Thought I would get you all into the Cup spirit of things. If you need translations, talk to Ged.
Blaydon Races
Oh me lads, you should've seen us gannin
Passing the folks along the road
And all of them were starin'
All the lads and lasses there
They all had smilin' faces
Gannin along the Scotswood Road
To see the Blaydon races
Hey, Hey!
Hehhey, Shearer! Oooh! Ahhh!
I wanna knowoooooo, how you scored that goal!
Geordie Boot Boys
We are the Geordies! The Geordie Boot Boys!
For we are mental! For we are mad!
For we're the loyalist football supporters!
The world has ever had!
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Monday, January 24, 2005
Road to Cardiff - Newcastle United
In two years of The Road to Cardiff, we probably have never been dealt a bigger card than Newcastle United.
The Toon Army entertain Coventry City in the 4th Round of the FA Cup on Saturday and Heppers, Gary Peart & Ged will join many other Geordies in hoping that the Magpies can get their season kick started with a cup run.
Newcastle are one of the oldest and most famous clubs in the country and were formed by a number of works teams coming together in the North East in the late 1880's. Newcastle United was chosen (over Rangers and City) as a collective name in an effort to attract some crowds to games in 1892. They were elected to the Football League a year later and wore the black and white striped jerseys for the first time. They had pretty immediate success dominating the English League and FA Cup in the early 1900's with players mainly from across the border in Scotland.
After the WW2 Newcastle were still a force to be reckoned with completing a trio of FA Cup wins in 1951, 1952 and 1955. But they went into something of a decline after the 1955 victory, returning to the top flight in 1965 after winning the Div 2 Championship.
1n 1968 as underdogs they won the UEFA Inter Cities Fairs Cup beating Hungarians Ujpest Dozsa home and away in the final to lift the trophy.
In the early 1970's it was all about Malcolm 'Supermac' MacDonald and for years the fans enjoyed watching some great football but after his departure to Arsenal, the team slumped and there was talk of a player revolt as the Toon, playing in front of crowds of just 8,000 were relegated in 1978.
A long rebuilding programme started, which saw first Bill McGarry in charge, then Arthur Cox. The crisis around the turn of the decade deepened with disillusioned supporters drifting away from a poor team and a worsening financial plight, which eventually saw changes on the board. In 1982, Cox brought striker Kevin Keegan to St. James' for a bargain 100,000 pounds.
A team featuring budding stars such as Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle gained promotion to the First Division in 1984. However, the board refused to give Cox funds for new players, Keegan retired and Cox left for Derby County. What had looked like a new era, turned suddenly to dust!
Jack Charlton was the next manager but he wasn't popular on Tyneside. Ex goalie Willie McFaul took over and he was the first man to give a baby faced midfielder soon to become known as Gazza his chance. However the board's lack of ambition was typified when several key players were sold, Waddle in '86, Beardsley in '87 and Gazza in '88. The club made no reasonable attempt to replace any of these players, and relegation soon followed in 1989. McFaul departed and Jim Smith took over.
Smith didn't last long either, and left in 1991 for Portsmouth, saying that the club was 'unmanageable'. World Cup winner Ossie 'knees have gone all trembley' Ardiles became a popular manager, although you would need to score 5 goals to win a game - more of that was to come with Kevin Keegan later.
In the early 1990's Sir John Hall took over the club but was faced with relegation to the old Div 3 and bankruptcy. Things had to change and change they did as Hall brought in Kevin Keegan, who saved the Magpies from relegation and who knows a Sheffield Wednesday type fate.
Keegan then took a complete new-look team up to the newly named Premiership and they won the hearts of many with their attractive passing, attacking game and finished 3rd, their highest finishing place since 1927!
2 more famous ex pro's were given a shot at leading the club - Kenny Daglish and Ruud Gullit. Neither could emulate Keegan, although Daglish did sign a certain Alan Shearer for £15m in 1996 - think he's probably almost paid for himself, don't you.
Sir Bobby Robson brought a certain amount of respect back to the club until he got the boot from that fat fcuk Freddie 'all Geordie birds are slags' Shepherd and now it is Graeme Souness who manages the Geordies with an iron fist.
Just a thought....
Half-way through the season and I note that we are approaching 1,500 hits on the website, which ain't bad when you consider the IT police at AIG, Zurich, Aon UK and XLRe, who between them have a fair number of managers in the league, won't allow access. I have to say I do love doing the newsletter and writing it online does allow me more freedom. If anyone's got any thoughts or ideas on how we can improve it or on stuff they would like to see, then drop me an email.
Don't forget if you want to read a more serious (well occasionally more serious) take on my life in Chicago, then visit www.chicagoaddick.blogspot.com
The league table is very close with plenty of battles going on up and down the table and remember I have a little surprise in store for later in the season.
There are a couple of manager's who have yet to make a transfer. Remember a fresh pair of legs could turn your season round - don't be shy. The deadline is every Tuesday at 5pm GMT (11am CST) - an email will suffice.
Finally Nobby & Ready would like to wish the best of luck to Danny Rose who recently started a new job with John Clare's syndicate in Lloyds.
Don't forget if you want to read a more serious (well occasionally more serious) take on my life in Chicago, then visit www.chicagoaddick.blogspot.com
The league table is very close with plenty of battles going on up and down the table and remember I have a little surprise in store for later in the season.
There are a couple of manager's who have yet to make a transfer. Remember a fresh pair of legs could turn your season round - don't be shy. The deadline is every Tuesday at 5pm GMT (11am CST) - an email will suffice.
Finally Nobby & Ready would like to wish the best of luck to Danny Rose who recently started a new job with John Clare's syndicate in Lloyds.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Peter not blue
Breaking News 8888 Week 22 scores 8888 Breaking News
Ginger (not so) Athletic FC went back to the summit of the N&R FL table after a 5 week absence. Doyley stormed to 68 points in week 22, his 2nd best of the season and 27 more than Wenners Wannabe's who fall to 3rd - Mark's lowest point since October.
West Ham 4 West Germany 2 stay in 2nd after hitting 51 while Back home remain 4th. In 5th & 6th Jonny on my shoulder and Lets all beat the Gooners swap, giving Rob Munden his highest place of the season so far - is this his season?
The newcomer in the top 10 is 2Infinity & beyond who continued their recent run with 62 points and my are the 7 teams above them looking over their shoulder as Barry closes in on them.
Outside of the top 10 there was good climbs by Sweaty shagged a shemale (48) and Dale Allstars (64) whilst there were reverse trends for Tatters top tips (44), Rose was ruined by a ladyboy (36) and You got more toes (53).
In the re-election zone Goonersmoan (31) climbed out after just 1 week while Defoe's golden XI (21) were back in the club. Happy Hammers (28) perked up jumping above Only one 'f' in Forest (24).
Ginger (not so) Athletic FC went back to the summit of the N&R FL table after a 5 week absence. Doyley stormed to 68 points in week 22, his 2nd best of the season and 27 more than Wenners Wannabe's who fall to 3rd - Mark's lowest point since October.
West Ham 4 West Germany 2 stay in 2nd after hitting 51 while Back home remain 4th. In 5th & 6th Jonny on my shoulder and Lets all beat the Gooners swap, giving Rob Munden his highest place of the season so far - is this his season?
The newcomer in the top 10 is 2Infinity & beyond who continued their recent run with 62 points and my are the 7 teams above them looking over their shoulder as Barry closes in on them.
Outside of the top 10 there was good climbs by Sweaty shagged a shemale (48) and Dale Allstars (64) whilst there were reverse trends for Tatters top tips (44), Rose was ruined by a ladyboy (36) and You got more toes (53).
In the re-election zone Goonersmoan (31) climbed out after just 1 week while Defoe's golden XI (21) were back in the club. Happy Hammers (28) perked up jumping above Only one 'f' in Forest (24).
Martin makes another big splash
Breaking News 8888 Week 22 scores 8888 Breaking News
Martin Singleton claimed hin 3rd MoW in 7 after scoring a wonderful 72 points in week 22. Tom Finney's splash are on fire and are well into the top half of the table after a climb of 7 places. For the record they are only 48 points behind Keep the faith in 7th.
New table topper Ginger (not so) Athletic hit the 2nd best score of the week with 68, four more than Dale Allstars and Flighty Feet. Catherine and Karen move up 2 to 27th.
Barry Plummer scored his 138th point in a fortnight. 2Infinity & beyond's odds shortened as they move menacing into the top 10.
Filthy Love are picking up too. Paul scored 60 points and rise 3 places to 17th. There was surprise good week's for 5 managers. Alex Boswell eased re-lection doubts with a 58 - Meg & Hannah's bears climb 2 places. Carl Dillaway are also up 2 as Galacticos hit their best score since August (58).
Giles Crowley pulled further away from rival Better than 2nd who had the week's worst score of 19 after he smashed 57 points. That is 2 great weeks on the spin for The Elephant man(ager).
Pull your finger out molly hit 54 and are also improving. Can Pete push himself into contention in the 2nd half of the season?And finally Californication moved up 2 places after another fine week, scoring 53 the same as Robbos on top and You got more toes.
Martin Singleton claimed hin 3rd MoW in 7 after scoring a wonderful 72 points in week 22. Tom Finney's splash are on fire and are well into the top half of the table after a climb of 7 places. For the record they are only 48 points behind Keep the faith in 7th.
New table topper Ginger (not so) Athletic hit the 2nd best score of the week with 68, four more than Dale Allstars and Flighty Feet. Catherine and Karen move up 2 to 27th.
Barry Plummer scored his 138th point in a fortnight. 2Infinity & beyond's odds shortened as they move menacing into the top 10.
Filthy Love are picking up too. Paul scored 60 points and rise 3 places to 17th. There was surprise good week's for 5 managers. Alex Boswell eased re-lection doubts with a 58 - Meg & Hannah's bears climb 2 places. Carl Dillaway are also up 2 as Galacticos hit their best score since August (58).
Giles Crowley pulled further away from rival Better than 2nd who had the week's worst score of 19 after he smashed 57 points. That is 2 great weeks on the spin for The Elephant man(ager).
Pull your finger out molly hit 54 and are also improving. Can Pete push himself into contention in the 2nd half of the season?And finally Californication moved up 2 places after another fine week, scoring 53 the same as Robbos on top and You got more toes.
Nobby & Ready's half-term report
Half-way through the season and time to take a look at each manager's performance with some predictions thrown in as well.
Mark Wenman
Wenners has good N&R FL pedigree and leads the table as we enter the new year. Wenners Wannabe's have shown the height of consistency without ever hitting any real big weekly scores - Mark does not feature in the top 12 of the best weekly scores, despite being in the top 7 for 19 weeks. He took over at the top in mid December and has not seemed pressured despite the pack chasing him.
Ben Graves
Ben gives us all hope. He started his debut N&R FL season wallowing in the lower half of the table but around about week 8 West Ham 4 West Germany 2 went on a fantastic run of form which took them into the top 10 five weeks later and into the top 3 in week 16 and that is where he has stayed. The unknown quantity in the lead pack.
Peter Doyle
Doyley is a veteran in this league and must be running out of Ginger names to call his sides. This season Ginger (not so) Athletic have been excellent. They started the campaign well but fell away and I thought that would be that but they returned into the top 7 and after a cracking week 10 they hit the top spot where they stayed for 7 weeks until displaced by Wenman. I thought they might fade again but no, they battled back and are right in amongst the contenders for the title.
Barry Paull
Barry is a regular prize money winner in this prestigious competition and is once again on top of his game, making thoughtful transfers and using his experience well. Back home entered the top 10 in week 7 and haven't left it. 4th in the last 2 weeks and then a huge score in week 21 took him to within whispering distance of the leaders. A good tip for the title.
Mark Simmons
Mark knows FL inside out and typically comes away with a prize although they tend to have been not the ones that really matter. Trundling along in mid table until the end of November when a couple of big scores catapulted Let's all beat the Gooners into 6th. Mark is now 5th and has the knowledge to keep himself in with a shout.
Rob Munden
4 mid table weeks told a story of Rob's season up until Christmas when 192 points were scored over the festive period (a good example of how important those games are in FL) and Jonny on my shoulder is right in amongst the pack but a look at how close the sides right down to 14th are shows how fragile it can be.
Ian France
Another old timer who has never won a bean. An early flirtation with the top 10 in October has been matched again over Christmas. But in truth it has been some workmanlike performances from Keep the faith that have put them in contention. To stay in the race might need some more charisma in his team and a footballers haircut!
Glenn Francis
Ever since coming into the N&R FL about 3 years ago, Glenn has always challenged well and taken the game seriously. Lamb to the slaughter are well postioned in 8th but needs that extra cutting edge to break into title contention.
Suzie Syrett
Ah, the lovely Suzie. In previous season's she has had a habit of dropping off towards the end of the season - lack of stamina maybe or just carrying too big a load up top? Who knows? Ping-Pong Yo-Yo have been as high as 2nd so far this season and only as low as 15th, and that was back in early October. If she can stay focused through the winter it might tit the scales!
John McGowan
Our most consistent manager. Nice title but no cigar Johnny I'm afraid. Only one week out of the top 10 (week 20) and our first table topper in August. He does take the game seriously though and if he can hang around the top 10 until Easter then a prize might just be coming Luadjembamaccorone's way.
Lee Baughan
Probably Sweaty's best ever 4 months in N&R FL. He has never looked like re-election material and has hit some stunning weekly scores (weeks 3, 11, 19, 20). Rose was ruined by a ladyboy might not have all that it takes to run off with one of the big prizes but if he can finish in the top 10 he will be a popular winner, not least with his debtors.
Nigel Tatlock
Nige has adapted well to the cut & thrust of the best FL in the world (must be American). He had an important good start, took a breather and has since been in the top 10 for 6 of the last 8 weeks and as high as 2nd. Very consistent, just a spark will put Tatters top tips in with a shout.
Barry Plummer
Nige's co-star around at XLRe and more widely known for his 1st and 2nd in the last two N&R season's. After a fine start, 2Infinity & Beyond plummeted down the table and at one stage in early November found themselves in 33rd position - easily his worst ever. Then after steadying the ship, Barry made his climb up the table and now occupies a healthy 13th. Will have a say in where the prizes end up, no doubt.
Danny Rose
Danny has been with us since the beginning and was part of the Rose/Godfrey/Florence force that swept all before them in the very early days of N&R FL. Always a competitor and very clever with his transfers, Danny was hoping to improve on last season's 5th. With transfers in the bank Sweaty did shag a shemale are currently handily placed in 14th.
Lee Day
What happened to Lee? Well, let me tell you. You got more toes were top for 9 of the first 10 weeks of the season, at one stage 20+ points ahead, then a bit of work aggro (leaves Allianz for RSA), a trip to Chicago which he has to endure with hand-holder Gumbsy and it all goes Pete Tong! He will be pleased to be back in the City and in FL training, i.e 8 pints of Stella a day and a couple of chickens.
Neil Cryer
A real topsy turvey season for Neil so far. Dale Allstars have hit some big weekly scores - 71 in week 3, 82 in week 21 - and hasn't really put in a bad performance but they just need that bit extra to get themselves into contention. The highest placed manager yet to feature in the top 10.
Simon Bond
There were rumours that Bondy was going to hang up his N&R FL boots after last season and we're glad he had a change of mind. Someone other than Arse (looks like you're going to get your wish Si, but Chelski?) have hovered around the mid section of the table but in Premiership terms are already well within their 40 points and will not have to endure a re-election battle which Bondy (nicknamed Houdini) did become accustomed.
Ian Kennett
Every year I reckon Ian will break out of his torper and take the league by storm. 2004/05? Nope. Blessed are the cheesemakers are stuck in the big middle group. I know it sounds easy but it can turn on a transfer or an injury and Ian has the experience to snuff out that transfer window striker that will go on and score 15 goals.
Mike Robertson
Robbo always puts on a good show (ooh missus!) and he started his comeback season well but has just faded. Nevertheless Santa was kind to him and he scored some good points over Christmas. Is this a stepping stone for Robbos on Top or will he tread water?
Carl Dillaway
A disastrous last 10 weeks for Carl has seen Galacticos FC drop from exciting title contention to mid table boredom. He has tried to change it around but without success and quite frankly I believe he's blown it.
Paul Kelleher
Don't know whats gone wrong with PK? He has tried to turn it around but just hasn't got going. Still only 50 odd points behind the top 10 and like other teams around them, Filthy Love are more than capable of putting a run together
Peter Godfrey
The once giant of FL, particularly N&R's has wallowed in mid table for most of the season. In fact he has been 23rd on no less than 5 occasions, which ain't easily done. Pete's team names were always being written up week after week but this season Pull your finger out Molly has hardly merited a mention, which tells it's own sorry story.
Liz Keiller
I think Liz's early season form surprised everyone and not least herself! In fact She fell over only spent 4 of the first 16 weeks out of the top 10 but after 5 poor weeks they have dropped back to 23rd place. Time for some transfers to see if she can get herself back into uncharted territory.
Kirstie Baillie
Unable to blame me this season for changing her team after she entered it, Kirstie's Glasgow Kiss are again floating around mid table. But at least her mobile phone bills have reduced following the restraining order.
Danny Matthews
25th after 21 weeks is a huge leap forward for Dan. Last season he finished bottom (although remember there were no Yanks in the competition last year!) and Danny's Geeza's have already scored more than 200 points than they did at the halfway point last season.
Martin Singleton
One of the current best managers in terms of form. Tom Finney's splash were in dire re-election trouble up until 6 weeks ago but a well thought out transfer move a month before that started to gel and 2 MoW awards have seen them climb to safety. However after last season's 7th place, Martin won't want to stop at safety.
Robert Beere
After an excellent debut season and an equally good start to this season I was foreseeing a potential future Champion but since about November it has all gone tits up for Beer Monster. But in a recent email to N&R HQ, Rob stated that he was desperate for another top 10 finish, and finish above his rival Dillaway.
Simon Newport
At the airport recently I treated myself to an American - English translation book. It comes in very handy let me tell you. A load of old wank, is a load of jerk-off. A fanny is an arse, a nice arse is an awesome butt and a top pair of jubblies is the same in any language, particularly in this weather. Anyway 'tis a reet kick up the fanny is what Make it a supersize needs if they are to make any impact on this season.
Keith Read
Clearly the move back to the UK unsettled the pitbull's FL season. Hannoi Utd started the campaign well and from week's 5 to 13 they sat in the top 7. However watch out everyone, last season Ready was not in title contention until mid February and he swept to the title and secondly he has just made a hatful of transfers. Contenders, you have been warned!
Catherine Barwick / Karen du Toit
The d in du is a small one, just like the v is in van. See, I'm not just a pretty face, I understand these things. The wet dream team of Flighty Feet have acclimatised (Septics please note, there is no such word as acclimated) pretty well to their first season in the N&R FL. Tired of old rogues like Paull, Waters, Godfrey & Rutter, the girls bring a little bit of class to the proceedings. I like that, this is the way ahead. Topless FL next season. No, top down please Godders!
Shaun Moulster
Funny cos if Shaun's team was put into a computer or played on a PS2 it would sure kick arse, so why are his Molesters down in 31st place? No, I don't know either but that is the beauty of FL. I reckon on another year of survival for these boys.
Giles Crowley
Giles is another N&R old timer and I am still waiting on my re-election night out from last season but I know he is good for it. This season Giles called his side The Elephant man(ager), named after a certain Mr Dowie. Despite this they are looking pretty safe for now.
Giles who in his career has flirted with most of the barmaids in the City and with N&R FL re-election but last year, for the first time got sucked off, sorry in and had to face the dreaded drop. Let's hope he has learnt his lesson?
Greg Harris
Greg has bummed around the mid to bottom half of the table, he seems unlikely to become embroiled in a re-election battle but equally does not seem to have it in him to make a concerted challenge for honours either. In summary don't expect to much from Roffey's Rejects, not until the cricket season anyway!
Alex Boswell
Alex is another manager who under-achieves. In fact I can't really say that because he has never really achieved enough to have been an achiever in the first place. Perhaps he over-achieves? In fact in 13 weeks Meg & Hannah's bears have been no higher than 32nd but no lower than 36th place! Zzzzzzzz
Tony Murray
Tone had a flying start to the season but started to go backwards about a fortnight later. Ever since then, like Harris & Orville, sorry Boswell, Tony's Hammers like coke have been firmly stuck in Boringville, Arizona - between 30th and 36th. One of these 3 managers will be engulfed in a re-election battle you mark my words.
Simon Jenkins
In the couple of years Jenks has been in the N&R FL he has shown some impressive form and has taken away some prize money but this season he had to cope with a disastrous start and was in the deep doo-doo up until mid October, however he made a couple of changes and pulled away and was in 29th at the start of December. But since then Can I have a waistcoat have been treading water and if they are not careful they will be fighting off re-election come May.
John Tiernan
It's JT's long-awaited N&R debut season. He will probably blame his workload and admittedly washing Dipak's car and cutting her lawn is a full time job but I have been disappointed with the Super Eagles' form this season and expected more. Like his beloved Palarse he will be focusing on avoiding the drop and with a bit of luck he should be fine.
Alan Oakley
After a couple of storming FL season's Al has never got going this season. I understand that he is doing nothing different to previous terms, you know 10 pints of Youngs Ordinary and back to the office to make some transfers but it just hasn't flowed this season. As he get's more worked up with Chelski's Premiership push I have a sneaky that Better than 2nd maybe neglected and that could spell danger?
Chris Waterman
A perennial struggler. I believe Chris has bought the curry's 2 years on the trot for the AIG boys and he may as well make his reservation at the Rajasthan for May now. Californication (the N&R FL's oldest team name) has been in and out of the danger zone like the hokey-cokey and it will take all of his FL experience to pull through.
Tony Hepburn
The 2nd best looking manager in the league (behind Ready) is the Southampton of the N&R FL - in fact Patrick Gage could pass as Rupert Lowe come to think of it. Heppers has only once been in the bottom 6 but amazingly has been no higher than 37th all season. Herecomethewildebeests will be hoping that there are 6 worst teams than them come the 2nd half of the season.
Mark Dewberry
Mark took a huge gamble calling his team Defoe's Golden XI, clearly he expects the Judas twat to be at White Hart Lane until May. Mark is right in amongst the danger area and is up against some experienced battlers. It's going to be tough, particularly as his boss is one of his competitors. A struggle ahead.
Brian Rutter
It is a huge shock to see Rutt's, 3rd last season, down amongst the stragglers. He already had 200+ points in early September and his form since then has been truly awful. You are never too good to go down is what they say. Goonersmoan take note.
James Bird
Birdy always flies south for the FL season and Only one 'f' in Forest are the latest in a long line of teams he has managed to take to the end of season re-election ball, which is basically a bun fight. In the bottom 6 since September but we have seen a recent improvement and a MoW prize in week 15 showed us that he still kick it.
Alan Waters
No Lupo to help him out of the drop-zone this time or a Sir Trevor Brooking. Muddy who probably does the most travelling out of the 47 managers realistically has little time for FL but he is a proud man and an experienced manager (he once finished 3rd) and I'll expect Happy Hammers to battle all of the way.
Dominic Barrett / Alex Baxter
The Clough & Taylor of FL, the fights and arguments included. Yet to make a transfer - at least to me anyway, apparentely one night in the pub the barman at The Lamb may have received them on a back of a beer mat (bit like one of Alex's quotes, although that was probably before The Lamb was built!) but not N&R HQ. Woody's Warriors only fell into the trap door in December but my does it look a long way up.
Tim Feldbruegge
Ahh, the battle for American supremacy. Off the bottom in week 3 but it's in 2nd bottom that Cheeky American's have stayed. Tim probably has a little conundrum on his hands in that there is a prize for the penultimate place and he may wish to stay there but his pride might just want him to get out of the bottom 6, which will be something worth celebrating.
Brian Dougal
Bottom since week 3, there's no pride in that. Brian's Idiots guide to soccer made some transfers, he even sold Michael Owen and perhaps he should sell Hoddle and Waddle next! But as Doug's keeps telling me if him and Tim can overtake a Brit in the table then the joke is on them. And oh, one can only imagine the stick I will dish out on here....
Mark Wenman
Wenners has good N&R FL pedigree and leads the table as we enter the new year. Wenners Wannabe's have shown the height of consistency without ever hitting any real big weekly scores - Mark does not feature in the top 12 of the best weekly scores, despite being in the top 7 for 19 weeks. He took over at the top in mid December and has not seemed pressured despite the pack chasing him.
Ben Graves
Ben gives us all hope. He started his debut N&R FL season wallowing in the lower half of the table but around about week 8 West Ham 4 West Germany 2 went on a fantastic run of form which took them into the top 10 five weeks later and into the top 3 in week 16 and that is where he has stayed. The unknown quantity in the lead pack.
Peter Doyle
Doyley is a veteran in this league and must be running out of Ginger names to call his sides. This season Ginger (not so) Athletic have been excellent. They started the campaign well but fell away and I thought that would be that but they returned into the top 7 and after a cracking week 10 they hit the top spot where they stayed for 7 weeks until displaced by Wenman. I thought they might fade again but no, they battled back and are right in amongst the contenders for the title.
Barry Paull
Barry is a regular prize money winner in this prestigious competition and is once again on top of his game, making thoughtful transfers and using his experience well. Back home entered the top 10 in week 7 and haven't left it. 4th in the last 2 weeks and then a huge score in week 21 took him to within whispering distance of the leaders. A good tip for the title.
Mark Simmons
Mark knows FL inside out and typically comes away with a prize although they tend to have been not the ones that really matter. Trundling along in mid table until the end of November when a couple of big scores catapulted Let's all beat the Gooners into 6th. Mark is now 5th and has the knowledge to keep himself in with a shout.
Rob Munden
4 mid table weeks told a story of Rob's season up until Christmas when 192 points were scored over the festive period (a good example of how important those games are in FL) and Jonny on my shoulder is right in amongst the pack but a look at how close the sides right down to 14th are shows how fragile it can be.
Ian France
Another old timer who has never won a bean. An early flirtation with the top 10 in October has been matched again over Christmas. But in truth it has been some workmanlike performances from Keep the faith that have put them in contention. To stay in the race might need some more charisma in his team and a footballers haircut!
Glenn Francis
Ever since coming into the N&R FL about 3 years ago, Glenn has always challenged well and taken the game seriously. Lamb to the slaughter are well postioned in 8th but needs that extra cutting edge to break into title contention.
Suzie Syrett
Ah, the lovely Suzie. In previous season's she has had a habit of dropping off towards the end of the season - lack of stamina maybe or just carrying too big a load up top? Who knows? Ping-Pong Yo-Yo have been as high as 2nd so far this season and only as low as 15th, and that was back in early October. If she can stay focused through the winter it might tit the scales!
John McGowan
Our most consistent manager. Nice title but no cigar Johnny I'm afraid. Only one week out of the top 10 (week 20) and our first table topper in August. He does take the game seriously though and if he can hang around the top 10 until Easter then a prize might just be coming Luadjembamaccorone's way.
Lee Baughan
Probably Sweaty's best ever 4 months in N&R FL. He has never looked like re-election material and has hit some stunning weekly scores (weeks 3, 11, 19, 20). Rose was ruined by a ladyboy might not have all that it takes to run off with one of the big prizes but if he can finish in the top 10 he will be a popular winner, not least with his debtors.
Nigel Tatlock
Nige has adapted well to the cut & thrust of the best FL in the world (must be American). He had an important good start, took a breather and has since been in the top 10 for 6 of the last 8 weeks and as high as 2nd. Very consistent, just a spark will put Tatters top tips in with a shout.
Barry Plummer
Nige's co-star around at XLRe and more widely known for his 1st and 2nd in the last two N&R season's. After a fine start, 2Infinity & Beyond plummeted down the table and at one stage in early November found themselves in 33rd position - easily his worst ever. Then after steadying the ship, Barry made his climb up the table and now occupies a healthy 13th. Will have a say in where the prizes end up, no doubt.
Danny Rose
Danny has been with us since the beginning and was part of the Rose/Godfrey/Florence force that swept all before them in the very early days of N&R FL. Always a competitor and very clever with his transfers, Danny was hoping to improve on last season's 5th. With transfers in the bank Sweaty did shag a shemale are currently handily placed in 14th.
Lee Day
What happened to Lee? Well, let me tell you. You got more toes were top for 9 of the first 10 weeks of the season, at one stage 20+ points ahead, then a bit of work aggro (leaves Allianz for RSA), a trip to Chicago which he has to endure with hand-holder Gumbsy and it all goes Pete Tong! He will be pleased to be back in the City and in FL training, i.e 8 pints of Stella a day and a couple of chickens.
Neil Cryer
A real topsy turvey season for Neil so far. Dale Allstars have hit some big weekly scores - 71 in week 3, 82 in week 21 - and hasn't really put in a bad performance but they just need that bit extra to get themselves into contention. The highest placed manager yet to feature in the top 10.
Simon Bond
There were rumours that Bondy was going to hang up his N&R FL boots after last season and we're glad he had a change of mind. Someone other than Arse (looks like you're going to get your wish Si, but Chelski?) have hovered around the mid section of the table but in Premiership terms are already well within their 40 points and will not have to endure a re-election battle which Bondy (nicknamed Houdini) did become accustomed.
Ian Kennett
Every year I reckon Ian will break out of his torper and take the league by storm. 2004/05? Nope. Blessed are the cheesemakers are stuck in the big middle group. I know it sounds easy but it can turn on a transfer or an injury and Ian has the experience to snuff out that transfer window striker that will go on and score 15 goals.
Mike Robertson
Robbo always puts on a good show (ooh missus!) and he started his comeback season well but has just faded. Nevertheless Santa was kind to him and he scored some good points over Christmas. Is this a stepping stone for Robbos on Top or will he tread water?
Carl Dillaway
A disastrous last 10 weeks for Carl has seen Galacticos FC drop from exciting title contention to mid table boredom. He has tried to change it around but without success and quite frankly I believe he's blown it.
Paul Kelleher
Don't know whats gone wrong with PK? He has tried to turn it around but just hasn't got going. Still only 50 odd points behind the top 10 and like other teams around them, Filthy Love are more than capable of putting a run together
Peter Godfrey
The once giant of FL, particularly N&R's has wallowed in mid table for most of the season. In fact he has been 23rd on no less than 5 occasions, which ain't easily done. Pete's team names were always being written up week after week but this season Pull your finger out Molly has hardly merited a mention, which tells it's own sorry story.
Liz Keiller
I think Liz's early season form surprised everyone and not least herself! In fact She fell over only spent 4 of the first 16 weeks out of the top 10 but after 5 poor weeks they have dropped back to 23rd place. Time for some transfers to see if she can get herself back into uncharted territory.
Kirstie Baillie
Unable to blame me this season for changing her team after she entered it, Kirstie's Glasgow Kiss are again floating around mid table. But at least her mobile phone bills have reduced following the restraining order.
Danny Matthews
25th after 21 weeks is a huge leap forward for Dan. Last season he finished bottom (although remember there were no Yanks in the competition last year!) and Danny's Geeza's have already scored more than 200 points than they did at the halfway point last season.
Martin Singleton
One of the current best managers in terms of form. Tom Finney's splash were in dire re-election trouble up until 6 weeks ago but a well thought out transfer move a month before that started to gel and 2 MoW awards have seen them climb to safety. However after last season's 7th place, Martin won't want to stop at safety.
Robert Beere
After an excellent debut season and an equally good start to this season I was foreseeing a potential future Champion but since about November it has all gone tits up for Beer Monster. But in a recent email to N&R HQ, Rob stated that he was desperate for another top 10 finish, and finish above his rival Dillaway.
Simon Newport
At the airport recently I treated myself to an American - English translation book. It comes in very handy let me tell you. A load of old wank, is a load of jerk-off. A fanny is an arse, a nice arse is an awesome butt and a top pair of jubblies is the same in any language, particularly in this weather. Anyway 'tis a reet kick up the fanny is what Make it a supersize needs if they are to make any impact on this season.
Keith Read
Clearly the move back to the UK unsettled the pitbull's FL season. Hannoi Utd started the campaign well and from week's 5 to 13 they sat in the top 7. However watch out everyone, last season Ready was not in title contention until mid February and he swept to the title and secondly he has just made a hatful of transfers. Contenders, you have been warned!
Catherine Barwick / Karen du Toit
The d in du is a small one, just like the v is in van. See, I'm not just a pretty face, I understand these things. The wet dream team of Flighty Feet have acclimatised (Septics please note, there is no such word as acclimated) pretty well to their first season in the N&R FL. Tired of old rogues like Paull, Waters, Godfrey & Rutter, the girls bring a little bit of class to the proceedings. I like that, this is the way ahead. Topless FL next season. No, top down please Godders!
Shaun Moulster
Funny cos if Shaun's team was put into a computer or played on a PS2 it would sure kick arse, so why are his Molesters down in 31st place? No, I don't know either but that is the beauty of FL. I reckon on another year of survival for these boys.
Giles Crowley
Giles is another N&R old timer and I am still waiting on my re-election night out from last season but I know he is good for it. This season Giles called his side The Elephant man(ager), named after a certain Mr Dowie. Despite this they are looking pretty safe for now.
Giles who in his career has flirted with most of the barmaids in the City and with N&R FL re-election but last year, for the first time got sucked off, sorry in and had to face the dreaded drop. Let's hope he has learnt his lesson?
Greg Harris
Greg has bummed around the mid to bottom half of the table, he seems unlikely to become embroiled in a re-election battle but equally does not seem to have it in him to make a concerted challenge for honours either. In summary don't expect to much from Roffey's Rejects, not until the cricket season anyway!
Alex Boswell
Alex is another manager who under-achieves. In fact I can't really say that because he has never really achieved enough to have been an achiever in the first place. Perhaps he over-achieves? In fact in 13 weeks Meg & Hannah's bears have been no higher than 32nd but no lower than 36th place! Zzzzzzzz
Tony Murray
Tone had a flying start to the season but started to go backwards about a fortnight later. Ever since then, like Harris & Orville, sorry Boswell, Tony's Hammers like coke have been firmly stuck in Boringville, Arizona - between 30th and 36th. One of these 3 managers will be engulfed in a re-election battle you mark my words.
Simon Jenkins
In the couple of years Jenks has been in the N&R FL he has shown some impressive form and has taken away some prize money but this season he had to cope with a disastrous start and was in the deep doo-doo up until mid October, however he made a couple of changes and pulled away and was in 29th at the start of December. But since then Can I have a waistcoat have been treading water and if they are not careful they will be fighting off re-election come May.
John Tiernan
It's JT's long-awaited N&R debut season. He will probably blame his workload and admittedly washing Dipak's car and cutting her lawn is a full time job but I have been disappointed with the Super Eagles' form this season and expected more. Like his beloved Palarse he will be focusing on avoiding the drop and with a bit of luck he should be fine.
Alan Oakley
After a couple of storming FL season's Al has never got going this season. I understand that he is doing nothing different to previous terms, you know 10 pints of Youngs Ordinary and back to the office to make some transfers but it just hasn't flowed this season. As he get's more worked up with Chelski's Premiership push I have a sneaky that Better than 2nd maybe neglected and that could spell danger?
Chris Waterman
A perennial struggler. I believe Chris has bought the curry's 2 years on the trot for the AIG boys and he may as well make his reservation at the Rajasthan for May now. Californication (the N&R FL's oldest team name) has been in and out of the danger zone like the hokey-cokey and it will take all of his FL experience to pull through.
Tony Hepburn
The 2nd best looking manager in the league (behind Ready) is the Southampton of the N&R FL - in fact Patrick Gage could pass as Rupert Lowe come to think of it. Heppers has only once been in the bottom 6 but amazingly has been no higher than 37th all season. Herecomethewildebeests will be hoping that there are 6 worst teams than them come the 2nd half of the season.
Mark Dewberry
Mark took a huge gamble calling his team Defoe's Golden XI, clearly he expects the Judas twat to be at White Hart Lane until May. Mark is right in amongst the danger area and is up against some experienced battlers. It's going to be tough, particularly as his boss is one of his competitors. A struggle ahead.
Brian Rutter
It is a huge shock to see Rutt's, 3rd last season, down amongst the stragglers. He already had 200+ points in early September and his form since then has been truly awful. You are never too good to go down is what they say. Goonersmoan take note.
James Bird
Birdy always flies south for the FL season and Only one 'f' in Forest are the latest in a long line of teams he has managed to take to the end of season re-election ball, which is basically a bun fight. In the bottom 6 since September but we have seen a recent improvement and a MoW prize in week 15 showed us that he still kick it.
Alan Waters
No Lupo to help him out of the drop-zone this time or a Sir Trevor Brooking. Muddy who probably does the most travelling out of the 47 managers realistically has little time for FL but he is a proud man and an experienced manager (he once finished 3rd) and I'll expect Happy Hammers to battle all of the way.
Dominic Barrett / Alex Baxter
The Clough & Taylor of FL, the fights and arguments included. Yet to make a transfer - at least to me anyway, apparentely one night in the pub the barman at The Lamb may have received them on a back of a beer mat (bit like one of Alex's quotes, although that was probably before The Lamb was built!) but not N&R HQ. Woody's Warriors only fell into the trap door in December but my does it look a long way up.
Tim Feldbruegge
Ahh, the battle for American supremacy. Off the bottom in week 3 but it's in 2nd bottom that Cheeky American's have stayed. Tim probably has a little conundrum on his hands in that there is a prize for the penultimate place and he may wish to stay there but his pride might just want him to get out of the bottom 6, which will be something worth celebrating.
Brian Dougal
Bottom since week 3, there's no pride in that. Brian's Idiots guide to soccer made some transfers, he even sold Michael Owen and perhaps he should sell Hoddle and Waddle next! But as Doug's keeps telling me if him and Tim can overtake a Brit in the table then the joke is on them. And oh, one can only imagine the stick I will dish out on here....
Irony is a wonderful thing....
.... if only the American's knew what it meant. I saw in a recent poll by Gallup / CNN that when asked if the Bush government tried to bring together the American people 50% said yes they tried and 50% said that they didn't!
Sunday, January 16, 2005
In the news - Harry in 1966 costume own goal
You see what happens when Greg Harris holds a football hooligan fancy dress party? Whilst other members of the Royal Family turned up at the Harris family estate in their best Burberry and Chav finery, Prince Harry pitches up wearing his tribute to the England 1966 World Cup victory and he gets in a right spot of bother. Time to forgive and forget, eh Major?
Friday, January 14, 2005
Bushisms
For Christmas I received the 2005 desk calendar entitled Bushisms, which if were made up would be funny but as they are actually true quotes, it is rather scary.
These are the last three days entries:
Wednesday 12 January
"I glance at the headlines just to kind of get a flavor for what's moving. I rarely read the stories, and get briefed by people who are (sic) probably read the news themselves."
Washington DC, Sept 21, 2003
Thursday 13 January
"We're concerned about AIDS inside our White House - make no mistake about it."
Washington DC, Feb 2, 2001
Friday 14 January
"First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."
Washington DC, May 19, 2003
Remember next time you meet someone who has graduated from both Yale and Harvard Universities not to be too impressed.
These are the last three days entries:
Wednesday 12 January
"I glance at the headlines just to kind of get a flavor for what's moving. I rarely read the stories, and get briefed by people who are (sic) probably read the news themselves."
Washington DC, Sept 21, 2003
Thursday 13 January
"We're concerned about AIDS inside our White House - make no mistake about it."
Washington DC, Feb 2, 2001
Friday 14 January
"First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."
Washington DC, May 19, 2003
Remember next time you meet someone who has graduated from both Yale and Harvard Universities not to be too impressed.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Barry Paull's a cracker!
Breaking News 8888 Week 21 scores 8888 Breaking News
It was always going to be a massive week and indeed a hatful of points were scored in week 21 following the Christmas / New Year bumper week.
The biggest benefactor was Barry Paull whose Back Home stormed to 95 points, a clear 13 ahead of the 2nd best score, which was from Rob Munden's Jonny on my shoulder. It was Barry's 2nd MoW award but he fell 4 points short of Rob Beere's 99 scored in week 3.
The season's best weekly scores are listed below.
Back home are now firmly entrenched in the title race although Ben Graves' West Ham 4 West Germany 2 were also flying in week 21 - they scored 82.
Dale Allstars (named after the wonderful Rochdale and not Winton) easily had a season's best week after hitting 82 points.
2Infinity & beyond showed their experience and skill by crafting 76 points, the same as 4-week league leader Wenners Wannabe's.
Blessed are the cheesemakers, who earlier in the season had a 82-point week didn't quite match that but still collected 74 as they surged up the table.
Sweaty shagged a shemale were another team not able to match their season's best but still produced the goods scoring 73, a point more than Lets all beat the Gooners.
Keep the faith kept themselves in 7th following a score of 71, identical to Luadjemba who came back into form after a shaky couple of weeks. And Ginger (not so) Athletic slipped a spot in the table but still impressed with 66 points.
It was always going to be a massive week and indeed a hatful of points were scored in week 21 following the Christmas / New Year bumper week.
The biggest benefactor was Barry Paull whose Back Home stormed to 95 points, a clear 13 ahead of the 2nd best score, which was from Rob Munden's Jonny on my shoulder. It was Barry's 2nd MoW award but he fell 4 points short of Rob Beere's 99 scored in week 3.
The season's best weekly scores are listed below.
Back home are now firmly entrenched in the title race although Ben Graves' West Ham 4 West Germany 2 were also flying in week 21 - they scored 82.
Dale Allstars (named after the wonderful Rochdale and not Winton) easily had a season's best week after hitting 82 points.
2Infinity & beyond showed their experience and skill by crafting 76 points, the same as 4-week league leader Wenners Wannabe's.
Blessed are the cheesemakers, who earlier in the season had a 82-point week didn't quite match that but still collected 74 as they surged up the table.
Sweaty shagged a shemale were another team not able to match their season's best but still produced the goods scoring 73, a point more than Lets all beat the Gooners.
Keep the faith kept themselves in 7th following a score of 71, identical to Luadjemba who came back into form after a shaky couple of weeks. And Ginger (not so) Athletic slipped a spot in the table but still impressed with 66 points.
The season's best weekly score
Week 21 produced some excellent scores but Barry Paull's 95 was not enough to dismantle Rob Beere from the top of the best weekly score tree. These are the season's best so far:
1. Rob Beere, week 3, 99 points
2. Barry Paull, week 21, 95 points
3. Peter Doyle, week 3, 94 points
4. Brian Rutter, week 3, 89 points
5. Glenn Francis, week 3, 86 points
5. Nigel Tatlock, week 3, 86 points
7. Carl Dillaway, week 3, 83 points
7. Liz Keiller, week 3, 82 points
9. Ian Kennett, week 3, 82 points
9. Danny Rose, week 3, 82 points
9. Rob Munden, week 21, 82 points
9. Neil Cryer, week 21, 82 points
1. Rob Beere, week 3, 99 points
2. Barry Paull, week 21, 95 points
3. Peter Doyle, week 3, 94 points
4. Brian Rutter, week 3, 89 points
5. Glenn Francis, week 3, 86 points
5. Nigel Tatlock, week 3, 86 points
7. Carl Dillaway, week 3, 83 points
7. Liz Keiller, week 3, 82 points
9. Ian Kennett, week 3, 82 points
9. Danny Rose, week 3, 82 points
9. Rob Munden, week 21, 82 points
9. Neil Cryer, week 21, 82 points
Four horse race?
Breaking News 8888 Week 21 scores 8888 Breaking News
Back Home's superb week 21 means that we now have a four horse race on our hands as we enter the new year. Only 38 points seperate the top 4 with West Germany 4 West Ham 2 leapfrogging Ginger (not so) Athletic into 2nd place.
In 5th but 25 points behind are Lets all beat the Gooners and only 35 points seperate Mark from Danny Rose's Sweaty shagged a shemale in 14th! "It's tight, it's really tight," Danny was heard saying recently whilst doing a survey for insurance purposes in a brothel in Thailand.
The biggest climber at the top of the tree in week 21 was Rob Munden. Jonny on my shoulder climbed from 10th to 6th whilst Tatters top tips fell 6 to 12th.
After just a week outside of the top 10, Luadjemba are back in it after an excellent week of 71 points.
Other noticable improvements up the table were from previous champs 2Infinity & beyond who move into a threatening 13th and by Neil Cryer. Dale Allstars (did you go on Saturday to the Cup game Neil?) clambered 9 places up the table after the bumper week 21.
Blessed are the cheesemakers continued their topsy-turvey season with a dramatic 74 and they rose 6 places to 18th.
Back Home's superb week 21 means that we now have a four horse race on our hands as we enter the new year. Only 38 points seperate the top 4 with West Germany 4 West Ham 2 leapfrogging Ginger (not so) Athletic into 2nd place.
In 5th but 25 points behind are Lets all beat the Gooners and only 35 points seperate Mark from Danny Rose's Sweaty shagged a shemale in 14th! "It's tight, it's really tight," Danny was heard saying recently whilst doing a survey for insurance purposes in a brothel in Thailand.
The biggest climber at the top of the tree in week 21 was Rob Munden. Jonny on my shoulder climbed from 10th to 6th whilst Tatters top tips fell 6 to 12th.
After just a week outside of the top 10, Luadjemba are back in it after an excellent week of 71 points.
Other noticable improvements up the table were from previous champs 2Infinity & beyond who move into a threatening 13th and by Neil Cryer. Dale Allstars (did you go on Saturday to the Cup game Neil?) clambered 9 places up the table after the bumper week 21.
Blessed are the cheesemakers continued their topsy-turvey season with a dramatic 74 and they rose 6 places to 18th.
Dismal life of Brian
Breaking News 8888 Week 21 scores 8888 Breaking News
Defoe's golden XI charged out of the re-election zone for the first time in 2 months after a stonking week. Mark hit 62 points, by far his best effort of the season.
Only one 'f' in Forest also improved their luck after notching a season's best of 60 points. James are up two places to 43rd.
But there was more gloom for old pals Muddy & Rutts. Happy Hammers slip to 44nd after scoring 38 and Goonersmoan who fell into the drop zone for the first time after scoring 30. There's a certain amount of irony here isn't there? Surely it would be more realistic if it was Happy Gooners and Moany Hammers?
Anyway, Rutts not known for his smiley face, would have had it wiped off anyway as he sees his side drop from early title contenders - 4th in week 4 - to relegation fodder. But transfers have been made and we will wait and see if these were done out of desperation or by a cunning plan.
The week's worst score was 24 and this was credited to Woodys Warriors. The dream team of Baxter & Barrett are currently bickering over a failed transfer plan but in the meantime their team has fallen to 45th and the new prize of being the worst British team!
Defoe's golden XI charged out of the re-election zone for the first time in 2 months after a stonking week. Mark hit 62 points, by far his best effort of the season.
Only one 'f' in Forest also improved their luck after notching a season's best of 60 points. James are up two places to 43rd.
But there was more gloom for old pals Muddy & Rutts. Happy Hammers slip to 44nd after scoring 38 and Goonersmoan who fell into the drop zone for the first time after scoring 30. There's a certain amount of irony here isn't there? Surely it would be more realistic if it was Happy Gooners and Moany Hammers?
Anyway, Rutts not known for his smiley face, would have had it wiped off anyway as he sees his side drop from early title contenders - 4th in week 4 - to relegation fodder. But transfers have been made and we will wait and see if these were done out of desperation or by a cunning plan.
The week's worst score was 24 and this was credited to Woodys Warriors. The dream team of Baxter & Barrett are currently bickering over a failed transfer plan but in the meantime their team has fallen to 45th and the new prize of being the worst British team!
Monday, January 10, 2005
Ready's Benfleet Bet
Thank you to everyone who entered this season's competition. We had 27 entries, the results won't be in until after the replayed Burnley v Liverpool game on Monday 17th January.
Ready will be in charge of the marking. Any arguments take it up with him!
In the meantime, I am sure that Rob Munden was extremely disappointed to see that Leeds didn't quite knock the predicted 15 goals past Birmingham, whilst Martin Singleton will have been gutted that Luton & Brentford did not receive the bribe which would surely have assured the 9-9 draw!
Ready will be in charge of the marking. Any arguments take it up with him!
In the meantime, I am sure that Rob Munden was extremely disappointed to see that Leeds didn't quite knock the predicted 15 goals past Birmingham, whilst Martin Singleton will have been gutted that Luton & Brentford did not receive the bribe which would surely have assured the 9-9 draw!
The Road to Cardiff - Ding Donged
For 50 minutes little Yeading held out against the famous black & white stripes but eventually two 2nd half goals saw Newcastle United win through against their amateur opposition and Heppers not to mention the other Northern monkeys that I know, Stimpson & Peart let out a huge sigh of relief.
Despite a difference of 123 league places and six divisions, Yeading showed scant respect for their Premiership opponents and in the opening exchanges were determined to test out Newcastle's new £8m signing Jean-Alain Boumsoung. The Frenchman twice conceded free-kicks in dangerous positions and from the second for a foul on Errol Telemaque, Newcastle's defence was flat-footed as Emond Protain rose highest to head over.
As expected the Geordies tried to wear out The Ding with some fast and neat passing letting the plasterers and painters do all the running around but it was Ding who had one of the best chances before the break when David Clarke curled a free-kick around the wall and it needed a full-length save from Harper to keep it out.
Mind you, before that Bellamy had rattled the crossbar and Delroy Preddie produced a brilliant fingertip save from Jermain Jenas' piledriver.
After the break Clarke curled another free kick wide from 22 yards but five minutes into the second half, the sighs of relief were audible from the travelling Magpies - who probably made up half of the attendance - as Newcastle took the lead.
Ameobi's pass found Bellamy scuttling into the inside-right channel and he placed the ball across goal to provide BOWYER with the simplest of tap-ins.
AMOEBI gave Newcastle some breathing space just after the hour when he got ahead of his marker to plant a firm header past Preddie to make it 2-0.
After that Newcastle attacked in waves as the part-timers tired, but they refused to fold and showed determination and spirit to deny Newcastle.
Yeading were denied a deserved consolation when Harper went full-length to palm away Darti Brown's fierce shot.
Newcastle boss Souness said afterwards "Until we scored the second goal we were always holding our breath. As long as it was 1-0 they were in the game, and we must have missed half a dozen gilt-edged chances."
Yeading manager 'Drax' Hippolyte said: "After my kids being born this was the second proudest day of my life."
So, The Geordies take over the mantle as N&R's team on The Road to Cardiff and they will play managerless Coventry in the next round.
Yeading team: Preddie, Nevin Saroya, Marc Leach, Stanley,Barima (Behzadi 74), Haule, Darti Brown, Clarke,Protain (Woodruffe 78), Telemaque (Quamina 84), DJ Campbell.
Subs Not Used: Newby, Kleboe
MoW: David Clarke
Attendance: 10,824
4th Round FA Cup Draw
Derby v Watford or Fulham
Man Utd or Exeter v Middlesbrough
Cardiff or Blackburn v Colchester
Chelsea v Birmingham
West Ham v Sheff Utd
Oldham v Bolton
Arsenal v Wolverhampton
Everton v Sunderland
Nottm Forest v Peterborough
Brentford v Hartlepool or Boston
Reading or Swansea v Leicester or Blackpool
Burnley or Liverpool v Bournemouth
Southampton v Portsmouth
West Brom v Tottenham
Newcastle v Coventry
Charlton v Yeovil
Ties will be played on the weekend of 29 and 30 January.
Man Utd or Exeter v Middlesbrough
Cardiff or Blackburn v Colchester
Chelsea v Birmingham
West Ham v Sheff Utd
Oldham v Bolton
Arsenal v Wolverhampton
Everton v Sunderland
Nottm Forest v Peterborough
Brentford v Hartlepool or Boston
Reading or Swansea v Leicester or Blackpool
Burnley or Liverpool v Bournemouth
Southampton v Portsmouth
West Brom v Tottenham
Newcastle v Coventry
Charlton v Yeovil
Ties will be played on the weekend of 29 and 30 January.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Ready's Benfleet Bet - Last Chance
The deadline is Friday 6th January at 6pm (BST) or 12 noon (CST).
Last chance to get your bet in, it's free remember. Thanks to all of those that have so far entered.
Any problems email me on simon_newport@ars.aon.com or call me on 001 312 381 4382.
Nobs
Last chance to get your bet in, it's free remember. Thanks to all of those that have so far entered.
Any problems email me on simon_newport@ars.aon.com or call me on 001 312 381 4382.
Nobs
Yeading FC - who are ya?
It is no surprise to find out that Yeading's team consists of the preverbial painter, decorator and delivery driver. However for this week they are all superstars with television camera's appearing at their training ground and BBC cameras will show their match against Newcastle United live on Sunday. Kick off is 1.45pm.
The likeable manager Johnson "Drax" Hippolyte whose full-time job involves making marble kitchen worktops, has become a bit of a star but since he took over at The Warren in 2001 he has had quite a lot of success. After saving them from relegation in 2001, Yeading beat Canvey Island to win the Bryco Cup in 2003 and last year Johnson's side won the Ryman League Division One North.
This season they are pissing the Ryman Premier League and have only lost twice in 19 games. Money from the game at Loftus Road will enable Yeading to improve their stadium at The Warren and allow them to step up to the Nationwide Conference South next season.
Here is a look at some of their best players:
Dudley 'DJ' Campbell - started out as a pro at Aston Villa, then QPR but has slowly made his way down the football ladder however the striker has really caught the eye during their Cup run. Last season he won the Isthmian First Division Golden Boot after scoring 36 goals and is already close to the 30-goal mark for this season.
Marc Leach - Impressive defender who played many league games for Wycombe Wanderers.
Emond Protain - First name on the teamsheet. Came to the Ding via Harrow Borough and Wembley (presumably by bus!)
David Clarke - Club captain. Started his career with Notts County, current player of the year.
The chances of The Ding winning are slim if not anorexic but Magpies manager Graeme Souness has already stated that he is worried and it looks like Shearer, Bellamy and Kluivert will all be missing. Come on, it's got to be worth a fiver at 28/1 hasn't it?
Former Spurs hero Steve Perryman is vice-president of Yeading (great article). His brother Bill is their commercial manager. It's a big weekend for Steve as he is also Exeter's (unpaid) Director of Football
There are no excuses, get you arses in front of the box on Sunday and cheer The Ding to victory. I plan too.
The Road to Cardiff until now
10 games, 8 rounds of competition and 6 teams brings us to the FA Cup 3rd Round day - one of the most awaited afternoons of the football season, well unless you are a Charlton fan!
This is the journey so far which stops at Loftus Road on Sunday to see little Yeading take on 6 times winners Newcastle United.
3rd R Yeading v Newcastle
Held at Loftus Road
2nd R Slough Town 1, Yeading 3
Scorer: Harris
Attendance: 2,418
1st R Slough Town 2, Walsall 1
Scorers: Hodges, Harris
Attendance: 2,023
4th QR Slough Town 3, Salisbury City 2
Scorers: Matthews, Wallace
Attendance: 1,195
3rd QR Weston-Super-Mare 1, Salisbury City 3
Scorers: Davis (2), Matthews.
Attendance: 543
2nd QR Replay Frome Town 0, Salisbury City 3
Attendance: 665
2nd QR Salisbury City 1, Frome Town 1
Scorer: Salter.
Attendance: 636
1st QR Replay Backwell United 1, Frome Town 3
Scorer: Bloomfield.
Attendance: 90 (played at Clevedon Town FC)
1st QR Frome Town 2, Backwell United 2
Scorers: Hewitt, Bryne.
Attendance: 191
Prelim Round Backwell United 2, Bridgewater Town 1
Attendance: 83
Extra Prelim Round Backwell United 3, Odd Down 2
Scorers: Quoi, Tilley.
Attendance: 26
This is the journey so far which stops at Loftus Road on Sunday to see little Yeading take on 6 times winners Newcastle United.
3rd R Yeading v Newcastle
Held at Loftus Road
2nd R Slough Town 1, Yeading 3
Scorer: Harris
Attendance: 2,418
1st R Slough Town 2, Walsall 1
Scorers: Hodges, Harris
Attendance: 2,023
4th QR Slough Town 3, Salisbury City 2
Scorers: Matthews, Wallace
Attendance: 1,195
3rd QR Weston-Super-Mare 1, Salisbury City 3
Scorers: Davis (2), Matthews.
Attendance: 543
2nd QR Replay Frome Town 0, Salisbury City 3
Attendance: 665
2nd QR Salisbury City 1, Frome Town 1
Scorer: Salter.
Attendance: 636
1st QR Replay Backwell United 1, Frome Town 3
Scorer: Bloomfield.
Attendance: 90 (played at Clevedon Town FC)
1st QR Frome Town 2, Backwell United 2
Scorers: Hewitt, Bryne.
Attendance: 191
Prelim Round Backwell United 2, Bridgewater Town 1
Attendance: 83
Extra Prelim Round Backwell United 3, Odd Down 2
Scorers: Quoi, Tilley.
Attendance: 26
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Yid, doh, doh, doh!
Courtesy of Rob Beere who has contacts at the FA:
An FA spokesman after the game absolved the linesman of any responsibility for the apparently mistaken decision not to award a goal to Spurs after a shot from the halfway line crossed the goal line by at least a metre.
"The shot came in from an unusual distance and as such caught the linesman out of position forcing him to race back towards the goal as the play developed", explained the spokesman, "As he ran, the United scarf he was wearing under his shirt came loose and fluttered up into
his face obscuring his view and preventing him from making the call. It was just one of those things."
In response to further questions from the Press the spokesman explained "If they don't already have a United tattoo most officials on game day try to wear a scarf or a replica shirt under their regulation kit to show their support for the worlds greatest club. The linesman in this
case had chosen to wear a United scarf, a common choice that is in keeping with FA guidelines."
"The root cause of the problem lies not with the linesman but with the players and management of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club who broke one the most important unwritten rules of the English FA: They placed a shot on target at Old Trafford. Martin Jol is new to this country and perhaps he s not yet familiar with some of our finer traditions. Fortunately if he doesn't yet understand that for the greater good of the game visiting teams, by tradition, are not expected to try to score at Old Trafford then our officials are in a position to help Mr Jol make that cultural adjustment."
Chuckling to himself the FA spokesman added "The goal had to be disallowed to avoid us descending down a slippery slope that would be bad for the national game. It's a fine line the officials have to walk. If they award a goal this week, next week someone might expect a penalty or ask that Van Nistleroy be booked for diving. Can you imagine? That would just never do. No no no. Shocking, just the thought of it."
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Letters page
I get a lot of emails from managers - which is nice. No bastard ever uses the comments section on the web page which is what is supposed to happen but ho hum.
Here are a couple received today:
Simon,
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.
After a complete hammering in the press it is time for further changes to Defoe's Golden XI. It is unfortunate that Defoe's Golden XI hasn't experienced a turnaround in fortunes similar to that of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur. Although with the transfer window now open it gives me a chance to hack out the injury prone old duffers and replace them with an equally poor bunch of losers in a desperate effort to reach my target of one above the re-election zone, which would be quite an accomplishment without any Gooners.
Mark Dewberry.
Mark - did you read at the weekend about Jermain Defoe dumping his agents SFX? Yes, he wants more money and a "bigger team". He has been at Tottenham (finished eight places below Charlton) for a year after dumping West Ham for a "bigger team", five years after he dumped Charlton for a "bigger team" (West Ham, relegated 2003). Judas-ism is alive and well in the Jewish stronghold of North London I see? Nobs
Here are a couple received today:
Simon,
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.
After a complete hammering in the press it is time for further changes to Defoe's Golden XI. It is unfortunate that Defoe's Golden XI hasn't experienced a turnaround in fortunes similar to that of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur. Although with the transfer window now open it gives me a chance to hack out the injury prone old duffers and replace them with an equally poor bunch of losers in a desperate effort to reach my target of one above the re-election zone, which would be quite an accomplishment without any Gooners.
Mark Dewberry.
Mark - did you read at the weekend about Jermain Defoe dumping his agents SFX? Yes, he wants more money and a "bigger team". He has been at Tottenham (finished eight places below Charlton) for a year after dumping West Ham for a "bigger team", five years after he dumped Charlton for a "bigger team" (West Ham, relegated 2003). Judas-ism is alive and well in the Jewish stronghold of North London I see? Nobs
Dear Nobster
Young, not anymore 28 this year.... shocking!! Oh yeah I'm still pushing me chest out..... cheeky!!! Soozie Syrett
Right lads, get around to Apex Re and give me a status report. Nobs
Monday, January 03, 2005
Ready's Benfleet Bet reminder
Roll up, roll up. Less than one week to go to enter Ready's Benfleet Bet. If you haven't got your FA Cup 3rd Round Predictions to me yet, please get your finger out.
Please email your entry by no later than 6pm BST (12noon CST) on January 7th 2005. I will send the entry form out again on email shortly. You can also fax me entries to 001 312 381 6878.
Good luck. Any problems, call me on 001 312 381 4382.
Please email your entry by no later than 6pm BST (12noon CST) on January 7th 2005. I will send the entry form out again on email shortly. You can also fax me entries to 001 312 381 6878.
Good luck. Any problems, call me on 001 312 381 4382.
Fantasy League entry payment details
I know quite a few of you have asked about bank details to pay in your outstanding entry money and to be honest I have been meaning to do this for ages but haven't got round to it.
There will be 2 ways to pay me. One is to give either a cheque made out to me or the cash to Lee Baughan and secondly it is by popping into a Woolwich branch with 25 nicker giving them these details:
Bank - Woolwich
Account No. - 34342738
Sort Code - 10 80 12
Reference - L965427555Z
Name of Account - Simon Newport (Fantasy)
Many thanks. I will repeat this in an email to my list of debtors. I would appreciate payment as quick as possible as a lot is outstanding.
There will be 2 ways to pay me. One is to give either a cheque made out to me or the cash to Lee Baughan and secondly it is by popping into a Woolwich branch with 25 nicker giving them these details:
Bank - Woolwich
Account No. - 34342738
Sort Code - 10 80 12
Reference - L965427555Z
Name of Account - Simon Newport (Fantasy)
Many thanks. I will repeat this in an email to my list of debtors. I would appreciate payment as quick as possible as a lot is outstanding.
No Sweat
Breaking News 8888 Week 20 scores 8888 Breaking News
Lee Baughan's Rose was ruined by a ladyboy claimed the week 20 MoW award of 5 quid after ramming in a top weekly score of 64 points - by far and away his season's best score. The Sweatster moved upto a nose bleed inducing 11th place in process.
Blessed are the Cheesemakers are in 24th after hitting 62 points the same as Lord Harris who left the AIG with a bang (actually a bit of a knee trembler - I trust Catherine and Karen have their alibi's ready?) . Roffey's rejects climb away from danger to 35th.
Ping Pong are yo-yo'ing up and down the table. This week it was upward as Suzie stuck her chest out (....hold that thought) and whacked in 60 points to move back into the prize spots. Let's all the beat the Gooners are on a role. 56 points for Mark who is now in a season high of 5th.
Moulster's Molesters deserve a mention as Shaun scored 53 points and rose 4 places and 2Infinity & beyond continued their steady improvement notching 47.
Good scores also for Tom Finney's splash (46), Glasgow kiss (45) and Jonny on my shoulder (51).
The weeks poorest score's were from Beer Monster's who collapsed 7 places to 21st after scoring 19 and Happy Hammers who hit a point less.
Lee Baughan's Rose was ruined by a ladyboy claimed the week 20 MoW award of 5 quid after ramming in a top weekly score of 64 points - by far and away his season's best score. The Sweatster moved upto a nose bleed inducing 11th place in process.
Blessed are the Cheesemakers are in 24th after hitting 62 points the same as Lord Harris who left the AIG with a bang (actually a bit of a knee trembler - I trust Catherine and Karen have their alibi's ready?) . Roffey's rejects climb away from danger to 35th.
Ping Pong are yo-yo'ing up and down the table. This week it was upward as Suzie stuck her chest out (....hold that thought) and whacked in 60 points to move back into the prize spots. Let's all the beat the Gooners are on a role. 56 points for Mark who is now in a season high of 5th.
Moulster's Molesters deserve a mention as Shaun scored 53 points and rose 4 places and 2Infinity & beyond continued their steady improvement notching 47.
Good scores also for Tom Finney's splash (46), Glasgow kiss (45) and Jonny on my shoulder (51).
The weeks poorest score's were from Beer Monster's who collapsed 7 places to 21st after scoring 19 and Happy Hammers who hit a point less.
Ginger back in 2nd
Breaking News 8888 Week 20 scores 8888 Breaking News
A 60 point gain brought Pete Doyle's Ginger (not so) Athletic back into 2nd place above West Ham 4 West Germany 2 in week 20. Ben didn't have a bad week mind, he still scored 49.
Wenners Wannabe's struggled through last week and scored 39, so are now only leading by a 5 point margin. 7 points seperate the top 3, then there is a 50 point gap to 4th, Back Home.
But then only 14 points seperate 4th and 10th - oh, its very exciting isn't it? I said, isn't it?
Lets all beat the Gooners rise to 5th, Tatters top tips fell 2 places to 6th, whilst Ping Pong Yo-Yo are in 7th alongside Keep the faith. Lamb to the slaughter and Jonny on my shoulder swap places in the top 10.
Finally a mention of Luadjemba. The only manager to have been in the top 10 all season finds himself in 12th at the turn of the year after a very disappointing, although by no means crap weekly score of 37.
A 60 point gain brought Pete Doyle's Ginger (not so) Athletic back into 2nd place above West Ham 4 West Germany 2 in week 20. Ben didn't have a bad week mind, he still scored 49.
Wenners Wannabe's struggled through last week and scored 39, so are now only leading by a 5 point margin. 7 points seperate the top 3, then there is a 50 point gap to 4th, Back Home.
But then only 14 points seperate 4th and 10th - oh, its very exciting isn't it? I said, isn't it?
Lets all beat the Gooners rise to 5th, Tatters top tips fell 2 places to 6th, whilst Ping Pong Yo-Yo are in 7th alongside Keep the faith. Lamb to the slaughter and Jonny on my shoulder swap places in the top 10.
Finally a mention of Luadjemba. The only manager to have been in the top 10 all season finds himself in 12th at the turn of the year after a very disappointing, although by no means crap weekly score of 37.
Defoe's golden shower
Breaking News 8888 Week 20 scores 8888 Breaking News
As Judas Defoe prepares himself for a transfer window move, his lover Mark Dewberry sank further into the re-election mire after Week 20. Defoe's golden XI were a shower (geddit?) last week scoring a miserly 28 points in what was a very high scoring 7 days.
Mark slips to 44th, overtaken by Woody's Warriors who scored 32. Out of the bottom 6 go Californication after a stirring 44 points and in come Happy Hammers.
Three managers all rather ominously fell places towards the drop zone. Can I get a waistcoat, who had previously been on good form scored 23 and slipped 5 places. Herecomethewildebeests mustered only 22 and are now in 40th, (and by the way Tone, Ready is catching you up in the looks stakes. I would get back on the sunbed if I were you?) a place ahead of Goonersmoan who looking reet re-election fodder if you ask me.
As Judas Defoe prepares himself for a transfer window move, his lover Mark Dewberry sank further into the re-election mire after Week 20. Defoe's golden XI were a shower (geddit?) last week scoring a miserly 28 points in what was a very high scoring 7 days.
Mark slips to 44th, overtaken by Woody's Warriors who scored 32. Out of the bottom 6 go Californication after a stirring 44 points and in come Happy Hammers.
Three managers all rather ominously fell places towards the drop zone. Can I get a waistcoat, who had previously been on good form scored 23 and slipped 5 places. Herecomethewildebeests mustered only 22 and are now in 40th, (and by the way Tone, Ready is catching you up in the looks stakes. I would get back on the sunbed if I were you?) a place ahead of Goonersmoan who looking reet re-election fodder if you ask me.
Team Challenge - XLRe hot on heels of Marsh
In the turn of the year Team Challenge Trophy table, Marsh are still out in front with an impressive average score of 690 but closing them down are the boys from XLRe. Fortunately not hampered by Barrett's uselessness (he is joint manager with RSA's Alex Baxter) they moved up the table 5 places.
Talking of RSA due to their recent transfer deadline signings of Greg Harris from AIG and Lee Day from Allianz the boys from Leadenhall Street have joined the fold. In fact AIG were probably glad to get rid of the posh bloke for FL reason's only you understand as he was their worst performer.
AIG stay 5th behind Aon's Fac team and their London Casualty team who both dropped a place. RSA join the table in 6th.
At the bottom the rest of you lot are still being held up by the mighty Aon Chicago outfit of me, Tim and Brian.
A full table will be sent out with the Week 20 scores.
Talking of RSA due to their recent transfer deadline signings of Greg Harris from AIG and Lee Day from Allianz the boys from Leadenhall Street have joined the fold. In fact AIG were probably glad to get rid of the posh bloke for FL reason's only you understand as he was their worst performer.
AIG stay 5th behind Aon's Fac team and their London Casualty team who both dropped a place. RSA join the table in 6th.
At the bottom the rest of you lot are still being held up by the mighty Aon Chicago outfit of me, Tim and Brian.
A full table will be sent out with the Week 20 scores.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Just a thought....
Some New Year's announcements:
Lee Day starts work at RSA in the next couple of days after his departure from Allianz and enforced gardening leave, which included a long weekend here in Chicago learning from Gumbsy how to hold girls hands. Good luck Lee.
His old oppo Greg Harris also joins RSA from AIG, so instead of being made to drink Stella by Cryer, he will now be made to drink Stella by Lee Day and Gary Long. At least young Gregory will eat though, probably about four chickens a day! Good luck Greg.
There is no truth in the rumour however that Danny Rose has started writing a Thai Brothel scheme in Lloyds even though he did extensively survey each and every location in Koh Samui recently.
Lee Day starts work at RSA in the next couple of days after his departure from Allianz and enforced gardening leave, which included a long weekend here in Chicago learning from Gumbsy how to hold girls hands. Good luck Lee.
His old oppo Greg Harris also joins RSA from AIG, so instead of being made to drink Stella by Cryer, he will now be made to drink Stella by Lee Day and Gary Long. At least young Gregory will eat though, probably about four chickens a day! Good luck Greg.
There is no truth in the rumour however that Danny Rose has started writing a Thai Brothel scheme in Lloyds even though he did extensively survey each and every location in Koh Samui recently.
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