The9 Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 We didn't want to be here, we did well to get out of it as soon as we have, but football being football, there must have been a ton of stuff in the last two seasons that you look back upon fondly or with a shake of the head... ...what have been your memories of the third tier ? For me, it's been mostly the opportunity to revist some teams I first saw playing against Newport County when I was a kid - if nothing else it kept me with a sense of perspective on the supposed crap-holes we were visiting, compared to the legitimately horrendous dumps in the Third Division in the 1980s. But most of all, I've liked Saints expecting to be winning matches and being a big fish in a small pond. Long may it continue - with bigger ponds ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom8558 Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 football without the big commercialism Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrollman no2 Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 Seeing the teams who visit St Marys bring about three fans to support their team.It got so bad,i was going to ask the stewards for a pair of those binoculars you get at the theatre,just so i could see them. Next season is going to be sooooo much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I will go a bit more specific and list moments that stick out in my memory.... The expectation of that first L1 game v Milwall, and the realisation this would be tougher than I thought. The excitement when we were signing player after player. Lambert, Hammond, Waigo, Jaidi, Harding... The utter frustration of going those first 7 games before the first win. Realising we were on track with the 4-1 win home to Gillingham. The back to back 5 goal hauls against Walsall and Huddersfield. The JPT, of course. I remember Huddersfield scoring a late winner (Lee Novak?) to all but end our playoff hopes, gutted. Then the excitement and build up to this season, followed by the depressing familiarity of our terrible start to the season. Losing 2-0 at home to Rochdale felt absolutely horrible, massive low point. The 2-0 win at home to Bournemouth, the feeling that maybe our season was finally beggining. 6-0 away at Oldham, sitting at home listening to the radio in slight shock :-) 3-2 MK Dons, will never forget that one. 1-0 Bristol Rovers, utter relief. Plymouth, best day ever. Overall, I've really enjoyed the league and will miss certain aspects of it, but I'm ready to see us playing teams of similar size and stature every week again. Roll on next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 6 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I should probably give a mention to those Walsall and Huddersfield 5 goalers myself... I'd bought an engagement ring and was kidding the girlfriend that if we scored 10 against Walsall I'd ask her to marry me. When we stopped scoring at 5 I told her I'd extend it to include the Huddersfield game as well - after that demolition she was delighted, and then it was a matter of time before I found the right time to propose (which I did as part of a Tranmere Away weekender, what a romantic - though Saints arsed it up of course. ). Anyway, she said yes, and when we got married she got a Saints sash shirt as her wedding present from me with her married name on the back. If we'd still been in the Prem I can safely say the chances of scoring 5 back to back might have been slightly less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 Being in a league for a couple of years where we have one a hell of a lot of games. Pardew was right when he said a second season in this division wouldnt be a bad thing to install a winning habit and mentality in the players. Between him and Nigel Adkins they have certainly done that. It will make the players stronger for next season, as was shown against MK Dons they now dont know when they are beaten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I'll certainly miss the cheaper tickets! Oh and Rochdale on a Tuesday... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I will go a bit more specific and list moments that stick out in my memory.... The expectation of that first L1 game v Milwall, and the realisation this would be tougher than I thought. The excitement when we were signing player after player. Lambert, Hammond, Waigo, Jaidi, Harding... The utter frustration of going those first 7 games before the first win. Realising we were on track with the 4-1 win home to Gillingham. The back to back 5 goal hauls against Walsall and Huddersfield. The JPT, of course. I remember Huddersfield scoring a late winner (Lee Novak?) to all but end our playoff hopes, gutted. Then the excitement and build up to this season, followed by the depressing familiarity of our terrible start to the season. Losing 2-0 at home to Rochdale felt absolutely horrible, massive low point. The 2-0 win at home to Bournemouth, the feeling that maybe our season was finally beggining. 6-0 away at Oldham, sitting at home listening to the radio in slight shock :-) 3-2 MK Dons, will never forget that one. 1-0 Bristol Rovers, utter relief. Plymouth, best day ever. Overall, I've really enjoyed the league and will miss certain aspects of it, but I'm ready to see us playing teams of similar size and stature every week again. Roll on next season. I forgot about that one - we were 5-1 up at Bristol Rovers, the away end was absolutely buzzing, and then that news filtered through.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I should probably give a mention to those Walsall and Huddersfield 5 goalers myself... I'd bought an engagement ring and was kidding the girlfriend that if we scored 10 against Walsall I'd ask her to marry me. When we stopped scoring at 5 I told her I'd extend it to include the Huddersfield game as well - after that demolition she was delighted, and then it was a matter of time before I found the right time to propose (which I did as part of a Tranmere Away weekender, what a romantic - though Saints arsed it up of course. ). Anyway, she said yes, and when we got married she got a Saints sash shirt as her wedding present from me with her married name on the back. If we'd still been in the Prem I can safely say the chances of scoring 5 back to back might have been slightly less. This thread is about fond memories FFS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 6 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I forgot about that one - we were 5-1 up at Bristol Rovers, the away end was absolutely buzzing, and then that news filtered through.. Weren't they playing Walsall ? Hudds 2-0 up, then 3-2 down, won 4-3 with a goal 6/7 mins into injury time ? I was on the terrace and was watching live text update on my phone, it was sodding ridiculous. Though not as ridiculous as some nobber deliberately starting a "Walsall are 4-2 up" rumour on 90 mins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St.Jeweller Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 and to think it all began with us endlessly trying to get into the positive points 'zone' those days of a table reading Saints -10 really do seem a long way away already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 6 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 6 May, 2011 This thread is about fond memories FFS Firstly, I started this thread so I'm aware of what it's about, secondly, actually it's about both good and crap memories and thirdly, I actually quite like my wife... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 (edited) Norwich away still ranks as my favourite performance in L1 - given what they've gone and done, its even more impressive with time. Its no coincidence the most exciting games were all against the big teams contending for or achieving promotion and ultimately means I won't be shedding many tears for L1. Edited 6 May, 2011 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I'm going to miss going to Carlisle away. Getting down to Brighton station at 4am to catch the train to London, breakfast at Euston followed by journey oop norf. Premier Inn right near Brunton Park. Pint of ale only £2.10. Good company. And then the journey back the next afternoon after mooching around town. There's just something about long-distance away days that I thoroughly enjoy. And usually on the way up/down on the Virgin line there are many other football fans going to other prem/champ games to talk with/drink beer. Yup, I'll miss going to Carlisle. Still plenty in midlands and yorkshire for next season though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 Firstly, I started this thread so I'm aware of what it's about, secondly, actually it's about both good and crap memories and thirdly, I actually quite like my wife... Hope she doesnt see that ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I should probably give a mention to those Walsall and Huddersfield 5 goalers myself... SNIP Anyway, she said yes, and when we got married she got a Saints sash shirt as her wedding present from me with her married name on the back. Hee hee. You soppy romantics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 Leg one has been great! Two of the best seasons i Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsland Codger Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I have admired the fans of clubs in the cities who could have supported one of the Big Clubs but instead have chosen to stay loyal to their team. Some of the L1 clubs might be the only club in their region (Carlisle, maybe Plymouth) but fans of, say, Orient, Brentford, Walsall, Tranmere, Oldham, Rochdale - they might have supported a Premiership side a short journey away but instead chose to do things the hard way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 I have admired the fans of clubs in the cities who could have supported one of the Big Clubs but instead have chosen to stay loyal to their team. Some of the L1 clubs might be the only club in their region (Carlisle, maybe Plymouth) but fans of, say, Orient, Brentford, Walsall, Tranmere, Oldham, Rochdale - they might have supported a Premiership side a short journey away but instead chose to do things the hard way. Spot on. I have so much respect for the Oldham fans. Heartening to see them still supporting real local football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 Great grounds, great people, c-rap pitches! Never thought I would see Saints at wycombe, colchester, swindon, brentford, southend, Walsall, hartlepool, or dagenham! FFS! Let's move on and put it all down to life's rich tapestry. Onwards and upwards COYRs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 6 May, 2011 Share Posted 6 May, 2011 This... LOL at those Saints fans who are mocking Walsall bringing 1500 on Saturday .... Respect! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I'm gonna miss every second of it. It's right up there with my cave seasons. Some of the matches have been truly exhilarating, can't ever recall saints winning so often and we've had a squad full of gems too. Certainly not going to miss the sparse coverage one bit though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelman Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 standing on (an uncovered) terrace being rained upon (not too heavily) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Weren't they playing Walsall ? Hudds 2-0 up, then 3-2 down, won 4-3 with a goal 6/7 mins into injury time ? I was on the terrace and was watching live text update on my phone, it was sodding ridiculous. Though not as ridiculous as some nobber deliberately starting a "Walsall are 4-2 up" rumour on 90 mins. Brizzle away!! Remember that, for a while it seemed like the playoffs were on!!! Mattered not, we could not beat a crap Oldham team at home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Tranmere away. Worst performance by a Saints team I've ever seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc oli Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Oldham away.We ooooozed class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West End Saint Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I have really enjoyed this league been to some quality away days Bristol Rovers 5 1 Morgan scored what a night Southend in the hammering rain the start of we always win 3 1 M K Dons JPT semi we got more fans than you lol Orient Lambo brace Yeovil Barny last second winner to keep the play off dream alive briefly & many more in our 1st season in league 1 & to cap it winning the JPT & seeing what a massive support we have quality. This season Dagenham Bournemouth & Brentford stand out Brentford a beer in all 4 pubs & the best atmosphere since Derby play off semi quality there has been a lot to like about this league been to some proper old school football grounds met some proper football fans there are no plastics or corporate in this league it has been nice to get back to grass roots loved it going to every game thinking we would win brill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 7 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Tranmere away. Worst performance by a Saints team I've ever seen. Which one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sussexsaint Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I have really enjoyed the last 2 season , as said above , the lack of commercialism and plastic support has been refreshing . When we were a solid top flight team I never really paid any attention to the lower leagues. I certainly will now, and with a lot more respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daren W Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 L1 was has been a bit like the bird you pull at 2am. Good fun but there is no way you'd want to go back for more another day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sussexsaint Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Nicely put, although the Leibherrs billions certainly helped as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Brizzle away!! Remember that, for a while it seemed like the playoffs were on!!! Mattered not, we could not beat a crap Oldham team at home Weren't Hudders down to 10 men as well? Making all the more unbelievable. Or is that my memory playing tricks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefoggy Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 When we were a solid top flight team I never really paid any attention to the lower leagues. I certainly will now, and with a lot more respect. couldn't agree more. been a real pleasure (most of the time!) goodbye L1 !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Great post Daren, I hate the arrogance a few of our fans have. The fans and clubs we have had the HONOUR to play are followed by proper football fans who are loyal to their team. Ok they may play at rubbish grounds with poor standards of players and half empty grounds, but they are passionate about their team and dont support the glamour clubs. I'm sure if we ever get back to the PL we would hate the top 4 to patronise us in the same way. I have enjoyed L1, we as a fanbase have seen success, a lot more victories and now have a more positive attitude when things are going against us. Lets see what the next season brings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 One thing L1 has done is show us that we have a solid fan base of 20+k and those souls have shown genuine passion and love for their/our club. Overall L1 was washed away my jaded cynicism and allowed me to fall in love with my club all over again. We have passion and belief both on and off the pitch and that'll do me for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Brilliant post mate. Whilst the home games have been a bit mundane at points, the awaydays have been top notch. Loads of new grounds and backward towns visited. Some top trips had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven on the wing Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 What I won't miss is ;- 1/ Sky Sports news going to an ad break before they show the L1 tables then going back to the Prem again when they resume. 2/ Having to explain to non footie fans what league we are in. 3/ Being the away team's "Cup Final". 4/ Rds 1 & 2 of the FA Cup 5/ Rd 1 & 2 (?) of the League Cup/ equivalent. 6/ The JPT - ok it gave us one great year, but do we really want to be a Carlisle Utd ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Well said Daren. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Absolutely top post and echoes my thoughts too. I've really enjoyed L1 actually. OK, some of the football has been a bit pants at times and some of the officials are terrible, but overall the games have been exciting and I've been going along expecting my team to win. It has been great to see a genuine spirit among the players and indeed among the fans. Looking ahead just a little bit, one thing that I will be enjoying is seeing a Manager finish a season on a high, be able to confidently add to his squad and start the next season with a full pre-season of settled players under his wing. In other words, we are for once giving ourselves the best chance to start next season on a high. One last thing to say. I have no sympathy with any JCL who suddenly comes back to Saints because we're now upwardly mobile and who now cannot get a ticket for upcoming NPC games. All the ST holders particularly that have stuck with the club through the dark times will rightly reap the rewards as Saints go marching on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 It's good bye to the real football fans. That support their teams in all weathers in crappy stadiums and survive against all the odds. It has been a privilege to play them and I salute them. I was there when we were in the old Third Divvy South, but thank goodness we are moving on again!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 Real fans, real football. If only the media could appreciate what a priceless treasure we have in our lower leagues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Was going to post on this thread, but then read your post and have to say you've said it more elowuently than I could have, I've found the last two seasons to be quite refreshing and whilst I've always wanted us to go up, there is quite a bit I'll miss. And of course winning quite a few games has been nice, particularly away from home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One Excellent post. Whilst I won't miss it you make a good point. I hate what the Premiership has become and also won't be too disappointed if we stay in the Championship for a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um Bongo Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 It's been a different experience to say the least - And as Daren says, actually, has put us in the better in the long term. Fair play to supporters of the 'smaller' teams who haven't got the facilities or money to push on for promotion, they could easily support some big Top 4 team in the Premier league but watch real football - Might not be pretty but, you can relate to it a lot more. We got a trophy win out of it and some good away days - It's been fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I think anyone who slags off League One, didn't really get League One... No commercialization, no posturing prima donas, no obscene wages, just proper football fans who take the more difficult option and support their team rather than the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal, just football grounds as opposed to football stadiums. I think League One took this club, cleansed it, gave it back its heart, gave it back its soul and then left it with hope... Thank you League One sums it up exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 god, so much patronising crap about league 1... league 1 did not like us...I dont like it awful excuse for stadiums, fans, support, players thank god we are long gone... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 bet most people who went regularly actually enjoyed it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Marco Posted 7 May, 2011 Share Posted 7 May, 2011 I for one won't miss it. The thing that stands out for me is just the lack of atmosphere in it. Whenever we went away we could of been seen as the home side. Most fans just seemed really quiet and not really supportive. The grounds themself overall were pretty poor and soulless. Meeting the various fans was the highlight though as most were really nice people. I think in terms of crowd trouble this season would have to be the most incident free i have seen. There are a lot of negatives i think and a huge one is games getting called off. Especially when you have made the effort to get there and a **** ref thinks there is a wet patch that is dangerous 1hr from kick off and everyone else thinks the pitch looks great... If he did that in PL or NPC he would get slated for it. So maybe a bit arrogant on my behalf but i know that games like our FA Cup game vs Man Utd are things i prefer to playing teams like Dags and Walsall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 and good riddance. Can we have some REAL football please. CCC sounds more appetising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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