FabSwingers.com forum: January Football Thread

By *hief Scout OP Man
7 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Post your stories, games, travels etc., over the next month here.

* * *

Always plenty of games on New Year's Day. Anyone off to a match ?

QPR v. Watford awaits for me.

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By *ie n MashCouple
7 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Thanks for opening this up.

Flackwell Heath v Aylesbury United for me, then a trip up to Manchester on Saturday for our first ever 3pm ko at the Eitihad on a Saturday.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
7 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"Thanks for opening this up.

Flackwell Heath v Aylesbury United for me, then a trip up to Manchester on Saturday for our first ever 3pm ko at the Eitihad on a Saturday."

Keeps it simple to have a fresh one each month !

Have found a non-league game on doorstep for Friday night, am at Watford v. Sheff Utd on Sat, and Fulham v. Ipswich, and that (assuming no probs in Fri) will be 100th game of the season.

Back at QPR on Mon v. Luton. At a 'Brentford B' game Tues afternoon and Wycombe v. Huddersfield in evening. Watford Youth v. Crewe Youth in F.A. Youth Cup next Weds.

Doing FOUR games in the 3rd Round next week. Fulham v. Watford on Thurs (will just sit back & see what unfolds, though I would expect Fulham to win), Wycombe v. Portsmouth on Fri, Orient v. Derby on Sat (tickets ten quid, well done Orient) & Millwall v. Dagenham on Mon. (Then it's West Ham-Fulham on the Tues).

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By *ie n MashCouple
7 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Apparently a LOT of people will be joining you at the Millwall -Daggers game (and not that many are normally interested in Dagenham).

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By *ouchthisbeardMan
7 weeks ago

London/Nottm

Between two cities (named on my profile) to watch 3 home games and then i have Bournemouth away at the end of the month.

It’s been quite a journey the last 4/5 years!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
7 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"Apparently a LOT of people will be joining you at the Millwall -Daggers game (and not that many are normally interested in Dagenham)."

As the song goes..... "Let 'em come". Anyway, will be good for them to size up their local Derby for next season

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By *hief Scout OP Man
7 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Just home, drying out & getting warm after a soggy trip to Loftus Road.

Watford lucky to get away with a 3-1 beating, QPR a MUCH improved team from when I saw them a couple of times in November

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By *om and JennieCouple
7 weeks ago

Chams or Socials

91st minute equaliser still sees us bottom & also managerless 💚💚

J x

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By *ie n MashCouple
7 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Well, that was a complete washout - literally and figuratively. Arrived at Flackwell Heath 20 mins before KO, at exactly the same time as the game was called off. Didn’t even switch the engine off, just turned round and headed home.

Already expecting next Wednesday’s game at Kidlington to fall foul of a frozen pitch.

On the plus side, brilliant result for The Monkey Hangers today. Hopefully they can follow that up and reach the play-offs. That first ever trip to Wembley is long overdue.

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By *abioMan
7 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

Great result for the red and white goal scoring dream machine at Brentford, especially with half the team apparently suffering from “dickie tummies “

Brighton on Saturday then Manchester Uniteds “end of season” party the week after!

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By *evotee101Woman
7 weeks ago

Houghton le Spring

At Rangers tomorrow, chance to go 17 points clear 🍀💚🤍💚🤍💚🤍🍀

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By *ornydavina53Man
7 weeks ago

tonbridge

My Chelsea team, had too much Xmas pud, plus manager messed the team selection up centre half as full back no way, congrats to Ipswich though, like this team and manager

Chelsea Davina ❤️👠

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By *ookie46Woman
7 weeks ago

Deepest darkest Peru

Good home win at the SOL last night for us

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By *ouchthisbeardMan
7 weeks ago

London/Nottm

"Good home win at the SOL last night for us "

I watched the game. Good win!

My teams back to 3rd in the PL. which i will absolutely take

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By *hief Scout OP Man
7 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Who's going where today ? Has the weather played havoc with your plans ?

Start of another full week for me. Another tough one for Watford today, home to Sheffield United. I'll take a point.

Fulham v. Ipswich tomorrow, then back at Loftus Road on Mon for QPR v. Luton (which will be my 100th game of the season). Should be at a Brentford U21 at Staines on Tues afternoon, before Wycombe v. Huddersfield in the evening. Watford Youth v. Crewe Youth in the F.A. Youth Cup 4th Round on Wednesday evening. Then F.A. Cup 3rd Round weekend begins - more of that later in week.

As always, to anyone travelling (particularly in this weather) safe trip, & enjoy your game.

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By *abioMan
7 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

Dear Tottenham hotspurs….

Please don’t sack ange before the NLD on the 15th…… I don’t need the fear of a new manager bounce!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
7 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Although the result was obviously not what I was hoping for, that was a very decent afternoon's entertainment at Vicarage Road.

Sheffield United are nailed on for top two, was best display I've seen from a visiting team this season. But Watford matched them for most of the game and a draw would not have been unfair result.

My first priority when I go to a game is to come home feeling I've been entertained and not short-changed by the efforts of the players (on both sides). So certainly no complaints on that front this afternoon.

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By *ortyairCouple
7 weeks ago

Wallasey

"Dear Tottenham hotspurs….

Please don’t sack ange before the NLD on the 15th…… I don’t need the fear of a new manager bounce! "
No fear involved now, it's a nothing game now with nothing riding on it apart from the 'derby' pride riding on a positive result, Mrs x

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By *om and JennieCouple
7 weeks ago

Chams or Socials

A local away game for us at Stoke resulted in a 0-0 draw but very happy with 1 point!!

J x

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By *igT-Time-4-FunMan
6 weeks ago

Bedfordshire areas SOCIAL or fun let's chat

"My Chelsea team, had too much Xmas pud, plus manager messed the team selection up centre half as full back no way, congrats to Ipswich though, like this team and manager

Chelsea Davina ❤️👠"

---------

MAD CHELSEA FAN go lots.

Few bad - slack games.

Can't message you as you blocked men.

Reply to this please.

let's chat.

**UP-THE-CHELS💙**

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

2-2 at The Cottage, THREE penalties awarded & converted.

Frustrating for Fulham not to have won it on balance of play, yet maybe fortunate to have come out with a point. Eighteen months since Mitrovic left, and still haven't signed a half decent replacement.

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By *luebell888Woman
6 weeks ago

Lanzarote

Motherwell have just beaten Aberdeen 2- 0 at home

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Oh.....and my bugbear !

Ipswich's blue shirts/white shorts does NOT clash with Fulham's white/black. So WHY did Ipswich roll up in pink today ? Arrrrgggghhhh !

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

A chilly rather than wet evening at Loftus Road for my 100th game of the season. Deserved 2-1 win for QPR, now moving steadily away from trouble. Luton still seem to have hangover from last season

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Home & thawed out from poor game at Wycombe (0-1) v. Huddersfield. Think Huddersfield's only real effort on goal was the one from which they scored. Wycombe's best effort was a header which hit the bar in the 89th minute.

Academy game at lunchtime was decent though - Brentford B 3 Charlton U21 2.

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By *oxy-RedWoman
6 weeks ago

pink panther territory

Great win for Newcastle utd against Arsenal tonight

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By *ie n MashCouple
6 weeks ago

Back in Malice

2nd postponement of 2025. As predicted a week ago, frozen pitch puts a halt to the joys of Kidlington v Aylesbury United tonight.

Only 2 days to wait until I have the pleasure of watching The ‘Appy ‘’Ammers play their only game in the FA Cup this year.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Aaahhhh BUT.....it's all change now you've got rid of Loppy.

Having said that, I'm not sure Potter (assuming he takes it) is all he's cracked up to be.

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By (user no longer on site)
6 weeks ago

Anyone got spare Arsenal tickets

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

So the Cup is underway again. Mixed squads but strongest teams at The Cottage tonight. Watford made hard decent fist of it in first half, but once Fulham regained lead there wasn't any doubt over outcome. 4-1 FT

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Bugger me, it was SERIOUSLY cold out in Buckinghamshire tonight ! A deserved 2-0 win for Wycombe against a Portsmouth team who offered very little in terms of good attacking football.

Will be keeping a close eye on Orient's website from morning onwards, am supposed to be at their game with Derby. Good surface at Brisbane Road, but with this prolonged run of near-freezing temps it must be borderline.

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By *ie n MashCouple
6 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Didn’t want to win the FA Cup anyway 😢😢😢

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By *eavenNhellCouple
6 weeks ago

carrbrook stalybridge

no game for us again frozen pitch called off yesterday 9am to save Eastliegh traveling so thats no home league games since start of december due to fa cup fa trophy rain fog and now the big freeze bugger

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By *tu100Man
6 weeks ago

Southampton

[Removed by poster at 11/01/25 07:58:13]

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By *tu100Man
6 weeks ago

Southampton

"no game for us again frozen pitch called off yesterday 9am to save Eastliegh traveling so thats no home league games since start of december due to fa cup fa trophy rain fog and now the big freeze bugger "

Was hoping to travel to see this one, luckily no tickets had been bought so nothing lost.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

At least that's common sense, getting an early decision made. It's great to see nice clear skies at this time of year, but I really dislike the cold temperatures that come with it. (Throw into the mix the fact I've had a cold on and off for about four weeks that won't fuck off). I gather it's due to turn on Monday

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Not surprisingly, Orient v. Derby has fallen. Can't even make the new date, I'm at West Ham v. Fulham on Tuesday.

Question is, am I inclined to venture to Hemel Hempstead v. Slough in National South ("3G" pitch, so definitely on)

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By *ie n MashCouple
6 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Yes you are. Lovely set up at Hemel and, hey, it’s a football match!

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By *eavenNhellCouple
6 weeks ago

carrbrook stalybridge

Was hoping to travel to see this one, luckily no tickets had been bought so nothing lost."
it of advice if you do come up for the re arranged game whenever it is and no matter the weather forecast bring a big coat boundary park is not know as ice station zebra without reason

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By *serxyzMan
6 weeks ago

Nah we didnt!

I'm working away from home this week in Basildon so will get chance to go the Fulham game at least! last game I went was our battering at home by Chelsea.

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By *ewbootsandpanties99Man
6 weeks ago

Darkest South East Surrey

Just back from watching Whyteleafe thrash Dereham 5-0 in the FA Vase to reach the last 16. I'm slowly beginning to get movement back into my feet!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"Yes you are. Lovely set up at Hemel and, hey, it’s a football match!

Indeed I did, match no. 105, bonus was it was approaching half past two before I needed to head out.

Hemel 1-0 up at HT. Slough equalised on the hour, and Hemel found another gear and three more goals in last twenty mins, including one with very last kick of the game. 4-1 FT, and worth the trip out.

Shall keep my beady eyes on the games on telly tomorrow - then Millwall v. Dagenham on Mon, West Ham v. Fulham on Tues.....by which time temperatures should be a little more civilised !

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By *om and JennieCouple
6 weeks ago

Chams or Socials

God knows how but we knocked Brentford out of the cup!! Glad I didn’t bet on us loosing 5-0

J x

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By *hief Scout OP Man
6 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Fantastic result, shock of the round (....so far !)

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By *eavenNhellCouple
5 weeks ago

carrbrook stalybridge

For me, nothing quite beats the magic of the FA Cup third round.

It’s just great to watch a small club from way down the leagues have their big day out and challenge one of the big clubs at their home ground and pull off a massive upset.

Well done Manchester United!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

On way home from last Cup tie of the long weekend. Comfortable 3-0 win for Millwall, capped by a gem of a goal from one of their youngsters.

It was fresh, but at least I could still feel fingers & toes on stroll back to Canada Water. Thank f*** the extreme cold is away for a while.

Wet Spam v. Fulham tomorrow. Have also been able to pass on my ticket for Orient v Derby which is also now tomorrow to someone who can make use of it.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Tonight's "entertainment". What is there to say about West Ham 3 Fulham 2 ???

Well, I can't recall the last time I was angry coming away after a match. In forty odd years of watching live football, I'm struggling to recall when I last saw a team give away three goals as cheaply and needlessly as Fulham did tonight.

I am absolutely fucking fuming !!!

Thank you & goodnight !

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By *ingobingoMan
5 weeks ago

chch

"Oh.....and my bugbear !

Ipswich's blue shirts/white shorts does NOT clash with Fulham's white/black. So WHY did Ipswich roll up in pink today ? Arrrrgggghhhh !"

Because we beat Spurs away (also a white team) in our lovely pink Ed Sheeren designed kit and we need all the luck we can get at the moment. It very nearly worked.

Go Tractor Boys!

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By *ie n MashCouple
5 weeks ago

Back in Malice

"Tonight's "entertainment". What is there to say about West Ham 3 Fulham 2 ???

I am absolutely fucking fuming !!!

Thank you & goodnight !"

Got to admit, the first and third goals were comical. In 90 minutes we have had more good fortune under Potter than Lopetegui had in his entire 6-month tenure.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

I'm sick & tired of seeing goalkeepers & defenders who think they can play piss about at the back. They CAN'T f'kn play, that's why they're goalkeepers & defenders !!! Fulham were in control of the early stages of that game, but threw it in the space of ninety seconds or so.

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By *antasy Explorers 1313Couple
5 weeks ago

A place where others reside (West Oxfordshire)

Great thread!!

In terms of refereeing I had my 5th game in a row called off last night, this one because of fog!

Saturday sees me venture to the Kassam to watch Oxford vs Blackburn.

Fingers crossed for Sunday's County Cup match to go ahead for a first game in black since the 21st December!!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"Great thread!!

In terms of refereeing I had my 5th game in a row called off last night, this one because of fog!

Saturday sees me venture to the Kassam to watch Oxford vs Blackburn.

Fingers crossed for Sunday's County Cup match to go ahead for a first game in black since the 21st December!!

Glad to see Oxford United back at Championship level. I do trek out to the occasional game there, no more than once or twice as season, and visited a few times with Hayes in the Conference days.

All being well I should be at Watford Youth's rearranged Youth Cup tie with Crewe this evening, then it's back across to The Den for Millwall v. Hull on Sat. Watford v. Preston next Tuesday.

Absolutely delighted for Orient that they got through on Tuesday, chap who used my ticket had thoroughly enjoyable evening. Now awaiting ticket details for Manchester City tie, I SHOULD be able to grab one after Season Ticket holders have claimed theirs.

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By *ORDERMANMan
5 weeks ago

wrexham

Mighty reds have cross border derby tonight with the slops.

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By *antasy Explorers 1313Couple
5 weeks ago

A place where others reside (West Oxfordshire)

"Great thread!!

In terms of refereeing I had my 5th game in a row called off last night, this one because of fog!

Saturday sees me venture to the Kassam to watch Oxford vs Blackburn.

Fingers crossed for Sunday's County Cup match to go ahead for a first game in black since the 21st December!!

Glad to see Oxford United back at Championship level. I do trek out to the occasional game there, no more than once or twice as season, and visited a few times with Hayes in the Conference days.

All being well I should be at Watford Youth's rearranged Youth Cup tie with Crewe this evening, then it's back across to The Den for Millwall v. Hull on Sat. Watford v. Preston next Tuesday.

Good luck with that. Should be a cracking tie and a bumper crowd.

After Saturday, not sure when the next live football will be.

Likely to be a non-league game at either North Leigh, Kidlington, Carterton or Clanfield.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Back from Youth Cup tie at Kings Langley.

Watford dominated first half, but were just the single goal up at the break. Crewe had good opening spell in 2nd half to equalise. Almost immediately Watford went up a gear, went back in front, and then added two more.

4-1 FT, Watford home to Grimsby or Tottenham in next round. If they have any foresight, they'll play it at Vicarage Road if Spurs win other match

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By *serxyzMan
5 weeks ago

Yep I was there, good result for us but I'd say we were very lucky.

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By *abioMan
5 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

Dear arsenal manager…

Striker please…

Love

The Arsenal fans!!!

…….

Seriously.. is there a more glaring need for any club in English football!

My fave would be Isak (not happening and I don’t think even I would do it at £150 million)

My fear is vlahovic….. don’t do it, he is a lump!

My I would be happy option would be victor oshimen.. you have to think 70 million would finally be enough to get that deal done!

My that is typical arsenal option is Jonathan David at Lille, not a bad striker, 6 months left on his contract, he will be a good option somewhere, just not sure it’s us!!!

My “go for bust and go out there and make a statement” option would be go talk to Napoli about a deal for oshimen AND Kvitcha…. About 75-80 million for each, and kk has just put in a transfer request, you could go and get both now! …. If your normal front 3 just became kk on the left, saka on the right, oshimen down the middle!

With odegaard the man supplying the bullets…you could argue best front line in Europe!

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
5 weeks ago

in Lancashire

"Dear arsenal manager…

Striker please…

Love

The Arsenal fans!!!

…….

Seriously.. is there a more glaring need for any club in English football!

My fave would be Isak (not happening and I don’t think even I would do it at £150 million)

My fear is vlahovic….. don’t do it, he is a lump!

My I would be happy option would be victor oshimen.. you have to think 70 million would finally be enough to get that deal done!

My that is typical arsenal option is Jonathan David at Lille, not a bad striker, 6 months left on his contract, he will be a good option somewhere, just not sure it’s us!!!

With odegaard the man supplying the bullets…you could argue best front line in Europe! "

If..

My aunt was my uncle she would have a set of knackers Fabio..

Whilst everyone can see what is needed now, not in the summer how open are the board to splashing out to achieve?

At the moment relying on Sterling, havertz and I can't recall the youngster must frustrate..

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By *enrydarrenMan
5 weeks ago

Harrow Weald

Haaland new contract is mad

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By *abioMan
5 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Dear arsenal manager…

Striker please…

Love

The Arsenal fans!!!

…….

Seriously.. is there a more glaring need for any club in English football!

My fave would be Isak (not happening and I don’t think even I would do it at £150 million)

My fear is vlahovic….. don’t do it, he is a lump!

My I would be happy option would be victor oshimen.. you have to think 70 million would finally be enough to get that deal done!

My that is typical arsenal option is Jonathan David at Lille, not a bad striker, 6 months left on his contract, he will be a good option somewhere, just not sure it’s us!!!

With odegaard the man supplying the bullets…you could argue best front line in Europe!

If..

My aunt was my uncle she would have a set of knackers Fabio..

Whilst everyone can see what is needed now, not in the summer how open are the board to splashing out to achieve?

At the moment relying on Sterling, havertz and I can't recall the youngster must frustrate.."

The thing especially about the Napoli situation is that both oshimen (basically sent on loan to turkey because he was such an annoyance…. And KK who even Napoli said was likely to go in January …..

If you were to go get those two… plus zubimendi in the summer (now looking more positive… and you have the squad!!) Jorginho is leaving… tierney can go back to Celtic with all our love, with the emergence of Lewis skelly, that gives room for zincheko to leave, also probably kiwior as well!

The only question would then be Thomas Partey… if he goes then replace him (kobie mainoo please if united are serious about letting everyone go for a price)

Is not like we have not seen the glaring need.. and then we sell the reserve striker (more about him in a minute) just to make it worse!

So from the summer transfer window, we actually made a profit! (About 50 million!.. nketiah to palace and ESR to Fulham brought in 80 million, califori cost was 30 million so we actually have “January money “

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By *abioMan
5 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Haaland new contract is mad "

There is going to have to be either a big player option on the back end, or a release clause in it… otherwise even for financial fair play that doesn’t make sense

Unless the 9 and a half years is to make sure when they get relegated to national league south after the 115 charges, he can still get them back to the promised land

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By *abioMan
5 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Haaland new contract is mad

There is going to have to be either a big player option on the back end, or a release clause in it… otherwise even for financial fair play that doesn’t make sense

Unless the 9 and a half years is to make sure when they get relegated to national league south after the 115 charges, he can still get them back to the promised land

Bloody auto correct.. I meant national league north!!!! That’s annoying!!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Manchester City have enough money to chase the Premier League through every court on the planet. They might get a few minor charges to stick, but I doubt City will get hammered

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

That time of the week again. Who's going where today ? Doesn't look like any issues weather-wise.

I'm across town for Millwall but. Hull at 12.30

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By *tormchasingCouple
5 weeks ago

Essex

Billericay Town vs Dulwich for us today

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By *ie n MashCouple
5 weeks ago

Back in Malice

At home v The Nigels, 3pm KO. Let’s see if Mr Potter can continue to weave his magic.

Very keen eye will be kept on events at Wealdstone. C’mon The Monkey Hangers!

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By *ggdrasil66Man
5 weeks ago

Saltdean

I’m working today, and United are playing tomorrow. So I will listen to football commentary of my second fav team. Yeah, Scunthorpe are away at Chorley in national league north. UP THE IRON!

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By *ixiePoisonWoman
5 weeks ago

Darlington

Howay the Mags

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By *ixiePoisonWoman
5 weeks ago

Darlington

Think I gave them the kiss of death

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By *hief Scout OP Man
5 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"At home v The Nigels, 3pm KO. Let’s see if Mr Potter can continue to weave his magic.

Very keen eye will be kept on events at Wealdstone. C’mon The Monkey Hangers!"

We'll see if Crippled Palarse gift you two goals as Fulham did the other night !

Just on way home from Millwall v. Hull (0-1, Cooper og). Typical low quality Championship fayre, lots of huff & puff, but no real quality. I sense Alex Neil's honeymoon as Millwall manager is going to be as short & as welcome as Starmer's.

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By *ie n MashCouple
5 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Fair play to Palace today, who were very good value for their 3 points. Impressed with how hard they all work for each other.

Delighted to see Potter bring on two of our youth players in the 2nd half, giving a debut to one. Already written this season off and happy for him to spend the remaining 16 games planning for next season, including trying to incorporate more of our home grown youngsters in the squad.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
4 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

A fair few games on tonight. Anyone else off anywhere ?

Just about to head off to The Vic for Watford v. Preston

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By *hief Scout OP Man
4 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Watford slip to another 1-2 home defeat. But if you don't Shoot, you can't score goals. Too much fanny-football & no finishers, but Preston far the better team (particularly first half) & deserved the win.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
4 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

That time of the week again. Looks like no issues weather-wise, so where are the fellow footy fans on here headed this weekend ?

Games both days for me. A trip to the East End today, Orient v. Reading. (Good news is should be able to get ticket for Manchester City game on Monday). And then there's the bonus of Fulham v. Manchester United tomorrow.

As always, safe travels and enjoy your game.

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By *ie n MashCouple
4 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Off to Villa away tomorrow for our 2nd trip there this month. Monday is the big one - our u21s v Leeds Utd u21s at York City, our first trip to York’s new ground. Really looking forward to this.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
4 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Good solid win for Orient today, 2-0 v. Reading

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By *eavenNhellCouple
3 weeks ago

carrbrook stalybridge

"Good solid win for Orient today, 2-0 v. Reading"
the fortunes of the "Os" seem to have massively turned around since our 2nd round cup game

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Indeed, going VERY well.

* * *

Meanwhile, over at the Cottage....

THIRD season running I've seen Fulham mugged by a bang average United team. If ever a half-decent side was crying out for a proper striker, it's Fulham. Jiminez & Muniz are too similar & CAN'T play together, typically one will start and be replaced at some point by the other. They're sound at the back, and have talent to create chances. But there's so much good approach play wasted, I reflect on daft points dropped at home to the likes of Ipswich & Southampton, and that bloody farce at West Ham the other week - they really ought to be about ten points better off than they are. Very frustrating

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By *ie n MashCouple
3 weeks ago

Back in Malice

I quite enjoyed that bloody farce at West Ham h the other week 🤣.

Superb 2nd half from my lot today. Villa probably happier with the point than us.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Just seen highlights on MoTD2, draw looked about right.

Plans this week are QPR U21 v Colchester U21 at Shithouse Road on Tuesday (1pm), Wycombe v. Barnsley in evening, and with tickets on offer at £30 Spurs v. Elfsborg on Thurs. That'll bring me up to 115 gamed so far this season.

And there's the small matter of my Orient Membership making me eligible to book a ticket for the Manchester City from midday tomorrow. Fingers crossed ticket website doesn't crash !

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By *ie n MashCouple
3 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Safely ensconced in a dry, warm hotel after a great WHU u21 performance v Leeds at York City’s new ground. Lovely to see two teams trying to play football with no cheating or histrionics.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Sounds like a win-win-win all round. Good match, new stadium, evening in York. Went to Bootham Crescent with Hayes in Conference a few times, but last of those would have been approaching thirteen years ago.

Got ticket for Orient-Man City as soon as on sale to Members yesterday. One of best games I ever saw at Brisbane Road was in 4th Round v. Forest in 1988, cracking atmosphere, just under 20,000 in ground. Frank Clark was Orient manager at the time, and he'd spent four years under Clough in Forest's glory days, retiring after 1979 European Cup Final.

QPR U21 game I had pencilled in for lunchtime has been switched from Loftus Road to training ground to protect pitch, so will not bother with that, so it will just be a little jaunt to Buckinghamshire & Adams Park this evening. If there's a club in the League anywhere this season who are massively punching above their weight it's Wycombe

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By *reative-mindMan
3 weeks ago

Exeter

My beloved Grecians face Orient this evening.... just want to get it over and done with. We have been awful the last few games.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Orient have been in superb run since November, only game lost was Stevenage in the tinpot Cup last week.

They've just taken a lad on loan from Blackburn for rest of season, Dylan Markanday (he was Spurs Academy, released last summer). He'll play up front on the right, wears no. 44, looks a little bit like Salah ! Scored a very confident well taken goal on Saturday, and Orient made sure to get the ball to him as often as possible. If your defence allow him to play you can expect a busy evening.

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By *ushrangerMan
3 weeks ago

Basingstoke

Urrrrsss, not been to football for a while, used to have season tickets and travel all over the country, other commitments prevent me as much now

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Saw Rangers a couple of times in November, and thought they were nailed-on certs for the drop. But have been in superb form recently and will clearly be comfortable.

The Championship is a seriously fucked-up, unpredictable division, you can see a fantastic game one day and a bloody awful one the next, but it's the best division to watch.

Am at QPR home games with Blackburn & Derby in next few weeks, as usual managed to get in for Block Y (in corner) of Stan Bowles Stand, tickets just £22 each.

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By *ushrangerMan
3 weeks ago

Basingstoke

That's just us, we have no consistency and are unpredictable, I used to get up in Q or R block, I was in Y block the last time we played Huddersfield, I'm originally from the White City enjoy the games buddy.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"That's just us, we have no consistency and are unpredictable, I used to get up in Q or R block, I was in Y block the last time we played Huddersfield, I'm originally from the White City enjoy the games buddy."

Cheers. I didn't enjoy New Year's Day too much ! Was also at the Luton game a few days later. Main thing for Rangers is after looking like relegation material for first third of season they'll be OK now.

Anyway, just parked up in vicinity of Adams Park, hopefully Wycombe can chalk up a decent result v Barnsley.

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By *ushrangerMan
3 weeks ago

Basingstoke

Enjoy your evening buddy

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By *abioMan
3 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Sounds like a win-win-win all round. Good match, new stadium, evening in York. Went to Bootham Crescent with Hayes in Conference a few times, but last of those would have been approaching thirteen years ago.

That made me laugh… oh I could tell you a few stories about frank clark in his orient days…

let’s just say he didn’t always look happy picking up his daughters from Fairlop waters at 2am on a Saturday morning…

Oh the stories of rich kids hanging out at rich places with the general population… lol… actually they were lovely!!! Mouths on them like dockers!!

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Excellent post ! What I can only add was I enjoyed trips across town to Orient in the late 80's (inc. 4th Div play off Final in 1989 !) attractive football, pitch was like a billiard table.

* * *

Anyway, on to tonight. Magnificent 95th minute header from Richard Kone (who'd also equalised with a penalty) to win the game for Wycombe. Barnsley only created a couple of decent chances, scoring from the first of them after nine minutes. But their 'keeper had a very bust evening and made three ir four excellent saves. Enjoyable evening.

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By *2000ManMan
3 weeks ago

Worthing

Local club Worthing are top of their league! They lost playoff final last season so nice to see them back up there. Special mention to Bournemouth who I also follow. Euro footie? Could be their season!

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By *abioMan
3 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Excellent post ! What I can only add was I enjoyed trips across town to Orient in the late 80's (inc. 4th Div play off Final in 1989 !) attractive football, pitch was like a billiard table.

* * *

Orient was a funny place to go because there was almost something akin to a “non aggression pact “ between arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham fans who use to go to Brisbane road when their team wasn’t playing at home!

I remember some fun times down there at cup weekends! I got recognised off tele one year when orient were drawn at home to forest and it was the itv live cup game.. and we gave Roy Keane dogs abuse

I also remember being at an orient West Ham fa cup game when the whole crowd laughed about hearing Spurs getting knocked out by a lower league team!

Anyway… back to 2025…..

Bring on Ollie Watkins!!! I had forgotten the deadline window was Friday!!!

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By *ie n MashCouple
3 weeks ago

Back in Malice

Back in the late 80s, Orient was somewhere us West Ham fans in our early 20s went if they had a decent game and we weren’t playing. Chief Scout has already alluded to their 1989 play-off success. We went to the home semi v Wrexham, whose firm decided to invade the home side terrace during the match. I still laugh at the sight of their faces as they raced back over the fences, chased by 50 West Ham they had no idea were there.

My Grandad supported the Os from when they were Clapton Orient and before they moved the other side of Lea Bridge Road. Delighted to see them doing so well and would love to see them promoted.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

"Delighted to see them doing so well and would love to see them promoted."

Not been in 'Second Division' since 1982.

The problem for clubs like Orient is typically any quality players aren't theirs, they're on loan from the Championship or are Academy kids from Premier League club out on loan cutting their teeth. Mind you, it's nothing new, I remember Kevin Campbell going there as an Arsenal youngster early in 1989 and giving then the boost that led to play-off success (though Campbell himself was only there from January until March)

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By *ie n MashCouple
3 weeks ago

Back in Malice

A certain Mr Kane was jumping on the 97 Bus from The Ridegeway down there on loan for a short while in his formative years.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Indeed. Did you know that in his last two or three years at Tottenham he was effectively Leyton Orient's shirt sponsor ? He'd give the club what they would normally get through shirt sponsorship, and then Orient would make the advertising space available for charities/local causes. I've a couple of LOFC tops with 'Haven House' (an East London hospice for ill children) and 'Mind' on them. Well done HK.

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By *abioMan
3 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"A certain Mr Kane was jumping on the 97 Bus from The Ridegeway down there on loan for a short while in his formative years."

Probably… (this is where we get proper east London) didn’t he play for ridgeway rangers in the echo league?

Before the proper academy system Back in the day so many players who played for top clubs played in echo league

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By *ie n MashCouple
3 weeks ago

Back in Malice

I have always believed that he played for Ridgeway Rovers, although I have no idea what league they play in. I lived just down the road throughout the 90s, never met them on the pitch during my time on Wanstead Flats or The Marshes.

I love the story about him paying Os money so they could promote local causes. He went to school with a mate’s daughter, who reckons he was a great lad. Only thing I dislike about him Is the Club he graced for far too long.

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Speaking of which, a trip to the ghetto to wrap up the month !

You know the gag...."An old girlfriend once said to me 'Kiss me where it smells'. So I took her to Tottenham" (F'kn hell, like a rubber band factory on fire). If an area can have no endearing features whatsoever it's Tottenham High Road - but with a state of the art space station smack bang in the middle of it.

With tickets available at thirty quid it was worth a look. Game went pretty much as expected, Spurs laboured for an hour, and it was always a case of "when" rather than "if" Elfsborg's defence gave way, three well taken goals (by players all no older than 21) saw them into the knockout phase.

Although I was sceptical at first, I think the new European competitions have worked. The old group system was getting stale, in many cases, groups were done & dusted come the fifth (or in some cases fourth) matchday, but this system has prolonged the interest. (After all, who would have said at the start that Manchester City would struggle ?). But you can envisage what's coming next. UEFA will hail it as a great success, and before you know it, it will be ten games, then twelve, then sixteen, and viola, you have your European Super League by the back door.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who's chipped in over the last few weeks. I'll get the February edition up & running tomorrow in time for Saturday.

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By *abioMan
3 weeks ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"I have always believed that he played for Ridgeway Rovers, although I have no idea what league they play in. I lived just down the road throughout the 90s, never met them on the pitch during my time on Wanstead Flats or The Marshes.

They played in the “Essex junior football league “ but it was just known as the echo league (as it was was sponsored by all the local echo newspapers back in the day) … covered east London and suburban Essex in the heyday!

Some had their own little grounds but a lot did play on the flats and the marshes

Didn’t he also help the O’s as they were the first clubs Tottenham sent him on loan to…

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

Didn’t he also help the O’s as they were the first clubs Tottenham sent him on loan to…"

As I mentioned, he'd give Orient what they'd expect to get for shirt sponsorship, and the Club would make the advertising space available for charities/good causes

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By *hief Scout OP Man
3 weeks ago

Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx !

* * * NEW PAGE FOR FEBRUARY OPEN ! * * *

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