Southend Blue

Think fans of teams in mid-league (I'm not single out any one club name, but in general as a rule) think being at the top of the league, a handful of games to go, and on the verge of promotion to a higher (all right in true terms, the Premier) league is all fun, excitement and a life of leisure. In fact it's sheer bloody nerves and anxiety for the most part, particularly when you've been part of something that been outside of the aforementioned promotion objective for the best part of 22 years and for the majority of it (we have been so out of touch) looked such an unreachable target, it's almost the club you follow has entered an alternate reality. I can understand that Leicester result and then some, they're nervous and picked a number of poor results last few weeks. Strange really, they held their nerve to win the Premier League 7 or 8 years ago while now just can't stand the heat in trying to get back up from the Championship league. Leeds are anxious too, We're anxious, all three teams must be sick in their stomachs as the final games approach. That Plymouth win was great of course but Foxes were just playing their game in hand. From here on they, us and Leeds start on equal footing. Neutrals can enjoy this and they will but when you're a part of it (and we're not used to being in an automatic promotion race in the second league by this stage of a season for a long time) it's more anxiety and nerves than fun until if you make it over the line.

Tried to follow the game but it was awkward. Talksport were supposed to feature throughout but all they did was put updates on with no consistent commentary. Kept looking in on this match day thread too but really wanted to listen to action to gain a proper understanding of what was going on over there. Obviously we're pleased with the result but it would be unfair to just come on a rival fans message board to declare that. From what I could learn as the game progressed Bristol City played well and in the end were value for the victory. It seems the referee wasn't at his best but i'm just going from what I can learn from the comments made here as the game progressed. What with this and the Southampton win a few weeks back it seems you have it within you to take on, challenge and even overcome the best sides in this division but it doesn't always go your way. I don't think Leicester will make automatic promotion as they're simply too inconsistent now so that really leaves us, Leeds and Southampton to take the automatic promotion places. Leicester I think just don't seem to have the nerve or stomach to see it through. Well done on your victory.

Just reply to the above and then around about call it a night Thing is Ivan, if this game and result had occurred some 4 or 5 years ago I'd be inclined to agree with you. But things are different now. We're a team on the up and club name revigorated from the disasters of recent seasons. Maybe it will all go back to shit before any rejuvenation has the chance to take place again, maybe McKenna could be lured away at end of season, maybe the squad we have right now will be broken up in a short time, maybe some giant sea monster will emerge from the North Sea and take up residence at Portman Road and we'll all be forced to stage match days in Christchurch Park, until any or all of these things occur, you just can't tell. Point is, as someone who gets to follow and see just about each and every score and game involving my club throughout each passing year or season I'd like to feel I possess a right or validation in saying this is (right now at least) a club name you can take a certain pride in. Neutrals or rival fans can't or won't quite understand it and that's fair enough but the truth is we've come such a long way in such a short space of time. In fact it's something almost unparalleled in our history. Only 2 years, 30 months back fans thought a possible fall into League Two would occur as then owner Evans was single-handedly destroying everything good about us and sending the club name on a collision course with disaster. I don't necessarily believe in deities, a higher power than mankind or heavenly intervention but from somewhere, something good came along and all the pieces are starting to fall into place. All right we're not the teams you mention and could never make such a comparison (Manchester City incidentally were nothing before the Arabs came in and turned them from a mediocre club side into title challengers and all on the basis of obscene investment and available funding, while teams like us and lower league can only watch on and not do a thing about it) but from my own club's perspective and witness of not only tonight but last couple of seasons, there's a resilience and will to succeed there that simply hasn't been in place going back over twenty years. I know some fans here will still choose to criticise us win lose or draw because of the Mark Ashton connection and I say again it's unfortunate and regrettable that one individual has to cause friction or discontent within the respective fanbase but those honest enough will or should accept we're a team or club name making it's way back on a more positive route. Between 2007 - 2020/21 this team was out of it, a mess, in total disarray - but finally on the verge of giving something back to the fans, at least for the years spent in question where at times you felt like giving up. If or when we get promoted to the premier league, first time in 22 years, we will have earned it because of not only this season but the one before (100 goals, almost as many points in League One) We could return straight away and only be back for 1 year, but for now, and I'm sure I speak for all Town fans, we're just enjoying this spell while it lasts and taking pleasure in something that has been very few and far between going back to 2006. You try to find the rights words but happy with that. It's a fair and honest assessment from a fan that's seen more bad times than good but can't really offer much more than that for this visit. Goodnight.

despite being beaten you should be proud of your team tonight for making us work for that victory. City came within 10 minutes of taking three points from a long trip from one side of the country to the other against the division's form team and 6 wins in succession before your visit. In fairness we do concede more than we should but it's compensated by an efficient strike rate and goals from just about all areas of the team. All the same there's never any divine right to victory and you made it tough for us but obviously delighted to win it and move closer to a return to the top level for first time since 2002. (Yes, it's really been that long) There's no guarantee we'll make it though, Leeds and LCFC both won tonight too which is a shame but at least it's competitive up there if nothing else. Nearly a full capacity at Portman Road for a midweek game, something that just wouldn't have happened only a few years back with a different manager or set of players. Take this opportunity to applaud all and any Robins fans who made the long trip over from the West for this evening game. Yes you're obviously disappointed with the score but showed glimpses tonight that there could be something left in the season if you put the same initiative and determination into future games you displayed here and with us.

For a Few Dollars More Western or Eastwood fans will argue could be the best of the trilogy. TGTBATU goes on too long and after so many viewings you're essentially watching the same routine. Having Lee Van Cleef play a main villain while the film before he was an ally of The Man with No Name is confusing and bizarre and spoils the picture to a certain extent while Fistful of Dollars just seems banal and nothing really goes on. The middle film of the series seems or is arguably the best watch available.

Can understand the logic in wanting fans to lose convincingly in hope to force out any undesirables from a club name. We had the same thing when Marcus Evans and his long list of god-awful managerial appointments were running our then once proud club name into the ground. You never really want to see your team lose any game and it causes division among the fanbase but when things have reached a certain level and change is or seems imperative then sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the greater good. You won't be beaten by seven goals tonight, the way McKenna deploys his team set-up will see to that and we very rarely hit goals in high number in any given fixture. A lot depends later on how much our players really want it and the level of desire or appetite within them. We have the strength in depth to do damage to any given opposition but sometimes appear too lenient in finishing teams off.

Nil by Mouth Midnight Express Wall Street In the Heat of the Night 48 Hours

The game at Plymouth on Saturday was quite pedestrian during the entire first half. It were almost like both clubs were still at League One level rather than meeting at a higher division. We were largely poor and ineffective and looked nothing like a team going for promotion to the premier league. In the end we were value for the win based on evidence of the second 45 but point being we sometimes, or often, only perform during one half rather than the other. If City are going to win tomorrow that's where you can take advantage or capitalise, it's an area of the game where we can be got at or vulnerable to opposition teams. It doesn't happen always, but often enough. It's too bad from a Robins perspective you're not playing us 5 or 6 weeks back as then we were playing nowhere like we can and dropping points often. Some were even questioning McKenna's leadership credentials or choice of manager but lo and behold we've turned it around last few weeks and back on course for something outstanding. Fans and results can be fickle but there you have it. Thing is with us although we're doing great again the potential is there to really put opposition teams to the sword by way of scoring goals but the manager ALWAYS picks one forward attacker where I could for instance include 2 or 3 others and the rewards could really work for us. I mean we could play Moore, Jackson, Sarmiento / Al Hamadi going directly forward and see where it takes us but McKenna just wouldn't entertain it. The potential is there to do greater damage than we can or have but with Chaplin not utilised in midfield (he's a forward by rights) and others like Hirst and Broadhead afflicted by injury so they can't be involved right now we have to go with what we have. To cut a long story short there's no guarantees in this game, results and predictions are always subject to change so there's no reason why Bristol City can't take something from the trip tomorrow. Just remember two words - Maidstone United. All things are possible on the day.

Great result and something you can take pride in. Did us a big favour with it. Southampton are easily one of the very best in the entire division and you put in a whole shift and deservedly won. Go for the play-offs now. Play like that each week until end of season and you'll provide yourself with every opportunity in achieving it. Going down to Millwall this evening to see ourselves and hopefully take advantage of the Saints defeat but even if we win we still can't yet overtake them. Given up on first position, Leicester just can't be caught, going to have to rely on the inconsistency of others to make the promotion dream a reality. Well done once again.

Don't dislike us because of one individual. I never asked Mark Ashton to come on board with us, all right he's now part of a (mostly) successful club side and fans at ITFC have more or less now welcomed or accepted his position but i've rather talk or discuss what occurs on the pitch. Today was disappointing, don't like noon kick-offs particularly in such pivotal games of this nature but they were value for the win. Leeds beat us and scored 4 at Portman Road earlier in the season, they've beaten us again at their own ground and scored another 4 times. That's a promotion team in every sense of the word but we can only concentrate on our own objectives and try to keep in with the automatic promotion places. we have Leicester coming up soon and another performance and result like today just won't be acceptable. Very few teams stop us from scoring over an entire game of 90 minutes but we hardly registered a shot on goal up there today. Concede too many goals although that's compensated by an attack and forward options that many others in the league simply can't match. Still in a very good position to challenge though. So many other teams would jump at the chance to be where we are and the opportunity that goes with it.

Would have liked to have been involved in this game thread and should have replied before but was unable to even follow the match and been too busy with other things. Hope to be at the return at Portman Road and if you take as many over as we did yesterday it'll be something of a real colourful occasion. All right we won but in all honesty the end result could have gone either way. We weren't at our best and played at pedestrian pace at times. I was expecting a test over there and the margin of result dictates a close contest. Just to clarify to any Robin fans who suspect or believe some of us / our fanbase are now becoming over big-headed and arrogant in light of our new resurgence, for one I'm not part of it. On an earlier page here it were misinterpreted I was being condescending towards City by use of words involving teams we recently were supposed to play or something of other nature but there was never any malice or ribbing intended. Just a misuse of words or somebody got their wires crossed. I don't have a bad word to say on your club and that's the truth. I don't know what to feasibly expect for the end of the season. Yes we're doing great and the gap between us 3rd place is exciting to use one word, but so many things are subject to change. All we've known is failure for the past 16 - 18 years until very recently so if any of us wants to - now - get carried away or belittle opponents that's their entitlement but I'd rather remember where we've been and how very tough and long it's taken to once more be a good club side / become established once again. You did well yesterday, made it hard for us and maybe we weren't at our most productive, were still made to battle for the victory.

I'm looking forward to this I really am. There's extra spice included due to factors that don't need further elaboration but as in another post am quite focused on the game itself, not so personnel other than the players and McKenna himself. Would have liked to have been there tomorrow but on the other side of the country and other commitments it just wasn't possible. Our game at Rotherham turned into farce. People made the trip up and all ready to start and they call the thing off with only a couple hours notice. Fans were rightfully enraged but at least we'll have an extra rest period over yourselves. All the same wish the Rotherham game had gone ahead, it would have provided that extra idea of what to expect over in Bristol tomorrow. Kept the players sharp and focused and ready for the next task instead of no game at all. We have some pivotal players out but remain strong. Confidence is high, Mckenna is MOTM and can do little wrong, while we possess the strongest most competitive Town squad in nearly 20 years. It should be a successful event.

I know what you mean. We'd have a far more harmonious relationship if it wasn't down to one individual. But we can't, or shouldn't, allow Ashton to influence opinion. He did wrong over there, left a bad taste and fans are rightfully not in favour but I'd rather concentrate on matters on the pitch. This is something of a look-forward to game that both fans are maybe relishing so let's allow other concerns to go by the wayside and let the best team win on the night. r.e. our past achievements, all that you mention is true but a large number of our fanbase have little to no recollection of the times and era indicated and the last trophy of sorts we won was the 2000 Play-Off victory at Wembley. Until Southgate came along we had the distinction of providing England their best two managers too.

That were a tragic time. Real disaster and one unfortunate episode after another. You'd have to have been part of it or with it all the way to truly understand the depths in which the club name sank. Not just talking 1 or 2 seasons, the bloody thing went on for well over a decade. Think it would be fair to say at (many) regular times between 2007 - 2021 we were so far vanished from our previous statures and the play and direction was in total disarray, it was like the club name had been erased from records. All right we played our games and seasons but it was without soul, without feeling, it was existence and really little else with it. There was no real life in or around the club. Yes we'll bring more over to your side of the country for the away game than would have been before that's for sure. We're bringing people back to Portman Road and away trips like haven't been seen in years. McKenna could - or will - be snapped up by a more illustrious club name sooner or later but right now he's expanding an already impressive CV with us. We're in something of recently unprecedented territory at the top of the Championship and maybe it won't last but after all the years - many years of decline - the fans deserve something back. I know some over that way don't welcome the Welsh with open arms but for the real sake of this thread and last night's heroic victory over Croatia I'd like to take the opportunity to offer congratulations and wish them well in being able to qualify for the next Euro's. They deserve something too, the Rugby World Cup must have been a big disappointment for them.

You win against Swansea, we take three points off Cardiff. Norwich lost too, not a bad set of scores is it. ? Sorry you couldn't get past them in the Cup midweek, we really were hoping you'd do it. Couldn't be at PR today but apparently there were some wild scenes at the final whistle. Naturally after turning around a two goal deficit to win 3 - 2. As someone said in this league anything can happen, all manner of teams can or will make the play offs or get a promotion. I know what's it like to want to return to the top flight after so long away, you almost crave for it even if it IS spoiled and ruined by money and greed. Highlights show should be worth seeing later and then some.

You must have enjoyed the results tonight. Rovers did try at times and had one or two chances themselves when it was still 1 - 0 but over the 90 minutes there can be no doubt the team that wanted it more got the victory. All played out on a new pitch resurfaced during the summer and it wasn't too bad a crowd for a midweek first round League cup tie although only a few number of Gas fans made the long trip over. All right it's a fair distance between places but thought they could have numbered a few more for the visit. We played well at times, showed flair and creativity and now unbeaten in 'proper' competition for something near 20 games. Didn't need a full strength team to get past these opponents but a number of familiar faces were present and correct all the same. We won't win it, never have and probably never will but the difference in hope and progress since Marcus Evans fuc, sorry, took off, is simply remarkable. We haven't had such belief in our abilities for a long long time but after the promotion there is still so much to do. Nothing further has been achieved as yet.

We play these at home in the League Cup tomorrow night. Alright on paper it would seem a straight forward win for us but actually wouldn't be surprised if they take a win back themselves over to your way. Why ? Because, we often struggle against lower league opponents particularly in Cup contests (got beat by both Cambridge and Stevenage in friendlies only a few days ago) and McKenna won't be taking it too seriously and we'll put out a lesser strength XI with a number of first team names not involved. We've never won the League Cup, I've seen a few semi-final appearances in all the years I've followed and watched Town but never got beyond the last four. It's not going to change this season either. I think the manager and players will take the F.A. Cup seriously next January but this competition won't be high on the list of this season's priorities. I think the last time we played them it was a draw, a 0 - 0 non-event 'I want my money back' kind of game but in the excitement of last season's promotion it seems kind of lost or trivial compared to other things.

Should apologise for one of our fans coming on to your message board and showing an edge of disrespect. I don't want to see rival fans fighting, it kind of makes it awkward for others who come on with good intentions and being courteous. I don't suck up to anyone, but been here long enough to see this is a good forum with fun debate and good people. Unfortunately we, or I, can't be responsible for others words or actions. We know what the problem is, it's by and large down to one individual. I'm going to overlook Mark Ashton for now, he seems to cause problems between sets of fans, but you would have seen McKenna has extended his contract for another four years. I don't think he'll see out that exact amount of time with us but it's good news indeed. At the back of my mind and doubtless some others was McKenna just a one season / 18 month wonder - can he hope to replicate that same success in a higher league - but after nearly 20 years of absolute rubbish and severe underachievement - a succession of failed inept managers - we now have something to get excited about. Will we get promoted a second time ? I don't think so, some fans with us seem to be eyeing up a finish that in truth is outside the realms of reality but I say this - We'll give it a go and see where it takes us. Any Town fans coming on, try to play nice. ?

Read (I read) some articles on the subject from EADT (The East Anglian Daily Times) website and can see where the dislike for Ashton stems from. Still, he's part of our club set-up now so guess certain allowances have to be made. I'll say this, if he can persuade or manage to keep Kieran McKenna from ever circling vultures during the summer and our manager is allowed to keep up his fine work for further seasons with us then I'll admit Ashton would have gone up in my estimation. Its been such a successful season here, amazing is one word to encapsulate it, that Ashton has often gone unnoticed. Same goes for the Game Changer Yanks who took over from the devil-incarnate Marcus Evans. It's been all about the players and manager but Ashton's part in the turnaround and personal involvement will always be somewhere near the surface. I don't expect him to return to Ashton Gate when we play you next season to quote an above post. Only because it seems the sensible thing to do to stay away. Can't wait for the Championship fixtures to be released in a few weeks, it'll be one of the first head-to-head meetings I'll be looking out for. But ourselves and Norwich City have to come first naturally. ?

Wanted to reply to this, saw this topic a few days ago. Anyway, for what it's worth I pick five of my own. Beavis and Butt Head Do America Wasn't really a fan of the MTV series but this standalone film really works. Watched it night after night on some occasions and it never really tires. It's crude and ill-advised but only in a minor sense. Only for people of certain tastes but it's a great watch time and again. The Jackal Based on Frederick Forsyth's Day of the Jackal starring Edward Fox in the 70's and while it's far less compelling and can't hold a candle to the original it's actually rather fun. Sidney Poitier's last film appearance think it was. Sometimes wonder how he ended up with this on his CV as a final role after such a long distinguished career but in truth he plays it straight and at least tries. Bruce Willis plays the lead role. Nil by Mouth Not an easy watch, some won't be able to sit it through it all or stay to the end but if you can get past the endless profanities and more use of the C word than you'd ever imagine it's actually a compelling thought provoking piece of film. Kathy Burke should have got an Oscar although may have picked up some level of award for her performance. Look out for a young Neil Maskell before he went on to bigger things. The Long Good Friday Worth a watch for the then docklands locations of East London at the end of the 70's and best thing is it keeps you guessing right up until the end as to what the story is really about. Hoskins puts in a powerhouse of a performance on a level with Mona Lisa. The synthesiser music is terribly dated but catchy and relevant at the same time. As soon as the opening credits roll you know you're going to be watching a film and a half. Crimson Tide Maybe not the best submarine film ever made but it's tight claustrophobic feel carries a lot of suspense and action. Gene Hackman was or is a great film actor and while it's maybe not in with keeping with the French Connection or Mississippi Burning for his talents, his Captain Ramsey character really fills the screen. Lot of famous other faces in it, some names we have lost recently like James Gandolfini of the Sopranos. It's a shame, but they all add up to a riveting two hours on screen. Das Boot is too long and in German, The Enemy Below doesn't really work for me and Hunt for Red October is OK but just standard fare I thought. Sean Connery will never pass as a Soviet submarine Captain.

When I was at school you'd have Dundee United and Aberdeen winning the Scots League but since '86 nothing seems to have changed. What I find odd is Celtic fans year after year always revel in the accomplishment of winning essentially a two horse race. It's no competition up there but the fans at Parkhead party and indulge in every title success like it's the first. The Scots Premier league is full on banality as as contest, it's virtually non-existent, but whenever they or Rangers win the league they seem to celebrate like Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing reaching the summit of a huge mountain. Got to admit, it's kind of bizarre. ?

Tried to watch it but can't get audio right now. Sure it's a great watch and will attempt again from another device at another time when sound is available. Wasn't born until after that time but McGarry would have been manager and we won the old second division title (this league) in 1968. Bob Robson took over later the next year and the rest is history. When we almost won the treble in 1981 (imagine that now) opposition teams thought they were coming to a nice laid back rustic outpost but on the pitch they were met with a very formidable team hell bent on attacking football and on the verge of, at the time at least, one of Europe's very best. I don't think they were really prepared for us. Our fans aren't whiter than white. You'd associate Ipswich (neutrals at least) as a simple laid back club name that wouldn't snatch sweets from a child, the epitome of fair play and impeccable behaviour and while that may have been nearer the truth at one time or another, some fans in recent years have indulged in some unsavoury scenes and incident that go beyond the pale. If some believe we're angels that can do no wrong, from personal experience and first hand testimony, it hasn't quite played out that way.

I look out for Robins results actually. Nothing disingenuous I want you to do well. Last top league appearance was in 1980 I think, not quite old enough to recall it but point being I'd like to see City being part of the top most league once again. And why not ? There was some talk here around the turn of the year about City being possibly relegated. Just think that possibly could have come to pass and take it from me you don't want to drop into League One. Finishing lower mid-league (in the Championship) is no disgrace, there's a whole bunch of teams below that would swap positions right away. Had a live TV glamour feature with Manchester City in the F.A. Cup. From an impartial viewpoint don't think it's been quite as bad as some would imagine. Of course we and Plymouth join Robins in the Championship from August. Looking forward to being back and what we can this time bring to the table. Incidentally we gave Burnley two very tough games in the F.A. Cup earlier this year. Two divisions apart but came very close to getting a result from it / putting them out. I suppose it shows just for how far we've come this season.

I read the post and thought 'putting up a stature of the man' was slightly bizarre. Didn't set off alarm bells or nothing but first reaction was one of being incredulous when reading that exact bit. I won't berate one of our own and given the benefit of any doubt I put it down to the time of season and tangible exuberance we're experiencing what with being hours away from a promotion back to second league level. Thought he gave Mr Ashton a few too many plaudits though. In bed with a wife and cheese and all that. I know he's something of a rodent but all those acknowledgements and fanfare, seemed a bit unsavoury or unwarranted. I read nothing but bad reviews from mostly OTIB when he came on board with us but like it or not, he has been part of a standout success with us. It's not just down to one individual though. If Ashton can have cheese in bed with a wife or whatever, then McKenna and Game Changer Group can have the best accommodation money can buy with a clone of Pamela Anderson's in a platinum Hollywood hotel suite. Caviar and World's most exclusive Champagne. Talk another time.

Ashton's been part of a new set-up that at pitch level at least, has met with near total success. I was wary at first when he came on board, read a number of things that made you question the appointment but seriously he's been part of a difference that you can't quite allow enough superlatives. Not just him but McKenna, the influx of the new players, getting rid of the poisonous Marcus Evans and the Yank takeover ownership - it's all come to eventual fruition. We're having the best season since I'd estimate 2004 - 05, and back then Joe Royle was manager. In the time in between it's been so uneventful and disappointing you'd have to be a true Town fan to comprehend the full measure of it. Whatever you think of us, think of Mark Ashton, take a moment to understand it's been near 20 years of epic failure. We're on the verge of a first league promotion since 2000. It's been a long hard hike and wait to finally celebrate something. I think most fans of wherever you find them or allegiance would allow us this one time to enjoy something. Norwich City reprobates will have their mandatory sneer but that's to be expected. We Look forward to seeing Bristol City at Portman Road next season. It's not 100 per cent a promotion with two games remaining but it's so close it's as good as accomplished.