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 are a mere two Saturdays away from the opening of the new Football League season, chaps, and I couldn't be more excited. A newly strengthened Mighty Leeds United take on local rivals Sheffield Wednesday in another pre-season friendly. A day of friendlies with Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and United follows. I'll be up early to get us started around 8am. Join me for all the pre-season shenanigans.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 2:21 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!
660 Comments:
I'm back and looking forward to the LUFC text commentary of our early morning clash. Of course there isn't a broadcaster who has deigned to run with this epic match, so no links. But there are links at 9:30 for both the Spurs and Arsenal matches.
The line-ups for this morning:
Sheffield Weds: Weaver, Buxton, Bennett, Prutton, Jones, R Johnson, Sedgwick, Semedo, Madine, Amond, J Johnson. Subs: O'Donnell, Beevers, Jones, Reynolds, O'Connor.
United: Rachubka, Connolly, Kisnorbo, Clayton, Bromby, Parker, Gradel, Brown, Paynter, Nunez, Mendy. Subs: Cairns, Sam, Bruce, Lees, White, Osbourne, Bodor, N Turner, L Turner, Taylor, Thompson, McCormack.
Referee: M Haywood
Bloody hell - I'm back from doing duty dropping off some keys over at school and Wednesday are one up after the 8th minute. And to add injury to insult, it's our old servant David Prutton who's done the damage. Argh!
This match marks our first outing in a new black pin-striped away kit. I don't like the sound of it. Traditional colors, please, lads.
Ben Parker has come limping off and has been replaced by a trialist Boldiszar Bodor, a Hungarian international. He's alongside another trialist Alex Mendy, who impressed in our 1-0 win at Rochdale in mid-week.
Oh - Ramon Nunez has gone close after half an hour with a long distance dipping effort that beat Nicky Weaver but went over the top.
A couple of good chances for the Whites just shy of half-time. Mendy fired into the side-netting while Gradel whipped a dangerous cross that wasn't converted. Finally, Billy Paynter shot wide of the mark after a pull back from Mendy.
1-0 Wednesday at the interval. Not happy with that at all. Grayson confirmed this week that neither nor Becchio would not be fit for the start of the season. He tried to paint a brave face on that by mentioning Gradel, Nunez and Paynter. I don't think that's the front line to start the season with.
We're back on for the second half and Grayson has replaced Paynter with Ross McCormack and Nunez with Lloyd Sam.
Oh dear - McCormack has knobbled himself almost immediately, slipping after a sharp shot and requiring some treatment. He's back up again.
Bloody hell - could it be possible that the SPL has kicked off today?
It's Rangers v. Hearts coming to a close on the link I've just clicked on for the Arsenal match. 1-1 in the dying moments.
And United were almost level on 51 minutes when Paul Connolly picked out Gradel, who in turn released Sam, whose low angled strike rattled against the base of the post after flying past Weaver in the Owls goal. Moments later, McCormack curled a free-kick over the bar.
The match is swinging nicely back and forth now. Wednesday responded by sending Jermaine Johnson through - his shot just wide of the upright.
Bit of chippiness coming into the match now, with Michael Brown and Jose Semedo getting into it. Paddy Kisnorbo and the ref had to intervene.
Great link here for the FC Koln v. Arsenal match just about to start up:
http://tykestv.eu/channel1.php
Arsenal's line-up:
Szcesny, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibba, Walcott, Ramsey, Song, Wilshere, Gervinho, Jenkinson, Chamakh.
So - a first look at Gervinho.
Lucas Podolski is the only Koln player I'm familiar with here.
Hey Bob,
I am here.
You have no video of your lot?
Can you believe the SPL starts today!!
No video for my match, sadly. I'm following the text on LUFC.com.
Why on earth are the Scots starting so early? They don't even have that many teams in the league - what, do they play each eight times or summit?
Morning, mate! btw. How are you?
Rangers and Hearts have drawn at Ibrox
Celtic fans will be happy
I don't know. I know they have a winter break. I think they play each other 4 times each. I think they also split the top and bottom near the end of the season
Into the final quarter of an hour in Sheffield. Gradel was one on one with Weaver a moment ago. Still 1-0 Wed. though.
I am fine by the way.
I hope United survive the 100+ heat in Chicago today. Kick off is at 5 o'clock (4 local time)
Podolski picks up an early free kick for Koln.
Did you hear of Becchio is going to have some sort of surgery on his hamstring, I think
Cricket update
First Test
England 474 for 8 Declared
India 158 for 3
That could well be a mind-melter in Chicago.
I was out at Coca Cola Field here in Buffalo for a Buffalo Bisons triple A baseball game last night. It was still 85F at 11pm!
Was Pieterson still not out?
Transfer news
Matty Taylor of Bolton has signed for West Ham
Oh - Jermaine Johnson nearly added to Wednesday's lead.
Yup.. in the 220s
Did I hear right about Becchio?
GOAL! Gervinho scores his first goal for the Gunners - that will be a welcome sight. Wilshere with a lovely through ball and Gervinho took it well.
1-0 Arse!
What did you hear - I've heard he's crocked and may have to have knee surgery that will keep him out for several months. Davide Somma as well.
All I heard was surgery
I thought Leeds would buy some players this summer
Oh - Podolski fizzed it across Szcesny.
To be fair, we have picked up several players - Michael Brown from Portsmouth is the biggest signing. We also picked up Blackpool's second keeper from last season Paul Rachubka to replace Kasper.
GOAL! Max Gradel has leveled it for us on 83 minutes with a penalty after he had been forced to the ground.
1-1!
Oh - Vermaelen nearly added a second goal there.
GOAL! Gervinho has bagged his second!
The Arsenal fans must be delighted in what they're seeing. Could the Ivorian be Arsenal's "fox in the box?"
Time's nearly up at Hillsborough. Still 1-1.
I'm back
Congrats for getting the draw
Fabregas and Nasri were not included in the squad for today's match. Lots of speculation that they'll be off this summer. Arsenal also missed out on Phil Jagielka this week. They offered £10 million; Everton wanted £20. I'd pay £20 million for Jags - he'd form an excellent partnership with Vermaelen IMHO. Surely Arsenal have that kind of dosh - they already paid £16 million for Carl Jenkinson earlier in the summer. Jags is worth it.
Cheers, mate - so that makes three wins and a draw in pre-season for us. I'd take that form in the Championship.
Are you going to watch the United friendly tonight?
I don't know what Wenger is looking for. He doesn't seem to want to spend the dosh.... he'd rather buy a young frenchman for the future
Of course I am and of course I am going to the match on Wednesday
Are DC United playing Everton today? Is Steve going?
They were second best against Philly
Again, I was very impressed with the Sons of Ben fans. They didn't stop singing
Yeah - D.C. v. Everton today and Gooner will be in the house. It's on FSC at the same time as ESPN2 is showing United.
Two-goal Gervinho has been replaced on half an hour.
I guess I'm not watching it!
Jenkinson did well there to block the Koln shot. Nearly the interval and Koln are now looking the better side. Still 0-2 though.
Oh - great save from Szcesny!
England get another wicket 182 for 4... they need to get them all out for under 274 to force the follow on... it is already day 3
Another wicket gone five more wickets to go
I'm surprised at how well England is doing - India are World Champions, no?
Oh - bloody hell - new boy Carl Jenkinson has scored an embarrassing own goal!
1-2 right at the stroke of half time!
And that's the half-time whistle.
That is one corker of an own goal - did you see it, mate?
No, I haven't got the link going
Teams back out on the pitch for the second half. Should be lots of changes. I already see RVP coming on. Rosicky as well.
Btw, we've got a new LOB member as of yesterday - "Lost-mate" (aka Todd Richardello).
Good Morning BD and UWS. I did not realize there were any friendlies. I just woke up.
Could you give ma a link for Wednesday vs United's third string?
Welcome, MUR - good to have you on board.
I'm afraid that you've slept through the epic Wednesday v. United clash, which started at 8am EST. It ended 1-1 with a late penalty from Max Gradel leveling up David Prutton's early strike.
I'm watching FC Koln v. Arsenal - it's 1-2 Arse at present. Here's the link:
http://nwxyz2.blogspot.com/
Milwall defeated Gillingham 0-1 earlier this morning. Millwall will as always be a threat in the Championship. I'd like them banned for their horrible fans.
Thanks , BD. Sorry I was not there to support Leeds. You have our former keeper, Rachubka. Thanks for the link.
Rachubka was at United? I didn't know that - I knew that we bought him from Blackpool - he was their second keeper last year. He'll be our #1 in the upcoming season.
That Carl Jenkinson own goal before half-time is well worth tracking down on YouTube if they don't show it again. What a corker!
The link finally load. Arsenal lead 1-2 at Koln and the sposors claim that I need to clean my toilet with Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel. BUGGER!!! I just cleaned the toilets with Comet!
My link crashed - I'm on this one now:
http://www.yycast.com/embed.php?fileid=CB1jNjZfQP1DfLY&vw=640&vh=360
The link just froze. I am sure exactly what happened.
Will you be watching the Chicago Fire v. United match tonight?
Mine did too - try this one:
http://www.yycast.com/embed.php?fileid=CB1jNjZfQP1DfLY&vw=640&vh=360
Oh - great move with some extravagant flicks from RVP that ends with Arshavin shooting wide.
Thanks, BD. I have the link after another Scrubbing Bubbles commercial.It is still 1-2 to the Gunners.
Flappy replaces Mannone.
Two more changes then - Mannone is off and Fabianski is Arsenal's third keeper of the day.
Connor Henderson is on as well.
Connor Henderson, the 17 year old Irish Youth international is on. He made his first team debut in the FA Cup replay vs Leyton Orient in February
Wenger does need to sign a defender, but for Gooner's sake, a quality defender.
Did you see defeat Seattle 7-0 earlier this week?
Koln win a corner off of Squillachi after a great move.
He's missed out on Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill and Christophe Samba already this summer - he's not willing to pay decent cash.
The corner from Podolski is cleared.
Then he missed out on some great opportunities.
I can't believe that the SPL started their season today. The lower division Cups were in a Challenge Cup Competition.
I didn't watch the match but I saw the highlights. Wallop! A hat-trick for Roon.
It doesn't make any sense to me - how many bloody games do the Jocks play?
RVP was through, but the defender did well to recover and RVP committed the foul.
Never a penalty as that was a great tackle by Djedemal on Arshavin.
Not that many, BD. They have a two week winter break and are always getting eliminated early from European competitions, with the exception of Rangers
Then why do they get started so early?
United were only 1-0 up at the half as Kasey Keller showed that he is still a great keeper. SAF started with Owen and Macheda up front, but put on Roon at halftime against Seattle's reserves 9 they even had a Tanzanian trialist make his debut). Reserve keeper , Boss, concede six second half goals. Ober had his best game in a United shirt with a goal and two assists.
The sting has gone out of this one. Friendlies like one are tough to assess because of all the changes.
If you take away the two week winter break then they would start the same weekend as the Community Shield and the lower division clubs in England. That would be one week before the EPL.
The managers are assessing individuals more than the team, IMHO.
So - it wasn't a fair representation of Seattle?
Dundee United were eliminated from the Europa League on Wednesday and it is still July. Fulham started their campaign on June 30th due to the Fair Play entry.
Probably not, BD.
Oh dear - Connor Henderson has injured himself, got his studs stuck in the turf. The new boy may have picked a serious one.
I think Connor Henderson is injured due to the rash challenge. A tough break for the youngster.
Afobe replaces Henderson.
Btw, we picked up a new contributor to the LOB - "Lost-mate" (aka Todd Richardello) yesterday. He was in our year and there are photos of him with UWS on my FB profile.
Speaking of FB, UWS's son Thomas friended me yesterday; still no sign of the stubborn UWS on FB.
I saw that we have a new member.I remember Todd. I wonder if he will have a code name.
Arsenal win 1-2.
That's the final whistle then.
1-2 Arsenal. The main lesson learned for Wenger is that he's got a potential game winner in Gervinho who scored two tasty ones today.
Here come the highlights.
He will be called Lost Mate?
How about that for a cracking own goal from Jenkinson!?
Are there any more matches today beside MLS?
That's the moniker that he's chosen.
I missed all the goals as I was asleep. Call me Rip Van Winkle.
I think Todd had straight dirty blond/light brown hair, similar to Melanie's color. If that is the case then I knew Todd.
I commented yesterday on your email regarding subs .
I've just found this link for Hull City v. Liverpool.
http://p2pfoot.jimdo.com/
It started at 10am EST, so it's nearing the end. Not sure what the score is yet.
Jordan Henderson turns one in but it's ruled offside.
If you stay on the same link as the Arsenal match then you can watch Spurs vs Orlando Pirates from Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The match just kicked off.
Yes - typical longish dirty blonde hair parted down the middle 70s style and bad acne when I knew him. He was a good lad - recently got back in touch. He played tennis rather than footie.
That is the Todd I remember!!! I knew him.
Spurs just kicked off in South Africa.
Thanks for the tip - I'll join you for the Spurs match.
The vuvuzuelas are really annoying.
Sure , no problem BD. It will be great to chat with you.
Spurs struggle to clear the corner from the Orlando Pirates as the Pirates have had the better start.
The Pirates left winger tries to show off his pace and the ball runs miles out of play for a goal kick.
A poor pass from Kyle Walker is out for a goal kick.
Really annoying - brings back bad memories from last summer.
Spurs have had a shaky start. Messrs. Jordan and Allen are not impressed.
A poor pass from Fatty goes astray after a promising Spurs possession thanks to the Pirates defense.
Here's a shot of me, UWS, Todd and Joel Hunter on our graduation day in 1982:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100129117474361&set=a.846446113061.2678049.2056992&type=1&theater
The Pirates forward should have done better.
And now there's a free header just wide!
Spurs looking rubbish. Should be behind.
I will have to take a look at that. Sigalela has shot deflected by Kyle Walker for a corner., then Manesa heads wide with a free header from a corner.
They have had a really poor start. That was their best chance of the match.
I guess that is why this is the preseason.
Bassong is relieved that that the Pirates did not score as the forward skipped past him with great ease.
The Pirates keeper weakly punched out a cross from Lennon as Crouch was lurking.
Better from Spurs as Crouch shot over from an Assiou- Ekotu cross.
That was a chance for Spurs, but the defender cleared before Crouch could connect.
Spurs starting to get back into this one. Nothing wrong with their forward line - it's the back four that looks a wee bit rusty.
If the match is not settled after 90 minutes then there will be a penalty shootout as this is the final of some ridiculous competition.
Oh - that VDV took a deflection off Pienaar and nearly went in.
The free kick from VDV is deflected just wide for a corner.
Oh - another free header. The Pirates have been profligate in front of goal.
Better defending from Spurs, then the Pirates have a free header that goes wide.
I guess Kyle Walker's loan spell at Villa is over.
Spurs will return to England after this match.
I'm surprised to see Luka Modric here today. It seems as if the ink is nearly dry on a deal for hims.
The Pirates win a corner off of Bassong.
They should send him back - he's looked rotten today.
The corner is cleared.
I agree,BD. He might be going through the motions if this is his final Spurs match.
Daloula tries to be fancy and ends up wasting that opportunity.
Did Scousesox beat Hull City?
Crouch shot over with his left foot. That was decent chance.
Daloula shoots wide when he should have scored after sigalela made a great run down the right, skipping past Asiou-Ekotu and Pienaaar. The shot was deflected for a corner.
Actually - it turns out that Hull ran out 3-0 winners, with goals from Robert Brady, Robert Koren and Arsenal youngster Jay Simpson.
Not exactly the comforting win that Kenny would have expected.
HELP!!! The link just crashed. Is there another link?
My link has gone down again and I'm starting to nod off. I'm going back for some more kip, mate. I'll join you later on today for the matches.
Cheers, BD. The third place final in Copa America will be airing.
I'm back at just before 5 because I've just realized that I made a mistake about the time for the Fire v. United match, which is at 5pm rather than 7.
Anyone up for a MLS friendly double-feature tonight?
Here's the team news coming out of Soldier's Field tonight:
United: DeGea, Jones, Fabio, Evra, Smalling, Cleverly, Carrick, Obertan, Wellbeck, Drac, Diouf.
Subs: Lindegaard, Evans, Rafael, Anderson, Park, Giggs, Young, Nani, Macheda, Roon, Owen.
Chicago: Johnson, Egares, Gibbs, Cuesta, Anibaba, Paladini, Nyarko, Pause, Pappa, Nazarit, Oduro.
Subs: Robinson, Mikulic, Ristic, Bone, Videira, Pantazopoulos, Husidic, Baraouch, Ferrari, Grazzini, Banner.
First chance to get a good look at DeGea, although he might be able to have a cuppa tonight.
I didn't even know that Cleverly and Wellbeck were still on the United books - not the line-up I'll be expecting in three weeks time.
Apparently the teams are on the pitch already - however, ESPN2 is still on the NASCAR show (sigh).
Watching Roon's hat-trick again from the other night. He was wide open for basically two tap-ins. I'm not convinced he's turned the corner yet. We'll see in three weeks time.
What the hell is "Herbalife," anyway?
Hello BD. I see United made some changes. They will have a different challenge as they play in warm, humid conditions. they struggled in those conditions last summer.
I am up for a double header.
Great crowd stuffed into Soldier's Field today - looks to be 50K+. Magic!
Hey bob
I am on the iPad
Welcome back, MUR. I'm refreshed after a nap in front of the fan and a cold shower. How did that Spurs match end up?
Got your skype message
Hello UWS. I would love to see United clobber the Fire.
Hi mur
Welcome, UWS - we'll be expecting some hilarious typos from you, then.
Any thoughts about the United line-up, lads? I reckon that the MLS should fine Fergie for fielding an under-strength side!
Sold out in Chicago
Yes... All star game....I ll be there
Your oldest friended me on Facebook, UWS - I told him to pull you into the 21st century.
I am not sure about that result ,BD. I never followed up.BD and UWS, are you still dealing with the heat wave? If so are you staying cool and hydrated?
Save them all for wednesday
4...7.....maybe10 today
We're underway. United in dark blue and navy blue hoops for some reason. I don't know any of these Fire players.
I like the new shirts
I don't have any problem with the lineup. It is preseason and SAF needs to see how his youngsters perform in actual match conditions. He will put out a full strength lineup on Wednesday when UWS will be at Red Bull Arena to watch United play the MLS Allstars.
Still pretty hot here in Fredonia - 95F as I type. We're supposed to get some thundershowers tomorrow followed by some cooling off.
I'm hanging in there with both sliding doors open and a fan in front of the telly.
What's with DeGea's Wolverine style sideboards?
Pappa wins a corner for Chicago after a United defensive error.
Diouf just couldn't get to that little chip from Obertan.
A great break by United , but Ober overcooked that cross.
Still no Chicha on this tour - I wonder why?
Oh - Drac was through on goal and drilled one straight at the keeper Johnson. Corner.
Wellbeck put Drac through, but the keeper made a great save.
Great turn and pass by welbeck...berbs has a shot saved
Bloody hell - Chicago are all over the place defensively. I think they were trying zonal marking from that corner!
The corner was cleared, but Cleverley overcooked the return cross.
The Guatemalan Pappa looks like the only bright spark for the Fire so far.
I hope you guys get some relief from the heat. This is the type of heat we face from the end of April until the middle of October.
Well done again by Welbeck
We re in the mid 90s too....no pool
I think Real take on the Union tonight
Apparently Spurs drew 1-1 with the Pirates today. A super free kick from VDV and an equalizer from the Pirates' excellently-named right back Happy Jele.
Still no win so far in pre-season for Spurs.
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