We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
We may not top 650 comments today, but there are several intriguing match-ups in the Premiership scheduled. The highlight is perhaps Citeh v. Liverpool, a fixture that may have a lot to say about that vaunted fourth spot. Join me for all the action.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:52 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
230 Comments:
Big Sam Allardyce must be delighted this morning. His Blackburn side is putting another nail in his old club Bolton's Premiership coffin.
They've just finished at 3-0 at Ewood Park, with goals from Kalinic, Roberts and Givet. That result leaves Bolton in the dropzone on 23 points with Burnley set to play Villa in a moment.
Nice stream up for the match at Villa Park through VSS. Sky coverage with Andy Gray doing the color commentary.
A slow start to this match, with both sides feeling each other out cautiously.
GOAL! Those Bolton players are really feeling under the cosh now as Fletcher sticks in Burnley's opener against the run of play.
0-1 Burnley!
That goal leaves Bolton second bottom and drops Hull into the relegation zone.
Villa's season is going exactly the way their last season did. Martin O'Neill's main problem is lack of depth in his squad. His first XI is probably good enough to sneak into the top four; however, one of two injuries leaves with a mid-table side.
Villa's plight will certainly hearten three sides playing later on, particularly Spurs. If Citeh and Liverpool were to draw, they could conceivably leap-frog both of them into that magic 4th spot.
My stream went down temporarily and when I got it back up Ashley Young has stuck in an equalizer for Villa.
That drops Burnley back down to 17th right above the dropzone.
Morning Robert
The Villa strikers are scenting blood in the water now, with five minutes of the half left.
Morning David. How are you?
Not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow!!
Still bummed about yesterday's results. COULD NOT have been worse
Citeh vs Costa on FSC at 10... Torres on the bench
Ah well...we all have to go back eventually, right?
I'm already looking forward to Spring Break. Will be visiting Gooner and family in Virginia.
Alan Green's 606 conversation was fascinating last night. Lots of Leeds callers bemoaning the side's lack of form.
Into stoppage time at Villa Park. Three minutes to play.
That's half-time, then. 1-1 at Villa Park.
Greeny was also pretty dour about Pompey's fortunes last night. Yesterday's result is actually moot. I don't know why the club can't go into administration but apparently March 1 is D-Day for them. They could go under. I'm not sure what that means. Does that mean that they don't finish their 2009/10 season? Do their opponents just get forfeits? It's all shocking.
I don't understand it. How can they be in any worse position than Leeds?
Good morning everyone. I'm looking forward to Spring Break too.
FSC finally setting up the Citeh v. Pool match. About time! It's already after 10 am and they're still showing the team sheets.
Good Morning MUR
Bob I think you are correct about Portsmouth. The same thing happened to Gretna in the SPL a couple of seasons ago.
Morning, ManUtd. Any big plans for Spring Break?
I don't have control of my TV. Matt is watching Sportscenter!!
Is that right? Did Gretna just go "poof." That is, they don't exist anymore? I'm going to check the Scottish standings.
FSC are showing the Wigan v Spurs match after this match at Noon. It kicks off at 11:15 though
Give Matt an offer he can't refuse!
No plans for Spring Break. Just R&R. Gretna just went out of existence and forfeited their remaining games. Livingston were relegated to the Scottish third division.
He likes horses heads!
What about Pompey and the Cup. Birmingham would get a bye into the semis???
You know, I've just checked the standings in all four Scots leagues and you're right - no Gretna!
I can't remember that happening to any English club - just "poof" and they're gone. Can you?
That's what Greeny said last night. Yes, Brum would go straight into the next round's draw.
Speaking of Birmingham, they have taken an early lead at the Cottage.
Any predictions for this one, lads?
It can't happen to Pompey... it just can't!
Brum's goal... can't wait to see it
Stunning. As far as own goals go, anyway. Birmingham launch their first attack and from Lee Bowyer's cross from the right-hand side of the area, Fulham defender Chris Baird inexplicably thumps a header from six yards past Mark Schwarzer and into his own net. Remarkable.
In the fourth division that happened to Accrington Stanley in the early 60s and Maidstone United in the early 90s. They later reformed way down in the English pyramid.I thinking maybe Bradford Park Avenue too.
ABC
Anyone But Costa
I know it has happened but not to a top tier team
What happens at the end of the season?
Only two go down?
Four get promoted?
There are a lot of questions I have not heard people talk about
Here are my predictions for today:
Blackburn 1 Bolton 1 (lost 10 on that one)
Villa 2 Burnley 0
Fulham 2 Brum 1
Citeh 2 Pool 2
Wigan 1 Spurs 3
Costa starting strong. Looking like the Liverpool of old.
Citeh have not got it out of their own half
Never offside!
Bridge was under the nose of the linesman! He had to look around Bridge to see Kuyt
Bob as far as I know that has not happened in the top flight. When Gretna went poof relegation and promotion were restructured similar to what you are stating.
All good questions, Dave. I can remember teams being penalized for going into administration, including Leeds twice in one year back in 2007.
But just gone? I can't think of any football league sides that just don't exist. Not, slip into non-league status, but are just gone for good.
My heart is with you, Dave. Anyone but Pool. But I can't quite see Liverpool losing today. I'd love to see it, though.
MUR was right about the couple he mentioned.
Maidstone, Bradford Park Avenue and Accrington Stanley
I notice that Mancini is still wearing the scarf that someone in the club shop gave him before his first match in charge. I wonder if the bookies are taking wagers as to when it becomes to hot for him to wear it?
Portsmouth could do like the others and reform as a separate organization under the same name in the 7th or 8th tier of the English pyramid. Another option would be to stay in existence and be relegated to League 2. All options that have happened in the past.
I want Citeh to go on a little run... they have Chelski next week!
Come on Citeh. The battle of the two teams that my brothers support.
I'm nominating ManUtd for the job or resident "LOB Historian."
Please no
I hear Capello's in the stands, specifically watching Zamora."
Thanks Blue Devil. I have been thinking of a career once I retire from teaching.
It's these conversations that scare the crap out of MLS administrators when we purists demand relegation/promotion.
What about me?
Who won the Cup Final in 1949.. it was Wolverhampton Wanderers, they beat Leicester three one
Coventry last won the Cup in what year....1987!
The Hammers are nickname of which English Football team?
West Ham!
Villa take the lead
Zamora for England. During the last World Cup there was talk of him playing for T@T. I think he was eligible because of his dad.
Bloody hell - Bobby Zamora?! Surely no. I can think of at least a dozen English strikers I'd name in the squad ahead of him. And that's just off the top of my head.
Villa score a third
AND there isn't much at the top of your head!!
Dave you and I can be joint historians.
As always, you're the resident Monty Pythonologist, UWS.
Deal
Exactly, Dave - boom boom!
Bob are you thinking of Emile Heskey?
Quick Quiz from the Seventies
No cheating
First to answer
What was the score and who were the scorers of the 1977 FA Cup Final
Bloody Hell
Villa have scored a fourth
That is three goals in five minutes
Man United 2 Pool1
Pearson and Greenhoof for United and Case for Pool. Saw the game again a year ago.
I'm not sure why Mancini is leaving so many weapons on the bench today. When he first came to Eastlands, he was typically playing three forwards in a modified 4-3-3, including Tevez, Bellamy and either Petrov or Benjani. Today, it's Adebayor up front alone with only Ireland and Johnson in support. Two defensive mids in Barry and De Jong. That's a bit depressing.
Downing scored the first two and the aforementioned Heskey with the other
Burnley only have a point away from home and have score maybe five away goals all year.
You Lose Bob
Somehow 1977 has slipped my mind. I can do 1978 for you, though.
I know that... MUR?
Maybe Bob was trying to be mean and he actually meant the '79 final
Citeh's first games under Mancicni were against teams lower down the table. Now he is employing different tactics against the top four challengers. This is his true test as a manager.
I think I could answer any question on any Final from '72 to 85 in two seconds flat
That Andy Johnson, bought from Boro, is a good player
I read he wanted to be the Ryan Giggs of Citeh
Free kick to Citeh. Straight to Reyna.
Villa have scored a fifth!
Here are the dozen who I would pick before Zamora:
1. Roon (duh)
2. Defoe
3. Crouch
4. Heskey
5. Agbonlahor
6. Owen
7. Carlton Cole
8. Beckford
9. Jerome
10. Sturridge
11-12 Any two English kids from the Big Four's youth academy scheme.
I have heard good things about him as well
Gabby with the fifth... apparently another tap-in.... where is the Burnley defense?
Bob I think I might put Zamora ahead of Jerome. Otherwise I completely agree with you.
Why not take Beckford! Of course, that is if he starts scoring again!
No, I'm never mean, Dave. I meant 1978 when a Roger Osborne goal won it for Ipwich against heavy favorites Arsenal. Didn't we watch that one together?
The problem with JB and Snoddy is that their heads were turned after the OT win by interest from other clubs. JB still blames Grayson for scuppering the deal with Newcastle. I still can't believe that Barcelona were looking at Robert Snodgrass - what a farce!
I remember that one. I saw it again on youtube in December. Its as though Arsenal didn't show up for that match and the wood work saved them from an embarassingly heavy defeat.
I think we did. Surprisingly, we didn't watch many Cup Finals together! I remember having Steve Caldwell over the the '77 Final.
The most games I remember watching together were in the '82 WC Finals.
England France at my house
Italy Brazil at the Dosedel's
West Germany France at the Hunter's
Did we watch any at your house?
I do remember that your muse Jimmy Greenhoff scored the winner in 77. Can't remember the other scorers, though.
How about SR Phillips for England this summer?
Yeah - my dad still remembers fondly having a house full of kids for several matches in 1982, none of them as memorable as the ones you mentioned. That's still my favorite World Cup. I watched the 1970 final but I was really too young to pay much attention to the tournament.
Citeh starting to apply the pressure.
Pearson scored after heading the ball down to himself and ran on to goal and beat Clemence at the front post at 50 minutes
Jimmy Case received the ball from Joey Jones turned and put one in the top corner of Stepney's net after 53 minutes
Lou MacCari take a horrible shot that rebounds off Greenhoff's chest and nestles ino the net after 55
LOVELY JUBBLEY!
Mine too
I still don't remember any specific games at your house
The 1982 tournament was special. The 1978 tournament was the first one I watched.
I don't really think of Phillips as a striker, but certainly he's in the mix. The problem for him is that there is a wealth of talent for that spot on the right side of midfield. My first pick is Aaron Lennon then Theo Walcott, then SWP then David Bentley. Basically, anyone but Goldenballs who I hope is stuck playing for the Galaxy away to Real Salt Lake when England meet the US on June 12.
Pepe messes up and the ball makes it to Adebayor. He passes to Ireland who turns the wrong way!!!
not much of a match so far
1541: Adam Johnson has Manchester City's first shy at goal, but it curls wide. Liverpool now lead 3-1 in shots off target - latest shots on target tally remains 0-0.
I'll ask my dad today. He still has an amazing memory for those kinds of ancient details. He can't remember what he's done yesterday but he can remember a meal that we had a Little Chef in Exeter some thirty years later.
Not too keen on Goldenballs. Not up to the pace of the Champions League. Glad we got rid of him. OGS played his position the last 15 games in 2003. We went on an unbeaten run and snatched the title from Arsenal.
I think there will be more action in the second half.
just in case you're reading
Morning Tony
There is no morning email from me because there wasn't on to reply to. As soon as there is, there will be one in return!
It's possible that there was a group around for that agonizing England v. Spain second round match. You'll remember that they had that weird Round Robin process that year and England needed a win going into that match. They hammered on Spain's door all match and both King Kev and Sir Trev missed sitters in the dying moments. I'm almost sure that I suffered through that one with a group.
Yes, Stevie G in the book
He does launch himself sometimes
I hope he gets sent off today
I remember that one!
Half time
Not good
Good weekend for Chelskilad.
I remember that game. If England had won that game who knows what would have happened?
Halftime. Will be back in a few minutes.
Really boring match - I'm surprised. I hope that Mancini unleashes the hounds in the second half. I'd like to see Bellamy and Roque Santa Cruz off the bench.
I was crushed when Brazil lost to Italy in the second round match. I really loved that 82 Brazil side with Zico, Falcao, Socrates etc. I think I was the only one supporting them at the Dosedel's house that day.
I remember watching that game. It was one of the all time classics. Too bad that Brazil's defense was weak that day.
Ireland with a chance. Not too sure abut the offside.
Looks like a better temp to start the second half.
I'm back - and I'm glad to hear that the tempo is better. Looks like Ryan Babbel won't be able to continue. Rafa's going to have to go to the bench.
Got smacked in the face with a rocket of a shot. Got a big cheer from the Citeh fans.
Villa have finished at 5-2. That does their goal difference a world of good but it plunges Burnley deep down into the mire again, second bottom.
Typical Lancastrian empathy there.
Yes. Bolton,Bburn,and Wigan in the mix. Wigan on next.
Kick off time at Wigan. I'm taking a peek on my lap-top here:
http://livevss.tv/channel1
Passing poor. Not looking like two teams competing for a top four spot. Will the next match be better?
Birmingham still at 1-0 in the second half. They're not completely out of the running for that fourth spot on 40 points now. Outside shot, though.
I am back from a shower and shave... didn't miss much
Best strike of the match from Ade there. Good save, Pepe.
Chance from Adebayor the best of the match.
The pitch at the JB Stadium this afternoon is appalling. Not quite Baseball Ground circa 1975 but close.
Damien Duff has equalized for Fulham in the 59th minute. Game on there!
JB has always had pitch issues. The weather is not exactly helping.
Just replied to Tony's email and that makes Fulham score. I think he is out of the running though, right Tony?
Liverpool also playing two defensive mids today in Masch and Lucas. I hate that trend.
No longer the JB Stadium... it is the DW Stadium named after Dave Wheelan the owner.
Bloody Rugby League
Gives the appearance that Raffa doesn't believe in his players.
Surely Wigan have about the same weather pattern as Manchester, right? And yet look at the billiard table that Citeh and Pool are playing on.
Are Bellamy and Mancini involved in another row?
Mancini is finally introducing Bellamy. SWP coming off. Honestly, I wasn't aware that Wright-Phillips was playing.
I can't all the 'holding midfielder" garbage
There was so much talk in the last WC about England's holding midfielder for the match against TRINIDAD!!
Craiggers has finally came on
Perhaps it could be that the pitch is used for both rugby and footie or perhaps poor maintenace.
Yeah, ManUtd. I don't think that Bellamy has ever accepted the Sparky firing.
Yes, Wigan is in the Greater Manchester area... it is Rugby
That would make sense. And probably the Horse of the Year Show as well.
Like the Wembley pitch before the '70 Cup Final
Hello Everyone . I can join in now that Dave has emailed . I have been reading though .
1982 was the best World Cup to date . Including 66 and 70 . I watched both of them as well .
A bit late for Fulham to get me up the table . The leaders are Birmingham . They might win it .
I thought Citeh would be up for this one.. they're not
I really need them to score to pep them up for next Saturday morning
Or the two cup semis last year. Maybe not quite as bad.
Poor ball in from Johnson there. Shame - that was a good opportunity for Citeh.
Good afternoon Tony. How has your Sunday been?
You has Birmingham?
I thought you liked the 70 Finals Tony
That is always considered the best Brazilian team. 82 was the best since but they still seem to get accolades for their play but those are the only two years it is deserved
Torres finally getting stripped off to come on.
Morning/afternoon, Tony!
Torres about to come on... damage another knee please
About time. It would have been a better match if he had been on from the start.
Very true from the Beeb
1628: I cannot put it in any simpler terms than this: no-one wants to lose at Eastlands. You almost feel like they'd shake hands on a 0-0 now if they could. So disappointing.
Hi MUR . It's been cold , wet and then sunny , then wet again . Haven't been outside yet . I'll wait till I go down the pub .
Changes for both sides there. Torres on and some really skinny bloke is on for Citeh.
Ireland being substituted not exactly a positive move. He has been quiet, but can be a match winner at any given moment.
1630: Just over 10 minutes gone at the DW stadium and the quality of football from both sides has been about as good as the quality of the playing surface. Not great.
Dirk Kuyt with a nasty one there. Over the top of the ball with studs showing. Yellow card.
Almost by Bellamy!
Tony I remember that weather pattern when I lived in England. And they say global warming has changed the climate. Sounds the same to me.
How can a player like Bellamy be wearing #39!!
I agree with you, ManUtd. Neither Citeh substitution has been that positive. I'm not sure Mancini really wants to give this one a go. He's satisfied with a draw.
The Wigan v. Spurs would be as exciting as watching grass grow if there was any grass growing at the JB.
Sorry, that's the DW Stadium, I stand corrected Dave.
Citeh should go for three . Especially being at home and going for a Cl spot. Chance for Citeh. Great challenge by Skirtel on Adebayor. Another chance for Adebayor. About time.
Ah, Ade misses a free header about eight yards out. That might have won it!
Adebayor almost in
Tried to get in between the defender and the ball but he should have just got a shot off
Adebayor almost in with the head
Alan Parry thinks there is only one goal in it...
'to win it"
Girly-men modern day Prem stars
"Wigan should be docked points for failing to provide a proper surface to play football on. Disgraceful and is not a PL standard ground. People could get seriously injured on this surface."
The ball takes on some interesting bounces at the DW.
I agree with Parry - under ten minutes to play at Eastlands.
Perhaps relegation for failing to meet ground requirements. Then Bolton would be in the prem another season.
Oooh, Gomez is forced into work to keep out Wigan. Closest chance of the match so far.
Delboy Trotter quote give by Parry
"He who dares, wins"
Lovely Jubbly
Struth... I thought he was pointing to the spot!!
Surely a penalty there! No, the ref is pointing to a goal kick. That was definitely a push by Aggar, wasn't it?
That had to be a penalty. That was really obvious. The ref didn't want to make a call. Rugby tackle by Agger.
I agree
Another foul. Do Costa have twelve men on the field?
A goal here by Citeh would drop Costa sixth and if Spurs win they would be seventh.
They are tied on points and goals with Villa and a goal would drop them down
Barry was practically kicked off the park.
The referee is really letting a lot go now. Citeh fans are livid. Aquilani meanwhile has come on.
That was nasty by the Argentine... as usual
Costa lucky not to be losing. Getting help from Peter Walton.
Nasty stamp on the ankle there by Javier Mascherano. I'll say it again - he's vicious. I'd have him on a yellow card from the start of a match.
I agree, that would save time
Spurs take the lead! Defoe looked miles offside but the referee has allowed him to tap in.
Aquilani is an expensive bench warmer. Almost made an instant impact for the wrong reason. Rafa thinks he can make an impact by playing a whole six minutes.
First of nine?
Spurs, with that goal, would be in fourth.
5 added minutes
That's a double hattrick for Dafoe if you count the match at White Hart Lane.
I agree, ManUtd. Aquilani hasn't had much of a chance from Rafa but he hasn't taken those chances when they've come.
I hate Defoe!
From the Beeb
Spurs goal: It's offside - by two yards. I wonder how an assistant referee can not see that... Anyway, Spurs attack and Niko Kranjcar plays in Gareth Bale down the left - his cross is met by Jermain Defoe and diverted into the net. But it shouldn't count in a million, billion years.
Fulham have scored a late winner!!
Wigan have not scored a legitimate goal against Spurs this season. Scharner used his hand.
Yellow card for Torres? Very harsh.
Six yellows for Costa
More yellows than goal opportunities. Doesn't surprise me.
The Z man scores the winner
The red-hot striker bags his 15th of the season with a pearler of a left-foot free-kick from 20 yards that a diving Joe Hart can only help into the top corner.
Wonder if Don Fabio left before the goal?
That's it
Hopeless!!!
Final whistle. 0-0. Not much of a match really.
I am off to work on the mud room.
I will have the other match on in the background
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