IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER

Played 9 Won 9 For 31 Against 0 !!!!! :notworthy01: :notworthy01: I make that 820 minutes since we last conceded a goal :clapping04: :clapping04:

Well ya had better get used to it. Campbell has been offered a contract. :003:

After reading the following newspaper clip I suddenly had a fund raising idea fer the club: FITBA' CRAZY TO THE GRAVE A GERMAN football club are creating a cemetery for fans who want to take their love for the game to the grave. The cemetery will be built opposite Hamburg SV's stadium and have room for more than 150 graves. A spokesman said: "It won't be full of colourful headstones. "We don't want to turn the graveyard into a bazaar for fan merchandise, but it will be a place for true fans to find their final resting place." I thought that we could arrange for burials at sea before games. We could hire out a mini-sub dressed up as HMS Sneck and chuck the crpses over the side into the firth. Anyone interested?

That is a mighty relief to know he is safe and sound in his homeland. Tell him I was asking fer him and advise him not to go to Beirut Rovers.

Such feckin jealousy. :002: :002: I cant help it that I am blessed with the powers of prophecy. Since I was a young lad people have often remarked that I am prophetic.

Oh, oh so prophetic. :notworthy01: :notworthy01: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

This sort of stab in the dark, rumour mongering should be shifted to the Rumour Mill.

But you have to concede that I have been spot on so far. :016: :016: Campbell is coming to provide wide cover. Proctor is still a favourite to move on and ya may be called rankinforce soon too. :015: :015: :015:

Looks like we have found a bustling centre forward. :001: Darren Campbell scored a stunning double to lift the Celebs in their practice match against Newcastle United's under-18 side. In spite of losing 4-2 they will have been encouraged by a spirited second half display. The Celebs will want to forget the first half, when they struggled to get going and went behind by four goals. The second half was a different story. On came Wilkes, Hutton, Harvey and Campbell and for the first time we saw the Celebs put the academy side under pressure. Wilkes marshalled the defence with authority, telling everyone what was expected of them, including the referee. Andy Scott-Lee moved to central midfield and began threading passes through to the dangerous strike partnership of Campbell and Harvey. Scott-Lee's excellent through ball put Harvey in on goal, but after rounding the keeper and slotting home he discovered the ref had blown for a push. Scott-Lee then weaved his way through the defence and though his shot was well saved, Campbell tucked away the rebound. Wilkes had a towering header from Olivier's free kick saved by the keeper, before Campbell leapt above the Newcastle defence to send a bullet header into the net from Hutton's excellent cross. So after a disappointing start, the Celebs came on strong and will be growing in confidence.

I think CC is looking fer midfield cover in case Black and proctor leave.

For which club?

I am reliably informed that his signing is almost a definite. A half decent showing aginst the Winos and the deal is done. Here is a very interesting clip from last seasons Southend Utd website Campbell In Marathon, Not Sprint By Robert Craven Thursday 18th August 2005 READING WINGER Darren Campbell may share his name with a 20-second 200 metre British runner, but his return from cruciate ligament damage has taken time… Campbell made an impressive return to match action Diminutive wide man Campbell, who hails from Scotland, certainly has the pedigree to make an impression in the game, as trials at world famous outfits Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic indicate. The 19-year-old has had to put his entire career on the back-burner over the past twelve months, though, after suffering a debilitating knee injury. Just a week after netting in the first Under-18s clash of the campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2004, Campbell, who is Scottish by birth but who has also represented England as a youth international, was innocuously fouled in the Biscuitmen’s first home fixture of the season and suffered serious cruciate ligament damage. The youngster, then 18, had set up a goal in the 1-1 draw with the Black Cats when his foot was stuck in the turf, Reading official website, www.readingfc.co.uk, reported. Speaking to that site, youth team boss Brendan Rodgers revealed, “There was no blame on their player – it was one of those where it is more serious than we first thought. He was in pain when it happened but it was more serious afterwards.” Having returned to light training in April, right at the end of the campaign, the five-foot seven-inch wide man had managed just forty minutes before his appearance for Blues’ Twos yesterday afternoon. That was long enough for Steve Tilson to be impressed by his influence on proceedings, and Campbell had two decent shots on goal before setting up Max Porter for another good chance during a fine first half display. Speaking to TLG, Tilson said, “I thought he did well considering it was his first full match for a year. We will speak to Reading again this week with a view to him coming down and training with us next week, and we will take things from there.” Reading’s official site goes one step further, speculating that the teenager, who has a one-year contract at the Madejski Stadium, could link up with the Shrimpers on a season-long loan deal. Campbell has been with the Royals since the age of 11, signing a two-year professional contract in the aftermath of his debut, made in a 3-0 win over Watford at the end of the 2002/3 campaign. He finally chose to play for the country of his birth in November 2002, when Scotland’s Under-17 side came calling. A month earlier, he spent a week at Carrington training with Manchester United as the Berkshire side tried to forge closer links with the Red Devils. Following his failure to build on his debut, he also linked up with Celtic in April 2004. He struggled with his physical fitness, much like players such as Michael Kightly and James Lawson have done at Roots Hall, and the spell on work experience with the Glasgow Giants for a month helped him to concentrate on recapturing his form. Campbell has impressed many during his time with Reading. Youth coach Brendan Rodgers gushes praise on the youngster, whilst both Alan Pardew and Steve Coppell were willing to aid his progression into the first team, which has stumbled in recent times. Even the fans were heard calling his name in the clash against Watford in which he made his debut as a substitute. Having caught the eye with a man-of-the-match display against Oxford United’s second string this August, Campbell could now be in line to link up with Mitchell Cole for Southend and make the League One club a side to be genuinely fearing out wide. Most clubs in the division have built their teams on width, and United should be no exception. This could be an exciting time for Campbell and the Shrimpers. [img width=223 height=450]http://pictures.footymad.net/upload/480/235398-1.JPG

The only reason Brewster will be up is fer signing talks. :008: :008:

I have been absolutely spot feckin on so far. :016:

I've heard this is due to IHE's wisdom of the transfer market and general help to the club over the years But it's like so common knowledge isn't it? Thanks RIG and Hairy. Some acknowledgement at last. :001:

FECK OFF :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY: CALEY JAGS HAPPY TO ACCEPT THE FINER POINTS OF RANKIN JOHN RANKIN yesterday joined Caley Thistle from Ross County - for an Inverness record fee of £65,000. Rankin is thrilled to achieve his ambition of playing Premier League football after protracted negotiations. The clubs settled on a fee more than a week ago - but complications arose around the finer details of the three-year deal brokered by agent Tom Callaghan. The allure of returning to a top-flight side after cutting his teeth alongside Darren Fletcher in Sir Alex Ferguson's youth set-up at Manchester United was the major factor for Rankin. But the Scottish Football League player of the year also cited the presence of mentor Donald Park at Caley Thistle as a major attraction. Originally brought north four years ago by former County manager Alex Smith, Rankin has won Scotland under-21 selection and a Future cap. Rankin, 23, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be here. "I've stressed all along I wanted to play in the Premier League and I'm grateful for the opportunity. "It's all about proving myself at this level after proving myself in the First Division. "This is a new challenge and I need to grasp the opportunity I've been given with both hands and prove I can do it. "I'm delighted there will be much stiffer competition here as that's what I've needed for a while - a bit of pressure on myself. "I know I have to perform instead of knowing pretty much I'll be playing the following week. That's not healthy." Rankin, who went south to Old Trafford at the age of 16, believes the time is right for a step up - despite having to break strong bonds at Ross County. And he feels Caley Thistle can give him the platform to keep improving as a player. Rankin said: "It's a progressive club. They've done very well to stay in the top league and I don't think anyone sees them as a First Division side any more. "I've come here to do what I can to help them maintain their status in the Premier League. "I had a great time at Ross County and I was sorry to leave. I made a lot of friends there, a lot of people I like and with whom I will stay in touch. But there comes a point for everyone when you have to take the next step in your life and career. I am also indebted to the Immortal Howden Ender who has championed my cause since I first contacted him in January. "I'm thankful Charlie Christie has given me the chance. I've also worked with Donald Park before at Ross County and that was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. "I know the man and his coaching, and he is first class. Together with the manager, he'll make me a better player." Manager Christie described Rankin as his type of footballer and predicted he would add quality to the squad. Christie said: "We'll find out exactly what John can bring us over the next three years. "I won't add faces unless I'm sure I'm bringing some extra quality to the changing room. It says a lot for the strides we've taken as a club that we're signing the First Division player of the year. We need a wee bit of extra goal threat from midfield and John is capable." Christie feels there should be no added pressure on Rankin in being a club record signing. He stressed: "To put it in perspective, we paid ?40,000 for a Highland League player in Iain Stewart while we were in the Third Division "I think we've negotiated a good and fair deal for both clubs." Director of football Graeme Bennett said: "I'd stress the dealings between the clubs were professional and amicable from the outset. For other reasons, the deal became a bit of a saga, but it was always clear John was very keen to come to us and we would also wish to thank the Immortal Howden Ender for his unerring patience and general support. "This club is not in the habit of paying transfer fees, but the board was more than willing to invest in someone of this calibre." Rankin will not play in Sunday's friendly against Clach, but will take his first bow in Ross Tokely's testimonial against Sheffield United a week today. :010: :010: :010:

Well feckin spotted Meanwhile, Brewster has made winger Barry Robson the club's stand in captain and hopes the added responsibility will help him conquer his disciplinary demons. He was banned three times last season due to needless yellowcards and Brewster said: "I'll make a decision about who gets the armband for good at the start of the season. "I chose Barry because I think the responsibility will do him good. When you're captain you have to think about others, not just your own actions."

Got an e-mail from my mate who is a lecturer at Sheffield University. He informs me that it appears 99% certain that at least one Blade will be coming to Sneck on loan fer the season. The two names "most likely" are the aforementioned. Apparently Ross is very well thought off but a wage deal may be a blocker although the Blades may even make up the difference if there are first team squad gaurantees. Apparently Marrison is more green and again the need fer first team involvement is to be discussed. Marrison is a 6ft 1in centre forward whilst Ross is more of a feisty holding midfielder. Dont ya just love pre season :015: :015: :015: :015:

Brewster was always going to up the stakes when he returned from Denmark. As with the Rankin affair there are a multitude of rumours going around. I beseech you all to just pay heed only to my words. Come next Monday the Arabs will be proferring their last bid.

Just remember to read between the lines. EMPATHY WON'T HOLD MCCAFFREY BACK ANDREW DICKSON 08:50 - 14 July 2006 Stuart McCAFFREY knows exactly how Ross Tokely feels as he tries to recover from a groin injury - but that will not stop McCaffrey trying to replace Tokely in the Caley Thistle side. Former Hibs defender McCaffrey suffered from osteitis pubis, the problem which has sidelined Tokely, during his time at Aberdeen. It kept him out for more than a year, while current Inverness team-mate Liam Keogh was kept out by the same injury for more than half of last season. Tokely is adamant he will at least play some part in his own testimonial against Sheffield United next Friday but his place at right back is up for grabs. And McCaffrey, who filled Tokely's position in Wednesday's 2-0 win at Elgin, wants to make it his. He said: "The injury is horrendous. I had the problem at Aberdeen and I didn't play for about 13 months. "I know putting a timescale on when you will be fit again is not easy. It affects different people in different ways and I know Ross is hoping to be able to play in his testimonial next week. "It would be a boost for everyone if he could and I obviously hope he gets better soon. But his position is vacant for the moment and it would be good to get a run in the side. "We saw last season when Stuart Golabek got injured that Richard Hastings came in and was able to keep his place when Stuart was fit again. Hopefully I can do the same thing because I want to play and I don't care what position that is in." Caley Jags have been in training since June 21 and, with two weeks to go until the SPL starts, are shaping up well for the new season. McCaffrey believes their early start will give them an edge on their rivals. He said: "It was good to go back so soon as it meant we had done most of our heavy work by July 1." And: Osteitis Pubis is the inflammation of the front of the pubic bone, where several important muscle groups attach and move when you exercise. It has a tendency to recur and can be very stubborn to treat because the area has a very poor blood supply. It normally requires a relatively long period of rest. There is no specific treatment for osteitis pubis, and it frequently causes long-term problems, in some cases ending a player's career. Management strategies involve modification of activity, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and stretching and strengthening of the stabilising muscles. Surgical intervention, such as wedge resection of the pubis symphysis, is sometimes attempted in severe cases, but its success rate is not high, and surgery may lead to later pelvic problems. :007: :007: :007:

Its called Pre Season Tension, an inner frustration, the not knowing what the feck is going on, the absolute craving fer proper football. How do I cope. I start a rumour or wind up the Tinks or the Midden. Feckin cathartic relief or wot. :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

Feck me. We played the same team at Elgin and Huntly :015: :015: :015: :015:

I can understand why you are oh so rankled and sarcastic cos I got it spot feckin on :016: :016: :016: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: I have seen Rankin play twice but have had a lot of feedback about him. Playing Rankin wide left would ammount to a waste of money. I hope Blackie doesnt go but my impeccable sources suggest that the Brew hunt is well and truly back on.