I know. I was just wondering if they made it to general sale before selling out. Done a bit of investigation and apparently they didn't. Which is the one time I'm glad tickets didn't make it to general sale
Arsenal's Highbury’s terraces crammed with spectators watching the FA Cup semi-final between Aston Villa and Portsmouth. Portsmouth won 1-0. As a neutral venue, Highbury went on to host a total of 12 FA Cup semi-final matches. please log in to view this image
Staffordshire’s Best David Steele If any player grasped the nations attentions it was David Steele over 2 hot summers of 1975/76. For those who can’t remember our National Cricket Team seemed always to be second or even third best in encounters with either Australia or West Indies. The usual crazy selection meant players were used and abused, it was like buying a Lottery Ticket with little chance of the jackpot. Then enter David Steele, a good county pro with Northants to save the day. Origins the coal fields of Staffordshire and a background of hard-fought league cricket and where the sport of cricket was a religion. He came from a cricket family where all were involved throughout the summer, and all played a high standard of cricket. Tony Greig the skipper brought David into the side to put some steel, into the batting order and instill a back to the wall attitude or maybe even a Dunkirk Spirit for they needed it. Our batsman had been blown away in successive Test Series by some of the fastest bowlers and in the world and with Tony Greig’s ill-judged phrase, it was England that were made to Grovel. Facing Lillie and Thomson he played forward with a straight bat, he drove, glanced, pulled, and cut them to their annoyance and frustration. He reversed the role as he intimated then with his sheer presence at the wicket and held the innings together. Like he was taught back in Stoke on Trent, the value of your wicket, give nothing away, don’t be greedy, occupy the crease and it worked for 2 glorious summers. By his actions it seemed to give other batsman the confidence to build their innings and although both series were lost, but he had given then back their fight and self-respect. The numbers now David scored 673 runs in 2 series with a Test Average of 46, then he was dropped, as I said earlier crazy selection. The mood of the country must have been with him as he became BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1975 and then Wisden one of The Wisden Cricketers of the year in 1976. He went on to score 22,346 1st class runs until he retired in 1984, he was to spend 2 seasons with Derbyshire and then completed his career in Minor Counties cricket. He put the pride back into English Cricket. please log in to view this image
The Holte End, Villa Park. For many years the biggest end terrace in Europe. Home of Aston Villa fans. 55 semi finals have also been played at Villa Park. Many of those have seen the Holte End split down the middle and opposition fans on either side. please log in to view this image
SIR GORDON GREENIDGE on his first idol please log in to view this image please log in to view this image : please log in to view this image There have been lots of people that I've admired but there's only one person I'd call an idol. That man was John Arlott, and I'm proud to say that he was hugely influential in my life. He was a massive reason I signed for Hampshire and I had a huge amount of respect for him. He was a great man in and out of cricket. I'm lucky that my idol was also my friend. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
I recall hearing John Arlott describe a Ted Dexter innings. My memory is not word perfect but this was the jist of it: Dexter came to the wicket and immediately entertained the crowd with a dazzling array of strokes. Cuts, drives, hooks---- all liberally blessed with every conceivable technical merit save that of contact with the ball!
please log in to view this image It would appear we are trying awfully hard to join Portsmouth next season and by all the pundits we will achieve that end. Once again lively debate between both sets of supporters discussing various points of interest both to and from their respective grounds. Both Constabularys enjoying the overtime and planning overseas holidays on the strength of the two meetings or perchance more in cup games.
Brazil v Uruguay in 1950 at the Maracana, officially 173,850 but realistically closer to 200,000, the largest attended match of all time please log in to view this image
please log in to view this image 29 year old defensive midfielder, full back, or centre half 6' 2" tall Isaac Hayden is being sought by Pompey. Would be an ideal signing, as very experienced. Has made over 150 first team appearances for Newcastle.
I encroached on your site around 8-9 years ago - I can’t quite remember why! @Wooperts_duck can probably answer that. Since that time, my son has gone to Portsmouth University to study palaeontology (the only pure palaeontology degree in the country). He’s in his 3rd year now. So I know Portsmouth quite well. And he’s been to Fratton Park quite a few times with his mate. See you all soon in the Isambard Kingdom Brunel for a cheap pint. The only downside is the 250 mile drive each way - I dread that, it’s so boring. Motorway all the way, except the A34 from Bicester to Winchester, which is as good as a motorway.
Hi Luke ! How are you keeping? I believe that you came onto our site all those years ago, adding contributions on the Movie title thread. Take care mate, and I hope your lad enjoys his stay down south, and obtains a good degree pass.
please log in to view this image Matt Busby has another boy back - heaven is in for a treat.....................
please log in to view this image R.I.P. Brian Murphy of George & Mildred / Last of the Summer Wine fame. Talented comic actor.
Absolutely loved George & Mildred as a child and watching the repeats on ITV3. As a fan of Catherine Tate I also remember him more recently. "'morning Neville'
With Carlisle Utd preparing to drop out of the League, their fans may be sweating on the fact that Truro City are currently at the top of National League South. This would result in the longest journey for away fans in English football. I just hope, for their sake, that they don't put either fixture down for a Tuesday evening!
