Niels

That average attendance was excellent for the period. 1982-86 football was in decline so it's difficult to compare. Tottenham only averaged 2,000 more in the first division for the same duration.

I hope they do fight it and win. I feel very uncomfortable about any possible repurcussions. I don't like punishments that hurt or affect fans. I since read that any punishment cannot be imposed retrospectively. So would only be applicable from the season of the verdict.

It made me smile when I read that one of the punishments could be replaying games! That could be a minefield. Maybe they may have to play the Aguero QPR game, but with everyone 11 years older! Or the Aston Villa match last year, but with Steven Gerrard back as their manager!

You are more knowledgeable than all I have read on other forums! What punishments do you think are likely? I have read all sorts from relegation to removal of premier league trophies. Surprisingly, they only won 3 in the period upto 2018 I think? Man utd finished second twice and Liverpool once. Presumably anything from 2019 is safe? (That phrase reminds me of Bullseye and Jim Bowen lol)

It was bred in Germany I think. It was 4th at 20/1 so paid out each way

Gelsenkirchen has a large Turkish diaspora. Both the footballers Ozil and Gundogan were born there and played for Schalke. There was also a horse running at Sandown today called Schalke

That's very interesting. Schalke haven't won since 1957 I think? In East Germany BFC Dynamo won 10 titles in a row from 1979 but are now in a regional 4th division. I recently bought a book about German football which I am looking forward to reading.

Not a single song as such but this month's record collector has a great feature on the best soul albums of 1973. Usually I like rock, but I played some of the cds and they are amazing and socially aware. A follow on to Marvin Gaye and what's going on. The O'Jays Ship Ahoy is almost progressive. I also like Teddy Pendergrass who was lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes. It's worth a look if you can.

Yes I agree. Sheffield United should beat them at home. It's very open now.

They did well. A draw and nearly won.

Thanks for highlighting this. It's very sad. He was very prolific recently, releasing many new CDs. I think his best song was "Everybody's been burned" from the Byrds Younger than Yesterday album. It always felt very poignant and moving.

I read that there are 3 million Indians in South Africa, most live in Durban. I think they have some connection with Kolcatta?

That's a very good achievement. 74 averages are seen at the tv events sometimes.

Yes Also they bought Francis in 1979, the year after they won the league. He didn't win the league with them. The league winning team was made up of signings most other teams discarded. McGovern, O'Hare, Burns etc. Shilton was a key buy but he was the only expensive signing.

I think they played at Fir Park, Motherwell, season 2007/8 as Raydale Park didn't meet requirements. The other seasons they played in Gretna though.

They were a soccer team.They reached the Scottish cup final in 2006 and also the Premier league. However they couldn't sustain it due to the ill health of their backer.

Thank you Eddie, I appreciate your kind words. I enjoy reading your posts too. I think you raise a good question. I am not sure to be honest. The only thing I can think of is that it would benefit boys who are half Scottish and really wanted to play for Scotland? If they could find a few they would be able develop them together? But if they became too good then presumably they could opt for England or Great Britain instead?

I think there will be some under 16s in England who are half English and Scottish who can attend the Bradford trials. They are entitled to play for either so I think it's a good idea to try to attract them for Scotland.

You got a good bet. I lost a £5 free bet on the Liverpool v Man City game. In hindsight, Liverpool at 13/5 were the best bet to have. I opted for 10/11 Man City, which was poor considering Liverpool never lose at home.

I noticed Derek came over to applaud the Batley fans and encouraged his players to do the same. This was at the end of the game when Leigh were entitled to solely enjoy winning. I thought this showed a very magnanimous and respectful attitude.

In fairness though they would have stayed up any year with that number of points. It wasn't because of other teams.

I think you are probably correct, he was good friends with Jonathan Davies. I didn't realise he had died whilst on a charity trek in Peru. It's very sad. Despite being Welsh he was never biased to them. For me, he was a commentator who made a game interesting even when it was poor, by his insightful comments.

He always came over as very knowledgeable and fair. I always enjoyed listening to his commentary.

Most of the games are going ahead including my team. I can understand why the Manchester United v Leeds game is off, having seen the number of Police needed last year.

I think as a game we have paid a proper and respectful tribute. The minutes' silences, the national anthem, the respect and eulogies from the presenters have been excellent.