Me looking splendid in the Platinum Club. Okay Guys this is the last picture from hotch potch park as the rest are from inside the ground and I do not want to lower the tone of our excellent blog web page.

Clive D outside hotch potch park he finally made it after following the crowds wearing white shirts. 

Sedgefield Branch and me in Walkabout Durham with my recently aquired flag - thanks Matilda 

England v Azerbaijan

The day started with a few wee drams in Coxa Club before boarding the mini bus at 3.15pm for the short ride into Durham; first port of call Wetherspoons. We settled down for a few pints when we were interrupted by a young American lady who had a problem and was looking for a man! It appeared that she had opened a present from her husband but could not get it shut ... Our minds boggled until she produced from a bag a knife fully opened that looked like it was illegal to have. Well you know these Yanks, friendly fire and all that some of us headed for the bunkers others ignored her. Mr Gilligan came to the rescue as I have some experience with illegal warfare and closed the knife for the young Yank. The only one to get a peck on the cheek was Dave D who proceeded to get a jealous look from his dad Clive D. Then "Flick-knife Freda" as we now called her returned to her mates and continued drinking, apparently she is in every weekday and spends about £30 each afternoon, must inform Billy senior!
We supped off and went over to Walkabout, not many in but banter with the barmaids was good especially Matilda, probably not her name but she was definitely Aussie. Persuaded them to give me an England flag as they started to put them up as decorations for the evening ahead. Clive D tried but failed to get one, we even told them to take the flags down that they had put up as they needed ironing and amazingly they did!
We caught the 6.20pm train to Scumland, yes this time we bought tickets! We were all busting for a pee when we got to the station as the train was full and you could not get near any bogs on the train, so we headed for the first watering hole O'Neils across the road from the Central Station. After a long Q for a pee we set ourselves up near the bar and had a few bevvies. Banter was good we had an interesting discussion with some Sand Dancers most were all Mackems with a sprinkling of scum. Interesting (and worrying) was one of the scum works for SAFC as a groundsman at the Academy of Light! He also informed us that one of the chefs and a physio are also scum - he asked would you want your players getting food from a mag? He told us of a story when he was at the old Charlie Hurley Centre - playing cards with Jason McAteer when he was injured. He won but McAteer could not pay as he said he had no money on him and still owes him to this day. After training that day McAteer got in his big sponsored car and went home the groundsman got in his Polo and trooped off in disgust.
We left O'Neils and headed for hotch potch stadium, Clive D did not know the way as he has only been there in a bus! I said, being the leader I am, follow the crowd wearing white shirts!
We separated when we got to the stadium, I was in the Milburn Stand, Platinum Club. I expected to go straight into the ground but instead was met by two suited guys who opened a door and let me into an executive bar area that I now learned was the Platinum Club. Nice better than Old Trafford and at £40 the ticket was £10 less than a seat in the North Stand at Man U with standard facilities. I had a few pints in the bar before going up to the seats. Next surprise was padded seats and arms on each seat, with names of each member on the seats - tried to pull one off but couldn't as they were screwed down. The match started and we all thought the first half performance was the same as Saturday, some chances but not taken, this time without great saves from the opposition goalkeeper as most chances were not on target. It is difficult to know how long is left in the match as there is no scoreboard and no clocks in the ground but when the half time whistle went 0:0 it was back down stairs to drink pre-ordered drinks (just like being in a theatre in the West End in London!) I had a discussion with some Wolves fans who stated that Jody Craddock was the worst player that they ever signed and he was consistently rubbish every game of the season "the only thing he knows is to head a ball no good with his feet". They also said that Alex Rae was mint and they should not have let him go ... That also came to my mind about SAFC. Now I know why, when I have watched SAFC at Scumland, the platinum members don't make the kick off at the start and second half - there are no clocks anywhere in the bar area only the TV screens so if you have not got your eye on the screens and see the teams coming out you haven't got a clue if it's game on or not.
Second half brought goals but not many other highlights - atmosphere was not as good as Old Trafford probably because it was a cold and wet evening - even in the platinum seats, padded or not when it rained you got wet as well - must have something to do with the height of the roof.
Full time 2:0 not much to write home about but atleast it was 3 points in the bag as we head for Germany 2006.
We caught the 10.20 out of Scumland and headed back to the safety of Wetherspoons in Durham, Flick-knife Freda had either gone home pissed or had been arrested for carrying an offensive weapon - shit my fingerprints will be all over the knife! Need an alibi - I was at Hotch Potch Park yer honour - now would you believe that coming from a loyal SAFC supporter!
I stood at the bar and got on talking to a 32 year old school teacher from Tudhoe who was celebrating school holidays with a bang. Good discussion that I will not go into incase Mrs Gilligan reads this but only to add that we exchanged mobile numbers she also gave me her home number, as she asked if I wanted German lessons out of school hours (honestly!)
Boarded the mini bus and made our way home dropped off at the lights - bring back Don Smiths - I got in the house just before mid-night with flag, programme and my virginity still in tact.
Stroll on the Wigan game next Tuesday. Pick up 3.00pm straight to the ground Billy, couldn't get Clive to change the time due to work times. Looks like the Sports Bar or the bars in the ground although some say they are getting off in the City Centre as they did last time - we can decide when we get there.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Billy the midget, with a giant with sweaty armpits.

Huyton Hoofer

The only way to get into Yates pub in Manchester was to cover up. No I am not a hobbit from Lord of the Rings! 

England v Northern Ireland

It is quite different going to a International match than a normal SAFC game as I try to explain in the following notes: -
Due to the fact that Billy senior and cousin Billy were staying down for the weekend and the Sedgefield branch were going by train I took the option of going on my own by car main reason needed to get back to take Mrs Gilligan out on the night and the fact that I don't pay for my diesel so trip was for nothing. I set off when I woke up, no need to wait for anyone so I was off on the motorway at 7.25am and went past Bradbury about 7.30am (only 5 minutes away take note all the Sedgefield branch!) The trip down was good radio 2 belting out 60's music until I got to Old Trafford at 9.30am. Looked about for a good parking slot, the spives were wanting between £4 and £5 to park in derelict waste ground or old industrial buildings. I opted for a place in the North Stand N2 official parking at £6 and parked with my bonnet pointing direct to the exit gate to avoid any delays at the end of the match.
Needed a pee before setting off to the city centre - called Clive and he was arriving by train at 9.55am so I headed for the train station area. Missed the train coming in but bumped into Clive and his mob (Brian, no it was not Sven but Alan in my earlier blogposted photograph) having early morning breakfast, take away pasties. We went to Wetherspoons in Piccadilly area as we were informed that it was opening at 10.30am, it was also the place where I was meeting up with the two Billy's later in the day. We stood, we waited 10.30am came and went, Clive's crew decided to go nearer the ground to the Trafford pub (now that name stirs some memories of meeting 5 barmaids from the Trafford in the Regent Palace, London but that's another story that may come out when my solicitor gives the okay!) So I stood until 11.15am with a host of other fans from Leeds, Coventry, Preston all waiting for a cheap pint. I then decided to move on, I called Cousin Billy who advised me they would be at Victoria station at 12.30pm so I headed in that direction and found a small welcoming pub called the Mitre opposite two pubs that were full to the brim inside and outside of mixed supporters from both countries. The police soon intervened and informed all landlords that no one was allowed outside on the pavements with alcohol. I stood at the bar admiring as I usually do the barmaids had a god chat with Tina and warned her of the impending arrival of the two Billy's and the rest of the gang. They arrived and cousin Billy got the drinks in only to move to a quiet spot to use his .... you've guessed it his mobile. We soon moved on as Billy Senior stated that this was his area and that he would take us all to a few pubs he had visited before, one oddly named the Blob shop. We could not get in to this pub - regulars only, so was the Wetherspoons that I had waited patiently outside earlier in the day. We tried to get into the Piccadilly Arms but again locals only at which point Billy Senior stated he was a local and drank there every day, this did not work. We ended up in a bar just off the main city centre square can't remember what it was called but we met up with some Leeds fans who wished SAFC all the best in the premiership next season and stated they thought they would need another two years to re-build their team. In this pub I had a shandy having had my quota of two pints for driving. Dave, Cousin Billy's mate, tried to get me to stay at his place over the weekend but I kept refusing and refusing every time he brought the subject up. I must admit I was tempted but the thought of another punch in my chin this time off Mrs Gilligan kept me on the straight and narrow. We left and went to Yates where I was stopped from going in by the bouncers. Was it a reference to my exploits in Leicester surely not? I then found out it was due to the fact I was wearing my colours - anyone would think it wan't an England home match. Champ gave me a QuickSilver top he had found in Kelloe Greyhound on Friday night so wearing this I was allowed in. I did not have a drink here because the beer looked shite and with a bit of lemonade in it would have been even worse. Anyway we headed for the train station at Oxford Street to take us direct to Old Trafford. Big Q to get tickets for the train that was due in two minutes so we boarded the train without paying - simple but effective. Arrived in the North Stand first tier just as the teams were coming out of the tunnel. Atmosphere was electric with no spare seats except from up in the directors and guests area were there was probably about 150 spare seats. Kick off - game on - first time passing was excellent, great saves from their keeper with an un-inspired performance from Mr Whitley. Half-time 0:0 England supporters subdued and rather quiet during the first half but the second half started with a bang and then a wallop - I was pleased I didn't go for that pee just before the start of the second half as there were loads who missed Joe Coles opener. Crowd now buzzing with chants of "Are you Scotland in disguise" then there was the Mexican waves that even the England dug out joined in on one occasion. End of the match 4:0. Great performance, good movement and first time passing with flicks and dummies showing that somethings from the training field can be duplicated in a live match. I did not get too carried away as the opposition was noting to write home about but if we play like this on Wednesday night we should better or equal Polands score against Azerbaijan. I went to the car had a bite to eat then let out of the car park at 5.15pm arrived home at 7.05pm after listening to all the phone ins on 5 live, good banter from the Irish and some funny calls from England fans saying we were now world beaters and a cert for winning the World Cup - they must have had more than my two pints of beer.
Took Mrs Gilligan down the Club where reality hit back again with the same old shite on stage but I was in a more happier mood now, sinking plenty of John Smith's cold to make up for the ones I missed in the afternoon.
Next comes Wednesday with Clive picking me up at 3.00pm outside the Lion we are having a drink in Durham before getting a train to Scumland. My seat is in the Milburn Stand, Platinum Club so I should be okay for prawn sandwiches and cocktails. I will post another blog after this match and take some more pictures this time from a shite ground but not so shite players on the pitch for a change.

Jim Gilling
FTM

A Prayer for each and every working day of our lives.

Huyton Hoofer

A Rather Delightful Young Lady.

Just back from the Metro Radio Arena having witnessed a rather good concert by a rather delightful young lady who goes by the name of Anastacia.To be recommended chaps.Perhaps Jim we should visit in November to see Alice Cooper ( an old favourite of yours) and Twisted Sister.

Huyton Hoofer

Message for Billy Gilligan

Billy Gilligan,
I've had the Billynet installed in the caravan.
When are you coming down to see me again? Bring the other Billy's with you. You can all stay in my new caravan with the young Billy's. I'll get the campfire going and cook you some nice hedgehog which is what all the other Irish Billy's eat because I know you like to eat what the other people are having.
Irish Billy and the Billy's

and the glory .... 

The passion ....... 

Coxhoe Branch - Billy Senior, Cousin Billy and me with good mates (Dave and his mates) from Oldham in Yates Manchester City Centre 

England v Northern Ireland, I meet up with the Sedgefield Branch in Manchester City Centre for pre-match drinks 

3 weeks without nicotine.

Get today out of the way and it will be 3 weeks without nicotine. Somehow I feel reasonably confident this time around, a kind of determination to kick the habit for good. Having said that from February 1993 to July 1998 I did without cigarettes, why I ever started again is beyond me. In the intervening period I have had spells of 18 months, 6 months and a further 6 months off them.

Whats the difference this time? Well I haven't had a sneaky fag in the garden or took myself off for a walk on the pretence of walking off withdrawal symptoms only to nip into the shop and buy 10. Another major factor is not attending football on a regular basis, or being an active member of a branch that see's to everyones needs and neglects their own. Funny isn't it, looking back, how starting to smoke again in 1998, coincided with SAFC losing that memorable Play Off Final to Charlton and the branch being formed in the summer that followed. Lets hope they don't have to put themselves through all of that again, and make sure that promotion is automatic, and can tie it all up before the last game of the season, so the fans can relax and enjoy the last game or two.

Season is almost at an end. I have ( upto now) given up the weed. Things are looking up for me. Lets see if Jim starts smoking when the pressure starts to build. Somehow I think he's just a little too laid back to let minor irritations get to him.

In happier times and about to be put to th sword.

Huyton Hoofer

Brian Deane

Seems though the last posting did not raise immediate comment, thought I'd share the following taken from the independent Leeds United web site: -


Jabba's Comments
Brian Deane is a Leeds-born lad who somehow slipped through the net and didn't get picked up to play for United as a youngster. He started out at Doncaster Rovers and joined Sheffield United a couple of years later. He made his reputation here, scoring over 100 goals in 5 years and becoming known for his strength and finishing.
It should have been a dream move as his hometown club smashed their transfer record to pick him up in 1993, but things never quite worked out. In successive years he scored against Manchester United at Elland Road, which needless to say made him quite popular, but the goals never came in the same quantity as they had at Sheffield and he returned to Bramall Lane after 4 years. He spent half a season there before moving to Portugal: it was a surprise to many that this traditional English centre-forward was wanted by Benfica, but he didn't do too badly in his 9 months out there.
He returned to Middlesbrough where he was in and out of favour with the manager over the last two years. A move to Leicester suited him - and he even managed a goal against Leeds at Elland Road in one of those games that Leeds just threw away when 2-0 up. He's doing pretty well down in Division 1 and has done much to help the Foxes into a promotion spot, although he picked up an injury at the turn of the year that has kept him out of the team for a couple of months.
Wirral Blade says: Deano is a very under estimated centre forward. Had a fantastic partnership with Tony Agana at Bramall Lane before transfering to Elland Road where they again poached and ruined a Blade player, Keith Edwards, Gary Hamsom, Alex Sabella, Paul Beesley, John Pemberton all spring to mind. Will always be remembered for scoring from 45 yards again Liverpool at the Lane. Thank God he never signed for the Wednesday.Paul Vulch Foster says: I've always loved Deano - right from the day I started watching him as a lad. I'm actually a blades fan and was gutted when he went to Leeds but knew he was too good for us to stay. Sadly, Brian didn't do as well as he could have done at Elland Road but he's still special. He has his critics but I just love'im! Hopefully, one day he'll come back to the blades where he'll always be welcome and be a hero. I love you, Brian
Trevor says: You may not have far to travel if you still want to see Deano play --- acording to sources he's about to be unveiled as Halifax Town new player coach latr on this morning !!
Jim Fieldsend Snr says: Deano was always a joy to watch. With Tony Agana, He also advanced the cause of black players in an era of soccer racism. Leeds stole him as they have too often done. Come back Deano. We need you. Dont worry about the loss of wages. With you leading the line all the team will earn more in win bonuses.....
Ste says: you never knew if he was tring to score or trying to clear it - F***IN LEGEND!!
DeeDee says: I met Brian while on vacation in St. Croix seven years ago. I have followed his career closely and know that any team would be lucky to have such an outstanding and dedicated player, but even luckier to have such a wonderful man as a part of their club.
Sheridan says: leeds qpr 6-1 deano 4 england :-)
nuno "deane" couto says: brian is the best brian 4 president he is the most outstanding forward he love him in benfica please come back home brian
Brooky the Blade says: Brian Deane is the most gifted and natural football player ever to have donned the red and white stripes of SUFC. He made an imortal impression on the team and Blade fans. Come back to the lane Brian. Deanoo!!!

Jim Gilling
FTM

New Signing

STRIKER DEANE SIGNS FOR THE BLACK CATS

Sunderland AFC today completed the transfer deadline day signing of experienced striker Brian Deane. The Yorkshire-born former England international has signed permanently from Leeds United until the end of the season. No fee is involved.
A delighted Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy said: "Brian will be a terrific addition to our squad for the last seven games of the season.
He's an alternative to what we've got at present, and over the last remaining games that type of player could be importrant. He'll thrive on the kind of service we can give him and we're well aware of the problems he can cause teams."
Deane brings a wealth of experience to the Stadium of Light after a 20-year career, which has brought 230 league and cup goals from 745 appearances, and has seen him command a total of £8.58m in transfer fees.
The 37-year-old began his career with Doncaster Rovers in 1985 and, after three years at the Belle Vue Ground, he signed for Sheffield United for £30,000 in July 1988 before signing for home-town club Leeds United for £2.9m in 1993. He re-joined the Blades for £1.5m in 1997 but joined Portuguese giants Benfica for £1m in 1998. His career then saw him sign for Middlesbrough when Bryan Robson paid £3m for him in 1998, and after three years on Teesside he signed for Leicester City for £150,000 in 2001. He spent the 2003-04 season with
West Ham United and has been with Leeds since last summer. He won three England caps during his first spell with Sheffield United in 1992.

BRIAN DEANE - THE RECORD
Born: Leeds, 7.2.68.
LEAGUE AND CUP APPS GOALS
Doncaster Rovers (1985-88) 76 13
Sheffield United (1988-93) 238 107
Leeds United (1993-97) 168 38
Sheffield United (1997-98) 29 13
Benfica (1998) 18 7
Middlesbrough (1998-2001) 95 19
Leicester City (2001-03) 56 19
West Ham (2003-04) 32 7
Leeds United (2004-05) 33 7
Sunderland (2005)
TOTAL 745 230

Jim Gilling
FTM
>

More stuff from Roker

I can hardly believe it, an assorted collection of over THIRTY Roker memories, some entirely factual, others a little vague.

1. The roller coaster of emotions vs Gillingham when we were relegated to Div 3. The final emotion was utter desolation.
2. 'Cowboy snack' at the chip shop round the corner from the Derby. 100% pure cholesterol.
3. Seat A217, Roker wing paddock, front row, main stand, edge of the 18 yard box. Best seat in the house when we were attacking the Roker end.
4. SAFCSA shop in the St John's ambulance building - before the club had a shop.
5. Playing the Mags in 1992 when they started the season off with consecutive wins. They came to Roker with a 100% record in October and I was CONVINCED we would win, end their run and kickstart our season. We didn't win, their run went on and the rest is history. It's all ended up OK in the end though !
6. Getting a Xmas card off the club the Xmas after we beat the Mags to get into the Div 1 playoff. It had on the front a blurred picture of Marco scoring. Must have been taken on a box brownie by one of the crowd. Who cares - it was Marco scoring against the Mags !.
7. The lads who used to sit along from us regularly coming in 10 minutes after kick off - sometimes with fish and chips under their jackets which they ate at half time. Exquisite torture.
8. Cec Irwin scoring with a cross-cum-shot in a game with, I’m sure, Gordon Marshall in goal. (I've looked it up and it's true - SAFC 3 vs Nottingham Forest 1 12/10/68). Only goal Cec ever scored.
9. Roker Park catering. Pies which were either stone cold or hot as lava but never midway. Pasties with crusts so hard they should have classed as offensive weapons.
10. Small boys in the paddock standing on stools or ‘swings’ their dads had made them
11. West Brom in the Roker end - Boyng, boyng
12. The peanut sellers. Pinpoint accuracy to any point in the crowd.
13. Can't remember the opponents (Portsmouth ?) but their mascot, a little lad aged maybe three, wouldn't go off the pitch at kick off time and had to chased by a player and caught.
14. Wondering whether to get a picture of Monty or Jim Baxter. Choose Baxter - he was transferred to Forest on the Monday.
15. Seeing in the programme a pen picture of a player (can't remember his name) we'd had on loan. The timing was 6 weeks after he'd gone back to his club!
16. That monster flag Rangers brought with them at Gary Bennett's testimonial
17. The Leitch latticework. Blue ones at Pompey, Goodison and Ibrox - we had the only red one. Writing in to the club asking them to remove the advertising hoarding for the last game so we could see the latticework for one last time. They did it and we all saw it for one last time, a little faded, a bit like Roker, but still with dignity.
18. The Roker pitch. Never bettered.
19. Playing West Ham on the Saturday after Bobby Moore died. Total silence, sunny day, supporters lay a wreath in the centre circle, Kenneth Wolstenholme 'they think it's all over' on the PA. A perfect setting and a very emotional experience for both sets of supporters.
20. Wondering who it was who did "Give uz an S,S,S ...., give uz a U, U, U".
21. Red card protest.
22. The joy of my voucher coming out of the ballot for a 1973 cup final ticket.
23. “Toddo” graffiti on the wall
24. Stokoes superstars silk scarves
25. The long journey home if we'd got beat (same at SOL)
26. Taking my little boy, Ross, to Roker when he was only three. He got fed up and I had to leave early with him. I think we were playing Huddersfield. When I left it was SAFC 1 Huddersfield 2. As I made my way back to the car there were two great roars. Final score SAFC 3 Huddersfield 2 (two late goals by Michael Bridges I think)
27. Lads from the back coming down to the front with a massive "FTM" flag to drape over the front of the main stand. "Hold on to this rope for us mate". Picture of me in the paper as one of the flagholders. Mam see's picture and asks what does FTM mean.
28. Upstairs in the Cambridge before it was done out
29. Picture taken with the Div 1 trophy in Reidys Bar
30. Getting a "Roker Park 1898-1997" brick put in at SOL. Possible competition to identify where?

One for luck, 31.Gary Bennett dangling David Speedie over the paddock wall.

And another one, 32. Gordon Armstrong’s header vs Chelsea

Last one, 33. Approaching the ground for a night game. Something special about those floodlights.


Some great and emotional memories.
Haway the lads.
Billy

Another Try. Here is a team of Manchester City Juniors from 1966 all of whom lived in Kelloe, and were invincible in that year. The team contains 3 sets of brothers. Two of the lads are no longer with us. 6 still live in Kelloe, 3 live in Coxhoe, 1 lives in Durham, 1 lives in Sedgefield and 1 emigrtaed to Australia. Name them, living, dead, who are the Makems, who are the Mags and who are the Smoggies.

Huyton Hoofer

Rare photo of Grim Reaper, Billy and MelvinH 

Free Easter Tournament for Youngsters

FREE EASTER TOURNAMENT AVAILABLE TO YOUNGSTERS

The Sunderland AFC Foundation is once again offering free football
tournaments to local youngsters over the Easter holidays.
The foundation is now looking for six-a-side teams between the ages of Under-11s to Under-14s to take part in the PlayStation2-sponsored competition, which is due to be held at the Indoor Academy at Crowtree Leisure Centre in the city centre.

Winning teams and runners-up from each age group will be presented with trophies and there will be PS2s on offer for attitude catagories.
"This tournament gives the youngsters the opportunities to play
football at a competitive level and to meet other players the same age
with similar interests," said SAFC Foundation Informal Educator Steve
Burdess. "With PS2s up for grabs, the players may have more incentive
to persuade their teams to enter the competition."
The following tournaments are planned for next week: Under-11s,
Tuesday 29th March; Under-12s, Wednesday 30th March; Under-13s,
Thursday 31st March; Under-14s Friday 1st April.
The Kickstart Black Cat Express will also be parked outside the
Crowtree Centre on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th March. This will give the youngsters the chance to take part in the virtual football
competition taking place on board the bus. Each day one Playstation2
will be given out as a prize.

For more details contact Steve Burdess on 0191 5515185.

SAFC Ticket Office Opening Hours

Sunderland AFC would like to advise supporters of the Club’s operating hours over the Easter holiday period.
The Stadium of Light Ticket Office will be CLOSED on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday. Supporters wishing to book home match tickets can do so via the Club’s official website, www.safc.com or by calling 0191 551 5151 or the 24-hour Ticketline, 08705 862015.
The ticket office will be open for in-person purchases Saturday 26th March from 10:00am until 1:00pm.
The Club’s retail stores will also be operating revised hours for the holiday period as follows:
The Stadium Retail Store will open:
· Good Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm · Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm · Easter Sunday CLOSED · Monday 10:00am – 4:00pm
The retail outlet in Savacentre, the Galleries, Washington wil open:
· Good Friday 8:00am – 10:00pm · Saturday 8:00pm – 10:00pm · Easter Sunday CLOSED · Monday 9:00am – 7:00pm

Latest Ticket Information

LATEST SAFC TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for Sunderland’s Coca-Cola Championship clash with QPR have now sold out.
The Black Cats travel to Loftus Road on Saturday 2nd April – the club’s first game after the Easter break – and the full allocation of just under 3,000 have all been sold. SAFC are advising supporters not to travel without a ticket.
Meanwhile, tickets for the Wigan match at the JJB Stadium go on general sale on Wednesday (23rd March). The club is able to take an allocation of 7,000 for the crucial Tuesday night match on 5th April, with tickets costing £17 adults and £12 senior citizens and juniors.
Coca-Cola Championship
QPR v Sunderland AFC
Loftus Road
Saturday 2nd April 2005
Kick-off 3.00pm
SOLD OUT
Coca-Cola Championship
Wigan Athletic v Sunderland AFC
JJB Stadium
Tuesday 5th April 2005
Kick-off 7.45pm
General sale from Wednesday 23rd March.
Prices: £17 adults, £12 senior citizens, £12 juniors.
Coca-Cola Championship
Sunderland AFC v Reading
Stadium of Light
Saturday 9th April 2005
Kick-off 12.45pm
Tickets on general sale now.
Coca-Cola Championship
Ipswich Town v Sunderland AFC
Portman Road
Sunday 17th April 2005
Kick-off 12noon
Season Ticket holders can apply by postal application until
5.30pm on Wednesday 23rd March (voucher 36 required).
General sale from Friday 1st April.
Prices: £20-£29 adults, £5.50-£8.50 juniors.
Coca-Cola Championship
Sunderland AFC v Leicester City
Stadium of Light
Saturday 23rd April 2005
Kick-off 3.00pm
Tickets on general now.
Coca-Cola Championship
West Ham United v Sunderland AFC
Upton Park
Friday 29th April 2005
Kick-off 7.45pm
Season Ticket holders can apply by postal application from Tuesday 29th March until 5.30pm on Monday 11th April (voucher 35 required).
General sale from Monday 18th April.
Prices: £24 adults, £12 senior citizens, £12 juniors.
Coca-Cola Championship
Sunderland AFC v Stoke City
Stadium of Light
Sunday 8th May 2005
Kick-off 1.00pm
Tickets on general sale now.

Billy in jovial mood

Aye , Billy with a big smile on his face.

http://www.readytogo.net/coxhoe/pictures/c8.gif

Just follow the link

The Memory Lane Series

For the older ones amongst us I thought I'd try and pull out some pics of the Old Roker Park. I'm sure we all will have some lying about in a box somewhere in the loft, so it may be good just to get them out, scan them in and stir up a few memories.

I dedicate the Mainstand and the Clockstand to Billy who I know was a great fan of the old Roker Park and the unique atmosphere it generated. We all have some great memories from there and from the days when we cut our teeth on SAFC. Only two weeks ago the talk about butchers coats, pit helmets, Toddy and Baxter stirred up some great memories when Billy, Jim, David and the Hoofer were out for a jar or two.

Lets hear yours. Just how good was the "Peanuts. Tanner a bag" man. Was the modern day weapons systems modelled on his accuracy. Did the Yanks invent the SMART Bomb having visited Roker Park.

Theres a one to start.

Lets hear them.

Trips Down Memory Lane Part II

Huyton Hoofer

Trips down Memory Lane.

Huyton Hoofer

SAFC v Coventry - after the match MelvinH celebrates as he knows best. Is he a sleep or counting his money to see if he has enough for the next pint and next years season ticket??  

Huyton Hoofer smiles again after SAFC v Coventry, never mind what he says in his previous blog he'll be back! 

It's come and gone

Well here's an opportunity to get the first one in. First off the bus , first in the house and first to get a blog going before Billy and Jim and before Mrs Hoofer drives me to Seaton Carew for fish and chips and stroll along the beach, this balmy spring evening.

Well as the title says it's come and gone, my first match of the season after my self imposed exile. To be honest, I think you all need medals as big as frying pans for putting yourselves through that week in week out. I thought the first hour was dreadful and on a par with what I'd sat through last season. Exile has woken me up to just how bad Championship football is. I've said it before but watching a srtruggling Premiership side is a more attractive proposition than the fayre served up today.

A win is a win and up until the introduction of Andy Welsh, I thought this is going to be one of those games that could cost us dearly at the end of the season. You know the one's I mean, QPR, Good Friday 1998, is a fine example, however Welsh for me was the key that unlocked the door. Direct, and can take a man on the outside or inside, his play was reminiscent of Magic Johnson during the 1998 / 99 season. A sight to behold. McCartney looks the prospect he always was and had an excellent game today. I don't really want to get in to the game of knocking players but I will. Whitley, for all he is seen as a key player in some quarters, just doesn't do it for me. Footballers are revered or castigated for what they do with the ball. Jeff, you can't pass, you contribute little in terms of having the team move forward, and this is what players are remembered for, skill. I'm sure your contribution is welcomed in a lot of quarters, but you just don't excite me, in fact you agitate me.

So then it s 2 points clear with 7 games to go. No easy games in this league. Can the nerve hold? Will the nerve hold? Who will be the first to crack? Is it Wigan? 1 point against a lowly Forest side. Will the Championship be coming to Sunderland for the 3rd time in 10 years? Sounds good but it also means to win a championship 3 times we have been relegated twice. Get the investment in if we go up and make sure it doesn't happen again in my lifetime or whats left of it.

So the day is over. I have enjoyed the crack, Seen Billy, The Postman, MelvinH and Jim to name but a few. I have enjoyed the social side of it and will return to celebrate Billy's half century against Reading by which time I hope our lead has increased and the football has improved.

Hasta Luego Amigos

The Day Hath Cometh

Well we are here - the day HH comes to his first match of the season, lets hope that the Lads do not disappoint and put on a good show so that HH thinks about coming again. I know he will be back before the end of the season as he is coming again on Billy's birthday but a good show and who knows .....
Got back late Friday from Frankfurt, good week out in Germany - read the write up on the SAFC.com website about Tuesday's match and it seems that once we got going we could not be stopped. Billy should have given me a message about the game on this site so I could read another angle on the game. Saint Paddys night went to an Irish bar and got drinking the "leafy water" with a few guys from Cork - great fun especially when they would not let me pay for a round. One guy gave me a tip for the Gold Cup - Beef or Salmon that all that were in the bar said would not get beat. So I immediately gave Kenny (Senior Billy) a call and gave him the tip - the horse did not get anywhere so the call at 11.30pm was not worth it and one that I will get a bit stick from Mrs. Kenny for waking her up.
From the phone calls I have had it should be a good turnout on the coach today I better remember a domino card so we can make a bit extra.
Bloody hell now a call from the newly appointed Postman Pat asking for a place on the bus, must have known HH was back, well here's hoping as I sign off until after the match, now where's my lucky underpants ...

Jim Gilling
FTM

Pre Match Nerves

After much chipping away at the edges, by Billy and Jim I have bitten the bullet, swallowed the pride and made the decision to attend the game against Coventry. Of course it has nothing to do with the sweetener of a ticket supplied by Jim.

I really don't know what to expect. The last time I was there was to watch the humiliation inflicted upon us by Crystal Palace in the play off semi final, second leg, and that infamous penalty shoot out. I can only recall enjoying one game during the 2003 / 04 season and that was a 3-0 win against Sheffield United. The rest is just a blur. The football was less than rivetting, sitting up in Row 27 Seat 88 of the North Stand, daydreaming of times gone by and wondering how we could have fallen so far so quickly.

Still, tomorrow will give me the opportunity to see at first hand some of the signings McCarthy made and to assess if they really are any better than what we have had in the past. I don't expect it to be football of Brazilian standard, but the season is reaching the usual Sunderland climax with edge of seat, chewed finger nails and all round anxiety wondering if it is to be up or stand still for another season.

Looking at Billy's points grid in a previous posting we are in a better position than at this stage last season, but we still have some tough games to come away from home. Ipswich, Wigan and W Ham are games we dare not lose. Win the home games and don't lose those potential 6 pointers and I think it could be Premier league next season.

Will I be there in 2005 / 06? Hard to say really. Being truthful I'd be lying if I said I'd missed it this season. I haven't. The enthusiasm just isn't what it was. It still hurts and annoys me that we had the foundations in place to be come an established premiership side, and looking back it all started to go wrong when Hutchison was allowed to leave for West Ham, when Rae left for Wolves and when Bally moved on to Fulham. The heartbeat of the side, the creative engine that made us tick seized up after the oil wasn't put back in.

Can McCarthy attract the calibre of player needed to make a success of premiership life, should we get there? Remains to be seen, but he's gonna need a lot of dosh to compete at the highest level.

Well tomorrow will soon be here. I can here a ripple of applause as I put in the first appearance on the road to rehabilitation. It's up to you now Sunderland.

Jim, have one standing, mines a Fosters, be in about 12:30pm

Match DVD Available

Another message from the Club to get more money from you!

EXCLUSIVE ACTION DVDs NOW AVAILABLE TO BLACK CATS FANS
Sunderland supporters now have the chance to re-live their most memorable games at the Stadium of Light.
Beginning with Tuesday night’s 5-1 demolition of Plymouth Argyle, Sunderland AFC has began producing exclusive souvenir DVDs of every home game, which will be available to buy in the club store (Plymouth DVD available from tomorrow, Saturday 19th March).
It means that devoted fans who miss watching their beloved Black Cats, or supporters who want a copy of the game for keeps-sake, can now get their own exclusive, personal DVD of the full 90 minutes.
“This will represent another valuable service to our supporters, particularly those who are not able to come to all our home games,” said Sunderland AFC’s Marketing and Communications Director Lesley Callaghan. “It will also enable fans to keep their own personal copy of a game for whatever reason – be it their first visit to the Stadium of Light or a memorable match.
“We hope our fans take advantage of this exclusive offer so they can start to build their very own archive of Sunderland AFC footage!”
It is hoped that copies of Saturday games will be available in the club store from the following Friday so tomorrow’s match against Coventry will be available from 25th March.
The DVDs will cost £9.99 each and will be produced using the club’s video tape of the game. This will usually be based on one or two camera angles rather than the multi-camera coverage of national TV productions, and the DVDs are therefore priced accordingly.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Comparisons with last season

At the same stage last season we had 68 points from 38 games compared with 75 from 38 this season. This time we're on a run of 5 straight wins, last season we were on a run of 4 straight wins and we actually won our next (39th) game which was Sheff Utd at home taking us to 71 points from 39 games. We were chasing WBA and trailing them by a few points, Norwich being a distance ahead of us both and promotion certs. However, what happened next scuppered our promotion hopes. We lost our next three games (Ipswich away (!) , WBA at home (very late winner from them) and Palace away) which meant that we couldn't catch up with WBA although we rallied a bit toward the end of the season with 2 draws and 2 wins in our last 4 games. As can be seen from the graph we really tailed off towards the end due to the three consecutive defeats.
I think if we win all our home games (Coventry, Reading, Leicester, Stoke - these are all winnable) and do not loose against Ipswich or Wigan then we'll do it. That would take us to 89 points and allow for losses at WHU and QPR but if we could pick up a point at either of those games then we'd be laughing. I'm stating the obvious here but the key is not to lose to Ipswich or Wigan and if we could win either of those games, like WBA did against us last season, then I think we'd be promoted.

SAFC V Plymouth

Message from the Club: -

Subject: CASH TURNSTILES – SAFC v PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
CASH TURNSTILES – SAFC v PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Sunderland AFC would like to advise supporters that cash turnstiles will be in operation at the Stadium of Light for the Black Cats Coca-Cola Championship fixture against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday 15th March 2005 (8pm kick-off).

Tickets will be available from turnstiles 7, 8, 39, 40, 47, 48, 55, 56, V 61, V62, 63, 64 & 66.

Missing My First Home Match

Back from an eventful week-end only bitter taste was the Scum winning yesterday and getting to where we were last year, but this time semi-finals are being played in Cardiff which takes the thrill of going there for the first time in the final. I hope the Scum don't make it as you will see again the plastic mags in their clowns black and white outfits again in their masses all saying that they are true supporters and have never missed a match
Well reading Billy's account of his day at Crewe I can't add too much to the comments other than me and Ken seemed to pay more for our drinks but the view was better particularly Dawn behind the bar. I enjoyed the sing song with my mate Ken, I bet everyone was pleased when the batteries ran out on the Ipod!!
This week I am off to Germany to an exhibition in Frankfurt so I will miss my first home match of the season as I leave Scum airport at 5.30pm on Tuesday but I will be thinking of the match and hope that we get three points as both Ipswich and Wigan appear to have easy away matches - if you can call any match now easy - Brighton away and all that.
I get back late Friday so may be a bit tired for the Saturday game which sees us pitch battles with Coventry. Highlight of the day maybe the return of Huyton to the fold - maybe for one match only but who knows it might be a good match and keep him there for the rest of the season. So the countdown begins..... 6 days for the return of the leader of the pack.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Ward 21. Some characters who would sit in the corner of the village pubs and be generally inoffensive. Wonder if it's owt like the corner of "The Last Orders" ?

Huyton Hoofer

“Ward 21”

Our awayday to Crewe was one to remember, not so much for the game (which was pretty ordinary but a good 3 points) but for the other ‘activities’ of the day.
We set away from the NE at 8:30 ish with a full bus but a few complaints from the Sedgefield lot when we got to Bradbury (“bloody hell it’s nearly an hour since we got on the bus and we’re only 2 miles from home”) but they soon settled down and sat back to enjoy the journey. This time Rossy had chosen the scenic route and decided to go to Crewe via the A66 & M6, so avoiding the M62. Seemed a bit of a strange route but it worked our well in the end and was a lovely journey across the Pennines with the sun shining and snow still on the hilltops. As we were nearing Manchester Clive told us that we couldn’t go straight to Crewe as the police had prevented buses going into the town centre but that we’d have to go to Knutsford instead. We were a bit disappointed as we’d had a great day in Crewe last year. However it all turned out ok as we ended up in Crewe after all! What happened was that we missed the turn off for Knutsford and by the time we realised we were nearly at Crewe so we took a chance and went into the town parking just outside of the town centre at 12 o’clock. Rossy dropped us all off and said he’d pick us up after the game.

When we got into town we all went into a pub but some of us didn't fancy it much as there were no seats and it was a bit 'plastic' so we went into "The Last Orders" pub a couple of doors up the street. Bitter was only £1 a pint and lager £1.40 so Stephen, Thomas and I quickly settled in and got some seats in the corner. We got cracking to some of the locals and had a real good time. They were a gang of seasoned drinkers who came in every day at 11 through to 7 and thoroughly enjoyed their drink at £1 a pint. They were good crack and one of the old lads even had his sandwiches with him. Wherever you go you'll find this gang - most of them retired but they all like a good drink and a bit crack. I think Stephen and Thomas had found their kindred spirits from Cheshire! During our conversations they said that their corner where we were sitting was known as 'ward 21' corner in the pub. Apparently 'ward 21' refers to the nutters ward in the local hospital - Jack should have been with us to give a professional opinion! Anyway they were as good as gold as we ended up leaving them a round of drinks (hey, we can all be big spenders at £1 a pint!)

The game came and went (not much more to be said really) but when we got back on the bus we found out the at the back window was all boarded up. What had happened was that Rossy had been parking the bus and a steward has been watching him back as he reversed but hadn't told him about the lampost behind him. The bus clipped the lampost and shattered the back window. Rossy was able to get it fixed with some plywood so it was a comfy journey home (at least it was for those at the front - maybe it was a bit draughty for those at the back?)

Jimmy was very ‘perky’ on the way home with his best mate Kenny back by his side. He’d been a bit subdued of late but made up for it on the way back when he gave a non-stop rendition of ‘popular’ songs. The Sedgefield lot looked a bit grumpy at this but Jim wasn’t put off in the slightest and kept on the go all the way home but thankfully did not disturb me. The Sedgefield contingent got of at Bradbury on the way back and arranged to be picked up to avoid another hour on the bus.

All in all a good day out but hopefully one we won’t be repeating next season as I’m expecting us to be in a different division to Crewe. Would be nice to see the ‘ward 21 lads’ again though!

Walter Perez, Argentinian Mackem

Let me introduce you all to Walter Perez. Walter lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is a fanatical Sunderland fan and honorary member of the Coxhoe Branch of SAFCSA. We have been in contact via email and MSN messenger for about 3 years now and Walter likes to keep upto date with eveything SAFC and in his home city supports Velez Sarsfield.

Huyton Hoofer

A Motley Crewe

Once again, despite a win and 3 vital points Sunderland heap the pressure on themselves by failing to capitalise against a side that has shipped 11 goals in their 3 previous games. On a day when Ipswich bag 6 against Notts Forest to close to within 1 goal of Sunderland, McCarthy's tactic of fielding 4 naturally central midfielders from the start in Whitley, Robinson, Whitehead and Thornton leaves me dumfounded. Two wide men on the bench in Arca and Lawrence and Mick wants to make life difficult for Crewe.

Stewart and Bridges have hardly been a prolific goal scoring partnership when played together, so why leave Elliot on the bench? Brown too, has proven a handful whenever he's come on. So we struggle for almost an hour when on comes Arca ( wide ) and Elliot ( top scorer) and what happens, goal immediately.

At this stage of the season, given the tight situation at the top goals are going to play an importnat part in deciding who gets the automatic spot. Wigan are 13 goals to the good on us, and with difficult away games to play this season could go right until the last day.

Why put us through the wringer Mick? Have we not suffered enough? If you have your best side available play it.

PHEWWW

Heroes

Huyton Hoofer

Brian in Cockney land

This is what being a Sunderland supporter does to you

Only a couple of years between the photo's.

Crewe etc

Well, it's been a hell of a week one way and another! Loads of hassle all week at work due to the Smogs and asbestos so it was good to have a great night out with the lads on Wednesday, we really enjoyed each other's company and must do it again soon. I'll see if I can get round to putting some comments on the postings from Jim and Jack. Speaking of which, the other 'highlight' of the week is seeing Huyton become active on the board - makes a change from Jim and I speaking to each other. Great to see you getting involved again Jack, might see you at a game soon perhaps?
Really looking forward to the game tomorrow but a bit p****ed off about the WH game being brought forward to the Friday night - will need to work this out. I'd still like to go but not sure what to do. Might struggle to go for 2 nights but one night is not as good. Main thing, I suppose, is going to the game, but we've also enjoyed the 'social scene' at WH and Leicester!!
Anyway, thats all for now. My tea's on the table and I must go.
Perhaps will post some more stuff later.
Billy

West Ham v SAFC

As expected new announcement from the Club:-


SKY TO SCREEN PENULTIMATE MATCH AT THE HAMMERS

Sky have picked another of Sunderland AFC's Coca-Cola Championship
games as a televised match - meaning three of the club's six games in
April will now be screened live on Sky Sports.

The Black Cats' trip to West Ham United, the penultimate game of the
season and originally scheduled for Saturday 30th April, has been
selected as a live game and brought forward to Friday 29th April,
kicking off at 7.45pm.

The Cloak of Anonymity

Lacking individual characteristics, He who shall not be known.

Tis a strange thing to be anonymous. Keeps us all guessing I suppose. Intrigued that there are those among us us wish to keep a mysterious viel over them, lest we guess who they may be. You can do all manner of things with a cloak over your head, colloquially speaking of course, such is the power of anonymity. You can pass compliments, trade insults, abuse and torment, all in the knowledge that you won't be found out. Or so they think!

Sooner or later anonymity trips you up. It will provide you with a clue,or a slip of the tongue at the most unexpected tie will drop them in it. Bit like being a burglar or a robber who has committed the crime but hopes he won't be found out.

So to get to the point. If you feel the need to post on the blog, then get a display name, it's easy enough to do. Lets not get into the game of casting aspersions at good, honest Sunderland supporting individuals, who for one reason or another choose not to go at the moment. We are all in this together, are emotinally involved, because of our love for SAFC, whether it was the last game or only game an individual attended is irrelevant. What has gone before is as important as what is happening now and what is to come in the future.

So FTM and Ha'Way the Lads.

For the uninitiated may I introduce you to the GRIM REAPER
Huyton Hoofer

STID
Huyton Hoofer

Here at Last

For some reason, I've had a real struggle to get onto this blogging page in my own right. Paranoia suggests that Gilligan has something to do with it, living in fear that I may have too many stories to tell.

I'm still on the horns of a dilemma about whether or not to make a return to the SOL. Should I take the jump their will undoubtedly be the taunts of " Glory Hunting T**T", etc from those who are not imbibed with good grace and those are ignorant of the facts.

It's really good to see that SAFC are pushing upwards again but, there is a masochistic streak in me that tends to pull me back. Masochism or realism? Whatever, there is still time to blow it and after all this is Sunderland and they have a penchant for making it all end in tears, either happily or sadly.

It is with some sadness that we have heard of the untimely death of John " Cass" McHale, yesterday. John often ferried groups of fans to Sunderland on match days in his mini coach. Steve and Percy Traynor, Marshy, Ivan Lowther, Boysie and Hedley all branch members at one time or another will be mourning his passing. He's sure to have a good turn out is "Cass" and my condolences go out to the members of his family, all Kelloe and SAFC through and through. RIP John.

Myself , Billy and Jim had a canny night out last night, as reported earlier and plans will be underway shortly to get another one organised. It's always great to see old friends and heartwarming to know that we are still all well grounded and talk to each other like it was yesterday, irrespective of our station in life. It's nice to know we all value each other as individuals foremost and friends for life.

Well it's now 40 hours since I packed the tabs in. Not suffering too much yet, just keeping myself busy and putting my trust in Nicotinell. Been there before and hope that this time I can kick it for longer than the 5 years I was off them from 93 - 98.

Time to go back to Sunderland? Will my nerves take it? Is it really a good time to stop smoking?

Great Night Out

Last night we (Me, Huyton and Billy) had a great night out with a good friend of ours Dave Parnaby. Okay he works for the smoggies but he is red and white through and through. We had a good sup plenty of banter and a most enjoyable night out . HH even won one of the dominoe cards £20.00 to the drinks menu!
Afterwards DP arranged with his missus Jean to take us all home, HH and me were going to walk back to Coxa but decided not to as the natives (ST) were getting a bit frisky must have been the drink I was hoying down her neck!!
Anyway a great re-union and one we should do every few months .... even offered DP my season ticket for next Tuesday as I am away in Germany ( no not to start another world war) but sadly the offer was refused as I threatened to notify the local press if he went.
Thanks lads for a great night out ..... now looking forward to Crewe away on Saturday.

PS - wrote this blog as soon as I got in so I probably could have had a few more???

Jim Gilling
FTM

Burnley v SAFC

Picked up at 3.00pm for the journey to Turf Moor not a bad turnout on the bus 28 true Mackems on the way to what we hoped was three points and top slot in the Championship. Stop off (apart from pee stops and a stop to get rid of the booze that Clive found on the bus all thrown away and the grass got tipsy) was in a place that I can't pronounce never mind spell. The pub was small, service poor and the beer was as bad as the service. I stuck with Cider finished off with a whisky before leaving at 7.00pm to go to the match.
Good attendance from the loyal supporters but not as many as if it had been played on a Saturday for as we looked for our seats the stewards were saying sit anywhere. First half we played well knocking the ball about well but we did not create enough chances to make our possession count. However we went in at half time one goal up and what looked like a definite penalty with one of the Burnley players clearing off the line with his hand. Second half was a bit different with the Lads sitting back again - good save by Myhre to keep us on top and then Whitley nearly scored - the only thing he did right all game. Excellent performance by Bridges until his substitution with the Coxa Lad Marcus scoring the second to give us what we had hoped for three points and top of the league - for the moment.
I am still not getting carried away but it's nice first of all to catch up on Ipswich and Wigan then to go three points clear with what should be easy games ahead - Crewe away, Plymouth Home and Coventry home. These may keep us on top for when we get to April for as Tom H puts it its best to be ahead and let the other sides have the pressure to catch us up when we play them. So here's hoping for a good March........ a march that will take us into April still ahead of the rest.

Jim Gilling
FTM