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Go to Edition 11 Page:- |
This is Page 6 |
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So, it's all over. Nine months later, lots of new grounds, thousands of miles travelled, thousands of pounds spent and probably thousands of pints consumed. The last three seasons have ended with either ecstasy or deep disappointment, but this year my feelings as I attempted to extricate myself from a fortified shoebox in West London were more of relief and a sense of pride in a job well done. Best Club to Visit: Swindon, I salute you, for your heroic stewards who let us into the covered stand out of the rain. I was also pretty impressed to get into the Valley for a fiver. What a contrast with Norwich, who let their own fans in for a fiver, but charged the away fans £12, even the one who did have a cut price voucher. Most Overpriced Club: Come on Forest, you are not good enough to charge twenty quid to watch (as you found out at Gigg Lane). The Elton Welsby "Most Patronising Person in the Media Award". Shared equally between all those reporters who have put in the same sentence such phrases as, "Bury FC" and "Rarefied Atmosphere" or "Nose Bleeds". An honourable mention for the rest who thinks part of the clubs name is "Unfashionable", "Hardworking", "Rugged" or just plain "Thugs". Not forgetting those masters of the printed page who wrote acres of newsprint about the match at Middlesbrough without even mentioning that Bury were playing in the game. Just a reminder for you guys with your fingers on the pulse of the game that not only did Bury stay up, but also Crewe and Stockport. Now, just remind me, who went down… Best Atmosphere I have to say that, after many years of following the Shakers around places like Cambridge and Barnet, seeing them play in the Stadium of Light in front of the day's third biggest crowd was something special. Having said that, the Bury away support has been fantastic and I lost count of the times that the home team has been taken by surprise at the number of us that turned up and hastily has had to find us more space. The "I Don't Believe my Ears" Award: Sheffield United for the announcement on the tannoy "At the end of the game, will the Bury fans please leave by the exits marked "Exit". Do they think we are from Yorkshire? Closely followed by the Forest fans - did they really spend most of the game chanting, "Harry Ramsdens Fish and Chip Army"? or was my head feeling as light as my wallet? Best Goal: Bryan Small for his effort at Sunderland. I was so excited I didn't hear the stadium music and imagined that the whole ground was quiet apart from a couple of thousand Buy Fans. If there was an award for "Best signing of the Season" or the "India Rubber Award for Best Warm Up Routine", (which of course there isn't), Bryan would win these too. Most Enjoyable Goal: OK, you expect me to say Paul Butler's goal at Manchester City, and I can't deny that I enjoyed it immensely, but that is only in third place. In second spot is Tony Battersby's wonder goal at Carrow Road, but the winner is the Lennie Johnrose effort in the same game. In all my time watching football, I have never been more pleased to see the ball nestle in the back of the net, and I doubt I ever will. This one is personal. Worst and Best decisions by a referee: The penalty at Ipswich. A blind man on a galloping horse could see that that was not a penalty. We will remember you, Mr. D'urso of Billericay, Essex, near Ipswich. Two men sent off and a lost point from a game in which we were clearly well in control. No wonder Ian Dury wrote a song about Billericay. The best decision was clearly our penalty award in the home game against Norwich City. Have you ever seen a clearer penalty? How could Robert Fleck have the audacity to complain? No wonder they packed him of to reading. Best team performance of the season: The lads played well and they have played badly, but with the possible exception of the away game at Huddersfield, they have always given everything. I feel that they reached new heights away at Charlton. Never have I seen Stan so animated, constantly patrolling the perimeter of the technical area (Trans. "Out of his kennel"). It was only a point, but I think it created self-confidence and a belief that we could compete with the best. Best Opponent: It's slightly worrying when you read the team sheet and recognise the names of the opponents. Of all the superstars, I was most impressed with Niall Quinn at Sunderland. Even the great Chris Lucketti seemed to have his hands full and I think that I detected a slight tug on Quinn's shirt at one point, though it was probably an accident. Most improved Player: From being a bit part player who came into the side in times of suspension and injuries, Andy Woodward has not only made himself into a valuable first choice, but has also allowed Nicky Daws to resume his rightful position in Midfield. At QPR, Woodward also got upfield at every possible occasion, put in some useful crosses and was even prepared to take opponents on, suggesting that next season could be even better. |
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Best Player: Arise Sir Lennie - here he is having a go at some Brazilian bloke. |
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