Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Quiz Time

To keep interest going throughout the close season every week usually on a Tuesday I will post a quiz for you to try your luck - no weekly prizes but the person with the most wins end of July will win a special prize from the Secretary. So here goes - answers through the link email - safcsa2004-coxhoe@yahoo.co.uk ANSWERS BEFORE MIDNIGHT MONDAY6TH JUNE PLEASE.

1) In what year did Sunderland have a financial crisis and were saved by one of the members auctioning one of his prize canary pets? (2 points)
2) Which team and for how much did Sunderland sign Dick Malone from in 1970? (2 points)
3) What year did Gary Rowell make his league debut and what was the score? (2 points)
4) Barry Siddall left Sunderland for which team on loan? (2 points)
5) What was the Simond Cup and what was the trophy it replaced? (2 points)
6) Who was the smallest player to ever play for Sunderland? (2 points)
7) Which club did Tony Towers leave to join Sunderland and who went in the opposite direction? (2 points)
8) Colin West who did he join after leaving Sunderland? (2 points)
9) Johnny Crossan was banned from playing in England why? (2 points)
10) Kevin Ball what team did he leave to join Sunderland and what was the year? (2 points)

Bonus Question: -
During the 1980's 4 English league clubs laid down plastic pitches instead of grass name all of them and who was the first club to use a plastic pitch? (5 points)

Good luck answers next week.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Monday, May 30, 2005


decoys operating bottom left Posted by Hello

The Defeat of the Hartlepool Regiment at Cardiff 29th May 2005

Roll call commenced at 06.10 hours with Colonel in Chief Jim Gilling and Corporal John Gilling meeting outside of The Avenue Barracks, Coxhoe. We set off on our mission to Cardiff first picking up Major Jack Turton, Sergeant Robbie Turton and Private Ian Wheatley at around 06.20 hours. Corporal John Gilling took over driving the unmarked field car as the Colonel in Chief was still under the weather from a heavy nights drinking in the Coxhoe Officers Mess Hall on Saturday night. However it was clear that Corporal John Gilling was either struggling at the many enemy cameras or the fact that he is a qualified army driving instructor as he kept to the speed limits observed in the UK. So to avoid being late for the assault Colonel in Chief Jim Gilling took over at a refuel station named Woodhall Services. At a better pace and not observing the speed limits we made a quick journey to Cardiff arriving at our target point at 11.10 hours. At this point we decided to take in some rations and drinks with Major Turton filling his combat jacket with cans of Carling lager for refreshments until the refueling stations were open. Sergeant Robbie Turton, who attended University obviously did not pick much country knowledge up in his training years as when Major Turton pointed out that Wales had strange licensing laws especially on Sundays and the fact some places did not sell beer at all, Sergeant Turton replied what about lager will they still sell lager? Very strange indeed young man, very strange indeed!
As the Colonel in Chief walked about wearing his red and white stripped anti-flack shirt some of the Sheffield Wednesday regiment either mis-took him for a Blade (Sheffield's other well known regiment) or were heard to say I thought the Sunderland regiment went up or didn't they - are they playing in tomorrows play off? We soon found a suitable refueling station named Callahans and stood outside watching the enemy who looked very subdued and worried. Colonel in Chief Jim Gilling made a call into HQ and contacted the Sedgefield Colonel in Chief Clive Dent who arranged to meet up once they were clear of sniper fire.
We headed for a refueling station called the City Tavern as Sergeant Robbie Turton had received a call on his field "bluetooth" phone that some of the Coxhoe regiment were outside having a drink. As we passed a refueling station called Wetherspoons it seemed like the whole of the Hartlepool regiment were out on the streets without a care that the enemy were only around the corner. They were kicking what appeared to be bouncing bombs as used by the dam busters in the air - we walked steadily passed incase any of them went off. Colonel in Chief Gilling was either greeted by the Hartlepool regiment like he did when we freed the French in Paris - with hand shakes saying thanks for being here to chants of Mackem Bastard from the not so friendly division of the Hartlepool regiment. We met up with the rest of the Coxhoe regiment who were taking on a lot of rations in the form of Smirnoff Ice. However as it was difficult to speak over the noise of all the Hartlepool soldiers we decided to retreat back over enemy lines to Callahans and met up with the Sedgefield regiment. We stayed and discussed a strategy plan for the rest of the day and later headed for the target area near our advancement point at GATE 2. We entered a refueling station called the Staff Club and at only £1.47 a pint it was well worth the £1.00 pass fee. Here we met up with ex. Commando Marcus Stewart's best Coxhoe mate Bobby "The Wanker" Orton as his son stated. His son was a bit chewed off as Bobby has made him wear the Hartlepool regiment colours instead of the usual Sunderland regiments. Also inside the Staff Club were members of the West Ham regiment - one coloured guy with gold teeth invited our regiment into the Wakefield pub if we make an assault on Upton Park next year - I invited them also to our refueling station The Fort if they win their battle against the Preston Regiment. So it was off to the battle at 14.10 hours, Major Turton and Colonel Gilling were already in position located behind the goal target. Must say that inside the target area was impressive but behind the scenes there was blank concrete walls that appeared to be suffering from years of battle scars. At 15.00 hours battle commences - first 15 minutes the Sheffield regiment were winning all the battles but not hitting the main target the net behind the Hartlepool huge goalkeeper and his two outstanding soldiers Privates Nelson and Westwood. Our own Private Robson did not assist the battle cause too much and appeared to be suffering from battle nerves or possibly the slight war wound we heard he picked up on the last yomp before heading for Cardiff. Nearly half way through the battle and the Sheffield regiment broke through the Hartlepool lines and with a swift maneuver they hit the target and started war crys off at the other end of the target zone.
At the start of the second assault the Hartlepool regiment had obviously re-grouped as they were stronger winning most of the battles and finally broke through the wilting lines of the Sheffield regiment to hit the target and bring the battle to a draw. Then after a few more minutes and a good replacement soldier now on the field the Hartlepool regiment hit the target again and were now only a matter of minutes away from the battle finish. Alarmingly the followers of the Hartlepool regiment went very quiet infact extremely quiet - had they seen something we hadn't or were they just in a state of shock knowing that they were on the road to victory? Then calamity one of the best soldiers on the battle field Private Westwood touched one of the Sheffield soldiers on the back and he went down like he was hit by sniper bullet - the Field Marshall gave a free sniper shot at the target for the Sheffield regiment and worst was to follow - he arrested Private Westwood and ordered him back to barracks - not without Private Westwood letting the Field Marshall know that he questioned if there was a name for his father on his birth certificate. The free sniper shot hit the target coming off and wounding the Hartlepol goalkeeper. Now the Hartlepool regiment were really up against it 11 v 10 not a good battle statistic. So it was into 30 minutes final assault and during these minutes sadly the Hartlepol regiment faced defeat full in the face with a further direct hit on target in the first 15 minutes of the assault and then in the final minutes another hit on target so the Hartlepool regiment went down on their knees with exhaustion or disbelief at what had happened on the battle field. One thing both the Colonel in Chief Jim Gilling and Major Jack Turton remarked upon after the battle was that both regiments would struggle in the Championship and that there were equally good regiments who has gone out of the Championship. The Sheffield regiment will struggle to survive next year unless an injection of cash is made but considering the Government cut backs on Defence spending things are not looking too good for them next year.
So we headed back to the field car and very briefly passed some of the enemy who instead of being full of joy at the battle win they were looking glum - perhaps they all knew what the Colonel in Chief and the Major had just discussed.
We had a quick intake of rations before heading back to barracks at 18.10 hours and with the Colonel in Chief Jim Gilling at the wheel we arrived back at the barracks safe and sound at 22.30 hours. The Major was dropped off at the officer's mess hall and got two pints in, the Colonel in Chief joined him once the field car was parked up at his barracks. It was now quite clear from messages received on the field phones that we were seen in action by the viewers of Sky TV - we may need to take evasive action as our identity must remain a secret as our regiment moto has to be protected ""Consectatio Excellentiae" - "In pursuit of excellence".

Colonel in Chief
Jim Gilling

Laugh of the Day

We had a few laughs yesterday. What was the biggest rib tickler during our journey to Cardiff?

1. Rob, when told by his Dad that the alcohol laws in parts of Wales prohibited the sale of beer on a Sunday, took it literally to mean that "beer" only is not sold and asked " Does that mean they still sell lager?" He has a degree too and is well educated with O and A levels.

2. Wasn't there to hear it but Tom Orton professing his Dad to be a "w****r" when he's had too much beer and Marcus Stewart concurring with that view by phone to Jimmy must have been quite funny.

3. The " Mackem bastard" shouts made me snigger as Jim paraded about in his SAFC shirt.

4. The Sheff Wed fan, who on seeing Jim in his SAFC shirt asked" What are you doing here? Didn't you lot win promotion?" Geography a strong point amongst Yorkies.

5. The bloke dancing outside the only bog in the garage as Ian Wheatley puked his ring up and kept him waiting.

6. Rob again who on falling asleep during the game believed the whole of the Millenium Stadium had seen him on the big screen. He has a degree and is well educated.

But the winner is....


The mini bus with the blow up doll that was being abused in all different orifices by a load of Sheff Wed fans somewhere on the M1.

Now that was funny.

Conspiracy Theories.

Having had a full 20 hours or so to look back on the Division 1 Play Off final between Hartlepool and Sheff Wed I can put the emotion of being there to one side and begin to assemble a conspiracy theory as to why Hartlepool missed out.

In a normal world paranoia would be the word used, but having no vested interest in Hartlepool other than having watched them on a few occasions in the past when Sunderland haven't had a game, then I can let my imagine run away with me.

To a neutral yesterday it would seem that Sheffield Wednesday got everything going and the Pool got nowt. Matty Robson, Adam Boyd and Eiffon Williams were all subject to some pretty cynical and downright nasty challenges without so much as a free kick being awarded let alone a word in the ear from the Ref. Micky Nelson and Chris Westwood were pretty imperious in the centre of defence and I really couldn't see where in the second half Sheffield were going to get another goal from. John Daly putting Pool in the lead from his first touch was the catalyst to take them on ( well at least that and the Pool fans, who sat there almost in silent disbelief that Pool had the audacity to be on the brink of a higher level of football, where was your lift ?)
and with 9 minutes to go I couldn't see them getting beat.

Now then this is where the conspiracy theory clicks in. Chris Westwood makes the lightest of touches on the shoulder of the Sheff Wed player, he goes over like he's been hit by a bulldozer, Westwood walks after seeing red and Wednesday equalise. Down to 10 men for extra time the battle for Pool is up hill.

Conspiracy, I'm getting there.

1. Sheffield Wednesday are a true sleeping giant of the game who can command crowds in excess of 30,000 per week from a city of over 1,000,000
2. Hartlepool are a minnow of the game with records for re-election and command crowds of 4 - 5,000 per week ( average) from a town of 90,000.

Who would you want visting your stadium every week with the revenue away support of 3,000+ could bring?

If you were a match official would you be open to suggestion to make it happen and who would you favour?

If you were a Championship Club Chairman would you rather be looking forward to "glamorous" Sheff Wed visiting or Hartlepool?

All susposition of course and I am not suggesting for one minute thats what goes through peoples minds, but in a financially driven industry anythings possible.

I'll be interested to see what happens with "glamorous" West Ham this afternoon. I'll lay money now that there will be one or two contentious decisions.

Hartlepool........ do it the right way next season.

WIN THE LEAGUE and cock a snoot at the lot of them.

Jim meets a rather pissed Bobby Orton in Cardiff

Jim and Marcus Stewart's mate Bobby Orton meet up in the Staff Club Cardiff to discuss old times. Posted by Hello

A Few More Pics from Cardiff.


Quay Street 1:15 pm
The Coxhoe Cameraman


Little Matty says a tearful thank you.
The Coxhoe Cameraman


Little Matty stands guard at the near post.
The Coxhoe Cameraman


2 little Poolies standing on a wall.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

International Relations


Jim Gilling ( Coxhoe) and Clive Dent ( Sedgefield)
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Wales and the alcohol laws

I'm sure Jim will have a good piece to write about yesterday, not drinking too much and having a generally clear head, but I thought I'd make just a few observations on the day.

1. At the speed Jim drives, Cardiff doesn't feel that far away.
2. The alcohol laws in Wales do permit the selling of lager as well as beer on a Sunday Robbie, as long as the pub is open to sell it.
3. A cup of tea is very refreshing before a gallon of lager.
4. A cup of tea is very refreshing after a gallon of lager.
5. Eating Welsh hot dogs leaves you feeling nauseous.
6. The Millenium Stadium is decidely shabby underneath. It looks to me as though it has been built with no forward maintainance plan. It needs a lick of paint.
7. The leg room is poor between the seats, or the Poolies didn't want to stand up for us.
8. The catering services, one food bar one beer bar underneth our stand was poor.
9. There are plenty of good pubs in close proximity to the ground.
10. Bobby Orton and beer don't mix, he becomes, according to his son, a w*****r.
11. Matty Robson should hold his head high. On the day son you were given the runaround by a skillfull winger, but you kept on going.
12. Sheff Wed need to learn how to party. Dour Yorkshiremen.
13. The Pool fans need to believe that they can do it. When your team goes ahead then lift them. Don't sit there stunned because you are winning.
14. The penalty changed the game. Nelson and Westwood were superb. It all went pear shaped after the penalty.
15. At the speed Jim drives Coxhoe doesn't feel that far away.
16. The beer in Coxhoe club gets served on a Sunday ( except for you Robbie)
17. A good nights sleep is great.

A Subs first touch. Back of the net!!


A little blurred but John Daley's goal momentarily had the Pool believing they could do it, then all of a sudden they went quiet, as if to say this can't be happening to us. If the crowd had really got behind them then I think they could have won it.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Millenium Stadium


Full to the brim with celebrating Owls, who were not, it has to be pointed out, hoo, hooing with delight as we made our way back to the car.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Matty Robson


The Millenium Stadium and the Coxhoe Connection
The Coxhoe Cameraman

You Mackem Bastard



The most frequently heard call of the day. Whilst most Poolies where genuinely pleased to receive support from anywhere the calls could be heard from within the throng and only one disconsolate youth had the courage to express his feelings after the pool had gone 3-2 down and then it was on the way back from the bogs.

The black haired supporter with the Sunderland top on. Was it him on SKY?
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Make Sure Next Year!!!


The Poolies in full voice.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Hard Luck Poolies

It was not to be , Down to ten men so late in the game, but a spirited performance until then-try again next season -Worthy of note was the black haired supporter wearing a sunderland top and glasses in the pools end-wonder who he was (better ask the sky Cameraman)

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Jacky the Wheel


What would you do without him?
Huyton Hoofer

Football Grounds

The link to the site is, as always, in the title.

To think this person likens our ground to the Riverside or St Mary's !!!

The seats are red, the similarities stop there. He can't have seen much of the SOL judging by his pics. he gives more attention to HUFC than SAFC.

Weird.

Jason King (Peter Wyngarde) enjoying a tab


See posting below for the start of this thread. Click on title for more Jason King stuff.
Posted by Hello

Friday, May 27, 2005

Another smoggy pic!

Posted below is another picture of Billy fraternising with Smogs. This occasion was in 1995 when Brian Robson came along to present ICI Olefins with their 'Investors in People' plaque. The photo was taken in the Olefins 6 control room.


Him on the left should have gone to Specsavers - any other captions welcome! Posted by Hello

Invasion of Cardiff - 29th May 2005

With regard to our forthcoming invasion of Wales and specific target Cardiff, I can confirm that all the troops - Major Jack Turton, Corporal John Gilling, Sergeant Robbie Turton, Private Ian Wheatley and myself Colonel in Chief Jim Gilling will set off on our tour of duty at 06.00 hours Sunday 29th May 2005 from my barracks and picking up at Major Turton's barracks shortly after role call.
We have no barracks booked in Cardiff as our orders are short and precise search and destroy then exit the area after seeing the Hartlepool regiment, under leadership of Field Marshall Matty Robson destroy their chosen target the Sheffield Wednesday regiment.
After setting off to Cardiff and providing they let Major Turton into Wales suggest we remember the following to avoid snipers and land mines. You don't want to get your hair blown off again Major Turton - what's left of it that is!
We will set off in the regiments under cover motor the silver unmarked Toyota Avensis with GPS navigation. There will be no stops on the way down unless of course any of the group gets caught short. This is to avoid any conflicts with the enemy and also the enemy within. Will all the group please bring with them enough rations to eat on the journey down as well as enough for the Colonel in Chief as he is not used to making his own rations.
On arrival at Cardiff we will look for a man with a sheep under his arm - he is one of our agents and is friendly. We will ask his advice for the best place to hide the regiment motor away from the enemy so to avoid any problems when we retreat back to our home barracks. Our agent in Cardiff has suggested that we head for the Athletics track where he will meet us and we can then have transport to the target point in a local tank aptly named as "park and ride".
The transporter will drop us very close to the target point at which time we should make a reconnaissance of the street called High Street where we have been informed there are plenty of re-loading stations and not much anti-tank missiles being fired. This is about 5 minutes walk to the target point this should be okay as we will travel light and without our main backpack on our shoulders.
Once at the target point we need to attack the target from entry C2 this will take us to our snipers post Block L40 Row 2 seats 8 to 12. Time of the first assault is 15.00 hours we must be in position before 14.45 hours so we do not miss the entry of the Hartlepool regiment into the target area. Second assault will commence at 16.00 hours, we should have destroyed the enemy by 16.50 hours and make our retreat back to the regiment motor after watching the Hartlepool regiment raise the trophy for winning the battle. If the battle is not won by 16.50 hours then we will have an additional assault lasting 30 minutes and in the event of this not concluding the battle we will then have 5 individual sniper shots per regiment at the goalkeeper and in this case it will be the regiment that misses the goalkeeper and hits the target netting the most times that wins the battle. Odd way of winning an important battle I know but this is the rules of engagement, remember the Charlton regiment winning the battle this way?
We will then retreat to the regiment motor and head for our homeland and a re-load to refresh ourselves in our homeland before heading back to our barracks to arrive back after midnight.
Please destroy this order within 5 minutes failure to do so will result in self destruction of the orders and your PC.

Colonel in Chief
Jim Gilling
TFB

Who will win the Play offs?

My tips for the top.

Saturday, those little Imps from Lincoln.

Sunday, those little Monkey's from Hartlepool

Monday those Big Hammers from East Ham and Ann Boleyn.

Looking forward to Sunday. All you fairweather fans keep an eye out for us behind the goal in the Hartlepool end. We'll give you a wave on SKY frpm 2 o'clock.

Don't think Billy will get it on the plane to the US of A but I bet he's logging on for a match report as soon as he can.

C'mon the Monkey hangers.

Coming soon to this website ...

.... another picture, just unearthed, of Billy consorting with Smogs. This will be posted just prior to departure to Las Vegas (via Grimsby and Manchester - a long story!).
All comments will be noted with interest upon my return

Footnote: Although you haven't seen the picture yet I have 'read your minds' and put into a sealed envelope what I think you might say. All will be revealed upon my return.

Rod Stewart - Live 2005

Rod Stewart in Concert Glasgow SECC 25th May 2005
As I mentioned in my posting about Liverpool I missed the match cos I took Mrs Gilligan to see Rod Stewart in Glasgow, part of her Christmas present.
Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, West End of Glasgow well recommended as it is close to some good pubs and scran houses. After a good meal at 5.30pm we took a taxi to the SECC as it was peeing down and I mean peeing down. The place was a hit for me well set out with plenty of places to drink and eat. The house was full and Rod came on at 8.15pm with a host of songs from the Faces days to present time. He even informed us all what was going on in the game in Istanbul and also made reference to Celtic as the best team in the world which went down with mixed feelings in Glasgow! He then sang about 5 songs from his American Dream Album with songs from Louise Armstrong etc all from the 2nd world war time in America. He sang these well with a full orchestra to compliment him. Then it was back to Maggie May and Do Ya Think Im -Sexy etc - Mrs Gilligan was well enjoying her little bit self singing away and waving her arms in the air - don't know who she takes after! Then there were three final songs one of which was Sailing and the final one was from Braveheart and the whole place erupted with the Scottish Clans all going back to the wars with the English. Then it was lights on and off we go - 10.50pm a full 2.5 plus hours of good entertainment even though the Scottish flag waving got to me a bit.
Then it was outside into the rain and it was now worse than before. Got the train into central Glasgow - did as the locals did - didn't pay! Then it was off to the Walkabout until kicky out time of 1.00am and back to the hotel and hoping Mrs Gilligan would repay me for what she said was a great night out. No pictures or commentary on what went on in the hotel other than to say that she re-paid me!Posted by Hello

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Well Done Liverpool - Champions of Europe 2005

I missed the match through taking Mrs Gilligan to see Rod Stewart in Glasgow but saw highlights on the box when we got back to Walkabout. Looked like a fantastic game well done to all at Liverpoool FC - hope another team ending in Pool will win this week-end. Posted by Hello

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Tickets have arrived

5 tickets for the play-off finals on Sunday have arrived this morning we will be behind the goal to the left viewing from the pen spot 2 rows back from the pitch - look out for us on Sky!
Last time I went to play-off finals (ex. SAFC) was the Plymouth v Darlington final at Wembley - unfortunately Darlo lost. Remember seeing Micky Heathcote getting out of the Plymouth coach in the tunnel and shouting "Kelloe boys we are here ...." and getting the thumbs up from him - not a bad player in his day but would never have made it big style.
So I am hoping for a better day in Cardiff and a win for the Pool, mind you they will have to play better than last match as Sheffield Wednesday will be up for it thinking about all the local derby matches next season against Sheffield United and dirty Leeds.
Well tomorrow off with Mrs Gilligan to Glasgow to see her favourite countryman Rod Stewart at the SEC. On expenses so stopping over at the Holiday Inn in the West End, having a meal before and a drink in Walkabout after. Hoping for a good night although feeling a bit depressed at the outcome of the Scottish Premier League - Celtic threw it away and Martin O'Neil looks as though he is taking a year out of football (he should go to watch the Scum and he will still be a year out of football) and looks like Gordon Strachen may take his place, ironically having also taken a year out of football - funny old game isn't it.
Billy off the Las Vegas in search of Billy Elvis at the week-end - I'll give you a tip Billy Elvis IS dead and as dead as Shearers left foot. Try having a go on the Las Vegas roulette game on Sky Sports - press the red button - free go and you have £1,000 to bet with. It will put you in the mood for spending loads in the gambling houses of Vegas. P.S Rumour has it that Jeff Whitley is out there at the same time you might see him - he will be the one that always passes his chips backwards.
As to Blogitis see the doc before you go but don't declare it on your green immigration ticket as a disease as you may not get in - it's regarded as higher than foot and mouth in the States.
Have a good holiday Billy - take you camera take plenty of pictures but don't get arrested in any toilets - you know it makes sense!

TSOHU
Jim Gilling

Monday, May 23, 2005

Whassuup???

No posts since the 20th May. Whassuupp?

Use it or lose it springs to mind, or is everyone just inundated with work?

Looking forward to next Sunday and the Division 1 Play off final at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff where with a bit of luck we'll see another Coxa lad, Matty Robson, play a blinder for Hartlepool, score the winning goal and get them into the Championship. I hope so.

In my capacity as the Coxhoe Cameraman I'll have Nikon in hand so all you bloggers can look forward to a few pics of the MS along with a few snaps of Jimmy too, who has kindly made all the arrangements from ticketing to travelling.

Good man

Friday, May 20, 2005

The Last Two Days

Well I am back from a hectic two days of meetings (working for a change). Left home on Wednesday morning at 3.20am good ride down only got held up on that great car park they call the M25 but still got to the venue, Sandown Racecourse at 8.20am well in time for the meeting start time at 9.00am. I waited for the local guys to arrive on time but as 9.00am approached no-one arrived they staggered in from 9.10 to about 9.20 well I was not amused as I had made the effort to get there on time and these southern softees were probably still having their last wank while I was parking up.
Meeting went on til after 6.00pm then it was a quick shit and shave and out on the tiles. The owner of the company in Surrey had arranged a meal at a local restaurant in Esher (posh area of Surrey where flats average about £400K). We met in the Albert pub - not a wise move I thought - as I had been ejected on my last visit in December after our Chistmas party. Ordered the drinks thought a few of the locals were staring but was that just my guilt? So 6 of us started to drink the local ale - my company Barclaycard placed behind the bar as a tab for the drinks. I turned around to watch the West Ham match and heard the immortal cry "come on Sunderland" I said why Sunderland and this guy said he and his mates all supported the Lads - well this made my day. Turned out most were originally from Chester-le-Street but had moved South with the job. When one of them asked were I lived he knew all about Coxa and even Kella naming some names and even all the pubs and most of the shops etc. When I enquired about his knowledge he said he had been our local postie before he went into chartered surveying. Could Postman Pat Ratton have got this guys job? Anyway as you can imagine discussion was about SAFC and what next season will hold - they said that when SAFC are in London their mates stay around Esher and have a good night - they stated that they were "real boys" so not sure what they meant about this. I then started to chat with the girls that were with them asking if they were all either married or just living together - one was married to a big rugby guy who was originally from Berwick area and supported the Mags - I thought I heard someone shouting Mackem bastards as we carried on our conversation. One girl rather smart and worth one said she was about to marry one of the guys who was one of the quieter guys - turns out he is a smoggie originally from Redcar. Well I gave her some friendly advice when they get married "don't have kids as he will be into their underpants before they reach puberty". She laughed he didn't preferring to say "you sad Mackem twat" but we made up and eventually on leaving I bought them all a round of drinks that came to .......... £54.80 yes guys we were not in a workingmens club but a local pub in Surrey. The others had left so I exited through the main door this time without a bouncers arm around my neck to join the others who had gone to the eating house. This time they had to wait for me so I arrived about 20 minutes late - revenge for this morning I thought. Meal was good - Spanish style cooking with paella on the menu and well worth the wait. The owner of the company had arranged for some of his mates and "lady friends" to join us after our meal. Apparently the boss who lost his wife last year has wasted no time in finding a replacement she was about 25 years younger than him and all the girls were "high maintenance" girls. One sat opposite me in the bar and as we got on talking the usual smutty talk started but she said "you've got a wedding ring on" and so we just chatted and had a general good laugh. I think if I had a rolex watch and big wad of money on me things would have been different. We supped until about 12.30am when some of them decided to go clubbing I made myself back to my bed - alone!
Next morning up for the meeting start at 9.00am - now as we were in Sandown racecourse and with the previous morning still pissing me off I wrote on the flip board "Lucky Jims Bookmakers" and proceeded to list all the staff attending the meeting with the odds for when they arrived and what time the meeting would start. As example I had 9.00am start at 50/1 and 9.30 start at 5/1 it ws more like 9.45am when we started which was 2/1.
Meeting ended 3.30pm home last night at 8.45pm good two days with a bit of humour thrown in.
Now arranging trip and tickets to Cardiff - tickets are £50 to £26 - come on Huyton agree to go you know it makes sense!

BHAK
Jim Gilling

Thursday, May 19, 2005

West Ham. Play off Finalists

Will Jimmy get to go back next season and ogle the busty barmaids and discuss the merits of a multi racialism with Steve W and his cap?

It's looking increasingly likely.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Well Done Hartlepool United

They only really played in extra time - goalkeeper (can't spell his name) and centre half Nelson played a blinder. So well done to the Pool for getting to the play-off finals - I will be there to cheer you on after all it will be the first and only time I will be at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. If they do it it is a good job we got promoted cos think of all the micky taking we would have got from Boro and the Scum - Sunderland in the same league as Hartlepool.
Well I am off to bed now getting up at 3.00am for long drive to Sandown Racecourse for a strategy meeting with those southerners who pay me money.

Jim Gilling
BOTBB

New Publication

Any volunteers?

Dear Jim,
we are producing a book called Black Catalogue on what it is like to be a supporter of Sunderland A.F.C. and we want contributions from genuine fans. The club has given its backing for the venture which is why I am contacting the various branches. The book is being edited by Ken Gambles of the North Yorkshire branch.
Your support for this book will help to make it a great one. Please encourage as many contributions as possible from your members. We want it to be memorable, celebrating Sunderland's return to the Premiership.
Funny or moving stories, in particular, are wanted and we would like them within the next few weeks, please.
If you have want any more details, contact me directly or look on our website at pdgbooks.com
Alternatively contact Ken Gambles of the North Yorkshire Branch of Sunderland Supporters at nyssansafc@yahoo.com to whom submissions, including photographs, should be sent.
Best wishes,
Graeme Garvey, Director, PDG Books

Jimmy, Billy, URGENT

Just in case you log on here before your email's be aware that tonights arrangements have been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.

We'll rearrange for a later date.

Jim you can now have an early night and get to your meeting in leisurely mode.

Monday, May 16, 2005

Bridges free to go.

Whats the craic with Mickey Bridges?

Have Sunderland discovered what they already knew?

Did Reidy know when he sold him to Leeds that there was a problem?

Now after Leeds, Newcastle, Bolton and Sunderland again he is free to go. Why offer him a contract extension ? Will anyone come in for him or will he sit in the reserves picking up the money from the contract extension.

Baffled.

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Championes, championes!!

The Ferryhill U11's trounced Greatham to deservedly win the League by 4 points and in the process score more than 100 goals and have the Leagues leading scorer with 41 goals. What a day!
Final placings were

Ferryhill 45 points
Brotton 41 points
Northallerton 40 points
Greatham 39 points

so we won the League by a clear margin.

All week I've been very nervous and had a sleepless night last night. I was 15 minutes late getting to the game as I had to go in to work this morning. However I needn't have worried, by the time I got there we were 3-0 up and playing strongly. Our top scorer Vinny need 3 goals to be top scorer in the League and he got his hat-trick plus winning 7-0 took us to 103 goals scored in 18 games. We were all very proud of the kids as this is the first time a Ferryhill team has ever won the League. At the end of the game the coach Keith had got 5 bottles of 'champagne' to spray the team with. He said it was £2 a bottle (2l) from Asda so nothing but the best for our team. They really loved it and some of the kids were guzzling from the bottles afterwards. I felt a bit sorry for the Greatham kids, some of whom were crying, but it's a competitive game even at this age and I'm pleased we won. Greatham have been top since the start of the season but we've always had games in hand and when we've played all our fixtures we've caught them up. It's been really great seeing the young 'uns develop as individuals and as a team and by the end of the season they were playing really well.
Two championships in one season - can't be bad.


We are the champions! Posted by Hello

Coxhoe club website

Does anyone have a link to Coxhoe club website? Surely the club has one so that it can publish details of miscreants etc, perhaps even a special section for the plastic Mags? Anyway, I've found 5 Sunday draw tickets from last week. Numbers are 301-305. Although I can't recall buying any tickets someone must have come round selling them. Perhaps others in our group also bought some and are sitting on a goldmine? Wonder if Jimmy can find out for us, that's if he's not barred out! Any feedback from the committee last night Jim- report awaited. Somehow I think you and Mrs G might have kept a low profile and had a quiet night but you never know.
Up early to pop into work for a couple of hours then off to the 'big match', Ferryhill U'11's vs Greatham U11's for the league title. Both sides capable of winning but Greatham have to win to take the championship to a play-off. Big crowd predicted, tensions will be high. Hope our lads can do it and that our Alex has a good game.

Friday, May 13, 2005

Sheringham , Redknapp , etc moving into the SoL?

Check out this link to find more about it. When season kicks off will know if this reporter is talking rubbish or not??

Fishburn Shed of Light

Had a chat with the manager of the FSOL the other night with regard to a post season analysis. He confirms to me that there are NO PLANS for an extension at this stage and any sightings of builders are purely coincidental. He wasn't aware that the fame of the famous four ( manager and directors) of the FSOL had gained world wide publicity through the www.safcsa-coxhoebranch.blogspot.com web pages.

He will at the next board meeting ( Sunday night) place the issue on the agenda for discussion as the directors work their way through beer "N" ( Norseman, now there's a famous Vaux, brewed in Sunderland beer).

Quite how the Smoggie members amongst them will accept a Sunderland brewed beer is unknown. It must taste like vinegar to them but still, it's better than supping sulphuric acid, the only thing brewed on Teesside. I'm sure the manager M.B. and his deputy D.O. will make sure directors R.W. & S.P. get a good sup of Wearside ale in an effort to seep some real culture into their souls. S.P. must be half way there anyway working in the land of the rising sun on Wearside.

Our meeting with the manager will give us an opportunity to catch up with all things FSOL and dsicover if any new signings in the pigeon cree are on the cards, if there have been any new beers brewed that can be added to the list for supping, if any new managerial vacancies have been applied for, and above all to let us know if there is a concensus of opinion about the way forward or if "I can't agree with that" reigns supreme.

Thursday, May 12, 2005


Hoolio and Alnwick lead our Celebrations (Pic. courtesy of the coxhoe Cameraman)-Well i am his Deputy Posted by Hello

Anyone missing a SAFC vs Stoke programme?

Last night our Alex was reading the programme from the Stoke game, even though I did not buy one at the match. Somehow, in my inebriated state, I seem to have brought one back with me from the club. Anyone missing a programme?

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Thoughts on the 2004 /2005 Season

Well here goes on a summary of my thoughts over our last season in the Championship (hopefully)

1) Start of the Season
Looking back at the 2003/2004 season and reaching 3rd / play-off semi-finals and semi-final of the FA Cup was not bad from where we were after being relegated. So although we had not achieved anything in that season I looked on to this season with optimism. As I said in my first blog message to open the blogsite my hopes were to attain the premiership place without going through the play-offs to this end Mick and the boys got us there and with a lot of passion and teamwork.

2) The Branch and my new role as Secretary
Well we had to keep the Branch going when Huyton resigned as both Huyton and the Reaper had their dreams to have a family run Branch that would keep growing as long as there was still Sunderland blood running through our veins. I think the big difference this year from last is that I have not been alone and Huyton seemed to do everything. Don't get me wrong it has been worrying at times but with Thomas in charge of the cash at least I do not have to worry about that side of things. Have I enjoyed it .... yes suppose so it will get harder next year as hopefully we fill the coach and it will become mandatory to book your place on the coach. I know this will bring it's own problems with people not letting me know but I will endevour to ask before members get off the coach if they will attend the next match then we know how may places we have left. I believe in talking to Thomas we are only about £80 down from where we started at the beginning of the season which if correct is truly remarkable. All will be revealed at the annual meeting to be held over June (date to be announced) this leads me on to my first gripe - members attendance at monthly meetings if we can make the effort to attend meetings I would expect a small majority of members to attend - I think the maximum we ever got was two attending. So next year heres hoping for a better turn out after all it's not my Branch it's your Branch for you to have your say in how it's run.

3) Don Smiths
I think you will agree that the coach company have looked after us this season - first class coaches and on time(when Jackie is driving) I have written to Don Smiths stating we were happy with the service and would be requiring them again. They have put the cost of the coach up next season from £150 to £165 so hopefully with a full bus we should be okay. I will try to negotiate down like I did last season and pay reduced cost upto January 1st. The new cost at £165 is still below the second best quote I got for this season so it is a good price even if I don't get a staggered introduction.

4) The Season
Well what can be said that has not been said by you bloggers before. A terrific outcome from a team of players that maybe not household names but they played as one and played for each other. Mick McCarthy should be congratulated for getting the best out of them. Yes Brighton was the turning point and as we went into April that we all said was our "Waterloo" we need not have bothered worrying only being beaten by a team that we thought was one of the easier ones - Reading. Best Goal - I was going to say Elliotts against Wolves away but I think the West Ham clincher goal probably equals it. Best Save - Ben Alnwick save against West Ham - magnificent and at his age!

5) Away Travel
As we had no interest from our members we traveled with the Sedgefield branch and quite honestly we probably will continue into next season as the loyalty scheme will kick in and those who did not travel for the past year or so will not get tickets for most of the away games in the Premiership so the regulars who traveled with Sedgefield last year will probably be the only ones from our branch that will get tickets = 10 /12 members not enough to run your own coach.
Clive Dent must be congratulated for doing a first class service in running all the away trips and knowing so many watering holes on the way. Okay some were crap but if you made your own entertainment then the afternoons always went down well. The discussions on and off the bus were humorous with yours truly leading the way with most of the seedy discussion. Rossy well what can we say... blind as a bat but a first class driver. I will write to Clive later thanking him on behalf of the Branch for all the good away trips.

6) Biggest Disappointment
Got to be missing the pole dancers at the Preston away game...... I still owe you one Mr Winger Walton!

7) Next Season
Got to be minimum finish 4th from bottom but hoping for a mid table position. It depends on who we bring in. Good to see that we are making the right decisions in the outgoings with more to follow so we are told. Okay sad to see Marcus going but he is happy with the situation and probably knows it would have been hard for him in the Premiership and he would have been on the bench for most of the season. As others have put it before me "no room for sentiment in this game"

8) Missing Fans
Yes I hope that the fans will return but don't start to complain as soon as things don't go according to plan. We all know that next season will be hard but we can hold our own even if will mean a few drubbings on the way. And could we see Huyton and Postman Pat return with the Reaper for more matches .... I hope so.

9) Nights Out
I am hoping that we can have a few good nights out next season to either raise funds for the club or just to have a good night out and have a good banter. I was thinking of a night at Sunderland Greyhounds they are doing some good deals at present. What do you think?

10) And Finally
Thanks to all the members of the Branch, the team Jackie from Don Smiths for making it a great first season for me as Secretary ... unless I get voted off at the next AGM in June.

FTM

Jim Gilling


Here is the Flag again ,,but as Billy said not sure if there is actually a branch in Argentine?? Posted by Hello

Quiz question

Which team, Sunderland or Newcastle, were first to secure their Premiership position this season?



Ans: SUNDERLAND. Apparently we secured promotion before the Mags were safe from relegation.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005


Can you spot me guys!? I found this pics in a Velez's fans website. Was taken last Saturday night in our home game vs Huracan. Posted by Hello

Magnificent Postings!!

I must say all your posts have been terrific, especially after the Stoke game!! All postings were really interesting and many others made me laugh out loudly!!

Walter

How we won promotion


A strong finish to the season meant we had 15 more points than last season and clinched promotion. Posted by Hello

Wembley Stadium

Click the title link.

Gonna be some place once finished.

Perhaps you could arrange the accommodation with your Irish Billy's once up and running Jim.

I reckon it's a place we should make a special effort to visit. What do you think?

The reason Jimmy slept alone

J.G. "Where's me Sunday Dinner?"

L.G " It's in the dog"

J.G. " Why?"

L.G. " You said You didn't want any"

J.G. " No I didn't"

L.G " I can't be arsed to argue with you, Yer pissed"

J.G " I'm gannin to bed oot yer way"

L.G. " Good, I'll get a decent kip"

So there you have it. Moral being Don't upset the wife or you'll get no dinner

Better the Devil you know


well you did ask for it.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Monday, May 09, 2005

Time to reflect

At last, a little time to myself. Floor tiling is finished and grouted, just to polish off tomorrow.
I think I'm fully recovered from yesterday and reckon I'll sleep pretty good tonight. It's a good job we don't win a championship every year, I couldn't take the pace of days like yesterday, or, more to the point, my liver couldn't. Still it was worth it all. A full house for the first time in over two years, a win, ( even if it felt like an exhibition match) and a piss up afterwards.

It was good to be with the lads on a day like yesterday, and whilst I haven't been much this season, it is gratifying to know that staying away has not changed a thing between us. Once a Sunderland supporter always a Sunderland supporter and no matter how long you have been away from the fold you are always welcomed back, especially with a branch like Coxhoe.

So the close season is here and McCarthy is talking tonight about wanting 8 players in. He knows the size of the task which faces him and he won't underestimate it. He knows he needs to get off to a good start and must already be thinking that if he loses his first two games then he'll go down in history as the worst Premier manager ever with 11 straight defeats. But hey, we musn't think like that. I want him to succeed and you all know my views. He's done a great job with no finances, he's got the club back on an even keel, he's given us our pride back BUT will he hack it in the big league? I hope so, but somehow I think we'll really find out what kind of manager Mick is. After all, we thought Reid could walk on water and look where he is now.

So who will Mick look to sign? Which positions will he need to strengthen? Midfield for sure, with Thornton and Whitley being released. Will he look for another keeper or will he let Poom and / or Myrhe go? Do we need a big Centre forward, could it be Crouch? We will need a mobile and very quick Central defender, cos I've seen milk turn faster than Caldwell and Breen is no longer upto Premier Standard. It's all going to be very interesting. MM could do worse than take a leaf out of Allerdyces book and bring in experienced players on fixed term contracts for no fee. It's stood Bolton in good stead and may be the strategy to adopt to "establish" ourselves in the PL. If establishing ourselves means fininshing 4th bottom next season then I'll take it now. It's a long hard road ahead.

So Jimmy can now put his feet up. He's got his first season as Branch secretary under his belt. He's done a grand job so credit where it's due. He's found his feet so we can expect bigger things from Coxhoe branch in the years to come. It's an established and strong branch again, and to end on a postive note , the branch will be stronger next season, just watch what PL football does for us all.

Oh and the title link takes you to some decent photos from Getty Images of yesterday.

Immortal


or mortal
The Coxhoe Cameraman

The Hole in the Wig reveals....


Made in Sunderland
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Lock up Your Daughters



The Coxhoe Cameraman

The North Stand salutes


Julio
The Coxhoe Cameraman

JULIO SALUTES


the North Stand
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Jimmy, Huyton, Billy & Mel


the blog boys
The Coxhoe Cameraman

PRIDE.............


What else is there to say?
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Look at the state of your fatha!


as Huyton Hoofer laughs his back off
The Coxhoe Cameraman

You Maggie Bastards


as Sozzled Soxie joins the chorus
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Jimmy, get ready. They're on the way.

The pics from last night in the club that is.

What a night , what a hoot,and what a head at 2 am, having gone to sleep woke up, then shouted for Hughie down the toilet. I really thought I was about to die.

Managed to get back to sleep courtersy of Codiene Phosphate at 5 this morning and have been fine since. Completed the floor tiles in the lobby, go the steak in the oven and now I'm getting ready to upload the pictures.

Won't be too long.

Great News - Re: Mr Pass it Back

Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Jeff Whitley will leave Sunderland when his contract expires next month.
The midfielder, who has made 35 appearances for the Black Cats this season, will not be handed a new deal at the Stadium of Light.
Whitley has played a big part in helping the wearsiders return to the Premiership and McCarthy is the first to appreciate it.
He said: "Telling players they are leaving is not a job I enjoy but it has to be done, it's part of the job.
"Jeff Whitley has been a fantastic player for me. He's been terrific and he's been much-maligned at times.
"I just think it's time for a change, to move on and have someone new in the Premiership. But in this league he has been brilliant for me and I've said it to him.
"He's a terrific character and if someone in the Championship is looking for a player who drives people on, wins tackles and who is a great character, they will do well to sign him."
McCarthy has already begun the process of restructuring his squad, making four player-related decisions even before the season had finished.
Whitley and Marcus Stewart, 32, have been told they can leave, while midfielder Sean Thornton and full-back Mark Lynch, who arrived from Manchester United last summer, will be placed on the transfer-list.
The Sunderland boss added: "Sean is still under contract but he is on the list and he'll be looking for a club over the summer. Mark Lynch is the same.
"There might be one or two people surprised at that [Thornton on the transfer list]. It's my decision."
Goalkeeper Michael Ingham will also leave when his contract expires in June.

Claude Ranieri

Does anyone know who Claude Ranieri is? C'mon Jimmy, who is Claude Ranieri?

Sunday, May 08, 2005


Whitley and Cauldwell salute the crowd Posted by Hello

SUNDERLAND ARE CHAMPIONS!!

What a morning for me (and for you too) listening to Metro Radio live match commentary. The moment when Breen picked up the Trophy... I wished i could have travalled, i dont know, via the internet the telephone whatever!! and be there at the SoL.
Now, the highlights of the championship are being broadcast. They are going through September games.. (the icing on the cake is that they are playing Armand Van Helden's My my my as a background ,hahaha)

HA'WAY THE LADS!!! FOREVER A PREMIERSHIP SIDE!!
PS: Velez is again at the top in the argentine championship. 25 points. at least for some hours till Estudiantes, the runner-ups, play its game.

Walter from Argentina


We celebrated in style. i compelled the guys to celebrate in style with beer and good pizzas. Sunderland deserves it... Posted by Hello


The Day of Promotion in the evening at Nick's . Posted by Hello

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Jimmy's profile

Jim Gilling
Age: 50
Gender: male
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Zodiac Year:: Sheep
Industry: Sports / Recreation
Occupation: Secretary of the SAFCSA - Coxhoe Branch
Location: Coxhoe : United Kingdom
Interests
Sunderland AFC and England home and away
looking after my family and generally enjoying myself
Favourite Movies
1973 FA Cup Final Leeds United V Sunderland 0:1 to the lads
Favourite Music
Led Zep
Free
Deep Purple
Bon Jovi
Eagles and anything but Boy Band shite
Favourite Books
Anything by Ben Elton

Says it all!!

If it fits, wear it.


Clarkey's cap.
The Coxhoe Cameraman