Cobblers Comments
November 2000
Cobblers Comments
jamie forrester's fan club at 22:34:29 Thursday November 30 2000
OH JAMIE JAMIE! JAMIE JAMIE JAMIE JAMIE FORRESTER
tom at 21:48:32 Thursday November 30 2000
thanks for the info mark,i would have liked to have sold the ps 2,to a fellow cobbler.
Mark Too at 21:28:57 Thursday November 30 2000
Tom.... seriously, put it on ebay or something.. They are fetching about £500 at the moment.
Mark Too at 21:26:59 Thursday November 30 2000
£2.50
tom at 20:45:32 Thursday November 30 2000
COL.make an offer.
COL at 20:37:52 Thursday November 30 2000
HOW MUCH?
tom at 20:31:10 Thursday November 30 2000
any one want to buy a playstation 2
Anon and on at 19:34:49 Thursday November 30 2000
Iv'e got 40 acres....
Bert at 19:5:19 Thursday November 30 2000
Perhaps we should all park our cars outside the Guildhall and set up our own marquee in the their little courtyard.
Big Roy at 18:56:55 Thursday November 30 2000
I must read my mail before I post comments in future!
Big Roy at 18:54:52 Thursday November 30 2000
The club have just announced that the marquee is there for the Christmas period as an entertainment venue. It was erected by the borough council and the club had no say in the matter. I despair sometimes. I'm setting off now!
Big Roy at 18:50:8 Thursday November 30 2000
Garth - I watched the buildings being erected a week ago from the comfort of "Old Orleans" whilst enjoying a fajita. They are certainly not permanent but you are quite right to raise the concern. With a (relatively) local derby this weekend, we can only hope they disappear before then. I think it is only a matter of time before that land is developed leaving only the tarmaced area immediately adjacent to the tip being officially available for those of not lucky enough to have west car park passes. Unlike many older grounds, there are no side streets nearby to take the overflow. The residents of Duston will soon start complaining as cars are parked further and further up Millway and Southfield Road and those opposite (near the Little Chef) have been complaining for years. The end is nigh. Let's hope the club are protesting. TCMP?
Anon at 18:40:10 Thursday November 30 2000
I gotta brand new pair of rollerskates
BF at 18:11:35 Thursday November 30 2000
aok - have greatly missed key...so glad its still there :-)
LAFAN at 17:1:5 Thursday November 30 2000
I have the key.
The Romsey Cobbler at 16:54:24 Thursday November 30 2000
On the subject of Man-Stock County - how about if we moved to Carrow Road and called ourselves Nor-wich City?
Garth at 16:23:13 Thursday November 30 2000
I seem to have prompted a few loonie postings! But I tell you the top car park has white buildings covering about a third of the area. Given the heavily criticised parking arrangements at Sixfields, surely this is going to make matters worse?
The Romsey Cobbler at 16:1:20 Thursday November 30 2000
I see from teletext that Stockport are thinking of moving to Maine Road when Man City leave for a new ground. That's fair enough, but they are thinking of changing their name to Man-Stock County. Now is that stupid or what?
Anon at 15:49:9 Thursday November 30 2000
A bit of old news from earlier in the week that people may have missed - The Chairman of ex-league and now Northern Premier League Division 1 side Workington wanted to take over Carlisle and use them as a feeder club. FA rules won't allow this to happen but if it did it would be a bit like Rothwell taking over the Cobblers and the likes of Forrester and Welch being groomed to play at Cecil Street!
Garth at 15:2:41 Thursday November 30 2000
I posted this a few days ago and I guess it is either old hat or people think it is a wind up, it certainly isn't the latter. Anyone care to comment? 'I have not used the official car parks for a while now but I was at Sixfields tonight and about a third of the 'top' car park has been taken up by small, white buildings. Is this a recent addition? A permanent fixture?'
4-4-2 Kev! at 12:54:55 Thursday November 30 2000
Welch
Maley Sampson Green Spedding
Clare Hunt Frain Hargreaves
Howard Forrester
Mystic Bex at 11:14:0 Thursday November 30 2000
Since there's not much going on at the mo...Did anybody else know that ex Cobbler Damian Matthew is now coaching the Under 12's @ Crystal Palace!!!??!!
(Interesting, eh??!!)
Winston at 11:2:43 Thursday November 30 2000
Hope my bf is ok.
Northampton Gas at 10:41:50 Thursday November 30 2000
To see a review of The Cobblers program, as printed in the recent Gas program, goto http://www.netcolony.com/sports/piratesprogs/reviews/cobblers.htm
TOP HAT at 10:20:15 Thursday November 30 2000
TOP HATS BACK ALL RIGHT!!!!
Carl at 9:47:11 Thursday November 30 2000
Also what the piss does it matter, you have already purchased your seat for the entire season so therefore whatever you want to then do with that is completely down to you, burn it if you wish, stick it somewhere the sun don't shine, whatever. But for some Prune to then come on and say you are somehow stealing something from NTFC is complete Arse, Dyl I reckon some just moan for the sake of it, don't worry about it too much.
Dyl at 9:31:24 Thursday November 30 2000
So what the idiot last night means is that having shelled out 2-300 quid before we even knew who we were signing, if we can't by some miracle go to a game we are expected to let that seat lie empty. Prat! If I was a "money grabbing idiot" I wouldn't have put myself in the poor house by buying a season ticket in the first place. What if the club re-arranges a game and you can't make it? What if the club decides to play loads of Friday matches and you have to work? We buy our season tickets because we love the club, but that does not mean we are all in the position to throw cash away. On the occasions that I have sold my seat on for the odd match it is to people who wouldn't have gone otherwise. In doing so, yes I have got a few quid back, but I have also helped to develop our fan base. Get in the real world and quit being needlessly divisive.
Carl at 8:47:57 Thursday November 30 2000
Was the Youth Team Cup game against Blackburn played last night?
Anon at 8:36:20 Thursday November 30 2000
Who told you that?
You money grabbing idiots at 23:25:37 Wednesday November 29 2000
Please don't rip off your favourite team by giving away or selling season ticket seats. They are not transferable.
MartinWworriedaboutwhat'sgoingonbackhome at 22:7:50 Wednesday November 29 2000
Peter at, I WILL miss the Swindon game but someone is making use of my ticket. I'd love it if Sixfields was just ten yards from the beach, but it ain't. I don't see how Clare or Gabby could be classed as midfielders. Sorry. But all the feed back on here about what's going on is a tad worrying and I'll be looking out for the Swindon result desperately. As will others here. Makes you wonder about Kev Broadhurst, don't it.
A Child's View at 22:4:59 Wednesday November 29 2000
Daryl Clare? What on earth must Gabby think?
anonymous at 21:11:28 Wednesday November 29 2000
matthew ainsworth? u used to go hatton didn't u? but left cos u got the shit kicked out of u. now i can see why. U really are a twat. UP THE COBBLERS!
w'boro claret at 21:8:41 Wednesday November 29 2000
daniel ainsworth, u fucking twat. u don't know what u're talking bout. Bet u're some little twatty skool kid who support the doreones for their money. Despite their money, why can't the get out the conference? answer- cos their shite and always will be.
Tales of those Hotel Days at 20:52:32 Wednesday November 29 2000
Now its time to play our regular rivals of the past. Oh what tales us old uns could tell. Trips to the County Ground at Swindon. Days of the great support from Wellingborough. Caged in and what vocal support we had!!
Now Now Children at 19:7:44 Wednesday November 29 2000
Being serious now, the problem seems(to me anyway) the lack of headers won in the middle of the park. James Hunt is brilliant at putting himself about, getting the tackles in and generally battling hard, but he can't head teh ball to save his life. Now the way I see it is we get a bit twat who can play a bit in centre mid, as the more balls won in the middle, the more chance there is of getting the ball to the gods up front. Ooo Ahh Forresta. Say Ooo Ahh Forresta.
Anonanonanon at 19:3:21 Wednesday November 29 2000
The Anus? Is he the biggest nonce known to man? Possibly. What does he know, I'm not quite sure. He seems to have the facts straight in his mind, maybe he just becomes a gibbering twat when he speaks his mind. Maybe he is a kid, that is quite likely, his mental age seems to be around 12? Am I right "The ANUS"?
Daventry Claret at 18:31:26 Wednesday November 29 2000
So what is the situation on Roy Hunter (last heard of as due back in December)??????????????????????????????????
Carl at 14:32:8 Wednesday November 29 2000
Why where am I going?
The Anus at 14:20:17 Wednesday November 29 2000
Thanks Carl my little bumchum, see ya tonight
Anon at 14:13:47 Wednesday November 29 2000
How can anyone willingly call themselves ANUS?
Carl at 14:5:57 Wednesday November 29 2000
Nicknames never normally totally describe a person fully, but in your case Daniel we must make an exception.
Daniel Ainsworth (A.K.A ANUS) at 13:56:12 Wednesday November 29 2000
I just want to say that Northampton town fc are s..t. They were totally outplayed against Walsall which can I say are a great football team far better than Northampton, even Rushden and Diomands FC are better than Northampton Town Football Club.
Carl at 12:55:17 Wednesday November 29 2000
Just had a gander at the results from last night, quite a few shocks really. Kettering's was an excellent result. Anyone know if Tonights youth team cup game is still on, or as it fallen foul of our lovely weather
Deepcut Cobbler at 11:50:17 Wednesday November 29 2000
My Port Vale mate is keeping quiet this morning, however I have expressed sympathies. We all know what he is going through...COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Lonely at 11:26:52 Wednesday November 29 2000
Was it something I said?
Carl at 8:49:56 Wednesday November 29 2000
No they don't, shirley not. It took me three years to get out and I am not overly keen on going back there.
Stewpot at 6:33:26 Wednesday November 29 2000
Totally unrelated to our beloved Cobblers should anyone be interested check out http://www.wembleynationalstadium.co.uk/ for those sentimental ones of us there is a webcam showinh Wembley stadium being broke up and re-built. I still get the hairs on the back of my neck standing up when I watch my Wembley video when Frainy scores THAT goal oh happy days all roads lead to Cardiff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Garth at 23:7:23 Tuesday November 28 2000
I see Johnny 'two jags' Prescott commented earlier. Perhaps he has a view on the subject?
Garth at 23:6:6 Tuesday November 28 2000
I have not used the official car parks for a while now but I was at Sixfields tonight and about a third of the 'top' car park has been taken up by small, white buildings. Is this a recent addition? A permanent fixture? All this talk of encouraging crowds and extending the stadium seem a bit daft if you have to park in Kislingbury!! Perhaps Tony Clarke would like to comment, given that he has an official parking space in the west car park. Bloody daft! No wonder Nationwide wont buy the stadium, there's no parking facilities!
JP at 22:59:31 Tuesday November 28 2000
What makes you think I'm a mister Oh Mystic One?
treenie at 22:10:0 Tuesday November 28 2000
Remember :- It's a marathon not a sprint. It's only the end of November not the end of April. Up the Cobblers
Deepcut Cobbler at 22:8:9 Tuesday November 28 2000
We have had a tremendous start. The bubble has a leak, a wheel has fallen off, it could be worse..we could be in the Conference....Cheer up guys..it is still beyond what we were expecting at this time of the season. Points total is goOd, second top scorer in our team, best keeper in the division, solid interchangable front line, good midfield unfortunately without the vital missing ingredients of numbers and the playmaker to enable the forwards to do the biz even more..Lets ride out this squall together rather than hang the manager or keep slagging the team just yet. The players give it their all, so should we behind them.. We rise together lets fall and then rise up stronger together. The bond of NTFC is made by our being tight in adversity. Why do you think we remain with Cobblers and not disembark to the always successful teams of the MUFCs? We all enjoy the ride over the crests and down through the troughs, its what supporting all lower division teams is all about. How about it? Cut out the inane slaggings and change it to constructive critisisms. It will work, we will be back on the crest and the problems will be forgotten until the next trough. Mark my words. Enduring the trough makes riding the crests even better!!...COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
Andy at 21:56:49 Tuesday November 28 2000
I agree with Gomez. the general hope at the beginning of the season was to consolidate at mid table. This means we were bound to lose to teams like Walsall and even the occasional Bounemouth. Our early successes raised hopes, but like all good times, realism has to kick in sooner or later.
Gomez at 21:31:2 Tuesday November 28 2000
Christ, stop your whining!!! We're within reaching distance of a play off finish, we have the divisions leading scorer for the first time in over a decade and we have a team capable of playing some really good football. OK - we've had a minor bad patch, but don't make it out to be some kind of crisis. To me Spedding doesn't look fit - we all know what he is capable of at the top of his form/fitness. Give it time and HAVE FAITH!!!!!!
I TELL IT STRAIGHT at 21:25:30 Tuesday November 28 2000
speeding is a loser, possibly the worst first team player in the entire division? anyone think of a worse player? answers on the back of a postcard, he looked out of his depth against Frickley and ANYONE who saw him @ Wycombe will agree he should never play for us or indeed anyone ever agin, also anyone else notice that Hargreaves was dropped on Saturday, why? he seemed to look quite competant when warming up etc. surely Speeding wasn't chosen in preference to an admittedly out of position Hargreaves? Why not put Frain back to the left wing back position leaving the left side of midfield for Hargreaves who looked to be one of our best players so far this season, why all this talk about us needing a tackling midfielder? surely Hunt and Frain do that perfectly well, our problem is we lack a creator, Walsall made a load of chances and scored none, we make about 2 chances a game which Forrester is expected to (and usually does) put away. Also has Broadhurst actually been replaced by another tactician because it seems like we're missing him quite a lot, we've looked poor in all of our games since he left with the exception of Colchester who are on their way to relegation, even Frickley became a task and the 4-0 scoreline flattered us terribly, then the Bournemouth game which was dire, Walsall away, also dire but against stronger opposition, perhaps too much motiviation and not enough tactics, in the style of Kevin Keegan. Why's Gould not been given a chance at Left back/wing back, i find it VERY hard to believe that he's worse than Speeding in the respect that i could train a mountain gorilla to be a better footballler than Speeding, and its only a matter of time b4 the crowd realise how crap he is and get on his back, starting a downward spiral, in the style of Ali Gibb and Christian Lee. The simple fact is we don't look like winning or playing very well with Speeding in the side because he's simply to weak to cover the left side of the field and ANY team, (even Frickley) discovered that.
treenie at 20:45:32 Tuesday November 28 2000
I don't think any of our players deserve the slagging off they get. I think they just need a shock like the loses we've had in the past few games to stop them from becoming complacent.
Peter at 15:43:54 Tuesday November 28 2000
MartinW
How long are you in the Dominican for? Surely you are not missing the match on Saturday?
Mystic Bex at 15:15:13 Tuesday November 28 2000
OK then Mr JP...What exactly makes a midfielder then??
I mean...what makes Hunt or Savage different from Gabbiadini or Clare?? If you ask me..i think Gab's and Clare would make just as good midfielders.. They might even stick a few goals in the net too!!
You'll see anyway... I KNOW remember!!!
The Walsall Ref at 14:2:49 Tuesday November 28 2000
Disappointed I didn't get the full set, yellow cards that is. Still, got half the buggers.
Vague Gary at 14:0:45 Tuesday November 28 2000
Eh?
Tony Blair at 13:58:44 Tuesday November 28 2000
You leave her vagaries alone.
JP at 13:19:3 Tuesday November 28 2000
You are probably tired Meg and maybe do not fully understand all the tactical vagaries required.
John Prescott at 13:18:13 Tuesday November 28 2000
Yeah but they ain't midfielders! Nice legs do not a midfielder make Meg!!
Mystic Bex at 12:59:32 Tuesday November 28 2000
All this moaning about no midfielders...Have none of you thought that Kevin is perhaps aiming to use both Gabbiadini and Clare as the aforementioned 'articles'...Both are quite good at getting and keeping the ball anyway, and they are both also the type to score goals from midfield aswell,dont you think!!!!
Honestly..It takes a woman to work these things out for you all!!! LOL!!!
Mark Pacan at 9:54:46 Tuesday November 28 2000
I saw the Jamie Forrester inteview and good it was too! My only dissappointment was that they focused on Jamie, instead of refocusing on my mural just behind him ; ) I'd agree with MartinW in respect of the lack of closing down going on in our defence. We have had so many deflected goals against us this season which would suggest that defenders are just not getting close enough to the oncoming attackers, otherwise they would'nt have enough room to shoot. Re Swindon. I seem to remember comments on here to the effect that lowly Bournemouth should be easy after our loss against Rotherham. If you start taking that attitude then some of you are in for a few more shocks.
Waterside Cobbler at 7:51:30 Tuesday November 28 2000
Hey Romsey Cobbler, there's no such time as 6:39 in the morning !
Waterside Cobbler at 7:49:17 Tuesday November 28 2000
I've just watched Football League Extra on video and just our luck that they chose this week to do their Division 2 opening feature on Jamie Forrester to lead in to a game where we were so comprehensively beaten by Walsall. I was at the Bescot with Bengo and our overall impressions were (a) Walsall were first to every 50:50 ball (b) our back line couldn't cope with fast forwards and (c) Walsall always had a man available on the overlap, reminiscent of a rugby forward line, and made some of the best use of the width of the pitch that I've seen this season. We just pushed it around sideways in midfield followed by a hopeful punt up the wing. We were puzzled by many of the refereeing decisions as so many were in favour of the home side it wasn't true but we didn't feel it affected the outcome. We too were impressed by Malin; he was always prepared to make a tackle where it mattered rather than today's all too prevalent backing off. I have to say he was lucky not to be sent off in the second half but we deserved one decision in our favour. Let's hope that this is our 'bad spell' and that we get it over with while there are still plenty of games left to put things right. Come on you Cobblers - we've been through some bad times and defeat at Walsall is nothing compared with some of the troughs we've endured since my first game in 1967.
The Romsey Cobbler at 6:39:37 Tuesday November 28 2000
Did everyone see Jamie on Football League Extra last night? Worth catching the repeat if you didn't.
Stewpot at 6:33:8 Tuesday November 28 2000
If anyone is interested the nationwide league extra program repeat showing is on in the early hours Tuesday morning, they do a feature on Jamie Forrester, clips of goals, interviews with Jamie and Kevin Wilson. I watched Kevin Wilson score a couple of goals for Ireland in the football masters international tournament looks a good competition and format especially after the regional competition, who knows maybe a mini league will be set up for all clubs who would you have in your team 6 a side, 9 in a squad and a manager? from any time as long as worn a cobblers shirt. I have also read Dennis Wises autobiography quite an interesting read with a story when Kevin Wilson was held down by other Chelsea players with pillow cases over there heads like the Klu Klax Clan and tried to shave off his moustache. Its claimed Kevins eyes looked like a rabbits staring at an oncoming car light, interesting behaviour some footballers have!!!!!! Please remember Swindon Town were also relegated last season so Saturdays game might not be as easy as it looks on paper and remember Kevin Wilson also said Port Vales position didnt reflect on there perfomance hope the lads prove me wrong.
9224 at 0:18:32 Tuesday November 28 2000
I am concerned about the Hunter situation. How many times have we heard that he is fit and that his knee is in good shape? Hopefully (please, please, please) he's sorted this time and will be back for good. I honestly think we've missed him even when we've been doing well. On his game, he is easily one of the best four players at the club.
Anon at 23:11:24 Monday November 27 2000
MartinWedontgiveatoss, please put your ego away.
Anon at 22:47:22 Monday November 27 2000
whoops! tried it again, and there he is - my mistake
Anon at 22:45:30 Monday November 27 2000
Anyone tried that search button above? I put 'Hodge' as an experiment and the only noticeable thing about the results was the complete absence of Hodge. Try it and see.
MartinWintheDominican at 22:33:55 Monday November 27 2000
Interesting point Jonah. As I have said before if we keep playing as we did against Bournemouth and Frickley we will be on the downward spiral like York two seasons ago and we could go down. I wasn't at Bescot for obvious reasons. But what I've noticed that has changed is that we are not closing the opposition down quickly enough. We are standing off. Closing down gave us the meanest defence in the league. We need to be up the opposition's arses (so to speak). Interesting signing, Daryl Clare, but don't we need another midfielder. We are desperately short there. If there is no supply - how can Forrester score. See ya.
P..H at 22:3:36 Monday November 27 2000
A mate of mine who lives there tells me that at the weekend the local paper printed letter that were invited about Cobblers and CU, that were jokes about either clubs. I think they have more to worry about now and longer term than particularly the Cobblers. Has anyone seen the Cobblers jokes, I bet there the old standards!! barry Fry could have had his picture printed insteasd!!
Just the facts maam at 21:41:24 Monday November 27 2000
Let's get the facts right about the Chris Lee debacle. When Ron Atkinson was manager of Nottingham Forest he was desperate for some juicy signings to justify his reputation. He made a seious bid for Lee resulting in the £milion rumour. Very unfortunately Big Ron was binned early during negotiations and it came to absolute zilch. I'm pretty certain this is what happenned, but if anyone knows different then let us know. If you know nothing about it, please resist the temptation to generally slag off the parties concerned
Marriott at 20:52:11 Monday November 27 2000
I hope that HAHAHAHAHAHAHA was having a giraffe when he was on about replacing Wilson. Who would you like to be the gaffer then? I dont think we could get anyne better to replace him and we cant afford to sack anyone under contract. Ideal team for Saturday would be (in my view) GK Welch LB Frain RB Maley CB Sampson CB Hope RW Hodge (if fit), if not then maybe Savage LW Hargreaves CM Hunt CM Savage (If Hodge is injured then Savage RW and Gabbiadini in here, I know he aint a midfielder, but he gets stuck in, is strong and is our best passer of the ball) CF Forrester CF Howard/Clare (depends on the day really, I'd go for Clare, although that would be hard luck on Steve)
We need a new midfielder Kev!
Treenie at 20:51:16 Monday November 27 2000
Going on my experience with our players I'd say they are all a bit odd and would therefore make odd comments
Mark Too at 20:26:46 Monday November 27 2000
Phil... I bet the players postings aren't half as odd as some on here!
Cobbler sin the West at 20:19:56 Monday November 27 2000
Jeff- I am 100% behind the team and never will you hear a word of negative comment from me in the West Stand during a match but I think this site is for us supporters to express openly our views, positive and negative, and that must be a good thing. After all, it is down to the players to prove the critics wrong come Saturday. We are going through a poor patch after a brilliant start to our Div 2 campaign and sight of that is not lost even in the defeats we have suffered lately.
Phil Baron at 18:57:44 Monday November 27 2000
The players do read the comments.I think some might even make the odd posting!!!
jeff at 18:43:57 Monday November 27 2000
i hope the players dont read these comments cos all you lot do is slag em off knocking there confidence even more come on get behind the team you bunch of moaning minnies
Cobbler in the West at 18:38:44 Monday November 27 2000
Beaten by a far superior team on Saturday the Cobblers need to get their act together quickly in must win home games against Swindon and Swansea. Difficult to put your finger on it but the standard of performance in November has been poor. Heavy pitches? Broadhurst leaving? Morale poor? I don't know but defenders look slow, midfield not producing a penetrative pass between them and fickle fans having a go at the likes of Spedding and Savage. Well, any idea that Dave Savage alone is the cause of our problems was blown against Walsall. At the Bescott Stadium too many looked out of it including our usual heroes. Any tactical genius out there got the answer?
richard at 17:23:43 Monday November 27 2000
STILL Have Season Ticket for sale Adult, West Stand
15 Games to go offers £100
that's 666 a game! spooky
The Drilling Cobbler at 17:6:4 Monday November 27 2000
Quality chant Sean. Would create a very hostile atmosphere if a large proportion of the 2500 or so that go join in! Just hope that your right though. Good point by Shadwell regarding the 2nd goal but I would defend Hope to some extent by pointing out that I think he had already been booked by that point and with the referee being what he was if Hope had gone in and tackled the Walsall guy and slightly miss-timed it he would more than likely have been sent off. Unfortunately once a defender has been booked in the modern game, it takes a huge edge off their game and basically only allows them to 'hold the line' which is of course what Hopey did. A player(Spedding) did come across and assist him and if it hadnt of been for bad luck the attack would have been snuffed out. Having said that, if we had had more bodies in midfield, more support would have been available and the attack would probably not have resulted in a shot/goal anyway. 3 forwards at a place like Walsall is not only arrogant and disrespectful to quality opposition, it is also bloody naive. To Wilsons credit, he has more or less acknowledged that in todays Chron, something a certain brummy would never have done. Then again, a certain brummy wouldnt have played 1 striker let alone 3!
The Shropshire Cobbler at 16:50:20 Monday November 27 2000
Salop supporter - are you based in Shropshire, and/or follow Shrewsbury Town and the Cobblers? Or are you my Dad in disguise?
WHAT A LAUGH at 16:44:38 Monday November 27 2000
Ian atkins has said is top boy, someone dobie is rated at £2million.This is the same man who said chris lee will be our 1st million pound player. And he went to the gills for £25k what a joke. KEPP DREAMING ATKINS. On chris lee he has just completed a months loan at rochdale he played 4 games and scored 1 goal.
Salop supporter at 16:42:59 Monday November 27 2000
Saturdays match at Walsal was as bad a display of football by the Cobblers as was that against Bournemouth. We were given a clear good hiding. As many supporters have said on this page before, we simply had no idea of how to play against slightly better teams -our football tactics were sadly not there, at all. Only Welch,Forrester, Hargreaves,and Spedding honestly deserved there large wage packets.Wilson nedds to stop buying/loaning forward players and urgently buy a Quality defender/Captain who can organise the defence during a game. Why , why has it all gone pear shape since Wilson sacked his assastant manager-I trust that Wilson is man enough to realise that he to can make some Big mistakes!!!!! After all the gates are poor and are a reflection of the team and its style of football !!!! I still wish them well and hope they deserve it.
SEan from London at 16:35:42 Monday November 27 2000
Don't forget that tickets for Boro are on general sale from today.
Let's fill London Road again!
"Who'll keep the Boro out - Welch Welch"
"Who'll keep the Boro out - Welch Welch"
(to the tune of Who Let The Dogs Out)
NSB at 15:43:36 Monday November 27 2000
yes thats a good idea, get rid of our manager and get a managor to replace him!
HAHAHAHAHAHA at 15:40:51 Monday November 27 2000
Maybe Kev Wilson should do as Middlesborough managor, quit and try to get a DECENT manegor to replace him!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shadwell at 15:32:40 Monday November 27 2000
I sat down yesterday and watched the second goal about ten times in slow motion and the result was very interesting. Leito made a diagonal run across the front of the defencs towards the right hand corner from the middle. The obvious person to cover him was Hope but rather than tackle he tried to hold the line and even stepped back. By the time Hope started to move Leito was already going past him to the right. Spedding at this point seeing Hope lost in no-mans land came in quickly to cover the gap. (If he hadn't Leito was through anyway.) Spedding actually did quite well to close Lieto down but as he got to him the ball was passed out to Hall on the Walsall right. Spedding was now hopelessly out of position and tried hard to get back to cover Hall and finally threw his foot at the shot, almost blocking it but unfortunately getting the cruelist of deflections. So my analysis of it was that Hope was the main cause of the second goal and Spedding, actually made some pretty valiant attempts to stop it. Now I'm no particular fan of Spedding and I didn't think he had a good game but credit where credits due. Has anybody else seen the goal and does anyone else think that Hope was at fault for not covering Lieto earlier, instead of backing off?
Paul S at 15:3:2 Monday November 27 2000
just read Then insider piece and agree with some and disagree with other points. 1. I think Spedding is on a loser at the moment. The crowd want him to do everything, but there is no support on the left hand side in midfield - so no help in going forward and no cover when he defends. 2. Agree with Dyl - once he found his feet he made some excellent tackles 4. Our usual answer to pace is to play deep - so agree 4 at the back would be more logical otherwise we get to 5. overrun in midfield by team prepared to harry our players. Finally agree about weather - we have turned into a fair weather team excellent results in spring and autumn, but don't seem to be able to hack it on the heavy wet pitches we have seen this month - nice hard frost to firm up the ground anyone?
Daventry Claret at 14:49:8 Monday November 27 2000
What's all this about Roy Hunter being finished? I thought the last news was that he would be back for Xmas and that his knee was not in bad shape? Also Walsall were promoted from Div 2 with a squad about the same size as ours. We still need a tacticial who can organise our squad into playing to a system.
Anon at 13:2:26 Monday November 27 2000
Could Gabbi be half the solution to the midfield crisis? Supported by Hargreaves and some bought in tackler/hustlers?
Ray at 13:0:39 Monday November 27 2000
Yes - you are quite right. 52 needed - not 42. Shoot! Now I'm even more depressed.
Athena at 12:10:25 Monday November 27 2000
Prudent thinking would suggest the Ray MAY be incorrect in his assumption that a further 15 points with stave off the threat for relegation for this season. Providing my calculator is operating correctly a further 15 points would give us a total of only 43. This will certainly not be enough to avoid the drop! A quick look in the Rothmans will confirm this over the last 10 years or so. In fact analysis of the past few years indicates that the following can be used as a very rough guide to end of season standings:
52 points keeps you in the division:
72 points gives you a chance of being in the play-offs:
82 points gives you a chance of automatic promotion:
92 points gives you a chance of the title.
It is likely therefore that we need another 24 points to be safe this season and based on Saturdays abjective display I do have to agree with Ray's other assertion that it may yet be a long winter of discontent. Wilson points to the the excellent start we have made, and overall he is of course right, but there may become a time very soon when we have to say, thank goodness we made an excellent start to the season!
Anon at 11:56:44 Monday November 27 2000
What happened to the steaker on saturday? - at least we would have had something to laugh about. Crap result but Walsall were in division 1 last year and were a tad unlucky to get relegated - they look a good side and must be fancied for a quick return to Div 1. We huffed and puffed and dispite what Wilson said about the score not showing that we missed 2 chances they were the only chances we had and Walsall had loads more. I think that a rethink is needed and Wilson has got to start looking for a good midfielder, I can't see Hunter ever coming back (although I hope I'm wrong) and it's time that this was accepted. Trouble is he has a contract to the end of next season and replacing him is gonna cost! Still we have the ability to get good results and although the early results this season may have led us to believe we were dead cert promotion contenders providing we can get a good haul of points from the next 4 league games which are all against bottom half sides we should start to move up the table again, if we don't then we don't deserve to be competing for promotion.
Dyl at 11:53:22 Monday November 27 2000
I thought Maley was good for one simple reason - he made tackles. Too often our defenders hang back and shepherd the attacker allowing them access to our box, but Maley made some cracking challenges.
Then Insider at 10:56:47 Monday November 27 2000
Interesting comments again. Like Ray, I question the tactics. Our problems now appear to be defensive and the facts are starting to speak for themselves. A few observations (1) is Spedding good enough for this division? he was murdered down the wing and was marking thin air for their second(2)was Maley any better than Hughes? He was also given a torrid time, but perhaps can be excused by lack of match practice. (3) what sort of marking system are we deploying? from behind the goal it was blatantly obvious that players were not being picked up, especially from set pieces. it looks like a zonal system which I don't think works. (4) Green has been exposed yet again (Defoe last week) for lack of pace. He was extremely lucky not to be sent off in the first half for pulling down Byfield. If we're going to play five across the back someone has to sweep and I don't believe we have that sort of pace. (5) playing the extra defender allowed Walsall far too much space in midfield. Their no 10 was allowed to spray the ball around at will; he should have been man marked (6) I worry that Wilson doesn't worry about watching the opposition. you need to know your enemies' threats. (7) we've four or five great strikers, but often they play down the same channels, we desparately lack width down the left. To accommodate our strike force we have to play 4 at the back. And finally, I think we'll come good, the atrocious conditions of the last four weeks have done nothing for our cause. Practice makes perfect.
David Vaughan at 9:37:37 Monday November 27 2000
Keep up the good work, we'll soon be back in the big time!
David Vaughan at 9:37:36 Monday November 27 2000
Keep up the good work, we'll soon be back in the big time!
Ray at 0:40:15 Monday November 27 2000
Neither can we - we are going through a bad patch - playing you lot should ensure we get back on track.
Swansea Boot Boy at 23:25:19 Sunday November 26 2000
can't wait to play u losers again
Ray at 22:24:21 Sunday November 26 2000
For all those people who keep asking about facts and figures for past matches, can I highly recommend Frank Grande's "The Official Centenary History" - there are loads and loads of copies in the shop.
DOYLE YOUTH CLUB BELFAST at 21:7:26 Sunday November 26 2000
Just a few lines to thank Kevin England for his recent visit to our club. The coaching sessions were great. We now hope that our relationship can blossom and some of our lads will go on to star for Northampton. See you all at Easter.
Judge Pickles at 19:49:9 Sunday November 26 2000
What are all these assumptions about Kevan being the master at tactics (Suddenly everyones an expert after KK's masterful command of the same). Tactics - one man goes - second division! - we fall apart - I don't think so. Current performance is a worry but is nothing to do with a sudden lack of tactics. Perhaps we should face the facts that we have had the rub of the green in quite a few games this season (with suspect tactics) and mid table is more realistic - particularly for a team with just 18 in the squad. For christ sake we have spend just 150 k this season and that has bought us 12 goals & top 6 for the first third of the season. We all fancy the dream of promotion but just remember at the start of the season the popular opinion was that consolidation was acceptable - so accept it!
vinnie at 18:53:57 Sunday November 26 2000
thank you very much for your information richard
g at 18:44:54 Sunday November 26 2000
Kevan Broadhurst has nothing to do with the current Cobblers' form. Our problem is, as I keep saying, exhaustion- physical, emotional and mental after a run of ten games which have been trying. Kevin Wilson is doing a great job - I just wish the fat, fag smoking 'supporters' around me - the ones who couldn't climb the steps with a pastie - would shut up and stop riling the players. Let the manager and the team who know what's what, sort it out. We've a great team who try -for goodness sake who's going to be in a team and not care what happens to that team? Up the Cobblers - we're going to be devastating on Saturday v. Swindon.
Pablo at 17:13:25 Sunday November 26 2000
I meant to say "with the exception of the left back problem..."!!
Pablo at 17:12:0 Sunday November 26 2000
Returning to some of the comments made earlier, today, I really don't think we need to buy an expensive and brilliant playmaker to achieve this season's goal - a mid-table finish. Did Rotherham or Walsall have some Platini-like genius pulling all the strings? NO!...what they did have was a balanced, well-organised side with about 8 players who were comfortable carrying and passing the ball. We have nearly that many available to us, but the balance of the side selected isn't right at the moment. I do think the people who've said that the problem lies in midfield are spot on - with the left back problem, our defence is at least average for this division, and would be if playing 4 at the back or a genuine wing-back system, but if exposed to constant pressure any defence will look like its being torn to shreds...Sammo for one is having an outstanding season in my book!
RICHARD at 16:8:17 Sunday November 26 2000
Vinnie.14:59:23. We lost 1-2 at home; our scorer - Bobby Brown
RICHARD at 16:2:40 Sunday November 26 2000
IK'CIWT: "Frigging Frickley Frighten Frainy's Frail Fraternity". The flickering light of a few scattered Davy lamps strove in vain to pierce the encircling gloom of 'fortress(?)' Sixfields, as the faithful Frickley few disembarked from the fleet of executive coal trucks outside the South Stand last Saturday. For this was the FA Challenge Cup - round one proper of the oldest knock-out tournament in the footballing world. A time for dreams to be realised or dashed on the altar of non-league sacrifice. They had travelled so far already, these hardy northerners; the tense, early qualifying rounds where you stand or fall by strength of character, not relative status in the football hierarchy. When or where will the 'Axa' fall. The tantalising vision of a 3rd round, money-spinning pairing with one of the mighty sharks of the FA Carling Premiership beckons, or even the sniff of a few bob against a struggling Nationwide side, more intent on league preservation than a glorious cup run.
Approaching the ground from down wind, the whiff of cut-price nutty slack attacked the nostrils like cordite from a struck match. Covered from head to toe in clinging, consumptive coal dust, the fervent Frickley followers had had precious little time for the luxuries of soap and water. As the cacophanous klaxon wailed the end of the late shift, the bowels of the troubled mining community disgorged its sooty mess southward.The view from the North Stand was reminiscent of the good old days of the Black & White Minstrel Show as gleaming teeth and the blinking whites of Frickley fans eyes sparkled in the dimly lit away stand, like a thousand flash bulbs going off in harmony. It was once a maxim that if you needed a fast bowler for England, you had only to shout down the mine shaft and up would pop, ready for action, a gilt-edged, copper-bottomed match winner. Perhaps such evocative folklore is dwindling in mining parts these days, but coal face workers or not, these boys came to pit their wits against the 'big boys', to match their skills on the field of football..........and they did themselves proud. Propping up the Unibond Premier for much of the season, they had recently suffered the humiliation of a 12-0 thrashing and the hands of mining rivals Worksop Town; only Bon Accord (36-0 to Arbroath, 1800 and frozen to death) and Custer (same century, worse scoreline) had experienced more of a massacre. Talk before the game was of "walkover", "whitewash" (a free shower was as much as they could hope for!); anything less than 12 goals would be a failure. Spontaneity, impulsiveness, impetuosity - call it what you will, but the colliery kids came, saw and nearly conquered. Despite the final scoreline, in many ways, they gave us "a hell of a beating"! Four leagues below us, as near as dammit, Frickley would not have been instantly recognisable as the underdogs to any neutrals watching. They passed, ran, chased, harrassed, worked off the ball, supported and on another day could have had a couple of goals to show for their efforts. As it was, our flurry of late goals create a false impression of the day's events. "On any given Sunday....", they say of the gridiron version in the US of A. Make that " Saturday" because the strength of the lower leagues is now undeniable; professional squads and facilities have caused the gap to close. No longer will league sides turn over their non-league cousins by cricket scores. Nice to see, then, come the final whistle, that Cobblers fans, generous in victory, were able to give a standing ovation to the sweat-soaked, exhausted but happy, true 'heirs in spirit' to the bygone mining community of their forefathers. I'd like to think that we would have been equally as magnanimous had the result gone against us.
Postscript. Buoyed by the respect they earned at Sixfields and urged on by their restored self-belief, Frickley, formerly foundering at the foot of the Unibond Premier, swamped Colwyn Bay with a six-goal blitz this Saturday to climb to the vertiginous heights of one from bottom! And all this in front of a fame-crazed following of .....90 !! And we thought we had a fickle fan base! Any chance of some transfers to boost club funds?
britgal at 15:53:22 Sunday November 26 2000
i have supreme faith in my team. We r having problems, ok. But we r still amazing, just amazing without a midfield. We will beat Swindon, we will. We had better, cos i have a bet on that match with a very annoying Swindon fan. Please, don't tell me i'm wrong, i need to believe we r going to win on Saturday. I don't get to go to games very often and i'm going to that one, so please Kevin, sort it out 4 then!! Argh!
Paul at 15:49:41 Sunday November 26 2000
I suspect we are all feeling a sense of anger that out team has sudenly become so bad at the moment. We are all guessing as to what might be the problem, and 80% of us our pretty sure that it is just coincidence that Kevan Broadhurst has left. However, given what Kevin Wilson as team manager has acheived so far, we are prepared to sit by and watch for a couple more games before we decide for sure if it's Kevan's departure that has caused the dip in form. I myself will be very disapointed if come Saturday versus Swindon we lose and Kevin on the radio does anything other than admit he has problems!
vinnie at 14:59:23 Sunday November 26 2000
could anybody please tell me the score when COBBLERS played notts
forest in the 3rd of the FA CUP in 1966 and who scored
TRB Mark at 13:52:37 Sunday November 26 2000
I read those bloody words "but we have a really talented squad" and "good playes don't become bad players overnight", I'll bloody scream! Wake up and smell the coffee before you start saying "wer'e too good to go down." The fact is we are being beaten by good teams and we are being beaten by average teams and next week we stand a good chance of being beaten by a poor team. No amount of individual talent is going to change that unless it is arranged in the right order on the pitch. I'm with Hartwell and the others who fear that Broadhurst's loss is going to be a much bigger blow than we all at first suspected. I think the most telling remarks was by someone who said that the players didn't like Broadhurst because he dished out the hard work and punishment. Hmmmm. My biggest fear now is that we are going to be one of those sides that are quickest out the blocks, start slipping in the late Autumn and by Spring are struggling to avoid relegation.
Sonny at 12:48:14 Sunday November 26 2000
Players are only the half of it, the coach is the other two-thirds! If our drop in form has nothing to do with Broadhurst then why do some managers have better results than others using the same players? How come Wilson/Broadhurst managed to transform the same players Atkins had? The current dip in form goes a bit deeper than just the players. The side v Frickley had no balance, Spedding/Hargreaves was basic. We have no shape, balance or game plan at present. Gabbi has to play, we look a better side when he does and the only way to get the best out of him is to play him.
The Drilling Cobbler at 12:14:6 Sunday November 26 2000
As soon as the teamsheet was announced, you could almost sense what was going to happen. In effect, out there yesterday we had a line of defenders and a line of forwards - and no midfielders whatsoever. Malley coped well considering he was the only player on the right hand side for us and he was always up against 2 or even 3 Walsall players who were simply allowed to run at him. It took me less than 5 minutes to work out that all Walsall had to do was switch the ball onto their left and then run with it. Judging by the substitutions(again), it appeared that Wilson never realised this despite having numerous options available to him on the bench to rectify the problem. Spedding in for Hargrieves was strange too say the least, it took Kev an hour to acknowledge that particular mistake! How long did it take you lot - probably about 3seconds - and hes the bloody manager! Hunt then came off - the only player we had that was winning the ball for us out of our own penalty area and predictably we became even worse. Howard off for Gabbs - whos the most likely to win the ball in the air which was where it was for the whole game! Net result - the team that finished the game was even less co-ordinated,and had less shape and balance than the team that started it. Clare was ok, despite being out of position most of the time(not his fault), but as I pointed out on Friday, did he honestly improve the starting 11 - and was he better than what Gabbs would have been? We didnt lack passion yesterday - mainly just leadership - and I'm suggesting the lack of leadership had come from off the pitch as opposed to on it. To sum up, tactically we were as inept as the referee which says something, although the first goal coming so soon obviously didnt help. The right changes were never made, and thats not hindsight, we were totally outclassed and OUTWITTED by a far superior side. What grieves me is not the 3-0 defeat against high quality opposition - its the manner of the way that we approached the game.
Daventry Claret at 11:50:15 Sunday November 26 2000
I do not believe that the departure of Broadhurst has anything to do with our drop in form. We are esentially playing the same players in the same roles as we were when Broadhurst was here, with the exception that Spedding is back from injury (and we had no choice but to play him in his first game back as he was the only semi-fit player), Maley is in for Hughes (an improvement) and Clare in in for Hodge (who is injured anyway). Savage has needed to be dropped for weeks to give him some concept that he has to perform to be in the team. We are, esentially, playing no differently than we have all season - we are just experiencing the opposite side of the coin when it comes to luck. Walsall played as they are, a side who were 1st Division standard, we played like a promoted 3rd Division side. We will struggle against the top sides in the division, it is just that we need to take advantage of the fixtures against lower class oposition. If we can get yesterdays line-up playing as a team then we can be assured of our second division status. The main worry I have is that we do not have the coaches to achieve this. What would we give to have the coaching abilities that are available to Walsall? Remember, this seasons priority is to maintain our 2nd division status. What yesterday showed was that any dream of play-off glory and promotion to the 1st is very premature.
Shadwell at 11:41:41 Sunday November 26 2000
Finally, regarding David Savage. He is obviously a player with some talent. The problem for us is that it isn't necessarily the talent we need. David has always looked his best playing close up behind the front two where his footwork in the box can sometimes get him through on goal. What he isn't though is a head up midfielder passing the ball and putting through that incisive telling pass for Jamie or Gabbi to run on to. What he isn't is what we need, a play maker....
Shadwell at 11:36:52 Sunday November 26 2000
Regarding Gabbi I agree that we should continue to do everything we can to make him a success. In fairness to the fans they have been very supportive. Vitually any other striker in the country would be getting flak from the fans by now given his scoring to date but the Northampton fans have shown a huge amount of goodwill to him. I hope this will continue and he will find his form as the last thing any of us want is another highly paid disaffected non-playing striker on the books, we've had enough of those recently. Clare will only be a problem if he takes Gabbi's place and to be honest that's down to Gabbiadini to make sure he doesn't.
Shadwell at 11:25:52 Sunday November 26 2000
Re DEK, I must admit to being a little surprised that we have taken Clare on loan now. I would certainly count myself as one of his fans and would like to see him at the club. I believe from the rumours that we have been keeping a close eye on him since he left and it may simply be coincidence caused more by the managerial changes at Grimsby. On the other hand he could be in preparation for a striker departing. I know the club deny it but they would wouldn't they. If we can get Clare in on the cheap and not sacrifice a new midfielder by so doing then I think Clare will be a very positive addition to the squad.
DEK at 10:43:40 Sunday November 26 2000
Sorry me again. Although Clare has some qualities that we are short of, surely getting the best out of Gabbi should be a priority. An attacking, ball playing midfielder who could provide and support the forwards is a must. There must be someone out there so why Clare? Does anyone know? Also when Savage came on, he did at least look hungry for the ball, well for about 10 mins anyway.
DEK at 10:37:28 Sunday November 26 2000
Concerning our tactics and style of play, none of it makes sense. On the one hand we are very defensive, 5 at back, with 2 further centre-halves (Hunt & Frain), yet with 3 quality forwards. We have no choice but to hoof it as we don't have forceful midfield players. Hunt gets on the ball alot but couldn't pick out a forward run if it had flashing neon lights, so we play tippy, tappy, sideways passing, which eventual goes backwards to a defender, who then plays a long hopeful play forward. We have to decide (and quickly) what type of football we play, either defensive (5-4-1) or attacking (3-4-3, etc).
Even before when we were winning our formation was poor, 5-2-3, with Hodge out wide right, with absolutely nothing on the left side. As they say formations don't win matches, players do, but having a purpose and a style certainly helps.
DEK at 10:25:42 Sunday November 26 2000
Yesterday we battled but were totally outclassed. I see people are starting to say what I've been saying for the last two years, midfield is not good enough and that overall we are too defensive, playing 5 at the back, not wing-backs. It wasn't noticed so much last year because of the poor quality of the opposition but again as I have said before, if it wasn't for 3 players, Jamie, Howard and Welch we would be bottom 4 without a doubt. Another factor to consider from yesterday was that 2 loan players played their '1st' games, 2 players just coming back from lenghty injuries (Frain and Spedding) all against the top side, away from home. Again it all points to Wilson's lack of tactical awareness.
Jonah at 9:57:1 Sunday November 26 2000
Be afraid. Be very afraid. The relegation battle starts today. you read it here first!
Ray at 9:56:26 Sunday November 26 2000
No - the posting was not made because I'm bored. The posting was made because I'm damn well worried. How can you say I don't have the Cobblers best interest at heart? This is a place for discussion and generally when discussion takes place there are opposing points of view - bit pointless otherwise. I'm sorry if you disagree, but I don't think everything in the garden is rosy! Roy, why should I delete anything? This forum was made available for people to express an opinion in a way that isn't available otherwise. As long as posters have stuck to the rules regarding "moderation of language" which includes swearing, racist remarks etc etc. no posting has ever been deleted.
Eastander at 9:55:43 Sunday November 26 2000
I think Shadwell has more or less got it spot on, John frain is not a midfielder and played much better after Spedding went of and he reverted to his natural position of left back\wingback, also the midfield problem is the reason we struggled to get a hatful against Frickley last week, they played 5 in the middle and although we ran 90% of the game we couldn`t get good service to the front men. The facts speak for themselves we haven`t scored more than 2 goals in a league game all season, the midfield haven`t scored in a league game all season and if you discount Hendons penalty at Wigan wev`e only scored one goal from defence. Why did Wilson take Howard off to bring Gabbi on, surely with the tactics apparently being hit and hope Howard should have stayed on in midfield to provide Knock downs for the front men
Eastander at 9:55:40 Sunday November 26 2000
I think Shadwell has more or less got it spot on, John frain is not a midfielder and played much better after Spedding went of and he reverted to his natural position of left back\wingback, also the midfield problem is the reason we struggled to get a hatful against Frickley last week, they played 5 in the middle and although we ran 90% of the game we couldn`t get good service to the front men. The facts speak for themselves we haven`t scored more than 2 goals in a league game all season, the midfield haven`t scored in a league game all season and if you discount Hendons penalty at Wigan wev`e only scored one goal from defence. Why did Wilson take Howard off to bring Gabbi on, surely with the tactics apparently being hit and hope Howard should have stayed on in midfield to provide Knock downs for the front men
Corporal Jones at 9:50:53 Sunday November 26 2000
Don't panic Captain Cobblers.
Shadwell at 9:8:8 Sunday November 26 2000
We were beaten by the better team yesterday but the lads did what they could against a strong Walsall midfield. The comments are unfair about lack of passion. I thought every man on the pitch was going for it but we were simply out played. We have seen several examples of a lack of passion over the years but I didn't see it yesterday. Where we do have a problem, and its been there since the start of the season, is in midfield. Somebody earlier referred to a pattern emerging and I agree but it wasn't the one to which they were referring. To me the pattern was evident at Wycombe, Walsall and against Bournemouth. This is, that we can't cope easily with fast pressing midfields. Where teams stand off us we can pass the ball around and look quite impressive. When teams start to press the midfield our lack of numbers and quality in that area starts to show. Players pass quickly across the pitch in a desperate game of 'don't give it to me I don't want it'. After two or three sideways passes we lose the ball and then suddenly we're defending again. The flow of the game seemed quite fixed. We play it out of defence to midfield. The midfield under pressure passed it around on the half way line trying not to get tackled. Having to make quicker and quicker passes they eventually lost the ball without ever having looked like bringing the front two into play. The opposition midfield then rushes forward on mass and overruns the defence. If we manage to stop them scoring we pass the ball out to midfield, they get pressed and off we go again. Tactically what should stop this happening is that the wing backs should push up to make up the numbers in midfield but the reality yesterday was that they did little to support the midfield. Both wingbacks looked slow coming forward and by the time they'd got to the half way line we'd lost the ball. Ironically they did fairly regularly get right up to support the attack. It was as if they were reluctant to leave their defensive posts until they were sure that the ball was going forward. To me this is a lack of confidence and wasn't helped by letting one in on two minutes. Spedding in particular seems totally bereft of confidence. When he first joined us he was fast and used to run a t people but I can't remember the last time Spedding took someone on and looked like he thought he could get passed. So where does this leave us. Well despite the fact that the defence was cut to ribbons yesterday, and it was, I don't think the problem is with the defence. They were under a constant bombardment with balls fizzing through the box from all angles and Walsall virtually queuing up to run at them. The problem is not at the front either. We all know Jamie is a class act and Steve is about our only chance to make a goal. With little genuinely coming out of midfield the long ball to Stevie and the flick on is too often our only chance of scoring. The problem is, as you've probably guessed by now, in my opinion, in midfield. First we've got to move to four in the middle even if it is painful in the short term. But to go to four we've got to substantially strengthen the midfield. This probably means two new midfielders who have the vision of a Gabbiadini or Dozzell, the holding up talents of a Corrazin but the speed of a youngster. We need someone who can hold up the ball, resist the opposition and distribute to the wings or the front boys. I know these sort of skills don't grow on trees but we have to start looking. This probably means that we need to buy them and I can't see them coming in for less than £200K each. To get that sort of money we'll need to bite the bullet and either sell Stevie or Jamie. I wouldn't like to see either of them go but if I had to choose I would pick Stevie on the basis that our new style of play would be based less on high balls to a target man and more on developing through midfield. Finally, I don't think blame could be put at Kevin's door for yesterday. I would have chosen 5-3-2 before the match and I don't think any formation would have changed the result yesterday. Kevin has done an excellent job so far and his signings have been inspirational. If we start to put him under pressure he may over-react and start bringing in players who don't grow the squad in the way it needs to. Now is the time for cool heads and a firm hand to make sure the team is developed to the sort of side we all want to see.
Big Roy at 9:7:41 Sunday November 26 2000
I can say nothing that Ray won't delete.
Been here so long I should probably move on somewhere else at 6:23:26 Sunday November 26 2000
Yawn ....morning all its the formation ...playing 5 accross the back doesn't give the depth after moving forward when your midfield aint solid enough..its nothing to do with the players its the know how from the gaffer when things go wrong ..he is inexperienced not lacking the Willo will certainly prevail and all you lot giving it "I hope I'm wrong" need to ask yourself why you bother to say anything...all you appear to be interested in is being able to say I was right before when I said this one was crap etc etc yet when it's all Rosey you say nothing except how crap the parking is at Sixfields and anything else that takes your fancy....I'm afraid the biggest culprits of this are Ray and Hartwell two people who I always believed had the Cobbs at heart but it seems all they are interested in is self promotion and glorification.Saying that reading back before I post this Ray may just be bored but Hartwell has always been like this grow up and smell the roses...how does Conference moaning appeal?
Marriott at 2:46:40 Sunday November 26 2000
I'm not saying we deserved a win, the way we played we deserved to lose 3-0, all I'm saying is at times we made Walsall look alot better team than they were.
Pablo at 0:48:33 Sunday November 26 2000
Ray, I missed the Bournemouth match (fortunately!), but saw the Frickley game and thought we played better today, despite the very real problems and the score. I don't go for your hypothesis (2) - of the team put out today, arguably Forrester & Clare are the most skilful on the ball and did well on the ball today, as did the more skilful of Walsall's players. Your options (1) & (3)? Only time will tell in both cases. Were the 5 at the back really torn to shreds? Certainly the left back was, & Maley faded a little late on, but the centre backs seemed to me to hold their own against a very good attack. I don't think our defence is the best in the division, but its not that bad - and is sometimes made to seem worse than it is by having to face too much pressure due to our losing possession too easily, either due to defenders having no-one to pass out to and hoofing it (less the case today) or to the midfield being outnumbered (definitely the case today). Goodnight!
Ray at 0:29:50 Sunday November 26 2000
Yes I know - but this has now been like it for 4 weeks or so. I know good players don't become bad players overnight but I can only put it down to one of three factors (1) Kevan Broadhurst left (2) The weather and therefore pitches have been much worse over the last 4 weeks and our skillful players need the better conditions (3) Its a bad patch which is purely temporary. I really do sincerely hope that its the latter and all my misgivings will prove to be mistaken or alternatively the lesser of the remaining evils is that its going to be a long winter and we will pick up again when the grass starts growing. I dread to think of the consequences if the real reason is number 1. Personally I cant see what difference 4-4-2 would have made today. It would just have left us one more short at the back and the five we had were being cut to ribbons.
Pablo at 0:28:49 Sunday November 26 2000
One parting shot: I wish people would stop suggesting that some players aren't making enough effort. We've made good progress and I haven't seen too many half-hearted prima donnas in Cobblers shirts. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you play badly and sometimes there are team problems - that's not a reason to slag off individuals. Why do people feel a need to do that? OK, I have my opinions, as everyone does, as to players that may not be good enough, or right for the team, but it doesn't mean they're rubbish or don't care. While footballers get a decent wage, it was a useful reminder to read the earlier comments about the serious injuries to Roy Hunter & Lee Howey, and to think about the longer-term.
Pablo at 0:15:52 Sunday November 26 2000
Ray, I know it wasn't too clever, but I think you're being a little melodramatic there...good players don't become bad players overnight, as the cliche goes, and we have at least as many good players as many in this division. Problem 1 today: Lack of players coming forward in midfield (not the same as a lack of midfield players coming forward) meaning a good Walsall side had plenty of possession; Problem 2: Leitao and Byfield were better strikers than most at this level. Even playing badly for the rest of the season, we have the individuals to get your 15 points to avoid relegation....do something about the balance of the team and it might be a whole lot better. I really do think, though, that if we play 3 centre backs, we need to have wing-backs that are comfortable bringing the ball forward, whose distribution is good and who have plenty of stamina...and there's only really Chris Hargreaves who fits those criteria for me (Hodgy doesn't have the stamina, John Frain doesn't have the pace), meaning 4-4-2. Certainly we need more midfield bodies and options: distribution from the back (not always a strong point) wasn't too bad today, but despite strenuous efforts on some parts of many (its not a problem of attitude)the options in midfield were too limited, handing possession - and the game - to Walsall.
The Bicester Cobbler at 0:0:43 Sunday November 26 2000
Simply outclassed by a better team today though the dodgy formation and even dodgier choice of certain players did not help. However, looking on the bright side this must be one of the most talented squads we have had for years. Both Maley and Clare did well considering and look at the experience and ability we had on the bench. OK it is no good having all that and not being able to win. Lot of talk about Wilson being tactically lacking. Our aim this year must be to stay in the Div 2 and I believe we will do that. Along the way we must let him try a few things out and make
mistakes. Today was one of those games. Hopefully he will have learnt that Spedding is not an option and that we are going to use wing backs to supply the ball to our front men, they must leave their own half!!!!! 4-4-2 would have worked a lot better today. At least we would have had more bite in midfield and more width without people being taken completely out of the game. Howard spent most of his time running back from one side of the field to the other.
Ray at 23:28:49 Saturday November 25 2000
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.... Anyone who thought we were just "unlucky" today must be wearing claret coloured specs of the first order. Basically their attack ripped our defence to shreds, they passed the ball to each other at will, our defence was left sprawling in the mud too many times to keep count and if they had decided that we were worth making the effort against , they could easily have gone into double figures. Although the ref. didn't help I think this is a blind alley. We were outplayed by a side that were patently better. I'm sorry Marriott but on that performance and on the performances of the last 4 matches or so, we couldn't give Swindon Reserves a thrashing at the moment. I'm now beginning to think that the word on the terraces regarding the departed Kevan is right. Bland remarks from KW saying we weren't outclassed means he should be in the stands with us actually watching the game. From where I was it was more of the same story as we have all been seeing recently, although not quite as bad as the Bournemouth and Frickley matches. I'm now only hoping we can gain the remaining 15 points or so we need to avoid the drop. Is this just a poor patch or is something fundamentally wrong? Ask me again in the New Year. Happy New Millennium readers.
peter at 22:35:28 Saturday November 25 2000
After seeing the Cobblers I think we did not play as well as we could have.We were out played by walsall but all teams have there day's.I think we will play better when we play Swindon town at home good luck on saturday from number one fan
L at 22:2:54 Saturday November 25 2000
Are you lot gonna buy Hatswell from us or are you going to let Oxford beat you to it? He was all set to sign for you unitl Oxford came in for him. I would prefer he signs for you than the Oxford scum. He is an excellent central defender and will be a real loss to Forest Green and one of our new managers and your goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink. If we can't keep him then I hope you get him. Has anyone heard anything?
Claret Bloodbath at 21:52:22 Saturday November 25 2000
Hey elenor ...Blow it out your arse.And I tol You Clare was a dobbin who saw the sitter he missed ?
Ralph at 21:42:43 Saturday November 25 2000
I only listened on the radio and if that was 'hit and hope' I'll settle for that every week. On the midfielder crisis Kavanagh has always impressed me, likewise Caskey and Ferguson. It seems an age since we have had a player of that type at the club. Some seem a bit too quick to be having a go at the manager when only a few weeks ago he could have walked on water.
elenor at 21:38:57 Saturday November 25 2000
just got back from walsall, outplayed on the day, couldn't keep up with them!! but had a lovely curry on the way home in balsall heath!!
Harry at 21:15:58 Saturday November 25 2000
Keep kidding yourself Marriot. Walsall played a "hit and hope" game? Lie to yourself enough times and one day you will start to believe that you competed with us.
Deepcut Cobbler at 21:13:53 Saturday November 25 2000
Last Anon at 21.01.00 was me picking a team only using the comments from this site and no other influences. Does this reflect the majority thinking or am I mis-reading the comments? Unless Kevin is covering up for injuries, the writings are giving me serious deja vu to last season under IA, when he was mystifying the majority with his selections and subsequent tactics...Lets hope the reason is the former and not a losing of his way...COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Anon at 21:1:0 Saturday November 25 2000
Top team for Saturday with players currently available....Welch, Sampson, Green, Hughes, Hodge, Hunt, Hargreaves, Frain, Howard, Clare, Forrester. 3-4-1-2 formation with Hodge and Frain acting as wing backs, Howard behind the front two. Subs: Sollitt, Maley, Hope, Savage, Gabbiadini. That would be solid at the back with support in the middle and a definite attacking slant to really go at Swindon. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Dyl at 20:54:7 Saturday November 25 2000
Ref was awful today, truly awful, but then we weren't much better. The 2 loanees did ok, Howard played well and a few others did ok. But Walsall were the best team I have seen this season. In the first half hour they ripped us to shreds. To our credit, towards the end of the 1st half we were playing well. But early in the 2nd half we conceeded the 4th deflected goal in 3 league matches and that knocked the stuffing out of us. If Jamie had scored his golden chance, then it could have been a different game. As it was Walsall were comfortable winners.
MartinW at 20:38:58 Saturday November 25 2000
Sad to see the boys going down. Although it may be because I wasn't there. I'm in the Dominican as we speak, and, well, there will be on Cobblers goals until after the Swindon game. But of course if anyone can tape the goals and send them to me, you'll be doing people a service. KEEP THE FAITH!!
Marriott at 20:34:34 Saturday November 25 2000
I didn't think we were outclassed and despite the scoreline, I wasn't impressed with Walsall at all, They got all the breaks today, every (shit) clearance Spedding and Sampson made fell straight to a Walsall man, they just played a hit and hope game, but had the pace to pick up all of the balls over the top. We played a time high on confidence, something we seem to lack and we badly need a midfielder, someone in the Hargreaves mould would do nicely (why didn't he start today?) He can pass, tackle, cross and shoot, another one of him wouldn't be too bad. Swindon are in for a hell of a beating I think!
Hartwell at 20:33:39 Saturday November 25 2000
Since Broadhurst left a pattern seems to be emerging and it's not one to be pleased about. The pattern appears to be...well, no pattern really. Players now don't seem to know what their jobs are, most seem unsure and uncertain what to do in any given situation and the net result appears to be an aura of dispiritedness and lack of passion. The fact that this has co-incided with Broadhurst's departure might just be purely co-incidental. On the other hand it may, as some are saying, point to the fact that he was, indeed, the tactical brains behind the team. Whatever the reasons, right now we appear to be going down a blind alley, the blind proverbally leading the blind. The sad aspect of this is we have a very strong (if fairly small) squad on paper. It would be a great shame if all the good of the past 12 months were to be undone because of a lack of tactical nous, with little but a very large wage bill to show for it all.
Pablo at 20:24:13 Saturday November 25 2000
While I agree with Danny about how Roy Hunter is missed, and that we were well beaten, I disagree with his analysis of today's failings: Walsall won almost without breaking sweat NOT because of people chickening out of tackles (John Frain?!; James Hunt?!), they did so because they made the ball do the work and as we didn't have a balanced side, we were left chasing shadows in midfield when they had the ball and were outnumbered when we had it.
Atkins In at 20:20:6 Saturday November 25 2000
Its obvious Kev is brain dead - Spedding and Savage out!!!! I am a reactionery - Che Hotela!
Danny at 19:58:3 Saturday November 25 2000
Today we were not only outclassed by a much better team, we were outclassed by a team that never really had to break sweat. As for our chances, I can't recall Walker having a serious save to make. We had absolutly nothing in midfield. No creativity, no bite, no one to put their foot on the ball to make things happen. We did'nt deserve to lose 3-0, it could have been more if Walsall had moved out of 1st gear. There seems to be a lack of passion in the side. Its all well and good shouting from the roof tops that we've got Daryl Clare on loan, its not Daryl Clare we need, we need a Midfielder that can win the ball, put himself about, not pussy out of tackles etc. Sadly the only midfielder we have that does that has been injured for 2 years and may have lost a little of that tenacity and will to win. Come on Cobblers - you know you can do better.
Pablo at 19:57:1 Saturday November 25 2000
Don't panic, Capt. Mainwaring!! There are now a lot of good players at the club. Richard Hope is looking a better player all the time, and if it can be arranged for Daryl Clare to stay permanently or on loan, then he's a definite asset with his skill, mobility and vision. Just need to sort the balance of the side out, together with the left back position....Despite nearly getting sent off on his debut, I though Maley looked pretty decent as an orthodox right back.
Pablo at 19:53:8 Saturday November 25 2000
Having just returned from the game, can I just second the comment by the person who wondered why we are playing 5 at the back - I could understand the move to 5-3-2 last season as we kept getting hit on the break, so 3 at the back with Hendon & Spedding as wing-backs made sense, but on the basis of today, Maley, like Hughes, is a defender, not a wing back, while Spedding, for the timebeing at least, looks out of his depth and short of confidence - he isn't even using the asset he does have - speed - to get forward. Do we need 5 out and out defenders PLUS Frain in front of a back 5!!! I can understand Kevin Wilson's comments as (1) Walsall were good - and we were better than against Frickley(!); (2) A number of players - Clare, Sammo, Frain, Hunt, Forrester (despite not scoring) & Hope had good games....but we were overrun in midfield by a good footballing side and, as they blotted Howard out, had few chances to score: 4-4-2 would give the good midfield and ball-playing players at the club - Hargreaves, Hunt, Frain, Clare (if he stays) &, yes!, Savage - a chance to show what they've got.
Back from the match at 19:45:6 Saturday November 25 2000
We had players on the pitch today with the ability to give Walsall a game and to draw or even beat them. What we didn't have was tactics and organisation. Walsall totally outclassed us and we were lucky not to be seriously embarassed. When we signed Clare I seem to remember Kevin Wilson saying 'if that doesn't excite the fans then I don't know what will'. Well Kevin, you and your coaches have got a lot of work to do to get them playing for each other, and you had better start doing it prior to next Saturday.
Lancaster Cobbler at 18:25:15 Saturday November 25 2000
Cheer up, we have got two fairly easy home games Swindon and Swansea and Oxford away and the Pish, I can see us getting 9 points!
Ralph at 17:47:5 Saturday November 25 2000
A rather strange post-march interview by our Kev who seems to be in the minority regarding the game. He felt we did not disgrace ourselves. Missed our chances and defended poorly for all three goals. Whilst Walsall are a good side Kev felt we matched them and it was missed chances that cost us! Oh well we all see the game differently, I don't remember too many chances but he did sound like a man under a wee bit of pressure. We'll know better after next week's game at home to a rank/average Swindon side who lost at home 3-0 today.
Nosey Parker at 17:32:37 Saturday November 25 2000
I think the word "outclassed" spring to mind!!
9224 at 17:15:27 Saturday November 25 2000
Why has the defence gone to rat-shit? 8 goals in only three (league) games!!!!
Anon at 17:6:41 Saturday November 25 2000
Out-classed and out-fought again were we. Where has the passion and fighting spirit gone from the team. BRING BACK WACKO ATKO.
Anon2 at 17:3:58 Saturday November 25 2000
Yep
Anon at 17:0:36 Saturday November 25 2000
So basically we were SHIT
Ralph at 16:52:32 Saturday November 25 2000
WALSALL 3 COBBLERS 0 - Final Whistle has just gone!
Ralph at 16:48:41 Saturday November 25 2000
Radio Ralph is closing down due to a huge depression mounting over Kingsthorpe. Forrester is booked. What a bloody miserable afternoon. Don't mention Kevan Broadhurst.
Ralph at 16:46:58 Saturday November 25 2000
Maley close to being sent off! Savage on for Hunt, Gabbiadini on for Howard. 3-0!!!!!!!
Anon at 16:22:42 Saturday November 25 2000
Y is it that all the players that we have at the Town go somewhere else and do well and can't stop scoring? Eg. Parrish, Grayson, Byfield, Grenacre and McGavin just to name a few.
Ralph at 16:19:1 Saturday November 25 2000
Nearly 3-0, Haul again, great save from Welch, corner. Off Maley for another corner. Welch catches.
Ralph at 16:17:39 Saturday November 25 2000
I can't keep up with this Byfield bloke. Suffice to say we are still under pressure with eleven minutes gone of the second half. I'm off to put the kettle on. BTW Haul's goal may have been deflected. Hargreaves on for Spedding!
Anon at 16:16:14 Saturday November 25 2000
Pooh r losing 2-0 to the NORTHERN MONKEYS from Rotherham
Anon at 16:15:21 Saturday November 25 2000
What has happened to us all of a sudden? From playing well and winning to being just normal. COME ON U COBBLERS. If we carry on droppingpoints then we'll just finish below mid-table.
Views on the Team at 16:15:6 Saturday November 25 2000
No Savage thank you. Hargreaves is warming up. Horse/bolted/door/stable all spring to mind!
Anon at 16:13:31 Saturday November 25 2000
2-0 Pall Haul
Ralph at 16:13:29 Saturday November 25 2000
Forrester goes close, best chance of the game.
Anon at 16:12:28 Saturday November 25 2000
2-0 to Walsall.
Team selection at 16:5:4 Saturday November 25 2000
Y does he insist on playin 5 at the back. We are good enough now to play just 4, Eg. Maley, Sampson, Hope and Frain. Surely u cant drop Hargreaves, hes been magic so far this season puttin in consistently good performances and always fightin to the last minute. Droppin him is a big boob-boob by Wilson. The midfild should shorely b Savage, Hunt and Hargreaves with Howard playin behind the front 2 and helpin in central midfield. The forwards of course should b Clare and Forrester and with Gabbi on the bench we've still got quality waitin to come on when we need him. I know im not the manager , but that is just my opinion. Any views please on what the team should b.
Ralph at 16:4:53 Saturday November 25 2000
Second half underway, no changes! By the way we are in yellow. It is confirmed Frain was booked, so was Greene.
Ralph at 16:1:58 Saturday November 25 2000
Official from the terraces - We are being outclassed and it looked at times that the two sides were from different divisions. Clare looks sharp and is playing right side midfield. Maley is okay stopping players but lacks pace and may be a bit overweight, far too early to make judgement. Our fans have been told by the police not to be so noisy! This prompted them to sing 'we're not singing anymore'! Byfield is getting stick as you would expect unfortunately the wonderful West Midland Police force are viewing this as something more sinister. Courtesy Big Roy, better than Adam Blackmore's summary.
MOMAC at 15:56:2 Saturday November 25 2000
Still only one goal in it,hopefully Kev will give them a roasting and change things round.Come on Cobblers.
9224 at 15:53:51 Saturday November 25 2000
Dryden's rifled in an og playing for Swindon!!!
Ralph at 15:49:40 Saturday November 25 2000
HALF-TIME - Torrid time for the Cobblers, their keeper didn't have a shot to save. Let's hope for better second half. Turning the radio off now as the music is always dead dodgy.
Ralph at 15:47:54 Saturday November 25 2000
It sounds like we are overrun in midfield. The wing backs can't push on to support the midfield two. Corner to Cobblers at the end of the first half. Frain with the corner. Green over the bar, goal kick.
The Harrold Cobbler at 15:47:33 Saturday November 25 2000
now we got daryl clare, we will be top 7
Ralph at 15:45:8 Saturday November 25 2000
Sorry Steve my source is Adam Blackmore!
Ralph at 15:44:14 Saturday November 25 2000
Barrass booked for Walsall after a foul on Jamie. Not sure now if Frainy got booked.
Steve at 15:42:29 Saturday November 25 2000
Come on Ralph, you know better than that. It's Ian Brightwell that plays now for Walsall. The former Cobbler is David Brightwell, who's now with Hull City. Their other brother is Gary Brightwell, who is in the same trade as me, and got his brother Ian to get tickets for my missus and the kids. By the way, we're 1-0 down.
Ralph at 15:41:48 Saturday November 25 2000
Frain booked after clattering Byfield.
Ralph at 15:41:5 Saturday November 25 2000
In the pre-match interview Clare said he struggled to get a game at Grimsby as the new manager was bringing in several 'foreign' players. Interestingly Walsall have two Spaniards, a Portuguese and a Hungarian in their side. Even at this level our younger players are affected. Walsall come close again. Commentator says we are having a dismal time of it and it is remarkable we are only one down.
MOMAC at 15:39:45 Saturday November 25 2000
Cheers Ralph.
Ralph at 15:38:2 Saturday November 25 2000
It is always difficult to tell how the game is going with Adam Blackmore's commentary but it would appear that we are under the cosh a bit. We are doing quite a bit of defending. One shot from Clare thus far that went over the bar. Several 'shocking' passes from Clare! Old boys Brightwell and Byfield appear to be playing well. Brightwell booked for a tackle on Howard. That's two bookings for Warsaw now.
MOMAC at 15:21:44 Saturday November 25 2000
Hows Maley settling in early on?
Tony at 15:19:46 Saturday November 25 2000
How are we playing? Are we shit or are we actually trying to win?
Anon at 15:19:0 Saturday November 25 2000
Still let's focus on the game and get behind the team. Fans are making a bit of noise, conditions are much dryer than here in Northampton.
MOMAC at 15:17:3 Saturday November 25 2000
Got to agree,very confusing.
Anon at 15:16:14 Saturday November 25 2000
Sewage wasn't a typo! And you are dead right MOMAC Frain at left back and Hargreaves in midfield, job done.
Anon at 15:15:18 Saturday November 25 2000
I always think if as player has a slight injury it is better to leave him out. If he comes on as sub and aggravates it then he has to come off again. I don't understand why, Adam Blackmore suggests that we have an attacking line up and Spedding is more defensive than Hargreaves, pah! Spedding isn't anything compared to Hargreaves. It is the type of selection mystery that used to occur under Atkins.
MOMAC at 15:14:27 Saturday November 25 2000
Sewage?
MOMAC at 15:13:28 Saturday November 25 2000
Frain should be at left back and Hargreaves left midfield.
Anon at 15:12:54 Saturday November 25 2000
I think the bench is; Gabbi, Hargreaves, Sollitt, Sewage and Hughes. I didn't catch the subs as I was reeling at the fact Hargreaves had been dropped. Goal came from a corner which Hopey didn't clear too well.
MOMAC at 15:11:39 Saturday November 25 2000
If Hargreaves is on the bench surely it is only because he has some sort of injury.
Anon at 15:11:0 Saturday November 25 2000
Side is 5-2-1-2: Welch; Maley, Sampson, Greene, Hope, Spedding? Hunt, Frain, Clare; Howard, Forrester.
My old mans a Cobbler. at 15:9:39 Saturday November 25 2000
Anybody know what the team line up is and who's on the bench?
Anon at 15:8:6 Saturday November 25 2000
Wot no Hargreaves? I don't believe it! Mr Consistency is dropped for Spedding! Nah it's an Atkinsism surely? Discuss.
Tony at 15:5:6 Saturday November 25 2000
Why, why I ask you!
Tony at 15:4:42 Saturday November 25 2000
Oh Crap... Walsall 1 Northampton 0
BRMB at 14:58:7 Saturday November 25 2000
I'm showing Coventry versus Aston Villa... who are Walsall?
Mark at 14:54:58 Saturday November 25 2000
Sorry that is probable line ups. I read it wrong on Imsport. Don't start slating me it wasd a mistake
Mark, the other 1 at 14:52:33 Saturday November 25 2000
Northampton Town : Welch , Frain , Green , Maley , Hope , Hunt , Spedding , Clare , Forrester , Howard , Thompson
Subs: Hughes , Savage , Hargreaves , Gabbiadini and i thik Sollitt
So whats the formation?
What a bench, there is some real quality on there to come on if need be
Anon at 14:42:6 Saturday November 25 2000
Any team news yet?
Anon at 14:19:16 Saturday November 25 2000
what is the chance of this afternoons game being called off? Rather a lot of games being called off round there at the moment
Yippeeeeee hes back at 14:17:40 Saturday November 25 2000
I think it's good having a choice of strikers up front instead of having large amounts of defenders to choose from for a change. Having 4 great strikers on the books is surely a good sign and i praise the people who brought him back to Sixfields. Clare is a quality player and you peple know that so why are some of u moaning saying that we dont need him. If you look at it Jamie is our only foward scoring with Howard chipping in with a few, so if Clare comes here and scores 3 in 4 a bet you won't be saying we didn't need him then would you. Well done to the club for building a squad full of quality players. UP THE COBBLERS
Yippeeeeee hes d at 14:17:29 Saturday November 25 2000
I think it's good having a choice of strikers up front instead of having large amounts of defenders to choose from for a change. Having 4 great strikers on the books is surely a good sign and i praise the people who brought him back to Sixfields. Clare is a quality player and you peple know that so why are some of u moaning saying that we dont need him. If you look at it Jamie is our only foward scoring with Howard chipping in with a few, so if Clare comes here and scores 3 in 4 a bet you won't be saying we didn't need him then would you. Well done to the club for building a squad full of quality players. UP THE COBBLERS
BIG JIM at 14:8:43 Saturday November 25 2000
For those of you who cannot make it to the match this aft,try going to ASK JEEVES search engine and then put in to the you asked box `BRMB` and it will come up with `96.4 BRMB`.It has A match of the day but at this moment I am not sure what it is.I`ll keep looking ,you will also need Windows media player.UP THE COBBLERS
Anon at 13:26:57 Saturday November 25 2000
Howard will leave first.................
yelvertoft at 13:15:20 Saturday November 25 2000
Yelvertoft contingent left for Walsall at 13.00hrs. Apart from the obvious, is there any team news?
Richard at 12:28:33 Saturday November 25 2000
Still trying to sell season ticket Adult Weststand ( 15 Games to go )
offers around £100 Please e-mail if interested
eu transfer thingy at 12:7:44 Saturday November 25 2000
I been thinking this eu thing re transfers would stop any big money bids for forrester but when leeds start shelling out serious money and other clubs seem to be kick starting the transfer system, then maybe they know its not going to happen, at least for the forseeable future and so a big money bid may come for forrester.
Jo at 10:13:57 Saturday November 25 2000
No Lard, not Whiley, not Jo either if I'm really honest.
Wot at 10:12:24 Saturday November 25 2000
No comments?
The Drilling Cobbler at 9:16:12 Saturday November 25 2000
On the subject of injured players, whilst getting my ticket for Walsall on thursday I saw Howie getting into his car. The guy could hardly walk, and was considerably aided with crutches. This, nearly a year after he sustained his injury. I would be very surprised considering his age if he ever plays again, I'm sure an announcement regarding retirement is imminent. A real shame because he is one of only a few players we have that you can honestly say is influential - a true 100percent man in the same way as Martin Keown or Stuart Pearce.
Spring Park Cobbler at 0:33:39 Saturday November 25 2000
Nothing wrong with signing Clare. I thought he did a great job for us last season. The more quality players we get into our tiny squad the better. Someone pointed out earlier on that under Atkins we had plenty of 'bodies' but a lack of quality. Now what we need to look for is a midfielder in the Hunter mode, difficult because everyone in the league needs one but we need to get a bit more depth in our midfield. Hunt, Hargreaves, Savage and Hodge have done well for us this season but an injury i.e. Hodges or a suspension reveals a weakness in midfield. I suspect that the argument is that Clare is a midfielder/striker as I seem to remember him playing wide for us as well as up front last season, but I still think we neeed cover in the midfield and God help me for saying it but cover in the defence is pretty thin at the moment.
Finally although I am critical of Atkins he still took us to two Wembleys a point that is still rememberd at the 'Billy'. I have followed Cobblers since the early sixties and those outings rank with our brief spell in the first division and games against 'Super Spurs' at White Hart Lane.
moleman at 0:24:46 Saturday November 25 2000
Have just been mailed from a mate up north and rumours are that K.Phillips is to be sold to Leeds and Sunderland will replace him with none other than our J.Forrester
Jon at 23:14:48 Friday November 24 2000
Just a test message to see if it gets on! Its my first one...
BlackpoolCobbler at 23:11:57 Friday November 24 2000
Just a test!
Lard at 22:56:33 Friday November 24 2000
Whiley?
Jo at 22:40:50 Friday November 24 2000
Not one to bear a grudge, but to the person who last Wednesday said I was a dickhead for thinking Clare might play tomorrow, 'You will make it an especially grovelly apology won't you?'
xxx at 22:34:28 Friday November 24 2000
Up theCobblers!(testing computer)
Mark Too at 19:43:40 Friday November 24 2000
As I mentioned earlier, Hodgy seems to be walking unaided, but does seem to have a quite pronounced limp. From what I have heard though he does only appear to be out for a few weeks rather than months. Good news that. I'm sure the last thing anyone wants is for him to be seriously injured. There was even talk about him taking part tomorrow, although from what i saw this is unlikely I think.
Deepcut Cobbler at 19:35:5 Friday November 24 2000
Well done to britgals girls..Realism, we have signed a striker when our dificulties lie in the middle of the park creating...WHY?? We are piling up strikers like IA used to pile up defenders. Can we not now go to the midfielder jar and select some of them?? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
Deepcut Cobbler at 19:31:34 Friday November 24 2000
Is MartinW about? In the sticks we have yet to see the FA Cup goals. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
britgal at 19:30:59 Friday November 24 2000
nooooo!! The God could never leave us.... don't even talk about it! We should win today to round up a great football week today. My little girls football team won their first eva game on wednesday! 3-2!! Does anyone know the latest news on Hodge? Please say he isn't out 4 ages!! Come on Cobblers!
Deepcut Cobbler at 19:23:15 Friday November 24 2000
Am I the Pessimist to dampen the Clare flames? What if his signing, albeit on loan, is the insurance for when (not if) we will receive that unrefusable offer for Jamie?? The imminent bid of £1.5 to 2m would definitely secure his departure from us, especially now the others with their own ears to the ground realise that we have already signed his replacement!! COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!
Anon at 17:29:43 Friday November 24 2000
I think Clare will prove extremely capable down the right of midfield. He was outstanding for us last year especially in the away game at Brighton which in retrospect was the one of our best performances. Well done to all for having the balls to bring him here.
Greg Saddler at 17:25:39 Friday November 24 2000
Steve, you ain't clever enough mate. Your focus is wrong. A real Saddler would have said that Bescot is 10 times better than Sixfields and not Sixfields is 10 times worse than Bescot. I sense your chip about the Cobblers originated from somewhere nearer to Northampton than Walsall.
trainspotter at 17:7:54 Friday November 24 2000
Silverlink o.k. for tomorrow. Trains to New Street at 13 mins past hour from Castle Station,then half hourly from there to Bescot at xx.12 & xx.42 (20 minute journey)
MK18 Cobbler at 16:55:57 Friday November 24 2000
Good to see Clare back in the fold. Looked v good for us last year and should put more bums on the Sixfields seats. Got my ticket for Walsall and hopefully plenty to look forward to.
The Shropshire Cobbler at 16:30:38 Friday November 24 2000
I still think we need a really class midfielder as well though.
Crick Cobbler at 16:18:21 Friday November 24 2000
Welcome back to Daryl Clare. I am delighted that he has returned. It is worth remembering back to the days before Jamie when we didn't have a decent striker for YEARS! Clare was the one exception. I am including Corrazin in that by the way, I thought he was highly over-rated and only won the player of the year through Hobson's choice and an appreciation of his back flips. There isn't actually anything WRONG with having more than one or two good forwards you know, I take it as a sign that the club is forward thinking rather than always trying to shore up a meagre position - like Atkins who always had more luck than judgement both with his tactics and his signings.
UCN Cobbler at 14:57:54 Friday November 24 2000
Daryl Clare is an exciting and skilful footballer, but why have we signed him, when there are no problems at all with our forward line, we need a decent ball playing midfielder, and haven't had one since Steve Brown left, Hunter was an excellent midfielder, but he's finished and yet the club and Hunter seem very unwilling to admit this, sad though it is he's another Paul Stratford. We will progress little further without a decent ball playing midfielder, we need someone like Warren Aspinall at Brighton last year.
Carl at 14:45:3 Friday November 24 2000
I read it on Teamtalk with a quote from Wilson about him, so whether they are making that up or not is anyones guess, we will soon find out though. As for Welchys volley, you are dead right it was quite brilliant, shame it never went in.
Mark Too at 14:31:57 Friday November 24 2000
Pattcobbs new secretary. I have to disagree with the decision to make Sammo a makeshift striker. I think that Welchy would be a much better choice. (as anyone who saw his volley in the Ian Clarkson testimonial will confirm). Any way we won't need him in goal tomorrow will we? .... will we?
PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENT at 14:31:8 Friday November 24 2000
PLEASE DO NOT STAND,SPEAK,BREATH OR HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR TOMORROW AS YOU WILL ALL BE NICKED.
YOURS SINCERELY CHIEF CONSTABLE WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
PS AWLRIGHT......
BIG JIM at 14:28:21 Friday November 24 2000
Well Jo,you came up trumps.Please can you tell me if the `STREAKER` actually streaks tomorrow.I can`t get to the match as I am stationed in Cyprus.I don`t think West Mid`s Police will stand for it as in `92 93 they made us sit down `OR BE EJECTED`
UP THE COBBLERS,Daryl has come home BOYS & GIRLS !!!!!!!
Mark Too at 14:27:27 Friday November 24 2000
Where did you hear about Hodgy Carl? I would be very surprised if he could play tomorrow. I saw him yesterday at Sixfields and he has a rather serious limp at the moment, unless he has made a miraculous recovery in the last 24 hours.
Carl at 14:14:49 Friday November 24 2000
Just read that Hodgey has a chance of playing tomorrow, good news alround I would say, what with all todays news looking forward to tomorrow even more.
Hartwell at 14:4:37 Friday November 24 2000
Drilling Cobbler mentions Peter Randall as a sounce of income, which I'm sure to some extent he is. However there are also several other backers who have, and continue to, provide cash for signings and players wages but who, for personal reasons, do not wish to be named. This is a fact and was confirmed to me recently by TCMP. As to the sums these benefactors are prepared to loan (and they usually are loans, repaid with good interest)I believe the figures are up to £40,000.
pattcobbs new secretary at 13:43:32 Friday November 24 2000
TEAM FOR TOMORROW WELCH FRAIN HARGREAVES FORRESTER HOWARD GABBIADINI CLARE WILSON MORROW THOMSON SAMPSON (playing as a makeshift striker)
PATTCOBB at 13:39:42 Friday November 24 2000
REALISING THAT HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT DEFENDING KEVIN WILSON TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS TO PLAY WITHOUT ONE......"We have the best goalkeeper in the lower leagues I thought I would back him to save most things Walsall could throw at us.Even if Welchy keeps it down to 4 goals .I think the forwards will score more"
Vince at 13:37:22 Friday November 24 2000
Looks like we've got more strikers than the England rugby team!
PATTCOBB at 13:32:59 Friday November 24 2000
news from sixfields............WILSON ROLLS BACK THE CLOCK AND GOES FOR A 2-3-5 FORMATION-N
The Shropshire Cobbler at 13:26:6 Friday November 24 2000
Any news on who's playing on Sat at Bestgrot?? - Maley? Clare? How's Hodgey by the way?
Vince at 13:21:11 Friday November 24 2000
It seems that Wilson is able to get something out of players like Forrester and Clare and to some extent Howard, that other managers can't. Maybe he treats them with respect and they react accordingly. Interestingly Atkins seemed to get more out of players that reacted to more stick than carrot which is probably why he lost his way when as a result of his success the club could afford better players.
Pompey Cobbler at 12:44:53 Friday November 24 2000
Claret Bloodbath - not sure if your message deserves a response because you are clearly a half wit or a wind up merchant or most likely both. On the off chance that you are genuine I must point out that you're point of saying 'he's only here because he can't get in Grimsby's side' is a bit stupid - neither could Jamie F , nor at Walsall - does that make him crap as well? Besides which Clare proved what a quality player he was when he was here last season. It's excellent news for the Cobblers he is back and more fool Grimsby for not getting the best out of him.
Statto, or very bored at work, you choose at 12:44:22 Friday November 24 2000
This footballing weekend 1 year ago Daryl Clare played for us against Exeter, we beat them 2 - 1, what an amazing fact that isn't, but I'll be at the bookies having a bet on that bugger for tomorrow. If you take a few letters away and add a few Walsall is a mixed up set of letters and you can spell Exeter out of it, now is that spooky or bollocks?
Ray at 11:34:7 Friday November 24 2000
The way to "scoop" the Official news is to subscribe to Cobbnews email list - news direct from the club to your mail box - before the press release!
Claret Bloodbath at 11:1:56 Friday November 24 2000
Daryl "Dobbin" Clare who bloody cares the only reason he's back is he can't make his own teams first 11 ,loser
Wahey at 10:53:23 Friday November 24 2000
Northampton Town have re-signed Grimsby Town striker Daryl Clare on a one
month loan deal.
22 year old Clare spent two and a half months on loan at Sixfields last
season, scoring three times in ten appearances. His pace and skill on the
ball made him a big favourite with the Cobblers fans despite only being at
Sixfields a short time.
Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson said, "I am delighted to have re-signed Daryl.
His loan spell here last season was very successful. Daryl did well for us,
and he benefited from his time here too. I have kept my eye on him since
his last spell here and I am sure he can come back here and do very well
for us again. I am grateful to Lennie Lawrence for allowing Daryl to come,
and it is a big compliment to Northampton Town that Daryl was so keen to
come back. He loved every minute of it here before, and we hope that this
loan spell is just as successful. To have forwards on our books such as
Jamie Forrester, Steve Howard, Marco Gabbiadini and now Daryl is exciting
for the club and must surely help attract people to Sixfields. If thissigning doesnt excite the crowd, then nothing will! Hes here for a month
initially, but if things go well we could look at extending that loan
period. One thing I would stress, is that Daryls arrival does not mean
that anyone will be leaving. Im looking to build a squad here that can
help us maintain our excellent start to the season, and Daryl will be added
to the squad for Saturdays trip to Walsall."
Clare said, "When I came here last year I really enjoyed myself and when
the chance came up to rejoin Northampton I jumped at it. I just couldnt
turn it down. The lads have done very well over the last 18 months. I have
always kept an eye out for Northamptons results and the lads are doing
very well in Division 2. The club is moving in the right direction. Theres
already 3 quality strikers here with Jamie, Marco and Stevie and Im
looking forward to being part of the same squad. I played with Jamie
Forrester at Grimsby and know he is a quality forward. He scores goals on a
regular basis and is doing very well for himself."
Daryls first months loan will expire after the December 23 clash at
Peterborough. He has been allocated squad number 12, while fellow new loan
signing Mark Maley will wear squad number 2.
Phil Phee Motor at 10:42:1 Friday November 24 2000
Yes but it is dark most of the time after games so could you do a good cleaning job?
Ray at 10:30:31 Friday November 24 2000
I'm off to get my ticket now. Can't wait to see this streaker!!
Paul at 10:30:22 Friday November 24 2000
Hey, how come you guys already new? I just looked down and saw, surley the clubs official news can't be scooped?
Paul at 10:29:29 Friday November 24 2000
We have signed Clare on a 1 month loan deal!!! Just got the Official news, isn't that amazing!
Ian at 10:29:6 Friday November 24 2000
Does anyone know if there is a way of getting the latest cobblers information sent free to your mobile phone. Any help would be greatfully received
Steven Grummettinho at 10:18:46 Friday November 24 2000
How many of your sad little fans will be travelling down to the BESTcot next Saturday. All 3 of ya!
Steven Grummettinho at 9:57:18 Friday November 24 2000
Why has everyone here got a problem with Ian Atkins. He took this shit little club into Division 2, how can you complain at his management. It now means six easy points for Walsall though, and you'll probably be relegated by the end of the season. Hooraah!
Steven Grummettinho at 9:32:44 Friday November 24 2000
Oi Greg Saddler! Shitfields is 10 times worse than the Bescot so f*ck off!
Anon at 9:22:23 Friday November 24 2000
As it takes so long to get out of the car parks you could have your car washed while you were in the waiting.
Carl at 8:37:23 Friday November 24 2000
So Daryl Clare is back again. He was a good player when he came here last time, the game that really stands out in my mind was when we beat Brighton 3 - 1 down there, Clare and Corazzin linked up really well and the team as a whole played well, that was also the game when Hendon had a go at the Twats for giving Howard abuse. I also think when he plays tomorrow, which if he has come on loan he will do, he will probably take Hodge's role, unless of course we play a 4 - 2 - 4 with Howard, Gabbiadini, Forrester and Clare up front, but I don't think that is very likely (it would be a laugh though). He must have liked it here to come back for another go.
Phil Phee Motor at 1:23:59 Friday November 24 2000
I think the idea is to clean the cars before the game.
Anon at 23:4:17 Thursday November 23 2000
Good idea - but I guess most will actually want to watch the match.
The Ashford Cobbler at 23:2:54 Thursday November 23 2000
From what I can remember last season Clare was billed a a right winger although he did play most of his games up front where he looked a very exciting prospect. Surely in the short time he will replace the injured Hodge.
D.T Carr at 22:58:17 Thursday November 23 2000
Here's a money making idea for the Trust that will be more beneficial than walking fron the old CG to Sixfields. Get a few bodies together, a number of buckets and a few wash leathers and charge fans parking on matchday's a couple of quid to wash their car. I would go for it! I know Scouts in America make $'s doing this.
Anon at 22:58:0 Thursday November 23 2000
Dribble Cobbler, If anyone objected to the signing of Clare, it surely would be a club fans' first - complaining about too many strkers.
The Drilling Cobbler at 22:47:8 Thursday November 23 2000
If Clare is arriving, albeit on loan, surely this means that one of the other forwards is about to leave. If not, then where has the money come from and is the club as 'skint' as it makes out to be. Whos he going to come in for on Saturday - Hodge possibly but then surely that would result in an unbalanced team. On the finance side, it is rubbish to suggest that the directors have no BIG money at their disposal - Peter Randall owns a distribution company (Knights Of Old) which has 100 plus HGVS in its fleet - he also sold land a year or so ago for around 3million pounds and that is FACT. I've no idea the amount that he is prepared to invest in the club - what I'm saying is that if a potential investment opportunity came along(eg. Forrester) I reckon he would be prepared to speculate too accumulate. So it wouldnt surprise me if we shelled out a few quid on Mr Clare. Wether he would/will improve the starting line up of the team is doubtful - but he would certainly improve the squad and have a positive effect on the subs bench wether he started a match or not.
Anon at 22:37:44 Thursday November 23 2000
whats the sixfields travel club doing having meetings anyway? still trying to take over from the trust? turncoats///
Ray at 22:33:42 Thursday November 23 2000
OK - he may sign tomorrow - but as I said he hasnt signed yet. You should know not to count chickens....
Ian at 22:1:7 Thursday November 23 2000
Just back from Sixfields Travel Club meeting.Kevin Wilson said he had not signed Daryl Clare today.He did however say he WILL sign tomorrow on loan.
To Fickle Fans at 21:50:54 Thursday November 23 2000
It was actually a 2nd Division Play-off Final for the 1st Division.
To fickle fans at 21:10:26 Thursday November 23 2000
I see Atkins is still being airbrushed from Cobblers past as per former USSR leaders. His crap management got us from bottom of the 3rd to a 1st Div play off final, respect him for that. And who was 2nd in command?
Anon at 19:40:19 Thursday November 23 2000
So ray, Daryl not signed, i think you will find he is, o wise one.
Jo at 19:34:41 Thursday November 23 2000
But Ray, Daryl is in Northampton tonight, so let's hope our streaker has something not to be ashamed of.
Greg Saddler at 19:26:25 Thursday November 23 2000
Steven IS NOT A SADDLER. No WFC fan would say "Shitfields is bad as Walsall", the guy is an imposter.
Miller at 18:52:40 Thursday November 23 2000
Funny how that keeps happening isnt it.
Ray at 17:48:46 Thursday November 23 2000
Before you all get excited about the streaker, I spoke to the Club at 5:30 and nothing is signed. Reports on other web sites are premature and speculative.
Mal fan of Daryl Clare at 17:38:44 Thursday November 23 2000
This is from the Mariners Net. Lennie Lawrence has said that the decision to allow Northampton to take Daryl Clare on a month's loan will benefit the player himself and the Mariners because it means he can get first team matches under his belt. The Town boss told marinersnet "Daryl has been patient but I've been unable to offer him a run in the side. He can't really help us until he's been somewhere else and got games under his belt." On the possibility of the move becoming permanent, he said "It is not something that I am looking for at the moment. I certainly haven't talked to Kevin Wilson about a fee but if they are interested then you discuss it and consider any offer they may make." The striker spent a successful loan period at the Sixfields Stadium last season and Cobblers manager Kevin Wilson put in an offer that was turned down by the Mariners at the start of this season. This latest move may renew Wilson's interest in a permanent deal. Clare will be teaming up with former Mariner Jamie Forrester who is doing well at Northampton after signing in the summer.
Dyl at 17:35:0 Thursday November 23 2000
Apparently it's true. Clare is joining us on loan. So it appears we can look forward to a streaker on Saturday eh "What Ever"?
Anon at 17:33:26 Thursday November 23 2000
Refrence 20/ 28 /55, I hope it's nice and warm at half time . I said be prepared to streak .
The Drilling Cobbler at 16:41:42 Thursday November 23 2000
How many Wimbledon matches have you been to Steven? You probably will shit on us on Saturday, but thats only because your not properly toilet trained yet you sad little Birmingham wanna-be. Is the Bescott stadium still as 'intimidating now as it was 2 years ago?'- if so I'm sure our team of nervous youngsters and ageing journeymen will buckle when they first hear the famous 'bescot roar' - I'm quivering just thinking about it. I think the score will more likely be 12-0 to your world class team and thats being optimistic on our behalf - I still get sexually arroused just thinking that Darren Byfield used to play for us - and now we've got some useless donkey called Forrester. See you on Saturday mate and show us how to play the beautiful game as it should be played. I'm now off to have a wa.. (Byfield, Byfield, Walsall, Walsall, wal urururururu WOW. Yourn yourn , dream etc)
marco at 16:2:28 Thursday November 23 2000
isn't tellytubbies on or something else for you to do steven. sod off
Carl at 16:0:29 Thursday November 23 2000
Mr Grommet Tin Ho pots and kettles spring to mind from your last statement you clever little boy.
Steven Grummettinho at 15:45:5 Thursday November 23 2000
Can anyone here actually leave a decent f*cking message. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Steven Grummettinho at 15:42:32 Thursday November 23 2000
Shit on the cobblers. Marco Gabbiadini can't hit a barn door with a banjo. That message below was supposed to say Shitfields has an atmosphere like a Wimbledon match, so f*ckin get used to it you Northampton bastards. Bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul S at 15:41:27 Thursday November 23 2000
Ok What ever, time to 'fess up. Who are you and where will you be starting your half time entertainment?
marco at 15:38:36 Thursday November 23 2000
from the official grimsby website:
"LOAN DEAL DONE
Striker Daryl Clare is to join Northampton Town on a month's loan. Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson enquired about Clare's availability and Lennie Lawrence has given the deal the green light...... The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international spent a successful loan period at the Sixfields Stadium last season and Northampton did put in a bid to sign him on a permanent deal at the start of this season. However that offer was described as 'derisoury' by Vice Chairman Bryan Huxford and it was turned down by the Mariners. This latest loan deal, which is expected to be completed on Thursday afternoon, may once again bring about interest from Wilson for a permanent move with Lennie Lawrence possibly ready to accept an improved offer. Clare will team up with former Mariners striker Jamie Forrester who has been doing well since joining the Cobblers in the summer."
Steven Grummettinho at 15:33:46 Thursday November 23 2000
Northamptonn are f*cking shit and are goin' down faster than Pat Butcher falling off a cliff. Walsall R gonna kick your ass on Saturday 10-0. Jamie Forrester is lucky, and was crap for us. Is he the only player who can score for ya. Your ground, Shitfields is a shithole with about as much atmosphere as Walsall. Jorge Leitao is gonna rip ya crap defence apart. UP THE WALSALL! bye.
Cobbler in the West at 15:15:59 Thursday November 23 2000
Ian Atkins use of loan players was bizarre. Remember the player from Leeds "very promising" etc., etc., who I think didn't even get on the bench during his month's stay?!! But whilst IA lost the plot towards the end we mustn't forget what he achieved on the traditional NTFC lack of financial resources. It was time for him to move on and life is differnt now under Kevin Wilson and, frankly, much better.
Paul H at 14:58:57 Thursday November 23 2000
According to Grimsby, we have signed Daryl Clare on loan (again). Nothing official has come from the club though. I worry if it is true, not that I dislike Clare, but you wonder why we are signing him, unless someone is leaving!!!
Carl at 14:5:41 Thursday November 23 2000
Clarke also played against Fulham away.
Hartwell at 13:55:15 Thursday November 23 2000
Not surprising considering who was managing us at the time! Atkins managed to alienate or demotivate just about everyone! Remember what he did to Freestone, Gibb etc? Good job Forrester didn't come while he was still around otherwise he'd be gone by now, I'll bet.
Anon at 13:52:20 Thursday November 23 2000
It was mansfield away. Dreadful game.
Miller at 12:6:40 Thursday November 23 2000
I remember Clarke playing in an away game somewhere for us, may have been Fulham, and frankly he was terrible. It's easy to act with hindsight but at the time it was obv that Clarke was out of shape and disinterested.
Hartwell at 11:54:42 Thursday November 23 2000
Do you also recall that Atkins, while here, signed a certain Clarke on a month's loan from Wimbledon...then never played him (the only time I recalled seeing him was in the final ten mins at the end of one home game)? Now he's scoring for Posh! When you consider the size of Atkins squad - I think it was 28 at one time - against Willo's you can see how out of control things were getting towards the end of his spell here. The truth was that he was obsessed with surrounding himself with "bodies" (his words) - which was just about all some of them were - rather than seeking quality. No I'm not surprised Carlisle are down the bottom. They have a lot of off-field problems I hear - I don't even think the fans are sure who actually owns the club right now!
Anon at 11:11:43 Thursday November 23 2000
McGavins also doing OK at Colchester. At last weeks open forum when it was mentioned that Atkins was interested in Forrester there was a chuckle when it was suggested that if he had have come to Npton under Atkins he would have played as a full back! Bit surprised that Carlisle are at the bottom - for all his faults Atkins was good at getting a lot out of teams that had nothing, he came close at Chester and Carlisle had similar problems to Chester and Northampton.
Loan players we have known. at 11:0:14 Thursday November 23 2000
Darren Byfield now playing and getting the goals at top of the table Walsall, Chris Greenacre top scorer in division 3 (never even got a game for us), and Atkins went after Forrester, wonder what damage he would have done to our Jamie? Erhh, anyone out there surprised by Carlisle's league position?
Carl at 10:2:6 Thursday November 23 2000
I couldn't believe the amount of Police that were there for the game against Frickley, although after there disallowed goal it appeared that most of them were required
Hartwell at 9:51:40 Thursday November 23 2000
Commendable though the idea is for fans to do their own traffic control I don't see the need because there are teams of paid professionals (the police) standing around up there on Saturdays, most of 'em doing very little and getting well paid for their efforts. Why, for goodness sakes, cannot a couple of those coppers be directed to point duties on the roundabouts? I, like others, believe we are currently over-policed bearing in mind our rather poor crowds and the general lack of away support (Rotherham excluded).
Jo at 9:19:25 Thursday November 23 2000
Message for 'Whatever'. Hope it's not VERY cold on Saturday. Can't get to the match myself, but I'm sure you'll make the highlights.
Dyl at 9:15:32 Thursday November 23 2000
revolutionary idea on the car parking. Rather than expecting the club to pay for stewards, could the fans do it themselves? I'd be prepared to stand in a flourescent jacket one week if it meant leaving the car park early for the following few weeks.
Carl at 8:21:57 Thursday November 23 2000
There are two Carls, I'm one and the other bloke who puts Carl as his name is the other, confusing or what?
Anon at 7:57:58 Thursday November 23 2000
9224 -because they are not good enough
to Saturday's Team at 1:10:50 Thursday November 23 2000
I agree, I'd have Savage on the right and give him licence to run at defenders. In that line-up he'd have Hunt in the middle to fall back on and even if he did lose the ball it wouldn't be as crucial as when in the middle.
9224 at 1:8:59 Thursday November 23 2000
Oooh, another thing while I think about it. Even if Gabbi isn't scoring left right and centre, we should stick with him too. Some of the passes he knocks out are unbelievable - I sit five rows back and don't see the runs he sees!!!
9224 at 1:7:12 Thursday November 23 2000
I for one would like to see James Gould given a game. Perhaps not against Walsall but we need to show faith in our young players. I read (here) once that had Michael Owen been a Cobbler he'd still be on the bench. That seems about right for us, we're more than happy to play a 19 year old if he comes from the Prem but we won't play our own youth prospects. comments?
Carl at 22:7:17 Wednesday November 22 2000
Ray made a good point about getting out of the car park. Why not put a steward on that roundabout? It would cost the club £10 at the most, and gain a fortune in pr.
Treenie at 22:0:28 Wednesday November 22 2000
That's nothing about us not having a player called Clare. If you go in some of the chat rooms Jamie Forrester still plays for Scunthorpe. How rude is that!!!!!!
anon at 21:23:15 Wednesday November 22 2000
prepare to streak?
The Romsey Cobbler at 20:38:18 Wednesday November 22 2000
Drilling Cobbler - the Waterside Cobbler and I saw Stuart Wilson play at Portsmouth Reserves last week and he looked quite competent. He played on the right of midfield.
What ever at 20:28:55 Wednesday November 22 2000
Oh Jo! Is this Darrly Clare your on about as if he plays on Saturday i will streak across the pitch at half time.
Saturdays Team at 20:26:14 Wednesday November 22 2000
My team 4 Saturday would b 4-4-2 with GK-Welch, RB-Maley, LB-Frain, CB-Hope and Sammo, RM-Savage, LM-Hargreaves, CM-Gabbiadini and Hunt, S-Howard and Forrester. What do u think?
Jo at 20:13:47 Wednesday November 22 2000
Really??????I'll await your apology on Saturday.
SUNDERLAND COBBLEER at 20:12:18 Wednesday November 22 2000
EVENING ALL...... Just read on Text up here, KW would like to see Maley stay with us for the rest of the year if he has a successful month with the boys. Mr Reid I'm sure would let as well since S'land already have a few defenders now and the lads not liekly to play that often. VIVA LA REVOLUTION, DAVE.E
To Jo at 20:0:59 Wednesday November 22 2000
Think about it Jo! We dont have any players called Clare. Dickhead!
Tor Aage Braathen at 18:29:43 Wednesday November 22 2000
Ray, are you there?
Jo at 18:24:12 Wednesday November 22 2000
My team for Saturday....Welch, Maley, Sammo, Green, Frain, Clare, Hunt, Gabbiadini, Hargreaves, Forrester, Howard. Opinions?
MMMmmm at 17:16:9 Wednesday November 22 2000
Are you sure this trialist is Stuart Wilson of Leicester, if it was it would be a very good addition to our squad.
The Drilling Cobbler at 16:42:19 Wednesday November 22 2000
Noticed Stuart Wilson of Leicester(trialist) set up the goal in the reserves. From what I know, Wilson has played quite a few times in the premiership and is a reasonable player. He came from their academy(I'm from Leicester and if I was to have a '2nd team' it would be city) and must still be in his very early 20's. If hes a trialist surely he must be available for no fee - unless he's been injured or something I'm sure he could be quite a useful addition to our midfield. Has anybody seen him play for the 2nd string and if so was he any good?
Anon at 16:37:29 Wednesday November 22 2000
Reserves have lost 1-2 to Bournemouth this afternoon
Cobbler in the West at 16:34:8 Wednesday November 22 2000
Like many I await news concerning revised ticketing arrangements anxiously. For many going to a match is a spur of the moment decision and the Cobblers must be losing a lot of income relatively due to these strange arrangements. Not everyone has credit cards to purchase tickets over the 'phone and/or can get to Sixfields to pay for and collect tickets. I have commented before but the siting of portacabins at a "state of the art" purpose built stadium in order to line up to buy a ticket and then join another line to get in is ridiculous. See you at Walsall.
Wooly at 16:33:6 Wednesday November 22 2000
Cij is a jug eared bastard!!!!!
Hartwell at 15:54:2 Wednesday November 22 2000
I think you have a valid point Cobbler in the EWest regarding Jamie Forrester. It's always going to be a toss-up between badly-needed additional revenue and the aspirations of the club and its fans. Like you I find it depressing when we lose a good player and would be especially saddened if we were to lose one like Jamie - who is proving to be the best front man signing for 15 years and also something of a bargain at £150k (although that's no small beer to us!). On the all-ticket scenario I will await with baited breathe the outcome and trust it will be as satisfactory as Ray suggests. Something has to be done because it's squeezing the lifeblood out of the club.
Hartwell at 15:45:45 Wednesday November 22 2000
Yep, Ray, they were the top placed Conference teams last season as I understand it. The Conferfence had lobbied hard to get some of their teams admitted. To be honest the competition itself does nothing for me. It's one too many and were it to disappear I for one wouldn't mourn its passing. I know in the latter stages it might generate some interest. But how many of the earlier rounds games get such low crowds that clubs actually lose money ? I don't see how a club can make anything out of a first team game that attracts a fedw hundred diehards.
The Hatter at 15:17:5 Wednesday November 22 2000
What do yuou mean no giant-killing in the FA Cup. Luton beat Rushden.
Old Cynic at 15:6:3 Wednesday November 22 2000
The LDV Van Trophy and its predecessors have always been a bit of an odd compo. Very little interest in the early rounds with crowds under 1000 not unusual. The later rounds attract more interest and I remember going to Wolves a few years ago when I think there was around 15,000 for a game. Last years final actually attracted a bigger crowd than the League Cup final. I suppose it's a case of nobody being that interested until there's a "glory game" - a bit like when we got to Wembley.......
The Sun Editor in Chief at 14:57:41 Wednesday November 22 2000
Because upsets get in the National papers
LDV Format at 14:57:39 Wednesday November 22 2000
I understand they had considered inviting some of the Scottish teams to take part in the competition, but decided against it on distances to travel. Would you really want to go to play Inverness Caledonian for a mid-week game?
LDV Thing at 14:43:56 Wednesday November 22 2000
Never mind how they picked the Conference teams, WHY did they pick the Conference teams?
Vince at 14:42:26 Wednesday November 22 2000
Ray, winners of the FA Trophy - Kingstonian. The top six at the end of last season plus Chester who were relegated from the League.
LDV Selection at 14:22:25 Wednesday November 22 2000
Eenie, Meanie, Mino, Mo..
Ray at 14:8:36 Wednesday November 22 2000
Does anyone know how they chose which teams from the Conference to play in the LDV?
Gap at 14:4:38 Wednesday November 22 2000
Surely the LDV will prove whether Non league reserve teams are better than league reserve teams?
Paul S at 13:37:10 Wednesday November 22 2000
Athena, you might be right that the gap is not closing but don't forget the gap is very big in some cases. We are closer to Man United than we are to Frickley. Yeovil's demolition of Col U and Stoke losing are both big upsets and suggest there are class teams in the non-league divisions. Perhaps the LDV will be a greater indicator where we will see if the cream of the conference can match the 2nd & 3rd divisions
Graham Carr at 13:19:59 Wednesday November 22 2000
Nuneaton Borough!!
Athena at 12:56:35 Wednesday November 22 2000
I think there must have been quite a bit of disappointment in the media circles that there was not more 'giant-killing'in the FA Cup over the weekend. I might have my calculations wrong, but including last nights replay I think the record for non-league vs. league over the weekend is won 4, drew 6 lost 16. We are all constantly told how much the difference between the two is closing, but does this statistic show that? Certainly it is not one the media has wanted to shout about as it is not good television, nor does it sell newspapers to have league teams beating non-league teams. It should also be remembered that the league teams actually managed some big scores against the 'minnows'. Darlington and Brighton got six each. Reading, Cobblers, York and I think Lincoln all managed four. Maybe there are one or two non-league teams that 'are closing the gap', and that has always been the case, but the question must be asked if this narrowing of the difference is across the board? I think not!
Person at 12:0:14 Wednesday November 22 2000
yes on the itv round up at 1 in the morning
Ray at 9:37:13 Wednesday November 22 2000
Nope - we have obviously upset someone by not being knocked out.
Carl at 9:30:42 Wednesday November 22 2000
"didn't have his arse kissed by Ron Atkinson after scoring it" what a revolting thought. Has anyone actually seen any of the Cobblers goals from the weekend on TV?
Anon at 9:29:36 Wednesday November 22 2000
.
CIJ at 23:26:28 Tuesday November 21 2000
Nice to see a young ginger bloke going by the name of Paul has attended "THE JAMIE FORRESTER SCHOOL OF FINISHING". His goal tonight was a carbon copy of Jamies at the weekend except for two things!! Jamie didn't have his arse kissed by Ron Atkinson after scoring it and JAMIES WAS AT LEAST 10 YARDS FURTHER OUT!!!!!!
Cheadle Cobbler at 23:24:22 Tuesday November 21 2000
One Terry Angus;There's only one Terry Angus;
One Terry Annnnngus!
The Drilling Cobbler at 21:23:21 Tuesday November 21 2000
Melinda Messenger is a fine example to all pretty flat chested bints with modelling aspirations.My solution to the cash shortage at NTFC is that the club clones a dozen or so young girls with pretty faces and then spends 3grand or so on each of them to enlarge their tits. Assuming 3 or 4 of them become well known whores each generating a million pounds or so in revenue from commercial spin offs, profits can then be ploughed straight back into the team allowing us not only to keep the likes of Forrester but to bring in the kind of quality midfielders that will ensure our promotion into division1 and beyond. 36000 Pounds is a pittance in todays money orientated game, so if any of the directors are reading this, you now no what to do with the Hendon money!
Melinda Messenger's left nipple at 19:3:42 Tuesday November 21 2000
I agree! Swindon is the dullest place on this God's earth. Anyone fancy a s**g?
Old Bugger at 18:50:35 Tuesday November 21 2000
Perhaps the Swindon git is remembering what we did to his side in '64-'65. Last home game of the season we let Portsmouth get a draw. This meant they stayed up and Swindon went down. We didn't like Swindon then!
Swindon at 18:33:51 Tuesday November 21 2000
The most boring, dull, hell hole ever ...... official. Richard Dryden!!! (snigger, snigger)
Anon at 18:19:27 Tuesday November 21 2000
does anyone know how the tickets are selling for saturdays game and if there are plenty left
Deepcut Cobbler at 18:1:59 Tuesday November 21 2000
Having read all of the recent postings forgive me if I have misinterpreted but I believe that the internet friendly selection would be as follows: Welch, Sampson, Hope, Spedding, Hodge, Hunt, Frain, Hargreaves, Howard, Forrester, Gabbiadini in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Hodge and Frain as the wing backs?? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
wwf at 17:40:58 Tuesday November 21 2000
ANON - It was not meant as a threat but referred to a much earlier posting! Sorry if that is how it came across.
Sid at 17:40:26 Tuesday November 21 2000
Excellent work Ray - I have always thought that some sort of operation should be installed to allow more people to buy tickets - and have always wondered why the club have been slow to react, especially with the revenue that is most obviously lost. There are easily 300-400 (if not more) people who walk down on the day to watch the game, only to be turned away if they are not up to date on the All Ticketing policy. A Tuesday All-Ticket game is especially hard, with sales ceasing over 24 hours early. Let's hope the club do sort something out.
Anon at 17:18:3 Tuesday November 21 2000
Richard Dryden will be returning to Sixfields next month. He has jsut joined Swindon on loan with a view to a permanent move.
Anon at 16:53:8 Tuesday November 21 2000
Go to links then to WALOC and that takes you to a chat page
Anon at 16:46:29 Tuesday November 21 2000
Which chat page on which losers site is this?
Anon at 16:45:6 Tuesday November 21 2000
Why is it no one is ever on the cobblers chat page?
The Swindon Crew at 16:29:15 Tuesday November 21 2000
Yes - you guessed. Hope MartinW has his running shoes ready.
Cobbler in the West at 16:24:47 Tuesday November 21 2000
Hartwell's comments on Jamie Forrester must be right. My own view is that it will be a sad day if and when the club sell him because it would send the wrong message to the fans, the majority of whom have stuck with the Cobblers through thick and thin and we have have endured many years of misery. Every man has his price, that is economic reality, but look at Bristol Rovers this season after the sale of Roberts & Cureton. Thrashed at Cardiff in the FA Cup their season is going downhill fast because they don't have a regular goalscorer. Cobblers' board be warned.
Anon at 16:5:46 Tuesday November 21 2000
we have Swindon on December 2nd. Martin, why have you upset Swindon fans???? Presuming he/she is a Swindon fan as they've remained anonymous
Ray at 16:4:6 Tuesday November 21 2000
I also suggested a workable solution to the Car Park exit problem over 12 months ago but the idea has not been taken up....and its so easy to do I find it unbelieveable that we are still suffering. The solution? Just make "Walter Tull" way one way on match days so there is no turning right out of any of the burger places/cinema etc etc to go down the hill. The South car park then has the choice of going up the hill to fight it out with the other or turning left and then to the dual carriageway without the normal bumper to bumper stuff at the bottom roundabout with people trying to head into the jam. OK - not a perfect solution but I bet it will half the time for people leaving. A little bit of stewarding to help the flow and everyone is home in time for tea.
Ray at 15:55:15 Tuesday November 21 2000
Without going into too many details, assuming what I have suggested to the Club (and approved by them) is approved by the Police, not only will home fans be able to buy tickets for the "all-ticket" games up until the normal time (assuming they havent been sold out of course - but that will always apply) but you will also be able to book tickets on-line and pick them up on on match day. I'm pushing to get this up and running as soon as possible. Any further details I'll report as soon as I'm able.
Hartwell at 15:44:45 Tuesday November 21 2000
That's a bit of heartening news, Ray. It really had to be sorted and if, as you say, the casual fan will once again be able to get tickets without having to run the current gauntlet it should help improve attendances. If it were possible, also, to improve exit from the car parks after games and work on ways of avoiding regular clashes with the Saints, that would also help raise the crowd numbers. Also good news on Hodgy. Regarding Forrester, I also think it's only a matter of time before he starts generating some serious interest. While we would all hate to see him go, at the right price he might prove at least to be very good business for the club. In fact I'm sure he'd only go if the right club came in for him and if the money was substantial. Otherwise it would serve both the player and the club little purpose. I'd still like to think that in due course we could progress into Div 1 and if we did and if Forrester were still here, he would be an even bigger asset. As Drilling Cobbler says, given real quality supply he could be a prolific scorer, providing (and here's the rub) he manages to maintain his current form, which by his own admission is the best of his career.
RICO at 15:26:31 Tuesday November 21 2000
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RICO CCC Firm
Carl at 15:21:9 Tuesday November 21 2000
Also "Im sure we will take a large following who will get right
behind us and make themselves heard and its an excellent chance for us to close up even further on the top two." So it looks as though NTFC expects again Saturday, it is a good place to make some noise though, so lets hope for some. I can't remember feeling quite so nervous looking forward to a game so early in the week for quite a while. UP THE COBBLERS!!!!!
Cobbler in the West at 15:7:3 Tuesday November 21 2000
Hodge xray reveals no break, heavy bruising only and he should be back in 2-3 weeks
Cobbler in the West at 15:6:1 Tuesday November 21 2000
Promising report Ray. It seems like the comments on this site are being noted.
9224 at 15:5:6 Tuesday November 21 2000
Fingers crossed for Hodgie, who gets his X-Ray results this afternoon.
Ray at 14:47:49 Tuesday November 21 2000
Hopefully there will be REALLY good news regarding ticketing within a very short space of time. I'll announce as soon as details are in place. If things work out as we are planning you will be able to get tickets easily - even for the all ticket games.
Philip Hudson at 13:38:24 Tuesday November 21 2000
Richard I'll give you a tenner
Judith Keppel at 13:37:44 Tuesday November 21 2000
I'm going to give my winnings to you-Northampton Town before it gets taking off me for fixing.
Richard at 13:32:54 Tuesday November 21 2000
SEASON TICKET FOR SALE
ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED
PLEASE E-MAIL
Vince at 13:23:29 Tuesday November 21 2000
With a bit of imagination as regard to ticket outlets I'm sure that support could be increased, but we need the Police understand that a football match is not a riot waiting to happen and sort out these "all ticket" matches.
PATTCOBB at 13:1:32 Tuesday November 21 2000
Person you are a genius
Person at 12:4:39 Tuesday November 21 2000
I've thought of this ticketing thing before, and came to the conclusion that a shop in the centre of Northampton (and poss others) not just selling tickets for football but any leisure event rugby, cricket, theatre, cinema etc going on, thus reducing pressure on respective ticket and allowing people to buy at their leisure.
Vince at 10:31:50 Tuesday November 21 2000
Sonny, only for away supporters!
TRB Mark at 10:6:52 Tuesday November 21 2000
Stewpot. Why don't you send your request for publication in the programme/Waloc.
TRB Mark at 10:5:30 Tuesday November 21 2000
That's a good idea Stewpot and it's this sort of solidarity building amongst the non-Northampton based fans that needs to be developed ala the Ipswich scenario mention further down. I used to go to the CG on my own and quite often fell by the wayside in terms of attendance. Now I travel with another guy from I'boro and we pick up a mate from Kettering, each taking it in turns to drive. The net result is that you end up going to every game, whether you feel like it or not!! I was talking to a Leicester fan who is a member of the Northants LCFC supporters club and they have get togethers etc. He said you need at least 6 people to run it. I 'm sure there are enough fans for a supporters club in East Northants (to counter diamonds) and maybe there are enough in MK/North Bucks/Beds to do the same?
Anon at 9:52:24 Tuesday November 21 2000
wwf is that a threat
Stewpot at 7:15:11 Tuesday November 21 2000
Reading comments lower down especially by Vince made interesting reading. Living in Milton Keynes going to buy tickets is a 30 mile round trip I do have a credit card ususally in overdraft mode so cash in the wallett is how I usually spend money so why isnt Cyclo Sports given say a 100 tickets so the casual supporter could buy them from there maybe for a £1 extra for convienance to the owner who is a great Cobblers fan himself and is involved with Olney Town football club. Again doing a job that is shift based and sometimes not knowing what I am doing one day to the next due to the manner of my work I cant always get to the game because wife has car or rail service isnt efficent for one reason or another maybe those of us in MK should get together and set up a meeting point or a regular get together as when I do go I am on my own and have spaces in the car for another 3 suporters thus saving extra cars in the car park fiasco afterwards and I see many MK faces by sight and not by name but to scared to say hello and make the first move maybe other MK supporters wish to comment I could provide a meeting place for a while as I am currently securing an empty building 4 nights a week 12 hours a night. If any interest in my above ramblings email me, icq number 86132852 or msn Stewpot should find me and maybe I will add my phone number if genuine interest in a further commenting.
The Drilling Cobbler at 22:52:27 Monday November 20 2000
Just looked on ceefax at the top scorers lists and Forrester is now a clear 2nd in all 4 divisions behind Saha of Fulham, making him the top British striker currently in England. Surely he would be top if he had the likes of Clark, Boa Morte etc supplying him instead of Savage and long balls from defenders. The latter point is not meant to be cynical, just a way of enthasising what a quality striker Forrester is. Surely it wont now be long before a 1.5million pound plus bid arrives on Mr Wilsons door mat. With the problems of christmas post hopefully it will be after the 23rd of you know what!
Waterside Cobbler at 22:41:22 Monday November 20 2000
I agree with the Romsey Cobbler, the Southampton branch is alive and kicking. Who else would be keen (mad ?) enough to go to Fratton for a reserve match ? The Waterside half (plus Bengo, who's got my ticket) will see you all at Walsall. As I've only ever seen 4 wins in 27 away matches I'm looking for my third away win of the season after Luton and Bristol Rovers so COME ON YOU COBBLERS
Anun at 22:31:23 Monday November 20 2000
Blimey Richard we are only going through a bad patch, no need to take such desperate measures. Stick with us, things will improve.
Bernard at 22:29:49 Monday November 20 2000
I see we have offered Dave Savage to Man U in exchange for Cole. Alex Ferguson wants to know how many sacks we want!
Richard at 22:27:10 Monday November 20 2000
Season ticket for sale
due to very unforseen circumstances
offers please
WWF at 22:23:32 Monday November 20 2000
Shurely the Draconian Stranglehold is outlawed Hartwell? Oh and Carl I know where you park!!
YumYum at 22:20:50 Monday November 20 2000
Expanding our fans base does not seem to be a problem. I have noticed that I am almost in the aisle whereas when I first purchased by season ticket I had a whole seat. I blame the several big blokes to my right plus all the fast food outlets around the ground.
Sonny at 22:12:56 Monday November 20 2000
Vince - Will the next Trust meeting be all ticket?
Dec 2 ?? at 21:24:11 Monday November 20 2000
Is that the next round of the cup?? If it is I dont remember us ever calling Rotherham scum? Swansea and P..H yes!!
Anon at 21:8:58 Monday November 20 2000
You can blame who you like, but the real reason The Cobblers don't get the same support as last time we were doing well in the 2nd is simply because we've been here before, and looked what happenned. The Cobblers are going to have to promote to the 1st before the casual supporter returns in the same numbers. Sad but true.
Anon at 21:6:10 Monday November 20 2000
Is Lee Colkin still playing for Hednesford? Wheres Michael Warner?
MartinW at 20:43:3 Monday November 20 2000
Looking forward to December 2:...I no comprendez padre'
just testing at 20:15:28 Monday November 20 2000
up the cobblers
Cobbler in the West at 20:11:4 Monday November 20 2000
Hartwell - according to Sat's programme our average attendance is 5,841. This is better than you thought but does not detract from your comments. We should be averaging well over 6,000 taking into consideration league position and the size of the town and large quite heavily populated area from which support is drawn.
Looking forward to the 2 december at 17:32:26 Monday November 20 2000
Martin W,can't wait to discuss the finer points of being scum with you.It's easy to write comments on the internet where you can be an anonomous coward
not a great bus traveller at 17:31:15 Monday November 20 2000
Usually Warsaw away is a definite train day with a few beers thrown in.Does anyone know if a decent service will be running to get us there on Saturday?And are anymore of you planning to celebrate beating the league leaders/2nd placed team,in the curry capital of Britain(except for Bradford)
Hartwell at 17:12:29 Monday November 20 2000
Quite, Vince. But it's the police's seeming stranglehold over our ticketing which is the root cause of our low attendances this season. While they are allowed to continue to impose such a draconian system on the club, we're never ever going to generate larger crowds. can someone also give us some stats on the average attendance last season compared with that so far this season ? My guess (and it's only that) is we are down from about 5,500 to 5,000.
MK18 Cobbler at 16:45:36 Monday November 20 2000
Lots of comments about Saturday but I thought Forrester's second goal was worth the entrance money alone.
Please give me a kicking at 16:36:32 Monday November 20 2000
stop it
Please give me a kicking at 16:35:54 Monday November 20 2000
arrrrrgh
Please give me a kicking at 16:35:5 Monday November 20 2000
oh
Please give me a kicking at 16:31:15 Monday November 20 2000
Hey Vince we could solve the problem by merging with Diamonds and Kettering and call ourselves Northants FC.
Crick Cobbler at 16:26:43 Monday November 20 2000
Like many of you below, I too am totally fed up of the negative comments. I think that we should have different stands; the optimists and the pessimists. Optimists to have the west stand of course !
Vince at 14:53:23 Monday November 20 2000
The problem of expanding the clubs supporter base is a complex one - it isn't just other football clubs we are competing against but also a whole range of other sports and activities. Although the interest in football has increased over the past few years a lot of this extra "support" has been through TV and it's not easy trying to pursuade a football fan in MK to swap his or her armchair in front of regular premiership games at relatively little cost to pay £15 to watch NTFC on a cold tuesday night. We also have the Saints playing around the corner and for wahtever reason most of NTFC's and the Saints fixtures seem to clash - as they did again on Saturday. Establishing supporters clubs in other areas is OK but you've got to have the support in the first place. At the Trust AGM it was suggested that some of the Open Forums could be held somewhere other than Sixfields and perhaps this would be of interest to fans outside of Northampton, particularly if they could encourage people along who do not already attend games. There is a lot of competition for leisure time - just look at all the facilities at Sixfields and elsewhere in the town and NTFC have no devine right to anyone's support. I agree however that it needs to be easier for fans to buy tickets and this "all ticket" debacle needs to be sorted out.
Lancaster Cobbler at 14:43:26 Monday November 20 2000
Maybe Hodgey called Wilson a baby as being left out he thought that Kev was being too protective. Hodgey does have a somewhat odd sense of humour, at Kettering when asked if the number 20 was Hargreaves, Hodgey sais he's had his hair cut but he still is a gypsy! I think Hodgey is resident funnyman and we should not read too much into his comments!
Carl at 14:35:42 Monday November 20 2000
I am currently the only paid up member of the Frimley and Sandhurst Branch
The Romsey Cobbler at 14:33:38 Monday November 20 2000
We already have a Southampton branch of the Cobblers Supporters Club - don't we Waterside Cobbler?
Cobbler in the West at 14:15:40 Monday November 20 2000
Well written "First Time etc. " but you can't expect a small club to do everything. It is also down to the Trust and other supporters organisations of which we have too many to play their part and halt in the intrusion of outsiders to our natural geogrpahical supporter base namely Northants, North Bucks, part of Beds. Anywhere else?
First time here for months at 14:9:44 Monday November 20 2000
Some very good comments on here. We are clearly limited in our options right now with such a small squad and with gates as they are I cannot believe that the club is not losing money. Savage is without doubt very talented but we are unable to rest him or allow time to polish his scporing boots in the reserves. Equally it would be nice to see the like of Morrow, Gould and Thompson being loaned out to Div 3 or conference sides, but the squad size really does not allow it. On balance Wilson has done a great job and has genuinely improved the team in just about every position: compare this side to the last promotion team Forrester v Seal, Welch v Woodman are but small examples. We have played some very positive football, surprisingly most of it away from home. If one aspect of the club set-up has disappointed me over the last five years is the failure to capitalise commercially. More effort could have been focused on establishing a network of supporters club branches (in pubs, businesses and schools) where fans could buy tickets, meet players, arrange buses to home games and most importantly raise money, whereas a lot of time seems to have been wasted on internal rifts within and outside the Trust. A good example is Ipswich, a town of just 109,000 people where they have long nurtured their fan base across Suffolk and Essex through a strong supporters club network. I fear that our fan base in places like Wellingborough is being eroded by the efforts of Mr Griggs and if the Cobblers are to have longer term First Division aspirations, the base has to be solid first.
Carl at 14:6:30 Monday November 20 2000
I don't think they knew a lot more than most of us who attended, just I suppose people have other priorities. When we get to the 3rd round I'm sure there will be just a little more interest. Frickley were a very poor side and I don't think after watching the first 5 minutes they were ever going to cause an upset. I looked on their website and they reckon they brought around 500 people down, I don't know about you but I would have said 200 and something tops. It was nice to see other people getting involved in scoring goals, and all in all the four goals were taken very well, the Forrester lob as I stated earlier was pure brilliance even against that standard of opposition. Walsall is going to be a tough game, but to win there would be superb, so here 's hoping for a first half Stoke performance and not a both half Bournemouth performance. UP THE COBBLERS!!!
PATTCOBB at 13:2:11 Monday November 20 2000
What worried me the most is that Frickley didn't play like normal non-leaguers(ie commited passionate and hard) they were just rubbish ,and we still huffed and puffed.Contrary to NSB I thought that Frain had a decent game and it is good to see him back(is he STILL only 30?!? he has been for 3 years).As a spectacle the game was about as good as the Milton Keynes friendly at the start of the season,what did the 2500 that didn't bother know that we didn't?
NSB at 12:17:37 Monday November 20 2000
Hodgie was left out to avoid him picking up an injury against tough tackling opposition......... fat lot of use that was! The biggest concern of saturdays match was our apparent inability to clear the ball out of defense, when the ball was cleared out of the box there was no-one to complete the clearance. now i dont mean to hoof the ball atkins-esque into the opposition box, but when the ball was cleared the other side had a chance to send it back in, which put us under more pressure than there should have been. regarding savage, the reason all his runs bvroke down on sat was cos he appeared to be obsessed with running into rather than running at the frickley players! spedding started off slowly, his passing was completely awry but he got better towards the end, im sure that a lengthy run in the side after his long absence will do him good, and give him an opportunity to build up the same sort of leftie partnership that he had with parrish last year with hargreaves (who really does need a haircut!) Frainy did look a bit lost after his lay off but was in there to score a superb goal, hunt performed well alongside him (aas usual) but i think that we definetley need roy hunter back to play alongside Hunt, no offense to frainy. Sammo played well filling in at right back, his usual composed self, but i feel we need a natural right back to give us more attacking options (is this who our new loan signing is meant to be?) and forrester's value has just shot up to £20m!!! scores two and sets up two? give him a 30 year contract kev!
Ray at 8:50:21 Monday November 20 2000
The real reason for Hodgy being left out? Look no further than the Internet Player of the Year Competition.
Cobbler in the West at 8:41:48 Monday November 20 2000
KingCobb - your response to my comment on Steve Howard's rise to hero status. My recollection is that whilst the boo boys were having a go at him (remember the disgusting abuse at Brighton?)there was a large part of the crowd, minority or majority I don't know,who were openly critical of his play and would have said take the money when Carlisle bid £100,000 for him before the transfer deadline. It was after that time that he really came into his own and was outstanding in the final quarter of last season and quite rightly praise was heaped on him. He has come on in leaps and bounds and this must be due to good coaching but it did not happen overnight.
DARTH at 2:39:55 Monday November 20 2000
the performance was not what we expected or wanted, maybe there was a reason for that, you cant expect players to dive in and tackle like recent opposition gave us ,given the fact none of the players can afford risking any injury at all,Hodgie for example, maybe the idea was to sit back take our chances when they come, and maybe step on the gas for the last 30 mins or so when tiredness shows ,the difference between a full time pro side and a amateur side well below us, fitness was bound to show for the last half hour, good goal from frain im sure it will do him the power of good after being away, jamie was his usual self again, lots have been said about savage,and every body is entitled to their own opinion, hunt put in an excellent performance,sampson solid as usual,gabbo should have started because I think he would have creamed the opposition, spedding has had better days (not many though), howard did not get enough service ,steve would have severely tested their goalie from 20-30 yards and we all know that he can be very accurate from that distance, maybe the scoreline did flatter us but if we had a full strength squad to pick from then maybe we would have gone straight at them from the off and who knows 6-0 8-0 ,im sure jamie would have had more than a brace, broadhurst was mention earlier as a tactician ,WELL KEVS a bloody magician as far as I can see with 16 or so players to choose from there isn't too many tactics you can pull out of a hat with such slight resources, look at the money players and resources weve got compared to rushden say, i rest my case, one more word, another top signing again by kev and I cant wait to see him play. Mr Wilson shows a lot of faith to his team, lets do the same .
9224 at 0:34:57 Monday November 20 2000
I, like Hodgie himself, find it difficult to understand the thinking behind dropping him - especially with Howard returning. Vs Bournemouth he had to cut inside every time, because with only JF and MG in the middle it would have been futile to put big crosses in. As he cut inside he would pick up another man (or even two) trying to tackle him. When there was run he put a pass there, when there were no options (which happened a lot) he would get tackled. To a certain extent the same was true of Savage - there was little movement and fewer options. With Howard in the side, Hodgie can get to the byeline and whip one in, knowing that big Steve will more than likely get a head on it.
I also find it difficult to believe how Savage was seemingly let off just grabbing his jumper and storming down the tunnel after being subbed. I understand emotions being high etc. and would have understood him letting off steam had he played a blinder but there's no way he could have made a case for staying on the pitch last Saturday. He is, however, IMHO a class act (especially in March/April) and just needs a lucky break. One good run and shot, or even a scrappy goal will see him right. Hodgie's comment bothers me, but again, perhaps he was just frustrated at being dropped given his recent run of form. If he is only out for a couple of weeks he will get a breather and should come back with a vengence. I read that he was in the Division 2 team of the year in our near-promotion season. When he's on song, he's one of the best two or three footballers in our squad and I'll forgive him taking a breather (which rarely happens away) if he has Hargy, Frainy and Hunty to back him up and if he shows us his wizardry. It's almost the Seal situation again, only I hope KW is more tolerant of the better players than IA was, or we could see the same unfolding again - a manager committing a criminal waste of a talent. Like I say, I hope KW will be more tolerant... I hope........
My old mans a Cobbler. at 0:4:35 Monday November 20 2000
Singing,shouting encouragment,getting behind the team,these things will help the team play better.But for as long as I have been watching the Cobblers,some fans get on the players backs and it spreads like wildfire,Come on you miserable b@stards get behind the boys.
Andy at 23:52:32 Sunday November 19 2000
Frickely! Yeh we are used to been criticised and yes our team does need some more striking force but we will be back. Yes you bet us and fair enough for that (good second goal too) but for a small village I thought we played some good football and think the score reflects badly on us but at then end of the day you won...so good Luck hope ya trash Rotherham cause I dont like them either! Oh and by the way I hope we meet again some day - we will be back with avengence, Laters Andy!
Northampton Gas at 23:42:47 Sunday November 19 2000
I cannot believe some of the comments on your list. You are seventh in the league and it is only November. I'm sure as hell wish we were in your position, after todays abject inept performance by a team supposed to consist of eleven professional footballers. Last season we were top of the league with ten matches to go and no one, but no one, thought we would not reach the play offs let alone automatic promotion. OK so you may have had two bad performances, but you only need to get really upset when every player plays like a pile of s**t and should be hung drawn and quartered. Did I go today, you must be joking. That was only the second match I have missed this season and the other game at Colchester was a close contender for one of the worst performances in the last ten years. Keep the faith.
TRB Mark at 22:49:16 Sunday November 19 2000
We're not all bad though. Frickley got a good hand from Cobblers fans when they left the field.
The Bicester Cobbler at 22:34:50 Sunday November 19 2000
Ray, don't be so hard on yourself. There is a huge difference between expressing an open opinion on the team/individual performance and shouted verbal abuse. If the former makes you a boo boy then we all fit in to that category. I agree that if our performances don't pick up there is only one way the team will go. As I said before, having a small injury hit squad doesn't help. Therefore, it's up to the supporters to remain confident and pick out the positive bits such as playing poorly but still winning 4-0. I can't remember too many people being disappointed after winning the play off final and we didn't plyy to well there either, did we?
Annoyed at 22:29:37 Sunday November 19 2000
I am annoyed because I sat up all night watching MOTD hoping to see the Cobblers goals but did they appear-no they didn't. So I thought OK i'll get up early and watch them on Sky Sports and they weren't pn here either. RRRRRRRRR. Lets bombard the BBC and Sky with abbusive emails
Savage at 22:27:12 Sunday November 19 2000
Millwall fans will say the same as us moaners they were glad to see him go!!!
Bert at 21:51:43 Sunday November 19 2000
I think there are a few points to be made about the boo boys/girls in the East stand. The abuse always seems more pronounced over there although I'm sure it goes on all over the other stands as well. This is probably because there is higher proportion of families and we are traditionally quieter, therefore the abuse is more noticable. We are closer to the pitch over there, so the players can hear the comments more clearly and also these cowards cannot be heard by "the boss" or any of the directors etc. and are therefore less inhibited. It must be a lonely place for the far right/left players when things are not going well. It is a family stand and it must be perplexing and upsetting to the young 'uns when they hear their elders slagging off the guys they regard as heroes and pin up on their bedroom walls.
Spring Park Cobbler at 21:31:42 Sunday November 19 2000
Savage may not be having the best of times recently but I don't believe that's down to a lack of desire. Sometimes things don't run your way. I can remember when Atkins was running the show and Savage was on the subs bench the crowd were screaming for him to be brought on to run at the opposition. For the last few games he seems to have been playing too deep. I don't know if this is the team tactics but it's not the best way to play him. I think our problems lie in our small squad, an edge of tiredness is creeping in and I suspect players are playing with minor injuries or returning too soon. Spedding perhaps been the clearest example of someone returning before he is fully fit.
Bert at 21:17:29 Sunday November 19 2000
Robbie Earle made an interesting comment on Sky Sports this afternoon. He said that many teams have spells of playing better away from home because they do not have the pressure of the home crowd being on their backs all the while. It seems quite logical to me. If the panel of "experts" behind me are representative of the so called fans in other areas of the ground then I really can't blame the players for being more relaxed when the abuse is restricted to the away end. The typical taunting from opposition supporters must be a welcome relief!
Me at 21:11:36 Sunday November 19 2000
Do kingcobb, carl and benny know anything about football? It doesn't seem like it reading their comments
MartinW at 20:59:37 Sunday November 19 2000
I totally agree, Ray. The point is that if we continue to show the kind of form that we have shownin the last two games we can only go one way and that's down. Because we won't win games in the Second Division with the kind of performances we have seen. That's not to say we have not done well to get to where we are. Of course. But people have the right to ring alarm bells now before we go on a dramatic slide downwards. And anyone who saw how York went from being top ten to being relegated when we went down will know that it can happen.
Baz at 20:47:52 Sunday November 19 2000
Discontent in camp? When asked if he was playing yesterday,Hodge replied "no, the f***ing baby's left me on the bench". Read into that what you will. Thought Gabbo was excellent when he came on, his pass for Jamie's second was sublime. The tactics yesterday were odd: 5-3-2 when Willo says that is not his favoured formation against probably the worst side we're ever likely to meet. Should have played 4 up front as at Colchester. Spoke to a group of blokes in the pub at Flore after the Bournemouth game who fancied going but "we cannot be arsed queuing for tickets and trying to get out of the poxy car park so went to Wolves instead". This simply has to change.
Ray at 20:41:16 Sunday November 19 2000
I agree - that JF goal was about the sweetest I've seen.
Carl at 20:35:42 Sunday November 19 2000
What a load of old tosh. Frickley were poo. We did a job, got that job done. For all those who refused to pay their money you missed one of the most beautiful, calculated chips in the history of football. Mr. Forrester is superb, as long as we can keep hold of him. Up the Town, down with all you moaning tossers.
NotTiC at 20:23:43 Sunday November 19 2000
I'd be tempted to put Welchy in midfield. He is the only one capable of putting his foot on the ball and he finds his man every time. Come on Kev put him in centre midfield and he can feed Jaime and Gabbi all game.
Inquisitive at 20:21:41 Sunday November 19 2000
Cobbler in the West, were you the one wearing a Cobblers shirt and seen coming out of the village stores in Westonzoyland?
KingCobb at 20:17:49 Sunday November 19 2000
Oh come on Cobbler in the West! Howard was wrongly slagged off by the boo boys and had the backing of the majority of the fans. If you remember he headed the Internet player of the year polls, what he missed in goals he made up by making them for others and his effort, in my mind, has always been second to none. Savage is a different case entirely. He has the talent but not the desire and I refuse to accept he is going through a bad patch. If he is it began last year!!
Ray at 20:17:22 Sunday November 19 2000
I'm sorry that my comments regarding yesterdays performance has now labelled me as a boo boy - anyone who knows me or has read my previous comments certainly knows this is not the case. I have never booed a Cobblers player in my life and hopefully never will. If any of you think yesterdays performance was good then I'm sorry - because if we continue to play like that then you are going to be gravely disappointed.
Pirate Pete at 20:11:17 Sunday November 19 2000
Harrold Cobbler - Are you a big bloke called Andrew with a moustache?
Cobbler in the West at 20:2:21 Sunday November 19 2000
Looking at the FA Cup draw must be a chance that out match will be one of the 2 televised by Sky.
Much comment here today about certain players being singled out by the negative element in our crowd (there always were/are the moaners but it is getting beyond that). Last year it was Steve Howard , a hero 12 months later, and now it is Dave Savage. The guy may be going through a lean patch, but he is not the only one, and he is one of the few players prepared to run at defences.
The Drilling Cobbler at 19:47:28 Sunday November 19 2000
Benny is absolutely right on two counts. Firstly, Claire played half a dozen games or so and scored 3 goals in a short period of time in DIVISION3. The guy cant get into the Grimsby side on a regular basis, a very poor 1st division team and is deffinately not as good as either Forrester or Gabbs. Howard gives the forward line a physical presence which if replaced by Claire and on the evidence of games when he hasnt been playing (Bournemouth for example),he would not be an adequate alternative. A forward line of forrester, Gabbs and Claire would only be effective if the hardworking and industrias midfielders that we currently possess were replaced with players that could offer sublime skills and guile. This would not be possible for 1million pounds, let alone the 500k or so that we would likely receive if Howard was sold. As for Frickley, they never possesed any real threat apart from the shot that hit the bar. If we had won 50-0, we would still be going to bloody Rotherham, still be 7th in the league, still have the same amount of money in the bank, and still be slagging off Dave Savage!
The Harrold Cobbler at 19:25:4 Sunday November 19 2000
I wonder what Mark Maley's performance will be like on Walsall next saturday, 1-1
Paul at 19:12:18 Sunday November 19 2000
Didn't see this myself as too busy cheering, but I saw Kevin Wilson after the match and he said the Frickley goalie stood and clapped Jamie after his second goal. Not something that happens every day.
I agree at 18:24:31 Sunday November 19 2000
OK TIC=Tongue in cheek. Not even remotely subtle.
TIC at 18:17:30 Sunday November 19 2000
Excellent performance yesterday against very tough opposition. The decision to play Sampson at full back was a masterstoke. Wise decision to keep Hodge and Gabbi on the bench and save them for the tough run in up to Christmas.
COL at 18:6:29 Sunday November 19 2000
Well said BICESTER COBBLER, I am also of the opinion that this notice board is for the BOO BOYS & GIRLS!!!
The Bicester Cobbler at 17:25:9 Sunday November 19 2000
I can't believe the majority of you bunch out there. A 4-0 victory, in the top ten of division 2 and big away games such as 'boro. Oxford, Walsall and Reading to come in the next month or two and all you can do is pick fault. OK recent performances have not been as we would like but just remember how big our squad is? You can't ask the
same 14(ish) players to play two games a week, flat out and on heavy pitches and not feel the effects. They are bound to have a few dodgy moments and off days. Let's get back to supporting the team. If it makes you feel better just remember what it was like under Atkins. Then again you whingers were probably the same "win at all costs" bunch who enjoyed watching clueless football as long as we ground out a 0-0 result. On the subject of the moronic supporters in the West Stand - there are are also a fair few in the North Stand.
Don't hold your breath about anything being done about them by the club. The problem is they are probably season ticket holders and the club can't afford to boot them out. The few racist, biggots I (and friends) complained about are still there and although they have stopped the racist claptrap from exiting their mouths, they do come out with some crap.
The Bicester Cobbler at 17:16:33 Sunday November 19 2000
I can't believe the majority of you bunch out there. A 4-0 victory, in the top ten of division 2 and big away games such as 'boro. Oxford, Walsall and Reading to come in the next month or two and all you can do is pick fault. OK recent performances have not been as we would like but just remember how big our squad is? You can't ask the
same 14(ish) players to play two games a week, flat out and on heavy pitches and not feel the effects. They are bound to have a few dodgy moments and off days. Let's get back to supporting the team. If it makes you feel better just remember what it was like under Atkins. Then again you whingers were probably the same "win at all costs" bunch who enjoyed watching clueless football as long as we ground out a 0-0 result. On the subject of the moronic supporters in the West Stand - there are are also a fair few in the North Stand.
Don't hold your breath about anything being done
Benny at 16:48:33 Sunday November 19 2000
Darryl 'flipping' Clare? Time to change the record methinks. He has only played a handful of games since he left us and frankly that is not good enough. Like our tactics we must have more options than just Darryl 'flipping' Clare. Oh and how you can say Frickley were comfortable on the ball Hartwell, they hacked, slashed, sliced and misshit just about everything. They were the worst nonleague opposition I can remember.
Hartwell at 15:59:45 Sunday November 19 2000
Yes, Ray, I am starting to wonder whether we are indeed missing Broadhurst's tactical input. Having a motivator is all very good. But without sound tactics, especially ones that actually suit the team's strengths and abilities, there is a chasm. The Keegan fiasco proves the point - these days geeing up players can't either cover up for or replace good sound tactical sense. It's that kind of game today. Frickley looked quite comfortable on the ball and hardly troubled off it most of the time, which doesn't speak well of our performance. As others have rightly said a four goal difference was not a fair reflection of thegame, especially not of our performance. I am really concerned about Savage as I truly thought at one time he had talent and a bright future. However he seems to have slid backwards into a state of near oblivion - even to the point where frankly we are starting with 10 men. Incidentally I keep such comments to these pages and post-match anaylsis. Like others I see no value in slating the guy on the pitch and get as angry as many other fans as the verbal abuse he and others have to put up with from a section of our so-called "support." If Palace were to offer half a million quid for Howard - which I find pretty unbelievable - then the Board would certainly snatch their hands, and rightly so given our current financial position. Would it give us some cash to reopen our chase for Clare ? I gather we are still keen to sign him.
Cynthia Payne at 15:19:16 Sunday November 19 2000
I also heard that Broadhurst was the disciplinarian too Ray.
BARSTEWARDS at 15:17:28 Sunday November 19 2000
Get real Rodney! All I ever see our stewards do is tell kids to take their feet off of the seats in front of them. I saw them at it again yesterday! IT IS MONEY FOR OLD ROPE!!
Ray at 15:14:5 Sunday November 19 2000
Yesterday's performance was, in many ways, as disappointing as the performance against Bournemouth the previous week. The final scoreline of 4-0 flattered to deceive. No way were we, as a team, 4 goals better than Frickley and if it wasnt for the talent of superstar Jamie's finishing then we could now be sitting here with egg on our faces. Many aspects of the game disappointed - our defence would I feel have crumbled (again) to a more talented opposition, our forward line, at times, looked very uncertain - even JF didnt have the best of games. Something needs to be done about the south end of the West Stand. Its all very well have a laugh and a joke with and about the opposing fans but I have the uneasy feeling that things are now beginning to go beyond that. The talk around me is now that the leaving of Broadhurst has had a severely detrimental effect on the team. The impression I had before he left is that he was the tactician and Wilco was the motivator. If we are now only left with motivation then by the last few performances it isnt working. Although I'm generally the eternal optimist I'm now decidedly worried about the future. I sincerely hope to be proved wrong.
The Drilling Cobbler at 15:4:4 Sunday November 19 2000
Not one mention thus far on the draw for the 2nd round. My prediction, after initial negative thoughts, is a 1-0 victory for the town. I can honestly see us 'doing a Rotherham', defending like your father and scraping a goal at the other end. Rotherham are like us in that they are more suited to counter attacking, hence why their away form, like ours, is better than their home form. As far as yesterdays game was concerned, we were predictably crap but did enough to win convincingly. Looking at the other scores in the FA cup, no league side won by more than 5 goals which suggests that our result wasnt actually that bad. Brentford, 3-1 loss at home to Kingstonian, Colchester 5-1 loss at Yoevil - 2 of our 2nd division rivals none the less! So I dont think we've got that much to worry about, providing we dont get relegated to the conference! I accept that those two conquerers I've exampled are high quality non-league teams whereas Frickley are clearly not, but in cup games the quality side will always fall below standards and the minnows will always raise their game. My only critism was that why was Gauld not brought on for Savage say at half time - the Irish international needs a big kick up the arse and to replace him with a kid with potential would surely have made him realise that his recent level of performances do neither himself or the side any justice whatsoever.I agree however that slagging him off verbally does not help the matter - I wouldnt question his effort, just the quality or lack of in his play.
DEK at 14:44:13 Sunday November 19 2000
9224: That's our ONLY midfield isn't it? When are we going to get a central midfield player that we have been crying out for ever since Hunter got injured v Wigan. All this crap about resting Hughes etc, a then looking at signing a right back for the rest of the season. Hughes is not a full back, he is a centre-half. Yes he gets away with it at times because we don't attack as a team normally, but when the emphasis is on us to attack, ie: v 10 men. his limitations are painfully obvious.
Bluesman at 14:33:10 Sunday November 19 2000
if u fink we r morons wait till we join up wit miller boyz ur gonna get a reight gud kickin next time u r wank
Rodney Marshall(MoaningCobbler) at 14:20:5 Sunday November 19 2000
Completely agree with Den re. barracking. We normally sit in West Stand lower tier. Yesterday we were in the Upper Tier near the away end. The abuse directed at Spedding and Savage was disgusting as was the moronic abuse of away fans. This area needs stewarding and its time that these warped individuals found something else to do on a Saturday afternoon.
KingCobb at 14:11:13 Sunday November 19 2000
I take issue with Hotel Ender for calling me blinkered! Dave Savage has not consistently played well for this team, ever. His form can only be at best described as sporadic and I am fed up with people saying how talented he is. If fans are getting on his back then that is pretty bloody normal considering his efforts since he has been with us and to blame his team mates, as you suggest, is nothing short of farcical. And while I'm at it, Hartwell, yesterday's opponents were a poor outfit. In the past many non-league sides have been 'up for it' and have matched us tackle for tackle, Frickley however had nothing and until late on were embarassing us due to our inept and woeful display. CH your comments were fair and balanced.
9224 at 13:33:20 Sunday November 19 2000
Injuries permitting - I think our strongest midfield (with the exception of Hunter) would be (Right to Left) Hodge, Hunt, Frain, Hargreaves. Comments?
just wondering at 13:26:45 Sunday November 19 2000
why is gabbi on the bench is he injured or wat,he aint going to be the clubs top scorer getting splinters in his bum,please explain if you can.???????????????
richie fan from new zealand at 13:16:15 Sunday November 19 2000
the mention of dixie mcneal and frankie large two players that gave 110% every game.does anybody remember joe kienan one of the best midfield players ever to put on a cobblers shirt.
richie fan from new zealand at 13:3:34 Sunday November 19 2000
hmmm ........somebody tell me im not seeing wat im reading, for crying out loud.
MartinW at 12:25:38 Sunday November 19 2000
I'm getting quite bored by the growing number of player barrackers that there are at Sixfields. Before Gabby came on the field there was some guy behind me on the West Stand shouting at him (within earshot) - "Go one, earn your £4,000 a week". Savage was crucified and booed by fans as he came off. It's an absolute disgrace and makes me sick to be in the same part of the ground as some of these scum. Do people really think that players deliberately play badly.
And yes we did not play very well. And it is of course right to comment on that, but not at the ground when they are actually trying to do a job. We are playing trash at the moment, no question. Even the eternal optimist near me who always calls for people to get behind them (VERY LOUDLY) was audibly critical. And I've never heard that even in the darkest days of Atkins. I don't know what is going on at Sixfields. Broadhurst's departure seems to have really effected the team badly. The body language of some of the players seems to be less than right. And that paintballing expedition for the players. Good for team building. But it does raise the question why there needs to be team building. What is it about the team that makes them not together. That seemed to be about fixing something that was broken. So what has been going on? Nobody should kid themselves that the victory was convincing. We are talking about a part time side that got beaten 12-0 in the division below the Vauxhall Conference. Yet they should have scored two goals yesterday. And at one point they were creating the better chances which was unbelievable. It was predictable that the longer the game went on the fitness of the full timers would tell. It's not harsh to say that after the debacle that was the Bournemouth match that the players should have shown a bit more against tiny Frickley. And I know that players cannot win by beating a side like Frickley. But they COULD win if they had at least shown some sort of passion and spirit. Yesterday it was sadly lacking. Maybe we will raise ourselves for better teams. I certainly hope so.
Den at 11:29:55 Sunday November 19 2000
Why is it that nobody is happy unless they have someone to have a go at. First it was Alli Gibb, Then Steve Howard now its Spedding and Savage. Spedd has only been back for 2 games! What did he do wrong yesterday? Give a couple of goals away? Kicked one of our own players? And Savage, well, he was an absolute disgrace wasnt he? trying to play a bit of football and not hoofing it, get rid of him I say!!!!!! OK yesterdays wasnt a vintage performance, but we won 4-0 with 4 quality goals. we didnt lose. Frickley were never going to roll over and die, they had nothing to lose. Lets get behind the team and stop trying to find fault with every game and player
Steve at 10:52:46 Sunday November 19 2000
I couldn`t agree with Hartwell more. With regard to yesterdays result, yes it was flattering but I didn`t hear many Swansea fans moaning last year when we played them off the park, and lost 4-1.
The result yesterday will at the very least improve confidence, which
has been sadly lacking.
The Romsey Cobbler at 10:38:32 Sunday November 19 2000
Following on from what Mark Pacan said on Thursday - does anyone know if the club are selling Christmas cards this year? (By the way Mark - even if they do I can't see how they would be a patch on yours, which were excellent quality).
Alton Towers at 10:21:34 Sunday November 19 2000
Not looking forward to the trip to Walsall next week!
We are sadly short of midfield control and could be on to a hammering.
MARK at 9:39:44 Sunday November 19 2000
REPORTS IN THE PEOPLE SAY THAT CRSTAL PALACE ARE INTRESTED IN STEVE HOWARD AND ARE WILLING TO PAY £500,000. IF TRUE THE CLUB [AND TONY CLARKE M.P]WILL TAKE THAT. BUT I HOPE NOT AS LAST SATURDAY MATCH PROVED WE MISSED HIM.
Free George Davis (and TCMP) at 9:36:1 Sunday November 19 2000
Tony Clark is the most ANTI racist bloke in Northampton the Torys have tried to make up a story out of nothing lets all write to the Chronic to show him our support.TCMP IS INNOCENT!!
Hotelender at 9:35:17 Sunday November 19 2000
No, T Zone, it's not just you. There are a number of blinkered fans who have got it in for Savage. He's playing poorly, but much of it is lack of imagination from his team mates. Just as Jamie has turned Steve Howard from last year's frog to this year's prince., the reverse has happened to Savage with the departure of Hendon. Hopefully, Kev has got it right with the lad coming on loan,and the boys on the right side will get some service, sadly lacking from Hughes and Sammo.
Hartwell at 9:30:27 Sunday November 19 2000
Fair comment CH - and before we criticise other teams' fans we have to accept some of those who tag along to our away gamres aren't exactly saints! Regarding the cost of seats y'day I gather the club wanted to do a Quid a Kid deal but it would have needed Frickley's permission, which they were not prepared to give. If that is the case, Cobblers directors cannot be truly to blame. Having said that our whole ticketing policy needs sorting out and fast. I thought Frickley's team played very well and 4-0 did littloe justice to their performance. We, on the other hand, made desperately hard work of the job. Once again our passing and possession was poor, we did not put enough bodies forward when we were attacking (just two in some cases) and we seem to have totally lost our rythmn and shape. I cannot understand why we left it so late to bring Hodge on - just hope that injury is not as bad as it looked. We have to regain our composure and shape if we are to get back to winning ways in the League. Next week will be a big test, ahtough we play better away from home. The reason for this is quite clear - we are far better suited to five at the back than 4-4-2. Our back four are just too slow and need some propping up. This doesn't mean, however, we have to be negative. It's quiote possible to play five at the back without taking it to the extremes of total boredom that Atkins managed to create.
Sonny at 9:22:1 Sunday November 19 2000
Cobbled - Your comments come across as a little conceited, not to mention naieve, don't you think? Are you a closet Man U fan too?
Twilight Zone (or maybe Twiglet Zone) at 9:9:40 Sunday November 19 2000
Is it just me or does anyone else think that since Dave Savage has had a regular place in the side he's been playing like Forest Gump!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone who sat near me yesterday may have heard me make this comment then
C H at 2:21:43 Sunday November 19 2000
Cobbled???? As a Frickley supporter who has witnessed a poor division two side today, i would just like to pick you up on your generalisation. "Their fans" who you called a total disgrace are not actually our fans. They are merely glory supporters who decided to tag along due to our participation in this stage of the cup, and call themselves "frickley fans" with what i agree was shocking behaviour. These "fans" will crawl back into the woodwork never to be seen again watching frickley until we make it to this stage again (if ever). I would just like to say that the majority of our fans were well behaved and enjoyed the occasion (class second goal by forrester by the way) and felt it unfair that all our fans were labelled a disgrace, which seemed to be the case in your comment. I also agree that we knew in our heart of hearts that we were not gonna win- but the 4-0 scoreline flattered you in the end. Forrester and your centre half were good players but apart from that, the rest of the team were very average and you will have to step it up alot more against better sides (as already pointed out). Good luck for rest of competition anyhow and ill be following your progress in the cup from now on although that progress will be halted when you meet Rotherham. Come on The Millers!!!! Laterz.......
cobbled??? at 1:18:53 Sunday November 19 2000
Frickley bottom of unibond league with one win and going down, Their fans were a total disgrace and totaly ruined the teams day besides us of course ! but they knew they were on to a hiding to nothing anyway, or were they? perhaps it was the heavy conditions and the fact that they were going to be knackered after 60 mins or so , a better fitter team like "yeovil" and it could have been different for us im sure,the dis -allowed goal shook us up, Some of the players need replacing or a bigger squad if we are to maintain this run, Spedding ? Savage? but other players means money, money comes from the board? and from bigger gates which did not appear purely because the board did not entice younger people, "quid a kid" or perhaps reduced admission for todays game, what would you rather have one fan paying £15.00 or three or four paying a tenner each.result Bigger gate, More gate revenue, more atmos, more sales programms etc. 3000 people at £15.00 =£45,000.00 ,6000 people at £10.00 = £60,000.00 plus sales etc, todays exercise surely should have been to get the big gate in as well as boosting the team with support. Anyway well done Kev and well done the lads, chin up hodgie we need you back as soon as pos.
Hang on...... at 0:27:21 Sunday November 19 2000
Erhh, Mr Realist, most of the money goes into the players wages, and most of them did not earn it today?So why all this moaning? Did you mean to say that. Well I was in the East Stand today with my son...£20.00. If I'd been in the West Stand, £25.50. I have to tell you Mr Realist that for most people, like MP with a family of 5 supporters, you are talking about alot of money. Is it true the directors wanted a quid a kid? If so let them tell us and then at least we have an inkling they understand financial realities for most of the population.Slagging off supporters who have season tickets for 5 doesn't seem very fair to me if they happen to mention that the price to see non-league opposition seems a little on the steep side.
It Has To Be Said !!! at 23:38:25 Saturday November 18 2000
Kerry's got a foul mouth and a bad attitude !
i talk fiction......again at 22:16:26 Saturday November 18 2000
after my revelations that yeboah was joining as assistant manager i can now reveale ronaldo is joining us to recover form his knee injury, u heard it here first
Bill at 22:8:12 Saturday November 18 2000
hurrah, hurray and three cheers for king George, Bill is back, complete with soaking wet sheepskin coat and sore throat. I didnt realise that we had attracted attention from some of the higher division clubs, but obviously we're making a few heads turn, even if its only Huddersfield Town. BTW Nigel Short+Nigel Kennedy can be added to the list of wet Nigels.
Tony at 22:6:21 Saturday November 18 2000
Savage needs to be dropped, he was utter crap today. Overall I think we only did what we needed to win, but any move Savage was invloved in went wrong at the start of his participation!
I Saw Ya at 21:48:20 Saturday November 18 2000
Seen coming out of the village stores in Westonzoyland this morning, a Cobblers fan complete with shirt!
Gwendolin at 21:45:54 Saturday November 18 2000
Nobody called Nigel is hard! Even Nigel Benn spoke like a fairy!
Cobblers fan club, Cockermouth branch at 21:7:56 Saturday November 18 2000
Mention of Kim Book further down the page brings back the season 70-71 to me. We lost at home to Bournemouth that year, too (4-2, goals by John Fairbrother). We had lots of good songs in those days. "You've not seen nothing like the mighty Kim", "We've the king as you'll discover, and his name is John Fairbrother", "Dixie, Dixie, I'd walk a million miles for one of your goals". "He's here, he's there, he's every *******where, Frankie Large!", "We've got Graham Felton on the wing" etc. Virtually every player had his own song. Then there was a couple of songs directed against Boro. "I'd love to go a-wandering along the Boro walls, and if I see a Boro fan I'll (wish him a fine afternoon)", and of course, "Noel, Noel, that is the name of that *****Cantwell!". We never had a song for Keith East, though. Poor old Keith, where is he now.
NSB at 20:53:34 Saturday November 18 2000
are highlights of all first round ties going to be on MOTD?
NSB at 20:33:41 Saturday November 18 2000
We were bloody awfull today, my first cobblers match since going to uni had to be that? Well at least i got to see jamie single handedly tearing the opposition apart. Despite our inability to bring the ball out of defense they were never going to score, except for that one chance they had when they hit the bar. The offside goal was a good decision (the only good decision of the game) as their striker was retreating when the ball came to him but was too slow getting back. The last quarter of the match when the last three goals were scored were almost enough to make up for the first 75mins and jamies second was worth the price of admission in itself!
MR REALIST. at 19:58:52 Saturday November 18 2000
M.P.If the club dropped the prices we still would have had a low gate , any way do you grudge paying money to the club , it doesn't go into the directors pockets , it goes to pay the players wages, and most of them did not earn it today. Why all this moaning ?
Sam at 19:39:34 Saturday November 18 2000
Jamie Forrester should have got a hat trick better luck next time, plus get well soon John Hodge
Puddle/Quagmire at 19:26:48 Saturday November 18 2000
Boy did I ruin some expensive trainers today!
Moaner at 19:22:43 Saturday November 18 2000
A very poor performance today in a situation where we could have done our confidence a power of good by getting a sack load of goals. Frickley looked awful but we contrived to make them appear a half decent side. We were no better than we were against Bournemouth, it was just that the opposition was poor. If we continue in this vein of form then I worry abouth Walsall next Saturday. I don't ming losing with passion, but certain players look like they don't give a shit. Sammo, Green and Hope look solid, Hunt and Hargreaves run for everything, and Jamie, Stevie and Gabbo always look like they could score. So why do we look so awful at the moment. Oh and a final word to anyone who says 'the moaners are back' - when you have spent £15 for that, then I reserve the right to complain. The only good thing about it was that we won a game we should have strolled.
Anon at 18:59:21 Saturday November 18 2000
For your information MP , Northampton wanted to charge a quid a kid but Frickley would have none of it.
MP at 18:26:23 Saturday November 18 2000
Wilson said on Radio N'pton that it looked like Hodge would be out for 2-3 weeks, so fingers crossed it wasn't as bad as it looked. Now will the board learn that people will not pay full price to watch us play Frickley. There are two adults and three kids in our family, and we find the money somehow for season tickets in the West Stand. Tried to resist going today, but couldn't, and went in the East Stand, still really expensive. I honestly can't understand why prices were not reduced today, it could have doubled the attendance. Does anyone out there with influence listen to us?
Ralph at 18:2:50 Saturday November 18 2000
9224 - Did Savage start? Very difficult to know really! One bloke near me shoted for him to 'wake up!' another replied 'he is awake!' which probably sums up his season thus far. I heard another wag from the North Stand tell him he was the 'weakest link'. If ever there was a game for Hodge to start I felt it was today's. It was also strange to see that Gabbiadini was not picked to start. When Gabbi did come on Wilson played him wide right in place of the injured Hodge which again seemed strange. I would have thought playing him behind the front two and going to a midfield three was the more balanced option.
What's the crowd? at 17:59:31 Saturday November 18 2000
It's a large number of people gathered together~ a throng. Source: New Universal Dictionary
9224 at 17:48:8 Saturday November 18 2000
Thanks Ralph
Losing Hodgie long-term would be a serious blow for us. Did Savage start? If so, why does he get picked over Hodge?
Ralph at 17:46:15 Saturday November 18 2000
9224 - Hodge was carried off with his left leg in a splint after coming on as sub. No news as to how serious the injury is.
Ralph at 17:44:56 Saturday November 18 2000
Cobblers have drawn Rotherham away!!!!!!
9224 at 17:42:27 Saturday November 18 2000
what about Hodgie?????
Ralph at 17:35:7 Saturday November 18 2000
Kim Book and George Best are doing the draw for the second round. Will this be a good or bad omen I wonder. I'm a bit worried Booky may drop a ball or two!!
KingCobb at 17:31:8 Saturday November 18 2000
Poor game, poor opponents, poor performance, poor team selection, poor Hodgey! BTW the puddle has become a bog!
Great Coverage on White Rose Radio at 17:16:26 Saturday November 18 2000
Brilliant commentary on the radio today
Going up at 17:15:35 Saturday November 18 2000
No we have beaten Frickley with a Savage hattrick we have nothing to worry about we will walk the league win 6-0 at Rotherham and Bournemouth
Kev Broadhurst at 17:14:42 Saturday November 18 2000
Broadhurst was spotted at Kennilworth Rd Luton last night with the Rushden chairman
FA Cup draw just made at 17:13:51 Saturday November 18 2000
Weve drawn Kingstonians away
Brighton offer at 17:12:58 Saturday November 18 2000
Brighton have offered a player exchange for Savage and Spedding
Did you see at 17:11:58 Saturday November 18 2000
Duane Derby in the West Stand today
Ginget Tom at 17:11:20 Saturday November 18 2000
I didnt think there were more than 2,700 there today, come on England Riugby Union
Anon at 17:10:39 Saturday November 18 2000
Yes I heard about the brawl
Todays Attendance at 17:8:21 Saturday November 18 2000
3,001
Shame about Stevie H at 17:8:2 Saturday November 18 2000
Sent off in the tunnel at end of game
Good thing we werent playing... at 17:6:55 Saturday November 18 2000
Gateshead, Nuneaton, Kingstonians, Kettering and the Yeovil!!!!!!!!!!!
anon at 16:56:20 Saturday November 18 2000
Cant believe the game did not get full coverage on the radio
My old mans a Cobbler. at 16:28:35 Saturday November 18 2000
What's the crowd.
My old mans a Cobbler. at 16:17:24 Saturday November 18 2000
Thanks.
update at 16:17:6 Saturday November 18 2000
2-0 jamie scored
update at 16:12:45 Saturday November 18 2000
cobblers 1 frickley 0. Frickley have been dominating so far, 11 mins of 2nd half gone
a at 15:43:36 Saturday November 18 2000
aa
My old mans a Cobbler at 15:8:58 Saturday November 18 2000
Is anyone listening to th game on the radio and give us an update every now and again?
To Confused at 14:27:22 Saturday November 18 2000
Its u thats confused, you obviously believe everything you read, see you at the County Ground in a a few weeks time!!
Person at 13:13:24 Saturday November 18 2000
Does anyone remember our 'superior' performance against Basingstoke in -15°C.
Puddle at 13:12:6 Saturday November 18 2000
I'm waiting for ya!
Clive Skinner at 12:42:25 Saturday November 18 2000
Into the Lions Den again !
Cobblers have been drawn away against Millwall in 1st Round of the LDV Vans Trophy (Old Auto Windscreen Trophy competition).
Stay in touch with the Cobblers by visiting the football section at www.AboutNorthampton.co.uk
Joe at 12:29:17 Saturday November 18 2000
Saw the report about Tony's words on racism. Oh dear. As a voter from a rural area of South Northants I'd like to say that there is one reason and one reason only why I shall not be voting for Vara at the next election, and that is because he is a Tory. I'm assuming there has been some (deliberate?) misrepresentation of what Tony said. Change subject, good news about our new loan, shame we wouldn't see him this afternoon.
SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 12:0:11 Saturday November 18 2000
MORNING ALL.... Just read that we have signed a Sunland player on loan. No mention up here about it..... The lad is a good player , can tackel and does not go AWOL. KW is a star.....
ready for a hat full of goals today...Dave.E
britgal at 11:56:54 Saturday November 18 2000
i'm in an optimistic mood today... 11-1 to us? :)
Spud at 11:30:18 Saturday November 18 2000
Millwall draw Northampton at home in the newly named LDV Vans Trophy.
Swansea, Swindon, Reading, Leyton Orient, Blackpool, Macclesfield, Shrewsbury and Walsall have byes, told you we wouldnt get a look in.
Southern Area
Cambridge v Colchester
Brentford v Oxford
Barnet v Rushden & Diamonds
Hereford v Yeovil
Brighton v Cardiff
Southend v Cheltenham
Bournemouth v Dover
Torquay v Bristol Rovers
Peterborough v Luton
Plymouth v Bristol City
Wycombe v Exeter
Millwall v Northampton
Northern Area
Doncaster v Rochdale
Chester v Hull
Kidderminster v Carlisle
Oldham v Wigan
Hartlepool v Scunthorpe
Rotherham v Chesterfield
Port Vale v Notts County
Stoke v Scarborough
Lincoln v Morecombe
York v Darlington
Bury v Mansfield
Wrexham v Halifax
Anon at 10:9:19 Saturday November 18 2000
More to the point - has anyone seen this from our Trust Representative? http://www.yougov.com/news.html?news.id=10009433&JServSessionIdroot=hl5iq1y32c - "Labour MP expects to gain from Racist Votes".
Anon at 10:3:43 Saturday November 18 2000
away to millwall in the trophy shit
Confused at 10:3:9 Saturday November 18 2000
Frickley boys who are here....did you by any chance fall into some kind of time warp last night circa 1974? Or have all those pubs and clubs reappeared on the Northampton map? Anyway, whatever you did last night, sing up this afternoon, enjoy, but please spare us the embarrassment and don't beat us.See you all later, erhh, I'll be the one wearing claret.
Anon at 10:1:18 Saturday November 18 2000
If you had read Cobblers Comments you would have heard about this 2 days ago.
Paul at 2:0:17 Saturday November 18 2000
Did anyone know about this? ... http://www1.sky.com/sports/football/facup/story3.htm
Frickley Boys we are Here at 23:29:32 Friday November 17 2000
Just had a good night round your town Chicago Rock Cafe, The Criterion, Black Lion, The Tramcar inn, the Rollaway cafe, Shades, Salon, Dog and Duck, great town, shame we will lose by 10 -0 tomorrow!!!
job done at 22:43:36 Friday November 17 2000
Pauline, if you joined the crew that sorts out the hassles, you may even get to meet Jamie. And who knows...
ShitHead at 22:35:43 Friday November 17 2000
Only a GasHead would concern themselves with nonce info!
Pauline at 22:34:55 Friday November 17 2000
Sweep the puddle, direct the traffic out of the car parks, provide better food, supply tickets on all ticket match days, dream up a new mascot, I'll hardly have time to score with Jaime!
Northampton Gas at 22:16:56 Friday November 17 2000
The Auto Winscreen Trophy - Micky Mouse Cup - will now be known as The LDV Vans Trophy, the draw for which is on Sky Sports 1 at 10.00 tomorrow. Why dosn't The Cobblers official web site give this info? *s*
unashamed plug at 22:13:6 Friday November 17 2000
Let's get this in perspective. Folk's houses are ruined because of the floods, and we're wingeing about a puddle going to a fooball game. If you think you've got problems, try www.amnesty.org.uk and repent
oh happy daze at 21:58:22 Friday November 17 2000
luton 1 diremens 0
The Puddle at 21:45:52 Friday November 17 2000
The puddle raised a laugh at work the next morning after the Stoke game, I drove 100 miles to the game and then after falling into the quagmire, I had to drive back got in late went to bed, woke up late for work, got ready, went to put my shoes on, or should I say my ex black now brown shoes and went to work, no time to sort them out, but I was 4" taller and I lied and said to people you oughta keep a piece of the mud as it fell off its from the hallowed pitch known as 6 Fields, i didnt learn on Saturday this time I tried to bypass accross the graqss and now I have a pair of matching trainers in the same brown finish, the upsetting part was when on TY when Jane Middlemas said that stripes were in, I was hoping desert brown was in!! It all adds to the legend called 6 fields, in its attempt to overtake the tales of the Hotel End, thankfully I dont go to cup games, so no problems tomorrow!
If you want a job done... at 21:42:23 Friday November 17 2000
Pauline, why don't you sweep it? That's if you are a true fan
Cobbler in the West at 21:9:41 Friday November 17 2000
MartinW is right in what he posts tonight and whilst we may have to be patient before the Frickley defensive shield is cracked ( it is their cup final)any stick from moaners will not be welcome.
Pauline at 20:51:39 Friday November 17 2000
I'd like to second the plea regarding the footpath at the top of the bank. IF THE CLUB HAVE THE FANS INTEREST AT HEART, then they would ensure the puddle/lake is swept prior to each game. Having to wade through it each week is getting beyond a joke and I have ruined a perfectly good pair of suede shoes!! GARFIELD WISHART - ACT NOW and get one of the lads out to sweep it clear, the puddle was still there on Thursday. SORT IT PLEASE.
Anon at 19:40:53 Friday November 17 2000
THE SHOP!
Mohammed Rahman at 19:24:51 Friday November 17 2000
Ps if u could let me know by email, that would be great. Cheers
Mohammed Rahman at 19:21:10 Friday November 17 2000
I was wondering if any1 could help me. As Christmas is coming up soon i was hoping to buy my nine month old neice a cobblers kit. Any1 know where i could get 1 from? Plus, i am a student so a cheap one would be helpful.
MartinW at 18:53:57 Friday November 17 2000
I feel confident we'll do Frickley tomorrow - which shouldn't be difficult if you look at their record - but if we don't get a barrel load I hope the fans don't start getting shirty with the players. Remember this is a massive day for little Frickley and they will undoubtedly defend like mad. I hope fans are just patient. We have nothing to gain and everything to lose from this fixture. The fans can take the pressure off the players by just being positive in their vocal support, in my view. If anyone hears a barracker, tell them to shut up.
Up the Hatters!! at 16:42:50 Friday November 17 2000
Hope R&D get beaten at Luton tonight. Then they can concentrate all their efforts on finishing second in the league!!
marco at 16:10:43 Friday November 17 2000
the paintballing thing was on skysports.com tv all day yesterday (thursday)
Vince at 16:8:34 Friday November 17 2000
Well done Sharon - how about making Morgan the youngest member of the Trust? Email me if you want an application!
Anon at 16:5:42 Friday November 17 2000
For Sharon - there is another little Cobbler 15 months old and his name is George Morgan
UMISTCobbler at 14:47:17 Friday November 17 2000
on skysports.com it says wilson and the team went paintballing today, so it may be on skysports.com.tv later on tonight.I saw the friendly at hyde on tuesday (Man city V sunderland) (My mates a sunderland fan) Maley seemed to play well and linked up with the right winger who came on second half, and got forward. should be a good signing.
SEAN LATTIMORE at 14:18:59 Friday November 17 2000
I mean Cobblers
sean lattimore at 14:16:0 Friday November 17 2000
Cobbles good start to the the season and Forrester for being one of the top goal scorers.
Kevin keep up the good work
Anon at 13:23:12 Friday November 17 2000
Congratulations to Sharon - a new Cobbler is born. Pity about you old man not liking football.
A tip at 12:34:53 Friday November 17 2000
for Sharon. Nobody cares.
Anon at 12:32:0 Friday November 17 2000
Congratulations Sharon from Hunsbury
Anon at 12:3:35 Friday November 17 2000
Twins huh?
Sharon from Hunsbury at 12:2:1 Friday November 17 2000
Some of you may remember me writing on here before. I'm the supporter who was expecting a baby. Well I'd just thought I'd update you. IT'S A BOY!!!. Morgan George was born on wed am, at 9:09, 9 days overdue. He was 7lbs 7ozs, and is a very happy edition to the family. Looks like I finally get to buy that little home strip from the club shop now!!. ( Although I usually attend every home match, my Hubby hates football, and refused to allow me to but one for my daughter. - mind you she thinks it's always girls and mummy's that go to the football, whilst Daddys watch the children and the F1 on the telly!)
Hopefully should be back to the west stand for possibly boxing day, or if not the New Year. See you there!!
Sharon from Hunsbury at 12:0:0 Friday November 17 2000
Some of you may remember me writing on here before. I'm the supporter who was expecting a baby. Well I'd just thought I'd update you. IT'S A BOY!!!. Morgan George was born on wed am, at 9:09, 9 days overdue. He was 7lbs 7ozs, and is a very happy edition to the family. Looks like I finally get to buy that little home strip from the club shop now!!. ( Although I usually attend every home match, my Hubby hates football, and refused to allow me to but one for my daughter. - mind you she thinks it's always girls and mummy's that go to the football, whilst Daddys watch the children and the F1 on the telly!)
Hopefully should be back to the west stand for possibly boxing day, or if not the New Year. See you there!!
Sharon from Hunsbury at 11:58:38 Friday November 17 2000
Some of you may remember me writing on here before. I'm the supporter who was expecting a baby. Well I'd just thought I'd update you. IT'S A BOY!!!. Morgan George was born on wed am, at 9:09, 9 days overdue. He was 7lbs 7ozs, and is a very happy edition to the family. Looks like I finally get to buy that little home strip from the club shop now!!. ( Although I usually attend every home match, my Hubby hates football, and refused to allow me to but one for my daughter. - mind you she thinks it's always girls and mummy's that go to the football, whilst Daddys watch the children and the F1 on the telly!)
Hopefully should be back to the west stand for possibly boxing day, or if not the New Year. See you there!!
Anon at 11:27:59 Friday November 17 2000
Will be glad to be in the draw for Round 2 but we should expect to put a few past Frickley. Be there tomorrow.
TWSP at 11:25:0 Friday November 17 2000
Auto Windscreen Cup - or whatever it will be called. Has the venue for the Final been decided. Should we get there I hope its not Cardiff, how about Villa Park.
Steven Grummettinho at 11:14:51 Friday November 17 2000
Wait until 25 November, when Walsall are gonna kick your ass. Walsall's goin up. Marco Gabbiadini was supposed to sign for us at the beginning of the season. He had apparently arranged talks to come and visit the Bescot to sort out the contract terms. The trouble was, HE MISSED THE TRAIN! Ha ha! can anyone else apart from Jamie Forrester hit the target for you. Jamie Forrester is a lucky bastard. If he fell off the empire state building he,ll probably land in a bag of shit. Anyway, bye
Northampton Gas at 10:27:24 Friday November 17 2000
Details of round dates for the competition formerly known as the Auto Windscreens Shield have been announced, and see a busy schedule at the start of 2001 for those teams that progress to the latter stages.
The first round will take place during the week commencing 4th December, the second round during the week commencing 8th January, the area quarter-finals will take place during the week commencing 29th January and the area semi-finals will take place during the week commencing 12th February.
The two-legged area finals will take place in consecutive weeks, during the week commencing 12th March and the week commencing 19th March. The final itself will take place on Sunday 22nd April.
The competition will see a total entry of 56 teams, split into two areas of north and south and includes for the first time eight Nationwide Football Conference clubs.
Teamtalk at 10:26:16 Friday November 17 2000
Frickley uncovered
Should Northampton fail to beat Frickley in Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie, it will be one of the biggest upsets in the history of the event.
In each of the last five seasons, the West Yorkshire club have struggled to maintain their status as a Unibond League
Premier Division club, finishing no higher than 16th in that time.
This year, their relegation seems more assured, with Frickley having won just one of their opening 15 league games, picking
up a mere six points in the process.
Their eleven defeats include the 12-0 reverse suffered at the hands of championship contenders Worksop Town, the latest
employers of Chris Waddle. That defeat came just one week after Worksop had inflicted a 5-1 defeat at Frickley's
Westfield Lane home and ten days before a 5-0 defeat at Gateshead.
It seems, therefore, that the Pontefract-based club have saved all their best performances for the FA Cup despite a poor
showing in other non-league, knock-out tournaments.
The club, centred around the local colliery, were eliminated from the FA Trophy at the first-round stage by Spennymoor and also lost their first
round-robin match in the Unibond League Cup at Emley.
Frickley are still alive in the Sheffield & Hallam Senior Cup, albeit thanks to last Saturday's postponement of their first round tie with Wombwell
Main and it may require similar divine intervention, if they are to at least enter the hat for Sunday's second-round draw.
Frank Warren at 10:18:30 Friday November 17 2000
I've heard from a cast iron source that Wilson is after Duane Derby from R&D. No doubt Wilson feels we need more puch in attack!!!
Dyl at 10:12:15 Friday November 17 2000
I'd still put Frainy at left midfield as he's not quick enough at the back any more. But between Frainy and Spedding we should be alright. I'd drop Savage and move Hargreaves to a central role. I'd have Howard, Jamie and Marco togetehr with either Howard or Marco dropping behind the other 2.
Carl at 9:45:53 Friday November 17 2000
So it looks like Frainy will be back tomorrow, so who do we think will make way. Will he be played at Left Back in place of Spedding or Left Midfield in place of another current favourite Savage. I reckon he will be Left Back myself, but what do I know. Of course he could be a substitute. Looks like another good loan signing by Mr. Wilson again, has he actually had anyone on loan who as not been at least reasonably good, Dryden was probably the dodgiest but I thought he was a good defender apart from his running when he was extremely slow. If new loanee is as fast as others are saying then he could be a very valuable addition to a relatively sound defence.
Mark P at 9:38:17 Friday November 17 2000
Deepcut. I'm not sure animosity is the right word but lets just say when you are doing someone a favour you would expect to be treated with a bit of respect. My gripe against Clarence is that he does'nt reflect the Cobblers as he is green. What do we expect if you get a kid to design it. I spent 3 years doing a degree in graphic design and like many other trades, you never stop learning. If KW had a problem picking the side for Saturday and said "I know , lets hold a competion for the kids to do it." or if the new mooted North stand extension was thrown open to every budding architect under 14.......You catch my drift. My animosity is against peple who think that art and design is easy.
Anon at 6:55:55 Friday November 17 2000
Anyone go to the Trust AGM last night?
Dressing Room Spy at 22:59:50 Thursday November 16 2000
If there is a bid for Forrester then the club will have to take it as we are in a bad way financially.We will have to sell to keep our heads above water.
Hughes at 22:55:52 Thursday November 16 2000
Hes crap a mummies boy hes probably balling get rid of him Savage and that other dimlo Spedding
Waterside Cobbler at 22:50:36 Thursday November 16 2000
During a 'message board conversation' with a Norwich City fan he asked me if I was the bloke with the HUGE Northampton Town flag when Norwich played in the UEFA Cup at Vitesse Arnhem. Sadly not, but does anyone know anything about it ?
The Drilling Cobbler at 22:34:9 Thursday November 16 2000
For anyone who thought that my proposal last saturday was sad/tackey etc, I have today been approached by a leading Womans magasine to do a feature. Contracts are arriving tomorrow and I have been instructed not to speak to any other media as the article will be an exclusive! Payment for the ring will be covered as they are paying a 'substantial' fee for the inteview. Am I the only non-celebrity to actually make a profit out of getting engaged? The article will probably stereo-type me as a sad, statto like football anorack but who cares - as long as the cheque doesn't bounce! I now fully expect to achieve celebrity status within 12months - hosting football chat shows ,appearing in adverts advertising Carling and Nationwide mortages - the list is endless. Football wise, never heard of young Maley but he certainly sounds like a decent player. Made me laugh though to read Wilsons statement claiming that it was not detrimental towards Hughes - in thats the case, why have we signed him? Its a bit like your boss at work telling you that you are good at your job but someone else is going to be doing it! Might allow Hughes more opportunities in the centre though - in my opinion his better position.
Deepcut Cobbler at 20:59:28 Thursday November 16 2000
Mark, Do we detect a touch of animosity there? I did buy you cards annually, always a good one to go to mates who support other lower division clubs. You obviously are not intending to produce one for this year? Do you have leftovers from previous years to sell? From what I remember the centenary 1997 was the only one to be dated...Good news about the youngster Mark Maley, don't forget Garry Hughes can be played in the centre of defence alongside a more experienced man if necessary. That wouldn't leave him exposed. And Nahrich can keep their peat burning hands off our Jamie. Romance of the cup..until Jamie and Gabbi put a score past them. Although if we beat them, we won't get a mention on MoTD. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
Mark Pacan at 20:30:0 Thursday November 16 2000
Romsey. They won't be cards illustrated by me if they do do any. Phone the club shop and ask. I still have a few of the previous year's cards if you want any, or you could check out my array of balloon Christmas cards on my website www.pacan.com ; ) It's worth mentioning again that I did'nt fall out with the Trust. Let's just say the commercial dept made it very difficult for me to donate the money to the Trust thst I had previously, so consequently I decided only to do a card, on a commercial basis (ie, I get paid for it), if asked to do so. They ought to do what everyone does when they want a free peice of artwork, hold a design competition for kids. They could then have a crap Christmas card to go along with a crap mascot.
MartinW at 20:27:44 Thursday November 16 2000
Norwich have put in "substantial bids" for two strikers - according to a statement made by the manager today. It's pure speculation as to who they are (he has not said) although I understand one is German. But they must keep their mits well and truly off Jamie. Thank you.
RaChEl CrOuCh at 20:10:27 Thursday November 16 2000
Well said Adam Lodge!
MartinW at 20:3:46 Thursday November 16 2000
More interesting news about sorting out our defence. We gave a trial to the 25-year-old Forest Green Rovers defender Wayne Hatswell,who played in the reserves 1-0 defeat at the hands of Portsmouth reserves at Fratton Park. Hatsford is highly rated at the Stroud club since joining from Cinderford Town at the end of the 1998-99 season and has attracted interest from a number of Football league scouts. Forest Green Rovers are based in Stroud, Gloucestershire and are nicely placed in the Vauxhall Conference.
thingi at 19:56:11 Thursday November 16 2000
They said on the news that Norwich Have put a £1 milion bid for
someone and expect answer in 24 hours. Not Forrester is it.
MartinW at 19:50:59 Thursday November 16 2000
Looks like Willo is realising that young Hughesy is needing more time if he is to become a permanent fixture, as we have just signed Sunderland right back Mark Maley on a one month loan deal. It's great news for those of us who have been saying that we need cover at the back and Maley is supposed to be quality AND VERY IMPORTANT he has pace. Which we really need. So already we are seeing Willo acting after that Bournemouth debacle. Hooray. And there is an option to have him for the rest of the season.
He has made five appearance in the Prem, three this season and has captained England at under 15 through to under 18 level. So he has fairly impressive credentials. Kevin Wilson said: "I am delighted to have signed Mark. I have watched him play and I know he can do a good job for us. He is a player that Peter Reid expects to break in to the Premiership before too long and I am grateful to Peter for allowing a player of Marks quality to come here. This signing is no reflection on Garry Hughes, who has done very well since coming in to the side, but we did say there would be a time when Garry needed a breather and that time is now.
Garry will still have a big part to play.
"f Mark does well and we like what we see, he could stay here for the rest of the season, similar to the deal that kept Alex OReilly here last season."
Maley said: Kevin Wilson watched me play for Sunderland reserves on Tuesday night and when Peter Reid offered me the chance to join Northampton, I jumped at it. This is a positive move for me.
"This is a great set up and Im over the moon to be here. Ive spent a day training with the lads and Ive been very impressed with Kevin Wilson and the club"
GREAT GREAT NEWS FOLKS.
Come on Cobblers.
MaD4iT at 19:11:20 Thursday November 16 2000
So any guesses what the team will be sat? (hi becky)
Anon at 17:27:10 Thursday November 16 2000
As Maley is from Sunderland and they have been one of the clubs watching Forrester, am I reading something into this that I shouldn't be?
The Romsey Cobbler at 16:53:14 Thursday November 16 2000
Are there going to be any Cobblers Christmas cards this year? I know there were problems last year between the Trust and the club but I'm ever optimistic.
The Romsey Cobbler at 16:51:20 Thursday November 16 2000
Bengo - would you like to buy a used anorak?
Paul S at 16:47:9 Thursday November 16 2000
Hi TRB Mark - that'll be for the pantomime on Wigan Pier then.
Anon at 15:51:17 Thursday November 16 2000
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UP THE COBBLERS
marco at 15:47:14 Thursday November 16 2000
we've signed mark maley, a 19 year old right back, on loan from sunderland for a month. Won't play against frickley though
marco at 15:47:13 Thursday November 16 2000
we've signed mark maley, a 19 year old right back, on loan from sunderland for a month. Won't play against frickley though
Dyl at 13:8:38 Thursday November 16 2000
Lancaster, it appears that Lil Fuchillo has been given the job at Luton so we can still taunt FBF a while longer.
Lancaster Cobbler at 12:15:34 Thursday November 16 2000
Ricky Hill has been sacked by Luton; rumours that FBF may be in line for the job, it just would not be the same. oh what can it mean to a fat Luton...
Anne O'Rack at 10:14:41 Thursday November 16 2000
Another interesting fact about Frickley is that the year before there was automatic promotion from the Conference to the Football League they were runners up in the Conference.
Anon at 8:25:31 Thursday November 16 2000
From today's Daily Telegraph
LIFE is never dull for supporters of Frickley Athletic, the Yorkshire club whose fortunes were for so long tied to their famous village colliery.
Seven weeks ago, Frickley suffered a humiliating, club record 12-0 defeat at Worksop Town in the UniBond League, but tomorrow they travel to Second Division high-fliers Northampton Town in the first round of the FA Cup. By any standards it is a remarkable transformation.
"I have been at the club for 32 years and have never known anything like that night," said chairman Mike Twiby, a local newsagent. "It was a very inexperienced side we turned out but I never imagined at that level you could get beat 12-0.
"Cup football is totally different to league football and when I saw the early draw I thought we had a chance of reaching the first round. It's 12 years since we last got there and played Rotherham. We held them at home 2-2 and then get beat there 5-1."
Back then, Frickley were funded by a voluntary levy on the thousands of miners who worked at the village pit. "Each worker paid 10 pence a week so we had a regular income of between £550-600 per month, plus we got players a job at the colliery and coal for the central heating system," added Twiby.
"It was a bitter blow when the colliery closed eight years ago and I thought we would survive for only another three or four seasons. But the committee has worked hard and we have brought in sponsors."
The more recent change in direction began in the away changing room at Worksop back in September. Twiby reluctantly decided that manager Stewart Barrowclough would have to go and was about to sack him when the former Newcastle player resigned.
Twiby next appointed Steve Richards, 39, a defender who spent 14 seasons in the lower reaches of the Football League, as manager and he has now guided Frickley into the first round.
"It was a nightmare," recalls Barrowclough, "the worst night of my life. We couldn't cope with Worksop and we had two sent off.
"I hope Frickley can get a great result at Northampton because they have done well to get this far. I had previously coached at the Barnsley Academy of Football and the day after I resigned they phoned me and said 'Do you want your old job back?' "
That then is one happy ending. Frickley are hoping for another at Sixfields Stadium on Saturday.
CDU at 8:0:55 Thursday November 16 2000
Eddie K since when were the Sweaties a part of the World.......mind you same could be said about Iran......
BENGO at 7:35:39 Thursday November 16 2000
Romsey Cobbler - maybe Spud went to the England v Germany Schoolboys game in 1968 ?
The Romsey Cobbler at 7:25:38 Thursday November 16 2000
Spud - did you get that stuff about Bournemouth from the web or are you another Cobbler on the south coast?
Eddie K at 3:8:53 Thursday November 16 2000
To all the Aussie Cobblers out there wasnt it great the way we outplayed Scotland for the whole game and showed that the Aussies can compete with the rest of the world even without Viduka and Kewell.
MartinW at 0:59:35 Thursday November 16 2000
Yeah, you can win with ten men, Mick. I've heard the sickening chant around Sixfields. "We only need ten men, we only need ten men, We only need ten men, we only need ten men,We only need ten men, we only need ten men,...." And it is always from the opposition.
Mick at 0:36:52 Thursday November 16 2000
MartinW, you can win one game, but you aint going to win many more. Have you forgotten you can win a game with 10 men?
Mick at 0:32:28 Thursday November 16 2000
Interesting stuff from Spud. It certainly shows how lucky we were to have a council prepared to invest in saving The Cobblers when many others would have let them die. It used to be said that it was important for a town to have a decent club mainly because of the Grandstand results on Saturday. Apparently a lot of people, and that would include potential investors used to judge a town by the position of it's football club. Apparently Gateshead suffered a lot for not have a league team even though it was, and is, a big town. I wonder if it's so relevant now? One thing in favour of a council spending money on a club to promote the area is with London boroughs. We all know about Tottenham, Charlton, Brentford etc etc, but the are much bigger borough without a league/prem team, and people simply don't realise they exist. I would suggest that money spent on a high profile sport in a town is money well spent.
MartinW at 0:21:44 Thursday November 16 2000
Can i bore everyone by talking about Wycombe Wanderers who are short of ten genuine first teamers, played a triallist up front and beat Bury 2-1. So it can be done.
Anon at 0:7:57 Thursday November 16 2000
yep.
Anon at 0:0:36 Thursday November 16 2000
ticket arrangements for saturdays game pay on the day or what? thanks
Northampton Gas at 23:56:44 Wednesday November 15 2000
The Football League have announced that they are close to reaching a sponsorship agreement for the competition formerly known as the Auto Windscreens Shield.
Auto Windscreens pulled out of a deal last month as a result of an increased fee being demanded by the Football League. It is now hoped that a decision will be made later this week or at the start of next.
For the first time in its history, this season's competition will include eight teams from the Nationwide Football Conference. As a result, the format has altered slightly with eight Football League clubs being given byes to the second round. As ever, the competition is split into north and south with the following Conference teams qualifying for each region: South - Dover Athletic; Hereford Utd; Rushden & Diamonds; Yeovil Town; North - Morecambe; Scarborough; Chester City; Doncaster Rovers.
The first round will see 24 one-off ties (no replays) seeing 24 winners going through to the second round. These will be joined by the eight sides given byes from round one and will produce 16 further ties with the knock-out format then continuing through to the final. Teams will compete within their north or south regions throughout the tournament until the winners of each area eventually meet in the final.
The Football League have confirmed that the draw for round one will take place by this Saturday at the latest with first round matches taking place during the week commencing Monday 4th December.
Ray at 23:16:5 Wednesday November 15 2000
It is currently being revamped - you will soon be able to bring up illustrations direct from the order space. Its just a matter of time.
Anon at 22:48:50 Wednesday November 15 2000
Can someone tell me wh there isn't a picture catalogue of stuff sold in the club shop-there used to be last season
Wellingborough Cobbler at 22:12:18 Wednesday November 15 2000
To the Drilling Travel Company, cheers for that mate. i'll let you know asap about numbers but there should be about 8-10 of us lot. btw nice pic in the chron!!!!! and are you going to wallsal
Spud at 21:18:5 Wednesday November 15 2000
From the Bournemouth local paper.CHERRIES may have given Northampton a footballing lesson on Saturday, but there was much they could have learned from their hosts off the pitch.
The Cobblers play in a stadium largely paid for by the local council, and it seems to be an arrangement that suits not only the club, but the people of the town as well.
Here on the south coast, of course, Dorset's only Football League side has fought to win support for a new ground from local residents (there remains a highly-vocal dissenting lobby, however, which believes its taxes could be better spent), while the club's bid to secure a £1m loan from the council has only half-succeeded.
But despite lagging behind smaller neighbours Dor-chester, Weymouth and Yeovil in terms of facilities, optimistic noises continue to emanate from Dean Court, with chairman Trevor Watkins writing in his programme notes for the last home game that a "major company" had already come forward with a "significant pledge" towards the £5.5m cost of a new ground. Yet Mr Watkins' predecessor Ken Gardiner was similarly confident four years ago that his plans for a 21st century stadium would go ahead within a matter of weeks. Flamboyant pipe-smoking chairman Ken even pledged to personally begin demolition work on the crumbling South Stand.
But Mr Gardiner didn't get to the wrecking ball stage, as senior council figures expressed serious concerns about the financial viability of the scheme, triggering a crisis that split the board and led to administrators being called in to unravel debts of £5.5m.
A supporter-led takeover, given unstoppable impetus by an emotionally-charged public meeting at a packed Winter Gardens, eventually dragged the Cherries back from the brink. But the new-look fan-based AFC Bournemouth board knew it would have to finish what Mr Gardiner was unable to start. Dean Court was rapidly nearing the end of its shelf life. A new stadium to comply with the recommendations of the Taylor Report, the result of an enquiry into the Hillsborough disaster, was vital.
Proudly billing itself as Europe's first community club, the Cherries have been promised £3m of pools money from the Football Trust. Then there is the council loan. That leaves £2m to find for an all-seater stadium (or three-quarters of a stadium, as scaled-down proposals now allow for just three stands.)
But there are grounds for hope. Northampton, too, were staring into the abyss of extinction just eight years ago. The administrators had taken over, debts totalled £1.6m, 10 players had to be sacked to make ends meet, and the Cobblers shared a decrepit home with the local county cricket club, which meant there could be no home football games during August when the seasons overlapped.
A bowls club took up part of one end of the ground, fans sat on wooden pallets, ball boys had to make regular treks to retrieve balls hoofed in the direction of the cricket pavilion. But, following administration, a supporters trust was set up, with a shareholding and seat on the board - a taste of things to come at Bournemouth.
"The old ground was a bit of an embarrassment, not just to the club, but the town," said Gareth Willsher, Northampton Town FC's media officer. "There was a widespread feeling that the town deserved better sports facilities."
Back then out-of-town spectators found it almost impossible to park their cars near the town centre County Ground, and gates hovered around the 3,000 mark. These days the cricket is still based at the revamped old ground, while the football club plays at Sixfields Community Stadium (note the word community) just over three miles away on the outskirts of town and, crucially, two miles from the M1. Average attendance has almost doubled to just under 6,000.
Before Saturday's kick-off, Northampton were sixth in Nationwide League Division Two, firmly in play-off contention, while Cherries languished fourth from bottom. Sean O'Driscoll's young side, though, turned the form book upside down and deserved their 3-0 win.
The visiting players, officials and fans must have enjoyed their surroundings - and not simply because of the result - seated under cover, shielded from the heavy rain before kick-off. Catering and toilet facilities were plentiful and the award-winning disabled spaces especially impressive. (Northampton has eschewed the usual pitch-level enclosure in favour of wheelchair spaces offering a high-level view of the pitch.) And all for a top ticket price of £15 - the same as Bournemouth fans pay to stand on the South End or in the New Stand.
The 7,650 seat stadium, built on a former landfill site, was finished in October 1994 at a cost of £5.25m. Just over £1m came in Football Trust and other grants, but most of the bill was paid from council capital. The club hires the stadium on matchdays for an undisclosed fee from a management company set up by the council.
Northampton Phoenix Athletics Club also uses its own floodlit track at Sixfields. There are two hospitality rooms and a restaurant, including dancefloor, to cater for 400. Up to 19,000 fans can attend pop concerts. The stadium is available for sport, entertainment, music, conferences or private hire, including weddings. Gaelic and American football are also played there, as well as rugby. Local football league finals draw up to 1,000 spectators.
The council is also keen to involve children in sport, and the Northamptonshire Youth Games have been held at Sixfields, along with events such as the Millennium Peace Festival, a collaboration between the Hindu community and the council. Council spokeswoman Eva Duffy said overall public reaction had been favourable, although a district auditor's report is due following claims by two residents that the council has acted beyond its powers in relation to the construction and management of the stadium. "The overall implication being that the council has subsidised the football club," Ms Duffy added. "The council denies these allegations. There has been little public comment on this matter."
Mr Willsher, meanwhile, admitted there were pros and cons with a community stadium. "It's not ours, so if we wanted to expand there'd be the political angle to consider. But the stands are built on double foundations, so it would simply involve removing the roof and adding another tier - then, presumably, we'd have to renegotiate the amount we pay to hire the ground."
There have been spin-offs for the council since the stadium opened - a previously undeveloped area now boasts several restaurants, bowling alley and multi-screen cinema. And the football club, although not one of the richest, claims to be among the most stable in the lower divisions. It pays its way and the council-club partnership experiment seems to have worked.
The main stand, which holds almost 4,000, is an impressive structure, although overall Sixfields, an expanse of steel, glass, concrete and breeze blocks, lacks the atmosphere of some older grounds. But it is safe and clean, easy to get to and there is ample free parking outside.
And it seems to have produced a better class of football supporter. The council's involvement means the club has to be ultra-tough on abuse and racism. On Saturday several home supporters left early, disappointed by their team's insipid performance. But most stayed behind to warmly applaud the visiting team from the pitch. Perhaps if AFC Bournemouth build their own version of a community stadium, their long-suffering fans will feel comfortable enough in their new surroundings to show a similarly sporting attitude.
Perhaps we are not too bad off.
TRB Mark at 21:16:41 Wednesday November 15 2000
Apparently, Wigan are watching Billy Turley! Let's all pray that they sign him before we play them at home. Unless the Chron meant the Rugby League side.....
bod at 21:8:14 Wednesday November 15 2000
those bourmouth scum,what a diaster sort it out kevin
bod at 21:8:8 Wednesday November 15 2000
those bourmouth scum,what a diaster sort it out kevin
NICK BURKE at 20:31:40 Wednesday November 15 2000
WE COME FROM GALWAY (WEST OF EIRE)MY DAD AND I KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE COBS AS MY DAD LIVED IN NORTHAMPTON FOR 25YRS AND I WAS BORN IN BOSTOCK AVE
The Drilling Travel Company at 20:8:19 Wednesday November 15 2000
Message to the Wellingborough Cobbler. The Drilling Beer Bus is now booked for the borough game, 160 quid for a 21seater. Leaves Wellingborough at 10am and picks up after the game at about 5pm. Speak to your mates and let us know how many seats you want(about 8quid each). My number is 0797 0078386. I/ve lost your number so I cant call you. cheers.
Steve at 17:25:24 Wednesday November 15 2000
Ignore these people that are supposed to be coming to wreck your ground, they're definately not Frickley supporters - just jumping on the bandwaggon and trying to stir some trouble.
There will be about 400 genuine Frickley fans coming to enjoy a day out before we start the real job of trying to climb up the UniBond League table.
Hope its a good game and we put up a decent showing.
Carl at 14:8:27 Wednesday November 15 2000
I should of course state that is what some Frickley fans have been saying on the Messageboard and not Sid himself.
Carl at 14:7:21 Wednesday November 15 2000
Calm down Mr. Patt. Anyway apparently they are all coming down to wreck our sacred Sixfields with their hordes of Northern Miners according to the rivals.net site Sid runs.
PATTCOBB at 13:42:57 Wednesday November 15 2000
By the way the sames applies to Luton Down and Hull Shitty all league clubs unite to stick one up the non-league band wagon jumpers.......
PATTCOBB at 13:40:22 Wednesday November 15 2000
Has anyone noticed recently in the FA cup how the culture of the underdogs,up against the odds and shock defeats for league clubs etc etc is shifting.I beleive lots of "minnows" now go into these cup ties half expecting to win.This is the reason why Sky have yet again climbed right up Max's arse to show Rubbish & Dustbins as their Friday match-no doubt expecting an upset.Unless the Cobblers win by 7 or 8 goals on Saturday we cannot win,because 1-0,2-0 or 2-1 = STUTTERING COBBLERS SCRAPE THROUGH. 3-1,3-0,4-1 ets = COBBLERS WIN IN THIRD GEAR.Do you get my drift? whatever the result "plucky" Frickley are guaranteed a standing ovation at the end " Not a bad result losing 1-4 for a bunch of shelf stackers,bank clerks and plumbers........ I HATE UNDERDOGS LETS RUIN "THEIR CUP FINAL" BY D#CKING THEM OUT OF SIGHT so that M.O.T.D. cannot gloat over our shock cup-exit and ruin my Saturday night............
Anon at 12:54:12 Wednesday November 15 2000
Anyone who lives in the home counties and uses the term dissing is pathetic
Noise at 12:49:26 Wednesday November 15 2000
Anyone going to make some on Saturday.
marco at 11:25:6 Wednesday November 15 2000
bored today so done some research on the triallists who played last night. Kevin Nicholson 20 yr old left back from Sheff Wed, former England youth captain. Wayne Hatswell is a centre-back from Forest Green Rovers. Tommy Goodwin, 21yr old defender who made his senior debut for leicester last season. Stuart Wilson also plays for Leicester. Also see that Eddie McGoldrick has been appointed manager at Corby Town!
Cobbler in the West at 8:14:12 Wednesday November 15 2000
Thanks to TCMP for his contribution and his continuing efforts for common sense to prevail. As regards matches at Sixfields, it seems Northants police are responding far too heavily and in so doing place more costs on NTFC with arguably a lower gate than would be the case. It seems to me that all round it is a case of CYA with the end losers being our club. It is quite likely that Baxter & Platt and the Council are also endorsing this heavy handed approach as an insurance "just in case" something should happen on a matchday and questions of liability are raised. The over policing has been evident this season not just in relation to the "all ticket" policy for too many games but also at the matches. Specifically, I have in mind the Rotherham game when the police came onto the pitch with dogs at the final whistle. Why? Rotherham brought a good and noisy following but there had been no disturbances and it was not a match likely to be a source of crowd trouble. A sensible balance has to be achieved but it looks like TCMP has an uphill battle. Lets make sure we give him our full support in his efforts. By contrast I will be off to Walsall where it is all ticket for away supporters but home fans can pay at the gate. It was the same at Luton and will be so at Oxford and Peterborough (allowances there for a bigger ground). The only long term solution in reality is for NTFC to own its own ground and have direct responsibility but at this point in time this is pipe dreaming.
MartinW at 0:15:27 Wednesday November 15 2000
Lurking Cobbler - who rates Morrissey then? And isn't that just a futile argument, anyway. Personal preference is quite simply a personal preference. You may like Ocean Colour Scene, I don't. Fine. We move on.
Lurking Cobbler at 23:26:54 Tuesday November 14 2000
How anyone who rates Morrisey can comment on OCS and Paul Weller is beyond me.
Lurking Cobbler at 23:23:49 Tuesday November 14 2000
I've not heard of George Weah Pickle!
MartinW at 23:23:17 Tuesday November 14 2000
Andy - If I was overdosed on Q magazine, I wouldn't be dissing Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Wally, sorry Weller. Secondly, hasn't everyone a strong opinion about what they consider to the things to enjoy or hate. Seems like a normal human function to me. Thirdly, if you are not interested why do you bother to waste your time in commenting. No offence.
Anon at 23:11:16 Tuesday November 14 2000
I heard it was George Weah.
Anon at 23:9:28 Tuesday November 14 2000
Excuse me. Who is Richard Branston? If its the person from Virgin you are on about his name is Richard Branson not BransTon. Branston is a pickle
Anon at 23:7:2 Tuesday November 14 2000
that person who said about tony yeboah is correct he is coming as player/assistant manager
Romsey and Waterside Cobblers at 22:59:38 Tuesday November 14 2000
Just back from Fratton Park where as far as we could see we were the only Cobblers supporters to watch Portsmouth Reserves 1 v 0 Cobblers Reserves. Cobblers (in yellow) Sollitt, Back 4 L-R Nicholson, Hatswell, C.Thompson, Goodwin, Midfield L-R Nutter, Frain, Gould, S.Wilson, Attack R.Thompson & Morrow
We predicted about 3-0 to Portsmouth team including Aaron Flahavon and Guy Whittingham but in fact the Cobblers started brightly and if anything had slightly the better of the first half. Morrow headed over from a free kick and Ryan Thompson headed just over from a right wing cross from Stuart Wilson. The good news is that John Frain came through OK, although he was subbed at half time by Colgan. Wilson was subbed by Faulds during the second half and Goodwin was booked on 70 mins.
Pompey's goal came on the stroke of half time. A free kick was conceded about 25 yards out on the Cobblers left. Miglioranzi (no we couldn't pronounce it either !) bent the ball round the end of the wall and it rifled into the net 3 or 4 feet inside the left hand post post without bouncing. Solitt never moved.
Cobblers showed some good touches and tried to be inventive throughout although as time wore on they looked less likely to score. The whole team played with enthusiasm, with Thompson looking more lively than Morrow up front. Kevin Nicholson looked particularly comfortable on the ball.
Neither of us can make the Frickley game on Saturday, so cheer on the lads for us and let's hope for a decent win.
Anon at 21:10:14 Tuesday November 14 2000
I actually saw Richard Branston leaving Sixfields on Monday morning when i went to the club shop and to get my ticket for Wallsall
Christmas Wishes at 21:7:33 Tuesday November 14 2000
All i want 4 Christmas is a man with a huge pocket full of cash to take over the Cobblers such as Richard Branston. Lets start the rumours.
i talk fiction at 20:39:10 Tuesday November 14 2000
heard a rumour Tony Yeboah is joining as a player/assistant manager. any truth?
Anon at 19:51:34 Tuesday November 14 2000
The local constabulary have almost complete control over whether a match is deemed all ticket, and as this is a very good source of income for the local plod, does this not seem like conflict of interest or am i a synical old git.
SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 19:31:12 Tuesday November 14 2000
Hello, Vince.... The reason is that wages' cost the club 1.2 million quid last season and he was shocked by it. That's why David Hodgson left, as he wanted to spend money and not cut the players wages as what happened. Mr Reynolds now deals direct with players instead of agents. He simply does not want to pay for players any more!!!
PLAY UP COBBLERS. p.s Keep up the good TCMP from a fellow Labour party member from Sunderland South. Dave.E
Savage at 18:12:32 Tuesday November 14 2000
What a waste potentially he could be a top player, but you know what is going to happen when he gets the ball and when he goes forward! Waste!!
Hartwell at 17:51:47 Tuesday November 14 2000
Cobbler in the West - I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. Yes, Wilson has done wonders with a small and depleted squad. Hughes and Spedding do not deserve any flak following Saturday's game. Neither do Welch, Forrester, Hargreaves and (to a lessxer extent)Hodge who was wel-marked. Same cannot, sadly, be said of the rest, who simply did not put in the required and expected effort - and that is one thing I cannot and will not condone. Having a bad game - even a bad run - is something we all know happens to even the best players. What there is no excuse whatsoever for it blatant lack of effort. Some players, including some senior pros, were hiding on Sat. That Wilson has to deal with and if it means dropping players and giving some of the youngsters a run, then so be it. TCMP's comments on the police/all-ticketing situation is quite revealing. In effect what is happening is the club has to go cap in hand to the police, asking them if they would consider allowing the directors to a little say in the way they sell their tickets to fans. NTFC is a legitimate business, obeys the law, pays its taxes, and runs itself in a professional manner. Yet it appears to have no control over the way it is allowed to offer its customers admittance once the police deem a game to be all-ticket. Now we fans are not stupid. We recognise an element of unsavoury, antisocial and even violent people attach themselves to the game. Some even manage to call themselves fans. But, surely, the law-abiding casual fans should not be penalised to such an extent that they are virtually excluded from attending - and remember casual supporters tend, by their nature, to want to make last-minute decisions. And why shouldn't they ? I wonder how many other legitimate companies would put up with the kind of outside interference the Cobblers appear to have accept ? Surely the police's job is to maintain law and order and that doesn't include determining a football club's ticketing policy ? The final irony of all this is that, while ordinary and generally law-abiding folks from Northampton cannot get in on match days when it's all ticket, the police allow in large groups of away fans who turn up without tickets. Where's the logic, the fairness and sense in that ? If it's all ticket, its all ticket for all ? But it seems not.
Eric at 17:24:43 Tuesday November 14 2000
TCMP - PLEASE PLEASE can you get something done about the state of the path on the hill at Sixfields. Are the club/council aware just how bad it gets when it rains. The path has 2 sections where it collects a lot of water and we are faced with wading through it or wading through think mud - ANOTHER thing to put off the non commited fan.
marco at 17:23:6 Tuesday November 14 2000
for future reference, it's "there is" or "there are". in the other instance it is "their current lowly position". Lesson over, any further grammatical advice available for a small fee.
marco at 17:18:44 Tuesday November 14 2000
interesting to see that the man representing us at Parliament can't even spell there correctly (thier??). Appreciate the update though Tony, this is a cause we all feel strongly about.
TCMP at 16:50:37 Tuesday November 14 2000
Some of you have rightly asked for an update on the all ticket fiasco which continues to frustrate us all. I have spoken to the police on an informal basis to try to work out a compromise before we meet them formally to discuss the issue. One further confusion is that although the club pays a % of the policing costs over a certain level, the council is the real customer of the services of the constabulary and of course Baxter & Platts are the agents of the Council!! Any way I have not given up and have repeated at board level the need for a round the table meeting. Having spoken to the police I believe we may be able to find some middle ground, with them accepting a compromise on tickets being available on the day upto a cut off time (perhaps 1.00pm) however this still causes problems for the casual fan. But I wont give up and promise to update again once thier is more news. Saturday was woeful but then again we have no divine right to think that every game will be a classic with us getting the desired result. Defoe was a revalation and when the second goal went in our heads dropped. The biggest mistake we can make is to take any match for granted. I have said before that thier are no mug sides in this division and Bournemouth will improve beyond thier current lowly position. Still I am sure that we will respond on Saturday. See you all at the Trust AGM on Thursday night, don't forget that we have Marco and Jamie as guests. Cheers Tony
Vince at 15:54:38 Tuesday November 14 2000
Sunderland Cobbler - I gather from your posting that George Reynolds has stopped pumping his cash into Darlo. Getting them into the Premiership obviously wasn't as easy as he thought. What do the folks up there think of him now that he's stopped spending?
SUNDERLAND COBBLER at 15:34:58 Tuesday November 14 2000
Afternoon all... Rumors around Northampton yesterday according to North East Ceefax linked Marco with a return to Darlo. Gary Bennett the Darlo boss, commented it was untrue and has not spoken to the club. Darlo will now not spend any money on players due to their chairman.
VIVA LA REVOULTION. DAVE.E
Martin at 15:24:17 Tuesday November 14 2000
Can somebody please tell me why Dave Savage gets picked week in, week out.
His performances are detrimental to the team as a whole.Am i the only person who thinks that a player who constantly gives the ball to the opposition should not get a stating place in the first team.
This was all too clear on Saturday against Bournemouth, and on several times previously.
Get well soon Mr Hunter please.
Vince at 15:2:18 Tuesday November 14 2000
Cobbler in the West, I agree with what you say and even the moaners would have settled for 7th place at this stage of the season. The trouble with Saturdays game was that there was a lack of commitment by many of the players, particularly some of the senior ones. Having said that we all have off days and lets hope that on Saturday the whole squad will be firing on all cylinders. I can't condone people having a go at individual players but a lot of the time it's just frustration the same people who moan at certain players will be congratulating them for a good bit of play 10 minutes later. As for leaving early, I don't as I at least want my monies worth! although with the poblems in the car parks I can well understand some people leaving early although on saturday so many left early they would have still had to queue to get out of the car parks.It must have been disheartening for the team to see so many supporters leaving early but if they are honest they couldn't say they blamed them.
Cobbler in the West at 14:44:44 Tuesday November 14 2000
Some interesting postings since Saturday, some hysterical and over the top, some just plain crazy and some balanced! If anyone I had said we would have been 7th in mid November at the beginning of the season my reaction would have been " I'll take that". And I do, happily. With a squad limited in number and with the traditional NTFC problem of no money (will it ever change?)Kevin Wilson has worked a small miracle. To see suporters in numbers leaving before the end of the game on Saturday I find depressing. With the majority I suffered in some silence and mentally looked at the broader picture. As for those that had a go at Hughes and Spedding I think they are a disgrace. I have my doubts about Hughes but to be fair he has done very well and for sure he was not the only one having a "mare" out there. At times like that the senior pros must lead by example and quite a number of them were AWOL. As for Spedding the poor bloke has not played in a competitive game for months and yet the idiots still have a go at him. It leaves me with a bad taste but the vast majority of our supporters are realists and know and appreciate what has been achieved in the 12 months since KW took charge.
Iain at 14:7:16 Tuesday November 14 2000
Because I may be going aboroad soon I need to see if anyone is interested in buying rest of my season ticket? Lower West middle (just behind home bench). Email me if interested. 15 games
MK18 at 13:49:23 Tuesday November 14 2000
Bournemouth - a blip. We should win comfortably on Saturday and then Walsall beckons. A return to 5-3-2 with Frain and Howard included will make a massive improvement. We have our highs and lows but so do Reading and Stoke for example and I have every belief in this squad and our management. Up the Cobblers!!
Dear NTFC at 13:48:23 Tuesday November 14 2000
I am glad someone has mentioned the puddle - or should I say lake - can it be sorted out before someone drowns on the way to a game?
Lancaster Cobbler at 13:31:0 Tuesday November 14 2000
I wish everyone would give Marco a chance, play him on Saturday, hopefully he will score a few, and hios confidence will be back. I'd rather see a three man strike foce Steve, MArco and JJAMMMIEE than two of the above and Savage in midfield based on current form.
Carl at 13:16:40 Tuesday November 14 2000
No Stevie Howard in that eleven, so sadly cannot agree. Gabbiadini also should not be dropped. Gould in for Spedding possibly.
Carl at 13:9:51 Tuesday November 14 2000
Just watched all 23 goals so far this season, there really are some absolute crackers in the list. I strongly advise if you are still down in the dumps following Saturday have a quick look it soon cheers you up
My team for saturday at 12:25:34 Tuesday November 14 2000
Welch, Hughes, Sampson, Hope, Hargreaves, Hodge, Savage, Hunt, Gould, Forrester, Morrow Subs: Thompson, Gabbiadini, Spedding, Frain, Sollitt. Anyone else agree? If not whats your team
Anon at 12:23:5 Tuesday November 14 2000
Why aren't there pictures of the merchandise sold at the shop on the site. There used to be so why isn't there any more?
Vince at 12:8:21 Tuesday November 14 2000
Drilling Cobbler and Mrs DC to be appear in todays Chron page 5 - was the ring really from Ratners?
HAPPY COBBLER FOR LUTON COBBLER at 11:36:22 Tuesday November 14 2000
When you pay to go and see an event of any type....you are entitled to leave when you want. I left early, for the first time in many years, not because the team were being hammered, or because they were second to EVERYTHING.I left because I felt that the team I had paid to entertain me were putting in no effort whatsoever. Only James Hunt could hold his head high on Saturday. Before you start ranting about leaving...as some dickhead did to my mate as we left on Saturday...just remember one thing. A lot of people, myself included, pay up front for a season in advance. By doing that we are trusting the team will provide entertainment to us and yes , so far they have. However, if you are not satisfied with a service being provided you have the right to complain. Some people choose to shout shit like "what a load of rubbish" etc....I chose to walk out quietly, get out of the car park quicker and begin the post match thought process alone....I was shocked.
People do not need to be told to sit and stay by anyone...it's free world. Just as you chose to stay...I didn't e-mail you and start accusing you and the 3,500 who stayed behind of being gluttons for punishment did I?
No!
We love the Cobbs as much as anyone, and will support them as we see fit...
Anon at 11:33:56 Tuesday November 14 2000
Whats this? Yet another Travel Club?
HAPPY COBBLER FOR ROD, JANE AND FREDDY!!! at 11:23:28 Tuesday November 14 2000
Don't forget to get that bus filled for me for the Scum game. I've got 8 definates so far....33 seater bus to fill. Liase with Bart and Eggy whilst I'm in sunny Barbados at Cobblers Cove and get the £10 notes of anyone who wants to go in advance.
See you when I get back and send my regards to Bungle and Zippy!!!!
Anon at 11:18:40 Tuesday November 14 2000
Northampton Town Manager Kevin Wilson today said his side would learn from
the example set by themselves last season to bounce back from Saturdays
disappointing defeat against AFC Bournemouth.
The Cobblers were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at the weekend, the first time
they had been beaten by more than a goal in a league game since an unlucky
4-1 defeat by Swansea City in early March, and Wilson said, "There are no
excuses. Saturday was not good enough. But I think back to last year, and
when we suffered a poor home defeat by Halifax. We said then that it was
how we bounced back that mattered, and we then won our last 6 games to win
promotion. Its a lot of the same players still here, and we will be
working hard to bounce back in the same positive way. We will remain
positive and believing in ourselves. We will work hard as a team, and we
will redouble our efforts. You dont become a bad side overnight and over
the course of a 46 game season you will have some off days. Even Manchester
United, who are the benchmark to measure yourselves against, suffered a
couple of heavy defeats on the way to winning the title last season. The
key is how you bounce back, and we have bounced back strongly before and
will do so again. We are 7th in Division 2 with only 3 defeats in our last
13 games, and when you look at the wider picture, we have made some
tremendous progress over the last 12 months. A year ago, we were 11th in
Division 3."
The Cobblers will be boosted by the return of striker Steve Howard for the
weekends FA Cup clash with Frickley, and skipper John Frain could be back
in contention for his first action since early September if he comes
through a midweek reserve team game.
Anon at 9:8:13 Tuesday November 14 2000
Salop Cob, bearing in mind that the team on saturday were basically the same team that has been getting great results in so many other games this season you are probably right.
Anon at 8:53:21 Tuesday November 14 2000
Expect a significant improvement when Frain and Howard return to the team.
The Shropshire Cobbler at 8:53:20 Tuesday November 14 2000
Some interesting recent postings ... to sum up, to put things right we need to (a) ban on-pitch matchday marriage proposals; (b)ban any reference to "Fortress Sixfields"; (c) get Pete Smith to retire (d) fix the pathway puddles (e) get the scoreboard&clock fixed etc etc. Yes, that should do the trick.
Andy at 23:54:12 Monday November 13 2000
MartinW. you obviously have a strong opinion in all things you consider to be the right things to enjoy, or hate. But please understand most of us are not really that interested. For me you come across as a person who's overdosed on Q magazine. Just stick to the Cobblers stuff, ok? No offence.
Ray at 23:35:55 Monday November 13 2000
If its only a rumour then no-one will.
Dave at 23:29:55 Monday November 13 2000
Does anyone know if there is any truth in the rumour that Marco is leaving ?
MartinW at 23:17:54 Monday November 13 2000
That's why Cobblersinvision hasn't been updated. I won't do it.
MartinW at 23:15:46 Monday November 13 2000
The Bournemouth game is now confined to the dustbin of my mind along with that awful children's TV show (like some disturbed child memory) Animal Kwackers, England's travesty against Romania in Euro 2000, Birdie Song by The Tweets, anything by bloody West(f£$%ing)life and Paul Weller (post Jam and Style Council), everthing bar the Riverboat Song and that Lock Stock ditty from Ocean (f$£$%ing) Colour Scene, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (which was about as excellent as a most unexcellent thing), the new covers album from Sheena Easton, getting an arrow in my head when playing William Tell (accounts for a lot), Julian (lame double entendres) Clary... and I can't go on because it is disturbing me too much.
Bring on Frickley and let's stuff em. Bring back Frainy, I hope.
A Philosophical Drilling Cobbler at 22:52:37 Monday November 13 2000
DavCobbler, 'Mrs Drilling' actually made her debut at the home game versus Hartlepool last season when a certain Steve Howard became, overnight, the player we now respect and adore. Two fine goals ensuring a fine victory! I then made the mistake to think that she was a lucky omen. Since then, 3 further games and 3 defeats! I honestly thought that her appearence on saturday would at long last conincide with the emergence of Mr Gabbadini. But no, things are just not that simple and I now accept that. She will never enter the Mecca of football again or even enter the town of Northampton on a matchday. I will leave her at home in Rushden where hopefully her presence will continue to rub off on a certain local team trying desperately yet so unsucessfully to win the much coveted vauxhall conference championship trophy!
A Childs View at 22:25:41 Monday November 13 2000
Drilling Cobbler - perfusively? What's that? Profusely?? Sorry for pointing that out - it just really made me laugh!! Don't take your girlfriend to games - what you are thinking of???? If you're anything like me you'll have spent ages justifying the time, money and effort you spend on the Cobblers to your missus. She won't understand and then, when you finally get her to a game, the boys will turn out a load of dross and she'll be even more confused as to why you bother! You'll then spend yet more fruitless hours explaining that its not usually like that and they can play a lot better! Thanks for owning up though - I was wondering why we were so useless, now I know!!
DavCobbler at 22:12:49 Monday November 13 2000
Dear Mr Drilling...I dont mean to cast aspertions on to the "soon to be" Mrs Drilling but two 3-0 defeats in two games ??? Does this not tell you something ? Joking apart, good luck to yer matey !!!! UTC...........FTP...FTP...FTP !!!
Reasons to moan (part 2) at 22:11:34 Monday November 13 2000
Isn't it strange that our performance has dipped since the scoreboard has been knackered. This obviously has no effect on our away form which is still excellent. Also why have Anglia TV and Teletext reduced their coverage of the Cobblers in preference to inferior teams like Cambridge/Peterborough & Southend?
A Remorseful Drilling Cobbler at 21:49:59 Monday November 13 2000
Many thanks Wellingborough Cobbler for your very own mini "Name And Shame" campaign - I will now be forced to go into hiding, move away from the area and re-appear on this sight in a few months time as the Tenerife cobbler or something like that! I appologise perfusively to everybody for saturdays performance - it had nothing to do with Wilsons tactics as I suggested earlier in a desperate Atkins style attempt to pass the buck and blame someone totally innocent. The last game that the future Mrs Drilling Cobbler was lured too was Rotherham away last season - yes, another 3-0 defeat! Be rest assured that her future appearances will now be limited to 2nd legg cup matches or play off fixtures where a 4-0 victory was secured in the first legg.
topical at 21:48:50 Monday November 13 2000
Let's just hope you aren't 16 then.
MICHAEL FAIR at 21:16:5 Monday November 13 2000
I'm gay and I fancy Chris Dovey
A Childs View at 20:9:34 Monday November 13 2000
Blimey - its all happening on here isn't it! Perceptive comments from Hartwell and, latterly, Drilling Cobbler. Saturday's performance was pants and if people feel they want to have a moan and leave the game early they are perfectly entitled to. Our threadbare squad was really exposed. Player availability forced Willo to play a back four with a semi-fit, low on confidence Duncan Spedding and a Garry Hughes who, regrettably, I feel we should be concerned about. Don't get me wrong, I truly hope he makes it and proves himself (and me wrong!!) but, game after game, he's making mistakes. Sometimes they get punished, sometimes they don't but, inevitably, opponents will identify this and begin to exploit it - I fear its happening already! An interesting question to pose is whether Willo would have reverted to a back 4 had he had 3 fit central defenders available. Even if he was going to, I doubt very much he will now! Could the issue of 4 or 5 at the back be central to the Willo-Broadhurst rift? Will it entail Willo back-tracking if he does revert to a back 5 - all very interesting! Any team can have a bad day, however, I think tactically we are one dimensional team - strong at the back, draw the opposition out and hit them on the counter is our game. This is why our away form is superb and we struggle against 10 men who are sitting behind the ball and closing us down quickly. It also explains why we struggle when our opponents score first. This style is in stark contrast to the 86/87 side where our midfield pinned the opposition in their own box and we totally dominated the play. However, all in all it is important we don't over react and spit the dummy just yet! I'm still thrilled at where we are in the table and I feel sure that when we get a few squad players back and fit (and re-introduce competition for places) things will improve. Come on Cobblers - you owe us a good home performance on Saturday so lets stuff Frickley 6-0!! Come on the town - you remain the greatest and other clubs just don't compare!!!!!!!
Ralph at 20:2:41 Monday November 13 2000
I remember the wedding proposal too, didn't the couple have to 'jump the broom'? Very strange!
Inside out at 19:49:56 Monday November 13 2000
wake up and smell the roses.... Ray & MP you should both know that the board does not put any money into the club, they rely on anonamous donations and then take the credit. Think about it! Mr Stonhill is an estate agent, Mr Handcock ownes a packaging firm etc etc not exactly multi million pound businesses are they. Where are they going to get thousands from to push into the club. As for alternatives , i wish i knew the answer (or had a couple of million in the bank).
Wellingborough Cobbler at 19:15:44 Monday November 13 2000
vince, it's all the Drilling Cobblers fault for us losing then as it was him who made the marriage proposal before the game
Reasons to moan (part 1) at 18:48:46 Monday November 13 2000
1) The saying anything is better than nothing is only just about true in the case of Adam Blackmores commentaries on Radio Northampton. The bloke obviously prefers rugby - and doesnt it show. As soon as the match has finish we have to suffer the sporty forty instead of in depth match analysis and interviews with players. 2) Jeremy Caseys Match Facts in the Chron. are also a laugh. Most weeks the players all get the same scores. This week Savage got 6 (worth about 3) Hughes got 5 (worth about 31/2 - the 1/2 only being awarded because, unlike Savage, he at least tried) and Morrow wasnt rated because, apparently, he was not used. Wilson got 6 but,basically, he was as bad as the rest. 3) Unlike most clubs, we have a wealth of talent or potential talent on the left side (Hope, Gould, Hargreaves, Frain, Spedding), but are really struggling on the right (Hodge, Hughes). Like most supporters, I would like Garry Hughes to make it, but he is not a right full back. He lacks bulk and more importantly, pace. He has an excellent throw and has showed glimpses of skill at
moving forward (Wigan particularly).Turn him into a right sided midfielder and buy/loan a couple of right backs. We really need to try and balance the squad with 3 or 4 more players if possible. 4) When will Savage make an effort? He has the ability but completely lacks concentration. He is currently a passenger, along with 3 or 4 others. 5) When will the directors review the ticketing policy to try and encourage higher gates? 6) When will the directors realise that the price may be a limiting factor for some of the less well-off? 7) When will the council clear that big puddle at the top of the bank? 8) When will the commentator be chastised for announcing fortress
sixfields thus ensuring our current poor home form? 9) When will the 'don't knock the team' brigade read the Chron. and see that Wilson and Sammo both panned the performance. A criticism justified is acceptable so long as it is deserved. 10) When will I shut up.......
Luton Cobbler at 17:58:29 Monday November 13 2000
On Mystic Megs subject of being a Luton fan, the knives were out Saturday after their defeat against Bristol City. The first cries of "Hill out" were heard around Kenilworth Road after Micky Bells third for City.
Luton Cobbler at 17:55:14 Monday November 13 2000
Shocking, Disgraceful, Absolutely out of order! No not Saturdays performance but the hundreds who poured out of the ground when the third goal went in. Let's get things into perspective. Saturdays efforts were very poor and there were no more than a couple of players who could say they turned in a reasonable performance. However in truth this is probably the first time since Wilson took over that we have played so badly, and the reaction Saturday was totally unjustified. If we're honest the writing has been on the wall for a few weeks now. We haven't played particularly well against Cambridge, Oldham and Wrexham but have ground out results and this is all credit to what is a threadbare squad. However on Saturday we got found out. If at the beginning of the season you'd beem offered 7th place in the league in mid-November who wouldn't have taken it?
Mystic Meg at 16:40:55 Monday November 13 2000
All this bloody moaning about Saturdays performance...YES it was crap and YES Bournemouth were the better team...BUT am i the only one that noticed that we werent the only team with a good home form to lose at home on Saturday??? Brentford, Stoke AND Reading ( who had a 100% record up until then and lost to the team WE beat the weekend prevous!!) all lost aswell!!! So please dont be moaning anymore!!!! At least were not Luton fans!!!!
Bring on The Saddlers!!!!???!!!
Mohammed Rahman at 15:10:1 Monday November 13 2000
Firstly, GOD is talkikng crap, I did'nt mention anything to do with honkeys, secondly anon was accusing Fatwah of something she hadn't done, thirdly thank you to treenie fro backing me up that was very nice of you, foruthly stop giving Ray grief everybody, fifthly (if thats a word) to Shocking: I have met many of the players as I have served them in a restaurant. Finally, UP THE COBBLERS!!!!
marco at 14:29:5 Monday November 13 2000
not surprised to see so many negative comments after a dreadful performance but we have to hope it was just a blip. Hughes is starting to really struggle and needs a break, Spedding was rushed back too soon, can't make an excuse up for Gabbiadini though. He looked totally disinterested, gave the ball away far too often and looks very unfit. He has been a major disappointment and in no way deserves his place.
Sack Pete Smith at 14:22:34 Monday November 13 2000
I'm glad someone has mentioned the marriage proposal on Saturday. Wasn't it just embarrasing!! In fact is it not time Pete Smith hung up his microphone. He's got as much personality and wit as a Walnut cake, but he's just as nutty. He's been doing the job for far too long (since County Ground days)and I think he has just become a liability to the club. Let someone else have a go, perhaps with some new ideas on pre-match entertainment. Anything has got to be better than him. Thanks for your efforts Pete - its time you started to pay to watch matches!!
Hartwell at 14:17:43 Monday November 13 2000
If you think back, two players have been the key to our success this season - Welch for his fine saves and Forrester for his goals. Add to that Hodge's periods of brilliance, Sammo's stability, Hargreaves's and Hunt's endeavours and that's about it. Again on Saturday it was these five who contributed just about everything - the remainder who played against Bournemouth should think hard about their levels of commitment to the club and its fans.
MP at 14:15:27 Monday November 13 2000
Who'd be a bloody board member. Inside Out, are you suggesting you would rather Atkin's had stayed because it would cost money to sack him? I dread to think where the club would be if that hadn't happened.And where do you get the idea from that the board wanted to sack Broadhurst....totally wrong there. Don't know about sacked commercial managers so can't comment on that one. Dougie Hodgson....probably only the person responsible for that insurance mess up knows whose fault that was, but who brought him to the club in spite of a history of injuries...Atkin's. I've heard it is a bloody miracle he got through a medical. I'm not saying that I don't regret that money did not go on players, of course I do, but it's not right to blame the board in the circumstances. And as Ray has already said, of course they are putting their hands in their pockets, again and again to ensure ,to give you one very basic example ,that the players get paid. Finally, no, I have not heard that Broads departure was anything to do with Hodge or Gabbiadini, from all I've heard there was only one person in the club who wanted him gone.
Vince at 13:56:35 Monday November 13 2000
I blame saturdays performance on the marriage proposal before the game. The last time that happened at a Cobblers game was at Doncaster in 1995 when we went on to lose 0-1.
Person at 13:32:34 Monday November 13 2000
I'm fed up with the trickle down player increase in cost from the Premiership and reductions in actual income. Its about time 2nd and 3rd division clubs started on masse adjusting their budgets accordingly or we will be high street rovers.
Carl at 13:23:33 Monday November 13 2000
It always seems the way with us lot (the fans that is and not the players) one shocking performance, which is what Saturdays was, and it's everyone and anyones fault. Why begin to panic now, we have had a fantastic start to the season, played only 3 bad games in my opinion, which were Wycombe away, Bury away and Bournemouth at home, oh and I didn't think the Rotherham game was upto much either. Apart from those games, some of the football that most of us pay to watch has been thoroughly entertaining and some of the goals scored defy any amount of moaning. I think, sadly, that most people have come to expect too much from the team, which is down to the bare bones of the squad, but the main reason for this is the lack of cash but to blame this on the non commitment of any of the board is completely ludicrous, how would you feel if you supported a team like Rushden and Diamonds, more money than we could ever dream of having and they still cannot throw together a team worthy of winning the Conference, a friend of mine who used to go to watch Diamonds went to the Stoke game on Tuesday and said he never realised the difference in class between the divisions. You have to take a step back and look at the whole situation and sadly some don't seem to be able to do that and expect us not only to win every game, but now win in style with some thundering 20 yard volleys that slap just below the cross bar. So what are we all going to be asking if we do lose on Saturday, do you want Wilson to go, what about the board, do you want them to go? If so then think who will take over, we are fortunate in what we have at Sixfields at the moment and the odd blip should only make us a better team and hopefully better fans, but you can't have everything. One more thing Steve Howard is a key member of our side and he wasn't playing on Saturday. So if anyone got to the end of this and is thinking what I am trying to say, as an old proverb in my Mum's back garden reads 'Patience is a flower that doesn't grow in every ones garden' It grows in mine.
The Drilling Cobbler at 12:31:50 Monday November 13 2000
I have mentioned Wilsons inability to make tacktical substitutions on numerous occasions on this site, and at last people have come to the same conclusion as myself. Every time we are losing its the same procedure - 10 minutes to go, Savage comes off and on he comes looking for that 200th bloody goal! At half time Spedding should have been withdrawn (wasnt fit and playing awful), Hargrieves moved to left back and Gauld brought on at left midfield. I remember the Bristol R autowindscreen game last season and he looked superb for the hour or so he played. I must say Dafoe up front for Bournemouth was absolutely superb - our best opponent since Barry Hayles - it wont be long before he's banging them in for West Ham. 18years old - what a prospect!
Ray at 12:26:23 Monday November 13 2000
If the director's didnt put their hands in their pockets, where do you think the money is coming from? The income from the gates doesnt cover out wage bill so theres no surplus there. If it wasn't for various other income, sponsorship of shirts (to cover a previous point), commercial activities and league sponsorship income we would really be up the creek (along with most other clubs I hasten to add). No you cannot buy a shirt without the Nationwide logo - if you did it wouldn't be an NTFC shirt would it? Why the aversion to not wanting the logo on the front? A load of money comes from them, not only from the club sponsorship but from the league sponsorship as well. If it wasn't for this kind of sponsorship then no club would exist and we would only have games up the Racecourse etc, to watch. (I won't make the obvious comment about this and last Saturday's performance). What do you really want? NTFC or High Street Rangers?
inside out at 11:5:57 Monday November 13 2000
Allegedly Mr Gabbiadini and Mr Hodge had something to do with the departure of Kevan Broadhurst.Anyone else here anything similar?
inside out at 10:43:12 Monday November 13 2000
Why do you suspect the Directors would have any inclination to "put their hands in their pockets and bail the club out" They hav'nt done it so far why would they start now. Unfortunately due to the ineptitude of the board and other members of staff the club has LOST nearly £500,000 in the past 18 months. This money has gone in paying off players who were not insured, 1 ex manager, 1 ex joint manager and 1 ex commercial manager. I don't know about you but i think £500k could have brought some pretty useful players to the club.
TRB Mark at 10:20:40 Monday November 13 2000
I was as gutted as anyone else about Saturday's performance, but since when did a "painfully thin squad" translate to an inability to be able to pass to your own team mates? Time will tell if this has been a blip or not, but I have the feeling that we have been quite lucky (Oldham for a start) to come away with a wins when we could have drew or lost. Also, all these deflected goals are down to poor defending. If the defender closed down the attacker quicker, then he would'nt have the room to shoot. The same applies to the wall with the big hole in it for Bournemouths first. Still, it's a long season and maybe after we all got carried away with our flying start and that actually staying in the division is the real aim.
Ray at 10:0:12 Monday November 13 2000
Am I missing the point here? If anon would like to mail me privately explaining why he considers the remark "Your entitled to your opinion Mo'." is racist?
The Shropshire Cobbler at 9:58:18 Monday November 13 2000
I left 10 mins before the end on Saturday; I've never done that before, but I have a 200 mile round trip, and was so utterly disheartened by the sheer lack of effort by most of the players; half of them just didn't look interested at all & certainly didn't look like professionals, no grit at all. For me the only positive thing was Welch's superb performance (yet again). A few observations - if we're going to make substitutions, let's make them well before the end. I say give the youngsters a chance & shake the complacency out of the regular seniors; also we need a very visible captain on the field, demonstrably organising things. Get it sorted, Kevin, or humiliation looms on Saturday.
Dyl at 9:29:55 Monday November 13 2000
What Saturday's game did was expose how pitifully thin our squad is. There is no competition for places in many positions. Hence people like Savage can sleepwalk through games without fear of being dropped. Even so, the team we put out on Saturday should have been good enough. Surprisingly Bournmouth played some good football and they deserved their win. Dafoe was a star and it can't be long before he's back off to West Ham. In the past week, many of our rivals bought or brought loan players in. We, with our injury crisis and skeleton squad did nothing. Any way you look at it we need another defender and another midfielder and I'm afraid that means the Directors dipping their hands in their pockets. And as for Rob Biddell blaming it all on the deprture of Kev B, well you obviously weren't at Colchester. Our defence was poor because we had Spedding (not match fit physically or mentally YET) and Hughes (naive and simplistic at times, and too careless with the ball), and we had no-one else to bring in with any experience. If I will criticise Kev I would say that Savage should have been subbed at half time for Kev. Atkins had a habit of waiting until it was too late before making a sub, I hope Kev doesn't acquire that habit.
Hartwell at 9:14:11 Monday November 13 2000
If some of you think we are a bit hard on the players and club, consider the demo before Villa's w/end home game - they want Deadly Doug to spend more on the team -- and they are 4th in the Prem!!
Hartwell at 9:9:57 Monday November 13 2000
T - people who pay their money are entitled to leave before the end if they wish. Many do so whether we are winning or losing simply to get away from the car parks before they are stuck for 40 mins. These people are probably as good and loyal supporters as you and I and we must allow them their freedom to leave when it suits them. Leaving just before the end doesn't automatically brand you a bad supporter. Be fair.
Pitch Inspection at 0:10:11 Monday November 13 2000
Theres a pitch inspection at Frickley for the replay
Anon at 22:57:9 Sunday November 12 2000
Puzzled, don't try and confuse the issue. It is blatant racism. I dont put my name as it's irrelevant.
GOD at 22:53:11 Sunday November 12 2000
Im watching you, keep both hands on the keyboard you dirty little s*d ....
GOD at 22:49:30 Sunday November 12 2000
that third goal was offside...... amen
Disciple at 22:48:48 Sunday November 12 2000
Only God would use a lower case 'i'.
Kingsthorpe Branch at 22:47:57 Sunday November 12 2000
Looks like our covers been blown! With the emphasis on blown!!!!
GOD at 22:47:36 Sunday November 12 2000
one of the mysteries of the universe i suppose
FatWally at 22:46:29 Sunday November 12 2000
X-Files is on!
Puzzled at 22:45:12 Sunday November 12 2000
How can you tell someone's race by their religion?
Anon at 22:44:26 Sunday November 12 2000
supposed to be about football, still at least mo's talking cobblers
Fatwah at 22:44:8 Sunday November 12 2000
See what you have started anon!
GOD at 22:40:41 Sunday November 12 2000
MO! WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT SWEARING , FANCY CALLING THEM WHITE HONKYS W*****s. OR IS IT POLITICALLY OKAY FOR YOU TO SAY WHAT YOU LIKE. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN ME SO GUESS WHAT COLOUR I AM AND WHAT TEAM I SUPPORT.......AMEN
Anon at 22:26:15 Sunday November 12 2000
Fatwah, it was a comment based on the perceived contributor's race - racist
No logo at 22:23:6 Sunday November 12 2000
I don't care if it's a bank or buiding society or brothel (now there's a thought) No not even that.
Fatwah at 22:17:21 Sunday November 12 2000
ANON - Rascist? Wasn't meant to be! I'm surprised you didn't remark about the 'knockers being out' too.
Kingsthorpe Branch at 22:14:40 Sunday November 12 2000
Nationwide is NOT a bank, yet!
No logo at 21:58:21 Sunday November 12 2000
Can you buy a Cobblers shirt without the Nationwide logo? I refuse to pay to advertise a bank no matter how much they paid to put their logo on there. Even USA, the slaves of all capitalism don't allow logos on NFL, baseball or basketball shirts. They don't even allow advertising around the pitch, and good for them. You will hate me for this, but I totally admire Peterborough for not having a sponsored logo on their shirts. How much do Nationwide pay? Is it worth it? No.
T. at 21:56:15 Sunday November 12 2000
Yes, yesterday's performance was abysmal but what upset me more were all those'supporters' who left after the third goal, If you support a team you usually support them through the good and the bad no matter how much it hurts and yes I might feel my money was wasted yesterday but they are still my team and I still love them. Up the Cobblers!!!!
Mick at 21:27:22 Sunday November 12 2000
OK, let's forget about training, tactics etc etc. Just make sure stokecobbler stays at home and treenie's friend goes through the right turnstile. Oh and I've got to wear my lucky jacket - sorry folks, it was too cold.
Deepcut Cobbler at 21:23:14 Sunday November 12 2000
Further to last night, no answers or comments on the ticketing situ. Was the North Stand packed yesterday?? The ticketing is a serious matter. it is preventing us from improving and adding to the squad. Why do we continue to be railroaded into these all ticket games when other clubs in the division do not have the heavy handed restrictions placed upon them? We must be allowed to ticket our matches for the good and benefit of NTFC. The draconian measures put in place by the local constabulary WILL prevent us from progressing either to stabilise in Div 2 or to be promoted to Div 1. TCMP needs to get some sort of compromise or should we sue these people for revenue lost? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
stokecobbler at 20:53:48 Sunday November 12 2000
I KNOW!!!! - IT'S ME - I KNOW!!!!! SEEN 6 LOST 3 DRAWN 3 - I'VE YET TO SEE A WIN THIS SEASON. Only get to Fortress Sixfields on the weekends I visit my mum, and since I've witnessed said Fortress sacked and burned to the ground twice in succession - sorry Mum, looks like I better stay at home till May 28.
Anon at 20:47:44 Sunday November 12 2000
Is it?
Anon at 20:43:22 Sunday November 12 2000
Ray, racist nonsense from 'Fatwah'. Please delete
Anon at 20:16:27 Sunday November 12 2000
Depends on what you call criticism... here on the site fair enough - but to actively boo and curse and even slow handclap at the ground.. SAD! Would love to see how you managed a full 90 mins pickled judge!!
Shocking at 20:15:48 Sunday November 12 2000
So i go to match in which we dont even play football for once and the evening looks bad. I went out on town to the new bar med place on gold street and who do i bump into Carlo Corazzin ! out with his wife teresa and his brother. Had and intresting chat anyone else ever bumped into cobblers players or ex cobblers?
Pickled Judge at 19:57:47 Sunday November 12 2000
I find it very sad that people on here get upset when we criticise the team. It is a very healthy thing to express feelings and football fans should always be passionate. If you say 'get behind the lads' that is fair enough if they give 100% and lose but their attitude yesterday was awful with little commitment. I wouldn't get away with that in my job and they are lucky enough to have a job most of us would relish.
Anonnn at 19:56:51 Sunday November 12 2000
What a fickle lot of fans that are in the minority I hope. For a team that has pulled its weight at all costs thru game after game with injuries, suspensions, departures etc the inevitable had to happen - they had to be beaten. Okay, they played badly, every team does at some point, its called sods law - but after listening to the disparaging remarks, the boos and the total load of b*****ks that was emanating from so called supporters who all of course were 'experts on the field' you would think that was a regular occurrence. How can you expect them to give their all if you slag them off and boo them? I know I wouldnt come back out of the changing room after half time - would be a case of sod you all! Okay - bad game, bad result, bad weather, extremely disgusting horrible fat bare chested 'who ate all the pies' bournemouth fan behind the goals - but support your team, encouragement is a good morale booster!!!
Anon2 at 19:21:6 Sunday November 12 2000
Any news on Lee Howey yet?
G at 19:16:17 Sunday November 12 2000
The team have had a hell of a run - grinding away against injuries, lots of games and a small squad. Yes,it's OK, we can do it for 9 games in a row but something eventually has to give. I think the lads are exhausted mentally and physically and a couple of weeks unpressured should do the trick. It's easy to knock them when they're down. DON'T! They'll bounce back again. Up the Cobblers.
I WANT TO GO TO WALSALL at 19:8:46 Sunday November 12 2000
RAY - PLEASE UPDATE THE "AWAY TRAVEL" SECTION ON THIS SITE, WE ARE GOING TO ONLY 10 OF THOSE TEAMS THIS SEASON!!!
treenie_01 at 18:52:9 Sunday November 12 2000
Haven't I already said that everyone should get behind the team. I feel sorry for the players sometimes because even when they play well some of you lot still find the time to slag someone off.
The team are never gonna get anywhere without the fans. I call that everyone gets behind the team for saturday and that it continues for the rest of the season no matter what. UP THE COBBLERS
Fatwah at 18:12:39 Sunday November 12 2000
Your entitled to your opinion Mo'.
Dirty Old Man at 18:11:3 Sunday November 12 2000
Personally I'm really pleased to see that the knockers are out!
Mohammed Rahman at 18:9:23 Sunday November 12 2000
What a bunch of w*****s u all are. We have a a good game and u all are "Yeah, Cobblers all the way, we are the best etc" But then we have a few bad games and you start slateing Kev and the team, your not true supporters, your all a bunch of twats. If u read some of the messages on this page, it makes me sick. U should be giving them as much support as possible not slating them!!!!
Baz at 18:8:48 Sunday November 12 2000
To ANON - I was in Barbados!
Jane at 18:3:18 Sunday November 12 2000
I'm not superstitious either, but I have today washed all our scarves for the first time since last March. Worst game since Rochdale at home. I know it can't have been healthy if Broads and Wilson were at each others throats all the time, but the last three games must give us all something to worry about. I don't know how the players slept last night, but I woke up in a cold sweat several times, only to remember that it wasn't a sleeping nightmare I'd had, but a flaming living one.
Anon at 17:58:28 Sunday November 12 2000
To all the moaners - remember where we were this time last year
Spring Park Cobbler at 17:32:1 Sunday November 12 2000
I think every team is allowed one bad game a season. Things have gone really well for us this season. At the start of the season the general feeling amongst the regular supporters in the King Billy was that avoiding relegation this season would be as much as we could hope for. The game against Bournemouth was disappointing but if you remember Halifax last season a game just as bad it kick started us into the winning streak that gained us automatic promotion. Now I'm not suggesting we are going to see a rerun of that scenario I think to squad has been to weakened by injuries, suspensions and the transfer of Hendon for that to happen again, but neither do I think we are going to plummet back into the third following one defeat. As has been said on this board earlier Wilson has shown the flexibility to turn things around although I think it will take a few games for things to settle down again.
Rob Biddell at 17:16:47 Sunday November 12 2000
Since Kevan Broadhurst has left the club, we have played some of the worst football that I have had the misfortune to witness.Kevim Wilsons tactics were highlighted on Saturday when faced with a team lacking confidence and skill, he brings himself onto the pitch. Who is he trying to fool exept himself. Get hold of a good creative midfield player or give Kevan his job back and admit you don't know what your doing.
Mike at 16:47:27 Sunday November 12 2000
I had always hoped that Cobblers fans were not as bad as Spurs or the Villains, but reading the comments on here - aaaaah. There are probably 40 clubs who would happily swap places with us, and considering KW has bugger all money to spend, I think a Knighthood rather than all the whinges on here would be more appropriate. The crowds are crap, but then the cost to watch is exorbitant. Personally, a campaign to get the cost down, crowds and noise up, would be a lot more constructive than whinging about one game.
Baz at 14:44:34 Sunday November 12 2000
How do you explain the fact that I went down the central gangway on the stairs which always brings us a home win?
Treenie at 14:34:45 Sunday November 12 2000
Not being supersticious but I think the real reason for us losing yesterday was because my friend went through turnstile 10 instead of turnstile 9. She has been going through turnstile 9 since the end of last season and then yesterday she went through 10. You know who you are!!!!! UP THE COBBLERS
Barleymow at 12:37:0 Sunday November 12 2000
Interesting to read so many uncritical comments following yesterday's shocker against Bournemouth. Fact is, though, that no matter how loyal you are, or how impressed you are by Wilson's efforts and our league position, we failed to score during over 100 minutes against 10 men in the Rotherham and Stoke games, and we played like a Conference side against Bournemouth.Wilson's tactics are generally positive but he failed to do another of the manager's important jobs yesterday, motivate the team. 11 talented footballers played like a bunch of disinterested amateurs. I hope Wilson gave them the bollocking they deserved, and the kick up the backside they need before Frickley.
adam lodge at 12:16:30 Sunday November 12 2000
big up kevin wilson and all the crew and a big shout out to the cobblers main man roy hunter (get ya knee sorted out)
Adam Lodge at 12:14:15 Sunday November 12 2000
i think that against bournmouth on saturday we were terrible , when i say we i dont meen the team i meen the fans every time we did the slightust thing wrong we would boo them . i meen how do we expect them to put more effort in if they havent got any support from us . i`d also like to take this oppertunity to tell everyone to go to the cobblers on saturday to see us thrash frickley town . p.s. please show your support. from adam lodge
Norwich Cobbler at 12:0:35 Sunday November 12 2000
We are doing far better than any of us probably hoped for at the start of the season.The squad has been stretched badly particularly with the recent run of Saturday/Tuesday games. If that is our stinker of the season then fair enough take it on the chin and have faith in players and management who are professionals and committed to the cause. There's always the next game - go and support Man.Utd if you can't take the occasional setback.
Eastander at 12:0:18 Sunday November 12 2000
OK I agree with most comments on yesterdays game it was awful, we did not compete, Hughes was dreadful, Hodge jibbed out on tackles on a number of ocassions and we relied too much on route one football. I think one of the problems is that no-one at the moment has to fight for their place, the team picks itself, yes we have injury problems but so do all clubs, yes we have high waged players in the squad which dictate the need for a small squad but this should have been foreseen as apotential problem. I say blood some of the younger players make the squad fight for their places
Eastander at 12:0:13 Sunday November 12 2000
OK I agree with most comments on yesterdays game it was awful, we did not compete, Hughes was dreadful, Hodge jibbed out on tackles on a number of ocassions and we relied too much on route one football. I think one of the problems is that no-one at the moment has to fight for their place, the team picks itself, yes we have injury problems but so do all clubs, yes we have high waged players in the squad which dictate the need for a small squad but this should have been foreseen as apotential problem. I say blood some of the younger players make the squad fight for their places
£50k at 11:44:15 Sunday November 12 2000
For that you would be able to sign me and im a dodgy 40+ year old!!!
Lancaster Cobbler at 11:26:30 Sunday November 12 2000
Also, if the good people of Northampton supported their team (doing much better than the Saints) and added an extra 1,000 to the attendance each week, and bought programmes etc, we would soon have some money to make a signing for £50,000 for instance. Unfortunately stuck in Lancaster means that I cannot get down to Northampton..
Lancaster Cobbler at 11:24:11 Sunday November 12 2000
Well, unless we have a major cash injection then we cannot do any surgery! A loan signing is a must, there are good players out there, but at the end of the day when Frainy get back, he will be like a new signing as we do miss him. Hunter, if he gets back soon will be excellent news.
Hotel Ender at 11:21:18 Sunday November 12 2000
Not a "blip" I am afraid Kev., as you described Saturday's fiasco on Radio Northants. We have been living on borrowed time for a number of games now. The team exhibits fundemental flaws and requires major surgery. Welch is one of the top three keepers in the division, if not the best, and he has kept us in games which we should have lost. I estimate he is responsible for half our points, so where would that put us?
Yes, we have injuries, and the attitude shown by certain players has not been what we would expect, but what is needed is some adventure, and bringing yourself on is not the answer. At 0-3 we have nothing to lose in bringing on the likes of Morrow and Thompson to see what they can do, and put pressure on the senior players who are not performing.
In addition, and within budget, we need some fresh blood and some hungry players, otherwise the future looks bleak, even from 6th in the table.
Lancaster Cobbler at 11:21:7 Sunday November 12 2000
Our other problem is lack of goalscoring from midfield and defence etc. They will be days when Jamie will have an off-dayy (i.e. well marked). Also, it does seem that last season we thought Carlo nd Jamie would be the line to take us to promotion, but what is clear is Howard and Forrester, are like fish and chips
Britgal at 11:18:33 Sunday November 12 2000
Not Lancaster Cobbler sorry, the one below that i was talking about...
Ray at 11:18:23 Sunday November 12 2000
One piece of good news! According to KW - Frainy will be available next Saturday.
Lancaster Cobbler at 11:18:2 Sunday November 12 2000
And another thing, Savage only comes good, i.e. scoring in March-May, so why don't why a) give him a nice holiday b) genetically modify him to think it is April now c) alter tatics so Savage can float around, and not ahve to defend!
britgal at 11:17:20 Sunday November 12 2000
how positive that last posting was. That attitudes's really gonna encourage the players isn't it.... Yesterday was a disappointing game footballwise. Not only did the cobblers lose, but my embryonic girls football team lost our 3rd ever match 10-0! Ooops! It was even worse that the opposition were all wearing cobblers shirts! So i was in the weird position of turning up to a match wearing the hat and scarf of the opposition... Anyways, come on cobblers, cos i know u can do better! :)
Lancaster Cobbler at 11:15:53 Sunday November 12 2000
I wonder if Hughes is being played out of position, as his early games were as right central defender? Hopefully Green will be back, maybe a switch to 5-3-2 again please Kevin. Hargreaves will have to play wing-back (shame for him) Hunt, Hodge and Gabbiadini in midfield. Big Steve and Jamie on front.
Lets not beat around the bush!! at 10:46:11 Sunday November 12 2000
Because the squad is so small crap like Savage and Hughes get a game, they just do not deserve to play. Spedding will still be crap when he gets fit. People like Hunt, Howard and Frain when available do. Hodge must have been watching Ali Gibb videos!
Hartwell at 10:42:41 Sunday November 12 2000
Mmmm..some very pertinent, sensible and accurate comments from the likes of Richard, MartinW and Ashford Cobbler (and, thank goodness, our sense of humour remains intact!). I agree that, ironic as it is, 4-4-2 doesn't suit us, mainly because we don't have the calibre of player needed to exploit it. In particular we are too slow and static at the back. Like others I trust Willo will have learned from yesterday's sobering experience. But, tactics and quality aside, I was more concerned about the demeanour of most of the team yesterday. It looked plain to me the body language of most of the players out there spoke volumes - and I am interested to note that wasn't just my subjective opinion but was noted by others. The question is: what exactly was causing so many of the players to look beaten before they start ? Like Cobbler in the West I would only exclude Welch, Hunt and Hargreaves and Spedding (being forced back too early) from criticism. Hughes had a mare, for sure, but we have to be respectful of the fact that he's only a youngster learning his trade. Sadly some of the worst offenders yesterday were experienced players who should have rolled their sleeves up, fought for the cause and showed some character. Instead several of them showed not the slightest interest or commitment, but were content to cruise around, make little attempt to win the ball and when they did were quite happy to boot it aimlessly as if passsing the buck - or else being caught in possession, as if half-asleep. It was no wonder Gabbiadini was substituted. My only surprise was that he lasted that long. And to be taken off for a raw youngster should hurt his pride. I just wonder if some of the players have become complacent because the thinness of the squad almost guarantees them a place ? There's nothing like the hungry fighter - and y'day most of the team looked just like that - nothing like hungry fighters. We have had a good season up to now and have been royally entertained at times. But unless the current attitude on the pitch is reversed we are in danger of losing that momentum.
The Ashford Cobbler at 9:44:47 Sunday November 12 2000
Worst game since Rochdale at home which led to Atkin's demise. 1 bad game per year though I can live with having witnessed years of hoping for the 1 good game! Frickley is a great chance to build confidence and we should put out a strong team. As I said on here a few weeks ago a team with a fast striker are going to give us a thrashing sooner or later and so it proved. We don't have the quality of defender to play against the likes of Defoe with 2 at the back. Hopefully this will be a wake up call like Halifax last year. Best team has to be Welch, Hughes, Sampson, Green, Hope, Frain, Hodge, Hunt, Hargreaves, Howard, Forrester. Hughes is still learning his trade and he needs the support. Clearly yesterday his head went down as did his confidence. I sure Hodge was criticising him when as a senior pro he should have been encouraging him. Sampson needs to do more to keep his chin up. Roll on Fickley.
MartinW at 9:42:32 Sunday November 12 2000
Richard, funny about those gut feelings you get. The Bournemouth game was the first I can remember where I had a kind of sense of foreboding. I'm usually optimistic (believe it or not) and we WERE playing a team near the bottom. And I felt that if we continued with the system from Stoke we would be beaten. Because it just didn't look organised to me. To be so abject against ten men AGAIN after playing so sublimely and not be ahead has to have a big effect. The players did not look at home with the system and the body language of players says a lot. But things can change. Willo/Broadhurst have shown flexibility when things have gone wrong. If we don't have enough fit defenders we've got to bring in fresh blood. Wycombe havea similar problem - although they have more in the squad who are genuine competitors for first team places - and Sanchez is going straight into the loan market. But Wycombe's problems are nothing compared to ours squadwise.
By the way, would anyone object if I didn't put the Bournemouth goals on Cobblersinvision. I'm sure most people would want to forget about the game. I will if there are any masochists out there.
Cobbler in the West at 8:54:7 Sunday November 12 2000
With the exception of Welch, Hunt & Hargreaves (but he also missed 2 good chances)very poor performances from the remainder of the team. It was hard on Spedding who has not played even a reserve match in months to have to play and no criticism should be made of him. Putting aside under performance by too many players and recognising that yesterday we had to play 4-4-2 with the players we had available I think we are much better suited to 5-3-2. If we play with 4 spread across the back the lack of pace is going to be exposed time and time again. Look at what Defoe did to us yesterday. With 3 centre backs they can cover each other better and get in those last ditch tackles which we visibly absent against Bournemouth. People talk about luck when wedefend in this way but it happens too many times to be that and is just good defending.
Anon at 0:35:42 Sunday November 12 2000
Support starts at home, not away
Anon at 0:33:57 Sunday November 12 2000
Willo's playing away tactics have caused the problems
Anon at 0:29:21 Sunday November 12 2000
Willo needs your support.
IWT at 0:9:9 Sunday November 12 2000
Andy from Sussex. v. bournemouth who were also going for promotion. AND they had to fix the net after the 3rd (4th?) goal, remember? 6-0 at half time, a mate turns up at half time - result 6-0.
RICHARD at 23:36:19 Saturday November 11 2000
IK'CIWT: "Bare Bones Beaten By Beachcombers." The footprints in the sand are an acknowledged Dafoe literary masterpiece; the two goal quality of his near namesake's footwork at sodden Sixfields put the final nail in the coffin of a turgid, lacklustre Cobblers performance in one of the most depressing exhibitions I have had the misfortune to witness. The water table may be rising nationwide, but the tide certainly turned up at Fortress Sixfields here today. Sand bags are in short supply!
Over the years I have sat through some dire games but the latest is always the hardest to bear. There are those games you go to thinking perhaps we'll lose; you hope you're wrong, but there's this nagging doubt; Rotherham was such a game. There are those games when you feel that a draw would be a good result; you want and expect a win, but there's a litttle voice in your head, whispering misgivings; Stoke was such a game. Then there are those games which you know in a month of Sundays you're not going to lose and you wager with your mates on how many we'll win by; Bournemouth was such a game! I have been telling anyone who cared to know for most of this season now that Sixfields was overdue a 3 or 4 goal win; I wasn't expecting it to come care of the opposition and certainly not from one in such a lowly league position.
But just wait a moment; are we being too critical? Is there a simple explanation? Down to our last 16 fit (?) players; a formation forced upon Willo owing to squad deficiencies; pitch conditions not ideal for our fast-flowing passing style of play. Am I clutching at straws? Is the Pope Catholic? Does Al Gore have an abacus franchise? Great questions of our time.
Another is, why no minute's silence before the kick-off? I believe there was an 11th hour observation at the Tull Memorial earlier. I wore my poppy, bedraggled as it was in the prevailing weather conditions - rather like those in the killing fields of the Western Front, perhaps, all those years back. Does the outcome of one truly poor performance on afootball field really matter that much? In the cold, damp floodlight of day at Sixfields.... I think not.
So, in the wake of this stunning underperformance, the Cobblers now have a week to consider the 'miner' obstacle of bottom-of-the-Unibond Premiership table Frickley Athletic. Before more serious attention is aimed at the continuation of what has proved hitherto to be both a highly entertaining and effective 2nd Division football campaign, let us enjoy the diversion of the first foray in a glorious Cup campaign. The battle may have been lost, but the war has yet to be won!
Andy from Sussex at 23:31:13 Saturday November 11 2000
I'm sorry, it was all my fault. I'm the kiss of death. I don't get to see the team as much as I'd like, as I live too far away, but every time they string a few wins together and head up the table, I head North to see them and they are just awful. Truly awful. I might jst have to go an watch Brighton instead (highlight of last season, that Cobblers 3-0 away win...)
Or am I just still intoxicated with that marvellous memory of five goals in eight minutes? (20th March 1976 - Conty Ground. Look it up...)
Come on Frickley!
Andy from Sussex at 23:30:11 Saturday November 11 2000
I'm sorry, it was all my fault. I'm the kiss of death. I don't get to see the team as much as I'd like, as I live too far away, but every time they string a few wins together and head up the table, I head North to see them and they are just awful. Truly awful. I might jst have to go an watch Brighton instead (highlight of last season, that Cobblers 3-0 away win...)
Or am I just still intoxicated with that marvellous memory of five goals in eight minutes? (20th March 1976 - Conty Ground. Look it up...)
Come on Frickley!
Worried at 23:28:9 Saturday November 11 2000
So Wilson says 'Broads goes or I do', and Broads goes. And today was awful. Hope these two things are not connected.
Ray at 22:49:28 Saturday November 11 2000
For those of you not in a drunken stupour - the remainder of the site has been updated.
Ray at 22:7:26 Saturday November 11 2000
The answer to todays complete fiasco is obvious. The tactical driving force behind NTFC is obviously Clarence! Where the hell was he today? I'd have preferred to see him on the field than those members of the team "going through the motions". YES - you know who you are!!! Pathetic....worse display I've seen for an age.
Deepcut Cobbler at 22:1:47 Saturday November 11 2000
Going back to the all ticket debate. The impact of the all ticket game can normally be seen from the population of the North Stand. When a game is designated as all ticket, the North Stand loses(and I hope I am not stereotyping here) the normal individual who occupies this area because he is the type who is unable to commit that level of funding prior to attending the game. He will turn up if he has penny's in his pocket on the day, not if he has planned a day or more in advance!! I reckon (and this is a guess from afar)that today the North stand was relatively full. Just a thought but it all adds to the argument that TCMP must bring up with the local Plods with regard to their policy. TCMP needs to make us aware of what he is doing or attempting to do regarding our problem. And I say problem because even Willo is bringing it up, albeit indirectly, in his programme notes!! COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!
Anon at 21:40:40 Saturday November 11 2000
Apparently Clarence had to be let go. Difference of opinion...
Hartwell at 21:24:46 Saturday November 11 2000
Those who criticised our display today were quite right to do so. Yes, I know and accept we are in a good League position and have performed heroics considering the size of our squad and the current depletions. I can accept defeat - it's not the end of the world. But it was the manner of defeat that left me with a bitter taste. Specifically it was the apparent laize-faire attitude and total lack of commitment from numerous players that was so strange. Hunt is a noltable exception - he played his heart out as did Hargreaves. Many of the others played as if it were a training session, as if they were going through the motions. And this from a team which stood this morning in a very strong play-off position. What was the matter with Gabbiadini ? His mind seemed elosewhere. He featured very little and when he did it was only to either lose possession or mishit his passes. There was simply no life in the guy. Same applies to Savage, although that's been the case for a few weeks. The fact that we showed no tactical sense at all, were shapeless, couldn't win anything and when we did couldn't string two passes together was bad enough. But, as I say, what staggered me most was the players body language, which suggested some of them at least didn't want to be bothered but just wanted to go through the motions. It reminded me of some of the more unpleasant latter periods of the Atkins era and in that respect was even more dcifficult to accept. Is there some dressing room unrest ? Do we miss Broadbent's tactical nous ? I just don't know. What I do know is that this kind of performance reminds me of the Yeovil period - and we all know what happened down there. And it's Frickley next week......oooohhhhh!
Deepcut Cobbler at 21:6:44 Saturday November 11 2000
Just back, logged on and see the score!! Obviously Bournemiff had three players sent off. What other reason is there for this heavy defeat at "fortress Sixfields". Does Pete Smith want shooting, or any thing similar to what happened to the Bristol Rovers man, for his microphone comments prior to the Rotherham game? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
MartinW at 20:55:12 Saturday November 11 2000
I've said before about the significance of Broadhurst's departure and this limp wristed defeat is further evidence of it. I really think that Willo is the attacking man and Broadhurst is the defensive organiser. They split due to differences over the style of play. I can only take that to mean with the evidence of the last two matches, that Willo wanted to play 4-4-2 and a more attacking style, as per his opening gambit when he took the job. We're not replacing Broadhurst and I just wonder looking at the backroom staff whether there is enough of a challenge to Willo's way of thinking to give him another perspective - which Broadhurst obviously gave. I worry about unrest in the camp too. The lack of spirit when we went down, the way Savage grabbed his shirt and stormed off to the dressing room when he was substituted, the way Willo's head was stooped as he walked off as the match ended. It's an odd situation. No doubt the players are concerned about the lack of back up within the side. And games like this make you wonder what is going on in Forrester's mind when he doesn't get a sniff at goal and sees such a lack of commitment. I appreciate that injuries may have forced this change in system, but I think Willo would have played 4-4-2 anyway. And anyone who saw how we played in the late stages of last season saw how we won with five at the back target man (Howard) and Forrester (goalscorer). We won all the games. Anyone who has seen us playing counter attacking football will testify that we look dodgy but keep a clean sheet because we get bodies back and then we hit people on the counter attack. We play to our strengths. It's a system that's worked so it defies belief if we continue with 4-4-2 with such a wide open defence. We have to paper up the holes at the back because we are deficient. But unlike under Atkins we have players up front who can punish teams. That's what has got us to sixth in the division. This defeat was appalling, lacklustre, pathetic. In the same way that some of our victories have been glorious. But it's not the end of the world. Because Kevin Wilson can fix it. He needs to get fresh blood to bolster a depleted squad. Look at the bench today - Willo, Morrow, Gould and Thompson - who are just not pushing for a first team place. Morrow looks well short of even Conference material at the moment so it's inappropriate to expect him to perform in the Second Division. We are suffering - as predicted - for the smallest squad in the division. We have Hendo go and not replaced. Dryden has gone and he's not been replaced. We have to get reinforcements and it is not just about one player. Because if we keep on this road we will be on freefall and be battling to stave off relegation. It willbe interesting to see if Willo reverts to 5-3-2 in the future. As for the game, well it's best forgotten about. Lessons have to be learnt.
Anon at 20:26:54 Saturday November 11 2000
Morrow looked good?!!!!! He was only on for two seconds for gawdsaaaaaaaaaaaaakes!
Andy Wootton at 20:19:41 Saturday November 11 2000
Went to Cobblers bournemouth today and wasted £10, i dont know what was going on today i think if Howard was avaliable we would have played better because him and jamie r the men. Looking forward to frickley game we better not lose th them good luck town for the rest of the season and please do not carry on playing like u did today!
Den at 19:44:49 Saturday November 11 2000
Ok we lost, but don't forget we are down to our last 16 players and having to play a "new" formation 442. So it was a bad game. Its not the end of the world. We all would be happy (at the start of the season) to be mid table, well were still in the top half. Lets just hope this is a blip. The only dissapointing thing for me is that we didnt get our young subs on early enough. Lets face we could tell 30 mins form the end we were going to lose. Thought Morrow looked good and Hunt deserved MOM for what it was worth. Not a good day at the office I'm afraid and probably the worst performance since Kev took over. I have to disagree with the comments that we wern't trying though that is just not on, we just had a lot of players having bad games (including the ref). Full credit to Bournemouth they looked a good side. Mark, check your facts, Bournemouth won at Bury a few weeks ago, 1-5 or 1-6 I think the score was
Stewpot at 18:55:1 Saturday November 11 2000
Also did I miss him or was Clarence abscent from todays game maybe he is watching future opponents????????????
Treenie at 18:51:1 Saturday November 11 2000
Okay, so we played pants today but I can't believe how complacent some of you lot are. I thought the whole point of paying for a ticket was to watch a whole match and support the team whether they win or lose. Not leave 10 minutes before the end. (I'll let Steve Howard and Richard Green off because I wouldn't want to be a player and listen to some of the crap that's said).
I know I've said about this before but I feel after today it has to be said again.
Come on - get behind the team, sing your hearts out and stay til the end of the match. COME ON COBBLERS
Stewpot at 18:47:31 Saturday November 11 2000
Just arrived home from the match so while its still frsh in the mind my version of what has to be the most inept performance i have seen by a Cobblers side in many a year. Thankfully I has a complimentary ticket so didnt have to pay for the pleasure. I wont point the finger at anyone particular person but the general performance was lousy put it down to the conditions, Bouremouth going for broke, lack of direction from the bench which i was a couple of rows behind or lack of support from the terraces of which Bournemouth won too especially the huge bare chested bloke behind there goal. All through the match Bournemouths assistant manager was yelling and jumping up and down all match long unlike our bench with the occasional shout from Russell Slade once Wilson entered the field of play.Give credit to the lad Defoe he looked a diffrent class from the rest on the field. Listening to the after match comments both on Radio Northampton and on Northants 96 with that cockney girl kiely a talent if ever I heard it Wilson said sleepless nights to be had by a few with Spedding, Frain and Howard all in contention for next weeks match. Looking at the respective squads though Bourenmouth havent got that many more players than us and lesser names to so maybe just a glitch in what has been a good season so far. Suppoprters I was sitting around said Broadhursts departure may be having an effect on the squad how appropriatte the last Bourenmouth sub was called Broadhurst. As I was leaving the ground I spoke to Mel Machin who said they had played well and was pleased with his young side and especially Dafoe and he hoped this win would be the turning point of there season. I remember that Fletcher fella from when they beat us on the opeoning day of the season a few seasons ago he looked good then and still does. I shall be interested in what the team sheet will bw next week maybe the likes of Sollitt, Gould, Morrow and Thompson should be given a run out let others rest ready for the Walsall match they couldnt do any worse on todays performance.When will somebody do something about getting out of the car parks having a new car I was even more careful today but its dog eat dog oput there we all support the same team but come 5pm we all want the same bit of road. If the council gave me a free pass to watch matches or some kind of a perk I would gladly volunteer my services to stewarding the car parks so we can have a bit of comman sense and order in and around the car parks before there is a serious accident or worse there. Right thats me off my soapbox fingers crossed Lennox Lewis will beat that wwwf lookalike in the boxing tonight. Come on Cobblers
Baz at 18:35:13 Saturday November 11 2000
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, here they all come, the knee-jerk reaction brigade! Give it a rest. Talk about fickle! We have been down to the bear bones with our squad and have done marvellously. The players looked jaded, Spedding was short of match fitness. Hunt deservedly got man of the match. Welch was great. Hughes looked what he is, not a replacement for Hendon. Gabbi and Jaime had no service. Savage maintained his usual form and the rest had a bad day. I do not expect to have to put up with the doom and gloom brigade posting there negative, pessimistic rantings, it was bad enough having to listen them all whinging on the way back to the car. Hard luck lads, here's to Frickley.
Pickled Judge at 18:29:12 Saturday November 11 2000
Well that is the worst performance I can remember in a long time. From start to finish (except for about 5 mins in 2nd half) we didn't try, we couldn't pass, we couldn't hold, we couldn't run. Nothing. Hodge should have come off at half time, I only remember him on the ball once in second half. savage went off in a huff and yet he was bad with a capital B. Oh dear oh dear.
Team v. Frickley at 18:27:17 Saturday November 11 2000
Welch; Hughes, Green, Sampson, Hope; Hodge, Hunt, Hargreaves; Howard, Gabbiadini, Forrester any thoughts?
Er, who do you have in mind to take their places? at 18:24:28 Saturday November 11 2000
We were very disappointing and a lot of our players should be having a sleepless night about whether they will play against Frickley next Saturday." K.Wilson
Lancaster Cobbler at 18:22:13 Saturday November 11 2000
I am only try to be positive, from what the commentary sounded like over the net, we were dire. We must not get too fed up as we are 7th in Division Two. I also wonder if some players who are not 100% fit are being forced to play. Spedding sounded as if had a dreasful game, and I cannot recall hearing Savage doing anything.
Mark at 18:8:43 Saturday November 11 2000
Agree with ya Carl. Also apart from Howard and Frain i think that that is Wilsons starting 11, so he can have no complaints. You can't say about Hunter as he hasn't played under Wilson yet and has been missing for nearly two years. Sort it out. Away from home we've been superb but lately at home we've been shite.
Carl at 18:5:26 Saturday November 11 2000
What a load of RUBBISH. Also why are you all going on about last time we lost 3-0 at home we went onto win the next 8. Thats last year and history. This is the present.
Mark at 17:59:28 Saturday November 11 2000
I meant 4th from bottom in the league
Mark at 17:58:59 Saturday November 11 2000
I meant 4th from bottom in the league
Mark at 17:54:32 Saturday November 11 2000
What an absolute DISGRACE. The eleven men on that pitch today don't deserve to be paid their wages that us the supporters pay. To be outplayed and outclassed by a team who haven't won away alll season and were 4th in the league is pathetic. I admit Forrester played with his heart on his sleave and never gave up for the cause but the rest of them had little or no passion at all and for some reason will not tackle the oppostion. Two out of three of their goals were scored due to our defenders backing off as usual. Did we actually have more than 5 shots at goal. I don't care if people say i am moaning, but i'm saying it as it is and it was like being back at the county ground in the old days fighting for our lives. So much for FORTRESS SIXFIELDS! Wilson wanted more support at home and he has been given it in the past three home games and gave the fans nothing except for the first half against Stoke. I hate to think what the gate will be next week and how we play. I wouldn't be surprised if there is another Bromsgrove on the cards.
Lancaster Cobbler at 17:12:25 Saturday November 11 2000
Whethe or not is in inexperience on Kevin Wilson's part or lack of players is was obvious we needed to make a change, but I suppose Morrow etc has so little experience. Also every game Spedding has played )bar Reading when he came on for 1 minute) we have lost. Wycombe, Bury, Fulham, today (is he cursed). My prediction is Wilson will sign a left-back on loan in the next week!
Lancaster Cobbler at 17:3:18 Saturday November 11 2000
Who did Gould come on for? Last time w elsot 3-0 at home; Darlington Xmas 99, we won our next 8 home games. I think as well, Bournemouth managed to do what few times have done and keep Forrester quiet. I reckon we missed Stevie Howard as well.
Anon2 at 16:56:13 Saturday November 11 2000
One word to describe it - PATHETIC. All this hype about our home games and we havent won in our last 3, and conceeded 6
Lancaster Cobbler at 16:53:44 Saturday November 11 2000
What a terrible result, oh well last time we lost 3-0 at home we signed the player who scored twice, does this mean that Defoe will be Cobbler? Hopefully, this will give certain players a kick up the back side, and allow us to focus against Frickley. Only problem is, any new signing will not be able to play as they have to be signed 7 days before teh tie.
Anon at 16:40:30 Saturday November 11 2000
r&d 3:1 down
Anon at 16:39:28 Saturday November 11 2000
dear oh dear 3-0 Defoe's goat another, Morrow on for Gabiadini.
My old mans a Cobbler. at 16:37:19 Saturday November 11 2000
At least get the younsters on.
Lancaster Cobbler at 16:25:34 Saturday November 11 2000
I cannot believe that KW has not made any changes! Wilson on for Dave Savage!!
Anon at 16:21:57 Saturday November 11 2000
Get Thompson on and running at them,maybe a few cross's in for the front men.
Lancaster Cobbler at 16:20:41 Saturday November 11 2000
Take off Spedding, give Morrow or Thompson a chance, and Savage has not been metioned at all, what is wrong with them today!
Anon at 16:19:7 Saturday November 11 2000
He's too slow and old.
Anon at 16:17:59 Saturday November 11 2000
Right Kevin go for broke, get on teh pitch and sort them out NOW!!
Anon at 16:17:18 Saturday November 11 2000
AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHh
Anon at 16:12:56 Saturday November 11 2000
Spedding booked, he is having a very poor game. I hope this is becasue he is not 100% fit.
Anon at 16:9:16 Saturday November 11 2000
We need a left-back! Spedding is being slaughtered on the radio!
Lancaster Cobbler at 15:49:14 Saturday November 11 2000
Crowd do not sound happy.. why are we not as good at home as away?? We have very little move for changes, unless why take off Spedding, push up Hargreaves into a wide-left position and bring on James Gould? or drop Gabbi down into midfield and bring on Andy Morrow, what else can we do?
Anon at 15:35:51 Saturday November 11 2000
oh no Bournemoth have scored
Anon at 15:23:18 Saturday November 11 2000
Corner to Cobblers, from Hodge ......... nothing
Lancaster Cobbler at 15:22:14 Saturday November 11 2000
Doncaster winning 1-0. Forrester and Gabbadini coming into game. Long-throw from Hughes,... Hughes drive saved!
Anon at 15:19:6 Saturday November 11 2000
Billy Turley send off!!
Anon at 15:18:15 Saturday November 11 2000
Throw in to Cobblers.
Lancaster Cobbler at 15:15:44 Saturday November 11 2000
Rotherham leading 1-0 at Brentford, Woody is in goal for Colchester.
MOMAC at 15:14:6 Saturday November 11 2000
Bit difficult to tell but it seems as though the Bournemouth fans are making a bit of noise.
BIG JIM at 15:12:52 Saturday November 11 2000
Sounds like we`re under a bit of pressure
My old mans a Cobbler at 15:11:34 Saturday November 11 2000
First away match,Notts County,Nov 7th,1970.Went on a B.R. special,cost 12 shillings for ticket and travel.My dad took me up the county ground when they were in the first,but I have no recollection of it,but I've been going ever since.Knock kneed chicken wouldn't have the same effect in an all seater stadium.
Anon at 15:10:24 Saturday November 11 2000
Fairly even game so far, Cobblers ahve had one corner, and Hargreaves has headed wide.
Lancaster Cobbler at 14:59:49 Saturday November 11 2000
Cobblers Team: Welch; Hughes, Sampson (c), Hope, Spedding; Hodge, Hunt, Savage, Hargreaves; Gabbiadini, Forrester SUBS Sollitt, Morrow, Gould, Thompson, Wilson
BIG JIM at 14:45:20 Saturday November 11 2000
Dear `My Old Man`s a Cobbler` Were you on the Terraces home and away in the early nineties? by the sounds of it you know that I used to be a bit of a surger!!!
My old mans a Cobbler. at 14:37:20 Saturday November 11 2000
As usual,you're a star big Jim.Thanks for the radio/internet info.
I'm a knock kneed chicken I'm a bow legged hen,
I ain't been so happy since I don't know when,
I walk with a wiggle and a wobble and a squak,
doing the hotel boot walk.At which point you surge down the terracing singing la la la la la la la la la to the tune of the song.
Silly,but wonderful days.
Good luck today everyone,don't worry about De Foe,Jamie will score two more than him.
Ray at 14:9:5 Saturday November 11 2000
The commentary - from Radio Solent - is at http://www.afcb.co.uk/realaudio/league.ram
Anon at 13:52:9 Saturday November 11 2000
Big Jim - what is the address of the official Bournemouth website fopr the commentary?
Ray at 13:50:3 Saturday November 11 2000
The wind is blowing...the snow is snowing...well something like that anyway. Its an awful day! Good luck to the lads this afternoon - they'll deserve every penny.
Ofarim at 13:49:16 Saturday November 11 2000
Big Jim, do you own the town's only diamond mine?
BIG JIM at 13:43:15 Saturday November 11 2000
There is Radio Commentry on the Internet of our match against Bournemouth.All you do is go to the Official Bournemouth Website.That`s if none of you lucky people have gone to the match!
I can`t get to a Cobb`s match until the end of December as I live in Cyprus.COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stevie at 13:41:57 Saturday November 11 2000
It's raining down in Kingsthorpe!
Joe at 13:39:19 Saturday November 11 2000
Wet and windy......so looking forward to a fine and skillful game of football!
Anon at 13:20:14 Saturday November 11 2000
Weather Report?
Charles Commins at 13:12:8 Saturday November 11 2000
Why is it that we can only play well against teams that have all 11 team members on the pitch. we should have beaten stoke and rotherham but we didnt! Why is this?
A. Chicken at 12:22:15 Saturday November 11 2000
I'm a bow legged Chicken, I'm a knock kneed hen, I aint been so happy since I don't know when. I walk with a wiggle and a giggle and a squawk.
Doing the Hotel boot walk. Ala la la la la ala la.
anon at 10:57:49 Saturday November 11 2000
I aint been so happy since I dont know when! Anyone out there with all the words, my old brain cells cant remember the rest after the bit about walking with a wiggle. DOING THE HOTEL BOOT WALK.
MP at 10:37:37 Saturday November 11 2000
Re songs....let's bring back The Hotel Boot Walk, happy days!
Anon at 10:29:8 Saturday November 11 2000
Defence may have to watch this guy Defoe he has scored in the last two games including one against Stoke away and the winner against Scumborough Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!
richie fan from new zealand at 10:12:22 Saturday November 11 2000
thanks ray. go you cobblers,[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
richie fan from new zealand at 10:9:35 Saturday November 11 2000
is the game on or wat,????????
Ray at 9:59:17 Saturday November 11 2000
The rumour of a pitch inpection was untrue. There is no problem at all and the match is on.
richie fan from new zealand at 9:54:26 Saturday November 11 2000
got some good news and some bad news,the good news is that the cobblers wont loose today.the bad news is that mr lennex lewis is going to get knocked out by mr david (TUAMAN)tua and there fore you will not have the world heavywieght champion anymore cause we will.but who cares aslong as the cobblers win.
Long distance traveller at 8:29:35 Saturday November 11 2000
If there is a pitch inspection at 9 a.m. appreciate it if someone able to listen to local radio could put the decision on this page asap as I am travelling from distance. No mention of an inspection on Ceefax.
alan woollet at 6:9:13 Saturday November 11 2000
anyone else get so bored that they bounce the ball off jamie's head on the home page???
mick again at 23:2:0 Friday November 10 2000
And Celtic at home too. it's too easy. (or is it?)
mick at 22:58:23 Friday November 10 2000
Tomorrow is a great day if you want to make some easy money. Man U and Arsenal are both at home against crap opposition, and on Sunday Rangers should cruise past Aberdeen. So simply do an accumulator with Cobblers to beat Bournemouth at around 4/7. If you get paranoid I think you can choose games that are certain to be off because of the rain, and still get your bet.
Derick at 22:23:28 Friday November 10 2000
I remember that. But y did we sing that?
mick at 22:8:16 Friday November 10 2000
just watched men behaving badly and it reminded me of when we all used to sing 'we are sailing' at the hotel end, for no apparent reason except I suppose, the words were easy to remember.
WHY at 22:5:43 Friday November 10 2000
I agree with ya StokeCobbler. WHY WHY WHY D'YA BOTHER? Everytime they go to sing it, lets interupt and sing that instead for a laugh. Bring on the Stoke away game.
WHY at 22:5:39 Friday November 10 2000
I agree with ya StokeCobbler. WHY WHY WHY D'YA BOTHER? Everytime they go to sing it, lets interupt and sing that instead for a laugh. Bring on the Stoke away game.
stokecobbler at 21:29:35 Friday November 10 2000
my contribution - irrelevance, but party time, and easy.....quo's rockin all over the world. even the nobjockeys on the pa could help get that goin better at home. as someone mentioned earlier the allseaters have affected the old time real big singsong atmosphere (which reminds me of russ abbott's 'atmosphere' !!?? - perhaps not), and the britannia has knocked delilah down a peg up this end of the country as well, which is why the stokie away fans love to be forced to sit together and get it on - many of you'll prob have witnessed a delilah from a full boothen end at the old victoria ground.
anyway, final word, to combat the delilah away at stoke in the new year we should do as the vale fans do - all together now... 'WHY -WHY -WHY -D'YA BOTHER ?
Jamie Jamie Jamie Jamie Forrester at 20:52:47 Friday November 10 2000
Happy Feet...I've got Happy Feet.
Mark Too at 20:49:47 Friday November 10 2000
How about "these boots were made for walking" but change "walking" to "scoring" when Jamie scores.
britgal at 20:18:57 Friday November 10 2000
how about my old favourite: Gold! By spandau ballet, is it? Well, what about 'that's amore' by dean martin? u know, 'when the moon hit's ur eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore!!'? ok, maybe not. Ok, does anyone know: I vow to thee my country? :)
Anon at 18:49:14 Friday November 10 2000
By the way its Deliah not Dellila. Ha Ha Ha I stood there laughing!
Pitch Inspection at 18:45:28 Friday November 10 2000
Local referee Mr RS Payne will be inspecting the pich at 9 in the morning.
The East Stander at 18:40:39 Friday November 10 2000
What r u all arguing bout. The North and West Stands r both quiet compared to the MIGHTY East Stand with Clarence the Dragon and is drum. SING UP EAST STAND
Dyl at 17:15:56 Friday November 10 2000
When we've done something really good on the pitch how about singing "It's all so beautifull", the chorus from Itchycoo Park?
Real Fan at 16:50:44 Friday November 10 2000
Songs my arse. What a load of crap.
Anon at 16:18:44 Friday November 10 2000
American Pie - most people know that.
Anon at 16:9:12 Friday November 10 2000
And we can't have "I can't help falling in love" cos PNE already sing it and have done for some time.
Anon at 16:8:29 Friday November 10 2000
Ben - the "he goes down the left wing....." song was about Bobby Barnes. never knew what a "tatter" was though, but Barnes was one. What ever happend to his horse?
TRB Mark at 15:39:8 Friday November 10 2000
A least an inch of rain is forecast overnight and tomorrow. If you are travelling from afar, you would dod well to consult teletext/radio 5
TRB Mark at 15:36:58 Friday November 10 2000
Yeah, I'm with Dyl on this one. Cost has never been an issue as I originally chose my seat because a) I thought that's where all the singers would be ala Hotel End. b) I can stand as I am next to an isle and at the back, just to the left of the goal. Unlike the CG and other tinpot stadiums around the country, we do get singing from all three sides of the ground when we put our mind to it but it often takes vorciferous oppossing fans to shake us out of our reverie. It did sound good when WE were singing "Youre not singing.." and I should image it would have been reasonably impressive even from Stoke's pov because, as it has been said, singing from more than one part of the ground isn't that common,
Mozart at 15:32:59 Friday November 10 2000
Noise, yes thats the one. The song was also sung by Elvis (and probably loads of others as well) Andy Williams rendition was however probably the best version. The lyrics can be found at http://www.legendsofmusic.com/ElvisPresley/lyricsc.html
Coz at 15:25:3 Friday November 10 2000
I just cant help falling in love with you. THAT WOULD SOUND BRILLIANT sung by 4000!
Dyl at 13:59:14 Friday November 10 2000
Ok Happy Cobbler, I'll move to the South End of the West Stand if you pay to have my season ticket upgraded. A lot of us sit in the North Stand because it's all we can afford. And anyway isn't it better to have noise coming from around the ground rather than one corner? I always feel that grounds where only one section of fans sing are pathetic (like Colchester). Before I was a season ticket holder I used to sit in South end of the West Stand and I agree it's good, but I love my current seat cos ironically it means that I can stand rather than sit.
Cardiff Cobbler at 13:58:25 Friday November 10 2000
Have we got a game tomorrow. No one seems to have mentioned Football for a couple of days?
Paul S at 13:57:41 Friday November 10 2000
Older Wierdo Alex Harveys version is a great idea. Better still lets use the Weetabix version and get sponsored by them as well
Top of the Pops at 13:49:32 Friday November 10 2000
Something by Kylie Minogue would be quite nice, or if you're all looking for something a bit more Northampton relevant, how about something by the Jets, or 'Bela Lugosis dead' by Bauhaus. That should get everyone going, or at least frighten the opposition a bit - Or even better, a Des O'Conner song - because he actually played for us once didn't he (reserve keeper?)
For older/weird people at 13:40:50 Friday November 10 2000
People don't seem to sing songs that are altered versions of current hits anymore, years ago I went to Anfield and can still remember their version of 'brown girl in the ring' altered to 'we're gonna win the league'. So can't we adopt an Sclub7, Spice girls, Westlife, Robbie Williams (no thought not). Come to think of it instead of trying to find a song like Delilah, why not just nick it and run out to Alex Harveys version with the volume cranked up and plenty of head banging. We could also play it during the match when it gets boring.
PATTCOBB at 13:27:19 Friday November 10 2000
And while i'm at it who the F*ck are those two t*ssers that play the records at Sixfields.O.K. we all know what Pete Smith is like,but now we havbe to put up with these two and their quite appalling accents.When he appeals to "ALL COBBLERS FANS COME ON GET RIGHT BHIND THE LADS NORTH STAND YOU'VE BEEN QUIET RECENTLY" I can't help but think what a tw*t he sounds.And as for the choice of records...........
M at 13:22:23 Friday November 10 2000
.................and can we have a calendar as well?
PATTCOBB at 13:19:53 Friday November 10 2000
May I suggest that whatever song we sing we could never come anywhere near the crescendo that Stoke seemed to make on Tues it's just not in our nature.........But for what it's worth what about an anthem such as Land of hope and glory or even better Jerusalem,which as far as I'm aware no other club sings.
HAPPY COBBLER at 13:18:19 Friday November 10 2000
EASY SOLUTION TO SINGING PROBLEMS.
ALL PEOPLE WHO WANT TO REALLY SING....SIT IN THE SOUTH END OF THE WEST STAND.
SIMPLE.
NEAR THE AWAY FANS.CREATE BANTER,CREATE NOISE!!!!!!
IF YOU ARE A SO-CALLED NOISY NORTH STANDER...GET UP TO THE WEST STAND AND JOIN IN THE FUN!
Don in Ealing at 12:51:32 Friday November 10 2000
To Richard (IK'CIWT) - What's happened to your brilliant match reports? Nothing since October 4th!
Noise at 12:38:16 Friday November 10 2000
Mozart - can you give us the words to Cant help falling in love - if its the one I think it is I think it would work really well. It's good that this has caused lively debate - I didn't expect everyone to agree. Is it the one which ends "I cant help falling in love with you?" Very true - We love you Cobblers - we do.
Kevin Wilson at 12:24:21 Friday November 10 2000
All I want is for you guys the supporters of Northampton Town to come and cheer us on...if you do and we do well I can get a really good contract at a decent club hee hee
Bedford Howey-Granger at 12:21:35 Friday November 10 2000
What an absolute pile of trot !
Old Farter Von Booganschaftre at 12:16:6 Friday November 10 2000
Spasticates the lot of you,go blow it out your collective arses the reason Fields Of Green won awards and brought noteriety was because it was unique and reflective of an emotion and value....all you lot are coming up with is the same dross and Doddicle drivel that the likes of dimwit Stokies or Poohites chant MartinW may well be The total cumquat but he nevertheless has a reasonable idea as to what certain things are all about..(these are not the views of anyone other than myself and the only people I wish to offend are the idiots who don't have a ferkin clue...)
M at 12:1:55 Friday November 10 2000
Grand Old Duke Of York and lyrics quoted earlier are easy to remember, and for those kids who dont know the words , they at least can sing the original rhyme. Lets do it
Anon at 12:1:25 Friday November 10 2000
......or "Tears for Souvenirs" by Ken Dodd
Mozart at 11:57:41 Friday November 10 2000
The thing about a good song is that the notes flow and it has simple lyrics. Thats why Delilah and Goodnight Eileen are so easy to sing and loads of people join in. If someone can think of a good "standard" that really flows then it could prove popular at Sixfields. How about "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Andy Williams?
Dyl at 11:33:15 Friday November 10 2000
Green Green Grass doesn't have a rousing enough chorus and how many people under 40 know the words? How about New York New York? At least everyone knows it.
George - Bucks No1 Cobbler at 11:20:54 Friday November 10 2000
PLEASE for thr love of god will someone send me a team photo of the cobblers for this year!!!!! Try this address dont think the is a limit for the size!!!!! PLEASE
M at 10:15:54 Friday November 10 2000
can we have something in place for tomorrows game. Our lads deserve it
Anon at 9:55:4 Friday November 10 2000
MartinW strikes again. The whole point to Delilah is its irrelavancy - lets chose a song and not try changing the lyrics! I too like the idea of Green green grass of home - any more irrelevant ideas anyone?
Dyl at 9:34:56 Friday November 10 2000
Stoke only sang Delilah after they scored, and started with the bit: "she stood there laughing...." which allows them to have a laugh at our expense.
Anon at 8:46:24 Friday November 10 2000
Wonder what hes on?
Anon at 0:13:41 Friday November 10 2000
Did anyone else notice that Arsenal are about to sign Mark Ovendale, former Cobblers keeper, to replace Seaman?
Ben Wright at 23:33:2 Thursday November 9 2000
I must say the Stoke song 'Dellila' has a great build up and is by far the best song sang by supporters at ang ground in my opinion. I always remember playing Stoke in the Coca Cola Cup a few years ago at Sixfields and when i heard it , i thought what a loud song that seems to get everybody going, i want to hear it again.(I know it sounds sad). I remember when at the County Ground, we used to sing a lot of songs that were good, but for some reason they are not heard at Sixfields anymore. Does anybody remember that song that had a part went, 'He goes down the left wing, he goes down the right, he couldn't score a goal if he had all f**king night'. Also there is the song about Boro, When i was just a little boy i asked my mother what should i be...........u know the rest. The later is heard sometimes but the other one is never sang. What about the song 'I was born on the Hotel End', theres another 1 for ya. Te song that gets everybody going in my opinion is 'We all follow the Cobblers over land and sea... that seems to get everybody singing as most people know the words and when it is sung the second time round, it is really loud and sounds impressive. It would be great to have a song like Dellila though as i love singing at football matches as it creates such a great atmosphere. How i would love to experience singing Dellila with the Stoke fans. What a sad tosser i sound like. O well who cares UP THE COBBLERS
Anon at 22:20:46 Thursday November 9 2000
How about replacing Caroline with Northampton?
Neil Diamond at 22:3:12 Thursday November 9 2000
"When it began I can't begin to knowing, but I know its getting strong. Was in the spring, spring then became the summer who would have thought you'd come along.... hands reaching hands touching me touching you.... la la la.... SWEET CAROLINE, good times never felt so good. I'm feeling fine, I never thought they would oh no no"
OED at 21:39:37 Thursday November 9 2000
I think the word you want is staring
Anon at 20:59:58 Thursday November 9 2000
And that should be stareing
Deepcut Cobbler at 20:58:24 Thursday November 9 2000
Re Crowd Noise. Ageed about the types of stands or terracing having a great influence on how noise is transmitted to the rest of the ground. Away crowds are the test because, as said previously, home singers are disseminated around the ground whereas away fans are concentrated. That reminds me..Why was the P@@h fan streing at the carton of orange juice. It said concentrate. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
Mohammed Rahman at 19:26:16 Thursday November 9 2000
I live 2 minutes away from sixfields but am studying at stoke. All i can say is, great result on Tuesday, lets just hope in February when you play Stoke at home you kick their arses
Mark Too at 18:55:13 Thursday November 9 2000
How about this for a new song... If Stoke can do Delillah how about us "doing" Green Green grass of home.. another Tom Jones number. Sort of fits with "fields of Green" also. No idea about lyrics for it though!
TRB Mark at 18:36:54 Thursday November 9 2000
Stoke were only loud when they were singing! Seriously though, there is a great book called "Dicks out " that I have just finished reading which catalogues (in an amusing way) the songs of the country's league clubs. (Cobblers get a good write up, the Pooh sections starts of with "Oh dear")There are some great irrelevant songs! Fields of green is great because it is the only version sung by of all the clubs that has lyrics that relate to the area (River Nene, market place ). It is a top effort which was taken up by all the fans but has someone pointed out, it's losts it's vim. It should'nt be beyond someone to put lyrics to say, a Slade song which should catch on. OK , here's one to sing at Londdon Road on Dec 23rd. "So here it is Merry Christmas Cobblers fans are having fun. Look to the future as we thrash the f**ckin' scuuuuuuuuu-uuuuu-uuuum!" (Sos about the swear word!
new hooligan site at 18:26:44 Thursday November 9 2000
new & updated hooligan site . now online are boys from every club .
Anon at 17:42:30 Thursday November 9 2000
We could of course revert to "Daisy, daisy" - thats fairly naff.
Anon at 17:41:32 Thursday November 9 2000
Sweet Caroline sounds good to me.
Noise at 17:40:44 Thursday November 9 2000
That is what I meant - something like that - I think something irrelevant could catch on. Writing our own words to the GODOY would just be fun in the short term - Stoke and Rovers are now assocaited with their songs - And they seem to get louder and more impressive.
To Noise at 16:44:40 Thursday November 9 2000
How about Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline??? Brings back memories of the nightclub in Torquay
Paul S at 16:34:12 Thursday November 9 2000
Apparently they were published in the first fanzine of the year - either that or anon is telepathic
Anon at 16:24:12 Thursday November 9 2000
Atkins f*cked it up,He got the sack and then,Kevin Wilson took the job,And now we're back again!
And when we were up, we were up
And when we were down, we were down
But we are never half way up
`Cause we're Northampton Town
Ray at 16:20:0 Thursday November 9 2000
I have the lyrics to the GODOY - and if I hear it sung then Andy gets a bottle of something.
M at 16:11:33 Thursday November 9 2000
Paul get it published, we need a wide range, so we can keep it going
Paul S at 16:10:11 Thursday November 9 2000
My mate Andy has created some excellent lyrics for the Grand Old Duke of York, a song that every body knows and of no relevance to football at all - perfect. And all those references to going up and going down matches our recent seasons' form.
M at 16:10:10 Thursday November 9 2000
Ray what a good idea, get the chron to join in and the radio, well just the Chron then. If you do it on here not all will see it. When we sing the team definately appear to more motivated. It's when we stop they lose interest as well. As they keep saying, we play a part in this as much as they do. No noise means no motive, show them we care and they will also. Sermon over
Ray at 15:51:29 Thursday November 9 2000
"Land of Hope and Cobblers"? Shall I run a compo for the lyrics?
Noise at 15:14:5 Thursday November 9 2000
So lets adopt an irrelevant song like Bristol Rovers and Stoke City have. Anyone any suggestions? Anything to get everyone singing! It is best something old so everyone knows it - it doesn't have to be good - just loud! I loved Stokes build up to the punch line of their song.
Mozart at 14:15:34 Thursday November 9 2000
The amount of noise that is heard when you travel away depends on the ground, or more to the point if the stand you are in has got a roof. Plenty of noise from the 350 or so who went to Millwall also plenty of noise at Luton and Port Vale but at Cambridge and Bristol Rovers it seemed very quiet. It also depends on how we are playing and although Wycombe and Bury have a roof there wasn't much to shout about. Lot's of noise at Wigan though, but for all the wrong reasons
Gervaese at 14:1:58 Thursday November 9 2000
I thought Stoke's 'Delilah' was great, original and I always look forward to hearing it. I also agree that too much singing/chanting involves gratuitous cussing which I personally find difficult to join in. I'll do a 'Jaime-Jaime' or a Come on Cobblers' but I draw the line at some of the more inane stuff. I disagree that we have been noisy and loud at away games, in fact it has been remarked upon several times just how quiet we have been lately. Fields of Green appears to have lost it's vim and gusto too. So there you have it, another opinion for what it is worth.
Mozart at 13:58:10 Thursday November 9 2000
The problem with creating lots of noise at Sixfields is that those who like to sing and chant are split between the North and West Stands. Except when we score the noise from the East Stand is minimal and is generally limited to the noise made by kids urged on by the stupid dragons drum. Away fans usually make more noise than home fans as NTFC supporters do when they travel away. The lack of vocal support is also a consequence of an all seater ground - at the County Ground it was much easier for the "choir" to be in one place. I doubt if things will change much and the atmosphere that was created for the Bristol Rovers play off game isn't going to happen every week. We also have a very limited number of songs that most fans would want to join in with - as Noise say's. Pity we haven't got a song like Delilah or Illene, Fields of Green is OK but it's not exactly the sort of song that gets everyone going.
Noise at 13:33:7 Thursday November 9 2000
Perhaps I have selective hearing problems then because I can hear the away fans perfectly ok. I agree with Sensitive - sing more positive songs - anyone with half an ounce of intelligence isn't going to bother with 'Who the f***** hell are you'.
Simon at 13:16:27 Thursday November 9 2000
Ohhh Jaime Jaime Jaime Jaime Jaime FORRESTER
Forrester the greatest!
To Noise at 13:0:21 Thursday November 9 2000
Go get a hearing aid, in your humble opinion the North Stand could hardly be heard from the half way line. Not a fact, just an opinion!
Anon at 12:49:1 Thursday November 9 2000
.
Sensitive at 12:43:52 Thursday November 9 2000
I think it would help create more atmosphere and get more people joining in if most of the songs and chants didn't involve abusing the opposition fans
Noise at 12:35:16 Thursday November 9 2000
To 'To Noise' Yes I do and I also know that compared to Stoke - we are not 'damn loud' away. It seems it when you are in the middle of it but if you sit on the halfway line you just get a wimper from Cobblers fans compared to what Stoke offered. Also - when did the Cobblers last create a decent atmosphere away? We were relatively quiet again on Saturday. George - the North stand can hardly be heard from the halfway line - whereas Stoke - they were very impressive.
frank sinatra at 10:12:45 Thursday November 9 2000
first division here come right back were we started from lalalal foregot the bloody words.hows it go again dean?????.
George at 10:10:36 Thursday November 9 2000
You could never say the North Stand are quiet, unless you were going to say the West stand is pathetic! I base this on the fact that more of the North Stand sing and are concentrated in a smaller area. The West stand does have some good moments, but generally because it is so spread out, it translates to very little in terms of noise!
frank sinatra at 10:8:28 Thursday November 9 2000
glory ,glory hallelujah glory, glory hallelujah as the town go marching on
To Noise at 10:4:34 Thursday November 9 2000
Noise, do you go to away matches? If you did you would know that away fans singing louder than home fans is a usual phenomenon. why? Home fans that sing are diluted around the ground whereas away fans have concentrated quantities of singers. Yes Stoke were particularly loud for away fans but we are pretty damn loud when we are away too.
frank sinatra at 9:57:43 Thursday November 9 2000
oh when the town come marching in oh when town come marching in i wana be on that number ,when the town come marching in
TRB Mark at 9:52:33 Thursday November 9 2000
Deepcut Cobbler. Away fans are bound to respond to the SW standers as you are right next to each other. You have to make less effort than the North standers to make yourself heard and the construction of the West stand should make the same amount of fans singing sound louder too. Anyway, the whole of the ground was singing "Your're not singing" after the first equaliser. But as "Noise" pointed out, it's not the quantity of fans, but the amount that are prepared to stand up and sing that is important. This is why 5,000 people at Nene Park isn't that intimidating.
Noise at 9:20:32 Thursday November 9 2000
North stand - you are quiet. I sit centrally and the away fans are louder 90% of the time. Sing Up! Stoke seem to be 10 times louder than anyone else when they come to sixfields - perhaps they all sing unlike a small group at sixfields. The other loudest I recall were Bristol Rovers once or twice - the connection - stupid songs like Irene and Dellila - perhaps we should adopt one?!
Paul S at 8:30:16 Thursday November 9 2000
Sitting close to the front row is something all fans should experience regularly. The difference in perspective, to that seen by the players, is eye-opening and makes you realise that the killer pass that is so clear to all and sundry isn't at all obvious to the players on the pitch. It makes you appreciate the precision long passes, as shown by Gabbiadini on Tuesday, even more.
Pog at 1:12:20 Thursday November 9 2000
Personaly I Like to sit low down, you then see the game as you do from a players perspective, not a pigeons !!!! I do agree though that the north stand should be enlarged, but I will stick to my seat in row B.
Deepcut Cobbler at 23:40:38 Wednesday November 8 2000
The South West Standers do have an effect "....scarcely had time to bait the irritating mob of home fans to our left before we were pinned back on level terms..." Quote from the Stoke chat page. Well done the SW Standers. Good result bearing in mind our depletion. Can the playing against ten men be practised in training? And the under side of the bar header WAS saved by our Welchie. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!
tony at 22:14:0 Wednesday November 8 2000
You're right Mickey. Being so low behind the goal means you can't see anything except goalmouth action. Which is ok for some people, but it's always the seats empty, except for kids, at other games. It's sad that a great view is high up behind a goal, and we just don't have that at Sixfields. On another matter, with the great success of our attacking trio. don't forget if a player gets the opportunity to move to a higher club it's impossible, and unfair to block his career. Hopefully we can persuade them that they can play 1st division football with us, but it's not usually a money issue. If they want to go then the best we can do is get the most for them, otherwise you are left with an unhappy player, and how are you going to motivate him?
Mickey at 21:46:25 Wednesday November 8 2000
If everybody is moaning about teams cheating against us, y dont we just do the same and cheat as well. It seems to work to an extent. On the North v West stand issue, y doesnt everbody sing together and create an intimidating atmosphere for the away team. (Remember Bristol Rovers in the Play-Offs? What an atmosphere) I agree with ya Tony and the North stand does need to be increased first to give a better view of the pitch. It needs to be two tiers high like at Millwall.
Tony at 21:10:38 Wednesday November 8 2000
I would love to sit at the North Stand, but the problem is that it is all so low you can hardly work out what's happening. So I end up at various seats in the West Stand, with a decent view and no excitment around me. I know there are many others doing exactly the same. The first expansion has to be on the North Stand, and then we can recreate the atmosphere we had at the back of the Hotel.
Wellingborough Cobbler at 21:6:47 Wednesday November 8 2000
Our good friend Ray Warburton was in attendance last night at sixfields along with carlo, but i cant see him coming back to the cobblers though i would love him to. I have a funny feeling that Gabbi might become first team coach/ast. manager, he is good mates with wilson and was also captain last night and on the money he's on he needs to do more work! so once he has moved down here and setteled in it will only be a matter of time. On the forrester issue the club should come out and say he is valued at £2m+, this should put of most clubs and then we can keep him and his golden boots!
Disgusted of Northampton at 20:54:33 Wednesday November 8 2000
With reference to last nights game, or in Stoke's case, gamesmanship. They took a dive everytime we attacked, trying to break up the pattern of play and when they were attacking, dove trying to get a penalty. As someone mentioned, the best moment of the game was Stoke singing, you're not singing anymore as Jamie blasted in the first equaliser. And to join in the West v North argument, the West stand has been very disappointing so far this season. We can hardly hear you lot from the North stand (last night excepted, which was a better all round effort. Why don't we ever yell "Claret, Claret, Claret??) When I sat in the West stand, near the away end for the Fulham game, we could easily hear the North Stand, even though it was only half full.
Anyone wanting to see the goals tonight on Telly, I hope you didn't bother tuning into Look Norwich. They showed highlights, not just the goals from the Norwich v B'ham game, showed the goalscorer and goalkeeper playing Nintendo (The goalscorer won 8-0) then showed the goalscorer cuddling his baby etc. etc.. When they went back the studio, the presenters chatted about the game and the baby for at least another minute and then one of them said, "Oh and by the way, Northampton drew 2-2 with Stoke." Tossers!. I'm going to phone to complain tommorrow. This is NOT what I pay my licence fee for.
The Drilling Cobbler at 20:28:51 Wednesday November 8 2000
Does anybody know the predicted comeback date for Howie? The chron also seems to inform us on the Hunter situation but never seems to mention Howie. Is it a case of 'no news is good news' or is Howies retirement iminent? Also, why not offer Warburton an assistent player managers role? He always made it clear that he wanted to go into coaching at the end of his playing career - not only would we be getting a 100% Northampton Town man for the job, it would also go along way to solving our defensive crisis. The Sammo/Warburton partnership was always the best, with Hope as well we would be fairly formidable in that position again. Money may be an obstable, but The Hendon sale/wages but the other Kevs wages would surely counter balance it. And it would F*ck up the inbread villagers whos manager according to the chron has buggered off too the Carribean for a mid season break. Now thats commitment for you!
Joe at 19:42:28 Wednesday November 8 2000
Rotherham were in the third division last season, and so must have known that we are incapable of winning against ten men, so Braunston was sacrificed very quickly with the resulting desired result. Stoke, seeing by half time that we were about to humiliate them, drew straws and the loser was off within a minute of the restart. Expect to see lots of opposition players making rash challenges at Sixfields in the future, as how else are they going to beat us?
Anon at 19:39:18 Wednesday November 8 2000
City's bid for Abbey rejected
Eastern Daily Press - 07/11/00
Norwich City have been hit with an angry hands-off warning by Cambridge United after Bryan Hamilton offered a six-figure sum PLUS two of his own players for their 23-year-old attacker Zema Abbey.
Norwichs approach for Abbey who has scored five goals in 16 games this season was confirmed last night by Cambridge chairman Reg Smart.
The Abbey Stadium chairman also warned Hamilton not to take advantage of the fact that the Second Division club is currently in the throes of negotiating a new contract with their star striker.
Norwichs manager said on Saturday that he had tabled bids for two strikers and the EDP revealed that one of them was Abbey. Hamilton did not say that his package included two current Norwich squad members but Smart confirmed that his manager Roy McFarland was offered a couple of players who didnt interest him in any case.
It was a six-figure offer, but apart from being far too small, we didnt like the way they wanted to pay it. It also involved a swap for two Norwich players who Roy McFarland didnt fancy, the United chairman said. Smart added that the fee offered was nowhere near our valuation of the player.
Abbey only joined Cambridge from non-league Hitchin in February for £15,000, and was given a one-year deal. That means he will be out of contract at the end of this season, and although McFarland has offered him an extension, patience at the Abbey Stadium is wearing thin over the matter.
Smart said: It seems Zemas agent is hawking him around, while hes still under contract to us. And my message to anybody thinking they can take advantage of the situation is that the boy is not for sale.
McFarland himself added: My door has always been open to Zema and we may have made a bit of progress. But we have to go on from there now, and not take another step back. Im still having problems with Zemas agent, and there has to come a time, fairly soon, when we put a time limit on the negotiations.
When the Norwich boss Hamilton was asked directly yesterday whether Abbey was one of the two players he had submitted offers for, he insisted: I dont really discuss names. I feel thats sad because what it does, it undermines the manager of the other club. We asked about six or seven strikers last week and well try to treat each club with respect and hope that we come to a conclusion. When we do, it will either be an announcement of a signing or well go down another route.
Even though McFarland appears ready to slap a deadline on the contract talks, Cambridge clearly wont let Abbey go on the cheap. But if Hamilton is convinced that the Luton-born striker is the right man to ease his attacking problems caused by the departures of Craig Bellamy and Tony Cottee and the long-term injury to Gaetano Giallanza then he might do well to match the asking price.
Last season and then again in the summer - the Canaries were linked with Colchester hotshot Lomana Tresor Lua Lua but refused to meet the transfer fee being requested understood to have been about £1million at that time.
It was to prove a mistake, as the price quickly doubled and soon Lua Lua joined Newcastle United for £2.25million. Perhaps Abbeys valuation will rocket in much the same way between now and the end of the campaign.
Also of great interest is who the two players Hamilton offered McFarland in part-exchange might have been. Naturally, Cambridge were reticent to say but its possible that they could have been Adrian Coote for whom Hamilton has said he will listen to offers and Adrian Forbes. Both men are out of contract at the end of this season and neither has been offered new deals.
Forrester next on the list?
Anon at 19:18:29 Wednesday November 8 2000
Im bored so im going to have a moan. 9 out of 23 home games this season are all ticket matches and i bet the Millwall and Wigan games will also be made all ticket. 'What a joke' Sort it out. There u go ive had my moan. Sorted.
Just Enquiring at 19:10:44 Wednesday November 8 2000
Does anybody know if the away game at Boro is going to be made all ticket for away fans? Also how well are tickets selling for the home game against them?
Atmosphere Man at 19:8:12 Wednesday November 8 2000
Yeah good point 'M'. Is the scoreboard ever gonna b fixed? How can anybody say that the West Stand is quiet? The corner of the West stand by the away fans is by far the noisest part of the ground except for the away end. Once upon a time the North Stand was the loudest place to sit but not anymore. I still believe though that the atmosphere has slightly died over the years at home, but our away support is magnificant, loud and a good number of people travelling. Wait until the Boro game and then the place will b rocking, including the East Stand with Clarence
Anon at 16:43:39 Wednesday November 8 2000
Dek... why do you only contribute when we have'nt won? you only come on here to slag off various players and Kevin Wilson etc.
M at 15:54:6 Wednesday November 8 2000
and Ray you're right, that guy who kept running was entertaining, nearly as funny as the lino a few years back. Who tripped over twice during a reserve game. Now that was funny
M at 15:52:42 Wednesday November 8 2000
but what about the scoreboard?
marco at 15:43:53 Wednesday November 8 2000
can't be much going on if we're arguing about stands...
North Stand Lad at 15:26:22 Wednesday November 8 2000
Your not very "happy" are you Happy? You should work on that, and I should explain the concept of singing is to make noise. Something the West Stand is not renowned for in recent months! Its a well known fact!
An eaststander at 14:30:0 Wednesday November 8 2000
I sit in the East stand and we were deffinately the noisiest last night. Infact my Wife and small children have to wear head phones to protect their ears because its that deafening!
Happy Cobbler at 14:1:40 Wednesday November 8 2000
Dear North Stand Lad!
You've obviously not been in the south end of the west stand.
The card board cut outs you refer to are some of the most animated and vociferous supporters that NTFC has. Both home and away...those card board cut outs are there every week...either being very loud or in some cases doing a bit more than that with the opposing fans...which I don't condone!
You should try and get a ticket for the Boro game where we all sit....i.e near the away fans, not so far away that you can hardly see their end let alone the whites of their eyes!!!!
Come and sit with the card board cut outs.....see how much fun can be had with a proper view of the game and a good load of banter with the away fans.
Dyl at 13:21:9 Wednesday November 8 2000
Would have to agree that the North Stand were singing well last night. All I can think is that the wind/rain killed the noise.
North Stand Lad at 13:20:2 Wednesday November 8 2000
North Stand not singing? Well Happy, apart from the start when the West Stand had the odd "ruffle" of a song the North Stand were in fine voice. Anyway, even if the West stand had outsung the North Stand, it would hardly make up for the cardboard cutouts we usually see there!
M at 12:46:59 Wednesday November 8 2000
but what about the scoreboard - and can we have a calendar the same as Cambridge United have? I quite fancy looking at some part naked Cobbler players throughout the year
Colour clashes at 12:44:22 Wednesday November 8 2000
When did they become the home teams problem? I hope we insist on playing in claret at their place and make them find a third kit.
Ray at 12:37:28 Wednesday November 8 2000
Absolutely - I chuckled about that particular incident all the way home.
Anon at 11:52:3 Wednesday November 8 2000
Our home kit is quite dark and would have been similar to the Stoke away kit. But the white flashings on the arms and sides of our kit is also similar to Stoke's red/white combo. SO the only option was for us to play in the away colours.
M at 11:28:24 Wednesday November 8 2000
and what about the scoreboard, will it ever be fixed. I thought the playing in yellow was a ploy to make the crowd think they were playing away and get behind the team more. Still plenty of noise from the West stand, we still need to be a bit more vocal to be totally convincing. Stoker were very loud!!
Why... at 11:0:17 Wednesday November 8 2000
...did we play in yellow?
PATTCOBB at 10:55:22 Wednesday November 8 2000
May i suggest that the reason we played in yellow last night was because our floodlights are a load of cr*p come on council sort it out and the two week old puddle at top of north stand hill and the all-ticket fiascos........great game though...
dyl at 10:35:54 Wednesday November 8 2000
for any stoke fans still doubting that their goals took deflections, check http://www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk/cobblers.htm The 1st is a slight deflection and the 2nd is a huge looper. Forrester's goal was class on the other hand, and Howard's was well worked.
Dyl at 10:16:56 Wednesday November 8 2000
The booking of Marco last night was ridiculous. He was pushed, 2 handed from behind straight into the goalkeeper. He couldn't have avaoided him, and got booked. Once Gabbi was booked his combative play was curtailed and we looked less of a team. Still, we have gained a little ground in the league. Some of our play was awesome last night. Unfortunately Stoke, like Rotherham before them know how to play with a man less better than we know how to play with a man extra. There was some cynical play acting from Stoke players, like the guy who went to ground when we were in their area, lay prone until they cleared the ball and then got up immediately the danger was past. Still, we got a point from an excellent (albeit physical) Stoke team.
Ray at 10:5:27 Wednesday November 8 2000
......perhaps because we played in yellow last night?
Please Help at 10:4:50 Wednesday November 8 2000
Lost all my data. What's the address of MartinW's site as I need to see the last 2 game's goals.
Lancaster Cobbler at 10:3:59 Wednesday November 8 2000
Why in the Chron on-line is there a photo of us palying in yellow at home?
MartinW at 1:3:46 Wednesday November 8 2000
A case of from the sublime to the ridiculous. From the finest half of entertaining football I can remember at Sixfields to the worst nonsense I can remember. We were begging the ref not to have one of their players sent off in the second half because it would mean the kiss of death.
But why? We played sublime devil may care passing football in the first. Lost two tough goals, from the negative side we looked wide open in defence as we ploughed kamikaze-like forward. Then in the second we reverted to long ball and again mentally went to sleep because we thought we had won it before we had won it. Then we could not string two passes together the crowd got restless and Stoke should have won it. Hodgey was typical of the contrast of halves, he was taking all on in the first but in the second could not pass water. The ref missed two blatant handball pens on both sides - but that was the sub plot. And, god it was agony and ecstasy. If Willo's new attacking 4-3-1-2 option is the masterplan for the future minus the other Kev then I would be worried about our defence. And it will not do much for my heart. I left a bit pissed off. The lack of balls we showed at the end was quite depressing. But then I think of the first half and one touch football, a fantastic free kick move which Hargreaves could easily have scored from from long range and just fantastically incisive defence splitting move and I glow. It's a strange feeling. But maybe this attacking line up is forced on us because of the defensive injuries. Maybe the players need to get used to this line up. One thing's for sure things have radically changed on the field since the other Kev's departure. Most people would have taken a draw at the start of this and we got one. But I'm a greedy bastard and I just think playing ten men again for so long should have generated a win.
SHOCK HORROR ALL THE ACTION WILL BE READY TO VIEW THIS MORNING ON www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk
Oh and George, I live in Aylesbury. So I can't follow the Cobblers really and my opinions are not worth a sack of sh"$£. Ha ha.
Spring Park Cobbler at 0:39:42 Wednesday November 8 2000
Just got back in and reading through the comments. I thought we were excellent in the first half playing some lovely one touch stuff and looking very confident. Stoke's first goal was well taken i.e. shoot on sight and look for the deflection but we allowed them to run with the ball and instead of challenging gave them the chance to shoot. Forrester's equaliser was a cracker. Every week we seem to say goal of the season when he scores. Their second goal was the result of following basics once again - shoot on sight and look for the deflection but in this case they were really fortunate and the ball looped over Welch.
Second half belonged to Stoke after the sending off. Did Welch punch that one out that rattled under the cross bar? Although we had our chances we never looked in control and our play was very ragged. I think our players may have been tiring on a very wet and heavy pitch and Stoke overcame their 10 man problem by making a double substitition and bringing fresh legs into the game. Our injury problems made substitutions difficult and I think we were all grateful for the draw in the end.
Light relief was provided by their guy who was booked for time wasting after ignoring the whistle and carrying on towards goal. Who did he think he was helping?
Incidentally I thought Hunt was our best player. We lack bite in midfield particularly as Hargreaves is playing as left back but with our tiny squad it is difficult to see what else we can do at the moment.
General feeling at the King Billy after the match was that we would have been happy with a draw before the game as Stoke looked a fairly solid, physical side.
Excellent season so far, can't believe how well we are doing. Unlike our recent spells in this division I haven't seen any outstanding footballing sides except ourselves.Hoping that Walsall are that side and that it will be the game of the season when we play them.
Carl at 0:6:52 Wednesday November 8 2000
Oh shit I can't be arsed......
Bristol Mick at 0:2:26 Wednesday November 8 2000
Cheadle Cobbler. Ye I am a season ticket holder at the brit. BTW Peter Coates was there tonight having a drink b4 the game in one of those restauranty/pub places by the ground. When he was noticed by the stokies they wanted to ask him for his views on the constant decline throughout his chairmanship. He was taking none of the blame though and tried to pin all the blame on Macari!
I bet your glad he aint a cobbler...hang on a minute though perhaps heis I haven't seen him at any other Stoke games this season.
BM
DEK at 23:36:44 Tuesday November 7 2000
At the moment there are worst players than Hunt but our player of the season WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU ON. How many games has he won us, How many goals has he scored, how many chances has he created let alone goals created. He runs from side to side wins a few tackles if the other player isn't looking, loses 85% of all headers, oh but he can pass the ball backwards and sideways. Savage just makes him look good.
Age has nothing much to do with it.
Cheadle Cobbler at 23:32:58 Tuesday November 7 2000
Bristol Mick-if you are a Stoke 'fan',let me tell you that I have
listened to 30 years of how great Stoke are and how they should be in the p'ship and every game they have ever played in they are the better side,but they are still in the old 3rd. div. and massively in debt and need to rely on a 'sugar daddy' from the Arctic Circle
p.s.
long live Peter Coates!
Stoke Fan at 23:32:10 Tuesday November 7 2000
Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge, We're a big club and should be presented with three points Whinge Whinge (Even though we bring less away fans than Cheltenham for a night game)
I cant hear u at 23:30:13 Tuesday November 7 2000
wheres everybody 2nite?
I think not at 23:23:46 Tuesday November 7 2000
DEK, what r u going on about? James Hunt has been excellent 4 us this season and is a very good young player who shows some fighting passion out there. Open your eeyes.
Someone who tells it as it is and faces reality at 23:21:36 Tuesday November 7 2000
Excellent first half display by the Cobblers, but an absolutely shite display of football in the second half. Stoke played the better and deserved all the points, but luckily we hung on. The people who choose the man of the match winner must of been watching a different game as JAMES HUNT was by far our best player on the pitch and in my eyes has been our player of the season so far with his consistently good fighting performances. Another cracking goal by that man, JAMIE FORRESTER. Its gonna be hard to hold onto him if he carries on playing and scoring like he is. Is anybody else apart from the strikers gonna score for us this season or what? What i cant understand is why did they suddenly stop playing in the second half? Surely with Stoke having a player sent off that should give us the insentive to stretch them all over the pitch and destroy them. But no, there was no pride or passion showed as nobody wanted the ball as they went back to their old style of just hoofing it. For christ sake just challenge the opposition when they have the ball. Not to worry though we're still sixth in the league with a game in hand on some sides, but we have to make it count. UP THE COBBLERS
DEK at 23:17:41 Tuesday November 7 2000
Den, You obviously like your midfielders to play centre half, tapping the ball BACKWARDS all the time. 1st half we we excellent at times if a little wayward in shape but 2nd half the midfield and defence were nothing short of a DISGRACE. My 8 month old covers more ground in his walker than that lot. Wilson got further forward than Savage before he was chucked back into his own box.I know that we are very short of players but we need a central midfielder FAST I mean Savage is making even Hunt look good!! Also what is the point of having a reserve side, ie: Gould, Ryan kid, etc if they cannot get 15 minutes tonight when are they ever going to play. Why do we waste money paying them ?
Bristol Mick at 23:3:42 Tuesday November 7 2000
Den
Interesting to see your views from a Northampton prospective.
Aint it weird though how both Stoke goals were undeserved lucky deflections, yet yours were both well taken and deserved. You dont mention the sloppy Stoke defending that the talk radio reporter desribed at length for your first, or the fortunate rebound that occured for your second.
You did mention that our no 19 was sent off, but who do you think the player was who headed against the bar AFTER the sending off, blimey it was our no 19 Stefan Thordarsson,so we have cheated as well then have we??
Thomas was the player dismissed no 23 so does this throw any doubt on the rest of your observations?
BM
Den at 22:36:11 Tuesday November 7 2000
Just got back from the game. 2-2 Forrester & Howard for the cobbs and 2 deflected shots for Stoke. City were very dissapointing until they had a man sent off in the 2nd half. It was only then that they looked any good. 1st half saw the Cobblers play some excellent football and end up being 0-1 and 1-2 down. Stoke 1st goal was against the run of play after a corner was half cleared to Cavannagh whose shot was deflected past Welch. Thw cobbs stormed into the attack and they were rewarded when a through ball was latched onto by Jamie who crashed an unstoppable shot past Muggleton from about 20 yards. We then had a number of chances to score before a wicked deflection off Hope looped over Welch to put Stoke back in front. The Cobblers hit back on 43 minutes when a superb cross from Hodge was headed home by Howard from 6 yards. The half finished with the Cobblers stormng on the attack. Marco had a shot deflected for a corner which was eventually cleared. The 2nd half saw the Cobblers pushing Stoke back until the no. 19 for Stoke was deservedly sent off for a bad tackle from behind on Forrester. The Cobblers then started to give the ball away at every opportunity and Stoke enjoyed their best spell for 20 minutes and should have taken the lead when a cross from the right was headed against the underside of the bar and evetually cleared for a corner. With 10 minutes to go the Cobblers started pushing forward and Marco twice went close. A draw was probably a fair result in the end altho Stoke for me were very dissapointing. Marco was awarded the sponsors MOM but I thought James Hunt had an outstanding game
Cheadle Cobbler at 22:5:55 Tuesday November 7 2000
stoke cobbler-if you want some ammo. for tomorrow, just mention 4.6m in debt and if they don't go up this season the Icelanders will p*ss off back home
Cheadle Cobbler at 21:58:33 Tuesday November 7 2000
Listening to Radio Stoke, you'd have thought they were brazil.
this is the team that would be promoted by Xmas [according to their fans].The radio commentators seemed to think this would be a push-over,then decided that a point was a good result!
2-2 at 21:49:9 Tuesday November 7 2000
I thought we were losing for half the game! Turns out out the commentator can't count! What was all that 2-3 stuff about?
jeff at 21:25:0 Tuesday November 7 2000
whats going on this poxy commentator keeps saying were losing 3-2
stokecobbler at 20:59:47 Tuesday November 7 2000
oops - we're pants v 10
jeff at 20:55:35 Tuesday November 7 2000
stokes thomas just got sent off for
jeff at 20:41:35 Tuesday November 7 2000
half time 2-2 stoke took the lead with a deflected shot jamie equalised only for stoke to score again with a deflection stevie howard pulled it back to 2-2 just before half time
britgal at 20:36:53 Tuesday November 7 2000
2-2, we went down and then equalised twice. The God scored the first, the second by Howard only just trickled over the line. Both the stoke goals were a fluke.... All this info is from the radio-man so i can't guarantee their accuracy! Considering we have so many out, we don;t seem to be struggling. Green was elbowed and The God pole-axed
jeff at 20:36:28 Tuesday November 7 2000
sounds on the radio like a great game
Anon at 20:35:0 Tuesday November 7 2000
steve howard has just equalised to make it 2-2 nearly half time
stokecobbler at 20:31:13 Tuesday November 7 2000
COME ON YOU COBBLEEERRRSSS!!!!!!!!!
what's going on down there in nuffamtunland ? give me some ammo for tomorrow....
Rob at 20:6:56 Tuesday November 7 2000
Come on Town !
Bob Whitworth (ex Vegas Cobbler) at 19:54:43 Tuesday November 7 2000
Saw on teletext that Andy Woodman has been released on a free transfer by Brentford.
NSB at 18:55:17 Tuesday November 7 2000
so what exactly did radio 1 say about us?
stuart at 17:38:18 Tuesday November 7 2000
If the owner of the season ticket for seat number J16 in the north stand is reading this can you please e-mail me.
Many Thanks.
ps if anyone knows this person please e-mail me
cheers again
Kobbler at 15:56:35 Tuesday November 7 2000
My mistake, it should be his last game tonight if he's fit.
Kobbler at 15:43:12 Tuesday November 7 2000
I thought Dryden went back to Southampton? Thats what the Chron said anyway...
Mystic.. at 15:29:22 Tuesday November 7 2000
Sammo definately out...and the word on Green is that he SHOULD be ok to play after he came through a training session ok!!!Think ive heard the same about Dryden aswell(??)
Gow'd knows who else will be at the back though..I mean, Welchy is good, but he's not that good!!!!
Oh well...What will be will be...Im sure it'll be a good game anyway!!
Kobbler at 15:11:4 Tuesday November 7 2000
Is Green definately out? I know sammo is...Gould/thompson at left/right back? Wilson at left back? Blimey.
(TRYING AGAIN!!) COBBLERS GAME MAKES NATIONAL NEWS!!!!! at 15:3:24 Tuesday November 7 2000
Yes..its true yknow...It was Radio 1's last bit of news in the 2.30pm bulletin!!! And this is BEFORE we've even kicked off!!!! LOL!!
Watch out Stoke!!!!
Mystic.. at 15:1:48 Tuesday November 7 2000
YES...Its true y'know!!! It was Radio 1's last bit of news on the 2.30pm bulletin!!!
Amazing eh,folks!!!
Kobbler at 14:41:34 Tuesday November 7 2000
Soz couldn't be arsed scrolling down
Joe at 14:35:33 Tuesday November 7 2000
Oh no, the game is on, and now I'm starting to panic. An inexperienced defence up against Stoke. And who do we think will be captain tonight?
Kobbler at 14:14:51 Tuesday November 7 2000
Is the game on tonight
Anon at 14:3:1 Tuesday November 7 2000
Wayne Kerr? Is he a friend of Isaac Hunt?
PATTCOBB at 13:42:41 Tuesday November 7 2000
And we score a goal from midfield......oh sorry I've really lost it now.......start the van.....I need help......
PATTCOBB at 13:41:5 Tuesday November 7 2000
Here's the scenario......Forrester joins the team from "piss stop on the way to Yarmouth" City, for 750,000 this releases Wilson the cash to buy Daryl Clare for 150,000 a young centre half (note not Dryden) for 100,000 and a midfield playmaker in the mould of former "King of football" Dozzell on a free with cash to the wage bill which would rise.....Gabbi suddenly realises that he is a proven goalscorer and turns up the heat to notch 25 goals this season with Howard and Clare getting 15 apiece to go with Forresters tally of 11.Cobblers gain automatic promotion and bypass Norwich on their way down.Oh and predivtion for tonight a draw but with goals 2-2 maybe although if conditions are really bad perhaps 4-4.........
Martin wont say where he lives?? at 13:16:54 Tuesday November 7 2000
Who can blame him!!!!!
To George at 13:16:9 Tuesday November 7 2000
Tried sending you one last night but file was too big and couldnt get back on the net - will later this week - Trans Vest
George - Bucks No1 Cobbler at 13:12:12 Tuesday November 7 2000
Martin W - where in bucks to you live? Listen people do I smell???? do you think im a posh fan in disguise? WHY WONT ANYONE TELL ME WHERE TO GET A TEAM PIC????????
Loan defender at 12:49:12 Tuesday November 7 2000
When I phoned up to check if game was on I understand that they have signed a defender from Chelsea on loan Wayne Kerr, im looking him up in my Rothmans
Anon at 12:35:29 Tuesday November 7 2000
just had an e-mail and its on so we need to get some defenders in now
Anon at 12:28:9 Tuesday November 7 2000
It's on according to Anglia News.
marco at 12:24:19 Tuesday November 7 2000
game is definitely on the club say
Mr MK at 12:16:52 Tuesday November 7 2000
Just spoke to Nick Ansell and he says the game is ON - there has been no rain in Northampton this morning....
Anon at 12:14:24 Tuesday November 7 2000
Any news on the pitch inspection yet? What time can we expect something?
Anon at 12:10:40 Tuesday November 7 2000
I hear Wal's doing the pitch inspection. Be a good Cobbler, mate, and call it off. I'll buy you a beer in Wheatsheaf next time you're in.
Sibs at 11:20:31 Tuesday November 7 2000
Even if the pitch is 'fit to play' will Stoke get to Northampton? - i heard that the A50 was closed along a section and the M6 and M1 aren't looking to good... is this right?? I assume that should it go ahead we'll be playing 3-4-1-2??? attcking version of 5-3-2?? My Port Vale informant.. ok gf.. says that the Stoke fans she unfortunatly works with have said that Stoke have the habit of changing formation at half time. 4-4-2 first half, 5-3-2 2nd. And that dadasson is not fully fit and runs out of steam. Oh.. and she'd appreciate it if we could stuff 'em!!
Norwich Cobbler at 11:11:36 Tuesday November 7 2000
Hey Twatkins - FARRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!
PATTCOBB at 10:16:27 Tuesday November 7 2000
Yes DYL By all means bring your boots........your wellington boots!!!!
TOP HAT at 10:16:14 Tuesday November 7 2000
SORRY I MEAN DRYDEN, I KNOW WHAT ALL YOU TEACHERS ARE LIKE WITH PICKING UP SPELLING MISTAKES
TOP HAT at 10:14:31 Tuesday November 7 2000
I TOLD YOU IN ON LOAN WILL BE JAMES COPPINGER, PAUL RICKERS AND DRDEN IS SET TO STAY ANOTHER MONTH, AND YES DYL BRING YOUR BOOTS
Dyl at 9:48:52 Tuesday November 7 2000
Ceefax said last night that were down to 15 fit players and only 1 defender. Should I bring my boots tonight?
Pattcobb's new Secretary at 8:34:44 Tuesday November 7 2000
Ohhhhhhh Pattcobb, gimme some more of that luvin......Or maybe you could take me to the game tonight ?? I hear that lasts a little longer ??? he he he :-))
Blob Currier at 8:33:6 Tuesday November 7 2000
Ferkin rain !!! Ferkin Grass !!! Ferkin footballers !!! Wasn`t like this in my day's ..........blah blah blah.......
DavCobbler at 8:31:7 Tuesday November 7 2000
Mornin' folks !! Late for work already so....what the hell !! PATTCOB, look forward to a few swifties at the oasis if were are on tonight mate, take care and c ya's later UTC .....F....F....FTP !!!
Twatkins at 8:30:37 Tuesday November 7 2000
Hey Norwich Cobbler,Blow it out your arse...
Norwich Cobbler at 8:26:6 Tuesday November 7 2000
Wee should read Week - oooopppps!
Norwich Cobbler at 8:24:47 Tuesday November 7 2000
Tony - nothing against Atkins at all,very grateful for what he did for us I am purely interested to know if he does take Carlisle down will this be the first time a manager has taken two different clubs down in consecutive seasons - of course Carlisle is a 'real football club'.Re Norwich - the local press this morning are talking exclusively about Abbey - Norwich offered a six figure sum plus two players.This has been dismissed by McFarland so expect to see him sign later this wee!. No mention of our Jamie so rest easy for the time being.
gomex at 8:11:58 Tuesday November 7 2000
rain in spain rains mostly on the plain.////////////
MartinW at 2:27:2 Tuesday November 7 2000
The Colchester goals are now uploaded. At last. Forrester must stay - he scored as many goals with his head as Howard does!!!
MartinW at 1:1:44 Tuesday November 7 2000
Oh and hands off Jamie!!!! Damn, I vowed I would not comment on speculation.
MartinW at 1:0:48 Tuesday November 7 2000
George, how do you qualify to be Bucks' No 1 Cobbler. Some of us would like to challenge for the title. Or do you hold the IBF version of the title. Ha ha.
george Bucks No1 Cobbler at 0:49:39 Tuesday November 7 2000
C'MON GUYS & girls WHERE CAN I GET APIC OF THE 2000/2001 TEAM FOR MY WALLPAPER AT WORK???????????
A Childs View at 23:37:3 Monday November 6 2000
Jon Kettly - thanks for the weather update, but, I think I'll ring the club tomorrow anyway!! I've just had my e-mail read out on 'Your On Sky Sports!!' WOWEEE!! The bloke who reads them out abbreviated it somewhat, however, it was still good exposure. For those may be interested, it read as follows:
Well done Kevin Wilson and the current crop of Lads at Northampton Town!
We were languishing in 21st place in the 3rd Division at the start of last season, now we are 6th in the 2nd Division and have two games in hand on the leaders. Out of 8 away games, we've won 5! Does any team have a better away record this year?
Kevin Wilson will be given the Northern Ireland job during his career, Jamie Forrester and Steve Howard should be the front pairing for England! Come on Sven, forget all this Premiership nonsense and get yourself down to Sixfields to pick up on real English talent!!
I can't believe it, in 21 years of following the Cobblers the highest league position I can remember us achieving was 2nd in the 2nd Division - I'm getting vertigo and nose bleeds we are so high up!!
Bring on Stoke - we'll have ya!!!
Lee Childs (Aylesbury Cobbler)
I'm off to bed now, too much excitement for one so young!
Storm Warning at 23:20:15 Monday November 6 2000
Hurricane Rosa will hit Acapulco in the next 4 hours, but apart from that Northampton should be ok
A Childs View at 22:36:56 Monday November 6 2000
If they pinch our Jamie I'll personally go to Norwich and give Delia Smith a good slapping! Don't worry though, I'm sure the board realise that Jamie's value can only rise - he won't be going anywhere on the cheap! I'm very excited about tomorrow's game but, in all honesty, we could do with a postponement and taking Stoke on when we have Sammo back. Is the weather sufficiently nasty in Northampton or is the game likely to go ahead?
Waterside Cobbler at 22:22:10 Monday November 6 2000
Twenty three years married to a Norwich City fan ! Imagine how I'm gonna feel if they pinch our best player. Mind you if the home and away performances we watched against Bournemouth in the Worthington they could certainly do with some fresh blood up front
Anon at 22:20:27 Monday November 6 2000
If Jason Roberts was worth 2.5 million to WBA, then our Jamie has to top that. And a wager for you all: what odds that we'll have had more all ticket home games for home fans than the rest of the clubs in the division put together by the end of the season? I've checked all the other fixture lists, so I think the Police do have something to answer for.
PUT THE SPRINKLERS ON at 21:51:5 Monday November 6 2000
Make sure the game is off tomorrow, turn the sprinklers on (by accident of course) only 15 fit players, waterlogged pitch, no game no worries!
Tony at 20:55:12 Monday November 6 2000
Hey Twatkins, how was Wembley?
Middleton Cobbler at 20:52:5 Monday November 6 2000
Norwich Cobbler, Saw Lee Howey in the club shop last week, he said he is quite a way from a come back
Twatkins at 20:47:43 Monday November 6 2000
Hey Tony,Blow it out your arse....
Tony at 20:36:0 Monday November 6 2000
Jeez, Norwich Cobbler, why don't you let go? Atkins got us from nowhere to the play-off final for Div 1. When it started to go wrong we let him go. The last manager to do something similar got a stand named after him. Give him a break.
NSB at 20:34:2 Monday November 6 2000
in that newspaper interview, atkins stated 'a manager should move on when hes hot' what he SHOULD have said was 'a manager should move on when hes lost the plot completely!'
NSB at 20:32:41 Monday November 6 2000
without a doubt, atkins has the odds quite firmly stacked against him, when he arrived he had a playing squad of 7, thats hardly the foundations of a successful season! added to the fact that atkins doesnt seem to be able to manage his way out of a paper bag any more..................
Norwich Cobbler at 20:25:37 Monday November 6 2000
Re my last posting - missed your comment Joe must have been while I was typing - so does anyone know any more? P.S. that also leaves my question about Mr.Atkins and the possibility of a record of two consecutive relegation from the Football League - will he be the first?????
Norwich Cobbler at 20:21:32 Monday November 6 2000
Norwich are after Abbey from Cambridge plus possibly another one.Hamilton seems to be after a target man as he played Lee Marshall normally a midfielder alongside Roberts on Saturday who is a big guy.Forester has not been mentioned by the local press but Abbey has.I think the Cobblers board know that if Jamie knocks in 25+ this season he his Premiership material and we should be looking at £1m +.I will check the Norwich morning paper and update you with any developments.By the way I now know about Larry but what about my other questions posted below particularly what has happended to Lee Howey??????
NSB at 19:55:29 Monday November 6 2000
joe: when you say again..... do you mean EVER again? or just not for a long time??
NSB at 19:54:13 Monday November 6 2000
just reading the paper and iu noticed that we had three strikers on the bench! sollit and gould but no defenders! atkins would have a heart attack!
Joe at 19:39:32 Monday November 6 2000
Yeah, we'd be really likely to sell our proven goal scorer for a cut price in a week where we have only 16 fit players. Game tomorrow looking very dodgy, personally wouldn't mind if it was off to give some of the players time to get fit again. But someone earlier asked about Howey....doubtful that he will play again,very unfortunate.
The Ashford Cobbler at 19:34:53 Monday November 6 2000
Good to see Norwich are looking for taller players. That rules out Jamie!
treenie at 19:13:27 Monday November 6 2000
Enough of this transfer talk. Isn't anyone the slightest bit concerned that if the match does go ahead tomorrow wee've only got 15 players.
Anon at 19:12:33 Monday November 6 2000
Two signings on
By: Ahmad Barclay
Date: 06/11/2000
After the loss of Gaetano Giallanza (left) to injury and Tony Cottee to Barnet, it seems that the Canaries have again stuck their noses in the transfer market. The news came as yesterday Bryan Hamilton confirmed that the club have put in bids to sign two new strikers.
The City boss wouldn't reveal the identities of the two players, saying: "You respect other Club's players and we would not want to unsettle these players unnecessarily by talking about them publicly."
Hamilton did add though: "There has already been a response from one of the Clubs. Naturally their Club wants more money but we will keep negotiating over the next few days."
Your guess is as good as mine as to who the two players are, but with Adrian Coote, Paul Dalglish and Paul McVeigh still in reserve unproven players should be unlikely. Comments from Hamilton in midweek suggested that he's looking for taller players though - so if City sign the unsettled Tore Andre Flo you heard it here first.
Lancaster Cobbler at 18:59:7 Monday November 6 2000
I think Norwich are after Cambridge United's Zema Abbey. I cannot see NTFC selling Forrester when he is the only player scoring on a regular basis, and we are so thin on the ground. Of course if someone offered say £1,500,000 then the board would have to consider it. As long as JF does not have a release clause like Hendon!
Mark Too at 18:45:12 Monday November 6 2000
Do you know something Charles.... Is the tactical genius about to get the big E.
Charles at 18:26:12 Monday November 6 2000
Iwonder what the press room is like at Carlyle
MK18 at 18:22:52 Monday November 6 2000
It's all rumours and what else is there to do on a wet Monday but IF the Cobblers were to sell Jamie Forrester to Norwich for £500,000 I think there would be massive disappointment and crowd reaction. Every player has his price and looking at the quality of goals Jamie has scored and his work rate and general high level of play we have a gem and he is worth much much more. But I would be strongly agianst any sale. His goals can take us to at least the play offs and after that anything is possible. Expect us to be in Div 1 within a few years and drop all this talk of selling JF or any of our top players.
Paddyator at 18:15:19 Monday November 6 2000
Some of the guys on hear blasting off about the police deciding to make tomorrow nights game against stoke all ticket should really think before they get on there soap box. It is a well known fact that stoke have a very active hooligan element. Would the people attacking the police rather we risk a major incident at Sixfields and all the publicity that goes with it just for the sake of a few hundred more people?
pattcobbs new secretary at 17:30:58 Monday November 6 2000
For "Blob" read Paul Currier - groundsman at Sixfields
PATTCOBB at 17:28:44 Monday November 6 2000
So the "all-ticket" debacle goes on.Frankly if the police need to make a wet Tuesday night game with opponents from one hundred miles away (ish) all-ticket then I must presume that they are running scared and not fit to do the job they are assigned to do.There can be no argument against the fact that this type of move by the police is detrimental to the chances of our club progressing.Surely it is up to the club itself to decide on the means of entry to it's games and the police should make the neccesary arrangements thereof after all they are not "the law" they are merely upholders of it.If the game actually goes ahead ( come on "Blob" get those covers on) I personally will be suprised if the attendance reaches any more than five and half thousand.As for the team situation ,hopefully Green will be fit,but if not with no loan signings announced we're in the sh*t aren't we?On second thoughts "Blob" don't get those covers on let the pitch water log......until Saturday
Mark Too at 17:24:56 Monday November 6 2000
500k or 750k ... It's nowhere near what Forrester is worth. If Lua Lua is worth 2.2 million, we have to be looking at something similar that Jamie is worth. With his current goal scoring form, we are likely to get silly bids for him from clubs just in case they are lucky and we sell him for the first reasonable amount we are offered.The club might not have much money at the moment , but surely we are not in a position where we have to sell and accept silly bids.I just hope the board don't see £ signs and sell. If he has to go (and I hope if he does go higher it is with us), then wait until he is the division's top scorer at the end of the season and wait for the really big bids.
Dyl at 17:1:49 Monday November 6 2000
I personally feel that if anyone offered 500k we should turn it down. Forrester is worth at least £999,999.99 (I wouldn't want him to be burdened with Chris Lee-esque expectations). But certainly we should accept no less than 750k. The guy is just too good for Div 2 football so unless we hold onto him until May and win promotion I can't see him staying here for long.
marco at 16:58:58 Monday November 6 2000
that should say messageboards but knowing those norfolk folk....
marco at 16:57:41 Monday November 6 2000
Rumour is rife that Norwich are after Jamie Forrester. They've definitely had a bid turned down for Cambridge's Zema Abbey and are also rumoured to be after Tom Youngs. Apparently, Bryan Hamilton has said he has made bids for two strikers. On the Norwich City massageboards, Forrester is one of the names regularly mentioned. Any one know anything about this? £500,000 is the fee being mentioned...
Lancaster Cobbler at 16:26:13 Monday November 6 2000
Er, according to Soccerbase LArry came on as sub on saturday and has featured in the last 10 games, he wa sout for a month though most of September.
George again at 16:9:54 Monday November 6 2000
Dear Norwich Cobbler, Larry broke his leg in the 3/4 match of the season and will be out for some time
George - Bucks No1 Cobbler at 16:6:31 Monday November 6 2000
Dear all - I'msking for help. Ive just started a new job and need/would like a pic of the team for this year as my saved wallpaper. Can anyone either e-mail me a photo or tell me where I can get one? Please please please please please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all in advance. Long live the Cobblers
Athena at 14:26:56 Monday November 6 2000
Logical thinking would suggest four possible options for tomorrow night: 1)Hope that Green is fit to come back and then play the back four as Saturday. If Green is not fit, 2) Play Howard as a centre half and put Wilson or Morrow up front. 3) Play Wilson as a centre half, or 4) (and the option I pefer as I can't get there tomorrow night), hope it rains like hell and the game is off!!
Dyl at 14:15:40 Monday November 6 2000
One other thing to report about Saturday's game was that Hope was superb in defence.
Ray at 13:49:11 Monday November 6 2000
Pitch inspection tomorrow noon!
Norwich Cobbler at 13:32:21 Monday November 6 2000
Great result on Saturday - positive results in the next two home games could see us sitting very pretty indeed - missing Sammo tomorrow night is a worry though -who do we play to replace him and Dryden? One third of the way through the season and if we carry on picking up points at our current rate a total of 80 points is a possibility. Which leads me on to some questions that I am sure the knowledgable bunch on here will be able to answer. 1. When was the last time the Cobblers were on top of a divisional table - was it for the 4th Div.championship? 2. Where is Larry Grayson - I don't see his name on the Cheltenham scores these days.3.What has happened to Lee Howey - when is he due to be back.4?Will Ian Atkins create a record in taking two different clubs out of the Football League in consecutive seasons? (put that on your CV and smoke it!)
C'mon you Cobblers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anon at 12:47:48 Monday November 6 2000
Has anyone listed to Talk Cobblers? Frankly a waste of money - the recording quality is so poor that you can't hear half of what is being said.
Spring Park Cobbler at 12:27:17 Monday November 6 2000
Any news on the state of Sixfield? The weather forecast for the next couple of days is bad. Talk of major storms for Mon and Tues. The pitch is fairly low lying so I suspect it may be getting a bit iffy for the Stoke game. Let's hope its on because we are looking good and it should be a cracking game.
Jamie Forrester at 12:17:44 Monday November 6 2000
Lets do the Stoke and then we can win the league.
Rob Marshall at 11:18:2 Monday November 6 2000
Final reminder - extra issue of the fanzine out v Frickley - if I get enough articles ...... please!!!!!! Deadline for e-mails - Wednesday.
NSB at 11:15:15 Monday November 6 2000
are we good or are we just bloody brilliant? and did we really play 4 up front?!?
Dyl at 9:51:59 Monday November 6 2000
As for the ref, well he missed 2 pens (one for each side), didn't give a free kick for a blatant pass-back and looked generally iffy. At least he wasn't card happy. Anyway he inspired the best new chant for some time: "Who let the ref out? WHO WHO WHO WHO?" To the tune of "Who let the dogs out".
Dyl at 9:44:31 Monday November 6 2000
A good performance from the boys. We rode our luck a little as Welchy and the crossbar made vital saves in the first half. But relly there was only one team going to win this game and that was us. Some of our play was awesome. Yet it is ironic that the goals were more mundane than much of the play. Still, who cares, we played well and could have had a hatful. The look of sheer delight on Howard's face when he scored was worth the admission money alone.
Anon at 21:23:3 Sunday November 5 2000
I've seen the future, and the future's claret and white. When last did we play with 4 up front? 1966? I've changed my mind about Hodge being only good for the first 60 minutes; now I realise we should bring him on the last 30. Why did he wait until the 60th to take on probaly the worst full back he's going to face all season? Once he did for Howards goal, he played a blinder. I thought the defence and James Hunt in particular were outstanding and by the end felt we'd outclassed them. And given what I heard yesterday about Broadhurst, it confirmed what others have said about his links to Atkins. We're playing our most entertaining football in 15 years with surelt the best finisher we've ever had. So come on and support the boys on Tuesday while it lasts.
MartinW at 20:32:17 Sunday November 5 2000
I'm still putting the goals on the site. Won't give up. Just be patient this week. I normally update it on Sunday morning but due to a horrendous hangover it was just not possible. I hope to have the goals from our latest glorious victory by midnight tonight. Bring on Stoke!!!
Deepcut Cobbler at 20:8:10 Sunday November 5 2000
For Exiled from anotoher, he is on ....http://www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk/cobblers.htm. Put it on your favourites!! Well done again Cobblers. look forward to seeing the goals...COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!
MK18 at 19:36:12 Sunday November 5 2000
If I turn up with my boots I mught get a game. Any truth in the rumour that we are pumping water onto the pitch to get a postponement or is mother nature doing this for us.
Unfit person at 19:31:14 Sunday November 5 2000
Who's playing in defence for us on Tuesday night???????????????
Changing Man at 17:11:0 Sunday November 5 2000
I suppose seeing The Man could not have been anything else but T, sounds a very similar experience to my own. Blimey, was it really more than twenty years ago? . . . and there's still braying sheep on my TV screen!!!!!
T. at 16:43:41 Sunday November 5 2000
Changing man, it was top, was right at the front getting crushed!Lots of moshing going on, a few scuffles and lots of blokes with fringes.
I need 2 know at 15:50:30 Sunday November 5 2000
What is Martin W's website address? Has he got the goals up yet?
Changing Man at 15:7:18 Sunday November 5 2000
What was it like T? I only saw him with The Jam.
TRB Mark at 14:58:52 Sunday November 5 2000
WHAT? We could only win 0-2 away??? What's going on? Wilson out! Get rid of Gabbi, Howard is a hulking waste of space, Welch could'nt catch a cold....; )
Exiled Cobbler at 14:18:51 Sunday November 5 2000
Hey is Martin W still putting the goals on his website?
Exiled Cobbler at 14:17:51 Sunday November 5 2000
Hey is MartinW still putting the goals on his website?
richie fan from new zealand at 12:50:58 Sunday November 5 2000
yes mr anon agree with old son,on both accounts
Anon at 10:10:10 Sunday November 5 2000
Another fine performance, now for Stoke.
richie fan from new zealand at 3:54:28 Sunday November 5 2000
a point of view yes, but whinging nooooooooooooooo.
richie fan from new zealand at 3:52:22 Sunday November 5 2000
THE FIRST PESON TO MOAN ON HERE IS A BIG GIRLS BLOUSE.....
richie fan from new zealand at 3:19:34 Sunday November 5 2000
yes, yes, yes, another 6 wins and that should sercure our place in the 2nd div for next season and then mybe we can start thinking of the play offs.way to go cobblers.
T. at 1:46:39 Sunday November 5 2000
Well, I'm just in from seeing Paul Weller at Earl's Court, top result today by the lads
Carl at 1:35:37 Sunday November 5 2000
Ok today we played a team who played nice football until they got into the last 3rd we snuffed them out, hodgy, today was probably one of the greatest football players I have seen. He was fantastic, the ball for the second goal was absolutely perfect. All the boys were great, and it was more fun than you can imagine. Tuesday is the biggest game for a long long time. UPTHE COBBLERS, have any of you thought of Division 1? I haven't
Ben Coyne at 0:14:37 Sunday November 5 2000
I am writing to congratulate you on your home and away performances this season.I go quite a lot of games a season and i was dissapointed about Rotherham and how much time they wasted on goal kicks etc. I want to know what the FA will do about all this time wasting because they must have wasted about 15 minutes in the second half.
Phew! at 23:48:41 Saturday November 4 2000
Sorry I've been out on the sherberts, but I can confirm that I do not possess a jetpack but I do get about a bit! Nudge, nudge, say no more! And I never fake it, you guys are insecure enough!
Anon at 20:38:50 Saturday November 4 2000
Phew again, in my experience it's better to fake it than be premature
Anon at 20:36:3 Saturday November 4 2000
Phew, I wish I could get around the country like you can. You must have a jetpack.
Phew! at 18:8:40 Saturday November 4 2000
Couldn't go today but I was at Cambridge and Bristol and Port Vale. It does make a big change to follow the lads away expecting to win.
Tacto at 18:6:34 Saturday November 4 2000
With Sammo suspended on Tuesday and Dryden going back to Southampton we are looking well short in defence for the Stoke game. I thought I heard Kev say they were looking for a loan defender.
Mark at 18:6:4 Saturday November 4 2000
Agree with ya Phew! Role on Stoke City. Lets hope the boys in CLARET can do it agin. Do u remember when we could hardly win away from home? Now we cant stop winning away.
Tacto at 18:5:8 Saturday November 4 2000
Hargreaves played left back and Hughes right back with Sammo and Hope at centre backs.
Phew! at 18:3:54 Saturday November 4 2000
MARK - Better to be premature than not come at all!
Anon at 18:3:19 Saturday November 4 2000
who played at left back?Hargreaves
Mark at 18:2:38 Saturday November 4 2000
Keep the good results roling on. I love it! What does anybody else think is promotion a real reality and would the Town survive in the first division? Sorry if im a bit premature
Tacto at 18:2:35 Saturday November 4 2000
4-3-3 today without a doubt. Gabbi was probably the forward that played deepest so you could argue it was 4,3,1,2.
Anon at 18:0:57 Saturday November 4 2000
Back to the old way then? 5-3-2 or more like 5-2-1-2
Britgal at 18:0:51 Saturday November 4 2000
Wilson apart that must be one of the youngest benches we have had in recent times.
Today's Team at 17:59:46 Saturday November 4 2000
Welch; Hughes; Sampson, Hope, Hargreaves; Hodge, Hunt, Savage; Forrester, Howard, Gabbiadini. Subs: Wilson; Morrow; Thompson; Gould; Sollitt!!!!!!!
Anon at 17:57:32 Saturday November 4 2000
What was the starting line up?
britgal at 17:26:52 Saturday November 4 2000
i've changed my name to 'i love jamie' by the way!! :)
i love jamie at 17:23:19 Saturday November 4 2000
6th in the table and two games in hand, the season after autopromo!! Wa-hey!!
Ralph at 17:13:15 Saturday November 4 2000
Kev's on the radio, praises the defence. Welchy made some terrific saves again but that is what he is there for. Kev was happy with the way the team adapted to four at the back. Kev emphasises that it is not about individuals and that the team is very flexible. Sammo magnificent but will miss Tuesday night due to suspension. Richard Hope also played well slotting in for Dryden, Dryden goes back to Southampton. Kev is very upbeat and fears nobody and looks forward to Tuesday night.
Ralph at 17:7:17 Saturday November 4 2000
A huge game on Tuesday night v Stoke. If you haven't got a ticket you'd better get along to Sixfields by Monday evening as it is all ticket, AGAIN!!!
Ralph at 17:4:11 Saturday November 4 2000
Sorry Wycombe drew at Swindon, nearly every game in our division ended 1-1! Stoke won though.
Ralph at 17:1:51 Saturday November 4 2000
Who's moaning?
Ralph at 17:1:5 Saturday November 4 2000
Jaime Forrester is having a quick stretch before having a wash and getting back on the coach. So says Adam Blackmore!
steve at 17:0:37 Saturday November 4 2000
What a manager, what a team. Stop moaning and enjoy !
Ralph at 16:56:28 Saturday November 4 2000
Walsall beat Reading 2-1 and go top, Wigan and Rotherham draw 1-1, Wycombe beat Swindon, Millwall draw. I think we have closed the gap as Murray Walker would say!
Ralph at 16:54:46 Saturday November 4 2000
Poppies lose 2-0 at Stevenage.
Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 16:53:4 Saturday November 4 2000
P**h still 2-1 DOWN at BOURNEMOUTH.....
Ralph at 16:52:1 Saturday November 4 2000
and for all you exiled Village People Rushden go down 2-1 to Yeovil.
Ralph at 16:50:15 Saturday November 4 2000
. . . and that, my cyberspace cadets, is that! Cobblers win away again 2-0, with goals from Forrester and Howard. Eleven goals for Jaime so far this season.
Ralph at 16:47:10 Saturday November 4 2000
Colchester resorting to cynical shirt tugging and tackling. Adam Blackmore is puzzled why the Colchester players are not getting booked. 3 minutes of injury time, still 2-0.
Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 16:46:51 Saturday November 4 2000
Dodgy ref's are all WE seem to get at 6fields nowadays.....
Ralph at 16:44:40 Saturday November 4 2000
Today's referee has been abysmal, apparently it is his first season and has given quite a few mysterious decisions, most of them against us.
Anon at 16:42:58 Saturday November 4 2000
Bournemouth back in front...
Ralph at 16:42:46 Saturday November 4 2000
Late penalty for Yeovil, they lead 2-1.
Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 16:42:21 Saturday November 4 2000
Bournemouth 2-1 P**h... YES YES YES...
Ralph at 16:40:44 Saturday November 4 2000
Sammo slices it vertically in the air, ball drops and Colchester again put it wide. 84 minutes gone.
Ralph at 16:39:6 Saturday November 4 2000
Gabbi's fouled on the edge of the box. In on goal and Mr Bean the referee has given a drop-ball!
Anon at 16:35:32 Saturday November 4 2000
yeovil 1 diamonds 1
Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 16:33:50 Saturday November 4 2000
FARRELL's just equalised for P**h. DAMN!!!
Paul at 16:30:1 Saturday November 4 2000
All good news!
Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 16:26:18 Saturday November 4 2000
P**h still losing 1-0 at Bournemouth!!!
Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 16:21:1 Saturday November 4 2000
HOWARD scores..... (0-2 to COBBLERS!!!)
U.R. at 15:48:46 Saturday November 4 2000
Colchester 0 - 1 Cobblers Half time
Uncle Richard at 15:47:39 Saturday November 4 2000
Patmore scores for Yeovil
Paul at 15:45:39 Saturday November 4 2000
Yeovil 1 - Direones 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ray at 15:42:49 Saturday November 4 2000
Apparently some bloke called Forrester has scored.
i love jamie at 15:37:58 Saturday November 4 2000
11th goal of the season!!
Uncle Richard at 15:37:50 Saturday November 4 2000
Forrester-GOAL
BIG JIM at 15:15:25 Saturday November 4 2000
ANYONE DOIN` COMMENTRY TODAY?
Steve at 15:8:2 Saturday November 4 2000
Looks like an attacking line-up to me.
Ralph at 14:38:54 Saturday November 4 2000
Welch; Hughes; Sampson, Hope, Hargreaves; Hodge, Hunt, Savage; Forrester, Howard, Gabbiadini. Greene and Dryden unfit. Probable 4,3,3 or maybe 4,3,1,2.
richie fan from new zealand at 12:3:57 Saturday November 4 2000
deepcut cobbler im with you on that remark about martin w.well said here,here
noahs son at 11:59:41 Saturday November 4 2000
anybody for water polo.
noah at 11:57:22 Saturday November 4 2000
yes the game is of because there will be flooding until you naughty boys learn to behave yourselves and stop argueing and stabbing each other in the back the lord thy god has spoken.#################
Anon at 10:21:51 Saturday November 4 2000
Drilling Cobbler - yes, I cannot see for the life of me why the deadline for getting tickets for the Stoke game is 5pm the night before (Mon). MK's estimate of a loss of some 500 on the gate due to the current all-ticket arrangements would certainly not be an over-estimate. It might even be more, if the weather was reasonable (unlikely). Finally, on the England manager issue, I can recommend the lead story in today's Daily Tele's Sports Section.
Deepcut Cobbler at 10:3:48 Saturday November 4 2000
For Splatz. Some of us are unable to get to matches and do not have access to UK TV, therefore the efforts of MartinW are greatly appreciated. If you can provide a better "free" service.....? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!!!
Pauline at 10:1:47 Saturday November 4 2000
Looking back at some of the comments regarding KB's departure, it's the last of the Atkins era/appointees. No it ain't . . . what about Wilson? Some of the tash being uttered beggars belief. BTW I park behind Carl, if you pardon the expression! No problems!!
URGENT at 9:40:5 Saturday November 4 2000
Is the game on or off? I can't get an answer at Sixfields. We also haven't got tickets - can we pay on the gate?
Postie at 8:14:20 Saturday November 4 2000
Just received my post and there was a huge envelope???????
It was from the Northampton Saints it was a Shares Prospectus, the book was huge, I wonder how much ££ it will generate for the club.
Anon at 1:23:53 Saturday November 4 2000
arse
Ray at 0:52:27 Saturday November 4 2000
Yes - very funny - twernt me.
bum at 23:54:17 Friday November 3 2000
Ppppppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppppppp
More tea Vicar !!
Nay at 23:49:29 Friday November 3 2000
It wasn't that bad Anon and not that far wide of the mark !!!
Anon at 23:45:35 Friday November 3 2000
Whoever is imitating Ray..... 1 out of 10 for effort...pathetic
Sour Simon. at 23:44:2 Friday November 3 2000
There's already four of us on it. You can run along behind if you want.
Rancid Roger at 23:42:12 Friday November 3 2000
Wooppee a bicycle made for two scrummy dumptious Simmo
Ray at 23:41:11 Friday November 3 2000
Sad bunch of pooh heads and I agree with Splatz, Martins site is very hard to navigate and is quite obviously the work of someone who isn't professionally qualified.
Sour Simon at 23:40:11 Friday November 3 2000
I am but I've only got a tandem!
Rancid Roger at 23:34:45 Friday November 3 2000
Anyone travelling to Brum toMorrow I need a lift ....
Spootch at 23:25:14 Friday November 3 2000
Dunno why not ask Noah
Just getting in the car at 23:15:41 Friday November 3 2000
So is the game on tomorrow or what?
Splatz at 23:2:39 Friday November 3 2000
Nah I go to the matches and own a telly ......
MartinW at 22:59:42 Friday November 3 2000
Won't see you logging onto Cobblers goals then, Splatz or is it Anon again.
Rule Britannia at 22:35:3 Friday November 3 2000
The big question - "What happens when England play Sweden?" Answer -"England normally lose." If we win, having a Swedish coach is great. Mind you, people actually mean "Won't a Swedish coach (of England) really want Sweden to win?" Anyone who thinks that is probably panic buying petrol and bread as well. The English! I despair.
Splatz at 22:34:28 Friday November 3 2000
Dont nock the Official site if you want to see a crap site go to MartinWs
Splodge at 22:30:25 Friday November 3 2000
I agree with Spod its crap and its made by the same firm owns the Rushden and Direones team
Anon at 22:30:10 Friday November 3 2000
Yeah Spod, they should get the bloke who does this site to do the official one.
MartinW at 22:29:56 Friday November 3 2000
Anon.. why do you insist on talking to yourself.
Anon at 22:27:27 Friday November 3 2000
Spod ......You picked the wrong place to be complaining about the official site methinks!
Spod at 22:14:23 Friday November 3 2000
Just looked at the official ntfc.co.uk site. When do we get a decent official web site? It looks like its been thrown together by a fifteen year old in his bedroom. Even clubs like Bedford Town can boast better official websites than this one!!!! Websites are now a MAJOR reflection on any business, and football is no exception
Confused at 22:8:8 Friday November 3 2000
OKAY THEN.....
Anon at 21:48:40 Friday November 3 2000
League Stats
Home and Away Record
Matches shown in date order.
Colchester United's score given first.
Home Res Score
Rotherham Utd L 0-1 view
Oldham Athletic D 1-1 view
Bournemouth W 3-1 view
Wrexham D 1-1 view
Stoke Cty L 0-1 view
Walsall L 0-2 view
Cambridge Utd W 2-0 view
Bristol Rov W 2-1 view
Northampton Twn - view
Wycombe Wan -
Notts County -
Oxford United -
Swansea Cty -
Swindon Twn -
Millwall -
Wigan A -
Bury -
Bristol Cty -
Port Vale -
Brentford -
Luton Town -
Peterborough Utd -
Reading -
Away Res Score
Swindon Twn D 0-0 view
Swansea Cty W 2-0 view
Wigan A L 1-3 view
Bury D 0-0 view
Bristol Cty D 1-1 view
Port Vale L 1-3 view
Brentford L 0-1 view
Peterborough Utd L 1-3 view
Anon at 21:19:32 Friday November 3 2000
Agreed anon.
Anon at 20:58:15 Friday November 3 2000
MatinW, when someone does that smartarse wordplay, the words f**k and off always spring to my mind.
mark of the beast at 20:49:27 Friday November 3 2000
and in the last days there will be FLOODING of football pitches
MartinW at 18:47:3 Friday November 3 2000
Eric, the words nail, head, you, hit, the, on, and the spring to mind.
Shit at 18:39:50 Friday November 3 2000
Not sure what to do tomorrow now the blasted floding means that the games off
MK18 at 17:17:35 Friday November 3 2000
I estimate because of the misconceived ticketing policy for the Stoke game we will have lost upwards of 500 supporters on the day. Anyone agree
Dyl at 17:15:2 Friday November 3 2000
Cymru Cobbler, check out the official site cos there are student concessions available on production of an NUS card.
The Drilling Cobbler at 17:5:29 Friday November 3 2000
Attendances might be slightly down but this is surely compensated by the 10percent or so increase in tickets(or more). Therefore actual gate receipts havnt been affected. The all ticket policy seems to be spreading - why on earth is colchester tomorrow all ticket? With potential storms in the colchester area and the possibility of the match being postponed, most people i'm sure would rather wait until saturday morning before deciding wether to go or not. Obviously, that has been made impossible. Same as on tuesday, why not allow people to purchase tickets up until say 3pm on the day. I wouldnt have thought that many stoke fans have decided to make their trip into a mini holiday and book into a northampton hotel for the monday night - especially if they havnt got a ticket! The ticket policy can only be described as ridiculous - people pay a proportion of their council tax for the police force and therefore it is their job to serve their wage payers.
Paolo il calzolaio at 16:41:40 Friday November 3 2000
Devo dire che notevolmente mi disturbo dalla partenza di Kevan Broadhurst.
Paolo il calzolaio at 16:38:12 Friday November 3 2000
Saluti sono il vostro ventilatore pił grande dall' Italia. Purtropponon posso parlare inglese. Hodgie e Jaime sono i miei giocatorifavoriti ed Ian Atkins era un bastardo. Arrivederci! Sulla cittą!
Cymru Cobbler at 16:28:21 Friday November 3 2000
How about having a student discount, £14 is more than what I spend on food in week. I know I won't be able to afford to go and see any matches when I come back at the weekend. Students don't tend to do much on a saturday afternoon if they haven't got a job and if I wasn't scared about getting beaten up I might even go and watch Cardiff occassionally.
Cymru Cobbler at 16:24:5 Friday November 3 2000
If we still had Warburton at the club I don't think there would have been any argument over who would be the next assitant. I don't know how well he gets on with Wilson, but he certainly would be the fans fauvourite. Anyone got any gossip on who is up for the post. It's Reading week next and I really can't be bother to go to the libary for books and other stuff they do in that place, that doesn't involve internet access.
Watcher at 16:6:53 Friday November 3 2000
Bobby Davro more like!
Anon at 16:6:10 Friday November 3 2000
Hartwell is spot on about buying tickets for the Stoke game
Anon at 14:49:30 Friday November 3 2000
Broadhurst out, Bobby Davison in......
Hartwell at 14:35:41 Friday November 3 2000
Regarding the attendance issue, I noted on the official web site that tickets for the Stoke game will not be on sale after 5pm the night before! What chance does that give the casual fan to buy 'em ? I also note that the all-ticket arrangements are followed by a line to the effect "on the instructions/advice of the police." Perhaps they could expend some time and energy in "advising" the Saints and Cobblers to stagger their kick-offs when games clash, saving us a 40 minute wait in the top car park. PS Thanks, Marco. The message ref KB must have been posted on the official web site just minutes after I first looked - because it was there a few mins later!
Carl at 14:24:39 Friday November 3 2000
Oh Hallowed be their Name
Dyl at 14:20:47 Friday November 3 2000
Do I detect an Iron Maiden fan in the house?
Dyl at 14:20:41 Friday November 3 2000
Do I detect an Iron Maiden fan in the house.
DEK at 13:56:55 Friday November 3 2000
The attendances will greatly improve only when we are in the top five consistantly. ALL the other reasons mentioned are minor to a more or lesser degree. In todays market place there is so much choice on how to spend your money. People who are not Cobblers through and through want much greater value for their money. Overall until fans are treated totally like customers success on the pitch is the only thing that will really increase attendances.
The Number of the Beast at 13:52:21 Friday November 3 2000
Woh to you oh earth and sea for the devil sends the beast with wrath because he knows the time is short. Let him who have understanding reckon the number of the beast for it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty six....
jim at 13:50:26 Friday November 3 2000
i h8 boro
the mark of the beast at 12:45:51 Friday November 3 2000
ray swipe cards noooooooooooo the next step is a bar code tattooed on the left arm noooooooooooooooo
Marriott at 11:48:27 Friday November 3 2000
How can anyone say that the half-time entertainment is shit, I think that the kick for the boot thing is excellent and brings in a bit of friendly banter between home and away fans!
Eric at 11:19:16 Friday November 3 2000
Anyone else worried that Broadhurst leaving was for financial reasons?
Dyl at 11:17:51 Friday November 3 2000
The Broadhurst departure isn't a total shock. It is natural for Kev to want to bring his own people in. Broadhurst was an Atkins appointee who's career has stalled whilst Wilson's has progressed. Broadhurst always showed admirable committment but I think it is probably for the best that he has gone. Good luck to him!
UCN Cobbler at 10:55:35 Friday November 3 2000
At the end of the day it seems clear from Wilson's comments that Broadhurst is a defensive tactician while wilson is an attacking one. Suprised no one has mentioned the name Garry Thompson as a new assistant manager, well known friend of KW, attacking minded.
If not then i think a promotion from within the playing ranks, Marco, Sammo or Frain, and of the three or go for Sammo, he shows week in week out his undoubted total commitment to this football club, and that's the type of player you want as a coach if you are to promote from within the current playing staff.
On the pitch we still lack a ball playing midfielder, and will do until Hargreaves can be moved back into the middle.
Carl at 10:34:53 Friday November 3 2000
Dyl, I would tell you if I could, but if I happen to tell you where I park then I won't be able to park there now will I. Enough to say it is close and is a proper car park.
Dyl at 10:15:59 Friday November 3 2000
What's the secret then CArl? Cos I was at Sixfields at 2pm last Saturday and still found myself stuck in the car park for ages
Carl at 9:33:3 Friday November 3 2000
Ticketing and Car parking are no problem for me, out of the ground after the final whistle and out of Northampton by around 5 every week. Season Tickets get around the ticketing problem. I realise we all don't have one, but queueing up for at the most 5 minutes (if you get there at the right time, which is also how we get a good parking spot, i.e. 2:30 to 2:40) is not a big deal.
Let Them Do What they Do Best........... at 9:11:12 Friday November 3 2000
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT ??????????????????????????? ~
MK18 Cobbler at 9:4:22 Friday November 3 2000
Do not want this to become moaners corner after all progress on the pitch is excellent but ticketing is a problem plus car parking. What would happen if the stadium was expanded? For the present the situation needs to be improved and this is something the Trust reps on the board should be able to raise.
eliott at 9:0:1 Friday November 3 2000
yo whats up team
Rainsodden Cobbler at 7:56:32 Friday November 3 2000
Am I right in thinking that at the time Marco signed there was talk of him also being offerd the bait of a coaching position at the club when his playing days were over? Maybe he is in line for the #2 position a bit earlier than planned although I am sure he will play out his contract. How about Sammo? What a terrific player he has been for us. Kevan Broadhurst was inherited by KW - as someone reminded us he was joint manager with KW at first although I think everyone was clear that KW was #1. Good luck to KB - hope he finds a decent job.
Ray at 0:23:45 Friday November 3 2000
Personally I think the answer to the "why aren't you at Sixfields" is definitely the ticketing. Who wants to queue twice? In fact who wants to queue once? In this day and age, why do we have to have people on the turnstiles? Why not a "swipe" system - it would be much quicker.
MartinW at 23:58:19 Thursday November 2 2000
I say go the whole hog and pay Larsson loads of money to play for England. Then that Ljungberg is rather good, lets pay him loads to play as well. Oh, damn they're Swedes too. Flo's Norwegian, that's closer to England. Ihave to say that my view of the England national side will change. It's success at all costs and it leaves a rather sour taste in the mouth. The manager has become more important than the players. The success and failure of the team rests on him. And that man will not have the passion for England that an Englishman will have. I also have misgivings over foreign managers imposing a continental style on English players who are play in a certain way, if indeed that happens. It's failed before. I think England teams play well within systems they are familiar with. Also, even if he starts at March - is he going to have an input for the friendlies to prepare the team for the big games to come?? No. Eriksson is not the Messiah... he's a very naughty boy.
Danny at 23:49:16 Thursday November 2 2000
Makes me laugh all this "Why people don't come to Sixfields" stuff. Ideas such as the food is crap, so don't eat it. The atmosphere is crap, so sing. Can't sit with friends - thats ridiculous, if there are loads of spare seats, how come you can't sit with your friends??? Surely once the games kicked off there's pretty much scope for where there are loads of empty seats. I believe personally, the arseing around of actually having to queue twice to obtain entrance to the ground, and turning people away for all-ticket matches when the ground only has 5,500 people in it. As for the "All ticket" clash v Stoke.... why not sell tickets until 5pm tuesday? Oh, and is our away end worse than Luton, Colchester, Oxford etc. If Rotherham thinks our away end is a pit, wait till they visit some of these places!!!!!
Andy at 23:10:49 Thursday November 2 2000
Sorry this is not cobblers stuff, but MartinW raised an interesting point as to whether we care about our national side being truely born in England (or one grandparent as it is now). I personally couldn't give a toss where a player is born. The only reason the national game survives is because it gives a rather bad representation of the best players playing against each other. The whole thing is ridiculous when you realise any top club, Man U, Arsenal, AC Milan, Juventous etc etc could beat France, the European and World champions, without breaking sweat. We all know the clubs have broken national barriers to produce teams that can produce awesome football, and national teams are becoming a misnomer from the past. Those of you who complain about players from other countries sound just like our great-grandfathers who complained about Cobblers players not coming from Northampton. Take a look around you. Do you care where your computer, telephone, tv, chair, etc etc was made? You only want the best for you money. Think about it.
DEK at 22:34:51 Thursday November 2 2000
The Drilling Cobbler, the fitness thing is fair comment, but how many goals has Hodge and Savage actually created and how many have they actually scored. With reference to Hargreaves, he is being stifled by playing out of position and to run the whole left side of the TEAM. Mind you Cambridge were the first team to actually work that out and it took them 45 minutes then !!
DEK at 22:29:35 Thursday November 2 2000
I believe that Wilson relied very much on Broadhurst but has perhaps grown to be very much in charge. Remember they started together as joint managers. As Big Roy says, hopefully we will start to push forward more as a team. Saturday we still had two back marking no one for our corners, surely Hunt should have been 25 yards from goal not 45.
Big Roy at 22:29:15 Thursday November 2 2000
Just a thought - maybe Marco as assistant player/manager next season?
The Drilling Cobbler at 22:28:23 Thursday November 2 2000
Dek, valid points made but a tad unfair in some cases. We have a number of players in the side who can attack (Hodge, Savage, Hargrieves) and obviously the forwards. Hunt is there to play the holding role, to win the ball, pass and let others create and score goals. I admit that at times they do tend to get bogged down with defensive duties but thats because they adapt to the said situation. At the end of the cambridge game, it was quite visible that the entire team was knackered and suffering with fatigue and that there was likely to be a knock on affect against Rotherham. It was the fifth game in 15 days and in an ideal world it would have been nice to have made some changes just to freshen things up. Because of injuries and the lack of squad depth this was not possible and it finally caught up with the team. I am sure that on Saturday after a full week of not playing any games, we will be alot more prepared both physically and mentally, allowing our creative players to play as we know they can.
Annony at 22:27:9 Thursday November 2 2000
Can any comments I make be traced back to me?
Annon at 22:23:40 Thursday November 2 2000
One minute you are blaming KW for making the wrong decisions who to take off who to put on, and then you are saying that Broadhurst was the tactical man behind KW, maybe thats why Broadhurst has gone because his tactical decisions were not the right ones!
DEK at 22:22:25 Thursday November 2 2000
I wanted to leave on a positive note for once !! We have the basis of a good side, with that important strong spine (except midfield), Welch, Sampson, and Forrester. Quality support in Howard and Gabbi, you never know we could get lucky and Hunter returns to complete the chain (don't hold your breath though)
Big Roy at 22:22:23 Thursday November 2 2000
I don't think we should be too worried about the departure of Kevan Broadhurst. Thinking back to the last trust meeting, KW was asked about the relationship with KB and I seem to remember his reply being something along the lines of "of course I listen to anybody who comes to me with ideas but the buck stops with me, I make the decisions". Those may not be his exact words but he seemed to be suggesting that he was very much in control of all aspects at the club. Being manager of a club involves far more than just being the team coach, it also involves the appointment and control the support staff. I still have every faith in KW, as I'm sure the majority of contributors to this board and the rest of the supporters do and that extends to trusting him to keep a team around him that have the best interests of the club at heart. I certainly wish KB every good luck for the future but OUR future lies with KW. As I see it, the team tactics may well improve with the removal of the last remnants of the Atkins era ideas.
DEK at 22:18:7 Thursday November 2 2000
With reference to the low attendances, a couple of points that I'd like to mention. 1. The atmostphere at most games is very poor, very little excitement and / or anticpation. This does inspire people to come along. 2. Apart from the Oldham game which was very entertaining, we don't shoot enough from edge of / outside the box. 3. We don't attack enough as a team, ask yourself how many times you go away from the ground saying how good their keeper was, you don't.
4. As been said the expectation level is now much higher, we SHOULD be in this division (because of reaching the play-offs)therefore again lack of excitement.
5. Overall the fans are STILL treated poorly. Indifferent food, ticketing arrangements, high prices, 30 min. wait in car park (why don't the Police control the roundabouts to let us out, the place would be cleared in 10 mins tops), can't sit with friends (them saying brin