Pigs

Rotherham v sheff weds, New York Stadium,  sat 21st March 2014.

A week after the events of  last Saturday I still can't bring myself to write the full blog. We all know what happened so I thought I would just show a few photos. Final score 2-3, next up Birmingham away.

Forest

Nottingham Forest v Rotherham, The City Ground, Tues 17th March 2015, Att 20,569

The good news was that Nottingham Forest always play midweek matches on a Weds, thus making it very easy for me to attend. Plus the fact that Vicky lives in Nottingham meant an easy life for all. The bad news is that Rotherham United have never won at the City Ground. Never. Ever. So the awaynight inevitably was to be tinged with sadness. Multiple single magpie sightings during the day didn't help either. I decided to try and even out the luck a bit by using the awaydays mug, without too much hope I must admit. 

Ready to go

Ian and I left in good time, and amazingly arrived in good time, meaning we got to eat tea at a local beefeater before heading for the ground. With my miraculous memory for football ground parking places we parked in the town hall, just a stones throw from the ground. The same place we had parked the last few times we got stuffed by Forest. Only five pounds too, a bargain! 

We followed the streaming hoardes, not a Rotherham fan in sight, towards the ground, looking for the Bridgford Lower Stand. Three times we came across Turnstyles with that name, three times we were turned away. It appears all the stands have the same name, presumably so as not to confuse the locals. Eventually, after walking all around the stadium, we came to some barriers, stewards, and search parties. At last, the away fans Bridgeford Lower. 

The city ground, with the county ground over the river. 

A trip to the loos was first on the agenda. Not the worst we had been in, but Vicky didn't like the fact that they had 'bars' of soap. "Other people will have touched them." Nor did she like the open basket type bin for the paper towels. "I don't like to be able to see the dirty paper towels". Nor did she like the sloping roof. "I felt claustrophobic in there". So I have had to mark them down. There was lukewarm water though. 

We took our seats in the very corner of the stand, only a few rows from the back again, and just in front of some sort of low budget executive box. A few of the yobos on the back row stood up to sing, only to be told by the stewards to sit down so those in the 'box' could see. It was at this point that we first became aware of Mr Very Angry. A bit of grumbling came from his cronies, but he went mad, yelling out in a gruff voice. 'They shouldn't ######## sit there then'. 

Our panoramic view

There was a very nice touch above us. Because we were in The Bridgford Lower,  and presumably the Bridgford Upper was occupied by Forest fans, we were provided with a spit preventer. We didn't get one of those at Wolves

Very classy

The teams were announced, with Frecks coming back in for Green. Probably out with a training ground injury similar to the one picked up by Danny Ward who kicked himself and injured his knee. Perhaps they ought to calm down a bit. Out they came accompanied by a very very scary rendition of Mull Of Kintyre by the Forest fans. I'm thinking that a Frank Sinatra tune is not enough of a war cry, it doesn't strike fear into opposing players and fans like some of the stadia we have been too. I'll think on it. 

Too nice

The ref kicked off, and MVA began screaming about Scabby Nottingham. The ref was a bit of a worry. He had a big fat belly and had trouble keeping up with play, a problem Forest players exploited by falling over all the time. Especially the hated ex weds player Michail Antonio, who went down if a breath of wind hit him. We started well (where have we heard that before), but just before halftime (and that) a 'Rose and Crown ball' (TM Mr R Moore) caught the defence napping. Adam Collin was too far off his line and a sweet chip just evaded his outstretched fingers. 1-0. Almost immediately (and that one as well)  the ball came to Antonio in his own half. He was inexplicably allowed to run the length of the field, avoiding the whole Rotherham team. Even more inexplicably he did it without falling over. A good strike evaded Colin's outstretched fingers and nestled in the corner of the net. 2-0, and we had yet another mountain to climb. 

A vertical Michail Antonio

So, half time and we were behind again. Could we come back? Steve didn't make any changes for the second half, much to the disgust of MVA. The Forest fans began taunting us. In reply a lone Miller stood up, spread his arms, and began to sing about Derby going up, resulting in a round of applause all around. Pringle tried a cross, which was too long. MVA gave him a mouthful. Lafferty tried a cross from below us which ballooned into the crowd. The Forest fans laughed but MVA was apoplectic with rage. Questioning Laffertys parentage. His tirades were becoming louder and longer, with the result that Vicky and I didn't dare turn around in case he saw us and turned on us. Back on the pitch Frecks hit the post and Derbyshire missed the ball when alone in front of goal. (Insert MVA tirade). We were trying. Unfortunately it was not to be and the Hoodoo continued, with Forest winning 2-0. The good news was that because Fulham lost 3-0 we actually climbed a place in the championship table! The bad news is that we are still too close to relegation for comfort. Next up................

Men of the match

Ian - Smallwood, possibly Frecks

Jackie - Sammon

Vicky - Derbyshire, swung his foot with aplomb for the miss. 

Quote of the day, off the internet

The City Ground hoodoo might never end

Despite being one of the closest grounds for Millers fans to get to and its pleasant surroundings on the banks of the River Trent, across the road from the picturesque Trent Bridge cricket ground, the City Ground is never a nice place to go if you're a Miller. Their record there is simply atrocious, having not tasted victory since 1955 - a run of 12 games. Although recent games there prior to last night have ended in draws a win has never really been on the cards and the journey back is always a glum one. It's definitely a bogey ground - let's just hope the Millers get the chance to end the hoodoo next season.

Funniest (and scariest) moment. Mr Very Very Angry

Toilet watch. Was going to go with 6/10, but that soap, 5/10

Prison pennant

Rotherham v Wigan, sat 14th March 2014, New York Stadium, Att 10,062

Another Saturday, another vital game for Rotherham United. This time Wigan were in town, six points and two places below us they occupied the last relegation place. Win and we would be nine points clear and laughing, to lose didn't bear thinking about. Along with the rest of the Latics came Jermaine 'prison' Pennant. After being sent to prison for drink driving and driving without insurance in 2005 (on being arrested he told police his name was Ashley Cole!), he had to play for Birmingham wearing an electronic tag, much to the delight of opposition fans.

Jermaines tag

Since then his list of misdemeanours rivals Nile Ranger. I came upon my favourite one while doing research for this blog. How the other half lives.

'In January 2011 Pennant's Porsche Turbo with his personal number plate was found abandoned at a railway station in Zaragoza with five months' worth of parking tickets. He was reported to have forgotten he owned the car.'

The car that Jermaine Forgot

Jermaine 

The day started well, Ian stepped out of the back door to feed the dog and and stepped straight in a pile of dog mess. How lucky is that? He didn't see it that way but Vicky and I were thrilled. No magpies were sighted and as we set off for the stadium we were all very optimistic. We entered via turnstyle 10 and grunted at OMOTE. Steve had decided on the same team that beat Huddersfield with young Farrend continuing in defence, the exception of course being Green in for the banned Frecks. Frank sang, we kicked, and we were off. Immediately Vicky and I spotted a problem. One of the Wigan players had terrible hair. It seemed to stand up on top, but keel over slightly to the side. We strained to get a better look, delighting when they got a corner so we could examine it more closely. The game carried on, and after around fifteen minutes of deliberation we decided we hated it.

Hairstyle of the year?

Anyway, no sooner had we got to grips with Ojo's Barnet  than Wigan got a free kick right on the edge of the area. Colin set up his wall, and  Prison stepped up and curled the ball into the left hand corner before Colin could move. 1-0 Wigan.  Five minutes later Wigan got a free kick in exactly the same place. Colin set up his wall, and Prison stepped up and curled the ball into the right hand corner before Colin could move. 2-0 Wigan. We had it all to do now. We started to press and just before half time a Pringle corner found Derbyshire who headed home. 2-1 and we had hope.

Unfortunately, although we pressed well during the second half and had lots of good chances, we couldn't break Wigan down and we lost 2-1. Back to looking over our shoulders at the chasing pack. Next up Nottingham Forest away. 

Men of match

Ian - hunt

Jackie - Arneson

Vicky - can't decide

Funniest moment - Ojo's hair

The taming of the terriers

Huddersfield v Rotherham, John Smith Stadium, Sat March 7th 2014, Att

After the midweek capitulation against Cardiff I wasn't feeling confident about our chances against Huddersfield just four short days later. We had brought in a loan signing midweek. Danny Lafferty, A left  back from Burnley who can also play in the central defensive role, giving us hope that one of the four amigos at the back might be dropped. We decided it ought to be Arne as he seemed to be rock bottom confidence wise. 

Looks like he's seen a football before, should help.

Ian picked Vicky up at the station, navigating through the inevitable hordes of police. Another March by a left wing group? We ate a quick lunch, munch boxes have been few and far between this season as a lot of the grounds have been close by, and waved goodbye to Heather and Chris. A short journey passed quickly as we discussed who should be dropped, once again Arneson was favourite, along with Clubfoot. We knew Hammill wouldn't figure as Huddersfield is his parent club. 

The Internet had told me that parking was available at the ground, so we followed the SatNav, negotiating a group of singing Huddersfield youths with a large police escort (bizarre!), and turned into the ground. £7 was passed over to a spotty yoof and we parked up within spitting distance of the away stand. Our co-parkers all seemed very posh, and included a lady carrying a large novel. She was obviously expecting a boring game. The guy in the next car to us held a clipboard. A scout no doubt. We deduced he was there to watch Pringle, and would decide that he is all left foot as have many scouts before him. (But what a left foot). The team news came in and we were very puzzled. Apparently we had signed an eighteen year old defender from Derby the night before, Farrend Rawson. Young Farrend had never played a first team game before, but that was to change as he was in the team for today. 

Young Farrend

Both Danny Ward and Paul Green had picked up knocks in training and were out, so Connor Sammon came in with Kari Arneson not dropped as we had hoped, but moved to midfield. Lafferty was also playing with Zeki Fryers out. Bold moves by Steve, but will they pay off?

After a few minutes sitting in the car to pass the time we took the short walk to the ground. 

A sunny day out in Huddersfield.

Having associated with Millwall fans last week a full body search was required before entry. Sadly not for me or Vicky, although Vickys handbag was thoroughly frisked for flares etc. Ian didn't fare so well, the leg brace causing lots of trouble before he was eventually allowed in. 

Vicky and I took in the ladies. At first sight it didn't look good, then went downhill from there. There were very few loos, old toilets and no hot water. 

We decided to find our seats as a lot of Millers fans were expected, this could mean trouble. We were very near the back and the yobs who like to stand, but good for Ian as we were on the end of the row.

Panorama photo, good isn't it?

Just down and to the left we spotted Mr Serial Killer. His eyebrows seemed to have grown and had a life of their own, as did his ear hair. It's always good luck to see him at an away match though, as is seeing Mr Nasal. I spotted him walking down towards the front. We also spotted the guy with the worst hair in the world. Well before kick off the yoofs behind had started to sing a new song, one that you can't get out of your head, "everywhere we go". This went on throughout the game with other tunes breaking out every now and again. The away end filled up quickly, particularly the rows behind us with seemingly two people for each seat, no worries as they would be standing anyway. 

The teams came out and a flare began smoking just behind us. Thank god for those strip searches or who knows what we could have smuggled in. The annoying song was still going on when the ref blew for kickoff. We started well, but that had happened against Cardiff, with Derbyshire in particular standing out for me. Ian was busy texting Wooly, who had been henpecked into a family holiday in the lakes, letting him know what he was missing. Trouble was afoot behind us, with several of the yobs going to the toilet. Little did they know that the stewards weren't happy with the standing and overcrowding and were going to stop them going back to their position. Lots of fun posturing and arguing occurred, just what the yobs thrive on. Back in the pitch, Pringle took a corner and Arni headed goalward, only for their keeper to pull out a top draw save. We were getting closer. 

The song droned on. Just before halftime former Huddersfield player Jack Hunt ghosted past his man and put in an enticing pass. Arriving at the back post Kari Arneson bundled the ball home from a yard. 1-0 to the Millers and both players and fans went mad. 

We were playing well, Arni was bossing midfield, and although I wasn't all that impressed with Lafferty, young Farrend was doing a wonderful job partnering Kirk at the back. Half time arrived with the score still 1-0. 

We decided not to leave our seats at half-time, guarding them ferociously, until the players came out for the second half. The song was still ringing around the stand when the second half kicked off. We were expecting a Huddersfield onslaught this half but it never materialised. Arneson was at his majestic best in midfield, the new defensive pairing looked unbeatable, and Derbyshire and Sammon were holding the ball up well. The ref was annoying us a bit, their players seemed to be diving all over and getting free kicks, one of which lead to a booking for Frecks. We did, however, need another goal. No worries with Arni in this mood. He skipped past one of their players as if he wasn't there and fed Frecklington, whose first time pass to Sammon saw him get the ball out of his feet and slot home. 2-0 and we were in heaven. 

We still had half an hour to go but no worries. In this mood we weren't about to let Huddersfield back into the game. Even a second booking and thus sending off for Frecks didn't faze us. Bowery came on and kept the ball in the corners for long stretches. The song intensified, the stand was rocking, we were all on our feet. We looked for the board, and when it arrived I was pleasantly surprised at only four added minutes. We easily saw that out and as the final whistle blew it was as if we had won the cup final. 2-0 to the Millers. 

The players were hugging each other. All the fans stayed to applaud wildly. Steve came on the pitch and ushered a shy Farrend over to us to take the applause. The song went on as we exited the ground and took the 20 yard walk to the car.

Victory is so sweet

Back at the car

"Good luck for the rest of the season" said a passing Huddersfield fan. Gracious in defeat. 

But what a victory, and what a day. We discovered that Blackpool, Wigan and Millwall had all lost, leaving us nine points above the relegation zone. This could be the day that we retain our championship status, or maybe that will be next Saturday, at home against Wigan!

Men of the match

Ian - Arneson, although Derbyshire, Hunt and Smallwood were all in contention

Jackie - Arneson. It would have been Derbyshire if not for Arnis wonderful second half display

Vicky - Arneson. 

Funniest moment. The faces of the yobs when they were trying to talk their way back to the back

Quote of the day. "Look at my face!". One of the yobs to a steward on his way to the toilet.

Toilet watch. Very poor, especially for a relatively new ground. 3/10

What a difference two days makes

Rotherham v Cardiff, New York Stadium, Tues March 3rd 2014, Att 8534

Well, we had beaten Millwall and life was looking rosier. We were on the up, mid table mediocrity and Sheffield Weds were both within our grasp. Perhaps this time next year we would be challenging for promotion to the premier league! who knows. Then Cardiff City, with Alex Revell in tow, arrived at the New York.

Cardiffs Alex Revell

Of Course, everyone knows that former players come back to haunt you, and that Revs always scores against his former clubs, but he wouldn't would he? I am a bitter and twisted person, and although every other Rotherham fan wishes him well I am the exception. He left my beloved club to play for another team just for the money, in my book that makes him a lion judas and I hope he fails miserably. Best case scenario he drops out of the Cardiff team, goes to somewhere like Oxford, then disappears to North Ferraby Rovers. So when I saw that he would be playing for the Welshmen I was dismayed.

Vicky had proved her metal once again and arrived in time for tea, which was gobbled down as usual and we were off. Chris dropped us and we crossed the road in the usual place, for luck. Then entered at turnstyle 10, for luck. The ground was very sparsely populated, it's a long way from Cardiff after all, but OMOTE was there, so we nodded sagely to each other. No sign of the Wolversons though, much to Ians disgust. How hard can it be to get from Hull on a Tuesday night? He was just texting Wooly to say 'I didn't know Flamingoland opened in the evening' when they arrived, flushed and red faced. Apparently there had been an "altercation" near the Post Office with a huge group of Cardiff Fans. The stadium filled out a bit and the teams emerged, with us playing the victorious Millwall Bashers Eleven. Lion Judas got a wonderful reception, even i clapped, for his contribution in the past. I thought his round of a applause back was a little muted, obviously Cardifff is a better place to be, for now. Frank sang, we kicked, and we were off.

On the pitch, we started Ok. Off it more details emerged of the fight. Wooly and James were walking down to the ground behind a Cardiff Fan, who was moaning voiciferously about the delights of Rotherham. James took exception, telling him to return home (other words may be inserted) to Cardiff if he felt like that. To which the chuntering continued. On the pitch Lion Judas hadn't touched the ball, unfortunately our defence couldn't get it either and one of their defenders, unmarked on the penalty spot, headed home from a corner. 1-0. Off the pitch it seems Wooly had decided to intervene with a playful push which led to the poor Cardiff fan falling over the low fence near the Post Office. Wooly felt he had been asking for it. On the pitch our defence pushed up leaving the offside Cardiff striker to score. The Lino, having obviously looked away for a minute, didn't give it. 2-0. 

Off the pitch Ian asked Wooly if the Cardiff fan had done anything after being pushed over the fence. "No" said Wooly, "He was only little, maybe 5'6"." "Smaller than that" said James. It transpires he was a dwarf. On the pitch, we self destructed for a third time soon after, yet another bumbling defensive shambles leading to yet another Cardiff goal. 3-0. The only upside being that Mr Judas hadn't scored any. Continuing the fairy tale, Wooly confessed he had been thinking about nutting the dwarf, but noticed he was wearing thick, jam jar glasses. James interjected with the fact that his voice was funny, maybe he had had one of the voice boxes fitted after throat cancer. On the pitch, Mr J managed to get the ball in the net. As he wheeled away to celebrate as if he had scored at Wembly with a forty yard lob  he noticed the offside flag. No Matt Derbyshire moment for him then, clearly scoring against the team he had spent the last three seasons being worshipped for is his life's ambition. Funny how I don't like it when the shoe is on the other foot. So still 3-0, and thankfully the ref blew for half time. The players trudged off to the sound of fans letting them know their opinion. Back at the pantomime, James confessed that the wee guy may have had learning difficulties. Ian mustered his thoughts then asked. "Let me get this straight. The pair of you have picked on a seven stone, cancer suffering, registered blind dwarf who may or may not have had learning difficulties?". Wooly and James looked at each other and said, "It does sound a bit harsh when you put it like that"

The second half came and went. We scored a goal through Danny Ward but it hardly mattered. Final score 3-1 to Cardiff.  The defensive performance was atrocious, we need to get that sorted. We are now looking over our shoulder at Millwall and Wigan, and recontemplating trips to Fleetwood and Burton next season. At least He didn't score. Next up Huddersfield away.

Men of the match

Ian - Ward, he scored

Jackie - Pringle. He tried

Vicky - Hammill, although he does like a stepover or two

Funniest moment, the fairy tale

Quote of the day. "He was asking for it". Guess who!

Cometh the hour....

Rotherham v Millwall, New York Stadium, Sat 28th Feb 14. Att 10,329

Saturday 28th Feb 2014 May be remembered as a crucial day in the history of Rotherham United Football Club. The visitors, Millwall, were three points behind and occupying the last relegation place at start of play. Win and we would be six points clear. Lose, and we would drop into that last place ourselves. It also meant the first visit of the notorious Millwall fans to the New York Stadium, could the town cope? 

I wonder why?

I went down to the station earlier that day to pick up Vicky and Alex from the station, Alex having been lured by the tickets for a fiver offer to entice people in. There was a huge police presence there, riot vans, horses and dogs abounded. As I waited in the station car park more police arrived and appeared to be getting ready for an invasion. We got out of there as soon as possible. 

A quick lunch and Chris drove us down due to Ians dodgy knee and my dodgy back. We spotted Kathy Wolversons and her boyfriend 'Billericky Ricky' outside the stadium, and on chatting found that he is from Rickmansworth (hence Woolys geographically challenged nickname). Small world. Wooly himself then appeared with John. Apparently James had a more pressing engagement at Flamingo Land for his girlfriends birthday. Derision abounded from all sides, even Alex was scornful of his decision. Not only that, but in his appearance on Rother FM he stated that he would be attending the match. Shameful! It was decided that I would sit on the row in front in Alex's place so that he could sit in my seat next to Vicky. A decision that almost lead to disaster, as we shall see.

Old man on the end was confused by my desertion, and I ended up sitting next to a woman who wanted to talk to me. We chatted about the Millwall fans, hats, the team, the weather. I have decided that I prefer OMOTE's silent treatment. 

The teams came out and it was a bit of a worry that Captain Morgan was no playing, having been replaced by Clubfoot. Danny Ward was up front with Derbyshire, meaning that there would be no feeding the fish today. Frank sang, I kicked (alone), and we were off. The first half was pretty poor with little quality from either side. The most excitement came when Sideshow Bob slipped on the steps and crashed to the floor, crutch flailing. My row was populated by people with weak bladders and I was constantly up and down. True to form poor defending and a miskick lead to a goal for Millwall just before half time and the crowd began to get on their back a bit, particularly Arneson who was having a bad day. Not a good half, the teams left the field with Millwall winning 1-0.

It obviously wasn't working so we decided to make a change, with me going back to my seat and Alex going to sit next to the old lady. The players came back out for the second half, kicked off, and almost immediately scored. A shot by Ward was hacked at by their defender, and turned into the net. 1-1 and what a substitution! After they we pressed and pressed. Our viewing was split between the play on the pitch and the antics in the stand. The Millwall fans were edging closer to the Rotherham fans, the seat netting no object. Gesticulation commenced from both sets, over the heads of a line of stewards. On 85 minutes on the pitch we got a corner and Ben Pringle stepped up to take it. He put in a wonderful delivery, right on the head of a leaping Kari Arneson, who powered home. 2-1. 

Cometh the man

Kari flying high

All hell broke loose. The Millers fans were in ecstasy, The lions fans got violent. Police swarmed to the left side of the stand to stem the tide of viscious Middle aged men, and in a strategic move the thugs rushed across to the other. Vicky was fascinated, never having seen football thuggery before. 

Thugs on tour

None of this rattled the players who held on easily to take all three points in an absolute six pointer of a game. 2-1 to the Millers. Next up Cardiff.

Men of the match

Ian - Pringle

Jackie - Pringle

Vicky - Hammill (I'll have some of what she's having!)

Funniest moment - The thugs two pronged tactical assault