Posted: 15 June 2010 at 11:28am | IP Logged

Latest team news announced for potential ATF giantkillers drawn away to Manchester later this year.

Peter 'I remember Gordon'  Banks (player/coach) - known for all the clever little jinks and shuffles out on the right wing, creating all the chances for the front man to score.  Known for his vision on the pitch, although rumours that this is not as sharp as previous seasons. Can be sensitive if the crowd gets on his back if there is no early sign of a breakthrough. Like Russell considered veteran status and now operating in the lower leagues but he has plied his trade at the highest levels.  Has got the silky skills to waltz round any disrespectful Mancunians. Question on supporters lips - does he still retain the nippy factor?

John Russell 'athletic' - controls the middle of the park, known for hitting in a few screamers from left field. Big enough and ugly enough to be pushed forward to cause damage at set pieces. Now like his long standing team mate Banks, he plays at semi-pro level, opinionated likes getting up on his soapbox. Contributions in the past have been the difference between winning and losing.

Robert 'Bobby' Halligan- Young ball of energy up front, prepared to chase seemingly lost balls. Thrives off the support of the two experienced players around him. Offers another dimension with his own special moves. Fast enough to set the house on fire if he receives the right level of service. Can he last the full 90 minutes at this pace has been aired among the ATF camp followers.

Ian ' the grey ghost' Niblo - the Franz Beckanbauer of the team. Stays deeps, rarely seen in the opposition half. Quietly and efficiently playing the sweeping role and making sure that the man between the sticks is not under too much pressure. The quiet man that makes the team tick.

Tim 'Tiny' Turner - By all accounts likes to belt out 'Nutbush City Limits' in the shower after the match. Like Bobby and Nibs another graduate of the ATF youth development programme. Shows command of the 18 yard box.  Early days so far but looks to be a safe pair of hands, press critics worrried that he may be susceptible to the high ball.

Subs - Faith, Hope & Charity. First two expected on early if the pre-match tactics fail to deliver.

The vocal contributions of the travelling faithful could be the sixth man at this fixture.

Rod

Posted: 15 June 2010 at 2:07pm | IP Logged

 This'll spur the Team on to greater things!

(Sorry, Jenny - I've got to keep ahead of you  )

Posted: 15 June 2010 at 11:18pm | IP Logged

Rod, this is really good, well done. Although would question how you know what Tim 'Tiny' Turner does in the shower !!

Seagull, SPUR..... is that an unexpected football pun ?!

Jennie gave 2, Seagull gave 3, I am giving 4    

Posted: 15 June 2010 at 11:24pm | IP Logged

Footie brings us back to bubbles, JP.

I'm forever blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air, they fly so high, ATF all sigh, how could JP let them pop in our eyes !!  

Posted: 15 June 2010 at 11:39pm | IP Logged

Unexpected to me. We seagulls don't know much about football, but did somebody mention cakes or cookies somewhere??

Posted: 16 June 2010 at 1:58am | IP Logged

And I thought it was the bubbles mention that set him off!

Come on JP what is the decision on the bubble machine, or do we have to have another petition??

If they had asked for snow, I would have to say no!!!

big fluffy bubbles can be fun!!!!

Posted: 16 June 2010 at 8:39am | IP Logged

Seagull, Tottenham Hotspur footie team are known as Spurs.

I fearl that maybe we have put JP under pressure regarding the bubble machine. Hope we don't burst his bubble !! 

Posted: 16 June 2010 at 11:10pm | IP Logged

Zippy, thankyou for your educational comment. (I did know, really, but the possible pun was subconscious). For some reason, I link the bubble song with West Ham. Is that right, and are you a supporter? Centuries ago I used to support Arsenal (Charlie George!), and went a couple of times to the old Highbury. But generally, I'm like JP - I doze off - although I'm happy to see Germany do well in the W.C.

Maybe the band could all have bubbles coming out of their instruments - if that's not too dangerous! The Tyros probably has that function anyway - it's got enough buttons AND an iron, to boot!