March 1999
Cobblers Comments
Yogi Bear at 23:58:48 Wednesday March 31 99
Diamonds & Cheltenham may be a fair sides but do not forget Yeovil, they're not out of it yet even the poppies are dying. I quite fancy the trip to Ninian Park in Div 2 next year. My memory is still fresh and I'm not going to swing the sword on Atkins. I hope he can keep us up but then again I've seen us go from 4 to 1 & back so its not the end of the world.
Yogi Bear at 23:43:36 Wednesday March 31 99
I see that Peterborough looks like having a new prison built there. The governors job has been allocated to one Barry Fry who states "I'll keep them here somehow". Is that the fans or the players ????
Monica went down, but we're not yet.
Cobbler supporter 2 for 6 years at 23:12:53 Wednesday March 31 99
I use to support the Cobblers now I support the Diamonds
Cobbler supporter for 42 years at 23:11:8 Wednesday March 31 99
I use to support the Cobblers now i support Peterborough United.
Mr Posh at 23:7:41 Wednesday March 31 99
Stop getting on at Ian Atkins, let him have another season with the wobblers so he can take you down into the conference where you rightfully belong. There is only one team who deserve league status in your county, so good luck Diamonds at least you will have six easy points next season.
Ray at 23:4:45 Wednesday March 31 99
Was that an offer of free flights to Chicago I just saw?
Ray at 23:3:29 Wednesday March 31 99
Damn - only an hour to go to vote and we are even further behind... oh well - theres always next month.....
Chicago Cobbler at 22:58:31 Wednesday March 31 99
Well, it's that time of year again...when a young man's fancy turns to THE CHICAGO FIRE. I think I'm ready again to face the onslaught of telling me about how we are Sh*te and such... Great start to the season. The Fire are on top of the table and won both openers. Follow the double winners at www.barnburners.com . Travelling to the Windy City and want to see what I prattle on about? Drop me a line or post here. My company has excellent season tickets. We are still playing in Soldiers Field and it looks strange seeing only 15-20K fans in a stadium that in the right configuration holds 80K... but atleast we fill it with noise!! All right folks... sling the insults!
TRB Mark at 22:55:5 Wednesday March 31 99
Mac Bournemouth, you may be too you to remember, but I was reffereing to the tonking we gave the Cherries in 76(?) when we scored 5 goals in 8 minutes to go in at half time at 6-0. That was how the game finished.
The Itchy Cobblers at 22:52:54 Wednesday March 31 99
I slept with a girl called Melissa and she gave me a virus too!
Angry at 22:48:19 Wednesday March 31 99
My team for Saturday v AFC Bournemouth: (3-4-3) Turley, Sammo, Hill, Hunt, (hopefully not hit and)Hope, Spedding, Warner, Savo, Carlo, Seal, Morrow. Subs: Hunter, Greenacre, Hendon. At least if we played this team we'd go down with a fight. Looking @ the run in, we need victories against Luton, York, Colchester and Burnley and draws against Bournemouth, Bristol Rovers and Chesterfield. That will put us on 48 points which might do it. If I'm realistic, we won't get wins against Bournemouth, Reading or Chesterfield but the four sides we need to beat have worse back lines than us (Burnley especially) so if we played an attacking line up (NOT 3 strikers and 2 midfielders) we could count on getting a few goals (if we make say 14 or 15 chances in a game two or three have to go in) and therefore it wouldn't be as bad if we conceded one. Playing for draws is pointless - 9 draws won't be enough - we need four wins and three draws WHICH can be done if Atkins plays a positive XI. If we need to win the last game of the season to stay up, start getting out your maps to Scarborough and other footballing outposts such as Deep Fat Fry's latest greasy spoon outfit P**erborough.
Anon at 21:44:34 Wednesday March 31 99
TONY CLARKE MP, where are you this week, your silence is deafening. None of us doubts your credability as a true NTFC supporter, your a man of the people, Northampton through and through. Stand up and be counted, lets hear what you have to say. Be a voice for the fans.
Anon at 21:41:42 Wednesday March 31 99
Who is Northamton Town FC's biggest benefactor ?, we are. The fans, The season ticket holders, 3000 of which pay approx £250 each for that right.Thats 3/4 million pound investment before the season even starts. In return we have a voice, our opinion matters, whatever Atkins and the board think. We deserve to be heard, all this bollocks about not being able to afford to pay him off, WHEN we get relegated with him in charge we will lose at least 1000 season ticket holders, £250 000 gone with no guarantee that we'll get it back, fuck the £120,000, get rid of him while there is still a slim hope of survival, next week will be six points too late.
Atkins Out at 21:29:4 Wednesday March 31 99
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Barry Fry at 21:11:57 Wednesday March 31 99
Bishop of P. - return to your Bishopric. You are a f*cking prick.Did you not take note of my memo yesterday? We cannot afford to take the piss out of the Cobbs - ever their pies are better than ours as I found out when scouting last week at Sixfields. I tried to persuade some of the youngsters to come to our club but they just laughed in my fat face.
Eastander at 20:58:35 Wednesday March 31 99
BE POSITIVE we can do it. Get behind the team on Friday night lets make it a real Good Friday. How can we expect the team and Atkins to be positive if we`ve already given up. Bournemouth is a difficult game so will be Reading but given good fortune, positive thinking,positive tactics all the other games are winnable, as long as Wilko stays injured and Lee stays in the reserves
The Bishop of Peterborough at 20:54:39 Wednesday March 31 99
Q. What do Ian Atkins and General Pinochet have in common?
A. They both torture people in football stadiums.
See you next season Wobblers
The Insider at 20:53:51 Wednesday March 31 99
The wealth of the new director is open to debate, since I'm not sure of his stake in Knights of Old. However, Knights of Old have an option on a huge site at DRIFT which they have declined to occupy, much to the chagrin of the residents of Old and Walgrave. This was referred to the government ombudsman, but I believe the report was never made public. The site at DRIFT was valued at £3m when the story first broke a couple of years in the Chronicle and Echo and if the report was correct Knights got it for nothing. Daventry and Kettering district councils have been trying since to find the company an alternative site possibly next to the A14 in order to relieve Old and Walgrave of truck traffic; this would allow Knights to sell their premises, which has planning permission for residential use and is probably worth, conservatively, at least a million quid. Safe to say, this would probably make him the wealthiest of the directors. One final thought: England's Under 21 coach, Peter Taylor, is now available and would make an excellent manager. Any chance of an eleventh hour appointment?
E Coast Cobbler at 20:50:11 Wednesday March 31 99
I expect Atkins, pillock that he is, will be playing a defensive line-up tomorrow night in the hope of a point ?
Hartwell Cobbler at 20:47:43 Wednesday March 31 99
I can't see any logic for assuming Atkins is suddenly, out of the blue, going to start selecting the best team and playing football. After all the man's just been given a vote of confidence from the Board. Not bad for guiding us to the bottom of the table! Atkins will, almost certainly, assume this means they are happy with the way he's doing things. And anyway, as for changing things, we've still not heard a peep out of the man as to how he's actually going to get us out of this mess. Neither he nor the board have issued one single, solitary, word regarding their policy for survival. I say again: what is the board saying to make us believe that, in making the decision to keep Atkins, they have a plan of campaign; something to at least give us hope and give us real reason to get behind the team with some confidence ? The answer, as I say, is a deafening silence. Probably because they don't have a plan. Just a forlorne hope that Atkins, somehow, will work a miracle. No doubt tomorrow we'll all be again urged by Atkins to roar the team on against Bournemouth. But, as usual, will we once again be fed with rubbish masquerading as football and which pretty quickly leaves even the most diehard fan unable to raise a shout ? I hope I'm wrong. But logic tells me otherwise.
Will Thornton at 20:32:13 Wednesday March 31 99
CALLING THE WEBMASTER!!! - I notice the York City link on your fixtures page is to a very run down page. Could you link to my site instead, URL: http://yorkcity.tsx.org
Cheers. See you in division 2 next season.
Anon at 20:30:38 Wednesday March 31 99
I presume, Assuming the Worst when you're talking about offloading, you include Atkins ? If not, please revise your list forthwith!
ORBITAL Ganja at 19:56:8 Wednesday March 31 99
Get behind the team on friday we need to at least take 4 points from this weekend.
Has anyone seen this girl I was talking about yesterday.
If anyone knows this girl I am talking about then shout out Orbital towards the North Stand or come and find me; I will be wearing an orange T-shirt against Bournemouth (My home kit is bad luck!!!!).
Does anyone know this girl I was talking about? Her description is Black Hair, age 15-16, usually sits row B west Stand, 120's, usually has blue eyeliner on. 5ft 8.
Nosey Parker at 19:47:5 Wednesday March 31 99
How about Clarence sent to Kosova as a decoy!!!!
Nosey Parker at 19:45:50 Wednesday March 31 99
Sod the protest about the team what about the bloody pies and coffee.....there division 3 standard at the best of time....we want meat.we want meat..we want meat...And how about some ginsters pasties tttthhhheeerrrrrrreeeeee GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Assuming the worst at 19:39:27 Wednesday March 31 99
So assuming all you merchants of doom are correct and we're going down, where's the problem? We will be where we belong based on this year's performances and be playing opposition just as bad as us. You never know even Wilko might score a goal, that is if he ever gets over that serious break of will and spirit he had pre-season. Perhaps we can anticipate things like home wins, goals and what's more from open play. An added benefit would also be the opportunity to off-load the non committed and disfunctional(!).
Mr. Motivator at 19:22:34 Wednesday March 31 99
We're staying up, We're staying up, We're staying, Cobblers staying up. But if we do we've still got to banish long hoof 1500' high negative 11 man behind the ball bollocks from our game. Come on Twacky, get your boys own football annual from under your bed and read the f*cker because we can't stand another season like this one. Take a lesson in humility, swallow your pride and learn your business. You have been given a head start by being a brummie, a nation of devious rule bending and underhand little b*ggers (and that's not beggars). Let's stick it up the opposition for the rest of the season and beyond.
york cobbler at 18:51:47 Wednesday March 31 99
I must be the only person to think that we've got a chance. I accept that it is little more than 1 in 3, but if we beat Burnley, York and Oldham - we stay up. That can't be that difficult. Ok, only 2 home wins all season - but im sure we must finish the season with more.
Re: Atkins - wait and see if he can get us out. I don't think anyone else coming in could as they don't know the players well enough.
Sid at 18:49:36 Wednesday March 31 99
YESSS!!!!!!!!!! I am in the top 50 in the Soccer-Links.com hits league now! And well, the top 100 isn't bad for votes!
bb at 17:38:29 Wednesday March 31 99
I - out A - out N - out A - out T - out K - out I - out N - out S - OUT
Johnny B Cobbler at 17:17:4 Wednesday March 31 99
I - invidious
A - architect of
N - nailbiting
A - and
T - tense
K - klimax
I - in
N - Northampton Town's
S - Season
Lemmings at 15:49:49 Wednesday March 31 99
keeerrrrrrSSSPPLLLLAAAATTTTTTT.......
Ray at 15:47:59 Wednesday March 31 99
Last chance to vote this month!!! Click away folks!!!
Eternal Optimist at 15:12:53 Wednesday March 31 99
We're going down.....................and we know we are.
The Angry Shropshire Cobbler at 15:5:23 Wednesday March 31 99
How about a change of nickname for the Club - the Lemmings?
ATKINS OUT.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:30:36 Wednesday March 31 99
Anyone yet heard exactly how atkins is going to get us out of this mess ? Does he know himself ? I doubt it. I expect he continues to believe his wonder-football style will always overcome in the end! As for the board, they have shown themselves to be impotent at a critical moment. I, like many fans, are fully aware that Atkins is not even liked in the boardroom (even by the chairman. Yet somehow, almost mystically, he is given a vote of confidence!! There are explanations to a lot of questions and the fans deserve better than the crass platitudes which emanated from the board room yesterday.
King of Diamonds at 14:26:30 Wednesday March 31 99
Please leave Mr Atkins alone. He's doing a grand job. What right have you got to suggest that he leaves the club - and take away his livelihood? Shame on you all!
The Exel Cobbler at 14:2:6 Wednesday March 31 99
So the board have decided to keep Atkins as manager because 'he got us out of the mess we were in 4 years ago.' Thats nice then. I'm being made redundant within the next few months. Surely because I done somthing 2 years ago which saved a fair bit of money, I should be seconded to an alternative Exel site. I will support and cheer the players 100%, but unfortunately, because the board are still living in the past I can no longer feel optimistic about starting next season in Division 2. Like most people who visit this site, I hope I am proved wrong.
The Shropshire Cobbler at 13:58:19 Wednesday March 31 99
The only way to force That Man out is to have a bloody big demonstration at Sixfields and make our feelings felt, during the match if necessary. I'm not afraid to voice my opinions, because I will be following the Cobblers long after he's gone. I totally support the players, and feel sorry for them for what is such a disasterous season. I was sympathetic towards the Board up to now, but they now have to face the consequences and the fans.
PS Is Atkins on performance related pay? If so, he owes us.
PPS ATKINS OUT - NOW.
The fans at 13:48:7 Wednesday March 31 99
Atkins - Get SELECTION and TACTICS right on Friday and give yourself a chance. FOUR at the back, Warner and Spedding providing the width, Savage and Hunter some gritt and flair. Get the ball to Corrazin and Seal on the floor. Any sign of Peer and Lee will just rile us - SORT IT OUT and COME ON COBBLERS!
££££ at 13:42:57 Wednesday March 31 99
Has this new director got any dosh? If so this may explain why the board are not too bothered about being relgated. Is he a Max Griggs type MD? Or is he a Chris Smith type appointment? Can someone enlighten me?
Uther Pendragon at 13:25:9 Wednesday March 31 99
OK - rose tinted specs. on. I remember the way we played against Millwall (only a couple of weeks ago) and we looked excellent. Stevie Howard is still out for a couple of games but he did look good at holding the ball up and even threatened to score. Appreciate that we lost but if we could play like that until the end of the season we must surely have some good results. I really want to talk about next season (what would happen management wise if we DO stay up)!!! But I can't 'cause I promised to be positive until at least Tuesday of next week. A message to any of our quality players still in contract next season who are thinking of jumping ship ---- you have got us in this position --- stay and get us out of it next season irrespective of the division we are competing in.
Dylan at 13:15:42 Wednesday March 31 99
I've been away on business for a few days and hoped (expected) to see that Atkins had been put out of our misery. I now have NO hope that we will stay up. We can't win at home, and therefore the fact that we have so many home games left is a problem not a glimmer of hope. Atkins may well be the Manager, but he is not in control. If he was, he could get the team to play for him. To those of you out there who would rather we were loyal to Atkins and therefore a Div 3 team next season, wake up and smell the coffee.
Deepcut Cobbler at 13:6:58 Wednesday March 31 99
As I said earlier, the board has made the decision, we do not have a choice now. We will always follow THE COBBLERS irrespective of who is manager or playing for them. Lets pick it back up and beat this relegation thing once and for all. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!! P.S. The silence from The Commons is deafening!!
SBJ at 12:49:39 Wednesday March 31 99
Melissa came sneaking round my office this week, but our firewall kept her out, ha ha!
Melissa at 12:44:47 Wednesday March 31 99
If Atkins needs any help in f*cking things up then all he need do is e-mail me.
The Oxford Cobbler at 11:16:7 Wednesday March 31 99
....OH and i forgot. It was bloody nice of Mr A to give M Warner a well earned rest. I mean as he was outstanding in the game in which he participated Mr A must have thought it took alot out of him. Well done Mr A you are a master tactician.
The Oxford Cobbler at 11:8:46 Wednesday March 31 99
I 'll start the ball rolling. Hats off to Mr Atkins. Awfully nice of him to give Macclesfield and Wycombe a rest from being the bottom team. God, i wish i could be that nice. And wasn't it terribly nice of the board not to worry about losing money by backing his strange management style. They are obviously true football fans who think more about the game than their own pockets. Hurrah to the Cobbs
The Oxford Cobbler at 11:4:51 Wednesday March 31 99
I know it will be bloody difficult but if start say nice things about Mr Atkins (but in a very sarcastic way) he and the board will have no one to blame but themselves. Also if we get behind the players they will know where our loyalties lie. OK it is not the best team we have had but it is still NTFC and i don't know about you but i am NTFC til i i die. Come on the Cobs.
Ray at 10:29:32 Wednesday March 31 99
COME ON COBBLERS! We don't wanna get relegated - its gonna cause me a whole pile of work sorting out the away travel pages.
dave at 10:18:4 Wednesday March 31 99
Well it seems that despite the general concensus Atkins is the man for the rest of the season. I like everyone else is determined to get behind the team, BUT if we are going to string 5 accross the back bring 11 men back for corners and just hoof the ball upfield then I do wonder how long my enthusiasm will prevail. Is there anybody out there who can offer me any reassurance that this will be the start of the fight back?
SBJ at 10:2:12 Wednesday March 31 99
... and finally! Ray, are you still responsible for the 'players' page? If so, could you take out Woody and Freestone? Me and my tidy mind . . . . :-)
SBJ at 9:58:24 Wednesday March 31 99
On a slightly lighter note, I will still be shelling out for my first NTFC season ticket next season, whatever the division / manager / team situation (the phrase 'glutton for punishment' springs to mind). Do I get to choose the area I want to sit in, and if so can anyone recommend a good noisy block somewhere in the West / Upper West stand, around the halfway line?
SBJ at 9:54:54 Wednesday March 31 99
I guess we didn't really expect the Board to announce "we're backing Atkins because we can't afford to pay him off", but the reasons given in the Chron for their support are so limp it's not funny. It's hard to imagine the Board of any other struggling business deciding that the best way to renew success is to keep on with the system that brought about the failure, and yet that's what has happened at NTFC. I can't see how this decision can work on either a business or footballing level: Atkins stays, we probably get relegated, the Board loses money. To sack Atkins might cost financially, but surely the second division survival bid would stand a better chance? Looked at optimistically we are only a few points away from safety; looked at realistically it's more likely that we'll be relegated given the current standard of tactics and play. Only a romantic would believe that IA could bounce us straight back up from the third division on current showing. Past glories don't come into it. The third division is more of a jungle than it was when we last visited, and there will be all our old friends down there waiting to show how they can deal with Big Punt football like ours. I'd love to be proved wrong by the players and see us scrape up to safety (we all would obviously), but I won't build my hopes up.
Phil Baron at 9:15:14 Wednesday March 31 99
I think it is time for Ray to dig out his directions etc for the 3rd Division grounds. If you think we can get out of this mess find out what odds are in the bookies...They are not ofen wrong and we are odds on to get relegated!! Things looked more optomistic before Sundays results but everyone seems to be playing well at the bottom except for us. At least there hopefully be chances to regain form next season and perhaps another day at whereever the play-off final will be? See you Friday (Atkins dont feed them Easter eggs..there slow enough already!!)
Emily at 8:35:28 Wednesday March 31 99
Those of you who believe that Atkins can keep NTFC in division 2 need to be-friend my Cat, Bagpuss, old fat furry cat-puss, because when Bagpuss wakes up all his friends wake up too. Then maybe you'll see that his negative tactics and crap selections just ain't gonna do it.
Ian at 1:46:52 Wednesday March 31 99
In reply to Angry, if we are relegated the players we will lose will most likely be those who are not signed for next season who will be let go to cut the wage bill. Presumably all the recent signings were signed for more than a few months and others have recently resigned (Turley, Frain?). Can someone be more definitive?
mac-b at 1:43:48 Wednesday March 31 99
TRB MARK,dead right mark ,i thought you lot would be easy to wind you up before friday but reading your board is very depressing,"we aren`t happy chappies are we?"It`s only a game! ...no.. that wouldn`t cheer me up either,anyway what`s this 6-0 you on about, is it fridays prediction ?
mac-bournemouth at 1:36:12 Wednesday March 31 99
TRB MARK, yer you were right, lets see what you lot were up to ,wind you up abit,see how quickly you lot bite etc etc; but reading your board really changes your mood, could be quite depressing ! i don`t surpose you would accept "it`s only a game" ...no ...nor would i if i were you.Any how what`s this 6-0 you are on about, your not on about this friday are you
dave at 0:11:1 Wednesday March 31 99
It seems to me that the majority of you want Atkins out, but lets face reality, if he goes and i dont think he will,it's too late for somebody else to come in and save us,so if we are down on friday please dont start on him, OR THE PLAYERS ! ! !.During the game is not the time or the place.Those of us who are TRUE suporters of the club must get behind the team ,what we need to do is try to re-create that aptmosphere when we raised the roof at sixfields for that memorable bristol rovers match,a tall order i know ,but we stand more chance of staying up if we ALL get behind the team and the manager,then if come the time when all is and if it's not possible to avoid relegation THAT'S THE TIME TO START CHANTING ABUSE AT THOSE RESPONSIBLE,i sympathise with you who feel let down dont we all,we need to put that asside we must do our bit, we must not give up! they need YOUR SUPORT NOW MORE THAN EVER!well perhaps not as mutch as those bad old Mc R*t*h*e day's!.
TRB Mark at 22:12:44 Tuesday March 30 99
Mac-Bournemouth. You orignally came here for a laugh (albeit at us not with) How about Cobblers 6-0 Bournemouth, Cobblers scoring 5 goals in 8 minutes? Ah memories!
Hartwell Cobbler at 21:48:18 Tuesday March 30 99
Unfortunately, once back in Div 3, Angry, the best players will go and we'll be left mainly with the dross, plus some additional clodhoppers Atkins will find from among the cheap pick n' mix selection at Woolies.
Chandra at 21:41:58 Tuesday March 30 99
Hartwell Cobbler - they can't because in reality they don't have one. The real reason the board bottled the decision to sack Atkins was because of financial worries. Now they are, of course, trying to cover this up by suggesting they are all behind Atkins, he's the man to do the job etc -- when we all know Atkins is hated, even in the boardroom. They must also realise the players won't play for him and most fans want him out. All of which leaves the board out on a limb and in a very vulnerable position. Nothing will change. The team, driven by Atkins insane tactics, will never make a fight of relegation. Then, when we're down, what's the board going to say or do ? Continue to sit on their hands without much doubt. Leaving us in Div3 s****land, and again cash-strapped.
Angry at 21:38:1 Tuesday March 30 99
If we go down we need to lose 6 players from the squad and not buy any more. I vote for Frain, Clarkson, Wilkinson, Dobson, Peer and Parrish.
Hartwell Cobbler at 21:35:48 Tuesday March 30 99
Again I challenge Atkins and the board: tell us your plan for survival. Its time the fans were given a few facts, rather than propaganda.
Kevin Simons at 21:31:8 Tuesday March 30 99
On reflection, the Realist is correct. There's no need for emotive actions since any dsipassionate football observer will tell you that the kiss of death for a football league manager is a vote of confidence from his board! Dismissal usually follows one game later (although that would be uncharitable at Easter). My thoughts have turned to the game when we are most likely to be relegated - with 45 points for safety (as opposed to +50 last), tough games over Easter and most of the rest being 6 pointers as a guide. By a dramatic irony the only ground I've not seen the Cobblers at in this division is the Madjeski Stadium. So my bets are that defeat at Reading on 17th April will be relegation day. Any takers?
mac-b at 21:2:7 Tuesday March 30 99
anon: thanks, beer is beer character or not, i reckon i won`t be the only one there so it should have "some sort of atomsphere"
Anon at 20:36:47 Tuesday March 30 99
mac - bournemouth - just read your ORIGINAL note re pubs. Both the ones I mention are new pubs (ie little character) but are very near the ground. If you want a decent pub then you will need to be much further away from the ground which is on the outskirts of town. Depends on how you are travelling - N'pton centre would best suit you.
Angry at 20:29:2 Tuesday March 30 99
Well played board - another bottled decision. They have bottled it when Atkins has asked for money to buy mediocre players (except Savage who according to my source was recommended by Mick McCarthy) and sack (admittedly poor) defenders for making two errors in a match compared to giving other defenders who make four, five or even six errors in a match his full backing. It seems Atkins rules by fear - the board are scared of firing him because he will want his contract paid up in full - the players are scared of speaking out against him or playing in a way which would win games because they could get sold, sacked or demoted to the stiffs. It seems Atkins isn't happy that the only people not scared of him are the fans who are tired of poor long ball football which has failed dismally this season. I don't think the board realise we will lose 200k at least from reduced TV money, crowds will go down and we'll have a Div 3 squad on Div 2 wahes if we go down. We need rid of Atkins to help us beat the drop. I seriously doubt we'll win on Friday - I hope we do but no confidence = no goals.
Barry Fry at 20:26:23 Tuesday March 30 99
Hey -mate of mate of mate of Mr Posh - stop taking the piss out of the Cobblers. One of their supporters may notice that they are in a higher league than us, that they have been to Wembley twice in two years (and taken the largest crowd EVER to the footballing mecca) and that I was seen scouting a their reserve match last week. Come on - use your f*cking brain if you've got one.
Anon at 20:19:54 Tuesday March 30 99
Realist - GET REAL. p.s. ever heard of free speech? Still it's nice to hear someone defending the manager. By the way - were are behind the team. Why not put forward some positive points about IA for discussion?
mac-bournemouth at 20:14:20 Tuesday March 30 99
ANON thanks for pub info, hope it`s an entertaining game, see yer friday
Norwich Cobbler at 20:14:12 Tuesday March 30 99
Its obvious now that Atkins is staying.Its up to him to put out a team on Friday capable of attacking Bournemouth and winning the game and its up to us to support the team we all love.
Protests must wait - lets face it,a win on Friday gives us hope and that must be our objective.The board are not going to remove him and with his past record and long term contract you can understand why -
lets get behind the Claret & White!!!
Remember The Hotel - Chaaaaaaaaarrrrrrge!!!!!!!!!!!
A mate of mate of mate of Mr Posh at 20:13:6 Tuesday March 30 99
Ian Atkins is a football genius... oh sorry I thought it was still 1997. Still it will be nice to see you again at your more natural level.
Kevin Simons at 20:4:39 Tuesday March 30 99
This reads like the story of the sinking of the Titanic but instead of the band playing on there's a hardcore (OK 7%) ready to sing "come on Atkins, ra,ra,ra." Except the captain of this ship isn't going to change course but will instead ram us into another bloody iceberg, while the directors look on and agree that he can refloat it. Except they're on dry land and next time out will be perfectly content rowing across the Pitsford Resy of football, the Third Division. So you lot in the rose tinted glasses - you're dead in the water by Saturday morning and it will be all over bar the shouting of ATKINS OUT! ATKINS OUT!
Realist at 19:44:38 Tuesday March 30 99
Congratulations are in order once again for "Insider" and the like who seem to spend their waking hours dreaming up storoes and spreading mistruhts on the site. They talk about Atkins going - it's time to turn the tables and say buzz off to your likes.
Get behind your team and supporter them all the way.
LOZZA at 19:23:30 Tuesday March 30 99
iS ANYONE OUT THERE COZ I WANNA KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF MATT FINLAY AND LAST NIGHTS MATCH
?????????????#####222222 at 19:21:34 Tuesday March 30 99
HI I KNOW THAT THIS ISN'T FOR TELLING PEOPLE U LOVE THEM BUT AAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIII I LOVE U 4 EVA-------ALSO ANDREW DUNKLEY AND ALL THE BOYZ @ MEREWAY UPPER R FIT TAYLAN TITCHBOURNE IS FIT
LOZZA at 19:18:4 Tuesday March 30 99
i THINK mATT fINLAY PLAYED REALLY WELL LAST NIGHT HE IS A GREAT GOALKEEPER AND TOTALLY GORGE SO ANYONE WITH PROBLEMS ABUT LAST NIGHTS 4-0 DEFEAT SHOULD HAVE A GO AT THE DEFENCE IE BRAD PIERCEWRIGHTAND PHIL WOTS HIS FACE COZ MATT IS THE BEST
??????????????????? at 19:14:34 Tuesday March 30 99
I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE ANTHONY MAXTED COZ HE'S FIT AND I LOVE HIM AND WANNA GO OUT WITH HIM BUT I DON'T WANNA 2 TIME ???????????????????????????????
Uther Pendragon at 18:49:54 Tuesday March 30 99
I agree with Hartwell - but I am prepared to give Atkins the benefit of the doubt for 90 minutes on Friday. I think that those of you who believe we will see a change are wearing your rose tinted specs. but I hope it is me who is proven wrong. I never rubbish the players during a game and will continue to get behind the team. It is,however, impossible to keep the 'cobblers roar' going when we watch games like Macclesfield where the team gave nothing in return. In the face of displays like that the best Atkins can hope for is a stony silence from the fans. SO COME ON THE COBBLERS - DO IT FOR THE SUPPORTERS AND FOR YOUR OWN PRIDE - 6 POINTS THIS WEEKEND. Hey these rosy specs. are really cool - must go and visit Ganja. I am now going to try and be positive until the end of the season when I can again start calling for Atkins' head...oops old habits die hard.
Anon at 18:35:54 Tuesday March 30 99
mac-bournemouth - there are 2 pubs at Sixfields, Chevy's music bar (home supporters only) and Sixfields Tavern. Both are modern pubs selling mediocre beer - (I personally prefer real ale but if you like larger/bottled then you will be OK). You could go to either if you don't wear your shirt or start vocally supporting your team. I prefer Chevy's but both pubs will be devoid of atmosphere after the match due to the result!
olly. at 18:8:35 Tuesday March 30 99
ATKINS OUT AND TAKE WILKINSON AND PEER WITH YOU
mac-bournemouth at 17:58:45 Tuesday March 30 99
To Yogi Bear; thanks for anwsering ,but what do you mean? "what no beer" is there no pub in walking distance of the ground or is just possilbe to get served. What if i queue up for the pub to open ? HELP , you cobblers i need beer !!!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:52:3 Tuesday March 30 99
Atkins stays. It's official (see tonight's Chronic headline Board Backs Boss Atkins". Well, I'm sorry to say this as a staunch supporter of the board this season, but they've made a big, big, mistake. There's no, repeat, no message from them as to the plan for saving us from relegation under Atkins. Just a just load of rhetoric and codswallop - "Ian got us out of trouble four years ago and we back him to do so again" and "we believe Atkins is the best person to take us to safety" - being just two of the emotive quotes. Oh, yes, and "we've got six homes games left." We all recall Atkins making bold predictions when we'd got 12 of our last 17 at home. And look where we are now ? Even worse off than when he made the statement. Nowhere was there the mearest hint of exactly how he's suddenly going to undertake this miraculous overnight transformation, which will see us hit goals and promotion form (which is what we need to avoid the drop). Nor how he's going to re-motivate the team; how he's going to change his tactics, which have been proven to have no currency; or how he's going to force himself to accept that he's got to actually select the best players. Atkins to get us out of this - I don't think so. The board's decision flies in the face of all facts and reason and is a slap in the face to the majority of fans who know only too well where the problem lies and what should have been done to rectify it (the poll at Preston on Sat underlines the point -- and they were the hardest of the hard core supporters!). Then, to add insult to injury, on the inside page there's a report that - even if we're relegated - the board is probably going to hike the seat prices again. Talk about a PR blunder! I'm afraid Atkins will take us down and the consequence of that on lost season ticket sales and probably sponsorship funding will probably be more crippling than paying him off.
Anon at 17:44:32 Tuesday March 30 99
RESIGN ATKO, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kobbler at 17:42:49 Tuesday March 30 99
Atkins this is SHITE!! The fans should not take anymore!!! Sod off back to Birmingham and take Hope Howey Howard and all your other donkeys with you. We should appoint a former player as manager as former players would treat the club and its fans with RESPECT not CONTEMPT. Nearly all the fans don't want him anymore, he is undoing all the good work he ever did for us so his presence should no longer be tendered. Trevor Francis should do a three way switch with TwAtko and John Gregory, then he would get his dream job and leave us alone and we would get a Cobblers old boy. ATKINS OUT!
southern lass at 17:42:0 Tuesday March 30 99
when do you lot play friendlies etc over the summer? i love reading all your messages and im thinking about coming up to see a match in the summer, just to see exactly what the hell's going on....
ORBITAL Ganja at 17:25:52 Tuesday March 30 99
If anyone knows this girl i am talking about then shout out Orbital towards the North Stand. Or Ring Iceland F/F CMK and ask for Barry or Chris.E
Does anyone know this girl I was talking about? Her description is Black Hair, age 15-16, usually sits row B in the 120s. 5ft 8. Row B in the west Stand.
King of Diamonds at 17:15:19 Tuesday March 30 99
I was driving past Sickfields last night and I heard a fat lady singing......"Oh dear, what can the matter be......?"
Ray at 17:13:48 Tuesday March 30 99
Lets hope we are using their pitch as well....
Anon at 15:9:20 Tuesday March 30 99
If Cardiff maintain their current league position I hope we do have to use their toilets next season
Dave Nikel at 14:30:7 Tuesday March 30 99
Good luck pottesbury for the northants combination cup final tonight , stick it up the West haddon, they are nothing and the place is a dump.
Anyone agree? Email me if not
Wobbler at 14:23:40 Tuesday March 30 99
Cobblers, please don't make me go back and use Cardiff City's toilets again. Please.
Anon at 14:14:53 Tuesday March 30 99
OK - if Crapkins is staying stand by for relegation, more dull route one football, more lame excuses and the loss of our best players at the end of the season as most of them don't want to play for him, anyway.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:11:3 Tuesday March 30 99
If Atkins is staying the big question he and the board must answer immediately is: what is your strategy for getting us out of this mess ? The Big Plan must cover key areas such as how they are going to revitalise players, motivate them and improve morale; team selection and tactics. That's the very least we should expect as paying customers.
The Exel Cobbler at 13:56:57 Tuesday March 30 99
Treenie, In answer to your mailing that your common room chums thought that The Cobblers are crap now Freestone has gone I refered to you 'Treenie and HIS common room mates' but later realised that you are actually female. Sorry if I sounded sexist, I did'nt mean to.
Uther Pendragon at 13:54:58 Tuesday March 30 99
Hot news from inside....a certain man from Birmingham has been demoted and will be spending the rest of the season working at a little known estate agency in Northamptonshire.Appparently he has previous experience in this field and below is a resume of his C.V. Started with the sale of a nice little straw thatched property in Hereford. This was on a 'no sale no fee' basis and, indeed, no fee was received even though the property was valued at 250K minimum by those in the know. This property is now much admired from Cheltenham to Kettering and beyond. This was quickly followed bt sales of a towerblock and wing in the little known hamlet of Irthlingborough for a reported 135K (although again it was believed that one property on it's own was worth 250K). Also many properties have been taken onto the books, although many are old and have been in need of extensive renovation. One particular property in Fulham was found to be extremely dodgy and, even though it was put in the shop window for many weeks, failed to spark any interest whatsover. This was also found to be in need of refurbishment and has been withdrawn in favour of some more promising properties from up north. Dabblings in the foreign market (particularly Australia and Canada) have also had mixed results. The Canadian propert in particular has had numerous viewings but it is believed that there is a 'dual agency' agreement and that the owner is touting the property around via a private agent.
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:54:10 Tuesday March 30 99
Treenie, what do you mean concerning you?
Kick in the teeth at 13:37:40 Tuesday March 30 99
Just when you thought it could not get worse, the board of directors have indicated that next seasons prices will go up even if the Cobblers are relegated.
treenie at 13:35:49 Tuesday March 30 99
being slow i noticed something by accident today concerning me.
Excel-what difference does me being a girl make?
Deepcut Cobbler at 13:34:37 Tuesday March 30 99
We tried. The board have given IA another opportunity. We have now to accept that and do what we always do, SUPPORT THE COBBLERS!!!! Protesting before during or after the game will not help the current situation. We now all have to get behind the team and Ian Atkins to at least give us the opportunity to survive in this division. We are all COBBLERS through and through. Ian Atkins is employed by NTFC to do the job, he has convinced the board that he is still capable of doing the job. We are not privy to what goes on behind the scenes, let those who are make the grown up decisions. We have to believe and trust them to do the best for NTFC. If we trust them (and we should) we now need to change from the negative comments to the positive. Lets all get behind the Directors, Ian Atkins and the Team for the rest of the season. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!....
treenie at 13:25:24 Tuesday March 30 99
being slow i noticed something by accident today concerning me.
Excel-what difference does me being a girl make?
David Nikel at 13:22:26 Tuesday March 30 99
Aswell as the Senior Cup final involving them Dim-Ones, tonight is the NORTHANTS COMBINATION CUP FINAL between West Haddon and Potterspury. For a preview of the game visit this page: http://www.freeyellow.com/members6/whfc/final.html
Oh by the way, ATKINS OUT
Uther Pendragon at 13:16:39 Tuesday March 30 99
STONHILL WE WON'T SWALLOW IT!
Sunderland cobbler at 13:8:27 Tuesday March 30 99
Good point Ray. The board is as hard as a feather duster. Stonehill does not want to put his own and other board members money up to pay IA off. Just think he nearly went to Cardiff two years ago........
Tried to get on Six o Six on saturady night and publically ask Stonehill or IA why he doesn't go after that result.
So lets get behind our team and support them withnone true voice. Bournemouth will have three key players still out I think.
At least if they go down since I live in Sunderland, I can see us play
Darlo and 'pool' and mayby Carlise!!!!!! Good win for Saints as well
over the Falcons from Newcastle!
COME YOU COBBLERS COME ON YOU COBBLERS COME ON YOU COBBLERS
David Errington.
ORBITAL Ganja at 12:48:34 Tuesday March 30 99
You have got it in one Ray P.S. Does anyone know this girl I was talking about? Her description is Black Hair, age 15-16, usually sits row B in the 120s. 5ft 8. Row B in the west Stand.
ORBITAL Ganja at 12:47:12 Tuesday March 30 99
You have got it in one Ray
P.S. Does anyone know this girl I was talking about?
Her description is Black Hair, age 15-16, usually sits row B in the 120s. 5ft 8.
Ray at 12:39:40 Tuesday March 30 99
OK - the board now appear to have decided to give IA enough rope.
Personally I think this means that we have to follow suit and give him our support as well. Shouts of "Atkins out" before and during a match are going to achieve bugger all so lets put all our energy into getting behind the TEAM and forgetting about petty demonstrations which are not going to have the slightest effect.
COME ON COBBLERS!!!!
Ray at 12:35:58 Tuesday March 30 99
Makes a change from shouting out "orbitals" towards the bench.......
ORBITAL Ganja at 12:13:51 Tuesday March 30 99
Will you stop talking about how fit the players are or whether they have nice legs. It is whether they can play football, that matters.
I suppose your mates with that girl we were having an argument with at the maccs game in the west stand, Row C to B, 122 - 127. We have the right to critise the players if we want to. Better than thinking you are married to the players.
P.S. The brunette sitting by you and talking to your mate was tasty. If you want a date just shout out ORBITAL towards the North Stand.
Vicki at 12:1:55 Tuesday March 30 99
Hi, don't be to sad about losing 4-0 last night. You should have James Gould in the reserve team coz then you'd win every game you played.James Gould is fit and could be the fittest person in the world, well almost. Bye
stace at 12:1:12 Tuesday March 30 99
hello again vicki is my mate and she is great. please get your acts together whatever is going o should be left off the pitch okay? p.s. u are all great especially ali coz e's well fit***************************************************************
Mrs Vince. at 12:0:39 Tuesday March 30 99
Could all the people on this site from Mereway upper school get off it now! And the cobblers are great!
TWATKINS at 11:57:47 Tuesday March 30 99
A message for all those who wanted me tobe sacked at the AGM.
NA NA NA NA NA
stace at 11:47:36 Tuesday March 30 99
i'd just like to say well done to the reserve players 4 losing 4-0 last night. matt finlay is v good-not chris lee played better in goal than he did bye
p.s ali gibb is fit
Bill at 11:43:48 Tuesday March 30 99
I wonder if Graeme Rose was trying to say something...
ORBITAL Ganja at 11:16:55 Tuesday March 30 99
Was Clarence at preston on saturday, because I swear he is bad luck.
ORBITAL Ganja at 11:11:31 Tuesday March 30 99
Well what a horrid defeat on saturday, I went on a break at around 4.30, and found that we were 3-0 down, and with Wycombe having won we would be second from bottom.
I could at least take heart that in a sweaty Brixton Academy on Sunday Orbital, smashed the entire world to oblivion, with there 'orchestral techno'.
But somewhere in the back of my mind, I was wishing that are strikers would smash the back of the net to save us from relegation. But again saturday was another blank.
But now is the time to rally around the team, forget all this atkins out business. It is the team we have to concentrate, on the football.
WE CAN STILL STAY UP THE FAT LADY IS DEFINETLY NOT SINGING FOR US YET!!!!!!!
P.S. Who saw woody at the Ali soccer school last night?
Graeme Rose at 11:10:24 Tuesday March 30 99
ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT
HE HAS HAD HIS TIME THERE, HE'S BAD NEWS, GET HIM OUT!!!
THUG at 11:3:21 Tuesday March 30 99
Forget a perfetic demonsration after the game let all the directors and media at the game know what we want, that thick brummie twat out of our town, we've been behind the team all season and its done fuck all for us so let em all know ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:51:53 Tuesday March 30 99
If, as assumed, Atkins is still in charge my view is that the board has totally miscalculated and has failed the fans and the players. How can the directors possibly align themselves to a man who, by all accounts, has lost the respect of the squad and has certainly lost the support of the majority of fans ? This was the one, last, chance we had to get the ship back afloat -- and instead the board has, is seems, taken the easy option but the one which I believe will doom us to relegation without a whimper or a fight. Having totally messed up for 90% of the season how can anyone possibly believe that suddenly, almost miraculously, Atkins will totally change everything round and find the championship form which is needed if we are to stand any chance of survival? If the directors feel that it's only a small, vociferous minority of fans who are agitating for Atkins to go, then they have, again, not read the script. I was hoping to go to Friday's game with renewed enthusiasim and confidence. Instead I will be travelling in hope but with little realistic expectation of success. I have been a strong supporter of the board all season -- even over the Warburton/Heggs affair. But, if they have indeed bottled the Atkins decision, my respect for them will be greatly diminished.
DAV COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 9:46:31 Tuesday March 30 99
THE FANS OF NORTHAMPTON TOWN MUST GET BEHIND THEIR TEAM LIKE NEVER BEFORE. SING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS. PS PROTEST BEFORE AND / OR AFTER THE GAMES !!!!!! NOT DURING !!!!
DAV COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 9:43:9 Tuesday March 30 99
If there is to be any form of protest the it MUST be before or after the match on Friday. Any protest during the game will surely affect the players and lets face it they dont need affecting any more !!!
A COBBLER TILL I DIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Robert Dunkley at 9:28:32 Tuesday March 30 99
Looking at the NTFC website Peter Randall will be a director from today, maybe there will be a vote this week. In terms of the board there is also David Kerr
Robert Dunkley at 9:25:19 Tuesday March 30 99
HAve we actually had confirmation from the club whether Atkins is still in charge. My impression of the man is that I would have thought he would have taken offence at his regime being called into question and stormed out.
Maybe, the board have managed to get Atkins to sign a comtract forcing hime to resign if we go down, by then the damage will be done. Some of us quipped that Atkins was the best man to get us out of Division Three, with no team spirit, no, and I feel if we could keep Corazzin, Hunt, Savage, Matthew, Hope, Warner, Spedding we have the nucleus of a good PASSING team to destroy the teams who play Hoof and Hope. Unfortunately, assuming we go down, it is unlikely we will be able to sign any new players, until dead wood goes i.e Howey, Bilko. The destiny was clear when Razor left, apart from Dougie Hodgson'd brief time, we had no rugged leader, who deflects from Atkins.
Boo-Hoo at 9:21:15 Tuesday March 30 99
The fans have had their say, the board have had their say, Atkins must have
mummbled something somewhere, but has anyone thought of asking the players for
their input, surely we should be keeping them happy at the moment.
In an anonymous vote, I wonder how many would want to work under Atkins
A mate of Mr Poshs mate at 9:20:22 Tuesday March 30 99
It's Tuesday and Cobblers are bottom but don't worry, every cloud has a silver lining. At least Atkins is still manager. HA HA HA !!!
dave at 8:55:8 Tuesday March 30 99
I really thought the No Plan B comments in last nights C&E were right on the mark. It was the same against Macclesfield and I really thought that Atkins would have the sense to try something different at Preston on Saturday. If we start like this against Bournemouth then Atkins will be likened to Jesus Christ and we all know what happened to him on Good Friday!
The Insider at 8:39:35 Tuesday March 30 99
I hear demonstration planned friday night 19:25 -35 outside main entrance, and again after the game. No demo during the game, the only way to get the message through and support the players. Pete Randall is fervently anti Atkins, Hancock the same, TCMP should vote for the fans and Chris Smith also not an Atkins man. So who exactly voted for him last night? Other than Stonhill, doubt they'll have the guts the guts to put their hands up.
The Exel Cobbler at 8:20:5 Tuesday March 30 99
We have got behind the team (team? don't think I've seen a TEAM over the past couple of weeks) but there is only so much you can take. Secondly, whats the point of making our feelings heard when the game has finished. The manager is in the dressing room, while the directors are all in the bar, therefore no-one can hear us. We pay our money and if we don't like what we see we are entitled to say so. On the point of Seal being lazy. I quote 'Seal is a natural goalscorer, basically if you put the ball in front of him, he will score goals.' Is it any wonder we are not scoring goals if natural finishers such as Seal and Carlo have to go and collect the ball from inside our own 6-yard box. They are strikers, not defenders, not midfielders..... strikers. I can't recall the Preston strikers having to go back and defend. Carlo Corazzin has always scored 20+ goals for previous clubs, because his previous managers have selected him as the striker and have used other players to do the grafting and providing.
Uncle Richard at 8:3:14 Tuesday March 30 99
A few pointers for the directors:- The players are not motivated by Atkins, it is very unlikely they can salvage our second division status. A new manager now might persuade this summers out of contract players that Northampton Town is worth staying at. A new manager now would be able to sort his squad out, and have a good idea who he wants to sign or release during the summer, so we are ready to stuff the P**h and Cheltenham when the new season starts, rather than the mid-season turmoil created by the board doing what they should've 6-12 months ago, with the threat of conference football looming large.
No action from the board now will result in accusations of lack of ambition, and bad management, and not having enough balls to expand the stadium, happy to have a mediocre 3rd div club, than an ambitious 1st div club. It's your decision Mr Stonhill & Co , act now to show you have the ability to run our Club , or sentence the club to more years of mediocraty
Yogi bear at 1:25:22 Tuesday March 30 99
Well, over 1200 to see the stiffs lose 4-0 tonight. Atko gets a vote of confidence so whatever we may think its going to be no good slagging them off on friday we need to get behind the team.
As for mac- bourenmouth its no good looking for a pint close to the ground pick a village pub out of town if you want a quiet pint.
Northampton Gas at 0:46:22 Tuesday March 30 99
Well we know what to expect next monday, must start training for football at 1,500 feet. As I said before, Internet Gas will be sponsering the Match Ball on monday and will have the pleasure of meeting IA after the match, that is if he decides to turn up. Are there any meaningful comments you would like me to pass on.
John Mcrirrick at 23:55:11 Monday March 29 99
I've seen Atkins dream team, apparently this will get us out of trouble strating on friday, he's finally going to a 4-4-2,with Turley in goal, a back 4 of Sampson, Hill, Hope and Howey, a midfield of Dobson, Clarkson, Frain and Hendon, with the incisive attacking partnership of Wilkinson and Lee up front. Apparently we,re on the look out for a few more defenders in the pre season so Atkins can fulfill his lifelong ambition of playing ten at the back!
Anon at 23:48:5 Monday March 29 99
Atkins still in charge, we're doomed!!!!!!
PETER RANDALL at 23:16:19 Monday March 29 99
Hello Cobblers fans i'm very happy to be joining this once great club.
I have already made a cash injection of £14.50 and hope to take a lot more out.
You have have my word I will do my best to get rid of that dummie brummie bastard.
I must agree with Atkins on one thing though and that is Chris Lee is worth a million (Turkish Lira that is at todays rate £1.80)
Cobbler's DieHard at 22:56:26 Monday March 29 99
Listen to you lot , you've thrown in the towel with 9 games to go !! F*** the Manager , get behind the team. COME ON COBBLERS
From the Cobbler's Last at 22:47:43 Monday March 29 99
Today should have been the day we have all waited for, but no. He seems to survive and you have to wonder if he can keep his job after all the mess, he might just survive the drop! Still can't see it and he surely cannot last much longer. At what point will the board really decide enough is enough. I don't think you can blame the board for Atkin's failings. They have given him all the money a club like us can afford. To say they don't want us to stay up is crazy. They gave him all the Wembley mone and the cash from West Ham (including TV money and gate receipts). What has he done with it. Spent it on some good players and then not played them. The board do not select the team or tell him how to play. The blame has to lie fair and square with Atkins. The fact he had nothing to say, and still hasn't said anything about the Preston match, says it all. He has run out of excuses and finally realises he cannot blame the players for doing as he tells them. He cannot blame injuries anymore or the yellow ball, or the youngsters (he picks them!) Perhaps he is realising its himself who is the problem. Picture this..... Atkins makes an interview with Radio Northampton and says 'It was all down to a crap manager who picked the wrong players and wrong tactics and forgot that the aim of the game was to play football by passing, trying to score a goal from time to time.' 'Its a fair cop,' Atkins continues, 'its my fault. I think I'll sack myself and kick myself out of the club.What's good enough for Bishop is good enough for me!' What a refreshing change as the advert says. Up the Cobblers!
The Fed up Cobbler at 22:38:44 Monday March 29 99
I can't believe Atkins is still manager
When will the board face up to it and do what must be done?
what we must do is fill sixfields on friday and if T**tkins
does not get a result tell him to f***k off back to Brummyham!
By the way has anybody worked out what the hell he is talking
about on the club call no? iv'e listened to it twice and cant understand a word he says DO THE PLAYERS/BOARD HAVE THE SAME
PROBLEM? if they do it may help to explain asto why it's all
gone pear shaped this season.
BUT PLEASE,PLEASE THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY DECIDE TO VOICE YOUR OPINION ON FRIDAY DONT DO IT DURING THE GAME*!!!!
IT DOES NOTHING TO MOTIVATE THE PLAYERS,(they have enough trying to cope with their mumbling arm waving T*AT of a leader as it is)
*UNLESS WE ARE ALREADY 3-0 down BY HALF TIME*
Lancs Cobbler at 22:8:0 Monday March 29 99
Bye bye Razor, bye bye Heggsie, bye bye Freestone, bye bye Div.2
Pete at 22:7:18 Monday March 29 99
Be fair to the reserves- there was a bit of the men against
boys tonight. The Liniger(No5) could have scored at will
- simply no weight to block him. I pitied the poor young keeper
Unlike in the days of Thommo this was not the best reserve
side that could have given QPR a run for their money. I
suspect the Friday side is still being argued about. Our
last real chance? IA - I was near too- was impressed by
the Man City man. I suspect that he will lead on Friday.
I think The Seal has played his last game- overhearing
conversations tells me that the Seal Cullers see him
as lazy, needing to be spoon fed, not prepared to go
looking for the ball etc. Pro Seals worry
that The Seal feels too angry with the club now to 'die'
for it and is now biding his time to the end of his
contract. The proSeals think that IA will not risk
playing him... if he got sent off for more niggling
fouls....!!! So, where does that leave us? Clarkie
not fit, nor Hunter nor Frain nor Matthews nor....
is this not where we came in 5 mths ago... then
there are the suspensions....Any one got any good
news, or should I go and talk to my undertaker
friend again...there was a calm, sort of grave,
senitivity to him. He seemed to understand!(see my
earlier entry)
Angry at 21:59:43 Monday March 29 99
Anything less than a convincing win on Friday will see 5,000 fans calling for his head. Remember last week, the whistling and booing when Atkins came off at the end. Well, times that by about 3 and that's what it'll be like - I for one will be well pissed if we lose on Friday and the board decide to leave it until the end of the season. There's still 27 points to play for.
Ray at 21:59:26 Monday March 29 99
The only news that I have heard to come from the board meeting is that a new director has been appointed - Peter Randall, Managing Director of Knights of Old who said "I am excited about being associated with a professional club and I'm sure I can play a part" - which doesn't actually inspire me with confidence although I'll be more than happy to be proved wrong.
RD at 21:55:18 Monday March 29 99
So we have appointed a new director, you never know his money may be used to sack T*atkins
Robert Dunkley at 21:44:7 Monday March 29 99
I suppose it is our fault, if we hadn't said taht we were doomed for the drop, the impression that whoever is manager we are going down is created. If Atkins stays, I dread to think what will happen, I can see the real possibilty of anger and tempers which may lead to ugly scenes on Friday.
Robert Dunkley at 21:35:4 Monday March 29 99
If it is true that Atkins has been given another chance then I am gutted, as I felt his time has come. I take it we will see a defeat on Friday, no Savage, Warner etc. I really am fed up, and although I know BArry Stonhill has the best interests of NTFC at heart, I think he is making a big mistake and it will not surprise me if he gets another very bad reception. Anything less than a win will see 5,000 very angry people, and maybe people power can force Atkins out.
ALFIE at 21:27:13 Monday March 29 99
LETS HOPE THE DIRECTORS MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION IN THE MANAGMENT OF THE COBBLERS.I WISH IAN ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE BUT LETS HOPE IT IS WITH ANOTHER TEAM.
Anon at 21:26:43 Monday March 29 99
just got back from reserves WHITCH WE LOST 4-0 ,atkins was there with his selection sheet for friday, (i sat behind him )and i heard him say, "how impressed he was with what he saw" aparantly he saw potential? for the first team on friday.
ALTHOUGH having said that K/W did put in a half decent performance with the only decent cobblers shot going in the net only to be dissalowwed!.
basicly it was that shit that i thought i was watching the first team!
does anybody know what time the board meeting is over ?
will we get our prayers ansered?
UP THE COBBLERS
The Olney Cobbler at 21:26:32 Monday March 29 99
If you are reading Tony Clarke, your comments would be gratefully received.
Thank you.
The Olney Cobbler at 21:25:3 Monday March 29 99
Just got in from the reserves.
Heard from Andy Roberts that Atkins has got another vote of confidence from the Board.
OH DEAR.
The Bishop Of Peterborough at 21:5:43 Monday March 29 99
Bill said "I think that the Talking Heads' "Road to nowhere" would be quite appropriate - especially if we're going to S**tborough next season..."
Well Bill, how do you think we feel? Do you honestly think we are looking forward to visiting Northampton? We might get our feet wet.
mac-bournemouth at 20:59:4 Monday March 29 99
can anyone recommend a decent pub not too far for fridays game, ta seeyer friday(with or without your manager)
Rob at 20:54:6 Monday March 29 99
Still nowt ??
Pete at 18:38:11 Monday March 29 99
I was talking to an undertaker today- business. When the
business was finished, he asked how 'my team' was getting
on. I shivered. Oh well, of to see a decent match at
Sixfields.
Sid at 18:26:7 Monday March 29 99
Errrrrr...... I think it is highly unlikely that Northampton are going to sack Ian Atkins at tonight board meeting....... because Anglia News are covering the meeting to see how democracy works at the football club.... could democracy have a say in the manager's departure while the news crew is there??? I think not!
Robert at 18:9:28 Monday March 29 99
Ray, being that our average attendance this year has been just over 5,500 we can easily add 1,000 to the attendances with a different manager.
Robert at 18:6:8 Monday March 29 99
With Atkins in charge I can see 5 000 at most attending Sixfields, even if we go down with a new positive manager, people will come to Sixfields to watch A TEAM playing FOOTBALL. Unfortunately, I cannot confirm or deny reports that Trading Standards are prosecuting Atkins for breaching the Trade Descriptions Act for calling himself a football manager.
Anon at 17:48:30 Monday March 29 99
Atkins must go. If the board don't do the right thing they will be making a massive mistake. Most fans want him out and if the directors don't act and dack him they will have totally misread the fans feelings. If he's still here on Friday and we lose again (almost certain) they and Atkins should must be prepared for a very unpleasant night at Sixfields.
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:45:0 Monday March 29 99
Robert - I don't mind how he goes (pushed or fall) as long as he goes!
Ray at 17:10:16 Monday March 29 99
As we are averaging 6000 gates at home - I dont think thats very likely - in fact its impossible.
Robert Dunkley at 16:55:24 Monday March 29 99
With my crystal ball, I expect what will happen is rather than sack Atkins, he will part by mutual consent, in other words hewill probably get some moneay but not as much as if he were to sue us. Of course if a new manager adds 2000 to each attendance then that is around £100,000 in ticket sales alone. It makes sense.
Jo at 16:55:8 Monday March 29 99
I was sat in a pub in Bristol on Saturday drinking lots of beer trying to watch the England match. I was in high spirits until I got a phone call from my mate to say Northampton had lost. Embarrassing as it is I have to admit I sat there & cried! It didn't help that I was surrounded by Rovers fans. It is sad to think that we may go down but every week I believe we are going to win and that is what all the fans need to do now. I don't know much about the politics of the boardroom but if you are a true Cobblers fan you will believe everytime we play that we will win. To all the players - good luck & keep going. No one will take us down!
Nosey Parker at 16:20:45 Monday March 29 99
Its not looking good for the sacking that we all want.he says he will keep us up,I think he is league with fatty Fry and are trying to make some cash from derby games!! If you hear corks popping tonight he may of got the boot!!!
T. at 16:8:20 Monday March 29 99
Well I went to the PNE match, cool club shop and gear, great pies, saw the boyf for the first time in 5 weeks, shame about the football(?)!!!!
Paul S at 16:3:55 Monday March 29 99
So Gas men (Northampton and Ponty) which would you rather have - Day out at Wembley and relegation or dashed hopes and mid table mediocrity
PontyGas at 15:50:25 Monday March 29 99
You might have knocked us out the play-offs last year, but we are gonna knock you out of the second division this year. see ya on Easter Monday
Hartwell Cobbler at 15:14:18 Monday March 29 99
One further thought about the Atkins situation: if the board decide to take no action, I will be left in no doubt no doubt the financial consequences will be a (if not the) prime reason. In which case how come we were able to mount a £200k bid for Torpey just a few weeks ago ?
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:59:44 Monday March 29 99
Oh No! Northampton Gas' note suggests it's bad news! If the board does decide to stick by Atkins he'll be the luckiest manager in the football league. I have been a staunch supporter of the board up to now. But Atkins' record this season, his methods and team selection are nothing short of woeful. Big question marks also hang over his motivational methods and abilities as well. We're bottom, with just seven wins from 38 starts, our goals total is the worst in the entire Nationwide League. Even worse the team is totally demotivated, demoralised, and disjointed. There's no pattern to our play, no conviction. And nothing to suggest that will improve. Atkins must take responsibility for this fiasco but obviously he's not prepared to, nor in a month of Sundays will he resign (he's too stubborn and, after all, he's got a good, long, contract). With just nine games to go the only solution has to be for the board to sack him. I know it's going to be financially difficult. But the longer-term consequences will be far harder to shoulder. If the directors don't show him the door they will, in my view, have failed the club and its fans and will lose much of my support and respect.
lincoln cobbler at 14:54:21 Monday March 29 99
i think that it is time to face the innevitable and concentrate on promotion next season.
Gary Anderson at 14:40:28 Monday March 29 99
There's only one man to blame for this seasons drop down the table and it's Barry Stonehill. How can all of you so called fans out there turn your back on Atkins after all the man has done for our club. Atkins has found it difficult to cope with the depature of some pure superstars who have all moved away to much larger clubs. without stars like Cooper, Warburton and Woodman I can't see us avoiding the drop. Long Live PIGMAN
Andy C at 14:27:10 Monday March 29 99
Just checked the Third Division stats and see that contrary to something way down this page, Chris Freestone did in fact play for Hartlepool on Saturday. He was a sub at Torquay, came on early in the second half when they were 1-0 down and did nothing to hit the headlines, eg score or get booked. Pools lost 3-0 and are one step closer to playing Diremonds next season.
The Exel Cobbler at 14:12:54 Monday March 29 99
We may not be able to afford to pay off Atkins now but surely relegation to the third is going to cost us a lot more. Gates are inevitably going to drop and we will still have a fair few players on second division wages. As for Richard Colton's comment, so he's taken us to Wembley twice and turned this club around, there is only so far he can take us, and sadly he has gone beyond that point. As myself and many others have said before, we all appriciate what he has done to our club, but we can all see that he can't take us any further. Just because he turned the club around, does that mean he HAS to be the manager for ever and ever? Also, Atko keeps going on about players instructing their agents to look for a new club for them. Why are they doing this? Surely it shows that there are signs of discontent amongst the players.
Ray at 14:2:40 Monday March 29 99
I'm not quite sure that continued harping back to the Warburton/Heggs sale is actually achieving anything constructive. Just to reiterate, the pair were not put up for sale, there was an approach from R&D and it was decided after discusion between the board and IA that they would be released. It wouldn't make much difference at the moment anyway - it looks like Razor is out til the end of the season and Heggs looks like getting another lengthy ban.
Richard Colton at 13:49:24 Monday March 29 99
Atkins has took us to Wembley twicw eith no major financial backing.
we must take the rough with the smooth, obviously some fans can't handle this.
Prince Cobb at 13:47:58 Monday March 29 99
Any prospect of an announcement on our current position from either the board or Atko?
Stephen at 13:44:41 Monday March 29 99
I know it's been said a million times already, but Atkins has to go. It's been quite clear that he lost the respect of the players a long time ago, like at the start of the season when he bizarrely sold Warburton and Heggs. I know that the Cobblers need the money and so selling was inevitable, but when you ditch you best players and draft in a load of crap then of course everyone is going to get disheartened. If Atkins has any sense he'll resign now, unless he wants to be further tarnished by being the useless brummie who has no other tactic than to hoof the ball up the pitch when his players are wasted doing so. Towards the end of last season it was alarming that we could no longer win, and that's because everyone had us sussed, but instead of changing the game plan, Atkins has stuck to the same one and we are where we deserve to be, in the mire. Unless we dump Atkins we are down. Unfortunately, I think we'll go down regardless.
NTFC Insider at 13:44:28 Monday March 29 99
The board meeting is not until this evening and so no news will be released today
Paul S at 13:42:54 Monday March 29 99
Song has to be Yazz - The only way is up
Northampton Ga at 13:41:28 Monday March 29 99
Just brought todays C & E. It states - IA has a contract which runs until 2002 and chairman Barry Stonehill said that tghe club would be standing by IA. "The supporters are entitled to their view," said Stonehill. "But it is up to us to run the cluband we do so in the best interests of Northampton Town". "We have our finanacial situation to consider". "And we allowed IA to go into the the transfer market on deadline day because we believe he can keep us up". - So there you have it, not much hope of him being sacked at either at the AGM or the meeting after.
The Shropshire Cobbler at 12:59:7 Monday March 29 99
What's the difference between Slobodan Milosovitch and Ian Atkins?
One's a pig-headed useless destructive tyrant who's impossible to get rid of, and the other's a Serbian leader.
Yogi Bear at 12:23:36 Monday March 29 99
High Noon and Gary Cooper - no I mean Twatko is still there. All the news is about the serbs can we draft atko out somewhere to a firing squad. If the board can't pull the trigger there's lots who will.
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:7:41 Monday March 29 99
A gather that Atkins has managed to convince one reputedly cynical board member that he will keep us up. In which case it must be true -- pigs really can fly! Andy C - sacking Atkins may still not keep us up. But it might at least mean we'll go down fighting, rather than without so much as a whimper.
Andy C at 11:9:18 Monday March 29 99
Morning all. After yet another miserable defeat for the Gills, I decided to indulge my self-pity and find some people with even less reason to be cheerful than Gills fans have. Looking at the league tables, you're now the lowest scorers in the whole country and probably have the fewest home wins as well. The whole reason the goals scored rule was brought in was to encourage attacking play, a fact that seems entirely lost on Ian Atkins. (Whereas we've scored more goals than most of our rivals and that's worth an extra point in a tight finish, you're in the opposite straits.) Assuming Atkins goes, do you think the results will improve significantly enough to keep you up, say six wins from nine to overcome your goals disadvantage? It seems to me you have enough decent players; certainly a couple would be welcome at Priestfield in the summer (Savage and CC rather than Peer and Lee, though). Like you, I'm beginning to sense the inevitable - we're going to miss the play-offs by a single point, just like last year. We don't have a quick fix of sacking the manager but I'd rather be in our position than yours even so. Please get rid of IA and beat Bornmouthy on Friday - we need all the help we can get!
Hartwell Cobbler at 11:2:54 Monday March 29 99
Just checked out BBC Radio Northampton 11am news bulletin. No news from the club. The silence is deafening. However, I do not know the timing of today's board meeting. Anyone know when it's taking place ? You will allo, however, be totally rivetted to know that according to the 11am bulletin underwater hockey is a growing sport. I feel another Hamtune Chronicles coming on..!
Anon at 10:55:16 Monday March 29 99
Atkins must go and he must go today. The time for action is now - that is if the board want to at least give us a chance of staying up. Under Atkins all is already lost.
Northampton Gas at 10:3:18 Monday March 29 99
When looking at the league table, if you turn the paper upside down, things don't look so bad
Get It Sorted! at 9:48:8 Monday March 29 99
Perhaps now all those upstairs at Sixfields will start to take the situation
seriously. Take a look at the table, it can happen to us after all,
and your the only ones who can stop it. All the fans have just one word for you.......
Help!
dave at 9:5:13 Monday March 29 99
Bring back Seal!!! His performance on Saturday was like all the others he has made this season, slow, lazy and inept. Is it just me who cannot see the undoubted talents this pillock is supposed to possess?
PS Surley we must put a little winning run together soon
Paul S at 9:1:59 Monday March 29 99
Only possible silver lining - when teams have gone bottom they then start to win - Lincoln, Macclesfield and Wycombe. Also Wycombe beating York 1-0 was good result for us
The Exel Cobbler at 8:26:18 Monday March 29 99
Well the only positive to come out of the weekend was that even though we were crap, it was better than last week. Yet again no passion, pride, team spirit etc. We passed the team coach on the M6 on the way to Preston. The players that were on there looked completly pissed off. They all looked as if they did'nt want to be there at all. There was none of that 'team spirit' that the players have had over the past 2-3 years. We desperatly need a new manager to boost their spirits and to get some sort of passion and pattern back into our game. All those who think Atkins should stay and he will get us out of this mess take one look at the league table this morning. We are bottom, we have six home games left and three away. We have only won two home games all season. I have also heard that the board and players have NO respect for Kevin Wilson either so I don't think he'll be the next manager. My choice would be John Ward but I think it'll be Colin Hill. The hinges on the trap door Mr Posh is on about are in very poor condition and need fixing very quick. Otherwise we'll be visiting nice old Darlo and Rochdale etc next season.
Cobbler Down Under at 7:5:21 Monday March 29 99
Angry Cobbler is right. Twatkins has no right to call any other team a better team than the Cobbs. If these interlopers do not have the heart to be Cobblers then bog off. (bog is a nice way of saying what I really mean)
From the Cobbler's Last at 23:15:56 Sunday March 28 99
Well its all been said. I said yesterday that we had to go forward and score goals and Macclesfield three goals today proves the point. They lose but go above us by scoring three goals. Those goals are worth a point. Winning some games 1-0 in future isn't goint to help us much. The points will be good, but the goals scored by all the others will mean we'll have to get the extra point to get above any of them. We are rock bottom today and on the strength of performances against Macclesfield and Preston, we deserve it. We can only go up now. The others still have a struggle on their hands and I can see 48 points being enough to survive this year. That's five wins at least so we must go for it. I worked out my predictions and sad to say we are going down - on goals scored would you believe! If you think the board won't sack him tomorrow, take comfort from the fact that I don't think we'll get any points over the two Easter matches. I hope I'm wrong, I'd love all six and I'm sure I would regain the belief we might escape. Atkins must go if things don't improve. Meanwhile we have got to get behind the team and hope for the best.
Finally.... a thought. Last year Atkins did us proud and cashed in on the great success he brought us. He milked that success and took the credit for it. Why don't the board reduce his salary as he is failing. Why should he wreck us and still earn the money he got for being successful. Let's have a valued added wage structure. He wouldn't get anything and he might just realise what his job's about. Better still let's have him unemployed! TOMORROW?
The Olney Cobbler at 23:13:2 Sunday March 28 99
Going back to Scarborough v Rochdale on Friday.
Rochdale won two corners all night. Scarborough brought all 11 players back. Now where have I seen that I thought?!
From both of these corners Rochdale won two free headers. The first hit the bar, bounced down on the line and was cleared.
I was interested to see another team using these tactics. 11 back for corners does not work.
Phil Baron at 23:4:4 Sunday March 28 99
Bloody hell bottom of the table I think the time has come for a change and bloody quick.Atkins has done a good job but alas I think his time has come. I do not know what will motivate the players perhaps a night out at the "Daily Sport girl of the year" will do the trick!! I am sure Lyndsy Dawns assets will cheer them up?
Ray at 22:21:30 Sunday March 28 99
Thanks Anthony (u did remember to vote didn't you?)
ANTHONY HOILE at 22:20:31 Sunday March 28 99
GREAT WEB PAGE FULL OF INTERESTING INFORMATION A LOT BETTER THAN THE MAIN PREM CLUB PAGES
Ralph at 21:40:58 Sunday March 28 99
I think tomorrow will be judgement day. If Macc had won today I think the outcome would have been inevitable, the sword of Damaclese awaits. Listening to the comments surrounding Ian Atkins I cannot help but suggest his plight is much of his own making. What we are witnessing bears all the hallmarks of 'management by fear'. Short term success, inevitable loss of staff morale, high turnover of staff, defensive feeble explanations to excuse failure and finally poor business performance. Blimey it's all there in The Hitch Hikers Guide to Man Management. Well I'm off to Ireland for a couple of days and I wonder if we will have an Irishman at the helm by the time I get back? Time is running out, I said after the defeat to Lincoln we looked liked a doomed team, that was weeks ago, only nine games left something has got to change and bloody quickly.
TRB Mark at 21:16:29 Sunday March 28 99
Atkins was successful manager for the three full seasons before this one. He was able to get his hoofing machine defending defiantly for long periods , even at home. We, the fans accepted this as compared to almost going out of business, and out the league, cultureless football was a small price to pay. Atkins now claims that we have been victims of our own success and that we have been spoilt. Well I beg to differ because I reckon most Cobblers fans would have settled for the much sought after mid-table obscurity, with a bit of footballing excitement thrown in for good measure. We needed to consolide and it may have been off the feild that the club would have progressed. Those who keep harping back to Wembley are missing the point. Everyone AGREES Atkins was a good manager when we were winning. It is when you get the injuries, when other teams have sussed your tactics, when the players heads and morale slips because "luck " is always going against you that you proveyour managerial mettle. I'm afraid Atkins has been found wanting, lacking guile, cunning and worst of all, belief in his own players (but not in his own mates) to prevent turbulance from sending us into a tailspin.
Mr Posh at 20:27:21 Sunday March 28 99
I think you boys need more than wishful thinking.....more like bloody snookers. I've left an e-mail address this time, so you can send me all your wonderful comments, I'm looking forward to some pleasant conversations.
Bill at 20:21:45 Sunday March 28 99
I think that the Talking Heads' "Road to nowhere" would be quite appropriate - especially if we're going to S**tborough next season...
Dave at 20:20:39 Sunday March 28 99
When will the board do their job,for the good of the club and SACK IAN ATKINS? all this talk of paying him off, he should be kicked out WITHOUT A PENNY COMPENSATION,even if he has 2 years left on his contract,if you or i f****d up in our jobs we would be out on our ear wouldnt we. I think that the ideal stand in would be Colin Hill, although i agree with H/c that an experienced striker as manager would be good i dont think it will happen , personaly i cant see Garry Thompson wanting to come back ,looking forwards to fridays easter bun fight when hopefuylly we will see some ATTACKING FOOTBALL!
Stiffs tommorow evening (QPR)have seen some good games this season in reserve league BETTER THAN FIRST TEAM!!!
I HOPE THE BOARD DO THERE JOB,FOR THE GOOD OF THE CLUB AND LISTEN TO THE FANS!!!
WE MUST WIN ON FRIDAY if we have a hope in hell of seeing 2nd div football at sixfields next season!!!
THEY MUST ACT NOW!!! not next week or next month
WHAT HAPPENED TO FORTRES SIXFIELDS that everybody was talking about last season???
it appears we have the worst home record in the Nationwide league i wonder what our sponsors think of that???
Mr Posh at 20:13:17 Sunday March 28 99
I'm sorry!!
I take it all back!!
I'm a Cobblers fan through and through. Please Cobblers STAY UP!
Yogi Bear at 20:8:22 Sunday March 28 99
I can't see us winning a match not the was twatko is playing at the moment, although Seal got in yesterday. The nights are drawing out, lets hope the warmer weather will bring the players on, the pansies bloomed early perhaps our lot can.
Mr Posh at 20:0:25 Sunday March 28 99
I can see you!!!! Oh! what a perfect day!!!
Northampton Gas at 19:30:44 Sunday March 28 99
Angry - you said you would only win one more match this season. Who will this be against?
Northampton Gas at 19:27:0 Sunday March 28 99
Leave Tommo out of this debate.
Angry at 19:23:37 Sunday March 28 99
A suitiable soundtrack for the Cobbs at the moment would be Up and Down by the Venger Boys. I was ashamed to read Atkins' comments on Teletext today - "We were beaten by a better team" - what a load of shite! We have just as many good players as Preston - we have Savage (on his day easily the best midfielder in the division), Corazzin (a prolific goalscorer - 13 goals in our shite team this season), Hill (one of the best defenders in Div 2) and Warner who would easily get in any second, and 13 or 14 first division teams. And we also have some players with a lot of potential (Hunt, Gibb, Spedding, Hope, Turley, Hughes, Morrow) who should be the nucleus of the Town side in years to come. If we put out our most talented XI every week and played decent passing football we would be easily 17 or 18 places higher in the table. The only problem is Ian Atkins who has the tactical knowledge of a dead mouse. We're playing the same formation as Birmingham played when Atkins was there - Coincidence? Atkins said the sale of Razor would let him play a flat back four - because of his incompetence the one time we've played this we conceded two goals in the first eight minutes of the match (Notts County). The only solution would be to sack him and go all guns blazing over the last nine games of the season. If we go down with him in charge he will probably stay here next season and then the exodous will begin. Players like Hunter, Warner, Savage, Seal, Corazzin, Hunt and Hope will all leave for greener pastures elsewhere leaving us with 10 brummies and an incompetent Northener to play on a Saturday. Paul Wilkinson is symptomatic of our season - played poorly for nearly all the games he played in except one or two matches where he has been carried along by his team mates. He is the sort of player who thinks he's the dogs bollocks because he played in the Premiership for a while. Usually those sort of players end up in the Conference when they're 34 because people realise they were never that good anyway. This defeat by Preston is a golden oppourtunity. Sack Atkins now, have a real go at staying up and if we don't then at least we tried. If Atkins stays, we'll win once more this season and finish bottom. If we stay up then the crowds will stay up, the ground will be expanded and none of the talented players will leave. Then that will build a platform for us to stay up next season - build a solid base and then build on that the season after and go for promotion. If we keep Atkins, all the good work that has gone on at the club over the past three years will have been for nothing.
Anon at 19:20:3 Sunday March 28 99
mac b, I meant PSIMBG not you
Pete at 19:11:32 Sunday March 28 99
There is really no chance that anyone will resign and lose
alotamoney. But on the hypotheticals - why do we suppose
that Ray W or D Hodg would be good managers. Me?- I want
an ex-forward (When did we last have one, anyone know?),
I think that is why Thommo was so good.
Nillyweeb at 19:5:53 Sunday March 28 99
Hopefully the ignominy of rock bottom (which is, frankly, where Atkins deserves to be) will give the board the confidence, or whatever it is they need, to finally sack the idiot.
The Olney Cobbler. at 18:59:19 Sunday March 28 99
Just got home from Yorkshire. Missed the game at Preston. The report on Five Live (Simon Brotherton) said we were playing rather defensively!!!!!!!!!
Friday night I went to see Scarborough V Rochdale. Awful game played by two very poor sides. Sad thing is that it looks like we will be playing them next season. Don't doubt Colin Hill. He has bundles of experience and is very respected.
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:43:1 Sunday March 28 99
PS - Fed Up Cobbler - Colin Hill's an experienced player with international caps. He's my choice. I don't think Warburton is likely to come back here as I doubt we could now afford him! Anyway, paying off Atkins might be all we can manage. Giving Hill the role until the end of the season would probably be the cheaper and less disruptive option. I agree - I don't think there's time to get someone in from outside.
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:38:6 Sunday March 28 99
Yep, Ray, Burnley winning and Macclesfield scoring three goals was the worst scenario. We are not just bottom, we have also played a game more than two of the other bottom four. We are also four points away from the fifth from bottom team. And I'm trying to find a positive angle!!! The only one I can come up with is that Atkins must, surely, go. I can substantiate John Mc's remark that Atkins won't resign and that, as a consequence, there'll probably be a lot of wrangling this week. The board must grasp the nettle, accept that the only option may well be to sack him, and get on with it PDQ. A change of manager is the only (albeit thin) chance we now have of survival. If Atkins stays we'll just continue to roll over, go belly up as there's no confidence or morale left in the team. A change at the top tomorrow should allow us to introduce tactics and a style of play which will generate better service to the likes Corazzin and Seal up front. It should also, and just as importantly, raise morale and re-ignite some passion and will to win. I will be far less downhearted if we do this and go down fighting. What I, and I suspect most of the fans, cannot tolerate any longer is Atkins continued long ball, ultra-defensive, tactics when the only chance we have is to get out there, take the game to the opposition, and have a go. I accept there are financial considerations and constraints. But, really, the board has no choice if it is to keep faith with its fans. It's clear from crowd reaction last week and from what is being said here and elsewhere, most supporters - while acknowledging the good work Atkins has done in the past - recognise that he's now deep down a cul-de-sac of his own making and from which he hasn't a clue how to escape. So, being positive, I'm looking forward to Friday's game with a new man in charge, a motivated team selected on its footballing merits and playing to its strengths. Well, I can dream....
the fed up cobbler at 18:34:58 Sunday March 28 99
I just cant believe it,this time last year we were looking forwards to wemb-er-ley and now we are deep in THE SHIT!.
It depresses me when i remember the excelent performances we have witnessed against Bristol rovers last season and as for the West ham game it was FANTASTIC what a performance , now it's all gone pear shaped what went wrong? would it realy improve if Ian ATkins went now or is it to late and who would replace him?, how much would it cost the club to pay off Atkins and after the pay off would any funds be left to entice somebody to the club.if the board could persuade Razor to sort it out I think he is the obvious candidate,people talk about Colin Hill does he have the necessary experience?,what about Dougie Hodgeson as Razor's assistant A WINNING COMBINATION !
I realy hope we dont slide but i think it's all over now
PISSED OFF I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Poshs mate at 18:14:53 Sunday March 28 99
Ray - I'll explain it slowly. I didn't want you to be bottom because that would have meant Macclesfield won or drew thus denying Burnley the three points that would push you even closer to that trap-door. Geddit ????? Things have turned out even better though with Burnley (and York) winning and the Maccs scoring enough to send you bottom anyway !!! What a luverly Sunday. HA HA HA.
mac-b(ournemouth)....arh now i understand at 18:9:41 Sunday March 28 99
TO:Anon Of course i don`t go but i will be on friday as at least i`ill be able to watch one decent team
Sid at 17:58:34 Sunday March 28 99
DOOOHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are bottom. I cant believe it. Well, as the words go, it cant get much worse than this!
Anon at 17:51:29 Sunday March 28 99
mac-b, he probably doesn't even go.
mac-b at 17:49:27 Sunday March 28 99
PSIMBG why don`t you lighten-up abit ? without abit of friendly banter between fans football would be a much duller place.
you must have a sense of humour as you go and watch the cobsbollocks or whatever you call yourselves
Yogi Bear at 17:45:18 Sunday March 28 99
Bottom. Oh no the strongest team in the league , yes we're holding all the others up. I think I'll buy a season ticket for the reserves next year a just watch a few first team games. The football played by the stiffs is much more entertaining. QPR tomorrow at 7pm, yes please. the rumour is that twatko is the man who paints the funny faces.
Deepcut Cobbler at 17:40:16 Sunday March 28 99
To go up after a defeat you have to score!!!!
Ray at 17:25:56 Sunday March 28 99
I think the Burnley-Macclesfield result was the worst imaginable. Macclesfield winning would have been much better. We are now the lowest scorers in the league and are rock bottom. Whatever the board decides on Monday I'm resigned to our fate.
Ian Atkins at 17:22:34 Sunday March 28 99
I resign because I am a crap manager.
PSIMBG at 17:11:23 Sunday March 28 99
Please children will just ignore the other childish fans who come on here (Mr Posh, Ray Warburton Fan club) to insult the cobbs. Just don't even bother to reply it makes them think they have some importance, anyway these twisted indivdual obivously have enough problems of there own.
PSIMBG at 17:7:23 Sunday March 28 99
That great feeling of being bottom, Why is it that when we lose (quite often) we never move up a place. Well I suppose things can't get any worse.
John Mcrirrick at 16:29:59 Sunday March 28 99
So we are bottom, the worst of both worlds then, maybe Atkins will be out tommorow after all. Mac-Bournemouth, we've got to play well sooner or later, it's statistically impossible to carry on being so poor and bereft of ideas, I think if Atkins is sacked then you will feel the backlash, which is a shame for you as I predicted you would go up pre season, I thought that you were one of the better teams in the league last year, and certainly gave us a couple of hidings. By the way Lincoln are beating York 1-0
mac-bournemouth at 16:23:31 Sunday March 28 99
John,if you of seen us yesterday you would know the only way you have "of popping our bubble"is if you go out and buy yourselves a unused cruise missile from the serbs
Robert Dunkley at 16:11:49 Sunday March 28 99
No, John we are bottom as Macc have now cored more goals than us:_(
John Mcrirrick at 16:4:58 Sunday March 28 99
Burnley 4 Macclesfield 3, is that good news or bad ?. At least we are not bottom but I think that means we're further away from safety. I think if we ahd been bottom that would have made the boards job even easier tommorow. I think we are going to have a week of protracted wranglings this week with IA steadfastly refusing to go, I wouldn't be suprised if he's still in charge when we pop Bournemouth's promotion bubble on friday night.
Big Roy at 14:37:33 Sunday March 28 99
Perhaps Radio Northampton could introduce their interviews with IA with "I Can't Explain" by The Who and "Don't Believe a Word" by Thin Lizzy!
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:37:3 Sunday March 28 99
And there I was, just now, being positive...!
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:35:8 Sunday March 28 99
Ref suitable misic: what about Down, Down by Status Quo?
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:33:22 Sunday March 28 99
Much sense in the comments from Uther and Cobblers Last. I totally agree - one of Atkins' many failings is his inability to learn from his mistakes or listen to others. To those who remain positive and open-minded, life is an continual journey of experience, inspiration and learning and much enriched for it. Sadly, those who are blinkered and negative, are missing out on the real riches of life. OK, enough of the philosophy! So, keeping in a positive frame of mind, I expect the board to be decisive and tomorrow will replace Atkins with Hill until the end of the season. To do so would be a tremendous boost to morale in the dressing room and to us disillusioned fans. I believe the directors will not shirk from this responsibility, whatever the immediate cost burdens.
Big Roy at 13:20:45 Sunday March 28 99
Uther - "Get Back" by the Beatles may be an obvious choice to play through the PA during opposition corners (rather like that godawful thing played at Adams Park) but how about "Eight Miles High" by the Byrds for the (frequent) times the ball's hoofed upfield. There will probably be time to play the full 12" remix before the ball comes down again!
Sid at 13:16:10 Sunday March 28 99
NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Burnley 1-2 Macclesield after only 18 minutes
Ray at 12:54:12 Sunday March 28 99
Don't you mean Burnley would have lost?
A mate of Mr Poshs mate at 12:32:58 Sunday March 28 99
I hope you're not bottom by 3pm. Why ? Because that'll mean Burnley will have won and you'll be even closer to the drop. Not long now ........
Ray at 12:11:15 Sunday March 28 99
ARRGGGHHHHH!!!!! We need votes now! We have dropped to second place behind Peru! We are 100 behind and only 3 days to go. Get clicking folks please. We get 200 visitors a day - everyone clicking when they arrive will see us through the 1000 barrier by the end of the month. (last month the winner only got 520 votes and we currently have 660).
Anon at 12:10:23 Sunday March 28 99
Quiet here isn't it, everyone at church ? !!!, except of course Mr Posh and his friend who will no doubt be sitting in their car outside Sunday school class.
Angry at 4:32:39 Sunday March 28 99
One player who should sort his barnet out is Chris Lee. His hairstyle makes him look like more of a weak, timid poof than he really is. At least he could attempt to look hard with a shaved head. I'll have an XXXXXXXXXXXXL t-shirt and a cap please (I've been eating around the Frys' house recently)
Uther at 0:41:56 Sunday March 28 99
p.s. Have you noticed that Mr. Posh always comes on line early evenings? As a professional psycho-analyst I conclude that he is either a schoolboy, or a paedophile who likes schoolboys. A handwriting expert friend of mine confirms the latter.
Uther Pendragon at 0:31:19 Sunday March 28 99
Just back from the pub & very poor Chinese takeaway (well if you can call chips & curry sauce Chinese) - but it helps to hold down the beer. Anyway, having caught up on the comments, I would like to put forward the following: Twatkins is one of the youngest managers in the football league and, as such, has the potential to be a premier league manager as long as he is prepared to LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES. OK, stop laughing for a minute and listen; as a brummie it is highly unlikely that he has the mental capacity to learn from his mistakes(be honest, they are all thick as thieves) and will fade into oblivion when he is sacked by the board on monday. I have a firm belief that a manager must always be prepared to listen and give a player a second chance (all we have seen this week re KEVIN KEEGAN consolidates this belief) and that there is no room for arrogance. Atkins was as much of a hero to NTFC supporters as Keegan is today to England, however, compare the Keegan humility displayed in todays interviews with the old brummie arrogance we have had to swallow all season. My point is this: Good luck for the future Ian, learn from your mistakes and build on your experience. But, in the name of God, do it over the next few seasons at a DIFFERENT CLUB.
Rubber S&M cobbler at 0:10:22 Sunday March 28 99
gabi...Gabi...GAbi...GABi...oooh....aaaah.GABBI......oh bugger, me batteries have run out.
york cobbler at 23:40:19 Saturday March 27 99
I too have noticed the sorry excuses for hairstyles that are currently displayed by some members of our side. I have to agree with the Weedon Cobbler that this is the reason for our slide in recent months.
Kevin Simons at 23:34:32 Saturday March 27 99
Would Mr Atkins care to explain publicly why he feels Dave Savage cannot command a first team place? No, because you're a gutless tosser. I felt sorry for Seal being thrown to the lions today, doubtless we'll get some crap from Atkins in his post match comments along the lines of "this is the dream ticket that the Internet crew have been demanding all season and look where it's got us". Get real, flat back 5, midfield short of confidence = lack of service...no service= no goals...no goals= no points, but then for Ian Atkins nil is a result. Go tosser. Get yer Atkins Out T-Shirts and caps here.
weedon cobbler at 23:27:45 Saturday March 27 99
did you know that roy hunter supposedly got his new multi-tone hairstyle at toni & guy??
and what has happened to billy's buffon?
bad play is the corollary to bad hair - bring back the slick mr gayle!
The Optimist at 23:5:8 Saturday March 27 99
Well done Hippocrates, you are right, 9 matches and 27 points to play for. I reckon our present 33 and the 27 will keep us in mid table position at then end of the season. Just as that nice Mr Atkins said we would. Isn't he a clever man. I shouldn't be quite so optimistic in future. Roll on Division 2 next season.
Hippocrates at 22:59:37 Saturday March 27 99
Further to the suggestion for a song for your team to come out to, how about "I'm only happy when it rains" by Garbage, with its jolly refrain 'pour your misery down on me'. 9 games is 27 points to play for, it will be very close at the end of the season but don't give up yet!
From the Cobbler's Last at 22:56:8 Saturday March 27 99
Back from the game at Preston and decidedly not happy again. The performance was disappointing although I didn't expect anything from the game. 3-0 was a fair reflection as they played us off the park and looked a promotion side, unlike when they came to Sixfields. On the same basis, we looked like a relegation team. I caught a report on BBC Radio 5 and they said our plan was okay until Preston scored. We didn't have a Plan B they said..... How right they were. We haven't had a Plan B all season. Same old story. Hoof up front and chase. Preston dealt with it comfortably because we don't really do it very well anymore. I was encouraged by the team as Savage was warming up when I got in the ground. Sad to say he was substitute and Atkins didn't bother to use him. The problem was that when we were a goal down at half-time, Atkins didn't commit us forward. When we went 2-0 down we had little to lose. So why didn't he bring on a decent ball player. We needed to put the ball at the feet of the strikers and they had poor service all afternoon. You couldn't blame them for not scoring. It doesn't matter if we lose 4-0 or 2-0 now as its goals scored that matter and we need to score to get results....If we are not going to win a match like this, and that was obvious after the second goal went in, we needed to get goals to improve our tally over the clubs around us. We have to go forward. If Atkins is to learn anything from this game, he should ignore our performance and watch Preston. They played the ball around the park. They had width. They passed to each other, stretched us and shot at goal as if they wanted to score. Atkin's tactics on the other hand were the same as usual -Long ball forward, little width and everything predictable. We have to get rid of Atkins now if we are to have any chance. The players don't want to play for him, they are half-hearted and seem dejected. The fans are mainly negative towards him and he doesn't appear to be able to change his approach. We will go down at this rate and then he'll probably blame all of us.... the fans, players, board, coaches. One thing is for sure, it won't be his fault Nothing ever is. He'll probably go then, cursing everyone for not backing him. Hopefully the board will give him a shove....PLEASE. If we are to go down, lets make a fight of it and prove we can play when we are given the chance.
Yogi Bear at 22:55:53 Saturday March 27 99
Who'd take over if Atko resigned ? any suggestions its too late for this season now.
Uncle Richard at 22:24:34 Saturday March 27 99
Must confess to the 300 mile round trip to watch a team that looked as if it didn't want to be there . Hendon got booked after 5 mins , Seal substituted by Lee , 2 cracking goals from Preston (the other was up t'other end). Player for player , the town should be a match for any 2nd div team but todays collection of "inexperience and injuries" looked as if everyone they had ever cared for were booked on the next flight to Yugoslavia.
Atkins did a brilliant job getting out of the third and into the playoffs last term , without any money from the club , that is what he should be admired and remembered for , but since he's had the proceeds from two Wembley trips and a couple of decent cup ties to strengthen the squad , he's blown it.
Do us a favour Ian , resign and save the club £120k , and we'll try and remember the good times.
Yogi Bear at 22:16:12 Saturday March 27 99
Seal finally made the first team in an away match, about time. But we still got stuffed. Mr Posh must be laughing. Never mind with the Rusty Dim ones still going strong some local derbies look very apetising next season.
Yogi Bear at 22:10:30 Saturday March 27 99
Messed it up at deepdale, still we can still hope that Carlisle go down and the Rusty Dims ones come up. It will save on a bit of travelling expenses next season. What a way to start the millenium - bottom rung of the ladder once more. To late to get rid of atkins though - bring back tommo, the reserves play better football than the first team.
Sid at 21:52:39 Saturday March 27 99
Mr Posh, we will be looking forward to caning your ass next season, but no-one is actually that bothered about your idea of piss-taking.
By all means carry on, but i am sure everyone is ignoring your well-constructed comments.
Sid at 21:47:50 Saturday March 27 99
Hartwell, Howard is much better than Gayle. I didn't see Gayle win that many headers last season. Howard seems to win them all. Anyway, if anyone fanices a chat about today, come to http://members.xoom.com/cobblers now!
Hartwell Cobbler at 21:33:40 Saturday March 27 99
More twaddle from Atkins in tonight's Chronic. Here's a flavour: "Given the breaks, we'll get something from Preston today" (correct, a good hiding). "We're not doomed, there's a long way to go (no, Atkins, there isn't - just nine games)."Players like Clarkson, Dobson, Hodgson, Peer and Wilkinson were sorely missed"(Peer ? Wilkinson?). And of course that olden goldie (yes, you're guessed it) "Injuries have cost us dearly this season. I think supporters lose sight of this fact a little to quickly (not when you're around Mr A. And of course you wouldn't want to point out that you're taken at least a full team of new players on board this season, would you?). No, sorry, Atkins, I've had enough of these repetitive excuses. Moving on - does anyone know what the fans reaction was today? I tried to listen to Radio Northampton's commentary but as it was shared with Kettering/Diremonds and the Saints it was difficult to pick up any threads. Moving on - Uther - yes the funeral march. How can anyone say Howard is better than Gayle as a) we've hardly seen him and b) Gayle did score goals for us! Incidentally, East stander: let's again make it clear - most of us who are calling for Atkins to go have been fulsome in our praise for what he has in the past achieved. But you can't live on yesterday's glories.
Uncle Richard at 21:22:34 Saturday March 27 99
So it looks like we'll be sinking to p**h's level next term , I hope Mr P**h is wrong , It'll be Hill/Wilson dream ticket in charge up against Blubbery Fry , and yes we might be coming down , but you are STAYING DOWN .
P.S. well done Dim-ones - another resounding draw
STACE at 21:6:47 Saturday March 27 99
HELLO EVERYONE BAD LUCK TODAY BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.#
P.S. SACK ATKINS KEVIN WILSON 4 BOSS
Mr Posh at 20:59:15 Saturday March 27 99
CCCCRRRREEEEAAAAKKKKK! Hey lads, that's a gaping big hole now! We can see you!! Atkins and Fry will do battle next season, as exclusively predicted yonks ago, because I am "In the know" (geddit Hartwell Cobbler!!!) Are you looking forward to the race to the Conference lads? Who will win, you or us!?!?
Football eh? you've gotta laugh haven't you. When do you think your new stand will get built now then?!?!?!? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Never mind think of all the local derbies next season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mac-bournemouth at 20:38:7 Saturday March 27 99
I was hoping of coming on to your site with the intent of winding-up you lot ,in the build-up to friday; but after reading the comments on your board i don`t think you will take it the right way....i almost feel sorry for you, see yer friday
Norwich Cobbler at 20:1:26 Saturday March 27 99
Just what is it about us that stops us sticking in a higher division for more than two seasons?We're as good as down now - we've been crap all season and we're not going to improve just like that.
Remember the Board talking about consolidation?Some consolidation back down to play with Scumborough.Unfortunately its the tactics we employ - we are totally one dimensional.The players that made Atkins system work - Gayle and Razor - have gone but we haven't adapted and that is one of the reasons we will be back in the 3rd.
Its all very sad -personally I'd have swopped Wembley 98 for staying in the 2nd(wouldn't have swopped the night against the Gas though!)
Lets look forward to next season with or without Atkins and lets bounce straight back!!!!
Come on you Cobblers!!!!!!
COMPOST CORNER at 19:49:47 Saturday March 27 99
Oh dear not again (double bubble for some). We still love you Cobblers. Bye bye Mr.A.
Rubber S&M cobbler at 19:29:40 Saturday March 27 99
To Mr. Posh and Mr. Poshs mate - come round to my place I think I have some toys that you will be able to use on each other. I assume that you are both male? GET IT ON WITH EACH OTHER!!
Uther Pendragon at 19:26:41 Saturday March 27 99
I think that we should change the cobblers theme tune played before the match to 'barrel of a gun' by Depeche Mode. Anyone have any better suggestions?
Rubber S&M at 19:24:16 Saturday March 27 99
that should have been 'carried away'
Rubber S&M cobbler at 19:23:13 Saturday March 27 99
Does anyone else find Gabby Yorath's hairy eyebrows sexy? She obviously doesn't pluck them. Talking of plucking....... Sorry, getting carries away but it takes my mind off todays result.
Mr Poshs mate at 19:5:18 Saturday March 27 99
You were told ages ago that you were going down but didn't believe the wisdom of Mr Posh. So just look at Ceefax P325. As for winning your 6 home games HA HA HA !! You've only won 7 all season !!!!! BTW, don't listen to these moaners Mr Atkins, you're doing a great job.
Deepcut Cobbler at 19:2:48 Saturday March 27 99
Acceptance. This is the first result of the season where it hasn't hurt looking at teletext. My apathy astounded me!! Even I have accepted the inevitable. Is the successor on his way back from Ireland as we speak??? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!
Ian at 19:0:28 Saturday March 27 99
Sid the other sub who was not used was Savage. Freestone did not play for Hartlepool, not even on the bench and their situation is even more dire than ours, what gives?
East Stand Cobbler at 18:55:34 Saturday March 27 99
Amidst all the anti-Atkins fervour that's going on at the moment it seems to have been forgotten exactly what a profound and positive effect Atko has had on the club. Anyone want to swap the squad he has assembled here today for the one we had when he took over four years or so back? Thought not. That cannot be discounted and due to this he has earned a lot of latitude. That isn't to say that I am particularly happy with our illustrious leader of late, it should just be pointed out that we do owe him a lot.
Over the past month or two I've been saying "No, we'll survive - we have too many quality players to go down" but at this moment in time things look very grim for precisely that very reason.
In the past we have played ugly yet effective football, the only avenue open to us given the limited resources at our dispoal. This bought us some measure of success. With that success has come some measure of financial comfort which the board, to it's credit, has made available to strengthen the squad, which the manager, to his credit, has done with no small measure of shrewdness (Wilkinson apart - we all make mistakes). This has left us with a squad of 'quality' ball players which I honestly believe could achieve that elusive mid-table respectability in the first division.
Unfortunately we are not in the first division and do not have the space on the ball that division affords. Due to this our players were struggling when at the beginning of the season we were trying to play some nice football. After these games didn't produce any results to speak of - just a run of 0-0 draws - we reverted to the style of football of the past few years, hit the ball into the area and hope someone knocks it down. However we no longer had the personnel to do this and ended up with our real goalscorers (Seal, Corrazin) playing in roles that were completely alien to them - Seal having to chase everything (NOT his game) and Corrazin trying to win the ball in the air (good player, but far too short for that role). Due to this none of our forwards have looked too hot and have ended up marginalised - either literally(not playing) or psychologically(wanting to leave) or both.
The arrival of Howard seemed to be the answer to this. Remember last year, with Seal and Gayle up front? Howard is basically Gayle but better but by the time he arrived Seal was so far out of favour he had dropped behind Freestone in the pecking order. Now Freestone has gone and Seal looks back in contention, Howard is suspended. Things really aren't going our way, are they?
If we are going to survive though, I think this team up could be the key for the run in to the end of the season. This is a compromise between the 'nice' football we'd all like to see but which doesn't seem effective in the second division and our more traditional 'up-and-at-em' approach. Three up front, Howard knocking the ball down/on for Seal to finish or Corrazin to do what he does best and run at people in the area.
I've gone on a bit there (to say the least) but to me this seems our only course of action if we are to stay up, and in doing so keep hold of our best players.
Gavin at 18:47:55 Saturday March 27 99
Well its inevitable now isn't it? I'm already adjusting to life back in the basement, maybe I'm trying to soften the blow but I'm not too bothered. I'll still go and have a laugh, I just want this nightmare season to end. We're doomed, so what?
Judge Pickles at 18:42:56 Saturday March 27 99
Out of retirement (got to put this right before the truss (sic) appoint me ahead of the meaning well but pennyless leftie)
a few words of judgement - yes Ian you are guilty
not least of gross hypocrisy - I'll take you back to the Lincoln away game where you said in the Chron - " the last thing players need at this stage is critical comments- between you and me - just what did you say at half time? However to balance the discussion your accessment of David Seal is correct (lazy,moaning and work shy!).Not so your apparent accessment of Mr Warner - more craft in his bad foot than Mr Gibb has even thought of (even if most defenders outside of the conferance have already determined this fact.
Judgement is final - go now team spirit requires it!
TRB Mark at 18:16:49 Saturday March 27 99
A telling remark came from the Radio 5 live hal-time report from Deepdale. "Northampton need to change their approach if they are to get anything from this game." Take it that nothing changed as we were one ni down at the time. I can see Atkins in my minds eye exhorting all 11 players behind the ball even when we were 3-0 down. Atkins one dimensional game plan relies on us being very tight and having loads of fight. Sadly, we have neither at the mo and that is why we are going down.
Anon at 17:54:17 Saturday March 27 99
My grandad always says that the only good thing to come out of Birmingham is the M6. Twatkins proves his right.
Phil Baron at 17:48:13 Saturday March 27 99
it appears we are up shit creek without a paddle?
The Insider at 17:47:24 Saturday March 27 99
Well, is there anyone out there who still thinks Atkins should stay? Ray? We're heading back to where we were in 1995 with the prospect of another season of dire football led up front by Chris Lee. Does anyone reallly think we'll sell more than a thousand season tickets on that basis? Or get more than 3500 for a December midweek game against Rochdale or Torquay. Where will all the "look where Atkins has got us to" crowd be then? I refuse to criticise during games but the Board must take matters out ot Atkins' hands and sack him. ATKINS OUT! ATKINS OUT!
Sid at 17:41:34 Saturday March 27 99
eerrrrrrrr..... not sure of the exact team, but it goes something like this:- Turley, Hendon, Parrish, Sampson, Howey, Hope, Hunter, Corazzin, Seal, Hunt, Spedding. Subs: Lee Gib, and someone i cant remember. I qoute, the team was something like this. (too busy watching England)
Sid at 17:38:19 Saturday March 27 99
That was a piss poor result today. If Atkins has been told to win this game, he has certainly made a hash of it. I don't really want Atkins to leave, but the way we are going is backwards. It must be cheerio to Mr Atkins now.........
Gloomy at 17:37:30 Saturday March 27 99
I have to say it is looks like Div 3 - home form so poor that it is probably academic that out of the 9 remaining games 6 are at home. Very depressing.
Anon at 17:31:20 Saturday March 27 99
Still waiting, does anyone know the team that he played.
Eastander at 17:17:44 Saturday March 27 99
0-3 It seems even our away form is deserting us now, and why, I`ll tell you why, its the same reason we`ve only won 2 home games all season, IA doesn`t know how to play attacking football, week in week out we see midfield players who daren`t cross the half way line and simply launch the ball into the opposition penalty area and hope, we see forwards having to fetch the ball from their own penalty area, Ali Gibb expected to run from his own corner flag to the other end of the pitch and stil out run a defender. So come on Atkins be POSITIVE we`ve 6 home games left which could be 18 points nearly enough to do the trick, push the midfield further forward, play the ball to feet, lets score some goals and get out of this shit lets face it 9 more 0-0 results and we`re in div 3 next season
Anon at 17:14:27 Saturday March 27 99
Atkins - you should do the decent thing and resign immediately. If not sooner.
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:12:18 Saturday March 27 99
PS - last Monday Andy Roberts said he believed Atkins could get us out of this mess. Does he still think so, I wonder ? Sorry, Ray, but I cannot agree with you or Andy.
Philip (who's pissed off with prAtkins) at 17:6:51 Saturday March 27 99
Another defeat so I only have one thimg to say:-
ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT ATKINS OUT
del at 17:6:34 Saturday March 27 99
does us a favour Atkins and f*** off
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:0:18 Saturday March 27 99
3-0 - another savage defeat, in fact the worst of the season to date. If Macclesfield get just a point tomorrow we're rock bottom and have played more games. Atkins should have gone two months ago. He must go now without any further delay. If he doesn't not only will we be relegated but we'll also finish up where we may very well be this time tomorrow - bottom of the heap. Sorry but I cannot find any grounds for optimism while Atkins remains.
Phil Baron at 16:40:4 Saturday March 27 99
Ray the reason the Chronic will not let you have your say is that it is run by a bunch of people who would not get another job at any other newspaper which is why it looks for scapegoats to blame when things start going wrong. Andy Roberts has less respect from the players then anyone and it has become a bit of a joke amongst them as to if he even watches the matchs most of the time!!! There is a rumour that one day the Chronic will print something of use to someone but I think thats a long way off at the moment. ps its now 2-0 and its not looking good !!!!
Anon at 16:38:56 Saturday March 27 99
Thank you and Goodbye Mr Atkins
Nosey Parker at 15:59:9 Saturday March 27 99
1-0 down Mr Atkins I think the grim reeper is looking up your address!!
Anon at 15:43:38 Saturday March 27 99
1 - 0 down
Deepcut Cobbler at 15:18:29 Saturday March 27 99
1-0 England (Scholes). Sorry wrong area for news on Cobblers....
COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Anon at 14:45:23 Saturday March 27 99
Please!
Anon at 14:44:56 Saturday March 27 99
Any team news anyone, Please!
Deepcut Cobbler at 14:33:36 Saturday March 27 99
Is there any foundation in that IA cannot be removed until his successor has completed international duty this weekend????
Deepcut Cobbler at 14:27:13 Saturday March 27 99
Ray, Is your sudden change of heart due to some piece of information that you have received or is it just a ploy to get on the right or better side of the Chron??? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
Anon at 13:50:39 Saturday March 27 99
Wycombe 3 Oldham 0. Half time
Paul S at 13:41:11 Saturday March 27 99
Bad News Dav Cobbler - Radio Northampton has full coverage of Kettering vs R&D
DAV COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 13:30:29 Saturday March 27 99
Why does work come before the COBBLERS, missed my lift to PNE as i got called out at work. England game may lift the gloom, Radio Northampton will provide a totally unbiased account of the afternoons fayre at Deepdale, so crack out the stella and cheer on COBBLERS and ENGLAND. GOOD LUCK COBBLERS you wont hear me but i will be singing !!PS thanks to Steve, Andy , Tony, Slapper, Fink, Dazza, Simo and Baz for waitnig for me, lets hope i regret missing my transport.
John Mcrirrick at 13:23:56 Saturday March 27 99
Wycombe beating Oldham 1-0, 1.00 Kick off. This could be a bad day for us, we could be bottom by 5.00pm
Anon at 13:9:6 Saturday March 27 99
Can anyone who has access to BBC radio Northamton post the starting eleven as soon they hear it. Thanks
John Mcrirrick at 13:7:41 Saturday March 27 99
Yeh Ray you say that and you might have a point, but there is no arguing with the fact that IA still does not know his first choice 11, for whatever reason the team should not change every week, if he could pick a team whatever the merits of the individual selections, give it a consistent run and stop chopping and changing, then personally I would respect that.
Ray at 13:5:52 Saturday March 27 99
hear, hear.....
John Mcrirrick at 13:4:36 Saturday March 27 99
Spot on, Northampton Gas
Northampton Gas at 13:1:11 Saturday March 27 99
I cannot believe any true Cobblers fan wants the team to lose today, just on the off chance that IA will be on his way next week. The Gas played at Preston a few weeks ago and were unlucky to only get a draw, they can be beaten. If any of your players are not prepared to give 100% today, THEY should be dropped for the rest of the season. No-one should go into the match believing they cannot win OR that by losing it at least gets rid of IA.
Ray at 12:57:25 Saturday March 27 99
I'm gonna be quite happy to be proved wrong on this. The ideal situation that I can see is for us to stay up, someone to wave a magic wand so that all the players play to what we know is a high ability and sweep all before us next season as we head for the first. I'm not altogther sure that some of the criticism levelled at IA becuase of non-selection of players is necessarily fully justified. We don;t know what goes on behind the scenes at 6fields... mores the pity... players may or may not be selected for reasons other than having a "row" with Atkins. We just don't know.
John Mcrirrick at 12:38:24 Saturday March 27 99
Ray at 10.30. The problem with standing by Atkins should we be relegated is, what players will he have at his disposal next season. it is true he has assembled the best squad of players seen here for many a year BUT by alienating himself, not selecting the best players, publically criticising players he has become despised in the dressing room. Should we slip into Div 3 it is likely we will lose the backbone of the squad, Corrazin, Savage, Seal, Hunter I could go on. I think whoever is in charge should we go down will struggle to keep hold of alot of the players, for example why should Savage stay to be a bit part player in a third division outfit when he's one of the best players in the second ?. If this squad stays together, however that is achieved, there will be a bright future at NTFC, the only way I think that this will be achieved though is if we are in Div 2 next season, and the only way that I think that that is possible is is Atkins is removed
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:11:21 Saturday March 27 99
If I recall right Andy Roberts just made a passing comment about the "Atkins out" comments on the net. Mind you, it was of such little consequence that I took virtually no notice of it, so I really can't be certain! BTW - I haven't seen anyone forecasting a 5-0 win today!
Anon at 10:50:39 Saturday March 27 99
there should of been a 'be' in there somewhere....
Anon at 10:49:27 Saturday March 27 99
i'm going on holiday today, so if someone who's going to the preston match could email 2 tell me how we play it'd great....cheers people.
COME ON COBBLERS!!!!!!
Ray at 10:34:49 Saturday March 27 99
Andy Roberts having another go at the Internet community? What exactly did he say? All our fault we are in the mire (again)? After the last debacle I wrote to the editor explaining that at least the Internet allows people to have their say and suggested that, to play fair, I should be allowed to comment upon any remarks made in the rag. He (finally) answered, asking me for my addy and phone number and said I would be contacted. I'm still waiting! Looks like one rule for the Chron and another rule for us.
Ray at 10:30:49 Saturday March 27 99
OK - I'm probably in a minority here but I've come to the conclusion that Ian Atkins should stay. I know that there is a problem with team morale which may be laid at his door but if the unthinkable happens and we are relegated, there is no better manager I can think of that will bring us straight back up again. The squad of players assembled is by far and away better than anything the 3rd. Division has to offer and the generally lower standard we will encounter will mean that we will finally be able to play 442 or 433 and get promoted with record points and record goals scored. (yeh, yeh - I know - I'll wake up in a minute.)
Ray at 10:26:48 Saturday March 27 99
I definitely be renewing my seat for next season - irrespective of who is in charge, who is in the team and what division we are in.
TRB Mark at 9:49:22 Saturday March 27 99
Just to pass a few comments on what has been written below. I will be renewing my season ticket next season. Partly out of loyalty and partly for practical purposes. I like where I sit and the people around me. I even like some of my mates I go with. Also, living in Iboro, its a major hassle getting tickets and just think it you wer'nt a season ticket holder last season (and lets face it, the football by and large was'nt that great then) you may have missed the game of the century.
I have a friend from the West Midlands and he too is incredibley thick skinned and dogmatic, so maybe it's something in the water there?
Andy Roberts had another swipe at the internet last night. It seems now that we are a conveinient stick for the local media to beat the club with. I can just see Andy Roberts saying "But Mr Stonhill sir, it's not what I think, I just report what they say on the internet, all those disloyal fans." Bet the tribiutes to Freestone don't get a mention.
For the first time ever I really want Kettering Town to stuff the oppo today. If the village people get promoted and we go down, its gonna be insuferable around here...
Can't see us doing PNE today. That fixture brings back fond memories as we made it a lads weekend with overnight stay in Blackpool in 96.
What a great weekend and we nearly did't bother with the match as we wegetting rated in the pubs between B'pool and Preston. We would have missed a Larry hatrick! Can you believe that we could'nt find any B+B, thenended up in a place with about 30 girls on a hen weekend?
Hart Welle Cobbler at 9:25:51 Saturday March 27 99
Hamtune Chronicles. 1680AD. Ye Men of Shoes doth runne pell melle and in alle directionnes duringe battel, to extente that alle legges go moste wobblie, causinge greate malaise. To satifie this situe and in the midste of battel there shalt henceforthe be a periode of respite. At this tyme agrede both armies doth leave ye fielde of battel for speciale roomes undre ye maine pegoda. There ye Men of Shoes legges are rubbed virgourse with embrocationnes most pungente and tinglie by ye physic,Caysee. At these momentes leadre Yan Brummiekins doth make pronouncementes grande as to ye flowe of battel. Suche is ye screaminge oftene hearde that men thinke he pusheth implementes into eares. But in truthe ye assaulte is verbale to eare onlie and concernth positionnes of ye pikemen, whom Brummiekins maketh stande firme in line welle backe from ye fronte to avoide soldyieres from ye oppositionne intrudinge behinde them. Duringe ye intervalle Men of Shoes followres are entertainde royalee, ye towne cryiere, Smythe, beings summonde for dutie. Withe magik sticke he doth calle to ye assemblde thronge, his salutationnnes soundinge like cries of ye olde hagge. Squire Henlie doth bringe his carte to ye meadowe and for japes doth offre monies to anie man who can get a balle into it from distances moste greate. By his kindnesse those whiche entre but cometh back oute be not deemde suitabel. Duringe this time manie of ye followres doth visite ye tente, where Mistress Jacyce doth worke all nighte longe knittinge and crochetinge, clicke clacke, speciale shirtes for tea whiche are mayde and solde. They beinge purchasde ye followres are thus properlie equipde in dresse to partake of tea, whence they doth quaffe their thirstes from speciale cubicels. Suche was the excitemente causde at intervalles that Baron of Stone Hill doth seeke more merriementes. Havinge heareth about ye exploites of a younge man of callde Shakespeare, he doth enquire whethre his tournge bande coulde make amusementte during intervalles. But my friende Robbe sayeth in wolocks he considrde Shakespeare of little cutlure, reallie a bigge girles doublet. So, Shakespeare ne're cometh to Northamptone. But insteade there was status quo. God Save alle Englande this daye of our Lord, 27 Marche, 1680.
TRB Mark at 9:24:51 Saturday March 27 99
Yeah, I think we've sold something like that as well! Should be cracking, if you'll forgive the Easter pun.
mac-bournemouth at 9:22:15 Saturday March 27 99
please please please please stuff PNE, see yer friday, should be a good atmosphere friday ,we have already sold a 1000 tickets
Bill at 8:58:51 Saturday March 27 99
Now that we've signed Ian Hendon, does anyone think we will now play a flat back four?
Bill at 8:55:15 Saturday March 27 99
Colin Hill would be better than IA, but I don't think we really need another defensive-minded manager. Maybe Eddie Mcgoldrick or Garry Thompson? My prediction for today : my heart says 1-1 but my head says 0-3, with Atkins still at the helm on Monday. When will the board do the decent thing?
Nosey Parker at 8:24:31 Saturday March 27 99
The players know that if we lose today then Atkins goes,Its as simple as that and as the majority think he is a tosser do you think they will be trying? I dont blame them one bit myself the respect he has for them is nil and he has made life hell for a good 6 - 8 of them with his bully tactics. The only one that stood up to him and had a face to face row in his office Charlie Bishop gets kicked out the club.If Atkins thinks he is so hard how comes every time something kicks off on the pitch (Preston,Bristol Rovers,etc) he always ends up on his arse!!! Good luck today lads try and only lose 1-0 and Twatkins will be a goner. Sorry to sound so bloody misarable in the morning but in your hearts you know he has to go and Colin Hill in at least the football will be more watchable!!!
Norwich Cobbler at 23:19:3 Friday March 26 99
Second thoughts Ray?
Ray at 23:10:34 Friday March 26 99
....or perhaps it was just that they didn't believe it the first time and wanted a second look...
Sid at 23:6:19 Friday March 26 99
Hartwell, I know many fans that have been to Wembley to support them both times, but have never seen a Cobblers league game. The fans i know got really into it on the day by buying shirts etc. from the club shop, just for that one day. These fans that are prepared to do this should be thanked. But on the other hand, some see it as a day out, and will probably mock the team afterwards if they lose. We DO NOT want people like this. An interesting fact is every time i have taken a mate to a Cobblers game, they have wanted to come again, even if we had lost. It just shows that once they have seen it, they cant get enough!
Sid at 23:2:46 Friday March 26 99
To be perfectly honest, i do not mind if he stays or not. But one thing has to change, and that is the tactics. When I overheard someone say that "All Atkins has to do is change his tactics" I thought "i agree with that". I think we will know tomorrow whether Atkins really wants the job or not, by what sort of team he picks tomorrow. If he stands by Lee, Gibb etc it will show he has no desire (in my view, maybe he does) to win. But if he changes the line up, e.g. play Hendon, Greenacre, Savage and have Warner at least on the bench (and possibly Seal) we will know that he is trying to do something. I personally think Atkins has been 10/10 for making shrewd signings. He has got us through the bad times by getting Free Transfers, with finds such as Woodman, Hunter, Warner, Gibb (Yes, he was good at one point!) Hunt, Corazzin...... The list goes on. It is basically one thing that drags him down. The fact he makes the players base their games round his tactics. One game this season showed that Ian can make the players play with skill, flair and passing. that was Millwall. That was undoubtedly the best game this season. We got on top of Millwall from the start and didn't really play any sort of long ball tactics. On another note, the Chris Freestone thing is sinking in now....... I again didn't want him to leave, and i still think he plays for us. My mate (Cobblers supporter) didn't know about any signings until i told him next morning. He's been coming for years and he basically was unhappy that Freestone was leaving. I know we did get our money back, but he was basically never getting the opportunities that he was used to. Towards his last games he got many opportunities, squandered some, but on the other hand, the keeper came to his intervention. I hope he keeps Hartlepool up and if we go down, I would like to see a warm reception at Sixfields on his return, just like we did to Gareth Williams.
Hartwell Cobbler at 21:20:33 Friday March 26 99
Dylan - yes its true most of the hard core support will always stay with the team and the majority with season tickets will renew them. But, as you know, over the last two years, season ticket sales have tripled to 3,000. While quite a number of these are diehards, many are "floating" or "fair weather supporters" They are the ones who will walk away. OK, it's easy to say "well, they are not true supporters, then." Which may be true. But, like it or not, they are additional cash-generators. They are the ones who swell attendances, providing extra, vital, cash the club so badly needs. They may be the difference between the club breaking even and making a few bob. If Atkins stays I would lay odds that many of these "floaters" will leave - some to Diremonds, if they get promoted; some will drift away from the game altogether. And once they do, with so many counter-attractions these days, they will not be easy to win back. Fact is the Cobblers are in a very competitive, entertainment, industry. (We musn't forget, for £5 you can have a comfortable seat in a warm dry cinema on a cold December Saturday afternoon). I heard someone the other day say "well we don't need them, anyway." That's marketing suicide. It's like Tesco's saying "we're happy that plenty of people shop here so we won't be bothering to advertise and promote the store any longer or remain competitive". They are successful because they recognise the importance of keeping existing customers happy while generating every addtional shopper they can.
Ray at 20:42:23 Friday March 26 99
Actually I'm having second thoughts about IA.......
Deepcut Cobbler at 20:18:52 Friday March 26 99
Thought for the night!!! Why is it that it is the older and more experienced players that have been left out for maybe non footballing reasons? Are these the only ones who have had the balls to stand up to IA over tactics or the way we are playing. Or do they dare to defy him over individual instructions, like all being back for a corner? Was the reason Razor was sold, because he was unable to leave him out after a disagreement, because as club captain that would have caused too much of an enquiry? Heggsy was obvious, others were/are not... Thought for the night???? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!! And before the comments, the reason for Michael Warner being left out is because he plays off the cuff with flair and doesn't play to strict instructions.
Deepcut Cobbler at 20:8:4 Friday March 26 99
If I was in a position to attend the majority of matches I would always buy a season ticket, irrespective of who the manager was or who was wearing the Claret and White on the park. Northampton Town Football Club is the reason I have been attending the County Ground, Sixfields Stadium and various other grounds around the country. I do not necessarily attend for the results(fortunately)but it is a better feeling when we do win. It is, as they say, the taking part. So not attending Cobblers matches would be cutting off my nose to spite my face. I will always be there. Lets hope the board are able to do the right thing and save the Cobblers for this season. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!
Nillyweeb at 20:7:53 Friday March 26 99
Looking back over the last few days' comments I see a lot of support and good wishes for Freestone. You don't normally get that when a player leaves, especially one so much below the form we know he's capable of, so it's quite a tribute to Freestone and the fans. I've heard some less than encouraging words directed at him from the stands but I think he was always deeply determined underneath. I think and hope that, with time, he can be a 20-goal-a-season man for Hartlepool.
Elsewhere, I notice that Lee is apparently going to be a 'million pound player'. Did Atkins really say this? Is it on tape? No disrespect to the lad, got a few goals in 1996/97, but I think this is ultimate proof of the instability of Brummiekins. Hopefully the rumours that the board want him out are completely true. I was thinking of writing a humorous (hmm... perhaps not) account of the next ten years for the Cobblers under a power-crazed Atkins, culminating in our embarassing and final demise, but Hartwell's beaten me to the amusing propaganda slot around here.
Angry at 20:6:50 Friday March 26 99
I went to Game today to purchase CM3 and Steve Howard was there signing copies of the game and whilst he signed mine I told him he did well against City and he said "Thanks". I said "We should have won that" and he said "Hmm, I agree" and then I asked him if we'll stay up and he said "Hmm, I think we will". On Monday we will see whether the rumour I heard (and posted on here) is true. Certainly, if Colin Hill is the players choice then the team will really pick up. I'm not so sure he'll play more of a passing game but I think he'll build his team around Savage. This is assuming that Atkins goes - Having spoken to lots of Cobblers fans, they all think Atkins will be gone by Monday, win or not.
Stan the Exile at 17:19:44 Friday March 26 99
Having read all of the correspondence recently posted here, it seems IA's abdication is almost universally desired. I still feel that in the final analysis it is players who win and lose matches, but as I have been unable to see the cobblers play this season, I only have match reports to base an opinion on. However, if IA has done such a poor job, then maybe draughting John Ward in over him might firstly assist the cobblers to avoid relegation and secondly improve IA's man management skills so that he can take over somewhere else. He might just get fed up and leave anyway. cf John Ward at Bristol City. After all, two successive Wembley appearances would look good on any manager's CV.
BTW to all of those calling for IA to be sacked, have you ever been made redundant or sacked? I can assure you, it's the pits.
Mind you, I still think much of the trouble is due to the poxy stars and stripes kit!!!
Jacks at 17:14:2 Friday March 26 99
Dylan, I will also be re-newing my season ticket - but that is because the team is MY team and always will be. If the board HAS being trying to oust out Atkins for some time - you would think someone would have enough respect for themselves to do the decent thing - for the club - and do what is required. If he seriously loves this team and desperately want us to stay up - why haven't we seen evidence of this? It's a bit late to try and rally the fans (when, incidentally we have been rallying all season) and get on side. We want the passion back in our club, with players who WANT to be a part of us (and WHY wouldn't they - supporters here are GREAT) and play for a manager they like AND respect.
Dylan at 16:59:22 Friday March 26 99
Just a follow on from Hartwell C's last posting. How many season ticket holders who use this page will be renewing their ticket next year? I for one will be, but what about everyone else? The last couple of months of following the cobblers has brought little or no enjoyment. I leave Sixfields depressed once a fortnight (and occasionally 3 times in a week)and I have to endure derision at work. But despite this, the Cobblers are MY club, and I could no more abandon them than I could abandon my children. That doesn't mean I have to like what's happening. And boy do I not like what has been happening!
Nod at 16:59:15 Friday March 26 99
So. Do we now cheer on Preston and hope they win to get Atkins the heave-ho? Or do we cheer for our boys and get to keep him for (?how much longer)? Tricky. I was all set to go to north for the weekend, but baby-sitting for my step-son may not be such a bad option........
Hartwell Cobbler at 15:52:34 Friday March 26 99
Insider's remarks tally exactly with that of my information and I believe them to be an accurate reflection of the dilemma. Atkins is under contract until 2000/1 and the board says it hasn't got the money to pay him off. However, it is hoping Atkins will resign and/or they can reach an accommodation with him. But, as we all now know, he is very thick-skinned and dogmatic so this course doesn't seem a likely scenario. I can't see us getting anything out of Preston on Saturday. At which point I think the board will be forced to act. Hill is favourite to succeed Atkins, probably on a temporary basis until the end of the season. Therefore, I believe Atkins will be out on Monday and Hill will be in. This will leave us just nine games to put together what will in effect have to be a promotion form run-in. But that's not impossible. We have the players. If the board can find the cash and resolve to get rid of Atkins, team spirit and morale will soar, Hill will almost certainly get the team playing the ball on the ground and will select the best we have -- which I still feel have the ability to give us a chance of escaping relegation. Warner, Spedding, Savage, Hope and Hill himself, should form the nucleus of the team. With a (hopefully) rejuvenated Carlo and even Seal getting good service up front, we will for sure play some attractive football, start scoring some goals, that will, in turn, galvanise the crowd and give us at least a fighting chance of survival. But, if for some reason Atkins remains, the prognosis is bleak by my reckoning in the short, medium and long term. Season ticket sales and crowds will fall dramatically. So,one way or another, I believe the board cannot afford not to remove Atkins. And it must be soon - Monday at the latest. And I firmly believe that should happen whatever the result on Saturday. Even a win at Deepdale will only serve to paper over the cracks, which are now more like chasms.
NTFC Insider at 15:52:22 Friday March 26 99
The suggestion that the Freestone money is to fund atkins removal is an educated guess and not fact. The fact is that board discussions HAVE been going on for several weeks regarding the removal of IA, the stumbling block has been and could continue to be money. Despite the ultimatum, there is still a real possibility that IA will still be manager next week even if we lose, he will be asked to leave, but in my opinion will refuse, as he already has. On this basis the board are still keen to strengthen the squad but my feeling is that it was a calculated move to have a surplus from yesterdays dealings. The fact that there was no big money Atkins suggested transfers would seem to substantiate this, Forrester for example, no official bid from NTFC.
Andy C at 15:14:22 Friday March 26 99
I can understand selling a player to fund the manager's dismissal, but the timing is a bit odd if NTFC Insider is right. Surely Atkins should have been given the ultimatum several weeks ago, then if he got sacked the £25k for Hendon could have been spent on someone chosen by the new manager. Unless of course he was bought at the behest of Hill, Wilson or whoever...
NTFC Insider at 14:58:46 Friday March 26 99
Just a quick note to confirm the note posted here earlier in the week from another insider at NTFC. The board want rid of IA. They are concerned at the cost (120k) of sacking him and have been trying to force his resignation. An Extr Board Meeting was held on Wed night and yes it is true that IA was told that he had only one match to turn it around and that only a win would suffice. The problem come Monday should we not win at Preston is still the figure of compensation. He will once again be asked to leave, I doubt he will take this option. I would suggest that the funds raised from the Freestone sale will go towards paying off IA, this though I do not know for sure.
Sunderland Cobbler at 13:48:43 Friday March 26 99
Well he has done some good business at last. Chris was not too bad for us. Chris Turner down the road at 'Pool'is doing a good job. Passing the ball around well.
Our local rag, the Sunderland Echo last said Sunderland player Gerry Harrison came back from loan at Luton and went straight to Northampton. What went wrong people? He is not too bad. A midfield/defender. hard as nails to! IA what are you up to!
For the love of God play a flat back four at PNE. Hendon will do well for us. the young kid up front is good. Have heard positive comments about him up north around here.
Even when we stay stay up. IA must now go> As i said before, John Ward. Alex Miller and Tome Hendry of St.Mirren will give us a good passing game and build up a good team. use the Bosman rling more and bring in some Europeans. We ned to see flair at sixfields next season!
COME ON YOU COBBLERS AND SAINTS!
Dave.
Treenie at 13:21:35 Friday March 26 99
I thought that it was Billy Turley who's leaked in goals this season
Ralph at 13:9:38 Friday March 26 99
From where I sit in my lofty ivory tower the business done last night looks pretty good to me. Freestone has spent the entire season getting over the loss at Wembley and has looked a shadow of himself. It looks like a good move for him and at £75k a blinding result for us. Good luck Chris. From all accounts Ian Hendon is a very good acqusition, a steal at £25k and giving us strength in an area that has leaked goals all season, right back. Not sure about the City bloke when you would think that Howard, Corrazin, Seal, Lee, Wilkinson and even Wilson and Morrow would be selected in front of him. Still it don't matter who you've got in your team it's what you do with them that matters. Who among us could even begin to guess what tomorrows side will be?
David Nikel at 12:50:37 Friday March 26 99
Hey Treenie, the common room gossip at Guilsborough is that we're gonna stay up because Freestone's gone.
lincoln cobbler at 11:28:37 Friday March 26 99
question is Atkins tring to get rid of the entire promotion winning team! who's next frain, gibb, warner,
Craig Boardman at 11:25:32 Friday March 26 99
Come visit my website
http://www.angelfire.com/de/craigboardmansboots/
The Exel Cobbler at 10:59:48 Friday March 26 99
Sorry Treenie, I just clicked on your name and realised that you are in fact female. I apologise for any problems or upset that this has caused.
The Exel Cobbler at 10:56:21 Friday March 26 99
Treenie & his common room pals - We were crap on saturday, and Freestone was playing.
Chris Freestone at 10:34:20 Friday March 26 99
Remember when I first came to Cobblers, my first touch was superb, my control was of top flight quality and I was quicker than a whippet with a rocket up its arse. Now, because of Ian Atkins I have no confidence, am unfit and have a dodgy new beard. Things are not chipper at Camp Sixfields.
Angry at 10:31:50 Friday March 26 99
My team for Saturday v Preston: (4-3-1-2) Turley, Hendon, Spedding, Sammo, Hope, Hunt, Warner, Savage (in 'the hole'), Carlo, Seal, Hunter. Subs: Parrish, Greenacre, Howey. I would play it with a flat back four of Hendon, Sammo, Hope and Spedding with Warner on the right, Hunter in the middle and Hunt on the left of a 3 man midfield (2 holding players allowing Mickey Warner to get foward) with Savage drifting about behind the strikers where I consider him to be most dangerous. Then I'd have Seal and Carlo up front with Carlo dropping off slightly (I've heard he'll be man marked) to open up the defence, allowing Seal to score a hat trick in a 5-3 drubbing which will lose Atkins his job and make sure we stay up with Col Hill in charge. Or I could become the gaffer... just imagine it, me supervising the players in a tracksuit with AC on it...
Treenie at 10:25:6 Friday March 26 99
interesting common room gossip.
Two lads have decided that we're now crap cause Freestone has gone.
Andy C at 10:17:25 Friday March 26 99
From what I've seen of him, Hendon's a decent player who can play on either side of defence and takes a good penalty. Greenacre has a good reputation but I wonder whether Atkins will destroy his confidence just like a certain other young striker. Talking of whom, it's quite likely he won't be playing for Pool at Sixfields next season - I still think you're going down but it looks like they might as well. Anyway, all the best at Preston tomorrow - 0-0 would be fine by us.
The Exel Cobbler at 10:0:20 Friday March 26 99
So I Freestone has gone then. I'd like to wish him good luck at Hartlepool. At Wembley last season, I was applauding the players at the end with one hell of a lump in my throat. I took one look at Chris Freestone and how gutted he was and completly lost it. I hope he can help them stay in the Football League.
treenie at 9:55:44 Friday March 26 99
oops. Hit the button twice.
Treenie at 9:40:43 Friday March 26 99
If Chris Freestone has gone who's going to star at our school's sponsered swiming event as all the posters around the school say it's Chris Freestone. Plus will James Hunt be able to cope without him because I thought they were attached at the hip!!!!!
Chaz at 9:38:24 Friday March 26 99
I went to Wembley with the cobblers last year, and dispite the loss it was a good day. The football we are playing now is far from the good football we were playing then!
Treenie at 9:13:9 Friday March 26 99
If Chris Freestone has gone who's going to star at our school's sponsered swiming event as all the posters around the school say it's Chris Freestone. Plus will James Hunt be able to cope without him because I thought they were attached at the hip!!!!!
dave at 9:8:52 Friday March 26 99
So Chris Freestone has gone. If only he had a good first touch he would make an outstanding striker. He has been sadly lacking confidence in 1999 and I think that the move will be good for him. He always gave us 100% and it is sad to see him go. God forbid we have to play Hartlepool in the league next season however in the event lets hope that he gets a sympathetic welcome and not the usual moronic booing that usually greets an ex-Cobbler playing for the opposition. Lets also hope that the signing of Ian Hendon now means that we will play 4-4-2 with the inclusion of Savage and Warner and mercifully will mean that we will have a greater share of possession than we have enjoyed this season. COME ON COBBLERS!! another 3-0 at Preston tomorrow (Can't we get Larry back for the day?)
Ray at 8:35:57 Friday March 26 99
Well if he is scoring in the reserves - he'll never get selected for the first team. Someone should tell him to stop.
Kevin Simons at 8:20:6 Friday March 26 99
From Man City Teamtalk: There was just one departure from Maine Road on transfer deadline day, namely young striker Chris Greenacre who has joined Northampton Town on loan until the end of the season.
Greenacre has recently returned from a loan spell with third division Scarborough and scored a hat-trick for the City reserves last Tuesday night in their 4-1 win against Coventry.
The Exel Cobbler at 7:19:12 Friday March 26 99
Typical Cobblers, leaving the fans guessing as to what has happened. Has Freestone gone? There was nothing on Teletext last night. Personally, I don't think Freestone has had a good game (West Ham apart) since he got that hat-trick at Plymouth last season. Never heard of Greenacre, heard of Hendon though, I did'nt know we needed another defender..... oh we did'nt. Delighted at the Warner and Seal news. That is the best thing the club has done all season. Be nice to go one better and to actually pick them ahead of Gibb and Lee and then play to a style that suits the players that we have. Good luck lads for the game against PNE. Another day out for the St James Supporters Club. Lets have a win to make the journey home fly past and give us all some renewed hope. What ever happens tomorrow, it surely can't be any worse than last week.
Ian at 3:32:48 Friday March 26 99
The Times doesn't have the Freestone transfer either and they say the fee for Hendon was 50000 pounds. Chris Wilder has gone from Sheff U to Lincoln on loan.
Ian at 3:25:4 Friday March 26 99
The Telegraph has the signing of Hendon and the loan signing of Greenacre but no mention of the sale of Freestone.
Ray at 0:55:42 Friday March 26 99
OK - this may add fuel to the fire regarding Freestone. According to the list of transfers and loans, Freestone to Hartlepool and Hendon to Cobblers are both mentioned BUT no trace of a loan for Greenacre. If IA was unable to sign him could this mean that the deal for Freestone will not go through? Full list of transfers and loans at http://www.sporting-life.com/soccer/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/99/03/25/manual_103135.html&TEAMHD=soccer&TEAMHDX=53
New Zealand Cobbler at 0:8:46 Friday March 26 99
Alas poor Freestone, we knew him well! But 75,000 is nothing to be sniffed at! Good luck at Preston!
Sid at 22:40:0 Thursday March 25 99
Okay then, the full rundown of everything rumour and dealings is now on my site at http://members.xoom.com/cobblers. Its a very long page (took ages to write!!) if i have missed anything, please e-mail me with the rumour.
Phil Baron at 21:58:21 Thursday March 25 99
If he has been sold it must of been after 4.30pm as whoever told me never left until then and it had not gone through.If it has gone I repeat what I said earlier good luck Chris.I personally dont think its a good move but I am not the manager am I?
Does that mean Seal and Carlo will play together then,I dont think so myself but you never know pigs might fly or hell will freeze over.I know its a bit late but well done Clarkie I just hope you dont persuade the Cobblers to play like the Labour club this season!!!! No win all season and we thought we were bad!!!!
Sid at 21:54:7 Thursday March 25 99
That's it then. Freestone Leaves! I will see tomorrow whether he has gone, but i AM glad he has left for £75,000, and not something cheaper. He had a great spell at Northampton, but if the goals went in for him, the fee would be higher. GOOD LUCK CHRIS!
Robert Dunkley at 21:48:11 Thursday March 25 99
Phil, when you say Freestone has not been replaced, what is Greenacre there for he is a striker!! Maybe Greenacre was a last minute move, as I know Tony Thorpe nearly came to us on loan.
Sid at 21:33:7 Thursday March 25 99
Is this True about Freestone, about him NOT moving to Hartlepool?? Someone confirm it!
Anon at 21:21:59 Thursday March 25 99
Chrissy Freestone....gone...damn it....altough he hasn't been the same since Wembly....good 2 hear Carlo's still with us though...
The Art of Positive Thinking at 21:13:52 Thursday March 25 99
Even forgot HUNT - sorry, perhaps this shows that we do have a good squad, problem is how the hell do you play em all?
Anon at 21:12:9 Thursday March 25 99
NTFC official site reports Freestone gone to Hartlepool for £75,000. I would have to say since he walked off a dejected man at Wembley (remember?) he has been very poor so to get our money back is a good piece if business. Now for PNE
The Art of Positive Thinking at 21:10:33 Thursday March 25 99
The signing of Hendon might just allow us to play a flat back four - something that has been threatened for the whole season. So bearing this in mind, my team to save us from the drop (COME ON LET'S BE POSITIVE) is Turley, Hendon, Sampson, Howey, Frain, Warner, Savage, Hunter, Spedding, Seal and Corrazin. Subs from Man City bloke, Parrish, Hope, Matthew, Gibb, Wilson, Howard, (when available - September?!). Doesn't sound too bad does it? And how far are Clarkson / Dobson from fitness. Note Wilkinson and Lee are omitted! Come on Cobblers!!
DAV COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 21:8:49 Thursday March 25 99
IS THIS CRAP ABOUT FREESTONE? Anyone else heard this?
Uther Pendragon at 21:8:29 Thursday March 25 99
Just to echo some of the below comments - best wishes to Chris Freestone in his new club and let's remember him for his contribution in getting NTFC to Wembley last year. I believe that his move is for the best as he has been badly out of sorts this season (for what reasons we do not know).What does seem obvious is that the current climate at NTFC is not condusive to restoring a players confidence and that the transfer we are looking for did not happen. I am EXTREMELY pleased to see that WARNER,HUNT and SEAL are still at the club but will they get a game?? One person who has not been mentioned much is RICHARD HOPE who I think has been excellent since day 1.
Phil Baron at 19:57:9 Thursday March 25 99
Hi all the transfer of Chris Freestone has fell through due to Ian Atkins not being able to replace him.I have it from a very reliable sourc (one of the players) so we can all rest in peace.This is a genuine message not a winde up as Ray can verify I rarely talk bollocks (unless I have a few drinks!!!)
Angry Cobbler at 19:49:26 Thursday March 25 99
I want Ian Atkins OUT now! Honestly, selling freestone and signing Donkey Hendon. And his comments about Chris Lee - "He'll be a million pound player" - hmm, right - lots of clubs pay big money for shite players with a crap first touch and less strength than an ant with leprosy. This sucks so badly.
The Olney Cobbler at 19:49:14 Thursday March 25 99
I have had Ceefax page 311 on all day. No Cobblers transfer news showing when I got a phone call from Claude Greengrass on his mobile. Time 18.00ish and Claude tells me the transfer news.
I am very very happy that Warner has not gone. It is the best news for months.
Phil Baron at 19:45:5 Thursday March 25 99
Just a quick call to Chris Freestone to wish him the best of luck he is a cracking bloke who knows he is not playing well but is lacking the confidence he needs. Dont forget all the runs and goals he made last season to get us to Wembley
Nosey Parker at 19:36:37 Thursday March 25 99
I am sorry to say I think the sale of Freestone is another example of Atkins driving a player out. I know he has had a mare of a season but bloody hell he seems to be the only one that can run up front. I hope we lose Saturday and Atkins resigns he is a complete twat of a manager and I am afraid it is the only thing that will save the club is him going. Seal will still be left on the bench and he will play Chris Lee who has less confidence then a Nun in a brothel!!!
Robert Dunkley at 19:33:37 Thursday March 25 99
Oh BTW_ It seems DimOnes have signed Mark Hatley, the 40 year old! BTW From looking at a Luton site, Thorpe agreed to come here, but when Luton came in for him he let us down:_(
kev at 19:10:43 Thursday March 25 99
Just heard the news, sounds as if that the sale of chris freestone for £75,000 is probably the right move for him, as we all know he has struggled this season and I would like to thank him for the effort he tried to input but unfortunatly lost his confidence in front of goal, i`m sure his new club will look after him and I will be looking out next season to see if he has recaptured some of his flair, and if he does and if we still have TWATKINS this will only make us think more about his motivation skills. I wish him all the best and hope we dont meet him in the league, Don`t know much about our two new signing`s but will be visiting this site regulary tonight to see any updates, relieved to see we have warner, corazzin and seal, maybe he will play seal with carlo now and help keep us up, I was surprised he didn`t sell chris lee or didn`t anybody want him.
Steve at 19:0:21 Thursday March 25 99
I've just looked on that website someone recommended earlier - www.sporting-life.com (which is excellent). There's no mention of Hendon or Greenacre, although it does say that Cresswell has joined Sheffield Wednesday from York for 950k. This should make our job against York a little easier. (You can see I'm clutching at straws). Can anyone tell me anything about Greenacre, and Hendon for that matter?
DAV COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 18:55:4 Thursday March 25 99
Excuse the ignorance but WHO IS GREENACRE FROM MAN CITY ?
KEEPER, DEFENDER MIDFIELDER,FORWARD?
WE WILL ALWAYS HATE POSH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Mcrirrick at 18:34:46 Thursday March 25 99
Surely nobody can complain too much about those transfers. After all the rumours regarding Warner, Seal and Corrazin losing Freestone for £75,000 is a great bit of business. I've got no complaints.
Uncle Richard at 18:31:0 Thursday March 25 99
In Hendon Notts Co
In Greenacre Man City
Out Freestone Hartlepoo
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:6:48 Thursday March 25 99
Angry, maybe you have some later info? If it's true - Freestone for £75k must be the sale of the century! Are you sure it's not £75 ?
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:3:44 Thursday March 25 99
No comings or goings to report, according to Ceefax. Which is not really unexpected in view of the present situation. I predict that on Monday Atkins will be replaced by Colin Hill as player-manager until end of season. Any takers ?
Angry at 17:59:31 Thursday March 25 99
Out: Chris Freestone to Hartlepool United for 75k. In: Ian Hendon from Notts County for 25k and an unnamed striker. Well played Twatkins - selling our second best striker and buying a crap centre half. Another 'shrewd' transfer move by Ian Atkins.
Gavin at 17:39:9 Thursday March 25 99
Ray, if we're expecting announcements aren't we leaving it a bit late? I thought the deadline was 5?!? Oh well typical of us to leave things til the very last minute. I was just going to complain about how quiet it all was, I wonder who's going...
Ray at 17:30:26 Thursday March 25 99
Well done people.....we have consolidated second place in the "hits" list with 14000 visitors this month!! We are currently sandwiched between two Munchkin Untied sites..... Voting list has not been updated yet....
Ray at 17:25:16 Thursday March 25 99
Expect announcement of 2 signings and 1 sale.....
Ray at 17:19:41 Thursday March 25 99
Latest transfer news.......Seal stays.....Warner stays......
Ralph at 16:25:39 Thursday March 25 99
PS It's a bloody good general sports site, worth a book mark!
Ralph at 16:23:5 Thursday March 25 99
If you want to see the latest transfer news try 'www.sporting-life.com' Go in to the 'soccer' section and scroll down to the bottom of the premiership news and you will see a section on 'latest transfers'. By the way we are not mentioned it looks as though we will be as we were, as it were.
Robert Dunkley at 16:22:42 Thursday March 25 99
Bristol Teamtalk has confirmed that Thorpe has joined Luton on loan, o h dear Luton will hammer us now, as Thorpe was one otheir best players in recent times. It now looks as if it is going to be a stiker, it may be Forrester, but there is no news and a move looks very unlikely. I still am convinced it will be a target man as, Howard is bound to to get a t least a two match ban on top of his current ban for 14 yellow cards.
On the other hand, he may always get Heggs back on loan LoL
The Exel Cobbler at 15:54:5 Thursday March 25 99
I'm off home now. Things have been a little quieter than expected today hav'nt they? Still another hour to go though.......
Sid at 15:38:12 Thursday March 25 99
Doh, just phoned up Clubcall as well!!! What about Forrester!?!?!! I cannot believe no-one thought of Tony Thorpe!
Robert at 15:26:36 Thursday March 25 99
Seal, looks as if he will not be a DimoNe,a s they PPrantly have signed MArk Hately, If only we could convinced them to take Bilko!
Robert Dunkley at 15:12:44 Thursday March 25 99
According to Clubcall it will be one in and one out. It seems that it was not Torpey Atkins was after, it was in fact Tony Thorpe on loan. It seesm despite their problems he is back to Luton on loan!
I reckon the player in could be a defender, but if Seal goes the maybe a striker
Robert at 13:59:3 Thursday March 25 99
Try here
http://www.skysports.co.uk/skysports/football/feature7.htm#list
Ray at 13:20:19 Thursday March 25 99
I dunno where to look.... I've tried soccernet and matchfacts and the nationwide site....
Ray at 13:19:33 Thursday March 25 99
Rats desert the s(t)inking ship......Three players have left Peterborough United on deadline day, making
it four this week.
Striker Martin Carruthers has joined Third Division rivals
Darlington for a small fee and defender Chris McMenamin has been
released.
Winger Jae Martin has joined non-league Grantham on loan, following
the departure of defender Mick Bodley on Tuesday.
Jacks at 13:14:37 Thursday March 25 99
Does anyone know if is there anywhere that you can check for immediate news on transfers? - hmm wonder if the Nationwide page has anything - I'll have a look ...
Deepcut Cobbler at 13:8:58 Thursday March 25 99
Keeping teletext open, hoping that we do not see the worst. Warner, Seal and Corrazin are the ones that will be used properly following the IA departure (matter of time now). THEY MUST NOT LEAVE..........COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!..........
Jacks at 12:48:47 Thursday March 25 99
....and Micky Warner better remain a Cobblers player as well -
the Heggsy rumour - nahhhhh that can't be true can it - ?
God this is AWFUL - not knowing if our best players are being 'given' away...........
The Exel Cobbler at 12:38:21 Thursday March 25 99
Just been to the 'Official Site' No transfer news there. I presume Warner is still a Cobbler!!!! Long may it last
Sid at 12:33:10 Thursday March 25 99
Go to http://members.xoom.com/cobblers and look at my "transfers" page, which logs all the rumours from the past couple of days!
Sid at 12:30:13 Thursday March 25 99
Rob, no, free lessons! Couldn't miss out on hte drama though!
Pete at 12:23:35 Thursday March 25 99
Harte Welle.. I'm really getting worried about you. You do
know that if you do it too often you could go blind,
thus ending up as a referee or worse, a manager with blind
spots about player? I believe that many managers, not just
IA have blind spots. Some just do not realise it and refuse
to listen to advice. Those who have been defenders
sometimes just do not understand forwards and their role-
see them as 'Pansies' etc.
Robert D at 12:22:52 Thursday March 25 99
Jamie Vincent has left Bournemouth for Huddersfield
Anon at 12:13:49 Thursday March 25 99
Carruthers has left the Pooh,c ould this confirm our fears that Seal is going to London road??
Robert Dunkley at 12:12:23 Thursday March 25 99
Sid, I hope youa re not bunking from school:-)
Richard from HK at 12:8:53 Thursday March 25 99
I'm depressed, no Wemberlee trip this year and no chance of Europe unless IA can write a good song. Cheer me up someone tell me all is well in the Cobblers camp.
Is the Chinese take away still open on the Wellingborough Road as it used to sell the bestest ever pancake rolls ?
I see two HK players have signed for Huddersfield,makes a change it's normally ex Cobblers players coming here.
Best of luck against Preston, me I'm off to the HK 7's for the weekend.
Sid at 12:3:38 Thursday March 25 99
I see no transfers yet, but there will be (I think!)
Robert Dunkley at 12:0:39 Thursday March 25 99
Atkisn interest in Torpey must be geniune, according to the e-mail group he has been booked 14 TIMES this season and he is being dealt with on April 1.
Robert D at 10:35:47 Thursday March 25 99
From Iron Net
Boy wonder to leave iron?
"Forrester's not going anywhere" - Lillis
Mark Lillis has this morning said that Jamie Forrester is going nowhere.
When asked about the supposed bids from Crewe, Northampton and Rushden & Diamonds he said that no offers had been made from any of the clubs.
Northampton did make initial inquires, however, no firm offer has been made.
"I got home last night and saw the thing about Rushden and Diamonds on Teletext" commented Lillis. "I think it's just being stirred up".
When asked whether Forrester would be playing on Saturday, Lillis said "Unless an eleventh hour bid comes in then yes".
He also mentioned that if a club did come in with a late bid for Forrester, they would have had to start the process going before now [9:30am GMT].
Hart Welle Cobbler at 9:31:1 Thursday March 25 99
Hamtune Chronicles. From ye histories of Northamptone. 46BC. Soldyieres of ye Men of Shoes, havinge fallene foule of their leadre, did make plannes for eskape. Lede by Petre, son of a glaziere, they did make contractes with a boate maker callde Noah to carrie them awaye by rivre in darkenesse of nighte. So they assemblde, one unto all, and did embarke on Noah's boate, a veritibel arke, whiche sailde downe ye river. But as nighte wore on, so startde ye moste unhollie of tempestes. Ye windes blewe and ye raines fell without ceasationne. Soon alle was a torrente and ye arke was sweepde downe ye Nene, paste Billinge, Thrapstone, and ye fortresse of Martyne's and unto pasturse unknowne to alle on the boate. Eventualie ye ark doth come to reste, whereupon Noah doth looke out and seeing a peasante on ye shore doth calle out:"Doth ye know wheresoever we are?" "What a prat," thoughte ye peasante. Course he knoweth wheresoever he is, havinge livde alle his three score years thereabouts. "It is Wansforde," replieth the strangre. "Wansforde where?" sayeth Noah. "Wansforde, Englande," replieth ye peasante. So, to this day, ye signe doth say "Wansforde, Englande" and if none doth beleive me, it is writtne such. Anywaye, Noah doth calle oute all ye Men of Shoes, who doth disembarke beinge most greene of flushe and sicke of stomache, Noah beinge not too cleavre, hath mayde ye boate with bottome flatte. Ye Men of Shoes, regardlesse of ailementtes, do give thankes to Petre ye Glaziere and rushe yonder and even farthre afielde saying "we are free men at laste. No more plannes of battel for us." So theye wente their wayes to seeke a new lyfe and where they settleth they callde ye lande that of ye borugh of Petre. But they settleth note therin, beinge of too flatte a dispositionne but leaveth note before making manie huts of wattel and places most splendide thereaboutes. Seeing ye greate buildngse ye Men of Shoes hathe mayde ye peasante took refuge beside one and againe falle into greate slubmres, onlie to be wokene by soundes of thundre. Lookinge to heavene he doth see an aeiele dragone moste freighninge above his heade. From the dragone's heade there appeareth the face like unto a man, who speake in tongues foreigne to ye peasante. "Sayee, buddie, doth thou knowest wheresoever we are?" "Not another," thoughte ye peasante. But keepinge of civile dispositionne he doth responde:"Wansforde, Englande, sire". Ye aeriele man from his dragone above doth looke not pleasde. There came greate creakingse of trappe doores and he sayeth wordes ye peasante understandeth not but whiche soundeth like "bomsawaye". Whereupon cameth a mightie flashe of lightnge and thundre most hidiouse, ye likeness of whiche no man had hearde. When day came all arounde was laide waste. Where lyeth ye hamlet of Petre burgh was but a hole. Some thynges changeth not.
Hartwell Cobbler at 8:42:56 Thursday March 25 99
I think we can rest assured Carlo Corazzin will not be leaving Sixfields. I believe Atkins wants to sell him (and, it seems, any other decent player). But I understand the board has vetoed any such sale. However I'd be more reassured if we could hear this stated publically, together with assurances that Warner will also remain at the Cobblers. He'll be a big asset to us after Atkins has gone (which surely can only be a matter of time).
Jamie Sullivan at 8:24:52 Thursday March 25 99
Shan't be there for the Bournemouth match, I will be down in Wales watching the mighty Haverfordwest FC play in the League of Wales.
The Exel Cobbler at 8:9:53 Thursday March 25 99
Well today's the day. According to the Chron last night, The Scum, The Village People and The Pansies are sniffing around David Seal and Micky Warner. Selling these two players would be a big mistake on the part of the board and management, but selling them to one of the afformentioned three would be the mother of all mistakes on their part. Oh... apparently they are also interested in Chris Lee, cost them a million though(!)
Northamptom Cobbler at 23:42:8 Wednesday March 24 99
Norwich Cobbler - liked your idea of buying the Cobblers. However look what happened to the chairman of Crystal Palace, he must be the biggest mug under the sun. I think your £10 winnings would be better spent on Easter Monday going to see your next win. I may sound pessimistic but you buggers appear to have the evil eye over us. By the way, I am sponsering the match ball at that game along with the Internet Gas.
Sid at 23:6:16 Wednesday March 24 99
If Anon's info is correct, (12:12 today) well, we really have to get behind the lads this weekend!
Sid at 23:1:33 Wednesday March 24 99
errr, when i meant "he" i mean Gary Megson, Stockport manager. And if Crewe are to buy him for £60K, i think Rushden could push the boat out again!
Sid at 23:0:4 Wednesday March 24 99
Okay, it the most exciting day in football tomorrow! WHO GOES WHERE!!! Latest from the E-mail list.............. Barry Fry seen at David Seal's house! And i think i agree with Rob D. about Ian Hendon. I feel he may join from Notts County tomorrow. Forrester is a target for Crewe, Us, Rushden and Stockport, although in a Scunny paper he denies his interest. I think the Warner R&D move isn't happening, and certainly the swap deal with Heggsy sounds a load of s***e. I wait in anticipation for tomorrows outcomes!
Norwich Cobbler at 22:25:28 Wednesday March 24 99
I've got an idea lets buy the cub and run it our way - anybody come up on the lottery tonight?
Norwich Cobbler at 22:22:14 Wednesday March 24 99
Well said Mark -hit the nail on the head.
TRB Mark at 21:53:57 Wednesday March 24 99
It seems a case of "the buck stops with the internet". What those luddites/thought police fail to realise is that us who contribute to this hallowed site are but a cross section of the 5,000 +Cobblers fans (not forgetting other non Cobblers fans equally valued contributions, thanks Northampton Gas, Andy C ). Take any 50 Cobblers fans and you would get pretty much what you read below this message; ie, a few idiots, some wit, unfounded gossip , but alot of common sense and fans saying how they feel. Don't shoot the messenger!
Deepcut Cobbler at 21:28:24 Wednesday March 24 99
Congratulations to TCMP on his appointment. At least you will be able to take the written views of the loyal Cobblers fans who are claret and white through and through to the board meetings. We are this club, we are the ones who will still be here when the current employees have either been transferred or told to move on.... We do not make our comments without proper thought and a knowledge base from years (first game in 1964) of supporting through all of the thick and thin (a great deal of thin). We know.. We have seen, we have been, We know.... You occasionally get the odd comment that goes against the majority thinking but this site is now 95% in agreement over what is required to save this club from relegation. From the level of writing and words used, this is not from an uneducated quarter. These are the longer serving fans who have taken the proverbial step back, assessed the situation and produced informed comment. Not the usual rantings or shooting from the hip. To TCMP. Take a copy of all the recent comments and note the majority vein that passes through them all. You are the fans representitive, representitive us with our current majority view. Do it for us and more importantly do it for NORTHAMPTON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB..... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
Ray Warburton at 21:7:14 Wednesday March 24 99
Eebygum Rushden & Diamonds are shite - all the players don't do t'contact training incase they breek a nail y'see. By 'eck t'were cold up ere the other day and the lads wouldn't train - only me and t'Heggsy were out there but anyroad I want to come back to t'Sixfields.
Anon at 21:3:45 Wednesday March 24 99
...but new labour are utter shite
Angry at 21:3:2 Wednesday March 24 99
Hey! I enjoy Budweiser
Brian Talbot at 20:44:37 Wednesday March 24 99
To Ray Warburton fan club at 12:13 & all other diremond tossers visiting this site - remember that you are only playing a part in Max Griggs’ hobby and when he becomes bored you will be discarded like an old worn out doc marten. Must sign off now as I am driving to a real club (Cobblers) to apply for a managerial vacancy I have heard about. p.s. Razor told me he would prefer to still be at Sixfields where the fans are genuine and not gravy train new-labour budweiser drinkers.
The Duke of Winbum at 20:31:14 Wednesday March 24 99
Me, the 13th duke of Winbum? Here, at Sixfields at 3 o'clock in the afternoon? With MY reputation? What were they thinking of?
Wilkinson Hater at 20:10:28 Wednesday March 24 99
Wouldn't it be better to threaten them with Wilkinson???
Robert Dunkley at 20:4:18 Wednesday March 24 99
According to both unofficial and official Scunny sites, it seems that Crewe are set to get Forrester for £60K, surely we can pull this onee off, if we give em The Seal, Bilko and some cash.
Angry at 20:4:18 Wednesday March 24 99
Heggsy can f**k off unless he's got a change of attitude and more consistency - I'd rather have half a Razor than a Heggsy. COME BACK RAZOR AND SAVE US!!! ATKINS WILL BE GOT RID OF IF NECCESARY!!!
Norwich Cobbler at 19:59:41 Wednesday March 24 99
Belated best wishes to TCMP.I know you'll do a good job Tony and I know you'll keep in touch with the grass roots -Go to It!!
One of the reasons that this is one of the best Soccer Web sites is that views are exchanged frankly from people who actually care very deeply about our football club.The views should not be discarded as the rantings of a load of moaners who have jumped on the bandwagon but people who care deeply about the club.All the people that have criticised comments made against Ian Atkins obviously weren't there on Saturday to appreciate the total awfulness of the entertainment that was served up for us to "get behind".Atkins has been there long enough to take responsibility for HIS teams display and he would have got a lot of respect by admitting that the display was crap and action would be taken to improve things.We have not heard any such comments just moans about things not being in his favour.
Since the start of this season things have not been right at Sixfields
Rennie,Bishop,Warburton,Heggs,Woody and rumours about Hill and Seal.Something is not right somewhere and if it is not put right we are going back to the 3rd.If Anons information is correct about Ian being given one more match to put things right I think it may already be too late.
By the way Northampton Gas what happened to your lot last night?
Uncle Richard at 19:47:19 Wednesday March 24 99
Blame it on the Chronicle :-
The national press can get the National manager sacked , so surely the Chron could get rid of Atkins , Come on Mr Roberts , dish the dirt.
Steve at 19:10:30 Wednesday March 24 99
Hi all. My first visit/contribution for weeks! A liitle titbit that has just come my way. Seal to go to Diremonds in a straight swap for ......guess who ........wait for it ........ yes - HEGGSY! Cos the poor dear hasn't settled in at Nene Park. How reliable this rumour is anyone's guess, but surely, there would need to be at least 30K to come our way as a 'balance'.
SBJ at 18:22:31 Wednesday March 24 99
Just spent an hour on the train reading the print-outs of the last few days’ comments. I agree with what’s been said about Saturday. I disagree with the sadly misplaced loyalty to IA which many comments have displayed. IA was our hero, and will always have our respect for what he achieved, but this season has proved his undoing. Tony Clark - cool! My guide here says he runs a Labour club football team - any chance of untapped depths of talent for the Cobblers to exploit? Interested to hear about the Board Meeting (a rumour again? or a real insider?) and the transfer talk. I won’t be going to PNE on Saturday, but then nobody who’s familiar with my comments would expect me to given all the griping I do about money etc. The perverse flip side of this week is that I’ve just been given a long-sought decent pay rise and now intend to keep my promise to myself, and buy a season ticket for next year at Sixfields. Saturday was dire, but NTFC is my club and now that I can afford the train fares I darn well will, whichever division we’re in. We could easily go bottom on Saturday, but I think we’ll get something out of the PNE game, more by luck than anything else. 0-0? Hi to Lee and Nicky if you’re reading.
Ray at 18:15:24 Wednesday March 24 99
This is from the official Scunnie site: "Two more sides have come into contention in the race to sign Jamie Forrester. The latest sides who join Crewe and Northampton are First
Division Stockport County and Conference Side Rushden & Diamonds.
Stockport manager Gary Megson has denied the reports that suggest County are interested in Forrester, saying that he is a good player but one
that he had no intention of coming in for at this time.
On the other hand non-league Rushden, one of the richest non-league clubs are looking to Forrester to boost their chances of promotion to the
football league at the end of the season. But Forrester who has aspirations of playing at higher level surely would not step down another Division.
We will just have to wait to see whether Forrester who picked up an injury in last night's defeat at home to Swansea will still be with us after
transfer deadline day on Thursday."
Anon at 18:14:42 Wednesday March 24 99
RAY FOR CHAIRMAN!!!
Dav Cobbler POSH HATER FC at 18:12:16 Wednesday March 24 99
Contrats to TCMP we are certain you will do well. Congrats also to Ray - again - KEEP UP THE VOTES FOR RAY. We will still be going to PNE at the weekend, maybe its a result of following the Cobblers a long time before the Wembley crew.
Robert Dunkley at 17:27:34 Wednesday March 24 99
Seal will not be going to Oldham, as according to Teamtalk, they can only have free transfers or loan players!!
However, according to Clubcall Frain is out probbaly for the whole season with a hernia, so that means he has to play SPEDDING!! Sammo is in need of a n op and neeeds to be careful for the rest of the season. GArry Hughes has taken a bad knock, maybe a chipped bone.
Atkins is to try and sign Forrester, TORPEY on loan and some player from Notts County. Atkisn hinted a striker was on his way out. I have a horible feeling that Carlo may be about to go.
Northampton Gas at 17:0:33 Wednesday March 24 99
Harte Welle Cobbler, what are you on? Whatever it is, you should give some to your team. If they could be as fluid as you, they would have no problem staying up.
Harte Welle Cobbler at 16:56:28 Wednesday March 24 99
Hamtune Chronicles.Samuel Pepys diaries. AD 1665. In Westminstre it is saide this daye that Anthonie de Cleric, Honourabel Membre of Parliamente, doth become a captaine in ye armie of Men of Shoes, which hathe in recent tymes becometh becalmde by wrathe and mutinye from withine ye rankes. Barone de Stone Hille, Leadre of ye Men of Shoes and agente of estates, doth make especiale calle on ye Hon de Cleric, and beinge of sounde minde and intellecte and a man from these partes, doth answre ye calle to armes. Manie in ye fair towne of Northamptone doth with muche goode wille welcomme him. Followres of ye Men of Shoes doth believe he will bringe sense and sensibilitie to ye situe, whiche is most injuriouse. Ye Men of Shoes suffereth greatlie in conflikt becaus it is saide ye positionnes of battel be not properlie plannde and layde out. Ye foote soldyieres tyreth of suche tacticse and doth no longre responde to ye bugels whiche Yan Brummiekins doth sounde longe and loude and in tongues moste uncivilie. Ye followres weep and calleth for his heade, whiche they doth wante placde on a pike, in fashione of kebabe, a newe delacacie of these moderne tymes. So ye Hon de Cleric doth returne most faste to Northamptone, excepte for stayes of sittinge moste longue on ye Sylver Linke stage coache causde by leeves and to disruptiones of the pockete from Dyck Turpine Esq. When he dothe finalie arrive, ye Hon de Cleric doth meete leadres of ye Men of Shoes and issueth proclamationnes on nettes of a tone of greate politik, whiche persuadeth Men of Shoes and ye followres to be of one minde and so to againe be of countenances right for battel. Great days for merrie Englande.
Northampton Gas at 16:34:49 Wednesday March 24 99
I know JC made water into wine, but even he might have difficulty with this one
The Shropshire Cobbler at 16:23:2 Wednesday March 24 99
Any Father Ted fans out there? I think Father Jack would make an excellent replacement manager ...
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:13:14 Wednesday March 24 99
Gas - our only hope is devine intervention..
Northampton Gas at 15:28:37 Wednesday March 24 99
Hartwell Cobbler - I am suprised by your comments regarding strikers. You have only scored 28 league goals, only Macclesfield at 26 have scored less. I know it is your style of play which is of greatest concern, but from reports I see, your strikers appear to be missing the easiest of chances. Clearly you cannot afford to buy a player without selling and as the transfer deadline is 17.00 tomorrow afternoon, your only hope is a loan signing
Jamie Sullivan at 15:11:5 Wednesday March 24 99
OI! the morning crew NO. Have you any idea on the amount of home games we've lost this season, the appaling tactics we play, the talented players on the bench and the apprant discord throughout the team. If you'd been to more than the two Wembley games you would and also what right have you to slate us, we are the ones putting money it to the club, your the ones making money out of it through exploting the cobblers the success when it suits you. It's all a loud of crap, just like your show, which I never listen too, I'd rather listen to Zoe Ball, which is REALLY saying something. Your completly carboard and unfunny style of radio is disgraceful and as the music, well talk about lowest common deniminator, really people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Onto another subject I'm really fed up of people, having ago at this site when half of them haven't been on it, they would really like it shut down. And also saying this site is where most of the 'Atkins out'
and general dislike of Atkins is rubbish, it just reflects the general feelings of the fans, most of whom haven't really liked Atkins style, since the start and knew the bubble would burst. I think Atkins has made some astute signings but that's only good when they fit into a style of play that they can actually play in which I think is half the problem.
Jamie Sullivan at 14:28:1 Wednesday March 24 99
Thanks to Tony Clarke yesterday, for the tickets to commons, top bloke. I got to see Peter Mandelson in the Central Lobby and he scawled at me when he overheard me call him Mandy. I'm sure whether to be proud or embarssed, at least Lord Archer didn't over here me say Ken Livingstone was going to kick his ass.
Sid at 14:23:45 Wednesday March 24 99
Okay, can i clear something up......... I DID NOT write the message that was titled 'Sid the Sexist' (14:26 Tuesday). I dont who did it, but i do not want to be associated with such remarks. Roy Hujnter has not been pants, he is a good player. But Ali, well, he needs a bit of confidence. And i never use such a word as 'objective'!!!!!
Sid at 14:22:48 Wednesday March 24 99
Okay, can i clear something up......... I DID NOT write the message that was titled 'Sid the Sexist' (14:26 Tuesday). I dont who did it, but i do not want to be associated with such remarks. Roy Hujnter has not been pants, he is a good player. But Ali, well, he needs a bit of confidence. And i never use such a word as 'objective'!!!!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:58:24 Wednesday March 24 99
Dylan - I can only feel sympathy for all Luton fans. With the Premier League taking very few players from down the league ladder and the cost of football ever-spiralling, even at this level, the worry must be of a more general nature - ie for the future of professional football in the lower leagues.
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:54:39 Wednesday March 24 99
Thanks for your observations, Northampton Gas. However strange it may seem to you, it's not forwards that we need. It's a pattern of play that will bring the forwards into the game properly and set up a string of decent chances. Dwight Yorke wouldn't score in a tactical set-up like this, where long, high, aimless balls are always raining down on you from a great height. As for you being only seven points ahead of us - well, given our total ineptitude at present, that might as well be 107! Simply getting a point at home would be a major triumph here! In the meantime I'm keeping my fingers crossed Atkins doesn't manage to dispose of all our good, young, players before he is ousted. The likes of Warner, Savage and Hunt, under a constructive manager, are the future of this club. I'm hoping that by next week Atkins will be gone and Colin Hill installed as player-manager until the end of the season. Then we can at least expect some decent football, some goals, commitment and points -- and probably a humdinger of a finish to the season, whichever way it goes. As it stands now we're going down the worst way possible - without a fight.
dylan at 13:48:28 Wednesday March 24 99
Congrats to Tony Clarke, I think he'll be great. One of the great things about this club is that we can have a fan on the board. Now the Atkins situation: The position we are in isn't something that has suddenly happened. We have been hovering around the bottom of the table all season. In all that time, Atkins has not been able to pull us up and into safety. What makes people think that he will be able to do it now? He has had his chance. And if people will cast their minds back to the last 2 seasons, there never was a period when Atkins was the fans' darlings. His tactics were succesful but they weren't pretty and they are simplistic. I seem to remember criticisms of his tactics that we still hear today (11 back for corners, long ball etc) but they didn't matter so much when we were exceeding expectations. We won at Wembley because of a good free-kick but we were not the better team. Atkins has had his moment of glory, but I do not want this club to have to spend another decade in the basement before another manager comes along to get us promoted. For the long term future of the club, to stop us yo-yoing between Divs 2 and 3 we must change our manager. It is possible to go from 3 to 1. Just look at Bury (promoted from 3 the year before our Wembley triumph), and Gillingham and preston are doing pretty well too. We are never going to establish ourselves as a natural Div 2 club if we can only play in one blunt style, and Atkins can't give us the variety and canny management that we need. ON A DIFFERENT TOPIC - How do people feel about Luton going into receivership? On the one hand I'm taking a malicious delight in it, but on the other hand I feel for the fans cos we of all people should know what it's like to be on the verge of the losing your club.
Northampton gas at 13:23:52 Wednesday March 24 99
Sorry we added to your woes last night and to our own. At present our fans are behind the manager and board of directors, although we appear to want to get closer to you than I would like. The debate on IA is interseting, if you take forget that this is a football club any employer has the right to expect their employees to conform to a set of rules and expectations. I am sure that slagging off players and the fans would not be high up on a job description and the style of playing although NOT dictated by the Board can at least have an input to their concern. It is NO good the board saying they are 100% behind IA then sacking him the next week. If they indicate to IA what they expect of him over a period of 3 months and 12 months and he fails to achieve this with the rescources available to him, they can be grounds for sacking him. He ( IA ) is no different from you or me, if you fail to perform, you are given a verbal and then written warning before being sacked. The problem appears to be that the board believed that you would get out of the relegation zone, but this has not happened. We, the gas, are only 7 points ahead of you - which is only two wins and a match against us. PS both Bristol City and Rovers have strikers who are available for loan - the best is Goodridge of the s**t, a stiker who WILL put himself about AND has ability AND shows effort.
Mark Too at 13:19:5 Wednesday March 24 99
Just read on Ceefax that the Dire-ones are interested in Jamie Forrester.They think he will "surely cost £100,000", and Griggs will "push the boat out" to get him.
Ray at 13:15:25 Wednesday March 24 99
Sorry Nod.....( hope u didn't forget to vote so we can get even more people here")
Nod at 13:13:45 Wednesday March 24 99
This site is far too busy. One afternoon out at College and a morning's hard graft, and it's taken me all my lunch hour to catch up. Now I'm going to starve until teatime 'cos the canteen's closed. Atkins out!
Ralph at 13:7:34 Wednesday March 24 99
Well we've had a go at everyone else let's have a go at 'The Morning Crew'. Invariably these 'celebs' have no real grasp of life, tag on to 'footie' 'cos it's fashionable and have no real understanding of its history, don't really know much about music other than what is currently in the charts, are faceless, chinless, passionless, talk too much, talk twaddle, and everyone but them are sad. Pick the bones out of that lot.
Ray at 12:55:1 Wednesday March 24 99
Ah - IC... I assume these are another loads of wallies who never bother going onto the internet and just listen to hearsay.....
The Exel Cobbler at 12:18:58 Wednesday March 24 99
Ray, The Morning Crew are on Northants 96. They mentioned that 'fans on an internet site were slating Atkins' and that they could'nt believe that we were doing that, after all it's the same man that got us to Wembley two seasons running.
Ray Warburton Fan Club at 12:13:48 Wednesday March 24 99
How does it feel to know that next season Ray Warburton (our skipper, not yours) is going to be heading the winning goal for Diamonds at Sixfields? The way things are going, that could be the goal that clinches Diamonds promotion to division two while condemning clueless Cobblers to the Conference. Still, at least you'll have a big (?) derby with Kettering to look forward to. Another question: are Cobblers fans the biggest whingers in the league? Only asking, as didn't the manager you're so busy slagging off non-stop take you to Wembley twice in two years to chants of "Ian Atkins' barmy army" . Your board hasn't got much cash, so if want to bigger say in the way the Cobblers (apt name!!!) are run, all you have to do is buy a seat on the board - I reckon £25,000-£30,000 will do. You've all got big mouths, why not put your money where your mouth is? And as for Tony Clarke, if he's so concerned about inconsistencies in team selection, blah blah why doesn't he talk to local radio and newspapers instead of a handful of whingers on the net? He wouldn't by any chance be a Labour MP who wants it all ways, would he?
Anon at 12:12:52 Wednesday March 24 99
Sorry I cannot use my usual non de plume but I have some insider informaton which is privileged and could be traced back. But I feel the fans should know the facts, which are 1 - there was an emergency Board meeting last night (agenda and outcome unknown although you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out what was uppermost on the list) 2 - There's to be another another on Monday. 3 - Atkins is almost universally loathed/despised and/or feared by the players, many of whom are not prepared to play their hearts out for him 4 - his standing in the boardroom isn't much higher 5 - the board feel they can't afford to sack him 5 - they are hoping he will resign (a likely one!) 6 - the board have given him one more game (Sat). If we lose that, by inference, he's out one way or another anyway.
the board
Michael Warner at 11:38:28 Wednesday March 24 99
I just found Atkins in the stationary cupboard with Paul Wilkinson wearing nothing but a block of Cobblers nougat (just 99p from the club shop) so he's given me my place in the team back in return for not flogging the pictures to the Chronic.
Angry at 11:35:56 Wednesday March 24 99
I don't think we should sign Forrester because: a. he's available under the Bosman ruling for nothing (except a signing fee) in the summer b. we already have four quality strikers (Carlo, Howard, Freestone and Seal) c. we should not bring in more players until we get rid of the deadwood (which does not include Mickey Warner Mr. Atkins you Brummie twat) and finally d. is he any better than what we have already? If we change the tactics (and the manager) before Saturday Carlo and Freestone could bag a brace each because they are quality players. So, my team for Saturday has both of them in and Dave Savage - here it is: (4-4-2) Turley, Sammo, Frain, Howey, Hope, Hunt, WARNER, SAVAGE, Carlo, Freestone, Spedding. Subs: Parrish, The Seal and Avon Insurance Combination ace Kevin Wilson. BTW Stan the Exile, you didn't upset me but I thought you were a bit two faced - If you have seen a lot of the comedy of errors that is our season, you'd be pissed off with Atkins and want him out too. Oh yeah, congratulations TCMP and DON'T SELL MICKEY WARNER!
Stan the exile at 10:38:53 Wednesday March 24 99
I almost feel sorry I upset Mr Angry. I thought it might be obvious that the reason I don't live in Northampton is because I work in Bristol. However, like you, I'm upset at the position the cobblers find themselves in. I thought we were on another runaway charge from the bottom to the top and back again. Believe me, I wish I could watch them every week, but I have to put up with scraps from the tv and Sport First. Just keep the faith.
Ray at 10:18:2 Wednesday March 24 99
For those of you looking for a free internet provider, my own ISP has now gone "freebie" - and have probably the lowest support costs on the net. Check out http://www.ukonline.co.uk.....
Ray at 10:9:44 Wednesday March 24 99
Scuse my ignorance but who are the "morning crew"?
The Exel Cobbler at 10:2:40 Wednesday March 24 99
With regards to the 'not many fans going to PNE' on saturday, you can be assured that the regulars will be there. Without fail, St James, Mounties and The Trust will all take at least 1 coach load each. Also, on the Morning Crew yesterday, we got a mention. The 2 presenters can not believe the fans feelings at the moment. Well, maybe if you did'nt just go to the Play off matches you'd see why. What happened to your regular 'Cobblers News' spots which you broadcast every day last season? Oh, we're not doing so well so its obviously not worth it.
The Exel Cobbler at 9:46:43 Wednesday March 24 99
Micky Warner can not be allowed to leave tomorrow. Not only is he the future of this club, he should be the present. Please Atkins, give Warner a shirt on saturday and play him as an attacking midfielder, not a defensive one (yeah like that'll happen!!!). TCMP, congratulations and good luck on your new appointment.
Jacks at 9:41:5 Wednesday March 24 99
Well done to Tony Clarke - I think you'll be a great asset. A message to the board. Do not sell Micheal Warner - you CANNOT possibly justify such a fooloish and short-sighted move. As fans we have been 'assured' that the club is on sound financial footing - we cannot sell a player will such immense talent and passion and dedication - if he goes there will be massive discontent, you may be sure - for there is no logical reason for him to go. On Monday night I went to the reserves game and there was such a stench of meaty pasties and oh my god who was sitting directly in front of me but ballooning Barry......keep your hands off our players - although there is a very promising new keeper called Lee.............Bad news that Wycombe lost last night. Oh and Sid!!!! - the 'gurls' do not just stand by the players cos we 'fancy' them - not true - cos although I will defend the magnificent Colin Hill - I def. don't fancy him....I don't even fancy Ali Gibb...
Anon at 8:57:29 Wednesday March 24 99
RAY FOR CHAIRMAN!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 8:50:55 Wednesday March 24 99
May I join everyone else in congratulating Tony Clarke on his appointment. As Ian says I don't know how he finds the time but the fact that he is prepared to do so further underlines the commitment he has to the Cobblers. We can now be assured that at least one board member reads and uses these pages and thus is in touch with grass roots feelings! I know its early days but I hope he can persuade other members of the board to reconsider the daft proposal to sell seal and the totally crazy one which suggests warner may also go. This cannot be allowed to happen and I hope he will make his feelings crystal clear on this and on the critical issue of the way the club's playing side is being managed (or mismanaged). Meanwhile Wycombe's win last night tightens the screw further, leaving us just two points away from the bottom. Which just underlines the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate redemial action from the board to at least stabilise the ship. We may still go down but if the problems are not addressed immediately we'll nose-dive rather than at the worst descend fighting.
Ralph at 8:20:6 Wednesday March 24 99
I would also like to congratulate TC on his appointment. Not only is his heart in the right place but also, I believe, is his head. A welcome addition at a crucial time.
Ian at 3:46:35 Wednesday March 24 99
I think all Cobblers fans should be extremely grateful to Tony Clarke for taking the supporters position on the Board. How he can find the time as well as being an MP I don't know but I'm very glad that he can. I just hope it doesn't get you into more agro with the whips Tony. As someone who reads Cobblers Comments perhaps the Board will now realise that we are not invaders from another planet.
Ray at 0:38:3 Wednesday March 24 99
Ah - whilst you are giving away jobs... can I be the Parliamentary Secretary for the Internet?
Tony Clarke MP at 0:21:32 Wednesday March 24 99
PS, Uther Pendragon, the jobs yours, when can you start? PPS wher excactly is Birmingham? TCMP
Tony Clarke MP at 0:18:27 Wednesday March 24 99
Back again, damn government business always gets in the way of important issues like football. What I was trying to say is that we have got the players but not the ability to play them to their strentghs. After two years of battling football that has brought results we now find ourselves with a squad of footballers that still need to gel together. any way, enougth said for now, looks like we are her through the night, whitch I suppose stop's me laying awake all night woorying about what might be? see you on Saturday ( try to log on before TCMP
Uther Pendragon at 0:12:39 Wednesday March 24 99
Sid, what made Seal lose his way? I guess the answer involves personality clashes, with brummie T who will not work with players to resolve differences. I remenber listening to him panning Seal on Northants 96 last summer in an effort to motivate him. I'm glad my boss does'nt feel the need to give me a bollocking in front of 23 other people.Why didn't he make him appear on weigh-in Wednesday with that fat bird on the breakfast show who has lost a couple of stone to boost his confidence even further? As for buying Forrester, great if we can afford him, but I doubt whether we can.
Tony Clarke MP at 0:1:56 Wednesday March 24 99
just logged on during the debate, I can't begin to express how grateful I am for the warm comments on the appointment. what I will say re the Atkins question is that irespective of the views of individuals it is imperative that we we clear the issue up over the next few days so that we can concentrate on getting behind the team. To reiterate what I have said over the past few weeks it is a nonsense that Warner and Savage are not in the side and to have Colin Hill on International duty at a time he can only make the subs bench for the first team is a nonsense. Oops division bell just gone ,got to go and vote, so to sign off so sudden , thanks again TCMP
TRB Mark at 22:57:10 Tuesday March 23 99
Hey Adam, I can remember smug direones fans telling me how great (blimey my mind has gone blank~who was the player who scored our 15 second goal against Chester, last game at the County ground part one? Well him.) player X was. That did'nt last long did it? And how great is Heggs? Yup, I thought so.
Congrats to Tony Clarke, I'm sure he will make a good replacement for Brian Lomax as he has for Michael Morris!! If you are reading this Tony, how about inviting the editor of the Chron and Andy Roberts to the next Trust meeting to take questions from the floor. That should be interesting.
Fashion faux pas of the day goes to Barry Stonhill for wearing a tie with diamonds on it.
Robert Dunkley at 22:55:45 Tuesday March 23 99
Well done Tony Clarke, I am sure you will continue Brian's excellent work on the Board, for a start stop us from the drop!! Maybe if you get a cabinet position you can be a Famous Fan liek your fellow MPs Mr Mellor, Banks, Major and Press Secretarys i.e Alistair Campbell of Burnley!!
On another note I doubt whether we will see any money for Seal, as if we have not paid £90K to Bristol City, do we have to pay off the remaining balance?? I agree with Sid, he has gone off the boil, but I think Atkins has played a signifigant part in it. It seems starnge Seal, White, Freestone, Lee all had good first seasons and went lost the plot... Could it be I.Atkins esq.
Sid at 22:34:29 Tuesday March 23 99
TCMP, congrats on the appointment, and i hope you do continue to give your comments and the occassional "inside" feedback, when needed of course! John, Do not expect a backlash from me if Seal goes. To be honest i used to think the player was excellent, but to be fair, he has lost his way. So if you think we sold him for £30K (which is a 60k loss from what we bought him) you would think that couldn't be spent better elsewhere?? I would like to see Jamie Forrester at the club but the general impression seems to be that "oh, we dont need another striker!" But the thing is, people on the mailing list MOAN that we haven't got a naturally gifted goalscorer! Forrester must be the answer. Again, you knock Atkins for not playing the tactics he should, (even i do that!) but if he does go for a good player, it seems people are wary. Come on, he is 24! (oh no, he won't play for at least another 6 years, but if he is a brummie, that will mean a debut on Sat!) Come on supporters, the next two days are vital in signings and departures, lets get the good players in, and keep them in!!!! ONE MESSAGE.......... DO NOT SELL WARNER........ AND CERTAINLY DONT SELL HIM TO RUS***N & DIREMONDS!!!!!
Rupert Murdoch Esteemed Benevolant CEO of Sky Television at 21:40:46 Tuesday March 23 99
sorry, bristol rovers 0 - wycombe 2 - BTW we need to buy your club because our comedy channel schedules are currently empty - we had peterborough but people were actually splitting their sides laughing whenever the scum players came on the screen and one viewer exploded with laughter when Barry Fry was shown in training doing the bleep test with a hot dog in one hand and a bottle of 'Bud Extra' in the other - twice the calories and half the taste. So, to avoid the lawsuits, we have started searching for an alternative act to fill the airwaves - Rushed & Diremonds were approached, but they declined an appearence on the 'Village Yokel Hour'. So we need you - Ian Atkins already has a show called 'Yon Brummikins live from Sollihul' where he tells one liners like 'We are a quality attacking side with Dean Peer' and 'Paul Wilkinson WILL weigh in with his fair share of goals' and he also does ventrilaquism with Ian Clarkson sitting on his lap. Then there is Atkins-X, the late night 'hot' show for all XXX Brummies all over the land which involves Ian Atkins doing a striptease to reveal himself wearing nothing but a NTFC pennant. So, if you are interested Mr. Stonhill give me a ring.
Sky Sports News at 21:27:8 Tuesday March 23 99
bristol rovers 2-0 wycombe - cousins 8, devine 80
Uther Pendragon at 21:17:40 Tuesday March 23 99
TCMP - oops. Re my earlier comment on Secretary of State for Brum. My case is for repatriation not deportation - apologies for the error. He has a passport in the name of brummie twatkins and the photograph is a tremendous likeness (a bloke with a foot in his mouth).
Angry at 21:15:22 Tuesday March 23 99
The only way we'll be up for it is if the players take about fifty Viagra each and look at a load of nudie mags before the match. My only consolation is that if we go down we'll have six points before we start - Thank you P**erborough. Who else thinks that Northampton should have at least a second division club? And, finally, who thinks Atkins will go if we get relegated?
Pompey Cobbler at 21:0:23 Tuesday March 23 99
Adam - a Diremonds fan I assume. We had Colin West before before
he moved down to play at your level - so he is in fact a Cobblers
reject. Perhaps you were not so interested in R&D at that time to
notice.
John Mcrirrick at 20:43:24 Tuesday March 23 99
Wycombe and Luton winning, can things get any worse.
Terry Hawes at 20:39:23 Tuesday March 23 99
To: Mr. Posh
For several weeks you have been making fun of the Cobblers situation, yet your club continues to be managed by somebody with half a brain, your ground will never be like Sixfields, your fans will never be as well educated (not counting Peterborough Cobblers) etc etc.
Shitborough is going nowhere, while we still have a chance to stay up, now that I think of it, if we do go down, it won't be so bad because I know for a fact we would win the third division championship and if we are in your division next year, we will destroy you, I think we'll win the title right on your ground to stick it to ya.
One more thing, Fry is worse than Atkins, I think perhaps you guys should go with another manager of your own kind - John Barnwell or Barwell or whatever the heck his name is!
Go Cobblers - We're staying up!
Terry Hawes at 20:33:21 Tuesday March 23 99
When I look at the grand scheme of things the Cobblers are battling Macclesfield, York, Lincoln and Burnley for the relegation spots, but we still have home games with Burnley and York...York have gone down the tubes these last few games so I don't think it is over by far.
The Olney Cobbler. at 20:25:27 Tuesday March 23 99
Yes I'm still very cheesed off.
Good luck Mr Clarke on your appointment, No sitting on the fence now! You know our feelings about the current situation.
I agree with what has been said about Micky Warner. If he is sold all hell will be let loose.
Uther Pendragon at 20:10:1 Tuesday March 23 99
TCMP, sorry I forgot my email address to enable you to respond re my request to become Secretary of State for Brum. I would appreciate your urgent attention as we have a case requiring deportation.
BAKA at 20:5:35 Tuesday March 23 99
Jamie Forrester, he'll cost a bit.
Uther Pendragon at 20:2:25 Tuesday March 23 99
Congratulations to TCMP on your appointment. This explains why you were sitting on the fence so much in your earlier submission regarding IA's future. Joking aside, you know what you have to do and, working at Westminster, there should not be any shortage of sharpened long knives. p.s. I don't like hormonally treated beef.
pete at 20:0:47 Tuesday March 23 99
At last an answer to one question- why was The Seal not
even on the bench last week? The answer in the Chronic
from IA... it was because, although he had played well
in the reserves and scored, he had not been sharp in
training last Thursday. Well, be fair, at least it is an
answer. It is OK to play badly in a game, but as long as
you are sharp in training ( = lick boots?), you can play
in the first eleven. There is something not quite right
with this logic...but it gives us something to work on.
My hope is that IA has at last realised his mistake
(or the Board are talking to him quite rightly in private)
and The Seal was not on show on Monday because he is not
in the window but will be up front on Saturday. Well,
I always have been an optimist!
A loyal Ian Atkins fan at 19:57:0 Tuesday March 23 99
I am heartily sick of reading the comments of supposed ‘loyal’ supporters, constantly attacking Ian for every little thing that goes wrong. How easily the glories of the last two years are forgotten when the chips are down. Remember the heady days of last summer, when you were all singing ‘Ian Atkins barmy army’ as the players marched,
heads held high, onto the hallowed turf? Personally, I cannot see what Ian has done wrong apart from spend the Wembley takings on journeymen strikers, not play Hunt and Warner on a regular basis, alienate the whole squad, sell Seal and Warner(probably), play abominable long ball football, criticize the players both on radio and in the press, buy players who are already crocked and have to wait a whole season for them to get fit, get all players behind the ball when we are losing, sell Warburton and Heggs, not tolerate any ‘leaders’ who may undermine his authority, sell Grayson (did you hear the Kettering manager describe him as the best player by a cobblers clearance mile in the Conference on BBC N'hants on Saturday?), go and watch the Saints, punish players by giving them extra training when the game was lost due to his tactics (or lack of them), being a brummie, blaming the internet, not having the decency to resign (well, would you if you were due £120K), and possibly a couple of other minor errors. So come on you loyal supporters, stop being picky, get behind the team and lets hear that cobblers roar at the
next match. Remember, a tiger can change his pimples if given chance after chance after chance after chance etc. Must go now, I can hear the fat lady tuning up.
Tony Clarke MP at 19:49:38 Tuesday March 23 99
Ray, I thought it proper to inform the guest room as soon as I could that I have accepted the position of trust rep on the board. The exec met last Thursday, with all those eligible to stand present (officers and exec members of more than 2 yrs standing, ( something else the chron got wrong!!). We agreed to allow until Monday for all concerned to seek nomination and/or declare an interest, but at the close of play my nomination was accepted unopposed. I had remained silent in the weeks previous as I felt it improper to comment until the trust exec had met. I will attend the club AGM next Mon with Brian and take up the position from thereon in. I have also given up my position as councillor on Northampton Borough Council to ensure that I have the time to devote to the role. The other news is that trust members will be mailed over the next week or so to begin the process of electing a new chair. I will not be standing ,I believe the trust will get better value for thier money if the two roles are split.I will of course continue to submit to Cobblers Comments. One final thing Brian has provided a sterling service to supporters over the last 7 years and the clubs standing nationally has never been higher, I know he will be a hard act to follow, and I believe he deserves a collective pat on the back from the whole supporter base. I will log on later to try to answer any questions (looks like an all night sitting in the Commons Tonight!!)cheers TCMP
Anon at 19:17:53 Tuesday March 23 99
Stan The Exile. What a pile of crap you speak. It is because of misplaced loyalty like yours that we are in this stupid position. You can't have seen many games if you can't lay the blame on Atkins door. Answer us all this question the shit for brains, if Atkins is such a great manager the why are Warner and Savage only playing in the reserves.
Anon at 19:14:20 Tuesday March 23 99
What a dilemna, perhaps the only way Atkins will be forced out is by selling our most talented player
John Mcrirrick at 19:13:20 Tuesday March 23 99
That long word that I couldn't spell was demonstrations by the way.
John Mcrirrick at 19:10:12 Tuesday March 23 99
The sale of Seal will see a backlash from the fans towards the board and particularly Atkins, if Warner goes though I don't think it will be possible to prevent mass demonstartions. Seal is a crowd favourite, but has been given little oppurtunity this season and hasn't performed when he has had his chance, you either love him or hate him, don't get me wrong I can see his departure causing upset to the fans but with Warner I haven't yet spoken to a Cobblers fan who doesn't consider him our most naturally gifted player, everyone believes he should be an automatic first choice. If Warner is sold, especially to Rushden the the fans finally will unite against Atkins.
Dav Cobbler POSH HATER FC doom and gloom fixation at 19:5:58 Tuesday March 23 99
we love you cobblers WE DO
we love you cobblers WE DO
oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhCOBBLERS WE LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Ray at 18:41:40 Tuesday March 23 99
I wouldn't be at all surprised........ although we do tend to do better against the higher teams.....
2nd Placed White at 18:28:22 Tuesday March 23 99
Do you think your side will be up for the match on Saturday, considering what happened at your place, and do you envisage taking anything from the game.
It is a good time to come to play PNE at the moment with the team having suffered alot of injuries. However saying that we will(hopefull) have some new faces on show on Saturday, so maybe you will be in for a pasting.
Angry at 18:28:0 Tuesday March 23 99
If you're so loyal Stan the Exile why don't you live in Northampton? How many games have you been to this season? Have you watched the really dire matches? (Yeovil, Reading, Lincoln home and away, Macclesfield at home) Just about everyone on here has been shocked at how bad we've become this season, me included. 80% of this is the fault of Ian Atkins (including the sales of Warburton and Woodman) because we are playing poor tactics with the wrong personnel. The only way to correct this is to fire Atkins.
adam at 18:27:21 Tuesday March 23 99
if this micky warner is as good as you say then please send him down the A45 to us at nene park for another dirt cheap price. we will send you colin west (36, strong in the air, a long-ball man) in return as he's the type of player crapkins seems to like
mickey warner fan at 17:36:37 Tuesday March 23 99
Mickey please don't go
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:14:34 Tuesday March 23 99
Ralph - thanks for the prescription. I will administer a dose of it immediately to that poor old tiger...
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:12:9 Tuesday March 23 99
I have just heard on good authority that Seal is on his way, probably to Oldham, although he doesn't want to leave. and is very unhappy with the whole situation. I believe he has just handed his sponsored car back to the garage. Seal also believes Hunt is the best half-back in the division but Atkins won't play him. Why ? Just another in a growing pile of unanswered questions. All the young players are scared stiff of Atkins. Also, my deep throat tells me the rumours about Warner's departure are also true. If so, it'll probably be the steal of the season and another real slap in the face for us fans. In tonight's Chronic Barry Stonill was said to be bewildered by Saturday's performance. I think the word distraught is nearer the mark. And at last some word on the current debacle -- the board are to discuss our playing situation at next Monday's AGM. So that's OK, then. Everything's in hand. No need to panic. Except by then another week will have passed and surely another defeat, leaving just nine games, from which we'll probably need a cool 17 points! Good to know everything's under control, isn't it ?
ORBITAL Ganja at 17:8:13 Tuesday March 23 99
I am logging off now as it is time to go home, I will leave you lot to have a go at Ali Gibb.
But we must look up the fat lady is only singing at the moment for Forest, Bristol City and Wycombe. We can still avoid the drop, if we get behind the team.
I am not at Preston on saturday due to work. But at least I am going to see Orbital at Brixton on Sunday.
P.S. When the fat lady does sing for us (when we are still in DIV2, can she please sing an Orbital tune!)
Ralph at 17:6:17 Tuesday March 23 99
Hartwell Dave - I think if you had the opportunity of getting Andy Roberts ear you would find that he thinks along similar lines to us. It is difficult I guess to say what you really feel when you rely on those that you are criticising for interviews etc. You know how players are treated for not towing the line, what of a poor local hack? Can I suggest antibiotics for your spotty tiger?
Fat Lady at 16:57:24 Tuesday March 23 99
Going down, going down, going down.
Bolton Cobbler at 16:56:18 Tuesday March 23 99
Everyone has turned on Ali Gibb recently because he has been horredously shite. It's this kind of stop/start form that makes me wonder how he could be anything other than a fringe player. Granted, at West Ham he was tremedous, weren't they all, but tell me what has he done since Christmas? Nothing. I agree that slagging him off at matches won't do Ali any good, but once again it is Atkins's crazy selection policy that is to blame. Micheal Warner came in fro three or four games and was superb in Ali's place, then in the middle of a good run Atkins drops him and puts back in Ali, who does the same old thing every time, every left back in the division knows what he's going to do on the ball now and so on the rare occasions he does stray into the opponents half he gets marked out of the game...................
A selection policy based on who's got the nicest hair won't really help our relegation plight now will it.
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:42:38 Tuesday March 23 99
Sorry about the mixed metaphor and thanks for pointing it out, Capt Pedantic! I'm probably still brain-dead after Saturday's numbing spectacular. However, if I was Atkins I'd probably excuse myself by saying it was because I was a)leggy b)confused by the yellow fizzing ball c)injured and thus mentally incapacitated as well d)wasn't doing what he says e)was doing so, but in the wrong direction f)was listening to all the fans, all of whom are totally wrong all the time while g) was an international and thus couldn't be expected to know a leopard from a tiger, anyway.
ORBITAL Ganja at 16:7:40 Tuesday March 23 99
Atkins and Co are saying last years sucess was a fluke basically, and that is why we are now doing so badly. But this is just some scapegoat to hide the fact that his tatics this season have not fitted in with this season and some of the new players that have come in. This also go for his constant swapping of the side. Ok we have had a fair amount of injuries this season, but this mean that you constantly have to change a side after one game just because we didn't win. The squad of what is now 32 players (apparently - C+E), must be given more time in matches to understand each other, and merge and link with each other.
My words though have probably come to late.
ORBITAL Ganja at 15:56:10 Tuesday March 23 99
The board have not spoken mainly due to the fact that they can not be bothered, and are sticking by the same excuses that Atkins and Co are saying that last years sucess has come back to haunt us.
They have been quiet this season anyway, especially after the Warburton/Heggs and Woodman sagas. They basically haven't said anything because we will shoot their mouths off when it happens.
ORBITAL Ganja at 15:56:9 Tuesday March 23 99
The board have not spoken mainly due to the fact that they can not be bothered, and are sticking by the same excuses that Atkins and Co are saying that last years sucess has come back to haunt us.
They have been quiet this season anyway, especially after the Warburton/Heggs and Woodman sagas. They basically haven't said anything because we will shoot their mouths off when it happens.
Paddington Cobbler at 15:45:15 Tuesday March 23 99
Regarding the silence from the Board, I, too, find this frustrating and puzzling. Living in London, I don't have access to the Chronicle & Echo or local radio, but I'm surprised that the media have not been trying to get the Board to make some public comment about what they intend to do (if anything) about the team's performance given that relegation is looming large. We are now at a critical juncture in the season. Looking at the past three seasons' relegation lists, we'd need to be aiming at 50+ points to hope to stay up. To average 2 points from each of our remaining games is a tough challenge but not impossible. As I see it, the club has little to lose by some radical action - at least it gives some hope that we may stay up. Unhappily, I can only assume that the silence from the Board signifies either "business as usual" or indecision as to what to do. Either way they need to say something very soon.
Thomas Correia at 15:17:16 Tuesday March 23 99
It's too late for Atkins......he must go, the silly old Cunt!
Captain pedantic at 15:15:43 Tuesday March 23 99
Hartwell, isn't it leopards that don't change their spots?
treenie at 15:11:41 Tuesday March 23 99
I wasn't sticking up for Ali because he's gorgeous (even though he is). I was just saying that you lot contradict yourself so much that it's no wonder that none of the players have any confidence because you lot turn on them so much!!!!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:31:0 Tuesday March 23 99
Ralph - yes, Atkins, like the tiger,isn't going to change his spots. Our only hope is to change him. That's now set in stone as far as you, I and many others are concerned. What I cannot understand is the deafening silence from the Board. We haven't had the classic "we are behind the manager 100%". Which suggests they are riddled with indecision. It appears only Andy Roberts, the Board and a rapidly dwindling band of fans, think Atkins can get us out of this mess. They are all deluded in my opinion. With four fifths of the season gone the results, our pathetic goals scored and league position tells the story. What reasons have anyone for thinking that, suddenly right at the death and probably too late, anything's going to change and from nowhere all will be put right and we'll embark on a promotion-form run? It won't happen because Atkins refuses to address the real problems and change his tactics accordingly. Even if Wilson or Hill were put in charge today, I'm not sure they would have time to right the ship. But at least we might go down fighting. At present we're just rolling over and submitting without a whimper. And that is what really hurts, isn't it ? We have the players, if Atkins would only use them and play to their strengths. But, as we've just said, that won't happen because he's clearly too stubborn to admit to making mistakes.
Sid the Sexist at 14:26:52 Tuesday March 23 99
Have you noticed how the gurls defend the players to the last only because they fancy the pants off them. get objective Treenie, Ali and Roy have been, well, pants!
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:45:10 Tuesday March 23 99
he just isn't playing well at the moment.
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:44:10 Tuesday March 23 99
I have not turned on Ali Gibb.
treenie at 13:41:10 Tuesday March 23 99
why has everyone turned on Ali Gibb all of a sudden. When he played against West Ham you all thought he was god. Nice to know you lot change your minds about as much as Roy Hunter changes his hair colour!!!!!!!!!
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:34:50 Tuesday March 23 99
Ralph you are right Atkins stubborness will never change, but if he goes what effect will this have on the team?
P.S. If we go down everyone is invited round to my house for a few joints.
Ralph at 13:28:15 Tuesday March 23 99
Yeah right on and if we all had some of your ganja Orbital we wouldn't even know that we have been relegated. One thing that is for sure Atkins will not change. It ain't gonna happen. If we are to change we have to change the boss I'm afraid.
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:25:52 Tuesday March 23 99
It ain't over till the fat lady sings, but apparently she has been heard in Nottigham, Wycombe and Bristol. Where shall she sing next.
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:23:43 Tuesday March 23 99
I am not going to Preston due to having to work, for the first saturday in 3 weeks, so my next game will be against Bournemouth.
I am sure that there will be a healthy support anyway (as ever) going to Deepdale, as it is also the Trust travel clubs annual weekend away in Blackpool.
David Nikel at 13:21:50 Tuesday March 23 99
It aint over til the fat lady sings......
David Nikel at 13:19:18 Tuesday March 23 99
I've heard everyone's going to Kettering on Saturday instead of Preston. Any truth in that? I don't care, see you at Preston......if anyone else turns up !
ORBITAL Ganja at 13:17:14 Tuesday March 23 99
Looks like transfer day may be busy this year for the cobblers. Knowing the board though they will sell all our best players.
Paul S at 13:12:32 Tuesday March 23 99
Orbital, Yeah I saw Barry "staying down" Fry. Graham Carr and scouts from R&D and Derby (I think) were also there.
ORBITAL Ganja at 12:55:57 Tuesday March 23 99
Atkins will have to forget his stubborness for the last part of the season if we are to stay up. Despite the bad form of the other teams I mentioned we still need to win are games.
Atkins must also put aside personal rifts as the striker who we need to partner Corazzin is Seal, as with Chris Lee out of sorts at the moment and Freestone with minus confidence, we need The in-form(reserves) Seal who I think can pull us to safety, if given a run-out.
Ralph at 12:44:15 Tuesday March 23 99
Well Hartwell you are right again. The void between forwards and midfield and the service provided for said forwards inevitably means we could have Shearer and Yorke upfront but still struggle to score. Why Atkins thinks playing three up front and two in midfield equals loads of goals is beyond me. We are losing with five at the back so we may as well go 4-4-2 and be buggered. At least we will see a more structured approach to the game, play with a bit of width, have your strikers in the box and midfielders midfielding. The fare served up on Saturday was at best purile schoolboy stuff. Fact is we wont change, I've said it before Atkin's stubborness will get us relegated. You have more chance of winning the lottery than picking the same side as Atkins for Saturday. It is evident he only knows one way and we've been sussed.
ORBITAL Ganja at 12:43:26 Tuesday March 23 99
Hello again people I am back on-line after going missing for two weeks. Horrid result saturday, particulary the dire second-half performance. But we still have another 7 or 8 games to save ourselves. Plus with the way Wycombe, York, Burnley and Lincoln are going we are still in with a chance.
A good night at the reserves last night, nice to see a win!
Also did anyone else see Barry Fry last night sitting just behind the Brentford Dug-out apparent rumours suggest he was looking at Micheal Warner.
TRB Mark at 11:42:44 Tuesday March 23 99
I have just thought of this years Christmas card. Father Christmas is on top of the Express lift tower when a snow covered ball smacks him on the head and he says to Rudolph, "Cobblers must be at home!" Don't think the club would like it tho'.........
TRB Mark at 11:20:57 Tuesday March 23 99
Atkins said that we did'nt have a leader on Saturday. Well, that's because we sold him to Diremonds!
King of Diamonds, I would have agreed with you when I stood on the terrace at Nene park on a winters night watching Potton Utd (BET YOU WERE'NT) but since Griggsy has millions to waste, it is inevitable that you will buy your way into the league. The trouble is with most Diremonds fans is that they support the money and not the club. Should `Griggsy diddapear, then so would most of ther "fans".
Gary at 11:2:47 Tuesday March 23 99
Haven't you realised it yet? Atkins triesb to palm you supporters off with crap sayings eg Freestone needs to get a goal. Well he got 3 goals in 4 days and two of those were against a premiership club so if that doesn't boast you confidence then nothing will!
Hartwell Cobbler at 10:58:47 Tuesday March 23 99
Yes, and if Seal goes for a big loss I expect Atkins will be straight way knocking on the directors door for another £90k for a replacement. But another striker's hardly likely to make much difference if we only play the ball to him from 1,500ft, as has been rightly mentioned here earlier. I am, however, more concerned about the rumours of Warner's departure. As has already been said, he's the future and under a more progressive manager would surely blossom into a real asset - not one who may at present be sold at a bargain basement fee just to enable us to get another second rate "striker" or, worse, another right full back (which, with the players we've got on the bench, we need like a hole in the head).
The Exel Cobbler at 10:33:8 Tuesday March 23 99
James - You may not believe this but we do have midfielders at the club who can create chances for the strikers eg Warner & Savage but for what ever reason, Atkins won't pick them and when he does, they can't do anything constructive because a. Warner is played at right back and b. everything bypasses the midfield at an altitude of 15000 feet.
Ralph at 10:20:1 Tuesday March 23 99
Everything of a positive and attacking nature eminated from Kevin Wilson last night. Atkins wants leaders, well get Kev in, he will chivvy them up. He has done this all season in the reserves. It makes you laugh though when Atkins asks for leaders and whenever anyone shows signs of leadership he ends up falling out with them. Make no mistake the team is run from the bench and players are frightened to take charge on the pitch for fear of being villified. I thought I would share a comment from last night's game with you; when Chris Lee was 'asked' to go in goal a bloke behind me commented that he will do what he does best and keep the ball out of the net. He was right as well, kept a clean sheet.
Cobbler Down Under at 10:15:19 Tuesday March 23 99
King of Diamonds:- Don't be such a twat, 2 divisions will seperate your crap from the Mighty Ones next season.Is there any way of keeping these idiots off the site Ray? Posh Twat is another one who speaks the same rubbish. Posh Twat eh, it almost sounds like Posh Spice he'd probably take it up the arse from Beckham too! Get real losers and stay in your slums. I feel it's time for another Hartwellian monologue before the victory on Saturday!!!!
James at 9:53:43 Tuesday March 23 99
Does anyone know the current Forrester situation, are we any where nearer to sighning him,I didn`t think we had that sought of money(100,000).Am I the only one who thinks we`ve got enough strikers and need to be investing in midfielders to create chances for our over whelmingly sized strike force? Also can you tell me who looks most likely to be leaving the club before the transfer deadline?
Nosey Parker at 9:36:6 Tuesday March 23 99
Seal will be a Oldham player by Thursday for 30,000 if he can agree personal terms by then if not he will be theres for nothing in May.Nice work Atkins driving the only player who looks like scoring away and losing 95.000 in the process!!!!
King of Diamonds at 9:35:57 Tuesday March 23 99
Next season, it's possible that the little village team of Irthlingborough could be in the same league and playing against the mighty barons of Northampton.
Unbelievable!
Quite mind-boggling, don't you think??
The Exel Cobbler at 9:28:36 Tuesday March 23 99
Stan the Exile - Us 'so called supporters' also remember going to Wembley with much fondness. Both days I was so proud to see the club that I love so much playing at the Home of Football. BUT, as I, and many others have said on this site, Atkins as taken us as far as he can. The football this season has been poor, sometimes very poor and on saturday the performance was f***ing poor. Yes the players do have to take part of the blame, but they just did'nt look up for it. They had no shape, no confidance and looked as though they had no idea as to what they were doing. It is the managements job to wind them up and get them motivated. Atkins has worked an absolute miracle turning this club around and we all respect him for that, but his tactics have been sussed by the opposition. I bet saturday was the Macc keepers quietest for some time. It's time to get someone else to steady a fast sinking ship. My personal choice would be John Ward.
Stan the exile at 8:48:26 Tuesday March 23 99
It's no wonder the Cobblers are having a terrible time at the moment. How would you feel if you had to turn out in that awful star spangled kit every week? Come on Ian, ditch the unlucky white (and a little bit of claret) kit and get back to the claret and white.
A message to all those fans calling for Ian Atkins to go: You don't go from being a good manager to a poor manager in such a short space of time. Don't forget, it's the players who win or lose matches, the manager is almost powerless once they are on the pitch. Also, what short memories you all have. I still remember the thrill of seeing the cobblers, not only for the first time, but also twice in successive seasons, at Wembley, so just think on before shouting too loud, you might get someone to lead the cobblers into the obscurity of the Conference.
I now live? in Bristol - a football desert if ever there was one - so can't often get to see the cobblers, but now that I've found the web sites I shall keep up to date.
So pull your fingers out you lot let's have more effort from the players and less bitching from the so-called supporters.
Hartwell Cobbler at 8:38:53 Tuesday March 23 99
Well said Deepcut and Norwich Cobbler - together you've summed up the situation to a tee. I also agree with many of the other comments left here in the last 24 hours or so. Most of us are singing from the same hymn sheet and the message is clear as day - Atkins must go. It seems we, the fans, can identify the problems. Surely the board must have come to the same conclusion, especially after Saturday's dreadful, embarrassing, negative, gutless, disorganised, affair. I have, up to now, roundly supported the board, which has given atkins more cash than it can truly afford to spend on players to replace injuries. But it's now time for them to face the facts and remove atkins. I know the argument: we can't afford it. I'm afraid in the long term we can't afford not to. If he stays we go down and we can expect more of this rubbish masquerading as football next season. As a result season ticket sales, which have built up superbly in the past two years, will almost certainly fall dramatically and with it match attendances. So, in the longer term, we'll probably lose more at the gate than it may cost to replace Atkins. The board must take the long-term view. It must also act because the future of the club on the pitch is also in danger. If Atkins stays he'll take us down. And once down, as others have said, it'll not be easy to get back up. In the worst scenario, the current malaise will continue and heavens knows where that may lead us. One final point on Saturday's "game" - we played three forwards, which Atkins appears to think is progressive. But the net result was just five shots -- only two of them on target! Macclesfield, away from home, managed 12. Fact is he could play six forwards and it wouldn't make any difference because the approach play is so awful, no forward on this planet would stand a chance. And that's at the heart of the problem - Atkins useless long ball tactics which bypass the midfield and bomb the opponents with high balls -- which is meat and drink for defenders at this level - all they have to do is wait for the predictable, step up and head it away, knowing also we will have no men pushed up behind the forwards to pick up the loose balls. And still Atkins persists with the these tactics! Ref the Chron - I agree with what Andy says but I think he's blinkered when he says Atkins will get us out of this mess. In your dreams.
From the Cobbler's Last at 23:24:27 Monday March 22 99
Good to see football at the Reserves tonight. It was entertaining and fun...... can we ever say that about first team games this season. Was it pure co-incidence that Lee missed the easiest of chances seconds before he was put in goal. The keeper (Francis) was injured and the bench, where Atkins was hiding, called Lee out of the attack and sent him between the sticks. Usually some fool volunteers in these circumstances. I think Atkins decided to punish Lee for his miss and poor performance on Saturday. He thinks like that! I heard the rumour that Seal was going Scunthorpe but someone said he'd turned them down. Didn't see Clarence, perhaps he's going instead and we get Forrester in part exchange. If Forrester comes as CEEFAX says then we'll soon put stop to his scoring habits. Back to the game tonight -two goals, both one-on-ones with the keeper, both put away by players who aren't considered good enough for the first team ---- Savage and Wilson. Atkins would do well to include both in the squad and team on Saturday. Warner too put in a good display. He has to be included. If Atkins insists on the hoof and run tactic, let's have someone who can put the ball behind the defence and someone who can run onto it and put it past the keeper. Oh for that on Saturday and we might all feel a bit happier. I too like Andy Robert's report, it summed most fans feelings up and it needed to be said. Did he read these pages before he wrote it because it says what everyone has been saying - team selection poor, etc. Still no sign of Atkins accepting any responsibility. When he accepts that we might get somewhere with this god awful season that we all want to put behind us.
Ian Atkins at 23:21:38 Monday March 22 99
I haven't had the overwhelming response I expected.
Ian Atkins at 22:51:23 Monday March 22 99
How many of you want me to go and hand the reigns over to Colin or Kev?
The Olney Cobbler at 22:51:1 Monday March 22 99
It is now late on Monday night and I'm still VERY cheesed off about Saturday. I thought I must comment on Andy Roberts in the C&E tonight. It was the best Cobblers report he has done. There are only one or two points I would disagree with. ( i.e Gibb's rating of 5 was too high and I don't think IA can save us ) Andy was spot on about Seal, Savage and Hill not being in the starting line-up. I also agree with his sentance of - the second half was complete garbage!!! The first half was not much better.
I was puzzled by the comment from IA that we had no leader on the pitch. He must have been blind when Mr Hill came on.
Changing the subject a little. Good luck to Colin Hill on Saturday. Even though he cannot get in the starting line-up v Macclesfield he may just start against Germany!!!!!
Big Roy at 22:30:16 Monday March 22 99
I heard from two different people in the West stand tonight that David Seal was off to Scunthorpe! They may be getting confused with the Jamie Forrester rumours but Seal was certainly seen leaving the car park before the match. Can anyone substantiate?
Angry at 22:28:1 Monday March 22 99
I am sick of all these 'loyal fans' coming on here and critizing anybody with an opinion on the Cobblers who hasn't been watching them since before the invention of the car. I know a person who has only got to about 9 or 10 games this season and he's a massive Cobbs fan. He knows more than me about the Cobblers and he follows the team very closely. And he even wrote in to WALOC to voice his displeasure at the tactics this season. I know he'll be around next season when all you 'loyal' fans have buggered off elsewhere. I can't get to every game but I have got to most of the home games this season (about 16 or 17) and several away matches at great expense. Now the really loyal fans are the ones who go to York on a cold Tuesday night to watch the Cobblers draw 0-0 and attend Trust meetings. You could say Ray Clements is a loyal fan - he spends a lot of time running this page so we have a forum to air our opinions. So all you 'loyal fans' - if you're not happy about who goes to Cobblers on a Saturday - go to Nene Park instead - I'm sure they need all the 'loyal fans' they can get. Village bastards.
Sid at 21:48:4 Monday March 22 99
Well done Cobblers........ i think we may have found a place where Chris Lee can do no harm. It seems as if the Cobblers second string plays a lot better football than the firsts..... well after all, it is Kev Wilson doing the managing on that team now! I don't think i have mentioned that if Atkins does go (being careful not to get dragged into this "Atkins Out" business, i think the damage has been done) i would like to see Wilson take over team affairs. I feel he has a natural instinct for this, and he is alway encouraging the players. I take note of what Ralph said at 9am this morning, but i saw the lads the week before the Man City match. They were training on Sixfields pitch, and the finishing was beatiful. Atkins knew what he wanted to practice, and showed how the striker should do their job e.g. pulling away from their marker sharply, to recieve the pass. Now, I know we play all this long ball stuff, but the only long balls I saw were the crosses and Turley kicking the ball back again! It just shows IA tends to practice for specific matches, rather than general play, which I think is wrong. we have to get a pattern of play going which works, whether it be high ball, low passes or a mixture of both. (which ALL teams in this divison do) This tactic, which we saw at Millwall, ruffled the Lions straight away. Why doesn't he look at a video of that game, and see how the numerous chances were built up!!?!?!? I should become manager....... if the application comes up in the paper, e-mail me please....!!!
Anon at 21:35:3 Monday March 22 99
If we are trusted with choosing the kit we can't we decide whether Atkins stays (9LoL!)
Robert Dunkley at 21:33:0 Monday March 22 99
From the Official Site
A last minute goal from Asst Manager Kevin Wilson gave the Cobblers reserves a 2-1 Avon Insurance Combination victory over Brentford at Sixfields on Monday evening.
Ian Clarkson played his first 90 minutes since August on his comeback from a broken leg, but fellow returnee Tony Dobson missed out through illness. The Cobblers side was further weakened by injuries to Brad Piercewright (20 mins), goalkeeper Steve Francis (56 mins) and skipper Garry Hughes (66 mins). Striker Chris Lee took over in goal following Francis's exit and kept a clean sheet in the last 24 minutes.
Northampton took the lead through David Savage on 36 minutes before Dirk Hebel levelled for Brentford right on half time. The CFF crowd of 721 then saw an entertaining 2nd half before Wilson rounded the keeper in the last minute to give his reserve side their 3rd straight win.The CFF (Cobblers Family Football) action continues at Sixfields next Monday evening at 7pm when QPR are the visitors.
Cobblers; Francis (sub 56 Morrow), Clarkson, Warner, Hunt, Hughes (sub 66 Hough), Piercewright (sub 20 Woods), Savage, Matthew, Lee, Wilson, Spedding.
If Lee played in goal for 24 minutes who played in goal between the 56 and 66 minute then!! Savage scored again, he has to play on Saturday!! I take it Matthew will not play again, he msut be fit!!
houghton fan at 21:31:43 Monday March 22 99
lets just accept the fact that we havent got a team of eleven players left within the squad with the footballing skills to survive in division two. Play Warner, Seal and Savage throw in 90 minutes of IA tactics and would the result be any different??
John Mcrirrick at 21:24:6 Monday March 22 99
I have read all the criticism regarding Saturday, I have to say I did point out that we played poorly at Wycombe and were lucky to win. Tony Clarke is right about consistency of team selection. Again we are 30 odd games through the season and Atkins still doesn't know his best 11, not good enough. There are cries for the players to play with greater passion and to take responsibility for their position, I struggle with tis viewpoint, not because I don't get frustrated with the performances (Ali's against Wycombe was probably the worst performance I have seen fron a proffesional football player) but because there is obviously no constructive leadership. Everyone has commented about the way in which Atkins is yelling at the players not to push forward when we were one nil down on saturday and against Wrexham but what are the players supposed to do, push forward, attack, take a risk, try and win the game and face the wrath of Atkins. Look at Savage, superb since he arrived, what has he got to show for invention, flair, passion, taking responsibility for the position, nothing, a regular reserve slot, thats all. It really is a disgusting situation. James Hunt is another example, along with Carlo he was the shining light in the first half of the season, a young player with vision, determination and an ability to pass the ball, what does Atkins do ?, wait for Peer to come back, about 50% match fit and drop him, there's hardly a handful of sightings since Christmas. Lots of comments about the reserve team, It'd piss on the first team, it's just not funny any more. And as for all these so called 'loyal Cobblers' or 'Atkins fans' do me a favour, an investment this season of approx 40 lots of travel to games at £20, a season ticket at £280, programmes at between £1.50 and £2.00, new home and away shirt, tickets for away games give s an approximate total outlay of £1400, all to find out that the best Cobblers players play on a Monday night. Not good enough. It's obviously a crime to speak your mind in the dressing room but nostalgia for Atkins past successes aside for the sake of the club he MUST go. IF we do get relegated it wont actually be Atkins that caused it, it will be all this misplaced loyalty that has kept him here long enough to do the damage. Without his past record he would have been gone by Christmas, the Yeovil result would have clinched, it but all these muppets telling us we have no right to criticise someone who had rescued us from the brink of the conference will have to accept the blame
Loyal1 at 21:21:32 Monday March 22 99
Although I have been a supporter of IA and think at this stage it is far too late to change horses I have to question why Freestone who appears unable to hit a barn door from 5 yards and Lee who does not look the part are in ahead of Seal and why Savage and Warner are dropped. Nothing I saw on Saturday suggests that we had better players on the park. The second half performance was abysmal and the drops beckons unless home form changes radically.
Norwich Cobbler at 20:7:1 Monday March 22 99
After taking a day or two to think about the match on Saturday the conclusion is still that we were absolutely terrible.Tony Clarke I don't know if you were at Sixfields but the thing that disappointed so many people was the style we played - or more accurately the lack of style.It was frankly embarrasing to watch,it was aimless and just not what you expect from professional footballers.The question you have to ask is how come professional footballers are playing like that.Is it because they don't care or is it because the tactics force them to play that way? I tend to think it is the latter - our one dimensional tactics have been found out as they were by Grimsby at Wembley.The players who can turn matches sit on the bench or are in the reserves when they should be in the team.Why has Warner been dropped -he was superb against Gillingham,why has Seal been discarded,why has Savage been discarded.Atkins appears to want to motivate players by belittling them and then expecting them to fight even harder for their place- what would most people do with a boss like that?Telling him to 'stuff it' is probably accurate.Is this what happened with Woody,Heggs and was Razor too much of a local hero for Atkins to handle?Atkins has been there long enough to stamp his style on the whole setup and then to take responsibility when it goes wrong.He should have come out and admitted we were crap and that measures would be taken to ensure a display like that never happens again.We hear silence and I imagine the players took the brunt today when he should be looking at his own failings.If Ian keeps us up - great - but after Saturday I just can't see where the fight is going to come from.
Come on Cobblers prove us all wrong!
Anon at 19:49:31 Monday March 22 99
I am so pissed off with the situation at the club I e-mailled Barry Stonhill to complain.
Robert Dunkley at 19:39:13 Monday March 22 99
Beware! Gillingham have money to spend and Oldham are after an unamed striker, it coudl be some Dane, but who would bet against it being "The Seal", fine piece of business Atkisn selling a decent striker to a team in relegation trouble, I bet Seal'll keep them up.
Deepcut Cobbler at 19:38:14 Monday March 22 99
Help!! IA needs to go or change his methods and go with what the fans want and at the same time answer a few questions. Why LEE?, is he trying to prove a point, that he will be a million pound player. He may have a good game if he gives him enough chances. He hasn't had a good one yet. Why PARRISH?, despite how he played previously (he was on the verge of a Welsh cap), he has clearly not recovered from his injury. Why HUNTER?, he is clearly not yet fit. Why GIBB?, when we have a wing back in Warner who is so much better. Why FRAIN?, who still plays as an old fashioned left back when Spedding is a natural wing back. Why PEER?, when the international class clone in Savage is in the stands. Why buy MORE forwards when he doesn't play the players who are best able to present the opportunities to the forwards we have? Why blame forwards when they do not receive the basic service to carry out their task? WHY???.... COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!
SAJ at 18:59:52 Monday March 22 99
Hit wrong button, had not finished.
I go home and away every game. I will not be going to Preston on Saturday. I cannot face it after Saturdays nightmare. It was the worst game I have ever seen from a team playing in claret & white.
For the sake of us loyal supporters it may be a good idea for the board to confirm what I just said. Their silence is deafening.
Did you see the way Wilson was warming up the forwards on Saturday. Shooting from five yards out in front of an open goal. Pathetic! Sorry but he is the wrong man to take over.
The Club is like a rudderless ship. I am worried about what is going to happen before the transfer deadline with Atkins still there. We have 27 pro's. Do we need another forward!!!!!
Tony Clarke MP at 18:55:43 Monday March 22 99
The Ian Atkins should he stay or should he go debate rages on and seems to pose more questions than it it gives answers, Do we feel he should go now? or go if we go down? and if we stay up (I still think we will)will all the ill feeling be forgotten? and what of the comments that rightly say that if we do go down that Ian is the best bet to get us back up again. Whatever the view the one thing we do need is a clear decision that ends the speculation and allows the supporters to get on with the job of getting behind the club 100%. Maccelsfield and Lincoln looked dead and buried a few weeks ago, the former are still below us and yet they are up for it and will feel confident of crawling out of trouble. If we can get a point at Man City, 3pts at Wycombe, then it proves that we can eek out a few more results and reach safety. A few weeks ago I said we lacked consistency in team selection and we went through a period of stability, and yet know we seem back to the guess the squad scenario, with good players like Warner and Svage missing again. Anyway one things for sure whatever happens we must stay loyal, and not blow it at the first sign of trouble, we can stay up and we must. TCMP
SAJ at 18:48:10 Monday March 22 99
Okay here we go. This is from a very good source and it makes bad reading:
Atkins has been given three games to sort things out. (I think he needs three minutes - to clear his desk!)
David Seal will be gone by Thursday. Contact reckons it could be Bristol Rovers.
R&D are definately sniffing at Warner. (HANDS OFF TALBOT)
Ray at 18:32:35 Monday March 22 99
As far as I can work out none of the designs mentioned on the official site were actually the ones in the program......
VOTE FOR RAY THE TOP MAN at 18:20:18 Monday March 22 99
VOTE FOR RAY VOTE FOR RAY VOTE FOR RAY VOTE FOR RAY NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dav Cobbler Posh HATER FC at 18:17:39 Monday March 22 99
WE`LL SUPPORT YOU EVER MORE
WE`LL SUPPORT YOU EVER MORE
C`MON TOWN OR WE WILL END UP WITH THE POSH SHITE AGAIN !!!
lozza at 18:10:2 Monday March 22 99
matt finley is fine
Sid at 18:9:3 Monday March 22 99
Well, if he is not in the team, it may be that he has played his last game for Northampton. The rumour about a 30k bid from Oldham must be right then, because with transfer deadline coming up, we will want to get rid of who we can! (Well, thats putting it a bit strongly!)
LOZZA at 18:9:0 Monday March 22 99
Sack Atkins KEVIN WILSON for BOSS !
STACE at 18:7:34 Monday March 22 99
I LOVE ALI AND I WILL 4 EVA COZ HE'S A SEX POT
Ralph at 17:3:5 Monday March 22 99
Yes I'm pleased with the choice of kit as it gained my vote. The important thing now is the quality. After a couple of washes my current shirt now resembles a bedouin tea towel.
Robert Dunkley at 16:53:28 Monday March 22 99
I see on the Official Site that we have gone for an Arsenal look to our new kit, so what design is this then C? Ray
Ralph at 16:30:21 Monday March 22 99
Sorry Jacks Hill is NOT playing - Francis; Clarkson, Hughes, Dobson, Spedding; Warner, Hunt, Matthew, Savage; Wilson, Lee; Subs: Hough; Piercewright; Morrow. Likely line-up courtesy of the club's 'official' website.
Ray at 16:5:29 Monday March 22 99
After the first set-up for IA on line fell through, nothing further has transpired. I have reminded the club but not heard anything back.
Jacks at 15:57:24 Monday March 22 99
ase?????????? weeeellllllllll you know what I mean!!
Jacks at 15:56:22 Monday March 22 99
.so I guess Atkins ISN'T going to come on-line then Ray??
Jacks at 15:55:17 Monday March 22 99
Ralph? Is the fabulous and hugely talented Colin Hill playing tonight or not then? You put him down then took him off! - are you Atkins in disguise? (sorry - I don't mean that!) The line up does look pretty good - think i'd better get my ase in gear and get up the M1 - see you all later.......
Nod at 15:43:38 Monday March 22 99
Thanks for the gen on the Atkinsons and Robsons, I'm still keen on knowing if the Gayles are really related - honest!
Ralph at 15:34:51 Monday March 22 99
The reserve line-up for tonight looks pretty tasty Savage, Hill, Warner, Hunt, Matthew, Wilson, Spedding. They would make the nucleus of a pretty good first team! No Seal and no Hill though, what message does that send us in the week of the transfer deadline? Laughingly Lee gets in the reserves ahead of Seal. Still I guess you'll all be there.
The Insider at 14:31:49 Monday March 22 99
No sign of first team training at Sixfields or Moulton, can assume they are in hiding. Only news I've been able to glean is that Andy Tilson is NOT coming here, he's joined Walsall. Anyone know what Andy Roberts had to say yet?
Andy Roberts at 14:27:38 Monday March 22 99
Because of the lack of action on saturday my match report just about covers half a page and I was in need of something to report. Thanks guys yet again for dis-stabalising the club. Remember, myself, Mr Stonhill, Mr Atkins and the players are not at fault for this crap season, it is YOUR fault for YOUR dis-stabalising comments!!!!
TRB Mark at 13:43:30 Monday March 22 99
Re "The Sixfields roar" I bloody roared all the way home! (to roar is to cry hereabouts)
dylan at 13:41:54 Monday March 22 99
For the love of God Atkins, please leave the club while we still have a chance of staying up! Thanks for all you've done, but you're rapidly undoing it all. If you stay we will go down. If you go now, there is a faint chance that the players will receive some decent management...enough at least for us to stay up. If we can't win at home with your tactics, surely the number of home matches left is a liability. Better to change things now so that we can have talented players like Warner and Savage rather than the toiling headless chickens that you prefer. I am so depressed. This is our club Mr Atkins and you are ruining it. If you were a tenant in rented accomodation you would have long since been evicted.
Ray at 13:40:11 Monday March 22 99
Please don;t forget to vote folks! PERU are catching us!
The Shropshire Cobbler at 13:20:33 Monday March 22 99
Well guys, we're well on our way to Div 3 now, courtesy of blind loyalty to someone who can't do his job any longer. Short-sightedness on the part of the Board this season, ie in failing to take tough measures, is gonna cost us very dear in the long run. I've been a loyal Cobblers fan for nearly 40 years, but the current situation is appalling. We all know what the problem is, why the hell doesn't the Board do something about it???
Jacks at 12:31:47 Monday March 22 99
GUTTED. What the hell has happened -On reading Ceefax I laughrd HYSTERICALLY at Atkin's comments - "we missed our chances" - God I must have blinked! The only chance we have missed is getting rid of him earlier so that we could have turned this season around before all this tripe. We WERE awful on Saturday and whilst I don't agree with booing the players I think most fans found it VERY hard to 'sing their hearts out for the lads'. Atkins call for the 'Cobblers roar' - PLEASE - NOW he acknowledges us - too late Mr Atkins. Something has been amiss for quite some time and it has to be dealt with - If Atkins has been upstairs to the board - do the right thing - for the Cobblers, for the club will always be bigger than the man. How can a manager be ALLOWED to get away with leaving out pure talent like Warner and Savage - how dare he do it to the team. Letting Micky Warner go will be the last straw - Board - it must NOT happen - the likes of Warner should be the FUTURE of this club. We must never have another performance like Saturday.
Andy C at 11:47:47 Monday March 22 99
Oops. Must admit I didn't see that one coming. (Defeat by Macc I mean, even though my lot just did it.) You aren't the lowest scoring team in the league, that honour still belongs to Macc, I think. But you are the only team in the division with more points per game away than at home and that's a telling statistic. Last season you were very hard to beat at Sixfields, now it's "Welcome to England's biggest town. Here, have three points." Whilst I don't think it's over, you could have all but sent Macc down and now they're back in the hunt. Why don't you all go to the reserves and miss the first team - it certainly seems like you'd get better value for money. Why buy Forrester, who can't be tall enough. Can we (Gills) have Savage and Warner if they're going free? I wouldn't mind us taking Corazzin off your hands at the end of the season either, if we can afford his wages. Finally, if Atkins is the best man to get you out of the Third Division, then surely you should make him DoF now. Hill/Wilson can lead the fight against the drop and if it fails, you bring back Atkins as manager for next season. BTW, life is nice near the top of the table. We've got our eyes on Wembley and will aim not to follow the example of you, Brentford and Notts County.
Hartwell Cobbler at 11:41:19 Monday March 22 99
Insider's right - it's the loyal fans who are particularly upset. we are devoted to our team. the others can (and may well) drift off and buy direlonds tickets next season - and on the strength of saturday's showing you can hardly blame them. i've been a supporter since the late 50s, so i've seen my share of good and bad. i was also among the 947! however, i think saturday's lying down and dying act was worse than anything i've ever seen from a cobblers team. there is a point beyond which even the most loyal fans' tolerances will be stretched and that was reached against macclesfield (no disrespect to Maccs, but we even made them look half good). i also agree with you - if warner goes then the fans should make their feelings known in no uncertain way. he's just the kind of player we need, streets ahead of some of the dross we have and which atkins seems intent on playing. never mind signing jamie forrester. that's of no use unless we keep the few creative players on our books, the ones who can unlock defences and give forwards decent service (rather than high over the top aimless punts which, as we again saw on sat, are about as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot and as effective as a disconnected phone).
Anon at 11:6:42 Monday March 22 99
Yes.... and Bobby Robson is Bryan Robson's dad
Ralph at 10:57:21 Monday March 22 99
Nod - I'm not sure about the Gayle's but Ron Atkinson is Dalian Atkinson's dad.
North Stander at 10:18:25 Monday March 22 99
Were we loud enough on saturday Atkins????
The Exel Cobbler at 10:16:17 Monday March 22 99
If it is true that Micky Warner is going to R&D then the board and management better prepare themselves for the backlash from those of us who will be at Preston on saturday. Instead of letting the quality players go how about picking them. The likes of Seal, Warner, Lee etc who play well and score regularly for the reserves but have problems doing the business in the first team has nothing to do with different quality of opposition. It is the fact that we play a completly different style of football in the first team. If this is still going to be the case next season, can I purchase a season ticket for the reserves and then watch the first team for free?
The Insider at 9:47:55 Monday March 22 99
Three cheers for Bof - except Gibb can't cross a ball. I'm going to watch this morning's training session, will report back later. I did feel a bit sad on Saturday, Atkins' son was in tears before the end of the game and for that reason alone I'll be surprised if Atko stays. There's also a suggestion made here that the people who moan are part of 2500 glory hunters; I didn't go to the infamous sub 1000 gate Halifax game at the County Ground but I was at Tranmere on a Friday night circa 1980 in front of 1000 fans when the travelling Cobblers supporters actually shared the team bus, a regular event in those days!
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:46:18 Monday March 22 99
One thought on this Jamie Forrester rumour - what's the point of signing another forward if we sell players like Warner, the only ones who are capable of providing a feed for them ? Statistics prove the point: often we have just 2/3 shots at goal during a game. If good service was coming through from the midfield the number of chances created has to be higher. As such, much of the problem rests with lack of quality ball from the back, which again goes back to team selection and woeful tactics. The fact that Corazzin, a proven scorer, can't achieve his normal targets here, and that we play with three forwards at home to no advantage, suggests for sure that bringing in yet another forward isn't the answer. It's far more fundamental. Having just spent (wasted?) £90k on Howard can the club, anyway, find even more cash to get another man to fill his boots ? The directors have already dug deep into their pockets to give Atkins (by our standards) a lot of cash, with no return. So any further signing seems likely to be throwing more good money after bad. The majority of fans know what really needs to be done. That is where the board needs to make its financial sacrifice.
Nod at 9:31:10 Monday March 22 99
Can anyone tell me if Big John Gayle is in any way related to Marcus Gayle of Wimbledon?
Ralph at 9:30:19 Monday March 22 99
I took the opportunity of watching the lads train a couple of weeks ago and was appauled by the lack of 'technical' direction on offer from Kevin Wilson. We are not scoring goals so the routine of shooting practise seemed a pretty apt one. Corrazin, Freestone, Lee, Seal, Hunt, Warner, Peer, Savage, Matthew were all guilty of squandering chance after chance, not even making the 'keeper work. They were trying to break the net and blazing wide or snatching at shots and scuffing them. Wilson's contribution was all banter, nothing constructive, no words of advice, just banter. It was and is very worrying. After the last shot had gone high, wide and not very handsome Wilson sent the players of on a jog before finishing. The request was met by moans and groans and the sorry bunch walkinf off a hundred yards or so before returning to the changing rooms. I know this all sounds negative and destabilising but it is time for change and putting our heads in the sand saying it will be alright on the night will just compound the problem. Our best chance is probably Colin Hill who will bring a degree of intellect to the job rather than the 'they don't like it up 'em' school of thought. It would not surprise be if Hill went in the summer so now seems a good time, let's start preparing for next season now and not after ten games next season.
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:30:5 Monday March 22 99
Ralph - yes I also thought the huddle looked contrived to say the least - and what followed proved that to be the case. A number of players showed no passion or commitment, while as you say others are clearly not up to the job, anyway. And a telling statistic: according to my morning paper we are now the lowest scoring team in the league. With regard to the "Atkins out" chants: 1 - although I did not join in and don't normally condone such actions, on this occasion I had to sympathise. 2 - they came after we had gone 0-2 down and the game was beyond saving so it wasn't a case of not getting behind the team (that time had long gone) 3 - it is one of the few ways the fans in general can make their feelings known (most of the time we have to put up and shut up). If Atkins and the board haven't got the message by now, they never will. We simply cannot win games and have a chance of staying up in the current climate. Something has to be done now, if we are to have even a chance of avoiding the drop. That something is a change of manager. Whatever the reasons, Saturday's performance shows the team is not united in a common goal, morale and confidence is rock bottom and in team selection quality has been totally sacrificed in favour of the toilers, huffers and puffers. These players will not get us out of this mess. The only chance is to use the ones who use their brains, can something different, run at the defence and supply the forwards with better service. Obviously, to go with this, we need a total change of tactics, which in turn seems only possible to achieve via a change of manager. So it all adds up to the fact that Atkins, for all the good he's done in the past, must now make way for someone whocan command the respect of the players and who they will work for and who will, in turn, provide the tactical platform on which they can best operate.
Ralph at 9:7:26 Monday March 22 99
Atkins has never picked his best players preferring to pick a side to do 'a job'. He has always confounded his critics by getting the result. This season he is leaving himself wide open to criticism by leaving out players of the calibre of Hunt, Savage, Hill, Seal, Woodman, and opting for players of lesser skill and ability like Lee, Turley, Peer, Parrish. If you analyse the performances of Lee, Peer and Parrish you will see the amount of ball they give away far exceeds the closing down and 'muscling out' they do. Problem is now it is too late for change and we can only hope that others around us are worse than us. I thought the huddle looked a little contrived on Saturday whereas in the past it was a natural phenomena. The general atmosphere around the club has not been right for some time and it is now manifesting itself in factionalised discontent.
Ralph at 8:58:28 Monday March 22 99
I said after the Lincoln game we looked likely for relegation and nothing since has changed my mind. There are a few players who are not playing for the manager and a few that are just not good enough. This scenario makes it nigh on impossible for the remainder of the team to get the results needed to avoid the drop. Something radical needs to happen and I can't see that happening. Top man Sammo, he looked distraught at the end of the game, close to tears.
The Exel Cobbler at 8:0:9 Monday March 22 99
I think saturday's performance proved to everyone present that Ian Atkins has gone beyond taking NTFC as far as he can. While I do appriciate what he has done for the club I'm afraid that he has to go. He had done his bit last season and after the play off final I thought that he'd leave having done the impossible. There was no shape, no spirit and no confidence, the players were arguing with each other. They seemed clueless as to what they were supposed to be doing and if we continue to put in performances like that for the rest of the season, well we deserve to be planning a trip to London Road next year. Before saturday, I had never left a Cobblers game before the final whistle in the 15 years that I've supported them (well apart from two involuntry ejections) but the game aginst Macc Town was that bad, I could'nt face five more minutes plus injury time. Sorry Atkins fan club, as much as I respect the man for what he has done, I think hes gotta be going.
happy cobbler !! at 23:21:56 Sunday March 21 99
bof/ ?baggy
ever the optimist eh. keep on smiling but get ready for the drop! Good night!!!!!!!!
happy cobbler !! at 22:58:14 Sunday March 21 99
noted 'BOF' but weren't gibb and lee touted by atko as the most promising young players and potential big money sales! Good judge or what?
Also I disagree, I'm all for looking on the bright side of life but the Cobblers are going down. Please prove me wrong boys but the fact is you are really really poor!!!!!
Bof at 22:38:3 Sunday March 21 99
Is it really only me and my three Cobblers mates who think Ali Gibb is utter pants. Fair enough he can cross the ball, but my nan can run faster than him and I've never seen him tackle anyone. He doesn't get into good enough positions to cross the ball and should be replaced by Warner for the Preston Game. Chris Lee is crap also. Good Luck for the rest of the season. We can stay up.
happy cobbler !! at 22:30:48 Sunday March 21 99
albeit I'm a happy chappy, the facts are the cobblers are very very poor, and are very much on the way down. Shame but these are the facts!
Anon at 22:9:21 Sunday March 21 99
here's the thing about Seal, he's lazy, he only scores goals in the reserves because they are crap opponents with crap defences, if we play him, the other players have to work harder to compensate
Robert Dunkley at 21:43:22 Sunday March 21 99
Vote on your views on Atkisn on
http://apps3.vantagenet.com/zpolls/poll.asp?id=9321141654
John Frain Fan Club at 21:36:56 Sunday March 21 99
Because we lost easily against Maccleshit at home, does that mean that we could beat Preston at Deepdale next Saturday? What do you think? Stranger things have happened!!!
Realist at 21:22:32 Sunday March 21 99
Think about it though. If we sack Atkins and still drop to the 3rd, whose the best manager around for getting a skint club out of the 3rd division? - Step forward IAN ATKINS!
TRB Mark at 20:45:42 Sunday March 21 99
I cant see the point of buying Forrester because if he is a goalscorer, he soon won't be assuming he even makes the bench!
PAUL ALLEN at 20:23:18 Sunday March 21 99
CAN SOME BODY THERE PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THE HELL DAVID SEAL IS NOT PLAYING IN THE FIST TEAM!AFTER SATERDAYS GAME OPPONENTS MACCLESFIELD LEFT US WITH EGG ON OUR FACES
Bill (getting considerably fired up) at 20:12:53 Sunday March 21 99
lovely soft filly. daddy bought me this striker.
Angry at 20:11:44 Sunday March 21 99
If Atkins goes now we might beat the drop but otherwise we're in the shit - we need rid of him before Wednesday. Come on though, who thinks Atkins will be sacked? I don't - I REALLY want him to go, but he won't until at least the end of the season :(
Sid at 20:8:14 Sunday March 21 99
Well, looking at the tables, our position is the same as yesterday morning. Still three points off the escape. We can still pull out of this, but if cannot beat Macclesfield at Home (no offence to Macc fans) we cant beat anybody!
Sid at 20:6:13 Sunday March 21 99
ahem..... that snippet of news courtesy of Simon Sidwell is needed 2 messages below! Yep, Scunthorpe Online have said an inquiry has been made but no offer as yet. I think if a decent offer from the Cobbs came in, they would take it, rather than him leave for nothing. Top scorer in Div 3 isn't a bad move by Atkins. The thing is, he buys good players, but makes them look crap by playing them in crap tactics.
The Board of Directors at 19:44:28 Sunday March 21 99
Why should we sack Ian. He is a good and loyal servent to this club and does everything that we tell him to do. Whilst we have mugs like you who will turn up and pay your money at the turnstile we have no need to sack him. Once again, thanks for all your support in these difficult times.
DAV COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 19:42:13 Sunday March 21 99
Any comments on this snippet taken from Unofficial Cobbs site?
FORRESTER MOVE LOOKING LIKELY
Northampton Town have made an inquiry about Scunthorpe striker Jamie Forrester ahead of next Thursday's transfer deadline. Although Forrester can leave for free in the summer, Brian Laws is in a dilemma whether to keep him or sell him now. Scunthorpe Unioted state that although an inquiry has been made, it has "not been followed up by a firm bid."
Paddington Cobbler at 19:34:53 Sunday March 21 99
If we the fans are feeling demoralised then the players must be feeling even worse. It's not clear to me how the team is going to get back on track. One thing that is clear is that decisive action is needed now, be it in management, team selection or style of play or all three. To continue as we have been can mean only one thing: a return to Div 3. The Board must be anxious to find a way to achieve a last-gasp turnaround and ultimately it is their responsibility to take the necessary action. Clearly the team is not delivering the results and, as in any business, the manager must be called to account. Appeals to the fans to get behind the team are not enough and frankly smack of desperation. Radical action is what's required. I'd love for us to stay up, but if we do go down I'd much prefer we went down playing great attacking football to the bitter end. In fact, that way we may even stay up.
Bill at 18:13:36 Sunday March 21 99
What I think the club needs now, apart from a new manager, is a good kick-up-the-backside dose of motivation. Looking at the game yesterday I thought that the players just couldn't be bothered. Against a team that is in the same situation that we are in (up a certain creek with the lack of a certain implement) we should have at least been looking to hold them to a draw, and at home, we should have been hoping for a win. However, we still played the useless negative formation that I believe will never work. I know a lot of people on these pages think that Atkins should stay, but I really think that he should go, taking 5-3-2 or 5-2-3 back to Birmingham with him. Its too late now, anyway. I think we've got to prepare for a nice trip to Hartlepool and S**tborough next season. BTW - Savage wasn't even on the bench for this game. Neither was Mickey Warner. I thought that we were beginning to get towards even a hint of entertaining or attaking football, but obviosly I am a very dilusioned (how do you spell that) individual. What the hell have either of those players done wrong, IA? Did they stay forwards during an opponents corner maybe? If we go down, we are going to lose good players like Savage, and by then Atkins will be gone and he won't have to answer to any of it (which he doesn't anyway). I must go now - I'll probably be in the Chron tomorrow, anyway. I can see it now.... "Web scoundrel Bill starts rumour that Atkins' tactics are negative..."
pete at 18:9:52 Sunday March 21 99
Nothing like a terrible display to boost the numbers, Ray!
By the way, Harte, 'God save the Royal Person'- we must not
allow ourself to be open to accusations of sexism- maybe
Amanda is sensitive to such things- nor to the accusation
that we are homophobic- Mr. Posh might have similar
sensitivities. So no saving of kings or queens please,
just Royal Persons.
pete at 18:2:2 Sunday March 21 99
Harte, I don't know what you are on but do let us know
where to get some. I do not like the idea of being
disloyal to the manager who brought us this far but
perhaps we should be looking at why he succeeded then
and why he is failing now. I asked the question when I
first came on line- do ex forwards make better managers
than ex defenders? Perhaps they do in Div 3... but not
in Div 2. Look at our defence record last year look at
our away (defence) form in comparison with our home form.
Look at our gaols scored. If we went down, IA is probably
the man to bring us up again... but he has not succeeded
this year. Even with most injured players now availably,
we are still not looking good enough. Yet I still believe
we have potentially one of the best teams in the league.
But I still want answers to the questions we have all
been asking in one form or another!
The Olney Cobbler at 18:1:47 Sunday March 21 99
I've had 24 hours to calm down. The bad news for me is that I'm even more angry. Living in Olney I cannot pick up Radio N'pton. Has there been any reaction from the Club about yesterday?
I've checked text & Ceefax expecting some sort of positive news. Is there a news confernce due? Any reaction from the Board? I see from the internet that a bid from Warner may well have been tabled. I SAY AGAIN. DO NOT SELL HIM. HE IS THE BEST PLAYER WE HAVE HAD FOR YEARS. THIS MESS MUST BE SORTED OUT ONCE AND FOR ALL TO STOP ALL THESE STORIES IN THEIR TRACK.
99% of us know how to do this!
ME AGAIN at 17:41:20 Sunday March 21 99
LOOK I SEEM TO BE TALKING TO MYSELF HERE
NUTTER at 17:40:4 Sunday March 21 99
WRITE 2 ME PLEASE
NUTTER at 17:36:46 Sunday March 21 99
WELL DONE TO THE BLOKE/WOMAN WHO JUST WROTE YOU TELL HIM/HER
Harte Well Cobbler at 17:35:25 Sunday March 21 99
Hamtune Chronicles. AD 1625. Greate wonderments in ye parishe of Dustone, where manie do reporte appearanses of a fiersom dragone. Greene and yellowe in hue with awfulle fierie rede tongue, it hath freightne ye goode folke of ye parishe most grieviouslie. They saye it is ye devile hymselfe in disguize. Ye monstre breathede fyre on ye highwaye of Uptone Waye, causinge a meltinge of pitche. Ye beastie did then entre onto Sixe Fieldes meadowes, where ye Men of Shoes were at battel. It was a sighte most frightenge to behold. Yan Brummiekins, leader of ye Men of Shoes, confronteth ye dragone for his disruptiones, in a mannre verie uncivile. Whereupone ye dragone doth eye him most evilly and with one greate breathe doth melte him unto ye likeness of a tubbe of larde. Ye dragone doth then take offe, his wingse outstretchde, and maketh for ye pegoda where he doth graspe Mistress Jacqueline in his talonnes and makes readie his escape. Wylsone, ye Men of Shoes lieutenante at arms, doth offre greate transferes of groates to tempte ye dragone. But it was of littel favour, for ye abominabel beastie doth carrie away ye faire Jacqueline to his layre, a place calde Stackiegymme. There ye dragone doth imprisone Mistress Jacqueline, where she was obligde to carrie out magik of erobics. Her goode husbande and leadre of Ye Men of Shoes, Barone of Stone Hill, callde for a speciale armie to be assemblde to seeke ye beastie and regaine for him his wife. Thus did he procur a force of greate magestye, whiche he led in a wondrouse cart whiche doth have wheeles at everie corner and doth travaille wheresoever it is commandeth without the effortes of anie horse or other suche meanses of projectione. Amidste them also doth go Lome Axe, who balanceth cleverlie on two wheeles in most astute fashione, for alle tymes excepte when he doth falle off, to greate merriemente of those who came forthe to cheer thee honourabel men in their crusade. Eventulie they do finde and entre ye dragon's layre. "Slaye him," crie they alle as one. But Barone of Stone Hill, seeing Jacqualine was well and in goodly shape, sayeth:"Holde ye backe." And he sayeth unto the dragone:"I wille let thou live if thou agreeth to become mascotte to my armie and, lookinge so fierse as to leadethe us to manie victoryse." Ye dragone, beinge quite nice reallie, agreeth and sayeth:"I wille put on my worste countenances whiche will surelie put feare into your enemyse." And so it came to pass that ye dragone was capturde and paradede before ye followres of ye Men of Shoes. And they did alle crie out loude together in greate myrthe:"Who'se ye dragone in ye greene?" I have knowledge that alle this be true as it was tolde to be by a trustie friende. Straynge tymes. God save the Kinge.
NUTTER at 17:34:48 Sunday March 21 99
HI AGAIN I AM REALLY SORRY FOR MY SUDDEN OUTBURST OF INSENSITIVITY. IT JUST ANNOYS ME DOES ANYONE ELSE FEEL THE SAME? IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE? COZ I AM BORED OUT OF MY BRAIN HERE COULD SOMEONE PLEASE WRITE BACK TO ME?
From the Cobbler's Last at 17:33:45 Sunday March 21 99
To the "Atkins Loyalist" - You have to get real. None of us would doubt that Atkins has done a good job with the club over the last four years but if we are relegated, and with him we will be, we are back where we started. All the Wembley trips were great but we have to build on them, not consign them to our history. He must go if we are to have any chance. Do you really think he can absolve himself from the responsibility for yesterday's performance? He decides the tactics and the team. They failed... He has failed! We cannot afford to let him take us down this season or any other. If we do escape this season, we'll be at the bottom again next season if he is still there. He knows no other way of playing and he only plays players that support his style of football. For the sake of the Cobblers he should do the honourable thing and GO.
NUTTER at 17:19:58 Sunday March 21 99
I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHY I'M WRITING ON ERE COZ I DON'T BUT I'D JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT I LOVE THE WORLD AND ALI GIBB.
EVERYONE WHO HAS SAID THAT COBBLERS ARE DOING CRAP THIS SEASON R SAD YOU SHOULD STICK BY THEM THROUGH THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES SO SORT YOURSELVES OUT AND GET LIVES.
GET LOST YOU SAD GLORY SUPPORTERS.
P.S. HELLO FRAGGLE IF YOU CAN READ THIS AND WRITE BACK SOON.
Atkins loyalist at 17:12:5 Sunday March 21 99
Lay off Atkins. Just remember the state we were in when he took over a what a great few years its been. Seems like unless we get promoted or go to Wembley every season then people aren't happy. No team at our level can get success every year so quit whining and support the club.
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:7:4 Sunday March 21 99
Warner is the last player we should even be thinking of selling. He should be an automatic choice in the team without any doubt. Like Savage, he's got intelligence, talent and ability. It seems as though they are basic credentials Atkins doesn't favour. Seems he'd rather have huffers and puffers. 11 Peers would suit him fine, me thinks, all of them behind the ball, probably. No, it's not Warner who should be going. Its Atkins. And now.
Deepcut Cobbler at 16:22:52 Sunday March 21 99
WE WILL. Even I am now having difficulty summoning up the optimism. I knew it was bad when me Dad called me straight after the match to tell me so. He normally waits until the day following a bad game that I haven't been at. Warner, Hill, Seal, Savage, Spedding and Hunt should all be on from the start. My team that WILL get us out of this mess: Turley, Warner, Howey, Hill, Sammo, Spedding, Hunt, Savage, Hope, Corazzin, Seal. Subs: Freestone, HUGHES, Gibb. Managed by Kevin Wilson. And thats the first time I have suggested IA goes!!! He has worn out my patience finally. We have had it worse but at least on the previous occasions we have fought against it using the best players we have available at the club. For whatever reason, not using your best available players throughout the season is criminal. The rumours that Warner and Seal, probably the most intelligent footballers at the club, are going is sad, but can you blame them? They need to go to a club where their skills are appreciated. I would love them to be appreciated at OUR club. Someone please make that so..................COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sid at 15:53:20 Sunday March 21 99
Insider - I agree why you don't believe it. I think atkins still hold Lee in high regard. A couple of Q's.......... How much is the Warner bid? Where will Seal go? And most of all, do you have any news about Forrester?
Sid at 15:50:32 Sunday March 21 99
Angry - My ratings dont go that low. A 4 is Chris Lee's performance. I think 6 for Sammo is fair. If you start them off on a 5 or 6 at the start of the match, ratings come out much fairer. Look at the Sun on Monday. They do fair ratings.
Hippocrates at 15:0:29 Sunday March 21 99
Sorry Cobblers. Every time we have won recently we have been slated, and there is much the same response here from most of you. I have seen most of the SilkMen's games this season and the difference between most of the teams in this division (the millionaires excepted) is confidence, passion and tactics. We lost the confidence for a patch a while back, and some of our crowd looked for a scapegoat - much the same team has now won three games on the run. We might be "crap", but we'll fight to stay up. Get behind your team! PS No four figure bets - I wouldn't take your money. Over and out.
Macc Mick at 14:57:42 Sunday March 21 99
Cobblers, you lot have been on a useful roll for the last 4/5 years. The move to sixfields was o good one with crowds doubling from 2500 to around 5000, but it it is these new 2500 fans that you down so badly yesterday. The atmosphere at Sixfields is non-existant with no chanting, singing shouting, no jack-shit in fact. You need to get behind your team, turn up the volume. The whole place has a Sunday morning feel about it and is without doubt, in terms of atmosphere the worst ground I have visited in a long long time. Though no doubt you will all disagree. all the best for your last handfil of matches. Get behind your team, you never know it might just keep you up.
The Insider at 14:32:38 Sunday March 21 99
More news: Sammo confirmed after the game that a bid has been received from Diremonds for Warner, but wasn't sure it had been accepted. Also big rumours that Seal is on his way (Oldham £30k) and - even I don't believe this - that Chris Lee is also to leave. And that after Atkins said just weeks ago that he had in his mind that Howard and Lee would lead the line next season. Clearly we'd all overlooked the fact that he has Div 3 in mind. And why did Con Wilson, the mystery benefactor, leave as soon as the second goal went in. He looked furious, the Board ashen faced.
Tactics at 14:27:4 Sunday March 21 99
What is happening? It looks like Div3 next season, but why?
As an outsider I'll tell you, I went to Millwall v Northampton at The New Den. The Cobblers were 1-0 up at half time, but in the second half Millwall out thought, out played and out fought you. The final result was 2-1 to Millwall. At half time Rhino totally worked-out Northampton's tactic's and changed our shape and approach to the game. Even the kids in the East Upper could of worked-out Northampton's game, it was that predictable.
Get Atkins out, put Savage on and attack, attack, attack and fight your way out of trouble. Why doesn't Savage start? We were all sad to see him go and held him in high regaurd. We really thought he was a good buy for you and would be part of a Northampton promotion push.
Good luck Cobblers and I hope to go to Sixfields again next season, hopefully for a promotion six-pointer!
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:5:34 Sunday March 21 99
Cobblers Last - you will also perhaps recall that when we were in a similar situation against Wrexham (0-1) Atkins was clearly seen on the touchline when we were trying to attack, waving his entire midfield back to the half-way line. And that just about sums it all up: under Atkins we're defense obsessed, even at home, are not prepared to support the forwards, play the ball on the ground, or get it wide and whip it in behind the fullbacks. There isn't even any semblance of balance or shape. We look like a lot of strangers playing together for the first time. In addition Atkins has made, and continues to make, major selection blunders and his army of purchases this season have, to say the least, been by and large questionable. When we needed more quality we just got more quantity. But then again, I suppose what's the point of having better players if they are expected to play in this dull, defensive, kick and rush style ? Remember when we had Dozell ? Great ball-player. But what did we do ? Miss him out all the time with long aimless kicks from the back line. He should have played at Wembley (but that's history). What isn't is our current plight. It's now clear to nearly all the fans - however much we appreciate what Atkins has done in the past - that he seems to know only one way to play, and that's now proven to be unworkable. In fact the writing has been on the wall most of the season. Whether or not it's too late, on reflection, I tend to agree with most people here: he must go now. At least a change of manager may herald a better and more effective style of play, an uplift for the players and fans alike, the chance of some goals, and with it the chance of some points. If we have to go down, at least let's go down fighting. The one thing none of us will tolerate any longer are any more performances like yesterday's.
Angry at 14:3:0 Sunday March 21 99
Sid - I gave Sampson a two because yesterday he epitmoized everything about us this season - he kept winning the ball then pissing away possession - maybe a two is a bit mean - three and a half maybe but no way >
Transfer interrupted!
l Atkins it's the Avon Combination against Preston then our reserves will play and win... if he's still around that is.
TRB Mark at 13:36:46 Sunday March 21 99
I'm glad the Olney Cobbler mentioned Black Friday v Scunthorpe in the Barnwell days because that was exactly what was going through my mind. Where was Savage for chrisake. He has been one of our few players wholook capable of creating something and he is'nt even on the bench! Hunter still thinks he's on form and as at Man City, was trying to be too clever rather thanthinking about what he was doing. Hunt should have replaced him at half-time. I hate critising players but the responsibility begins and ends with them and the manager. They can't expect the crowd to win the game for them or a few comments from six months ago. There is something badly wrong somewhere and I remember Ray saying way back that the atmosphere at the club "was'nt right".
I have been an Atkins loyalist but football , wheeteher he likes it or not, is part of the entertainment business and people (fans) want value for money. It was tolerable when we were doing well but enough of this cack, Atkins should fall on his sword.
I told you that Macc would be a bandana skin.
Sid at 12:47:49 Sunday March 21 99
Angry - Sammo 2??? He happened to be one of the best players on the pitch along with hope! Spedding produced thw two only attacks of the half!!! My ratings were: Turley 6, Gibb 5, Frain 6, Sammo 6, Howey 6, Hope 7, (MOM) Freestone 6, Lee 4, Corazzin 6, Parrish 5. Subs Hill 6, Spedding 6, Hunt 5.
Sid at 12:41:17 Sunday March 21 99
Yeah, but he soon left when 6ft's Howey and Sammo came over to have a go at him!
Adam at 12:25:17 Sunday March 21 99
Atkins out. P.S congratulations to the pitch invader who put in the best performance ata Sixfields this season. Sign him up!
Fed up at 11:27:34 Sunday March 21 99
In response to anon's £10 guess Twatkins excuse competition,
i would like to sujest that he may blame it on,1/The Internet,2/The players,3/The kit,4/The kit. Rather than admitting that nobody understands a word he says,and even if they did it wouldn't matter anyway cos he has lost the plot!,lets have a collection and get a big hole dug in the M6 south of Birmingham for him to fall into, alternatively could the BRUMMIE TWAT not serve up the hot dogs at half time? no probably not!.
Pete at 11:23:54 Sunday March 21 99
Will some one let me know when the excuse for having no strikers on
the bench when a 'need to win' home match is being played,
is published somewhere. I will even read The Echo. Carlo
won enough long balls to make the absence of a 'hit' man
an irrelevance. But he cannot be expected to defend, chase
in midfield, flick on and be available to score. We have supported the team through thick and thin for years. Sometimes it has
been very thin and we will go on doing so. But we pay the
piper and we want answers to basic questions. Manager- why no striker
on the bench? Board- why have you tolerated a manager/ player(s)
feud to the detriment of the club? No answer? Then why do you expect us to be loyal to you? We will support the players. By the
way I have worked out why Freestone was booked- someone near
me shouted 'Die for the club'- Chris misheard and dived.
Nosey Parker at 7:22:38 Sunday March 21 99
It was not a nice game to watch by any standards but the blame has to be with Atkins. We were 1-0 down and as I was close to the dugout I could hear him shout to Parrish and Hunter "stay back dont push up" Well if thats what you do when you are 1-0 down god knows what he will do when we are winning(if we get in that position again!!) Where was Warner?Ali also looks slow and lacking confidence,we must have the most skillfil reserve side to watch and because Atkins has "personal grudges" he will not play them.Seal scores 4 goals in 2 games and Freestone could not score in a brothel,and as for Lee my 9 year old son has more skill.I hope Warner,Seal Savage(who was not injured yesterda because I asked him)Matthew,etc all stay and have patients because you will all outstay the the blinkered Atkins and his short arse sidekick.
Sid at 0:20:28 Sunday March 21 99
I have the best excuse! The comments that Sammy McIlroy said in October were pinned up on the wall of the dressing room. Now Atkins said to the players "Look at what he said about us!" So the players looked. One piped up by saying "Those comments.......... hmmmmmm" But the players gradually thought "Hey! this guy talks sense! We really are the worst team in the league!" So the Cobblers go out onto the pitch in the right frame of mind......... for playing complete shite! LOL!
Mr Posh at 22:58:59 Saturday March 20 99
OH Dear Cobblers, Are we not up to scratch again?. Did we lose yet another six pointer, to what MAKKKKKLESFIELD???? Do I have to ask about creaking trapdoors? Are you relegated yet? Well dear Cobblers supporters, Halifax, Darlington, Hartlepool, Rochdale etc are all looking forward to seeing you next year. My own joy is tempered by the fact that you will have to meet the mighty Posh again next year. Dare I say it? HA HA HA HA HA HA etc etc etc
Ian Atkins' Match Comments at 22:4:18 Saturday March 20 99
Oi resoing.
Kevin Simons' Dad at 21:49:12 Saturday March 20 99
Geez, at my age I never thought I'd get the chance to Cyber chat. Post takeaway deliberation: why no attacker on the sub's bench? Why make a defensive subsitution? Does Christian Lee think that wearing bicycle shorts will turn him into a footballer? When WILL he be sold for £1million? Why does Chirs Lee wear a tracksuit before and after games - everyone knows he's not a footballer. If I'd known we were going to dish up that sort of shit I wouldn't have sponsored the York game on 13th April.
Anon at 21:47:22 Saturday March 20 99
members.xoom.com/cobblers
Norwich cobbler at 21:45:7 Saturday March 20 99
Can anyone tell me the Chat Room site address?
The Luton Cobbler at 21:44:51 Saturday March 20 99
A message to "The real Cobblers fan" - wake up to what's going on. Are you really so naive as to believe all this continual 'Lets get behind the team' rubbish that Atkins spouts. We've got behind them for more years than they deserve. We've been loyal thru far more bad times than good. We deserve better. I can handle losing, but i can't handle such abismal tactics and excuses. You're right about the guy who ran on the pitch, but there were another five and a half thousand who felt the same way.
The Luton Cobbler at 21:44:50 Saturday March 20 99
A message to "The real Cobblers fan" - wake up to what's going on. Are you really so naive as to believe all this continual 'Lets get behind the team' rubbish that Atkins spouts. We've got behind them for more years than they deserve. We've been loyal thru far more bad times than good. We deserve better. I can handle losing, but i can't handle such abismal tactics and excuses. You're right about the guy who ran on the pitch, but there were another five and a half thousand who felt the same way.
Angry at 21:44:34 Saturday March 20 99
Let's make Atkins Director of Football - he doesn't know what football is so he'll leave quietly without a fuss.
Kingsthorpe cobbler at 21:33:50 Saturday March 20 99
I am pretty pissed off with this "little minded attitude" towards this club that we all love. For starters- their is the so called "True Cobblers fan" ( I don't thnk so), what is the point of quote "shouting at your mirror when you get home" when the club you love is about to get condemed to division three!!!!! - you might be OK with that but I am certainly not . Olney cobbler is right - its a mess, someone needs to sort it out & sort it out now. I been to most games this season home & away and I sick of the prat's that turn up at Sixfields every once so often saying "oh but Ian took us to Wembley did'nt he" - So what. We need to wake up & smell the coffee & quick !!!! What we need is a serious injection of PASSION and I am not just refering to I.A & the team. This club belongs to the town and its followers - we've spent to much of our existence in the lower depth's of the league to go back there. We must get behind the club to use our voices & force reform where reform is long overdue. We need to become progressive & much more ambitious - or do we sit with the 3500 or so at Sixfields next season watching us scrap it out against the likes of Exeter City or R&D - Come on - lets have some FAN POWER & push this club beyond its current (pityful) state of limbo.
Northampton Gas at 21:32:30 Saturday March 20 99
Sorry to see todays result. Clearly the managers job is to motivate his players, BUT surely they should have enough pride to go out and at least show some effort and commitment. There are too many players in the 2nd and 3rd division who think they are better than they are and unfortunatly the crowd also beleive this. If you are relegated and have to unload some players, they will find that NO other teams want them on the wages they are being paid. Your main problem appears to be the style of play which is now outdated and just a few big gormless defenders can overcome. One thing that does suprise me, is no comment towards your board of directors, they have the power to hire and fire. I know it would be expensive to fire IA but why you donn't bring in a "coach" and leave IA to argue that he is being undermined and resign. Amanda - this will not include Tommo, as he is very happy with his lot AND the style of football expected. Having said this, we are only 7 points ahead of you but have built a team for next season.
Kevin Simons at 21:28:16 Saturday March 20 99
Are there two Amandas or is she a schizo? Were you sitting in the freebie Directors' box seats? Allow me to paint a picture: you go to see the Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger supported by Oasis. You get there to find Lena Zavaroni is fronting the Stones and instead of the Gallagher brothers they're subbed by Peters and Lee? Wouldn't you f@~#ing welll complain during the concert? Twatkins talks twaddle (just read Tuesday;s Chron). I agree with just about all that's been said: Chris Lee will never be a footballer as long as he's got a hole up his arse, Hunter's not fit/with it for weeks and Gibb can't do the basics. Teletext headline tonight "Cobblers' hitman set for return": Seal? Nay, donkeyman 1 goal in 20 games Wilko. Wilson gave a big hint on Radio Northampton tonight "it's now up to the men upstairs to decide" and I think Atkins has offered his resignation and it's up to the board to take it. For f@#k's sake do the right thing.
A LOYAL DAVENTRY COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 21:17:15 Saturday March 20 99
Anyone that has followed the TOWN for almost 30 years, as I have has seen some ups and lots of downs. The one thing that I truly admire about the TOWN and in particular is its LOYAL SUPPORT. Now, MORE THAN EVER, the players need that support to be behind the team. Yes of course we moan and groan but we will still follow the TOWN if they were to lose the next 35 games. Northamptonians must unite to back the team when they need it most, WHEN THE SHITE FROM THE EAST OF THE COUNTY AND THE BIGGER SHITE FROM P^££^$^£^£^H, CAN SEE IT.
After all WE WILL ALWAYS FOLLOW NORTHAMPTON !!!!!!!
P.S. I F^%&$&G HATE Mr POSH.
SEE YOU ALL IN THE CHAT ROOM AT 10 ?
From the Cobbler's Last at 21:14:46 Saturday March 20 99
Today summed up a lot and most of the comments on tonight are about right. The blame for the dreadful performance has to lie with Atkins. All the pre -match hype with McIllroy - Why hype him up? Why not hype our players up? The first half was okay but it didn't look like Macclesfield were capable of giving us much trouble. We were slack in places but a concerted pressure in the second half would have sunk them without trace. So what did he say at half-time? You can imagine it. "Keep it tight lads, don't take any risks, a draw will be okay, we'll hit them on the break. Just keep hitting it forward and a goal will come soon." Two home goals since beating Chesterfield sums it up. How much longer do we have to wait until we 'give someone a good hiding' as the manager says? He got the team selection wrong from the start. Why was Warner leaving the car park at 1.55pm? It is obvious that Atkins has no intention of playing the ball players. Savage, an Irish 'B' international cannot make the bench when he should be an automatic choice in the team. Hill, another international with so much experience cannot make the team. If he can play against Germany and other countries like that why cannot he play a load of relegation certainties like Macclesfield. make no bones about 'Gloaters of Macclesfield' you'll be down next season. You have little chance playing the way you do. Sad to say unless we really sort things out we'll be with you and Wycombe and probably York. The others will get off by default because, poor as they are, we'll let them off.
Like others, I will support the team to the end and thats what made today so painful. We all care here - do some of those players care enough? Enough to put their fueds with Atkins behind them and play for the club. Does Atkins care enough? - I doubt it!He cannot come on the radio and apologise to the fans who pay his wages. Today I shouted for him to go - the first time in my life I have ever done so - I feel ashamed about that but it is the only way we have any chance of survival. With him, we are down. Lets give ourselves a chance and let someone else run the team affairs until the end of the season. Everyone talks about how we cannot afford to pay him off. We do not need to.... relieve him of first team duties for the rest of the season and put him in an office upstairs sonmewhere away from the players. If he doesn't like it he can resign and we will not have to pay him anything. It time to says 'thanks and goodbye' for the sake of the club. Come on Cobblers - we must stay up. The way down is goddawful trips to Rochdale, Darlington and Carlisle - Do the players really want that experience next season? The fans don't!!!!!!!
A true cobblers fan ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! at 21:2:56 Saturday March 20 99
1 I think that the man who ran on the pitch was pathetic, it shows that he is not very intelligent so he resorted to doing that!
2 Even if it is time for Ian Atkins to leave the club, don't be un kind and booo him off. Think of what he has done for us, and see him off in a nice way. Anyone who sang "Atkins out" does not have a clue about what they are doing or saying.
3 Hill would be good as a player manager : good experience, plays at international level also a great player and leader
4 GET BEHIND THE TEAM LEAVE THE ABUSE TILL YOU GET HOME AND TELL IT TO YOUR MIRROR INSTEAD OF SHOWING YOURSELF UP AT A FOOTBALL MATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 WE CAN STAY UP IF YOU BELIEVE THAT WE CAN, IT WON'T HELP THE TEAM BY ABUSING THEM, IT WILL PUT THEM DOWN FOR THE NEXT MATCH< JUST GET BEHIND THEM < OR THEY WILL HAVE NO CHANCE OF STAYING UP
6 DDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOO IIIIIIIIII MMMMAAAKKKKEEE MMMMYYYYYSSSSEEEELLLLLFFFF CCCCLLLLEEEAAAAARRRRRR !!!!!!!!
AMANDA at 20:43:48 Saturday March 20 99
C YA ATKO. I MUST BE SAD, NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN WRITE ON HERE!!!
The Luton Cobbler at 20:38:47 Saturday March 20 99
Without doubt the most spineless and gutless performance for longer than i can remember. I really hate to say it but Division 3 is looming and on todays performance we don't deserve anything else. Today for the first time the crowd began to turn, because we're sick of the clueless garbage that is continually served up. The buck stops with you Atkins. No more excuses about injuries. The players have only one game plan (hit and hope) and confidence is zero. They don't respect him. The bollockings lose effect after a while and the usual weekly rallying calls to the fans are falling on deaf ears now. Today was the final straw. 5 sucessive home defeats. No sign of a goal from anywhere. Everybody in the ground saw that Howey had to go up front when Hill was brought on, but no, we still have to have 5 at the back. Today was an utter embarrasment. Out classed by a jumped up non-league team. The board needs to stop burying it's head and take positive action before it's too late. It won't be long before the season ticket renewals are sent out. Any takers ? Not many the way it's going.
The Olney Cobbler at 20:35:12 Saturday March 20 99
I have been watching NTFC home & away for 25 years. Today was the worst I have ever seen. It was even worse than Black Friday v Scunthorpe in 1994.
I read with worry that Warner could be off to R&D. If someone in the Club or on the Board reads this then they know that the following comment from me is not made lightly. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD STOP HIM GOING. IT IS A TRAVESTY THAT HE IS NOT PLAYING REGULARLY.
For the sake of the Club Colin Hill should be allowed to take over and sort this mess out. When he came on today he was the only one who appeared to be fired up and HAD SOME PRIDE IN WEARING A CLARET AND WHITE SHIRT. I AND MOST COBBLERS FANS WOULD HAVE GIVEN OUR RIGHT ARMS TO PLAY JUST 10 MINUTES IN A NORTHAMPTON TOP.
I have never slagged off a manager of our Club, but today I came closer than ever. I don't know how much more of that I can take.
As Mr Atkins said on the CeeFax yesterday, NTFC is bigger than any individual.
Norwich Cobbler at 20:26:30 Saturday March 20 99
Just read my own comments below -only one conclusion really -thanks for the memories Ian - leave gracefully.Good bye
Norwich Cobbler at 20:18:52 Saturday March 20 99
300 mile round trip,£42.00 for 4 tickets and all to watch the poorest football match at Sixfields since Barmy Barnwell was in residence.
I thought that our players were meant to be professionals capable of stringing passes together and not just kicking the ball as far as possible and hoping for the best.There was nothing from todays performance that you could say offered any hope.Freestone is another person from the guy who terrorised West Ham and twice in one on one situations we did not score.There was no pattern to our play no objective and very little skill or imagination.In the second half it got so bad that I actually stopped watching the game and was sadistically pleased when the second goal put us out of our misery.
As has been said elsewhere it is not the defeat but the manner of it.
Our players looked lost,dispirited and so did the crowd.Has anyone ever known it so quiet at Sixfields in the second half?
Basically on that performance we deserve to get relegated.For those of you looking at this site that didn't go be under no illusions we were Crap (with a capital C).Ian Atkins must take the blame for asking his team to play hit and hope football - I thoughtbeing professional was about playing with skill -thats what I pay my money to see -next week I might as well go to the Racecourse.
MacLondon at 20:16:32 Saturday March 20 99
Tough luck guys, you had a lesson in football today, you wont win against decent teams playing hit and hope football, but that shouldn't worry you in the 3rd division. Thanks for helping us stay in the second!!
THE WHOLE OF MACCLESFIELD at 20:3:19 Saturday March 20 99
YOURE GOING DOWN, WERE NOT.
UNLUCKY. YOURE GETTING NEARER TO PLAYING RUSHDEN!!! HAHAHA
Dav.Cobbler at 19:59:57 Saturday March 20 99
Is there anybody out there still prepared to support Atkins? FOR THE SAKE OF NTFC - GO.
Downcast of Middleton Cheney at 19:54:50 Saturday March 20 99
That should read "lose" of course. Spoilt the effect somewhat!
Apols for being a plonker.
Downcast of Middleton Cheney at 19:53:20 Saturday March 20 99
I am totally gutted. First game I've got to since Christmas and the lads were terrible. I really don't rate Carlo even when he gets the ball he seems to fluff it. I'm not surprised they're keeper kissed Freestone on the head in the second half; he was probably so grateful that we showed no risk of scoring.
I am a beleiver in loyalty, but not at any price. Atkins should have gone months ago, but I felt we owed it to him as he has, in the past, done great service for the club. The fact is that we akll know if we go down, we are unlikely to bounce straight backup as it's a jungle down there. Therefore I believe that it is time to pay the guy off, say thank you for all the good times, and then let someone else have a go - what have we got to loose?
Katie Pearson at 19:45:32 Saturday March 20 99
SEE YA ATKINS!!!!!!!!
Angry Cobbler at 19:34:14 Saturday March 20 99
And now my ratings: Turley - 6 - Made a few saves but nothing special - Gibb - 4 - Poor at both ends of the field - Frain - 5 - Won his battles - Sampson - 2 - Piss poor distribution, tackling and organization - Howey - 4 - Better up front than at the back - Hope - 5 - Another reasonable display with some good distribution - Hunter - 4 - His worst game of the season. He was sloppy and his passing was disgraceful - Freestone - 7 - Brightest of the strikers but should have scored twice - Lee - 1 - Can't control a ball, can't pass a ball and can't win a ball - How the f*ck did he become a professional footballer - only Atkins could have bought him - Corazzin - 6 - Worked hard but starved of service - Parrish - 4 - Won lots of ball but lack of class evident. Subs: Spedding (on for Frain) - 4 - Anonymonous - Hill (on for Lee) - 7 - Showed his international class at the back - Hunt (on for Hunter) - 5 - Showed some determination and grit. Overall, that is the absolute worst I have seen the Cobblers play for three seasons - I may as well have gone to watch a pub team instead. I hope Barry Stonhill and the board (especially Brian Lomax who could give us a great leaving present) get together and sack Atkins on Sunday and install Colin Hill as manager until the end of the season. BTW I heard from a source that all the players except Ian Clarkson and John Frain had a meeting where they all voted for Colin Hill as player/manager but someone told Atkins and he stormed in and had it out with Hill - if this is true that is why Hill isn't in the team.
Sid at 18:45:10 Saturday March 20 99
Sounds like a good idea!! I always thought that someone who knows a little bit about footballing tactics are usually good managers. Dont know why Northampton have Atkins.................LOL!
Amanda at 18:42:24 Saturday March 20 99
i know this is an old record but when i win the lottery tonight (well when someone wins it for me!)Atkins is going and Tommo is coming back to replace him. Does ne1 have ne problems with this?
amanda at 18:36:35 Saturday March 20 99
forget what i just wrote!
Amanda at 18:35:41 Saturday March 20 99
Where did my bit go?
Robert at 18:33:38 Saturday March 20 99
Oops, it was the bloke below your comment!!
Robert Dunkley at 18:32:25 Saturday March 20 99
WHat I want to know is why the hell Damian Matthew has not been given a chance, he is surely fitter than Hunter. BTW Expect a R&D bid for Seal; the R&D fans siad what has happened to Seal, I said I do not know, one then commented he would be a good signing. So do not be surpised if Max Griggs gets his chequebook out again, and the relieve us of more players. The fact is most players will not want to drop int the Conference but, Cobblers players would if Atkins mucked them around,a s it would make the misguided Brummie even more unpopular, thank god we are only three points from safety,at best though we will get 12 more points I reckon. Lets face it we are doomed, sent Atkins on "Holiday" and put Colin Hill and Kev Wilson in charge,at least Seal, Savage etc may get a game. God Help us 10 days tills Wilko's return, HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPP!!
Sid (GTA and CHAT) at 18:31:36 Saturday March 20 99
Okay, Richard's (HEGGSY) son Chris has won this week GTA after only being 1 away (5789) when the Att was 5790. And also if anyone wants to rant and rave about today's (yawn) poorest performance of the season, please come to my site at http://members.xoom.com/cobblers at 9:45pm tonight.
Sid at 18:29:15 Saturday March 20 99
Rob, when did i say that???
Robert Dunkley at 18:22:20 Saturday March 20 99
Sid, when you say two ex-players told you that Warner is on to R&D, would it be Heggsy and RAzor,a s I went to Morecambe v. R&D and they were not there. Razor is out with hernia trouble (again), and Heggs has been up in front of the FA for 11 bookings!!
I also had a little chat with Max Griggs, he is confident of us playing in the third divison next season, Rushden were lucky to win 3-2 at Morecambe, God some of their players are cocky little b******S
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:21:9 Saturday March 20 99
We are deep in relegation trouble, fighting for our Div 2 lives. At least we might have expected a spirited performance. But no, we just didn't seem fired up at all, were always second to the ball and as the game wore on always looked likely to go belly up again. Which is what duly happened. It wasn't just the defeat either - it was, once again, the manner of the defeat. I'm sorry but Atkins must take the blame. His team selection today was wrong: why, for instance, were neither Warner nor Savage even on the bench ? They are both on form and are two of our most creative and effective players.Why did he start with Parrish and Hunter, both of whom are clearly not properly match fit and in Parrish's case he simply isn't at the races. Why does he persevere with Freestone, who after today's performance, I must now rate as among the worst forwards to wear the claret and white. And then we had to put up with yet another 90 mins of Atkins defensive, long ball, hit and hope tactics. Even Macclesfield, although quite woeful, played some football, for goodness sake. I've said it all season: we have better players but Atkins tactics does not allow us to get anywhere near the best out of them. If wanted to persist in this dull, mindless style, then he shouldn't have sold the likes of Gayle, who were at least suited to it. I'm sorry, but I feel those who still have faith in Atkins are doing so out of misguided loyalty. I believe he should have gone at least two months ago. Apparently the board are saying they can't afford to let him go. Right now I don't think we can afford not to. Today's performance had all the hallmarks of relegation about it. My emotions still say he must go now; but my instinct tells me the board has dallied and dithered too long and it's probably too late to make the change. Being totally realistic, the manner in which we lost today leaves me with precious little optimism about our chances of survival in Div 2. I would love to be proved wrong but we looked every inch a relegation team today.
Sid at 18:15:7 Saturday March 20 99
Angry, change your chippy back! I drunk in Chevy's today instead of Sixfields Tavern, and look how that turned out!
Sid at 18:13:6 Saturday March 20 99
Do you know, I think something might be happening on the transfer front. Someone is going to leave, and i have a feeling we are not going to like it. Why else would some of our best players be left out, and i have just been told there were a load of scouts at the Fulham reserve game on Mon.
In the air, John! at 18:10:27 Saturday March 20 99
I'm really going to make your day: Michael Warner is to join Diremonds before the deadline according to two ex Cobblers' players after the game. Savage and Seal cost nigh on 200 thou between them and not even a place on the bench. ATKINS OUT!
Jo at 17:54:30 Saturday March 20 99
My sentiments entirely Amanda
Amanda at 17:44:50 Saturday March 20 99
and congrats again Carlo.
amanda at 17:42:51 Saturday March 20 99
ok so a lot of people hate Atkins and want him to go but yelling 'ATKINS OUT' at matches won't do any good. I might be the only person but i am getting sick to death of 'supporters' yelling abuse etc at the players while they are playing the bloody game! leave the bitching for the bar AFTER the game and get behind the lads while they're playin. COME ON TOWN
pete at 17:35:11 Saturday March 20 99
This annoying feud between IA and The Seal needs to be
sorted. The Board and the team want our support, so,
how about some explanations? I can understand playing
out of form players, hoping they will come good. But
the Board must demand- they tell us that they read this
page - an explanation from the manager why The Seal was
not even on the bench. A home match which had to be won -
midfield players on the bench together with a defender who is still good enough to be in his national squad.
The 'in form' goal scorer?...he is in the crowd.
Explain or stop asking us to continue to support you.
ANNE ROBINSON at 17:34:12 Saturday March 20 99
WHY OH WHY OH WHY OH WHY ! CANT WE WIN AT HOME,
What the hell is going on? I`ve just got back from sixfields and watched the worst game this season! we had no spirit or will to win
I just can`t get my head round this, for christ sake this was only
macclesfield, a club that was in the conferance a couple of seasons ago,what will it take to stop the rot! I`m not for sacking IA because
i believe in loyalty, but something has to be done.
with only 10 games left I can`t see us staying up when we play like this, the only good thing is that the clubs around us lost or drawn.
come on cobblers this depression is making my saturday nights out misserable I need something to cheer about.
heartbroken at 17:33:55 Saturday March 20 99
PS I am a Sid fan too and I detest Mr Posh
adam at 17:32:59 Saturday March 20 99
oh dear! lots of arrogant messages below saying how macclesfield would get thrashed etc, but it didn't happen. it does look like division 3 for you lot next season, with or without the rushden. i see grayson was scoring goals past the ploppies today, good decision to sell him? good decision to sell razor?
heartbroken at 17:31:21 Saturday March 20 99
We will still be in Div2 next year. Here's to more supporters like Deepcut Cobbler. Come on the Cobbs.
Mr Posh at 17:28:44 Saturday March 20 99
YYYEEEESSSS!! Macclesfield HA HA HA HA HA HA HA Macclesfield HE HE HE HE HE HE - Look at the floor lads, that gaping big hole you can see is Division Three, a big creak on the old trapdoor today. See you next season.
TOTALLY PISSED OF COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 17:26:47 Saturday March 20 99
What the F&&**^%g hell was that?
Sid at 17:20:56 Saturday March 20 99
Well, got back about 10 mins ago after leaving straight after the second. I have never left early during a match and today was a first. But there was a reason......... maybe it because we were so utterly shite i really thought what the f**k am i doing watching a team that looked so tactically inaware. Chris Lee should not be allowed to play anymore, he couldn't even pass the thing. I bet the player got neckache from looking up at the ball so much! Anyway, it was the missed one-on one's from Freestone and Corazzin which cocked up the game for us, and Macclesfields goal was a clear handball. Okay Ranting over. WE WERE CRAP!
Deepcut Cobbler at 17:2:13 Saturday March 20 99
All the other results went our way...........We just forgot to do our bit and win.....Any possibility of having all of our remaining games away????..A very big missed opportunity to ease the position but because of the other results it isn't all doom and gloom. We will still be in the second division next season. We will put that run together...COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
A mate of Mr Posh's mate at 16:41:20 Saturday March 20 99
0-2 !! County winning, Burnley drawing. See you next season.
Mr Posh's mate at 16:21:57 Saturday March 20 99
0-1 ....C-R-E-A-A-A-K !! You Wobblers will soon be out of your misery.
Eastander at 14:2:24 Saturday March 20 99
Just off to the game I predict 2-0 to the cobblers Chris lee getting his first goal of the season (though I think he`s too lightwieght for the style of football IA plays)heard on the radio this morning about being able to get NTFC.com e-mail addresses anyone know any more about it
nick at 13:27:42 Saturday March 20 99
COME ON LADS!!!!!!!!!!! WE SHOULD STUFF THESE TOSSER'S AND LETS GIVE THE MACCA MANAGER A HARD TIME FOR DISSIN' US ASWELL AS THE TEAM
WA****R LETS RAISE THE ROOF!! SEEYA THERE
Northampton Gas at 12:28:34 Saturday March 20 99
I intended to come to 6fields, but just found out that Northampton Transport have taken off all buses between 13.00 and 15.00 on the number 11/14 route. Best of luck today. See you all on Easter Monday - I will advise you nearer the date about possible traffic problems and where you can get drinks/food at the ground with no aggro.
TRB Mark at 12:6:53 Saturday March 20 99
Hate to be picky Hartwell but dont the A14 run east~west?
COME ON THE LADS
RICHARD at 11:54:37 Saturday March 20 99
Is there an official chant for the Macca guy with the hankie on his head? How about, to the tune of "He's got a pineapple on his head", the same words, but inserting "snot rag" for "pineapple"? No matter; we don't need to resort to abuse of the opposition; We're good enough to win anyway! Here's to a 3-1 result for the Mighty Cobblers. See you there.
Hartwell Cobbler at 10:22:57 Saturday March 20 99
Norwich Cobbler - I used the A14 a week ago and the roadworks were dire southbound. When I returned mid-morning northbound it was clean and green. So you should be OK today.
Northampton Gas at 9:34:42 Saturday March 20 99
You could have told me the Diamonds and Kettering were both away. AS I am still in Northampton, it appears that a trip to 6fields or stay at home appears to be the order of the day
Bill at 8:12:52 Saturday March 20 99
Angry, I can't imagine anyone joining that society. Sorry to disappoint you!
Bill (getting considerably fired up) at 8:11:44 Saturday March 20 99
My team 4 today ; (4-4-2): Turley, Sampson, Hill, Hope, Gibb, Warner, Savage, Hunter, Hunt, Corazzin, Seal. Subs; Freestone, Matthew, Spedding. COME ON TOWN!!! Prediction: 2-0, Savo & Mickey netting.
Lets all take the piss out of Macclesfield TWATS at 0:39:27 Saturday March 20 99
Oi, Hippocrates you illiterate bastard at 18:22:2. How do you spell weekend ?. Do me a favour and tell me about your away record, 5 defeats on the bounce, I'll bet my life savings that your going down. If you actually are prepared to put your money where your mouth is give me your E mail address and we'll have a four figure bet on who finishes highest. LOSER
Paul Behrens Appreciation Society at 23:4:56 Friday March 19 99
To join this underrated society, e-mail me
Angry at 23:2:15 Friday March 19 99
Hey Sid, I have a right to a bit of misguided faith - After predicting dour result after dour result this season I finally wanna see the Cobbs give some one a stuffing a la Brentford last season so at least I'll have some good memories of this season if we go down. I'd rather West Ham had tonked us 8-0 and we were top of the table now than us winning against them and going down. ah well, at least we're not all from p*terborough (sorry Shitboro' Cobbler). I still think we'll win 5-0 because I'm changing chippy!
Big Roy at 22:51:39 Friday March 19 99
I can't wait until tomorrow. I'm going up Sixfields now! Do you think they'll let me in?
DAV COBBLER at 22:40:55 Friday March 19 99
C,MON COBBLERS. Give the silkmen a pasting. Good luck. Sort em out Atkins !!!!!!!!
Sid's Final Comment at 22:35:53 Friday March 19 99
Okay, it is Macclesfield tomorrow and firstly i can state that if Sammo is fit, he will get into the side. The Cobblers have a hard task because the silkmen are on form. But when you go away the form book goes out the window. I think people are being a bit optimistic by saying we will win 5-0. Come on Cobblers fans, any win, by whatever margain is good enough for us. Lets not start rabbiting on about Diremonds or P**H, i dont care what they do. we should care about doing what Atkins and i am sure the players want and that is get behind the team! We need everyone that can get down to the game to go. So, if you are at a loose end, Come and watch Town! I have a good feeling that we will do well, but lets not be too optimistic. But by 5pm, i am sure we will have escaped the relgation zone................. COME ON TOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Angry at 21:39:49 Friday March 19 99
I met a Canadian on holiday and as I was wearing my Town shirt at the time he came up to me and asked if I knew of Carlo. When I said yes, he's our star striker he talked about Carlo being his favourite international player and how we should sign some more Canadians (he reeled off a few names which I have since forgotten) - The only flaw in his plan is that when international week came up we'd lose half our team and they'd all skip training to watch Due South and eat pancakes with maple syrup which wouldn't help our cause. One mountie is enough, thank you. Wow, I must be bored to have wrote out all this waffle. Ahem.
Anon at 21:34:41 Friday March 19 99
I'm looking foward to getting drunk after we stay up and Diremonds and the scum stay down! COME ON THE ALL MIGHTY TOWN!!!
Deepcut Cobbler at 19:42:4 Friday March 19 99
WE WILL, We will win again tomorrow. We will have all of the other results go for us also. We will be 19th by 4.45 tomorrow. We will not be once again biting finger nails at Saltergate hoping others lose. We will be safe by the time of Burnley match. (I have already reserved my seat for the celebration!!) We will be in the 2nd division next season. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
RICHARD at 19:39:6 Friday March 19 99
Hippoctrates; Flatulence will get you everywhere!
Hippocrates at 18:35:23 Friday March 19 99
Sorry to have repeated myself earlier. I'll wager one bag of chips on 1-1.
Angry Cobbler at 18:31:22 Friday March 19 99
Team for tommorow v Crapplesfield: (5-3-2) Turley, Warner, Spedding, Howey, Hill, Hope, Hunter, Savage, Canadian international Carlo Corazzin, Freestone, Hunt. Subs: Gibb, Sammo, Seal. Prediction: 5-0 to the Cobbs with Carlo, Hunt, Warner and a Savo brace carrying us through. I am also going to try a new chippy tommorow - the Golden Chicken (I think???) up by the Beacon - ah well, see you all tommorrow at Fortress Sixfields.
Hippocrates at 18:22:2 Friday March 19 99
5-0! 5-0? Too much time spent watching long balls has weakened your judgement. Tomorrows score will be 1-1. Not enough to keep Mr. Posh quiet. Mr. Atkins has fired your team up (according to CeeFax) by quoting Sammy McIllroys' comments about your style of play after our earlier meeting to them - thing is most of the postings on here seem to agree with Sammy! Good luck for the rest of the season. PS Colchester are the sh*****st team in division two on last weeks showing
Hippocrates at 18:14:15 Friday March 19 99
Hello Cobblers. Good luck tomorrow, I understand your Mr Atkins has fired your team up by pinning up some quotes made by our Mr McIllroy after our meeting earlier in the season, funny thing is I can't find anything on here that disagrees with our managers comments. As for playing fourteen players, would they all still be behind the ball?
We have only let more than two goals in once this season, it won't be 5-0, it'll be 1-1!
Chicago Cobbler at 17:12:55 Friday March 19 99
Dire Man Lyle, How can you even ask a question like that. You can't hate something you pity. I Pity your miserable Doc Marten wearing Cobbler castaways. Doing well in conference is like getting on well with a fat chick, You might be scoring left and right, but when she rolls over you will be squashed.
SBJ at 16:54:6 Friday March 19 99
I'm all set for my chip-tasting marathon at tomorrow's game. 13-0 to Cobblers would give us a good chance of getting above the relegation zone on goals scored. Up the Cobblers!
Norwich Cobbler at 15:50:57 Friday March 19 99
The tension is building - Atkins is asking us to get behind the team -all 14 of them perhaps thats how we are going to stay up plat more players than the other team.
Does anybody know if the roadworks are still bad on the A14 at Huntingdon as I'll be on a tight schedule tomorrow only leaving Norwich at 12.00.
Will I see you there Northampton Gas?
Come on you Cobblers!I'll be the one wearing the Claret!
Amanda at 15:37:15 Friday March 19 99
Congratulations Carlo and Teresa! Hello CJC! lol
The Exel Cobbler at 15:33:20 Friday March 19 99
Northampton Gas - You can tell when life is getting bad when you are contemplating going to see Direones or Pansies. Though, if you do go to Kettering, you'll see the wonderful Neil Grayson in action. Direone Lil - Without any hesitation it has to be Boro. Finally, good luck to The Cobblers tomorrow. Prove that we can win a Sixfields.
Right, I'm off home now, have a good weekend everyone!!!!
Anon at 15:9:54 Friday March 19 99
Any Cobbler over the age of 45 will tell you the real enemies are Luton and Coventry. We were in the same division most of our history.
Northampton Gas at 15:9:41 Friday March 19 99
An alternative not metioned is to go to see the Diamonds - sorry Cobblers and Gas reserves. Or go to Kettering for the top of the table clash against Cheltenham. All these options are giving me a headache
Nod at 14:45:28 Friday March 19 99
Unless, of course, the trainer can treat him through the net....?
james curley at 14:23:37 Friday March 19 99
No, the game has to stop as to get to him the trainer would have to come onto the pitch and he need permission from the referee for this to happen. york cobbler.
Wobbler at 14:19:13 Friday March 19 99
If a player is lying in the goal area (as was Simeone the other night for Inter) does this mean he is off the pitch an get treated without stopping the game. Just a question my girlfriend asked and I had to think about that one! She wasn't really interested in the game, just watched it 'cos I was, but a bloody good question never the less.
Wobbler at 14:13:1 Friday March 19 99
Free Peperami and watch out for that crowd congestion........NOT !
Nod at 13:36:10 Friday March 19 99
Do we still hate Barnet? I always thought it was a nice gesture on our part to make them feel as if they 'belonged' by immediately hating them when they came up. I know we had a bit of hate spare at the time as Boro had somehow been promoted, but we could have gone for Cambridge....and all because Bobby Barnes mised that open goal (("That's where he missed it! There!!" - thanks Match of the Day Man)
gnk at 12:58:20 Friday March 19 99
I agree. Boro without a doubt.
Ray at 12:24:25 Friday March 19 99
No contest - sh*tboro without a doubt.
Diamond Lil at 12:23:1 Friday March 19 99
I realise that nobody on this site likes to think about this too much, but just s'pose NTFC, Posh and Diamonds do happen to find themselves in the same division next year, or whenever..... who would be your most despised? The Auld Enemy or Nene Park's finest? Just curious, boys.
TRB Mark at 12:22:44 Friday March 19 99
My lad was playing on his Playstation last night and Carlo was playing for Canada !
Kyle at 8:7:48 Friday March 19 99
Kick the dragon!!!
Clarence The Cobblers Dragon at 8:7:24 Friday March 19 99
Don't kick the dragon
Kyle at 8:6:50 Friday March 19 99
Kick the Dragon
Canuck Corazzin Fan at 23:38:34 Thursday March 18 99
This sure is an active site. Just to let you know there are also some Canadian supporters out there in the world. Hope Carlo and the Cobblers stay up! Will Carlo miss any fixtures with the camp he is attending with the Canadian Nats in Germany (starting Sunday)?
Cheers.
Northampton gas at 23:0:11 Thursday March 18 99
Sorry forgot to include name on last email, the tension must be getting to me
Anon at 22:59:12 Thursday March 18 99
TRB Mark - nice one it shows that the Cobblers still have a sense of humour. Norwich Cobbler - the s**t keep telling us that tey are not going down. I am 70% in favour of a trip to 6fields but still need convincing that it will be entertaining
Norwich Cobbler at 22:10:6 Thursday March 18 99
I think £10.00 is a fair price to pay not to travel to the craapy West Midlands and see the Gas get beaten -come to Sixfields and Pete Smith will make sure that you can't hear the half times so you won't have to worry.Still you've got local derbies to look forward to soon with your neighbours Bristol Titties.
UPSET STOMACH at 21:45:4 Thursday March 18 99
How can you all talk about food when on the way to the shrine? with the performances we are suffering at the moment food is the last thing on my mind. Does anyone know the location of any faith healers situated between Daventry and the hallowed place?
LOYAL COBBLER POSH HATER FC at 21:38:54 Thursday March 18 99
WE LOVE YOU COBBLERS WE DO !!
WE LOVE YOU COBBLERS WE DO !!
WE LOVE YOU COBBLERS WE DO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
COBBLERS WE LOVE YOU
AND WE F*&*^*^G HATE POSH
Angry at 21:34:56 Thursday March 18 99
It's well worth shelling out ten measly sovs to come to a ground that doesn't look like B&Q on the outside and doesn't have loads of pillars on the inside. We have a quality ground, a quality mascot and a shite food stand. Oh, and we don't even have draft beer BUT you'll see us demolish the shittest team in Div 2 5-0 which is better than seeing the Gas lose 2-1 or something. BTW Atkins will put your tenner towards loaning a crap player thereby giving you an advantage when we play you.
TRB Mark at 21:22:17 Thursday March 18 99
Northampton Gas, Clarence the Dragon and kick the ball in the back of the car for half time entertainment are worth £10 of anybodys money~NOT!
Personally I would like to see kick the dragon into the back of the car for half time entertainment and kick the ball in the back of the net for the Cobblers for the 45 minutes eitherside
Eric Cartman at 21:19:54 Thursday March 18 99
No John Frain, that's a bad John Frain!
Eric Cartman at 21:18:29 Thursday March 18 99
No John Frain, that's Atkins toupee!
Angry at 21:16:9 Thursday March 18 99
I have decided to break with my pre match routine and buy my bi-weekly portion of chips with curry sauce at the chippy up by the Beacon Bingo instead of going to the chippy opposite the bus depot - I hope this small alteration to my prematch routine will bring us good luck and a 5-0 win! BTW don't go to the chippy in Long Buckby - it's shite!
Northampton Gas at 20:26:24 Thursday March 18 99
Thanks Norwich Cobbler, but what have the Cobblers got to offer to entice £10 out of my pocket into the Cobblers pockets
Norwich Cobbler at 19:48:47 Thursday March 18 99
Dear Northampton Gas,
I have analysed your problem and can suggest the following course of action.Stop supporting the Gas and support the one and only Cobblers.
You know it makes sense!
Northampton Gas at 18:6:17 Thursday March 18 99
Please advise me whether I should go to see my team play at Walsall on saturday or come to 6fields to see you play Maccelsfield. I am not sure which would make me more depressed - seeing my team lose and still need 4 wins out of 12 games or watch you win and the gap between us get smaller. I still do NOT want you to be relegated.
rob mcculloch at 16:22:22 Thursday March 18 99
this website is really good but i would like to know if there is a supporters club around the blackburn area
Eric Cartman at 14:35:12 Thursday March 18 99
Yeah I wanna go Sixfields
Mrs Cartman at 14:34:46 Thursday March 18 99
You wanna go Sixfields hun?
The Exel Cobbler at 14:33:49 Thursday March 18 99
Sorry, I did'nt think the original posting went through so I tried again!
The Exel Cobbler at 14:32:42 Thursday March 18 99
Or maybe Mr Posh could try our tasteless hot dogs. How we finished high up in the football ground food league is beyond me. Maybe the taste team came on a good day.
The Exel Cobbler at 14:28:25 Thursday March 18 99
Or maybe Mr Posh could sample our bland Hot Dogs where the sausage is 3 times smaller than the roll. He should be used to crap food though because the grub at London Road is even worse than Sixfields offerings. How did we finish so high in the food league? Obviously the tasting teams came on a good day.
Anon at 14:23:37 Thursday March 18 99
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Anon at 12:38:19 Thursday March 18 99
hmmmm.....
Phil Baron at 9:31:16 Thursday March 18 99
I strongly recommend the pies in the ground....for someone you dislike very much!!!Mr Posh would you like one of our yummy pies?
Also the coffee is very good for getting paint off doors etc!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 8:24:35 Thursday March 18 99
TRB Mark - yes, lovely day. I come alive when it's 75 (degrees, that is!). So I'm just stiring! Will it last until Saturday, though ?
Ralph at 8:23:12 Thursday March 18 99
If we are on the subject of grub can I recomend 'Uncle Sam's' Chilli Burgers as the best on The Planet. London Road, Brighton; opposite St Peter's Church. And if it is all day breakfast you are after try 'The Brackley Breakfast' it's a cafe on the industrial estate at Brackley. You can see it from the by-pass. It does a 24 piece breakfast with chips for about a fiver, gallon of tea and spotted dick for afters!
Richard from HK at 22:44:36 Wednesday March 17 99
Still dropping in everyday, good idea about the exiles group.Cyprus would be nice. Just one point though would you all stop talking about kebabs, fish and chips and other wonderful things.
RICHARD at 22:15:48 Wednesday March 17 99
re Jamie Forrester; The boy, Chris, who knows his lower division footie players, suggests the Scunnie lad would be a great buy. Mind you he's never dipped into his pockets in 3 years, not even for a programme or a coffee for his poor old man! So how would he recognise value for money?? All the discussion re JF appears to be on the e-mail list only!
RICHARD at 22:11:8 Wednesday March 17 99
There's a mobile Kebab waggon which hangs around Crowborough Cross at chucking out time. I can't really vouch for the cuisine, though; I've only tried it once and the doctor says the vomiting will subside eventually. Clever arrangement by the owner, however; his vehicle is a converted ambulance, so he can rush his victims to the hospital to avoid costly litigation!
WE HATE POSH at 21:44:1 Wednesday March 17 99
WELL DONE RAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE HATE POSH + POSH + POSH + POSH + POSH.
Soccer Fan at 20:46:57 Wednesday March 17 99
You have way too many logos on your web page. You are breaking the rule of the top 100 competition. Please fix it or I will shut you down !!!!
Anon at 20:24:3 Wednesday March 17 99
Westonia rules!
TRB Mark at 20:23:9 Wednesday March 17 99
Hey, Hartwell Dave, was'nt today warm enough for ya???? (Almost 70 f for those of you not in sunny Northants. Not bad for mid March!!) Westone Chippy is run by Cobblers fanatics and serve pretty good chips too! Watcha Roland! (It's me, the Christmas card Mark!)
Sid at 18:31:34 Wednesday March 17 99
Hey! I want some votes too!
Sid at 18:30:9 Wednesday March 17 99
Okay, if you go to http://www.scunthorpe-online.co.uk and look at the archives they have, (type in forrester) you will find the news article for the Jamie Forrester rumours.
Rowland Jordan at 18:21:1 Wednesday March 17 99
Keep up the good work lads and wrap up the Silkmen. Four from carlo will do nicely.
SBJ at 17:13:49 Wednesday March 17 99
Hoo-Ray!
Ray at 17:10:30 Wednesday March 17 99
roling, rolling, rolling, keep those votes a rolling..... Thanks people!
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:2:41 Wednesday March 17 99
Chicago Cobbler - thanks for your comments. No, I would always keep a bolthole here in the Uk - probably a small house on Hunsbury and rent in Cyprus, where it's cheap to do so. Yes, I know quite a bit about Greek soccer and in general it ain't too great. Mind you, it's not been very inspiring this season at Sixfields, either!
Chicago Cobbler at 16:48:55 Wednesday March 17 99
I have to agree with SBJ. An exiles group is in tall order... or in my case a wayward American in love with Cobbs Football club. It is really a strange experience to look forward to coming to the office on Monday morning solely to catch up on Div.2 football. American Television (in all of it's infinite wisdom) have finally deemed the Premier League as newsworthy, so I actually get to see replays and highlights ala Match of the Day. Sadly no Div2!!! I can't sympathize with the griping about travelling to the match. I know I flew 8,000 miles roundtrip just to see the Gills/Cobbs game and flew right back (okay, I'm no martyr... I did hit half the pubs in Northamptonshire) and hey think of the OZ lads or Richard from HK. Talk about devotion when travelling to a game! Hartwell-Dave My recommendation on moving to Cyprus is that it is lovely and warm, but you will soon long for miserable train ques, soggy chips, warm beer, and the claret blood that runs through your veins needs to be kept around 10c or the warmth will turn it back to red. I wouldn't sell the house! Look for a time share to come back for at least half the football season. Greek Football is crap to watch on TV. Cheers all and let's beat the snot out of PNE!!!
Paul S at 14:26:10 Wednesday March 17 99
Well done Ray you're a star. Top by a long way in the soccer-links votes and second in hit counter.
The Exel Cobbler at 14:2:57 Wednesday March 17 99
Bringing up the great food debate, The Golden Chicken is also a great place for food. Also if you are unfortunate enough to come over to Wellingborough, I strongly reconmend Steve's Fish Bar on the High Street, just up from the United Reformed Church (Pork Pie Church). There's also a superb Grub Van on Park Farm Industrial Estate just past Exel. He serves a great Ham or Cheese salad French Stick for about £1 and his breakfast rolls are to die for.
SBJ at 13:52:22 Wednesday March 17 99
It sounds like there's a need for a Cobblers Exiles group: Cobbler Down Under, Richard in Hong Kong, the Norwegian guy, Chicago Cobbler, Vegas Cobbler, the Auckland one, and maybe the Cypriot Cobbler! A pre-season Cobblers tour of Cyprus would be nice. Personally I dream of retiring back to my old house on Park Avenue North . . .
Hartwell Cobbler (Dave) at 13:42:4 Wednesday March 17 99
Yes, Ralph, you are certainly remarkably well informed!! That's my dream (as they say we've all got to have one). I just hate the cold, love Cyprus and would ideally like to escape there from about Oct - May/June. But I can't afford to retire yet - my son's still at uni for one thing! You are right, of course - I'd miss the footie. Nearest clu'bs in Paphos. So I'd have to get the Evagoras scarf (although they're in div 2 and pretty dire)! I'd just have to rely on this site, the match reports and (of course) your expert comments and analysis. If I won the Lottery I'd fly back for each game of course! In my dreams!
Ralph at 13:7:49 Wednesday March 17 99
Hartwell Dave - What's all this about retiring to Cyprus! You'll never manage it with out your weekly dose of footie. Explain yourself! You cannot become a cyberspace supporter, it's in your blood.
SBJ at 12:51:4 Wednesday March 17 99
Sounds like I need to get chips both going to and coming from the match! Or alternatively to get out for more games. There's a really good chippy I was taken to once after a game at Sixfields - in Hunsbury I think, run by a Chinese-English family. The one on Abington Avenue was pretty good too (turn left past the County Tavern), or the van in the market square for a curry sauce and ketchup treat. Deep fried haggis will be sought when I go to see Fort William FC play in April.
Ray at 11:48:1 Wednesday March 17 99
Do they still do the battered haggis?
Nod at 10:46:3 Wednesday March 17 99
If you walk from station to Sixfields, the only place for chips is The Rainbow opposite Beacon - pure delight.
Sad Bloke at 9:2:17 Wednesday March 17 99
It probably has come up before but having a quick look at the table this morning, it would appear that goals scored could become a vital factor at the end of the season. We are currently struggling in this areas having only scored 28 - the second worst in the division behind Macclesfield. It would appear we need not only to win, but by some convincing margins. Oh of course to score goals you need goal scorers - I guess I've just added some fuel to the striker debate. I really don't mind what IA does as long as he sticks with his selection - A this stage we need all the plus' we can and a consistent pairing would be one such plus. Here's to a four niller on Saturday!!!
yogi Bear at 23:31:57 Tuesday March 16 99
At least the stiffs stuffed fu**ham. What with Notts County losing to the heathens at maine road perhaps some good may come of it....we'll see on saturday if atko will let david seal loose to wrap up the silkmen.
Anon at 21:39:35 Tuesday March 16 99
Notts County losing! ha ha. The good news is that despite Macclesfields improved form the have lost there last 5 succesive away games. ha ha
Burst that Bubble at 21:11:22 Tuesday March 16 99
I hate to quell some of the optimism about since Saturday but we were pretty poor, the only good things that came out of Saturday were 1. that we got three points 2. The crowd were excellent and 3. We scored more than one goal in a game. It was probably our worst performance since Fulham. I know results are the only thing that matters at this stage of the season, but I would have been more confident if we had played well. It concerns me that even with 10 men they could run us around like they did. Hopefully what the result will do is enhance the teams confidence and they will play better as a result, but if we continue to play like saturday we'll struggle to survive
Angry at 19:26:12 Tuesday March 16 99
As a person who makes the long arduous trek up to Fort Sixfields from the station on a regular basis I can tell you it's about a mile and a half away. To make the journey while away I usually buy some chips and curry sauce from the chippy near the bus depot (superb chips). Prediction for Saturday: 5-0 to the mighty Town (Carlo hat trick)
Sid at 18:28:47 Tuesday March 16 99
Okay, two bits of news. Colin Hill is in the N.I. squad to face Germany on March 27th. He will miss the match at Preston. And has anyone also heard that the Club are interested in Jamie Forrester of Scunthorpe?? I have had an e-mail from an scunthorpe fan stating this. Anyone???
T. at 18:15:39 Tuesday March 16 99
Chicago Cobbler, I'm still here, I pop in every day but don't always leave a message and I'm waiting for the biggie, 100000! So York have sacked their manager and we play them mid April, and my boyf's dad's a sweetie he's taking me to the Preston match but he's a PNE supporter.
treenie at 14:51:6 Tuesday March 16 99
well sorry but when you have to catch two buses to get to sixfields walking from the train station to the stadium seems to take a life time. At least with the Bournemouth match being at night I'll get a lift
Ray at 14:34:38 Tuesday March 16 99
Its about 2 miles I would guess.
SBJ at 12:59:56 Tuesday March 16 99
I had no idea the walk was only short! I stand ashamed :-( I've only ever been to Sixfields by car a few times from the Abington side of town. I've never attempted a 26-mile walk, (3 Peaks Challenge for Heart Research in June will be my first) but did manage the 100-mile South Downs Way in 5 days. Next walking adventure is Glencoe and Spean Bridge over Easter week (just costs apex train fare + food for 10 days' cheap holiday!) during which I'll wear my Cobblers scarf proudly and may even don the centenary shirt atop Ben Nevis, weather permitting. A peace-shattering rendition of 'Fields of Green' may be expected at some stage. Btw, I liked the 'bandana skin' gag :-P or even lol!
TRB Mark at 12:39:19 Tuesday March 16 99
Shamer on you SJB, it is a mere stroll from the station to Sixfields. Why don't you come on the Waendel walk with me, the 26 miler? Second thoughts, I would'nt bother, my blisters are still healing! Let us not underestimate the Macc lads, they are the type of bandana skin we have been slipping on all season. We, the crowd need to be the 12th man, or the 11th man if the ref is true to form. I did'nt make Wycombe but you could hear the Cobbs fans singing very loudly for most of the game on the radio. Good show by those that went. Alan Little has been give the big boot by York, so expect them to put a run together. This is gonna go to the wire, maybe even a final day decider with Burnley. I can feel the tension from May 8th reaching back in time as I type......
treenie_01 at 12:10:2 Tuesday March 16 99
surely from the train station you can catch a bus which will take you up to Sainsbury's (i think it's known as sixfields retail park or something.) It's a llot nicer than walking but it cost about 75p cause bus fares in this town are not cheap.
Eric Cartman at 12:7:40 Tuesday March 16 99
Sweet!
SBJ at 11:34:50 Tuesday March 16 99
Having borrowed from the Church Mice to fund last week's trip to High Wycombe, I've decided to unearth the credit card (already smoking from overuse) in readiness for a rare visit to Sixfields - first this season - to see us take on the Macc Lads. The Wycombe game was easily the most exciting game I've been to (not the best standard of play I'll admit), and there's no reason why this Saturday's shouldn't be a similar fight. Unfortunately this will also mean a walk from station to stadium and back, but it'll be worth it to cheer on the Cobblers and help a little bit to get us out of the basement. Btw, hello to the nice NTFC guy and his daughter who gave me directions to Adams Park on Saturday.
Anon at 10:51:33 Tuesday March 16 99
SEAL, SEAL, SEAL
Harte Welle Cobbler at 8:43:5 Tuesday March 16 99
Hamtune Chronicles. 1715AD. Alle armies and theire followerse doth martche on their stomaches. In olde tymes, when ye Men of Shoes did fighte battels at Abingtone, they trulye did feaste because of ye hotte supplys and provisiones provideth by Col. Anselle. During battels he opende cabines on toppe of ye hills on whyche followerse watchede ye skirmishes. There he dispenteth manie delightse, cooked on brasieres and servde acrosse hatches. The followerse of ye Men of Shoes did enjoe mightilie these providenses and queueth longe and with patiense for beefe from fattde calfe and onyiones wrappeth in breade with speciale hotte yellowe condimente, whyche forever banishde ye colde. They also dide enjoie ye pyes of pastrie with fillinge of grayveye and manie diverse thynges. Col. Anselle's name was sunge fare and wide because of these and his browne brothes. Duringe battels oftene ye smelles of onyiones were so greate as to make teares flowe without controle and it was saide manie of Ye Men of Shoes enemies were routde in this fashione. But when a new battel grounde was made for ye Men of Shoes at Dustone, Col. Anselle was not broughte there but in his place did come Pell Melle from far awaye. Insteade of beefe and onyiones ye Men of Shoes followres are in these tymes sustainde by pastries longe and fillde with force meat, potatoes cookde most fully in bagges and hot beveragyse of two typse but which many gainsay are similare in coloures and flavourse. Manie of ye Men of Shoes followres do lament and saye a statute to Col. Anselle muste be raised at Sixe Fieldes, in the likeness of a burgre. Good Save ye Kinge and Guido Michelin.
From the Cobbler's Last at 23:16:51 Monday March 15 99
A postscript from Saturday's Game at Wycombe. Did you notice that the referee was a Mr T. Bates of Stoke on Trent. Judging by his performance and the way he gave out red and yellow cards could he be the infamous referee MASTER BATES OF STOKE ON TRENT or is this just another way of putting a familiar cry?
Chicago Cobbler at 22:51:29 Monday March 15 99
T. haven't seen a post from you in awhile. Don't you usually go for the significant milestones on the hits list. I would have expected at least 79999??
Hippocrates at 22:28:24 Monday March 15 99
Mr. Kobbler being unkind to us poor Silkfolk will just not wash. We are both where we are on merit, and our recent run would suggest we will not roll over and die for you on Saturday. As I got the results right last Saturday may I have the temerity to suggest a 1 - 1 this weekend? Mr Sodje and his bandana may go elsewhere at the end of this season, but I doubt he will let any of your boys get a hatrick.
Lets us unite in our contempt for Mr. Posh and not argue amongst ourselves, it looks so cheap. Top chat here Ray, well done on the site.
Norwich Cobbler at 22:6:25 Monday March 15 99
So Stevie Brown reackons he may stop playing football because he keeps getting booked - oh dear what a shame.He was a good captain when he played for us but in every game I've seen him play for Wycombe he has been a dirty so and so - just desserts I think if he gets sent off for crude tackles - didn't he get accused of spitting at one of the Cobblers players in the 98 game at Sixfields?
4 days to go and already I can feel the anticipation - beat the Maccs
and overtake Burnley - 11 games to go - 6 wins would surely put us safe and with 7 at home we've got to start winning at home Saturday
Come you Cobblers!
Paul Callan at 21:57:21 Monday March 15 99
Ihope you can avoid the drop.Good luck with remaining games
Ray at 21:4:59 Monday March 15 99
wow - 80K whipped past!
ben at 20:57:16 Monday March 15 99
for those of you who cant decipher it, the incorrect spellings should read: wein=win od=of btw remember to go to my site!!! (a subtle hint here and there.....)
Ben at 20:54:43 Monday March 15 99
Its come to the stage where im resigned to the fact that there is little hope for us seeing that whenever we wein so do all the other bottom teams..... however im looking forward to beating the living crap out od Diremonds and peterborough
Dammit at 20:52:23 Monday March 15 99
80003
Big Roy at 17:59:16 Monday March 15 99
I agree gnk. The team really worked well together and the ball seemed to spend an unusual amount of time on the ground!
gnk at 17:41:18 Monday March 15 99
Looking at that reserve line-up. Am I the only one who wouldn't mind seeing that line-up in the first team?
Big Roy at 16:15:29 Monday March 15 99
Just back from the reserves game (v Fulham). Cobblers won 3 - 0 ! First goal in the 62nd minute saw Spedding and Seal link up yet again as Seal got onto a cross from the left wing and then tapped in the rebound. Second goal in the 78th minute as Seal knocked back a Spedding freekick and Savage struck into the right corner from just inside the area. Third goal in injury time saw Seal beat the offside trap and calmly put the ball past the keeper. Dobson played the whole match and Clarkson played the second half. Both seemed to come through unscathed. Warner played most of the game at left back (with a view to replacing Frain during suspension perhaps?). Team : Francis, Hunt, Warner, Hughes, Hill (Clarkson 45), Dobson, Savage, Matthew (Piercewright 78), Seal, Wilson (Morrow 87), Spedding.
The Exel Cobbler at 15:52:37 Monday March 15 99
Right then Direones. Funny how for a whole week after your defeat at 'Minging' Hayes there was'nt even a comment from you lot. Today, though, having looked through the mailings from the weekend, you are all crawling back out of the woodwork. Mr Posh may be a tit, but at least he still sings when they are losing. If you lose tomorrow night I look forward to reading your views on Wednesday morning on this site.
Kobbler at 13:48:22 Monday March 15 99
Div 3 for US, is it Macc lad? It's you that's going down you conference scum, we're going to hammer you on Saturday. A couple of lucky promotions and some clown in a bandana and you think you're a half decent side. Please down waste our time. Super Carlo for a hat-trick I reckon. THE TOWN IS STAYING UP!
Macc Town Fan at 12:19:59 Monday March 15 99
We need 3 points on Saturday and what an easy 3 they will be, sorry but I have the feeling its Div 3 for you boys
Ray at 12:4:5 Monday March 15 99
ooooooo - 80,000 mark is sneaking up on us very rapidly!
RICHARD at 12:2:9 Monday March 15 99
IK'CIWT: "Chairboys Sing The Blues". My opening gambit was to have been,"What is it about us and 10 men; can't win when reduced to 10; can't win against ten". Well, bugger me - not only did we win against ten, but we only had 10 on the pitch ourselves by the end of this thrilling match!! Argue away about the merits of mid-table mediocrity over a relegation struggle, but I can't remember three consecutive seasons providing such entertainment (albeit of a masochistic flavour this year!) other than perhaps the famous roller coaster rise and fall of the 60's. We've experienced three cracking seasons, all going down to the wire ( last minute escape for us anticipated this term, of course). For our first visit to High Wycombe, it was a pleasant surprise to drive clockwise around the M25 for a match. The boy, Chris thought I had lost it, so used is he to the Dartford side of the M25! Not trusting to the vagaries of the westward-bound motorway traffic, we arrived a good 1hour 45 minutes early. No rush, helpful stewards and a reasonable ground set-up, all things considered. I sat in the car reading the programme while the boy, Chris chased the Town team bus up to the stadium entrance on the off-chance that someone would sign his shirt . Apparently Richard Hope's nose is not a thing of beauty, close to! Mickey Warner was the only guy the locals wanted to speak to (Uni education, you see - he could pick the local patois - BTW, nice one, Monsieur HC; your franglais Hartwelle Chronicle earlier, deserves a 5 star category from the Michelin guide to comic relief!) But back to the WW game. I anticipated the crushing irony of their pre-game musak, with Status Quo's rendition of "The Wanderer" playing. With some words changed to protect the innocent, if you can recall the tune, it goes like this: "... They call us the Wanderers, --- the Wanderers ---- we 'll lose today, to Town, to Town. We're going down...". For nail-biting excitement and nerve-jangling tension, I thought the game was unsurpassed (maybe the Gillingham away win was close, but it was early days back in September and we still had delusions of promotion). For us to score so early was a real bonus; the manner of the goal too, from open play, was a tonic.Billy hoofs a free-kick, WW's suicidal off-side trap is sprung and Super Sean slpis through mano a mano on their 'keeper and slips it into the net! Stunning! The home fans must have poohed their pants; I'm sure they felt this was a definite win for them! For the whole of the first half it looked like we were coping with everything: Billy commanding his area and taking the high balls; the 3 centre backs clearing everything else; we didn't manage to dominate mid-field, but then we haven't all season. Enough pressing down the wings though created the chances to keep WW on their heels. Then came the second half !! Early pressure produces a penalty. On the TV it looked like CC was enveloped and dragged down - legit pen! You could feel the tension - to score would wrap it up for us; could we be so fortunate? Was the tide continuing to turn our way? Well. of course he missed it; his first for us. I'm more a purist when it comes to penalty taking; the boy, Chris always places them to the far right about 2 or 3 feet off the ground to give the 'keeper the least chance of saving; Carlo just bangs them in; this time a knee cap was the saviour of the Chairboys! But you can't complain about Carlo's scoring contribution this season. It's best to miss one now and then, so that the pressure of expectation doesn't build up too much on the penalty taker. We all knew he was going to miss - you could just sense it. But to give him his due, his head never went down and if anything he fought even harder to make amends -- and didn't he just; what a cracker of a finish at the death; just when we thought it was another 2 points dropped! A little dink over the top from Chris ( someone to our left was saying something like "What the hell is that going to achieve?") , a weak back pass and Carlo slips between their defenders, taps it over the 'keeper's flailing arms, runs onto his own flick-up and buries it in the back of the net. 2-1 to the Cobblers and that was that!! The only disappointent of the day for me was being trapped by one of those iniquitous speed cameras on the way home. I trust 56mph in a 30mph zone only warrants a slapped wrist!!!!!!!!!!
Missed 3 Games at 11:49:17 Monday March 15 99
Tired and Weary. Well not to sure about you tactics saturday, lob and chase over our back four but, hey, who cvares when your that worried about staying up! We, Wycombe, just commited suicide don't you think ? Brownie could have stayed on, no need for the challenges. But I think you will admit young Baird scored the pick of the goals. He may be our only spark in div 3 next year and at least he is going to sign a 3 year deal. You still have a lot to do though if you don't want to follow us down!
Andy C at 11:46:16 Monday March 15 99
You seem to be getting a bit carried away with your win, considering Oldham, Notts County, Lincoln and Macclesfield all won as well. Still, you've given yourselves some hope - if you'd lost you'd be as good as down. And you did considerably better than my lot! At least your win at Adams Park gives us hope for our trip there shortly - we've never won there. All the best for your games against the top teams.
Jacks at 11:30:55 Monday March 15 99
...points even...
Jacks at 11:29:49 Monday March 15 99
YESSSSSSS - Sean Parrish you started it - that winning feeling and he SO deserved it - kept his nerve and into the back of the net - fantastic. No, we didn't play our best game - but we did get the prize of 3 poits and yes the crowd was brilliant and I was proud to be there - Thought Billy had a great game again - well done. Frainy should have knwn better that to go in recklessly in the final minute - but Spedding is looking better all the time. Matt, Mr Posh and anyone else who come onto our site - great for Ray's position, but I suggest to all MIGHTY COBBLERS supporters - just ignore them - they are no-one to get worked up about. We ARE going to be in Division Two next season lads....every last person at Wycombe knew that at 4.50 (HOW much extra time) on Saturday and that includes the players..well done lads.
Matt at 11:1:57 Monday March 15 99
See you next season in Nationwide Division 3 - you don't think that an away win at lowly Wycombe will save you from the inevitable do you? After all, we are starting to get bored of the local derby with Kettering, as there is no longer any contest. (4 games, 11 for, 2 against) Have a pleasant relegation!!
SBJ at 9:49:47 Monday March 15 99
Yes, a good win. I go with the comments John McCrirrick made on Saturday evening on this site. Well worth missing Marylebone Station's 100th birthday for. Do I win a prize for being the only Cobbler stupid enough to walk back to the train station from Adams Park after the game? Also, commiserations to whichever Cobblers fan turned up and found their pre-booked ticket missing - Pall Mall 'neglected' to send mine on the team bus as they'd promised, and the WWFC commercial office instead gave me a ticket belonging to someone else entirely. Burnely looked alright on Sunday for anyone who didn't see it. Strange that the Silkman's predictions for Saturday's results came true; let's hope his relegation predictions do too. Everyone's said it all about the game already, so I won't add much more except to say that Billy T was great, Roy playing the ball out of our half was superb, Parrish worked his socks off, and we the fans were excellent in our support. Even the penalty compo at half-time wasn't bad. Second division safety is now ours for the claiming!
gnk at 9:33:11 Monday March 15 99
It was nice that we scraped the win, but I did think the team selection was perculiar. More of that later. I know it's hard to believe but I think that Parrish's goal was a pre-rehersed move. Before the kick was taken, Parrish shouted very loudly "Switch on, F***ing switch on". I thought that he was trying to hype the players up. But by the way everyone except Parrish retreated when the kick was taken, I have to come to the conclusion that it was a training ground move that worked well. on the team selection front, I can't understand why Gibb is preferred to Warner. Warner is a better defender, a better crosser, his distribution is better, and when he has the ball at his feet he doesn't just head straight down the line.
I would always start the game with savage rather than parrish, because despite the goal, Parrish is still a shadow of his former self. We looked a good side once Spedding came on and added a bit of width. Why do we only play good passing football at the end of games? Why not from the start? Still, it's nice to get that winning feeling again!
SBJ at 9:18:30 Monday March 15 99
check out the SoccerLinks site - Ray's number one in the March votes list!! By just one vote!!
The Exel Cobbler at 8:26:55 Monday March 15 99
Yeeeeeesssssss. Great result saturday. I thought we played well but looked very dodgy when Brownie was sent off. Mr. Posh, when I opened up the trap door to have a look down I saw Peeborough NIL Swansea 1. AND when I logged onto this site this morning I see that you are, for some reason, gloating and raving on about how we will be playing you next season. I somehow don't think you'll be supporting a Second Division team next season. Could someone tell me what Micheal Warner did wrong during the course of last week???
Northampton Gas at 23:38:35 Sunday March 14 99
Sorry the last message from me was incomplete. It should have finished ...will sign before the transfer deadline for Rushden & Diamonds. Max has offered to match the wages he is on with the Gas. Well done on saturday, a great result. I thought the only match you would win before the end of the season would be on Easter Monday. Come on you can still stay up - I don't want you to go down - if you can win two league games on the trot, that is more than the Gas have done all season. The Gas Internet group are sponsering the match ball on Easter Monday and am not certain if I should become involved. See you all soon.
Robert (again) at 23:36:21 Sunday March 14 99
Oh great Tilson is 33 in June another one for the future, then again if is going to be cheap i.e £30 000, he may be a bargain, like Colin Hill who is better than Lee "Head Upwards" Howey
Robert Dunkley at 23:32:45 Sunday March 14 99
Maybe Tilson is signing to play in the right back position as Clarky will not be fit this season, or we are losing a centre-back. With Dobson, fit next season could Atkins get rid of Hill and more significantly Ian Sampson, who has suffered since the departure of GOD Razor, our Atkisn is planning an exicting new 8-1-1 formation.
Angry at 20:58:15 Sunday March 14 99
Oh bugger, not another centre half. Are we working our way through until we sign Premiership centre halves - we'll get Tony Adams when he's 49 and shite and we'll also sign Steve Bould, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown and Nigel Winterburn to form Ian Atkins' new back five after the departure of Frainy & co to P**erborough for tuppence ha'penny. Then we'll sign Wes Brown in the height of his career and he'll get left on the bench because 'he lacks experience' - If you want experience Brummieboy why don't you play yourself??? Anyway, continuing the subject of signing crap or old players why don't we sign Stanley Matthews? Ok, he's about 80 but he'll 'be a useful and experienced addition to the squad who will bring on Mickey Warner and Ali Gibb' - Maybe by the time they're old enough to enjoy whist drives they'll get into the team. Ahem. Keep the Hamtune chronicles up Hartwell, they're of a high quality - Unlike Mr. Posh who's just a knobend. Mr. Posh, why don't you go and find some friends you sad c**t.
Northampton Gas at 20:21:33 Sunday March 14 99
You will recall that I was the first to tell you that Tommo was leaving for the Gas. Now, I can tell you that Andy Tillson the Gas captain and central defender will sign before the transfer deadline
Phil Baron at 20:14:4 Sunday March 14 99
Mr Posh you are as sad as the shit team you support perhaps we should all make something up ...heres one for you "Peterboro are a good team to watch" there we can all do it if we try!!!!
Norwich Cobbler at 20:12:44 Sunday March 14 99
Mr Poo - do you remember 97 -we got promoted and you got relegated -Don't think I've ever laughed so much!
Norwich Cobbler at 20:8:39 Sunday March 14 99
Great result Saturday lads - its not the style that counts just the three points.Me and the family will be making the excursion for Saturday to see us bag another 3 vital points.Atkins says that the Wycombe result is the 'turning point' - lets hope so there have been too many false dawns this season now we've got to get on a good unbeaten run while teams like Burnley & York are losing - pleased I'm not a Wycombe fan this weekend they must be staring down the barrel now.
Well done lads - make it count Saturday!!!!
Pooborough did well Saturday didn't they - Barry Fry and the Poo Heads are made for each other -don't resign Barry your doing a great job!
Mr Posh at 19:47:12 Sunday March 14 99
Just to let you sad losers know, do you remember "In the know" a few months ago? Yup that was me Mr Posh and you lot swallowed it hook, line and sinker...especially Hartwell Cobbler...(yuh, "in the know" is right) HA HA HA HA - Tossers.
Phil Baron at 19:20:37 Sunday March 14 99
Anon at 12.58 I think it clearly reads who I am do you have trouble with that if so you must be Mr Posh's sidekick!!!
Bill at 18:20:19 Sunday March 14 99
Please don't encourage Mr. Posh... he should be humoured but not taken notice of
Ray at 18:6:42 Sunday March 14 99
Well Mr. Liverpool - we may not win it - but at least we are in front of you - lol!
Ray at 18:5:15 Sunday March 14 99
Although the form says 8th. March the voting was extended to 15th. March due to the interest being generated - you have until 5pm tomorrow to vote!
Mr Posh Appreciation Society at 18:1:4 Sunday March 14 99
The man is quality! Give him his own website
Hart Welle Cobbler at 17:54:8 Sunday March 14 99
Hamtune Chronicles. 1699AD. Next yeare Ye Men of Shoes do have new uniformes for theire armie, whiche ye burghers of Northamptone do choose from woodcuttes portrayde in locale pamphletes. Ye shirtes will be of crymsone with whyte edges and of ample lengthe so as to allowe to be weare in bedde at nighte, keepinge at baye colde and dangres of chillblaynes. Pantaloons, much fashionabel in these tymes, wille be whyte and to lengthe whiche doth cover the kneese so as to remayne most modeste before ladie folke. They will be tyeed at waiste with sashe, ye haberdashre not being certaine that elastik, a newe materiale, will be of profounde enough durabylitie as to resiste alle traumers of battel. Undre ye pantaloons will be systyms of strappes and knotes tyed, so as to retayne alle modestie and to resiste payne when at a runne. Ye sockes will be crymsone held in place with gartres of creame. It beinge most propre these dayes to have heade covre, Ye Men of Shoes wille be attyre in stove pipe hattes of crymsone, with holes in toppe to allowe them to catchest balles which cometh down upon them from greate hightie. We do have much advantages with regarde to bootes, ye towne being famed throughoute ye lande for such industrie. These will be mayde by Martyne, a doctor of these partes, to his most moderne designes. They will be above the ankel, with leathre studdes and bigge toe cappes, wherin wille be concealeth suitabel amountes of gun powdre, whyche when ignite wille strike greate feare into the heartes of the enemie. Thus will ye Men of Shoes do battel and beinge of so radiante a dispositione, will be fearyde by alle. God Save the Kinge!
Bill at 16:56:11 Sunday March 14 99
Thanks Ray, is it too late to vote, 'cos it says March 8th on the form? My quizlet should be working by the time I get Angry to help me - I'm n#t e$a&tl*y a t!ch^^logi/a+ w!z@rd - lol
Liverpool at 15:32:3 Sunday March 14 99
hahahaha you are trying to win the soccer links hahahahahaha you'll never make it
I mean NEVER
Hippocrates at 14:15:53 Sunday March 14 99
Hello Cobblers
14:19 - Bumley 0 Preston 1
Deepcut Cobbler at 13:15:14 Sunday March 14 99
WE WILL. We will get out of this. We will be in the Second Division next season. We will be in a higher division than them. We will retain our Optimism. WE WILL......... COME ON YOU COBBLERS
Anon at 12:52:27 Sunday March 14 99
Phil Baron:WHO R U?
Phil Baron at 12:33:49 Sunday March 14 99
Well done Ray nice one..Its prats like Mr Posh that do come in useful sometimes dont they!!!!
Jiminy Cricket at 12:24:4 Sunday March 14 99
Did anyone see Casualty last night? Sam died. Oops, sorry - wrong site.
Deepcut Cobbler at 11:58:38 Sunday March 14 99
Just Breezed onto the site and hit 79500. First time I have hit any sort of milestone. Just wanted to register the fact. Weh Hey!!!COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Ray at 10:50:56 Sunday March 14 99
THANKS! Thanks to all the people that voted! We are now NUMBER ONE! (but we knew that anyway) We are still in 4th. place on the hits list - 108 behind Man Untied Top 100.......
Ray at 10:48:45 Sunday March 14 99
Bill - Ive mailed you the URL for the Cobblers Kit vote - and your page for voting mentioned below doesnt work....
Bill at 7:40:21 Sunday March 14 99
Ray could you mail me the kit colours please? Ta.
Bill at 7:33:36 Sunday March 14 99
Sorry ray, something cocked up there methinks
Bill at 7:32:51 Sunday March 14 99
Mr. Posh, you don't talk anything but ccc rr aa ppp
c r r a a p p
c rrrr aaaa ppp
c r r a a p
ccc r r a a p
Bill at 7:24:50 Sunday March 14 99
I've set up a guestbook and quizlet for everyone to argue about the scum... http://olympia.fortunecity.com/lewis/434 should get you there, there's also a quizlet to work out if there are more p*** fans than just Mr. P*** and Paul
The Optimist at 23:52:56 Saturday March 13 99
What a devastating result today. I'm distraught....... Walsall won today and we are unable to clinch that second automatic promotion spot. We'll have to concentrate on a play-off final for the third year running. I wonder who we will play this year? I hope we'll beat the Wembley record again. See you there folks who cares who we play - we'll win .... just like every other game left this season.
Ray at 23:44:34 Saturday March 13 99
Sid's Site works fine for me as well..... get yourselves a decent ISP folks...... like most things in this life - you get what you pay for.
Sid at 23:41:56 Saturday March 13 99
eeerrrrrrrrrrrrr.......... when my site decides to load up i will be in there. If anyone is in there, please wait!
Ray at 23:32:9 Saturday March 13 99
www.ntfc.co.uk is working fine for me....
Sid at 23:29:57 Saturday March 13 99
If anyone fancies a chat now, about todays match, (WIN!) come to http://members.xoom.com/cobblers See yah there!
Paul at 22:53:9 Saturday March 13 99
Angry : Yes Posh are in the 3rd on merit, I'm not disputing that. Trouble is, in a couple of months so will the Cobblers.
Anon at 22:52:53 Saturday March 13 99
ntfc.co.uk is down
Angry at 22:39:44 Saturday March 13 99
Good win, keep it up lads and please get injured Chris Lee because you're a wet poof. Anyway Paul, who gives a shit? Basically we are in the second division on merit and you are in the third division on merit (you were shite last season so you didnt go up). Anyway, I'm sick of arguing with P**erborough fans with the IQ of 25 P.E teachers. Ho hum. Ah well, see you all at Macclesfield. Come to think of it, weren't the scum shite last season, the season before...
From The Cobbler's Last at 22:26:6 Saturday March 13 99
A good win today although we had to sweat a bit. It looked liked the old familiar story when they went down to 10 men and we conceded an equaliser soon after. Okay, so the second half performance didn't match the control we had in the first but Wycombe had to attack us and perhaps should have done better. They were poor and we deserved the win. Lets give some credit for the latter display in the second half. We tried to get it wide and pull them about and it worked to some extent. Gibb got worse as the game went on and the 'seige mentality' of the defenders has got to stop. Corrazin struck the penalty hard but probably too low and too straight giving the keeper a chance for it to strike his legs and rebound to safety. Now for the ref - he was poor yet again. He started the problems by giving Howard a yellow card for a genuine attempt for the ball - I thought he was fouled, it was a clear 50-50 ball. After that he booked anybody who made a marginally late tackle. Brown deserved to be sent off as he was lucky the ref missed his first half lunge that left one of ours injured. His challenge on Gibb was diabolical and could have been a straight red card - he just chopped him down at the waste long after the ball had gone. I not sure he meant the second tackle that got him a yellow but justice was done. Frain was marginally late and the ref couldn't resist the chance to send him off. A lot of fouls were missed again and yellow cards were thrown about like confetti. Wycombe look like they will go down - they weren't quite up for it and they should have been. Like everyone else, I cannot understand why Savage and Warner are not even on the bench, let alone in the team! Lee did better than other games of late but I'm still not convinced he is ready for the fight we have on our hands - he is too much of a passenger and thinks he can win the ball by advancing in a semi- aggressive manner but then pull out at the last moment, hoping the opposition will be scared.
Having got said all that, these were three good points today and the fact most of the others got points, it shows how much we needed them. Come on Cobblers - five away wins and two home wins all season - we now what needs to be done now with seven home matches to come out of the last 11 - Request we play them away from home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Preferably all aginst Wycombe..........................
Hart Welle Cobbler at 22:8:1 Saturday March 13 99
Hamtune Chronicles. Daniel Defoe's Diaries. March, 1686AD. My unexpectde adventure to Sixe Fieldes, Northamptone, last yeare did cause several good burghers to send me writings about events I sawe with mine eyes that daye. Baron Stone Hill, Lord of ye Men of Shoes and an Agent of Estates, provideth a pamphlet whiche explaineth ye rules and regulationes of foote ball. Due to his benevolences I am now familiare about ye conventiones of goales. As to ye wolocks I also doth have explanatynes, thankes to my kinde friende Robbe. I am also intoned regardeth tactiks. Sire Yan Brummiekins, Leader of ye Men of Shoes, maketh me understande that being of goode defensive dispositione is of best countenance in foote ball. And if I am not agreeable to that, he would be most obliged if I did go forthe and sowe some seedes. Being not of an agryculturle leaninge, I hastende to ye Wyevale to be appraised of the situe. The attendante there was most amusede by my enquirie and at his bidding I did purchase a sacke fulle of oates, whiche he assurde me was right for ye purpose and would growe most firme and handsome. I thinke the correcte action might be for me to plante them on Sixe Fieldes meadow, whereupon they growe as highe as a Turlee and maketh not possibel for any one to againe make a goale against ye Men of Shoes. I am certaine, for this, Sire Brummiekins would be moste favourable disposde towardes me. In my travailes I am soone to go to the citie of Peterbughe, where I am tolde there are trape doores whiche do creake in the windes from ye Fennes, so loude as to be hearde in everie parishe because of special nets whiche I am informde now pervade the whole of this noble lande. I suspecte I am to beare witnesse to a most straynge plaice.God Save the Kinge!
Anon at 21:57:27 Saturday March 13 99
sid....U mean you want us to win AND play well???
The Olney Cobbler at 21:33:33 Saturday March 13 99
Great Result. Phew! Another great result from London Road as well! FRY IN! FRY IN! FRY IN! FRY IN!
Ahhh, that's better.
Thought Turley had another good game today. Only one slight complaint and that was the sight of Warner sitting in the stand. Was he injured?
Mr Posh (The real one) at 21:32:53 Saturday March 13 99
Excellent, the knoblers won!! So did Lincoln, Oldham, Maccs and Notts. HA HA HA!!
Ray at 21:14:43 Saturday March 13 99
I was gonna log on and suggest what Mr Posh's comments would be..... but I see he beat me to it..... (I see that they had an excellent result aginst Swansea today!)
POSH HATER FC at 21:9:19 Saturday March 13 99
For ever and ever
W`ell follow our team
we are NORTHAMPTON
we rule supreme
w`ell never be mastered
by any POSH BASTARD
w`ell kepp the CLARET flag flying high
THE COBLLERS...THE COBBLERS... THE COBBLERS
Big Roy at 20:57:24 Saturday March 13 99
One image from todays match which will remain etched on my mind for a long time was the look of shear relief on Sean Parrish's face as he stood with clenched fists celebrating his goal directly in front of us. All of our joy/celebration/relief was being reflected back and magnified a thousand times by that huddle of players. I agree that the second half was not very good and I have certainly seen them play better and lose. However, those 3 points are like gold dust at the moment (especially considering the results of those around us at the bottom of the table). Criticism and abuse are only ever demotivating. The players need support from all quarters, every game, for the rest of the season. I thought our vocal support this afternoon was excellent (with a few exceptions from the mindless, tiny minority). Has anybody got any idea what the small protest from the couple of dozen Wycombe fans who stayed behind on the terracing behind their goal was all about?
Sarcastic winner at 20:1:13 Saturday March 13 99
I've not managed to catch a glimpse of the division three scores yet, can anyone tell me the Peterboro result.
Anon at 19:58:57 Saturday March 13 99
Mr Posh, 3 points and you obviously don't like it, we're staying up, youre sad and have got no friends and Posh are shite
Mr Posh at 19:56:58 Saturday March 13 99
I suppose you wasters think you can make the play offs now? You are still in the bottom 4, who all go DOWN, DOWN DOWN, HAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAA
Sid at 19:9:59 Saturday March 13 99
Anyway, to carry on from my earlier message, Atkins' team selection was poor. Warner, Savage , Hunt, Matthew, Seal, and Hill all travelled, but they sat in the stand next to us looking bored. Someone happened to say (from a source here) that the players weren't to happy with the selection.......... Hope and Turley almost a ruck on the field, until Frain stepped in. Harsh sending off at the end for him, but the ref was again dishing cards out al over the place. Brown's first tackle that earnt him a booking was reckless on Gibb. All in all, i am happy with the 3 points, but the team could have played better.
Sid at 18:27:40 Saturday March 13 99
Just got back, and well, a win is a win in my book! second half was bloody crap. Our defender were just deflated when Baird scored the goal. Stevie Brown sent off, he couldn't handle the pressure we were dishing out to him. The away support was magnificant!! Lots of people starting off chants etc. Their goalie was at fault for both goals. He absolutely bottled it and our player took the advantage. Carlo's penalty miss was just silly. He hit it straight at the keeper, and he got his legs in the way.
John Mcrirrick at 18:15:44 Saturday March 13 99
Just got back. 3 points eh. Very poor performance 2nd half, we seem to have a real problem playing against ten men, Bristol Rovers, Millwall, Man City and now Wycombe, we always seem to look worse AFTER their sending off. This is probably because to take advantage of the extra man we need to pass the ball which we seem incapable of doing. We benefited from some of that luck that we have been missing today. In the second half we were completeley out played, especially after Browns sending off. Gibb was awful, I've never seen him have a worse game but Turley looked safe and confident, the away support was magnificent and it was warming to hear chants of "there's only one Billy Turley", I honestly think that he is a good keeper in the making and I know alot of supporters disagree but I think IA is right and he is a better long term proposition than Woody. We benefited from two woefull defensive errors for our two goals but we have deserved a change in luck. IA was very low profile and Kev Wilson led the players in a pre match hug in the middle of the pitch and was again noticable after the game congratulating the players and thanking the fans when Atkins was nowhere to be seen. Another strange team selection, do we really have to have so many changes week on week. Does IA understand continuity ?. No place for Warner or Savage even on the bench, obviously too much individual ability for a relegation dog fight. Still 3 points though and at this stage I don't care how we get them as lond as we do, just soured a little by the other results.
Robert at 17:24:44 Saturday March 13 99
Losing Frain is a blow for a game agains Preston, BUT Frain is not as good as Spedding as left wing back in a 5-3-2 system.
Now we have won no one will notice, where was SAVAGE and WARNER Atkins??????
Bill at 17:18:1 Saturday March 13 99
Ha ha Mr.Posh! What's your next comment going to be then? "The trap door creaks shut a bit more" or what? You aren't exactly climbing up a rope ladder either are u?
Ian at 17:7:23 Saturday March 13 99
Thanks for the updates, Soccernet still hasn't changed the score.
TRB Mark at 16:58:26 Saturday March 13 99
Anyone notice how we seem to be putting together a bit of a run away from home? Mr Posh, the greasy pole out of divison 3 got a little more slippery today eh?Eh? EH?
Ray at 16:50:56 Saturday March 13 99
COBBLERS WIN!!!
kev at 16:50:50 Saturday March 13 99
yes ! the whistle just gone and weve done it ! 3 points to us such relief, I dont think well move position though but we can keep up with the pack, well done cobblers now 3 points against macclesfied
Ray at 16:48:48 Saturday March 13 99
John Frain sent off in injury time!
kev at 16:44:55 Saturday March 13 99
Releif! can the cobblers hang on, I wasnt looking forward to seeing the cobblers sitting at the bottom, Turley just saved a shot, sounds like Turley having a good game, Hang on there cobblers!
Ray at 16:44:47 Saturday March 13 99
Injury time....
Ray at 16:40:56 Saturday March 13 99
3 minutes to go!
Ray at 16:39:41 Saturday March 13 99
Wycombe 1 Cobblers 2.....
Ray at 16:39:3 Saturday March 13 99
CORAZZIN SCORES!!!!
kev at 16:29:54 Saturday March 13 99
bad news, macclesfield are leading 1-0
Ray at 16:29:41 Saturday March 13 99
This is the 3rd. successive match where someone has been sent off (and we didnt win the other two either)
Ray at 16:26:28 Saturday March 13 99
Currently 1-1. Notts County 3-1 up against York.
Ray at 16:24:31 Saturday March 13 99
Corazzin misses penalty (saved), Brown sent off, Freestone on for Howard, almost scores with his first touch, Wycombe immediately counter and equalise.
pete at 16:21:11 Saturday March 13 99
Help! I'm in the middle of nowhere with no source of info except this site- what is happening?
kev at 16:11:34 Saturday March 13 99
oh no its bloody well saved!
kev at 16:10:49 Saturday March 13 99
the cobblers have a penalty!
Ray at 16:4:49 Saturday March 13 99
Cobblers leading 1-0 ha;f time - Parrish 17 minutes. Radio Nuthamton have now buggered off to the rugby.
Kev at 15:16:6 Saturday March 13 99
yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees the cobblers have just scored! parish on the score sheet after beating an offside trap,
Mark Too at 15:13:13 Saturday March 13 99
YYYYEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!
Cobblers score! Parrish
Eastander at 14:38:3 Saturday March 13 99
By the time on this posting I obviously haven`t gone today but like all good fans I`m hoping for a win, its time for Howard to score and we haven`t had many goals from the back this season perhaps today from Sampson Howie or Gibb. What`s to happen next week with Howard suspended will Seal at last get a decent run in the first team, two goals in the reserves can`t have done him any harm, and if IA hasn`t got a personal problem with Seal how is it when Seal was sent off he was instantly dropped even before his suspension started for the given reason that IA wanted a settled strike force, but when Howard got sent off he`s been played right up to the start of his suspension. I`ve got nothing against Howard he`s obviously fit strong big and holds the ball fairly well (a vast improvement on that donkey Wilkinson)but IA seems to be appying double standards, perhaps as i`ve said in a previous posting its not just more honesty we need from the players we need more honesty from the manager
Sunderland Cobbler at 14:0:23 Saturday March 13 99
Lets get behind the team today fellow cobblers. We can win well today
I think. 3-0 is my bet. Howard TWO and Carlo the other one. The start of a new era under IA or what!(Untill they chop him at the end of the season when we stay up)
Have not been able to contact club shop this week. Do they sell NTFC Bow Ties or can you get any in local shops in Nenetown?
COME ON YOU SAINTS COME ON YOU SAINTS COME ON YOU SAINTS COME ON YOU SAINTS COME ON YOU SAINTS COME ON YOU SAINTS COM ON YOU SAINTS!!!
TRB Mark at 13:56:27 Saturday March 13 99
Paul, yes I did go to NEN college. Bloody hell, don't tell me I know a boro fan!! I don't want to be picky with the hooli /international arguement, but as for the Auto Windscreen game, you are joking that the Moys end was not full. I had to stand in a corner because there was no room anywhere else! It was the same in the fA cup game a few seasons back. And as for the score, I only seem to remember Cobblers handing out a 0-5 drubbing in the 80's. Call it selective memory!
Mrs Dragon at 13:26:4 Saturday March 13 99
Can anyone confirm if my boy Clarence is playing today?
Bill at 12:23:14 Saturday March 13 99
And Nene is pronounced NEN - something else factually correct. My team 4 today (4-4-2): Turley, Hope, Frain, Hill, Sampson, Savage, Matthew (why not?), Hunter, Hunt, Howard, Corazzin. Bench: Seal, Spedding, Gibb
Bill at 12:19:41 Saturday March 13 99
Paul, I've got something factually correct for you - the Cobblers are in the division above you scum so SHUT THE #### UP!
Ray at 12:15:53 Saturday March 13 99
The soccer-links thing may be better than is shown - its currently 3 days out of date and we gave the others 2 days start (just to give them a small chance) - but thanks!
Ray at 12:14:7 Saturday March 13 99
Richard - can I recommend Ibruprofen - both anti-inflammatory and pain killer in one.....
Paul at 12:4:4 Saturday March 13 99
TRB Mark : Mr Angry's posts that "Boro always run from Cobblers" and "We've got more current internationals than you" were both factually inaccurate, which I said in my previous replies. I didn't think it was THAT difficult to work out. Did you go to Nen(e) College by any chance ??? And since when did you bring 2000-3000 fans to London Road for a midweek Auto-Winderscreen tie? If you're talking about our meeting last season the Moys End holds about 1800 nowdays and was nowhere near full. I'll give you around 1200 in there and another 300 in the seats making a much more realistic 1500 Wobblers in total. Still I was quite impressed because you never used to bring that many in the 'old days'. By the way can you remember what the result was ???
RICHARD at 11:12:4 Saturday March 13 99
Cobblers site is currently 2nd on WWW. soccer-sites.com and 4th in both hits and votes on the WWW.soccer-links.com!!! Well done Ray and the rest of you posters.
RICHARD at 10:43:35 Saturday March 13 99
IK'CIWT: It's a little late, I know, but having risen from my death bed to make the City game, I was consigned to another week on the floor staring at the ceiling, with this accursed back problem! Good job we didn't score last week because leaping about in celebration would have put me out of action for the rest of the season! Dosed up with anti-inflammatories (pain-killers were forbidden, because of ther drowziness/driving dilemma), I made my way to Sixfields by car (I've tried BR before - never again!) with the boy, Chris and his Man U/Cobblers loving friend. We took the Trust Bus to the ground, on the way having reacquainted ourselves with the delights of the Knutsford Service station. I must say Maine Road was a disappointment; Craven Cottage, for example, has an olde-worlde, by-gone era, wooden charm of it's own (notwithstanding the away end portaloos!), but Maine Road was just a pile of 70's light blue plastic junk, roughly thrown together to accommodate a mass of marauding Manchester maniacs (particular eyesore was the rent-a-scaffold seating to our left, reminiscent of the old County Ground at its worst!) Mind you, to be a part of nearly 30,000 fans inside one ground was exciting and I thought our fans support during and after the game was a credit. As for the game itself, a lot has already been posted here and on the e-list, covering much of what I had intended to say, but one or two remarks are worth re-iterating. Before the match we would all have settled for the one point; the sending off seemed to have little effect on our style of play; we played them off the park at home earlier this season, so why shrink into our shell?; why were Carlo and Michael on the bench for so long when Chris and Ali looked all at sea for most of the game?; and finally........MotM Billy Turley! Great for his and the team's confidence to produce a star performance. Long may it last. Setting off for Wycombe now; what a lovely day for a '6 pointer'.
Bill at 9:52:53 Saturday March 13 99
Angry...... PLEASE stop using my name.... I'm b***dy well BEGGING you!!
Bof at 8:57:25 Saturday March 13 99
Thank you very much for a top site. I enjuy searching through it a lot and look forward to more new and exciting ideas. Good luck today against Wycombe, I shall be There.
Kevin Simons at 7:29:36 Saturday March 13 99
So I see from last night's paper that according to Atkins "a point will suit us a lot more than it will suit them" So we're not going to play any attackers, and we're going for a point. We should have been informed of this by the Sixfields ticket office before buying our tickets - perhaps they're even guilty of miss-selling this as a football match. They should call an emergency board meeting before Country Lion turn up and sack Atkins before he can say who's going to Wycombe. Seal's not even training with the first team and, sorry Ray, I know Wilkinson is now out for the season but he has to be one of Atkins' worst ever signings; he played some 20 games and only scored once. I rest my case. PS we could be bottom by 5 o'clock tonight.
TRB Mark at 1:14:58 Saturday March 13 99
Paul, P**s off back to your own site Pleeeeeeeeze! You keep going on about "factual inaccuracies" but never actually back up what you are saying. When you can bring 2-3,000 fans to Northampton for a mid week Auto Windscreen trophy tie, then you might have some credibility as a real rival, but we despise boro because you are spawny and nothing else.
New Zealand Cobbler at 0:4:17 Saturday March 13 99
Greeting to all fans of Hamtune! Hartwell Cobbler, just dropping you a quick line to let you know that I've arrived back in Auckland alright. Weather is great! Good luck to the cobblers for the rest of the season, I'll be staying in touch closely. Will miss the Sixfields roar but I will be back next season! Hopefully to see some more Division 2 action! COME ON COBBLERS! YOU CAN DO IT! BEAT THE BASEMENT!
Paul at 23:37:58 Friday March 12 99
Angry Cobbler : Ooops - you've scored an own goal as Etherington, Davies, Koogi and Inman make it 4-3 to us. So thats ANOTHER factual inaccuracy in one of your posts. Anyway, you've got "five or six players that could make it in the Premiership" and we've got four current internationals and we're BOTH struggling. Says alot for our respective managers doesn't it ?? (at least we can probably agree on that !!!!). See you next season - TTFN.
oily sailor at 23:29:40 Friday March 12 99
the word i used was actually latin but I don't expect any of the illiterate fools here to understand.
I am fully confident that we will win tomorrow because simply we are playing you. Every time I have seen northampton play I have actually been offended at the lack of talent and skill. I really feel sorry or all of you saps....
Watch Stevie Brown do the magic tomorrow boys and girls
Hippocrates at 22:59:30 Friday March 12 99
I have just looked for a Peterborough site, the only one I coudl find went on about "a massive sale", me-thinks they have missed the words 'car' and 'boot' out somewhere.
PS. These apples Mr ganja-off-his-face goes on about with razor blades in, are they self peeling?
Angry Cobbler at 22:39:51 Friday March 12 99
Well Paul, we have five or six players who could make it in the Premiership - Hunter, Corazzin, Freestone (who did play in the Prem for Middlesbrough), Hope, Warner and of course Super Dave Savage (what a player - one of the most skilful players i've seen here in many a while - reminds me of a consistent more mellow version of Heggsy. And we also have three times as many current internationals as the scum (Hill, Corazzin and Savo). Now, lets name P**terborough's star players - er, hmm? that dickhead winger who loads of clubs want and thats about it. You were born shite and you'll die shite. Anyway, I was having a quick butchers hook at the programme for West Ham and it said they wouldn't sell John Hartson for less than 15 million - a wee lie one thinks.
Sid at 22:34:11 Friday March 12 99
Okay then, Sid's final comment time. Wycombe Wanderers, and i cant wait! This should be a match to watch judging by our last performance against them. We have to be positive, and that include the supporters. Dont get down hearted if we go 1 down. SING LOUDER!! Anyway, not making any predictions here, if Atkins puts out a footballing side, we may well get a couple of goals. (How many is that again?? Has to be more than one.........) Hartwell Cobbler, that would be a great fanzine piece if you did your Chronicles in there. It the great power of satire that makes me laugh at that. I didn't like it at first, but its okay now. Send one to Rob Marshall!
Okay, i have a sneaky feeling tomorrow at 5pm, all might be well in the Cobblers Camp.......... COME ON TOWN!!!!!!!!!
Hippocrates at 22:20:46 Friday March 12 99
Dear Cobblers
I cannot stand Mr. Posh's taunts anymore. I have just read the tea leaves, and I will let you know the future. Relegated this season will be: Wycombe, Notts County, Burnley and Oldham. the Silkmen will beat Colchester tomorrow, please dispose of Wycombe in return.
If Macclesfield are relegated it will almost be worth it to whip Mr. Posh's sorry arse. Good luck for the rest of the season!
Hart Welle Cobbler at 21:11:29 Friday March 12 99
Hamtune Chronicles. 16 Octobre, 1618AD. News from Westminstere that ye greate Sire Walter Raleigh, courtier, soldyer, poet, hystorian and by-cycle repairere, hath been properlie celebrate and honourde for his wondrous feates of explorationes by removale of his heade. It is saide he mete the Kinge's displeasure in making war with ye Spanyiardes. But I doth discovere that suche was not his treasone. Sire Walter's fortunes did falle because he findeth not El Dorado and alle the jewels therein, but insteade did discovre a potatoe. All personnes should knowe that in his searchinges Sire Walter did truley finde manie wondrous thinges. Ye Lome Axe, a strange instrumente possessinge poweres of charitie most mightie, Gibbe, a paste whiche doth venerablie cleaneth ye teethe and gumes, a newe fraine for his by-cycles and Heagges, a wilde man from dark and distante landes unknowne. He returneth with these and othre treisures and presente them alle to good Queene Elizabethe. She did did make offeres of alle these thinges to here friend, Sir Barrie of Stone Hill and his fulsome and goodly wife, Mistress Jacqueline. And they were borne backe to his towne of Northamptone, where they did joyne his armie, the Men of Shoes, and make greate clout therein. Sad to telle, Heagges did not to his taste finde ye meadow landes at Sixe Fieldes and was sicke of spirite. Some sayes he pinde for his natife homelandes all those leagues away. He was latre captured by Grigges, leadre of a powerfulle bande of fortune hunteres from a near bye hamlet and was seen again, onley fleetingelye. Manie saye Sire Walter shoulde ner have disturbe him or ye potatoe from their naturel abodes. God Save Kinge James.
Dave at 20:34:14 Friday March 12 99
Thank you "you are crap", that's just the sort of enlightened debate that helps develop friendship. Judging by your social skills I suspect that your time would be better spent away from the net - try going out and meeting people. I am aware of a number of good evening courses at Luton college, you may wish to use one as a tool to broaden your social circle.
Come on Ian - lets go all out for goals for the rest of the season!
Paul at 20:30:47 Friday March 12 99
Angry Cobbler : I just check in here to find out who your best players are. It was Barnes and Adcock last time. Who will it be this summer? Hunter and ?????
Dav.Cobbler at 19:19:52 Friday March 12 99
Come on lads - a win tomorrow is all that we require, it surely can't be difficult against non-league sides like Wycombe. Message to oily sailor - the Wycombe ground may be better than Sixfields but unfortunately it holds the same content as a toilet bowl prior to flushing. It will be the best Div.3 ground next season whereas ours will still be one of the best in Div.2 - so swivel.Further message for Mr.Posh/Diamond Lil - come and join us! You know that it is the right thing to do. Get a season ticket at Cobblers and try to rehabilitate yorselves. Failing that go make babies with each other (unless you are both gay).
Bill at 18:13:31 Friday March 12 99
Lovely soft filly
The Angry Cobbler at 18:7:29 Friday March 12 99
Fuck off Paul - I used a search engine to find this site. Why don't you go to one of the eight scum sites instead of coming here!
Oi Impy at 16:45:54 Friday March 12 99
SBJ: our current form includes away games at Preston and Fulham, which is difficult to equate with home games against Bristol (our last win). Still, Chesterfield DO have a crap record on their travels. I wish you and everyone in our relative position(s) luck tomorrow, it's going to be a long afternoon. Take the plunge and get rid of Atkins, he's steadily strangling your club and it's not pretty, whichever terrace you stand on. Oh dear, I seem to be a polite non-Cobblers fan, I do hope Mr Posh doesn't use some of his withering insults against me. Cheers and good luck.
newcomer at 16:23:52 Friday March 12 99
To: You Are Crap
Why do you hope that NTFC go bust and never play football again?
Anon at 15:22:37 Friday March 12 99
There is about as much chance of the Cobblers attacking tomorrow as me winning the lottery. Be prepared for 10 men behind the ball but a win on the break would be nice!!
You are crap at 14:29:59 Friday March 12 99
you are crap and your going down and i hope you go bust and then never play football again.
SBJ at 14:15:23 Friday March 12 99
We have to win tomorrow: losing would be disastrous, and even the draw wouldn’t really suit us (or Wycombe of course). Burnley and Oldham have rotten tough games tomorrow. Lincoln don’t have such a tough match, but it won’t be easy given their current form and morale. Notts County stand a good chance of getting the win, especially with their new strike force, but we can worry about them some other time. So tomorrow’s as good a chance as we could wish for to catch up some ground and head towards the safety positions. Please, IA and the team, don’t waste it by going for the safe point - play the style we know you’re capable of, with attacking and enthusiasm, and we’re sure to be in a much better position by 5.00 on Saturday as a consequence.
The Exel Cobbler at 13:51:48 Friday March 12 99
Good luck tommorrow lads. Give everyone on the St James Supporters Club something to celebrate on the way home. (I've quite finished now).
The Exel Cobbler at 13:47:48 Friday March 12 99
Supporters - Sing your hearts out for the lads, sing your hearts out for the lads.
The Exel Cobbler at 13:46:50 Friday March 12 99
Players - If Ian Atkins tells you just to defend at Wycombe tomorrow then don't listen to him. ATTACK FROM THE START. WE MUST WIN
The Exel Cobbler at 13:44:32 Friday March 12 99
Ian Atkins - We HAVE to win tomorrow. We HAVE to get all three points. Do not just defend for the entire 90 mins and hope we nick a win at the end, or pick up just a point. Attack. Play Mickey Warner as an out and out winger and attack them. Be positive cos we really do HAVE to beat Wycombe.
Ray at 13:35:8 Friday March 12 99
Actually this is the ONLY site you can vote for player of the match on. Try checking the main page.
Newcomer at 13:23:17 Friday March 12 99
Why can't you vote for player of the match on this site. If you can how do you do it? Thank you.
Pompey Cobbler at 11:30:49 Friday March 12 99
Mr P*sh - you've probably seen this but this a quote from one of your
own:
Comments: I went to Brenford last night and wasted lots of money. Perhaps if the manager of our players had their respect they might put the effort in. We look better no than non league standard of football. However this is also due to the fact that our manager has is wasting our wage bill again. A few months ago we got rid of several reserve players and now it seems we have bought or at least loaned platers of the same poor quality . Sack the manager and give us something (on the 1st team front)to cheer about for the 1st time in 5/6 yrs. The mood amongst fans is becoming increasingly downcast, we can't see any way out with the current setup, please do something soon Mr Boizot we cant take many more matches where we fail to string two passes together or have a decent shot.
This is from your official web-site. So there seems something rotten
in the state of P*sh.
Missed 3 Games at 11:22:58 Friday March 12 99
Christ cobblers!!! If this is your cup final what is it for us. Is Atkins real ? Why have you not sacked him he is not managed to sustain any form. Anyway we have only five home games left starting tomorrow, I expect you have seen our away record. Nuff said eh!! Wycombe will rise to the occasion tomorrow we have improved a lot. Don't you just hate Colchester ? They don't like you much do they ?
Phil Baron at 9:50:10 Friday March 12 99
Whoops that should of said write!!!!!( it is early)
Phil Baron at 9:49:14 Friday March 12 99
Oily sailor I think the way you right it appears you have been keeping the company of sheep far to long its time to release them from there wellys at once so they can join you in the crowd on Saturday to boost you support!!!
Jacks at 9:18:20 Friday March 12 99
Oily greasy oik - get real - your'e the rubbish going down to the 3rd Division - gosh and YOUR"E ground is soooooooooooooo superior isn't it - god we'll all think wer'e at Highbury..ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha............
TRB Mark at 8:43:47 Friday March 12 99
It is I who have hit a nerve methinks. Put forward your case to the contrary then Paul. But you are right, that sort of macho stuff has thankfully disappeared from football, I was recounting tales of old, albeit couched in the language of the victorious (in other words you got your arses kicked). OOPS!! There I go again.
John Mcrirrick at 8:29:40 Friday March 12 99
Oily Sailor, as long as your football is as good as your spelling we should be all right
The Exel Cobbler at 8:5:25 Friday March 12 99
The Chairboys???? - ooohhh We're really worried.
oily sailor at 0:28:20 Friday March 12 99
prepesre to bleed and suffer defeat at the hands of the mighty chairboys on saturday..... we are timing this season to perfection, overtaking talentless hoofers like Northampton.
Say hello to div. 3, you never, know you might get out of it again one day, with your council-owned hole of a ground
Paul at 23:45:53 Thursday March 11 99
Coooooo !!! Things are heating up a litle since last I visited. Mr.Posh seems to have hit a nerve methinks. Just two points. 1) Angry Cobbler. Once you learn how to use a search engine correctly you'll find there are EIGHT Posh web-sites including an official one. Some are naff, some are pretty good. I'm not saying which are which. 2) TRB Mark. So you were a prat as a kid and haven't grown up yet. I thought that sort of 'macho' garbage (albeit posted from the safety of home/work) went out years ago. It's seems however that Neanderthal man is alive and well and living in Cobblerland. And you're factually incorrect as well.
TRB Mark at 23:25:29 Thursday March 11 99
www.posh.net should get you a result if you want to waste a bit of time!
Back in the 70's, when we were playing the scum, I went with a mini bus full from I'boro. Without colours, we infiltrated a p**h pub. The landlord seemed kinda nervous. We heard some chanting in the distance and about 300 Cobbs fans came astriding down the street with flags and singing at the tops of their voices. The landlord said, Oh No, here come those Northampton b*****ds, ran to the door and locked it, with us inside. Funny at the time and bore-ugh have always run from the Cobblers and I demand Mr Posh to tell me different.
John Frain Fan Club at 22:36:28 Thursday March 11 99
What's wrong Mr Posh, does your 186 computer need winding up every day. Or have the owners of the house you have broken into to use their on-line computer returned and kicked your arse.
Angry at 22:34:13 Thursday March 11 99
Hartwell, can you post another Hamtune chronicle please? I'm suffering withdrawal symptons and I'm no good at French.
John Frain Fan Club at 22:31:8 Thursday March 11 99
Creaaaaaaaaaaaaaaakkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk, there goes Mr Posh's f(:%£$"
neck, when we I get hold of him next season, and no that doesn't mean after playing them in the same league, it means in the shit Autowheel, coffee making, Vantoss cup thing!!! Whoops, I have left my E-mail address, any response, Peterbutt-hole twat!
Angry Cobbler at 22:30:14 Thursday March 11 99
I have decided to post on a P**erborough site every week under the name of Mr. Cobblers. Does anyone have an address for a Peterborough shite, sorry site? Thought not! Even West Haddon has a webpage. Just think, the biggest non league club in the country not having a website and one of the smallest having one. That just shows you what a bunch of losers P**erborough are. Remember Mr. Posh, losing is a habit - shame you haven't broken out of it yet! HA HA HA! NON LEAGUE!! Let's compare some of our and Posh'es players: Carlo Corazzin v Martin Carruthers - A skilful, quick, lean international against a shite loser who makes me laugh every time I see him play. NO CONTEST! WE ARE SIMPLY A ZILLION TIMES BETTER THAN THE SCUM! HA! GO BACK TO THE DR.DIREMONDS PREMIERSHIP!
Hartwell Cobbler at 21:40:36 Thursday March 11 99
So, with Sword Edge out for four games after Saturday, who is the Brummie wizard going to play up front ? Corrazin (still our leading scorer but seemingly out of sorts); Seal (out of favour); Freestone (woefully out of touch); Lee (can't make it count when he gets his chance and again out of favour)or Howey ? Can any of them provide the goals we must score to stand any chance of survival ? So many questions. So few answers.
Mr Posh at 21:37:23 Thursday March 11 99
CCCCCCCrrrrrreeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaKKKKKkkkkkk!!
You are coming down! See you all next year, wasters!!!
Can you afford to pay Mr Atkins for another year? I hear he wants a pay rise HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
John Mcrirrick at 20:15:46 Thursday March 11 99
See you learn something every day.
Robert Dunkley at 19:57:12 Thursday March 11 99
Ray is right, if it the second red card of the season your ban is increased by on extra game, the same applies for each additional red card, hence if it was Howard's third card, it would have been a five match ban.
Ray at 19:45:22 Thursday March 11 99
I would hazard a guess that its was increased from the standard 3 matches because of his poor disciplinary record already this season.
John Mcrirrick at 19:14:5 Thursday March 11 99
Why did Howard get a 4 match ban, I thought it was 3. Surely they can't have viewed that as worse than your standard red card. To me it was a legitimate attempt at getting the ball on a very tricky and dangerous surface. Is it the gypsy curse again ?
David, Northampton at 18:44:33 Thursday March 11 99
If anyone wasn't aware, I've just heard on BBC Northampton that Steve Howard has been suspended for 4 matches - Macclesfield, Preston, Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers. He's available for Wycombe.
newcomer at 18:41:5 Thursday March 11 99
Dear SBJ
Thank you very much for the information. I am going to be an avid reader of Cobblers comments from now on, and a new staunch supporter of NTFC through thick and thin.
Big Roy at 18:34:20 Thursday March 11 99
Am I on the right website? I never was any good at German.
Hart Welle Cobbler at 18:19:19 Thursday March 11 99
Alors, dix/dix pour vous, M.
mes etudies francaises ont some use eventually . . . at 18:9:51 Thursday March 11 99
Et maintenant, la Chronicle Futile! Je pense que vous avez trouve un Chronicle avec plus de verite que la 'Chronicle & Echo' actuel - a moins il n'y a pas des histoires concernant 'les balles jaunes qui frissent' ou 'la necessite d'avoir 11 hommes devant la ball'. Et puis, M.Hartwell, ou (peut-etre 'quand') ait la prochaine 'Chronicle d'Hamtune'?
Le Harte Well Cobbler at 17:29:39 Thursday March 11 99
Hamtune Chronicles. Paris edition. 1815AD. Un story tres curieux! Deux persons arrive a L'Embassie dans Calais et request un asylum. Ils dit dans un language incomprehensible et M. L'Ambassadeur ne comprend-pas et requeste un interpreteur. L'homme parle trente-et-un languages et dialectes perfectament. Mais il dit:"Ce n'est pas Anglais ou Pays de Galle. Que m'appellez-vous?" Le deux strangeurs responde:"Pardonnez-moi mais je ne pas parle Francais bien. Notre language est Brummie, loike, et nous arrivons ici dans un tunnel." M. L'Ambassadeur est stunned:"Est-vous stupide, or something? Quel tunnel?" Les hommes avec accents Brummie dit:"C'est un adventure tres complique que started avec un joue du foot. Apres, nous attendons un pisse-up dans un hotel. Apres quatre heures tout went noire. Nouse chambrons pour god knows how long. Et en awakening, nous find us dans un carriage qui decende le Channel et emerge dans un country tres strange. Un homme avec un grande hooter est en le platform. Je asks qui'll est-elle. Il reponde:"Je m'appelle Eric." Je reponde:"Quel nom pour un Frog!" Et avec non provocation cet homme karate-kicked moi! Je decende - just loike apres le joue qui je rush ouvert le pitch dans un rage et cops un right hander." Mais je digresse.....l'homme Eric dit:"Je suis un footballer et je est seeking to joue dans Angleterre qui le money est spectaculeur. Mais je ne finde pas un club."Ah! Un momente d'historie! Mais un de les Brummies looks at Eric et dit:"Il appeare un petite leggy, mate."Sacred bleu! C'est le mistake de la centurie! Les hommes returnex a Angleterre dans un wagon unlit et quils arrive ils n'ont pas tres agreeable et dans un fit du pique les duo formidable met un agent dans le Taverna Stavros, en Le Mill End Road et battre un jouer alternative pour tois Mille Francs et deux donor kebabs, qu'ill believe est un centre forward avec Division Un experience et un goal scorer par excellance. Jesus Gil!Vive le Grande Ducs Les Ferdinand et Ginola.
Wayne Kerr at 16:59:17 Thursday March 11 99
Ray can't you somehow get hold of the e-mail address of Mr Posh so we can reply to his messages personally ???
Anon at 16:34:56 Thursday March 11 99
Yaaayyy Ray!
Ray at 16:30:17 Thursday March 11 99
Once again Ive had to wield the blue pencil. To save time I deleted the complete posts in these particular instances - I couldnt be bothered to faff about. If you don't like it then - tough - just don't post inappropriate messages in the future.
Kobbler at 16:1:35 Thursday March 11 99
It's at times like these that I'm reminded just how much I hate Peterborough (oops excuse my language). Mr Posh crawl back from whence you came, youre a nothing, amateurish jokers with grandeurs of illusion. "Ooh no we're not non league, we came up in 1960"....pathetic. Once non league always non league, that's why the majority of Pish supporters hate Cambridge, they know we're too good for them. F*ck off posh, whatever happens we'll always be better than you. W*nkers.
Bill at 15:37:7 Thursday March 11 99
Angry, please stop posting using my name u b****ard!! Mr. Posh, f**k off back to a P****boro' website - or r the club too sh*te to have one? And also - "When I was just a little boy, I asked my mother, 'what will I be? Will I be boro'? Will I be Town?' Here's what she said to me. 'Wash your mouth out son, and give me your fathers gun, we'll shoot all the Boro' scum, town are no. 1!!" - actually I tell a lie... I've never even considered supporting the scum, I have at least half a brain.
SBJ at 15:7:38 Thursday March 11 99
Newcomer: Mr Posh is a Peterborough fan who has been closely monitoring NTFC's progress over the last few seasons. When we're doing well he's silent, when we're doing badly he generally mails this message board at least once every day to talk about trapdoors opening up, Cobblers going back down where they belong, and other such stuff. He rarely comments on his own team's fortunes. Sometimes he's obscene, usually he's at best silly. Hope you like this site: Ray does a very good job for us, and there's been plenty of very useful correspondence and discussion on here.
Phil Baron at 14:48:15 Thursday March 11 99
Just a quick note to tell all fans of soccer collectables that Sky are holding a "Live" auction on the Sports channel on Monday there are loads of goodies to look at,there might even be something from Northampton you necver know?
Newcomer to the site at 14:36:3 Thursday March 11 99
I know you will all be saying "where is this woman from?" but will someone please tell me who is Mr. Posh. Thank you.
Deepcut Cobbler at 13:45:22 Thursday March 11 99
Well Done.. Nice things to say about Pall Mall!! Obviously from my Salisbury abode I have to rely on this method for my away games...
SBJ at 13:25:30 Thursday March 11 99
Easy peasy. I got straight through to the operator, she took my card details etc and said that the ticket will be sent down to the Wycombe Wanderers ticket office with the team bus on Saturday. I collect them there by showing identification. This is how several other clubs do it, Barnet being one I've used recently. I totally sympathise with other fans who've had trouble with Pall Mall though: I missed the Wembley play-off last season because none of us could get to Sixfields to book or collect tickets - ironic since I live within 25 minutes of Wembley stadium.
SBJ at 13:18:50 Thursday March 11 99
I'm just about to have trouble buying tickets through Pall Mall; I'll let you know how I get on . . . . .
Deepcut Cobbler at 13:10:18 Thursday March 11 99
Re; Tickets for away matches. Previously I have not had a problem, Pall Mall have always agreed to the tickets being made available at the away team ticket office. The only major problem I had with this was at Bristol Rovers for our first game last season where I had to trek through their "hard core" supporters covered in claret and white and then queue with up with a Rovers "steward/minder" to ensure no trouble. It sounds though that they have removed this option.
RE; Reserve team matches. What are the prospects of a 1000+ fans travelling to Highbury or Stamford Bridge next season for a reserve away match? Seems a good bet especially if they play their matches at those grounds. Will the trust extend travel to these games?? Incidentally I was one of the five Cobbs at the Madjeski Stadium earlier on this season for our 1-0 win (Chris Lee goal). Is this a record for an away reserve game???
Please stay Barry Fry at 10:6:16 Thursday March 11 99
Barry Fry, Please continue the great job you are doing at Peeborough. At this rate YOU, THEM and MR POSH will be back where you all belong, in the NON LEAGUE. Face it Fry, You're a Non-League manager, at a Non League team with Non League fans.
Jacks at 9:33:28 Thursday March 11 99
Haven't read the comments yet - but saw this prat's piece of drivel, "Mr Posh (??)" what are YOU on!! You have the audacity to come on our site and berate us when the performances you are squirting out (i.e. shit) are laughable HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA - get back in your box and go away.......
John Mcrirrick at 8:34:51 Thursday March 11 99
I can't see what the fuss is about regarding taking 35000 to Wembley. It shouldn't really piss anyone off that they don't come every week. We have averaged approx 6000 at home this searson which is about the 10th highest average in the league, not bad when you consider we are 3 from bottom and that there are some massive clubs in the division at the moment. For most of last season and the beginning of this we had no problem filling the ground, and if we were winning often it would be full now. Nobody should be frustrated by someone who see the Cobblers have been a succesful, takes an interest in football when they normally wouldn't and pays to go to Wembley. The Exel Cobbler is right, what would we have achieved by only taking 15000 to Wembley. The only time these fans would be a problem would be if they are preventing true supporters getting a limited number of tickets, like perhaps at the Tottenham game. To be honest though, even though I was moaning about the ticket distribution yesterday, over the last season the allocation of highly sought after tickets has been handled well, making sure that loyal supporters get first shout, lets face it for the two Bristol Rovers games in last seasons play offs, you had no chance of getting tickets unless you had been attending regularly. The same situation will probably occur for the Burnley game. People should stop bemoaning the fact that we took so many supporters to Wembley, instead take pride in the fact that we hold the attendance record for both the Div3 & Div 2 play off finals and that if only once or twice the people of Northampton could get off their butts and support their football team.
Ralph at 8:13:47 Thursday March 11 99
Had a little birthday outing and on the way back spied the lads training at Moulton Agricultural College. No sign of Atko and the defence but Kevin Wilson was putting some of the forwards and midfielders through their paces. I stayed and watched the shooting practise, most enlightening. No Freestone, Howard, Hunter, Parrish.
Rowland Jordan at 23:25:31 Wednesday March 10 99
Good luck Atko, we the supporters beleive in the team. Let them believe in themselves and we'll steer clear in good time.
John Mcrirrick at 23:16:7 Wednesday March 10 99
Fair cop re tickets
John Mcrirrick at 23:15:9 Wednesday March 10 99
Paul, you can E mail the club at secretary@ntfc.co.uk
Ray at 23:14:30 Wednesday March 10 99
Please please DONT moan about the club regarding tickets. They have no say in the matter as Pallmall distribute the tickets as part of the ground lease arrangement.
Ray at 23:13:11 Wednesday March 10 99
The email address for the club is secretary@ntfc.co.uk
paul at 22:47:49 Wednesday March 10 99
if i wanted to e~mail the club what's the address???????
RICHARD at 22:12:28 Wednesday March 10 99
John Mcrirrick: I had the same message from Pall Mall today when ordering my tickets by 'phone. It seems to be everyone is covering their own arses these days for fear of litigation. To be fair to Pall Mall, I've only ever found them helpful (once you get through!). They even accepted my fax for Man City tickets because I wasn't going to be around to order them when they went on general sale. Living in E. Sussex, I can't get to the ground to pick them up (unless it's on the day of a home match) so I always have them posted. To-day is the first time they have issued that caveat!
John Mcrirrick at 22:12:16 Wednesday March 10 99
Robert Dunkley, I take on board your point, I am not complaining just for complainings sake BUT this is simply still not good enough. I accept that it was not a member of NTFC staff that provided me with poor service yesterday, but ultimatley this is still their responsibility. Wycombe forwarded 1000 tickets to NTFC for Saturdays game. If NTFC decide to use a third party to distribute these then all well and good, but they have to take responsibility if this is done poorly. Anyone who is employed by NTFC is an ambassador and representative of them. It would be no good me reflecting on a bad decision or action by one of my employees and commenting that it was nothing to do with me because it wasn't actually me that did it. What will be next, season ticket prices rise and we're told that it's not the clubs fault because they contracted ticket prices out to a third party. As I said originally, football is as service industry. NTFC should offer all its supporters a service, and a good one at that.
Angry Cobbler at 21:56:22 Wednesday March 10 99
Looks like they've let Mr Posh at the coca-cola again. Careful Mr. Posh - coke can give you a hangover. At least we're not hitting the self destruct button like you did when you went down. And we'll stay up - and our manager doesn't have tan lines from the refridgearator light. HA HA HA! SCUM!
Nosey Parker at 21:55:32 Wednesday March 10 99
Mr Posh its ironic really isnt it that Woodman has not kept a clean sheet since he went to Brentford and then all of a sudden last night "BANG" he does it? Even ex cobbs hate you lot!! ps hows Rennie still getting injured every week!!!
Lincoln Imp at 21:52:46 Wednesday March 10 99
Sad to see you are doing so badly at the moment!
Perhaps you would be so kind as to join us in the Conference when we get there in a few years!!
Bye Bye Cobblers!!
TossPosh Hater at 21:51:37 Wednesday March 10 99
You're a loser Mr Posh. Obviously with no friends as you spend all your time visiting a site attended by people that hate you. Isn't there something worthwhile to do in that sesspit, like spotting trains or collecting milk tops. YOU TOSSER!!!!!!!!!!!
Robert Dunkley at 21:48:49 Wednesday March 10 99
John
Hold your horses, NTFC have nothing to do with tickets it is Pall Mall or whatever they are called now. They are also responsible for expensive drinks and average food at the ground.
Mr Posh at 21:45:58 Wednesday March 10 99
You are Going Down, Going Down, Going Down. Even Wycombe are a better team than you wasters!!!!!! HAAAAA, HAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA.
Pompey Cobbler at 21:17:46 Wednesday March 10 99
Crikey - been away for a while and it seems that the guest book has
been infiltrated by the P*sh and risque language.
Cobblers are staying up - no question. It's a big cliche but we
are due a slice of luck this season and I reckon it will come at
just the right time. Thing is what happens next season ? Do the
club continue with IA now that it's clear he can only take us so
far? Personally, I'd rather see him resign or take a job elsewhere than be sacked. I think that it is testament to him that if someone half decent gets the Cobblers job it will be thanks to the position he has got us to now.
John Mcrirrick at 20:9:29 Wednesday March 10 99
Does anyone have any problems buying tickets for away games ?. The club really pissed me off yesterday when I bought my tickets for Saturdays Wwcombe game. I live in London and so can't pick the tickets up from the ground. This it appeared was a problem. What about posting them, I asked. Well we don't really like to do that. But there is no way I can get to the ground before saturday I replied. The end result was that yes they would send them in the post, if they then get lost that's my problem, no refund, no duplicate tickets. I've lost my money and I can't go to the game. This is a service industry they are supposed to be in. Anything else other than my football team and they wouldn't see my money again. What kind of a way is it to encourage loyal fans to follow their team. There are a lot of very good things about NTFC, but some shit ones as well. In my opinion the fans should get a better deal than that.
Loyal Cobbler at 19:44:6 Wednesday March 10 99
Oxford Cobbler: Youre talking out of your arse.Don't compare the Mighty Ones to the piles of s**t your'e talking about.Cheer the lads on and stop being a twat.
Bill at 18:8:24 Wednesday March 10 99
lovely soft filly
Sid at 18:4:34 Wednesday March 10 99
Hey! Dont forget me! I am 52nd in the league for hits, but this is only temporary. Where has everyone been? I am not getting any hits! (Well, 30 a day, but at its peak a week ago is was around the 50's!) Also, GTA is going well, so if you get your guess in now by e-mailing me, it would be appreciated.
Ray at 17:48:53 Wednesday March 10 99
Well done on the votes people! We are up to 4th. place in the hits breathing heavily down Munchkin Untied's neck having overtaken Liverpuddle and are also 4th. in the votes but ONLY 27 votes behind FIRST place.... let the good times roll! (Funny I cant see P****borough anywhere on the list - can't imagine why - keep coming back Mr. Posh - you help boost the web site's position!)
The Oxford Cobbler at 17:44:55 Wednesday March 10 99
The Exel Cobbler - I appreciate your loyalty to the club. It is a shame the club do not recognise our loyalty, by continuing to let us pay good money to watch crap, although it is getting a little better. Yes, we have had injuries but so have other clubs ...and hold on there, we can't blame injuries when we sell our best players even though we have no financial worries and when we have players like Michael Warner, Gary Hughes, David Seal and Andy Morrow who have not been injured, performing wonders in the reserves against Prem reserve teams but not even on the bench. Is it not a coincidense that we play Warner and the team starts playing a better quality of football. I agree that the second division teams that you mentioned are better than those stated from the V.C. but that doesn't tell the full story. All i am saying is that if the likes of Diremonds, Cheltenham or Kettering played us it would be a close game. Finally, i feel that terming other teams supporters as bandwaggoners is a bit rich. I am sure the 38,000+ who went to Wembley but do not go to the boring crap served up at Sixfields will agree with me. Then again they are probably your workmates so you could ask them.
Big Roy at 16:26:10 Wednesday March 10 99
Just back from the Reserves match (v Millwall) and thought you might appreciate a quick summary. 3 - 0 to the Cobblers. David Seal scored the first in the 12th minute knocking in at the near post from a low driven cross from Duncan Spedding on the left. Chris Lee then scored in the 31st minute after the keeper failed to hold the ball and Chris collected to place into an empty net from just inside the area. The third goal saw Spedding and Seal link up again as Seal connected onto another low ball from the left with a diving header. Highlight of the game had to be the safe return of Ian Clarkson for the final 25 minutes greeted with warm applause from the small crowd. Fortunately, he didn't get involved in any crunching tackles. Millwall never seriously threatened. Team : Francis, Warner, Spedding, Hughes, Dobson (sub for Peer at half time), Piercewright, Hunt (sub for Clarkson 65), Matthew, Lee (sub for Morrow at half time), Wilson and Seal.
James at 15:48:54 Wednesday March 10 99
Oh, by the way Mr Posh i`ve been looking in my little red book, and it informs me that your biggest defeat was 8-0 by the cobblers, Ha Ha , so stick that up your ass and swivel. (feel free to check anyone and tell me if i`m wrong!
James at 15:47:12 Wednesday March 10 99
Hello , has anyone looked at the third division?(only Mr POsh ha ha), because if it was four go down like our league, Posh wouldn`t be in that attractive position themselves. But its nice to see that they are losing form ready for their demise into the CONFERENCE next season!
Al at 15:24:30 Wednesday March 10 99
Mr Posh is peculiarly quiet today. Wonder why?
The Exel Cobbler at 14:40:34 Wednesday March 10 99
Oxford Cobbler - Being unfortunate enough to have to work with a lot of the Bandwaggoners, I have been told that the Direones are playing, and for most of the season, playing shit and that they are usually very fortunate to have won many of their games this season. Yes, a lot of our perfomances have left a lot to be desired this season but had we been at full strength when we played Yeovil, I believe that we would have won as they were not that good. We have been very unfortunate with injuries this season, but those players that have come back, eg Hunter, Parrish etc, are beginning to look sharper now and at a time when it really does matter. Also Manchester City and