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READER'S LETTERS NOVEMBER 2007
We will publish your letters on this page regularly, complete with comments from Jeff.
So why not write in and let us know what you are thinking about the goings on at Boro, Darlington and Hartlepool. We'll get your letter on the site as soon as we can.
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From: Dave Heslehurst, 30th November 2007
I was stuck at work so I wasn't at the Arena on Saturday. We are now second so it could be
worse.
This is a message to all those stay aways in Darlo who say that
it's too expensive. When we play Chester they've reduced the price to
£10 so your excuse has gone.
Get yourselves there!
Regards
Dave
Jeff's reply
It's another brilliant initative by Darlo.
The club deserve the success they
are having but will the good people of Darlington respond by actually
buying tickets and going to the game? I have my doubts.
If they don't soon then the chairman, the manager and others may decide
that they are wasting their time at the club. That would be the
beginning of the end.
Keep the faith
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Ian, 29th November 2007
Hey Jeff
Another clean sheet, we have yet to concede a first half goal in the
League at home this season and we have twelve clean sheets to our name already! That's more
than many teams have points!
Ian
Jeff's reply
It was the only ray of sunshine on what was one of the most dismal days for the
north-east that I can remember.
The record this season is brilliant but will only
will be remembered if promotion is attained. I am very confident it will be.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Carlo, 28th November 2007
Hi Jeff
I saw an interview with you on Sky Sports News yesterday and was moved
to say how good it was to hear such intelligent and honest views on
important matters - especially from a referee's perspective.
I hope to see more of you on TV - the game only benefits from people like you discussing issues with wisdom, experience and honesty.
Yours sincerely
Carlo
Jeff's reply
Thanks Carlo, your comments are appreciated. Sometimes the comments that are
received are not very complimentary. It seems that some class an ex-referee
having an opinion as an opportunistic way to make a name for yourself and
have little or no interest in an alternative opinion.
Sky Sports News fortunately do not share that view and use me quite regularly.
I hope that enjoy my columns on the website.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Andrew Baker, 27th November 2007
Jeff
You're joking aren't you?! Steve McClaren?! We couldn't wait to get shot of him and we definitely don't want him back!!!
I'll never forget at home to Liverpool - first game of the season and at 0-0 with five mins to go - we ran with the ball to the corner flag to conserve a point.
MR NEGATIVE or what?!
Regards
Jeff's reply
Hi Andrew
I did not agree with the suggestion but many are putting him forward as the next move.
Knowing what I know I don't think Steve Gibson would allow it in a million years. Having said that a few negative games with a few points would help!
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: tommy27, 26th November 2007
Hi Jeff
What are your views on how the media scrutinise referee's decisions using all
the new technology they have availible? And also is all the criticism fair?
I would much appreciate a reply as it is part of my media coursework.
Many thanks
Jeff's reply
I am afraid whatever I think about it, it is here to stay. The annoying
thing is that those who use the technology are often not equipped with
enough knowledge of the laws of the game to make a balanced decision.
Usually it is just sensationalism that makes for good TV.
Perhaps if they had an ex Ref on their panel it would help, but that would
kill debate if a definitive answer was given. With air time and column
inches to fill they want controversy and debate, they don't want fact.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From Hutchy, 25th November 2007
Hi Jeff, this is a referee question, I'm not gonna get up your nose about being dodgy but in respect of the Member of your former fraternity who officiated the Scotland v Italy game.
Am I wrong in thinking the said person over the years has officiated a number of high profile games involving British clubs which has led to controversial decisions going against our teams?
Jeff. Your knowledge of this one is better than mine though mate, but don't forget Italy should have had another goal and Scotland's was offside, so it was not all decisions against Scotland.
Yet again the mighty Hoops conquer on their travels, yet again a clean sheet.
Jeff. Normal service resumed.
Oh and why are folk making such a hoo-haa about Israel beating the Russians?
We only managed a draw over there, and struggled against same team which gubbed Croatia, just basically proving the gulf in class is not that far apart, and as in all cup ties any one can win on the day.
Jeff. Good points, we just believe that we have a divine right to beat everybody.
Why do England not have same facility as a Cricket team called Team England and Club only have player when International demands are not required.
Jeff. You are joking aren't yer. The clubs would never allow it, also the FA would not meet their wage demands.
Keep up the best sports show in the N/E why because Darlo and Pools matter on your show, it's not only about the big three. Somehow you even it out. Bravo.
Jeff. Cheers mate, we do our best.
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From: Dave Wilkinson, 24th November 2007
Hey Jeff,
Don't know if you have been following the Darlo Uncovered Messageboard or
not, but we have had a thread going regarding ways to increase attendances
at the Arena.
I have now written these up, with the aim of passing them onto the club,
question is, who do you think would be the best person to give it to?
Admittedly we don't expect them to come to anything, but at least we are
trying!
You probably know the team at DFC better than anyone else, so any advice
would be great!
Yours
Dave Wilkinson
Jeff's reply
Hi Dave,
I am fully aware of the campaign, in fact Andy Smith from the supporters
club is on the Phone-In tomorrow night just after 5.30 to discuss the matter
in full.
I understand that he has had dialogue with the club and they are also in
full support. I will continue to assist and publicise it as much as
possible.
Your best point of contact at the club would be either CE Jon Sotnick or MD
Barrie Simmonds.
Keep up the good work
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Ken Stephenson, 23rd November 2007
Jeff, did it not piss you off that you never made it to FIFA when you
consider that clowns like Mike Riley and Howard Webb are now considered top
referees in Europe?
Despite being a Geordie I think you were one of the
better referees on the Premier League.
Jeff's reply
Obviously I would have loved to referee on FIFA. The problem was that I did not get
into the Premier League until I was 39. You have to be nominated for FIFA before you
are 40.
Arrogantly I do believe that I was better than some who did get on
through age but I can't agree with you on Mike Riley and Howard Webb.
Mike
is a very experienced, dedicated and reliable referee and Howard will go to the very top.
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From: Olwyn McPhillips, 22nd November 2007
Come on you lot, stop knocking the team and get behind them! Give them some
support! Gareth is trying his best so give the man a chance instead of knocking him all the time. Get down the stadium and support him!
Jeff's reply
Well said Olwyn. I agree with you 100%.
As usual it is the minority who have the loudest
voices. Things are obviously not good at the moment but booing and
jeering is
not going to improve the situation.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Marg Smith, 21st November 2007
My family are all Boro fans and wish that the boo boys would please stop. It's upsetting all the kids round here and it's not fair.
Marg
Jeff's reply
It's the world we live in Marg, everyone wants instant success. The true fans will remain loyal but the new breed sulk as soon as things don't go their way.
Times are difficult at the moment, but hopefully we will pull through.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Ken Stephenson, 20th November 2007
Jeff, I am going to be a smart-arsed Geordie and point out that you made an error
answering a law query in the Total Youth Football magazine.
The
question was
about the ball hitting the referee before going to a player in an
offside
position.
The question is not whether the ball went sideways or back, it
is
whether the player was in front of the ball. There is now no mention in
the
laws about the ball being played back.
Jeff's reply
Hi Ken
I stand corrected, that's why I was a crap referee!!! I think you know
what
I meant though!!!
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Terry Watson, 19th November 2007
Hi Jeff
Just read your article on throw ins on the Darlington Site. I agree that the yardage that can be gained can give a disadvantage to the defending team on most occasions.
My point is goal kicks. I can remember when a ball went out and the ref indicated a goal kick it had to be taken from the side that the ball went out. Now the goalkeeper takes it from whichever side he wishes. Surely this gives an advantage to the keeper and his team in respect of whether he is left or right footed kicker?
Could you clarify the rule (if there is one) that covers this. Do you think it matters which side the kick is taken from?
Jeff's reply
You are quite right Terry, it used to be that the goal kick had to be taken from the side where it went out of play. This was changed a few years ago and whilst it does give the keeper an option the thinking behind the change was the that kick could be taken quicker and hence not hold up the restart.
With regard to the option of kicking right footed or left footed this would obviously be possible from either side.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Paul Olone, 18th November 2007
Barron is the latest out of the revolving Boro door. He goes live on Talk radio last week and has a pop at Scwartz. Hey presto - he is out of the door. Fuckin' hell mate - what's going on?
Jeff's reply
Rats leaving a ship some may say. It's a time to stay calm. My stance is that we can stay up as the League is crap, especially at the bottom.
I understand the fan's frustrations but be realistic - we are a million miles away from the top sides and unfortunately, unless someone comes in with silly money, we look like we always will be.
A lot of people are falling out of love with football, not just the Boro.
Too much money, greedy players; take away the quality foreigners and see how good the Premiership would be then.
Keep the faith
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Arthur, 17th November 2007
Jeff, I am the one who emailed you about the referee's shirts clashing with those of the Darlington players. It's great to see it has been acted upon. It makes for a better view of the officials during the game plus there are no mix ups now.
Thanks
Arthur
Jeff's reply
It was common sense really Arthur, I just don't know why they wore black in the first place.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Norman Peters, 16th November 2007
Hi Jeff
I'm glad you have kept the faith. Well done son.
Norman
Jeff's reply
It seems that some have already given up the ghost.
We are in a mess and need everyone pulling together. It's almost as if some are basking in the situation we are in with a "Told you so mentality".
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Tommy Sword, 15th November 2007
Jeff, I was wondering what you thought of the opening few minutes of the Pools game the other night.
It was bloody freezing, blowing a gale AND hailstoning in sheets. It was rotten, but when we scored it cheered me up no end.
Cheers
Tommy S
Jeff's reply
Well here's a funny story Tommy.
Ever heard the one about the TFM presenter who was sat in his house in the warmth and left home as late as possible for the usual 7.45 pm kick off only to find out as he parked his car that it was 7.15pm?
Just as I got out of the car I heard the roar as Ritchie scored. The good news however was that I had to endure twenty minutes less in the cold. I have got used to it now though and have about three layers of clothes on.
The result did nothing to warm me up though.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Fletch, 14th November 2007
The red red robin's not bobbin'.
Gibbo is in tonight's Gazette defending Gareth whilst the town is upset with everything Boro. We've had no wins in nine and currently have the worst squad since we moved to the Riverside.
Up the Boro?! I can't even give you a verse of HARRY ROBERTS to cheer myself up.
Fletch
Jeff's reply
Shoot the B... also "With his Gun". You know what I mean.
Gibbo thankfully is not reacting with a knee jerk. We have to battle on until January when Rangers' Cousins comes in!!!
Worst squad, you sure?
Keep the faith
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Davy, 13th November 2007
You are out of touch with the fans and pay lip service to MFC. The phrase "sucking up" springs to mind which makes you a bloody coward in my eyes.
Jeff's reply
Come down to the station mate and see if I am a coward.
All you want is to have someone on the radio who agrees with you. I am entitled to an opinion and will give it. We know things are not good at the moment but you sound as if you are almost happy that the results justify your criticism of Southgate.
I know that if he eventually does get the sack your "Told you so" email will be received post haste. You will probably be gutted if Gareth does turn it around won't you?
As usual the noisy minority have the loudest mouths. There are actually a lot of fans out there, the silent majority, who like me want the club and Gareth to succeed.
Why not come out from behind your keyboard and ring the show so we can speak on air? Or perhaps it is you who is the coward!!!!
Best wishes
Jeff Winter
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From: Dave Heslehurst, 11th November 2007
Hi Lads, I'm at work on the Wilton Site at the moment but am off to the Arena to watch Darlo on my way home. Hopefully we'll beat Northampton and have a decent cup run.
Like the Boro, however, we have a problem with moaners ourselves - some of them start after just a couple of minutes!!
Please can you tell any that might be listening to shut it for a change and GET BEHIND the team for once.
Cheers,
Dave.
Jeff's reply
I agree Dave but there are a lot out there who only seem to be happy if there is something to moan about.
I know that when all of the Region's teams win it will be quiet on the Phone-In whereas if they lose the phones go into meltdown!!!
Best wishes
Jeff Winter
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From: Dave Wilkinson, 11th November 2007
Hey Jeff,
Unfortunately missed your show tonight, but I guess you will have had another (deserved) swipe at the people of Darlington for our attendences.
So on a similar note, you have been to the last two games I believe, and the attendances have been sub-3000, but is it just me who thinks the atmosphere has been excellent?
People in the West Stand are really getting in voice, and more importantly are getting behind the team.
It might not impress Mr Haughton, but give me a small vocal crowd than a large silent one!
Dave Wilkinson
Jeff's reply
Hi Dave,
Yes as usual the attendance was touched on. A pod cast of the show is available from Monday, so you can catch up on the show's content each week, via this page.
I must say though, that I agree with you, the young lads who surround the drummer are helping to create a much better atmosphere, they are creating new songs and this helps and is appreciated by the players and the management.
Your final point though from a business point of view does not work, I know we are asking for everything, but a larger noisier crowd has got to be the answer.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Peter Owen, 8th November 2007
Hi Jeff
Didn't James (one of your phone-ins) do the show and the Boro proud with his overall comments?
My wife even stopped stirring the gravy to listen more intently to the conversation, which I might add is a red card offence.
I hope you cover the handball offences, which occurred on Match of the Day, via your website because it is a read that I and many, many others would appreciate.
Perhaps a directive has been issued by Saddam Hackett to maybe refrain?
However, once again, I will reiterate this point. The likes of both Gary Lineker and Andy Gray place themselves in the wrong field when asking any ex-footballer if it was a penalty!
It is not their badge to word, therefore their every comment on referee's aftermaths fall foul.
Mine is a very long standing gripe, plus extra time.
Cheers
Jeff's reply
We do get some very intelligent callers, unfortunately on the street and the terraces it is the voice of the loudest that is often heard. This is not always representative of true feelings.
The handball issue and human assaults in the penalty area are now the new diving. Football and refereeing has always been the same, just as one problem seems to recede then another rears its head.
We saw Poll on MOTD 2 this week, though his contradictory and patronizing comments were not a lot better than those of the resident studio muppets.
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From: Sarah Barron, 7th November 2007
It was very nice and kind of you to come and meet the children of Ferryhill Town youth when you collected the cheque for the Make A Child Smile appeal.
They were over the moon to meet you.
Once again thank you.
Jeff's reply
Hi Sarah, It was my pleasure. It is great to see so many youngsters enjoying football and also to see the hard work that the parents and coaches put in.
The fact that you also had the time and generosity to raise so much money for Make a Child Smile speaks volumes for you all.
Good luck in the future and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
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From: Peter Owen, 6th November 2007
Here's something wise for Gareth to read - Ban your players from making silly comments to the media! None have yet fruited and it has been one hell of a big tree.
We all want the same outcome because you are our team and we want to remain in the Premiership.
So let's frustrate Bolton with a few Luke Young efforts for starters. Hopefully we'll have Mido back and if we take a little more care with our shooting then we will start winning more than we lose.
Take away the top six teams and I bet no other team has created as many goalscoring chances as our lads have done. This cements the tree.
Our share of luck must be in the pipeline, so let it wander on Sunday.
It will also shut up those know-nothings on "Match of the Day". One said "You don't win nowt with kids" and didn't his sidekick get sacked a defensive coach?
The tree must be a Jack in the Beanstalk against Bolton so let's simply make certain it keeps growing.
Peter
Jeff's reply
Very profound Peter but I was only a referee so you will have to keep your words down to one syllable.
There is not a lot of difference between teams in this League, the top few apart. Last night's Manchester City versus Sunderland game proved that.
I still think we will survive but confidence must be ebbing and we need to start scoring goals. As you will have read this week I have my doubts about Mido.
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From: sasboro, 5th November 2007
I wouldn't say I was anti-Gibson I just think he has become too narrow minded and has got us into the mess we are currently in.
Amongst a few things he has appointed an inexperienced manager, he waited right to the last minute on Viduka and he could have perhaps sorted out Yakubu's future earlier. This would have given the Boro plenty more time to get strikers in. He has also cost-cut too much and this is why the squad is too small.
With all this money coming into the Premier League we have been left behind over the last two years. MFC is a closed shop and I think the club would benefit from an outsider coming in to work alongside Keith Lamb and company. Or perhaps someone should be allowed to buy into the club on the condition that Gibson keeps a controlling interest.
I'm hopeful that the next two games we can get some points under our belts to have some breathing space. Our future is the next five games.
If we are still struggling at Christmas, are in the bottom three and are leaking goals, then we need to get someone in to help out.
Jeff's reply
I can understand your concern and share it myself but I don't know the answer. The problem with the players nowadays is that they have far too much control and the wages they are being paid are extortionate. That is where the TV money is going, into players' wage packets.
If Boro are going to compete they need extra income and a foreign investor would be the fashionable way forward. But are Boro a fashionable enough club to interest anyone?
Outside the top four there are a lot of poor sides and I still believe we are better then at least three others. I agree though that the next four games are vital, especially Bolton and Reading away. We need an absolute minimum of four points from these two games.
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From: Brian Lingard, 3rd November 2007
Jeff,
Has it ever been considered for referees to use the signal used by referees in rugby and ice hockey of raising an arm straight in the air to show they have seen foul play, but is allowing an advantage until such time no advantage is obvious, or they feel the advantage is over?
We have all seen how well it works in rugby and I remember how well it worked when watching ice hockey in Canada. Your thoughts please.
My main reason for the suggestion is that so often the referee is in a no win situation, either he blows too early and the advantage isn't allowed, or he allows an advantage which goes no where.
I think it would help the referee in the long run.
Jeff's reply
Hi Brian,
The facility is already there. The signal is both arms held out in front of the referee with him shouting "play-on, advantage".
Unlike rugby though he can only bring back play and give the free kick if the advantage does not accrue within a few seconds.
The problem with football is that players quite often quickly take the law into their own hands!!!
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Dave Sturdy, 2nd November 2007
Hi Jeff
I am currently offshore in India and as we are not working I have read your book in super quick time! What a superb read it was, congratulations on a fine piece of work.
All the best and Up The Boro!!
Jeff's reply
Thanks Dave
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully the Boro will get back on track, starting tomorrow.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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