Luke Becketts Anchor

Absolutely. Although I don't know if he didn't want to play, or not put in the hard work away from matchdays. Footballers are professional athletes, and maybe the lifestyle didn't suit. That's probably me. I won't re-open the Porter argument now...

I went for a call of nature and some beer about 4 mins before the end of normal time. Upon seeing the queues at the bar, I restricted myself to just the call of nature. Luckily!

Then surely, you and your group aren't one of the 'morons' referred to. Ricketts was booed by certain sections of the crowd whenever he played, and whatever he did. I admit is it probably unfair to pick out a single section, since it came from most from what I've heard. The fact is that a lot of supporters didn't back him even 10%, never mind 100%. I don't know what's gone on behind the scenes. But based on what he did on the pitch, there is nothing to boo him for. And shame on anyone that does, given that he is still OUR player. Of course, most still seem to disbelieve that there's a racial element to it, but I'll not go there... -_-

Indeed! Fame at last...

Well, Shez has said that Davies has a great footballing brain, so I doubt it.

Well, we did and we didn't....

From reading the BBC match reports every week, I didn't think they sent a reporter anyway!

I'm appalled at all the comments in this thread! Who DOESN'T need a toilet break? At least during the first half?!

It is! Clare stole my stick joke. And the thousand other variants are too obvious to post now.

Well, sat right next to you, my initial thought was that the sending off was for a fair tackle. I've seen nothing on the replay to suggest otherwise, even with the 'near DVD quality' (NOT!) the official site now claims to offer. He was most unfair to Hughes, who had his arm or shirt held at every opportunity, and was climbed on numerous times. But I was pleased with the player's reaction (a grin). He obviously remembers enough about the professional game to know the way things are sometimes. I really hope that referees don't EVER want to be the centre of attention. They must realise that means they're poor, right?

Christ, you're quick!

No surprise there then!

Ah well... Not long to go now. Six more hours, then 2 weeks in the sun!

Exclusive interview now on the official site: http://www.oldhamathletic.premiumtv.co.uk/...1100919,00.html

I fear the answer is in the description on that page: "The Sun's Jon Gaunt...". Murdoch and News International strike again...

He was interviewed today by the BBC.

I'm very familiar with the Black Country accent. In fact, his isn't particularly strong! I said he was nervous, in fact I'd imagine he was terrified, but I think a little more coaching and preparation would have helped, particularly with the inevitable questions about whether he is right to return to football. As you say, Hardy stepped in before it went on too long! Maybe he doesn't have to be, but it would help! Generally, the more experienced ones interview fairly well. Hopefully Lee will get his confidence back once he's on the pitch.

Got to say, he doesn't sound the brightest. But I suppose he's incredibly nervous, and doesn't have all the answers the wolves from the press want. Much easier to ask the difficult questions than to answer them.

And on BBC News 24

No, I think he brings a touch of class and experience to the side. And I've seen more to his game this year than I did last year (and I wasn't one of his knockers then). He's leaner and fitter this year. And class shows through.

This is absolutely true, and I hope the new stands that are planned will allow more room. It's impossible for me to sit in the RRE without my knees pressing into the shoulders of the person sat in front! Unfortunately space costs money, and I'm sure the new stands will be designed with a similar seat pitch...

Had a long chat with Dave today, and I can understand his feelings. An accusation was made against him, the club effectively 'gave him up' to the police without any consultation or evidence, and it went on with the police even after the accusations had been dropped! My feeling is that the police still thought they could get a caution out of it... At the end of the day, somebody that pays for a season ticket paid for the right to enjoy the use of that ticket without harrassment. In my opinion, somebody beating a drum next to me would constitute harrassment, even without the goading that Dave has endured since he complained about it. He will still be attending when he feels like it, but understandably some of his 'heart' for the club has gone. Isn't it about time the club had 'professional' stewards to deal with the crowd? And police in the Chaddy End if necessary? I think the rules need applying throughout football grounds, and not just to the away supporters as we saw at Rochdale on Tuesday.

Are you sure?!

Wats dat in inglish like, innit?

Quite an enjoyable game, despite the result. I thought Liddell looked very lively when he was on. Looked to have lost some weight over the summer. But then I'm not one of those who gets on his back anyway... Ricketts DID look rusty, but got better. Still carrying a bit of excess weight, but very promising at this level. Davies looked good, as has been said already. Wright seemed to do OK, but he is VERY small! Our movement and possession was excellent at times, although the game seemed to die out a bit in the middle of both halves. Rochdale seemed to play as they will start the season - tonight was their 4th pre-season game, so they should be better prepared than we are at this stage. I think we have PLENTY to be optimistic about for the coming season! The policing was a disgrace. Even more so if they don't charge the knob who ran onto the pitch.