Cobblers Comments
September 1998
Anon at 23:11:59 Wednesday September 30 98
T, visit him the week before or the week after, or the fury you will feel when you miss the win over Spurs will put a serious dent in your relationship.
RICHARD at 22:23:42 Wednesday September 30 98
Sid: Just visited. Like the colours and the range of info. Good luck with the "hot news brought swiftly to your door" pledge. Although the site is new, I was congratulated on being visitor no. 26,733,011. That's quite a hit rate for such an embryonic enterprise!!!!!
Sid at 21:44:46 Wednesday September 30 98
Hi, I have a website that is dedicated to the Cobblers at -http://members.xoom.com/cobblers It in the very early stages of development at the moment but i have a few pages finished. Take a look and mail me with your comments!! Thanks!!
Barry Fry at 20:35:9 Wednesday September 30 98
Did you hear about the Dyslexic Posh fan? He got excited watching Jimmy Quinn having a shot.
MonkeyMagic at 19:26:56 Wednesday September 30 98
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE DYSLEXIC CLUBBER? HE TOOK AN F.
MonkeyMagic at 19:26:6 Wednesday September 30 98
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE DYSLEXIC DRUGGIE? HE OVERDOSED ON A HERON.
MonkeyMagic at 19:25:9 Wednesday September 30 98
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE DYSLEXIC PIMP, HE BOUGHT A WAREHOUSE.
T. at 17:7:17 Wednesday September 30 98
Ralph, there is only one coach a day from Northampton to York at 11.20 in the morning, arriving at about 5 o'clock!
Barry Norman at 16:22:21 Wednesday September 30 98
Are you 'The' Paul Schofield?
Paul Schofield at 15:54:30 Wednesday September 30 98
SBJ - Man City were second.
SBJ at 14:35:51 Wednesday September 30 98
. . . and another thing: did anyone see who's supposed to finish in second and third places on the Cobblers' predicted final league table (as seen on Football Focus last Saturday on the 'positive thinking' slot)? I imagine that such knowledge could be put to good use in the hands of a gambling man . . .
Wilf at 12:51:16 Wednesday September 30 98
Is there anybody out there? . . . . . Is there anybody out there? . . . . .
SBJ at 9:31:14 Wednesday September 30 98
Re. the 15 quid Spurs tickets (which I think are priced fairly considering the potential quality / importance of the game): like pca, I live in London (all Londoners are reduced to our initials instead of names nowadays) where the streets are paved with gold. But I can't afford a pneumatic drill, nor can I afford a return ticket to Northampton, fares to Sixfields, Cobblers ticket (even assuming I could get one without a season ticket / ticket vouchers / personal visit) and any tat that I might be tempted to buy at the match. I don't feel this makes me a non-dedicated fan, as someone suggested a few messages back. Rather it means that I'll have to show my support for the Cobblers either from the Sky pub near my flat, or in front of the Teletext. Either way, I hope
we go through and get drawn against Fulham in the 4th round: shanks' pony to get to Craven Cottage, and a tenner or so to get in - my sort of prices.
Ralph at 8:36:34 Wednesday September 30 98
Hi T - Do you know I have spent my whole life trying not to be sensible but as I get older I find it just creeps up on you. I still have my moments though. How much is the coach fare from York? That may be cheaper.
Ralph at 8:32:25 Wednesday September 30 98
RICHARD - No problem with 'Chicago Cobbler' comment it was something else by some one else. RAY - I think you are right to delete the whole offensive comment otherwise twonks will get a perverse pleasure in seeing their name and 'comment cut'. Censor them and ignore them and they will hopefully go away to grow up.
T. at 6:58:27 Wednesday September 30 98
Ray, yes I have posted to the E-mail group. James, the York Cobbler will be back at uni then and so won't be travelling to the match from York. Is he the Yorkie (sorry) you were thinking of?
Ray at 0:11:6 Wednesday September 30 98
The reason why I havent mentioned the bits I deleted - or who posted them -is because I didnt want them to receive any more publicity than they deserve - I thought the simplest way was just to cut the lot....however, this will now be replaced by the simple explanation of "CUT"......with no names saved...OK?
Ray at 23:58:44 Tuesday September 29 98
T... have you posted to the email group? I know one York Cobbler coming down as hes already mentioned it.
Pompey Cobbler at 23:30:20 Tuesday September 29 98
As we are on a 'tight-arse'/jokes theme...... Cobblers fan is sat at home with his wife on a Saturday afternoon. 'Put your coat on' he says 'I'm off down Sixfields' 'Oooo, lovely' she says 'I'm coming too?' 'No' he replies 'I'm turning the heating off'.
T. at 21:57:40 Tuesday September 29 98
Anyone around? I've got a season ticket so I've got a ticket for the Spurs match but I'm supposed to be visiting my boyfriend up in York that week and can't afford two return journeys and the cost of the ticket. So what do I do? Ralph, you're a sensible chap I'd value your opinion on this matter!
Jimmy Swaggart at 21:29:11 Tuesday September 29 98
JESUS SAVES, but Freestone scores on the re-bound.
RICHARD at 21:16:27 Tuesday September 29 98
Very Anon: Super-glue your butt to the seat this instant. If you have to eat, drink, sleep and perform other bodily functions in the meantime, just unbolt the lavy from the floor, wear it under your usual attire and, if asked, say it's an embarrassing carbunckle, but your seeing the doctor to have it lanced after Saturday's victory at Wigan!
Very Anon at 20:43:16 Tuesday September 29 98
I've..ahem...stalled on telling you this anecdote but I think you'll like it. Not having a ticket for the Man City game on Saturday, I was reduced to 'watching' it on Sky. All fairly quiet for the first half-hour so off I nip for a quick toilet break. The SECOND my arse hits the seat I hear: "...and Dean Peer has put Northampton in front against Manchester City". I wasn't in there for the second half and the visitors scored twice. Okay Carlo scuffed one in but not a blinding 20-yarder. My dilemma - do you, the claret and white public, believe I should remain locked in the lucky lav on matchdays from now on?? I'll be looking out for your votes.
Chicago Cobbler at 19:27:55 Tuesday September 29 98
PCA raises a valid point. Does watching the game on the Jumbotron TV while in the stadium give you the best of both worlds? Got to admit the replays are great...
pca at 19:19:34 Tuesday September 29 98
Yeah, but they've got those big screens at WHL now, which might help settle the argument of the other day about whether you can analyse a game better by seeing it live or on TV.
Chicago Cobbler at 19:18:48 Tuesday September 29 98
Richard, thanks for the defense. Hopefully the problem didn't exist because Heggs should have ignored Jesus, and taken the shot himself!!
RICHARD at 18:55:0 Tuesday September 29 98
And another thing! I'm all for filling the coffers, but have we become so mercenary in our drive for higher division status and fame that what we have forgotten about the glory of a fabulous cup run? To hell with the increased gate revenue of White Hart Lane, despite the extra cost ( though I doubt I'll get the tickets I need )I'm for the game @6fields, and a stunning demolition of the Spurs. Then on to the real Premiership teams!!!!!!
RICHARD at 18:47:32 Tuesday September 29 98
Ray: A point of order, Chair! When gardening, could we have reference to the offending weed (pen name, subject matter, etc.), so there are no misunderstandings re contribution/s immediately prior to it, which may by mistake, come in for minute scrutiny to determine the filth, racism or just plain poor joke, once it has been plucked. I keep missing them! eg. Ralph's 17.17.21 appears to refer to Chicago Cobbler's 16.8.26, which hardly constitutes supreme blasphemy!
pca at 18:41:17 Tuesday September 29 98
It says on the official web site news that they are sure we would prefer ticket prices to be raised for the Spurs game rather than them switching the tie. I can see their logic (i.e. no chance of replay so get as much as you can in one go). But I work in London, which makes a season ticket impractical - I couldn't make it worthwhile as I can't get to all games) this just means that I have to miss all the big games - West Ham, Spurs, Man City - because i have sod all chance of getting a ticket. No I'd much prefer my chances of getting one of the 35,000 tickets for White Hart Lane, where they could have made lots more cash overall. Agreed, we have more chance of winning at ex-Fortress Sixfields - but maybe the overall cash from winning this and getting through
to play, say, Bradford in round four would be less than a big payday in North London? All I will accept as a consolation is for them to make sure we win and get Arsenal (away) in the next round.
pca at 18:37:7 Tuesday September 29 98
It says on the official web site news that they are sure we would prefer ticket prices to be raised for the Spurs game rather than them switching the tie. I can see their logic (i.e. no chance of replay so get as much as you can in one go). But I work in London, which makes a season ticket impractical - I couldn't make it worthwhile as I can't get to all games) this just means that I have to miss all the big games - West Ham, Spurs, Man City - because i have sod all chance of getting a ticket. No I'd much prefer my chances of getting one of the 35,000 tickets for White Hart Lane, where they could have made lots more cash overall. Agreed, we have more chance of winning at ex-Fortress Sixfields - but maybe the overall cash from winning this and getting through
to play, say, Bradford in round four would be less than a big payday in North London? All I will accept as a consolation is for them to make sure we win and get Arsenal (away) in the next round.
Ray at 18:11:18 Tuesday September 29 98
.....and there is also now a link to the official site.
Ray at 18:4:50 Tuesday September 29 98
OK - I've put the slug pellets down.
Ralph at 17:38:2 Tuesday September 29 98
Hartwell Cobbler - Thanks for the ticket info Dave, I'm just off with my guitar and tambourine to try and busk the ticket money. Evrybody knows down Ladbroke Grove . . . . . .
Ralph at 17:17:21 Tuesday September 29 98
Ray - get the gardening tools out!
Chicago Cobbler at 16:8:26 Tuesday September 29 98
Lessee, football as a religion? Hard to know where to start, with the possible exception that Jesus would undoubtedly been a Cobbler... Heggs to the holy ghost, the omnipotent great one chips to Freestone, who centers,
Son of God with a header!! GOAL!!! I can hear the comments in the crowd now... Jesus!! what a great goal! All that and not a hint of blasphemy.
Ralph at 15:9:6 Tuesday September 29 98
I'm here. And I'm not deaf, so don't shout.
Dan at 14:57:4 Tuesday September 29 98
Yeah but ralph it's The SPURS
((><)) at 14:56:19 Tuesday September 29 98
South park here,hows life in the world of cobblers
Ralph at 14:53:29 Tuesday September 29 98
Yeah, but eighteen quid!!!!!!
Steve at 14:46:49 Tuesday September 29 98
Kevin: Nobody cares if your tight arse self doesn't go to the spurs game, all dedicated cobblers fans will have thier seats booked. I'm sure your patronage won't be missed!
Steve at 14:44:2 Tuesday September 29 98
Sorry about the name cock up, excuse the pun.
Steve at 14:42:59 Tuesday September 29 98
Dave p, What are your thoughts on football as a religion? I just want to add that the 15 quid or what ever it is, is a perfectly acceptable cost to see a team of the quality of spurs, all those single minded prats that say
they are CRAP are just fooling there simple minded selves. Stupid Wan*ers.
Steve at 14:39:28 Tuesday September 29 98
Reading the comments on a racist joke has left me confused, whats the story lads? I'm still up for a discussion on football as a religion if anybodys interested? (A level follow ups)
dave b at 14:38:50 Tuesday September 29 98
any chance of a link to the official site on your links page, Ray?
Steve at 14:34:45 Tuesday September 29 98
Anybody there for a chat.
Kevin at 14:18:26 Tuesday
September 29 98
get lost if the club thinks i'm paying £15 quid to see a football match spurs are crap and i refuse to pay that sort of money.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:18:22 Tuesday September 29 98
Ralph and all season ticket holders - If you have access to a fax, that's the best way to reserve your seat for the Tottenham game. Give name, address, your booking number (which comes with your season tickets, seat no(s), together with your credit card details and a note as to whether you want to collect your ticket or have it mailed (an extra 50p per ticket, I think). Booking office fax no is 589138. Try phoning if you like but its difficult to get through at present. For non-season
ticket holders, I believe first options go to those with six match vouchers. Any remaining tickets will be on sale to the general public from 13 October. Prices have been raised for the game - my West stand upper tier tickets are £18 apiece.
SBJ at 13:56:9 Tuesday September 29 98
I had to follow the Man City match on Sky in a pub (they have a set-up a bit like the Grandstand videoprinter for those of you who don't know what you get for £18 a month from Sky). Damn shame we couldn't have kept all three points. Still, we aren't failing miserably (Wycombe, Southampton, Shrewsbury) and there's plenty of the season left for us to have a good run into the play-offs again. Enjoyed watching
West Ham vs. Southampton last night, thinking at every turn of skill from Sinclair, and every defensive stonewall from Ferdinand et al: 'we beat that lot' . . .
Anon at 13:51:35 Tuesday September 29 98
I may have missed it, but do we know the exact date of the Spurs match, or is it still just 'week beginnining 26 Oct?'
Ralph at 13:21:52 Tuesday September 29 98
Ray - I suppose, as a season ticket holder, I can only claim my seat(s)? Or can I take any non-season ticket holder seat? Any idea? Or shall I ring Pall Mall? . . . . So many questions . . . So little time!
Ralph at 13:19:28
Tuesday September 29 98
That's ninety quid it's going to cost me!!!!! What time does the Trust meeting start?
Ralph at 12:58:18 Tuesday September 29 98
Yeah, but eighteen quid!!!!!!
Ray at 11:24:51 Tuesday September 29 98
Yes I am aware of the cost but these are the most expensive. Full prices are given on the Official Site under "Latest News". I would also like to mention that there is an Open Meeting at the Club tomorrow (Wednesday) where I understand Barry Stonhill will be present.
Ralph at 11:17:2 Tuesday
September 29 98
Eighteen quid to see Spurs!!!!!!!
Ralph at 11:16:23 Tuesday September 29 98
Eighteen quid to see Spurs!!!!!
Ray at 8:55:43 Tuesday September 29 98
I have absolutely no objections to jokes. I'm sorry that the original one was deleted - I did this by accident being in a bit of a hurry. Please don't be discouraged from posting!
Ray at 8:54:8 Tuesday September 29 98
The reserves drew 1-1, scorer Heggsy.
Ralph
at 8:35:36 Tuesday September 29 98
We all know who the real 'Joker' is and that's Steve Miller, aka The gangster of Love, Space Cowboy, Maurice . . . . I think we done this one before!
Ralph at 8:23:57 Tuesday September 29 98
Anyone know how the reserves got on?
The Real Joker at 8:0:11 Tuesday September 29 98
I posted the amusing one, and am so horrified at what some pratt of an imposter did in posting the racist filth that I won't be doing any more. I guess there's a lesson there somewhere about posting items anonymously.
Ray
at 1:22:4 Tuesday September 29 98
Whoops - I appear to have deleted both..... soz...
Ray at 23:31:44 Monday September 28 98
well - the first one was ..... the racist one wasnt.
Not Joker at 22:46:40 Monday September 28 98
Actually, I thought Joker's joke was quite funny.
Jim at 22:35:47 Monday September 28 98
Pompey cobbler - sorry for jumping to the wrong conclusion earlier. I just saw your reference to Bernard manning and assumed you were having
a go at me for 'invading your space'. Blame it on the lack of sleep I got over the weekend!
Ray at 21:19:49 Monday September 28 98
Anything I find offensive will be deleted as soon as I am able. Please see the Official pages at http://www.ntfc.co.uk for the admirable policy regarding Racism. I fully endorse it but would hope it would go even further. If I find out the "Jokers" real identity then I can take further steps. This is not the sort of thing we want to see!
Ralph at 20:53:38 Monday September 28 98
Oh well I didn't get to see the stiffies tonight, that's work for you! Does
anyone know how they got on and who was playing. Thanks.
Ralph at 20:52:35 Monday September 28 98
I could put up with grumble...grumble...grumble, it's all the other tosh that he continually spouts.
Pompey Cobbler at 20:37:33 Monday September 28 98
Steve - thanks for that. Jim I wasn't having a go at you at all (I hope you are still reading this) but the idiot who called himself 'the joker'. In fact apart from the general offensiveness of the 'joke' it is with decent fans from other clubs ,like you, who look at the pages in mind that I find this particularly offensive. Thankfully Ray has deleted the remark from the guest
book (which I assume the confusion comes from Jim). I don't like the thought of other clubs seeing this sort of thing and regarding us racists because of one half-wit, particularly after the debates that appeared in the guest book last month.
ladbrokes at 19:3:18 Monday September 28 98
Hmm. let's see, George graham team v Ian Atkins team. Worthington Cup correct score prices: 0-0 1/8; 1-0 6/4; 0-1 6/4; Any other score 100/1
Grumpy of R133 at 18:49:47 Monday September 28 98
Grumble....grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...grumble...
Adrian at 18:28:34 Monday September 28 98
Wembley again and the Spurs are going down!!
Ralph at 17:21:41 Monday September 28 98
Don't forget the stiffs are playing Wimbledon tonight, not West Ham. See you all there? I wonder if grumpy of R133 will be going?
Ralph at 17:20:25 Monday September 28 98
Spurs couldn't afford them!
Ray at 17:0:43 Monday
September 28 98
Of course he could have bought Sampson. Hill and Warburton - then we'll have a real problem.
Steve at 15:59:47 Monday September 28 98
Hello Dan (if you're still there). Today's Chron. confirms that Atkins will be looking for loan player this week, and that both Peer and Parrish played on heroically on Saturday after receiving injuries that would have sent less hardy souls scurrying for the bench. No news on the state of Warbuton's injury. The date for the Spurs match will (probably) be October 27th. That's a shame - George Graham will probably have shored up their dodgy defence by then.
Perhaps he'll have bought Ruddock, Pearce and Lazaridis, in which case - no worries.
Dan at 15:15:10 Monday September 28 98
Anybody there to chat with.
Dan at 15:14:59 Monday September 28 98
Anybody there to chat with
Chicago Cobbler at 15:13:42 Monday September 28 98
Thanks all for the mammoth game notes. Not only do I feel like I was there, but I also feel like I have an opinion about play!! Anyway, my beloved Bears showed once again that if we only play one half of football, we are destined to lose, this time falling to the Vikings 28-31
after leading 21-10 at the half. Other notes: the Steelers looked great for the first time this season and won handily. To Irons forever, as noted earlier teams are split into two conferences and then subdivided again into 3 divisions (east, central, west). Each season a committee schedules the games allowing you to play a home and away with each in your division. The remaining games are schedule with teams from another division based on prior year finish. This should lead to some parity, however if you are in a weak division and finish poorly, and matched against a strong division, you will still have a difficult schedule, as evidenced by the Chicago Bears having one of the worst clubs from last season, playing one of the toughest tables this season. Fire play
on Thursday in the league playoff Semi-Finals v. Colorado. Wish us luck! Follow the action at www.barnburners.com or www.chicago-fire.com
Dan at 15:13:2 Monday September 28 98
Anybody there to chat with
Ray at 15:6:2 Monday September 28 98
Ok folks - Ive done a bit of gardening and killed off the slugs.
Steve at 14:41:58 Monday September 28 98
Jim - it's O.K. The Pompey Cobbler wasn't getting at you, but at some sad juvenile who posted
a racist 'joke'. Keep in touch.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:30:28 Monday September 28 98
Ralph - well spotted ! I've only just seen my mistake. Eddie - please read that as yards (If it was years, as I said, you'd need to start walking before your life began!). I must watch my keyboard skilllllls. Mia Culpa.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:27:14 Monday September 28 98
Steve - you are right. You don't have to be at a match to comment on it. If that were the case there would be no TV critics (horray, some would say!). We should not forget that mny fans can't make games for various reasons. But, if they happen to be on tv, we should not
deny them the right to comment from that perspective. And after all, as pointed out by someone earlier, you often see more on tv than at the ground - and have the benefits of action replays. I was unable to say if either of Wright's goals were offside from the stadium - it was only tv replays which made and proved the point. So I agree, Steve - everyone had the right of expression. So long as they are within the bounds of decency. It's all part of thr rich pageant of life! BTW - does anyone know anything about Ray Warburton's injury or what the prices of tickets will be for the Tottenham game ?
Ralph at 14:9:44 Monday September 28 98
Ray where are you? Time for a quick bit of censorship!
Jim Doran at 14:4:10 Monday September 28 98
I'm assuming Ponpey Cobbler is referring to me when he mentions the joker. For his information, as I said I have family living in Northampton. My aunt regularly sends me over the Cobblers shirts, which I wear proudly through Belfast. Saturday was my first City game in 8 or 9 years - when I saw when the fixture list in August and saw when they were playing in Northampton, I phoned my aunt and told her I wanted to go over to see the game. If Pompey Cobbler is 'your average Northampton fan' - I certainly hope he's not - then God help you!
Pompey Cobbler
at 13:40:54 Monday September 28 98
My God ! Bernard Manning has been let loose on these pages . All bitter 'cos his team couldn't beat us on Saturday. I don't want to sound all Ben Elton - but Ray is there anything you can do to keep morons like 'the joker' away ???
Ralph at 13:22:25 Monday September 28 98
What a nice man that Jim Doran is.
Steve at 12:55:36 Monday September 28 98
Someone called Fan posted a comment last night timed at 22:31:13. I'm not quite sure what his point was. He is certainly (quite rightly) praising the contributions
from the Hartwell Cobbler and Richard. I think, however, he was knocking me, but I'm not quite sure why. Some reference to watching the game on tele not qualifying soemone to comment on a match? I am quite happy for someone to disagree wth my views. I sometimes talk as much rubbish as anyone. But I was there on Saturday. Is he suggesting I wasn't? Even if I hadn't been there, but had watched it in the tele, I would reserve the right to comment. Yes - certainly, someone who's actually been there can offer a unique insight to the match that armchair watchers can't experience, but the reverse is also true. Anyway, I'm not quite sure what Fan was saying. Perhaps he'd like to make his point again.
Jim Doran at 12:46:32 Monday September 28 98
I'm just back from my first Northampton game, though admittedly I was there to see City. I have to say that I am very impressed with Sixfields - clubs over here in Northern Ireland could learn a lot from visiting there, to see what a football stadium SHOULD look like! I read some of the comments here, and have to say something on the subject of luck. Hartwell Cobbler is right when he goes on about luck balancing itself out. Dean Peer's goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Nicky Weaver, while there was more than a little bit of luck surrounding Shaun Goater's equaliser. Man of the Match, should have been Colin Hill, but then he's
a Northern Ireland international, so I would say that!!! I had a great weekend, in Northampton, also visiting family living there. Hopefully I'll get over again soon. Good luck against Spurs in the Worthington Cup, and good luck for the rest of this season.
Eddie at 12:40:52 Monday September 28 98
Hartwell Cobbler - Thanks for your help.
Ralph at 11:56:24 Monday September 28 98
Hartwell Cobbler - Dave, it may seem like 'a hundred years' from the Rover showrooms to Sixfields but I can assure you I've done it in a lot less!
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:28:16 Monday September
28 98
Eddie - nearly forgot. Turn right out the railway station main exit, cross the bridge, over the traffic lights at St James Mill Rd intersection; follow the main road, bearing left after the bus depot; past Franklins Gardens and up the hill to Weedon Road Ind Estate. You will see the Rover dealership on your right. 100 years further on you come to the Sixfields r/about. Turn left and you'll see Sixfields ahead of you. Enjoy the occasion - unfortunately I'll miss the Bristol Rovers game. So give them a shout for me !
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:23:41 Monday September 28 98
Steve - you are quite right about refs. Many of us fans are blinkered, short-sighted and of course biased!
What players, managers and fans never take into consideration when a referee's decision goes against them is the law of averages. During the season they will get some bad decisions, sure. But they will also get some which are equally wrong but which go their way. I heard comments on Saturday that "we never get any luck." This really is rubbish. You only have to look back to the two West Ham games to prove that's supersiitious nonsense. Two wrong offisde decisions against Wright probably saw us into the third round. When I pointed this out to a moaner on Saturday the response was "Yes, but I'm talking about the League." It was hardly worth pointing out to the fella that the law of averages doesn't arbitarily suspend itself on league match days! A couple
of final notes about Sat's game: the attendance was a Sixfields record (by a few!. I was amazed how quiet the Man City fans were, in general. I never even heard Blue Moon! W Ham fans were the same. I see in today's D Telegraph (yep - I'm another sad old git!) Joe Royle comments on the hostile atmosphere at Sixfields. And we think we're quiet at times..!
Eddie at 3:19:19 Monday September 28 98
Well I'm off tomorrow , bound for England . I will be seeing my first Cobblers match and that will be the Rovers game. Can someone please tell me how to get to Sixfields from the closest station . And also as I want to see as many games as possible can someone please tell me if there is a nationwide
game on this Friday night .
Fan at 22:31:13 Sunday September 27 98
I think the recent match reports prove my point. just read Richards War and Peace effort, Steve, and hartwell cobbler's. How much of that could they have got by watching the game on tele? I not saying there is anything special or fantastic about actually going to a game, but the reports are much more interesting.
Steve at 22:18:24 Sunday September 27 98
Richard, Ralph, the Pompey Cobbler & the Hartwell Cobbler, I endorse everything you say. My immedite post-match contribution to Cobblers
Comments probably was a bit negative, and I wouldn't want to mask the immense feelings of pride I have about the Atkins inspired Cobblers' performances of the last few years. They have and still do perform amazingly well compared to what was served up a few seasons back. True - Corrazzin cannot be comdemned for lack of effort. None of the Cobblers can. It is simply the lack of invention that sometimes frustrates me. But I suppose that's what you get on a shoestring. Now - as for all this stuff about negative chanting. I couldn't agree more, and this is going to make me sound like a real sad old git. I HATE negative chanting. I don't even like booing of the ref. I sit with my 4 kids in the East stand and cannot believe the degree of moronic ill-informed
hogwash we all have to put up with. One thing I don't understand is that when a Cobblers player is fouled, the crowd instantly start yelling at the referee to do something about it, even when he is already giving the free kick, then they yell at him to book the offending player, even as his hand is already reaching towards his pocket to brandish the yellow card. So, the referee does exactly what was expected of him, but no-one ever genuinely applauds what he's done. If ever they do applaud him, it's in a sardonic "about bloody time too" way. There really are many occasions in which referees have excellent games and carry out a series of good decisions in difficult circumstsnces. Yet, they never seem to get any credit. Could it be due to a combination of factors
- they strut rather than run. They appear officious with their whistle and their gestures. With their two assistants they have a comical Laurel & Hardy air about them. I suppose there is something that makes them look like bossy ineffective little Hitlers. Like Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator. Or perhaps a more appropriately, Captain Mainwaring from Dad's Army. To change tack - after all these injuries, I'm sure Atkins will raid the loan market, and I bet it'll be this week. I reckon he'll be after a quality midfielder from higher divisions, someone skilful, but perhaps nearing the end of his career - someone like Dozzell, who began his spell with us last season in fine style. The type of player we need is someone like Pollock of Man. City, who only
last season was a Premiership midfielder with Bolton. He showed with Man City a great passion and no little skill. I have no doubt that our climb up the table is only just around the corner. That's enough rambling for now.
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:4:51 Sunday September 27 98
Richard - I,m a season ticket holder in the West stand (upper tier) and we, too, seem to have a similar "joker" whose knowledge of the game brings a whole new meaning to the word infantile. This fellow, unlike the one you described, spent much of the game bellowing "Get Wilkinson off, Atkins. He's useless". While he wasn't MoM (Hill was in my book) he did contribute a lot of good knock-downs and some other
useful touches. And if I recall rightly, it was his challenge on the keeper which gave Peer his scoring chance. While I remain critical of some of the team and more especially some of Atkins' direct tactics, I cannot for the life of me see any positive value that kind of "support". The moaners on Corazzin's backs should read the game better - the problem is a lack of good service to him from midfield. He thrives - and will score goals - if given ball to feet and low crosses whipped in from the byline. He is at present feeding off scraps. It's not his fault. Again its the system. I totally agree, however, that what is not wanted is the kind of mouthing similar to that which I heard being dished out to Wilkinson on Sat. It's fine for everyone to have their say and indeed by
all means criticise - but after the game. That's the place for it. Indeed, opinion it what the game's all about. Finally, bad language and the current trend for slagging off the away support. I wholly endorse what has been said here. Several women and children sit near me and some of the chanting is just offensive. Nobody minds a certain amount of colourful language in the heat of the moment. It's the deliberate, choreographed, vile chants which I detest. What makes it worse, they are so, so regular and totally predictable. They don't help the team, do football in general any favours - and aren't even remotely funny. They are just stupifyingly boring and moronic. This also goes for the "fans" who seem to spend most of the game watching the away fans, taunting
them and making lude gestures. If those responsible put all that energy into backing the team, Sixfields would be worth a goal start every game to us. We could have a Bristol Rovers atmosphere every game .. and those who like to come occasionally and sometimes as a family would not be embarrassed, intimidated - and probably put off from returning. Those involved should get a life and put their efforts into positive support for the lads. They need it and deserve it.
Pompey Cobbler at 16:12:35 Sunday September 27 98
Ralph - couldn't agree with you more. I don't think there are many lower league clubs who wouldn't swap the success we've enjoyed over the last or indeed not want our
manager. I for one will be eternally grateful for Atkins for giving me the enormous pride of seeing my team run out at Wembley TWICE. I don't always agree with what he does but I have complete trust in him. We've not had the best of starts but I still think we'll end up in the play-offs. If we can maintain a mid-table position by Christmas and then hit some real form for the last couple of months of the season we'll do it. Better to have a rough patch now than at the end of a season.
RICHARD at 15:8:4 Sunday September 27 98
Ralph: Fans are fickle. They pay their money and feel entitled to their say, however nauseatingly moronic they
are. Your guy in R133 is probably a fair example of the average supporter; passionate about his team winning, quick to criticise anyone who doesn't match up to his required standards. Corrazin was a target of the North Stand mental defectives too. He strove honestly and long throughout the match; some of his touches weren't brilliant, but he kept putting in the effort. And when the goal went in, guess who was suddenly elevated to hero status? ---- Car-lo, Car-lo, Car-lo, Car-lo ---- The only consoling feature of this type of behaviour ( and the 'Atkins Out' brigade were also there in force when things weren't going well), is that this probably happens in every ground up and down the Land. The other thing that realy bugs me is the abuse hurled at anyone from
the opposition who comes within 20 yards of the North Stand. No one expects, "I say, well done old chap. That was a fine effort. Bad Luck", but the F'ing and Blinding that pours forth like a sewer full of excrement, is totaly unwarranted. The North Stand can at least boast one plus point, and I'm sure the South-end of the West Stand is probably the same, though I've yet to sit there, and that is the singing. That's why WE sit there. When I first went with the boy, Chris, we sat in the West Stand near the half way line. But there was little or no atmosphere, and certainly no passionate singing support. I think people feel inhibited - typical British reserve. The North Stand does have that atmosphere and you can sing your hearts out for the lads. I'm always
hoarse at the end. But the rest of the goings on is certainly a major disappointment. I'll stick with the North Stand (until my eyes give out), but perhaps I'll bring ear plugs for me and the lad!!
Ralph at 10:9:42 Sunday September 27 98
Talking of moaners - a prime example was the bloke sitting in R133, west stand, season ticket holder. He slagged off Atkins/Corazzin all game, encouraging his little band of cronies in front of him, was gutted when Corrazin scored and when Corrazin was subbed bloody well applauded him off the pitch.
Ralph at 10:2:16 Sunday September 27 98
I see the moaners are starting to get to Ian
Atkins. Those twonks that got on Corrazin's back make me sick, Atkin's left him on and he poached the goal, that's Corazzin's job. I say it again you may not particularly like the 'style' of play or team selection but Ian's track record ain't bad. I think it is time his critics got real . . . what more do you want? Just remeber how far we have come in such a short space of time, he has built the side with very little cash and we have competed with all the big spenders in our division. Perhaps his critics do not go back that far and did not experience first hand what it was like to be the leagues whipping boys. No money, transfer ban, no ground, no future. Atkins is passionate, deeply cares and if this inane criticism continues it will drive him away. Get behind Ian and
the team you moaners.
RICHARD at 1:6:20 Sunday September 27 98
IK'CIWT: Right, this could take a while; there's so much to cover, some of which, unfortunately, occurred off the pitch. Where to start? The North Stand was not full of it's usual complement from the start of the game, surprisingly for the importance of the fixture. When the stragglers did slope in, they wore the disgruntled air of - to plagiarise a phrase used by an earlier contributor to these pages re Harry Redknapp's visage in the W'rth'n Cup 1st leg at 6fields -b ulldogs licking p**s off a nettle! Apparently, there had been a rash of forged tickets circulating, and some of our
own seasoned veterans of the North Stand, wandering in at their usual pace, having attempted to drink the Nene dry, were apprehended by the local constabularly and refused entry on the grounds that their tickets had already passed the turnstiles!! Now this seems strange until you remark upon the fact that, not only were there N.Cheshire/S. Lancashire denizens evident in the West and East stands (some people have friends from that neck of the woods - actually I do too; I lived there for 8 years!) but there appeared to be a sea of blue in the North Stand itself, for Heaven's sake!!!!!!!!. Anyway, to cut a long story short, Ray, it was the Manks who were escorted to safer seats, not for violence or foul language, not even because they had forged tickets, but
because they had the temerity to be happy that there team had equalised! A handfull of blue shirts leaping in the air when claret a plenty is motionless around them, is fairly noticeable. OK, two points arise from this, IMHO: 1. What the hell were they doing there in the first place.They were clearly visible before the game kicked off. It's total idiocy to park opposing fans at arms length. W.Ham on Tuesday night was bad enough, as, seconds before the start, a bottle top landed in my lap from above, though thankfully, not immediately followed by a deluge of ketchup! It's a recipe for disaster and eventually they were removed from harms way. 2. The reaction of the home supporters was mind-numbingly fascist; I'm all for a bit of friendly banter between rival
sets of fans but the level of emotion on show was deplorable; for Christ's sake, it's only a game. Nuff said. Turning to the game itself. If only all my Saturday trips to the hallowed turf could be as exciting. Yes, we let slip the extra 2 points, albeit through some fluke, which only happens to you when the fickle hand of Lady Luck is giving you 'the finger',but the overall performance and level of entertainment, for me (as Mick Channon was wont to say)was beyond reproach. A Man City fan, leaving the ground was heard to remark, " Well, that's 2nd division football for us, next season." It seems they have been going downhill in terms of performance, whereas we have been gradually improving. I've watched a fair number of games and feel that, with the odd exception
(2nd half at Millwall, most recently) our game is not that far short of the standard we need to raise us up the table. Not wishing to bash the "injuries have robbed us" drum too much, but with a little good fortune, and run of positive results, ie. 3 points, not 1, we can climb to safety. I'm not confident of going all the way, as some have claimed, to the play-offs, but there is always a team or two who turn early season poor form upside down and move inexorably up the ladder ( Bristol City, Grimsby, Gillingham ) The first 15 minutes showed us in our worst light; City looked comfortable on the ball; we hoofed and hoofed again from defence as, inevitably, the clearances came boomeranging back to us. Clearing is no problem to our resolute defenders - directing
it to one of our own players and then making forward progress with it seems well nigh impossible. Then something strange happened. On about the 15 minute mark, the team disappeared into the 'blue' (and yellow/black) yonder. Two well positioned crosses, followed by two corners and then two throw-ins to us, all viewed from a distance. This was unusual, I thought to myself. Is this what they mean when they shout "Attack - Attack - Attack, attack, attack". It looked a good ploy. Instead of giving the ball away and defending in depth, and we'd had enough practice at W Ham to last a season, we were stroking it around and playing some attractive football. We know it can be done. We just have to be patient. Then on 34 mins the golden boot of Deano The Relentless
struck a telling blow. I'm not sure if it was a cross or a corner, but the 'keeper flapped, it bounced around a bit, landed at the feet of the main man, Deano, who peerlessly welted it goalwards. From the North Stand it actually looked like it was high, long and too soft, but inexplicably it dropped into the back of the net! There seemed to be a micro-second of disbelief from the crowd, then the roar or recognition, followed by the tumultuous sound of communal happiness which, if you could bottle it, would make you a fortune. Well, that was it, I thought; on the defensive now; we know how to protect a lead - don't we? City were stung into retaliation and for the next 10 mins, played the sort of passing game we can only dream of. Woody only had two serious shots
to deal with, but his heroics from the Cup glory only days before , guaranteed a plethora of "WOOOOday"s, whenever he saved, kicked, or farted. The half-time show - remember, the one with the car, the ball and some hapless competition winners - was also an exciting interlude. Sensibly, as if all 7557 of us were willing it, each participant went for the £500 shot from about 25 yards out - a much better bet than the shot for the car from the half-way line. The first, of three, was simply out of his depth. Or perhaps he had the wrong studs on. But the second, a Man City fan - how ironic if he were to win - actually hit the side of the car with a glancing blow, having set the ball off to the right allowing the curve to bring it in close. His reward, some tickets for a
local hostelry meal. The last contender, resplendent in his Cobblers shirt, looked for all the world like he would miss by a country mile. He placed it, readied himself, stepped up and sent another beautiful curler on target for the car. The crowd watched with baited breath; surely it woudn't go in ------ and they were right. But only just. Two of the best efforts to date. I think there are dads with their offspring practising at some length in the confines of their streets with the Toyata, Nissan and Mondeo hatches open in the garage and taking a run up from across the road , using the neighbour's front lawn as a launching pad. But you need to practice with a ROVER! Second half starts with the crowd still buoyant from the delirium of going in at half time with
a lead against the mighty City. As the centre is taken,I lean to my right, to attract the attention of the boy, Chris, nearly putting my back out again. ( Thankfully, the problem has cleared a little. Fortunately, I find that dropping the car seat to a near prone position allows the offending vertebrae to relax, avoiding searing pain. Unfortunately this is not a sensible driving position, so I have to compromise and do my lying down after each journey) So I say to him, "I think we could win this. But one goal is not enough. I fancy us scoring at the North End . How long is it see we saw our last league goal in this net?" Prophetic words, for we do score again, a scrambled affair, from CC who was beginning to get some stick for lack of production. However, they also netted
one, in between our two, so we were still only one up. After their first equaliser, they pummelled our goal a la W Ham and we defended with resolve. But we did not buckle and I never doubted we would take the points. At last, I thought, our first 3 points at home! Well, the rest as they say is history. And I believe history will show, come the end of the season, as we wallow in mid-table smugness, that we were not the foot-of-the-table-hugging team some would make us out to be, but I feel the damage has already been done. On the injury front, talking as you do before the game with Carlo and Sammo - Roy is side-lined for 5-7 weeks and Duncan is out of action for a good 3 months. No news yet on Razor. Time to spend some Sky money on replacements?
BTW, Sammo says he has been playing out of position since he came to 6fields - his silky skills at Millwall prove he is an out and out stiker!!!!!!!!!!!! A word on our front players: it looks like Wilko can be telling force in the air; he seems to win a fair number of balls. Carlo, despite the dissatisfaction of the crowd before he scored, did a job and ran his socks off. His control let him down on occasions, but he's not the only offender. Mid-field was adequate: Hunt tried hard but needs a run in the side to re-aclimatize and Sean does appear to be lacking something. Deano continues to confound and is irreplaceable at present.And Good Luck to him. Woody has gained confidence from his national exposure and commands his area with a deal more authority than the
early games. The back 5, from left to right: Frainy is solid and dependable and without Spedding, he'll shore up an end,if not with quite the same attacking flair; Razor until his early departure, was back to his best, so I hope his return is imminent; Dobbo looked settled as his replacement. Nice to know there is some strength in depth back there; Sammo, to my mind, a comparatively unsung hero, always does his job with the minimum of fuss and the dazzling footwork could earn him a run up front if injuries multiply. The strength in the air of Razor, Sammo and Colin Hill is perhaps our trump card. I thought Colin played soundly and was it he who cleared off the line in the second half? It's becoming a habit! Ali had one or two good runs, but semed to be
playing deeper in defence than usual. We need to release him more down the flank; it's our strongest attacking ploy. Well, there you have it. Some unseemly affairs off the park for which Pall Mall were also coming in for some ludicrous abuse, as were the police for supposedly not frog-marching the offending away supporters out of the ground forthwith. An exciting match with, if not the hoped for result, at least a reasonable display of attacking football. And finally, Spurs are on their way for the 3rd round of the Worthington Cup but, sadly, we will have to go for the win on the night; no playing for a draw and replay at WHL to garner more filthy lucre for the transfer market. Life sucks!
Anon at 22:31:30 Saturday
September 26 98
No doubt Chicago Cobbler will have a more complete answer for Irons Forever on American football, but basically each team plays the other teams in their division twice(home and away); the remaining games are based on records in the preceding season so that better teams play better teams and poorer teams play poorer teams. It is meant to produce parity and keep the games close, hence being good for television and for bookmakers.
Ray at 21:13:53 Saturday September 26 98
Who were the people thrown out of the North Stand today then?
Ben Sturgess
at 20:25:5 Saturday September 26 98
You think Frain played well? He was pretty useless too, he was just tooooo polite, he never wanted to challenge or even try to take the ball of the city players. WHAT was that equaliser all about, i couldnt see well form the north stand, WTF happened? AND: Why the **** do the police refuse to kick away fans out of the home fans stands? Its in the rules of the grounds that no away fans should be in the other stands.... if they are only gonna cause trouble GET THEM OUT! F******* coppers! theyre useless!
Steve at 18:57:33 Saturday September 26 98
Cobbs 2 Man City 2. Difficult
to know where to begin.. Before the game we'd have perhaps been happy with just a point, but being ahead with a minute to go and then letting in a soft looking goal isn't ideal. I'm afraid this report isn't going to be too complimentary to the Cobblers, but the following points just have to be made. Without Hunter we have nothing in midfield. Hunt was useless. Wilkinson was good up front. Strong and effective. Lots of good touches and effective running. Corrazzin was utterly useless. O.K. he scored, but that was it. He can't help being small, so you can't blame him for not doing better with the high balls, but his control was ABYSMAL. He gave the ball away time and time again. The defence was basically sound with Frain, Sampson, Warburton (till
he went off injured) and particularly Hill being all effective, although Ali Gibb looked pretty dodgy to me. Parrish seemed fairly lost for most of the match, which leaves Woody, who looked dead safe and that man Peer, who typically gave his all and scored an excellent goal. Their goalie flapped the ball out and Deano controlled it before cooly placing his volley high into the net. Man. City were a better 'footballing' side, who looked particularly dangerous when they brought Dickov on in the first half. He showed real skill and scored City's first goal. The worry for us now is that with Hunter and Spedding (according to today's Chron.) out for 3 months, and perhaps with Warburton out injured, we are going to suffer. My concern is that what we saw today
was as good as the Cobblers are going to get. I've a feeling that today's standard was typical of what we produced last season, except that then we were a mite luckier and were able to sneak 3 points on occasions. Sorry to be on such a downer. It's probably the effect of having 2 points snatched away at the death. I'm worried about our chances against Spurs with our non-existent mid-field.
The Scruffy Haired Cobbler at 18:0:37 Saturday September 26 98
This is begining to worry me. I've got a bet with a mate of mine that I won't get my hair cut 'til the Cobblers win a league game at home. Not making it to the game today I stayed at
home and watched the soccer show on sky sports, and on two occasions praised the mighty peer and corazzin for shedding my locks, only to be dissapointed at the end of the afternoon! Come on boys, if you can't be bothered to do it for the league, at least do it for my hair!! cheers jim (P.S. Can't wait to see what happens to DiCanio!)
Irons Forever at 15:17:49 Saturday September 26 98
Come on Cobblers - you gotta beat Spurs. Apart from Millwall and Chelsea, Spurs are the scummiest outfit in London. Its the least you could do after knocking us out. Message for American Football fans on this site: please can someone explain how the draw is picked for the season's fixtures?
TRB Mark at 15:0:29 Saturday September 26 98
Anyone see football focus today? I wondered how long it would take Linekar to mention those immortal words "a load of old cobblers" and I was'nt dissapointed. The second sentence. Cliche city or what? And whilst showing the Cobblers triumphal march around town after beating Swansea, we were reffered to as a "small town club." Eh? Small town? Northampton is one of the biggest towns in England with a population of nearly 200,000. I hate sloppy reseaching. Well I hope that everyone enjoys todays game. Despite being a season ticket holder I'm condemend to listening to the game on Radio Northtrumpton but at least have now the game against Spurs
to look forward to.
Ray at 13:51:43 Saturday September 26 98
A plum tie for the Cobblers in the next round of the Worthington Cup - home to Spurs!
T. at 12:17:47 Saturday September 26 98
Good afternoon Ralph, are you hoping to make it to the match this afternoon?
Lads at 11:19:51 Saturday September 26 98
Thanks again.
Dennis at 11:14:3 Saturday September 26 98
See
you at sixfields this afternoon when we take on Manchester city Good luck lads
Hello at 0:36:29 Saturday September 26 98
Chicago cobbler, Re; Manics...... Richy went missing in 95 and has not been in touch since. He may be dead as his car was found next to the seven bridge, but he has said to have been seen in Goa. Very good CD
Ray at 23:38:6 Friday September 25 98
The clock is a few minutes fast if thats what you are referring to - but Im afraid I dont have any control over that.
Ray
at 23:37:10 Friday September 25 98
Dunno -ask me another.
Ian at 23:30:33 Friday September 25 98
Okay Ray, how do I get to the comments before Richard at 11.30 Friday?
Hartwell Cobbler at 21:36:12 Friday September 25 98
Ref the comment on Atkins' tactics at W Ham: I've today had an interesting discussion with a fellow fan. He was (rightly) praising Atkins for the success he has brought to the club. But (wrongly)attributing it to his tactics. Our success has been due to one major factor - a sound defence. All coaches agree that a successful
team starts with a solid defence. What hasn't happened is any tactical development which appreciably increases the number of openings and scoring opportunities for our front men. Even with Wilkinson we really don't have a targetman in the mould of Gayle any longer. Smaller, nimbler forwards, must be fed the ball to feet either with balls threaded through the middle into the box or from wide. With few exceptions this just isn't happening. Players like Corazzin, Freeestone and Seal thrive on decent quality balls in the box. Given the service they will, as I've often said, score plenty of goals for us. But not if the style of play remains predominantly route one. One final thing - one of my two Deep Throats tells me that before the W Ham match at Upton Park
IA allegedly told the team to play football "because our long ball game has now been sussed"! I don't know if that's true but it comes from a good source. We know the team can play a bit - the home leg of the W Ham game proved it. It will be interesting to see if tactics do, in fact, show signs of changing in the weeks ahead. If they don't, I'm afraid Corazzin will be unlikely to even match his tally of last season (in a relegaton side).
Chicago Cobbler at 21:28:0 Friday September 25 98
Oh yeah, almost forgot. Richard, RE the mention of the Manic Street Preachers (Pop band for Ray), What ever happened to the singer that went missing?
Never got a mention in the press over here, but I seem to recall something of the like while I was over. BTW, Great Disk to pick up if you've missed it.
Chicago Cobbler at 21:22:0 Friday September 25 98
Sorry, been off for awhile. Hope everyone is well. To Pointless, its a touch hard indeed to attend games. My flight leaves around 7pm in Chicago, I land in Birmingham via Dublin at 11am. Have a few moments to gather my wits, get showered, eat, dance like an idiot at Visage, lose all of my money at Rubicon, eat curry til I am sober, have the lads from Mayfair drop me round by the Swallow, wake up, drink my breakfast from some off license, head to sixfields, repeat... and fly the 8 hours
back home. Total cost for a draw with Oldham about 800 Quid. And a bargain at that. So to those who were not fortunate enough to attend the West Ham game in person... count your blessings. Sadly, a chant is emanating from the offices near mine: "You only sing when you're typing! You only sing when youuurrr Typing!" Folks around here haven't a clue whether its Nen or Nene. And sadly the closest I get to sky, gives me only the donkey's from ManU in their game of the week. Cheers to Ray for giving the likes of OZ Cobbler, Richard from Hong Kong, and me our only Cobbs Conduit. Remember, even the Chron is considered journalism when you can't read an article about your team. So...Do 24,000 Mile club a favour and beat the snot out of Man
City. We'll be watching our screens for updates. Cheers all! - CC
Georgie Kinkladzie at 20:54:11 Friday September 25 98
Some jokes about the boys in blue who think they'll take 3 points off us - Man City are going to build a new stand - theres only one problem - It faces the pitch! Seriously though, next season Man City are going to put the numbers on the front of the shirts to make them look like they are running fowards. At least we're not £6.3m in the red!!!
T' Yorkshire Sexmachine at 20:50:33 Friday September 25 98
I think well beat t' City tommorow 3-1 with t'Corrazzin gettin' an brace like. I hope t'Mickey Warner
plays.
Oscar at 20:47:25 Friday September 25 98
Good luck in the Worthy cup draw and have a torrid 90 mins at 3:00. City Til I die
Insider?? at 18:4:33 Friday September 25 98
After the success of the non-attacking policy at Upton Park, I can reveal tomorrow's planned line-up is: Woodman, Turley (you can never have too many goalies); Frain, Dobson, Witter, Sampson, Warburton, Gibb, Hill, Atkins; Corrazin (all service must be in the air). Subs: Neal, Stratford, Best B.
Steve at 17:53:44 Friday September 25 98
Geordie Blue - The list of our achievements is so massive I am loathe to occupy so much valuable web space. However, the two records I'm particularly proud of are (1)most supporters EVER taken to Wembley by ANY club for ANY occasion and (2) relegated from the Ist Divsion in 1966 with more points than anyone before or since (with 2 up 2 down and 2 points for a win in operation). As Geordie Blue will doubtless be aware, we were replaced by Man. City. COME ON YOU COBBS!
Ralph at 17:51:38 Friday September 25 98
So what's the situation regarding Hunt? Why is he not even making the subs bench? Where are you INSIDER?
Ralph
at 17:48:39 Friday September 25 98
It looks like Cedric's mind's blown!!!!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:37:54 Friday September 25 98
The trouble with Man City was excellently if unintentionally highlighted by Geordie Blue's great list of PAST achievements !
Colin Ball at 16:52:50 Friday September 25 98
Is David Brightwell still playing for you lot? Good luck for tomorrow, with your home league form you'll be lucky to get a point!! CTID
Geordie Blue at 16:52:34 Friday September 25 98
MESSAGE FOR PANTS PLUS HONOURS:
Football League:Division 1 - Champions: 1936-37, 1967-68 Runners up: 1903-04, 1920-21, 1976-77 Division 2 - Champions: 1898-99, 1902-03, 1909-10, 1927-28, 1946-47, 1965-66 Runners up: 1895-96, 1950-51, 1988-89 FA Cup: Winners: 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969 Runners up: 1926, 1933, 1955, 1981 League Cup: Winners: 1970, 1976 Runners up: 1974 Full Members' Cup: Runners up: 1986 European Cup Winners' Cup: Winners: 1970 Charity Shield: Winners: 1937, 1968, 1972 Runners up: 1934, 1956, 1969,1973 FA Youth Cup Winners: 1986 Runners up 1979, 1980, 1989 DOMESTIC RECORDS: Most penalties scored in one season: Francis Lee 13 in 1971-72 Most Cup Goals: Dennis Law 41 (Huddersfield T, Man.City, Man. Utd) Fewest Goals for in
one Premier League season: Manchester City with 33 in 38 games in 1995/96 Most drawn games in one Premier League season: Manchester City with 18 in 42 games in 1993/94 Championship winner for different clubs, both as player and manager: 3 - Joe Mercer OBE. As player with Everton (1939) and Arsenal (1948, 1953), and as manager with Manchester City (1968). Most League Apperances: 1 Peter Shilton (995 - 0 for City) 2 Terry Paine (824 - 0 for City) 3 Tommy Hutchinson (795 - 46 for City) 4 Alan Oakes (777 - 565 for City) 5 John Burridge (771 - 4 for City) Oldest player in FA Cup match: Billy Meredith 49 y. 8 m. 29/3 1924 for City against Newcastle Oldest player in International: Billy Meredith 45 y. 8 m. 13/3 1920 for Wales against England
Oldest player in Premier League: John Burridge 43y.5m. 14/5 1995 for City against QPR Record attendance (outside London & Glasgow): League: 83,260 at Maine Road 17/1 1948 (Man.Utd-Arsenal) FA Cup: 84,569 at Maine Road 3/3 1934 (Man.City-Stoke) League Cup: 63,418 at Old Trafford 17/12 1969 (Man.Utd-Man.City) Midweek game: 80,407 at Maine Road 28/3 1946 (Derby-Birmingham) Now tell me NORTHAMPTON's Record
Pants Plus . . . at 16:34:4 Friday September 25 98
. . . it being Northampton Market's finest cut-price underwear stall. Just checked out a big unofficial Man City site: they're a grown-up bunch, even sharing jokes made about City by 'their red friends'. If
only all clubs had such decent fans. In the spirit which the Blues seem happy to show, I'm reprinting this joke which was posted on their page by a United fan: A burglary was recently committed at Manchester City's ground and the entire contents of the trophy room were stolen. The police are looking for a man with a blue carpet. Hopefully Woody, Frainy, and Corrazziny(?) will help keep the Man City trophy room bare with a win for Cobblers tomorrow. GOOD LUCK COBBLERS!!
Yorkie Blue at 16:21:14 Friday September 25 98
Great result against the Hammers, hope you're all set up for a hammering tommorow! COME ON YOU BLUES!!! CTID Yorkie Blue P.S. I think you lot need
to start a 'Bring back Rebecca' campaign!!
Steve at 15:47:21 Friday September 25 98
I have a good feeling about tomorrow. On the basis that we let ourselves down on the easier games, and raise ourselves for the tougher ones. I just sense a battling display tomorrow - a bit like Fulham at home last season. COME ON YOU COBBS!
Woody's Gloves at 15:45:51 Friday September 25 98
What did M mean (few messages back): "Has anyone seen Dunlop?"
Cedric Mindblown at 15:44:48 Friday September 25 98
A friend of mine has told me that a chap called Wilf used to visit this site. I've known Wilf for many years but recently we've lost contact. Looking at recent comments it would seem he's cleared off to India. This wouldn't surprise me as Wilf had a particular soft spot for a curry. Special mixed kebab and a Chicken Vindaloo were his favourite. If your like me and you haven't got the air fare you could always pop down to the BILASH on the Wellingborough Road. You know it, right next to the Spread Eagle. Half price meals Sunday through to Thursday. Anyhow if anyone knows of Wilfs whereabouts please get in touch.
SBJ at 15:43:52 Friday September 25 98
Hmm, lots of City fans messaging
us at the moment. They all sound OK, not like most of the away fans we get on here. I'd hope that we do better against them than they predict, of course. Several ways the match could realistically go: big win for big boys Man City; big win for returning-to-form Cobblers; stubborn defensive tussle resulting in low score draw; sad hack-a-thon between disgruntled recently relegated big boys and disgruntled struggling traditionally lower division boys. Let's buck the trend and go for option 2: we win by a couple of goals as a result of outplaying the Blues with a return to our best form, signs of which have been beginning to emerge over the last few weeks.
Cedric Mindblown at 15:36:36 Friday September 25 98
I've been directed to this site by a friend of mine who informs me that Wilf used to visit here. I've been through previous comments and someone has said that Wilf has gone to India. Knowing Wilfs particular passion for exotic curry dishes especially Special Mixed Kebab and Chicken Vindaloo I can see why he's buggered off to India. If you're like me and you ain't got the air fare why not pop down to the BILASH on the Wellingborough Road. You know it, it's right by the Spread Eagle. If you go Sunday to Thursday the meals are half price. Anyhow if anyone hears from Wilf please let me know.
Cedric Mindblown at 15:36:24 Friday September 25 98
I've been directed to this site by a
friend of mine who informs me that Wilf used to visit here. I've been through previous comments and someone has said that Wilf has gone to India. Knowing Wilfs particular passion for exotic curry dishes especially Special Mixed Kebab and Chicken Vindaloo I can see why he's buggered off to India. If you're like me and you ain't got the air fare why not pop down to the BILASH on the Wellingborough Road. You know it, it's right by the Spread Eagle. If you go Sunday to Thursday the meals are half price. Anyhow if anyone hears from Wilf please let me know.
Burnage blue at 15:29:16 Friday September 25 98
Looking forward to a rewarding afternoon at your stadium - maybe even talking
to some genuine Northampton people,providing you haven't all got a tranny to your ear,listening out forthe Salford Utd score (aka mufc). In case I
don't get chance later - thanks in advance for the 3 points.
sput the wonder pig at 15:25:56 Friday September 25 98
JUST A QUICK HELLO ( IF YOUR ONLINE THAT IS ) TO THE NORTHAMPTON FANS SAT BEHIND ME IN THE STAD VELEDROME IN MARSEILLE...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, WELL THE TIME HAS COME NORTHAMPTON V MAN CITY....... HOPE WE STUFF YOU.....BUT GOOD LUCK IN THE CUP AND FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON...... GARY CITY TILL I DIE
Geordie Blue at 14:56:8 Friday September 25 98
Looking forward to a hiding tommorow - I predict 3 - 0 with Bradbury getting the first goal. Probably about 75/1 for the double. So at least when you get beat will you have made a profit.
Rebecca at 14:15:5 Friday September 25 98
Worthington Cup draw will now be at 1.30 pm on Saturday not at 12.30. The draw will be covered live on Sky Sports One and Radio 5 Live. Regardless of the draw there will be NO ticket information avaiable on Saturday.
hartwell cobbler at 13:55:37 Friday September 25 98
What a massive blow to loose Hunter
again. And also Spedding, who has already proved himsefl more than useful, especially down the left flank, where he's at last given us some extra width and balance. Does this mean Hunt will get a recall ? He deserves it. And where's this leave Warner ? On the fringe of the 14, as usual, I suppose! No doubt these injuries - plus Damian Matthew's long term disc problem - will inspire IA to seek further dubious Brummie defensive "talent" to reinforce the squad - again pushing back the likes of Warner, who he rates so highly. Come on Atkins give some of the "youngsters" a chance.Get well soon Richard. The club and this message board need you!
lads at 12:55:48 Friday September 25 98
cheers,
Tim, good luck to you too!
Tim at 12:34:13 Friday September 25 98
Good luck lads for tomorrow's match vs Man. City!!!
Ralph at 12:7:43 Friday September 25 98
SBJ - You were lucky to have a Norwegian Blue, lovely plumage, . . . hang on a minute this is getting silly.
SBJ at 12:1:50 Friday September 25 98
Ralph: Tarpaulin! You were lucky! There were 24 of us livin' 'uddled under a Cobblers at Wembley scarf in 't constant rain on Abington Avenue mini-roundabout, an' only Frank Grand's stats book for blankets. When 't Cobblers played at 'ome we
used to gather round a candle for warmth, an' if they won, our dad even let us light it.
Pointless . .etc at 11:52:51 Friday September 25 98
Richard: so you're one of the many Sussex Cobblers (lots of mailings about this in about May this year). 'Home' games for me are not such a long trip, though it's still a good 150 miles round trip by train. Still, at least we're not Chicago Cobbler (round trip to home games: approx 10,000 miles) or Cobbler down Under (round trip: closer to 20,000 miles). At least when Cobblers were in the basement, and Goldstone Ground still in use, an away game at Brighton must have been do-able for you. If NTFC really wants to expand the club's seating capacity,
there's the whole of the South Downs to be built over, which would provide ample space for fans and suit us London & South-Easterners: "Through downs of chalk and skies of blue, the River Arun goes winding through . . . ".
M at 11:44:14 Friday September 25 98
Anyone seen Dunlop?
Ralph at 11:41:29 Friday September 25 98
You were lucky! We used to dream of having enough money to go by train to Bournmouth. Borough! we were lucky to live in a hole in't ground covered wit' tarpaulin!
RICHARD
at 11:30:9 Friday September 25 98
Pointless, Rambling Bloke: Thanks for your good wishes for my speedy recovery. I can feel the back spasms subsiding as we write. Nothing, however, will keep me from taking up my spot in the North Stand on Saturday to witness the return of the Worthies (We ARE worthy. We ARE worthy)as we demolish the other Manchester team, injuries or not. I may have to be lifted by crane from my car and be dragged by the boy, Chris, to my seat as rigour mortice sets in on the long journey to Sixfields. I'm certainly not the richest fan, Pointless, Rambling Bloke, but I must come close to the farthest travelled! A 'home' game for me is a 243 mile round trip, from sunny E.Sussex. West Ham on Tuesday and
Millwall the Saturday before, were short hops (back permitting) by comparison. We'll make most of the home games this season and a good number of the aways, including City, Stoke and the end of season bash at Chesterfield. After that lot (tickets petrol, MacDonalds etc) if I were rich at the start of the season, I'll have blown it all by May next year. That reminds me, I must put something aside for the usual Wembley trip!
RICHARD at 11:3:48 Friday September 25 98
Ray: Harchester had another triallist in. When asked about his previous experience, he replied that he had trials at Northampton, but it didn't work out, so he went to R&D for
a spell. That didn't work out either! The celebrity status we have achieved (in the same episode Peter Stringfellow made a guest appearance, though not as a player!) is due to our nationwide exposure of the last two/three seasons, culminating in the rivetting home performance v Hammers. If we make Wembly again (Worthington Cup or play-offs, we'll probably see the Cobblers in a 'televised Cup game' v Harchester, where we will lose narrowly, but gallantly, in extra time after the replay!!
Pointless, Rambling Bloke at 11:0:40 Friday September 25 98
Richard - why would a fan from West Ham issue verbal abuse from Hackney? It's a London joke, har har har. Ta for the match report, and
get well soon. Inspired by the chat between Fan and Pompey Cobbler, praps we should run a "who's the richest / poorest Cobblers fan" contest. Being poor as a church mouse, I chose to go to Millwall on Saturday rather than West Ham on Tuesday because it worked out at about a tenner cheaper. But I still danced round the flat in my centenary shirt just the same after both games, which is still free in my borough. Now I'm saving up for the train fare to the Bournemouth match in October. Reckon that puts me in contention for the poorest fan. Good to see that we're pretty much guaranteed a big club in Worthy Round 3: only us, Fulham, Cambridge and Bournemouth left in it from the basement divisions, so another decent challenge is on the cards. Man
City of course is the next big challenge; that's one we've got a good chance of winning. Hmmm. Not much else I wanna say, except COME ON YOU COBBLERS!!
Ray at 10:47:45 Friday September 25 98
What was the mention of the Cobblers on Dream Team? Are Harchester United dreading drawing us in the next round?
Ray at 10:46:52 Friday September 25 98
OK - here are a few answers: Programmes - try mailing the email group, I doubt if the Club has any left. Past Cobblers comments: There are links to all the old comments
at the bottom of the page. If your machine does not load the full page (as I know some don't due to memory problems) each month can be found at http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ntfc/oldXXXYYY.htm where XXX is the month (eg aug) and YY is the year (eg 98). As far as I'm aware Hunt is not injured and came on as sub. last Tuesday. Matthew is due to have an operation on his back on Monday and I wouldnt expect him to be back for a while. Hunter and Spedding are both out for 5 weeks plus after very similar injuries in the West Ham game. Both were operated on yesterday.
treenie at 9:55:10 Friday September 25 98
can anyone
tell me how to get back copies of the match programs from last season because I really need the York City(home) one. Thanks
Ralph at 9:5:54 Friday September 25 98
What's the deal with Hunt? Is he injured or what?
RICHARD at 1:39:57 Friday September 25 98
Fan: IK'CIWT:I trust you're still with us despite the mild slaggings off. We all try to give of our best on these hallowed pages, but invective and spleen sometimes overshadow the gist of our postings. As for the game on Tuesday, as ONE WHO WAS THERE, notwithstanding the fact that my bad back, suffered in
my boy, Chris', footie practice on Monday night, whilst attempting a Peter 'The Cat' Bonetti save against a marauding bunch of pubescent 13/14 year olds, all attempting to score in 'one-on-one' situations, which caused me considerable pain leaping out of my poorly positioned seat (M80) split seconds after everyone else and missing a lot of the crucial action, I, for one, was thoroughly entertained by the whole affair!! Yes, we did a bit of defending, the occasional foray up front proving fruitless, and thus consigning us (the fans that is, 2500, not a bad turn out)to resume our incessant nail-biting, and singing to bolster our own spirits and cover our pessimism at the eventual outcome. However, it was glorious, never-say-die, backs-to-the-walls type defence that always
goes down well with the neutrals watching on telly. Our stock will have risen loads overnight. On the way home we received a car-horn fanfare and a thumbs up from some (presumably)non-West Ham fans in a van that came perilously close to us, overcome in their enthousiasm for our 'victory'. We even received a mention on Dream Team, tonighton Sky 1 - a PR coup indeed, as millions of young kids will now be aware that we exist. As for the game itself, only brief overview comments appear necessary after what has already been written. From the outset, I was reasonably confident; after 15 minutes I was pretty sure we could hold them off,and by 15 mins into the second half, I knew we were through. The only niggling doubt arose following their injury time
'winner'and the refs insistence on shoving bamboo shoots up my finger nails in his dilatoriness over blowing the final whistle. What can I say about the lads: they were, to a man, magnificent. The back three have never had a finer hour (90mins); Woody was in danger of living up to his own opinion of himself; Frainy played a blinder and will at least shore up that left side until Spedding returns to attacking wing back duties; Deano was, well, Deano- he has never presumed to have all the skills of a dominating midfielder, and, I'm sure, never expects to. What he does though, he does well. He never stops. I have every faith in his remaining a central character in the team, purely because of this unstinting devotion to the cause. The forwards, never likely to set
Hammers' fans hearts aflutter in panic over their incisive running and superb finishing, did what could only be expected of them - run their whatsits off in pursuit of a greater goal. All in all, a job well done. EPITAPH: Walking away from the ground, I was pleasantly surprised at the generally friendly atmosphere. Admittedly, the singing inside seemed muted for a 25,000 plus crowd; perhaps they're not that interested in gaining a place in Europe via the back door. But a few of the younger element, shockingly the 10-14 age group, whose parents seemed unwilling or unable to manage their minor charges, issued the hackneyed verbal abuse - "You were s**t", to which , had I not had full control of my emotions and the sure knowledge that I could not outrun
them with my bad back, would certainly have replied,"You could be right, but we won. So what does that make you?"
Fan at 0:17:37 Friday September 25 98
Pompey Cobbler, thanks for that. I'm sorry to keep on banging about Chris Freestone but to take Nat's analogy, just imagine if Wright had scored the two goals at Sixfields. The first would have been a "classic poachers goal" - quick reflexes and all that - the second simply a "classic goal" The miss at Upton Park would have been clinical finishing thwarted by desperate defending; all resulting in a phone call from Glenn Hoddle - guaranteed place etc etc. ... er, am I going over the top about this? well you might if you were getting the
stick at work I am!
Pompey Cobbler at 23:58:23 Thursday September 24 98
I feel a bit guilty now, still-never mind. As a guest of Ray on these pages I hope this won't be seen as the Internet equivalent of being invited round his house and leaving a floater in the toilet. 4-0 Thumpin - I think I know who you are - didn't I share a hotel room with you at the Bournemouth game last year ? I didn't think I had to bribe you with beer for being able to touch you in the middle of the night. You're right Ralph he is a twonk. Rebecca - will you go out with me? I can perform minor magic tricks and I'm a fantastic dancer - and more to the point you sound like you can your hands on some complimentary
tickets. While Goalkeepers seem to be all the rage - can anyone confirm the rumour that Peter Gleasure is now a driving instructor in Luton ? There's got to be a gag there somewhere about aversion to crossings or corners or something.
Fan at 23:24:43 Thursday September 24 98
I only posted the message about 'being there' as apposed to Sky in defence of the slagging Freestone got but it seems Nat is on my side. But yes Pompey Cobbler, I am a long standing Cobblers fan. I wont bore you with my limited access to this page - I dont have a computer etc. Anyway this site is far to cliquey for me so I'm off, bye (and good riddance to you as well.) There that saved you all one posting
T. at 22:51:30 Thursday September 24 98
Ray, it's all my fault that the pages have gone all silly again, where do I find all the 'old' Cobblers Comments postings? (From July/August this year)
humbug at 20:21:58 Thursday September 24 98
While we're about it we might as well get a hammer and a chisel. It would be foolish to spend ALL our cash on plyers!
Rebecca at 19:20:50 Thursday September 24 98
I saw something on one of the Cobblers pages about the appointment of Garethe Willsher as Press Officer - it was something along the lines of why appoint a press
officer when you should be spending the money on plyers. For the record, Gareth is producing the programme with effect from Man City. The club used to pay an journalist to do this, but now we are doing it in house and have the advantage of a full time and very dedicated member of staff for the smae cost. It is hoped that the club web site will be updated daily as well as soon as pssobile - agains by the infamous Gareth Willshire.
Ray at 19:2:36 Thursday September 24 98
..... and there was me thinking these pages were beginning to become sensible......
WALTER SMITH at 18:40:20 Thursday
September 24 98
Our Simonsen is better than your Woodman.
monkeymagic at 18:39:7 Thursday September 24 98
FREESTONE GOT AN ATTACK OF THE TROTT's (dean)
Steve at 18:22:32 Thursday September 24 98
Does this now mean that Frain gets his left-wing-back spot back and that Hunt replaces Hunter. Whatever happens this is bad news - just what we don't need. Any chance of IA being allowed to buy replacements with the 300K recently earned from Sky?
Ralph at 18:22:29 Thursday
September 24 98
4-0 Thumpin' - Twonk!
Ray at 18:9:40 Thursday September 24 98
Both Hunter and Spedding had operations today and are out for 5 weeks plus. (damn it!)
4-0thumpin at 16:55:33 Thursday September 24 98
Well seeing as you are having this better on TV than terrace to see all the action I thought I'd put in my ten penneth. I was at Filbert Street last season and you were Sh*te. Later that night I watched the highlights on MOTD and you looked Sh*te. My conclusion is that where and however you watch The cobblers they look sh*te.
So what do you reckon to my findings FAN. I've bumped into that Pompey Cobbler a couple of times nice bloke but he owes me a beer if I remember rightly. Up The Cobblers Pride of Northants. Well apart from Desborough Town
pca at 16:38:14 Thursday September 24 98
Fan - I think some of us are intelligent enough to be able to analyse a game without having been there. As so many people are saying at the mo, you can in fact see a ot more with tv replays than in the heat of the terrace. I, for example was criticised on these very pages for rating Colin Hill 7 on Saturday - this was because I couldn't tell (from the away seats) that it was he who should have been closing down Harris!
And I don't live in the Anglai region, so I hadn't had the advantage of TV highlights at the time. (have since seen them on Nationwide round-up on Sky). And as for The Insider - surely you mean larry 'at his peak' wouldn't have missed that chance. Now he's so far over the hill he can't even see it anymore (the hill, not the ball).
Ray at 14:11:38 Thursday September 24 98
I think he has gone to Saudi with his new headgear.
Cedric Mindblown at 13:48:42 Thursday September 24 98
Where's Ralph
Ralph at 13:17:23 Thursday September 24 98
If you are going to moan about merchandise I must put in my ten pennorth about the new shirt. Forget the fact that the design is crap, forget the fact that if Ian Atkins had his way we would play in all white, the problem is the absolute crap quality. Why can't we have a shirt that can be worn and washed a couple times without it resorting to a bedouin head scarf!
Steve at 12:33:57 Thursday September 24 98
Panic over! No reports of dodgy knees in today's Chron. Let's hope everyone's in good nick for the long awaited climb up the table starting on Saturday.
Anon at 12:32:17 Thursday
September 24 98
Steve - well done on the essay, although what's all that about 'rough' replies. My contribution was both intellectually incisive and cogently communicated!
Steve Adams at 12:19:26 Thursday September 24 98
Cheers lads, the rough replys on the qustion posed earlier this week have enabled me to get a grade A on my essay, I couldn't have done it without you. N.B Ray, I was on a very tight schedule at school, that is why I was gunning for a quick reply!! Sorry if I offended you.
Tim at 12:17:23 Thursday September 24 98
Hi Ray, Ok a good result but where was the commentry we
were glued to the page all night but there was no response what has happened have you got a life!!!!!
Steve Adams at 12:9:16 Thursday September 24 98
Cheers lads, the rough replys on the qustion posed earlier this week have enabled me to get a grade A on my essay, I couldn't have done it without you. N.B Ray, I was on a very tight schedule at school, that is why I was gunning for a quick reply!! Sorry if I offended you.
The Insider at 11:50:40 Thursday September 24 98
I went to Upton Park and believe they've suffered atmosphere degradation when they put seats in the terrace opposite the cameras. I suspect the
crowd were also very tense, as we've experienced at Sixfields on occasions. Before we start extending Sixfields, can't something be done about the shop, or rather the lack of merchandise in it? No mini-kits no mini scarves to put in my rear window. And now we have a Commercial Manager and a Marketing Manager.....does anyone believe Larry would have missed Freestone's chance? Me, no.
Ray at 11:47:5 Thursday September 24 98
Woodman to Premiership Clubs "Come and get me" - report in the Chron.
Steve at 10:25:32 Thursday September
24 98
Now I'm worried. Not wishing to spread doom and gloom. I've heard reports of possible cartiledge (is that how you spell it? - er no - it must be 'cartilege', no that doesn't look right ...... 'cartelige'? oh sod it! You know what I mean) problems for both Hunter and Spedding. I'll be looking in today's Chron. for more info. and will keep everyone posted. I agree I was possibly unkind about Freestone's miss. I just thought he looked like he was going to miss it from the moment he set off, and he just seemed so indecisive. One thing I didn't mention was Woodie's wonderful performance. A terrific show of 'shot stopping'. I think his desire for a move to the premiership might be more realsitic if he could only improve his distribution.
Ralph at 7:56:5 Thursday September 24 98
In response to comment by 'FAN', is that short for Fanny?, Yes, I was at Upton Park. Does that help?
Ralph at 7:16:45 Thursday September 24 98
This is all very civilised T, good morning to your good self - Looks like Wilf is back or maybe it's a hoax. Could have been prompted by the Manic Street Preacher documentary last night. For Ray's benefit the Manic's are a 90's beat combo.
T. at 7:9:12 Thursday September 24 98
Good morning Ralph
Ralph at 6:12:57
Thursday September 24 98
I am now T.
adam at 0:51:42 Thursday September 24 98
I did go to West Ham and thought I only heard the West Ham fans sing twice,but then the guy behind me was talking so much about how he wished everyone would just sit down and watch the match, he downed any other noise out , so can I just say sorry to him for getting excited and occasionally standing and singing to loudly.
Pompey Cobbler at 0:0:21 Thursday September 24 98
'Fan' - I agree my opinion in terms of atmos. etc is worthless because I wasn't there but
I think my opinion of the game is valid (what other opinion could there be really!) If I mistook your point about ANYONE being there, and I clearly have, then I apologise. And NO - I wouldn't rather go to Millwall and Oldham than West Ham - but circumstance and work commitments made it too costly. I'm a bit sensitive about 'Johnny come latelys' after sitting next to a load of morons at Millwall. So, sorry, fan - we've all had a few drinks...etc etc.... are you a Cobblers fan by the way ????
Neil at 23:57:57 Wednesday September 23 98
Great site....very impressed...lots of hard work to set up and maintain I would think. Just wanted
to pass on my congratulations to the club for a great result last night at West Ham. A good manager and a commited set of players. Ian did us proud when he was here and I must admit I tend to follow The Cobblers from afar. Be a bit awkward soon...........A Colchester supporter!!!!!
Fan at 22:52:9 Wednesday September 23 98
Pompey Cobbler - here's some more. I never said I went to the game, I never even claimed to EVER watch the Cobblers. My point was that you don't get a true idea of a game by watching it on the tele. The atmosphere and urgency is totally missing making it all far too clinical. And yes your comments are worthless because YOU WERENT THERE
Anon at 22:23:35 Wednesday September 23 98
give Chris Freestone a break. he missed one chance from 40 yards out and Ian Wwrong missed at least three from 2 yards. Chris is the hero of the tie and leave it at that
T. at 22:15:46 Wednesday September 23 98
Ralph are you about, I'm feeling lonely
Nat at 22:15:37 Wednesday September 23 98
I think any premiership team ground that is 2-0 down to a 2nd division side is going to be somewhat quiet and as i said before i was at the Upper West Stand and they all looked like dangerous hard core fans to me!
Hartwell Cobbler at 22:4:36 Wednesday September 23 98
Barry Grant's comments about increasing ground capacity and thus revenue are well founded but only part of the story. Should Barwell get his hands on Sixfields, along with more seats will come some 30+ exec boxes. Like them or not (and I don't) they provide huge additional revenue potential. Then there's cross-selling of advertising boards, tickets, shared shop facilities etc - all of which have the potential to further increase income. And, if the catering was fanchised that would bring in more cash. So too would a decent scoreboard, carrying ads. It's strange how quiet the Barwell Fields thing has gone. I've heard nothing from my Deep Throats for several
weeks. Anyone else any more news/gossip on this front. One final thought on last night's game - I also thought the W Ham crowd were, by and large, quiet. As they were at Sixfields. I wonder whether the comments about the cost of Premier League soccer disenfranchising some of the hard core supporters does actually bear any relationship to this ? It could be more than co-incidence. Whatever, it's a shame. I've been to Upton Park several times in years gone by (when they played with a pigs bladder, remember?) and always thought it had a great atmosphere.
Fan at 21:26:40 Wednesday September 23 98
Pompey Cobbler, youre saying you would rather watch the Cobblers play Oldham
and Millwall and miss West Ham?
Pompey Cobbler at 21:12:54 Wednesday September 23 98
Fantastic ! A real solid performance. A pity we didn't do ourselves justice when we actually had the ball - Freestone looked like some bloke from the crowd taking part in some dire half-time competition with his chance - but who cares ? Fan - I wasn't at the game and watched it on Sky. Couldn't afford it after trips to the Oldham and Millwall games, I assume my opinion is therefore worthless. Gosh you must be a 'super fan' - I bet you went to Wembley last year as well. I bet you were even part of the sub-1000 crowd against Chester all those years
ago - along with the other 10,000 who claim they were there. Don't bother posting a 'loyalty CV' message back 'cos I'm not interested.
Fan at 21:1:7 Wednesday September 23 98
Richard, you've missed my point. I'd rather hear comments from people that went to the game rather than rehashed Sky commentary.
RICHARD at 18:15:52 Wednesday September 23 98
Fan: Yep, but I'm saving my "IK'CIWT" four penn'rth for later. Did anyone else catch the ghostly scribing of Wilf? Can it be true? Is it a case of mistaken ID?
Fan at
17:55:53 Wednesday September 23 98
Did ANYONE who contributes to this page actually go to the game?
Irons Forever at 17:38:18 Wednesday September 23 98
Northampton's fans were a lot of credit to the club. They were vocal throughout, and brought a lot of fans down to the game. More in fact than a number of premiership teams did last season - Wednesday and Villa being particularly poor. I liked Fields of Green, one of the best 'club anthems' I've heard (Bubbles of course being the best). There was a good gate last night, c.25,000, only about 1,000 off our capacity, and of course you missed the Hammerettes!
SBJ
at 17:29:1 Wednesday September 23 98
Having been to West Ham three seasons ago I can confirm that even then the home fans were a bit quiet despite winning 3-0 (except when the Hammers scored). Also, at a recent pre-season friendly (West Ham vs Southend out at Roots Hall) the Hammers fans were pretty quiet despite winning 5-0. I offer no suggestions as to the reasons behind their silence: any supporters, whether their club is winning or losing, should still sing up or shout out to let their team know that someone gives a damn about what they're doing on the pitch. We have our quiet patches like everyone else; in a big club like WHUFC you'd expect 15,000 or so home fans to be givin it loud. Loud, of course, does not necessarily
mean abusive (he said optimistically). Arsenal have even been able to release an album of crowd recordings live from the stands. Hammers fans: start with 'Blowing Bubbles', and then move on to the rest of your repertoire; then start all over again, week in week out. There have been plenty of useful comments onto your website about this. Get singing!
Ray at 17:2:30 Wednesday September 23 98
Well thanks for a sensible comment from a Hammers fan. I wasn't at the match but availed myself of the coverage on the old dustbin lid. I'm unsure where the microphones were situated but from what I could hear most of the noise came from the
Cobblers fans - certainly in the second half. Personally I didnt think the prices charged for tickets were too bad - £16 with an excellent concession rate of £3. I think more effort from Premiership clubs to encourage the youngsters like this is the way to the future - I'm sure that many clubs up in the heady heights would have been charging full whack. Well done West Ham!
Irons Forever at 15:10:27 Wednesday September 23 98
Good luck to the Cobblers for the rest of Cup (hope we don't get you in the FA Cup!). What did those of you who went, think of the atmosphere? A number of us are worried that we are beginning to lose the atmosphere at West Ham. Traditionally we have always
been really noisy, with losts of different chants etc. Now there is so much money in the Premiership I suppose its inevitable that high prices draw away alot of a club's traditional supporters, replaced by those who just want to be part of a big club. But it is a worrying development - supporters obviously want to see their club successful, but the danger is the essence of the club is lost if the club becomes too big. Look at Chelsea (stick the blue flag up your arse)! Any thoughts?
SBJ at 14:51:2 Wednesday September 23 98
I'd have to agree with Steve (several messages back): looked on Sky like a good defensive performance (most newspapers agree), and it just seemed like the luck was never
going to go West Ham's way. But really, WHUFC (with almost 30 shots on goal to our 3) should have done for us. Wright was onside for his goal. So was that bloke in the first leg who got a goal disallowed, but hey that's football. I imagine that Batiston expected a different decision when Schumacher punched his jaw off; sometimes the lino and ref just don't see the truth. Anyway, good result, fingers crossed for a good 3rd round draw on Saturday, and for a good game against Manchester shortly after. And a final 'bloody well done' to Cambridge United for dumping the Owls out of the cup.
Nat at 14:48:32 Wednesday September 23 98
Steve is being unfair to Freestone - he got past Hislop
and if only had managed to hit his shot a bit better the defender would have stood no chance. You said he lacked instinct, I think he did well to keep his cool and not blast the ball at Hislop. At least that what it looked like from the Upper West Stand. By the way hello to all fellow Cobblers supporters stuck with the West Ham fans in that stand.
Chicago Cobbler at 14:21:32 Wednesday September 23 98
Ray, Stopped by the shop on Mon. and caps were all gone. I'll try another on Friday, or I'll get one in the next game. Hang in there. Great result against the Hammers!!! Good news on our home front. Rumour has it that the Fire will play the Finals of the American Cup on our home pitch!
Beloved 80,000 seat Soldiers Field. God this is fun!
Ray at 13:55:46 Wednesday September 23 98
I dont think that increasing the ground capacity would have a great deal of effect on our income except for exceptional games like the forthcoming Man. City match (which I believe is now sold out).
Barry Grant at 13:50:41 Wednesday September 23 98
I think that the Saints should merge with the club and extend the ground to 15000 that way we would have a decent income and be able to buy better players and move up the leagues
like we should be doing.
The Insider at 13:28:0 Wednesday September 23 98
I heard this morning that it is in fact Hunter who needs a cartilage operation. Perhaps now that Gareth Wilshire has been appointed Press Officer (yet we can't afford new players' wages) we might be better informed.
Janie at 13:23:4 Wednesday September 23 98
They may argue that Ian Wrights goal was offside, but if he had been sent off as he should have been for stamping on Sammo then he wouldn't have been on the pitch to score the goal so I think it all worked out pretty fair. On the subject
of injuries, Roy Hunter was apparently taken off as a precaution and it sounds as though Duncan Spedding may have cartilage trouble. We thoroughly deserved the win and we are looking forward to a decent draw in the next round.
Hartwell Cobbler at 10:16:19 Wednesday September 23 98
Pilgrim Pete - thanks for your kind comments. See you're doing well this season and delighted you stuffed P'boro! After the two W Ham games nobody can say we don't have any luck! Neverthless, we're in the hat for round 3. I just hope we draw a good team - we always seem to have difficulty beating lower div clubs! On a more serious note does anyone have any info on the injuries to Hunter and Spedding
? I gather Spedding's may be the more serious (knee). Sets things up nicely for Man City. Hope they go to extra time tonight and wear themselves out!
Wilf at 9:29:11 Wednesday September 23 98
Wow!
Ray at 9:7:30 Wednesday September 23 98
Well - here we are, the next morning and I'm still shattered. Various moans and groans from West Ham "supporters" in their chat forum refer to the Cobblers as "lowlife" and bemoaning the fact that Wrights "goal" was on-side. Oh well, we may be the lowlife - but we are in the next round and they aren't. There is no way Wright
should have been given off-side - he should have already have been on his way home for the stamping at the end of the first half.
Pilgrim Pete at 23:41:54 Tuesday September 22 98
Well Done on beating West Ham! I just want to wish you luck for the rest of this season. It was generally said last season that you were the best team we faced, even better than Watford and with the godlike Carlo Corrazin in you ranks you'll be up there again. Well if you don't get promotion we'll see you next season, if you do GOOD LUCK. A PLYMOUTH ARGYLE FAN PILGRIM PETE.
Jugger (Stokie) at 23:33:22 Tuesday September 22 98
Well done chaps. What with you and Bournemouth it's all credit to our (temporary in our case!!!) Division. BTW Marcus Baker, previously of Banbury/Chipping Norton, do you follow the Cobblers?
Ray at 22:11:51 Tuesday September 22 98
Phew.......
Steve at 22:7:33 Tuesday September 22 98
How it looked on Sky - Fantastic defensive performance by the Cobblers combined with a good dose of luck.
Just as in the first game, West Ham were denied a legitimate goal by a dodgy off-side decision. West Ham did too much pumping in of high balls. Sammo, Razor and Hill just gobbled them up. Frain was fantastic at left back. He tackled like a tiger time & time again, as well as doing some great headed clearances. Warburton put in some magnificent last ditch tackles. At times West Ham were mercilessly peppering the penalty area, but the Cobbs held firm. Ont eh few occasions that we had any midfield possession, we were crap - just didn't know what to do with the ball. Freestone's miss was a shocker. He ran half the length of the pitch unchallenged, reached the goalie and had a little think about it, decided to try and edge around the side, had another
little cogitation, before stubbing it tamely toward Impey standing on the penalty spot. I don't wish to be unkind, but he showed no 'instinct' whatsoever. I suppose he had too long to think about it. Overall a great result earned by a combination of dogged defending and good fortune. WELL DONE THE COBBS!
monkey at 21:41:54 Tuesday September 22 98
victory!!!!!!
Anon at 21:41:50 Tuesday September 22 98
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anon at 21:40:11 Tuesday September 22 98
Lampard has scored in injury time
RD
at 20:56:17 Tuesday September 22 98
Freestone goal bound shot cleared, he took to long!!
pca at 20:44:48 Tuesday September 22 98
Half-time update: 0-0!!! About 20% possession, 10% territory but we're still 2-0 up on agg. Hunter hasd gone off injured, replaced by Spedding. I'm stuck in the office, catching a glimpse of Sky when I can. They've not created many clear-cut chances and it's still "all to play for" Gibb and frain have both put in bids for worst free-kick of the season, one great save by Woody and a dodgy attempt to con the ref for a WHU pen by Keller.
Anon at 19:43:53 Tuesday September 22 98
Frain in for Spedding, Wilkinson for Carlo. Carlo and Duncan on the bench with Turley and one more!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:45:22 Tuesday September 22 98
Yep, Ray, I agree. We do have the talent on the pitch to play our way out of trouble. But will the manager allow them to do so ? That's the 64,000 dollar question. Personally I'd swap a win tonight for three points on Sat - or better still a win tonight and on Sat!
Metal Mickey at 16:29:8 Tuesday September 22 98
so-called mad harry: you and your boys are going to find out what cobblers have on their boots
Ralph at
16:17:7 Tuesday September 22 98
Bloody hell is that the time? I'm off!
Julian Dicks at 16:11:10 Tuesday September 22 98
You're gonna pay tonite - I'm back you scum - I'm gonna do all of yer right. I'm gonna roast your right winger - kick him into the stands for makin my mate stan unhappy. You're gonna get mullered!!!!
Tim at 15:33:44 Tuesday September 22 98
I'll speak again on Thursday 24th at 11:35-12:10
Tim at 15:31:52 Tuesday September 22 98
To Ray: I must have read too many of your comments then, sonny jim. Are
you going to Upton Park tonight? Or are you giving a running commentary?
Ray at 15:12:56 Tuesday September 22 98
You appear to be quite good at talking a load of cobblers on your own.
Tim at 15:10:22 Tuesday September 22 98
Somebody say something please. I'd like to talk Cobblers. ANYONE!
Anon at 15:8:13 Tuesday September 22 98
Respond, Ray.
Anon at 15:1:19 Tuesday September 22 98
GET A LIFE, RAY!
Anon at 15:1:18 Tuesday September 22 98
GET A LIFE, RAY!
Anon at 15:1:16 Tuesday September 22 98
GET A LIFE, RAY!
Anon at 15:1:16 Tuesday September 22 98
GET A LIFE, RAY!
Tim at 14:58:35 Tuesday September 22 98
Good comenntary, Ray. However, you are sad and pathetic. Please get yourself a life. Next, Atkins please do something about our league form. I am disgusted with certain performances this season from certain players (not mentioning any names Chaz Bishop or Dean Peer). We have a good
team with good players but Freestone needs to hit the target more often. Please do something because I have a season ticket. P.S. Remember what I've said, RAY!
Tim at 14:58:34 Tuesday September 22 98
Good comenntary, Ray. However, you are sad and pathetic. Please get yourself a life. Next, Atkins please do something about our league form. I am disgusted with certain performances this season from certain players (not mentioning any names Chaz Bishop or Dean Peer). We have a good team with good players but Freestone needs to hit the target more often. Please do something because I have a season ticket. P.S. Remember what I've said, RAY!
Tim at 14:57:54 Tuesday September 22 98
Good comenntary, Ray. However, you are sad and pathetic. Please get yourself a life. Next, Atkins please do something about our league form. I am disgusted with certain performances this season from certain players (not mentioning any names Chaz Bishop or Dean Peer). We have a good team with good players but Freestone needs to hit the target more often. Please do something because I have a season ticket. P.S. Remember what I've said, RAY!
ANON at 14:51:23 Tuesday September 22 98
We will get thrashed 4-0. Sorry, but we're not good enough. DON'T PLAY FRAIN or DOBO. Deano is not good!
ANON at 14:50:49 Tuesday September 22 98
We will get thrashed 4-0. Sorry, but we're not good enough. DON'T PLAY FRAIN or DOBO. Deano is not good!
C hicago Cobbler at 14:44:58 Tuesday September 22 98
I suppose the pain of losing makes you stronger? Sad news from the states again, as the Bears played on Sunday like the Cobbs on Saturday. Up 15-0 at halftime, only to lose 15-27. On the Brighter side, the Fire beat the Wizards 1-0. I need a good depressing song to lift my spirits enough to rise from this chair and get another beer. Any suggestions?
Kevin Johnson and Ben
Wright at 14:44:3 Tuesday September 22 98
Come on the Town
SBJ at 13:44:55 Tuesday September 22 98
Joe Cole should still be out with his broken ankle, but Kitson has been declared fit again for WHUFC. May have to wheel out Frank Lampard Senior and get One-Club Trevor out of the commentary box. Hopefully IA won't fall into the trap of trying to defend with 10 men and rely on long ball breaks tonight. We showed in the first leg that if we start out playing the way we want (rather than trying to second-guess what the Hammers might do) we can stamp an amount of control on the fixture. Another win might perhaps be a lot to ask, but if we let
West Ham play their game, in front of their crowd, with their own ketchup, then we'll be lucky to escape with anything. Hope everyone who's going enjoys it; I can't get there as I'll be in my first Welsh evening classes until 10 mins before kick-off; give me a few weeks and I'll teach the fans chants like "Cwm on, Cobblers!" :-( Sorry!
Ray at 9:6:34 Tuesday September 22 98
The dates for all the rounds up to and including the Final are shown on the Fixtures list on the Official Site. The next round is on 27/28th October.
Anon at 8:23:44 Tuesday September 22 98
Does anyone know the scheduled
dates for the 3rd round of the Worthington Cup?
sexmachine at 22:19:14 Monday September 21 98
I think if we play "football" against West Ham we will win 2-1 - West Ham dont have any good players who are fit (Except Rio Ferdinand) - Maybe that Joe Cole will play! I agree with Hartwell Cobbler about the Cobbs needing to play it on the floor. Has anyone noticed that when Freestone first came here, he would chest the ball down and play it instead of just heading it on - I think Atkins is playing too direct for the players we have available. Arsenal are tough and hard to break down but yet play the sort of passing game we did against West Ham (ok they have Dennis Bergkamp and we
have Carlo Corazin) but we can play ourselves out of this rut (Except at Lincoln - We should borrow 11 of the Saints players and kick the crap out of them). See y'all at Upton tommorow.
Ray at 19:10:50 Monday September 21 98
OK - I take your point about the other teams we have played - I was actually going to comment but got bored :-) Gillingham - we won this one, Wrexham - we completely outplayed them and with more luck in fron tog goal should have scored 6, Lincoln - erm - I wouldnt really describe this as a football match. Keep the faith! We are going to play ourselves out of this division and hopefully will NOT revert to the kick
and hope tactics (which from what people are saying - I assume we reverted to at Millwall?) We have finally got the talent to play real football and the results will surely come.
ck at 18:44:57 Monday September 21 98
West Ham's injury problems have not cleared up, they have 8 first-team players out including Ruddock, Hartson, Laziridis and Moncur. Impey will probably have to play left-back.
hartwell cobbler at 17:2:16 Monday September 21 98
Interesting comment from IA following Saturday's loss at Millwall to the effect that while we now have better players we may have lost some of our steel. Maybe. But maybe the
real problem is that IA's tactics don't suit the better players. ? Its fine to hump the ball up field when you're got big men like Gayle fighting for it. But when you're got no big targetman, your style must change. Smaller, more nimble and agile players like Corazzin can't be expected to thrive on over the top long balls. It's simply a matter of physical logic. IA has brought these players in. He must adapt our style to allow them to be effective. If we go on playing the long ball game without targetmen Corazzin and Freestone will be left to feed on scraps and will, probably, only scrape together a third of the goals they are certainly capable of scoring, giving the right service. The logic of it is inescapable. I am at a loss to understand why IA persists in playing last
season's game with this season's players. It's like being stuck in a time warp. The W Ham game shows that, when we do play the game properly, we are a force to be reckoned with. Yes, I know the Hammers let us play. But it's up to us to impose our game on our opponents - rather than worrying so much about how they play, what they might to to us and how we can stop them playing. Our approach must be more thoughtful and positive - and above all we must get that ball on the ground and give our front men some telling passes inside and just in front of the box. Do that and they will inflict damage. Carry on the way we are going and I can't see us scoring the goals we need to win us matches and get us moving up the table. To sum up, perhaps IA should
be looking at his own tactical performance for once, rather than just reflecting on those of his players.
Kevin Simons at 15:11:51 Monday September 21 98
Hill stats for league games: P37, W11, D13, L13. We also didn't win in 6 after he made his debut at Watford. He was definitely badly at fault with the first and his passing was poor so how can he be rated 7? Freestone had a mare.
Hartwell Cobbler at 15:3:26 Monday September 21 98
Ray - while I take your point ref Stoke etc, bear in mind we've also played the likes of Wrexham, Lincoln, Gillingham and Oldham, none of whom are setting the world ablaze. So, all
in all, the first nine games have been against a fairly representative cross-section of the league. I agree that at this stage it's a bit early to be overly worried - but we must guard against complacency. While the team has certainly showed signs of improvement since Hunter's comeback, we are still nothing like the business. The defence (our strong point) is not together at times and we're still not playing the ball properly through the midfield, giving Corazzin and Freestone the service they need to score goals. Corazzin scored 17 in a relegation team last season. He is capable of scoring more for us. But he won't unless or until IA changes his tactics and encourages the ball to be played through to them on the ground from midfield. Nobody would take anything
away from IA for what he's achieved up to now. But what I wonder is whether he's got the tactical nous to get positive performances out of what is now a far better squad of players?
SBJ at 14:50:56 Monday September 21 98
Re. Saturday: mostly enjoyed the game, despite obvious disappointment on several levels. Just wanted to note that the least impressive performance of the day must have been the Cobblers fan on the Millwall-fan-packed train going back to London Bridge who made some fairly careless comments about the quality of Millwall's team / performance. As the Lion said, not so clever considering where he was standing. Thankfully the Cobbler shut up, which was good as there
was only me and one other Cobbler in sight. The Millwall fans who called me scum on London Bridge station got the attention they deserved. I like the big Cobbler fan who stands up throughout every game: about 40 years old, glasses, latest footie shirt, two scarves, and always singing / hassling the team / opposing fans / ref no matter how we're doing. We need more loudies like him at every game. Incidentally, Bobbie (several messages back): the intials SBJ are, perhaps disappointingly, those of my name, and not some dodgy sexual reference. But thanks for the thought!
pca at 14:21:28 Monday September 21 98
...and as they're completely different from those in the national papers, here
are my ratrings from the game - you can never trust the home reporters: Woodman 6, Gibb 6, Parrish 4 (Dobson 6), Sampson 8, Warburton 7, Hill 7, Peer 6, Hunter 6 (Wilkinson 6), Spedding 6 (Frain 6), Freestone 5, Corrazin 5.
pca at 14:15:15 Monday September 21 98
Several points: 1) the biggest problem I had with Saturday was the mindless abuse a couple of looneys were giving Atko throughout the game. They were having a go throughout the first half, when we were competing fairly well, they thankfully couldn't be heard while we were leading, but as soon as Millwall were level they were screaming filth again - in front of a lot of kids in our end. By the end some people at a safer
distance from them thankfully shouted them down and I hope this will be the case in the future. Tell them to shut up. Obviously they haven't noticed how far we've come over the past three years. For God's sake do they want us to end up with someone like Ray Wilkins or Ray Harford? These guys need to remember we won't know what we've got till he's gone. For the record, I'm pretty sure the guy with the loudest mouth ( blue jumper, no Cobblers colours) was involved in some attempted crowd trouble at brentford last year. We shouldn't allow idiots like this to be heard as the easily-led amongst our younger fans can latch on to their unintelligent opinions. Talking of unintelligent opinions, here's a few more points from Saturday. 2) Samspon's dragback
& turn should be on soccer am's Showboat section next week, let's hope they get told about it 3) the goal by Harris was a great strike, although he could have been closed down faster 3) re cahill's goal - when did we start defending crosses badly?? 4) unless hunter was injured I can see no reason why he had to go when Parrish was allowed to stay on - Parrish never got a kick and doesn't look like he's up to speed yet. 5) When we finally realised that long balls forward were no good for corrazin and freestone, wilkinson came on, the right move. The next four long balls forward were all towards...freestone and corrazin, not one to wilkinson, this is the sort of thing that needs correcting.
lincoln cobbler at 13:40:32
Monday September 21 98
cheers ray
Ray at 13:11:38 Monday September 21 98
The West Ham game is Tuesday, KO 7:45 and its on Sky and Radio 5 Live.
Ray at 13:11:2 Monday September 21 98
Well - as I wrote the Berwick Rangers pages for them (sad eh?) - they havent let me know..... so I guess its not them
Sibs at 12:28:33 Monday September 21 98
Been away for a bit but just thought i'd point out that i doesn't really matter how a word
is spelt... Nene is pronounced Nen... i mean look at Cogenhoe/Cooknoe (well it's how i spell the way i was told to say it)
lincoln cobbler at 12:14:23 Monday September 21 98
is the upton park game tuesday or wednesday- is it on sky and if it is what time is it on? oh how i would love an away win as well
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:11:3 Monday September 21 98
Perhaps we've all misheard and that its Berwick Rangers who are chasing Gibb ?
Ray at 11:32:7 Monday September 21 98
Personally I'm not too worried.
The form shown in the last 4 or 5 games (excluding the second half at Millwall) should prove to be promotion form. I think that a lot of players had West Ham on their mind on Saturday and this is the reason for the "gutless/spineless" comments by IA. What you have to consider also is the position of th teams we have already played. Stoke (1st) - I put this down to the sending off and the heat, Walsall (6th) - drawn away, Blackpool (4th) - a shambles after taking the lead - etc etc. Don't worry folks - I still have a good feeling about this season.
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:27:8 Monday September 21 98
Amanda - Gibb isn't going to Rangers. They are poised to sign Guirvac'h and two other internationals,
according to one Sunday paper. For a club with Rangers pedigree, budgets and ambitions that would seem more in keeping. Gibb's a good young player, but hardly commands comparison with players of international calibre. Re the Cobblers league situation. While I agree we shouldn't get pessimistic, we have to maintain a sense of realism. The cold facts are that we have picked up just seven points from nine games - and that's relegation form. Certainly there's plenty of time for us to come good and put together a run of results. Let's hope that starts to happen sooner rather than later because if we do find ourselves embedded near the foot of the table for long, desperation creeps in and self-belief and self-confidence can easily falter. All we can say is that current
form clearly indicates a battle nearer the bottom of the table than the top.
Ralph at 8:28:0 Monday September 21 98
T - Glad you are back - reference dear old Wilf - as you know it was me that found his clothes on the banks of the Nene (Nen!!). I have a friend in Madras who is sure he has seen Wilf dressed in an orange sari and shaved head. He became very dissolusioned with western football tactics and decided to end it all, it seems likely that in fact it is him out in India. My mate is trying to meet with him, I'll keep you posted.
Ralph at 8:24:21 Monday September 21 98
Well I'm back from hols and not a lot seems to
have changed. Yes I had a lovely time thanks and the weather was great. Found a little pub in the village that showed the WHU game for us. All the locals had their backs to the telly and were watching us, after they said it was the best entertainment seen in Wooler for years. See you all at Upton Park?
RICHARD at 21:54:51 Sunday September 20 98
IK'CIWT: Yes,I was there and I still can't believe we lost.Regardless of how well Millwall played in the second half, I still think we should have got something out of this game. The second half was just a nightmare; we played poorly for the full 45 mins. All the more galling because we more than
held our own in the first half, despite others' observations that the Lions were on top. Sammo's goal was a joy to behold: floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, he drew the 'keeper and calmly stroked it into the net. In the second half he showed us his delicate footwork again, doing a 'Cruyff' on their hapless defender near THEIR goaline. He should be playing in the forwards! How do you play so well one game and complete cack the next? Ask the Hammers; they've just done the same thing. I suppose it was inevitable. A psychologist would have an explanation for it. Perhaps they were saving themselves subconsciosly for the Hammers return game on Tuesday! I've got tickets for that one, too. I just pray they've left their poor form south of The River
in London SE. Having read Pompey Cobbler's comments, I have to agree with the sentiments. Every team has an off day now and then. And we have just had a run of 3 good/excellent performances, with 2 providing great results ( we should also have trashed Oldham )We have to keep the faith but, after Saturdays visit of Man City, we will have completed almost a quarter of the entire season, with only 10 points from 10 games, assuming we put City to the sword! This is not league title winning form. Hopefully, things will change. A cup run may divert attention from the real game and bring more money to the table, but you still have to spend wisely. And having bought your team, it has to perform on the day. Atkins was right in his condemnation of the
second half performance. Only the players will know what was going on. I, for one, was lost for an explanation.
Tor Aage at 18:55:35 Sunday September 20 98
Yes, yes, yes, yes, I am a happy man. Jevnaker are not going to be relegated after this years season. After next saturday, I can completly consentrate on the Cobblers again as the Norwegian season are closing. I would been a even happier man if the Cobblers had had some better results, but I am sure that they will come!!!!!!!!!
Pompey Cobbler at 11:39:25 Sunday September 20 98
Cobblers were apalling yesterday but I really think that the result should be put in perspective. If anyone really thinks that we could stroll down to the New Den and pick up an easy 3 points the are extremely deluded. Getting a point would have been a good afternoons work - and they would have undeservedly done so despite IAs odd substitutions and negativity if they hadn't faffed and been feeble at the back. Atkins can be criticised for some things but the lack of effort from is players is not one of them. Lets get a grip on reality - we've got a good squad this year capable of getting in the play offs again, we've got a good manager in Atkins(think of Tony Barton, Clive Walker, John Barnwell)but we're not yet world beaters. Rising expectations has turned
a lot of fans into whinging gits - a couple of years ago a 2-1 defeat at the likes of Millwall would have been a great result. I'm not saying let's not be ambitious but let's not help destroy what after all is our second most successful period in history just because we've had a few disappointing results at the start of the season. Keep the faith.
Ray at 11:6:35 Sunday September 20 98
*sigh* The counter broke again........
Ray at 11:5:27 Sunday September 20 98
More stats than you can shake a stick at on http://www.matchfacts.com/mfdres/northampton.htm
Kevin Simons at 10:14:29 Sunday September 20 98
That was shite again. Hill was badly at fault for their first and I'm beginning to conclude he's the root cause of many of our defensive problems (remember Wembley). Ray, can you produce the stats to assist my theory? As for the substitutions...Dobson put the Do in Donkey and I'll take a tenner off anyone that Wilkinson won't score more than 5 goals all season. Let's go to a flat back four and attack.
Previous postings have been transferred here.
AMANDA (13) at 20:39:0 Saturday September 19 98
AND WHILE I AM ON THE DEPRESSING SUBJECTS I AM ALSO A COVENTRY SUPPORTER....NEED I SAY NE MORE???
AMANDA at 20:33:23 Saturday September 19 98
WELL I SUPPOSE ATKINS AND THE BOYS WENT ALL DEFENSIVE AFTER THEY SCORED!!!! U WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE LEARNT BY NOW WOULDN'T U!!!
BUT I AM NOT COMPLAINING.....WHAT DO U ALL THINK ABOUT GIBBY GOIN 2 RANGERS?????
Hartwell Cobbler at 20:30:30 Saturday September 19 98
Once again defeat snatched from the jaws of victory (a la Blackpool). And again some strange substitutions. Unless Hunter was totally played out what on earth was Atkins doing taking him off ? The same goes for Parrish. When you're losing and should be chasing the game IA brings off these two and puts Dobson and Frain on...leaving us with little in the midfield to orchestrate attacking moves. What is the point ? Where's the logic? Obviously IA was trying to preserve our 1-2 scoreline! I also noticed in today's Chronic he was again telling us Warner will have his day. Maybe when he's 40 (if he sticks around)? The plain fact is Atkins has consistently said one thing and done exactly the opposite when it comes to the Warners, Lees and Turleys of our team. Every time they get near to selection, blow me he's off bringing in more Brummie defenders! I would imagine they must be heartily fed up with all his talk and promises.All three must surely be considering their futures elsewhere.
Ray at 20:11:52 Saturday September 19 98
Gavin: Mail me and I'll go through the intructions again.
Geoff at 20:3:59 Saturday September 19 98
A Millwall fan calling in not to gloat but to say good luck against the Hamsters in the second leg. To be honest about today, we were unlucky to go in behind at half time and deserved the three points because we played our best 45 minutes of the season in the second half. I was disappointed with your lot but I suppose your waiting for the West Ham game.
Good luck again!!
Gavin at 19:15:9 Saturday September 19 98
HELP ME RAY!!!!!!
I'm desperately trying to have the cobblers wallpaper as discussed recently. I've downloaded it following your instructions, tried to do what you said but no luck. What else can I do !!!!!
pk at 17:58:52 Saturday September 19 98
Something had to go wrong this week I suppose. But at least the Tigers won!!!
Gavin at 17:56:1 Saturday September 19 98
Well thats bloody typical isn't it. strool past west ham and lose to Millwall. Why take Hunter off???? And Ali had a stinker apparently, should be enough to scare off Rangers who according to the Chronic are playing down reports of interest.
Ray at 17:44:25 Saturday September 19 98
Todays second half performance was described by Ian Atkins as "gutless and
spineless". He was certainly a very unhappy chappy when interviewed after
the game, When asked to name names aka the Bishop incident he declined but
stated that the whole team let themselves and Northampton Town Football
Club down today.
When asked if he had any injury worries for Tuesday's return leg he stated
"None at all - but you expect that if people don't tackle". He was also
asked if he though tthe lack of resolve was due to players "saving"
themselves for the West Ham fixture he replied "In which case they are
going to be unlucky as they won't be playing".
A further bit of news regarding the West Ham game. It is reported in the
radio listings that this game will also be featured on Five Live as well as
Sky.
Ray at 17:17:6 Saturday September 19 98
Sorry Eddie - no one said anything so I bogged off....
Ray at 17:5:37 Saturday September 19 98
Shades of Blackpool - Cobblers lead 0-1 at half time and concede 2 second half goals to go home pointless. Now I'm depressed again .......
Ray at 17:4:27 Saturday September 19 98
Final scores: Millwall 2 Cobblers 1; Fulham 3 York 3; Wycombe 0 Bournemouth 2; Stoke win 1-0; Coventry 1 Newcastle 5; Liverpool 3 Charlton 3
Eddie at 16:33:2 Saturday September 19 98
Ray , whats happening now ?
Eddie K at 16:26:21 Saturday September 19 98
Hello Ray I'm watching from Australia .
Ray at 16:19:10 Saturday September 19 98
Cobblers under severe pressure
Ray at 16:13:37 Saturday September 19 98
Millwall equalise....... 1-1
Ray at 16:10:31 Saturday September 19 98
Attendance 5997 Cobblers Fans 500
Ray at 16:8:54 Saturday September 19 98
Half time scores: Coventry 1 Newcastle 3; Millwall 0 Cobblers 1; Doncaster 0 Diamonds 0; Fulham 2 York 0; Wrexham 0 Stoke 0; Kettering 1 Kingstonians 0. Result: Leicester 35 Saints 25. More half times: Middlesbrough 2 Everton 0; Liverpool 1 (Fowler pen) Charlton 1; Derby 1 Leicester 0; Wimbledon 1 Sheff. Wed 0; Forest 0 West Ham 0; Southampton 0 Spurs 1
Ray at 15:54:14 Saturday September 19 98
Half time score: Millwall 0 Cobblers 1;
Ray at 15:49:48 Saturday September 19 98
Northants beat Essex by 7 wickets in their ast game of the season.
Ray at 15:43:28 Saturday September 19 98
All you have to do is to type something in the comments box and then press Okay - it aint difficult :-)
Ray at 15:41:46 Saturday September 19 98
Come on - I know you are out there as I can see the count going up. Why not say hello?
Ray at 15:36:49 Saturday September 19 98
Anyone watching?
Ray at 15:35:47 Saturday September 19 98
Cobblers lead 1-0 against the run of play....
Ray at 15:35:22 Saturday September 19 98
Sampson scores!!!!
Ray at 15:33:56 Saturday September 19 98
Other snippets: Saints being hammered at Leicester; Charlton lead Liverpool 0-1
Ray at 15:33:1 Saturday September 19 98
30 minutes gone - no score
Ray at 14:39:27 Saturday September 19 98
Nice one Ian - (and good morning!)
Ray at 14:37:53 Saturday September 19 98
Starting line-up against Millwal - unchanged for the fourth successive match. Substitutes: Wilkinson, Dobson and Frain
Ian at 14:37:41 Saturday September 19 98
Okay, seeing as we're into religion: CATHOLIC MATH
Little Tommy was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried
everything; tutors, flash cards, special learning centers, in
short, everything they could think of. Finally in a last ditch effort,
they took Tommy down & enrolled him in the local Catholic School. After the first day, little Tommy comes home with a very serious look on his face. He doesn't kiss his mother hello. Instead, he goes straight to his room & starts studying. Books & papers are spread out all over the room and little Tommy is hard at work. His mother is amazed. She calls him down to dinner and to her shock, the minute he is done he marches back to his room without a word and in no time he is back hitting the books as hard as before. This goes on for sometime, day after day while the mother tries to understand what made all the difference. Finally, little Tommy brings home his report card. He quietly lays it on the table and goes up to his room and hits the books. With great trepidation, his mom looks at it and to her surprise, little Tommy got an A in math. She can no longer hold her curiosity. She goes to his room and says: "Son, what was it? Was it
the nuns?" Little Tommy looks at her and shakes his head. "Well then" she replies, "was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the
uniforms, WHAT was it?". Little Tommy looks at her and says, "Well, on the first day of school, when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around."
Ian at 14:25:13 Saturday September 19 98
Not really Cobblers but it is spelt Nene, pronounced Nen in Northampton, pronounced Nene in places further east where they have no taste (like Shitborough). A win today at Millwall would be really nice!
Bobbie at 13:50:57 Saturday September 19 98
My brother was asking what SBJ stood for. He said it was Super Blow Job. SBJ could you coorect this for me SBJ. I always thought that it was the River Nen but i'm from Norfampton so it could be wrong. I do hope we win this afternoon. I wish I could go but I've got Flu. Radio Northampton I suppose for me.
Robert Forsyth at 13:10:20 Saturday September 19 98
Well done against West Ham the lads have shown they can play ,lets keep it up for the rest of the Season .
Ray at 12:3:11 Saturday September 19 98
OK - here are the words to Fields of Green. Oh fields of green, and the skies of blue; The River Nene goes winding through; The Market square with its cobblestones; Shakes the old dears weary bones. A finer town you'll never see; A finer town there'll never be; Bright city lights don't bother me; Northampton Town I'm proud to be.
Steve at 11:37:37 Saturday September 19 98
Richard - with you all the way. Today's match we HAVE to perform to show that we can make serious inroads this season. I'm at work but will try and find myself a quiet spot in the stockroom between 3:00 and 4:45 to listen in and give the lads the benefit of my positive vibes. COME ON YOU COBBS!
RICHARD at 1:24:45 Saturday September 19 98
Den Demolition: We done good v the Hammers. OK, but this a completely different ball game. Less space, more at stake (a cup run is fine, but points in the league are like gold dust). Millwall have not been on song this season, so far, but this fixture is a crucial barometer of our standing in this division. If we are to compete with the big boys ( Man City next Sat, for example ) we must be able to dispose of mediocre opposition. No disrespect, Millwall, but since the CC Cup game early last season, when I was pessimistic about achieving a result over two legs against supposedly superior opposition, I believe fortunes have changed and we are the team to beat. The usual follow on from a storming result against higher status teams is that you revert to type in the following league encounter and lose or draw in an abysmal advert for football. We must avoid this as much as we eschew the post Wembley play-off loss scenario of relegation a season later, a la Brentford etc. I'm sure the top tier of the away fans end at the New Den on Saturday may seem a sad and lonely place (20000 capacity - avge. home attendance. 6-7000) but we must think positive and sing our hearts out for the lads. The forward attacking momentum we have built up over the last 3 games must be continued. I believe we can do it. You must believe it too. Remember the Gasheads play-off home leg defeat? When we were 3-0 down, the internet followers used the power of positive thinking to will the ball into the net (check back if you don't remember), and up popped Super John Gayle with the vital away goal. Anyone reading this message has to channel their energies between 3pm and 4.45 (to-day) to aid the team through an important fixture. Believe, and it shall be brought to pass. There's some more religion for you, Steve!!
Hartwell Cobbler at 19:56:23 Friday September 18 98
Ref the Upton Park sauce squirters: could this be a case of Alf Garnish?
RICHARD at 19:53:28 Friday September 18 98
Religion , by definition, is something which 'binds together': in other words, a common bond. That must certainly be true of footie supporters, whose joy and grief at winning or losing is as heartfelt in some cases, as any emotion brought on by religious fervour. Also, like their religious counterparts, fans are hypocrites, or at best, fickle. The three subjects one was advised not to talk about in company were always sex, politics and religion, because they evoked such diverse views and heated comment. To these should surely be added FOOTBALL. OK Steve, how much more do you want? Shouldn't you be writing this stuff youself or is school these days simply a matter of asking a question on the internet, lying back and waiting for an essay to spring out from your pc?
Anon at 17:7:50 Friday September 18 98
Football & Religion - some initial thoughts. This has to be anonymous as I don't want loads of nutters bombarding me with abuse. Firstly - I'm not religious. Religion for me is a sophisticated superstition resulting from thousands of years of mankind trying to explain the unexplainable. As time goes by, and science becomes better and better at discovering how things happen, religion begins to look increasingly silly and desperate. Religion is simply another form of the so-called 'supernatural'. I do, by the way believe that spoons can be bent and minds can be read. These things are not 'supernatural'. They are just not (as yet) explained. The time will come when science shows us that there are invisible forces that can bend spoons and read minds. Who would have guessed 200 years ago that there were forces that could send signals across space and reproduce sounds and images? Over the years religion has been very 'useful' to millions of people as a way of helping them 'get through' tough times or to justify certain aspects of their lives that they don't understand. Religion has also served as a pretty useful tool for governments and dictators for justifying their positions and actions, and I don't just mean dictators. Both Blair and Clinton have used the religion card when it has suited them. So that's religion sorted for you! Now as for football and what it has in common with football. You can be emotionally moved at a religious service and a football match. The fervour generated at a religious meeting can be replicated at a football match (Cobblers v. Sunderland 1966). People use both football and religion to 'gloss' over their problems. To believe in religion by definition, requires an act of faith (you have to be prepared to accept something for which there is absolutely no evidence). Believing that P*****h can ever be successful is the same. That'll have to do - got to get down to confessional. I'll post more if I can think of anything.
Josiff at 17:1:9 Friday September 18 98
Did anyone notice on the sky coverage of Cobbs v West Ham, Alan Parry
(the commentator) said he had watched us against Lincoln and said all Lincoln could do was win a throw then launch it as fas as possible and done this for the whole match.
Also I have been in the Boelyn pub near Upton Park when I have been watching the mighty Gooners, and believe me it was very scary, just thought I would warn you.
SBJ at 16:46:35 Friday September 18 98
I still have trouble with the one that goes something like "Cobblers! (clap clap clap clap) Cobblers!! (clap clap clap clap)" Tricky bit of chant-clap co-ordination, never easy at dull games. Practice tomorrow at Millwall I think. Football being seen as a religion - it's all changed since I was a lad - jumpers for goalposts - rush goalie - skins and shirts - isn't it - eh? Mind, Southampton are the Saints, though of what is anyone's guess. St.Johnston eare Saints too I think.
pca at 16:40:47 Friday September 18 98
...and can someone put the full correct lyrics on please? I want to make sure I get the first verse right, I've got the chorus sorted
pca at 16:38:46 Friday September 18 98
it has to be Nen - that's what my mum taught me and she's lived there a lot longer than me AND they say neen in P*boro
SBJ at 16:28:49 Friday September 18 98
It's Neen for me, but I never could be bothered arguing with anyone who said Nen when I lived there. The College magazine was called "Nene Scene", and it was designed to rhyme; if you trust a student's view these days you're a brave Cobbler.
Ray at 16:23:47 Friday September 18 98
As a matter of interest - when singing "Fields of Green" how many people sing "The River Nen goes winding through" and how many people sing "The River Neen goes winding through"?
hartwell cobbler at 16:22:41 Friday September 18 98
Well, it appears Rangers are definitely interested in Ali Gibb...tonight's Chronic says the 'Gers official Clubcall service has today confirmed that an enquiry has been made about him and that he's been watched at the last two homes games. Also Wimbledon have renewed their interest in Hunter. But unless they pay real money, I home Hunter doesn't go. Ali ? Well, not for £250k. But if the offer's more substantial then the board has to think hard. We stand to make about £300k out of the W Ham match now Sky's broadcasting the second leg live. That's good news. Finally ref football as a religion: one point - the numbers of people who have their ashes scattered at their favourite grounds bears witness to this.
Ray at 16:21:37 Friday September 18 98
OK - my comments on Football as a religion.... All the players are Gods.... although sometimes they make us a little "cross".... Its really more Jewish than C of E as we tend to go on a Saturday..... "Cobblers Comments" is the true spoken word and shalt be handed down from generation to generation.... the main hymn is "Fields of Green"... the devil incarnate plays for Lincoln.....
Ray at 16:14:6 Friday September 18 98
Sigh - the young of today just have no patience..... did you really expect a reply to your request Steve within 25 minutes... I know this site is quite busy but I think you may have to wait a little longer..
Bez at 15:16:22 Friday September 18 98
Alright then Steve, Football has become like religion in many respects. Does it not seem strange that nower days when Woody comes on the pitch at the start of the game the crowd chant his name as if he is God and a half of these simultaneously bow their hands down to him as if they are at his feet? Also if people weren't taking it too seriously then why would people run onto the pitch when an important goal is scored and run around like some hyperactive chicken with no head like wot happened on Tuesday and also against Watford last season when Dean Peer scored AND why would people knock out the lino because of a bad game. Ray- I think the valuation was probably like Hunter worth £1m, Woody worth £750000 and Lee worth £1m. This exaggerated price tag puts off the bigger clubs so we can keep our decent players. Remember 1987/88 anyone I will always believe that if we hadn't sold the likes of Hill, Morley, Gilbert, McGoldrick, McPherson etc. we would be in the first division along with Crewe, Bury and Tranmere. This could easily happen again if we start selling our best players of which Gibb is undoubtedly one of these. I think £250000 is also too low for him. People say he is unproven but he has played 100 games for us now okay 50 odd were substitute appearances but he was still a crowd favourite then.
SBJ at 14:54:49 Friday September 18 98
London Cobbler: I may be able to get to the Bramcote Arms at about 1.30 (if I can get out of bed - it's been a busy week). I'll be the one in the Rangers tracksuit with a picture of Kevin Wilson and a blank cheque. Can't promise a time unfortunately due to other commitments. Anyone else from the guestbook likely to get there? Ray?
Steve Adams at 14:50:58 Friday September 18 98
Come on all you soppy gits, it isn't asking much from a fellow cobblers supporter to give a small reply.
Richard from Hong Kong at 14:44:49 Friday September 18 98
Well breaking silence for the first time this season althought I have been keeping up to date with all the news. Everyone seemed to be getting very depressed until the West Ham game ... yes Steve I was at the last one, our first home win in the First Div followed the next week by a similar score defeat of Aston Villa.... it's been a longtime. A mate of mine who returned from HK to London last year is, as luck would have it is a West Ham supporter and I asked him to video the game... it's on the way apparently he is too gutted to talk to me ... ask me nicely and I will give you his e - mail address.
Nice to see in the summer Ray, sadly I ran out of time and did not get to Sixfields for a look around may have to wait until next year.
So keep the faith lads, when the going gets tough just remeber where you all have been the last couple of years .... who would have thought eh ?
Steve Adams at 14:36:12 Friday September 18 98
I am an A level student with a crappy project on football and religion as a comparison (question- is football the new religion), can anybody with any commmonts on this subject leave notes on this site or email me at the Boys~School in Northampton.
london cobbler at 12:24:15 Friday September 18 98
Anyone for a drink tomorrow????????
Ray at 10:57:33 Friday September 18 98
Hmmmm..... 1,743 hits in 11 days....... no bad! Keep it up. btw - don't forget to visit the Official Site at http://www.ntfc.co.uk to check out the latest news. It is hoped that something will be posted every day.
Ray at 10:51:19 Friday September 18 98
Kate - welcome! Perhaps you would be better off posting your request to the waloc email group. I do know there are some people in the sunny south who are perhaps in the same boat.
Kate Bywater at 9:48:33 Friday September 18 98
Sorry to change the subject completely here, but are there any cobblers
out there who live anywhere near Plymouth???? I need someone to travel
to the games with. I'm glad they are televising the away leg as it will
definately make it on to the big screen in my pub!!!! If there are then
please mail me on: gunners@altavista.net (nothing to do with Arsenal!)
treenie at 9:25:40 Friday September 18 98
I don't care if it's Roy or Ali because I'm sure neither of them would want to go to bloody Scotland because it's colder than Sixfiels on a Tuesday night in December
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:19:25 Friday September 18 98
Ray - thanks for the news that Sky is covering the return leg on Tuesday. What with that and the promise of being ketchuped, I think I'll watch it on the box! I wonder how the board would react to an offer of £250k? And would Ali want to go, regardless of the fee, to further his career? Leaking Gibb's name may be Ranger's ploy to divert attention away from the player they are really tracking. And if that's the case, I agree with others that it has to be Hunter. We should certainly not let him go for peanuts. He is by far our most influential player. If he has another stormer at Upton Park, Harry Redknap may even be tempted! Who knows. In the meantime its back to the bread and butter at Millwall on Sat. Let's hope Tuesday's game jump starts our season. One thing's for sure - Millwall won't give us the same space to play. I think West Ham were a credit to the game on Tuesday - concentrated on their own game rather than worrying about stopping the opposition playing. Perhaps we'd do better in the Prem ?!
Ray at 23:32:30 Thursday September 17 98
Anyone who thinks that Rangers are seriously going to offer £1.5M for Ali Gibb is dreaming. Personally, I would guess that the club would let him go for £250K - or perhaps even less.
Billy (very factual) Teamtalk at 22:52:31 Thursday September 17 98
Northampton wing-back 22-year-old Ali Gibb has once again been watched by Rangers scouts. Starring for his side as they knocked out favourites West Ham the other night, the player impressed with his strong running and is seen by Dick Advocaat as an ideal replacement for Italian defender Sergio Porrini. But the asking price of £1.5 million may be too much for the Ibrox club who are in the position of selling before buying.
Mark Too at 21:31:30 Thursday September 17 98
Is it Gibb that Rangers are looking at? I agree with what Bez said, If Rangers are looking at anyone I think it is unlikely (although i'm likely to be proved wrong ... hopefully for 1.5 million anyway) that it is Ali, as he hasn't exactly set the world alight until very recently, but it is a big coincidence that someone was being watched when Roy Hunter started playing again, if it isn't Roy. After all he was by far the best Cobblers Player last season, even though he did miss a large part of the season.
I can't see a club risking good money on a player that has only been outstanding, consistantly for a short time. This is why I think it is more likely to be Roy Hunter.
Ben Sturgess at 21:9:52 Thursday September 17 98
I dont care whether its gibb or hunter they want, 21 million and thats my final offer. or ten pence for bishop.... oh well that was asking too much!
Whoever it was that said that its funny rangers are looking at a div 2 side for players, true but then again colin hill plays at international level (id mention carlo aswell, but canada are not up to cobblers standards!)
sandra moore at 18:48:45 Thursday September 17 98
Well played Cobblers...excellent team performance against the Hammers
play like that every Saturday and we are out of Div2
(P.S Dont let Rangers steal Ali Gibb )
Ray at 18:38:31 Thursday September 17 98
Well - thats decided me..... I'm definitely stayin gat home and watchin gon Sky - who have confirmed today that they will be televising the return leg live.
RICHARD at 17:43:35 Thursday September 17 98
A word of warning for the away leg at Upton Park. If we seem to be doing well and Hammers are looking doomed on the night, watch out from above: it could be raining ketchup! Apparently, according to one of my boy Chris' footie mates who happens to be a West Ham season ticket holder along with his Dad (fancy burdening your own son with such a heavy resposibility), the away fans are seated on the bottom tier of a two tier stand. Above them sit Hammers fans. It is not unknown for them to bring along plastic tomato ketchup bottles to squirt on unsuspecting away supporters!! Sou'westers and brollies are the mandatory fashion accessories on the day!
Hartwell Cobbler at 17:19:5 Thursday September 17 98
When all's said and done what puzzles me is why Rangers, with all their spending power, should be watching a player from the English second division who, in fairness, has only established himself in the first team eight games ago. I don't doubt Gibb's abilities (proved on Tuesday night) but Rangers are a team with European ambitions and if they're looking for a wide man surely the chances are they would be casting around Europe for a player with experience and pedigree at this level? Somehow it doesn't add up. I hope Gibb stays here and when he's gained more experience and has hopefully becomes a little more measured and thoughtful in his approach, then we really might have a prize asset. I feel Bez may be right in believing this is, as of now, another Hunter/Woodie rumour.
Nowhereman at 17:10:40 Thursday September 17 98
I'm a bit confused on the tv highlights, I saw the ball moving about on the floor between two Northampton players, can anyone explain this strange phenomena.
pca at 16:8:43 Thursday September 17 98
today's Sun called him £1.5million-rated...that's just about nominal enough for me. I've always been a fan of his but we'd be silly to turn that down...just think how many centre-halfs we could buy.
Bez at 15:30:3 Thursday September 17 98
What exactly is a 'nominal' fee? Is it £50000 or £1 million? I don't know or care but I hope we don't sell Ali Gibb. I am confused at people saying how Gibb would be found out at a higher level. He had Lazaridis on the back foot every time. Lazaridis only got 2 or 3 crosses in all night. Also For the people saying he only ever goes outside that is because he has the pace on most people so he can knock it in front and run with it. He can also cross superbly with his left foot as well as he has shown before enough times. What also puzzles me is that people put 2 and 2 together to think Gibb was who Rangers were looking at. Is it not slightly strange they started watching our matches when Hunter came back from injury? I personally think nothing will come of it as is usual. Well done Cobblers for Tuesday night. If we keep pereforming like this we will have this division licked easy. See you all at Millwall!
Don in Ealing at 14:57:1 Thursday September 17 98
Steve...of Moore, Hurst and Peters! (dunno why I can't get my complete messages into Comm
Don in Ealing at 14:47:35 Thursday September 17 98
Steve - Yes, a distant memory for me too, but what a feeling of triumph against the mighty trio
david ayriss at 14:22:41 Thursday September 17 98
The cobblers showed that they are certainly wirthy of a place in the premiership after the marvelous 2-0 defeat of west ham utd.
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:10:39 Thursday September 17 98
Steve - your comments on Ali Gibb are absolutely correct. I think he actually has two basic flaws in his game 1 - predictability (as you rightly say) and 2 - too high a percentage of badly over-hit crosses. If he were to work hard enough on improving weak foot and on flighting the ball he may then be worth serious money. I didn't mean to give the impression that Gibb was the finished article. In fact I just wonder whether this is just another lot of hot air (remember the Hunter and Woodie rumours last season, neither of which came to anything?). I still feel Hunter's the most likely to go. He's the best complete player we have by a long, long way. Woodie has his plusses but his lack of command in the box and his kicking leave him wanting. These days a top flight goalie needs to be able to kick a rolling ball with reasonable accuracy.
Kate Bywater at 12:10:47 Thursday September 17 98
I think this site is great, and i also wanted to say how much
I enjoyed watching the 2-0 beating of West Ham on tuesday!!!
Tor Aage Braathen at 10:9:40 Thursday September 17 98
Sorry I haven`t been posting for a while. I am still around, but only been busy with Jevnaker IF and trying to sign in a Brazilian for our squad. Great result : Cobblers 2 - Hammers 0.
Hope to see you all soon.
tan ah kow at 3:33:2 Thursday September 17 98
Congrats on beating West Ham. They deservedto be hammered!
Hope you win the Worthington Cup!
T. at 22:53:12 Wednesday September 16 98
Hi, I'm back, have had problems with my pc crashing while on the internet or E-mail, apparently my mouse is far too superior for the internet to cope with! Will trawl through all the old messages at the weekend and do a bit of catching up.
Has Wilf's body been found yet?
Sexmachine at 21:36:12 Wednesday September 16 98
Rangers want to buy Ali Gibb for a "nominal fee" - about £5.5m should be OK - Gibb is much better than that dickhead Andrey Kanchelskis who they bought, who is also a right winger - AND ROY HUNTER FOR ENGLAND!
Rupert Murdoch at 21:32:58 Wednesday September 16 98
Hello, I want to buy your football team - what are they called? Is it Northansten United or something? Anyway I have £623m to spend as I found some cash while rummaging around the sofa. Cherio lads.
BGPS at 20:0:23 Wednesday September 16 98
IAN ATKINS IMPERSONATER FOUND!!!
The man impersonating Northampton Town manager Ian Atkins was discovered earlier today when comments completly out-of-sorts made by the impersonate who looked just like Atkins, gave him away.
The 'doppleganger' pledged to attack in second leg of the league cup game against West ham, away from home. Something the real Atkins would never had said.
"If we score again, West Ham will need to score four, will certainly give it a go."
Ben Sturgess at 19:27:40 Wednesday September 16 98
We'd better not sell ally gibb!
He's worht much more to us than a nominal fee!
RANGERS GET STUFFED!!!!!! COCKY BASTARDS!
pca at 17:46:21 Wednesday September 16 98
sorry about that chaps - I thought it hadn't gone through =:o)
pca at 17:15:51 Wednesday September 16 98
Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore, can you hear me? YOUR BOYS TOOK A HELL OF A BEATING! Billy Bonds, Alf Garnett are you listening? Winston Churchill, Maggie Thatcher...
pca at 17:15:50 Wednesday September 16 98
Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore, can you hear me? YOUR BOYS TOOK A HELL OF A BEATING! Billy Bonds, Alf Garnett are you listening? Winston Churchill, Maggie Thatcher...
pca at 17:15:48 Wednesday September 16 98
Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore, can you hear me? YOUR BOYS TOOK A HELL OF A BEATING! Billy Bonds, Alf Garnett are you listening? Winston Churchill, Maggie Thatcher...
pca at 17:15:46 Wednesday September 16 98
Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore, can you hear me? YOUR BOYS TOOK A HELL OF A BEATING! Billy Bonds, Alf Garnett are you listening? Winston Churchill, Maggie Thatcher...
Mike at 17:6:49 Wednesday September 16 98
Sug min balle!
Ian at 15:39:32 Wednesday September 16 98
If I remember correctly, West Ham were our first win in division one (it was a long time coming) and Bobby Moore did not take it well.
Nowhere Man at 15:3:27 Wednesday September 16 98
I think i'm going to cry with happiness.
lincoln cobbler at 14:59:7 Wednesday September 16 98
i have just woken up with the biggest hangover. i watched the whole game on sky and was so impressed. Ali gibb played a blinder. The west ham fan who i was watching it with was so gutted and spent most of the game swearing at the tv. Well done the boys!
Steve at 14:20:15 Wednesday September 16 98
Hartwell Cobbler - I agree with all your points, but I do wonder how well Gibb would fare at the highest level. Yes, he's been great for the Cobblers, tenaciously tackling at the back, and fast and direct going forward. "Well what more do you want?" you might ask. I just have a feeling that he might be 'found out' at the top for level for being a bit predictable. He always takes the 'outside' option and never cuts in. After a while he might become easy for top sides to read. It could be that hes always takes the outside route on instruction from IA. Or it could be that he's totally one footed and is virtually incapable of cutting inside. Don't get me wrong. I think he's been great for the Cobblers, and if the way he's been playing is 'predictable' then I'll settle for that kind of predictability any day. Perhaps the real reason for my reservations about Ally Gibb is that I'm so desperate for him to stay that I'm desperately trying to dream up reasons why a top club wouldn't want him.
Hartwell Cobbler at 13:18:57 Wednesday September 16 98
What an excellent result - and just as pleasing, we played with some style. It was good to see the ball on the ground more than in the air and the full width of the pitch utilised. Without doubt the re-emergence of Hunter and plus Gibb and Spedding wide has given us a more balanced and puroseful look. Sorry, Frainie but I don't think you'll get your place back that easily. It would be a travasty if he were to replace Spedding once fit. Ref the Gibb/Rangers situation: we should certainly look for a substantial fee for Gibb. But we have to bear in mind his ambitions and if Rangers came in for him, he'd probably jump at the chance. Under such conditions it would be hard to keep him against his wishes. Personally I believe Hunter will be the man who goes for real money before the end of the season. He is such a dynamo, tackles well, has good feet and vision. He is perhaps the most complete player on the club's books right now. Final thought on last night: thanks to West Ham for making it such a great game. It was a pleasure to watch and while we are rightly commending the Cobblers for a briliant showing, much credit must go to West Ham as well. Should be a great second leg. Were you watching, Lincoln ?
Steve at 12:34:52 Wednesday September 16 98
Don - what do you remember of it. I must say that most of it is a distant memory. I just remember the feeling of relief at having got our first win of the season, and that nothing was going to stop us from going on to win the league.
Steve at 12:31:36 Wednesday September 16 98
Richard - you mention there's a rumour about a pay dispute with Ray Warburton. I have a 'snippet' from an unusual source - my 9 year old son. Whilst attending the pre-season Andy Woodman coaching course, my lad got his photo taken with his hero, Razor Warburton. When my boy said to him "I wanna be the Cobblers' captain and centre half one day" Razor responded "Well, make sure you get paid better than me". So there you have it. If you want to know what's really going down on the inside, you know where to find out. One more thing - I can't BELIEVE we'd sell Ally Gibb! Not now! Not for a 'nominal fee'! Not just after he's been given an extended run and with the help of Roy Hunter really turned the team around! It simply can't be true!
Alec at 12:3:9 Wednesday September 16 98
Congratulations to The Cobblers - a thoroughly deserved win! I do not think we will be in as generous a mood for the second leg though (we bloody better not be at any rate!). If the referee hadn't given Sinclair off-side (when he clearly wasn't) the result might have been different. I also thought you had a bit of luck for the first goal, but your second was excellent. On that performance its difficult to see why Northampton are in the bottom half of the table. Anyway, looking forward to the return leg!
Don in Ealing at 10:52:29 Wednesday September 16 98
I was, Steve!
Anon at 10:46:11 Wednesday September 16 98
According to TeamTalk, Rangers' scouts have watched Gibb at the last 4 home games and they'd be able to buy him "for a nominal fee".
Steve at 9:11:27 Wednesday September 16 98
Well - wot can you say? Unutterably brilliant! We were defensively effective, attackingly incisive. Can't really ask for anything more. Central T.V.'s highlights showed that West Ham's 'goal' should have been allowed. It also showed that Ally Gibb should be taken on one side and told "Look matey - when an ugly neanderthal thug like Ruddock barges you in the chest whilst in the penalty area, you do not shrug and walk away. You adopt the Continental/South American approach and bloody well fall over!" By the way - how many of you were there in October 1965, the last time we beat West Ham? Well done Cobblers!
Billy Soccernet at 8:43:10 Wednesday September 16 98
Freestone double rocks West Ham
Wednesday, September 16, 1998
West Ham's millionaire Premiership stars were humiliated last night by struggling Second Division Northampton who gave the Upton Park a harsh lesson in determination and self-belief.
Harry Redknapp's team were out-thought and outplayed by Ian Atkins' bravehearts who fully deserved their first leg victory.
Two goals in eight minutes from former Middlesbrough striker Chris Freestone condemned Redknapp's side to defeat and leaves them with much work to be done in the return leg at Upton Park next Tuesday.
The Northampton side, which cost just £210,000 to field in comparison with West Ham's multi-million pound package, were in command from the start and were buoyed by the 7,254 crowd - their biggest of the season.
Afterwards Atkins said: 'It is a terrific scalp and we played some great football out there. If we can get a goal at their place they will have to score four so that is obviously our aim at Upton Park.
'I know the team hasn't cost a lot but we have shown that money isn't everything. I knew if we could stop Eyal Berkovic we would do well.'
Northampton had only won once at home this season before last night and are languishing fifth from bottom in the league. Yet they rose to the occasion and made the West Ham side that ended Liverpool's unbeaten run on Saturday look slow and lethargic by imposing themselves on the game.
Redknapp was full of praise for Northampton. 'They were excellent and we can't take anything away from them,' he said. 'It was very disappointing to come here and get beaten but we still have a big game to come at Upton Park next week and we are certainly not out of it yet. We are now the underdogs.'
Throughout the game Hammers allowed Northampton the time and space to create problems. Full back Ali Gibb relished the freedom down the right and his cross on 76 minutes sent the West Ham defence into panic mode. Ian Pearce tried to clear the ball but it struck Steve Potts and fell to Freestone who coolly jabbed the ball past Shaka Hislop to open the scoring.
West Ham's misery was complete eight minutes later when Roy Hunter picked up a loose ball on the left and whipped in a cross which was met by Freestone who headed over Hislop.
RICHARD at 0:7:21 Wednesday September 16 98
Sky only said that Rangers had been to Sixfields before to view someone; they didn't say it was Ali, but after his opening half of fine attacking wing play, they put 2 and 2 together (22?). Also what's the crack on Razor's pay dispute and Woody's Burnley talks??
Ray at 23:27:19 Tuesday September 15 98
Just to reiterate: The Mighty Cobblers 2 The Hammers 0 - both Cobblers goals scored by Freestone........
Ray at 23:12:59 Tuesday September 15 98
WOW!!!!! I think they should give us West Hams place in the Premiership....
RICHARD at 22:19:48 Tuesday September 15 98
Un-flipping believable! What a result. I was hoping we could keep the score tight to ensure Sky's coverage of the return leg, but this is unreal. Just think of the revenue potential of another big club tie in the 3rd round if we can do the business at Upton Park. Mind, as Ali and Chris said in the post-match interview, the job's only half done. And to be honest, 3 points at the Den on Saturday in the league are more important in the long haul. Still, enjoy it while we can. Well played, the lads.
Ben Sturgess at 21:54:14 Tuesday September 15 98
You can expect merdocks bid to come in within the next few days.....
well, maybe even before school starts tomorrow morning!
dave at 21:47:0 Tuesday September 15 98
no
MoaNjaM at 21:44:51 Tuesday September 15 98
Re the West Ham result............bloody marvelous. Just one thing though; seeing as we live not 1/4 mile from the ground, when Freestone's second goal went in you couldn't here yourself bloody think. D'you reckon you lot could keep the noise down in future? =:o)
DAVE at 21:43:57 Tuesday September 15 98
YESSSSSS!!!!!!
Up the COBBLERS
Simply the BEST....
2 - 0 Well done lads
DAVE at 21:36:15 Tuesday September 15 98
WESTHAM fans are walking out the ground with 5 mins to go
freestone going for hatrick 3mins to go
DAVE at 21:33:42 Tuesday September 15 98
WELL DONE THE COBBLERS Cobblers 2 WEST HAM nil
dave at 21:27:32 Tuesday September 15 98
NICE ONE Freestone COBBLERS 1 WESTHAM 0
Chicago Cobbler at 21:20:25 Tuesday September 15 98
Either all are at the game or are glued to sky! For those of us stuck around the globe in offices or in bed, 0-0 at halftime. Attendance 7254. I'll update if the computer doesn't crash again. Anyone else with details, please chime in.
pca at 20:57:7 Tuesday September 15 98
well everyone must be at the game! I';m stuck in the office with only sporting life 'live' web page for company. First half performance was pretty good from what I can tell. I'll be at Millwall on Saturday (from Surrey, fellow London Cobblers) hoping for an improvement on the two games there last season - althought in ccola game the 89th minute of normal time + the pens were fun
london cobbler at 20:17:11 Tuesday September 15 98
Good pub for the millwall game BRAMCOTE ARMS full of cobblers last
season and not many millwall its as you come out of bermondsey
BR in the new estate oppositre ill be in there about 1:30
last posting untill monday night .............. up the cobblers
RICHARD at 18:26:50 Tuesday September 15 98
London Cobbler: I'll be there with my boy, Chris. Millwall is just a short hop from E.Sussex compared to the drive to 'home' games @ 6fields! We went to the CC Cup game at The Den last season and enjoyed every minute of it, though there was quite an echo from the quarter full stadium. Our last minute equaliser, from John (Oh, where are you when we need you) Gayle, should have set us up for an extra time winner at least, but the penalty shoot-out must have been the worst in competition history - Millwall winning 2-0 after 10 penalties!!!!!!!!!!
Jamie at 17:54:41 Tuesday September 15 98
To Rebecca,
Any chance you could give me an idea of the average wage at the club, I don't want any names just a general idea. I'm doing some research for a new football game, I'm the 'specialist' for Northampton but I'm a bit stuck on wages and contract lengths for players.
Ray at 15:55:31 Tuesday September 15 98
Lets hope for a really good result tonight as this means we will probably be abkle to watch the away leg on Sky as well and earn the Cobblers another bundle (so we can buy some more defenders.......)
treenie at 15:12:21 Tuesday September 15 98
does anyone know if Tim 'boing boing badgers badgers' Lovejoy and Helen 'hels bells' Chamberlain are making an appearance at tonight's match after they were kindly invited to on Soccer AM on the 4th of September.
Then again they weretold they could wear Chelsea and Torquay tops so maybe it's not a good idea.
SBJ at 14:27:57 Tuesday September 15 98
London Cobbler - I'll be at the Millwall game on Saturday with my flatmate (he's a West Ham fan really but likes NTFC too). Where you coming from? I'm at the Wimbledon end of town. Last couple of matches at the New Den have been a bit ho hum (despite all those missed penalties in the cup last year) so fingers crossed for a good game this week. Weather in Norwegian . . . Billy Bonds . . . Bermondsey crappy Bermondsey. BTW, Cobblers to beat West Ham tonight and then anything could happen at Upton Park.
Pompey Cobbler at 13:53:29 Tuesday September 15 98
Cobblers 2 West Ham 0 - Corazzin, Hunter.
Redknapp reckoned that they couldn't cope with Wimbledon's
'physical approach' last week - so that could be a good sign.
There'll be dancing in the streets of Southsea tonight.......
Ben again at 11:50:6 Tuesday September 15 98
i agree with the hartwell cobbler, IA should be a bit more adventurous and give the young players a go, if liverpool had not been adventurous
in that way, they would never had discovered micheal owen, who knows maybe there is a sixty million pound player waiting to play for the cobblers (one day ill wake up :)
London Cobbler at 11:42:46 Tuesday September 15 98
Anyone for Millwall saturday ????????????
LINCOLN COBBLER at 11:40:34 Tuesday September 15 98
back at college in lincoln now - so obviously i am pissed at not being able to go to sixfields for the game. Howeve i have some very nice friends with sky so i'm off over to their house to watch it and have a bit of a celebration. (one of them is a west ham fan so should be quite an interesting evining)
Ben Sturgess at 11:28:32 Tuesday September 15 98
Tonights result is obvious
We will beat west ham 1-0 and
in the away leg, once west ham have woken up, we will get
a nil nil draw to go through, then bskyb withdraw their bid for united and offer us 600 million pounds..... premier league here we come!
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:3:42 Tuesday September 15 98
Come back Rebecca. All's forgiven!
Rebecca at 8:23:39 Tuesday September 15 98
Looking forward to my last home match as Club Secretary. Hope we do well and get a result at Upton Park as well.
Ray at 22:53:25 Monday September 14 98
Yep - the champagne is already on ice.....
Anon at 20:35:34 Monday September 14 98
Will we have a 50,000 hit celebration on the site
Hartwell Cobbler at 14:39:51 Monday September 14 98
Well, if Dobson's no better than Colkin then what the hell are we doing signing him ? I couldn't agree more, Pompey Cobbler: any good coach would place Warner ahead of Peer. Just what IA sees in Peer I can't fathom. He and Colkin are, at best, Conference players. Sadly, I think we'll lose Warner, Lee and probably Turley (who in my opinion is a better goalie than Woodman). Three very good, young prospects. Just because IA hasn't had the courage of his convictions to give them a go. The best they can expect is a place on the subs bench. What use is that to them or us ? They want football, a career and a life - none of which they're getting here. When they have gone, we'll no doubt get another three dobbins to replace them. Who'se the loser ? The answer is the Cobblers. Given the chance at least one of these players might prove a success -- and may well end up earning us a big transfer fee. And that would, in itself, be a first under IA. You'll note that since IA's been here (and despite all the twaddle about £1 million players) nobody has offered real money for any of them. That's not because they aren't good. It's because the style of play he insists on makes them look unconvincing to any prospective shopper (I'll exclude Hunter from those remarks as I think he'd look good in any company).
Mahoolah at 14:37:41 Monday September 14 98
Tip : Northampton to win 1 - 0 (moncur sent off 65) - west ham are always crap on first leg worthington ties.
West Ham will win the second leg though.
Come on you Irons!
Chicago Cobbler at 14:27:14 Monday September 14 98
It's getting just a touch disappointing coming in on Monday morning and reading of another draw or loss... Okay, I'm just upset because the Steelers beat the Bears in a game we should have won, and hoped that a Cobbs win would refresh my spirits. For the record, Pitt 17, Chicago 12. Lake intercepts a pass from Kramer with the Bears driving and with only :40 seconds on the clock. BTW the Chicago Fire win (again!!) 3-0. WWW.Barnburners.com or WWW.Chicago-Fire.com
Pompey Cobbler at 12:39:4 Monday September 14 98
I don't want to totally dis Dobson but when he was the ONLY left back
at Portsmouth Alan Ball let him go and played a 16 year old YTS lad
in his favour. I think that if he is to be a squad player then it is
a fair signing, but I agree with you H. Cobbler why bring in journeymen when younger players could be encouraged. Dobson is
certainly no better player than Lee Colkin ever was, and why play
Peer instead of Warner ? It is good that we have a strong squad
and it certainly is the best I can remember in 15 years of following the Cobblers - but it would be a tragedy if the likes of Lee and
Warner moved on because of lack of first team opportunity. To make
it worse they will probably end up at Peterborough as well.
Ray at 11:2:33 Monday September 14 98
41000 already?
hartwell cobbler at 8:59:35 Monday September 14 98
Thanks for the endoresment of Tony Dodson, Portsmouth Cobbler! Please god we haven't signed another clodhopper. We've seen enough of them at Sixfields over the last five years to last a lifetime. Despite injuries, we already have more players than our limited budgets can support. If IA keeps adding journeymen players just to make up the numbers and cover for injuries, we could end up with an over-large squad, top-heavy with two-bit players who we can't sell on. Will the likes of Warner and Lee ever get a look in ? Not if he persists in bringing in cover all the time. After all the glowing tributes he's made over the years about "young Michael Warner" you'd think he was Premiership material - or at least good enough for a run out here! It's clear to me we have an abundance of good players. We don't need any more jobbin' dobbins. Use the players you already have, Atkins. The first eight games have now produced seven points - and I think we're starting to get a clear picture of how the season's going to pan out. Hunter apart, I'm not fooled by the "injury crisis" excuse. Plainly we have enough good players to do the job. Does the manager have the right stuff to take us any further ? I'm not trying to be negative - just making a realistic assessment based on facts and what we've seen to date this season.
Pompey Cobbler at 1:28:28 Monday September 14 98
I'm a Cobblers fan exiled in Portsmouth and when I can't get to a
Cobblers game I have been known to frequent Fratton Park on the odd occasion over the last 8 years. So I was very interested to see that we had snapped up Tony Dobson at the end of last week. I hate to say it but he's an absolute load of arse, but then again I liked Chris Burns despite his flat feet.
Are there any other Cobblers fans down here ?? I keep telling my Pompey mates that one day we'll see young kids in Portsmouth sporting Cobblers shirts as they do
Man U ones today. It'll be cool to talk with a Northampton accent and a reformed Bauhaus will be the centre of the 'Madhampton' music scene. They can't see it though.
Love the Website Ray - keeps me in touch with goings on.
P.S I once saw Bobby Barnes get sent off for the Pish down here once - magic !
Ray at 0:55:25 Monday September 14 98
Well..... at least I thought .........
Paul at 21:49:9 Sunday September 13 98
Ray, you thought wrong.
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:36:11 Sunday September 13 98
I did not rate Charlie Bishop very highly as a player. But his comments in Sat's Chronic Echo confirmed my long-held view of IA and his tactics. Bishop described IA as "negative - and that comes out in the way his teams play."
Bishop confirms what I also believe - there are plenty of good players here - they're just not allowed to play. He was told he had only two touches - one to feet, the other behind their back four.
I gather we did, in fact, play some football on Saturday. Which is heartening. But I wonder how IA reacted to seeing his players passing the ball to each other ? One can only guess.
RICHARD at 17:39:22 Sunday September 13 98
Beaker: You know how it is; once you start, it's hard to stop! I wrote the original piece at 2 in the morning but lost it somewhere in cyberspace. This is the abridged version!
RICHARD at 17:36:40 Sunday September 13 98
@AOL.COM
RICHARD at 17:36:38 Sunday September 13 98
@AOL.COM
RICHARD at 17:36:37 Sunday September 13 98
@AOL.COM
RICHARD at 17:36:35 Sunday September 13 98
@AOL.COM
RICHARD at 17:36:33 Sunday September 13 98
@AOL.COM
RICHARD at 17:36:31 Sunday September 13 98
@AOL.COM
BEAKER at 15:24:15 Sunday September 13 98
Wanna buy a new keyboard richard? I think you might need one after that :0)
Ray at 15:22:29 Sunday September 13 98
Paul - I thought you suggested Television X for the Cobblers take over channel because we both have our "knockers" - and the Fantasy Channel because you keep coming on here instead of staying in the Third Division where you belong and fantasising.
RICHARD at 15:16:48 Sunday September 13 98
IK'CIWT:[overview of the game in the cold light of day]. First impression on arriving at our seats: where is everybody! The ground seemed half full. Second impression: pervasive optimism; it ain't over until the opposition turns up! Those who went to Gillingham on Tuesday night and saw the fighting spirit, came away with a sense of better things to come. Certainly the optimism was not misplaced from the evidence of the opening 20 mins. Attacking play down both flanks and Oldham living up to their early season tag of woefully inadequate at the back, matched on this occasion by the standard of their front men too. I counted at least 5 crosses from either wing which , with better finishing could have put us in the driving seat. I was praying for an early goal, not just for the sake of one, but to give us the confidence to cary on where we left off v. the Gills. But no goal came despite our surpising superiority. As the game progressed and Cobblers fans became more agitated, that uneasy feeling started to creep into my thoughts: the 'Latics are going to sneak one against the run of play. No sooner thought than done! From the dubious 'non' corner, a clear header into the back of the net. It seemed to go in in slow motion. 0-1. The silence was deafening; from the North Stand, the West Stand, the East Stand and even from the Soukth Stand, where the 34 Oldham fans who bothered to turn up, couldn't believe their luck either. Woody glared at Razor; Razor scowled at Woody; I looked intently at the ref hoping for a signal for a foul, offside or even an early whistle to mark half time before the ball reached the net a la Clive Thomas a few World Cups ago. But Nothing! I buried my head in the match programme, vainly searching for precedent, a statistical omen to portend a stirring revival in the second half. I even forgot to go for a wee and a coffee, so intently was I practising mind over matter and thought transference during the break. During the interval there was the usual comedy sketch. You know. The one where three guys come onto the pitch having never kicked a football in 35 years and now attempting to slot it into the back of a Rover hatchback parked by the corner flag - from the centre spot! £1000 from the edge of the centre circle and £500 from halfway to the car. Why does everyone try for the car? It's farther than Woody can kick on a good day, and these guys can't get it off the ground!! Still it was a good diversionary tactic to prevent the crowd from hearing the blood-letting going on in the home dressing room.
2nd Half: I told my son, Chris, what we need is a sustained period of pressur followed by a settling goal. So what do we (the Royal 'we')do? Ignor e the first part of my cunning plan and go straight for goal. It would have been a killer blow - if it had gone in, but like so many other chances, it slipped agonising inches wide. However, we did not despair; the attacking spirit remained and we kept pressing forward. After 56 mins one finally came good; a scrambled, legs everywhere, get it in the goal at all costs kind of effort finally went in off Chris Freestone. The relief was almost tangible. At long last, some reward for the taem effort. Itnever occured to me at the time that wewouldn't go on to score again and win. This was the watershed, I fully believed. Unfortunately, despite much huffing and puffing we wer to be denied our rightful 3 points. Positives: The wing back strategy, whether unintentionally or by design,is working. Duncan and Ali are getting the job done and once the Spedding/Gibb and Corrazin/Freestone combos of ball and player can meet at the same co-ordinates, we will score hatfullsMidfield. I can't work out exactly what it is but the return of Roy of the Rovers and Super Sean is having the desired effect. Perhaps it's just a matter of confidence, but don't fix it if it ain't broke. These two aspects give the longed for attacking edge we have so sadly missed for, it seems, an age. Negatives: Aerial balls if you'll pardon the expression. We are very good at clearing the incoming projectile; Razor Sammo and Hill do a fine job, biut it usually goes straight to the opposition, who manage to work it back into danger areas with passing to their own players on the ground! The same in attackinfg positions The up and under inevitably comes back at us with interest. We're just not big enough to fight for those type of balls. Their no4 with the head bandage attracted the ball like a magnet - no wonder his head hurt! Closing down the opposition: we just don't seem to do it! they have so much space and time, we might as well give them a goal start ( which we seem to be doing well enough already) Woody: now I love Woody, but he needs to command his area more, both verbally and physically. There was one mix up where Woody's fists and Ali's head were competing for the same ball on the goal-line (incidentally, the second of the two occasions Oldham managed an attempt on goal) I heard him at Gillingham swearing like a trooper at the defence, but it was strangely silent from the North Stand. Final analysis: I said after the Gillingham game and before this one, that the style of our play would be a more important than the result in determining the outcome of our season. We dropped 2 more points, but we played some football. One particular moment in the game was a microcosm of how we would wish the team to play all season. Frestone was having a spat with his marker, not liking the close attention he was getting after shielding the ball out for our throw. Some pushing and shoving , handbags at twenty paces stuff. The ensuing passage of play was a delight to see. Ball pinging around like a pin ball machine, legs and boots in a Daliesque tangle ,scythed body parts flyinfg everywhere. The match temperature rose 50 dgrees and the Cobblers fans were loving it. And then it happened ; a combination a daring skill determination a nd sheer cheek involving a 4 or 5 man intricate passing move in a 10 yard square space resulting in a nother home attack. You had to be there to appreciate it fully.It reminded me of some matches I saw three seasons ago; sweeping crossfield moves , pace and Italian style possesion play. We didn't always win, but it made you proud to be a Cobblers fan. More of the same please, boys for the rest of the season and there'll be no complaints from Crowborough Cobbler!!
Paul at 14:1:26 Sunday September 13 98
And I offer you two choices on who would buy the Cobblers ....... 1) Television X because of the style of 'football' you play ....... or 2) The Fantasy Channel because of the early season predictions of how you lot were going to do.
Phil Baron at 8:15:30 Sunday September 13 98
Latest news just in BSB buy Man Utd,Carlton buy Arsenal and hang on...........Cartoon network buy Peterboro !!!!!!!!
BEAKER at 0:31:14 Sunday September 13 98
Ermm... i believe u did ray? *grin*
Ray at 20:47:48 Saturday September 12 98
Cobblers 1 Oldham 1 for all those interested. Freestone scored his first league goal of the season AND the Cobblers played football!
Ben Sturgess at 17:37:23 Saturday September 12 98
Damn i dont have sky.....
i guess itl be on bbc n'pton
so which big media company is gonna buy the cobblers?
i'd better put my bid in quick!!!
Bez at 11:33:42 Saturday September 12 98
Oh by the way GOOD LUCK Cobblers this afternoon I'll be there shouting you on.
Bez at 11:32:32 Saturday September 12 98
I can't believe it I've been dumped because I spend too much time at the Cobblers and not with my bird!!!!!!!! Oh well Oldham this afternoon. It seems we have got Gillingham back for Nicky Southall last year by signing Tony Dobson for £22500 to replace that total tosspiece Bishop. What a plank. I mean if the manager has a go at you for two goals you don't go and call the club you're playing for poxy. POXY I'll give that nonce poxy. I was speaking to A diamonds fan last night and he says that they call our stadium the Cardboard Cut-out. This is all because of the subsidance we've had in the past. At least ours doesn't become a bit of the River Nene whenever it rains.
Steve at 10:22:17 Saturday September 12 98
Oh no they're not! Anyway, the way the season's gone so far, it wouldn't surprise me if a local well known China store were to bring out a Cobblers Win At Sixfields mug. Now that would be worth celebrating.
B.EATTIES at 10:19:28 Saturday September 12 98
Those Cobblers Win at Wembley Mugs are available in my wonderful Department Store in Northampton's Grosvenor Centre.
RICHARD at 1:58:55 Saturday September 12 98
The 'Latics are coming! Despite their woeful defensive record this season, Oldham will be no pushover,. Remember, we haven't exactly set the world alight with our goal scoring prowess to date! A 3-2 away win at Gillingham, when they were short of at least 3 first team defenders, puts the result into perspective. A home win by any means on Saturday would be a godsend at this stage of the season, but the style of that (hoped-for) victory would prove a more significant indication of our chances of survival/ mid-table security/ play-off chances for the rest of the season.
Ray at 1:9:38 Saturday September 12 98
Damn - what idiot told her where these pages were?
BEAKER at 0:52:56 Saturday September 12 98
oooh someone remembers who Beaker was- 10 out of 10 for that one ralph:0) Any way - about paying me at 1971 rates?? U forget - u pay me at1961 rates now - hard to get all that pounds shillings and pence changed into real money u know *sigh* Seeing as im the real Beaker- does that make ray a Bunsen?
Hartwell Cobbler at 22:0:8 Friday September 11 98
Like Ralph I will also miss tomorrow's game. Got to go to a wedding. The bride's father and his son are big Cobblers fans. They're wondering how they got the fixture wrong! Still we'll all have our radio earpieces in at the reception! I hope they'll be a big cheer or two - probably quite out of context with the reception !! At least I will see the W Ham game. Give them a shout for me tomorrow everyone. I'm expecting a win, which would really kick start our season. Although Matthew, Wilkinson and Seal are all about fit, IA appears to still find a place for Peer in his dream team!
Anon at 20:7:31 Friday September 11 98
Wanted: Cobblers Win at Wembley beaker. Anyone know where I can get one?
RICHARD at 20:2:27 Friday September 11 98
Sorry to re-iterate,Ray;I must read more quickly!
RICHARD at 20:0:13 Friday September 11 98
Ralph: Beaker was also the professor with the Bobby Charlton hairstyle in the unparalleled 1960's "Supercar"! The NY Jets have a shot this year, despite the opening day loss to the 49ers.
Chicago Cobbler: The Monsters of the Medway will return to glory, but not before the Black & Gold demolish them one more time!
Ben: It will be on Sky Sports 2 @ 7.30pm.
Ray at 19:40:34 Friday September 11 98
It will be shown in full on Sky Sports 2 starting 7:30. A repeat to watch the mighty Cobblers win again at 12:30 am. Wednesday, and again at 12:30 pm on Sky Sports 1.
Ben Sturgess at 19:12:58 Friday September 11 98
anyone know what channel the west ham game will be shown on??? if it is gonna be shown on tele......
woodbridgesteve at 18:19:25 Friday September 11 98
wot's all this ancient muso biz...what about Dr Strangely Strange...friends greet you on the way say, there you go...
Ralph at 18:0:32 Friday September 11 98
Oh well, I'll be missing my first ever Cobblers match at Sixfields tomorrow and the second on Tuesday. Does anyone know a pub in Wooler that will be showing the WHU game? For all that has been said about the way we play and stuff just get behind the lads tomorrow and let's see the season turn around. I'll look forward to reading a whole weeks worth of 'Cobblers Comments' on my return. Oh yeah and just for the record Nils Lofgren and the New York Jets.
Ralph at 17:38:37 Friday September 11 98
Ray - Beaker was the lab assisstant in the Muppetts.
Alec at 17:17:35 Friday September 11 98
That was a cracking good mug SBJ
SBJ at 16:49:11 Friday September 11 98
Sorry, Steve: nothing could persuade me to tell you that it's at http://www.whufc.co.uk/ and there's no way I'd direct you to look under http://chat.westhamunited.co.uk/ and look for the lengthy "Look! Everyone must read this" message thread two-thirds of the way down the topic list . . . . .
Steve at 16:39:27 Friday September 11 98
SBJ - Go on! Name that web-site and don't worry about your Centenary Mug. I know where you can get some of those amazingly high quality Wembley '97 mugs at knock down prices! Just drop me a line.
Mike B at 16:1:8 Friday September 11 98
Apologies from all decent Grimsby Town FC fans for the morons that left abusive messages on this site. Good luck to the cobblers, see ya in division 1!
Ray at 15:53:34 Friday September 11 98
Thanks SJB - I am actually very proud that this has got to be one of the biggest and best frequented guest books on the whole of the web - let alone footie sites.
Ray at 15:51:13 Friday September 11 98
Just a reminder that the mighty Cobblers are on Sky next Tuesday!!
SBJ at 15:41:52 Friday September 11 98
Not the NTFC centenary mug! You win; if questioned I'll say it was the Mount Villa FC site.
Rumourmonger at 15:40:13 Friday September 11 98
I hear that Telecential have put in a takeover bid of £500, plus some window stickers and novelty pen tops, to buy NTFC. They offer guaranteed live coverage of all Cobblers home games, brought to over 85 households in the Kingsthorpe area, exclusively live - only from Northamptonshire's premier cable TV company. Fiction, fabrication, falsehood, or just a lie . . . ?
Alec at 15:37:29 Friday September 11 98
SBJ: if you name the Chat site talking about the slapper.. I'm going to break your centenary football mug!
SBJ at 15:34:54 Friday September 11 98
Ray: just had a quick trawl through a couple of other football guestbooks / chat sites: you should be proud of your guestbook here. On one unnamable site there's an airing of very dirty washing about a 'slapper' and a 'boy' who had a bad date (it's handbags at ten paces stuff), on another they run down ALL their neighbouring clubs, with nary a word for their own team, and on another they just keep saying 'hello' to each other with no comment at all. We're a second division team, but ther's some top class commentary on here, even (especially?) the stuff about music and gridiron.
Anon at 14:57:33 Friday September 11 98
One last thought on America, then I'll get back to Cobbs. Top Ten things England should start a war with America over: 10. Language spoke here is called "english" 9. Football is played with padding 8. Chips are called Fries 7. We park our car on a driveway, we drive our car on a parkway (really) 6. OJ Simpson 5. The Nannie shook the baby 4. Americans thought it was "cool" that France won the World Cup on their home soil 3. Gerry Adams treated like a god 2. Peanut butter, And the number one reason to start a war with America : Madonna still tops the F'ing music charts!!!
Chicago Cobbler at 14:46:35 Friday September 11 98
Ray, follow the link and send me an email with an address, and I put one in the mail to you. Ralph, yes the days of the mid eighties are now past for my beloved Chicago Bears. We will be woefully dominated by Pittsburgh, and will run the ball as often as possible to keep the Steelers scores down. Slash is one hell of an athlete, and that defense is still great. I expect a 20+ win for your side. On the Jags front, they looked crap and we should have won... that bodes well for you. And yes, I am a fanatic. I have at all times the stats on every player, drop me a line if you want to know who's doing what. Does Sky offer American Football? We just got the premier league (used to have to watch it in Spanish, Muy Malo!)but we only get the match of the week (usually ManU who I hate worse than marmite). Happy to oblige on the NFL updates. I only get to see a couple of Cobbs games a year when on holiday, so thankfully I have this page to catch up. Wondering why on earth an American from Chicago supports the Cobbs? I worked for a company with an office in Peterborough, and decided very early on that the only thing I would support from there was the College Arms Pub (they have Caffreys on tap)! My switch to N'Hampton led me to the White Hart and Fiddler Mcguires. Then on to Sixfields. Colour me Claret.
treenie at 14:22:37 Friday September 11 98
If anyone wants to talk cobblers E mail me
SBJ at 13:15:8 Friday September 11 98
Gills fans seem like good people. There's a Gill in my office; looks like Rasputin but is one of the nicest blokes around.
Andy C at 13:5:27 Friday September 11 98
That's OK TRB Mark. I was just starting to get offended... Posh should do well though because as ever Barry Fry's team have players that can score. Less said about the defence the better but in the Third half the teams don't have a striker good enough to capitalise anyway.
Bunsen at 12:26:51 Friday September 11 98
Sorry, From now on Beaker (the unreal one) will be called Bunsen.
TRB Mark at 12:18:24 Friday September 11 98
Sorry Andy, beaker was right I was reffering to the pooh (posh). I've got no axe to grind with Gillingham and yes, you were unlucky not to make the play-offs. (I was glad as I did'nt fancy playing you at all)
Ray at 12:7:48 Friday September 11 98
Pay rise? U have just gotta be joking! After that post I'm seriously considering paying u at 1971 rates.....
Beaker (the real one) at 12:1:57 Friday September 11 98
Sorry guys - will have to excuse the boss - bands arent his 'thang' - he still wears flares *giggle* - now, about my pay rise.....
Ray at 12:1:27 Friday September 11 98
Who the hell is Beaker? - but welcome anyway.... :-)
Beaker at 11:34:23 Friday September 11 98
I think TRB was talking about Peterborough.
Andy C at 10:30:15 Friday September 11 98
TRB Mark - no I'm not the fan you met. We did start well last year, then went 13 games without a win and were always playing catch-up. I wouldn't describe it as ending in a charred ruin (you're probably thinking of Fulham) as we were a goal or a point away from making the play-offs. Either of those could have come on the last day of the season when we hit the inside of the post with five minutes to go but drew 0-0, or even at Sixfields when Paul Smith's wrong sending off probably lost us the match. I hope it won't go any more pear shaped than it is already! We do reckon we'll be there or thereabouts though, if our best players ever get fit, and with our strongest team available we could give any team in this division a run for their money.
pca at 10:27:3 Friday September 11 98
ok then, so who's this tony dobson the Sun is linking us with this morning - west brom defender turned down £50k move to Gills apparently...any more info? Oh and Ralph, I agree Longpigs, bluetones and flc and will raise you the weddingpresent, verve and shed seven
Andy C at 10:19:28 Friday September 11 98
How come nobody's posted a message about your new player? Irrespective of how good a defender he is (and we didn't have time to judge), you have to ask questions about Dobson's character if he'll renege on an agreement as quickly as he did.
TRB Mark at 10:13:9 Friday September 11 98
Andy C, I can see why the ref gave the decision, it is only with slo mo that you see that Razor never touched him. The positioning was a bit more blatant unless the ref was playing the one-on one rule, if such a thing still exists. Andy, you ar'nt the Gills fan I met at Leeds Castle Balloon fiesta this year are you? If any more smug pooh fans think that they are as good as promoted , then think again. I seem to remember you stating the season like a house on fire last year, only for it to end in a charred ruin. We will watch your results and wait for it all to go pair shaped after Christmas. You only get 3 points if you score 100 goals per game.
Ray at 9:28:16 Friday September 11 98
.......and did you know that "Lincoln City" is an anagram of "Cynic Lot - Nil"
Ray at 9:26:7 Friday September 11 98
If you are still looing for the lyrics, some kind soul has posted them to the RedIdiot site ay http://www.redimps.com/bbs/messages/148.html
Ralph at 8:33:57 Friday September 11 98
Ray - To think all this talk about music and gridiron started because someone deleted the lyrics to The Joker. Hmm . . . good old Steve Miller. Still loads of hits!
Redimp at 7:19:20 Friday September 11 98
The new manager of Northampton Town is likely to be a committee set up by the British National Party, led by well known racist Mr A. Hitler. He comments, "We will destroy all players who are not in our image and we will get the fans to agree with us... actually, they already do."
Ray at 2:27:38 Friday September 11 98
Dont worry Richard - carry on - I was only joshing....
Anon at 2:13:28 Friday September 11 98
Further to AndyC, my father was at the game and he doesn't think Warburton made any contact with Asaba who managed to end up well in the area with a dive that totally conned a well out of position referee. Obviously a new tactic this one, kick off, run straight down the field and dive into the area, you know the ref won't be anywhere close. Smart idea. Course if I had spent what Gillingham have on new strikers, I'd be a bit ticked off with the current league position and maybe said strikers are feeling a bit of heat.
Ian at 2:7:14 Friday September 11 98
With reference to pca and Cambridge City being minnows, once upon a time in my youth Cambridge City were the big team in that city with a certain other team a poor second.
RICHARD at 1:0:52 Friday September 11 98
Ray: Sorry to usurp your pages to talk about the 'other' game, but we of the gridiron persuation so rarely find a fellow afficianado. If Chicago Cobbler is happy to converse we can continue by private e-mail. But what about the extra hits if it proves a breeding ground of fervent support?
Ray at 0:44:49 Friday September 11 98
Ray wonders if hes accidently gone to the wrong page....
RICHARD at 23:59:36 Thursday September 10 98
Chicago Cobbler: As coincidence would have it, the Bears visit Three Rivers on Sunday! Aforgone conclusion to the result ( Steelers by 13) has been supplanted by a stiring Bears pperformance against the Jags. Oh, if only you could have prevented that last minute touchdown Steelers would be a game up on Jacksonville, their closest rivals, in the AFC Central. In a season where it could come down to 'head to head' to determine the play-off contenders in the AFC Divisions, a one win advantage at this stage could have proved decisive. I trust the Bears good showing was an anomaly and they will return to type (ie.abysmal)in their road game, to allow the Black & Gold to storm to another division championship, play-off berth and hopefully the Super Bowl where they will have a chance to add "one for the thumb"!!
If you are a gridiron nut, please keep in contact, especially if you suffer ignominious defeat at the hands of the blue collar behemoths of blast furnace City!!!!!!!!
Ray at 21:17:12 Thursday September 10 98
Thanx for all that explanation. Shall I organise tailgating in the car park? I still don't know how Im gonna get a BarnBurner hat/cap whatever!
Chicago Cobbler at 21:13:7 Thursday September 10 98
Dear God, please don't begin to try understanding Americans. We need only to understand that we live in two countries separated by a common language. Tailgating is a formalized ritual which involves barbecuing all manner of sausages and burgers behind your cars in the parking area at the stadium (everyone drives to games), massive quantities of beer are hence consumed, then you watch the game, and often return for more post game celebration. Naturally you drive home piss drunk, as Americans are lax at rules and regulations. Chicago, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh are the best for these parties. The charge would incur for paying for a barrel of beer (basically 2 Quid for all you can drink). Injured reserve came about to keep players on rosters, and limit their mobility between clubs. You have to trade for a player, and make room for players on a roster. There is never selling of players between clubs. After a players contract expires, he becomes a "free agent" and may sell himself to any team he chooses. A ball cap is the same as a baseball hat. The Pittsburgh Steelers always field a team that plays physical defense, and cause great concern for opposing teams. Playing them is akin to playing Arsenal of the early 70's Double Season... FRUSTRATING! Hopefully, this gives some clarification... Perhaps more than one would desire. And hey, how can you mention the 70's without a little Peter Frampton or Kiss??
RICHARD at 20:26:10 Thursday September 10 98
Ray: Fire's leading scorer, Roman Kosecki was placed on injured reserve ( a designation given to players injured and who are thereafter ineligible to play for a specified period. This is because US teams have a limit to ACTIVE playing staff. They have more players on their books, but are only allowed to field a limited roster for each game. For Kosecki to return, once his injury has healed, would require dropping another team member from the ACTIVE list.) Kosecki was placed on the 'injured' list retroactive (backdated) to 2nd September, the date of the original injury, so as to limit the time he would have to be inactive because of the aforementioned piece of typically American logic. Simple, isn't it?
RICHARD at 20:7:27 Thursday September 10 98
Ray: Tailgating IS major partying before the game (mainly US Football), where you have to eat and drink loads to last the 3hours plus of their brand of 'foot'ball. I'm a massive Pittsburgh Steelers fan and manage to get all the games taped and sent over within the week from the States. Talking of videos - what's happened to the Mabee Corpn.'s '97/'98 season production? Another Wembley season deserves another compilation to show the grandchildren (when i'm old enough to have them)
Ray at 17:43:2 Thursday September 10 98
hmmmm - guess I'm no use in a discussion about bands....as no one has mentioned one I've even heard of yet - lol. I'll get someone to log on and make my contribution for me (well - what do u have staff for anyway )
Ralph at 17:37:35 Thursday September 10 98
Saw Captain Beefhart and his Magic Band. Trout Mask Replica Tour. Hey come on Ray, think of all the hits. pca there is NO substitute for talent or class. It does not have to old to be wonderful either; how about Longpigs, Hybirds, Bluetones, Massive Attack and the brilliant Fun Lovin' Criminals?
Ralph at 17:31:42 Thursday September 10 98
Saw Free at The Dome, Brighton. Kossoff and all. Still have the recording.
SBJ at 17:24:51 Thursday September 10 98
The Barn Burners' website is good alright. Never did like the name 'Kansas City Wizards', so hope the Fire give them a good stuffing. I think Rushden & Diamonds have a player who used to play Major League Soccer, but can't think of his name. I'll chuck Big Star, Can, Jellyfish, Phish and Dada into the band list before the subject is changed, but I'll always go back to Van Mo for a wind-down after a hectic day at the office (today's highlight: a deer dived into the office lake, got chased around by the swans, got fished out by the facilities management staff, got chased by a dog for its life, and then disappeared - working life in SW London is never dull).
pca at 17:24:49 Thursday September 10 98
I've had alook at the barn burners site too. I think tailgating might be where they all hang around eating picnics from the boots of their cars in the car park (where else?) before games. I wouldn't recommend you try this at Sincil Bank.
Ray at 17:10:6 Thursday September 10 98
Oh - bands were they? I thought they were defunct footie teams which is why I allowed the conversation to go on.. :-)
Ray at 17:8:40 Thursday September 10 98
.....and could you explain what "injured reserve retroactive" is please.
pca at 17:4:45 Thursday September 10 98
can you all stop talking about bands my grandad thought outdated and listen...EXCLUSIVE...Further to yesterday's conversation, Dave Gilbert has just been appointed coach at Dr Martens League Grantham Town. They've gone full-time this season and were hoping to sweep through a la Hednesford/Rushden but were upset by minnows Cambridge City on Tuesday.
Ray at 17:4:17 Thursday September 10 98
OK - I've been to see the Barnburners site and I have a few questions for our friend over the pond. 1: What is tailgating? I know what it is over here but do you really have to pay $5 to do it? 2: Is a ball cap the same as a baseball cap? If so where do I order one and how much? (Free to Cobblers Web Site organisers - hint - hint?) 3: I see you have the same people selling your tickets as we do - Ticketbastard. Made me laugh anyway.
Ray at 16:52:51 Thursday September 10 98
The comments regarding the dates for the West Ham game made a few lines back are correct. Sky will cover the away leg, particularly if West Ham are only 3 - nil up at half time..... (whoops - did I say that out loud?)
Ray at 16:51:14 Thursday September 10 98
Welcome to the new all singing Cobblers pages.....
Andy C at 16:47:12 Thursday September 10 98
Back to the football. TRB Mark - I was at the other end so it looked a blatant penalty to me!!! Having said that, my brother saw the slo-mo and didn't dispute that it was outside the area, although he thought Warburton probably did make contact with Asaba with his body having slid right past with his legs. He wasn't convinced it was a foul either. Did anyone see a slo-mo of Corazzin's "goal" - bro says he missed it completely and the ball went in off Bartram's hand as he tried to catch it, which is how it looked to me at the time, albeit from 100 yards away. If so, is that the cheekiest claim of a goal ever?
RICHARD at 16:31:2 Thursday September 10 98
Capt. Beefheart(60's weir sounds); River City People(90's Nottingham folky band); The Lads (my son's school band, avge age 13, one gig only, but destined for stardom/abject poverty depending on the patience of their music teachers)
Chicago Cobbler at 16:15:58 Thursday September 10 98
Ralph,
Related distantly (cousins) to John Farnham of Aussie music fame (no relation to Grand Funk Railroads Mark Farner). My band is Otis Ball & Chains (Bar None records)and made the charts in 1989 with "I'm gonna love you, 'til I don't love you anymore" Can't forget to add Deep Purple, Free, and Bad Finger to your desert island discs montage.
Chicago Cobbler at 16:2:42 Thursday September 10 98
Scary to say it, but we are beginning to have the makings of proper football in the states. My team, (besides the Cobbs) is the Chicago Fire, and our supporters club is called the Barnburners (see www.barnburners.com for one of the best football pages around, making sure to open the comics at the bottom of the page). We are drawing nearly 35,000 a game but play in the 80,000 seat Soldiers Field so it looks mostly empty. By comparison, I'd say we are up to about 3rd or 2nd Division Football. Anyway, if you are looking for yet another team to support and want to dazzle your friends with a very stylish kit, join us. We are in our cup final, and just qualified for the playoffs... in our first year as a club.
Just a comment on racism. If the best thing you can say about a person of colour who is playing his heart on the pitch is racisit, shut your cakehole! HE at least has the talent to play professional football. All you've proven is that you have a narrow mind, and access to the internet. If you were worth two craps at the game you'd be on the pitch. Go back to your bag of crisps, and turn off your computer. Cheers from America! Go Cobbs
acm at 15:59:39 Thursday September 10 98
As a West Ham fan I go to the Boleyn every home game to have a chat with visiting fans. I have never experienced any trouble there. At the Walsall cup game last season, there were alot of Walsall fans in the pub who were singing all their songs. West Hams were singing back and the atmosphere was brilliant. If people have had bad experiences in the past that is a shame, but there are idiots in every club. As long as fans are not being abusive and aggressive the Boleyn is a perfectly friendly pub to go in.
Anon at 15:59:34 Thursday September 10 98
is that like Joss Ackland?
Ralph at 15:52:46 Thursday September 10 98
Chicago Cobbler - Just keep the names and memories coming. Are you related to the Transit Authority lot? I'm a Man, Free Form Guitar etc. Pass me another joss stick.
Ralph at 15:48:43 Thursday September 10 98
pca - Yeah start using it!
West Ham Cobbler at 15:47:4 Thursday September 10 98
As a fan of West Ham since birth, and Northampton since college, I can honestly say that the Boleyn (outside the West Ham ground) is a good, friendly pub for football fans arriving early for a match. Away and home fans even mix together, making a good atmosphere for everyone. Also, West Ham as a club is proud of it's modern-day reputation for welcoming away fans and teams (particularly lower division teams - Emley, Walsall etc. in recent cup runs), and whatever the outcome of the cup tie this month, it should be a good experience for both sides.
pca at 15:44:21 Thursday September 10 98
i see the county have just bowled out sussex for 72, any ideas how we could doctor the sixfields pitch to our advantage?
Chicago Cobbler at 15:37:23 Thursday September 10 98
Ralph & SBJ, please in your discs of choice include the Great MC5 (Motor City Five)Godfathers to all of the rockers of the 70's and 80's. "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem... I give you the MC5" Wail On.
SBJ at 15:28:20 Thursday September 10 98
Hartwell Cobbler - Northamptonshire County Record Office used to have a box full of these singles, which is where my copy came from. It was the B-side, about stranded aliens finding, in Northampton, all the energy they would need for their return journey home, that particularly appealed. I wonder if anyone has proved whether the single had a positive or negative effect on Northampton's status as an industrial centre? On a different matter - I hear that the first West Ham match is to be shown live on Sky, and that the second leg has been moved forwards to the following Tuesday to allow for live coverage of that game too, providing the tie still has 'audience potential' (ie. NTFC still in with a chance of winning) by that stage. Anyone able to confirm this rumour?
Ray at 15:15:43 Thursday September 10 98
Please head towards http://www.ntfc.co.uk/racism.htm for the statement on Racism.
hartwell cobbler at 14:17:31 Thursday September 10 98
SJB - interested to see your mention of Sixty Miles By Road or Rail. It was, in fact, commissioned by Northampton Development Corporation to help promote the town as an industrial location. I was working for the NDC marketing dept at the time and was very much involved in publicising it. Actually, in the eight years I was there, it got more media coverage than any other single thing we did! You perhaps don't remember, but Anglia TV did a great bit of film to go with it - a blonde bird in a car - who ended up married to a good friend of mine and another Cobblers fan (although I've since lost contact with him). It also got airtime on national radio (if I recall right I think even John Peel played it - probably for a joke!!). The singer, incidentally, was a session artiste called Linda Jardim (Jardime?). I think I still have a copy of the record somewhere - but damned if I can locate it. Well, thanks for the memory...!
SBJ at 13:45:31 Thursday September 10 98
http://www.delerium.co.uk/archive/uk6070s/s12z.html#Stackwaddy
Good summary of the band at the above URL
SBJ at 13:35:30 Thursday September 10 98
Stackwaddy: relegation-zone 1970s HM (Journey-ish) stadium type band from my days at Nene College living with a metaller-turned-evangelist. Only 2 albums, "Stackwaddy" and "Bugger Off!" - not surprisingly, two flops. Nostalgic value only I suppose. Good tastes in music on this guestbook - all these artists have a place in my collection. Mind you, so does Northampton Borough Council's "60 Miles By Road Or Rail - a love affair with Northampton" 7" single . . . .
Ralph at 13:17:16 Thursday September 10 98
SBJ - Stackwaddy? I have to admit defeat. I've just surfed a bit and they seem to be HM. But they are new to me.
Ralph at 13:2:17 Thursday September 10 98
Jugger - Love all of them. Actually saw The Band supporting Joni Mitchell and CSN & Y. Hartwell Cobbler - You must find time to listen to music, no make time. It's a great healer. Are you listening T. I always go to sleep with my headphones on and the stresses of the day just melt away; try Van Morrison, John Martyn, Massive Attack, Joni Mitchell, selected Tom Waits,Counting Crows, all of these will readjust your Karma.
Ralph at 12:55:49 Thursday September 10 98
REDIMP - That should be 'southern states'. Southern Man - Neil Young or Sweet Home Alabama - Leonard Skinhead anyone?
Ralph at 12:53:16 Thursday September 10 98
Budgie - Oh to hear Bread Fan one more time!
TRB Mark at 12:35:35 Thursday September 10 98
Andy C failed to mention the penalty for Gills that never was. With the benefeit of slo mo video the "tackle" was in the "D", not the area and Razor got the ball and made NO contact with the Gills player who dived into the area. He may have been diving for the penalty, or just diving to avoid Razor's legs having already lost the ball.
My sister goes out with one of those famous Welsh hippy rockers from the band known as Man. And who remembers Budgie? (The band not the TV prog). Strangely enough, I bought "The best of Budgie on the same day as "Damned Damned Damned" by the Damned.
SBJ at 9:25:41 Thursday September 10 98
Ralph - put Stackwaddy on your playlist today!
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:20:39 Thursday September 10 98
Ralph - ref Peer - it beats the hell out of me as well ! There are several players who I would automatically put ahead of him. While he's a trier, he has little ball control and poor distribution. And he always look so awkward! Not what you'd call a natural, eh? Jugger - no I certainly wouldn't dare! Glad you enjoyed your visit to Sixfields, though. Ralph - like some of your choices of bands. But how do you get time to listen to them all ?!
SBJ at 9:4:13 Thursday September 10 98
Stop right there Redimp - this site doesn't need your childish and nonsensical generalisations any more. We each of us knows where our own club (and the game) stands on racism, and I believe we all agree it's not to be tolerated any more. So leave out the silly comments. Be more like your David F Cartwright (another Imp on this page); if not, stay away. Best footballing wishes to Lincoln (a decent city), and let's hope all the teams that we've all been criticising (for performances on and off the field) can get our acts in gear and make a season of it which all the supporters can enjoy.
Redimp at 8:13:8 Thursday September 10 98
I've never known a bunch of whingers like Northampton fans. I suppose thats not surprising since the only entertainment in that so called county is watching Ian Atkins dance on the touchline... oh, and shouting racist abuse because Northampton inhabitants think that they are from the South states of the USA.
Steve at 7:39:38 Thursday September 10 98
Well at least after last night's Premiership results we can relax. 3-0 down at half-time to West Ham and victory will be assured.
David F Cartwright at 1:56:38 Thursday September 10 98
I'm a Lincoln Imps fan but good luck this year to your team.
Jugger at 0:20:39 Thursday September 10 98
BTW it's refreshing to see a posting relating to some DECENT bands at long last. But don't forget The Band, Nick Drake, John Martyn and URIAH HEEP!
Jugger at 0:17:16 Thursday September 10 98
I dare Hartwell Cobbler to post a message on the Oatcake Board about SCFC's 'huge financial resources'...bearing in mind our opinion of the current administration and business management!
Nevertheless thanks for your confidence in us. BTW my visit to you for our first game was cracking - not only for the result but for the atmosphere (I snuck in amongst your lot but was duly respectful of mine hosts) but the welcome given by the landlord at the Pub near the railway station.
Yido Cobbler at 19:25:40 Wednesday September 9 98
Use the Boleyn pub at your peril it is West Hams main pub.!!!If you do take some plasters and bandages or better still a crash helmet
Ralph at 18:35:2 Wednesday September 9 98
Oh and The Moody Blues while we're at it.
Ralph at 18:29:54 Wednesday September 9 98
Message to The Steve Miller Band and Ray - Votre Francais est mauvais and mine is very limited but sacre bleu, I wanted to print off those lyrics. It all came about after a posting on the Lincoln board, just started to rebuild a few bridges don't you know. This censorship thing is getting out of hand and how can you suggest that Steve Miller is a minority interest. What about Canned Heat then and Gong? Not to mention New Riders of the Purple Sage, King Crimson, Family, Eggs over Easy, Quintessance, Ten Years After, Blodwyn Pig, Son of Gut Bucket, Flock, Curved Air, Rory Gallagher, The Flying Burritto Brothers, Steam Packet, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Iron Butterfly.
Paul Schofield at 17:1:33 Wednesday September 9 98
Unlike most clubs we don't NEED money! A good price for Hunter would be nice, but it would have to be used to buy other players so why sell. Yes, he deserves higher division football, but why not with us. Hunt's form this season has not been as good as last year, but that could be because he is unsettled by the return of Parrish & Hunter, together with the Matthew arriving at the club.
Ralph at 16:56:17 Wednesday September 9 98
I too agree Hunt is a promising prospect. Why then does Peer get in front of him? Not wishing to start a rumour but . . . . I hear Boss Atkins has a downer on him at the moment or possibly someone has made an offer for him. On the live radio commentary last night I thought I heard he missed the team bus due to 'running out of petrol'. What's that all about then?
Hartwell Cobbler at 16:33:3 Wednesday September 9 98
Steve - I guess all clubs at our level are the same - if a good offer comes for their star player in they can't refuse because money's always tight. Always has been so. But now more than ever. I agree with you that, if we sold Hunter for half a million quid, we would have to pay the same to get an equal. And even then it would be a gamble. Personally I think James Hunt is an excellent prospect. Can't tell what Damian Matthew is like as we haven't yet seen him in the heat of battle. Relating Hunt to Hunter I would say: both have tremedous stamina and work hard; both tackle well although Hunter is the better; both can distribute the ball well. But Hunter scores because he's just about the only man we have who can do all that and switch play. I recall just before his injury seeing him run half the length of the field, slide tackle an opponent down by the West Stand touchline, get up with the ball, dummy a second opponent, turn and sweep the ball back out wide to the right. That, for me, epitomised Hunter. If he continues his comeback the way he's started it, I wouldn't be at all surprised if a Premier League club doesn't make a substantial offer for him this side of Xmas. Like you I'd hate to see him go. But he has a career to follow and good luck to him. To be positive, I hold out the prospect that in time Hunt may mature into an even better player. That really would be something! As I've said many times we do have some talent here. It's up to IA to develop it and give players the chance to play the ball and shine. Now Hunter and Parrish are back (and with Matthew nearly fit) how can IA continue with Peer ?
Health Warning at 16:14:30 Wednesday September 9 98
Don't use the Boleyn.
Alec at 15:12:52 Wednesday September 9 98
I am the Hammer in question - I sit alongside Steven, and it is my firm belief that we will win comfortably (despite our dodgy away record). I am looking forward to the game, though hope Northampton's players don't kick the s**t out of our team. Any of you coming down for the second leg I suggest using the Boleyn, which is next to the ground.
SBJ at 15:0:58 Wednesday September 9 98
Certainly is good to see that win under the belt, even though it seems we still need to make some fundamental changes in the way we play. The positive outcome will doubtlessly be the confidence boost this will give to the team: Hunter back and scoring, Bishop (clearly a weak link) out of the picture, and a healthier (slightly) league standing. Hopefully this will be a springboard for a couple more good results in the weeks ahead: a win against Oldham looks likely, as does a point at least at Millwall (hopefully not half as dull as last years' league match there). The official Nationwide league website at http://www.football.nationwide.co.uk/ even predicts a 1-0 win for us over Man City! Wonder how they rate our chances against West Ham? The Hammer in my office is talking about 'right pastings' for the Cobblers - judging by the comments of those who've seen the Cobblers this year he'd be right, but surely last night's win, and a good performance on Saturday, would give us that bit of bounce to play like we (apparently) were at our pre-season best?
Steve at 14:57:47 Wednesday September 9 98
I'm in almost total agreement witht the Hartwell Cobbler. Certainly, it will be the 'footballing' sides that take the automatic promotion places. Teams like the Cobblers will get a chance in the play-offs, where a cup-tie atmosphere means that form and 'football' ability are less relevant, and you have a chance of winning with a combination of passion and luck. I fear though that 'muscling our way through' may be the only way for the majority of teams in our division. I hate the route one, up & under stuff as much as anyone, but there is a kind of logic to it, if our first priority is survival and lack of funds mean that we can't get the skilful lads in. As for Roy Hunter, I would hate to see him go, even for 500K, partly because I love seeing him play, and also because how can he be replaced without spending 500K? Are James Hunt or Damian Matthew worthy replacements. If the answer is 'yes' then fine, let Hunter go. If not, I reckon we should keep him if we can.
pca at 14:48:43 Wednesday September 9 98
i've just had a look at lee russell on the pompey website. Details: He's 29, 5ft 10ins. Came through their youth set-up and has a career total of 94 appearances + 20 as sub, with a promising-sounding three goals. Apparently he can play "either full back position, centre-back or midfield". Appearances have been limited through injuries but has "never let them down" when given a chance. Alan Ball doesn't reckon him so he's probably quite useful.
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:19:54 Wednesday September 9 98
Andy C - having not been at last night's game I was very interested in your comments and remarks. Yes, it's surprising in a team game how much one man's presence can do for the other ten. Just how much we have missed Hunter is clear from your comments. He is in many ways a man apart and I shall be surprised if we are able to hold on to him for long. There was speculation that Wimbledon wanted him last season and a figure of half a million or more was mentioed. But nothing came of it. While obviously I'm delighted we've at last won a game I would agree with your overall view on the quality of play. Since the kick off this season I've been saying we must change our style to suite new players like Corazzin, enabling them to see more quality ball. That is the way ahead - not kick and rush. We have individuals do do this. I'm not so sure the manager wants it. It appears there are several "coaches" in this div who are still more concerned about brawn than brains! Lincoln the other week showed little appetite for the game and I gather you had a pretty rough ride at Chesterfield. The fact that in general footballing teams are at the top of our league must say something. I believe teams like Stoke, Fulham and Man City will play their way out this division. I know they have huge financial resources to buy quality players. But that doesn't mean lesser clubs should feel inadequate and feel the need to muscle their way through. Having played and watched soccer for over 45 years I can only say the pass and move game is actually the easiest to play. And it's more exciting to watch! So, while we're all pleased with last night's result here, there's no grounds for complacency.
city index at 10:28:22 Wednesday September 9 98
can you tell the team they can now collect on their spread bet about the number of penalties conceded this season. The index is now 46-48.
Andy C at 9:57:11 Wednesday September 9 98
P.P.S. Do you only sing when you're winning? It sure sounded like it.
Andy C at 9:29:44 Wednesday September 9 98
P.S. Why did only two players celebrate with Roy Hunter when he scored? Does he have a personal hygiene problem or is he unpopular? Also, do you think Sampson should have been sent off for his last-man foul that gave away the penalty? And was Corazzin anywhere near the goal he claimed?
Andy C at 9:26:22 Wednesday September 9 98
As a disappointed but circumspect Gills fan I'll post a few comments on last night. Above all, despite the goals I thought it was a poor game. There were three moments of skill in the whole match - two in the first five minutes from Asaba and the shot from Hunter. Otherwise it was all up in the air from both teams, Gills played what little football there was, but on last night's evidence I wouldn't pay to watch either side regularly. We were the better side but you scored twice from three shots and our keeper gave you the other one. My initial impression was that he'd punched it in and a mate at that end says it was definitely an own goal despite Corazzin's spectacular celebration. You should be grateful to Roy Hunter, as I'm sure you are. Until his goal out of nothing you weren't even at the races, but that seemed to bring the confidence back and from then on there was no way I could see us winning it, even though there's no way you deserved to. I thought the ref actually had quite a good game, although Freestone got away with too much (I'd heard he was quite a good player but all he did was foul) and I couldn't understand why he played a non-existent advantage when Hill was booked, seeing as two goals had already been scored from free-kicks in similar positions. Our second goal was a free-kick - Gibb slightly late on Williams - but I couldn't see what went on for your winner - was it really a foul? We were without our entire first-choice defence and it showed but I can't see either side making much impact this season, you have to be able to play a bit more football. I think that apart from our sloppy finishing (it wasn't quite a sitter Asaba missed, but certainly a good chance) the reason you won was that your centre halves were meatier and of course Woodman made a great save at the end.
Ralph at 8:19:53 Wednesday September 9 98
Chuffed of Kingsthorpe.
Ray at 1:51:50 Wednesday September 9 98
According to Matchfacts, the game was rated 4* and the Cobblers star player was .......... Roy of the Rovers Hunter.
Ray at 1:48:29 Wednesday September 9 98
WOW - what a busy night! Thanx Steve for the commentary! Thanx Richard for the report! Can we expect a gloat from Mr. Posh? Hardly! I can tremember when 30K was passed. We are getting about 100 hits a day now so theres plenty of time to reach 50K by Xmas - mid-November by my hasty calculations. 100K before we get promotion in May?
RICHARD at 1:23:1 Wednesday September 9 98
I KNOW,'CAUSE I WAS THERE!! Un-flipping-believable: Penalty after 15 seconds! (teletext says 2 mins but there was a good deal of polite questionning of the ref's parentage, before the fatal shot was struck) Remember last season's dodgy penalty loss at Priestfields? Here we go again. I know refs are under pressure, but not at this level, surely, in the 2nd Div? Why do they constantly hinder the free flow of the game? This one was all smiles, strutting about the pitch like he was the one the crowd had come to see!But both sets of fans thought he was too officious, as the cries of "AAAAalleluiah, alleluiah, alleluiah" testified whenever a decent decision was made (2,I think, all game). The power of positive thinking (what else can you call upon when you go 1-0
down from a dubious pen after 15 secs?) allowed the luxury of surmising that the Gills, with their recent run of good form, would now sit back and relax. Hardly! They came at us like a team possessed, with the confidence we seemed to have lacked this season. Somehow we stemmed the tide and, 'Glory be', a Hunter exocet hits the top right corner and we're back on level terms. A steward remarks that this was our first goal from open play this season. Excuse ME! It's our SECOND - I confidently correct him!! There's a lot of huffing and puffing up to half-time, but no more goals. The half-time chat on the terraces (about 150 plus 50 in the stands I guess)was surprisingly confident. The IA debate ; should he stay or go;should the tactics change; why are Carlo
and Chris only a combined 8st 4lbs and 5ft 1ins; why do we continue to hoof it down the middle for their defenders to pass it around on the ground to their own players, sweetly with fast, intricate passing? And other such gems. A buzz of excitement as the new away kit emerges once again from the tunnel. CC and CF strive manfully to run their little socks off up front without coming within 10 feet of a decent floor pass. Defensively (apart from the opening 15 mins when Razor couldn't do a thing right) we picked up a notch: the 'Bishop' factor,perhaps. We're getting more men forward and to strains of "Attack, attack , attack, attack, attack", we even begin to look threatening on occasions! Ali and Spedding (surely the correct wing-back combo if we are to
continue playing this way) both putting in lots of work down the flanks and getting in some crosses. Spedding beats his man down the left near the corner flag and manages to cross low to the near post; the 'keeper is nowhere and Carlo slots it in!! I don't know if it was foot or head: it was all too quick and I'm running around the terrace a-whoopin' and a-hollerin', even though it looked for all the world that it went into the side netting from my spot! I can't believe it; my boy, Chris can't either, so we pinch ourselves and ask an equally bemused fellow-supporter the score as she picks herself up off the floor. Now all we have to do is not fall back and try to defend for 34mins, a particularly favoured IA tactic. So two minutes later, following yet one more dodgy
reffing decision, Gills score from a free-kick from just outside the box! Gutted or what? Not me. I feel it in my water (that's 'coffee' from the abbattoir,sorry, snack bar)that it will not be a draw. This game deserves a winner. Did I mention the ref? Well, he's stil making poor decisions and ruining the game, but hold on. Blimey, he's given us a free kick just to even things up. 81 mins gone; good time to score; placed centrally, so where's Frainy when you need his expertise? Hunter and Carlo standing near the ball. Why's Spedding there? That's right, he's a leftie! Whallop. 3-2 to the Cobblers.'Keeper sits on the ground, banging the pitch with his fists in a temper tantrum. Gills players and fans are not happy. They were odds-on to win this one despite the cliche
manager's program comment, "this will not be an easy game!" (They must pen these gems months before the match actually takes place) Now we have to hold on. Despite further pleading for attacking play,we defend our penalty area. Heggsy on for CC, Witter for a worn out AG.CF does some of his best work in the last few minutes, knocking the ball into touch with unerring accuracy. The ref, what a star player, blows for 'no side' and our first 3 pointer comes on the back of 3 stunning goals, doubling our tally of points and goals for the season.All in all, a thoroughly entertaining experience. As a guide to our form for the rest of the season, it's hard to tell. So many of these early season games are not representative. Perhaps there are too many teams of the
same calibre. Gills looked good at times and certainly know how to play the ball around, if a bit ineffectual in front of goal. They seem to be more powerful going forward than us, but that's been my view over the last 2 or 3 seasons:Most teams we play have a more compelling, coherent style of play and look threatening throughout the game. We seem to play like we don't know what's going on, then stun the opposition with a piece of deft skill or sheer graft and squeeze out a result. I wouldn't expect us to run away with the Division on this form, but the first 3 points are the sweetest. Savour this moment and cross your fingers for the Latics game on Saturday. RICHARD RANSOME, NEWS AT 01.20, PRIESTFIELD STADIUM, GILLINGHAM.
Ian at 0:11:36 Wednesday September 9 98
Sorry to miss your "commentary" at the time Steve, but I had to work until 10pm. Still makes good reading though! Perhaps this will quiet down the anti Atkins mob for a while. Congratulations on the 40000 Ray, its not long ago you were celebrating by the thousand. How long did the last 10000 take? Just wondered if 50000 was likely by the end of the year.
TRB Mark at 22:18:36 Tuesday September 8 98
Good win Cobblers!
TRB Mark at 22:17:28 Tuesday September 8 98
There I was , catching up with Cobblers comment comments when, like a blast from the past was a message from "Six" Yes mate, I'm ok. Does anyone remeber in the old days, when Cobblers were in a play off play, all messages were like this. (Sample) Six; Hello Nadge! Nadine (aka) Nadge Helo Six, Hi "T". I l love Roy Hunter". And so it went on. Now, all anyone wants to talk about is football, football football! Oh and twatty messages from (S)imps fans.
Steve at 22:4:54 Tuesday September 8 98
Just before I go, a couple of quesions. Where are my mates from overseas. Ian from Canada, Richard from Hong Kong and the guy from Moscow? 2nd question - why are all my contributions coming up twice?
Steve at 22:0:41 Tuesday September 8 98
Roy Hunter says he had to persuade IA to play him tonight.........he nearly fell out with Spedding over who was to take the free kick that led to Spedding's goal. That's it for now. Come on ypu Cobbs!! Up you go!
Steve at 22:0:40 Tuesday September 8 98
Roy Hunter says he had to persuade IA to play him tonight.........he nearly fell out with Spedding over who was to take the free kick that led to Spedding's goal. That's it for now. Come on ypu Cobbs!! Up you go!
Steve at 21:53:30 Tuesday September 8 98
Kevin Wilson is putting them through their warm down. Let's hear from Roy Orbison 'You've got it'. Then it's back to the Priestfield for some reactions.
Steve at 21:53:29 Tuesday September 8 98
Kevin Wilson is putting them through their warm down. Let's hear from Roy Orbison 'You've got it'. Then it's back to the Priestfield for some reactions.
Steve at 21:49:5 Tuesday September 8 98
The players are all showing great sense of relief, punching the air. Corazzin and Freestone really worked hard up front. They all battled, all round a fighting performance. Happy now Ray?
Robert D at 21:41:36 Tuesday September 8 98
Woody wonder save, IT@S OVE|R
Steve at 21:40:12 Tuesday September 8 98
Heggs is on for Corazzin (I think). Loads of pressure from Gillingham. Corners, throw-ins, long range the lot. Shot by Butler......... GREAT SAVE by Woodman. Last minute. Gillingham piling forward. Whitter is hurt, gets up. Injury time. Long throw ...... free kick to the Cobbs. YEEESSSS! We've won !!! 3-2. That must put us top!
Robert D at 21:38:44 Tuesday September 8 98
Woody wonder save
Rd at 21:36:48 Tuesday September 8 98
Heggs is on for Corazzin, Witter on for Gibb, minutes left.
Steve at 21:34:14 Tuesday September 8 98
5 minutes left. All you who aren't following this don't know what you're missing. Spedding's first goal for the Cobbs, neatly curled left footed round the wall and inside the post. Gilligham attack. Warburton clears. Corner to Gillingham. Near post. headed away by Hill. Parrish heads out. Everyone really working hard at the back.
RD at 21:31:47 Tuesday September 8 98
Frain is out.......Long may Spedding play!!! Can we hold on?? Spedding's first ever goal. Maybe God is a Cobbler, injuring our Brummie wing-backs
Steve at 21:27:53 Tuesday September 8 98
All the pressure from Gillingham. Hesseltahle causing all the problems. Freestone wins a free kick on the edge of the box. Hunter lines it up........ who's it gonna be?......... Spedding YEEEEEEEEES!!!!! 3-2
Steve at 21:23:50 Tuesday September 8 98
'Larry' has just scored for Cheltenham, that's 2-0 against the Ploppies. Freestone walking a tightrope, in danger of going off. Hunter battling well in midfield. Osava has just missed a sitter from 6 yards!
Steve at 21:18:7 Tuesday September 8 98
Sounds like it was a well-worked free kick. Smith took it, got it back and shot low and hard. Now there's a surprise. Atkins is going spare at the ref about the free kick. Gillingham now on top and are preparing a double substitution. 20 minutes left.
Sad old git called Steve all on his own at 21:12:35 Tuesday September 8 98
Corrazin and Carr constantly having a go at each other. Corrazin loses a tooth. We don't want another sending off. Gillingham looking tame. We're in control. Hill having a great game. Foul by Gibb. Dangerous position just outside the area............Pulis issuing instructions . Who's gonna take it? Oh no Gillingham score! It's 2-2. Cobblers wer eslow closing out the shot by Smith.
Steve at 21:6:51 Tuesday September 8 98
Yep - it's 2-1, the goal made by Spedding. There seems to be some doubt whether it came off Corrazin's head or not. Is anyone out there? Please wave. (The last time I did this was the great play-off semi 2nd leg aginst the Gas Heads.) Fresstone has gone into the book for persistent fouling. Now it's a free kick to the Cobblers. Hill forward to Freestone ...... the goalie gets it. The Cobblers well on top at the moment.
Steve at 21:6:48 Tuesday September 8 98
Yep - it's 2-1, the goal made by Spedding. There seems to be some doubt whether it came off Corrazin's head or not. Is anyone out there? Please wave. (The last time I did this was the great play-off semi 2nd leg aginst the Gas Heads.) Fresstone has gone into the book for persistent fouling. Now it's a free kick to the Cobblers. Hill forward to Freestone ...... the goalie gets it. The Cobblers well on top at the moment.
Steve at 21:0:41 Tuesday September 8 98
Free kick to the Cobblers - Hunter finds Spedding, to Corrazin GOAL!!!!!! Yeah we're on the way!!!
Steve at 20:55:18 Tuesday September 8 98
Great attack by the Cobbs. Gibb down the right - outside his man, cross - Parrish just missed. Gillingham come back and should have scored, but put it wide.
Steve at 20:42:14 Tuesday September 8 98
Half-time Gillingham 1 Cobblers 1. Sampson gave away a penalty after a couple of minutes. Hunter scored for the Cobbs, teeing the ball up on the edge of the area and blasting it in past Bartram. Fairly even half with the Cobblers having the edge, playing their best 'half' of the season.
Robert Dunkley at 19:33:47 Tuesday September 8 98
Bishop has left the club by mutual consent.
The team is Woodman, Gibb, Spedding, Sampson, Warburton, Hill, Peer, Parrish, Hunter, Freestone, Corazzin
SUBS: WARNER!! Heggs, Witter
Cobblers linked with Lee Russell of Portsmouth.
Bored Italian at 17:32:16 Tuesday September 8 98
What were those lyrics again mate
NOSEY PARKER at 17:18:36 Tuesday September 8 98
STEVE MILLER BAND STILL BORING THEN!!!!
pca at 16:59:26 Tuesday September 8 98
does anybody know the expected line-up for tonight - I like to know what to expect when watching sky updates/text. (Without any info i'll just expect 0-0 or 1-0 home win). I'm assuming Bishop is out!
Hartwell Cobbler at 15:53:32 Tuesday September 8 98
Andy - don't think anyone's saying that! What we are saying is Ian Atkins' tactics are making us, collectively, a poor team. Individually we have plenty of ability. We just have a manager who, for reasons best known to himself, just wants the ball hoofed forward.
Watch it, tonight, though. Football's full of surprises (and nobody would be more surprised than me if we won. But stranger things have happened in life!!).
The Steve Miller Band sends this short message to Ralph at 15:53:24 Tuesday September 8 98
Ce grand affiche a été éliminé manquer de dû d'intérêt et le fait qui qui faisait jamais il est dérangé évidemment.
Andy C at 13:30:30 Tuesday September 8 98
Who remembers the Leyton Orient documentary on TV a few years ago? John Sitton sacked his long-serving defender Terry Howard at half-time in front of the cameras after a bad performance. I seem to recall that Mr Sitton himself didn't last long either and was never heard of again, whereas Howard was snapped up by Wycombe (where he was similarly dire). What goes around comes around, as they say.
Andy C at 13:27:20 Tuesday September 8 98
So are you saying the players are going to be too fed up to bother at Priestfield tonight? I hope so!! If it's any consolation we've got big injury problems and the sun's out down here.
Anon at 10:13:21 Tuesday September 8 98
Peterborough planches sont réellement un gaspillage d'espace
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:39:23 Tuesday September 8 98
Kevin - yep, I'm afraid public humiliation seems to be a trait with IA. What he doesn't seem to realise is that every time he does this he's actually raising doubts and questions about his own ability (after all, as you say, these players are his signings). I also agree with Ralph - it does nobody any good to make public outburts of this kind against individual players. Criticise the team as a whole, fine. But reserve individual criticisms to the dressing room. It just won't do. BTW - what was Woodie saying and where ?
NOSEY PARKER at 8:46:28 Tuesday September 8 98
Oh dear Mr Posh does that mean Boro will finish ninth as well?or wait nine yrars to go up,have nine managers ............Think before you make a comment and as for Leggo ground this all sounds like sour grapes to me.Perhaps another "nine" years before you do anything to your ground? Thats not nice is it Ray "are you 13" dont let him in our gang anymore!!!!!!!!
Norma-Jean at 8:19:33 Tuesday September 8 98
Mr Posh - Do you give quotes over the internet? If so I'm in need of a new conservatory. Also I see you are interested in 13 year olds, I'm only twelve are you prepared to wait?
Ray at 23:56:51 Monday September 7 98
Are you also going to come back and eat your words?
Mr POSH at 22:15:15 Monday September 7 98
Oh dear, things don't seem to be going terribly well do they. Remember I did tell you so. Oh look i'm 40049 - pathetic all this counting, how old are you Ray 13? Up the POSH POSH POSH POSH POSH POSH POSH POSH POSH - we do things in nines these days. I'll be back to say I told you so again in a few weeks time when you are rock bottom. You've had your 10 minutes of fame - normal service from your council owned lego shithole has been resumed.
Kevin Simons at 19:56:42 Monday September 7 98
I wouldn't mind if Atkins at least had the balls to say "ok I signed him and made a mistake". David Rennie, Jason Drysdale, Paul Conway, Gavin Warboys, Chris Burns, Dave Martin - all arrived to a fanfare but were all slagged off for their attitude and summarily given their marching orders (mind, most deserved to). Add Seal, a string of crap loan signings and it doesn't make for happy reading.
Ray at 19:23:36 Monday September 7 98
This site sure has been busy today? Did something happen? :-)
Ralph at 18:8:9 Monday September 7 98
I hear Woody has joined in slagging off Charlie. In my day you always did your dirty washing in private.
Hartwell Cobbler at 18:3:55 Monday September 7 98
IA has now rounded publically on Bishop, blaming him for both goals on Sat. Well, that may be the case. But is public humiliation very good psychology ? It's about time IA took some of the blame for his inept tactics and poor team selection. I've said it time and again....I think there is some talent at the club. But it will never out while we play the fruitless long ball hit and hope game. If accurate, the comments and insider remarks from Nosey Parker (does the sirname carry a big clue?) are pretty worrying. I've been told that several players are known to be teed off with IA, his attitude and lousy style of play. So it probably all adds up. Hi-ho, hi-ho its off to Priestfield we go.....
pca at 18:1:58 Monday September 7 98
well done ray - you did it - i'm no 40,002
Ralph at 18:1:17 Monday September 7 98
Now can we have some valid comments?
Ralph at 18:0:36 Monday September 7 98
oh!
Charlie Bishop at 18:0:3 Monday September 7 98
Anyone want a centre back going cheap?
Ralph at 17:59:17 Monday September 7 98
Oh Poo!
Ralph at 17:57:55 Monday September 7 98
Nearly!
Ralph at 17:57:20 Monday September 7 98
Uh,Uh, Uh!
Charlie Bishop at 17:56:45 Monday September 7 98
Uh, Uh!
Ralph at 17:56:9 Monday September 7 98
Uh!
Charlie Bishop at 17:55:29 Monday September 7 98
Now I'm no longer playing, I thought I'd write a book on scapegoats.
Charlie Bishop at 17:54:6 Monday September 7 98
Bugger I missed!
Charlie Bishop at 17:53:20 Monday September 7 98
Seeing as I'm not playing anymore, I may as well post a hit for you.
Ralph at 17:48:5 Monday September 7 98
Okay.
Nosey Parker at 17:46:48 Monday September 7 98
Well Charlie Bishop has been released from his contract? Surely the word should be escaped.Ian Atkins has now to me seemed to of lost the respect from his players.I know the players wel l(I cannot reveal myself as it could cause a problem or 2!!)but the feeling is that Atkins has finally lost the plot.Telling half the team that they can all **** off on a free if they want after Peterboro reserve defeat!! " days later putting them in the team V Blackpool? Does that seem the way of a manager trying to build a good team moral.I know the players would love a new manager and I think Atkins has done as much as he can do for the club now and we need some new tactics my neck cannot take the high ball anymore!!!!!!
Ray at 17:42:44 Monday September 7 98
OK - we can have the quality after 40K - :-)
Ralph at 17:8:38 Monday September 7 98
Wahay! And another hit.
Ralph at 16:4:25 Monday September 7 98
Ray - Come on surely it's about quality of comment and not just another hit. You're starting to sound like Rupert Murdoch. Next thing you'll have a page three stunner.
Anon at 15:52:35 Monday September 7 98
Wow - was it only 4 hours ago I said we needed 124? Been busy today - we only now need 46!!
Ray at 15:50:21 Monday September 7 98
I dont care Ralph - it gets the hits up - :-)
Ralph at 15:22:42 Monday September 7 98
Sorry. I really didn't want to start it all off again. Honest.
David Wilkins at 15:20:59 Monday September 7 98
Thanks Al. Perhaps you and Ian can prompt me from midfield. Paul will probably drive the burger bus with those dodgy knees of his!
Ray at 15:14:24 Monday September 7 98
So - us "southern softies" are supposed to play on with broken legs then?
Me at 14:22:44 Monday September 7 98
Buy Andy Cole
RedImp2 at 14:10:47 Monday September 7 98
Re: Ralph's comment - "Not wishing to start it all off again, but . . . I thought I'd share this snippet from The Manchester Evening News 'Pink 'Un'. 'The game was held up for two minutes whilst Oldham's Garnett received treatment before he was finally led off with blood streaming from his head'. Hmmm!"
Were you at the match ? I think not. Have you seen the incident ? I think not. The oldham player's head was about 6 inches from the ground as he headbutted our players boot. He came back on unlike your bunch of southern softies
UP THE IMPS
RedImp2
allenjesson at 13:34:38 Monday September 7 98
I think David Wilkins should play centre forward..
Paul Schofield at 12:54:43 Monday September 7 98
Hunter was subbed immediately after the equaliser. He was started to look tired and after being clattered near the end of the first half and never looked 100%. He made us a much better team, and when he went down there was an apprehensive silence from the cobblers fans. We all know how important he is to the club. BTW there equaliser was a gem, back heel from edge of 6 yard box into the corner of the goal.
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:51:43 Monday September 7 98
Cobbler Down Under - I think the recent messages posted here will give you a snapshot of how some of us feel about IA and his tactics.
COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 12:41:4 Monday September 7 98
Reading the messages on both this page and the Waloc list I would like to ask how present feeling about I.A.,s prescence rates alongside that of Pat Crerands reign.I am showing my age!
Hartwell Cobbler at 12:12:31 Monday September 7 98
Seems to me our present plight can be summed up as a combination of of:poor team selection (including the continued appearance of one or two players with little technical ability),even poorer tactics and (by way of a bit of an excuse)injuries. I believe unless IA radically alters his approach to the game (unlikely) we will at best stagnate; at worst slide back to div 3. I have the distinct feeling that IA is one of a band of "journeymen" coaches who can make teams leakproof and difficult to beat - and thus contenders for div 3 promotion. It takes more to weld together a team which can play a bit and which, as such, is likely to make the most of better talent. Maybe I'll be proved wrong. But that's the way it looks to me.
Ralph at 12:10:59 Monday September 7 98
122!
Ralph at 11:51:52 Monday September 7 98
123!
Ray at 11:37:26 Monday September 7 98
124 to go! Easy peasy!
Ray at 11:36:53 Monday September 7 98
Chesterfield - Home 12th. Dec., away 1st. May 1999 - our last away game.
Andy C at 10:11:22 Monday September 7 98
Thought you might like to know that after the fuss about Lincoln's nice approach to the game, it would seem Chesterfield are no better. Tony Pulis was fuming after the Gills lost 1-0 there on Saturday. Jason Lee drew blood from all three centre halves and put one out of the game by half-time, and the substitute Beaumont kicked two players up in the air including the keeper Bartram who has a broken toe as a result. There were also fears that Galloway (who Chesterfield reportedly wanted to sign!) had a broken leg. Don't know when you play them, could be a game worth missing.
Ralph at 8:35:9 Monday September 7 98
Goodness me I'm sounding polite this morning! We lost because of poor team selection, Freestone missed an absolute sitter which would have made it 2-0, Hunter should have stayed on and once again we tried to defend a 1-0 lead and defended far too deep. Bugger, Bugger, Bugger!
Ralph at 8:25:27 Monday September 7 98
Regarding the Hunter substitution - Roy had a good game and still looked full of running; I guess it was that thing whereby it was his first game back so let's bring him off for a rest. Possibly one eye on Gillingham? He did get a hospital ball from Ali Gibb that at first we thought may put him in hospital, so it might have been a bit of that. Roy did not look too pleased about being subbed though and we certainly missed his presence once he'd gone off.
Ralph at 8:21:4 Monday September 7 98
What I like about going to Blackpool is that you know exactly what you are going to get. Tack, vomit, cheap booze, cheap grub, bandy legged northern girls and tack. No problem with any of that, but even though I go prepared for all this I still come away shocked by the baseness of it all.
Ralph at 8:18:47 Monday September 7 98
Talking about musing over team selection, we were surprised to see Peer in the side ahead of Hunt. My belief is that Hunt can run around as much as Peer but with one slight advantage, he can pass a ball as well.
Ralph at 8:16:21 Monday September 7 98
Before the game we mused over team selection and questioned Bishop's inclusion in front of Witter. That's putting it mildly, and it is with more regret than satisfaction that our concerns were borne out. Incidentally Witter looked the pick of the bunch again.
Ralph at 8:13:40 Monday September 7 98
Not wishing to start it all off again, but . . . I thought I'd share this snippet from The Manchester Evening News 'Pink 'Un'. 'The game was held up for two minutes whilst Oldham's Garnett received treatment before he was finally led off with blood streaming from his head'. Hmmm!
Big Cobbler at 21:48:16 Sunday September 6 98
Has Bishop been sacked or is he just on the verge of being. Itv teletext (on the clubcall advert) says he has, but clubcall just has Atkins slagging him off about losing us the game.
The Insider at 20:2:59 Sunday September 6 98
RIP Ian Atkins. Died 5/9/98 after much long suffering from lack of ambition and tactical diarrhoea. I suspect Archibald knows something and I shall add that Atkins won't be with the club by the New Year - and it will have nothing to do with events on the field. PS Hunter was substituted by James Hunt, but how does Dean Peer survive? Is he really Atkins' brother-in-law?
Archibald Aardvark at 19:25:28 Sunday September 6 98
I've have suddenly got the strangest feeling that Ian Atkins is not going to be at the club much longer. Call it premonition if you like, call it knowledge if you like, call it wishful thinking if you like - but mark my words ...... Atkins won't last long.
hartwell cobbler at 18:34:41 Sunday September 6 98
yes, I believe Hunter was in fact substituted late on in the game - even though the Sunday Telegraph said none of our subs were used.
IAN ATKINS at 17:42:42 Sunday September 6 98
I would like to appologise for bashing the Bishop in public after yesterday's game.
BGPS at 17:20:9 Sunday September 6 98
Ian Atkins after signing Charlie Bishop
"If there's a better £10,000 spent, I'll eat my hat"
Really Ian?
Ray at 16:46:42 Sunday September 6 98
Yes - it is widely reported that this may be the case - but personally I'd be surprised if he did (even though I think he should).
pk at 16:1:22 Sunday September 6 98
Clarkson may take legal action against the Lincoln player who broke his leg, according to Teletext.
Ray at 11:50:35 Sunday September 6 98
Odd that. Soccernet matchfacts also reports that Hunter wasn't substituted but listening to the commentary on Radio Northampton they said he was. However, perhaps someone actually at the match can confirm this one way or the other.
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:4:6 Sunday September 6 98
Oh dear ! Another defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. What's going on with Bishop ? I never rated him and, frankly, would not be sorry if he departed. Witter is a far beter prospect. Glad Hunter's made a return. To Aussie Down Under: our poor form's got nothing to do with the football. Its all to do with a spate of injuries and, probably the long-term and underlying problem of IA's all too predictable "hump the ball from the back" tactics. How long before Corazzin/Freestone are made scapegoats for the lack of goals from open play? Then, probably, Seal will be back - and he'll face the same torment, trying to control over-hit long balls coming down from 50ft over his shoulder.
Ian at 0:18:21 Sunday September 6 98
Was Hunter substituted? Not according to Matchfacts. Can't say I'll be sorry to see the end of Bishop. Nice to have Roy back, hopefully the results will now start to improve. Looks like 40000 some time this week. Ray, do you have any idea how many you have "lost" while the counter was not working?
Ray at 23:3:59 Saturday September 5 98
What happened with Bishop then? Anyone gonna tell us?
And at 22:55:56 Saturday September 5 98
Down with the Wycombe, You're going down with the Wycombe.
Robert Dunkley at 22:44:8 Saturday September 5 98
Worth calling Clubcall, okay it's a good three/four minutes, but Atkins is livid, and well Bishop will never play for the Cobblers again! Slight problem, though in the editing as Atkins clearly swore. I take it now Witter will be signed up. So Bishop is one of the very few bad cash signings of Atkins.
Ray at 20:27:4 Saturday September 5 98
Now it may be a coincidence or not - but Blackpool scored their equaliser within a minute of Hunter being substituted.....
JIM at 20:2:54 Saturday September 5 98
STOKE p6 w6
Steve at 17:16:21 Saturday September 5 98
Is that it? Have we lost? Bugger! I was banking my reputation with my kids on a 2-0 victory. Life can be so very hard.
Robert at 16:51:37 Saturday September 5 98
What the hell is going on, we're now 2-1 down :-(
Ray at 16:11:18 Saturday September 5 98
Well - I logged on to give people the good news and see that the page in in capable hands - well done chaps!
Robert D at 15:39:5 Saturday September 5 98
Conroy missed a penalty, te he. It was for handball by that idiot BISHOP (booo)
RICHARD at 15:34:16 Saturday September 5 98
Tangerine Dream! 1-0 up and now dominating. Is this the bit of luck we haven't had so far this season? Is this the turning point?Is it the Hunter factor?
Robert Dunkley at 15:29:15 Saturday September 5 98
Ray's okay now!!
Help at 15:27:48 Saturday September 5 98
Carlo scored from the spot. Ray is down, it could be a dislocated shoulder, help!!
Goodness me, I'm busy at 15:15:31 Saturday September 5 98
Todays team :
Woodman, Gibb, Frain, Sampson, Warburton, Bishop, Peer, Parrish, Freestone, Corazzin, Hunter. Subs : Heggs, Witter, Hunt.
Parrish & Hunter both back ! Woo-hoo !
Ray at 11:3:23 Saturday September 5 98
Whatto stranger.... hows it hanging?
Six at 10:43:5 Saturday September 5 98
hi all Ray,T,TRB Mark and Nadine how are ya?
COBBLER DOWN UNDER at 8:14:48 Saturday September 5 98
A very important question with regards to the apparent lack of success using the tactics that have taken us so far so "quickly".Is the ball that is being used in the league this year the new one that they used in the World Cup Finals?I have to ask as I am on the other side of the world and have not witnessed any play in the second div this year or the last eight for that matter!If it is and the talk about it being so light and floaty might well be the reason the forwards are finding it hard to latch onto the Mighty Cobblers Punt upfield a tactic which they have used to great effect not only since I.A. took charge but for several decades.The memories are vivid of Cobblers Hall Of Famers such as Big Jim Hall,Big George Reilly,Big Wakely Gage latching on to the punt
up the middle and the likes of Farrington,Christie et al chasing the punt down the wing.The only real time I can ever remember the Mighty Ones playing the ball on the floor was when Stuart Robertson or Benji had it because they were too fat to chase the long ball!!If the ball is not to blame then it is obviously something to do with their boots or the turf on Sixfields being uncondusive to the air ball.Remember we do not panic until the third game after Christmas!
Ralph at 18:0:40 Friday September 4 98
Oh well It's been a funny old week, thanks again Ray for giving us all the vehicle to vent our spleens. I'm surprised that the Liciln web site didn't go in to melt down, we swamped it. Still when the rest of the city gets electricity they'll be able to join in. More of the same at Blackpool, a point will do for me. 4-4-2? I don't think so!
Ralph at 17:52:4 Friday September 4 98
Paul Culpin knew where the net was.
hartwell cobbler at 17:51:20 Friday September 4 98
I had a dream last night that the Cobblers won 0-2 at Blackpool. But, strangely, Richard Hill scored both....
Ray at 16:52:3 Friday September 4 98
JUST PUSH THE BUTTON ONCE YOU PILLOCK!!!
Ray at 16:51:30 Friday September 4 98
Just to let you all know that within half an hour there will be pictures of ALL the players on the Squad Page on the official site. Also included, as a special bonus, at no extra cost, are pictures of our stars of the future - The Youth Team players.
Ray at 16:51:25 Friday September 4 98
Just to let you all know that within half an hour there will be pictures of ALL the players on the Squad Page on the official site. Also included, as a special bonus, at no extra cost, are pictures of our stars of the future - The Youth Team player.
The Oxford Cobbler at 16:37:45 Friday September 4 98
Ok, i am a pillock. That should say without Mr Aldridge.
Up the Cobblers and up the lets play it on the floor campaign.
The Oxford Cobbler at 16:35:12 Friday September 4 98
Ralph - I feel sorry for you having to share an office with all of Oxford's home crowd. OK, he was lazy but i tell you what he knew where the net was. I think you will find that the reason he is struggling to find first team football is that he hasn't recovered from a number of pretty serious injuries. These have left him slower than he was at the Cobblers. Obviously, Oxford with their abundance of talented strikers (Ha Ha) thought they didn't need him. Well, i can tell you with Mr Aldridge, they wouldn't be in Division One now.
Ray at 16:11:52 Friday September 4 98
........ or even worse - made to watch the Cobblers v Lincoln every day..
BGPS at 15:56:38 Friday September 4 98
Red Imp, Stop posting the site no-one cares anymore your taking up space. As the comment about scum. Peterbourgh are known as scum round here because there a bunch of cocky w**kers, who happen to be our local rivals. Manchester United scum too. Fortune-West was only called scum because of the way he behaved on the pitch not the colour of skin.
Yes at Northampton there are a few racists, but Ray and everyone else on the email list wants to see them burn in hell.
Ralph at 15:7:1 Friday September 4 98
Blackpool. Looks like a good day out to me. Arrive at nine for breakfast, stroll along the front, have a beer, go to the game, go to the pub and watch England, have a beer, stroll along front for illuminations, supper and then home.
Ralph at 15:5:10 Friday September 4 98
Oxford Cobbler - Whoa there! I work with half-a-dozen Oxford United season ticket holders and they all agree Aldridge is a lazy sod and thinks he's David Beckham. If he scored hatfuls at The Manor why did they show him the door? Why did Southend show him the door? Why did that Scottish club show him the door? and why doesn't he get in Blackpool's side regularly? He had potential but several managers have lost patience with him. I do not think the blame can sit with Ian Atkins, Aldridge has to look to himself.
The Oxford Cobbler at 14:21:14 Friday September 4 98
Bez- Martin Aldridge, as with Seal, appeared to do nothing because the service to him was shit. It just goes to show how futher forward Atkins has (or should i say hasn't) taken our tactics as Aldridge was a striker in a team that hoofed the ball up front. At Oxford, he was presented with the ball in front of him and too feet and he scored a hatful of goals. Atkins obviously got rid of him because he was young and talented. It didn't help that he hailed from Daventry and was only a second generation brummie.
Ray at 12:30:22 Friday September 4 98
nah - thats the time always added on at the end of a half by the 4th. official.
Bez at 12:25:39 Friday September 4 98
Ray- Your clocks nearly 5 minutes out.
Bez at 12:24:43 Friday September 4 98
Blackpool. Does anyone want to go to Blackpool? The tackiest place in Britain for holidaying, home of Martin Aldridge the laziest footballer in the country. A cold rainy dismal place last year I think I might miss this one out of principle that last year I got home at some unearthly hour with the flu, it was horrible then and it will be horrible now. If anyone does go please tell me how it goes, I'm sorry I just can't cope with ANOTHER game of long ball. Another question why are our away games on Tuesday nights Colchester and Gillingham? I'm sure Luton and Wycombe are better ideas.
Andy C at 12:12:48 Friday September 4 98
Good to see I haven't been slagged off for my comments, usually when I post on one of the other boards I get nothing but abuse. Regarding ex-pros becoming referees... during his time at Gillingham, Simon Ratcliffe took the first steps towards it by taking charge of Sunday league games in Norfolk or somewhere. But he couldn't get any further up the ladder without refereeing on Saturdays, which was a bit inconvenient. Ironically he's now had to quit playing at a young age (about 30 I think) so he could perhaps pursue it, if the injury that's done for his playing career doesn't also prevent him reffing. Surely we should find ways of teaching pros the basics of refereeing (the laws of the game would be a start!) and make a shortcut available so that when they
find themselves on the scrapheap at whatever age they can take up the whistle. It might also have the benefit of showing players how difficult the ref's job is if no one shows him any respect... Final point, on next Tuesday. I'm looking forward to it. If you don't like Priestfield, then it only makes up for all the years we had to come to the County Ground and stand on one of the wettest and most windswept terraces in the world.
Ralph at 8:38:16 Friday September 4 98
Re DIM p - Are you lonely?
hartwell cobbler at 8:34:14 Friday September 4 98
It's often reckoned that the first eight games provide an indication of how a team's season is likely to pan out. Our next three games are all tough - especially the away matches. My gut feeling is we may struggle - we have the players but do we have the system and tactics right ?
Ray at 23:1:41 Thursday September 3 98
It probably took so long for "red imp" to post because he had to have someone show him how to write... and apparently not very well.....
Bored Italian at 20:39:17 Thursday September 3 98
Chill Out Red Imp.
Red Imp at 19:6:30 Thursday September 3 98
It seems that all you lot on here can do is whinge and say "look at us, we're not racist, we had a black player here... once". You call Leo FortuneWest "scum" - now that reads like "he's scum because he is a **deflamatory remark against Africans / Caribeans**". Just grow up.
You lot are behaving like hooligans - no better than skin heads spouting venim during and after the game. All you lot and Atkins has done is made the return game a bloodbath.
hartwell cobbler at 17:51:47 Thursday September 3 98
Ralph - interesting to read the comments on referees from someone who was one! Something needs to be done to ensure they sing off the same hymnsheet. Apparently having to start at the bottom and ref sunday park games is something which, I gather, is putting off prospective recruits. Can't blame them when one sees what can and sometimes does happen to them on the recs. So, yes, I think you're right. If the present system is discouraging the former pro players etc from becoming refs then surely it must be changed. If not I suspect standards will continue to fall, certainly at this level.
BGPS at 17:48:22 Thursday September 3 98
THe two pubs by the ground probably won't let away fans in. SO u'll have to try around the town or by the Raliway station (The Red Lion).
There aren't many seriously rough pubs around where u'll get lynched the moment u get in.
acm at 16:1:44 Thursday September 3 98
Any thoughts on the West Ham game/predictions + which pubs are alright to drink in for visiting fans?
Bez at 15:15:54 Thursday September 3 98
Looking at Ralph's comments I agree totally about pro refs but also I would like to see the specialist Premiership ref list abolished and a referee at Man U or Liverpool one day and someone like us or Halifax the next. It sure would bring them down to earth.
Bez at 15:13:15 Thursday September 3 98
I personally when looking at Selley's broken leg and Parrish's as well both looked accidental and in both cases the players involved eventually got away with it, Smith admittedly a week or so later. But I think the thing that upset the ans the most was the reaction of the Lincoln players to the fact that a serious injury had occured in the first place. As for the referee, when a player twitches on the floor and then attempts to drag himself to the touchline you blow up IMMEDIATELY as soon as it occured I knew his leg was broken and I was sat in the North Stand. However if the game had carried on and we had scored and the ref had blown up would he not still be a villain? I feel you can't win either way but the fact that a broken leg is more important to most
people than some poxy goal I know what I would rather have done. For the record Seal, Matthew, Hunter all got through the reserve game last night at Boro' but we lost 2-0. Also one of the players I touted in the summer, O'Neill Donaldson rejected a move to Peterborough because they refused to offer him a 2 year contract. A man with taste and a brain, unlike Quinn, Neal and Rennie.
Ralph at 14:53:6 Thursday September 3 98
Having qualified as a referee I was put off of refereeing by the attitude of the majority of them. At the monthly meetings it was evident that the game that they were in charge of was seen in a totally different perspective to that of the football fan/player/manager. In the main these guys had not played the game and this is essential in understanding the passions involved. I believe referee's must be made professional, accountable and I would ensure that any ex-pro wishing to persue a career in refereeing did not have to start at the very bottom. It should be evident during training and assessment that an individual is up to the task. Give them back the use of their discretion and make them attend press conferences after the game to explain their side of things.
Oh any one called Danson or Rennie automatically fails the test.
Unimpressed Wrexham Fan at 14:45:54 Thursday September 3 98
I'm sure all decent fans would agree that when a player is hurt, particularly when its a head injury, the sporting thing to do is to put the ball out of play so that the physio can come on.
So when Wrexhams keeper threw the ball out of play towards the end of last weeks game, because two of your players were injured, why did you not return the ball to him at the restart? At best, poor sportsmanship, at worst a cynical tactic to chase a late (and undeserved) equaliser? Shame.
hartwell cobbler at 13:43:8 Thursday September 3 98
Ralph - yes, that's also my recollection of the Parrish incident. We all thought the Gills player was hard done by as well. Sadly the standard of refereeing was pretty poor last season. But I think it's been even worse so far this season. Maybe the game's now so fast it requires either two refs, placing more responsibility on the refs assts. I do not favour off-field surveillance of any sort. It would hold up the game....and many decisions would still be contentious.Does anyone have any news on Corazzin ? Obviously Clarkson's out for a long time. But what is the prognosis with Carlo ?
Ralph at 12:54:3 Thursday September 3 98
My recollection of the Parrish v Gillingham incident is still clear. The tackle looked innoccuous, brought us a free-kick, and the referee only decided it was a sending off offence once it became clear Parrish had to be stretchered off. The Gillingham player was unlucky to be sent off, which was later backed up on appeal.
Ray at 11:48:58 Thursday September 3 98
Yep - I would take a guess that Witter will now be signed up.
pca at 11:38:41 Thursday September 3 98
Its a fair cop. Indeed I meant the Worthington. And i agree that it's far to early to panic just yet. All we need is a settled system and a little more time for a coherent pattern to emerge. 5-3-2 is fine as long as we have some creative players on the field. There's a certain irony that some people were on monday morning calling for clarkson to be axed, but were claiming it spelled relegation for the club the next day. Corrazin and Seal might work okay together. And presumably we'll be trying to sign Gary Witter now we're strapped at the back again? (Charlie Bishop has yet to have a decent game when I've seen him)
Ray at 11:16:40 Thursday September 3 98
I'm not sure what the comment by pca refers to........ but we haven't played Brighton in the Coca Cola Cup - and now never will.
Ray at 11:15:45 Thursday September 3 98
By coincidence I spoke to the club about the Parrish injury yesterday. Apparently the chap who "did" him appealed, was supported by the Cobblers and had the sending off reduced to a booking. I don't think too much can be read into the results so far. We have been plagued by injuries and have been playing teams who are going well - lost to Stoke who still have 100% record and this was probably because we played the match for 85 minutes on a steaming hot day and ran out of steam, have taken the only point off Walsall they have dropped this season, losing two players within 8 minutes against Lincoln resulting in complete reorganisation and players having to play out of position etc. etc. I'm not too worried (as yet) and still reckon that we can be a force
in this division this season once we get our first win under our belts.
pca at 10:46:47 Thursday September 3 98
none of us will be, having visited your ground for the Brighton coca cola game
Andy C at 10:7:3 Thursday September 3 98
As a Gills fan I'm fascinated by all the discussion below about Clarkson etc. Did you react the same way when Parrish's leg was broken last season? That looked a fairly innocuous challenge to me but not being in the Anglia region I haven't seen this one. Considering your record as a long-ball team of cloggers, it's ironic to find you criticising Lincoln, although that seems fairly understandable if they still employ the Beck approach. Unfortunately I'll never forget the time Preston played at Priestfield when he was manager there - I've never seen anything like it.
I suspected that with the post play-off hangover and with your not exactly subtle tactics being no surprise to anyone now, you would struggle this season and so far I seem to be right. Do you still think you can reach the play-offs?
Looking forward to next Tuesday, I think...
Ray at 9:57:27 Thursday September 3 98
675 to go!! We're gonna make it easily!
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:23:35 Thursday September 3 98
A new book is about to hit the market. It is called the Solihull Masters Coaching Manual. Here are some of the main points: 1 - kick off: the objective is to get the ball into touch as fast as possible, ideally bisecting your two forwards on the sideline. That looks really neat. And, of course, it quickly gives possession to the opposition and enables us to go flat out on defense. 2 - goalie: kicks must reach the opposition penalty area as fast as possible. But they must not be aimed at your forwards. 3 - back line: must follow the goalie's example. A short square pass is also permissible as long as it gives the opposition a chance to retrieve the ball and put us back on defence. 4 - in defence, every man must in our six yard box. 5 - midfield: concentration is the key element
as, from time to time and like a misplaced mortar shell, some balls may fall short and land near you. Do not be overwhelmed when this happens. Keep your nerve. You have five seconds to dispose of it before it explodes. 6 - forwards: they must run about a lot. But not with the ball. 7 - corner kicks: must be taken by the player furthest away. Four players must stand on the goalie's toes and give him a really nasty stare. 8 - free kicks: must be played high and wide, ensuring no forward is able to get near it. Thus, again, setting us up nicely for a good bout of defending. Alternatively the ball may be played accurately into space. 9 - throw-ins: players must at all times stand still. Nobody must move. This would confuse the opposition. 10 - goal kicks: everyone must
assemble on the touchline in a nice big group. This demonstrates togetherness and team spirit. 11 - wingers: must start on their own goal-line. So by the time they've reached the opposition penalty area they are too knackered to cross the ball. 12 - the coach/manager must at all times be seen on the touchline making intersting gestures with his hands. This demonstrates his considerable technical nous. The manual ends with words of warning: "ou should not attempt this at home. It takes long hours on the training pitch to master this style." I expect to see some penetrating reviews of this in due course.
Ralph at 8:26:39 Thursday September 3 98
Dear Mr Atkins, please can we go 4-4-2?
Ray at 21:34:37 Wednesday September 2 98
Blimey - at this rate we'll soon be having to postpone games for International commitments.
ck at 20:38:2 Wednesday September 2 98
After looking at the Wales squad it can't be long before Parrish gets a cap. If he breaks through he could be playing when Wales go to Italy so Atkins better make sure the Italian scouts don't nick him.
THE EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE at 20:35:17 Wednesday September 2 98
We would like to issue an invitation to Northampton Town to join our super league. Milan just aren't of a high enough quality.
ck at 20:31:5 Wednesday September 2 98
i heard the crack when Clarkson got injured, and its a shame that the ref was so incompetent that Clarkson had to try and crawl off.It was also good to see the return of Terry Fleming, he still has his unique way of throwing-in.
Ray at 18:12:34 Wednesday September 2 98
Strange you should ask that question. I actually spoke to Rebecca this afternoon and she told me that she had printed out the last few pages of Cobblers Comments and, I assume, these are now being circulated at the Club.
Question man at 18:8:10 Wednesday September 2 98
A question to Ray, has Ian Atkins read the comments from the last couple of weeks, regarding style of play?
Ralph at 17:39:5 Wednesday September 2 98
Phew!
SBJ at 17:31:49 Wednesday September 2 98
As the Scousers say: 'calm down, calm down'. A few comments back it looked like we'd all agreed that thuggish play needs to be faded out of football, and that all clubs have a) their small element of racist 'supporters' and b)are all, to varying degrees, working to eliminate racism from football. Now it's got back to finger-pointing and calling each other scum. It's all a bit playground, isn't it? Let's keep the talk serious and constructive where serious issues are concerned. There's more good which can come out of these debates than a lot of the correspondents to this page seem to understand. On the other hand, a lot of you clearly have your heads screwed on right, and are giving everyone (hopefully) something to think about when they look at their own club
and the wider game. On a totally different point, Aldershot certainly are a good little club, as Adam says, and as anyone who gets Cable-17 coverage of the lower league and cup competitions could probably testify. Fingers crossed for the Shots getting into the FA Cup 1st round this year.
The Oxford Cobbler at 17:7:34 Wednesday September 2 98
Sorry Bez, but i have attend games where a small number of fans have made racist comments and sang racist chants. My wife and friends will verify that. I agree with Ray it is no point saying anything after the event but to say something to the stewards or police at the time. Surely we must all be guilty of not saying something.
At the Fulham game this group were chanting about the origins of Fulham's Chairman. It shows how stupid they are because they thought he hailed from Pakistan not Egypt. What made it worse was there was an Asian steward in front of us who must have heard the comments but chose to ignore them (or may be was too frightened to do so).
Instead of putting people on the spot by grassing on these lunitics with no hard evidence, i would like to suggest to the club (via Ray if necessary) placing people with the North Stand. I was proud to be associated with a club so highly praised with its stand against racism surely this is the least that can be done to maintain the standards.
Freddy Fulham at 16:58:40 Wednesday September 2 98
So Cobblers - What goes round comes round.You lot whinging and whining to Lincoln about one of your lads with a broken leg.You lot have been playing that game for years but I didn't hear much sympathy from you when Selly's leg was broken.You call Thorpe an animal.I'd take a close look at the way you've played the game over the years
You're scum and you know you are!!!!
Adam at 16:53:57 Wednesday September 2 98
"There is no racism at the club" Your evidence? Black players and equal opportunities schemes. Plus "I haven't heard any". They are all very simple minded reasons for dismissing the point. I bet there are some (admittedly very small no.) fans who hate the fact you have/had black players. I bet they couldn't give a toss about equal opportunities schemes. I bet you hear very little of the total shouts shouted from your stands. I've heard fans from all sorts of clubs shout racial abuse at opposition players despite having black players in their own team. There is a report from not that long ago from one of your own fans (check out the WALOC site) of some Cobblers fans shouting racist abuse at Sincil Bank. Sadly, the City stewards seemed to care less than your
(if other contributors are to be believed) stewards do. As for the incident and Ian Atkins (for as much as his opinion counts), he's seriously toned down his comments, today. And who justified Aldershot's demise? They were/are a great little club.
Nicknames mean nothing, and I've heard some great reports of some of your players' actions on the pitch. We weren't dirty. Now go and lie down, take a valium and relax a bit. I'm off. Have fun and seeya in January for a beer or two.
Bez at 16:14:13 Wednesday September 2 98
Sorry about this finally about Heggs. Roberts called him 'excitable and volatile' and Heggs attempts to punch him. Does this mean he is mental or stupid? This has proved Andy's point and backed up the fact that Heggs should have been sent off in the last two games. The fact he has 7 points from the last two Cobblers games backs this up. An average of 3.5 when the leader has and average of 7. Maybe we shouldn't get rid of Seal maybe it should be Heggs. I for one am fast losing patience with his Beckham like petulance and his performances have been poor so maybe we should say bye bye to Heggsy.
Bez at 16:8:43 Wednesday September 2 98
Fortune-West recieved abuse because he is scum, it was NOT abuse about his colour it was about his disgraceful attitude towards the game. Thorpe may have been over zealous but it was still a clear red card. The man may not have meant to do it but it shows lack of thought to go in as he did. As for Fleming I thought it was just a crack of heads, these things happen and we should get on with things. Don't you think it ironic that the two ex-Cobblers have reputations from their stay at the club like Fleming and said brawl outside the Grand Hotel after a night out. Also wasn't Richardson's nickname Psycho. Quad Erat Demonstrandum (QED)
Bez at 16:3:10 Wednesday September 2 98
Adam- There is no racism at the club. Firstly we were the second club to have a black player in the country in Walter Tull, secondly we were the first club to have an equal opportunities scheme in action. There was no racist comments from the North Stand and I have never heard any. As for Clarkson it is looking like Atkins is taking legal advice over A) the tackle and B) the Lincoln players reactions, whilst Lincoln are taking legal advice over the allegations. Personally I feel that we were never as dirty as that scum in Lincoln and that teams like Lincoln should be wiped off the earth. You justify Aldershot going bust when trash like this are allowed to continue. The sooner they revisit the Footie Conference the better! I can't wait for Lincoln away!
Adam at 12:37:26 Wednesday September 2 98
I hope Clarkson recovers fully and soon. No one likes to see that sort of injury, however it occurs.
On the subject of the alledged racist abuse, I cannot comment on whether or not it happened, just that it was alledged on the Imps mailing list. I'll pass your comments/info. on to the list and anyone who heard any can act from there.
I would just like to point out that not hearing any, doesn't mean it didn't happen. We are also not getting "holier than thou" about this. I know there are some City fans who have racist sentiments and probably only keep them under wraps because of the number of black players we have. It is a small number, like at Northampton. I believe no club can say their club is completely free and it's complacency we have to watch against and it's heartening to see a club actually doing something about it.
Ray at 12:12:30 Wednesday September 2 98
OK - I think that all that needs to be said on the Lincoln matter has now been said. The fact remains that there are a load of differing opinions - but thats what life is all about. I'm more disturbed by the accusations of racism particularly in view of the Club's leadership in this field. Unfortunately its no good complaining after the event. What the club needs is proof and this can only be done by reporting such incidents to a steward or the police immediately. If you are not in a position to inform a steward immediately then obviously any information such as seat numbers etc. would prove to be useful. PLEASE help in stamping out any unacceptable behaviour by all playing our part. I can assure you that anyone found making racist comments will be expelled
and banned!
Ray at 12:3:17 Wednesday September 2 98
Yes - sorry - I forgot to post Rebecca address here a;though I sent it to the email group. Please send mail direct to her at rebecca@ntfc.co.uk. You can also use ian.clarkson@ntfc.co.uk to send "get well" messages etc.
hartwell cobbler at 11:51:22 Wednesday September 2 98
I would fully endorse what Oxford Cobbler has just said about racism. If anyone has any evidence of such abuse and know the person(s) responsible and/or their seat nos they should contact the club. Equally, if any Lincoln fans heard any similar abuse they should be encouraged to write to the Cobblers. The Club, as has already been said, is at the forefront of the move to kick racism out of football. Unfortunately there may still be some individuals who have not got the message. Personally, all I heard on Monday was the booing of players such as Fortune-West - purely for their actions but certainly not because of the colour of their skin. I'm pleased to say I detected no racism whatsoever. Ref Monday night - it seems we've probably said all than can be said
on the issue. I wish Clarkson a speedy recovery. In the meantime I feel the next three league games will provide a barometer of our fortunes or otherwise. It's often said that a pattern emerges after about eight games. My feeling right now is that we may well struggle. The reason, as I've said many times, is IA's flawed game plan, especially in the light of the present squad. The one bright light is the imminent return of Roy Hunter - although it'll take him half a dozen games to fully re-establish himself. As for Wilkinson, we can't fairly judge him, although he looked a yard off the pace in pre-season. Does anyone have news on Damian Matthew's comeback ? He seems to have been out a long time.
The Oxford Cobbler at 11:31:56 Wednesday September 2 98
I once again read the comments with interest. Obviously, it depends upon which team you support to which side of the fence you sit on this incident. As i stated yesterday I don not condone violent behaviour. As a soccer purist it should be banished from the game. What i find more disturbing is the references to racism. We are applauded for our attitude to racism at NTFC but obviously there is still an element within the crowd. I would encourage anybody who has encountered such behaviour to contact the club. Ray has kindly set up a hot line to Rebecca Kerr and i will be contacting her myself. Ray, if you are reading this can you post the address.
Adam at 10:16:58 Wednesday September 2 98
I've put this on JV's site but I'll re-put it here:
I'll concede that it was a clumsy challenge. I'll concede that it should have been a free-kick.
But there are a number of points:
1) Clarkson did not have the ball fully under control, was stretching for it and the ball was about a yard away from him when Thorpe committed
himself.
2) Thorpe watched the ball the whole way through the tackle. When contact was made, he virtually had his back to Clarkson.
3) The contact was made as Thorpe's right foot reached the ground. At this point Clarkson had just started to swing his right foot towards the ball (which may explain why some City fans accused Clarkson of attempting to "do" Thorpe). Anyway, it was probably the combination of Thorpe's weight shifting to his right leg as it came down, combined with the forward momentum of Clarkson's right leg that caused the breakage.
4) Thorpe had absolutely no reason to try and cripple any other player and ruin their career (as has probably slanderously suggested). He is generally a timid player and is not known to go flying in.
So, in conclusion, Thorpe was a bit over zealous, tried to get between Clarkson and the ball that was running away from him, and the momentum of two players caused the problem. If Clarkson hadn't been off balance and falling over, the breakage would probably have never happened.
Now, the reason why he ran off was probably because he didn't know the player was hurt. If you look closely, everyone has their back to the player and City. The "crack" may have seemed very loud, but none of the players or officials (even Northampton players) seem to have heard it.
Yes the ball should have been thrown back to the 'keeper and that didn't help. But are you sure you're not tarnishing the incident because of what happened afterwards.
Finally, the inappropriate references to race probably stem from the allegations that Leo Fortune-West receieved racist abuse from one part of the crowd after the incident.
Ray at 10:0:20 Wednesday September 2 98
I know we would all like to believe that players do not deliberately set out to injure other players but I watched the video of the incident yesterday with Ian Atkins and Kevin Wilson. It looked even worse than it did on the field of play. The fact that he then ran off to get as far away from the incident like a scalded rabbit doesn't actually paint him in a very good light either. If it was a pure accident as you suggest then why didn't he stop at the scene of the crime? Considering how loud the crack was as the leg broke both teams and the ref. must have heard it and anyone with any sense or ounce of concern would have called a halt immediately. After the ball was deliberately kicked into touch to enable Clarkson to receive treatment, Lincoln then used
the throw to attack instead of doing the decent thing, didn't actually endear them to the crowd either and probably demonstrates the level of sportsmanship. Quite frankly whether the players were black white or pink with yellow spots didn't make one halfpenny worth of difference. May I suggest that the Lincoln fans who are making accusations of bigotry etc. first of all check their facts and, if possible, take a look at what actually happened themselves.
Hartwell Cobbler at 9:46:17 Wednesday September 2 98
DM - just seen your message. Thanks for your honest comments. As I've said before I have no axe to grind against your club as a whole nor your fans (who, incidentally, supported you well on Monday). Ref Thorpey - I cannot comment. You know the player better and I accept what you say. Actually I wasn't as much the challenge as what happened afterwards which upset me - and I suspect many others. Like you I do not condone unacceptable behaviour from any player or manager, whatever their team. I think it is up to us supporters to show our feelings and to try to bring a little respect back to the game. We should also demand better standards of behaviour from our professional players and managers. After all we are the paying customer. And if we don't,
who will ?
hartwell cobbler at 9:31:34 Wednesday September 2 98
Red Imp - that was in itself an offensive and bigotted remark wasn't it ? And it totally misses the point - which has nothing to do with colour but everything to do with a player's conduct on the pitch. And if you bother to read Ralph's reply that just about covers it. And to JV - again you miss the point. It was the totally unacceptable behaviour by certain members of your team which created the problem. How do you expect a manager to react when he sees one of his players hacked down, leg broken, lying in agony on the ground -- only for an opposition player come up, jab an accusing finger at him, presumably for feigning injury? Come on Lincoln fans - don't try to justify the unjustifiable. Incidentally, ref Beck, Ralph - I understand he got the sack for taking
a holiday mid-season. Denis also highlights the point that the Clarkson episode was only one (albeit perhaps the worst) of a whole string of incidents which littered the game. I'm sorry Lincoln fans, but there is no justification for much of what we saw on Monday. Even Atkins was moved to wonder after the match just what is happening to our game. Are some players and managers now so cynical that anything which they can get away with is acceptable - so long as it brings them a precious point? Do they have no perspective on the game and life in general ?
JV at 9:24:31 Wednesday September 2 98
Basically Beck was sacked for a number of things. Fiddling petrol receipts, assaulting a YTS player, vanishing on a skiing trip, etc.
All the details of Beck's sacking and his failure in his recent appeal make entertaining reading and are detailed in the "latest news" section of www.REDIMPS.com
On behalf of City's Internet supporters I'd also like to echo DM's comments and offer my sympathy to Clarkson and to wish him a speedy recovery.
DM at 9:11:15 Wednesday September 2 98
Firstly, as an Imps fan, may I offer my sympathy to Clarkson. I sincerely hope he recovers soon as he has always been an honest, reliable player who deserves better. Secondly, I know we are all biased in our opinions but I cannot belive Thorpey deliberayely sent out to cause such damage. There are certain players around (and we all know who they are) of whom such measures are expected and even within our own side we have people capable of getting stuck in. Thorpey is genuinely viewed as one of those who do not put themselves about enough, he's the Darren Anderton of the side, and consequently I reckon it was a very ill-timed and badly judged attempt early in a game by a player who was making his second full appearance in five months. I'm sorry.
Finally, yes Barry Richardson did kick someone but there were semi-mitigating circumstances.
Ralph at 8:32:21 Wednesday September 2 98
Talking of Lincoln player's being committed. I seem to remember a certain Barry Richardson kicking a bloke when he was down last season.
Ralph at 8:31:3 Wednesday September 2 98
Out of curiosity why did Beck get the sack? The last I heard was he got arrested by the police around Christmas time.
JV at 1:3:59 Wednesday September 2 98
Just to say a big thank you to all you friendly Cobblers fans out there for making yesterday the most popular ever at www.REDIMPS.com
I wasn't at the game nor have I seen the Thorpey incident on TV so I am not commenting any further on the matter but I know whose comments in the press I believe and it's definitely not those uttered by Ian Atkins - I seem to remember him stirring things up big time a couple of seasons ago when we played you. I thought he might have grown up a bit but obviously he's still up to his old tricks. Did he know his old mate John Beck was in the crowd ?? Perhaps you should get him in as Atkins' assistant - the 2 of them working together is guaranteed to ruin both your club and football for good.
City's players' commitment to the club is unbelievable and it seems that some teams or individuals we come up against can't seem to handle that and have to resort to underhand behaviour or they start to make insidious comments about our club.
With Atkins in charge there's only one direction you'll be going this season - the same direction Beck was taking us - DOWN.
Ray at 0:3:18 Wednesday September 2 98
Damn - all this traffic and the counter broke.......
Robert Dunkley at 21:43:16 Tuesday September 1 98
Red Imp, I do not know how you can brand Cobblers' fans as racists, when we support the first ever charter of rights for equal oppurtunities. We also are building a memorial garden to Walter Tull, one of the first black players in England, before world War One. He came to the Cobblers because of racism, and he did not receive any. What youa re doing is failing to accept one of your heros, did what in the street would be a criminal offence. Ian Atkins is an honest man, and if he had words with Mr Reammes, it would not surprise me as he was incensed by the attitude of your club.
Denis at 21:16:7 Tuesday September 1 98
Nobody has mentioned the blatant elbow by the Lincoln No 3 on Ali Gibb when he went past him in the 1st half. I thought an elbow warranted a sending off offence but obviously not when a ex premier "referee" is in charge.
Ralph at 21:0:23 Tuesday September 1 98
Ray - Did you read the bit in tonights Chron about Heggs and Andy Roberts in the press box after the game. What is going on here?
Ralph at 21:0:6 Tuesday September 1 98
Ray - Did you read the bit in tonights Chron about Heggs and Andy Roberts in the press box after the game. What is going on here?
Ralph at 20:56:57 Tuesday September 1 98
Redimp - How you can possibly drag rascism into this? You neither know me, my background, nor my sex, nor my race. By doing this you are detracting from the real issue, player's welfare and the future of football. Please leave the rascist angle out of this, it does not resolve the issue, nor does it add to the debate.
Redimp at 20:40:32 Tuesday September 1 98
One suspects that the only reason why you are calling Thorpe an "animal" is because of his skin colour. Its bigots like you lot that have held back football for years. Good old Grimsby, hey? Well, see you in the third next season...
Ralph at 20:37:42 Tuesday September 1 98
I too has the misfortune of seeing the Thorpe tackle on Anglia TV tonight. And as suspected the animal had no intention of playing the ball, he went over the top and straight into Clarky's shin. The entire family watching all uttered the same phrase, 'you bastard', it was deliberate. Real brave stuff on Thorpe's part. I guess we await for at least an official apology from Lincoln, I do not think that the reprobate,Thorpe, has it in him.
Redimp at 20:33:59 Tuesday September 1 98
I cannot believe the bigoted filth on this guestbook. Ian Atkins clearly assaulted members of the LCFC bench at the game whilst they, gentlemanly, held themselves back from getting involved. Atkins' wife attacked the Chairman of LCFC and his family, whilst Ian "Psycho" Atkins also did his best to create the evil atmosphere within the ground. From what prison did Atkins escape from that morning?
Chris Mason at 19:55:58 Tuesday September 1 98
Hello Wobblers !
Please Visit Chris Mason's Cambridge United Message Board at :
www.InsideTheWebc.om/mbs.cgi/mb125090
Ray at 18:6:49 Tuesday September 1 98
Latest report: I've been down the club this afternoon and saw the Clarkson incident on tape. It was not a 50/50 ball as some people have suggested. Clarkie got there 3 yards before Thorpe (as it turned out not Fortune-West). The tackle looks even worse on tape than at the match. It was clearly a deliberate over the top boot to shin. Ian was operated on today. Its a clean break - not as first thought a multiple fracture - but the opinion is that he will be out for a minimum of six months. It also is unlikely that Corazzin will be available for selection come Saturday.
hartwell cobbler at 17:35:14 Tuesday September 1 98
I have to agree with the Oxford Cobbler - the way ahead is a ball on the ground passing game. Not just because skill comes to the fore and the game is, thus, more entertaining. But also because, as he says, it will almost certainly produce better results. It will give our smaller forwards more chances and more goals. Corazzin, Freestone and Seal can - and will - score hatfulls for us, given service. The style we're playing now makes it quite impossible for them to score on more than isolated occasions. Its physically impossible. So, Mr Atkins, wake up, learn and develop the game. You've got the players you wanted. Now let them play. Otherwise all the good work of the past few seasons will go to waste, as sure as night follows day.
Ralph at 17:31:50 Tuesday September 1 98
Oxford Cobbler - If you have read the comments then perhaps you should have picked up on the fact that it was a bit more than the usual. I have no problem with a good, hard, physical contest but what was on show last night was vile. The last time I can compare a Cobbler with last night's antics was Danny O'Shea elbowing the Torquay Spaniard off the ball and splitting his nose open in the 3-0 defeat at Plainmoor 3 or 4 seasons ago. I found that sickening and O'Shea was totally out of line, but it was an isolated incident. Last night was different. Premeditated and total assassination on the Lincoln team and managements part. Has anyone heard officially how Clarky is?
The Oxford Cobbler at 17:7:33 Tuesday September 1 98
I wasn't at the game last night but have read comments from all sides with interest. It sounds like we were beaten at our own game by a more physical team. I am not saying that thuggish behaviour is right, fair from it, infact, i hate the negative tactics used by Lincoln and, to a lesser degree, us, more than anybody. If you think back to last season the only reason John Gayle didn't cripple anyone was because he was too slow.
I sympathise with Steve Spence, i too would like to go to game and get full value for money by watching football played how it should be played - on the floor. What is stopping us playing as we did against Bristol Rovers? Nothing has changed since then has it! It is the same players but with different tactics.
I want the team to be successful more than anybody but i am not one the win at all costs brigade and never will be. If you are then you should be supporting Man Utd. A lot people say you will never get out the league by playing Football. Well, haven't Grimsby and Bristol City proved that to be incorrect. Mr Atkins should rethink his team talks and let the players perform as they did on that barmy May night.
hartwell cobbler at 16:36:11 Tuesday September 1 98
Nothing like a controversy is there ? Thanks, Ralph, for forwarding my comments to the Lincoln web page. I was interested to read Steve Spence's honest and bold remarks. I think we all draw a distinction between the club, its fans - and the current manager, his tactics and the team. Like Steve, my distaste is not for Lincoln City per se but for the team and its manager. Yes, I accept that a lot of our play is too negative and I also dislike the long ball tactic. The difference is attitude. We certainly wallop the ball. But we have, up to now, been a team of honest, if limited, journeymen. What we have never done is gone out to cripple opponents. Last night it was clear for all to see that several Lincoln players were only interested in taking the player. The modern
game is rife with shirt-pulling and niggling foul play. But last night was of a different order. I am equally critical of the referee and linesmen. They must take responsibility for stopping foul play - especially of this kind - before it takes hold. They totally failed to do so. In so doing they allowed it to escalate...resulting in a professonal footballer being laid off work, perhaps for months. In the process, of course, they also allowed the game to degenerate. In the end the only things which will address such ills are: a)managers and clubs taking responsibility for instructing their teams to play within the laws of the game and respect authority b)players behaving properly in a public place c)the officials being quick to punish brutish behaviour (both physical and verbal).
Heaven help us if clubs, desperate for success, see any tactic as legitimate so long as they can get away with it. I'm not preaching a return to any (mythological) Corinthian spirit. What I am asking is for managers and players alike to remember: it is only a game and is meant to be an entertainment industry. You'd have been hard put to recognise any notion of either last night.
SBJ at 16:14:37 Tuesday September 1 98
As much as David Mellor is a bit of a dork, it might be worth getting a phone call to his radio 'show' about this Clarkson incident, and about bad refereeing in general. With the world cup just gone, and David Elleray writing his prominent refereeing column in The Times, it might be the right moment to stir up some action on this issue. I seem to remember the FA promising a clampdown on dangerous play after the Chester vs. Sheffield Weds match that saw Ian Knight retired from competitive football having had his leg broken by a rash challenge. Maybe with the support of clubs and their fans, and a few prominent figures such as Mellor, Jimmy Hill, etc a forum for discussion and reform could be got underway. A bigger club could replace their Clarkson with
a quick purchase; but Cobblers are now without a key figure for an indefinite period, and the referee will still be out on a pitch somwhere on Saturday, perhaps making another awful mistake and ruining another game.
Kevin Simons at 15:57:17 Tuesday September 1 98
The Corazzin incident was also in my opinion a clear sending off. When the ball went up in the air, I think it was Terry Fleming saw Corazzin go to head it and head butted him; not for one second did he have his eye on the ball and only had maximum damage to Corazzin in mind. What was more galling about the Clarkson incident was not the actions of Danson but the linesman. Colin Alcide clearly went through shins ablaze not once but twice. Danson allowed play to continue, but then went back to the lino who all the time did not flag. When play stopped, Danson went to the linesman and on the linesman's say only booked Fortune-West! Not only did they book the wrong player, but he failed to flag for the foul in the first place - so how then did they
conclude it was a bookable offence if he'd seen nothing wrong with the incident originally? When the League was all one, poor referees were dropped from the list, now they just get demoted. If any Lincoln fans read this they too should complain to the FA as they did last night. Danson is a self-obsessed disgrace ruining the game. As for Lincoln.....I'd like to think the Cobblers have long since left those tactics behind.
Ralph at 15:20:5 Tuesday September 1 98
Hartwell Cobbler - For what it's worth Dave, post one of your erudite messages on the Lincoln web site. The pen is always mightier than the boot.
Steve Spence at 15:19:55 Tuesday September 1 98
As a Lincoln City fan of thirty years, I would like to make it known that many of us are totally appalled with what was introduced to our team by Beck and which Westley seems happy enough to continue with. It is particularly galling that we are even worse than your shower of morons, thugs and footballing dross who were so comprehensively humped by the Codheads (in fact, even if the scoreline didn't reflect it) at Wembley. I refuse to take my sons to see football of this nature and am now refusing to go myself until something changes.
It hurts to say this, but Grimsby are a clear example to lower division teams that the beliefs of Harry Basset, John Beck and Ian Atkins are NOT the way to success. It would be nice if all genuine fans at the afflicted lower division clubs would vote with their feet, but I somehow doubt this will happen - your hoofers got to a play-off and 40,000 saps turned out to watch it and I imagine we'd be the same if the roles were reversed.
If a Lincoln player DID deliberately injure Clarkson and if the Lincoln staff DID laugh at his misfortune then I offer my heartfelt sympathy and apologies, but I wouldn't take Atkins' (or Westley's, for that matter) word for anything, frankly.
lincoln cobbler at 15:13:17 Tuesday September 1 98
has ian atkins made any comment about the game last night in relation to the behaviour of the lincoln players?
hartwel cobbler at 14:53:10 Tuesday September 1 98
Ray et al - now the dust's settled and I've had time to reflect and contemplate on last night's game, I have to say - lincoln city are a total disgrace to football. Their attitude, their petulance, their intimidating tactics and bad-mouthing should be brought to the attnetion of the FA. Yes, I agree - if I never see them again it will be too soon. The referee also totally lost the script. In fact you'd be hard-pushed to believe he'd even read the rulebook. The Clarkson episode was just terrible. I'm not sure who made the tackle. But Fortune-West should have been sent off for his behaviour after the incident. In fact he should have been sent off at least three tinmes!!
And I thought Gayle was hard! I don't think we've heard the last of this. Anglia TV ought to show clips of the match video tonight -- and give everyone an advance warning about explicit and gratuitous violence. Lincoln were also totaly inept with the ball - I can't recall seeing a worse team. Not even Bury in the bad days. The old Wimbledon were saints by comparison. Someone needs to take a grip of this kind of play and refereeing otherwise, sadly, I can see the possibility of a tragedy in the making. And all for a point! No doubt Lincoln's manager was chuffed to bits and the draw will reinforce his belief in the value of this kind of tactic. As for the Cobblers - even allowing for the injuries - we were pathetic. We played it all wrong (again!), allowing Lincoln too
much of the ball. Our passing game doesn't exist. We had to get the ball down, pass it quickly and accurately and make Lincoln chase shadows. That was the way to dominate them. Not try to match them muscle for muscle (which we couldn't do in a month of Sundays). My hope is that Lincoln get thrashed by the better teams in this league and get relegated. They are a very poor Div 3 team. God help us in the return game at Sincil Bank. I have only one suggestion - see if the Saints will let us have their forwards on loan for the day!
Ray at 14:28:10 Tuesday September 1 98
email addresses for the chairman, manager etc can be found at http://www.redimps.com/email_pl.htm
lincoln cobbler at 14:25:53 Tuesday September 1 98
haha yeah between them and the grimbsby fans reminding we about the playoff final should be a fun year
Ray at 14:24:6 Tuesday September 1 98
Only if you really need something to wrap round the wounds......
lincoln cobbler at 14:4:19 Tuesday September 1 98
i posted too perhaps its the most postings its seen in ages
Question do you think i should buy the new shirt and take it back ti lincoln with me? :)
ray at 13:59:55 Tuesday September 1 98
Ive also posted (although with 1450 visitors I don't expect it to get read much)
Ralph at 13:26:25 Tuesday September 1 98
Thanks Lincoln Cobbler - I managed to access and post a message on their 'notice board'. Not a word about last nights game though, in fact it doesn't appear to be used much.
lincoln cobbler at 12:20:22 Tuesday September 1 98
the site appears to be down at the moment - probably got fed up of complaints about their attitudes
Ralph at 12:18:16 Tuesday September 1 98
I still maintain it was their number eleven who did Clarky. Fortune-West appears to have been booked for the push and shove that followed. So Danson missed the whole sordid affair.
lincoln cobbler at 12:16:10 Tuesday September 1 98
i found that web page - http://www.redimps.com/bbs
Bez at 11:0:40 Tuesday September 1 98
Wheres the Lincoln web site?
Bez at 10:59:18 Tuesday September 1 98
I cannot understand why with a player twitching on the floor and trying to drag himself to the touchline Danson did not stop the game. Say a player swallowed his tongue would he have played on not realising that the player is dead on the floor? As for Fortune-West he should be reported to the FA, he bad mouthed the ref the whole game and his tackle was one of the worst I have ever seen. The Lincoln Attitude is all wrong and one day they will get their com-uppance what a sweet day that will be. But the most worrying fact was Lincoln looked like scoring the most! Atkins has to think and act fast because we are already 12 points behind the front runners. The team performance needs to improve dramatically. Peer and Heggs were desperately poor last
night and really need a dropping to give them a kick up the arse. I have only one word to say to the Cobblers now a that is POSITIVE. It seems to be a word that escapes Atkins mind, shall we point out Witter, Clarkson, Frain, Sampson, Hill, Spedding, Matthew, Wilkinson, Corazzin, Seal, Freestone, Heggs, Gibb, Hunt, Bishop and Hunter all came from passing sides and with Warburton supplying the odd long ball we could play PASSING FOOTBALL two more words for the Atko dictionary with some variation. Did you also notice last night the fact that by the second half Lincoln had two players on Gibb because he was the only player we used for attacking crosses. BRING IN CHRIS ALLEN!!!!!!!
Ralph at 10:45:25 Tuesday September 1 98
Like you Ray I found myself festering and getting more wound up long after the game ended. One chap I work with was still shaking with anger this morning. How we feel wont change the situation and will not make us feel any better. Put pen to paper and let your feelings be known to the Football League and, if they have one, bombard the Lincoln web site with the fair minded criticism from these pages.
Ray at 10:18:28 Tuesday September 1 98
I believe that everything that Lincoln did was completely deliberate .... especially the Clarkson tackle. Fortune-West should have been given his marching orders there and then. I missed the Corazzin clash - but subject to seeing it on video, have to assume that this was accidental. Actually the more I consider last nights match, the more annoyed I'm getting. (did I mention the referee was appalling?)
lincoln cobbler at 10:9:21 Tuesday September 1 98
yeah i know what you mean ray. The referee let clarkson lay o the floor whenhe was obviously in agony - it looked from where i was sitting like one of the lincoln players caught clarksons foot as he rasn past after the initial event ( deliberate or not i cant say) I will be going down to sincil bank for the away game. ( i go back to college on the 12th - back to the imps heartland and surrounded by lincoln supporters.
Ray at 10:5:15 Tuesday September 1 98
Apparently after the game Ian Atkins went into the Lincoln dressing room to "inform" them about Clarksons leg and "all they did was laugh and mimic me". btw - did I mention that the referee was appalling? In fact appalling is too kind - he was a disgrace. It was obvious to anyone with half an eye that Clarkson was seriously injured and the game should have been stopped immediately. As a by the by, Woodman booted the ball into touch to enable him to get treatment and Lincoln, being the obviously fair minded team they are, used the resultant throw-in to attack. Sums it up really I suppose.....
Ray at 10:0:3 Tuesday September 1 98
There were seven bookings - 5 for Lincoln. Clarkson's leg is broken - out until at least the New Year. 7 stitches for Corazzin - must be doubtful for the Blackpool trip. Quite frankly if Lincoln stay up I'd rather be relegated as if I never see them again it will be too soon.
lincoln cobbler at 9:44:51 Tuesday September 1 98
a dissapointing game i feel. however to give them their due the last 10-15 mins they showed the sort of flair last season. did the refferee like the colour yellow or something 6 bookings in the first half? any news about clarkson's leg?
Ralph at 8:36:52 Tuesday September 1 98
Oh well I got the 4-4-2 formation I hoped for, the injuries lead IA to change things around. We ended up with four cetre-backs in the back four and three full backs in the midfield!
Steve at 8:28:39 Tuesday September 1 98
Just to add to my jaundiced comments of last night - one bright spot was the performance of Tony Whitter (on for Clarkson). He was rock solid and never put a foot wrong. I have to agree with everything Richard says. Perhaps when Roy Hunter gets back, he'll be the man to create something constructive from the midfield morass that we saw last night.
Ralph at 8:25:31 Tuesday September 1 98
Well now I know what they mean by a physical, long-ball team. Lincoln were a disgrace. I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned Danson. This bloke was kicked out of the premiership and he now needs to be kicked out of the Nationwide. He missed the 'over the top' tackle that has broken Clarky's leg and only booked Fortune-West because the crowd demanded it. If he booked Fortune-West because of the tackle he got the wrong animal, it was their number 11, who incidentally was involved in the Corazzin incident. For what it's worth I didn't see an elbow. Lincoln fans will argue, like we did, that this type of 'football' brought them success but for the sake of true football I sincerely hope they fail miserably this time around.
RICHARD at 0:53:36 Tuesday September 1 98
Just back from sunny Spain (via Sixfields)! Overall impression of the game was that we lacked any cohesion going forward and too often, as before, we resorted to the 'garryowen' to clear the decks, but with no-one able to put a foot on the ball, slow down the pace and deliver a telling pass, we were floundering. Maybe we were dragged down to their level ( though you have to credit their defense for keeping the ball out of the dangerous clutches of their own "dodgy keeper"!)and early casualties did nothing to aid our gameplan. Perhaps this is just the other side of the good/bad luck coin. We had some pretty 'iffy' matches last season and more than a few lucky escapes. We just have to sit tight and ride out the storm. Ironic words from IA in tonight's programme
re early season injuries disrupting plans and hoping that this was a new beginning!!!!! Well, I've got two weeks' worth of CobbComms and e-mail to catch up on, which will probably take me until next Saturday to clear. Hopefully, the lads will have sorted themselves out for the 'orrible orangemen on Saturday.
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