Rob
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Favourite Player: Asa Hall
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Post by Rob on Oct 1, 2014 18:54:15 GMT
I'm staying in Gloucestershire at the moment. Not my normal downmarket B&B. That's Nailsworth for you. The hotel's guest information folder has a list of duty managers. Two of them are called Mansell. There is no escape. Well,Lee was born in Gloucester so no doubt has an extended family there. Possibly favourite for where a statue of the great man will eventually be erected? It'll be a pale imitation of the shrine on Alpine's front lawn. Should we have a first injury update, then I do have one headline suggestion 'Judas Is-carried off' |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2014 21:39:31 GMT
A SALUTE TO KEV
With Kev having made his 600th appearance on Tuesday night, he looks back on a long career and has no trouble in identifying the highlight:
'At Torquay we had some good cup runs and we got to the play-offs in four of the seven years I was there.
“It was the best time of my career by a long way'.
link- Nico Looks Back
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Rob
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Favourite Player: Asa Hall
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Post by Rob on Oct 2, 2014 21:48:41 GMT
Thanks for that, alpine. A nice piece and I look forward to part two at the weekend. Glad he has got himself set up there and hopefully he has a bit more security now than seemed to be the case at the start of the season. He'll certainly get a warm welcome from me when we play them. Unlike his Judas mate, of course.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2014 0:43:34 GMT
I guess that Ling and Knill are not on his Christmas card list then! A footballer that actually cares about his club seems to be a rarity these days and the antithesis of that Judas bloke.....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2014 10:46:59 GMT
Who do you think you are kidding Cap'n Mansell ?
If you think old Dover's done,
We are the boys who will stop your little game.
We are the boys who will make you think again.
Yes, just as Cap'n Manse was preparing to triumphantly sail up the River Avon with another 3 point bounty safely on board, the old Dunkirk spirit kicked in with the lads from the White Cliffs as they sent more than a warning shot across Rover's bows, by shocking them with a last minute equaliser. We can be certain that Manse's parrot learned a few new swear words in the dressing room after that game, and The Pirates will surely view it as 2 valuable points thrown away.
Spending too much time looking in the direction of France isn't healthy for any Englishman, and I reckon this weeks announcement that Britain intends to scrap the European Human Rights Act stiffened the British backbone in some of those Dover players, allowing them to forget the snail chompers across the sea, and refocus on those traditional British values that Theresa May reminded us of this week, that always make us so proud.
The clock was ticking down, but as Labour voting, bung loving Cloughie used to remind us: 'It only takes a second to score a goal', and as Manse found to his cost yesterday, before you could say 'Up yours Delors' the ball was nestling in the back of the Rovers net, with the final whistle following shortly after.
A poor show from Cap'n Manse, and not something that I could have been admitted to had news not reached me that Floridagull has gone to the extraordinary lengths of downloading something called Manseblock Plus to his computer to make sure he avoids all news of the Cap'n. So the usual superlatives included solely to raise his blood pressure aren't required today.
It was a very different Captaincy story at Plainmoor, where the young replacement helped turn around a half time deficit, and in guiding his side to victory struck a legendary goal to win the game......the type that Manse could only ever dream of scoring himself.
Kev's Harrier's must surely have been expecting maximum points at home to bottom club Telford, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. It'll come as no surprise to see the Worcester News informing us that it was Kev's pin point accuracy that lead to the goal:
'Verma rose highest at the near post and headed home from a Nicholson free-kick'. Not only did the 79th minute prove unlucky yesterday as it saw Telford score their equaliser, but earlier in the day I'd also seen 79 minutes tick away before Dirty Leeds got an undeserved equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday.
Manse and Nico should both be back in mid-week action. It's Rovers v Dartford on Tuesday, followed by the televised clash between Harriers and Welling on Wednesday evening.
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hector
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Post by hector on Oct 5, 2014 21:51:30 GMT
Apparently, Mansell gave a 'wry smile' when asked about the penalty, Dover should have been awarded and weren't. Wily old fox!
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Rob
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Favourite Player: Asa Hall
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Post by Rob on Oct 5, 2014 23:49:43 GMT
Enjoying the new and improved offerings, Alpine. As are the Plainmoor faithful with our phenomenal engine room.
Last week
But there always was, and still is, so much more to Manse's game than even this. The art of captaincy cannot be learned overnight. For instance, let's just imagine that a hypothetical team with a hypothetical young captain had a couple of their players sent off; maybe in a following match another of the players is sent off ...........denied the strong leadership qualities embodied by the great Cap'n; that such a team would crumble to defeat?
This week
It was a different Captaincy story at Plainmoor, where the young replacement helped turn around a half time deficit, and in guiding his side to victory struck a legendary goal to win the game......the type that Manse could only ever dream of scoring himself.
Looking forward to watching Kev in action later this week on BT Sport. Not offered a contract by us, but finding his feet again elsewhere. A feel good story compensating in some part for the revelation last week of Judas whoreing himself about to any local rival so he could treacherously turn down our reasonable offer. All when his long term friend and young family were going through turmoil, of course.
Keep up the good performances, Kev. You deserve 'em.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2014 11:14:19 GMT
MANSE'S MONDAY VERDICT
Cap'n Manse kindly shares his wisdom with us, and among a number of interesting observations explains that for players at a little club like Dover, it's such an honour to play against big sides like Rovers, and (although he's to modest to say) legends of the game such as himself. It leads them to raise their game and pull off shock results such as getting a draw at the Memorial Stadium
'That's not always easy because games like these are a big occasion for the Dover lads.
"To come to the Memorial Stadium and play in front of 6,000 people, it gives them a lift and they can usually find that extra ten or 20 per cent that makes it difficult for us'.
Manse reflected on Darrell Clarke's Manager of the Month award, and tells us that he has a canny eye for spotting a manager who knows what he's doing. Without saying as much, perhaps Manse was thinking back to the early months of last season when he might have had much less confidence in the guy picking the team.
Mansell said: "That's just the sort of person Darrell is.
"He deserves that award for the way he has turned things around since that first week of the new season.
"There were a lot of people jumping on his back, but I think he is starting to change people's opinions.
"He is a very good manager and knows the right things to say at the right times.
"We trust him and believe the things he says so we are happy to go and do the things he asks us to do'.
Does the Cap'n also feel that his efforts are now more properly appreciated than when some misguided supporters might have booed him and the team last season when results didn't go our way?
"We have to thank our own supporters because there could well have been a chorus of boos at the end.
"That there wasn't is a sign that they appreciate that we are working hard to try and get this club back in the Football League".
Modern football eh ? I can't keep up with it. I thought disgruntled Managers threw teacups around or kicked a stray football boot at Beckham. Cap'n Manse informs us that should you be feeling in the mood, the 2014 equivalent would apparently be to throw something called Powerade at a wall instead
'Most managers would come in the changing room after watching the players concede a late equaliser and be throwing Powerade at the wall'.
link - Manse's Musings
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2014 10:21:32 GMT
Legend Watch is kindly sponsored by 
LOOKING UP TO CAP'N MANSE
A 1-0 win for Rovers yesterday.Main talking points at 'The Mem' last night concerned a dubious penalty; Dartford's black goalkeeper Brown, claiming to have been racially abused; and Cap'n Manse getting booked for kicking the ball away.
The final outcome however, is that we now have to look up the table rather than down, in order to spot Manse and his Pirates.
It's Kev's big televised match tonight, and I shall be keeping a keen eye out to see if Danny Sullivan is among the crowd holding up a protest banner.
I was hoping The Worcester News would have provided a decent match preview by now, but no such luck. Instead they're reporting on 'Demon Eyes' Dave and SamCam visiting Mr & Mrs Alam's restaurant, where Dave enjoyed a Lamb Chilli Balti.
'She said they had offered the Prime Minister and his wife a private room but they said they wanted to be in the main dining room and were happy to chat with other diners'.
link- ' Dave - Man Of The People'
What a fine contrast to Mr. Miliband drooling all over a bacon roll, as Ed's attempt to portray ordinariness went so spectacularly wrong.
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Rob
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Favourite Player: Asa Hall
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Post by Rob on Oct 8, 2014 13:15:19 GMT
Am considering going to 'local club' Aldershot on Saturday and booing the petulant Judas for 90 minutes as a warm up to getting back in time to watch us and Captain Fantastic Luke Young on the telly afterwards. If I do, I'll be sure to update 'Legends Watch' on anything from kicking the ball away, arguing with the ref, headless chicken behaviour, misplaced passes and blaming a teammate etc. And, of course, anything in between. Them Rovers fans aren't endearing themselves to others on their travels this season, are they?
Hope Kev has a stormer on the box tonight.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2014 14:27:24 GMT
I note with pleasure that Alpine Joe has managed to secure sponsorship from Herbalife for Legend Watch. I'm sure other members of this forum will join me in hoping that this generous package will enable AJ to continue his noble duties until at least next week.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2014 15:12:20 GMT
“I don’t think the lads are devastated [about not being picked], They enjoyed going, but for whatever reason the manager doesn’t think they are the right fit. My personal opinion is that I don’t think there’s a better midfielder or striker in this league than Luke Young and Ryan Bowman – but that’s just an opinion isn’t it? I’m very happy that they are with us, and I would not stand in their way if they were picked."
So said Chris Hargreaves, as reported by the Western Morning News, speaking of Young and Bowman's non-selection for the England C trip to Turkey. To me this reads as somewhat lukewarm enthusiasm for either player - or anyone else from Torquay United for that matter - being selected for this or future squads. Something of a coded message perhaps from Chris Hargreaves to Paul Fairclough, the England C manager, along the lines of "bugger off and don't bother us again with such trivialities". I wouldn't be surprised if Paul Fairclough, regarded as both an astute and respected figure in football, quickly picked up message. The proof of the pudding will be in future squads.
Or, of course, it may be another case of media manipulation whereby the press picks up on secondary negative intonations to distort the overall message. Our manager may be bitterly angered and disappointed on behalf of his players.
Either way, I'd be surprised if the players themselves weren't a little bit upset by their omission. Partly a sense of dented pride; partly missing out on something that would have appeared impressive on their respective career records. And, with Angus MacDonald going on England C trips last season, I'm sure they'd heard tales of it being a great experience and much fun.
Yet, if it's true that young players are unmoved by the prospect of appearing for England C, perhaps the FA should throw the team open to those who have served the game loyally - and with distinction - without ever reaching the upper echelons of the game. Maybe as a richly-deserved honour for "legends of the lower leagues" who, now they are of advancing years, warrant ninety minutes in the sun.
And who better than Manse? Just think of it: Cap'n Manse of England. Three Lions on his shirt; captain's armband worn with pride. AJ would have booked a few days in Istanbul at the merest hint. And Rob, writing more eloquently than I could ever about the Cap'n's qualities, offers those of "kicking the ball away, arguing with the ref, headless chicken behaviour, misplaced passes and blaming teammates" for starters. Gosh, I'm sure this would have won our man - well, our ex-man - a whole legion of new admirers in Turkey as well as a lucrative contract to play in the Spor Toto Süper Lig.
Failing all of this, I'm sure AJ can produce a Manse of England photo montage to remind us of what we're missing due to the hopelessness of the FA.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2014 15:19:43 GMT
I regret to inform Joe that I uninstalled Manseblock Plus as it was not doing the job. I replaced it with AJblock Plus but alas that is not working either. And I can see the Herbalife logo. I am beginning to think that these pesky advertisers have a way around everything.
I suppose the only answer now is to ignore any threads with 'Legend' in the title. But not until I have Googled 'LegendBlock Plus' just in case it is out there (and is free).
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Rob
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Favourite Player: Asa Hall
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Post by Rob on Oct 8, 2014 18:01:02 GMT
Stop giving him ideas with this England 'guff', Barty!!!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 9:21:57 GMT
Friendship and Understanding - Freundschaft und Verständigung
With Luke Young's wonder goal to thrill us last Saturday, Cap'n Manse's win to cheer on Tuesday evening, and Nico's televised 3 points last night, it would have been ideal if the three section Torquay/Rovers/Harriers scarves that are planned for exclusive sale to TFF members (enquiries from the U.S welcome) had already been on sale in advance of this week. Unfortunately our Cambodian suppliers have let us down, but assure us production will shortly be resuming and that the much anticipated double sided design yellow & blue scarves, featuring Cap'n Manse on one side and the 'Young Pretender' on the reverse, will also be with us in plenty of time for the all important Christmas/New Year fixtures.
While acknowledging the groundswell of opinion driving the calls requesting a 'Mansell For England' campaign, it would be more than I can take on at present, but recognise that seeing a patriotic double fist pump just before the national anthems and minnows like San Marino would admit defeat before the game even kicked off.
And so it was back to Aggborough, thanks to the BT Sport's cameras, to see Kev in televised action.
Do not adjust your full backs.
Harriers beat Welling 2-1 in a reasonably entertaining game, although it was by no means a classic. Kev got pulled up early on by a pernickety linesman who took exception to a robust ball winning challenge by Nico near his touchline. A clean fair tackle, but one that will die out of the English game once the Wes Brown's and Kevin Nicholson's retire. The permitted challenges i.e those which are suitable to both the men's and women's game,will be fully understood by the generation coming through, as a blood and thunder challenge of old, however well executed, is relabelled 'reckless' and punished accordingly.
Less than a quarter of an hour on the clock when Kev hit a long diagonal cross into Welling's box. A poor defensive header fell to Harriers Hodgkiss who rifled a low shot into the net, a slight deflection making certain. Later in the half Welling's young goalkeeper Henly, looked 'all at sea' rather than 'on Thames' as he failed to cope with Nico's deceptively powerful whipped in free kick. His misjudged punched clearance only making contact with the bunch of players in front of him and the ball rebounding into the net.
A little cause for concern for the home side when Welling got a goal back shortly after half time, but not enough to stop Kev and his teammates holding out for the win. Nico's pacey inviting corner kicks are just as good as ever, and I'm certain that Angus MacDonald and Aaron Downes could capitalise on them to greater effect than the timid efforts some Harriers players came up with.
As it's a bit of a bleak morning here, I'll forsake the view of Kidderminster's disused Goods Yard, in favour of the crocuses in Kidderminster's twin town of Husum, which is apparently in somewhere called North Friesland (don't ask me).
link Kiddie/Husum twins |
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