Do we abuse the multi-ball system?

[tuum]

Magilton is the 2nd manager in recent weeks to complain about our alleged abuse of the multi-ball system (Dave Jones was the other).
Being based in Asia I don't get to see too many games but I saw 4no. over Xmas and didn't notice any particular abuse of this system when we were winning.
Is this sour grapes from opposition managers or are the ballboys really under instruction to delay returning the ball when we are leading
Have any of you regulars noticed our shenanigans in this regard?

[Stick It On Cort's Head]

They arent "under instructions".

The players just tell them to "slow down" a bit and tell them to "FUCKING HURRY UP" when we need a goal!

[Silverdale]

SSSSHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

[whalebfooked]

when we take the lead you can see the players telling the ball boys to calm it down and slow things down.

Think i would be moaning if it was against us, but as it isnt fuck em all.

;D

[Pretty Little Boother]

Maybe we do a bit, but hey, that's all part and parcel of home-ground advantage innit! And we always get shit referees so this makes up for it a little bit.

[lancer]

As all teams have the chance to use the ploy, we don't abuse the system, as all other teamsemploy the same tactics. It's legal otherwise we'd be penalized for it. If it's legal and we gain an advantage do it!

[Olgrligm]

There's a kid who does it by the dugout who always manages to get himself in trouble. Usually the 4th official takes all the balls away so that nobody can complain.

[markscfc72]

Magilton was sent to the stands in the second half after complaining about Stoke's multi-ball system.

"The ball wasn't coming back in quickly enough as we chased the game. I just don't think it's fair."


ah, poor jim ;D

[steve66]

Ipswich player had a ball thrown to him as soon as ball went out of play,the ball went past him onto the pitch,his fault for missing it IMO,Mr magoo obviously missed the second ball for some reason.

[Tubes]

when I was a ballboy at Stoke, although before the multi-ball system was introduced) I remember being told by the guy who organised the ballboys that I shouldn't be in a hurry to throw the ball back to them if we were winning, but if we were chasing the game I should get it back sharpish.

Of course theres some advantage to the home side, the ballboys are all Stoke fans, but I would imagine it's similar in every ground up and down the country.

[GRUMPY 1]

and when they return the ball to a stoke player they dry it first, but if it's for the opposition they bounce it in the mud?

and I'm sworn to secrecy where I heard that,

but.......................................
it's what they are told to do.

[andrew47]

This sort of thing has gone on for decades. At Newport County we would also be told to throw the ball into the arms of our players but gently roll it along the floor to the opposition to make them bend over for it. ;D

[Davef]

It's called home advantage.

[dazthestokie69]

yeah and so does every other team

[Dingdangdoo]

At Leicester v Stoke I have seen ball boys sitting on balls which they will throw to the home players but only chase the other "live" balls for the away side. FLAGRANT ABUSE OF THE RULES!!

[northantsmike]

Complaining that the ball is "delayed" unfairly when using multi ball is tosh. Even when the ball boys are a little slow in replacing - it is still a lot quicker than it would be if only one ball were used.

[expectedtoulouse]

well, the reason there appears to be a delay is because they don't know what they are doing. There was one in the corner of the Seddon/Boothen with a ball in her hand, she stared at a bloke in the crowd who had one in his hands. He threw it back on the pitch and the player caught it, and then the ball girl threw another one on. Total ineptitude

[GRUMPY 1]

it's called timewasting.