Dave
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Post by Dave on Dec 17, 2008 12:17:59 GMT
We have all seen and heard many other fans as we have stood in our own ground and in many away grounds, some are no longer with us, maybe moved on to watch those football matches up in heaven.
We have had many characters shouting out all sorts over the years and the question is, who is the one that you remember most and why? It does not have to be one of our own fans, it could be one from any club really, you take Portsmouth, we have all seem the guy who looks like Noddy Holder from Slade.
I will start with a lady who some may know, I'm not sure who she is, but she always stood near me and would just keep shouting out "Squash em" so who has stood out for you and you remember the most.
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Post by capitalgull on Dec 17, 2008 13:54:34 GMT
I actually had the pleasure of speaking with John 'Portsmouth Football Club' Westwood at one of our friendlies at Plainmoor a few years ago, and a nicer man you could not find to speak with about football (NB: before shouting me down, I have never met Dave R, Chelston or any of the other respected members here, and Merse is nowhere near as nice!)
We chatted for a good few moments at the bar, and then sat down for a while after he found out I was a journalist, because he wanted some advice about a potential book that was in the pipelines...not sure it has seen the light of day yet.
I guess most people know the story, but John runs a second-hand/antique bookshop in Petersfield and has his body covered in Portsmouth related tattoos. Sadly his reputation seems mixed because of the amount of times he has been thrown out of grounds for misbehaving (be aware Mr Barlow lol) and because of his antics ringing his bell (oo-er missus) and banging his drum, but having only met him when he was sober, I can honestly say he is a top guy and one who makes the atmosphere at Portsmouth games (home and away, especially the latter) better than most.
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Post by pikeygull on Dec 17, 2008 14:51:05 GMT
My stand out memory is not so much a fan but the old lady who used to parade the Herald Express around Plainmoor towards the end of the game " Eeevin Payper- Eeevin Payper"
She used to sell them from outside Natwest in the town during the week.
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Post by The knight who says "nee" on Dec 17, 2008 17:04:15 GMT
My stand out memory is not so much a fan but the old lady who used to parade the Herald Express around Plainmoor towards the end of the game " Eeevin Payper- Eeevin Payper" She used to sell them from outside Natwest in the town during the week. Thank you Pikeygull - you have just made my day, totally forgotten her! |
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joebarlow
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Post by joebarlow on Dec 17, 2008 17:37:44 GMT
I actually had the pleasure of speaking with John 'Portsmouth Football Club' Westwood at one of our friendlies at Plainmoor a few years ago, and a nicer man you could not find to speak with about football (NB: before shouting me down, I have never met Dave R, Chelston or any of the other respected members here, and Merse is nowhere near as nice!) We chatted for a good few moments at the bar, and then sat down for a while after he found out I was a journalist, because he wanted some advice about a potential book that was in the pipelines...not sure it has seen the light of day yet. I guess most people know the story, but John runs a second-hand/antique bookshop in Petersfield and has his body covered in Portsmouth related tattoos. Sadly his reputation seems mixed because of the amount of times he has been thrown out of grounds for misbehaving [glow=red,2,300](be aware Mr Barlow lol)[/glow] and because of his antics ringing his bell (oo-er missus) and banging his drum, but having only met him when he was sober, I can honestly say he is a top guy and one who makes the atmosphere at Portsmouth games (home and away, especially the latter) better than most. I`ll bear that in mind. Stewards have threatenend to take it away because it annoys them but they have ddone yet. As for memorable fans, I can only think of Paul Bastard. He travels to every Torquay home and away game from Manchester. He wears the same scarf, bobble hat and shorts to every match always has that lunch box with hiom and travels to every game in car at 150mph. I always speak to him at matches and he is quality. Nice, friendly and always has a smile on his face. When he was wearing his shorts in the puring rain a few weeks ago at Plainmoor, he was talknig to Kevin Nicholson and hopping from one foot to the other trying to keep warm and Nicholson coudlnt stop laughing at how Paul could keep wearing those shorts, even in the rain. |
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jamie
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Post by jamie on Dec 17, 2008 20:22:16 GMT
I too have met John 'Portsmouth Football Club' Westwood, and agree he was a really nice guy - a complete lunatic but a great fun person.
My lasting memory though is the chap with a speech impedament who used to stand at the front of the mini and shout at players etc. He was always up for a chat and lived for tufc and man u.
When he died there was a auction at cherries in paignton to pay for his funeral (so sad) he left no one. I went to the auction and it was an alladin's cave of memorbillia.
I still think about him from time to time when I am at Plainmoor
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Post by ajaxgull on Dec 17, 2008 22:11:37 GMT
Jamie, I think you are talking about the legendary Maurice Wills. I always remember him accidentally setting his beard alight !!
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sam
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Post by sam on Dec 18, 2008 12:05:28 GMT
Jamie, How far does this Maurice go back. Did he have bit of a funny face, we kids used to call him Morris the moon man because he had a man-in-the-moon shaped face. This was in late 60's. I think at some time he also sold the Herald and I think he lived in Corporation Buildings in Market Street, Torquay. One of Plainmoors great characters. I also remember a family with dad wearing the same black coat like something out of Reservoir Dogs, his wife and I think two kids who used to be on the same stanchion on the popside year after year. Bet someone knows who they are, again mid to late 60's. What about Norman Stuckey, a true fan if there ever was one, didnt he wear a blue and yellow top hat. Anyhow, Paul B'astard has got to be No.1 bar none. A great character and becoming a legend.
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Post by David Graham's Eighth Pint on Dec 18, 2008 12:08:29 GMT
I will start with a lady who some may know, I'm not sure who she is, but she always stood near me and would just keep shouting out "Squash em" I encountered this delightful lady at Notts County a couple of years ago (2-2, Kuffour scored an overhead kick late on) and I'd forgotten about her until the other night at Eastbourne. Always brings a smile to my face. I do really sad things like trying to picture what forummers look like. For example, stick Victor Meldrew in a stetson and that's how I imagine Merse. ;D |
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jamie
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Post by jamie on Dec 18, 2008 20:06:35 GMT
No idea how far back he goes, probably to the sixties. I guess the sad thing is that he died without family and that is always sad. I suppose in some way those of us who were around where his family of sorts.
God bless you maurice you where part of my tufc growing up experience.
David G 8Th pint - You are not so far from the truth with your description of merse. Victor Meldrew is about right, that said Merse does sport a splendid pair of sideburns which at christmas he likes to dye red in a tribute to his hero Noddy Holder.
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Post by ospelgull on Dec 19, 2008 6:56:26 GMT
For me it has to be Paul Bastard. Whenever I get over for a game (home or away)I try to have a quick chat with him. A very friendly guy!
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Post by David Graham's Eighth Pint on Dec 19, 2008 9:07:13 GMT
For me it has to be Paul Bastard. Whenever I get over for a game (home or away)I try to have a quick chat with him. A very friendly guy! I can't believe it took until the tenth reply for this legend to get a mention! My excuse was I was seduced by the "Squash'im!" lady.  |
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Post by dazgull on Dec 19, 2008 10:53:35 GMT
I believe that "squash 'em" is called Sue. She has certainly been following the goals around the country for a few years and always used to have a really long scarf.
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joebarlow
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Post by joebarlow on Dec 19, 2008 12:38:47 GMT
For me it has to be Paul Bastard. Whenever I get over for a game (home or away)I try to have a quick chat with him. A very friendly guy! [glow=red,2,300]I can't believe it took until the tenth reply for this legend to get a mention![/glow] My excuse was I was seduced by the "Squash'im!" lady. I mentioned in my Post (post 4. ;D |
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Post by David Graham's Eighth Pint on Dec 19, 2008 15:44:54 GMT
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