Predictions

[Robbo ?]

Hotpoint 3 v 0 Wimblington Old Boys
Leverington Sports 1 v 2 Ortonians
Moulton Harrox 1 v 0 Stamford Belvedere
Parson Drove 0 v 2 Crowland Town
Pinchbeck United 2 v 1 Alconbury
Uppingham Town 0 v 0 Perkins Sports

Not to sure who Long Sutton have so i will give both predictions
Whittlesey United 3 v 0 Long Sutton Athletic
Long Sutton Athletic 0 v 2 Oundle Town

[Back of the Net]

Hotpoint 4 v 1 Wimblington Old Boys
Leverington Sports 2 v 2 Ortonians
Moulton Harrox 0 v 1 Stamford Belvedere
Parson Drove 1 v 2 Crowland Town
Pinchbeck United 0 v 1 Alconbury
Uppingham Town 2 v 6 Perkins Sports

errrr not sure here either so.......
Whittlesey United 2 v 0 Long Sutton Athletic
Long Sutton Athletic 2 v 4 Oundle Town

[WAM]

As Far as i know, W'sey are playing PBoro Sports, And i'll go for a 2-1 victory for us Fenlanders.
That is if the fixture is on, called off last week for waterlogged pitch, so could be off again this week.

[BLUE BOYS]

heard that you lot was suposed to be playing oundle, but it had about as much chance of being on as jimmy getting a desicion right

[bluestar]

Got that right WAM - game is off tomorrow - pitch and facilities situation is getting more than a little depressing, and although I know that FDC don't control the weather they have absolutely no intention of doing anything else to improve the playing surface or facilities, indeed its looking increasingly likely, that although they plan to increase the amount we pay them, in terms of rent and rates,they have no plans to invest any money back into the faciliities, and boy does the clubhouse need improvements :sad:

So we are on our own. Thats if I understood the message they were conveying to us at a meeting we had with them on Wednesday.

Now this situation may not be unusual to other clubs - I dont know so any advice on the subject would be appreciated guys, but as we pay rent for pitch and facilities to the FDC- it would'nt seem unreasonable to expect a little help from our landlord would it?

Perhaps if we start wearing skates, or using a skateboard we might get their assistance. :soo:

[tom flynn]

Cant you apply for a sports grant Mick?

[BLUE BOYS]

that could be a help mick, i no that gedney hill did it once asked the lottery to help fund new changing facilities. they got quite a sum i think as there changing facilities are spot on. they also managed to get a posh side there to open it as i went along to watch the game could be worth a try

[Tommy Trophy]

Mick, someone needs to speak to the League. At the meeting on Wednesday night Alan Mutton advised that they had recently been to FA headquarters to talk about status requirements for step 7 etc. and I am sure offered to give clubs advice on how to secure an element of funding.

National Lottery is another route - aware of some clubs that have benefited from this - know for instance that having a Ladies team is a big tick in the box. (Think Whittlesey could put together a pretty mean Ladies team but probably getting into dodgy territory now!)

Would maybe avoid Alan Sugar, the PFA or Peter Kenyon at the moment for financial advice!

[bluestar]

Thanks Tom's - we have submitted proposals to the FDC for club house improvements, and I know that Trevor has approached the FA etc for assistance - however I think I am right in saying that before they "dish the dosh" they, quite rightly, seek assurances on club, venue etc. One of these being length of lease - guess what, good old FDC won't extend the lease to the timescales required!
We continue to discuss and press FDC, hopefully get the lease extended which will allow us to continue talks with the various bodies, you suggest, for financial assistance - its just so galling that as our landlord, the FDC continue to do nothing to improve football facilities, not just for Whittlesey United but for other teams within Whittlesey - but hey what's changed - I had battles with them twenty five years ago over the same issues i.e.quality of the pitches etc, and all that got me was a fat gut and no hair :lol: .

And Tom C - we did have a ladies team - Whittlesey Reserves - only my boys are making me proud and starting to play like men at last!!!!

Catch up with you for a pint at Leverington later TC :beer:

[carefree]

i have to say that if last weekend was off due to a water logged pitch and the same again this week, then maybe whittlesey should have found another venue to play this match

or asked psl if they could play there.

the league should have got behind this as psl are so far behind other prem sides on games played that i cant see them completing their fixtures, unless they play 4 a week which i'm sure will not be done with only 1st teamers. possible if reserve's take half their games i suppose.

strange that with the water board recently saying on the news that they need it to rain for 3 mths solid to make up water required to keep the country going.

doe's it only rain in whittlesey then :lol:

[Tommy Trophy]

Another tough game ticked off - wind was blowing diagonaly and made it very difficult. We had a good middle hour having started poorly and funnily enough we did not play well in the last 15 minutes.

Big up to Robbo for pursuading me to throw caution to the wind in the last 10 minutes and just play 2 at the back, with Teddy scoring the winner 2 minutes from the end on his 30th birthday.

Interesting day with Moulton coming back from 2 down to beat Stamford Bells and the Galaticos scoring 7 taking their goal difference to plus a thousand or something.

[Badger]

Hint of concern in that last post Tommy, do we detect a little worry that Ortonians may bow out of existance winning S.F.A? Ooohh let's hope not!

[Tommy Trophy]

Did I detect a hint of jealousy in that last post Badger?

I think Saturday's game actualy proved what complete belief we have in our ability to score goals and win games - we never allowed ourselves to think for 1 minute that we wouldn't win.

Strange, because we can afford to draw a game and still win the league but we were not prepared to just sit back and let the draw happen Saturday - wanted to keep that in the back pocket for another day.

[spec]

It's not the draw you need to worry about Tommy it's that catastrophic loss that's beckoning !

[Tommy Trophy]

Catastrophic and Local Football Spec - as you have pointed out before, lets keep it in perspective eh mate?

Mention the draw as this is a more likely result than a defeat given that we haven't lost since October 15th - a run of 12 games which have included matches against everyone in the top half except Moulton, but have "slipped up" (other peoples interpretation) against you and Crowland with draws.

Just trying to keep hold of the Galacticos coat tails, and will keep trying all the way to the finish line.

[Hyypia]

What games have Ortonians and Hotpoint got left?

We have:

Moulton, Pinchbeck, Alconbury, Bels, Leverington and Perkins Away
&
PSL, Whittlesey and Parson Drove at Home

[Tommy Trophy]

We have Alconbury, Whittlesey, Perkins, PSL & Wimblington at home and Moulton, PSL & Wimblington away.

Hotpoint have Moulton, Alconbury, Stamford Bells & Oundle at home and Oundle and Wimblington away - they also have Pinchbeck but not sure where (must be slipping)

Don't know who Moulton have but do know they include Ortonians, Hotpoint, Crowland & Parson Drove.

[spec]

Pinchbeck away Mr Forgetfulness, a lot of tough games in there Tommy can't see you only drawing one !!!!!

[Hyypia]

So i guess that means you feel you will win all of your remaining games Spec? That's a tall order. Other than Ortonians when was the last time you dropped points?

Fixtures don't like us - Parson Drove in the PFA Cup, Ortonians, Parson Drove, Moulton, Alconbury then i guess Moulton in the PFA Cup :mad: :mad:

[Tommy Trophy]

Indeed Spec does appear to have become uncharacteristically bullish recently. Hotpoint have 54 points from 23 games which is an average of 2.35 per game, and would mean that they will obtain 16 or 17 points in their remaining 7 matches.

If they do win every game, then I will be the first to take my hat off to them, and they will have 75 points. I suppose on the up side they don't have to play us again, and it may be an acceptance that the Galacticos under-performed earlier in the season?

Though we are unbeaten in 12, I would agree that given the strength of the league it would be unrealistic to expect to win every game. We have managed 73 & 70 points in the last 2 seasons, and we would have to take anything around that sort of range again.

[spec]

I have to say guys that we will have to win every game to have a chance of winning the title, it was 11 games and now it is 7 so I accept it is going to be difficult but we will give it a good go, not sure I like the term Galacticos but have to agree about the under-performing Tommy, could it cost us yet again, all will be revealed soon, Hyypia where do you think you will end up in what has been an exceptional first season in the Prem for you ??

[Hyypia]

Interesting question Spec. Going by our current position (and number of games in hand over others around us, plus a good shout for best defensive record come the end of the season) i would have to say that i would be disappointed if we finish outside the top 5. Still having to play all 3 teams around us shows how tight it is for third spot. Maybe give it 2 weeks (when we have played Moulton and Alconbury) and then ask the same question. Judging by our current form i would like to think that 3rd spot is more than a possibility but then again with 9 games to go there is likely to be at least one 'off-day' and maybe another where we dominate and come away with nothing.
Would be nice to come away with the PFA Cup irrespective of our final league position.

[Tommy Trophy]

Would agree that Crowland would have to be favourites for the PFA Cup on current form and that them V PSL would be a final befitting the occasion this season.

Whilst saying that winning every game is ambitious, I think that us going on a bad run is equally unlikely as we are yet to do so in my tenure at the club - our "bouncebackability" is pretty good.

I suppose it depends what constitutes a bad run, and I don't really remember that happening to the Galacticos either this season. It was always going to take a little while for all of their players signed from Peterborough Northern Star to re-adapt to a lower level of football, but they have now got themselves into a winning habit that shows no sign of stopping.

[spec]

Hyypia, I can tell you myself where you will finish in 2 weeks time !! I am asking you to put your head on the block and give a prediction, I predict Hotpoint will win the league, there your turn now mate.

You wouldn't have said that if you watched the first half Saturday Tommy, a bad run at this level would be 2 or 3 defeats in a row or a loss and a couple of draws on the trot. I must say though that your habit of getting very late winners hasn't seemed to slow down but with the sides you are due to face soon the game could well be done and dusted by the 88th minute.

[Tommy Trophy]

We are actually training tonight and for the foreseeable future, so hopefully we will get a few more late winners. Do seem to remember that a side came back from 3-1 down with 7 minutes left against us fairly recently, so we have not had it all our own way.

[Hyypia]

So then Mr Voyant, where will we be in 2 weeks time? Strike that, what are this Saturday's lottery numbers? :dcr:

Ok potential birthday suit time, i predict that we will BEAT Moulton and Alconbury, although both will be very tough. I hear we may need our ice skates this weekend as opposed to our football boots

[spec]

Could be too late for training now Tommy !
Hyypia I think you will finish 4th, hope you prove me wrong, winning lottery numbers for Saturday are: 5,17,23,36,45,48

[Tommy Trophy]

Thanks for the best wishes for Saturday Hyppia. Needingworth who have applied to join the UCL, have already beaten Biggleswade Town & St Ives this season who play 2 levels above us so it is obviously going to be a tough task.

Not a great turn out at training last night - so it was a bit late - so the temperature was minus 50 degrees - no excuse - no football on TV - going to be some disappointed people Saturday.

Plenty of weeks to get ourselves into tip top shape Spec. If every player adds 10% to their fitness level by the end of the month, it will be like having an extra player on the pitch.

Hyppia - not sure Mr Willis will be so keen on you making bold predictions - please don't get led into that type of rashness by Spec, who is acting most perculiarly at present. Instead, learn the art of self restraint and moderation from me!

[spec]

We had 14 at training last night, great turn out even though it was -50, it will only be worth an extra player if they turn up Tommy and don't go dropping players just to prove a point when you have an important semi coming up, wait until you have an easier game oh sorry you haven't got any left !!
I will send my own good luck message to you for Saturday in my own way and then after Saturday I hope you lose every game unless you get to the final then I will be there cheering you on in that.

[Hanks]

It couldn't have been -50 spec, at one point during training Mr Rudd actually took his gloves off, i admit he still had his bobble hat and scarf on though, so maybe your right.. Again!!

[spec]

That was only to light a fag Hanks !

[Hyypia]

Appreciate your comments Tommy, although i don't think anything said on this site will affect the performance/outcome of a game on a Saturday (it may influence the ridicule post match though! :lol: ).

I'm caught between Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Sidius, should i use the force or be tempted by the dark side? I'll leave it to you to work out who's Obi Wan and Sidius.

[only1fogg]

So then Mr Spec, trying to play all these minds games i see but they could come back to haunt you!! Saying you will win all 7 games is a bit dis-respectful to other sides u have to face and i for one would be well up for the game against u if i was playing for an opposing team!! keep making the oppoing managers team talk esy.

I forone believe that ortonians would need to lose one and a draw one to lose the title, very hard to see this happening as well as you winning all your games, goal difference could come into it and yours far superior.

Will be interesting. which team/manager will self destruct??

Well done crowland and dave willis, exceptional this season and best team i have seen and faced in the league!! 3rd would be a fitting position

[spec]

Don't do mind games Foggy and never said we will win all our last 7 games, I said we need to win all 7 to win the league as you have agreed with me, how can they come back to haunt me when we were written off a month ago, just enjoying my football for a change, surely you don't begrudge me that mate do you ??

[tom flynn]

Saying you are going to win all of your games is not being disreSPECful to your opponents.When i managed i would tell my players the same its called belief.

[Hyypia]

Appreciate the compliment Foggy, hope we don't let you down! Wonder where you will be next season mate?

[ianh]

Needingworth who have applied to join the UCL, have already beaten Biggleswade Town & St Ives this season who play 2 levels above us so it is obviously going to be a tough task.

Needingworth Have withdrawn their application Tommy, although Rockingham have applied and intend to groundshare with Corby Town at the Triangle

[Tommy Trophy]

Yep, I understand that they withdrew it on the basis that they wouldn't have met some of the entry requirements in time, but it does show that they are a club who certainly mean business.

Also aware of the Rockingham situation. I think the UCL opened up a can of worms with their approach with regards to Wellingborough this year?

[spec]

Tommy, I have been having a little think regarding your plans for next season and it has finally dawned on me that you will be going to Huntingdon, the final conclusive piece of evidence is their sudden appearance in the ET on a Friday night regarding there fixtures for Saturdays and their results and match report (although this certainly needs livening up) also appearing in the Mondays edition.
Any comment yet or does Spectrocelli have to come up with something else ??

[Chris Judge]

Sorry to disappoint you Spectrocelli but 1 thought the same myself but it appears the ET have been having a sales push in Huntingdon in february and add the fact their local soccer man is from there
Now Et sells five more copies

[ianh]

Must admit, I dont know much about a Wellingborough approach, but I dont think Wellingborough could really have gone elsewhere.

Needingworth as I believe, if they had applied for promotion from the the Cambridgeshire Premier would have had to join the Ridgeons.

I must admit, agree with spec, Tommy going to Huntingdon would make sense, I know Gary hasnt been there that long, but is not ripping any trees up?

(Will regret those words come April 1st)

[spec]

He has always lived there Judgey since he started at the ET so why now ? like the extra 5 copies bit though !
Tommy you are far too big to sit in a closet, out you come......

[Tommy Trophy]

I will be holding an online press conference at 10am Monday morning, when I shall reveal the plans of the "special needs one" for next season for anyone remotely interested.

In the meantime good luck to Humpy and Woodlands and hoping for an all Peterborough League Hunts Senior Cup Final (about a 16/1 shot though!)

Hope that the rookie boss Foggy gets his first win with our stiffs tomorrow - can't believe that we appear to have 31 players between the 2 sides - your rookie error on Tuesday night has been forgotten and put down to exhuberance.

[Jellybelly]

Tommy, sorry but i hope that foggy does not get his first win tomorrow. I sincerely hope you win, but if the rookie gets his first win it will damage our title hopes. i'm still dreaming of the treble!!!

[spec]

Can you make it 5 past 10 Tommy please, 10.00 interfere's with my prayers, yes good luck to Woodlands tomorrow it might soften the blow if we went out to the eventual winners (what a load of b******s that is) and Foggy good luck to you too in your first managerial quest, I take it you have informed RAF Wittering in case their radars pick up an unusual amount of air activity :lol:
Jellybelly I hope you lose !!!

[only1fogg]

very funny spec and tommy!! Schoolboy error was just that and one and only!! Spec. we try and play football but sometimes the long ball is the best ball!!

Great win for the firsts today at Needingworth, especially being 2-0 down and coming back to win 3-2 and make the final. Gives me something to aim for but highly unlikely to succeed.

Want to praise the reserves for their commitment and passion since i took over, bad start at deeping but since then we have played 2 of the top sides in the league and been excellent and unlucky not to win both!!

Managerial game is hard work and enjoyable, could not have done it without people's help and I thank them greatly, they know who they are.

[Cham1]

Very impressive result for Ortonians on Saturday. However better luck next time for Woodlands. Well done both sides.

[Tommy Trophy]

Very proud of the players Saturday in what has to go down as one of the most enjoyable games I have ever experienced as either a player or manager against a very professional set up (charging £2 to get in didn't seem to affect the attendance!)

Complete refusal to lose, which is a fantastic habit we have got into in the past few weeks - the side even stuck together during a melee in injury time after an awful tackle by the Needingworth centre forward (who was probably the best player on the pitch). Having criticised the side for conceding late goals, we have now managed to score 1 ourselves in each of the last 3 games.

Will be looking to work with the League to try and ensure that the final on Monday May 1st is indeed the clubs last game and that on the day we put up a better showing than we did in the final last year against Yaxley, even though in St.Neots we have another difficult task ahead of us.