Sunday March 19 2000
Right enough of this pointless info, I'm going to boil an egg for my tea now, then run a bath, wash my hair, put on my dressing gown and slippers and get stuck in to Dick Francis!

Pointless Info man at 19:5:33 Sunday March 19 2000
Do you want to know my real name?

Anon at 19:3:45 Sunday March 19 2000
or have they draw 11 all. There are so many useless facts it's a wonder more do not appear on here really. Really!

Pointless info man at 19:2:47 Sunday March 19 2000
ANON - the only reason why I wrote this is because it is POINTLESS INFORMATION

Anon at 19:1:45 Sunday March 19 2000
or 27-5.

Pointless Info man at 19:1:21 Sunday March 19 2000
Geri Haliwell has just gone to No.1 with BAG IT UP Courtesy of Radio 1

Anon at 19:0:53 Sunday March 19 2000
Nor have they lost 36-0!

Pointless Info man at 18:57:57 Sunday March 19 2000
More pointless info: The Cobblers have not lost a match 2-0

Pointless Info man at 18:56:51 Sunday March 19 2000
The Cobblers are unbeaten in Tuesday evening matches

Exeter Match at 17:41:43 Sunday March 19 2000
As someone who is not happy about the contribution of Spedding and Savage, I watched them in particular yesterday, as well as Howard. Howard, firstly, he was great with everything he did until it came to scoring, some great passes and collecting and slowing the play down. In front of goal??? He would be mad to Carlisle at the moment he could be playing non league next year. Spedding was ok for the first half and so was Savage, Savage like Howard goes to peices in front of goal. Everyone apart from Hodge was bad in the second half we seem to want to overplay it at the back. The crowd are quiet it is the tension, my stomache is always in knots, we have to get out of this division, it is crippling us.

Old Banger at 17:36:22 Sunday March 19 2000
Who would nick an old banger like that, the Exeter away fans would have fitted into it with room to spare. I better put my crook lock on my 6 month old Vectra SRI!!

Bez at 17:5:53 Sunday March 19 2000
Atmosphere, what's that? When we scored our goals I saw people who didn't get up onto their feet! Oh and as a point of interest after I left the ground at the end of the game with my mate who was going to the Cobblers for the first time we walked down to the South Stand car park to get into his car only to find it had been stolen. If anyone saw anyone acting suspiciously around a 'k' reg. blue 2.0litre Vauxhall Frontera could they leave a message on the message board or phone the police please.

DavCobbler at 16:35:27 Sunday March 19 2000
Are we going to take some decent vocal support to Cheltenham ??? If we do it is ABOUT FUKKIN TIME !!!!!!! UP THE COBBLERS !!!

Anon at 15:3:32 Sunday March 19 2000
Martin Carruthers of Southend. 16 league goals this season.

scfc at 14:59:16 Sunday March 19 2000
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE SAY WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE..NUFF SED!!!

JACK the KNIFE at 14:58:11 Sunday March 19 2000
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE SAY WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE ...NUFF SED!!!

NSB at 14:11:51 Sunday March 19 2000
about yesterdays game, i hear some people critisising howards performance........ but think about this, in the second half when we were as dire as i think weve ever been, howerd was the only one who managed to keep control of all the long balls we were sending to him......

NSB at 14:7:40 Sunday March 19 2000
who?

Deep Throat at 14:7:14 Sunday March 19 2000
But we're going to sign Martin Carrruthers on Thursday for £200k, and offload Howard. So everything will be OK.

NSB at 14:5:38 Sunday March 19 2000
although it was good to see hope get a game, as (i beleive) hes a good defender, i think we missed parrish on the left..... the link-up between hendon and hodge was strong, in the first half anyway, with parrish and spedding on the left we could be in for some very exciting wing play.......

NSB at 14:0:29 Sunday March 19 2000
if we sell howard before the deadline then do we avoid hartlepools appearances fee? i personally like howard and would be disappointed to see him leave, but if there is a chance that clare could come here then there is little doubt that we should jump at it, but if carlo does leave next year then selling Howard would not be a good move.......

SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 12:8:53 Sunday March 19 2000
Good day one and all. Cracking win for the boys I think! I think we should sell Howard,take the money and run for it. This offer is too good to turn down like WSD has mentioned. We might be able to buy Claire with a bit of luck! You never know come deadllne day?????? Must dash off to rowing now! VIVA LA REVOULTION. DAVE .E

WSD at 11:37:45 Sunday March 19 2000
And once again I shall state that I do NOT hate Steve Howard, but if we are offered £100,000 for him, I think we should take it. How is that slagging him off? I have Steve Howard's name on the back of my shirt, I don't join in the anti-Howard boo's etc during a game, and if anyone would like to correspond with me on anything I have said then please e-mail me. I'm not too scared to put my name to an opinion you see...

WSD at 11:34:59 Sunday March 19 2000
I have never met MartinW - I don't know who he is. You're assuming that there's a little gang of us who all hate Steve Howard or something, YOU'RE WRONG! We are merely brave enough to state our opinions on a board made for opinions, something which regulars don't do anymore because they're scared of being slagged off for it. It's people like you who don't belong here, you slate us for giving an opinion but you're too scared to argue against it, or even leave your name.

Only An Opinion Just Ask Nickerless at 11:7:53 Sunday March 19 2000
WSD :Thank us for what you stupid boy. Go back to your crap site and invite your tosser mates like MartinW and the like so you can all give each other your anti Cobblers bile together. You don't belong on a Cobblers board you dont give opinoions only hate of those that need your support .GET LOST

Luke at 10:38:18 Sunday March 19 2000
When they came for Him in the garden, did they know? When they came for Him in the garden, did they know? Did they know He was the Son of God, did they know that He was Lord? Did they hear when He told Peter, "Peter, put up your sword"? When they came for Him in the garden, did they know? When they came for Him in the garden, did they know? When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear? When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear? Nicodemus came at night so he wouldn't be seen by men Saying, "Master, tell me why a man must be born again." When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear? When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear? When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see? When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see? When He said, "Pick up your bed and walk, why must you criticize? Same thing My Father do, I can do likewise." When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see? When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see? Did they speak out against Him, did they dare? Did they speak out against Him, did they dare? The multitude wanted to make Him king, put a crown upon His head Why did He slip away to a quiet place instead? Did they speak out against Him, did they dare? Did they speak out against Him, did they dare? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? He said, "All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth." Did they know right then and there what that power was worth? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? He said, "All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth." Did they know right then and there what that power was worth? When He rose from the dead, did they believe? When He rose from the dead, did they believe?

WSD at 8:33:35 Sunday March 19 2000
Good good I was beginning to get disilussioned with this board, no slagging off of me for weeks, but here we are, back to your best. Thanks so much, I'd like to thank my parents, my friends, my tutor, my bus driver, and anyone else whose ever known me *sob* you're all so kind! Ray - I am not going to pretend everything is rosy when it's clearly not, IF we can get a player in then we would be stupid not to accept £100,000 for Howard, and I bet that over half of the people at Sixfields yesterday would agree. KW was talking about a player costing £4,000 a week in the programme notes yesterday, well with Howard gone we can get a decent loan striker like that in to the end of the season. And before anyone slags me off *again* - this is MY OPINION and opinions are what this board is for. I thank you.

Dawn at 5:12:7 Sunday March 19 2000
WSD has been sucking up to everyone and everything since he was at school!! We didn't call him Dave Nickerless Take it up the ring for nothing.

Ray at 2:25:49 Sunday March 19 2000
Still see that we are the ONLY team in the league to have NEVER dropped a point after scoring first - spose that'll be the kiss of death.

Ray at 2:20:21 Sunday March 19 2000
Actually it might have been WSD - hes been sucking up to the 3rd. Division board slagging Howard off good and proper.

Danny at 1:34:9 Sunday March 19 2000
Well I tried to get the North Stand going but to no avail. I was very dissapointed that once we were 2-0 up, we did'nt go for the kill. They were there for the taking and we did'nt take advantage. I thought that Exeter would equalise toward the end. Carl, you were right, the people only came for the view and the crisps. The fans have really got to be louder on all three sides. Still, Cheltenham, here we come.

Comitment at 0:27:2 Sunday March 19 2000
Maybe if some of the players showed a bit more of me the crowd might actually have something to cheer about!

LOL at 22:56:29 Saturday March 18 2000
I didn't know you sat near MartinW Ray ?

Ray at 22:55:0 Saturday March 18 2000
That arse was in front of me moaning about Howard again - but this time I managed to restrain myself.

Nick at 22:49:7 Saturday March 18 2000
Quite frankly, the crowd today should be ashamed of themselves, the atmosphere is appalling. Is it any wonder the players seem to be lacking urgency. For Gods sake we're in 5th place challenging for automatic promotion. There was 10 times more emotion and passion in the ground last year when we were struggling. Nobody wants to 'support' the team, just criticise and moan. I was embarrased today.

Ray at 22:25:46 Saturday March 18 2000
OK - site updated. Howard increases his lead at the top of Player of the Year, every single person scores points in the tipping - in fact everyone tipped a win, no-one got the right scorer and only one person got the score correct (*blush*).

www.supergrass.com at 20:53:9 Saturday March 18 2000
I got a girl and her name is Mary,I like to shock her on a basis daily, I like to push you over into my stream, I like to point out that her teeth are green, I tell you stories that you won't understand I'll have you eating from the palm of my hand I'm gonna push you further into my dream The back of every head hold something obsceneAhhhhh... ay ya ya Ahhhhh... ay ya yaI get the feeling you're not ordinary I got a headlock for a masonaryI'll cut your strings, ah yes, a puppet machine I watch you trapped, fall apart at the seams I meant to get you, let there be no doubt You wanna try and get your teeth knocked out I'm gonna push you further into my dream The back of every head holds something obsceneAhhhhh... ay ya ya Ahhhhh... ay ya yaAhhhhh... ay ya yaAhhhhh... ay ya yaAhhhhh... ay ya yaay ya ya

R+D at 20:49:57 Saturday March 18 2000
Bloody great performance today, a 4-0 drubbing against the team we lost to in the cup. Unfortunately, Kidderminster won, but this result boosts our goal difference. Oh, and another thing, if you really supported Cobblers, you'd want us to go up, cos then you'd find out who REALLY is the only team in Northants......

WSD at 20:17:50 Saturday March 18 2000
I've heard from a Carlisle fan who knows Mr Knighton personally that Stevie is talking to him tomorrow about personal terms, although Knighton isn't too confident cos he's on quite a bit of money here apparantly. Not saying its true, just what I heard!

WSD at 20:9:39 Saturday March 18 2000
Just one thing to come out of today's game, make sure you don't organise a lift with someone that goes and wins the shoot the boot game!! West Haddon's most famous son just got a little bit more famous, for those who dont know it was football league referee Pete Walton, who ref'd us at Nene Park pre-season...

ORBITAL Ganja at 19:55:25 Saturday March 18 2000
Well At least we got three points today thats all I can say. Yes actually I can say one thing if you win the car in half time competition do they include your insurance with the car. anyone Know?

Sid at 19:45:50 Saturday March 18 2000
Sorry, Anon was me earlier talking about the game. Second half was crap - is that any better!! :-)

It's All Gone Quiet Over There at 19:37:34 Saturday March 18 2000
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Danny at 19:3:18 Saturday March 18 2000
Not a good performance but a win is a win.

Anonnnnn at 18:53:49 Saturday March 18 2000
...and misses a sitter like THAT

Tony at 18:37:14 Saturday March 18 2000
After watching that, all I can muster up right now is... 100 Grand, take the money and run Kevin. You don't win promotion with a player that can't (and often won't) challenge for the ball!!

Second half wasn't very good. at 18:19:43 Saturday March 18 2000
I am an understatement

Anon at 18:4:30 Saturday March 18 2000
We won 2-1 with Richard Green and Carlo Corazzin scoring ni the first half. Second half wasn't very good.

Anon at 15:29:12 Saturday March 18 2000
Richard Green scores for The Cobblers, PISH are winning d'oh

SILLY SLAG at 15:14:17 Saturday March 18 2000
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE YOU WEST STAND WHORE

Inglasias at 14:1:28 Saturday March 18 2000
Conchitaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Tony at 13:39:49 Saturday March 18 2000
Long time no post on here... hope I can come on later and praise the lads for a well deserved win. Well, leaving for the match now, so i'll see you all there! Up the Cobblers!!!

Luke at 13:8:36 Saturday March 18 2000
You harbor resentment You know there ain't too much of a thrill You wish for contentment But you got an emptiness that can't be filled You've had enough hatred Your bones are breaking (and you) can't find nothing sacred, (but) Ye shall be changed, ye shall be changed In a twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet blows The dead will arise and burst out of your cloths And ye shall be changed Everything you've gotten You've gotten by sweat, blood and muscle From early in the morning 'til way past dark All you ever do is hustle All your loved ones have walked out the door You're not even sure 'bout your wife and kids no more, but Ye shall be changed, ye shall be changed In a twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet blows The dead will arise and burst out of your cloths And ye shall be changed (Now) the past don't control you But the future's like a roulette wheel spinning (And) deep down inside You know you need a whole new beginning Don't have to go to Russia or Iran Just surrender to God and He'll move you right here where you stand, and Ye shall be changed, ye shall be changed In a twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet blows The dead will arise and burst out of your cloths And ye shall be changed You drink bitter water And you been eating the bread of sorrow You can't live for today When all you're ever thinking of is tomorrow The path you've endured has been rough And when you've decided that you've had enough, then Ye shall be changed, ye shall be changed In a twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet blows The dead will arise and burst out of your cloths And ye shall be changed

Lancaster Cobbler at 11:24:14 Saturday March 18 2000
If Parrish id fit, what price KW putting Savvo in his central midfield role. Parrish would do a good job in left midfield as he will allow Spedding to attack, and Sean can defend and vice versa. With Crowe gone, will we see Andy Morrow on the bench instead of Garry Hughes?

Anon at 10:34:39 Saturday March 18 2000
Martim Carruthers to be a Cobbler befor the Southend game £200,000

Ray at 10:23:31 Saturday March 18 2000
Well it works fine for everyone else. The ticket information is on the Official Site. Couldn't be your PC by any odd chance?

Mark Hall - mxhall@uk.oracle.com at 10:19:39 Saturday March 18 2000
This site is a real mess! I couldn't find ticket information, the official news page just never loaded and the site seemed to have problems re-painting the screen. I'm going to go and watch Rushden & Diamonds instead, their site was much better and had most of the info I needed.

Exeter at 7:34:39 Saturday March 18 2000
Certainly not missing the rascist scum of last week, but dont they have PCs in Exeter??

Goldie at 7:33:38 Saturday March 18 2000
Still love you Danny - well your comments!!

Bad Joke Societys Buddy at 2:34:39 Saturday March 18 2000
Two Rushdenites were having the all day brekky special at the Sizzling Sausage when they heard an awful choking sound. They turned around to see a lady a few tables away turning blue from wolfing down a greasy egg and bacon burger too fast. The first Rushdenite said to the other, "Think we ought to help?" "Yep," said the second one. The first Rushdenite got up and walked over to the lady and asked, "Can you breathe?" She shook her head no. "Can you speak?" he asked. She shook her head no again. With that, he helped her to her feet, lifted up her skirt and started to lick her bum. She was so shocked, she coughed up the obstruction and began to breathe, with great relief. The first Rushdenite turned back to his friend and said, "Funny how that Hind Lick Maneuver works every time!"

Danny at 1:5:1 Saturday March 18 2000
oh and Goldie, It also provides discussion and debate on the site (well I try to anyway) somthing sadly lacking for a while

Danny at 0:35:56 Saturday March 18 2000
Goldie, Yellow Belly, you want some lol. No its just that sometimes I put somthing where I know someone is gonna have a right go. Just my idea of a silly joke. Sorry :(

MartinW at 0:7:45 Saturday March 18 2000
It would be surprising if SteveH left - he recently bought a house in the area. You would have thought that if he was really on his way out - with all the uncertainty there has been around him for months - he would not have committed himself in such a away.

Chipp at 22:57:35 Friday March 17 2000
I pounded on a farmhouse Lookin' for a place to stay. I was mighty, mighty tired, I had gone a long, long way. I said, "Hey, hey, in there, Is there anybody home?" I was standin' on the steps Feelin' most alone. Well, out comes a farmer, He must have thought that I was nuts. He immediately looked at me And stuck a gun into my guts. I fell down To my bended knees, Saying, "I dig farmers, Don't shoot me, please!" He cocked his rifle And began to shout, "You're that travelin' salesman That I have heard about." I said, "No! No! No! I'm a doctor and it's true, I'm a clean-cut kid And I been to college, too." Then in comes his daughter Whose name was Rita. She looked like she stepped out of La Dolce Vita. I immediately tried to cool it With her dad, And told him what a Nice, pretty farm he had. He said, "What do doctors Know about farms, pray tell?" I said, "I was born At the bottom of a wishing well." Well, by the dirt 'neath my nails I guess he knew I wouldn't lie. "I guess you're tired," He said, kinda sly. I said, "Yes, ten thousand miles Today I drove." He said, "I got a bed for you Underneath the stove. Just one condition And you go to sleep right now, That you don't touch my daughter And in the morning, milk the cow." I was sleepin' like a rat When I heard something jerkin'. There stood Rita Lookin' just like Tony Perkins. She said, "Would you like to take a shower? I'll show you up to the door." I said, "Oh, no! no! I've been through this before." I knew I had to split But I didn't know how, When she said, "Would you like to take that shower, now?" Well, I couldn't leave Unless the old man chased me out, 'Cause I'd already promised That I'd milk his cows. I had to say something To strike him very weird, So I yelled out, "I like Fidel Castro and his beard." Rita looked offended But she got out of the way, As he came charging down the stairs Sayin', "What's that I heard you say?" I said, "I like Fidel Castro, I think you heard me right," And ducked as he swung At me with all his might. Rita mumbled something 'Bout her mother on the hill, As his fist hit the icebox, He said he's going to kill me If I don't get out the door In two seconds flat, "You unpatriotic, Rotten doctor Commie rat." Well, he threw a Reader's Digest At my head and I did run, I did a somersault As I seen him get his gun And crashed through the window At a hundred miles an hour, And landed fully blast In his garden flowers. Rita said, "Come back!" As he started to load The sun was comin' up And I was runnin' down the road. Well, I don't figure I'll be back There for a spell, Even though Rita moved away And got a job in a motel. He still waits for me, Constant, on the sly. He wants to turn me in To the F.B.I. Me, I romp and stomp, Thankful as I romp, Without freedom of speech, I might be in the swamp.

Duncan Spedding at 21:46:16 Friday March 17 2000
Hope you prove me wrong tomorrow? The same goes for Super Savage! We need 100% in all games and Exeter will be tough.

excity cobbler at 19:32:9 Friday March 17 2000
being an ex man city fan since moving to wellingborough i can see that the cobblers are suffering like city did, not enough goals for. If Carlo wants to leave let him, as an outright striker he goal ratio is not brilliant but with the service hes had, not to bad. I see Kevin has been watching reserve team football looking for new talent, but with money we have we cant afford a great deal, Howards ok but not the answer, let Morrow loose and get the experience before we loose Carlo.

Nat at 19:4:39 Friday March 17 2000
.....and who believes what the Chron says anyway?

Nat at 18:59:49 Friday March 17 2000
Although £100,000 is nothing to be sniffed at, Howard stated last time bids were flying around for him that he is happy and settled here. He has grown in confidence and whilst not scoring loads, (but popping up with a few winners!) I feel he will be missed IF, and thats a big if, he decides to leave. Remember, Sturridge is only on loan at Shrewsbury, he hasn't signed yet! Kev knows what he's doing though, I think we'll be seeing a few faces before next Thursday and I think we'll be seeing a few leave too (Carlo?) Maybe Clare will sign for us on deadline day ala Frainy a few years ago? Anyway like Danny and Carl have said get behind the team, don't turn up and expect victory, you have to earn it and with our help, no probs, COME ON TOWWWWWN!!!!

Anon2 at 18:47:23 Friday March 17 2000
In my opinion, Crowe was a waste of a loan (no offence to the man himself), but I am disappointed that he didn't score any goals and I was very suprised to see him on the bench in his last couple of matches

Goldie at 18:37:51 Friday March 17 2000
Danny when anyone responds to what you have said you make out that what you stated was just there for others to bite. Or are you a jelly belly?

bilbo at 18:18:0 Friday March 17 2000
thanks for the educated opinion/response

Anon at 17:17:42 Friday March 17 2000
Bilbo - you're an ARSE!!

The real Gaz at 13:55:52 Friday March 17 2000
An imposterusing my name, but I agree with him!

Carl at 13:55:30 Friday March 17 2000
That would be a hoot!! See Jason Lee has gone there for good. I thought all Posh fans thought he was shite.

gaz at 13:42:56 Friday March 17 2000
i have seen the future we will meet the borough scum at wembley in the playoff final and give them a right thumping you heard it here first

bilbo at 13:38:59 Friday March 17 2000
carlisle are apparently back in for howard and have offered £100,000. my opinion is that we should take the money - he's never going to score enough goals and simply isn't good enough though he works hard and is pretty good at holding things up. I hope Wilson has some other strikers in mind. carlo will almost certainly go at the end of the season, wilson's too old and morrow not yet ready we need to try and bring two strikers in before deadline day even if one of them's on loan

SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 13:32:0 Friday March 17 2000
Hello all, we should have an interesting game this week I think. Could be close. I notice Crowe has returned to Stoke. We need to make one big push up the League and then we can look forward to going back up. I say a 21- or 3-2 victory for the boys. VIVA LA REVOLUTION.DAVE.E

Carl at 13:1:28 Friday March 17 2000
I'd love it just love it if I was proved wrong

Danny at 12:21:10 Friday March 17 2000
yeah lets prove Carl wrong, come on its just 3 syllables and to the tune of "here we go" NORTH AMP TON NORTHAMPTON NORTHAMPTON. Or are we just there for the view and a bag of crisps? (thats the funniest thing Alex Ferguson has ever said)

bilbo at 12:1:45 Friday March 17 2000
anyone else notice that richard hill has got the boot at stevenage, wasn't so long ago that people were talking about him returning to the cobblers as boss

Carl at 11:59:44 Friday March 17 2000
Danny, I've said it before and I'll say it again, the only time there seems to be any kind of atmosphere, is when we come back from being a goal down or the away fans bring a fair few fans and try and barrack us, ala Leyton Orient, the atmosphere there was quite good, but others have been crap as no away supporters have been there. I think people will turn up expecting victory tomorrow, there probably won't be too many Exeter fans there and the atmosphere will be poo. Hope I'm wrong, you can all prove me wrong if you like, it's quite easy :-)

Danny at 11:46:20 Friday March 17 2000
It would be a very very late decision to make the Cheltenham game all ticket considering its only 4 days away. Onto tomorrow, we really should tear Exeter to pieces, they have lots of injury problems, are struggling big time, and we gotta bounce back from last friday's set back. Lets try and get some sort of atmosphere going tomorrow. Teams turn up to a "nicey nicey place" when they come here. We've really got to make some noise, get behind the Claret & White. COME ON COBBLERS!!!!!!

Anon at 9:36:7 Friday March 17 2000
Carl, as far as I know the Cheltenham game is not all ticket, just turn up on the night and hope you get in! I'll be getting there as early as possible as I can see a situation where late arrivals are locked out.

Carl at 9:13:49 Friday March 17 2000
Does anyone know the Cheltenham ticket situation, talk of any actual important football related topics sems to have vanished from this site. I was led to believe we wouldn't be getting that many tickets for the Cheltenham game, are they on sale yet? We really need maximum points over the next few games, I think automatic promotion is still within our grasp. I can't believe people are beginning to have a go at Wilson, already. We are well within the playoff spots in the league, the football is enjoyable to watch, and there appears to be a good team spirit, all these things would have been lacking if the last chap was still in charge, we just need a bit of luck at the right times and we will still be up there at the end of the season. Our goal scoring isn't what it should be, granted, but hopefully we will get the rub of the green soon and Corazzin will have more than one effort on target, oops I'll get me coat. UP THE COBBLERS!!!!!

Cypriot Cobbler at 8:19:13 Friday March 17 2000
If we manage to lose against Exeter you all know that,that means we won`t make the play offs? Who are we going to rely on WHEN Carlo goes and when Howard goes?Who has KK GOT IN THE PIPELINE?It is concerning,but I do trust Kev`s actions etc.I personally do not think that loan signings to fill the gap is a good idea,we need to buy or at least get a loan signing in until the end of the season.Has third division football got better? Remember the days of Morrys Scott and Warren Patmore etc......along time ago now.If we don`t make the play offs,wel I won`t be blaming Kev.I think we should see who he will bring in,in the close season.I wish the boys luck tomorrow and I hope we have a convincing (5-0)win . UP THE COBBLERS!!!!!

A Different Time Zone Altogether !! at 2:39:24 Friday March 17 2000
Several years ago, Northampton General Hospital funded a study to determine why the head of a man's penis is larger than the shaft. The study took two years and cost over $180,000. The results concluded that the reason the head of a man's penis is larger than the shaft is to provide the man with more pleasure during sex. After the results were published, The Cripps Centre declared that the Northampton General staff were wrong and decided to conduct their own study of the same subject. After three years of research and a cost in excess of $250,000, they concluded that the head of a man's penis is larger than the shaft to provide the woman with more sexual pleasure. When the results of the Cripps study were released, Rushden Medical Centre funded by Max decided to conduct its own study. So, after nearly three weeks of intensive research and a cost of around $75, the Rushden study was complete. They came to the conclusion that the reason the head of a man's penis is larger than the shaft is to prevent his hand from flying off and hitting him in the forehead.

Pablo at 1:25:48 Friday March 17 2000
Oh, and any comments on the Swan mascot on Friday? I thought it really helped build the atmosphere among the home fans having such a rowdy mascot...silly but true!- and that is something that would be useful at Sixfields.

Pablo at 1:23:15 Friday March 17 2000
Let's see a general performance like the one against Swansea on Saturday, but with a few more chances created once the ball reaches the box - Carlo looks on top form now after looking unfit and sluggish earlier in the season - unfortunately, though, he is the Lineker-type of striker who needs others to create chances for him or distract defenders so he gets on the end of the ball. With the players Cobblers have in midfield and 2 full-backs that go forward well, we are now the best in the division between the two penalty areas - but no better than average at the back and downright poor at turning possession into chances. In the absence of someone like Clare turning up, Savage in behind Carlo and Parrish back in for me please!...and midfielders need to get in the box more (Hunter, Parrish if he returns...

thing at 1:2:33 Friday March 17 2000
I agree with Hatwell, theres a lot of rubbish on here now, so you have to skip through it.

Willy VD at 0:39:34 Friday March 17 2000
I suppose you think you're funny Bud Cranon who the hell do you think you are?

Bud Cranon at 0:38:36 Friday March 17 2000
Come on Poxy Dick don't agree with him he'll come back then!!!

Willy VD at 0:37:10 Friday March 17 2000
What a well thought out piece of non controversial Cobblers and football in general type opinion MartinW.What a refreshing change to be able to read a true pisspots views on the struggles of supporting a Third Division team.

MartinW at 0:23:46 Friday March 17 2000
Sorry, I should have done this in one session, but hey Abbot Ale is a funny beer. Dek's comments are a real eyeopener and "best squad in the league" that's a comment made before we cut back big time. The crowds are quite poor because we're in the Third and many were put off by the kind of brainrotting football Atkins was advocating (sorry had to mention him again). The lack of atmosphere therefore follows. What makes Wilson better than Atkins this season, is that we are in the play off zone with him we wouldn't be there with Atkins. If Willo is a bad manager, I'd like to know what he's done to qualify that statement. I'd say that the only thing that's let him down is our away form. He has given the side a badly needed injection of team spirit - sadly lacking - and that has been invaluable. He has promised a more adventurous spirit, which anyone who follows the team will know he has delivered. What we need are strikers, especially if Carlo doesn't hang around. We cannot rely on what we have coming through - who have had their chance (a particularly fine management style lacking from Atkins) and shown that they do not look anywhere near the standard needed for the Third (in my view, for the benefit of Bud...) Wilson has managed a situation where he has obviously been told to cut the squad and created a real positive. Our squad has been cut drasticaly due to natural wastage and we are feeling the pinch, but keep getting the results, especially at home. If we don't go up it will not be through a failure on man management, that's for sure. It will be more about our inability to turn our possession into goals. And that's about purchasing power - which we don't have. I still feel that we need a striker, although I am well aware that the need to stick with Steve Howard is more based on necessity rather than desire.

MartinW at 0:11:13 Friday March 17 2000
A Vince, I disagree fundamentally with your view on Hartwell's comment, I think you must be thinking about someone else, cause Hartwell is very forward looking.

MartinW at 0:8:21 Friday March 17 2000
Sid I apologised for repeating myself in explaing to BudCranon, that I speak for myself, I speak for no-one else, don't pretend to and it really goes without saying and GOD I've repeated it AGAIN. Damn. I resign (massed voices say Rayyyy!) You mentioned about repeating the Steve Howard argument once too many times, before. Remember.

MartinW at 0:3:51 Friday March 17 2000
Dyl, I wouldn't in a million years feel ripped off for paying £7 to watch the kind of flair football that Darlo are producing. Surroundings are secondary to what happens on the pitch, in my view.

Danny at 23:53:48 Thursday March 16 2000
Goldie - I knew someone would bite, congratulations its you!!!! Surely though, instead of slating the poor guy, maybe we should give him some support. Maybe we could give all the lads some support, you know, get behind them on saturday from the first whistle, we may even win. Just a mad concept I know, but it could work.

Yassa at 23:46:45 Thursday March 16 2000
Exellent

Trawler at 22:39:37 Thursday March 16 2000
Here's an old one I found hunting around Ray at 22:37:3 Sunday March 9 97 Diamonds beat Kettering 5-1, Boro through to the semis etc etc. Gods in his heaven and alls right with the world How times change!

Gomez at 22:28:6 Thursday March 16 2000
Whoever is pretending to be Ranjeed below - You racist bastard. You're not from Swansea are you?!?!! No, really?!?!?!, you are?!?!!? What a surprise!!!!!

aaah at 22:12:46 Thursday March 16 2000
If anyone wants to leave a message of sympathy regarding R+D's recent loss, please visit here http://www.thediamondsfc.com/index3.htm

next to Miss Crabapple at 22:7:50 Thursday March 16 2000
Bud Cranon, "guruesque" it's a perfectly crumulent word

Ranjeed at 21:10:22 Thursday March 16 2000
hello to all you cobblers supporters, i'm writing to let you know about my plans for a banladeshi/pakistani/indian branch of cobblers supporters. I know there is many of us out there probably in the majority rather than the minority, I've also been thinking about petitioning for a name change to our beloved club ...maybe Northampton Bangladeshi Town United. If any body wishes to join the supporters please feel free to e-mail me and i will send you a form Regardz Ranjeed

R+D at 21:8:17 Thursday March 16 2000
Yeah, we were awful. Crap performance, and we don't get to Wemberly. But never mind. Now we have no excuses for not going up. C'mon lads. We can do it.

Goldie at 20:58:38 Thursday March 16 2000
For those who mistakenly have mixed up their description of Spedding with one of the winners at Cheltenham you must be describing someone else - DANNY! I cannot remember the last good game that he had, I wish him well as I do Savage and I hope they prove me wrong as was abig savage fan. Sammo in essence does much more than them even though he does have the occassional slip. I have noted that all the out Atkins then up Kev have started to turn against Kevin. Well I still rate Atkins more highly, Kev has to show what he can do over time, no promotion????

NSB at 20:4:43 Thursday March 16 2000
about dave savage, although we all wanted to punch atkins for leaving savage out of the team for so long that lengthy lay off seemed to do im the world of good as he came back and started massacring opposition defenses, perhaps kevin w should consider giving him a break when parrish and frainy are back to full fitness, and hopefully when he comes back hell set the world on fire (again)

NSB at 20:1:16 Thursday March 16 2000
re: dave...... i did notice that kevin w shaved his tash.... its a shame cos its a cult icon in itself!

A Vince at 19:36:50 Thursday March 16 2000
You know what it's like when you go to a game and there is some old codger complaining how bad The Cobblers are, and how much better it was xx years ago? You know he's talking rubbish and you just wish he would shut up and clear off. Well Hartwell and CDU, you are both that old codger. Keep up the good work Ray.

DEK at 18:32:37 Thursday March 16 2000
If we don't get promoted how will everybody feel then about this season? I thought we was gearing for a promotion season. Why do most other managers say we have the best SQUAD in the league? Why are the crowds quite poor ? Why is there no atmostphere if the football is so good ? What position would we be if we were still in the second divison ? WILSON IS NOT NOT NOT the man for the job, too much still the same as Atkins ! Perhaps I'm expecting too much from the management. This season reminds me of when we last got relegated back to the Third (Fourth) Divison. Beresford & Hitchcock in goal, Barnes & Adcock upfront. Good squad poor management.

Anon at 17:40:29 Thursday March 16 2000
.

The Hydester at 14:51:23 Thursday March 16 2000
Okay Peter, I think that you have made your point - perhaps something a little more constructive would be useful. What the hell is a ming binger? Not a Cobblers chant certainly.

Peter Robbins at 14:46:25 Thursday March 16 2000
Swansea - Cheers!

Peter Robbins at 14:42:50 Thursday March 16 2000
4-1 versus Swansea - Cheers! Tchuss! Nice ming binger!

Dyl at 13:34:23 Thursday March 16 2000
Reading Jamesboy's report I must have missed the fact that Ian Atkins has taken over as boss at Diremonds ;)

Kobbler at 13:21:40 Thursday March 16 2000
Speddings ok, its Savage who neds a rest. Give James Gould a run out!

Kobbler at 13:18:11 Thursday March 16 2000
feck off Jamesey you aint shown your face round the Div3 board coz they are all taking the piss out of you. NIGHTY NITE!!!

Jamesboy at 13:12:14 Thursday March 16 2000
Sorry it's a little late boys, but I know how much you like reading our match reports. I think this one is a true reflection of the Diamonds side. Rushden 1 Sutton United 3 DIAMONDS? WEMBLEY DREAM IS TERMINATED. The dream is over and Rushden & Diamonds will NEVER play beneath Wembley's Twin Towers. They bowed out of the FA Umbro Trophy last night with a sub-standard performance which produced virtually no positive aspects. Diamonds were quite simply dreadful, outclassed and sadly lacking in imagination or flair against the Nationwide Conference's worst team according to the league table. That should take nothing away from Sutton United. The outcome of this Quarter Final replay at Nene Park had been known since midway through the second half when the Surrey club established a THREE goal lead. Diamonds had NO IDEA how to break down the Sutton defence as the ball spent far too much time IN THE AIR BEING KNOCKED AIMLESSLY between both penalty areas WITHOUT ANY entertainment value. Kenny Cranman's long range drive flew over the bar and it took 31 minutes for Diamonds to force their first corner with Darren Collins hooking his shot off target. Sutton brought a brief reprieve from the BOREDOM to take the lead after 34 minutes etc. etc

Danny at 13:3:14 Thursday March 16 2000
I think Spedding is good when he's attacking, he gets past players, delivers some good crosses. He does look a little shakey when defending, but he has got in some good tackles, blocks etc. Its just some people feel that a player who wears Claret & White has got to be some sort of scapegoat. Why we just can't get behind ALL the players is beyond me. Sing up for Northampton Town on saturday, not against them!!!

Cobbler Down Under aka CDU at 12:7:56 Thursday March 16 2000
I believe this has been said before Hartwell Cobbler. I have on a couple of occasions commented on the downward spiral that has happened here. Some of us don't actually get to see a game as living on the other side of the world it's a bit hard.This site has been for the last few years my only source of fan based information. The only sad thing is that the old regs have gone,we used to have a good time here and I used to get enough info to satisfy my needs.Why they have gone and why I don't post now is only because there are so many idiots who only seem to want to fuel their own egos and don't seem to care about the Cobbs :o

Ray at 11:47:15 Thursday March 16 2000
Ray is always here....

Sid at 10:53:28 Thursday March 16 2000
Martin, what were you apologising for in the earlier comment?!

Sid at 10:51:53 Thursday March 16 2000
Spedding has definitely not just had one bad game! I wouldn't say he has played badly all season, but there isn't a spark in his performance! It seems he is happy to just hoof the ball down the line whenever he is facing a defender, which some would argue was a tactic of the Atkins era. Lets get in another left sided player to help Spedding - i.e. Mickey Bell!

Hartwell at 10:19:58 Thursday March 16 2000
MartinW - Sadly this site seems to have been hijacked by the same types who ruined CB radio. Like you, I enjoyed the chat, the variety of comment and opinions - and also the genuine "deep throat" informants - we used to get here. But these days you have to pick your way through the debris, rather like walking down abington street, to find the sane, useful and interesting bits. I feel especially sorry for Ray, who took so much time and trouble getting the site up and running.

Dyl at 9:25:38 Thursday March 16 2000
MartinW. I know you were probably tongue in cheek when you commented on Darlo's ticket price in comparison with Sixfields. But have you been there? If you go next month, you'll feel ripped off even at that price. I think it's a toss up between them and Mansfield for worst facilities for away supporters in the League.

Anon at 8:22:38 Thursday March 16 2000
Cheltenham, you may be too tight to buy a programme but are you too lazy to click on the fixtures option?

Cheltenham at 7:23:10 Thursday March 16 2000
What date is the Cheltenham game and what is the next away game on a Saturday with date. Im so tight I dont buy a programme!

Bring back Wilkinson at 7:16:43 Thursday March 16 2000
Not happy that I can only moan about Spedding and Savage, bring back Wilko.

Goldie at 7:12:48 Thursday March 16 2000
I was a big fan of Savage last season, but apart from some meaningless runs this season he does not deserve a place in the team. Hes probably only in as players have been injured. So someone will now say he has only had one bad game. If Frain has a bad game in it he has still contributed more than Savage and Spedding. They look the part and he doent look it, and it was the same when Gibb was here.

Goldie at 7:7:48 Thursday March 16 2000
Spedding has had only one bad game, what stand are you sitting in?

RD v Watford at 7:3:40 Thursday March 16 2000
To TRB Mark it was the friendly to commemorate the new floodlights opening at Diamonds pre scum. As usual it was all Cobbs fans there, yes John Barnes and I think Blisset played it was the full team.

MartinW at 0:7:40 Thursday March 16 2000
Yes, it is! It'll be funny going to Darlington and have their club contributing to our petrol money by making it cheaper to go to their ground by six quid than it is to go to Sixfields.

Dave at 0:5:50 Thursday March 16 2000
One Gabbiadini, there's only one Gabbiadini... Doesn't quite work, does it. I'd watch them for seven quid. Is that true? Surely they cannot afford to do that.

MartinW at 0:4:12 Thursday March 16 2000
Very funny, Dave. But you know, you might just have hit on a point. Darlington are going to be Division Three champions. Okay. They manage to get bums on seats. How? Their adults seats are half the price of ours at just £7. SEVEN POUNDS. And if you are really hard up you can get a terrace ticket for a fiver. Now we all know the Darlo bosses are moneybags, but is it any wonder the Darlo fans outcheered us when they visited us at Christmas. Good luck to em.

Dave at 0:1:19 Thursday March 16 2000
Okay okay. Now prepare to be shocked, I have a Cobblers comment to make. Are you ready. Well. Can I just say that our club is not forward looking enough. Oh yes. See I can really have a go when I want to. Yes. They really should be doing things that are better than they are currently doing them. And the players should be playing better than they are at the moment. Gertcha. Hit them where it hurts, that's what I say. Oh and Kevin Wilson has shaved off his moustache and it's not really been noticed. Kerplunk

MartinW at 23:56:32 Wednesday March 15 2000
DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! DON'T GO CARLO! We love you really!

DAve at 23:54:57 Wednesday March 15 2000
Ha ha ha

Dave at 23:54:31 Wednesday March 15 2000
Why don't you shut the F£$% up you total t£%$. You don't know what the f%^^& you're talking about. Bring back Ian Atkins.

MartinW at 23:52:14 Wednesday March 15 2000
Not ManU!!! I'm more concerned about all the talk, agent talk or otherwise of Carlo going to QPR. If the report in the Sunday People is to be believed, then at the very least, it looks like someone is making it clear nationally that Carlo is available. He isn't exactly breaking down the door to sign a new contract and he is available on a Bosman at the end of the season. If he goes who will we be left with. Certainly not Sheringham or Solskjaer.

Dave at 23:45:33 Wednesday March 15 2000
Fantastic game, have to admit. Ryan Giggs was electric. Reminded me of DAvid Savage. Ha ha ha.

MartinW at 23:43:54 Wednesday March 15 2000
Not ManU, surely not!!!! Hee hee. 3-1 to the champions!!!!

Dave at 23:41:58 Wednesday March 15 2000
Okay, that's how we feel as fans, but there's no point I can't see any point in posting comments when there are too many tossers willing to hurl abuse. I've gave up for that reason. Although, I must admit I do have a look towards the end of the night to see if there is anything of interest, and except for a few people (including yourself) who try to make sense of it all, there are still too many sick people who don't know you or people like WSD and just want to hurl abuse. I can't stand it. And you don't see Ray on here much do you. Ask yourself why? You'd be better off updating your website or supporting Manchester United.

MartinW at 23:29:30 Wednesday March 15 2000
Hi Dave, well what you say after a couple of pints of Abbot Ale and a mischievious mood is not what you actually put into action. I love this club. I crave that pre-match anticipation, the glow you feel when we put a few neat passes together and imagine that we could compete with Manchester United. The idiosyncratic fans who will glorify Frainy one minute then vilify him two minutes later. It's mad but just part of the environment. I have to pinch myself and remember what it was like at this time last season when we were hitting and hoofing and going to games (I do go Willy funnily enough) was a real labour (of love). It's part of my life like my settee when I get in, like that blasted G2 that always crashes when you don't want it to, I hate that bugger, but I'd rather that than go back to typewriters. A few tossers are not going to stop me caring about the club. They are amusing. There part of it all. I just wish that people like Hartwell and WSD and all the ones that used to have something to say without resorting to slagging people off would come back more often. I guess they are fed up. Me. I'm no different to the guys I meet down the pub who think they know everything and actually normally do. They'll slag off Steve Howard while respecting his commitment then have a go at Spedding but then when challenged about the fact he had one bad game, might concede the fact and move on. Everyone seems to agreed Savo is having a bad one this season. But we'll always remember that foray towards the end of last season when we thought he was as exciting as Ryan Giggs was tonight against Fiorentina. It's over the top, of course, but hey, fans are like that, aren't they?

Nat at 23:21:24 Wednesday March 15 2000
WEM-BER-LEE, WEM-BER-LEE, YOU'RE THE FAMOUS(?) R+D AND YOU'LL NEVER PLAY AT WEM-BER-LEE!! Sorry had to be done, well done Ray for the 1/4 million milestone. Haven't been on here for while, doesn't look like I've missed much.

Dave at 23:18:21 Wednesday March 15 2000
MartinW, if you're still there I thought you were going to quit this??? What went on there? Ha ha ha.

MartinW at 23:11:7 Wednesday March 15 2000
Oh, and please not the positive comment!!! Duncan Spedding has been one of the most improved players of the season. He had one bad game against Swansea, that doesn't make a season.

MartinW at 23:9:46 Wednesday March 15 2000
BudCranon, I speak for myself, I speak for no-one else, don't pretend to and it really goes without saying and yet, yes, I have to repeat it again and again, sorry Sid and if you think I set myself up as a guru - that's your problem, mate. Because it is not coming from here. Finally WillyVD, if you're not making up silly names, you are hiding under the cloak of yet another who cannot indulge in debate without resorting to the playground "Your crap, no your crap" attitude. Come on. There used to be people on here who had a perspective.

Steve at 22:13:38 Wednesday March 15 2000
Snake Oil!

LC at 22:13:29 Wednesday March 15 2000
What the hell is going on with all the criticism of Duncan Spedding? He has been one of the most consistant performers of the season since Wilson took over. What people seem to forget is that in the last couple of games he has not been able to get forward and make as many runs , because he has no Frain or Parrish to fill in and cover for him. What do people expect from players? What we have to also remember is that we are watching Div 3 football and that if we had players of Premership quality they either would not have joined the Cobblers in the first place or we would have sold them by know. Please don't build this up so that Spedding becomes the next boo-boy, just think of all the really crap left backs we've had in recent years. Colkin,Gillard,O'Donnell..........

TRB Mark at 21:16:48 Wednesday March 15 2000
Wembley, The Diamonds game v Watford game you refer to.....Was it a friendly? I seem to remember seeing John Barnes in the club house after a game (before he was really famous) and the Watford players were well impressed with the bar. This was the pre Griggs set-up which was pretty good then, for a UCL Club. Or are you thinking of the FA cup 4th qualifying round replay in 1979 , when Diamonds were the smallest club left in the cup played Dagenham, with the winners playing Watford, who were then top of the (old) third? I came back from Birmingham that night just to see the game. I used to watch IRTHLINGBOROUGH Diamonds but reverted back to the Cobblers when Rushden was grafted, ear on mouse back like, onto this side of the Nene. People said, "but everyone know's who Diamonds are". Well, try telling that to to the Nationals, who only ever put "Rushden". Like Redbridge as in Dagenham and Hove as in Brighton, second on the bill always gets forgotten.

Chipp at 21:15:49 Wednesday March 15 2000
Billy was 17 and mean as hell Bonnie said she was 30, it was hard to tell Billy met Bonnie on a Saturday night At the dirt track races, it was love at first sight Bonnie was wilder than the west wind blows Taught Billy every single thing he knows But she never told billy what she left out The part about the trouble when your times runs out When the thrill is gone, when your deal goes south It's all over when your time runs out Bonnie said, "Billy, don't you think it's time We moved on a little further down the line" So they knocked off a Texaco south of town Blew down the highway with the ragtop down Billy woke Bonnie up about first light Said, "You drive honey, I've been up all night" Now Billy wasn't sweatin' no APB ‘Cause they didn't leave a single soul alive to see The boy was just 16, made his mama proud That don't mean nothin' when your time runs out Bonnie kept pushin' that Cadillac Billy passed out with the seat reared back Slept through Louisiana, then just past dark Bonnie pulled over in a roadside park Left Billy sleeping and she called the cops He never knew nothin' when the dime was dropped Bonnie knew what she had to do She called the sheriff and she cried on cue And the state police rousted Billy out He was dreaming about Bonnie when his time ran out The sheriff told Billy, "Boy, you're bound to die ‘Cause this young lady's gonna testify That you done took her off against her will And she told us about the robbery and the boy you killed" The judge said, "Billy, what you got to say Before I have the sheriff carry you away" Billy looked Bonnie right in the eye But he didn't even have to ask her why But he turned around as they led him out He said, "I'll see you down in hell when your time runs out"

Bud Cranon at 20:58:30 Wednesday March 15 2000
Well I'm not at all impressed being compared to MartinW. Still I suppose it means that people read my postings which I may add are not opinions but merely opening points for debate. Unlike some others on here who deem themselves guruesque whilst not even wearing gold sequined ski pants I do not claim to be any sort of authority on the rights and wrongs so do not put any players or the management team down.Who was at Swnsea then or is that too damaging a question for the armchairers?

Never Mind The Buzzcocks - Guess the Next Line at 20:36:30 Wednesday March 15 2000
"......you're so fine you blow my mind - Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!" - 1 point?

Lolly at 20:14:54 Wednesday March 15 2000
Oh Mickey you're so fine.

Kobbler at 18:35:4 Wednesday March 15 2000
It proves what a bad season Savage is having...he's only had eight votes for man of the match all season....

Kobbler at 18:31:5 Wednesday March 15 2000
Sign Mickey On!!!!!!!

Anon at 17:20:1 Wednesday March 15 2000
really chatty tonight!

bilbo at 15:27:48 Wednesday March 15 2000
ex-cobbs news: Bristol City have transfer-listed defender Mickey Bell after he rejected a new contract at Ashton Gate. Vice-Chairman John Laycock said: "We wanted Mickey to stay and therefore made him what we consider to be a good offer. Sadly, he has decided against staying."

bilbo at 15:27:1 Wednesday March 15 2000
diamonds getting desperate: Third Division promotion contenders Darlington have turned down a bid of £200,000 from Conference outfit Rushden & Diamonds for top scorer Marco Gabbiadini. Former Sunderland ace Gabbiadini, 32, has 26 goals to his name so far this season.

Danny at 14:20:58 Wednesday March 15 2000
How come I'm visitor 249969?

Paul S at 14:17:30 Wednesday March 15 2000
Ian, it had better be Swansea to win and then we can make life easier for ourselves by beating Darlo next month

Ian at 14:14:1 Wednesday March 15 2000
Close but no cigar. Congratulations Ray, it doesn't seem that long ago we were cheering 5000!

Ian at 14:10:16 Wednesday March 15 2000
Darlo play Swansea on Saturday, hopefully one will win and the other become our target.

NTFC fan at 13:53:0 Wednesday March 15 2000
yeeeeeahh I was visitor 250,000

Danny at 13:38:5 Wednesday March 15 2000
Wembley... I agree that the true fans of Northampton Town FC won't go to support Rushden, but the wanderers will. Those that only turn up for big games, or when the Cobblers have a good run may well go off down the A45 if Rushden live up to its potential and go onto better things. What I was saying was the club have to start getting the next generation of fans in, and offering some sort of incentive for one weekend as I suggested is one way of getting them in. If they enjoy the Cobblers experience then they are going to pester mum, dad or Uncle Harry to take them again. Thats a child and an adult coming to watch the Cobblers. The club moan about losing so much money yet they don't promote themselves to bring new supporters in.

Certifiable Danny at 13:27:46 Wednesday March 15 2000
Hey, it was just an idea to get bums on seats.

Big Roy at 11:56:58 Wednesday March 15 2000
I don't really like the Verve but have plenty of Gutso - sorry Gusto!

Willy VD at 11:32:4 Wednesday March 15 2000
Well Big Roy at least you have the heart to admit you weren't there. We are surely missing this kind of commitment when listening to the trollopy tripe spouted by the likes of Bud Crannon and Martin W. Have either of these idiots ever been to a game?Saying that though I'm glad that a forum for individual opinions is available to Cobblers fans .It means we can read all sorts of things that mean absolutely nothing about nothing. Once again well done Big Roy if it really is you and lets hope those that aren't there continue to do so with such gusto and verve

Big Roy at 10:10:1 Wednesday March 15 2000
Willy VD - Nowt to do with me. :-)

dyl at 9:59:16 Wednesday March 15 2000
Spedding seems to have hit a crisis patch but that does not make him a bad player. When the Kevs first took over he was awesome, causing havoc down the left. Now he seems to lack the confidence to push up and take defenders on. This is where the manager needs to step in. A fully confident Spedding will be a great asset to the team. Savage is inconsistent but he has a fair degree of ability, and I feel that in the last couple of games he has played a lot better. It can't help when you are trying to play and idiots who are meant to be supporting you abuse you, as has happened this season. Finally Goldie's comments on Atkins. Yes Atkins gave us 1 day of glory at Wembley, and one at home (Bristol Rovers), but he also led us to defeat at Wembley and that hurt. Putting that aside, undeniably there was a period where he was the right man for us, but I for one cannot forgive him for the way he behaved last season and at the start of this. To rip the club apart as he did, to make watching games such a painful experience, and for treating the fans with such contempt; I have no respect for the man.

Anon at 9:56:0 Wednesday March 15 2000
Ray, looks like your site will hit the 250,000 mark today.

Not a R&D's fan. at 8:56:45 Wednesday March 15 2000
Before any R&D's fans post messages saying that they were unlucky, Sutton cheated, they wore the wrong coloured shirts etc let me tell you that last night Rushden were crap and Sutton made absolute monkeys of them. If R&D's think they can win promotion to the Football League they need to get off their fat wallets and start playing football with a bit of passion and commitment. Last night R&D's had a chance of giving themselves a bit of history by progressing to a Wembley final, the players were not interested and if I was Max Griggs I would get rid of the lot of them including the manager and start again. By the way Ex-Cobbler Richard Skelly was playing for Sutton and had a good game.

Paul S at 8:31:57 Wednesday March 15 2000
To defend Spedding, who after Wilson took charge was a revelation, he has missed Parrish's presence on the left hand side. With no support any player can look bad.

New Day at 7:52:6 Wednesday March 15 2000
Start of with a ++++ message get rid of Spedding and Savage!!

Willy VD at 6:11:0 Wednesday March 15 2000
That should read internet which surely proves my point !!!!

Wilberforce Von Dikenblaushopeanbolloks at 6:9:38 Wednesday March 15 2000
It's very early and I think that was Big Roy on here last night. He can be a right sneaky one when he wants to be.Large Ron hmmm that has to be him why can't people on this site be themselves and not try and cover up there true identities?Did anyone ever watch the Great Fishing Race for the Golden Maggot? If not i suggest you all go and find a suitable book to read and stop using the ionternet as it can only harm your intellect.It is surely a worrying trend.

Papa Lazarou at 23:38:15 Tuesday March 14 2000
Papa was een the mothertown thees weekend and i a see the gingerheaded tramp walking down the kettereeng road at about 10 at night. I make feel warm at seeing a living legend. At the moment I make seet weet a Swansea human. any messages? tanks

RS at 23:31:10 Tuesday March 14 2000
No that's Big Ron with a large stall.

BFP at 23:28:51 Tuesday March 14 2000
Is that the same Large Ron who's on East Standers ?

Rolling Stone at 23:23:29 Tuesday March 14 2000
Yeah, there used to be a guy came on here a lot : Large Ron or summink. I think he's retired to Brazil on the profits from his last hit, "Blue Acres"

BFP at 23:16:19 Tuesday March 14 2000
Hey Rolling Stone Do you know anyone who knows anything about making CD's we could record it and give the profits to the club !!!

Rolling Stone at 23:14:44 Tuesday March 14 2000
Wow! Along the Watchtower on mandolin. Now that would be something.

Big Fat Pooh at 23:13:14 Tuesday March 14 2000
Like a Rolling Stone: don't worry Ralph will have the chords in his loft

GenX at 23:11:37 Tuesday March 14 2000
I did always prefer Buster and Cor to the Dandy though and was a true Cor fan until they merged.

Like a Rolling Stone at 23:8:34 Tuesday March 14 2000
a complete unknown

Generation X at 23:8:13 Tuesday March 14 2000
Yeah S Club 7's version of Hurricane is a wee ripper !

Knockin' on Heaven's Door at 23:6:57 Tuesday March 14 2000
I agree

All Along the Watchtower. at 23:5:22 Tuesday March 14 2000
Have you ever noticed how Bob Dylan's songs are only ever any good if done by somebody else?

you know at 22:33:20 Tuesday March 14 2000
Chipp, how's Biff?

Chipp at 22:30:51 Tuesday March 14 2000
Nobody feels any pain Tonight as I stand inside the rain Ev'rybody knows That Baby's got new clothes But lately I see her ribbons and her bows Have fallen from her curls. She takes just like a woman, yes, she does She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does And she aches just like a woman But she breaks just like a little girl. Queen Mary, she's my friend Yes, I believe I'll go see her again Nobody has to guess hat Baby can't be blessed Till she sees finally that she's like all the rest With her fog, her amphetamine and her pearls. She takes just like a woman, yes, she does She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does And she aches just like a woman But she breaks just like a little girl. It was raining from the first And I was dying there of thirst So I came in here And your long-time curse hurts But what's worse Is this pain in here I can't stay in here Ain't it clear that— I just can't fit Yes, I believe it's time for us to quit When we meet again Introduced as friends Please don't let on that you knew me when I was hungry and it was your world. Ah, you fake just like a woman, yes, you do You make love just like a woman, yes, you do Then you ache just like a woman But you break just like a little girl.

mick at 22:12:15 Tuesday March 14 2000
Cobblers Friday night loss means you can get pretty much what odds you like for them to win the division or even get into the top three. Only those who fancied Francis to beat Tyson need apply. Of the top three, I rate Darlington at 2-1 a good bet - if you must.

Billy at 21:38:52 Tuesday March 14 2000
Danny's ideas are admirable but they won't work. No marketing trick will alter the simple fact that if people think The Cobblers will win they will go. If they think they will lose, you could offer what you like and they still wont go. Why pay good money for 2 hours of misery?

Bez at 20:48:3 Tuesday March 14 2000
If you like RD go and watch them we dont need you. In my book kids support more than one league team. These days you have to make choices, nothing wrong with having other teams that you look out for their results, but not our crap local not even rivals!

Wembley at 20:45:46 Tuesday March 14 2000
I went last time that Kettering played at Wembley against I think Stafford. At that time I did support everysport that moved in Northamptonshire. My favourite was womens netball at the Lings Forum Ithink they were Avon something. I even went to Irthlingborough when they played Watford. I have no problem with Kettering in the league. And this is not jelousy because I guess it is the way of the world now, but how can anyone support rushden/Blackburn etc they are so contrived and still dont quite make it, even Wolves are becoming human and not trying to sign everyone up and then lose to Crewe!! Rushden can do whatever they like but long term they are not sustainable and CERTIFIABLE DANNY who gets worse with every message must me mad to think that we would lose any true fans to that emotionless crap heap. I say bring back Wellingborough FC and the Zoo if you remember it great Polar Bears!! By the way when I went to watch Kettering at Wembley forgot who I was watching and bellowed COBBLERS - what a scrap - saved by the fact that there was so many Cobblers in disguise there!! All of our neighbours cannot compete look around the TOWN it is too prosperous near the M1, too much history - I would never worry about any of them - dont know why I am bothering!!

Bez at 20:41:36 Tuesday March 14 2000
Why don't we keep things as they are so I can go and watch all three play, with a preference to the Cobblers. Northampton to win promotion to Div 2, Rushden to win promotion to Div 3 and Kettering for the FA Trophy. COME ON!

Goldie at 20:35:29 Tuesday March 14 2000
Den I understand your sentiment but for some of those you mention it is not one bad day at the office. Millwall fans tell me that Savage was magic to begin with, does that sound familiar. Spedding was he ever any good. I dont want my team in this crap division, and these players have had plenty of chances, they are professionals, as was Gibb (100+games). So that is my opinion, I dont boo anyone at games, like all those morons last season! I still think Ian Atkins in the context of the Cobblers history was magic - best 2 days of my sad life at Wembley!!

NSB at 20:1:20 Tuesday March 14 2000
if we merge all the teams in the county then we wont be able to dominate the proceedinds at wembley like we will this year, direone v poppies and cobblers v pooboro

Den at 19:1:38 Tuesday March 14 2000
It really does amaze me that some people are never happy unless they can find someone to slag off. 1st of all it was Howard, then low and behold he scores a few goals so lets move on to Ali Gibb. What a bugger he's gone off to Stockport. Who else can we pick on? I know how about Savage and Spedding. It makes me wonder whether any of you people have everplayed football. If you have, have you ever missplace a pass, missed an open goal, miss kicked, had a crap game, off course you have. Do you think any of these players would be plying their trade in Div 3 if they were that good? of course they wouldnt. Why dont you get off their backs and support them for gods sake, They are human like the rest of us and if they see the criticism on this site it probably doesnt do their confidence a great deal of good. Do you ever have a poor day at wotk? What would you feel like if a few hundred people started having a go at you????

Wembley here we come at 17:12:49 Tuesday March 14 2000
We certainly need a goal scorer. Come on NTFC, bite the bullet, grasp the nettle, take the rose by the thorn, grab the bull by the horns, stick your hand in your pocket (again) and get us a goalscorer.

Mystic Meg at 17:8:19 Tuesday March 14 2000
No too much like Northants County Cricket Club

2001 A Soccer Oddesy at 16:54:44 Tuesday March 14 2000
How about Northampton Poppies and Diamonds aka Northants County?

ed at 16:52:57 Tuesday March 14 2000
Any news of the latest Cobblers transfers before thursdays deadline?? What we need is not only a goal scorer, but also and more importantly a quality defence player/ captain, who will drive the team!!!

Mystic Meg at 16:30:55 Tuesday March 14 2000
Northampton Diamonds within 10 years!

County Eye at 16:17:8 Tuesday March 14 2000
NOT THIS OLD CHESTNUT!

Papa Lazarou at 15:32:47 Tuesday March 14 2000
I don't theenk Rushden should be geeven any support. Eemagine if Rushden get so powerful that Eet invade Northampton!!! I don;t wan my offspreeng to be a talking German!! Has Corby got the "BOMB"? Tanks

Anon at 15:17:0 Tuesday March 14 2000
Atkins would be no good at Rushden because he would have too much money to spend. He is at his best when he has to rely on free transfers and is good at getting the best out of players who's careers are going nowhere. He was good for Northampton when we had no money for players but as soon as he generated some extra cash as a result of his success he just wasted most of it.

Anon at 14:54:12 Tuesday March 14 2000
Actually, if Talbot fails, Eddie McGoldrick has been lined up as his successor

adam at 14:15:49 Tuesday March 14 2000
i was reading earlier today that ian atkins has been linked with the diamonds job. this seems to be more than a coninsidence as his sold all are best players to the diamonds.Heggs (who has just been loaned by CHESTER CITY) and warburton. What a schemeing little git. e-mail me if you want a cobblers pen friend

Whats that got to do wih the price of oranges? at 14:2:1 Tuesday March 14 2000
.......and Shefield are the oldest football club in the world, but we still buy their knives and forks

Danny at 13:49:19 Tuesday March 14 2000
I personally don't want to see Diamonds do well, I don't want them to win promotion to the Football League, why? Because our support will dwindle. For what ever reason, The Cobblers are never promoted, we are never advertised in the press, there are no incentives for the youngsters to come watch us. At Sixfields we have a fantastic complex, and the club could use this to their advantage, but they don't. Why not do a ticket for kids, say £10 that gets them to see a film at the Cinema, have lunch at Burger King/McDonalds and then watch the game. For £10 you have a day out for the kids. Diamonds promote themselves in the local press (I've seen ads in the Chron) on the radio etc etc. They try to persuade people that Nene Park is the place to be. The Cobblers commercial department don't do that at all. There's never an advert in the Chron for "Cobblers v Exeter this saturday at Sixfields." Commercially we are so far behind Diamonds and the Saints. Its all well and good saying "bring a friend" but there are no incentives for them to come along.

Ray at 13:45:41 Tuesday March 14 2000
....and Wellingborough have one even longer...

Danny at 13:43:5 Tuesday March 14 2000
While we have a long history and tradition etc, Kettering have an even longer one.

Anon at 12:1:2 Tuesday March 14 2000
Will,I agree that NTFC have a long tradition and first and foremost they are the club I support. There is however life outside our club at all levels. Non-League football is well worth watching and at the higher levels is little different from watching a typical Division 3 game. At the lower levels it is still entertaining and in many respects is much more sociable than league football. Whilst we all want NTFC to be the best it is possible to enjoy the success of other local clubs, at least you don't get stressed out if they lose! Personally I hope that R&D's, Kettering and all local sides do well providing it's not at the expense of NTFC.Realistically R&D's are the only other team in the County who have the ability to get into the League and stay there. If they do it will have a big impact on Ketterings support which has already suffered since R&D's were formed. A healthy and successful local football scene is good for all clubs in the area, apart from anything else, who else would have paid £100,000+ for old one eye Turley?

Will at 11:44:42 Tuesday March 14 2000
Hey Duckie, I'm making it up as I go along!

Who Gives a Duck at 11:36:3 Tuesday March 14 2000
Will to compare a non entity such as the DimOnes to an entity such as the virtual reality that is the stock market is somewhat naive. However you are entitled to your opinion and even though it is foolish to say the least I nevertheless applaud you for holding it.Well done Will and lets all join together in enjoying opinions no matter how ducking stupid they may be.

Will at 11:27:36 Tuesday March 14 2000
The point doesn't arise anonymouse. We didn't lose our league status. But yes I would have kept supporting the Cobblers no matter what. It still remains that we are Northamptonshire's one and only League club, we have a long tradition, and a mickey-mouse final between the Ploppies and the Direones does not interest me. If Diremonds were playing Man Utd in the FA Cup I would be just as uninterested. Being from Northamptonshire does not mean you have to support every club in Northants. I could stomach Kettering in the League, but not the Direones. If the latter got into the League and did poorly they'd have crowds of 1500 and 2000 (mainly away fans). They are the football equivalent of the current stock market fixation with IT companies. The bubble will burst and when it does there will be carnage, and the Cobblers will be left as the only League club in Northants.

Anon at 11:6:29 Tuesday March 14 2000
Will, it wasn't that long ago that Northampton were nearly non-league and were only saved by Kidderminsters failure to meet the Football Leagues draconian rules at the time. Would you have still supported the Cobblers if they had become a non league club?

Carl at 10:4:43 Tuesday March 14 2000
colt105@hotmail.com that's a very interesting email address. It was Duncan Speddings yesterday, now it is Spedding and Howard. Email address is optional, if you hadn't realised, you never know you might get all types of people emailing you telling you what they really think about your clever little comments, enjoy. On to the footie, no one seems to have made to much of a hoohar about Crowe returning to Stoke, he said he wanted to stay as well. I suppose with Parrish hopefully coming back this week, and Carlo's return, he is a little surplus to requirements, and he never really set the place on fire. Although I think our views of loan players has changed since Clare's arrival and they need to produce more, for the month or so they are here.

Spedding and Howard at 9:42:3 Tuesday March 14 2000
We really are shit and you still cheer our names ha ha losers!

will at 9:37:54 Tuesday March 14 2000
Personally I wish Kettering the best of luck, and Diamonds all the bad luck in the world. But there is no way I would shell out to see 2 non-league teams at Wembley.

Northants football fan at 8:57:46 Tuesday March 14 2000
If either R&D or Kettering make it to Wembley no doubt there will be plenty of NTFC fans going along to support a County side (as did their supporters when we went to Wembley). Hopefully at least one of them will make it as dispite the crap facilities a day at Wembley is a great occasion. I'll be going along to Nene Park tonight to watch the replay against Sutton and hoping that the Direones can keep alive the possibility of an all Northants final.

CDU at 0:11:14 Tuesday March 14 2000
Hey Danny just coz he comes on here now and again there's no need to be nice to him !! More like 400 DimOnes!!, Up the Ploppies LOL

Danny at 23:59:5 Monday March 13 2000
Yes, R&D, I can see it now, the FA Trophy final at Wembley, R&D v Kettering. One half of Wembley will be filled with Red/Black and Claret/White while 4000 will be supporting Direones. lol.

Poot at 22:38:22 Monday March 13 2000
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggh!

jim b at 22:35:25 Monday March 13 2000
i see the rest of you are still talking about the swansea game' attendence'wembley'bigger crowds'smaller crowds'so what if we have more fans than them'on current league status i'd rather be in their shoes than ours....look ahead young men not behind because theres no future back there

Anon at 21:46:8 Monday March 13 2000
It's a shame P'boro aren't in our county any more, Northants taking over Wembley. That is of course sholud it be a cobblers pish final and a kettering dirmonds final in the non-league cup.

R+D at 21:43:34 Monday March 13 2000
Note, at no point did I refer to Friday. No more said. Oh, and has anyone got the SINGLE of Oasis' Go Let It Out? If you have, go to track 2, it's great, and 3's good as well, better than the first one.

R+D at 21:14:31 Monday March 13 2000
Well, the Trophy draw's been made. We're paired off with the wiiners of another replay, while Kettrin are in the other semi. Rushden vs Kettrin in the final. That'd be a good attendance..... Roll on Tuesday and Sutton.

Which magazine at 20:43:14 Monday March 13 2000
Ray'll sell you a nice new one that works properly.

Anon at 20:42:0 Monday March 13 2000
Either no one at all has been bothered to submit any comments since yesterday ay 5.00, or my computer is playing up again.

Anon at 20:33:38 Monday March 13 2000
He got sent off for scoring a goal if I remember correctly. By a ref who is now in the Prem and upsetting more managers than anyone (how can a ref upset both managers in the same game?)

nsb at 20:2:23 Monday March 13 2000
against lancaster that is

NSB at 20:1:43 Monday March 13 2000
unfortunately we only got to see seal and carlo team up for about five minutes before he was sent off

Anon at 19:49:17 Monday March 13 2000
IF Seal had been treated with any kind of fairness by the regime he'd still be here and he would then be top scorer - simple as that! Seal and Corazzin backed up by Howard with Wilson as manager could be unstoppable!

Anon at 19:28:9 Monday March 13 2000
Corazzin has scored 19 goals in about 60 starts. A good record

Glory Hunter at 19:0:42 Monday March 13 2000
Sorry folks, but in the sceme of things there is not a lot of glory on offer at the third division play-offs.

????? at 18:53:10 Monday March 13 2000
Is the population of Swansea bigger than Northampton// I didnt think it was. They maybe averaging slighly more than us, but we have the constraints of a smaller max crowd. There smallest crowd was small. So considering they are higher up than us and all we took to Wembley both times, plus in the long term we will do better, ststs this season are meaningless. they will do a Cardiff and be back down. If we do go up it will be up and up. I keep telling you Corrazin is over rated now one or 2 others are coming to that conclusion. If he goes to QPR he will be good for a few weeks then disapear. Sammo would do better up front. Savage and Spedding are a disgrace. Spedding is no better than a headless chicken (Ali Gibb)- we cant afford to keep carrying them.

Anon at 18:40:33 Monday March 13 2000
Stoke the Crowes!

bilbo at 17:9:42 Monday March 13 2000
and crowe has gone back to stoke

bilbo at 16:50:56 Monday March 13 2000
haven't been on much recently, so don't know whether this is new news but carl heggs has signed for chester

Anon at 15:54:48 Monday March 13 2000
Numbers,I think you'll find that Jack Army and his mates are now on the Darlo site, address is below if you want to send them a message.

Numbers at 15:45:17 Monday March 13 2000
Jack Army. Latest Official Figures: Swansea - Largest 9075, smallest 3357, average 5412. Northampton - Largest 6823, smallest 4495, average 5363. Bet you wouldn't get many if positions were reversed. Just be grateful you got £150000, largely out of Cobblers' fans' pockets, instead of carping all teh while.

Surrey Cobbler at 15:17:32 Monday March 13 2000
All this talk of forwards, so I thought that I best have my say. I don't think we'll sign Clare,as although he has lots to offer, I wouldn't consider him to be an out and out striker. Carlo will go, there is no point in keeping him as he will only make about 25 games and so bag 11 goals, which sammo is capable of these days!! But that still leaves a huge great space for at least one forwrd...what about cover for the front two? All these loan signings have done nothing for us really, and the situation hasn't changed since the beginning of the season. Don't be suprised that Carlo/Howard doesn't work - why should it? It never kept us up. Either way the fact still remains,as it has from August - we need to spend some proper money on at least one striker..instead of just papering over the cracks. Thank god, Sammo, and Howard haven't been injured this season!!

bilbo at 14:37:52 Monday March 13 2000
interesting stuff from teamtalk - if only someone would tell them that our nickname is the cobblers not the saints! "Ex-Saint a success as Stallion «« Former Northampton star David Seal was on target over the weekend, as he helped the Northern Spirit to a much needed win over Marconi Stallions in the NSL. It was Seal's 7th goal of the season, and it helped the Spirit to some much needed points after a recent slump in form. Seal is now playing alongside the former Italian international Nicola Berti, who recently joined the Spirit, and another familiar name in the squad is the former Norwich midfielder Ian Crook. Seal was outstanding in the win over the Stallions, and he's proving to be a big hit with fans in Australia following his move back Down Under."

PJ at 14:12:53 Monday March 13 2000
4-1 4-1 All fairness it did flatter us but you make your own luck in this game. 2nd half you were never in it and sloppy marking let your golden boot boy get another goal. You did have chances in the 1st half but were not carved out by good build up play but our mistakes. Maybe another season in division 3 will do you good since your obviously not up to the standard for a higher level. Honestly I'm not having a dig, I think you cobblers think the same even if you don't admit it.

Someone who enjoys worthwhile ................. (including comments by anonn) at 14:0:27 Monday March 13 2000
Anonn, the point I am making (IMHO)is that genuine supporters of any club have more interesting things to say about the game than those who follow a team just because they are succesful. Apologies to all genuine supporters of big premiership clubs but for the likes of Zoe Ball who wear their support for a club like a fashion item don't pretend you are a football supporter. By the way I do go to games at Northampton and have so done since 1968. The thousands that went to Wembley were not exactly glory hunters, most of the non-regulars just got swept along with the thought of a day at Wembley, as has already been said earlier that happens whenever any club gets to Wembley, I wish they would come along to other matches but realistically the best we can hope for is that it encourages a few more to come along more often.

Danny at 13:54:48 Monday March 13 2000
So where's the other 7000 that were at Wembley to support Swansea. And if England is full of ****, as you all sang on friday night, well there is a football league in Wales, why don't you go and play there?

Anonn at 13:32:43 Monday March 13 2000
To: Someone who enjoys worthwhile comments from supporters of clubs other than Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal et al. at 12:47:51 ... you really do have a severe case of written diahorria or crap whichever you prefer... not everyone is a gloryhunter just because of who they support.. So what does that make the other 35/36,000 who followed you to Wembley couple of seasons ago? Are they all glory hunters then because I dont see them filling up the seats at Sixfields... Do you actually go to the games or are you a typical mouthy couch potato?

mark at 13:32:2 Monday March 13 2000
cobbs are to sign clare with money for carlo

matt at 13:21:37 Monday March 13 2000
Dammmmmmmmmm what a false result friday was eh! never did we diserve to lose 4-1 or they desevre to win 4-1. Dammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Jack Army at 13:1:48 Monday March 13 2000
Cheers. Must say I have enjoyed this site over the past week, one of the better sites I've vistied for banter etc. Good luck the the rest of the season and remember to "shout for the Swans"!!!

Someone who enjoys worthwhile comments from supporters of clubs other than Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal et al. at 12:47:51 Monday March 13 2000
Jack Army & Swansea Boot Boy, even though last fridays game was the reason that you visited this board please call again, although we lost against your team on friday I've enjoyed many of your postings. Supporters from other clubs regularly make worthwhile comments on this board and dispite obvious rivalries its interesting to hear comments from those who support clubs for reasons other than they are glory hunters.

Clarence at 12:47:1 Monday March 13 2000
Here you go. http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb205412. THE DARLINGTON BOARD, now thank you it has been fun, BYE BYE

Jack army at 12:46:4 Monday March 13 2000
Swansea Boot Boy, try http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb27001. I think Jack the Knife is already there. I'll see you there. Ta ra Northampton. See you next season(maybe!!)

Clarence at 12:45:18 Monday March 13 2000
Yeah, it's about time you went and annoyed someone else. I suppose that's all you do, wander around to the next opposition site, coming up with the same amount of absolutely hilarious comments. Although I am sure you all disappear a bit quicker when you lose.

Swansea Boot Boy at 12:35:53 Monday March 13 2000
Jack Army, do you know the address of the Darlo site (if they have one)? There's not much point staying on this site, it's like hunting a wounded animal.

Dull but True at 12:30:43 Monday March 13 2000
Jack Army, you're right about the people from Northampton who went to Wembley against Swansea and also Grimsby. Most were doing what people do when their local side go to Wembley which is to go along for the day out/ experience etc etc. We do however have regular supporter base which is similar to Swanseas, possibly a bit less as Swansea has a bigger population than Northampton. If we get to Wembley this season I doubt if the support will be as high as it was for the first 2 Wembley games, most of those who went before who are not football fans have seen it done it got the T-shirt etc etc. Also this years Div 3 play off final is on a Friday night. If we get there and ended up playing Pboro there would probably be a big crowd for obvious reasons. All clubs have extra supporters for big games, even Swansea

TeamTalk Bob at 12:8:27 Monday March 13 2000
QPR are the latest club to be linked with a move for Northampton Town's Canadian striker, Carlo Corazzin. Corazzin is out of contract in the summer and it is being reported that Gerry Francis has the front-man in his sights for when he is made available at the end of the season. The 28-year-old has been able to speak to clubs about a move since January 1st, but it is unknown as to whether the Loftus Road outfit have been in contact with him. The Canadian has been a big hit at Northampton and was also instrumental for his Canada side in their CONCACAF Gold Cup Final win over Columbia. The Canadians were the surprise package of that tournament, ranked 85th in the international tables, they overcame all odds to beat the likes of Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and other well recognised international sides to lift the trophy in Los Angeles last month where Corazzin also picked up the Golden Boot Award for being top scorer in the tournament. Press reports are suggesting that Rangers are heading the queue to snap up the star, and we will keep you updated with any further news on the matter right here on TEAMtalk.

Jack Army at 12:2:17 Monday March 13 2000
To manny at 11:39:58. What would you rather Manny? 33,000 glory grabbing, fly by night, part time fans at the end of the season or 7,000 passionate punters on a weekly basis in what has to be the shite-est 3rd division for years!! I rest my case.

Sydney Cobbler at 11:44:55 Monday March 13 2000
David Seal going back to the Cobblers?He'd do well to get in the Rothwell line up the way he's going at the moment.I think he's scored twice for Northern Spiritless in 20 games here in Oz. I think Wagga Wagga reserves might be interested...

manny at 11:39:58 Monday March 13 2000
jack the knife, how i laughed when i saw your comments about our lack of support!! who took 40,000 to wembley, and who took 16,000? you daft welsh tw@t!

Duncan Spedding at 10:58:38 Monday March 13 2000
You're all losers at northampton, each week I play crap costing us endless goals, and hoof the ball down the line and I still get a game each saturday. Someone should sell me to Stockport!

Swansea Boot Boy at 10:55:13 Monday March 13 2000
He won't come up against as good a defence as Swansea ANY week.

Carl at 10:52:28 Monday March 13 2000
Good point, Query. I have asked myself pretty similar questions for a good few weeks, although mine normally have a few more expletives in them.

Jack Army at 10:46:24 Monday March 13 2000
To Query. Don't forget he won't come up against a defence as good as Swansea every week.

Query at 10:32:51 Monday March 13 2000
Why would QPR be interested in a player who was on the right end of a supposed total domination and could only score one goal?

Anon at 10:7:10 Monday March 13 2000
It appears QPR are now interested in Corazzin.

Jack Army at 9:59:40 Monday March 13 2000
Morning all, Everyone enjoy the game on Friday?

Swansea Boot Boy at 9:49:58 Monday March 13 2000
I won't state the obvious about Friday night. One point to Jack the Knife, 'Mack the Knife' is a Bertolt Brecht song written before the Stereophonics were born!

Agent at 7:9:39 Monday March 13 2000
Since when did footballing talent have anything to do with professional football.David Seal is in effect the Dwight Yorke of the Deep deep South and it is South where he is. He was unlucky not to be picked up by Man Utd or even if he were lucky Rushden & Diamonds like all of the other lame w*nkers NTFC fobbed off. If they were good enough they'd still be here.And yes that includes all of them.

An Even More Up To Date From Your Man On The Spot at 4:6:26 Monday March 13 2000
David Seal fresh from his roo chasing somehow managed to get body part on ball and strike it in the right direction to score for struggling Northern Spirit in the 45th minute and earn a much needed win against another crap team in the Orstralyan Football league yesterday. Seal was not quoted as saying 'Cor blimey the gaffer would've been as sick as a parrot if I'd f*cked that one up".This probably makes Seal the ex Cobblers Dynamo top scorer for Northern Spirit a team which can only be described as not having the capacity to be Rushdens Bot Bot.On the prospect of a move back to dear old Blighty no comment was made as the question has more than likely never been asked.

NSB at 22:10:44 Sunday March 12 2000
ok roughbloke!

Up To Date Report From Your Man On The Spot at 21:56:51 Sunday March 12 2000
David Seal was last seen chasing kangaroos for some earthly pleasure somewhere west of Wooloomooloo.Unfortunately as he is such a lazy fat bastard he caught none and their reputations remain intact. Much like the score sheets of the majority of teams he played against for the Cobbs and now for Northern Spirit a Sunday Pub League equivalent here in Orstralya.If he does return I doubt it would be to the Cobbs as he called Northampton the arsehole of England.He is where he belongs not getting picked for a crap team in a crap league. Still at least the weather is good and the kangaroos are more sport than sheep. Baaaaa...:o )

JACK the KNIFE at 21:56:44 Sunday March 12 2000
DerekMonte in answer to your question: i'm certainly no hooligan , i never have and never will be ..i have better things to do when the football finishes like get to the bar before anyone else..onto my name your fellow cobbler almost got it right "mack the knife" were the lyrics in a stereophonics song and i changed it to jack for obvious reasons ..at the end of the day it's a nickname used only on the internet so for that reason in itself proves it's not meant to be intimidating ..anyway i'm off to bed now ....morning shift i hate em ..

RoughBloke at 21:54:1 Sunday March 12 2000
Shut up NSB

Mr Northampton Town at 21:52:35 Sunday March 12 2000
Ok, we lost 4-1. Let's not be too despondant, we have a lot to draw from that match. It shows that we can go away to tricky little grounds against supposedly top opposition and dominate. We'll be back - so many managers have called us the best in the division, and this is true when we play well. It's Exeter that I feel sorry for - they will feel the backlash. They'll get a tonking

NSB at 21:49:15 Sunday March 12 2000
and what did i say to make people slag me off anyway?

NSB at 21:46:19 Sunday March 12 2000
im not pissed off at martin w allthough i dont agree with what he says, i do get pissed off with people who tell us that their pissed off and people who tell the people that are pissed off not to tell everyone that theyre pissed off cos then they get pissed off and poor old martin w is caught in the crossfire as it were......

Dan Evans at 21:43:49 Sunday March 12 2000
Now you know what it feels like !!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHH!(WEMBLEY 97) JAN MOLBYS BARMY ARMY WE DESERVED TO WIN THAT DAY, BUT YOU CHEATED YOUR WAY TO THE 2ND DIVISION YOU DESERVED TO WIN LAST NIGHT, BUT WE ONE FAIR AND SQUARE!! 4-1 TO THE SHEEP SHAGGERS!!!!!

NSB at 21:42:52 Sunday March 12 2000
Youre just jealous cos i share my name with a school!

NSB at 21:42:15 Sunday March 12 2000
MichaelWarner at 11:16:14......... f**k off you daft c**t!

NSB at 21:37:39 Sunday March 12 2000
Northamptonian: i think were in between the two!

Fun Night Out.... at 21:27:36 Sunday March 12 2000
The date for the Carlisle game is Tue April 11th I believe.

WSD at 21:13:26 Sunday March 12 2000
From the third division board - http://www.ihatemanunited.com - absolutely brilliant! Go there and make sure your speakers are on!

Anon2 at 20:43:25 Sunday March 12 2000
I bet if we put about 3 goals past Exeter we will stop and not score any more. So it will be our 4th 3-0 win of the season. (Torquay, Shrewsbury and York so far...) or Cobblers will start the game on fire and Exeter score after only 5 minutes. We will then come back and win 2-1

Anon2 at 20:31:2 Sunday March 12 2000
?????????????????????????????????????????

Mark Too at 20:27:46 Sunday March 12 2000
Derek... I guess "jack the knife" is so called because of the song "Mack the knife"

Anon2 at 20:27:38 Sunday March 12 2000
Have we arranged a date yet for Carlisle away?

Steve at 20:4:4 Sunday March 12 2000
I don`t think that we should get to despondent over Fridays result. At long last we have a manager and a team that play football how it should be played.We also shouldn`t overlook the fact that we went to Swansea to win, and with clinical finishing the game should have been out of Swansea`s reach by half time.Now is the time to give all the financial backing possible to help Kevin strengthen the front line, because I believe thats what we need to go from a good side to a great one.

There Are More Questions Than Answers at 19:42:54 Sunday March 12 2000
Northamptonian...you are wrong my friend,the Home Counties stop at Buckinghamshire.Go and check again you silly little man and you will indeed find that we are in the East Midlands!

Derek Monte at 19:37:30 Sunday March 12 2000
After reading Cobblers Comments over the last few days i'am at a loss as to why "Jack the knife" has such a silly name.The man is obviously not stupid judging by his postings but his name leads you to think he is some sort of hooligan.Why the "knife"? Is it supposed to be threatening? Answers please Mr Knife!

Latest News at 19:4:15 Sunday March 12 2000
Northampton Town have put a bid in for a Cheltenham Town forward more details early next week. This was in the Sunday Sport, hence I cant say whoI am , wonder who it is??

Northamptonian at 18:54:44 Sunday March 12 2000
Are we 'eck as like!!! East Midlands is Newark, Nottingham, Leicester! We are in the Home Counties old chap!

There Are More Questions Than Answers at 18:40:34 Sunday March 12 2000
Can someone please tell me why so many Cobblers fans think that Northampton is in the the Anglia region? I know that we all watch Anglia TV but it doesn't mean we are in the same region as teams like Colchester,Ipswich,Norwich and Cambridge.Surely if these people had any pride in their town they would know we are in the East Midlands.

Ralph at 18:30:21 Sunday March 12 2000
Now there's a blast from the past!

Pendragon at 18:23:9 Sunday March 12 2000
old timer - nice to hear that you remember me with affection. I am afraid that your detective work in lousy as I am not Bud Cranon sodon't give up the day job.

what goes around comes around at 17:50:55 Sunday March 12 2000
Swansea did to us, exactly what we did to Brighton and Barnet, ie second best on the day but emerged with the points

Anon at 17:42:16 Sunday March 12 2000
What is Sealo doing these days?

Anon at 17:40:15 Sunday March 12 2000
Remember that some days you're the statue and others you're the pigeon

Joe at 17:27:55 Sunday March 12 2000
I am a Pompey fan but have a good reason for coming to your site.As you probably know we are starved of success down here on the South Coast and at the moment our youth team are 90mins away from the FA youth alliance cup final which is held at Wembley after the Autowindscreen shield final. As you probably know we have a passionate support and were planning to bring thousands to Wembley to celebrate a team from Portsmouth representing the club and the home football - unfortuantly the Police and the FA have had other ideas and have said no tickets for this game will go on sale to us or the other club. I am gathering support against this from all clubs and would be very thankful if you registered your opinion on the message board of my site (www.frattonfaithful.co.uk) thankyou for your support and good luck for the rest of the season!

Anon at 16:50:33 Sunday March 12 2000
Saw this on a Swansea messageboard and it made me laugh!!!!!! From: David Hall - Nottingham - Saturday, March 11 Re: super display last night How proud I was of all the boys down the Vetch last night especially me Stevie Watkin and Jason Price. Me and my mate Phil Jones thought the Swans totally dominated the game and deserved to win 6-0. Nothing can stop us now my fellow Swans compatriots, we will win the league for sure. I know my boys at 273 will bw happy be happy especially Phil Shona who loves the Swans with all his head and heart. Lets get behind the boyo's and push it all the way until the last drop.

FisherZ at 16:23:31 Sunday March 12 2000
Transfer deadline day approaches and Clare has tipped the wink to Buckley about his partnership with Corrazin. Don't be surprised to see Carlo gone by Thursday for £30k.

Mounties, Jimmies and Sixfields were there but where were the Trust???? at 14:51:46 Sunday March 12 2000
and how did the true supporters get to the match?

Danny at 14:46:45 Sunday March 12 2000
I still cannot believe we lost, but losing 4-1 was unbelievable. There cannot be another team on earth who could have outplayed a team like we did yet lose by such a scoreline. But teams usually bounce back in a big way, this could be the kick up the arse we need and I think Exeter are going to be on the receiving end big time on saturday. Notice too how the referee is influenced by THREE SIDES of the ground getting behind the home team. Maybe we should try that on saturday. COME ON COBBLERS!!!!

karl at 13:46:5 Sunday March 12 2000
234 jacks lowest away support...i don't recall to many cobblers fans there either...TUESDAY NIGHT I REMEMBER!!!!

Not anti-Welsh, but wavering. at 13:37:8 Sunday March 12 2000
At Wembley, Swansea had 1 shot on target after 5 minutes and we had 2; one kicked off the line, one going in. They try to make you believe they were Brazil (or Alan Brazil)! About support. Swansea brought 234 to Sixfields, without Sky being there. It will be interesting to see the official figures for Friday. I really hope they have all got it off their chests now and can get on with their lives after all this long, bitter time. So sad! We aren't bitter about Friday, by the way, just bewildered.

Cypriot Cobbler at 13:14:12 Sunday March 12 2000
In a recent posting Iread that we were hoping to return David Seal to the frame for £50,000? Is this true or is this all rumour mongering? I for one would like to see him pull a Cobblers shirt on again.If I remember correctly,the last time I saw him play was against Wigan and he played a blinder with a right footed volley from a pin point cross from Heggs.If all of this is true please bring him back!!!!!!!!!!

Fsair WEnough at 11:48:4 Sunday March 12 2000
lol

Anon at 11:46:41 Sunday March 12 2000
This site has become a complete load ofbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbboll#cks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IMHO

Get Real Willy Wobblers at 11:39:49 Sunday March 12 2000
Who the hell's Walter when he's at home ?

Tony at 11:24:7 Sunday March 12 2000
Hi all, must say I don't agree with Kevin Wilson's assesment of Dean Crowe. He looks an interesting player, but will he score goals? If we do get him on loan for longer it will give us the chance to find out, but I hope we don't jump in with a £100,000 bid or anything.

MichaelWarner at 11:16:14 Sunday March 12 2000
Dave, howareyadoin. I have found the best way to deal with these gits is just to stay away because they just make your blood boil. Whoever said that there should be a login system has my backing. I have taken a back seat for ages - and am surprised people like MartinW, WSD, Hartwell and Sid haven't either - because there are people on here who only seem to attack people's right to an opinion. I agree DAve, these people would seem to be more at home in the old USSR where opinions are repressed. Walter, you cannot seriously be saying that someone cannot repeat an opinion and expand on it, if he is challenged. I don't know him, I bet Walter doesn't or NSB and yet you hide behind your anonymity of your keyboards and just spout bile like little schoolchildren. If opinions held were not repeated, there never have been any changes in our society. MartinW has a point about Steve Howard although he has been scoring more goals lately. In my view you have to look at players over a period of time and on that score, he has not done well. I'll retire into the background now, until there is some kind of control over these idiots. See you at the Tavern, Dave.

Spice Girl at 11:4:55 Sunday March 12 2000
Dave:The only abuse worth noting on this site is against the players. Since when did idiots like you and Martin W rate a mention?Who do you think you are?

Dave at 11:0:12 Sunday March 12 2000
Walter, It's Cobblers COMMENTS. I suppose you never criticised Ian Atkins, either. Which you have every right to do. We live in a democracy, remember, which means tolerating, even if not agreeing with other people's views. If everyone said nothing about the team there would be not progress. Taking the view that only the manager has the right to criticise anyone at the club is the same kind of view that a dictator in a dictatorship would hold. As it happens MartinW and all are not alone in the views they express. If people like you and NSB (if you're not indeed the same person) have nothing to say, don't say it. Or if you don't agree and don't have the wit to actually argue a point without resorting to abuse, go away.

Tom & Jerry at 9:44:12 Sunday March 12 2000
Strange that Jack and Jill are both on the site at the same time!

DAVE at 9:4:40 Sunday March 12 2000
you talking to me jill?

JACK the KNIFE at 5:58:32 Sunday March 12 2000
dav10chinnscobb no your wrong a knife is a kitchen utensil ..anyway as regards my messages ..it's called enjoying revenge to the max... you should also look at some of your own fans postings ,,pretty pathetic don't ya think sheep this sheep that ..don't ya realise we've heard it all before ..it's so unoriginal and boring ..it's like watching cobblers efforts on goal..as for my comments on cobblers support you and i know it's true ..at least they new on friday night what colours they were playing in ..and don't give me they were on sky excuses it holds no water ..all genuine football fans travel to games ..all the stay aways are armchair fans like yourself..good to see some decent cobblers on this board for a change ie. NSB and sid..genuine football fans who can have a bit of banter and then be honest about things well done lads ..fans like you deserve a succesfull side to support ..

Anon at 0:19:58 Sunday March 12 2000
Obviously you have never met him! It should be chins!!!!

JILL at 23:38:50 Saturday March 11 2000
WELL WHAT IT MEANS DAVE..I CAN CALL YOU DAVE! IS STOP ACTING THE SPOILT PRAT AND TAKE DEFEAT ON THE CHIN.

DavCobbler at 23:7:8 Saturday March 11 2000
Am I to assume that after reading some of the earlier postings by Jack the knife, that knife actually means fukkin inbred idiot in Welsh ??????

creaton cobblers at 22:57:8 Saturday March 11 2000
sorry match of the day on. (cant get it in Creaton Gas T.V.)

creaton cobblers at 22:39:26 Saturday March 11 2000
All you in town gone to sleep

creaton cobblers at 22:26:13 Saturday March 11 2000
Wembley V borough Friday night

NSB at 22:9:11 Saturday March 11 2000
last year we werent creating chances and atkins slagged off the strikers for not taking chances. this year were creating chances and kevin w is blaming our style of play....... WHATS WRONG WITH THE WORLD????????

creaton cobblers at 22:4:54 Saturday March 11 2000
Dont you like Wembley

Anon at 21:58:41 Saturday March 11 2000
wassup?

creaton cobblers at 21:46:46 Saturday March 11 2000
We are going to Wembley

Terry Hawes at 21:36:26 Saturday March 11 2000
Swansea's one of the in-form teams at the moment, so I wasn't surprised...it was a 2-1 game until the sending off so I think the scoreline maybe a little harsh towards us. Nothing much lost however as our closest teams failed to take advantage, we have a lot of tough away fixtures till the end of the season, so it is important that we win our home games and set us up for the play-offs. And be thankful that Wilson is doing such a good job, if we would have had Atkins in charge, we wouldn't even be in the playoffs and look where he is now...going to be in non-league next year! GO COBBLERS!

NSB at 21:34:54 Saturday March 11 2000
walter if you ignore him he'll go away

Walter at 21:25:38 Saturday March 11 2000
MartinW - Give it a rest. You've made your point about Steve Howard. We heard you the first time so please move on to another subject. You're beginning to become more than a slight annoyance. I will never slag any player off whilst he represents the team I love. Why demoralize your own players? Support them, help them through the rough times. If they aren't up to the job then it's the Manager's job to sort them out, not the fans.

NSB at 21:6:22 Saturday March 11 2000
i think its cos kevin wilson used to play for chelsea that we can play teams off the park but still not score!

NSB at 21:0:24 Saturday March 11 2000
to all the swansea fans out there..... congrats on your revenge....

NSB at 20:59:33 Saturday March 11 2000
i think we should forfeit all away matches this season.... save us the bother of actually having to play them.... the out come is allways the same anyway....

Mr Jones at 20:32:21 Saturday March 11 2000
Something is happening here, but you don't know what it is . . .

Sid at 20:24:51 Saturday March 11 2000
Interesting comments on the scfc.co.uk site - look at their match report. Some very balanced views on the game, giving a lot of credit to Northampton for their performance. The general jist is summed up by one of their contributors about last night's match - "Now you know what it feels like." For once, I think they're right!

Chipp at 20:6:58 Saturday March 11 2000
Oh God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son" Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on" God say, "No." Abe say, "What?" God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but The next time you see me comin' you better run" Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done?" God says, "Out on Highway 61." Well Georgia Sam he had a bloody nose Welfare Department they wouldn't give him no clothes He asked poor Howard where can I go Howard said there's only one place I know Sam said tell me quick man I got to run 0l' Howard just pointed with his gun And said that way down on Highway 61. Well Mack the Finger said to Louie the King I got forty red white and blue shoe strings And a thousand telephones that don't ring Do you know where I can get rid of these things And Louie the King said let me think for a minute son And he said yes I think it can be easily done Just take everything down to Highway 61. Now the fifth daughter on the twelfth night Told the first father that things weren't right My complexion she said is much too white He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right Let me tell the second mother this has been done But the second mother was with the seventh son And they were both out on Highway 61. Now the rovin' gambler he was very bored He was tryin' to create a next world war He found a promoter who nearly fell off the floor He said I never engaged in this kind of thing before But yes I think it can be very easily done We'll just put some bleachers out in the sun And have it on Highway 61

Sid at 20:6:17 Saturday March 11 2000
Fair enough Martin, but his stats don't necessarily reflect the way he is playing at the moment. You could argue that 4 in the last 8 games isn't a sign of bad form! But I accept your point. Anyway, results were kind, and did anyone noticed that most of the regions teams (Southend, Colchester Peterborough and us) conceded last minute goals this weekend! Plus, Barnet also scored in the 90th minute, ending thier run of defeats.

JACK the KNIFE at 19:33:47 Saturday March 11 2000
we all know too that the northhampton fans are omce a season glory hunters ..you have worse support than cheltenham and thats saying something

WSD at 18:40:58 Saturday March 11 2000
You were a student once

Will Hay at 18:32:49 Saturday March 11 2000
But we know all students are tossers.

Anon at 18:31:58 Saturday March 11 2000
Chipp, have you forgotten to take your medication ?

WSD at 17:30:30 Saturday March 11 2000
True Fan - I have not called any players "tossers", ever, and I haven't left any comments on this site since the game, so please get your facts straight. And as for not going to the game, I have A-Level exams coming up that will get or not get me a university place, and as a student I obviously have no money. It was impossible for me to go, simple as that.

Robert Dunkley at 17:15:57 Saturday March 11 2000
Results were kind to us, Rotherham lost, Drlo, Pish, Barbet, Hartelpool all drew.

MartinW at 16:28:3 Saturday March 11 2000
Hartwell, I heard KevinW's comments which hinted at a return to a more direct style and I had the same quaking fear about that. Especially as Ian Atkins was listening to his comments on the Sky Sports panel. True Fan, one of the reasons I stayed at home (sadly) is that I - and a few others - couldn't resist seeing Northampton on Interactive with player cam, which was truly a laugh. I mean Carlo on Player Cam, funny. We're all allowed to have time off sometimes. And I think you'll find that we don't just criticise. You'll find loads of positive comments if you care to look. And Sid, the reason I keep repeating Steve Howard's stats, is to back up my view on his performance for us since he joined. It's justification for the comment, so that the one or two who think it's all vindictive nastiness can see there is some actual reason, not just vitriol.

JACK the KNIFE at 15:30:59 Saturday March 11 2000
posh will beat you at wembley ..a dubious lastminute free kick re-taken ..sound familiar ??

Robert Dunkley at 15:28:55 Saturday March 11 2000
Oh great, the pish are leading 2-0. We will finish 5th, they will finish 4th and we will play them at Wembley, it is destiny. We better put in a better performance. I see Atko has not changed his dress sense (LOL!)

ORBITAL Ganja at 15:12:49 Saturday March 11 2000
Well sitting watching the TV last night round my Uncle's was a terrible experience seeing a very below par and lucky Swansea side beat us 4-1. 4-1 you may ask it should really have been the other way round. Hendon's sending off eventually put paid to a come back in the latter stages. Still we should should take heart as we simply outplayed them. But we didn't score the goals, last night we lacked the finishing touch as has been the case sometimes over the season. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal we need to properly ram that ball into the net whenever we have the chance. Still on a lighter note or a harder note tonite at Bar Central in Central Milton Keynes sees Superfast Oz guesting at Hard (And i mean Hard) House night squeeze yer Blitzer ( weird name but a banging night). Doors open at 9pm and close at 2am. So come along. Bar Central is located in the Food Centre Right next to Waitrose and is just down the road from The Point.

QT567 at 15:11:3 Saturday March 11 2000
Cheer up kids. As Shakespeare said 'One game does not a season make.'

Chipp at 14:4:6 Saturday March 11 2000
Oh my name it is nothin' My age it means less The country I come from Is called the Midwest I's taught and brought up there The laws to abide And that land that I live in Has God on its side. Oh the history books tell it They tell it so well The cavalries charged The Indians fell The cavalries charged The Indians died Oh the country was young With God on its side. Oh the Spanish-American War had its day And the Civil War too Was soon laid away And the names of the heroes I's made to memorize With guns in their hands And God on their side. Oh the First World War, boys It closed out its fate The reason for fighting I never got straight But I learned to accept it Accept it with pride For you don't count the dead When God's on your side. When the Second World War Came to an end We forgave the Germans And we were friends Though they murdered six million In the ovens they fried The Germans now too Have God on their side. I've learned to hate Russians All through my whole life If another war starts It's them we must fight To hate them and fear them To run and to hide And accept it all bravely With God on my side. But now we got weapons Of the chemical dust If fire them we're forced to Then fire them we must One push of the button And a shot the world wide And you never ask questions When God's on your side. In a many dark hour I've been thinkin' about this That Jesus Christ Was betrayed by a kiss But I can't think for you You'll have to decide Whether Judas Iscariot Had God on his side. So now as I'm leavin' I'm weary as Hell The confusion I'm feelin' Ain't no tongue can tell The words fill my head And fall to the floor If God's on our side He'll stop the next war.

Robert Dunkley(Lancaster Cobbler) at 13:28:39 Saturday March 11 2000
I think Thursday will be an interesting day, with it being deadline day. There must be a few bargains to be had, i.e those players out of contract at the end of the season. If we take our chances, we could actually murder someone. Exeter are nothing special, if we can take our chances we can win 3-0+. But the loss of Hendon is a major blow:-(

Pessimist at 13:23:45 Saturday March 11 2000
Watching the game last night, the comments from Gills fans earlier this week about Hodge not being a 90 minute player seem to have a ring of truth about them. He put in a few beautiful crosses in the first 20 mins but didn't appear to have the impact we were all hoping for over the whole game is this something that can be resolved??

Sid at 12:24:14 Saturday March 11 2000
Watched the game, and I just couldn't believe how the result came out in the end! We didn't deserve a 4-1 defeat, but despite our possession, we didn't turn it into goals. There was a couple of things that bugged me. Our left side was so unbelieveably weak last night. Savage actually did look off par in my view, only occasionally making a break, but Spedding is getting worse every game. I think another left sided player is maybe needed to cover these options. Plus, the two central defenders Sampson and Green were not tight enough to their men. Three of the goals may have been stopped by the players just going to the ball, and not backing off until it's too late. I noticed the Swans central defence were right up the arses of Corazzin and Howard. However, we did play well, created lots, but did not score. We hit the post, had a shot blocked on the line. We could have capitalised more on Freestone's mistakes on crosses, but Swansea's clinical finishing was the key. I thought Howard played okay last night - and MartinW, can you stop mentioning his stats after every game! I agree with your view, but Howard is scoring - maybe not away, but it's better than nothing! The stats are not going to get better overnight! You can take a lot of those games off, because he didn't score his first goal until around his 15-20th appearance - and he is a lot better than this time last season. Hendon was rightly sent off, but it was just one of those nights..... AAARGHH!

Skyman at 12:17:11 Saturday March 11 2000
It looks like the best we can hope is the lottery of the play-offs. The poor away form is costing us any realsitic hopes of automatic promotion. A return to the long ball away form home is not an acceptable option. If we took our chances this would not even be on the agenda. For me the turning point in the promotion race has to be the failure to sign Clare due to lack of decent financial backing. The current directors do what they can and no more can be expected and that is the harsh reality. I am not a critic of Steve Howard - he always gives his best but in a 4-4-2 formation his goal scoring record is not good enough and I do not think the Corazzin-Howard combination plays very well together. But oh for a Corazzin-Clare attack.

Comment Man at 12:0:19 Saturday March 11 2000
To lose away to a team higher than us, is not the end of the world and the style of play may attract some recognition from the outside world, possibly another televised match, after all we need the money.

Victor Meldrew at 11:50:19 Saturday March 11 2000
I DON'T BELIEVE IT!

Paul Wright. at 11:28:3 Saturday March 11 2000
I watched the game on "sky" last night and was most impressed by the skill and effort of the cobblers, I know how you felt after my team "Luton" were on the wrong end of 4 goals against Bristol Rovers. Sometimes its hard to take, but we love our favourite sides and know we can bounce back. Best of luck Paul Wright. (in sunny Rushden)!!

Ralph at 10:42:37 Saturday March 11 2000
Looks like another team I can't get into then!

True Fan at 10:15:26 Saturday March 11 2000
It is official Hartwank, MartinWanker, Wanker Stand Dave and Vince are all the same person.Why is it you all can just moan about our team you never say anything good about them. Where were you lot last night not with us you are armchair fans . We love the boys you moan about them.Stay at home and stop pretend to be fans I cried last night and all you do is call our heroes tossers. I may not have your brains but you do not have the heart that true Cobblers fans have. Northampton Town I'm Proud T o be and I do not need to write a book to prove it. Hartwell why arem't you a Manager in the football league you sound like you should be with MartinW as your asistant.

Ralph at 10:10:46 Saturday March 11 2000
I'm not sure if we did look the better side last night! Hartwell touches on our defensive frailties and not for the first time have we conceded a goal at Ian Hendon's far post. He is great going forward as is the rest of the side but defensively we have become naive. How many times have we seen opposition players left unmarked and only woeful finishing has let us off. A barrel load of criticism for Steve Howard again which is a shame as he is starting to score goals and the crowd have even conjured up a chant for him but I take your point MartinW. What about Savage who still appears to be untouchable? All based on a handful of games last season. I can remember at least four occasions where misplaced passes have cost us goals. Suggesting that moving him upfront will leave us short in midfield is laughable, he has contributed very little this season and Ooce Parrish and Frain are fit I do not see how Wilson can accomodate him in midfield. Dean Crowe is another that is too lightweight just like Sturridge. Crowe looks too much like Lee Evans for me to take him seriously, one shimmy and back heel and he becomes ordained! The old adage that it is all about results and not performances was never so true as last night, in fact Swansea reminded me a little of ourselves under Atkins, mind you we didn't often score four!

Hartwell at 9:33:54 Saturday March 11 2000
Martin W - thanks for your balanced and well-reasoned comments about last night's game. I have to agree with you on just about every point. One thing which did disappointed me was Kevin Wilson's post-match remark that "maybe we'll have to think about playing it long away from home." The problem is nothing to do with our style of play. It is all to do with poor finishing and poor defending. In this context it's irrelevant how the ball arives in the opponents penalty area. The fact is, when you get 18 chances in a game and are swarming into their box, the killer instinct must be there. Again last night we saw that, away from home, that just isn't visible. Howard, as Alan Brasil said, was always on his heels, not his toes. In other words he was physically flat-footed and mentally unalert. We show no desire to get in where it hurts in the penalty area - and it's as often as not among the flying feet and diving heads that goals are manufactured (older readers will remember how many goals Frankl Large counjured up through persistence, heart and a willingness to go among the proverbial muck and bullets. As for our defending away from home, well the results speak for themselves. How often have players lost concentration at key moments or simply gone m issing, leaving their men unmarked. Hendon got caught last night because he got the wrong side of his man and was never able to defend his run. But at the same time other players also failed at crucial moments to either close down or make a tackle. Unless Kev can rectify the sloppiness at the back and the lack of hunger and sharpness up front, we are hardly likely to take many points away from home. If we are to reach the playoffs we will have, it seems, to rely on our home form and just hope that doesn't also take a dip. Last night's scoreline could have a traumatic effect on the players, questioning their abilities and judgements. I hope and trust they will put it behind them and that Kev, on reflection, will not be tempted to take the atkins route away from home. Route One is not the answer. Better defending and better finishing are the key elements.

David Williams at 8:27:40 Saturday March 11 2000
Well, as a Swansea Fan, I'm not here to gloat. But just to let you know that the demons that have tormented me since Wembley have now be removed. I know you looked the better side and we took the chances, at the end of the day, it's the three point and the win that count. It could have gone either way. I do now feel that my pain has been lifted. DaveW (NorthantsJack)

Norman Swan at 2:20:16 Saturday March 11 2000
I must admit I have never seen Swansea play so badly and win so convincingly if that makes sense. Every time we play in front of the cameras we just can't put a foot on the ball. Barnet and Halifax we totally dominated in the same way as Northampton did tonight yet we only won 1-0 on both occassions. What you must remember is that you can play as much good football as you like but if you don't put the ball in the net then you will not win. In the same respect if you don't let the opposition score then you cannot lose. Swansea can boast that we have defended impecably all season but failed to take our chances in front of goal. Tonight we were rubbish but somehow took our chances well. Northampton were quite brilliant at times when they had the ball and were always a step ahead of us, but what you must remember, no matter how many chances you have whether it's 4 or 44 you must make the most of them. Fortunately tonight Northamptons final ball and finishing was poor. and Swansea's was clinical otherwise the scoreline could easily have been reversed. Good luck to the Cobblers for the run in but lets hope we stay one step ahead of you. I'm sure your football deserves a place in the final promotion placings. Swansea 'til I die!!

Cheadle Cobbler at 23:23:4 Friday March 10 2000
Theproblem is with SH is the 45000 we will have to pay- do we sell him and buy someone with the difference?

Robert Dunkley at 23:19:13 Friday March 10 2000
Also, why was Hendon the only man back, when he was sent off? Who will play at right-back now???

Robert Dunkley at 23:15:59 Friday March 10 2000
It is not Howard's fault he cost £90,000, but if you think throughout the years, many players we have signed have cost less than Steve, and have been better signings. Howard never scores away from home, so maybe we should only play him at Sixfields LOL

Cheadle Cobbler at 23:13:4 Friday March 10 2000
Unfortnately,the quality of player you get is relevant to the amount of money you pay-so lay off Steve Howard!

Jacksta at 23:8:3 Friday March 10 2000
now you know whats it is like to be the better side and lose in fact i still think your shit to get promotion, you need a defence and strikers to put the ball away you have neither..yes we didn't play very well but we still win 4-1 ..you ain't going anywhere apart from R+D next season ..by the way your support was shit tonight 100-150 is a disgrace for a promotion chasing team..

Robert Dunkley at 23:2:0 Friday March 10 2000
What about 4-4-1-1; Welch; Hendon, Green, Sampson, Spedding; Hodge, Hunter, Frain, Parrish; Savage; Corazzin subs Crowe, Howard, O'Reilly, Hope, Gould

MartinW at 22:59:56 Friday March 10 2000
Sorry, something's gone odd with this, things are repeating. Rob, funny you should say about Savo, we were having this debate over beers during the game. SAvo up front, might be an option, but then you leave yourself short in midfield. Ho hum.

MartinW at 22:58:40 Friday March 10 2000
Firstly. Saying that you don't rate a particular player does not make you disloyal. Barracking him during the game is not on, and I never have. As I've always said, Steve Howard has tremendous spirit and attitude - he's the sort you'd want in the trenches with you - but I just don't think he has the talent to match. (For those that need this disclaimer - this is a personal comment and does not reflect the views of all fans or Cobblers comments) The stats speak volumes. Seven goals in 38 games. The commentators on Sky knew what our problem was tonight, we did not turn our possession into goals. And old Alan Brazil was merely repeating stuff us critics have been saying for ages when he talked about Stevey Howard squandering chances. It's a tough old world, the world of footie. A striker's role is to score his fair share of goals, and Howard doesn't. The stats show it and he gets paid reasonable money to score goals. I get paid quite well to do a job. If I didn't do it, I would not expect to be in our team. The stats tonight showed we had a problem up front. Sure, Carlo misses, but he also scores them and he scored a great striker's goal tonight. We were fab in all departments except in front of goal. Howard had another mare and even, crucially made the mistake, with his misplaced pass, that led to their crucial second goal. I've rarely seen a side so on top and yet lose so badly, neither, it seems, had the panelists on Sky Sport. (Yes, I wasn't there, for once). They played it cleverly and banked on us not scoring. And we didn't which puts more pressure on the defence. If you have guys up front who you know are going to put them away, and we are not talking about difficult chances, then it takes the pressure off the defence. We have not got that luxury. And that's why the best we can hope for is the play offs. But I really hope and pray thatKevinW has an eye on bringing someone else in up front as an option. I think following his comments after the match it is clear he is not content with the situtation. He did indicate we had a weakness up front and in truth has been aware of it for some time. We are losing Crowe now so the only option is KevinW, who does not see himself as a 90 minute man. Andy Morrow has not shown anything that would show anyone that he is pushing for a first team place. So it looks like we are again having to rely on another loan player to keep us in the play off zone. At least I hope so. I'm not being vindictive, I'm just saying it as I see it and I've been very patient. And I know that I'm not the only one. And it is not singling one person out - okay it is. But he is the weak link, in my view. And we really need to get some other options now.

Robert Dunkley at 22:57:52 Friday March 10 2000
Our problem is finding someone in one week, with a limited budget. I think that Crowe if he re-signs for another month, he should be given a chance, or we could play Savage upfront with Carlo??

JAMESYBOY at 22:56:18 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday.

JAMESYBOY at 22:55:21 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday.

JAMESYBOY at 22:55:19 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday.

JAMESYBOY at 22:55:13 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday.

MartinW at 22:54:5 Friday March 10 2000
Firstly. Saying that you don't rate a particular player does not make you disloyal. Barracking him during the game is not on, and I never have. As I've always said, Steve Howard has tremendous spirit and attitude - he's the sort you'd want in the trenches with you - but I just don't think he has the talent to match. (For those that need this disclaimer - this is a personal comment and does not reflect the views of all fans or Cobblers comments) The stats speak volumes. Seven goals in 38 games. The commentators on Sky knew what our problem was tonight, we did not turn our possession into goals. And old Alan Brazil was merely repeating stuff us critics have been saying for ages when he talked about Stevey Howard squandering chances. It's a tough old world, the world of footie. A striker's role is to score his fair share of goals, and Howard doesn't. The stats show it and he gets paid reasonable money to score goals. I get paid quite well to do a job. If I didn't do it, I would not expect to be in our team. The stats tonight showed we had a problem up front. Sure, Carlo misses, but he also scores them and he scored a great striker's goal tonight. We were fab in all departments except in front of goal. Howard had another mare and even, crucially made the mistake, with his misplaced pass, that led to their crucial second goal. I've rarely seen a side so on top and yet lose so badly, neither, it seems, had the panelists on Sky Sport. (Yes, I wasn't there, for once). They played it cleverly and banked on us not scoring. And we didn't which puts more pressure on the defence. If you have guys up front who you know are going to put them away, and we are not talking about difficult chances, then it takes the pressure off the defence. We have not got that luxury. And that's why the best we can hope for is the play offs. But I really hope and pray thatKevinW has an eye on bringing someone else in up front as an option. I think following his comments after the match it is clear he is not content with the situtation. He did indicate we had a weakness up front and in truth has been aware of it for some time. We are losing Crowe now so the only option is KevinW, who does not see himself as a 90 minute man. Andy Morrow has not shown anything that would show anyone that he is pushing for a first team place. So it looks like we are again having to rely on another loan player to keep us in the play off zone. At least I hope so. I'm not being vindictive, I'm just saying it as I see it and I've been very patient. And I know that I'm not the only one. And it is not singling one person out - okay it is. But he is the weak link, in my view. And we really need to get some other options now.

THAT WAS JAMESYBOY at 22:54:5 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday. Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday.

Robert Dunkley at 22:53:5 Friday March 10 2000
Oh dear, oh dear. I think it is the play-offs at best for us. Garry Hughes get your boots on!! Hendon did a professional foul, and he had to go. But we had numorous chances, why did Atkins tip us for automatic promotion and to win??? Lat's blame it on Atkins!!!

read it and weep at 22:52:39 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers fail to make it count Ten men Northampton were punished by Swansea for failing to convert opportunities into goals, to go down 4-1. Goals from Steve Watkin, Jonathon Coates, Martin Thomas and Tony Bird contributed to the Swans' success but they will have been left flattered by the scoreline. For the main, Northampton dominated in terms of possession and goalscoring chances and the game definitely turned on a late dismissal for Town's Ian Hendon. The visitors had much the better of the opening exchanges, but will be cursing the manner in which they conceded the first goal after 18 minutes. A failure to clear their lines resulted in the ball squirming to Tony Bird and it was his cross come shot which fell to an unmarked Watkin at the far post to direct the ball home. Northampton, at times obviously missed the inspiration of their captain, John Frain but the aftermath of the opening goal brought no apparent change in the pattern of the game. In fact, the visitors almost levelled matters immediately, from a corner, but for an outstanding double save from Roger Freestone. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall for Northampton at this stage but their cause was boosted by the withdrawal of the injured Steve Watkin for Julian Alsop after 39 minutes. The second half commenced in much the same manner as the first with Northampton failing to convert their superiority into goals. And the comparisons didn't end there because Swansea secured a two goal advantage after Northampton carelessly gave the ball away again to gift Swansea the opprtunity. Jonathon Coates pounced on the error just inside the Northampton half but still had it all to do before bearing down on goal and squeezing the ball past Keith Welch and in off the post. The next twenty minutes saw frantic Northampton efforts to get back into the game and their share of play and opportunity never waned. Just when the home crowd were drawing the conclusion that Northampton would not score all night, the Cobblers did just that through CONCACAF Golden Boot winner, Carlo Corazzin. An intricate move in and around the penalty area eventually saw the ball headed through to Corazzin who still had to judge an awkward bounce before steadying himself for the volley. Corazzin's most difficult attempt of the evening brought a goal and one sensed a Northampton fightback, because the reply had been on the cards for a long time. Any such thoughts, however were extinguished by the dismissal of Ian Hendon, two minutes later for a professional foul on Jason Price. He was clean through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat when Hendon made his clumsy challenge, and the referee showed no hesitation in awarding the red card. Undoubtedly, the dismissal altered the course of the game and this was underlined seven minutes later when Swansea restored their two-goal cushion. Again, Price was instrumental, this time teeing up Martin Thomas who fired in a 20 yard effort which found the net after hitting both posts. It was turning into that sort of night where everything Swansea created seemingly received a helping hand and the visitors' dejection was compunded by Bird, who having kick-started proceedings with an assist for Watkin, rounded off the evening with Swansea's fourth on 90 minutes. The result sees Kevin Wilson losing out to his former Chelsea manager, John Hollins and the Cobblers hoping other teams around them slip up on Saturday.

johnny boy at 22:46:22 Friday March 10 2000
mark......stop talking crap we're not going to be in the top three

melanie at 22:44:45 Friday March 10 2000
utter cack 4 really under rated cack 1

Anon at 22:38:38 Friday March 10 2000
Welcome back Tor! How's Jevekner (is that close) doing?

Cheadle Cobbler at 22:37:59 Friday March 10 2000
Dissappointing result but the best footballing team the cobblers have had for 25 years-Comments please

Mark Too at 22:30:55 Friday March 10 2000
How? I can't believe what I have just watched. The stats were so one sided it was unbelievable. I can understand a team taking it's chances better than another team, but Swansea weren't even in the game for most of it! I don't think Swansea will be in the top 3 at the end of the season. I still believe we can get a top 3 place. Rotherham and Darlington will go up, but I still think we will be the other automatic promotion club.

jack fan at 22:27:36 Friday March 10 2000
thankyou it was almost worth watching

Gaz at 22:23:30 Friday March 10 2000
I have to say that one of the reasons why I have thought for a while that automatic promotion is beyond us is that although we can put out a great 11 we don't have the depth in our squad to be able to bring a match winner on from the subs bench. Hodge did it on Tuesday, but who was there tonight? We need a slightly larger squad witha couple more quality players. That will introduce more competition within the squad and will also gice us more options during games. Tonight we played some great stuff but we couldn't finish. That's been our problem all season. We need a goalscorer. It'll cost but it's needed.

That's all folks at 22:12:18 Friday March 10 2000
Blimey Wembley here we come !!!!

Cardiff City at 22:8:17 Friday March 10 2000
How on earth did you manage to lose to the scum, you dominate the match from start to finish, play great football yet lose 4-1 to a team of hoofers. Take heart, if they do win promotion they will come straight back down again.

Dyl at 21:53:1 Friday March 10 2000
What the f*ck did Hendon think that he was doing? We had a great chance of getting back on terms until that. Bollox!Losing is one ting but that scoreline makes Swansea look good when they were really utter cack!

R+D at 21:46:3 Friday March 10 2000
If you don't like it, and can't sympathise with a girl that's going to die, you're a sick, sick guy.

Tor Aage Braathen at 21:36:15 Friday March 10 2000
4 - 1,I think I`ll just turn off the radio, and get on with my beer drinking.

Tor Aage Braathen at 21:35:35 Friday March 10 2000
4 - 1,I think I`ll just turn off the radio, and get on with my beer drinking.

Tor Aage Braathen at 21:30:23 Friday March 10 2000
3-1 S**t

R&D no offence at 21:26:25 Friday March 10 2000
But this comes over as tasteless particularly at the moment on this site, I am not sure what you are trying to do, obviously anyone would sympathise with the childs predicament, but on a football chatline that has been infected and will be later by scum messages. Whatever you are trying to do is lost on me.

Tor Aage Braathen at 21:23:58 Friday March 10 2000
Hendon sent off.

Sean from London at 21:21:43 Friday March 10 2000
Carlo score Yessssssssssssssss!!!!1!!!

R+D Please Pray for Amanda at 21:20:39 Friday March 10 2000
Subject: Prayers for Amanda> > >> > > > > > If> you > > > have kids/children, please listen.> > >> > > > > > EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST > > > Prayers needed for Amanda Bundy, and her parents. I don't have a > > > large forwarding list but I'm hoping that some of you do. > > > Everyone with large mailing list, please forward what I am > > > writing to you now to ask for your help. I do not really know > > > how to start a prayer chain, but we need a miracle. Amanda Bundy > > > is a 6-year-old girl in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the daughter of > > > some very close friends of ours. A few weeks ago her mother was > > > giving her a hug and felt a lump on Amanda's back. An X-ray > > > showed it to be some sort of growth, and later tests discovered > > > that is a massive malignant tumor that has spread to all parts of > > > her chest and abdomen. There are no organs that are untouched > > > and she has more tumor in her body than she has organs. As I > > > write this, she is hospitalized after a biopsy of the tumor, and > > > her parents are waiting for the results of a bone marrow test. > > > If her bone marrow is clean, then they have a chance to save her > > > with chemotherapy.> > > > > > If they find cancerous cells in her bone marrow, then the only > > > hope to save her life is a miracle. She is in no pain yet and appears> to > > > be> > > a perfectly healthy, beautiful little red-haired girl. She doesn't even> > > know she is sick yet and can't understand why she has to go to the > doctor> > > so> > > often if she's not sick. I am asking for your > > > prayers on her behalf. Please pray for her healing and for > > > strength and comfort for her family. She is only six years old. > > > Think of a six-year-old in your life and imagine that life being > > > cut short.> > > > > > You can only imagine a fraction of the pain and fear her parents > > > are facing. They need a miracle of God's healing so that they can > > > watch their precious firstborn grow up. Normally I hate email > > > chain letters but now I am asking you to send this letter, or > > > copies of it, to everybody you can think of that will pray for > > > Amanda. Please also take her name to your church and church > > > groups and ask others to pray for her healing. Many thanks and > > > may God bless each one of you who care enough to pray for a > > > little girl's life. > > > I am asking that each and every one of you please forward this on > > > to everyone that you know. Just think if this was your little child > > > going through this right now. We all know that God can heal this > > > little angel if it's is His will. Please take time to do this > > > right now.

Tor Aage Braathen at 21:20:34 Friday March 10 2000
Yyeeeeeeeeesssssssssss Carlo Scores!!!!!!!!!

Goalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll at 21:20:30 Friday March 10 2000
Cobblers

Sean what are you on at 21:14:34 Friday March 10 2000
Your team had some unusual initials!!

Sean from London at 21:6:47 Friday March 10 2000
2-0 down but the Cobbs are still playing the best football by far

Tor Aage Braathen at 21:4:52 Friday March 10 2000
0 - 2 now. It seems unfair. The commentators says that the Cobblers are doing very well.

Sean from London at 20:44:49 Friday March 10 2000
Goal Attempts3s 12n, (On Target)1s 2n, (Bar/Post)0s 1n, Fouls7s 8n Offsides0s 1n, Corners1s 6n

SEan from London at 20:40:53 Friday March 10 2000
HT - 1-0 to S**** but the Cobblers are playing well

Sean from London at 20:17:0 Friday March 10 2000
Swansea score 18 minutes - Cobbs will come back! Team G Welch, F Hodge, D Sampson, D Green, M Hunter M Howard, F Corazzin, D Hendon, D Spedding, M Hunt, M Savage Substitutes Hughes, Wilson, O'Reilly, Hope, Crowe

0-0 after 15 minutes at 20:15:29 Friday March 10 2000
ddd

Bliss at 19:25:1 Friday March 10 2000
No scum messages and there wont be many if we win! If they win well dont switch on it wont be any thing constructive. I hate to say it but Swansea are getting up there with the P..s

Clive Wilson at 19:23:30 Friday March 10 2000
Yes Kev is really Clive Wilson we do make a habit of managers coming back - so if you sussed out that Kev is a clone well done, just as Barry Fry is really Gary Glitter, I mean have you ever seen those 2 together.

Well done Goldie at 19:21:3 Friday March 10 2000
Perhaps you havent heard Goldie and pehaps if you get your zimmer oiled but on Saturday 8 April at the VENUE in Great Russell Street at 800 pm (not too late for you)but theres a Northern Soul Nite there, the usual Shades reunion, there is a guest DJ Dave Evison of the TORCH/WIGAN CASINO fame. If you have been scoffing at us old fellows on the web then come along and see us do our back drops. Hope to see loads of the old faces there from the bad old days. £5 though will the pension stretch. Nearly forgot come on the Cobblers and Franky Largeone!!

Radio Northamton frequency please at 19:16:18 Friday March 10 2000
I know it is on R5 Thanks for the support, not that I needed it but you begin to wonder if there are any decent human beings out there.

cobbler at 19:8:49 Friday March 10 2000
The radiio 5 summariser has just called our manager CLIVE wilson ... I tried to phone in but I couldn,t. To the earlier request, second half live commentary on the game is on Radio 5 live (693 and 909 Medium Wave. GOLDIE you have echoed my thoughts entirely re racism etc.. I know its hard but if such cretins will put such things on this site then please please please don't respond surelyu you're all above that. COME ON TOWN!!!!!!!!

Sean from London at 19:2:17 Friday March 10 2000
Second half commentary is on Radio 5 Live

Radio Northampton at 18:47:44 Friday March 10 2000
What is it on FM, if so what number/frequency. thanks

Goldie at 18:44:58 Friday March 10 2000
A few weeks ago some of you were having a go at `our' trips down memory lane. Some of those people have actually been responding to the filth that has been on this site for the past few days. Last night there was rascism that was sickening unless you are just as bad as those non humans. If those responsible are brave enough then put your true names and addresses and stand up for the filth you preach, dont hide. I will happily put a complaint into the police. Any one can be a rascist it takes no imagination or thought, and when you challenge these animals (and thats not fair on animals)they cannot verbalise why they are rascists they say things like my mate was stabbed by...or they took a job away from me... Its all crap if you do live in the real world, white people stab white and black people, it has sickened me what has been on here. Im no saint but I respect all humans, not sure about these scum. If it was my message board I would feel like closing it down at this moment. I believe in free speech, but I condemn this and I know nothing about whether the person who runs this site can identify the EMail addresses of these scum, then if it was me I would shop them. I dont care if you agree or disagree.

Anon at 18:42:9 Friday March 10 2000
Radio Northampton mush!

Tor Aage Braathen at 18:30:11 Friday March 10 2000
My last chance: Is there any radio coverage of tonights match.I just found out that I am not able to find any pubs with SkySports in my present location.

RICHARD at 18:17:4 Friday March 10 2000
Ellory O'Leary @17.44.10: It's the "lonely rock of literacy in a sea of philistine indifference" thing, I'm afraid.

Ellory O'Leary at 17:44:10 Friday March 10 2000
Richard, you're not expecting anyone to read all that bolux are you?

RICHARD at 17:37:32 Friday March 10 2000
And so it was that we arrived with almost an hour and a half to spare. What to do in the intervening moments? Well, I needed a bobble hat and the boy Chris wanted the entire contents of the Superstore so we whiled away some time in the Club shop. I bumped into KW as he tried to extricate himself from the thronging masses pouring through the doors. You get these opportunities maybe once or twice in a lifetime; you're desperate to come up with a pithy line, an insightful comment, a bon mot or two, but all that you can muster is "Good Luck, Kevin". I ask you, is it worth it? So with tail firmly between legs I skulked off to McD's for sustenance, leaving the boy, Chris to negotiate his armful of purchases with the sales lady, who was none too sure that NTFC could accept £45.78 in coppers and silver. Now I know I've not been overly generous in these reports when it comes to the fast food industry in general and our friends on the hill in particular, but I must say that I was overwhelmed. It may have something to do with the change in management of the old Virgin (two words you don't often see in juxtaposition these days!) Cinema complex (is it USG now?) that has brought this on. Not only was my queuing limited to a mere minute and 40 seconds, the food delivered quickly, warmly and hot, BUT even employees attending in their own time were standing by at the business end willing to smooth away the wrinkles of past inefficiencies! Yes, a young lady came up beside me at the head of the line (americanism) and started talking to the staff over the counter. Obviously a senior type I thought so I asked if she would like to go in front.She said it was alright, thankyou. Having placed our order, I had the urge to powder my nose so I threw my tenner onto the counter and set out for the 'facilities', just as the boy Chris was returning from exactly the same place - coincidence, or what? Any way, I ushered him to the head of the queue (that's more like it!) and left it in his capable hands. On my return I found him sitting down at a table with our fare. He said that the woman had indicated that it was alright for him to barge in at the front because she knew his father! The boy, Chris was about to embark on a course of serious questioning of this woman he'd never seen before in his life, but who, it appears, was intimately involved with his Dad, when the denouement struck like a Hendo free kick. Another woman behind, who was on the point of remonstrating with my offspring for jumping in, queried how this first woman knew he was my boy. The first woman said it's OK, he's the spitting image of his father! The point of all this escapes me know, but it's something to do with the fact he was less concerned that I might have been 'playing away' than he was with the fact that he had the misfortune to resemble me in any way shape or form! Oh and just so McD's don't think I'm letting them off lightly, they must come up with a way of preventing the tartar sauce in the fish burger from seeping out so readily; my Cobbs shirt dry cleaning bill is on it's way to the proprietors. I've been accused of having the attention span of a gnat on occasions, but believe me you had to be there to appreciate how absolutely average it all was for much of the time. The game was by no means a classic - well, on second thoughts, perhaps it was! One of the meanings of "classic" in the 'Oxford English' states "...remarkably typical...". A pattern seems to be emerging this season that might well be described in this way. Our performances tend to improve with age like a fine wine. Starting off somewhat upalatable, a classic NTFC 90 minutes tends to improve in stages towards maturity when it can be experienced at it's best. More nouveau beaujolais than claret at the outset, passing through rioja and chiraz on the way to 'medaille d'or' status at the conclusion! Don't get me wrong the level of entertainment this season is jeroboams better than seasons past, and with a spot of luck we could be in Nebuchadnezzar-land next term! Team unity has been interrupted of late with injuries to Sean and Frainy and international duties performed by Carlo 'The Golden Boot' , but we have the quality in the squad to take these absences in our stride. Against Orient we had CC back but we were facing stiff opposition in the form of 11 players plus 3 officials. It seemed that all three men in black had recently visited their optician in E10, and come away with Orient-tinted spectacles! Some of the decisions, or rather the lack of them, beggared belief. I know fans are a partisan, biasaed lot, but four and a half thousand Cobblers supporters can't all be wrong, can they? Just when we welcomed, at last, a lino's offside decision in our favour, the 'Hallelujah' chorus was choked in its infancy as the b*****d at the other end ran up the flag of convenience for a dubious offside against us! Mr Wolstenholme, the man in the middle, had taken over as a late replacement for the first official, whose red and white check-framed glasses had not arrived in time. Amongst other things, timekeeping was not Mr W's forte. At the death, when the crowd thought it was all over, Mr Wolstenholme didn't - and added 5 minutes of torture to endure. Where he conjured up that amount of injury time when at the end of the first half there was scarcely a minute extra when Os players were falling down like 9 pins, is a mystery right out of Columbo. They had got time-wasting down to a fine art upto our first goal. To have that time added at the end which patently served their purpose, not ours when we were all bleating for the final whistle, makes you wonder if a team should be allowed to benefit from underhand tactics like this. The interval entertainment went by in a flash, with only the latest candidate for "Hot Shot NOT" to enliven proceedings. Plucked from the obscurity of the South Stand - it's a sympathy thing by the organisers or perhaps just a chance for a belly laugh at our opposing fans' expense. He nominated going for not £500, not £1000, but actually the car! Now this is well nigh impossible as any one who has ever kicked a football will know. But, undeterred, the man placed it ran at it, kicked it, missed the car but scored the goal! Full marks for nerve . And on to the second half where a further 23 minutes were spent bemoaning our paucity of goal-scoring opportunities. Little did we know that the game, the season, even our football-supporting lives possibly were about to change for the better with the advent of TC. Bring on the Swans.

RICHARD at 17:36:40 Friday March 10 2000
IK'CIWT: Top Cat!Part I: Sixty eight scarcely eventful minutes had past; fans on both sides were beginning to accept the inevitable - Cobblers, that at least 2 invaluable points were about to be wasted; Os, that whereas a valuable point might be gained, there was still, of course, the infamous "90th minute plus injury time" in which to sneak the winner! Then, replacing DC, on strolled the new boy, a late signee, short of match fitness, with a history of unfulfilled potential, but hugely appreciated by the fans of his former club, the Gills. What were we to experience on his debut? Well, it didn't take long to find out. Almost immediately came his first touch, a cross from the right wing to the feet of CC in the penalty box - but foiled by Os 'keeper, "Benny the Ball" Barrat; nanoseconds later, his next touch, from out wide right again, delivered with precision again, but this time onto the speeding bullet head of Steve "The North Stand Favourite" Howard. Pick that pig skin out of the onion bag and how do you like them apples, Orient? So, "Officer Dribble" has arrived in the shape of John Hodge, 'Super John', 'Hodgie'. His mission, to torment opposition defences, to inflict maximum embarrasment on former clubs who let him go (look out, Swansea), and to provide a constant stream of accurate crosses for our front line to pulverise the netting with. Tuesday night was truly a thing of beauty (well, at least 32 minutes' worth, the like of which has not been witnessed at Sixfields since the glory days of the dearly departed 'Heggsy' - the silky skills, the turn of speed, the mesmeric running at the opposition. It was a sight to behold and no mistake! Could this be the final piece in the jigsaw that catapults the Mighty Claret & White into the stratosphere of top flight footie, rewriting the history book of Northampton Town FC? Only time will tell, but starting with the Swans at Vetch Field (10.3.00) we may be lucky enough to experience the prologue to a searing tome of epic proportions. Night games can be a pain in the butt for those of us far-flung Cobblers fans. The rush to get away in good time, hoping not to have left behind tickets, money, shirt, scarf and hat, car keys (!); the helter-skelter, breath-taking, roller-coaster ride that is the M25; the death-defying culinary delights of McD's. All these things and more make it a joy to arrive safe and sound - and on time - at J15a. As for the journey itself, with one or two notable exceptions, it was nondescript. We spotted an Orient express, packed to the gunwhales with red and white - how the driver managed to navigate amidst the sea of scarfs and flags, I'm not sure, but the boy, Chris and I decided to do the decent thing and hold out the hand of friendship (metaphorically speaking, of course, since this would be an exercise in extreme madness at 85 mph - sorry 70 mph - in the overtaking lane of a major arterial carriageway) by drawing alongside and tooting the horn. Either the entire contents of the vehicle were "Cocoon III - The Prequel" extras on their way to filming or they just weren't playing ball, but they deigned not to give us even the common courtesy amongst footie fans of the time-honoured, one-fingered salute. Perhaps their thoughts were reserved for the enormity of their team's task in tackling Fortress Sixfields. The fact that we also made the acquaintance of a funeral cortege in the fast lane would not normally have warranted a mention in this report out of due deference to the bereaved, but in this instance, the deceased had, it seemed, departed the hearse! It was clear to us as we first overtook, then were overtaken by, the 'black shadow' that the occupants were completely unaware that their 'cargo' had 'left the building', so to speak! We felt duty bound to point this out to the funeral director driver, but as hinted at before, holding a conversation in the outside lane of the motorway is not an easy task to perform at the best of times, but becomes especially difficult when the other party is intent on cutting a swathe through the motorised, metal mayhem like some character out of a cross between "Death Race 2000" and "Wacky Races" ! We decided to leave them to their own devices.

Swansea Boot Boy at 17:35:54 Friday March 10 2000
A cobbler is a deepdish fruit pie with a thick top crust. Is this where you get your nickname? Also, a cobb is a round loaf of bread and, Anon, you said "about 500 cobbs will go". Explain, please!

Jack in the Beanstalk at 17:31:8 Friday March 10 2000
500 my hole! 50 more like it!

Anon at 17:14:41 Friday March 10 2000
I'd say about 500 cobbs will go, I wish I could. Those there SING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS!!! COME ON TOWN

Anon at 17:12:30 Friday March 10 2000
Just like the Jack "army" brought loads? What was the actual away attendance 234 our lowest away attendance of the season.

The Romsey Cobbler at 17:3:52 Friday March 10 2000
Have you seen the Sky Sports site? Tonight's game is in Division 2. Did I miss our promotion?

Jack Army at 15:47:30 Friday March 10 2000
Right, I'm off. See you at the game. Don't forget to bring lots!

Marco Van Basten at 15:46:24 Friday March 10 2000
Adams is a donkey.

Jack Army at 15:45:52 Friday March 10 2000
To Ellery o'Leary. Don't really have the channce to look at it @ work. However, I'll be giving it a "once" over tonight.

Diegio Simeone at 15:44:43 Friday March 10 2000
Mucho gracias Senior Beckham

Ellery O'Leary at 15:40:6 Friday March 10 2000
Jack Army, I meant what did you think of it?

Cyril 4 the Welsh Assembly at 15:37:46 Friday March 10 2000
Afternoon all.

Jack Army at 15:31:3 Friday March 10 2000
It's gone quiet on this site. Is everyone "researching"?

Jack Army at 15:30:17 Friday March 10 2000
To Ellery O'Leary. I didn't find megabusen.de. Someone else did!

Ellery O'Leary at 15:28:58 Friday March 10 2000
Thanks Jack Army. Can't wait till I get home tonight and 'do my research' in front of the PC. How did you find megabusen.de?

Jack Away at 15:28:34 Friday March 10 2000
Anyone got any good sites for big cocks and hairy assess?

Jack Army at 15:26:2 Friday March 10 2000
To Ellery O'Leary. Try www.loli-pops.com for the old "glue face shots". A personal fav of mine I might add.

Paul at 15:25:5 Friday March 10 2000
Hello Welsh scum

Poal at 15:21:38 Friday March 10 2000
NORThampton Town 2 Swansea 0

Swansea Boot Boy at 15:20:19 Friday March 10 2000
Anon, full marks for spelling phlegm correctly. I hope you didn't cheat and look it up in the dictionary first. Anyway, I'd rather have phlegm in my throat than the salty, sticky substance you swallow each night.

Ulrika Jonson at 15:16:16 Friday March 10 2000
Tonight's weather in Swansea - Light drizzle with wet patches (sounds like the inside of me knickers)

Anon at 15:15:48 Friday March 10 2000
Speak correctly? Speaking Welsh isn't speaking correctly?!?! Every time you try and pronounce any word, a lump of phlegm comes into your throat!

Ellory O'Leary at 15:13:32 Friday March 10 2000
Jack Army, what's the best FREE site for cumshots?

Jack army at 15:10:17 Friday March 10 2000
Has everyone buggered off to that german site? try www.blackass.com for more porn!

Test at 15:9:28 Friday March 10 2000
Test

Jack Army at 14:56:17 Friday March 10 2000
The answer... Divide the balls into 3 groups of 3 balls each, A, B and C. Weigh A against B. If they are the same weight, the heavy ball must be in group C. Otherwise the heavy ball must be in whichever is heavier out of A and B. Once you've identified the heavy group, split this up into three balls, 1, 2 and 3. Weigh 1 against 2. If they are the same weight, the heavy ball is ball 3. Otherwise the heavy ball is whichever is heavier out of 1 and 2.

Jack Army at 14:55:59 Friday March 10 2000
The answer too the TEASE is.......

Marcus Darcus at 14:53:15 Friday March 10 2000
I've just been looking at www.megabusen.de. What a site! Anyone else seen it? Let me know what you think!

Swansea Boot Boy at 14:49:47 Friday March 10 2000
Anon2, fortunately I am Welsh not English. We have the advantage of not only being able to speak 2 languages but we also speak (and spell)correctly.

Jack Army at 14:49:14 Friday March 10 2000
I luv Rissoles!!!

Anon3 at 14:48:20 Friday March 10 2000
JACK ARMY - I think the answer is NO

The Weather man at 14:47:37 Friday March 10 2000
If anyone has been down to Wales they would of noticed that A) Their national football team is crap and B) Welsh weather is worse than English weather

Swansea Boot Boy at 14:46:22 Friday March 10 2000
there's a great chippie by the Vetch called Macari's. Make sure you have a pie (a round one not oval). The gravy is a thick, dark sauce that is so good it could be eaten without the fabulous shortcrust pastry and tender pieces of beef. Another fine choice would be a rissole. Not for sale in other parts of the UK, this savoury delight is ideal for those on a tighter budget.

Jack Army at 14:46:17 Friday March 10 2000
No-ones given me any answers yet. I've got to have 1 answer to my TEASE.

Anon3 at 14:44:50 Friday March 10 2000
If JACK ARMY is still here, whats the answer to your tease?

Anon4 at 14:43:45 Friday March 10 2000
They must be Welsh

The Music man at 14:43:15 Friday March 10 2000
Has anyone here bought Daphne & Celeste : Ooh stick you?(What crap names)

Anon2 at 14:41:49 Friday March 10 2000
And it's amazing how you can spell most English words - you must surely be English

Swansea Boot Boy at 14:39:47 Friday March 10 2000
Clarence, I am very impressed that you can spell Llanfairpwllgwyngllgogorychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. You must surely be Welsh because as I have observed on this board the level of education amongst the English is pretty poor.

Anon3 at 14:39:6 Friday March 10 2000
Why can't you go in to the 'Official News' section, you might but I can't

Anon4 at 14:37:35 Friday March 10 2000
No. They all eat sheep there

Anon2 at 14:36:39 Friday March 10 2000
I was saying that for Jack Army not you.

Anon2 at 14:35:59 Friday March 10 2000
I don't think so.............

Fat-boy-Fat at 14:35:53 Friday March 10 2000
Any good chippies by the Vetch?

Jack Army at 14:35:17 Friday March 10 2000
TEASE: You have 9 golf balls, 8 of which are equal in weight. The ninth is slightly heavier then the rest. You also have a balancing scale. Can you use this scale two times and only two times in order to tell which ball is heavier?

Stat-boy at 14:35:17 Friday March 10 2000
Just 5 hours and 9 minutes to go (by my clock)

Jack Army at 14:33:7 Friday March 10 2000
It must be lunch down at the shoe factory.

Jack Army at 14:32:5 Friday March 10 2000
I've just seen the video of Pam and Tommy doing it. Wow!!! What a knob on that Tommy!

Jack Army at 14:29:7 Friday March 10 2000
I feel tipsy, where's me motor?

Clarence at 14:25:4 Friday March 10 2000
or 'but' your choice, for the first 'put' anyway

Clarence at 14:24:7 Friday March 10 2000
I'll be the big green dragon looking thing, can't miss me, put I'll put me top on anyway

Clarence at 14:23:0 Friday March 10 2000
Is W a City? So not only have you lot got the longest town name in somewhere or other, Llanfairpwllgwyngllgogorychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, you've also got the place with the shortest CAPITAL CITY name in the entire universe, W. What are you known as if you come from W?

Jack the Lad at 14:22:4 Friday March 10 2000
Clarence, as it happens there is a pub next to the Vetch called the Clarence. I'll meet you in there before the match (ps wear your Northampton shirt so I can recognise you)

Swansea Boot Boy at 14:19:39 Friday March 10 2000
W is the capital of Wales

Clarence at 14:10:38 Friday March 10 2000
My mate tells me, just a little bit, but mostly hardcore romping :-) I don't know, I'm just a no good Dragon. Ellory, N is the capital of Northampton. Here is one for you. What is the Capital City of Wales?

Swansea Boot Boy at 14:9:49 Friday March 10 2000
Where is everyone? I hope you aren't taking a long lunch just because it's Friday.

Ellory O'Leary at 14:5:34 Friday March 10 2000
What's the capital of Northampton?

Jack the Lad at 13:54:26 Friday March 10 2000
Clarence, is it any good? Do they show minge?

Clarence at 13:51:47 Friday March 10 2000
The Freemans for the Porn on Sky starts at around 10, so I have heard, maybe you should just get some tinnies in and watch Sky all night as you will only be disappointed with the footie result. So does that mean I can call you a w***er, in the true sense of the word?

Owain Glyndwr at 13:48:20 Friday March 10 2000
St George was a greasy Turk!

Jack the Lad at 13:45:52 Friday March 10 2000
Timetable for tonight. 5.00 sharp finish work. 5.10 watch Blue Peter and 'pay tribute' to Katy. 5.45 have my tea 6.15 go to the Pantygwydr and have 5 pints 7.45 watch Swans thrash no-mark outfit 9.30 back to pub for celebratory drink (7 pints)11.30 go home and start surfing satellite channels 12.00 go to bed after 'releasing some energy'

Not that strange but true at 13:9:15 Friday March 10 2000
Sorry should be 1986/87.

Carl at 12:51:15 Friday March 10 2000
That first one was one hell of a long season 86 to 97, was there no rest. How much was a Season Ticket?

Strange but true at 12:46:4 Friday March 10 2000
In 1986/97 & 96/97 Swansea did the double over Northampton and Northampton were promoted. In 1977/78 Northampton did the double over Swansea and Swansea were promoted.

Ian Atkins at 12:18:55 Friday March 10 2000
I`ve a plan,if I take Cardiff into non league football will you lot thank me for it?

Ian Atkins at 12:16:13 Friday March 10 2000
iS THERE A MESSAGE BOARD OR CHAT ROOM FOR THE SWANS,i WILL HAVE TO POLISH UP MY WELSH AS I WILL BE JOINING CARDIFF IN THE SUMMER AS SOON AS I`VE SORTED THAT STUPID AMERICAN`S TEAM OUT FOR RELEGATION

Anon at 12:14:32 Friday March 10 2000
Bertie, if you want to see the postings made when we played Pboro just check out the previous postings at the bottom of the page.

Kev Wilson at 12:12:43 Friday March 10 2000
I do hope you will be watching tonight how the players you bought in can and do play PROPER attacking football against a far less talented side as well as the sides who are of good calibre

Kev Wilson at 12:9:42 Friday March 10 2000
Ian we are not Wankers we are a Welsh beating unit who will win tonight

Ian Atkins at 12:6:24 Friday March 10 2000
Only joking, I quite enjoyed bring you shoe making wankers down!! I had a great time.

King Kevin Wilson at 12:5:11 Friday March 10 2000
Thank you Ian, FUCK OFF

Bertie at 12:3:31 Friday March 10 2000
I wish I viewed this web page when NTFC played POSH

Ian Atkins at 12:0:39 Friday March 10 2000
I would like to apologise to all of you fans out there who are all so very annoyed with me still for getting your team relegated.As a mark of respect I shall take Chester City to the delights of non league football and have two clubs relegated in consecutive seasons.Once again I am deeply,deeply sorry.

Not as fed up with Swansea as I was at 10:2:14 at 11:58:5 Friday March 10 2000
Carl, thats what makes it so interesting. Glad you enjoyed my posting at 10:15:43

Jack Army at 11:56:47 Friday March 10 2000
Right, I'm off. See you losers tonight.

Anon at 11:54:33 Friday March 10 2000
Apparently Jon Hollins has left the Swans,also Steve Watkin has signed for Cardiff for nothing as he had to get away to more civilised up to date settings

Anon at 11:54:30 Friday March 10 2000
That's most interesting Boot boy, any more Welsh you can teach us?

Jack Army at 11:54:27 Friday March 10 2000
Anon. Yeah, they were our rivals and we didn't like each other. Not as bad as Cardiff though. Nothing is as bad as Cardiff!!!!

Chris Coleman (Fulham Captain) at 11:52:39 Friday March 10 2000
I'm the best thing to come out of Swansea!! I helped get NTFC relegated.

Anon at 11:52:21 Friday March 10 2000
Jack Army, were Newport County once big rivals of Swansea?

Carl at 11:52:17 Friday March 10 2000
So we have had the mindless drivel, are we moving on to the 'let's be friends' phase now. This page has more twists and turns than a twisty turny thing.

Heggs at 11:51:37 Friday March 10 2000
I`m the only good thing to come out of Swansea!!!!!

ola at 11:51:24 Friday March 10 2000
English and proud of it

Swansea Boot Boy at 11:50:30 Friday March 10 2000
There is no rivalry between Swansea and Wrexham. We refer to them as 'gogs' which may sound derogatory but is a shortened version fo the word gogledd (which means north in Welsh). We know we are the number 1 team in Wales.The Welsh word for the number "one" is "un" (if you'll pardon my French pronounced (roughly) "een". It precedes the noun it modifies, and causes a limited soft mutation in exactly the same places that "y" does, i.e., for feminine, singular nouns.

Anon at 11:49:55 Friday March 10 2000
Main rivals are indeed Pboro but some rivalry with Barnet, Cambridge and possibly Lincoln and Colchester. In the old days when Coventry were a Div 3 club there was rivalry with them. If Rushden & Diamonds get in the league they will probably become our biggest rivals although Pboro will still be the team we hate most.

Frain 93rd minute at 11:49:45 Friday March 10 2000
Oi bootboy ..........you use this name I feel and I`m sure we all feel to compensate for your own insecurities,i.e. Small willy and you are 4ft nothing along with that you have no job no life no nothing.I bet you spend all of your holidays down at the Mumbles.(The Mumbles is only a few miles outside Swansea for those who don`t know)

Anon at 11:47:13 Friday March 10 2000
Yep, us and Cambridge are like mutual friends and both hate 'boro. A bit like the situation down in Devon (Plymouth and Torquay both hate Exeter)

Anon at 11:46:23 Friday March 10 2000
watch out sheepshaggers we will kick your arse,but don't worry

Anon at 11:45:55 Friday March 10 2000
Chester are an International club, the England/Wales border runs through their ground.

Jack Army at 11:45:28 Friday March 10 2000
ooops. previous e-mail should say Wrexham, not Chester!!

anonny at 11:44:32 Friday March 10 2000
We will be mostly buying lovespoons

Jack Army at 11:44:20 Friday March 10 2000
Don't really have a great rivalry with Chester. We have more of a rivalry with the Britol clubs than them. Who's your big rivals - Posh?

Anon at 11:43:39 Friday March 10 2000
Swansea Boot Boy - will you be telling all your mates that someone complimented you on your use of the English language?

Anon at 11:42:20 Friday March 10 2000
Wigan aren't that bad either or Gillingham. Is there a big rivarly between Swansea and wrexham I know you hate Cardiff just intrigued 'cos Wrexham seem to have their own rivalry with Chester (international)

Pointless Observation at 11:40:54 Friday March 10 2000
Swansea Boot Boy, the standard of English used in your postings is very good and much better than many Northampton fans who use this board.

the original shoe mender at 11:39:25 Friday March 10 2000
the owner of this site has removed my last posting! any explaination? I think with the kind of restraint I showed at least it should get a viewing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack Army at 11:36:12 Friday March 10 2000
There's a huge gap between 2/3 divisions now. Look at the teams that went up last season. 3 are coming straight back down. Bristol Rovers and Preston N.E are quality sides for Div 2.

Anon at 11:36:9 Friday March 10 2000
Well it's been fun but I've gotta go to work for a few hours see at the Vetch later, bye bye

Carl at 11:36:5 Friday March 10 2000
True Fan, I would love to go it will be the first weekend game I have missed all season, living and working so far away from the one great and beautiful County (Northamptonshire) in the whole of the British Isles causes problems for me for games not on a Saturday afternoon. Most of the folk here (regulars) are also true fans with Claret and White and Gold running in their veins. Loyalty to the cause is not an issue, these people who slag off players (of which I am not and never have been one) all have their own opinions, and sadly that is life, I mean I personally don't think much of Carlo Corazzin, but he plays for my team, so until he doesn't he is alright by me. I just hope we play well tonight and show what we can really do. I will really miss not being there, as we are reaching a truly crucial time in the season, and need to catch up on the teams above us. So whoever goes shout the lads on. UP THE COBBLERS!!!!!

Swansea Boot Boy at 11:35:30 Friday March 10 2000
Bez, do you know why people started wearing shoes? Consider your answer carefully because I know the answer (as you'd expect)

Anon at 11:31:41 Friday March 10 2000
basically we played them in a game at the end of the season, Cobbs were winning 2-1 an scored again. Fulham players claimed the ball hadn't crossed the line. The lino had fallen over on the half-way line and the ref was unsure. (video footage and pictures clearly show the ball was miles over the line) ref disallowed goal. This would have been 3-1 to NTFC and with 20 mins left game over. However it remained at 2-1 and Fulham gained more confidence from this and scored 3 times final score 4-2 to Fulham, that effectively sent us down. Had we won we would have survived.

Bez at 11:29:25 Friday March 10 2000
Will people just leave shoes alone. For christs sake, I work in a shoe shop and therefore if you have any footwear questions aim them at me. In answer to your shoe repair questions very few shoes can be repaired anymore due to their designs, secondly 'x-overs' are the best way to lace shoes but currently either 'blind-lacing' or not bothering to ties up the laces at all are infashion. I suppose the latter is the best option for you lot. Cheers for my lovely wool jumper lads it's well comfy, how do you do it time and time again. I'm ashamed I won't be going to Swansea because I'm 'making shoes' back here in my 'inbred' town that seems to be infinitely more successful than anything Wales can produce

Cobblers CommentsMarch 2000

Cobblers Comments
March 2000