www.altyfans.co.uk
General Category => Altrincham FC First Team => Topic started by: le bignose on March 29, 2008, 05:44:34 PM
-
For those who were still around after the final whislte and witnessed the scenes that unravelled in the dugouts, can you enlighten me on the circumstances to why it happened ............
For those that havent got a clue what im on about, basically a 22 man plus each team offical ''brawl'' errupted and fists were thrown by what i could see ...........
i bloody love passion!!!
ps what a brave, hearty and ''fighting'' spirit we showed today, very proud and even though we didnt get the three points boy did we try get them!! Proud of all the lads today .............. EVEN JOE O'NEIL !!!!
-
We think something was said by one of the Torkee bench that did not go down well with the Alty bench.
We suspect the "Big Time Charlie" attitude by the big club. But that is pure supposition at the mo.
-
WANKERS!!
wish Laney and the boys had done them in !!!
But to be fair we did our fighting on the pitch .............. and won the battle even though we didnt get the three points!! We deserved too!!
-
Not sure what was said to GB, but GH wasn't happy, there was a few words and a bit of pushing, then one of the turkey lads said something and one of the Alty staff responded (not sure who) Alty Tunnel Steward involved trying to keep the peace as was Graham Rowley.
Once calmed down, all of the remaining Turkey players weighed in and it went off again. Ref blew his whistle continously for about 30 seconds then it all calmed down...
GH defintiely involved, but largely the Torquay players that carried it on...
Storm in a teacup, just hope it's a fine only from the 'powers that be' and no point deduction.
The Torquay fans coming out were moaning about poor segregation and having to stand in the open... Told them to expect the same next year, hopefully in sub-zero conditions
-
According To Paul Buckle the ref sorted it and no one was booked and that was the end of it
-
Depends if the ref puts it in his report.
-
I believe the whole thing stemmed from a (pretty weak) Torquay penalty appeal in the second half and GB kept having a go at the Torquay bench who had half heartedly appealed. They didn't really take much notice of him to be honest. At the end GB carried on his rant and somehow it all escalated from there. Not sure why he didn't just walk away really. I could understand such a reaction had the incident in question affected the outcome......
-
I had a box seat in the main stand saw what actually happened. Something was said between Alty and Torkee bench which Torkee then mouthed of to, and Graham Barrow took exception. He then squared up to the small assistant manager bloke. At this point it was handbags at paces as each of the two groups held back their respective hot heads. I saw Mr Barrow walk away but as words continued to be being exchanged, he then walked back for a second argument but never got physical.
GH then had a row with an official who I believe to be the chairman of Torkeee and GH pointed out the their bench were 'mouthing off', he was then told by the chairman to 'grow up'. This continued for about 20 seconds but they slowly squared up and GH obvious upset with being told to 'grow up' wagged his finger in the face of the chairman. The chairman made no physical contact, but GH then grabbed him by the throat. A melay then began as the two teams tried to split up the fight; GH was dragged away and broke free of the crowd. He then turned heel to wade back in and managed to bulldoze three blokes to crack the Chairman with and I have to admit a pretty good right hand. Some person who I cant identify then flanked the crowd to lean across two people to yank the hair (and almost his head) off the chairman in a pintzer movement, Fights and pushing then began in about three places in small groups as the ref blew his whistle all the way through the trouble.
The SADDEST thing about today is a torkeee fan had an epileptic fit in the stand and was in a bad way. The stewards acted brilliantly and treated the guy on the spot and then after they stretched him away. He then wandered back at the end of the game just as the fighting began and I last saw him being treated again as I left. I hope he is ok as he had two fits in 20 mins which must be very bad. It puts things in prospective when you see some poor bloke collapse in front of you. I hope he is ok!
I like passion and Im not afraid to stand my ground if matters get physical but only if my family & friends are being threatened or I truely believe it is right to do so. But if I clocked every person I disagreed with AND especially at WORK!! I would be sacked in a heartbeat.
WHAT IS GOING ON????????????
-
The young man turned to me and said "I am having a fit", luckily the senior steward was in vocal distance and the young man was dealt with in the correct procedure.
I was present in the bar and took responsibility for the young man from George Heslop who to that stage had accompanied the young man you refer to. The good news is I sat and went though his bets for the day and luckily despite an apparently dreadful day managed to win around £300 on his bets, of course the Torquay ones had no substance!
The sad thing is that a local taxi ripped him off for £25 from the station but the Alty Stewards rallied round to give the young man a lift to the Metro and hopefully safely to his hotel in Manchester... hope he enjoys Droylsden on Tuesday.
Despite some of the nonsense that went on today, thank goodness Alty retains its heart, passion and pride....enough said
-
I had a box seat in the main stand saw what actually happened. Something was said between Alty and Torkee bench which Torkee then mouthed of to, and Graham Barrow took exception. He then squared up to the small assistant manager bloke. At this point it was handbags at paces as each of the two groups held back their respective hot heads. I saw Mr Barrow walk away but as words continued to be being exchanged, he then walked back for a second argument but never got physical.
GH then had a row with an official who I believe to be the chairman of Torkeee and GH pointed out the their bench were 'mouthing off', he was then told by the chairman to 'grow up'. This continued for about 20 seconds but they slowly squared up and GH obvious upset with being told to 'grow up' wagged his finger in the face of the chairman. The chairman made no physical contact, but GH then grabbed him by the throat. A melay then began as the two teams tried to split up the fight; GH was dragged away and broke free of the crowd. He then turned heel to wade back in and managed to bulldoze three blokes to crack the Chairman with and I have to admit a pretty good right hand. Some person who I cant identify then flanked the crowd to lean across two people to yank the hair (and almost his head) off the chairman in a pintzer movement, Fights and pushing then began in about three places in small groups as the ref blew his whistle all the way through the trouble.
The SADDEST thing about today is a torkeee fan had an epileptic fit in the stand and was in a bad way. The stewards acted brilliantly and treated the guy on the spot and then after they stretched him away. He then wandered back at the end of the game just as the fighting began and I last saw him being treated again as I left. I hope he is ok as he had two fits in 20 mins which must be very bad. It puts things in prospective when you see some poor bloke collapse in front of you. I hope he is ok!
I like passion and Im not afraid to stand my ground if matters get physical but only if my family & friends are being threatened or I truely believe it is right to do so. But if I clocked every person I disagreed with AND especially at WORK!! I would be sacked in a heartbeat.
WHAT IS GOING ON????????????
I hope your wrong about the course of events I really do. There is NO excuse to be honest.
-
I had a box seat in the main stand saw what actually happened. Something was said between Alty and Torkee bench which Torkee then mouthed of to, and Graham Barrow took exception. He then squared up to the small assistant manager bloke. At this point it was handbags at paces as each of the two groups held back their respective hot heads. I saw Mr Barrow walk away but as words continued to be being exchanged, he then walked back for a second argument but never got physical.
GH then had a row with an official who I believe to be the chairman of Torkeee and GH pointed out the their bench were 'mouthing off', he was then told by the chairman to 'grow up'. This continued for about 20 seconds but they slowly squared up and GH obvious upset with being told to 'grow up' wagged his finger in the face of the chairman. The chairman made no physical contact, but GH then grabbed him by the throat. A melay then began as the two teams tried to split up the fight; GH was dragged away and broke free of the crowd. He then turned heel to wade back in and managed to bulldoze three blokes to crack the Chairman with and I have to admit a pretty good right hand. Some person who I cant identify then flanked the crowd to lean across two people to yank the hair (and almost his head) off the chairman in a pintzer movement, Fights and pushing then began in about three places in small groups as the ref blew his whistle all the way through the trouble.
The SADDEST thing about today is a torkeee fan had an epileptic fit in the stand and was in a bad way. The stewards acted brilliantly and treated the guy on the spot and then after they stretched him away. He then wandered back at the end of the game just as the fighting began and I last saw him being treated again as I left. I hope he is ok as he had two fits in 20 mins which must be very bad. It puts things in prospective when you see some poor bloke collapse in front of you. I hope he is ok!
I like passion and Im not afraid to stand my ground if matters get physical but only if my family & friends are being threatened or I truely believe it is right to do so. But if I clocked every person I disagreed with AND especially at WORK!! I would be sacked in a heartbeat.
WHAT IS GOING ON????????????
I hope your wrong about the course of events I really do. There is NO excuse to be honest.
If this is true then I must agree with Jenga: no excuse. I doubt GG was there, but he will have to have a serious look at these events (if they are as described).
-
I had a box seat in the main stand saw what actually happened. Something was said between Alty and Torkee bench which Torkee then mouthed of to, and Graham Barrow took exception. He then squared up to the small assistant manager bloke. At this point it was handbags at paces as each of the two groups held back their respective hot heads. I saw Mr Barrow walk away but as words continued to be being exchanged, he then walked back for a second argument but never got physical.
GH then had a row with an official who I believe to be the chairman of Torkeee and GH pointed out the their bench were 'mouthing off', he was then told by the chairman to 'grow up'. This continued for about 20 seconds but they slowly squared up and GH obvious upset with being told to 'grow up' wagged his finger in the face of the chairman. The chairman made no physical contact, but GH then grabbed him by the throat. A melay then began as the two teams tried to split up the fight; GH was dragged away and broke free of the crowd. He then turned heel to wade back in and managed to bulldoze three blokes to crack the Chairman with and I have to admit a pretty good right hand. Some person who I cant identify then flanked the crowd to lean across two people to yank the hair (and almost his head) off the chairman in a pintzer movement, Fights and pushing then began in about three places in small groups as the ref blew his whistle all the way through the trouble.
The SADDEST thing about today is a torkeee fan had an epileptic fit in the stand and was in a bad way. The stewards acted brilliantly and treated the guy on the spot and then after they stretched him away. He then wandered back at the end of the game just as the fighting began and I last saw him being treated again as I left. I hope he is ok as he had two fits in 20 mins which must be very bad. It puts things in prospective when you see some poor bloke collapse in front of you. I hope he is ok!
I like passion and Im not afraid to stand my ground if matters get physical but only if my family & friends are being threatened or I truely believe it is right to do so. But if I clocked every person I disagreed with AND especially at WORK!! I would be sacked in a heartbeat.
WHAT IS GOING ON????????????
I hope your wrong about the course of events I really do. There is NO excuse to be honest.
"Staying Up" is correct in his precis of events, except that it was not the Torquay Chairman that Heathcote had a go at, but the Chief Executive Colin Lee. I believe this all kicked off after comments between a Torquay director and Graham Barrow over the melee towards the end of the match when Torquay thought they should have had a penalty, and that Graham Barrow refused to shake hands at the end with the opposition managers. Then of course Heathcote and his son had to get involved and that was when Heathcote Senior squared up to Colin Lee, and all hell broke loose. Altogether, there must have been about 30 + people having a go at each other at the same time!!!!!
Director Graham Rowley was caught up in the middle of all this, and witnessed everything.
So, after another afternoon of Heathcote cursing and swearing his way through this match ( AND REMEMBER WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A FAMILY CLUB TRYING TO ATTRACT FAMILIES) we then have these utterly disgraceful scenes at the end which will probably result in the club being fined substantially by the League.
Are the Board going to issue a statement of condemnation over the management team's actions, or is it going to be another example of no matter what Heathcote does or says, HE IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB. This is yet another episode in the long line of embarrassments that this man has brought upon our club, and irrespective of what point we have reached in the season and what our future might be, it is my view that the Board should now release him off his duties with immediate effect, and not make this club any more of a laughing stock than they already are.
-
Well in GH and GB
These men are oviously passionate about the club, and im glad they spoke there mind.
If we had some one else who oviosly showed no emotion then oviosly some of you would complain, stop sitting on the fence
-
So would people prefer it if we had a manager who just sat there all game and showed no emotion what so ever? I don't see people complaining about GB's behaviour refusing to shake the other managers hands, which sparked this event. Ok maybe GH did wrong today in his actions but now all of a sudden people talk about sacking him because of this! Its ridiculous! He just got us a convincing draw against the team second in the table. And well if GH is an embarrassment to the club then God help us because that man does nothing but try his best for our beloved team. It just seems ridiculous how people complain about not showing passion and then when they do they get slated for it. Do we label Colin Little as an embarrassment to the club when he lashes out at someone (Grays) or Senior (Vics)? They are all part of this club
-
The young man turned to me and said "I am having a fit", luckily the senior steward was in vocal distance and the young man was dealt with in the correct procedure.
I was present in the bar and took responsibility for the young man from George Heslop who to that stage had accompanied the young man you refer to. The good news is I sat and went though his bets for the day and luckily despite an apparently dreadful day managed to win around £300 on his bets, of course the Torquay ones had no substance!
The sad thing is that a local taxi ripped him off for £25 from the station but the Alty Stewards rallied round to give the young man a lift to the Metro and hopefully safely to his hotel in Manchester... hope he enjoys Droylsden on Tuesday.
Despite some of the nonsense that went on today, thank goodness Alty retains its heart, passion and pride....enough said
Im glad to hear he is ok and £300 up. He must of thought he had still not come round properly as he staggered directly into the trouble!
-
Have to say I'm a supporter of GH but I like to think that in situations like this we retain the moral high ground. If Graham did strike first it'll be very disappointing. Sacking is absurd but Graham should be reminded to keep his temper under control. I reserve judgement till we hear his account of events though.
-
Leave all this to the club,you say Graham Rowley witnessed what went on,so let the board get on with whatever they need to do.
-
Well in GH and GB
These men are oviously passionate about the club, and im glad they spoke there mind.
If we had some one else who oviosly showed no emotion then oviosly some of you would complain, stop sitting on the fence
Since when have 'passion' and 'showing emotion' constituted a licence to try to assault someone?
Yet another hugely embarrassing incident involving our manager.
I despair.
-
In the last few matches GH has done a superb job, maybe listened to people and had the team playing with far more zest & threat. He seems to have unearthed another couple of decent loanees. He has had a great history at the club and done well to even get us to this level.
We cannot afford to lose money if we are fined for this - if this is true, and I've no reason to disbelieve the eye witness reports - or get a bad reputation.
However, as much as I am proud that GH has such passion for the club, this behaviour must be reigned in.
My instinct is to give GH the benefit of the doubt, but I am inclined to have a certain degree of sympathy with VofD's argument on this (There, I said it!).
No matter what the cause of the argument or the nature of the behaviour by the Torquay representatives, I hope we have apologised for that incident. No matter what has happened during the match, you DO shake hands afterwards. Even Alex Ferguson was saying the other day, for instance, that his players are told to shake the ref's hand after a match - no matter how poor his performance might have been.
At the very least, this cannot go on. GG must take action.
-
So would people prefer it if we had a manager who just sat there all game and showed no emotion what so ever? I don't see people complaining about GB's behaviour refusing to shake the other managers hands, which sparked this event. Ok maybe GH did wrong today in his actions but now all of a sudden people talk about sacking him because of this! Its ridiculous! He just got us a convincing draw against the team second in the table. And well if GH is an embarrassment to the club then God help us because that man does nothing but try his best for our beloved team. It just seems ridiculous how people complain about not showing passion and then when they do they get slated for it. Do we label Colin Little as an embarrassment to the club when he lashes out at someone (Grays) or Senior (Vics)? They are all part of this club
I love passion, but if Ferguson waded into Peter Kenyon of Chelski in the same manner he would never manager again. Im not saying sack him I am just pointing out that fact that if you DONT do what he did in football. Even GH would agree with me on this one in reflection, as it was very bad.
-
To be honest, I support GH for standing up for this football club. We have a very proud history, of which GH was very much a part of, and opposition staff should respect us, simple as. Quotes such as "the likes of Altrincham" are undermiming the club and should not be used. They show a blatant lack of respect towards a club who are, at the end of the day, after 180 minutes of football, ona level par with them. I don't mind people saying things like that AFTER they have come here and proved that they should.
-
To be honest, I support GH for standing up for this football club. We have a very proud history, of which GH was very much a part of, and opposition staff should respect us, simple as. Quotes such as "the likes of Altrincham" are undermiming the club and should not be used. They show a blatant lack of respect towards a club who are, at the end of the day, after 180 minutes of football, ona level par with them. I don't mind people saying things like that AFTER they have come here and proved that they should.
I appreciate what you are saying, but just because another club does not show respect for us - and it is such a common occurrence we should be used to it! - it does not mean we should be so mean spirited back. Rise above the provocation (easy to say from so far away I admit) and show who are the better people.
-
To be honest, I support GH for standing up for this football club. We have a very proud history, of which GH was very much a part of, and opposition staff should respect us, simple as. Quotes such as "the likes of Altrincham" are undermiming the club and should not be used. They show a blatant lack of respect towards a club who are, at the end of the day, after 180 minutes of football, ona level par with them. I don't mind people saying things like that AFTER they have come here and proved that they should.
Butty,
Standing up for our football club is absolutely fine.
However, there are several ways of doing that but trying to assault an opposing team's Director of Football is NOT one of them, regardless of what may have been said after the game.
Alty had just achieved a highly creditable and deserved draw against the team who are second in the league.....only for the behaviour of some members of the club's staff to tarnish that result after the final whistle.
-
taken from the recent comments of our own chairman (off main site)............. says alot after today i think
''The authorities don't do enough to punish the offending clubs. Added to that we have players mouthing off to referees from the Premiership downwards. It's all symptomatic of a lack of discipline and respect throughout the game. I love it at Altrincham FC, it's a lovely club and the people are great, but it is this wider aspect of football that really gets me down. I am really sick inside about what goes on and if I leave the football world, that will be the reason why''
Wonder what GG actually feels about it all ...............
-
taken from the recent comments of our own chairman (off main site)............. says alot after today i think
''The authorities don't do enough to punish the offending clubs. Added to that we have players mouthing off to referees from the Premiership downwards. It's all symptomatic of a lack of discipline and respect throughout the game. I love it at Altrincham FC, it's a lovely club and the people are great, but it is this wider aspect of football that really gets me down. I am really sick inside about what goes on and if I leave the football world, that will be the reason why''
Wonder what GG actually feels about it all ...............
I don't believe that Mister Goodwin was present at Moss Lane this afternoon to witness the post match debacle.
-
maybe a good thing but regardless it still shows how he feels about teams and clubs showing the correct behaviour within the game
i personally think he will be somewhat pee'd off to be honest ............ and why wouoldnt he !!!
-
I think Graeme Rowley will fill him in. GR is a decent man and I am sure he will be peturbed by these scenes
-
I think Graeme Rowley will fill him in. GR is a decent man and I am sure he will be peturbed by these scenes
Well, he certainly had a good view of them!
-
Just got back from Altrincham---what a place and what some people up there!! From the performance point of view very disapointing not to come away with three points. We created enough chances, crossing was very good but it was just the finishing that again let us down. As for there equaliser it was down to our mistake in the penalty area.
I have to comment though on the stewards and organisation. 5 minutes before kick off the heavens opened and one of the stewards started letting us into a covered seating area. There were about 100 seats with only a boys football side sat there. All of a sudden the stewards were having an internal meeting that we shouldnt have been allowed in or at least charged £2 each.
From then on we were being controlled by the Bernard Manning twins---we couldnt stand, couldnt move around and language had to be watched (which was fair enough with kids about). The guy next to me got given a verbal warning for shouting "he should be booked!!" (????)--the steward was convinced he had sworn and kept on and on reprimanding him. The next minute these stewards were laughing and giggling and then back to acting like Hitlers!!!--I think a medical team should be sent up there as the mood swings are very concerning. Towards the end even some of the locals were getting quite moody and again the stewards were involved but supporting them on this occasion. I missed the initial start of the fight at the end but can confirm every player,member of staff and officials were involved. By the time my little legs had made it to the tunnel area and camera phone had been started I only caught the last bit on film. Some of the Gulls fans were saying that one of our guys had been hit badly..does anyone know anymore????
So in conclusion if you know anybody who has no brain cells and wants to wear a yellow jacket suggest you contact Altrincham FC.
Come on you yellows!!!!!!!!!
Back to top
This is from the Torquay site, the start of some interesting reading on how they view us ( as if we didn't know already )
-
I would imagine we can take some of those comments with a pinch of salt. Our stewards have been praised by so many so often previously. I daresay there is some rsentment to not beating "A team like Altrincham."
-
Its a shame we are not talking more about a damn fine result.
-
Its a shame we are not talking more about a damn fine result.
Exactly.
But whose fault is that?
-
Exactly
-
Its a shame we are not talking more about a damn fine result.
Exactly.
But whose fault is that?
Well, I think those of us with any brain cells know exactly whose faults it is.
-
Its a shame it takes some of the attention away from the players
-
Absolute madness and having witnessed the melee in front of me today, I have no doubt who was to blame for it.
There was a senior official of the club on the fringes who witnessed the events and must have seen and heard all that happend. I am sure the official will report the facts as seen and act responsibly on the clubs behalf.
As for the game, I guess a point was just about a fair result against a team 2nd in the table, it was difficult to judge how good they were and whether we should have been a little more adventurous a little earlier, but I would have settled for a point before the game if asked.
-
The problem started between there short arse assistant and GB, there guy was feffing and jefffing because they did'nt get a pen. It was not a pen our guy got the ball first. it carried on after the whistle, GH initially tried to calm it down, something was said and all hell let loose.
I must say our players appeared to stay out of it, however the Torquay players or some of them were mouthing at the home fans, that will cause trouble in the future. Obviously pissed at not beating a part time outfit.
All I say is good luck Droylesden! ;)
-
Whatever Torquay fans are saying right now is possibly justified. We lost all moral high ground the moment the first punch was thrown. As much as I can't abide the 'teams like Altrincham' comments, some of those fans who travelled here today must be applauded for travelling all that way to stand in the rain and watch what must have been, for them, a disappointing 1-1 draw. If it had ended there they might have left Moss Lane with a new found respect for us 'part timers'. As it is I fear we have sowed the seeds for an animosity that has no place in non league football.
-
The problem started between there short arse assistant and GB, there guy was feffing and jefffing because they did'nt get a pen. It was not a pen our guy got the ball first. it carried on after the whistle, GH initially tried to calm it down, something was said and all hell let loose.
I must say our players appeared to stay out of it, however the Torquay players or some of them were mouthing at the home fans, that will cause trouble in the future. Obviously pissed at not beating a part time outfit.
All I say is good luck Droylesden! ;)
Exactly. People seem to overlook this as well and just point out the bad in GH. It probably doesnt help when the opposing chairman/chief executive comes over to GH before anything had happened and tells him to calm down and stay out of it.
-
Whatever Torquay fans are saying right now is possibly justified. We lost all moral high ground the moment the first punch was thrown. As much as I can't abide the 'teams like Altrincham' comments, some of those fans who travelled here today must be applauded for travelling all that way to stand in the rain and watch what must have been, for them, a disappointing 1-1 draw. If it had ended there they might have left Moss Lane with a new found respect for us 'part timers'. As it is I fear we have sowed the seeds for an animosity that has no place in non league football.
I thought it was a discraceful turn out...considering some of their fans were being arrogant saying "the lowest we ever take is 200 on a tuesday, we'll have 300 easy!" and the fact they are going for the play-offs made it a poor support for me. And to then bring under 200 was terrible...raining or not, they were lifeless. It may have been a disappointing draw for them but at the end of the day, we, (a part time team who have spent most of the season in the relegation zone) took 70 on a Tuesday expecting an absolute battering!
-
What happened took place right in front of me. What has been said previously is mostly correct but somewhat exagerated. I must first say that GH should have carried on walking away and all would have been fine. But The little assistant manager or whatever he is would not let it rest. He kept on mouthing off. As for the "good right hand" someone said was thrown, what an exaggeration. It was thrown by a guy whose shoulders were being held from behind and had my granny been in the way of it she would not have been knocked over and she has been dead since 1953. Ok GH was wrong to get involved but so were the Torquay people for trying to wind up our bench all second half. None of this should detract from a good result.
Many people say it was a great game. I disagree, how Torquay are that high in this league I don't know. We have seen several teams here playing much better football than this lot. All they wanted to do was put the ball in the air for most of the game. Not a patch on York City when they played here and they won't get in the play offs.
-
I wasn't there but it's refreshing to see a balanced honest appraisal from Alty fans...presuming it's honest as it seems to be as critical of the Alty management as any Torquay involvement and keen to see some sort of action taken against whoever from alty was involved.
As for the torquayt fans moaning...simple answer......next year call off the saturday match at 10.00 and hold on a Tuesday night and don't move them when it rains.
Good to hear about the swift attentions by our inadequate stewards to the young man who had a fit...I suspect he'll go away with the right impression of Alty.
-
In the last few matches GH has done a superb job, maybe listened to people and had the team playing with far more zest & threat. He seems to have unearthed another couple of decent loanees. He has had a great history at the club and done well to even get us to this level.
We cannot afford to lose money if we are fined for this - if this is true, and I've no reason to disbelieve the eye witness reports - or get a bad reputation.
However, as much as I am proud that GH has such passion for the club, this behaviour must be reigned in.
My instinct is to give GH the benefit of the doubt, but I am inclined to have a certain degree of sympathy with VofD's argument on this (There, I said it!).
No matter what the cause of the argument or the nature of the behaviour by the Torquay representatives, I hope we have apologised for that incident. No matter what has happened during the match, you DO shake hands afterwards. Even Alex Ferguson was saying the other day, for instance, that his players are told to shake the ref's hand after a match - no matter how poor his performance might have been.
At the very least, this cannot go on. GG must take action.
That's a first. :o :o :o
-
As an Exeter fan I wont hear a word against Alty, we have always been treated with respect and kindness on our visits to Moss Lane. There are a large number of arrogant Torquay fans, dont tar them all with the same brush but there are a decent number of indecent people. Regarding the standing in the rain...well thats just tough. Countless teams have had to stand in our away end in the rain before, where we can we let people sit down, I'm not sure whether we issue a trade-up charge - I'd guess it would depend on how much of the game was left. Regarding GH and the brawl, well I wouldnt put it past the Torquay lot to be aggressive, not at all. They are a bunch of hotheads and wind-up merchants. And Sills is the biggest cheat in non-league football, the diving fairy.
I stuck up for you guys to my mates when you had trouble about standing in our stand, sorry about that, you should have been allowed a transfer to the terrace much sooner. When our away crowds fall below 100, or are expected to, we try and cut costs by closing one stand, and this can make the fans suffer. I hope it worked out for you in the end.
But you will hear no 'teams like Alty' comments down our way, we have always regarded teams highly who have a) done well for themselves and played honestly and b) who have looked after us at away games. A good example: One year I nipped to your excellent chippy before the gates opened, I presumed at 2pm. They opened at 1.30 and I was told I could come in if I wanted to, even though I had bought food from outside the ground. Some teams would have gotten funny about that. I hope you stay up, you deserve it. Thanks for taking so many points off the Gulls, and look forward to seeing you next year if we stay down (you'll forgive me for saying 'hope we dont meet next year!'
-
Thanks for your kind comments and Exeter fans have always been pretty good.
Your club on the other hand.....
In answer to your question, yes you do charge for the transfer to the stand (Alty's trip last season) when it took 20 minutes for the stewards to decide that a thunder storm was a good enough reason to let us under cover.
and no it did not work out for us in the end transfering to the terrace. I wrote to the club as suggested by your stewards to complain about the away end being closed and the extra £2 we all had to pay. I have not even had an acknowledgment from Sally Cooke.
It's a shame your fans are let down by the club you support.
-
We've been down this route before sadly. Remember that tussle between GH and the ex-alty directer that made the back page of the Messenger. :-[ At the time we need to concentrate on survival this isn't helping at all.
I wonder whether the managers' technical areas should be moved further apart like the players' entrances?
-
We've been down this route before sadly. Remember that tussle between GH and the ex-alty directer that made the back page of the Messenger. :-[ At the time we need to concentrate on survival this isn't helping at all.
I wonder whether the managers' technical areas should be moved further apart like the players' entrances?
Maybe Chipping Sodbury for the opposition!
-
http://www.youtube.com/osgood5 Found this post by a Torquay fan it does not catch all of it.
-
Thanks for your kind comments and Exeter fans have always been pretty good.
Your club on the other hand.....
In answer to your question, yes you do charge for the transfer to the stand (Alty's trip last season) when it took 20 minutes for the stewards to decide that a thunder storm was a good enough reason to let us under cover.
and no it did not work out for us in the end transfering to the terrace. I wrote to the club as suggested by your stewards to complain about the away end being closed and the extra £2 we all had to pay. I have not even had an acknowledgment from Sally Cooke.
It's a shame your fans are let down by the club you support.
Well sorry about all that, it is obviously out of our remit as fans, but as a fans owned club it is down to us to instigate change. Rest assured that my feelings on how you were treated were well advertised on our own forums. You shouldnt have to, but can I suggest writing again? Or e-mailing a few others? That way they will have to address the issue and with a bit of luck this wont happen again. Good on you all for standing your ground literally and forcing the stewards to see sense.
-
Firstly can I say how totally embarrassed I was by the actions of certain people yesterday after the match.
Secondly can I say, speaking as an ex Safety Officer how entirely proud I was of the Stewards yesterday in dealing with a number of trying circumstances.
The first being the away fans with respect to the weather. All away fans were advised on entry that the terrace was uncovered but that they could sit in a covered area if they paid the difference. I don't see this as being any different from how I'm advised Alty fans are treated away (except that at certain ground the option is not offered) I was out reading the Turnstiles in the diagonally opposite corner to where the Torquay fans sat in the FAMILY stand and I could hear the foul language from where I was. It is a family stand and contained children and sponsors and to my mind and also the minds of people who witnessed the scenario the Stewards who requested that the language be moderated acted in an exemplary manner being firm yet polite.
The second was in the response to the Torquay supporter who was taken ill. I have been at bigger venues staffed by paid individuals who have dealt with issues such as this far less well. Special mention must be made of the Club Doctor who was, as he always is, absolutely superb. However this gentlemans illness was not the only time that the interaction of the stewarding staff etc was worthy of merit.
After the post match conflict the gentleman in question was very badly traumatised by what he had seen but time and care was spent by the staff (particularly Darren and Ian from the stewarding staff and George Heslop) to take care of him, to keep him safe and to ensure that he got back to his hotel safely.
Can I also say that if you are the Taxi Driver who ripped him off £25 for a ride from Alty Station to the Ground I seriously hope you lose your licence and your livelihood. If you know said driver then I'm sure that the Licensing Officer at Trafford Town Hall would love to know who they are.
Finally, as I've said I'm mortally embarrassed by the actions of certain people in the aftermatch fracas. I'll say no more at present other than I know what I saw and it sickened me. However the Stewards (volunteers remember) who moved quickly, and at some risk of personal injury, to try to break up the melee and calm things down are worthy of honourable mention and praise which they seem not to get enough of in my humble opinion.
-
We don't doubt that, but maybe that could be put on the Torquay forum.
Congratulations on the exemplorary conduct of the Alty stewards.
-
AltyTunnel Steward
Contrary to your version of events, here are some thoughts from one of our fans:
All away fans were advised on entry that the terrace was uncovered but that they could sit in a covered area if they paid the difference.
"As I've said in a different thread, this did not happen!"
...exemplary manner being firm yet polite.
"Screaming at ALL the fans like children did nothing but escalate the situation."
And, as for the brown nosing post from the Excretia fan, well, he would say what he said about us, wouldn't he (AND he's lying about what his team's fans say about you!).
Cheers
Northumbergull
-
Living just outside of Exeter and working with god know how many Exeter fans,also being an Ex Exeter Harrier,i for one know what the Exeter Fans say about Alty and have always welcomed there views.While we ahve struggled in this league for the last 3 seasons now Exeter has always been great and supportive of Alty.I have worked with a Torquay Fan(big Leigh) and the only time i have ever heard an Exeter fan and a Torquay fan agree is when they talk about the other Green Slime(Plymouth)other than that there is no love lost.
So please dont try and muddy the waters Northumbergull.
Can i say from a personal point of view i was glad to see Torquay relegated,as it gave me another game down here where i could watch Alty.Maybe that was a bad thinking on my part,if this is how Torquay thinks of us.
-
hsmith1
As you say, "there is no love lost", so not surprising 'citybauy' said what he said!
I'm not trying to muddy any waters, just asking for Alty fans to take thoughts from an Excretia fan about TUFC with a pinch of salt.
At the end of the day, I hope Torquay and Alty fans can patch up any differences. Remember, it was our players and management doing the fighting, not ourselves.
Northumbergull
-
We've been down this route before sadly. Remember that tussle between GH and the ex-alty directer that made the back page of the Messenger. :-[ At the time we need to concentrate on survival this isn't helping at all.
Well, I'm no Hercule Poirot....but I am sensing a common denominator here....
-
Northumbergull i enjoyed going to Plainmoor,i have often sen Torquay training at Newton Abbot racecourse,so was pleased to go to the game,in fact i followed Paul Tidsdale from Kingskerswell to the ground as he was scouting us.I ahve nothing against Torquay fans,infact at plainmoor felt very relaxed.
-
To be honest, I know from several experiences Tunnel Steward is a very reliable person who passes on correct information. Please don't doubt him as you are probably(almost certainly) wrong.
Full credit to all our stewards, for the way they handled everything.
-
Whatever Torquay fans are saying right now is possibly justified. We lost all moral high ground the moment the first punch was thrown. As much as I can't abide the 'teams like Altrincham' comments, some of those fans who travelled here today must be applauded for travelling all that way to stand in the rain and watch what must have been, for them, a disappointing 1-1 draw. If it had ended there they might have left Moss Lane with a new found respect for us 'part timers'. As it is I fear we have sowed the seeds for an animosity that has no place in non league football.
I thought it was a discraceful turn out...considering some of their fans were being arrogant saying "the lowest we ever take is 200 on a tuesday, we'll have 300 easy!" and the fact they are going for the play-offs made it a poor support for me. And to then bring under 200 was terrible...raining or not, they were lifeless. It may have been a disappointing draw for them but at the end of the day, we, (a part time team who have spent most of the season in the relegation zone) took 70 on a Tuesday expecting an absolute battering!
I quite agree that their turnout was poor - but that's hardly the fault of the Torquay fans who did make the journey! ::)
-
yes i agree gulls turnout was poor but considering Torquay is a long way from most grounds in this league ie. Stafford last week then Alty, Droylesden on tuesday it can become a touch costly, Good for me though as i live in derbyshire.
Getting back to yesterday, fair result in poor conditions, i think you get fans of all kinds at any club, i attended on saturday had amiable conversations with several Alty fans, shame about the fracas at the end it was totally unwarranted as the game had been played in good spirit.
Good luck for rest of season
-
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF ALTRINCHAM F.C.
The Board of Altrincham FC has issued the following statement regarding events after the final whistle on Saturday:
"Following the incident that occurred at the end of the game on Saturday the Club have sent a letter to Torquay United Football Club to apologise for their part in the matter. The game was equally important for both clubs and emotions were running high. The Club do not condone this type of incident and hope that it does not sour the good relations that we have generated between the clubs this season. The Board of Altrincham Football Club are undertaking investigations into the causes and appropriate action will be taken once concluded".
-
Appropriate action will be: We give Mr Heathcote a full vote of support from within the board and with due respect have come to the decision that we will leave him in the position he is currently in.
-
yes i agree gulls turnout was poor but considering Torquay is a long way from most grounds in this league ie. Stafford last week then Alty, Droylesden on tuesday it can become a touch costly, Good for me though as i live in derbyshire.
Getting back to yesterday, fair result in poor conditions, i think you get fans of all kinds at any club, i attended on saturday had amiable conversations with several Alty fans, shame about the fracas at the end it was totally unwarranted as the game had been played in good spirit.
Good luck for rest of season
I was by no means having a go at those who did travel from Torquay, I was simply annoyed by the fact that some of the Gulls fans gave us a hard time when taking 70 on a Tuesday, when many of those individuals were unwilling to travel to us on a Saturday.
-
Fans who sing "going down" to clubs they have no rivalry or history with are tw*ts in my opinion.
That is all.
-
Agreed. Are you reading Kidderminster.
-
Fans who sing "going down" to clubs they have no rivalry or history with are tw*ts in my opinion.
That is all.
Agreed to a certain extent Ecky .............. didnt we start chanting to them once we went a goal down and got annoyed, and sang something along the lines that they will be in this league for years!! If im wrong i apologise
If true .......... its called swings and round abouts !!
-
They sung 'going down' before any response from the Alty fans... As may I add they did at Plainmoor ...
-
then thats fair enough and a big "f**k you" to the tw*ts!!
:-[
-
Afraid its the usual story. League club gets relegated to Blue Square, think they have a divine right to immediate promotion and when little part timers do not roll over to let them win the arrogant bar stewards get upset. End of...
-
For all the fact that some idiots sang, "going down", and that was uncalled for, we have NEVER seen ourselves as anything but a small club punching above our weight in the league. The fact that we had 80 years as a league club is as much a surprise to us as anybody else!
Sure, I'd like us to return to League 2 a.s.a.p., but none of us are under ANY illusion that we're in the BSP other than it's because that's the level we slipped to after last season. Last season wasn't a fluke, we consistently played badly and got our just desserts.
Northumbergull
-
Fair enough comment there mate.
you prob can't blame fans for the first so many games to think they are 'better' than others but surely by this time of the season and its looking like 'play offs' and not automatic promotion that they should realise ??
We have seen a few clubs coming in with big attitudes and ideas above there station and they are the ones that seem to be hanging around non league the longest !
-
Gaz
We have seen a few clubs coming in with big attitudes and ideas above there station and they are the ones that seem to be hanging around non league the longest!
Might you be thinking of our country cousins 20 miles up the road from Plainmoor by any chance! ;)
I think the only time I have ever sung, "going down", was in the last few minutes of our final game against Barnet a few years back. If you recall, one of us WOULD be going down that day.
http://www.football-england.com/barnet_2_torquay_3_2001.html
Even then, it was sung more out of sheer relief than anything else! When we ran onto the pitch at the end, it was as much hugs all 'round with the Barnet fans as anything else.
Back to the post-match fracas, our local paper, the Herald Express, is apparently running a back page headline today stating that "LEE MAY TAKE ACTION AGAINST ALTY BOSS". We're sorta hoping that he doesn't take this forward and let's sleeping dogs lie. In the long run, it'd be better for both clubs and the game in general, I think.
Cheers
Bruce a.k.a. Northumbergull
-
Appropriate action will be: We give Mr Heathcote a full vote of support from within the board and with due respect have come to the decision that we will leave him in the position he is currently in.
NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT >:( >:( >:(
-
The latest from the Torquay evening paper, the Herald Express:
LEE MAY TAKE ACTION AGAINST ALTY BOSS
Torquay United's Chief Executive, Colin Lee, could take action against Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote after the extraordinary touchline scenes which followed Saturday's 1-1 Blue Square Premier draw at Moss Lane.
Heathcote appeared to lunge at Lee in the angry scrum which developed on the touchline after the final whistle.Spectators looked on in astonishment as players from both sides and Altrincham stewards tried to separate the warring factions. Both clubs are almost certain to face a Football League inquiry about the incident.
But Lee, who watched the game from the directors' box, said last night: "I went down to try and defuse the situation because I could see it escalating.
"Without going into too much detail, their manager tried to punch me. I have to consider my actions now.Neither I nor Torquay United want to be involved in that sort of situation. It was avoidable."
"I told him (Heathcote) to grow up and get into the dressing-room. I never threw a punch. I didn't go down there for that. It was an embarrassing situation created by an opposition manager."
Lee added: "Paul (United manager, Paul Buckle) was trying to get away saying, "Let's go and thank the fans for coming."
"The referee will have no choice but to report the incident, but I have to say that I believe our management staff were in control of themselves throughout."
Buckle said later: "There was obviously a scuffle. It was a passionate game, but we don't want to see that."
Heathcote commented: "Maybe they (Torquay) think we should just lie down, but the game's there for both sides. Some teams think it's just about them because they are at the top of the league."
United Chairman, Alex Rowe, was one of the Plainmoor club's official party. He said only: "I really don't know yet how it all started."
But there will clearly have to be some sort of investigation and, with West Midlands referee, Andy Hendley, his assistants and the referee's assessor all on hand to give evidence, both clubs could end up on the FA's Solo Square carpet.
Northumbergull
-
So there's going to be a Football League enquiry is there - did no-one tell the Herald Express that Torquay aren't in the league any longer?
-
Reporters, they're just not 'on the ball' like they used to be!
Northumbergull
-
It has to be said that no matter what the provocation, no manager of any foootball club can be seen to even attempt to throw a punch at a member of the oppostion staff (or supporter or anybody else for that matter). There is no excuse and it has put a VERY sour note on what was obviously a brilliant display by the lads. Somebody somewhere needs to get a grip (and I don't mean by the throat).
As regards Torquay fans singing "going down" (and I was one of those on the pitch in a fit of anger mixed with sadness when the Kiddy fans taunted us on that fateful final day), you have to say to a certain extent "so what". It's football, it's part and parcel of what fans do, just like swearing. Whilst we may find it distasteful and some of us may not indulge in it ourselves, there are others amongst our number who would have no qualms about singing the same at opposition fans. Fans sing and fans taunt the world over.
-
So there's going to be a Football League enquiry is there - did no-one tell the Herald Express that Torquay aren't in the league any longer?
Doesnt that prove everything been said about how they see themselves a cut above everyone in the conference
Thats tickled me a lot !!! God bless the idiot reporter!!
-
I would have thought any inquiry would have been with the FA.
www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk
then click on gulls