Franchise FC v Swindon Town FC Official Matchday Thread

[Reg Smeeton]

I have to disagree on this, that season we were a division lower, it was our lowest ever league position, 7 of Mayes 17 goals were penalties, yes Quinn coming through was a bonus but this season we do have Young, Henry and Smith coming through the ranks.

That season also heralded the lowest average attendance post war in the clubs history, with the lowest 4 league attendances ever at the County Ground with just 1,681 vs Darlington, 1,876 vs Posh, 1,941 vs Mansfield and 2,164 vs Torquay and only one match (6,493 vs Shitty) attracted a crowd of over 4,600 (including a home game with Reading).

The fans voted with their feet that season.

Yes it was a lower division....crowds were lower across all football, a combination of hooliganism and Thatcherite economic policy putting so many onto the dole as traditional industries closed. So what if some of Alan Mayes's goals were pens, are you trying to convince me that he wasn't better than Delf, Norris, Hylton or Obika.  Besides Quinn, we also had Colin Baillie and Charlie Henry coming through.

Back then it was quite common for sides in Div 4 to jack it in come March, as if you were mid table little to play for.  This was one of the reasons for the introduction of PO's in 86/87.....further with no relegation, we were never in any danger of being required to seek re-election.

I'm not claiming that was a great side, but compare someone like Leigh Barnard and Anton Rodgers, both very limited players, but Leigh would always work his nuts off for you, which is why Macari liked him as we rose through the Divs. Whereas Anton doesn't. That side despite its limitations would have too much for the current bunch....although playing on grass rather than mud might cause a problem or two.

[Peter Venkman]

I'm not claiming that was a great side, but compare someone like Leigh Barnard and Anton Rodgers, both very limited players, but Leigh would always work his nuts off for you, which is why Macari liked him as we rose through the Divs. Whereas Anton doesn't. That side despite its limitations would have too much for the current bunch....although playing on grass rather than mud might cause a problem or two.

Can't argue with that, LKB compared to Rodgers, both limited players but chalk and cheese with effort.

[newmarket red]

1-0 dons with branco sent off

[Batch]

How's about from the same person that bought the other good players we had in the last 3 years or so?   (Including Ajose)

we'll see, we've spent a fair wedge on vigs and donkey Norris. I'll be happy to be proven wrong, noises have been made Scott experience to so maybe you'll be proven right.

We still have to fulfill the wage as % turnover cap too don't we? would imagine we have wiggle room here mind.

think it'll have to be loans myself, without sales.

[Reg Smeeton]

Can't argue with that, LKB compared to Rodgers, both limited players but chalk and cheese with effort.

Think it's the lack of effort that pisses people off with the current lot....not something you could say about the likes of Andy Rowland, Dave Hockaday etc who were also in that 83/84 side.

[FormerlyPlymRed]

Gave up looking for places of historical interest in what appears to be one massive car park.

So pre match preparation in Wetherspoons.

Hopefully a decent turnout of travelling consumer units tonight.
Important game, anything but a defeat will do.

If they get relegated, wonder if the stadium would become a Darlington Arena type white elephant.

Is there a spoons nearby? Just arrived at the retail park, it's fucking foggy out. Nasty drive up!

[Batch]

still think a sizable chunk of lack of effort is also down to lack of confidence - not in all mind.

that's for the coaches to put right

[THE FLASH]

Yeah reg said it better. That side Feb onwards was worse than this is - the side up to January was on par with this one (but underachieving more as Rich said)

Say what you like about power, but he has shown time and again a willingness to get in the required quality (usually on loan) to dig us out of a hole. The rule change about mid season loans has fucked him over to an extent this season (not to excuse him - he should have still planned properly).

I've got every faith we'll get enough business done in Jan to strengthen the squad so that we won't go down, and finish in a similar position as last year

August comes....repeat...

[THE FLASH]

Anyway.....I'm going for a fog off....

[donkey]

Darlo no longer play at the white elephant....it would be good to see them get back in the FL....in much the same way as it would be good to see Franchise crash and burn into the non league level they belong, and try and achieve FL status the right way.

Is the correct answer.

 Fuck franchise yesterday, fuck franchise today and fuck franchise tomorrow.

[Reg Smeeton]

Anyway.....I'm going for a fog off....

I've always liked the highly scientific method for playing in fog. The ref stands on the centre spot, if he can see the goal posts, you can play.  Problem is the fans can't necessarily see much.

[FormerlyPlymRed]

Brighton v cardiff just fallen foul of the fog. According to Franchise twitter, our game has passed a "fog inspection" at 5:15

[FormerlyPlymRed]

Attacking lineup!

[Batch]

Vigouroux; Rossi-Branco, Thompson (C), Jones; Furlong, Thomas, Smith, Murray, Obika; Hylton, Norris.

TOWN SUBS | Henry, Barry, Rodgers, Brophy, Doughty, Goddard, Delfouneso.
---------------------------------
Looks good to me. KOD.

[Ginginho]

Obika, Hylton and Norris? I wonder if Hylton is playing more as an attacking midfielder/winger tonight?