I must admit this season has been one of the hardest in keeping up with the scoring and the blog. There are a number of reasons for that and to be honest I have had the occassional moment when I thought.. Why?
But I know why. It is why when I go into the city that I still have so many friends, likewise in Chicago. After being away from the London Market for 8 years it is great that so many people remember me and there I was thinking it was my insurance prowess!
In my mind the N&R FL preceeded Facebook and has been a wonderful way of keeping in touch with people and making new mates. So thank you to everyone for taking part and especially those that email, text and call to say hello, give me titbits of gossip and news and to say thanks.
That just leaves us to say a few thank you's to end on. It seems like a long time since we were first introduced to Mark Simmons (that's because it was!). Mark agreed to do all of our scoring for us as the N&R FL grew bigger and it was becoming impossible to do it manually. Without Mark's time, support and software the N&R FL would have ben consigned to history a long, long time ago.
The popularity of the league has never waned and in fact has got bigger as the years go by and what Keith and I particularly like about it is the new friends we meet as well as all the old friends that we have playing, some of whom have been with us since the beginning way back in 1996.
A big thank you to all of you guys who make the effort so worthwhile. Congratulations to all the winners, tough titty to the losers but thanks to you all for playing. I will see you all hopefully in London and Chicago soon.
Keith and I hope you and your families all enjoy the summer.
Nobby & Ready
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Scream it from the rooftops - Rob is the champion
11 seasons Rob Munden has toiled sweat and blood in the N&R FL, and eventually it all came good. Rob will collect the N&R championship trophy at the prestigious New Moon on August 8th after winning the title after an exciting season.Rob was top of the Play-Off's in week 37 and fought a tough battle with Ken Cobbett all the way down the home straight. In week 39 just 6 points separated the two but Rob found another gear and ended 43 points in front of the man from Chartis.
Rob, who is the London Manager of Travelers got of to a flyer and was top of Div 1 after just 3 weeks, and apart from week 16 when Chris Wright took over, he was top until the final day of the season.
When we got into the business part of the season Rob's main threats came from the unknown qualities of men from Division 2. KC, Richard Richards, Neil Wallis, Mark Gregory and Simon Ward all gave chase, and then he also had to fend off a super late challenge from Steve Black and the ever consistent John McGowan.
Rob famously shared an intimate moment with a roofer in his bedroom in Surrey, and to be honest that is probably up there with some of his underwriting quotes as the most embarrassing moments in his life. But, now he can tell everyone his most proudest moment..... Champion of the N&R FL. Well done mate, you are a deserved winner.
Ken was a very worthy runner-up, and now we'll wait and see if he can repeat it next season. Rich was 3rd and he can be very proud of his excellent fantasy season.
In 4th was the ultimate late finisher Steve Black, who if he can start better next time will be a big favourite to be our first ever American winner. 5th was Johnny Mc, who had his 5th consecutive top 10 finish and 6th came Neil Wallis with long time front runner Mark Gregory 7th.
Steve Merchant after an average first season came really good this year and finished in an excellent 8th with old pro Barry Paull 9th, with Wardy causing a big shock by claiming 10th and Bluefin's Neil Bixby 11th.
Final Top of the N&R FL 2010/11 Table:
1. Rob Munden, 1,511
2. Ken Cobbett, 1,467
3. Richard Richards 1,463
4. Steve Black 1,432
5. John McGowan 1,427
Prize money
I will send emails to the big winners and will be more than happy to transfer money into people's bank accounts. Just send me your details. Or I can pay you at the drinks (see below).
For the smaller winners I will pay at the drinks but again I'm happy to transfer online.
Hopefully all winners will let me deduct next year's £25 entry fee or $40 from any winnings and we plan to collect as much of the 2011/12 entry money at the New Moon on the 8th August.
Thank you.
For the smaller winners I will pay at the drinks but again I'm happy to transfer online.
Hopefully all winners will let me deduct next year's £25 entry fee or $40 from any winnings and we plan to collect as much of the 2011/12 entry money at the New Moon on the 8th August.
Thank you.
End of Season Drinks and Prize Giving
Please mark your calendars, Keith and I will host the end of season dinner and dance at the New Moon, Leadenhall Market on Monday August 8th, from 5pm onwards.There will be prize giving and trophy handouts and plenty of time for speeches and tears.
Please bring along anyone that knows me.
I will be in Chicago in mid-September so will hope to see the Chicago based N&R FL managers then.
Photograph of the week
Tottenham's Giovani dos Santos seals a 4-2 win for Mexico over United States in the final of the Gold Cup held in Pasadena, California but mostly watched by Mexicans.Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan had given United States an early lead but Pablo Barrera and Andres Guardado drew Mexico back level by the break.
Barrera added his second after the restart before Dos Santos produced this stylish chip into the corner of Tim Howard's goal in the 76th minute to give Mexico their sixth Gold Cup title.
Promotion winners
10 managers will start next season in the N&R Division 1 after winning promotion. Seven of those managers were in their first ever N&R season. Congratulations and we have high hopes that you can all compete again next year at the top table.Wardy, Neville and Steve each deserve a mention, particularly the first two who after many years have finally had some success. Neville remember, also won the N&R Cup.
So for Ken, Richard, Neil and Mark promotion was just a formality after being at the top for almost the whole campaign. Mark was top of the table for 6 weeks, KC took a little while to find his feet but by week 10 was 9th, then he was 4th by week 20 and then by week 27 KC was top and he cantered to the finish line.
Double Rich hovered in the lower promotion places also after a sluggish start but he had a really strong finish and Neil was only out of the top 10 for 3 weeks and a superb last week moved him from 6th to 3rd.
Both Steve Merchant and Wardy never came out of the top 10 and both enjoyed bouts in 1st place, Steve for 5 weeks and Simon for 11. It was a good season for Simon whose previous two seasons had seen him finish 44nd and 28th.
Alastair Bigg spent all but a fortnight in the promotion race, was top in week 5 but fell away in the closing month or so and we thought in a bit of danger but he pulled through.
Neil Bixby surprised a few people. He was pretty much nowhere up until Christmas when hit first made 10th. And there he stayed and got to 7th in week 32 and that is where he stayed.
Ricky Wood had a steady first half of the season, most of which was under the radar but in week 30 he moved up to 9th. He dropped out of the race with just 4 weeks to go but battled back to claim promotion with 42 points to spare.
Then there was Neville, who was a rank outsider for promotion. But he overcame Davor in the final week and will play in the N&R elite next season.
Spare a thought for Davor, my favourite Yugoslavian, who lost out by one place and who was in the top 10 for the majority of the 41 weeks, including 3 at the top.
Blunty and Ben also came close and Tim & Dennis, Paul & Christian and Emma all had seasons that they can find some solace in.
This is how it finished:
1. Ken Cobbett, 1,467
2. Richard Richards, 1,463
3. Neil Wallis, 1,421
4. Mark Gregory 1,419
5. Steve Merchant, 1,414
6. Simon Ward 1,402
7. Neil Bixby, 1,388
8. Ricky Wood, 1,332
9. Alastair Bigg, 1,318
10. Neville White, 1,315
----------------------------
11. Davor Duvancic, 1,290
12. Andrew Cassell, 1,277
13. Ben Guarino, 1,272
14. Emma Sadler, 1,277
15. Feldbruegge/Malloy, 1,272
Monday, June 27, 2011
N&R Historic Stats
From 15 years of historical Nobby & Ready database:
Top 5 best scores:
1. Paul Kelleher 1,739 (07/08)
2. Soozie Syrett 1,735 (05/06)
3. Ryan Saveall 1,543 (06/07)
4. Neil Reynolds 1,535 (08/09)
5. Rob Munden 1,511 (10/11)
Top 5 worst scores:
1. Tony Hepburn 680 (2000/01)
2. Christian Bristo (son of Steve) 682 (99/2000)
3. Dermot Walsh 706 (98/99)
4. Tony Murray 793 (10/11)
5. Liz Keiller 839 (02/03)
Top 5 best scores:
1. Paul Kelleher 1,739 (07/08)
2. Soozie Syrett 1,735 (05/06)
3. Ryan Saveall 1,543 (06/07)
4. Neil Reynolds 1,535 (08/09)
5. Rob Munden 1,511 (10/11)
Top 5 worst scores:
1. Tony Hepburn 680 (2000/01)
2. Christian Bristo (son of Steve) 682 (99/2000)
3. Dermot Walsh 706 (98/99)
4. Tony Murray 793 (10/11)
5. Liz Keiller 839 (02/03)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hearts statement
I don't know if anyone saw this statement released by the Heart of Midlothian owner. He is a crackpot:
Hearts statement
24.06.2011
The Hearts Board of Directors has issued the following statement in relation to outside influences on players and the club.
"What's happening with the club today is not a new thing. For almost 7 years we have been fighting to shield the club from crooks, criminals and thieves. Many of the top players at the club have felt the bitter results of the swindles that have been carried out with them on their own skin. Skacel and Webster have returned to the club after realising where these 'football patriots' have led them.
"Over a short space of time 4 players at our club have been on the wrong end of the law. We note that 3 of them are represented by the same agent - Gary Mackay - who has been so vicious in his attacks against Mr Romanov.
"Taking into account the facts that have been omitted by the media it can be presumed that each of these cases is not a coincidence, but the result of targeted actions of a mafia that wants to manipulate the club and the results.
"Every year Hearts fights to be in the top 3, but even last season in the last 12 games of the season it was almost like someone replaced the team with a different one. Whose fault is that? Players? Manager's? Or it is mafia.
"Stealing players, bad games, problems with the law - all of that on top of record SFA fines. Problems are just shifted to another level.
"Mafia are dragging kids into the crime, in order to blackmail and profit on them. It is not possible to separate these people from pedophiles, and you don't need to do that. Each year we are forced to fight against these maniacs harder and harder. We are standing in their way not letting them manipulate the game of football in the way they want. As such they undermine us in every possible way they can.
"The task of the club is to tear these kids out of hands of criminals."
Hearts statement
24.06.2011
The Hearts Board of Directors has issued the following statement in relation to outside influences on players and the club.
"What's happening with the club today is not a new thing. For almost 7 years we have been fighting to shield the club from crooks, criminals and thieves. Many of the top players at the club have felt the bitter results of the swindles that have been carried out with them on their own skin. Skacel and Webster have returned to the club after realising where these 'football patriots' have led them.
"Over a short space of time 4 players at our club have been on the wrong end of the law. We note that 3 of them are represented by the same agent - Gary Mackay - who has been so vicious in his attacks against Mr Romanov.
"Taking into account the facts that have been omitted by the media it can be presumed that each of these cases is not a coincidence, but the result of targeted actions of a mafia that wants to manipulate the club and the results.
"Every year Hearts fights to be in the top 3, but even last season in the last 12 games of the season it was almost like someone replaced the team with a different one. Whose fault is that? Players? Manager's? Or it is mafia.
"Stealing players, bad games, problems with the law - all of that on top of record SFA fines. Problems are just shifted to another level.
"Mafia are dragging kids into the crime, in order to blackmail and profit on them. It is not possible to separate these people from pedophiles, and you don't need to do that. Each year we are forced to fight against these maniacs harder and harder. We are standing in their way not letting them manipulate the game of football in the way they want. As such they undermine us in every possible way they can.
"The task of the club is to tear these kids out of hands of criminals."
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Who won what
N&R FL Champion - £250 plus coveted title trophy
ROB MUNDEN
Runner Up - £180
KEN COBBETT
3rd - £160
RICHARD RICHARDS
4th - £125
STEVE BLACK
5th - £100
JOHN McGOWAN
6th - £80
NEIL WALLIS
7th - £70
MARK GREGORY
8th - £60
STEVE MERCHANT
9th - £50
BARRY PAULL
10th - £40
SIMON WARD
11th - £30
CHRIS WRIGHT
12th - £20
NEIL BIXBY
N&R Cup Winner - Trophy
NEVILLE WHITE
Team Challenge Winners - Trophy
QBE
Manager of the Weeks - £5 or $8 each or shared equally if any one week was a tie.
NEIL WALLIS (3), PETER GODFREY (3), MARK GREGORY (3), IAN KENNETT (2), LEE HORNE (2), RICKY WOOD (2), FELDBRUEGGE/MALLOY (2), KEN COBBETT (2), ALASTAIR BIGG (2), MARK SIMMONS (2), DANNY ROSE (2), RICHARD RICHARDS (1), STEVE BLACK (1), CHRIS WRIGHT (1), LEE BAUGHAN (1), NEIL REYNOLDS (1), NEIL BIXBY (1), TIM HARRIS (1), BARRY PAULL (1), READY (1), ALAN OAKLEY (1), BRIAN RUTTER (1), SOOZIE SAVEALL (1), EMMA SADLER (1), BEN GUARINO (1), RYAN SAVEALL (1).
Benfleet Bet Predictions Winner - £30
NOBBY
Best weekly score - £30
BARRY PAULL
Worst weekly score - £30
LEE BAUGHAN
The 2nd worst total overall score (Penultimate Prize) - £25
RICHARD NATHAN
ROB MUNDEN
Runner Up - £180
KEN COBBETT
3rd - £160
RICHARD RICHARDS
4th - £125
STEVE BLACK
5th - £100
JOHN McGOWAN
6th - £80
NEIL WALLIS
7th - £70
MARK GREGORY
8th - £60
STEVE MERCHANT
9th - £50
BARRY PAULL
10th - £40
SIMON WARD
11th - £30
CHRIS WRIGHT
12th - £20
NEIL BIXBY
N&R Cup Winner - Trophy
NEVILLE WHITE
Team Challenge Winners - Trophy
QBE
Manager of the Weeks - £5 or $8 each or shared equally if any one week was a tie.
NEIL WALLIS (3), PETER GODFREY (3), MARK GREGORY (3), IAN KENNETT (2), LEE HORNE (2), RICKY WOOD (2), FELDBRUEGGE/MALLOY (2), KEN COBBETT (2), ALASTAIR BIGG (2), MARK SIMMONS (2), DANNY ROSE (2), RICHARD RICHARDS (1), STEVE BLACK (1), CHRIS WRIGHT (1), LEE BAUGHAN (1), NEIL REYNOLDS (1), NEIL BIXBY (1), TIM HARRIS (1), BARRY PAULL (1), READY (1), ALAN OAKLEY (1), BRIAN RUTTER (1), SOOZIE SAVEALL (1), EMMA SADLER (1), BEN GUARINO (1), RYAN SAVEALL (1).
Benfleet Bet Predictions Winner - £30
NOBBY
Best weekly score - £30
BARRY PAULL
Worst weekly score - £30
LEE BAUGHAN
The 2nd worst total overall score (Penultimate Prize) - £25
RICHARD NATHAN
The managers - A to B's
Neil Addington - 26th Div 2, 54th overall, 0 MoW
A first season for Neil in the most famous insurance market fantasy league on the planet and Neil found it hard going. Around about October/November he was on the periphery of the promotion zone but he couldn't push on from there and in the second half of the season Neil settled quite comfortably into a lower half position.
James Ashworth - 16th Div 1, 28th overall, 0 MoW
Young 5 bellies proved he was good enough for the top division with a good if not prize worthy season. He was quick out if the blocks (2nd in week 2), but he struggled to keep a title challenge going despite the odd peaks. However he was always too good for the bottom 10 and Jimmy will go again next
season.
Kirsty Baillie - 23rd Div 1 (relegated), 41st overall, 0 MoW
I'm not making this up, but I recently had a vivid (a bit too vivid to be honest) dream that Ready and Kirsty were, how shall I say, an item! Weird, weird because I never knew that Keith had a thing for Scots. No offence Lee. Kirsty had a surprisingly crap season after finishing 2nd and 3rd in the last two years. It did start well but she struggled to get her game, that we know she has, going. 38 weeks in the Drop zone out of 41 says it all.
Aaron Bardon - 24th Div 1 (relegated), 42nd overall, 0 MoW
Disappointing from Aaron but he did have a good period of play in the middle of the season. If nothing else he was consistent though after finishing 41st last season.
Lee Baughan - 17th Div 2, 39th overall, 1 MoW, Worst weekly score
Sweaty by his own standards had a good season. I mean he wasn't relegated (he couldn't be), he was comfortably not bottom and for a while he appeared to be on promotion form..... well that's not actually true, but we love you anyway pal.
Alastair Bigg - 9th Div 2 (promoted), 20th overall, 2 MoW
Two MoW's before the middle of September and top of Div 2 in week 5. Alastair had a superb first N&R season and never left the promotion race after week 2. Sadly a drop in form after February meant that he missed out on the Play-Off's but a deserved promotion was never in any doubt.
Neil Bixby - 7th Div 2 (promoted), 10th in Play-Off table, 12th overall, 1 MoW
A slow start for Neil but xx transfers. In the Play-Off's he never managed to get out of 10th place but we will see Neil eating at the top table next season.
Steve Black - 2nd Div 1
, 4th overall, 1 MoW
How Steve never made the Play-Off's is a complete mystery. A great start but floundered quickly when Steve crashed into the relegation zone in week 4. Apart from 3 weeks he occupied a bottom 10 place until the end of February. He made a couple of strategic changes and then Steve, who has built a reputation for closing strongly, put together a marvellous run to overtake 6 of the Play-Off qualifiers to finish 4th overall. Last year's late run brought a 3rd place.
Alex Boswell - 23rd Div 2, 47th overall, 0 MoW
A disappointing campaign but Alex did slowly get better as the season progressed and knocked in some decent scores in the last 10 weeks to finish well clear of the bottom.
Alex Byatt - 25th Div 2, 50th overall, 0 MoW
Alex was 3rd after in week one, then the world straightened itself and he settled back into mid table mode, although to be fair he did mix it in the promotion spots for a few weeks in October. His best finish since 2007 despite not making a single transfer.
A first season for Neil in the most famous insurance market fantasy league on the planet and Neil found it hard going. Around about October/November he was on the periphery of the promotion zone but he couldn't push on from there and in the second half of the season Neil settled quite comfortably into a lower half position.
James Ashworth - 16th Div 1, 28th overall, 0 MoW
Young 5 bellies proved he was good enough for the top division with a good if not prize worthy season. He was quick out if the blocks (2nd in week 2), but he struggled to keep a title challenge going despite the odd peaks. However he was always too good for the bottom 10 and Jimmy will go again next
season.Kirsty Baillie - 23rd Div 1 (relegated), 41st overall, 0 MoW
I'm not making this up, but I recently had a vivid (a bit too vivid to be honest) dream that Ready and Kirsty were, how shall I say, an item! Weird, weird because I never knew that Keith had a thing for Scots. No offence Lee. Kirsty had a surprisingly crap season after finishing 2nd and 3rd in the last two years. It did start well but she struggled to get her game, that we know she has, going. 38 weeks in the Drop zone out of 41 says it all.
Aaron Bardon - 24th Div 1 (relegated), 42nd overall, 0 MoW
Disappointing from Aaron but he did have a good period of play in the middle of the season. If nothing else he was consistent though after finishing 41st last season.
Lee Baughan - 17th Div 2, 39th overall, 1 MoW, Worst weekly score
Sweaty by his own standards had a good season. I mean he wasn't relegated (he couldn't be), he was comfortably not bottom and for a while he appeared to be on promotion form..... well that's not actually true, but we love you anyway pal.
Alastair Bigg - 9th Div 2 (promoted), 20th overall, 2 MoW
Two MoW's before the middle of September and top of Div 2 in week 5. Alastair had a superb first N&R season and never left the promotion race after week 2. Sadly a drop in form after February meant that he missed out on the Play-Off's but a deserved promotion was never in any doubt.
Neil Bixby - 7th Div 2 (promoted), 10th in Play-Off table, 12th overall, 1 MoW
A slow start for Neil but xx transfers. In the Play-Off's he never managed to get out of 10th place but we will see Neil eating at the top table next season.
Steve Black - 2nd Div 1
, 4th overall, 1 MoWHow Steve never made the Play-Off's is a complete mystery. A great start but floundered quickly when Steve crashed into the relegation zone in week 4. Apart from 3 weeks he occupied a bottom 10 place until the end of February. He made a couple of strategic changes and then Steve, who has built a reputation for closing strongly, put together a marvellous run to overtake 6 of the Play-Off qualifiers to finish 4th overall. Last year's late run brought a 3rd place.
Alex Boswell - 23rd Div 2, 47th overall, 0 MoW
A disappointing campaign but Alex did slowly get better as the season progressed and knocked in some decent scores in the last 10 weeks to finish well clear of the bottom.
Alex Byatt - 25th Div 2, 50th overall, 0 MoW
Alex was 3rd after in week one, then the world straightened itself and he settled back into mid table mode, although to be fair he did mix it in the promotion spots for a few weeks in October. His best finish since 2007 despite not making a single transfer.
Team Challenge Trophy - Wright & Richards walk it
A convincing finish from QBE made them the first insurance company winners for 5 years after a period of broker dominance to lift the N&R Team Challenge Trophy. Chris and Richard both had top 5 finishes in their respective leagues and they were deserved winners seeing of the challenge from Mark and Ricky at Gravity, who were Runners Up.Last year's winners Bluefin came 3rd, with RSA tucked into 4th. A strong finish from Lloyds syndicate JRP saw Danny and Pete, who were re-united this season, finish in 5th as they climbed 3 places in the final couple of weeks.
The fourball from Tokio came 6th with the Chartis crowd 7th. Muddy and Wardy at HDI Gerling slumped to an 8th place finish but were still higher than Aon Benfield in 9th and bringing up the rear was Aon's International set in 10th. Nobby top scoring though, thought I should mention that!
The N&R Team Challenge Trophy final table will accompany the week 41 email.
The N&R FL Hall of Fame
Well Rob Munden nearly repeated the double won by Neil Reynolds two season's ago. Last season we had our first ever treble winner when Ready walked away with three trophies.
Rob has waited a long time to get his name on the Champions board displayed in N&R HQ. Congratulations to Rob who joins the following esteemed N&R FL Champions:
15 years of Champions:
2010/11 To Elland Back - Rob Munden
2009/10 Hannoi Utd - Keith Read
2008/09 Gooner win league - Neil Reynolds
2007/08 Tally.Wacker.co.uk - Paul Kelleher
2006/07 Savchenko Spurs - Ryan Saveall
2005/06 Ping Pong Yo-Yo - Suzie Syrett
2004/05 Ginger (not so) Athletic - Peter Doyle
2003/04 Chang Noi's Ham Yai - Keith Read
2002/03 2Infinity & Beyond - Barry Plummer
2001/02 Read 'em & weep - Keith Read
2000/01 Brighton Revenge - Jonathan Poole
1999/00 Cowboys Ride Again - Brett Davey
1998/99 Millennium Buggers - Richard Taylor
1997/98 Flo's Champs - Godfrey, Rose
1996/97 Flo's Army - Godfrey, Rose
Rob was just a few points away from winning the double but a marvellous performance by Neville White in the N&R Cup Final saw him collect his first ever silverware. Well done Neville.
N&R Cup Finals
2010/11 Neville White bt Rob Munden
2009/10 Keith Read bt Scott Morgan
2008/09 Neil Reynolds bt Feldbruegge/Malloy
QBE were or Team Challenge Trophy victors beating Gravity into 2nd place and Chris and Richard become our first insurance company winners since 2006. Congratulations.
Team Challenge Winners
2010/11 QBE - Wright, Richards
2009/10 Bluefin - Ready, Saveall
2008/09 Willis - Baillie, Sheron, Kennett
2007/08 BMS - Wenman, Reddy
2006/07 Layton Blackham - Read, Saveall, Thomas
2005/06 AIG - Waterman, France, Dewberry, Barwick, Higgs, Ryan.
2004/05 Marsh - Simmons, Doyle
2003/04 Marsh - Simmons, Doyle
2002/03 Allianz - Jenkins, Day
2001/02 Avon - Godfrey, Rose
2000/01 HSBC - Waters, Murrell, Ready
Rob has waited a long time to get his name on the Champions board displayed in N&R HQ. Congratulations to Rob who joins the following esteemed N&R FL Champions:
15 years of Champions:
2010/11 To Elland Back - Rob Munden
2009/10 Hannoi Utd - Keith Read
2008/09 Gooner win league - Neil Reynolds
2007/08 Tally.Wacker.co.uk - Paul Kelleher
2006/07 Savchenko Spurs - Ryan Saveall
2005/06 Ping Pong Yo-Yo - Suzie Syrett
2004/05 Ginger (not so) Athletic - Peter Doyle
2003/04 Chang Noi's Ham Yai - Keith Read
2002/03 2Infinity & Beyond - Barry Plummer
2001/02 Read 'em & weep - Keith Read
2000/01 Brighton Revenge - Jonathan Poole
1999/00 Cowboys Ride Again - Brett Davey
1998/99 Millennium Buggers - Richard Taylor
1997/98 Flo's Champs - Godfrey, Rose
1996/97 Flo's Army - Godfrey, Rose
Rob was just a few points away from winning the double but a marvellous performance by Neville White in the N&R Cup Final saw him collect his first ever silverware. Well done Neville.
N&R Cup Finals
2010/11 Neville White bt Rob Munden
2009/10 Keith Read bt Scott Morgan
2008/09 Neil Reynolds bt Feldbruegge/Malloy
QBE were or Team Challenge Trophy victors beating Gravity into 2nd place and Chris and Richard become our first insurance company winners since 2006. Congratulations.
Team Challenge Winners
2010/11 QBE - Wright, Richards
2009/10 Bluefin - Ready, Saveall
2008/09 Willis - Baillie, Sheron, Kennett
2007/08 BMS - Wenman, Reddy
2006/07 Layton Blackham - Read, Saveall, Thomas
2005/06 AIG - Waterman, France, Dewberry, Barwick, Higgs, Ryan.
2004/05 Marsh - Simmons, Doyle
2003/04 Marsh - Simmons, Doyle
2002/03 Allianz - Jenkins, Day
2001/02 Avon - Godfrey, Rose
2000/01 HSBC - Waters, Murrell, Ready
2014 World Cup Qualifiers start today
With 3 years to go until the Brazilian World Cup, actual qualifying will get under way today with Trinidad hosting a preliminary match between Montserrat and Belize.With 31 spots up for grabs at the tournament, the first of 832 qualifiers will be played in the Caribbean because of Montserrat's ill-equipped stadium.
Montserrat are ranked 202nd, 30 places below their opponents, and coached by 46-year-old Londoner Kenny Dyer, who played youth football for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as competing professionally for Maidstone United and in Cyprus.
"It's not easy trying to get players but there's national pride," Dyer said.
The two teams are competing in a first-leg match in Couva, hoping eventually to progress from the North, Central American and Caribbean (Concacaf) region.
Dyer, whose team haven't played a competitive match since October said "We've got players who work in McDonald's, accountants, a few full-time professionals, policemen. Some players are seeing each other for the first time. It's about team spirit and camaraderie."
Montserrat was devastated when the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted in 1995, one year before gaining Fifa membership.
In three World Cup qualifying campaigns, they have never won a match nor played on a home ground.
Europe's 53 teams, including defending champions Spain, will find out who they face in qualifying when the draw takes place on 30 July, while their groups begin in September 2012.
Concacaf's strongest teams, including the United States and Mexico, get going in June 2012.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The managers - C to D's
Andrew Cassell - 12th Div 2, 27th overall, 0 MoW
Blunty will be disappointed to miss out on promotion I would think. 4th in October, then 5th as we entered December. In the new year points became harder to find for Andy but he was always there or thereabouts and chased hard down the straight but missed out on promotion by 38 points.
Ken Cobbett - Winner Div 2 (promoted), 2nd in Play-Off table, 2nd overall, 2 MoW
What a season for Ken, his first in the N&R FL. Top of Div 2 and thus a solid promotion, but Ken was also involved in the exciting challenge for the title. he entered the Play-Off's in top spot and then vied with Rob for the coveted title. KC got within 6 points with just a fortnight left eventually having to settle for runner-up but still a nice chunk of prize money.
Brett Davey - 26th Div 1 (relegated), 47th overall, 0 MoW
We afforded Brett, our 2000 champion a Div 1 spot and a warm welcome back to the N&R FL but the standard has moved on and Brett struggled and spent a whole season battling against relegation finally succumbing some weeks before the end of the season.
Mark Dewberry - 6th Div 1, 13th overall, 0 MoW
A better season from Dewbs (best since a 5th 2007) in who spent the majority of the campaign at the top end of Div 1. He will be disappointed to have missed out on the Play-Off's (by 5 points) and chance to play for the big money.
Peter Doyle - 24th Div 2, 52nd overall, 0 MoW
It is sometimes hard to fathom that Doyley is a past champion. Doesn't that give everyone hope? Pete had a mediocre season never in the promotion race, yet putting in better performances than many others. Ginger Rabbit will contest Div 2 again next season with quite a few fellow past champions.
Davor Duvancic - 11th Div 2, 25th overall, 0 MoW
A missed opportunity for my favourite Serbian. Top of Div 2 in September, he continued to be comfortably in the promotion race until Christmas. Davor then pushed himself back in there but found himself in a battle with two or three other managers as we got to the business end if the season. With just a week left Davor occupied the final promotion spot but it was snatched away from him in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season.
Blunty will be disappointed to miss out on promotion I would think. 4th in October, then 5th as we entered December. In the new year points became harder to find for Andy but he was always there or thereabouts and chased hard down the straight but missed out on promotion by 38 points.
Ken Cobbett - Winner Div 2 (promoted), 2nd in Play-Off table, 2nd overall, 2 MoW
What a season for Ken, his first in the N&R FL. Top of Div 2 and thus a solid promotion, but Ken was also involved in the exciting challenge for the title. he entered the Play-Off's in top spot and then vied with Rob for the coveted title. KC got within 6 points with just a fortnight left eventually having to settle for runner-up but still a nice chunk of prize money.
Brett Davey - 26th Div 1 (relegated), 47th overall, 0 MoW
We afforded Brett, our 2000 champion a Div 1 spot and a warm welcome back to the N&R FL but the standard has moved on and Brett struggled and spent a whole season battling against relegation finally succumbing some weeks before the end of the season.
Mark Dewberry - 6th Div 1, 13th overall, 0 MoW
A better season from Dewbs (best since a 5th 2007) in who spent the majority of the campaign at the top end of Div 1. He will be disappointed to have missed out on the Play-Off's (by 5 points) and chance to play for the big money.
Peter Doyle - 24th Div 2, 52nd overall, 0 MoW
It is sometimes hard to fathom that Doyley is a past champion. Doesn't that give everyone hope? Pete had a mediocre season never in the promotion race, yet putting in better performances than many others. Ginger Rabbit will contest Div 2 again next season with quite a few fellow past champions.Davor Duvancic - 11th Div 2, 25th overall, 0 MoW
A missed opportunity for my favourite Serbian. Top of Div 2 in September, he continued to be comfortably in the promotion race until Christmas. Davor then pushed himself back in there but found himself in a battle with two or three other managers as we got to the business end if the season. With just a week left Davor occupied the final promotion spot but it was snatched away from him in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season.
The managers - The F's
Tim Feldbruegge & Dennis Malloy - 15th Div 2, 37th overall, 2 MoW What a let down. These two boys kicked ass last season as they would say in Chicago and finished a very credible 4th. They were mixing it with the promotion crowd for the first 15 weeks, but slipped into mid table and couldn't navigate their way back. There were two MoW awards though which always shows some quality. Better next season please guys.
Hilary Flynn - 29th Div 2, 57th overall, 0 MoW
Hills wasn't really at the ball this year. She was never as bad as Tony, no one was, but it wasn't a season to remember for Mrs Ryan. Incredibly though she won't be stuck with the Chartis FL curry bill!
Greg Foulger - 11th Div 1, 19th overall, 0 MoW
By my reckoning this is the first time Greg has not collected some prize N&R prize money. The Mexican based player as always was always a threat and a title hopeful and spent many weeks 2nd. He dropped backwards around about week 35 kicking himself AGAIN for using all o
f his transfers too early.Ian France - 15th Div 1, 28th overall, 0 MoW
Francey is still in cloud 9 after Brighton's promotion. His own form wasn't bad in all honesty. Be peaked at 2nd in week 5, was 3rd in week 6 and was 7th as late as week 29. After that middle torpor kicked in and Ian finished bang middle of Div 1.
Glenn Francis - 21st Div 2, 46th overall, 0 MoW
Glenn has never hit the heights a 5th and two 11th's between 2004 and 2006 and sadly this season was another humdrum campaign for Glenn.
The managers - G to L's
Peter Godfrey - 17th Div 1, 29th overall, 3 MoW
A tough old season by Godders' standard. This being said, Pete was top after the first week, 7th in week 5, he won 3 MoW's but flirted with relegation and had 16 weeks in the lower drawer only getting out of it to safety in week 40.
Mark Gregory - 4th Div 2 (promoted), 6th in Play-Off table, 7th overall, 3 MoW
Mark spent just 3 weeks out of the prize positions, and hit the weekly top mark three times. He was top for 6 weeks and comfortably made the Play-Off's. In these he was a real title contender and was 4th for much of the time. Unfortunately he lost two places and £30 in the last 7 days.
Ben Guarino
- 13th Div 2, 30th overall, 1 MoW
He started out as Francey's apprentice which is akin to being Arkwright's from Open All Hours. Looking back that was probably Ben's best form. Ben had a bad start and a crappy end but the middle was quite good. 4th in week 14 and then 15 continuous weeks in a promotion place. He slipped out of the to 10 in week 30 although he was MoW in week 35, which gave him a last push but Ben fell short by a fair few points.
Tim Harris - 9th Div 1, 16th overall, 1 MoW
An early relegation issue was soon resolved after winning the week 7 MoW. Sadly a title tilt never came as Tim just hovered around the Div 1 mid table. However Tim was always pushing and ended the season in a creditable 9th in the top league.
Lee Horne - 13th Div 1, 23rd overall, 2 MoW
Lee carries a big threat and has good title possibilities. This season though Lee found himself embroiled in s relegation fight. He put a good run together after the Autumn nights drew in, but then inexplicably dropped back into the bottom 10 in January and February but was
easy good enough to claim a mid table finish. There were two MoW's though when once again Lee showed his fantasy ability.
Ian Kennett - 14th Div 1, 24th overall, 1 MoW
Ian search for prize money looked more imaginable this season as he moved in the higher echelons of the table, although realistically never threatening. He had better luck in the N&R Cup but Ian did cash in in the final week beating everyone to the best weekly score.
Paul & Christian Long - 16th Div 2, 39th overall, 0 MoW
Actually a much improved season for the father and son Brighton fans in Chicago. For a few weeks even promotion was dinner table conversation, but they couldn't keep up their best form, and that is what was required.
A tough old season by Godders' standard. This being said, Pete was top after the first week, 7th in week 5, he won 3 MoW's but flirted with relegation and had 16 weeks in the lower drawer only getting out of it to safety in week 40.
Mark Gregory - 4th Div 2 (promoted), 6th in Play-Off table, 7th overall, 3 MoW
Mark spent just 3 weeks out of the prize positions, and hit the weekly top mark three times. He was top for 6 weeks and comfortably made the Play-Off's. In these he was a real title contender and was 4th for much of the time. Unfortunately he lost two places and £30 in the last 7 days.
Ben Guarino
- 13th Div 2, 30th overall, 1 MoWHe started out as Francey's apprentice which is akin to being Arkwright's from Open All Hours. Looking back that was probably Ben's best form. Ben had a bad start and a crappy end but the middle was quite good. 4th in week 14 and then 15 continuous weeks in a promotion place. He slipped out of the to 10 in week 30 although he was MoW in week 35, which gave him a last push but Ben fell short by a fair few points.
Tim Harris - 9th Div 1, 16th overall, 1 MoW
An early relegation issue was soon resolved after winning the week 7 MoW. Sadly a title tilt never came as Tim just hovered around the Div 1 mid table. However Tim was always pushing and ended the season in a creditable 9th in the top league.
Lee Horne - 13th Div 1, 23rd overall, 2 MoW
Lee carries a big threat and has good title possibilities. This season though Lee found himself embroiled in s relegation fight. He put a good run together after the Autumn nights drew in, but then inexplicably dropped back into the bottom 10 in January and February but was
easy good enough to claim a mid table finish. There were two MoW's though when once again Lee showed his fantasy ability.Ian Kennett - 14th Div 1, 24th overall, 1 MoW
Ian search for prize money looked more imaginable this season as he moved in the higher echelons of the table, although realistically never threatening. He had better luck in the N&R Cup but Ian did cash in in the final week beating everyone to the best weekly score.
Paul & Christian Long - 16th Div 2, 39th overall, 0 MoW
Actually a much improved season for the father and son Brighton fans in Chicago. For a few weeks even promotion was dinner table conversation, but they couldn't keep up their best form, and that is what was required.
The managers - M to O's
John McGowan - 3rd Div 1, 4th in Play-Off table, 5th overall, 0 MoW
We call him Mr Consistency. Johnny's consistency is incredible. That is now five top 10 N&R finishes in a row, but the title still eludes the Aon Benfield man whose best ever finish is 3rd. I have no doubt though that silverware is only around the corner.
Steve Merchant - 5th Div 2 (promoted), 7th in Play-Off table, 8th overall, 0 MoW
A season entirely spent in the colour, i.e. always in a top 10 place and promotion followed a Play-Off run. With 4 weeks to play Steve was in touching distance of the title contenders but couldn't find that last ounce of extra form but a vast improvement on last season.
Scott Morgan - 29th Div 1 (relegated), 59th overall, 0 MoW
Shocking season for Scott who found himself in the elite league because a fine season last year. The 3rd worse score and Div 2 beckons next year.
Rob Munden - Winner Div 1, Play-Off winner (N&R FL Champion), 1st overall, 0 MoW
It took 11 years (god that makes me feel old, let alone Ready!) but Rob will be delighted to win the N&R title for the first time. Apart from 7 days, he led the Div 1 table for 36 consecutive weeks, but the title challenge came from Div 2 with the new boys Ken, Rich and Neil all pushing the old timer until the very end. Rob was just 5 points ahead of Ken with 3 weeks to play but he found that little extra strength to push himself past the finishing post and Rob will be a popular winner especially within the window cleaning establishment. One strange fact: No, not the window cleaner story - we'll let Rob re-live that one at his acceptance speech - but Rob didn't win the Manager of the Week prize once!
Tony Murray - 31st Div 2, 61st overall, 0 MoW
Someone has to come last and it was our man in NYC and in fact I will be at chez Murray's house (actually in New Jersey) this coming weekend and I might have to take him to one side and give him a few fantasy football lessons. Tony's total of 793 was the worst score since Tony Hepburn in the 2000/2001 season, and I think the points system may not have been so advantageous then. 718 points less than the winner Muzza was last from the very first week and he couldn't even win the bogey prize of the N&R Penultimate Prize, which went to Richard Nathan.
Richard Nathan - 30th Div 1 (relegated), 60th overall (Penultimate Prize Winner), 0 MoW
Razor's fate was decided when the Liverpool fan chose to name his team after Roy Hodgson! A bit like Roy, Richard failed miserably, yet he didn't even gain a bit of self respect back like Roy did later in the season. He did though pick up our wooden spoon prize of getting the 2nd worse score, a much tougher feat than, although no less embarrassing, than getting the worst!
Simon Newport - 12th Div 1, 22 overall, 0 MoW
Another average season from moi and my worse finish since 2007 and once again I finished below Keith. However relegation was avoided and I did some how win the FA Cup Predictions League. For someone who sees all the teams, all the transfers and issues the league tables, I must learn how to cheat!
Alan Oakley - 10th Div 1, 18th overall, 1 MoW
Once considered relegation fodder, Al has improved dramatically over the seasons although he finished a lot short of his past two campaigns (10th and 7th) this time out. However it was still a good effort from Oakers who moved job during the season and picked up a MoW prize.
We call him Mr Consistency. Johnny's consistency is incredible. That is now five top 10 N&R finishes in a row, but the title still eludes the Aon Benfield man whose best ever finish is 3rd. I have no doubt though that silverware is only around the corner.
Steve Merchant - 5th Div 2 (promoted), 7th in Play-Off table, 8th overall, 0 MoW
A season entirely spent in the colour, i.e. always in a top 10 place and promotion followed a Play-Off run. With 4 weeks to play Steve was in touching distance of the title contenders but couldn't find that last ounce of extra form but a vast improvement on last season.
Scott Morgan - 29th Div 1 (relegated), 59th overall, 0 MoW
Shocking season for Scott who found himself in the elite league because a fine season last year. The 3rd worse score and Div 2 beckons next year.
Rob Munden - Winner Div 1, Play-Off winner (N&R FL Champion), 1st overall, 0 MoW
It took 11 years (god that makes me feel old, let alone Ready!) but Rob will be delighted to win the N&R title for the first time. Apart from 7 days, he led the Div 1 table for 36 consecutive weeks, but the title challenge came from Div 2 with the new boys Ken, Rich and Neil all pushing the old timer until the very end. Rob was just 5 points ahead of Ken with 3 weeks to play but he found that little extra strength to push himself past the finishing post and Rob will be a popular winner especially within the window cleaning establishment. One strange fact: No, not the window cleaner story - we'll let Rob re-live that one at his acceptance speech - but Rob didn't win the Manager of the Week prize once!
Tony Murray - 31st Div 2, 61st overall, 0 MoW
Someone has to come last and it was our man in NYC and in fact I will be at chez Murray's house (actually in New Jersey) this coming weekend and I might have to take him to one side and give him a few fantasy football lessons. Tony's total of 793 was the worst score since Tony Hepburn in the 2000/2001 season, and I think the points system may not have been so advantageous then. 718 points less than the winner Muzza was last from the very first week and he couldn't even win the bogey prize of the N&R Penultimate Prize, which went to Richard Nathan.
Richard Nathan - 30th Div 1 (relegated), 60th overall (Penultimate Prize Winner), 0 MoW
Razor's fate was decided when the Liverpool fan chose to name his team after Roy Hodgson! A bit like Roy, Richard failed miserably, yet he didn't even gain a bit of self respect back like Roy did later in the season. He did though pick up our wooden spoon prize of getting the 2nd worse score, a much tougher feat than, although no less embarrassing, than getting the worst!
Simon Newport - 12th Div 1, 22 overall, 0 MoW
Another average season from moi and my worse finish since 2007 and once again I finished below Keith. However relegation was avoided and I did some how win the FA Cup Predictions League. For someone who sees all the teams, all the transfers and issues the league tables, I must learn how to cheat!
Alan Oakley - 10th Div 1, 18th overall, 1 MoW
Once considered relegation fodder, Al has improved dramatically over the seasons although he finished a lot short of his past two campaigns (10th and 7th) this time out. However it was still a good effort from Oakers who moved job during the season and picked up a MoW prize.
Relegation fodder
10 managers will start next season in the Div 2 after their relegations were confirmed from the elite. At the beginning of the season we looked at 12 years of acturial studies and worked out the best 30 managers from that period.At Christmas Richard Nathan, Scott Morgan, Brett Davey and Jason Syrett were already struggling. In fact Razor was already 130 points adrift and was playing like a fantasy Roy Hodgson.
At the halfway stage Ready, Steve Black and Oakers were desperately trying to re-construct their team in the team in the transfer market. To prove this can be done, all 3 finished in the top 10.
By Easter ex-champions Barry Plummer, Soozie Syrett and Danny Rose were embroiled in a relegation struggle.
Mark Wenman had also dropped like a stone and was looking in grave danger, Kirstie was continuing her gallant fight against the drop and Aaron Bardon after moving nicely away from the bottom 10 was back in the doo doo.
Meanwhile another ex-champ Godders was showing all of his worldly fantasy experience and digging himself an escape route. Lee Horne had already climbed to safety. Meanwhile Henry Williams, Ryan Saveall, Mark Simmons and James Ashworth were nervously looking over their shoulders.
This is how it finished:
16= James Ashworth, 1,275 pts
16= Peter Godfrey, 1,275 pts
18. Mark Simmons, 1,252 pts
19. Ryan Saveall, 1,248 pts
20. Henry Williams, 1,241 pts
------------------------------------
21. Soozie Syrett, 1,237 pts
22. Danny Rose, 1,221 pts
23. Kirstie Baillie, 1,197 pts
24. Aaron Bardon, 1,176 pts
25. Jason Syrett, 1,157 pts
26. Brett Davey, 1,137 pts
27. Mark Wenman, 1,096 pts
28. Barry Plummer, 1,087 pts
29. Scott Morgan 966 pts
30. Richard Nathan, 844 pts
So it was Soozie that dropped whilst hubby Ryan was saved. Henry escaped by 4 points and previous N&R FL champions Brett, Barry and Danny will join Soozie playing Division 2 next season. Shameful.
Godders stayed up quite comfortably in the end but Wenners, Jason, Aaron and surprisingly Kirstie all fall.
Scott and Razor Nathan had a long time to get their head around their demotion after poor campaigns.
Scunthorpe on a Tuesday night or Lee Baughan on a Wednesday awaits.....
The managers - P to R's
Barry Paull - 4th Div 1, 8th in Play-Off table, 9th overall, 1 MoW, Best weekly score
Barry will take some heart from Rob winning the title at the 11th attempt. This was Barry's 13th N&R season and his career best was 4th (3 times!). A slow start soon evaporated as Barry moved into the top 10 in week 10 but he became more of a challenger in the 2nd half of the season qualifying for the Play-Off's but not quite having enough gas in the tank to push for a tilt of the title. He did collect the Best weekly score though. Barry's time will come.
Barry Plumme
r - 28th Div 1 (relegated), 50th overall, 0 MoW
Our second Palace fan. This former champion had a sorry season getting relegated and slumping to easily his worst ever finish. There was a rosy patch around the turn of last year but he got dragged back into the mire and surprisingly the former champ didn't have the wherewithal to pull himself to safety. It will be a bit like having West Ham in Div 2 next season.
Keith Read - 7th Div 1, 14th overall, 1 MoW
After last season's treble (league title, cup winner, Team Challenge) this was always going to be a tough one to follow for Keith. After rubbish start where he spent nearly all of pre-Christmas in the relegation zone, he was always too far behind to reach the Play-Off's but after winning MoW in week 28, and making some good transfers his fortune changed and he poked his way into the top 10 of Div 1 and easily avoided the relegation fate of other ex-Champions.
Neil Reynolds - 8th Div 1, 15th overall, 1 MoW
Neil was always banging on the door of the Play-Off's but never got in. He did gets high as 5th in Div 1 but The ex-champion will be disappointed with his season and may well keep a few transfers over for a late push next time around.
Richard Richards - 2nd Div 2 (promoted), 3rd in Play-Off table, 3rd overall, 1 MoW
So good they named him twice. Rich had a wonderful season. After a great first week he struggled then to adjust but Richard found his gear and moved into the Div 2 top 10 and gradually made his way through the field to qualify for the Play-Off's with ease and then battle it out with Rob and Ken for the title in the last few weeks of the season.
Danny Rose- 22nd Div 1 (relegated), 37th overall, 2 MoW
Rough season for Dan despite two MoW's. Relegation followed a very indifferent season. But from mid-January he was more out of the drop zone than in it, but his form fell apart in final few weeks of the season and Danny will begin next year, his 14th in N&R Div 2.
Brian Rutter - 22nd Div 2, 48th overall, 1 MoW
Brian's worse finish ever. Only once has he made the top 10 (2004) and he is a regular bottom feeder, sorry halfer, but this season was bad. There was a MoW though and his start and finish was okay, but the middle bit??
Barry will take some heart from Rob winning the title at the 11th attempt. This was Barry's 13th N&R season and his career best was 4th (3 times!). A slow start soon evaporated as Barry moved into the top 10 in week 10 but he became more of a challenger in the 2nd half of the season qualifying for the Play-Off's but not quite having enough gas in the tank to push for a tilt of the title. He did collect the Best weekly score though. Barry's time will come.
Barry Plumme
r - 28th Div 1 (relegated), 50th overall, 0 MoW Our second Palace fan. This former champion had a sorry season getting relegated and slumping to easily his worst ever finish. There was a rosy patch around the turn of last year but he got dragged back into the mire and surprisingly the former champ didn't have the wherewithal to pull himself to safety. It will be a bit like having West Ham in Div 2 next season.
Keith Read - 7th Div 1, 14th overall, 1 MoW
After last season's treble (league title, cup winner, Team Challenge) this was always going to be a tough one to follow for Keith. After rubbish start where he spent nearly all of pre-Christmas in the relegation zone, he was always too far behind to reach the Play-Off's but after winning MoW in week 28, and making some good transfers his fortune changed and he poked his way into the top 10 of Div 1 and easily avoided the relegation fate of other ex-Champions.
Neil Reynolds - 8th Div 1, 15th overall, 1 MoW
Neil was always banging on the door of the Play-Off's but never got in. He did gets high as 5th in Div 1 but The ex-champion will be disappointed with his season and may well keep a few transfers over for a late push next time around.
Richard Richards - 2nd Div 2 (promoted), 3rd in Play-Off table, 3rd overall, 1 MoW
So good they named him twice. Rich had a wonderful season. After a great first week he struggled then to adjust but Richard found his gear and moved into the Div 2 top 10 and gradually made his way through the field to qualify for the Play-Off's with ease and then battle it out with Rob and Ken for the title in the last few weeks of the season.
Danny Rose- 22nd Div 1 (relegated), 37th overall, 2 MoW
Rough season for Dan despite two MoW's. Relegation followed a very indifferent season. But from mid-January he was more out of the drop zone than in it, but his form fell apart in final few weeks of the season and Danny will begin next year, his 14th in N&R Div 2.
Brian Rutter - 22nd Div 2, 48th overall, 1 MoW
Brian's worse finish ever. Only once has he made the top 10 (2004) and he is a regular bottom feeder, sorry halfer, but this season was bad. There was a MoW though and his start and finish was okay, but the middle bit??
Nobby & Ready End of Season Drinks
Please mark your calendars.
Date: Monday August 8th
Venue: The New Moon
Time: 5pm onwards
Bring: Winners a bag to carry home loot and trophies, everyone else bring corporate credit cards, a thirst and friends.
Date: Monday August 8th
Venue: The New Moon
Time: 5pm onwards
Bring: Winners a bag to carry home loot and trophies, everyone else bring corporate credit cards, a thirst and friends.
The managers - The S's
Emma Sadler - 14th Div 2, 34th overall, 1 MoW
Emma didn't make a solitary transfer during the season however Emma was one of our form managers in the final couple of months of the season even winning the MoW in week 34. If she can add some clever transfer dealings a brighter campaign awaits next season.
Soozie Saveall nee Syrett - 21st Div 1 (relegated), 35th overall, 1 MoW
Ooh shocker from Sooz. Top for 3 weeks in September. What the heck happened
? She got married, maybe that was it but Soozie had her worst ever season since she became a N&R member in 1999. The facts are that she spent as much time in the top 10 than the bottom 10, but sadly Soozie will be another ex-champ that will begin next season in Div 2.
Ryan Saveall - 19th Div 1, 32nd overall, 1 MoW
Well why his wifey got relegated, Ryan survived the drop by 11 points. Like Mrs Sav there was a good start but then a fall in form and Ryan spent the bulk of the season looking over his shoulder at the relegation zone. There was a MoW win though and the good news is that he is the Saveall household champion and wins sexual favours for a month!
Sarah Sheron - 20th Div 2, 44th overall, 0 MoW
Disappointing from Sarah. With an ex-pro footballer in her family it was no surprise to us that in her first season she finished 7th. But this years 44th was on the back of last season's 30th. However back in August it all started so well. Top of Div 2 in week 1 but from there it went a bit tits oop for our Fac lovely.
Mark Simmons - 1
8th Div 1, 30th overall, 2 MoW
Not one of Mark's best campaigns. A couple of MoW's and relegation was safely avoided but apart from an all to brief couple of visits to the top 10, Mark's team was again made up entirely of Man U, sorry Aon United players but possibly the lack in depth of the Premier League champions didn't help Mark's quest for points.
Richard Stirland - 30th Div 2, 58th overall, 0 MoW
A difficult season for Richard that will end with him having to buy the Chartis mob a curry. One of just 5 managers not to crack 1,000 points he pretty much moved into the bottom 5 in week 1 and put on his slippers and pulled out his pipe.
Danny Stock - 18th Div 2, 40th overall, 0 MoW
In the first month we thought we had a new fantasy talent on our hands. We were wrong of course as Dan sailed into mid table mediocrity by October and that is where he stayed.
Michael Stout - 19 Div 2, 43rd overall, 0 MoW
The Man U fan spent almost the entire 41 weeks bouncing around mid table probably one would guess as a result of not making a single transfer.
Jason Syrett - 25th Div 1 (relegated), 45th overall, 0 MoW
The 3rd family member and they created N&R history by being the first family to have a brother and sister relegated in the same season! 41 weeks Jason spent in the relegation places tells it's own story.
Emma didn't make a solitary transfer during the season however Emma was one of our form managers in the final couple of months of the season even winning the MoW in week 34. If she can add some clever transfer dealings a brighter campaign awaits next season.
Soozie Saveall nee Syrett - 21st Div 1 (relegated), 35th overall, 1 MoW
Ooh shocker from Sooz. Top for 3 weeks in September. What the heck happened
? She got married, maybe that was it but Soozie had her worst ever season since she became a N&R member in 1999. The facts are that she spent as much time in the top 10 than the bottom 10, but sadly Soozie will be another ex-champ that will begin next season in Div 2.Ryan Saveall - 19th Div 1, 32nd overall, 1 MoW
Well why his wifey got relegated, Ryan survived the drop by 11 points. Like Mrs Sav there was a good start but then a fall in form and Ryan spent the bulk of the season looking over his shoulder at the relegation zone. There was a MoW win though and the good news is that he is the Saveall household champion and wins sexual favours for a month!
Sarah Sheron - 20th Div 2, 44th overall, 0 MoW
Disappointing from Sarah. With an ex-pro footballer in her family it was no surprise to us that in her first season she finished 7th. But this years 44th was on the back of last season's 30th. However back in August it all started so well. Top of Div 2 in week 1 but from there it went a bit tits oop for our Fac lovely.
Mark Simmons - 1
8th Div 1, 30th overall, 2 MoW Not one of Mark's best campaigns. A couple of MoW's and relegation was safely avoided but apart from an all to brief couple of visits to the top 10, Mark's team was again made up entirely of Man U, sorry Aon United players but possibly the lack in depth of the Premier League champions didn't help Mark's quest for points.
Richard Stirland - 30th Div 2, 58th overall, 0 MoW
A difficult season for Richard that will end with him having to buy the Chartis mob a curry. One of just 5 managers not to crack 1,000 points he pretty much moved into the bottom 5 in week 1 and put on his slippers and pulled out his pipe.
Danny Stock - 18th Div 2, 40th overall, 0 MoW
In the first month we thought we had a new fantasy talent on our hands. We were wrong of course as Dan sailed into mid table mediocrity by October and that is where he stayed.
Michael Stout - 19 Div 2, 43rd overall, 0 MoW
The Man U fan spent almost the entire 41 weeks bouncing around mid table probably one would guess as a result of not making a single transfer.
Jason Syrett - 25th Div 1 (relegated), 45th overall, 0 MoW
The 3rd family member and they created N&R history by being the first family to have a brother and sister relegated in the same season! 41 weeks Jason spent in the relegation places tells it's own story.
The managers - The W's
Neil Wallis - 3rd Div 2 (promoted), 5th in Play-Off table, 6th overall, 3 MoW
A great season for Neil which ended with promotion, and a nice little chunk of prize money. Neil was another that finished the season strongly. I mean all season he was strong but he was on top form as the season came to a close even jumping from 9th to 5th in Play-Off table in the final week earning him another £50.
Simon Ward - 6th Div 2 (promoted), 9th in Play-Off table, 10th overall, 0 MoW
Wonderful sea
son for Bingo and by far his best ever. Play-Off contender and believe it or not, title challenger for many weeks. Simon was top Of Div 2 for 11 weeks and was the first person to reach 1,000 points in week 26. 3 weeks before the season ended Simon almost imploded though. He was 3rd overall and in spitting distance of Ken and Rob but a collapse saw him end 9th in the Play-Off table and it lost him £110 in the process
Chris Waterman - 27th Div 2, 55th overall, 0 MoW
A point more than Muddy, a disappointing season from Chris. This was his first finish and there have been plenty of bad ones in his 13 year association with the N&R FL.
Alan Waters - 28th Div 2, 56th overall, 0 MoW
Muddy made a welcome return to the N&R FL but true to form he didn't make any transfers and that showed finishing 56th.
Mark Wenman - 27th Div 1 (relegated), 49th overall, 0 MoW
Better than last season incredibly from Wenners but the days of 2nd (2005) and 4th (2003) seem light years ago. After a rubbish start Mark improved considerably and was 6th in week 10. It then went a bit Peter Tong like it did for his beloved Hammers. He dropped into the relegation places at week 24 and never recovered. Div 2 for Wenners next season.
Neville White - 10th Div 2 (promoted), 21st overall, 0 MoW, N&R Cup Winner
An inspired season from Neville. Promotion to the elite, and an exciting N&R Cup victory over Rob preventing him from doing the double. Neville gave himself no chance, hence the name, and for many weeks he swum around the middle of the table. A brief soiree in 9th in week 29 gave him confidence. It was 7 weeks later that Neville appeared in the promotion zone again, but lost his place in weeks 39 and 40. He was 4 points behind Davor going into the final week, which also doubled as the Cup Final. Neville turned in a beauty and snatched promotion and lifted the Cup.
Henry Williams - 20th Div 1, 34th overall, 0 MoW
We thought he was down. I even told Henry as much in an email before the last week. But Henry who is shortly moving to Australia did just enough in that last week to send Soozie and Danny down instead and stayed up by 4 points to begin next season in the top tier.
Ricky Wood - 8th Div 2 (promoted), 17th overall, 2 MoW
Promotion achieved in Ricky's first season. Before the turn of the year Ricky was finding his feet in mid table, he improved in January and February but was still not in the reckoning. Then in March he started to make his move and he spent 8 of the last 10 weeks and crucialaly the last one in the promotion places and knocked out of the running Davor and Andy.
Chris Wright - 5th Div 1, 11th overall, 1 MoW
A big improvement on last season for Chris. He spent the entire 41 weeks in the top 7 of Div 1 hitting top place in week 16. One of just 4 managers that led the division he would have frustrated at missing out on the Play-Off's by only 28 points.
A great season for Neil which ended with promotion, and a nice little chunk of prize money. Neil was another that finished the season strongly. I mean all season he was strong but he was on top form as the season came to a close even jumping from 9th to 5th in Play-Off table in the final week earning him another £50.
Simon Ward - 6th Div 2 (promoted), 9th in Play-Off table, 10th overall, 0 MoW
Wonderful sea
son for Bingo and by far his best ever. Play-Off contender and believe it or not, title challenger for many weeks. Simon was top Of Div 2 for 11 weeks and was the first person to reach 1,000 points in week 26. 3 weeks before the season ended Simon almost imploded though. He was 3rd overall and in spitting distance of Ken and Rob but a collapse saw him end 9th in the Play-Off table and it lost him £110 in the processChris Waterman - 27th Div 2, 55th overall, 0 MoW
A point more than Muddy, a disappointing season from Chris. This was his first finish and there have been plenty of bad ones in his 13 year association with the N&R FL.
Alan Waters - 28th Div 2, 56th overall, 0 MoW
Muddy made a welcome return to the N&R FL but true to form he didn't make any transfers and that showed finishing 56th.
Mark Wenman - 27th Div 1 (relegated), 49th overall, 0 MoW
Better than last season incredibly from Wenners but the days of 2nd (2005) and 4th (2003) seem light years ago. After a rubbish start Mark improved considerably and was 6th in week 10. It then went a bit Peter Tong like it did for his beloved Hammers. He dropped into the relegation places at week 24 and never recovered. Div 2 for Wenners next season.
Neville White - 10th Div 2 (promoted), 21st overall, 0 MoW, N&R Cup Winner
An inspired season from Neville. Promotion to the elite, and an exciting N&R Cup victory over Rob preventing him from doing the double. Neville gave himself no chance, hence the name, and for many weeks he swum around the middle of the table. A brief soiree in 9th in week 29 gave him confidence. It was 7 weeks later that Neville appeared in the promotion zone again, but lost his place in weeks 39 and 40. He was 4 points behind Davor going into the final week, which also doubled as the Cup Final. Neville turned in a beauty and snatched promotion and lifted the Cup.
Henry Williams - 20th Div 1, 34th overall, 0 MoW
We thought he was down. I even told Henry as much in an email before the last week. But Henry who is shortly moving to Australia did just enough in that last week to send Soozie and Danny down instead and stayed up by 4 points to begin next season in the top tier.
Ricky Wood - 8th Div 2 (promoted), 17th overall, 2 MoW
Promotion achieved in Ricky's first season. Before the turn of the year Ricky was finding his feet in mid table, he improved in January and February but was still not in the reckoning. Then in March he started to make his move and he spent 8 of the last 10 weeks and crucialaly the last one in the promotion places and knocked out of the running Davor and Andy.
Chris Wright - 5th Div 1, 11th overall, 1 MoW
A big improvement on last season for Chris. He spent the entire 41 weeks in the top 7 of Div 1 hitting top place in week 16. One of just 4 managers that led the division he would have frustrated at missing out on the Play-Off's by only 28 points.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Ready's Benfleet Bet - Nobs in
Well blow me with a feather duster or whatever the expression is. I've only bloody won some prize money. Hang on we have a fax coming through from Nobby & Ready's Global Headquarters.WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT STOP THE PRIZE FOR THE BENFLEET BET STOP HAS BEEN AMENDED FROM £30 TO £1,000 STOP THE WINNER OF THE LEAGUE TITLE PRIZE STOP WILL GET A TENNER INSTEAD STOP
Nice!
Nobby won Ready's Benfleet FA Cup Predictions competition by getting the result of the Man City v Stoke game correct (yes, I can see you all rolling your eyes!). Neil went for a 3-1 Blues win and Francey 2-1, so Nobby was the sole winner and Keith will present me with a cheque and trophy at the Prize evening. John McGowan also guessed the correct score. Thanks for playing everyone.
Final Benfleet Bet Final Table.
1. Nobby 68 total (5 from the Final)
2. Neil Bixby 65 (2)
3. Francey 63 (2)
4. Peter Doyle 58 (2)
5= Ready 57 (2)
5= Barry Plummer 57 (2)
7. Ken Cobbett 56 (0)
8= Addington 54 (0)
8= Jason Syrett 54 (2)
10. Barry Paull 53 (2)
11= Alastair Bigg 51 (0)
11= John McGowan 51 (5)
13. Ben Guarino 50 (2)
14. Mr Sav 49 (2)
15. Mrs Sav 48 (2)
16= Brian Rutter 47 (no score)
16= Tim Harris 47 (0)
16= Dewberry 47 (5)
19. Neil Reynolds 46 (2)
20= Neville White 43 (2)
20= Ricky Wood 43 (2)
22= Kirstie Baillie 42 (0)
22= Steve Black 42 (2)
24= Alan Oakley 41 (0)
24= Danny Rose 41 (2)
26= Mark Gregory 40 (0)
26= Rob Munden 40 (2)
26= Steve Merchant 40 (2)
29. Richard Richards 39 (2)
30. Alex Boswell 38 (no scores)
31= Aaron Barden 37 (no scores)
31= Ian Kennett 37 (0)
31= Foulger 37 (2)
34. Godders 35 (no scores)
35. Paul Long 34 (0)
36. Henry Williams 23 (no scores)
The Penultimate Prize - Razor sharp!
One of our more farcial prizes is for the manager who over 41 weeks somehow manages to the 2nd worst total. We realised that it is pretty easy to come last.... pick a useless XI in August and don't make any transfers or if one of your donkeys suddenly starts scoring, then transfer him and sign Carlton Cole.
Coming second-bottom does take a bit more skill, so in a mad ale fuelled moment we decided to offer £25 and your entry money back for the Penultimate Prize.
These were the lowest 5 N&R managers in 2010/11:
57. Hilary Flynn 999 pts
58. Richard Stirland 973 pts
59. Scott Morgan 966 pts
-------------------------------
60. Richard Nathan 844 pts
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61. Tony Murray 793 pts
As you can see Razor Nathan was the winner, embarrassingly also the winner of the Worst weekly score. For 25 quid the bloke has fleeced us for 55 notes. Unbelievable!
Coming second-bottom does take a bit more skill, so in a mad ale fuelled moment we decided to offer £25 and your entry money back for the Penultimate Prize.
These were the lowest 5 N&R managers in 2010/11:
57. Hilary Flynn 999 pts
58. Richard Stirland 973 pts
59. Scott Morgan 966 pts
-------------------------------
60. Richard Nathan 844 pts
-------------------------------
61. Tony Murray 793 pts
As you can see Razor Nathan was the winner, embarrassingly also the winner of the Worst weekly score. For 25 quid the bloke has fleeced us for 55 notes. Unbelievable!
N&R Cup Final - White on!
Well what a classic the N&R Cup Final was. Neville White beat Rob Munden in week 41 by 48 pts to 45 as both hit excellent last week scores. Rob's points helped him over the finish line and lifted the N&R FL championship title but was prevented from winning the N&R double by a rampant and in form Neville.N&R Cup Final Result:
Neville White 48-45 Rob Munden
Congratulations to Neville and he will be presented with the engraved N&R Cup at the annual prize giving.
Season's best weekly score - Barry Paull's it off
Barry Paull was our Best weekly score winner and will collect £30 after banging in a 107 point score in week 14, which was a good week as Wardy, Steve Merchant and Barry Plummer all weighed in with good weeks.
Ryan Saveall and Godders tied for 3rd. Interestingly Sweaty, who won the prize for the Worst weekly score also featured in the top 10.
Here are the best 10 weekly scores:
1. Barry Paull, week 14, 107 pts
2. Simon Ward, week 14, 98 pts
3= Ryan Saveall, week 21, 97 pts
3= Peter Godfrey, week 21, 97 pts
5= Steve Merchant, week 14, 96 pts
5= Alex Byatt, week 21, 96 pts
7. Barry Plummer, week 14, 95 pts
8= John McGowan, week 21 94 pts
8= Greg Foulger, week 21, 94 pts
10. Lee Baughan, week 26, 92 pts
Ryan Saveall and Godders tied for 3rd. Interestingly Sweaty, who won the prize for the Worst weekly score also featured in the top 10.
Here are the best 10 weekly scores:
1. Barry Paull, week 14, 107 pts
2. Simon Ward, week 14, 98 pts
3= Ryan Saveall, week 21, 97 pts
3= Peter Godfrey, week 21, 97 pts
5= Steve Merchant, week 14, 96 pts
5= Alex Byatt, week 21, 96 pts
7. Barry Plummer, week 14, 95 pts
8= John McGowan, week 21 94 pts
8= Greg Foulger, week 21, 94 pts
10. Lee Baughan, week 26, 92 pts
Season's worst weekly score - No sweat for Lee
Who says Sweaty never wins anything in the N&R FL? Well, not true because £30 is the sorry prize that we present the manager with the season's Worst weekly score. In week 13 Lee excelled himself and managed a negative score, a point worse than 2nd placed Michael Stout. Richard Nathan managed to have two weekly scores in the top 10 but amazingly Tony Murray had none.
Here are the worst 10 weekly scores:
1. Lee Baughan, week 13, -2 pts
2. Michael Stout, week 13, -1 pt
3= Mark Simmons, week 17 0 pts
3= Richard Nathan, week 20, 0 pts
3= Richard Nathan, week 28, 0 pts
3= Brian Rutter, week 13, 0 pts
7. Henry Williams, week 13, 1 pt
8 Danny Rose, week 13, 2 pts
9. Barry Plummer, week 28, 3 pts
10= Ben Guarino, week 28, 4 pts
10= Chris Waterman, week 36, 4 pts
Here are the worst 10 weekly scores:
1. Lee Baughan, week 13, -2 pts
2. Michael Stout, week 13, -1 pt
3= Mark Simmons, week 17 0 pts
3= Richard Nathan, week 20, 0 pts
3= Richard Nathan, week 28, 0 pts
3= Brian Rutter, week 13, 0 pts
7. Henry Williams, week 13, 1 pt
8 Danny Rose, week 13, 2 pts
9. Barry Plummer, week 28, 3 pts
10= Ben Guarino, week 28, 4 pts
10= Chris Waterman, week 36, 4 pts
Photograph of the week
Wayne Rooney after his operation to returf his hair. Or.... fast forward 20 years and this could be the result of a love child involving Shrek and Ryan Giggs?Wednesday, June 01, 2011
In the press
"Scholes had such intelligence in possession, such an immaculate first-time delivery that he could pass the opposition to death. Whether the raking cross-field 40-yarder or the dinked ball around the corner, Scholes was nicknamed “SatNav” with good reason by some peers."
Read more of Henry Winter's tribute to Paul Scholes here.
Read more of Henry Winter's tribute to Paul Scholes here.
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