The Round Ball Game

[cloughie]

Well it didn't take much did it.......

I wish Palace well in the final(best half time entertainment in England bar none !), but I have to say that I expect BHA to be in the PL within 2 or 3 years as well.

Looking at where they were 1997 a not inconsiderable rise from the ashes. Other sides in that table make interesting reading - a strange combination of teams who have experienced the whole spectrum of fortunes since - Swansea and Fulham at one end of the scale - Darlington, Chester and Scarborough - edge could take comfort or despair depending on whether he chooses Doncaster or Scarborough as role models - Chester and Darlington appear to be climbing back now.

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-three/1996-1997

[teamsaint]

Always interesting to look back and see how leagues and clubs levels change.
BHA have really underperformed over time, given their catchment and so on. However, they are on the up,due in no small part to a rich owner, I think.
Clubs like SWFC, dirty leeds, Forest and so on are having to live , for now, with the fact that a big fan base really can't compete with Sky TV money or a rich owner. The truth is , you can survive very nicely in the PL on gates of 20k, as Fulham do. Survival in the PL is pretty much the only game in town, although the likes of leeds and the Owls could at least aspire to be in the top 4, even though chasing the European dream is fraught with danger, as leeds know only too well.

As regards clubs going up and down, there are some amazing stories. Colchester never stay still for long , and have been down to the conference and up to Championship. The new Chester team have fought their way back from near oblivion, as did the Shots, so I am sure that Stockport will be on the way back up before they know it.

As you say, Cloughie, 5 of that 1997 league will be in the PL next season.

Edit, Sorry Cloughie, haven't got back to you about Chopin yet, took me a day to get over your remark !!

[cloughie]

Always interesting to look back and see how leagues and clubs levels change.
BHA have really underperformed over time, given their catchment and so on. However, they are on the up,due in no small part to a rich owner, I think.
Clubs like SWFC, dirty leeds, Forest and so on are having to live , for now, with the fact that a big fan base really can't compete with Sky TV money or a rich owner. The truth is , you can survive very nicely in the PL on gates of 20k, as Fulham do. Survival in the PL is pretty much the only game in town, although the likes of leeds and the Owls could at least aspire to be in the top 4, even though chasing the European dream is fraught with danger, as leeds know only too well.

As regards clubs going up and down, there are some amazing stories. Colchester never stay still for long , and have been down to the conference and up to Championship. The new Chester team have fought their way back from near oblivion, as did the Shots, so I am sure that Stockport will be on the way back up before they know it.

As you say, Cloughie, 5 of that 1997 league will be in the PL next season.

Looks like Shots may need another shot. Scunthorpe after a couple of flirtations with the lower end of the Championship thanks to good management (didn't someone learn his trade there!) and little cash, are back in Div 2 next season.

[EdgeleyRob]

Another trophy for the forum cabinet.

Chelsea win the Europa Cup.

Brilliant Calum,well done LES BLUES

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

vive les bleus!!!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I can't say I ever get excited about clubs who win trophies by buying their success.

[eighthobstruction]

Well done Blues....(gosh Paulo Ferera still on staff)....

Who is in the Wembley finals then....Bradford+?

[BBMmk2]

By default it seems.

[cloughie]

Well done Blues....(gosh Paulo Ferera still on staff)....

Who is in the Wembley finals then....Bradford+?

Northampton - two sides that have had frequent changes of tier over years, both having BRIEFLY sampled the top flight. Northampton were the team in the sixties that in I thinkthe space of nine years went from Div 4 to Div 1 and back again. The feat has been achieved since by Swansea, Carlisle and Bradford City with Carlisle dropping down to the Conference. only beaten thatv record by going from the Conference to old Div 1 and back.

[gurnemanz]

Raring to go with Wembley tickets in the bag. 33000 quickly sold out (unlike Watford). Shocking decision to ban our lady cheerleaders

[eighthobstruction]

Northampton - two sides that have had frequent changes of tier over years, both having BRIEFLY sampled the top flight. Northampton were the team in the sixties that in I thinkthe space of nine years went from Div 4 to Div 1 and back again. The feat has been achieved since by Swansea, Carlisle and Bradford City with Carlisle dropping down to the Conference. only beaten thatv record by going from the Conference to old Div 1 and back.

Luton too eh?

[teamsaint]

Raring to go with Wembley tickets in the bag. 33000 quickly sold out (unlike Watford). Shocking decision to ban our lady cheerleaders

well done on getting tix, Gurney, hope its a great day.
Banning the crystal girls is a disgrace.
I have seen few finer sights at a British football ground than the girls and the Eagle mascots all dancing together, as a REAL eagle swooped around the joyous throng.
Absolute magic.

[BBMmk2]

Nil-nil Magpies v Gunners as it stands at the moment

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Other sides in that table make interesting reading - a strange combination of teams who have experienced the whole spectrum of fortunes since - Swansea and Fulham at one end of the scale - Darlington, Chester and Scarborough - edge could take comfort or despair depending on whether he chooses Doncaster or Scarborough as role models - Chester and Darlington appear to be climbing back now.

Scarborough is quite a different matter. They have ceased to exist. A new club was formed by fans - Scarborough Athletic - but they have no ground, so share with Bridlington town. At present they're slowly working their way up, rather like AFC Wimbledon and the "new" Accrington Stanley.

[BBMmk2]

Hmmm Gunners scored 1-0