Popular Post Jerseybean Posted February 18, 2022 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 18, 2022 Ahead of discussing the match and our opponents I will start with February 3, 1982 which will forever be a date etched into the fabric of Bristol City Football Club. On that morning, eight players - Jimmy Mann, Trevor Tainton, Geoff Merrick, Julian Marshall, David Rodgers, Peter Aitken, Chris Garland and Gerry Sweeney - with the club minutes away from folding - tore up their contracts to save the Club from financial ruin. So we mark the 40th anniversary of the Ashton Gate Eight with a weekend of appreciation including a pitch parade today by the Robins heroes. And for this weekend - the closest weekend Ashton Gate fixture following the February 3rd anniversary - the club will host ‘The Eight’ and their loved ones as they travel from across the UK to attend. Here is some more detail which makes clear that the eight players were painfully aware that if they did not do this the club would die. For the younger fans just imagine your current eight favourite City players ripping up their contracts and livelihoods next week to save the Club. https://www.google.je/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwihuN-gn7z1AhUQ3hoKHX1WDoEQFnoECB4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2F38750475&usg=AOvVaw0M3Gwh38y08CCKEIvDoDH3 and https://footballpink.net/the-ashton-gate-eight-when-players-gave-up-their-contracts-to-save-a-club/ Geoff Merrick who was a joy to watch and in no way reflected his own term ‘rough and ready’ for the football of this day, gives his thoughts: https://www.facebook.com/bristolcityfc/videos/664815904722299/ Geoff’s book: https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/biography/local-hero-the-geoff-merrick-story,neil-palmer-9781801500623 Along with City fans the world over I want to say ‘thank you’ to the Ashton Gate Eight. I was just 25 back in 1982 and really thought my beloved team was about to disappear. Today, please just this once, can all City fans take to their seats by 2:40 and applaud these men as they take to the pitch. It’s the very least that we can do. Here’s the running order: By 2.40pm fans to take their seats 2.45pm Paul Cheesley introduced to crowd 2.46pm Showing on big screen of the recently unearthed video of THAT Jimmy Mann goal from 1979 against Nottingham Forest From 2.45pm Surfer flag moves along South Stand from the corner with Lansdown Stand to the Section 82 corner 2.47pm Paul Cheesley welcomes the Ashton Gate 8 to the centre circle with images on the big screen 2.56pm City and Middlesbrough players line up 2.57pm The Ashton Gate 8 leave the field 3pm Kick-off On 8 minutes: 8:01 to 8:59 applause and a giant '8' card mosaic in the Upper Dolman central three blocks So to Middlesbrough. If you want a ticket for todays game here’s the link: https://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/en-GB/events/bristol city v middlesbrough/2022-2-19_15.00/ashton gate stadium?hallmap Programme here: https://robinstv.bcfc.co.uk/digital-matchday-programme/ We are looking to make it four league wins from four at home, however, this will be a very tough game. Chris Wilder has made an impact, when he was appointed (after Warnock departed) on 7 November the team enjoyed an unbeaten month which saw Boro win four out of their five matches. Wilder demands more of a possession-based style of play and the intensity that he expects on the pitch and in training are always clear. They were 14th when he arrived and are now in 6th place with 49 points from 30 games, their recent form is four wins, a draw and a 1-0 defeat away at Blackburn Rovers. Last time out they comfortably beat Derby 4-1. Long-term absentees Darnell Fisher, Marc Bola and Sammy Ameobi will again miss out, as will Martin Payero who suffered an ankle injury against QPR recently. Over the years we have won 27, drawn 22 and lost 35 times against them. We played them in the 4th round of the FA Cup back in 06/07. We were behind to two early goals at Ashton Gate - Yakubu and Malcolm Christie - however, a second-half come back with goals from Richard Keogh and Scott Murray forced a replay. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6282163.stm At the Riverside we went ahead through David Noble only to be pegged back by Mark Viduka. The game would go to extra time, and a late Jamie McCombe goal would cancel out Yakubu’s extra time goal to take the game to penalties, which we lost 5-4, the decisive penalties missed by Craig Woodman and scored by Adam Johnson. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6349593.stm Back in August they beat us 2-1 with King netting for us https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/match-action-middlesbrough-2-1-bristol-city/ Todays ref is Leigh Doughty, in 14 Championship games this season he’s issued 61 yellow cards and 4 red cards. One of Bryan Robson’s first signings for Middlesbrough was Nigel Pearson. Who signed for £750,000 in 1994, he proved to be the solid anchor at the back, as the club became one of the most attractive sides to watch in England during Robson’s tenure. Pearson was made captain of the club, and captained Boro to a dream first season, gaining promotion to the Premier League in what was Middlesbrough's last season at Ayresome Park. Under Pearson’s captainship, the club would go onto three domestic cup finals, as well as another promotion, following a controversial points deduction which saw the club relegated in 1996-97. https://www.mfc.co.uk/Pearson NP was forthright after last Sunday’s defeat https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/soft-goals-cost-us-pearson/ although given the size of the squad and injuries he hasn’t got too many options. Anticipate that Idehen may again be in the squad, more on him here: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/duncan-idehen-bristol-city-defender-6663855 Max is injured so Bents will start and in the presser NP hinted that there may be a surprise or two when the team is announced. If recent media reports are to be believed there could be a few scouts in attendance today, with H-NM allegedly attracting interest from Southampton and Leicester, Celtic keeping an eye on Semenyo and Everton and Leicester showing interest in Alex Scott. This game also marks NPs first year at the helm, pre-game he said ‘I’ve been here a year, and I’ve aged probably five,’ when he was asked how he reflected on his first year in charge he said. ‘It’s not an easy job, let’s put it like that, but I didn’t expect it to be. I probably didn’t expect it to be as chaotic as it is, or has been. There’s a lot to do.’ Boro banter During the 1966 World Cup, the North Korean team stayed on Teesside and beat Italy at Ayresome Park. They trained at the ICI chemical works, where many locals would turn up to watch them practice. Boro’s old Ayresome Park ground featured in the 35th edition of the Guinness Book of Records – not for football, but for being the home of the largest reported advertising hoarding, which was painted on the roof of the North Stand by sponsor Heritage Hampers. Boro's all-time top scorer George Camsell netted a record 345 goals in 453 games for the club. The ex-miner played at Ayresome Park for 14 seasons between 1925 and 1946. Middlesbrough FC was the first football club in the world to launch its own TV channel—Boro TV. Steve Gibson OBE is a British entrepreneur and the chairman and owner of Middlesbrough Football Club. In May 2020, he was listed 481st on the Sunday Times Rich List, with a net worth of £270 million. Gibson was born in Middlesbrough and raised in the Park End area of the town. Before becoming involved with Boro Gibson was the local Labour Party’s youngest ever councillor. Famous fans include Bob Mortimer, Roy 'Chubby' Brown, James Arthur, Chris Rea and the late Paul Daniels. Best players over the years include Paul Gascoigne, Massimo Maccarone, Stewart Downing, Nigel Pearson, Mark Schwarzer, Tony Mowbray, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, George Boateng, Gareth Southgate and Juninho. Enjoy the game fellow Reds and on eight minutes let’s make as much noise as possible as we remember that without the Ashton Gate Eight our Club would be history. 15 4 6 Quote Link to comment
City1970 Posted February 18, 2022 Report Share Posted February 18, 2022 (edited) I remember it well. That was a time in history when 8 players put the club first. We are now in a period of time when players are out and out greedy with no sign of loyalty whatsoever. Its a shame it has taken an age for these selfless 8 be recognised. I hope the current crop can show passion, commitment and desire to get a win against an in form Boro. Edited February 18, 2022 by City1970 3 2 Quote Link to comment
MattWSM Posted February 18, 2022 Report Share Posted February 18, 2022 3-1 tomorrow, can feel it. Semenyo, Scott and Martin 1 Quote Link to comment
Jerseybean Posted February 19, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19936799.boro-boss-chris-wilder-nigel-pearson-he-lives-500-yards-me/ Apparently Wilder lives a stones throw from Pearson. 1 Quote Link to comment
italian dave Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Thanks for the @Jerseybean The pre-match details especially. If it’s anything like the last time we did something like this, I wouldn’t have had a clue what was going on because the PA system is so ****g useless. We had a better one 40 years ago. Really looking forward to it. 1 1 Quote Link to comment
Yellow&Blue&Red Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Good write up. Best players for Middlesbrough over the years definitely include Ravanelli who joined Boro straight after (??) winning the Champions League. Quote Link to comment
Davefevs Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 1 hour ago, Jerseybean said: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19936799.boro-boss-chris-wilder-nigel-pearson-he-lives-500-yards-me/ Apparently Wilder lives a stones throw from Pearson. Was his greenhouse smashed then? 1 Quote Link to comment
AshtonGreat Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 21 minutes ago, TomF said: First home game in about 3 years for me. Feels longer You picked nice weather for it! Quote Link to comment
Daniro Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 2 hours ago, Jerseybean said: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19936799.boro-boss-chris-wilder-nigel-pearson-he-lives-500-yards-me/ Apparently Wilder lives a stones throw from Pearson. I thought Nige lived in Devon? Quote Link to comment
Simon79 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 4 minutes ago, Daniro said: I thought Nige lived in Devon? Has a holiday home there. COYR Quote Link to comment
DaveInSA Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 54 minutes ago, TomF said: First home game in about 3 years for me. Feels longer Me too. I haven’t been since the shambolic battering at the hands of Blackburn. I haven’t witnessed such a lack lustre performance in years. We offered nothing going forward. And the throw in routine was at under 3 level of . I vowed not to return unless we were entertaining. I’m hoping for that. And a bit of fight and commitment. and a 3-1 city win. Quote Link to comment
RoystonFoote'snephew Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 2 hours ago, Davefevs said: Was his greenhouse smashed then? I thought it was the classic 'my neighbour is in the Guinness book of records for the most concussions... He lives just a stones throw away' Quote Link to comment
22A Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 12 hours ago, MattWSM said: 3-1 tomorrow, can feel it. Semenyo, Scott and Martin Their match day thread is already 13 pages long (it started on Tuesday). https://www.oneboro.co.uk/forum/topic/13090-bristol-city-vs-middlesbrough/ They differ in their opinions of today's probable result; "3 nil defeat. That is all." "1-3 away win," "Of all the games so far this causes me the greatest concerns because BC are tricky little blighters when it comes to playing Boro, others may brush them aside but no not us" Quote Link to comment
Bedred31 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 I was born in Middlesbrough in 65- Dad worked at Avonmouth but transferred to Teeside for a couple of years before moving back. So he and his mates were among those who adopted and watched the North Koreans in 66. They did unbelievably well and reached the quarters, but the lunatics who ran (and run) North Korea considered this a shameful failure and shipped most of the squad off too labour camps when they returned. This is still a subject of real sadness to people like Dad who bought into the plucky underdog story of NK at the 66 World Cup. 6 Quote Link to comment
redysteadygo Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 1 hour ago, DaveInSA said: Me too. I haven’t been since the shambolic battering at the hands of Blackburn. I haven’t witnessed such a lack lustre performance in years. We offered nothing going forward. And the throw in routine was at under 3 level of . I vowed not to return unless we were entertaining. I’m hoping for that. And a bit of fight and commitment. and a 3-1 city win. Nothing changed in that department then. Quote Link to comment
Brann-red Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Apparently 1800 boro fans coming down also. Very decent away support Quote Link to comment
22A Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 1 minute ago, Brann-red said: Apparently 1800 boro fans coming down also. Very decent away support In the early 70's there was a fleet of 19 coaches carrying fans from Middlesbrough. The Police stopped them routinely and found many of the occupants were carrying axes etc. As a result the entire fleet was turned round. They then stopped at Coventry and ran riot in their city centre before making their way to Highfield Road. After all these years, did those axe carriers single out this game or was it routine for them back then? 1 Quote Link to comment
Bazooka Joe Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 5 minutes ago, 22A said: In the early 70's there was a fleet of 19 coaches carrying fans from Middlesbrough. The Police stopped them routinely and found many of the occupants were carrying axes etc. As a result the entire fleet was turned round. They then stopped at Coventry and ran riot in their city centre before making their way to Highfield Road. After all these years, did those axe carriers single out this game or was it routine for them back then? Maybe it's time to bury the hatchet? 2 Quote Link to comment
Rich Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 6 minutes ago, 22A said: In the early 70's there was a fleet of 19 coaches carrying fans from Middlesbrough. The Police stopped them routinely and found many of the occupants were carrying axes etc. As a result the entire fleet was turned round. They then stopped at Coventry and ran riot in their city centre before making their way to Highfield Road. After all these years, did those axe carriers single out this game or was it routine for them back then? It was a strange incident. I remember it as 13 coaches, not being pedantic. The only time I remember there actually being a hatchet used was against SUFC. Ahh! the good old days. Quote Link to comment
Simon79 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 2 hours ago, TomF said: First home game in about 3 years for me. Feels longer First back for me & my son today since the Pandemic broke. A very excited boy, my son, not me! Well, maybe a bit! COYR 1 Quote Link to comment
stephenkibby. Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 28 minutes ago, 22A said: In the early 70's there was a fleet of 19 coaches carrying fans from Middlesbrough. The Police stopped them routinely and found many of the occupants were carrying axes etc. As a result the entire fleet was turned round. They then stopped at Coventry and ran riot in their city centre before making their way to Highfield Road. After all these years, did those axe carriers single out this game or was it routine for them back then? Remember that, it was on the front page of the Sunday Mirror the next day. Quote Link to comment
PHILINFRANCE Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 14 minutes ago, Rich said: It was a strange incident. I remember it as 13 coaches, not being pedantic. The only time I remember there actually being a hatchet used was against SUFC. Ahh! the good old days. I am ‘glad’ you recall the Sheffield United ‘hatchet incident’. My recollection is that it happened just before kickoff in the East End, when a City fan was screaming that he had been hit on the head with an axe. Whilst I witnessed the almighty fight, I didn’t see the actual incident itself, although I saw the immediate aftermath. What I do recall is nobody believing me after when I told them what had happened. A very similar incident occurred a few seasons later after an evening match against Portsmouth. There was a big fight in the road crossing over to where Portsmouth’s coaches were parked and, again, a City fan was screaming he had been hit with an axe. 1 Quote Link to comment
AppyDAZE Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Off topic, but 0-2 Huddersfield at Fulham. Penalty scored, Don Goodman: "I always suspected he was going to go hard" :laugh: 1 Quote Link to comment
Nickybee Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 30 minutes ago, 22A said: In the early 70's there was a fleet of 19 coaches carrying fans from Middlesbrough. The Police stopped them routinely and found many of the occupants were carrying axes etc. As a result the entire fleet was turned round. They then stopped at Coventry and ran riot in their city centre before making their way to Highfield Road. After all these years, did those axe carriers single out this game or was it routine for them back then? In the same vein (note that I could be wrong about this as it was late 80’s or early 90’s & my memory isn’t what it used to be) but when I used to play local league level on a Saturday afternoon, I seem to remember playing in Ashton Park when City were at home to Middlesbrough (I think). During the game fans from both City & Boro basically stormed the pitch as they were battling. Both teams in the game I was playing in ended up in the 2 goals while all this was going on & we lost most of the balls for our game too - it was a bit scary at the time but funny looking back at it now Quote Link to comment
Selred Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Sam Bell starting today. Interesting one. First start of the season for him. Right wing-back Shock! Quote Link to comment
cityloyal473 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Have a bad feeling about today for some reason. 1-4 Boro. Quote Link to comment
AppyDAZE Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 2 minutes ago, Tafkarmlf said: Am rubbish at match predictions, going 4-2 to us in an open ended cup tie affair. If it's up there, I'll give you the money myself Quote Link to comment
tin Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 (edited) I can’t work out this XI or formation. Edited February 19, 2022 by tin 2 1 Quote Link to comment
Sitrom Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 10 minutes ago, Tafkarmlf said: Am rubbish at match predictions, going 4-2 to us in an open ended cup tie affair. Ok. Cheers. Quote Link to comment
grifty Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Bell isn't right wing back unless Scott is playing centre half... Looks a like a back 4 and then chuck a load of players everywhere else and hope it pays off to me. 3 1 Quote Link to comment
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