Cobblers Comments
October 2000

A Childs View at 23:35:10 Tuesday October 31 2000
YEAH! - Marco's Great! My Dad says he's a nice bloke which is good enough for me!

Andy at 23:34:5 Tuesday October 31 2000
Erikkson's appointment indicates an increasing irrelevance of the national game, and I am glad of that. Who care's what part of the planet a manger, or player happens to born? England are ironically leading the way with this attitude. It has often been said we care more about the clubs than England games, and that is right. National games are an excuse for xenophobia and outright racism and should be allowed to die like the dinosaurs they are. What do we replace them with? An obvious solution is representatives of each nation's leagues. This would allow the best players to play against each other, and lose the unpleasant racism that surrounds national games.If you still think the World Cup is important, I bet few people could name the nations that played in the final of the 1994 World Cup. And I bet even fewer could name the finalists for Euro 1996 - or even the winners. Think about it.

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 23:29:48 Tuesday October 31 2000
The comment about Marco not clapping the crowd are crap. He did applaud the fans, but only as he crossed the touchline. Getting substituted is a depressing experience. Why should a player's number one priority be the fans as he leaves the pitch. Personally, I think his pissed off look suggests he wants to be doing better, which is a good sign.

A Childs View at 23:26:22 Tuesday October 31 2000
To Richard James - your dead right! Selling Ray Warburton to the Direones was a travesty of footballing justice!! However, don't worry about it too much - I know that in his heart of hearts that Ray loves the Cobblers and only the Cobblers - its obvious when you think about it!! Regarding Sven's appointment - MARTIN W, I TOLD YOU HE WOULD BE THE MAN ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER KEEGAN BOTTLED IT, HOW GREAT IS MY VISION, EVEN IN THE FACE OF YOUR MOCKERY? Personally I don't mind the idea of a foreign coach and think the FA's appointed management team is a good one. Sven at the helm with Taylor being groomed for the job in 5 years time, just the right time for the under 21's to have come through!! In addition to this, Steve McClaren and Bryan Kidd for the Man U connection - SEEMS LIKE A COMBINATION THAT MIGHT WORK TO ME! What I hope above all else is that this long term plan gets the chance to flourish and we don't 'recycle the idea' too quickly. The FA should stick to this agreement through thick and thin and allow the long term good of England the chance to realise itself! Then, just maybe, I'll see England win something. Come on Cobblers, 3 points at Colchester please!!

My old mans a Cobbler. at 23:25:11 Tuesday October 31 2000
Deepcut Cobbler,go to sids Northampton Town unnoficial site,click on the other 2nd div drop down menu then click on Colchester.

Deepcut Cobbler at 23:19:30 Tuesday October 31 2000
Thought and suggestion. We occasionally get the odd future or recent opponents fans contributing or just reading comments on our pages. Would it be possible for the similar comments pages of the next opposition to be identified and published so that we are able to receive, digest and if need be comment. (Devils advocate) But would this encourage the vocabulary challenged individuals, under the Cobblers name, to vent abuse in other peoples back yard? Hopefully not! I have been hunting the Col U site without luck, lots of Carlisle and Cambridge but no Col U comments. Any one with any luck? I notice Vince contributed to the Millers prior to and following Saturday. (www.supermillers.co.uk). COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!

The Drilling Cobbler at 23:7:59 Tuesday October 31 2000
Have to agree with MartinW regarding the England situation. Personally, I think that the same rules regarding wether players are eligible to play for their country should apply to the coaches of international teams as well. Otherwise, whats the point in the "team" being called England. Kevin Wilson is quite right when he says that "team Northampton" is not only the players, but also the coaches, admin staff, supporters etc - surely this is the case for team ENGLAND as well. Its nothing to do with racism - otherwise supporting England against whoever should be classed as being racist as well. Why do we support England? Is it because thats where we were born or is it because we are all racist bast*rds! The answer is obvious. Thats why I dont want to support a Swede when it comes to football! Anyway, if a turnip didnt work for us, why should a swede be any better?

My old mans a Cobbler. at 22:16:4 Tuesday October 31 2000
Its good to see supporters of other clubs posting [non-abusive] messages on this board.Miller,if you talk with half the sense of Northampton Gas then you are very welcome.

Wellingborough Cobbler at 21:55:27 Tuesday October 31 2000
If we do get to the 3rd round and draw a top team at home, i hope the power's that be will think twice before putting the prices up!!! they could at least give a reduction for season ticket holders, this would then guarantee a gate of 3000+, but im sure frickley would hold out against any such reduction in price as this game could keep them going for a couple of seasons.

TeamTalk Official News at 21:46:46 Tuesday October 31 2000
Picture special go to www.teamtalk.com to see the evidance A spectator tries to nick Wilson's wig, teamtalk can reveal that barry fry has been to sixfields disguised as a spectator to try and nick northampton's manager, kevin wilsons wig. An insider from p**h said "mr fry did go to sixfields to try and make kevin look as stupid as he does, but failed" nothing's changed then!

Miller at 21:43:44 Tuesday October 31 2000
Doesn't matter to me in the slightest whether the England manager comes from england or comes from Timbuktu. The aim is for the england team to succeed in international competition, which they were singularly failing to do under the succession of English managers that they've seen. So why not recruit a foreign coach with a proven record. Just cos lots of players think Terry Venables is a good egg doesn't mean he should have been a shoo-in, you know. Christ knows why we have to slag something like this off so early. If he picks players like Owen, and never again picks Dennis Wise I will be happy.

To Andy and Martin at 21:35:13 Tuesday October 31 2000
You do not understand in the slightest what racism means. Martin your original statement is not rascist, but then as per normal you dig yourself a hole with what must be your most ignorant statement i've ever heard. Stick to what you are good at with what ever you do with the `goals'.

Carl at 21:31:29 Tuesday October 31 2000
Well Anon, if that is your real name, I am sorry I didn't check with Reuters or the BBC before I made my comment, but you're still a moaning git, I don't give a monkeys if you never go again, or any of you other moaning knobbers. I am sick to the back teeth of listening or indeed reading from people moaning about things that, to be honest, are so much better than they have been for many a year. I thought I was a relatively dedicated Cobblers fan going to some 40 odd games of football in a season, but if dedication means being a whinging tossbag, then forget it. No bollox I won't forget it, I suppose I'll have to put up with you and you with me. Opinions eh, wonderful things. So Ł10 pounds would be a nice sum to pay. Would you pay more to watch a Premiership team at Sixfields, if so why? don't you support the boys in Claret? Or do you only go every week on the off chance of seeing a Ginola or an ex Premiership star like Mark Walters for example, who some of us saw at Bristol Rovers the other week. Is Marco Gabbiadini and Jamie Forrester up front not enough? Sorry I have spouted on, but it does bug me.

MartinW at 21:21:35 Tuesday October 31 2000
For those interested the first Forrester goal in the Cambridge victory should be uploaded for your viewing pleasure in the next twenty minutes as would the agony that was the Rotherham goal. I thought about not bothering because it was too painful, but it is worth seeing if only for the way our defence performed. Viewing is by clicking on cobblersinvision through www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk

MartinW at 21:15:50 Tuesday October 31 2000
Andy, what is racism. If I was to tell you that I was born in Wales, brought up in Scotland and lived now most of my life in England and by dad is Ukranian, that might change the way you view the comment. If not, I would vehmently deny racism. I think the England manager should be English. In the same way the players have to be.

Andy at 20:58:18 Tuesday October 31 2000
MartinW, If your message below applied to anything apart from the England manager it would be condemned as racist. Why is this the exception?

MartinW at 20:54:51 Tuesday October 31 2000
Does anyone care that we now have a Swede as manager of England to join the Scot as chief executive of the FA. No matter how talented the FA think Eriksson is, no matter how much spin they put on his great record in club management, it is a bit like drafting Rivaldo into the England team, because, well, he is one of the world's top players. It of course wouldn't be allowed. It's a desperate move from a desperate footballing regulatory body who just won't appoint the logical, popular, talented and very English choice Terry Venables. All the players and managers that I heard and read interviewed said it should be an Englishman. So what happened? I'm well and truly gobsmacked. Although I really do hope that it works.

Rodney at 19:0:9 Tuesday October 31 2000
Is it me ? Liz Kershaw must be the worst presenter ever, she's not even got a grasp of the English language.What are the B.B.C. up to ? Bring back Steve Riches, a Cobblers fan from the top of his head to the tip of his toe's

Greg at 18:49:15 Tuesday October 31 2000
id pay Ł20 to watch the cobblers v daventry town if it meant we could carry on the improvment kevin wilsons made,whats a couple of quid??a burger(bad for the diet)5/6 of a pint of guiness(bad for the diet)or perhaps a wee smoke of...i cant remember the point i was going to make now...any way im hungry

happy chap at 18:36:15 Tuesday October 31 2000
spring park cobbler....a good point, chirpily made!

Anon at 17:40:50 Tuesday October 31 2000
...and the lowest home gate that season was around 2600 against Plymouth in the Autowotsits Cup

Vince at 17:37:53 Tuesday October 31 2000
The gate for the Lancaster FA Cup game was 4545, I would guess that the club would be happy with that number for the Frickley game.

Spring Park Cobbler at 17:37:44 Tuesday October 31 2000
Mixed feelings about the debate on prices for the Frickley game. Gates for games against non-league opposition are always low and have been for as long as I have attended games. I am sure Frickley would rather take their chances on gate prices remaining as they are because it will be viewed as welcome boost to their funds. However we did get some good gates for reserve games when we played Prem teams and gate prices were cut for kids. I think this is the area we should concentrate on as getting youngsters in to watch builds future support for the Cobbs. I don't think that the regulars are to bothered about saving a couple of quid for one game but I may well be wrong.

Another Anon at 17:24:14 Tuesday October 31 2000
What was the gate for Lancaster? I have about 3,500 in my head but could be wrong.

MK Cobbler at 17:20:46 Tuesday October 31 2000
The Drilling Cobbler - we will have to agree to disagree. But to take you up on one point, I don't think for a moment that we are being exploited. I support the Cobblers and I go to see the Cobblers first and foremost. Okay on this one day we have non league opposition but before then Stoke & Bournemouth. I also doubt that a drop in price would lift the gate which I guess will be about 4,000.

Anon at 17:15:39 Tuesday October 31 2000
Well put Drilling Cobbler. Mk Cobbler - you are living in fantasy land. A good benchmark is the gate against Lancaster - one of the lowest of the season I believe.

The Drilling Cobbler at 17:1:55 Tuesday October 31 2000
MK cobbler, you will pay full price to go to the frickley game, so will I and most of the other fans who use this sight, but it wont attract supporters who can happily "take it or leave it". On the assumption that Frickley bring around 4-500 down with them(optimistically), the gate I reckon will be around the 3500 mark. Of course the cobblers are run as a business and the aim is to maximise earnings, but I feel it is very short sighted to think that people will happily pay the same to watch Frickley as they would to watch Stoke or Reading. Round one of a cup competition where the holders dont even bother entering, the final being played in another country - its the bloody league thats important! As I said here earlier today, a reduction in prices would possibly have encouraged non regulars who dont normally go to games because of financial restraints to have come and seen a few goals which would possibly have incentivised them to come for the league games when it really matters. Another opportunity to increase the appeal of going to the cobblers has passed by, hopefully one day they will realise that there are around 3-3500people at the most who will continually put up with being exploited - the rest will eventually stop going or find another team to "support" on a saturday afternoon. And as if Frickley would have been against reducing prices for the game - it would have increased their own support and given them the opportunity to prove themselves and perform in front of a bigger audiance!

Vince at 16:41:35 Tuesday October 31 2000
Although it would be nice to pay a bit less to see NTFC play Frickley, I wonder, on reflection, if it would really encourage that many extra supporters to attend. It's not as if we sell out every game and those that can't get in will now have a chance of seeing a game. It's a difficult one for the club, they could reduce prices and attract only a few extra supporters. Maybe some sort of incentive that if you go to the Frickley game you will get priority (after season ticket holders) for any other FA Cup games this season.We must be due a good cup run and a premiership club at home in round 3.Well, we can hope!

MK Cobbler at 16:33:18 Tuesday October 31 2000
Forecasts of a low gate against Frickley are wide of the mark. Why all this pessimistic stuff? We have an excellent team providing 1st class entertainment and I for one am happy to pay the normal price. The Cobblers have always drawn decent gates for the FA Cup and I see no reason for them to drop the price because we are playing a non league club.

Anon at 16:21:0 Tuesday October 31 2000
Carl - this page is just for moaners - dont you know that? But get your facts right at 14-41 - they had been confirmed. Also - your attitude is great but do you like people taking the p*** out of you and walking all over you - I dont - stand up for what you believe. How can it be right to use an argument one time to put prices up and then not use it to put them down? I would have no problem at all at paying full price for the game IF the club hadn't used their argument as they did to overcharge when we got a big team. And if you say that was ages ago - don't you think that it would happen again if we got to round 3? I do.

Carl at 15:45:22 Tuesday October 31 2000
A simpler way to look at it is if you don't want to pay, don't go. If you do get your ticket and go. Childrens prices maybe should be less, but for goodness sake does every single thing that ever gets brought up on either this page or anywhere else really have to be moaned about all the time.

marco at 15:27:53 Tuesday October 31 2000
To be fair to the club, both clubs have to agree to a ticket price drop for it to be introduced as the gate receipt split is set in the cup rules. Frickley no doubt see it as a good money spinner.

Terry Hawes at 14:47:38 Tuesday October 31 2000
Hey fellow Cobblers! Here's hoping for a win at Colchester and a win over Frickley...I won't get too overconfident about it! I really hope we get the Posh in the 2nd Rd (if we win!), that would be three match in the space of a month or so eh! Three wins out of three would put a smile on my face for the rest of the year. So stay positive everybody, all the best this weekend. Any more news on Daryl Clare? Terry

Carl at 14:41:36 Tuesday October 31 2000
Now they are moaning about stuff that has not even been confirmed yet!!!!!! For Christ's sake muppets. GROW UP.

Anon at 14:8:51 Tuesday October 31 2000
Good old Cobblers - rip the fans off again - we still remember Tottenham when they 'justified' putting the prices up by saying about the quality of the opposition. Come on Cobblers - Make it a tenner.

dyl at 14:1:21 Tuesday October 31 2000
According to the official site, normal matchday prices will apply for the Frickley game.

Anon at 13:50:56 Tuesday October 31 2000
According to the fixtures section on the Official site we are playing Finckley in the FA Cup

Marco fan at 12:51:47 Tuesday October 31 2000
I am not moaning at the team - I am more than satisfied at the moment but Happy Cobbler - if you think that cambridge was a good game then I think you should get to a few more. Lets be realistic here - it was a great win but also a very fortunate one. Also whilst being realistic, I think two things will happen soon. One - we will hammer someone. Two - someone will hammer us. Hope not but lets wait and see!

My old mans a Cobbler at 12:0:4 Tuesday October 31 2000
Well said Happy Cobbler.We are 7TH,yes 7TH.We have what is possibly the smallest squad in the division and a young manager who has put us there while being a complete novice to management and just beginning to learn his trade.I am more than happy with how we have performed so far this season.Rotherham was just a hiccup,it even happens to Man Utd you know.Whats more,I can get to the next two games,my first since Reading.YEEEEESSSSSSS.COME ON YOU MIGHTY CLARET AND WHITES.

Happy Cobbler at 11:43:54 Tuesday October 31 2000
Danny Boy......... What the F*** is the matter with you? CAMBRIDGE WAS ONE OF THE BEST GAMES FOR AGES. We showed that we are superb in attack and VERY resilient in defence. What else do you want from the team? We beat a team who were also going well at the time, a local derby which means it's never pretty anyway. Jesus H Bloody Christ....We are 7th in Division 2, we have one of the tightest defences in England, we have a striker who has hit double figures in October.What is up with you whining gits out there eh? Is it not enough to be doing as well as we are? You could be a Luton fan of and Oxford fan and be looking at relegation. If we were 15 points clear with a +25 goal difference...some of you will still say " Ooooh but I think Wilson has got it all wrong, we should be +26 by this time, it's the players, it's the North Stand, it's the f***ing hot dogs!" NORTHAMPTON TOWN...STOP WHINING...GET TO GAMES YOU CAN AFFORD TO...SING WHEN YOU DO GO...AND GET BEHIND THEM...WE ARE NOT A RICH CLUB...AND ARE DOING VERY WELL WITH THE RESOURCES WE HAVE....! THANKYOU.

dyl at 11:38:5 Tuesday October 31 2000
I'd be willing to bet that it's Luton vs Direones. But if we go to replay it'll be us vs Frickley.

Vince at 10:45:20 Tuesday October 31 2000
Any thoughts on which 1st round FA cup games will be televised? - Luton -v- Direones (because they are always on TV for the FA Cup) Leigh RMI -v- Millwall (potential "giant killing") Aldershot (if they beat Dover in the 4th qualifying roung tonight) -v-Brighton (ex league connection) Can't see the Sky cameras coming to Sixfields for Round 1 but the extra cash would be handy since the crowd could well be the lowest of the season, even lower than the Worthy cup game against Fulham.

Anon at 10:15:52 Tuesday October 31 2000
So, we've lost our first game in 8 and the moaners are back in force, slagging off anything. Why don't you just crawl back under your stones, we don't need you anywhere near Sixfields. Those slating Gabbi are probably the same ones who slated Howard last season.... well I hope you choke on your words this time when Marco rams them back down your throats, just like Big Stevie did last year.

The Drilling Cobbler at 10:5:17 Tuesday October 31 2000
Regarding the Frickley match, the prices must surely be reduced to ensure that the gate is in excess of 3500. At 12quid or more people will stay at home because what have we got to win? Yes, we have slipped up against teams from the amateur leagues in the past, but that was when we were either (a) away from home, (b)we were completely crap anyway or (c) the non league opposition was of a high quality. Judging by Frickeys league form the latter point isnt the case, we are also fairly good these days and we are at "fortress sixfields". I think a charge of around 8pound for admission will equal a gate of around 5-5500 meaning we havnt lost any money plus more importantly will give people who cant afford to go normally an opportunity to watch the team score a few goals and hopefully give them the incentive to dig deep for the league games when it really matters. No disrespect too Frickley, buts lets not make possible excuses about losing by saying things like "all non league teams play their hearts out, raise their games, bring the big boys down to their levels" etc - we will win so please ntfc - make sure the ground is as full as possible.

DannyBoy at 9:19:25 Tuesday October 31 2000
I know we have been winning but surely people who went to Port Vale and Cambridge can't deny we are struggling a little. I will back the boys however they play, but they are not playing to the standard they should be. We give the players the ball and see what they can attack us with. It is like basketball, all I can say is thank god for Chrissy Hargreaves, without him we would have lost more games.

Cardiff Cobbler at 9:11:0 Tuesday October 31 2000
Pete, that was a really stupid comment. Who cares if he doesn't wave to you when he comes off. I don't think we bought him for his waving ability. Would you prefer that he climbed into the stand and gave you a big hug and, on bended knee thanked you for clothing his children. Grow up. He's not paid to wave. If he doesn't start putting them away on a more regular basis then you'll have reason to moan. Yes, he probably earns 10 times what you do but thats your problem not his.

Pete at 8:20:36 Tuesday October 31 2000
Jane My season ticket is behind the home dugout and every week I have made a point of watching Gabbiadini as he comes off the pitch and on only one occasion has he acknowledged his wage payers. (Big time Charlies don't need to bother do they?!)

Andy at 22:39:27 Monday October 30 2000
How are you All? Good to see that this message board has alot of emphasis on Frickley (not all good) To confirm the Worksop result it wasn't 12 - 1 that Frickley lost but....mmm uuhh... 12 - 0 they lost. Great site this too. Yeh onto the game in question, should be a good 1, I am looking forward to it, as with Frickleys 'shocking' support levels hopefully with a bit of publicity it will create some much needed support from our local area! Anyhow just on here to say good luck to both teams and look forward to coming to your ground ( seen as though I have never been there) Regards, Andy!

MartinW at 21:13:37 Monday October 30 2000
Yes, it's the main item on teletext - it's a foreign news agency I think it's Italian that has announced it. Although it is not official. If Erikkson is England manager it will be the worst thing that could happen. A Scandanavian will be in charge of the team when we play a Scandanavian country, Finland. It's absurd to think that the FA are so desperate not to appoint the logical choice Terry Venables. Even Roy Hodgson would be perferable. It's not burying your head in the sand, it's just having that simple (call me stupid) belief that the England manager should be English. In the same way as the players have to be English. Okay a few rules are bent in some countries - like Ireland who had Cascarino who wasnever eligible and a host of others like Ray Houghton, a Glaswegian if ever there was one. But at least the England team players are made up of 100 per cent English players. Albeit they sometimes don't play like they wear their pride for their country on their sleeve like the Scots do. But Erikkson for god sake. Peter Taylor was a desperate act of a desperate regulatory body. Erikkson who can't get past the first round with all the money he has at his disposal at Lazio in the Champions League - all superstar and no teamwork - is another act of pure desperation. And my prediction is that it will backfre big time. Coz when things don't go well - Erikkson will not get the sympathy because he is a foreign coach and all most fans know who the right man for the job is - and his last name is Venables.

New England Manager at 20:48:57 Monday October 30 2000
Just announced its Errikson of Lazio - Radio 5 just now, at least Kev will be with us a bit longer, just hope he stops playing the 2 dont work together - playing and managing that is!

TRB Mark at 20:23:9 Monday October 30 2000
A very Merry Miller; You obviously havn't read the comments further down as most fans (and for the record the local Northampton rag) expressed that Rotherham were worthy winners. And there is no way any Cobbs fans thought it was going to be easy as we havn't beaten you for 27 years (which I why I hate Rotherham so much). So brush that chip off your shoulder o northern one. On the subject of inadequate northerners, Liz Kershaw ought to be bound and gagged and chucked in the Nene as soon as possible. If I want to hear to a Lancastrian sl**per first thing in the morning, then I'll tune into Radio one. I thought that the idea of a local station was to reflect the locality, not the best friend section of the station managers address book. Bring back Steve Riches!

Spud at 20:22:57 Monday October 30 2000
Forget that last posting PLEASE

Spud at 20:20:53 Monday October 30 2000
Details of last Saturdays referee:Games refereed by M Cooper in 2000/2001 Yellows Reds English Division 3 Rochdale 1 - 1 Darlington 12-08-2000 7 0 English Division 3 Torquay 3 - 2 Blackpool 28-08-2000 1 0 English Division 3 York 2 - 0 Scunthorpe 09-09-2000 2 1 English Division 3 Plymouth 2 - 3 Barnet 30-09-2000 2 0 English Division 3 Exeter 1 - 1 Chesterfield 14-10-2000 5 0 English Division 3 Halifax 1 - 2 Cheltenham 17-10-2000 3 0 English Division 2 Northampton 0 - 1 Rotherham 28-10-2000 7 1 Games: 7 Yellow Cards: 27 Red Cards: 2

Norwich Cobbler at 19:57:3 Monday October 30 2000
Just to agree with most of the postings re Saturday.The conditions were terrible and Rotherham adapted to it better.They broke up our play and chased every ball.They were cynical and wasted every second they possibly could but they got the result.I seem to remember we were a bit similar during Atkin's time.Fair play to them they came with a gameplan and it worked.If the conditions hadn't been so bad I think we would have beaten them - still there's always the return! On the subject of leaving early - I was one of those that left as injury time was shown - I love my team but the thought of sitting in a car park for 45mins with a two hour drive in conditions like Saturdays were not my idea of fun.If I lived in Northampton I would have stayed as I did last Saturday.There are always circumstances and this should be realised before criticising people. So there!! Lets beat the Essex boys on Saturday and regain our momentum. Come on the Cobblers!!!

Jane at 18:58:21 Monday October 30 2000
Apart from the way he is playing , (and personally I think he looks bloody good much of the time....granted not all the passes are coming off, but no one's bloody perfect at our level), I just wanted to say that I met Gabbiadini, and he came across as a shy and modest nice man. He doesn't drive a flash car, and for his summer holiday he went round Italy with his wife and four kids in a camper van, not what I'd expect of a 'I think I'm wonderful' sort of player. And what was that about not acknowledging the fans when he leaves the pitch? He does do.

treenie at 18:29:6 Monday October 30 2000
I was speaking to someone at work today who went to the match against worksop and frickley (the one where they got battered 12-1) and he said they were poor. He also said that if Forrester/ Howard/ Gabbiadini are playing he may go for the entertainment factor. This surely would be a good crowd puller if the 'big named' players are playing.

Marriott at 18:26:58 Monday October 30 2000
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH Jamie, Jamie............... Jamie, Jamie, Jamie, Jamie FOR-RES-TER!!!!!!

Insider at 18:21:4 Monday October 30 2000
Of course I should have said 'without the home stand moaners'

Insider at 18:1:42 Monday October 30 2000
Main stand whinger, where have you been? Gabbiadini scored a blinder at Port Vale, set up both against Cambridge and hit the bar, was foiled by stupendous saves at Bristol Rovers and at home to Rotherham. And this despite started more games as sub than from the off. Granted he's given the ball away sloppily on occasion but certainly hasn't wasted half the possession that Savage and Hodge have been guilty of. He stayed for ages signing autographs after the Oldham game bearing in mind he still had to drive home to York and when he's brought off warms down like a true pro. He looked the only player capable of splitting their defence on Saturday. Problem Saturday was we conceded an early sloppy goal and were forever chasing the game after that and the obvious tension in the crowd does not help. That's why we're better off with the hoime game moaners.

Miller at 17:6:49 Monday October 30 2000
Is your first name Windy?

Anon at 17:6:46 Monday October 30 2000
Frickley ath Sat 19 Aug Bamber Bridge Home 1-2 J. Watson 174 Tue 22 Aug Gainsborough Trinity Away 2-2 Hayward, Duffty 406 Sat 26 Aug Hucknall Town Away 1-3 Hurst 210 Mon 28 Aug Bishop Auckland Home 0-1 140 Sat 2nd Sept Runcorn Away 1-2 Watson 212 Sat 9th Sept Burscough Home 1-0 Hayward (pen) 141 Wed 13th Sept Bishop Auckland Away 0-2 147 Sat 16th Sept Hyde United Away 0-0 428 Tue 19th Sept Worksop Town Home 1-5 Wilson 305 Sat 23 Sept Marine Home 0-1 159 Tue 26 Sept Worksop Town Away 0-12 618 Sat 30 Sept Stocksbridge PS FAC 2Q Home 1-0 Beckett 167 Tue 3 Oct Hucknall Town Home 1-2 Hilton 139 Sat 7 Oct Gateshead Away 0-5 211 Tue 10 Oct Gainsborough Trinity Home 2-2 Goodyear, Brooks 162 Sat 14 Oct Mossley FAC 3Q Away 1-1 McAreavey 371 Tue 17 Oct Mossley FAC 3Q Re Home 3-0aet Hanby, McAreavey 2 286 Sat 21 Oct Accrington Stanley Home 0-2 197 Tue 24 Oct Blyth Spartans Away OFF Sat 28 Oct Hyde United FAC 4Q Home 1-0 Hanby

Dyl at 16:13:1 Monday October 30 2000
Not cynical huh? So what do you call time wasting by replacing the ball for EVERY single free-kick? I don't think you'd have done that if you'd been chasing the game. Rotherham deserved their victory but please don't think that it was thanks to a team of spotless saintly players who triumphed despite the evil referee. You won because of your tactics which were to foul and break up any rhythm we developed, and once you nicked your goal, your sole purpose was to waste time and hang on. All of which you did very well.

Tired of All This at 15:50:20 Monday October 30 2000
Where exactly is Rotherham? Is it in Kent? Near the river Rother?

A Very Merry Miller. at 15:17:58 Monday October 30 2000
I,ve never in all my years of listening to whingers and whiners heard so much sour grapes.We had a man sent off for a challenge on horizontal Gabbi.Funny that,the same man fell for it last year at Darlington.Still,they never even went up,so thats fair.Anyway,back to the story as it should have been.80 minutes left,Gabbi and Forrester will surely have a beano.Rotherham will surely just lie down and let us beat them.Oh dear,somebody is,nt playing along,That Talbot bloke has scored.It must have been a fluke.After all these good results at home we won,t be beaten by a bunch of no hopers from up North.After all,we are the mighty Northampton and we play at Fortress Sixfields,so there.But wait,the referee (the experienced Mr Cooper who is enjoying his first season) has blown the final whistle and we have lost.Ha Ha Ha.Now for the correct version,Gabbi likes getting free kicks these days,not goals.Rotherham won,t lie down to the likes of you,they will battle and outplay you.The referee,s assessor decides to have a meeting with Mr Cooper (and it was,nt to congratulate him on the sending off) with a view to reducing him to the lower ranks if he can,t keep a grip on himself.Cynical?Loutish?Cheating? I don,t think so,just a better team thats all.JUST A BETTER TEAM.

MP at 14:55:28 Monday October 30 2000
We used to be dangerous at set pieces. I can't think when we last got a goal from a free kick.

Hartwell at 14:31:45 Monday October 30 2000
I used to listen to BBC Radio Northampton regularly, especially in the car. But since the new manager arrived, bringing with him the likes of Liz Kershaw who knows nothing ab out the county, the station has become a poor imitation of a commercial pop station. Its hardly surprising the likes of Paul Needle have flown the nest, disillusioned with the way the station is run and the emphasis on "celebrity presenters" who have little sympatico with Northamptonshire.

Main Stand Moaner at 14:24:42 Monday October 30 2000
I know he's often a late starter in the goals stakes (he was at Darlo last season) and he has a goalscoring pedigree, but we have to judge him on how he performs here - and specifically on his goals tally. After all he was brought here to score goals. Two in 14 games is just not good enough. Maybe there's some behind the scenes discontent but that's neither here nor there. Cole and Sherringham don't get on together off the park but they have no problems working together professionally on it. I am the first to agree Marco has teamed up quite well the Jamie and does provide some useful flicks on. But much of his passing is either over or under-hit. OK, we've given him ample time to settle in. It's now time he started to deliver some goals. Jamie has left him standing and considering Marco's reputation the return from 14 games is not acceptable. Unless Marco starts to deliver soon I suspect he will find himself benched in favour of Howard, once he is fully fit. Don't get me wrong. I want to see Marco succeeed here. But it's about time he started delivering.

Don in Ealing at 13:59:44 Monday October 30 2000
To Richie in New Zealand: According to the Northampton Mercury on Sep 14 - "Soccer star auctions off his memorabilia - An auction will be hald later this month of football medals won by the former Cobblers and England legend Phil Neal. England's most decorated player and former Liverpool star has decided to part with all but one of the medals he won during his career that spanned three decades, a collection expected to raise Ł150,000. The former Northamptonshire schoolboy launched his brilliant career at the County Ground with Northampton Town, playing for the Cobblers 182 times between 1968 and 1974. He went on to be the only English player to win four European Cup medals. Phil Neal still holds the record for the most consecutive appearances in the top division with 200 for Liverpool - more than 100 mementos from his career are to be sold by Christie's on September 29. They include a gold EUFA Cup medal from 1977 expected to fetch between Ł10,000 and Ł15,000 and a red Airtex Liverpool shirt from the same year for Ł2,000 to Ł3,000. David Convery, football expert from Christie's, said: "Phil Neal is a legend in football after winning an incredible amount of medals with both Liverpool and England. It is quite unusual to have such a complete collection come up for auction and I am sure it will attract attention from football fans across the world." Phil Neal was born in Irchester in 1951 and played in every position for the Cobblers before he was signed by Liverpool in 1975. Once he retired from playing he managed a number of clubs including Coventry and he now commentates and works in the corporate side of the game."

NSB at 13:28:15 Monday October 30 2000
Please kevin, dont do a yeovil! Remember that yeah, we were slapped all over the back pages...... patmores revenge i think they called it?

Pete at 13:7:53 Monday October 30 2000
TO MR BODY LANGUAGE Maybe you should find out how much Gabbiadini is getting paid and how much he gets for each goal and then you may be able to realise the tension between the players. Arrogant monkey never even recognises the crowd when he leaves the field.

Appeal to Mr Wilson at 12:53:10 Monday October 30 2000
PLEASE PLEASE take the Frickley game seriously. Lets lie the ghosts of non league opposition past. Let Jamie and Marco go for it - lets go for a cricket score. Now THAT might get the fans in!

Richard James at 11:59:29 Monday October 30 2000
I'd like to congratulate the cobblers on a terrific start to the season, im a university student now and don't really get to see the games, but my parents and nan and grandad keep me informed on the cobblers progress. We have such a minimal squad compared to others in the division so it's a compliment to Kevin and the players that we are up there with the big money boyz! Hopefully Marco we start to back Big Jamie forester up with a few goals. Well done boys. Try and keep it up, but i know it will be hard!Up the cobblers! FRUSTRATED UNI STUDENT who is still pissed off we sold Ray Warburton to The scum!!

Vince at 10:41:24 Monday October 30 2000
Radio Northampton also seems to have lost its way with saturday afternoon sports coverage. As you drive out of Sixfields Adam Blackmore is on his own and is trying to cover everything and ends up covering nothing. I know it can't be easy for him waiting for Kevin Wilson to walk up the steps but it taks ages to get updates from the other games in the County or in the league and instead they play adverts for other radio programmes and music. A Riches and Radd style presentation would be ten times better. All this hype about "we know Northamptonshire" is very hollow.

Pauline at 10:24:15 Monday October 30 2000
I was interested to read earlier postings regarding the morning presenter on Radio Northampton or 'The Babbling Bint' as she has become known. I have given up trying to listen to her inane goings on but tuned in this morning to catch the weather and travel due to the adverse conditions. We were told that 'There is trains cancellations this morning' and 'We'll be battering down the hatches'. Then she really took the biscuit trying to interview some chap about dyslexia!!!! Several mispronounciations of local villages and stumblings over 'Silverlink' and others just left me wondering what exactly was the problem with Steve Ritchies! Good old BBC, perhaps we should begin the campaign to reinstate Ritchies or at least some one who befits a local station.

Vince at 10:15:32 Monday October 30 2000
Cardiff Cobbler.. and Graham Read.

Vince at 10:13:49 Monday October 30 2000
Shame about the result on saturday but Rotherham seemed to adapt to the conditions much better than we did. Did the clubs call for support work? - there was certainly a decent crowd but there must have been 1000+ from Rotherham, as TRB Mark states it's odd that a club with such low home support gets a good away following. I noticed that the police were once again showing force for no apparent reason - why the dogs on the pitch at the end of the game?. Not a bad draw in the FA Cup and a good chance of progress, although don't didmiss Frickley, although they are bottom of the NPL they have had a few changes recently and will be no walkover. As this will be an all pay fixture against a team that will not have a huge following and will not exactly have Cobblers fans queuing all night for tickets how about reducing admission charges? - much better to get 6000 at Ł7.50 than 3000 at Ł15.00.

Cardiff Cobbler at 10:7:33 Monday October 30 2000
So we're going to hammer Frickley are we?............Rememeber Crawley!....Bromsgrove!.....Leatherhead!.This has got 'concentrating on the legue' written all over it. Who was the last Cobblers player to come from Frickley, Russell Wilcox I think?

Temporary Preston Cobbler at 9:48:22 Monday October 30 2000
Low attendance? Look no further than a half hour queue at a poxy one window ticket office in driving rain. And three quarters of an hour to get out of the car parks. Most people I know are struggling to afford it, we may have low unemployment but a lot of people are a lot worse off than three years ago. And footie's often the first to get the chop. It's affecting all but the very top clubs and is a big talking point here in Preston where they're getting the same crowds as last year.

MK Cobbler at 9:42:21 Monday October 30 2000
I had a sinking feeling when Rotherham were reduced to 10 men. I cannot remember when the Cobbler shave ever played well against 10. Credit to Rotherham even if they were cynical in some of their fouls and their time wasting saw 9 mins added by the ref over the match. Whilst you have to try something different when you are losing I thought the substitution of Marco was wrong, he looked like he might be the one to unlock their defence. If another forward was to come on why not Morrow? The peformance was disappointing despite the obvious effort by the players but Colchester will not be a bad place to get back on track.

homer at 9:28:18 Monday October 30 2000
we need more fans at the games

Dyl at 9:26:54 Monday October 30 2000
for what it's worth I too think that Rotherham deserved their win. To play 80 minutes with 10 men away from home and to come away with a win is a great achievement. Yet again we showed that we don't know how to make the extra man work for us, and at time it looked we were the team with a man down. Saturday was a day where luck had its part to play. Rotherham had theirs we didn't get any. Even the wind was less ferocious in the 2nd half. Savage was poor (again) and Hughes looked decidedly dodgy with his distribtion in the final qaurter of the match. HAving said that, Gabbi had a good game, and Howard was blatantly hacked from behind in the Rotherham penalty area. Forrester was unlucky that his back-header went to the keeper and we could have made more of the direct free-kick in the box. Rotherham for tehir part were dirty, cynical and loutish, but they were also very good at keeping possesion in the last 20 minutes or so, thus denying us attacking opportunities. Congrats to them as they showed spirit in adversity. We should still have won, but didn't. We hae to get over it, we're still in second place and there is much going for us. One more thing, please Pete Smith, never call our ground 'Fortress Sixfields' again! At Darlo last year we made their announcer regret his 'Fortress Feethams' comment, as we did on Saturday. I'm not suspicious but there is no need to tempt fate!

Northampton Gas at 9:21:42 Monday October 30 2000
Sorry, for none league clubs read non league clubs. Then again, I may have been right in the first place. *s*

Northampton Gas at 9:18:0 Monday October 30 2000
The Autowindscreen Cup was due to take place this Saturday, BUT now appears to be in some doubt. It appears there is a doubt about the sponsers and whether none league clubs will take part. For details from a none league clubs view of the current situation regarding this cup goto http://www.ciderspace.dial.pipex.com/news/news.shtml

Paul S at 8:58:12 Monday October 30 2000
Treenie, if Frickley are as poor as you say then surely Kev will be looking for no 200

Miller at 0:28:4 Monday October 30 2000
Anybody any idea what happened in chevvys rumour is a millers fan got glassed.

MartinW at 23:47:43 Sunday October 29 2000
Anon, the only child on here is you both in the way you constantly slag off other people and in the way you find it hard to string a sentence together that makes any reasonable point. Disagreeing is one thing. Playground mentality is another.

Spring Park Cobbler at 23:17:53 Sunday October 29 2000
I thought Rotheram deserved it on Saturday. The general feeling amongst the supporters in the King Billy before the game was that it would be a tough one and so it was. I thought we played better in the first half but we ran out of ideas in the second half and we seemed to have lost heart towards the end. I was suprised by the subbing of Gabbi. He looked like he might do something whereas Kev lacks the fitness and match practice to play at this level. Still its great to be so high up in the second and I think Rotheram will be thereabouts at the end so once the great Roy Hunter returns and plays a few games we should be able to match some of these top teams. My main worry is the size of the squad. A few more injuries and we'll be in trouble. Hendon seems to be doing well at Wednesday and losing players like this won't help our cause.

stokecobbler at 22:15:35 Sunday October 29 2000
actually, thinking about it, it was me - haven't seen em win yet this season - and I've talked myself into getting down for the stoke game even though it's on a skoolnite just to tease the stokies at work - best talk me out of it.

stokecobbler at 22:7:58 Sunday October 29 2000
wondered beforehand which team would be up for it considering the conditions, which team would be looking fwd to a bath and a pint - I'll let you work that one out. two words from the postings below since the game stand out: urgency & commitment -it was just like watching england, roll on saturday....

A Childs View at 21:57:57 Sunday October 29 2000
Anon - get stuffed! If you want to disagree great - but say why and for what reasons. Also, why not own up to who you are?

Anon at 21:49:5 Sunday October 29 2000
A childs view - you obviously are a child - when you grow up and can see over the grown-ups heads you'll be able to appreciate what football is all about and learn about the skills involved. Are you sure you were at the match?

Gas your usual crap at 21:23:14 Sunday October 29 2000
As a know it all you take a lot of beating, they played you I believe with 11 men, who could blame them for any time wasting yesterday ALL teams would have done it in their place, they played to win, it was good for us they only had 10 players!

A Childs View at 20:53:11 Sunday October 29 2000
Disappointing game yesterday, however, not the end of the world. Every team is bound to slip up a couple of times during the season - yesterday was one of ours! Main points to note were a disgracefully biased ref - a total 'Homer' who gave Rotherham absolutely nothing throughout the match. Gabbi had a poor game and needs to realise that when he receives the ball deep, he needs to hold it up and link other players in - not to always try and turn the defender or be too clever in an area where it can't harm the opposition - possession just gets lost too often!(I still think he's great though - He moves into his new house in Northampton on Tuesday! I know this because my Dad's just finished building it! Hopefully he'll settle down on the pitch as well!) Also worthy of praise are those Cobblers fans who stayed behind to applaud the Rotherham players off the pitch. They expressed genuine respect for the efforts of the Rotherham team and, in so doing, reinforced what sportmanship is all about. The Rotherham players warmly applauded us back which, I thought, was also a nice acknowledgement. Am I getting too sentimental in my old age or, from time to time, is it ok to let admiration for the opposition's skills and endeavours take precedent over being a devotee to the Cobblers?

MartinW at 19:6:0 Sunday October 29 2000
A forgettable game of football for more than just the result. It was very similiar to our defeat at Wycombe. In both games we lacked one crucial ingredient. COMMITMENT. When the going got tough in both games nobody could take the game by the scruff of the neck. To lose to ten men is disgraceful. Because the only way you can lose it is if you don't put in the effort. We had the wind and the extra man in the second half and could not make it pay. They quite simply showed more spirit and tenacity. And I and other Cobblers fans on the West stand applauded them off the field. It's not the end of the world, though, because we can play better and we CAN show more than we did on Saturday. Best forget about the Rotherham game. Which I will.

Ray at 19:2:33 Sunday October 29 2000
Don't ever dismiss opposition, no matter how lowly in the football pyramid, out of hand. Past experience has shown that the Cobblers almost invariably slip on the proverbial banana skin.

hotel ender at 18:16:3 Sunday October 29 2000
don't dismmis Frickley out of hand - they must have won a few games to get to the first round - however if we do take it seriously then it could see us getting a few!

treenie at 17:51:5 Sunday October 29 2000
I think that Marco, Jamie & Big Stevie should play some part in the match against frickley just for entertainment value. Maybe Kev should play them until they've scored at least three goals each in the first half and then change the team

Paul at 17:16:54 Sunday October 29 2000
I suspect given injury problems, Kevin will rest Jammie and Marco, and play Morrow and perhaps Steve, or even Thompson.

DavCobbler at 16:14:30 Sunday October 29 2000
Oh yeah....and they had 330 there to see them through to meet us :-))

DavCobbler at 16:10:32 Sunday October 29 2000
Have just had a glipmpse at the Fricley site as mentioned below and am pleased to post the following information : Frickley have played 15 games...have won ONE...drawn THREE and lost ELEVEN. Included in these figures is a small defeat at the hands of Worksop )3rd in the league) who beat them TWELVE - NIL... Jamie and Marco.....fill yer booties :-))

Sir Robert of WALOCshire at 16:3:53 Sunday October 29 2000
If anyone feels like contributing there will be an extra fanzine out this season - on sale v Frickley. Deadline for articles Tuesday 7th November (or Wed 8th at push). Thanks.

TRB Mark at 14:44:32 Sunday October 29 2000
Let me start this by saying how much I hate Rotherham, always have done, always will. Having said that, I thought they deserved their win yesterday as they created more in front of goal, got their tackles in when it counted, were away from home and played most the match with only ten men. The weather and the plonker ref was the same for both sides. It was good to see a decent amount of away fans too, not a bad following considering they only get about 4,000 at home. As I said, I can't stand Rotherham......

britgal at 14:26:43 Sunday October 29 2000
I was away for another weekend, this time in Leeds and so yet another match i couldn't even listen to on t'radio. But fear not, i put my time away rom the coblers to good use. I trained my 5 year old cousin! If i were to say who is the best football player ever, she will shout 'Jamie Forrester'! If i ask who the best team is she will reply 'Northapton Town'. 'Who is Barry Fry?' will get 'a nasty man' in reply and Kevin Wilson, she now tells me, is a god!!

boro til i die at 13:43:48 Sunday October 29 2000
look forward to stuffin you this season.

Northampton Gas at 11:34:7 Sunday October 29 2000
>>>I note you have Rotherham this weekend, be prepared for all the negative tactics under the sun being displayed. We played them nine days ago and made the BIG mistake og allowing them to score first when they were playing away from home. They waste dso much time at throw ins, goal kicks, corners etc that it became a bit of a farce at times<<< Sorry Cobblers fans, I posted this on Wednesday at 13.45 and it sadly came true. Still, the way I feel about my team's performances at the moment doesn't bear discussing on this site!!! Looking forward to the reserve team game Tuesday week when you take on 1982 Ltd.

Ray at 10:53:52 Sunday October 29 2000
Frickley Athletic Official Site - http://www.pennocks.freeserve.co.uk/

Hartwell at 10:37:50 Sunday October 29 2000
Rotherham - for all their spoiling tactics - were the better team on the day. They played the ball around with more confidence and to greater purpose and created most of the scoring opportunities. It was hard to believe we had the extra man - we certainly didn't make it count. Some of our midfield passing was good to watch but it fell apart in the final third of the pitch, where the forwards got little joy and not enough support from midfield. While Savage is a talented player, he must learn to work harder for the team. He neither supported the front men nor helped in defence, spending too much time wandering around midfield, the game going past him. He needs to get more involved and I hope Willo will be making him aware of this. Having said that, Sat's result has to be seen in perspective - we have had an excellent start to the season. We'd all have been more than happy, had we known in August, we'd have got 24 points from our first 14 games and would, come the end of October, lie in a handy seventh place with (home) games in hand. I think yesterday we met a team who may well finish in one of the automatic promotion slots. Rotherham are very tight at the back and with their pace pose a real threat coming forward. Finally, who'se got the lowdown on Frickley ? They are bottom of their league, that's about all I know about 'em!!

Dressing Room Spy at 10:22:27 Sunday October 29 2000
I refer to the recent postings about Gabbiadini.There is indeed a bit of a problem with Gabbi as he is lazy in training and does come across as the Mrbig of the club. At the end of the day the players are normal blokes who happen to be in the spotlight more then most.Gabbi does not help his own situation by not joining in with some social events which would help.Also he is not the worlds greatest communicator with the public and does come over as an arrogant so and so.Wilson will have to sort it out sooner better then later I think.

The Ashford Cobbler at 10:18:6 Sunday October 29 2000
I suppose yesterday's result was inevitable. Over optimism on the back of some terrific results this season. A long home unbeaten record which had to fall at some point. The opposition down to 10 men early in the game apparently swinging the odds in the Cobblers direction, but it never works that way. Remember, going into this game Cobblers and Rotherham were the 2 form teams in the division over the last 8. You could see the quality of Rotherhams defensive play and even with 10 men they worked hard and posed a threat going forward even with their early loss of Robins. Previous games I have seen the Cobblers, particularly Hodge, have been allowed much more space. Every time we got the ball in a forward position a foot came in and there was no obvious outlet due to the Rotherham tight marking. As said by someone else on here the full back had Hodge in his pocket. I sat in the east stand so was close to the tussle in the second half and it was pretty entertaining. Hodge showed a lot of committment when some players who play in his position might have hidden with those conditions. It surprises me that we are one of the tightest defences in the division. Conceding around 10 less than Rotherham so far. Thought we were tighter yesterday and Dryden played fine. Sampson is in awsome form this season. Good to see Sampson and Green playing the ball out of defense rather than hoofing it. I said on here last week I'd be happy with 2-3 points from these last 2 games and I'm certainly more content than 2 1-1 draws as we are a point better off. Finally when I was having my pre match banquet in McDonalds 2 Rotherham fans were looking at the programme and 1 commented to the other "Bloody Hell. Ronnie Moore keeps going on about how small our squad is look at the size of theirs! Quality looks better though." We're doing superbly well with the resources we have.

Treenie at 9:51:30 Sunday October 29 2000
I agree that people are allowed to voice their opinion but there's no need to getting extremely verbal. I noticed yesterday that the people that sit behind me had become complacent and were slagging off the team, especially when the man of the match was announced. I think that Hodgy played well yesterday as did Forrester and Hunt. However the players are only human. Give the lads a chance. Come on Cobblers!!!!!!!!

Anon at 9:47:56 Sunday October 29 2000
Pooh

Anon at 9:34:48 Sunday October 29 2000
Bum

Deepcut Cobbler at 7:12:53 Sunday October 29 2000
Marriott, and you wrote all that without foul and abusive language!! Now my children can read your valued opinions as well. Thank you. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Marriott at 4:50:12 Sunday October 29 2000
OK, well, I'm Marriott. I have been a Cobblers supporter since I was about 8 and I'm 18 now. I was at Shrewsbury, I was at Chesterfield, I went to Wembley. I have only missed 3 home games since 1992. SO I would call my self a loyal supporter ( and anyone that knows me would also say that) I have also worked for the club since 1994. I'm getting pissed off with people on here moaning, slaggingplayers off etc... Ok, fair enough people have their own opinions, but Rotherham were a better team than us, they cheated, they were physical, but it worked! I'm not gonna complain, Ok, so maybe we could have got a draw and playing against ten men has never been easy for us, but why are people moaning? Surely people cant ask for much more than a record over our last 20 home games as won 15 drew 2 lost 3. I would be happy with that from our next 20, any other takers?

Ray at 1:2:21 Sunday October 29 2000
Speaking of left backs - anyone heard anything about Johnny Frain?

Mr. Body Language at 1:17:13 Sunday October 29 2000
Hope you're right, Ray. Maybe he justs needs a steady run of a few games playing with Forrester et al so that he can get used to their game and they can get used to his. He was good enough when Darlington came down last year (bastard!) and certainly hadn't lost the ball skills...now Jamie on his current form, Gabbo at his best and Hodgie on current form (give or take Steve Howard, who's improving all the time) - that would be worth seeing...perhaps they could play all four and just do without a left-back!

Ray at 1:12:43 Sunday October 29 2000
Apologies - I missed the Marriott postings - they have now been dealt with....

Hate to say this but... at 1:12:6 Sunday October 29 2000
Rotherham looked the best all-round team in Div.3 last year (Cobblers were 2nd best by May)and on today's performance they've improved again - they are physical, well-organised, keep possession and carry a strike threat. When I saw they'd signed Robins at the start of the season, I thought that they and the Cobblers would be the 2 promotees to thrive in Div.2. As things stand, I reckon Swansea will be straight back down (Yes!!), Posh will finish about 16th, Cobblers about 10th & Rotherham could make the play-offs...still, avoid injuries and make a few changes (sort out left-side defence, get Hunter back) and maybe Cobblers can improve on that - but if not, I'd settle for that outcome!

Ray at 1:5:21 Sunday October 29 2000
Yes - I saw the verbals between the two although I couldnt work out what it was about. I'm not sure that Gabby is having a problem fitting in, he certainly doesn't appear to play the great "I am" on the field at any rate. I thought he had a good game today. Perhaps these things take a time to happen and we are now beginning to see the start of what he is really capable of.

Mr. Body Language at 0:56:47 Sunday October 29 2000
Did anyone else notice that brief shouting match today between the great Gabbo and James Hunt - Gabbo moaned about Hunt not moving for a pass and got a ferocious burst of verbals in response. I wonder if there's some tension between Gabbiadini and some of the others. He comes across as a decent bloke and not the sort to play the big star, but I wonder...there's something going on as, while he's got the skill, he still doesn't seem to be gelling into the team as well as might have been expected (though today was one of his better games - maybe it just takes time, or he's recovering fitness).

Pablo at 0:49:39 Sunday October 29 2000
This message-writing is getting addictive again...Can anyone tell me who is supposed to be playing left back/wing-back for the Cobblers as I'm getting very confused...it seems we have 3 centre-backs including Dryden), while Hargreaves is playing left midfield but has half a mind to cover the left-back slot. I know injuries have caused this problem, but it is a strange formation - a right back, 3 centre backs, left midfield, 2 central midfielders, a winger & 2 strikers. Let's face it, Hargreaves is a wide midfield player (and a good one), not a wing-back, while Dryden is a centre-back not a full-back. In the short-term, either they should play 4-4-2 with Hope at left-back, Dryden dropped and Hodge in the team (which he certainly merits, though not today)or play the wing-back system properly (which would mean either dropping Hodge (?!?), as Hunt & Savage can't run the midfield on their own. Longer-term, it's got to be either 5-3-2 with Spedding at left-back or 4-4-2 with Frain there. Oh, and while I'm here writing comments that no-one will read: Interesting selection issues if/when Roy Hunter comes back - and the lack of goals from midfield means he must do....

Pablo at 0:23:1 Sunday October 29 2000
Question 1: Why was Dave Savage catching the (delayed)6.13pm train towards Coventry this evening? a)He was doing penance for the home defeat; b)He had a secret rendez-vous with Gordon Strachan to sign for Cov; c)He's a man of the people; d)He can't afford a Porsche on the wages he gets at the Cobblers; e)He can afford a Porsche and champagne on the wages the Cobblers pay him and the latter caused him to crash the former. Question 2: Why wasn't he surrounded by autograph-hunters?... and before the moaners get on, I think he's having a great season in a position he's better suited to.

My Christmas Wish at 23:46:35 Saturday October 28 2000
All i want for Christmas this year is to do the double over the SCUM, especially to beat them at their place. Promotion would be nice to though.

Mystic Meg at 22:8:28 Saturday October 28 2000
Well, its Saturday night and im bored, so ive just been doing a bit of research on our future FA Cup R1 opponents..... Frickley Athletic FC are in a place in South Emsall which is near Wakefield, ooop north...!!! They were formed in 1910 and are currently BOTTOM of the Unibond Premier league (the same one that Lancaster-who we played the other year- are in)....Played 15...Points 6!!!! They reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup back in 85-86 but were knocked out by (would you believe it!!) ROTHERHAM UNITED!!!! Record attendance around 6000... Average about 600!!! Ian Edge currently plays for them,who has also played for The Scum and The Direones aswell!! (how apt!!) So there you go!!! Hope ive enlightened you all!!! A word about todays game.... Ive always feared Rotherham- They should have won the league last season... Hard game and the weather certainly didnt help, but full credit to them- They earnt the 3 points in my opinion!!! There was no urgency with most of our players really...Savage esp had a complete mare!!! I think it was just one of those days when the ball was NOT going to go in the net for us!! (we've been spoilt with goals lately!!) But hey!! Dont all get depressed!! We have remained 7th in the table, still with 2 games in hand!!! We should thank ourselves lucky we are Luton or Oxford supporters!!! THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT...THE FUTURES CLARET AND WHITE!!!!

Deepcut Cobbler at 22:5:33 Saturday October 28 2000
Ray, Who is Marriott? I thought the days of the foul mouthed/key boarded contributions had been and gone. He appears to have difficulty in appreciating that decent comment from our fans, of all ages, do not require the obscenities that do nothing to improve his comments or points. Would appreciate your co-operation in ensuring that his postings do not stay longer than necessary. Many thanks. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Deepcut Cobbler at 21:27:11 Saturday October 28 2000
Northampton Gas warned us all about the Rotherham tactic of scoring early and shutting up shop and time wasting. After the Oldham game a couple of comments stated that they would be happy with 2 or 3 pts from Cambridge and Rotherham.... Come on guys we can't win every game, we are a team consolidating this season, not intending to be promoted again too early, lets not run before we can walk properly in the second.... Patience, up until today the season was going too well, set backs give us perspective.. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!

DavCobbler at 19:58:36 Saturday October 28 2000
Totally agree with Treenie.....If you go to the game...at least have the decency to stay till the end. On another point....but similar...I wonder how many of the glory hunters at Wembley had left before Frainy scored ???

CALLING ALL SEASON TICKET HOLDERS at 19:58:29 Saturday October 28 2000
IS IT ME OR ARE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED THEM SELVES TO FULL SEASON TICKETS FOR THIS SEASON BEING RIPPED OFF AGAIN! A UPPER WEST STAND SEASON TICKET COST APPROX Ł315, A HALF SEASON TICKET WITH ALL THE SAME SO CALLED PRIVALAGES IE RESERVE GAMES AT 2PM KICK OFF COST Ł150 MEANING 1 FREE GAME AFTER XMAS. WHY COMMIT YOURSELF WHEN YOU GET AS GOOD A DEAL IF NOT BETTER BY WAITING. ALSO AS ANOTHER MOAN JOHN HODGE MAN OF THE MATCH, NEVER, HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THERE AFTER HALF TIME, IAM AN ADMIRER OF HIS TALENT BUT THAT FULL BACK HAD HIM IN HIS POCKET ALL GAME AND HODGE AND HUGHES DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO!

Wilsons rallying call not answered at 19:50:9 Saturday October 28 2000
Hey Wilson the only reason why the gate was up today, is because Rotherham brought about 1200 fans which helped boost the figures. If it wasnt for them then the gate would of been lower. Therefore there were only 5200 Cobblers fans there and 3500 of them were season tickets. Not massive now is it compared to the size of the town. Also does anybody know what happened to the other 40,000 that went to Wembley two years on the trot

Anon at 19:40:35 Saturday October 28 2000
What a load of RUBBISH! Hows about we actually tackle the opposition players when they run at us instead of backing off all the time and letting them attack and put our goal under threat. You win games by attacking and shooting at the goal not by defending and trying to walk the ball through the oppositions defence which we cant do.

treenie at 19:21:29 Saturday October 28 2000
I don't mean to moan but is it me or does anyone else get annoyed with people leaving before the end of the match. Surely peopel would've learnt their lesson against wrexham when they thought we'd lost and missed the equaliser. It's annoying for the people who are trying to watch the match until the end and have to keep getting up so people can leave. Surely a true supporter would stay until the final whistle no matter what the score is.

Miller at 19:7:46 Saturday October 28 2000
Tell the truth baz roth did't do one bad tackle all day you had the bigggest cheat flabbiadini. If you cant beat 10 men with 14 tough titty get over it and give over with the sour grapes. By the way that is what you call a proper travelling support , well done to proper northampton fans who noticed a good team and gave them an ovation at the end.

Baz at 18:24:35 Saturday October 28 2000
Just home from the game. Listened to Kevin Wilson's comments on Radio Northampton,and he was fairly generous to Rotherham when asked about their sending off and six bookings. Personally, I felt that they set their stall out to intimidate and cheat from the start. They seemed to think that it was in order to lay hands on the referee each time he booked one of their players and I think they can consider themselves fortunate they didn't finish up with fewer players on the field. Add to that, blatant timewasting and a day when nothing went right for us in front of goal. It would be a pity if a team like Rotherham are in contention at the end of the season.

Ralph Again at 17:51:13 Saturday October 28 2000
Luton v Direones and Kettering v Hull City. If anyone is interested! Tough one for Gas away to Cardiff.

Ralph at 17:48:5 Saturday October 28 2000
Sorry that should read Frickley!

Ralph at 17:47:27 Saturday October 28 2000
FA Cup 1st Round - Home v Fricklet Athletic. We bought Rambo form them for Ł2,500.

Ralph at 17:32:15 Saturday October 28 2000
A very frustrating afternoon against a tough-tackling, physical, cynical, experienced Rotherham outfit. The weather was atrocious, wind and rain, which probably affected our style rather than theirs. I still think Hope is better than Dryden and I still think Wilson should have come on for Savage and not Marco. John Hodge won the MOM award which was greeted with a deafening silence. But hey! that's our first defeat in eight games and our first at Sixfields in eighteen so let's keep things in perspective. It was just one of those days! Acouple of light and bitters from now and all will be fine!!

Sean from London at 17:8:33 Saturday October 28 2000
Games against 10 men often end up a nighmare. The 10 men tend to take more responsiblity and battle it out. We will win at Colchester !!

Guildford Cobbler at 17:0:28 Saturday October 28 2000
0-1 FT.

Sean from London at 16:57:18 Saturday October 28 2000
Attendance 6,478

Paddington Cobbler at 16:41:57 Saturday October 28 2000
still 0-1

richie fan from new zealand at 16:23:52 Saturday October 28 2000
wats happening anon the surspence is killing me

Guildford Cobbler at 16:21:0 Saturday October 28 2000
Sorry, the last two anons were me. 1-0 was the last I heard.

richie fan from new zealand at 16:9:15 Saturday October 28 2000
still one down anon?????

Sean from London at 16:7:41 Saturday October 28 2000
Goal attempts N4 R6, On Target N2 R3 Off Target N2 R3 Hit Woodwork None, Corners N1 R6(!!) Fouls N3 R9, Offsides N0 R1

Sean from London at 16:4:8 Saturday October 28 2000
The stats for today's match can be found on ----- http://www.footballnow.co.uk/football/common/MatchReport.asp?T_ID=div2&FixtureID=4115 (Nationwide Building Society Site)or http://www.sports.com/football/results/div2/2000/10/28/mc/217889.html

richie fan from new zealand at 16:1:59 Saturday October 28 2000
thanks anon keep them comming we will win big fifgt back in second half

Anon at 15:39:32 Saturday October 28 2000
Don't think you can listen live. I'm getting updates from my mate at the game. I'll pass them on as soon as they arrive.

BIG JIM at 15:37:20 Saturday October 28 2000
I am a cobblers fan,and I am desperate to listen to the match,I am stationed out here in Cyprus,,ANON

BIG JIM at 15:35:21 Saturday October 28 2000
HOW WAS THE GOAL Is there any way I can listen to the game over the internet

Anon at 15:31:41 Saturday October 28 2000
1-0 Rotherham. A sloppy goal

Anon at 15:20:56 Saturday October 28 2000
Guy Branston sent off for two bookable offences after 12 minutes! Howard still on bench

oN HIS WAY TO THE CALL OF kEV at 13:22:13 Saturday October 28 2000
IT HAS TO BE SAID THAT THIS rICHIE FROM nEW zEALAND IS A COMPLETE TWATIF HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING HE COULD PROBLY WORK A POOTER.sHEEP sH\GGERS.........

richie fan from new zealand at 13:8:14 Saturday October 28 2000
you people should now be on your way to sixfields cause the lads need you,so unless you doing updates for us downunder bugger off or you be late.COME ON YOU MIGHTY COBBLERS.

Miller at 11:30:43 Saturday October 28 2000
what your old mans gunna score in 4 hours, why is he going to local brothel.

My old mans a Cobbler. at 11:9:47 Saturday October 28 2000
Score in four hours,he's gonna score in four hours.......

anon at 8:45:10 Saturday October 28 2000
bengo- the cabin is now down near the hot dog stand, for west stand tickets, and near the north stand corner for tickets for there

BENGO at 7:58:50 Saturday October 28 2000
Answering Willo's call and coming down from Birmingham to swell the crowd. First home match this season where I haven't got a ticket posted in advance. Can some other sad person up at this hour on a Saturday morning tell me what the arrangements are for getting a ticket on the day. Are we still talking the cabin on the car park ?

momac at 2:53:23 Saturday October 28 2000
Can't even get that right,its supposed to be 12 1/2.

My old mans a Cobbler. at 2:51:55 Saturday October 28 2000
Score in just over 13 1/2 hours,he's gonna score in just over 13 1/2 hours........

Eastander at 23:23:19 Friday October 27 2000
A couple of ghosts to lay tomorrow and I think its time, time for a midfielder to score a goal this season, time for the Cobblers to score more than 2 goals in a game this season, get behind the lads everyone lets make it happen. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

richie fan from new zealand at 22:58:17 Friday October 27 2000
martin.w.finally got into your web site and have seen all those great goals.if jamies an aset to the club.your an aset to the this web site,great work buddy much appreciated over here.

richie fan from new zealand at 22:7:32 Friday October 27 2000
bums on seats you crazy lot,to see the bigest win of the season.we have bums on seats here so any udates would be much appreciated . were are you britgal?

point of view at 21:50:53 Friday October 27 2000
tosser you aint got no nuts your a girl/////////////////hehehehehe

richie fan from new zealand at 21:46:37 Friday October 27 2000
rodney does the airfare come with those free tickets hmm.

tosser at 21:10:57 Friday October 27 2000
how you like my nuts

MartinW at 20:7:54 Friday October 27 2000
NSB - I would not sell CDs of Cobblers goals, because it is not a money making venture. Although, yes I do have a CD writer. As soon as cobblersinvision becomes a money making thing, then a few people would be visiting me regarding copyright. As it stands I think all it does is generate more interest in the club and of course Sky, as well as provide those that cannot get to games a glimpse of what they are missing. So everybody's 'appy.

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 19:33:16 Friday October 27 2000
Bob, ex-Vegas Cobbler. Check your e-mail re. free ticket offer!

Anon at 19:17:33 Friday October 27 2000
I'm not saying that I can rap, my normal voice is pretty crap, but my momma said it just takes soul, a touch of punk and rock 'n' roll.

FOG at 19:11:54 Friday October 27 2000
CD's don't make fortunes!

NSB at 18:29:28 Friday October 27 2000
Heres a money-making idea for you martin W if you have a cd-writer then you could make your own cobblers goals on cd! Mass produce them and flog them all! You could be rich!

NSB at 18:22:22 Friday October 27 2000
be that be what the f*** am i saying! Be that BIG was what i meant!

NSB at 18:21:12 Friday October 27 2000
they should sell life size carboard cut outs of jamie! well those wouldnt be that be would they!

NSB at 18:20:10 Friday October 27 2000
Like those old tango adverts, " you know when youve been forrestered!"

My old mans a Cobbler. at 18:17:27 Friday October 27 2000
Can't get to the game again tomorrow but how about a suggestion for a couple of songs in honour of Jamie ,1 ,Score in a minute ,he's gonna score in a minute. 2 ,To tune of Oops upside your head, You've been Forrestered,you've just been Forrestered,to the opposing fans when Jamie scores.Also ,how about the club shop selling flags with the words `You've just been Forrestered'.Just a suggestion,what do you think?

NSB at 18:13:33 Friday October 27 2000
Yes Big Roy thats exactly what we need! We should also have three drummers ala slipknot, kirk hammet guitar solos between every verse and dexter holland vocals!

NSB at 18:11:13 Friday October 27 2000
F*** you marriot, so im a miserable bastard for suggesting that FOG would be perfect if it was heavy metal? what would you prefer S club 7 to sing it?

Cobbler in the West at 17:55:25 Friday October 27 2000
Quote from Ronnie Moore, Rotherham manager about us " Friday, 27 October, 2000, 11:05 GMT 12:05 UK Northampton v Rotherham preview Northampton striker Steve Howard will be given a place on the bench for the Cobblers' match against Rotherham. Howard has recovered from a groin injury and Northampton boss Kevin Wilson has decided he is fit enough to play some part in the Rotherham game. Wilson has made an appeal to Cobblers fans, requesting that more of them turn up to games at Sixfields. He said: "We really need supporters to turn out and show their appreciation for what we are trying to do at the club." Sidelines Rotherham defender Marvin Bryan has lost his battle match. He will be joined on the sidelines by winger Chris Sedgwick who is still two weeks away from making a full recovery. Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore said: "It will be like having a new player when Chris returns to the side. He's been out since pre-season and we've missed him. "Northampton are a good side who have the two best strikers in the division. But they are also very strong at the back. "

Marriott at 17:36:2 Friday October 27 2000
So all you miserable bastards (NSB) still havent cheered up! Oh and I see no suggestions have really been made on here, so maybe now we see why things aren't as good as they should be, because no one can think of any improvements. Onto tomorrow's game, it should be a cracker, hopefully it will be better than the two defeats dished out by Rotherham last year. Who's gonna bet against Forrester getting one tomorrow? Does anyone know who's got the record for consecutive games/goals scored? Surely he cant be far off, not too many players have been prolific for us in the ten years or so that I have been a supporter. Hope we can actually get an atmosphere at Sixfields tomorrow, I cant really remember much of an atmosphere at Sixfields for ages, the lads are doing their best efforts for us, so lets do it for them. Hopefully the whole town will be behind us tomorrow, so lets make it one to remember. See you tomorrow (and buy a goalden goal or two)!! ENJOY THE GAME!

Big Roy at 15:57:57 Friday October 27 2000
Anybody got a good rapping voice out there? I feel a song coming on!

Big Roy at 15:50:13 Friday October 27 2000
I'd be happy to do a heavy metal version NSB. I could certainly make it rock but I think the appeal would be reduced. Perhaps something akin to Korn with lots of rapping, thunderous guitars and bad language!

MIDDLE AGED LISTNER AND COBBLERS FAN at 15:47:48 Friday October 27 2000
I agree , bring back Steve Riches, Liz Kershaw is incapable of stringing two word's together, let alone hosting a morning programme.What does that nice new head man at the B.B.C. think he is doing?, he seriously doesn't think she is up for the job does he ? Her knowledge of the area, and the Cobblers, is nothing short of laughable.

Alex at 14:43:36 Friday October 27 2000
Go to my cobblers website, it is http:\\northamptontownfc.homestead.com

Paul at 14:33:45 Friday October 27 2000
I think the low atendances are to do with the fact that like the Oldham game last week, the away attendances have been very poor this season. Why would that be? I think that fans of other teams look at our record at SIxfields and assume a certain "could be a loss" feeling in their minds!

NSB at 14:21:4 Friday October 27 2000
im not knocking the musical talents of Big Roy but c'mon, it doesnt exactly rock the place does it? we need a big riock version, with some heavy guitars and mega bass! we also need way more people than were on the original!

NSB (leeds cobbler) at 14:19:30 Friday October 27 2000
I too was on the FOG cd and im damn proud of it too, altho i was quite disappointed when we werent asked onto top of the pops, alltho i do admit, it sounds bloody terrible!

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 14:15:59 Friday October 27 2000
I've made it as easy as possible to purchase tickets. E-mail me and a wonderful view of the Millers match, with a choice of West or North Stand, is yours for free. I'll chech my mail at about six o'clock so if you leave me an address or number to contact you the rest is simple. I bet Sixfields will be fairly full tomorrow, particularly with no Saints match, a larger away following and the club PR machine on overdrive this week. Personally, baring in mind the small away support at Sixfields this season, I'd the attendances have been good. They compare favourably with the likes of Port Vale or Oldham, clubs with a higher league standing than ourselves over the last few years.

Norwich Cobbler at 12:57:6 Friday October 27 2000
Can't wait for tomorrow - sounds like there will be a decent crowd to see us move up the table! We should be pulling in over 6,000 for every game.I have to agree that the club must make it easier for the casual supporter to buy tickets on the day.Why don't they make the away supporters all ticket for big games and allow home supporters to buy on the day? I could turn up for a Norwich game and get a ticket on the afternoon so why do we have this problem??

MK Cobbler at 12:35:20 Friday October 27 2000
Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) is right. The "system" in place is putting off spur of the moment supporters who may turn up on the day but are unable or unwiling to commit to buying a ticket days in advance. They must number a few hundred. Also "all ticket" games for matches for which we will never sell all home seats are not helping. Most clubs in this division make the bigger games all ticket for away fans but pay on the day for home supporters. Plenty has been written on this site some weeks ago about this but nothing appears to have happened.

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 11:35:24 Friday October 27 2000
I have two FREE tickets to offer for tomorrow's match: one in the West Stand and one in the North , back row in the middle. My better half is decorating and the kids are too young. If anyone is interested in having either, e-mail me.

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 11:32:24 Friday October 27 2000
Absolutely agree with everything said about 'reasons for reduced attendances'. The inconvenience factor is a major one. Why does it have to be a major event, buying a ticket? My very first Cobblers experience in 1974 began with my father announcing at ten to two, "I don't know what everyone else is doing but I,m off to the Cobblers!" That was a top of the table clash with Watford which no doubt would be all-ticket nowadays. Make it easier for goodness sake!

MK Cobbler at 11:6:56 Friday October 27 2000
Saw the goals from Cambridge on Sky last night. All has been written already about Jamie's second but the first goal was also very good with a brilliant long pass from Marco and fine finishing by JF. Now for Rotherham, not an easy one and let's make sure there is a good gate.

Carl at 9:58:33 Friday October 27 2000
Did anyone else see the goal the Carlisle keeper scored, very similar to Pat Jennings goal many moons ago, it was one hell of a hoof. Atkins must have been very proud of his Striking partnership.

Anon at 8:19:44 Friday October 27 2000
I'm back at work and it's raining, boo!

9224 at 1:46:12 Friday October 27 2000
I'm back in Npton for the Rotherham game - hooray!

MartinW at 23:29:0 Thursday October 26 2000
The first Forrester goal will be uploaded as soon as I have it.

Salty Dog at 22:51:21 Thursday October 26 2000
Where is Cromarty? North Outsera? Dogger Bight Biscay? Bloody strange if you ask me. They reckon heavy metal is coded Satanism, what about all that then?

Harriet Cass at 22:49:46 Thursday October 26 2000
And now the shipping Forecast . . . .

The Awful Babbling Tart That has replaced the Lovely Steve Richies at 22:48:51 Thursday October 26 2000
Right, yeah, okay, now then, erm, by 'eck 'as like, rabbitt, nonsense, how long before they realise I'm crap and sack me, time for the travel, no sorry the weather, no sorry the news, by 'eck that's the end of the show. See ya tommorer chuck.

Fluff at 22:46:30 Thursday October 26 2000
Not 'arf.

Tony Blackburn at 22:46:9 Thursday October 26 2000
Fandabbydozy.

Jimmy Young at 22:45:41 Thursday October 26 2000
Notice how it always comes back to music?

Chipp at 22:44:31 Thursday October 26 2000
I can post the lyrics if anyone wants them.

Chipp at 22:43:50 Thursday October 26 2000
You are right Ray - The tune for FOG was in fact taken from a Bob Dylan tune Rolling Desolation Freedom Revisited Blues #10 & 18. Like Hendrix BR just sauced it up a bit!

Hmmmm at 22:41:20 Thursday October 26 2000
And I'm still posting Norwich Cobbler!

Zoot Horn Rollo at 22:40:24 Thursday October 26 2000
Click Clack!

Ray at 22:27:43 Thursday October 26 2000
Actually if you check your facts you will find that FOG was not stolen from either the Labout Party or Chelsea.

Spotlight Kid at 22:23:29 Thursday October 26 2000
Safe as milk Captain!

Don Van Vliet at 22:19:42 Thursday October 26 2000
Nice to know that someone out there still remembers me.

Trout Mask Anonimity at 21:17:5 Thursday October 26 2000
I love FOG and I thought I sung wonderfully. Between you and me I cut quite a dashing figure on the TV too. Only a glimpse mind but enough to make your pulse rate quicken. If anyone is going to knock it let's here their offering first. I'm grateful for the opportunity of being on the CD and proud of being involved in the project. So stuff you anon.

Big Roy at 21:8:57 Thursday October 26 2000
It's so easy to be critical behind the mask of anonimity.

Anon at 21:2:18 Thursday October 26 2000
Both versions that is. Copied from Labour and Chelsea this dirge is not going to get too many excited.

Anon at 21:0:52 Thursday October 26 2000
Fields of Green is awful and should be dumped.

Big Roy at 20:25:23 Thursday October 26 2000
splat - Fields of Green was played as the players came out of the tunnel last Saturday and it is played at some time pre-match at most games (and post match sometimes). I personally think it is better to stick with the original version. FOG 2000 was a bit of a solo effort that I did when bored one day. By playing the original, there's at least another 50 people in the crowd who can feel rightly proud of their efforts!...... and it's still available from the club shop, Ray or me!

Anon at 20:11:15 Thursday October 26 2000
Any chance of getting the first goal on your site Martin..?

Anon at 19:2:18 Thursday October 26 2000
Looks like it! I suppose that should be sounds like it.

marco at 17:39:32 Thursday October 26 2000
radio 5 it is then

Anon at 17:38:19 Thursday October 26 2000
Well we wont be home in time for that then! Probably get it on the ten o'clock news by the time we get out of the car parks!!!!

marco at 17:4:35 Thursday October 26 2000
draw is at 5.30 on saturday, live on sky

M at 16:33:12 Thursday October 26 2000
when will we know who we have in the FA Cup?

Hmmmm at 14:39:14 Thursday October 26 2000
Yep! Me and my wife and three children, all season ticket holdrs, along with two of the kids other halves, also season ticket holders and I have taken a friend along to the past two home games, bit of a bugger as you have to change our normal seats to accommodate, but hey-ho. I also have three friends coming to the Swindon game. Not boasting or anything but I still think our home support is pretty good considering cost, saints, difficulty parking and nearly Christmas.

Norwich Cobbler at 14:0:6 Thursday October 26 2000
I'll be there on Saturday - will you?

Hmmmm at 13:59:37 Thursday October 26 2000
It is the away support that has affected the overall attendance. Last time we were in this division Burnley, PNE, Fulham, Reading, Stoke, Man City all sold out their compliment. The away support this season has been appauling and this is a major contributory factor. Our away support at Cambridge contributed 25% of the overall gate. With a similar equation of the away support at Sixfields this season we would average around 2300. What more can we do?

Les West at 13:55:57 Thursday October 26 2000
Doncha Love half-term and the radical comments that appear here?

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 13:36:46 Thursday October 26 2000
The P**h fans are not happy at work today!!!

Anon at 11:31:4 Thursday October 26 2000
Dispite suggestions made a while ago Stan Collymore won't be joining the Cobblers, he's just signed for Bradford City.

marco at 11:17:46 Thursday October 26 2000
reliably informed by a posh fan at work that the youth cup win last night was the first cobblers victory over them in any competition for more than 10 years. Last win I can remember was FA Cup in the mid to late 80s...

Carl at 11:2:9 Thursday October 26 2000
Does anyone else get the feeling that Saturday's game is going to be a very important one, what with the manager and Club Captain pleading with more fans to attend. The people of Northampton normally listen to this kind of thing and I would expect the attendance to rise and what with Rotherham riding high, so will probably bring a few more fans than Oldham last week we could be in for a very lively crowd atmosphere. It is about time, results wise this must be one of the best runs for a long time, especially in the Division we are in. The football is great, so grab a few mates and drag 'em down. It should be fun

Carl at 10:55:47 Thursday October 26 2000
There's no where else to be is there?

Anon at 10:55:8 Thursday October 26 2000
TO ALL COBBBLERS SUPPORTERS - MAKE SURE YOU ARE AT SIXFIELDS ON SATURDAY

Carl at 10:42:36 Thursday October 26 2000
Just watched Jamie's fantastic goal against Cambridge for probably the 20th time this morning, and the look of pure shock on Perez's face is a joy to behold, I have come round to Mr. Forrester in the last 12 hours, he's quite good you know.

splat at 1:10:45 Thursday October 26 2000
Also I thought the club were gonna play fields of green as the players came out of the tunnel, surely the new version FOG2000 would stir the crowd more than Tina Turner and is at least club specific? WE WANT FIELDS OF GREEN AS OUR RUN OUT TUNE!!!!! (well I do, anymore takers?) Come on Cobblers!

mARtinW at 0:42:10 Thursday October 26 2000
Carl, couldn't agree more. Forrester, he would be better off playing for Chesham Town, he's just not up to standard. Quite why the board were so narrow minded as to scrape together the money to pay money for the midget is incredible. I say play Lee Howey up front, he showed exactly the kind of penetrative forward play that we need in his first game for the club. And what about Freestone. Bloody hell, we'd had to pay good money and add Forrester just to get back Freestone. Shit, we're crap. Relegation. If we're looooooky!

Carl at 0:33:14 Thursday October 26 2000
The goalie had that goal covered it was pure luck it crept in the very smallest gap in the top left hand corner, must have got a deflection. Forrester is shit, he's small, scores too many goals, and has Number 18 on his shirt. I don't like him. He also works too hard.

MartinWagainzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz at 0:11:45 Thursday October 26 2000
Jamie:Better than Akinbyii

MartinW at 0:9:39 Thursday October 26 2000
Okay, you can now see what I think is the goal of the season by Jamie (who else) which ended up winning us the game against Cambridge. The guy is top quality. If he's not a Prem player, I don't know what is. But please don't go. See it on www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk You know it makes sense. Oh and spot his celebration. It's a real 'get in' meaty chunks effort. AAARGH!

MartinW at 0:1:51 Thursday October 26 2000
Suffice to say another contender for goal of the season, scored by Jamie Forrester, the winner against Cambridge is now uploaded for all to on www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk If you haven't seen it. You just have to. Simple as that.

MartinW at 23:19:11 Wednesday October 25 2000
And NSB, suffice to say, when there is a big match, like the Torquay game, I'll probably try and do something to get more of a live feel to the whole thing. Where there's a will...

MartinW at 23:17:16 Wednesday October 25 2000
I've just seen Forrester's second goal and it's so good that I can't keep it to myself. So you know where to go to see it. I'll get the other stuff as soon as I get it.

Spud at 23:13:51 Wednesday October 25 2000
From the official site:Cobblers fightback ends Posh Youth Cup hopes Northampton Town's Youth team continued the club's run of success by knocking old rivals Peterborough United out of the AXA FA Youth Cup at London Road on Wednesday night. In a pulsating tie, the Cobblers triumphed 3-2 after being 2-0 down against a highly rated side who reached the semi finals of this competition only two years ago. After a scoreless first half, Bradley Thomas fired Posh in front from 25 yards on 51 minutes, before James Bishop doubled the home side's lead from the same distance 6 minutes later. The Cobblers upped the pressure in the last 30 minutes and the fightback started when Michael Laws pulled one back with 20 minutes to go. Justin Georcelin levelled matters 6 minutes later before Laws popped up to score a dramatic injury time winner from close range. The Cobblers youngsters now face a home tie with either Wembley or Cradley in round 2 on a date to be decided. Team; Stirling, Nash, Galea, Spooner, Daly, White (sub Georcelin 63), Lowe, Cavill, Laws, Champelovier, Carruthers. Attendance 346. Meanwhile, the Cobblers will meet Port Vale in the Quarter Finals of the Midland Youth Cup at Sixfields on Monday November 27. Kick off is 7.30pm and admission is Ł3/Ł1

Lancaster Cobbler at 22:14:45 Wednesday October 25 2000
who scored for us, it seems a very good result as we lost to Stevenage last time! Who actually played, Gould, Thompson??

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:52:36 Wednesday October 25 2000
P**h YOUTHS 2 - 3 NORTHAMPTON TOWN YOUTHS

Giles Lawrence (Shiteboro' COBBLER) at 21:51:38 Wednesday October 25 2000
RESULT FROM 1st Round FA YOUTH CUP.................................. P****borough Utd 2 - 3 NORTHAMPTON TOWN

scoreboard repair kit at 21:42:26 Wednesday October 25 2000
It takes exactly 90 minutes plus injury time!!!!

DAN at 21:7:36 Wednesday October 25 2000
The Watford firm could beat the sh1t out of all you tossers.

Also fed up with whineing gits......also from Daventry at 20:56:44 Wednesday October 25 2000
Yep, has to be said, Cobblers fans MUST be amongst the most fickle in the WORLD. For ferk sake get behind the team, cut the pram rocking, pick all the used dummies up and SING YOUR HEARTS OUT FOR THE LADS !!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. I also agree with Marriott, not so sure about the word FAB though ??? Are you a hippy Marriott ???

G at 20:55:33 Wednesday October 25 2000
Agree with Dyl. Marco is putting in some brilliant passes especially to Jamie. He's a real battler and his goal attempts last night - sizzling!!! He attracts the defenders, often three at a time which must be good for leaving others undefended. Wish Hodge had passed to him instead of going for goal himself towards the end of the game last night. Marco was there in front of goal - undefended for once. It was a great nail-biting game - looking forward to Saturday. Up the Cobblers

Den at 20:43:28 Wednesday October 25 2000
Just another thought. Have we ever had a keeper as good as Welchy? I have been a supporter for 40 years and he is the best I have seen, that includes Harvey, Starling, Beresford. No one comes near him.....

Den at 20:41:4 Wednesday October 25 2000
If Dougie Freeman, who has been in the reserves at Forest, is worth the Ł600k that Palace have just shelled out, and I don't think he has scored this season, then what on earth is Jamie worth? I was there last night and thought the 2nd goal was awesome. But having seen it three times on the box tonite(Anglia showed it twice) it has to be the goal of the season, and I thought he had already scored that against Brentford. What an inspired transfer from King Kev. Gabbo's luck is bound to change soon, and if they both end up scoring for fun then dare we talk about promotion?

Anon at 20:40:7 Wednesday October 25 2000
Todd returns to Derby Colin Todd has retruned to the club that made him famous, as number two to under fire manager Jim Smith. The Premiership's bottom club offered the 51-year-old Swindon manager, a position as number twof and the former Rams favourite excepted immediately.Todd who had been Swindon's manager for six months, asked Rowe to let him leave but joined Derby anyway on Wednesday even though his Second Division club said no. Rowe said: "Colin's resignation was refused. Then on Wednesday, our chairman Terry Brady received a phone call from Derby County and a fax seeking permission to talk to Derby County. We are now talking to our lawyers with regard a reply to that request. "It's a fair assumption to say we don't want to lose him." Todd, 51 was sent off during the 2-0 defeat by promotion hunters Millwall on Tuesday night after a bust-up with a reserve official.

Fill the Stadium Cuntsultancy at 20:39:7 Wednesday October 25 2000
ok - half time you grease a pig up and get one each of the fattest f**ckers from either end to chase the bastard around for fifteen minutes, till one of them catches it and wins a tenner.

Anon at 20:37:18 Wednesday October 25 2000
Colin Todd has retruned to the club that made him famous, as number two to under fire manager Jim Smith. The Premiership's bottom club offered the 51-year-old Swindon manager, a position as number twof and the former Rams favourite excepted immediately.Todd who had been Swindon's manager for six months, asked Rowe to let him leave but joined Derby anyway on Wednesday even though his Second Division club said no. Rowe said: "Colin's resignation was refused. Then on Wednesday, our chairman Terry Brady received a phone call from Derby County and a fax seeking permission to talk to Derby County. We are now talking to our lawyers with regard a reply to that request. "It's a fair assumption to say we don't want to lose him." Todd, 51 was sent off during the 2-0 defeat by promotion hunters Millwall on Tuesday night after a bust-up with a reserve official.

I agree with Marriott at 20:6:25 Wednesday October 25 2000
Moan about scoreboards, Clarence, crowds, length of the grass - you are missing the fact that this is the most exciting team for 35 years. Ok the days of Morley and Hill were exciting, but the opposition was not so good and Jamie he could score from the tunnel!

TRB Mark at 19:37:24 Wednesday October 25 2000
You think the scoreboard situation at Sixfields is bad. My mate was wearing his Cobblers watch last night which stopped during the first half and was actually going backwards during the second! Well, it seemed like it.

Scoreboard repair services from Daventry :-) at 18:36:27 Wednesday October 25 2000
I thought it was ok last time I looked ??? It said Cobblers 1 Visitors 0.....and that was before the game even kicked off.....is that not what you want to see ?? :-))

How long? at 18:9:15 Wednesday October 25 2000
How long does it take to fix a scoreboard? The one up Sixfields has been out of action for months now! It's not so much the score but the countdown timer that I miss.

Anon at 16:31:31 Wednesday October 25 2000
If I wanna add my cobblers.zzn.com email address to Outlook express what email servers do they use (POP3 + SMTP)

NSB (leeds cobbler) at 15:34:7 Wednesday October 25 2000
On the one hand im f**king ecstatic that were playing so well, on the other hand im pissed off that im not there to see it happen! Thank goodness for martinW's in-vision idea a f**king masterstroke martin! you should be knighted too! hey maybe you could evolve into a live video stream, so we can see all the matches live over the internet, or am i getting ahead of myself there ha! About the attendances, the reason no one shows up is cos of pete smiths dull PA announcements! get someone with a bit of passion and excitement! oh and a change of DJs is also a possibility! get some proper music rather than that f**king crap that gets played, poofter music! or should i say p*sh music?!? oh and to that arsehole who called me foule mouthed.... f**k you!

Hartwell at 14:19:53 Wednesday October 25 2000
I agree with those who are calling for the Cobblers and Saints kick-offs to at least be staggered when the two are at home the same day. It's nonsense at present. The traffic and car parking is diabolical. It took me 40 mins to get out the top car park last Sat. And with so many Saints fans parking there as well, it just makes the situation worse. Regarding gates, I also feel they are disappointing, given our good start to the season and the quality of football being played. The entertainment value is high, no doubt about it. But when you look down the results listings on Sunday, we had the fifth highest crowd in the division and it appears gates are generally down this season for some reason, anyway. However, if we can't get 6,000+ on Sat it will be very disappointing. I would imagine Rotherham will bring a decent few as they are also going well. But, if Cobblers officials are reading these pages, please, please take note of the Saints issue and let's see something done for the benefit of both clubs and the residents of St James who must be pretty fed up with the situation.

MK Cobbler at 14:5:3 Wednesday October 25 2000
Good news about Colin Todd if it's true. Now fill up the place against Rotherham.

Reason to be cheeful? at 13:53:31 Wednesday October 25 2000
According to Teamtalk (OK yeah) Colin Todd has left Swindon to Join Derby County as number 2 to Jim Smith.

Northampton Gas at 13:45:45 Wednesday October 25 2000
Well done, you are going great guns at present. I note you have Rotherham this weekend, be prepared for all the negative tactics under the sun being displayed. We played them nine days ago and made the BIG mistake og allowing them to score first when they were playing away from home. They waste dso much time at throw ins, goal kicks, corners etc that it became a bit of a farce at times. If you score first against them, you should be able to beat them. Best of luck.

Reasons For Reduced Attendances Part Two at 13:43:21 Wednesday October 25 2000
Silly green dragon, stupid DJ's, Crap PA System no free beer. Reasons for reduced attendances part two. Can't get a burger, no balti pies, clock doesn't work and no scoreboard. Reasons for reduced attendanes part two.(Twiddley bit with the sax) Can't get out the car park, can't stand up, no Tony Ansell etc etc etc.......

Reasons for reduced attendances at 13:35:1 Wednesday October 25 2000
1. Too many games clash with The Saints (this must reduce gates for both clubs) 2. Too many all ticket games foe "high profile" fixtures - Oxford, Swindon, Stoke on a tuesday night, Luton high profile my arse. 3. Too much bullshit from NTFC, it doesn't help when on the morning of the Worthy Cup game Garteh Wilshier say's on the radio that there are a "few" tickets left when there are thousands - tell the truth, we need people to buy tickets and support the club. 4.Let people know that even though the club have sold record numbers of season tickets that there are still plenty of decent seats. 5.Make it easier to buy tickets, queing twice is something they did in Russian department stores years ago - the present system doesn't make it easy for someone who decides to go to a game at the last minute. 6. Sort out the problems when supporters leave the car parks after the game - sitting in a mess of cars for 20 minutes won't encourage people to come back. Each item doesn't make that much difference but they all add up to making a visit to watch NTFC a hassle for people who only want to come along to a match now and then.

Paul S at 13:22:54 Wednesday October 25 2000
Err - lots of killing going on there sorry

Paul S at 13:7:22 Wednesday October 25 2000
How many of the Saints fixtures are all-ticket. This is killing the crowds, when a decent team comes to Sixfields its all ticket so no floating supporters, crap teams bring no away following and floating supporter can't be motivated to watch them. Just 5 home matches must be killing our cashflow.

richie fan from new zealand at 13:6:15 Wednesday October 25 2000
good win lastnight we must be getting close to getting enough points to keep us in the 2nd div for next season.there seems to be plenty of encouragement on this web site for more surport at sixfields.but i think you are preaching to the preached,maybe the local news papers and the radio could help with getting a few of there chuff to help you boys bring the house down. COME ON YOU COBBLERS WAY TO GO.

Anon at 13:4:54 Wednesday October 25 2000
Part time supporters - no limp excuses this time for births, deaths, marriages, field courses, moaning wives, girlfriends, vehicle breakdowns. Make sure you are all there on Saturday!!

nosey parker at 12:54:46 Wednesday October 25 2000
why aint you fellas at work.

Cardiff Cobbler at 12:29:21 Wednesday October 25 2000
ANOTHER fantastic result. At this rate Jamie will be gone by Christmas as well as our Kev probably. On the subject of attendances, yes it is very worrying. The budget for this season probably dictates a break even figure of 6000-6500, so apart from the lack of atmosphere, it will also cause financial headaches. I've noticed once or twice that the Saints play at home on the same day as the Cobbs, to full houses every time (6000+). The Saints only used to get 2 or 3 thouseand but since the squashed ball game went professional and became trendy their crowds have grown whilst ours seem to be diminishing. Is it not possible that the two clubs could arrange to be at home on alternate Weekends? (like Liverpool-Everton, ManU-Man City). We're both competing for the same pool of fans and whilst both clubs have a hard core that will never watch any other team or sport, at the moment the Saints are winning the battle for the floaters. Remember the last time we got promoted with Graham Carr in the 80's? 7,8,9 thousand EVERY WEEK, 11 or 12 once or twice! MOANER - I was at the 6-0 stuffing of Bournmouth in the 70s and yes the second half really was Crap. Lets hope that the N'pton public will wake up and come back once they realise that we're near the top and going well.

Splat at 11:41:41 Wednesday October 25 2000
It's not that hard to outsimg us, we really are a quiet bunch at times, home and away. We are capable of raising the roof, (play off bristol Rovers-nuff said!) and we need to sing up a lot more than at the present. To be honest it is slightly embarrasing. Fair play to those who try and get them going, and when we do get going we can be be as loud as anyone. SING YA HEARTS OUT 4 THE LADS!!!! It does help

Carl at 11:27:49 Wednesday October 25 2000
It's alright I just looked on the Official Page, this Internet is marvellous

Carl at 11:26:42 Wednesday October 25 2000
Is the Stoke game, this coming Tuesday, or a week Tuesday?

SBJ at 11:26:12 Wednesday October 25 2000
Rotherham are bound to fill the South stand, and part of the East too if they bring their usual contingent. Lat time at Sixfields they out-sang us and beat us. Let's see if we can turn that round on both counts.

splat at 11:10:32 Wednesday October 25 2000
Perhaps the reason for last saturdays disappoining attendance was due to the saints down the road havig a "big" European cup tie? That is the only reason I can think of of why people wern't at sixfields. It must have been more than two weeks before we last played at home picking up some cracking results on the road yet the attendance just seems to be decreasing, Notts County 5,703, Wrexham 5,595 and then Saturday against Oldham, WHY? The performances are getting better we are playing great football and we are moving up the table, now in 7th! The away following may have an influence but we shouldn't have to rely on other teams to fill our stadium. Whilst we're not filling it there is a slim to no chance of getting a bigger one, NO NEED!!! Bigger stadium would create a more sparse atmosphere than there is at the moment. On Sat Rotherham should bring a fair few perhaps even filling the South so come on folks lets fill the rest and create a little bit of an atmosphere that also has been sadly lacking! UP THE COBBLERS!!

oops at 10:57:15 Wednesday October 25 2000
that should have read "couldn't fault"

Dyl at 10:56:16 Wednesday October 25 2000
Whilst waiting to get out of the Cambridge car park last night I heard Roy McFarland interviewed on Radio Cambridge. He sounded really fed up, as well he might. He said he could fault his team's workrate and that they had their chances - both true. And then he started waxing lyrical about Forrester's second goal. To quote: "That goal would grace the top 10 of any season you care to mention". After that he started moaning about how they should have had a pen at the death. Then, joy of joys, Fat Barry was interviewed. Oh what a delight to hear him so gutted! Anyway, despite the car parking people having jammed the cars together like sardines I was still out of the car park quicker than I ever am at Sixfields.

Moaners at 10:38:46 Wednesday October 25 2000
Gabby is worth his place for his workrate alone, not to mention the passes, the movement etc. He mustn't get discouraged though, and moaners won't help. Talk about the type of fan you get following the Cobblers reminds me of a true story. Cobbs were 6-0 up at half time v. Bournemouth in the 70's and it finished 6-0. Someone's comment was, 'Crap second half, then'.

Carl at 9:44:28 Wednesday October 25 2000
Those thinking of not attending, or anyone who knows anyone, anyone at all with an interest, read this. I realise most of you have it but this is a plea from our Manager, COME ON!!! Northampton Town Manager Kevin Wilson has today issued a rallying call to supporters who care about Northampton Town to turn out at Sixfields in their droves on Saturday for the game against Rotherham United to help his side push even further up the table. Despite riding high in the table with a record of 15 wins and 2 draws in their last 18 games at Sixfields, the Cobblers average crowd is around 5,800 well down on the average figure of over 6,000 achieved the last time the Cobblers were in Division 2, when they were relegated two years ago, and that is a source of frustration for Wilson. Talking after the win at Cambridge on Tuesday that took the Cobblers to within 3 points of 3rd place with a game in hand, Wilson said, "We are playing well with open attractive football and have some exciting players. The fans who do come are superb and have really got behind us and I would like to sincerely thank all those who went to Cambridge but the big disappointment for me and the players is that our attendances haven’t been bigger at home this season. I would urge all supporters with the best interests of Northampton Town at heart to turn out at Sixfields on Saturday and bring friends, family and colleagues. We really need supporters to turn out in their droves to show their support and appreciation for what we are trying to do. We want to be averaging around 6,500 to continue our progression and I hope the public will respond. We need their support and I think the sort of performances the players have turned in this year deserve a bigger audience. I will be disappointed if we can’t attract a near full house on Saturday. Please come and support us. Let’s fill Sixfields!"

Dyl at 9:33:54 Wednesday October 25 2000
Nailbiting wasn't the word, phew what a game! After their first 15 mins of pressure Cambridge didn't really look threatening in the 1st half. By then we were on our way to a 2-0 lead "2 shots 2 goals" the crowd sung. Gabbi's shot was truly unlucky to hit the bar, and Perez also made a good save diving to his right from the boot of the Gabbster. So we held on, God knows how. The ref was awful, and gave us nothing all night until the ned of the match when Cambridge feel that they should have had a penalty. And with the ball pinballing it's way around the area it may well have hit a hand. But the ref didn't give it and we got our first 'decision' from the ref. Northampton folk are a funny bunch. As I was walking back to my car I was following a few NTFC fans. And they were slagging Gabbi off, calling him a show pony who doesn't get stuck in. Now I'm sorry, but with a bit more luck he could have had a couple of goals yesterday. And I don't know how anyone can accuse him of not getting stuck in, when in comparison with Carlo he's a veritable Chopper Harris. He was taking knock after knock all night, eventually injuring his ankle, but he played on to the end. I think part of teh reason he isn't scoring many at the moment is because he is our 'name'. And opposition managers are trying to take him out of teh game, which has the effect of giving Jamie more breathing space. If that's to be Gabbi's role then so be it. For the moment it's working. If he starts to get a little less attention from defenders then the goals will undoubtedly flow. For those who are still whinging, look at where we are now and compare it to 12 or 24 months ago. We're 7th in Div 2, not battling relegation or slumming it in the basement. We have reasons to be cheerful!

Anon at 9:7:19 Wednesday October 25 2000
Woa, Jamie, Jamie...Jamie,Jamie,Jamie,Jamie For-rest-er!!

I Hate Football, Honestly! at 1:47:9 Wednesday October 25 2000
Just a quick post until tomorrow night. I had visions of Port Vale tonight with the Cobblers going 2-0 up and then letting Cambridge back into the game. Jamie Foresters second goal was an absolute cracker. Sitting in the away seating area I had a great view of the goal. As Jamie cut in from the left, you could see the defenders parting like the red sea. I muttered under my breath 'shoot', and low and behold the next thing I see is a 30 yard shot hitting the top left part of the net. A cracking goal from a cracking player who has now scored 16 goals in the 22 times he has put on a Cobblers shirt. Well until Wednesday Night, Goodbye!

Paul (ex. pat living in Cambridge) at 0:24:51 Wednesday October 25 2000
I don't get to see many games but tonight's was one to remember. One word for the frontline in the 1st half : classy ! And the defence soaked up just about everything in the 2nd half. A real hard working performance against a 2nd half torrent from U's. Forrester is awesome. How long will he stay ? What strikers of recent times really compare to Forrester ? Might well be in town for Rotherham. Inspired.

Paul (ex. pat living in Cambridge) at 0:23:16 Wednesday October 25 2000
I don't get to see many games but tonight's was one to remember. One word for the frontline in the 1st half : classy ! And the defence soaked up just about everything in the 2nd half. A real hard working performance against a 2nd half torrent from U's. Forrester is awesome. How long will he stay ? What strikers of recent times really compare to Forrester ? Might well be in town for Rotherham. Inspired.

MartinW at 0:20:59 Wednesday October 25 2000
Yes, yes, DavCobbler, you have inadvertently hit on something. Jamie Forrester SHOULD be knighted. Sod milkmen who deliver milk a lot over a long period. It should be:" Arise sir Jamie" Oh yes. You might think this is mad but... oh.. it is. Oh, he deserves it... doesn't he.

DavCobbler at 0:17:13 Wednesday October 25 2000
Damn hard graft tonight.....not pretty to watch second half but what a result !!!! Two excellent finishes again from Sir James Forrester esq and one attempt from the King Marco that shook the whole ground ...only to come back off the bar with the foreign freak of a keeper well and truly beaten. on a less/more serious note, it was good to see FLECKSTER necking the beer like we all know he should....Pity the other lads were in a different boozer and didn`t witness it eh PattCobb ??...I can assure you it DID happen !!! he he he Bring on the Millers !!!...Oh fukk ??? thats me ????? cya !!! UTC ....FTP !!!!

MartinW at 0:7:39 Wednesday October 25 2000
Pure gut reaction based on a completely personal response: AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGH. I don't want Willo to go, I don't want Willo to go. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH. Don't want to hear more speculation based on any sort of fact whatsoever. Want to bury my head in the sand and believe that Willo will be the king of Sixfields for ever and a day. AAAAAAARGH. Until, of course, he's shit and then we'll want to get him booted out. AAAAAAAAAAAARGH! Help, help heeeeeeeeeeeelp! "They have a lovely stadium, but all this is just speculation because people should remember that Jim Smith’s done a great job there," said Wilson. “People shouldn’t be talking about him getting the sack because he’s done a lot for the club. “From my point of view it is nice to be associated with such a post and it is flattering. “But I’ve got a job to do here and I’m getting on with that. “I’m happy here, I’ve got a good board behind me and we’ve had a very good year. “I am ambitious and I would like to manage at a higher level, but I’ve got to do a good job here first. “If the call comes then of course you have to look at it, but I’m still learning my trade,” added Wilson. Hold on. He's staying. Hoooooray. Come on Cobblers, come on Cobblers. We're seventh, you know. Vertigo? Pah. We're going up. No can't say that. We're three points closer to that 40-something point barrier which means we escape relegation. I tell you what. We're up there. We're going forwards with the smallest squad in the league and we have a gold nugget in Jamie Forrester. We told the board this bloody ages ago, before all the hoo ha over whether we can afford him. He was an investment he said. We bought him for Ł120,000. How much is he now he is near the top of the goalscoring charts tonight. If we got lest than Ł1.5m I would be eating chairs. And it would not be tasty without Tabasco sauce. Jeezo we are a team to watch, let's not change anything..... pleeeeeeease.

Bicester Cobbler at 23:48:41 Tuesday October 24 2000
Ray - Do you know the ticket allocation for the Walsall, Boro and Oxford away games? Any news would be appreciated. Cheers

MP at 23:46:6 Tuesday October 24 2000
Great game tonight. Been in Cambridge all day so haven't heard what Kev said about the Derby speculation, maybe I'd rather not know. Anyway, which is the best Jamie goal so far this season? Tonight's second was yet another great goal. The end of season video will be well worth buying. (Thinking about it, have I missed a video of last season?)

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 22:57:5 Tuesday October 24 2000
Alarm bells will be ringing in my house after reading what Kevin Wilson has to say about the Derby speculation. Clearly if he was offered the post he'd probably take it. Things are going so well we don't need this. I hope Derby look elsewhere.

Simon at 22:19:21 Tuesday October 24 2000
I heard today from a friend of the groundsman (Blob),that Atkins used to urinate on the away supporters seats.

momac at 21:53:34 Tuesday October 24 2000
I got cut off just after 10 past 9 and have only just got back on,YEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!! another great result,well done Jamie and the boys.Rotherham beat Swansea 4-2,Saturday should be a cracking game,the defence will have to be on their toes and let Jamie do the rest.Thanks to everyone for the updates,they are invaluable for us exiles.Now,can I wangle getting to the game on Saturday.

Cheadle Cobbler at 21:48:13 Tuesday October 24 2000
Cheers Stoke Cobbler-it is the Cheadle nr. Leek,get in touch if you want to go to any away games up north!

Carl at 21:45:34 Tuesday October 24 2000
Could be upto 7th this evening over taking Bury. This is some run we are on. Tough game on Saturday, could be a corker

Carl at 21:42:0 Tuesday October 24 2000
Good game? Good game? It sounded it from here :-) Well we will be at least 8th. Rotherham won tonight as well

Big Roy at 21:40:52 Tuesday October 24 2000
Sure was Carl!

Carl at 21:39:12 Tuesday October 24 2000
Marvellous

Big Roy at 21:38:39 Tuesday October 24 2000
yeeeeeeeesssssssssss!

Carl at 21:38:18 Tuesday October 24 2000
What's going on??????

Greg at 21:38:8 Tuesday October 24 2000
yessss this was a tricky game and another 3 points now to rotherham UP THE COBBLERS

Anon at 21:34:14 Tuesday October 24 2000
pooh are losing 2-1

Carl at 21:32:29 Tuesday October 24 2000
POSH losing 2 - 1

Anon at 21:31:55 Tuesday October 24 2000
sounds like they could of had a penalty turned down

Anon at 21:30:21 Tuesday October 24 2000
Ref sounds the usual plonker

Anon at 21:25:43 Tuesday October 24 2000
Heggs has been sent off

Carl at 21:24:55 Tuesday October 24 2000
How about this for Atkins defensive techniques, their goalie has apparently just scored a goal for them. Heggs has been sent off as well

Big Roy at 21:24:3 Tuesday October 24 2000
just over 10 minutes left. Forrester off for Howard.

Carl at 21:23:58 Tuesday October 24 2000
Full times coming in thick and fast on Sky

Anon at 21:23:53 Tuesday October 24 2000
10 mins left

Greg at 21:22:33 Tuesday October 24 2000
forresters off howards on perhaps he was injured

Greg at 21:21:22 Tuesday October 24 2000
thier pressuring us that much ive just had to go and get another carlsgerb export out the fridge ,that new tescos good.hic

Carl at 21:20:12 Tuesday October 24 2000
Is he Axle Roses brother? If so, I hope they haven't subbed him he'll go mad. Christian Lee scores for Rochdale as well

Big Roy at 21:19:1 Tuesday October 24 2000
Axle guard is off isn't he Greg? Or was that just wishful listening?

Big Roy at 21:17:24 Tuesday October 24 2000
Russell curls it over the crossbar. I'm switching my radio off!

Greg at 21:16:44 Tuesday October 24 2000
axle guard sounds pants ill have to find out what his real name is.Gabbys just made the goalie save .we sound good up front

Carl at 21:16:42 Tuesday October 24 2000
I'm shitting myself here!!!!

Big Roy at 21:16:9 Tuesday October 24 2000
Undersatement from Oglethorpe. Cambridge are beginning to frighten us!

Carl at 21:15:35 Tuesday October 24 2000
Greg can't you join on Yahoo Chat go into Voice chat and sit and hold your mouse button down for 90 minutes so I can listen. You have got a microphone haven't you

Carl at 21:13:36 Tuesday October 24 2000
Blummin' eck

Greg at 21:13:1 Tuesday October 24 2000
Axle guard just missed another sitter

Big Roy at 21:12:40 Tuesday October 24 2000
Forrester seems OK. Cambridge miss a sitter from 6 yds. Oh gawwwd!

Carl at 21:11:41 Tuesday October 24 2000
The lights keep going at Walsall, also do Zidane and Davids play for Juve. if so then Juve. are down to 9 men

Greg at 21:11:38 Tuesday October 24 2000
Forrester is ok its not been mentioned again

Big Roy at 21:11:21 Tuesday October 24 2000
Very well Greg, thanks.

Greg at 21:10:25 Tuesday October 24 2000
hello Roy, your a stranger lately, hows it going?

momac at 21:10:2 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hows Forrester?

TWSP at 21:9:55 Tuesday October 24 2000
GHSF&LC

Big Roy at 21:9:5 Tuesday October 24 2000
I've run out of nails to bite, hold on while I take my socks off.

Carl at 21:8:49 Tuesday October 24 2000
It's end to end then boys? How long left?

Anon at 21:8:13 Tuesday October 24 2000
gabby nearly scores, its end to end stuff now

Big Roy at 21:7:43 Tuesday October 24 2000
Gabbo forces a fine save! It really is end to end!

Anon at 21:6:30 Tuesday October 24 2000
FORRESTER HAS JUST BEEN DECKED AND IS LIMPING

momac at 21:6:24 Tuesday October 24 2000
I'd only just got used to the previous format,the teleprinter was very good,Andy does a top job.

Big Roy at 21:5:45 Tuesday October 24 2000
Cobblers are under a lot of pressure now. Hold on guys!

momac at 21:4:35 Tuesday October 24 2000
That Youngs seems a very good player,scores a lot of goals from midfield.

Carl at 21:3:41 Tuesday October 24 2000
The Rivals thing is quite good, easy to get around and quite informative at times. So overall, I LIKE IT

Big Roy at 21:3:40 Tuesday October 24 2000
It sounds very end to end to be honest.

W'boro cobbler at 21:3:19 Tuesday October 24 2000
2-1 youngs just scored

momac at 21:3:16 Tuesday October 24 2000
You don't need to answer that.

momac at 21:2:37 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hi Big Roy,has it been mostly us or have Cambridge been in it more than the scoreline suggests?

Big Roy at 21:1:40 Tuesday October 24 2000
Bugger. They've scored.

Anon at 21:1:21 Tuesday October 24 2000
SHIT 2-1

Big Roy at 21:0:26 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hi britgal, Greg, momac etc.

Big Roy at 20:59:23 Tuesday October 24 2000
Wish I'd got home earlier, I might have just been able to get there. It sounds a cracker on the radio!

momac at 20:58:47 Tuesday October 24 2000
Carl,what do you think of the new Two View site and rivals format?

britgal at 20:55:32 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hodge plays the ball to forrester, who passes to gabbi, hodge goes forward.... tackled tho. Camb. attack, cross, they have another corner

GREG at 20:43:48 Tuesday October 24 2000
CARL GET YOUR MOBILE

Anon at 20:41:40 Tuesday October 24 2000
carl.... crystal palace are losing to grimsby they MUST BE PANTS

Greg at 20:39:37 Tuesday October 24 2000
sammo misses the stoke match ,two many bookings

Lancaster Cobbler at 20:34:39 Tuesday October 24 2000
whops! Why news Footballnews.co.uk think we have a Dave Abbey playing for us and a Holt (Hope??)

Greg at 20:34:10 Tuesday October 24 2000
cambridge finnished the half vrry strongly but who cares its 2-0 ht

britgal at 20:29:57 Tuesday October 24 2000
Sampson passes but it is intercepted. Camb. passes upfield, hunt tries to intercept but slips, a shot is missed by a camb. striker. A corner to camb. 1 min left! we are 2-0 up still

Tim at 20:29:56 Tuesday October 24 2000
I see...

Anon at 20:28:56 Tuesday October 24 2000
another good move forrester hits it over the bar. the bloke on the radio is going to come in a minute

Carl at 20:28:34 Tuesday October 24 2000
Tim, no that is why we are all here

Tim at 20:27:26 Tuesday October 24 2000
Is there any internet commentary ??

Carl at 20:27:3 Tuesday October 24 2000
Freddie Mercury?

Greg at 20:26:4 Tuesday October 24 2000
welch just made a superb save

Greg at 20:25:19 Tuesday October 24 2000
what was the question??

Greg at 20:24:22 Tuesday October 24 2000
gabby just missed another dream goal, we are on fire!!

Anon at 20:23:1 Tuesday October 24 2000
bOlLoCkS

Anon at 20:22:3 Tuesday October 24 2000
MAN UTD 2-0 DOWN SHAME

Carl at 20:21:52 Tuesday October 24 2000
DROP THEM THERE CAPS THEY ARE MOST ANNOYING, AND IN ANSWER TO YOUR PHONE MESSAGE THE ANSWER IS NO

GREG at 20:20:51 Tuesday October 24 2000
WEVE JUST HAD A GOOD MOVE FOLLOWED BY AXLE GAURD MISSING A SITTER

Anon at 20:19:17 Tuesday October 24 2000
i was only joking

Oldham supporters of Footballers who never score at 20:18:2 Tuesday October 24 2000
You can't have him

Anon at 20:17:3 Tuesday October 24 2000
i want carlo back

momac at 20:16:47 Tuesday October 24 2000
Any updates will do Britgal,you're doing fine,thanks.

britgal at 20:15:16 Tuesday October 24 2000
ok, my computer isn't very fast today, so i cn't update often, sorry. Cobblers get a free kick. cleared. Dryden chips forward, hodge gets the ball but is tackled... a corner is won by cambridge

Carl at 20:14:14 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hello, hello, hello what's going on 'ere then. 2 - 0 What a great drive back from work that turned into

momac at 20:11:49 Tuesday October 24 2000
Posh are 1-0 up at Bristol City.

My old mans a cobbler. at 20:10:39 Tuesday October 24 2000
10 goals and we haven't seen the back of October yet,hasn't he scored all ten in the league?

GREG at 20:9:45 Tuesday October 24 2000
PINCH ME!!!!!

Sid at 20:9:14 Tuesday October 24 2000
Gabbi hits the bar!

Anon at 20:9:2 Tuesday October 24 2000
GABBY JUST HIT THE BAR FROM 30 YARDS

GREG at 20:8:15 Tuesday October 24 2000
WHAT A NIGHT 2-0 TO THE COBBLERS MAN U 1-0 DOWN LEEDS 1-0 UP V BARCA

GREG at 20:6:22 Tuesday October 24 2000
2-0 OH JAMIE JAMIE

britgal at 20:6:17 Tuesday October 24 2000
jamie scores again!!!!

britgal at 20:3:14 Tuesday October 24 2000
Sampson tackles someone late: yellow card and a free kick to cambridge just to the left of the box. Straight into the wall for a camb. throw

Sid at 20:1:12 Tuesday October 24 2000
Re: msg for tw*t at 11:39:33 - they do play!

My old mans a Cobbler at 19:59:41 Tuesday October 24 2000
Evening all,I was supposed to be there but had to cancel due to my daughter being unwell .

Sid at 19:58:51 Tuesday October 24 2000
Oh Jamie Jamie!!! Scored in each of his last five games!

britgal at 19:57:45 Tuesday October 24 2000
sorry, my 'pwter crashed. FORRESTER SCORES!!!!

stoke cobbler at 19:54:56 Tuesday October 24 2000
rushden, then sneyd green, then rudyard, then m drayton is that cheadle leek ?

Cheadle Cobbler at 19:50:0 Tuesday October 24 2000
Stoke Cobbler-Where are you from exactly?

Carl at 19:37:37 Tuesday October 24 2000
So who is out there this evening?

britgal at 19:23:4 Tuesday October 24 2000
unchanged team from the oldham match

Carl at 18:59:7 Tuesday October 24 2000
Yes please

britgal at 18:53:43 Tuesday October 24 2000
I stayed at the youth hostel in Swanage. It was at the top of a very steep hill tho... I'll do updates if needs be. Anyone want me to?

Greg at 18:29:52 Tuesday October 24 2000
sorry but i like sport,and at a national level every things on the up.Except of course footy where the over paid pussys are still nose diving.....Emma aches,she did a bungy thingy last night at the fair,strapped into a car seat..TWISTED

Treenie at 18:26:7 Tuesday October 24 2000
I don't have the key press sequence for the 3210 for fields of green but I have got Cheer up Barry Fry. If you'd like it email me and I'll send it to you

Carl at 18:22:46 Tuesday October 24 2000
Watch it Gregory they will be having a pop soon, cricket etc. For gods sake don't mention the Rugby

Greg at 18:21:22 Tuesday October 24 2000
carl...the crickets well interesting

Greg at 18:20:40 Tuesday October 24 2000
vorest cobbler im sorry to say your wright,no chance,but if you come back later im sure youll be kept well informed

Vorest Cobbler at 18:11:23 Tuesday October 24 2000
There's no chance of getting Radio Northampton 'on-line' is there?. Can anyone advise??

Carl at 18:10:58 Tuesday October 24 2000
That's nice innit, you bugger.

Greg at 17:59:39 Tuesday October 24 2000
sorry sod off carl

Greg at 17:59:2 Tuesday October 24 2000
sod of carl

Carl at 17:19:41 Tuesday October 24 2000
I am stuck at work this evening ladies and gentlemen so any updates of any kind will be greatly appreciated. Ta muchly and UP THE COBBLERS.

TWSP at 14:24:52 Tuesday October 24 2000
Team news is that the Cobblers will start with the same team that started against Oldaham with the possible exception of Hope replacing Dryden who is struggling with a hamstring strain. Steve Howard has suffered a recurrence of his groin problem, though he may be on the bench. Wilson is concerned that the problem is not muscular and might be a hernia problem.

It's been a long time ...... at 13:50:20 Tuesday October 24 2000
Does anybody actually talk about the team on here anymore? Or is it just a site for publicising your (stolen) video clips and Guess The Arsehole competitions? I believe there is a game tonight. Any Injury news, team news, thoughts etc.

F Off Sid the Flid at 11:39:33 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hey go and get f88ukd Sid with your poxy GTA crap. You infiltrate WALOC and CobbComms wih your crap.If it was any good the people who play it would go to your site without all the pleading.MK poofter.....

Anon at 11:35:41 Tuesday October 24 2000
What are the keypresses/notes for Fields of Green on the Nokia 3210

TRB Mark at 11:33:58 Tuesday October 24 2000
Hey, Britgal, you did'nt stay at the Chatsworth Hotel per chance? How is Langton Matravers these days? And that walk up Nine Barrow Down, en it steep, ay?

Vince at 11:17:43 Tuesday October 24 2000
Paul, the phone numbers for Trust Travel are 01327 312701 or 01604 889051. The number for Sixfields Travel is 01604 706401. I don't know if there are any spare seats but give them a ring and find out.

Sid at 10:59:24 Tuesday October 24 2000
If anyone wants to do Guess The Attendance for the CAMBRIDGE UNITED (A) match tonight, then please do so by e-mailing me on the above address, or by going to ntfcunofficial.com

Sid at 10:30:46 Tuesday October 24 2000
900 tickets are still available, priced at Ł11/Ł10 I think.

Paul at 9:24:37 Tuesday October 24 2000
Morning all, OK so The all ticket restriction has been removed for tonights game. However, as I wasn't able to arange transport before 5pm yesterday (to still get a ticket), I didn't bother! So now I can't go unless anyone knows weather their is any space left on any of the coach's at short notice?

Anon at 9:22:53 Tuesday October 24 2000
Tonight's match no longer all ticket for Cobblers fans. Mudt mean we have not sold many and makes me wonder why?

mr biro at 8:35:18 Tuesday October 24 2000
can tell you now uncle kev wont go cause smithys not a pen pusher and he wont like sitting u stairs on his chuff allday its not his scene.

richie fan from new zealand at 8:31:4 Tuesday October 24 2000
can anyone please tell me wat phil neal is up to these days.

richie fan from new zealand at 8:27:15 Tuesday October 24 2000
martin w.thanx haha didnt put enough dots either thanks again.

r we really at Cambridge tonite at 7:22:39 Tuesday October 24 2000
No mention just the normal rantings!

MartinW at 22:41:26 Monday October 23 2000
RichiefanfromNewZealand, I think you have been taking the message too literally. To get to the goals site link to www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk and then link through the main screen. You've obviously been inputting 'cobblers now' as a suffix and the now bit is not part of the URL address. Ha ha.

MartinW at 22:35:49 Monday October 23 2000
Thanks for the message about the broken link on the Real Player Forrester goal. It should be up and ready now.

britgal at 21:33:1 Monday October 23 2000
jesus!! i have just been in swanage over the weekend, geography coursework, don'tcha know. And when i get back i hear we could lose our beloved manager? NOOOOOO!! please, someone say it isn't so! what's going on with that? And also, when i heard it was 1-0 to the cobblers on the half-time updates on 5 live, how did i know it was The God who scored? He's just tooo good!! And well done hughes!!! :)

stoke cobbler at 21:7:11 Monday October 23 2000
attention Finnish Lad - great to hear from you, following our trip over there (me and Rushden Cobbler) we were planning to reciprocate the same vgood hospitality to any Finns in March (plying them with an endless supply of lager till 4 in the am and sending them home feeling well dodgy and incapable of driving home from the aeroflot)- look fwd to it - give us an email add. stoke cobbler aka rijcard !?!

Norwich Cobbler at 20:59:8 Monday October 23 2000
A few thoughts on Saturday. My first game of the season due to holidays ,work etc.Very impressed with the style of football seeing the Cobbs string together 5 or 6 one touch passes was brilliant.Hodge Ithought was outstanding - a throwback to the days of Derrick Christie from the 70s. You could see the fear on the Oldhams full backs face when Hodgie had the ball.Have to agree about Dryden - not impressed and I think we could buy better. Also impressed with Willos attitude his cries of 'Get the F*****G Ball forward to Welch and Dryden were great to hear. Its wonderful to see us going all out for a win - not holding on for a draw (remember when?) Welch was top draw as was Hunt and Hargreaves. Great for Hughes - will he be our first significant export to the top division since Phil Neal? Sammos comments after the match were I think spot on - 'a season of consolidation' were his words. We haven't got the squad depth to compete effectively in Div.1 but a good season and looking to push on next season might just do the trick although you can't choose when you get promotion can you? Poor old Atkins looks like he's in the mire of all mires - lets see you get out of this one!And Opps!! there goes Rubbish & Direones again - sorry Razor you deserve better! All in all great performance Saturday - follow it with something from tomorrow night and continued home success against the Windy Millers and we could be sitting pretty by 5.00 pm Saturday.Come On Boys!!!!!!

CIJ at 20:35:29 Monday October 23 2000
Kevin Keegan was going to be our new manager as Wilson is off to Derby. But the board turned him down due to a lack of tactical knowledge. I do believe a wing backs goal is actually surprisingly classed as a goal attributed to a WING BACK!!!! and also a defender!!!!!! ha ha hope u lost some money

Sean from London at 20:28:55 Monday October 23 2000
To Anon - you can apparently get a free copy of Goals on CD from their website ---- http://www.oncd.co.uk/promotions/ And the club shop has copies

A Childs View at 19:56:59 Monday October 23 2000
Grown up - which bit in particular is drivel? It seemed a sensible reaction to me. Would you like to see Kev go then? If you are going to disagree (which I'm all in favour of!!) at least explain why so we can debate! Aimless dismissals of other people's views doesn't add much now does it? I'm happy to be challenged and have the errors of my ways pointed out to me if you'd like - so come on, you've been invited!

Carl at 16:19:10 Monday October 23 2000
Patt Cobb, no I don't believe it is a Midfielders goal, if he is a wing back, but what do I know. Good goal though wasn't it

PATTCOBB at 15:57:44 Monday October 23 2000
To Stewpot,As a matter of interest our groundsman(who has done a fantastic job over the last 2 years)is Mr Paul Currier,or "BLOB" Blob in his day was one of the most clinical strikers i have ever seen at park level.Over 60 goals one season for the late lamented Pattishall Freeways fc,he also "starred for Flore,Bugbrooke,Harepole and numerous local teams.So there you go talent behind the scenes at 6fields as well,come to think of it he would still give messrs Green and Dryden a run for their money in a 50 yard sprint at his age(and pushing the whiteline marker in Dryden's case!!!!!!................

PATTCOBB at 15:43:26 Monday October 23 2000
Does a wing-back goal, count as a midfield goal(money riding on this)please advise?

a worried man at 13:24:3 Monday October 23 2000
you ok ray???? you very quiet old son.

richie fan from new zealand at 13:17:58 Monday October 23 2000
hey martin w i cant get into your site does that have anything to do with following anons instructions on 12;0;58......22;2000 cause im keep getting error?????????

richie fan from new zealand at 13:10:31 Monday October 23 2000
ye the club does sell goals on c d anon but they aint got any by the midfield,lol

Anon at 12:43:2 Monday October 23 2000
Does the club shop sell goals on cd

Anon at 12:4:55 Monday October 23 2000
Has anyone else noticed that not one of our midfielders has scored this season?

Paul at 11:16:39 Monday October 23 2000
Does anyone know if any of the travel clubs has any spaces left for Cambridge? I decided I wanted to go today, and there are still Standing tickets available. Thanks.

Mal at 10:53:45 Monday October 23 2000
I read the small snippet in the mail on Sunday yesterday. I don't think the reporter was even at the game. Got some mate to tell him what happened and collect his dough. "Hughes coming off the bench to score", well he probably did sit on the bench at half time for his cuppa. Overall I thought he had a great game (all of it) and an ample replacement for Hendon, especially the long throws.

Anon at 10:33:45 Monday October 23 2000
I think Derby are looking for someone with Prem experience

Person at 9:26:41 Monday October 23 2000
If theres any truth at all in the Derby thing then how could Kevin Wilson refuse such a move, if he does go then Kevan Broadhurst could take charge supported by Gabbiadini on a years temporary basis leaving us free to pick up Kevin Wilson if Derby get relegated.

Anon at 8:19:14 Monday October 23 2000
You got up at 3 in the morning to write that???

Stewpot at 3:13:21 Monday October 23 2000
Following on from the popular if kieth welch wasnt a footballer he would be manuel or a village people singer , having seen our groundsman he could be one of the chucle brothers to me greenie to you welchie oooooopppppppppssssssss 1-1. Did anyone see those 3 idiots in the away end who had to be spoken to by the local constabulary, all game they were versticulating and wanting aggro these idiots the football world can do well without. It was good to see a lot of younger families in our crowd to. I listened to a few mums and dads telling there young kiddies what it was all about so our future support base is thriving still.I have also noticed that there a lot of female supporters at the ground and some nice ones at that. Maybe we should start up a Cobblers dating group so single Cobblers supporters can get together and recall pleasures past like Pat Gavins brace at Shrewsbury, beating Coventry in the FA cup and seeing Chris O'Donnel for 45 minutes. I won't be able to join I have a girlfriend who supports Stoke City but loves Carlo Corazzin so yesterday her camera was in overdrive, and I may be forced to sit in the away end come November 7 on my hands. I see the club shop is now selling Clarence the dragons with this seasons shirt. Will they sell shirts seperate for last years Clarence I don't think so. Anyone going to Cambridge suggest you take the park and ride once you get to Cambridge itself parking is a nightmare but fun trying to knock off students from there bicycles.

Lancaster Cobbler at 0:10:54 Monday October 23 2000
Good news up this part of the world - Morecambe outclassed a poor Rushden 2-1 at Christie Park. Turley made some good saves, but dropped the ball a lot and some of his kicking was dreadful. Razor played well though. Up Yeovil!

MartinW at 22:46:0 Sunday October 22 2000
All this talk about Kevin Wilson going to Derby is just that - talk. It's unsettling and I want my mummy.

Anon at 21:20:32 Sunday October 22 2000
Did Willo drop a big hint in last night's Chron "I shall be disappointed if we don't top 6000 in the next two home games (Oldham and Rotherham)"? Drag yer mates along, we're playing great football, lets show him how much he means to us after Twatkins. Woa, Jamie, Jamie...Jamie,Jamie,Jamie,Jamie For-rest-er!!

Grown Up at 20:46:5 Sunday October 22 2000
After reading drivel like that he'll probably want to leave.

The Rushden Cobbler at 20:46:4 Sunday October 22 2000
Message for Finnish Lad. Are you Lenny in disguise? If not leave an e-mail address and remind which English club you used to watch when you were in England!

A Childs View at 19:1:19 Sunday October 22 2000
Wish Kev well at Derby - NO WAY!!!!! I want him to stay here for at least another couple of seasons - its too soon for him to go to a Prem club anyway. Stay here Kev and learn your trade for real before making the big leap - YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE!!! Oh yeah - and if you do go Kev, hands off our Jamie!!! Does Jamie wear a Kev Wilson shirt on a Saturday? - NO - He wears a Northampton shirt. Stop this talk about Kev going - some speculation just isn't funny!

KingCobb at 18:53:59 Sunday October 22 2000
I don't expect Kev to stay if he is offered the job. That's the way of it and if he is fortunate enough to get the chance he should take it. It won't be long before we're all shouting for his head anyway, football being football!! When Atko was hot he stuck with us and it got him nowhere, Kev will have seen that and learnt from that. Still as long as we don't get Roy Hodgson or Howard Wilkinson we'll be fine. Oh and Steve Macmahon or Gary Megson or Denis Smith or . . . .

Joe at 18:26:58 Sunday October 22 2000
I heard Wilson was really pissed off over the way Hendon treated Luton.....blame the agent???Thought he did OK today. And Derby County? NOOOOOOO!!!!

Best Wishes to Kev at 18:21:0 Sunday October 22 2000
We should support Kevin if Derby want him. We will be playing them next season any way!!!

The Real Wellingborough Cobbler at 17:29:51 Sunday October 22 2000
someone's nicked my name, it took me ages to think of it!!!! Peter Tayler has just been anounced as a part time england coach for the next few games

Annon at 15:18:47 Sunday October 22 2000
Re: Wilson/DCFC - Im sure he would love the chance of the Derby job, I understand he & his family still lives in Derby - is this true? But would NTFC let him go or even talk for that matter?

wellingborough cobbler at 14:38:24 Sunday October 22 2000
i've just heard that top of derby county's hit list for a new manager is kevin wilson. if he goes, then no doubt he'll try to take forrester with him!

Paul at 14:22:43 Sunday October 22 2000
Hendon just set up a goal for Wednesday against Birmingham. They are 1-0 up right now, he looks OK in Division 1.

Anon at 14:22:40 Sunday October 22 2000
No, program it yourself and Vodaphone

Philip Hudson at 14:20:6 Sunday October 22 2000
Instead of buying a Cobblers phone can we buy the Cobblers cover in a shop and where can we get the Fields of Green ring tone. What network is the Cobblers phone on?

Radio 5 Sheff W v Bums at 14:18:1 Sunday October 22 2000
Hear how Hendons getting on, no mention of him yet in play.

Sid at 13:58:57 Sunday October 22 2000
Looking back at yesterday's match, it was a good win - one which we just deserved. Hughes' goal was a gem and should lift his confidence no end, while Forrester just continues to get better! I thought Carlo looked a bit hustled by our defenders - he didn't like it when his shirt was pulled or when he was tackled out of it, but it was okay for him to do it back! One note to Wilson - please do not waste Ł50,000 on buying Richard Dryden! As soon as Craig Dudley turned him on the wing just before their first goal, it was plainly obvious we cannot buy someone who is so incredibly slow (worse than David Brightwell when he got caned by John Hodge down the right - Cobblers v. Walsall back in late '97, just after Christmas - ahhhh the memories....!! :-) ) that he was left ten yards behind in the space of 30 yards. I thought that defender Shaun Garnett, (big skinhead bloke) who Wilson was supposed to be interested in, is a good strong player, but maybe a little too big - would do well on our set pieces though! In all, Gabbiadini had a poor match, Hodgey was class and I felt Hargreaves did quite well on the attack. Roll on Cambridge & Rotherham, hopefully for another six points! Guess The Attendance has been fully updated (finally!) so if you want to guess for either CAMBRIDGE (A)/ROTHERHAM (H) please do so by e-mailing me or going to my site.

TRB Mark at 13:45:35 Sunday October 22 2000
From my vantage point @the back of the Bowen Stand, I saw two superb performances from both goalies. I would have been cursing Kelly even now except for Hughes superb goal. I hope he has a warm cosy glow about him today as he reflects on how he eventually won the 3 point for the Cobblers. Top game and to those Cobblers fans who are waiting until the last third of the season (assuming we are up there) before they put in an appearence, you don't know what your'e missing! If Oldham had bought a halway decent crowd, then the gate would have been 6,000 plus but we should'nt have to rely on the opposition, should we?

MOM at 13:24:32 Sunday October 22 2000
It was Dryden

Anon at 13:7:36 Sunday October 22 2000
You need to check the link for the realplayer jamie goal.

x at 12:12:14 Sunday October 22 2000
x

MP at 12:1:43 Sunday October 22 2000
I thought Wilson's comments about agents in the programme notes yesterday just might have been a dig at the way the Hendon move was handled, and wondered why he didn't actually wish him good luck at Wednesday. Unlike Wilson not to have done so, unless he had been upset about some aspect of the move. Can't wait for Hodgy to score at Sixfields, I think they'll hear us in Peterborough.

Anon at 12:0:58 Sunday October 22 2000
All the goals from the Oldham and Port Vale games can now be seen on www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk/cobblers now.

Andy at 11:30:22 Sunday October 22 2000
Good win yesterday, some real class at times. Did I see Dryden have a bit of a go at a fan in the West stand? I suspect he was told that he needs to get back to full fitness asap, or words to that effect! Personally I don't like what I've seen so far, and Hope should always play if fit. I'd begrudge giving up any of the money for Hendon on him.

Anon at 10:38:6 Sunday October 22 2000
Great game yesterday. Superb entertainment. Only disappointing thing was the size of the crowd. We should be getting at least 6000 homes fans for every match.

Hartwell at 10:37:41 Sunday October 22 2000
Yep, a terrific game - end to end stuff, with lots of goalmouth excitement and some superb shot-stopping by both keepers. At times we played some sublime soccer - our movement and passing was as good as I have ever seen at Sixfields. Hodge was, I agree, exceptional and had he have scored following that long mazy run in the second half it would have been a contended for any goal of the season award. Well done to the whole team for such an excellent display. Incidentally if you want a balmy report of the match see the Sunday Mail - it says an Oldham player scored their goa and Hughes came on as a sub and scored from close range!!! Just don't ask!! Finally, I note the report that Wilson may be in Derby's sights. From our point of view we would be unwelcome. However it would be a great accolade for Wilson personally and heap great credit on him for what he's acieved in such a short space of time here at Sixfields. If anything were to happen, we have an excellent assistant, in Kev No 2!!

luke foley at 10:34:51 Sunday October 22 2000
come cobblers were simple the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Ashford Cobbler at 9:59:14 Sunday October 22 2000
Tremendously exciting game again yesterday. Only cause for concern was slowness of Green and Dryden at times but with Welch in that sort of form behind them we got away with it. Hope needs to come back in for Dryden. Hodge was awsome having been criticised on here for his performance against Port Vale. His mazey run which almost ended in a goal was the most exciting thing I have seen since his mazey run which got him into the box (before he fell over) against Wrexham. He might not be able to do it every game but I'll settle for every home game. Don't you think he looks a bit like a poor man's Gazza ?!!! Personally, inspite of the pressure we applied at the start of the second half, I thought we looked sharper when Stevie came on. He looked very sharp. Gabbiadini played well though and it would have been great if his thunderbolt had sailed in rather than going narrowly over the bar. The next 2 games will be a real test and a return of 2-3 points would be reasonable. I feel if the lack of defensive pace coincides with an off day for Welch and playing up against a striker with pace and finishing ability (Reading with Cureton and Butler on fire for example)we will take a real tonking. Mind you maybe that happened against Wrexham and we got away with it. Even if we do get tonked occasionally I don't really mind as the football is exhilerating.

Hannah at 9:29:1 Sunday October 22 2000
I'd just like to say that i thought it was a great performance by all the players and no one should complain. It's another win and another 3 points in the bag. No one ever really agrees when i say that i think Hargreaves is an excellent player, but the things he does is super to watch. I don't think its fair to moan at the defence because we have an excellent defensive record and although Keith Welch was superb he cant have done it all on his own. Our defenders our great players and although are maybe slow at times, they have experience and it certainly shows.

Party Pooper at 9:21:5 Sunday October 22 2000
From today's Sunday Mirror FOOTBALL: RAMS EYE WILSON NORTHAMPTON manager Kevin Wilson heads a list of potential candidates to work alongside Jim Smith at Derby and ultimately take over from the veteran boss. Smith has admitted that wheels are in motion to find his replacement and it is believed former Rams striker Wilson has been approached. Other names in the frame are Trevor Francis, Steve Bruce and Ray Graydon. There has even been a suggestion that Nigel Clough, currently boss of non-League Burton Albion, could be offered the chance to follow in the illustrious footsteps of father Brian.

Treenie at 9:5:22 Sunday October 22 2000
No the man of the match was definitely announced as Welchy. I heard it when I'd stopped coughing for two seconds. I appologise for anyone who sat near me in the west stand upper seats 162 - 170 who had to put up with my coughing all match.

MartinW at 8:48:4 Sunday October 22 2000
Baz, I thought Hodge was announced as man of the match. Although it was close betweenhim and Welchy.

treenie at 7:51:6 Sunday October 22 2000
Thank you to those people that let me know that David Rennie was at Boston United but now plays for Burton Albion. I'll pass this information on. I knew you lot wouldn't let me down.

Dave Rennie is at Boston United in Lincs. at 6:53:26 Sunday October 22 2000
Or was last time I looked!

richie fan from new zealand at 1:25:25 Sunday October 22 2000
thanks for the reports on the game sounds as though we toughed it out.many have said we have a slow back line but from here it sounds strange comment considering we have got the best defensive record in the 2nd div.hmm.we must have a mighty good keeper.when the pitch starts to get slushy wat are our chance then will that suit the way we play or wat.???? well done the cobblers another 3 points im of to the beach later.

Baz at 0:22:11 Sunday October 22 2000
Keith Welch, official man of the match today and he did make 3 blinding saves when goals seemed certain, but John Hodge was electrifying. After one of his mazy runs the crowd around me stood and applauded. This usually only happens when an actual goal is scored. Okay, he isn't going to do it in every game, but let's enjoy him while we can as there are very few players in the game who can go past opponents like he can and panic defenders. Man of the match by a street in my opinion.

Twat at 23:52:15 Saturday October 21 2000
MILLER - Are you related to that skinny greyhound of the same name?

miller at 23:44:39 Saturday October 21 2000
can't wait till next saturday when we go top, ive been to northampton three times, three wins for the mighty millers.

miller at 23:43:13 Saturday October 21 2000
you know, you will never beat the millers

treenie at 20:29:53 Saturday October 21 2000
I wonder if anyone can help me. I have a friend who is David Rennie's god son but has lost contact with him and is trying to find where he is. I'm sure one of you know his whereabouts. Could you please let me know. Thank you.

Anon at 20:18:46 Saturday October 21 2000
ha! sent my message before your insult. err I'm a bit lost now.

Anon at 20:16:2 Saturday October 21 2000
oops, meant for the I hate football bloke, but then could apply I suppose

MartinW at 20:14:51 Saturday October 21 2000
Anon, give us a break, it's only an opinion. You obviously take YOUR view seriously.

MartinW at 20:13:2 Saturday October 21 2000
I Hate Football, Honestly, a very interesting piece of self-analysis. You are right, there IS more to life than football. I just haven't worked out what it is yet. But when I find out, you can be sure that you'll hear it first on Cobblers Comments. Ha ha.

Anon at 20:11:45 Saturday October 21 2000
I think you take yourself a bit too seriously.

|MartinW at 20:8:42 Saturday October 21 2000
Three points and what entertainment. Hodgey could have scored two dribble through the defence wondergoals. Welch made at least three blinding saves two from one-on--ones with the striker through. And credit young Hughesy for a clinical finish to win the game. The person sitting on my left (you know who you are) reckoned that if it had been Hendon, it would have been over the bar and out of the ground. Perhaps. Hughes has the honour of becoming one of only two players outside of our strike force to score this season. The other being Sammo. Savage was superb, tricky, intelligent and all the things that made you want to be at Sixfields under Atkins, but had two glaring chances to score only to miss AGAIN. Still, he doesn't half scare defenders. The neutral would probably have said that Oldham would have been unlucky to have come away with nothing. The score could have been 4-4. But it wasn't. The difference between the teams in the end was that we scored two and they scored one. Well, I say they scored one, we gifted them the goal. A Dryden blunder let them attack the exposed right only for Green to put it into his own net in a desperate attempt to stop it getting into the danger area. I liked the look of Dryden in his first two games but I'm beginning to think that we really cannot do with three central defenders who are slow. Dryden IS slow and his crossing today was nothing short of diabolical. Green is probably slower. But he is more solid in other parts of his game. Seeing Green left for dead in the second half was a worry. The same thing happened at Rovers. The lack of pace in the centre of our defence has to be addressed and I firmly believe that Richard Hope is our only hope (ha ha ha). Without getting someone else in, that is. Sammo is the main man in that centre of defence and did you see his tricks in bringing the ball forward and the dummy in their penalty area to try and set up a goal chance in front of their keeper. Ahhh! Tarty football from a defender, don't you just love it. We have to inject some pace into the centre of defence. Was a bit bamboozled by the substitution of Gabby for Howard when I would have had Dryden or Green off, myself. And I thought Hope could have come on sooner. But I'll take three points thank you. Now the REAL challenges of Cambridge (on the same points) and Rotherham. God if we won our two games in hand we would be one point behind the leaders. Will we get vertigo? UP THE COBBLERS! They made my day on what has been a really shitty week.

I Hate Football, Honestly! at 19:52:41 Saturday October 21 2000
I been visiting this site for the last 2 months and on occasions have logged on as anon and wrote a few comments. However, I have decided to join the ranks of MartinW, A Childs View and PATTCOBB and actually put a name on screen and comment on the Cobblers as I see fit. Now you probably want to know why I have chosen this name, and the reason is this. I hate football. Period. Why I continue to pay good money for my season ticket and to go to away matches I still can't work. My abiding memory of our two trips to Wembley is my complete and utter fear of going. Now would a life long Cobblers fan really be like that I don't know? I continue to hate, how when I out with my friends we always talk about the Cobblers. You know there is more to life then just football and who is going to be the next England manager. Now at this point you are all going 'Why is he going to comment on the Cobbler's when he can't stand football?' Well I am affraid I can't answer that question, untill I work out how to stop going to the matches!! and that probably isn't going to happen. Today's game saw the return of the ex-cobblers player Carlo Corazzin and on today's performance I found it hard to see why we bought him in the first place. No, sorry I take it back, I can see why we/Ian Atkins bought him. His style of play fits very well with the Atkins 'rought and tough' football, but not with the more finesse football of Wilson. This then got me thinking about the type of football we use to and now play. What came to mind was how and who scored our goals. This leads me to pose a question to the rest of the folks who use this Guestbook. " Since Kevin Wilson took over as manager, have we become reliant on just one or two players rather then the performance of the team as a whole " I will wait and see some responses before I post my views on it.

RaChEl at 19:1:47 Saturday October 21 2000
@ least Carlo didn't Score!!

Chris Marriott at 18:48:34 Saturday October 21 2000
My view of the game was an excellent attacking performance, but Dryden looked very slow at the back. John Hodge was thye best player on the pitch for the first 70mins, but then he seemed to lose all his skills and keep lsing the ball. Keith Welch has to get a 10 in the Chron. An outstanding display with superb handling on a difficult surface, surely there is no better keeper outside the Prem. Defence looked a bit dodgy, especially as I say with Oldham attacking down the right, Dryden got skinned every time. Hughes had a good game I though and capped it off with a superbly taken goal, Hendomn would have skied it! Another goal for JF, he is on fire at the minute and what would we do without him? Marco showed some nice touches, but looks a bit lethargic, a great player but needs to show more confidence. James Hunt had another good game, he is superb and I can see him playing in a higher division come Trnsfer Deadline day. Savvo was fairly quiet, although his work rate cant be faulted. Hargreaves had maybe his best performance to date he is full of running and never gives up, another great Wilson capture. WELL DONE LADS, we made it hard for ourselves, but............THE TOWN ARE GOING UP!

Ralph at 18:42:8 Saturday October 21 2000
A game of missed chances at both ends! Welch was named man of the match and he did pull off three or four tremendous saves. Hodge gave a masterly performance on the right wing and at one point in the first half was reminiscent of Sir Stanley Matthews! He was unlucky not to score a couple of times particularly in the second half after a mazy run. Dave Savage again missed two guilt edged chances which would have sewn the game up. Jaime Forrester again came up trumps finishing at close range after Greene had headed a corner against the post. I thought our three centre backs looked ponderous and slow, Greene and Dryden were the main culprits. Dryden eventually subbed, why Wilson does not just stick with Richard Hope is a mystery to me. Their goal has been credited to Dudley but it was in fact an own goal by Greene who deflected in a cross-shot. The decider was scored by Gary Hughes who hit a low volley from the edge of the box following a poor clearance. Sammo played his 300th league match, Howard came on for Gabbiadini. Although Marco did not have a great game I felt that once he left we reverted to route one again. Marco does hold the ball up well and brings others in to play too and we look a lesser side when he doesn't play. Hargreaves had another solid game. We desrved the three points, no question, but we made bloody hard work of it. Tuesday night will be a real toughy even though Cambridge lost today. We remain ninth but have closed the gap on those above us. Carlo had a good first half but didn't look up for it in the second. Good game to take a mate along who really enjoyed the mathch, for a Spurs fan!!

Vorest cobbler at 18:18:14 Saturday October 21 2000
PLEASE

Vorest cobbler at 18:18:10 Saturday October 21 2000
PLEASE

Vorest cobbler at 18:15:16 Saturday October 21 2000
Get your arses out the pub and give us a report of the game!!!!

Winners Again at 17:56:10 Saturday October 21 2000
Got my Cambridge & Rotherham tickets today after the game. Another six points on the way.

jeff at 17:50:10 Saturday October 21 2000
Full time cobbs2 oldham1 forrester and hughes the scorers

Steve at 16:1:58 Saturday October 21 2000
Half Time 1-0 Jamie Forrester!!!!!!

Steve at 15:16:9 Saturday October 21 2000
Oh no! BBC Northampton aren't covering the game! They're doing some othe shower who play with a squashed ball! Someone tell us the score!

home alone at 14:11:17 Saturday October 21 2000
were is everybody,surpose you all at the game.4 1 to cobbs gabba(3) forrester(1) COME ON THE COBBLERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

mr palmer again at 14:1:39 Saturday October 21 2000
anon a nods as good as a wink to a blind man

mr palmer at 13:57:10 Saturday October 21 2000
ANON you with my wife again

richie fan from new zealand at 13:53:31 Saturday October 21 2000
britgal pretty please i surpose you all at the game anyway.

richie fan from new zealand at 13:49:2 Saturday October 21 2000
anybody doing updates of todays game,i hope so cause its 1 50am sun here and need some excitement to keep me awake

richie fan from new zealand at 13:44:44 Saturday October 21 2000
good to here from you ray, need somebody to keep these mad sods in order.

Ralph at 13:32:25 Saturday October 21 2000
When I got my Cambridge tickets I was told that the seats had virtually sold out but there were plenty of terrace tickets. That was Thursday.

MartinW at 10:22:53 Saturday October 21 2000
All the goals from the Port Vale/Cobblers game are now uploaded for your pleasure on www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk. Although perhaps the marking for the two Port Vale goals might not give you as much pleasure as the class strikes from Forrester and Gabbiadini. Big welcome back to Carlo but let's hope he doesn't score. I just bet he does. Come on Cobblers!

DavCobbler at 10:3:33 Saturday October 21 2000
Ref tickets for CAMBRIDGE: Spoke to PATTCOBB.....he was told by a mate that there were plenty of tickets left......Confused???? Me too !!!! While I knew that we would take a healthy following to the Abbey I was somewhat suprised when the Lady in the ticket office told me that they were nearly all gone. Maybe the PATTCOBB info is closer to the truth ???? UTC ....FTP

Anon at 6:40:58 Saturday October 21 2000
He spelt Corrrrr az in rong, missing the w obviously

George Reilly at 0:44:9 Saturday October 21 2000
Dear Anon....YOU......SAD.....GIT!

Anon at 0:21:2 Saturday October 21 2000
C

Anon at 0:20:51 Saturday October 21 2000
A

Anon at 0:20:39 Saturday October 21 2000
R

Anon at 0:20:28 Saturday October 21 2000
L

Anon at 0:20:1 Saturday October 21 2000
O

Anon at 0:19:37 Saturday October 21 2000
C

Anon at 0:19:26 Saturday October 21 2000
O

Anon at 0:19:15 Saturday October 21 2000
R

Anon at 0:19:1 Saturday October 21 2000
R

Anon at 0:18:44 Saturday October 21 2000
A

Anon at 0:18:27 Saturday October 21 2000
Z

Anon at 0:18:16 Saturday October 21 2000
Z

Anon at 0:17:45 Saturday October 21 2000
I

Anon at 0:17:27 Saturday October 21 2000
N

Anon at 0:17:9 Saturday October 21 2000
I

Anon at 0:16:53 Saturday October 21 2000
S

Anon at 0:16:41 Saturday October 21 2000
A

Anon at 0:16:25 Saturday October 21 2000
W

Anon at 0:16:14 Saturday October 21 2000
A

Anon at 0:15:56 Saturday October 21 2000
N

Anon at 0:15:41 Saturday October 21 2000
K

Anon at 0:15:21 Saturday October 21 2000
E

Anon at 0:15:3 Saturday October 21 2000
R

Anon at 0:14:33 Saturday October 21 2000
A

Anon at 0:14:12 Saturday October 21 2000
MY ARSE

Deepcut Cobbler at 22:32:29 Friday October 20 2000
Quote Andy Ritchie "Northampton are a good footballing side so we will need to show the form of the last two games, if not better." When was we last described as that? What am I missing this season? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!

Steve(otherwise known as the doom merchant) at 22:25:23 Friday October 20 2000
I was talking to an Oldham supporter today. He's been watching them for 40 years. He said their game against Rotherham 2 weeks ago was the worst he'd ever seen them play and he was sure Andy Ritchie would get the boot. Then Ritchie brings in a bloke called Eyre from Preston and a young lad whose name begins with 'D' and overnight things are turned around. The young lad has caused havoc and scored 3 goals in the last 2 games. Apparently, him and Eyre are fast and skilfull. Their last result was a 2-0 win over Wycombe whose defensive record has only been bettered by us. Anyway, I've just a nasty feeling we might see an upset tomorrow. Please don't give me too much abuse - I'm a sensitive soul. I very much look forward to being proved wrong. Come on you mighty Cobbs! (Do you think Kev knows about these two new Oldham players? Should I e-mail him with this info? Hmmmm ..... p'raps not.)

My old mans a Cobbler. at 22:18:11 Friday October 20 2000
Sorry about all tyhe questions.Is the Cambridge game just all ticket for Cobblers supporters?.I won't know wether I can go till the day of the game and will have to go in with the Cambridge fans.

Anon at 22:6:2 Friday October 20 2000
Quiet innit??

DavCobbler at 20:46:47 Friday October 20 2000
Cambridge gave us 1800 standing and 200 or so seated.....

My old mans a Cobbler. at 19:54:12 Friday October 20 2000
I said....Whoops.

My old mans a Cobbler at 19:52:48 Friday October 20 2000
How many tickets did they give us?

My old mans a Cobbler. at 19:49:55 Friday October 20 2000
What was the allocation from Cambridge?

DavCobbler at 19:28:5 Friday October 20 2000
Ok, so in Cambidgeshire they call em bocklets........fcuk !!!!

DavCobbler at 19:27:13 Friday October 20 2000
Been in to get my tickets for tomorrow and Tuesday. Anyone who has yet to get tickets for Tuesday at Canmbridge should HURRY !!!! I was shown the bocklet containing all the remaining tickets and they must have numbered LESS THAN 50 !!!!!! UTC....FTP !!!

Ray at 18:4:34 Friday October 20 2000
I had a funny feeling - but came on here and it went.

anon at 16:43:15 Friday October 20 2000
I have a funny feeling Forresters going to Selhurst Park for Ł750,000.00 . Does any body want to add to this

ripleys believe it or not at 16:36:54 Friday October 20 2000
I have a funny feeling Jamie Forrester is going to Selhurst Park for Ł750,000.00 , Does anybody want to add to this

Ripleys believe it or not at 16:30:21 Friday October 20 2000
I have a funny feeling that Jamie Forrester is going to Selhurst park for Ł750,000.00, Does anybody want to add to this

Prophet of Doom at 15:50:42 Friday October 20 2000
I have a funny feeling - Corazzin will score tomorrow.

Mystic Mug Cobbler at 15:39:9 Friday October 20 2000
I have a funny feeling - HARGREAVES WILL SCORE TOMORROW !

Ray at 14:43:31 Friday October 20 2000
Yes. Why?

shirlock holmes at 14:25:55 Friday October 20 2000
ray were are you,are you still with us. ???????????

richie fan from new zealand at 14:21:20 Friday October 20 2000
KIWI COBBLER wer abouts in nz are you ???????

Dyl at 14:7:13 Friday October 20 2000
Personally I don't care who scores for us as long as we score.

Major Bumsore at 13:19:28 Friday October 20 2000
No!

sargent pepper at 13:11:30 Friday October 20 2000
JACK AND WHOS ARMY if you got tons of abuse its very heavy on your shoulders thats why you walk with a stoop.why dont you leave it at home and enjoy a good game of footie.you will feel much better for it and you might learn something like nthampton town play the best football in div 2.will anybody second that.

Carl at 11:44:55 Friday October 20 2000
December the 12th we play you lot

Jack Army at 11:11:0 Friday October 20 2000
When we playing you guys? I've got tons of abuse building up inside me and I need to let it out !!!

PATTCOBB at 10:51:31 Friday October 20 2000
Yet again a plea .......LETS HAVE A GOAL FROM MIDFIELD! Come on Hunty , Hargreavsie,Hodgie(I'll leave Savage because he never scores until at least Easter)don't leave all the scoring to the strikers,we must be able to score from all areas or it may cost us in the long run........

LA at 10:36:1 Friday October 20 2000
:-)was back again on seeing DGD! yep OT - almost wasnt tho... consideration for alternative WAS there - blimey!!! Enjoy the game!

Crick Cobbler at 10:28:44 Friday October 20 2000
I'm starting to get very excited !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anon at 10:13:9 Friday October 20 2000
Time for the great Northampton public to fill Sixfields. See ya all there tomorrow. Up the Cobblers!!

Get It Right at 10:12:10 Friday October 20 2000
Not his man? Hughes was the designated marker and did a 'Hendon'. If Hughes was not marking the scorer then he was picking up nobody. Hodge was picking up the bloke on the edge of the box.

Anon at 9:51:39 Friday October 20 2000
Was Andy Roberts watching the same game at Port Vale? Hodge didn't touch the ball all night and got a 7, and then blamed Hughes for their first. Sorry Andy, not his man.

Winston at 9:3:1 Friday October 20 2000
S'ok - I know now its OT!

Carl at 7:50:20 Friday October 20 2000
Anon, because I don't think the goals have been on Sky yet, you will probably have to wait until Soccer AM has been on tomorrow, when they will hopefully show them. I think I'll have to get up early to watch as well.

wana know at 23:11:44 Thursday October 19 2000
MICK: is mr fly your dad ??????

Anon at 22:23:47 Thursday October 19 2000
How come MartinW hasn't updated his site with the goals from Tuesday Night?

Steve Jobs at 21:57:15 Thursday October 19 2000
Quick tip. If your message disappears when hitting Okay, and you are lucky enough to be using a Mac, hit reload (or whatever it is on explorer) and it will magically appear. It's one of the irritations of using a superior OS. (roll on X!)

mick at 21:52:14 Thursday October 19 2000
If fat boy fat get's done for having a punt on Walsall, it's a triumph of petty regulations against common sense. I hate p**h as much as anyone, but the lower leagues need characters the fat man. If other managers put as much into a club as he does everyone would benefit.

Slapper get a life! at 21:14:5 Thursday October 19 2000
U know who u r

RaChEl at 20:51:34 Thursday October 19 2000
Come on you Cobblers!

Spud at 20:28:56 Thursday October 19 2000
Fry in bet riddle By: Rivals staff Date: 18/10/2000 Posh manager Barry Fry could find himself in hot water following a remark he made on local radio about having a bet. Fry was being interviewed about the upcoming match with Walsall when he said something which he now probably wishes he hadn't. Posh manager Barry Fry could find himself in hot water with the FA following a casual remark he made on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Tuesday. On the morning of Posh's visit to Division 2 leaders Walsall, Fry was asked his opinion of the West Midlands outfit. Fry said: "I fancied them before the start of the season and backed them at 16/1 to go straight back up to Division 1." But FA rules, which cover Nationwide League clubs, strictly prohibit betting by players and club officials on matches or competitions, as Steve Claridge found to his cost when he was fined for a similar offence in April this year. Claridge, who famously wrote in his autobiography that what Fry knew about tactics could be written on the back of a postage stamp, was found guilty of misconduct by a FA tribunal. FA spokesman Steve Double said at the time: "Players and officials have access to information, which those outside the game do not. Use of such information to place bets could be regarded as a form of insider trading. It is vital to be above suspicion." Posh management will be concerned that the FA has the power to suspend Fry from all football activity until the matter is cleared up. The FA rules dealing with betting are as follows: Rule E7 - A Participant shall not, either directly or indirectly bet, or instruct, permit or enable any person for the Participant's benefit to bet, on the result, progress or conduct of a Match or Competition. "Participant" means an Affiliated Association, Competition, Club, Club Official, Player, Official, Match Official and all such persons who are from time to time participating in any activity sanctioned either directly or indirectly by The Association. When posh.net spoke to Fry on Wednesday morning his story had changed: "I get asked by the Racing Post before the start of every season who will win each division and I told them this season I thought Walsall would win Division Two and at 16/1 I thought they were good value. But I haven't backed them and you won't find a bookmaker in the country who I have had a bet with on Walsall." The Racing Post confirmed that Fry is the sort of person it would contact for opinions because he is so "bullish," but they could not comment on the exact details of this case. Fry had better get his story straight quickly because when we contacted the FA on Wednesday afternoon spokesman Nick Baron said: "A complaint has been received by the FA from a member of the general public and we are presently considering the matter." It's not clear which way this next chapter in Fry's colourful life will turn, but perhaps Part 2 of his autobiography should be titled: "Engage brain before opening mouth."

Anon at 19:24:29 Thursday October 19 2000
Michael McRitchie is a fat peace of scum

Bored at 18:54:4 Thursday October 19 2000
No rumours 2day? Damn thats a shame. So how well r tickets being sold for Saturdays game then? UP THE COBBLERS

NSB (cobblers in leeds) at 17:50:30 Thursday October 19 2000
just looking at the player of the year standings and i noticed that there havent been any votes for No-One yet! thats quite amazing, it must be down to the exciting football that the man kevin wilson makes us play!

ignorant at 17:46:23 Thursday October 19 2000
whos Michael McRitchie?

The Informer at 15:53:20 Thursday October 19 2000
For those interested Barry Fry is in the sh!t at Boro for illegal gambling .Could this be the end for fatty ? lets hope not as his shenanigans at Boro never cease to entertain.Have a look at http://www.peterboroughunited.rivals.net message board for latest information

Anon at 15:15:26 Thursday October 19 2000
....and wasn't that Barry Stonhill selling houses in Bridge Street?

Anon at 14:55:27 Thursday October 19 2000
Good luck to the cobblers for this season!

Carl at 14:8:16 Thursday October 19 2000
That would be a hoot if true, shall we all go along and see him, have a little chat. I would imagine it would shit him right up if a fair few Cobblers fans wandered through the precinct.

Confirmation Required! at 13:54:37 Thursday October 19 2000
I have just walked into the Newland centre in Kettering and they have a temporary market on, and there, selling socks, unless I am very much mistaken is ......Michael McRitchie. Is anyone in the area who can confirm that it wasn't just some bad nightmare?

& at 12:41:39 Thursday October 19 2000
Will Winston be seeing LA on Saturday?

DGD! at 12:40:23 Thursday October 19 2000
Its good to see that smile!

richie fan from new zealand at 12:35:4 Thursday October 19 2000
britgal will you be doing updates of the game on sat,pleaseeeeee

richie fan from new zealand at 12:32:27 Thursday October 19 2000
MARTIN W hi guys hi troops.nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hehe

LA at 11:53:17 Thursday October 19 2000
Not bad set of results this week DDG!:-) Anyway trust alls well without the prov pia!

Steve at 11:20:44 Thursday October 19 2000
There have been some kind comments about my commentating abilities. Let'sjust put the record straight. I only do them once or twice a season, because I work most Saturdays, so all those games are out of the question. Home evening matches, I go to. That just leaves the away evening games. For those, I get so uptight just listening to the radio, that the only way to retain my sanity to don my anorak and sit hunched over the keyboard, hammering out my interpretation of what most of you are probably listening to anyway. It's all very sad. I won't be doing Cambridge away, because we'll be going across to watch. Best wishes to all.

Sid at 11:13:28 Thursday October 19 2000
Please get your GTA's for OLDHAM (H) and CAMBRIDGE (A) into me as soon as possible. You can go to www.ntfcunofficial.com to use the form provided, or e-mail me on the above address with both guesses. Cheers.

Kiwi Cobbler at 11:9:15 Thursday October 19 2000
WOW, another New Zealand Cobblers fan, I thought I was the only one!

Dyl at 11:6:26 Thursday October 19 2000
Surely that's "Paul Wilkinson is driving the team coach at Grimsby"

TWSP at 9:16:47 Thursday October 19 2000
The truth behind Hendons move to Wednesday can be seen in the their team selection against Burnley, Harkness, Haslam, Hendon, Hamshaw, Humphreys, sub Higgins. I see Lee Maddison has returned across the border for a 3 month loan at Carlisle and that Paul Wilkinson is reserve team coach at Grimsby.

Martin W has to be NZ Squeeker at 7:45:58 Thursday October 19 2000
So hi Guys and Hi Troops!!

richie fan from new zealand at 1:2:15 Thursday October 19 2000
that was not nice.hehe

richie fan from new zealand at 1:0:45 Thursday October 19 2000
anybody bin to PISHES site.hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehheehehehehehehehe

richie fan from new zealand at 0:56:48 Thursday October 19 2000
hey guys i spent the morning surfing around a few soccer sites and ive got to say you guys are tops apart from a few moaners,( but it is free speach so i respect that.)this site has some very knowledgable and witty fans compared to what ive just seen.so before you moan go for a surf you will be amazeddddddddddd.they are not all bad but we are one off few.

richie fan from new zealand at 0:36:10 Thursday October 19 2000
hi troops wat times kick off sat,need to know so i can get out of bed to listen to steve and britgals great up dates.(your time that is i can sus the rest out)

the tax man at 0:29:43 Thursday October 19 2000
ANON you silly bugger.what load of drible

Anon at 23:7:9 Wednesday October 18 2000
The reason y the attendances at Sixfields seam to b low is because they r fixed. I cant c 2000 empty seats when they say the attendance is 5,500. Can u? They say the attendance is lower than what it actually is to avoid the tax man. If the attendance is over i think 5,800 then they have to pay much more in tax so that is y they always report the attendance to be lower than what it is as they would have to give money away that they can't afford

A Childs View at 23:0:20 Wednesday October 18 2000
To George - Bucks no 1 Cobbler. I know Aston Clinton, I used to live on the Aston Clinton Road at a place called Burnhams Field. Used to go out with a tasty girl who lived down a dead-end road at a house called Cobwebs? Do you know her?? Ohh - she was nice!! I've moved to Whitchurch now to cut down on travel time to and from home games!!! Its always nice to hear from other Cobblers fans who are also in the diaspora!! By the way, I can categorically state that I am not Martin W. He speaks with a Scottish accent whereas I have the usual Northampton drawl - can't you tell from our entries? Keep commenting George and come on the town!! A hearty welcome back for Carlo on Saturday I fancy!!

T. at 22:12:17 Wednesday October 18 2000
Wey hey, I'm still the queen of the tipping comp!

Spud at 22:6:2 Wednesday October 18 2000
Christian Lee today joined Rochdale on a one month loan

Deepcut Cobbler at 21:41:50 Wednesday October 18 2000
Ref the Attendance problem. Sorry to rake up the old but the higher profile all ticket games, which would attract the casual supporter who would in turn be encouraged to return for the less attractive games, are spoiling it for the club. How much revenue have we lost from this?? Is it not time a different segregation policy was worked out to enable tickets to be sold on the day. As I have said previously, if signs are displayed warning of ejection if seen to be from/with the opposition, with stewards who visibly displayed a zero tolerance enforcement policy, the segregation problem would go away or at least be drastically reduced. How quiet were the Cobblers fans at Torquay last season when we knew we had to be anonymous? I have sat in the west stand with opposition supporters, chatted with them freely and sensibly, they were obviously not "trouble makers" and were acutely aware that when their team scored, jumping up and down would not be in their best interests. Not all, I agree are of that ilk but surely this blanket all ticket policy is not the way ahead. Revision is a requirement and necessity and is needed now!!! COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!! TCMP please comment!

Barton Boy at 21:25:57 Wednesday October 18 2000
Last night's match was very entertaining. The cobblers goals were great and well deserved, but port vales goals showed how poor our defence was at times. Hodge was very poor and showed very little interest at all in the game-I guess he just didn't want to play in the rain.!!!Most of the evening we seemed to have no midfield at all, because as soon as they got the ball and moved towards us the cobblers just retreated some 40 -50 yards with no player putting in a challenge. As has been said on this page before what we need badly, is a class defender who can command in charge of the defence and show some leadership, as at present we do not appear to have a captain. We need some one who earns the respect of all the players as The Captain. I trust the team is well prepared for saturday's match, and that Howard is back in the team.Good luck.

britgal at 20:35:35 Wednesday October 18 2000
the cracking commentry was ALL steve last night. I chipped in with YESSS!! if we scored and NOOOOOO!! if they did!! Which was vital, i'm sure u'll agree for the whole 'crowd' effect! :)

Deepcut Cobbler at 20:16:32 Wednesday October 18 2000
Steve and Britgal, Cracking commentary from you (mainly Steve) last night. Unfortunately lost my connection around at about half time. Unable to reconnect until this morning when I was first able to know the result. Football information does not flow freely out here! Re-read all your scribe, excellent, await future contributions for all us in the wilderness. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Attendances at Home at 20:11:5 Wednesday October 18 2000
There are many factors to why the home crowds are not as high as hoped and they have been explored thoroughly on here, so I would say that without a bigger ground, better ticketing arrangements - who knows, particularly if the away team only bring a few supporters then the crowd looks bad and its not down to Cobblers fans. We have to think big or we will stay as a yo yo club.

My old mans a Cobbler. at 19:26:16 Wednesday October 18 2000
Steve ,thanks very much for the commentary last night,I couldn't get back to the computer till now.Excellent result lads.The home attendances are puzzling me,especially as I was one of those poor optimistic fools who thought we would have up to eight full houses this season and would need to get the ground extended,I bow to the greater knowledge of those who said otherwise.

Anon at 19:13:18 Wednesday October 18 2000
Why hasnt that other crap site updated the gta results?

PATTCOBB at 17:18:5 Wednesday October 18 2000
Just a quick point on last night's game.In my opinion we defended far too deep and were lucky that the finishing of the Vale forwards left a lot to be desired , this has happened in the last two matches away from home,I look forward to seeing us push on more against Oldham at home on Saturday.Two fabulous goals from the best strikers on the pitch and Hugesie went mighty close near the end,when he popped up in the 6 yard box(on one occasion when we had managed to push out) and had a snapshot bundled wide by the slightly amusingly namd Goodlad.Hughes looked as though he was breathing through his ass in the last 5 minutes but again played adequately well for a young lad.As you can see this "quick" point has waffled on a bit , but just to sum up.A useful point and a good return from the two away games,now,how do you get to Sixfields again?It's been so long that I can't remember.............

NSB (cobblers in leeds) at 16:28:40 Wednesday October 18 2000
Great to get a point last night against one of the teams who came down, from what ive heard about the goals from the golden boots of jamie and gabbi i cant wait for martinW to get the mpegs up! he he problem is i dont have enough bloody room left on this bloody uni server to down load them all!

The Finnish lad at 13:42:21 Wednesday October 18 2000
For Spaceman: I`m not your man! I really am a Finn and I had a chat with a couple of Cobblers named Rickhard and John last wednesday in Helsinki. I would be pleased to meet them again next spring. In fact, Spaceman, I`m previously of Hounslow, Middlesex...

Anon at 13:20:45 Wednesday October 18 2000
Westlife may have had six consecutive No 1 singles in less than 18 months, but the lads have been forced to endure countless attacks on their credibility in the process. Now things have taken a decidedly grim turn as fellow pop acts have come out firing against the Irish boy band.Steps, who look likely to have this week's No 1 single with Stomp, dismissed Westlife's hold on the charts in this week's Heat magazine. 'In the public they're seen as such a big group because they've had six No 1s, but in reality we've actually sold triple what they have,' H said.Claire claimed that the only reason Westlife consistently hit the top spot was because they released on weeks where they had little or no competition. 'They always seem to release in a week where there's nothing else or there's really low sales so they've always just been really lucky,' she said.'Because they've got this manager who's really famous, it all seems to come easy,' Claire added, referring to joint managers Ronan Keating and Boyzone mastermind, Louis Walsh. Another attack this week comes from an unlikely source, Boyzone members Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy. The pair use their cover of the Milli Vanilli hit, Girl You Know It's True, to hit out at the boy band's bland image, with lyrics that read, 'Westlife, lowlife, go out get your own life.' Keith has revealed that their video for the single, released in December, features a dig at generic boy bands like Westlife. 'The video will start with a typical boy band standing on stage about to perform, then Shane and I come on and kick them all off,' he said.And to complete Westlife's week of woe, U2's Bono this week explained that the band were proud to be friends of Boyzone. However, when asked if this friendship extended to Westlife, The Edge said 'No - you have to draw the line somewhere!'Despite all this, Westlife go for their seventh No 1 when Your Love is released on 30 October.Do you agree with Boyzone, Steps and U2 - or do you want to defend Westlife's honour and sterling artistic integrity? Chat about this story on worldpop's Message Boards.(18 October, 2000)

Mystic Meg at 13:11:13 Wednesday October 18 2000
Prediction for Saturday...3-1 to Cobblers...Carlo getting Oldhams goal (obviously!!)

Carl at 13:9:53 Wednesday October 18 2000
Jamie, don't you play for Reading? Well we are playing Oldham.

Jamie Cureton at 13:5:10 Wednesday October 18 2000
Please do not embaress me on Saturday by signing "she was only 15" or " D I V O R C E". Come on it was only the Vice Chairmans step daughter and she should have known better.

Spaceman at 12:42:56 Wednesday October 18 2000
This is a message for "The Finnish Lad": Are you Mr Andy Redfern previously of Wellingborough? If so, why haven't you been in touch with your mates and why are you supporting Finland now????

The Finnish lad at 12:25:10 Wednesday October 18 2000
Sorry about that Rushden Cobbler - I mixed your message with mine! That wasn`t my intention!

MK Cobbler at 12:20:7 Wednesday October 18 2000
Two good performances away from home sets up Saturday nicely. Lets hope the crowd is 6000+. We deserve better support than we are currenting getting at home. Can't make out why gates have been disappointing so far since our results are good and the style of football is attractive and so much better than in the Atkins era.

The Finnish lad at 12:19:46 Wednesday October 18 2000
To Rushden Cobbler(+ your friend John): As I told you in Helsinki on Wednesday night I`m coming with my friends to Anfield to see Finland beating England (hopefully!!). It would be nice to see you in a pub before or after the game! Lets keep in touch through this guest book!!! COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!! When in Helsinki on Weds night I was chatting to a Finnish lad when he asked who I supported. I explained that the team I supported was only a lower division club that he probably wouldn't have heard of called Northampton Town. To which he replied, "Ah, the Cobblers. I f*****g hate the Posh!" Now that's good football knowledge!

The Insider at 10:59:21 Wednesday October 18 2000
I agree with Athena "light in midfield". Hodge was completely anonymous last night and was equally poor at Bristol. I think he'll get a rollicking for not backtracking and picking up Tankard, his opposing full back, for their first. He has to work harder away from home. At 2-1 I thought another midfielder, 5 across the middle would have been a better option to stop their backs overlapping. I was also a bit puzzled when Hope slooted inside Dryden, when Hope's the natural left footer. However, all in all another good performance.

Athena at 10:14:53 Wednesday October 18 2000
Can't get to many away matches, but did so last night. First of all it should be stated that it was a cracking match played in teeming rain which only added to the spectacle. We scored two stunning goals and yet managed to conceed two soft goals. Forresters goal was a delight and showed what a great player he is. It needed the touch of a craftsman to score and he did it with ease. Marco's goal was in my view something special and the type of goal I have been longing to see from him since he joined us. Held off the opposition showing great strength, ran at the defence with pace and just when you thought he had run into too much trouble unleashed a shot of great power and it absolutely flew in - great stuff! We certainly were under a great deal of pressure for long spells and this worries me a little. We seem to allow the opposition to come at us and be content to hold them up at the penalty area level. Whilst this is working OK at the moment I do believe the day will dawn when if all goes for the opposition we could be on the end of a thumping. Lets hope we can take it on the chin if that happens. I do wonder however if we are still a bit light in midfield away from home. We seem a little incapable of holding the ball up at times and taking the pressure off the back line. Please do not take the last two thoughts as a moan. We should applaud a great battling effort last night. The team played with great spirit and thats good to see. I also thought Hope played well when he came on. Vale had equalised and were going for the winner, but he came on and played very calmly at the back and showed great maturity. He surely has a great future. Well done the Cobblers!!

Vince at 8:28:16 Wednesday October 18 2000
A good game last night and we did well take take a point of a side that played some excellent passsing football. Two cracking goals from Forrester and Gabbiadini and a couple of good stops by Welch to make sure we at least got a point. The ref seemed to make allowance for the very wet conditions to the point where he gave virtually nothing. Difficult to say who was MOM but Gabbiadini had one of his best games since joining the Cobblers. Port Vales ground is now very nice and when the main stand with the hospitality boxes is complete it will look really good - shame that they get such low crowds.Cheap admissin too,Ł1.00 if you could bluff your way in as 16 or less as half those who then spent the Ł14 saving at the bar did.

richie fan from new zealand at 1:1:59 Wednesday October 18 2000
TRB MARK gagging< just looked it up in the dic and it says to put something over or into the mouth so to keep you from talking,crying out etc,a dentist device for holding your jaw open,to keep you from expressing yourself etc etc so how the hell you gana cheer on the cobblers in that condition lol.hehehe .hmm i see \OO/.

richie fan from new zealand at 0:19:50 Wednesday October 18 2000
mick i think you better explain about your thumb because you know wat people are like on here.some have silly thoughts.

TRB Mark (in the USA but coming home tomorrow) at 0:9:46 Wednesday October 18 2000
Roll on Saturday, I'm gagging to watch a game of Football. Come on Cobblers!

richie fan from new zealand at 0:7:39 Wednesday October 18 2000
when we were last at wembley it was reported we had 50 000 fans there could someone explain were those 44 000 fans have gone,they all come to nz?

The tax man at 0:4:9 Wednesday October 18 2000
when 6000 is given out as the attendance,where would the other 1500 sit????????

GREG at 0:1:2 Wednesday October 18 2000
A GOOD POINT REALLY,WE PLAYED WELL AT TIMES BUT ALTHOUGH WE GAVE AWAY TWO POOR GOALS,THEY LOOKED VERY SHARP COMING FORWARD.JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU BUY QUALITY FINISHERS AS OURS WERE TOP DRAWER GOALS.3 POINTS NOW V OLDHAM ,IF WE HAVE ANY DEFENDERS LEFT!!

richie fan from new zealand at 23:57:3 Tuesday October 17 2000
gee those memorys come fooding back big john kurula at centre half nobody got thruogh him and mick (the head butter)everitt at left back any you guys go that far back those were the days.the reason this site is tops cause cobblers surports have got class and the drivel dont know were to look for class thats why they end up at pish

The mild mannered janitor at 23:47:1 Tuesday October 17 2000
Martin W was that you with the nike jacket on tonight??????

Mick at 23:39:59 Tuesday October 17 2000
Steve, you're right the novelty of actually being in the 2nd division meant many of us went to see teams we could only dream of playing some years before. I must admit to being a bit of a part time supporter this year when in the first promotion I hardly missed a home game. It's not a conscious decision but family, work etc. always conspire against going to a game. I'm saving my "why are you going to watch that lot of rubbish?" to the important games. Ok so I'm under the thumb, but that thumb gives me pleasure no Cobblers game can compete with.

richie fan from new zealand at 23:34:50 Tuesday October 17 2000
i have seen a few games too cheadle we surported them when the cobs were in the old fourth and up to the first.we went to every game home and away could not aford train fares so we used to hitch hike to away games. leave fri night if they were away up north,sleep in hay barns on the way,boy those were the days can still see big frank large bursting through the middle like a freight train were would the cobs be now with a player like him,not great skills but gave hes guts every game.

richie fan from new zealand at 23:17:41 Tuesday October 17 2000
cheadle cobbler you right brother checked with dic sorry about that now will you buggers got bed so i can go to work.go and dream about the cobblers putting 4 in the back of the net on sat

Cheadle Cobbler at 23:9:5 Tuesday October 17 2000
I'd just like to say this is a top messageboard- unlike most which are full of drivel from fans of other clubs.

richie fan from new zealand at 23:4:20 Tuesday October 17 2000
the only draw back with these midweek games is that i sit here watching you lot chatting and end up being late for work.come jan im going to have to call on you guys for excuses cause i will be running out.

Steve at 22:56:56 Tuesday October 17 2000
Mick - I take your point, but I don't believe you're right when you say that we get good crowds when we're doing badly. No, what puzzles me is that three years ago, during our first season in Division Two, we regularly got well into the 6,000's, whereas this time around, even though we're playing better football than under Atkins, the crowds are much less. I reckon the reason must be that three years ago there was much greater novelty value about being in the 2nd division. It had been a good ten years since our previous sojourn and for many supporters, it was their first stint out of the 3rd. Also, we had won promotion in the most memorable fashion at Wembley. Everything was new and exciting. This time around, let's face it, we're back where we ought to be, and although we're playing some good stuff, perhaps for some fans there is no longer the novelty value. As for Mick's right to be an occasional supporter, that's an old chestnut, and I for one will defend anyone's right to watch the Cobbs as often or as rarely as they wish. There's nothing I hate more than the 'where were you glory supporters when times were hard?' brigade.

Cheadle Cobbler at 22:54:59 Tuesday October 17 2000
Thanks Ritchie [N.Z.} I've got lots of faith in KW, but when you've seen as many Cobblers teams as I have ,you develop a natural paranoid attitude whenever the Cobblers look as if they might do well. P.S. pessimistic is spelt like this ,I think!

richie fan from new zealand at 22:50:56 Tuesday October 17 2000
ray i posted a comment 15 mins ago and it has not arrived as yet,wats the guts.give that little man in the back a kick in the bum.or sack him.

richie fan from new zealand at 22:43:17 Tuesday October 17 2000
cheadle cobbler you pestimestic bugger we got a point were are going to get more and uncle kev knows wat hes doing so stay cool brother or you will get ulcers.

Mick at 22:41:27 Tuesday October 17 2000
I think the low attendance has to do with our league position. There are a large number of rolling supporters and if there is not a great deal at stake there is no burning need to watch the game. If it's a potential relegation or promotion clincher everyone wants to go. I must admit to being guilty of that. For me it's a hassle to go to a game but I'll make the extra effort if it's a relevant one. Before you criticise my support, don't forget it's meant to be leisure, and I won't apologise for deciding not to go to a game. I spend 40+ hours a week doing what I don't want to, and the rest is for me only.

Cheadle Cobbler at 22:41:10 Tuesday October 17 2000
Regarding the 2 home games in hand, v.Stoke and Swansea, they will have players available i.e.dadason for Stoke and savarese for Swansea who would not have played in the scheduled fixtures-should they be allowed to play in the re-arranged games?

richie fan from new zealand at 22:33:29 Tuesday October 17 2000
thanks steve good job well done,im happy a points better than nought.

Carl at 22:26:33 Tuesday October 17 2000
Have we really only had 4 home games? I suppose the two games in hand are home games so you must be right

Steve at 22:13:34 Tuesday October 17 2000
It's got to be simply a question of finances. The board must be finding things tough. We've only had 4 home games this season, and the crowds have been disappointing. It's odd. Two years ago when we were last in the 2nd division, we were regularly getting 6,300. So far this season, have we ever broken 6,000? What's the reason? I think the board have got to keep their powder dry until we get really desperate with injuries. Remember, we've got one or two players, such as Hodge, Gabiadini and Forrester on pretty high wages. What we really need is bigger crowds. So come on down to Sixfields on Saturday, if only to cheer on the mighty Ian Sampson as he plays in his 300th Cobblers game.

Cheadle Cobbler at 22:6:17 Tuesday October 17 2000
I'm starting to feel a little edgy about the lack of depth in the cobblers squad.They are performing fantastically but how long can they carry on without bringing in new players.

Steve at 22:0:57 Tuesday October 17 2000
Kevin Wilson says: "Port Vale possibly deserved more. I'm delighted to get a point. Sammo played on with an injury. We got the rub of the green. A class goal from Jamie Forrester, the kind you'd normally see on Match of the Day. Dryden, Sampson and Green are all 'icing themselves down'. We hope they'll be O.K. for Saturday. When we brought Hope on, we played our best spell. Keith Welch came into it at the vital moment. We were under the cosh, but we got a point and we can take a lot of heart from that"

Cheadle Cobbler at 22:0:57 Tuesday October 17 2000
According to Radio Stoke ,we were only in their half twice in the 1st half and scored two.I'm not sure about the 2nd half as they were concentrating on the Stoke game.

Steve at 21:48:8 Tuesday October 17 2000
Practically everyone drew in the division. Whatsisname on BBC Northampton has just come up with the ultimate Colemanballs. He's just said: lots of draws around the 2nd division with the Cobblers draw being one of the better results.

Carl at 21:43:17 Tuesday October 17 2000
Looks like there were quite a few draws this evening as well, so it was ok. A win would have been doubly pleasant though, but sounds like we were under the kosh for a while as well, so not a bad night. I'm sure someone who went may just tell us different

Steve at 21:42:24 Tuesday October 17 2000
Cheers ian and Carl!

RICHARD at 21:42:18 Tuesday October 17 2000
Steve: Thanks for the gripping stuff..........!

Ian at 21:41:29 Tuesday October 17 2000
Thanks Steve, now I can go home!

Carl at 21:40:52 Tuesday October 17 2000
Cheers Steve that was most excellent, off for a smoke now. Cheers matey

Steve at 21:39:56 Tuesday October 17 2000
Cobblers form a five man wall. It's round the post. There goes the final whistle. A hard earned point. The Cobblers should be pleased with the point. Applause and treble gins all round. Arsenal got a late equalizer against Lazio, but who cares!

Steve at 21:38:14 Tuesday October 17 2000
Phew! Not long to go. 2 minutes of stoppage time. Dryden loses the ball. Brammer squares the ball ... but Cobblers clear. Forrester fouled in the Vale half. Cobblers last chance for the winner. Savage crosses, but the goalie collects. Vale attack again. Green fouls Naylor clumsily. Free kick to Vale in a very dangerous position.

Steve at 21:35:58 Tuesday October 17 2000
The dots are supposed to make it exciting, but I suppose I should consider your heart condition! Corner to Vale who almost score as Cummings puts the ball over from 6 yards out! Cobblers have agood attack which peters out with a poor pass from Savage. Dryden clears. Low shot from Smith. This is really tense. It's all Vale.

Ian at 21:35:30 Tuesday October 17 2000
Hi Steve, it's only a lab but everything broke down today so I've been too busy to get the first half, keeping a regular check now though, sounds like quite a game.

Steve at 21:33:35 Tuesday October 17 2000
.... Hughes, yes Hughes, almost scores! He drifted in beautifully from the right, but there was a great save from the keeper. That was a great move by the Cobblers. Corner to the Cobblers. Sammo's header comes to nothing. Free kick to Vale.

Carl at 21:33:13 Tuesday October 17 2000
Don't put them dots :-)

Steve at 21:31:49 Tuesday October 17 2000
Goalkick from Welch. Port Vale have possession. Free kick to the Cobblers. Naylor attacks well down the left, but tries to be too clever and loses the ball to Sampson. Port Vale throw. Hargreaves to Hunt up to Forrester. Gabiadini short to Forrester .....

Carl at 21:31:45 Tuesday October 17 2000
Arsenal have equalised

nsb at 21:30:51 Tuesday October 17 2000
how long to go till full time?

Steve at 21:29:10 Tuesday October 17 2000
About 7 minutes left.

Steve at 21:28:37 Tuesday October 17 2000
Hello Ian. How's the lecture going?

Ian at 21:28:13 Tuesday October 17 2000
Walsall have equalised. How long to go Steve?

Steve at 21:28:4 Tuesday October 17 2000
Hughes crosses. Corner to the Cobblers. Our first of the evening. Savage curls it in. Hargreaves tries a shot. Cobblers pressurising well - only 10 minutes left. Come on you Cobbs!!!! Hargreaves to Gabiadini - ball falls to Forrester... there's a scramble ....Port Vale tear up the pitch on the counter. James Hunt makes a saving header. Wow! This is some game!

Ian in Canada at 21:25:39 Tuesday October 17 2000
Thanks for the commentary Steve

Steve at 21:24:6 Tuesday October 17 2000
Gabiadini to Hargreaves but he's just tackled by Widdrington. Free kick to Port Vale. Now it's a throw to Vale. Hope tackles well through to Gabiadini to Savage, and Smith foils Forrester. Port Vale break again, but Hope clears. Savage wastes his pass, allowing Vale to stream forward. Brammer infield to Cummings, who lays it back to Carragher. Brammer crosses. Hope heads clear. Savage to Forrester, who squares it to Gabiadini - good ball to Forrester. Cobblers still have possession, but Port Vale clear. That was a good move.

Steve at 21:19:17 Tuesday October 17 2000
Goalkick to Welchie. Arsenal still losing 1-0 to Lazio. Hunt breaks down a Vale attack, but gives it away. Cross to the far post. Savage clears. Port Vale piling on the pressure. A great save from Welch, stopping a certain goal. Naylor got through the defence and Welch foiled him brilliantly.

Carl at 21:18:35 Tuesday October 17 2000
Cheers Steve, come on the town

Steve at 21:16:27 Tuesday October 17 2000
Carl - wish I could tell you how it was scrappy. I think it was kind of off Viljannon's shins

Steve at 21:15:5 Tuesday October 17 2000
Savage crosses. Hunt to Green charging forward, but loses the ball. Several players now out of position, but all's well. Vale building patiently, but the Cobblers are now attacking confidently. This is a good open game. Gabiadini shoots from distance, but it's low and wide.

Steve at 21:11:58 Tuesday October 17 2000
Hughes clears calmly but Hodge lets the ball go out for a throw. Hargreaves clears at the back post. Cobblers throw deep inside their own half. First substitution of the night. Richard Hope comes on for John Hodge. Seems sensible to me. Hargreaves pushing up on the left side of mid-field. Hope, Sammo and Green across the back. With Hughes and Dryden as full backs.

Carl at 21:9:18 Tuesday October 17 2000
Buggery bollox, how was it scrappy?

britgal at 21:8:42 Tuesday October 17 2000
no! Noooooooooooooo!!! it's not fair!!!

Steve at 21:8:23 Tuesday October 17 2000
So it's 2-2. This game could go either way. With the balance of play, you'd bet on Port Vale to win, but we've led twice already this evening. Come on. lads. Let's do it!

My old mans a Cobbler at 21:8:0 Tuesday October 17 2000
I think the Tait who played for us is now playing for Oxford.Think he scored on Saturday.I could be wrong though.

Steve at 21:7:0 Tuesday October 17 2000
Throw-in to the Cobblers. Hughes takes it. Vale break and Naylor shoots from distance, but the ball goes well over. Goalkick to the Cobblers. Gabiadini holding the ball up well - to Hodge, but Vale break things up. Hargreaves wins the tackle and it's a goalkick to the Cobblers. Wind and rain make conditions pretty horrible, but we're still brilliant! The crowd is 4,215. About 200 of them hardy Cobblers supporters. Free kick to the Cobblers. Gabiadini infield to Forrester. Gabiadini tries and fails to turn the full back. Viljannon beats Sampson. There's danger here ..... but Green and Dryden clear. Oh no.!!!!! Port Vale scrape a scrappy goal! Scored by Viljannon.

Carl at 21:5:50 Tuesday October 17 2000
Paul Tait has been sent off for Crewe, he played for us for a few weeks didn't he?

Steve at 21:0:34 Tuesday October 17 2000
....who is tackled at the last moment!

Steve at 21:0:10 Tuesday October 17 2000
Port Vale throw taken by Walsh to Carragher. Dryden defends well but Gabiadini slips attempting to flick the ball ove rthe defender's head. Vale go forwar dagain, but Hughes blocks the attempted cross and it's a throw to Vale. Smith crosses, but the Cobblers clear again. Cobblers break through Savage - to Hargreaves - to Forrester to Savage on to Gabiadini out to Hughes. Good move by the Cobblers eventually breaks down, and Sampson obstructs Smith on the edge of the area. Viljannon (God knows how you spell it!) heads over. That was close - he was totally unchallenged. Ploppies are 1-0 up. Gabiadini and Forrster combine well. Gabiadini pulls it back to Forrester ....

Steve at 20:55:41 Tuesday October 17 2000
A few half-times. Bournemouth 0 Wigan 0. Cambridge 0 Stoke 1. Brentford 0 Colchester 0. Bristol R. 0 Rotherham 1. Notts County 0 Bury 0. Anyway the game's underway again, with Vale attacking as they did most of the first half. Hodge by the way, is spending most of his time just in front of the back four, unfamiliar position for him. Hodge shoots from long range. Gabiadini turns passes to Hughes breaking down the lsft. He's tackled. Forrester to Savage to Gabiadini, but it's a poor ball from him. Tankard shoots weakly. Goalkick to the Cobbs. The game is generally entertaining end-to-end stuff.

This is 4 Steve at 20:48:7 Tuesday October 17 2000
The play-off finals for all the divisions are being held at Cardiff's Mellinium Stadium this year.

Carl at 20:39:30 Tuesday October 17 2000
Gabbiadini's flew into the top corner apparently, 2 corking goals was the comment, although Vale look good going forward, should be fun

britgal at 20:37:30 Tuesday October 17 2000
ohhhh! wow!! WHAT A HALF! God it was good when Jamie scored! i wasn't quite sure it wasn't just the clips of last saturday, till the radioman said SEVENTH goal of the season!! Well commentated Steve! couldn't have done better myself!

Carl at 20:34:25 Tuesday October 17 2000
Just going to ring my bruvver at the game, back soon

Steve at 20:33:48 Tuesday October 17 2000
.... Hargreaves blocks the ball on the line. Another escape. At the other end, Hodge breaks well, but now it's Vale again trying to get back on level terms. Goal kick to the Cobblers. Come on, ref. Let's have that half time whistle. Yes.. There it goes. I reckon we're in for a mega-tense second half. I'm off for a beer.

Steve at 20:31:59 Tuesday October 17 2000
Gabiadini on to Forrester. Vale attack again. Tankard is allowed to bring the ball forward but Dryden clears. Port Vale probe again. (Cambridge 1 Stoke 1). Sammo heads clear again and it's a throw to the Cobblers. Dryden takes it as we enter injury time. Widdrington is booked for dissent. He's been whingeing all half and the ref's decided to shut him up. Reading now 3-0 up against Wrexham. Gabiadini tackled on the touchline. We're in stoppage time. Should be 2 minutes. Naylor wins a corner against Dryden. Naylor has been causing problems all half. It's yet another corner deflected off Green and Tankard heads ......

Mick at 20:29:57 Tuesday October 17 2000
You have to be tolerant to some of the moaners on here. They have been supporters for a few years, and the most depressing thing that's happened lately is the relegation from div 2. They don't know depression - in the old days, moan County Ground blah moan McRithchie blah etc etc.

Steve at 20:27:32 Tuesday October 17 2000
Bridge-Wilkinson shoots from distance, but the ball goes well over. Sampson down the touchline to Forrester. The attack breaks down. Cobblers doing much better now. 37 minutes gone and it's 2-1 to the mighty boys in claret. Naylor turns and puts in a great cross but the ball is handled. Vale try and build again, but Savage clears. Vale come back again. The ref gets in the way to Vale's advantage. Corner to Port Vale. It's short. Great save by Welch from close range and Hodge clears.

Steve at 20:27:29 Tuesday October 17 2000
Bridge-Wilkinson shoots from distance, but the ball goes well over. Sampson down the touchline to Forrester. The attack breaks down. Cobblers doing much better now. 37 minutes gone and it's 2-1 to the mighty boys in claret. Naylor turns and puts in a great cross but the ball is handled. Vale try and build again, but Savage clears. Vale come back again. The ref gets in the way to Vale's advantage. Corner to Port Vale. It's short. Great save by Welch from close range and Hodge clears.

Carl at 20:27:3 Tuesday October 17 2000
Where have you all gone?

Carl at 20:22:28 Tuesday October 17 2000
Steve, the moaners will never shut up, it defies all belief, but we've had it for such a long time that they will never go, it's not all roses but Christ some of the things the sad buggers moan about

Carl at 20:21:1 Tuesday October 17 2000
This is why I hate not being there, Jeff Stelling just told me

Steve at 20:20:46 Tuesday October 17 2000
Great stuff Gabi! Now will you moaners shut up?!? We've had two chances tonight and scored two goals. Not bad!

Carl at 20:20:6 Tuesday October 17 2000
Yes

Carl at 20:19:5 Tuesday October 17 2000
Mick, I agree, not so much about Posh being a lesser club, but if teams like Walsall start losing it can only be a good thing, don't really give a stuff about Posh as long as we beat them at least once this season

Steve at 20:19:3 Tuesday October 17 2000
A great strike from the edge of the box - a real thunderbolt! Come on Cobbs - concentrate.

britgal at 20:18:33 Tuesday October 17 2000
yesssssssssssssssssssss!!!!

Steve at 20:18:6 Tuesday October 17 2000
Cobblers build. Hargreaves crosses. Throw by Dryden to Savage whose cross is too easy for the goalie. Sammo plays a poor ball forward but makes amends. The attack breaks down again. The players are all struggling to keep their feet on the slippery surface. It's not a pretty game. Brammer crosses, but for the umpteenth time Green heads clear. Forrester out to Gabiadini who SCORES!!!!!!!

Mick at 20:16:23 Tuesday October 17 2000
Now that P**h are classed as one of the lesser sides in the division, it's probably a good thing they beat (or draw) against Walsall. After all The Cobblers and Walsall and are both genuine title contenders.

Steve at 20:14:33 Tuesday October 17 2000
It's still all Vale. Come on Cobbs! Hunt breaks through, but his pass is intercepted. Dryden to Gabiadini who tries to play Jamie Forrester in, but the ball skids on too far. Things have calmed down a bit as the Cobblers' defence seems to be more in control

Carl at 20:12:9 Tuesday October 17 2000
Deepcut, yeah I know what you mean, the first chap said we were good and then the rest were how slack they were when they played us, the worst are Reading, I'd love it, just love it if we do the double over them on New Years Day

Steve at 20:11:58 Tuesday October 17 2000
.... and the ball goes off for another corner. Played short, then crossed deep and Dryden clears. Throw to Port Vale. Walsh launches it into the area but Hodge gets it away. Goalkick to the Cobblers. Lazio 1 Arsenal 0.

Carl at 20:10:14 Tuesday October 17 2000
Steve, I don't often have to rely on commentary on the internet, what with not going and no radio coverage down here (surrey). Always a nervy time

Steve at 20:10:3 Tuesday October 17 2000
Play resumes and Vale attack, but the Cobblers counter. Vale attack again, and it's a corner to Vale off Hargreaves. More danger ....

Steve at 20:8:37 Tuesday October 17 2000
An injury to Bridge-Wilkinson. Reading 2-0 up already against Wrexham. They're my tips along with Millwall for automatic promotion. The Cobbs of course to win at Wembley ... er not Wembley. Where are they having the play-offs this season?

Steve at 20:6:20 Tuesday October 17 2000
Vale seem to be doing more of the attacking. Naylor and Widdrington causes lots of problems. Plenty of quality balls being put in behid our defence. 18 minutes gone and it's still 1-1. Cobblers struggling to clear the ball, as Vale keep pressing. At this rate, we'll be lucky to hold on. More bad news. Pooh are a goal up against Walsall.

Anon at 20:2:54 Tuesday October 17 2000
1-1

Steve at 20:2:50 Tuesday October 17 2000
Vale attacking a lot down the left. They're trying to exploit Hargreaves playing out of position. No worries. Throw to Vale... into the area... Tankard heads it back into the area, but nothing comes of it. So far, things look pretty even. Free kick to the Cobblers. Gabiadini flicks to Forrester, but he can't control it. Vale put the ball in the net!! But it's disallowed for off-side. Phew! They attack again, but Dryden intercepts.

Steve at 19:59:0 Tuesday October 17 2000
Green through to Gabiadini, but the move breaks down. Vale attack. Widdrington one twoi with Naylor ...... oh.. just missed! Come on Cobblers. Get a grip.

Steve at 19:57:21 Tuesday October 17 2000
What a shame. I was banking on us not letting another goal all season.

Steve at 19:56:35 Tuesday October 17 2000
Vale attack, but it's Hunt infield to Dryden. Forrester fails to control it, and Vale attack, but the ball goes through to Welch. Gabiadini back to Hunt, out to Hodge, who lays it inside to Hunt, but a poor pass lets the move break down. Sampson comes in with a good tackle. Hodge, Forrester, to Savage who wastes the final ball. Then it's offside against Naylor. The through ball to Forrester for the goal was played by Sammo, by the way. Free kick against Hargreaves. Dangerous position - Cross comes in and it's a goal by Tankard! That's 1-1.

britgal at 19:56:32 Tuesday October 17 2000
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Deepcut Cobbler at 19:53:59 Tuesday October 17 2000
Wey Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve at 19:52:23 Tuesday October 17 2000
Another great lob from Jamie Forrester!!! 1-0 up after only 5 minutes. Great stuff!!! Is Ian Platt from Canada there?

Carl at 19:52:22 Tuesday October 17 2000
1 - 0 seen it on Ceefax, oh Jamie, Jamie, Jamie Jamie Jamie Jamie Forrester

britgal at 19:52:0 Tuesday October 17 2000
is it sad that i worship jamie like a god?? Anyway, steve r u commentating? Cool!

Steve at 19:50:33 Tuesday October 17 2000
Don't know about that Britgal. Let's just say I'm more of a saddo. Anyway the pitch is wet on top, so the ball will be zipping off the surface. Quiet start, so quiet that Hodge is having a long chat with Kevin Wilson. Cobblers break .... Cross comes in low, but Gabiadini slips just as he's about to shoot. Forrester scores!!

britgal at 19:50:32 Tuesday October 17 2000
forrester SCORED!!

britgal at 19:47:49 Tuesday October 17 2000
game has kicked off!

Steve at 19:47:31 Tuesday October 17 2000
Cobblers in away kit colours. Welch, Hughes, Sampson, Green, Dryden, Hargreaves, Hunt, Savage, Hodge, Gabiadini, Forrester. The only change is, as expected Gabi in for Stevie Howard.

Deepcut cobbler at 19:45:26 Tuesday October 17 2000
Apologies..I have always read your name as Brigital not BRITGAL...??

Britgal at 19:45:4 Tuesday October 17 2000
another 8 mins till kick-off! that's the latest news! :) Steve, u can do the commentary, ur much better than i am anyway! I think. :)

Steve at 19:44:35 Tuesday October 17 2000
Don't do what to often, Carl?

Deepcut Cobbler at 19:43:32 Tuesday October 17 2000
Carl, Seen the message board. Makes a change to have compliments, but do you notice that its always the other team we are playing that gets written up in the press, "Bristol Rovers coming off a run of so many games without..." or "Millwall had an off night..." or "Luton were their own worst enemies....". Never how well the Cobblers played or how we are poised for something big. Ah well life as a Cobbler... BRIGITAL.. looking?? forward to your internet commentary for tonight. I have a couple of Vale fans at work over here.. Almost kick off time...Do you have the line up? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Carl at 19:43:14 Tuesday October 17 2000
The more the merrier I say, don't do this too often but hate it when I have to.

Carl at 19:42:4 Tuesday October 17 2000
Any news?

Steve at 19:41:45 Tuesday October 17 2000
Hello all. I was planning to do a commentary, but I'm more than happy for Britgal to do it. Whatever. Come on you mighty Cobbs!

Carl at 19:11:48 Tuesday October 17 2000
BRITGAL me, me and me, and a few others I'm sure.

britgal at 19:10:22 Tuesday October 17 2000
ne1 want my fantastic commentating skills 2nite? i wasn't going out after all. at least i hope not! otherwise someone might be waiting for a long time....

BIG JIM at 19:5:47 Tuesday October 17 2000
IS THERE ANY INTERNET RADIO COVERAGE TONIGHT?

cheryl at 18:57:1 Tuesday October 17 2000
come on town!!!!!!!!!

Anon at 18:49:22 Tuesday October 17 2000
CIJ the mother of all inventions

Interesting Stuff at 18:38:21 Tuesday October 17 2000
CIJ at 14:21:34 is that true as that sounds quite interesting. Can anybody else throw some more light on the subject and is there any real truth in it?

who_me at 18:35:9 Tuesday October 17 2000
i cant see stevie howard joining palace, not after just reading this. Crystal Palace are set to complete the Ł1.5 million signing of Skonto Riga wing ace Andrej Rubins later on Tuesday. Eagles boss Alan Smith has agreed a deal with the Latvian club for Rubins, who had trials with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur during the summer. Rubins, a full international, is expected in London to complete a medical examination before flying back home while his application for work permit is processed. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claimed that the 21-year-old is one of the fastest wingers he has ever seen, but he opted not to sign him after capturing French striker Sylvain Wiltord. Spurs have also been linked with the player but The Eagles have jumped the queue to take him to Selhurst Park. Palace signed his former Skonto team mate Alex Kolinko in the summer and Latvian national coach Gary Johnson has backed Rubins to be a success. "This is a great signing for Palace. The fans will love him," said the former Cambridge United boss who has been in charge of the Latvian national side for the past couple of years.

britgal at 18:30:54 Tuesday October 17 2000
i have had a godawful day today as well, and i think i agreed to go out tonight! can i get out of it to listen to the match? only time will tell....

PATTCOBB at 15:36:42 Tuesday October 17 2000
HOPE WE WIN TONIGHT,BECAUSE I'VE HAD THE SHITTIEST DAY AT WORK EVER!! COME ON THE TOWNNNNNNNN

Anon at 14:27:49 Tuesday October 17 2000
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah....infinity + 1.....blah, blah, blah. What a crock!

Anonymous at 14:23:33 Tuesday October 17 2000
I heard that Stevie Howard was a drug pusher, is this true?

CIJ at 14:21:34 Tuesday October 17 2000
News on the "Stevie Howard Injury". In fact it wasn't that bad the problem is he has got a medical on Thursday for Crystal Palace and he didn't want to ruin his chances for a move. Although it has been said he could be out for up to 3 weeks, this is just a cover up to make it seem as though he needed to come off against Bristol. The medical is going to take place on Thursday and the deal is hoped to be completed on Friday in time for the weekends games. The transfer fee and personal terms were agreed last Thursday and anyone who was around sixfields on Thursday will know something was up with the amount of interest around the ground. Everyone thought it was over the Hendon transfer but it was in fact over the proposed Howard transfer. The fee involved is Ł750k plus another Ł250k if he ever plays in the Premiership. Palace are keeping their fingers crossed over the move as they sold one of their strikers, Leon Mckenzie, to Peterborough. Cobblers have now accepted the fact that they are going to lose Howard and have turned their attentions to former loan star Daryl Clare. Kevin Wilson is preparing to make an improved offer on the Ł50k they offered last year. The new fee is believed to be around Ł100k but their may be appearance money included in that.

Anon at 14:3:19 Tuesday October 17 2000
TOP HAT, I don't like to pry either, but do you make all these things up?

Eddie at 13:37:39 Tuesday October 17 2000
TOP HAT, I don't like to pry, but why are you worried that James Coppinger is a transvetite?

Carl at 12:54:19 Tuesday October 17 2000
Jim I've sent you an email about the video situation

Carl at 12:53:48 Tuesday October 17 2000
Apparently it's only Ł1 for Under 16s this evening at Port Vale and a fiver for pensioners, according to Team Talk anyway

richie fan from new zealand at 12:42:21 Tuesday October 17 2000
told you that bugger in the back that sorts our email was asleep. hey ray can you do something about him please.

BIG JIM at 12:41:14 Tuesday October 17 2000
I have just been corresponding to Grimsby Town FC commercial Dept and they say that the rumours of us trying to acquire Daryl Clare on loan or permanently are unfounded as they claim that no contact has been made between the two clubs since the poor bid of Ł50k was offered.

richie fan from new zealand at 12:37:10 Tuesday October 17 2000
wats a trannie a thing you listen with music naaaaa thats a walkman

BIG JIM at 12:8:45 Tuesday October 17 2000
CARL,I still haven`t received the video unfortunately! I t could be good news if we can get Daryl back at Sixfields considering he is not getting a look in.Either E mail me or leave a message on here please

Boring bastard at 10:31:35 Tuesday October 17 2000
Sorry everyone, I see it has decided to work now.

In danger of repeating myself..... at 10:30:3 Tuesday October 17 2000
Bloody computer! Have wasted the last half hour or so trying to say, 'Yes, it is true that we are trying to get Daryl Clare back on loan'. Wonder where all those messages have disappeared to?

Carl at 10:20:36 Tuesday October 17 2000
We have actually got some praise from a supporter of another team, so if you want to read it, go to http://accessboards.com/messageboard/twoview.html and scroll down until you find the Northampton entry. You may want to take your camera along, doesn't say a lot, but it is some praise.

TOP HAT at 10:15:8 Tuesday October 17 2000
Kevin Wilson is struggling to get Daryl Clare on loan, and has turned his attention to Newcastle United stiker James Coppinger for a loan move to the club. Highly rated and he`s not a trannie......well I dont think he is.

About Daryl Clare (again?) at 10:4:10 Tuesday October 17 2000
I just wrote a load of stuff about Daryl , but it seems to have disappeared into hyper-space, so at the risk of repeating myself, 'Yes, it is true we are trying to get Daryl back on loan'.

About Daryl Clare at 9:58:25 Tuesday October 17 2000
There certainly is truth in the story about Daryl. It's a two way thing because the board and Kev have never given up wanting him, and he has never stopped hoping to come back here. We are at present having another go at getting him on loan, and he is out of contract at the end of this season, and the club have had that in mind all this time.

RaChEl at 7:0:41 Tuesday October 17 2000
I'd luv 2 get a Cobblers phone, but its onVodafone + their tarifs are quite pricey!

richie fan from new zealand at 23:59:59 Monday October 16 2000
ahhhhhhhh hey george of bucks thats not a nice thing to say about mr fly heheheheheh. ah bugger this im going to work.

g at 23:58:30 Monday October 16 2000
Brilliant throw-ins from Hughes - equal a corner. (Kevin please organize some crafty set plays.) Still believe we should press and press every pass. Keep at it Cobblers. Gabby can give us the winners - don't give up on him - he's an intelligent,sensitive player. Chris Hargreaves is absolutely brilliant - passes. hassles and runs and runs. Jamie's intuitive and our Stevie is improving all the time. Hunt works hard in midfield (no one can give more), Hodge is a whizz and Savage will do well when he learns to chip the opposing goal keeper. Can't comment on the super defence. They are champions. I'm so pissed off with all those so-called fans who spend all their time sending messages of doom. The Cobblers - they play - all we can do is support to the best- and that means shouting our support at matches and cutting the criticism. (Why is it always the ones who shout 'run faster' and 'tackle harder' are the fat, ugly, spotty blokes who spend all the match eating pasties and smoking non stop! Cobblers aren't always great but most times they are. Go for it lads. Up the Cobblers.

richie fan from new zealand at 23:51:2 Monday October 16 2000
simon the cobblers are not selling phones there freeeeeeeeeeeeee. get in there buddy.

richie fan from new zealand at 23:47:56 Monday October 16 2000
hey martin w thats not a nice thing to say about mr fry heheheheheheheheheheheheh

richie fan from new zealand at 23:43:38 Monday October 16 2000
heyyyyyy little child thats not a nice thing to say about poor mr fry ehehehehehehehehehehehehe

richie fan from new zealand at 23:31:12 Monday October 16 2000
concerning the waveleanth of radio cobblers forget it i just found out it was a dumb question (must have had a blond moment)now wat do i do with my new toy.(no rude remarks please)

Mark at 23:15:58 Monday October 16 2000
Does anybody know if there is any truth in what Joe at 18:24:35 said today about the Cobblers trying to get Daryl Clare back on loan? Imagine that, Forrester, Gabbiadini, Clare and Howard what a great bunch of strikers. Rrrrrrrrrrr DREAMS

To Aston Clinton at 23:1:32 Monday October 16 2000
Childs View is really Martin W!

Lancaster Cobbler at 22:50:24 Monday October 16 2000
Good article Re:Hendon on the Chron site. It seems that he would have gone to Luton if Sheff Wed did not come in. He is having a house built near London. I really think that KW believes in Hughes, unlike Atkins and he does want to play Hughes, but if he had dropped Hendon, then his value would have dropped and might have resulted in us getting less money for him. If Hendon had stayed, I think KW would have released him anyway! Hughes is a good player now, just think what he could turn into, Stevie Howard has improved so much since KW took over, and so will Garry, trust me.

George Bucks No 1 Cobbler at 22:40:47 Monday October 16 2000
Childs view I am from Aylesbury - well Aston Clinton - and you?? No one else bothered to comment on my joke on Sunday 22:46

Simon at 22:39:55 Monday October 16 2000
Are the cobblers selling phones then?

richie fan from new zealand at 22:22:42 Monday October 16 2000
maybe the little man in the back room who checks our mail is asleep cobblers 4 vale 1 (gabbi 3 forrester 1)come on you cobblerssssss

richie fan from new zealand at 22:13:42 Monday October 16 2000
ANON how did your name get on my letter i never put it there lol \oo/

Anon at 22:5:48 Monday October 16 2000
thanks for the up dates on the game sat britgal greattttttttttt way to go stevie boy i used to be atap dancer,but had to pack it in kept falling in the sink.

richie fan from new zealand at 21:58:17 Monday October 16 2000
or a bloody england team that wins now and then (got a new england shirt dare not go out in so come on england i wana were my shirt)

richie fan from new zealand at 21:51:40 Monday October 16 2000
maybe a women that surports the cobblers is there many around.

britgal at 21:49:3 Monday October 16 2000
WOW! i have to get a cobblers phone! JAMIE FORRESTER IS USING ONE IN THE ADVERT!! But i don't actually understand the advert. Maybe it's because i am v. tired. But is it Ł12 a month, with 8 hours free a month?

richie fan from new zealand at 21:47:54 Monday October 16 2000
morning troops wats depressing about cobblers winning ray you should be a box of birds,we are over here,we are above pish in the table wat more u want.ray are they giving those free phones away off shore? lol could antbody tell me the waveleanth for radio cobblers ive got a new toy.and did you see we won the mini world cup at cricket,beat india in the final,gee cobblers winning cricket team winning and the allblacks going to kick the crap out of the frogs wat more could a man want.

Deepcut Cobbler at 21:37:4 Monday October 16 2000
No reaction to the Express, Peter Taylor story? Not that we need ANOTHER young up and coming manager. Which anon said he had a story to tell when Ian Hendon had departed? Time to spill the gossip! MartinW...Playing your clips on REAL has done the trick, loads in half the time as well now, once again many thanks for given us over the water the chance to see the action...COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Ralph at 21:33:9 Monday October 16 2000
DavCobbler and BR - Thanks for the info, I must admit the M6 was making me think twice about going as I probably cannot get away from work until sixish. Even then I guess I going to cut it fine. See you there?

Bob at 21:28:19 Monday October 16 2000
Yeah, but isn't the Cobblers phone Vodafone ? Read that far down the advert, and could go no further.

Annon at 21:20:43 Monday October 16 2000
Who to you below that Kev Wilson was up for the Plymouth Job? - he was struggling to be there on Sunday as I saw him with his wife and kids in Derby watching his son play football.

Anon2 at 21:18:27 Monday October 16 2000
Isn't the internet boring.

Anon at 20:27:23 Monday October 16 2000
Their fans..

Carl at 20:26:57 Monday October 16 2000
Or a Cobblers phone, it's up to you. I bet the Cooblers aren't quite as good though. There fans give 'em shit loads of grief though

Carl at 20:26:3 Monday October 16 2000
Anyone getting a Cooblers phone? They sound like fun don't they.

Big Roy at 19:14:51 Monday October 16 2000
Snap DavCobb!

Big Roy at 19:13:51 Monday October 16 2000
Ralph. Going up the M1 to junction 23a and across to Stoke on the A50 cuts out the all that traffic on the M6 at Birmingham. It's slightly further but quicker. I use that route regularly and am very seldom held up. Now back to the studio for the weather and news.....

DavCobbler, on behalf of Greg at 19:8:3 Monday October 16 2000
Ralph, take the M1 up towards Nottingham (not sure what Junction) and then take the A50 all the way to Stoke. The A50 is dual carriageway almost the whole distance and beats the crap you encounter in Birmingham any day of the week. UTC.....FTP

Lancaster Cobbler at 19:8:0 Monday October 16 2000
Kevin Wilson has said that he might play right-back if anything happens to Garry Hughes!!

Lancaster Cobbler at 18:52:10 Monday October 16 2000
According to the Official Gillingham site, Carlisle have enquired about bringing Chris Lee in on loan!

Ralph at 18:48:14 Monday October 16 2000
GREG - M1 Route and across!!!! Please enlighten me. Thanks.

Joe at 18:24:35 Monday October 16 2000
Bad news I'm afraid, Steve is likely to be out for three weeks. Better news maybe, we're on the phone to Grimsby about Daryl Clare to try to get him on loan again.

Moaner at 18:20:35 Monday October 16 2000
the whole lot needs updating you click on away travel all last years team crests pop up.I dont WANT to go to bloody chester

GREG at 17:51:10 Monday October 16 2000
STEVE.,,A BREATH OF FRESH AIR ,IF CERTAIN PEOPLE HAVE NOTHING TO MOAN ABOUT,THEY HAVE NOTHING TO SAY..KEEP UP THIS UPBEAT BANTER AND MORE PEOPLE MAY DECIDE TO COME BACK TO THIS SITE WITH CONTRIBUTIONS..THE M1 ROUTE AND ACROSS LOOKS FAVORITE FOR TOMMORROW.M6 ISNT VERY RELIABLE..3 MORE POINTS,UP THE COBBLERS! P.S HOPE WE DONT WIN 1-0 AGAIN ,BECAUSE IN CERTAIN QUARTERS THIS JUST ISNT GOOD ENOUGH,ESPECIALLY AWAY FROM HOME+WITH ALL OUR CASH.

The Shropshire Cobbler at 16:42:24 Monday October 16 2000
Well said Steve, let's have more positive comments. Jamie Forrester's the most exciting player we've had in a long time, let's hope he has a very long & successful time with us. We've also got a terrific manager, let's all appreciate his efforts and get behind him and the team. See you all in sunny Burslem Tuesday night. Up the Cobblers!!!

Anon at 16:21:54 Monday October 16 2000
So, Kevin Wilson's in for the Plymouth job then? How bizarre. He was there on Sunday apparently

Anon at 16:8:6 Monday October 16 2000
According to Chron today hendon was sold to balanc ethe books i.e. the financial position needed it. Bit worrying.

BillW at 15:30:56 Monday October 16 2000
MartinW - thanks for info. on mpegs. excellent.

Ray at 15:3:10 Monday October 16 2000
I don't say a lot these days (A) I can't get a word in edgeways and (B) The Cobblers winning depresses me so much I can't be bothered :-)

richie fan from new zealand at 14:47:22 Monday October 16 2000
gday troops will you buggers quit moaning,we won didnt we,didnt we. if you looking for a good right back and centre half,tell mr wilson we got a couple here really cheeeeeep.just check out danny hay at leeds hes from down this way.wats up with ray, doesnt say much these days.i just about pee my pants reading some those funny comments from you guys its more fun than watching telly.vale are toast on tues.

Pirate Pete at 13:57:24 Monday October 16 2000
HARROLD COBBLER - Were you the big bloke with the moustache in the away end on Saturday?

UMISTCOBBLER at 13:6:15 Monday October 16 2000
is anyone else going to Port vale on tuesday from the manchester direction...

Cardiff Cobbler at 12:2:9 Monday October 16 2000
Well thats thats then. First game of the season over and done with and didn't we have a good time. The only downer was coming in to work this morning, switching this thing on and seeing you lot moaning your bloody heads off. No, it wasn't the greatest footy game ever. BR were very poor, but I've seen the Cobblers beaten by worse teams than that before. We WON,away and hung on to a one goal lead. Welch was superb.Confident and on top of his game. Forrester ran and ran and ran, rarely do you see players work that hard. Glad he got his reward. Gabbi was possibly the fattest player I've ever seen, but some great touches and nearly scored himself. My Girlfriend,Who's Welsh, thought you lot all had funny accents (that's rich!)Oh and the other downside, now that she has seen the COBBLERS WIN AWAY, apparently I have to go and watch Cardiff. No f*****g chance.

TOP HAT at 11:35:17 Monday October 16 2000
how much to get in at PV on tuesday...........Anon you will know that as well

TOP HAT at 11:31:32 Monday October 16 2000
When is Roy Hunter making his comeback..........AGAIN im sure you will know Anon

HAPPY COBBLER at 11:8:11 Monday October 16 2000
WELL SAID STEVE!!!!!!!! AT LAST ...SOMEBODY ON THE SITE WHO IS POSITIVE ABOUT OUR BELOVED BOYS ON CLARET AND WHITE. THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT SUPPORTING THE COBBLERS IS ALL THE WHINING THAT GOES ON...EVEN WHEN THINGS ARE GOING WELL. FOR CHRIST'S SAKE GET BEHIND THE BOYS AND STOP MOANING WHEN WE WIN BY ONE GOAL....IT'S BETTER THAN LOSING BY ONE GOAL....AIN'T IT BORO???

Kiwi Cobbler at 11:4:7 Monday October 16 2000
Great result on Saturday, we still have the best defensive record in the league. But when will Gabbiadini start scoring?

PATTCOBB at 10:47:8 Monday October 16 2000
SOD ALL THIS 4-4-2 5-3-2 CR*P AND IS HUGHES CRAP,GREEN SLOW,SAVAGE OFF THE PACE,GABBIADINI(THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO TEAMS I.N.H.O.)SHAGGED AFTER 20 MINS............WE WON AND I GOT PISSED. ROLE ON TUES CHILDREN!!!!

The Harrold Cobbler at 10:23:12 Monday October 16 2000
What a goal by Jamie Forrester at bristol rovers, willo 4 england

Mystic Meg at 10:1:0 Monday October 16 2000
...Worth noting that we have 5 more points after 10 games than we did this time last season!!! The future looks bright!!!

Vince at 9:49:46 Monday October 16 2000
Not a great game on saturday but what a great result. Hughes is a more than adequate replacement for Hendon and it was great to see his long throw set up Forresters goal. All the team played their part but Welch had another very good game and made sure that we took all 3 points. Does anyone know how long Howard is likely to be out? BTW Steve couldn't agree more. Interesting though that at the start of the season a lot of people were saying that whatever happened we would score a lot and concede a lot, that hasn't happened but I think most supporters would have settled for 17 points from 10 games.

Anon at 9:19:20 Monday October 16 2000
Steve- well said

Steve at 8:6:10 Monday October 16 2000
Right - just a few points. There are one or two people having a moan. They're entitled to, just as I'm entitled to say they're wrong. I know this will sound repetitive, but you have to remember. We have been put together on a shoestring. FACTS - We are 9th in the table. We've got the best defensive record in our division, and (I think) we are only bettered by Leicester and Fulham in the whole league. These are tremendous achievements when you consider some of the following. The club is not wealthy. We have never been able to spend more than 150k on a single player. None of the Directors can be described as 'moneybags'. They have worked incredibly hard for scant recognition to put the club where it is. We have a wonderful manager, who not only has the indefinable knack of man-management and can actually get the players playing FOR him, but can also find the right players at the right price. I mean, how the hell did we get Forrester to sign for us. What did his agent think he was doing? Surely he could have found him a decent first division club, but no. There is obviously something about Kevin Wilson and something about our club that makes players want to come here. I feel it is no exaggeration to say that Forrster is the finest striker we've had here since .... well, since I started watching in 1964. Yes, Richard Hill was great, not quite a striker, but still a great player. It's just that whenevr I see Forrester, I can't believe that a man with so much quality is palying for us. Anyway, suffice to say, we've got a great club, doing great things, so, in the immortal words of Billy Bass, 'Don't worry. Be Happy!'

MartinW at 0:11:4 Monday October 16 2000
BillW To get to the the cobblers video clips - and the library's getting bloody big now - go to www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk. It's totally free and set up purely because someone on Cobblers Comments from across the water said something about how they can't get to matches and can't see any of the games and wouldn't it be good if... So I thought, what the hell..

A Childs View at 22:57:16 Sunday October 15 2000
George - it's not bad but factually impossible. Barry Fry hasn't seen his plonker for several years and I doubt any discerning female would be interested in seeing it either! Other than that, quite a good gag!! Where abouts in Bucks are you based?

George Bucks No1 Cobbler at 22:46:26 Sunday October 15 2000
Well i thought it was funny

George - Bucks No1 Cobbler at 22:45:55 Sunday October 15 2000
Leon McKenzie, Jason Lee and Andy Clarke are at the training ground when Barry Fry announces that he has to leave training an hour early and that they should continue to work on their skills unsupervised. "Sod that, says McKenzie, "I need to see my investor to discuss where my Ł500 goes this week - I'm off" "Me too" says Clarke. "There's a couple of blondes I've had my eye on for a while - going to a party tonight and I need plenty of time to look my best" "Well I'd like to go home and see the wife and kid but I can't risk it" says Lee, "especially after the bollocking I got last week" "Come on Jase - are you really going to take any notice of Fat Barry?" they goad. So they all leave early and Jason Lee goes home. He can't find his wife so he goes to his bedroom for a quick nap. As he opens the door slowly, he is shocked to see his wife on all fours on the bed with Fat Barry moaning in pleasure behind her. He shuts the door and leaves quietly. The next day Fat Barry leaves training an hour early again. Clarke and McKenzie decide to go home early again and ask Jase if he's coming as well. "No way! he says "Yesterday I almost got caught!"

My old mans a Cobbler. at 22:45:47 Sunday October 15 2000
I haven't been able to get near my computer today till now and I'd just like to thank you all fo your postings,it always makes me smile to see you all so passionate about our club,with differing opinions,it's what its all about,we all see things in a slightly different way to one another but we all want the same outcome.I didn't get to the game yesterday but what ever Rovers home form has been like recently,an away win at the Memorial ground should be a fine win in anyones book.I am inclined to think,Wilson will always play 5-3-2 away from home.We need to be tight at the back on tuesday ,Naylor scored twice on Saturday,and when on form he's easily as tricky as Jamie.By the way Northampton Gas,you're alright mate,big in defeat,well done,hope the rest of the season goes well for you.

The Ashford Cobbler at 22:24:47 Sunday October 15 2000
Thoroughly enjoyed the game yesterday. A well ground out result in an "Atkinesque" performance. Think Welchy revelled in the stick he was getting from the Gasheads in the second half. Forrester poacher extraordinaire. Shame Gabiadinni didn't score towards the end as I'm sure he thrives off the confidence that comes from scoring. He'll get there soon. Green did look slow in the first 10 minutes but recovered to his usual solid self. He has been Mr Consistent this season so, like Welchy against Wrexham, is allowed the occasional lapse. I see a "young Hendon" got booked for Sheffield Wednesday according to Sport First today. I thought it was Chelsea who had the pensioners!

BillW at 22:15:2 Sunday October 15 2000
MartinW How do I get your mpegs? What a great result Saturday.

MartinW at 21:57:9 Sunday October 15 2000
Deepcut, I'm sure there is no problems with the clips. It maybe that you the software you are using to view the MPEGs is a bid dodgy. I usually use Windows Media Player for MPEGs and it is fine. Try another viewer. It works fine with me. If anyone else has problems with the MPEGS or the Real clips let me know. Also it may be that if you are trying to see the REAl clips that you are trying to view it before it has fully loaded. Once loaded onto your browser,it should play normally. But it needs a short time on Real (anytime between 10 seconds and a minute depending on your system) to load.

A Childs View at 21:47:0 Sunday October 15 2000
5-3-2 yesterday for my money, however, Hargreaves got forward on numerous occasions and was backed up by Dryden which, at times, made it look a little like 4-4-2. Ultimately though, Hargreaves played far deeper than an orthodox left sided midfielder. The acid test will be when Frainy gets back. My bet is that Hargreaves will push up and towards the centre to give Hunty a bit more support and that we'll see Hodgy on the bench again. This will be no bad thing though, Hodgy can make his best contribution as an 'impact player' running at tired defenders for the last 20 mins of a game. Remember Leyton Orient last season when he completely turned the game around for us. He's not really been used in that way since and I hope Willo adopts this tactic again. I'm sure he'll stick with Savvo because his defensive contribution is greater than Hodgy's. Come on the Town!!

Deepcut Cobbler at 19:45:20 Sunday October 15 2000
MartinW. Great video of Lily's run and Jamies goal but is it my connection or something because I have to keep alternating between the play, stop and play buttons to edge along revealing more each time until I get the full video clip? Why were we wearing yellow again, is that in a contract as well? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!

The Drilling Cobbler at 19:43:43 Sunday October 15 2000
MartinW, I have just re-read your notes and have come to the conclusion that I have a major inferiority complex. I have spent most of today reading your comments and taking them very personally resulting in an attempt to top myself by watching last seasons Poshes Wembley highlights video whilst wearing a Rushden shirt. Fortunately, my girl friend discovered me whilst the score was still 0-0 and convinced me that Gabbiadini scored two late goals in a 2-0 victory for Darlington. She has burnt the Rushden shirt with Turleys name on the back and put me under 24hour surveylance. I am just starting to learn how to read and spell again properly but theres just no reason to call me all the nasty things that you have called me and threaten me and my family and my baby rabbit Jamie and my cockatiel Atkins.(It would have been unfair to re-name him just because we got relegated and because he changed from a holy figure to a complete wan*ker in the space of a few months - cockatiels are very intelligent animals and to have re-christened him would have confused him and made him feel worthless and used. After all, anyone with the name Ian has the same predicament and a name change to Kevin would just create more problems than it is worth.) Anyway, regarding the formation, I am sure that yesterday we lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Hargrieves at left midfeld infront of Drydon who was at left back. Please dont tell me this was not the case because I spent all of yesterday smugly celebrating a fine prediction that I made following the Hendon sale. Was it a 4-4-2 or was it a 5-3-2? Would someone please correct me if it wasn/t the former because I was convinced we played with a back four.

Anon at 19:9:47 Sunday October 15 2000
MartinW, I never just re-read our notes and can now accept that I

MartinW at 18:40:57 Sunday October 15 2000
There should be three clips on Cobblers In Vision if you include Welch's save.

MartinW at 18:39:2 Sunday October 15 2000
Ha ha, Drilling Cobbler, I wasn't accusing YOU of mindless abuse. I seem to be misinterpreted all over the place. Probably not communcating effectively. I was actually complimenting you on not resorting to abuse. It was an interesting point you made about playing the wrong system. I know there are a few who would like us to play4-4-2 and we certainly didn't play 4-4-2 on Saturday. It was the same 5-3-2 and I don't think Willo will change that formula. For the record, I said that Hughesy needed a bit more experience before he could be considered a first team player. But then what better way to get that by playing first team football. The problem with that, as I have said, is that is a gamble. And it is a gamble that Willo has been forced into, I would venture. After all, when he has played poorly in early games this season, like away at Fulham, he was dropped. The lad is game. And I for one hope we won't miss Hendon. We certainly WON'T miss his 50 per cent ratio of good crosses. Or is that being generous. Ha ha.

Waterside Cobbler at 18:35:11 Sunday October 15 2000
Watch it Bengo or you'll be needing A & E ! Yes I was at the Gas - just downloaded the two clips from Cobblers In Vision -they're well worth watching

Spud at 18:3:37 Sunday October 15 2000
Port Vale tickets Adults Ł15 Concessions Ł10

Spud at 18:2:12 Sunday October 15 2000
Adults Ł15 Concessions Ł10

PNE at 17:20:23 Sunday October 15 2000
Announced in Northern editions that Preston have approached the Cobblers for permission to talk to James Hunt who nearly left the club in the close season.

The Drilling Cobbler at 16:23:28 Sunday October 15 2000
MartinW, appologies for upsetting you mate with my "mindless abuse", I can assure you no offence was intended, but you've got to admitt that your not Hughes biggest fan, and that you dont particularly rate him. I take back my comments regarding my judgment of your opinion on Savage - I have re-read your comments and I mis-interpreted them, but I did still have a hang over at the time. However I am now able to function properly and accept that on the Savage point I was wrong. Just for the record, I am absolutelty convinced that once Frain is fit, he will be included in a back four alongside Drydon, Sampson and Hughes. Hope and Green will be utilised as cover. I reckon Green will be phased out anyway hence why Drydon has been brought in. As for Howie, will he ever play again(?) - I have no idea what his present fitness situation is. Personally, with the back four I've just mentioned, yesterdays midfield with a fit Roy Hunter thrown in, and the various striker combinations that we already have, that team to me could seriously challenge for promotion. Only 3 defeats thus far, all by the odd goal and all away from home, and having played all the defeated play off finalists from last season and beating two of them, I see no reason why a minimun of a top 6 placing cannot be achieved. So stop bloody moaning every one! When we are losing I still dont think Wilsons use of substitutes is any good though....Now I'm moaning. Boll*cks!

Carl at 16:11:31 Sunday October 15 2000
Sorry Martin I read it again and I missed read your statements

Carl at 16:10:48 Sunday October 15 2000
Greg was standing next to me and he thought it was alright as well, but he will probably tell you that later

Rodney Marshall(MoaningCobbler) at 15:11:4 Sunday October 15 2000
King Cobb: "John Hodge has to go". What are you on? Last home game he was man of the match, the home game before his brilliant cross set up Howard for the winner. Must be crap then.

Lancaster Cobbler at 14:44:10 Sunday October 15 2000
And another thing, yes Rovers drew with Luton and Bournemouth, but they drew 0-0 with Wigan, 1-1 with Everton and beat Brentford 6-2 away from home. Vale could be a tough game with Horton fighting for his job, and Oldham should be 3 points, but I bet Carlo will score (doh!)

MartinW at 14:41:29 Sunday October 15 2000
Still waiting to hear Greg's account of the game.. If he was there.

Lancaster Cobbler at 14:40:53 Sunday October 15 2000
So did we play 4-4-2 then? Hodge is a player who can turn games, and he does need to play some part in the game. And Savage, we all know he never scores before March, when he scores for fun!

MartinW at 14:33:20 Sunday October 15 2000
Thanks Bob, you're quite right. I quite clearly meant that people should lay off Savage (if you read the whole bit rather than just the first sentence). Also Drilling Cobbler, for the record, I never said that Savage and Hughes were crap. I thought Green and Hodge were poor, but it is good to hear someone give an alternative argument rather than resort to mindless abuse. It's nice to look at the league table and see where we could be if we win our two games in hand - basically sniffing at the top spot. Oh and wanton plug, all the main action from the Rovers game, including Savage's mazy dribble miss are now on www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk

A Childs View at 14:0:25 Sunday October 15 2000
Quite right Ray, 3 draws is Rovers' home record this season. Big deal!! However, to suggest Rovers never made any chances is simply wrong, they had a couple of gilt edged chances in the first, one saved brilliantly by Welch and the other wasted by their 'numpty' strike partnership. In all, it wasn't a great game, we defended resolutely and Jamie did the business again. In many respects it was a classic Cobblers performance - tight at the back and taking a chance when it came along.The goals for and against on the league table doesn't lie, we don't concede many, but, we don't score too many either. It may not be scintillating - but I'll take it!!!! Role on Port Vale ans seeing Carlo again on Saturday.

Ray at 13:24:52 Sunday October 15 2000
Before you all get excited about Bristol Rover's record, consider that they have not won at home all season!

Bob at 13:3:22 Sunday October 15 2000
Carl, the thing is did Martin suggest dropping Savage, or did he suggest that we get off his back and encourage him. martin said 'give him a break'. I read the latter, not that he should be dropped.

The Drilling Cobbler at 13:2:11 Sunday October 15 2000
We play away against a side who had only lost once all season, including two matches with Everton, win 1-0 and all people can do is moan. According to MartinW, Hodge, Savage, Hughes and Green are all crap( reading between the lines), we played the wrong system, our defence was to slow and Welch made some excellent saves. From where I was standing, Welch made about 1 decent save which he is there for anyway and contributed with some excellent handling/kicking. But saves wise, he just wasnt needed. Why? Because defensively we were in complete control. Rovers simply never looked like scoring. We also had the best 3 chances of the game(Savage, the goal and Gabbiadini) and totally outfought them for the full 90minutes. And why is it that people are so reluctant to give Hughes credit? Probably because they were so in love with Hendon and cannot accept that Hughes is an excellent replacement. At the end of the day, we are not going to go to places like Bristol, play like Brazil, and win 5-0. FACT. So whats the problem with grinding out results away from home? Finally, as I predicted a week or so ago on this site, selling Hendon enabled us to go back to a 4-4-2 formation without it effecting our defensive capabilities. With Hendon, that would not have been possible.

Carl at 12:0:29 Sunday October 15 2000
Martin, I really couldn't agree less with you about resting Savage, who are you planning putting in for him? I enjoyed yesterdays game, granted at times our defence was a little slow, but they are so solid, as for Welch he again was superb, the only one I worry about is Dryden he seems to be the slowest. We had some good goalscoring chances yesterday, Jamie should have passed to Hunt in the second half and that would have been a certain goal, Gabbiadini's chance at the end was very skillful and was only kept out by a fingertip save. People moan about the way we defend and our midfield but it has been proven to work, the way we back off works more than it doesn't. Hargreaves had a great game, he never stopped running, and must have been completely knackered by the final whistle. You have to go away from home and battle, which is what we have done. The players were delighted with the result yesterday, the team spirit seems very high. Our victory was even better for the fact that once again the referee was so very poor, and as for some of the bookings they were absolutely ludicrous, Gabbiadini was probably quite correct in what he said. I thought Mark Walters for them had quite a good game, he still looks tricky and has got a fair bit of skill, but their captain BIGJOBBY or something like that was very good. So overall, I disagree with the ever present Mr. W, I enjoyed the game, and have enjoyed all the games apart from Bury and Wycombe, we are playing some excellent footie, grinding out results when needed, so give the boys a break and try and enjoy it a little more, after all it's only a game!!!! Have Fun.

Lancaster Cobbler at 11:34:20 Sunday October 15 2000
My team v. Port Vale (4-4-2); Welch; Hughes, Sampson, Dryden, Hope; Hodge, Hunt, Savage, Hargreaves; Gabbiadini, Forrester (if SH is not fit!). subs Green, Wilson, Sollitt, Morrow, Gould

MartinW at 11:26:23 Sunday October 15 2000
One more thing, sorry, but I would give David Savage a break, myself. His game all round game, I think, is better than it was. He does track back more and get in vital challenges. He has certainly improved defensively. But he just seems to lose it in front of goal. If he is encouraged you get the feeling that he could get the goals and we definitely need a contribution from midfield.

MartinW at 11:23:34 Sunday October 15 2000
Agree with King Cobb to a point about Hodge. He did not have the greatest of games at the Memorial. It does seem he has been told to work more in defensive play and in fairness he seems to be improving that side of his game. But his crossing went to pot in the second half, he had a simple sideways pass in the penalty box to set up a surefire second and underhit it and he always seems to look knackered by about five minutes of the seocnd half. Also some fans around us were shocked to see old and bulky Mark Walters out sprint him to the ball after giving Hodgey a start in the first half. We were wondering whether he was injured or something. Probably needs to work on his fitness because when he came to us on loan he looked lightning fast. Was that all a dream? When he plays well, it is in patches but he is still worth his place in a depleted squad. Not on the button on Saturday, though, and you feel that if Frainy is fit we'll see Hargreaves in midfield and Savage back on the left.

Cobbler in the West at 10:40:19 Sunday October 15 2000
Agree in part with MartinW. Our crowd was somewhat subdued. I found it strange being on an uncovered terrace but the game was fairly low key because we were content to soak up the pressure for large parts of the match. Sampson was outstanding and to be fair Hughes did well. I thought Hargreaves was also excellent and that Gabbiadini did well when he cam eon frequently turning the Rovers defence. WE should have been one up at half time, yet again Savage does the difficult part and fluffs his shot! Yes, Green did get caught a couple of times in the first half nevers gets flustered and was rock solid in the second. Welch had naother good game. Before the match I thought we would do well to get a point. Rovers have a very good home record so all credit to the Cobblers. Now for Port Vale and if we win there we will be very well set up for the home games to come.

matt at 10:11:10 Sunday October 15 2000
does anyone know how much port vale tickets r 4 consessions

Don's Mate at 10:7:50 Sunday October 15 2000
Greg. If Martin W was at a different game, lets have your version of the match.

KingCobb at 10:6:27 Sunday October 15 2000
Not wishing to take sides but I felt that the MartinW report was pretty accurate. Greene was slow and hesistant, a couple of his mistakes could easily have led to goals and that was down to Rovers incompetence as much as anything else. Hargreaves was excellent, so to our favourite 'shithead' Keith Welch who certainly had the last laugh. Savage contributed little, Hughes did okay. Four bookings, Sammo, Hughes, and two others. If we are to continue with the long/high ball to the forwards we better hope that Howard returns to fitness pretty damn quick as we did miss him. Groin strains can be slow to clear up. I've finally decided that Hodge has to go. He is an out and out winger and as such does not contribute to the modern game, he cannot defend and his positional sense is poor, this has the effect of pulling James Hunt out of position to cover. That said, three points, best defensive record in the division and 9th with two games in hand over most.

GREG at 9:56:58 Sunday October 15 2000
MARTIN W WAS AT A DIFFERENT GAME ONCE AGAIN

I Just Made This Up at 9:51:35 Sunday October 15 2000
Why hasn't Dave Sewage got a mobile phone? Because he is absolutely useless at one to one!

MartinW at 8:39:27 Sunday October 15 2000
Ultimately the result was fantastic. But - and this is just my opinion for what it's worth - I did not think we played well at all. You have to give credit to the side when they manage to grind out a result like that. It was probably the dullest game I have seen involving the Cobblers this season. And there was very little vocal support coming from the Cobblers fans. It was a very strange afternoon. It was almost like fans knew it was going to be an underwhelming game. But even knowing we had won, most fans had disappeared BEFORE the players had finished applauding them. The football was definitely unininspiring. The man of the match was Keith Welch in my book for making a clutch of outstanding saves otherwise the result might have been a lot different. Richard Green, who looked out of shape and short of pace, was lucky not to be punished for a couple of mistakes. Especially early in the first half when one of the Rover attackers left him standing for pace. If Richard Hope is fit, it may be that we should think of getting him back at the expense of Greeny to inject some badly needed speed into the middle three who were otherwise fairly solid. Chris Hargreaves was superb. Covered the length of the pitch, got in pinpoint crosses and defended wonderfully. Once Howard went off though, we continue to spend too much time punting high balls to Gabbiadini and Forrester who hardly one a thing and it meant we lost possession. Having said that Forrester scored with a HEADER. What a guy. In truth in the main this was Ian Atkins tactics with one difference. We have guys up front who can nick a goal. Basically we set out our stall to defend like hell and then try and pinch a goal. Which is what happened. So we have the best defence in the league, but our goalscoring record is not the greatest. Because the only players that are scoring are our strikers and Sammo who has one. None of our midfielders or wing backs have contributed any in terms of goals. But it should be said one goal has tended to be enough against the likes of Fulham, Millwall and Notts County. But against Rovers our strikers were always feeding on scraps, either through battling to win the ball, through jumping in vain for long balls or - the most effective tactic today - punting the ball into space behind the defenders where Forrester and Gabbiadini can run onto it. There was very little possession football or attacks going through the midfield. There were groans for David Savage, though, who went on a mazy dribbling run had just the keeper to beat for a goal that would have been talked about for years only to unbelievably side foot it wide when hitting the back of the net would be easier. We'd seen it before this season. But you have to credit the guy for the ability to do these tricks to get into the position. Garry Hughes had a promising match. His long throws are a danger, his distribution at times looked fine but there were flashes of inexperience (to be expected) in getting caught in possession and hurling too many long balls from deep when he could pass and move. Ultimately the difference was Jamie Forrester who was clinical when he had his chance. But don't call this entertainment. Because it wasn't. The main action will be on www.martinwilliams.free-online.co.uk by noon.

Deepcut Cobbler at 7:35:7 Sunday October 15 2000
Just how much influence or control do our sponsors have?? How near were we to having Taylor as our manager?? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Deepcut Cobbler at 6:52:21 Sunday October 15 2000
Another "rumour" quoted in Saturday's Express.Talking about Peter Taylor now riding high at Leicester. "sponsor Nationwide.....after his untimely departure(as under 21 coach)..was prepared to pay his wages if he had taken up the offer to manage Northampton, another team sponsored by Nationwide" Any comment either official or otherwise welcomed. Great result yesterday, is it serious on the Howard injury? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!!

Lancaster Cobbler at 2:37:50 Sunday October 15 2000
Let's hope Steve Howard is okay, as it reduces our options. To got to the Mem and win is a good result, with Port Vale away and Oldham at home we should bag 4 points. Will Carlo get a chance to score?

Ralph at 21:17:4 Saturday October 14 2000
Only just got in! Scrappy game, our defense looked pedestrian, particularly down the left side, Dryden and in particular Green. Welch made a great save in the first half. Howard has a groin strain, Gabbi came on and looked shagged with twenty minutes to go. They put us under a bit of pressure second half without Welch really tested and then bang . . . Forrester! We remarked it was a bit like a smash and grab raid as we left the ground and bugger when we get back to the car some b*&^%$d has broken in to it!!!!! Didn't see you in the Wellington NGas. Had a couple of halves with the other Gasheads. Better sort out the bank, credit cards and all the other s**t that goes with a break-in. See you all at Port Vale.

Anon at 20:19:35 Saturday October 14 2000
Wednesday were on the rack and showed signs of pressing the self-destruct button. Youngster Ian Hendon, on his debut after signing from Northampton in the week, and Alan Quinn found themselves in the book with Quinn flirting with the red card.

BENGO at 19:46:49 Saturday October 14 2000
A & E Co-ordinator : did you go to the game after all ?

Northampton Gas at 19:42:6 Saturday October 14 2000
Well I'm here and not hiding. *s* Talking to Cobblers supporters after the game it was agreed that it was a poor game, but you scored and we didn't, it's as simple as that. The one disappointment is that in recent match's between both clubs there has been passion by one team or the other, that was sadly lacking today by both sides. I'll leave it to your returning supporters to say how well you played, as I have only seen your last two reserve team games. I thought we were dire, for some reson we adopted route one tactics which we have not played all season and although our front two battled away, they got nowhere and there was to much of a gap between the front two and the midfield. Speaking the ref after the game, I asked how he got on with Gabbiadini. I cannot say everything he said, but he did confirm that when he booked him, Gabbi said "you are only looking for a big name to go in your notebook" a bit silly on his part as a more harsh ref could have sent him off. Well, I'll have to wait until March for the return game. Best of luck until then and I hope Danny, Glos Cobbler and theb rest got home safely.

Norwich Cobbler at 18:53:50 Saturday October 14 2000
Brilliant result today against a form side - look forward to seeing a report on the match.Surely it won't be long before someone puts in a big bid for Jamie. Can't wait for next Saturday for my first game of the season - Come on you Cobblers!!!

For all you Hughes doubters! at 18:39:29 Saturday October 14 2000
From sports.com Northampton's best moves came from the right of midfield, where Hughes ran with crisp accuracy and promising crosses

NSB (cobblers in leeds) at 17:51:33 Saturday October 14 2000
yes! come on jamie! 3-1 and they f*cked it up again!

momac at 17:9:35 Saturday October 14 2000
No doubting that,go on you mighty Claret and Whites.Can't wait for Port Vale Tuesday.They may have beat Colchester 3-1 today but Col U have been rubbish since Lua Lua left.

Sheffield Wednesday 0 Hendon 0 at 17:7:27 Saturday October 14 2000
Sunderland score

Was it another spectacular goal! at 17:6:47 Saturday October 14 2000
Who cares we are brilliant!!!

Shit 1 Hereford 0 at 17:5:53 Saturday October 14 2000
qqqqqqqqq

Sean from London at 17:4:23 Saturday October 14 2000
Brillant !!! You will never beat the Cobblers .... or the Irish

momac at 17:2:0 Saturday October 14 2000
Does anyone know if it was another spectacular Forrester goal?

Anon at 17:1:31 Saturday October 14 2000
Kettering won. how did Diremonds do

Port Vale here we cum! at 17:0:30 Saturday October 14 2000
Parrish got 4 for Chesterfield!

SBJ at 17:0:27 Saturday October 14 2000
Good stuff! Wins also for Rotherham, Brentford, Millwall (4-0), Oldham, Wrexham (4-3 away to Oxford), Port Vale, Reading and Swansea. So probably little change in the table.

momac at 16:59:48 Saturday October 14 2000
thats enough now child.

Anon at 16:59:29 Saturday October 14 2000
Boro Lost! HAHA

Anon at 16:58:29 Saturday October 14 2000
no final score 1-0 to the TOWN

So you are the only Paddy in Npton? at 16:57:59 Saturday October 14 2000
Get off ther booze your talking rubbish!

britgal at 16:56:53 Saturday October 14 2000
1-0! final whistle blown! god we are good!!

Ray at 16:56:52 Saturday October 14 2000
Its all over- Cobblers WIN! 1-0 !!

Celtic Won at 16:56:50 Saturday October 14 2000
Forest won

momac at 16:56:43 Saturday October 14 2000
Our families are both Irish and our generation have been friends since birth,now go away you know nothing muppet.Well done lads ,fantastic result.Thank-you for the commentary britgal.

SKY Sports at 16:56:29 Saturday October 14 2000
Nothing on TV about an equaliser yet . . . .

noooooooooooooooooo! at 16:56:26 Saturday October 14 2000
Pish have lost

SBJ at 16:55:47 Saturday October 14 2000
Honestly?

Oh no an equaliser at 16:55:12 Saturday October 14 2000
shittttttttt

britgal at 16:54:58 Saturday October 14 2000
ohh, gabbi was SOOO close! And now now children, calm down! :) Don't fight! Forrester passes to hunt, hargreaves wins a free kick....

SBJ at 16:53:39 Saturday October 14 2000
I can't take this stress!!

britgal at 16:53:7 Saturday October 14 2000
rovers have a corner! welch saved well! now there's a fight!!

Temper temper u big baby! at 16:49:51 Saturday October 14 2000
I can see what the MO MAC bit stands for you were Tony A's Scottish bum boy!!!

britgal at 16:49:44 Saturday October 14 2000
oh, drama down in the stadium! A goal went into a net, the crowd rose to their feet... then it was pointed out that the ball hit the side of the netting, broke it and wasn't a goal!

momac at 16:48:30 Saturday October 14 2000
Oi prick,I dont need to,Angela played in neither of the games I watched.

britgal at 16:46:11 Saturday October 14 2000
cobblers defending well, it's still 1-0!! It was Forrester's 6th this season! 2 mins left + stoppage time

Check it out with Angela - know it all! at 16:45:10 Saturday October 14 2000
.

MOMAC at 16:41:46 Saturday October 14 2000
C.W.XI,Angela didn't play for the team I saw,I know Angela and her family.

Anon at 16:41:45 Saturday October 14 2000
I reckon Kevin will come on to calm things down.

britgal at 16:39:58 Saturday October 14 2000
i can't remember who set up the goal, sorry! Yeah, Hodge is still on and still playing well!

britgal at 16:38:12 Saturday October 14 2000
Hodge does a good run but his cross is intercepted. And Saints have gone from winning 16-3 to losing 20-16. Or something :)

Anon at 16:37:34 Saturday October 14 2000
Britgal who set up the goal and is Hodgey still on?

Copbblers Womens XI at 16:37:30 Saturday October 14 2000
Centre forward was Angela Ancel brother of Tony A. the Burger King.

britgal at 16:36:23 Saturday October 14 2000
ooohhh, cobblers were SO close to scoring then....

momac at 16:35:43 Saturday October 14 2000
YEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

britgal at 16:35:14 Saturday October 14 2000
cobblers 1- bristol 0!!!! amazing!! the man is a GOD!!!

britgal at 16:34:25 Saturday October 14 2000
still 0-0, jamie forrester hobbling. he recieved treatmant but is back on the pitch. The Cobblers attacking now. FORRESTER SCORED

britgal at 16:28:18 Saturday October 14 2000
rovers attacking again... a shot just too high. It was judged offside by the linesman so the cobblers stopped but the ref judged play on. It almost cost the cobblers a goal, luckily it didn't

momac at 16:25:44 Saturday October 14 2000
You should speak to somebody in your sports department,maybe they could arrange something.

britgal at 16:23:59 Saturday October 14 2000
do the Cobblers do school visits, do you know? It would be the best thing ever if the players could come visit my school, doing skills and stuff.... I am trying to spread the Cobblers bug all around the school! :)

britgal at 16:21:41 Saturday October 14 2000
corner to Bristol, off Dryden. A Bristol player shoots but misses. Welch's goal kick

britgal at 16:17:21 Saturday October 14 2000
corner to bristol, then Cobblers win a free kick. They are under pressure now.

momac at 16:15:39 Saturday October 14 2000
They were about 90% girls,2 or 3 women one of which was the captain who was outstanding.

britgal at 16:15:19 Saturday October 14 2000
Dryden shoved in back, a free kick to the cobblers in our own half and.... we go across to the Saints. Dammit!

britgal at 16:12:21 Saturday October 14 2000
it would be cool if they still had a women's team, or girl's team. i could play for the cobblers! then again, i don't think i'm quite that good.... :)

britgal at 16:10:38 Saturday October 14 2000
soooooo close, forrester....

britgal at 16:8:38 Saturday October 14 2000
no changes in half time, still 0-0

momac at 16:4:34 Saturday October 14 2000
britgal,3 or 4 years ago the Cobblers had a womens team ,I saw them play twice ,once in the league [which I believe they eventually won] and then in a cup final not far from me in Mickelover[derbyshire].The standard of play by the Cobblers was excellent,I was very suprised,they were very creative.Don't know why they dispanded.

Anon at 16:0:52 Saturday October 14 2000
we're playing against the draw specialists at the Memorial Ground, and what a dive that ground is

britgal at 15:46:42 Saturday October 14 2000
Half time, 0-0

Anon at 15:46:20 Saturday October 14 2000
Welch; Hughes, Sampson, Green, Dryden, Hargreaves; Hodge, Hunt, Savage; Howard (sub Gabbiadini), Forrester SUBS Sollitt, Hope, Wilson, Morrow

britgal at 15:45:46 Saturday October 14 2000
hughes passes to gabbi, who gives the ball to savage. A free kick against Garry Hughes now... Dryden pushes a Bristol man, another free kick given away

just wondering at 15:45:4 Saturday October 14 2000
whats the starting line up?

just wondering at 15:44:46 Saturday October 14 2000
whats the atarting line up?

britgal at 15:40:38 Saturday October 14 2000
The ref is having a word with dryden for dissent, although he wasn't booked. Gabbiadini has the ball in the penalty area... but was taken down. No foul though

britgal at 15:35:48 Saturday October 14 2000
still 0-0. From what it sounds like on the radio, we are playing quite well. Then again, u never can tell with this commentary!

Anon at 15:33:40 Saturday October 14 2000
Well, we all know that when Gabbi came on for Jamie, he scored, so I fancy Marco to score a goal-o

britgal at 15:32:35 Saturday October 14 2000
we seem to be playing a lot of attacking football now... hargreaves wins a throw-in deep in our own half, hughes' pass to gabbi! savage does a run down the wing.... but his shot goes wide

momac at 15:31:39 Saturday October 14 2000
Are we playing well britgal.

britgal at 15:28:16 Saturday October 14 2000
i don't want to hear about rugby!!! I want to hear about the cobblers! ok, they are attacking again, Gabbiadini with the balll

britgal at 15:26:41 Saturday October 14 2000
thank u, momac! Howard is going off. He is limping a groin injury, the man thinks. Gabbiadini has come on

Anon at 15:23:12 Saturday October 14 2000
wasser score?

Anon at 15:17:28 Saturday October 14 2000
have they kicked off yet.

my old mans a Cobbler. at 15:13:49 Saturday October 14 2000
Sorry,that was me britgal.

Anon at 15:11:2 Saturday October 14 2000
yes please and well done with your goalscoring.

britgal at 15:1:34 Saturday October 14 2000
any1 want updates thru the match?

britgal at 14:57:57 Saturday October 14 2000
i think the score will be 3-1. Forrester, Howard, Gabbi. And another update from my little football team! We played our second game ever today, against the county champions (?!) and lost 9-3! But i scored twice! I scored our teams first eva goal!! (i am sooo full of myself now!)

Lancaster Cobbler at 14:52:29 Saturday October 14 2000
Only changes are Hughes for Hendon, Hope on the bench. Hendon starts for Sheff Wednesday

Late Minute change at 14:6:53 Saturday October 14 2000
Hendons deal has fallen through and he is on the subs bench this afternoon.

Old Fart at 11:26:35 Saturday October 14 2000
Come now MartinW, you surely understand otherwise you wouldn't respond! begone and bewildered I am surely now, non entities exist within only there own existence. Your site is poop but the goals are golden...how does one judge someone like yourself who on the one hand is Golden and the other poop. I suppose I should fall back on a golden oldie!!.. "You can't polish a turd :o) "..........These views are not the views of the writer or company that he represents. There is no doubt however that they represent the views of someone other than the Prima Donna represented as both MartinW and his liver!!

MartinW at 10:42:22 Saturday October 14 2000
I'm Drunk, you're 'avin a laff. There's no such band as the Flying Maggots and there is no such thing as the FRTY format. It's ACTUALLY a FARTY format and it stinks. And I was joshing about being drunk. I was actually totally stonkered. So get your facts right!!! Ha ha.

MartinW at 10:7:40 Saturday October 14 2000
Old Fart, you're right! But while I quite rightly write purile tripe, at least it's understandable. And... why allthe fuss about a non entity.

Trisha at 9:34:4 Saturday October 14 2000
I feel that I should comment, why were you on the telly bigroy?

Old Fart at 9:14:5 Saturday October 14 2000
Having read that I didn't get up MartinW but his site gives me the goals I don't see but hey MW you speak an immense amount of unbelievable, purile, alchohol ridden poop :o) No offence intended and these views have nothing in common with anyone who gives a sh*t.

Old Fart (Back to haunt the Twots ) at 9:9:59 Saturday October 14 2000
The ability to express a sentiment that is one of love, dedication and total commitment is a gift that is both rare and at the same time all encompassing. There is one person in our midst who not only has this talent but at the same time is prepared to share it with us. To have both the talent and the humility it requires to put yourself in a position to have your heart torn from within you by the very people you are trying to share your joy with is something that Christians call faith.To be able to do this and still smile when you know you could crush, to be able to embrace when you know you should reject, to wear that very heart on a sleeve that is destined to be ripped and frayed requires something that mear followers of fashion cannot begin to understand. The man I talk about is a man who is not only in stature a giant, he has a heart bigger than Red Rum's and a will to share what that can give to an audience of green haired cling ons and Mexican cumquats who have nothing unique to offer. What does this mean?.......absolutely f' all your Honour , but given that FOG2K has still not been recognised as THE Anthem by the sellers of souls then there is no doubt it needs saying. Salute our heroes and ensure they continue to strive and purge from within themselves the ability to be mediocre because if they don't they will be as you and I LOL Big Roy take a bow :o)NTFC DIV II MILLENNIUM CHAMPIONS

Cobbler in the West at 9:8:27 Saturday October 14 2000
Hopefully, N'ton Gas means 2-0 to the Cobblers but we will do well to get a point out of this one.

Northampton Gas at 8:44:43 Saturday October 14 2000
Score today 2-0

IM DRUNK at 8:30:27 Saturday October 14 2000
Im Martin W and im drunk, so that means ive drunk more than anyone else and got my head stuck in the door and has anyone listened to the latest Flying Maggotts 8 track on the FRTY format, im so boring I must be Martin W, can you keep him preserved in Gas after todays game!

Double ID at 7:44:48 Saturday October 14 2000
Martin W and Childs View are one and the same. You heard it first on here. Mr & Mrs Boring!

Tom McCormick at 2:36:27 Saturday October 14 2000
Jamie forrester has broke his leg im his neighbour and ive just seen him on crutches

MartinW at 0:51:55 Saturday October 14 2000
Having mentioned Joe Le Taxi can I also mention Cocteau Twins' Carolyn's Fingers which is out of this bloody world and almost beats a Forrester goal. Actually it might be on a par. And that's saying something. Sod it I'm drunk too, I admit.

MartinW at 0:42:36 Saturday October 14 2000
...and A Child's View Sucks, grow up and get your facts right - he's never defended him.

MartinW at 0:41:4 Saturday October 14 2000
Sod it, drown your sorrows in Joe Le Taxi

cHILD vIEW sUCKS at 0:11:5 Saturday October 14 2000
He was defending Hendon a while ago now hes on the bandwaggon! Where our Danny????? Is he at Wigan Casino!!!!

A Childs View at 0:0:52 Saturday October 14 2000
So - Hendo has gone!! I never really liked him anyway. Too inconsistent with his crossing I thought. Get away with him in the 3rd but not in the 2nd - 55k, not bad money either. My only concern is that we now have no proven right back - I hope Hughesy proves his worth, but, don't think he's quite ready yet - perhaps in a couple of years - if ever? I don't want to be cynical but it begs questions about the financial status of the club - there have been rumours and I wonder if everything is operating on an even keel? It feels like ages since I last saw a game. I missed the Wrexham home game because I was chasing tail - so to speak!!! Hopefully a good game at Rovers tomorrow - "3-1 and you f***ed it up, 3-1 and you f***ed it up" - come on the Town!!!!!!!! Sorry for the inarticulate contribution - I've had a skinful of Guinness - HOORAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Nosey Parker at 23:46:53 Friday October 13 2000
Why was my posting deleted last time there was no swearing only the facts?.Gabbiadini is disliked by every other player at the club is that a crime!!!!

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 23:46:16 Friday October 13 2000
Whoever signed on as me this morning, with a covering e-mail address! get a life. I'd rather see my wife play at right back than have Gibb crossing into the South Stand. With Hope back fit don't sign Dryden though. He has been the laughing stock of the Dell and is very limited.

Big Roy at 23:0:44 Friday October 13 2000
No. Other things have got in the way unfortunately. Yes I was on telly about 18 months ago.

Intrigued at 22:9:54 Friday October 13 2000
BIG ROY - salright cos iv'e seen you on the telly and I know you haven't got a moustache. Are you going to Rovers tomorrow?

Pirate Pete at 22:8:38 Friday October 13 2000
HARROLD COBBLER - Reveal yourself! Are you a big bloke wiv a moustache?

Mick at 21:15:55 Friday October 13 2000
I wish people would stop complaining about rumours on an unofficial message board. That's precicely where they should they should be aired. We all know most of them are simply rumours, but it gets people thinking what options there are, and virtually every signing and leaving was first mentioned on here. If you dont like them stick to the official news.

jeff at 19:21:38 Friday October 13 2000
Whas uppppppppppp! Chris Hargreaves a donkey i dont think so

The Drilling Cobbler at 18:43:27 Friday October 13 2000
According to the directors, Hendon would probably be able to leave for nothing soon because of the EU situation regarding transfers - then why would we spend the money on Drydon when surely if transfer fees are abolished and players can leave at any given time regardless of their contractual obligations, the same thing could happen with him. Just a tad hippocritical I feel. I am not against Hendon being sold because I have every confidence in Hughes but there doesnt appear to be any logic behind the reasons given. Something dodgy I feel - another case of the Ray Warburton situation perhaps?

To Be fair to the directors (novel idea) at 18:20:34 Friday October 13 2000
I don't recall any mention of others going to balance books, but you have to say to move to Sheffield Wednesday is a fantastic opportunity.

Anon at 17:14:53 Friday October 13 2000
Pub guide for Ther Mem, try....http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/4720/ and then "Gas Pub Guide". The Clubhouse Bar at The Mem will show the 24th October 1989 match between The Gas and Cobblers before the game from 12.30

RaChEl at 16:49:51 Friday October 13 2000
Chris Russell, plz e-mail me if u like cos I swear I know that name!

Sid at 16:49:43 Friday October 13 2000
Anyone need to do their GTA's for Saturday and Tueday v. Bristol Rovers and Port Vale? Just e-mail me with your name and attendance guesses ASAP for these matches.

Sid at 16:48:48 Friday October 13 2000
The Sheffield Wednesday move was a good one for Hendon, and I for one, am sad to see him leave. I was always baffled that he never played at a higher level, so a great move for him to play in the First Division. However, I wonder if Hughes will play out the rest of the season, or if Wilson will delve into the transfer market. I don't think we need Dryden, now Hope is back, so lets use the money to good use!

RaChEl at 16:47:35 Friday October 13 2000
Chris Russell at 10:28:13 Friday October 13 2000 Hi, my name's Chris!>>>>>>>> I think I know u 2!

Be fair to the directors (novel idea) at 16:43:48 Friday October 13 2000
Far from giving Wednesday a tip that Hendon might be available, it was a complete shock to them when they came in...very last minute...for Hendon. Had they had any idea of their interest they would have priced Hendon at least 50k higher. And someone has already mentioned agents-couldn't agree more. All they do is cause trouble, and that includes amongst players who have only just put pen to paper to sign new contracts. Good luck to Hendon, he probably behaved pretty badly towards Luton, but you couldn't blame him for choosing Wednesday ahead of them....and as his wife correctly pointed out, Luton is a dump. As to buying Dryden, that is by no means certain. It was stated when we bought in Forrester and Gabbiadini that others would have to go in order to balance the books, and this has been the only sale thus far. Also, think for a moment about how many players will be out of contract at the end of this season...quite alot, and if we don't want to get shafted by various Bosman moves, sales have to be considered seriously now. And to those of you knocking Wilson, in the words of the song 'You're unbelieveable.' And who the bloody hell thinks Hargreaves is a donkey??? Wierd.

Cardiff Cobbler at 15:51:48 Friday October 13 2000
Cymru Cobbler. Sorry just emailed you but it failed for some reason.Yes I'm going tomorrow. If you want to give me a call, ring the Western Mail & Echo on 029 20 583484 and ask for Mike. Don't tell anyone else about that number though!

Ray at 15:46:17 Friday October 13 2000
Better that the poo site - you need to buy 5 all sewn together for a free manager.

PETE POSH at 15:16:47 Friday October 13 2000
ONLY 10 WEEKS TO GO UNTIL OUR NEXT CERTAIN 3 POINTS.MUST SAY READING YOUR POSTINGS OVER THE LAST WEEK OR SO ,I AM MUCH IMPRESSED BY YOUR CLUB SHOPS OFFER.*********BUY A SHIRT-GET A CURRENT FIRST TEAM PLAYER IN IT !

Rushden Cobbler at 15:4:31 Friday October 13 2000
When in Helsinki on Weds night I was chatting to a Finnish lad when he asked who I supported. I explained that the team I supported was only a lower division club that he probably wouldn't have heard of called Northampton Town. To which he replied, "Ah, the Cobblers. I f*****g hate the Posh!" Now that's good football knowledge!

Cymru Cobbler at 14:56:31 Friday October 13 2000
CARDIFF COBBLER, are you going to the Rovers match this Saturday? If So drop me and email at SullivanJAP@cf.ac.uk (I cant seem to access your email address)

Carl at 14:55:4 Friday October 13 2000
Right then I'm off, this weekend I will be mostly playing and watching football and then drinking Guinness, so lets hope it's a good return after two weeks for the mighty town, and see you all there, have fun. UP THE COBBLERS!!!!

marco at 13:46:30 Friday October 13 2000
lee maddison reunited with atkins at carlisle, 3 month loan

Carl at 13:37:21 Friday October 13 2000
Far, far too long ago, to even think about, who was it last, what was the score, did Jamie score? So many questions so little time. COME ON THE COBBLERS!!!

PATTCOBB at 13:20:20 Friday October 13 2000
Hurray!!!!! Thre's an effing game tomorrow to talk about.It seems like ages doesn't it?

Carl at 13:15:34 Friday October 13 2000
PATTCOBB, you bugger I was just about to say something about that, Trannie indeed.

PATTCOBB at 13:13:18 Friday October 13 2000
You mean TRAINEE, don't you? At least I hope you do becuse the thought of a Bet Lynch lookalike operating in the right-back berth pausing in between opposition attacks to adjust his make-up is a tad worrying.

Eric at 12:56:25 Friday October 13 2000
Drilling Cobbler - look again at the Wigan goals and you might see Hughes pass the pass straight to the opposition just outside our area to start the attack. The second goal may have been a screamer but what was Hughes doing at centre forward during open play? We all want Hughes to succeed but don't wear rose tinted spectacles - IMHO he isn't a fraction of the player Hendon is (even with his recent errors).

My old mans a Cobbler. at 12:53:59 Friday October 13 2000
TOP HAT don't start another round of f@cking rumours,I'm sick of them.

Northampton Gas at 12:46:6 Friday October 13 2000
TOP HAT. The previous holder of The Mike was stopped by the Police driving his car. When they searched his car, it containeed tins of tomatoes. The driver and tomatoes were taken to the Police Station and were opened, they contained a large quantity of drugs. He was convicted and jailed, but I believe he may have been released on appeal. THIS WAS THE PREVIOUS ANNOUNCER, NOT THE PRESENT ONE.

TOP HAT at 12:22:9 Friday October 13 2000
RUMORS HAVE IT THAT WILSON IS SET TO SIGN JOE KEITH FROM COLCHESTER ON A FREE TRANSFER AS COVER FOR HUGHES. JOE KEITH WAS A FORMER TRANNIE AT WEST HAM

marco at 11:57:33 Friday October 13 2000
i would imagine hendon's agent would have had a fair bit to do with getting him moved on. I would suspect, like most agents, he's happy to tout his player about to get a cut of his move.

Big Roy at 11:53:7 Friday October 13 2000
Intrigued at 21:47 - sounds like me (and many others)- why?

My old mans a Cobbler. at 11:11:49 Friday October 13 2000
Well said that fan.Northampton Gas,how about 2-2.

The Drilling Cobbler at 10:58:13 Friday October 13 2000
How can anyone blame Hughes for the two goals at Wigan? One was a 30 yard screamer and the other one was as a result of Sammo slipping just as he was about to clear. He's a fine young player and given the chance will play at a much higher level than he is doing so at present, and hopefully with the cobblers. Personally I think hes the best player to come from the "academy" for as long as I remember - the mid eighties - and is at the right time of his career to be given a proper opportunitie. It would be sad to see the likes of Hughes, Hope, Morrow, Gould etc disappear without trace just because we are not prepared to gamble and give them a chance. We are never going to move forward in the long term without developing home grown talent - and that includes playing them! Sticking with the late 20's/early 30's brigade may well ensure short term division2 status, but if are to move onwards and upwards it must be with a youthful team that will continue to improve when we hopefully achieve a hopefully achieve a higher status.

Carl at 10:57:5 Friday October 13 2000
Apparently, Paul Jewell had been after Hendon when he was at Bradford, and I think Hill saw him when he played against them and liked what he saw, and probably made a bid, then Jewell heard that he was thinking of going to Luton so decided to have a bash at getting him. I think that if we do sign Dryden with the dosh this signals the possibility that Howey is probably never going to get back to full fitness, so we need a replacement for him, I mean if we get Dryden we have a hell of a lot of Central defenders on our books

PATTCOBB at 10:46:33 Friday October 13 2000
Don't chairmen and "football people" in general talk drivel.Here we have the best right back in the lower leagues joining Sheffield Wednesday for a sum profit of 15,000 pounds (o.k. more with appearances).Nothing essentially wrong in that ? well Mr Stonhill says this will benefit NTFC with the transfer system changes etc etc.If my memory serves me right this is the same chairman that allowed Atkins to spend 90,000 on David Seal only to see him treated like a child when he was here,then discard him for nothing.I know Atkins' wheeling and dealing would probably end up in profit,it's just the way the situation was handled.After all how did Luton/Sheffield Wednesday get wind of Hendon's availability without some sort of a nudge from Stonhill/Wilson........

TOP HAT at 10:30:5 Friday October 13 2000
Anon explain?

Chris Russell at 10:28:13 Friday October 13 2000
Hi, my name's Chris!

Northampton Gas at 10:22:36 Friday October 13 2000
That was my posting at 10:20:18, forgot to include who it was. Less than thirty hours to go, no predictions yet from you Cobblers.

Anon at 10:20:18 Friday October 13 2000
TOP HAT. The man with the mike you're on about is no longer with the club. He dissappeared in "a tin of tomatoes". Sorry, you'll have to ask a Gashead tommorrow what I mean by that, as it may be libelous

Rodney Marshall(moaning cobbler) at 10:11:57 Friday October 13 2000
Kev, whgat are you playing at, go and buy Hendon back or at least get Ali Gibb back, we need a right wing back and Ali Gibb was perfect for that role! BRING HIM BACK!

Roland Jordan at 10:3:29 Friday October 13 2000
Bring back Atkins. What signings has Kevin made that have made our team better? why sell such a fine player such as Ian Hendon and look at Parrish, he is by far a better player than the donkey Chris Harhreaves, just look at the difference in goals scored this season. Get rid of Welch too I say, he looks past it, give the yound lad Sollitt a chance, he looked very good when I watched him play for Rushden!

RODNEY BURT at 9:59:51 Friday October 13 2000
I think that Kevin Wilson is a disgrace, fancy selling such a fine player such as Hendon just to get the money for a big donkey like Richard Dryden. Can anyone understand our manager, I certainly cant

TOP HAT at 9:48:42 Friday October 13 2000
THE BRISTOL ROVERS "MAN WITH THE MIKE" GOT THE SACK AFTER A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIM

CIJ at 9:7:41 Friday October 13 2000
jgvdsjhhgjsdjhsdhjxdjhgsdxjvjsdvhj sdxfjv usyhjysdvu sduivisudfviosdf`+

Vince at 9:1:38 Friday October 13 2000
Good luck to Hendon at Sheffield, he did well for NTFC and probably his best game was the win at Darlington last season. He was a bit argumentative with refs and opposition players and thats something that I won't miss. Hughes still has a lot to learn but is getting better all the time, one of his biggest strengths are his long throws, even better than Hunters as they are much more direct. Does anyone know if the bloke with the mike (WEMBERLEEEE) is still at Bristol Rovers?

Honest Guv at 8:43:9 Friday October 13 2000
Glad to know that Hughes will probably be getting his chance to shine now.... He's great going forward but when it comes to defending,at times in the recent past, i think id rather of had Clarence there- (It'd take a bit more for the ball to get past a 7ft green monster, than a 5ft 7ish Hughes that seems to head the ball BEHIND him 90% of the time!!!) Give him his chance but id have to say...Im a bit worried.....

MartinW at 8:32:19 Friday October 13 2000
Lancaster Cobbler: Yes, he did show flashes of dribbling skills from defence which looked great. But if you look at the goals from the Wigan game he was at fault for both the goals in that he did not close down the player nearest to him who eventually scored. He has real defensive frailties due to inexperience. You could argue that a run in the team will give him the experience. But it is a big gamble and surely he can get that from a run in the reserves. The fact is that we have the smallest squad in the league and we have been forced into playing him, perhaps, too early. It would be a big concern if we have no designs on replacing Hendon and it seems from Willo's statement that we are not.

Anon at 8:28:38 Friday October 13 2000
Moaning Cobbler - why are you such a cynical man?

Anon at 7:58:29 Friday October 13 2000
"in the best interests of NTFC" (Barry Stonhill")is a bit vague for explaining sale of Hendon. If it had been for Ł100,000+ maybe but we are now without a natural right back and to me the back line looks slow and will be exposed if fast forwards run at the defence. Good luck to Hughes, his chance has come but I have my doubts.

G at 1:16:7 Friday October 13 2000
It's sad that Hendon's gone but great for him to get into div 1. Does this mean Kevin is now going to play 4, 4, 2 with Dryden, Sammo, Green and Hughes/Hope? And is he now going to go for another whizzy midfielder to join the four Hs - Hunt, Hargreaves, Hodge and Hunter (with luck)? After all Kevin is awesome in his choice of new players!!! Up the Cobblers and all the best for the rest of the season.

G at 1:10:0 Friday October 13 2000
Dear Cobblers fans, It might be sad to see Hendon go but after all Kevin is after a 4,4,2 formation - I hope. Therefore Dryden, Sammo, Green and Hope/Hughes are the preferred back four. What we need now is another midfielder who can gell with Hodge,Hunt and Hargreaves. I hope it will be Hunter - the fourth 'H' and look forward to his next appearance in December. In the meantime I am sure Kevin W can find another whizz kid - he is awesome at spotting winners - for us in midfield What we mustn't do is an England and let the opposition dictate our play. We are strong, talented and victorious if we have belief in ourselves. Up the Cobblers.

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 23:18:10 Thursday October 12 2000
Even more inane comments on this site than usual: if Hendon has such a dodgy temperament how do you explain the fact that he has hardly missed any games in 18 months. Two sendings off but very few bookings. As for Carlo's so-called virus, with the exception of international call-ups he hardly missed any games either. Just because a player is leaving us does that mean he has to be utterly slagged off? Personally, I believe that there was a hidden agenda behind the Hendon deal. Stonhill suggests it was the Bosman situation, I'm not so sure...

Sulking at 23:1:25 Thursday October 12 2000
tOO LATE NOW i'M GOING TO BED!

Ultravox at 22:58:28 Thursday October 12 2000
Hey shaddupa ya face!

It's really no fun on here at times at 22:36:26 Thursday October 12 2000
Were is your bloody sense of humour? Bloody Romans!

Raymondo at 22:26:25 Thursday October 12 2000
There is a house in Spanish Harlem . . .

Manuel at 22:25:14 Thursday October 12 2000
Si senor, dere dego. Fortis loris inaro. Demarnt loris demar trux, fulov ensen, geesen, durx.

Manuel at 22:25:12 Thursday October 12 2000
Si senor, dere dego. Fortis loris inaro. Demarnt loris demar trux, fulov ensen, geesen, durx.

Pablo at 22:23:26 Thursday October 12 2000
GOMEZ - Nor ilores mi querida, dios nos vigila?

Gomez at 22:2:4 Thursday October 12 2000
Hendon has signed for Sheff Wed? I'm off to put a tenner on the Owls to be in Div 3 by 2002. Desperation signing or what!!!

GSOH at 21:54:3 Thursday October 12 2000
IMHO - Hughes was mauled v Reading.

Lancaster Cobbler at 21:50:10 Thursday October 12 2000
IMHO- Garry Hughes best position is right-back. He was very good at Wigan, running through the middle at players, he is a good passer, and has one heck of a good throw. Yes, get a reserve right-back but give Garry a chance, and he will do the business. Hendon is no longer here, and Kevin Wilson would not have sold Hendon, if Garry was not up to it. The views on this board do not seem to represent what most people say at 6fields, as every time he has played, everyone has been exicted bu Garry's peformances!

Intrigued at 21:47:10 Thursday October 12 2000
BIG ROY - Are you a big bloke wivaht a moustache?

Pirate Pete at 21:45:56 Thursday October 12 2000
HAROLD COBBLER - Are you a big bloke wiv a moustache?

Out of touch at 21:37:10 Thursday October 12 2000
I always thought it was left-back that was the problem!

Deepcut Cobbler at 19:32:42 Thursday October 12 2000
Once again, right back is our major problem position. Just when we had a decent one, we get rid! How about Hodgy as a right wing back for a five man back line?? COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!

MartinW at 19:28:14 Thursday October 12 2000
Have to say that Hendon's departure leaves us very short on the right. Garry Hughes is still young and needs to develop more to be a real first teamer. To these eyes he just doesn't look the ticket yet. He may get better, he may not. Yet we are relying on him. What happens when he gets injured? Very very odd one. Clive's suggestion about bringing back Michael Warner, might not be a bad one. Although, he was much better as a midfielder. LET'S RAID FARNBOROUGH. It is possible one of the central defenders could slot into right back, but it's not ideal.

RaChEl at 18:50:6 Thursday October 12 2000
Matt Brunt! I know u!

Unconvinced at 18:29:52 Thursday October 12 2000
I do not believe that replacing Hendon with Hughes bodes well in the short term. Hughes does have qualities, but is seriously lacking in pace, height and bulk. He is not a match for the strong and pacey centre forwards we have been up against this season and was skinned on a number of occasions. His build seems to be more suited to a midfield role. Whilst Hendon had faults, his experience did make up for some of these deficiencies. Does anyone think a move like this actually strengthens the team?

DavCobbler at 18:16:49 Thursday October 12 2000
PATTCOBB.... Couldn`t agree more with your e-mail mate. Bad news on the Bristol Rovers and Port Vale fronts too I`m afraid PattCobb.....looks like "DavCobbler the everpresent" is going to have to miss these two games as the wheels on my money wagon have totally fallen off. On the Hendon thingy..... I think that Ian Hendon has been the most consistent Right back/ Right wing back that this club has ever seen, I wish him all the very best for the future.....except for our journey to Hillsborough next year of course :-))

DavCobbler at 18:11:38 Thursday October 12 2000
Ok, so I`m illiterate too...... bloody hell !. Not only does he come from Daventry but he cannot spell too !!!! WHAT OUTRAGE !!!!!!!!

DavCobbler at 18:9:41 Thursday October 12 2000
Cardiff Cobbler......Call me a homourist if you will, or maybe not ?

Spelling and punctuation at 17:55:25 Thursday October 12 2000
Just read the stuff below, does it matter about spelling and punctuation, children! This is not a work of literacy, its messages from a whole range of people.

Spring Park Cobbler at 17:29:23 Thursday October 12 2000
Agree Dyl. I thought he was a reasonable player and I don't see who is going to fill that position at the moment.

Dyl at 17:21:16 Thursday October 12 2000
Fair enough, Hendon's gone. Nice to see what Wilson has to say about Hughes on the official website. Still, best of luck to Hendon I hope he does well at Hillsborough.

Northampton Gas at 17:11:49 Thursday October 12 2000
Just to turn up the heat on Saturday's match, look at the Teamtalk web site for The Cobblers under the heading "Cobblers to welcome back old friend". GT states that the 3-0 play off win was down to him and "One of the reasons I joined Rovers was to be with a club who played a bit more football. In fairness to Kevin, he is encouraging the Northampton lads to play so it should be a good game on Saturday." As I sponser Garry Thompsons kit, I'll have to accept these comments as intended!!! *s*

PATTCOBB at 17:2:49 Thursday October 12 2000
Oh hang on "MASSIVE SALE OF PCs" My mistake!!

PATTCOBB at 17:1:37 Thursday October 12 2000
Has Frank Brierley taken over as chairman?

PATTCOBB at 17:0:55 Thursday October 12 2000
TO PAUL....May I suggest that most of the transfer speculation was started here on this site.Shades of Atkins and his "internet gossips" and all that.Mind you there is a sign up at Sixfields which says"MASSIVE SALES NOW ON"

the drilling cobbler at 16:55:9 Thursday October 12 2000
One good possible senario to come out of the Hendon transfer is the following. If Sheffield Wednesday somehow get back into the premiership in the next 2 years, Hendon will probably be one of the only English rightbacks. Then they're be no excuse to pick either of the Neville brothers(especially Phil) for England! Can anyone honestly think of a worse England player EVER than Phil Neville. He makes the likes of Carlton Palmer and Geoff Thomas appear to be genious's. He even makes Ally Gibb look average!

marco at 16:54:59 Thursday October 12 2000
hendon confirmed. Wednesday say: Sheffield Wednesday have completed the Ł55,000 signing of Ian Hendon from Northampton Town. The 28-year-old, who has signed until June 2003, is predominantly a right-back, but can also fill in at centre-back. Hendon was instrumental in the Cobblers’ promotion-winning campaign last season, and was selected in the end-of-season PFA Divisional Team, the third time he has received such an honour. He began his career at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played in the Club’s 1990 FA Youth Cup winning team, before making league appearances under both Terry Venables and current Owls assistant manager Peter Shreeves. Paul Jewell has been tracking the former England Under-21 international since his time as the Bradford City boss, and is delighted to have finally got his man: “Ian is a six-footer, strong and very quick. Everyone I have spoken to has said he should be playing at a higher level. We’re giving him the opportunity to do that, and he is looking forward to taking his chance.” Hendon goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Portsmouth. CENTRE BACK??? surely not!

Northampton Gas at 16:49:9 Thursday October 12 2000
Just called into The Mem. The pitch looks in excellent condition and provided there is no monsoon before Staurday, there will be no problems. The forcast is for rain Saturday evening, as you all return home.

ScouseCob.com at 16:43:53 Thursday October 12 2000
Not only is the Wellingborough Cobbler Speaking rubbish(note the spelling, mate), but he can't spell or punctuate and it's REALLY annoying to read.....

Big Roy at 16:42:38 Thursday October 12 2000
Yes there is! Hendon to Sheffield Wednesday for Ł55K.

Dyl at 15:40:46 Thursday October 12 2000
Still no announcement about Hendon though. Or have I missed it?

marco at 15:15:4 Thursday October 12 2000
also agree. though I said earlier he was inconsistent he was still up there as one of the best right-backs I've seen playing for us. Maybe his excellent early performances meant people expected too much from him. Will be a hard man to replace and the fee seems cheap. THere must be an explanation for this.

Wellingborough Cobbler at 15:14:22 Thursday October 12 2000
well anon just because a player plays x amount of games does not make them great or rubish and the whole first team would play that many games for the cobblers if they did not get injuries, but some playeres do so they can't play does not mean there worse or better than another player in the team, thats like saying dave martin is a better player than hunter cos he played more games. Henden was a very inconsistant player and unfortuantley i bleive he player more bad games than good, he was forced by atkins to play a more defenceive game which he was not best suited too. and talking about the PFA Team, i think i remember alot of people on here saying they were surprised at hendens inclusion i know i was. Oh now we are all sad for having an opinion, if we did'nt speak out you lot wouldnt have people to moan at!!!!!!!!!!

PATTCOBB at 15:1:12 Thursday October 12 2000
Couldn't agree more ANON

Anon at 14:42:49 Thursday October 12 2000
To the Wellingbrough Cobbler - How can you say that Hendon never reached his full potential! His fellow players voted him best right back in the league 3 seasons out of four. Name another Cobblers player who achieved this. And apart from Keith Welch name another Cobblers player who averages 48 games a season. Or name me a player who only missed 2 games last season. I don't think you can. I think some people on this site are so sad, tell me who you would like to replace him with?? Will it be someone who captained their country??

Mudfool at 14:22:40 Thursday October 12 2000
Fractions are made easier by thinking of cakes

Carl at 13:57:25 Thursday October 12 2000
I dunno about you lot up there but down here in darkest Surrey it has been absolutely chucking it down all week, so I reckon if we have much more Saturday's game could well be off. I bloody hope not as if we all have one more week without a real game to comment on, this place might just explode!!!

Paul at 13:56:40 Thursday October 12 2000
Ooops!

Paul at 13:55:51 Thursday October 12 2000
Teamtalk report that Hartlepool made a "Cheeky" bid to get Gabbers on Loan!!! What is it, national buy Cobbler's players week?

Paul at 13:55:50 Thursday October 12 2000
Teamtalk report that Hartlepool made a "Cheeky" bid to get Gabbers on Loan!!! What is it, national buy Cobbler's players week?

Person at 13:40:54 Thursday October 12 2000
I read the swfc site re Hendon in talks but was interested in the news just before of their Chairman saying players would be offloaded and no new signings, then again 50,000 is a drop in the ocean of their debts.

Sibs at 13:29:58 Thursday October 12 2000
Wellingborough Cobbler - i agree that it seems a low price, but i was wondering... which division were we in when Hendon joined us?? If it was the third then i guess a 50kish clause seems a good idea than one in the second div. I spose these things don't get altered during promotion/relegation unless you can afford to pay the players more?? Anyways - wish him all the best wherever/if he goes!

PATTCOBB at 13:20:31 Thursday October 12 2000
THE KING IS DEAD......LONG LIVE THE KING COME ON HUGHESIE GRAB THAT OPPORTUNITY JUST TO PROVE THAT OUR YOUTH POLICY DOES WORK.

Wellingborough Cobbler at 13:13:2 Thursday October 12 2000
I'm glad Hendon's movin on, he never reached his full poentioal, a talanted player on his day but he had far to many off days for my liking, but Ł50k seems a bit low for him, ali G went for more than that and he's shit! but It looks desprate for for wednesday though last season a premiership team and now there buying cobblers players and not even our best ones.

Carl at 13:0:34 Thursday October 12 2000
Thank you for that FACD

FA Cup Details... at 12:54:59 Thursday October 12 2000
There is another qualiyfing round for the FA Cup this week-end and the final qualifying round is on 28 October. The draw for the first round proper will take place that evening and the ties will take place on 18 November.

Carl at 12:40:53 Thursday October 12 2000
As it's Christmas Day 10 weeks on Monday, I think we should have a sweepstake, and you need to guess when we will hear "There's only xx weeks 'til Boro, xx weeks 'til boro" where the value of xx is what you have to guess, only numbers between 1 and 10 will be accepted and no refunds or money will be paid out to anyone under any circumstances. Unless, of course it is already being sung in your neighbourhood, then all bets are void. My guess is 10.

marco at 11:49:31 Thursday October 12 2000
yeah you're right carl, talking bollox I'm afraid. 1st round is Nov, it's the 3rd round in January.

Cardiff Cobbler at 11:48:5 Thursday October 12 2000
JOE - thanks for the info. DAV Cobbler - Typical response from someone from Daventry. nuff said jerk

Carl at 11:43:13 Thursday October 12 2000
Is it? Are you sure? On my fixture list sent out by the club it states First Round is in the middle of November

marco at 11:40:17 Thursday October 12 2000
fa cup first round's back in january again so it'll be a while before we know. When does Auto Windscreens start? With some Conference teams in, what's the odds on drawing diamonds or kettering.

To Marco at 11:38:50 Thursday October 12 2000
Agreed. Madness to spend money on Dryden now, rather than replace Hendon.

x at 11:33:50 Thursday October 12 2000
x

Carl at 11:26:42 Thursday October 12 2000
When does the draw for the FA Cup take place, it's not far away now. Just hope we get a chuffing run in the bloody thing for once.

Paul at 10:44:12 Thursday October 12 2000
Well it's gonna be done then, were going to sell Hendon one way or another. On the bright side it would be good to at last see a player in Hughes who has graduated from our youth academy and made it as a pro with a regular place in the team! On that score we do still lag behind many other clubs right now!

marco at 10:24:3 Thursday October 12 2000
poor old luton eh? Couldn't happen to a nicer club. Good luck to Hendon at Wednesday. Talented player who when he first signed looked to be the best right-back we've had in many a year. Lacked consistency it has to be said but a real fighter. We must bring in a new right-back surely, hughes in a 4 would be OK but not at right wing-back. And I would have thought the money would be better spent on a full-back or a midfielder rather than Dryden if that's what wilson has in mind.

m at 9:13:6 Thursday October 12 2000
latest from Sheffield Wednesdays site:-( Jewell is about to break into a small share of that money with the signing of Northampton's versatile defender Ian Hendon for a fee in the region of Ł55,000. Hendon will undergo a stringent medical once personal terms are agreed - looks like he's off. so what was that all about the other day anon when you said you would spill what was going on to make his performance poor?

A Friend at 8:29:20 Thursday October 12 2000
Would like to get a few facts straight. The clause in Ian Hendon's contract is not for Ł50,000 but alot more. He never wanted to leave the Cobblers but someone had to go and he was the only player the club had offers for. And good luck to him because if he signs for Sheffield Wednesday then this whole transfer speculation has gone in his favour. It must be hard for a player to play knowing they are not in the clubs plans for the future.

Anon at 8:4:25 Thursday October 12 2000
Seems that Hendon has a release clause in his contract allowing him to talk to any interested parties making an offer of Ł50,000. Wednesday look favourites to sign him. If he doesn't want to play for the Cobblers we don't want him. It would be a much greater blow if Howard left

richie fan from new zealand at 0:52:50 Thursday October 12 2000
hi troops ive got to agree with some of the points that yank said on here having gone right back and read everything phewwwwww.weres the mystery girl gone dont let the dick heads on here put you off you have your say we are all the same cobblers followers and proud of it.

richie fan from new zealand at 0:27:39 Thursday October 12 2000
gday troops im back.tut tut wat you guys bin up to you are famous for the wrong reasons,northampton surporters fight with wigan officals thats not nice if this report is correct all ive got to say is louts. phil neal would have been a good choice for right back as long as you you got good cover for him cause he had it in his head that he was more of a right winger and was sometimes to buggered to get back.welch looks a good keeper from wat ive read here,but i would like to throw one into the mix taking into account i have not see whelchy play is is colin harvey that guy had hands like shovels and he saved 7 pen on the trot agaist class players was a class keeper in my book.those england results pee me of too there seems to be no mongrel in the english teams now,winning dont seem so important now as long as you complete wat a load of crap.give it to them but fair and shake hands after thats wat i say.i can see good signs that the cobblers will stay in the second div this season thats a positive we can build on that. weres ray gone. ? later troops

COL at 23:42:9 Wednesday October 11 2000
TELETEXT IS SAYING HENDON HAS SIGNED FOR SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY!

Deepcut Cobbler at 22:41:9 Wednesday October 11 2000
We've always struggled in the right back department, (doesn't everybody?) but what about any one from these: Ray Fairfax, Barry Tucker, Phil Neal, Dietmar Bruck. But Chris O'Donnell must get the vote for turning up for a game at right back but ending up with an out of body experience nowhere near related to the County Ground. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Deepcut Cobbler at 22:28:1 Wednesday October 11 2000
Wigan atrocities, transfer rumours, car parking fees, lack of authority to employ so many players beginning with the letter 'h'. Must be two weeks since the last game!!! Anyway Happy Birthday to me, 40 today, so thats approx 36 years since my first Cobblers game. Shared the day Sir Bobby but I am not as follically challenged as the great man. COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!!

Ruth,45 at 22:13:4 Wednesday October 11 2000
aye-aye

Clive at 22:12:3 Wednesday October 11 2000
what about Warner for right back?

HAPPY COBBLER at 21:47:42 Wednesday October 11 2000
Let's swap Hendon for their mascot.If he wants away then let him go....We can then have half time scraps between the owl and the dragon which will pee all over that stupid prat chucking the big dice about!!!!

Pete at 21:40:14 Wednesday October 11 2000
Slightly confused by the Hendon thing- I was at the reserve match and was told ( by a club official)that Hendon had actually signed for Luton yesterday afternoon?? It was indeed men against boys in the reserve match- suddenly the Reading players discovered that all they had to do was brush them aside. The experienced players performed badly and Kev Wilson was booked for too much mouth-not a good example for the youngsters. True he seemed to be the victim of a lot of tackles from behind- but the ref was always close and suggested there was a bit of pro diving. The reserve matches under Thommo were always entertaining... Who will be play maker in the middle if Frain as seems likely is going to 'break down'- only Gabbi looks clever enough- perhaps that will be his roll- but I suspect he is not fit enough to last the pace of midfield- but he is usually the engineer of the goals.

28 days left for Hull City at 21:34:6 Wednesday October 11 2000
Will that give them time to sign Hendon before that are wound up!

MartinW at 21:26:37 Wednesday October 11 2000
The Americans don't understand about irony. Mr Stewart is one.

Big Roy at 21:23:8 Wednesday October 11 2000
In a deal rumoured to be in the region of Ł3.50 the chip shop have agreed to let a portion of fish and chips go. If personal terms can be agreed with the cod it may be on my table in time for Coronation St.

Anon at 21:10:42 Wednesday October 11 2000
STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anon at 21:8:4 Wednesday October 11 2000
Paul Jewell is known to be looking to increase his defensive options, and he could be snatch Northampton Town defender Hendon from under the noses of Luton Town, after he failed to agree personal terms at Kenilworth Road. Hendon was named in the Opta Second Division team of the year last season, and has a clause in his contract allowing him to move for Ł50,000. The 28-year-old began his career as a trainee at Tottenham, but only made four substitutes appearances in the league and spent most of his time on loan at Portsmouth, Leyton Orient and Barnsley before completing a move to Leyton Orient. He then moved to Birmingham on loan, before permanent transfers to Notts County, and last Northampton for Ł30,000 in March 1999.

Miller at 19:36:14 Wednesday October 11 2000
In fact, Sheff Wed's official website says 'WEDNESDAY are ready to boost their defence after confirming that they are in talks with Northampton Town defender Ian Hendon' and also that he 'and has a clause in his contract allowing him to move for Ł50,000. ' It's on here - http://www.swfc.co.uk/index1.htm

Joe at 19:5:16 Wednesday October 11 2000
This is for you Cardiff Cobbler. Gabbiadini is finding it knackering travelling from York to us, and you can see he is not 100% fit, but he is having a house built down here which is nearly ready, and he has sold his other house, so should be able to move soon. There is no indication that he is unsettled here, and he has praised the way we play, so I think it's true to say, no worries on that score. Glad to hear you will be able to see the Mighty Cobs on Saturday, give them an extra cheer for me as I can't make it this week.

DavCobbler at 18:59:8 Wednesday October 11 2000
Cardiff Cobbler............ I think you will find your dummy just under your keyboard.......... Now that is what I call an information service !!!!! ...P.S. Cardiff Cobbler...... Sorry matey but there is no such thing as CAN`T !!!! UTC......FTP !!

Impatient at 18:55:36 Wednesday October 11 2000
Well Nosey Parker, I refer you to the comment by Bob at 16.37. Still no news mind.

Dave Parsons at 18:25:42 Wednesday October 11 2000
So, who says its rubbish now Anon.....

Anon at 17:23:52 Wednesday October 11 2000
what rubbish from Geordie Boy

Cardiff Cobbler at 17:16:25 Wednesday October 11 2000
James Stewart is right. Which is quite a good trick considering he is most definately dead. Don't think I'll go to Rovers at the W'end, after all it appears this week that we have sold the entire team so we're going to get panned and it's a crap ground with no roof over our bit. AND, nobody answered my question of earlier this week about Gabbiadini, so whats the use of using this site then?, if you people that supposedly go to games don't answer questions from those of us that can't!! Waste of bloody time I say.

Geordie Boy at 16:53:24 Wednesday October 11 2000
Seems Sunderland are sniffing at heels of one Jamie Forrester. Reports on unofficial site say 'this travelled but tricky player has landed via Northampton Town at The Stadium of Light and is reported to be agreeing terms after shining like a beacon in training'. The figure is said to be in excess of Ł750k.

Bob at 16:37:5 Wednesday October 11 2000
I hear tell from my Northern neighbours suggesting that Sheffield of Wednesday are reportedly showing an interest in Mr Hendon of this parish.

James Stewart at 16:25:39 Wednesday October 11 2000
I have over the last few months read and wept at what I have seen here. Here in the States all talk on major league team sites is positive 'go-get-em' stuff. On here y'all just badmouth your team or each other at whim. Coupled with that you have a guy called MartinW who must be the most arrogant, self-obsessed guy imaginable and that is coming from a yank! We have an expression here 'up-his-own-ass' that sums him up I guess. You Cobbler guys, chill-out and live a little.

Northampton Gas at 16:18:12 Wednesday October 11 2000
Pubs. Where do you want to drink, in Bristol? Many Cobblers supporters that I know drink in Yate or Bath. I will be spending the weekend in Weston Super Mare. You are aware that you can drink in the clubhouse and get food, scampi and chips, bacon bagettes there as well. The local pubs such as the Wellington near the ground will admit away supporters, but the queues to be served can be long. Just park the car and come into the clubhouse.

Crick Cobbler at 16:15:59 Wednesday October 11 2000
Swiss Cobbler, I am working hard and I haven't got the time to go on this site every day; what is your excuse !

Noisey Parker at 14:34:19 Wednesday October 11 2000
Impatient - what news are you waiting for from up North??

Impatient at 13:22:33 Wednesday October 11 2000
No news from 'up north' yet then?

PATTCOBB at 12:34:41 Wednesday October 11 2000
Come on then NORTHAMPTON GAS important things are at hand . How about a PUB GUIDE FOR SATURDAY?

Paul at 12:33:55 Wednesday October 11 2000
We have one of the best defences in the League let alone Division 2, Hendon is a very good Player. I don't agree with selling him, even if we get Dryden. No right back?? Very worrying! Plus Luton are local rivals, we should hate them trying to poach are players! What next Direones trying for Howard?

Carl at 11:23:23 Wednesday October 11 2000
Latest News: Jim Henson, the late inventor of the muppets has been signed by Northampton Town. The signing is due to two things Kevin Wilson wanting to replace Hendon with someones name that begins with the letter H and sounds similar to Hendon, and the fact that there are so many muppets posting on this Messageboard that he and his family will fit right in. UP THE COBBLERS, and put Animal at right back bite the buggers ankles he will

PATTCOBB at 11:1:57 Wednesday October 11 2000
It's interesting sometimes reading the notes and opinions of others.For instance my opinion on the England team tonight is that it is a good selection of 11 players in a formation that should win the match.BUT they have to still go out and beat another 11 players.And that is the thing , I don't know if this is a general thing (not having supported any other team naturally)but Cobblers fans do tend to look for someone from ther own team to blame if things go wrong, whether it be Howard Hendon Gabbiadini whoever.Having played this game at a low (very low) level for 16 years you could not begin to count my "off" days but whenever I ran or walked ! out I didn't want to do anything else but to win.I suppose all I am saying is that we don't have a given right to win(how many times have I returned to my local at 8 pm on a Saturday night having travelled back from Rochdale,Doncaster,Colchester etc etc to be told"Another defeat WHY DO YOU BOTHER WASTING YOUR MONEY GOING?"and I think hang on I've had a few beers a good laugh-very important- altogether a fine day out despite the result which in any case nobody knows when they set out) and every time if the Cobbs lose they have to be beaten by another 11 men.Basically all i am waffling on about is lighten up folks it is only a game and we or indeed nobody knows the answers to succed 100 per cent.ENJOY THE FOOTBALL lets get bristolled up davcobb.

Northampton Gas at 10:41:57 Wednesday October 11 2000
Just to update all you Cobblers fans. The Gas are struggling to provide a fully fit team on Saturday, we may not even have a fit goalkeeper. I think even the Cobblers reserve team from yesterday could cause us problems. *s*

anon at 10:36:8 Wednesday October 11 2000
So unknown, we will look forward to hearing what you have to say later today then? Something tells me Hendon will be a happy man at the moment.

PATTCOBB at 9:39:51 Wednesday October 11 2000
To ANON probably Paul as he posted only a minute or so later........Great news PATTCOBB HAS RETHINK !!!!! "I WILL BE POSTING AGAIN" SAYS 32 YEAR OLD SOCCER PUNDIT !

My heart bleeds for Hendon at 7:59:1 Wednesday October 11 2000
Does Hendon corner the market in the sympathy stakes, there are people out there with there own set of problems to varying degrees which are maybe worse or less. Its a professional sport and whatever his problems are he should put them to one side. His wife must be a good actress because I have seen her many times laughing and joking, and that was fairly recently.

Unknown at 7:36:35 Wednesday October 11 2000
I totally agree with your comments (still here). And when Hendon does leave the club, I will update you on why and how he was expected to play week in week out with what was on his mind. Not even Beckham would have been on form with what was going through Hendon's mind. So next time you feel like slagging him off why don't you just think again until you know the true story.

9224 at 1:28:11 Wednesday October 11 2000
Is 'Hoggy' meant to be Hodge? - I'd have though 'Hodgie' but can see how 'Hoggy' would work. If so, I think he's easily one of the best players at the club and can forgive him being a bit lazy in the Stiffs when he is so influential on a Saturday. He always wants the football!! Perhaps that's why he still plays reserve games even when in the first XI. Any comments?

Emil Heskey at 1:10:17 Wednesday October 11 2000
I'm worth my place in the England team and well you know it. Hee haw hee haw hee haw hee haw hee haw...

MartinW at 23:44:3 Tuesday October 10 2000
Emil Heskey should not be in Finland. He should be on Blackpool beach providing rides for eager youngsters. (Not pervy talk). Seriously, there is no debate here. Emil Heskey is not anywhere near international class. His goalscoring records speaks for itself. Let's see who do you pick, Owen or Heskey. It's a difficult one, isn't it. A bit like choosing between an album by Daphne and Celeste or the latest offering from Radiohead. Oooh stick you and your Heskey and your Batty. Oooh stick you and your Redknapp and your Parlour.

MartinW at 23:38:59 Tuesday October 10 2000
One more thing (as per bloody usual) what the hell is bloody Emil Heskey doing in the England team. If I were boss I would stick with Michael Owen. After all he's had one bad game, you don't punish him for that, do you. Oh god, I forgot this is the international England team. Bugger. Good to see Dryden is set to be signed up for another month on loan. Although it means we cannot afford to get him full time.

MartinW at 23:34:54 Tuesday October 10 2000
A Child's View. I can say without hesitation that your bizarre attempt to get someone to confirm details about Bristol Rovers on here rather than climb the stairs is one of the funniest things I've read on here. Probably because I can believe that you actually can't be bothered to go upstairs. I'm still laughing at now. Anyway, I'm pissed off, I thought the FA would have contacted me by now. Especially as I have a great plan for the future management of England. You get someone with a wide breadth of international management experience, like me. And then I will bring in someone younger, less experienced like A Child's View to become my assistant so that when I get sacked for losing one game, I can hand over the to A Child's View who will be well versed in the vagries of the international game. The one problems is that I may only last one game so his level of experience and knowledge may be limited. And then when he gets sacked after one game, he wouldn't have had time to bring in an assistant like nasty James on the late lamented Matt Monro to pass on his limited knowledge. Which basically means the England set up would be fŁ%Łed. EUUUUUUUGH! (Double take brothers). ...................................there's a serious point made there.

Paul at 23:32:0 Tuesday October 10 2000
Along with Wenger, Iam Atkins has received a 28 day touchline ban for his latest antics. Don't know what they were this time, but it makes me laugh!

Anon at 22:3:51 Tuesday October 10 2000
Please put these in order of people you thought weren't going to post here anymore. 1 PATTCOBB

A Childs View at 21:12:1 Tuesday October 10 2000
Northampton Gas - thanks for the confirmation. Shropshire Cobbler - I play footie with Martin W and think he would make an excellent right back. He could do it part time whilst managing England through these turbulent times! His best years on the pitch are behind him and some might say his waistline is well in front of him (!!!), however, he plays somewhat like Gazza - all mazy dribbling and crazy passing with a few goals to boot - he is quite good actually!!! Martin W - if we are still mates I'll drive to Bristol and pick up you up Saturday morning. Come on the town, "3-1 and you f***ed it up, 3-1 and you f***cked it up!!!!"

Still here at 20:46:29 Tuesday October 10 2000
KEEP IAN HENDON. The reason y he has been a little poor this season is due to lack of confidence due to the constant abuse thrown at him when he does something wrong. I don't c people having a go out Gabiaddini when he does wrong. Personally he hasn't lived up to expectations and hopefully he will come good once he is settled in Northampton, but nothing is ever said about him. It seems to me that there has to b some1 new to moan at every season. Y's that the case there really is no need. I bet if Hendon went and scored a hat-trick next week half of u people would think hes the greatest ever. U lot just haven't got a clue really, your so boring and just have to moan about something

Bored with all the moaning at 20:38:26 Tuesday October 10 2000
What a shock! Fans r still slagging off their own players as usuall. I can't understand the mentality of some of u people. 4 christ sake y don't u support every player on the pitch and stop all this moaning at them. Stevie Howard was abused 4 nearly all last season and look what happened when the abuse stopped...he came good and made a good partnership with Forrester. All this slagging off the players obviously does get to the players and look at Howard now that the slagging off has stop, he is playing well, scoring goals and the crowd r even chanting his name so 4 once lets not slag any of the players off. You all know truely that Hendon is a quality player and that has been shown in the past when he has been voted best right back in the division by fellow professionals. I will still wear my shirt with his name on with pride and anyway whos gonna take his place if he goes? Garry Hughes, i think not he is much better at centre back. John Hodge to play as a wing-back, no don't think so he can only play as an out and out winger which is where he is most effective and has even said in the paper he prefers playing wide right eith a full back behind him. Ian Sampson can't play there as he is too slow and we can't afford to but anybody else as we're wasting money on buying Dryden when there is no real great need 4 him. Looking at it we have Sampson, Green, Hughes, Howey and Hope who r all centre backs.

Hendon at 20:38:2 Tuesday October 10 2000
Pattyboy, you must be watching a different player too me, yes he does get the ball thrown to him, then he either blasts it, loses it most times, or it goes out, constructive never.

RaChEl at 18:39:33 Tuesday October 10 2000
Hi Matthew, well I think the Howard situation is a load of crap, + the Hendon 1 is in progress! Hes back having talks with Luton! What does he think hes doing though? We need him!

Anon at 18:30:54 Tuesday October 10 2000
From Bristol Temple Meads About 2 miles, By taxi; Ł5 - Ł6. By bus: Take 8or 9 to the Haymarket, then nos. 72, 73 and Horfield. Bristol Parkway About 2 miles. By taxi Ł5 - Ł6. By bus: Take nos 72, 73 and 83 run down Filton Rd to the ground.

. at 18:10:3 Tuesday October 10 2000
.

DCOB at 18:4:34 Tuesday October 10 2000
Reality is that if a decent offer is received for any player approaching the end of their contract, the club almost have to take it. The same if a spectacular offer is received for any player (Howard ?). I don't think selling means lack of ambition, unless the money is not re-invested.

Premier Ref at 18:2:18 Tuesday October 10 2000
The first game I was in charge of was a disaster. 3 yellows, i red, a pen and a blackboard

Premier Ref at 18:2:17 Tuesday October 10 2000
The first game I was in charge of was a disaster. 3 yellows, i red, a pen and a blackboard

Pickled Judge at 17:11:21 Tuesday October 10 2000
Just for you trainspotters: Nigel Clough was watching the reserve game this afternoon. We were poor by the way except for No. 7 (?). He looked quite tricky.

Northamptom Gas at 16:27:34 Tuesday October 10 2000
I'm sorry but Cobblers reserves were totally outclassed in a 3-0 defeat agaonst Reading. The Cobblers supporters comments were "woeful performance", "lack of effort or skill". The only Cobblers player that impressed me, was the young lad Neil Champelovier. I resist slagging off your players on your list, but how Hoggy gets paid wages is beyond me. I thought Jamie Cureton was lazy, but Hoggy would beat him in that department. The team was, Sollitt, Hughes, Meade, Laws, Hope, Hodge, Chammpleovier, Frain. Thompson, Wilson and Gould. Frain was taken off in the second half, with what I heard was "a hamstring" problem. Oh yes, the ref must have had a new notebook and pencil. I lost count of the number of players he booked from both sides.

PATTCOBB at 15:41:24 Tuesday October 10 2000
Please put the following in order of ability 2 PAUL CURTIS,2...MARK PARSONS,2...PHIL CHARD,2...DAVE NORTON,2...IAN CLARKSON,2...GRAHAM REED and 2...IAN HENDON Oh and 2...CHRIS O'DONNELL.

The Shropshire Cobbler at 14:22:23 Tuesday October 10 2000
How about MartinW for right-back?

Cymru Cobbler at 14:10:46 Tuesday October 10 2000
Anyone know the way to the ground from the station? And is Parkway or Temple Meads closer? I cant be bother to go and find it on the web.

Anon at 14:3:46 Tuesday October 10 2000
Any chance of having that in Engleesh please. Reply

Matthew Brunt at 13:55:18 Tuesday October 10 2000
I think that this site is pretty dark. i would just like to ask you about the Steve Howard situation, is it true that he will be going to Crysatal Palace for 750,000. Also, about Ian Hendon and Luton, he dont want to go does he we need him. Reply

Cardiff again at 13:53:35 Tuesday October 10 2000
Thats Rovers and prediction. Sorry about crip spilling. God knows what extrpolate means. Something to do with hair removal I think.

Cardiff Cobbler at 13:49:43 Tuesday October 10 2000
Bristol Rover site has a pediction table that takes the last 6 results and extrapolates them across the whole season. Apparently we're going to finish 9th. Which will do me. Especially if Cardiff go up'cos I live just round the corner.

Cyatte at 13:38:10 Tuesday October 10 2000
We need a win on saturday. Reguarding the wigan incident, are the(Wigan) going to be our rivals from now on, or still posh? Howard is worth loads to the cobblers, but I would sell him for 2million pounds or + to the palace.

Cobbler the Harrold at 13:38:3 Tuesday October 10 2000
Luton, just piss off to Hendon

The Harrold Cobbler at 13:35:15 Tuesday October 10 2000
Hendon, just piss off to luton

Northampton Gas at 13:15:48 Tuesday October 10 2000
I'm afaid so, take your waterproofs if it rains. Just setting off for 6fields, to see the reserves.

Eric at 13:0:51 Tuesday October 10 2000
Northampton Gas - Are we still in the same section on the side at Rovers?

Northampton Gas at 12:5:8 Tuesday October 10 2000
On Saturday it's pay on the day. Prices shown on this web site are incorrect, it's Ł11 in the away end, the same price as charged for home supporters. There is no availability for parking in the official car park for home or away fans, not sure about availablility for disabled fans.

Northampton Gas at 11:58:0 Tuesday October 10 2000
Don't forget that the reserves play Reading at home today. I'll be there, to have a few words with KW before Saturday's game

Lancaster Cobbler at 10:33:26 Tuesday October 10 2000
It seems Hendon could still be on his way. To be honest Ł55,000 is a good deal for us, as he is out of contract at the end of the season, and no one complained when Gibb was sold. All we need to do now is find another right-back! But I think Garry Hughes should be given chance to play right-wing back, he played against Sarfend here on his debut, and looked very good. Give the lad a chance! Hopefully, the club will clarify what is going on. Ricky Hill talks about not being far off Hendon's demands, maybe he wants a relegation clause, as he does seem to be relegated a lot, in the teams he plays! Also, Ł55k, would be the most Hendon has been ever sold for, so please Rodney see it as a good piece of business, as long as Kevin can reinvest the money. Imagine if Howard was sold for Ł1,000,000 what benefit it will give the club!

PHIL CHARD at 10:30:28 Tuesday October 10 2000
IAN HENDON IS THE BEST RIGHT BACK SINC ME!!GARRY HUGHES AS A REPLACEMENT?WELL HUGHES IS IN MY OPINION A BETTER BET IN THE CENTRE OF DEFENCE,HENDON IS CREATIVE SKILLFUL,ONE INTERESTING THING ABOUT HIM,IF YOU WATCH HIM IN GAMES IS THAT HE NEVER HIDES.WHEN WELCH HAS THE BALL LOOKING TO THROW IT,8 OUT OF 10 TIMES IT WILL BE THROWN TO HENDON AS OPPOSED TO WHOEVER IS ON THE LEFT STILL I DIDN'T THINK ANY OF YOU THICKTW*TS WOULD NOTICE HIS CONTRIBUTION AS MOST OF YOU ARE BUSY BOOING HIM,ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE BAD PASS IS MADE OFTEN OUT OF 10 GOOD ONES.IF HENDON GOES IT WILL BE A CASE OF LOSING AN EXTREMELY TALENTED PLAYER FOR ONE THAT IS ADEQUATE AND POSSIBLY(IN HUGHES'CASE-PLAYING OUT OF POSITION...........P.S. I am not the real Phil Chard I am the real genuine oft immitated PATTCOBB witn two Ts and two Bs!!!! COULD WELL BE BRISTOLLED UP ON SATURDAY DAVCOBBLER

A Childs View at 23:28:10 Monday October 9 2000
Fine then - I'll just have to go up the bloody stairs to find out!!

A Childs View at 22:51:54 Monday October 9 2000
Yeah - I just can't be bothered to go upstairs - its miles away!

Sandman. at 22:39:45 Monday October 9 2000
You're not still waiting for an answer,surely.

A Childs View at 22:15:39 Monday October 9 2000
I'm being lazy - my last programme is upstairs so can anyone confirm if its pay on the gate at the Memorial on Saturday?

My old mans a Cobbler. at 22:10:35 Monday October 9 2000
Sibs,I don't think we could afford him but I agree Duff is a very good young player.

MartinW at 21:8:14 Monday October 9 2000
According to unofficial Palace sources - so take with a pinch of salt - the Eagles are said to be close to signing Northampton Town striker Steven Howard in a deal worth around Ł1 million. Palace boss Alan Smith has been looking to add to his strike force and been linked with several names. He took Paul Kitson on loan from West Ham United but he has struggled to make any kind of an impact at the club. Palace has also been linked with a move for out-of-favour Sunderland striker Daniele Dichio.

MartinW at 20:46:49 Monday October 9 2000
Seriously though, talking Cobblers (as usual) if we offload Hendon we have to get a replacement. We have no right backs that could be considered first team material.

MartinW at 20:32:27 Monday October 9 2000
Shropshire Cobblers, I've already been turned down once for the England job. Anyway I cannot possibly comment on whether I would consider taking the job as I have not been approached by the FA and don't think I am likely to be. So any question about whether or not I would take it is totally hypothetical. Also, when the FA appointed Keegan they had the opportunity to approach me, but didn't, and I can't see how they would consider me now. Especially as they have a view over the court cases I was involved in involving my business interests from which I was completely vindicated.

The Drilling Cobbler at 19:32:36 Monday October 9 2000
Reference to the Hendon debate, Wilson has already made it clear on numerous occasions that he prefers the 4-4-2 formation as opposed to 5-3-2 presently being used. I feel Hendon is ideally suited to a 5 defender structure where his defensive inadequacies are not as exposed with the help of the "spare man" being able to cover for him when he goes off on a typical forward run. Although he has his critics, I have no doubts that as an attacking wing back, he is more than useful at our level when he is on form. However, if used in a 4-4-2, I believe he is a liability because defensive wise he is simply not upto it. He is basically a lower league version of a Kieron Dyer or a Darren Anderton. Therefore, I believe that once sold, Wilson will revert to 4-4-2 with Hughes and Frain employed as full backs. Drydon and Sampson will be first choice central defenders with Hope covering. Green is bound to be "phased out" anyway because of his age and lack of pace which would be of a particular concern in a back four. Howie I feel can not be relied on to make a comeback. What does everyone else think?

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 19:29:11 Monday October 9 2000
If Hendon and Howard are sold it will back up the comments I made on this site during the close season - for which I was vilified. The powers that be at Sixfields have always lacked ambition and each time this club has been promoted since the 1960s relegation has followed: after one season in the 1970s, after three in the 1980s/1990, and two seasons last time round. Why can't we ever establish ourselves as a minor force to be reckoned with?

Sibs at 19:13:3 Monday October 9 2000
Ok. This Hendon thing is on Skysports website as lead story in the Div2/3 section but claims that the agreed price was 40k. I'm not going to give my thoughts on the should he or shouldn't he go based on how good he is as i hardly ever get to see a whole match (just ITV highlights). I'd like to know - have we seriously no other rightback?? Who's rightback for the reserves??? In a 5-3-2 would Hodge play right wing back allowing someone else in right midfield?? Selling our only right sided defender to get more on the left does seem strange - maybe someone else is lined up we haven't heard about. (On Champ Manager - Duff at cheltenham is rather good.... but it's not that simple...)

Stewart at 18:48:12 Monday October 9 2000
According to that site of rumours I.E. Teamtalk Ian Hendon could still be off to Luton must be something wrong at the club if he has spoken to them? Ian Atkins to quit Carlisle to join Oxford and Steve Skinner the second Carlisle youngster to have a trail with us.

FIFA Stuff at 18:45:31 Monday October 9 2000
It was again insisted on the need to reward clubs that train and educate players. However, the working party came to the conclusion that such a compensation would be due only until the player has reached 23 years, an age which also is in line with the general age structure in football and the various competitions at the levels U-17, U-20 and U-23. On behalf of the Task Force, Per Omdal also presented the outlines of an education and solidarity package that is to provide incentives to clubs to do youth work. The principles are that a player is considered being under education from the age of 12 to 23 years, whereas clubs are to be divided into quality categories, depending whether or not and to which extent they have set up a comprehensive youth scheme. If a player was to be transferred from one club to another, compensation would be due for an amount similar to the cost the acquiring club would have had to incur if it had trained the player within his structures. Additional factors, such as the aspect that only one out of a certain number of players make the grade, would also be integrated in the calculation model. The working party was also in agreement that national associations would have to permit transfers only during two periods per year but only one transfer per player and per year would be permitted. Task Force chairman Per Omdal stressed: "Football must provide the clubs with incentives to do proper youth training. Furthermore, a sense of solidarity with the countries in Africa and other continents must prevail in our proposals and actions." Outlining the further steps, FIFA President Blatter also mentioned the need for the football authorities to seek support on the political side. Over the coming months, the FIFA President is due to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, German chancellor Gerhard Schröder and French President Jacques Chirac. France is also currently holding the EU presidency and it is hoped that the summit of the EU heads of states and governments later this year in Nice will agree on a special status for sport. The European Commission expects the proposals from the football authorities by 31 October. Further discussions and negotiations are to be held to reach a solution by the end of the year 2000. Upcoming meetings: 12 October 2000 - Zurich: Meeting of the Task Force 13 October 2000 - Zurich: Meeting of the Task Force with leagues and clubs 20 October 2000 - Nyon: Meeting of UEFA and Presidents and General Secretaries of UEFA national associations 27 October 2000 - Zurich: Meeting of the FIFA/UEFA plenary session on transfer regulations

What Wigan Incident?? at 18:43:32 Monday October 9 2000
.[{{~# ;-**%"

The Shropshire Cobbler's Dad at 18:41:0 Monday October 9 2000
Changing the subject, anyone heard any more (eg the official version) of the infamous 'Wigan Incident'??

Voted best in Div 3!! at 18:16:54 Monday October 9 2000
That is better than the Racecourse League I guess, he is a liability he is welcome to go to Luton, he was crap in more than one game last season, particularly at Swansea away. We cant afford someone who is looking to get sent off every game, over time refs are getting fed up with his attitude and his `falling' over/squaring up to other players; he is better going forward marginaly better than his predictable defending, whenever he gets the ball from Welch, I am waiting for him to lose it or blast it no where. To be fair on his day he does look the business, whenever everything else is going well for the team. With Sir John Frain he plays the same irrespective of what is going on around him and that results in a consistent quality performance week in week out. Savage is much the same. Im sorry this is not slagging off this is my view and I dont want a team that becomes overworked with other players having to compensate for players with undoubted abilities who can only turn it on when it suits them. Carlo was much the same with his mystery viruses. Players can get away with this to a degree in the higher divisions occassionaly not here where every game is all about commitment!

Anon at 17:17:18 Monday October 9 2000
I don't think people have been "slagging off" Hendon. His form is erratic not just from game to game but within 90 mins, more so than most, but he has great ability especially going forward.

Cymru Cobbler at 16:49:51 Monday October 9 2000
Another Cobblers supporter in Cardiff? What are the chances of that? eh? Well after having to put up with watching Wales Vs Norway last Saturday in a really dire stadium, watching Giggs, Solskjaer and Flo. I finally get a bit of quality football at a quality football ground (not that the memorial ground looks anything like Spencers ground, no not all). Ł4 train fare and only a 20 minute journey. See you al there.

The Shropshire Cobbler at 15:55:49 Monday October 9 2000
How about MartinW for England Manager?

Cardiff Cobbler at 13:36:1 Monday October 9 2000
Oooh er haven't been here for a while. Whats all this about Gabbi being unsettled. Obviously don't get the Chron down here so rely on this site for news, which is a bit iffy 'cos the news section only seems to be updated once a week. Anyway, whats up with Gab, doesn't he like N'pton (understandable) or our style of play. Whats going on? And the good news is I'll be seeing the wobblers for the first time this season at BRovers. Can't wait.

The Harrold Cobbler at 13:34:2 Monday October 9 2000
Pirate pete, yes, who are you?

Luton Official Site at 13:5:37 Monday October 9 2000
Hill keen to rectify Hendon deal Ricky Hill is hoping to resurrect a deal to bring Northampton defender Ian Hendon to the club after seeing his defence torn apart by Millwall. Hill saw his backline come under constant threat from Australian Lucas Neill at Kenilworth Road on Sunday and turned his attentions back to Hendon in a bid to end an 11-game win-less streak after a Gavin McGowan own goal handed Millwall a 1-0 win. "There has been a hitch in Hendon's personal terms but I'm still hopeful of bringing him to the club," Hill said. "The player is keen to come here but at the current time we are working to a wage structure. It is within our target and I'm hopeful the deal is not far away."

A very Loyal Supporter at 9:17:52 Monday October 9 2000
Everyone has been slagging off Hendon. I would like to put the record straight. He missed 2 games last season. Got voted best right back in the division by his fellow players for the third time out of four seasons. Picked up an injury in pre-season still wasn't 100% at the start of this season but as usually expected to play. Ten games into the season, he gets sold, come on he averages 48 games a season. Luton will be rubbing their hands together. And if we are selling him to make way for other players or to lower our wage bill, I think the club seriously need to be selling other players not Hendon.

Anon at 22:46:18 Sunday October 8 2000
TO Terry Hawes at 20:7:56 Saturday October 7 2000. PARRISH IS WELSH NOT ENGLISH.

bolloxs or not at 22:22:18 Sunday October 8 2000
Why quash the Howard rumours just to start the Gabbi aint working rumours?

Anon at 22:17:12 Sunday October 8 2000
To those who love numbers, 345678 is coming up soon!

It might not be bollox. at 22:12:45 Sunday October 8 2000
No idea Pool2K. It seems to make some strange logic. Send him on loan to 'Pool for a month whilst his house is completed down here and he returns a happy bunny having done less travelling. It would also quash the Howard to Palace rumours as we couldn't lose two forwards.

Pirate Pete at 22:6:50 Sunday October 8 2000
HARROLD COBBLER - Are you Andrew?

Andy at 21:4:53 Sunday October 8 2000
As I said before, The England manager's job is a joke. The team pretty much picks itself, and tactics are irrelevant when the squad only meet for a couple of days for one or two games. The only thing you have to manage is the media, and who in their right mind would take them on?

RaChEl at 20:45:19 Sunday October 8 2000
So kev Keegans gone + England FC r looking 4 a new manager, isn't Atkins due 2 hav a job change..........!

Pooly2k at 20:13:3 Sunday October 8 2000
Hello all, I was just wondering how Gabbiadini is getting on because apparently Chris Turner has enquired about bringing him on loan to Hartlepool. If this is a load of bollocks then i apologise but if not a reply would be good to see if there is any truth in it cheers PS godd to see stevie Howard is doing good he is a good lad

Anon at 19:50:5 Sunday October 8 2000
Sid and MartinW, have you ever seen that advert that's got Gordon Strachan on?

stokecobbler at 19:41:18 Sunday October 8 2000
cheer up - look forward to a week tuesday, 3 pts guaranteed up at the vale. If the england situ is bad, you should listen to all the valiants I work with.....just let's get more than two.

The Harrold Cobbler at 19:38:43 Sunday October 8 2000
Back to the s**thole of the Memorial ground next saturday, although it's been renovated?????????????...............Anyone there?

The Harrold Cobbler at 19:35:52 Sunday October 8 2000
Hendons gone, I didn't know that Christmas came early. Rob Marshall for right back.

anon at 19:26:35 Sunday October 8 2000
i think selling howard would be like cutting our own throats

Hendon at 19:8:35 Sunday October 8 2000
Of course I cant do better than Hendon, I am a goldfish!

britgal at 18:47:50 Sunday October 8 2000
leave hendon alone. u know he's good. u know u couldn't do better. i don't know why u rip it out of him. Leave him alone.

Hendon at 17:43:18 Sunday October 8 2000
Should be earning less than my lad who does a paper round.

Joe at 17:42:4 Sunday October 8 2000
How much per week should Hendon be earning?

x at 17:40:47 Sunday October 8 2000
x

PIMPIN IT at 17:21:44 Sunday October 8 2000
******WILLO FOR ENGLAND******

I'll come back later when there isn't so much tosh being spouted at 17:5:7 Sunday October 8 2000
Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped.

My pooch at 14:13:22 Sunday October 8 2000
Luton offered me Ł76k for Lassie hes more use than Hendon!

1966 at 14:12:25 Sunday October 8 2000
The population proportions had to be based on a common denominator the towns population, just for comparison purposes, if it wasnt then Man Us would have had to be based on the world!!! Its only stats - but interesting + in those days not many people had transport but better public transport

Lancaster Cobbler at 13:17:10 Sunday October 8 2000
On Luton commentary, they are saying that Luton offered Ł75k for Hendon!

DavCobbler at 13:14:55 Sunday October 8 2000
What makes Charlie Buchan think that all Cobblers fans come from Northampton ? Or maybe he didn`t ? Or maybe I`m still pissed from last night ?

Sid at 13:1:59 Sunday October 8 2000
Don't forget the Player Of The Month poll on NTFCunofficial.com is still running, so please cast your votes by gonig to my sites' front page and using the Question Of The Week poll. Thanks! www.ntfcunofficial.com

Sid at 12:59:16 Sunday October 8 2000
I think Keegan was right in getting out of the job when he has done. I don't see it as being cowardly, but plain honest. He knew that things were not working under him, and whilst other managers would have carried on despite monuting pressure for their departure, Keegan got out. His tactics have been poor, and yesterday was no exception. No closing down, bad marking, letting Germany play freely. Now who in their right mind would bring on a right back, a left back and a right midfielder (Beckham was injured, i know!) as their 3 subs when losing - he had ample chance to place a striker on, Phillips or Heskey would have done, cos the strikeforce had no power! I have to jump on the Terry Venables bandwagon aswell (well I was already on it!) because after Booby Robson, he is the only manager to have been a success - remember, he did not quit because he was bad, but because of his court case thing. Everyone knows he is the right choice, but will, the FA go for someone different??

The population was back in the 60s at 12:47:52 Sunday October 8 2000
Not now dick head! Read!

Anon at 11:46:24 Sunday October 8 2000
i tought that Northampton had about 200,000 pop

Northampton Gas at 11:12:6 Sunday October 8 2000
Just a few facts to get you over confident. 1 - we haven't won a game at home so far this season. 2 - we still have five first team players out injured. This is a game that you can't lose. *s*

Bill at 10:34:56 Sunday October 8 2000
I don't think it matters much who takes Keegan's job. The fact is the expectations of us fans is greater by far than the players can deliver. They are simply not good enough -and we think they are world beaters. We have had one team in 50 years that has lifted the cup, and that was at home. Ł50,000.00 a week? I don't think so!! Back to the boys - so Ian Hendon is showing poor form, he is still the classiest right back in the club, if not the division. Nearly all the positive work down the right involves him - Kev has got to impress on him the need to defend well and not give the ball away sloppily in bad positions. Don't sell him yet Kev.!

MartinW at 8:23:2 Sunday October 8 2000
I don't think the England job is a poisoned chalice. The problem is that those that take the job have to be far stronger mentally than those who take club jobs. Because the expectation of the nation rides on their shoulders. Sadly Kevin Keegan always looked out of his depth which in hindsight is predictable. The lesson to learn from his reign is that you cannot have a man with so much inexperience internationally managing an international side. Great guys don't make great managers. Terry Venables showed he has what it takes and the hoo hah with the FA should be set to one side and he should be allowed to continue the work he started. A motivator, Venables is also a very astute judge of the game. I don't think we need a foreign boss. I think if we go for one, it will be because there is nobody English that would take it or is in the frame. Most would go for Venables and most fans don't care about all the financial stuff he was involved in. He got the results and he got the most out of England teams. Bobby Robson is also a possibility. But I think it would be totally wrong to introduce a foreign coach into the England set up when there IS talent on these shores. Look at Craig Brown. Nobody knew of him when he took the Scotland job, yet he has managed to get the most out of a very average group of players, by being tactically aware. And there IS pressure on the Scotland boss.

mass resignation at 7:16:37 Sunday October 8 2000
has everyone gone!

November 1966 at 23:47:36 Saturday October 7 2000
Just reading Charlie Buchans football monthly and there were some interesting stats based on the proportion of the town/cities population that attended home matches, its a bit of a league table. Northampton was 1 in 6 attended (pop then was 106,000), P.sh was 1 in 8, Swans 1 in 17, Fulham 21,000 divided into 8,000,000, Burnley and WBA were the best at 1 in 4, the worst Villa and Birmingham 1 in 30 (accepting the second city), so Rochdale at 1 in 29 was worst and probably still was. If u want to buy this magazine have a look on EBay UK Auction site under football memorabilia - loads of great stuff!

ENGLAND at 23:41:27 Saturday October 7 2000
I used to love England Football Team, then I sold my soul to the devil and I am still enjoying it being a Cobblers supporter!! I dont care a stuff about Keegan etc. I care about being at the next home game having a good time in the West Stand with some of the craziest people around and down at Bristol Rovers.

Anon at 23:30:37 Saturday October 7 2000
Why does everyone treat Hendon like he's some Ł20 prostitute? Think about it, if he wants to stay, great, but if he's worried about his career let him go. he's a human being.

Arsene Wenger at 23:21:22 Saturday October 7 2000
I am very pleased to be the new England manager

Insider at 23:19:3 Saturday October 7 2000
I'm telling the truth at 18:37:9 - Have you been on the planet Mars for the last week? You have just reported as a big scoop a story that has been, gone, and died mate. Hendon is going nowhere. Now Howard ..........

Andy again at 22:23:32 Saturday October 7 2000
There's a theory that football is simply men's bingo, and it's just dressed up to make us think chance isn't involved. I'm beginning to think it's right. Is there any other game where the winnercan score just one point? (ok, except the Eton wall game). Just imagine if tennis was judged by who got the first point. National games are a joke because of this. We were only booted out of the euro finals because of a late mistake by Neville. And people who constantly refer to our glorious win in 1966 as if England were some sort of super team forget how we struggled to get through our group, fluked past Argentina, and won in extra time. It takes 40 odd games for chance to begin to even out. If you still doubt this, think about Man U, champions of Europe (just).

Andy at 20:48:58 Saturday October 7 2000
The England manager, and basically any national team manager's job is an impossible task. How can you be judged on a game every now and then? If Seaman had saved the free kick and one of Beckham's efforts had gone in, Keegan would have been a hero. Tactics sometimes work, and sometimes don't. If we applied the same criteria to club games there would be wholesale manager changes every Sunday.

Terry Hawes at 20:7:56 Saturday October 7 2000
If I was the next England manager, this would be my team for the Finland match: Martyn, Guppy, Perry, Campbell, Sampson, Howard, Beckham, Izzet, Lampard, Owen, Phillips. Subs: R.Wright,Hendon,Parrish,Forrester,Andy Cole.

No your not telling the truth at 19:43:24 Saturday October 7 2000
Hendon turned down the move to Luton-just read the chron to see the truth

David Davies at 19:42:10 Saturday October 7 2000
Kevin Wilson has applied for the England job and looks set to take it within the next week or so

Blast from the past at 18:50:37 Saturday October 7 2000
Ian Atkins for England

I'm telling the truth. at 18:37:9 Saturday October 7 2000
Trust me this is not bulls**t, but Ian Hendon has definately been sold to Luton Town for approximately Ł50,000. He has been sold to compensate for the signing of Richard Dryden from Southampton which has also not been released to the press. This is not just rumours and sum1 messing about it is true. Trust me!

Why? at 18:10:58 Saturday October 7 2000
I c Parrish scored again! Y did we let him go?

MartinW at 17:49:4 Saturday October 7 2000
Erm, I should say I said the last stuff before Keegan went and resigned. And his moving statement of resignation, says a lot about the man. Honest. He accepted he is not the man to lead the team to the next stage. A great motivator, he is not an international class tactician. If you ask the fans now, the majority will clamour for the return of Terry Venables who is not just a motivator, but an expert tactician and well respected internationally. Or Bobby Robson. Experience essential.

MartinW at 16:59:19 Saturday October 7 2000
.......before it's too late.

MartinW at 16:53:48 Saturday October 7 2000
It was an astonishing decison by Kevin Keegan to gamble on bringing Gareth Southgate, a defender, into midfield when there are so many others who have experience of playing in that defensive holding position like Dennis Wise and Paul Ince who can hold the ball, link play and keep possession. And the effect of that was plain for all to see as we surrendered midfield, possession and the crucial winning goal to the Germans in the first half. A desperate Keegan recognised that by putting Southgate back into defence but then brought on Dyer in the wing back role when he has shown he is not comforable defensively leaving us exposed on the right. Then injured Beckham was left on and left as the last line of defence which nearly lost us a second goal. More evidence of Kevin Keegan's kamikaze tactics as exposed during the World Cup. You don't gamble in games such as these and once again we have paid the price. We need a settled team, as do the better club sides in Europe. Look at ManU. Their success has come from a core of regular players who play with each other week in week out. Sadly Kevin Keegan seems to have learnt none of the of the lessons of the World Cup in France. Bring on Terry Venables.

HAL at 12:34:19 Saturday October 7 2000
God, it's boring with no game

HAL at 12:34:1 Saturday October 7 2000
God, it's boring with no game

DCOB at 12:24:1 Saturday October 7 2000
Assuming any of this is true, if Hendon fails to agree terms, does the Dryden deal fail too? If Kevin was allowed Forrester and Gabbiadini on the understanding that someone was let go, does this mean that there is another sale on the way?

Person at 12:22:33 Saturday October 7 2000
I find it hard to believe any club is going to spend large sums of money before the end of October (deadline re transfer system), incidently I believe if they do scrap post 24 transfer fees the compensation paid could be pegged to players wages i.e. a years sallary, any comments.

Anon at 12:11:27 Saturday October 7 2000
Desperation sometimes drives transfer signings and Luton and Palace are pretty desperate so who knows.

Cobbler in the West at 12:9:1 Saturday October 7 2000
I agree with MartinW's comments. If Hendon goes and the official Luton site indicates Hill has not given up we will be without a natural right back. Hughes is a centre back and seems to me to lack the pace to adapt to be able to adapt to this new position although he is improving. Much as I would like to see us sign Dryden with Hope due back shortly should this position be our main priority?

MartinW at 11:56:46 Saturday October 7 2000
Palace chairman Michael Jordan has said: “We need three or four more players and there is as much money available for players as is needed. We’re now looking at two centre forwards and should have one in within four weeks. A centre forward will cost Ł2m, and we need a playmaker who will cost another Ł2m." If it reallyis Steve Howard, can you really believe they are to spend Ł2m on him? Don't think so.

MartinW at 11:51:43 Saturday October 7 2000
I'm a tad bemused by the report Chron and Echo report about Luton and Northampton agreeing Ł55,000 for Hendon with the money to be spent on Dryden. Hendon is our only real first team option as a right sided defender so it seems daft to sell him to bring in another basically central defender. I know money's tight, but surely it is not so tight that we have to sell someone for Ł55,000. Obviously so. But at what cost to the balance of the side? An odd one. Thamk goodness Hendon had the good sense to pull out of the deal and stick with the Cobblers. And I agree with those who are bored with the amount of made up stuff being written about players leaving. It's not even speculation, it's obviously just invention initiated to get people excited over nothing. Sad. The Hendon thing is not just speculation. One more thin to contemplate, with the scrapping of transfer fees we would be foolhardy not to take a substantial sum for players like Howard. For if we don't he will be able to walk away through freedom of contract. For nothing.

Chron + Echo site at 11:18:8 Saturday October 7 2000
Says that Hendon is still a Cobblers player + will be training on Monday with the cobblers, he hasn't moved 2 Luton!

Lancaster Cobbler at 10:59:44 Saturday October 7 2000
Hopefully, Hendon will get back to it's best, maybe if this has been brewing for a few weeks, it would explain his lack of form recently. Hill must have been attracted to hendon after the mauling he gave Luton.

MK18 Cobbler at 10:51:2 Saturday October 7 2000
Chron reports Cobblers accepted Ł55,000 Luton bid for Cobblers but Hendon could not agree personal terms. Suggested the Ł55,000 would have been used to buy Dryden. .

Hendon is worth Ł00.01 at 10:37:41 Saturday October 7 2000
Savage has done slightly better this season Ł00.02. Frain Ł2,000,000 on his commitment and making the most out of what he has got, my player for every season!! Spedding again slightly better now that hes not playing Ł00.03. Hunt like Frain Ł1,000,000. Sammo on a good day Ł750,000. Welch on his best days Ł2,000,000. Howard in todays market Ł3,000,000 and run!!! Forester Ł9,000,000.

You will see this here first at 10:29:10 Saturday October 7 2000
Leicester City are giving us Ł1,000,000 plus Collymore for Howard.

Eastander at 9:27:46 Saturday October 7 2000
I can`t believe we`re getting rid of Hendon for such a paltry sum, we`ve now got 6 central defenders Hope, Green, Hughes,Sampson, Howie if he ever recovers and Dryden if he signs which seems to be the reason for Hendons move, 2 left backs when they`re fit Spedding and Frain and no one on the right. As for Howard if they let him go for less than Ł1M they`re giving him away, he`s 5 times the player he was when he first came here and he`s still improving

Carl at 1:38:26 Saturday October 7 2000
Sadness Incorporated, I lived there (Wales) for three years and it was a lovely place apart from the people, they were Welsh I think, hope you had a good Olympics I cheered on all the Great Britain team apart from Colin Jackson and I was proved right there

Swansea Boot Boy at 1:6:56 Saturday October 7 2000
Good luck to Germany tomorrow

Anon at 0:59:41 Saturday October 7 2000
Of course, Howard might end up leaving for Ł1million (in which case we should say thanks), but it seeems very unlikely given that the club agreed to let hm go to Carlisle for Ł100 k six months ago. Why would palace think his value had soared so high over the last few months and why would they pay such a huge fee when any player could be worthless if the EU gets its way?

Swansea Boot Boy at 0:30:47 Saturday October 7 2000
Hope you scummers get thrashed by our allies tomorrow.

Rodney Marshall(Moaning Cobbler) at 23:4:30 Friday October 6 2000
Why is it that just because we have a two week break from Cobblers action, we have to talk crap. Hendon, Howard, Forrester - none of them has left the club, it's all rumour. The way a small section of morons has heaped abuse on two of those players in the past I wouldn't blame either for leaving though. Howard may be flavour of the month but some of you booed him before he got on the pitch at Brighton less than a year ago. Why should he be loyal to us now? Good luck to him.

TOWN at 22:12:10 Friday October 6 2000
Team...talks bollocks - Howard to Palace Is this the same teamtalk that reported the Cobblers Vs Milton Keynes City was a 3000 sell out I think so

Gassy at 21:24:7 Friday October 6 2000
Down to 10 players, Bury 0 Gas 0, Wigan 1 Reading 1

Football Dessert at 21:13:5 Friday October 6 2000
I cannot live without the Cobblers playing, farewell.....

Ray at 20:9:8 Friday October 6 2000
I'm here. The Official Site isnt going to comment of rumours - if they did they would have no time to do anything else.

DavCobbler, Talking FACT at 20:8:3 Friday October 6 2000
Ferk me!!! Am I gonna get pissed tomorrow OR WHAT !!!!!!!

Concerned at 19:10:33 Friday October 6 2000
Forget England v Germany, it's a side show for us Cobblers. What is going on at the club. Are we selling Howard & Hendon? Who's going to replace them? Hughes is a centre back and from what I've seen is too slow to be a right back or wing back if we continue with our 3 centre back formation. My weekend is on the rocks.

Hendon for Luton I hope so at 18:31:2 Friday October 6 2000
When we play Luton here it will be easy to wind up Hendon and he will get sent off, he has one good game and 3 bad and hes a liability.

D at 18:19:44 Friday October 6 2000
Where are we with Dryden ?

Eartowall at 18:7:42 Friday October 6 2000
And where's Ray when you need him ?

Pickled Judge at 16:52:13 Friday October 6 2000
I think if we had an official site that was a little more exciting and up-to-the-minute we wouldn't have all these rumours. Why can't the site show the current situation and not report everything after everyone knows about it?

The Cymru Cobbler at 16:45:47 Friday October 6 2000
No game Saturday? Cos the Swansea team have international commitments? Well they're bhoyos bloody arent playing for Wales, I hope not I'm going to the Norway match. Ł10 a ticket thats cheaper than anywhere at sixfields, plus it means you can pack the stadium and get an excellent atmosphere. Maybe the Cobblers could try that for their mid-week games. Drop the prices slightly, but get more people in, making the same amount of money but having a better atmosphere, plus making more through spin-offs.

Richard at 16:5:35 Friday October 6 2000
'Official' under new EU laws passed this afternoon in the meeting about the transfer system, you can only have a limited number of players with names starting with H. We apparently have too many (Hope, Howard, Hughes, Hargreaves, Hendon, Hodge, Hunt, Hunter and Howey) So we need to reduce this figure so we are not fined by EU courts, and docked points by the football league.

The Chronicle & Echo at 16:1:36 Friday October 6 2000
Andy Roberts reports. Club officials are refusing to comment on speculation that Steve Howard ate Stan Collymore's granny, but he was seen visting the Sixfields toilets on at least three occasions prior to the Wrexham game watched by two boy scouts from Selhurst.

The Sunday Sport at 15:59:0 Friday October 6 2000
"Steve Howard ate my Granny" - Stan Collymore gives his reasons for going off the rails.

WSJ at 15:58:55 Friday October 6 2000
There does seem to be some truth in the Howard & Hendon stories.

Richard at 15:46:37 Friday October 6 2000
Just been looking on the Reading site and I think you were being wound up Pattcob, no mention of Keith Welch at all

Sid at 15:25:28 Friday October 6 2000
What is happening?!?!? Luton about to sign Hendon, but not yet - why are we flogging our better players??? This surely isn't the time for transfer speculation, and selling Hendon to Luton dumbfounds me! We need to keep our squad together, and regardless of the transfer fee case going on, it's not good letting everyone go whilst we are in a good position in Division 2. These are the players we need to keep if we are to survive.

MK18 Cobbler at 15:12:33 Friday October 6 2000
Hendon story is on the official Luton site but Cobblers official site silent.

Even Older Gossip at 15:11:40 Friday October 6 2000
Frank Large is signing for the Cobblers.

PATTCOB's secretary at 15:10:4 Friday October 6 2000
He is none too happy I can tell you. Even some chocolate digestives with his afternoon tea hasn't helped...

Old Gossip at 15:9:45 Friday October 6 2000
Here's something new, that Andy Woodman and that woman from...............

PATTCOB at 15:8:56 Friday October 6 2000
Well I must say I never thought I would be joining in on this but I have just had an email from my friend in Reading who reports their unofficial (but always accurate) site is reporting they are close to finalising personal terms with Keith Welch. Incredible isn't it? And just after me going on about the other rumours......

Anon at 15:4:49 Friday October 6 2000
....apart from the rumour that the clock on my PC is wrong!

Kevin from Emmerdale at 15:3:24 Friday October 6 2000
You can talk about transfers until the cows come home but I know for a fact Collymore was in the town this week cos I saw him in Arans the Estate Agents.

Anon at 15:3:20 Friday October 6 2000
Wow - over 20 minutes without a new rumour

Happy Cobbler at 14:52:47 Friday October 6 2000
Hey guess what....if we're all gonna talk shite on this site about transfers.....let me join in too! We've just signed Ronaldo on a free....he said he's had enough of big teams and wants to sign in time to play at Colchester. We've sold Ryan Thompson for Ł5m to Halifax who have just been bought out by Nationwide Building Society. My mum has just ploughed Ł10m into the clubs coffers and we will be now calling our newly developed 18,000 seater ground "The old dear stadium". NOW FOR GODS SAKE...STOP ALL THE RUMOURS AND TALK FACT!!!!!!!

Carl at 14:38:49 Friday October 6 2000
What is the point in that then?

Lancaster Cobbler at 14:21:28 Friday October 6 2000
Unofficial LTFC suggests we will get Ł40k for Hendon. Good piece of business, if it allows Garry Hughes to play all the time.

Richard at 14:16:27 Friday October 6 2000
From the OFFICIAL Luton Town site !!! Ricky Hill just failed in his bid to sign Ian Hendon from Northampton Town in time to play against Millwall on Sunday.He said: “I am very keen to sign him and still hopeful that we can do a deal. The clubs have agreed and it is now a question of sorting out the player’s personal terms, but we ran out of time to beat the 12 o’clock deadline.”Hendon is an experienced 28-year-old with almost 300 League games behind him who would help to settle some of the young Luton back line that has shipped 15 goals in the last five games. He cost Northampton Ł25,000 when they signed him from Notts County in March 1999 and he has already played 66 games for them and scored 3 goals. Born in Ilford, Essex, the six-foot defender has been an ever-present this season for the Cobblers and played at right wing-back when Northampton beat Luton at Kenilworth Road last month. Hendon first signed as a trainee for Spurs in December 1989 and won an FA Youth Cup medal in 1990. He was also in the Spurs squad that drew with Arsenal in the 1991 Charity Shield, but he did not make the breakthrough and after four League substitute appearances for the first team and loan spells at Portsmouth, Leyton Orient and Barnsley, he was sold to Orient for Ł50,000 in August 1993.He played 152 games for the Brisbane Road club, then went on loan to Birmingham in March 1995. He was sold on to Notts County, again for Ł50,000, in February 1997 and after 96 games,during which he was club captain, he moved to Northampton in March last year.Hendon's other claim to fame is that he was sent off live on Sky TV during the Cobblers' televised game at Swansea last season.

x at 14:14:2 Friday October 6 2000
x

Spencer at 14:13:53 Friday October 6 2000
Why don't you all just bog off and take your transfer crap with you.... If anythings happening at the Cobblers it will be on the official page, the Chron etc. If anything else you are going to unsettle players with all this rubbish. Ban the Anons!!!!

Vince at 14:13:5 Friday October 6 2000
Carl, yes and Pattcobb why not?

Well..... at 14:10:6 Friday October 6 2000
I've got the Chron and there's a feature on the Saints and how Brian Turbot thinks that Justin Jackson is actually quite good, but nothing about the Cobblers

PATTCOBB at 14:0:22 Friday October 6 2000
ONE LAST THING.......EVER! BE GOING TO RUBBISH & DUSTBINS SUNDAY TO JOIN WITH THE BOSTON FANS HOPING TO MAKE IT TWO DEFEATS IN A ROW FOR TALBOT'S CLOWNS 2oclock K.O. SEE YOU AT LEGOLAND................... *********I WILL NOT BE POSTING HERE ANYMORE ***************

Hatter at 13:52:42 Friday October 6 2000
You won fair and square at our place ...but we were awful...but the fact is were a bigger club and therefore thats why Ian Hendon will be signing for the mighty Hatters!!!

Carl at 13:31:18 Friday October 6 2000
Apple Resembling, is that green?

Vince at 13:17:32 Friday October 6 2000
Bad Acronyms Shock The Apple Resembling Dragon

Carl at 12:46:29 Friday October 6 2000
Clarence Unites Northampton Town

Ray at 12:13:40 Friday October 6 2000
We could have a whip round and see if we can pay them to take Clarence off our hands of course :-)

As likely as all the other rumours at 11:43:30 Friday October 6 2000
Brian Talbot has put in a bid Of Ł150,000 for Clarence the Dragon. Talbot reckons that Clarence is worth at least what Rushden paid for Turley as he has all the same qualities - Big, slow and a fat arse.

Mixed Blessings at 11:35:43 Friday October 6 2000
This is second game we have missed because of internationals - both home matches. This must surely be having an effect on the cashflow situation, and I'm also not sure of the arguement that things will be OK because we shall home games to catch up as regards league points. Admitedly however, it does give injuries time to clear up. So two home matches lost due to internationals - is it a blessing or not? Discuss!

Carl at 11:2:45 Friday October 6 2000
So we have now sold two out of three of our strikers and one of our defenders, Steve Howard Ł1 million, Jamie Forrester Ł500,000 and Ian Hendon Ł40,000. So we have to look forward to Gabbiadini up front with Kev. or young Morrow or Thompson, with another youngster Hughes as Right Wing Back, we'll be alright. Do you reckon the board will lend me some of the money because I am a little skint at the moment. News on the grapevine The Scoreboard is now up for sale as that doesn't work, Colchester have put in a 3.2 Million Euros bid. This is what comes of having no game this weekend, bloody Wales and their internationals.

PATTCOBB at 10:46:54 Friday October 6 2000
Although I share the support of a great club with many of you.............Some of you lot are just a bunch of sad w*nkers that need to get a life Goodbye!!!!!!!!!

South London Gazette at 10:26:4 Friday October 6 2000
Jamie Forrester has now been confirmed as Wimbledons final signing before the transfer system review is complete. The deal, unique in its way, is a signing-on fee of Ł500,000.00 plus the loan of two players for two months each with Wimbledon meeting the wages. These players to be chosen from a pool of 7. The Northampton Town striker is highly-rated and featured on Sky's 'Pick of the Week' for his thrilling goal against Wrexham.

Richard at 10:6:50 Friday October 6 2000
This was from a Crystal Palace website, read into it what you will, bnut there must be some truth in the rumours. Eagles close on striker Thursday, October 05, 2000 The Eagles are reported to be close to signing Northampton Town striker Steven Howard in a deal worth around Ł1 million. Eagles boss Alan Smith has been looking to add to his strike force for most of this season without any success however. He took Paul Kitson on loan from West Ham United but he has struggled to make any kind of an impact at the club. Kitson has another week of his loan spell left and despite being available for a knock-down fee it would appear that he is heading back to Upton Park. Howard is very highly rated by Northampton boss Kevin Wilson, who has said that he won't stand in his way if a bid comes in. The 24-year-old who started his career with non-league Tow Law Town before joining Hartlepool and moving onto the Sixfield Stadium. The Eagles have only scored six goals in the First Division this season and only Grimsby with four have scored less.

Anon at 9:40:47 Friday October 6 2000
If someone who really know knows, why did Willo admit that Howard has been training with Palace? Or are you really Andy Roberts in disguise?

Anon at 8:58:31 Friday October 6 2000
You name them and plenty of people out there will believe you!!

Carl at 8:54:17 Friday October 6 2000
So who we signing and selling today?

Anon at 23:50:59 Thursday October 5 2000
Sad lot.

Ulrika Jonnson at 23:50:54 Thursday October 5 2000
Stan Collymore has signed for Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee announced by Barry Fry as Ł500K.

Richard Whitely at 23:46:11 Thursday October 5 2000
Stan Collymore has failed a late medical and will not now be appearing on countdown next week....

Carol Vorderman at 23:42:19 Thursday October 5 2000
....Town. He has took a.... no no no ....He has taken a wage cut...

My old mans a Cobbler. at 23:19:35 Thursday October 5 2000
Yeah right,you can fcuk off with the rest of the wind up merchants.

Chronicle & Echo at 22:38:58 Thursday October 5 2000
EXCLUSIVE. Collymore has signed for Northampton Town. He has took a wage cut and has signed for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be around Ł250,000. Read about it in tomorrows Chron. Hendon has signed a new 2 year deal with the club keeping him here till the end of the 2002/2003 season

Zimmy at 22:15:28 Thursday October 5 2000
BR - Money doesn't talk, it swears!

Billy Bullshit at 21:56:12 Thursday October 5 2000
Blah Blah Blah.......

Anon at 21:14:35 Thursday October 5 2000
HES BEHIND YOU!!.......

Anon at 21:14:17 Thursday October 5 2000
Oh no its isn't........

Anon at 21:13:21 Thursday October 5 2000
Oh yes it is...........

One anon to another at 21:5:32 Thursday October 5 2000
For Anon at17.42:36, oh no it isn't.

Big Roy at 20:51:52 Thursday October 5 2000
Oh, that's a good idea - let's turn on Hendon! Give it a rest! Anyone would think we're having a bad season. As for the other rumours, what will be will be. Money talks and if the right offer comes in for any player then the board are going to have to give it serious consideration. We're hardly rich but I do think it would be shortsighted to let players go that may have a big role to play in securing us first division status and the extra income that would bring.

Howard can stay, good riddance to Hendon at 20:31:38 Thursday October 5 2000
Hendon is a liability, he is clueless most of the time defending and going forward. Id shag his Mrs though! His temperament is the most suspect, he is always niggling the ref and play acting and trying overly to wind up the opposition.

MK18 Cobbler at 18:59:39 Thursday October 5 2000
Should have mentioned it is Sid's lead story tonight. Over to you Sid.

MK18 Cobbler at 18:58:14 Thursday October 5 2000
Sid's site is leading the charge on the Howard rumour so let him explain the position and his sources.

Carl at 18:45:33 Thursday October 5 2000
Also I reckon all the Palace players and Manager have buggered off to Spain, so that will probably hold things up a tad

Phil Baron at 18:15:40 Thursday October 5 2000
No club outside the Premiership can afford to gamble money on a big transfer when the situation has not been sorted out by EUFA so insider go home and think of something a little more plausable!!!

Carl at 18:7:36 Thursday October 5 2000
IT'S ALL BOLLOX, CAN'T WE JUST WAIT AND SEE!!!!!!!

Anon at 17:42:36 Thursday October 5 2000
So the Hendon rumour is baseless

Anon at 17:41:58 Thursday October 5 2000
Luton board have imposed a transfer embargo on buying any players at present which Ricky Hill is trying to get lifted.

Anon at 17:40:7 Thursday October 5 2000
yep, too many people taking the m... here at the mom

Anon at 17:33:8 Thursday October 5 2000
O dear O dear.

Vince at 17:25:45 Thursday October 5 2000
All this talk of "big money" transfers is hardly likely to come about when in a few weeks time the transfer system may be defunct. I can't see a club like Crystal Palace who are only just sorting out their financial problems paying out a lot of cash for a player who will have no value if the system is changed. Nor can I see a player moving now when in a few weeks time he might be able to command a big signing on fee. Although the proposed changes may come to nothing surely any club interested in a player is going to wait and see what happens. Having said that Newcastle paid Colchester big bucks for Lua Lua only a week or so ago so either Newcastle were desperate to sign him or they don't think the transfer system will change. Whatever, I can't see anything happening with Howard or any other player until there is some sort of ruling on the present transfer system.

DCOB at 17:21:53 Thursday October 5 2000
How do we know this is you, Ray?

Ray at 17:18:45 Thursday October 5 2000
Previous posting in my name are nothing to do with me.

the at 17:10:19 Thursday October 5 2000
size of my girlfriends breasts

Clarke at 17:6:35 Thursday October 5 2000
I've heard enough about Howard becoming a HEagle, Collymore becoming a Cobbler and Hendon becoming a Hatter!! Lets talk about something much more interesting, like........?

X at 17:3:13 Thursday October 5 2000
X

Not another rumour! at 16:54:5 Thursday October 5 2000
Congratulations to Marcus Benson on the news that he has been included in the England Under 15 squad for this seasons fixtures.

marco at 16:37:42 Thursday October 5 2000
hendon to luton rumour on ntfc unofficial site. Surely not? Howard to Palace, Collymore to Cobblers rumours - a few people not got much to do at work then?

Anon at 16:32:41 Thursday October 5 2000
Plenty of wind ups going then?

My old mans a Cobbler. at 16:0:49 Thursday October 5 2000
Yeah,but its driving me insane Carl.Oh well see you later.

Carl at 15:59:1 Thursday October 5 2000
Ooh it really must be great to know things before anyone else and then not tell them, even though it doesn't make a blind bit of difference as we will all find out sooner or later.

My old mans a cobbler. at 15:57:7 Thursday October 5 2000
Give me a break,I've got to leave for college in the next few minutes ,whats going on,please tell me?

Carl at 15:53:55 Thursday October 5 2000
What's amazing news?

Someone who really knows at 15:52:41 Thursday October 5 2000
I know something that not one other person knows on this site. Watch this space, for a total surprise/shock.

My old mans a Cobbler. at 15:51:52 Thursday October 5 2000
Are you going along with the wind up Ray.

Ray at 15:43:51 Thursday October 5 2000
So, amazing news indeed. Do you remember Atkins calling Christain Lee our first million pound player and it turns out to be Howard? Extraordinary. I reckon Collymore will fit in well with Forrester. Strange isn't it. The Cobblers finally get to Wembley and they decide to knock it down. We sell a player for a million and they decide to get rid of the transfer system. What next?

My old mans a Cobbler. at 15:15:58 Thursday October 5 2000
Well done Marcus Benson.

Someone who really knows at 14:45:28 Thursday October 5 2000
Anon - one thing I do know is that the so called insider makes invents most of his or her stories. Believe me I know.

From someone really in the know at 13:56:20 Thursday October 5 2000
You can only have Heinz Salad Cream the rest just don't come upto scratch.

class at 13:51:33 Thursday October 5 2000

Anon at 13:31:0 Thursday October 5 2000
What do you know then?

Someone who really knows at 13:22:13 Thursday October 5 2000
All of you know nothing. You are clueless! I can assure you that Howard hasn't be training with Palace.

Mystery shopper at 13:21:34 Thursday October 5 2000
I saw him in Boots buying sedatives and enquiring about straight jackets.

Mark Too at 13:19:12 Thursday October 5 2000
It must be true the Collywobble is coming here... I saw him in M&S buying a prawn and mayonnaise sandwich...I did ...honest ;o)

B at 13:6:54 Thursday October 5 2000
B

Carl at 12:36:41 Thursday October 5 2000
'The Insider' told us all so it must be true, the boys never been right, oops wrong before.

My old mans a Cobbler. at 12:35:52 Thursday October 5 2000
CIJ,I can find no reference on teamtalk to Collymore,I don't think Howard is going to Palace for Ł1 million [if at all]and you sir are a wind up.

Richard at 12:15:4 Thursday October 5 2000
Where is everyone getting this figure of Ł750,000 from. As far as I can see he has only been training with Palace and no firm bid has been made, am I wrong on this????

MK18 Cobbler at 11:51:16 Thursday October 5 2000
Sid- depends how much of Ł750K is made available to KW. If we could buy Clare & Dryden out of this sum with some reluctance I guess I would go for it. But we would have to change our style of play from hitting long balls and with no big target man Hodge might find himself on the bench again

Sid at 11:41:17 Thursday October 5 2000
However, don't forget to vote for your Player Of The Month for September on www.ntfcunofficial.com! The vote is well underway, so just use the Question Of The Week poll on my front page.

Sid at 11:39:57 Thursday October 5 2000
I would be happy to accept Ł750K for Howard, as suggested by Insider on my site, but is it the right time to sell him? Of course, the money is very handy for a target man, who I have always liked. But he is currently on form, doing really well for us, and especially with a few important games coming up I would love to see him stay. Ł750,000.............. not bad!

Anon at 11:24:10 Thursday October 5 2000
Obviously something going on with Steve Howard if he has been training at Palace but all quiet on the news sites.

PATTCOBB at 10:44:6 Thursday October 5 2000
If the money is right sell Howard, the club is over budget crowds are not what we expected and though I think he has improved as a player we should cash in especially with the tranfer market changes that may be brought in.Gabbiadini and Forrester will form a partnership given the chance(just think no more long balls)as they are both quality players.What about spending some cash on Daryl Clare and even the aforementioned midfield playmaker Dryden even so we have 6 centre halves ...............

ROOSTER at 10:25:42 Thursday October 5 2000
I know who you are mystery girl..................kaja

mystery girl at 10:24:18 Thursday October 5 2000
Dont think so matey

Marriott at 10:24:1 Thursday October 5 2000
Trevor, any ideas on the Howard transfer fee?

mystery girl at 10:23:39 Thursday October 5 2000
You what Trev?

ROOSTER at 10:23:38 Thursday October 5 2000
cause i`ve ad it

TREVOR at 10:22:54 Thursday October 5 2000
Can we have some mature messages, you imature young thugs

mystery girl at 10:22:43 Thursday October 5 2000
and you'd know rooster

kezza at 10:21:38 Thursday October 5 2000
you are right the rooster is a twat!

ROOSTER at 10:21:26 Thursday October 5 2000
YOU SHAG LIKE A RIGHT TWAT

Morrys Scott at 10:21:8 Thursday October 5 2000
would the real Steve Howard please stand up and put one of those fingers on each hand up and be proud to be outta your mind, outta control, one more time, loud as you can, how does it go......

SID OWEN at 10:20:49 Thursday October 5 2000
IM PLAYING UP FRONT FOR HALIFAX

mystery girl at 10:20:47 Thursday October 5 2000
You sound like a right twat

ROOSTER at 10:19:49 Thursday October 5 2000
YOU CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT IT NOW MYSTERY GIRL

Boncho Guentchev at 10:17:28 Thursday October 5 2000
I used to play for Lyton ya'know

mystery girl at 10:17:3 Thursday October 5 2000
YOU WISH MATE

ROOSTER at 10:15:39 Thursday October 5 2000
I`VE AD YA MYSTERY GIRL

Trevor Quow at 10:15:25 Thursday October 5 2000
I eat beans on toast for my supper!

mystery girl at 10:14:55 Thursday October 5 2000
Who cares

EFAN ELAD at 10:14:2 Thursday October 5 2000
I`M AN INTERNATIONAL

mystery girl at 10:12:23 Thursday October 5 2000
Wouldnt you like to know!!

ROOSTER at 10:11:34 Thursday October 5 2000
WHO IS MYSTERY GIRL

Billy Stewart at 10:11:5 Thursday October 5 2000
Rooster loves pie and mash on a plate whilst watching the wombles - ps. I've got a stonker!

TOP HAT at 10:10:42 Thursday October 5 2000
I HAVE SHAGED ANDY WOODMAN, BUT THEN AGAIN WHO HASENT

mystery girl at 10:9:47 Thursday October 5 2000
Rooster- I dont think so mate!! Dream on

ROOSTER at 10:8:58 Thursday October 5 2000
I HAVE BID BOLOX

Ian McParland at 10:8:53 Thursday October 5 2000
Rooster wears stupid hats!

TOP HAT at 10:7:40 Thursday October 5 2000
WE ARE GOING TO SIGN COLLMORE ON A MONTHS LOAN

mystery girl at 10:6:45 Thursday October 5 2000
Rooster- go home

Ian Gilzean at 10:2:40 Thursday October 5 2000
Rooster sucks cock

CIJ at 10:1:12 Thursday October 5 2000
This taken from Teamtalk.com so believe it if you want!! Wilson eyes troubled striker. Transfer listed Leicester striker Stan Collymore is looking to resurect his career by going to the Cobbler on a months loan. He is hoping to put himself in the shop window after a move to Crystal Palace fell through due to Palace buying Cobblers striker Steve Howard. This is how Wilson came into contact with Collymore and a deal is believed to have been struck almost immediatly.

TOP HAT at 10:1:1 Thursday October 5 2000
TOP HAT IS THE BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSST

mystery girl at 10:0:17 Thursday October 5 2000
Rooster- i dont think you are-+

CIJ at 9:57:50 Thursday October 5 2000
I'm afraid to say that 'insider' you're wrong. Its not 750k but Ł1m plus 250k if he plays in the Premiership. Howard seems a bit worried about the move as he has revealed he doesn't know any Chinese and he feels he wont fit in being English. Wilson is now on the lookout for a new BIG striker. The favourite looks to be 6ft 2 Striker Richard Naylor from Ipswich.

sid at 9:57:9 Thursday October 5 2000
everything changes but you

where were you 5years ago? at 9:47:0 Thursday October 5 2000
A survey is presently being conducted concerning the now 3000plus army of toy town supporters and where they actually originate from. Many theries have been considered including an extention to the evolution process, generic modification, or that of a scientific experiment involving a middle class lady from rushden and a horse.However, the most likely source is that of a place called rockingham road, where it is believed that most were conceived. A chip has also been nailed into each diamonds brain(!) to ensure when asked the question "which team did you used to support", he answers rushden town or irthlingborugh diamonds - the word kettering has been eliminated from their vocubulary. The chip also sends vital "buzz" words through to the brain such as hayden road, frankie belfon and david johnson. A new chip is presently being designed, featuring a selection of short songs , although it is not understood yet wether the appliance would be suitable for use in a grave yard.

TOP HAT at 9:38:11 Thursday October 5 2000
Look out for the Steve Howard celebration when he scores in the south stand end......................he will run to the west stand and point to one person in the crowd.................................................who is sticking his fingers up at howard

ROOSTER at 9:28:19 Thursday October 5 2000
I AM A POWERTOOL

fffmfmj fjrccck at 9:27:22 Thursday October 5 2000
no

Marriott at 9:25:54 Thursday October 5 2000
When Wilson says he want big bucks for Howard, how much do you think he is asking for? To a club like ours, how much is big bucks? Spoke to him in Visage last night, he is a top geezer!

Boston Team Party at 23:5:46 Wednesday October 4 2000
Come and support Boston on Sunday at 2pm at Rushden, im a cobblers fan but live near Boston, so being a free w/e good afternoon fare assured, even boo Ken Charlereyeyey

w at 23:3:13 Wednesday October 4 2000
anker

A Childs View at 22:52:11 Wednesday October 4 2000
Five divisions higher probably, rather than only two - which I'm quite happy with at the moment!! Good luck for the season, the more local teams in the professional divisions the better I say. I don't subscribe to the view that R & D in the league is bad news for Cobblers. Footy fans are tribal, Cobblers fans will not go and watch your boys anymore than your's have the Cobblers because we are professional. Sponsorship and commercial revenue is also unlikely to suffer given the marketability of footie these days. Good night Jon Boy - Good night hairy melon!!

The Sparkly boys at 22:43:3 Wednesday October 4 2000
You have a point A Childs View. But were would you have been with his cash, and i know it hurts you lot. UNLUCKY OUR DAY WILL COME

A Childs View at 22:33:15 Wednesday October 4 2000
Sparkly one, its not just about money though. Fan base, potential fan base and club history have a part to play. Clubs and supporters re-evaluate their goals and achievments relative to the resource at their disposal, this is why the Cobblers being in the 2nd feels great to me. Using this yardstick, its about time Griggs got some pay back for his investment - get rid of Talbot I'd suggest. Billy Turley, what a muppet!! How much came our way for that clown?? With Sollitt just next door as well - Ha Ha. There's no point having ooodles of cash if your manager wastes it on that kind of tripe!! You'll probably do it this year though - get knocked out of the cup competitions early would be my advice! Long live Ray Warburton!!

The Sparkly boys at 22:11:52 Wednesday October 4 2000
Nice one A Childs View. But you could have had a rich chairman but you messed it up. We have all your money we have all your money.

A Childs View at 21:54:40 Wednesday October 4 2000
What have we got against Fulham? Wouldn't we fancy a multi-millionaire chairman and the type of football Fulham fans watch each week? They have always been really nice to me down at the cottage, which incidentally I regard as a great ground - bags of character and all that. The Fulham fans aren't having go on CC, they are merely pointing out that our fan spazzing off on their site is unwarranted - its exactly what we don't like on here!!! Best of luck Fulham for the season - shame about Mickey Adams though, he really did deserve better treatment!!

Fact at 21:43:34 Wednesday October 4 2000
I am not going to jump on the bash Fulham, Wigan, Blackburn, Wolves, Rushden campaign. If they are financialy contrived clubs with artificial supporters who am I to moan, i feel sorry for the original supporters. Anyway I sell football memorabilia I sell something of every club. To me some of the best and rarest stuff ive got is Fulham some great really old unique items. I have never ever had any one buy anything off me that is advertised as Fulham. I sold an Alloa badge last week (no disrespect to Alloa intended). Currently cant shift anything Sheffield Wed. but I can understand that. My verdict is that even the real backbone Fulham supporters are desserting Fulham as the new breed of Horray Harrod Hampers are moving in! We are not jealous of Fulham, once Harry Harrod pulls out where will you be, Chelseas reserve team. At least we have a more potential, once we get a bigger ground, of pulling more supporters.

The Fulham Cat at 21:25:1 Wednesday October 4 2000
What a jealous boy you are. I can almost hear your tears of envy dribbling down. By the way, Fulham are not too fond of Man utd, nor are we fond of scum like you. Stop crying and go back to watching hoofball against Macclesfield. Some of you are SO bitter, aren't you? And some are very, very insignificant.

Sparkly boys at 21:21:57 Wednesday October 4 2000
Remind me again of all those loyal fans that went to wembly, and the last home gate,a slight difference i think!!

I was there at 20:58:55 Wednesday October 4 2000
The record attendance against Fulham was purely due to both of our relegation battles that season, and judging by the result many of us suggested a brown envelope was involved. It seems Fulham haven't changed since then.

the drilling cobbler at 20:58:29 Wednesday October 4 2000
couldnt help but notice, your last home game "attracted" just over 10000 - some 1500 or so less than a game against the mighty town some 4 years ago back in the the 3rd(jason white ring any bells?) It therefore appears that people are actually falling off your bandwagon despite the evil egyptions millions. At that rate the visit of man utd next season if you do go up should see you get around 9000 along with the predicament of which team to support. Best thing to do is go in neutral colours with a replica shirt for each team, wait and see who takes the lead and then quietly slip on the appropriate garment. Either that or just support whoevers top of the premiere and stay at home.

Sparkly boys at 20:38:25 Wednesday October 4 2000
This Fulham Cat bloke got the measure of you lot {He He} i think the green eyed monster has woken up again!!!

swiss cobbler at 20:34:24 Wednesday October 4 2000
Hello to Crick Cobbler. Where the hell are you?

The Fulham Cat at 20:32:29 Wednesday October 4 2000
What a nerve you have taking a pop at our attendences, for your information your own record attendance is only a paltry 24,523 and who was that against .... Yes the mighty FULHAM back in 1966 probably the same year your dad was born if you have one ... we have 9 good reasons to be so happy and on the bandwaggon and they make 27 points and a position at the top of div one ...your record of wins is sadly only 8 and that was back in 1960 ... bitter ? oh yes you are ...cobblers ? oh yes you are ..leave us to wallow in our glory you to*ser

Anon at 20:27:55 Wednesday October 4 2000
Sparkly boys - sad morons!

The Sparkly Boys at 20:24:32 Wednesday October 4 2000
We've got all your money, we've got all your money, la la la la, la la la la!!!!!

LA at 20:23:28 Wednesday October 4 2000
tvm LAF - certainly put :-) back!

My old mans a Cobbler. at 19:53:57 Wednesday October 4 2000
According to `The Insider' on the unofficial sites messageboard,Stevie Howard is on his way to Palace by the end of the week for Ł750K.How much does that make Jamie Forrester worth?If this is true,will Kevin Wilson go and pay for Daryl Clare,or maybe wait till the end of the season and pick him up on a Bosman and invest in another striker now?Insider has come up trumps with his predictions before now.

the drilling cobbler at 19:52:26 Wednesday October 4 2000
very good fulham cat. but your time would shorely be better spent fantasing over mohammad al fayeds passport - if you can find it!

My old mans a Cobbler. at 19:38:7 Wednesday October 4 2000
Fulham cat,please stop ranting man,and act your age.

The Fulham Cat at 19:20:15 Wednesday October 4 2000
...A Cobbler feeling the need to post the same kind of drivel - twice. How does this person's mind work? Here's a clue to today's chain of events: 0800 "Mummy, my tummy hurts. I don't think I can go to school today and my daddy kept me awake all night with his grunting and moaning" (heh, heh I'll spend the day abusing Fulham fans on the web) 0801 (Smugly) "I know, I'll post a message on a Fulham board. I am so riled that they beat us a month ago that now is the time to strike, that'll get them. I'll overlook the fact that a successful team is bound to attract more supporters and just concentrate on those glory days of the mid eighties" 0802 A Cobbler settles down at his computer, cooking up ideas 0803 His ideas have been exhausted, due to lack of mental agility. He does have one angle to persue though, which eventually comes as Bodger and Badger closing credits roll... 1600 "I'll type in lots of abuse, right here goes." Fulham? You're just a bunch of wankers! All of a sudden you think you're so f---ing great just because you've got a few quid blah, blah, drone, drone, whine, etc (Question from The Cat - why does he spell the whole word wankers but can't bring himself to typing the whole word f---ing? Mondo Bizarro) "Ha Ha, I am so very funny. But must get cracking as Chucklevision's about to start" 1630 (The absent minded A Cobbler enjoys his afternoon of CBBC programming so much that he does not realise that he has already posted an abusive message of the TFI site). Nonetheless he decides that it's time to post an abusive message on a Fulham board "I'll type in lots of abuse, right here goes." Fulham? You're just a bunch of wankers! All of a sudden you think you're so f---ing great just because you've got a few quid blah, blah, drone, drone, whine, etc 1631 (A Cobbler Sr, enters the house) "Hello son, I'm home. Time for bed, I've had a dog of a day and I need to let out my frustrations on you" (next day) 0800 "Mummy, my tummy hurts. I don't think I can go to school today etc, etc Expect more sophisticated rantings tomorrow afternoon...

DavCobbler at 19:7:6 Wednesday October 4 2000
Totally agree Bert. Mind you, they are possibly grieving at the loss of Luca Vialli from their first team ?

britgal at 19:1:51 Wednesday October 4 2000
that's awful!

Sick at 18:57:23 Wednesday October 4 2000
The English cricket board have announced their sadness towards the recent death of Paula Yates, as in a shock move they were to appoint her as new team coach. Outgoing former coach David Lloyd said: "Her experience of f***ing Australians and then bringing home the ashes would have been invaluable.

FFC at 18:56:48 Wednesday October 4 2000
Just the response I’d expect from you lot, how’s that nice BIG ground of yours, have you still got those clever ground staff working there? Watch out now those sparkly boys are right behind you!!!

Bert at 18:43:15 Wednesday October 4 2000
What's the problem Fulham? The spelling, grammar and punctuation seem correct. It's only the last line added by you that lets it down. Other than that, I can't see much wrong.

Fulham at 18:35:12 Wednesday October 4 2000
Found this on our site!! Fulham? You're just a bunch of wankers! All of a sudden you think you're so f---ing great just because you've got a few quid. I remember watching Fulham v Cobblers only a few years ago when you were languishing at the foot of Div 3. The crowd was about 3,500, and about 1000 of those were Cobblers fans. You're a bunch of bandwagon jumping, glory supporters. Either that, or you just can't afford to watch Chelsea any more. Craven Cottage is a shithole, and you have the nerve to say Sixfields is crap! At least at Sixfields you don't have to piss in a portakabin. A Cobbler Cant you keep control of your brats up there?

Pedant2 at 17:21:9 Wednesday October 4 2000
Oh dear - 'Followd' too. Still you do have to read it. Well done.

Elijah at 17:18:31 Wednesday October 4 2000
Underpeformance - you're right. Still he got it right the second time and it proves you did read it. Well done.

Elijah at 17:17:7 Wednesday October 4 2000
Underpeformance - you're right. Still he got it right the second time.

Pedant at 16:16:6 Wednesday October 4 2000
Actually there was a spelling mistake. "underpeformance". Anyway gents it's time I stopped visiting your site and got on with my "Flynn Out" campaign. Good luck for the rest of the season (except on March 2nd). London Red

Elijah at 15:30:37 Wednesday October 4 2000
I read Richard too and, what's more, couldn't find a single spelling mistake. Top man.

x at 15:25:58 Wednesday October 4 2000
x

Anon at 14:6:14 Wednesday October 4 2000
Collymore is being linked with a return to C Palace. I hope Howard stays but of the 2 I know who I would prefer anyday.

Mystic Meg at 13:58:59 Wednesday October 4 2000
WOT?????? Howard is REALLY training with Palace?? Can this really mean what we think it means Ray??

Ray at 13:13:36 Wednesday October 4 2000
Yes it is.

Anon at 12:42:55 Wednesday October 4 2000
No.

Anon at 12:40:27 Wednesday October 4 2000
On the Teamtalk site it says Steve Howard has been training with Palace. Can this be true?

marco at 11:13:40 Wednesday October 4 2000
I did too, top stuff richard

My old mans a Cobbler at 10:52:5 Wednesday October 4 2000
I didn't,I'm saving it for later,Mmmmmm yummy.

mohammed at 10:47:57 Wednesday October 4 2000
me too

God at 10:15:26 Wednesday October 4 2000
Well I did.

Jesus at 9:48:3 Wednesday October 4 2000
Christ Richard, no one is going to read all of that. What a waste of time.

London Red at 9:5:38 Wednesday October 4 2000
Richard Are you sure you're not Stuart Hall ?

Lawrence at 7:42:26 Wednesday October 4 2000
To bring in Dryden, I think the club will need to sell someone - but who?? Any suggestions?? I cannot think of anyone we can sell at this moment in time. I think we have one of the best defences in the league. Midfield - maybe?? Upfront definately a no go!

RICHARD at 7:10:17 Wednesday October 4 2000
IK'CIWT: "Late Lob Wrecks'em". Call me a pessimist if you like but, with about 5 minutes of the game remaining, my mind wandered back to the start of last season. The Atkins era came to an inglorious end on the back of three straight defeats, taking our season's tally to PL10 W4 D1 L5. Before the match we were standing at PL8 W4 D1 L3. With a second consecutive loss looming ever closer I paled at the prospect of the upcoming road trip to unbeaten Rovers! Fortunately, thanks to a flash of Forrester finesse, we wrested a wrongful result from Wrexham with scarcely three minutes to play. When the Robins' first effort found the net within three minutes of the start, it was a case of 'deja vue' from the JJB last week. We've conceded the first goal before and come back strongly, so all was not yet lost. However, when their second went in under debatable circumstances, my resolve was definitely weakening. If you'd asked many a fan (of the Claret & White hue at least) with just 18 minutes on the clock, whether they'd accept a point at that stage, the answer would probably have been unanimous. The Valley Vagrants did a passable imitation of a decent footie team for the majority of the match. Notwithstanding their early two goal assault, the game was evenly contested and perhaps a draw is a fair result. To come from two down against any side is worthy of praise, but some may disagree. These naysayers may assert that anything short of outright victory was unacceptable, arguing that, sure, such infamous incursions perpetrated by the ubiquitous Romans, the rampaging hordes of Angles and Saxons, voracious Vikings of the plundering, raping and pillaging persuasion, even the pseudo-sophisticates of Normandy circa 1066, were indeed bad news at the time. But, heh, losing to the Celtic Principality must surely be right up there alongside those other invasive ignominies? I beg to differ. Not a single "Jones" or "Evans" among them; not a "Dai" or a "Ieuan" to be seen on the team sheet. And, moreover, did we not ourselves until recently field a Sooooper, Super Sean of that same Parrish (sic)? And do we not also now bask in the reflected glory of his stunning start with the table-topping Spireites? It's not where they come from, it's who they play for that counts! It may not have gone unnoticed that, to this point, I have failed to make mention of a certain Uriah Rennie. There's a reason for that. Whilst wracking my grey matter to contrive a pithy strap line for this literary laxative, the much-maligned whistle merchant kept crowding my thoughts: "Heap of trouble", "Uriah the pariah", "Rennie settles outcome", "Home upset too much to stomach" and so on........ Well, as many at Sixfields will have witnessed, the man in the middle did play a crucial part in the eventual outcome. But I, for one, must confess to a certain amount of affection for the poor chap! I was not, it has to be said, present at the fateful encounter in which he seems, for many a die hard Cobbler supporter, severely to have blotted his copy book some time in the recent past; indeed, the ink flowed so thick and fast on his yellow card on Saturday, it can barely have dried, no matter how many times he tried to wave it. But, despite all this I feel the chap has received some unjustified bad press, a rawer than raw deal from his invisible detractors. He rose to prominence in a blaze of glory - the reasons for which I would not wish to debate in these pages - and just as swiftly has he been shot down in flames! I've seen some stinkers in my time and had the nerve to criticise them from the anonimity of the crowd and in print thereafter. Yes, he's a little card happy on occasions; Sure, he has an agent (maybe a stint in pantomime as the fairy godmother will raise his street cred'). But, Mr Rennie, IMHO U-ri-ah A1 OK MIB! The sinister term 'bogey team' has been attributed to Wrexham; possibly a euphemism to mask consistent underpeformance or, perhaps, an indication of a perversion of random fortune. Let's view the lies, damned lies and statistical evidence. Until '60/'61, our first ever league promotion season (old 4th to 3rd), we had never clapped eyes on the Reds; we won 3-0 at home and drew 2-2 away. They followd us into the old Third Division for season '62/3, in which we finished champions, trashing them 8-0 at home and 4-1 in the return fixture. So, not much of a bogey side thus far. Our paths crossed again briefly, in seasons '69/'70 (old 4th) and '76/7 (old 3rd). Cobblers lost all 4 games! We locked horns frequently in the mid-'80s ( 4 consecutive seasons) and early '90s (3 consecutive seasons) whilst consigned to the lower reaches (old 4th) of the Football League. Our record in these two periods - W6 D4 L4 - hardly smacks of underperformance. Latterly, during the highs and lows of the two seasons when we dallied with delusions of grandeur in (new) Division 2 ('97/8 & '98/9 ), we again achieved stunning mediocrity by losing all 4 games! Therein, it would seem, lies the cause for this recent 'bogey' tag. Perceptions can be dulled by continuous abuse at the hands of a tormentor; past glories are consigned to oblivion as emotional distress overtakes the senses. Including the last encounter of '92/3, another home defeat, we had actually lost 5 on the trot! Not only had we been unable to secure a single point from the Taff Terrors for the better part of three seasons, but also, and perhaps even more pertinently, Saturday's score draw was the first time a Wales glovesman had been obliged to pick the ball out of his own net! Let's hope that this 'bogey' has finally been laid to rest and that any points off the Cobblers will be a rarebit of Welsh joy in the future.

9224 at 3:6:11 Wednesday October 4 2000
Firstly, Hodgie had an AMAZING game Vs Wrexham and was unlucky to vbe subbed (but did appear to be 'blowing out of his arse' by 60 mins") and I reckon Kev Wils would be reluctant to sell Stevie Howard. Willo has said recently that he recommended SH in the first place. Just for the record, if Hodgie's run had resulted in a goal on Sturday (you know the one - picked it up twenty yards from our goal - carved the defence to shreds only to be fouled in pen. box) it would have been the best goal in the history of the world ever. - pooh to Rivelino or Maradona - hooray for the Hodge!

My old mans a Cobbler at 0:30:34 Wednesday October 4 2000
Watched the goals from Saturday this evening,Howard headed his goal well showing a lot of composure.Forresters goal was exciting,he made time to look up twice to see where the goalie was positioned before lobbing him,he made a very classy goal look very simple.

tinker at 23:44:0 Tuesday October 3 2000
Who's Dave Linnel ? What does he do ? Any answers ?

Anon at 23:33:23 Tuesday October 3 2000
that is

MartinW at 23:6:59 Tuesday October 3 2000
What's sarcasm?

Hi Vince at 22:56:2 Tuesday October 3 2000
EBay Cobblers Cards is where all the action is!

Anon at 22:46:37 Tuesday October 3 2000
Martin Martin Martin (in ever decreasing tone), have you just discovered sarcasm?

Vince at 22:44:13 Tuesday October 3 2000
....and as anon mentioned non-league you'll al be delighted to hear that R&D's lost at Leigh RMI tonight.

MartinW at 22:36:42 Tuesday October 3 2000
What's patronising about a compliment

Anon at 22:15:27 Tuesday October 3 2000
patronising as usual, MartinW

MartinW at 22:14:3 Tuesday October 3 2000
Finely considered argument as usual, Anon

Anon at 21:56:19 Tuesday October 3 2000
Steve Howard is a lazy shit who should piss off to non league

Cobbler MIA at 20:51:17 Tuesday October 3 2000
Glenville Donegal - anyone know if he got to the top ?

Andy at 20:40:32 Tuesday October 3 2000
Suerly Kev Wilson's comments are manager speak for 'if the money's right we'll have to sell him'. And he cant say anything else really. Also a bit of nitpicking to cobbnews, if a team scores to go 2-1 behind it's hardly a consolation goal.

From the Official site at 20:13:41 Tuesday October 3 2000
Northampton Town midfielder Roy Hunter has received a boost after exploratory surgery on his injured knee revealed that he is not as badly injured as first thought and he should be back playing again in December. Hunter, who broke down on his first appearance of the season in the reserves at Crystal Palace last week, will be boosted by the news that has also lifted Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson. Wilson said, "This a great boost for both Roy and the club. Roy has suffered with injuries over the last couple of years and it was heartbreaking to see him come off after 2 minutes at Palace, but indications from the surgery on Tuesday show that the knee problems should now be behind him and I hope he will be back in contention by the start of December. A minor repair was carried out to his cartilage but the rest of the knee including the ligaments are fine and there is absolutely no reason why this shouldn't be the end of his problems. Hopefully he can now kick on with his rehabilitation and we hope he will be back in action in December."

Parker at 20:11:26 Tuesday October 3 2000
Call International Rescue!

MartinW at 20:8:2 Tuesday October 3 2000
Cool band, DCOB, great album.

DCOB at 20:2:38 Tuesday October 3 2000
Bring on the midfield general.

Alan Smith at 19:48:51 Tuesday October 3 2000
We at Crystal Palace want your striker Steve Howard and we are going to put in a Ł1.5 million bid in for him and we will get him by your next home game. Read the papers, watch the television

britgal! at 19:24:45 Tuesday October 3 2000
there's not going to be any retaliation at the wigan home game or anything stupid is there? cos i've just talked my teacher into arranging a school trip to that match! Also, today it was my school's first eva girls football team's match! We had had one practice and our opposition not only have been playing 2 years, but were older than most of my team. I thought we'd lose 8-0 or something but we only lost 1-0! How good r we?! :)

MartinW at 19:22:23 Tuesday October 3 2000
It would be very sad to Steve Howard go but I don't think the fact Kevin Wilson is commenting on Crystal Palace's supposed interest necessarily means anything. He says Palace haven never made an approach, and Crystal Palace have been linked to loads of strikers because Neil Ruddock is their top scorer with TWO goals. Crystal Palace are still hoping to buy Southampton striker James Beattie despite having a Ł3 million offer turned down, they have been linked with a move for transfer listed Stan Collymore who worked with Palace boss Alan Smith when he was a youngster and they have just given a trial to Thailand international striker Zico. What do people think Steve Howard is worth now. I know last season we were talking Ł120,000 but his worth has probably more than trebled now, as he is scoring goals in the Second. Personally, I'd take nothing less than Ł500,000 for him, because he is crucial to the way we are playing at the moment. If we have to play with Gabby and Forrester up front then we would need to strengthen midfield and get ball playing midfielders who can link play and support the front two in attack. Because we can't play long ball to these two, as we have seen. Also, there is nothing to say that Howard would go even if Palace made an approach. After all look at Palace's position in the first. Also, Howard is known to have set down roots in Northampton and seems to be very happy to stay.

Anon at 19:21:44 Tuesday October 3 2000
It would be very sad to Steve Howard go but I don't think the fact Kevin Wilson is commenting on Crystal Palace's supposed interest necessarily means anything. He says Palace haven never made an approach, and Crystal Palace have been linked to loads of strikers because Neil Ruddock is their top scorer with TWO goals. Crystal Palace are still hoping to buy Southampton striker James Beattie despite having a Ł3 million offer turned down, they have been linked with a move for transfer listed Stan Collymore who worked with Palace boss Alan Smith when he was a youngster and they have just given a trial to Thailand international striker Zico. What do people think Steve Howard is worth now. I know last season we were talking Ł120,000 but his worth has probably more than trebled now, as he is scoring goals in the Second. Personally, I'd take nothing less than Ł500,000 for him, because he is crucial to the way we are playing at the moment. If we have to play with Gabby and Forrester up front then we would need to strengthen midfield and get ball playing midfielders who can link play and support the front two in attack. Because we can't play long ball to these two, as we have seen. Also, there is nothing to say that Howard would go even if Palace made an approach. After all look at Palace's position in the first. Also, Howard is known to have set down roots in Northampton and seems to be very happy to stay.

Mindless Scrotum at 18:46:28 Tuesday October 3 2000
This isn`t my real name but simply an analagy of the way I have been described by some on the site. :-))

X at 18:45:50 Tuesday October 3 2000
X

Ray at 18:43:52 Tuesday October 3 2000
"Rangers secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Ross Weare on 35 minutes, Bertie Brayley on 56 and Karl Connolly on 74. The Cobblers consolation goal was scored by Ryan Thompson on 66 minutes." - from CobbNews.

Northampton Gas at 18:30:17 Tuesday October 3 2000
The reserves lost 3-1 to QPR. The start of the match was delayed by 90 mins due to the M1 problems. Sorry, I cannot tell you who scored or played for the Cobblers as no team sheet available. Kevin Wilson played and commented "I didn't think we were playing Bristol Rovers until next week". Ian Dowie and Lidek Miklosko played for QPR. It was a freezing cold afternoon and about 100 people turned up, I was perhaps the only one paying. The match was nothing gto write home about, honest endevour by several Cobblers players but nothing to grab you by the b**s.

Are you really sure? at 18:13:48 Tuesday October 3 2000
You misunderstand the post. My point is (I think) the same as yours, namely that while we all stick up for the cobblers and for cobblers fans, it is not in any circumstances and it would not extend to helping give someone an unfair hiding. The question was whether, should he see the mindless scrotum (his phrase not mine)giving an unfair hiding to someone, would he condemn it or not.

PCOB at 17:57:37 Tuesday October 3 2000
Don't get me wrong, I like Dryden, I think he's done brilliantly and I think we were really lucky to get him when we did. But money is scarce. Hope was playing really well prior to injury and should be back soon. And with Frain back soon, Spedding - who knows - but hopefully not too long, Hughes doing well and Hargreaves able to cover if really necessary, if this the position to cover with a purchase. I was under the impression that Gabbiadini and Forrester were sanctioned on the understanding that someone would be sold, so there's very little to spend. If there's anything, would it not be better to spend it in midfield?

Daveo at 17:52:57 Tuesday October 3 2000
How much is Steve Howard worth then?

The Insider at 17:50:40 Tuesday October 3 2000
Never satisfied you lot. Dryden played out of his skin at Luton and Millwall and was forced to play out of position at left back against Wrexham and was clearly struggling with the previous week's injury. Gabbiadini came on and laid on the second goal. We're missing half a defence, a complete left side and Forrester only just back after missing a couple.

Cobblers CommentsOctober 2000

Cobblers Comments
October 2000