Bunty Blue

Amazing to think that only a few weeks ago we seemed to have an abundance of forwards and now down to Alessandra as only recognised fit striker, although maybe Wolfy is actually fit and can be counted, so that's two then. I'm trying hard not to contemplate that Liddel could still be classified as a frontman! I can't help feeling that things were generally heading in the right direction until Windass appeared on the scene. Whatever the reason, I'm gutted that yet another season of potential promise appears to be heading for an inglorious and ignominious end. And what's the story with O'Grady? Can he be called back? If he can and he hasn't then he must be feeling less than loved. I know his record is bobbins but at least he seems to put in the effort. Oh well. wouldn't be Latics if it was all plain sailing!

It's certainly a decision that the club know will get the fan's backing and I just hope it works. Always a bit sceptical about managers returning to clubs where they previously had glory days but Joe comes across as an absolute gem and I really hope it works out for him and the club. If we do somehow manage to go up or even just make the play-offs I presume Joe will be given the chance to continue for another couple of seasons at least. If not then it will be an interesting summer with lots of names in the hat no doubt. I reckon the signing of Windass has a lot to do with Shez's downfall and perhaps even the unrest between the players. But if anyone can bring a smile back to the all the Oldham staff including the players, then it's Big Joe. Please god it works out, starting by smashing our friends from the Wirral on saturday!

Leeds fan in Upper sction of main stand was on row in front of me and was with some mates who were Tics, so maybe explains why he was there (although if it had been me I'd have asked a steward to take me to be with own fans). He made some pro-Leeds noises during the game but locals only got hot under the collar when he celebrated the equaliser. Steward moved in quickly and yes some fans tried to give him a kick and one bloke spat in his face (so in some strange world that perhaps cancels out the reverse spitting from the Leeds fan in the lower section!). All in all it added to the relative excitment of the second half after the nullfying tedium of the first. I live in Leeds and the locals appear to think on general it was pretty even but still have a blinkered view and it helps being at work knowing that we haven't lost to them this season. Of course if we could beat them at Wembley.....

Maybe the club could sell scarves at a knockdown price, say £5 (or whatever the cost price is to the club), at each turnstile to encourage take up. I know some big clubs have given them away but guess we need to cover costs at least.

If Taylor does go, I thought the Hartlepool No.19 who came on in the second half looked useful - I know running Eardley ragged isn't much of a yardstick but he beat other players, seemed to have skill and pace and I think put int he wicked cross that poor Lomax smashed into the roof of the net. Just a thought.

We now have possibly the ugliest forward line in the football league! Let#s hope it encourages the team to play a bit more ugly as well and turn some draws into wins. Stood next to Windass at a Farsley pre-season a couple of years back and suprised at how short he was. Not fat though. Looked pretty solid. I guess as well as ugliest we will also have the forward line opposing fans love to hate the most. I recall Windass getting Tics fans all hot under the collar when he's been against us. Ah the fickle life of being a fan....

We really do need a creative midfield player. Allot tries his best but is better breaking up the play and passing short to keep the game going. And despite Liddell's experience and weighing in with a few pens and the odd good cross I really wish he would learn how to tackle or close down his man. He simply turns sideways, crab-like and insists on pointing to Eardley or whoever is behind him, where he thinks the ball is going to go. Just get stuck in there! But on the whole, I'm not as depressed as some people seem to be. Being in the top six at Christmas is hardly poor form for a small club with limited funds. It also helps living in Leeds and listening to the locals getting seriously upset. Best Christmas present ever!

Farsley - Leeds Via Boundary Park Hospital Denshaw Diggle Winchester London Madrid London Nothing better than living in Leeds this year having beaten them twice - oh how the locals hate taking a bit of friendly stick!

What about "lets keep slagging every aspect of the club and team until the TTA pull out, nobody buys us, we fold and then we can all find another team to moan about".

Apologies if this has been mentioned before but I'm ever impressed by Bradford City's efforts to attract bigger crowds through discounted offers and I guess hopefully widen their fan base for the future should such offers stop. Last season the adult price was £138 if 10,000 people signed up by a certain date(can't recall when), which they did and hence over 12,000 ticket holders this season. A subsequent offer was made this season for a renewal at the same price before Christmas 07. But now the new and pretty spectacular offer. If at least 9000 people purchase a season ticket before mid June (15th I think) then they will all get a free one to give to a mate! This includes those who have already bought at the discounted rate. If it comes off and I don't see why not, then they are looking at around 20,000 home fans. Just thought it was a good news story amidst much corporate greed in football at the moment. Even at full price the two for one offer is excellent value.

Usually get to see Farsley Celtic about 8 times a season (including play-off finals in last two years) and witnessed their rise through four divisions to the Conference. Until this season you could have a beer whilst watching which certainly adds to the enjoyment! I've seen Leeds Met Uni team a couple of times in the Northern Counties East Division One. Get to the odd match at Harrogate Town, Guisley and maybe Halifax (nearby pub with excellent beers). It's not the same as watching Latics but fills a void if I can't make an away match or it's a night match that doesn't clash. Some of the football isn't too bad and the fans are just as passionat3e in their own, and sometimes unique, ways.

I just wish they wouldn't give the whole of the Roccy Rd end to Huddersfield. I know we will probably struggle to sell all our tickets to home fans but if the club made this space available from the start, perhaps people would be encouraged to go there. Having home fans there would certainly add to the atmosphere. I also think a full stand of away support gives the oppo a distinct lift. I hated it when Blackpool had it in the play-offs.....

Indeed it is but strangely my Leeds co-workers appear uninterested in discussing the match!

There is a small Weatherspoons at the station (turn left once through the ticket barriers) but I'm not sure if they will be open for away fans. To get to the main Weatherspoons, turn left out the main station entrance (in front of barriers) and go up the right side of the main square (church on left), continue up the road and the it's on your left. The street it's on also has a few 'trendy' bars on it but again, not sure if they will be open for away fans. The local police put Millwall fans in Yates (turn right at main square near station and it's a minute down there) and then put them on the buses to the ground which they duly trashed! The buses leave from under the railway line/next to the station. Never used them but assume they will be running tomorrow. To walk to the ground from the station is about 20-30 minutes and not exactly through a pretty part of Leeds although their is a good gastro pub along the way which does top chip butties. Come out the main station doors and there are some steps opposite to the right. At the bottom (which is where the buses to the ground are on the opposite side) turn right and go across a bridge and turn right dwon Water Lane and the pub, The Cross Keys, is on the left about five minutes down. Looking forward to the game but need to win otherwise my life will be even worse in work as I live and work in Leeds and they are a cocky bunch at the moment.

So for those of us who like to sing in the Lookers Upper (from time to time), will we be hushed when it becomes the main stand? It would be good to know as the ground develops where like minded people are going to be so at the end those fans who want to sing but don't want to be in the Chaddy can get together in one of the stands down the side. In the meantime, I'm still not sure but would be grateful if someone can tell me if we will be able to go in the RRE when work commences.

I always seem to end up with old blokes, old women and a variety of oddballs who I swear are on some sort of care in the community outing at away games where it is designated seating. None of whom want to join in any sort of singing and I must admit that my enjoyment is always severly impaired. Scunny away last season was a prime example but luckily towards the end I was able to join others in standing behind the goal and become embroiled in celebrations that would otherwise look totally undignified for a 46 year old! It's much better at places like Huddersfield where you can move to be with like minded souls whether this is singing or remaining firmly glued to your seat, perhaps indulging in the odd gentle aside to your neighbour. Not condeming those who don't want to sing as each to their own, except for those who only seem intent on moaning no matter what. But that's another thread. At home games I sit in the Lookers Upper in front of the lads who stand at the back and try to get things going every now and then. When it comes off it's great especially as it's near the away fans and therefore helps create "banter" that does improve the total enjoyment all round. The lads in the paddock section also give it a go but as they are open to the elements, their efforts aren't as loud as they would be with a roof over them. Hopefully we will get the go ahead tomorrow night and we can start to look at areas where like minded folk can congregate (I'll refrain from going down the road of designated singing areas as it reminds me of the beasts of satan down the road). Personally I'd hope there will still be people who want to be near the away fans and hopefully given the design of the new ground, the people on the Lookers Upper and paddock who want to sing will be able to get together. Even if season ticket holders are given seat numbers I doubt the stands will be full so this should be possible. On a similar thread, if the intention is to demolish the Lookers first then the club should give the fans the option to go in the small section of the RRE as well as other parts of the ground. I'm sure this would help liven things up. Anyway, got my tickets for Leeds and Everton and just pray that my luck changes.....

Could do. Whats a few more quid on top of what I already owe the financial gods! The other tricky bit is getting to the statements before my wife....

Tickets for away fans are £28 (possibly restricted views) lower tier back, £31 lower tier front and £33 upper tier for most league games. Away section usually holds 3,000 although doesn't a cup tie lead to a larger allocation? Whilst it's a going to be tricky getting the money for tickets for this and Leeds before Christmas (especially with my lad in tow) I guess the board will want to keep these prices although I'll be personally happy if they two clubs agree a reduction!

I think the Donny fans comments about our play are a reflection that we went 4-5-1 after the McDonald goal which led to lots of sideways passing and spells of posession whcih frustrated their players and fans. I think it has it's place although prefer more attacking options in general. Needs must I guess.

Hey, we can have a Home Nations Championship now next summer!

Name? Nick Beswick Location? Farsley, Leeds How Long Supporting the Tics? I recall being taken to my first match in the 60's. Can't recall the game apart from the fact that we lost 1-4 and we left before the Latics goal - a sign of things to come perhaps. It was also in black & white. Only managed to get to see Latics on a regular basis in past six years. Season ticket holders in Upper Lookers with my lad (he's Leeds born and bred but a true Tic already - although he hates the anti Yorkshire songs!) Best away match you've been to? Huddersfield last season and hopefully Port Vale this - please can we get a result there for a change. All Time Greatest Player? Jim Bowie - can't really recall watching him but my Dad ran off with his wife so it's a bit of a sympathy vote really! Biggest Rivals (in your eyes)? Huddersfield and for this season Leeds.