That just leaves Keith and I to wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a very prosperous and healthy 2011. Be merry but be safe.
Nobby & Ready
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Lost football grounds
#2 The Goldstone Ground
This will pull on a couple of manager's heart strings.
Opened in 1901 and used initially by Hove FC, Brighton & Hove Albion first used the ground a year later. The Goldstone Ground stood on Old Shoreham Road, Hove opposite Hove Park in quite a posh neighbourhood, posh anyway for a locale of a football club.
In 1948 the ground hosted two games as part of the Olympics and in 1958, 36,747 watched the Seagulls host Fulham - to this day Brighton's biggest ever attendance.
This will pull on a couple of manager's heart strings.
Opened in 1901 and used initially by Hove FC, Brighton & Hove Albion first used the ground a year later. The Goldstone Ground stood on Old Shoreham Road, Hove opposite Hove Park in quite a posh neighbourhood, posh anyway for a locale of a football club.
In 1948 the ground hosted two games as part of the Olympics and in 1958, 36,747 watched the Seagulls host Fulham - to this day Brighton's biggest ever attendance.
My memories of the Goldstone are good ones (I missed Charlton's 7-0 thrashing in 1983!). Like many football stadiums in the 70's and 80's - it was old and bitty. Differing levels of roofs, wrap around terraces with cow-shed type roofs at both ends with a hill like bankl of an East Terrace (the away 'end' for a while) but The Goldstone was a real football ground and to thousands of Brighton fans, it was home.
The North stand was the home end and Brighton, with a big catchment area, used to regularly top 20,000 crowds at home. Between 1979 and 1983 The Goldstone hosted top flight football under Alan Mullery. Mike Bailey replaced Mullery (who as he always did fell out with the chairman) and he got them to a credible 13th place in 1981/82. Jimmy Melia took the Seagulls to the FA Cup Final the year they got relegated. Remember Gordon Smith's miss?
Another little known fact is The Goldstone also saw David Beckham's professional debut in a League Cup game in 1992.
Like many early century built football grounds The Goldstone became too expensive to re-develop after Hillsborough. The club had racked up a lot of debt and selling the ground appeared the only way out. The then chairman, Bill Archer, aimed to profit from the sale of the lucrative development land on which the Goldstone stood and forced a sale.
The North stand was the home end and Brighton, with a big catchment area, used to regularly top 20,000 crowds at home. Between 1979 and 1983 The Goldstone hosted top flight football under Alan Mullery. Mike Bailey replaced Mullery (who as he always did fell out with the chairman) and he got them to a credible 13th place in 1981/82. Jimmy Melia took the Seagulls to the FA Cup Final the year they got relegated. Remember Gordon Smith's miss?
Another little known fact is The Goldstone also saw David Beckham's professional debut in a League Cup game in 1992.
Like many early century built football grounds The Goldstone became too expensive to re-develop after Hillsborough. The club had racked up a lot of debt and selling the ground appeared the only way out. The then chairman, Bill Archer, aimed to profit from the sale of the lucrative development land on which the Goldstone stood and forced a sale.
Brighton were then made to share 73 miles away at Gillingham, after a proposal with Portsmouth fell through and where that money went from the sale of the ground is anyone's guess.
The Goldstone was sold to private developers, the area was changed to a row of warehouse style retail shops, along with a drive-thru Burger King outlet below. Nice.
But in a nice end to this story, Brighton are ready to move (after 14 years) to a brand new stadium at Falmer in August and I've driven by a number of times and very impressive it is too.
Goldstone Ground photo gallery.
The Goldstone was sold to private developers, the area was changed to a row of warehouse style retail shops, along with a drive-thru Burger King outlet below. Nice.
But in a nice end to this story, Brighton are ready to move (after 14 years) to a brand new stadium at Falmer in August and I've driven by a number of times and very impressive it is too.
Goldstone Ground photo gallery.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
World Cup's 2018 and 2022
I can't forget to mention FIFA's decision to chose Russia for the 2018 World Cup and Qatar for 2022. The Players Union with advice from FIFA are even suggesting today that the Middle East World Cup be held in the winter. They really have lost their minds.
Sepp Blatter is as bent as they come and I wish BBC (who did not help England's cause at all) now pursue Blatter and the other dodgy old bastards to unravel the corruption that exists in the game.
Russia of course will find plenty in common with the shysters from FIFA and the African nations must be thrilled about the tournament being staged in one of the most racist countries in the world.
An argument can be put forward for Russia, they do have a football pedigree and they do have a good World Cup history but Qatar? That decision was bonkers and crooked.
Sadly I will be almost 60 before England next get a chance to host the world's greatest sporting spectacle.
Sepp Blatter is as bent as they come and I wish BBC (who did not help England's cause at all) now pursue Blatter and the other dodgy old bastards to unravel the corruption that exists in the game.
Russia of course will find plenty in common with the shysters from FIFA and the African nations must be thrilled about the tournament being staged in one of the most racist countries in the world.
An argument can be put forward for Russia, they do have a football pedigree and they do have a good World Cup history but Qatar? That decision was bonkers and crooked.
Sadly I will be almost 60 before England next get a chance to host the world's greatest sporting spectacle.
Better from Guinness and Torres
N&R FL Division 1 - Week 18
An unchanged top 5 with To Elland Back still in #1 spot. Paris Eagles are 6th with Gooner win league up to 7th.
Keep the faith drop a place, and AON United climb up a place or two.
Down at the un-business like end of the table Aaron's Torres Rosso climb out of danger, but Soozie's Sizzlers slip back into the doo-doo but below her Guinness & eggs finally look like they have some life in them.
An unchanged top 5 with To Elland Back still in #1 spot. Paris Eagles are 6th with Gooner win league up to 7th.
Keep the faith drop a place, and AON United climb up a place or two.
Down at the un-business like end of the table Aaron's Torres Rosso climb out of danger, but Soozie's Sizzlers slip back into the doo-doo but below her Guinness & eggs finally look like they have some life in them.
God on paper
N&R FL Division 2 - Week 18
Back to the top for Good on paper, and FFC 4Ever moves into 2nd with last week's leader Bingo back in 3rd. This division is certainly hotting up. KC's Clowns are having a great first season too, and are up to 4th, Bobby Z 5th, Chart This Int'l 6th and Sons of pitches in 7th.
In 10th Davor's Calculated Risk grabs a promotion place, whilst Brighton Blues drop out.
Lower down Muddy's Mavericks move up to 20th and Stocky's starlets fall a few places.
Back to the top for Good on paper, and FFC 4Ever moves into 2nd with last week's leader Bingo back in 3rd. This division is certainly hotting up. KC's Clowns are having a great first season too, and are up to 4th, Bobby Z 5th, Chart This Int'l 6th and Sons of pitches in 7th.
In 10th Davor's Calculated Risk grabs a promotion place, whilst Brighton Blues drop out.
Lower down Muddy's Mavericks move up to 20th and Stocky's starlets fall a few places.
Mark makes it 3
Week 18 - Manager of the Week
Mark Gregory collected his hat-trick of MoW's before Christmas in week 18. Mark scored 42 points, 5 clear of his nearest rival and goes into the Christmas period with the N&R FL's best score.
Nearest challenger Steve Merchant hit the next best with 37 as after 18 weeks the two divisions start to shake out. Neil Bixby scored 36 and Steve Black found some much missing form with a 35.
Then there was Sav with 34, Johnny 33, Div 1 leader Rob with 30 and Mark Simmons, whose form changes like Carlos Tevez mind, who also slammed home 30.
It was 28 points for Davor and Neil Reynolds, who thinks he's having a crap season - have you seen where Ready is Neil? And Richard Richards scored 27.
Managers to mention this week are Muddy who did well with a 22, the same as Sarah. Soon to be married Sweaty scored 20, Brett 17, Hilary 15, Emma 13, Tim and Dennis a piss poor 10 and last of all Blunty and Boswell with 8 pts.
Mark Gregory collected his hat-trick of MoW's before Christmas in week 18. Mark scored 42 points, 5 clear of his nearest rival and goes into the Christmas period with the N&R FL's best score.
Nearest challenger Steve Merchant hit the next best with 37 as after 18 weeks the two divisions start to shake out. Neil Bixby scored 36 and Steve Black found some much missing form with a 35.
Then there was Sav with 34, Johnny 33, Div 1 leader Rob with 30 and Mark Simmons, whose form changes like Carlos Tevez mind, who also slammed home 30.
It was 28 points for Davor and Neil Reynolds, who thinks he's having a crap season - have you seen where Ready is Neil? And Richard Richards scored 27.
Managers to mention this week are Muddy who did well with a 22, the same as Sarah. Soon to be married Sweaty scored 20, Brett 17, Hilary 15, Emma 13, Tim and Dennis a piss poor 10 and last of all Blunty and Boswell with 8 pts.
Week 18 review
In the battle of Lancashire Bolton beat Blackburn in what was Big Sam's final game before getting the tin-tac. Drogba came off the bench to equalise for Chelsea at Tottenham, Wolves beat Birmingham in the Midlands derby 1-0.
Villa won at home to WBA, Everton drew again, at home to struggling Wigan. Although Fulham are the real draw specialists, drawing 0-0 with Sunderland.
Alan Pardew (spit) celebrated his first game in front of a welcoming Newcastle crowd by seeing off Liverpool 3-1. Blackpool put another 3 points on the board by beating Stoke on their own patch and Man City beat West Ham comfortably at Upton Park.
Finally in the weekend's big game Park scored against Arsenal again to help United to victory at the OT.
RIP Enzo Bearzot
Enzo Bearzot, the old man of Italian football and the 1982 World Cup winning manager died in Milan today aged 83.
To me my memories of that almost impossible to beat Italian side with players such as Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, Franco Baresi, Paulo Rossi and Marco Tardelli always come back to the gruff Bearzot.
He was hated by the Italian media and after scraping through their 1982 opening group matches Bearzot's team were greeted with despair by the Italian public and derision by his homeland's football press. Jeff Powell wrote that on the morning after they scraped into the knockout stages, he had breakfast with Bearzot. When they came out of the hotel the Italian press corps formed a corridor and spat at the feet of their national team manager.
But then they beat Argentina and Brazil in the second round, and won the semi-final against Poland. In the final Bearzot's Italy won the final against Germany, with Rossi starring, and leading his team to their first World Cup since 1938.
In the morning after the final Bearzot brought champagne and glasses to the press conference and raised a toast to the Italian media and sat with a wry smile and asked if they had any questions.
Legend.
Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail.
To me my memories of that almost impossible to beat Italian side with players such as Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, Franco Baresi, Paulo Rossi and Marco Tardelli always come back to the gruff Bearzot.
He was hated by the Italian media and after scraping through their 1982 opening group matches Bearzot's team were greeted with despair by the Italian public and derision by his homeland's football press. Jeff Powell wrote that on the morning after they scraped into the knockout stages, he had breakfast with Bearzot. When they came out of the hotel the Italian press corps formed a corridor and spat at the feet of their national team manager.
But then they beat Argentina and Brazil in the second round, and won the semi-final against Poland. In the final Bearzot's Italy won the final against Germany, with Rossi starring, and leading his team to their first World Cup since 1938.
In the morning after the final Bearzot brought champagne and glasses to the press conference and raised a toast to the Italian media and sat with a wry smile and asked if they had any questions.
Legend.
Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail.
Old football kits
Chelsea 1993/4Made by Umbro
Worn by John Spencer, Tony Cascarino, Eddie Newton and Mark Stein - you newer Chelski fans can Google them.
Amiga sponsored home shirt worn in the FA Cup Final in player-manager Glenn Hoddle's first season in charge.
That's the wonder of Wallis
Week 17 - Manager of the Week
Neil Wallis won his 2nd MoW in week 17. 47 points that took him into the promotion race. Alastair Bigg was a close 2nd with 45 points with another big week from Kennett next up. James Ashworth hit 43, with title contender Rob Munden (minus Berbatov remember) scored a very decent 42.
With 38 points was Neville White, which moves him up the Div 2 table. Rutter and Razor (could be twins in my book) both scored 34, with 33 for Francey, Rose and Byatt.
Then 8 managers scored 32 - Long, Foulger, Addintgton, Dewberry, Gregory, Wood, Richards and Cassell. Good scoring guys.
Then with a big fat 0 was Mark Simmons - last week's flipping MoW! How does that happen?
Neil Wallis won his 2nd MoW in week 17. 47 points that took him into the promotion race. Alastair Bigg was a close 2nd with 45 points with another big week from Kennett next up. James Ashworth hit 43, with title contender Rob Munden (minus Berbatov remember) scored a very decent 42.
With 38 points was Neville White, which moves him up the Div 2 table. Rutter and Razor (could be twins in my book) both scored 34, with 33 for Francey, Rose and Byatt.
Then 8 managers scored 32 - Long, Foulger, Addintgton, Dewberry, Gregory, Wood, Richards and Cassell. Good scoring guys.
Then with a big fat 0 was Mark Simmons - last week's flipping MoW! How does that happen?
Steve & Neil Craven top spot
N&R FL Division 2 - Week 17
Bingo stay on top, a solitary point ahead of Good on Paper. FFC 4Ever are 3rd with Chart This Int'l up to 4th. In 5th in Bobby Z is world class - two Fulham fans in the top 5!
To 6th drop KC's Clowns and 7th Sons on pitches. Blunty, Brighton Blues and The Capello Index are 8th, 9th and 10th.
Bingo stay on top, a solitary point ahead of Good on Paper. FFC 4Ever are 3rd with Chart This Int'l up to 4th. In 5th in Bobby Z is world class - two Fulham fans in the top 5!
To 6th drop KC's Clowns and 7th Sons on pitches. Blunty, Brighton Blues and The Capello Index are 8th, 9th and 10th.
Elland back to the top
N&R FL Division 1 - Week 17
To Elland Back is back on top after week 17's scores. Rob leads Boys on tour by 10 points with Brox banditos a further 3 behind.
Then closing the gap is Racing Hiccups, with Mark looking to make it a four-horse race. In 5th but back 31 points is Loads of Roubles, then Keep the faith up to 6th and Paris Eagles in 7th.
AON United and Lazarus United were a big droppers in Week 17 whilst Jimmy 5 Bellies gained ground.
At the bottom Soozie Sizzlers move out of the bottom 10, with the bottom four of Hannoi Utd,
Glasgow Kiss, Rhubarb & Custard and Red Roy's Rovers unchanged.
To Elland Back is back on top after week 17's scores. Rob leads Boys on tour by 10 points with Brox banditos a further 3 behind.
Then closing the gap is Racing Hiccups, with Mark looking to make it a four-horse race. In 5th but back 31 points is Loads of Roubles, then Keep the faith up to 6th and Paris Eagles in 7th.
AON United and Lazarus United were a big droppers in Week 17 whilst Jimmy 5 Bellies gained ground.
At the bottom Soozie Sizzlers move out of the bottom 10, with the bottom four of Hannoi Utd,
Glasgow Kiss, Rhubarb & Custard and Red Roy's Rovers unchanged.
Week 17 review
Arsenal beat London rivals Fulham 2-1. Nasri with both. Spurs were held 1-1 at St Andrews, Blackburn bounced back from their Old Trafford mauling to hand out a 3-0 defeat to Wolves. Chelsea couldn't win again drawing at home to Everton.
Tevez scored for City to beat Bolton, Wigan and Stoke shared 4 goals.
On Sunday West Ham lost at Sunderland to a Henderson goal and WBA beat Newcastle 3-1. Monday night saw Gérard Houllier return to Anfield and get his arse handed to him 3-0. Ngog, Babel and Maxi scoring.
Tevez scored for City to beat Bolton, Wigan and Stoke shared 4 goals.
On Sunday West Ham lost at Sunderland to a Henderson goal and WBA beat Newcastle 3-1. Monday night saw Gérard Houllier return to Anfield and get his arse handed to him 3-0. Ngog, Babel and Maxi scoring.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Announcement
Lee Baughan, or Sweaty as he is known to almost anyone who has ever met him, departs with his lovely girlfriend Jane to Kenya later this week to spend Christmas and carry out the small task of getting hitched.
I understand Lee's city stag passed without any real incident, not unless you include Lee's late night dancing.
Lee has family in Kenya - the only person you will ever meet who was born within the sound of Bow Bells, but talks like a less handsome version of Rab C Nesbitt but whose Mother lives in the Kenyan jungle. Jane - what have you done?
Anyway mate from Nobby & Ready and all of the N&R FL managers - the very best of luck to you both. See you soon for a pint.
Ready's Benfleet Bet 2011
Don't forget to send to me at simon.newport@aon.com your FA Cup 3rd Predictions as per my email. If you need it re-sent, then let me know.
The deadline for predictions is Friday 8th January, 2011.
Remember Ready's Benfleet Bet is only open to N&R FL managers and only to those that enter at the 3rd Rd stage.
Road to Wembley - Torquay see off Walsall
Well Walsall didn't last very long as our N&R Road to Wembley side. The Sadlers lost to League Two side Torquay in the 2nd Rd of the FA Cup thanks to Billy Kee's first-half penalty.
Walsall had several chances to equalise but Matt Richards, Will Grigg and Andy Butler were all unable to find a way past Gull's stopper Scott Bevan.
Kee scored after Ashley Hemmings was felled in the area by Darryl Westlake. Saddlers keeper Jimmy Walker had earlier made superb stops to deny Chris Zebrowski and Kevin Nicholson.
Walsall had several chances to equalise but Matt Richards, Will Grigg and Andy Butler were all unable to find a way past Gull's stopper Scott Bevan.
Attendance: 2,334
Torquay were rewarded with a home tie against Carlisle United, hardly a money spinner though with the two teams situated in England about as far apart as you can get.
More on Torquay soon.
The Wright stuff
N&R FL Division 1 - Week 16
Brox Banditos goes top for the first time, three points ahead of To Elland Back and Boys on tour. There is a bit of a gap back to Racing Hiccups in 4th with Loads of Roubles, a big climber, in 6th. AON United also grab a top 7 spot, the first time since August for Mark.
Paris Eagles slip to 7th with rival Keep the faith just a point behind. Gooner win league are a faller but Lazarus United are on fire in 10th. Nortius Maximus and the Wody Webels made up some good ground as did Serves you right for leaving the league, PK. Pete, Ian - can we have shorter names next year please?
In the relegation mire remain Morgan's Machines, Arsene Knows, 2 Infinity & Beyond, Fabio's Flops, Guinness & eggs, Hannoi Utd, Glasgow Kiss, Rhubarb & Custard, Red Roy's Rovers and now Soozie's Sizzlers. That list contains FIVE previous champions!
Brox Banditos goes top for the first time, three points ahead of To Elland Back and Boys on tour. There is a bit of a gap back to Racing Hiccups in 4th with Loads of Roubles, a big climber, in 6th. AON United also grab a top 7 spot, the first time since August for Mark.
Paris Eagles slip to 7th with rival Keep the faith just a point behind. Gooner win league are a faller but Lazarus United are on fire in 10th. Nortius Maximus and the Wody Webels made up some good ground as did Serves you right for leaving the league, PK. Pete, Ian - can we have shorter names next year please?
In the relegation mire remain Morgan's Machines, Arsene Knows, 2 Infinity & Beyond, Fabio's Flops, Guinness & eggs, Hannoi Utd, Glasgow Kiss, Rhubarb & Custard, Red Roy's Rovers and now Soozie's Sizzlers. That list contains FIVE previous champions!
Photograph of the week
As Sir Alex Ferguson said: "The football world has gone mad." And he should know. Big Sam Allardyce, ok not the corden bleu of football but bloody good steak and kidney pudding with onion gravyto die for was performing wonders at Ewood Park but not good enough for know it all new owners. By the way, if any of you are Twitterers, then @TheBig_Sam is a must.
Another change at the top but watch Mutley.
N&R FL Division 2 - Week 16Another new leader in Div 2 as Bingo FC take back over the reigns. That is 5 leaders in 5 weeks and seven in total for the season.
It's close though with Good on Paper in 2nd and FFC 4Ever in 3rd.
Behind them KC's Clowns come out of the pack to lead the chase. Chart this Int'l are 5th with Sons of pitches 6th. Blunty slips up a bit as does Bobby Z is world class. From nowhere Brighton Blues move into the promotion scene and the Capello Index are 10th.
Calculated Risk are treading a bit of water but Davor and Baron Greenback Rangers and FC Wood are still in the hunt.
Hammer Nation stay bottom.
Robbed
Week 16 - Manager of the WeekIt would have been Rob Munden but between us girls he sold Berbatov hours before the transfer deadline. Probably distracted by the window cleaner!
So, the MoW for week 16 was a fortunate Mark Simmons but a big United fan, so deserving of the fiver. Mark scored 65 points, one more than an improving Glen Francis. Ken Cobbett was next with 60, Johnny Mc weighed in with 57, then the Long's scored a 53, which is Paul and Christian's best of the season. 16 weeks to score more than 50 in a week!
Foulger did well again with 47, Wardy 46, Henry and Wrighty 45 and Francey with a 42.
Other scores of note were 37 for the in form Wenners, likwise for Godders. Neil Addington scored 35, Richard Richards 25 25, Ready 15 and Nobby a season-low of 13. Soozie scored a season-low too with 8.
Week 16's worst score was owned by Steve Black, just 6. Poor.
Old football kits
Manchester City 1989-91Made by Umbro
Worn by Clive Allen, Colin Hendry and Peter Reid
Good days for City, they beat Man Utd 5-1 at Maine Road wearing this with Feed the Goat scoring for fun. They also finished 5th in the 89/90 season.
Week 16 review
The weekend when for the first time in Premier League history every team scored. Goals galore around the country including:
United scoring 7 at home to Blackburn. The lazy so and so Berbatov even got 5! Yes five Rob Munden. Ebanks-Blake late winner gave Wolves a 3-2 over Sunderland, the Baggies won 4-1 at Everton, Arsenal 4-2 at Villa, Bolton came from 2-0 down to draw with Blackpool. Mark Davies probably scoring the goal of the season..... well it'll be goal of the season if Arsenal scored it!
Fulham drew 1-1 with Birmingham, Stoke and Citeh did the same and even West Ham won beating Wigan in a real 6 pointer.
On the Sunday Newcastle drew with Chelsea and Tottenham beat Liverpool in a thoroughly entertaining game at the Lane.
United scoring 7 at home to Blackburn. The lazy so and so Berbatov even got 5! Yes five Rob Munden. Ebanks-Blake late winner gave Wolves a 3-2 over Sunderland, the Baggies won 4-1 at Everton, Arsenal 4-2 at Villa, Bolton came from 2-0 down to draw with Blackpool. Mark Davies probably scoring the goal of the season..... well it'll be goal of the season if Arsenal scored it!
Fulham drew 1-1 with Birmingham, Stoke and Citeh did the same and even West Ham won beating Wigan in a real 6 pointer.
On the Sunday Newcastle drew with Chelsea and Tottenham beat Liverpool in a thoroughly entertaining game at the Lane.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas parties
Do people still have massive company Christmas parties? I remember donkeys years ago when I was in London working for the same company I do now, although probably a takeover or merger removed, we used to host huge outside tented Christmas 'do's' at great expense at locations like Spitalfields or themed inside ones at places such as The Brewery at Chiswell Street. Bloody brilliant they were. Do companies in London still do that?The reason I ask is today we have our team Christmas lunch. Seven of us eating, getting a little tiddly but a far cry from the glory days of 90's excesses. In fact when I was in Chicago we used to put our team lunch up for sponsorship because team Christmas lunches, expensed ones anyway were banned. Actually we had some very good and guilt-free afternoons.
I suspect most companies these days struggle to warrant an expensive end of year staff blow out, preferring to offer days off or hampers or bottles of cheap plonk instead. Mind you some still may not agree with such nimiety.
Shame really because most employees work their balls off all year and a little free drink-up can go a long way. My lot are happy to have a late lunch and write the afternoon off and as an added bonus the company are hosting a two-hour staff cocktail party in the office tomorrow after work, although more cheese and pineapple on sticks than bacchanalia.
Monday, December 13, 2010
In the papers
"It is surely no coincidence that in the week when Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, suddenly appeared happy and announced he had the backing of the owner and money to spend, Carlos Tevez asked to leave Manchester City."
Cynical? Well see what Martin Samuel thinks of the homesick Carlos Tevez's decision to leave Man City.
Read article here.
Cynical? Well see what Martin Samuel thinks of the homesick Carlos Tevez's decision to leave Man City.
Read article here.
Playing catch up
The last few weeks have been a blur of clients, travel, booze, man flu and dark scary dreams of Alan Pardew. Hence we are a couple of weeks behind. Week 15 is below with more to follow later this week.
Enjoy the festive season - drop me a line with any stories.
Nobs
Enjoy the festive season - drop me a line with any stories.
Nobs
N&R Cup 1st Round Results
In week 15 we had the 1st Round of the Nobby & Ready Cup. These were the results:
Brett Davey 30-55 Mark Dewberry
Draw - Div 1
Mark Simmons 44-31 John McGowan
Brett Davey 30-55 Mark DewberryJason Syrett 13-46 Barry Plummer
Barry Paull 51-42 Richard Nathan
Ian Kennett 46-53 Tim Harris
Rob Munden 31-20 Pete Godfrey
Neil Reynolds 38-24 Keith Read
Henry Williams 34-45 Ryan Saveall
Danny Rose 31-51 Simon Newport
Chris Wright 34-19 Scott Morgan
Steve Black 23-37 Aaron Barden
Mark Wenman 38-39 James Ashworth
Greg Foulger 27-12 Soozie Saveall
Lee Horne 39-46 Ian France
Kirsty Baillie 27-28 Alan Oakley
There were a couple of cracking games involving Kirsty and Oakers, won by Al and also between colleagues James and Wenners. James coming out on top also by a solitary point. Tim Harris beat Ian Kennett in a high scoring game but the big news in this half of the draw was the exit of N&R Cup holder Ready and last year's runner up Scott Morgan.
Draw - Div 2
Simon Ward 51-27 Neil Bixby
Davor Duvancic 24-20 Sarah Sheron
Andrew Cassell 50-55 Ben Guarino
Danny Stock 21-48 Ken Cobbett
Peter Doyle 28-25 Brian Rutter
Lee Baughan 50-34 Michael Stout
Neville White 49-34 Neil Addington
Neil Wallis 45-23 Richard Stirland
Mark Gregory 60-42 Alastair Bigg
Alex Byatt 30-13 Emma Sadler
Richard Richards 35-30 Glen Francis
Feldbruegge/Malloy 22-47 Steve Merchant
Hilary Flynn 33-30 Alan Waters
Alex Boswell 37-24 Chris Waterman
Tony Murray 12-36 Ricky Wood
Here Hilary Ryan's victory over Muddy made sure we had at least one female representative in the 2nd Round. Sweaty beat Michael Stout in a high scoring match, likewise Ben in a tight one away at Andrew Cassell. In the game of the round Doyley overcame Rutts 28-25.
So we have 30 qualifiers and they are to be joined by the best two losers. And they are: Andrew Cassell and Ian Kennett. Congrats. News on the 2nd Round soon.
Week 15 review
In the north London derby Spurs came from two-down to beat Arsenal 3-2, there first win at Emirates. Chelsea slumped to a Lee Bowyer goal at St Andrews, while Newcastle were thrashed by rampaging Bolton 5-1.
Blackpool beat Wolves 2-1, Man U beat Wigan 2-0, Liverpool put 3 past the Hammers at Anfield and Stoke hammered WBA at The Hawthorns 3-0.
On the Sunday Blackburn beat Villa 2-0 and Mark Hughes' Fulham were outplayed by Tevez and co and lost 4-1 at the Cottage.
In Monday's game Sunderland and Everton shared the points in a 2-2 draw.
Blackpool beat Wolves 2-1, Man U beat Wigan 2-0, Liverpool put 3 past the Hammers at Anfield and Stoke hammered WBA at The Hawthorns 3-0.
On the Sunday Blackburn beat Villa 2-0 and Mark Hughes' Fulham were outplayed by Tevez and co and lost 4-1 at the Cottage.
In Monday's game Sunderland and Everton shared the points in a 2-2 draw.
Brox, Elland, Boys & Hiccups in close contention
N&R FL Division 1 - Week 15
Brox Banditos is just a point from To Elland and Back, with Boys on Tour and Racing Hiccups in close contact.
A little back from these four are Paris Eagles, Gooner win League, Keep the Faith, who are back in the top 7 and Loads of Roubles in 8th.
Brox Banditos is just a point from To Elland and Back, with Boys on Tour and Racing Hiccups in close contact.
A little back from these four are Paris Eagles, Gooner win League, Keep the Faith, who are back in the top 7 and Loads of Roubles in 8th.
Mark I
N&R FL Division 2 - Week 15
Good on paper are proving to be a little bit more than that. In Week 15 Mark moved into the top spot in the division (and also if anyone's counting the top spot in the game) after a MoW performance. Mark is 2 points ahead of FFC 4Ever, and a healthy 12 in front of Bingo FC.
These 3 are miles ahead of the pack. 78 points behind in 4th is Sons of pitches, who lead Blunty 11, Bobby Z is World Class and Chart This Int'l.
Good on paper are proving to be a little bit more than that. In Week 15 Mark moved into the top spot in the division (and also if anyone's counting the top spot in the game) after a MoW performance. Mark is 2 points ahead of FFC 4Ever, and a healthy 12 in front of Bingo FC.
These 3 are miles ahead of the pack. 78 points behind in 4th is Sons of pitches, who lead Blunty 11, Bobby Z is World Class and Chart This Int'l.
Gregorious
Week 15 - Manager of the Week
Mark Gregory celebrated a wonderful week by topping the 7-day charts and claiming a fiver for his 60 point score.
Ben Guarino and Mark Dewberry were next up with 55, followed by Tim Harris with 53 and then the handsome trio of Barry Paull, Simon Ward and Nobby, each with 51.
The week's lowest score was 12, owned by both Tony Murray and Soozie.
Mark Gregory celebrated a wonderful week by topping the 7-day charts and claiming a fiver for his 60 point score.
Ben Guarino and Mark Dewberry were next up with 55, followed by Tim Harris with 53 and then the handsome trio of Barry Paull, Simon Ward and Nobby, each with 51.
The week's lowest score was 12, owned by both Tony Murray and Soozie.
Old football kits
Newcastle United 1992-93Made by Umbro with no sponsor
Worn by Roy Aitken, Lee Clark and Gavin Peacock (now a preacher)
This top (often worn tucked down the trousers of topless Geordies) was worn during the Toon's 1992/3 promotion season.
Photograph of the week
Chris Hughton was disgracefully sacked by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and replaced by his new mate Alan Pardew, who was given a five and a half year contract. Pardew did win his first game though, but it was only Liverpool.Monday, December 06, 2010
Loony Toon
I don't often feel any sympathy for Newcastle United's fans as I have always believed that they got what they deserved but just as I was starting to take them seriously, the news came today that they have fired Chris Hughton, you know the bloke who quietly and very successfully resurrected the club from the edge of the abyss, broke records, restored pride, bought some good players, and cheaply, put them back amongst the Premier League's upper pecking order and was probably paid a fraction of what Alan Shearer was paid to win one game.
How pathetic and who is favourite for the job? Alan f***ing Pardew. Mike Ashley, you are such a knob.
How pathetic and who is favourite for the job? Alan f***ing Pardew. Mike Ashley, you are such a knob.
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