Conference trucks::football;1

    Just want to say that if the game against the US (US 2:0) is any 
    indication of things to come the Owls will end up in the second 
    division next year unless they find a new goalkeeper. I can't remember
    the guy' name but he was terrible. He was lucky to allow only two goals
    although the chances created by the US were not that difficult. He just
    plain stunk....Harkes played well, took 2 good shots on goal but Meola
    made the save both times, one of them a great save late in the game.
    Sheff's number seven looks like a good, fast offensive player.
    
    JC
    
    
    

    
    When was David Seamen relegated to no.2 ?
    
    

    As soon as the ink on the contract was dry perhaps ?

    Good move acquiring Woods. Against the US Wednesday looked pretty good
    at the other positions.
    
    Good luck to the Owls this season. We need them to be competitive
    in the league and the 10,000+ cups so that Harkes can gain as
    much practical experience as possible in preparation for 94.
    
    JC

    So after his police escort to the ground, Big Ron inspired his new boys
    to a 3-2 victory over the Owls.
    
    With Leeds away on Saturday and Wimbledon (ground ready??) tonight, the
    Owls may have a shakey start.

    
    
    ...and the mood down at Hillsborough is quiet, but confident.
    
    The years bets so far :-
    
    5 quid we end up higher in the league than the Spurts.
    DM50 we end up higher than Everton.
    
    I'm not putting any money on 't Blades this year Pagey.

    I'm not surprised Al after what happened last year !!

    The Owls are now 3rd in the division (according to the Sunday Mirror)
    or 4th (according to the Times), after almost beating the 'pool
    on Saturday.
    Our American cousins will be glad to hear that it was Harkes who
    scored the brilliant headed equaliser against the struggling Merseyside 
    club.

Could someone tell me want the result was for wed's match on the 21/9? i think 
it was against southhampton. I need it for the football league topic.


thanks
	Mick...

    re .9
    
    Good to hear Harksey is doing well. I was going to put a note in here 
    asking about his contribution to the team. Where is he playing? He has
    played both midfield and defence for the USA, and I think he played
    both positions for Wednesday last season. 
    
    Great to see the Owls near the top! I don't think too many people
    expected them ahead of some of the big boys in their first season up.
    Hopefully they can keep it up fo rthe rest of the way!
    
    Tom

    Harkes plays in defence for the Owls, but I think 'the management' 
    don't mind his occasional forays (sp?) into forward positions.
    He's scored some cracking goals for Wednesday since he arrived.
    
    Wednesday won again at the week-end, 4-1 to Crystal Palace, and we're
    still in 4th spot. No mention of Harkes in the reports I read, but 
    apparantly Hirst played a stormer.
    
    Yorkie.

    Hirst scored some great goals !!

    re .12 
    Thanks for the update, Yorkie! We don't get too much info on this side
    of the pond, so any news is appreciated. Harkes has been known to go 
    forward from time to time, and certainly is capable of putting the ball 
    in the back of the net. It seems that he, of all the Americans who played 
    in WC '90, has found the best situation in which he can both improve his 
    own game and also make a significant contribution to the club. It's
    also great to see the Owls near the top!
    
    Tom 

Hasn't Harkes just picked up a serious injury?

g

    
    The south german press don't report such incidents.
    I hope not though, the team is doing well at the 
    mo, it'd be a shame to loose form through injury.
    

    Let us know if you hear of anything about Harkes's injury. 
    
    Tom

    You nearly lost to Luton, you nearly lost to Luton !!!!

    The reason we held ourselves to only a draw Pagey, can be read in
    your own unbiased Sheff U - Notts F match report. If we'd have won, 
    the blades would not still be bottom.

    Well!! Wotta lotta crap Man Utd are!!
    
    Sheffield Wednesday quite literally TOOK THEM APART. 
    No other team in the first division had managed it, and so the task
    fell to the boys in blue from down Hillsborough way. Hirst scored the
    first, then substitute Jemson scored the other two.
    Manchester managed to score twice, both through VERY lucky chances,
    neither goal really worried The Owls, who throughout the 90 minutes,
    always looked the classier, stronger side. Harkes came on with about
    5 minutes to go - so looks like he'll soon be match fit again.
    
    Al.

    You had a good view of it all then from a terrace in Munich then
    Yorkie?

    I don't know if anyone's tried to get tickets for the United/Wednesday
    game on nov. 17th. I got some last week from Brammall lane and was a
    bit put out to find that I also had to buy tickets for Sheff. U.
    against Luton the following week to qualify for derby tickets.
    
    This could be regarded as a rip off, creative marketing, or a number of
    other things, either way, its likely that what will undoubtedly be one
    of the worst games division 1 has ever witnessed will be watched by
    quite a large crowd.
    
    I was a bit surprised to be able to get tickets at all really, I seem
    to remember last time round that both games sold out very quickly. I
    expect there won't be too many United fans bothering going .....
    
    
    Mike

    Steve, you don't need to be there to summize that The Owls were
    by far and away the better team. Don't you read the Sunday Mirror
    or wot?

    re .23
    
    A similiar thing happened for last years Rum Cup final, the only
    way of making SURE you got a Wembley ticket was to buy a '91 season 
    ticket as well. The other alternatives were to queue up from 
    5 o'clock in the mornin outside the gates at Hillsborough (not easy
    when you're in Munich) or get one from a tout.
    
    Al.

    Hark. The sound of silence !!

    Any owls fans left? If so, could you give us a report on Harkes?
    
    JC

    I'll be seeing The Owls as many times as possible over the Christmas
    period so I'll give you the full low down when I get back from
    the UK (Jan). In the mean time I can only tell you what I've read in the
    papers - he's back in the squad and, even though he plays full back
    these days at Hillsborough, he managed to score the other day (sorry
    can't remember who against). 
    Full back seems to be a good position for Harkes, he plays a similiar
    kind of game to that of our ex-full-back (now Leeds) Sterland. He
    enjoys running forward, and always looks dangerous when he does.

    
    Rumours for you: According to this mornings french press, Francis has
    been in contact with Marseille regarding Waddle and negotiations are
    taking place. Marseille are asking 1.5million sterling, but with Waddle's 
    contract finishing at the end of the season, 1million would probably be 
    enough to get the player. 

    I hope you are talking French Francs there, I can't see Francis being 
    allowed to spend 1 Million quid - even if it is for Waddle.

    Re: Waddle Signing
    
    Reading this morning that Blackburn are ready to meet Marseilles(sp.)
    asking price of 1.5 million for Waddle, which Francis was not prepared
    to meet, with Kenny Dalglish having the backing of a mega-bucks committee
    then I see your chances dwindling  of signing him. 
    
    Now if I was Waddle and I had the choice of Francis(who has never
    succeeded as a manager) and Dalglish(winner of everything with "pool,
    and doing amazing tricks with Blackburn), I know who I would choose!!
    
    Mac

    > I can't see Francis being
    >    allowed to spend 1 Million quid - even if it is for Waddle.
    
    
    	I think 'allowed' is the key word there Al. I mean all those
    Yorkshire men on the board!  He'll be lucky to get a tenner for 
    his bus fare! 
    
    	As for an Xmas bonus? Humbug!!!
    
    	See you in Sheffield!
    
    			Steve

    Aye Laddie !! In the Notty @8:00
    

    Has anyone watched Wednesday, lately? If so, could you enter an update
    on Harkes?
    
    Thanks,
    JC

    
    I suppose you Wednesday supporters might be prepared to discuss
    something else than yesterday's match :-)
    
    Sometimes in this conference it is pointed out that English
    Footballers do not dive deliberately in the penalty area in order to
    cheat their way to a penalty kick. While this is partly true, one may
    wonder what the real reason is. Is it a matter of such conduct not being
    accepted? Is there some special honorary code between players in the
    Football League? Somehow I doubt it. After watching the Wednesday
    player yesterday perform the most outrageously ridiculous and blatant
    dive I've ever seen, the explanation is obvious;
    
    It has nothing to do with Fair Play. English Footballers just do not
    have enough skills to dive convincingly. That dive was so clumsy that
    only a blind ref could have given a penalty. At least 7 out of 10 would
    have given the yellow card. So you will see that it's merely a matter
    of weighing the risks against the expected profits.
    
    BTW I'm only assuming the player, whose name I've forgotten, is
    English. I realise there's a fair chance he may stem from another UK
    region, but my point still stands.
    
    Have a nice working week.
    
    	Stefan

    
    	The Greg Luganis impression was performed by someone called 
    	Watson, I believe he is one of Wednesday's reserve strikers
    	but he played due to their injury problems. I think he is English.
    
    	Your comments are perfectly fair in the light of an incident like
    	that. I was obviously hoping Weds. would do United a favour and
    	hold Leeds, but after that blatant cheating dive I was hoping
    	justice would be done. The scoreline would suggest that it was! 
    
	I'd like to see disciplinary procedures carried out retrospectively
    	for incidences like that - players should not be allowed to get
    	away with such blatant cheating. If he'd had a go at someone in the 
    	crowd he'd get a disrepute charge thrown at him, so why not for such 
    	disgraceful cheating?
    
    	Andy.    	

    I didn't see the match, or the incident - and I'm glad about that.
    
    I think, if the dive was so blatant, that the club should fine Watson.
    As it turned out it didn't make any difference - and it serves the Owls
    right.
    
    I hope our injury problems are soon sorted out though, that way we 
    wont be using Watson, and can expect a return to the good football we
    normally play. 
    Al.

    According to VNS :
    
VNS UK SPORTS REPORT:                             [Ken Merrick, VNS Sports Desk]
=====================                             [Valbonne, France        ]

::: FOOTBALL
    Sheffield Wednesday and French club Nimes Olympique have agree termswith
    Eric Cantona, the French international striker, for a move to the first
    division club for the remainder of the season. Cantona, however, stillhas
    to finalise details with the French club.


What kind of game is Sheffield Wednesday playing ?

    
    Also, Nigel Jempson was recovering in hospital last night
    after a horrific crash.
    
    Doctors have said that the 22 year old Wednesday striker
    was satisfactory after suffering severe facial and leg 
    injuries when his car collided with a lorry near Worksop,
    Nottinghamshire.
    
                -------------------------------------
    
    Hope he makes a complete revovery.
    
    JN.

    A Frenchman has now been signed to play for the Owls.
    But that's as maybe...
    
    I took 90 minutes out of my normally busy Sunday activities to watch :-
    
    "FIGHT FOR PROMOTION" - Yorkshire televisions OSCAR winning account of
    the glorious boys of Hillsborough getting back to the first division
    at the first attempt for a record breaking 4th time. 
    The cinematography, the direction, dolby stereo sound, the cutting wit and 
    repartee of the commentary team were all superb, but the football 
    was even better! Following hot on the heels of the acclaimed Television
    documentary "Steel City Blues", Yorkshire television pulled out all the
    stops, and no doubt ran well over budget, to produce this televisual
    masterpiece. Martin Wots-his-name was superb as the YTV frontman, never
    lost for words, never flustered or irritating, always the epitomy of
    professionalism, always ready with the interesting fact, the amusing
    anecdote. Not since the film 'Ghandi' have crowd scenes been captured
    with such skill, such art, such Je ne sais pas... you *almost* felt as if 
    you were there. But, it wasn't the crowd scenes that marked this
    particular video for special praise - no, it was the sure footed 
    approach to the game itself. If a goal was missed by one camera, you
    could depend on the other to, almost always, having it covered. Superb.
    How then (I'm sure you a wondering) can all this be yours for just 9 pounds 
    and 99 pence plus 1 pound p+p - F*C* knows.
    
    Well done YTV.

    Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

    Like hundreds before you Dave....

    Howard Wilkinson has nicked Cantona from the Owls, just like he nicked
    most of the rest of his team from the Owls.

    Al - youve been quiet today. From what I saw on the tele you were
    unlucky to go out - gave away 2 stupid goals after dominating.
    
    Its a funny old game.
    
    Nige

    
    
    I thought the TV was very biased towards Wednesday . But then again I'm
    biased towards the BORO and going to Portsmouth !!!!
    
    

    Trevor Francis has already stated the goal for The Owls this season :-
    
    Avoid relegation, so losing out in the cup makes no difference. What
    was the point in buying Cantona for instance, if we'd already
    accomplished the 91-92 season objective.
    
    	Grrrr...

    Please refer to Tony Rayners joke about teabags !!

The goal was to avoid relegation this year? Seems to me the Owls have done a lot
better than that.... OK, so maybe the League is out of reach (although 
theoretically still possible), but it a UEFA Cup place might not be out of the 
question, depending on how many English clubs will qualify.

Regardless of where they finish, I think this has been a remarkable year for
the Owls. Have there ever been a club that won the league their first season
up from Div 2? Any recent times a newly promoted club has finished in the top 5?

Tom

    
    re .50
    
    Forest won the League after scraping into the first division in third
    place back in 1977-78. Where did Leeds finish last season - top five ?
    
    I always think Wednesday are a bit of a yo-yo team, there not bad at
    the moment (other than the Leeds/ M'boro games), but they're never
    going to spend serious money to attract any big names to Hillsborough
    so I don't think they'll be challanging for the League next season.
    
    Paul

    Swansea City came second in the 1st division after promotion......
    
    
    .........next year they came bottom!
    
    Tony

    
    Ipswich Town won the 2nd  division, and then the next season won the
    1st division.  I think this was in the 1960s (well before my time,
    anyway :-)  Their manager then was Alf Ramsey.
    
    
    Jon

    
    re: .50
    
    Leeds came up in 63-64 and then finished 2nd in 64-65.
    They came up again in 89-90 and then finished 4th in 90-91.
    
    The real test is your second season back in the 1st division, when
    the novelty of playing 'big' teams has worn off, and they are used
    to whatever style of play you use.

    
    	Ipswich did indeed win consecutive 2nd and 1st division
    	Championships under Alf Ramsey in '61 and '62 - a feat not
    	equalled.
    
    	Andy.

>> better than that.... OK, so maybe the League is out of reach (although 
>> theoretically still possible), but it a UEFA Cup place might not be out of 

The Owls are one point behind Liverpool in fourth place with a game in hand,
yet nobody is ruling out Liverpool yet.  However it will be difficult with 
both the Mancs and Leeds needing to blow up which does not look like happening,
(Leeds going down at Oldham was a freak and the Mancs are getting results even
when not playing on top form).  Wednesday letting in six against Leeds was also
a freak (good entertainment however!)

It'll be tough for Wednesday, but just as hard for Liverpool also. 

Personally I reckon the Mancs will win it with Leeds very close and a fair
old gap to third place (Wednesday or Liverpool).

But I agree a good year for the Owls - and that's coming from what they refer
to at Hillsborough as a "streaky bacon" (when they're being polite).

Wednesday will loose a few more though, for example their home tie on March
11th -ha ha

    Its a bit quiet in here today lads !

Is anybody interesed in going to the Spurs - Sheffield Wednesday match on
Saturday.  A Wednesday supporter 'mate' of mine has a spare ticket (ex noter
OVAL::LEM to be precise).

If anybody would like a trip to WHL, mail me, or call me on DTN 7847-5533.

Dave

    Can anyone post Wednedays remaining four fixtures in here? Arsenal's 
    final four are:
    
    Sheffield Utd (a)
    Liverpool (h)
    Chelsea (a)
    Southampton (h)
    
    barry.
    

    I know you're down at Selhurst with the FEs on Sat 25th.
    
    Paul

    
    Southampton (a)
    Norwich (h)
    Palace (a)
    Liverpool (h)
    
    Rob

    
    For a moment there I thought we were going to win it!
    
    A trip to Europe on our first season back is not bad though. 
    
    I wouldn't have minded been down at Bramall Lane yesterday (especially
    had the result been different!) - still congrats to Leeds.

    
    heffield Wed are playing in Rosapenny (which is somewhere in the cold
    frozen North of Donegal) on Sunday.  I'm entering this in the faint
    hope that someone here is going or knows somebody up there.  I'd like a
    programme please.  All costs refunded.
    
    Gary.

    Not much new in here lately.... Can anyone provide the additions/departures 
    for the Owls this year? Other than signing Waddle from Marseille I
    haven't heard anything....
    
    Tom

    last i heard
    
             Sheff. Wed.   6     Rosapenny(or whatever) 1
    
    looks like Sheff. have secured there place in the second round before
    its even played unlike some other English premier league giants....

    It finished 
    
    Sheff Wed 8 - 1 Spora Luxembourg
    
    A wednesday player was taken to hospital unconcious after swallowing his 
    tongue when colliding with the Spora keeper.
     

    >    A wednesday player was taken to hospital unconcious after
    >    swallowing his tongue when colliding with the Spora keeper.
    
    
    	Anybody know which player? - I hope it wasn't Hirst or Waddle.
    
    Al.

    Al
    
    According to the paper it was Warhurst.
    
    Nigel

re:-2

A Sheff player is rushed to hospital, and all you can say is I hope it wasn't
Waddle, and "that's all we need"
I doubt he did it just to spite the supporters.
Come on, show a bit of concern for the poor guy.
This may be sacrilege, but there are more things to life than football.

Mike

    
    Ceefax said he "was close to death". He had a fit on the pitch after
    swallowing his tongue in a collision with the opposing keeper. He was
    still unconscious as he left the stadium and needed a brain scan at
    hospital. He will be alright though.
    
    Tim

    
    I hope the win on Sunday against Spurs has put us on a high, so that 
    we can repeat the drubbing we gave those part-timers from Luxembourg
    (tonight?) - if anybody see's the game, or even a report of it - please
    post the score and a quick resume. Thanks!
    
    re.69 - yes, you're right of course.

    re -1
    
    Can you be a little more precise with your personal name. That is one 
    honour the Scottish fans will happily surrender to our English
    counterparts. ;-)
    
    Kev..

    The time has come to indroduce myself.  My name is Terry and I support
    the best team in Yorkshire, Sheffield Wednesday.  I follow them
    everywhere and I even went to Kaiserlautern in the UEFA cup.  I
    honestly believe that we will beat them at Hillsbourough and go
    through.  The only game I've missed this season was the game in
    Luxembourg when we won 2-1.  As we were winning 8-1 I thought it would
    be better to save my money for the next round.  
    
    I went yesterday against Leicester and I will put in a report later.  
    
    Thanks
    Terry

    Sheffield Wednesday   (2)7          Leicester City   (0)1
    Hirst  19                           Davison 79
    Worthington  33
    Bright  46,54                       ATT  17,326
    Watson  69,74
    Bart-Williams  70
    
    Well what can I say.  I've seen the Owls get beat by the same scoreline
    but apart from the Luxembourg game, I can't remember of the top of my
    head us winning like this.
    
    It all started after 19 minutes when Hirst scored his seventh goal in
    eight games.  Harkes crossed the ball for Hirst to score.  The
    Leicester players claimed that Bright was offside.
    
    Leicester had chances the best being when Phil Gee ran through for
    them but with just Woods to beat, he shot against his legs.
     
    Our second was a beauty.  Sheridan played a short free kick past the
    Leicester wall to Worthington who scored from a difficult angle. 
    
    In the second half, we scored in the first minute when Waddle
    brilliantly back-heeled into Mark Bright path who scored with ease.
    
    Hirst then made a run down the left and crossed it for Bright to knock
    home his second.
      
    Watson then scored 60 seconds after coming on and Bart-Williams scored
    a minute later when he finished another Waddle cross.
    
    Watson scored again on 74 minutes when Watson went through and scored. 
    Wilson set him up this time.
    
    I missed the Leicester goal cos I went to buy a pastie, before setting
    off home again to Reading.  That was one of the best games of the
    season for me, but I think we will badly miss Hirst against the Krauts.
    I think though we can beat them and I predict a 3-0 win.
    
    On Saturday we face Blackburn and I'll try and find out some team news.
    
    
    Terry

    Good to see the Owls pick it up a notch. How is John Harkes doing
    these days? It's good to see him involved in the first goal bu Hirst.
    
    Tom

    
    It's even better to see a match report on an Owls game - brilliant.
    Keep 'em coming, the Owls don't get much space in the Sunday papers
    and even less in the German ones.
    I didn't realise Hirst was out for the 2nd leg aggin the Germans, I
    still reckon we'll beat em though. We might get the match on the
    telly here, but if it's anything like the last match - which was 
    supposedly being shown 'live' then it will hardly be worth it. When was
    the last time you saw live match coverage where they started half way
    through the first half - and missed the first 2 goals of the match!
    
    Al.

    Re 75
    
    Harkes is playing really well.  He tends to attack a lot which is good
    as it gives us more options.  We always cover him well at the back 
    when he does attack.  I think this is going to be one of the secrets of
    beating Kaiserslautain.  They looked very dodgy at the back in the
    first leg but I feel we didn't exploit this enough.
    
    In the Coca-Cola cup we have been drawn at home to QPR.  They beat Bury
    away 2-0 in the last round and they are currently playing well.
    
    I'll find out some team news for the Blackburn game tonight.
    
    I'll also put a report in on Monday.
    
    
    Terry
     

    Good to hear Harkes is doing well. He's versatile enough to play in a
    couple of positions. He's played both the midfield and as a defender for 
    the US. He's even a threat to score some goals, which Peter Shilton
    would agree. I think that signing with Wednesday was probably the best
    move of his career. 
    
    Tom

    
    re. last.
    
    Agreed! - I thought when Sterland went to Leeds we'd have a hard job
    replacing him - a good, reliable defender who likes going forward. But
    I think Harkes is as good, if not better. Like you say, he's not only
    a good defender but loves to go forward and have a crack at goal.
    I think Atkinson bought him for about 75,000 which is pretty good value
    (no - very good value) when you consider how much calibre players are
    now going for.
    
    Al.

    Sheffield Wednesday     (0)0          Blackburn Rovers     (0)0
    
    
    The game was played at frantic pace and to be honest, we should have
    won.  Waddle was superb, he sent loads of crosses from the right and
    every time they looked like producing a goal.  Their was a period when
    we thought we had streched Blackburn but they defended well.  Harkes
    came closest to scoring when he shot against the post and Bright
    appeared to be wrong-footed when the ball came out.  Hirst had a couple
    of chances and so did Bright but most of the game was just frustrating.   
    
    Blackburn had a very limited amount of chances.  Their best one was when
    Harkes lost the ball to Wilcox and he shot against Woods legs when he
    was through.  Shearer could have scored in the last minute, but again
    Woods saved.  
    
    It was one of our best performances of the season, with Waddle in a
    class of his own.  
    
    We've got trouble against Kaiserlautern.  We have no Hirst, no Bright 
    and Paul Warhurst is doubtful.  It is difficult to see where the goals
    will come from but I don't think the Germans will be able to cope with
    Waddle if he is in that sort of form.      
    
    I'll get some team news as soon as its available.
    
    Terry
    
                                                                             

    Somewhere I must have missed it, but what was the result of the first
    UEFA Cup leg in Germany? 
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tom

    
    
    Any team news for tonight?
    
    RTL are showing the match live at 20:15 (I hope their coverage is
    better than last time).
    
    

    Terry has left for the match but he told me that Paul Warhurst is
    playing but Watson is doubtful because he has some virus.
    
    Gary

    
    Watson was sent home yesterday with a throat and chest infection
    so is doubtful for tonight. The hope is that he will respond
    quickly to anti-biotics.
    
    Francis is out with a groin strain. Nigel Jempson could partner
    Warhurst but he has been out for seven games since the move to
    Forest fell through. The young lad David Johnson could be in after
    just having returned from knee surgery.
    
    Whoever is out on the pitch, I feel, will do the job. The ref was 
    against them in the first leg and they should have won.
    
    Good luck tonight. 3-0 to Wednesday.
    
    JN.

   According to German papers Kaiserslautern are missing six regular players
for tonights second leg including their keeper Ehrmann, and one of their best
players Martin Wagner.  They are very vulnerable away from home, although they
won a rare away game at the weekend which will boost their confidence......
 
                                                               -dave-

    
    I think the thing about German teams is that they always look
    dangerous on the break. They don't seem afraid to 'have a go',
    and English (and Scottish - look a Celtic last night) defenses don't
    close them down quick enough. I hope to god that Francis has learnt
    the lesson of the away leg, and is making sure we are on them as soon
    as they get the ball. Look at Celtic last night, in the first half they
    closed the Dortmund attack down before it had even started - in the
    second they gave them more room and time , and that was that 2 - 1 to
    Dortmund. If we keep our heads, then I think we can do it. If we start
    flapping then we're stuffed.

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY     (1)2              KAISERSLAUTERN      (0)2
    Wilson                                    Witeczek
    Sheridan                                  Zeyer
                           ATT  27,597
    
    
    We had the chances to bury these.  We should have won.  The first
    chance was in the first minute when Watson set up Sheridan who had his
    shot deflected wide.  We were having a go but we just couldn't get the
    ball in the net.  Kaiserslautern looked dangerous on the break and
    every time they attacked, the ground went quiet.  Woods made a couple
    of good saves and they hit the post.  Then we started to look dangerous
    and a long throw from Harkes was flicked on and Wilson shot threw a
    crowd of players to put us 1-0 up.  Harkes was brought off before
    half-time, replaced by Nilsson.
    
    In the second half Kaiserslautern had a goal dissallowed and shortly
    after they scored.  Witeczek collected the ball and took on Worthington
    and Anderson, went round Woods and put the ball into the empty net to
    make it 1-1.  The ground was quiet except for the German supporters. 
    We scored though straight away.  Sheridan curled a free-kick top corner
    to make the score 2-1.  We were back in it and one goal would be
    enough for extra-time but Kaiserslautern got the equaliser soon after. 
    Zeyer shot beat Woods to go into the far post to make the end score 2-2.  
    
    As one banner said in the North Stand "DO US PROUD.  STUFF THE CHEATING
    GERMAN KRAUTS"  Justice wasn't done, with Hirst..who knows.  A german
    player was booked yesterday for diving.  If the ref had given a
    free-kick, then Anderson would have got sent-off for a professional foul.  
    
    A good performance though our defence was a bit slow and that cost us
    the match in the end.  On Sunday we have Sheffield United away.  I
    can't wait for that one.  They beat us twice last season but we'll do
    em this time.
    
    Terry
                                                           

    FWIW,
    The freekick that led to the brilliantly taken second goal shouldn't
    have been given, as the player made a dive in perfect 'Klinsmann'-style
    (also should have been booked), shown nicely in the super slow motion.
    
    Eduard

   Terry I don't know which game you watched yesterday but there was no way
Sheffield were the better team.   A small group of us (5) watched the game here
in Germany, and four of us were neutrals, we just wanted to see a good game of
ball. The game itself wasn't too bad, but the whole atmosphere was very
aggressive, why I don't know, maybe you can enlighten me. 

    Maybe you can also tell me why the home fans jeered every time the Germans
got the ball???? It wasn't a great advert for fairness, and it also changed our
"neutral" opinions. Why a banner "Stuff the cheating Germans"????? Has this got
something to do with the Leeds v Stuttgart affair??????

    Why can't fans behave like the Celtic fans behaved on tuesday night????
They are in my eyes and in the eyes of a lot of folks over here "real fans"

                                           

    >The freekick that led to the brilliantly taken second goal shouldn't
    >have been given, as the player made a dive in perfect 'Klinsmann'-style
    
    And what about the goal that should have been given to wednesday for an
    offside that wasn't (as seen by the same super slow motion?). All
    things balance in the end. On last nights performance SW didn't deserve
    to win. Thay did the same as Celtic the other night, all huff-and-puff
    and loadsa promise in the first 30 mins then they died. I also thought
    Chris Woods was a disaster........... Is he the English goalie ?
    
    	- Robin

    Yesterdays game brought me close to tears. I honestly thought we were
    through - twice. Firstly when we scored the second goal - that was then
    disallowed (he was NOT offside). And then when we scored the second goal 
    (again), which I thought would spur us on to a glorious victory. 
    It wasn't to be though, and as I predicted the Germans took their chances 
    well. Our defense gave them far too much room, though I blame Woods 
    entirely for K'slauterns second goal, the one which effectively killed us 
    off, he was in completely the wrong place and dived as if he was wearing 
    concrete underwear and matching boots. 
    Although I hate to admit it (and wouldnt have admitted it last night) I 
    thought 2-2 was a fair result in the end. Shame we lost 3-1 in Germany,
    which I don't think was a fair result.
    

    RE 90
    
    You wanna know why the Germans (Cheats) were booed.  Didn't you watch
    the first leg when a piece of German play acting got Hirst sent off. 
    Was that sporting..... 
    
    The atmosphere was brilliant, ideal support for a match like that.  
    
    Still the Germans can be happy because they got one of our best players
    sent off and in the end that cost us the match.  I hope they get a dose
    of their own medicine in the nest round.
    
    Terry

   Terry are you trying to tell me that this guy hirst (I never heard of him)
would have made a 3 goal difference if he hadn't been sent off???????????

   Kaiserslautern could have and should have won the game last night. If the
referee decides to send a player off what has that got to do with the Germans
been cheats??????? even if the player dives 50ft... I agree with you that its
not fair, but I wouldn't call it cheating. What would you call the dive from one
of the wednesday players that led to the free kick which resulted in a goal that
could have changed the whole face of the match??????? I wouldn't call it
cheating, its unfair play which I detect but the referee didn't see it that way.

   If the linesman flags for an offside has that also got something to do with
German cheating?????????

   Face facts Terry, except defeat as a true sportsman, and that German footie
is a class better than English footie.....

                                                         regards....

                                                              -dave-

    Dave,
    
    You wouldn't call diving to get a player sent off, cheating but at the
    end you told me to take it like a sportsman.  I think your crossing
    your wires here.  If the Germans had won fairly then maybe I would
    take it, but they didn't.   David Hirst who you've never heard off (You
    must be a big football fan) didn't touch this German who dived and got
    him sent off.  I only wish now that David Hirst did hurt the German.  
    
    As you were saying about the atmosphere, haven't you been to a match in
    England before?  
    
    Terry  

   Take defeat as a sportsman Terry, instead of looking for some primitive
excuse why your team didn't make it to the next round.

>> I only wish now that David Hirst did hurt the German...

   A true genuine fan at work  "Like break his leg or what"??????  or have you
something against Germans??????? sounds like it..... 

   Anyway Terry I hope ye beat your neighbours at the weekend, it might cheer
ya up...

   Sure I was at a game in England where the fans appreciated good footie and
didn't jeer the opposition whenever they got the ball.

                                               have a good weekend.....

                                                     -dave- 
    

    When I say that "I only wish now that David Hirst did hurt the German",
    I was implying that if you gonna get sent off then you might as well
    get sent off for a reason.  Not someone faking an injury to get him
    sent off.  If you didn't see the incident Dave, then butt out.  The
    whole Sheffield Wednesday team was incensed and Paul Warhurst had to be
    held back by the German goalkeeper.  
    
    Even the Kaiserslaution coach admitted it was a dive and that he is
    trying to stamp it out at the club.
    
    According to Dave though, diving is all part of the game.  Dave sounds
    a really bright man to me..  
    
    Terry 
    
    
    And stop brown-nosing the Germans, cos their all cheats.......
    
    

   Terry there's no need to get personal with me mate.. This is the footie
conf, and I like a lot of others like discussion but not personal abuse...

   Reading your notes Terry its not very hard to see that you dislike or maybe
even hate Germans. Maybe you can tell us why????? There's a whole bunch of us
here at our site (Germans included) just wondering what kind of chap you are.

   Anyway have a lot of fun at tomorrows game....


                                                               -dave-

p.s Who is gazza?????

P.ss Who won the 90' World cup????

    Dave
    
    I don't hate or even dislike Germans.  But i'm sick to death of hearing
    how good they are at football, when simply they use cheating tactics to
    win penalties, free-kicks and get players sent off.    
    
    I have a german mate in England who said he felt let down by the
    Kaiserslautern player who dived to get Hirst sent off.  I have no
    problem with the Germans but they are one of the many nations world
    wide who use diving to their advantage.  It's about time that UEFA or
    FIFA acted now.  They could discipline players who they see diving
    going on TV evidence.  Maybe the German player should be banned and not
    Hirst.  
    
    Diving is not part of the game.
    
    Terry
    
                                                         
    
    

    I'm afraid i have to stick my nose in here and agree re. last there are
    many country's where dirty tricks as expressed in the last note are
    practised regularly FIFA should take a good look at this area of
    football e.g. i think that someone known to have dived should get the
    same treatment as the person being blamed would have got if the dive
    hadn't been spotted.  My most hated diver happens to be German i.e. one 
    Klinsman(ps) , good player he might be but is it neccessary for all the
    diving he does.  I believe that in English soccer there is not as much
    diving as you would see elsewhere in the world.  But then again this is
    just an opinion.
    
    Colin..
    

    I have to agree with 99 and 100.  There is too much diving going on and
    I think Terry's trial by TV idea is a good one.  David Hirst in my
    opinion would have made a difference.  He is a proven goalscorer and
    that is what Wednesday missed the other night. 
    
    Gary  

	Although I don't see as much English league games as German ones,
	I also noticed that there is less diving in English football.

	Perhaps there exists some 'code of honour' among the English which
	simply forbids this kind of behavior. In other words you could
	call it sportsmanship.

	On the other hand, in the German Bundesliga football might be seen
	more as a business where only the result counts and if possible
	any trick will be used to get it. Yet coming to think of it, you
	get 'divers' in amateur leagues too (many years experience as a
	defender, I know what I'm talking about ;-) ).

	One possible way to get rid of this diving business, is using the
	slow motion/super slow motion to expose the diver and publicly
	embarrass him. I'm sure it must have some effect because
	referees watch television too and they remember those candidates,
	especially if they were the one who made the wrong decision.
	I bet they won't 'fall for it' again so easily :-)

	Eduard

    
    Can I join in ?
    
    Watching Sheff Wed play Leeds at Hillsborough last season on the box, I
    saw a dive that even the great Klinsman would have been proud off - by
    none other than Gordon Watson of Sheff Wed.....
    
    I'm not having a go at Wednesday or any individuals, just highlighting
    that the English are not much better than the Germans.
    
    Paul
                                                          

    Re 99, 100, 101, 102
    
    I agree with you lot when you say diving is cheating. Dave saying that
    its just unfair is a bit lame. A couple of incidents stick out in my
    memory. The first being when Klinnsmann dived to win a penalty against
    Czechoslovakia in the 1990 world cup quarter final and the second when
    Gascoigne was booked in the World Cup semi-final against the Germans
    once more.  
    
    If Dave believes that diving isn't cheating then I think its about time
    he woke up and got into the real world of football.
    
                                                       Guy

    Re 103
    
    I agree with what you are saying, but we are trying to make the point
    that this sort of thing happens rarely over here compared to Germany,
    Italy etc...
    
    I don't think diving is a problem over here.  
    
    Gary

    When Ronny Rosenthal was playing one of his first games for Liverpool
    against Southampton, he took a dive and won a free kick and Russell 
    Osman went over to him and just calmly ( 8:) ) explained to him what
    he thought of his dive. Rosenthal learned a lesson that day about the
    english league (eventhough he does occasionally forget it)
    
    

    Diving is no more cheating than all the blokes who raise their hands
    when the ball goes out of play claiming that it's their ball etc. Don't
    try and tell me they genuinley think it's their ball !!
    That happens as much in England as any other country. I think the diving
    gets more attention as the game on the continent is not as physical as
    it is in England. Physical play is more accepted in British/Irish football
    than it is in Germany, so when a British team plays a German team the
    Germans moan about the 'dirty' play & the English moan about the
    diving. If you go in hard on a German he'll make a meal of it. I've
    yet to play a game here (Germany) without a) being warned by either the
    ref or the opposition or b) being sent off. I had never had a red-card
    before I came to Germany & I don't think I'm a dirty player.
    
    There is a definite difference in what's accepted play on either side
    of the channel. The Brits will play hard but will also take it when
    someone is hard, as long as it's not dirty.
    
    	- Robin
    
    	
    

    Re. a few
    
    It does seem that there is a gentlemans code of conduct when it comes
    to diving in English sure we can all pick out dives from people from
    all countries but i would have to say that it occurs less in English
    soccer.  Thats only a statistic though what it all boils down to is that
    diving occurs everywhere, more in some places than others Re. a good
    few , the idea of exposing divers on TV seems like a good idea & would
    most definatley expose the culprits but will it do any good in the long
    run.  What if FIFA set up a committee to investigate "divers" with the
    possibility of suspension or a fine if it can be proven that he
    deliberately dived.  Maybe its just me but i'm sick and tired of seeing
    this kind of thing going on in ALL countries its true that Hirst was
    badly missed because of such a diving incident but thats not an
    isolated incident as someone else pointed out a Sheff. Wed. player took
    a dive and got a free kick or something i know there's a big
    difference between getting a free kick and getting a player sent off
    but if something isn't done to clamp it down then before you know it
    there'll be schools set up specifically to teach you how to dive and
    get away with it.
    
    Colin..
    ^^^^^^^                                

  Guy, Terry, one of the players I detest most in the world is Juergen Klinsmann
because of his acrobatic diving. Diving around like a U boot is very unfair, Iam
not sure if you could call it cheating, but you could twist my rubber arm!!!!

   I admit I didn't see the Hirst incident, but that doesn't mean that all
Germans cheat, now does it... Take a look at the Spanish, Italian and the south
American leagues, their polluted with so called U boats.

  Yer right about FIFA and UEFA having to do something about this issue, and
soon as well...


                                                have a good weekend......

                                                       -dave- 

    My turn..
    
    I see highlights of Italian soccer evry Monday night and the amount of
    dives that get penalties is crazy. Italian refs have to know it't going
    on but yet they keep giving penalties.
    
    I'm convinced that some players pactise diving..... some of the ones on
    Italian soccer are classics and my reaction always is to laugh even
    though it is a serious matter.
    
    My definition of a good dive is one that when you see it first time
    that you have no hesitation that it's a peno but then seeing it on
    replay you know he dived and look at in amazement....
    The way they stick their leg back, touch it off the defenders leg and
    dive.....  BRILLIANT
    
    Colm.
    
    p.s.  When Grobelaar got sent off yer man took a dive, you have to
    watch very closely but Bruce didn't touch him.
    

	On that "Gazetta Football Italia" thing on Saturday morning on
	Channel 4, it was good to see two lads booked by the ref. for
	deliberate dives in the box and quite rightly so. Seems thay are
	trying to get to grips with the problem in Italy at least.

	Ian.

    I think another problem is the standard of refereeing in the World.  An
    example is the ref in the first leg who fell for the German antics 
    sending Hirst off and losing control of the match. The Liverpool match 
    which I watched last night was another example.  The ref was terrible, I've
    been told he has been band from referee-ing in his own countries
    league.  
    
    Though I do believe though that the refs job is becoming to hard now with
    players diving.  
    
    Terry  

    
    Re:-1
    	Nah! That was the guy who refereed the Leeds - Rangers game.
    	(And i thought he had an excellent game). )))))))))))))))))

    Is there any rating systems for referees to deternine who refs a
    European game? Seems to me that at this level, only the best shold be
    given the opportunity, and it should be a ref from a nuetral country.
     
    Getting back to the game itself, why did Wednesday take Harkes off at
    halftime? It seems that they needed to score, and Harkes is a defender
    who CAN score. If they were going to take off a defender and replace
    him with a more offensive-minded player, so be it, but Harkes wouldn't
    be the one. Or was he just not playing very well?
    
    Tom

    SHEFFIELD UNITED    (0)1          SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY   (0)1
    Littlejohn 60                     Hirst 83
                           ATT 30,039
    
    We got a deserved point.  United had the better of the earley chances
    but we slowly took command.  David Hirst nearly sparked a riot when he
    felled United's left-back.  The best chance of the first half fell to
    Mark Bright when he had a header saved at point blank range.  
    
    It was a typical United performance.  The long ball to Deane everytime. 
    Deane hit the bar before half-time when he was left unmarked from a
    corner.
    
    In the second half, we dominated at the start.  We forced a few corners
    but never really had the fire power until Wilson's shot went across the
    face of the goal.  Then United started to play the better.  They scored
    after 60 minutes when Woods came out for a corner and missed it, Deane
    header was flicked in by Littlejohn.  A typical scrappy United goal.  
    
    We stood their in silence as the United fans sang 1-0 at us and the
    usual boring -Your not singing anymore.  We sang you only sing when
    you're winning, but not too many Wednesdayites were interested in
    singing.  
    
    As soon as they scored though, we started to play with a bit more
    passion.  Waddle set up one of our better chances, when he found
    Warhurst, he lobbed over Kelly and into the goal.  The celebrations
    were something.  Warhurst rushed over to us - but the linesman flag was
    raised.  It was like a nightmare.  The United supporters were cheering
    and laughing and god it was horrible.  
    
    Then with seven minutes left, Worthington took a throw-in to Hirst who
    played a one-two with Waddle, Hirst got the ball back on the edge of
    the area and shot top corner to send us wild.  The celebration by Hirst
    summed it up, we were relieved.  After that we had chances to win it
    and Wilson shot wide, when he should have scored.  
    
    At the final whistle everyone was pleased not to have lost.
    
    The team was :-    Woods 
                       Nilsson
                       Worthington
                       Palmer
                       Pearson
                       Bart - Williams
                       Wilson  
                       Waddle
                       Hirst
                       Bright
                       Sheridan
                SUBS-  Warhurst
                       Harkes
    
    
    Terry
         

    re.114
    
    He wasn't playing very well.
    

    I saw today in one of the paper's that Dave Bassett has attacked David 
    Hirst's challenge on Tom Cowens.  Cowens will be out for a couple of
    weeks.  Hirst said he was going for the ball, but I saw it on TV
    yesterday and he did appear to dive in.
    
    Terry
    
    Re 114
    
    Harkes was pushing up to far and we were getting caught a lot. 

    
    
    Has anbody got a list of the Christmas/New Year week fixtures, I think
    its..
    
    26th Man Utd at Old Trafford
    28th Southhampton at Hillsborough
    
    Is that right?
    
    

    Right then, it must be t'other way round..
    
    26th Man U - Hillsborough
    28th Soton - Soton.
    
    Is the 26th all ticket? - and are there any left?????
    

    
    The Owls dominated the first half, looking like the team I always
    wanted them to be (well - in short bursts anyway). Sheridan put us in the
    lead, scoring a disputed penalty, after Warhurst had been brought down
    in the box (personally I thought the ref. had no alternative). Woods scored 
    the next goal, for Derby, after failing to reach a magnificent shot from 
    the young Derby defender (whose name I can't remember) - the ball hit the 
    bar, bounced straight back and hit Woods, then went in - Woods was a bit 
    unlucky.
    Waddle put the ball through to Warhurst (that man again) who made it 2-1 
    before half time with a well taken goal. 
    In the 2nd half Derby came out fighting, the tackles were going in
    thick and fast and the Owls were not allowed to play their game. 
    Sheridan was taken off injured which caused even more worry for the
    Owls. All credit to Derby though - with fifteen minutes to go they scored 2
    goals within 5 minutes to make it 3-2, they must have fancied their 
    chances of winning. 
    Francis was obviously concerned, he took Harkes off (who had been next
    to useless all night - he's hit a bit of a bad patch) and put Jemson
    on. It worked. The Owls regained their composure and Waddle, Jemson and 
    finally Warhurst combined to score the equaliser, final score 3-3.
    
    Waddle was brilliant throughout, Warhurst our life saver. Again, the
    defense looked VERY vunerable under pressure - they panic too quickly. 
    Injuries are becoming a bit of a worry especially with so many matches 
    coming up (FA + Coca Cola Cups, plus the league) - Wilson had to play with 
    two broken ribs on Monday. 
    
    
    Al.

So how serious is Sheridan's injury? He didn't look to happy as he went off 
on Monday night.

    
    
    I don't think it's too serious - according to SKY it was a pulled
    muscle.

Sheffield Wed won again last night 1-0 at Ipswich which puts them back to 4th 
place I believe. They must have a bit of a fixture problem at the moment with 
being in both cups and haven't theya game or two to make up in the league as 
well? 

They've 3 chances at a place in Europe so the odds on that look pretty good.

 - Kevin

    
    If we do get into Europe, I hope we make a better job of it than last
    time. The squad look pretty good, but I still worry about the strength
    of the defense - Worthington in particular. He's a good 'worker' but
    he's slow and makes some silly mistakes under pressure (eg. against
    Liverpool on the 27th Feb).
    
    What ever happened to King? - is he *still* injured?

    COCA-COLA Cup - Semi-Final - 2nd Leg.
    
    King played in yesterdays victory over Blackburn. Apparantly a bit
    of a scrappy affair. Hirst made his comeback after a long spell of
    injury - he scored The Owls equaliser. Bright scored the winner.
    
    We now meet The Arse on 18th April at Wembley.

    FA Cup Quarter Final - Replay
    
    ACE! particularly :-
    Warhurst, who scored his 17th goal of the season.
    Worthington, backed up by King, played like a good'un.
    Waddle - who went a bit quiet in the middle of the game afer some very 
    hard tackles, he still managed to put some brilliant through balls and
    crosses in though.
    
    Now we have an all Sheffield Semi-Final, to be played on 4th April 
    supposedly at Elland Rd. However neither Bassett or Francis want to
    play it there. They said they would prefer firstly Wembley (since the
    other semi is being played there), or failing that one the Sheffield
    grounds (toss a coi to see which one). Time will tell.

    I think that Sheffield has a point in claiming Wembley for the 
    venue. The excuse given by laughing boy Kelly runs along the 
    lines of not wanting 80,000 Shefield-ites travelling down the
    M1 and the possible problems that might cause. 
    
    Had both Sheffield teams made it to the final there would'nt have
    been a word muttered about the danger of fans travelling south to
    Wembley, which once again makes the FA look like a bunch of sad
    old idiots. The only argument I can see the FA having against Wembley
    is the fact that the game does have to be played on a Sunday because
    of the amount of London games on anygiven Saturday. Moving the game a 
    week further (11th) would push the tie uncomfortably close to the Coke 
    Cup Final (18th).If Wednesday can live with this then there should'nt 
    be a problem. 
    
    As for Elland Road and the state of the pitch am I right in believing
    that, this season, the ground has been used for purposes other than Leeds 
    1st team and reserve games? If that's the case then clubs who do so, and
    subsequently host competitive games with inferior pitches, should be
    penalised. It's understandable when playing surfaces suffer because of
    new turf laid, volume of games, weather or a mixture of the previous
    but other than that regulations should be introduced to handle the 
    offenders.        
    
    barry.
    

    
    Don't Hunslet rugby league club play at Elland Road and they have
    various other rugby league games there.
    
    As usual, Kelly gave a pathetic response - why shouldn't they have the
    Sheffield semi at Wembley ? The FA have already set a precident by
    letting Spurs and Arsenal play there twice. What happens when another
    couple of London teams - say QPR and Wimbledon - get to the semis, they
    will expect the same treatment ?
    
    I think all semi-finals should now be played at Wembley, there are very
    few grounds with above 40,000 capacity and it will get worse as more
    all-seater stadiums come in, so why not use Wembley more.
    
    Paul
    

    
    Trevor Francis implied that Elland road had been used for playing Rugby 
    on, and added that the pitch was not upto premier league standard (like
    the team :^) ).
    Both Sheffield clubs feel that the winners of the other semi will
    have an unfair advantage since they are playing their game at Wembley.
    I agree.
    There are plenty of large capacity grounds in the smoke without having
    to use Wembley for the semi-final (which I think takes the 'specialness' 
    away from the final itself).
    Al.

    re::129
    
    If QPR and Wimbledon got to play each other in the semi finals they
    would probably play the match at Barnet.. even then they wouldn't sell
    all  the tickets..

    
    I didn't get any papers yesterday, so I haven't read a match
    report and I only heard the last 2 minutes of the match on the world 
    service. Which is probably just as well.
    

Can you Wednesday fans tell me when Ron Atkinson left Wednesday to become 
Villa manager.  Was it the start of this season, or the start of the last 
season.

Thanks,

Jon

    
    He brought us up from the 2nd and won the league cup, then left.

Thanks, I thought it was last season.

Jon

    
    
    Could anybody tell me what time the Sheffield Semi
    kicks off tomorrow??
    
    Thanks,
    Al.

    
    The Owls are through to the FA Cup Final!
    It's taken a couple of days for it to sink in. What a superb game (well
    I thought so!). Good end-to-end stuff, Wednesday scoring first from a
    brilliantly taken free-kick by Waddle - although I'm sure Blades fans
    will be wondering where their wall was (does 1 man count as a 'wall'?)!
    I think its fair to say Wednesday dominated through out the game, and
    it was a defensive error that let Cork in to equalise just before 
    half time. It was Waddle (who was on a bit of a high) who played Cork
    on side, and he who was only a foot away from clearing Corks leisurely shot
    from the line.
    Warhurst was denied by the bar a couple of times, I thought he was very
    unlucky. He was substituted with about 20 minutes to go by Hirst. It's
    good to see Hirst back, but he didn't look 100% fit - and he hasn't 
    regained his scoring instinct yet - he missed an open net. 
    90 minutes played and it was still 1-1, Wednesday must have been
    wondering how they would ever score past Kelly who played a blinder.
    All the players looked knackered in extra time, our 2nd goal came in
    the 2nd half. A superb corner from Harkes (who did alot of running, but
    still didn't impress me that much) was headed powerfully down and in
    by Bright. I was expecting the Blades to come back fighting, but their
    heads had dropped and we more or less cruised to victory from that 
    point. Great game.
    
    We now meet Arsenal in the League Cup Final on the 18th April, then
    we meet them again in the FA Cup Final on the 15th May (my birthday!!!)
    
    Can't wait...

    After last nights draw with Leeds, The Owls can still finish a very
    respectable 5th...
    			pts	g/d	pld
    3 Norwich		71	-4	41
    4 Blackburn		65	20	40
    5 QPR		57	 5	40
    6 Man City		56	 8	40
    7 Owls		56	 6	39 (a win or draw puts us in 5th,
    					    after 40 games)
    
    Only a minor miracle could elevate us to 4th!
    
    Which, of course means WE HAVE TO WIN THE F.A. CUP!! in order to get
    into Europe next year.

      I have a friend who is planning to go to the cup final on Saturday and
he is looking for two tickets. Any help in this note would be greatly
appreciated and I hope the Owls can do the business.


      CUNNO

    
    Martin,
    
    Your friend really is keen.....Imagine wanting to see the same game
    three times !
    
    

    Martin,
    
    Is your friend called Harvey by any chance??
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    	Viv Anderson has been appointed player-manager at Barnsley.
    
    	Andy.

Does this make Anderson only the second black manager in England, or are there
others?

A pretty lamentable state of affairs if it's true.

Mike

    Recent rumour in swindon is that Chris Waddle has just bought a house
    in the town. 

    
    According to notes in here and other topics, the glorious Owls are
    soon to be the glorious Owl. We seem to be selling all our players
    and buying none. I hope this is not the case.
    
    Anderson  \ _ Barnsley
    Wilson    /
    Waddle      - Swansea
    Hirst       - Man Utd.
    
    Has anybody heard what Cheeky Trevor is upto on the transfer market?
    
    Al.

    
    	Waddle to SWANSEA?!? You're having a laugh, shirley?
    	
    	I think he said Swindon.....    

    
    >>  Waddle to SWANSEA?!? You're having a laugh, shirley?
    >> I think he said Swindon.....
    
    Ooops! - you're right, Lorretta.
    
    Sorry,
    Al.

    
    I've heard rumours that the Owls are playing 'somewhere in Germany'
    this weekend - any body know where??
    
    Cheers,
    Al

    
    No.........they're playing the (once) mighty Glasgow Celtic in Scotland
    on Saturday. The SQFCSC will be there. Will any of you Wednesday fans
    be making the journey North of the.............No I didn't think so
    somehow !
    
    P.S.
    
    What's the odds the boys find some reason do set this reply hidden 8*)
    

    
    
    Celtic.............1 (McAvennie, pen, 55)
    Sheffield Wed......1 (Warhurst, 60)
    

    I don't know if there any owls fans still out there but i heard that
    John harkes has departed for Derby is this true.
    
    regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    	According to local press we have bought Warhurst to play alongside 
    	Sherwood in Midfield, basically to do the job that Roy Keane would have
    	done (another contract scattered in the wind!).  
    
    	Any Owls care to comment on the wisdom of this ?
     
    	At least he won't be taking our defence apart the way he did last
    	year.
    
    	Cheers,
    
    Andy
    
    p.s. I suspect one more big buy before Christmas !
    	
     
    
    	
	

    
    As another noter put it, the Owls look great on paper, but don't gel
    on the field.
    It's hardly suprising. Warhurst, Wilson, Harkes, and Anderson have
    all been sold, all of them regular 1st team members last year.
    Where is Hirst? King? - have they gone too?
    
    The Owls cannot defend. Newcastle had not scored more than 1 goal in
    any of their matches, until the Owls (in their infinite wisdom)
    decided to defend a tenuous 2-1 lead. Result : 4-2 to Newcastle!
    Bright looked very lonely up front in the 2nd half at Newcastle, and
    although he has some nice touches I don't think he's quick enough.
    Neither does he show much confidence in front of goal (he missed a
    sitter on Monday). If that had been Warhurst it would have been 3-1 and
    I think it would have killed off Newcastle.
    Hyde battled, and looked eager to impress, but he hardly saw a full
    game last year, usually coming on as sub for Harkes - so has he improved 
    so much in the closed season? Mmmm...
    
    I reckon we will improve (we've got to), and Monday nights performance
    wasn't all doom and gloom. We just need to settle into playing as a
    team.

Why was Harkes sold ? From the games I saw of Wednesday last season he was quite
impressive. 

Tony

I taped the 2nd half, and watched it last night, and I must admit that Newcastle
were very fortunate to still be down 2-1 in the last 15 minutes. Wednesday
played some great football, and should have been at least 4-1 up, with Bright &
Bart-Williams having the best chances. However, the defense is still very shaky,
and Walker is definitely struggling for his old form. That's 2 matches when they
have let in 3 in the last 15 minutes.

Walker should have cleared before Mathie crossed for the second.

Who was marking Mathie for the 3rd?

No-one picked up Allen for the 4th.

Having said that, Newcastle also played some great stuff, and Mathie's
determination once he came on, was the spur the rest of the team needed to push
for the result.

I know I said this about Forest last season, but I can't see them being there
for much longer. As Graham said, on paper they're great, and I think in a 4-6
weeks we'll probably start seeing that

Al

    That's it - three matches without defeat including ONE victory.  I
    watched the highlights of the Blackburn match on Saturday and it looks
    like we are a team again. Give us back Hirst and Palmer and we will
    be, once more, irresistable.
    
    Looking forward (although cannot be there) to the visit of Man Utd next
    weekend.  2-1 to the Owls I predict.
    
    Simon - Stuck out here in Utrecht - Rollitt.

    
    I was lucky enough to be at Hillsborough when Man Utd visited us last
    season, Boxing Day. It turned out to be a brilliant match, Wednesday
    went 3 up, and the final score was 3-3 - Man Utd earning the point.
    Some great football, and great goals. 
    I hope for the same this weekend - only with The Owls finishing on top.
    
    On another topic, did anybody see the MTV 6-aside competion? It was
    held at Hillsborough and Waddle showed what a class player he is,
    even though it was only pop-stars he was running rings round.
    
    Al.

    
    
    Saw the last 15 minutes or so. Brilliant 'chip' from Waddle though. 

    Dang! If the Owls loose against Wimbledon I'm gonna start supporting
    Leeds!

    
    > If the Owls loose against Wimbledon I'm gonna start supporting Leeds!
    
    	Have you considered something less drastic, suicide for example?

    Phew - just scraped through. Hope we get somebody a bit easier next
    time!

    Sheffield Wednesday have been drawn away to Middlesboro in the next
    round. Not an easy game for the Owls by a long way.
    
    Nige

    Middlesborough who? A nowt team who just happened to get a
    hatful against another nowt team. Coincidental that they're just about
    top of the first Div. Er, is the next round a two-legger?

    
    I've just had a terrible thought, if England win on Wednesday and go
    to the States, then Taylor will remain England manager. Dreadful enough
    in itself, but doubley so because it means that Chris Waddle - one of
    Englands best players will probably never play for England again.
    
    As Nick Hornby puts it, in his book Fever Pitch... 
    "Which international squad in the world would be unable to find a place
     for Chris Waddle, the man who in 1991 ambled through the AC Milan back
     four whenever he chose?"
    
    Al.

    
    re: .170
    >As Nick Hornby puts it, in his book Fever Pitch... 
    >"Which international squad in the world would be unable to find a place
    >for Chris Waddle, the man who in 1991 ambled through the AC Milan back
    >four whenever he chose?"
    
    Yeah, it is pretty hilarious, isn't it? Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini
    and Filippo Galli have all gone on record as saying that Waddle was the
    most difficult opponent they've ever faced. He really shook AC Milan up
    in the first leg of that European Cup match and then scored the winner
    in the return leg. He also gave Italy a few headaches at Wembley in
    '89. But if you didn't see him in the two friendlies between Marseille
    and Ac Milan, then you really missed something. He had Baresei and
    Maldini in knots - one body swerve actually had them crashing into each
    other!
    
    Of course, Graham Taylor was tending his garden that evening...
    
    Dom

    Not much chat here about the Clash of the Giants (the Sheffield giants
    anyway) on Saturday. Against past form the Owls will coast and may even
    start to move up the table a bit ...

    Very dreary match apparantly.
    
    What's happened to the Owls??
    
    Does anybody have the Owls fixtures over the Christmas period? - I'll
    have to go and see them to find out where they're going wrong.
    
    Al.

    Another draw! Great match tho, big crowd (all-ticket but plenty of
    room left), and all the thrills and spills of a Yorkshire derby that Owls 
    and Blades wasn't the week before.
    
    Counting the lucky draw against Middlesboro, that makes it quite a few
    games without defeat now, but we've slipped into third from bottom.
    
    Definately missing Hirst (and Warhurst of old).
    
    - Si
        

    First away win for the Owls and only their second premiership victory.
    Although Ipswich have their problems at the moment and were largely
    ineffectual on Saturday, Wednesday were piercing and produced some
    excellent football that belies their position in the table.
    
    The win moves them up to sixth from bottom and should boost their 
    confidence for the league cup replay with Middlesborough on Wednesday
    evening.

    
    Yup, good win, I couldn't believe my eye when I read the result - do you 
    know who was playing, and who scored?
    
    I *hope* this marks the turning point for us, I'm sure it'll boost
    team confidence, and not just for the 'boro match.
    
    Al.

    Made hard work of it did'nt they. Sounds like they were dominant
    without being able to threaten. QPR next round away. Only 19,000 -
    where were the rest (probably stuck in the traffic created by the
    building of the "Supertram" ha, ha)

    Heard any more about Chris Woods going back to Rangers?

    Yet another draw - goalless at that. Undefeated in 4 or 5 and yet
    wallowing in the mire. Let's have some goals lads ...

    
    After the magnificient weekend nil-nil home win, it looks like we have
    finally 'turned-the-corner', and actually scored some goals. Three. 
    Against Oldham. This lifts us to the 16th slot and surely means the drive 
    for the Premiership has started!
    
    Hope we haven't left it too late.
    
    Al.

    Firing on all cylinders? Man City were apparently incredibly inept and
    Oldham last Wednesday didn't perform too well either. I'd like to think
    that we've turned the corner, but I'll reserve judgement until after the
    Coca-Cola game at QPR on Wednesday and league game against Liverpool on
    Saturday (which I hope to go to).
    
    In the continued absence of David Hirst, it's possible that Trevor Francis 
    has found another Paul Warhurst figure to coincide with the surge upwards. 
    
    Who?
    
    Ryan Jones.

    A good performance from the Lads. Played some good stuff especially in
    the first half and defended very well especially in the second. That
    man Ryan Jones headed the winner with 3 minutes to go.
    
    Who have we got in the Quaters?

    Wednesday are NOT YET the irresistable force they were last season when 
    pushing up the league and challenging in the cup competitions. Liverpool 
    were an undisciplined, ill-timed rabble and did'nt give a real display
    against which to judge the Owls.
    
    It's looking good though, 12 undefeated now and 12th in the table. It
    will be a good test at Villa on Wednesday evening.
    
    Btw - Roland Nilson is leaving at Xmas.

    Roland Nilsson is leaving for the reason you gave. He's been a good 
    regular at Hillsborough. Though a bit on the slow side, he is strong and 
    reliable and will be an asset for a few years yet to any club he moves on 
    to. I don't have more details besides that he's returning to Sweden.
    
    Simon

CEEFAX this morning said he was retiring from football altogether so that he
could return to wherever he comes from.

Mike

Have Wednesday refused to release him? Presumably they'll hold on to his 
registration so he can't play for anyone else, and that's why he's talking of 
retiring. That would be really sad, not to say petty - Trevor Francis has a 
reputation for this sort of thing (I seem to remember a QPR player not being 
allowed to see his baby being born).

If Nilsson wasnts to go back to Sweden, Wednesday should do the decent thing 
and transfer him.

grahame

    
> If Nilsson wasnts to go back to Sweden, Wednesday should do the decent thing 
> and transfer him.
    
    Being Swedish and obviously biased I agree. If this is true it will
    seriously hurt our World Cup chances.
    
    The strange thing is that Swedish media have said nothing on the matter
    for the past few days. What's going on?
    
    cheers,
    
    	Stefan

    
    I can see why Wednesday might not want to release him, what if he 
    gets fed up of living in Sweden after a year or so, and decides to
    move to some Italian club. Wednesday would obviously loose out.
    It must be possible to strike some sort of deal that would allow him
    to keep playing though - a percentage of any future deals maybe?
    It seems daft that a perfectly good defender should not be able to play
    professional football again.
    How much did Wednesday pay for him originally?
    
    Al.

    A point at Villa Park. An exciting game according to radio reports 
    (despite the whether, blah, blah ...). I don't think Wednesday move 
    anwhere in the table. Nilsson played a blinder btw.
    
    Simon

    The Bogey strikes again! Ian Wright 2 minutes into injury time robbed
    Wednesday of a point. In fact they were unlucky not to come away with
    all three.
    
    The end of an undefeated 13-match run. Let's hope they can come up with
    the goods at Hillsborough against the buoyant Hammers on Saturday.
    
    Simon

	I've got to agree with simon. Wednesday should have got at least
	a point, but didnt!!! Well this canceals out the game against villa
	where arsenal should have won but lost.

Mick

    Well, here we go... After nearly 3 years I'm back in Digital and
    looking forward to making a contribution to the Wednesday note file
    again. Couldnt have picked a worse time though - after yet another
    terrible match with the Arse.
    
    I read in the papers yesterday that Arsenal were jeered and booed by
    their supporters (we hardly heard anything from them for the whole
    match - which wasn't too surprising) so maybe the win-at-all-costs
    philosophy might be on the way out at Highbury (and United might win
    some silverware too !!). I went along to the match and Arsenal were
    terrible. There was no creative football to go with their hustle and
    bustle - their style of play also brings out the worst in Wednesday so
    the match went downhill pretty quickly. The best moments came from
    Wednesday when Bart-Williams was given the ball but we lost our way in
    front of goal (that's the polite way of putting it - basically Jemson
    and Bright made a real b******s of things). Rumour has it that Hirst
    may be fit early next year and we need him badly - anybody heard any
    firm news. 
    
    Didnt see much of the goal as we were at the opposite end but memories 
    of the Replay last season came flooding back - having been by far the
    better side and losing to Arsenal. Their supporters were very sporting
    and considerate though and didnt even mention their two victories at
    Wembley....NOT! I'm sure I'd have done exactly the same.
    
    It's a shame about Rolly though, he's been a very good player for The
    Owls. Another noter mentioned that he wasn't very fast but what he
    lacked in terms of physical speed he made up for by reading the game
    well. I was perfectly placed to see his first-half duel with Lee Sharpe
    in the 1991 Rum Cup Final. After being skinned alive by Sharpe's pace a
    couple of times Rolly began to anticipate the balls coming from
    midfield and cut out that avenue of attack almost completely. He'll be
    sorely missed. 
    
    Paul.
     

    So, after last nights defeat of Liverpool, The Owls will be playing
    Wimbledon in the next round of the Coke Cup. I think on recent
    performances I'd have preferred the trip to the breached fortress that
    is Anfield. However, I suppose I'll be able to see the match (yet
    another trip to Selhurst to get a cricked (sp?) neck).
    
    Anyone know the exact date ?
    
    Paul.
    

    
    Interesting to hear on Radio 5 last night, Nigel Pearson the Sheffield
    Captain. When asked who would they like to meet in the next round(also
    taking in consideration they are away in the next round) said
    Liverpool. He went on to say that no one minds going to Anfield these
    days.....The times they are a changing...
    
    Neil.....
    
     
    

    Let's get this Owls topic over 200! This is number 198.
    
    How many of us are from Sheffield? I'm from Meersbrook - unfortunately
    close to Bramall Lane. Who knows any Owls players? I used to know Mel
    Sterland - we played school football matches against each other (I went
    to Newfield). My little brother plays for Sheffield Wednesday juniors
    and has just turned down an apprenticeship with them to concentrate on
    his A levels.
    
    When Howard Wilkinson was the Boss, my other little brother was taught
    English by Mrs Wilkinson who is a supply teacher.
    
    200 coming up.                        

    I think Sheffield Wednesday will beat Wimbledon.
    
    
    
    Gary

    
    
    
    Peter(An Impartial Celt)

My Grandma is from Sheffield, and she supports Sheffield Wednesday.

Ahem, sorry.

Mike

    
    Ha Ha Mike don't ya hate when that happens :-)
    
    Peter(An Impartial Celt)
    

    Only 5 more and we'll be past Sunderland.

    
    Well, I'm game for putting in a couple of replies if it's in a good
    cause (overhauling Sunderland). 
    
    Incidently, I see there's a WWW server at Sheffield University, that
    carries a sort of 'fanzine' on Sheff Wed. It contains match reports,
    pictures (gifs etc), articles and current league tables. I was quite
    impressed when I took a look earlier today.
    
    Tim

    Well, my claim to fame is........
    
    
    When I was younger (->5) I used to live on the same road as Peter Swann
    and Don Megson. My best mate was Peter Swann (junior). He went on to
    play for Matlock (dizzy heights) and I think Port Vale or Stoke
    (confirm anybody?). My brother was knocked unconcious by Gary Megson
    armed with a half-housey (some things never change).
    
    Beat that if you can.
    
    Whats the score Sunderland?
    
    Cheers Paul.
    

    
    Don't bother with the Sunderland topic - lets go for the big one...
    
    I cant see what all the interest in Man U is all about anyway.
    
    The Owls are a lot better than Manchester Utd.
    
    Till tomorrow,
    
    Paul.
    

    
    Now that Panto season is here...
    
    
    
    >    The Owls are a lot better than Manchester Utd.
    
     Oh no they're not !
    
    Peter(An Impartial Celt)
    

    
    Hello again,
    
    Swedish media reported today that Roland Nilsson will play the
    remainder of the season for Wednesday and then be released for free to
    Helsingborg in Sweden. Wednesday will keep the right to negotiate a
    transfer to any other club (that's how I interpreted it).
    
    Seems like happy ending to a complicated story.
    
    cheers,
    
    	Stefan

    RE. 209
    
    Yup, that's what I read in the Grauniad too. Seems like a sensible deal
    (I suggested it earlier in this note of course - ckeeky Trev must 
    read from time to time :*) ).
    
    Re. Claims to fame...
    o	I was born 200 yards away from the Leppings lane end gate, just
        across the road from Hillsborough park.
    o	Jack Charlton once brought his son to our school to see if it was
        the right kind of establishment for him (it turned out not to be ;^))
    o	I used to drink in the same pub as Jack, and he once talked to my 
        missus (he said "'cuse me luv, can I get to the bar").
    
    Al.

    
    The Sunderland not is catching up so...

    Re 211
    
    The whole Sunderland V Sheffield Wednesday thing is really exciting. 
    Why don't Wednesday catch up with the Sheffield United note as well.
    
    
    /GAry

re:GAry

And you have every right to criticise people for putting unwelcome notes in this
conference now, don't you.



Mike

    RE 213
    
    Micheal,
    
    Please tell me where I criticised someone.
    
    I thank you,
    
    /GAry

/GAry,

I cynically assumed you were being sarcastic when you said the Wednesday versus
Sunderland thing was interesting. If you weren't, and you are in actual fact
wetting your boxers with excitement at the whole affair, then I apologise
unreservedly and wholeheartedly.

Your friend,

Michael

    
    I have to agree with Gary (gulp!), this Sunderland v Sheffield
    Wednesday thing *is* really exciting. But I don't like their tactics,
    resorting to writing out some crumby pub-singer hit, line by line.
    That's not wot football is all about!
    
    Al (impressively unimpressive).

    RE 215
    
    I accept your apology, Mikey.
    
    Re 216
    
    I agree.  Sunderland are playing dirty.
    
    
    /GAry

/GAryey,

Bum, and I thought we could have a massive long argument to really finish off
the Sunderland mob.

Mike

    RE 218
    
    Didn't Aston Villa lose to Wimbledon on Saturday and Wimbledon is who 
    Sheffield Wednesday face in the next round of the Coca-Cola cup.  
    
    I'd also like to state that I think Villa have the most arrogant fans
    in the world.  
    
    My claim to fame is that I know Terry "Bulldog" Jones.  The most famous
    Wednesday supporter in the world. He shut Dave Tanner up in this note 
    around .90 - .120.  Great stuff.
    
    /GAry

/GAry,

Now you are definitely criticizing me, and flying in the face of reality because
everyone knows that Villa fans are the most meek and self-effacing lot in the
world. If we are arrogant then it's because we support the only half-decent team
in the west midlands.

If we can't beat Wimbledon then no-one can. Our flair based passing football
(designed for the fans) doesn't help us against that favoured by Joe Kinnear,
but I have no doubt that justice will eventually triumph. It'll be a claret and
blue title, this season. Or I'll eat my hat.

Mike

    Re 220
    
    I seem to remember West Brom winning at Wembley in 1993 for the superb
    Play off trophy against Port Vale.  When did Villa last win a trophy???
         
    
    
    /GAry

That's not the point. We are in the Premiership and you're not, never have been,
and never will be. 

What's it like to live in the shadow of Big Fat Ron's Claret Army?

I weep for you.

Mike

    Re 222
    
    I weep for you as well.  When did Villa last win anything????
    
    
    
    /GAry

Read my lips. Last year we came second in the Premier League, and you were in
the second division. Oooh, I'm jealous. If only we could win a play-off final.
That would be the prize possession of our trophy cabinet without a shadow of a
doubt.

I weep for you more.

Mike

    Re 224
    
    It doesn't matter if you finish second or fifth from bottom in the
    Premier league, its all the same.  You didn't win anything.  Now when
    did Villa last win a trophy???  
    
    I weep for you even more than you weep for me.
    
    
    /GAry

    re .220
    
    I agree with Mike here. Big Ron (Judas though he may be) did put The
    Owls on the right track by introducing a passing game which appeals to
    the supporters. The Wimbledons and (can I bring myself to utter the
    word) Arsenals play to stifle any creative play. The Owls have had
    difficulty with this type of team but as long as teams play stylish
    footie and win (last year Man Utd, Villa, Norwich all did well in the
    league - we let them down by not beating the Arse in the Cups) then it
    will put pressure on the kick-and-rush teams to change their style.
    
    Which brings me to the next point. Which one of these phrases would you
    leave out of a sentence - exquisite, pass, outside of the boot and
    Vinny Jones. Well either the Independent reporter who covered the
    Wimbledon v Liverpool match was on drugs or he actually meant it, but
    all these words were included in the same sentence. I've also heard a
    rumour that Inter are interested in him - think it's Inter City though.
    
    Paul.

    Waite and Fowler, you reckon we're playing dirty!!
    I've just discovered we're about 10 down after all your boinging
    

    Re 226
    
    Nice note Paul.  But when did the Villa last win a trophy???
    
    
    /GAry

GAry,

The simple truth is that despite all your protestations and romantic
recollections of play-off finals you know and I know and all the world knows
that we are better than you.

If you ever see the baggies beat the villans, you will wake up with wet sheets.

The truth hurts.

I weep more for you than you can possibly imagine.

Mike

                 <<< Note 43.226 by UPROAR::LEMP "Paul Lem" >>>
                           -< New Ticket Inspector >-

    
>    Which brings me to the next point. Which one of these phrases would you
>    leave out of a sentence - exquisite, pass, outside of the boot and
>    Vinny Jones. Well either the Independent reporter who covered the
>    Wimbledon v Liverpool match was on drugs or he actually meant it, but
>    all these words were included in the same sentence. I've also heard a
>    rumour that Inter are interested in him - think it's Inter City though.
    
   Lemp,

   The Guardian compared his pass with Platini.

   Stuart

    Re 229
    
    But Mikey, when did Villa last win a trophy???  Face it, Villa are
    about as attractive as Ron Atkinson's bum.  Which believe me, isn't
    very attractive.  8->
    
    I'd rather watch Birmingham City.  Walsall play a better passing game
    than you.  Solihull United has more style.  
    
    
    
    /GAry

    Re -1
    
    Gary, How you know how attractive Ron Atkinson's bum is????????
    
    Explain please...... we'd like to know?

    
    re: .232
    
    Who do ya think cleans it !
    
    Peter(An Impartial Celt)

    RE 232
    
    Nicholas,
    
    Simple.  Ahem......<cough>...my mate told me.  Yes thats it...My mate.
    
    Did you know that ROn Atkinson has more Silverware on his arms  (Rings 
    etc) than the Aston Villa trophy room.
    
    True story!!!
    
    /GAry

    232! this is great, but what's all this Villa stuff?

    Re 235
    
    I'd call it a tribute to Ron Atkinson.  The man who has won nothing at
    Aston Villa despite all the money he's spent.  
    
    
    /GAry

    Re 234
    
    Gary, that COUGH sound nasty!!!! I think you should take a few
    pints of bre@#.... he! hem! I mean cough syrup... yea! that's it!
    
    
    
    Hey! anything to help out with the note count. (If they do it with
    a silly song, ha!)
    
    Nicolo' (not Nicholas) thank you!

    
    >Nicolo' (not Nicholas) thank you!
    
     Wha' sort of a name is that :-)  ?
    
    Sounds like a brand of healthy cigarettes !
    
    Peter(An Impartial Celt) 
    

    Thanks for the advice on my cold, Nicolo.  Teach me to swim in the sea
    at Southend.
    
    
    /Gary

    Who went to the Boxing Massacre (the 4-0 one) with 49,000 before the
    roof was on and the noise just drifted over to Wadsley Bridge? 

    No I didn't go.  Tell us more.
    
    
    
    /GAry

    You mean you don't know about one of Sheffield's most famous events?
    That rates amongst such doings as the Charlie Peace murders, the 
    Ripper capture, Joe Cocker's old mam having a funny do, Seb Coe's dad
    saying Oh crikey, the Student Olympic games budget fiasco, and now the
    supertram bizz

    No but I remeber Sheffield United beating yer 2-0 and 3-1 in one season
    when they first got promoted to the first division (now Premier
    League).                                      
    
    
    /GAry

Right, back to Villa.

Big Ron has actually made Villa money at last count through his crafty transfer
dealings (although that was before he bought Andy Townsend), so you can't accuse
him of buying success. He bought loads of players from smaller clubs like
Bournemouth (Shaun Teale), Charlton (Paul Mortimer), and Liverpool (Ray
Houghton), with the money that he made from selling Platt, Olney, Cascarino,
etc. He's just clever: you wouldn't understand.

Mike

    Re 244
    
    So what has this clever manager won at Aston Villa and when did Villa
    last win a trophy???
    
    
    /GAry

    Keep it coming, we'll have Norwich hauled in before long - haven't you
    lot got anything to do?

    Re 246
    
    Yes, i'm the man that does everything in DecDirect.
    
    
    /GAry....

    Re 248
    
    You obviously spoke to Tony ABsolom.
    
    
    
    /GAry

    re.240
    
    I was there ! Nearly 50000 in Hilsborough which smashed the existing
    third division record. Utd were top at the time, Wednesday trailing in
    tenth position. All the talk before the match was about how many the 
    Piggies would beat us by. Afterwards Utd plummeted and one or two
    seasons later were relegated to the Fourth. Wednesday went on to get
    promotion in third place.
    
    Can't remember the scorers, times etc. Anyone help?
    
    Happy Days
    
    Paul.
    
    Will the Wembley semi-final be as well remembered?
    
    

    I can't remember who scored either. Point is we stuffed em. 48,000 at
    the Lane couple of months before - new third div record. Then, Boxing
    Day - 49,000, new record - still standing. Only crowd ever bigger at
    Hillsborough since was when we drew with Liverpool the week (2 weeks?)
    before the Liverpool/Notts Forest semi that never was.
    
    Now we're struggling to get 32,000. I don't call new seats reinvestment
    in (what was) one of the countries leading stadiums.
    
    Simon

    re -1
    
    I thought the capacity was somewhere around 36,000 nowadays. I'm sure
    we had 34,000+ for Leeds and that wasn't a sell-out (only by the Owls
    defence for a change). Anyone know the official capacity now ??
    
    Anyway, I'm off now for the weekend - get those pints lined up.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Paul.
    

    
    
    
                            Owls 5-0 West Ham.
    
    Well, what can you say, apart from "Yeeaaaasss... oops, pass the
    tissues". From the papers it seems Waddle played a blinder. He scored
    one and laid on anoter two. Goals from Marsh (OG), Bright, Waddle,
    Jemson and Palmer (who was also praised for his runs from midfield). We
    seem to be making enough chances (even against the meanest defence in
    the Premiership, Arsenal) and it was only a matter of time before we
    got a hat-full. Hope they can keep the supply lines open until Hirst
    gets back (any news about him anyone).
    
    This result makes up for the game at Upton Park where, despite
    dominating the game for large parts of the match, we ended up losing
    2-0.
    
    Paul.
    

    Harry Redknapp said that in his 25 years of football there have been
    two unbelievable/incredible/etc. performances by an individual player:
    
     - George Best (West Ham v Man Utd)
     - Chris Waddle (West Ham v The Wednesday)
    
    I've seen the Owls only a few times these past 2 seasons and Waddle has
    always impressed. But it sounds like I missed a real thrill this
    weekend.
    
    How many at Goodison next Saturday?

    Last games of '93
    
    Dec 27th Everton (A) - all ticket.
    Dec 29th Swindon (H)
    
    Al.

    HAPPY CHRISTMAS all you Owls fans and any unfortunate people not party
    to the Hillsborough success and happiness!
    
    Simon

    Thanks Simon, 
    
    I wish you (and all our readers) a fluffy, cuddly christmassy yuletide
    too...
    
    I want Santy to bring 4 successive wins for the Owls over the 
    christmas/new year period. (Does Santy read notes??)
    
    Al.

    re last two
    
    I've gone all misty eyed by all this heart-felt emotion. Thanks lads,
    and a Merry Xmas to you as well.
    
    My wish to the large bearded United fan is that Hirst is back PDQ. Now
    that would be something to Yo Ho Ho about.
    
    Paul.
    

    Scores over Xmas.
    
    Everton 0-2 The Owls
    
    Bright and Palmer were the scorers.
    
    
    The Owls           3-3         Swindon
    Bright 8                       Mutch 5
    Watson 67,70                   Maskell 19,90
    
    After coming back from behind twice and taking the lead, only Wednesday
    could let the bottom placed club off the hook in the last minute. We
    have let too many promising situations go to waste this year. These
    results put us in the top half of the table for the first time this
    season. Lets hope that the run is as good as last year. 
    
    Paul.
    

    
    And let me down for four trebles into the bargain! Ooooo, I hate that
    Craig Maskell.
    
    Tony
    
    ps Do y'all think Palmers goal was an accident or what??
    
    

    re -1
    
    > ps Do y'all think Palmers goal was an accident or what??
    
    I think he meant to do it. He must have known that Southall was off his
    line and I assume that his header wasn't merely trying to set-up one of
    our attackers (because Southall was thereabouts). What I cant't
    understand is why such a good goalie as Southall could make such a bad
    misjudgement.
    
    Paul.
    

    
    Southall makes mistakes like that because he is far too cocky for his
    own good. He's a great keeper with attitude.
    
    Tony
    
    

    What rubbish - Southall's allowed the odd mistake with such a poor
    defence in front of him, there's nothing wrong with his attitude.

    I thought Palmer's goal was a fluke - he's such a clumsy player,
    there's no way he's got the skill or the brains to do a header like that
    on purpose.

    Paul

    Six points against QPR and Spurs takes the Owls up or thereabouts where 
    we belong. Depending on how L'pool do tonite we'll stay there.
    
    Next season, Wednesday will start to extend the South Stand at a cost of 4
    million. They want to have it finished before the 1996 European 
    Championships. Under the present roof the stand will be enlarged with
    the addition of viewing boxes, a restaurant, and seating.
    
    After that, the floodlights will be improved.

    Southall was off his line far too much during the whole of the 
    Everton/Wednesday match. He had to be. The Everton defence has very
    little height and the Wednesday attack has quite a bit. He had to be
    out there to assist his back line.
    
    Palmer said that he MEANT to head in but was suprised at the accuracy
    he got. Mind you, according to my brother who has trained with him, he
    would have said that anyway "'cos e's a big 'ead"
    
    Simon

    Man Utd        34,548
    Liverpool      32,177
    Leeds          31,892
    Swindon        30,000
    Aston Villa    28,450
    West Ham       26,350
    Arsenal        26,023
    Norwich        25,175
    Coventry       23,379
    Southampton    22,508
    Wimbledon      21,752
    Oldham         18,508
    
    This gives a league average of about 23,500. Overall average including 
    cup matches is slightly better at 26,500.
    
    What was the crowd against Spurs yesterday?
    
    Simon

    
    Re: -1 
    
    Crowd against Spurs yesterday was 32,514.
    
    Cheers
    Nige

    Ten points out of a possible 12 over the break. I only got to see the
    QPR match live. Pretty mundane stuff with both teams playing OK in
    defence and midfield but not being able to thread the final ball to the
    forwards. I think QPR were having the better of the play with Meaker
    again looking like a very good prospect. QPR scored about midway
    through the second half, Meaker making a strong run from midfield,
    Pressman making a good save to block his shot only to see Ferdinand
    slot the ball in from a tight angle.
    
    Francis (Trevor flavour) made a double substitution, bringing on Jemson
    and Pearce for Bartman and Sinton. This allowed Palmer to push up into
    midfield. Almost immediately The Owls scored twice in as many minutes.
    First, Bright headed in from Rolly's cross and then Gordon Watson shot
    across the goalkeeper into the far corner. We couldn't believe what was
    happening - it certainly looks as though Wednesday can attack a deficit
    rather better than defend a lead.
    
    Disclaimer: due to partial or total inebriation during the entire New
    Year period some of the facts entered in this note may be open to
    debate (I think it's mostly OK though).
    
    Paul.
    

    It will be interesting to see who Trev sets against Collymore on
    Saturday. Will it be Pearce or Walker? I think we're in for a few goals
    - hopefully most of them being ours.
    
    Predictions? Any Notts Forest faithful listening in?
    
    Simon

    Not sure Collymore will be playing. He limped off with what looked like
    either a knee or hamstring injury, yesterday.
    
    Dave.

    Oh dear, well that might affect the score a little

    Well a draw in front of 32,000 means a difficult replay at the City
    ground next Wednesday. Difficulty is compounded by the fact that
    Worthington and Nilsson might be out through injury.
    
    A draw was a good result for Forest - the Owls let them play just that
    little bit too much.

    Through to the semis!
    ====================
    The match was tight and physical as expected and for the first 20 minutes 
    produced little incident. Then both sides began to string some footy 
    together although only Wednesday managed to attack the goal in the first 
    half.
    
    Watson scored for the Owls just after the break. Wimbledon equalized
    with about 15 to go, and then Bright shot a brilliant volley to win.
    
    It was an excellent, resilient team performance with Walker and Pearce
    shining at the back and Watson and Sinton up front.
    
    Well done the Lads

    
    Well done, good result, any team beating the thugs gets the thumbs up
    by me....Anyone else agree without his elbows Bash-in-you is even more
    useless....I hate Wimbledon...
    
    Neil....

    
    Great News!!
    
    Any news on Hirst?

    Wimbledongs 1 - 2 The Owls
    
    Great result, especially considering we don't usually play well against
    Wimbledon. A battling performance from the Owls, who matched them for
    pace and strength in nearly every department. In possession we tried to
    play some football but the quality of the pitch and the fact that we
    didn't have either of our play-makers in the side meant that quite
    often the ball was hit long. I hope that this is only temporary until
    Sheridan and Waddle return.
    
    One of the best goals I've ever seen from Bright to clinch the record
    for the most consecutive matches in which a player scores. The previous
    record was 6 (Froggatt? and Warhurst). We still managed to miss two
    clear chances with the score at 2-1 which would have clinched the tie.
    However, Wednesday seem to take a masochistic pleasure in torturing
    their supporters and Wimbledon nearly scored in a late goalmouth
    scramble. It's fortunate that their forwards were as inept at kicking
    the ball as our defenders. The ball finally ran through to Pressman.
    
    A final word about Pressman. He is in inspired form at the moment,
    making three excellent saves last night. I can't see Flapper ever
    getting back into the side. Pressman is so good at taking crosses that
    the defence has a lot of confidence in him, which is something Woods
    never achieved.
    
    So, Portsmouth in the Semi's. A trip down the M3 wouldn't go amiss.
    
    Paul.
    
    PS. I heard a very strange sound at Selhurst last night. At first I
    couldn't make it out but then it dawned on me what it was. "Joe
    Kinnear's Blue Army" drifting in from the Sainsbury's end.
    

    According to Radio 5 commentary (I could just make out from my Utrecht
    hovel) the gate was poor and not at all commensurate with the important
    quarter final that it was. 11,000 was Steve Copell's guesstimate.
    
    I mention Utrecht since I believe you were there for a time Paul. Gud init?
    
    Simon

    re -1
    
    Simon
    
    7000 were from Sheffield according to my mate. 
    
    Utrecht...A great place. I was there for a year in '87. But how did you 
    find out? I've lost touch with all the people I used to know but I know
    that some of them have been working for DEC in Nijmegen. Have they
    moved onto DEC Utrecht? If so then don't believe a word they say,
    especially about the Shetland pony - it wasn't me.
    
    Have a Trappist in the Belgique (sp) on the Oudegracht for me.
    
    Cheers 
    
    Paul.
    
    
    know 

Gate was only 8,784 which seems very poor even by Wimbledon standards

Chris.

    Paul - I know about Utrecht because of a note you made in curries. I
    know nowt about a Shetland pony. Contractors I know who might have been in
    Utrecht when you were there are Jerry Kew, Sally Salymontash, Martin King, 
    Gary Sutherland, Chris Brown (?), and some others whose names escape me 
    including the Scouser with a Porsche and his beautiful Australian 
    girlfriend.
    
    None of them supported Sheffield Wednesday.
    
    Simon

    Simon
    
    >Gary Sutherland, Chris Brown (?), and some others whose names escape me 
    
    Couldn't have been Pete Brown could it ? He lives in Neiuwegein (sp)
    and is a contracting Deccie. 
    
    >None of them supported Sheffield Wednesday.
    
    You have to spread the word. I've got an entire village where my
    girlfriend lives supporting the Owls. I take my missionary position
    very seriously.
    
    Cheers
    
    Paul.
    
    PS. Another trip to "San Selhurst" for a repeat performance of Beauty
    and The Beast on Saturday.
    

    No this was Chris Brown - tall, 40s, shock of silver hair, BIG, BIG
    drinker lives in The Hague, works at DEC Brussels.
    
    I converted one Dutchman to Sheffield Wednesday and met another who
    already was. S'funny you mention Nieuwegein - I'm there right now
    thinking of home, curry on Saturday night, and the match against the
    Wombles (again).
    
    I have a friend back in the great city who hails from Leppings Lane as 
    well - name of Chris Marsden. Know him?
    
    Simon
         

    
    
    Can't say I remember. DEC Nieuwegein? Is Jemma Sharrock still there.
    That's her maiden name but she's got married since then. 
    
    Paul. 

    No Jemma anybody here at the SIC (Software Integration Center). Don't
    know about the rest of the building but Elf says not.
    
    Anyway, the Mancs or Pompey in the Coca-Cola semis. At Hillsborough?
    
    Simon

    Its over two legs. Hope you get the Mancs and stuff them
    
    	Rich

    This will be the third time in four years that we've got to this stage
    in the League Cup. Think either team will be difficult, and also
    depends on what happens to them in other competitions between now and the 
    semi.
    
    BTW Bob Wilson backed us for the FA Cup this year so we're doomed.
    
    Paul.
    

    Wimbledon 2 - 1 The Owls
    
    In the first half it looked as though we were still daydreaming about
    Tuesday's Coke Cup victory here. We never really got in the game. All
    the commitment had vanished and only Hyde, Palmer and the centre halves
    were even bothered about the game. The end result was that we were 2-0
    down at half-time.
    
    Francis then brought on Bartman for Linighan, leaving a three man
    defence. This, combined with the b*ll*ck*ing he must have given them at
    the break, resulted in some concerted pressure which resulted in
    Pearce's first Wednesday goal. The pressure continued, despite
    Wimbledon players attempts to break-up the flow by feigning injury, and
    I thought that we may pull of an unlikely draw. Despite having one
    effort cleared off the line it wasn't to be.
    
    Fash the Bash was booked for a foul on Sinton and this should have
    resulted in him being sent off if the referee hadn't been so lenient
    earlier in the match. At least twice when someone had passed him
    Fashanu simply ran into the back of the player and brought him down. He
    didn't even stick his leg out to try and make it look as though he was
    going for the ball. These were cynical, professional fouls and should
    have been treated as such. He really is a carthorse.
    
    The best part of the match was thinking that, unless the FA Cup throws
    the two teams together again, was that I wouldn't have to see that sort
    of sh*te for another season.
    
    Paul.
    
    PS. I was having an argument with someone in the pub on Friday night
    about who was the better player of David Batty and Carlton Palmer. I
    know that lots of people think both are terrible and based on Palmers
    England performances I can see why. I said that Palmer could do the
    spoiling midfield job equally as well as Batty but can also do an
    excellent job in central defence (last years Coke Cup Final excepted)
    and has scored four times for Wednesday as a striker this season. I
    didn't know it at the time but the other bloke was a rabid Leeds fan
    (who is Welsh) so I suppose he would think Batty was better.
    

    Typical innit that Wednesday come unstuck straight after they got more
    than a mention on the Bob Wilson show Saturday morning. What do you
    reckon are our chances on Wednesday evening? Do you think the Forest
    replay is a reason why they couldn't seem to concentrate on pulling the 
    stuffing out of the Wombles?
    
    Simon

    
    >Do you think the Forest replay is a reason why they couldn't seem to
    >concentrate on pulling the stuffing out of the Wombles?
    
    Probably a miture of that and a touch of over-confidence after beating
    them mid-week - plus don't forget the Wombles would have wanted some
    revenge.
    
    I hate making predictions where The Owls are concerned, because I
    usually put the mockers on 'em. So I'll just keep schtum.
    
    Al.

    I can see Wednesday winning 2-0 at half-time. They go a bit stale so
    Trev brings on Jemson against his old club. He scores one immediately
    and makes the play for two from Bright one from Watson and a crashing
    header from Jones.
    
    Collymore thinks he has got a late consolation goal with 2 minutes to
    go, but Jemson slams in two more himself. How many is that? Enough.
    Trev jumps up to celebrate falls over and finds a five quid note on the
    floor. What luck! They all get back in the dressing room. The phone
    rings. Derek Dooley has got his leg back!
    
    Simon

    
    So, you're going for a win then?
    
    I'd have to agree with you (well, maybe the bit about Trev finding a
    fiver is a bit far fetched), but as you know I'm keeping schtum.
    
    Al.

    All this talk about Notm Forest is detracting from the other big issue:
    the all-ticket derby against the Blades at Hillsborough on Saturday! 
    Surely this time we've got this one in the bag!
    
    -- Btw, we can't let Sunderlnad beat us to 300 can we? --
    
    Simon

    
    Is the Notts Forest match on SKY??
    
    Al.

    
    Yes, live
    
    JBG

    re Forest v Owls on SKY
    
    Is that Tues or Weds.
    
    Paul
    

    
    Sorry Paul, but did we hear you say "bugger the girlfriends birthday"?
    Presumably she doesn't read the football notes conference!
    
    JBG

Dump her man !!!!!!!!!! Get your priorities straight for christ sake.

Peter(AIC)

    Yeeeeass... 300.
    
    re last few.
    
    Must have lost a few characters somewhere....I'd fill them in but as
    this is note 300 I don't want it hidden.
    
    Paul.

    Ite - missed it!
    Btw - time to change the old Aint no Sanity Clause personal name
    Btw (again) - I've got a personal name, but how do I get it to come up?
    
    Simon

    re -1 
    
    SET PROFILE /Personal="Simon Rollit"
    
    After the trauma of finding out that Wednesday are live on SKY tonight
    and that I'll miss it due to my girfriend's birthday comes an even
    bigger shock. The Owls are playing the SUFC this Saturday and
    knowing that tickets are usually very difficult to get hold of I
    decided to take my girlfriend up to the Cotswolds for the weekend. Last
    night I got a phone call from a mate in Sheffield who has a spare
    ticket. If I didn't say anything do you think that she'd notice that we
    were in Sheffield instead of Stow-on-the-Wold, or that we were watching
    a footie match instead of having a nice meal, or that we stopped at my
    mum's house instead of a nice country pub.
    
    I hope she realises what a sacrifice I'm making, especially as I think
    we're about due to give them a severe thrashing.
    
    Paul.

    Hope it works.
    
    Yeah, it's the big one on Saturday. What chance the stay-away-Blades-fans 
    will fill the Leppings Lane end? It would be nice to have a capacity gate 
    - has'nt happened this season yet. Present form says the Owls will win
    but you never know with the Great City derbies
    
    Simon

    re Forest v The Owls on SKY.
    
    Anyone know the kick-off time.
    
    Paul

    
    20:00 probably - most midweek matches televised by SKY are on at this
    time.
    
    Tim

    Couldn't get much of it on the radio but I gather we came from being
    under the cosh to being fairly dominant. Away at Stamford Bridge in the
    next round.
    
    Chelsea was the bogey team of the 80s like the Arse of the 90s so far. I 
    still can't get over the 4-4 draw at Hillsborough! 3-0 in front then
    Chelsea, with much to do with Monkou, drew level and then went into the
    lead. I was actually walking to the back of the Kop (still no roof)
    when we has a penalty. Mel Sterland tucked it away. I nearly wet my
    pants!
    
    Simon
         

    Yup, I must admit, memories of the 4-4 draw came flooding back when I 
    heard it was Chelsea in the next round.
    
    Re. the game last night, I didn't see the first half (due to
    being locked out of the flat!) - but in the second half Wednesday were
    dominant. Wednesday took the lead early on (about 5 minutes into the
    half) through Pearce who struck from just inside the box. The shot took
    a deflection off Stuart Pearce, the keeper got a finger to it, but it
    was destined for the corner of the net. The 2nd goal was nearly a carbon 
    copy, this time scored by Bart-Williams, but again deflected off Stuart
    Pearce. 
    Wednesday defended well throughout, but when Forest brought on another 
    forward they looked more dangerous - they'd left it too late though.
    
    Considering all the injuries we've got (several key men were missing
    last night (Waddle, Worthington, Neilson, Hirst...)) I thought we
    played pretty well. Trevor said after the game that the first half was
    the worst he'd seen Wednesday play in all the time he's been manager,
    so maybe it's just as well that I missed it.
    
    Al.

    Why is Waddle out of the side at the moment? I saw him on MTV the other
    week being the knowledgeable host of a celebrity 5-a-side competition!
    
    Wozzat orl abaaaht?
    Simon

    
    I assumed he was out through injury, but maybe he's left to become an
    MTV presenter, or Ray Cokes' cameraman or summat.
    
    I think that 5-a-side job was filmed at the Hillsborough inside stadium
    last year some time though.
    
    Al.

    
    I hope no-one listened to me, and missed the 1st half hour on SKY.
    
    Sorry.
    
    Tim

    
    I did listen to you, but luckily (for you) I wuz locked out of my mates
    flat, so it made no difference anyway.
    
    Apology accepted :*)
    
    Al.

    Managed to catch about an hour of the match on SKY last night.
    
    It was looking a bit dire in the first half as Forest really turned the
    screw. However, apart from Sinton poncing around with the ball and
    getting caught, the defence held up very well. Walker and Pearce seem
    to be forming quite a good partnership. 
    
    The Owls only route to attack was the long ball which usually was dealt
    with comfortably by the Forest defence. Although the youngsters have
    done really well, we really  need Sheridan back to make some telling
    passes from midfield. A midfield combitation of Palmer, Hyde and Jones
    isn't exactly going to be creative.  
    
    As usually happens when a team is under the cosh, all the 50-50 balls
    went to Forest. Also, the refereeing decisions seemed to go against us,
    especially when Chettle bundled Bartman over in the box.
    
    The second half saw Weds come out like a new team and within a minute
    we'd scored, Pearce getting his second in as many matches. Just as it
    looked as though we were going to do our usual trick of trying to
    defend a one-goal lead, up pops Bartman to score the second. I could
    now go to my unavoidable appointment completely relaxed, safe in the
    knowledge that we haven't lost a two goal lead in any match this year.
    
    Paul
    

    
    Re. a few back.
    
    Sorry to be picky but Monkou didn't play for Chelsea back then, the
    architect of our glourious come back was Canovile who came on as sub if
    I remeber correctly.
    
    See you guy's soon,
    
    Loz.

    That's right - Paul Canovile! I remember the match distinctly, except
    the name of the man in the horrible hooped away kit as it was then.
    36,000 including an annoyingly noisy cluster from Dahn Sahff.
    
    Simon

    The Owls 3 - 1 The Blades
    Bright         Whitehouse?
    Pearce
    Watson
    
    At last, a convincing victory over United. From all accounts a pretty
    standard Sheffield derby; frantic, little skill and bruising
    challenges. United looked the better side until Bright scored and then
    capitulated. They got a consolation penalty near the end. Up to seventh
    but it is pretty tight in that area. The Piggies are in deep sh*t and
    are looking more and more likely to be relegated.
    
    The United fans let the City of Sheffield down by interrupting the
    minutes silence but from what I understand it was just a few morons who
    couldn't keep silent for a minute even if they were sat in a
    voice-activated electric chair. Now there's a thought.... However, the
    Leeds fans who sang "There's only one Don Revie" throughout the tribute
    to Busby are beyond contempt. No wonder the players and manager were
    disgusted with them.
    
    Paul.
    

    Biggest gate of the season - 34,958. There were few Blades fans, which
    explains why, yet again, capacity was'nt reached. That was the 98th
    Sheffield derby - thought Bob Wilson might do a spot on it but the
    whole on the ball was filled with the Euro qualfications cr*p.
    
    If Utd go down, we'll have to wait at least another season before the
    100th and then Bob Wilson MUST get it on the show.
    
    Wednesday will have to get their act together a bit quicker than the
    second half against Chelsea next Saturday.
    
    Simon

    Sheridan and Hirst are playing in the reserves tonite. Funny innit -
    there aren't any holes in the team in which to drop them! Can't
    remember what Hirst looks like now ...
    
    Simon

    re crowds at Hillsboro
    
    >Biggest gate of the season - 34,958. There were few Blades fans, which
    >explains why, yet again, capacity was'nt reached. That was the 98th
    
    Looks like we won't get a sell-out at Hillsboro this season. Leeds,
    ManU and SheffU are usually our home bankers for a capacity crowd but
    none have sold-out completely. I really can't understand the Piggies
    not bringing more, especially as they usually do so well against us.
    Presumably, they think they're doomed as well as everyone else.
    
    Paul.
     

    Paul,
    
    Just how big is the place ? 
    
    Blackburn will be there on the 19th March and if the bandwagon can make
    it over the pennines we'll be bringing a lot more recent converts :-) 
    
    I am told that Jack Walkers all-stars are quite good for pulling in the
    neutrals these days.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Andy                

    Sorry Andy, 
    
    I forgot that you lot aren't so far away. Your mates in the Alliance
    will probably fill the away end as well so it'll be down to the
    Wednesday fans to do the rest. If we keep doing as well as we have,
    especially with Hirst and Sheridan on their way back, then sell-outs will 
    follow.
    
    Paul.
     
    

    I wanted to take the family (well the kids) up from Ashbourne in
    Derbys. to watch the match. I phoned Hillsborough in the morning and they 
    told me it was completely sold out. "Nah, come on" said my brother, but we
    did'nt. I phoned him in the evening and he told me he and his mates
    walked in easily and there were gaps in the stands all through the
    match.
    
    It's like the ill-fated Liverpool-Notts Forest tie - crowd was put at
    49,000, Police say there was more than 55,000.
    
    Anyway, book your places now for the Man Utd (Portsmouth?) Hillsborough 
    leg of the C-C semis.
    
    Simon

    re -2
    
    Don't know since the bottom part of the Leppings Lane end was seated.
    Also, I thought that the North-West triangle was going to be seated.
    Think 4-5 thousand at least. Think the capacity is somewhere near the
    36,000 mark but again, because of all the recent changes, I'm not sure.
    
    Hope that helps.
    
    Paul.
     

    Anyone know how Hirst and Sheridan got on in the Reserves last nite?

    Simon, 
    
    I heard that the reserves match was actually tonight. Info from
    a mate in Sheff. I'll have a look in the papers tomorrow though. Hirst
    and Sheridan coming back, even in the reserves, may make the sports
    section. If not I'll ask my mate on Sat.
    
    Paul.
    

    Pontins Central League.
    
    The Owls 3 - 2 The Blades
    
    A Hirst hattrick on his return?? I'll try to find out this afternoon.
    
    Paul.
    

    When I saw my first Wednesday game in the dark days in the lower
    divisions, Springett was in the net, Rodrigues and Eustace at the back,
    Holsgrove, Potts, and Craig up front. I can't remember anyone else.
    Eric Potts was my favorite - the red-haired streak down the wing.
    Apparently, he did the same job as Willie Henderson before him.
    
    Any more name? favorites?
    
    Simon

    
    I've got one or two years on you, Simon. I can remember Henderson
    turning left-backs inside out, even though he was quite old (can any
    Rangers supporters help me out here?).
    
    Other than those you've mentioned, I can only think of Michael
    Prendergast (sp). Later came Roger Wylde, who I think is a trainer with
    Stockport now, and at about the same time Jeff Johnson. In the Charlton
    years Terry Curran (he of the Dying Fly fame) and Andy McCulloch were
    my favourites.
     
    With such world renowned, and let's not be modest, world-class players
    is it any wonder we languished in the relegation zone of Division Three
    for all those years. Thank God we've got players like Carlton Palmer
    now. 
    
    Paul.
    
    

    
    I remember Tommy Craig, he used to take the penalties.
    I'd say you're about the same age as me then Simon, cos I don't
    remember seeing Henderson either.
    
    I remember that bloody awful kit we had too (white arms, blue body).
    
    Al.

    Going on a few years, there were lots of players who came and we thought 
    they were going to lift us out but the only one I can think of is David 
    Sunley (others?).
    
    We've not really looked back since big Jack took over in 77 and since then
    the overall quality of players has risen steadily especially since Mick
    Lyons established himself.
    
    Are Wednesday as good now as the ace black and white days of Ernest 
    Blenkinsop when they were the league champs two years in a row? Surely
    you're not that old Paul?
    
    Simon

    No, I'm only 33. I can remember Sunley. I seem to remember he had a
    pageboy haircut, so he must have been *dead trendy* in the mid 70's. He
    scored a screamer in the 6th round of the FA cup against Chelsea, but
    we eventually lost it 1-2 or 2-3. At that time Chelsea were our bogey
    team, a bit like we are to them at the moment (well, there goes our
    chances this Saturday).
    
    Also about that time The Owls played Santos (Pele et al) in a friendly.
    I think the scoreline was a very unlikely 4-4 draw. I wished that I
    could see something like that now. Anyone remember that?
    
    Paul.
    

    Chelsea 1 - 1 The Owls
    Peacock       Hyde
    
    Well, I think we should be disappointed at this result. Having had most
    of the play for virtually the entire game we still have to go to a
    replay. Peacock scored for Chelsea after Steve Clark ran  unchallenged
    deep into Wednesday's half before laying on the final pass. Chelsea
    also had another excellent chance but Shipperley, I think, put the ball
    just wide.  In the second half Wednesday were totally dominant, with
    Gordon "Flash" Watson  forcing save on a couple of occasions (he gets
    his nickname from his social pastimes, allegedly). 
    
    Probably the most important event in the match came after 59 minutes.
    Ryan Jones, who hadn't been playing well, was replaced by David Hirst.
    Wednesday supporters have been waiting in anticipation for this moment
    for four months. We weren't disappointed. His mere presence unsettled
    Chelsea to such an extent that within four minutes we were level.
    Nilsson's cross was bundled in by Graham Hyde after Watson had also had
    a swing at it. Hirst had the chance to win the tie when the ball fell
    between him and a defender but Kharin was well positioned to smother
    the ball.
    
    Back to Hillsborough on 8 Feb., when Wise, Newton and Hoddle may return
    for Chelsea. Lets hope that Waddle and Sheridan can make it back also.
    
    BTW the view from the three tiered stand at Chelsea is excellent, but
    the rest of the facilities are absolutely cr*p. Whoever designed tha
    place should be shot. There was only one toilet serving what must have
    been several thousand people. When you finally got there it only had
    one entrance/exit and was positioned at the meeting point of four
    passageways. Complete chaos. And I thought the toilets at Wembley were
    bad.
    
    Paul.
    

    If the Owls can overcome Chelsea in Feb, then we probably get Leeds in
    the next round. Leeds have been in a mini downward trend since Xmas but
    it should be a good cup tie. By that time Wednesday will have overtaken
    them in the table and will, yet again, be the NUMBER ONE IN YORKSHIRE!
    
    Simon

    >be the NUMBER ONE IN YORKSHIRE!
    
       Excuse me.... errr... when did you last the league or cup???
    
       I can't seem to remember... it seems so long ago!! :-)
    
    Rick.
    

    You're talking history. I've every respect for Leeds and Wilkinson, I
    even went to Stuttgart to see them play VfB (I was working there anyway
    mind), however, if Wednesday are higher then Leeds AND knock them out
    of the cup, then they must be number one.
    
    But I'm talking future here!
    
    Simon

    Anyway, re a few back, I did some homework over the weekend and came up
    with some names from the past:
    
    76/77/78 - Enter Jack Charlton
    ------------------------------
    Brian Joicey, Jimmy Mullen, Tommy Tynan, Dennis Leman, Ian Porterfield
    
    78/79 - The Arsenal replays
    ---------------------------
    Peter Shirtliff, Mick Pickering, Brian Hornsby, David Rushburry, Ian 
    Mellor, Jeff King
    
    79/80 - Boxing Day Massacre
    ---------------------------
    Hugh Dowd, David Grant, Mark Smith, Charlie Williamson
    (btw in the BDM at Hillsborough Mellor got the first, Curran got the 
    second, King got the third, and Pickering got the fourth from a penalty)
    
    80/81 - Up to Division 2
    ------------------------
    
    81-82 - Almost in the first
    ---------------------------
    Jim Holton, Gary Bannister, Gary Megson, Gary Shelton, Ante Mirocevic
    (after beating them on the last match of the season we finish a point 
    behind Norwich who go up)
    
    82-83 - Battling on
    -------------------
    John Pearson, Mick Lyons 
                     

>>>>>
76/77/78 - Enter Jack Charlton
    ------------------------------
    Brian Joicey, Jimmy Mullen, Tommy Tynan, Dennis Leman, Ian Porterfield
>>>>>                           
                                                           
By way of a completely non-interesting bit of trivia, Tommy Tynan played up
front for Donny at the beginning of the season before last. He was partnered by
Billy Whitehurst in what must have been the oldest pair of forwards in the game.
Unfortunately, they were both complete crap and we replaced them.

Mike

    No, that's completely interesting. It's amazing how many old
    professionals are still around playing in lower, lesser, and non-league 
    teams. Does anyone know who ex-Blade and record goal merchant Keith
    Edwards plays for these days?
    
    Simon

    re -2
    
    Tommy Tynan was still getting caught yards offside for Torquay last
    time I heard. I think this was last season but it could have been
    earlier. Anyone know??
    
    re -3
    
    At Chelsea in the second half Des Walker mis-kicked a clearance which
    went sailing into the stand. A bloke sat just behind us shouted, "Come
    on Des, get Jimmy Mullens' boots off". Those of us who remembered knew
    what he meant.
    
    Paul.
     

I think (if memory serves me) Tynan scored a hatful of goals for Torquay and
then joined Donny on a free, because he was eight zillion years old. Obviously
when he joined the mighty rovers he scored precisely no goals, and was
presumably dropped, if not shot. If he'd been any good, Leeds would have stolen,
sorry, bought, him off us. 8-)

Mike

    What will the score be down at White Hart Lane on Saturday? Landen used
    to be a poor theatre for the Owls - these days it looks quite good.
    Subs bench again for Hirst?
    
    Simon

    Sounded like a good match. Looking forward to the write up. Pressman
    was brilliant? Are we the irresistable force that bludgeoned Blackburn
    on the way to the CC final last year?
    
    Simon

    Tottenham 1-3 Wednesday
    Roosenthal    Coleman
                  Bright (2)
    
    Didn't deserve the scoreline, maybe not even a win. At 3-0 up Spurs
    started playing, The Owls hit the panic button and for the next 20
    minutes it looked like another three goal lead was going to be equalled
    or bettered. I wouldn't like to think what would have happened if
    either Sheringham or Woods was playing (Pressman again played a stormer
    to keep out about three clear-cut chances).
    
    Can't complain about the three points though. On this performance Spurs
    are far too good to go down. They created so many chances durig that 20
    minute period, and when Sheringham returns it'll get better. 
    
    Must say something about the policing and stewarding at White Hart
    Lane. This was my third year on the trot goning to the ground and each
    year the stewards seem to pull at least on Wednesday supporter out of
    the crowd for a seemingly innocuous incident. The police seem just as
    bad. Has anyone else noticed this. The first arrest came just after the 
    first Wednesday goal when Spurs were chasing everything (and putting
    themselves about, not always legally). With the referee giving some
    very dubious decisions the actions of the police and stewards only made
    the Wednesday fans more angry.  
    
    Paul.
    

    re .343
    
    >was brilliant? Are we the irresistable force that bludgeoned Blackburn
    >on the way to the CC final last year?
    
    Simon, 
    
    On that performance the answer is no. Chelsea on Weds might give Hirst
    a bit more match practice but it's such an important match in it's own
    right to be considered  a warm-up for next Sun. Sheridan was in the
    squad which is good news.
    
    Paul.
    

    Continuing the Tommy Tynan theme, the following was taken from the Green
    'Un this weekend:
    
    "Leaders' record falls to ace Tynan 
    Former Owls star Tommy Tynan struck as Pinegrove shattered leaders
    Grimethorpe MW's 100% record since joining the Second Division at the
    start of the season. Tynan gave the hosts a 15-minute lead ..."
    
    This is the Whitbread County Senior. Now we know what Tommy gets up to
    on a Sunday (btw - I used to play in this league!)            
    
    Simon

    Simon, didn't know they were still delivering the Green 'Un in the
    Utrecht area anymore. Did it give any news on the injury list (Sinton,
    Sheridan, Worthington, Waddle .....)
    
    Cheers, Paul.
    

    Popped over to the Great City on Saturday to visit the family. Went to
    Morrisons for t' shopping and then round the corner to the Great
    Stadium to buy tickets for the Mancs game (at Hillsborough):
    a. They're not on sale yet
    b. Ticket office was closed
    
    Green 'Un this week was mostly about United and how they need to buy, and 
    how Willie Falconer is going to Celtic, etc..
    
    Only news about our injured players is that Sheridan is now fit and
    ready. We'll see him on Wednesday (start? sub?) Looks like he'll slip
    into the the space Lee Briscoe temporarily filled.
    
    Simon
                                        

    Saw the Briscoe lad (or Kid) on Sat against Tottering. A bit out of his
    depth but made one or two promising runs. He came on for Ryan Jones
    at half-time. Do all these youngsters comiong through mean that we've
    got a youth policy or have we been scouring the lower divisions for
    talent. 
    
    Paul.
    
    BTW Simon how many tickets did the Mancs allocate to us. I know it
    isn't the FA cup but was it anywhere near the 25% that they were asking
    from Norwich.
     

    Don't know about the Mancy allocation, but I know a bit about the SWFC
    youth teams cos my little brother left the U-16 team at the end of last
    year (he now plays for Parkway).
    
    The U13s, U-14s, and U15s (Young Owls or SWFC Juniors) are by far the best 
    teams in their leagues. The U-16s and youth teams have a lot of good
    competition and don't always lift cups.
    
    As an aside, on the occasions I used to watch my brother, there was very 
    often someone from either Wednesday, United, Rotherham, Barnsley, 
    Mansfield, Chesterfield, or Notts Forest lurking on the touchline 
    monitoring the progress of the little guys in the little guys leagues.
    
    Simon

    What happened last night?
    
    Wednesday 1-3 Chelsea
    Leeds     2-3 Oxford
    Luton     2-0 Newcastle
    Arsenal   1-3 Bolton
    
    and before that                    
    
    Blackburn 0-1 Charlton
    
    Now there's some very alarming scorelines. Top premier sides dumped! A
    lot of teams will be thinking they can win the FA cup now. They are wrong.
    There is only one team left in it -
    
    BARNSLEY, come on South Yorkshire!!

    rubbish
    
    stick a fiver  on Kidderminster

    It's all down to the Coke Cup now. Lets hope that Tricky can come up
    with something before Sunday. Waddle, Sheridan and Hirst are all nearly
    fit but has it come a bit late. Waddle came on as sub last night.
    
    Paul.
    

    BTW The Islington Owls were out in Stoke Newington last night. About
    the only thing that cheered me up was the sight of all the Arsenal fans
    crying into their beer.
    
    Paul.
    
    PS Looking at the rest of the draw you have to say that this is an
    opportunity missed. Just getting to Wembley is assured of a European
    place, assuming that ManU win the Championship.
     

    Man Utd on Sunday. Will the Owls able to recover from this new thing
    called difeet? Will we be the New Heroes of the unbiased televisual world
    when we inflict humiliation and shock on a club that is aspiring to be
    great but is in actual fact sitting on top of a league filled with
    sides just knocked out of the FA cup by so-called footballing minnows who 
    must have all been on something worth waiting in a queue for.
    
    Talking of queues has anybody tried to get a ticket for anything at
    Hillsborough recently? I'm told it's as bad as ever
    
    Simon

    Simon,
    
    Ring the booking office on 0742 337233 and give them the number ofyour
    Flexible Friend. It sometimes works and at least you're not stood in
    the freezing cold next to the Don.
    
    Hope your prediction about Sunday is right.
    
    Paul.
    

    Well it was only 1-0. A stiffling match, "boring" said Fergie. I found
    it quite entertaining myself and was quite pleased with the Owls
    "team" performance although there were no individual good 'uns, except
    perhaps Walker at the back and Hirst doing very well considering his
    long lay off.
    
    All we've got to do is win and score 2 more goals than Utd.
    
    Simon

    
How can you call that entertainment ?

I think the conversation at the toss-up went something like this:

Des Walker : Hi Steve, how about 1-0 to you ?

Steve Bruce : Yeah O.K. But give us one pretty early on or our crowd 
will start getting worried and Eric might get stroppy.

Des Walker : O.K. but how will we keep it interesting for our fans ?

Ref: Well, how about if I let the Reds go unpunished for some outrageous 
fouls, that usually goes down well here ?

Steve Bruce : Thats the ticket, you could probably give out a few yellows 
for dissent against Sheffield after that, just to show the assessor how 
much authority you have.
 
Des Walker : Yes, that should give our fans plenty to shout about. Not to 
much running about today though Steve, its a bit cold and our lads 
haven't been too well recently. 

Steve Bruce: Suits me Des, the last thing we want is injuries because we're 
of to Wimbledon next week and Vinnie isn't such a gentleman as yourself. 

Shake hands and see you in the Bar afterwards.

As a neutral I found it a very tedious affair. Neither side seemed to want 
to put the effort in. 

Cheers,

Andy

    
    re.358
    
    Very good! That about summed it up. I couldn't justify the Palmer
    booking. Fancy booking someone because he clapped a decision, whilst he
    let Parker go unpunished for an awful tackle.
    
    Tony
    
    

    Well, only 1-0. It could have been worse. I can imagine that it wasn't
    exactly a football feast for the neutrals. Francis said in the paper,
    "We got the sympathy vote last year for being one of the best
    footballing teams in the country and we ended up with nothing. We set
    out to stop them playing." I hope that doesn't mean that we're going to
    start playing like Arsenal, Trev. 
    
    Both Hirst and Waddle looked well below their best. I thought that it
    was a mistake on Francis' part to play them both from the start.
    Bringing them both on with 20-30 minutes to go would have been much
    better. If the intention was to stop the Manu  playing then why pick
    Waddle anyway.
    
    Manchester haven't been defeated by more than one goal since August
    1992. But, who knows...
    
    Paul.
    

    Re: .258 - very pithy and droll. Wednesday did a good Arsenal-type
    containing job, not a brilliant one, but a good one. It stopped the rot
    at one.
    
    However, as we have seen, the Mancs push and when they do they score.
    When they get another they tend to steamroller, with Eric et al
    driving. The mere fact that they only got one gives us some hope in the
    second leg. Don't forget that there's only the Mancs who have scored
    more goals than us this season.
    
    Simon

    There are rumours in the papers that Trevor Francis wants to swap Chris
    Woods plus cash for Brian Deane.... 
    
    Rick.

    I would have thought Francis wanted to be paid to take Deane...

    
    Deane appears docile enough to fit nicely into the Wednesday forward line
    from Sunday. 
    
    And I'd have thought Leeds would jump at that deal, Chris Woods looks far
    more likely to score than Deane at the moment.
        
    :-)
    
    Seriously I think Deane needs a change of club, SW might suit him.
    
    Andy

    Andy,
    
    >Deane appears docile enough to fit nicely into the Wednesday forward line
    >from Sunday. 
    
    Ah, yes... Gone are the days when The Owls could just hop across the
    Pennines and walk through defences at will in a semi-final of the Coke
    Cup (smiley thing). Happy days.
    
    Seriously though, I can't see that Wilkinson would be allowed to sell
    Deane for an enormous loss and with Hirst back, and Bright scoring
    regularly, I can't see  Francis paying all that much for him. Isn't
    Beeney playing OK anyway?
    
    Cheers,                  
    
    Paul.

    Paul,
    
    I'm glad you have such happy memories of last years CC Cup, I'm bloody
    sure I don't. However I do remember a lad called Warhurst had a lot to 
    do with it. He's just got back in our reserves and is a long way off
    fully fit yet so Trevor will probably be making us an offer !
    
    Please ask your boys to make an effort against MANU next time,
    
    Cheers,
    
    Andy 

    Andy,
    
    I was hoping you wouldn't pick up on that. However, if I remember
    correctly, Sheridan was also heavily involved in a couple of the goals.
    He is the man we need right now to put in a few telling passes from
    midfield. On Sunday a lot of the passes, for want of a better word,
    were over the top and eaten up by the Mancs defence. As it has been
    mentioned in other topics, yours included, Bruce and Palister don't
    like it when the ball is played in low and when players run at them.
    Sheridan can do both. We need him back for the replay. If he isn't
    though we'll still be going for the 2-0.
    
    Paul.

    Only chance for Europe? But we're going to finish third behind
    Blackburn and Arsenal!
    
    Simon

    Hmmmmmmm.....
    
    Rick

    Simon
    
    >Only chance for Europe? But we're going to finish third behind
    >Blackburn and Arsenal!
    
    That would only be good enough if Manu won both cups. And we all know
    how difficult that is.
    
    Paul.

    
    There are times, usually alcohol induced, when I get ever so optimistic 
    and think Blackburn might just catch United. 
    
    I am very worried about a man who can drink so much that he thinks 
    that Arsenal and Sheff Wed can pass them as well :-). 
    
    There are still about half the premiership (SW included) who can get 
    3rd and need MANU to keep going in the Cups to keep their European 
    dream alive a little longer.
    
    Remember how it worked out last year 
    
    Cheers,
    
    Andy 
    

    One must be optimistic! Ask any First World War veteran, recovering
    victim of serious road accident, Christian in Beirut, even a
    Sheffield United fan.
    
    When the Owls knock the Mancs out of the CC cup Sunday after next,
    their season will collapse. The Wombles will destroy them in the other
    cup, and they will amass only three more points from their remaining 
    league fixture.
    
    You just wait.
    
    Nostradamus.
    

    As Chelsea (spit) have cancelled their match against the Owls to play
    in the FA Cup 5th Round (vomit), have we got a match this W/E. I've
    already arranged to go up to Sheff and I can't get out of it because
    I've told the relatives.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Paul.
    

    I don't think the Owls have a match this weekend, but I could be wrong.
    It doesn't matter though - I think United are at home
    
    Simon

    Look at the time of this note. Am I keen or what.
    
    Did you know that Wednesday used to be known as "The Blades" and
    United as "The Cutlers"? 
    
    Simon

    I'm impressed Simon.  Well done!!!
    
    
    
    
    /GAry

    I hate making predictions - it's just that I know what's going to
    happen. To put you all out of your miseries, I can tell you that Aston
    Villa beat Tranmere 5-1 at Villa Park and Wednesday beat Man Utd 2-0 at
    Hillsborough. I'm a bit cloudy about the final but I think I can see 2-2 or
    3-2 to the Owls. Yes, that's it.
    
    Anyway, Tranmere did well last nite. Hope I don't spoil their
    celebrations too much
    
    Simon

    Not so long ago, someone wrote a note predicting an Owls v Villa final.
    Whoever it was should apply to be on the Match Of The Day commentary
    team.
    
    Paul.
    

    Two days to the Big Match before Wembley and not a note of excitement
    amongst the Wednesday noters? I thought the match was on Sunday
    actually - could'nt get a ticket anyway. Spent the money on some
    bathroom tiles. Mundane innit.
    
    Come Wednesday evening and I'll be there with my bottle of Heineken and
    Radio 5 crackling annoyingly in the headphones. I was pleased and
    heartened with the mediocre performance of the Mancs against the same 
    second-dividion opposition that beat us 2-1 a couple of Saturdays ago.
    Why is everbody saying it was such a good show?
    
    Up the Owls, as they used to say. Strange thing?
    
    Simon

    Why don't you watch it live on TV at 8.00pm???  Much better than radio
    5....
    
    Just my opinion....
    
    
    /GAry

    
    No Gary you dullard, Simon is going to the match. Hence the bottle of
    Heiniken.
    
    Some people listen to the commentary on Radio 5 for the groovy
    commentary.
    
    Tony
    
    ps Earth to Simon, Earth to Simon, come in Simon. You boys haven't got
    a hope.
    
    

    
    I'll have you know sunshine that Jimmy Quinn Quinn Quinn is currently
    the top goalscorer in Britain. That includes Sottish footy, the Premier
    League and the Endsleigh League. 
    
    How many has Bob Taylor got this year?? When thr R's are playing in
    Division 1 next year I bet we get more than the paltry 43 that West
    Brum have managed. And we'll see how many your shower get against the
    roughnecks of Divsion 2.
    
    It's a shame we'll pass like ships in the night.
    
    Tony
    
    

    Jimmy Quinn (WHO WHO) will struggle next season.  Its only that
    defences are poor in that divsion.  Even I could score against the
    likes of Barnet and Brentford.  
    
    Bob Taylor has scored 15 league goals this season.  Which isn't bad. 
    He isn't an out and out goalscorer.  He is more than that.  He is the
    English Pele.  A ballwinner, a matchwinner, the man who Linford
    Christie couldn't catch.  He is a genius.  He is a god.  
    
    I'm looking forward to next season when Reading play the likes of
    Albion, Wolves and Portsmouth.  Then we'll see how many Quinn gets.  I
    reckon under 10.
    
    
    /GAry
         

    
    The only time we play you sorry brigade is if we meet in the F.A Cup.
    But hey, judging by West Brums form in this years cup competition
    you'll probably be out before our name goes in the hat.
    
    We may not be the U.K's highest goalscorers again next year Gary,
    maybe. But I'll tell you what, we'll have a better goal difference than
    -6. West Brum's defence is leakier than John Major's back to basics.
    
    Tony
    
     

    Well, I *just* *hope* you're quite satisfied with yourselves. This is a
    clean living, no bad language, friendly note. We've *never* had any
    note of ours set hidden and now you two come in and spoil our wonderful
    record. I hope that West Brom and Reading ban you both for life!
    
    Disgusted of Uxbridge.
    
    BTW. Tony, we'll stop dreaming when the final whistle goes on Wednesday
    night but until then...
    

    Re last handful (as oppose to hatful - that's for Wednesday nite) wot
    the 'eck's going on? Disgusted of Uxbridge said it all, now let's get
    back to football and where better to do it than Sheffield, seeing as
    that's where football comes from.
    
    Now that Leeds have taken a lead on us, we'll have to trounce the
    Canaries on Saturday. I do hope we'll have some trounce left in us after
    Wednesday. The Mancs have put up a good show this season, and in a way
    it will be a shame that they come away with so little - but that's
    football.
    
    Can't get BBC in the youth hostel.
    
    Simon
         

    
    So if the BBC are showing the game live, I take it that it won't be on 
    SKY?
    Commentary won't be on the BBC world service either, so it looks like
    a few phone calls back to Mum....
    
    Al.

    Re 385
    
    I agree with the Uxbridge guy.  Tony has runined yet another note with
    his insults.  He must be worried cos Stockport and Plymouth will
    overtake Reading in the league.  
    
    
    /GAry

    Re -2
    
    Hi Al,
    
    If I'm not mistaken BBC Radio 5 is being broadcast on Astra now. And
    from the previous notes, I gather that Radio 5 will broadcast
    commentary on Wednesday night. 
    
    
    However, I may be completely wrong (but I sincerely hope not !).
    
    Jerry.

    The match is on ITV (i'm *almost* certain) so Simon, if you're still in
    Utrecht (youth hostel?? - is this part of Digital's cost cutting
    drive?) the radio is your best bet. Don't know if it'll be on the world
    service though.
    
    Paul.
    

    I hope its more exciting than the previous match!!
    
    Hope Wednesday win.... :-)
    
    Rick.

    It should be completely different from the first match. Both teams will
    be going for it. 4-3 to the Super$Owls is quite possible.
    
    Remember 1968 when Man Utd came to Hillsborough just after beating 
    Benfica - a great advert-for-football 4-4 draw in front of a chock-a-block 
    crowd.
    
    PS - I don't remember this cos I was a Sheff Utd fan back in those days
    cos Mummy would'nt let me go all the way to Hillsborough. I had to make
    do with the likes of Alan Hodgkinson, Tony Currie, and John Tudor.
    
    Simon

    >>>> cos I was a Sheff Utd fan back in those days...
    
    Gulp! - my god!! 
    
    Simon, how could you possibly have done such a thing??? 
    I've never heard of this sort of thing before, it's, it's errr...
    abnormal. Like supporting Leeds (almost).
    
    Al.

    Even in the early 72/3 season when Shuff Etd were running away with the
    league and I was there watching Len Badger it back to Alan Hodgkinson and 
    Ted Hemsley it up-field to Geoff Salmons, there was something missing.
    The overriding memory is of continuous chants of "Aw, come on!".
    
    Besides, I only lived up the road a bit and the Wednesday had
    already fallen.
    
    Simon

    re -1
    
    >Remember 1968 when Man Utd came to Hillsborough just after beating 
    >Benfica - a great advert-for-football 4-4 draw in front of a chock-a-block 
    >crowd.
    
    Simon,
    
    Thought this one was 5-4 to one of the teams. Anyone admit to being old
    enough to remember the game? I remember the one in '76 which was 4-4.
    It went something like 0-1, 3-1, 3-3, 3-4, 4-4.
    
    Paul.
    

    Any team news for tonight? None in my paper? 
    
    Paul.
    
    BTW all you x00 and x000 note collectors, 400 is coming up so be on the
    ball.

    Is this some kind of sick joke?? What about the undersoil heating at
    Hillsboro' ?? The public need to know !
    
    Paul.
    

    Its off.  Now gonna be played next Wednesday...
    
    
    
    
    /GAry

    Just was 399 so I had to dive in fore the big 400. Just glimpsed match
    off as I entered. Have to get out now and read what it''s all about!

    Missed it. What bad weather? It's a wind-up. It was all right last
    nite.

    OK I'll have 400 then.
    
    Just confirmed with a mate in Sheffield that the match is off. It'll be
    played next Wednesday instead. Leaves us a bit more time to get
    everyone fit. Seems that there's so much snow up there that the main
    routes from Manchester are blocked. Why this should cause all the Manu
    fans a problem I don't know: they wouldn't be coming from Manchester
    anyway. The pitch was OK though.
    
    Looks as though the Islington Owls will have to do something else
    tonight. 
    
    Paul.
    
    

    Bad weather.......  These small clubs like Wednesday and Oxford United
    can't cope with a bit of snow.  Shame that.....
    
    
    
    /Gary

    Ok I was too slow. I'm not an experienced x00 hunter anyway.
    
    Paul

    Will ITV show a good James Bond film instead?...
    
    disappointed of Ayr....

    
    No, they'll probably put a Roger Moore one on.

    Gor blimey, I know we did'nt deserve to win, but to throw 2 points away
    in the last minute (again!) in the 13-game run-in to Europe makes one's
    body liquids froth.
    
    What's more, Jammy Liverpool are edging further away. We're now 7
    points behind 3rd place Arse with a game in hand. Still possible but
    that defence will have to tighten.
    
    Simon

    Rumours in the papers this weekend about Waddle returning for England
    against Denmark. The Mail said it was definate, whilst the Telegraph
    (these were the only papers on offer in the pub, honest) said that it
    was unlikely because he hadn't been fit enough to play on Saturday.
    
    What time will the team be announced today?
    
    Yet another lead squandered on Saturday. Let's hope that we can make a
    big step towards Europe on Wednesday.
    
    Paul.
    
    

    Waddle didn't make it, or Sinton, or Palmer, or Woods. Not a great day
    for Sheff Wed so far, eh?

What, no video's of TV shouting Carltonnnnnnnnnnnnnn. :-)

    Sorry, but isn't this an Enlglish language note.
    
    Paul.
    

>    Sorry, but isn't this an Enlglish language note.
    

    I was trying to spell it phonetically - the first 'l' is silent.
    
    Yours in grammar,
    
    Paul.
    

    re : .411
    
    	I've just managed to translate the note......
    
    	I think it says... "Come on Wednesday.. I hope you beat us 2-0!"
    
        Rick.

    Enough of the chit-chat chaps, Ernest Blenkinsop will be turning in his
    grave. Btw, I thought TV was a bad choice from the beginning - blimey
    crim and all that, but to disregard Carlton our door man ...
    
    Simon

    I replied in the wrong note - wots more I scored a goal for the Blades!
    See 42.140 for what I wanted to say here.
    
    Simon

    Well done the Owls! More than any other team this year (Wimbledon did
    well too), I think we played with just about the right restraint to make 
    the public realize the conspiracy.
    
    It was a fix!
    
    The teams who have beaten the Mancs this year:
    Stoke (not part of the Premiership conspiracy)
    Galatassary (not part of the Premiership conspiracy)
    Chelsea (one team has to "beat" the Mancs to disperse any thoughts on 
    conspiracy).
    
    Scandal-mongering because of bitterness? No, I'm not bitter, just
    gutted. The Mancs won "fair and square" and according to "the plan"
    (Premiership conspiracy).
    
    Don't ask me why we need and English team head and shoulders above the
    rest, but we obviously do. Manchester United are playing out the role
    fantastically. Well done. Along with Chelsea, there must be another
    team who will be "allowed" to beat the Mancs this year. I hope it is
    Wednesday when they play again in the league at Old Trafford on March
    16th.
    
    Simon

    Lost, got pissed, feel crap. Bye for now.
    
    Paul.
    

    
    	re .418...
    
    	Wow, do you sound bitter!
    
    	Face the facts, not invent some fantastical excuse (I didn't see
    	any :-)s so I assume you were at least semi-serious??)
    
    	United, after holding Sheffield out for a frantic 5 minutes, killed
    	you off with two super goals. Despite a gallant fight-back, another
    	sloppy piece of defending/goalkeeping put the game beyond reach.
   
    	The last goal was a beauty. It should be a great final, another
    	chance for Big Ron to beat his former club in the League Cup final.
    
    	Andy.

    re. 420 Eh??  I didn't think he sounded bitter, smileys or not.
    
    Anyway..
    I phoned home four times during the course of the game, so it must be 
    the most expensive match I've ever not seen. It sounds like we got a
    complete thrashing, and Man U. thoroughly deserved the win.
    Everytime I phoned, United scored - so sorry lads, I was obviously 
    responsible.
    I stopped phoning when they scored the 4th, did they score any more?
    or did we for that matter?
    
    Al.

    Al,
    
    No it was 4. We won by the same margin in last years CCC Semi. What's
    gone wrong. Are ManU that much better than we were last year or have we
    become much worse. I suspect the latter. Francis had better get
    something sorted. His tactics have been found wanting again.
    
    Paul.
    

    
    The keeper was useless. My nan could have saved the third goal, and
    she's got a touch of rigger setting in!
    
    Tony
    
    

    
    
    Did anyone see Paul Hirst back-head-butt attempt on Dennis Irwin.
    
    The cameras just focused on them as Hirst tried and nearly succeeded to
    injure Irwin..... 
    I also remember Hirsty saying the F word to someone else or was it poor
    Sinton, who couldn't take the pace... tut tut.
    
    In saying that Keane at times was going round like a headless chicken.
    
    Anyway, a good game played by two good playing teams, not too many up
    and unders which Wednesday could have reverted to... They needed a bit
    of width as was mentioned.
    
    Goalie was at fault with the third goal, but no chance with the rest.
    
    
    mac

    I think Pressman has earned himself a rest. It sounds like he was fully
    to blame for the second and partly for the third. Who have we got on
    Saturday? If we don't win that, I might start supporting Leeds!
    
    Simon

>    Did anyone see Paul Hirst back-head-butt attempt on Dennis Irwin.
    
    No, but I did see his brother, David, doing exactly the same thing :-)
    
    It was very bad and blatant - he really ought to be on a disrepute charge 
    for that. There was a time midway through the second half when it
    looked as though the game might get out of control. Sinton lost his rag and,
    IMO, was very lucky not to get booked. Once Palmer got booked, things
    seemed to calm down a bit, although Keane must have been close to being
    sent off after lashing out at a Wednesday player having already been
    booked earlier in the game.
    
    Terry

I noticed the Hirst backwards head butting incident and think he was extremely 
lucky not to have his legs removed later in the game, but then Irwin is a real 
gent as wwll as being one of the best and most underated players in the game 
today. He will be one of the best at the World Cup.

Tom
 

    From what I was and heard we deserved to win. Even their dying minutes
    goal was lucky. Well that's football. Crap innit?
    
    Simon

    Simon,
    
    Andy Cole was put clean through and chopped down from behind. From the
    free kick Beardsley's shot was blocked and Cole first to pounce. Not
    what a neutral would call a "lucky" goal.
    
    Peter

    I meant the fact that it went in the back of the net after an innocuous 
    and misdirected free kick. With Norwich and Liverpool loosing, our
    defeat does'nt seem as bad as it is. But the fact is that we are
    loosing ground on Arsenal, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and, to also to
    Leeds and Liverpool.
    
    What's so good about Europe anyway?

    Went up for the match. In the first half Wednesday played their
    familiar passing game and had several good chances. In the second they
    hoofed everything upfield and played crap. They only had one decent
    chance and that was when Bright harried a Newcastle defender until he
    fell/was tripped over. I hope this long-ball experiment that Francis has
    started is going to finish soon - the second half on Saturday was
    awful. If we play the long ball game and a notoriously bad defence like
    Newcastle's (from their own notes) can *easily* cope with it then what 
    chance do we have against other teams. 
    
    Paul.

    
    Anyone know when Mr Waddle will be back....
    

    re -1
    
    Waddle broke down in training the day after the cancelled semi-final
    match. Think he'll be out for another week or so.
    
    There are still rumours floating about regarding possible transfer
    deals. Braine Deane to Hillsboro' seems to be a favourite at the
    moment. I think he'd make a good replacement for Bright who has been
    a bit hit and miss this year. If it does go ahead then I hope Francis
    doesn't make the same mistake as Wilkinson and try to use him as an
    out-and-out target man. 
    
    Fat Ron "Judas" Atkinson has denied that he had made an approach to
    Wednesday for Carlton Palmer. Personally I think Palmer has gone about
    as far as he can with Wednesday. He seems to be getting more and more
    complacent by the week (although I can't see why - with Batty playing
    well at Blckburn and the new England management installed I can't see
    him getting picked for his country anymore). He wasted a lot of
    possession by bad passing on Saturday. Graham Hyde is looking better
    and better this year and also with the central defence parnership
    coming along (ManU match excepted) Palmer is looking increasingly
    surplus to requirements. If Francis could get rid of him for a decent
    amount then we might be able to buy a good passing midfielder.
    
    Paul.
    

>>>>
Fat Ron "Judas" Atkinson has denied that he had made an approach to
>>>>


You're not still bitter about that are you? 8-)

mike

    Carlton and Piggie Atkinson are on good terms. It seems that Carlton
    and Trevor Francis are also on good terms. Trev has a slight problem
    keeping Carlton motivated. Carlton is a complex character. Always keen
    to chip in with youth team efforts and show off his skills.
    
    Carlton is a great player and it would be a shame if he sacrificed his
    regular England team place to Batty who is a far less skilled player
    but is stronger and more stable.
    
    Carlton is one of my favorites. He has the constant, honest work rate of
    Brian Marwood but seems to be a less stable guy. I think it would be
    tragic if Trev let him go.
    
    Simon
                              

    
    	all sounds like a bit of a conspiracy to me, Simon ;-)
    
    	Andy.

    Re.-1
    
    Well I'm sorry to disagree with you.. but Carlton is rubbish.... he
    just has no style or skill.. and he never has done the business for 
    England.... I'm sure Sheff Wed will be happy to get rid of him... 
    and for #2 million... noway.... I'll give you #10,000 for him & he can
    clean the Leeds player's boots for the rest of his life... cos that's
    as close to top level football he's ever going to get!
    
    
    	The only thing he does well are his impressions of Graeme Taylor.
    
    	Rick.

    But how do you rate Batty beside him? I saw him play for Leeds a few
    times and found him to be a partly-skiled bustling kind of player. On
    the telly for Leeds and Blackburn he seems a litle better.
    
    Simon

    
    Re.-1
    
    Spot on.Going by what we see on t.v.up here in Scotland,Carlton
    Palmer looks like a member of the Harlem Globetrotters lost on
    a football pitch...the guy is garbage.I couldn`t believe it when
    G.T. picked him for England,mind you I thought the same about
    Geoff Thomas.
    
    Just my opinion..8*)
    
    D...

    re .434
    
>You're not still bitter about that are you? 8-)
    
    
    No, not really. Just kidding. The circumstances of him leaving did make
    me mad at that moment, but I suppose we should look on it as a
    compliment that he should waver when offered a job at his lifelong
    favourite club with lots of spons to spend on players. BTW I hope Villa
    beat the Mancs, sorry ManU, at Wembley.
    
    Carlton isn't as bad as his England performances suggest, especially
    when Taylor has the *brilliant* idea of putting him on the right side
    of midfield. He has played well for Wednesday for four years now and
    still the crowd have a go at him. His physique makes him look awkward
    and this leads everyone to believe that he's clumsy (Mellor the ex-Owl
    and Ormondroyd, I believe, are similarly built and were also never the
    fan's favourites). 
    
    Palmer is a good utility player who is very good at the defensive
    midfielders role but can also make good runs and passes (last weeks
    goal at Norwich being a good example where he beat the right back for
    speed and played a good cross). His control is good for a tall man and
    he can run around all day. He can also play in central defence and hasa
    scored quite a few goals, being the latest defender turned attacker
    that Francis has tried. I think Batty wasn't as good a player as Palmer
    when he was at Leeds but he puts this down to not being given enough
    freedom to develop. That's one of the main reasons he went to Blackburn
    and, from the newspaper reports, it seems that he is an improved
    player.
    
    Like I said, I think Palmer may have an attitude problem at the moment
    and should wake himself up (or be woken up by Francis) or be sold. I
    personally would let him go if a decent passing midfielder was
    available.
    
    Paul.
    

    Well I think Carlton Palmer is ace. He's been the man of the match for
    England officially once and for me twice. If he goes, then I would urge
    Trev to look to Derby (again). Why did Harkes go there anyway? Let's
    have him back along with Martin Kuhl (and Tommy Johnson while we're at
    it).
    
    Please let's not have Brian Deane. His striking partner of old Tony Agana 
    would'nt go amiss though.
    
    Simon

    Simon,
    
    I'd agree about Johny Harkes. He was looking very comfortable on the
    left last season. Why we got rid of him and got Sinton instead I'll
    never know. Dubious decision by Francis there.
    
    Paul.
    

    I really think the Conspiracy theory applies to the Premiership this
    season. The powers that be want Aston Villa up there beside Man Utd and
    Arsenal and enforced that no penalties should be given to Coventry the 
    other nite. This almost back-fired as the referee was compelled not to 
    give Coventry two obvious and blatant penalties toward the end of the game.
    
    Noters will recognize the complete absence of so-called "smileys" in my
    notes. This is because I am a serious guy and am not wont to record 
    frivolous icons of good nature. How do you do them anyway? Wait a mo,
    let's have a go    nn__
                     ##(@  ~~\
                     ##  _] ) |
                     ##(@  __/
                       uu~~
    Oh yeah. Well, anyway, I think we have three points assured down at the
    Dell tomorrow, or ...
    
    Simon
                                                    

    
    	Is that what you look like, Simon? Wow are you UGLY !! 8-) 8-)
    
    	Andy.

    No, this is what I really look like (you'll have to TYPE me):
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-
\
    

    
    Forget TYPE, make that EXT TT

    
    	Now THAT's *UGLY* !!! 8-) 8-)
    
    	Andy.

    Another 1-1 draw! We are going nowhere, actually, probably down if QPR
    keep up their run and make good their games in hand. Some acrobatic 
    keeping by Pressman kept Southampton out but the Owls played good
    spells too and just about controlled the game.
    
    Man Utd (again) at OT on Wednesday evening and Blackburn at
    Hillsborough on Sunday. What a week.
    
    PS - Nice to see Newcastle storm it and jump above the Arse and the
    Blades steal a point and peg Leeds back.
    
    Simon

    The season has all gone a bit flat now. After four years of interest
    right up to the last game we're now facing a dull run-in to the end of
    the season. However, we've still got to play Manu and Blackburn so
    maybe we can still have a bit of fun.
    
    10 regulars injured now. Is Tricky doing a Sourpuss and overtraining
    the players.
    
    Did anyone go on Saturday. I was all set but a sudden financial crisis
    (sounds a bit like some of the excuses made in the Palace note, eh
    Stuart) made me decide to do a bit of ironing instead. From the reports
    it looks lkie I made the right decision. 
    
    Is the Manu v Owls game live on Sky?
    
    Paul.              

    I look at the sky every night and wonder, "What's it all about Jimmy?"
    He just says, "It's a funny old world"

    Well no predictions for tonite's game suffice to say that it will be a
    big crowd, the grass will be green, and Cantona's collars will be up.
    
    With Europe still a probability how can one say that this run up is a
    dull one? As I've stated before, the only team in the Owls way of
    finishing third behind Blackburn and the Arse is Newcastle. Despite
    their crushing defeat of Swindon, who we struggled to draw 3-3 with,
    Newcastle have started their totter. Cole has'nt had a real goal in
    ages. To see him play was the only reason I watched Holland v England
    U-21s the other month in Utrecht. I was most dissapointed.
    
    To conclude therefore, the Owls will march on and probably get knocked
    out of the EUFA cup next year by some cheating Deutsche Manschaft.
    
    Simon
         

    Any team news. Is it on Sky?? BTW Simon, fifth place might be good
    enough if the following scenario comes off (although I think Manu's
    odds for the treble are *slightly* lower). Blackburn to win
    Premiership, Manu to win both cups and Arsenal to win the Cup Winners
    Cup. This would mean, if all the above finish in the top four, that
    fifth place would be eligable for a UEFA Cup place (the Coke Cola cup
    place). A win tonight would put us right back up there (several smiley
    things).  
    
    Paul.
    
    

    Re: -2
    
>    dull one? As I've stated before, the only team in the Owls way of
>    finishing third behind Blackburn and the Arse is Newcastle. Despite
    
    
    Hi Simon,
    
    I presume you mean third in the "Best of the Rest" competition, or are 
    you expecting the Sun to do an exclusive on the Premiership Conspiracy, 
    which will result in ManU being disqualified and demoted to the third 
    division ;-)
    
    Jerry.

    Hey get hip - there was a conspiracy but Alex Ferguson decided for his
                        ^^^
    his and his team's sake that (a) it was immoral and (b) The Mancs
    could'nt pull it off anyway. Have'nt you noticed how scrappy they have
    started to play recently? Apart from Ince and Hughes the rest of the
    team are now riding on their luck. The Mancs have begun their downward
    spiral the same as Leeds 20-odd years ago when they were after the
    treble (see recent Chelsea note for more details).
    
    All hail to the Owls!
    
    Simon

    Shame, humiliation. These are the emotions that must surely afflict the
    Machester United football club. To roam around the country inflicting
    defeat and depression on the players, management, and supporters of
    other clubs is sinful.
    
    OK, I can take it, football is just a game. But there are a great many 
    ordinary citizens who live for and arrange their lives around football and 
    the teams who represent them. To be battered by a team in tip-top
    condition and oodling in confidence is not a pleasant experience for
    such fans. They feel defalted, angry, suicidal, lost, empty, and
    unrepresented.
    
    As far as last nite's match is concerned, Trevor Francis must feel
    particularly bad this morning for letting the Sheffield Wednesday
    supporting public down so badly: you don't give the game to Manchester
    United by playing defensively. As Mr Blackburn Green pointed out, what
    have the Owls got to loose? Nothing, so why didn't they go there and
    attack? It's not good enough to say that we have key players missing.
    That's no excuse for playing 5 defenders. Pitiful, and I hope Manchester
    United are ashamed.
    
    Nuff said,
    
    Simon
    

    
    Re 454/455
    
    	hey Simon, didn't you say something about "The Mancs have begun their
    downward spiral the same as Leeds 20-odd years ago when they were after the
    treble"!!!!

    
    CAN'T YOU BUGGERS DO ANYTHING RIGHT ?.
    
    Honestly, I didn't expect much, after all the practice you've had
    recently I thought you might just have figured out a way to maybe 
    scrape a draw.
    
    Jesse Ferguson put up a better fight than you did. 
    
    Why are you so hell bent on screwing things up for us, didn't you do
    enough damage last year ?

    If we wear our red kit on Sunday will you roll over and play dead for
    us too ?. 
    
    Angry of Blackburn.
     

    Five nil! Five bloody nil!
    
    I still can't get over it, how humiliating can you get?
    I knew we'd lost, because a so called 'mate' called me to tell me the
    result - he never phones when we win, a Spurs fan (typical). 
    When he told me the result I hung up on him (bad looser? moi?), I'm
    starting to worry about the bet I have with him every year that we
    finish above Spurs.
    
    I can only send my sincere apologies to Balkyburn fans. However, I'm 
    still hopeful that we'll bounce back and give you a ruddy good thrashin
    on Saturday.
    
    Al. (in shock)

    Beat us on Sunday and its not just me you will be upsetting, its all
    the footie fans throughout the country (MANU followers excepted) who 
    would like to see the Championship decided in May rather than in March. 
    
    Get a bloody grip man, spoiling the game for everybody is a Sheffield
    United trait, this is not the kind of thing I expect from your lot !
    
    Cheers,
    
    Andy        

    Well now that's over, the race is on to be the Number One in Yorkshire.
                                                   =======================
    Leeds have gone through the worst of their bad patch but are'nt out of
    it yet. They're a few points ahead of us, but anything can happen. I
    hope Trev does'nt do anything rash like buying inappropriate,
    replacement players for our injured first choices.
    
    Simon

    On Crimewatch last night, Sheffield Wednesday made an appeal for the
    return of their strip which had been stolen. After the last few weeks,
    I can't imagine where the theives think they'll be able to offload the
    strip ! ;-)

    They could sell them to Manchester United, so the players could have a
    good laugh when they feel down, like this Saturday evening after the
    Owls bounce back with a win over Blackburn and Swindon administer an
    enormous shock and put the willies up Sheff Utd.
    
    Simon

    Staying up, staying up, staying up...
    Last minute goal robbed us of a point we did'nt really deserve anyway
    so a fair result in the end. Blackburn are strong even you have'nt
    heard of half their team (ish).
    
    Good news is that the Owls looked a lot stronger with Sheridan and
    Palmer playing again.
    
    Simon

    
    Who are we playing between 28th March and 5th April (and where)??
    
    Thanks anybody.
    
    Al.

    All I know is that we have'nt got a game this weekend, which means that
    our mediocre 10th place is in jeopardy. Ho hum, just wait till next
    season tho ...
    
    Simon

Home to Chelsea on Wed. K.O 7-45

Al

    Well, back to work after a week soaking up the culture in Holland, Germany 
    and Belgium. I'm just about getting rid of the hangover.
    
    Glad that Sheridans back, glad that Blckburn beat us (even though
    there's a smug arsehole in the local pub who supports them) and glad to
    be back at work...
    
    When do the Owls play at Swindon anyone?
    
    Paul.
    

         
 >   Glad that Sheridans back, glad that Blckburn beat us (even though
 >   there's a smug arsehole in the local pub who supports them) and glad to
 >   be back at work...
    
    Paul, I didn't realise we drank in the same pub, buy that man a drink
    next time you see him !
        
    Cheers,
    
    Andy
    
    

    >Paul, I didn't realise we drank in the same pub, buy that man a drink
    
    Don't think it's you Andy. The fact that his name isn't Andy Green is a
    bit of a give-away. I don't think I'll be able to buy him a drink
    either because I won't be going anywhere near the pub for at least two
    years if your lot win the Premiership - he'll be insufferable.
    
    Paul.
    

    Owls 3 - 1 Chelsea
    
    Bartman    Spencer
    Palmer
    Sheridan
    
    Europe next year. Hmm, Majorca or the Greek islands....
    
    Good to see some familiar names back in especially Sheridan. Only got
    to get Waddle, Hirst and Sinton back now for the final push for eighth
    place.
    
    This went a small way towards avenging our FA Cup defeat by Chelsea. I
    hope they don't go down though - they're always good for 6 points
    (smiley thing).
    
    Paul.
    

    Owls 5 - 1 Everton
    Jones      Cottee
    Bartman
    Worthington
    Bright 2
    
    Well, the second time this year that we've scored five. From the papers
    it would seem that Walkers attempts to play a sweeper system failed
    miserably. Puts us up into 7th and pushes Everton deeper into the mire.
    Bartmans goal was a cracker, turning the Everton defender twice before
    shooting past Southall.
    
    Swindon 0 - 1 Owls
    
    This result was probably the nail in Swindon's coffin. The
    circumstances under which the goal came about were very unlucky for
    Swindon. The Swindon goalie, Hammond, and Gordo Watson clashed as they
    went for the ball. Watson's boot caught Hammoond and he had to go off.
    Shortly after Wothington swung a free-kick in from the left, the sub
    goalie hesitated and Bright was left with a free header. This was
    helped over the line by Watson. Had Swindon converted some of their
    (very good) chances it would have been a different story.
    
    Paul.
    

    
    Let's be honest, it was a SKY game from hell. Even Andy Gray was silent
    for prolonged periods,
    
    Tony
    
    

    Brilliant - 9 points out of 9 and now only five points behind Leeds.
    The battle is on for Number One in Yorkshire. There are a couple of
    Lancies above us but that doesn't matter for this season.
    
    Simon

    Rumours are that Chris Waddle is going to either Derby or Newcastle.
    What for one might ask?
    
    Simon

    Simon,
    
    Is this just paper talk? Where did you hear it? We'll have enough
    trouble replacing Rolly, without Waddle going as well.
    
    Talking of Waddle, I noticed that Blackburn supporters have copied the
    "Waddle Wonderland" song using Shearer's name instead. Also, Blackburn 
    have started selling No9 shirts with "GOD" printed on them instead of
    "SHEARER", an idea which originated at Hillsborough using Waddle's
    shirt. Are Blackburn trying to tell us that Shearer is the equal of The
    Omnipotent One? Well I suppose that imitation is the greatest form of
    flattery. Pity we can't imitate their bank balance and current form.
    
    Paul
    

    re:476         
    
    So thats 1 Paul Warhurst, 1 little ditty and 1 marketing idea we have
    got from you. That still doesn't make up for your performances
    against United.
    
    Believe me, if you had anything else worth having, we'd have that too. 
     
    Cheers,
    
    Andy

    Andy,
    
    It has been a sad season for us. It shows that we have become highly
    expectant after the successes (for Wednesday anyhow) of the last threee
    seasons. And we have done it largely without the help of a man with
    extremely large pockets.
    

    >got from you. That still doesn't make up for your performances
    >against United.                                              ^
    
    Does this include the semi-final of the Coke Cup, which, from your
    notes, I think you wanted us to lose. 
      
    BTW I would have thought that Kenny would be able to aford tailor made
    clothes now, not having to resort to buying the last XXXL overcoat in
    the Hornes sale. (smiley thing)
    
    Paul.
    

    Contacts in Derby say Chris will sign in the close season. I told this
    to my lill' brother in Sheffield and he says things are afoot with 
    Newcastle.
    
    Whadyamean you wish you had the form of Blackburn? We've got 9 out of 9
    which is better than they've got, AND, there's a good chance of another
    3 against QPR on Saturday. Europe is still on!!!
    
    Simon

    Just got back from my jollys in Yorkshire, what a crackin Easter it
    was!
    
    3-1 agin Chelsea, which I saw, and in all honesty we should have won 
    5 or 6 to 1. The linesmen were appalling, the referee only slightly 
    better, I think he gave us the penalty to avoid any nastiness he might
    have encountered otherwise. Bright didn't play very well. Sheridan was
    brilliant. Jones played like an absolute donkey, in fact he was so bad
    other players simply did not pass the ball to him - which is just as
    well because he lost it every time he got it.
    
    5-1 agin Everton, and Worthington scored!! - I'm pleased for him,
    he played a blinder in the Chelsea match. He really has improved a lot 
    over the years. Jones scored too (gulp).
    
    0-1 agin Swindon, I only caught the highlights, but we looked a bit 
    lucky to me.
    
    That puts us in sixth place, just behind Leeds, who, hopefully we still 
    might overtake. Not really a sad end to the season, even though we
    haven't won owt (we didn't win owt last season either!).
    
    Al.

    Have Leeds & Shef Wed still to play?
    
    Rick.

    Wasn't it 1-1 or 1-0 to somebody at Elland Road and 3-3 at
    Hillsborough, or was that last season, or the season before, or even a
    different planet? I think Horsforth and Pudsey have yet to play but
    that's not important, in this notesfile anyway.
    
    Simon

    I don't suppose we'll reach 500 by the end of the day, but let's try,
    and what better way to start by suggesting that now Gazza has broken
    his leg and is out for a year, Trev will bring him back to England.
    Whaddya think?
    
    Simon

    
    Good point Simon, after all, the last time cheeky Trev went on holiday
    in Italy he brought back Waddle (it could have been alot worse, it
    could have been one of those plastic replicas of the tower of Pisa - the
    ones with the nubile young women wrapped round em). Although Gazza is a bit 
    of a blubber, I'm sure he could make a useful contribution at Hillsborough.
                         
    Other points for discussion (to bring us to 500) are :-
    
    1. Why don't SWFC accept 50 pound notes?? - I'd made it fresh that
       morning, so there was nothin dodgy about it!
    2. How come they don't let you pay to get onto the cop anymore? (you
       have to have a ticket).
     
    
    Al.

    Didn't know that about the all-ticket Kop. The last time I was there
    (Owls 3-3 Swindon) I got on with a ticket. Must have sommat to do with
    the opponents. From what part of the Great City do you hail btw? I'm
    from Heeley/Meersbrook - a spit from the Lane.
    
    Simon

    Leeds play Sheffield on the 26th April at Elland Road so I'm told.. :->
    
    Rick.

    >> From what part of the Great City do you hail btw?
    
    Hillsborough, Willis Rd. to be exact, about 200 yards from the Leppings
    Lane end.
    
    Al.

    >          -< Largest Kop in the land >-
    
    Is it, Simon? I thought Sunderland's (or was it Middlesboro's) was
    bigger. How about Lardypool's?
    
    Paul.
    
    BTW It worked for 300 so I'll try it again. I think ManU are cr*p.
    

    Just time for one more last one before returning to Blightey -
    Wednesday's Kop is the biggest and Villa's second. Al, I used to work
    at Bert Ridge's newsagents on Penistone Road. Think he delivered to
    Willis Road. Paul, Manchester United are top of the Premiership and
    that's a fact (can't get moderated for that)
    
    Here's another fact - on average, human beings have got less than 2
    legs. This season, Wednesday have often had even fewer.
    
    Simon

    Owls              3 - 1            QPR
    Bright 2                           A QPR player
    Sheridan - pen
    
    Well, another win. Four on the trot. If we'd played like this straight
    after going out of the cups then maybe we'd be fighting for a UEFA
    place instead of 5th (mind you local pride is at stake to finish above
    Leeds). Report anyone?
    
    I heard that Des walker was taken off towards the end of the match with
    an injury. At the time it didn't look too serious but later he was
    taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.
    
    Paul.
    

    Didn't get very far towards half grand did we? Oh well, Des's leg is
    only bruised and we did keep sixth spot after loosing it to Kidneypool
    for a while.
    
    Coventry away next Saturday. 5 out of 5?
    
    Simon

    Hhmmm, Coventry, eh?! Could be my last chance to see the lads this
    season. I could combine it with a trip to see my mate who lives up
    there.
    
    Simon, did the news about Walker only having a bruised leg come out
    yesterday? Bet we get to 500 before England v The Windies.
    
    Paul.
    
    
    

    Read about the bruise this morning. You're right about Sheridan's
    return and the Owls' return to winning ways. Is that an original
    thought? If we win all our last five matches and Leeds, The Arse, and
    Newcastle loose theirs, we'll still finish third.
    
    Up the Windies!
    
    Simon

    Well, I've always thought that when Sheridan plays well Wednesday play 
    well as well.
    
    I think third is a *touch* optimistic but, if the Arse can win the CWC
    and finish third, fourth would be good enough. We've still got to keep
    trying until the end of the season with every place being worth an
    extra 57 thousand. 
    
    Paul.
    

    57 thousand pence is a lot of pence. 57 thousand pounds is huge,
    astronomical, not nominal in noughts as it were. Where does it come
    from? Television rights mostly says a small voice. What are they
    though? What color are they?
    
    Actually it's not that much. A 20,000 gate sees c.200,000 pounds these
    days doesn't it? It's only several minutes work. Alright several
    million but there's a several in it.
    
    Any more news on the Deane/Woods exchange?
    
    Simon

    Yes, it sounds a lot doesn't it. That's the figure I heard anyway. It
    was 34000 last season. Woods/Deane deal. Whaddat??
    
    Paul.
    
    
    

    Yes guys, you're quite right. 57,000 Pounds is quite a lot of money.
    In fact, it's exactly three times as much as 19,000 pounds.
    
    Yours helpfully,
    
    Jerry.

    There are '00 and '000 wallahs listening in. There was a rumour of a
    swap - Chris Woods for Brian Deane. Did'nt even make the Sun evidently.
    
    Sheffield Wednesday 499 and an innings Windies all out 42
    
    Simon

    Blast. You're not a Chelsea fan are you?

    
    NO! he's worse than that..
    
    Neil....

    What, not a hanger-oner of the Arse?
    
    Simon

    Mediocre-sounding match from what I could pick up on the radio. High
    points were Unlove's (what's the real spelling?!) forrays in the first
    half and Jones' (?) free-kick to equalize in the second. Did anyone
    go? It looked like there was very few there from the shots on MOTD.
    
    Also from MOTD, Ipswich looked fairly weak, and Wednesday's next match
    is at Hillsborough against them.
    
    Leeds unfortunately consolidated fifth spot.
    
    Simon

    Went to the match. Pretty scrappy game. Ndlovu was pretty nippy but had
    a tendency to fall over at the slightest touch, which got the
    Wednesday fan's going. Couldn't complain about the penalty - might have
    been *just* outside but the ref was always going to give the spot kick.
    Great goal by Jones. A free kick about 25 yards out on our right.
    Sheridan touched it and Jones hit it left footed into the top corner.
    By the way Ogryzovitch (why can't Cov have players with names like
    Smith or Jones??) stood motionless I thought that the kick was miles
    wide. When the net rippled I couldn't believe it.
    
    I thought we might win it after this but Coventry defended well and
    counter attacked swiftly. Babb and their number three look excellent
    players, strong and able to find a player with a Sky Bue shirt on with
    clearances.
    
    With results going against us I think it will be sixth place for us.
    Stroll on August.
    
    Paul
    
    PS A great pint of Bass in the Town Wall Tavern. Not close to either
    the ground or the railway station but worth the detour.
    

    O.K. Simon, here's some action.
    
    Sheridan played for the Republic last night and from the two radio
    accounts I listened to he played really well, providing the assist for
    the goal (after Whelan split the defence with a pass from the right
    touchline, before Cunno mentions it). One radio report said he
    dominated the midfield but from this mornings papers this looks to have
    been a bit generous, with Townsend and Staunton getting the plaudits in
    the centre. 
    
    I don't think Charlton is likely to alter his preparations for the WC
    and will stick to the tried and trusted methods. Any Eire supporters
    out there know when the squad will announced.
    
    Paul.
    

    I watched the match on the telly here last nite. Sheridan (et al but
    him especially) DID dominate the midfield and set up the goal for
    Coyne. Great result for Eire, they stiffled Holland, but still managed to
    play some good fast football.
    
    I'm glad my grandad came from Drogheda.
    
    Simon

    >>I'm glad my grandad came from Drogheda.

Welcome to the World cup bandwagon Simon . Hope to hear your support in June 
The more the merrier

Regards,

Peter.

    I'll be cheering along with my mate whose folks come from an
    altogether nicer place - Sneem. Don't wish to offend, but the part of
    Drogheda I visited reminded me of the scruffy part of Sheffield -
    probably why my grandad felt so at home there.
    
    Pity you don't support Sheffield Wednesday though ...
    
    Simon

    Well another good win for the Owls as they charge onward in the race to
    become the first Premiership side to score 100 goals in a season. Man
    Utd are in front so far, then Newcastle, and then the Owls close
    behind.
    
    We move 2 points closer to Leeds in fifth spot with Liverpool and
    Wimbledeon hot on our heels.
    
    Remember this, if the league were decided by the number of letters in
    a team's name then:
    
    	1.  Sheffield Wednesday (18)
    	2.  Queens Park Rangers (17)
    	3.  Manchester United   (16)
   	4.  Tottenham Hotspur   (16)
              .
              .
        20. Arsenal             (7)
        21. Chelsea             (7)
        22. Everton             (7)
    
    
    Happy Sunday (Sunday?!?)
    
    Simon

    Hey guys, what gives?
    
    Let's celebrate Wednesday's crushing victory instead of fatuously
    imbibing in innane banter about a minnow's futile attempts to excoriate
    itself from the lower divisions - even if it is the home of the great
    Kevin "Get off my Range Rover" Keegan.
    
    Btw - isn't there some reward for the first team to get 100 goals?
    
    Simon
    

    
    Yup, I ruddy good win on Saturday, best scoreline in the premier.
    I fancy our chances of catching Leeds now - we are definately on song.
    
    Have you noticed Chris Waddle is noting in the Norwich note?? Odd.
    
    Al.

    Well, Wimbledon just simply aren't going to give up. They beat Oldham
    3-0 last night to sneak into 6th place. They're 1 point above Wednesday
    having played one more match. As this would be their highest final
    league place ever they will be trying right to the last day.
    
    Paul.
    

    :->>>>>
    
    Rick.

    Well Rick, buying expensive flops like Deane you need all the extra
    money you can get (smiley thing).
    
    Yours in good spirited Yorkshire rivalry,
    
    Paul.
    

    Is our next match against Oldham at Boundary Park on Saturday or are we 
    playing someone else tonite? Re couple ago, hey yeah, CW can't get a
    game so he's noting just like us - but for Norwich !?!
    
    Simon

    Arguably our biggest match of the season tonite as we take on fellow
    strugglers Lose United. We've got to overhaul the Wombles and get
    within biting distance of Leeds.
    
    Arguably the biggest nite for football in Sheffield also as the Blades 
    seek to retain their premiership status against Oldham. The terrible 
    Boundary Park pitch might not be such an obstacle to the Blades as it was 
    to Wednesday on Saturday.
    
    Fingers crossed for the Great City (yeah, honest, have you seen the
    new tram?) tonite.
    
    Simon
        

    >and get within biting distance of Leeds.
    
    	In your dreams.... :->
    
    Rick.

    Hey,                                   
    
    (a) Why do you support Leeds anyway when there's a far more
        illustrious club just down the road (the Owls did in 29/30 what the
        Mancs have just done)?
    (b) Do you agree that your best player at the moment is John Newsome?
    (c) Do you agree that your best player ever was Mick Jones?
    
    Friendly Yorkshire rivalry and smiley wot-nots,
    
    Simon

    (a) Cos I come from Leeds.. & who wants to support a team that come
    from Sheffield.... :->
    
    (b) No... most of the time he's a joke.. you should have heard the
    	number of people who wanted him off the pitch on Saturday... he's
    	almost as bad as Chris "Get Him Off" Fairclough!..
    
    (c) No... The best player we've ever had is Jack Charlton.....IMHO.. 
         :->
    
    Rick. 

    Congratulations ...
    Tha spozzy gets
    
    Wednesday were the better side for more than 3/4 of the match and
    deserved their 0-2 lead. Then lightening struck, grumble, mutter, moan
    (to quote). We can't catch that fifth spot now, but you'll probably
    beat Swindon on Saturday anyway.
    
    I suppose we'll have to concede the Number One in Yorkshire spot but
    last nite's display shows how close it is.
    
    Simon
         

    Another 2 goal lead down the pan. We must beat Man City on Saturday to
    take 6th spot because I think that the Wombles will turn Everton over
    in their single-team crusade to rid the Premier division of all clubs
    with bigger gates than them.
    
    Paul.
    

    G'day Paul, how did Sheff.Utd get on....Ica

    Well there's only one thing I can say.....
    
    
    
    
    	LEEDS!!!! :->
    
    	I can give you membership details if ya want Paul.. ;->>>>>
    
    	Rick.

    Hmmmm, Rick. Now would that be the same Leeds that were outplayed for
    most of their match at home last night ?? Or would that be the Leeds
    who were outplayed for most of the match against Wigan at Wembley on
    Saturday ??
    
    Yours in friendly Yorkshire rivalry,
    
    Paul.
    
    PS Ica, The Blades drew 1-1 at Oldham. The result wasn't enough for
    either team to breathe more easily. It'll all be sorted out on
    Saturday. My bet is that Everton and Ipswich will join Swindon in Div 1
    next year. 
    

    We need a win against Man City and at best a draw from the Wombles to
    jump into 6th spot by dint of better goal difference. If the Wombles
    win they'll keep 6th. Liverpool in 8th can't catch us now, so at least
    7th is safe.
    
    Considering the number of injuries we've had (rightly acknowledged by a 
    very fair Blackburn follower) it's not been a bad season - 7th (or 6th) in
    the league, good runs in both cups, and third highest goal scorers.
    
    Simon

    Any other Premiership results last nite apart from Man Utd 2-0 Southampton?

    
    Chelsea 1-2 Coventry

    Can anyone confirm whether Pressman and Walker were playing against
    Leeds ?  Also who scored the goals and who had the assists ?  It's
    hotting up in the office fantasy league !

watson got one for wednesday


white came on as a sub and scored for leeds
wallace might have got the other

final score 2-2


gs

    Chris Bart-Williams scored Wednesday's first, I think. 
    
    I pity the poor sods who picked members of Wednesday's defence in their
    team. Last season I worked with the bloke who had the highest points
    total in the entire fantasy league. 
    
    Paul.

White got both Leeds goals

    Well that's it then chaps, and this is how it turned out (minus today's
    Man Utd result) compared with last year:
    
                1994     ||             1993
    =====================||==========================
    Man Utd	   91	 ||	Man Utd		   84
    Blackburn	   84	 ||	Villa              74
    Newcastle	   77	 ||	Norwich            72
    Arsenal	   71	 ||	Blackburn          71
    Leeds          70	 ||	QPR                63
    Wimbledon	   65	 ||	Liverpool          59
    SHEFF WED	   64	 ||	SHEFF WED          59
    Liverpool	   60	 ||	Spurs        	   59
    
    As you can see, Wednesday haven't shifted. However, we got 5 more
    points than last year. Leeds got 19 more than last year! But remember
    they only just escaped relegation then!
    
    Damn shame about the Blades. My condolences to everyone involved.
    
    Simon

    Owls 1-1 Man City
    
    This result is totally representative of our season. Get a lead, end up
    with a draw (and sometimes worse). 
    
    This was Roland Nillson's last game for the Owls - he will be sorely
    missed. I hope the crowd gave him a good send-off as he has been a good
    player for us.
    
    Althogh I don't think many Wednesday supporters in Sheffield will be
    too concerned, I'm sorry that United went down. Maybe this will be the
    spur they need to get their boardroom sorted out. As you said, Simon,
    it's a real sickener when the Everton "penalty" and the Blackburn
    (disallowed) penalty are taken into account. To go down in the last
    minute of the last match must be hard to take.
    
    Paul.
     

    Reported in the paper this morning that Chris Woods has been put on the
    transfer list. This was inevitable as Pressman has been playing
    excellently (except when the tv cameras are at Hillsboro') and
    Wednesday couldn't justify having Woods as a sub (Woods himself must
    still have more ambition than just waiting for Pressman to lose form or
    fitness).
    
    Paul.
    

    It's been known for a while now that Chris Woods was going to leave
    Hillsborough at the end of the season. There was talk not long ago of
    a swap/px deal with Leeds for Brian Deane, but what Leeds would have
    done with him I don't know - more to the point, I don't know what we
    would have done with Deane (probably send him off after the thieves who
    stole the kits not long ago).
    
    Any more on the rumour that Trev is bringing over Boli (sp?) from
    France?
    
    Simon

    I get back to work after a long weekend and find that every team's notes
    (including Sheffield United's) have increased x-fold except ours.
    
    What happened to the support for the team that was Numero Uno in
    extremis in the 29 and 30 seasons?
    
    Simon

    
    We ALL had a long week end Simon. 
    
    ...and looking at the weather across the DEC loading bay, I'm wishing
    it had been even longer!
    
    Al.

    DEC loading bay - is it a coincidence that DEC located at this
    wonderfully exotic-sounding resort or was this sun-kissed slice of
    tropicana somehow named after said company?
    
    Simon

    I think it's just coincidence, it's not quite as lovely as the
    exotic name suggests though!
    
    Al. 

    And how far is this 'Loading Bay' from Leppings Lane? Btw, Leppings
    Lane is so named because it used to house Lepps, sometimes spelt Lemps.
    
    Not too sure what a Lepp or Lemp was - Can you help Paul?
    
    As for Hillsborough, this beautiful region was so named because of the
    hills surrounding the borough (still in evidence despite the
    burrowing/excavating activities associated with Ski slopes, highways,
    and supertrams).
    
    End of lesson
    Simon
         

    Simon,
    
    Yes, I'm still alive and well. I've been a bit busy over the last week
    or so and, as it's well into May, I'm going into semi-hibernation until
    mid-August.
    
    I'm going to try to get onto the Internet conference for Wednesday at
    Sheffield Univ so if there's any interesting bits of news I'll keep you
    posted.
    
    Paul.
    
    BTW Hope Big Jack picks Sheridan for the Republic. That could liven up
    my viewing quite a bit.
    

    Are sacks being distributed? This note needs all the noters it can
    muster. A lowly 544 for a club from the city that virtually invented
    inter-city association football!
    
    The first inter-city matches were between Sheffield and Glasgow at the 
    end of the last century. Never mind Notts County, Royal Engineers, or 
    Woolwich Arsenal, Sheffield FC was there right from the start and from
    it blossomed Sheffield Wednesday.
    
    Simon
         

    Good to see Sheridan staking a claim for a place in the Republic's WC
    side. He scored the only goal in their warm-up game against Bolivia.
    
    Paul.
    

    Yeehahh, this note is hot man.
    
    Did you see Question of Sport? David Grindley (UK 400 meter record
    holder) was the mystery personality. He appeared at Hillsborough
    wearing an Owls kit. I thought he was from Lancashire somewhere. Wierd
    innit?
    
    Simon

    I saw it as well, Simon. I saw the socks were the Owls' but what about
    the shirt. It was *black* and white stripes wasn't it. Is this next
    seasons away kit?? It looks too similar to our traditional blue and
    white. I thought that maybe QoS had mixed them up to confuse the panel
    (it seemed to work on Tony Adams, anyway).
    
    Have they altered the dugouts at Hillsboro' because they looked
    different from the ones we had last season.
    
    Any speculative transfer news?? Denis Bergkamp on his way to Sheffield
    yet?
    
    43.547 - dizzy heights.
    
    Paul.
    

    Don't know anything for sure, except that there will be players coming
    to replace team or squad members like Gordon Watson, Chris Waddle,
    Chris Woods, Carlton Palmer, Nigel Jemson, Roland Nisson, etc.
    
    Rumour has it that Liz Taylor is recovering after a hip replacement -
    so she'll be out at least for the start of next season.
    
    Simon

    >>Rumour has it that Liz Taylor is recovering after a hip replacement -
    >>so she'll be out at least for the start of next season.


Yeah but at least George Burns is fit :-)

    We could'nt afford him and his nurse (she ties his boot laces). Talking
    about nurses, rumour has it that Wednesday are among several teams
    interested in talks with a Docaster Belles star. Didn't catch her name
    but she is a Yorskhire lass with a greyhound called Graham.
    
    Simon

    Yes, the silly season's here.
    
    I can exclusively reveal that Wednesday have made an offer for
    Coronation Street star Vera Duckworth. However, the offer has been
    refused as she is a fictional character. This is the second time this
    week that Wednesday have had an offer turned down after their earlier
    bid to sign Fulchester Rovers keep Billy "he swims through the air"
    Fish failed.
    
    Paul.
    

    Doncaster Belles is England's premier ladies football team. Trev (and
    others including Phil Neal of Coventry and Billy Bonds of West Ham) has 
    seen fit to eye this Donny talent with a view to inclusion in the reserve 
    team initially.
    
    Of course, there are lots of suggestive remarks that can be made in
    such a note, but I will refrain because this is a genuine rumour and
    not a made-up one.
    
    Simon

    Sorry Simon. You have to admit that coming after the Liz Taylor and
    George Burns notes it did look a bit suspect. If it's true then it
    would be a ground-breaking move. After all Sheffield has the oldest
    footbal club so we could be the first team in the UK (the world?) to
    have a professional woman on the books (cue crappy jokes about
    "professionals")
    
    Keep us posted.
    
    Paul.
    

>    footbal club so we could be the first team in the UK (the world?) to
    
    Certainly not in the World as there is an Italian professional league.

It has always been something of a mystery to me that none of the Belles have
been asked, begged even, to play for the chaps' side. At least they'd have had
experience of winning something, and it might even get us on telly.

Mike

>>    footbal club so we could be the first team in the UK (the world?) to
    
>    Certainly not in the World as there is an Italian professional league.
    
    No, I meant in a mixed team! Anyone know of any women playing in a
    (mainly male) professional league.
    
    Mind you, you could have a point - we all know that Italian footballers
    are all big girls (smiley).
    
    Paul.
    

    We have a Doncaster expert in Mike Fowler, but are there any female
    noters in this conference who could mebbe add a few more details?
    
    Simon

    
    	Could one of the Chris Wobble Fan Club please inform the uneducated
    	masses of Christine's "stats" for the season just ended?
    
    	Something like:
    	number of appearances (split into League, FA Cup, League Cup,
    	Europe)
    	goals scored (split as above..)
    	international caps (who against, and any details of goals scored)
    	medals won (either at club, international or representative level)
    
    	I'm sure they'll be really worth a look, as I know how highly you
    	all rate him.
    
    	I have put together a scrapbook of His career and need some of these 
    	impressive facts in order to bring it up to date. Thanks,
    
    	Andy.
                                                                          

    Well there I was, swimming along the bottom, when I noticed something
    on the river-bank. I went up to the surface to get a better look and
    there's this bloke with a sort of thin, pole-thing which he was
    swishing backwards and forwards. I thought what a complete tw*t,
    standing out there in the cold and rain doing this strange dance.
    
    I was just about to get off when this huge fly passes over and lands on
    the surface right in front of me. It didn't look like any fly I've ever
    seen. It had a red chest with something sharp (crap sponsorship pun
    - ed.) in the middle. I thought I'm not rising for that!
    
    So children, there we have it. That's what fishing is. If it's done by
    someone not very skilled it's so easy to spot so just ignore the bait
    and hopefully he'll b*gg*er off in a bit.
      

    What are you on about Paul? Anyway, I put some stats together for
    Chris in 93/94:
    
                 League        FA Cup       League Cup
                 -------------------------------------
    Appearances    21            4              2
    Goals          18            7              3
    MotM           15            4              2
    
    There, that speaks for itself. We only had him for half a season all in
    all. We would have been up there if it hadn't been for his injuries.
    
    Simon

    
    	Thanks Simon. That's just the sort of thimg I was looking for.
    	Really, Paul....how could you think I was casting a line? ;-)
    	
    	Andy.

    
    Surly Waddle didn't score 18 goals....
    
    Neil..

    
    	Paul, I've got one! ;-)
    
    	..and don't call me surly...or surely...or shirley..or..
    
    	Andy.

    
    I've got a nibble too...
    
    Good game this....
    
    Neil...
    

    Seriously, Andy, Waddle has been good value for Wednesday. He may have
    his detractors but when he's on form he can be devastating. When he
    came to Hillsborough I think he fancied that we could win something
    (and we were in Europe for the first time since the Fairs Cup). After
    the disappointment of the two cup finals last year and being injured
    for quite a lot of this I wouldn't be suprised if he was hankering to
    get away (when someone said he was off to Newcastle earlier it didn't
    come as a shock).
    
    As I've said before in this note, the number of injuries over the last
    two seasons at Hillsborough suggests a too rigourous training
    programme (or very bad luck). Waddle, Sheridan and Hirst are too
    important to lose for the major part of a season.
    
    Waddle's conribution to the goal tally isn't that great but as we've
    proved this season (I think we scored more goals than any team bar
    Newcastle and Manu) there are plenty of other players who can score.
    The most important aspect of playing someone like Waddle is their lack
    of defensive qualities. Errm, but there again we seem to have
    *conceded* quite a lot of goals without Waddle this season as well.
    
    Hope this helps you with your 'album'.
    
    Paul.
      

    Look, I don't know what's going on, but if it's a sneaky way of getting
    a guy to talk about some tax that he might owe, well it's just not going to
    work. I pay my Andorran taxes fair and square and I'm not going to let
    Chris become the tragic center of a late payment/hero farse.
    
    Chris is a valuable asset to the Hillsborough setup and his presence
    will be missed when he joins Derby next month. Besides, I've got till
    the end of the month to pay it.
    
    Simon

    
    If you catch one that is clearly insane you must throw it back.

    Andy,
    
    Shouldn't we teach it how to swim first !  ;-)
    
    Jerry.

    Peter,
    
    I bet you're one of those people who looks for tins of tuna with the
    "F**k the Dolphins" stickers on them ;-)
    
    Jerry.

Ah you're coddin' me Jerry. Whale I'm pearched up here herring all this crab do
ya think I'm going to have pity ? It's a load of pollocks.

Nawh,

Peter.