Thetownend.com

The Opponent:    Stevenage

As Friday finally draws to a close, its occurred to me I am missing 3 season tickets. The wife reliably informs me that she will be picking them up from the club shop in the morning, so if you see 3 people trying to convince the spotty urchin at the Town End turnstiles that we are season ticket holders and to let us in, there is a better than average chance it will be me.

Today we attempt to get our season underway at home for the 1st league game of the season, the visitors being Stevenage, or Stigenace, as they were recorded in The Doomsday Book in 1086. It would appear that apart from Lewis Hamilton and the filming of Saxondale, Stevenage can proudly boast that they had the UK’s first pedestrianised shopping centre, opened by The Queen, way back in 1959. Interestingly, it is believed that Stevenage has some of the tallest street lights in the country, must admit I have no idea why, I am completely in the dark on this one.

After a little dig through the local newspaper it would appear out friends at Spurs have decided to open a club shop in Stevenage Town Centre! There have been suggestions that Spurs would also stock the Stevenage shirt in the shop but the chairman of Stevenage has labelled the suggestion as “ridiculous”. Phil Wallace dismissed the idea after Tottenham Hotspur’s store operations manager Paul Moynihan told the local rag last week there would be discussions about the matter ahead of the opening of the Premier League club’s shop in Stevenage on Saturday. The store, which will be situated in Westgate Shopping Centre next to menswear chain Burton, will offer a full range of Spurs merchandise as well as shirt printing services. “Would we sell Stevenage shirts in a Spurs shop? 110 per cent not,” said Mr Wallace. Following the announcement about the store’s opening last week, Stevenage fans raised objections to Spurs having a shop in the town centre but Mr Moynihan said Stevenage FC were “not concerned” – something Mr Wallace has refuted. Expect them on a clothes rail at the CG club shop soon.

The last time we met at – The County Ground – Just 4 months and 4 league games ago we put 3 past Stevenage with goals from Aden Flint (2), and Gary Roberts. Just over 9’500 in the crowd that day, I wonder how far we will be off that this time?

They’ve played for us both – Charlie Griffin, Lloyd Opara, Graz, Oliver Risser, Tony Thorpe and not forgetting the brilliant Jamie Slabber.

Where the opposition gather – http://www.borochat.co.uk/forum.jsp?article=237383

Last 6 – WDLLLL (On the opening day of the season Boro lost 3-4 to Oldham)

The Odds – Swindon 5/6  Draw 5/2  Stevenage 15/4   Andy Williams won me a few quid on Tuesday night after he popped up with the first goal, as I predicted. Ok, Chang told me it would happen really. One I may swerve is Bet Victors generous 17/4 on Paul Benson scoring the first goal.

The Son Says – 3-0 thrashing, no ifs and buts, a confident air about him this week.

The Prediction – I have to say the style of football we are trying to play at present is a joy to watch. I don’t think its a big secret we are a striker short and if we can get that striker in, whether it be Clarke, Thomas or anyone else with a degree of ability, I think we will be fighting for the higher places in the league table. 2-0 Town, goals from Luongo and Williams, 8’768 with 398 travelling from Hertfordshire.

And Finally –  Next time you happen to fly over Stevenage in the private jet take a close look at the shape of the town from up above, it forms a heart shape!

COYR COYR COYR

0-3

Non League opposition.  Yay.

0-0. 7222 (333 from them)

Football changes, but it always stays the same.

Stevenage is one of those teams I associate with "not being allowed in the football league because your ground isn't good enough". Yet we live in a world where Yeovil are a league above. Everything is upside-down.

I can't keep up. Fuck knows how Reg copes.

When Harpenden, Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City join in we'll really be able to party.

Keep an open mind fB

Stevenage/Hitchin/Letchworth is a curio...it's the ex missus territory, so spent a lot of time in that neck of the woods (reluctantly) It's OK as long as you keep out of Looton...strangely the ex still holds a bit of STFC and was particularly pissed off when her motor was keyed in Looton for having an STFC window sticker...she was much happier when we turned Stevenage over 4-0 at Broadhall Way last season.

Shaw you were premature. This surely means we're doomed. 0-2.

Fail-safe ... it was 02.59.54 here in Russia. Pre-emptive strike, we'll keep the reds' flag flying here.

2-0 Pritchard and Williams, 8562 with 309 from heartsville.

Good read SR, 2-0, Pritchard, Mason.

Premature postulation, bound to happen, it's  been building up all summer.

2 - 0 Williams brace.

2-1 defeat.

We'll play nice football, but will be overpowered by the Westley hoof machine. 2-0 defeat.

Stevenage fan at work says "it's not pretty to watch" and the youngsters may struggle with the Westley style.

Think it may be 1-1.

Hall and Ward will never have headed the ball so much.

3-1, and Pritchard will have learnt to pass.

We'll have too much pace and skill for the Stevenage neanderthals.

3-0 Williams with 2 plus Lungfish

Never thought I'd see the day when people predict us losing to this lot!

What a poor group of players...do we have a worst 'played for us both' list with any other club?

1-0, Luongo.

7,211 crowd with just 75 Stevens fans.

our signings from QPR over the last ten years has been pretty awful. Thorpe, Cureton, Aaron Brown, Kanyuka and Clarke

Probably be more Stevenage Spurs in with us

1 1 today as we struggle early on then take the piss later once we've worked out how to nullify them.

Good shout. MacDonald was pretty good though.

This should be interesting - men against boys. Youthful exuberance or journeymen experience. I'll go for a 1-1 draw with us coming from behind after making some changes at HT. Crowd of 7111 there with 346 from Stevenage.

That is true but before them we had some crackers in Peter Eastoe, Alan Macdonald, Brian Williams, Gary Waddock wasnt too bad and the return of Don Rogers before that.

You win some you lose some :)

Oh and we did offload Eric Sabin to them too :D

I did state it was over the last decade...

Am feeling much more positive than last week. Hope that the midweek win has given the team a bit of confidence. Being positive and hoping for a 2-1 win.

Great opening post SR....got to go for a result today. Signs in the second half on Tuesday of a good team developing. Mason will be missed - early days but he looks good.
Football will win the day here....2-1. Need Williams to score but not sure he will...

That is true thats why I put before them in my opening statement. :)

2-0 Williams, Luongo

Why no Mason?

I can't make it today due to moving house, shame as I think we'll gain a comfortable 1-0.

Looks like it hasn't had a lick of paint since that day.

Hes injured.

Picked up what looked to be a hamstring injury, on Tuesday they thought he would be available as they didn't think it was that serious.

sat in sunny Corfu...hopefully i can the fucking player thingy working on the bar mans laptop so i can listen to the match. The ipad is waste of time unless somebody can give me tip to make it work..

Hopeful we can get three points on the board.

It's usually so far behind anyway I give up and just rely on the match day thread if unable to get to the game or radio.

2-0 win. Cooper bought a tennis serve machine into training to teach the little 'uns how to deal with Westley's 'oofball master plan. Or at least I hope he did, it's what I'd do. Ward and Hall's heads will be our defensive line today.

Williams and Pritchard with the goals in front of 7,247, with 122 from Steven's Hedge.

Hope Hall and Ward are on their games. Fancy Pritchard to make up for penalty miss but hope Wes doesn't too much more of the fancy stuff back there as can see him getting clattered if/when he does. 1-1 as we eventually succumb to non stop aerial bombardment to send the 357 from Herts home happiest from the 7431 attendance

Draw today. 1-1 and match reports won't make good reading tonight I predict.

It was 12 0'clock on Sky Sports News so we remain undoomed.

0-1 smash and grab

News of Storey starting has made me confident, hopefully him up top and Williams wide where he's more suited.

Town team to face Stevenage: Foderingham, Thompson N, Hall, Ward (C), Byrne, Kasim, Luongo, Harley, Reis, Williams, Storey

Subs: Belford, McEveley, Waldon, Thompson L, Smith, Barthram, Archibald-Henville

No Pritchard or Mason, anyone know what's wrong with them?

Just that both are carrying injuries after Tuesday.

Thanks. Will be interesting to see what system we use today.

I think I heard that Pritchard has a dead leag so nothing major by the sound of it.

£10 on storey to score first at 11/2 Bet 365

Oh, well, Williams and Storey for goals then. We'll probably line up 4-2-3-1 looking at it, with Kasim and Luongo sitting deep, Harley in front with Williams and Reis, and Storey up top.

Quite an important game today in the fact that they will try and physically batter us, it will take a lot of physical and mental strength to overcome them and play our passing game.

If we can hit them early then I think we will outplay them but they will be probably the most physical side we play this season.

Really hoping this is the case and not Williams and Storey reversed.

Surely pritchard and Mason have to start every game! Even if injured! Shit we're going to be in hot water with spurs now!!

5.0 win today

Drum Wankers are here :(

They've got a drum. Tinpot bastards.
3-0 storeyx2 & williams

Can fucking hear them.

If you're reading this Jed, BAN FUCKING INSTRUMENTS. That'll get the fanbase on your side.

apparently they normally have 3. Three times the tinpottednesd

Don Rogers seems to appreciate the way we play now. He don't give a shit about the formation.

Take note '4-4-2'ers.

Stevenage's local radio (BBC 3 Counties) haven't turned off their online stream but they are commentating on Southport V luton instead...

This is the first game I've missed at the CG for years...and I'm fucking hating it! Will make sure I'm at the Jills game.

RIP Big Steve Aizlewood.

It's nice to see a bigger focus on Salisbury this year on the radio. They had a great season last year, and it's nice to hear good quality live reports from their game as opposed to those ones that sounded like they were being shouted from the other end of a tin can. Swindon ain't the only club in Wiltshire, as much as it often feels like it...

Not much going on judging by lack of updates?

We had an attack in the first 30 seconds, since then nothing of any note by the sound of it.

Williams shoots, saved by the keeper.

Is williams on the wing and Storey in the middle?

Sounds like good keeper work as opposed to Williams making a mistake. Come on Andy, you can bloody do it...


Sounds like Storey wing, Williams Centre, but it's hard to tell so they could be switching.

They havent actually said.

It did, I would fucking love Willo to grab a couple of goals today.

Ref sounds a bit like hes having a mare.

Ward heads over the bar from a corner.

Where did Risser end up this year? I assume Stevenage didn't keep him?

Goal Luongo.

Beautiful.

Get in.

Sounded a great passing move leading to the goal.

 :beers: :clap:

LUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

One of the best team goals I've seen Town score!

Huzzah!
Listening to and cheering on Swindon from sunny Shetland :clap:

I was very pessimistic before the season started but it seems like I might be pleasantly surprised by this 'hobbled together' team!

Mass to score 1st goal 16/1 - oh yes  :clap:

He ended up at Aldershot,another poor DiCanio signing

Well done, thats beers for the night!

Thx. Together with his brother perhaps then.

Think Wilko left.

I am fairly certain the Oliver Risser was given a free at the end of the season and is now plying his trade in Germany I think.

Sam Morshead‏@SamMorshead_SA44s
Swindon totally dominant. Corner to the hosts on the right

Wilco. Out.

Good half very good indeed.very slight criticism, its only 1 0

More nice football from Town, but more purpose to some of the passing & have created a few decent chances.

Goal was a thing of beauty, Massimo has been outstanding again.


PS Drum Wanker is still here

I fucking love our new sexy football style.

Luongo different class and totally running the show

not so sunny corfu.

bar mans laptop working fine.....but commentary still shit.

Excellent goal by all accounts.

Sounds like a goal that we scored against Ipswich in the Prem that got no credit at the time on MOTD....loads of passes and bang....

That was one of the best team goals I've seen Town score in many years. Must have been at least 20 passes in the build up.

The football we're playing at the moment is a joy to watch and if we keep it up all season then the season ticket will be worth the cost in entertainment value alone, regardless of our finishing position.

Granted we're only 1 1/2 games in, but it's a very promising start.

These young lads sound really good....coyrs

 :)

So would I.  The Williams haters are out in force today and getting on his back at the slightest thing.  It's really starting to piss me off.

His head drops so easily but he obviously has talent and speed just when his head drops its obvious.

Even one goal would be good to help him.

Games gone slightly scrappy from town now. Storey and reis struggling a bit. They seem to have pushed up a bit and Stevenage are pressuring us a bit more.

Bury score twice in two minutes to leave Pox 2-1 down  :clap:

Fail

FGR winning 7(seven) - 0  :eek:

Make that 8.  Something of a hyding.

Sky Sports Fail.

oxford 2-1 up

MoM is Luongo.

Eek. Stevenage go close...

Watford 6( SIX ) - 1 The Might Ballmouth... 

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Not finished yet!?

Well into 5 minutes of stoppage time.

Very happy with a win today.

FT 1-0 Town.

Great stuff  :)

Get in, great win!

Me 'n all...I would have taken those three results before the start of the season all day long.

 :clap:

Bit scrappy 2nd half. Pleased with 3 points and performance.... especially 1st half...

PS Watford 6 v 1 'Boremuff  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Absofuckinglutely.

Sounds as if Cooper doing his chances of getting the job permanently no harm.  If it ain't broke...

Nice. Who'd have thought with this squad we'd be looking at three binary results from the start to the season?

if you trust bbc football stats, watford only had 34% possession! :sherlock:

Up to 10th

Yeah, where are all these 4-3's Jed promised us?!?

I enjoyed that. We played some lovely stuff at times especially the goal, looking forward to seeing that again!

A second goal would have been good but 3 games in, I'm impressed.

Ooooooh....intriguing words from Jed :sherlock:

Copper is getting it...sigh....not a good move move IMO.

But i will be there every week from now on so......whatever...

It's Obika judging from Jed's Tweets

Perm or loan?

Either way, (if it's him) I hope he does a lot better than the last time he played for us.

Jed said something about debating whether a player
can have a 2nd chance, then suggested it may not be Clarke.

No idea whether its a loan or permanent or even if above is true.
Just process of elimination.

Excellent first half, scrappy 2nd half.

Ward MOM - didn't miss a thing all game.

Byrne a bit off his game today.

Kasim is class at this level - terrific signing

Hall and Ward have the making of a really good pairing - impressed with Hall today

Lungfish ran the show first half, but like a few others unable to keep it up 2nd half

The benefit for me is this game showed we can stand up to the physical side of the game and are able to grind out a result when the passing game fails to flow.

I can only remember We making one save 1st half and them missing a bit of a sitter of a header in the 2nd.

Overall, a terrific performance.

Pity I can't say same for the officials

He looks to have bulked up a bit. If it's a target man we're after, maybe he'll fit the bill?
Can we get him on a loan deal?

Obika can piss off, the lazy dick

Thought he was sighning for charlton..... Maybe we power twisted spurs arm....

Scored 3 in 10 for Charlton last season if Wikipedia is to be believed :hmmm:

Nile Ranger has been mentioned but if jed mentioned 2nd chance it can't be him. He must have had 20

The first half was superb. Total control, really nice passing, made our first chance after less than a minute, great passing move and a superb finish from Luongo who ran the show until half time.

Second half we tried to play the same way but couldn't, and in truth as much as the first half showed the brilliance of the passing game the second showed the frustrating nature that can also surface. Stevenage pressed us more, we changed shape by pushing Reis and Storey further forward and we stopped passing to each other and gave the ball back to Stevenage. In fact it took us about 40 minutes to get a shot away. In the meantime we were lucky not to concede a couple of times, especially from a diving header that looked nailed on but failed to find the target.

Still early days, still hugely encouraging we stood up to a physical test. Actually I didn't think they were that physical...

Reis continues to frustrate, he has the attributes but an inability to use the right ones at the right time . Still hoping he just needs games!

Impressive first half, second half slightly less so but the lack of options on the bench didn't help that and Stevenage were always going to have a go when a goal down - they should have scored when that guy missed the ball completely from the low cross near the end.

Lovely goal, Luongo was good at times last season but he seems to have picked it up another level this season. Superb.

Tjane and Storey were fairly average first half without really threatening but were both poor second half and it's a shame we didn't have any real options to replace them with.

Everyone's going on about us needed a striker, but it's two that we need really. I trust Power to pull a couple out of the bag, hope it's not just Obika we sign though.

Stevenage were awful but you can only beat what is put in front of you and we did that. Bigger tests still to come and I will reserve judgement for a while yet as I hope most will.

On a final note, what's with the random front blocks of seats being removed from the Stratton Bank all about? Looks even more tinpot than usual!

Excellent first half.  Luongo and Kasim stood out for me.

Second half was a tad frustrating. With the diving header six yards out Stevenage could and probably should have nabbed a point.

I think we need to be more careful with where we play out of defence at times.  There's nothing wrong with a ball down the line and asking the wide men to chase to relieve pressure. Better teams will punish us for that.

Were they taken out to accommodate the concerts?

(http://i.imgur.com/OqbpI.gif)

On the BBC interview, Jed clearly said a couple of strikers as most clubs have four.

Why bother having 4 strikers when we only play 1 upfront? Better to sign another winger.

Enjoyed the first half, the second half was a totally different story.  We didn't pick it up and Stevenage out muscled us at times, and in truth we were hanging on at times - although they never really hurt us apart from the open goal the guy missed with a diving header.  The officials were real sunday league standard, especially the linesman on the DRS side.  Thought Luongo was outstanding in the first half but like several others faded in the second half.  Byrne was poor today, too many missed tackles and poor distribution and Reis looked tricky first half but crap second half.  Weak bench though, the guys who needed replacing didn't have ready made alternatives.

Mark Cooper said we nearly played with 2 up top today with Prichard up with Williams.
But as he was injured they stuck with the 4-5-1

Oh, and that halftime performance from Rocking Robin was cringe worthy - as was the guy singing on the pitch (fair play for having a go but not what we need when trying to build an atmosphere - something that was again sadly lacking today).

2nd chance at Swindon though.....

Wouldn't want Nile Ranger within a 100 miles of our club myself.

Attendances a bit down at the CG. A true reflection of lost support, or just a bit down because of the holiday season?

I have to agree, Ranger is a fucking cock.

Picture floating around of allegedly Obika at the game today watching in press box. Not sure if it's him.

I see that since they beat us 1-0 last week that Peterborough have scored 9 goals in the last 2 games both away from home, that puts our narrow defeat into perspective I think.

The one thing that will unite the fanbase.

Is that a Twitter Pic? any link by any chance?

Tell you who I did see at the game

Lawrie Sanchez

Hope he was scouting or just plain lost

How about Tom eaves of Bolton?

Great first hour. luongo yet again showed his quality - a great goal but he ran the show. Hall also had a very good game alongside a very good ward. A quality goal from a quality passing move. The movement was really good. The first hour showed where the gameplan is an absolute joy to watch.
The lash half hour, however, showed where the gameplan doesn't work. The movement up front stopped and the midfield were lost. We pressed the self destruct button a few times particularly when Fods shanked his clearance which led to their guy missing the biggest sitter ever.
The good points - a good win and a couple of really good performances and the game we play is easy on the eye.
The bad points - we lost it in the last 30 - there was no experience in the midfield to try and get it together. Stevenage were really shit and better teams would punish us. Saying that we could have been more than 1 up by then. Story was disappointing after a really good game against Torquay. Tijane is going to need a few games as he has no end product at the moment - either crosses or shots but there is a player in there.
Now for Williams and I expect to be shot down in flames here but the guy is a fucking liability. He was unlucky not to score as their keeper made a really good save. He then shanked one over the bar. Now the one that really irritated the fuck out of me when it was there for him to challenge the keeper and he didn't bother. You then had another where he could easily have put himself in front of the keeper to challenge but went behind him. His whole body language is wrong - constantly moaning and feeling hard done by. Its a fucking contact sport. I'd love to mark him. He's carrying on this season as he finished the last. The fans have actually been pretty kind to him considering he has been giving way below 100%. If he needs confidence then he's not going to get it playing up front on his jack. He probably needs to go on loan somewhere lower league.
Overall though its work in progress and not a bad piece of work in progress.

Good record in the lower leagues on loan.

I recon it could be Theo Robinson who has been told he can leave Derby.

It's someone's personal twitter so here's the image.
I've no idea if it's him or not, or who the other guy next to him is.

Fits the second chance category.....

So does Obika

Cheers, I have no idea TBH I wouldn't know him if I bumped into him :) the one on the right looks like Garth Crooks though!

So does Ranger.

Yes...obviously obika does as well....[

quote author=kaufman link=topic=52214.msg1217260#msg1217260 date=1376157311]
It's someone's personal twitter so here's the image.
I've no idea if it's him or not, or who the other guy next to him is.


[/quote]
Could possibly be otis roberts....john bostock's agent, but presumably others as well...

Garth Crooks - ex Spurs - second chance. Could be a goer but I always thought of him as playing off the big man. not being the big man.

It looks more like Stephen Sodje in this pic, even wearing the same suit and shirt by the look of it. (with Otis Roberts on the left of the picture)

(http://www.voice-online.co.uk/sites/default/files/afcar2.jpg)

No idea but only a bit down as you say and perhaps the oppo last year was more attractive and also the season started a week or so later last year.

5.5 k for Torquay against 5.6k v Brighton in the FLC1
7.1 k v Stevenage against 7.6k for a newly Evans-less Creepy

I also think PDC put some on the gate, home and away.

Hopefully the kids will let their football get the turnstiles clicking but seems ok so far.

I overheard that he was dropping by the CG today.

Very good

Calvin Andrew?

Already signed up by someone. Mansfield

Mansfield.

I agree with the sentiment, in the past he has pussied out of challenges left right and centre. But the one above today, where were you sitting. I sit in the DRS towards the TE. I can assure you he was never getting close enough to that one, the only thing he'd have got for sliding was a yellow card.

It's Ranger

V179 in the DRS. Towards the TE. And yes he could have - he bottled it.

I heard it was Nile ranger as well

In the picture?

Found that match boring.....good win,Ward was outstanding.

Good three points,

Hasn't Ranger got an ongoing rape charge? Would be a bit odd to sign a player who could he going to prison pretty soon. He also has his surname tattooed on his head, so should be fairly easy to spot!

hmmm. You are a bit further towards the te than me (20 seats!). so should have the better view. From my angle it looked 100% too far in front of him.

I would say I'll watch it again on the stfc world highlights. But lets be honest, we'll be lucky to see the goal.

He just doesn't have that nasty streak to go in on the keeper there. Never has done. Keeper was favourite so he pulled up early.

I was level where I was sat and he wouldn't have got it but at this level effort is everything and he just gave up, it's that more than anything that pisses everyone off.

Was pleasantly suprised until we went off the boil second half, should be top half no problem and with the right choice of forwards coming in who knows? . . . .

Williams puts in more than enough effort in my opinion, he's just not a "blood and thunder" kind of striker.

didn't he pick up a bad injury last season after challenging for a loose ball with an opposition keeper?

Yes. Hence why he's a 'bottler'.

PDC effectivly took away his best aspect of his game when he rushed him back last year.That pace has gone.I see a few mention a low gate,suprised to see its only 500 less than last seasons first home game

I agree. The thing is it's easy for us to sit and accuse, however, as a player you know instantly whether you're in with a shout or not of getting there first and in this case he was two yards ( that's six foot six inches kids so look it up ) away from having a decent chance with their keeper.

Although he has been far from his best for a while, Williams was our biggest threat today and the only one of the front 3 who looked like doing anything of attacking note (Tjane's blocked effort aside).

Nile Ranger would be disastrous and I couldn't defend the board if we get him. Horrible man and not a good enough player to put his history aside.

But you challenge and try and make the keeper spill it. At least let the fucker know you're there. Why the fuck do you make it so easy for the keeper to collect and distribute the ball.

Agree with most of that but think he would be superb in league 1

The first half was a joy to watch, and the goal was one of the best team goals I've seen in over 30 years at the county ground.

Second half we were nervy and there was too much tippy tappy phaffing about at the back for my liking. Think Cooper deserves a chance but can't see any point in making him "permanent", let him care take all season if he keeps getting results, with a healthy win bonus to motivate him.

Yeah I didn't realise we were only 500 down on this time last year when I questioned it. We averaged ~8500 last year so I assumed the loss was bigger. The holiday season affects attendances more than I realised.

Wiki says Ranger scored 2 in 51 for Newcastle. Is that correct?

8,299 at the first Saturday home match of last season for comparison.

Win games and the crowds will be up, simple as that, but at £25 a ticket should we struggle there will be a big drop.

On the striker note, I am warming to the idea of bringing in Obika, just hope our fans don't write him off before he kicks a ball because of a few games over two years ago in one of our worst ever sides.

I would urge the board o take a gamble and bring in a striker who is hungry and fresh,maybe us fans have never heard of.

No has beens,no wanabees...no journeymen.

Fresh and hungry and a new idol for us fans.

That's what i would want to see.

Now you're talking about other issues. That's a different talking point. I'm on about the aforementioned opportunity. You could always wait outside the players entrance and challenge Williams personally about his apparent weakness of not trying to cripple the opposition goalie or intimidate him without getting cautioned or sent off.

Storey?

Like Storey a lot.

Once upon a time there was a Wiltshire football club...
----
Think Jed has been down the pub, he seems to be "OLE"ing on twitter right now and inviting the opposition to bring their own ball to play with.

Playing on a little peice of land in Croft in old Swindon.

That was my garden it  wasn't that small!

Not too difficult to sum up today. The goal was the best team goal I have seen at the County Ground since I have attended. The triangles we play going forward and the speed at which we switch the play is fantastic. I remember Di Canio touting us as some sort of League 2 Barcelona a couple of seasons back, even the press bought in to it. The style of football I have seen over the last 3 games has been a darn sight nearer to Barcelona than anything Di Canio ever produced. If our manager back then happened to be Mark Cooper nobody outside of Swindon would have give a shit.

Give Cooper the job full time, not just based on 3 games but also based on the way the guy has conducted himself throughout the last couple of months. He knows that he will never be the 1st choice with many of our fanbase (me included a few weeks back), but the sooner we put the management issue to bed the better, and for me, he is currently the outstanding candidate.

Oh, and finally, "Do Do Do, Massimo Luongo, Do Do Do, He looks like Bruno Mars"  Class  :)

Sound performance today....no more,very promising,no more.

Did we have an attack the second half?




Promising and a very good goal....no more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23558652

Edit,i stand corrected....six shots on target :D

At least I didn't hear any of the

'Get rid of it!'

type comments today.

Fans seem to be warming to the brand of football we are attempting and I reckon most will accept the odd cock up when we are pissing about at the back.

We do look surprisingly decent at the back

Hope we can keep it up and add a bit up front

Good stuff!

Very very pleased with the performance today, 1st half we were all over them, 2nd half it was a typical westley team performance kick the shit out the opposition and time waste. Agree with others about the style of play and that goal, fuc me that was a cracker, (goal of the season contender already?)

The only thing I didn't like about the game today was THAT FUCKING DRUM.

If we play like this all season I don't think we'll have a problem staying up, I'm confident enough that with the right striker paired with Williams we'll in the play-offs come end of the season.

Nile Rangers new look!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2379976/Former-Newcastle-United-striker-Nile-Ranger-tattoos-surname-head.html

Model citizen, just what we need!

I'm midway in the Arkells and he was never getting it.  If it had been Storey going for it, nobody would have said a word, unfortunately Williams now has a 'bottler' tag attached to him.

Already been said, good first half but fell away in the second and against a better team we might have thrown away the 3 points.  Byrne was shite, totally liability and is not a left back.  Would rather see McEveley there.  Storey looks like he might be carrying an injury.

Sorry to be pedantic, but two yards is six feet. Two meters maybe...?

That was theo robinson yesterday sat two rows in front of me ..

No it wasnt

I can't figure it out, DRS any ideas?

Spot on SR......Lots of Williams knocking on here about him bottling his one on one...I was in the Arkells pretty much perfectly positioned to see that he had no realistic chance of getting to the ball before their goalie, without colliding with him seriously.
There`s no pleasing all the supporters all of the time but this style of football is entertaining to watch....a bit ike watching Tottenham!!
Early days but what a great start after a mixed up closed season.

Was it obika?

I'm warming to Jed. His grammar is still shit but I like the sentiment.

JedMcCoy ‏@JedMcCoy  13h 
To all teams coming to CG please bring you're own ball ..!!.. As you ain't gonna see much of ours ..;)... #COYR ...

That's quite a good one. Well done Jed, you've finally said something on Twitter I like. Just get your fucking grammar right and we're all good.

After his injury last season Williams has been a lot more cautious about leaping into challenges. But he doesn't deserve the term 'bottler'. Not by any stretch. If he had tried to get to that and tore his hammy/broke his leg, we'd be fucked for a good part of the season, and he knows it.

Everyone knows he's a confidence player, so shouting 'bottler' at him like some morons are bound to do is totally out of order. If people don't like him, fine, but he's the best we've got atm and all shouting 'shit' at him is going to do is make it worse.

Doesn't look like Obika to me

Its entirely possible the picture is not of the player Jed is talking about. Didn't hear the interview but was being 6'3 mentioned? Obika is only 6', Clarke is 6'2 and so is Ranger which could be claimed as 6'3 i guess.

Have to agree with all of that.

Ranger has the talent theres no doubt at all in that but he does have a massive attitude problem which was why he left Southampton in the first place back in 2008 when he came on trial here under the guidance of Dave Byrne who told me and HerthaB in the car park at Salisbury that he was going to be a million pound player in a couple of years, well he almost is but he is a trouble magnet and not the brightest firework in the box either.

If he keeps his nose clean then he would be excellent at this level but is always going to be a risk if he does come here.

Ranger isn't a reformed character. He has criminal charges hanging over him.

Ranger has more convictions than league goals.

The pic is not of Ranger as there is no stupid head tattoo....so who is it!

Doesn't that tat say 'Ranges' that's what it looks like to me.

Hardly the sort of person our impressionable youngsters want around the place surely.

The highlights online really illustrate just how poor Williams' finishing is.

Who wants to upload a video of the goal so I can see if outside of the country then?  :D

It wasn't Obika, nor Ranger. If anything he looked more like Robinson. He was easily over six foot but Like someone mentioned may not even play football. He sat down after KO and wasn't there at the final whistle but did come in and out of the Executive entrance with the older guy who looked like Garth crooks but wasn't.

I'd appreciate that too, although youtube is banned here (god knows why)

Sorry to disappoint, but I think the guy on the left is Marvin Brown - former Bristol City and England Youth player. Now retired and running the Southampton Development Centre. He lives locally and runs Southampton Development from Calne, Beaversbrook I believe. I dont think it's anyone we're signing.

I might be wrong though, but it does look like him from that angle.

Would that be the Marvin Brown who is playing for Chippenham?

According to Wiki, yes. But I don't know if he actually is playing for them.

His older brother is Aaron Brown.

I like the thought of a bad boy playing for us. He's been charged with rape though and he's been in court more times than a mob boss. If he doesn't get found guilty, we should take him on a pay as you play contract. That way he can earn a contract by keeping his nose clean and scoring goals for us.

I don't think he'd earn much. 

Supposed to be an amazing player but much like Ravel Morrison will probably fuck it up completely with the attitude.

Brown is 31, the person in the picture looked much younger than that. We should know about a new striker by the end Of the week according to Jed so a few more days of speculation yet :)

I've probably missed something completely obvious but to which picture are you all refering?

A couple of pages back mate
Edit: page 11

Cheers Notts

Jon Obika and his agent Eddie Duah

Ranger isn't a "bad boy", he's an absolute fucking cunt. The same applies to King.

He hasn't been able to "keep his nose clean" despite earning a decent wedge at a PL side, why would he be any different here?

Sam says Ranger might be a true story, I really hope it isn't.

What makes you say that CR ? It really did think it was him but wouldn't put money on it.

Wounder who's choice that will be: Lee's perhaps. Power Ranger  :)

I would put money on that NOT being Obika.

It really didn't look like Obika or Duah the agent. Has anyone asked Sam?

Sorry if I'm missing something but how do we know that it's actually a professional footballer?

We don't and thats the beauty of guesswork :)

Are black people that rare at the county ground?

No but they are rare at Millwall....but some of their fans prefer them well done.

Yep, another surefire way to divide the fans if so.  Personally don't want him here and will be extremely disappointed if we sign him.  Vile individual.

Ranger can fuck right off, do not want him near my club.

Flint and shitty doing really well at 'Coventry', their forum is a fun read atm.

Ha, love it. Have you got a link? I could do with a laugh.

Don't see many sat in the stands wearing suits to be fair

http://www.otib.co.uk/index.php?/topic/156435-coventry-vs-city-match-thread/page-4

They are bound to win 4-3 now.

... 3-2 now

It's Vincent Pericard.

He played for Juventus you know.

Vs M+B Rangers . . or was it the Deers Leap ? :sherlock:

M&B rangers, That brings back memories  :)

Its Pastor Randy Mblodu and Brother Emmanuel Christmas, they are the new STFC Co-Chaplain's. They used to be at Spurs.

For those who have sinned

They were sent by John Bostock.

Followed three Stevenage lads walking towards the Merlin carrying their drum & kit yesterday, they were more than happy giving the middle finger to a couple of teenage town fans across the road and some more in a car. Suprised  they made It into the ground with their silly drum in one piece.

At times in the first half I was loving it.

At times in the second half I was tearing my fucking hair out! (Not a good idea with a head of hair like mine).

Tijauna Jazz looks like he has some real sweet touches, just needs to develop the final product.

Massimoooooooooooooooooooo has come on leaps and bounds from the good player we saw last season and what a beautiful goal. Who need Matt Ritchie? (Ducks and runs for cover).

Kasim? Not sure what all the hype is about yet as I barely noticed him TBH.

Harley? I will wait to decalre my verdict.

Ward and hall look to be a good team at the back.

Williams? As frustrating as ever.

How the fuck the ref could justify booking 3 of ours and none of theirs I'll never know (Storey aside for kicking/ throwing the ball away and Thompson N being about a fortnight late on the challenge. Thompson L had only just got on the pitch FFS). Cunt (ref not Storey or Thompson N&L).

And therein lied his excellence.

Barely gave the ball away, everything good we created went through him in the first half.  When Hall or Ward drifted out of position he quietly and effectively filled in.

When Stevenage changed it and put a man specifically on him in the second half we never got going.

Anyone know why he isnt playing for Mufff?  Injured ???

A bit like Hollands/miller last season. Barely noticed them, but they sat and chugged away quietly and let the rest of the team do their thing. Nothing extravagant, nothing obviously impressive about them, but they were the cornerstone of the midfield.

Touched on this the other day, A couple of Bournemouth fans I know reckon the injury story they are being told is a cover up and it's quite possible he could be sold on. I suggested Paolo thought the world of him and wouldn't put it passed him to get Ritchie up North to nurture him. They reckon Matt has looked uninterested and even that he left his heart back at Swindon !

Thanks.

Gozie Ugwu, That's who it is in the picture from Saturday. Signing him from Readind apparently.

I heard this from a Boremuff fan too, they are convinced that Ritchie is off to Sunderland.

They also say they would expect to get 2M for him, That must of been just to wind me up though !

I rate him, but not that much. Maybe he just misses Paolo's cock. Its quite obvious to see he never wanted to go to Muff in the first place.

Playing him at right back probably didn't fill him with joy, as we know sometimes it just doesn't work out for some at new clubs. They are pretty adamant that Matt will be moving on though.

Caption: 'I really don't want to be here.'

(http://www.afcb.co.uk/cms_images/ritchie-43-134-629147_478x359.jpg)

hope he does go and we can bombard that bmuff cunt that came on here piss taking!

:D

They'll make a ridiculous profit though.

The more you look at his face, the more he looks like he hates his life.

We should have made a cheeky loan offer. They're not going to make any money on a player who plays shit and doesn't want to be there. I doubt Paolo will take him to Sunderland, I feel he would have moved for him already if he really wanted him/he was able to actually pick the players he wanted.

Jed, get it done.

Edit: I fully expect to be shouted down by the 'NEVER GO BACK' contingent. Well, pre-emptively: Fuck you.

I imagine him saying, "brilliant, just brilliant," like Simon, from the inbetweeners.

I swear there was another picture of him looking even more miserable than that.

Poor Matty :(