"For people wishing to board the 1630 train to Cobh, your train is now a bus" came the call at 1629 at Kent Station.
Not long after some of us were on our way to Cobh (is queenstown even a term of abuse anymore?), while others had to wait til 5.
A stroll up from the train station to the square and the most enjoyable part of a abysmal evening was to be had in the Lusitania. "Cork Celtic here today, Cheaper than yesterday." was a tuneless chant sung by a local. Anybody know what he was on about?. Another local decided to stand up for her territory as Ronaldo put United one up on the box with a beautiful goal. "Lalalala, you're like fucking tellytubbies. Get some words in your songs at least."
Next stop - Food. Then greeted by a mong who tells be Georgie should be sent to the Koreans. Anybody get it? No?
(A hell of a walk to the ground isn't it? That is some hill.)
The game itself was dire. I've mentioned it before and I'll echo my sentiments again. George O'Callaghan is a top player, he's not a winger and is only effective in the middle hence why he had our two best chances in the last few minutes when he moved in to the middle. The problem lies with dropping Healy who has played well n the last 3 games. Healy is quite similar to Gamble and I'd rather pay Gamble than Healy. Pat Sullivan can play right midfield (he told me once upon a time it was his favourite position last week) so why not drop Healy and provide more balance in midfield?
Mooney was a embarrassment for the club last night after his diving exploits. He showed no effort at all. O 'Flynn is not up to it. Behan is just Behan. Maybe move Georgie up front with Mooney?
I berated Lordan last week but he was much improved last night. The back four are just the back four! It's the rest that needs sorting. The quality is there but the balance is not. Matthews will be under pressure unless we win the next few games and it's a necessity that he sorts out the team.
It's a pity that at the closer away games all the mongs go. Much prefer going to games that are miles away, where the abuse is non existent and the creche don't travel. Some of our fans are an embarrassment. One knob in particular deserves a description. He must of been 16 at most. This is the knob who held a flare and then lit another one straight after. Why bother in a fire hazard tin shed when the games is a dire 0-0? He decided to chant part time bastards before hand. I guess the new breed weren't supporting us when we were part time, he probably didn't even realise part time outfits outnumber full timers in the league.
Another "top green" next to me decided to shout abuse at Georgie for coming home from Ipswich. Then Devine for his poor kicking. Gamble received a barrage of abuse in the second half for dribbling past half a dozen Cobh players. The worst was reserved for Farrelly, the ultimate creative player. He might not be the fittest but he can control the play superbly. "would you like some fries with that Gareth". The moron then proceeded to shout abuse at Matthews "Do you want us to win at all with the fat bastard on the pitch"
You fan are an embarrassment
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday Night Soccer
3 weeks in, we discuss the pros and cons of the new highlights programme.
Studio One gripe with the studio is the positioning of the guests, especially the uncomfortable nature of Roddy Collins in week one. I understand it's a casual approach but maybe if Con was put on one side, guests on the other and a table over Roddy's thunder thighs, the studio would then be perfect
Guests A nice variety of guests so far and even more of a development tonight (week 3) with links to Waterford to discuss Ireland qualifying at under 17 level for the European championships
Highlights Without me sounding like a pedant, the repetitiveness of Either Way by The Twang is beginning to get annoying. If commentary was done live instead of like a report it would also be much better. It would also look much better if the cameras were facing the main stands. Drogheda and particularly at the Cross. Although I don't know how viable it is to do such a thing
Features. So far we've had a feature on Dave Mc Keon, which actually made some supporters think referees are normal people as well. The first week Tony O Donoghue went on "the longest trip in football" which was superb as it gave access to players and the dressing room.
Raiders of the archives, a great feature showing us moments of greatness and madness
60 sixty, it just doesn't cut it for me. While it's different, granted, it's bordering on cringe worthy.
Future developments? Some particularly good ideas have been bandied about. Two that struck me are following an ultra group around on match day as one of the features. Another which I read recently on a well-known discussion forum is that come mid-season and also at the end, fans should be brought into studio and discuss the league so far and have a live debate about the league so far etc.
Although I've outlined a few negatives, I think this programme is the most important source we have in developing the league. A prime-time slot on national television is just what we need to develop the league further and bring new people through the gate.
Long may it continue
Studio One gripe with the studio is the positioning of the guests, especially the uncomfortable nature of Roddy Collins in week one. I understand it's a casual approach but maybe if Con was put on one side, guests on the other and a table over Roddy's thunder thighs, the studio would then be perfect
Guests A nice variety of guests so far and even more of a development tonight (week 3) with links to Waterford to discuss Ireland qualifying at under 17 level for the European championships
Highlights Without me sounding like a pedant, the repetitiveness of Either Way by The Twang is beginning to get annoying. If commentary was done live instead of like a report it would also be much better. It would also look much better if the cameras were facing the main stands. Drogheda and particularly at the Cross. Although I don't know how viable it is to do such a thing
Features. So far we've had a feature on Dave Mc Keon, which actually made some supporters think referees are normal people as well. The first week Tony O Donoghue went on "the longest trip in football" which was superb as it gave access to players and the dressing room.
Raiders of the archives, a great feature showing us moments of greatness and madness
60 sixty, it just doesn't cut it for me. While it's different, granted, it's bordering on cringe worthy.
Future developments? Some particularly good ideas have been bandied about. Two that struck me are following an ultra group around on match day as one of the features. Another which I read recently on a well-known discussion forum is that come mid-season and also at the end, fans should be brought into studio and discuss the league so far and have a live debate about the league so far etc.
Although I've outlined a few negatives, I think this programme is the most important source we have in developing the league. A prime-time slot on national television is just what we need to develop the league further and bring new people through the gate.
Long may it continue
Saturday, March 22, 2008
I've a POINT to make
Another day, another draw.
Firstly entering the turnstile, a steward asked me "Can I smell your drink?".
"Fair enough", came my reply.
What happened then turned my stomach. The stewards in question decided to not just smell it but stick his nose inside the bottle. Charming bloke.
City started well and scored early. We played some lovely football for the first 10 minutes, when the goal was scored though the team relaxed rather than push for a second.
Matthews defensive style shone through in the end though. Unfortunately. He took off goalscorer Mooney and brought on Pat Sullivan. Going to 451 at home and looking for a one nil is an awful decision to make. Georgie was moved into the middle and played a bit more forward. The damage was done though after the substitution. Derry saw the incentive after seeing City drop back and yet again they score late on to take something from the game.
Colin Healy deserved man of the match. A much improved performance by him and actually makes makes my previous comments look foolish.
I still believe Lordan isn't up to scratch though. Nothing against the lad but he's just a nervous wreck out on the pitch. He shows how uncomfortable he is with the ball when he passes it back to Devine the whole time instead of playing the ball forward himself. He was at fault for Derry's equaliser and Danny Murphy let him know about it as well. He could not handle substitute Sammon at all. Surely Darren Murphy, who impressed me last year, or Pat Sullivan should be given a chance at centre back as Lordan just can't hack it at this level.
Cobh is a huge game next week. They will be up for their first of three "cup finals" and City could find it extremely difficult down in Queenstown. An interesting battle will no doubt take place this night next week.
Firstly entering the turnstile, a steward asked me "Can I smell your drink?".
"Fair enough", came my reply.
What happened then turned my stomach. The stewards in question decided to not just smell it but stick his nose inside the bottle. Charming bloke.
City started well and scored early. We played some lovely football for the first 10 minutes, when the goal was scored though the team relaxed rather than push for a second.
Matthews defensive style shone through in the end though. Unfortunately. He took off goalscorer Mooney and brought on Pat Sullivan. Going to 451 at home and looking for a one nil is an awful decision to make. Georgie was moved into the middle and played a bit more forward. The damage was done though after the substitution. Derry saw the incentive after seeing City drop back and yet again they score late on to take something from the game.
Colin Healy deserved man of the match. A much improved performance by him and actually makes makes my previous comments look foolish.
I still believe Lordan isn't up to scratch though. Nothing against the lad but he's just a nervous wreck out on the pitch. He shows how uncomfortable he is with the ball when he passes it back to Devine the whole time instead of playing the ball forward himself. He was at fault for Derry's equaliser and Danny Murphy let him know about it as well. He could not handle substitute Sammon at all. Surely Darren Murphy, who impressed me last year, or Pat Sullivan should be given a chance at centre back as Lordan just can't hack it at this level.
Cobh is a huge game next week. They will be up for their first of three "cup finals" and City could find it extremely difficult down in Queenstown. An interesting battle will no doubt take place this night next week.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The visit of Drogheda
2 home games down.........
0 goal conceded
0 goal scored
The stat will no doubt inform you that Turners Cross so far hasn't been at its most entertaining.
Drogheda fans though always provide a good source of laughter. They brought a small crowd for such a big club, average age of 14 (school holidays) and they, as per usual, berated Georgie for 90 minutes. Jealousy eh?
"You only drive when your drinking" gets the award for 'as funny as a funeral chant'.
Anybody who sat at the St Annes End last night would of noticed the two Drogheda mongs walking along the bottom of the stand throughout the game. We wonder about our own creche element behaving like this instead of watching the game. Imagine travelling down from Louth to do it?
We too have our own nutters at the Cross. Drogs keeper Mikko Vilwhatever was obviously amused by the chanting of his name by a lunatic at the top of the Annes End in the second half. A barrage of MIKKO MIKKO MIKKO every time the ball was at the keepers feet meant a chorus of laughter echoed around the coldest stand on earth.
On the game itself, Devine has too much of the ball at his feet, it looked like Lordan was afraid to make a forward pass, as every time the ball was at his feet it went back to Devine (incidentally celebrates his birthday today). There was also no variety whatsoever as every kick went out to the right wing.
Defence were solid and Drogheda never really threatened, drogs number 29 Ibrahima Thiam Iyane must be one of the worst players to grace the Turners Cross soil in years.
Although Georgie provided the majority of creativity, he is not as effective out on the right and must be played in the middle. Joe Gamble was at his usual level of consistency earning him a Man of the Match award. Liam Kearney was marginally average.
Up front lies our biggest problem. Dave Mooney doesn't look like a top goalscorer (so far) while John Flynn and Denis Behan have been poor thus far.
Still though Matthews is unbeaten so far and we've conceded just one goal in four games. Surely not reason enough to boo the side after every home game?
So to Friday and Derry at home. A big game, especially to keep the boo boys off of the sides back. Its imperative Matthews get his first league win on Friday
0 goal conceded
0 goal scored
The stat will no doubt inform you that Turners Cross so far hasn't been at its most entertaining.
Drogheda fans though always provide a good source of laughter. They brought a small crowd for such a big club, average age of 14 (school holidays) and they, as per usual, berated Georgie for 90 minutes. Jealousy eh?
"You only drive when your drinking" gets the award for 'as funny as a funeral chant'.
Anybody who sat at the St Annes End last night would of noticed the two Drogheda mongs walking along the bottom of the stand throughout the game. We wonder about our own creche element behaving like this instead of watching the game. Imagine travelling down from Louth to do it?
We too have our own nutters at the Cross. Drogs keeper Mikko Vilwhatever was obviously amused by the chanting of his name by a lunatic at the top of the Annes End in the second half. A barrage of MIKKO MIKKO MIKKO every time the ball was at the keepers feet meant a chorus of laughter echoed around the coldest stand on earth.
On the game itself, Devine has too much of the ball at his feet, it looked like Lordan was afraid to make a forward pass, as every time the ball was at his feet it went back to Devine (incidentally celebrates his birthday today). There was also no variety whatsoever as every kick went out to the right wing.
Defence were solid and Drogheda never really threatened, drogs number 29 Ibrahima Thiam Iyane must be one of the worst players to grace the Turners Cross soil in years.
Although Georgie provided the majority of creativity, he is not as effective out on the right and must be played in the middle. Joe Gamble was at his usual level of consistency earning him a Man of the Match award. Liam Kearney was marginally average.
Up front lies our biggest problem. Dave Mooney doesn't look like a top goalscorer (so far) while John Flynn and Denis Behan have been poor thus far.
Still though Matthews is unbeaten so far and we've conceded just one goal in four games. Surely not reason enough to boo the side after every home game?
So to Friday and Derry at home. A big game, especially to keep the boo boys off of the sides back. Its imperative Matthews get his first league win on Friday
Monday, March 17, 2008
ULTRA FOUNATIONS
The Ultras came about at the end of the 1960s in Italy, founded when clubs reduced ticket prices behind goals (otherwise known as the curva). They bring a colourful and passionate atmosphere to games but are sometimes confused with hooligans. This is the first part of a new series detailing the history of the Ultra Movement …….
The first groups of ultras appeared in the late 1960’s in Italy when ticket prices on the curva’s (stand behind the goal) were reduced, so the less wealthy supporters could watch their team play.
Following this reduction groups of like minded fans congregated on the curva’s with the same belief and a core mentality against the modernisation of football. To be an Ultra one must have common principles Some of the more important belief’s are the aforementioned
anti-modernisation. An Ultra also supports the team through thick and thin no matter how poor they are performing. The defence of the curva is also imperative in ultra movement’s.
The longest standing group which is still active is Milan’s Fossa dei Leoni, who were founded in 1968. Their name came from Milan’s old ground “The Lions Den”. The group still gather on the Curva Sud in the San Siro.
The ultras were originally influenced by the Torcida’s of Brazil who brought rhythmic percussion and compulsive chanting, while the British terraces also helped to define the ultra image by the use of scarves. The scarf is imperative attire for the hardened ultra across the globe
Unfortunately ultra culture has recently been marred by violent clashes, particularly in Italy. Media bias paints the ultras in a bad light but ask any in-touch fan and they will tell you that police brutality and inconsistency causes a lot of violence (Just ask Manchester United fans who were in Rome last year or Bolton fans who were in Madrid a couple of months ago) When police officer Filippo Raciti was tragically killed in Sicily last season the media lambasted fans in Italy for their disgraceful behaviour. While one cant disagree that the murder of Raciti in Catania was repugnant , when a reverse situation occured at a service station and a fan was murdered by a police officer, the authorities acted quickly to quell the flames.
The media also briefly noted it rather than vilify the police in the way they did with the Sicilians.
To get a deeper understanding of ultra movements throughout the world I will be interviewing fans from around the globe
This month I caught up with Borrusia Dortmund fan Tobi to find out more about ultra culture in Germany…
What does Borrusia Dortmund mean to you?
For me it's more than just a football club, it's more than just 90 minutes every Saturday. I would call it a passion, one of the things I live for. There are lot of people attending home matches every two weeks and that's it. That's not my attitude, but most of my friends think so. That's the reason why I'm now in contact with our ultra group called "The Unity". And although its just a couple of weeks ago since I went with them first, I've already get to know some nice guys. And that's what Borussia Dortmund means to me: Making friends with the same interests, being a community, a unity and "fighting" for the same aim: The best for Borussia Dortmund. Unfortunately modern football destroys a lot. It's not possible to just enjoy football because of the excessive advertising and other repressions. But you can develop a lot in a group and I don't want to give up my passion for Borussia Dortmund.
When did you first start going to games?
The first match I attended was Borussia Dortmund against Hansa Rostock at 2nd October 1999. I started to go to games regularly in 2003/2004 campaign but it was in the summer of 2005 when I bought my first season ticket for the "Südtribüne", our south stand.
Describe the atmosphere at the stadium on Matchdays?
Well, I think for a person from outside the club , having 80.000 supporters is impressive but it gets quite normal after a while. You meet your friends around midday, go to the pub for about an hour and you arrive at the stadium around 2 hours before the kick-off. And then you're just talking and waiting, while the strain increases every minute. Especially at a Derby there is a lot of hate and emotion but against "normal" opponents you don't find things like that.
How much is a ticket for supporters on matchday?
A ticket for the "Südtribüne", the standing area, is around €13, for children under 18 it's €9. Tickets in the seating area are from around 17€ up to 60€.
The Dortmund supporters have put on some wonderful displays. How many people take part in active support on match days?
Unfortunately the atmosphere during the match often depends on the match itself. Sometimes, like the 2007 derby, the whole stadium goes crazy and being part of this is just the greatest thing on earth. But normally there are just a few thousand people chanting and the atmosphere is below average. There are the ultras in the middle of the stand and the people around them singing all the time. Maybe 1 or 2 thousand people. Another few thousand just sing the half of the time and even more don't shout and scream until a goal is scored.
Who are Dortmund’s biggest rival and how intense is derby day?
It's definitely Gelsenkirchen. Usually you don't use the club's name FC Schalke. The derby is the highlight of every season, but last years derby was the best match I've ever attended and it'll never be forgotten. It was the last home match of the season and they just needed a win to become German champion after 49 years without a title. But finally it was a 2-0 win for us and it was just amazing to see them cry.
And finally, What’s your opinion on sitting down at matches?
Well, I definitely prefer standing. Football to me means showing emotions and supporting your team the best way you can. And in my opinion that’s not possible if you sit down 90 minutes and don't move . But if there are people who prefer to sit, ok, that's there decision and I don't complain about them. But I think it's simply a travesty prohibiting standing areas.
Next month: Politics and Lifestyle
The first groups of ultras appeared in the late 1960’s in Italy when ticket prices on the curva’s (stand behind the goal) were reduced, so the less wealthy supporters could watch their team play.
Following this reduction groups of like minded fans congregated on the curva’s with the same belief and a core mentality against the modernisation of football. To be an Ultra one must have common principles Some of the more important belief’s are the aforementioned
anti-modernisation. An Ultra also supports the team through thick and thin no matter how poor they are performing. The defence of the curva is also imperative in ultra movement’s.
The longest standing group which is still active is Milan’s Fossa dei Leoni, who were founded in 1968. Their name came from Milan’s old ground “The Lions Den”. The group still gather on the Curva Sud in the San Siro.
The ultras were originally influenced by the Torcida’s of Brazil who brought rhythmic percussion and compulsive chanting, while the British terraces also helped to define the ultra image by the use of scarves. The scarf is imperative attire for the hardened ultra across the globe
Unfortunately ultra culture has recently been marred by violent clashes, particularly in Italy. Media bias paints the ultras in a bad light but ask any in-touch fan and they will tell you that police brutality and inconsistency causes a lot of violence (Just ask Manchester United fans who were in Rome last year or Bolton fans who were in Madrid a couple of months ago) When police officer Filippo Raciti was tragically killed in Sicily last season the media lambasted fans in Italy for their disgraceful behaviour. While one cant disagree that the murder of Raciti in Catania was repugnant , when a reverse situation occured at a service station and a fan was murdered by a police officer, the authorities acted quickly to quell the flames.
The media also briefly noted it rather than vilify the police in the way they did with the Sicilians.
To get a deeper understanding of ultra movements throughout the world I will be interviewing fans from around the globe
This month I caught up with Borrusia Dortmund fan Tobi to find out more about ultra culture in Germany…
What does Borrusia Dortmund mean to you?
For me it's more than just a football club, it's more than just 90 minutes every Saturday. I would call it a passion, one of the things I live for. There are lot of people attending home matches every two weeks and that's it. That's not my attitude, but most of my friends think so. That's the reason why I'm now in contact with our ultra group called "The Unity". And although its just a couple of weeks ago since I went with them first, I've already get to know some nice guys. And that's what Borussia Dortmund means to me: Making friends with the same interests, being a community, a unity and "fighting" for the same aim: The best for Borussia Dortmund. Unfortunately modern football destroys a lot. It's not possible to just enjoy football because of the excessive advertising and other repressions. But you can develop a lot in a group and I don't want to give up my passion for Borussia Dortmund.
When did you first start going to games?
The first match I attended was Borussia Dortmund against Hansa Rostock at 2nd October 1999. I started to go to games regularly in 2003/2004 campaign but it was in the summer of 2005 when I bought my first season ticket for the "Südtribüne", our south stand.
Describe the atmosphere at the stadium on Matchdays?
Well, I think for a person from outside the club , having 80.000 supporters is impressive but it gets quite normal after a while. You meet your friends around midday, go to the pub for about an hour and you arrive at the stadium around 2 hours before the kick-off. And then you're just talking and waiting, while the strain increases every minute. Especially at a Derby there is a lot of hate and emotion but against "normal" opponents you don't find things like that.
How much is a ticket for supporters on matchday?
A ticket for the "Südtribüne", the standing area, is around €13, for children under 18 it's €9. Tickets in the seating area are from around 17€ up to 60€.
The Dortmund supporters have put on some wonderful displays. How many people take part in active support on match days?
Unfortunately the atmosphere during the match often depends on the match itself. Sometimes, like the 2007 derby, the whole stadium goes crazy and being part of this is just the greatest thing on earth. But normally there are just a few thousand people chanting and the atmosphere is below average. There are the ultras in the middle of the stand and the people around them singing all the time. Maybe 1 or 2 thousand people. Another few thousand just sing the half of the time and even more don't shout and scream until a goal is scored.
Who are Dortmund’s biggest rival and how intense is derby day?
It's definitely Gelsenkirchen. Usually you don't use the club's name FC Schalke. The derby is the highlight of every season, but last years derby was the best match I've ever attended and it'll never be forgotten. It was the last home match of the season and they just needed a win to become German champion after 49 years without a title. But finally it was a 2-0 win for us and it was just amazing to see them cry.
And finally, What’s your opinion on sitting down at matches?
Well, I definitely prefer standing. Football to me means showing emotions and supporting your team the best way you can. And in my opinion that’s not possible if you sit down 90 minutes and don't move . But if there are people who prefer to sit, ok, that's there decision and I don't complain about them. But I think it's simply a travesty prohibiting standing areas.
Next month: Politics and Lifestyle
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