Thetownend.com

Jed really seems to be pushing the Spartans nickname thing around a lot lately


( Yes its not Wiltshere but Wiltshire )

(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab225/mark_woolhouse/spartans_zps31cd57f4.jpg)

Club email re Orient tickets

I know he tweeted ages ago about reverting back to the spartans.

Any thoughts ? ( stupid q as bound to be )

Awoo.

Decent nickname. No Hull City Tigers though please.

cringeworthy in my opinion

Image change coming on i reckon if they think it will bring in ££££

He did also say we play in Wiltshere.

I fully expect us to be playing in yellow in 2 years

I like it.

It's no Moonrakers, but better than Robins

Me, too.

Robins is naff in the extreme - every fucking team who plays in red are called Robins - Shitty, Cheltnum.

CG needs a change of name as well.

What, to Sparta?

Could someone mock up what the club crest might look like with the robin obliterated and replaced with a Greek fighting person with a dagger and shield?

If its a nickname change then I'm not too bothered. If it was a Swindon Town to Swindon Spartans change then he can fuck off.

I know he must read this forum...

We are the spartan army.

You're assuming he can read  :hmmm:

Given our history of expelling unwanted Greeks and the general liking for ska, I'd have thought Trojans would be more like it

I know it's a historical name for us, but it does sound a bit naff. Replacing Rockin' Robin with a mildly homoerotic greek warrior might also be problematic. Changing the 'proper' name of the club to Spartans would be even fucking worse, would make us sound like some shit American high school football team.

County Ground can stay as is too thank you Audrey.

I forgot about the club badge having a robin, and rockin robin. Nah, I've changed my mind, fuck the Spartans rubbish.

Moonrakers>Spartans>Robins

What was it - feathered fuck nugget
I wouldnt be adverse to losing him or his haka

Agreed

What about moonspartans?

Won't somebody think of the children.

Fixed

It's original! I have an image of a half-naked guy in red robes with a spear and space helmet on.

Clearly I'm messed up as the mental image of an oiled up Leonidas type dancing with the mascots is making me giggle uncontrollably.

In that context, any mention of the word "helmet" is definitely best avoided.

I wholeheartedly support any avian related nicknames

The Bustards?

The Shags. Or the Boobies.

Both great mascots just waiting to happen.

Wobbling Boobie > Rockin Robin.

Would be good for headlines

"Red Devils smothered by Boobies"

"Boobies stand out on cold afternoon"

"Boobies handled with care by Cooper"

"Nip and tuck for Boobies"
"Boobies are a handful"

I don't mind 'Spartans' being used as an unofficial nickname but would only accept a complete name change if the club went completely tits-up and had to be 'reborn'.

No way were the Trojan (jonnies) > Greeks/Achaeans. Priam and his numpties couldn't even recognise the old wooden horse trick.

Unfortunately, the Achaean League got the better of the Spartans too...

"Tits up!"

Bah, the Spartans were uncultured authoritarian militaristic nut jobs (remind you of anyone?) who eventually got what was coming to them. Read your Thucydides. (Now there's a phrase you don't see on TEF every day)

I didnt know I had a thucydides.  Is it some sort of gland?

Thucydides was Athenian. That's just like saying 'read your Timmy Mallett' and expecting to get a ballanced view on Town v Pox matches.

Blyth Spartans from the Evo-stick league, northern equivalent of Banburys league I think. Say no more.

Founded 1899. Newbies compared to Swindon's Spartan Club.

Well, it might be if there had been any Spartan historians. But if they'd had reed pens, they'd have just stabbed you with them anyway, so hardly surprising the Athenians wrote it all up.

Most clubs nicknamed Spartans seem to be high school teams as someone mentioned earlier. Doesn't do it for me, think Jed must be on a wind up?

According to Chester Starr (yes, the Chester Starr) “In reality we have more testimony to poetic activity at Sparta in the seventh century than for any other Greek state, including Athens,”

Stick that in your Athenian pipa kapnismatos!

I think it could be apt, as most of our fans look like the dribbling hunchback that grassed up the 300.

Anything to get of Rockin' Robin! Nickname don't mind changing, but not a name change to 'Swindon Spartans', as someone earlier in the thread said 'fuck off'

I'm not averse to a change of nickname at all, but 'the Spartans', even with the heritage in place to justify it, has become appropriated in so many other contexts it would sound like a naff, American style rebranding exercise.

Moonrakers', though, is unique, geographically relevant, and doesn't take itself too seriously, in the way that Spartan's sounds like it might. I could definitely get behind that.

While I'm here, would also get behind a change in players coming out song to something more unique/ relevant to Swindon, as touted elsewhere, and euthanising 'Glad All Over' and the post-goal song altogether.

Thinking on it, If we're ever going to change names we should swap the last bit with the other Swindon team, and get a flyover every goal.

I would think it was shite apart from the fact that every football club in our vicinity seems to be called the robins.

Sounds like  the fella in the Robin suit had best get down the Gym 

 :D

It's odd that Jed has latched on to the Spartans tag.  It's a very tenuous link to the very early years of the club's history (1879-83), and doesn't have any resonance with the fans other than being a small footnote in the history books.

The Moonrakers, however, is a label that a lot of people clearly identify with.  The comedy mascot potential is there; it's unique.  I think Jed picked the wrong option there, sorry.

7th Century? Fuck off. That was pre-history, even to the Greeks. By the time everyone else was flourishing in the 5th, the Spartans had regressed into a military state while everyone else had moved on. It's all about the 5th and 4th and you knows it. 7th Century, my arse

 :nod: :nod: :nod:

For example, an earlier away-day line up:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swindonlocal/3884153442/in/photostream/  

 Which one is Reg?  :D

PS - Note the robin on the flag!

Surely any Moonraker association would only firm up the local yokel view.

Sorry, but I would prefer to get completely away from the kitsch, country bumpkin image

So you're worried about what others will think? Fuck them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJBlN8b-r60
Now if we played THIS after every goal.

The only problem with being called The Moonrakers is that it sounds shit........ That would be awful... Spartans sounds pretty decent, though.

It is the standards of civilized men not of beasts that must be kept in mind, for it is good men not beasts who are capable of real courage. Those like the Spartans who concentrate on the one and ignore the other in their education turn men into machines and in devoting themselves to one single aspect of city's life, end up making them inferior even in that.[87]

Isn't that what you should do with thinly veiled insults though?  Appropriate them and claim them as your own.  It's all tongue in cheek and a bit of fun...and a little self deprecation is no bad thing.

Spartans vs Moonrakers
Optimus Prime vs Worzel Gummidge

I'd choose the latter.

So you would fancy turning up in Moonraker attire (with straw retained orally) - much as the Spurs fans like calling themselves Yids

 :clap: We need more rows like this on the TEF. Which reminds me of another thread.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur5fGSBsfq8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur5fGSBsfq8)

Agreed. When did we stop singing the "Oi caaan't wroite" song? I miss it.

This exactly. I think it would be more embarrassing to call ourselves Spartans, and sound like we're taking ourselves extremely seriously, in contradistinction to our position as a mid-table League 1 club in a slightly shit Wiltshire town, than Moonrakers, in which we recognise who we are, where we are, and are proud of it.

Why don't we just call ourselves the Tractor Boys Mark II and be done with it.

FWIW I'd rather we were called The Steam - which at least reflects our history as a town

I like the Spartans link.  Was going to name my house after our original name, opted for Cavendish House in the end as I'm from Park South & the missus from Park North, I do have a robin painted on the sign though!

Seeing as 'history' refers to the written record, Sparta must have been pretty advanced to have created highly artistic and culturally-enlightening poetry in a period you consider 'pre-history'. Without Spartan 'pre-history' the 'Greeks' of the 5th and 4th would be nothing more than goat-munching knuckle-draggers (pretty much like the guy who went on the pitch yesterday - certainly not Spartan behaviour).

The Moonrakers legend is that Wiltshire smugglers deceived the Customs by pretending to be country bumpkins raking the moon's reflection when in fact they were hiding contraband in a pond. So outwardly we might be appear to bumpkins when in fact we are much shrewder

Thank you, Oaksey Spartan.  (See what I did there?)

 :D. Oops.

Plus we're good at hiding stuff from the Revenue services.

Oh, wait...

it's all about cheese

Ah...the Moonraker legend.  So that is the reason for the TEF's fixation with cheese.

All makes sense.  It's taken me a few years to get it, but I'm there now.

The best counties roll cheese down a hill.

Talking of counties. Have only ever noticed Yorkshire clubs sing out theirs
YORKSHIRE YORKSHIRE and thats all of them, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffields etc

Never heard any other region do it
I Know we infrequently break out in a chorus of "west country "  even if its tenuous

Just an observation  :bye:

Spartans?!?!?!! Fuck off!
Robins is fine so leave it alone

It doesn't sounds as manly and aggressive as The Robins.....

Spartans is part of the clubs formation, ref the cricket team. Robins is a bit dull.

I think regardless of a nickname change, I'd still call them 'The Town'...so if they change it and it helps with advertising and revenue, I'm all for it..

Not a dig at you, but how on earth would it raise revenues?

Perhaps the club shop could stock togas and those helmets with the metal visors?

I have no idea mate...what I mean is IF if was to bring in more money, somehow, then go for it.

However, if it doesn't...what's the point?

Togas!  Togas!?  That's not even the right civilisation.  They were the sworn enemies of the Romans.  (Paul D, Official TEF Classical Scholar-in-Chief, will be able to confirm.)

I didn't have time to look up scarlet robes  ;)

I can see Spartans as having a tenuous historical link, but how about using the Wessex Wyvern

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/FlagOfWessex.svg/220px-FlagOfWessex.svg.png)

Swindon Wyverns has a ring to it.   (It's why we've a Wyvern Theatre)

For some reason I associated the Wyvern with the area north and west of Swindon...Worcestershire and Herefordshire, I think.  Did I have that wrong?

How about 'Isambard Swindon Brunel.'

 :nod:

Bit too much like the wanky Welsh dragon for me.

And we all know where to stick that!

Yes. The Mercians stuck their noses into our affairs, but were sent packing after the Battle of Ellandune, never to return, apart from when we played the Villa at the end of the 80's.

This enabled Egbert, to kick arse further to the east and enlarge the West Saxon power base, being Bretwalda from 829-39.

Alfred and his successors, would ensure that Wessex values prevailed in England, until the fall of the Wessex Wyvern flag at Hastings...as seen on the Bayeux Tapestry.

I always associated the Wyvern with Somerset as it is on the county flag as well as pretty much everything down this neck of the woods.

(http://www.experiencesomerset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Somerset-crest-300x297.jpg)
(http://britishcountyflags.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/insert-image-12-cricket.jpg?w=640)
(http://theenglandstore.com/images/somersetshop.jpg)

Wessex Wyern....Wessex comprised originally from Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire.

Oh I am fully aware of the Wyvern Wessex connection I was just stating that its more prevalent a link to the Wyvern, (certainly in public places) down here that I ever saw in Wiltshire.

The good people of Somerset are rightly proud of their Wessex connections....my father was born in the Somerset coalfield, but Wiltshire has every reason for that pride as well....after all, the major battles for Wessex's and ultimately England's existence were fought on Wiltshire soil.

There is a very nice little coal mining museum in Radstock.

Wiltshire has a lot to be proud of when it comes to history yet a large proportion of the people of the county seem little bothered by its long and illustrious history, even though it has one of the most famous world heritage sites in its borders, not to mention the many many battles and places of historical interest there.

I'm loving the attention to detail for each of these historical periods.  Paul D has Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire covered.  Reg is the TEF in house authority on the Saxon period, pre-Norman Conquest.  Any other bidders?  For my part, I do like a bit of modern British history, with a bias towards David Lloyd George who, despite being (at times) a philanderer and not untainted by corruption, is a political hero of mine.  Pioneered the concept of old age pensions (of which I am sure Reg would approve) and laid the foundations of the welfare state/NHS 40 odd years before Bevan and Attlee finished the job.

IKB (ISB) himself disliked Swindon, the credit for the railway coming to Swindon comes firmly down on the shoulders of Sir Daniel Gooch who without him the town would not have expanded anywhere near as fast as it did and could even stilll be the size of Highworth or other surrounding villages.

You should try patent leather shoes. Saves time by not needing to get down on your hands and knees.

Happy to lob in Russian history, time of the Revolution and under Stalin.  Fun times.

O level in Archaeology me....when exams were hard!

Specialised in Iron Age....

Out very own Francis Pryor..

I did everything from Ancient through to modern history at uni. Jack of all trades, master of none etc.

Also is the Somerset symbol a Wyvern? I believe in heraldry a two-legged, long tailed winged lizard is a Wyvern, and a four legged winged lizard is a Dragon.

I'm your go to man for the Balkans.

History is not my strong point. I couldn't even tell you what I had for breakfast today.

Therefore, I'm out.

A truely unbiased historian. ;)

I took an A level in History that was based mostly on the Roman period of British history.

I'll take 18th and 19th century riot, protest, law, and disorder. Give me a good bit of E.P Thompson and Hobsbawm and I'm happy.

I can be when I need to be.

 :)

Has anyone mentioned the famous stone circles of Wiltshire?

We could have a mini Stonehenge in the centre circle, like the one on Spinal Tap...

We already have a couple of  stone  monoliths but they are in defence

Well the tannoy in the DRS goes to 11.
Perhaps the players could emerge from plastic pods at the start of the match.

A fascinating subject...particularly Captain Swing etc.

Bit of an aside, but I've always preferred Avebury. Pub to hand, you can touch the stone, there is the manor house if that's your thing, and the odd wish tree.

Stonehenge - a few tightly packed stones and an overprice visitors centre.

how do you like them onions historians. eh. eh.

I quite like them actually. I also think Avebury is the better site. Historically it's perhaps even more interesting as well. (dodges lobbed pipes and books)

Every self respecting Moonraker, should do a walk between Stonehenge and Avebury or vice versa, preferably across The Plain.

Yeah, a mini Avebury might work. With dancing midgets dressed as Spartans or Moonrakers. Wheel it on as half time entertainment.

Now we're getting somewhere, I see a Danny Boyle Olympics type thing....Silbury Hill in the middle, gets transformed by hordes of smock wearing peasants, at the behest of rapacious landowners, before IKB comes along with the steam hammering and forges....exemplified by Alfred Williams (played by Leefer).  Birth of the NHS....GWR medical fund hospital Emlyn Square....celebrated by a dancing troupe of nurses (Eastern European please) wheeling around beds. Am I going OTT here?

That's good Reg, like it. I think we need that Callum bloke back to sort it out.