Popular Post havanatopia Posted December 8, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) On August 9th, 2014 Bristol City played Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and won by 2 goals to 1. It was the first game of that remarkable title winning season which none of us will ever forget. I sat virtually alone in a bar in Manila watching it live. As I recall we all thought then that this match was chosen as a season opener for League One because we were the two teams most likely to be promoted. The Blades ultimately failed in that endeavour as they had done before and after and remained in the third tier for 6 long seasons. This evening, the same fixture, is live once more for the first time since that campaign. And while that match was important for both teams to start with a win the match this evening is on an entirely different and elevated plateau. Chris Wilder was United's 7th manager during their latest spell in the 3rd tier and the only one to get them out of it. Danny Wilson, like his two tries with us, failing to promote the Blades through the play offs. Sheffield United have spent 23 years in the top flight in the modern era, since 1945, but only 3 since the Premier League was formed in 1992. Their last being a single season under Neil Warnock in 2006/7 in which many would argue should and could have been many more had it not been for West Ham United. We will recall they were relegated controversially instead of West Ham who had Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez having joined on loan from Brazillian side Corinthians in 2006. Innocent enough except they were owned by a third party, an Iranian businessman called Kia Joorabchian. West Ham were accused by the Premier League of incorrectly hiding the details of the contracts of the two players. The Premier League set up a disciplinary tribunal to try West Ham, who in April 2007 pleaded guilty. The tribunal fined West Ham a record £5.5m, but decided not to deduct points. West Ham were also ordered to end their arrangements with Joorabchian's "third-party owners." The club claimed to have ripped up the contract, and taken ownership of Tevez's registration. Tevez scored three crucial goals in the three victories which followed; West Ham stayed up, Sheffield United were relegated. Sheffield United then took action against West Ham directly. West Ham had claimed they had ripped up Tevez's contract and employed him directly while Mascherano had already been transferred to Liverpool. Under FA rules, the case was referred to arbitration, a private legal process where the parties agreed to abide by the decision. The arbitration chairman, Lord Griffiths, ruled that West Ham had not truly ripped up Tevez's "third-party" contract, and that Tevez had been instrumental in keeping the Hammers up. The clubs ultimately agreed a £15m sum in which to compensate Sheffield United for the cost of being relegated. Blades players also pursued compensation from West Ham for loss of earnings and Fulham and Wigan also looked into compensation as they had finished below West Ham that season. That all left a nasty taste in the mouth of many who felt West Ham had got off rather lightly especially considering the loss of revenue to the Blades that was far in excess of the £15 million they received. And here we are 11 years later and Sheffield United are still feeling the affects of that injustice. Chris Wilder, for the first time since then, has given the club an exponential increase in positivity not seen since their Neil Warnock days. To any layman looking in that would look like a level of 'laying the ghost' of West Ham is nigh. Naturally not at our expense but I would like to see the day when the Blades go to the Olympic Stadium and give West Ham United a damn good hiding on the pitch. That time may not be that far away especially if we indirectly do the Blades a favour this evening and help to perpetuate their time in the 2nd tier; because West Ham could very well be coming down! And on another but rather unrelated note, marvellously reminded to us by Startibart.., we reflect on a 50 year anniversary, if that is what we can call it, of a postponed debut for John Galley. One of 3 brothers, easily the youngest, who played league football. That match was a home fixture to Villa. Interestingly it is snowing quite heavily right now in Aston which might affect the M5 and M6 and onward to Sheffield where it is not snowing but where it will be -2 by the time the match kicks off; if indeed it does. This might be the first postponed fixture of the season but I sincerely hope not for all of you braving it including my brother. Anyway, back to Galley.. An amazing signing by Dicks as he arrived at Ashton Gate in a plaster cast on his leg from Rotherham. Big strong centre forward who could score with his head or right foot. Big favourite of the East End who's sung " We'll walk a million miles for one of your goals John Galley". Turned out to be good signing for Dicks as it helped City stay in the old second division. - Says Gavlin on OTIB from December 2013. And as 22A reminds us Galley finally made his debut 3 weeks later scoring all 3 goals in City's 3-0 win at Leeds Road, Huddersfield. Back in those days City did not meet Sheffield United that much although we did in September 1970 when we drew 3-3 at Bramall Lane but lost the return fixture at Ashton Gate in March 1971 by a single goal. The Blades were promoted to the top flight that season but were relegated the season City went up and by the time we came down they were down in the third tier and falling to the fourth in season 1981/2. We missed them again because they remained one season and were promoted back to Division Three and passed us on the way down. It is quite remarkable, actually, how City and United have contrived to miss playing league matches together since the 1970's. Tonight is our first fixture since February 2015 when, many may recall, they got their own back for their loss to us on the opening televised match of that season. We lost 1-3 at Ashton Gate by which time it was merely an irritating little blip in our cruise to the title. That being said, it might have been the first time that someone coined the term about the Blades being forever there, at our shoulder, and so here we are again seeing them just behind us in our shadow once more. I think this might be a regulation win. On the other hand we might have a hiccup or possibly we could nullify each other to a draw. I don't do predictions but if did they would be dream like ones where John Galley scores a hattrick, thumps the cross bar, nearly scoring his forth that reverberates around the ground, and the chant 'we'll walk a million miles for one of your goals John Galley' would be heard as far away as Hillsborough. But enough eulogising. City have perhaps the best group of players since those early 70's days. They know what they have to keep doing; show up and play your game and don't be shrinking violets like you were against Preston. After all, Bramall Lane is the oldest continually used sports venue in the world. Safe travels everyone and help City bring back the goods. Edited December 8, 2017 by havanatopia 18 1 1 Quote Link to comment
havanatopia Posted December 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 As an interesting couple of addendums:- Sheffield United have won the top flight title once in their history that season, being the same year Bristol North End became Bristol City, was 1897/8 They have won league titles on 3 other occasions;- League Division 2 - 1952/3 League Division 4 - 1981/2 which I mentioned above. League Division 1 (new)- 2016/17 City have won 5 nationwide league titles as of course we all know. Quote Link to comment
Port Said Red Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) " I don't do predictions but if did they would be dream like ones where John Galley scores a hattrick, thumps the cross bar, nearly scoring his forth that reverberates around the ground, and the chant 'we'll walk a million miles for one of your goals John Galley' would be heard as far away as Hillsborough. " I don't mind admitting getting a small tear in my eye reading that paragraph @havanatopia. My eldest brother is currently very ill in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and it brought back memories of standing next to him on the East End when he was home on leave from whichever ship he was on at the time, singing that very chant. I am going down to see my brother tomorrow and I hope to be bringing news of a win tonight along with the Boro win which he wont be aware of yet. Edited December 8, 2017 by Port Said Red 10 Quote Link to comment
exAtyeoMax Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Will be going to "Sounds like Friday Night" so will miss the first half at least…hopefully back home for the second. Quote Link to comment
Norn Iron Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Another great Havanatopia journalistic style starter. Thanks. Two things; I trust Bramall Lane has undersoil heating otherwise with a clear night sky plus freezing temperatures, frost could easily have the game abandoned around half time. My other point is purely pedantic, so apologies Havanatopia but what is the plural of addendum as "A couple of addendums" is surely incorrect? I'd say it's either addenda or addendae. However, if we substituted addendum with the word stadium then a couple of stadiums would be acceptable, although stadia would be preferable. So maybe addendums is ok? I told you it was pedantic but what is the correct wording? 1 Quote Link to comment
havanatopia Posted December 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 1 minute ago, Norn Iron said: Another great Havanatopia journalistic style starter. Thanks. Two things; I trust Bramall Lane has undersoil heating. My other point is purely pedantic, so apologies Havanatopia but what is the plural of addendum as "A couple of addendums" is surely incorrect? I'd say it's either addenda or addendae. However, if we substituted addendum with the word stadium then a couple of stadiums would be acceptable, although stadia would be preferable. So maybe addendums is ok? I told you it was pedantic but what is the correct wording? Good point... addendi? And nothing pedantic about your query. I hope undersoil heating is there too indeed. And thanks for the compliment. Port Said... All the very best for a full recovery to your brother. I hope he pulls through. Glad the remarks brought a tear or two of joy and may City shed some positive light on his well being. 3 1 Quote Link to comment
Garland-sweden Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 If we play well think we got a good chance to a point or thre. Confidence is good and let see what the game brings. Gonna see the game on telly. 2--1 City. Always believe, COYR!!! Quote Link to comment
Jerseybean Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Fancy (and very much hope) that this will be a great game, think it will end 1-1. Playing on a Friday night brings forward that Saturday afternoon feeling and means that, if we win, we get a longer weekend glow! Travel well the faithful and sing until you are all sung-out. Quote Link to comment
Major Isewater Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Thanks to H for his input , tops as ever. Drama , as William Shakespeare once said . Will the Blades succombe to our superior experience and quality or will sheer guts and bloody mindedness get them the win ? I don't know and if I did I'd be down the bookies in a Jiffy ( an expression, not a padded bag ) Each match this season is thought of as ' season defining ' . I feel if we win tonight it may psychologically undermine our opponents and put an end to their creditable start to life in the Championship. It's our turn for glory . Leave nothing on the pitch lads and bring those three points home . 2 1 Quote Link to comment
daored Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Looking forward to tonight , should be a good game with goals. Quote Link to comment
PHILINFRANCE Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 26 minutes ago, Norn Iron said: Another great Havanatopia journalistic style starter. Thanks. Two things; I trust Bramall Lane has undersoil heating otherwise with a clear night sky plus freezing temperatures, frost could easily have the game abandoned around half time. My other point is purely pedantic, so apologies Havanatopia but what is the plural of addendum as "A couple of addendums" is surely incorrect? I'd say it's either addenda or addendae. However, if we substituted addendum with the word stadium then a couple of stadiums would be acceptable, although stadia would be preferable. So maybe addendums is ok? I told you it was pedantic but what is the correct wording? The correct plural of addendum is, in fact, addenda, although, as addendum is recognised as an English word, addendums can also be used. Anybody on here remember back in school having to decline the latin word for war, bellum? Bellum, bellum, bellum, belli, bello, bello. Bella, bella, bella, bellorum, bellis, bellis. It still makes me chuckle. And to think, we used to have to decline mensa (table) as well - Oh Table! (in the vocative form) anybody? 3 1 Quote Link to comment
Norn Iron Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 I'm showing my age here but Utd might not score again tonight as Tony Currie isn't even on the bench. I'm trying to think of Sheffield United 'greats' and can only come up with Tony. As far as players that have played for both clubs, I'm even more stuck. Diego De Girolamo is all I can come up with. There must be other players? Quote Link to comment
wendyredredrobin Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Where are we watching tonight? As I dont have Sky, I will be watching the game in my local with a couple of pints and a burger. I reckon SU are there for the taking and we could well be coming home with Another 3 points in the bag, though a point would be acceptable. Even if we do win, we will still be third with a 3 point gap to Baadiff who play tomorrow. Quote Link to comment
PHILINFRANCE Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Keith Curle? Quote Link to comment
BRISTOL86 Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Anyone having a flutter tonight? I thought this looked quite tasty 2 Quote Link to comment
Major Isewater Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 33 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said: The correct plural of addendum is, in fact, addenda, although, as addendum is recognised as an English word, addendums can also be used. Anybody on here remember back in school having to decline the latin word for war, bellum? Bellum, bellum, bellum, belli, bello, bello. Bella, bella, bella, bellorum, bellis, bellis. It still makes me chuckle. And to think, we used to have to decline mensa (table) as well - Oh Table! (in the vocative form) anybody? I bet I'm not the only one who thought of this when reading your post . 2 1 Quote Link to comment
Major Isewater Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 26 minutes ago, wendyredredrobin said: Where are we watching tonight? As I dont have Sky, I will be watching the game in my local with a couple of pints and a burger. I reckon SU are there for the taking and we could well be coming home with Another 3 points in the bag, though a point would be acceptable. Even if we do win, we will still be third with a 3 point gap to Baadiff who play tomorrow. Stumped for players at the moment but coaches , Danny Wilson and John Pemberton . Quote Link to comment
One Team In Keynsham Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 36 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said: The correct plural of addendum is, in fact, addenda, although, as addendum is recognised as an English word, addendums can also be used. Anybody on here remember back in school having to decline the latin word for war, bellum? Bellum, bellum, bellum, belli, bello, bello. Bella, bella, bella, bellorum, bellis, bellis. It still makes me chuckle. And to think, we used to have to decline mensa (table) as well - Oh Table! (in the vocative form) anybody? reading this just got "eram eras erat eramus eratis erant" stuck in my head And happy days reading "Caecilius ist pater", "Cerebus ist canis" etc. Quote Link to comment
Norn Iron Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 26 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said: Keith Curle? Great shout. Played over 50 games for them. I remember talking to him as if it was only yesterday at the Crab Apple in Clevedon. He said that the goal he scored against the rovers came off his shin pads! We were talking after an away game in the mid 80s. Quote Link to comment
Coppello Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 As many said, I'm also very much looking forward to this evening. I'm hopeful that we can keep our incredible record of being unbeaten in 10 away games a run which dates back to mid August I believe! Quote Link to comment
shelts Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Really looking forward to tonight’s game . Mum is making mash , pie and beans so over to her tonight . Sheffield United a ground I’ve never been to , it looks rather tired and old fashioned on the tele . If we can keep their big centre forward quiet we have a chance . First goal wins . 1 Quote Link to comment
Shtanley Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 All the talking about GIF’s and the fact that Coutts got injured makes me feel Pack is gonna score. Might put a pound on it. 1 Quote Link to comment
ZiderEyed Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 23 minutes ago, BRISTOL86 said: Anyone having a flutter tonight? I thought this looked quite tasty Thats a ******* good return mind. Quote Link to comment
RedBrizzleRobin Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) Thought this was an interesting stat, pulled off the sky preview of the game. "Bristol City have already won more away Championship points this season (19) than they managed in the whole of last season (17)" Amazing turnaround from last season. Edited December 8, 2017 by RedBrizzleRobin 2 Quote Link to comment
Port Said Red Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 25 minutes ago, BRISTOL86 said: Anyone having a flutter tonight? I thought this looked quite tasty Whats .5 of a corner? 1 Quote Link to comment
RedBrizzleRobin Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 1 minute ago, Port Said Red said: Whats .5 of a corner? A Magnússon throw? 3 4 Quote Link to comment
cheshire_red Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 @havanatopia Bristol North End? Quote Link to comment
City Rocker Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 4 minutes ago, cheshire_red said: @havanatopia Bristol North End? Confusing us with the famous Patchway North End perhaps? Easily done. 1 Quote Link to comment
cityloyal473 Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 A point or better will make it a very good weekend. Oh, and no more blinking injuries. Quote Link to comment
AppyDAZE Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Surely we are due a little Good Luck! message from Visiting Owl anytime soon. Always seems like a decent sort of guy, so let's hope we can make him almost as happy as we are after tonight's game. Quote Link to comment
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