NEWS ARCHIVE - SEASON 2011/2012
July 4, 2012
SULSESC AGM
THE committee has now agreed that we will hold this year's AGM on the evening of Tuesday, August 21, which is the night we had already earmarked for a club get-together to mark the 25th anniversary of the formation of SULSESC in August, 1987.
The vague plan at the moment is to make an early start on the AGM (something like 6 pm probably) and wrap the formalities up as quickly as possible (within the hour hopefully!), which then frees the rest of the night up for the anniversary celebrations.
We will confirm the venue for the AGM as soon as we can, but for the time being, make a note of the date in your diaries as we hope to see as many members there on the night as possible.
The date actually clashes with the Iron's first home game of the season, but I can't imagine the number attending will be affected too much by Crewe at home on a Tuesday night!
OPEN DAY
DON'T forget we have a stand at the forthcoming Open Day at Glanford Park on the weekend of July 28-29. Chairman Wright is co-ordinating it and would appreciate all offers of assistance, I'm sure. Email Neil on n.wright62@ntlworld.com.
CRAWLEY TOWN (away): Saturday, August 18
AS seems to be traditional now, we get an away game in the south east to kick off the season with. No time like the present to start taking names for match tickets for a new tick at Crawley, so if you'd like a ticket via the SULSESC allocation, please email me.
SHREWSBURY TOWN (away): Saturday, September 15
TRAVEL secretary Gray has already booked train tickets for this one for those who responded to his early email, so we will be running a club trip by rail to this one. We're on the 09.21 train out of Euston, arriving into Shrewsbury at 12.15; coming back, we're on the 18.25 out of Shrewsbury, arriving back at Euston at 21.18. There's six of us on the trip so far (me, Matt, chairman Wright, treasurer Vaughan, Mal W and Anthony C) and if anyone would like to join us, the advance fare at the moment is a very reasonable £21 return.
OLYMPIC TICKETS
SULSESC member Steve Edwards has got some tickets going spare! Steve emailed as follows:-
"Hi All. In a fit of patriotism I applied for tickets to the Olympics. All I got was Football!
Sport: Football
Session code: FB026
Venue: WEMBLEY STADIUM
Date/Time: 01 AUGUST 2012 17:00
Price category: C £30
Quantity: 4
All my Premiership supporting mates have backed off as now the draw has been made they don't fancy watching REAL footie.
Pathetic... if they can't watch a team of posers playing it round the back four for 10 minutes they are not interested.
YES... the match is a Group B 'clash' between Korea and Gabon.
I'm mad for it because A) I'm mad, B) I'm going to the Olympics c) Pass any info to Knilly on potential signings.
So, I've got 3 tickets to join me. I'll be wearing my claret and blue ... or even my SULSESC T shirt.... are you 'ard enough to watch with me!
I live in Guildford so will be driving to Denham and going to Wembley via the Chiltern line.... direct 20 minute service.... or I'll post the tickets to you and you can pay me on the day.
If no one is interested I'm going to lie horizontally across all 4 seats and watch the match in comfort. Hope to hear from someone.â"
Anyone interested can email Steve on steveedwards33@hotmail.com.
UTI
Andy
May 24, 2012
NOW that the season is finally over and the dust is settling on our near-relegation experience, I guess we ought to tie up the loose ends of SULSESC's 25th year of activity.
FORECASTING COMPETITION
CO-ORDINATOR Steve Sumner has checked the final standings and has confirmed that this year's competition ended in a tie for first place between Retford-based Classic Malt (which is either Reg Walters or one of his mates, according to Steve) and Boring Mediocrity, which is Mal Watson.
Cheques for £62.50 will be on their way to you shortly, gentlemen - or in a few months' time, depending on when the chairman blows the cobwebs off the SULSESC chequebook.
Also in the money are Mike Garratt (£15) and Hugh Jooter (aka Tony Little, £10) for their third and fourth place finishes respectively.
The final table can be viewed on www.sulsesc.com, if you want to see how badly you've done.
DARTS
WE have our final darts match of the season next week (May 30) and captain Vaughan reports: "Our last game of the season has turned into a wooden spoon decider, with Rotherham appearing to have cocked things up more than we have.
"Our team, from recent calculations, average scores, finishability, and general good looks - and, er, if you're available (not in that way, Brad) appears to be some, all, or none of the following, or both: RDC; Tony; Frank; Barry; Chairman, if he's not flitting; Neil H, if your pinky's better; and me.
"I know you've said you're only avaible at a pinch, Mr Theaker, but feel free to join us if you can, and anyone else for that matter. We need all the support we can get.
If anyone now can't make it, or intends to come along. please let me know as soon as possible."
The venue is the Calthorpe Arms, corner of Grays Inn Road and Calthorpe Street with possible starters and practice in the Cittie of Yorke.
Email: chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com
AGM
NO definite decision has been taken over the date and venue for this year's AGM, although it is looking like it will be come time in July or perhaps early August - so that's narrowed it down!
Andy Stubley has suggested holding it on the night of August 21 when we are getting together for SULSESC's 25th birthday celebrations (which, personally, I think is a good idea) whilst Russ Foster has thrown the night of Friday, June 15 into the equation as that's also the night of England v Sweden in Euro 2012 which we could watch once the AGM is concluded.
Does anyone vote in favour of either of the above or have any alternative suggestions to propose?
For the time being, I suggest we wait until after the fixtures for the new season come out next month before making a final decision. If, for instance, we are away to Brentford or Orient in August, then one obvious solution would be to hold the AGM that night.
DIARY DATES
June 18: Fixtures released (9 am).
July 29: SUFC Open day at Glanford Park (and we have a stall!).
August 18: First day of season.
August 21: SULSESC 25th anniversary pub crawl of central London/curry/general get-together starting in The Chandos, Trafalgar Square.
November 3: FA Cup first round.
April 7: Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final.
May 19: League One Play-Off Final.
UTI
Andy
April 18, 2012
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
VOTING closes this Friday for the SULSESC Player of the Season award, so if you haven't yet voted, please do so by return email! The winner will be presented with the John Birkett Memorial Shield at the SULSESC sponsored game against Bournemouth on April 28. Talking of which:-
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
I HAVE to let SUFC know a final number by this Friday so they can let the restaurant know how many places we'll need for lunch. So this is the final call for anyone who wants to do it and is not on the list below.
Me
Dave Bowers
Anthony Campbell
Jon Dunn
Russ Foster
Colin Hunsley x 2
Richard Ingham
Geoff Kendall
Andy Kerr
Dave Payne
Mark Pearson
Frank Rhodes
Andy Stubley x 2
Steve Sumner
Andy Theaker x 2
Jenny Tremayne x 3
Jan Vernon
Mal Watson
Martin White
Mick & Archie Wright
Neil Wright
HUDDERSFIELD (away): Saturday, April 21
WE have no official club trip organised for this one, but I suspect the likes of the northern-based members like Darren and Vic will be venturing out.
Vic… if you want to nominate a pub for the lunch-time get-together, feel free to send out a group email but otherwise Nick Haines' recommendations are: "The Sportsman at 1-3 St John Street, HD1 5AY (map: http://binged.it/HObLjH; website: http://www.undertheviaduct.com/) looks like the best bet to me. Handily located between the station and the ground, it has up to 8 real ales and serves food.
“You could also have a beer at the King's Head at the station (website: http://www.the-kings-head-huddersfield.co.uk). Not to be confused with the Head of Steam, also at the station, which used to be in the beer guide but seems to have gone downhill beer-wise.
“Alternatives: the Grove at 2 Spring Grove Street, HD1 4BP (map: http://binged.it/J2E2B8; website: http://www.groveinn.co.uk) sounds great for beer (up to 18 available) but only has bar snacks and is in the wrong direction from the station. Or there's the Cherry Tree at 16 John William Street, HD1 1BA (map: http://binged.it/HL6dJv), but that's a Wetherspoons."
DARTS
WE are at home to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday (April 24) in the Old Fountain.
Skipper Vaughan says: "Game on! Team: Tony, Chairman, Frank, Steve, Brad and me. One or two others have suggested they may be able to do it if necessary - as you know, you're welcome to come along anyway and will get a game. And if anyone drops out, I may be in touch anyway."
UTI
Andy
April 3, 2012
AFTER an excellent SULSESC turn-out in Chesterfield last Saturday when a great time was had by all, and with a glimmer of hope that we might even avoid the drop now (famous last words as a miserable 1-0 home defeat by Exeter looms on Good Friday!), here's the latest from Planet SULSESC.
EXETER CITY (home): Friday, April 6
FOR anyone who's going up to Scunny for the Good Friday game against Exeter, the usual SULSESC meeting place of the Honest Lawyer will apply from 12 noon.
CARLISLE UNITED (away): Monday, April 9
I HAVE no idea how many SULSESC members will be making the long slog up to Brunton Park on Easter Monday but seeing as I have to work, at least I have a reasonable excuse to give it a miss!
Paul Roberts is driving up with dad Roly, however, and says he has two spaces in the car if anyone wants a lift. Paul will be setting off from St Albans at 8.30am and can pick up on the way if necessary. Anyone interested in hooking up with Paul can email him on paul.roberts1486@btinternet.com.
PUB: Nick Haines' suggestions for the pre-match watering hole are as follows but I would recommend anyone who is going does a 'reply all' to this email to gauge the level of interest for a get-together in the King's Head.
Nick says: "Best bet is the King's Head at Fisher Street, CA3 8RF (map: http://binged.it/HHmaj2; web: www.kingsheadcarlisle.co.uk). Up to four beers: Yates Bitter plus three guests, usually from microbreweries. Serves decent food at lunchtime too. It's handy for the station, and not too far from the ground either. The only downside (or not, depending on who's going) is that it doesn't allow children. Another advantage is that's pretty close to the Howard Arms at 107 Lowther Street, CA3 8ED (map: http://binged.it/HkYnR8), so you've got a fallback just in case.
"Other GBG pubs are the Linton Holme at 82 Lindisfarne Street, CA1 2NB (map: http://binged.it/HbPDSH), which doesn't do food, only has two real ales and is in the opposite direction, and the Woodrow Wilson at 48 Botchergate, CA1 1QS (map: http://binged.it/HaefLn), which is a Wetherspoons but is very handy for the station."
FRANCHISE SCUM (home): Saturday, April 14
MYSELF, Brad and Dave Payne are on the 10.03 train out of King's Cross for this one and the chairman's driving up and bringing us back by car. If anyone wants to join us, it will cost you as the single train fare on the 10.03 going up has now risen to 31.15 and it's 38.15 single on any of the post-match trains coming back. I guess the chairman could take someone up and we can squeeze five in for the journey back if anyone especially wants to do it?
HUDDERSFIELD (away): Saturday, April 21
IS anyone interested in making the trip up for this one? Please email me if you are and we'll investigate the travel options.
I'm contemplating driving up on the Friday to take in Scunny Speedway on the Friday night, staying overnight in Scunny, driving to Huddersfield on the Saturday, and then coming straight back to London after the match.
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
THE sponsored lunch is looming up three weeks on Saturday so we're now getting to the point where we actually need to firm up the list of who will be attending.
A quick reminder: it will be around 35 quid a head (or 20 quid a head for season ticket holders, so please let me know if you're a season ticket holder) for which you'll get admission to the game (seat in main stand), complimentary programme, three-course lunch in the Glanford Park restaurant, access to the restaurant bar at half-time, tea & coffee, etc. We will also be presenting the John Birkett Memorial Trophy on the day to the SULSESC player of the season, so someone will have the honour of making the presentation.
By my calculations, we are now up to 26 members attending as per the list below. Please let me know asap if I've missed anyone off by mistake or if you would like to be added.
Me
Dave Bowers
Anthony Campbell
Jon Dunn
Russ Foster
Colin Hunsley x 2
Richard Ingham
Geoff Kendall
Andy Kerr
Dave Payne
Mark Pearson
Frank Rhodes
Andy Stubley x 2
Steve Sumner
Andy Theaker
Jenny Tremayne x 3
Jan Vernon
Mal Watson
Martin White
Mick & Archie Wright
Neil Wright
In terms of travel, the Chairman-Mobile is full (chairman, Dave P, Anthony C and Jenny T). I'm driving up on Friday afternoon with Marky P and coming back after the match on Saturday evening with Marky P., Mal Watson and Andy Stubley, so will have space for one more at a push if anyone else needs a lift back south?
For anyone else, the train fares have now shot up and you're looking at a return of 49.30 (going out on the 10.03 and coming back on the 17.18) as the cheapest option.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON
AS mentioned above, it's time to vote for your Player of the Year so feel free to cast your vote by email by replying to this.
Unlike last season, at least we have one or two vaguely genuine candidates to choose from this time! Nicky Ajose gets my vote anyway.
DARTS
THE captain has had a nightmare time of it trying to get a team together for our last two matches, both of which had to be postponed, so he's not 'flavour of the month' with some of our rival darts captains at the moment!
Our next game is scheduled to be at home to Derby on Tuesday, April 17, so please let Chris know if you're available to play: chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com.
We also have games to rearrange against Nottingham Forest (possible dates are Tuesday, April 10 or Tuesday, April 24) and Rotherham away (Thursday, April 12 or Thursday, April 26 are options). Please let Chris know which dates are preferable.
SULSESC FOOTBALL TEAM
MICK Wright and Archie are the only two to put their names forward so far, so we potentially have a goalkeeper and one full-back. I think we can take it that the SULSESC football team won't be happening!
AND FINALLY
A BIT of trivia for you. With 19 draws this season, it occurred to me that United must be vaguely close to setting a Football League record for highest number of draws in a single season.
Last Saturday's win at Chesterfield hasn't helped the 'draws cause' but with six games still to go, we need four more draws to equal the record and five to beat it.
The current record is 23, held by Norwich City in the 1978-79 season, and also Exeter (1986-87), Hartlepool (1997-98) and Cardiff (1997-98). Norwich managed it from a 42-game season though, the other three from 46, so strictly speaking, Norwich are the record holders.
UTI
Andy
March 13, 2012
CHARLTON (home): Saturday, March 17
THE chairman has had to drop out of this Saturday's train trip to Scunny for the Charlton game, so we now have a spare train ticket (£20) whilst Dave Payne can't make it either, so his executive season ticket is also available (£15). Please email Neil (n.wright62@ntlworld.com) and/or Dave (davidjohnpayne@yahoo.co.uk) direct if you'd like to take either or both.
At the moment, the SULSESC train trip consists of me, Steve Sumner and Mal Watson on the 09.03 train out of King's Cross, coming back on the 17.18 from Scunny.
CHESTERFIELD (away): Saturday, March 31
THE chairman is also a non-starter for Chesterfield away in a couple of weeks, so we have a spare return train ticket going for that one as well. It's £32. Please email Neil if you would like to take it off him.
SULSESC FOOTBALL TEAM
IS there any interest amongst the membership for forming a full 11-a-side football team?
I only ask because we have received an email from APFSCIL who are inviting member clubs to enter teams in the APFCSIL Football League.
Andy Clarke of the Middlesbrough London branch wrote: "I'm vice chairman of a supporters football league in London and also manager of Middlesbrough Supporters South Football team www.mss-online.org. I'm on the look out for London supporters clubs like yourselves to enter a team in our league for the upcoming season. The league is 11 a side and is played on Sunday afternoons in and around central London."
Obviously, if we are to get this off the ground, someone is going to have to become the 'manager' and organise the team and for starters we are clearly going to need a squad of something like 15 players who are all keen, enthusiastic and preferably under 45, so that's three-quarters of the membership ruled out already!
I have my doubts as to whether this is going to be feasible but there's no harm in asking the question and giving anyone who might be interested the chance to put their name forward.
Email me if you are and we'll see how many names we get.
I can see the team coming together in my mind already: 'The Cat' Brad in goal, Roly and Frank forming an experienced partnership in the centre of defence, 'Chopper' Sumner and 'Fat' Keith running round kicking anything that moves in the middle of the park, and the 'goal machine' Vaughan knocking them in for fun while feeding off the RDC, who's playing the Parkin role up front. Blimey, that's half the team sorted already. Marky P. and Andy Constable won't even make the bench at this rate.
UTI
Andy
PS: Good point at Huish Park tonight, but I’m a bit worried about us being on the wrong end of the Charlton backlash this Saturday!
March 7, 2012
SULSESC: 25 YEARS ON!
AS many of you will know I'm sure, it's the 25th anniversary of the formation of SULSESC later this year so we'll be planning a few events to mark the occasion.
The original letter from then United secretary Don Rowing (view it on the website) giving us recognition as an official Supporters' Club was dated August 21, which this year falls on a Tuesday.
So, make a note of Tuesday, August 21 in your diary, as we are planning the Grand 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner (which, when translated into SULSESC terminology, is not as formal as it sounds and will consist of beers plus a curry!).
We will start in The Chandos, the Sam Smith's pub just off Trafalgar Square which was the venue for the inaugural meeting in August, 1987.
PRESTON NORTH END (away): Saturday, March 10
IT looks like Dev and Vic will once again be flying the SULSESC flag at Deepdale which, judging by Tuesday night's result at Oldham, will not be a bad thing as that combination certainly seems to be a lucky charm.
I'm not sure of their pre-match destination, but I'm sure Vic will be able to put out a group email before Saturday in case any other SULSESC members would like to join them.
YEOVIL (away): Tuesday, March 13
IS anyone going? 'Reply all' to this group email if you are to gauge the level of interest for a pre-match pub meet-up amongst fellow SULSESC-ians.
LOOKING AHEAD
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
WE are now up to 23 for the SULSESC sponsored match against Bournemouth as follows:-
Me
Anthony Campbell
Jon Dunn
Russ Foster
Colin Hunsley x 2
Richard Ingham
Geoff Kendall
Andy Kerr
Dave Payne
Mark Pearson
Frank Rhodes
Steve Sumner
Andy Theaker
Jenny Tremayne x 2
Jan Vernon
Mal Watson
Martin White x 2
Mick & Archie Wright
Neil Wright
In terms of travel, the Chairman-Mobile is now full (chairman, Dave P, Anthony C and Jenny T). I'm driving up on Friday afternoon with Marky P and coming back after the match on Saturday evening with Marky P and Mal Watson, so have space for one more if anyone else needs a lift back south?
Mal is catching the 09.30 train up on Saturday morning and there are still 19.05 singles available at the moment if anyone else is interested in making the trip.
DARTS
LATEST news from Captain Vaughan
"Greetings all. We were due to play Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, 14th March but Forest are playing Derby (football) that night so they can't get a team out. Consequently I've cancelled that date and suggested the next available Tuesday which will be 3rd April. Please let me know if you can make the 3rd.
"Before that, however, we're away to Rotherham at the Calthorpe Arms in Grays Inn Road on Thursday 29th March, so, again, please let me know if you can make it.
"Even before that, the APFSCIL singles championship will take place at the Horseshoe, Clerkenwell on Monday 19th March. I'm told by the organiser that the 'format will be 501 straight in Knockout, probably starting best-of-3 and moving to best-of-5 later, though this will be dependant on numbers. I will do the draw at 19:25 for a 19:30 start, though I can accommodate latecomers as long as I know about them'.
"Please let me know if you fancy entering."
Email Chris at chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com.
UTI
Andy
February 29, 2012
SHEFFIELD UNITED (away): tonight
FOR those going to Bramall Lane tonight (Vic and Dev presumably), I suggest the Devonshire Cat on Wellington Street as the SULSESC rendezvous. But then you two know that anyway.
WYCOMBE (home): Saturday, March 3
MYSELF and Dave Payne are on the train for this one, the 09.03 from King's Cross going out and the 17.18 from Scunny coming back if anyone is mad enough to want to join us at this late stage.
Noon in the Lawyer as usual at lunchtime.
OLDHAM (away): Tuesday, March 6
SEE Sheffield United above, as it will be Vic and Dev on their own again no doubt. Where are you planning to meet, boys, just in case anyone else is planning to take in Boundary Park on a Tuesday night?
LOOKING AHEAD
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
LATEST update on the SULSESC sponsored match is that we now have 19 members who have put their names down as follows:-
Me
Anthony Campbell
Jon Dunn
Russ Foster
Colin Hunsley x 2
Andy Kerr
Dave Payne
Mark Pearson
Frank Rhodes
Steve Sumner
Andy Theaker
Jenny Tremayne
Mal Watson
Martin White x 2
Mick & Archie Wright
Neil Wright
Please email me if you would like to be added to the list.
In terms of travel, travel secretary Matt Gray has checked out the best train fares and at the moment we have the following:-
East Coast – 0930 – 1146, £19.05 & 1919 back, £19.05
I will be driving up on Friday to take in Scunny Speedway on Friday night so can offer lifts up to anyone who is able to take Friday afternoon off work, and can bring up to four people back after the game on Saturday. The chairman is also driving up and will have spaces available.
Matt has Dave, Anthony and Mal on the list for the train trip at the moment, so if anyone else wants train tickets booking, please email Matt asap so we can get them sorted out before the fares rise.
FORECASTING COMPETITION
NOW we're two-thirds of the way through the season, we'd better keep an eye on the race for the £100 in this year's Forecasting Competition.
Current leader is Classic Malt on 32 with Mike Garratt second on 31. The top two hold a reasonable lead at present as there is a four-point gap to third-placed Kevin Andrews on 27, while Boring Mediocrity and Hugh Jooter share fourth on 26. Check out the website for the latest table in full.
UTI
Andy
February 23, 2012
BRENTFORD (home): Saturday, February 25
HONEST Lawyer from 12 noon as usual for those making the trip up for this Saturday's game.
DARTS
WHILE United were reverting to type against Walsall at Glanford Park on Tuesday night, the SULSESC darts team's hopes of avoiding the drop from Division One also took a bit of a battering.
We were thumped 9-2 by Leicester in the Old Fountain, a result that most definitely does not assist the fight against relegation. Well done to Vaughany and Frank for being 'the two'.
It looks like we may now be free to 'concentrate on the Cup', as we face Ipswich in the Old Fountain next Tuesday (Feb 28). If you are available to play, email Chris at chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com.
LOOKING AHEAD
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
WE are now up to 13 for the SULSESC sponsored game against Bournemouth at Glanford Park in April, as follows:-
Me, Steve Sumner, Dave Letorey, Dave Payne, Andy Theaker, Martin White x 2, Neil Wright, Anthony Campbell, Russ Foster, Mark Pearson and Mick & Archie Wright.
Keep those names coming please, as we need to get up to 20 at least!
February 15, 2012
NOW that our push for the play-offs is back on track after this evening's momentous victory (!), we can all look forward to our one remaining game in the South East for this season:-
LEYTON ORIENT (away): Saturday, February 18
WE have a SULSESC allocation of 42 tickets for Saturday's game as follows:-
1 Me
1 ALLISON Joe
1 ASHTON Dave
1 BOWERS Dave
2 BRAD
1 CARTER Tony
1 GARRATT Mike
1 GRAY Matt
3 HOLLANDS (2 adult, 1 child)
1 KEMP Geoff
1 KENDALL Geoff
1 KERR Andy
1 KILGANNON John
4 LETOREY Dave
1 PARROTT John
1 PATTERSON Anthony
1 PAYNE Dave
1 PEARSON Mark
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
2 TAYLOR Nigel
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 U16 & 1 U11)
2 TREMAYNE Jenny
1 VAUGHAN Chris
1 VERNON Jan
1 WATSON Mal
1 WHITWORTH Darren
1 WHITWORTH Nick
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U15)
1 WRIGHT Neil
Many thanks to those of you who collected vouchers from The Sun. We had 22 sets in the end, which was more than enough to cover all 38 adult tickets for Saturday.
Many thanks also to Mr. Sumner for pointing out my mathematical incompetence in last week's group email. It is, in fact, £9.75 per adult ticket, not £9.50. It's a fiver for the under-18 tickets. Cheques or cash to me on the day please (cheques preferably) or online transfer in advance.
PUB: We will be meeting in our usual pre-match venue for Orient away, which is the Birkbeck Tavern, 45 Langthorne Road, E11 4HL. Nearest tube station is Leyton and the pub is five minutes' walk.
Here's a link for those who don't know it: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/34/3403/Birkbeck_Tavern/Leyton.
I’m travelling up from Leatherhead on the 11.11 train with Ozzy the Orient fan, so I should be in the Birkbeck by about 12.30-ish to start dishing the match tickets out.
Everyone should feel free to buy the Whitworth brothers a pint to wet their babies' heads following additions to both families in January. Two baby Whitworth girls are set to be the newest members of SULSESC. Congratulations to Nick and Darren from all in SULSESC.
DARTS
SKIPPER Vaughan reports: "Our next two scheduled matches are Leicester (league) on Tuesday 21 February and Ipswich (cup) on Tuesday 28 February, both at the Old Fountain. Please let me know which date(s) you can make."
Email Chris at chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com if you're available.
LOOKING AHEAD
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
THE list is finally starting to take shape for our match sponsorship in April.
I now have the following 11 members with their names on the list: Me, Steve Sumner, Dave Letorey, Dave Payne, Andy Theaker, Martin White x 2, Neil Wright, Anthony Campbell, and Mick & Archie Wright.
Still plenty of time, of course, so please email me if you would like to be included.
YEOVIL (away)
THE match may have been called off last Saturday, but that didn't stop those SULSESC members aboard the Bowers-Mobile from enjoying an eventful day out.
Mr. Bowers himself has submitted the following report of the day's activities for inclusion in this week's group email:-
It was decided a few weeks ago that four of Sulsesc's finest (Bowers, Chairman, Brad & Vaughany) would embark on an away day trip to Yeovil. All the plans were in place for a meet up at 08-30 in Watford, then onto a local cafe in order to stock up on calories with a Set 2 breakfast (extra hash browns for Vaughany). The temperature on the Vectra display showed minus 10.5C but that wasn't going to stop us and off we set.
Everything was going to plan until Brad saw on Twitter that a pitch inspection was due at 10am so with that in mind Fleet services were visited whilst we waited for the inspection to take place. Vaughany bought three brews and a cup of something that looked more at home in a dolls house and Brad started to make reserve plans to invite himself to a Hen party that was heading to Bournemouth.
10.03am and the news came through that the game was off so after much 'thought' it was decided that we are out for the day so let's go and see Nige, Crozzer and Billy Sharp at Southampton.
Chairman was the spotter and having seen the stadium from afar (couldn't miss the bloody thing) onwards we went. Enquiries were made that Sir Nigel of Glanford hadn't yet arrived so the ambush was set up in amongst the autograph hunters (Brad couldn't help himself by chatting up a young lady and talking about long legged spiders). The plan was to get Nigel to feel sorry for us and sort us out with four tickets. Under no circumstances was any full fee to be paid!
He arrived with his good lady and having signed the autograph books made his way to us and following much respectful bowing from Bowers and the Chairman, our position was explained. Mrs Nigel was delighted to see four of Scunthorpe's finest and Nigel got on his phone to see what he could do. Mrs Nigel then told us to wait around and she would come and see us once she had some tickets for us. Billy arrived, Crozzer arrived and then Mrs Nigel returned with... NOTHING!!!!! Many sorrys were said, and we left the stadium with our tails between our legs to try and find a pub with Sky TV so a game could be watched.
1 1/2 hours later and 3 counties (Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire (68 miles)) we ended up in a pub with no tele and outside toilets. The chairman was now shaking with lack of alcohol and some fine ales were ordered. Dogs were played with (Brad again) and the landlord closed the pub at 14.30 so a return to Watford was suggested.
There was time for one more wrong turn and once again we were heading for Yeovil. Eventually all was corrected and we arrived at Watford at 4pm having not seen a single football kicked.
Taxi was ordered and off we went for some more fine ale and a romantic meal for four was set up (pizza). Relationships were discussed and sorted and home we all went. Eventually at 10.30pm the first football of the day was seen on Match Of The Day. I then tucked the Chairman in, read him a bedtime book and the day was over.
And on that note, let's all hope for better weather on Saturday!
UTI
Andy
February 8, 2012
YEOVIL (away): Saturday, February 11
IF this game survives the current cold snap, we will have SULSESC members travelling from all directions for this one.
Of those I'm aware of, Dave Payne and Anthony Campbell are on the train from Paddington, Mal Watson is on the train from Farnborough to Yeovil Junction and taking the bus from there, and Nick Haines is travelling up from Cornwall. In addition, the Bowers-Mobile will be carrying the RDC, the chairman and Brad in a westerly direction to the tunes of the Bay City Rollers by the sounds of it!
PUB: I can't make it on Saturday, so I will leave you lot to confirm the pre-match pub amongst yourselves. The suggestions from Nick Haines are below, but it might be an idea for those of you who are going to email each other to sort out a plan.
Here's what Nick recommends anyway: "The best I can suggest is the Quicksilver Mail at 168 Hendford Hill, BA20 2RG (map: http://binged.it/wtDCwB). It's the only Yeovil pub in the beer guide and sounds fine. Beer guide says: "Friendly, comfortable pub in an easy-to-locate position at the top of Hendford Hill on the junction of the A30 and A37... The large carpeted bar has a lower section for diners... Good-value food is served, including a popular Sunday lunch, curry and steak nights." Website: http://www.quicksilvermail.com.
"The alternative would be the Great Western (47 Camborne Grove, BA21 5DG), which was in the previous beer guide. It's just round the corner from Yeovil Pen Mill station. Thing is, it was shut last year, and apparently it's just reopened but I've no idea if it's still any good."
LEYTON ORIENT (away): Saturday, February 18
MANY thanks to those of you who have collected the Sun tokens. At the moment, I have 17 complete sets with a couple more in the post and have had requests for 32 tickets in total. Under-18 tickets are only a fiver anyway so we should have more than enough Sun tokens to get all adults in for 9.50, barring a late surge in ticket requests.
I will order our allocation from SUFC on Monday so if you would like to be added to the list, please email me by 9.30 on Monday.
Here's the list as it stands tonight (Wednesday):-
1 Me
1 ALLISON Joe (student)
1 ASHTON Dave
1 BOWERS Dave
1 CARTER Tony
1 GARRATT Mike
1 GRAY Matt
3 HOLLANDS The (2 adult, 1 child)
1 KENDALL Geoff
3 LETOREY Dave
1 PARROTT John
1 PATTERSON Anthony
1 PEARSON Mark
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
2 TAYLOR Nigel
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 1 U16 & 1 U11)
2 TREMAYNE Jenny
1 VERNON Jan
1 WATSON Mal
1 WHITWORTH Nick
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U15)
1 WRIGHT Neil
PUB: Will be the Birkbeck Tavern as usual. It's under new management yet again but according to my very reliable source (Ozzy the Orient fan!), is still a decent boozer.
LOOKING AHEAD...
BOURNEMOUTH (home): Saturday, April 28
THIS is the SULSESC-sponsored match, and now is as good a time as any to start taking names, so please email me if you would like to attend.
At the moment, on the list I started in July last year when we first set up the match sponsorship, I have Steve Sumner, Dave Letorey and Dave Payne.
A reminder as to the format: it usually works out to about 35 quid a head, depending on what United charge us, for which you get a seat in the main grandstand for the match, three-course lunch in the Glanford Park restaurant, free programme, tea or coffee at half-time, etc. We will also be presenting the SULSESC Player of the Year award on the day. For the last couple of seasons, we've had more than 30 SULSESC members attending and it's always a great day, one of the highlights of the London branch calendar, so let's see if we can keep the numbers up again this year.
Travel secretary Gray is keeping an eye on the train fares for the those who want to make a day trip of it to ensure the cheapest fares, which should become available sometime this week. Matt needs to know numbers asap so please email him if you want to be included (scunnymatt@hotmail.com).
UTI
Andy
February 1, 2012
NEVER mind the arrival of 'The Beast', the really big story of the week broke on Monday night... and I can't believe it wasn't 'breaking news' on Sky Sports News.
Results - APFSCIL Darts League Division One: Ipswich 5-6 Scunthorpe.
Yes, that would be the top-of-the-table Ipswich who have been reigning champions for what seems like most of the last two decades, had five wins out of five to their credit this season and haven't lost a match since about 1927.
Until Monday night, that is. Take a bow, Messrs. Theaker, Vaughan, Carter, Kreukniet, Bradley and Wright for one of the best results in SULSESC darts team history.
Can we keep it up and avoid relegation? Who knows, but there are only four games to go and we need to win most of them to dodge the drop.
We are also hampered by a Cup run, as (surprisingly?), we are through to the next round having seen off Burnley to the tune of 6-2 on Monday, January 23.
Next league match is scheduled to be against Leicester City on February 22.
The latest league table is now available on www.apfscil.org.uk/. Click on sports on the left hand column, then League Division One.
RIGHT, back to matters concerning the parent club:
WALSALL (home): Saturday, February 4
FOR any members making a late decision to venture up to Glanford Park on Saturday for the debut of 'The Beast', myself, Dave Payne and Anthony Campbell are on the 09.03 train out of King's Cross, returning on the 17.18. Without checking the fares on the website, though, I guess the cost will be prohibitive at this late stage.
Otherwise, for those members who are there, it will be Honest Lawyer from 12 noon as usual.
YEOVIL (away): Saturday, February 11
DAVE P. and Anthony C. are on the train for this one, while 'RDC' Dave Bowers will be taking to the motorway with Brad and the chairman and reports: "I am now in a position to invite you to a day of David Essex, Gary Glitter and Showaddywaddy as we make our journey to the west country in my top of the range Vauxhall Vectra." There is one space left in the car so email Dave if you want to take it: davidbowers202@msn.com.
ROCHDALE (home): Tuesday, February 14
THE mighty Dale at home on a Tuesday night? No, I thought not.
LEYTON ORIENT (away): Saturday, February 18
I TRUST you've all been collecting your Sun vouchers for this one to enable us all to get in for 9.50 a head? If not, the tokens will continue to appear each day until Monday so there is still time to get the four you'll need.
I will order the SULSESC allocation next week so I need to know a) who wants a match ticket and b) who has collected the Sun tokens. Please email me and let me know. And then, next week, everyone who has collected the Sun tokens is going to have to post them to me so I can send them off to SUFC in one big hit.
APFSCIL
IT'S the next APFSCIL meeting this coming Monday (February 6), so we need a couple of volunteers. I have a vague recollection that the RDC put himself forward after a couple of pints in Colchester recently, so assuming Dave's still up for it, is there anyone who would like to join him?
UTI
Andy
January 10, 2012
COLCHESTER (away): Saturday, January 14
MATCH TICKETS: We have a SULSESC allocation of 26 tickets for this game as follows:-
1 Me
1 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 GARRATT Mike
3 HOLLANDS (2 adult 1 U8)
1 HUNSLEY Colin
1 KILGANNON John
1 LETOREY Dave
3 PARROTT John
1 PATTERSON Anthony
1 PAYNE Dave
1 POLLARD Richard
1 RHODES Frank
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 THEAKER Andy
1 TREMAYNE Jenny
1 WATSON Mal
1 WRIGHT Neil
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U18)
Ticket prices are 21 adults, 11 for under-18s and 1.50 for under-8s. Payment to me on the day by cheque please, or alternatively online transfer.
TRAIN: I suggest we aim for the 11.18 off Liverpool Street which gets into Colchester at 12.15 (former travel secretary Robertshaw arrives into Euston from Manchester at 10.30 so that will give him time to get across to Liverpool Street to meet up with us and catch the same train). As is customary with games in East Anglia, a rendezvous in the Wetherspoons pub (the Hamilton Hall) on Liverpool Street station would seem to be in order for breakfast and a pint. Meet there from 10 am. I'e checked the other fixtures for the day and apart from Ipswich v Blackpool, there isn't anything that points to a repeat of the unforgettable 'West Ham experience' of a couple of years ago!
PUB: In Colchester, we have a choice of two pubs close to the railway station, one which does food and one which doesn't. The recommendation is to meet in The Norfolk first at132 North Station Road, CO1 1UZ (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/67/6756/Norfolk/Colchester) for a spot on lunch, then walk back to The
Bricklayers, 27 Bergholt Road, CO4 5AA; map: http://binged.it/y16P3A; web: http://www.brickspub.co.uk). Nick Haines says: "It's in the beer guide and is local CAMRA's Colchester pub of the year 2011. It's Adnams and serves several of their beers along with a few guests (up to nine in total)."
The Bricklayers is also right next to the spot where the shuttle buses run from the station to the ground.
STEVENAGE (home): Saturday, January 21
IS anyone interested in a trip up by car for this one? If you are, please email me asap.
SHEFFIELD UNITED (away): Saturday, January 28
AS expected, this game is now off as the Blades are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, so that's completely buggered up this year's official club trip by train!
LOOKING AHEAD
WHO is interested in Chesterfield away on March 31 to tick off the Spireites' new ground? There are no cheap fares available at the moment but at the APFSCIL meeting last night, it was announced that Sheffield Wednesday London branch have negotiated a cheap deal until the end of the season and are happy for other London branches to join them on their trips for games in that area. They can do returns to Chesterfield for 32 quid apparently, which is not mega cheap but is about as cheap as we're going to get it if we want to run a trip by train. Fortunately for us, Wednesday are at home the same day so travel secretary Gray is attempting to contact the Wednesday travel secretary to sound him out. If you're interested in the Chesterfield trip, email Matt (scunnymatt@hotmail.com) so we can get an idea of numbers.
DARTS
SKIPPER Vaughan reports: "Both we and Burnley are struggling for teams for next Monday, so it's looking very doubtful.
"A possible new date is Monday 23rd January - who can make this one? We then play Ipswich on 30th January (we may have to use this for the cup game though) - again, who can play on the 30th?
"One spanner in the works is that the 23rd is the night of the doubles competition - anyone thinking of taking part in that?"
DARTS FLIGHTS
THE chairman has organised some darts flights for those interested.
Neil says: "Either the SULSESC logo or the SUFC club badge on a white flight, available in a standard flight or a pear flight - current cost is 15 quid per five sets, ergo 3 quid per set. The more I order, the cheaper the price would be."
Email Neil if you want some: n.wright62@ntlworld.com.
APFSCIL
NEXT month's APFSCIL meeting will be on Monday, February 6 and we need a couple of volunteers! Anyone interested?
UTI
Andy
November 9, 2011
AFC WIMBLEDON (away): Saturday, November 12
PUB: Putting my local knowledge to good use, the vast majority of pubs nearest to the ground are dire, so we may as well use my 'local' in Surbiton, which is the legendary Waggon & Horses, 1 Surbiton Hill Road, KT6 4TW. Fast trains from Waterloo to Surbiton take 16 minutes and I would suggest either the 11.12 or 11.23 off Waterloo for any early birds who want to be in the pub by 12 noon.
Directions to the Waggon from Surbiton station: exit the station (main entrance side) to the right, cross the road by the roundabout and head down Claremont Road (there's a Waitrose on the other side of the road). At the traffic lights, take a right into Maple Road and the Waggon is in front of you at the next traffic lights. It's less than a 10-minute walk from Surbiton station to the Waggon.
The Waggon is about a mile-and-a-half from the ground, so it's just about walkable (and we could break the journey with a stop in the Bricklayers Arms en route if required!). We also have the option of numerous buses into Kingston town centre from where it's about 10-15 mins walk to the ground. Either way, I would expect we'll need to be leaving the Waggon by 2 pm at the latest so if you can't get there before 2 pm to collect your match ticket, please let me know.
MATCH TICKETS: The revised SULSESC allocation is as follows:-
STANDING
1 ALLISON Joe (student)
3 ASHTON Dave (2 adult, 1 U16)
4 BORRILL Mark
2 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
1 DUKE Vic (senior)
1 FOSTER Russ
1 GRAY Matt
3 HALL Caroline
1 KERR Andy
1 KILGANNON John
1 LETOREY Dave
2 PARROTT John
1 PATTERSON Anthony
2 PAYNE Dave
1 PEARSON Mark
1 ROBERTSHAW Dev
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 2 x U16)
1 TOWNSEND Roger
1 VAUGHAN Chris
1 WATSON Mal
1 WHITWORTH Nick
1 WRIGHT Mick
1 WRIGHT Neil
SEATS
3 HOLLANDS (2 adult, 1 U16)
1 RHODES Frank
1 ROBERTS Roly (senior)
2 SMITH David
STANDING
£15 adults • £9 over 65/students • £2 U16s
SEATS
£17 adults • £10 over 65/students • £6 U16s
HARTLEPOOL (home): Saturday, November 19
THE Chairman-Mobile will be running to this game, picking up at Newbury Park tube station on the Central Line at 9.30 am. Not sure if we still have spaces in the car, but e-mail Neil if you're interested: n.wright62@ntlworld.com.
DARTS
WE suffered yet another 7-4 defeat last week, this time away to Nottingham Forest in the Porters Lodge at London Bridge.
Our next game is at home against Rotherham on Tuesday, November 22, at our new home venue of the Old Fountain EC1. Team at the moment is Tony, Brad, Neil W., Pascal, Dave B. Barry, Frank and Chris, but as ever, all SULSESC members are welcome.
UTI
Andy
October 28, 2011
TRANMERE (home): tomorrow
MYSELF and the chairman are going up in the
Chairman-Mobile with space available in the car for anyone who wants a lift. Pick-up point is Newbury Park tube station on the Central Line at 9.30 am. Email or call Neil if you're interested.
BOURNEMOUTH (away): Saturday, November 5
TICKETS: There are no advance tickets available through SUFC for this game, it's pay on the day at the turnstiles for everyone.
TRAINS: We're on the 09.35 out of Waterloo, arriving into Bournemouth at 11,20. Coming back, it's the 17.59 from Bournemouth.
PUB: Nick Haines' verdict is: "In many ways, the best pubs in Bournemouth are the Goat & Tricycle (I know, it sounds naff) at 27 West Hill Road, BH2 5PF (map: http://binged.it/rnCF9z) and the Porterhouse at 113 Poole Road, BH4 9BG (map: http://binged.it/pwniWe). Unfortunately, they're both in completely the wrong direction from the station and miles from the ground, so let's scratch them off the list.
“The best of the rest (and hence my suggestion) is probably the Brunswick at 199 Malmesbury Park Road, BH8 8PX (map: http://binged.it/pLjFxq). It seems fine for beer, it does food and it's within walking distance of both the station and the ground. The beer guide says: 'This large community pub provides something for everyone. Separate public and lounge bars open on to a heated part-covered courtyard and atrium where children are welcome until 7 pm. Several screens cater for sports fans. A Greene King pub, it offers a range of eight beers including guests from microbreweries across Britain. Good value meals are available with Sunday roasts a highlight'."
UPCOMING TRAVEL
EMAIL travel secretary Gray at scunnymatt@hotmail.com if you're interested in any of the following trips:-
NOVEMBER
Sat 19th Nov: Hartlepool (H): No trains available now for under £70.
Sat 26th Nov: Notts County (A) – St Pancras 09.15 out, £15; 1828 back, £15
DECEMBER
Sat 10th Dec: Carlisle (H) – 0803 out, £17.75; 1718 back, £11.55 = Total £29.30
Sat 17th Dec: Exeter (A) – Paddington 0818 out, £23.50; 1751 back, £16
Sat 31st Dec: Chesterfield (H) – 0803 out, £11.55; 1718 back, £11.55 = Total £23.10
JANUARY
Mon 2nd Jan: Hartlepool (A) – Nowt for under £80.
Sat 7th Jan: Sheff Wed (H) – 0903 out, £11.55; 1718 back, £11.55 (or 1808 for £22.75) = Total £23.10
DARTS
CAPTAIN Vaughan says: "Our next game is on Wednesday of next week (November 2) when we are away to Nottingham Forest in the Porters Lodge EC4 (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/24/24679/Porters_Lodge/Monument
(hope you like our new cheerleaders - they'll be wearing claret and blue on the night, obviously).
Team: Pascal, Dave B., Tony, Neil W., Brad, Me and a rare appearance, subject to external commitments, from the Waggon & Horses's own Andrew Skeels.
2. Rotherham (h) Tuesday 22 November, Old Fountain EC1: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/27/27118/Old_Fountain/Old_Street
Team: Tony, Brad, Neil W., Pascal, Dave B. Barry, Frank and me.â€Â
UTI
Andy
October 13, 2011
BRENTFORD (away): Saturday, October 15
TICKETS: In total, we have a SULSESC allocation of 41 tickets for Saturday's match as follows. Payment to me by cheque/cash on the day or online transfer please.
SEATS
2 PATTERSON Anthony (1 adult, 1 U18)
2 RHODES Frank (2 senior)
1 ROBERTS Roly (senior)
2 SMITH David (1 adult, 1 senior)
FAMILY TICKET SEATING
3 Dave Ashton (2 adults, 1 junior)
STANDING
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 EDWARDS Steve
1 GARRATT Mike
1 GRAY Matt
1 HUNSLEY Colin
1 KERR Andy
1 KILGANNON John
1 PAYNE Dave
1 PEARSON Mark
2 REES Ian (1 adult, 1 U18)
1 ROBERTSHAW Darren
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 2 U18)
1 TOWNSEND Roger
1 WATSON Mal
1 WHITWORTH Darren
1 WHITWORTH Nick
1 WRIGHT Neil
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U18)
PUB: Meeting place from 12 noon will be the Magpie and Crown, 128 High Street, Brentford, TW8 8EW. Link: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/23/2341/Magpie_and_Crown/Brentford. SULSESC's real ale guru Nick Haines says: "Years ago we used to visit the Magpie & Crown. It's still in the beer guide and still seems like the best pub in Brentford. Beer guide says: 'This mock-Tudor free house is a popular haunt for fans of Brentford Trilogy author Robert Rankin, as well as for local ale fans. It usually has six real ales, one cider and one perry'."
FRANCHISE SCUM (away): Saturday, October 22
IN maintaining our boycott of all things Franchise, I won't be organising a SULSESC ticket allocation for this game but obviously for those of you who are planning on going, you won't have any problem getting in as it's not going to be a sell-out.
In terms of a pre-match watering hole, Nick Haines' pub suggestion is as follows (though I suggest you put a group email out first to sound out the interest amongst for meeting up: "I think I've solved the problem of where to find a decent pint in the Milton Keynes area. I don't know what station you normally go to, is it Bletchley? Well change at Bletchley for Fenny Stratford (train takes 3 minutes) or get a cab. And right behind the station, on the canal, is the Red Lion at 11 Lock View Lane, MK1 1BY (map: http://binged.it/qX5xFm). Beer guide says: "The grade II-listed exterior reflects this small lockside pub's canal history. It is a gem of a local, renowned for friendly conversation and regularly changing seasonal ales, contrasting in strength and style. TV screens show sports. The garden is the perfect place to sit and watch the efforts of narrowboat crew negotiating the lock. MK Dons' football stadium is less than a mile away. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2010." Looks slightly closer to the ground than Bletchley too, and welcomes away fans. No food, although they say you can get fish and chips etc nearby and bring that in. Opens at 12."
TRANMERE (home): Saturday, October 29
THE chairman is driving up for this one. Not sure if we have a car full yet, so check with Neil (n.wright62@ntlworld.com) for available spaces and pick-up time from Newbury Park tube station on the Central Line.
DARTS
WE have a match next Tuesday (October 18) and captain Vaughan reports: "So far I have five players for next Tuesday, away to Leicester at the Hope & Anchor, Mornington Crescent tube: Neil Wright, Tony Carter, Brad, Pascal and me. Can anyone else make it as no. 6?"
Email the skipper (chris_vaughan@ntlworld.com) if you can make it.
UTI
Andy
September 27, 2011
STEVENAGE (away): Saturday, October 1
MATCH TICKETS: We have a SULSESC allocation of 29 tickets as follows:-
1 Me
3 ASHTON Dave (2 adults, 1 U18)
1 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
2 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 DUKE Vic (senior)
1 HAINES Nick
3 HOLLAND Neil (2 adult, 1 U11)
1 KILGANNON John
3 LETOREY Dave
2 PATTERSON Anthony
1 POLLARD Richard
3 REES Ian (1 adult, 2 U18)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 WATSON Mal
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U18)
1 WRIGHT Neil
Prices are £21 for adults, £18 seniors, £14 for U18 and £10 for U11. Cheques payable to me on the day please, or online transfer if you prefer. SUFC have sold their initial allocation of 300 tickets, but you can pay on the day.
TRAVEL: At King's Cross, you can get cheap day returns for £14, or £9.25 with a railcard. We'll aim for the11.23 out which gets in at 11.46, so meet on the concourse at KX from 11.00 am.
PUB: New territory for most of us I should think, as it's United's first-ever league visit to Broadhall Way (the old codgers amongst the SULSESC membership, however, like myself, will probably recall a midweek, pre-season friendly visit to Stevenage during the Richard Money era!).
Anyway, SULSESC's real ale guru Nick Haines has proposed a pub called Our Mutual Friend on Broadwater Crescent, SG2 8EH (map: http://binged.it/p0fgGT) for Saturday's lunchtime meet-up and the chairman, who happened to be working in Stevenage last week, has already popped in to check it out and has given it the thumbs-up.
Nick's verdict is: "It's close to the ground and gets busy on match days, but they told me that away fans are welcome and colours are no problem, and there's never any trouble. It normally does food, but on Saturday lunchtimes because it gets busy that's limited to snacks such as rolls, hot dogs and pork pies. Oh yeah, and it has 6 or 7 real ales. The beer guide says: "Enthusiasts from far and wide come to sample the ever-changing selection of cask beers at this thriving community pub. It has appeared in every issue of the Guide since it was brought back from the cask ale graveyard in 2002. Six or more real ciders and perries are on offer. Winner of many local CAMRA awards, including Pub of the Year."Â Opens at 12.
The pub’s website is: http://www.omfpub.co.uk/
BRENTFORD (away): Saturday, October 15
I have so far had ticket requests from the following members:
SEATS
2 RHODES Frank (2 senior)
2 SMITH David (1 adult, 1 senior)
1 ROBERTS Roly (senior)
FAMILY TICKET SEATING
1 Dave Ashton (2 adults, 2 kids)
STANDING
1 BRAD
1 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 GRAY Matt
1 KILGANNON John
1 PAYNE Dave
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
3 THEAKER Andy (1 adult, 2 U18)
1 TOWNSEND Roger
1 WATSON Mal
1 WRIGHT Neil
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 child)
Please let me know if you would like to be added to the list before the end of next week as I will pick the tickets up when I'm in Scunny for the Orient game. Also, some of those on the list above, I have guessed as to whether you want to stand or sit, so if I've guessed wrong, then let me know!
DARTS
A REMINDER that the scheduled first game of the season tonight (Wednesday, 28th) is off as Ipswich can’t make it.
Instead, there will be a SULSESC get-together in the Old Fountain, 3 Baldwin Street, EC1V 9NU, which is a very short walk from Old Street tube station.
SPEEDWAY
AND there will be more SULSESC social activity this Sunday (October 2) as we have got a few members going along to the Rye House v Scunthorpe Premier League speedway meeting (2 pm). Email me for further details if you’re interested in joining us.
UTI
Andy
September 21, 2011
YEOVIL (home): Saturday, September 24
I KNOW the chairman and myself will be travelling up for this one, so Honest Lawyer as usual from 12 noon will be the pre-match meeting place.
STEVENAGE (away): Saturday, October 1
AT the moment, I have ticket orders from the following members:-
1 AS
3 ASHTON Dave (2 adults, 1 U18)
1 BOWERS Dave
1 BRAD
2 CAMPBELL Anthony
1 DUKE Vic (senior)
1 HAINES Nick
3 HOLLAND Neil (2 adult, 1 U11)
2 PATTERSON Anthony
1 PAYNE Dave
3 REES Ian (1 adult, 2 U18)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 WATSON Mal
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U18)
1 WRIGHT Neil
Please met me know by 12 noon today (Thursday) if you would like to be added to the list. I will pick the tickets up this weekend before the Yeovil game. Pub details, etc., to follow in next week's group email.
BRENTFORD (away): Saturday, October 15
ANOTHER London game is just around the corner, so I'm now taking ticket orders for Brentford. Prices are as follows (by the look of it, we need to take as many children with us as possible as it works out cheaper!):-
Seating
£21 - Adults
£15 - Seniors (Over 60)
£5 - Juniors (Under 8)
* Family ticket - £30
* One adult family - £20
Terrace
£20 - Adults
£14 - Seniors (over 60)
£5 - Juniors (under 18)
* Family ticket - £30
* One adult family - £20
FORTHCOMING TRAVEL
MATT Gray has been looking into train fares for upcoming games and reports: "Important ones... very good offers available for Notts County and Bournemouth away trips. East Coast seems to have stopped doing cheap advanced fares after 5 pm on Saturdays! Hoping there is just a website glitch, otherwise cheap travel to Scunny might be at an end.
Sat October 1st: Stevenage (A): At Kings Cross you can get cheap day return for £14, or £9.25 with a railcard. 11.23 out gets in at 1146.
Sat 22nd October: Franchise Scum (A): From Euston singles with a railcard available for £8.60. 1120 out, 30 minutes journey
Sat 29th October & Sat 19th November, Tranmere & Hartlepool (H): Looks like the good times are over! East coast for both these trips have no advanced fares whatsoever for the return journey. £76 return anyone...?
Sat 5th November: Bournemouth (A): Advanced fares available for £10 singles. 10.05 out, 17.59 back. South West trains from Waterloo.
Sat 26th November – Notts County (A): Cheapest advanced fares available are 09.15 out, £15 and 18.28 back for £12.
Email Matt (scunnymatt@hotmail.com) if you're interested in any of those trips.
DARTS
SURPRISE, surprise, our scheduled first match of the season against Ipswich next week has been postponed because the opposition is unavailable.
Darts-meister Vaughan reports: "Ipswich can't make the 28th - it's their AGM or some such cobblers.
"Our next scheduled game is away to Leicester on Wednesday, 19th October which means we may be able to fit the Ipswich game in on the 5th or 12th. Any preferences? In the meantime I'll get back to Ipswich and see if they can do either of those."
GET TOGETHER NEXT WEEK
WITH the darts match at the Stamford Arms postponed, travel secretary Gray is organising a SULSESC social night next Wednesday (September 28) at the Old Fountain near Old Street, which may well become our new pub for home darts matches.
Matt will have the new SULSESC tee-shirts available for anyone who wants one and says: "Just let people know that despite the darts at the Stamford being off, I will be meeting Wrighty at the Old Fountain so people can meet me there from 7ish to pick up a shirt, shoot a few darts or watch Champions League with us.
"If I remember rightly, it's exit 1 from Old Street tube, cross City Road and turn right to walk past Starbucks and Ladbrokes. Turn left at the Cycle hire station and you're there!"
SPEEDWAY
THE day after United's game at Stevenage, Scunny's speedway team, the mighty Scorpions, have an away league match at Rye House (Sunday, October 2, starting at 2 pm).
Myself and Brad will be venturing along so any SULSESC members who fancy a day out are welcome to join us and help swell the numbers in the 'away end'! The stadium is in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, about 10 minutes' drive up the A10 from J25 of the M25 or a 35-minute train journey out of Liverpool Street. The railway station is right next door to the stadium.
I suspect we’ll be meeting in the pub outside the stadium by about 12.30 pm!
UTI
Andy
September 14, 2011
WALSALL (away): Saturday, September 17
WE don't have a train trip running to this one, but it seems there may be a handful of SULSESC members making the trip, judging by the emails that have been flying around. Vic Duke has proposed the Old Joint Stock, 4 Temple Row, B2 5NY in Birmingham as a lunchtime meeting place for those travelling in via New Street railway station.
Alternatively, our very own real ale guru Nick Haines offers the following suggestions, which those who are making the trip may like to consider:-
"There are two pubs not far from Walsall station. The best is probably the Black Country Arms (blackcountryarms.co.uk) on the High Street, WS1 1QW (map: http://binged.it/nytrvd). New GBG says: "Walsall CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2009 and 2010, this is a large, imposing three-level pub, dating back in parts to at least the 18th century. The impressive mahogany bar boasts 16 handpulls serving up to 12 microbrewery guest beers from all over the UK and and two real ciders. Food is served daily until 4 pm and there is a specials board." Doesn't open till 12.
The second option is the bar at the Lyndon House Hotel (lyndonhousehotel.co.uk) at 9 Upper Rushall Street, WS1 2HA (map: http://binged.it/qf0aa0). I know, hotel bar, but the GBG says: "It has retained old brick and many old timbers to warm and cosy effect." Home-cooked food is available and it opens at 11:30, so maybe a quick one here before the Black Country Arms opens.
If, however, you're only going to Bescot Station, the only real option is the White Lion at 150 Sandwell Street, WS1 3EQ (map: http://binged.it/okgvOB). This could also be a stopping off point for a drink if you walk to the ground from the Black Country Arms rather than get a train to the Bescot. The GBG describes it as an "imposing late-Victorian back-street local" with a "classic sloping bar, with its deep and shallow ends" and a comfortable lounge.
TICKETS: You can pay on the day, although it is more expensive by 2 quid than if you buy in advance. However, there are no tickets available through SUFC, you have to order through Walsall and they charge a quid to post the ticket to you, so for the sake of a quid, it's as easy to pay on the day I would say!
STEVENAGE (away): Saturday, October 1
A NEW ground for us to visit for a change so I would expect a fair bit of interest amongst the membership for this one. I'm taking orders for match tickets now so email me asap if you want one as SUFC will apparently only receive an allocation of 300. Prices are as follows:-
£21.00 - Adults
£18.00 - Senior/Students
£14.00 - U18
£10.00 - U11 with adult
DARTS
A REMINDER that the first darts match of the season is looming on the horizon: home to Ipswich on Wednesday, September 28.
UTI
Andy
September 2, 2011
Apologies for the lack of a group email last week. I will use the fact that I was in Poland as a convenient excuse.
And on Sunday, I'm going to France for a week so here's next week's SULSESC news early (or this week's late, depending on your point of view).
MEMBERSHIP
DON'T forget that membership renewals were due on August 1 so if you haven't renewed yet, you only have until the end of September to do so or you will be excommunicated (i.e., removed from the group email list and spared from having to read this drivel every week).
COLCHESTER UNITED (home): Tomorrow
MYSELF and the chairman are on the 09.03 out of Kings Cross tomorrow morning if anyone wants to make a last minute decision to join us. We're returning on the 17.18 out of Scunny, back at KX at 20.30.
In Scunny, Lawyer from 12 noon would seem to be the plan.
SHEFFIELD UNITED (home): Saturday, September 10
I'M on holiday so will miss this one but I believe the Chairman-Mobile will be making the trip north. Email Neil (n.wright62@ntlworld.com) to check availability of seats in the car.
ROCHDALE (away): Tuesday, September 13
ROCHDALE away on a Tuesday night? I think we might need a 52-seater coach to cater for all the interest amongst SULSESC members. Then again, perhaps not.
No doubt Vic Duke will be in the traditional SULSESC pre-match watering hole of The Cemetery on Bury Road before the game, if anyone is venturing to Spotland and wants to meet up with fellow SULSESC-ians. I believe Bob Dook may be around as well. (I know some of us are getting on a bit but please note that the meeting place is The Cemetery, not the cemetery).
WALSALL (away): Saturday, September 17
NOT sure what interest there will be amongst the membership for this one as it's not exactly one of the most attractive of away trips.
Travel secretary Gray suggests the 09.23 out of Euston, £11; 18.13 back, £20, if you do fancy it.
DARTS
A REMINDER that the first darts match of the season is looming on the horizon: home to Ipswich on Wednesday, September 28.
APFSCIL
THE new season of monthly APFSCIL meetings is now underway (fantastic!) so we need to draw up a rota to cover the minimum number of meetings required.
Myself and Brad always look forward to our January visit as an early highlight of the new year, so I assume you'll be up for that again, Brad?
The more immediate problem is September's meeting, which is this Monday (September 5). Travel secretary Gray has offered "to pop along" so if anyone would like to keep him company, please email Matt on scunnymatt@hotmail.com.
A reminder that meetings are held in the Exmouth Arms, which is right next to Euston station, from 7.30 pm onwards.
ACCOUNTS
I STILL haven't got round to typing up the minutes from the AGM in July (not that there was anything interesting to report anyway!), but to prove that at least the treasurer takes his job seriously, the club accounts are attached for everyone to pick holes in and email in their questions asking Mr. Vaughan to explain where all the money's gone.
UTI
Andy
August 16, 2011
LOOKING on the bright side, at least we haven't been gubbed 5-0 at Braintree (but give it a couple of seasons...).
In the meantime, as our relegation push starts to gather momentum, here's everything you'll need to know ahead of Saturday's defeat at Charlton...
CHARLTON (away): Saturday, August 20
MATCH TICKETS: I have a SULSESC allocation of 31 tickets as follows:-
1 Me
5 ASHTON Dave (3 adult, 1U21, 1U18)
1 GARRATT Mike
1 GRAY Matt
3 HOLLANDS:
2 HUNSLEY Colin
1 KERR Andy
1 KILGANNON John
2 PARROTT John
1 ROBERTS Roly
2 SMITH David (1 adult, 1 senior)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
1 THEAKER Andy
1 TOWNSEND Roger
1 WATSON Mal
2 WHITWORTH Nick
2 WRIGHT Mick (1 adult, 1 U16)
1 WRIGHT Neil
Prices are 25 adults, 18 concessions (U21 and over 60), 10 (U18) and 5 (U11). Cheques payable to me on the day please, or online transfer in advance if you have my bank details.
PUB: Our meeting place on Saturday will be The Wheatsheaf, 24 Southwark Street, SE1 1TY. Matt Gray has checked it out this week and reports: "Just been in and spoken to the manager. Pub opens at 12 pm, has full lunch menu on and welcomes children. Only proviso is again, no football shirts. Apparently, many London Bridge pubs are having a crack down on Saturdays because of the trouble they've had in the area. Went to the Southwark Tavern and Market Porter next door and they said the same thing.
"Directions: Very important: the old entrance to the pub is by Borough Market, but the current entrance is just a door on Borough High Street itself (see picture in link below). From London Bridge platforms, head to Borough High Street exits. In the ticket hall, take the West side exit (the stairs, NOT the escalators). At the surface, walk straight ahead past the Southwark Tavern on the right (Brown fronted building), continue straight past Katzenjammers (German bar) and The Hop Exchange and you'll come to The Wheatsheaf entrance."
Here’s a link:-
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/37/37261/Wheatsheaf/Southwark
NEWCASTLE (home): Thursday, August 25
FOR those not able to go to the Carling Cup tie against Newcastle at Glanford Park next week, we will organise a SULSESC get-together to watch it live on Sky if there's sufficient interest.
Matt says the landlord of The Wheatsheaf at London Bridge told him he would be happy to put the game on for us, so if you would be interested in watching it there with fellow SULSESC members, email Matt (scunnymatt@hotmail.com) to let him know and we can get an idea of numbers.
FORTHCOMING TRAVEL NEWS
TRAVEL secretary Gray has been plotting travel arrangements for September and October.
Saturday 10th September, Sheffield Utd (H): There are no cheap trains left for this, although I believe the Chairman has a free seat in his car...?
Saturday 17th September, Walsall (A): 0923 out Euston, £11; 1813 back £20.
Saturday 24th September, Yeovil (H): 0903 out, £22.50; 1810 back, £22.50.
Saturday 1st October, Stevenage (A): With a network railcard you can get single tickets out of King's Cross for £7.90. Very frequent service that takes 20-30 mins so we can sort times out nearer the day.
Saturday 8th October, Leyton Orient (H): 0903 out, £17.55; 1718 back, £11.55.
DARTS
THE fixtures are out for the new APFSCIL darts season, which begins next month.
Wed Sep 28: Ipswich (home)
Wed Oct 19: Leicester (away)
Thurs Nov 3: Nottingham Forest (away)
Wed Nov 23: Rotherham (home)
Thurs Dec 1: Derby (away)
Mon Jan 30: Ipswich (away)
Wed Feb 22: Leicester (home)
Wed Mar 14: Nottingham Forest (home)
Thurs Mar 29: Rotherham (away)
Wed April 18: Derby (home)
UTI
Andy
July 26, 2011
WYCOMBE (away): Saturday, August 6
MATCH TICKETS: FINAL CALL!
I HAVE so far had match ticket orders from the following members. If you would like to be added, please email me before 12 noon on Wednesday, July 27.
1 Me
3 ASHTON Dave (2 adult, 1 U16)
1 BORRILL Mark
1 BOWERS Dave
1 EDWARDS Steve
1 GARRATT Mike
1 GRAY Matt
1 HAINES Nick
2 HARDY Joanne
1 KERR Andy
1 LETOREY Dave
1 PARROTT John
2 SMITH David (1 adult, 1 senior)
1 STUBLEY Andy
1 SUMNER Steve
1 TAYLOR Nigel
1 THEAKER Andy
1 VAUGHAN Chris
1 WHITWORTH Darren
1 WHITWORTH Nick
1 WRIGHT Neil
FORECASTING COMPETITION
NEW season forecasting forms are on their way and hopefully most of you will have received them by now.
Congratulations to last year's winner Geoff Kemp who won the 100 first prize. Yours truly finished second for 25 quid, Tina Constable was third (15) with a tie for fourth between Mick Wright and David Holmes, which nets the pair of them the princely sum of a fiver!
Apologies for the fact that you're still waiting for your cheques... we're waiting on the treasurer to pull his finger out and write them out!
TALKING OF THE TREASURER...
...he was among the lucky prize winners at the recent SULSESC AGM.
We had a signed SUFC matchball to raffle off amongst all of the membership, as well as plenty of kit courtesy of the syndicate organised by Matt Gray last season.
We sponsored full kit for both Jim McNulty and Johnathan Williams but swapped Williams' kit at the end of the season with his father, who wanted to keep his son's first professional kit for sentimental reasons. In return, he gave us training kit which had been used by the likes of Ian Baraclough, Andy Crosby and Kevin Pressman.
A highly scientific draw was organised which involved pinning the SULSESC membership list to the dartboard and asking SULSESC member Jacqui Stevens to throw darts at it. Whoever's name she hit, won a prize... so you can't get a fairer method than that!
Anyway, the full list of winners is as follows:
Signed matchball: John Kilgannon
Ian Baraclough training top: Chris Vaughan
Kevin Pressman sweatshirt: Matt Gray
Kevin Pressman training top: Mal Watson
Andy Crosby sweatshirt: Derek Wilmot
Jim McNulty full kit (home): Andy Kerr
Jim McNulty full kit (away): Karen Leeman
Message to the winners: let me know which early season games you're likely to be at and if I'm there, I'll bring your prize along.
Andy