BLC MEETING MINUTES

BLC MINUTES


Attendees
BLC: Steve Dean (BLC Secretary/Jarrow), Freda Oyston & Grahame Anderson (Disabled & Escorts), Rebecca Barr (Boldon), Doreen Fowler (Snr Supporters), Paul Newby (Newton Aycliffe), Rob Gilchrist (Main Branch), Mike Love (SE Northumberland).

SAFC: Peter Walker, Louise Wanless, Phil Clarkson, Rob Mason

Apologies
Niall Quinn, Lesley Callaghan, Fred Taylor, Stan Hall, Easington Branch, Greater Manchester Branch, Coxhoe Branch, Ferryhill Branch.
Date
Saturday 21st October 2006
Venue
Meeting Room 1, Black Cat House, Stadium of Light

Welcome
The Secretary Steve Dean in the absence of the Chairman welcomed everyone thanking them for their attendance and read out the minutes of the previous meeting.

Matters arising from the last BLC meeting:
No feedback as yet from branches on whether they want a Christmas social.
Fred Taylor forwarded a copy of an e-mail from Derby about thanks regarding the minute’s applause.
ALS are advertising for stewards on their coaches.

12-game season tickets
Phil Clarkson (ticket office manager) handed out a media release regarding the 12-game season ticket and a circular with a breakdown of cost of seats with a map of the various parts of the ground.

Category
Price
Saving on match-to-match purchasing
Under 12’s – Concession Areas
£65
£31
Under 16’s - Concession Areas
£75
£21
Under 22’s - Concession Areas
£125
£103
Senior Citizen- Concession Areas
£135
£33
Under 16 - West & East Stand and Premier Concourse Wings
£75
£21
Adult concession corners
£175
£53
Adult - Carling North Stand / South Stand
£185
£103
Adult - West & East Stand and Premier Wing
£225
£63
Adult - West & East Stand and Premier Centre
£245
£43
Disabled Patron

Personal Assistant/Helper
Prevailing prices as above.
Free of Charge
As above
Black Cats Bar
£385
£35

Ticket pricing for Stoke and Wolves
Sunderland were in contact with Stoke about 6-8 weeks prior to the fixture and were informed that the cost of tickets would be £19. Stoke do not however state at the start of the season what category each game is and the game was subsequently changed by Stoke to a category ‘A’ fixture. Sunderland stated that possibly in trying to inform the fans as early as possible of prices for forthcoming games that 6 weeks was maybe a little early but Stoke had stated originally that the likely cost was going to be £19.

A number of people complained at the policy by Stoke on arrival at the ground that people were informed that they could sit anywhere even though particular seats were allocated on each ticket, this meant a number of people who had purchased tickets expecting to sit next to friends and family could not now do so.

The Wolves game has actually worked the opposite way in that the club were originally informed that the cost of tickets for the game would be £27 for adults and £14 for concessions but Wolves have now announced a cut price offer of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. The BLC group stated that Wolves should be highly commended for this generous gesture and Louise Wanless suggested that the BLC contact the Chief Executive of Wolves, Steve Dean said he will send a letter to Wolves to thank them.

Club contact in Lesley Ryan’s absence
Phil Clarkson handed out details of the contact the Branches have to make while Lesley Ryan is away on maternity leave. Branch applications for away game tickets will be dealt with by CATHERINE GIBSON direct line 0191 5515161, but any email enquires should still be sent to L.Ryan@safc.com or fax 0191 55150.

Phil Clarkson stated that 85% of branch applications are received on the deadline day and it would be very helpful if applications could be submitted sooner especially as the club are processing such a high volume of applications for away games at the moment.

Feedback on reserve game at Hetton
The consensus of opinion was that the first reserve game at Hetton went well; the club were pleased that the ground coped with a crowd in excess of 1200. Freda Oyston said that the facilities for the disabled supporters were adequate and that the wheelchair spectators were treated well, the only possible fault was that the view was slightly restricted with people standing to the right of the disabled supporters.

Anti-racism week of action.
The club handed out a media release about the anti-racism week of action which stated Sunderland Football Club were once again backing national organisation ‘Kick It Out’ and the national week of anti-racism.

As part of the club’s on-going commitment to anti-racism SAFC Foundation is set to launch a new five year project, ‘Football First’, across Sunderland in the near future, designed to deal with conflict and racism issues and promote inclusive activity.

The programme, which is funded by ‘Sport Relief’ and ‘Stand Up Speak Out’, includes prevention work in primary schools, and street sessions with teenagers as well as Family Learning activities.

The initial phase of Football First will start in the East End of Sunderland during January next year.

Reminder to ST Holders of voucher to spend in Club shop
Steve Dean reminded the branches that there is a voucher in the season ticket book for a 15% reduction on goods bought in the club shop, there is a voucher which can be used prior to Christmas and another for after Christmas.

Election of BLC Committee
With a number of BLC members unavailable this month it was decided that the election of the committee will take place at the next monthly meeting an e mail will be sent to all the branches informing them of the following:-

The following positions and personnel are due for election at the next BLC monthly meeting to be held on Saturday 18th November 2006 prior to Colchester United game at the Black Cat House.

Secretary- STEVE DEAN Jarrow Branch SAFCSA
Chairman- FRED TAYLOR Boldon Branch SAFCSA
Vice Chairman- STAN HALL Newton Aycliffe SAFCSA
Treasurer- BRIAN HALLIMOND Central Scotland SAFCSA

Could the above named members contact Steve Dean at stevedeansafc@blueyonder.co.uk to inform him of their willingness to stand for re-election or if they intend to stand down from their role.

Could anyone wishing to propose anyone or if an individual would like to put their own name forward to stand for any of the above Committee Positions please inform Steve Dean no later than Wednesday 15th November 2006.


Any other Business
A number of branches have complained saying that they have not been receiving a copy of the BLC minutes via e-mail, so could all branches ensure that up-to-date
e-mail contact details are forwarded to Louise Wanless ASAP ensuring that not only the BLC minutes are received but that any club media releases are too.

Louise Wanless stated that the club is in the process of preparing an A5 leaflet regarding anti social behavior by fans at away games. It was pointed out that anyone found misbehaving or breaking the law at away games will be banned from attending home games.

It was pointed out by the Newton Aycliffe branch that a new law is to be implemented next April regarding stewarding of private hire coaches in that all stewards will be CRB checked for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
There were a number of complaints regarding Preston running out of beer and other refreshments before and during the halftime interval this led to a number of disturbances and people were stating that the Police were heavy handed
Steve Dean pointed out that the BLC will be featured in the new issue of the Legion of Light.
A number of supporters will feature in a SKY advert where a coach load of supporters were filmed at a service station kicking a ball through an advertising logo.
A group of fans have contacted the BLC regarding the setting up of a Sunderland Supporters Trust. The BLC members present said that it seemed a strange time to want to start such a group after the takeover by Niall Quinn and the Drumaville Consortium. There are already groups such as the BLC and Sunderland Liaison Group who have access to the club officials and Directors. The Supporters trust is at a fledgling stage but if it does take off they may well want to come to a BLC meeting to inform people of what they hope to achieve as a group.
Rob Mason came into the meeting to show off the official club books which will be available to fans to buy, one is aimed at the younger supporters an official club annual and another called Match of My Life where a number of former Sunderland greats recall some of the great games they have appeared in during their illustrious careers playing for Sunderland.

Closure of meeting

The Acting Chairman and Secretary thanked everyone for their attendance, and reminded everyone that all items for inclusion on the agenda should be sent to Fred Taylor or Steve Dean ASAP. no later than the Wednesday before a meeting so that an agenda can be sent out prior to the meeting, and this would also greatly help the club in being able to answer any possible queries that may result. Meeting closed at 1.20pm.

Next meeting to be held prior to the Colchester game on Saturday 18th Nov. 2006 at The Black Cat House 12.00pm

SAFC v Cardiff City

CASH TURNSTILES AVAILABLE FOR CARDIFF GAME

The Black Cats welcome Cardiff City to the Stadium of Light tonight (7.45pm kick-off), and cash turnstiles will be available.

Tickets are priced from £8 juniors and £24 adults (£19 in concession areas).

Concessionary tickets are not available from the cash turnstiles and must be purchased from the ticket office which will be open from 10am until kick-off.

The following cash turnstiles will be in operation: 7, 8, 39, 40, 47, 48, 55, 56, 63, 64, 65 and 66.

Tickets are available in person from the Stadium of Light ticket office or by calling 0845 671 1973 (local rate number, 24 hours).

Supporters can also purchase match tickets online via the club’s official website, www.safc.com, 24 hours a day.

Club Honours All Time Great - King Charlie

Sunderland AFC and Republic of Ireland legend Charlie Hurley recently celebrated his 70th birthday and in honour of the milestone Chairman Niall Quinn has announced that the ‘Chairman’s Suite’ at the Stadium of Light is to be re-named ‘The Charlie Hurley Suite.’

Charlie, who like Black Cats boss Roy Keane, was born in Cork, made 400 appearances for Sunderland from 1957 – 1969. He was voted the Clubs’ ‘Player of the Century’ in a fans poll and still retains legendary status amongst the Wearside faithful.

Sunderland AFC chairman Niall Quinn said: “Charlie Hurley still has such an influence on this football club it’s incredible. Most of my investors (the Drumaville consortium) are here because as younger men Charlie was a big part of their lives. The hold he has over the region and its football is immense and it’s getting stronger as he gets older.”

Manager Roy Keane added: “Charlie was well known in the Cork area and he’s a vital part of the history of this club. I’m looking forward to meeting him and he deserves all the plaudits he gets.”

Charlie will attend Sunderland’s match tomorrow evening as the Black Cats take on top-of-the-table side Cardiff City. He will be introduced to the Stadium of Light crowd on the pitch at half-time.

Tickets are still on sale for the game, which kicks off at 7:45pm, priced from £8 for juniors and £19 for adults. Sunderland are now unbeaten in their four home games and manager Roy Keane praised the fans for playing their part: “Our supporters have a vital role to play and they have been outstanding both home and away.

“There’s always a special atmosphere at night matches and I hope our fans come out in numbers to get behind the team.


-ends-

Breaking News!!!!!

At 7.08 am today me and MrsG became the proudest grandparents to Emily Kate Metcalfe, she was 6lbs 11oz and both baby and mother are doing fine. They should get home from hospital sometime this afternoon. Pictures will follow soon but probably first of all down Coxha club tonight to wet the baby's head.

So well done to Melanie and David .... not forgetting Emily Kate our newest branch member who was born to be a Mackem.

Still above the clouds and won't be down for a while yet!

Grandad Jim

SAFC v Cardiff City Tuesday 31st October 2006

Just a reminder that the coach will be a 33 seater and will leave at 5.55pm from Kelloe Greyhound and 6.00pm from Coxhoe Londis Shop. Anyone wishing to go please call or text the usual number.

Regards

Jim Gilling
Secretary

Hull City v SAFC - message from Keano

Dear Coxhoe Branch
He [Ross Wallace] had to go, he picked up the first booking for dissent, so he set himself up. It was the same at Derby. It's hard but he's young and he's learning.
Ross set himself up to be sent off so there's no sympathy. He's got to be a bit more clever but I won't look to crucify the lad. He will be suspended now and that's a blow.
I think we had enough chances to win it comfortably; the first half especially and then one or two in the second half.
You just hope they [the players] keep going, there is that concern when it's 0-0. They had one or two half-chances and Danny Collins made a great tackle in the second half.
Again perseverance was a big plus and we're delighted with the clean sheet.
We've had some disappointing away defeats recently but with so many supporters here today, the result was great. We felt we owed them [the fans] one.
The chance we scored was probably one of the harder ones, but it was nice to see that we are creating so many chances away from home.
There's a spirit building among the players. The results we've had in the last two weeks [Barnsley and Hull] - that's what we should be expecting, that's what the fans expect and we've got to build on it.
I know the players are good enough and today was great to see.
All the best,
Roy Keane
Hull City 0 Sunderland 1 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Sunderland v Cardiff City, Tuesday October 31 (7.45pm).
Click here to buy tickets online.

Hull City Away

Sunderland AFC would like to advise supporters holding tickets for Saturday’s game against Hull City that there will be no alcohol on sale to any Sunderland supporters seated in the Smith & Nephew North Stand of the Kingston Communications Stadium.

The game was originally a police category ‘B’ fixture, however because of the increased number of tickets sold to Sunderland fans (4,000), the game has been raised to a category ‘C’ game by Humberside police.

The general police policy for all category ‘C’ games at the Kingston Communications Stadium is a restriction on the sale of alcohol to visiting supporters.

Hull City AFC approached the police to try to obtain an exemption for this game but the police policy still stands.

12 MATCH SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Sunderland fans can snap up a 12-game season ticket for the second half of the Black Cats Championship campaign and make significant savings on purchasing tickets on a match-by-match basis.

The ticket package, which starts from Boxing Day, takes in Sunderland’s final 12 home fixtures, including Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Derby County and Wolves. Prices for adults start from £175 (in concession areas) and junior tickets start from only £65. Adults purchasing a seat in the north stand upper area can make savings of over £100 on match day purchasing and a junior 12-game ticket works out at just £5 per game, again representing a great saving on match day purchasing.

Sunderland AFC Chairman Niall Quinn said: “I hope our fans can see where we are trying to head as a club. We need their help and season ticket holders support for the team and the business as a whole is vital to us.

“The 12-game season ticket offers fans a fantastic chance to save money and show their support for the team and it would be great to see as many as possible take advantage of it.”

Black Cats boss Roy Keane praised the Sunderland faithful, adding: “I’ve been so impressed by our fans since I arrived, they really do get right behind the team both home and away and you can’t underestimate the importance of that kind of support.”

12-game season ticket holders also receive a range of additional benefits, ensuring their loyalty is rewarded. These include a free upgrade to the Black Cats Bar for a game of their choice (subject to availability) or a retail voucher to be redeemed against purchases over £30 in SAFC retail stores at the Stadium of Light and Sainsbury’s, Washington, priority for away match tickets and highly sought after fixtures, as well as a subscription to the club’s official magazine ‘Legion of Light’.

To purchase a 12-game season ticket call the dedicated hotline 0845 671 1973 (local rate number). Log on to the club’s official website, safc.com for further information.
-Ends-

Table of Prices - 12-game season ticket 2006/07

Category Price Saving on match-to-match purchasing
Under 12’s – Concession Areas £65 £31
Under 16’s - Concession Areas £75 £21
Under 22’s - Concession Areas £125 £103
Senior Citizen- Concession Areas £135 £33
Under 16 - West & East Stand
and Premier Concourse Wings £75 £21
Adult concession corners £175 £53
Adult - Carling North Stand /
South Stand £185 £103
Adult - West & East Stand
and Premier Wing £225 £63
Adult - West & East Stand
and Premier Centre £245 £43


Black Cats Bar £385

Another out on loan

Sunderland defender Clive Clarke today completed a loan move to Championship side Coventry City.

Clarke has signed a month-long deal with the Sky Blues and is eligible to play for the Midlands side as they take on Colchester tonight at the Ricoh Arena.

Message from Roy ... as we get back to winning ways, just!

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
When we were creating chances and their keeper was making save after save, you think it could have been one of those days.
But credit to the players, they kept persevering and eventually we got our rewards. Barnsley made it hard for us.
They were excellent goals, great finishes, from Dean Whitehead for the first and it came from good play by Liam Lawrence and Nuggsy.
The fans were getting frustrated - with those two especially - but I had a feeling they would be involved in something for us.
Ross [Wallace] did very well for the second and Browny got his rewards. Ross has got that extra bit - fresh legs, quick feet and he has done exactly what we hoped. He's a good outlet, taking people on.
The goal was just a matter of time. If you're not brave, if you slacken off, there's a good chance you will hit a brick wall.
You are going to have days when things don't go your way. The first half was frustrating, the fans were frustrated, Barnsley played some decent stuff.
You have got to earn the right to win any football match, whether it is Barnsley or Barcelona. Along with the goals and the clean sheet, that's what pleased me today, the perseverance of the players.
I spoke to Liam Lawrence and Nuggsy at half time and I felt they could do something to win the game. If you haven't got perseverance, you won't go anywhere in life.
Sometimes you have to win the game in the last 5 or 10 minutes - a lot of good teams do that. We're not good enough to think we can win it in the first 20 minutes.
If you look at the greats, they keep stepping on to the plate. Lennie and Nuggsy were examples of that today.
All the best,
Roy
Sunderland 2 Barnsley 0 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Hull City v Sunderland Saturday, October 28 (3pm)
Next home match:Sunderland v Cardiff City Tuesday, October 31 (7.45pm)
Click here to buy tickets online

Hull City v Sunderland

There has been some speculation that I was not going on the coach for this match. The Coxhoe Branch will travel on a Sedgefield branch mini bus that will only have the Coxhoe Branch plus possibly big Geoff to run the coach. I will also travel on this coach.

As for future coach trips to away matches we will discuss at a branch meeting as soon as dates permit but after the Hull trip.

Thanks for your understanding

Regards

Jim Gilling
Secretary

Am I showing my true colours?!?!

You have the answer guys..

Message from Roy ...... and yes we were absolutely shite!

Dear Coxhoe Branch,
We started the game OK, then the goals went flying in; the second goal was a big one - the decision went against us.
When that goes in, you are thinking it could be five or six but the players reacted well. We hit the post and had a couple off the line. I'm sure they [Preston] could have argued that they took their foot off the pedal a bit.
It's disappointing and it's a learning curve for all of us.
Goals change games. We conceded one and you look for a reaction, before you know it you're three down, sometimes football is as crazy as that.
They [players] gave a good effort in the second half but the game was over.
We had chances and that's the one plus, on another day we could have scored three. I don't feel it was a hammering but it goes in the record books as that.
When we get support like that it makes us even more determined to get it right.
I've spoken to one or two of the players, they don't think it was a penalty.
I think Preston will be there or thereabouts, it's a benchmark for us. There's a lot of hard work ahead. We need to improve, especially away from home.
I'm glad there's a game on Tuesday, it's going to be an important week for us now, it's how we react.
When you are on the back on a heavy defeat the next game becomes even more important, that's why the Stoke game is vital.
All the best,
Roy
Preston North End 4 Sunderland 1 Click here to visit the match centre.
Next match:Stoke City v Sunderland Tuesday, September 17 (7.45pm).
Click here for the latest ticket information.

England game

Did Jimmy go? Wonder if he's going to post a report or too fed up?

Spennymoor School FC

As Huyton may say can you name any or all of the team on this photo? 

Wembley here we come!

A few shots of Wembley as it was last week when I was down the smoke following in the footsteps of the Billys staying at the Wembley Premier Lodge. Must admit it looks impressive.
The FA reckon it will be okay for the FA Cup 2007 just when SAFC will be ready!!!

 

Message to all Mags supporters

Click on title for link.

Northern Echo again.... before you get at me!!!

Well you have to keep those Kelloe links alive, wouldn't you agree chaps?


National Orphanage Cup's parentage

Recent recollections of Winterton Hospital FC, near Sedgefield, overflowed into memories of the National Orphanage Cup - and the thought that the "nation" seemed not to extend much beyond a five-mile radius of Trimdon.
By way of possible confirmation, Jack Turton in Coxhoe sends a photograph of the East Hetton County Mixed School side of 1947-48, which beat Trimdon Grange 1-0 in the NOC final.
His dad Jim - "goalkeeper and probably the smallest player on the field" - holds the ball aloft. Afterwards, says Jack, they paraded the cup through Kelloe and raised enough to buy a new strip.
The picture shows, back: George Strong, Norman Luke, Eddie Wilkinson, Herbert Ward; Middle: George Fisher, Jim Turton, Tom Vance, Ray Clark; Front: John Hesler, Ray Lowery, Gordon Parnaby, Stan Johnson, Clifford Seaton.
Mr Ellis and Mr Ruddick are the teachers on the left, headmaster Mr Thompson and, behind him, Tommy Hunt the caretaker are on the right.
We've also heard from Martin Jones in Chilton, whose Winterton hat-trick we mentioned a couple of weeks back - "All from 25 yards," he insists - and from Mal Dickenson, whose father Brian ran the successful sides of the 60s and early 70s and who's hoping to revive the cup competition played in his memory.
Brian died in 1984, the trophy contested between representative sides of the Auckland and District and Durham and District leagues. "With the Auckland league disappearing, so did the match and the trophy," says Mal.
Someone recalls seeing it in Cockfield workmen's club. We'll pass on any information.
None of this, however, gives much clue to the parentage of the National Orphanage Cup. John Briggs only muddies waters by sending a 1929 team photograph of West Auckland FC with both the Northern Orphanage and Tudhoe Orphanage Cups.
Before finally we put it to bed, can anyone shed some benevolence on the Orphanage?

Sunderland Stats

Don't know if you've ever visited this site before but I think it's a good one and deserves a look. Loads of Sunderland stats.

Question: Is 2-0 the worst score in football?

Most gaffers or even people connected with football agree with this view. They claim 2-0 is the worst score in football, that is, it's either easy for the opposition to come back in the game or perhaps you slot the 3rd and that's it!

In spite of all this, according to Velez's last performance, i can assure you it's been the worst score in a long time. Yesterday, we're beating Boca away. First half whistle and we're up 2-0. Full time whistle and we ended down 3-2... How the hell can I explain it!?!?!?

Opinion piece

1-Is 2-0 one of the worst scores in football?

2-Which was one of the hardest defeats you exeperienced as a football fan?

There was a great pestilence in the land

Courtesy of RTG


There was a great pestilence in the land with much gnashing of teeth among the dwindling ranks of the faithful. The mighty Temple of Light was shunned by many as they succumbed to the glitter of the minor deities Sky, Matalan and an obscure sect known only by the initials B&Q . Too long had they listened to the blandishments of the false messiah Murray and possessed they were by evil spirits. There was need of a great healer for the tribe’s ills. Suddenly there arose in the west a prophet called Quinn, known also as Niall, clad in wondrous trousers and much given to pleasures of the dance. He gathered the faithful and sayeth unto them as he danced wondrously, “Trust in me, ye Cats of Black, and in my brethren from the land of the setting sun and again there will arise a new leader who shall fill thy Temple of Light with the ranks of the chosen ones.” The faithful heard the words of Quinn, also known as Niall, the trousered one, and thought that they were good but were sore perplexed and there was great debate among them about who the new leader would be. Brother was set against brother as some championed the prophet O’Neill and others Allardyce, also known as Big Sam, while a small yet defiant sect plotted to restore the fallen idol Reid, a renegade monk formerly known as Peter of Huyton.

And lo! Murray was driven from the land and the dancing Quinn came bearing gifts into the Holy of Holies on the north bank of the Wear. Gathering the scribes he sayeth unto them, “Be ye not afeared, goodly Mackems, but it is written that the darkest hour comes just before the dawn. Yet, keep the faith and all will be well with thee!” Verily, it came to pass that on a terrible evening in a dark place known appropriately as Bury, a great suffering was visited upon the faithful and upon their kith and kin and oxen. Many cast their votive season tickets upon stormy waters before throwing their pitiful selves in after them and others were lost on the journey home, lured to their doom by Sirens in towns along the way. A few managed to survive and through their tears they assailed their trousered prophet and threatened to tear him asunder.

Quinn, also known as Niall, danced before them before reminding them of his recent words and exhorting them to put their trust in him and all would be good. Then there arose in the north rumours of a wondrous happening. Begat of the mighty Clough and Ferguson the Thunderer, a new messiah known only as Keano, a former centurion in the ranks of an alien power had undergone a miraculous conversion somewhere on the southbound carriageway of the A74 and was heading to the temple at the head of his band of disciples. Keano soon arrived in the temple amidst much jubilation. He caused the blind to see, the lame to walk and even managed to get the tribe a mention on the front page of The Guardian, which hadn’t happened for many generations. He glowered upon Quinn’s chosen ones with a terrible aspect as they fought to overcome a rival sect called by their supporters the Baggies. And so it came to pass that the Baggies were driven from the land and everywhere they went they spread word of the mightiness of Keano.

Keano himself parted the waters of the Wear and leading the faithful into a place known as Mowbray Park fed nearly 25,000 of them on three saveloy dips and a bottle of Double Maxim. Another triumph soon followed against the followers of the Rams and on a great night near a road that some called Elland a mighty faith was rekindled in the hearts of the tribe. Yea, but some followers became possessed by ecstatic spirits and began to talk in tongues about a League of Champions that the faithful would all soon share but Keano bade them just to keep their feet on the ground and all would come right in time. As if on cue, a lesser sect from a place known only as Leicester entered the temple one afternoon in September and caused many once more to doubt their faith. Keano just smiled and spoke of a reality check and not even when many of his disciples were smitten hip and thigh, forcing them to abandon the following of their leader for several weeks, did he sway from his purpose. A greater reverse was soon to come in the land where the locals had for years celebrated their mysteries with a potion known in their language as Tolly Cobbold.

While there, a young new disciple by name of Wallace picked up a mysterious red card and wasn’t seen by the tribe for over a week. Keano knew these cards of old and warned his disciples to avoid them unless they too wished to disappear, though he continued to smile and speak simply to those around him of patience and teamwork. Verily, he was proved to be right and victory against an incursion by the stubborn Owls and their travelling band of minstrels soon restored those of little faith. “Keano, we are sorry that we doubted thee! Forgive us!” they cried as they lay prostrate before him rending their sacred red and white shirts asunder. Holding up a pink tablet upon which a strange matrix of names and numbers was inscribed, Keano pointed out that three more points, whatever points may be, would put them all in a position from which they could move on to the promised land, known in ancient lore as the Premiership.

"Stranger" at the match

As I was making my way to my seat I bumped into no other than ALAN JENNINGS! Only had time to mumble "How are you doing, long time no see" and he was gone but pleased to see him. Don't know if he's started going again or if this was a one-off but good that he's found his way back.