As June turns to July, it’s time for MFW to take a look at our pre-season friendly fixtures.
There’s no Dereham Town, no Lowestoft Town and thankfully no Cambridge United on our schedule this time around. I’m sure Timm Klose would agree with me regarding the latter. A crocked knee acquired on a pitch Farmer Giles could have prepared better than their groundsmen is off this season’s agenda, thank the Lord. (God knows what our Wes will make of it if he signs for them).
So what have we got?
A week-long training camp and a couple of games in the Westphalian region of Germany to begin with. Who knows, we might even bring back a recruit or two for the under-23s from that situation.
Some of our most dedicated followers will thoroughly enjoy their time in Germany. I have never been to Westphalia but I love the German people, and the Rhineland Palatinate (kilometres away, unfortunately) is drop-dead gorgeous.
On our collective return, and to my mind somewhat strangely, we have a behind-closed-doors event at Colney with Brentford as our guests. I can’t go but I don’t care. Brentford are not kickers, so I’m not bothered. They play decent football as we discovered last season.
And there’s an absolutely excellent selection in Luton Town.
I have a certain affection for Kenilworth Road as it is the only Football League ground I have ever played at – way back when they had a plastic pitch.
And do Luton play football in the right way? I’ve seen enough of them on the “Colin Murray Show”, which I will still watch with relish, to know that they do. Both clubs deservedly going up a step – it should be a great fixture and not that far to travel for our “ultras”.
And then we return to the Carra with Atalanta. For a pre-advertised tenner. Atalanta are a side I know nothing about at all.
But I do know that they are Seria A and have qualified for this season’s Champions League. What more can we want? I’ll be there.
As I will for Toulouse, who strangely I have seen play before.
Working in Paris yonks ago I had an unexpectedly early finish with a confirmed hotel for the night and Eurostar booking for the following morning.
I was ensconced near Calais and bemoaning my boredom when the hotelier’s son said he’d take me to see Racing Club Lens against Toulouse along with his girlfriend and one of his mates.
It’s the only French Ligue 1 match I have ever been to and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, great company. And we all stood. No fuss, no fight.
It was made even better when Lens scored twice in the last ten minutes to win 2-0. Sadly Lens have recently gone backwards.
I had to Google the year – it was 2005. Cheers Henri et Francoise and the other geezer whose name I cannot remember.
So I reckon our friendly fixture card looks very well sorted. All opposition teams are happy to play us as well, so it’s a fine deal for everybody.
Unlike the time the Real Mallorca (a team I saw a lot of in the 2000s) coach broke down all those years ago. We kicked off 45 minutes late and still contrived to lose 1-0!
I must admit I’m looking forward to watching us against Atalanta and Toulouse.
Especially for twenty quid combined!
Yea thank the gods of football or those somewhat closer to home at Carrow Rd, that no short hop to Cambridge is on the agenda, I never know what I feel about playing local sides, I always worry a little, just in case someone wants to make a name for himself by crocking a pro. I Just think we need some better opposition, it maybe more suited to the combined of U23 etc
I will be sporting a few squid myself to take the lad to watch Atalanta and Tolose . whoops Toulouse, good value that. and no membership needed.
Before we know it the games will be upon us as the circus begins.
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Hi Lad
Playing a Dereham or a Lowestoft has always been seen as a bit of a financial gesture by NCFC I guess. Obviously we would field what might best be described as “an XI” and everyone would have a good day out – I miss that aspect to be sure.
But Cambridge turned out to be an expensive mistake in terms of injury. Klose wasn’t the only one that day as I recall. Maybe Leitner?
Circus is the right word. Maybe Chris Wilder might adopt a red nose and face paint on matchdays.
Thank you.
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I think “the other” from the Cambridge war was one Alex Pritchard…..now; what happened to him??
O T B C
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Yes John you are right.
As we both know he took a gamble with Huddersfield that hasn’t worked for him.
No ill-will to the guy whatsoever, but he wouldn’t get in our starting eleven just now.
Dunno why I thought it was Leitner!
Cheers.
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Hi Martin
Years ago I use to attend all the local friendly games especially the ones at the Wellesley Rec in Gt Yatmouth when Bill Puntin was in charge.
The local games can be a bit hard on the players as the semi pro’s try to prove themselves against the big boys, it was also a money spinner for the non league clubs so it is a shame thst city are not playing at least 1 ie Lowestoft.
Last season there was a couple of great reviews on MFW while on tour in Germany I hope there is a similar review this time round.
Onwards and Upwards
OTBC
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Hi Alex
I’ve been to the Wellesley a couple of times, Gorleston more so – my son went to college there.
As I said to Canarylad above, games against local Ryman-level teams were good, harmless fun for all concerned.
I’m glad we’re not risking another “Cambridge” though.
I’m not sure what Gary has up his sleeve for tour reports this time around, but thanks for reminding me how much I enjoyed, reading Jacob, Andy and Sharon Bowles last time out.
Thank you.
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The Bowles family are primed and ready 🙂 (and already en route!)
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Great stuff.
It’s not every day you can anticipate an MFW article from the official “Supporter of the Year”:-)
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What a picture you have painted Martin, A village pitch , a reference to rugby , topped of with visions of fair Atalanta and the chance of a trek to see Toulouse. !
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Hi Bernie you old punster, you.
Best go now – no time Toulouse before the dogs need a walk.
Cheers:-)
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Me too Mr Penney…..,
Although having reached the upper age limit it will only cost 20 quid for me and the Missus to do both games……and we’ll be taking along 3 of the grand-sons as well to keep them interested.
I suspect however that apart from the cups the only times they will get to see the boys live in the forthcoming season will be via Sky, BT, or Amazon!!!
O T B C
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Hi John
I’m certainly not aware of any tinkering with the Cup ticketing system. I’ve always had around a week to claim my seat via the ST and then it’s quite rightly a free for all.
Spares should still be easily available as not every season ticket holder goes to the Cup games as religiously as the league matches. I’ve missed a few myself. Including Norwich 0, Luton 1, luckily.
It is such a shame that the young generation barely get a look-in. Where I sit in Upper Barclay D block I can honestly say we are chock-full every single game and there is no-one under about 16 anywhere to be seen, although the demographic goes from said 16 to 86 I would imagine, which makes for a great atmosphere.
Ground expansion is the only answer to my mind, but that is a matter for another day, although there was an excellent article about the subject on MFW not so long ago.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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