LaticsPete

Giles Coke scores for Grimsby. X

This review was written, as all of mine are, for publication in "Programme Monthly and Football Collectable" magazine. It's for a wider audience than just Latics supporters and if , as one of those, you think I have got the emphasis wrong then I do understand ! But they were great times whatever anyone's personal memories are. This Is How It Feels Mike Keegan Reach 2021 Hardback 320pp £16.99 Full disclosure from the start. I am an Oldham supporter and lived through the joyous years that Mike Keegan writes about. And that’s the word that sums up the feeling any Latics fan would have ad for those giddy years spanning the late 80s and early 90s joy. Hopefully some of that emotion was shared by those following other “less fashionable “clubs or that reading about it now can convey an element of how fantasy can still, hopefully, become reality. The bare facts are that Oldham between 1989 and 1991, played 117 competitive matches, reached an FA Cup semi-final, a League Cup final, and finished eighth and then top of old Div. 2. In doing so the club played at Wembley for the first time (and were only extra-time in the FA Cup semi away from doing so twice in a season) and got back to the topflight for the first time since 1923. Yet it was so much more than that. Joe Royle’s pack of rejects and bargains became achievers, and with a style, swagger and self-belief that grabbed the nation’s attention. With relatively little live tv football, the highlights of Oldham matches were seemingly constantly broadcast. And, as said, there were lots of matches. Cup replays, and second replays, as well as two-leg ties, saw the League Champions, the League Leaders, plus a covey of other Div. 1 teams, humbled both on the pitch and on the screen. The pitch? Well, it was famous as being plastic and some teams were openly intimidated by that. However, it must be pointed out that whilst Latics only lost once at home in 1990/1, when becoming Div. 2 Champions, only one team lost fewer matches away from home. The chant of “We can play on grass as well” often resonated from Oldham support at away grounds. The energy of the players plus Royle’s bold tactics made them a great watch for both Oldhamer and neutral. Bunn (six goals in a League Cup match) and Ritchie were probably one of the most potent strike forces in the country, Marshall, Milligan, Adams Henry, Holden, became household names, whilst local lad Andy Barlow left his favourite meal (meat pudding on a muffin) behind to get a call up into England B. Reputation or pedigree seemed to count for nothing and Royle baffled and outfoxed with formations that had five up front. Joe Royle? He arrived at Boundary Park on a lorry after his car broke down on the way to his manager’s interview, got the job, and wheeled and dealed his way to become the engineer of what the author calls “an English football miracle”. A master of spotting value (and always telling the Chairman, “We can make a profit on him”), knowing when to turn a blind eye, and there are quite a few tales of activities that wouldn’t escape the notice of social media today, and how to inspire, he became one of the totemic managers of the 90s. Oldham weren’t a failing club when he arrived in 1982, but were still “little” Oldham, a friendly Lancashire outfit with one of the coldest grounds in the country. A warm welcome, hot pies, and a steady Div. 2 presence since 1974. No glimmer of anything better in his early days, and it’s a reasonable question as to whether he’d have survived nowadays, but in 1987 he got them to the very first play-offs. Tweaking the team, bringing in new blood, and, in 1989, the “pinch me “season began. A supporter had come up to Royle amid the new success and said “Pinch me, Joe” in his belief it was all a dream. Promotion (and winning the championship of Div. 2 was as dramatic as everything else, a last-minute penalty ensuring a 3-2 victory after being 2-0 down), founder members of the Premier League, and another FA Cup semi-final. The good times eventually ended, and the club is in dire straits right now, but, as Mike Keegan so accurately describes, at that time the sense of joy and wonder were truly “ This is how it feels”.

Alfie McAlmont on for last seven minutes of NI victory in Lithuania

Paul Murray to be Head of Academy Recruitment at Blackpool

All Crazee Now David Tossell Pitch Publishing , 2021 Hardback 512pp £19.99 If you can’t remember football in the 1970s, it’s probably that there’s too much to remember. This book is like dipping into a treasure chest of matches, men, (very few women except in walk on roles as girlfriends and wives), media, and the changing place of the game in everyday thought, politics, and society. It’s a page-turner, especially if you like the background and context of some of the headline actions of the decade or want to know their impact, and a thoroughly good read about all that it covers. Whilst it probably helps if you were there at the time, much of the content revolves around people and events that even more recent fans will have some inkling of. So, the rise of Leeds, the flamboyance of Chelsea, footballers as style icons of a new more exhibitionist world, hooliganism’s spread, and the growth to massive proportions in the media coverage of the game will all be familiar to most. Given that some of that which is chronicled is 50 years old, it’s probably a good time to remember and review. Whilst it would have been easy to do that in a simple chronological manner, the author steers clear of this and embraces a topic-centred approach, entertainingly illustrated with both contemporary and recent evidence and perspectives. If there is one argument that is left with the reader, it’s that much of today’s game is rooted in the 70s. In some areas there have been great steps forward but in others the challenges still exist albeit in a different form. So, black footballers began to play more frequently, encountering open racism. In 2021 BAME players make up a significant part of club and national teams, so massive progress, but racism still permeates elements of football. “Trial” by media, of referees and players, took off with the expansion of BBC and ITV coverage, and can it be argued that it is more objective than then? What the book does with great success is to set what’s happening in football against a backdrop of societal and economic change. Deference, conservatism, and “knowing one’s place” were battered by a significant youth culture, in music, fashion and aspirations, but also by a rebellion by those much older. The big industrial struggles that led to the fall of the Heath government were not led by youngsters but helped shake the foundations of the establishment – which included football club owners and the governing powers. Joining what was then the Common Market went parallel with increasing participation in European matches, whilst colour tv showcased the talents and excitement of Brazil or Argentina. By the end of the 70s individualism was extolled on the pitch, increasingly during the period. Best had been a great catalyst in the late 60s and then Hudson, Osgood, Marsh, Marinello, and Wilkins all, for some of the time, took the baton on with every club up and down the land having some local pin-up who represented the new later, flares and sideburns. A forebear of a new society or a reflection of it? In 1979 Margaret Thatcher took power and the 1980s were when individualism was extolled as beneficial for society and economy. That’s for a different book so enjoy this, both a celebration and a critique of the crazee 70s, and English football and footballers. Entertainingly written, excellently researched, it’s one that definitely deserves a place on the shelf.

Flat Caps & Tangerine Scarves Roy Calley Conker Publishing, 2021 Softback 186pp £15 For the vast majority, tangerine in football equates to Blackpool, at least in England. Even in the times of black & white tv, it was the colour of Matthews, Armfield, and Mortensen. Yet, in what is titled a “biography” of the club, we learn that it wasn’t until the mid-1930s that it was adopted as the club shirt, changing from dark and light blue stripes. The bright, almost brash, hue of tangerine now seems appropriate for the town and its team. Equally appropriate, given the great rides on the seafront, is describing the club’s story as being a “rollercoaster”, especially in recent years. The author, a chronicler of the club for many years, hasn’t produced a traditional history but rather an overview of themes that, together, paint a narrative encompassing the highs and lows, the good, bad, and downright ugly of Blackpool F.C..Whilst the emphasis is on the post-war years, and after all no Blackpool book could omit the 1953 Cup Final, there’s a good introduction to the very early times and, naturally, the not-so-distant past with the Oystons. In grouping stories and commentary along the lines of “Managers”, “players”, Successes”, “Failures” and “Supporters”, there’s opportunity to escape the shackles of chronology and pull together an account of the life of the club rather than just the stepping stones along the way. Inevitably this can’t make it comprehensive, but the main characters and events are well covered and in a very readable manner. Roy Calley has the ability to observe from the perspective of supporters, recognising that even then there are many differing views about managers or players. For some Ian Holloway was hailed as a saviour, achieving Premier League status, for others a tool of the Oystons. Was Alan Ball one of the greatest players to grace Bloomfield Road, or was Charlie Adam even better? Such are the types of conversations that take place at every club, but Calley has the knack of presenting them in a fresh and informative way. What united most supporters was the ownership of the club by Karl Oyston. The birth ad growth of the Blackpool Supporters Trust, its powerful and intelligent campaigns, its organisation of legal and financial pressure eventually, in 2019, “freed” the club and fans returned. Ironically, only a year afterwards, Covid shut football down again and the club’s momentum stalled. There are no predictions for the future but there seems to be a sense of relief and hope. As a book it is entertaining and isn’t written from a particular standpoint. It has no axes to grind and yet allows the heartfelt opinions of supporters to come through. A superbly well-illustrated publication and one that would appeal to many outside the Las Vegas of the North.

Jake Cassidy signs for Darlington. Still only 28 but he's been around a good few clubs. I must admit I thought he'd be a decent signing when he came to Latics but.... https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/quakers-sign-striker-jake-cassidy

Sending him further north each season. Somebody wants to see the Londoner knocked out of him

More bad luck for Marcus Barnes. There’s potential there but injuries won’t get him a deal .

Non sequitur from your original post. However it is a little like trying to nail down jelly with you - and I don’t mean to be disrespectful just that you (intentionally or not) can be very frustrating. I’m sure you will keep posting your opinions, good luck to you BP and don’t take criticism as always being personal.

Hardly It’s like saying no League club can compete with them. Just as likely that none wanted him. NB remember how Notts County went on a spending spree a few seasons ago? Ended in disaster

Paid - forgot to say I'm in the Championship .

Where?

#AwayDayArmy sees first deserter ?

Pioneers John Norman Softback 2021 218pp £12.99 For those that don’t know, Workington is a relatively small town on the coast of Cumberland. Once you get to the Lake District, head west. For many years it was probably one of the most difficult journeys for most clubs in the Football League. No matter how many miles as the crow flies, it was a challenge. Sadly, Workington Town, founded in 1921, were ejected from Div 4 in 1977. However this book takes us even further back in the history of football in the town. It is, as it claims, “the amazing story of the original Workington AFC, 1884-1911”. Like its successor, this early club’s narrative was influenced by geography too. In the early 1880s the main organised recreations in Cumberland was rugby , with otter, rabbit and fox hunting also unfortunately popular. The growth of “Association” was faster elsewhere in the country , but the location of Workington, on the coast, enabled the first steps in catching up to be made. Relocation in 1882 of an iron and steel works from Dronfield in North Derbyshire took place, the product of steel rails easier to ship from the new site, and hundreds of workers came with the factory,bringing a background of the growing football scene in Sheffield and area. In 1884 the first mention of a Workington team is heard of . Whilst a Cumberland FA was in existence, it was primarily for administering rugby football but in 1885 announced that it had seven affiliated clubs playing”association”. Competition in the early days was mainly friendlies but Workington and four other clubs entered the first County Cup in 1886 with the “Reds” , as they were known losing , on appeal, to Carlisle. Appeals about goals, eligibility of players, pitches, and the weather were a common theme in early Cumberland football, Workington on both sides of decisions. Growth did, however, continue with the Reds becoming a preeminent force and stimulating expansion of the game. The first Cumberland league was set up in 1890, providing a cup & league double for Workington, and in 1894 there were sufficient clubs in the town itself to set up a “Workington Championship” competition, all players having to live in the community. The county scene was undoubtedly one of expansion in the number of clubs and spectators. Crowds of several thousand turned out for important matches and teams such as Frizington White Star (not to be confused with Rovers or United from the same village) , Cockermouth Crusaders, Whitehaven Rangers, and Shaddongate United (later to become Carlisle United) , were regulars on the fixture list. In 1894 Workington had 47 registered players o their books. The Reds wanted to perform on on a bigger stage however. Forays into the FA Cup had met with very limited success, even in the North-west Qualifying Rounds some matches were never played as opponents felt unable to make the long train journey or, as in the case of Clitheroe in 1896, missed a train connection and decided to go home. However, in 1901 a new horizon presented itself. The Lancashire League needed new clubs and six new ones were added, the only one from outside the county boundaries being Workington. Their inclusion was not welcomed by others, even from north Lancashire it could be a slow and tortuous journey but the Reds agreed to pay travelling expenses for all visitors. That, of course, put a strain on finances, something that was eventually to come home to roost. The Lancs League folded but in 1905 Workington were accepted into the expanded Lancashire Combination, again with the proviso of paying travel costs . at a time when unemployment was rising ,the challenge of having to draw big crowds at home to meet this expense was a concern. A decision to enter a Reserves team into the North-Eastern League in 1906 with yet again an obligation to cover visitors’ costs seemed to be assisted by promotion to the Lancs Combination First Division and consequent attractive home games against reserve teams from Football League clubs. After just four years Workington were, it seems, expelled from the Combination after complaints from other clubs about having to travel outside of Lancashire. Money problems grew, players left, and crowds dwindled. The club’ s last match was against Hartlepools United on 29 April 1911 and , in June, liquidation was announced. The pioneers of football in the town had finally been defeated and it was another ten years before a new Workington AFC was created. The story is told with clarity, a good historical eye, and with a praiseworthy attention to detail. It’s about Workington but it’s also about early football generally and is a good read for both reasons.

Harry Bunn & Jake Cassidy released by York City

Wellens? I read that Bradford was a possibility for him but also that their favourite was Derek Adams,

And I’m not sure where “top league in Luxembourg “ would fit in that hierarchy!

https://widthofapost.com/2021/04/19/the-curious-case-of-danny-rowe-and-his-struggle-to-make-an-impact-at-bradford-city/

Andy Rhodes, father of Jordan Rhodes Ken Branagan, father of Jim Branagan Fred Ogden, father of Chris Ogden Johnny Colquhoun , father of John Colquhoun https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/interview-life-left-wing-john-colquhoun-1491752?amp

When The Seagulls Follow The Trawler: Football in the 90s Tom Whitworth Pitch Publishing 2021 Softback 256pp £12.99 The quote that’s used as the title, pseudo intellectualism at its best, is, of course, from Eric Cantona. One of the core elements of the 1990s Manchester United and someone who will always be used as an exemplar of the changing face of much of football in that decade. More cosmopolitan outlooks and personnel, exponential growth of media coverage and influence, each amended the character and operation of the game. Football at the beginning of the 90s was, like much of British society, still in a slough of despond. Crumbling grounds, fan trouble, lessening influence on the world stage, and dated employment practices and prospects. What was it that stimulated that movement from football not being talked about in polite company to “footie” being a must have part of political and showbiz lives and England being on the way to having one of the most attractive leagues in the world? The sound of Nessun Dorma accompanied a rekindling of affection for the national team. (My apologies to the three other home nations: this book disregards anything that didn’t involve English football.) Italia ’90 was a glorious “nearly” moment. Gazza, Gary L, and Bobby Robson put pride back in the shirt and, six years later, the three lions on its front so nearly surpassed that tournament in Euro ’96. At the top, then, there was revitalisation of interest whilst, in tandem, Sky TV showed itself to be a colossal force and money and exposure came in at club level. Both made what became the Premier League attractive to players, coaches, and investors from around the globe. Cantona, Bergkamp, Kanchelskis and Klinsmann may have been the stars but club after club trawled overseas to bolster the native talent pool. The Bosman ruling in 1995 intensified this trend and wages climbed so that the lifestyles of footballers were on a par with music and film stars when it came to glamour and gossip. Arsene Wenger took the reins at Arsenal, Venglos at Aston Villa and Gullitt at Chelsea as new ideas came in continuing the change of style. Off the pitch the Thatcher years were over and New Labour was born. Even before Tony Blair’s landslide 1997 victory there was a demand for a different society, more youth oriented and photogenic young athletes like Beckham became pin-ups and pundits on style, fashion, and music. Within all this there were stand-alone stories and it’s these that the author chooses to focus on. The dominance of Manchester United, the soap opera of Newcastle, Merseyside slipping from ascendancy, and the building of new, seated stadia are all major components. In that, there’s nothing really new in the book, but it’s well told, using some informed local supporter insights and is a useful reminder that 30 years ago football changed. For the better? Well, that’s unanswered and would need a parallel work on the game lower down the leagues an outside England.

Don't follow that interpretation. Not saying it isn't accurate but how do you get there?

I think going to the cinema has been ruined. It’s a distraction having to listen instead of just looking at the pictures. And the colour is off putting. Nowt wrong with black and white.

Jean Paul Kalala cutting a career https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/19140825.foot-camps-catching-former-southend-united-midfielder-jean-paul-kalala/

Hamer and Rowe both subs but came on in last 30 mins