billc
Youth Player
Posts: 490
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Post by billc on Oct 11, 2015 19:44:51 GMT
Curious to think that from a distance of approaching a quarter of a century that there could be so much animosity between Stoke and Stockport County- who would have thought it given where the respective clubs sit in 2015? There were some trigger points take the actions of the much loathed Jim Gannon who provoked Mark Stein by calling him called him 'a short, ugly, black, bean-headed twat'. Stein's reaction was hardly surprising and he clocked him. The judge gave him a conditional discharge at the trial in October 1993.
Another occurred the year earlier
In 1992 Stoke reached the Football League play-offs for the first time but lost 2–1 on aggregate to Stockport County but Stoke gained a chance for revenge weeks later when the teams lined up at Wembley at the Auto glass Final on the 16th May. I was there and it was my only opportunity to see the old Wembley. The day turned out more insightful of Britain in the early 90s than I had thought.
Generally it was a rough time in the Potteries after a fall in the late 80s unemployment was raising to early 1980s levels and barely a day went by with the news of job losses or possible losses. With the Tories narrowly winning the General Election the month before it was likely that the mining industry in North Staffs was in the severest jeopardy. A victory at Wembley would be the tonic the area needed.
The lads who picked me up in Stoke on a very sunny morning were well provisioned with beer, pies and oatcakes. It was a straightforward journey until we got to the outskirts of Wembley when the Metropolitan Police took an interest and stopped and searched the van. Their attitude was unlikely to win any donations to the Policeman’s Fund. They were a bit shouty and finger pointy and they left after confiscating what was left of the pies, oatcakes and beer.
It was a very warm day and the area around the ground looked particularly unappealing with a hot sun blazing down and in a concrete wasteland many Stoke fans hung around waiting for something to “happen”. Thinking this a waste of drinking time some of us hopped on a train into Kilburn and found a pub off the High Street thus refreshed we made our way back into the stadium just as the game kicked off. We missed the presentations made to Bobby Moore which given what happened to the England great I regret.
I was very impressed with the stadium especially the excellent view. The game in the first half was very end to end with a good chance falling to Gannon in the opening minutes with Sandford almost running the ball into his own net. Gannon added to his villainy status among Stoke fans was booked for hacking at Biggins. Before half time Stoke were on top with again with Sandford beating the off side trap and clipping a volley toward the goal with Williams defending magnificently head over virtually from under the bar. At the other end Beaumont crossed for Overson to put nearly through his own net when Fox failed to intercept a through ball. At the death of the half Biggins tried a 20 yard volley which surprised Edwards who mishandled the ball before gathering.
Early in the second half Stein made the break through when following a free kick hit forward by Cranson was headed on and a flick by Sandford allowed Stein to run on past defenders and lash the ball with venom from 12 yards into the top of the net past a powerless Edwards. That was it, and although Stoke spent a large part of the second half under pressure it seemed very comfortable in control. I thought at the time that Butler and Vince Overson were magnificent in defence. That was it and Stoke collected the Trophy from Bobby Moore.
The journey back was interesting and we had a few beers in a pub somewhere in rural Bedfordshire. The beer talked with a couple in the group who took the opportunity as the sun sank to hurl abuse at any passing Asian driver.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2015 19:50:25 GMT
A truly magical day. Will never be forgotten.
One thing that still astonishes me is just how quickly the Stockport fans left Wembley.
Then again wasn't their record something like Wembley 6 Stockport Nil!!
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Post by sheikhmomo on Oct 11, 2015 19:53:27 GMT
The beer talked with a couple in the group who took the opportunity as the sun sank to hurl abuse at any passing Asian driver. What a lovely end to a lovely day. |
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Post by 4evastoke on Oct 11, 2015 19:57:41 GMT
Got a cracking photo signed by Steino just when the ball left his foot for his goal
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Post by werrington on Oct 11, 2015 19:58:29 GMT
The beer talked with a couple in the group who took the opportunity as the sun sank to hurl abuse at any passing Asian driver. What a lovely end to a lovely day. The mind boggles dunna it mate |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2015 20:00:51 GMT
Got a cracking photo signed by Steino just when the ball left his foot for his goal It's a wonder you didn't throw him off balance. |
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Post by NG4POTTERS on Oct 11, 2015 20:17:41 GMT
I like what you are doing billc with the memories and all that but i'm just totally boggled by why you had to sour the piece with that last bit. It reminds me of some horrible times i had seeing stoke away in the 90's when that kind of stuff was going on all the time when we went to luton or leicester and such places.
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billc
Youth Player
Posts: 490
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Post by billc on Oct 11, 2015 20:23:01 GMT
It happened, some people, not all, are like that.
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billc
Youth Player
Posts: 490
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Post by billc on Oct 11, 2015 20:25:24 GMT
The next piece Wigan v Stoke February 1991
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Post by foxysgloves on Oct 11, 2015 20:33:39 GMT
Curious to think that from a distance of approaching a quarter of a century that there could be so much animosity between Stoke and Stockport County- who would have thought it given where the respective clubs sit in 2015? There were some trigger points take the actions of the much loathed Jim Gannon who provoked Mark Stein by calling him called him 'a short, ugly, black, bean-headed twat'. Stein's reaction was hardly surprising and he clocked him. The judge gave him a conditional discharge at the trial in October 1993. Another occurred the year earlier In 1992 Stoke reached the Football League play-offs for the first time but lost 2–1 on aggregate to Stockport County but Stoke gained a chance for revenge weeks later when the teams lined up at Wembley at the Auto glass Final on the 16th May. I was there and it was my only opportunity to see the old Wembley. The day turned out more insightful of Britain in the early 90s than I had thought. Generally it was a rough time in the Potteries after a fall in the late 80s unemployment was raising to early 1980s levels and barely a day went by with the news of job losses or possible losses. With the Tories narrowly winning the General Election the month before it was likely that the mining industry in North Staffs was in the severest jeopardy. A victory at Wembley would be the tonic the area needed. The lads who picked me up in Stoke on a very sunny morning were well provisioned with beer, pies and oatcakes. It was a straightforward journey until we got to the outskirts of Wembley when the Metropolitan Police took an interest and stopped and searched the van. Their attitude was unlikely to win any donations to the Policeman’s Fund. They were a bit shouty and finger pointy and they left after confiscating what was left of the pies, oatcakes and beer. It was a very warm day and the area around the ground looked particularly unappealing with a hot sun blazing down and in a concrete wasteland many Stoke fans hung around waiting for something to “happen”. Thinking this a waste of drinking time some of us hopped on a train into Kilburn and found a pub off the High Street thus refreshed we made our way back into the stadium just as the game kicked off. We missed the presentations made to Bobby Moore which given what happened to the England great I regret. I was very impressed with the stadium especially the excellent view. The game in the first half was very end to end with a good chance falling to Gannon in the opening minutes with Sandford almost running the ball into his own net. Gannon added to his villainy status among Stoke fans was booked for hacking at Biggins. Before half time Stoke were on top with again with Sandford beating the off side trap and clipping a volley toward the goal with Williams defending magnificently head over virtually from under the bar. At the other end Beaumont crossed for Overson to put nearly through his own net when Fox failed to intercept a through ball. At the death of the half Biggins tried a 20 yard volley which surprised Edwards who mishandled the ball before gathering. Early in the second half Stein made the break through when following a free kick hit forward by Cranson was headed on and a flick by Sandford allowed Stein to run on past defenders and lash the ball with venom from 12 yards into the top of the net past a powerless Edwards. That was it, and although Stoke spent a large part of the second half under pressure it seemed very comfortable in control. I thought at the time that Butler and Vince Overson were magnificent in defence. That was it and Stoke collected the Trophy from Bobby Moore. Thh Bedfordshire. The beer talked with a couple in the group who took the opportunity as the sun sank to hurl abuse at any passing Asian driver. The beer talked with a couple in the group who took the opportunity as the sun sank to hurl abuse at any passing Asian driver. Errrrrrrr??!!!! WTF???? And your opinion on this??? Maybe tell the "couple" to fcuk right off?? Considering you were rightly disgusted at Gannon's actions I'm confident that's exactly what you did??? Or is Asian abuse ok?? |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 2:01:37 GMT
It sounds a little bit like you guys are passing judgement for the last sentence and I'm not sure you can really do that. He was just stating it's something that happened in a matter of fact way. He also stated it was somebody else doing it.
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Post by Trouserdog on Oct 12, 2015 6:07:06 GMT
It sounds a little bit like you guys are passing judgement for the last sentence and I'm not sure you can really do that. He was just stating it's something that happened in a matter of fact way. He also stated it was somebody else doing it. The rest of the piece has a tone of feelgood nostalgia, Therefore, if he disagreed with what those people were doing, he should make sure that the event he describes should not be associated with the fond memories of the day. Or just not mention it at all. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 6:25:19 GMT
It sounds a little bit like you guys are passing judgement for the last sentence and I'm not sure you can really do that. He was just stating it's something that happened in a matter of fact way. He also stated it was somebody else doing it. The rest of the piece has a tone of feelgood nostalgia, Therefore, if he disagreed with what those people were doing, he should make sure that the event he describes should not be associated with the fond memories of the day. Or just not mention it at all. Agreed. Should have just left it out regardless of his views on it. It spoils what was a pretty good read. |
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Post by LL Cool Dave on Oct 12, 2015 6:39:33 GMT
The police nicked your oatcakes?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 6:58:43 GMT
The day turned out more insightful of Britain in the early 90s than I had thought. I actually think it a good thing to bring out in the open. Sugar coating the past doesn't do anyone any favours. |
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Post by JoeinOz on Oct 12, 2015 7:30:59 GMT
Curious to think that from a distance of approaching a quarter of a century that there could be so much animosity between Stoke and Stockport County- who would have thought it given where the respective clubs sit in 2015? There were some trigger points take the actions of the much loathed Jim Gannon who provoked Mark Stein by calling him called him 'a short, ugly, black, bean-headed twat'. Stein's reaction was hardly surprising and he clocked him. The judge gave him a conditional discharge at the trial in October 1993. Another occurred the year earlier In 1992 Stoke reached the Football League play-offs for the first time but lost 2–1 on aggregate to Stockport County but Stoke gained a chance for revenge weeks later when the teams lined up at Wembley at the Auto glass Final on the 16th May. I was there and it was my only opportunity to see the old Wembley. The day turned out more insightful of Britain in the early 90s than I had thought. Generally it was a rough time in the Potteries after a fall in the late 80s unemployment was raising to early 1980s levels and barely a day went by with the news of job losses or possible losses. With the Tories narrowly winning the General Election the month before it was likely that the mining industry in North Staffs was in the severest jeopardy. A victory at Wembley would be the tonic the area needed. The lads who picked me up in Stoke on a very sunny morning were well provisioned with beer, pies and oatcakes. It was a straightforward journey until we got to the outskirts of Wembley when the Metropolitan Police took an interest and stopped and searched the van. Their attitude was unlikely to win any donations to the Policeman’s Fund. They were a bit shouty and finger pointy and they left after confiscating what was left of the pies, oatcakes and beer. It was a very warm day and the area around the ground looked particularly unappealing with a hot sun blazing down and in a concrete wasteland many Stoke fans hung around waiting for something to “happen”. Thinking this a waste of drinking time some of us hopped on a train into Kilburn and found a pub off the High Street thus refreshed we made our way back into the stadium just as the game kicked off. We missed the presentations made to Bobby Moore which given what happened to the England great I regret. I was very impressed with the stadium especially the excellent view. The game in the first half was very end to end with a good chance falling to Gannon in the opening minutes with Sandford almost running the ball into his own net. Gannon added to his villainy status among Stoke fans was booked for hacking at Biggins. Before half time Stoke were on top with again with Sandford beating the off side trap and clipping a volley toward the goal with Williams defending magnificently head over virtually from under the bar. At the other end Beaumont crossed for Overson to put nearly through his own net when Fox failed to intercept a through ball. At the death of the half Biggins tried a 20 yard volley which surprised Edwards who mishandled the ball before gathering. Early in the second half Stein made the break through when following a free kick hit forward by Cranson was headed on and a flick by Sandford allowed Stein to run on past defenders and lash the ball with venom from 12 yards into the top of the net past a powerless Edwards. That was it, and although Stoke spent a large part of the second half under pressure it seemed very comfortable in control. I thought at the time that Butler and Vince Overson were magnificent in defence. That was it and Stoke collected the Trophy from Bobby Moore. The journey back was interesting and we had a few beers in a pub somewhere in rural Bedfordshire. The beer talked with a couple in the group who took the opportunity as the sun sank to hurl abuse at any passing Asian driver. What explanation was given by the police for confiscation of pies and oatcakes? |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 7:36:21 GMT
Got a cracking photo signed by Steino just when the ball left his foot for his goal Multi tasking at it's best, surprised he had time to sign yr photo as he was lining up his shot. |
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billc
Youth Player
Posts: 490
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Post by billc on Oct 12, 2015 13:41:25 GMT
I was mentioning the debate that my original post has generated to my wife. Her view was well it happened
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billc
Youth Player
Posts: 490
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Post by billc on Oct 12, 2015 13:48:18 GMT
The intention of writing these little pen portraits of one game per season, or at least one game I recall going to, is to try to place the game in a context of events that were happening at the time.
For instance the next one I am doing on Wigan February 1991 will include mention of the First Gulf War in which local men were involved as the Staffords made up part of the "Desert Rats". In Feb 91 the campaign was moving to a conclusion. The Sentinel at the time was running articles of "Potters" who were moving into forward positions as the final battle for Kuwait City was beginning
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Post by lordb on Oct 12, 2015 14:30:52 GMT
My memory of Feb 1991 was that it rained.
A lot.
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Post by terrorofturfmoor on Oct 12, 2015 15:32:36 GMT
My memory of Feb 1991 was that it rained. A lot. Dunna say that lordb, there's to many over sensitive people on here!!! |
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Post by lordb on Oct 12, 2015 15:37:22 GMT
My memory of Feb 1991 was that it rained. A lot. Dunna say that lordb, there's to many over sensitive people on here!!! There may have been some sunshine too. Not sure,I was in a lot. |
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Post by Kenilworth_Stokies on Oct 12, 2015 15:41:41 GMT
They taste delicious.
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