www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Wed Jan 13 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. www.red11.org Webmaster Meet Dec 1998 Pt1/3
2. Wot no power" by RED KELLY
3. The Viollets
4. Keanes wage demands: Keane In United Quit Threat
5. NO PANIC AT UNITED OVER KEANE CLAIMS
6. UNITED KEEN TO KEEP KEANE - SIR BOBBY
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Wed 13th January 1999:
13/1/1894: John Clarkin made his debut against Sheffield Wednesday. Clarkin was one
of a number of recruits from Scottish football, and between 1894-96 this roving
Forward scored 23 goals in 74 appearances. He transferred to Blackpool in June 1896.
1951: United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a Division 1 game at Old Trafford
watched by 43,283. Brian Birch and Jack Rowley scored the goals. Team was:
Allen, Carey, Redman, Gibson, Chilton, Cockburn, Birkett, Birch, Aston, Pearson, Rowley.
***************
Barry Daily Comment:
Survey #32 RESULT:
Q: If you knew how, would you purchase shares in UNITED to prevent a BSKYB
takeover?
Yes 62 84.9%
No 8 11.0%
Already 3 4.1%
own shares Question closed 10/01/99 22:00 EST
----------------------------------
Barry Comment: Resounding YES vote backing up the massive anti Murdoch
campaign. So far so good. I for one hope nothing comes out of the takeover attempt!
__________________________
NEW Survey #33: Week of Jan 10
Should UNITED make an offer for Zidane?
Question now open: http://www.red11.org/miva/survey.mv
RED DEVILS EYE PRESTON BOSS By Mark McGuinness, Mirror Sport
Manchester United are ready to make an official move this week and appoint
David Moyes as assistant boss.
The highly-regarded Preston manager jumped to the top of United's wanted
list three weeks ago - as revealed in Mirror Sport.
And now they want to tie up a deal to bring him in as Alex Ferguson's No 2
and replacement for Brian Kidd. Moyes, 36, who started his career at
Celtic, became a coach in his mid-20s and took over as boss last January.
He has guided Preston into fourth spot in Division Two.
Previous News:
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
Next games:
ALL Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
16/1 Leicester (A) 15.00
24/1 Liverpool (H) 12.00 Sky Sports FA CUP 4th rnd
31/1 Charlton (A) 15.00 UK
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
31/10/98 Everton Away W 4-1 2 40,079
08/11/98 Newcastle United Home D 0-0 3 55,174
14/11/98 Blackburn Rovers Home W 3-2 2 55,198
21/11/98 Sheffield Wednesday Away L 1-3 2 39,475
29/11/98 Leeds Home W 3-2 2 55,172
05/12/98 Aston Villa Away D 1-1 2 39,241
12/12/98 Tottenham Hotspur Away D 2-2 1 36,079
16/12/98 Chelsea Home D 1-1 2 55,159
19/12/98 Middlebrough Home L 2-3 3 55,152
26/12/98 Notts Forest Home W 3-0 3 55,216
29/12/98 Chelsea Away D 0-0 3 34,741
10/01/99 West Ham United Home W 4-1 3 55,180
******
Champions League:
Group D P W D L F A Pts
Bayern Munich 6 3 2 1 9 6 11
Man United 6 2 4 0 20 11 10
Barcelona 6 2 2 2 11 9 8
Brondby 6 1 0 5 4 18 3
Dec 9 Brøndby 0-2 Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd 1-1 Bayern Munich
******
CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Manchester Utd v Inter Milan
Real Madrid v Dynamo Kiev
Juventus v Olympiakos
Bayern Munich v Kaiserslautern
Ties to be played on March 3 and 17
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
New 3Meg Luxury Wallsaver Program: click on pic to download
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 20:37:31 +0100
Sender: "Manchester United Football Club (soccer)"
Subject: www.red11.org Webmaster Meet Dec 1998 Pt1/3
From: "Bill McArthur"
After some encouragement I've made an attempt at a diary of my
trip to England Dec 12-17. This is Part 1 of 3 (the longest of
the three). This is the first time I've written one, so
constructive criticism is welcome.....here goes....
Bill McArthur's Day By Day Diary: UK December 1998
-----------------------------------------------
Story incl "Pics" at http://www.red11.org/mufc/billdiary98.htm
Friday Dec 11-1998
I arrived at Toronto airport in plenty of time for my 9:00 pm
flight. When I got there I realized why they advised me to
arrive early. The Air Canada check-in queue was a few hundred
deep, and was snaking through the terminal building like a
luggage conga line. I decided that I would just go straight into
the waiting lounge after checking in, instead of trying to
battle my way back out of the crowd. Besides, I had some
extensive duty free shopping to do. When I found the duty free
shop, I decided to ask one of the shop workers what my limits
were for going to the UK. I don't know how often these limits
are changed, and I can never remember them, but I always want to
know what they are even though I consistently ignore them
anyway. What it all comes down to is how much I want to carry. I
then headed into the non-alcoholic duty free shop, and picked up
a few things for my family who would be putting up with me for
the next three weeks.
The gate lounge was jammed with people, with an impromptu samba
band was providing the waiting passengers with some atmosphere.
They were parked at the back edge of the bar area, and were
playing their hearts out. I wondered if they knew the United
Calypso, but since they weren't singing in English, I decided
that the chances were slim to none. Once I was on the plane I
realized that the check-in agent had not done me any favours. I
asked for an aisle seat, and got one, but I got one on the
window side of the aisle. The middle rows of 5 seats were nearly
all empty throughout the plane. Knowing that I would need to get
as much rest as possible, I thought about jumping over and
grabbing one of those rows for myself so I could stretch out and
sleep like a few others had done. I didn't get the chance
though, since the woman I was seated beside had never flown
before in her life, and was a chatterbox thanks to her
nervousness. She told me she was a photographer, which I
gathered after stuffing her tripod and enormous carry-on bag
into the overhead compartment. As we were taking off and the
plane was lifting up above the sodium lit city, she asked me if I
could get her camera out of her bag. My laughter confused her as
I tried to explain that standing up & removing bags from
overhead compartments during mid-takeoff isn't usually
recommended. I had to point out the seatbelt lights etc, and she
finally got the message. I did manage to get a few minutes of
rest here and there, but nowhere near what I knew I was going to
need.
Saturday Dec 12 98
When we finally were cleared to land at Heathrow, after circling
for a while, we were slightly later than our scheduled arrival
time. I had plenty of time though, since I didn't need to be at
the Great Eastern Hotel near Liverpool Street station until
13:00 to meet Barry's dad. The first thing I had to do after
collecting my case, was to find out where I could leave it
again. The Left Luggage counter was easy enough to find, and
after stuffing my excess duty free into the case, I left it to be
picked up on Sunday night. Then, thanks to the advice of Mike
Dobbin, I headed for the Heathrow Express to Paddington station.
I must say that this train is definitely convenient, and they do
make you pay for that convenience. Ten quid for a fifteen minute
ride sounds more like something you'd read in a Dobson report
(no offence Alan), and I didn't feel like a smoke when it was
over either!
At Paddington station I needed to transfer onto the Underground,
according to my instructions from Mike. I passed this enormous
set of queues on my way to the info desk, and I laughed at all
the poor buggers waiting in those huge lines. When I asked the
info desk girl what I needed to do in order to get to Liverpool
Street Station, she told me to get a ticket & directed me to the
track. I then asked where I could get a ticket, and she told me
to become one of those poor buggers in one of those lines! DOH!
I managed to negotiate the ticket machine, and followed my Info
Girl's instructions onto the correct platform. When I reached
the platform, it was mobbed. The opposite side was worse, with
the PA announcing that their train was delayed due to signal
difficulties or something. An obviously foreign passenger then
began to shout about how crap "this country" is, and that they
can't get anything right etc., which eventually brought some
response from some Ingerland types. A rather large bloke in a
black and yellow jersey decided to offer this unsatisfied
visitor a trip back to his native country in a box. I don't
think the offer was taken up, since he seemed to mutter to
himself and keep generally quiet from then on.
The train pulled up and I squeezed on. A couple of young
football supporting lads also crammed onto the train, and were
already on the Stella as they attempted to shield their cans
from the crowd to avoid any spillage. I didn't notice any
colours on them, but they were going on about how the day's
fixtures. As we got closer to Liverpool Street some space
gradually opened up and I got some space to breathe. The Stella
lads were long gone by now, and I stepped out looking for an
info booth of some sort. I found one close by, and picked up
some Underground maps for my co-workers, but didn't bother to
wait in the lineup to ask where the Great Eastern Hotel was
located. I had been assured by Barry that I "couldn't miss it",
since it was "right outside" the station.
The plan was for Barry's Dad to meet me in the lounge, and we'd
head up to the Olive Branch Pub outside White Hart Lane where
Barry would meet us. Barry was coming to London via Ferry & Bus
from Denmark, so he didn't have enough time to get to London to
meet me himself. At the Olive Branch I was to meet Mike Dobbin
who had my booked and picked up my train tickets from London to
Manchester and from Manchester to Glasgow a week later. I headed
up the escalators towards the street exits from the station. I
thought that even though I was about 45 minutes early, I would
just sit and have a pint in the Hotel while I was waiting. I
stepped out past a McDonald's (they really are everywhere aren't
they!) and onto the street. I looked up and down the street, but
saw no sign of any Hotel. I figured I was on the wrong side of
the Station or something. There was another exit from within the
station, so I walked back in and out of the other exit. Another
look around, but still no Hotel. I decided to go back to the
McDonald's area, since there seemed to be some people around
there who I could ask. I found a security guard standing
outside, so I decided to ask him. "Excuse me, do you happen to
know where the Great Eastern Hotel is?" I asked. He smiled and
perked his eyebrows, they said in his Cockney accent "You're
lookin' at it aren't ya!", and pointed to the 50 yards of
vertical scaffolding up the street. DOH! I told him that I was
supposed to meet someone inside it, which he found quite
amusing. He asked me if I was sure, and I knew that I was. He
told me it had been like that for the last six months, and I had
no chance of getting inside since it's been closed the whole
time for renovations!
At this point my first sudden wave of panic set in. I was now in
danger of missing a United match, and I couldn't let that
happen. I left the security guard, still laughing at me (I had
definitely made his day) and heading back into the station to
try the phones. Barry had emailed me his phone number, as well
as Jack's number "just in case". Well, that case had arrived.
After 2 attempts I gave up on the phone. For a computer
programmer you'd think I could operate a simple pay telephone,
but I was in too much of a panic to read any instructions so
screw it. I sat down and thought about my situation for a
minute, and came to the conclusion that things were not that
bad. If I waited out on the street, then I couldn't possibly
miss Barry's Dad because he would be the only other person
trying to get into a Hotel which had been closed for six months.
Sure enough, as 13:00 approached, a black cab pulled up and out
came an older man who looked around for a second and then bent
down to ask the cab driver a question. I quickly determined that
he was obviously asking where the Great Eastern Hotel was, as
the cab driver pointed to the scaffolding. I was found. Barry's
Dad, Jack, was wearing the pre-described white turtleneck,
walked up toward me "Bill?" he asked. "Yes, hello Jack. I'm very
glad to meet you." I said. We then decided to have a pint before
we headed on to White Hart Lane. A fine idea indeed. The nearest
pub had a huge tv screen and was showing some kind of football
match previews, which we both found a bit annoying. We finished
up our pint and headed on to White Hart Lane.
We headed back into Liverpool Street station, and made our way
to White Hart Lane Station. Jack had his wife's cell phone with
him, but we were both novice phone operators, and I had already
given up on the pay phone earlier. We managed to get to the
right station though, and called Barry himself who was on a bus
on the way to London. We were walking towards the stadium
amongst all the Spurs fans, heading to the Olive Branch Pub.
Barry said he wasn't sure if he would have enough time to get to
the Pub before the match, but he would definitely try. We
decided to meet after the match in the same Pub anyway, just in
case. Mike Dobbin gave superb directions, which I read out to
Jack on the way to the Pub, and we found it with little trouble.
Once inside I was spotted immediately, and I recognized Mike
from his ListPic. The second phase of my mission was complete.
Mike and I exchanged cash for train tickets, and my
transportation arrangements were now in hand. Jon Leigh, his
brother Duncan, Mike Dobbin & several others were already there.
It wasn't long before the Mad Dane himself turned up looking
more wet than tired. Barry brought a group of Danish supporters
with him, and the first ever www.red11.org Webmaster
meeting was born. The beers were ordered and the cameras came
out. I admit that by this point I had been awake for the better
part of 24 hours (the remaining time was attempted plane sleep),
which helps to explain the large bags under my eyes (no, not the
one with all the newspapers in it!). Jon Leigh & I had a good
talk about the IMUSA and the current takeover situation. Our
talk helped to give me some more ideas on how we as a website
can help with the anti-takeover effort. Barry and I agreed to
think more about it, then whirled about shaking hands, firing
off questions and snapping photos.
A little while later, Dr Mark arrived. I had met Dr Mark during
last year's trip to Manchester for the Spurs and Everton matches
over Christmas, so it was good to see a familiar face in London.
Dave Menashe from California turned up as well, and we now had
both coasts of North America represented (well Toronto isn't
exactly East coast, but compared to California it is). Dave had
an extra ticket which needed to be sold to a worthy RED (Lisa
Bailey turned it down!), so after another few drinks it was time
to head off to see if a lucky RED could be found for this ticket.
Jack and I left the group to head to our seats, which were in
the HOME end, and we made arrangements to meet the others back
at the Olive Branch after the match. The security guard searched
through my bag looking for bottles or cans, and took my word for
it when I told him there was nothing but clothes and overnight
supplies in there. I suppose the accent made my explanation more
believable because he let me go without searching any further.
Jack and I found our seats with little trouble. We were sitting
behind the Spurs goal in the HOME end, and United was attacking
away from us for the first half. It didn't take long to find out
where the away supporters were seated, as we could hear and see
them over to our left in the corner. As the teams came out, and
were announced, it was obvious that a few rests were being given
out today. Yorke was out, Cole was out, Ole and Teddy were on.
That didn't surprise me, since Teddy usually plays when we're
against Spurs and Yorke had a small injury we thought. The
travelling REDS were in good voice, and for the first few
minutes they had everything to sing for. It wasn't long before
Giggs bolted up the middle and sent Beckham off up the right
wing. Walker saved a shot from a cross back onto Giggs' head,
but Ole was there to shove in the rebound. 1-0 to the REDS and
the away fans broke into the inevitable "one nil, in the real
thing". An obvious reference to the League Cup defeat 10 days
earlier. A few minutes later I thought I was watching a replay
as Beckham ran up the wing and crossed another ball right onto
Ole's foot. "2-0 in the real thing".
By this stage we were obviously not Spurs fans, as the crowd
around us couldn't help noticing the smiles on our faces (not to
mention the clenched fist pumping and quiet celebrations). At
this stage Jack and I thought we could be watching another rout,
but then the cards came out. I won't try to describe my disgust
at the way the match was officiated because others have already
done it. We were forced to defend for more than half of the
match, and we weren't prepared to do that with one of our best
defenders sent off. We did hold on well for a while, and in the
60th minute a roaring rendition of the "12 Cantonas" was belted
out by the entire away section. I could only wish I were over
there singing along. Two Cockney Spurs supporters behind us
remarked that they were "surprised they still sing for him", to
which the other replied "he's probably surprised himself". Any
UNITED supporter wouldn't be surprised of course, because we
know a legend when we see one. It's a matter of respect now.
Apart from a very near goal by Stam in the second half, we
couldn't really manage much of an attack with only 10 men and
Teddy up front. Andy Cole came on late, but he had no support to
make an impact. The match ended, and even though it was a draw,
it felt like a loss. We were winning for so long that we had
become used to the idea of getting the 3 points. When the final
whistle had blown, we felt as if we'd been robbed.
Jack and I headed back to the Olive Branch where we met back
with Barry, Dave & Mike. Barry told us about how he had remarked
before the kickoff that the referee was a good one! Wow, how
wrong could he be! After getting ourselves some refreshments, a
plate of mince pies was offered up for free to every table in
the Pub. (That's "mince" not "mice" by the way - hahahaha sorry
Barry!) These really hit the spot, since by this stage the last
time I had a decent meal was back in Toronto before I left for
the airport. Plane food doesn't cut it when you're travelling to
see United away. They should have special meals for travelling
REDS. I'll have to suggest that to Air Canada. We quenched our
thirst, and said our good-byes as Dave from California headed
out. Mike, Barry, and me were on our way into London for dinner
and Jack offered us a lift as he was heading home.
We headed to Jack's car, and piled in. Barry was on the phone
with Jack's wife when a copper decided to pull us over.
Apparently we had just entered a no-enter zone, although none of
us had noticed. The policeman asked if Jack had been drinking,
and he did have one drink after the match but that was well over
an hour ago at this point. Being honest about it, Jack admitted
the drink and was then asked to take a breathalyzer test. Barry
cut the phone conversation short, and left Jack's wife with
"we've just been pulled over by the police, gotta go, bye!".
Needless to say she was a bit upset. As Jack was behind the car
talking with the Policeman, the three of us tried to remember if
Jack had more than one after the game, but we couldn't be sure.
That made the breathalyzer quite interesting, as we all waited
while the officer ordered the machine to be dropped off. Jack
passed with flying colours, and was told to produce his license
and registration or something at his local police station within
48 hours ( I think ). No harm done in the end, but a bit of a
shocker nonetheless.
Mike, Barry and I walked through London, took a few photos, and
found a restaurant for dinner. While we waited outside to get
into the restaurant, Barry called Paul Windridge for a chat.
After a few minutes he passed the phone on to me, and I had a
good talk with Paul. Unfortunately Paul couldn't make the match
that day, so we weren't able to meet with him in person, but I'm
glad we had the chance to speak to each other just the same.
Eventually we made it into the restaurant and I devoured my
meal. My body was equally hungry as it was tired, and after
eating my body could concentrate entirely on being tired. We
said our thanks to Mike for all of his help, and Barry & I
headed for Epsom where we were to spend the night at Jack's
place.
London was bustling with people that night. I couldn't believe
the number of people out in the streets, which made Toronto seem
like a ghost town in comparison. The music was blasting out from
neon lit disco's and people of all ages were fighting the crowds
going every direction. We made it to the train station where
Barry bought the day's newspapers for reading on the train. We
spotted our train time on the board, and the next thing I know
Barry was gone. He had shot over to a lad wearing a United shirt
sitting on bench with his girlfriend latched onto his side.
"What did you think of the match?" Barry asked him. At this
point I had just caught back up with him, and was wondering if
Barry had recognized someone he knew. As it turned out, the lad
was from Manchester, and so was his girlfriend. They lived in
London now and hadn't seen the match yet. Barry described the
match to him, and we introduced ourselves. They were quite
amazed that neither one of us lived in England, and had managed
to go to see United. Barry explained our connection, and gave
him an www.red11.org card. They were both very friendly,
and said they would keep in touch. As it turns out, we just got
an email message from him the other day!
The train ride to Epsom was interesting, as I fought with my
eyelids to stay open, and the two teenage girls infront of us
realized that one of them had left their bag back at the Pub
they were in. Oh no, panic stations as cell phones were produced
and calls were made to salvage the lost purse. They were acting
as if a United flight had left for Europe and Alex Ferguson had
realized he'd forgotten Peter Schmeichel! The entertainment was
enough to keep me awake, and Barry was obsessed with getting off
at the right stop since he'd missed it during his last journey!
No problem though, we managed to get off at the right stop, and
Jack arrived shortly after to take us home. A much-appreciated
shower and I crashed for the night. I was absolutely drained.
After all, I had been awake for over 30 hours, so I wasn't
surprised when I opened the bedroom door and a bright golden
light surrounded the bed which rose from the floor and lifted me
into it.
to be continued:
www.red11.org Webmaster Meet Dec 1998 Pt 2/3...........
Cheers everyone!
Bill McArthur Dec '98
"There's only ONE United - Manchester United!"
http://www.red11.org/mufc/billdiary98.htm
New 3Meg Luxury Wallsaver Program: click on pic to download
Subject: "Wot no power" by RED KELLY
Yesterday, in the independent state of Manchester Dwight and Andy, fused
into a powerful force, hammer home their goals to send us home
light-headed.
Yesterday was a good day and was made even better because at last I had
managed to achieve the seemingly impossible and acquire tickets for my two
younger kids. So we set off in the early morning sunshine and encountered
no traffic problems on the motorways whatsoever.
As we made our way north the kids tucked in to their packed lunches even
though it was still only 10.30. We got as far as staffordshire before the
landscape changed from a lush green to a coating of white and the thought
of stopping off at a service station and actually getting out of the car
was given a resounding "no thanks!"
The Staffordshire landscape was aesthetic pleasing though and at least kept
me entertained with thoughts of meandering on hillsides with the frost
crunching beneath my boots, but then I'm just an incorrigible romantic! The
kids were more content with playing games and wrestling me from my idyllic
reverie by asking me the ever present question, "how long is there to go?"
We made good time and were in Manchester by midday and spent the next
couple of hours at my eldest daughters place before a brief visit to the
Throstles where we introduced our lucky charm to the few listees present.
Gina has never seen United lose, in fact she has witnessed a sackful of
goals on her infrequent visits to Old Trafford. Her first game was the 7-0
against Barnsley and then 6-1 and so on.
The only thing that surprised me about our visit to the Throstles was that
Gina said she preferred the Dog! More singing in the Dog I suppose!
We met up with my other daughter, Eliza and Steve and passed over my Season
Ticket to her before making our way to the East lower entrance where we
were accosted by one of our helpful friends from SPS although why they
should be called "Special Projects Security" is beyond me as there is
plainly nothing special about them at all.
The female SPSer was obliged to search my backpack which contained hats and
gloves plus the odd fanzine, but she pulled out a half full plastic bottle
which contained fruit juice and told me that I wouldn't be allowed to take
it in to the ground. I asked why and was told it was because bottles were
thrown at Peter Schmeichel at Everton. Hmmm.
"Two points - we're at Old Trafford and Schmeichel's in the Bahamas and
even I couldn't throw anything that far." "Don't try and be funny" she
said. "Why, is it an offense?" "You still can't take it in with you" she
insisted. So I drank it and gave her the empty bottle! Good to see they
still live in the real world down at SPS headquarters.
Once inside the stadium a distinct lack of light hit us squarely in the
face. It was a very strange experience walking through the cavernous
underground spaces of East Lower. We eventually found our seats down at the
front and to the right of the goal as we looked at it. The kids like it
down there as they are close to the action and can see the players. They
also enjoy the songs, but it gets a little difficult replacing some of the
words so I found myself either completely forgetting or doing passable
impersonations of Norman Collier.
It was blatantly obvious that there had been some sort of power failure,
similar to the FA then!
Eventually there was an announcement to that effect and we were left to
ponder on whether the game would be played or not, but I didn't say
anything to the kids! It was a bizarre scene in the fast fading natural
light and the few odd glimmers that still existed.
The teams came out again to reheat themselves and that meant the appy
ammers were down at our end and that included an old favourite in Les
Sealey. "Sealey Sealey" we shouted and Les responded with a wave and a
silly dance and when some wag behind us started the "Sealey for England"
chant Les looked over, pointed and motioned for the person concerned to
join him for a drink afterwards. What a top man Sealey is. Yet another
character who is sorely missed.
The floodlights to our left suddenly started to spark into life and there
were ironic cheers until they came full on. This left the pitch bathed in a
sharply contrasting cross light of dramatic proportions. By this time Eliza
had spotted us from my usual lofty perch and had come down to keep us
company and we amused ourselves by having a conversation about what it
would be like to play under these conditions and how Eric would have
relished skulking in the shadows and appearing at appropriate moments like
the invisible man.
Finally the stadium was restored to it's full luminosity and another
announcement was made to the effect that the game would start in ten
minutes. Everyone rushed around to the toilets realising that it would have
been halftime had the game started at it's scheduled time slot. And we were
ready for the off.
United were powered up from the moment the first ball was kicked in earnest
and during those first few minutes Cole, Giggs and Yorke went very close to
opening the scoring. We had to wait nearly ten minutes for the first goal
which came via Keane and Cole top Yorke who fired into the net.
From where we were sitting, or rather standing at that time, we saw the
ball coming straight at us and the net billowed in front of our wide eyes.
It set the tone for the whole game which was as pleasurable or even more so
than the Boro game the week before.
A few minutes later our friend Razor Ruddock missed a cross from Blommers
who was storming around on the left. It went through to Andy who made the
mistake of controlling the ball instead of just slamming it into the net.
Hislop came out and smothered his shot with the underside of his padded
baggy shorts and the chance went begging.
We were up and down like yo yo's by this time and the atmosphere was as
bright as it had been this season probably due to the extra energy pumped
into the stadium via the newly configured electrics. The away section
seemed to have been charged full of wattage but the variety of chants was
severely restricted to the blowing of bubbles until we blew their
collective fuses. They were soooooooooo easy to wind up!!
They started it all with the usual crass Beckham baiting as he was warming
up along the touchline in front of them. We responded with a variety of -
"you can stick your f**king England up your arse," "are you England in
disguise," "Argentina Argentina," and my personal favourite, "United are
better than England."
There was so much England stuff going around that a puzzled Gina asked me
"we're not playing England are we?" She knew we weren't of course, but was
temporarily confused. I said it was too complicated to explain in full, but
it was just a bit of fun.
Their response to all this was a classic "you're just a f**king disgrace"
to which we convulsed in fits of laughter. The irony of their anti Becks
chanting was completely lost on them. At times it was like an away game it
was that good. Especially when they started up "you're supposed to be at
home" and we retorted "you're supposed to be away" which baffled them
completely.
Towards the end of the first half which seemed to pass in the blink of a
light bulb, Blommers again laid off a great ball this time to Butt who
smacked it against the post. I thought it may go wide and was about to
shield the kids faces expecting the ball to speed off the turf and into the
crowd by us when instead it rebounded to Andy. This time he made no attempt
to take another touch and hammered it and the Eastenders hopes, into the
net.
The second half was more of the same and poor old Raimondo was getting cold
and bored down at our end. He kept himself amused by doing various exercise
routines - it was about all the action he was ever going to get until he
had to pick the ball out of the net late on.
Dennis was spending more time in their penalty area than defending his own
and had an involvement in the third goal. Blommers again lobbed over the
defence to Dennis who nodded on to Yorke. Yorke took a leaf out of Giggs'
notebook and played a lovely reverse pass to Cole who slotted home
left-footed.
By this time the ammers' fans were not at all happy and had resorted to
aeroplanes. They always do when they're not in possession of much
intelligence. Gina asked me why everyone was waving their arms about like
aeroplanes and when I told her she was shocked that anyone could make fun
of such a tragedy - she'll be a good Red that one, if she's not already.
Perhaps the best moment came around this time when United were comfortably
3-0 up and the ammers started singing "we're gonna win 4-3". then up pops
Ole to score United's fourth and sent us into hysterics. And the sight of
good ol Razor ending up tangled in the net after trying to hook the ball
clear as it looped over him was just sooooooo sad.
A word about my man of the match in which so many of them could have
been.Jaap Stam was just superb, not that he had too much to do, but what he
did was pure class and his partnership with Berg looks very good. It's not
the partnership I'd have expected to come good, but who cares about that -
not me anyway.
I believe the real reason for this upturn in fortunes comes in the shape of
Dwight Yorke though. I believe he is the catalyst and just as Eric did so a
few years ago, he has provided the attitude which is pervading the team at
the moment. He is a breath of fresh air and his smile infects us all.
There were so many smiles around yesterday that it reminded me of what
football is all about and I was delighted that my children were there to
witness it and as we left the ground and wandered back to the car, both of
them were singing their favourite United songs.
So out of the darkness came light, both literally and metaphorically and
we enjoyed an experience I hope will be repeated over and over again.
Copyright RED KELLY 1999
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Subject: The Viollets
About 10pm last night the phone rang - it was Helen Viollet. She said she
had just finished reading my match report to Dennis and felt she had to
phone because his reaction had been so positive.
I always fax through the reports anyway and Helen waits until Dennis is
fully cognisant before she reads them to him and he enjoys the opportunity
to get a little closer to the game from the supporters' viewpoint.
They had the game live on Pay Per View but unfortunately because of the
delayed kick off Dennis had dropped off and missed it, so this was a nice
moment for him before he would watch the video.
It was 5pm over there and a therapist was due to arrive, paid for by the
money from the Fund. Dennis now gets regular physio and has shown some real
response. The particular therapist who was due to arrive is his favourite -
a rather good looking blonde. Helen says he has a smile on his face after
she's been!
It's a good feeling to have had a real effect via the money donated - so
many thanks to everyone who has contributed.
Dennis' response is all relative of course, but any quality of life is more
than welcome. He was receptive enough for me to speak with him for the
first time in ages and whereas he didn't respond in words, he did in facial
expression and gesture.
Just thought you'd like to know ;-)
Cheers
RED KELLY
PS Having now watched the video of the game I'm disappointed it wasn't 'my
mate' Razor who ended up tangled in the back of the net after Ole's goal,
but as far as I'm concerned, I prefer to leave my version as it is, it just
seems more fitting somehow!
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Subject: Keanes wage demands: Keane In United Quit Threat
Manchester United skipper Roy Keane will walk out of Old Trafford next year
unless the club meet his massive wage demands.
The Irish international is believed to have asked for £40,000 a week to
sign a new deal with the Champions' League quarter-finalists - a sum which
would blow the club's tight wage structure apart.
United boss Alex Ferguson has constantly claimed Keane is his number one
player and will be desperate to keep the 27-year-old on board. However,
with the BSkyB takeover still pending and the City keeping a close eye on
their financial dealings, chief executive Martin Edwards may struggle to
find the funds which will keep Keane happy.
And, while he insists that in a perfect world he would stay at Old
Trafford, Keane is prepared to face the consequences that his cash demands
could bring.
"This is not blackmailing anybody. I am not making threats," said Keane.
"If it's not the contract I want, I won't sign. Hopefully, we can agree
things when we sit down. But if we don't it could be very interesting.
"It's just the way football is going and also the position I am in.
"There will be a lot of speculation and I don't like that. You ask any
footballer and he likes to be settled to know where their future lies. But
if I don't sign, I know there will be other options," he told The Sun.
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Subject: NO PANIC AT UNITED OVER KEANE CLAIMS
By David Anderson, PA Sport
Manchester United are refusing to panic over skipper Roy Keane's claims
that he will leave if he is not satisfied with his new contract offer.
Keane's current £23,000-a-week deal expires at the end of next season and
he reportedly wants a long-term agreement worth around £40,000-a-week to
stay at Old Trafford.
That would smash the club's carefully controlled wage structure but Keane's
solicitor Michael Kennedy insists he is not holding the club to ransom.
United plan to open contract negotiations in the summer and chairman Martin
Edwards is not prepared to bring the talks forward to appease Keane, who
would like his future sorted out as soon as possible.
United do not want to risk disruption to their pursuit of honours by
beginning negotiations before the end of the campaign.
"Roy has 18 months to go on his contract and our policy is to look at the
situation a year before it ends," said Edwards.
"We don't plan to bring it forward and we will get down to talks in the
close season."
Kennedy claims the 27-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder is keen to
remain at Old Trafford and only wants what he feels he is worth in today's
post-Bosman transfer market.
"Roy is very happy at Manchester United and he's the captain of the club,
which is the largest in the world," he said.
"He would like to think that he will be there for the rest of his career,
but like everything else in this current climate he expects to be well
rewarded for his remaining years.
"He's not looking for anything other than what he would expect to get in
the market at this current time."
Meanwhile, Edwards claims manager Alex Ferguson has still not identified
who he wants to succeed Brian Kidd as his right-hand man.
United have once again been linked with Preston's highly-rated boss David
Moyes but Edwards said: "Alex Ferguson has not yet decided who his number
two is going to be."
Preston chairman Bryan Gray claims he would resist any moves by United for
Moyes.
"I've no desire for David to talk to Manchester United and I don't think
David has either," said Gray.
"We've had no contact from Manchester United. Obviously if they approach
him I will have to tell David because it's only reasonable of me to inform
him, but David is our manager.
"He's doing a great job here and we all want him to remain manager."
Moyes, who completed one year in charge at Preston today, is growing weary
of the speculation linking him with the job as Alex Ferguson's number two.
He said: "I have no comment at all about this.
"There has been enough said in the last week and there's no more to be said."
Moyes, 36, who is a Glaswegian like Ferguson, is one of the rising stars of
the Nationwide League.
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Subject: UNITED KEEN TO KEEP KEANE - SIR BOBBY
Sir Bobby Charlton has insisted that Manchester United will do everything
in their power to ensure that Roy Keane stays at Old Trafford.
And it seems that could even include breaking United's wage structure when
talks finally take place with the midfielder over the summer.
Keane, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, is reportedly
looking for an increase from £23,000 to £40,000 a week. Although his
solicitor was at pains to stress that the midfielder is not holding the
club to ransom, Keane admitted that it "could be very interesting" if terms
could not be agreed.
United have insisted that they do not want negotiations with the Irish
international to disrupt their title and European campaigns, so will not
hold talks until the close season.
But there is no doubt that manager Alex Ferguson and the club's board
realise the vital role that Keane fills at the club, with his return from
injury this season having provided the backbone of a renewed title campaign.
The idea that he could leave Old Trafford on a free transfer under the
Bosman ruling if his contract ran out - or be sold next season to ensure a
transfer fee was obtained - would send shivers of fear down the spine of
every United supporter.
United legend Sir Bobby declared: "Roy is a great player. I don't think
there'll be any problem at the end of the day. We'll try to sort something
out with him.
"We wouldn't want to lose him. We don't want to lose any good players as
there's not so many of them around."
Sir Bobby, who was speaking at Expo 99, the football trade fair in Cannes
at which he is promoting England's World Cup 2006 bid, acknowledged that
United have previously held firm to a rigid pay structure for their players.
However, when it was put to him that Keane's demands could break that, he
confidently maintained: "There'll be an agreement, I'm sure of that. I've
no doubt that we'll work hard to keep him, we certainly don't want him to
go anywhere else."
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If ever they are playing in your town
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Take a lesson come to see
Football taught by Matt Busby
Manchester, Manchester United
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes
They deserve to be knighted
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