Birches Head Fred

I get to visit my brother who lives about a mile from the ground, park the car near Duston and drink and eat at The Squirrels pub in Duston, a short walk to the ground. Talked to a few Northampton fans earlier this year before we won there who were genuinely impressed with how we were doing and probably even more so at the end of 90 minutes lol

Slightly off-topic perhaps but given that 5 subs allowed seems to be the norm at the moment then perhaps this will become the norm when the new season starts. That will really give teams options on the subs bench and players sat on the bench will have a pretty good idea that they will be used at some point. This may have a bearing on the type of players (particularly up front) we are looking at, of course we all realise that the Pontiff is nearing the end of his career and again that will be on Askeys mind. I have every faith in Mr. Askey and his backroom staff to bring in the right type of player and I'm sure that Devante fits that bill not only for this next season but for a number to come.

Butler for me, and yes, I am over 50.

Rules are there to be broken and greedy clubs will always find loopholes. Add to that the authorities rarely act when necessary, choosing instead to turn a blind eye. It's a no from me.

Not wishing to go off-topic but i wasn't suggesting that they should, merely pointing out that I wasn't aware if they had either done so or tried to. Finances will be extremely tight for the foreseeable future and I'm sure they have much more pressing concerns, not least the health and welfare of themselves and their staff. I am fully behind both Carol and Kevin and I know they will do everything in their power for the good of our club....unlike previous others.

Not a funny thing at all but it showed Normans intentions straight away - cancelling the 'Lifelong' season tickets of those that had them. From that moment on he lost all possible respect from myself and I am sure many others. I don't know if the Shanahans have (or tried to) revive them for the people concerned but it would be yet another great move by them if they did. Thank goodness he is gone and I long for the time when Port Vale FC is FINALLY rid of him completely.

I usually find the distraction technique works best when playing my brother. Start talking about the Vale.....always works for me.

I think it would be difficult for us to have 2 promotions in two seasons, a couple of years stabilising in league 1 first, then an assault on the championship.

Well an interesting game again and both teams started the game at quite a pace but yet again for the umpteenth time this season the officials stole the show yet again. Vale played some good football and considering they were on a five match winning run I think they were ultimately the happier with a point. Brown had little to do all game and I can't remember him having to save anything that was on target. Cullen was unlucky and for a small lad he gets up well. Everyone played their part and if we can maintain these performances then a play-off place seems likely. As for the officials, well my initial thought on the first penalty was that it was a corner although I called for the penno as one would. Surprised when the ref gave it but not complaining, however for him to then consult his assistant who was well over 35 yards away with a restricted view and then take his advice, well that summed up the way the game had been officiated upto that point and indeed for the remainder of the game. For instance : First half Vale had the ball on the touchline if front of the dug-outs and the assistant gave it out, second half they had a similar situation and where the ball looked clearly 'out' and he gave nothing (not sure if that wasn';t what led to Kevan being booked). They also had a lad stop and wait for Gibbons to run into him - foul, we had a similar incident - play on. If Legge's tackle in the second half was indeed a foul then he should have walked. Foul throws, Brown being ordered to spped up goalkicks wheras their keeper was just as bad but nothing said - the list appeared endless. To be honest, I thought the ref didn't give the second penalty just to spite the Vale fans !. Rant apart Vale thoroughly deserved their point and will feel again it's 2 points lost but we march on and must now hopefully take advantage of the next two games. Final point, I think things may have 'kicked off' somewhat after the game outside near to the coaches and I said to my son that although having their 'mob' so close to the away fans adds to the atmosphere it also ramps up hostilities - something perhaps they should think on. Gibbo man of the match for me although it was a tough decision and i'm sure plenty of other fans who were at the game would hand it elsewhere, and with similar good reason.

It's late in the day I know but does anyone know if you can you buy tickets for the away end at Cheltenham or is there a cash/pay on the gate turnstile ?

3120 Please Barry

I haven't yet donated myself but I will. I like the idea of buckets inside the ground, I also dislike the constant sniping at Robbie to fork out yet again - I'm sure he's aware of the situation and if he chooses to donate then all well and good.

Tadcaster Albion, a non league team in Yorkshire have a crowd funding page to help raise cash to save the club. The ground has been flooded twice in recent weeks and they really need help. Please go on their official website and follow the link if you can help. UTV. I realise other clubs may be in a similar plight but anything you can donate I'm sure will be a great help.

Hard one to call Barry with the bring a friend for a tenner deal but i will go for 5525 Cheers Barry

If it's the 'lady' who was stood at the rear of the stand then I know what you mean. Admittedly Bennett was poor but she was awful, even to the point of hoping he was seriously injured when he went down in the first half. I know she goes a lot of away games (she could for all I know go them all) and she's entitled to her opinion but it really was way over the top. I wonder how she had reacted at the recent home game when Bennett notched 2 goals. I will admit that Pope coming on allowed us to move up the pitch and was probably the reason we got the goal but to castigate Bennett as she was doing was in my view disgraceful, especially as assuming Pope is up for another ban then Bennett will be our main striker for a couple of games at least. As for Northampton, I'm glad I don't have to watch that every week. Well done Vale, a cracking hard caught victory.