EastleighSoulBoy

We had arrived in Devon on the first weekend of our camping holiday. We were staying on a farm neat Stoke Gabriel. I was itching to watch the match but where could I? Mum sent me down to the farm house (early days of camp sites) and the old lady sent me 'round the back, you'll see a big barn'. Crumbs! This barn was done up with a few flags (our homes are better decorated now!). There was a little table with them selling crisps and, warm, Coke. The hay bales had been piled like a small theatre and we all struggled to watch on a, what seemed like, 14" portable B/W set. The volume was wound right up to distortion levels and it echoed around. Happy days!

It must be great to meet up with old buddies like that. Talking about the characters, the laughs, the escapades and those, sadly, no longer 'on the pitch in this big game'.

The first time that I logged on after the change I had one of those 'steps back in shock' moments. I just kept looking around at it, asked for things I couldn't find (and was told). I adapted, as most of us have. Now, having thought about it, I think that generally the site is a lot better, it seems more open and navigation seems easier. It always helps, too, if criticism is constructive. Granty, Baj and the rest do this for fun, spelled F R E E.

Please accept my apologies, I totally misread your genuine question and after re-reading it I can see your good intentions. As you say, best to ask at the ticket office. The cynic in me thinks that you'll get a rebuff though. Good luck.

You've not taken the child before? I'd guess that the child would need to have the same address as you and (although not necessary in these times) the same family name? All fine while it works and your conscience lets you do it?

The Englishman that we need was sat on the bench, to Coppello's left. Stuart Pearce, more balls than all those on the pitch had. I bet he's alone in some room, crying frustrated and angry, at our dire and inept, gutless performance.

Hi Tim, I'm naffed off with them TBH, now you know where I'm coming from here's my take. Firstly, let's get the disallowed goal out of the way. FIFA now have to set real time replays in line to support the referees. However, that would not have improved on our performance in any way if given and, given the team are professionals (cough cough cough), it should have galvanised their attitude into making a stronger effort. It just didn't happen. England have been poorer, in their last four games, than I could ever have imagined. Two poor defeats, a lucky win and a richly deserved spanking from a Germany who themselves are far from their best! James has played well and has not been supported or defended by his back four. Definitely not a prima donna. Ashley Cole is just short of being a real world class player despite shining on a weekly basis for his league team. The same can be said for Rooney and a few others. Rooney just didn't get it about the booing which shows the lack of respect he has for the honour bestowed on him in being chosen to play for England. Most of them will sit at the de-briefings and just nod at the right moments while paying lip service to it all. IMHO I think that this W.C. has been a pain in the collective ar5e for the team. A most unwelcome interlude, eating into their holidays before returning to where they earn their money, the domestic season. The sad truth is that the importing of foreign players into our leagues has definitely diluted our core strength for the national team. When we can't buy a good foreign player we seem to inflate these individual's worth. They are made to look good because they can play along these international stars. Put out a full team of Englishmen at PL level and they can't be succesful. Take a dive into the CCC and, more so, L1 and you find teams which are predominantly English or UK born. It's a lower standard admittedly but they succeed because nothing is put on a plate for them. They work collectively and that empowers each individual in the team. That's most definitely why I am Saints first and England a very poor second. Today's game has made me savour Saint's coming season even more. Sorry for being so negative but that's how I see it, sadly. I'd imagine an end of year report would sum up with 'Must do better, tear up the plans and start again.'

I'd settle for that, then off home for a B-B-Q!

Well said sir!

There's a Brian Rix type farce playing in Portsmouth right now. See reviews here

The actress, Samantha Janus' brother Hugh is also interested in Ploppy.

I remember we played Leeds one season and TP had been niggling Bremner all game, TP was great at tapping ankles. Suddenlylittle BB has him by the shirt collar, attempting to lift TP up. TP is stood there, arms stretched out sideways, looking at the linesman and screaming at BB "What's up with you?"

When we got on the train at Woking we didn't recognise him! He just looked like some kindly old fella, well dressed. trilby type hat. He became naturally drawn into our conversation and said nothing until one of us, rather drunk, says "Feck me! Aren't you Arfur Inglish?" Arthur thought it great that we had come to watch TP. If anybody hasn't read it then A Constant Paine by David Bull (Publ. Hagiology, who else?) is worth a read.

He also loved winding up the opposition. Bremner especially was his target when Leeds came to town. I used to watch him from the East Stand/Archers corner.

One season, near to Christmas, Saints ere away at W.B.A. on a Friday night. Some went up for it and stayed over at their mates in London. The rest of us travelled to meet them at Woking Station on the Saturday morning, thentravelled on to Aldershot to watch the Shots play Hereford. About a dozen Saints fans in the closed end, surrounded by Shots fans with us shouting for Paine and Hereford. A great afternoon made even better by meeting Arthur English on the train, he was a Shots fan!

Having worked with Germans for the last 7 months, the majority of the workforce is German, then Poles, then English. I have to say that there is that mutual respect. Sure they exhibit a little teutonic arrogance at times but then there's plenty of bulldog macho at the same time but it is a mutual respect. As to the Poles with the Germans? A different scenario altogether. But then that is understandable.

Would you really be so unkind to Forcast? Imagine the crowd as his name is called out over the tannoy "Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaakin' Skammmmahh!

Is it true that the Navy don't even swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen?

IIRC Holloway was at liecessster prior to NP? Really can't understand why NP would want to leave The Foxes. The whole thing has a Mandick aroma to it.

I listened to Calamity on Solent as I drove to work yesterday. He actually commented that England were poorly prepared about opposion penalty takers and their styles at the last world cup. Reckons we have done more prep this time. It's alright us saving them, we need to be blooming netting our own ones or, God forbid, doing a job so well that we don't need penalties!

The subject, deserving it's own thread, should be: DBP is he StanDune or StuRomseyRant in disguise? Remember your promise to me!

I last saw Dougall walking his Old English Sheepdogs in Fleming Park about ten years ago? Maybe even longer?

At least you could hold your head up for a defeat to Brasil!

Three accounts to settle then. No pressure, more an incentive! C'mon England!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to buy the green Asda T shirt with the Pele face in yellow dots. Edson Arantes Do Nasciemento. The nickname Pele is also afforded to a Godess. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pele_%28deity%29 How sublimely fitting!