NEWS ARCHIVE - SEASON 2008/2009

May 19, 2009

PLAY-OFF FINAL TICKETS

We have a London branch allocation of 86 tickets as follows (I hope I haven't missed anyone off the list in all the chaos):-

30 QUID SECTION

3 Dave Ashton (2 adult, 1 kid)

2 Mark Borrill

4 Gary Brackenbury (2 adult, 2 kid)

1 Steve Edwards

4 Matt Gray

3 Neil Holland (2 adult, 1 kid)

3 Colin Lowe

2 Ian Rees

1 Roly Roberts (1 OAP)

1 Keith Solomon

4 Andy Stubley

1 Nick Whitworth

2 Derek Wilmot

1 Neil Wright

40 QUID SECTION

5 Tim Baker (4 adult, 1 kid)

1 Bob Dook

4 Andrew Metcalfe (3 adult, 1 OAP for Vic)

1 Dave Pratt

4 Ian Tremayne (3 adult, 1 kid)

5 Chris Vaughan (2 adult, 3 cons)

7 Derek Wilmot (5 adults, 2 OAPs)

5 Nick Wood

50 QUID SECTION

1 Nick Haines

1 Geoff Kemp

1 Marky P

1 Frank Rhodes (OAP)

4 Darren Robertshaw

2 David Smith (1 adult, 1 OAP)

1 Steve Sumner

3 Martin Thorpe (2 adult, 1 kid)

1 Mal Watson

2 Mick Wright (1 adult, 1 kid)

TICKET COLLECTION

I am hoping to receive the tickets from SUFC on Wednesday, in which case I can start posting them out if necessary that evening. If you want me to post your ticket(s), please email and let me know.

However, we now have another option as Matt Gray will be throwing open the doors of his flat for a SULSESC get together from 9.30 on the morning of the game, so that will be the 'ticket collection point' on Sunday.

Matt's address is:

Flat B1

20 Elsworthy Road

London

NW3 3DJ

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=NW3+3DJ&countryCode=GB

Nearest tubes are Chalk Farm on the Northern Line or Swiss Cottage on the Jubilee line â€“ a 10 min walk from both. It's only about a 30-minute journey from his flat to Wembley.

PAYMENT

We need payment ASAP please so we can settle another hefty bill! Cheques payable to SULSESC can be sent to me at 30 Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7TQ.

Alternatively, you can transfer the money direct into the SULSESC account using the following details:

Account: Scunthorpe United London & South East Supporters Club Business Current Account

HSBC Bank, Holborn Circus, EC1

Sort code: 40-03-28

Account number: 01187902

If you do transfer the money, please email to let me know.

POST-MATCH GATHERING

After the game, win or lose, there will be the chance to celebrate or drown your sorrows in our usual venue of the Blue Posts, Newman Street, off Oxford Street (nearest tube Tottenham Court Road). Surely you all know where it is by now! If not, email me for directions.

UTI

Andy

May 4, 2009

TICKETS

Not a great deal of interest in tickets for the play-off semi-finals at the moment. Are we all expecting a depressing defeat at the hands of the Franchise Scum or is it the Friday night which is putting everyone off!

I will be putting the SULSESC order in at 9 am on Tuesday morning so if anyone reads this before then and still wants a ticket for the home leg, please let me know by 8.59 am!

Only 5 tickets ordered so far for the home leg as follows:-

SEATS (main stand)

1 Andy Skeels

1 Andy Kerr

STANDING

2 Mark Borrill

1 Jon Dunn

PLAY-OFF second leg (away)

If anyone wants a ticket for the away leg, please let me know asap. Two orders received so far as follows:-

2 Ian Rees (1 adult, 1 kid)

1 Jon Dunn

For those members not travelling to the play-off games, we are looking into organising a SULSESC get-together in central London to watch the matches live on Sky. This will most probably be at the Stamford Arms, close to Waterloo and Blackfriars. Contact either Neil Wright (n.wright62@ntlworld.com) or Matt Gray (scunnymatt@hotmail.com) for details.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

VOTES are still being taken seeing as United have not organised a presentation night as yet! Email your vote for the London branch player of the season to me asap.

SKY COVERAGE

UNITED will not be the only team from Scunthorpe featured live on Sky this week.

Don't miss live coverage of the Scunthorpe Scorpions' Premier Speedway League match against the Sheffield Tigers on Tuesday night from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports 1.

We've never beaten Sheffield before in an official fixture so this is our big chance!

UTI (and Scorpions!)

Andy

April 30, 2009

TRANMERE (home)

If you're planning on going to the final home game of the season on Saturday, be aware that there are only 300 seats left in the main stand and less than 700 tickets behind the goal. We have not organised a SULSESC allocation for this game, so it's advisable to buy your own ticket in advance from the ticket office.

As usual, we will be meeting in the Honest Lawyer before the match.

PLAY-OFFS

Without wishing to tempt fate, I have been told by SUFC that if we do reach the play-offs, they will need to know how many tickets the London branch require for the semi-final, first leg at Glanford Park by first thing on Tuesday morning (May 5).

Therefore, would any member who wants a ticket(s) please email or phone me (0788 181 6611) by 9 pm on Monday night at the latest.

If we do avoid defeat against Tranmere on Saturday and qualify for the play-offs, the first leg will be played at Glanford Park on Friday, May 8th (7.45 pm).

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

There is still plenty of time to cast your vote for the SULSESC Player of the Season if you haven't already done so.

I contacted SUFC this week to find out what's happening about all the various player of the year presentations, and they don't know yet! But for sure, there will be no presentations on the pitch before or after the Tranmere game because, in SUFC's words, "due to the importance of Saturday's game there is no way Nigel would allow awards to be presented before the game"Â.

UTI

Andy

April 16, 2009

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

It' that time of the year when we need your vote for the SULSESC Player of the Season award.

I have not heard from SUFC so far as to what the plans are for this year's presentation ceremony for all the various awards but no doubt we'll find out in due course.

In the meantime, feel free to email your vote to me asap so we can establish which player will be receiving the John Birkett Memorial Trophy at the end of the season.

NORTHAMPTON (away): Tuesday, April 21

For those members travelling to Northampton next Tuesday, you can pay on the night and don't need to buy a ticket in advance.

SULSESC's real ale guru Nick Haines has suggested the Malt Shovel as the pre-match venue for travelling London branch members and writes: "The Malt Shovel Tavern is at 121 Bridge Street, NN1 1QF (map: http://tinyurl.com/d7hdko). Beer: Frog Island Natterjack, London Pride, Great Oakley Wot's Occurring, Great Oakley Harpers, Tetley, guests. The Good Beer Guide says: 'Popular award-winning free house just out of the town-centre circuit. The Malt Shovel is the tap for the Great Oakley brewery, with up to four of its beers among the 14 handpumps. There is also a fine selection of draught and bottled Belgian beers and traditional farm cider. The interior is filled with breweriana, much of it from the Phipps Brewery, which once stood opposite the pub before it was demolished to make way for the Carlsberg factory."

LEICESTER (away): Friday, April 24

I AM actually away on holiday next week so will miss the Leicester game, which is all-ticket. The switch from Saturday to Friday night pretty much wrecked it in terms of a club trip by train and I don't know of too many SULSESC members who are going now that it's a Friday night.

If you are, please be advised that I'm NOT organising a London branch ticket allocation, so you will need to buy your own in advance from Glanford Park. I see from the official website today that United have ordered more tickets from Leicester so you shouldn't have any trouble getting tickets.

Meanwhile, the suggested pre-match meeting place for SULSESC comes from Nick as usual, who writes: "Spoilt for choice here, but for simplicity's sake, how about a return to the Criterion at 44 Millstone Lane, LE1 5JN (map: http://tinyurl.com/ddet5k). Beer: Oakham Inferno, Bishops Farewell, guests. Good Beer Guide says: 'Two-roomed 1960s city-centre pub offering up to 10 guest ales from micro- and regional breweries at weekends. Beer festivals are held regularly. Darts and dominoes are played in the bar, Italian-style pizzas are served Tuesday to Saturday. Leicester CAMRA Pub of the Year 2006, 2007 and 2008 and regional runner-up 2007.

"Unfortunately, I gather that it doesn't allow children (according to note on SULSESC website)."

Up the Iron

Andy

April 9, 2009

I trust everyone has now got over Sunday's fiasco and is ready for the play-off push, starting this weekend with the Huddersfield and Hartlepool games

For any SULSESC members going up for the Huddersfield home game tomorrow, we will be meeting in the Honest Lawyer from 6 pm and returning there after the game for a pint or two.

For anyone venturing up to Hartlepool on Monday, here's Nick Haines' suggestion for the pub:-

"I suggest the Causeway, Vicarage Gardens, Stranton, TS24 7QT (map: http://tinyurl.com/d5v8s9). Directions: go south on the A689 and look for the church. It's very close to Camerons Brewery. The Good Beer Guide says: 'This marvellous red-brick Victorian building has been Camerons' unofficial brewery tap for decades. Though owned by Marstons, sales of Camerons Strongarm are huge. A CAMRA multi-award-winning pub, it even gets a mention in Hansard, where the quality of the Strongarm was praised by the local MP. Two guest beers are always available. The walled beer garden has a covered and heated area for smokers."

March 27, 2009

WEMBLEY TICKET ARRANGEMENTS

I have finally got round to sorting out the Wembley tickets and I will be posting them out today (Thursday), so hopefully everyone will have their tickets by the weekend.

The exceptions are the following members, who have arranged to collect their tickets in person:-

Matt Gray (darts match on Thursday)

Tim Baker (Iron Bar after Col U game)

Andy Kerr, Jon Dunn, Martyn Girdham, Andy Bourne, etc (will give to AK at Col U game)

Mark Pearson (when he returns from overseas)

Jim Billinger (collecting on day of game).

Darren Robertshaw (Col U game)

For those members taking kids, an apology in advance if your whole party is not sitting together. SUFC supplied the concession tickets for both the 20 and 30 quid sections next to each other in one line, so we've got eight concessions sitting next to each other in the 20 quid section, and another eight sitting next to each other in the 30 quid section! Because of that, it has been impossible to keep some of the larger groups together.

I have obviously ensured that no kid will be left sitting on their own but in some instances, for example, there will be an adult in row 28 seat 54 with a kid in row 29 seat 54, and other adults in that party seated together, but slightly further away.

Frankly, it's been a nightmare trying to sort it all out but you may, of course, be able to swap seats with other SULSESC members on the day once you're in the stadium because we have got 113 tickets in total, and they all seem to be roughly together in the various sections.

ON THE DAY: BEFORE THE GAME

Vic Duke and Andrew Metcalfe are meeting before the game from 11.30. Vic writes: â€œAndrew and I are meeting at 11.30 in the Moon On The Hill, a Wetherspoons near Harrow-on-the-Hill station.

From there it's a 6 minute tube journey to Wembley Park, so there should be time for a couple of pints at least. Anybody is welcome to join us.â€

ON THE DAY: AFTER THE GAME

Treasurer Vaughan has â€˜bookedâ€™ our home pub in central London for what we hope will be the victory party, so all members are welcome to wend their way back from Wembley for a get-together in the Blue Posts, Newman Street, which, as surely everyone knows by now, is just off Oxford Street, about a five-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road tube station.

UTI

Andy

March 9, 2009

Snowed under at work again this week (as well as sorting out Wembley tickets!), so another brief SULSESC news looking ahead to the next away games at Peterborough tomorrow and Carlisle on Saturday.

SULSESC'S real ale guru Nick Haines has been hard at work as usual and has some excellent suggestions.

I would suggest that any members going to either or both games who would like to meet up should 'reply all' to the group email to find out who else is going.

PETERBOROUGH (away): Tuesday, March 10

Not sure how many are going to this game, but for those who are and who are likely to arrive in Peterborough in plenty of time, here's Nick's recommendation:-

"The best bet is Charters, which is on a barge at the Town Bridge, PE1 1EH, on the way to the ground (map: http://tinyurl.com/akvu5s). Maybe you remember being turned away from here once for wearing club colours. I do, so I checked, and they say it's not a problem now. Beer is Oakham JHB, White Dwarf, Bishops Farewell plus loads more. The Good Beer Guide says: 'Probably the largest Dutch barge in the country, moored on the Nene at Town Bridge. Twelve real ales always include a mild, and the latest beers from microbreweries are a speciality. Beers can be dispensed from gravity on request. The largest beer garden in the city features a permanent marquee where beer festivals are hosted.'Â (Website: bluesontheboat.co.uk.)."

CARLISLE (away): Saturday, March 14

I can't imagine there will be too many making the long trip from London for this game, but for any members brave enough to undertake the long haul to Cumbria, Nick says:"My best suggestion is the Linton Holme Hotel at 86 Lindisfarne Street, CA1 2NB (map: http://tinyurl.com/dy8y4y). Beer: Yates Bitter plus guest. The GBG says: 'Former hotel retaining many original features including tiled mosaic floors, etched windows and a wonderful marble pillar outside. Situated in a quiet residential area, it is well worth making the effort to seek out. Inside, a variety of rooms all open out to a bar area where there is a large pool table suitable for use by wheelchair users. The guest ale is frequently from a microbrewery. TVs show sporting events.'

"Alternatively, if you can't be bothered and want something easy after a nightmare journey, there's the Griffin (Court Square, CA1 1QX, map: http://tinyurl.com/b7n26b). This has the advantage of being next to the train station, but reports suggest it's on the decline. Beer is Jennings Cumberland Ale plus guests. The GBG says: "Part of the John Barras chain, this former Midland Bank building has many old photographs on the walls. The large interior of this imposing building has allowed for the construction of a second floor. A large-screen TV shows music videos and sports, and there is a separate area available for private hire. Up to three rotating guest beers are normally available. Good value meals are served but please note that children are not allowed'."

WEMBLEY TICKETS

SUFC will send me the tickets later this week by Recorded Delivery once we've finalised our numbers.

There is a darts match in the Blue Posts next Wednesday (March 18) which I am intending to go to, so if anyone wants to come along to collect their Wembley ticket(s) that night, it shouldn't be a problem.

Andy

March 4, 2009

Dear All

Very busy at work this week so a bit of a rushed SULSESC news!

STOCKPORT (home): Saturday, March 7

THIS is the SULSESC sponsored match but numbers have changed since last week's website update. There will be 21 members enjoying lunch in the restaurant before the game and here's the revised list:-

1 Jon Dunn

1 Russ Foster

1 Martyn Girdham

1 Matt Gray

2 Neil & Karen Holland

1 Gareth Jones

1 Andy Kerr

1 Colin Lowe

3 Andrew Metcalfe

1 Dave Pratt

2 Ian Rees

1 Steve Sumner

2 Ian Tremayne

1 Nick Whitworth

1 Neil Wright

If anyone would like a car park pass, please let me know by first thing on Friday morning please.

Meet at Glanford Park from 12.30 pm or in the Honest Lawyer at 11.45 am.

Don't forget to bring your chequebook or some cash because it will be in the region of 30 to 35 quid per head to pay on the day.

WEMBLEY (v Luton, Sunday, April 5)

THE deadline for ordering tickets through SULSESC will be next WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11.

Below is the list of people who have ordered tickets so far. If you would like to be added to the list, let me know ASAP.

Please ensure you post a cheque payable to SULSESC for the full cost of your ticket(s) by the above date. My address is 30 Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7TQ.

Alternatively, if you're going to the Stockport game on Saturday, you can give me a cheque then.

20 QUID SECTION

1 Andy Skeels

5 Dave Ashton (4 adult, 1 kid)

5 Mark Borrill

5 Mick Wright

3 Richard Thompson

3 Rune B. Gasemyr (2 adult, 1 kid)

30 QUID SECTION

2 Neil Wright

1 Nick Haines

1 Roger Townsend

2 Neil &Karen Holland

2 Andy Kerr

1 Jon Dunn

2 Findlay Murray

4 Andy Bourne/Paul Hind

30 QUID SECTION (15 QUID CONCESSION)

1 Martyn Girdham

40 QUID SECTION

2 Andrew Metcalfe

5 Russ Foster

1 Jim Billinger

40 QUID SECTION (20 QUID CONCESSION)

1 Vic Duke

Up the Iron

Andy

February 25, 2009

LEEDS (away): Saturday, February 28

PREVIEW: With our promotion hopes receding by the week, this is a 'must win' fixture if we are to avoid dropping out of the top six for the first time since August

Three defeats on the bounce, and with injuries and suspensions kicking in, have somewhat shattered the mood of optimism which prevailed after the superb victory at Millwall on January 31.

Since then, thanks to postponements and the aforementioned hat-trick of defeats, our points tally has stubbornly refused to move on from 53 and we're now eight points off the automatic promotion pace rather than just one

A fourth straight loss at Elland Road will knock us out of the play-off positions and if Stockport also win this weekend (at home to Huddersfield), then we could be as low as eighth come 5 o'clock on Saturday.

Leeds will welcome back ex-Iron Jermaine Beckford after his three-game ban, so don't be surprised if he finds the target to rub our noses in it!

Let's just hope for a repeat of our league visit to this ground on Boxing Day, 1961...when Barrie Thomas scored all four Scunthorpe goals in a 4-1 triumph in the Second Division!

We have visited Elland Road twice since then in the league (both 0-1 defeats in 1962-63 and 1963-64) and have also been back in the FA Cup (a 1-1 draw in 1984) and the League Cup twice (0-3 and 1-4 losses in 1991 and 1992 respectively).

MATCH TICKETS: The game is all-ticket for Iron fans and as of Monday, the club's official website was reporting that only 1,500 of the 2,700 allocation had been sold. Tickets will remain on sale at Glanford Park until 2 pm this Friday. They cost 26 quid for adults, 16 seniors and 12 under-16s.

I have a London branch allocation for the following:

1 Colin Lowe

2 Neil & Karen Holland

2 Andy Kerr

1 Jon Dunn

1 Matt Gray

1 Steve Sumner

1 Neil Wright

1 Mal Watson

1 Dave Pratt

2 Ian Tremayne (1 adult, 1 child)

1 Vic Duke (concession)

Cheques payable to me on the day please.

TRAVEL PLANS: There is a SULSESC train trip to this game, leaving on the 09.05 from King's Cross on Saturday morning (although chairman Tremayne is on the 10.10), returning on the 18.40 out of Leeds. If you haven't booked in advance, however, expect a fairly hefty dent on your credit card if you just turn up on the day!

PUB: The pub to meet in before the game will be The Adelphi, 1-3 Hunslet Road, LS10, which opens at 12 noon according to its website (www.theadelphi.co.uk). It's recommended by a mate of mine who is a regular Leeds supporter, who says: "It's a famous Leeds pub, and as it's by Leeds Bridge it's in the right direction for the ground. Five minutes walk from the station. Always gets a good crowd, but usually not your teenage p*ssheads. It'll be busy, but they all will. It's known for its beer and has become a trendy watering hole again (but trendy in a good way, if you know what I mean!). Might be a live band on as well. There's a 20 minute walk to the ground - fairly popular route to Elland Road."

After the game, we will probably be calling in at Whitelocks at Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB, which is recommended by SULSESC real ale guru Nick Haines. It's down an alley off Briggate near Marks & Spencer (map: http://tinyurl.com/b53sct; http://whitelocks.co.uk). It's handy for the station and serves food. Beer: Deuchers IPA, John Smiths, Theakston Best, Old Peculier, guests. The GBG says: "Traditionally regarded as the best pub interior in Leeds, concern about the future of the splendid features led to the formation of the 'Friends of Whitelocks' to safeguard the pub for future generations to enjoy. The pub dates back to the 16th century and features on CAMRA's National Inventory of historic pub interiors. The Top Bar is now open Wednesday to Saturday. No discerning drinker should miss this gem."

STOCKPORT (home): Saturday, February 7

THIS is the SULSESC sponsored match and there will be 27 members enjoying lunch in the restaurant before the game. On the list are:-

1 Jon Dunn

1 Russ Foster

1 Martyn Girdham

1 Matt Gray

2 Neil & Karen Holland

1 Andy Kerr

1 Colin Lowe

3 Andrew Metcalfe

1 Dave Pratt

2 Ian Rees

1 Steve Sumner

3 Nigel Taylor

2 Ian Tremayne

1 Nick Whitworth

2 Phil Wilmot

2 Mick Wright

1 Neil Wright

Meet at Glanford Park from 12.30 (although those of us travelling up by train will probably be sneaking in a pint in the Honest Lawyer first as we are due to arrive in Scunny at 11.45!).

I will endeavour to find out the exact cost per head from SUFC before next week and let everyone know in advance but bring your chequebook or some cash because it will be in the region of 30 to 35 quid I would think.

WEMBLEY (v Luton, Sunday, April 5).

IN response to numerous requests, I will be organising an allocation of tickets for the London branch and have already spoken to SUFC about it, who are happy to let us have as many tickets as we want. This means SULSESC members will be able to sit together.

The biggest problem is going to be the distribution of tickets on the day because of the unfortunate kick-off time of 1.15 pm. That obviously rules out the option of everyone meeting up in central London before the game.

Therefore, anyone who orders a ticket through SULSESC will either have to collect it from me in person before April 5 (most obvious options being the Brighton or Colchester home games on March 21 and 28) or I will have to post your ticket(s) out.

Ticket prices are 20 quid, 30, 40 and 50. Please let me know ASAP via e-mail how many tickets you would like and in which category (personally, having been to the 'new' Wembley twice for the NFL games, I'll be going for the 20 quid option).

I will then need payment in full in advance by cheque so we have enough in the SULSESC account to write out a cheque to SUFC.

UTI

Andy

February 5, 2009

CHELTENHAM (home): Saturday, February 7

After the excellent win at Millwall last weekend, followed by the frustration of Tuesday night's ludicrously late postponement at Southend, it's back to Glanford Park this weekend as United aim to make it four home wins in a row against struggling Cheltenham.

After the Franchise's midweek win at Stockport, we are now four points off the automatic promotion pace, albeit with a game in hand, so three points against Martin Allen's side will be seen as a must.

Cheltenham slipped to the bottom of the table last weekend and, in the league, have managed only one win (at Orient) and two draws (Yeovil and Brighton) on their travels all season in 13 attempts.

For those SULSESC members making the trip, myself and Matt Gray will be on the 9.05 train out of King's Cross and, as usual, the London branch will be meeting up in the Honest Lawyer from 12 noon.

TICKET NEWS

We have two away games coming up for which it will be advisable to get tickets in advance:-

ROTHERHAM (away, JPT Northern Final, 2nd leg): Tuesday, February 17

I will be organising nine tickets for SULSESC as follows: Steve Sumner, Matt Gray, Phil Loy, Brad, Vic Duke, Andrew Metcalfe, Mark Borrill x 2, and yours truly. If anyone else would like a ticket, let me know before this Saturday as I will be collecting the tickets before the Cheltenham game while I'm in Scunny.

LEEDS (away): Saturday, February 28

This game is all-ticket for Scunthorpe fans and our allocation is less than 3,000, so I would guess there's a good chance the away end could be a sell-out. Tickets go on sale on Monday priced 26 quid for adults, 16 quid for seniors and 12 quid for U16s.

Please let me know by 9 am on Monday (February 9) if you would like a ticket so I can get the London branch allocation confirmed before SUFC put tickets on general sale.

I will get tickets for the following members who I already know are on the SULSESC trip: Neil Wright, Steve Sumner, Matt Gray, Mal Watson, Ian Tremayne x 2 and Colin Lowe.

Andy

January 27, 2009

MILLWALL (away): Saturday, January 31

PREVIEW: A real six-pointer at the top of the table following Tuesday night's programme of fixtures, with the Lions, United and Peterborough all winning to reduce the gap on the second-placed Franchise Scum to just one point. Great result for the Orient, eh!

Millwall is never the most attractive of away games, and I would say it's certainly the least enjoyable of all the London matches by far. A case of get in, do the game, and get out again as quickly as possible!

Our last visit to the New Den, however, was one of the more memorable ones, Steve Torpey's 74th minute toe poke against the run of play giving us a largely undeserved 1-0 victory which really kickstarted the charge towards the League One title.

That was just before Christmas in 2006 and even though it was only little more than two years ago, it's amazing to think that just two of the team who played that night are still on the books - Byrne and Morris.

Saturday will be a tough encounter against a Millwall side beaten only once at home this season - a 4-0 aberration against the Franchise Scum at the beginning of October.

There's a 44 quid rollover in the predictions sweep after three away games in which no-one has managed to correctly come up with the score (Colchester, Watford and Crewe).

MATCH TICKETS: The good news is that it's pay on the day, so we don't need to buy tickets in advance. It's 15 quid for adults, 10 quid for seniors and a fiver for under-16s.

TRAVEL PLANS: Meet at London Bridge (see pub details below) from where we will be catching a train to South Bermondsey. There is a frequent service (see the travel link).

PUB: Our regular haunt for games on this side of London is the Shipwrights Arms on Tooley Street. Turn right out of London Bridge station following the signs for the London Dungeon, and the Shipwrights is just past the London Dungeon on the right. Meet in the Shipwrights from 12 noon onwards.

DARTS

There is a darts match tomorrow night (Wednesday, January 28) at home to Gillingham in the Blue Posts, Newman Street. All members welcome.

Andy

January 22, 2009

THE next two games are both at home, so we'll hope to see as many members as possible in the Honest Lawyer for a pre-match pint - well, certainly before this Saturday's game against struggling Leyton Orient anyway, as I can't see too many of us making the long slog north for a Tuesday nighter against Oldham!

If anyone wants a lift to the Orient game, we do have a car going up on Saturday morning and returning south straight after the game with one space still available alongside Steve Sumner, Chris Vaughan and myself. Steve is driving from Kent with a pick-up at Harold Wood along the way. Email me if you would like to go.

MILLWALL (away): Saturday, January 31

The next away game is a local one for us, with a trip to South Bermondsey a week on Saturday. Full details of where to meet in next week's SULSESC news but the good news is that it's pay on the day, so we don't need to buy tickets in advance.

There's also Â£44 in the predictions pot after three away games in which no-one has managed to correctly predict the score (Colchester, Watford and Crewe).

ROTHERHAM (away): Tuesday, February 17

After Tuesday's excellent win over the Millers in the JPT, United are just a nail-biting 1-0 defeat away from a trip to Wembley!

Several members have shown interest in the second leg of the Northern Area Final at Rotherham on February 17 and we look certain to be running at least one car trip. At the moment, there is Brad, Steve S, Matt G, myself and Ipswich darts captain Phil Loy. If anyone else would like to go, please email me asap.

LEEDS (away): Saturday, February 28

A reminder for those SULSESC members thinking of going to Leeds by train at the end of February, there are still cheap tickets available on the National Express website. At the moment, five members are booked on the SULSESC trip (yours truly, Matt Gray, Neil Wright, Mal Watson and Steve Sumner), going out on the 09.05 from King's Cross and returning on the 18.40 from Leeds. Anyone who would like to join us is advised to book their own ticket ASAP before the fares start going up drastically. Go to www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com

Andy

January 13, 2009

CREWE (away): Saturday, January 17

PREVIEW: After Tuesday night's excellent 2-1 victory at Yeovil, United will be looking to make it away win No. 8 for the season when they travel to Gresty Road on Saturday.

Only the Franchise (8) have had more successes on the road this season than the Iron (7), while bottom-of-the-table Crewe have won only three of their 11 outings on home soil - so everything points to a home win then!

Good news for travelling SULSESC members is that the pre-match 'guess the score' competition is now a double rollover after Colchester and Watford, when no-one came up with a 0-0 or 0-1 respectively, so there will probably be something like 45 quid in the pot!

MATCH TICKETS: It's pay on the day so no need to buy tickets in advance - but stand by for a rather bizarre pricing structure, presumably due to the recent changes to VAT. Cash admission at the turnstiles is Â£18.60 for adults, 14.70 for seniors, 8.30 for 12 to 16 year olds, and 4.40 for under-11s.

TRAVEL PLANS: There is a SULSESC trip by train, and at the moment we have Messrs. Gray, Watson and Skeels travelling on the 10.10 out of Euston on Saturday morning, returning on the 18.29 from Crewe. All welcome.

PUB: The venue for pre-match drinks, as recommended by both Nick Haines and Vic Duke, will be the Borough Arms, 33 Earle Street, 10 minutes from the ground. Please note that the pub is easy to miss as it's on the extension of Earle Street over the railway bridge. The GBG 2009 states that it has a constantly changing range of small brewery beers, plus Belgian beers on draught, plus a micro brewery on site. It is possible to combine the Borough with the Crown, 25 Earle Street, which is a standard Robinsons pub.

LEEDS (away): Saturday, February 28

A reminder for those SULSESC members thinking of going to Leeds by train at the end of February, there are still cheap tickets available on the National Express website. At the moment, five members are booked on the SULSESC trip (yours truly, Matt Gray, Neil Wright Mal Watson and Steve Sumner), going out on the 09.05 from King's Cross and returning on the 18.40 from Leeds. Anyone who would like to join us is advised to book their own ticket ASAP before the fares start going up drastically. Go to www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com

Andy

December 30, 2008

WATFORD (away): Saturday, January 3

PREVIEW: A break from the rigours of the league as the Iron aim to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup with a win over Championship strugglers Watford.

The Hornets have had a troubled season and are currently only three points above the relegation zone. Manager Aidy Boothroyd left the club in November and was replaced by Chelsea's youth team boss Brendan Rodgers, who steadied the ship slightly with successive pre-Christmas home wins over Norwich and Coventry.

The Hornets remain inconsistent, however, and their last outing at Vicarage Road on Boxing Day resulted in a 4-2 thumping by Bristol City. In all, they've lost four times in the league on their own ground so there is hope of a repeat of our 1-0 win there in April in what was our last away match in the Championship.

A draw and a replay at Glanford Park would not be a bad result either, as Watford's away form is awful. They have only won one of their 13 road trips in the league this season.

MATCH TICKETS: It's pay on the day with Watford's normal adult admission reduced to just 15 quid for the visit of the Iron. However, for those members who qualify for concessions or who will be taking kids to the game, please note that tickets are cheaper if you buy in advance from Glanford Park. Tickets for under-16s, for example are only a quid if bought in advance via SUFC. The number to ring is 0871 221 1899 or email tickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk.

TRAVEL PLANS: We will be meeting at London Euston on Saturday morning with the intention of catching the 12.46 train which arrives at Watford Junction at 13.04. Day return fare from Euston is Â£8.20.

PUB: For those travelling by train from London, we will be meeting in the Bree Louise pub next to Euston station from 11.30 am. The Bree Louise is in Cobourg Street, NW1 but is literally one minute's walk from the main concourse of Euston station. As you come up the escalator out of the tube station onto the main concourse, do a U-turn to the right at the top of the escalator so you're heading back in the direction you've just come from, keep walking in a straight line out of the station, and the Bree Louise is down the side street in front of you on the right. For those going straight to Watford, meeting place will be the Wetherspoons pub (Moon under Water) in Watford High Street. The ground is approx. a 15-20 minute walk from Watford Junction station and the Wetherspoons pub is en route.

LEEDS (away): Saturday, February 28

For those SULSESC members thinking of going to Leeds by train at the end of February, there are still cheap tickets available on the National Express website. At the moment, four members are booked on the SULSESC trip (yours truly, Matt Gray, Neil Wright and Steve Sumner), going out on the 09.05 from King's Cross and returning on the 18.40 from Leeds. The current fare is Â£27.60, booked as two singles (Â£11.55 out, Â£16.45 coming back). Anyone who would like to join us is advised to book their own ticket ASAP before the fares start going up. Go to www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com

December 23, 2008

HARTLEPOOL (home): Friday, December 26

PREVIEW: With only one win from our last five league games at Glanford Park, it's time to get the home form sorted! Now five points adrift of the automatic promotion places, United will view this one as a must-win game if we are to remain in contention with the leaders, especially as both top-of-the-table Leicester (away to Leeds) and third-placed Millwall (at Peterborough) face difficult away trips

Hartlepool, who sacked manager Danny Wilson last week and have former boss Chris Turner in temporary charge, beat the Iron 3-0 at Victoria Park in August in the Carling Cup, but have not really pulled up many trees in the league.

They are currently in mid-table, eight points adrift of the play-off positions and nine clear of relegation, and have won only three of their 10 away league games so far - at Carlisle, Walsall and Peterborough.

Anything less than a home win will be seen as a bad result for the Iron.

MATCH TICKETS: Obviously not a problem, pay on the day, tickets available until 3 pm on matchday. Category A match, adult standing behind the goal is Â£15.50, cash admission on the turnstiles.

TRAVEL PLANS: It's Christmas, so obviously no club trip seeing as there are no trains! For anyone who is up in Scunny for the holiday period, or who is travelling north for the game, meet in the Honest Lawyer as usual.

HUDDERSFIELD (away): Sunday, December 28

PREVIEW: Former Irons Andy Butler and Jim Goodwin both played the full 90 minutes of Huddersfield's 2-0 home win over Hereford last weekend, so can be expected to be in opposition to their former team-mates on Sunday.

This will be a difficult fixture for United against a Huddersfield side that has shown marked improvement in recent weeks since the sacking of manager Stan Ternent following a rather indifferent start to the season. Lee Clark is the new manager.

Town are now on the fringes of the play-offs and went into their Boxing Day game away at Carlisle on the back of three straight wins in the league - over Hereford and Walsall at home, and Southend away.

MATCH TICKETS: It's pay on the day, 20 quid to sit behind the goal in the away end.

TRAVEL PLANS: A Sunday during the Christmas and New Year period? Not the best of days to be venturing out by train for Huddersfield away! If you really have no choice, then check out travel secretary Wright's train times on the travel link, otherwise, taking the car might be the more sensible option.

PUB: Suggested pre-match pub from SULSESC's 'member on the spot' Vic Duke, who can almost walk to this one, is The Grove Inn, 2 Spring Grove Street, HD2 4BP.

Vic says: "It is just off the ring road opposite the bus station, where there are two large car parks. Inside it has up to nine guest ales, seven foreign drafts and 180 bottled beers - there is a beer menu on the tables! It has a website - groveinn.co.uk. I will try to be there shortly after 12. Hope to see somebody there."

WATFORD (away): Saturday, January 3

I will not be bothering to organise a ticket allocation for this one as it's pay on the day with Watford's normal adult admission reduced to just 15 quid for the visit of the Iron.

However, for those members who qualify for concessions or who will be taking kids to the game, please note that tickets are cheaper if you buy in advance from Glanford Park. Tickets for under-16s, for example are only a quid if bought in advance via SUFC. The number to ring is 0871 221 1899 or email tickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk.

Merry Christmas to all SULSESC members. As 'the missus' has enforced a Christmas clampdown, I unfortunately won't be at either the Hartlepool or Huddersfield games! Hope to see you all at Watford for the FA Cup game a week on Saturday, travel plans to follow in next week's SULSESC news bulletin.

Andy

December 15, 2008

COLCHESTER (away): Saturday, December 20.

PREVIEW: The last league game before Christmas takes us to Colchester - and a new ground!

The Us, of course, moved home during the summer and now reside at the unlikely sounding Weston Homes Community Stadium.

After many years of being forced to tolerate the sub-standard facilities at Layer Road, it will make a pleasant change to have some proper amenities, although don't expect a ground with any character. As with all new football grounds these days, the 'new Colchester' appears to be another soulless affair.

For that, you can blame Scunthorpe United of course. We started the modern day trend for moving grounds some 20 years ago!

As for the match itself, United will be looking for their seventh away win in the league to make amends for Saturday's defensive debacle at Glanford Park against Northampton.

Colchester's home record is far from impressive - they've lost six of their first 10 league games on their new pitch so far - but I won't tempt fate by suggesting current form should point to an away win. If last Saturday's defensive effort is repeated, we will probably have to score at least six to stand any chance of picking up even a point!

MATCH TICKETS: No need to buy tickets in advance as it's pay on the day. Adult admission varies from 20 quid to 24 quid but we're advised to take the cheapest option as allegedly those paying 24 end up in the same seats as those paying 20 anyway!

TRAVEL PLANS: There will be a SULSESC train trip to this match, using the following trains - depart London Liverpool Street at 11.08, arrive Colchester 12.06. Return from Colchester at 18.03, arrive London Liverpool St 18.54.

Meet in the Wetherspoons pub (Hamilton Hall) on Liverpool Street station from 10 am onwards for breakfast and a pint.

As Colchester's new ground is almost two miles from the railway station, a free bus shuttle service operates to the stadium from outside the station for those who want to take advantage of that.

PUB: Unfortunately, the new ground is reportedly 'in the middle of nowhere' so we will be heading into town before the match in the direction of the old Layer Road ground to meet up in the Fat Cat, 65 Butt Road, CO3 3BZ (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/19/19427/Fat_Cat/Colchester). For those who were on the trip to Colchester last season, this is the pub we ended up in after the game. It's on the other side of Butt Road to The Dragoon, which has been one of our regular stop-offs in Colchester in recent years. We're told the landlord of The Fat Cat arranges a bus to transport locals from the pub to the ground so if this turns out to be correct, then hopefully we'll be able to get on it. If not, it will be a case of organising taxis from the pub to the ground.

SULSESC real ale guru Nick Haines reports: "Beer: um, far too many to mention. GBG says: 'The Fat Cat is now established as a haven for ale drinkers, with up to 20 beers available on gravity'. Pub grub and Sunday roasts are complemented by regular themed food evenings'."

There is a chance we may also take in the Fox and Fiddler, which we also visited last season.

Nick writes: "The Fox & Fiddler, 1 St Johns Street CO2 7AA (map: http://tinyurl.com/6bzgzm - the train station is just off the top of the map, off Westway). Beer: Mighty Oak IPA, Burntwood Bitter, English Oak, guests. GBG says: 'A friendly town centre pub with a deceptively small frontage disguising a long single bar with three separate drinking and dining areas. The pub is steeped in history and heavily timbered with a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable seating inside. Excellent home-cooked food using local produce is served'."

WATFORD (away): Saturday, January 3

I will not be bothering to organise a ticket allocation for this one as it's pay on the day with Watford's normal adult admission reduced to just 15 quid for the visit of the Iron.

December 1, 2008

FRANCHISE SCUM (away)

This game is now all-ticket and, for once, we will not be in a position to organise a SULSESC allocation for those members who plan on going to the game.

I'm not going, and the Plan B I'd concocted to cover my absence has fallen through so, apologies, but everyone will have to sort out their own tickets for this one.

Tickets can be ordered by phoning SUFC on 0871 221 1899 or via the official website.

The meeting place for SULSESC members, as suggested by Nick Haines and Milton Keynes based former SULSESC chairman Mark Borrill is the Wetherspoons near the station at 201 Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 1EA (map: http://tinyurl.com/63xluv

Mark writes: "The pub's about a 10 minute stroll from the central station, literally straight on out of the station exit, cross the open space, use the pedestrian underpasses heading slightly uphill towards the city centre and it's on the left.

"After the match, I believe the route 4 bus returns to the station but I don't know from where. Alternatively, call a taxi from Asda next to the ground. Numbers are Skyline cabs on (01908) 222111; Eezy Cabs on (01908) 218218; Speedline on (01908) 260260/261000.

WATFORD (FA Cup, away)

As I'm sure everyone will have seen by now, we have been drawn away to Watford in the third round of the FA Cup on January 3.

Not sure whether this will be all-ticket or not as yet, though I would guess we will probably have to get tickets in advance.

Please email me if you would like a ticket so I can make an early start on the list.

October 23, 2008

MILLWALL (home)

For anyone going to this Saturday's top of the table clash, we are on the 09.05 train out of King's Cross, while travel secretary Neil Wright still has places available in his car (departing from Romford). See Neil's earlier email. We will be meeting in the Honest Lawyer from 12 noon for anyone travelling independently.

OLDHAM (away)

I can't imagine there will be too many SULSESC members making the journey to Oldham on a Tuesday night, although rumours persist that treasurer Vaughan may be making the trip! For any of the more northern members who might be going (Darren? Vic Duke? Jon Dunn? Andy Kerr?), here's real ale guru Nick Haines' recommendations for the pre-match pub to meet in. I'll leave you to sort yourselves out seeing as I'm not going!

"As with Cheltenham, the SULSESC website lists a pub called the Royal Oak, on Union Street, but doesn't say if it's any good or not. And it's not in the Good Beer Guide. Here's the write-up on Beer in the Evening (http://tinyurl.com/4fbku9), but there have no comments posted since February. Here are some maps that link up (follow Rochdale Road north): http://tinyurl.com/3jjt9a and http://tinyurl.com/3nqfvn.

Alternatively there's the Ashton Arms at 28 Clegg Street, OL1 1PL (maps: http://tinyurl.com/4y3jhd and http://tinyurl.com/4djo6n - again, follow Rochdale Road north). Note that it's very close to the Royal Oak on Union Street. Beer: varies. The GBG says: â€œThis friendly free house is situated opposite the old town hall, within the conservation area of Oldham. Seven superb constantly changing real ales are served. The pub specialises in local micros and seasonal ales, and welcomes new and established breweries. Traditional cider and a selection of interesting continental bottled beers are served. Note the 200-year-old fireplace. The food is good value and highly recommended. Quiz night is Tuesday and annual themed beer festivals are held regularly."

LEICESTER (home): November 22

Looking ahead, there will be a train trip to this game, which looks like being another 'biggie'. The cheapest train tickets unfortunately seem to have gone, but myself and Geoff Kemp are booked on the 10.10 out of King's Cross on Saturday morning, coming back on the 18.17 out of Scunny for Â£32.50 return (booked as two singles) for anyone who wants to join us.

SCUNTHORPE UNITED LONDON AND SOUTH EAST SUPPORTERS CLUB

NEWS ARCHIVE - SEASON 2008/2009