oafcprozac Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) First time I went in the Lookers was the 3rd last home game of the Championship Season, in the Rocky Road Paddock we beat Bristol City 2-1, leaving us needing to get summat at Ipswich the week after. Prevailing memory of that was walking up the hill at the side with Britol City fans singing "Straight back down!" Was a while then before I frequented the Lookers. I only went in there for the 'Big Games' as my usual spot in the George Hill Paddocks usually sold out quickly. The night we beat United I was stuck in the RRE Paddock full of Scum fans, one of whom actually threatened to do me! Still it was worth taking the piss out of 'em. A great night and I got away in one piece! In the last season of the Prem I went in a couple of times as my girlfriend at the time was a 'Starline' collector and got me the odd 'comp'. My regular attendance in the Lookers Stand started with it being made all-seater in 94-95 as it was the cheapest stand despite the risk of an odd soaking it was decent value for money at £7.50!!!!! Anyhow had some superb experiences in there, Andy Ritchie's hat-trick vs Wolves Stitch's late winner vs Middlesbrough Birmingham's two o.g's Beating Bolton 3-1, McCarthy was more a Trojan Horse than a Cart Horse that day Creaney's back flick vs Stoke to secure our Championship status Despite not winning all season, being 3-0 up vs Port Vale in 20 minutes in 96/97 the ground was visibly stunned! Went back into the Chaddy until 03/04, then returned to the paddock took advatage of Chris Moore's dodgy £154 season tickets Vs Brighton the relief at just still being able to follow my time, celebrated Muzza's late consolation like we had just won the FA Cup, Grand National and Wimbledon! Hammering Plymouth with our team of rejects, throwbacks and never were's and of course JJ, was a special day. Securing our place in League one vs Chesterfield was more relief than ectstasy! The celebrating was done at Swindon a week earlier and I was still hoarse! The City cup game was brilliant if only being able to abuse Barton post-'cigar gate' at close quarters. The Ciddy fans sat around were gutted! The pure unadulterated joy vs Luton when Beckett bagged on his debut, ok we drew but for the first time in years a Latics striker had anticipated the defender's mistake and gambled, and it paid off! Most of last season at home was a privilege to watch, culminating in the 5-0 vs Forest, ok we were soaked to the bone but being on the halfway line is great for seeing the 'better' performances at close quarters. This season has gradually got better at home the Carlisle, Tranmere and Huddersfield games all great performances with the latter two ending in absolute drenchings and boy has there been a few of those over the years. All to save a few quid but also to enjoy the best view in the ground. Memorable soakings The 4-1 on Boxing Day vs Wolves - De Wolfe, Ho, ho, ho Hartlepool Christmas 2003, has there been a colder day at BP? Forest the NYD Massacre, one of the most complete performances i've seen in 22 seasons. Had a few this season, Donny, Walsall, Tranmere, Hudds (by far the worst season for drenchings - bloody global warming) So Saturday the Old Girl retires, farewell to crappy wooden seats, leg room that would inconvenience a midget, moaning geriatrics who sit behind me, warm beer, cold pies, laughably inadequate toilet facilities and the comical slope that was hidden by the old pitch pre-1986! But also farewell to some of the best banter (hopefully to be recreated in the Rocky and the new stand) and comical moments I have witnessed. Oh and farewell to the cheap seats! Oh and who can forget the Ginger Whinger that was the head steward for a while, forget her name now, but the Old fella had a running verbal battle with her over a number of seasons. Culminating in him being thrown out for the first time ever during the Birmingham two own goal game, at 0-0!!! His tail was well and truly between his legs when we got back to the Queens, bloody funny and all his own doing. After that he used to just nod sheepishly at her! Edited April 24, 2008 by oafcprozac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senor_Coconut Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 A couple of funny moments that spring to mind; The young lad on the front row of the paddock who, during the Dowie season, jumped up out of his seat to head the ball back on to the pitch only to go head first over the advertising boards and being escorted out of the ground by the St Johns guys to the chant of 'you fat ######', I seem to remember one or two owtb nearly falling out of the lookers upper doing the same. The snarling anger on some peoples faces when they notice a rival fan has sneaked into the paddock. The middle aged man who fell out of his seat on boxing day this season who got the piss taken out of him all game without even noticing. The ball boy who pulled his hamstring this season. Oh and the lovely pie girl in the RRE of the lookers paddock, please move her to the rre, it wouldn't be right buying my pie off anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singe Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 My two abiding memories go back when I used to go with my dad, about 30+ years ago. I thought I went regularly, and my dad looked forward to it. Turned out we didn;t and he didn;t!!!! Watching Latics v Bolton in prob late 70's when a policemens helmet was knocked off in the corner of RRE and Main stand, which we got a perfact view of. And Ian Woods testemonial with a Celebrity game at half time and Stuart Hallw as playing. Come Stauart, play your joker shouts my dad. Me, a little nipper, beaming with pride as a few peopl laughed. And I thought it really funny. Strange how your mind plays tricks on you isn't it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoytonBlueLad Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Some cracking memories there. John De Wolfe! The calls of "wooooo Barbie!" ensured we'd got the three points before they'd even got warmed up My first division/Prem days were spent in the paddock RRE end sat on the front of the wall till some kid got his head knocked off by a ball. Had to move to the back then so I could see (growth spurt came later). Talking to Mark Bosnich about football while he warmed up for Villa and some bloke starts swearing at him. Bosnich had a right go at him, describing me as his new mate. I was well chuffed with that at 9 Then moved upstairs after the Prem relegation. Seeing numerous football personalities cacking themselves as they climbed the ladder to get in the gantry was always funny too! The time a bloke won Strike It Lucky and couldn't get downstairs to collect the cheque as he had problems with his legs so the player came over and climbed the wall over the paddock and got in to the top of the Lookers to present it to him. Can't remember the player for the life of me though. Nor the bloke either, not seen him in years. The introduction of a proper bar and naming it "The Royle Bar" Most of all as you say the banter in the right areas is brilliant too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky_Latic Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) Fondest memory is when we beat City 2-1. Banger scored and came running over to the paddock. I was one of the first down, despite being 11 at the time. Got crushed to peices when about 40 people decided they wanted to hug Banger. Think that was 96/97. Also remember when Carl Serrant threw his shirt in on the last day of the season. I grabbed it before some bugger yanked it off me and ran off. Always remember my dad having those old membership books and being able to get himself in for about £8 in the 90's. Remember Wolves ripping up the seats in the corner of the RRE and doing there best to get into the paddock. Same goes for Swansea in the FA Cup game and Wrexham booting the hell out of the gates trying to get in when we played them in the JPT final. Other Lookers highlights include the Tranmere night game where it absolutely bounced it down with rain. There was only about 3 people in the block nearest the away fans. Stewards even let us stand under the police control box to try and keep dry. Dippers laid on free transport so had a decent following for a change. Oh and who can forget the lad against Barnsley, when the ball came into the paddock. He tried heading it back but the momentum kept him going and he went straight over the barriers. Appeared in the paddock at the next game sporting a cast, much to the amusement of everyone. The banter with away fans too. Though bar swansea, this season it hasnt been like it has in years gone by. edit - coco's comments about away fans being in the paddock largely cos there cheap. Most recent was when Luton were going for promotion and scored a 90th minute equaliser. Some bloke who'd been stood on the steps nearest the away fan decided to celebrate and run down to the front shouting "yes. f***in yes. get in. have that ". Needless to say he soon shut up when 20 lads stood around him and he err, got 'a gentle push down the steps' by a few people. Oh and the lovely pie girl in the RRE of the lookers paddock, please move her to the rre, it wouldn't be right buying my pie off anyone else. she goes away games too. Not sure chickers will like knowing he has competitions for her affection. Though I doubt you stalk her like he does. Edited April 24, 2008 by Rocky_Latic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davegtt Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Late 80's early 90's playing football in the empty bar area with a mini ball. Group of other lads I didnt know apart from meeting after the game every other Saturday whilst dad drank in the busy bar. We had the whole room to ourselves. Almost as good as watching the Latics sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoytonBlueLad Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Wrexham booting the hell out of the gates trying to get in when we played them in the JPT final. I bumped into these chaps as I was late for the game. Scared? Me. Never Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oa_exile Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) The Paddock Army in full flow Happy Days ! Spot The Exile and again and again and yet again Will be sad to see it all end Edited April 24, 2008 by oa_exile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davegtt Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Ohh meeting Denis Law and talking to him for 5 minutes throughout half time during a Cup game back in '89/90. Think it might have been the Arsenal 3-1 game. He was doing the commentating. I was only 9 and didnt even have a clue who it was but Dad insisted I went up on my lonesome and speak to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoytonBlueLad Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) Ohh meeting Denis Law and talking to him for 5 minutes throughout half time during a Cup game back in '89/90. Think it might have been the Arsenal 3-1 game. He was doing the commentating. I was only 9 and didnt even have a clue who it was but Dad insisted I went up on my lonesome and speak to him. I asked him for his autograph a few years after when he was going through the paddock. His pen had run out he said. Sure it had. Dind't want it anyway really Edited April 24, 2008 by RoytonBlueLad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky_Latic Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) Spot The Exile You're the one doing the YMCA in the 2nd last picture, right? Edited April 24, 2008 by Rocky_Latic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oa_exile Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 You're the one doing the YMCA in the 2nd last picture, right? See you have managed to get yer ugly mush on a couple of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senor_Coconut Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I'm in 1 and 1/2 of those pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PointonsTache Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 The pigeon in the lookers upper! Seats 110+ mighrt remember it. Probably more interesting than the match, that's why I probably remembered it!! And the opp player this season who sounded like he had broken his whole body by going AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH! but then got right up and carried on playing, just to be abused when ever he got the ball by us Lookers Faithful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oa_exile Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 My regular attendance in the Lookers Stand started with it being made all-seater in 94-95 as it was the cheapest stand despite the risk of an odd soaking it was decent value for money at £7.50!!!!! That is when I started going in there as well My memories have always been of the Characters that I have met and "people watched" in there , some crackers. Funniest for a long time was last season (I think ) when one of the teams had been time wasting ,we scored to take the lead. The ball came into the paddock in injury time and one of the Lookers Lads picked the ball up to hand it to one of their player and then said "You still want to waste time ?" and threw the ball over his head into the Upper Lookers , even the stewards pissed themselves , quality moment ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markoasis Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 The middle aged man who fell out of his seat on boxing day this season who got the piss taken out of him all game without even noticing. The ball boy who pulled his hamstring this season. Oh and the lovely pie girl in the RRE of the lookers paddock, please move her to the rre, it wouldn't be right buying my pie off anyone else. How he missed that seat I'll never know!! We should have realised what a bad season it would be on the injury front after he pulled the hamstring, glad to see him back fully fit the week after. His she a real blonde????? Great smile 10/10 for customer service. To add from my one and only season in the Paddock (glad I decided to get my ST there this year ... best year watching home games since I was a lad) The empty coke bottles floating past at the front of the Paddock against Huddersfield (league) and finally realised just how wet I'd been getting all season In the same game finding a sample bottle under my noise as I entered the ground. For one minute I thought it was to take DNA as the Stewards the previous week found a cig butt and said they would take DNA off it and find who's it was. Lucky me they only wanted to know if a lady had given me anything ...... sadly they hadn't The fact you can actually get a beer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senor_Coconut Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 The poor girl's had half the lads from the last section trying to chat her up all year, it's very rare to walk in there without seeing someone chatting to her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markoasis Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 The poor girl's had half the lads from the last section trying to chat her up all year, it's very rare to walk in there without seeing someone chatting to her. Thats why I usualy sneak in early before HT for mine .. otherwise you'll never get past them to get your order in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsslatic Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thanks for reminding me of the two Birmingham OGs, Prozac...hilarious. All their fans conga-ing around afterwards too was hilarious. Funniest thing that's happened to me was in my first ever game, we beat QPR 4-1 the year we came down from the Prem. Andy Sinton (I have been told since it was him), scored first though for the visitors, and upon seeing the travelling fans jumping around and cheering to his left, confused four year old jsslatic jumped up and leapt to his feet and cheered along with them. After my father had explained to the disgruntled folk around us that we were indeed Latics, Darren Beckford (again, I've been told since), bagged a brace and we went on to thump them. Many great memories, I'm gonna miss the old girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wozz_oafc Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I think my first game in the lookers paddock was against Arsenal in the premier league!! how times have changed! I thought those days might have lasted forever back then...only just moved back to the there this season...looking forward to going back in the RRE though next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy_Fent Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I used to sit back in the 1st Division Days in the Lookers Upper, I was about 8-9 years old at the time the funniest thing I can remember was this bloke who used to get thrown out nearly every game during the 95/96 season for the abuse he gave the chairman, the board and the management yet he'd still be back everytime giving the same old abuse even if we were winning, it used to be quite an adventure when I was younger and that stand was near enough full every game. I've sat back there this season at times and it maybe hasn't been the same, also sat in the Paddock this season, I think the Doncaster game was a test of how drenched you can get at the football Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankly Mr Shankly Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Oh and the lovely pie girl in the RRE of the lookers paddock, please move her to the rre, it wouldn't be right buying my pie off anyone else. Oh, she's lovely isn't she? She calls everyone "luv", and "darling" and genuinely likes working there I think. Always has a smile on her face. Most of the catering staff everywhere else are either clueless, miserable or hate having to be there. No, I don't fancy her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danoafc Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Had my season ticket in the RRE Lookers paddock in the first season in the old 1st division when they put seats in the Chaddy. Happy days. Never sat in the upper though in my 25 years of watching the mighty, so I've arranged to swap my Chaddy End season ticket for Saturdays game to sample the delights before it goes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekWilson_1968 Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Had my season ticket in the RRE Lookers paddock in the first season in the old 1st division when they put seats in the Chaddy. Happy days. Never sat in the upper though in my 25 years of watching the mighty, so I've arranged to swap my Chaddy End season ticket for Saturdays game to sample the delights before it goes! NO TRESSPASSING BY CHADDY INTERLOPERS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davegtt Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Decision time here on Saturday, do I sit in the Chaddy as per usual, take the bro into the Lookers and reminise or scrap a nothing game and watch Bury v Rochdale... HMMM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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