All the best of the seasons greetings to all the members and friends of the DDCWWFCSC. I hope each and every one of you have a fabulous time and get everything you want. Let’s hope that Santa is busy in the January transfer window and brings us the players we need.
Let’s hope the new year brings better refereeing decisions, or even bad ones in our favour for once.
Chelsea tickets go on sale at 5pm on Boxing Day, so book early online to avoid disappointment.
All the best
Coxy
We still have some Stoke tickets for Saturday, plus you can now book online for Norwich on Tuesday. Both games £24 per ticket, for Stoke come to the Western to see Coxy and collect.
Thursday, 17 Nov 2011
On a day packed with drama, tension and emotion, englandfans FC came out on top in a nine goal thriller against their Spanish counterparts in a see-saw of a game, played in perfect conditions, at Wealdstone FC’s St George’s Stadium.
All the pre-match publicity surrounding the wearing of poppies on the Home Nation’s team shirts had little effect on this England team as all the players were resplendent in the white home shirt of the Three Lions, complete with a poppy proudly emblazoned in the middle of the shirt. After entering the arena to the FIFA anthem, led by mascot Darren Snarski, an impeccably observed minute’s silence was held in memory of Robin Chatterjee and for fallen military personnel from past and present conflicts.
A Hollywood script writer could not have penned a more dramatic and emotional encounter than the one that was in store. The game had everything, including two hat-tricks, six first half goals, two yellow cards and one player carried off the park. A very emotional and fitting hat-trick scored by Robin’s son Roy deservedly grabbed the headlines though as englandfans secured bragging rights with a breathtaking victory.
Playing in a 4-4-2 formation, englandfans took the game to Spainfans and their early superiority was rewarded with a well-taken goal from Roy Chatterjee who latched on to a cross from the left by captain Mark Tighe.
Spainfans gradually got back into the game with their skipper, Guillermo Rubio, pulling all the strings in the middle of the park. This player was to have a say in all three goals his team scored in the first period. However, the englandfans two in the middle of the park, Stan Stanfield and Ian Allsop, certainly made their presence felt with a couple of crunching tackles which caused Ukrainian referee, Ihor Lemishka, to have words with the pair of them. The pace of Spainfans striker Vidal Buika was proving problematic for the home defence and two goals in as many minutes, from Buika, turned the game on its head.
Prompted by debutant, the tireless Rob Russell, englandfans soon hit back when a very alert Tighe snapped up a rebound after the visiting ‘keeper could only parry a snap shot from Chatterjee.
Two-all and the clock still hadn’t reached the half-hour mark, and there was still plenty of action before the first-half drama was far from over as Spainfans, prompted by the ever-dangerous Rubio, broke away and went back into the lead. The goal was mired in controversy and bad luck as Buika looked suspiciously offside when he received the ball and although englandfans ‘keeper Russell Rainbow was quick off his line and down at the strikers feet to block the initial shot, the ball bounced up and hit the retreating Matt Davies and flew into the back of the net.
With a large squad at their disposal, The Three Lions made changes as Ian Allsop was replaced by Alan Murray and centre back David Thompson was replaced by Greg Howell, allowing both subs to make their englandfans debut. The fresh legs gave the side a lift, and as the game neared half-time, Roy Chatterjee drew englandfans level for a second time with a left-foot screamer, from outside the box, which beat the Spanish ‘keeper all ends up. Having picked the ball up inside the Spanish half, Chatterjee ran at his opponent, dropped his left shoulder and scored the goal of the game. An end-to-end first-half ended when the ref blew for half-time shortly afterwards and englandfans went into the dressing rooms the happier of the two sides.
Wholesale changes at the break saw debuts for Paul McKay, Richard Serowka, Shane Jackson, Craig North and Dan Stevens, and they were joined by Michael Harte, who replaced Lewis Robson, who once again belied his years to put in another mature performance for his country.
The second period began in much the same fashion as the end of the first with the home side in the ascendancy. Second half skipper, Rob Russell, who was now wearing the captain’s armband, was beginning to dictate the game from his central role, and it was only a matter of time before his team took the lead.
Playing more of a patient passing game this half, the ball was played to the right wing to the feet of Harte. Whether what followed was deliberately done or whether it was a mis-hit cross was the subject of much debate afterwards, but from his wide position, Harte floated a cross-cum-shot, which totally deceived the Spanish ‘keeper and sailed right over his head into the far corner.
The Spanish team rallied and were still playing a pressing game, however the English defence mostly stood firm and cleared the majority of attacks with ease before the englandfans struck again to stretch their lead in a moment few there will ever forget.
The scorer was none other than Roy Chatterjee, who completed his hat-trick with a cool finish inside the box to make it 5-3, leading to emotional scenes with his team mates, on the park and in the dugout.
Further substitutions saw Paul Johnson, Dan Bell, Adam McDaid, Liam Hegarty and Nathan Wooley enter the fray as the game reached its final stages, and they were forced along with their team-mates to withstand some heavy pressure from the visitors who deserapetely were trying to get back into the game.
Despite some valiant defending, the English backline was eventually breached as Spainfans scored a fourth to set up a nervy finish. They almost grabbed an equaliser too as the ever-dangerous Buika saw his shot come back off the post before being scrambled away.
With a few minutes remaining, Roy Chatterjee left the field to a well-deserved standing ovation and was replaced by debutant striker, Michael Lister.
Soon after the final whistle blew and the emotional scenes that followed will live long in the memory, as will the game itself. There couldn’t have been a more fitting tribute for Roy to pay his father Robin than to give this man-of-the-match winning performance and three quality goals.
Afterwards, in the boardroom, as the trophy was presented to victorious captain Mark Tighe, the englandfans FC group paid tribute to Robin Chatterjee and bade a fond farewell to a true gentleman, friend of englandfans FC and a fanatical Wolves and England supporter. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The 25 man squad all played and gave everything they had together to ensure that Roy took home the Robin Chatterjee Memorial Trophy to his family. The squad even gave him a guard of honour as he left the pitch.
The togetherness of this squad was there for all to see and there is some real young talent beginning to emerge.
E nglandfans: Russell Rainbow; Samuel Shethran (Paul McKay/Paul Johnson), David Thompson (Greg Howell), Matt Davies (Richard Serowka), Dave Wooley (Shane Jackson/Dan Bell); Rob Russell, Ian Allsop (Alan Murray/Liam Hegarty), Stan Stanfield (Craig North/Adam McDaid), Mark Tighe (c) (Dan Stevens/Nathan Wooley); Lewis Robson (Michael Harte), Roy Chatterjee (Michael Lister).
Manager: Garford Beck.
Assistant Manager: Brian Robson.
Team Administrator: Andy Snarski.
Englandfans Mascot: Darren Snarski.
Englandfans Photographer: Jez Tighe.
DDCWWFCSC member Clive Corbett is in the process of launching his new book, and is prepared to give a healthy discount to all of our members! His first book ‘Those were the Days’ was published in 2007 – my how time flies – and this new book covers the period from 1977 through to 1990, quite a traumatic period in Wolves history. The book is called ‘Out of Darkness’ quite appropriate for the period covered.
Normally retailing at £19.99 Clive will be in the Western before the next home game with Sunderland on Sunday 4th December between 2 and 3:30 to sell them to our members for £15 each, and I daresay signed with a personal inscription too.
So bring along your £15’s and get Clive next instalment of all our histories! If it is anywhere as good as his first book we are all in for a Christmas treat.
Also worthy of a mention is another book, not by a member this time, mainly because he’s never coughed up his subs! But Jim Heath is a friend of the DDCWWFCSC never the less. Wolves in 20/20 vision is what is called a coffee table book, which I think is a euphemism for a book you read on the toilet! Our flag warrants it’s own mention, but it has loads of things to set your memory banks working. It costs £9:99 but hasn’t offered our members a discount yet!!
Update: Read the match report here.
The England Fans are staging a game in London against Spanish fans ahead of the International in honour of Robin Chatterjee. All details are below. His son Roy will be playing in the game, and the Robin Chatterjee Trophy will be awarded to the winning team.
Fans team relishing Spanish inquisition
The squad has now been confirmed for Saturday’s fans match with Spain which will be in remembrance of Robin Chatterjee.
As we reported on the englandfans website last month, the tragic news of Robin’s death was met with great sadness by the squad, and as a team they were determined to show their respect for a fellow englandfans member, therefore the decision was made that the game will now be played for The Robin Chatterjee Memorial Trophy.
A lot of interest has been generated within the membership and the opposition ranks in the build-up to the game, and a large crowd is expected to be at Wealdstone FC’s St. George’s Stadium come the 10:30am kick-off to cheer the Three Lions on. A large away crowd is also expected, so the team will really be counting on fellow members support.
The squad of members selected for the match is listed below, along with which club each individual supports:
Russell Rainbow Manchester City FC
Sam Shethran Arsenal FC
Matt Davies Southend United FC
Richard Serowka Arsenal FC
David Wooley Everton FC
David Thompson Everton FC
Adam Durnin Leeds United FC
Greg Howell Stoke City FC
Shane Jackson Newcastle United FC
Dan Bell Manchester United FC
Alan Murray AFC Wimbledon
Nathan Wooley Everton FC
Mark Tighe Sheffield United FC
Craig North Nottingham Forest FC
Lewis Robson Newcastle United FC
Dan Stevens AFC Wimbledon
Stan Stanfield Doncaster Rovers FC
Paul Johnson Luton Town FC
Ian Allsop Luton Town FC
Michael Harte Tottenham Hotspur FC
Liam Hegarty Arsenal FC
Rob Russell Manchester United FC
Roy Chatterjee Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Michael Lister Leeds United FC
Paul McKay Coventry City FC
Adam McDaid Darlington FC
Dean Asher Nottingham Forest FC
Manager: Garford Beck
Assistant Manager: Brian Robson
Head Coach: Mike Rosher
Team Administrator: Andy Snarski
England Mascot: Darren Snarski
England Photographer: Jez Tighe
Anyone interested in going along to support the fans team is more than welcome, with parking and refreshments both available. You will be able to leave your car in the club car park, safe, secure and free of charge whilst you go to Wembley Stadium for the main game. The car park will then be open for you to collect your vehicles after the game.
For directions to the ground, please see below:
Club Address:
Wealdstone Football Club,
St. George’s Stadium,
Grosvenor Vale,
Ruislip,
HA4 6JQ.
Directions to St. George’s Stadium:
From the M1: Follow Signs for Heathrow Airport on the M25. Come off at Junction 16 onto the A40, come off at The Polish War Memorial junction A4180 sign posted to Ruislip, continue on West End Road, right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the ground is at the end of the road.
From the M25: Junction 16 off onto A40, come off at The Polish War Memorial junction A4180 sign posted to Ruislip, continue on West End Road, right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the ground is at the end of the road.
From the M4: Junction 4B, take the M25 Towards Watford, come Off Junction 16 and join A40, come off at The Polish War Memorial junction A4180 sign posted to Ruislip, continue on West End Road, right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the ground is at the end of the road.
From Heathrow Airport: Follow Signs to M4. Follow M4 Towards Reading. Take Junction 4B onto M25 come off at Junction 16 and join A40, come off at The Polish War Memorial junction A4180 sign posted to Ruislip, continue on West End Road, right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the ground is at the end of the road.
From Ruislip Manor Station (Metropolitan Line) turn left out of the station, then 1st right into Shenley Avenue, 3rd left into Cranley Drive, the ground is 50 yards on the left.
From Ruislip Station (Metropolitan Line) Turn left and walk up the stairs turn left again and go over the bridge into West End Road, walk down approx 200 yards and turn left into Grosvenor Vale. From Ruislip Gardens (Central Line). Turn right into West End Road and keep going for approx 1/2 mile turn right into Grosvenor Vale, the ground is at the end of the road.
The E7 bus runs between Ealing Broadway and Ruislip Stations. There are stops on both sides of West End Road by Grosvenor Vale.
Tickets for the game next Sunday against Wigan are now on sale. Please book online and collect from the Western. Price £24 each.
Please open this page fully and leave your messages below, they are being read by Chat’s family. We’d like not just messages of condolence but also anecdotes, stories and happy memories. Long or short all are welcome, and you can re-visit and add more at any time.
If you are going to the England v Spain game or are in London anyway on Saturday please see separate news page regarding Chat.
This page will remain open to give you opportunity to look back over or contribute further memories.
Thanks Coxy
The man most people still call skipper, and our first Honorary Member Mike Bailey and his wife Barbara have now confirmed that they will be attending the dinner on 22nd October, they join Matt Murray, Kevin Foley, John Gough and POTY winner Matt Jarvis at the event.
There’s still time for you, all are welcome tickets are £35 for members and £45 for non- members, accommodation at £60 per double or twin room including breakfast.
Email us on www.ddcwwfcsc@hotmail.co.uk if you want to attend.
Next Sunday 9th of October sees the finale of Honorary Member Matt Murray’s testimonial with his testimonial game at Molineux. It promises to be a really great afternoon, with lots of famous faces taking part during the afternoon.
Matt will be playing in goal at Molineux for the last time, Mick McCarthy will be putting in a shift on the pitch. As will a great many of Matt’s team mates from his playing days, such as Paul Ince, Dennis Irwin, Jo Lescott, Paul Butler etc.
At half time there is also opportunity for fans to take three penalties at Jez Moxey, sorry against Jez Moxey on the pitch at Molineux.
Tickets are only £10 for adults and a fiver for kids or better value still is the family for 4 at only £20.
Go to Matt’s Testimonial website at www.mattmurraytestimonial.co.uk for all the latest news and details.
In his year as Honorary Member Matt has put himself out for us on several occasions, coming to our brewery get together, the Barbecue and helping to get Matt Jarvis along to our dinner to collect his award. Having got to know him and know how genuine and sincere the man is, we all should turn out on Sunday for his last hurrah.
We will also have some of Matt’s brochures available at our Dinner in case any of you missed out in getting one so far.
Please book online for next Saturday’s home game with Newcastle. 10 tickets available £34 each. Collect and pay in the Western.