Pre-Season Friendly Tickets To Go On Sale

Any one interested I will be going to Hull and Sheffield United?

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY TICKETS TO GO ON SALE
Tickets for Sunderland’s two domestic pre-season friendlies are due to go on sale on Monday (4th July).
The Black Cats are due to play newly-promoted Championship side Hull City at the Kingston Communications Stadium on Wednesday 27th July, which kicks off at 7.45pm. Tickets will be priced £9 for adults and £5 for juniors/senior citizens and will go on general sale from 10am on Monday 4th July.
Meanwhile, Sunderland also travel to Bramall Lane on Saturday 30th July (kick-off 3pm) to take on Sheffield United. Tickets for that match are £15 adults and £5 juniors/senior citizens, and also go on general sale on Monday 4th July. Season ticket holders for the 2005-06 season can buy advance adult tickets for the Sheffield match for just £10.
All tickets are available in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office during normal ticket office hours or by calling the Ticketline on 0845 671 1973.
Meanwhile, SAFC is still in discussions with Dutch side and UEFA Cup semi-finalists AZ Alkmaar regarding a possible pre-season friendly in Holland.
The proposed date for the match is Saturday 6th August – a week before Sunderland’s big Premiership kick-off on Saturday 13th August. However, the club strongly advises supporters not to make any travel arrangements at this stage. If and when the fixture is confirmed SAFC will make an immediate announcement.
Sunderland begin their pre-season with a tour of Canada and North America, beginning with a game against a Victoria State side on Thursday 14th July at Royal Athletic Park, home of Victoria United. They will then play the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday 16th July before heading south across the border to the US for games against the Seattle Sounders (Wednesday 20th July) and Portland Timbers (Saturday 23rd July).
The full confirmed pre-season friendly programme currently consists of:
Thursday 14th July Victoria State, Canada (A)
Saturday 16th July Vancouver Whitecaps (A)
Wednesday 20th July Seattle Sounders, USA (A)
Saturday 23rd July Portland Timbers (A)
Wednesday 27th July Hull City (A) 7.45pm
Saturday 30th July Sheffield Utd (A) 3pm

It's Official I won't be returning.......

For all the reasons Miller states in his first post.

The season hasn't even started nor is it near and already SKY television are intent on disrupting peoples live's working routines, holiday plans etc, etc.

I guess I must be a grumpy old man, now that I'm in that 5o something age bracket ( I've witnessed it first hand) but I can no longer see the logic of having to reorganise everything just to suit a television company. SKY television is the antithesis of everything that football should be about. 3 pm Kick offs on a Saturday afternoon, 7:30 Kick offs on a Wednesday night.

Saturday lunch time KO, Saturday 4 pm Ko, Sunday Lunch time, Sunday tea time, Monday night. Advertising, pre match entertainment, Soccer am, Saturday Soccer, Football Today. It's killing everything is SKY

BRING BACK SHOOT with George Taylor and the BIG MATCH LIVE with Brian Moore (RIP) and Gerald Sinstadt.

I have absolutely no enthusiasm whatsoever and the comings and goings have hardly filled me with confidence or inspiration.

Even the fleeting thought I had of buying a season ticket has quickly evaporated with this non revelation, and you can guarantee, with success, even further disruption particularly if they go on a cup run.

Shift work, public sector working and football just don't go together.

Don't get me wrong lads, I want only the best for Sunderland and it's fans, it's just that I'd rather be on the outside looking in than putting myself through the wringer every week and at the mercy of media globalisation called SKY. ( I wonder if BOB Geldof wants to organise a SKYhate concert)

It's known as stress vulnerability.

Enjoy yourselves.

I'm off to Hartlepool to ENJOY some footy without all the trimmings.

Heard it on good authority from girl @ SAFC

The games at Liverpool, Scumcastle and Smogsville are to be shown live on sky. The latter being a Monday night kick off

Home games against Man Utd and Birmingham also to be covered.

Stroll on......

Any news you want before it happens just come to Kellafornia and Sir Stevie Walton or myself will keep you in the know

FTM

Fans climbing the wire-fence to jump into the pitch as soon as the referee blows his whistle.

Walter after the full time whistle that meant we're argentine champs for sixth time in our history 

Velez 3 - Estudiantes 0 

IT'S OFFICIAL: VELEZ ARE THE ARGENTINE CHAMPIONS!!

i'm the happiest man on earth guys!!! that so longed title is our again. 7 years of suffering are over.
It was a smashing day indeed..We beat Estudiantes 3-0 and Banfield help us a lot mugging Racing 1-0 at home. This meant we were argentine champs once more. There was a cracking atmosphere and all was even greater when the referee blew the full time whistle. Blocking the roads outside the ground, celebrating embracing prefect strangers in the streets.All was dreamlike.

Once back at home, i gathered with six chaps and drink more and more beer until we all decided it's was high time we went to a cabaret 5 blocks from my house. In the cabaret, we had a whale of time indeed; bitches with us drinking while some other of the guys were shagging upstairs. I reched home at 7am, awfully pissed but with the relief we were champions again.
This was our day, my day....i think i have a right to celebrate, havent ¡?..

Click the title for more info..

QUIZ - ROUND 4

Now then branch members another round to get to grips with. Please answer by email direct to safcsa2004-coxhoe@yahoo.co.uk Answers to be in by Monday 4th July.

Questions 1 to 10 = 2 points
Bonus Question = 5 points

1) In 1987/88 season SAFC beat Scarborough, Rotherham and Crewe to go out of the competition with a 1:0 defeat by Hartlepool. Name the competition.

2) Previous clubs included Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Middlesborough then SAFC in 1990/91 season. Name the player.

3) As centre forward for SAFC in 1971/72 he scored 15 league and cup goals but moved to a new position in the team that kick started his career and played some of his best games for SAFC in this position. Name the player.

4) Who represented Chester-le-Street boys before joining SAFC in July 1964?

5) He began his league career with SAFC before moving on to WBA, Norwich and Newcastle. Name the player.

6) Tranferred to SAFC from Cardiff in 1984 for £65,000 and became a legend with SAFC, now plays in the SAFC masters team. Name the player.

7) Joined SAFC from Prescot Cables and later went on to become SAFC manager. Name the player.

8) Have SAFC ever played in Newcastle colours of black and white stripes?

9) From Boro to SAFC to Crystal Palace back to SAFC then to USA. Name the player.

10) Name the SAFC player who had his best performances in the third division 1987/88 scoring 20 goals.

Bonus Question:

Name the player who joined SAFC in 1994 played 15 games in his first season, then become an ever present making 112 consecutive league appearances, then lost his place to Gareth Hall in 1996/97 season then later played a few more games before moving on.


Best of Luck

FTM
Jim Gilling

Quiz 3 - The answers

Another disappointing show of answers ..... what's a matter too hard or no time? I have the easy job I know as I have the answers already but it's just a bit of fun so don't be embarrassed to get them all wrong.

Here are the answers ..... how may did you know?

1) What club was Claudio Marangoni signed from and when he left SAFC who did he join?
San Lorenzo and left for Huracan

2) What did "King" Charlie Hurley do on his debut for Sunderland against Blackpool?
Scored and own goal

3) Name the two sides Malcolm Crosby played for in his professional football career?
Aldershot and York

4) Name the club chairman before Colonel Joseph Prior?
Duncan White

5) Name the wing half who made his league debut for SAFC in a 1-1 draw home to Portsmouth on October 9th 1952?
Stan Anderson

6) Why was the derby match against the Mags abandoned on Good Friday 1901?
Fighting between the fans on and off the pitch

7) Who started his career with Stoke before signing for SAFC for £250,000 in June 1983?
Paul Bracewell

8) Who joined SAFC from Coatbridge Juniors in December 1965?
Billy Hughes (Our Branch Life President)

9) What season was the three points for a win introduced?
1981 /1982 Season

10) What year was Roker Park opened and what was the attendance at the first match?
1898 and 30,000

Bonus Question:-In the 1894/95 first division match against Derby County SAFC won 8-0 officially and 11-0 unofficially why the two scores?
The referee did not turn up and the teams decided to play the game with one of the linesmen as the referee. SAFC were leading 3-0 at half-time when the official referee turned up and both teams agreed to start the match all over again and SAFC went on to win the official match 8-0 (11-0 unofficially!)

Quiz 4 to follow shortly.



FTM
Jim Gilling

Sold out for Velez-Estudiantes(The game of the championship)

My dear friends!

Tomorrow could be "D-day" for us, all Velez fans. At 17.10 argentine time (21.10 in the uk) Velez has the chance to get the so longed title. There's a great expectation for the game to such lengh that most of the tickets are sold out.
We only need that Racing dont get a win and obviously , we must beat Estudiantes.

I'll provide a report of the match later guys ..

Walter

Quiz - Round 3

Any answers guys - I will be away all week-end answers on Monday so you have three days left!

So the fixtures are out,

Charlton at home then Liverpool away. Two top half of the table sides to cut our teeth on.

European champions ?? we'll show them passion.

Follow the title link to check out the fixtures.

To show i'm an ardent SAFC in spite of living so far away.. I don't care it and that's why i'm wallpapered my bedroom door with the Mackems  

Just a few more pictures from last Sunday. This is one published on one of the most important sports paper named Ole.There you have Lucas Castroman celebrating his goal with his arms raised 

Velez almost champion, Walter imprisoned and more...

WHAT A WEEKEND GUYS??!?!?! A superb win over River Plate with the magnificent support of 10.000 Velez fans that woth blue and white umbrellas, flags and more added a breathtaking atmosphere to the game...
60 crowded coaches travelled from Velez's ground to River's with fans drinking beer, chanting.. All was pure joy...

The game was a tight one for Velez even though we had some chances to secure the victory; that's why we had to suffer to the very end of the game..
The tarrace was in rapture when the referee blew the full tim whistle.

on one of the coaches to get back to Moreno, my home town, i saw there were some riots some blocks away from River ground. At that time i didnt care..Some Velez fans got off the coach to fight with some River fans but there was not much more than that.

Then some 3 kilometres away, our bus driver was told by a policemen to head to the police station!!! OHH SHIT .. NEARLY 50 IN JAIL.. we're delayed a bit more than 2 hours... THANKS GOD, after that we reached Moreno, safe and sound, ready to celebrate later bearing in mind that the next day, that's Monday, was a national holiday..

THIS ANSWER IS FOR YOU BILLY: Here in Argentina, the season is divided, split into two tournaments, Apertura (from August till December) and Clausura (February till late June or early July). 19 games are played at each. So, what you played it home in the Apertura Tournament you play it away in the Clausura.
Hopefully, Velez is going to clinch the Clausura Tournament.

Hope you enjoyed my report guys and let's all support Velez next weekend to clinch its first title since 1998.

Walter

Velez stay top

Velez remain top of the Torneo Clausura with a 1-0 win away to River Plate.

a 13th minute penalty from Lucas Castroman decided it.

The next round could go a long way to deciding the champioship, with 4 of the top 5 playing each other. ( Check the title link)

So GO VELEZ GO.

Minutes of AGM held on 16th June 2005

The following is an account of the AGM held in Coxhoe Workmens Club on 16th June 2005

1) Attendees
Once more a low turnout but better than last year. Appreciation for the members who attended.
Stephen Woodward
Jim Gilling
Thomas Hegarty
Jack Turton
David Huggins
Brian Mitton
David Hodgson
Ian Miller
Phil Armstrong
Alan Fox

2) Election of Officials and Committee

All current officials Stephen Woodward / Chairman, Jim Gilling / Secretary and Thomas Hegarty / Treasurer were nominated by Jack Turton and seconded by Phil Armstrong. All three officials were therefore re-elected for next season.

Jim Gilling requested consideration for committee members. No names were proposed but as and when committee members are required the request will be made again.

3) Financial Report

The current bank statements were still not coming to the correct address. Although David Huggins, the previous treasurer, has not received any statements since the last meeting, the bank have been contacted again to ensure that the data in the bank system is updated with the correct addresses for both bank accounts.
The amount in the current bank account that no statement has been provided is £138.05, the amount in the premium account is £356.00

At the start of the season we had £203.41 cash float in hand
Bus fares intake was £3,172.50
Subscription intake was £103.00
Domino Card intake was £118.00
Cost of bus hire was £3,470.00
Leaving a balance for the season of - £78.50
This was more than covered by the amount in the bank account.

3) Sponsorship

Jim Gilling advised that he had secured £1,200 sponsorship from two companies but none as yet from the Coxhoe area. This sponsorship was not brought in last season but would be brought in before this season. This sponsorship will secure the future of the branch for the foreseeable future.

4) Subscriptions

At present 21 members had re-applied for membership. Jim Gilling will write to or visit those members that have so far not re-applied for membership.

The fee for membership will remain as last season £2.00 adults and £1.00 for juniors and OAP's.

5) Results of the survey held on the last game of the season.

Jim Gilling made a brief statement on the results of the survey. Most accepted all the topics raised in the survey. Some comments raised were family fare on the coach, do we need to pick up at West Cornforth as there is only two getting on, can the bus leave any earlier so we can have more drinking time.
It was agreed that it would be too complex to introduce a family fare on the coach.
It was agreed to continue with the pick up and drop off points as last season but would be reviewed again in January to add or remove pickup or drop off points.
The bus times will remain the same as last season. However as SAFC have changed the kick-off times for evening games to 7.45pm it was agreed to leave the bus pick up time for these matches as last year 5.55pm from Kelloe, 6.00pm from Coxhoe and 6.05pm from West Cornforth.

6) Transport to home and away fixtures

Don Smiths have increased the coach hire to £165 for the season. This was still very competitive and as we had very few problems last year it was agreed to retain Don Smiths for next season. Jim Gilling will confirm to Don Smiths and will also try for a staggered increase like last season.
Bus fare will remain as last season £5.00 adults £3.00 juniors (under 16 years) and OAP's

There was very little interest in away fixtures last year but with the Premiership next season we discussed what would be the benefits to the branch to run a coach to some away fixtures. In the end it was decided not to run any coach to away fixtures and to share with Sedgefield like last season. Any branch member who wanted to attend an away fixture would be asked to give there names to the Secretary well in advance to the fixture for submission to the Sedgefield branch.

7) SAFCSA Correspondence

There was only one correspondence to report this was an invoice to be paid by return for the branch insurance and membership to the official supporters club. The fee £17.46 would be paid by the Treasurer.

8) Branch Events

It was agreed to hold at least two events next season one before Christmas and one after February. A debate was held on the best approach to maximize the benefits to the branch. It was agreed that the first event would be in conjunction with a normal group night that Coxhoe Club has on some Saturdays through the year. We would get a quantity of tickets to sell and would be able to hold raffles / football cards through-out the night. If this went well and we sold all our tickets then consideration would be given to maximize the benefit to the branch by holding the next event as an independent event run by the branch.
Sports talk ins were ruled out due to the expense and so was a race night due to possible loss making due to non interest.

It was also agreed to have a branch outing before the start of the season this would not be to benefit the club but more a re-union before the start of the season.

9) Any other business

None of note

10) Next Meeting

To be held first week in September 2005.


Jim Gilling
Secretary

Final rounds to clinch the so longed title...

Hi guys,

Just me again to share all my feelings and hopes for next weekend. Since SAFC are not in action, i've being devoting all my support to Velez Sarsfield.

Still 3 rounds to go guys, 3 points over the runner-ups with 3 games in hand.This Sunday we face River Plate away(but it's a relief River is lining up a team full of subs since they are playing a vital semifinal game in the Libertadores cup next Thrusday). Already have my ticket so it's just a matter to wait till Sunday at 4.10 pm argentine time. I'll mail you later you dear guys to bring u the latest.

Walter

Quiz - Round 3

Well here we go for round 3 answers before Friday 24th by clicking on the link in the title or use the following link: -
safcsa2004-coxhoe@yahoo.co.uk

2 points for each question 1 to 10 and an extra 5 points for the bonus question.

Good luck.

1) What club was Claudio Marangoni signed from and when he left SAFC who did he join?
2) What did "King" Charlie Hurley do on his debut for Sunderland against Blackpool?
3) Name the two sides Malcolm Crosby played for in his professional football career?
4) Name the club chairman before Colonel Joseph Prior?
5) Name the wing half who made his league debut for SAFC in a 1-1 draw home to Portsmouth on October 9th 1952?
6) Why was the derby match against the Mags abandoned on Good Friday 1901?
7) Who started his career with Stoke before signing for SAFC for £250,000 in June 1983?
8) Who joined SAFC from Coatbridge Juniors in December 1965?
9) What season was the three points for a win introduced?
10) What year was Roker Park opened and what was the attendance at the first match?

Bonus Question:-

In the 1894/95 first division match against Derby County SAFC won 8-0 officially and 11-0 unofficially why the two scores?

USA trip

My brain is now back in gear and recovered from jet-lag (although I’m still unable to answer Jimmy’s quiz questions!) so here goes with an account of some of our holiday highlights. Well, to start with our outbound travel itinery was a bit unusual, the route being Bishop Middleham – Grimsby (!) – Manchester – New York – Las Vegas. Why Grimsby? Well as some of you may know, we’ve been after a Manchester Terrier puppy for Ross for a while. Earlier in the week a promised puppy fell through as the bitch was not pregnant but on Wednesday another puppy became available but if we were to have it then we needed to go and see it before we went on holiday. The only time to do this was on the Saturday morning so we did a detour and called in to see the puppy on our way to Manchester. I’m glad we did, the puppy was lovely and just what we were after so we ‘took the plunge’ and agreed that we’d have it when we came back. As we travelled down it got me thinking about our travels to away games as most seem to start on the A1M down to Wetherby. I’m looking forward to some more away-days this coming season, perhaps with a couple of overnighter’s, depending on when the fixtures fall. It’s off to Grimsby this coming weekend to collect Tess, our new Manchester terrier puppy. I’m sure there will be some tales to tell in the coming few weeks!

Anyway, we eventually made it over to Manchester on Saturday afternoon and even managed to call into Old Trafford for Alex (Mitton not SAF) to have a look round the shop then off to our hotel for a nights sleep before an early start at 5:30 the next morning for our flight to the USA. We got away on time and arrived in Newark airport, New Jersey where we cleared customs and picked up our internal flight for Las Vegas. We got to Las Vegas at 6 o’clock on the Sunday evening and got a taxi to our hotel, the Luxor. What a place! We checked in and spent the rest of the evening having a look around the hotel trying to keep awake till bedtime. Went to bed very tired but I woke up wide awake at 5:30am so left the rest of the family asleep and snuck out to explore. Went downstairs into the casino to find it still in full swing with games still on the go at many tables – crazy! We were in Las Vegas till Wednesday and had a great time but the highlight was our helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon on the Tuesday. Wing commander Gilligan would have been very impressed with this sortie. We were expecting the ride to be a bit bumpy but it was really smooth and very relaxing. Words can’t describe the majesty and grandeur of the Grand Canyon so I’ve posted a couple of pics. The tour cost $280 each and concluded with a tour of the strip. It was worth every penny and I’d definitely look to do something similar again. Sight-seeing by helicopter is definitely the way to do it.

On Wednesday we picked up the car (actually a 3.7 litre 4x4 Jeep Cherokee – only 18 mpg according to the computer but with ‘gas’ at £1.40 a gallon this was not a big issue) and set off for LA. We had an interesting drive across the desert (98 F) and stopped of on the way at a place called Palmdale. Next morning we set off for Santa Monica, which is a beach resort on the outskirts of LA. Had a great time there but a bit cooler than we expected (temp was in the high 60’s rather than the 70’s/80’s we’d been expecting) and also quite a few ‘dossers/beach bums’ hanging around but they were all very chilled out so no hassle. Santa Monica was where Baywatch was filmed so some very nice sights on the beach and boardwalk. We hired some bikes and rode along the promenade along to Venice Beach (see the picture below of me and my big chopper) and also visited LA and Hollywood in the car. When in LA I noticed a number of garages advertising ‘smog checks’ so couldn’t resist having my photo taken. BTW, the new Nikon digital camera was brilliant and we took over 150 pictures and a couple of video clips of the Bellagio fountains. It’s really good to be able to review then straight away and take another photo if not very good. After 6 nights in Santa Monica we returned to Las Vegas, this time doing the journey in the one day. We set off from LA at 9 am and got to Vegas for 4 pm with a stop for lunch.

Spent two nights in the Venetian, a really posh hotel which only does suites not rooms then travelled back on the Friday, arriving back in the UK at 9am on the Saturday morning. Drove home and crashed out for some kip but not before having a quick look at the Coxhoe website and enjoying the Hartlepool postings from Commander Gilling and Chief photographer Hoofer.

Overall a brilliant holiday but still pleased to be back home again. We found the people to be very friendly (if a little thick!) and the service, food and facilities were excellent. The USA is a great place to visit but I prefer living in the UK.

Alex reclining in our suite at the Venetian 

Our suite at the Venetian 

New York, New York. 

Santa Monica 

Grand Canyon - nuff said! 

Me and my big chopper at Venice Beach. 

Quiz - Number 2

Further to my last blog there appears to be comments like it's harder this time, okay I have the beauty of knowing the answers as I set the questions. Yes this time I made it harder and I did not put the players name as part of the question so it would take longer to "look up" in any book on SAFC. Some comments are too busy this week - so I will provide the answers to Quiz 2 below so you can get my drift for the next round that I will set for next week.
How many bring back memories good and bad and now you will be saying should have known that answer!

1) Name the club's chairman before Bob Murrays current term of office (2 points)
John Featherstone
2) Who made his league debut for SAFC against Watford on 17th April 1972? (2 points)
Joe Bolton
3) A Gateshead born midfielder first made his appearance half way through the 1976/77 season and then played in everygame that season - name him? (2 points)
Kevin Arnott
4) SAFC made only one appearance in the Anglo-Scottish cup what was the season? (2 points)
1978/1979
5) He signed for SAFC from Wimbledon in 1987 name him and the fee involved ? (2 points)
John Kay £22,500
6) Who had a trial for Leeds United got home sick returned home to join his home club, later left for Nottingham Forest and then joined SAFC in 1983? (2 points)
Mark Proctor
7) How many clean sheets did Chris Turner keep in his opening year of 30 games with SAFC ? (2 points)
13
8) Failed to make the grade as a player with Newcastle so played for Gateshead then later at the end of his career in 1985 joined SAFC but left the club in 1987. Who was he? (2 points)
Lawrie McMenemy
9) Who started his career at Denny Juniors joined SAFC at the age of 15 and made his debut in 1958? (2 points)
Jimmy McNab
10) Who left Sunderland and then went on to win the Adidas Golden Boot Award before returning to play for a second spell? (2 points)
Bryan "Pop" Robson

Bonus Question: -Sunderland have had two notible footballers who also excelled in cricket playing both for county and country name the two players (5 points)

Walter Keeton / Willie Watson


So any comments now boys and girls?

FTM
Jim Gilling

What No Quiz Answers?

Quiz might be getting harder or you lot out there just can't be bothered. I will give you until Friday for your answers before posting the quiz answers. If no replies by then will abandon the idea of a quiz each week.

FTM
Jim Gilling

Coxhoe WMC website

Just been on the club website http://members.lycos.co.uk/coxhoewmc/ to see if any crack and what 'forthcoming attractions' are due and it says that the site has moved to a new provider, see the club noticeboard for details.
What's gannin' on Jimmy? Have you set up a blogsite for the club Mags? I guess we'll find out on Thursday at the AGM.

Nyron Nosworthy...... a thought.

Never heard of him

I'm back!

We've had a absolutely BRILLIANT holiday (highlight being a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon) but all the same it's great to be back and catch up with the crack from the Coxhoe Blog site. I'm totally jet lagged so will make this a short posting but hope to catch up with all the postings in the next couple of days and maybe put some holiday stuff on. I've skimmed throught them and there's quite an epic from Jimmy on the Millenium military campaign and some very nice Turkey photo's (!) plus some nice Poolie photos and vid from CC. Meanwhile, what do you reckon to the photo below?

Clever people the Yanks - apparently they have special tests to find the Smoggies!!l 

Billy Returns?

Seems Billy may be back from Vegas as some private emails have been opened today ..... look forward to his comments on recent blogs, quiz answers and also tales from the US of A

ftm
Jim Gilling

IT WAS JUST NOT ANOTHER FRIENDLY BRAZIL..

Well guys.. to begin with i must this is my first post in days so i want to to be a good one indeed. The topic i'd like to mention is about Argentina's win over Brazil last Wednesday. Not just for the fact that Argentina won and secured a spot to the world cup but to highlight the arrogance in many Brazilian players such as Ronaldinho (did he came to Buenos Aires.. must have came just 4 shopping coz nopne saw him on the field) , Caca and even their own manager.

These individuals looked the game down as it were, minimize it stating this... "this game vs Argentina is just a friendly for us.."..hahaha.. I felt like punching the same tv set while wathcing these guys stating this. But their deserved well: 3-1 DEFEAT, 3-0 at first half.. Could have been worse, couldn't it?

GO SUNDERLAND
GO VELEZ
GO THE BLOG

Walter from argentina

SAFC - Official Web Site

Have you noticed the lack of information flowing through www.safc.com in terms of transfer activity. Okay believe what you read in the papers but to have to check out other web sites e.g. Ipswich / Wolves for upto date information on our transfer targets is wrong. Upto date information should be posted on the SAFC site to keep us all upto date with what's going on. Okay there is a need for privacy when dealing with transfer targets but if the target team put official comments on their sites so should SAFC.

ftm
Jim Gilling

Quiz Round 2

Lets hope for more answers from all you supporters this week - 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 MONDAY 13TH JUNE PLEASE.

1) Name the club's chairman before Bob Murrays current term of office (2 points)

2) Who made his league debut for SAFC against Watford on 17th April 1972? (2 points)

3) A Gateshead born midfielder first made his appearance half way through the 1976/77 season and then played in everygame that season - name him? (2 points)

4) SAFC made only one appearance in the Anglo-Scottish cup what was the season? (2 points)

5) He signed for SAFC from Wimbledon in 1987 name him and the fee involved ? (2 points)

6) Who had a trial for Leeds United got home sick returned home to join his home club, later left for Nottingham Forest and then joined SAFC in 1983? (2 points)

7) How many clean sheets did Chris Turner keep in his opening year of 30 games with SAFC ? (2 points)

8) Failed to make the grade as a player with Newcastle so played for Gateshead then later at the end of his career in 1985 joined SAFC but left the club in 1987. Who was he? (2 points)

9) Who started his career at Denny Juniors joined SAFC at the age of 15 and made his debut in 1958? (2 points)

10) Who left Sunderland and then went on to win the Adidas Golden Boot Award before returning to play for a second spell? (2 points)

Bonus Question: -

Sunderland have had two notible footballers who also excelled in cricket playing both for county and country name the two players (5 points)

Good luck answers next week.

Quiz Answers

The number of first quiz replies were disappointing, I suppose I should put this down to holidays and end of season not the lack of knowledge.
Answers are as follows:-

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)

Answer: 1881

2) Which team and for how much did Sunderland sign Dick Malone from in 1970? (2 points)

Answer: Ayr United £30,000

3) What year did Gary Rowell make his league debut and what was the score? (2 points)

Answer: 1975 1:0 win against Oxford United

4) Barry Siddall left Sunderland for which team on loan? (2 points)

Answer: Darlington

5) What was the Simond Cup and what was the trophy it replaced? (2 points)

Answer: Cup competition when European ban was effective for English clubs. Replaced the Full Members Cup.

6) Who was the smallest player to ever play for Sunderland? (2 points)

Answer: Ernie Taylor

7) Which club did Tony Towers leave to join Sunderland and who went in the opposite direction? (2 points)

Answer: Manchester City with Mick Horswill leaving plus £100,000

8) Colin West who did he join after leaving Sunderland? (2 points)

Answer: Watford

9) Johnny Crossan was banned from playing in England why? (2 points)

Answer: Banned for accepting illegal payments while playing in the Irish League.

10) Kevin Ball what team did he leave to join Sunderland and what was the year? (2 points)

Answer: Portsmouth 1990

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)

Answer:
QPR / Luton Town / Oldham Athletic / Preston North End
First team was QPR

Trip to Istanbul

Well I am back from my business trip to Istanbul - next visit later this month and then two more over July and August - I know it's a hard life I can hear you say!
This time I decided to travel via Amsterdam as the normal trip route via London Heathrow was a cheapest flight of £625 - you can have a holiday for 2 in Turkey for less! So Amsterdam it was and a flight cost of £303 but it brought it's problems as you will read later in this posting.
I arrived in the hotel Armada where I always stay at about 2.00am having been delayed and then stopped by Turkish customs for over 1 hour due to me taking into Turkey a carton of electronic samples without invoices - after alot of discussions I was left to go and leave the carton to be picked up by my Turkish friends the next day, I guessed they would have to pay some duty or a bribe to release the goods. Good job the customs didn't check my case as I had over 2,000 cigs in the case!
The next day saw me walking around an exhibition for sub-contract companies - not really worth the visit but the girls were nice behind some of the stands. I then headed for my local the Cozy Pub where I have been going for the last few years - the guys know me and my drinking habits so as soon as I enter my drink is poured and the friendship begins again. I discussed with them the Liverpool match and if there was any trouble - no trouble reported and they took well over £10,000 from 7.00pm to 4.00am the day of the match - this was only beer sales as spirits and food go straight into a "slush fund" for the owner. So the bar staff were happy apparently so were the Liverpool supporters - after the first half.
I was up at 4.00am UK time for a meeting that went on until about 11.00am UK time - then it was off to the airport for my journey home and to buy more cigs. Flight was supposed to be 1.15pm UK time but it was delayed by 1/2 hour then as we approached Amsterdam we had to circle the airport due to a thunder and lightning storm hitting the airport. We were the last flight to arrive before the airport was shut down due to the weather - landing was very .... very rough with women screaming as we were jostled around our seats, one woman had a heart attack and they called for a doctor on the flight. Then when we landed we had to sit in the plane for over 2 and a 1/2 hours due to the fork lightning around the airport - if it hit a plane it could kill anyone outside the plane who were working close to the plane. So no one was allowed near the plane not even an ambulance for the woman who had taken ill. We waited and waited and after 2 and a 1/2 hours eventually we were allowed off the plane. As there had been no flights in or out of the airport while the storm was over the airport all flights were delayed - it then involved another wait on a plane for 1 and a 1/2 hours while we were allowed to taxi to the runway. Overall when I arrived in Newcastle I was over 2 hours late. Then when I arrived into the baggage hall two flight were in from Teneriffe so customs all over the place - I walked quietly through them with my 3,500 cigs in my case ..... must remember to go via London next time and sod the extra cost!


My Local in Istanbul - The Cozy Pub

The other reason why I go to the office in Istanbul ... the secretary!

The Famous Blue Mosque Istanbul 

The Daily Slog

Judging by the lack of posts on the blog I guess the close season has caused a degree of apathy and become a bit of a slog to post on the blog on a daily basis.

Nothing much seems to be happening as far as Sunderland are concerned, save for the signing of one Daryl Murphy from the League of Ireland club Waterford. He's a bit of a striker I gather and great things are expected of him. Naturally we are linked with all and sundry, such as Millers, Tommy and Kenny, Heidar Helguson, Jonathan Stead and Kelvin Davis. Everybody wants more money for these players than we are prepared to offer at this point in time so no doubt we'll have to wait.

As I write the first BIG signing of the Premiership has just been announced with Edwin Van Der Saar on his way to Man Utd for an undisclosed fee. He's a quality keeper and may make the difference between silverware and not for Man Utd next year.

We are all over the disappointment of Cardiff last week and I had a chat with Matty Robson's Mam, Bev the other day. She hadn't been well during the game, a combination of nerves, sun, lack of proper food ( too fancy she reckoned in the corporate section) and not enough lashings of alcohol. Gemma and George had had to help her back to the car and she had missed the penalty and hadn't realised tha Westwood had been sent off until the next day. Told her she should have been with us. We'd have made sure they had a great day. Anyway told her I had lots of photos of the day and would put them on a CD for Matty or anyone else that wants any for that matter.

Velez Sarsfield have a 3 point lead in the Argentine Championship and are only 4 games away from taking the title. I had a good chat with Walter last night ( until 2 am actually) and he's getting himself excited at what could turn out to be a great season for him. Sunnderland promoted as champions and Velez looking good to win the title too.

Must say he's looking well, he had a webcam going last night and he was wearing the Blue Striped away top that I sent him. We had a discussion about Claudio Marangoni and debated who he'd played for. According to "All the Lads" Marangoni played for San Lorenzo, SAFC, and Hurracan. I hadn't clicked that he also played for Independiente and Boca too. That Walter knows his onions so I had to concede defeat. He tells me that Julio is over there at present and comes from a place called Quilmes. It is a seaside place and is where the English landed when they first went to South America.

I wonder how Billy is doing in Las Vegas and San Francisco on holiday. I though he may have dropped in by now, but maybe he's found other pursuits with Mrs Billy keeping him busy with the junior Billy's and well away from technology.

Anyone going anywhere interesting on holiday this year. Me and Mrs Hoofer are going abroad for the first time in years and years and have plumped for Vancouver in Canada for 15 days. I like the look of it, Mrs Hoofer likes the sound of it. The most stress free and spectacular city on Earth according to the www.lonelyplanet.com and we can't wait to get there. Maybe we'll bump into the groover from Vancouver, who knows. Just hope it's not a One night Love Affair and we enjoy it so much that we'll want to go back.

The weather is taking it's time in picking up but it's not stopping me getting out for the walks and having a good look at those Spotted Woodpeckers round the Mill. Plenty of wildlife on our doorsteps if only we have a mind to look for it and take notice. Noticed that the rock orchids are now in full bloom up in Coxhoe wood and a squirrel or two has also been spotted.

Bit tired now so may well put me feet up and prepare for the womens football starting tonight on BBC2 England v Finland.

Keep blogging lads, we need to keep it going.