League 1 + League 2 + BS premier and below!

Dozen Wicked Words · 03-12-2010 9:56pm #1

Not sure there is much interest in teams outside English Primula/Championship level, but here goes, oh and remind us of the object of your misery. (This has been mentioned in other threads but no harm in reminders!)

Mine is Northampton Town, they have been up to the top league in England, but more often than not, can be found in League One or League Two. Perenially used to finished bottom of the league and had to seek re-election to the league, had the only 3 sided ground in the football League. Nickname the Cobblers.

More Recent history, beat Reading and Liverpool in the League Cup, highlights of an otherwise miserable season.

Current Manager Ian Sampson, a LONG time servant of the club, who, in all honesty, probably would have been sacked by now, if he wasn't so loyal to the club.

If the thread dies a death, don't feel bad, I am used to disappointment!

Johner · 03-12-2010 10:02pm

Went to a Burton Albion match there a few weeks ago and even though they lost enjoyed it, I'll look out for their results and hopefully get over to see them again.

3hn2givr7mx1sc · 03-12-2010 10:08pm

Try to follow Northampton myself.:D

The mother is from there so I like to watch out for their results, going there for a weekend soon enough I think so hopefully I'll get to a game.

Liam O · 03-12-2010 10:09pm

My cousin plays for Leyton Orient so I follow their results and went over a few weeks ago.

Dozen Wicked Words · 03-12-2010 10:11pm

baz2009 wrote: »

Try to follow Northampton myself.:D

The mother is from there so I like to watch out for their results, going there for a weekend soon enough I think so hopefully I'll get to a game.

You will have no problem getting a ticket anyway!!!

West Stand is the most expensive, but the best view and best atmosphere. North Stand has a few singers, and East Stand family friendly.

Hoping to get my kids as mascots there next year if we can afford to bring them over.

Just Contribute · 03-12-2010 10:23pm

Liam O wrote: »

My cousin plays for Leyton Orient so I follow their results and went over a few weeks ago.

What's your cousin's name?

Dozen Wicked Words · 03-12-2010 10:43pm

Just Contribute wrote: »

What's your cousin's name?

I'm guessing Stephen Dawson?

Paul Tergat · 04-12-2010 12:06am

Bradford City would be my 2nd team so I have a decent knowledge of the division but in particular the city setup.

Pretty much every year Bradford get the big club title and should go up but its just not materialised. The average crowd at Valley Parade is normally about double that of the next average gate which says something about the support the team gets.

Its really hard to pinpoint where the problem lies but it seems that, despite having arguably the best manager in the division, city are destined for another term in the bottom division.

JerryHandbag · 04-12-2010 12:15am

Cmon Luton Town! Get back to the bigtime

mikemac · 04-12-2010 12:19am

I always watch out for Sheffield Wednesday, watching their debt crises talks last month with interest, following it on twitter too
Went to see them once when working in Yorkshire

I always watch the football league show late every Saturday

I also follow Cambridge United in the BSP

Pinturicchio · 04-12-2010 12:43am

Can I ask how or why an Irish person first gets interested in a lower league English team?

mikemac · 04-12-2010 12:47am

A lot of people will say it's Championship Manager/Football Manager

You find that daft but it's true for a lot.
I started a similar thread to the OP a few months back

3hn2givr7mx1sc · 04-12-2010 12:48am

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Can I ask how or why an Irish person first gets interested in a lower league English team?

My Ma's from Northampton so that's why I like to look out for them.
As feelingstressed said, a good few would be from CM/FM, I'd say.

the untitled user · 04-12-2010 12:49am

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Can I ask how or why an Irish person first gets interested in a lower league English team?

Family, had an uncle who lived in Derby for years, always look out for them.

frantic190 · 04-12-2010 12:50am

Wouldn't say I follow a team in the lower leagues over there but I went to Cambridge Utd vs. Altrincham on the 27th. Generally like to look out for the results of the team I am playing in Football Manager though :pac: (Vauxhall at the minute).

Mars Bar · 04-12-2010 12:54am

Well I like to look out for Watford as I lived there when I was an ickle baby.

Also, Luton Town due to Football Manager! Got them from League 2 to being Premiership Runners up.

SantryRed · 04-12-2010 12:56am

mars bar wrote: »

Well I like to look out for Watford as I lived there when I was an ickle baby.

Also, Luton Town due to Football Manager! Got them from League 2 to being Premiership Runners up.

:pac:

You're not allowed follow both

That's like supporting Birmingham and Villa or United and Pool. So just support Watford

Mars Bar · 04-12-2010 1:04am

SantryRed wrote: »

:pac:

You're not allowed follow both That's like supporting Birmingham and Villa or United and Pool. So just support Watford

Yeah I know!

I love the press conferences on FM when I'm playing Watford. I had Liam Henderson playing up front for Luton, I had bought him from Watford for 90k, he ended up being worth almost 7 mil!

Watford is where I'm at really.

JerryHandbag · 04-12-2010 1:05am

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Can I ask how or why an Irish person first gets interested in a lower league English team?

Well theres usually some connection, I doubt anyone picks a team at random.

I look out for Luton Towns results because my cousin used to be involved with the youth team, and have a few cousins who are season ticket holders.

They reached FA Cup semi finals in 1994 and was gutted when they lost, they would've played Man United in the final!

mikemac · 04-12-2010 1:13am

I supported Sheffield Wednesday as one of the best games I've ever seen was the 1992/1993 FA Cup semi final against Sheffield United. Steel city derby!
Was just a young lad and getting into football and I didn't have a team at the time, RTE used to show these games

And I went to Hillsborough once

But they weren't a lower league back then, they were well established in the top flight. Bad times these days

Like Cambridge United due to Football Manager, been following since since the late 1990's.
And their website is one of the best league or non-league websites around, great articles on it. I've often spent an hour or two there. May head over and visit some day

Paul Tergat · 04-12-2010 5:29am

feelingstressed wrote: »

I always watch the football league show late every Saturday

People should definitely watch this whether its on the night or on the iplayer later. My favourite programme on tv.

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Can I ask how or why an Irish person first gets interested in a lower league English team?

feelingstressed wrote: »

A lot of people will say it's Championship Manager/Football Manager

It is quite funny but a good bit of it is this. A lot of people look out for Rushden and Diamonds results because in one version of FM/CM they were the team to take from the conference.

the untitled user wrote: »

Family, had an uncle who lived in Derby for years, always look out for them.

Family ties is another reason obviously and its nice to see people take an interest in lower league footie. I watch some random conference games when theyre on setanta ireland and get laughed at for doing so....meh, i love football.

mars bar wrote: »

Watford is where I'm at really.

At least you picked one

feelingstressed wrote: »

I supported Sheffield Wednesday as one of the best games I've ever seen was the 1992/1993 FA Cup semi final against Sheffield United. Steel city derby!
Was just a young lad and getting into football and I didn't have a team at the time, RTE used to show these games

Epic match. They were a big club at the time and seeing them where they are now is a real shame. With the support they can get they will be back in the premiership in the not so distant future.

Yorkshire football ftw

Liam O · 04-12-2010 5:33am

dooferoaks wrote: »

I'm guessing Stephen Dawson?

Got it in one

kind of preferred it last season and the season before when he was at Bury as it was close to Manchester and had a ticket link if I ever wanted to see United. He got in the League 2 team of the season for the past 2 years and they seem to be warming to him at Orient which is quite a nice (if old) ground that they play in

Notorious · 04-12-2010 11:22am

Rushden & Diamonds are the one I watch (again, because of CM back in the day). Within 5 seasons they moved from the old Conference to Division 2 and back down to the Conference.

They were the glory days.

Mr Posh · 04-12-2010 12:22pm

Nice to see a few lower league fans on here, far to many glory hunters around!:D

I’m a Peterborough Utd Fan!!!! and never thought I would be out numbered by both Cambridge and Northampton fans in Ireland!!!

Cambridge are having a bit of a shocker this year, I actually miss having Cambridge in the football league,

How’s Leon Mckenzie getting on at Sixfeilds he was one of may favourite Posh players of all time?

Do many of you get over for games?

SantryRed · 04-12-2010 12:43pm

I don't get people in this country at times. I really don't.

Dozen Wicked Words · 04-12-2010 3:44pm

Mr Posh wrote: »

How’s Leon Mckenzie getting on at Sixfeilds he was one of may favourite Posh players of all time?

Do many of you get over for games?

Posh have been up and down, they started like a steam train and tailed off a bit, a brilliant strike force (I am loathed to admit!!:pac:)

Mckenszie has been great when hes fit, not the nicest bloke off the pitch but who cares I suppose. Best striker we have by a mile. I try to get over for 2 or 3 a season if I can.

To answer why follow a lower league team, in my case its because I have most of my family in Northampton and lived there for more than half my life thats why I follow them, practically my home town team.

I used to go to my local LOI team here occassionally, but they gave up the ghost a couple of years ago.

God I feel at home, surrounded by Watford, Luton, Cambridge, P'Boro and Rushden and Diamonds fans. All within an hour of the mighty Cobblers.

mikemac · 04-12-2010 3:58pm

Who would have thought we'd have rivalry between Peterborough and Cambridge United fans on boards.ie

Mr Posh · 04-12-2010 5:34pm

We are two leagues above Cambridge these days so our rivalry is stronger with the Wobblers and Franchise FC.

Posh have been punching above there wait for a while but have superb Irish chairman that backs the club, one of our finest managers of all time was Noel Cantwell a Cork man as some of older ones on the boards will remember.

I personally think its no more strange being a Irish fan of a lower league team than being a fan of Man U Chelsea, Man City ETC…… just means you get to experience more downs than up’s which is the reality of being a real fan which any Liverpool or Man U fan will tell you who supported them in the 60’s and 70’s, Most glory hunters seek instant gratification in a football team which in all honesty is false.

If you’re a lower league fan STICK with it and you will get a far more satisfying experience and a feeling of belonging which is hard to beat when the good times role in if only for a season or two!

Dozen Wicked Words · 04-12-2010 5:54pm

Cobblers win 2 nil and surge up the league to about 17th!

Swindon beating Wednesday 2 - 1.

SantryRed · 04-12-2010 6:21pm

Mr Posh wrote: »

I personally think its no more strange being a Irish fan of a lower league team than being a fan of Man U Chelsea, Man City ETC…… just means you get to experience more downs than up’s which is the reality of being a real fan which any Liverpool or Man U fan will tell you who supported them in the 60’s and 70’s, Most glory hunters seek instant gratification in a football team which in all honesty is false.

It's actually clearly more strange. For people who support those clubs they have reasons, such as facilities, exposure, quality of football on the likes. The fact you support a team over the water which offers pretty much the same quality of football as the LOI and the same facilities but you have to cross the water to get it. I find that baffling tbh.

Was just getting my spoke in about it! I don't wanna drag it off to a LOI debate or anything like that, I just find it even more confusing.

For the record, I look out for Watford and get over to a game or two a season because my dad is from there and was a ST holder for 15 years. But Shels will always be my team.

Mr Posh · 04-12-2010 6:51pm

You make a far point in terms of LOI football,

My point is if you are happy supporting Chelsea or Man City then why not Northampton, Peterborough or Watford theres no difference apart from the quality of football and the lack of trophies. Ok you don’t get the facilities, exposure, and quality of football but you get to be part of a real football club and not a brand.

I would always indorse following your local club so fair play for follow Shels which is why I follow the Posh, I never understood why Irish fans insist on investing in premier league teams by giving them there hard earn money when local Irish club are in desperate need of a loyal fan base to survive and produce the three things you have highlighted facilities, exposure and quality of football?

So the point is if you are going to support an English team and not an Irish one then there are plenty of other reasons to follow lower league clubs out side of the glory of the premier league.

grenache · 05-12-2010 1:47am

feelingstressed wrote: »

I supported Sheffield Wednesday as one of the best games I've ever seen was the 1992/1993 FA Cup semi final against Sheffield United. Steel city derby!

I support neither team but that game will live long in my memory, i was 9 but can remember it clearly. In particular the performance of Alan Kelly between the sticks for United. Probably the best display of goalkeeping i've yet seen.

Dozen Wicked Words · 22-04-2011 11:10pm

IF anyone wants to see another wheelchair pitch invasion, there was a half the length of the pitch foray by a Cobblers fan on 4 wheels near the final whistle tonight. Northampton grabbed a draw to keep survival dreams going. Its on youtube I think. VERY tight at foot of league two, short trip to Barrow awaits whoever goes down.

Paully D · 22-04-2011 11:55pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

Mine is Northampton Town

On the subject of Northampton, remember the League Cup game against Sunderland a few years ago (I'm a Sunderland fan)? 2-0 down with about 5 minutes to go and I thought you were going to knock us out, Stokes then scored twice in a few minutes to level it and we won on penalties. You lot brought up a good amount of fans that night, I actually felt sorry for you for the cruel way you lost.

Strangely enough that was the beginning of the end of Keane as Sunderland manager.

Dozen Wicked Words · 23-04-2011 12:00am

The local bbc news(which I get via the wonders of sky other channels), late bulletin reported that the cobblers had won! went to bed happy, not so pleased next day!

Dozen Wicked Words · 23-04-2011 11:25am

Pitch invasion at Sixfields, the home of football.

dyl10 · 23-04-2011 11:32am

Mr Posh wrote: »

Nice to see a few lower league fans on here, far to many glory hunters around!:D

I’m a Peterborough Utd Fan!!!! and never thought I would be out numbered by both Cambridge and Northampton fans in Ireland!!!

Cambridge are having a bit of a shocker this year, I actually miss having Cambridge in the football league,

How’s Leon Mckenzie getting on at Sixfeilds he was one of may favourite Posh players of all time?

Do many of you get over for games?

I used to follow them for a little bit, what's your connection with them?

greendom · 23-04-2011 5:27pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

Pitch invasion at Sixfields, the home of football.

I was there for its very first league game. Martin Aldridge scored for Northampton with a spectacular overhead kick and Dougie Freedman got the equaliser to send me and my fellow Barnet fans home happy

As to day another 4 away from home keeps our survival hopes up. Burton moved up to 17th with another win away from home but anyone from them down are still in danger. Hopefully Barnet can keep winning and put the disappointment of Allen leaving behind them.

Dozen Wicked Words · 23-04-2011 9:38pm

Great result for Barnet and Burton today, but pretty much every single result went against the Cobblers today.

Northampton have massive game on Monday now, away to Stockport. Barnet have a game against a ? disinterested mid table Oxford.

From 17th Burton, Cheltenham and Bradford all on 48 points, Hereford and Lincoln on 47, Northampton on 45, Barnet 44 and Stockport 39. One win would be massive, if Northampton do mannage to do something they haven't done for what seems like years, and win a game, at the moment they have a tiny advantage in their goal difference is 3 better than any of the teams mentioned.

Failing that, the Cobblers go down and have a couple of local derbys where they will be the big team!!!

Paul Tergat · 23-04-2011 9:48pm

I think Bradford should be alright but its pretty scary times. Such a huge collapse for the club.

Dozen Wicked Words · 23-04-2011 9:55pm

p_larkin99 wrote: »

I think Bradford should be alright but its pretty scary times. Such a huge collapse for the club.

Well to be honest, they are the biggest club in amongst it, with best crowds in the league, the rest of us have flirted with, or been in the Conference recently. Still feckin hope its someone, anyone, in the bottom two other than Northampton Town come the end of the season!

Paul Tergat · 23-04-2011 9:58pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

Well to be honest, they are the biggest club in amongst it, with best crowds in the league, the rest of us have flirted with, or been in the Conference recently. Still feckin hope its someone, anyone, in the bottom two other than Northampton Town come the end of the season!

Easily the biggest club in it. They shouldnt really be in that league (just imo) but then i guess you have to earn the right. The football league is just so competitive.

Talks have begun for City to move out of Valley Parade as they cant afford the annual 1.25m repayments on it. The ashes of the crazy spending done when in the premier league are still smoldering away and killing the club.

Gl in the survival battle!

greendom · 23-04-2011 10:37pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

Great result for Barnet and Burton today, but pretty much every single result went against the Cobblers today.

Northampton have massive game on Monday now, away to Stockport. Barnet have a game against a ? disinterested mid table Oxford.

From 17th Burton, Cheltenham and Bradford all on 48 points, Hereford and Lincoln on 47, Northampton on 45, Barnet 44 and Stockport 39. One win would be massive, if Northampton do mannage to do something they haven't done for what seems like years, and win a game, at the moment they have a tiny advantage in their goal difference is 3 better than any of the teams mentioned.

Failing that, the Cobblers go down and have a couple of local derbys where they will be the big team!!!

Geez I've just looked at Northampton's stats. You haven't won in 17 matches :eek: How did that happen ? Still that 93rd minute goal on Friday should help to restore a bit of confidence and that superior goal difference could make all the difference. Good luck so long as it's not at Barnet's expense

Dozen Wicked Words · 25-04-2011 3:05pm

GO ON the Cobblers, just 88 minutes to hold out for first win in months.

Paul Tergat · 25-04-2011 3:17pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

GO ON the Cobblers, just 88 minutes to hold out for first win in months.

Bradford could also virtually ensure survival. No change to the scores please, agreed?
Barnet also just been pegged back.

Dozen Wicked Words · 25-04-2011 3:24pm

p_larkin99 wrote: »

Bradford could also virtually ensure survival. No change to the scores please, agreed?
Barnet also just been pegged back.

Yes please, Burton losing 2 nil too. Hereford and Lincoln losing would be nice.

Paul Tergat · 25-04-2011 3:25pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

Yes please, Burton losing 2 nil too. Hereford and Lincoln losing would be nice.

Think ive jinxed this for ya, comical own goal apparently and your drawing

Dozen Wicked Words · 25-04-2011 3:26pm

p_larkin99 wrote: »

Think ive jinxed this for ya, comical own goal apparently and your drawing

Yep, my brothers there, he described it in all swear words which sums it up nicely I think. Feck sake, they are a disaster to watch!!

And Burton have pulled one back.

Update 2 Burton now level.

Dozen Wicked Words · 25-04-2011 3:47pm

Bradford pegged back and Hereford winning.

Mint Sauce · 25-04-2011 4:04pm

Been following AFC Wimbledon since their formation for the 2002/3 season, 4 promotions later they are currently playing in the Conferance Premier, where after todays match they have one reamaining this season, and a garranteed a playoff place for the Football League (Leauge 2), with either a 2nd or 3rd place finish depending on results.

Wimbledon FC was my local side growing up in London, and always kept on eye on them, with the odd trip to Plough Lane to see them play. Continued to follow them whilst they ground shared with Crystal Palace, right up until they moved to Milton Keynes and rebranded them selfs as MK Dons. So have naturally, and more enthusiastically have followed AFC since.

Dozen Wicked Words · 25-04-2011 4:08pm

irish-stew wrote: »

Been following AFC Wimbledon since their formation for the 2002/3 season, 4 promotions later they are currently playing in the Conferance Premier, where after todays match they have one reamaining this season, and a garranteed a playoff place for the Football League (Leauge 2), with either a 2nd or 3rd place finish depending on results.

Wimbledon FC was my local side growing up in London, and always kept on eye on them, with the odd trip to Plough Lane to see them play. Continued to follow them whilst they ground shared with Crystal Palace, right up until they moved to Milton Keynes and rebranded them selfs as MK Dons. So have naturally, and more enthusiastically have followed AFC since.

I think if AFC Wimbledon had been in the BS Premier 4 or 5 years ago they would have walked the league, but there are some biggish former league teams down there now and teams throwing money at it.

Score update: Burton Albion come from 2 down to take the lead.

And Barnet are winning which will drop Northampton into bottom 2 for first time this season.

League 1 + League 2 + BS premier and below!

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