Can you see the flag right the left corner.. That's mine, the one of MORENO, my district 

Velez 1 Racing 0

Great result for Velez against their local rivals Racing. Did you go Walter? What was it like? A lot better than watching Sunderland get beat off Wigan I bet!

Branch Meeting

Please note there will be a branch meeting at the Coxhoe Workingmens' Club on Thursday 1st September starting at 7.30pm.
All branch members are invited to attend.

Jim Gilling
Secretary

Wedding Bells

Never mind the game, the main topic yesterday was Jimmy's daughters wedding at Hardwick Hall on December 3rd, the day we play Tottenham away. We've got it all worked out. Here are some of the things the Billy's have thought of to make the wedding the NE social event of the year and a day to remember.

Butch and Kenny as page boys. Won't they just look lovely in their matching outfits and "cheeky boy" smiles.
Problems with the wedding list? Solved. Which new bride wouldn't love a matching set of "his and her's teatowels" from Poundsaver?
What to put on the lunch menu? No problem. An Indian banquet would make it easy for everyone to place their order - "I'll have what those other people are having".
What happens if the evening do is a bit slow getting going? We'll round up all the lads from the Greyhound and bring them through to the night time do. As they'll have been on an all-day-session this should liven up things up a bit.
What about the evening buffet? How can we make this appeal to all tastes? Solved once more by the ingenuity of the Billy's. Fish and chips is a firm family favourite and would surely be appreciated by all the guests
Entertainment is another area we've also sorted out. In these days of unexpected power cuts why risk a disco or loud band. A good old Gypsy wedding band should do the trick. We'll give our friend Billy from London a call. Imagine the fun, dancing and carrying on followed by a good old fashioned rough and tumble at the end of the night where the two families can sort out any differences in the traditional manner. Why let those petty differences linger on? Get the two fatha's to sort things out with few rounds of bareknuckle boxing in the car park (although one of them has a glass jaw so it might not last long)
Finally, the morning after. After all the guests have departed you can count on The Billy's still to be around to help with the presents, having hijacked one of the official wedding party's rooms for the night.

I can hardly wait. The best bit is that we've got till 3rd December to think of even more stuff!!

Message of hope from Mick

Dear Coxhoe Branch,

It [the start] could not have been any worse, you can't plan for those kind of events. It was lousy.We are two teams who will find it harder to score goals, because of the nature of the league, we're playing against better players. It doesn't help to give a team that is going to be in opposition to us all season an easy start.The start was the difference betwen the two teams. I thought it [the penalty] was soft. I thought he [Breen] got a bit of the ball.But we should not have put ourselves in that position.It's the way it has run for us over the four games. We have to try to change it over the next four.I'm not going to talk about the performance because it would be similar to Liverpool and Manchester City.All I would say is from the Charlton game onwards I've been proud of the way my players have played and gone about it - their endeaver and effort.I don't think we have got our true reward for the way we have played [over the last three games].We have to believe in what we are doing and keep doing it and see if it turns around for us. The only way it will is if we keep believing.There are some away on international duty now and the rest of us will be in on Monday morning. We'll see the international players a week on Thursday when they come back.Is it a good time for the break? I don't know. We had it last season in the Championship when we had five points from six games and then we came back and had a great run.I'm proud of them individually and collectively - delighted with the effort.I'm not delighted we've got no points, of course I'm not, but we've played well and we've not had our just rewards.

All the best,

Mick McCarthy

Lord Lucan, I've got me negative head back on

wasn't going to post before I trek off but after today's result I'm really have a lot of negative vibes. Don't want to rub it in M'Lud but this is what you said after the Man City game

c,mon Huyton, having been to the match 'gulf in class' is rubbish. We should have got something out of the game the difference between the two teams was the finishing and it doesn't take an armchair pundit to recognise that.Any Sunderland supporter knew that this season would be a struggle, but the performance last night was a 100%better than Charlton.

Well then M'Lud today we played the other premier whipping boys and were found wanting so what is your take on today? There is undoubtedly a gulf in class when sides like Man City and Charlton can take points at the SOL and Wigan can take points from us at the JJB.

McCarthy has two weeks before he faces the real class of this division, if we think it's embarrassing up to now then it's about to get a whole lot worse

Ha'way the lads

and I'll see you all in two weeks or so.

A win tomorrow thats for sure and thats me being positive.

The Mags bottom.

On Velez's Performance..

I decided not to post just a comment on Billy's entry but to post a new one by myself owing to that nasty hacker who is POSTING in the blog..

Well Billy, last Saturday performance was not out of chance. The game ended when Velez scored the second goal because Gimnasia La Plata had not even the slightest idea about how to be back in the game. Was not by chance. We are the latest champions and everyone respects Velez now. The 6-0 win was "the" dream-like game.Every goal attempt seems to be a goal.

This weekend Velez play at home v. Racing Club. A derby.I trust Velez could have another good performance.I can't predict a score but what i can swear is that there will be a cracking atmosphere. about 17.000 Racing fans are expected. So the attendance could be of 40.000..
If any of u want to take a peep at the score, do so the game kicks off at 7.00 pm uk time.

Let's follow Velez's example Sunderland!

I thought I'd see how Velez are doing so I looked them up on socerway.com http://soccerway.com/national/argentina/primera-division. Velez has a great result last week with a 6-0 away win over Gimnasia LP. This was their first points of the season after 3 games.
C'mon Sunderland, let's 'do a Velez' and beat Wigan on Saturday and get our season started.
What do you reckon with Velez Walter - have they started to play a bit better or was it a freak result?

Them Up the Road - In Trouble or what!!!

More woe for SounessGraeme Souness remains a man under pressure after he watched his Newcastle United side put in another disappointing display that ended in a 2-0 defeat on their travels to Bolton.
How he must be praying Michael Owen is delivered gift-wrapped to St James' Park in the next few days after another wretched performance that exposed all the frailties of a squad shy of both numbers and confidence.
Goals from El-Hadji Diouf and Stelios Giannakopoulos, who looks bound for Liverpool, eased Bolton to their first three points of a season that had previously accrued a draw and a defeat.
Newcastle's attacks were so blunt they would have struggled to cut through a loaf of bread let alone a Bolton defence in no mood to concede.
Devoid of ideas in a combative midfield that lacks a creative spark in Emre Belozoglu's absence, Newcastle resorted to long balls to the head of Alan Shearer - a veteran force that cannot help but be dispirited by his current service.
Newcastle had started the game brightly and were it not for an astutely positioned Gary Speed on five minutes, would have taken the lead when Lee Bowyer swivelled from ten yards and beat Jussi Jaaskelainen but not his former team-mate on the Bolton line.
Thereafter, Bolton's high energy play took over and were it not for the infectious enthusiasm provided by Scott Parker's relentless work rate, Souness' woes could have worsened.
Bolton too have not looked at their sharpest in front of goal this term and it would be a full 25 minutes before they created a chance of their own, when Stelios whipped in a devilish ball that Diouf just failed to meet.
Crosses into the heart of Newcastle's backline always looked the likeliest route to goal and when Diouf broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, it was no surprise that the ball was delivered from out wide.
Nicky Hunt's overlap took him to the edge of Newcastle's box and, after exchanging passes with Stelios, his cross from the right exposed a static Newcastle defence to allow Diouf to head in from close range at the far post.
Souness will have urged his charges to show greater exertion at the break but what he received was a carbon copy of the first half; punchless in attack and with a soft centre at the back.
It took Bolton just ten minutes to double their advantage and heap the misery on Souness, with Stelios' likely farewell to The Reebok Stadium being celebrated with a goal.
When Diouf's clever control kept the ball in play down Newcastle's left, the Senegal international had a criminal amount of time to pick out Speed with his cross and from the Welshman's flick, Stelios was on hand to stab home from a yard.
With Bolton in command and playing with a stylish swagger that belies their dour reputation, a previously peripheral Jay-Jay Okocha stepped out from the shadows and could have added a third but his outlandish drive swerved just wide.
Speed then saw his corner cleared off the line by Stephen Carr, and then from the resulting set-piece, Diouf should have added his second but his header was pulled wide.
Rolling back the years in the final ten minutes, Shearer let fly with a 25-yard strike but Jaaskelainen was equal to it and with it went Newcastle's chances of an unlikely comeback.

Leicester and me ..... again

Well bloggers just booked into the Travelodge in Leicester again for another 1 night stay. I was thinking of a good sup, indians and then to the casino next door until the early hours.

However while booking into the hotel the young lady behind the reception desk enquired where I was from when I said Durham she almost wet herself as she explained that she was born in Dryburn and lived in Sunderland until last November. Down here on her own and is over the moon to hear a mackem voice. She even said see you later in the bar as she is serving then will be off next door to the casino to loose money.

So plan B comes into operation no indians and bad jaw, now off down to the hotel bar in an hour for some good mackem discussions and fun then off to the casino. I wonder if she has someone to switch her bedroom light off?

As they say on postcards my fellow bloggers "WISH YOU WERE HERE" - no I don't!

Jim Gilling
FTM

SAFC 1 MAN. CITY 2

Well it was a disappointment on the night, I predicted a close game with a one goal margin but alas the away team got the nod.
We started off nervously and if you can't hold retiring internationals at bay you will be punished. Mr "Bean" at the heart of our defence again looked a pace too slow and should have closed Vassell down before he had a chance on goal and the second goal the defence stood back and then worst of all opened up to allow the shot. You cannot do that in this league.
We then seemed to get back into it and with a possible own goal we got one back just before half time. Second half proved frustrating with plenty of effort and pocession but no real opportunities on goal. We need to defend better and at least get shots in on goal - as the old saying goes if you don't get shots on goal you've got now chance.
Reflection on the match - we were not outclassed Whitehead looks a good Premiership player but we need a more attacking midfield, defence again looks poor and upfront I think we still need that proven striker although the loan star Le Tallec from Liverpool looks okay and will get better. Gray from Sheffield United failed again to make an impact and Stead's ball control needs improving; Elliott was lively even though he was playing out of position on the right.
Then there was the terrible journey home - coach crash again for the second game running on exit from the coach park, thankfully not ours, traffic lights on exit from the SOL not working and the roundabout on A690 /A19 coned off with no one working - this just added to an already bad night and back at a late 11.05pm no time for a sup to drown our sorrows.

Plus point was the attendance on the coach making a profit for the second game in a row!

Definitley need something from the Wigan game.


Jim Gilling

Message from Mick

Dear Coxhoe Branch,

Our overall performance was decent but no-one wants to hear that. I'm here again saying we've played well and created chances....
But yes of course I take heart and confidence that we've played well in the game. We're getting punished aren't we? That's for sure.
Then again Vassell's a current England international and Andy Cole's a former England international; he's scored goals all the time and so is Trevor Sinclair [an England international]. It's fallen to them and they have punished us.
We didn't have that touch of quality when it was required.
I'm sure Anthony [Le Tallec] is a bit disappointed about his first-half miss but he scored a terrific header and could have had two more.
But it's not to be. He [Le Tallec] grew in the game and got better and better. He can be pleased with his overall performance.
Welshy [Andy Welsh] was always playing. I had a contingency plan if he couldn't but as far as I was concerned he was always playing.
I thought Stephen Elliott was excellent - he's a good footballer. I thought him and Welshy had the ability down the flanks to win the game for us but it wasn't to be.
It's very quiet [in the dressing room]. We've lost three games on the spin. It's kind of difficult because it's come on the back of winning a lot of games.
We're in the Premiership and we've lost three games. I think judging on the performance that they [the players] were encouraged by the Liverpool performance and they'll feel they've played well tonight.
But footballers want to win, it doesn't matter how you play. They will feel the hurt of defeat and nothing else.
The margin between the two sides was the ability to put the ball in the net when the chances fell to them.All the best,Mick McCarthy

Commentators comments

Chris Waddle on Radio 5Live

"Stubbs and Breen look a season to old for this level of football"

Christian Bassedas commentating for Argentine TV ( according to Walter by telephone)

" Sunderland have no creativity in the midfield"

" What has happened to the crowds? I played in that part of the country and it was always full"

Brian Marwood on ESPN

"This is the most open game of football I've seen so far"

Serious Answers needed to serious questions.

The last time Sunderland won a point in the English Premier League was on 11/1/2003 against Blackburn Rovers in a 0-0 draw, they then went on a run of 15 consecutive defeats for the remainder of the season. Michael McCarthy presided over the final 9 defeats starting with Bolton Wanderers on 15/3/2003. He has now presided over 12 straight Premiership defeats, an all time record for the Premier league.

Our record points tally of 19 from 2004 looks in jeopardy even at this early stage and the questions needs to be asked of all you stalwarts.

How soon do you think the heat will come on to McCarthy?
Is this side worse in terms of quality than the 2002/03 side?

Even Reid had 1 point this far in and 8 by the time he was sacked in October 2002.
How many will McCarthy have on the board by October 2005?

Howard Wilkinson got us a further 11 points before he was sacked, McCarthy hasn't got us a single prem point yet in his tenure.
Are managers appointed on merit or personality?

McCarthy bleats on about his record over the last 2 seasons as a Championship side.
Do supporters care about the past, the future or the herE and now?
Will McCarthy be remembered as the manager who won the Fizzy Pop Championship or for holding the record for the most premiership losses?

If you were addicted to heroin how hard would you try to get off it?

Is masochism something you enjoy paying for?

Do you now realise that you have a habit that makes you ( for the most part) incredibly unhappy?

Do you realise that there is a big wide world out there to be discovered on a weekend after a hard weeks work?

Doo you derive pleasure out of moaning and groaning and listening to the moans and groans of others?

WISE UP LADS, THIS IS SAFC AND IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.

Sanity restored.

After a temporary bout of insanity this afternoon and becoming delusional about attending the game tonight, I am pleased to report that my mental stability has returned to normal, and I'll leave the masochism to all you lunatics tonight.

Enjoy it.

Welsh card Overturned

can play tonight.

Nuff said.

Them up the road

Can you remember when we were in the Premiership and struggling to sign new players and in the end went for Flo and Stewart as the last resort and we know what Flo did for us - well seems them up the road may be in same situation with only 1 week to go before the window of luck closes. The following is a bit from todays article on Sky Sports about their failure to land the Deportivo striker Luque.

"We've made a fantastic offer for him (Luque), the chairman has, but as I understand it they've turned it down and we are going to move on now," Souness told the club's website.

"We have other targets, but the clock is ticking. We all know that.

"We've got to move quickly, but I can assure the supporters that we are trying."

Real Madrid star Michael Owen and Fenerbahce's French flyer Nicolas Anelka are still on Newcastle's wish list, but the club have just over a week to bring in support for Alan Shearer before the transfer window slams shut.

Newcastle have looked devoid of attacking ideas in their first two Premiership fixtures, with Shearer ploughing a particularly lonely furrow in attack, and the Magpies faithful will be extremely frustrated by this latest transfer snub.

Lets wait and see who they get before we start to take the pee!

Jim Gilling
FTM

SAFC v Man. City

Second home match in, what do you reckon bloggers - home win?
I reckon it will be a tight match with SAFC just sneaking it with a one goal margin.

A reminder as well that the match kicks-off at 07.45pm and NOT 08.00pm. The coach will still pick up usual times 05.55pm Kelloe, 06.00pm Coxa and 06.05pm Doggy.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Home Kit Launch Details

Sunderland's new home kit is to be launched at 5pm on Wednesday 5th October at the Stadium of Light, with Black Cats fans being given the chance to purchase the new shirt and cheer on Sunderland's reserve side who take on Manchester City.
The Black Cats reserve fixture has been moved from Durham City FC to the Stadium of Light, with free entry for all on the night. Turnstiles will be open from 6pm, with the game scheduled to kick-off at 7:30pm. Under 16's wishing to attend the game must be accompanied by an adult
and parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis (season parking permits do not apply).
Tickets can be obtained in advance from the Stadium of Light ticket office if required.
SAFC Marketing and Communications Director Lesley Callaghan said:"It's a great opportunity for the fans to show their support on two counts - firstly by buying their shirt through official SAFC outlets, where all profits are invested directly back into the Club and also by cheering on our reserve side as they take on Manchester City."
Everyone who purchases from official Club outlets will also receive a silver SAFC football worth £9.99 absolutely free.

Supporters can pre-order their shirt now via the Club's official website, safc.com, the retail hotline, 0191 551 5030 or in person at club retail outlets at the Stadium of Light and Sainsbury's (formerly Savacentre) The Galleries, Washington.

Shirt-crazy fans have already snapped up the Black Cats' new away shirt in record numbers, outstripping the whole of last years' sales in the first few days.

Christian Bassila Signed

Signing completed this morning for the 6'4" French midfielder.

Click link for Profile

Guess the names behind the tiles

While in my Istanbul local I took these pics in the gents .... don't ask what I was doing with my camera in the loo that's another story.
Well can you comment on who you think of our members best describes the pictures in the following three tiles. May be a pint in it for the best and humourous suggestion.



Ceramic Tile No. 3

Ceramic Tile No. 2 

Ceramic Tile No.1 

Istanbul in August

Last week as you know I was on my usual trip to Istanbul. This time it was very hot 27 degrees well after midnight and 36 degrees during the day all with high humidity. Billy would never have coped.
Funny discussions in my local - one comes to mind. Imagine bloggers 5 Muslim "brothers" discussing football and other things with me when we started to discuss work in the UK. They asked me what the easiest jobs were to find and I said working behind bars or in restaurants and the wage would be our minumum wage which would be about 11 turkish lira per hour at which point they said that's a huge wage .... so don't know what they get a week my friends. Then we discussed languages and they all said that is the reason to want to work in London to learn the language better than they know it now ..... but they said Muslims are not popular in London at present and this was putting them off trying for a visa. My reply to this was a typical Gilligan reply and straight from the cuff ..... it's okay most British accept that the majority of Muslims are okay and no threat but I can give you one tip - if you do go and get a job don't carry a ruck sack for your bait in the morning when going to work - at this they saw the joke and laughed - good job or I may have been be-headed or something like that.
Anyway another story for later involves some of the guys and Russian "girls" at £35 a night or £40 if there are two of you and you want to swop over ...... this will be later my friends but alas without any pictures.



Muslims in Istanbul selling "terrorist starter kits"


Jim Gilling
FTM

THE BIG MEETING

Well my friends it's the day after my brush with the Coxhoe Committee. I was summoned at just after 7.00pm to go into "the room" and was asked to give my view on the events leading to me pulling the plug 2 weeks ago.
I started by apologizing for my actions and said it would not happen again. I then went through what had happened as stated in an earlier blog only this time adding that I knew it would not cause any damage to any equipment.
There were a few comments like - it may have damaged the equipment if it had been turned straight on - my reply was " as a qualified electronics engineer I know it would not cause a problem on switch on or off and if the singer ensured the amp was switched off when the power was back on then there was no risk(actually all amps are protected against surges, brown outs and drop outs so either way the amps were okay to be switched on but I did not want to go into technicalities)" Also one comment was that the singer said that "this next song (Day Dream Believer) was for both sets of supporters but I cannot recall this only the fact she said "I support the toon and I will probably upset a few with this next song." You all know that Day Dream Believer is no longer a Mackem song!
You probably know where the comments were coming from but I will not state who it was in this blog.
Anyway it was a fair hearing and all the committee, even the blog famous Toon one, said that it was a one off, out of character and I was okay and gave me a warning about my future behavior.
The committee are also looking at ways to curb any football type songs from the singers that can lead to provocation. On leaving the blog famous toon committee man said mine's a pint at the bar. I did not stop as I was due to be off down the road later in the evening so his pint can wait ..... and wait ...... and wait ......


Jim Gilling - NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS TO SWITCH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON (OR OFF).
FTM

Why I need to go to Istanbul every six weeks!!

Another shot of Victoria in the reception.

My "Secretary" Victoria. 

Liverpool 1 SAFC 0

Well it was our first away day and what a way to start the new season against the European Champions, Liverpool.
Bus was almost full good to see Rossy at his best and got us down to our watering hole just outside St. Helens at 11.00am. As Billy stated in one of his comments the CIU was a good one even had one of the Aycliffe branch members bringing their kareoke gear with them, it was a laugh but not singers from the Sedgefield branch - just a romantic solo from me direct to the lovely Christine.
Then it was off to Anfield we arrived about 2.10pm and headed for a quick pint in the Flat Iron pub after I had a good fish and chips next to the Arkel Pub.
Our seat in the ground was about four rows from the front and to the left of the goal. It was very hot with the sun beaming down on our heads, Miller could not stand the heat and thought he might be red raw with sun burn for their night out in Liverpool. Billy took the easy route after eating plenty of sandwiches on the way down (about 5!) he greeded some fish and chips off me and then went on to take some more chips off a kid in front of him ...... then fell a sleep for a few minutes during the first half. Yes bloggers Billy FELL ASLEEP AT A MATCH ...... as he said afterwards it was a good job it was not at Smogland or he would have been thrown out and arrested for being drunk.
As for the game yes we were outclassed, but should have been with their team, but we held in there and fought back like troopers. Okay we did not create chances but there were signs that with a little bit of luck something will click in the future. I am not a great believer in Chris Brown but I must admit when he came on we put pressure on them and with Stephen Elliott looking lively, everytime he got the ball there were 4 Liverpool players on him, we seemed to be creating more half chances. As for the sending off never in a million years was it a sending off offence or even an offence worthy of a yellow card. Look at Gerards tackles on Stubbs - one law for the famous and one for the "who's he" brigade.
We must get something from the next few games or confidence in both players and fans will be low. I am sure we will get something from Man. City and Wigan games then roll on Chelsea!
So we got back from the match at 9.15pm, quick shit and shower and back to the Club where Mrs Gilligan was waiting. Not a bad night with many well wishers wishing me all the best for my meeting with the committee ..... story about my appearance to follow but just to say I will still be in the club for each home match.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Message from Mick

Dear Coxhoe Branch,

It wasn't a red card, quite clearly it wasn't. Welshy's a 5ft 8in skinny left-winger who jinks and turns. He's not a 6ft 2 ins centre-back.
It's not a sending off - it wasn't even a yellow card.
He [Welsh] twisted in mid-air, that was all. I asked him [the referee] to have a look at it and he did it.
It's his asistant who said it. He said Andy swung out at him. He hasn't done it. I kind of feel for the ref because he has to send him off if the assistant says it.
There's no pont in me chewing on at him because it will not serve any purpose.
Andy was terrific. A good 15 grand's worth from Stockport! He has been different class that kid. He's come in and worked hard, built himself up. He deserves to be playing just for his attutude.
There is a suggestion we could have had a penalty. They had a good start and a good couple of chances. The difference in the first half was a wonder-strike.
We had good chances, good balls into the box. We got in behind them and played a lot of good football. I thought they paid us a lot of respect in the first half. They had to because we had good possession.
That said they pushed on in the second half. We perhaps did not have the courage of our own conviction to push on. They had the better of the second half.
We'll never know about the last 10 or 15 minutes becuse we put two on and tried to get something.
It will be difficult enough for us this season without having people sent off for something like that.
I'm pleased he [Cisse] didn't score, we might have had a few more problems then. Stubbsy got clattered [by Gerrard] and perhaps it was that incident that led to him being taken off.
There was a few running the risk of beng sent off.
I don't think the game warrented so many yellow cards. There was a bit of Swan Lake going on!
There were some tackles. I think if they are allowed to compete and tackle the players then have more respect for each other. They just get up and get on with it then.
I've had two games in the Premiership and it's a better place to be. Perhaps we've got to learn that people are a bit cuter, brighter, more intelliegent in the Premier League - that's why they are playing there.
We need to learn. In fact we have because this peroformance was a lot better than the last [against Charlton].
If anything I can go away happy at the way we played. I might be unhappy about some other things, but I'm happy with the way we played.All the best,Mick McCarthy

Not a comment from anyone!!

Whats up lads?

Sun shining or something?

I'm gannin oot ye boring bassa's

Cometh the hour, cometh the man, cometh the committee!!!

Tell it like it was Jim.

Losing to the European Champions

We lost 1-0 at Anfield.

There is no disgrace in that particualrly when you consider it was from a needless freekick and we played the last 20 minutes with 10 men.

Welsh sending off was never a sending off and don't be surprised to see that one rescinded very quickly. He won't even get a yellow.

I think this performance will have surprised McCarthy because he will look back on it and think" yes we frustrated them but we created opportunities that 2 strikers may have made the difference."

Expect to go 4-4-2 on Tuesday night and expect a win.

Click the title, there are few photo's from the game courtesy of Getty Images

After all the negativity of the first day this performance gives real hope for the future. I have a feeling that we may just do OK.

V Liverpool

Watching this game on Coolstream.

I'm impressed!!!

Alonso's goal from a needless free kick conceded by Robinson,(again) with Xavi having no options on really. Whilst Davies has handled everything well and got a hand to the free kick he needs to make sure he lines his wall up to close down the angles. The backview showed a gap to squeeze the kick in.

From then on in was all Sunderland and with another striker up front may have been able to exploit the crosses coming in from Welsh, Whitehead and Lawrence with alarming regularity. Nosworthy has done really well indeed and has surprised me. His use of the ball has been excellent.

I really don't think we'll beat these but Liverpool are struggling to come up with any ideas to counter our system in midfield.

C'mon lads prove me wrong in the second half.

Where's Jimmy?

Last heard from Jim at 9:30 on Friday night, still stuck in Heathrow on his way back from Istanbul. Hope he makes it to the game - I'm a bit worried about him being down there in London by himself with all those terrorists etc. No, it's not the Al-Quaddea gang I'm concerned about but it's a rumour circulating round Durham thats there's a renegade gang of Mags running loose down in London and they're carrying pictures of Jimmy from our promotion party with orders to 'deal with him' and prevent him going in front of the committee on Sunday. I hope he's OK. I'm sure he'll make it to Liverpool somehow, we might even get some kip on the bus if he's tired!

Haway the Lads - Scousers 1 Black Cats 2. Oops, Hold on, I think I'm still asleep and dreaming. I'll have to remind myself to check this blog when I get back and see if this true.

BREAKING NEWS!!! ARGENTINA VS ENGLAND

Check this out guys!! Argentina v England on Saturday, 12th November.... Let's bet from no on..haha

Langley Park SAFCSA function.

This looks like a canny night out lads for anyone who is interested.

Duncan McKenzie, comedian Gary Skyner with Chris Brown and other representatives from the Club (and pie and peas) on at Langley Club on 2nd Sept. Tickets are £6.

Courtesy of John Turnock and old associate from the days when we had big mebership and regualr away travel. ( Oh how times have changed)

Mail me at the usual if you are interested and I'll contact John about tickets, or you can ring him yourself on 07791 675241.

All proceeds are for the Grace House Childrens Hospice Appeal

I'd have gone myself but holidays are in the way.

Stephen Wright out for 12 weeks

Click on title for link to Safc.com. Damaged medial ligaments in his left knee following a training ground accident on Monday. Needs surgery, will be out for 3 months.
Well, I was worried about Wrighty and was concerned he wasn't up to the Prem but now I'm really worried as Nyron Nosworthy looked well off the pace when he came on vs Charlton. Perhaps I'm being a bit unfair on NN and not giving him much of a chance - good luck to the lad, I hope he turns out to be a good 'un, but it's a huge jump playing for Gillingham in Div 1 to Anfield on Saturday and it'll be a big test of character for him.
On the + ve side the injury has happened at a time when we can still do something about it, before the transfer deadline, so we'll see what MMc does now, but not good news.

Mel likes them old.

Take a good look at this one Mel. See if you can guess when it was taken? What's missing from the pic?
The Coxhoe Cameraman

SPLOGGERS

I know it is a great shame to block access to people wishing to pass comment on our great team, but I think it is time to formally ask Jim for access to this board and his little blogging community.

We are in danger of being bombarded by what I would call "Sploggers", i.e spammers who target blog pages to get you to subscribe to their goods or to advertise their goods. Already I notice there are additional comments with links attached to Argentinian Mackems lovely photo of the Velez fan.

Come on everyone give Jim a ring or drop him a mail and get a formal invite to join in.

KEEP BLOG PAGES SPAM FREE!!!

This a kiss for you all SAFC bloggers from a (cute) Velez fan 

The Way We Were

And the way we are.

Nowts changed much down here.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

I'll be Missing

This week my fellow bloggers I will be away on business most of the week and probably not be able to post or read any blogs. Today off to Leicester back late tonight then off to Istanbul with BA on Tuesday - if my plane is there! Won't be back until late Friday.
Keep smiling don't be despondent (not about SAFC) but the fact I will be off the blog site for most of the week!

We need more members to post messages - for that all important invite to the blog site postings email me or give me a call on my mobile.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Analysing the analysis

Thought I'd take a good look at Billy's analysis of yesterday and put my own view on things point by point.

At this very early stage of the season it's going to be pretty much tongue in cheek, cos looking back 12 months it was all doom and gloom after the first game. Now is not the time to question tactics or close season purchases, but 6 - 10 games in if things haven't improved then may be the time that MM feels the pressure come on to him.

Lets have a look at Billy's analysis then:-

Well I watched the game again on MOTD and we were poor.
The understatement of the season so far, we were piss poor.

The defensive frailties were there for all to see and we definitely need to tighten up in midfield and defence - we gave Charlton far too much time and space and they capitalised with ease.

40,000 people knew of our defensive frailties at the end of last season so why didn't McCarthy play Stubbs yesterday? Do we now understand why PORTSMOUTH were happy to let Robinson go? He is not Premiership class.

I think things will improve when Stubbs and McCartney get in the side but Julio looked poor at full back and Stephen Wright was equally unimpressive at right back although he was loads better than Nosworthy who looks like he'll be the new whipping boy.

You all know my views on Arca and the big league. Looks ordinary amongst better players. Looks good amongst lower league players. And yet we all shouted for Arca to be played in his natural role as a fullback now we don't think he's upto the mark in his natural role. Wrighty will become the Michael Gray of the new premiership soujourn. Leaves us far too exposed with his ventures up field. At this level you need pace to get back. Has Wright got it?

I'm very worried about Wrighty more than any other position - he looked out of his depth and needs to improve greatly or else we'll be in trouble in that area.

See above comments regarding Wright and may there be a bid for a right back currently out of the picture in Smogsville. I'll ask his fatha .

One positive thing to come out of the game is that we've got it over and can now hopefully move on and improve.

There are only 37 more to go Billy

The first game after promotion is always a big step and some of the lads looked over-awed and TBH they haven't played together much as a side.

Haven't played much together? Only the Canada and States tour, Holland, England and a pre season at the AOL. How much do they need together?

We could also have got an equaliser late on, before the last minute goal, if we'd been a bit sharper in the box following some good build up work by Welsh down the left but it was ominous how a long punt out of the box led to the last goal.

Do we now understand why BLACKBURN ROVERS were happy to off load Stead. He is NOT premier class and McCarthy must wonder if he really does have the ability to step up.

Cauldwell just jogged along beside his man who had loads of time to set himself up and he popped it in to the goal.

Old man Steptoes horse is quicker than Caldwell. Will we see Stubbs replace him or should he stay in and drop Breen? Or should we go with a Breen Stubbs combo? Plenty of experience.

Poor positioning by Davis but he should never have been allowed to get the shot in. The lesson learnt should be that you can't give strikers time and space in the Premier or they'll score.Anyway, that games over. After watching Liverpool last night we'll get nothing out of that game but need to get going against Man City and Wigan. The Smogs looked very ordinary last night and we'll see how the Mags do against Arsenal today. What odds a NE treble for relegation?

The ordinary Smogs with 10 men took a point off the Champions of Europe and the Mags with 10 men are currently holding last years runners up 0-0.

Nothing can be taken for granted this season. As Billy said in an earlier post as long as we don't fall too far behind and are playing catch up then we may have a chance. There needs to be some fighting spirit and togetherness and they are going to have to wise up very, very quickly. Every mistake at this level gets punished.

Mick's Comments

Dear SAFCSA Coxhoe Branch

It was a mixed performance.

Charlton are an accomplished Premier League outfit and for 30 minutes their shape caused us problems.Not that their first goal came from that - we gave the ball away.
We matched them for a spell before half-time and got back in it but we never got a chance to see whether the man advantage would work in our favour.
We didn't mark well off a throw, we gave away a sloppy free-kick and Danny Murphy did what Danny Murphy does. It knocked the stuffing out of us.
They defended well with 10 men, stuck eight men behind the ball and we never got a chance until the last 10 minutes.

We put in a couple of good crosses at the end and might have scored.
We were hit with a sucker punch at the end but I'm not too concerned about the third goal. We'd still have no points had we lost 2-1.

I was delighted with their [the players'] efforts. The lads worked very hard. It was our first game and it's a case of suck it and see. It's a learning curve.
It's going to take a little while for the team to settle but I hope not too long.
We knew it would be difficult and we knew any mistakes would get punished. That happened today.

We were good in patches and instances. People don't want to hear a positive spin when we've lost. We played some good football at times and it gives me encuragement. We'll get better.
There are 37 more games to go. West Brom won one out of 23 and still stayed up.
Had we won today would we be a top Premier League side? Probably not. For 20 minutes before half-time we more than matched them. We were certainly not overawed.
The Premier League is a big thing for us. I said to the players afterwards, 'Do you thing you were outplayed'. They said no.

The fans were brilliant - absolutely brilliant. They responded well when we were down and I was thrilled with them today.

Mick

Enough about the game - how was the entertainment in Coxhoe club last night?

Hopefully all the focus was on the singer and not on any 'off-stage' antics? Presumably all was quiet and well behaved - full report please!

Good, Bad or Indifferent?

Right lads I'm eager to know what's gone on this afternoon. How you saw the game, and how you see the season panning out?

I've spent the afternoon shopping with Mrs Hoofer for the little bits and pieces you take on holiday, or should I say I've spent my time standing outside of shops while the missus looks for clothes to take on holiday. You know how it is.

Anyway I saw the bus pass the house this afternoon as we sat and watched Everton v Man Utd on www.coolstreaming.org ( worth downloading and using the ESPN channel for live Prem footy.) 3 games on today, including the Prem Plus game at Smogsville and all for nowt.

We were 1-0 down when I got out of the car in Durham. Then went to Peterlee where we were 2-1 down and up against 10 men when I got back in the car and 3-1 down as I left the A19.

So where are the fault lines? Did Welsh really need to come off to be replaced with a forward, when it sounded as though he was the only player providing service to the forwards?

Are Breen and Caldwell as bad as ever? Sounded like it on the radio?

Bad start lads against one of the "ordinary prem sides" and looks likeMM will get the title of worst prem Manager in it's history after we leave Anfield next week. 11 defeats in a row.

We live in hope, but as Andy Gray ( commentator) said on SKY this morning." Mick has bought a lot but no quality. In this division you need quality or you will be punished."

We knew that already.

Now you lads have seen it first hand.

Disappointing weekend...

Couldnt have being worse for me?? To begin with me, Velez lost again 1-0 to Argentinos Juniors (former Arca's side) and that meant two losses in a row. Two played two lost. There was not a very good turn-out, 18.000 i think. The weather was great , a bit cold at 23.00 pm but the 19ºC helped for a warm evening. As you can see, the only thing needed was a Velez win but...

This morning, Charlton beat SAFC 3-1 .. But the experience was great.. listening to the game via internet was tops. How did you enjoyed the game you all guys? I heard it was raining and that stuff. Waiting for your PREMIERHIP REPORT...

Velez and Sunderland are my passions and apparently the go the same tracks sometimes..

The Argentinian Mackem

This is the dawning of the age of the Premiership ...

Well fellow Bloggers and loyal SAFC supporters this is the day we have been waiting for - the 2005/2006 campaign in the Premiership. Will we enjoy it - hopefully we will be okay but with a few horrendous results along the way.
Prediction for today SAFC to win 1.0 with Tommy Miller scoring in the second half.

What do you think the year might bring? Answers (only about football) through the normal channels.

Jim Gilling
Secretary to you - the merry band of SAFC bloggers.

The Fort has changed!!!

Well bloggers and frequenters of the Fort our "local" on Roker Avenue in Sunderland. Dropped in last night after getting my away top. Hit on lucky official opening night before the season starts. It's had a lick of paint and more importantly new "good looking" management. Katie is the new landlady and as you can see from the picture Billy Senior is going to love her. Get there early guys cos I think this place will really take off given the example of the clientele that look like getting in - see picture. The one at the front is Susie - she will be one of the barmaids on Saturday. Keep your eyes only on the pints guys. This might even tempt Cousin Billy or even Huyton to get into our new revamped Fort!!!!



The lovely Katie behind the bar

The Fort - some of the Barmaids and drinkers!

Some of the gals that will get in - some behind the bar!
Susie the blonde in the front will work behind the bar before the match Saturday

HEY YOU ALL SAFC BLOGGERS

how are u guys?! Was a long time since i last posted a message here in the blog. Stuyding hard lately, tests and that stuff. But next Saturday is special for everyone connected with SAFC. And alos for me; at 11.00 am on Saturday i'll log in order lo listen to the match vs Charlton.. Whom of you iis attending the match?? I want to predict a score: just a tight 2-1 for Sunderland.

The d-day is coming closer and there will be always support for The Lads from Argentina..
Luck and hugs

Walter

Mags non season ticket sell out

Interesting thread on RTG (click title for link) discussing the Mags not selling out their season tickets. A couple of the postings copied below. All is not well at SJP!


It doesnt really need much discussing.Consistently underperforming club, who have conned their fans for far too long now and won fuckall for 50 years. they have a load of workie tickets playing for them whose behaviour is, by and large beyond the pale, publically fighting on the field of play, and a manager who copuldnt manage his way out of a paper bag. the club is run by a bloke who makes a mint out of the club and repays the loyal fans by calling a section of them "dogs". Woeful. Posted by My Boy Harry


It's the prawn sandwich brigade starting to realise that they cab tune into Sky and watch "entertainment" from Chelski, Arsenal and Man Ure, rather than continuing to watch the dross you lot dished out last year.Some supporters who were excluded by not having season tickets, or the cash to buy them will come back, but this last 10 or so years, where almost a generation of supporters have not been to access Sidney James's, could well mean they are happy enough to buy the shirt and watch you on Sky.This could be a defining season at Greyskull, do the same (or worse) than last season in the Premiership and you lot are in trouble......... the funny thing is, like us and Leeds, you are failing to realise it......... . Posted by Lucky 19672

SAFC sign Andy Gray?????

Perhaps this is the last part of our get out clause in the previous contract with SKY! Think he is a better soccer pundit than a striker.

Sunderland complete Gray signing
Mick McCarthy has signed another striker - Andy Gray from Sheffield United.
The 27 year old has joined SAFC on a contract that will see him stay with us until summer 2008, at a cost of £1.1m.
Mick McCarthy was pleased to see the deal finally done, and said "At 27 years old, he's in his prime. His style of play gives us another option up front and I think this is another excellent signing."
Gray played his final game for the Blades in their season-opening 4-1 defeat of Leicester at Bramall Lane last Saturday, when he scored from the spot.
ANDY GRAY PEN PICTURE
Andrew GrayStrikerDOB 15.11.77Born in Harrogate
Leeds Utd: Jul 95 - Aug 98 (Trainee)Notts Forest: Aug 98 - Aug 02 - 75 apps 1 goalBradford: Aug 02 - Feb 04, 81 apps 21 goalsSheff Utd: Feb 04 - Aug 05, 65 apps 28 goalsPosted by Mackem Angel at August 10, 2005 07:17 PM
-->

Pre-season questions

Jimmy, could you please clarify the situation

1. Will there be a bus on Saturday?
2. Where will it be picking up?
3. What time will it be leaving?
4. Will it be full?
5. Will the double-deckers be back on?
6. Will Ralphy be driving or will it be Jackie?
7. Will we be parking in Dundas Street?
8. How much will the fares be?
9. Is Jack back in charge?
10. How many buses will we be taking away?
11. Will you be wanting any subs this season?
12. If we qualify for Europe will you be putting a bus on?

Household tip No.1 - EZ plug puller

Reposted due to possible problem from a comment left by an unknown source.

Origianl posting by Billy:-



Another scoop for the Coxhoe blogsite - here is the first in a series of useful household tips. As the season progresses and things happen we'll see if we can come up with some others. I thought I'd put plug puller into google and see what it came up with. Here's what it says.
"Sure, many of the plugs in your house stay where they are for years. The EZ Plug Puller is not for them. The EZ Plug Puller is for the hair dryer, the shaver, the iron, kitchen appliances, electrical tools (the pa system and stage lighting) and anything else that you plug in to use and then unplug to put away.Add a margin of safety when kids must use electrical devices.The Plug Puller attaches permanently to any plug and is secured by the plastic ties supplied. The easy-to-hold puller has two large finger holes for extra control. Also if you ever need to unplug an appliance quickly the EZ PLug Puller is ideal - every home and workingmen's club should have one in case of an unexpected 'emergency unplugging' arising "
So there you have it. If you've got a stuck plug or one you want to to remove in a hurry then either get Jimmy round or invest in a EZ plug puller @$5.45. A added benefit of the EZ plug puller is that, by using the two large finger holes, you can quickly slip your fingers out and are ready to give the V's to any passing Mag who might be in the vicinity.
LONG LIVE THE MACKEM PLUG PULLER
LEGEND
P.S. Don't worry Stephen, just having a bit fun with Jimmy - will be the model of discretion in the club on Saturday, promise.

Spammers on the blog page again

further to an anonymous comment at the EZ plug puller post by Billy.

A SPAMMER SO DON'T OPEN IT MAY WELL BE A PANDORAS BOX.

please delete it Jim if you get the chance,

First Home Match

Just a reminder and pass the word around to those who are not regular readers of our marvelous blog site: -

The bus will leave Kelloe Greyhound at 12.50pm / Coxhoe Londis Shop 12.55pm and West Cornforth at 1.00pm.

Bus fare is £5.00 adults and £3.00 under 16 and OAP's

PLEASE NOTE SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE ON THE BUS PLEASE BRING ANY FORMS AND £2.00 WITH YOU AS I WILL BE TAKING SUBS ON THE BUS.

Also I will be in the Club (yes the club) from 12.00pm onwards if anyone wants to join me in a drink - but not to discuss recent events until we are outside of the club as I am up in front of the committee on August 21st and do not want to add more problems than it's worth. Letter is in the post.

Are you all getting excited merry bloggers???

Jim Gilling
Coxhoe Plug Puller and loyal SAFC supporter.

Smiling assassin.

Just so it keeps it fresh in your memory Mackem Plug Puller. Look at this everyday and remember the happy smiling face looking out at you. Count the Mags in the picture and remember those 2-1's and the Dyer Bowyer incident. Never let them forget and long live the legendary mackem plug puller
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Principles and the Mackem Plug Puller

prin+ci+ple 1. a standard or rule of personal conduct.2. a set of such moral rules, a man of principle

In the very likely event that our hero gets called to account for his actions on Saturday night, then I sincerely hope he does not abandon his principles and bow down to Mag pressure. ( can't see it somehow bloggers, can you?)

I sincerely hope he tells it like it is and is prepared to accept the sanctions which may or may not come his way.

I find it incredibly sad that a man who works very hard for a living, spending little time with the people closest to him, to ensure they have a good life, cannot enjoy his one night out at the end of week, without it being spoiled by "no brainers."

I also applaud him for the cool, calm,collected and considered way in which he responded in the face of extreme provocation. He is indeed a hero of the highest order and will be awarded the CDM (Cadbury's Dairy Milk).

What, one wonders, will be the outcome?

Whatever it is there is only one winner.

LONG LIVE THE MACKEM PLUG PULLER

LEGEND

LONG LIVE THE MACKEM PLUG PULLER

HERO
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Toon Terrorism

Terrorism:- defn; the systematic act of violence or intimidation to achieve some goal.

Now then, in light of Jim's experience in the the club last night,and the manner in which he handled himself without resorting to violent or aggressive behaviour, puts into perspective the mentality of your average no brain Mag. Not happy to keep their brand of intimidation and sick humour within their own confines they like to export it and claim to be the superior beings.

They are an insightless lot Mags are. Lets look at the evidence and ask ourselves a few questions.

How many of those who sit in Coxhoe Club of a Saturday night are regular Carbuncle attenders?

How many of them would know which bus you catch to Newcastle and what time it goes?

How many of them realise that Newcastle is in Northumberland and not County Durham?

How many of them had even heard of Newcastle before 1992?

When was the last time Newcastle won a major DOMESTIC trophy?

Who was it exalted Alan Shearer as "Mary Poppins", Newcastle women as "dogs" and the fans as "idiots"

When was the last time you saw two Premiership footballers belting seven shades of shit out of each other?

Whatever happened to the Geordie nation and the Sporting Club of Newcastle?

Who is known as the "King of Bling"? and keeps traffic police and traffic wardens very busy?

Who has greater vision and insight, David Ginola and Lauren Robert or Robbie Eliott and Alan Shearer?

Who REALLY believes that Shearer will be the next manager of the Scum other than himself?

So then should the club expect a boycott on 13th August from 12 noon onwards? Personally I would most certainly advocate it. Lets be realistic here, it's not because of the company or the singers or the craic that people attend the club, it's because the beers cheap and they know they have a captive market.

I genuinely hope and pray that the club and it's committee can see past their nose ends when it comes to sanctions and realise that the behaviour of the singer, the bus load and members of it's own committee were inciting racial hatred of the footballing kind. I shudder to think what would have happened had some of the more volatlie members been present. I appreciate that one of our own is a member of the said committee and would I hope, look on this incident as a case of Toon terrorism and support Jim, should it get that far.

I propose new laws to curb this growing trend that will worsen with the return of Mackems to their rightful place.

1.Anyone with links to Toon terrorism refused asylum in the County Of Durham.
2.Strip citizenship of County Durham for anyone with Toon links who incites football racial hatred and deport them North of the Tyne
3. Make it an offence to glorify the Toon in any establishment that is prepared to use crap singers for propaganda purposes.
4. Close the borders South of the Tyne and keep crap singers out.
5. Make StevieN and his missus attend SJP every game so they gain insight into what long suffering Geordies with brains have had to put up with for years.

LONG LIVE THE MACKEM PLUG PULLER.

Guilty Yer Hona

Picture the scene bloggers last night in the club full to the brim with a bus load from Gateshead visiting after a day on the pee at Redcar Races and me and Mrs Gilligan, PeterJ and MrsJ having to sit next to the stage after the pies and sandwiches tables had been cleared. Singer good looking and not bad sounding either. During the second half spot the singer announces that she is not from Gateshead, as previously stated by the concert chairman SteveN, but from Newcastle and mad for the toon football club at which point she starts to sing the Monkey's song day dream believer. Everytime the chorus came the singer would stop and the bus load plus Mrs StevieN Donna who was sitting on the next table to yours truely were singing sad mackem bastards and a shit football team. The singer was loving it and even said at one point come on you know the words and Mrs StevieN kept on singing with the rest of them but directing her melody to me with both arms and fingers pointing at me.
Well what was I to do bloggers - do a Reaper and give her and StevieN a going over - no I thought go to plan B - I stood up switched the stage lights and the singers amps off so it stopped all the anti-singing about our great football club. StevieN was not amused at all but it certainly stopped anymore anti SAFC sounds. StevieN got his own back at the end by playing all Lindifarne music Fog on the Tyne etc but I thought by this time I had made my point.

Childish - possibly, should I have done it - possibly not, will I ever do something like it again - probably not, but I was provoked into action to stop being called a mackem bastard direct to my face and also there was the good name of SAFC to defend.

So if or should I say when the letter comes from GeoffA I will plead guilty yer hona but will take a few with me including Mrs StevieN.

Wonder if the Red Lion will have us back as the head quarters for the Branch !!!!

Jim Gilling
FTM

FFS and Sourness (aka Jack and Vera Duckworth)

Freddy and Graham discuss the next big signing whilst shopping in Byker.




P.S. Another Coxhoe blogger first - a picture posted with the text to the side.

Premiership Preview

Great article in today's Sunday Times. Extensive review of each Premiership team then a prediction of where they will finish and, for a bit fun, "If they were a soap star they would be .....". Here's what it says.

Chelski
Prediction: 1st.
Manager sack rating: 1 hatchet
Comments: Who says money can't buy you happiness?
Soap star comparison: Coronation Street's Richard Hillman - Will murder everyone in sight.

Mags
Prediction: 9th
Manager sack rating: 4 hatchets (top rating with O'Leary)
Comments: Should be top six but they urgently need a replacement for the ageing Alan Shearer
Soap star comparison: Coronation Street's duelling Jack and Vera Duckworth - all those hilarious domestic squabbles

Smogs
Prediction: 6th
Manager sack rating: 2 hatchets
Comments: Steve Gibson, the poor man's Abramovich, deserves better reward for his munificence, and it is time McClaren delivered.
Saop star comparison: Coronation Street's mousey Gail Platt - People forget they're here, despite having hung around for aeons.

Man Ure
Prediction: 2nd
Manager sack rating: 3 hatchets
Comments: Beset by problems at the moment but their cast list is impressively strong - on paper at least.
Soap star comparison: Emmerdales Sadie King - glitz on the surface, machiavellian intrigue behind the scenes.

Sunderland
Prediction: 16th
Manager sack rating: 2 hatchets
Comments: Great support, excellent manager, dodgy players.
Soap star comparison: The entire cast of El Dorado - won't be with us for too long.

They have Fulham, West Brom and Wigan going down with West Ham 17th and us 16th.

Stanley Blues 2005

The Yardbirds headline Stanley Blues.
The Coxhoe Cameraman

Well here we are agin bloggers, the first Saturday in August, the start of the Coca Cola Football league and the 13th Stanley Blues Festival.

Not a day to be missed and the line up was as good as ever. There must have been close on 10,000 or maybe a few more there today and they were not let down by the quality of the music. First up were The Urge, a blues rock band with John Miles Junior displaying the skills honed by his fatha, no doubt on lead guitar. One to watch.

The John Whitehill Band are a solid R and B outfit with a great singer. This is blues at it's best. Watch out for them if they are ever down our way or if you fancy a night out at a blues club and they are on it's worth the trip. Solid.

Studebaker John a Mississippi slide guitarist of real quality. Pity his vocal were'nt as strong, probably the PA not up to full max. Still a showman and worth a look. Short set, cos he was off to play in Edinburgh the neet.

Lightnin Willie and the Poor Boys. Absolute show stopper and brought the house down with his Chicago blues with a touch of roackabilly thrown in. Really excellent.

Sharrie Williams and the Wiseguys, Gospel singing of the highest order. Has a real rough edge to her. Not my favourite but a solid set.

The Yardbirds. Credited with bringing rock music to our ears. Tight musically, witha singer / bass guitarist, reminiscent of a young Mick Jagger. Played old favourites like For your Love and Shape of things to come, but raised the roof with Dazed and Confused, that old Zep classic.

A great day out. Plenty beer, nee bother. Well none to speak of really but thats another tale

I'm back home

After the last two days in war torn London it is great to get back to normality and quiet without the constant sound of police sirens in the distance.
Anyway broke off from watching Sheff United v Leicester to see if anyone had posted regarding the start of the season being only 1 week away. I am now starting to look forward to the start and also the start of the "friendly" banter between us and the scum. Lets hope we play better when it is more competitive and three points at stake rather than the shite I watched in the friendly matches.
Anyone noticed but the credits for the coca cola league played at the start / interval and end of the live matches still show the SOL in the pictures - hope this is not a bad omen!

Jim Gilling
FTM

Things people say

Just to show how mad things still are in the world of NE football, I spoke to a lady at Amtrak depot in Darlington yesterday about an undelivered package (our Alex's new Man Utd away shirt). As we were sorting out delivery she asked was it a football shirt from Kitbag and which team etc. I explained and said that although Alex supported MU I was a Sunderland supporter. She said so were they. Bit more chat then she said
"My son's been poorly and he needed a kidney transplant. He ended up getting a kidney and we found out it was from a Leeds supporter. He was 'going mad' about it. Anyway, the kidney has not taken so he's had to have it removed ........ so thats good news !!"
I'm not sure if thats what she meant to say but thats what she said - weird people these Mackems!!

Play for your Club

Interesting little game found in a thread on RTG. Click on title or link below:

http://www.playforyourclub.com/play01.php

SAFC sign Le Tallec on season-long loan

Mick McCarthy has snapped up Anthony Le Tallec from Liverpool on a year-long loan deal. Now that Alan Stubs and Le Tallec have joined us the manager has brought in eight players over the close season, which is the amount of new playing staff he set out to attract at the start of the summer. Le Tallec said: "I chose to come to Sunderland because I need to play games. At Liverpool it is very difficult to play every week, the coach [Rafael Benitez] told me that. I don't know too much about Sunderland but I see it as a big club and a big challenge. I spoke to Mick McCarthy about the club and had a good feeling straight away. I'm a competitor and want to play games. I'm looking forward to playing in the Premiership with Sunderland."

Jim Gilling
FTM

Number games with Su Doku

Click the link and the mud will clear.

It looks fairly simple and as long as you work in a logical way then it should work itself out.

More transfer speculation

Sunderland may make another raid on Merseyside to bring in striker Anthony Le Tallec from Liverpool. According to reports Le Tallec will sign a season-long loan. The French striker, 20, spent the first half of last season on loan at St Etienne but did play for Liverpool against Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.Despite having scored just once in 32 appearances since joining the Reds three years ago from Le Havre, Le Tallec is highly rated.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have been linked with Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila. The 27-year-old reckons he’s happy to leave the French club after suffering grief from Strasbourg ’s supporters and is looking to train with SAFC sometime this week. Bassila spent the 2000/01 campaign in The Premiership with West Ham United but made just four appearances.


Jim Gilling
FTM

Stubbs signs.

Mick obviously reads the blog, and acts upon the thoughts of Coxhoe bloggers. First piece of quality, at least on paper, lets hope theres more to come.

Butt is in talks apparently.

Watch this space.

Mad Hackers

Huyton's posting on managers in the premiership formula for the sack etc was as you know hijacked by another blog site that could have led to all sorts of problems. I have had problems with the re-posting I have done of Huyton's original so sorry Huyton I know it was an excellent topic but to ensure no "hidden" problems I have deleted the re-posting as well.
I have also blocked comments from anyone other than members so if you want to post a message or add a comment you must be an invited member.

Hope you understand Huyton and if you want to place the topic back on please do as I think it was an interesting slant on football managers employment with clubs.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Coxhoe United FC

We had a message posted on our "old" readytogo web site from "coxhoedave" who has set up a web site for two new teams in Coxhoe; under 10's and under 9's. After a few emails I had a thought to have a page on our new web site for sport in our local community. If you click on the title it will take you to the new web site, review the sport in the local community page and you will see two links one to the Coxhoe United web site and the other to Velez Sarsfield - I know they are not local but are our adopted team in Argentina. If any of our members know of any local teams that have web sites and their sons (or daughters) play for any team drop me a note and I will add a link to the site.

If you look at the Coxhoe United web site they have added a link to our site - click links on their menu list.

Jim Gilling
FTM

Sudoku

What's it all about bloggers has anyone tried to complete one of these puzzles, if so how long did it take. As my brain does not work too good I ahve never attempted one. It seems to be a craze that has popped up all of a sudden is it just to fill Carol Vordeman's pockets again with mathematical trivia or an old "chinese" game. Fill me in bloggers with the history of this game.

Jim Gilling
FTM