The Hotel End

The Hotel End => Cobblers Corner => Topic started by: BackOfTheNet on April 21, 2022, 11:52:01 am



Title: Grounds Visited
Post by: BackOfTheNet on April 21, 2022, 11:52:01 am
Random's question about the attractions of away grounds has just made me think. I've skimmed down the league tables from Premier league down to National League North/South and, throwing in a few oddities that sprang to mind (Bury, Rushden etc) and counting clubs that have moved twice (once for each ground I've visited) I've hit a grand total of 104 grounds I've visited, the vast majority of which were for Cobblers matches.

I'm sure there are more that I'm missing, but I'm generally quite pleased with that!

How about everyone else?

Edit: realised I'd missed Wembley, the Millennium Stadium and Parkhead - 107.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: 606 Parklands_Cobbler on April 21, 2022, 12:00:36 pm
I recommended this if you can remember all the grounds you've been too... https://www.footballgroundmap.com/

currently on 63, majority with Northampton, along with a few Leicester. Don't really go out my way to go to different grounds, so as a 29 year old I was actually supprised I have done so many...although saying that, I went to Goodison Park for the first time yesterday, because it might have been my last chance to go. Mainly cause I was annoyed at missing out on White Hart Lane, Upton Park etc.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: tcobb on April 21, 2022, 12:31:35 pm
Out of the current 92 ive done 64
With NTFC  58
Plus grounds such as Ninnan Park, The Vetch, Roker Park, Clubs now non league Etc also add the games to watch England play thats gives another 67

Giving a total across 22 Countries of 131
 Plus a visit on a non match day to The Nou Camp.

As a footnote , not once was a visit to the any of the above based on Toilets, seats, car parking etc  ;D


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: singcobb on April 21, 2022, 13:36:28 pm
Probably only been to 30-40 grounds in the UK. I left to travel The World at quite an early age. I have however been to all the grounds in the M-League, S-League and quite a few in the Thai League and Indonesian League.
If it's toilets and food you're concerned with grounds in the S-League are excellent with great food inside and just outside the grounds and plenty of Tiger to drink inside as well.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 21, 2022, 15:18:21 pm
Using BONs criteria, four divisions, three national league divisions, teams old/new grounds: Leicester, Swansea, Poxford, NTFC, Barnet, Darlo, Wembley, Rotherham (dont forget the Sheffield Don Valley stadium) Bury, and Rushden, a total of 103. All of these following the Cobblers. I have not included non league teams, pre season or not, England away games (eight when I had a ticket) Villa Park (Bruce Springsteen), Coventry Richo (Bon Jovi) girlfriends fault, not mine.  ;D
Make that 104, I forgot Bath, in the pouring rain, when "Whoosh" bought down the guttering above the home end.
I think that this may change, when people reference some obscure games. Evers, will go a long way back in time.  ;D


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: BackOfTheNet on April 21, 2022, 16:17:09 pm
Coventry Richo (Bon Jovi) girlfriends fault, not mine.  ;D


I was at that one too. Talk about phoning a performance in - I lost interest and was reading something on my phone when I realised they were doing Living on a Prayer!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 21, 2022, 16:24:52 pm
Of the current 92 i'm on 87...... Barrow, Cardiff, Tottenham, Man City and Brentford are the ones missing. Including four abroad (Barcelona, Espanyol, Sporting Lisbon and Orlando City) my grand total is now 149.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 21, 2022, 16:39:42 pm
I was at that one too. Talk about phoning a performance in - I lost interest and was reading something on my phone when I realised they were doing Living on a Prayer!
A mate drove, forget to note the name of the street that we were parked in, and afterwards we spent ages wandering around looking for his car!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Terryfenwickatemyhamster on April 21, 2022, 16:48:44 pm
I’m never quite sure how this works, not wanting to be part of any club for visiting grounds. I know I have hit the 92 a couple of times. But with a few moving to new grounds. And some new teams coming into the league, I must be at about 87…

My favourite grounds in (only looking at English league clubs) have to be Mk Dons, Reading, Portsmouth, St James's Park (Newcastle), Elland Road and of course, the mighty Stamford bridge.

I do like the look of Fulham as well.. I was lucky enough to have a bit of a tour with a mate from Buckingham’s recently. It is already the best located ground in the country, before thy built the new stand. I’m sure they’ll do a similar job on the East stand.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 21, 2022, 16:56:12 pm
I’m never quite sure how this works, not wanting to be part of any club for visiting grounds. I know I have hit the 92 a couple of times. But with a few moving to new grounds. And some new teams coming into the league, I must be at about 87…

My favourite grounds in (only looking at English league clubs) have to be Mk Dons, Reading, Portsmouth, St James's Park (Newcastle), Elland Road and of course, the mighty Stamford bridge.

I do like the look of Fulham as well.. I was lucky enough to have a bit of a tour with a mate from Buckingham’s recently. It is already the best located ground in the country, before thy built the new stand. I’m sure they’ll do a similar job on the East stand.

 ;D ;D

They will if they get paid enough I guess!! I liked the New Plough Lane, again a Buckingham project.....showed me what a lower league club should be capable of and hope to aspire to. I'm not sure that no extra seats for the normal punter and 10 boxes really cuts it for me!  ;)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Terryfenwickatemyhamster on April 21, 2022, 17:02:37 pm
;D ;D

They will if they get paid enough I guess!! I liked the New Plough Lane, again a Buckingham project.....showed me what a lower league club should be capable of and hope to aspire to. I'm not sure that no extra seats for the normal punter and 10 boxes really cuts it for me!  ;)

You can join me in my executive box  ;D I hear they are doing 3 in a row with adjoining doors. For the Chairman, Sixfields travel and the Trust 😜


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 21, 2022, 17:05:32 pm
You can join me in my executive box  ;D I hear they are doing 3 in a row with adjoining doors. For the Chairman, Sixfields travel and the Trust 😜
Bulletproof glass, soundproofing and the full works?  ;D


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest168 on April 21, 2022, 17:08:23 pm
Think I'm on about 80 (almost all watching NTFC)

Not been to many Prem grounds and lately lots of "non-league" clubs

There was certain times when I said, i'm not bothering going there - usually a combination of crap ground and crap team at the time





Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 21, 2022, 17:48:26 pm


I do like the look of Fulham as well.. I was lucky enough to have a bit of a tour with a mate from Buckingham’s recently. It is already the best located ground in the country, before thy built the new stand. I’m sure they’ll do a similar job on the East stand.
Absolutely one of my favourite days out, back in the nineties. A day of on the lash, in that Laandon, running circles around the stewards and police, taking the piss out of Keegan, someone jumping on my back when Jason white white white scored, convincing Steve Massive Massey it was a good idea to try and feed xtra strong mints to a police horse, (sorry mate, couldnt resist)  ;D the speaker wires being cut, in the Firkin pub after they pumped up the volume to drown out the singing, someone hurling a portion of fish across the high street, and hitting a Fulham gobs***e straight in the face, being herded back to the tube station by horses and helicopters. And for the benefit of Beds and Random, an open terrace, pouring rain, portaloos, garbage catering, no parking, and do you know what? I LOVED IT.
No trouble, and a grand day out.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 21, 2022, 17:56:03 pm
78/92 with the Cobblers. Original 92 completed with the Cobblers at Blackburn a few seasons back, though haven't been to the reincarnations at Spurs, Arsenal, Brighton, Wimbledon, Brentford, Middlesbrough, Cardiff and Swansea.

Two thirds of National League, around half of both National League North and South.

Eight in Italy. Seven with Torino, one with England.
Around another fifteen or so throughout Europe, mostly in Latvia or with England.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: The 12th Marquis of Sixfields on April 21, 2022, 18:34:10 pm
99 in total, 64 of the current 92. So, next new ground will be the ton. I hope they've got nice toilets.

Edit - Just remembered that I've been to Olympiastadion Berlin so my 100th ground would have been Pride Park. The toilets were beautiful so it wasn't a wasted trip.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 21, 2022, 18:56:37 pm
I've done the 92 a few times, but of the current ones I've got New Spurs, London Stadium (WHU), new Brentford and Wimbledon and Barrow until a couple of weeks time. In total, I think I'm up to 157 English grounds of which 144 have been watching NTFC. Of this total you have the likes of Rotherham, 3 different grounds and loads of the old grounds Bradford PA watching the Cobblers.
    Also been to a lot a Scottish grounds and quite a few in Europe.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 21, 2022, 19:03:20 pm
I've done the 92 a few times, but of the current ones I've got New Spurs, London Stadium (WHU), new Brentford and Wimbledon and Barrow until a couple of weeks time. In total, I think I'm up to 157 English grounds of which 144 have been watching NTFC. Of this total you have the likes of Rotherham, 3 different grounds and loads of the old grounds Bradford PA watching the Cobblers.
    Also been to a lot a Scottish grounds and quite a few in Europe.


That's bloody good going Carton. Bet there's not many who can tick Bradford PA off the list.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: BackOfTheNet on April 21, 2022, 19:13:20 pm
The last time I went to Exeter I had to go for a pìss at half time. Imagine my surprise when I found I was pìssing up a brick wall with a drain at the bottom, a la County Ground. The smell was overpowering.

Bloody marvellous! That's exactly what football ground bogs should be like!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on April 21, 2022, 19:33:39 pm
The last time I went to Exeter I had to go for a pìss at half time. Imagine my surprise when I found I was pìssing up a brick wall with a drain at the bottom, a la County Ground. The smell was overpowering.

Bloody marvellous! That's exactly what football ground bogs should be like!

I think that Sutton has been the most 'aromatic' this season?  :o


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 21, 2022, 19:43:26 pm


That's bloody good going Carton. Bet there's not many who can tick Bradford PA off the list.
Graham Carr playing for Bradford as was former Tottenham & Wales full back Mel Hopkins, who played for Wellingborough the season before  :)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: southofthecounty on April 21, 2022, 20:19:11 pm
The last time I went to Exeter I had to go for a pìss at half time. Imagine my surprise when I found I was pìssing up a brick wall with a drain at the bottom, a la County Ground. The smell was overpowering.

Bloody marvellous! That's exactly what football ground bogs should be like!
Bristol rovers was much the same. Best go early.
Also lost car there. Like bloody Coronation Street.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 21, 2022, 20:28:41 pm


Bet there's not many who can tick Bradford PA off the list.

I can, I went to see them play Bristol City in the FA Cup quite a few years ago when we first moved up here.

No idea how many I have been to over all, I can't be arsed to count them and my memory is not what it was.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 21, 2022, 20:49:23 pm
I can, I went to see them play Bristol City in the FA Cup quite a few years ago when we first moved up here.

No idea how many I have been to over all, I can't be arsed to count them and my memory is not what it was.
Was that at Park Avenue where there was also a cricket ground, that's where I saw the Cobblers, but I've also been to the Horsfall Stadium, where they now play, to see a pre season match against Hull when Jamie Forrester was playing for Hull. Another one that I doubt that too many have been, Workington back in around 1968/9, Frankie Large was playing for us.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 22, 2022, 05:07:36 am
I can, I went to see them play Bristol City in the FA Cup quite a few years ago when we first moved up here.

No idea how many I have been to over all, I can't be arsed to count them and my memory is not what it was.

Sorry Bingers, I was referring to when they were in the league. Should have made myself clearer. :P


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3494 on April 22, 2022, 06:43:11 am
I'm on 145 grounds but only 84 of the current 92.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: everbrite on April 22, 2022, 07:18:07 am
Am doing a recount but can include St Mirren.

Bishop Stortford (a) 1-2
Barnet
Southend
Bath
Redhill
Aylesbury
Stockport
York
Rushden and Diamonds
W’borough
Notts County
Bury
Yeovil
Aldershot in the Snow
Banbury
Macclesfield
Boston United - a February game 2006 and freezing cold. Take a look at the 2006 L2 Table:https://www.skysports.com/football/boston-united-vs-bury/table/68148. Some of those teams are in the Championship (or were)

There maybe others but some who have suffered relegation to the National League and faded into obscurity - may they RIP!

Of the current 92 have been to about 79 and that includes Stoke City; Arsenal, Spurs, QPR (White City) , Milllwall, Southampton. Brighton -with fond memories of John Kurila etc  or any Club who have since upsticks. If I have been to watch the Cobblers at the original venue, for me that counts !


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 22, 2022, 07:37:20 am
I've only visited 74 grounds, of which only 53 exist and only 39 of the current 92. I've had a lot of repetition, for instance Sincil Bank 10 times, Bescot 9 times.
I have never chosen or not chosen to go to an away ground based on toilets. It's usually distance and my time availability or sometimes attractiveness of stadium/area but often match situation. I would not choose to go to Crawley for instance because of location, no attractiveness of the town or stadium/club. However if it was an end of season decider I probably would.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 22, 2022, 08:08:54 am
Sorry Bingers, I was referring to when they were in the league. Should have made myself clearer. :P

When I went, they were and still are very much non-league.

It's the athletics track place nowadays, not the proper old ground.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3429 on April 22, 2022, 08:14:44 am
I just followed Tabasco.. I'd forgotten the police horse, to his horse  ;D

How many grounds have people been arrested at?  

Hull, Plymouth, Aldershot, Fulham, Southend are a few locations you are liable to be taken into custody for no apparent reason so do be careful when visiting next.  ;)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 22, 2022, 09:22:47 am
I just followed Tabasco.. I'd forgotten the police horse, to his horse  ;D

How many grounds have people been arrested at?  

Hull, Plymouth, Aldershot, Fulham, Southend are a few locations you are liable to be taken into custody for no apparent reason so do be careful when visiting next.  ;)
How about Virgin first class, when you were leaning on a door and it opened, and you went flying backwards into the kitchen? Dusted yourself down, and handed out cans of Stella to everybody?
Theres others that I could mention, but I wouldnt want to sully your impeccable reputation.  ;D


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 22, 2022, 09:45:24 am
I've just had a look in Frank Grande's book and I need to add, Brentwood, Banbury, Basingstoke and Aylesbury, all FA Cup matches. That takes me up to 161 grounds with 148 seeing NTFC.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Terryfenwickatemyhamster on April 22, 2022, 10:08:20 am
I haven’t added any Scottish, Welsh, European or US grounds to my tally. I would have to add one more to my favourites. Lumen Field, Seattle. Must rank among the best views from a stadium. Probably the best atmosphere as well.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3429 on April 22, 2022, 10:15:27 am
How about Virgin first class, when you were leaning on a door and it opened, and you went flying backwards into the kitchen? Dusted yourself down, and handed out cans of Stella to everybody?
Theres others that I could mention, but I wouldnt want to sully your impeccable reputation.  ;D

Cheers mate, thanks for not mentioning the amphetamine sulphate.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: CobblerForever on April 22, 2022, 10:22:40 am
I've just had a look in Frank Grande's book and I need to add, Brentwood, Banbury, Basingstoke and Aylesbury, all FA Cup matches. That takes me up to 161 grounds with 148 seeing NTFC.

The Aylesbury game I remember for the torrential rain throughout and getting absolutely soaked.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: CobblerForever on April 22, 2022, 10:24:29 am
I haven’t added any Scottish, Welsh, European or US grounds to my tally. I would have to add one more to my favourites. Lumen Field, Seattle. Must rank among the best views from a stadium. Probably the best atmosphere as well.

I've attended and played at Aberystwyth Town's Park Avenue ground.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Terryfenwickatemyhamster on April 22, 2022, 10:28:32 am
I've attended and played at Aberystwyth Town's Park Avenue ground.

It’s not until you start to think about it you realise some of the bizarre places you have watched or played at. Always hated playing at Corby. It was like an ad hoc international in terms of the crowd and malice.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Peter Frost on April 22, 2022, 10:43:46 am
Not sure of my total with ground moves etc but must be around 80 and also some more exotic locations including Grand Canary (Spain v Northern Ireland) and the mighty Cobblers in Seville and North Carolina - the absolute worst ground ever was the away end at Layer Road - the phrase treating football fans like animals summed up that disgrace of a ground.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: BackOfTheNet on April 22, 2022, 11:10:09 am
I recommended this if you can remember all the grounds you've been too... https://www.footballgroundmap.com/



Thanks, that's a great site! It's really good how it lists current and previous grounds for each club and has boosted my numbers by another 10 or 12.

I quite like how it calculates your mileage too, although while I remember which grounds I've visited I've no idea how many times I've been to a lot of them so mines nowhere near accurate!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 22, 2022, 11:14:23 am
Not sure of my total with ground moves etc but must be around 80 and also some more exotic locations including Grand Canary (Spain v Northern Ireland) and the mighty Cobblers in Seville and North Carolina - the absolute worst ground ever was the away end at Layer Road - the phrase treating football fans like animals summed up that disgrace of a ground.
Layer Rd, also the league ground I remember least fondly.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 22, 2022, 11:16:50 am
I just followed Tabasco.. I'd forgotten the police horse, to his horse  ;D

How many grounds have people been arrested at?  

Hull, Plymouth, Aldershot, Fulham, Southend are a few locations you are liable to be taken into custody for no apparent reason so do be careful when visiting next.  ;)
Now this is an interesting twist on a much reviewed subject.
Has anyone been arrested more than once at the same location?


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 22, 2022, 11:34:26 am
Now this is an interesting twist on a much reviewed subject.
Has anyone been arrested more than once at the same location?

Yes, Fulham. 88 and 97 (the latter winning the court case!)
In addition, same officer tried it on again the season after, though even by the Met's twisted, corrupt logic, had to let it go!
The night game at Craven Cottage following the 77 arrests in 88 saw a handful of Chelsea infiltrate the away end, but were soon backing off...the one time I remember the OB in that neck of the woods be quite fair!  ;D


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest49 on April 22, 2022, 11:46:31 am
Absolutely no idea but no where near the numbers some of you guys are saying. I've never counted. I had 30 years of following the town home and away. 10 years of following Liverpool home and away at the same time, some seasons attending over 70 games. I've been to some grounds many, many times. Two I regularly went to midweek (when Cobblers/Liverpool weren't playing) were Highfield Road and Filbert Street, no matter who was playing. The grounds have moved so much, teams have come and gone. If I was to stick a pin it in I'd be surprised if I have been to half of the current league grounds but probably 90+ grounds in all my time. If you counted grounds in their current guises (i.e. with ongoing developments) probably not many at all. For example, I haven't been back to Anfield since we beat them, I haven't been to St James Park since they beat us. I went to Stamford Bridge once but probably wouldn't recognise it etc.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Substitute on April 22, 2022, 12:25:27 pm
Been to three.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 22, 2022, 12:42:35 pm
Been to three.
Yours, hers and theirs?


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 22, 2022, 13:56:46 pm
Just had a tot up and I've been to 73 of the current 92 league grounds wirh the Cobblers for a competitive league or cup game, the last being Pride Park.
In total I've seen us play a competitive league or cup match on 101 grounds that held league status at the time of the game.
Most visited away ground with Cobblers, probably Brizzle R but I don't keep count.
Also done some non league grounds with the Cobblers though not many, a few Scottish league grounds and seen Villa a few times at different venues that I also don't count.
Edit: Forgot Bury. 102 league grounds in total.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: St Edmundsbury Cobbler on April 22, 2022, 13:59:07 pm
Love this thread ☺️

74 out of the current 92.

124 grounds in total in England/Wales from Premier League down to Step 7. Below that I've been to Wellingborough Town, Raunds Town, Desborough, Bury Town and AFC Sudbury plus Thetford Town (v Wellingborough), Long Melford and Mildenhall Town in the FA Cup early rounds over the past few years.

Hibernian's Easter Road, the Nou Camp and the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban are the only ones abroad I've seen football at.



Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Manwork04 on April 22, 2022, 14:15:08 pm
52 of the existing grounds in the league plus the likes of Notts County, Wrexham, Barnet, Stockport County, Chesterfield, Grimsby Town, Yeovil, Southend, Aldershot Town and Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League as well as Ibrox, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the Piggery.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Zen Master on April 22, 2022, 15:02:30 pm
73 grounds with 41 currently in the 92 as a chunk in non league or no longer in existence such as R&D and Scarborough.
 A fair few have moved ground as well.

This website is quite handy for totting up.

https://www.footballgroundmap.com/ 


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 22, 2022, 15:47:01 pm

Has anyone been arrested more than once at the same location?
No, but I was lifted and fined prior to an England game in Vaduz, Lichtenstein. It was the first time that I had ever seen coppers take a credit card!
Mind you I was very, very, drunk at the time.  ;D
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56C-ixCTGN4/RZZlvDSC6-I/AAAAAAAAACg/2rjjqqK3_pI/s320/rowleybirkin.jpg)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 22, 2022, 15:56:10 pm
73 grounds with 41 currently in the 92 as a chunk in non league or no longer in existence such as R&D and Scarborough.
I had forgotten about Scarborough. I went with Bill Cowies lot, on an old red Corporation double decker bus! 
Ding Ding  :D




Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: tcobb on April 22, 2022, 16:08:53 pm
Tabasco was that 2002 or 2003 in Vaduz ? I was there for that one.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 22, 2022, 16:50:46 pm
Tabasco was that 2002 or 2003 in Vaduz ? I was there for that one.
March 2003, the night of mayhem in Zurich. I remember going to the train station in the morning, and some dude was wearing a full length down to the ankle, fur coat in Burberry, I dont recall much after that!
The return match was September, my only visit to Old Trafford, the night of the paper planes, and also a very young Wayne Rooney, you could tell then that the kid was special.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 22, 2022, 17:09:54 pm
70 of the current 92.  
26 old grounds.
22 ex league grounds.
So, 118 football league grounds, all but 4(Goodison Park, Highbury, White Hart Lane and Highfield Road) watching Cobblers and all non Cobblers games more than 40 odd years ago. Of all current league teams, there's 10 I haven't seen a game at, old or new.
And the state of the ground and/or facilities doesn't determine whether I go or not(sorry Random). It could be a ploughed field with a couple of derelict sheds round it and Glastonbury style toilets, if Cobblers are playing there I'll go, that's the only criteria, as long as I think to get a ticket, which I didn't for tomorrow :-\


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: tcobb on April 22, 2022, 17:28:17 pm
Thats the one tabasco, it all kicked off in Zurich the night before the game, then in Vaduz with the police just down to the High number of ticketless England fans.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 22, 2022, 18:38:48 pm
Unless the other lad from Pompey Poly or the team bus driver is a poster on here, I reckon I am unique in seeing The Mighty Cobblers at Love Lane, Petersfield. A friendly as part of the deal that brought Darren Collins to us. Had a  beer with the players in the bar afterwards. Bobby Barnes introduced himself to me as he had only just signed for us, pleasant chap, but at that point he didn't have a Tatters Hat.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on April 22, 2022, 22:07:36 pm
Unless the other lad from Pompey Poly or the team bus driver is a poster on here, I reckon I am unique in seeing The Mighty Cobblers at Love Lane, Petersfield. A friendly as part of the deal that brought Darren Collins to us. Had a  beer with the players in the bar afterwards. Bobby Barnes introduced himself to me as he had only just signed for us, pleasant chap, but at that point he didn't have a Tatters Hat.

When was that?
I've officiated a few FA games at Love Lane.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 22, 2022, 22:26:26 pm
I had forgotten about Scarborough. I went with Bill Cowies lot, on an old red Corporation double decker bus! 
Ding Ding  :D



I'm pretty sure I went to Scarborough on the double decker bus. Used to travel with the Mounties back then.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on April 22, 2022, 23:07:56 pm
Plod once tried to nick me away at Chesterfield for refusing to let his German Shepherd còck extension chew my leg. I made some remark suggesting beastiality was rife in the dog section which he took particular offence to.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Horsham Cobbler on April 23, 2022, 07:30:01 am
Plod once tried to nick me away at Chesterfield for refusing to let his German Shepherd còck extension chew my leg. I made some remark suggesting beastiality was rife in the dog section which he took particular offence to.

Melly, the coppers in Oz would consider that to be nothing more than jovial banter!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 23, 2022, 07:47:44 am
When was that?
I've officiated a few FA games at Love Lane.

I think it must have been the 1988/89 season.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 23, 2022, 10:40:24 am
Somebody mentioned Scarborough, that was another I forgot.
 A couple of grounds that no spring chickens have seen the Cobblers play at, I went to Old Trafford and White Hart Lane in 65/66 plus a couple of others that we have played at since that year.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Manwork04 on April 23, 2022, 11:40:05 am
I nearly forgot Bolton’s old ground Burnden Park, Wigans old ground Springfield Park, Bristol Rovers playing at Bath’s old ground, Arsenal Highbury, Spurs White Heart Lane, Brentford Griffin Park, Cardiff Ninian Park, Swansea Vetch Field, Chester Sealand Road, Huddersfield Leeds Road and Doncaster Rovers Belle Vue.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: FezNTFC on April 24, 2022, 09:10:12 am
Rather interesting looking this all up this morning.

Of the current 92, I've done 77 grounds, of which 69 were watching the Cobblers there. When I factor in National League, and National League North and South, I've been to 90. Haven't done Stockport, Wrexham or Solihull of those likely to come into the 92 next year - so will no doubt drop a couple down to 75 given I've been to Oldham and Sc***horpe.

I can count 15 other grounds that I've been to that were league grounds when I went to them but they no longer exist or have a team associated with them - including the likes of Layer Road (one of only two league grounds where I've scored a goal on the pitch ;D) Gigg Lane (Bury), York Street (Boston) and even the National Hockey Stadium which has been replaced by the new Network Rail building in Milton Keynes.

I've done a few other local non-league ones like Nuneaton, Rockingham Road, Steel Park, Dog and Duck, Sileby ect watching the Cobblers in pre-season friendlies, but I won't be counting them.

I've also watched a few games abroad - Parc de Princes, San Siro, Nou Camp, Lille, Lens, Juventus, Sampdoria, Los Angeles FC. Have been to Ajax and the Bernabeu, but didn't see a game there. Then of course there's Wembley, where I saw my first ever Cobblers game end in victory in the 93rd minute!

Not too bad for aged 30, and there's some of the 92 I still need to do that are reasonably close by that I should be able to do with relative ease - Birmingham, Wolves, West Brom ect.




Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 24, 2022, 09:38:47 am
Forgot about Bury and Boston in my list and won’t be going to random games just to do the 92. Cobblers games only for me.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: CobblerForever on April 24, 2022, 12:34:53 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_former_English_Football_League_clubs

Anyone get to any of the rarer clubs on this list ? Gateshead or even Maidstone when they were in the league ? Workington ?


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 24, 2022, 15:02:46 pm
I've done Maidstone with the Cobblers. Y


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 24, 2022, 16:02:38 pm
I've done Maidstone with the Cobblers. Y
Dartford!  ;)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 24, 2022, 16:34:56 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_former_English_Football_League_clubs

Anyone get to any of the rarer clubs on this list ? Gateshead or even Maidstone when they were in the league ? Workington ?
I went to Workington v NTFC Oct 1969


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 24, 2022, 16:52:44 pm
Alright. Who's done the 92 just following their own team, not teams. Impossible I'd say with new grounds popping up right left and centre. Even if you count old grounds if you haven't been to the new one would be some feat. The only ones in with a chance would be either;  Us, Oldham, Bradford, Carlisle, Orient. But still very difficult because you'd probably miss one or two due to you going up or down and them going the other way.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: southofthecounty on April 24, 2022, 17:59:56 pm
Does Rotherham's (Sheffield) Don Valley Stadium count?


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 24, 2022, 18:11:47 pm
Does Rotherham's (Sheffield) Don Valley Stadium count?
As much as the Withdean.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 24, 2022, 18:17:19 pm
As much as the Withdean.

And Twerton Park.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 24, 2022, 19:14:39 pm
Been to Millmoor, Don Valley and New York Stadium (Rotherham)

Goldstone Ground and Withdean (Brighton)

Twerton Park and Mem (Bristol Rovers)

Victoria Ground and Britannia Stadium (Stoke City)

Filbert Street and Walkers Stadium (Leicester City)

Leeds Road and McAlpine Stadium (Huddersfield Town)

Old Show Ground and Glanford Park (Sc***horpe)

Boothferry Park and KC Stadium (Hull City)

Roker Park and Stadium of Light (Sunderland)

Feethams and Reynolds Arena (Darlington)

Fellows Park and Bescot Stadium (Walsall)

Saltergate and whatever now called (Chesterfield)

Layer Road and Weston Homes Community (Col U)
Loakes Park and Adams Park (Wycombe)
Underhill and The Hive (Barnet)

all with the Cobblers.
Actually, when started this, thought would be relatively short, but there are probably more I've forgotten about.
Point kind of regarding 'doing the 92'. I'm not going to lose too much sleep having been to for example, Ayresome Park but not the Riverside, Goldstone and Withdean - but not the AmEx!



Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 24, 2022, 19:34:58 pm

I'm not going to lose too much sleep having been to for example, Ayresome Park but not the Riverside,



Where were you on September 11th?


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 24, 2022, 20:46:10 pm
Where were you on September 11th?

Exactly. I'll never forget that one.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 24, 2022, 21:02:59 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_former_English_Football_League_clubs

Anyone get to any of the rarer clubs on this list ? Gateshead or even Maidstone when they were in the league ? Workington ?
Yes went to Maidstone (Watling Street of Dartford I think) when Barry Richardson did his air kick which led to their goal.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: The 12th Marquis of Sixfields on April 24, 2022, 21:08:35 pm
Exactly. I'll never forget that one.
yep, sam parkin scored the 1st of his 20 predicted goals for us


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: The 12th Marquis of Sixfields on April 24, 2022, 21:17:46 pm
I thought Wilkinson scored our goal, his only goal for us. Happy to be corrected.
it was a strange game for many reasons, the 79th minute being one of them https://www.espn.com/soccer/match?gameId=18991&msclkid=af8836f8c41311ec9e51e0db758bf170


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 24, 2022, 21:21:09 pm
it was a strange game for many reasons, the 79th minute being one of them https://www.espn.com/soccer/match?gameId=18991&msclkid=af8836f8c41311ec9e51e0db758bf170

Funny how your memory plays tricks with you. I checked it out after I posted but didn't manage to delete it in time. When did Wilkinson score his goal???


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 24, 2022, 21:45:28 pm
Exactly. I'll never forget that one.

Except the details of the actual game. ???


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 24, 2022, 23:02:17 pm

Loakes Park and Adams Park (Wycombe)
Underhill and The Hive (Barnet)

all with the Cobblers.
When did the Cobblers play at Loakes Park ? Don't remember that.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 25, 2022, 03:12:35 am
Where were you on September 11th?
The one and only time we ever had a female coach driver. She could not get her head around the concept of dropping us at a pub prior to the game, instead we parked up at a truckstop carpark, for an hour and a half, waiting for the police escort to arrive. Apparently she didnt like the smell of alcohol. She also managed a 45 minute break at Watford Gap on the way back. We never used her again.
It was a strange old evening, we had to wait until we got to the game, and they had channel four news on the TV before we could see what had truly happened.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: St Edmundsbury Cobbler on April 25, 2022, 05:33:09 am
Funny how your memory plays tricks with you. I checked it out after I posted but didn't manage to delete it in time. When did Wilkinson score his goal???

Burnley away, a mis hit header the just about crept over the line in a 2-0 win.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3429 on April 25, 2022, 06:08:53 am
Yes went to Maidstone (Watling Street of Dartford I think) when Barry Richardson did his air kick which led to their goal.

Was there too, yes not Maidstone actually played at Dartford just over the crossing, weird having to walk over the M25. Mr Clive Walker was their manager then.

Twerton Park twice for Barrrrth and Brizzle Rowveeeers. In the home end with the gas.

All my grounds with the cobblers except diverts like Ipswich after the game at Colchester and Nottingham Forest frozen to death after snow had called off our trip to Scunthorpe. That wont happen again  ;D

I'm not into the voyeuristic practice of lurking around other peoples grounds when the Cobblers are not there.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 25, 2022, 06:18:35 am
Burnley away, a mis hit header the just about crept over the line in a 2-0 win.

Cheers. Just about sums up his time here.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3429 on April 25, 2022, 06:31:50 am
While its topical, I once worked for a company in Immingham (twinned with Chernobyl) after a very late Friday I decided to stay over in my hotel rather than drive home to Northampton, then drive home on Saturday via Oldham, not a route advertised by the AA!

I arrived early and very little was going on near the ground except i noticed a door people were coming in and out of so I took a quick peek and found myself welcomed into the hospitality boxes in the corner.

I was provided with free beer, "no, you don't have to pay sir, its complementary"  a programme, nibbles and all sorts but I didn't know anyone. I soon realised a group from Northampton had hired the facility but I just did the uninvited to a party thing, smiled and moved around trying not to get sussed, drinking as much as I could for free.

When the dinner gong was sounded and everyone started taking their seats I knew the game was up, so I slipped out and walked down the pitch to the away end, the stewards thinking I was a corporate guest were very helpful.

If that was you and your work buddies, thanks for the beer.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 25, 2022, 11:16:47 am
Where were you on September 11th?
Rīga, Latvia.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: singcobb on April 25, 2022, 12:07:40 pm
Where were you on September 11th?

Sao Paulo


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on April 25, 2022, 12:31:07 pm
Where were you on September 11th?

Gütersloh, Germany.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: 606 Parklands_Cobbler on April 25, 2022, 12:46:38 pm
Where were you on September 11th?

someone burnt down Parklands Middle School, so I wasn't at school that's for sure.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: BackOfTheNet on April 25, 2022, 13:23:08 pm
someone burnt down Parklands Middle School, so I wasn't at school that's for sure.

Ah, Parklands Middle, a marvellous school!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 25, 2022, 13:34:00 pm
When did the Cobblers play at Loakes Park ? Don't remember that.
I wondered about this and thought you might pick me up on this Roger.
First time we played them, very early nineties. Took around 800-1000 around side and corner terrace. Wondering if it was an underdeveloped Adams Park!  ;D
I'll throw in Selhurst Park then as a booby prize, having seen the Cobblers there against Palace and Charlton, as well as Kettering there in the FAC!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Carton Lid on April 25, 2022, 14:37:27 pm
I wondered about this and thought you might pick me up on this Roger.
First time we played them, very early nineties. Took around 800-1000 around side and corner terrace. Wondering if it was an underdeveloped Adams Park!  ;D
I'll throw in Selhurst Park then as a booby prize, having seen the Cobblers there against Palace and Charlton, as well as Kettering there in the FAC!
Just looked it up Rob, we played Wycombe in the FA Cup at the County Ground in 1958. The next time we played them was 1993 by which time they had moved to Adams Park


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: DrillingCobbler on April 25, 2022, 14:55:22 pm
I went down to step7 on that website (link a few pages back) - 78 of the current, 127 in total. That wouldn't include a fair few like Scarborough, Rushden and Diamonds (Nene Park), Bury etc. Or the sprinkling of grounds I've been to abroad or some random ones in the FA Cup over the years (what was the one we won 4-0 at down near Brighton I think where they put all temporary stands up? From memory I think Bobby Barnes scored after about 2 minutes)

On the Wycombe 'debate' I actually saw them the day after the infamous Shrewsbury match in 1993 - at Wembley in the play off final. A bit of a random one, that.

 http://www.chairboys.co.uk/history/1992-1993/may1993-fatrophyfinal.htm


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: St Edmundsbury Cobbler on April 25, 2022, 15:07:39 pm
Littlehampton


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: DrillingCobbler on April 25, 2022, 15:14:06 pm
Littlehampton

Good sheyt, thats it. Been bugging me lol....


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: DrillingCobbler on April 25, 2022, 15:19:59 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hutKzv6Qh4k

We are on around 6 minute 30seconds - Littlehampton away in the cup 1990!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: singcobb on April 25, 2022, 15:45:59 pm
Littlehampton

I think that was the last FA Cup away game I went to before I buggered off overseas.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Horsham Cobbler on April 25, 2022, 16:45:28 pm
Town Mead, Crawley's old ground (1991). We lost 4-2 to Beazer Homes Premier League opponents  :'(


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 25, 2022, 17:18:18 pm
FA Cup replay Butlin Rd, Rugby. 1984.
Just under 4,000 turned up, still a record for my nearest ground.



Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: singcobb on April 25, 2022, 18:00:51 pm
FA Cup replay Butlin Rd, Rugby. 1984.
Just under 4,000 turned up, still a record for my nearest ground.



I'd forgotten about that one.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 25, 2022, 18:32:19 pm
Rīga, Latvia.

+ Singcobb in Sao Paulo

+ Deepcut in deepest Deutschland

I know it was a midweek game, but could you not made the effort - Evers would have been very disappointed if this forum had been in existence then. I


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 25, 2022, 18:35:54 pm
+ Singcobb in Sao Paulo

+ Deepcut in deepest Deutschland

I know it was a midweek game, but could you not made the effort - Evers would have been very disappointed if this forum had been in existence then. I
No flights...something went off over in NYC and Washington DC. Otherwise, Teeside International would have been booming!  ;)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 25, 2022, 18:41:47 pm
Town Mead, Crawley's old ground (1991). We lost 4-2 to Beazer Homes Premier League opponents  :'(
Yep, was at both. Littlehampton in the FAC was one of the dodgier non-league jaunts, with around a hundred or more Brighton lads to our right and around all day
Three of us jumped in a taxi to Bognor Regis after quite sharpish!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on April 25, 2022, 18:42:13 pm
+ Singcobb in Sao Paulo

+ Deepcut in deepest Deutschland

I know it was a midweek game, but could you not made the effort - Evers would have been very disappointed if this forum had been in existence then. I

We were too busy packing to go in the other direction... 8)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 25, 2022, 18:43:19 pm
FA Cup replay Butlin Rd, Rugby. 1984.
Just under 4,000 turned up, still a record for my nearest ground.



Was that V.S. Rugby. I was there. Slippery grass bank if I remember. Don't ask me who scored though. >:(


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 25, 2022, 19:31:10 pm
Was that V.S. Rugby. I was there. Slippery grass bank if I remember. Don't ask me who scored though. >:(
Yeah, since morphed into Rugby Town.
Long slippery grass bank in front of clubhouse down one side, a very small stand behind one goal and another one on opposite side from clubhouse from memory. Allotment end was just fir trees and nets.
Haven't been for a long time but I believe it's changed a lot with stands now on all four sides. Not bad for UCL.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 25, 2022, 19:53:17 pm
Was that V.S. Rugby. I was there. Slippery grass bank if I remember. Don't ask me who scored though. >:(

Very slippery grass bank, wet night, rain teeming down..... I believe it was Wakeley Gage who scored the only goal. Trouble before the game and after. 3500 in attendance.

The first away game I was allowed to "go on my own"....14 I was at the time!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Manwork04 on April 25, 2022, 19:53:39 pm
FA Cup replay Butlin Rd, Rugby. 1984.
Just under 4,000 turned up, still a record for my nearest ground.


I used to play for VS back in the day, only ever made the reserves though, back then they were a much better team and were pushing to get into the conference, Graham Rambo Reed signed and Terry Angus was also there, Jesus he could run, we used to train on Winfield rec, the bàstards in the local council put a 400 m track on it and we used to play winners and losers doing 400m races……..Terry one every time.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 25, 2022, 20:58:01 pm
We were too busy packing to go in the other direction... 8)

Excuses, excuses.

Mind you, quick anticipation of the political priorities.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 25, 2022, 21:18:41 pm
I used to play for VS back in the day, only ever made the reserves though, back then they were a much better team and were pushing to get into the conference, Graham Rambo Reed signed and Terry Angus was also there, Jesus he could run, we used to train on Winfield rec, the bàstards in the local council put a 400 m track on it and we used to play winners and losers doing 400m races……..Terry one every time.
Much better. Jimmy Knox had them firing on all cylinders for a time.
Were you with them the season before when they won the Vase?
I never played at Butlin Rd but I did once play on Rugby Towns old ground at the top of Bilton Rd, and plenty of Sunday league stuff on Winfield Rec.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Manwork04 on April 25, 2022, 21:29:36 pm
Much better. Jimmy Knox had them firing on all cylinders for a time.
Were you with them the season before when they won the Vase?
I never played at Butlin Rd but I did once play on Rugby Towns old ground at the top of Bilton Rd, and plenty of Sunday league stuff on Winfield Rec.
No not when they won the Vase, the pitch there was rock hard even in the middle of winter, we used to train on it on a Tuesday night and the kids used to climb up the fir trees behind the goal to watch…. Happy days.
Obviously still have a soft spot for them, they should be at a much higher level than the UCL prem.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 25, 2022, 21:56:57 pm
No not when they won the Vase, the pitch there was rock hard even in the middle of winter, we used to train on it on a Tuesday night and the kids used to climb up the fir trees behind the goal to watch…. Happy days.
Obviously still have a soft spot for them, they should be at a much higher level than the UCL prem.
I've just looked and the capacity of the ground is 6,000!
I should add that when I played at the old ground the club had long since upper sticks and moved to Butlin Rd.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: everbrite on April 25, 2022, 22:32:38 pm
No not when they won the Vase, the pitch there was rock hard even in the middle of winter, we used to train on it on a Tuesday night and the kids used to climb up the fir trees behind the goal to watch…. Happy days.
Obviously still have a soft spot for them, they should be at a much higher level than the UCL prem.

Did not the late but great Terry Branston came from Rugby (Town?), back in the early 60's , My understanding was that he impressed in a game against the Cobblers and was signed up. By the way how can you blokes go on about Rugby FC and not mention Terry; shame on you Bingers, CJ and Manny. Always remember Terry playing against Orient* on a mud bath of a pitch. Orient were then an established 2nd Div Side with a centre forward called Bolland who was destined for Norwich or Spurs. Terry gave him (Bolland) an introductory tackle and can still remember to this day the dull slap of Bolland hitting the deep deepest mud of Brisbane Rd! It finished 0-0. The other endearing sight was the line of Cobblers Buses leaving the ground, I counted up to 11 coaches and then gave up as we turned a corner being with my father on the second coach. Lived in London in a flat with 3 other lay-abouts and welcome the prospect of a few decent home cooked meals.

* That 4-1 victory at Orient as far as I am concerned is dedicated to Terry!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 25, 2022, 22:42:00 pm
Did not the late but great Terry Branston came from Rugby (Town?), back in the early 60's , My understanding was that he impressed in a game against the Cobblers and was signed up. By the way how can you blokes go on about Rugby FC and not mention Terry; shame on you Bingers, CJ and Manny. Always remember Terry playing against Orient* on a mud bath of a pitch. Orient were then an established 2nd Div Side with a centre forward called Bolland who was destined for Norwich or Spurs. Terry gave him (Bolland) an introductory tackle and can still remember to this day the dull slap of Bolland hitting the deep deepest mud of Brisbane Rd! It finished 0-0. The other endearing sight was the line of Cobblers Buses leaving the ground, I counted up to 11 coaches and then gave up as we turned a corner being with my father on the second coach. Lived in London in a flat with 3 other lay-abouts and welcome the prospect of a few decent home cooked meals.

That 4-1 victory at Orient as far as I am concerned is dedicated to Terry!

Terry Branston was actually born in Rugby, there is reference to him playing for Rugby after he had played for us, not before.....joined us as an amateur in 1958.
From our official site....
BRANSTON, Terry
Northampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Terry Branston in December 2010. Terry joined the Cobblers as an amateur in October 1958 and took part in the Thursday afternoon full practice matches by telling his Rugby based employers that he had an ongoing appointment at Northampton General Hospital for an ear infection! His Northampton debut came in the 3-3 draw at London Road v Peterborough United in October 1960 and by the beginning of the next season he had made a first team spot his own. He was the club's regular centre half as the club rose from Divisions Four to One, one of the few players who managed the feat with the same club. When the Cobblers fell back to Division Three, Terry joined Luton after playing 271 competitive games and scoring two goals. At Kenilworth Road his magic worked again and he helped his new club from Division Four to Division Two amassing 118 games and scoring ten goals. In 1970 he joined Lincoln City and in three years with the Imps he saw the club just miss out on promotion to Division Three, preventing him from achieving a personal hat trick of promotions. Terry wound down his career with non league sides Kings Lynn, Nuneaton, Long Eaton, Enderby, and V.S. Rugby where he was manager. He also took up refereeing when finished with management. During his playing days he started a driving school and taught many of his playing colleagues to drive as well as other well known locals like cricketing legend Colin Milburn. Terry was one of the few ex players who became a season ticket holder at the club. We send our thoughts and condolences to Terry's friends and family.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: everbrite on April 25, 2022, 23:03:15 pm
Terry Branston was actually born in Rugby, there is reference to him playing for Rugby after he had played for us, not before.....joined us as an amateur in 1958.
From our official site....
BRANSTON, Terry
Northampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Terry Branston in December 2010. Terry joined the Cobblers as an amateur in October 1958 and took part in the Thursday afternoon full practice matches by telling his Rugby based employers that he had an ongoing appointment at Northampton General Hospital for an ear infection! His Northampton debut came in the 3-3 draw at London Road v Peterborough United in October 1960 and by the beginning of the next season he had made a first team spot his own. He was the club's regular centre half as the club rose from Divisions Four to One, one of the few players who managed the feat with the same club. When the Cobblers fell back to Division Three, Terry joined Luton after playing 271 competitive games and scoring two goals. At Kenilworth Road his magic worked again and he helped his new club from Division Four to Division Two amassing 118 games and scoring ten goals. In 1970 he joined Lincoln City and in three years with the Imps he saw the club just miss out on promotion to Division Three, preventing him from achieving a personal hat trick of promotions. Terry wound down his career with non league sides Kings Lynn, Nuneaton, Long Eaton, Enderby, and V.S. Rugby where he was manager. He also took up refereeing when finished with management. During his playing days he started a driving school and taught many of his playing colleagues to drive as well as other well known locals like cricketing legend Colin Milburn. Terry was one of the few ex players who became a season ticket holder at the club. We send our thoughts and condolences to Terry's friends and family.

Searching my memory he was indeed an amateur player who was on VS Rugby books.; albeit as a youth player! My memory also suggests that were was some bad feeling between VS and ourselves that we had poached a player from them. Perhaps a search of the Chrons 1958 archives will cofirm that incident,


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 26, 2022, 09:00:48 am
He was a very well known figure around the Rugby area for many years through his local league refereeing and driving school alone. Didnt teach me but I knew several who he did. Hard but fair is how I think you would describe his officiating, probably just like his playing style though I never witnessed that. Bearing in mind some of the characters that played the game locally back then there weren't many who would mess with Terry. Not sure how he would get on pandering to the rule changes these days.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Bingers on April 26, 2022, 11:22:31 am
Did not the late but great Terry Branston came from Rugby (Town?), back in the early 60's , My understanding was that he impressed in a game against the Cobblers and was signed up. By the way how can you blokes go on about Rugby FC and not mention Terry; shame on you Bingers, CJ and Manny.

I suppose its because I never saw him play, largely on account of not being born until 1970. And not going to a game until 1987. I thought we shouldn't comment unless we were actually there.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 26, 2022, 11:27:17 am
What did the VS stand for in VS Rugby? One of the unique team names pre-fix/suffix.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 26, 2022, 11:33:51 am
What did the VS stand for in VS Rugby? One of the unique team names pre-fix/suffix.

Valley Sports. Maybe a sport equipment manufacturer who sponsored them?


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 26, 2022, 11:52:41 am
Valley Sports. Maybe a sport equipment manufacturer who sponsored them?

Thanks. Would never have guessed that!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Manwork04 on April 26, 2022, 12:01:00 pm
Did not the late but great Terry Branston came from Rugby (Town?), back in the early 60's , My understanding was that he impressed in a game against the Cobblers and was signed up. By the way how can you blokes go on about Rugby FC and not mention Terry; shame on you Bingers, CJ and Manny. Always remember Terry playing against Orient* on a mud bath of a pitch. Orient were then an established 2nd Div Side with a centre forward called Bolland who was destined for Norwich or Spurs. Terry gave him (Bolland) an introductory tackle and can still remember to this day the dull slap of Bolland hitting the deep deepest mud of Brisbane Rd! It finished 0-0. The other endearing sight was the line of Cobblers Buses leaving the ground, I counted up to 11 coaches and then gave up as we turned a corner being with my father on the second coach. Lived in London in a flat with 3 other lay-abouts and welcome the prospect of a few decent home cooked meals.

* That 4-1 victory at Orient as far as I am concerned is dedicated to Terry!
I knew Terry and had many conversations with him about the mighty Cobbs.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 26, 2022, 12:01:46 pm
What did the VS stand for in VS Rugby? One of the unique team names pre-fix/suffix.
It did stand for Valley Sports but wasn't down to any sponsorship. There's an area of Rugby colloquially know as Happy Valley (New Bilton) and I believe the club has its roots there.  May have been part of a multi sports club as well but I can't be certain of that.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: everbrite on April 27, 2022, 09:42:50 am
I suppose its because I never saw him play, largely on account of not being born until 1970. And not going to a game until 1987. I thought we shouldn't comment unless we were actually there.

Comment as much as you like Yorkie but you will lack the moral integrity of Boris going to a party along with Sunack. I have it on good authority that Boris is a Cobbler😵‍💫. That Angela is a Bradford supporter😇


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 27, 2022, 11:26:54 am
Somebody mentioned Scarborough, that was another I forgot.
 A couple of grounds that no spring chickens have seen the Cobblers play at, I went to Old Trafford and White Hart Lane in 65/66 plus a couple of others that we have played at since that year.

Went to Scarborough's McCain Stadium once, the Theatre of Chips they called it. Tony Adcock scored in I think a 2-1 defeat. They are Scarborough Athletic now and just had a record crowd at the new Flamingo Land Stadium last night of 2,600 and are one Play-Off final away from promotion to the National League North.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 27, 2022, 11:44:24 am
Went to Scarborough's McCain Stadium once,the Theatre of Chips they called it. Tony Adcock scored in I think a 2-1 defeat. They are Scarborough Athletic now and just had a record crowd at the new Flamingo Land Stadium last night of 2,600 and are one Play-Off final away from promotion to the National League North.

Me too. Managed to park right outside the away end opposite the turnstiles. Must have been around 1996.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 27, 2022, 11:52:25 am
Terry Branston was actually born in Rugby, there is reference to him playing for Rugby after he had played for us, not before.....joined us as an amateur in 1958.
From our official site....
BRANSTON, Terry
Northampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Terry Branston in December 2010. Terry joined the Cobblers as an amateur in October 1958 and took part in the Thursday afternoon full practice matches by telling his Rugby based employers that he had an ongoing appointment at Northampton General Hospital for an ear infection! His Northampton debut came in the 3-3 draw at London Road v Peterborough United in October 1960 and by the beginning of the next season he had made a first team spot his own. He was the club's regular centre half as the club rose from Divisions Four to One, one of the few players who managed the feat with the same club. When the Cobblers fell back to Division Three, Terry joined Luton after playing 271 competitive games and scoring two goals. At Kenilworth Road his magic worked again and he helped his new club from Division Four to Division Two amassing 118 games and scoring ten goals. In 1970 he joined Lincoln City and in three years with the Imps he saw the club just miss out on promotion to Division Three, preventing him from achieving a personal hat trick of promotions. Terry wound down his career with non league sides Kings Lynn, Nuneaton, Long Eaton, Enderby, and V.S. Rugby where he was manager. He also took up refereeing when finished with management. During his playing days he started a driving school and taught many of his playing colleagues to drive as well as other well known locals like cricketing legend Colin Milburn. Terry was one of the few ex players who became a season ticket holder at the club. We send our thoughts and condolences to Terry's friends and family.

I remember a testimonial at The County Ground against Leicester City in the early to mid seventies which I think, was for Terry Branston. Still got the program somewher. Why Leicester, I don't know.
We also played Liverpool in a friendly a few years later, must have been for Phil Neal. Do we still have testimonials? Don't remember many since.



Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3481 on April 27, 2022, 12:16:27 pm
I remember a testimonial at The County Ground against Leicester City in the early to mid seventies which I think, was for Terry Branston. Still got the program somewher. Why Leicester, I don't know.
We also played Liverpool in a friendly a few years later, must have been for Phil Neal. Do we still have testimonials? Don't remember many since.

Woodman 2007 (?) vs West Ham, Sammo 2004 v R&D.
There was also one 1999/2000 at a guess, Welch, Hodge are the main players I can remember but was against a 'legends' team and Eddie McGoldrick played.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: EB Claret on April 27, 2022, 14:21:55 pm
Me too. Managed to park right outside the away end opposite the turnstiles. Must have been around 1996.

Two grounds I managed to park right outside were Macclesfield and Kidderminster.

Strangest parking space ever was at Leicester. My mate drove us there in his wife's Vauxhall Cavalier to see the FA Cup game at Filbert Street. We circled the ground looking for parking until he spotted a Vauxhall dealership, turned in and parked on the end of the row of used cars for sale! After the game it was still there and disappointingly they'd had no decent offers for it :(


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 27, 2022, 16:31:43 pm
Two grounds I managed to park right outside were Macclesfield and Kidderminster.

Strangest parking space ever was at Leicester. My mate drove us there in his wife's Vauxhall Cavalier to see the FA Cup game at Filbert Street. We circled the ground looking for parking until he spotted a Vauxhall dealership, turned in and parked on the end of the row of used cars for sale! After the game it was still there and disappointingly they'd had no decent offers for it :(
Theres a VW dealer just south of Croydon, that charges customers ninety quid just to park on the forecourt.  :o


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: macca1959 on April 27, 2022, 16:45:00 pm
I remember a testimonial at The County Ground against Leicester City in the early to mid seventies which I think, was for Terry Branston. Still got the program somewher. Why Leicester, I don't know.
We also played Liverpool in a friendly a few years later, must have been for Phil Neal. Do we still have testimonials? Don't remember many since.


I remember going to a testimonial against Leicester in the early to mid seventies, I’m sure that one was for john clarke


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 27, 2022, 18:13:52 pm
I remember a testimonial at The County Ground against Leicester City in the early to mid seventies which I think, was for Terry Branston. Still got the program somewher. Why Leicester, I don't know.
We also played Liverpool in a friendly a few years later, must have been for Phil Neal. Do we still have testimonials? Don't remember many since.



I remember and went to this one...1986.......I have the programme too!

https://www.footballprogrammes.net/football-testimonial-benefit-c-95/terry-branston-testimonial-northampton-town-1986-multi-signed-p-36068.html


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest168 on April 27, 2022, 19:02:49 pm
I remember a testimonial at The County Ground against Leicester City in the early to mid seventies which I think, was for Terry Branston. Still got the program somewher. Why Leicester, I don't know.
We also played Liverpool in a friendly a few years later, must have been for Phil Neal. Do we still have testimonials? Don't remember many since.



Think the Liverpool (and Arsenal too) were for Dave Bowen

I was also at both the Scarborough and VS Rugby games (my first away game without my dad too  :))


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest168 on April 27, 2022, 19:08:02 pm
Chester away 5-0 win 1st game of the season 1987 was pretty good too


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 27, 2022, 19:10:31 pm
I remember and went to this one...1986.......I have the programme too!

https://www.footballprogrammes.net/football-testimonial-benefit-c-95/terry-branston-testimonial-northampton-town-1986-multi-signed-p-36068.html

Cheers GPC. My memories getting  worse. The Leicester one must have been John Clarke as Macca said. Don't remember the Luton one but it makes more sense.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Coolcat on April 27, 2022, 20:40:11 pm
I remember and went to this one...1986.......I have the programme too!

https://www.footballprogrammes.net/football-testimonial-benefit-c-95/terry-branston-testimonial-northampton-town-1986-multi-signed-p-36068.html
Was at that. Took a couple of Leicester fans (lived there then) stopping off rather strangely at the North Star in Kingsthorpe on the way back.
Also strangely, only around 800 at the County Ground that night!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: WadeyCobbler on April 27, 2022, 21:30:03 pm
Chester away 5-0 win 1st game of the season 1987 was pretty good too


My first away game that was at the old Sealand Road. Next one was Walsall's old Fellows Park. Away end had the railway line behind it. Fred Barber in goal for Walsall. Just remember him getting loads of stick.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Shoemender on April 28, 2022, 06:14:49 am
Chester away 5-0 win 1st game of the season 1987 was pretty good too


Wasn't it 5-0 at half time and there was a coachload who didn't get there until half time and missed all the goals!!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: BackOfTheNet on April 28, 2022, 08:36:27 am
My first away game was Chesterfield the year of the running battle in the streets and the pitch invasion at half time - I wondered what the hell was going on!


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 28, 2022, 10:31:44 am
Theres a VW dealer just south of Croydon, that charges customers ninety quid just to park on the forecourt.  :o
Any fuel involved in that deal?
I'd be wanting a tankful.


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on April 28, 2022, 10:47:26 am
Any fuel involved in that deal?
I'd be wanting a tankful.

That alone would be more than 90 quid... 8)


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: Tabasco Kid on April 28, 2022, 13:04:34 pm
Any fuel involved in that deal?
I'd be wanting a tankful.
No, but you do get a little fella in his little meet and greet uniform, who jumps out of his shed, and runs towards you waving his arms.
Once inside, you get free fruit, coffee, and donuts.
I dropped off my contractors pick-up, so didnt see the invoice, but I assume that the £90 is added to the £120 per hour labour charge. (plus vat).


Title: Re: Grounds Visited
Post by: guest3338 on April 28, 2022, 15:58:16 pm
No, but you do get a little fella in his little meet and greet uniform, who jumps out of his shed, and runs towards you waving his arms.
Once inside, you get free fruit, coffee, and donuts.
I dropped off my contractors pick-up, so didnt see the invoice, but I assume that the £90 is added to the £120 per hour labour charge. (plus vat).
Blimey!
And there was me thinking Croydon was still less than salubrious.