I have just returned home after the Southport game and am still in shock. All I can say is that it wasn't good enough today. Apologies for all those who travelled to see that performance. We are in at 9 a.m tomorrow morning for training and have now got to forget Cup competitions and return to winning ways in the league on Tuesday. Promotion can still be had and is our only thought.
But tomorrow will not be all about football, it will be about a young man who has shown tremendous character and strength and a great girl who will soon be Mrs Todd.
Chris and Gemma, see you tomorrow.
CH
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Home Alone - ish
All quiet tonight, my Wife has taken Cam and Issy to football and athletics respectively while she in turn puts in a last blast at step aerobics before Toddy's wedding on Sunday - why is it women never eat leading up to big events, get stressed out because their outfits aren't right and then moan that they haven't had enough time to prepare?, or is it just me ?.
I am therefore just left with the task of entertaining, feeding and then putting to bed our little firecracker 'Hatty' - easier said than done. Whilst doing that I am trying to fill out a tax return which is winding me up big time. I phoned our friendly comrades at the inland revenue the other day and found myself on hold for 10 Min's. Unbelievably while on hold I had to listen to a sub-standard version of the song my Wife and I walked down the aisle to.
All the same it did bring back memories of that day, glorious weather, great friends and all our families present made for a fantastic Wedding day. It was incredible, the castle, the string quartet, the sumptuous food, in fact had I of found the right bride it would have been perfect - I'm obviously joking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
The combination of incredible heat on that sunny day in June though and an obscene amount of Champagne meant that some guests struggled to last the course but isn't that what a good wedding is all about? If someone doesn't fall over the back of an antique Chez Lounge ( Catrina ), miss the first course ( Auntie Margaret ) or throw shapes on the dance floor like MC Hammer ( Chatty ) it's a bit of a bad job. Watch this space for a run down on casualties at Toddy's wedding!.
Back on the road tomorrow as we travel up to Southport. I can't wait to reacquaint myself with my concrete seat and to witness Dave our driver crank up his traffic finder. No let up in requirements, we would all like to go to Wembley again hence victory is needed.
CH
I am therefore just left with the task of entertaining, feeding and then putting to bed our little firecracker 'Hatty' - easier said than done. Whilst doing that I am trying to fill out a tax return which is winding me up big time. I phoned our friendly comrades at the inland revenue the other day and found myself on hold for 10 Min's. Unbelievably while on hold I had to listen to a sub-standard version of the song my Wife and I walked down the aisle to.
All the same it did bring back memories of that day, glorious weather, great friends and all our families present made for a fantastic Wedding day. It was incredible, the castle, the string quartet, the sumptuous food, in fact had I of found the right bride it would have been perfect - I'm obviously joking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
The combination of incredible heat on that sunny day in June though and an obscene amount of Champagne meant that some guests struggled to last the course but isn't that what a good wedding is all about? If someone doesn't fall over the back of an antique Chez Lounge ( Catrina ), miss the first course ( Auntie Margaret ) or throw shapes on the dance floor like MC Hammer ( Chatty ) it's a bit of a bad job. Watch this space for a run down on casualties at Toddy's wedding!.
Back on the road tomorrow as we travel up to Southport. I can't wait to reacquaint myself with my concrete seat and to witness Dave our driver crank up his traffic finder. No let up in requirements, we would all like to go to Wembley again hence victory is needed.
CH
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Long Way Round
I eventually stumbled into the house this morning at 4 a.m , after one heck of a journey back from Lewes. First and foremost obviously we won and won well. We needed a victory and a great team effort ensured that we got it. What a great sight it was to be playing towards our fans in both half's - incredible to see so many turn up and give the place some atmosphere.
Having to stay overnight for away games means it can be a long drawn out process, so entertainment levels can become desperate. The last time we stayed in Brighton, as blog readers will know, ended up with some of the team having a 'refreshing' dip in the sea - we all agreed that a return fixture was unnecessary, this time deciding that a relaxing stroll on Brighton Pier would be more sensible!.
Saying that we nearly lost Stevie 'Ghoul' Adams who nipped to see his mates in the Ghost train, only surfacing when some people complained that he was too realistic!- a cheap dig mate I know but anyway well played last night on your return and also what a great 'Roomy', although the nakedness straight away was a bit of a shocker, even for my high naturist standards.
The night before the game a few of the lads, encouraged by 'Barry Norman' himself Kevin Nicholson decided to go to the Cinema to watch the Wrestler. The title didn't bode well so myself and Stevie Adams ducked out and gave Brighton's 'livelier areas' a once over instead. Woods, Mansell, Sills and a reluctant Nicholson admitted that the £12 for the entrance fee and the pick and mix was money not well spent. I've told you Kev not to take on board reviews from 'Electric Showers Weekly'
Another interesting incident on the Pier involved Elliot Benyon our 'den' loving 'aardvark fan' striker. About halfway down the Pier we looked down to the sea, about a fifty foot drop, and discussed how long it would take, after jumping in, to swim back to shore. We reckoned about 25 Min's. Elliot suggested he would do it for £100. Knowing that the drop alone could result in major injury as well as the fact that the current was very strong it was amazing to see how many of the lads were offering Elliot the money to jump - I think there is a strong message in there somewhere!!!.
Another first was seeing the Beavonator stand next to a height chart for a ride and be too tall for it !.
So with the game done and dusted it was time for the journey home. A heavy blow to both knees just before the final whistle ensured that I was in pain all the way back. Ice packs to both knees and a dickey tummy doesn't mix well. A lot of the lads get bad stomach ache after games, a combination of nervous energy, caffeine, pain-killers and pain! can be a pretty volatile mix. Last night's winner on that front was Chris Robertson our 'never been Scottish' centre half. The toilet area had to be roped off for Health and Safety reasons.
The rest of the lads were as follows:
Mark Ellis was keeping( or not) his mate and our driver Dave ( who's banter is late 70's, minimum! ) awake. Dave chose a quick route back, mountainous and bumpy!!. Wayne Carlilse also had stomach turmoil. Rosco and Matt Green were asleep. Tyronne was talking to himself. Steve Woods and Lee Mansell were watching a war DVD, officially out of the circle!. 'Muzzi' was 'face booking' whilst laughing on his mobile for 4 hours. Scott Beavan was doing press-ups and pull ups at 12 0'clock. Danny and Elliot were giggling away at the back of the coach, playing Pro- evo and mixing potions !!. Kev Nicholson was staring into his phone hoping for a call ( he didn't get one ) and desperately missing his quiz mate Tim Sills who had gone home with Mrs Sills. And Chris Hargreaves was semi-naked with knee and stomach trauma whilst watching the combined deaths of around 2000 people ( 300, Braveheart and Band of Brothers on view).
Must not forget the Ghoul who travelled back with Damien. 'Damo' was struggling to stay awake until the 'Ghoul' screamed at him to avoid a speed camera. This resulted in Damo spilling and then sitting in ice cold coke for most of the journey. Although he did say this morning that Stevie's presence alone was keeping him awake!!!.
So I crawled into bed at 4.a.m feeling sick and not able to roll over. Harriet came into bed at 6.30 and so here we are. Was it all worth it? Of course it was, we got 3 points!!!.
CH
Having to stay overnight for away games means it can be a long drawn out process, so entertainment levels can become desperate. The last time we stayed in Brighton, as blog readers will know, ended up with some of the team having a 'refreshing' dip in the sea - we all agreed that a return fixture was unnecessary, this time deciding that a relaxing stroll on Brighton Pier would be more sensible!.
Saying that we nearly lost Stevie 'Ghoul' Adams who nipped to see his mates in the Ghost train, only surfacing when some people complained that he was too realistic!- a cheap dig mate I know but anyway well played last night on your return and also what a great 'Roomy', although the nakedness straight away was a bit of a shocker, even for my high naturist standards.
The night before the game a few of the lads, encouraged by 'Barry Norman' himself Kevin Nicholson decided to go to the Cinema to watch the Wrestler. The title didn't bode well so myself and Stevie Adams ducked out and gave Brighton's 'livelier areas' a once over instead. Woods, Mansell, Sills and a reluctant Nicholson admitted that the £12 for the entrance fee and the pick and mix was money not well spent. I've told you Kev not to take on board reviews from 'Electric Showers Weekly'
Another interesting incident on the Pier involved Elliot Benyon our 'den' loving 'aardvark fan' striker. About halfway down the Pier we looked down to the sea, about a fifty foot drop, and discussed how long it would take, after jumping in, to swim back to shore. We reckoned about 25 Min's. Elliot suggested he would do it for £100. Knowing that the drop alone could result in major injury as well as the fact that the current was very strong it was amazing to see how many of the lads were offering Elliot the money to jump - I think there is a strong message in there somewhere!!!.
Another first was seeing the Beavonator stand next to a height chart for a ride and be too tall for it !.
So with the game done and dusted it was time for the journey home. A heavy blow to both knees just before the final whistle ensured that I was in pain all the way back. Ice packs to both knees and a dickey tummy doesn't mix well. A lot of the lads get bad stomach ache after games, a combination of nervous energy, caffeine, pain-killers and pain! can be a pretty volatile mix. Last night's winner on that front was Chris Robertson our 'never been Scottish' centre half. The toilet area had to be roped off for Health and Safety reasons.
The rest of the lads were as follows:
Mark Ellis was keeping( or not) his mate and our driver Dave ( who's banter is late 70's, minimum! ) awake. Dave chose a quick route back, mountainous and bumpy!!. Wayne Carlilse also had stomach turmoil. Rosco and Matt Green were asleep. Tyronne was talking to himself. Steve Woods and Lee Mansell were watching a war DVD, officially out of the circle!. 'Muzzi' was 'face booking' whilst laughing on his mobile for 4 hours. Scott Beavan was doing press-ups and pull ups at 12 0'clock. Danny and Elliot were giggling away at the back of the coach, playing Pro- evo and mixing potions !!. Kev Nicholson was staring into his phone hoping for a call ( he didn't get one ) and desperately missing his quiz mate Tim Sills who had gone home with Mrs Sills. And Chris Hargreaves was semi-naked with knee and stomach trauma whilst watching the combined deaths of around 2000 people ( 300, Braveheart and Band of Brothers on view).
Must not forget the Ghoul who travelled back with Damien. 'Damo' was struggling to stay awake until the 'Ghoul' screamed at him to avoid a speed camera. This resulted in Damo spilling and then sitting in ice cold coke for most of the journey. Although he did say this morning that Stevie's presence alone was keeping him awake!!!.
So I crawled into bed at 4.a.m feeling sick and not able to roll over. Harriet came into bed at 6.30 and so here we are. Was it all worth it? Of course it was, we got 3 points!!!.
CH
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
It's the wife again!
Hi apologies for not taking to the laptop last night, I just simply ran out of time and energy. I had agreed to do the blog in the absence of CH, as the lads travelled to Brighton ahead of their game this evening.
The boys will be away alot this week and to be honest it give me a welcome break from football. I did not make the game at the weekend as Isabella had a throat infection. I didn't mind, I have been to many of these 'big' games before and although we were not there in body to support Dad he's knows how much we think of him and that he will give it everything.
So the girls stayed at home at relaxed. Mama mia and Camp Rock were on the menu, and what a lovely afternoon we had..
It's a strange time at the moment and I've gone into 'survival mode'. We are having a good season, although sometimes it may not feel like it, and I think that some people forget that. The lads are under a lot of pressure to perform and it does tend to come home with them. Unfortunately there is no escape. Everyone wants to talk to you about it from the school gate, supermarket, to the queue for loo in M&S!!! I don't mind as people are always complimentary and of course it's his job and with that comes certain responsibilities.
However at the moment with the end of the season in sight and our future a little uncertain I will enjoy taking a step away from football banter this week and concentrate on the children. Who knows what the future may hold so I will do my thing get head around it and prepare for every eventuality.
I won't be listening to the game, or watching the scores coming in on Setanta that's just to painful. Plus I have to make a Roman Gladiator costume for Cameron by tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!! I will wait for the phone call!!
Bye for now and good luck for tonight boys.
The boys will be away alot this week and to be honest it give me a welcome break from football. I did not make the game at the weekend as Isabella had a throat infection. I didn't mind, I have been to many of these 'big' games before and although we were not there in body to support Dad he's knows how much we think of him and that he will give it everything.
So the girls stayed at home at relaxed. Mama mia and Camp Rock were on the menu, and what a lovely afternoon we had..
It's a strange time at the moment and I've gone into 'survival mode'. We are having a good season, although sometimes it may not feel like it, and I think that some people forget that. The lads are under a lot of pressure to perform and it does tend to come home with them. Unfortunately there is no escape. Everyone wants to talk to you about it from the school gate, supermarket, to the queue for loo in M&S!!! I don't mind as people are always complimentary and of course it's his job and with that comes certain responsibilities.
However at the moment with the end of the season in sight and our future a little uncertain I will enjoy taking a step away from football banter this week and concentrate on the children. Who knows what the future may hold so I will do my thing get head around it and prepare for every eventuality.
I won't be listening to the game, or watching the scores coming in on Setanta that's just to painful. Plus I have to make a Roman Gladiator costume for Cameron by tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!! I will wait for the phone call!!
Bye for now and good luck for tonight boys.
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Blues Over
Back to work tomorrow as millions are, just in different circumstances. We will train in the morning then travel to Brighton where we are staying before the Lewes game. Then it's back to business, a case of picking up valuable points in the league.
I will have to stop typing now as my wife is watching 'Box-Aerobics' in the background - not working out just watching whilst quaffing white wine!!. Surely there is more on TV than that!.
Back in Devon Wednesday 03.00 Hours. Speak again then.
CH
I will have to stop typing now as my wife is watching 'Box-Aerobics' in the background - not working out just watching whilst quaffing white wine!!. Surely there is more on TV than that!.
Back in Devon Wednesday 03.00 Hours. Speak again then.
CH
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Gutted
Lost. Set piece 87th Min. Game over. Oh and a broken nose after 20 mins.
Thanks for your fantastic support, what an atmosphere today. I should be writing this whilst looking forward to the 5th round draw but as we all know this game has a nasty habit of kicking you in the .............
CH
Thanks for your fantastic support, what an atmosphere today. I should be writing this whilst looking forward to the 5th round draw but as we all know this game has a nasty habit of kicking you in the .............
CH
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)