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Yep I was, my first season of going to Portman Road with my mate. I was 13.
As somebody above says, we were convinced we were staying up. Then it was Arsenal Reserves V Oxford after the season ended and down we went, leading to Butcher (my then hero) departing to Rangers.
Yes I was there. Was also at Upton Park a few days later when we lost 2-1. I can still see Kevin Wilson opening the scoring in front of our fans and great joy ensued. However I can also still see Butch trooping off the pitch at the end head bowed.
Yes I was there. Was also at Upton Park a few days later when we lost 2-1. I can still see Kevin Wilson opening the scoring in front of our fans and great joy ensued. However I can also still see Butch trooping off the pitch at the end head bowed.
You forgot to mention the part played in between by that fkin cheat Mark Ward.
Dived to win a penalty from which they scored their winner (with about 10 minutes to go from what I recall). He then ruffled Butcher's hair whilst Butch was on the ground. I don't know to this day how Butch stopped himself from getting up and lamping him. He was quite scathing about Ward in his autobiography.
Dived to win a penalty from which they scored their winner (with about 10 minutes to go from what I recall). He then ruffled Butcher's hair whilst Butch was on the ground. I don't know to this day how Butch stopped himself from getting up and lamping him. He was quite scathing about Ward in his autobiography.
Butcher then destroyed the dressing room ( may have been refs room) door. Lyall calmed the situation and admired his passion. Hated shammers since 75’( though more so Thomas).
On the pitch, players trying to clear it. Dozzell on shoulders at the end. I started in the North, finished the final moments in the Cobbold, then back on again. On the tv footage there a great clip of a copper on the pitch patting Atkins on the back as they wait for the re-start!
Everybody was convinced we were safe after that. It was ultimate six pointer.
Arsenal playing Oxford with a virtual reserve team a week after the regular season had ended would never be allowed to happen now.
The Arsenal team that day was Lukic: Anderson, Adams, O'Leary, Keown, Sansom, Davis, Rix Robson, Nicholas, Woodcock. Not a reserve to be seen. Sadly, Arsenal were on their holidays & got stuffed, but they did not play a weak team. And as for this "not being allowed now", Man U & Liverpool have both played entire reserve XIs in similar games when they had a European Cup final in the offing. The Premier League have decided that if players are a part of your 25 man squad, any combination is acceptable.
The Arsenal team that day was Lukic: Anderson, Adams, O'Leary, Keown, Sansom, Davis, Rix Robson, Nicholas, Woodcock. Not a reserve to be seen. Sadly, Arsenal were on their holidays & got stuffed, but they did not play a weak team. And as for this "not being allowed now", Man U & Liverpool have both played entire reserve XIs in similar games when they had a European Cup final in the offing. The Premier League have decided that if players are a part of your 25 man squad, any combination is acceptable.
Well that's ruined a 36 year old memory. They were definitely on the beach though. And post Heysel, there wouldn't have been any incentives such as league positions to worry.
My point of not happening these days was more about a teams last fixture of a campaign being after everyone else's, especially a side in a relegation battle.
The Arsenal team that day was Lukic: Anderson, Adams, O'Leary, Keown, Sansom, Davis, Rix Robson, Nicholas, Woodcock. Not a reserve to be seen. Sadly, Arsenal were on their holidays & got stuffed, but they did not play a weak team. And as for this "not being allowed now", Man U & Liverpool have both played entire reserve XIs in similar games when they had a European Cup final in the offing. The Premier League have decided that if players are a part of your 25 man squad, any combination is acceptable.
Remember Bryan Knights reporting from Oxford on Radio Orwell giving us the bad news as the afternoon progressed.
When we won 3-2? Remember coming from behind and winning if thats the game.
We went behind 1-0 at half-time to a John Aldridge goal. Went 2-1 up (Dozzell and Butcher). They equalised (Phillips I think). Atkins via Wilson's backside in injury time for winner.
Everybody was convinced we were safe after that. It was ultimate six pointer.
Arsenal playing Oxford with a virtual reserve team a week after the regular season had ended would never be allowed to happen now.
Never forgive never forget what Arsenal did.
In the spirit of reconciliation and happiness at the end of the Banter Era (RIP) and as a result of promotion I have cleared out my ignore list. Look forwards to reading your posts!
I remember it well. Great atmosphere in the town that night, we really thought we had done enough to survive.
Got totally hammered, somehow made it back to Woodbridge, thought I was safely in bed, decided to go for a final slash of the night only to fall down an entire flight of stairs, landing in a crumpled heap.
My alcoholic state meant I fell quite relaxed so nothing broken, but a mass of bruises and a headache ten times worse than a normal hangover.
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