Breaking News 88888 Manager of week 24
Huw Thomas was rewarded for a fantastic season in week 24 with a share of the manager of the week spoils. His 93 points was identical to leader Greg Foulger, who proved his fantasy expertise and belies mine and other ex-pats gripes that not living at home hinders our fantasy football prowess.
Greg & Huw pipped John McGowan to the MoW by a solitary point, Johnny Mc despite a great season is still looking for his first weekly prize but he did blow the rest of the Div 1 players away with his big score and moved into 3rd.
Outside title hopefuls Mark Wenman and Shay Reddy kept up the pressure with fine week 24’s. Ryan Saveall stormed back into the top 6 after a long absence with a 74, the same as Ian Kennett who broke his season’s best.
Back in Div 2 kudos to Dom Barrett, whose recent transfer activity is starting to show dividends. Howard Grace and Danny Rose both gained ground as did his old mucker Pete Godfrey.
The biggest surprise in week 24 was the excellent score out of the Endurance stable. Managed by Martin Lee they have had a bloody awful season, making the penultimate place their own but a 63 on the back of a 65 two weeks ago finally showed us that they can handle this league.
Other manager’s worth a mention for decent scores in week 24 were Ben Graves, Soozie, Francey, the Barwick & Higgs double act, Alex Byatt, Dewbs, Hilary Ryan, Nobby, Steve Black, Peter Doyle, Mark Simmons and Tatters.
The week’s worst manager was Paul Long – come on Mutley, you’re giving us ex-pats a bad name!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The 1,000 point barrier broken
Breaking news 8888 Division 1 - week 24 news
Tally.Wacker.co.uk became the first team this season to break the 1,000 point mark in week 24, actually despite my bitching, this is two weeks earlier than in both of the last two seasons and the reason is obvious.
During the last 4 weeks the scoring in both divisions has been phenomenal. Pk walloped another 75 points in week 24 and remains 30 points ahead of his nearest rival, Egg & (Stevie) Bacon.
Runningoutofroubles slip into 3rd place with Coming from behing again joining them in their tailwind. Ajax Treesdown slump two places, Flighty Feet stay 6th and Oldham Tightly clamber into 7th for the first time since early October.
Incredibly there are 142 points separating the leader from 7th.
Obeonekanobenil are still on the rise, but Soozies Sausages lose grasp of Oldham Tightly’s bits and drop to 11th, a place behind Obafemi & the Femidoms. Further down Pure Irish make some ground, predominately over NY Eagles who lose some.
In the relegation mire Lovejoy jumps out of danger at the expense of Rooney & Ronaldo's Revenge. Lamb to the slaughter who fall a place whilst Brighton gay boys Blues and Keep the faith swap places.
During the last 4 weeks the scoring in both divisions has been phenomenal. Pk walloped another 75 points in week 24 and remains 30 points ahead of his nearest rival, Egg & (Stevie) Bacon.
Runningoutofroubles slip into 3rd place with Coming from behing again joining them in their tailwind. Ajax Treesdown slump two places, Flighty Feet stay 6th and Oldham Tightly clamber into 7th for the first time since early October.
Incredibly there are 142 points separating the leader from 7th.
Obeonekanobenil are still on the rise, but Soozies Sausages lose grasp of Oldham Tightly’s bits and drop to 11th, a place behind Obafemi & the Femidoms. Further down Pure Irish make some ground, predominately over NY Eagles who lose some.
In the relegation mire Lovejoy jumps out of danger at the expense of Rooney & Ronaldo's Revenge. Lamb to the slaughter who fall a place whilst Brighton gay boys Blues and Keep the faith swap places.
The Boyz
Breaking news 8888 Division 2 - week 24 news
A massive week for Greg Foulger, extending his Boys on top lead at the top of Div 2 to an incredible 50 points. Incredible because it was only 4 last week over 2nd place 2Infinity and beyond.
Get him big Dave become the new challengers perhaps to Greg’s dreams as Huw’s huge score took him into 3rd place. Barretts the bollocks stay 4th, Student Uprising drop to 5th and the rest of the pack stay the same down to 12th, where Carnarvon Kickers up 2 places.
The big change at the bottom is that The Wise Prankers moved out of the prized penultimate place after 16 weeks of ownership and Megan’s Nancy Lollygaggers taken their place.
A massive week for Greg Foulger, extending his Boys on top lead at the top of Div 2 to an incredible 50 points. Incredible because it was only 4 last week over 2nd place 2Infinity and beyond.
Get him big Dave become the new challengers perhaps to Greg’s dreams as Huw’s huge score took him into 3rd place. Barretts the bollocks stay 4th, Student Uprising drop to 5th and the rest of the pack stay the same down to 12th, where Carnarvon Kickers up 2 places.
The big change at the bottom is that The Wise Prankers moved out of the prized penultimate place after 16 weeks of ownership and Megan’s Nancy Lollygaggers taken their place.
Gasheads to play Saints
Our boys Bristol Rovers were drawn at home to Southampton in the 5th Round, a game to be shown live on BBC television at 12.30pm on Saturday 16th February.Only 6 Premier League sides are left in the competition, and Man U were drawn against Arsenal. The full draw:
Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Brom
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
Cardiff City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Brom
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
Road to Wembley - Big Bristol's
There are 26 league positions between these two sides, but it was League 2 Barnet who were played the better football. Midfielder Josh Wright, an 18-year-old on loan from Charlton, controlled the play with his outstanding technical ability and allowed Barnet to create the early openings over Bristol Rovers.
In the 26th minute Cliff Akurang should have done better. Just last month, the 26-year-old forward was training to be a plumber but manager Paul Fairclough has given him his first professional contract and will have been disappointed to see a 21st-minute header from Nicky Nicolau’s left-wing cross hit straight to Phillips.
Akurang had another headed chance on the half-hour mark. This time his effort appeared to strike the arm of Craig Hinton but Bennett waved away appeals for a penalty. After a spell of domination Barnet manager Fairclough must have harboured growing concern that his side were not taking advantage. And as Richard Lambert drilled a shot wide of goal, his concerns would have increased. They managed to survive until half-time though, and Barnet would have entered the break the happier side.
Barnet got to this stage last season before being beaten by Plymouth. The prospect of reaching the fifth round for the first time in the club’s history was undoubted motivation as the second half began. But Rovers had obviously been given a half-time roasting as they took just four minutes to move in front.
Midfielder David Pipe did well to produce a dinking cross from the right and RICHARD LAMBERT arrived in the six-yard box to bravely head home for his 12th goal of the season and fifth in this season’s FA Cup.
Barnet refused to lie down though, and on 54 minutes came close to working an equaliser. Quick feet from Neal Bishop helped him through the penalty area but his shot was off target. Phillips was then almost caught out as Carew charged down a clearance, but the ball did not reach as far as the goal line.
Barnet have never beaten Bristol Rovers and, as time wore on, their passing began to go astray and it looked less likely they would turn the game around. Fairclough introduced substitutes Adam Birchall and Anthony Thomas to help them. Their presence added new energy to the side, but Rovers were refusing to rest on their one-goal lead.
Sammy Igoe was introduced as a second-half substitute by Trollope, and he sent a fierce effort past the left-hand post. Lambert also hit a long-range strike towards goal, but his effort was way off target.
Barnet were next to try their luck on goal with eight minutes remaining. Midfielder Wright attempted a right-footed volley from outside the penalty area, but again the effort did not manage to hit the target.
Barnet introduced Giuliano Grazioli, who was once an FA Cup hero for Stevenage Borough, late on. He had the chance to shower himself in glory with four minutes left here, but Phillips held on to his powerful shot. As time ran out, it was Rovers who had the final effort on goal. Igoe probably thought he had scored two minutes from time, only to see ex Charlton youngster Harrison pull off a great save from his stinging drive. Unfortunately for Barnet, there was no time to capitalise with an equaliser.
Barnet: Harrison, Devera, Bishop, Yakubu, Nicolau (Birchall 69min), Puncheon, Porter, Carew (Thomas 69min), Gillet, Wright, Akurang(Grazioli 82min)
Att: 5,190
In the 26th minute Cliff Akurang should have done better. Just last month, the 26-year-old forward was training to be a plumber but manager Paul Fairclough has given him his first professional contract and will have been disappointed to see a 21st-minute header from Nicky Nicolau’s left-wing cross hit straight to Phillips.
Akurang had another headed chance on the half-hour mark. This time his effort appeared to strike the arm of Craig Hinton but Bennett waved away appeals for a penalty. After a spell of domination Barnet manager Fairclough must have harboured growing concern that his side were not taking advantage. And as Richard Lambert drilled a shot wide of goal, his concerns would have increased. They managed to survive until half-time though, and Barnet would have entered the break the happier side.
Barnet got to this stage last season before being beaten by Plymouth. The prospect of reaching the fifth round for the first time in the club’s history was undoubted motivation as the second half began. But Rovers had obviously been given a half-time roasting as they took just four minutes to move in front.
Midfielder David Pipe did well to produce a dinking cross from the right and RICHARD LAMBERT arrived in the six-yard box to bravely head home for his 12th goal of the season and fifth in this season’s FA Cup.
Barnet refused to lie down though, and on 54 minutes came close to working an equaliser. Quick feet from Neal Bishop helped him through the penalty area but his shot was off target. Phillips was then almost caught out as Carew charged down a clearance, but the ball did not reach as far as the goal line.
Barnet have never beaten Bristol Rovers and, as time wore on, their passing began to go astray and it looked less likely they would turn the game around. Fairclough introduced substitutes Adam Birchall and Anthony Thomas to help them. Their presence added new energy to the side, but Rovers were refusing to rest on their one-goal lead.
Sammy Igoe was introduced as a second-half substitute by Trollope, and he sent a fierce effort past the left-hand post. Lambert also hit a long-range strike towards goal, but his effort was way off target.
Barnet were next to try their luck on goal with eight minutes remaining. Midfielder Wright attempted a right-footed volley from outside the penalty area, but again the effort did not manage to hit the target.
Barnet introduced Giuliano Grazioli, who was once an FA Cup hero for Stevenage Borough, late on. He had the chance to shower himself in glory with four minutes left here, but Phillips held on to his powerful shot. As time ran out, it was Rovers who had the final effort on goal. Igoe probably thought he had scored two minutes from time, only to see ex Charlton youngster Harrison pull off a great save from his stinging drive. Unfortunately for Barnet, there was no time to capitalise with an equaliser.
Barnet: Harrison, Devera, Bishop, Yakubu, Nicolau (Birchall 69min), Puncheon, Porter, Carew (Thomas 69min), Gillet, Wright, Akurang(Grazioli 82min)
Att: 5,190
If You
Some of you more senior N&R FL figures will know that Nobby & Ready used to issue a little questionnaire every season, well what better time to bring it back we thought as we have gained so many new players over the last couple of season’s.
I will send each of you the 15 questions, entitles If You, and would love it, absolutely bloody love it, if you spent 30 minutes of your valuable time completing the little ditty, explaining answers wherever you can.
I know that you all worry that it won’t be as funny as my stuff, but please don’t. If it is not funny, then simply I will throw it is the trash, as they say here, if it passes the test, then it will published on the Nobby & Ready Fantasy League blog.
I hope as many of you share your secrets, I promise that they will not be sent onto your bosses, the Post Magazine or Insurance Insider. Don’t worry you haven’t got much of a career to ruin anyway.
Thanks and good luck
Nobby & Ready
I will send each of you the 15 questions, entitles If You, and would love it, absolutely bloody love it, if you spent 30 minutes of your valuable time completing the little ditty, explaining answers wherever you can.
I know that you all worry that it won’t be as funny as my stuff, but please don’t. If it is not funny, then simply I will throw it is the trash, as they say here, if it passes the test, then it will published on the Nobby & Ready Fantasy League blog.
I hope as many of you share your secrets, I promise that they will not be sent onto your bosses, the Post Magazine or Insurance Insider. Don’t worry you haven’t got much of a career to ruin anyway.
Thanks and good luck
Nobby & Ready
60 points from Old Trafford!
Breaking News 88888 Manager of week 23
60 points from one game is we reckon a bit of a N&R FL record, that was the incredible amount of points Mark Simmons picked up from the Man U v Newcastle game. The Red Devils beating the then manager-less Geordies 6-0. Those 60 points pretty much awarded Mark the week 23 MoW award, his 2nd of the season.
Just one point behind Mark’s Incredible effort was Sweaty, who will be hoping to put together a run into the promotion places together.
Not far behind them was the consistent John McGowan, who has spent the majority of the 23 weeks so far, mixing it with the title contenders. The even more consistent Miami based Greg Foulger who hammered 70 points, one more than challenger Barry Plummer and just a few more than promotion rivals Barry Plummer, Dom Barrett, Chris Wright and Huw Thomas. The top 5 in Div 2 showed a remarkable run of scoring and proved that they are the most worthy candidates for promotion to the big time.
Likewise in Div 1 Paul Kelleher notched another 65 following his top score in week 22. Soozie kept the heat on her rivals and is now in 9th place as did Rob Munden.
Other worthy scores in need of a mention were Peter Doyle, Steve Black, Pete Godfrey and dear old Nobster. Ben Graves and the girl on girl team of Barwick & Higgs also had very good weeks.
60 points from one game is we reckon a bit of a N&R FL record, that was the incredible amount of points Mark Simmons picked up from the Man U v Newcastle game. The Red Devils beating the then manager-less Geordies 6-0. Those 60 points pretty much awarded Mark the week 23 MoW award, his 2nd of the season.
Just one point behind Mark’s Incredible effort was Sweaty, who will be hoping to put together a run into the promotion places together.
Not far behind them was the consistent John McGowan, who has spent the majority of the 23 weeks so far, mixing it with the title contenders. The even more consistent Miami based Greg Foulger who hammered 70 points, one more than challenger Barry Plummer and just a few more than promotion rivals Barry Plummer, Dom Barrett, Chris Wright and Huw Thomas. The top 5 in Div 2 showed a remarkable run of scoring and proved that they are the most worthy candidates for promotion to the big time.
Likewise in Div 1 Paul Kelleher notched another 65 following his top score in week 22. Soozie kept the heat on her rivals and is now in 9th place as did Rob Munden.
Other worthy scores in need of a mention were Peter Doyle, Steve Black, Pete Godfrey and dear old Nobster. Ben Graves and the girl on girl team of Barwick & Higgs also had very good weeks.
Status quo
Breaking news 8888 Division 1 - week 23 news
Despite another excellent week of scoring remarkably the top 7 in Div 1 all remained unchanged all the big difference was that Tally.Wacker.co.uk extended their lead at the top of the pile over Egg & (Stevie) Bacon, in fact the top 7 now spread out over 142 points, which is a serious gap, only put into context when to measure the same difference outside the top 7 you would have to look from OldhamTightly in 8th down to Lovejoy’s Luvvies in 21st. Come on you lot below 7th, lets make a game of it.
Despite another excellent week of scoring remarkably the top 7 in Div 1 all remained unchanged all the big difference was that Tally.Wacker.co.uk extended their lead at the top of the pile over Egg & (Stevie) Bacon, in fact the top 7 now spread out over 142 points, which is a serious gap, only put into context when to measure the same difference outside the top 7 you would have to look from OldhamTightly in 8th down to Lovejoy’s Luvvies in 21st. Come on you lot below 7th, lets make a game of it.
Dom-inant
Breaking news 8888 Division 2 - week 23 news
Only 4 points between the first two Boys on Tour and 2Infinity and beyond. In 3rd stay Chris’ Student Uprising but Barrett’s the Bollocks show a bit of class moving into 4th with their 3rd consecutive excellent scoring week.
Get him big Dave also jump into a higher spot in the table, knocking No Hopers and Helen’s hotties down a peg or two and Megan & Hannah's Bears hang in 6th place.
PLG is a Fud continue their rise up the ladder and are into 7th, just 3 points from the promotion zone. What the hell remain in 8th and Arsene Knows slip to 9th spot. Last train to Seaford gather some momentum into 12th but Emirates fall 5 places to 17th.
There was no change in the bottom four.
Only 4 points between the first two Boys on Tour and 2Infinity and beyond. In 3rd stay Chris’ Student Uprising but Barrett’s the Bollocks show a bit of class moving into 4th with their 3rd consecutive excellent scoring week.
Get him big Dave also jump into a higher spot in the table, knocking No Hopers and Helen’s hotties down a peg or two and Megan & Hannah's Bears hang in 6th place.
PLG is a Fud continue their rise up the ladder and are into 7th, just 3 points from the promotion zone. What the hell remain in 8th and Arsene Knows slip to 9th spot. Last train to Seaford gather some momentum into 12th but Emirates fall 5 places to 17th.
There was no change in the bottom four.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Travelling
I am in the middle of a punishing travel schedule at the moment, in fact for the umpteenth time I am currently typing this whilst sat at an airport. Therefore I have got a bit behind with the scores and blog since Christmas, and some of you have even noticed. Blimey, but please accept my apologies for that. Week 22 is below and week’s 23 and 24 are in the works.
A lot of stuff has happened in the football world in these early week's of a new year, some of which I will rant about shortly. Meanwhile please turn off all electronic equipment, put your seat belt on, and put away your tray table and relax.
A lot of stuff has happened in the football world in these early week's of a new year, some of which I will rant about shortly. Meanwhile please turn off all electronic equipment, put your seat belt on, and put away your tray table and relax.
Century busters
Breaking News 88888 Manager of week 22
Ever since I bollocked you lot for being shite, you have all got so much better, see there is nothing like a bit of man-management and coaching for improving productivity is there?
In week 22 two managers burst through the 100-point barrier, both Paul Kelleher and Michael Stout had outstanding first weeks of the New Year. There was of course 2 games played in the week, one league game and one FA Cup 3rd round, where points do in fact count.
2 points was all that separated Kelleher and Stout in their superb performances. Ideally I would like to award both of them the week 22 MoW but I can’t so old PK will pick up his 4th seasonal award.
There are plenty of other managers that deserve plaudits, many attaining their best weekly score of the season as you will see below.
Helen Peters continued her fine first season claiming 94 points, Steve Black, another manager who is on a role of good form smacked 82 points, the 3rd week of excellent point scoring and Shay Reddy was another who aided his charge up the table with a season high.
Mark Simmons, John McGowan, Ryan Saveall and Ben Graves all helped their chances of end of season prize money in Div 1 as did Ready.
Leader Greg Foulger, Brian Rutter, Lee Baughan, Chris Wright in Division 2 all exceeded their best for the season.
Other managers who got a season’s best score in week 22 were Rob Munden, Barry Paull, John Littig, Hilary Ryan, Soozie, Ian Kennett, Barwick & Higgs, Aaron Barden, Richard Nathan, Nigel Tatlock, Mark Wenman, Ian France, Neil Cryer, Peter Godfrey, Martin Lee, Nobby, Pete Doyle, Huw Thomas, Mongo, Lee Day, Howard Grace, Danny Rose, Megan McLeod and even Tim Fedbruegge! Phew.
One man who didn’t though was Barry Plummer. His 81 points was 14 less than his best achieved last week.
Ever since I bollocked you lot for being shite, you have all got so much better, see there is nothing like a bit of man-management and coaching for improving productivity is there?
In week 22 two managers burst through the 100-point barrier, both Paul Kelleher and Michael Stout had outstanding first weeks of the New Year. There was of course 2 games played in the week, one league game and one FA Cup 3rd round, where points do in fact count.
2 points was all that separated Kelleher and Stout in their superb performances. Ideally I would like to award both of them the week 22 MoW but I can’t so old PK will pick up his 4th seasonal award.
There are plenty of other managers that deserve plaudits, many attaining their best weekly score of the season as you will see below.
Helen Peters continued her fine first season claiming 94 points, Steve Black, another manager who is on a role of good form smacked 82 points, the 3rd week of excellent point scoring and Shay Reddy was another who aided his charge up the table with a season high.
Mark Simmons, John McGowan, Ryan Saveall and Ben Graves all helped their chances of end of season prize money in Div 1 as did Ready.
Leader Greg Foulger, Brian Rutter, Lee Baughan, Chris Wright in Division 2 all exceeded their best for the season.
Other managers who got a season’s best score in week 22 were Rob Munden, Barry Paull, John Littig, Hilary Ryan, Soozie, Ian Kennett, Barwick & Higgs, Aaron Barden, Richard Nathan, Nigel Tatlock, Mark Wenman, Ian France, Neil Cryer, Peter Godfrey, Martin Lee, Nobby, Pete Doyle, Huw Thomas, Mongo, Lee Day, Howard Grace, Danny Rose, Megan McLeod and even Tim Fedbruegge! Phew.
One man who didn’t though was Barry Plummer. His 81 points was 14 less than his best achieved last week.
Reddy, steady, go
Breaking news 8888 Division 1 - week 22 news
This week’s music stopped with Tally.Wacker.co.uk back on top of the Division 1 table with Egg & (Stevie) Bacon reverting to 2nd. PK’s century mark in week 22 opened the biggest gap at the top of the table for many months, albeit just 11 points.
Ajax Treesdown and Runningoutofroubles stay 3rd and 4th, whilst Coming from behing again climb to their highest position of the season in 5th. Flighty Feet and Inter Thepub swap places to round out the top 7.
Back in November Shay’s Obeonekanobenil were staring relegation in the face but have stealthily moved up the table to 9th in week 22. Hannoi Utd were another climber in what for most teams was the highest scoring 7 days of the season.
In the dark zone Lovejoy’s Luvvies moved back into the relegation dogfight falling 4 places, but Rooney & Ronaldo's Revenge moved out of it. Herr Oakers remains stuck to the bottom.
This week’s music stopped with Tally.Wacker.co.uk back on top of the Division 1 table with Egg & (Stevie) Bacon reverting to 2nd. PK’s century mark in week 22 opened the biggest gap at the top of the table for many months, albeit just 11 points.
Ajax Treesdown and Runningoutofroubles stay 3rd and 4th, whilst Coming from behing again climb to their highest position of the season in 5th. Flighty Feet and Inter Thepub swap places to round out the top 7.
Back in November Shay’s Obeonekanobenil were staring relegation in the face but have stealthily moved up the table to 9th in week 22. Hannoi Utd were another climber in what for most teams was the highest scoring 7 days of the season.
In the dark zone Lovejoy’s Luvvies moved back into the relegation dogfight falling 4 places, but Rooney & Ronaldo's Revenge moved out of it. Herr Oakers remains stuck to the bottom.
Taking the Michael
Breaking news 8888 Division 2 - week 22 news
2Infinity & beyond increased the pressure on Boys on tour after week 22. Student uprising stayed 3rd and the lovely Helen’s hotties snuck into 4th following her best score of the campaign.
In 5th it was no surprise to see one of N&R’s most in-form teams, the No Hopers. Michael has cleverly maneuvered his side from the lower reaches to promotion material and after a massive 100 points in week 22 are now 5th.
The next three teams – Get him Big Dave, Barretts the bollocks and Meghan & Hannah’s bears remain the same, if in different places but it is Danny’s Arsene Knows who slip out of the promotion race for the first time this season.
Lower down Californication and Muchas Empanadas spent the week going backwards but Rochdale at Lloyds and Premiership – here we come went in the opposite direction.
2Infinity & beyond increased the pressure on Boys on tour after week 22. Student uprising stayed 3rd and the lovely Helen’s hotties snuck into 4th following her best score of the campaign.
In 5th it was no surprise to see one of N&R’s most in-form teams, the No Hopers. Michael has cleverly maneuvered his side from the lower reaches to promotion material and after a massive 100 points in week 22 are now 5th.
The next three teams – Get him Big Dave, Barretts the bollocks and Meghan & Hannah’s bears remain the same, if in different places but it is Danny’s Arsene Knows who slip out of the promotion race for the first time this season.
Lower down Californication and Muchas Empanadas spent the week going backwards but Rochdale at Lloyds and Premiership – here we come went in the opposite direction.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Joy to the world
Breaking News 88888 Manager of week 21A monumental week for most of the N&R FL managers, many of whom made season-best scores in week 21. Of course most Premier League sides played two games in four days resulting in double bubble and certain managers made some big scores and greatly improved their positions in each division.
In Div 2 Barry Plummer, who was perhaps surprised to find himself in tier two despite his previous title win but that is what happens when you describe yourself as a Palarse fan, and yes Barry I am very bitter, got the biggest Christmas bonus grabbing a N&R 2007/08 best score of 95 points and propelling himself into 2nd place in the table. The next shiniest bauble was by Ben Graves, who scored a 87 and then Shay Reddy with wrapped the week up with 84.
Back in Div 2 Michael Stout continued his excellent sleigh-run with a 79-point week, then it was Paul Kelleher knocking up a (rein)deer 77. Helen Hotties was another that had a very nice Christmas stocking, filled up with 75 points, one more than elf-like Dom Barrett.
Alan Oakley and Alex Byatt both sleighed in with 73. Under the mistletoe was Rob Beere with a round 70 and trust Ryan Saveall to Christmas party all night like it was (19)69.
67 points fell down the chimney for Paul Hargis and Neil Cryer and it was not a silent night for either Alex Boswell or Aaron Barden who both hit a Christmas number 61.
Other managers who deserve a toast of Christmas spirit were Soozie Syrett, whose gift parcels would have been a joy to unwrap, Ready, who had more spirit than he would care to remember and Chris Wright, our newest star.
The three wise men Sweaty, Doyley and Singleton each brought season bests. Santa received Razor Nathan's list and gave him another good scoring week and a partridge in a pear tree for Wenners.
Surprise, surprise the Christmas turkey, or should I say Holiday turkey was for Tim Feldbruegge, who scored just 17, 3 french hens less than Barry Paull.
Road to Wembley - Birchall hero again
Barnet striker Adam Birchall (left), the hero in the last round against Burton Albion did it again on Saturday equalising 5 minutes from the end to take Swindon back to Underhill next week.Swindon striker Billy Paynter squandered two gilt-edged chances in the first half, before BLAIR STURROCK, whose father Paul left Swindon to manage Plymouth in November, netted on the hour mark with a scrambled effort after Barnet goalkeeper Rob Beckwith parried Miguel Comminges' effort high into the air.
It looked all over for the Bees, but with five minutes left on the clock, ADAM BIRCHALL, a former trainee with Arsenal, picked out the top left-hand corner of Swindon's goal with his shot. The 23-year-old had been brought on midway through the second half and manager Paul Fairclough said: "Not only was it a brilliant strike, but Adam's first touch to take the ball down from the long kick was magnificent too."
Barnet will host their rivals from a division above next Tuesday.
Barnet team: Beckwith, Porter, Gillet, Devera, Yakubu, Puncheon, Bishop, Leary, Carew (Thomas 68), Nicolau, Akurang (Birchall 68).
Subs not used: Harrison, Grazioli, O'Cearuill.
Att: 5,944
FA Cup 4th Round draw
12 games are yet to be decided after plenty of draws on Saturday. These will be played next week. Our boys Barnet were of course one of the tied games. Their replay at home to Swindon will be on Tuesday and the winners will play home to either Fulham or Bristol Rovers.
The tie of the round potentially could be Liverpool at home to Havant & Waterlooville, from the Blue Square South Division, if they both win their replays.
Full 4th Round draw:
Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/Barnet v Fulham/Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford v Wolves
Peterborough v Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utd v West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff
Ties to be played on 26 & 27 January
The tie of the round potentially could be Liverpool at home to Havant & Waterlooville, from the Blue Square South Division, if they both win their replays.
Full 4th Round draw:
Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/Barnet v Fulham/Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford v Wolves
Peterborough v Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utd v West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff
Ties to be played on 26 & 27 January
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Sizzling week from Ben
Breaking news 8888 Division 1 - week 21 newsA sizzling week from the top two but it was Egg & (Stevie) Bacon who fried Tally.Wacker.co.uk in the Christmas week 21. Ben and Paul both scored well, and they open a gap to 3rd and Ajax Treesdown, a leader themselves 3 weeks ago.
The top 7 stay unchanged despite the big scoring in week 21. However Oldham Tightly, Sleepless Knights and Obafemi & the Femidoms are all knocking on the door.
Obeonekanobenil moved up the table after an excellent week, Lovejoy's Luvvies had a massive leap out of the relegation places and Hannoi Utd improved their chances after the busy festive season.
In the relegation mire Kirsty's Glasgow Kiss dropped into the doo-doo and Rooney & Ronaldo's Revenge fell one spot. Otherwise it was status quo although it is becoming obvious that the bottom two - Dinamo Ilegalna Imigrant and Herr Oakers are adrift.
Bazz get's a Buzz
Breaking news 8888 Division 2 - week 21Greg's Boys on Tour stay on top of Div 2 following the hectic Christmas period but top scorer and previous Champ 2Infinity & beyond zoom into 2nd and close the gap to just 9 points. Student uprising also narrow the gap and we have a game on now in the 2nd tier.
Get him Big Dave drop to 4th whilst Arsene Knows drop to 8th. Megan & Hannah's Bears stay in 5th and Barrett's the bollocks and Helen's Hotties both gain a place after the Christmas games.
Meanwhile What the Hell, who struggled so badly earlier in the season had a wonderful week and move into a career-high 10th. Hargs Hammers move up a place and Emirates FC were a big climber, up 4 places.
Going the other way just like Charlton were Godders' Premiership - here we come. Nobs Jockeys' follows him and those Wylie Coyotes also slip further to the bottom.
Photo of the week
Who says that Arsene Wegner does not like Englishmen in his team? David Beckham training with Arsenal last week. Rumours were that his missus was training at Spearmint Rhino.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Comments
I think in 3 years of having this blog up and running we have had possibly two or three comments. One was some gibberish from Ged Stimpson I remember, and one was calling me a C**T, after Charlton beat Crystal Palarse, and oh how I laughed and I can't remember the other one.
The comment button is there to be used and to spark debate and hilarity, nevertheless our Man in Miami made good use of it the other night to vent his spleen at something or someone. Think he may of just had one too many pina colada's but hey that is what it is for.
Please don't be shy the rest of you. Get commenting.
The comment button is there to be used and to spark debate and hilarity, nevertheless our Man in Miami made good use of it the other night to vent his spleen at something or someone. Think he may of just had one too many pina colada's but hey that is what it is for.
Please don't be shy the rest of you. Get commenting.
Friday, January 04, 2008
A season of low scoring
Just as I thought - you lot this season are utter crap. What is going on? This season's best score at the halfway point (week 21) is 757 from Ben Graves, 5 more than Paul Kelleher. The top Div 2 score, and 7th overall, is Greg Foulger with 697.
These are the lowest scores we have had since The Telegraph changed the points system in 2004.
At this point last season Ryan Saveall was leading the way of a new Premiership N&R FL table with 804 points, 47 more than Ben. In fact Ben's score would only have been good enough to place him 7th this time last year. Greg's 697 would have placed him as far down as 24th!!
Poor Tim Feldbruegge is again holding up the table. He has 384, which is 46 less than last season's basement side at the midway point managed by Lee Baughan.
In 2005/06 Peter Godfrey led at the the halfway stage with a massive 853 (but eventually finished 9th). Ben's score would have put him 7th that season as well, Greg would have been in 25th! Tim owed the lowest score again and it was actually a point less than this season.
The previous season, 2004/05 saw Mark Wenman top at the turn of the new year with 798 points, 31 ahead of the current best. Ben would have been 4th, and Greg 15th. The lowest score then was one Brian Dougal, who didn't have a clue what he was doing but still managed 447 in the first 21 weeks.
So what does this prove? Remember you are competing for player points not really against each other, although tactically you are. A few years ago we had a number of experienced fantasy managers who took this league very seriously and were always a threat.
So is the league less hard now or not? It's hard to say but certainly the standard has benefited from an influx of new young managers and some of the older statesmen like me, Rutts, Waterman, Singleton, Doyle and Day have all struggled to keep up this season.
I would say the Premiership has got a lot more good players in it and it harder to pick 11 players, particularly big point-getters. I would say that back in the day players like Shearer and Henry were always good for big scores each week and certainly when it comes to stikers there is no stand-out Premier League top goalscorer anymore. In fact Ronaldo is top scorer from midfield, followed by Adebayor and then players not that popular amongst fantasy managers like Santa Cruz, Benjani, Dave Kitson and Marcus Bent all feature in the top scoring chart.
Also I think we all suffer from squad rotation, even the crappy clubs do it, but when you have Torres, and lets be honest, he is a superb footballer, it is bloody frustrating to see him rested every couple of weeks by Rafa. It's the FA Cup Saturday and points count but how many of the top players will actually start?
One tip is to make your transfers carefully, a good run of decent weekly scoring will propel you up the table. It is very noticable this season that managers have been generally very inconsistent. One week a top 3 score, the next a bottom 3 socre. It happened to me this week and last and I haven't even touched my team.
Anyway, we will keep the leagues as they are for a while yet until we get to the serious end of the season and Nobby & Ready will then kick start the N&R 2007/08 play-off's. Promotion and relegation will play a vital role in those, so keep trying, don't give up. There are plenty of prizes still to play for.
Good luck.
These are the lowest scores we have had since The Telegraph changed the points system in 2004.
At this point last season Ryan Saveall was leading the way of a new Premiership N&R FL table with 804 points, 47 more than Ben. In fact Ben's score would only have been good enough to place him 7th this time last year. Greg's 697 would have placed him as far down as 24th!!
Poor Tim Feldbruegge is again holding up the table. He has 384, which is 46 less than last season's basement side at the midway point managed by Lee Baughan.
In 2005/06 Peter Godfrey led at the the halfway stage with a massive 853 (but eventually finished 9th). Ben's score would have put him 7th that season as well, Greg would have been in 25th! Tim owed the lowest score again and it was actually a point less than this season.
The previous season, 2004/05 saw Mark Wenman top at the turn of the new year with 798 points, 31 ahead of the current best. Ben would have been 4th, and Greg 15th. The lowest score then was one Brian Dougal, who didn't have a clue what he was doing but still managed 447 in the first 21 weeks.
So what does this prove? Remember you are competing for player points not really against each other, although tactically you are. A few years ago we had a number of experienced fantasy managers who took this league very seriously and were always a threat.
So is the league less hard now or not? It's hard to say but certainly the standard has benefited from an influx of new young managers and some of the older statesmen like me, Rutts, Waterman, Singleton, Doyle and Day have all struggled to keep up this season.
I would say the Premiership has got a lot more good players in it and it harder to pick 11 players, particularly big point-getters. I would say that back in the day players like Shearer and Henry were always good for big scores each week and certainly when it comes to stikers there is no stand-out Premier League top goalscorer anymore. In fact Ronaldo is top scorer from midfield, followed by Adebayor and then players not that popular amongst fantasy managers like Santa Cruz, Benjani, Dave Kitson and Marcus Bent all feature in the top scoring chart.
Also I think we all suffer from squad rotation, even the crappy clubs do it, but when you have Torres, and lets be honest, he is a superb footballer, it is bloody frustrating to see him rested every couple of weeks by Rafa. It's the FA Cup Saturday and points count but how many of the top players will actually start?
One tip is to make your transfers carefully, a good run of decent weekly scoring will propel you up the table. It is very noticable this season that managers have been generally very inconsistent. One week a top 3 score, the next a bottom 3 socre. It happened to me this week and last and I haven't even touched my team.
Anyway, we will keep the leagues as they are for a while yet until we get to the serious end of the season and Nobby & Ready will then kick start the N&R 2007/08 play-off's. Promotion and relegation will play a vital role in those, so keep trying, don't give up. There are plenty of prizes still to play for.
Good luck.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Razor & Mutley come good
Breaking news 8888 Division 1 - week 20 newsToo much Christmas pud? Too much Christmas spirit? What happened to the big boys in week 20 eh? Two of the lesser-known contestant's were Joint Managers of the week and how nice to see Razor Richard Nathan and Paul Mutley Long as owners of the title.
It was
however another low scoring week. I intend to do a bit of looking in the N&R record books but I would think that at the half-way point, the scores this season are some of the lowest we have seen. Just 58 points was enough for Richard and Paul to share the top prize. Paul actually was the less than proud owner of the lowest score in week 19 - how things can change.The next best score was Nobby - proof that it surely was a shite week. Steve Black, an American, scored the same as Nobby - what more proof do you want? Oh here you are - a bird, Soozie was next with 55 - only joking Soooozzzz.
Paul Hargis also hit a season's best 52. Huw Thomas and Chris Waterman enjoyed their best 7 days for a while and Shay Reddy, Johnny Mc and new league leader Pk all deserve a lickle mention.
Lowest score of the week was for sexpot Helen Peters, her worst of the season - just 10.
My my my Fernando
Breaking news 8888 Division 1 - week 20 news
Tally.Wacker.co.uk are back with their noses in front after week 20 edging out Egg & (Stevie) Bacon by a couple of points in what is an exciting race into the new year. Just 2 further points behind in 3rd is Ajax Treesdown as these three Div 1 sides really show their class over the other 52 managers.
Flighty Feet are little bit behind the top 3, then Runningoutofroubles and Coming from behing again and Inter Thepub make up the title challengers. Sleepless Knights missed out on a top 7 berth in week 20 and are now 8th.
Obafemi & the Femidoms and Oldham Tightly remain in 9th and 10th but Soozies Sausages pushes her chest out and stole a march on Pure Irish. The week's big gainer was Tora, Tora, Torres who have failed to get the juices flowing but the team named after the exciting Spaniard is finally flying.
Coversely In Tatters slumped 5 places to 19th, just a place above the relegation zone. The bottom 8 stay the same, although Brighton Blues started their long climb up the table with a magnificent highest score of the season.
Tally.Wacker.co.uk are back with their noses in front after week 20 edging out Egg & (Stevie) Bacon by a couple of points in what is an exciting race into the new year. Just 2 further points behind in 3rd is Ajax Treesdown as these three Div 1 sides really show their class over the other 52 managers.
Flighty Feet are little bit behind the top 3, then Runningoutofroubles and Coming from behing again and Inter Thepub make up the title challengers. Sleepless Knights missed out on a top 7 berth in week 20 and are now 8th.
Obafemi & the Femidoms and Oldham Tightly remain in 9th and 10th but Soozies Sausages pushes her chest out and stole a march on Pure Irish. The week's big gainer was Tora, Tora, Torres who have failed to get the juices flowing but the team named after the exciting Spaniard is finally flying.
Coversely In Tatters slumped 5 places to 19th, just a place above the relegation zone. The bottom 8 stay the same, although Brighton Blues started their long climb up the table with a magnificent highest score of the season.
Hope for No-Hopers
Breaking news 8888 Division 2 - week 20
For the 9th week Boys on Tour stay top of the N&R Div 2. Another decent score for our Miami correspondent. Get him Big Dave remain 2nd with Student Uprising moving upto 3rd from 4th. Elsewhere in the top 8, there was a bit of a shake up but I notice that there is little a gap now between 8th and 9th, where The No-Hopers have risen to 9th.
Just behind them Harg's Hammers and Last train to Seaford are climbing at a steady pace.
At the bottom of the table Goonersmoan slipped a spot but Red Bull Ginger had more luck moving up two places.
For the 9th week Boys on Tour stay top of the N&R Div 2. Another decent score for our Miami correspondent. Get him Big Dave remain 2nd with Student Uprising moving upto 3rd from 4th. Elsewhere in the top 8, there was a bit of a shake up but I notice that there is little a gap now between 8th and 9th, where The No-Hopers have risen to 9th.
Just behind them Harg's Hammers and Last train to Seaford are climbing at a steady pace.
At the bottom of the table Goonersmoan slipped a spot but Red Bull Ginger had more luck moving up two places.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Welcome to Barnet FC
Our new Road to Wembley boys take on Swindon Town away on Saturday on 3rd Round day. Here are some little known facts on Barnet:- Previous managers have included Alan Mullery, Tony Cottee, Ray Clemence and Barry Fry
- Previous players included Eddie Newton, Brian Marwood (on the wing), Alan Pardew and Jimmy Greaves (on the sauce!)
- Team colours are Amber & Black
- Record home crowd is 11,026 in 1952 against Wycombe.
- Their club crest has the green hill of High Barnet and the red rose, white rose and crossed swords representing the 1471 Battle of Barnet, a pivotal battle in the Wars of the Roses.
- Formed in 1888 but have spent all but 13 years in the non-league game.
- The ground is actually on Pricklers Hill, Underhill is a few blocks away from the ground
- An old bar still operates at the back of the home terrace facing the pitch.
- Underhill is officially the 2nd shitiest ground I have ever been too, just behind Selhurst Park.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you all. I hope hangovers have sufficiently receded if not credit card bills and itchiness.
I had a nice break from work, obviously on cultural grounds I had Boxing Day off, whilst most of the rest of the country went back to work. I then decided to work from home the rest of the week although finding it hard to justify drinking tea and painting my closets on my Time-Track (TM) sheet.
Christmas was nice, you know quiet. TV wasn't the same though. Judge Judy and The Biggest Loser re-runs are not quite the same as Only Fools and Parky. In fact when I rang my Mum & Dad on Christmas Day, they were watching old Only Fools back to back on UK Gold. Anyone else do that?
New Years was pleasant, quiet meal, nice bottle of red, silly hat at 12 midnight and something to blow on. I'm not a big New Year fan to be honest, amateur night really isn't it? Managed to text a few of you - if I didn't - then all the very best for 2008. I text Kirsty but she clearly couldn't get a signal in Romford and wrote back asking who I was. Cheek.
Anyway - keep up the good fantasy football work and all the very best for a prosperous and healthy 2008.
Nobby & Ready
I had a nice break from work, obviously on cultural grounds I had Boxing Day off, whilst most of the rest of the country went back to work. I then decided to work from home the rest of the week although finding it hard to justify drinking tea and painting my closets on my Time-Track (TM) sheet.
Christmas was nice, you know quiet. TV wasn't the same though. Judge Judy and The Biggest Loser re-runs are not quite the same as Only Fools and Parky. In fact when I rang my Mum & Dad on Christmas Day, they were watching old Only Fools back to back on UK Gold. Anyone else do that?
New Years was pleasant, quiet meal, nice bottle of red, silly hat at 12 midnight and something to blow on. I'm not a big New Year fan to be honest, amateur night really isn't it? Managed to text a few of you - if I didn't - then all the very best for 2008. I text Kirsty but she clearly couldn't get a signal in Romford and wrote back asking who I was. Cheek.
Anyway - keep up the good fantasy football work and all the very best for a prosperous and healthy 2008.
Nobby & Ready
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