I've been invited to a hospitality thing at Manchester football ground tomorrow night to eat something and watch them play Paris at football
Now, I have to admit that I've never ever been to a football match before so I'm not quite sure about the protocols.
I take it I won't actually need a vuvuzela or a rattle and I guess it's not essential to have a Manchester scarf? I don't have any 3/4 length trousers either and I don't have any tattoos but I suppose I could roll my jeans up a bit?
I suppose I can keep my trap shut if one of the overpaid oiks starts rolling about in pretence that he's stubbed his toe, or someone pushed him or something, and I can just about remember the words to a football song about it being inadvisable to walk alone or whatever.
I suppose watching anyone who is terribly good at something being very good at it is always going to be some fun anyway, even if I have not the faintest idea who they are or care even less who wins.
Is it normal to clap if someone from the French team kicks the ball particularly accurately or is it the thing to chant something rude at them instead?
It's all very confusing really.
;-)
Last edited by: Runfer D'Hills on Mon 11 Apr 16 at 17:51
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Not bad but for the proper car4play effect you should have included reference to 'soccerball' or 'footballerists'.
;)
Last edited by: sooty123 on Mon 11 Apr 16 at 18:01
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Of course my tongue is fairly much lodged in my cheek, but I genuinely have never been to a football match before and have no idea what expect. Nor indeed do I have the slightest clue who is who or what the significance of the game is.
Should be fun though, the guys I'm going with do know so I'll just copy them !
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Have a little read beforehand incase you don't want to look like you don't know anything, if that's the done thing at the hospitality dos you've done before?
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MANGLED BODY FOUND IN CANAL
Well we saw these Cumbernauld fans coming and all turned tail like. I think he was trying to do up his shoelace when they came up with him... puir fella...
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I did think about that, but sometimes I think the old adage about a little knowledge being a dangerous thing holds true. I'd be quite at sea if anyone decided to converse on the complexities of it all so I'm probably better just to admit to total and utter ignorance of the subject and try to enjoy it.
Sounds like the food should be good anyway !
:-)
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Aye that's true, best stick to whatever is the form at these hospitality dos.
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>> Have a little read beforehand incase you don't want to look like you don't know
>> anything
Got just the thing:
www.amazon.com/Football-For-Dummies-Howie-Long/dp/1119022630
:)
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You will fit in surprisingly well, I expect, especially if you are in the hospitality bit. You need some brass to be a fitbal fan these days.
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Both Vuvuzela and rattle, obviously.
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That's me stuffed then Manatee ! I do have a couple of halfpennys or maybe even three to rub together I guess, but not a great deal more.
;-)
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Actually Football Speak is easy. A bit like Business Speak. You just spout meaningless phrases occasionally No one will actually listen - they never do in football conversations.
This cliche generator might help. Stick on on your phone.
www.ourbeans.com/buzzphrase/football/
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That's brilliant CG !
I suspect one could get away with just saying "At the end of the day..." and sighing in a poignant manner from time to time. And whatever the result, that thing about "I don't think it's sunk in yet" is inspired !
;-)
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I'm sure you won't pretend to be an expert if you aren't...it just won't work.
Where it comes unstuck IME is that those not used to being eyes-on-the-ball for 90 minutes (me) get bored quickly and are always looking somewhere else when there's a goal. I don't think I've seen one yet, despite several hostility trips when I used to get that sort of thing.
Be ready for that:)
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, despite several hostility trips
That bad were they?
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"I've been invited to a hospitality thing at Manchester football ground tomorrow night "
I've just had a look at 'Football Webpages' www.footballwebpages.co.uk/index/20160412 and it appears that you will be at Manchester City's ground. DO NOT confuse Manchester City with Manchester United unless you want to be beaten to pulp. Nor would I suggest that you propose that, with all their stupid wealth, Manchester City should attempt to buy the Leicester City team as a job-lot.
You could, of course, cause a riot by saying that you'd far rather be at the King Power Stadium watching some genuinely skilled players.
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Just learn the offside rule.
It's not the done thing to be ignorant of it.
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>>It's not the done thing to be ignorant of it
....unless you're a referee or linesman referee's assistant........
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At the end of the day, the fat lady sang, the game was won and lost, they took it to them of course but in the final analysis the score was the score and so it always is.
That do?
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Is it Nigel Molesworth who spells football foopball?
He's right of course. Everyone pronounces it foopball. I do myself.
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Talking of pronunciations, and goodness knows why I've just remembered this example, but growing up in Edinburgh I was unused to "posh" English accents.
When I was quite young, as a family went to visit some relatives in the South East and my cousin who was about 4 at the time told me that she had had been given a toy "Whom" ( rhyme it with Somme not tomb ) for her birthday. I was about 6 and didn't want to admit that I didn't know what a Whom was. So when my mother asked me what we had been talking about, I told her her about my cousin's Whom.
Well, of course she immediately caught me on the hop by asking what on earth a "Whom" was.
Much confusion reigned for a while until we established that my cousin had been given a toy farm...
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Yep, that's pretty good. If you want to be seen as an expert pick out a player who runs around a lot and say "fantastic work rate that number 8"
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>> At the end of the day, the fat lady sang, the game was won and
>> lost, they took it to them of course but in the final analysis the score
>> was the score and so it always is.
>>
>> That do?
No you always have to say at the end "it was a game of two halves"
Oh and wear something red.
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"Oh and wear something red."
So the blood doesn't show.
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Isn't it funny how we've only learnt this year of Haywain's deep love for Leicester City?
;-)
Have a great time, Runfer. When an attack goes wrong just say: 'The guv'ner wants to get them to drill it to feet on the carpet, then unleash the diagonal counter rabbit'. This will ensure the respect of your colleagues.
Last edited by: Alanović on Mon 11 Apr 16 at 19:52
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Oh yes. And chuck a beer bottle now and then, and be sure to knock off a copper's helmet at the end.
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I suppose they'd just see that as a bit of horseplay?
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"Isn't it funny how we've only learnt this year of Haywain's deep love for Leicester City?
;-)"
I would have brought it up before, but I didn't think that you lot would be interested.
BTW I take an interest in 3 teams - Coalville Ravens and Leicester City from back home and I am a member and season ticket holder of Bury Town FC which is where I live now.
"And if you can't be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're with ........." Geddit?
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When I was a nipper my Dad took me to watch Bradford Park Avenue. When they took a holiday from Div4 it was Huddersfield Town & Burnley. In my mid teens I had a season ticket for HT, late teens a season ticket for Leeds. Work, birds & beer then came into play big time, and I have only been to watch one live match in the past 35 years. I'm totally disinterested, and when my local pub has televised soccer in 'the snug' which seems to be every time I visit, I simply haven't a clue which team is which. The only clue being the colour of the strip.
Surprising how you can go from being totally mad on the game to the polar opposite.
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"Surprising how you can go from being totally mad on the game to the polar opposite."
I used to enjoy test cricket but, these days, I haven't got a clue what's going on.
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I've only been to one corporate evening at a match. The whole thing was superb, from the champoo greeting, the gifts at the table, the food and endless supply of booze. It cost the club a grand for the 4 of us. Man Utd, sadly...and we were all City supporters.
If the hospitality is the same, you'll love it. We didn't even go out and watch the game...Stoke City IIRC, but there were blankets and a flask on offer. The restaurant had large screen tvs on the walls so we sat at the table and drank more free pop. You might need to take a bit of cash though....the dedicated waitresses were expected to be given a tip......£20 per couple in our case.
I'll be watching the match on my PC with a couple of beers at home so give me a wave...or moon at me or summat.
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Been told tonight that it's heated seats ( blimey ) and a Michelin somethingorother chef.
Posh pies probably then eh?
Oh and it's "smart casual" whatever that means. Clean jeans and a shirt with buttons in my case I suppose !
:-))
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>>>> Oh and it's "smart casual" whatever that means.
....slip-on shoes will be de rigueur, then......
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Do you think? Not sure I can go that far. Perhaps I could just take the laces out of a proper pair...
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....well, ok then........as long as they're trainers.........
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"Surprising how you can go from being totally mad on the game to the polar opposite."
Yes, funny that.
I was the same with F1 and rallying. I often used to go to the British GP and made a few European ones too. At the back of a cupboard somewhere I've still got the bobbly hat I wore in damp Welsh forests at 3am.
I too, haven't a clue anymore and just don't care.
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In my early twenties I spent days following the Lombard RAC rally. Holidayed in the IOM to watch the Manx in September, and marshalled on the Mintex. Don't give a hoot now, but still have fond memories of Chevettes, Sunbeam Lotus & Escorts hammering through forests in the wee small hours. Must have been bonkers.
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Lot's of people used to travel round the country taking train numbers and pictures when younger, but they grow out of it.........
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...and, of course, only your second-best shell suit....
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>> "And if you can't be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're
>> with ........." Geddit?
>>
Of course I geddit, HW, all power to your elbow. I did put a winky on it as an indication of a minor leg pull.
Over the course of my days I've formed attachments with a few secondary teams, but first and foremost will always be Fulham, it's a family tradition which I've passed down to my children (poor little $0d$, 4th generation of sufferers now). In order of descending affections:
Fulham
Windsor FC (formerly Windsor & Eton, but they were shut down by the taxman and reformed as plain Windsor. Nickname: The Royalists - pick the bones out of that one, and you should google for pics of their current home kit, so long as you have a strong stomach)
Ayr United
Partizan Belgrade
Lokomotiv Moscow
Notts County.
A litany of underachievement and mediocrity if ever there was one. But one day. One day, maybe, FFC will do a Leicester.........nearly did in 2010, how that one stings - I knew at the time we'd probably never fly so close to the sun again in my lifetime.
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Dear oh dear - that's dreadful. They've got the flag design badly wrong, and I don't mean the colours. Looks like a Chinese post-Olympic knockoff. Horrible.
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I know. It's so bad it's almost genius. Like those appalling Woolwich Har$-enal away kits in the 90s.
Gratifying, however, that they are sponsored by a FIAT dealer.
Last edited by: Alanović on Tue 12 Apr 16 at 10:16
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>>
>> Ayr United
>> Partizan Belgrade
>> Lokomotiv Moscow
>> Notts County.
Best team name sever:
Fiorentina Turner
AC AlittlesilhouettoofMilan?
Old Fallopians (they actually played in the womens FA Cup many times)
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I always liked Borussia Munchinpeanuts.
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>> I always liked Borussia Munchinpeanuts.
>>
Berocca juniors?
Club Tropicana Drinks FC
Neverbee Athletic
We have a team here which bumbles between the lower few divisions called Dangerous Darkies FC
Last edited by: Ian (Cape Town) on Tue 12 Apr 16 at 11:27
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"I did put a winky on it as an indication of a minor leg pull."
Sorry, yes, I did twig that - and I should have put one on my post. I'm just a little cautious about using 'winkies' since my nephew winked at an American lady colleague at work to indicate that he was jesting - and she had him disciplined for sexual harassment. And, I can assure you, that is true.
Of course, I admire your bravery in choosing to joust with the weapon of song lyrics because anything you can do, I can do better.
;-)
BTW - I now note that tickets for Leicester's last home game are being advertised at £15k a pair. That's ridiculous; £14k, I could understand, but £15k is a bit much!
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It's only the price of a ropey second hand Mercedes, probably a rusty one to boot.
;-)
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"Hope you had a good time Humph.'
I doubt that we'll see him for a few days ;-)
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...he's probably got lynched for distracting Aguero's from his penalty attempt by shouting "did you know, I once had a Westfield?" at him........
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Just got back. Have to say it was a fabulous experience.
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Lucky chap - "a thrilling win" and "unforgettable atmosphere" plus a capacity crowd according to the BBC report:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36014077
Last edited by: Focusless on Wed 13 Apr 16 at 06:45
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>> Just got back. Have to say it was a fabulous experience.
OMG, Runfer said something nice about football.
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Yes indeed, I surprise even myself ! It was all top notch in truth. From dedicated parking right beside the stadium, hostesses escorting you to your table, the best of food ( and drink too if required ) champagne on arrival, four course meal waitress served, heated seats in the stadium directly behind the managers. After the game we went back into the hospitality lounge and those who wanted it had more to drink or coffee, cheese biscuits and so on.
During that time, some ex players and other club luminaries were circulating the tables and stopping for a chat.
Of course I was a bit confused by it all but I really enjoyed the night out. Spoiled only slightly by an old fat Mancunian woman directly behind us who spent the whole game swearing at the French and praising the home team seemingly randomly as to whether either deserved it at the time.
I deeply wanted to invite her to "shut the freak up" on several occasions but resisted the urge !
I might be slightly converted...
;-)
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I don't pretend understand the game. One of the things that I find rather enchanting is the how fans dress in the strips of their chosen team and seem to take a lot of trouble to iron their tops using woks in lieu of ironing boards.
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Aye true, but in the bit where I was it was more about Armani than Adidas really ! You know when you sort of recognise people because you've seen them on the telly somewhere, sometime, but can't quite place them? ( and everybody else seems to know who they are? ) well, there was a lot of that...
;-)
Last edited by: Runfer D'Hills on Wed 13 Apr 16 at 09:53
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Glad you enjoyed it, Humph. Perhaps we can get you to try cricket next. Much more time to enjoy the hospitality - or, if you're a true fan, the fishpaste sandwiches your mum made for you.
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A fan does not choose a club to follow, it chooses them.
You seem to have had the extreme good fortune of being chosen by a club which (these days) has a decent chance of winning things occasionally. Most of us are chosen by clubs outside of that exalted bracket (occasional Leicester City-type flukes excepted).
Enjoy your new passion.
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....all a bit different from the past......
A wet windy night on the Kop at Hillsborough, say, with the crowd so tight they were peeing down the backs of your legs because no-one could move to get to the (so-called) toilets.
Things ain't what they used to be.......
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>> I deeply wanted to invite her to "shut the freak up" on several occasions but
>> resisted the urge !
Its is in fact the done thing to do exactly that in certain parts of the ground. you would have needed to add "you fat tart" on the end.
Be under no illusions RD'H, what you experienced is not typical, by a very long way, of the experience of most fans who don't get the full VIP treatment.
I tried to get a ticket for tonights FA cup replay at Upton Park, a unique night that will be like no other before or after.
I even pulled my ace out of my sleeve and threatened to blackmail my season ticket holding cousin, but he said he was prepared to take the divorce option rather than give this ticket up.
Last edited by: Zero on Wed 13 Apr 16 at 10:24
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>> I tried to get a ticket for tonights FA cup replay at Upton Park, a
>> unique night that will be like no other before or after.
Our local 'traditional English boozer' is crawling with Irons and Man Utd fans.
I might just pop down and watch it there.
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Oh indeed I realise it was a very special set of circumstances, and I may not get that sort of chance again. Glad I went though. Really good fun.
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>> >>>>
>> I tried to get a ticket for tonights FA cup replay at Upton Park, a
>> unique night that will be like no other before or after.
>>
>> I even pulled my ace out of my sleeve and threatened to blackmail my season
>> ticket holding cousin, but he said he was prepared to take the divorce option rather
>> than give this ticket up.
>>
My cousin's boy is working up that way at the moment and he was trying to get tickets for himself, me and his dad but no luck. I was desperate to travel up for one last visit to the old place before they knock it down.
I sometimes long for the days when you just turned up and paid at the gate, if you were early enough you were in. I can remember being inside with the gates already locked an hour and a quarter before kick off for one match against Man U. Mind you, 1.1/4 hours listening to the Band of the British Legion...:-(
Last edited by: Robin O'Reliant on Wed 13 Apr 16 at 11:02
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>> I tried to get a ticket for tonights FA cup replay at Upton Park, a
>> unique night that will be like no other before or after.
At the risk of stating the obvious, it's on BBC1 now. See much of an atmosphere you can create in your living room :)
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I shall ask my wife to waft past every so often with a tray of canapés...
;-)
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>> See much of an atmosphere you can create in your living room :)
FFS See how much ...
All I can say is it had better be good to replace Alex Jones...
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"I might be slightly converted..."
I meant to warn you that football can become as addictive as any other religion.
In spite of my comments re footy, I always took a bit of an arm's length interest. I would never call myself a 'fan' as I assume that 'fan' is short for 'fanatic', and I don't get fanatical about anything. I always managed to hide my closet interest from my wife who "only married him because his Saturday evenings weren't ruled by Match of the Day".
Then, about the turn of the Millennium, I was asked to join our company's finance bloke at the local ground where we sponsored 4 games a year. By this stage, family demands were less rigorous and we had moved into town - and it was all too easy to become hooked. After 3 or 4 games, I became a regular. Remember though, that we are talking non-league football, where a season ticket costs £82, and full membership, £15. If things get any worse, I might just be invited to play next season :-(
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>> "I might be slightly converted..."
>>
>> I meant to warn you that football can become as addictive as any other religion.
>>
Indeed.
I used to go to watch (or report on) 3 or 4 matches a week.
Back in the day, Cape Town had 4 top-flight sides*, and several very good promotion-league sides, so it was a pleasure.
However, for every fightback-from-3-1-down-to-win, there were some very dull, cold, wet and boring 0-0 end-of-season draws, where just fulfilling a midtable fixture was what it was all about...
"If it was a fight, they'd have stopped it".
* - for those hammers fans - one was coached by Budgie Byrne, two by his sons mark and Davi, and the fourth by his son-in-law Gavin!
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Am I imagining things, or did Fulham's greatest, Johnny Haynes, come and play in South Africa for a bit? Or was it George Cohen? Or both?
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Johnny played here, definitely. Durban City - where he won his only career medal!
IF I recall correctly, he ended up owning a carpet shop in East London, South Africa. Must look it up!
In fact, George Eastham was in the abovementioned pub last week!
Lots of English chaps played here in the day - it suited their coaches to have them come to SA to kick a ball about and earn a few bob, keep fit, and have a 'paid holiday' rather than get fat elsewhere. Most of the 1966 World Cup Final players - from both sides! - were here at one stage of their latter-careers.
The story (apocryphal) about George Best is that he was on his uppers at one stage after United, and the chap who owned Joburg club Jewish Guild asked him to come and play here.
Being a shrewd businessman, he approached all the clubs the Guild were due to to pla, explained the situation, and got the stump-money to pay Best - because Best would guarantee a full house every time he played!
As a Cottager, you may remember Andre Arendse the keeper. He was there with Maik Taylor, but due to national commitments (always out of sync with Europe) was here a lot, so didn't break into the team, making only a few appearances.
I have a 'Demon Internet' shirt of his in my cupboard. the one with the PROPER badge, back before that FFC monstrosity!
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>> >> As a Cottager, you may remember Andre Arendse the keeper. He was there with Maik
>> Taylor, but due to national commitments (always out of sync with Europe) was here a
>> lot, so didn't break into the team, making only a few appearances.
>> I have a 'Demon Internet' shirt of his in my cupboard. the one with the
>> PROPER badge, back before that FFC monstrosity!
I do remember Arendse, he was pretty good the few times he played for us. Obviously Maik (well done getting the spelling right) was the number one though.
I couldn't agree more about the badge. However, my children beg to differ and prefer the current one. Which is probably why the club did it and proves them right for having done so. I do still hope for the day we'll get the proper one back, though.
The Demon Internet away kit of red with white shoulders is one of may favourites and I have one in a drawer - it's one of many different designs and colours that I own, sad case that I am. Only worn if actually doing something sporting though.
I'll chalk you down as a fellow fan. We need all the help we can get. ;-)
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>> I do remember Arendse, he was pretty good the few times he played for us.
>> I'll chalk you down as a fellow fan. We need all the help we can
>> get. ;-)
>>
Terry McCann was a Fulham fan!
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Sadly, the actor who played him is a Chel$ea fan.
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>> Just got back. Have to say it was a fabulous experience.
>>
...in which case, and in answer to the original question, you should have taken Rattle, he would probably have enjoyed it too......
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Everyone enjoys a good rattle
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I think Ratto's a red....sadly for him !
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>>
>> I think Ratto's a red....sadly for him !
>>
I didn't know Rattle lived in Surrey.
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>> >>
>> >> I think Ratto's a red....sadly for him !
>> >>
>>
>> I didn't know Rattle lived in Surrey.
we are not reds in Surrey
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>>>>
>> we are not reds in Surrey
>>
I bet lots of your neighbours are.
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At the end of the day, the fat lady was in two halves. ( or something ) I'll get there....
;-)
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Ah, now I'm minded of P.T. Selbit, of course.
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I actually watched the Man Utd v West Ham match on the TV last night. Couldn't take my eyes off it. Enjoyed that too. Wasn't bothered who won, I still don't know enough about the subject to begin to care about that, but I enjoyed the game.
What's happening to me?
Should I seek help now before it's too late?
;-)
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It was a good match, although the forst half was a bit lacking. De Gea won the match for Man U really. As a Man City fan (like I said, you have been chosen), I would expect you to have been cheering West Ham last night.
Interesting semi-final line up now, Runfer. Only one of the traditionally "big" clubs present, and they're not at their zenith exactly. Could well be an outsider winning it this year, which is good. Another plus is that the two bigger teams have been drawn against each other, meaning there will be one less traditionally successful team to cheer on in the final, Palace or Watford. I'd like Watford to do it out of all those four, personally, but wouldn't begrudge Palace either. Neither club have ever won anything significant, it would be great for their fans. Having said that, Wigan didn't benefit too much form winning it a few years ago, although they are on their way back up form the third tier now.
Stay tuned.
Commiserations to Hammers fans, nearly but not quite.
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I think I might have been "chosen" AV. Been racking my brain to remember the name of one of the chaps who joined us for a while on Tuesday night. It has just come back to me, his name was Colin Bell. Evidently an ex player for the team, he was one of the people circulating the lounge.
Even though I was honest enough to admit to him that I was completely new to all of it, he took the time to chat for 10 or 15 minutes, made me feel very welcome, and was interesting to talk to.
Oh heck...
;-)
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>> I think I might have been "chosen" AV. Been racking my brain to remember the
>> name of one of the chaps who joined us for a while on Tuesday night.
>> It has just come back to me, his name was Colin Bell. Evidently an ex
>> player for the team, he was one of the people circulating the lounge.
Very famous player, england international. There used to be a woman in the crowd supporting city who used to ring a bell, a school type. Well she did till some west ham fan wrenched if from her hands and chucked it on the pitch, where it landed at the linesman's feet. "Lets see you ring yer freaking bell now treacle" was the west hams fan comment as he did it.
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The only professional footballer I have met is Sir Trevor Brooking who ran a freight forwarding company for a while and came to see me on business . He was a thoroughly nice chap and we spent five minutes on business and an hour just talking football.... I still have his business card somewhere.
A lot of ex players act as ambassadors for their clubs at hospitality events, a lot used to end up running pubs.
I vaguely remember Colin Bell , around the same era as Francis Lee IIRC.
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>> The only professional footballer I have met is Sir Trevor Brooking
And me. A very intelligent fella. Nearly all of the players of that era were nice blokes. If they were not nice they were charming rouges who had shed loads of character. (Stan Bowles take a bow)
These days? Nah.
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At the old Maine Road they named a stand after Colin Bell. They didn't think it through properly, so the Bell End name didn't stick.
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>> Interesting semi-final line up now, Runfer. Only one of the traditionally "big" clubs present, and
>> they're not at their zenith exactly. Could well be an outsider winning it this year,
>> which is good.
in 2008, my brother flew back from his holiday in Siena to watch Pompey in the semifinals.
4 hrs iced in at gatwick... but he said he had to do it - the only chance to see Pompey at Wembley in his lifetime...
Then they won the Final.
Who were the semifinalists that year? Pompey, Cardiff, West Bron and Barnsley!
I love cup football - locally we've seen a few upsets in recent years. But also a few big scores - 24-0 springs to mind!
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>> I actually watched the Man Utd v West Ham match on the TV last night.
>> Couldn't take my eyes off it. Enjoyed that too. Wasn't bothered who won, I still
>> don't know enough about the subject to begin to care about that, but I enjoyed
>> the game.
>>
>> What's happening to me?
>>
>> Should I seek help now before it's too late?
>>
>> ;-)
As Al says, you dont chose your team, it choses you, how where why or when is infinitely variable and is of no consequence. You have probably been grabbed by Man City.
However. Here is a tip. Find out your nearest team of note* (I'm guessing you live in a triangle Chester/Nantwich/Northwich) and take the lad to a match and see what you think.
*of note. One which is in one of the top three leagues, say Crewe. The thing about choosing a team like crewe is you dont have to book, tickets are reasonable, and you can get a feel for a Saturday afternoon game and see if you like it. Supporting a team like city and going to a game is very expensive and a pain to get tickets.
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 10:13
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He's gonna have to sell more slip-ons (with tassels) if he's going to support his new addiction, Z. ;-)
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>> He's gonna have to sell more slip-ons (with tassels) if he's going to support his
>> new addiction, Z. ;-)
He'll be selling replica kit, track suits, trainers, you mark my words
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>> He'll be selling replica kit, track suits, trainers, you mark my words
Well, funnily enough, another division of the company I work for is involved in all of that with a brand. Obviously can't say here who it is as that would be advertising, but suffice it to say they are well enough known but not one of the top two !
I currently take nothing to do with that part of the business...but...
;-)
Last edited by: Runfer D'Hills on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 10:30
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Oh ok thanks for the tips. ( I live in Nantwich BTW )
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>> Oh ok thanks for the tips. ( I live in Nantwich BTW )
I know ;) No team there of note.
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 10:17
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>
>> *of note. One which is in one of the top three leagues, say Crewe. The
>> thing about choosing a team like crewe is you dont have to book, tickets are
>> reasonable, and you can get a feel for a Saturday afternoon game and see if
>> you like it. Supporting a team like city and going to a game is very
>> expensive and a pain to get tickets.
Oh, cancel Crewe. They are bottom of League 1 and will be relegated. You dont want to get mixed up with the rif raf that low down the pecking order. Ask Al.
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I beg to differ, Z. One of the best seasons I ever had following Fulham was the year we got promoted from Division 4. Great fun. See also Wigan, who were promoted with us that year. Look at the times they had after that, an FA Cup win of which I an extremely envious.
Div 4 teams don't stay Div 4 forever, although tales like ours and Wigan's are admittedly rare. In mitigation though is the fact that my lot are really a second tier club and the few seasons at lower levels are aberrations when you take the club's entire history in to account - roughly 25% of our time has been spent in the top tier.
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Supporting your local football team is a great father/son bonding activity, I used to take my 2 to Wycombe Wanderers, you do need to watch what new words they learn though.
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>> Cue football thread. :-(
Aye maybe that's a good idea !
( at least it might divert some of those who seem to want to use the Cycling thread as a platform to expend their vitriol )
:-))
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The most important factor about choosing your club is the quality of their pies (West Ham is exempt because match day protocol always included a trip to a pie and mash shop first)
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 11:24
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I had a Craven Cottage Pie last weekend. I wouldn't go out of my way for one, but I've had worse.
Wigan have the best pies. They could be an option for Runfer, given his location. And they beat Man City in that Cup Final. ;-)
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What? You mean they don't all give you free Michelin star waitress served dinners?
Not sure I'm as keen now...
;-)
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"you do need to watch what new words they learn though"
And new songs .........
In their rare moments of joy, Bury Town supporters offer their 'Sugar Beet' song which contains advice on how to please your partner with a fragment of sugar beet.
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Windsor & Eton's best was a song for former striker Dave Tilbury, a painter and decorator by trade, to the tune of "La Donna e Mobile", from Verdi's Rigoletto:
"We've got Dave Tilbury,
He'll paint your house for free,
He quotes and estimates,
He paints and decorates."
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>> Div 4 teams don't stay Div 4 forever,
Indeedy. After years as strongest team in League, i.e. being bottom and 'holding up' everybody else, we're now getting used to table topping Cobblers. Certs I think for automatic promotion.
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One story that does the rounds here is a local derby between two local primary schools. One of the teams had a winning streak. The second team had a secret weapon though. One father arrived half way through the second half (score currently a draw)....the kids from the other school were totally distracted by his arrival, Bryn Terfel turned more than a few heads, enough for his son's team to score a winning goal.
Last edited by: R.P. on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 11:45
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Ah, Northampton Town. One of the vanishingly rare teams who bear a grudge against mine. A true collector's item.
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>> Ah, Northampton Town. One of the vanishingly rare teams who bear a grudge against mine.
>> A true collector's item.
What's that about then?
Not a fan of the team or game myself but I do loosely follow the fate of the Cobblers and our rugger team Saints.
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Northampton Town had one season in the First Division, back in the 1960s. Only time they've ever flown so high. They were relegated on the last day of the season by a defeat to Fulham, who stayed up at their expense.
They've never forgiven us and still remind us about it. Back in the early 90s I had a girlfriend in Northampton. When I visited I was advised by her male friends to not let it be known who I supported in the local pubs.
We can bear a proper grudge, us football fans. I bear one against Derby County for an incident in 1983.
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>> We can bear a proper grudge, us football fans. I bear one against Derby County
>> for an incident in 1983.
I hate Geoff Hurst, missed a penalty against stoke in a league cup semi final, 4 weeks later he signs for stoke.
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My mate's Mum knocks about (platonically) with Geoff Hurst these days. I'll let her know.
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We made our feelings perfectly clear when stoke came a knocking next time, AND i told him face to face at his book signing.
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Ah, still went to the book signing though. The lady doth protest and all that.
;-)
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Stop talking cobblers, alan.
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As a supporter of Wimbledon FC (now AFC Wimbledon) - we have supported them through all the divisions.
And talking of bearing grudges - don't mention Franchise FC!
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Maybe things are about to change, who knows? But the concept of "supporting" a particular team seems a bit of an alien one to me. I can imagine becoming at least interested in following the fortunes of a team that plays particularly well, but not necessarily to the exclusion of being equally interested in other teams who also play well. I can't imagine ( perhaps naively on my part ) being so single mindedly obsessed with one team.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching a couple of matches this week, and was impressed by the skills of the players, but ultimately, the score at the end of those matches was of no great significance to me, I just enjoyed watching players who are very good being very good.
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Yeah we get it Humph. You are a coldly rational being incapable of being swayed by any form of emotional attachment or repulsion. All right already, sheesh...
Pull the other one why don't you?
:o}
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No really, I watch all manner of sporting events and enjoy them without caring who wins. Why would I? For example, a motor race can be thrilling but who actually wins is of no consequence to me, it's about whether the skills I'm watching are entertaining.
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Yeah, OK, OK. I don't suspect you of lying or even stretching a point.
We all let ourselves get away with this sort of thing, just a bit. I certainly do, and I've been psycho-analysed.
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Stick £15 on a horse and you'll care who wins, believe me.
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Quite right Robin, and I totally get that, but if you're simply watching skilled people doing skilled stuff, then surely you can enjoy watching that whichever shirt they're wearing?
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A propos, I punted a fiver each way on a 100-1 outsider, as I sometimes do on the grand national, and the superb creature romped home third, 160 quid or something, most unusual for me as I am an unlucky gambler as a rule.
I hope nothing bad is going to happen to redress the balance. That would be very annoying.
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>> Quite right Robin, and I totally get that, but if you're simply watching skilled people
>> doing skilled stuff, then surely you can enjoy watching that whichever shirt they're wearing?
>>
You can watch and enjoy as a casual fan. I'll be watching the Cup Final and will enjoy a good game even though West Ham won't be there. But if you start going to your local club as a child you do forge a very strong identity with them and they become "Your team", you get the highs and the lows along with them. I suppose you have to do it to fully understand it, but I've been reduced to tears and sent to cloud nine many times over the years by West Ham.
Difficult to grasp if it isn't in the blood.
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Fair enough, I think I understand.
No harm in it either I guess.
CITY!!!!!
So sorry, my finger just did that involuntarily...
;-)
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>> Fair enough, I think I understand.
>>
>> No harm in it either I guess.
>>
>>
>> CITY!!!!!
>>
>> So sorry, my finger just did that involuntarily...
>>
>> ;-)
Wee bit of work to be done on that yet Humph.
Try CIT........ee..eeee..eeeee...eeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
How does light blue match your hair and eyes? goes well with blondes
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 14 Apr 16 at 19:08
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Grey and brown. ( in the wrong order )
;-)
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I believe 'Cit-ehh' is the correct vernacular -the Gallagher brothers will advise. Near to you, Northwich Victoria are the team to follow, though they have just lost their manager to the mighty Stockport County.
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>> forge a very
>> strong identity with them and they become "Your team", you get the highs and the
>> lows along with them.
Footie is something the lad acquired rom mates. His team is Liverpool so you can imagine the roller coaster last night was......
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>> I just enjoyed watching players who are very good
>> being very good.
This has been a rare pleasure in my experience of following my team. Certainly not one I'm enjoying at the moment.
But it means far more to me to be sat with my children in the same place my Dad and Grandad stood with me all those years ago, in the freezing cold watching even less skilful players and eating far worse pies.
I think it's good for the children to be following a club which doesn't expect success - they get to enjoy the unexpected highs, and come to understand how to deal with disappointment and defeat magnanimously. Character building, I think they call it. It's why I don't understand following a big successful team from afar, just because they're big and successful, like the lads at school in Windsor in the 70s/80s who followed Liverpool, just because they won everything in sight at the time. I think that's a sign of a bit of a weak character myself. But then, I'm probably taking it too seriously, as is my wont.
:-)
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Vuvuzela or a rattle? - sooty123
