GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Dec 11, 2019 11:18:28 GMT
I know. I think it demonstrates a weak league this year, our points total backing this up. Maybe. I can't help feeling that Pompey, Sunderland, Rotherham et al will improve their current placings ultimately; not because they are very good, rather they will just get their act together.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Dec 11, 2019 9:33:26 GMT
On more than one occasion this season I’ve asked myself “how on earth are Wycombe doing so well?”.
I’ve only spent a few minutes looking into the matter, but my tentative conclusion is NOT that they’ve splashed a lot of cash (at least not in transfer fees, although maybe in wages). Rather, they’ve made two or three good acquisitions to add to an established core, and supplemented the wider squad with further loans and free transfers.
Looking at the Wycombe team line-up from four random League One matches this season, I see that five players have featured in all four games, and a further four were missing in only one. Of these (almost) ever presents, seven were already at Wycombe last season; most - like keeper Allsop, defenders Stewart and Jacobson, midfielders Bloomfield and Gape and 37—year-old Akinfenwa - had been there for several years.
The only newcomers this season who have featured regularly were Grimmer (a free transfer from Coventry) and Wheeler (a free transfer from QPR).
Other recruits, who have tended to appear only as substitutes, are Parker (free from Charlton), Aarons (loan from Newcastle), Philips (loan from QPR) and Onyedinma (from Millwall).
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Dec 11, 2019 9:32:13 GMT
Wycombe ... demonstrating the seasons standard isn't the best, I think that's why we are doing so well points wise, and certainly the fear of relegation isn't there, but neither is there much enjoyment. I could be wrong, but didn't Wycombe splash the cash a bit in the summer? Rather than take this point off at a tangent, I've started a new thread, if anyone is interested! Musing about Wycombe
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Dec 3, 2019 23:22:36 GMT
Burton drew at home to Southend tonight - a good result for us, I think. Southend took the lead, then Burton's John-Joe O'Toole was sent off for an "altercation on the floor". Despite this, Burton came back to equalise and ended the game pressing for the winner. I noted the crowd tonight at the Pirelli Stadium (1,880) and wanted to post this in the context of some of the threads which have expressed concern at Rovers' attendances dropping off in recent months. What really got me thinking was the fact that Burton are seen as one of the profitable clubs; how can that be? Here's an article (written in June this year, about Burton's financial performance in their two seasons in the Championship (2016-2018)). Link to article on Burton Albion finances to 2018
I won't add my two-penn'orth of analysis; instead I'll leave others to comment, but I have picked out a couple of gems from the article. "Matchday revenue [in the Championship] rose from £1.5m to £1.8m (20%) despite average attendances falling from 5,227 to 4,645 (13%) due to lucrative cup ties and increased ticket prices".
"Debt levels remained at £0.1m, being their overdraft facility. Their owner has run the club debt-free, placing no loan burden on Burton as the club continue to live within their means".
"Transfers: In came Liam Boyce for £0.5m and out went Jackson Irvine for £1.9m, a net transfer income of £1.4m after a net transfer spend of £0.3m in 2017".
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Dec 2, 2019 14:16:07 GMT
Thanks Steve. A depressing read. I just cannot see why we are persevering with Ogogo + Upson + O Clarke in midfield. It's ugly, boring and negative. But GC seems to like it. ..and got us three points in the most exciting and effective game of the season, at Shrewsbury!
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Nov 24, 2019 11:12:42 GMT
the ref seems to have had a lot of decisions to make. He did well with the advantage for the Ogogo goal (no, I haven't got a stutter), though we might have been saying something different if it hadn't worked out I spoke to a Rovers fan at Shrewsbury station and the first thing he said was that the referee had been "diabolical"! For the advantage he played, though, he deserves a knighthood.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Nov 12, 2019 8:21:35 GMT
Sadly doesn't exist any more. It's the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It's on the same site; I used to fly by there ...
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Nov 6, 2019 11:00:18 GMT
From the Sunderland echo, Tuesday 5th Nov: Link to Sunderland Echo storyJon McLaughlin's Scotland call-up increases chances of Sunderland's trip to Bristol Rovers being postponed The chances of Sunderland’s League One game at Bristol Rovers being postponed have increased following Jon McLaughlin’s Scotland call-up. McLaughlin was today named in the Scotland squad to face Cyprus and Kazakhstan later this month. Sunderland are due to play Bristol Rovers away the weekend of November 16, when the next round of international fixtures fall, but as things stand Phil Parkinson would be without Jon McLaughlin, while Lee Burge is yet to return to training following a thigh injury. Teenage keeper Anthony Patterson has been on the bench in recent games. Sunderland could request a postponement from the EFL provided the club receives the number of international call-ups that would trigger a postponement. Clubs can request a postponement if they have a total of three players, senior or Under-21 level, away on international duty. Northern Ireland duo Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin are also expected to be called up, while teenage striker Benji Kimpioka has been a regular in the Sweden youth squad. When asked about the upcoming Bristol Rovers game at the weekend, Parkinson said: “We have to wait and see who is called up officially. The problem we have is the goalkeeping situation, we have to assess Burgey. We don’t want to go into the game weakened and give them the advantage.” Sunderland, who beat Southend United 1-0 at the weekend, have a short break from league action with games in the EFL Trophy and FA Cup over the coming week.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Nov 3, 2019 13:27:06 GMT
Knee injury, according to Graham Coughlan. He implied that the decision to omit him from the Rochdale match was partly down to preventing longer-term damage.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Nov 3, 2019 10:25:39 GMT
Strange game that. Our two early goals seemed to knock the stuffing out of Vale and they stood ball watching after that as we dictated the pace. Our formation looked to have confused them a bit. Their goal just before halftime gave them momentum and they bombarded us second half with wave after wave of quick passing attacks but we kept them at bay with a combination of great defending, gutsy determination, superb goalkeeping and their lack of edge in the box. It was all a bit schoolboy frantic and their players looked knackered and a bit deflated come the end. I enjoyed watching what I thought was a very lively and entertaining game. I briefly thought about writing a report, but I can't do better than this
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 26, 2019 20:45:02 GMT
You're not thinking hard enough Bambi, everyone knows Bullseye was Sunday afternoon viewing. Dixon of Dock Green was the preferred viewing for most cultured people after football, although I do believe that many of the lower classes may have watched HTV. Bullseye was brilliant, best bit was when a team of 2 women from Macclesfield won the star prize, the plinth spun around, to reveal their new shiny car, but no, wait, hang on, what's gone wrong, it's a frigging speedboat. Hilarious. They're still using it up and down the canal.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 22, 2019 15:59:48 GMT
I have a similar dilemma.
My reading of it is that it depends on (a) the three players being fit and on form to be picked by Northern Ireland and Scotland and (b) Sunderland's new manager Phil Parkinson deciding that he doesn't want Sunderland to build up too much of a fixture backlog if he can do without those three players.
The Scots play on Saturday 16th away in Cyprus, whereas NI don't play until Tuesday 19th (away in Germany). The squads are normally announced a week ahead, so I guess Sunderland would make up their minds by about Saturday 9th November...-ish.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 20, 2019 7:36:55 GMT
BRFC Twitter alert: Nichols has penalty saved. I laughed at that un. He looked out of his depth most of the game and it was no surprise when he was taken off. The lack of confidence excuse is wearing a bit thin now, he's just not up to it imo, end of. Frustrating to watch him. With Clarke back in we were on the receiving end of what we've been dishing out recently and that was painful to see. The midfield balance and composure of recent weeks was just not there. Donny took advantage and got their just rewards. They didn't have a lot of threat up front either but got forward in numbers with some pacy running and neat passing, especially down the right channel. To sum up, without JCH we simply have no punch and become jittery. Rodman showed plenty of skill and endeavour so I voted him MoM in the absence of any other candidate. That's a fair summary. I've been to all four 2-0 away defeats, but missed the 1-0 and 3-1 wins. Anyone like to pay me to stay at home?
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 17, 2019 7:22:52 GMT
Mine would be 1978 v Cardiff at Eastville. I can always remember going 1-0 down earlyish on and I seem to remember us battering them and not being able to score. Then quite near the end we equalised and the Tote went bats***. We scored quite quickly again to go 2-1 up and the place was bouncing. It ended up 3-2 to us so either there was a lot of late goals or my memory is rubbish. And waiting on Stapleton Road for the bus back to Rangeworthy after the game with the Cardiff lot being escorted past to the train station was always fun.... Nothing wrong with your memory. Monday 2nd January 1978. Goals from Staniforth (2) and Randall. Source: "Bristol Rovers: The Definitive History".
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 17, 2019 7:14:39 GMT
It's worth viewing the full text of the article. I thought the questionnaire was a sign that it was a concept the club was exploring, in response to the recent "focus-group". On the contrary: this is happening, from January 2020.
(When I was filling in the questionnaire and put Macclesfield as a pick-up point, the system threw me out!).
The Club is pleased to announce a partnership with Event Travel Hub to provide transport services for supporters on home match fixtures.
Event Travel Hub organises transport for many sporting events, music festivals, corporate and private events.
Their biggest operation to date has been partnering with Premier League Club, Brighton & Hove Albion FC. They provide coach and bus travel to over 3,000 supporters from over 200 pick up points to get supporters to and from the American Express Community Stadium every home game using 55 vehicles. This is the biggest operation of its kind in the UK.
Event Travel Hub are now bringing their experience to Bristol Rovers, with the introduction of Gas Travel.
The service comes with many benefits, to help supporters enjoy their match day experience and take the stress out of travelling to and from the Memorial Stadium.
We can see by the findings of the fan's survey conducted over the summer that supporters are asking for a Park ‘n’ Ride service, or dedicated bus service; with the 'Gas Travel' scheme offering both options.
The benefits to supporters for using the service are outlined below;
• No more driving around looking for that parking space near the ground. • No more changing buses or trains. • No more long walks to the train station. • No more queuing for buses in the wind and rain. • No more travelling alone - we have seen through Seagull Travel many supporters travelled alone but on the coach you would have a chance to talk to fellow-minded fans and make new friends. • No more leaving the match early - so many fans leave early to beat the queues, which you won't have to worry about if you take up their service. • Guaranteed seat: make sure your journey to the ground is a comfortable one – coaches aim to be at the ground about an hour before KO on Saturdays and 45 minutes before the game begins at midweek fixtures. • Enjoy the pre-match build up; relax and be in a position to secure your favourite spot on the terraces. • Gas Travel coaches will park just outside the stadium giving fans easy access.
Unfortunately, as with all transport, it comes at a cost, but the intention is that the service will take all the stress out of the match day experience.
We are kindly asking supporters to complete an online survey by clicking the link here. This will allow us to see where the demand for travel is geographically located and to determine route capacity.
Gas Travel is looking to operate routes for the first EFL Sky Bet League One home fixture in January 2020 at the Mem, as Doncaster Rovers FC visit BS7 on Saturday, 11th Jan.
Gas Travel is proposing, as an introductory offer, to charge £8 per person per return trip for following the first five home fixtures. This gives supporters a chance to see how the system works in practice.
After the introductory games, there will be a slight increase in the price. The costs will be relevant to how far you have to travel with a return ticket from Weston Super Mere costing around £15 return and the same trip from Lawrence Hill priced at £10 return.
There will be discounts for children once the full fares are introduced. After the introductory offer, Gas Travel will provide a season ticket that will save you money on a match by match price. In addition, your place is guaranteed on the coach.
All bookings have to be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please note that this is offered on a first come first served basis, so do book early.
Gas Travel will have its own booking page within Event Travel Hub where all the pickup points will be listed. You can, if you wish, book over the phone.
Each transaction has a £1.50 booking fee; however, you can order your seat for more than one game at a time which will reduce the overall cost to you.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 12, 2019 20:47:33 GMT
Tyler ran his heart out and created a couple of chances for himself. Excellent performance from Tyler Smith. Well done. Very mature.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 12, 2019 12:45:14 GMT
Guess the Dutch keeper Van Goalstopper is in side as the Fin on International duty ?
Finland are away at Bosnia-Herzegovina today, KO 17:00.
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Oct 8, 2019 19:17:07 GMT
BTW, you did hear the Radio 5 match day commentary team questioning who would have made the decision and why to change the best pasties in the League? In what context did this come up? I'm trying to imagine it... "Ninety-second minute, and Chris Kavanagh has pointed to the spot! Albrighton simply lost control and fouled Mané from behind. The VAR check is complete - it is a penalty! James Milner - enormous pressure - Anfield holds its breath... Oh no! - they've only gone and changed the pasty suppliers at the Gas..."
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Sept 29, 2019 15:43:31 GMT
Was going to say the exact same thing about Locks. We look better without him, he played in a team that beat Dirty Leeds 1-0 yesterday, everybody wins. And was instrumental in the single goal: BBC Sport: "Charlton led against the run of play from a corner of their own - Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla parrying Tom Lockyer's volley into the back of the unknowing [Macauley] Bonne, with the ball trickling in".
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GasMacc1
Les Bradd
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Post by GasMacc1 on Sept 28, 2019 20:11:06 GMT
Attendance: 7,321 Close...maybe half a cigar?
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