slystallone

We don't need to steal him - i'll just lend Franny my ipod....got all of the songs played at Dale & many more absolute bangers!!! Seriously though, the best music i've heard at a footy ground - top work Dale DJ

Drphibes - from what Alan said to me, i think yours & the needs of fellow disabled fans rank very highly in the thoughts of the club - your (restricted) view of the game is one of the main reason why they want to ask people to stop constantly standing up during the games; and as i said, Alan is fully aware of the limitation of the RRE at present. He said alot to me, some of which i can't recall in exact detail (it was yesterday morning afterall, i've worked an 17hr shift since then!!) - but one of the points that is a little 'hazy' but here goes anyway - was that when the RRE was build, it conformed to the regualtions at the time (a green60 legilation or something). With the passing of time & further developments in stadia design etc, those regulations have been surpassed by others. Whilst the RRE is obviously not up the current spec of new built grounds, it does/did conform to the previous legisation. The main problem lies in the fans lower down in the stand constantly standing up; blocking views. The steward are aware of this, and will be doing their best to make sur your view is the best it can be. Rest assurred, i believe the new stand; when it built, will have state of the art facilities & the best views in the ground!! Hope that helps??

Right, here goes. I emailed Alan Hardy as soon as i read the article on the website, and to my surprise he rang me on my mobile the next morning (Thursday) to talk through my points. I have to say that i was really impressed in him for doing that, and i'll post my original email below & then tell you about the main points of our conversation. [i haven't been able to post sooner due to work commitments FYI] Alan, I feel compelled to write to you in regards to the article that has appeared on the official site today. As a season ticket holder of 11 years in the old Lookers paddock, I have re-located this season to the RRE end; as was encouraged by the club with the discounted rate and the calls to make the RRE the new ‘home end’. So, on Saturday my mate Phil & I found our new seats in readiness for the first game of the season. Having met a number of fans at the Masters games at the MEN, both Phil & I were aware pre-game that we had got seats in the area where the drum would be. To say we were hesitant as to what the atmosphere / drum noise would be like would be true; but what we experienced was the best home game atmosphere I have been apart of in 15+ years of watching Latics. Far from killing the chants & becoming a noisy nuisance; we actually really enjoyed the drum being there to whip up the atmosphere. The singing from our section was non-stop & the backing the team got throughout was amazing to be apart of. Yes, there was standing in a section & yes, I guess the language was ‘tasty’ at some points – but we are watching a game of football at the end of the day; not the theatre or the ballet! I find it almost laughable that some of our fans would prefer to walk out of a game they have already paid for; than simply to look for a new seat slightly away from the drum/singers/away fans. The stand is a big one, not all seats are reserved & there is plenty of room to accommodate everyone – from the sit down/non singers to the drum & chanting brigade. The one point I do agree with is the affect the standing in particular affecting the disabled fans. That should of course be looked into – now I’m no stadium engineer; but I would have thought a raised area for wheelchairs would be a solution to this problem?? As for the police having to look into ways of segregating the home & away fans – a point that cannot be overlooked in this matter is the simple fact that we were playing Millwall, whose supporters are nothing short of a bunch of animals; lower than low the lot of them I’m afraid! I seriously don’t think we will see anything of the like we did on Saturday, away fan wise, again this season, as they are simply a one off in this league. Yes, Huddersfield, Leeds & Leicester will bring a few – but there fans will be nothing like those of Millwall. I would be really disappointed if, as of the article, overzealous stewarding & policing becomes a regular occurrence in the RRE, and those attempting to create an atmosphere at BP & actually get behind the team in a positive way are now the targets for a form of persecution. I know that may seem a bit strong, but I know I would prefer to have people around me singing Latics songs, cheering on the team & creating an atmosphere rather than sat moaning & slagging of the players as seems to be the want of a number of our more ‘seasoned watchers’. Again, I’m no stadium expert, but could a ‘family area’ be created in one of the stands – either the far end of the RRE, one of the far sections of the Chaddy or the whole of the main stand for example. Then people with young kids, older fans & people who object (as many have it would appear!) to drumming & singing can all sit together away from those fans trying to turn home games into an event again?? Just a thought, and obviously I’m coming at this from the side of singer myself, but I have to say that the article on the website has got to me today & as such I’ve penned this email. Thanks for taking the time to read this Alan Yours Rob Lord -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RIGHT, now for the main points from Alan's call to me. Firstly, he reads OWTB and is aware of the reaction on here, which he feels is people getting the wrong end of the stick (that was as of about 9.30am yesterday when he rang me) He said that the club was compelled to post on this matter, to be seen to be being proactive on it, as the police are heavily involved in the issues raised. If they hadn't posted the article, they would have given the impression of not acting out to both the police & the FA (through their new Respect campaign). He said all the directors / management team & the players were made up with saturdays atmosphere, he agreed with me as to it being one of the best home game atmospheres in years. He also made the point that the club does not & is not wanting to 'kill' the atmosphere / singing / chanting - in fact they ideally want us to all carry on singing & supporting the club all season, as the players really to take to it! The main point he wanted to get across was that it isn't the club being killjoys on this, the police & their safety officers have had a major imput in this matter - and that the club has been told that if the home vs away fans 'incidents' (pie throwing / bottles / physical threats etc) continue then the police will enforce an area of segregation between the fans. This will be 10 seats into the away & 10 seats into the home end. Alan was at pains to stress the loss of venue that this will cause, he said upwards of £1500 for big games - as these seats will be covered with a mess canvas (also will have to bought). He also agreed with me that Millwall will hopefully be a one-off in terms of the aggresiveness between there fans & ours, and that in time (think he put it at 5-6 games) that the RRE will settle down as people get used to it etc. He also answered my questions on the raised platform for the disabled fans - that isn't feasible as their accress all has to be on the same level, from outside the ground to their seats. The new 'main stand' whn it is build will have "state of the art" facilities for our disabled fans; but until then, the RRE area is still going to be used for them. Also, in survey, our facilities for disabled fans came out really well; so they're obvioulsly not too shabby. Its specificly people constantly standing up that is the problem as it really does restrict the view of our disabled fans. Finally he said that the directors would be discussing the forming of a family area asap - potentially in the chaddy end at the old lookers end; but nothing had been set in stone on that. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Think that was all the main points we talked about. I was really impressed he took the time out to ring me and talk through with me the club position, and i think we really do have a family club here when the Chief Exec takes the time to call up a fan in person to discuss club matters. I'm happy enough that i feel now the singing & drumming etc from last saturday will not be attempted to be stopped, all the club want from us a bit of co-operation in terms of the constant standing (which is illegal & they get in real trouble if they fail to act on) & the 'over the top' language - they know its the football & swearing happens, they just want us to tone it down a tad. Hope that sheds a bit of light on this - sorry i've only just posted this - as i said, work commitments meant that this is the first available time i've had to do it. Cheers, Slystallone

me too!!!! - this takes the piss really - we try and make an atmosphere at home games for a change & then are told to sit down, behave oursleves & watch our language and not challenge the away fans. If you don't like being near the singing section, then move further away - its a bloody big stand, an area known for being where you can moan, slag of the players & generally fail to support the team will soon be created, where knowone stands up & blocks your view while you sit in your seat and say such encouraging lines like 'bloody hell eardley, get to him' & 'smalley get of the pitch' FFS, we really, really do have some absolute tools for fans.

Just quickly scim-read that, shocking. Those Millwall 'fans' really are the scum of the football world, complete set of muppets the lot of them - any banners etc that have anything even remotely offensive on them will be confiscated beofre they even finish putting them up.

here here that man, since his recovery from injury around november time he's been class. He's still #1 for me until one of injury/loss of form/suspension means Flemming gets his chance.

I sort of agree with you Al; i think to get 125mins in the tanks will be ultimately a good thing, fitness wise; though we'll see on sat if anyone suffers any ill effects. Positives i take from last night were the kids performances AGAIN! Smalley was outstanding in the first half - he showed why he is heir apparent to the RW spot, full of pace, skill & desire. He constantyl beat 2-3 men, delivered end product and was a constant thorn in the Dale team's side. Taylor had a cracking game, and has started the season so well. He is by no means a left back, but what a job he did last night; and was still a major threat attacking wise even from the LB position. His right footed shot cutting in from the left is going to be a real weapon if he continues to play on that side, really great performance from him last night - well done Chris (sits back and waits for Derek tool to post saying he was caught out of position etc!) Lewis had another useful appearance from the bench; though he ended up on the deck a fair few times; new studs lewi?? Not a kid, but Danny Whittaker had a solid game too - impressed me again after sat's cameo-game turning showing. Now the glass i half empty stuff: Hazell has had a shocking start to the new season; and on the showings so far looks a shadow of his former self, even the switch to right back exposed him too - think Stam has earned a starting place on sat. Allott had a stinker - the worst i've seen him have, but i wont dwell on that too much. Hughesy getting involved in needless spats erked me, but his workrate was immense considering his relative lack of fitness. Shez taking Smalley off - couldn't see it myself and thought it wasn't the sub to make - but at the end of the day we got the result so it payed off i suppose.

Now my take on last night, from the point above (Hughes not being a liability specifically) Hughesy worked his socks off, running all night long right until the final whistle of extra time; and for that i can't fault him at all. However, he also got involved spats & arguments that were unessessary & draw unwanted attention towards him. He's always going to get stick to varying amounts (millwall, leeds etc at the vitriolic end of thing, teams like Cheltenham eta ll prob not that much), but if he just goes about his job and doesn't rise to these wind up 'tactics' then they'd go away quickly enough. Last night it was his 'foot in' ,in the corner where i was sat, that started all the verbals & billy big balls pushing that led to CD getting sent off. He then got involved in a verbal spat with Higginbotham that lasted for a while & needed the ref to sort out, then finally getting involved when Eardley got his booking for that quality challenge on their winger - Hughesy ran 50+yards to get involved & then carried on the verbals with the Dale captain. Now all i'm saying is i really hope this hasn't crept into his game; as i'd be very surprised if he too doesn't himself sent off in the not too distant future if he carries on in last nights vein. As for CD - think that's all been covered on this thread - i'm in the don't crusify camp (after a nights sleep; was sooooo mad with him last night!!), but i really hope he learns THIS TIME. For me, he will have to battle to get back into the side, and also into the fans affections again as last night really blotted his copybook - such a silly sending off.

Exactly that man!!!!! well put. Davies is an enigma at times, as i don't think he know's what he doing half the time, so for a defender to try and read his game; it must be a bloody nightmare. He got 14 in an injury hit season last time - this time with a better squad inplace; i'd expect him to better that, 15-18 for me. O'Grady looked good in pre-season & i believe him to e an excellent signing - young, powerful & bags of potential to be worked on. Think he'll be the one to drop down to the bench when Hughesy can manage 90mins - but he will feature from the bench & make an impact this season; he too big/strong & different to anything else we have not to be used!

Nah, that's not right. Lomax does more than a job....Macca's everton goal wouldn't have happened without Lomax pushing on from LB and joining the midfield; playing a clever 1-2 give & go and the rest we all know!!!! In this LB debate, i think we all need to consider Black too, as if Lomax id found wanting (which i doubt will happen as he's v solid!) then young Black can always come in. He played a very promising 45mins vs Ashton and impressed me. He looks like the next one to break into the 1st X1 from the yoofs. A left hand side of the possibles of Lomax/Lee/Black (& Stam at a push) isn't bad at all for a promotion pushing League 1 side IMO....many sides would look in envy at that considering thier own relative squad depths!!

Almost agree with that; Lomax is really undervalued IMO. Shez got it wrong for me when he said "Kelvin worries me defencively" - i don't see it. He's strong & committed in the tackle, good in the air for his size (which is of average height for a full-back), bombs on well from deep & is assured in possension of the ball. He played really well vs Everton against a better standard of opposition, and i think he shows as much potential as the likes of Eardley/Taylor/Deano/Lewis etc. Well played Kelvin, i'm not bothered if we don't get a new LB in; you'll do for me!

I'm back in again, last season i had a strong start and was top in patches, but faded in the latter stages; finishing just ouside the top 6.....sounds familar that?? anyway - watch out guys & gals - Mouldy Old Doughnuts are out for the League title!!!

Could the full back have been Rob Edwards who's just joined the lashers??? Like what he's saying re: sub's - i see them being key this season, as last year we had knowone on the bench who could make an impact/turn a game etc - this year will be different with (in no particular order) Whittaker/ Lee / Lewis / Deano / Stephens et all likely to be getting splinters at the start of the season.....

Tricky Ricky Holden for me - my mate & me used to play "Latics" on the street with my mini goal post set & i'd be Holden whipping in the crosses & my mate would be Stitch banging them in the goal! In full kits the both of us; them were the days!!!

Sure can, good find that website; better player profiles than ours!! it was Matty O'Neill; http://www.ashtonutd.com/mattyoneill.htm turns out he's 24, and was an apprentice @ Burnley and spent time at Accy Stanley - still say he's worth another look for me, thought he had a good game!

Was that the shaved headed little guy?? all he did was moan about being "fouled" all game - nought special as far as i'm concerned. The right winger though, the #7 - as i said earlier - he impressed me - think his nickname was "Knocker", not sure of his actual name as i've thrown my teamsheet. Not sure of his age either, he looked a bit older than early 20's which i guess may stop some looking at him, but some 'mature' players from non-league do still break through....??

More or less agree with BP1960 on tonights game; but thought special mention should go to Thompson. I thought he was very commanding & played pretty well actually. He clearly wasn't fit when he was in the 1st X! last season; hence the fact that alot of judged him to be sh1te - last night he looked fit, fired up and i don't remember him loosing a header vs a pretty physical striker. Even though they scored, neither him or stam were really troubled. Of the rest, Lee looks composed on the ball, but as has been said needs to bulk out a tad as he was brushed off the ball a fair bit. I was impressed by Black in the first half at LB; he looks a prospect. Not so much my Dawson who replaced him at half time. Young Rowney (or Rolley) at RB looks equally a prospect; pacy & bright - very good first time cross on him too. Stephens played ok, looks like with work from Dux/Shez & Tommy he'll be a right player - but he did overdo it at times for me and his final ball choice needs work IMO too, BUT - he does look like we've a potential gem on our hands if they manage to polish it right. Deano played well on the right, scored a cracking header charging in a the back post & out jumping the full-back, ran well & was a threat - 2 goals from RW shows that. Wasn't too impressed with Whittaker - he showed a few glipses & neat touches; one run with the ball in the 1st half in particular, but on the hole the game passed him by i felt. Flemming looks like Norm will have a fight on his hands - vocal, strong & steady; his kicking is solid too. Not so Josh Bell who looks a million miles away from a 1st team place!! For Ashton, i'd have a few more watches of the thier #7 on the right wing - he had a really good game & deserved his goal. Worthy of a second look for me. thats my take of last night for what its worth

Parkings a bugger round the ground - i'm stopping at the Broadoak, having a scoop or two - and wandering down from there - its a 5 min walk from there! think we're playing a strong side - Flemming / Lee / thompson / whittaker / stephens / lewis / wolfy / stam / black et all - should be a good crack!!!

Stephens won't start on sat - he'll feature at some point this season, but not in the first game IMO think this is what SHEZ will go for: ...........................Crossley........................... Eardley.........Gregan........Hazell..........Lomax Liddell...........Maher.........Allott............Taylor ....................O'Grady.......Davies................. Swap Lomax for Phillips if he signs; and Taylor scaryly goes to LB - shez's potential team not mine!!!! For me, Liddell goes nowhere near the starting X1 these days; purley a bench player in my eyes. Taylor has to start on the right, with Demar on the LM & either Kelv or Black @ LB. O'Grady & Davis up top, with Smalley & Lewis unlucky to miss out, but game time together means Davis sneaks in with the certain starter of O'Grady. Allott & Maher need work as a partnership, but i think its the "safe" bet at the moment; but we'll see what happens over the coming weeks - like others have said i think they're too similar, but that is where Whittaker comes into it i think, if its not working in a game, we now have serious options on the bench instead of kids.

Well its feasable as they have sold Petor Halmosi to Hull (he was the average wide player from them in the red boots in th first half) so they will be down a wide man - but - quite whether 750k has been offered or is going to be offered is another thing entirley, as they (Plymouth) seem to think we're a soft touch and have bid peanuts in the past for Porter / Trotters et all. Burned bridges because of previous dealings? i'd try & screw them for 1million!!!!!

Matty, just PM'd you again as i missed you at the Hull game! ta fella

What i took from Tuesday game was how further forward Allott played when he partner Maher in the 1st half - Maher appears to sit even deeper than Allott does and so Allott was the one who was pushing on....and i don't think thats Mark's strength at all. Allott was immense last season in the sitting role in midfield; mopping up, hassling & playing it simple. If thats what Maher does too, then where is the CM who pushes on & joins in with the forwards? I know lots go on about the "yard-dog" midfield in this league, but i still think it needs a blend of a sitting CM with defensive tendencies (Allott last year) and a more forward thinking CM who bombs on & links up with the CF's (Jarrett did this in the wonder game vs Hudds). Whittaker could be this person (or Stephens as some on here are talking) - so that potentially means Allott & Maher fighting it out for the 1 yard-dog spot. Interesting decisions for Shez; who'd be a manager eh??

[“I’m not saying I’m struggling, but I’ve asked about one or two left-backs because Kelvin, although he’s a really excellent footballer, worries me a bit defensively.†He's always done well as far as i'm concerned when called into the team, BUT - tuesday night concerned me no end! The space afforded to Craig Fagan by Lomax was unbelievable; and his positioning defensively looked way off; the goal a case in point. Playing with a trailist in front of him might have something to do with it (?) as each one of them wouldn't exactly know the in's & out's of each others game, but even still Kelvin worried me for the first time on Tues night. Philips as the left back 2nd half didn't impress me either - he reminded me of Eddy when he slotted in there from time to time - relying on pace of recovery to sort out poor positioning & letting runners go by to easily. Going forward was good though as he could bomb on safe in the knowledge that he didn't have to check back onto his stronger foot; the balance a natural left footer brings cannot be underestimateded. 1 more quality addition in the LB / Wing Back / LM area and i'd be a very happy man!!

top 2's.... Prem - ManUre / Liverpool Champ - QPR / Brum L1 - Leeds / Brighton L2 - Shrewsbury / Bournemouth & bonus one - Blue Square - Ebbsfleet

Exactly, Hughesy is short of fitness anyway, and i believe O'Grady & Davis will lead the line vs Millwall come Aug 9, and probably would have done anyway. Hughesy will now be eased into action from the bench as he gets back to something like full fitness. Lewis & Deano as back-up isn't a bad bet anyway, they had a useful little cameo the other night; they always play well together anyway. Think we'll be right by the 9th anyway, when shez has settled on his starting XI and we'll spank the soft southern (tame) Lions 19-0!!!!!!