Ashton Gate Eight - 40th Anniversary events announced

[shahanshahan]

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ashton-gate-eight-40th-anniversary/

City will mark the 40th anniversary of the Ashton Gate Eight with a weekend of celebrations including a pitch parade by the Robins heroes.

It is four decades since Peter Aitken, Chris Garland, Jimmy Mann, Julian Marshall, Geoff Merrick, David Rodgers, Gerry Sweeney and Trevor Tainton selflessly tore up their contracts to save the club from financial ruin.

And for the weekend of the Middlesbrough match on Saturday, February 19th – the closest weekend Ashton Gate fixture following the February 3rd anniversary – the club will host ‘The Eight’ and their loved ones as they travel from across the UK to attend.

A visit to the new Robins High Performance Centre on Friday, February 18th will be followed by an evening dinner at Ashton Gate, while fans have the chance to salute the legends with a pre-match parade 15 minutes ahead of kick-off the following day.

Activity at that Middlesbrough match will include a period of applause in the eighth minute of the game, a giant surfer flag and hand flags, as well as a tribute on the big screen.

[frenchred]

Can we make sure they do a proper lap of honour this time and nont the farce of last time please

[phantom]

1 hour ago, frenchred said:

Can we make sure they do a proper lap of honour this time and nont the farce of last time please

No doubt will be weather dependent, but completely agree 

[Tin Soldier]

Just been sent this. At last some recognition.

 

 

Edited January 18, 2022 by Tin Soldier

[Silvio Dante]

3 minutes ago, Tin Soldier said:

Just been sent this. At last some recognition.

 

 

To be fair, i think that’s been in the concourse for over a year

[Tin Soldier]

2 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

To be fair, i think that’s been in the concourse for over a year

Yeh, meant the 40th anniversary, sorry. Good that the club are acknowledging also.

[richwwtk]

2 hours ago, shahanshahan said:

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ashton-gate-eight-40th-anniversary/

City will mark the 40th anniversary of the Ashton Gate Eight with a weekend of celebrations including a pitch parade by the Robins heroes.

It is four decades since Peter Aitken, Chris Garland, Jimmy Mann, Julian Marshall, Geoff Merrick, David Rodgers, Gerry Sweeney and Trevor Tainton selflessly tore up their contracts to save the club from financial ruin.

And for the weekend of the Middlesbrough match on Saturday, February 19th – the closest weekend Ashton Gate fixture following the February 3rd anniversary – the club will host ‘The Eight’ and their loved ones as they travel from across the UK to attend.

A visit to the new Robins High Performance Centre on Friday, February 18th will be followed by an evening dinner at Ashton Gate, while fans have the chance to salute the legends with a pre-match parade 15 minutes ahead of kick-off the following day.

Activity at that Middlesbrough match will include a period of applause in the eighth minute of the game, a giant surfer flag and hand flags, as well as a tribute on the big screen.

@shahanshahan - What's Gerry Sweeney done to upset you?

[phantom]

34 minutes ago, Tin Soldier said:

Yeh, meant the 40th anniversary, sorry. Good that the club are acknowledging also.

It was slightly misleading that the club tweeted the picture you shared - it seemed like it was something new 

[One Team]

We’ve been critical in the past but to be fair this looks pretty decent.

[sugarwray]

40 years on …. In December 1982 Bristol City were 92nd in the League.

Fans still sing 30 years on …. Thirty years ago we were mid table in what is now the Championship 

[Mendip City]

Anyone heard anything about a Terry Cooper tribute? That’s gone very quiet.  I was hoping for the training ground to get a decent name! 

[shahanshahan]

2 hours ago, richwwtk said:

@shahanshahan - What's Gerry Sweeney done to upset you?

Dammit, I thought I included his photo in the original post. Can't seem to edit it for some reason, so here you go!

[JackofromSanJavier]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that they'll be in the Lansdown Lounge and also a little time in the Sports Bar before the game on the 19th.  Is my memory correct or is the vodka taking its usual Friday night / Saturday morning toll please?  Anyone confirm or otherwise?  COYR AG8

[shahanshahan]

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/8-matchday-timings-for-40th-anniversary-of-the-ashton-gate-8/

KEY TIMINGS 

• By 2.40pm Fans to take their seats
• 2.45pm Paul Cheesley introduced to crowd 
• 2.46pm Showing on big screen of the recently unearthed video of THAT Jimmy Mann goal from 1979 against Nottingham Forest
• From 2.45pm Surfer flag moves along South Stand from the corner with Lansdown Stand to the Section 82 corner
• 2.47pm Paul Cheesley welcomes the Ashton Gate 8 to the centre circle* with images on the big screen 
• 2.56pm City and Middlesbrough players line up
• 2.57pm The Ashton Gate 8 leave the field 
• 3pm Kick-off
• On 8 minutes: 8:01 to 8:59 applause and a giant '8' card mosaic** in the Upper Dolman central three blocks

*In the event of adverse weather preventing the pitch parade, the Ashton Gate 8 will be welcomed on to the Heineken Lounge balcony. Timings will remain the same.

**Subject to weather conditions 

 

[shahanshahan]

Boro fans are expected to join in on Saturday...

Edited February 17, 2022 by shahanshahan

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

It's a pity that neither Jimmy or Chris can be there but Adam representing Chris made me think about footballers families and netball. Many will be aware that Gary & Phil Neville's sister Tracy played for and was head coach of the England Roses but I wonder how many know that current England Roses (and former player) Jessica Thirlby is Chris Garland's daughter. 

[daored]

7 hours ago, RoystonFoote'snephew said:

It's a pity that neither Jimmy or Chris can be there but Adam representing Chris made me think about footballers families and netball. Many will be aware that Gary & Phil Neville's sister Tracy played for and was head coach of the England Roses but I wonder how many know that current England Roses (and former player) Jessica Thirlby is Chris Garland's daughter. 

Had a very brief dealing with Jimmy Mann on behalf of the supporters club , let’s just say not at all surprised to hear he won’t be in attendance 

[exAtyeoMax]

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ashton-gate-8-commemorative-brochure/

Free brochure to be sent to STHs later in the season

[Red Army 75]

Absolutely gutted I’m going to miss tomorrow. It’s also 40 years I’ve been going to Ashton Gate . Me and the boy both got covid. FFS

[Davefevs]

22 minutes ago, Red Army 75 said:

Absolutely gutted I’m going to miss tomorrow. It’s also 40 years I’ve been going to Ashton Gate . Me and the boy both got covid. FFS

Get well quickly 

[Red Army 75]

Just now, Davefevs said:

Get well quickly 

Cheers Dave 

[TBW]

I just want to see a well-interviewed (not by "Downsy" obviously) video with the group. I want to actually hear from them all on what they remember at the time, looking back on it, etc. etc.

[exAtyeoMax]

 

 

[bearded_red]

2 hours ago, TBW said:

I just want to see a well-interviewed (not by "Downsy" obviously) video with the group. I want to actually hear from them all on what they remember at the time, looking back on it, etc. etc.

Yeah there is absolutely no chance that City strike the correct tone tomorrow if ‘Downsy’ is in any way involved.

[ExiledAjax]

2 hours ago, TBW said:

I just want to see a well-interviewed (not by "Downsy" obviously) video with the group. I want to actually hear from them all on what they remember at the time, looking back on it, etc. etc.

Skip the first minute and half of this, but it's not the worst interview ever conducted. No Downsy in sight.

 

[Davefevs]

Well said “Sir” Geoff.

[shahanshahan]

As a follow-up for all members that received the latest email from the Supporters Club & Trust:

https://www.bristolcitysupporters.org/dont-be-late-for-the-ashton-gate-8/

[Tin Soldier]

@Davefevs Agreed, Well said Sir Geoff. What a legend.
People need to remember what Bristol City is all about to most of us.
There was a double page on the AG8 in the WDP last weekend. For those that don’t remember those dark days, worth reading the digital copy if you haven’t already. The way they were treated at the time was nothing short of scandalous. The club was so badly run at the time. Seems to be an ever reoccurring problem at AG.

[daored]

1 hour ago, TomF said:

Richard Latham would be my pick 

Jonathan Pearce would also be an option but I guess the Lansdowns and the club may not like that option 

[Lewisdabaron]

Surfer flag for the South Stand for tomorrow. 

[Davefevs]

Class

[CiderJar]

9 hours ago, ExiledAjax said:

Skip the first minute and half of this, but it's not the worst interview ever conducted. No Downsy in sight.

 

The Geoff Merrick interview is the best the media department have ever done. So much respect for this man. Such a hard bitch.

[Loco Rojo]

Does anyone know if there's a good podcast interviewing them at all? I'd like to learn more about it and thought Geoff Merrick's interview was really interesting.

[daored]

20 minutes ago, Loco Rojo said:

Does anyone know if there's a good podcast interviewing them at all? I'd like to learn more about it and thought Geoff Merrick's interview was really interesting.

The sound of the city podcast the other week was very good and informative 

[Loco Rojo]

26 minutes ago, daored said:

The sound of the city podcast the other week was very good and informative 

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have a search for that one. 

[Bristol Rob]

What's the PA system been like this season?

 

[pongo88]

32 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

What's the PA system been like this season?

 

PA - p*ss awful 

[Cardy]

What are all of the words for the 8 men had a dream song?

[chinapig]

41 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

What's the PA system been like this season?

 

Pardon?

[Sir Geoff]

2 hours ago, Loco Rojo said:

Does anyone know if there's a good podcast interviewing them at all? I'd like to learn more about it and thought Geoff Merrick's interview was really interesting.

3 peeps said last week they have a special guest this week. Guess it will be one of the 8.

[RedM]

[RedM]

[MarcusX]

It’s a shame Robins TV didn’t show the AG8 tributes and events that were happening. Any particular reason why not or just an over sight?

[Midred]

It could hardly be an oversight! I thought when they started talking about it then it would be shown  but Toby is more important. We were spared Downsy though!

[Norn Iron]

10 minutes ago, MarcusX said:

It’s a shame Robins TV didn’t show the AG8 tributes and events that were happening. Any particular reason why not or just an over sight?

I am annoyed, very annoyed. I was there throughout our dark days. Like many and despite being on a meagre salary, I was one of many buying shares.

I deliberately went to the Robins TV YouTube feed instead of listening via my Robins Listen subscription. I knew that the YouTube feed would be stopped prior to 3pm.

All went well with the showing of the Geoff Merrick and Peter 'I'm a Gashead' Aitken (he admitted that in the interview).

But why oh why couldn't Robins TV have shown us the Ashton Gate 8 on the pitch? As a former broadcaster and OB manager, it would've been very easy to set up. 

I wanted to applaud the 8 from my armchair. I wanted to be part of the celebration despite living a long way from BS3. 

Robins TV, what you did for the many of us was pathetic and slap in the face to those of us who were there at the time but can't attend.

 

Instead we get....

 

 

[maxjak]

7 minutes ago, Norn Iron said:

I am annoyed, very annoyed. I was there throughout our dark days. Like many and despite being on a meagre salary, I was one of many buying shares.

I deliberately went to the Robins TV YouTube feed instead of listening via my Robins Listen subscription. I knew that the YouTube feed would be stopped prior to 3pm.

All went well with the showing of the Geoff Merrick and Peter 'I'm a Gashead' Aitken (he admitted that in the interview).

But why oh why couldn't Robins TV have shown us the Ashton Gate 8 on the pitch? As a former broadcaster and OB manager, it would've been very easy to set up. 

I wanted to applaud the 8 from my armchair. I wanted to be part of the celebration despite living a long way from BS3. 

Robins TV, what you did for the many of us was pathetic and slap in the face to those of us who were there at the time but can't attend.

 

Instead we get....

 

 

Well said

[Harry]

[Banjo Island]

4 minutes ago, Harry said:

Quality love it

[Claverham_Red]

Found it very touching. Well done all.

 

[Rossi the Robin]

Although a bit before my time got a bit choked up whilst that was going on today-  very well done all and a great result to boot 

 

[Brann-red]

1 minute ago, Rossi the Robin said:

Although a bit before my time got a bit choked up whilst that was going on today-  very well done all and a great result to boot 

 

Agree . Thought the club did not well today in its preparations and fair play to boro fans who also contributed. 

I definitely had a tear in my eye when all 8 were on the centre circle stood on their respective areas . 

[RedLionLad]

[Bristol Rob]

There have been a few laughable attempts at celebrating the AG8 previously, but this was done properly pitched at the right level and all about the players and not the club and trying to shoehorn in anything the club achieved post 82.

Congratulations to all involved.

[Street red]

6 hours ago, Bristol Rob said:

What's the PA system been like this season?

 

Have we got one?

[Street red]

One massive thank you to Scott Davidson for organising this that was a great tribute and it certainly was over due. Respect to Scott and us city fans absolutely love that today. CTID!! 

[MarcusX]

4 hours ago, Norn Iron said:

I am annoyed, very annoyed. I was there throughout our dark days. Like many and despite being on a meagre salary, I was one of many buying shares.

I deliberately went to the Robins TV YouTube feed instead of listening via my Robins Listen subscription. I knew that the YouTube feed would be stopped prior to 3pm.

All went well with the showing of the Geoff Merrick and Peter 'I'm a Gashead' Aitken (he admitted that in the interview).

But why oh why couldn't Robins TV have shown us the Ashton Gate 8 on the pitch? As a former broadcaster and OB manager, it would've been very easy to set up. 

I wanted to applaud the 8 from my armchair. I wanted to be part of the celebration despite living a long way from BS3. 

Robins TV, what you did for the many of us was pathetic and slap in the face to those of us who were there at the time but can't attend.

 

Instead we get....

 

 

Fully agree, I actually had radio Bristol on from 2pm so I managed to hear it all but would have liked to see it

[AppyDAZE]

I feel quite privileged holding up one of the white papers forming the 8. What an amazing day all round.

[ralphindevon]

Great tribute and quite emotional. My life seemed to flash in front of my eyes when they showed Jimmy Mann’s goal against Forest.

I could see exactly where a 14 year old me was stood in the East End as it sailed past Shilton.

The frightening thing was how black and white and grainy it looked, made me feel about 90 years old.

Also, in all the time we haven’t seen the goal the further out it’s been, in reality it wasn’t quite the 40 yarder that some have spoken about but a cracking effort all the same. Especially as we all hated Shilton in those days.

[screech]

Couldn’t hear a fkin thing from the South Stand when they were talking on the pitch. Sound is still dreadful.  
Any video of that going around?

[daored]

13 minutes ago, TomF said:

Lovely momento from the day.  

 

 

Great to see so many ex players there today - Tommy Doc, Joe Burnell, Biff.  Johnathan Pearce also in attendance 

 

Only six of the eight were there? Was it Chris Garland’s son?

[pongo88]

..

[daored]

Just now, TomF said:

Yes, sadly sounds like Chris is pretty poorly.  Jimmy Mann just isn’t interested 

Awful about Chris - remember going to his testimonial in the 90’s. Had limited dealings with Jimmy Mann and as you say not interested at all 

[Sleepy1968]

24 minutes ago, ralphindevon said:

Great tribute and quite emotional. My life seemed to flash in front of my eyes when they showed Jimmy Mann’s goal against Forest.

I could see exactly where a 14 year old me was stood in the East End as it sailed past Shilton.

The frightening thing was how black and white and grainy it looked, made me feel about 90 years old.

Also, in all the time we haven’t seen the goal the further out it’s been, in reality it wasn’t quite the 40 yarder that some have spoken about but a cracking effort all the same. Especially as we all hated Shilton in those days.

I'm sure I remember something in the Bristol Evening Post. I thought they deduced it was 39 yarder. Whenever this goal gets mentioned, I remember my brother's mate (we'll call him Wayne H) had jumped down behind the Boys Enclosure to recover something his older broether had thrown down there, so missed "the goal".

As it was one of the first dozen or so City goals I think I saw, I had no idea of how special it was at the time.

 

[1960maaan]

Bloody typical, missed the showing of Mann's goal. Got in a little late then forgot about it being shown. Saw the players coming out, shame that Chris is so poorly and that Jimmy Mann isn't interested, though you can understand it.
Really hope they show the Mann goal somewhere, there is so little footage of those days that I even save the defeats when I find them .

[cidercity1987]

Couldn't the surfer flag have been a bit more respectful to the 8? Anyone with half an idea of the story will know that they definitely did not have a dream. They should always be thanked but forget the bullshit.

[Sleepy1968]

2 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Bloody typical, missed the showing of Mann's goal. Got in a little late then forgot about it being shown. Saw the players coming out, shame that Chris is so poorly and that Jimmy Mann isn't interested, though you can understand it.
Really hope they show the Mann goal somewhere, there is so little footage of those days that I even save the defeats when I find them .

Hopefully the Media Team will produce a youtube video about the Ashton Gate 8 commemorations, and include it in that.

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

The Jimmy Mann goal against Forest was stunning, all the more so as it flew past Peter Shilton. It was not his only great goal though as I well remember the screamer he scored at Burnden Park in our win at Bolton in front on the Match of the Day cameras on the opening day of the 78/79 season. 

[weepywall]

Thought it was a fantastic tribute, quite emotional aswell, I half expected the club to @@@@ it up somehow but credit where its due, great effort from all involved, I thought AG had a real feel good feeling about it today, great result, good day all round.

[Red Shadow]

49 minutes ago, cidercity1987 said:

Couldn't the surfer flag have been a bit more respectful to the 8? Anyone with half an idea of the story will know that they definitely did not have a dream. They should always be thanked but forget the bullshit.

This is the one thing that I find so cringeworthy. It's akin to watching a documentary or a film of a true event only to find something has been added/altered to make it more of a "nice" story. Rant over

[Davefevs]

2 hours ago, ralphindevon said:

Great tribute and quite emotional. My life seemed to flash in front of my eyes when they showed Jimmy Mann’s goal against Forest.

I could see exactly where a 14 year old me was stood in the East End as it sailed past Shilton.

The frightening thing was how black and white and grainy it looked, made me feel about 90 years old.

Also, in all the time we haven’t seen the goal the further out it’s been, in reality it wasn’t quite the 40 yarder that some have spoken about but a cracking effort all the same. Especially as we all hated Shilton in those days.

I think it was that moment I started to get a bit emotional about the whole thing.  For years I’ve always said Mann’s goal, Newman’s goal (v Newport), Tomlin’s chip up and half volley and Joe Bryan’s pure strike v Man Utd we’re the best goals I’ve seen in a City shirt (I wasn’t there for Nobes v Palace)…but always wondered whether I was just being nostalgic.  But that video confirmed it was an effing beauty.  At least 35 yards, maybe the 40 yards I remembered.

Shame Jimmy wasn’t there.

Thank you AG8, and thanks to all who put together a fitting tribute.  I took my dad today (belated 80th after we had to cancel his match in December.  Glad I chose this game, by chance.  Brought back father and son memories from the games he took me when I was 8/9/10.  Nice for him to come to a game with me and Joe.  He’s quite a good omen too.  He’s usually a nailed on 1-0…but he settled for 2-1.