Red-Robbo

I know someone who's famous for that. I once had the misfortune to be stood near him when his flatulence caused the enormous bear-like pub dog at The Golden Fleece in Bath to run away whimpering with fear.

Steve Cooper there in the purple coat (top picture).

Fun fact: he got his sheepskin coats from Morlands of Glastonbury.

That's sad. I was never a big fan of his commentating to be quite honest, but he did at least get over his huge enthusiasm for the sport and excitement to be working in it. He also didn't mind the jokes and parodies of his then-unique style, he saw the job as more important than himself. I've worked with some folk who'd worked with him and they've all said what a nice guy he was.

A non-football fan friend was dragged along to the Mem recently and posted horrified pictures from within. Every beam rusty and corroded; exits blocked; trip hazards; wonky electrics; loose seating. He works in H&S. He's asked someone quite senior to look into matters.

Logged off, crying, two minutes later.

Or, every so often, "the accused".

Probably feels an affinity. They also are in the shadow of a much more successful club playing just up the road.

Gone, but his legend lives on...

Pictured there on his only visit to the Memorial Stadium. Then, as now, not a football ground of course.

Johnny Atyeo

Who the f buys them?????

My point wasn't that he was terrible: He's a cheat, but not an awful manager. If you manage 21 clubs in a 43-year career, you're obviously going to get some triumphs, although it's worth noting he's relegated some clubs as well. No, he's been a reasonable manager, but at 74 and a half I think his day has gone. I might be proved wrong, but I doubt it. As for BCFC "dross" I don't think underachieving can be laid entirely at the door of every manager. I also would rather have the long-term vision of Nigel Pearson here than Neil Warnock. Every day of the week.

To be fair to us, most of Warnock's management career has been lower leagues as well. In 43 years as a manager, he's managed at top flight level for only 3.5 seasons.

Hang on, his recent record is taking Cardiff straight down after one season of non-competitiveness in the Prem and leaving the club a very poor Championship side, then being bang average on a big budget at Boro. I'll grant you that he'd achieved some very good stuff in the past. Holds the record for promotions. No one can argue against that. But he's never achieved in the top flight and I am suggesting that his mojo has deserted him in the past 5 years. I mean, the guy's just over 5 years off 80. I'd be very surprised if his latest comeback is anything other than mediocre.

Well, the standard of football has improved since Christmas, so maybe I'll stay on this earthly firmament a bit longer. A few more wins and I might disassemble it!

In that case every manager hasn't worked out here! Warnock won promotion with Cardiff 5 years ago, and took them down the next season, the side was left uncompetitive even at Championship level. At Boro, Chris Wilder achieved considerably better results with the same group of players. I think whatever he's had in the past, he's lost. None of us stay as effective in old age.

Didn't check me. Lucky for him, I'd left the suicide belt at home.

Didn't work out at Cardiff, and at Boro he'd lost 7 and won 5 when they sacked him. I'm thinking he might just be too old now. He's 75 this year.

The ticket checking doesn't irritate me. They seem to have abandoned doing it on the Raynes Road gate. Having to be patted down was much more annoying. Led to crowds building up outside the ground, which was much more dangerous than any threat the stewards were trying half-heartedly to detect.

Not saying I agree with my mate, it's just his theory. London is very easy to get to from any part of the UK, it's the hub of all UK transport networks.

A friend has suggested that the majority Midlands and Northern-based refs do not enjoy travelling down to the West Country for games, so take against us. The Devon clubs seem to make similar complains, although not so the diving fraternity of Horfield: but then perhaps that is easier access from the M32. Going back to Stroud: he used to be dreadful, but he now seems to have improved. Experience has improved him, I guess. I don't think there's anything that could improve James Linnington however, other than a Mafia contract.

Be fair Rob, no one's called you fast....

Sign it up. ? (Couldn't make the game last night, so had to rely on my mates' sketchy post-pub retelling)

Some sterling work by the Wigan woodwork tonight. Their MOTM?