Yesterday, 20:23
(This post was last modified: 2 hours ago by theo_luddite.)
or as I might have called it - The South of The River Dance - Part 1
![[Image: UlANZE3.png]](https://i.imgur.com/UlANZE3.png)
The John McGaphsmiths Stadium
No Longer in the Shadow of the Big Gasometer
Will they rename Gasworks Street
Lower Fitzwilliam Street East?
Stadium Way West?
Don't forget The Stereophonics - 14th June
Book Early
HD1 6PG
Kick-off 15:00 UK Time
Saturday 15/03/25
Crawley head round the M25 and up the M1 to sunny Yorkshire on Saturday as Town mount another inglorious attempt to
a. take 3 points off a relegation threatened club
b. take 3 points at home this year
c. score a goal at home this year.
That we do this with Jonny Worthington in charge might at least have stopped the mutiny that was heading in Kevin the Gerbil's way had he not pulled the trigger after our latest defeat at Brizzle.
In that Kevin is rumoured to want to increase the price of season tickets certainly, if not general admission as well, attendance this season and future ticket sales are likely to fall through the floor if we continue to slide into mid-table mediocrity from a position where we really should have been capable of a top 2 place.
On the tellybox
Not showing anywhere at the moment other than HTTV
Latest news
In case you missed it/have been living in a cave/been on holiday/revising for your exams - check out The Sack Race section.
Town have also been nominated for two Football Business awards, in recognition of 'H Town' and ‘Everything Together’ campaign.
- Best Football Club Stadium Experience (H Town)
- Best Club Marketing Campaign (Non-Premier League) for Everything Together
Winners announced at Football Business Awards ceremony on 9 May 2025 hosted by TV and Radio presenter Mark "Chappers" Chapman.
https://www.htafc.com/news/2025/march/11...s-awards-/
Out Injured/Suspended/Isolating
Duff Duff had previously hinted that Radinio Balker, David Kasumu and perhaps Mickel Miller were in with a chance of returning to contention over the impending international break, if not in time for Crawley.
However, Jon Worthington says that as it stands he expects his squad for this weekend to be as it was for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.
Back training but not oven ready/Back in the frame
Could there be some miraculous recoveries from injury, or do we have to wait until Easter for those particular form of Resurrection shuffles? I guess it could be shrouded in mystery for now. Could our next new First Team coach be from Turin perhaps, if British built one's aren't up to scratch.? Or maybe related to a short sighted Russian ship's captain that can't see an American ship full of aviation fuel right in front of him in the North Sea? Coincidence my arse.
Anyway, I doubt our new head coach, whenever he (or she?) is announced will come from either Ukraine or Moscow or be capable of driving a big boat. Could they be 'mercan with a fake Sacramento tan? Who knows? Not according to Kevin the Gerbil anyway. It could be Jonny W, given he didn't hide his ambition as much this time when asked by 'Orrible 'Annah from Radio Local. Keeping our players fit and winning games is the main priority.
Herbie Kane is out until mid-April with a knee injury.
Josh Koroma is not expected back until April with a calf injury.
Tom Lees continues to be monitored for a knee injury but remains out of action.
Matty Pearson is set to be out until around the end of March/beginning of April with a calf injury.
Chris Maxwell has an ongoing hip issue and Tom Iorpenda has a long-standing back issue.
Rhys Healey, Danny Ward and Nigel Lonwijk are all ruled out for the season.
MaToGA® - Make Town Great Again.
Thanks again to Mr. Chicken for his assistance with the summary.
Musical Interlude
This one's for the lads on our injured list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpH5ke-C_80
This one's for a short sighted Russian ship's captain, a danger to fellow Yorkshiremen/women on the coast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRlSHG5hRY4
It's called radar, luv.
These are for Crawley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNrMKbXGF-U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgx7abJH6uI
and these are for Jon W.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6swgiM9vSEE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ifxGNisbl4
Last time out
Town played Brizzle off the park (allegedly) for about 20-30 minutes but the first time we gave them the ball they scored after 10 minutes. We registered more shots in the first 20 minutes than we managed in the rest of the game. 'nuff sed.
![[Image: S6VFjQV.png]](https://i.imgur.com/S6VFjQV.png)
Crawley drew 1:1 at home to Reading last weekend but then lost 0:1 at home to Charlton on Tuesday. Guess who we now play next?
![[Image: VKvs6ED.png]](https://i.imgur.com/VKvs6ED.png)
In addition to last weekend, there was a fair number of midweek games played on Tuesday too, with another mixed bag of results.
Starting with last Saturday, Brum did their usual 1 goal win v Lincoln, Wycombe snatched a point from Pish Posh, Wrexham also did the 1 goal win thing v Rotherham. Stockport and Charlton played out a 0:0 to keep them in the Top 6 and were joined by Bolton following a win at Burton. Reading remained in 8th as the wheels continue to wobble at Orient. With 5 defeats on the trot, you might even say they've fallen off.
![[Image: a49n4zX.png]](https://i.imgur.com/a49n4zX.png)
In the bottom 4, only Crawley managed a point.
On Tuesday, Brum pulled off another 1 goal win, 2:1 this time, Wrexham missed a chance to go 3 points clear in 2nd by getting beat 2:0 at Reading. Charlton's win at Creepy Crawley moved them into 4th, dropping Smogport to 5th. Bolton missed the chance to inflict more pain on Town as they lost 3:2 to a suddenly in form Brizzle. This all leaves Town 2 points adrift of the top 6 with 10 to play. Reading are just below us on goal difference, and they are the form team at the moment.
![[Image: fGU3Eur.png]](https://i.imgur.com/fGU3Eur.png)
Down amongst the deadmen, only Crawley played, and lost. Pish Posh are now back on the trap door, despite having a 5 game unbeaten run and being the form team of the bottom half. Brizzle's two wins have lifted them 3 points clear of Posh and almost into mid-table mediocrity. Pish Posh however, are 6 points clear of Burton and it's increasingly unlikely the remaining 3 will escape, though I wouldn't put it past Town to give Crawley a boost this weekend.
The Sack Race
Guess who sacked their umpteenth manager in under a season, again, this week?
Yes, Barnsalee joined in on Wednesday, sacking Darrell Clarke after Town had let Duff Duff go on Sunday.
Barnsalee quickly appointed Conor Hourihane as his replacement, dashing Duff Duff's hopes of a quick return, and Ryan Lowe (dumped by Both Ends at the start of the season) filled the vacancy at Wigan.
Tables, Form & Stats
That comfort zone we had above those outside the Top 6 just a few weeks ago is now a smaller comfort zone above those in mid-table mediocrity. That Wycombe and Wrexham are still only 10 points above us, when even half decent form since the New Year would have us in the mix with them is all the more galling.
Promotion via the play-off's last season, gave Crawley the usual promoted team boost at the start of the season, but the wheels quickly fell off and with only 7 wins, they've been one of the favourites to go back down for most of the season.
![[Image: hxEYgzT.png]](https://i.imgur.com/hxEYgzT.png)
To say this is a clash of the two most out of form sides in the division is an understatement. Town (and Townfans) will be hoping the new(ish) manager bounce kicks in on Saturday.
![[Image: DHEJGsl.png]](https://i.imgur.com/DHEJGsl.png)
![[Image: cPqHaow.png]](https://i.imgur.com/cPqHaow.png)
![[Image: SvCaBBC.png]](https://i.imgur.com/SvCaBBC.png)
![[Image: Q0e48IH.png]](https://i.imgur.com/Q0e48IH.png)
![[Image: jBi2Zdt.png]](https://i.imgur.com/jBi2Zdt.png)
Form v Bottom & Top 8
The good news is Town are unbeaten against the bottom 4 (so far), but we went 2-0 down at their's before scrambling a 2nd half draw when we were on one of our so called good runs of form. Their biggest win was probably the 1:2 win at Charlton back in December, but they've only won twice since. Unlike us, they have managed to win (once) and score goals at home this year.
![[Image: DUWNBeL.png]](https://i.imgur.com/DUWNBeL.png)
![[Image: nGtyKf0.png]](https://i.imgur.com/nGtyKf0.png)
Innies and Outies
Crawley rang the changes in the January sales in an effort to stay up, but it's looking like a futile attempt.
![[Image: d8wpgBD.png]](https://i.imgur.com/d8wpgBD.png)
The Outies includes a certain Scott Malone, formerly of the Parish of Leeds Road who never really did for us what he regularly did against us, particularly for Fulham, when he turned up on our doorstep for an exhorbitant fee. It shows him as without a club but he has recently signed for Cambridge United. Could he possibly help relegate two clubs from the same division in the same season?
![[Image: 1VwXDIO.png]](https://i.imgur.com/1VwXDIO.png)
Who's banging 'em in
Only 14 players in this division are on 10 goals or more so far this season, so no surprise Crawley don't have a really high scorer amongst them, but they do spread them around a bit. 25 of their 38 have come from these 5. They have however leaked in a division high 66, when Cambridge and Shrewsbury have (only?) conceded 60.
![[Image: 4HzESQV.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4HzESQV.png)
They can't all win
Brum will look to serenely float off further into the distance with a visit to Northampton, who occasionaly hand out a bloody nose to the top 8 (us especially). Wycombe are home to Wrexham in the battle for 2nd place, Charlton are home to Wigan, Smogport go to Bolton in the battle for 5th place. Town will be looking to pick up any scraps but at best can only just move back into the top 6. Reading will be similarly looking to keep their unbeaten run going and also hop into the top 6 if they can beat Stevenage at home.
![[Image: y7y08s1.png]](https://i.imgur.com/y7y08s1.png)
The day starts with a relegation battle at Cambridge who play what amounts to the Derby of The Fens at home to Pish Posh. Another one takes place in Shrewsbury where (nearish) neighbours Burton make the short trip and er, you know where Crawley are.
We've played 'em before
Only once actually - this is our first meeting at ours.
Next up?
Town's home match v Wycombe is off next weekend (we've 3 playing for Norn Iron) as is Shrews v Reading, so a good result this Saturday is vital.
I may have mentioned Charlton away follows the weekend after.
Pressers
Brodie Spencer and Jon Worthington get the Radio Local earbashings. Expect lots of politically correct answers to questions about Duff Duff. Whilst JW definitely didn't want the hot seat last time round, he's clearly got his eye's on something here that a minor miracle this season, could see him out of a job by next Christmas. Be careful what you wish for pal.
Brodie
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ky0sf1
Worthy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ky0dq2
If you want to see the look on his face when she asks him, scroll through to 39:30 if you don't want to go through the whole shebang and watch for a minute or so.
https://youtu.be/0sMYsQqoF-M
The views from the proposed new runway at Gatwick Airport*
Another League One club that appears averse to pre-match pressers. All mouth and trousers afterwards though. So I had a look round the the local rags and one of their forums. They aren't chuffed that we sacked Duff Duff just before playing them. Like they're the only ones that has ever happened to.
But ..... there's trouble at t'mill. There's weavil's in t'cotton an' anthrax spores in t'wool. Top floor o't'mill has been set ablaze by t'luddites an'all.
That an' they sell NFT shirts. What's that stand for then? Not F'in' Tryin'? We could sell a few of those. Apparently the current owners are Crypto Currency dealers. T'locals are saying it's all bobbins. They originally tried to buy Bratfud City but t'chickens fans weren't 'avin' nun of it.
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/fo...nt-5030932
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/crypt...ub-3579585
https://ctfcfansforum.freeforums.net/boa...k-football
*Provisional approval has been given to upgrade a Gatwick Airport taxiway to a runway. That it's about 80% as long as the current runway and has somehow been calculated as nigh on doubling it's capacity. Well, OK if it's all short haul stuff because anything long haul is going to land in the nearby farmers fields or worse still, take the airport building out by the A23 (if they don't remove it) or end up on the London-Brighton railway line in the other direction.
Just a heads up. I expect to be flying a new mobile phone on Saturday, which should be delivered in time for me to back the old one up, switch the sim cards and memory card over, charge it up overnight and see what gets downloaded from the backup, then see if it has Android Auto on it for the drive up the M6 Saturday morning. Should I be all fingers and thumbs (mostly thumbs) on Saturday, you'll know why. That said with a bit of luck, I might get a signal, which my old one seems to regularly forget it's supposed to connect to.
The John McGaphsmiths Stadium
No Longer in the Shadow of the Big Gasometer
Will they rename Gasworks Street
Lower Fitzwilliam Street East?
Stadium Way West?
Don't forget The Stereophonics - 14th June
Book Early
HD1 6PG
Kick-off 15:00 UK Time
Saturday 15/03/25
Crawley head round the M25 and up the M1 to sunny Yorkshire on Saturday as Town mount another inglorious attempt to
a. take 3 points off a relegation threatened club
b. take 3 points at home this year
c. score a goal at home this year.
That we do this with Jonny Worthington in charge might at least have stopped the mutiny that was heading in Kevin the Gerbil's way had he not pulled the trigger after our latest defeat at Brizzle.
In that Kevin is rumoured to want to increase the price of season tickets certainly, if not general admission as well, attendance this season and future ticket sales are likely to fall through the floor if we continue to slide into mid-table mediocrity from a position where we really should have been capable of a top 2 place.
On the tellybox
Not showing anywhere at the moment other than HTTV
Latest news
In case you missed it/have been living in a cave/been on holiday/revising for your exams - check out The Sack Race section.
Town have also been nominated for two Football Business awards, in recognition of 'H Town' and ‘Everything Together’ campaign.
- Best Football Club Stadium Experience (H Town)
- Best Club Marketing Campaign (Non-Premier League) for Everything Together
Winners announced at Football Business Awards ceremony on 9 May 2025 hosted by TV and Radio presenter Mark "Chappers" Chapman.
https://www.htafc.com/news/2025/march/11...s-awards-/
Out Injured/Suspended/Isolating
Duff Duff had previously hinted that Radinio Balker, David Kasumu and perhaps Mickel Miller were in with a chance of returning to contention over the impending international break, if not in time for Crawley.
However, Jon Worthington says that as it stands he expects his squad for this weekend to be as it was for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.
Back training but not oven ready/Back in the frame
Could there be some miraculous recoveries from injury, or do we have to wait until Easter for those particular form of Resurrection shuffles? I guess it could be shrouded in mystery for now. Could our next new First Team coach be from Turin perhaps, if British built one's aren't up to scratch.? Or maybe related to a short sighted Russian ship's captain that can't see an American ship full of aviation fuel right in front of him in the North Sea? Coincidence my arse.
Anyway, I doubt our new head coach, whenever he (or she?) is announced will come from either Ukraine or Moscow or be capable of driving a big boat. Could they be 'mercan with a fake Sacramento tan? Who knows? Not according to Kevin the Gerbil anyway. It could be Jonny W, given he didn't hide his ambition as much this time when asked by 'Orrible 'Annah from Radio Local. Keeping our players fit and winning games is the main priority.
Herbie Kane is out until mid-April with a knee injury.
Josh Koroma is not expected back until April with a calf injury.
Tom Lees continues to be monitored for a knee injury but remains out of action.
Matty Pearson is set to be out until around the end of March/beginning of April with a calf injury.
Chris Maxwell has an ongoing hip issue and Tom Iorpenda has a long-standing back issue.
Rhys Healey, Danny Ward and Nigel Lonwijk are all ruled out for the season.
MaToGA® - Make Town Great Again.
Thanks again to Mr. Chicken for his assistance with the summary.
Musical Interlude
This one's for the lads on our injured list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpH5ke-C_80
This one's for a short sighted Russian ship's captain, a danger to fellow Yorkshiremen/women on the coast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRlSHG5hRY4
It's called radar, luv.
These are for Crawley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNrMKbXGF-U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgx7abJH6uI
and these are for Jon W.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6swgiM9vSEE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ifxGNisbl4
Last time out
Town played Brizzle off the park (allegedly) for about 20-30 minutes but the first time we gave them the ball they scored after 10 minutes. We registered more shots in the first 20 minutes than we managed in the rest of the game. 'nuff sed.
Crawley drew 1:1 at home to Reading last weekend but then lost 0:1 at home to Charlton on Tuesday. Guess who we now play next?
In addition to last weekend, there was a fair number of midweek games played on Tuesday too, with another mixed bag of results.
Starting with last Saturday, Brum did their usual 1 goal win v Lincoln, Wycombe snatched a point from Pish Posh, Wrexham also did the 1 goal win thing v Rotherham. Stockport and Charlton played out a 0:0 to keep them in the Top 6 and were joined by Bolton following a win at Burton. Reading remained in 8th as the wheels continue to wobble at Orient. With 5 defeats on the trot, you might even say they've fallen off.
In the bottom 4, only Crawley managed a point.
On Tuesday, Brum pulled off another 1 goal win, 2:1 this time, Wrexham missed a chance to go 3 points clear in 2nd by getting beat 2:0 at Reading. Charlton's win at Creepy Crawley moved them into 4th, dropping Smogport to 5th. Bolton missed the chance to inflict more pain on Town as they lost 3:2 to a suddenly in form Brizzle. This all leaves Town 2 points adrift of the top 6 with 10 to play. Reading are just below us on goal difference, and they are the form team at the moment.
Down amongst the deadmen, only Crawley played, and lost. Pish Posh are now back on the trap door, despite having a 5 game unbeaten run and being the form team of the bottom half. Brizzle's two wins have lifted them 3 points clear of Posh and almost into mid-table mediocrity. Pish Posh however, are 6 points clear of Burton and it's increasingly unlikely the remaining 3 will escape, though I wouldn't put it past Town to give Crawley a boost this weekend.
The Sack Race
Guess who sacked their umpteenth manager in under a season, again, this week?
Yes, Barnsalee joined in on Wednesday, sacking Darrell Clarke after Town had let Duff Duff go on Sunday.
Barnsalee quickly appointed Conor Hourihane as his replacement, dashing Duff Duff's hopes of a quick return, and Ryan Lowe (dumped by Both Ends at the start of the season) filled the vacancy at Wigan.
Tables, Form & Stats
That comfort zone we had above those outside the Top 6 just a few weeks ago is now a smaller comfort zone above those in mid-table mediocrity. That Wycombe and Wrexham are still only 10 points above us, when even half decent form since the New Year would have us in the mix with them is all the more galling.
Promotion via the play-off's last season, gave Crawley the usual promoted team boost at the start of the season, but the wheels quickly fell off and with only 7 wins, they've been one of the favourites to go back down for most of the season.
To say this is a clash of the two most out of form sides in the division is an understatement. Town (and Townfans) will be hoping the new(ish) manager bounce kicks in on Saturday.
Form v Bottom & Top 8
The good news is Town are unbeaten against the bottom 4 (so far), but we went 2-0 down at their's before scrambling a 2nd half draw when we were on one of our so called good runs of form. Their biggest win was probably the 1:2 win at Charlton back in December, but they've only won twice since. Unlike us, they have managed to win (once) and score goals at home this year.
Innies and Outies
Crawley rang the changes in the January sales in an effort to stay up, but it's looking like a futile attempt.
The Outies includes a certain Scott Malone, formerly of the Parish of Leeds Road who never really did for us what he regularly did against us, particularly for Fulham, when he turned up on our doorstep for an exhorbitant fee. It shows him as without a club but he has recently signed for Cambridge United. Could he possibly help relegate two clubs from the same division in the same season?
Who's banging 'em in
Only 14 players in this division are on 10 goals or more so far this season, so no surprise Crawley don't have a really high scorer amongst them, but they do spread them around a bit. 25 of their 38 have come from these 5. They have however leaked in a division high 66, when Cambridge and Shrewsbury have (only?) conceded 60.
They can't all win
Brum will look to serenely float off further into the distance with a visit to Northampton, who occasionaly hand out a bloody nose to the top 8 (us especially). Wycombe are home to Wrexham in the battle for 2nd place, Charlton are home to Wigan, Smogport go to Bolton in the battle for 5th place. Town will be looking to pick up any scraps but at best can only just move back into the top 6. Reading will be similarly looking to keep their unbeaten run going and also hop into the top 6 if they can beat Stevenage at home.
The day starts with a relegation battle at Cambridge who play what amounts to the Derby of The Fens at home to Pish Posh. Another one takes place in Shrewsbury where (nearish) neighbours Burton make the short trip and er, you know where Crawley are.
We've played 'em before
Only once actually - this is our first meeting at ours.
Next up?
Town's home match v Wycombe is off next weekend (we've 3 playing for Norn Iron) as is Shrews v Reading, so a good result this Saturday is vital.
I may have mentioned Charlton away follows the weekend after.
Pressers
Brodie Spencer and Jon Worthington get the Radio Local earbashings. Expect lots of politically correct answers to questions about Duff Duff. Whilst JW definitely didn't want the hot seat last time round, he's clearly got his eye's on something here that a minor miracle this season, could see him out of a job by next Christmas. Be careful what you wish for pal.
Brodie
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ky0sf1
Worthy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ky0dq2
If you want to see the look on his face when she asks him, scroll through to 39:30 if you don't want to go through the whole shebang and watch for a minute or so.
https://youtu.be/0sMYsQqoF-M
The views from the proposed new runway at Gatwick Airport*
Another League One club that appears averse to pre-match pressers. All mouth and trousers afterwards though. So I had a look round the the local rags and one of their forums. They aren't chuffed that we sacked Duff Duff just before playing them. Like they're the only ones that has ever happened to.
But ..... there's trouble at t'mill. There's weavil's in t'cotton an' anthrax spores in t'wool. Top floor o't'mill has been set ablaze by t'luddites an'all.
That an' they sell NFT shirts. What's that stand for then? Not F'in' Tryin'? We could sell a few of those. Apparently the current owners are Crypto Currency dealers. T'locals are saying it's all bobbins. They originally tried to buy Bratfud City but t'chickens fans weren't 'avin' nun of it.
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/fo...nt-5030932
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/crypt...ub-3579585
https://ctfcfansforum.freeforums.net/boa...k-football
*Provisional approval has been given to upgrade a Gatwick Airport taxiway to a runway. That it's about 80% as long as the current runway and has somehow been calculated as nigh on doubling it's capacity. Well, OK if it's all short haul stuff because anything long haul is going to land in the nearby farmers fields or worse still, take the airport building out by the A23 (if they don't remove it) or end up on the London-Brighton railway line in the other direction.
Just a heads up. I expect to be flying a new mobile phone on Saturday, which should be delivered in time for me to back the old one up, switch the sim cards and memory card over, charge it up overnight and see what gets downloaded from the backup, then see if it has Android Auto on it for the drive up the M6 Saturday morning. Should I be all fingers and thumbs (mostly thumbs) on Saturday, you'll know why. That said with a bit of luck, I might get a signal, which my old one seems to regularly forget it's supposed to connect to.
A guide to cask ale.
![[Image: aO7W3pZ.png]](https://i.imgur.com/aO7W3pZ.png)
“In the best pubs, you can spend entire afternoons deep in refreshment without a care in the world.”
“In the best pubs, you can spend entire afternoons deep in refreshment without a care in the world.”
![[Image: 2ZJuVRk.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/2ZJuVRk.gif)