the strange world of BIG DALE.. ..the Sergeant Major of the BOTS   (no longer in exile..!)

30/04 Hello and welcome for the last time this season to my strangle world (or is that dream world).

I write this with a tear of joy in my eye, am so so happy that were going up.  The icing on the cake was seeing 1340 people there (come back next season).  The people of Corby turned up to support their Steelmen I also believe it was the best attendance in all 3 divisions of the southern league (beat the sheep bastards attendance too.)

Stepping back in time for a minute, the Steelmen followed up their win over Stamford with a good 3 0 win over Barton Rovers (the hardest pitch I have ever seen) and then beating Uxbridge 1 0 last week.  The Welsh Wizard was there, fair play to him again leaving the Valleys at 6:30 to get to the match (ever seen the film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles).  Talking of travelling to games were had people from all over the world turn up for the game (great to see you again Alan), well Spain and the Lake District.

Other faces in the crowd were lots of ex-Steelmen and Decker 601 was one of the last to leave the bar.  The ET were there and have done a good job this week (only doing their fucking job they're still wankers) now we're back in the Prem surely we'll get better coverage.  A big well done to the General for pumping up the crowd and getting them going (even bollocking the young BOTS for not singing what game was he at ?)  Mind you the BOTS are no one man band and are getting bigger by the week.  Talking of one man bands I was trying all week to hire the gear, would have been piss funny walking along the track with a drum on my back (am a twat but a Corby twat).

That's nearly it, except to say spread the word this summer and come next season.  Lets bring the crowds back for good (at least I'm not in exile next season) 

seen you next season

BIG DALE the one and only.  (keep a look out for my stangle world of sport updates in the summer)

16/04  Hello gang !  250 away midweek, over 400 at home on the Saturday (get in there).  So first up was the NFA Final and what a good laugh that was, three buses and an army of cars getting the mass support there: I will never forget looking up the hill on the way down to Spencer’s ground and seeing a sea of black and white (its was like that film Zulu !)

Triangle was busy before we set off.  I was hoping that no more would turn up as we boarded the buses, nearly left Harold behind (should have booked pal !) as we were a full house.  Once we got to the ground the queue for the bar went right out the door (fucking un-real, fucking love it !)  I have said to Paul many times when the triangle has had a large away following wish we could do that.  Well that night we did.

The game kicked off and the travelling Steelmen started singing but once again the curse of the Jonah’s struck.  Spencer going on to win 1-0.  The best part of the night was yet to come when we had a real sing-song in their club house (you should see us when we win) and on the coach home (and a night cap in our club house too).

Next up was the visit of Stamford (small town near Corby) and I was very pleased to say that despite all the shite on both forums, all the BOTS did was back the team (forget about spitting dwarfs).  The boys did us proud battling for every ball, a Hallows penalty sealing the win that puts second place back in are own hands.

We were pissed off when asked not to bang the stand I know what he was saying was right (I have told the daft twats not to kick it.)  Need to get a drum so at half time me and the General went on a secret mission to get one.  No luck but don’t worry because we find a couple of pan lids (looked a c8nt banging them but I don’t care).

At the final whistle the Corby roar was heard in the pubs around Corby which were just a bit quieter because of a good sized gate.  Please come back, if we got that every game, Christ we really might go places.  See you all on Saturday.

IT'S IN OUR OWN HANDS NOW. 

BIG DALE

08/04 Well what a week it has been in my strange world: three wins for the boys has put us right back in the mix for second place (a cup final to come too, fucking wizard).

Cast your mind back a week to the game with Aveley and the only point of note was Byrne's goal giving us third place back in the league.

That set up the visit of league leaders Boreham Wood.  Now some daft fuckers said all week we were going to win (keep the faith).  There was a real buzz around the Triangle and I don't mean Mark Burrows, and best of all more new faces and lots of people in Corby hats and scarves that I don't know.  Sounds funny, it's been a long time since a Corby fan said are you Big Dale (every one knows the cunt).  The game itself was the best I have seen us play this year every man jack of them giving 100% for the home support which was brill, well done every one.  I know I say it a lot but we were one up before kick off with that support (even got a mention on their site).

Two goals in the first half killed off the stunned leaders, played really well.  Was a bit of drama when the ref got hurt (been here before) but a replacement was found and the game went on, and there was no moaning about the change after the game unlike Enfield Town.

More drama on Saturday then we played playoff hopefuls Barking and East Ham, a late goal (who cares, fucking get in there) by Clarke took us to within four points of second place with a game in hand.  Next up is Stamford (I see the plane boss) at home so get your arse up there and bang the stand sing your heart out have a disco (make a cunt of yourself) and cheer the lads to that second spot.

KEEP THE FAITH IT'S OUR YEAR (I HOPE) 

BIG DALE

04/04 In Dale's absence tonight, his partner in crime The General has a few words to say..

The General says…

Well the boys have reached their first NFA Final since the late 90's so I figured that if my fat bastard mate (Harry Potter’s Uncle) can write for this fanzine then so can I.  Must have been to about five or six finals over the 20years I have been watching the Steelmen but never seen us win one yet.  Lots of defeats over at Sheep Street and even a trip to Redditch United, but never any silverware.

This time it will be different: Corby town are having a belting season still chasing promotion with six games to go, wizard is what I say.  Dunny has done a ding-dang-doo job in turning it round since the other bloke left two years ago (can't remember his name.)  With ‘The Monk’ at his side (and not in goal I hope) there’s a real buzz about the Triangle, we’re even getting a few more in to watch.  If we do go up we need to break the 250 every game so give the twats in the pub a kick and say come and watch the Steelmen.  If they give it the old ‘I went at the old ground’ say fuck me that was 20 years pal.

Anyway, back to the Final now and it’s been great to see we have a full supporters coach going and a big thank you to the players for paying for it.  Hope the travel club don't fuck it up again (Matlock, King’s Lynn, Boreham Wood, etc.)  Christ, even Tiger Woods would lose if this mob went to watch.

Lastly thanks for reading this shite and supporting the club.  Spread the word and let’s get Corby to the promised land of County Champions and Southern League Premier Division.  As the other bloke like me says, COME ON YOU STEELMEN. 

THE GENERAL

27/03 Hello and welcome to my strange world once again, it's been a few week since my last rant.

This is due to be being away and wee Jude braking my pc (little sod).  After the fuck up at Aveley in which I hear we were piss poor, we got back on track with a good win over Chatham at the Triangle.  My spies tell me the BOTS were not very noisy (see what happens with me and the general are away) so am going to re-elect myself as choir master and move in to the middle of the junior bots just to give them the kick up the arse they need to raise the roof with all the big games coming up.

Next up was the trip to Dartford and to my surprise the Darts fans I chatted to in the bar were good bunch (even met the Jimmy Kane fan club).  Not like the knobs who kept slagging us off on the forum so to this end I hope that war of words is over.  The game kicked off and we quickly scored (in our own net) to go one down.  In the second half we kept battling and we drew level when the Disco Danny Marlow headed home: this goal was the best headed goal I have ever seen (how that Danny ok ?)  Last point on the game was to say well done to the old chap getting the home support going (so that's what the General will be like in 35 Years)  Never shut up very funny, also thanks for playing the 1978 Scotland World Cup Song before the game (what a gem that is ) and before you say it Alan and co, that's not the last time the Jocks got there (just feels like it lol !).

Right I'm off but just remember we still have a chance of second place and if not its the playoffs.  That's the thing that happens at the end of the season Sheep and Bones fans, look away now (Kettering's only hope is in the ET and the Bones have not even applied) 

See you all on Saturday

BIG DALE

22/02 After three games without a win some sites would start hearing alarm bells but not this one (not on your nelly pal).  Following draws with Harlow and Rovers we set off to London again this time to play ran away leaders Boreham Wood.  The omens were not good because the Swally Supporters Bus was on tour again.  Every time we go we get fuck all (the jonah's are back).

This time it was different the Steelmen looked a class act and were up for a fight (on and off the field).  We should have been two or even three up by the time the hosts scored two first half goals (they were a good side too) so at half time we were two down staring down the barrel of a big score line but the second half kick off and it was the Steelmen again taking the game to the league leaders.

Jamie Clarke pulled one back with ten minutes to go and we had chance after chance but never got the second.  The travelling BOTS were once again a credit to the club chanting and singing right to the end (were there any 'Wood fans there ?)

A special word to for Mary who went to the game in style on the Swally Bus, thanks for all the hard work you do Mary.  That's it for the footy now for some random shit (la la).  The Supporters Club are holding a Race Night on April 1st at the club house (plenty of fools) more details to follow.  Also Kettle has started driving so stay off the road for fuck sake having said that not much chance of him hitting you, you can hear that 80's music coming from his car miles away. 

AS THE GENERAL WOULD SAY WE LOST A BATTLE NOW LET'S WIN THE WAR.

09/02 Hello my fellow Steelmen Supporters.  Not a bad week's work really: a good 3.1 win over Barking and East ham to which I say well done to the General for rallying the BOTS (big gob shite) in the last twenty minutes.  The boys were on the back foot even at two one up so he cranked up the noise level and Kevin Byrne killed off the game with five minutes to go to, spark a disco again (it's getting more like the BIPS every week).

Nice to see Heather back in the kitchen (Sam your chips were pish) looking after everyone.  Also nice to see Bruce back the last two games (ginger tosser) he is one of a growing number of old faces coming back to church at long last.  Cheers to Northampton as well for fucking the Rushden SCUM.  Talking of SCUM I see “the Doctor” has been at it again sacking Wilson again (what would Mr Mannering think).

So that bring me to the semi final with Rothwell (that's 3 times we have beat the twats) and goal in extra time put us in the final (like the way the players ran to the fans by the way).  Call it a tin pot cup if you want but I have been watching us since 86 and have never seen us lift the bloody thing (lots of finals and trips to Rocky Road ) .

So here's to the Steelmen winning the Hillier cup for a sixth time and sending  a little corner of Northants into heaven (or is that just me again).  Next up Harlow and the chase for title (2nd will do) see you all soon. 

Big Dale (a happy bunny for now !)

01/02 Well it was great to hear the Corby roar at our last home game, and more people there too.  Yes OK a hundred away fans (fair play to 'em) but still over a hundred extra Steelmen there to swell the gate to well over 300.  I really think this is it, the crowds are stating to come back and why not (the atmosphere was fucking brill) bring your mum bring your dad bring anyone (apart from wankers jumping ship from Rushden).

Hat's off again to the Young BOTS who were up at the Back Of The Stand about 06:00 to make sure they got their spot (get up there early but 06:00 for fuck sake ?!)  Talking of support, what the point of getting a large away following to sit there like sheep fans at home and make no noise (bring a 100 but only 6 sing) ?

As for the game only one team ever going to win and a goal from the Disco Kid doing the job.

I also hear that the ref was paid off buy the P.A.O.C so that the bar taking would be up (worked a treat).  Cheers Pistol Pete for running the line.  Pissed myself when he give them a free kick only for the BOTS to start singing "we know where your house is..!"

So after knocking the leaders of the top of the table and all the jazz that goes with it (you know, getting pissed and that) I was pissed off that we lost 3.1 away in our next game.

With the chasing pack all winning I think it's time to pin my colours to the mast and say (mine's a fosters), we can still do it the Premier Division is still in our sights.

Christ I love this club (AND SO DOES THE OTHER PERSON WHO READS THIS SHITE) and great to be doing well after all the years of being crap: forget Glover, McGoldrick, forget no toilets up the town, forget the cold chips at half time, forget getting your bin emptied once every two weeks now, and remember, you're in ROB DUNION'S BLACK AND WHITE ARMY !

I STILL BELIEVE SO SHOULD YOU.

PS: IF YOU SAY OUR GOING UP THE BAR ON A SUNDAY TO WATCH FOOTY FUCKING TURN UP PAL.

18/12 The highs and lows of being a Steelmen Supporter (up until the last couple of season nearly all lows).  After the defeat at home to Potters Bar I think we started to think 'oh well, the playoffs would be good'. However a win at Arlesey (Daz Watts, Daz Watts, Daz Watts Daz Watts Daz Watts) and two losses in a week for Enfield town got us back in the hunt.

This sets up Saturday's home game with the leaders as one of the most important games at the Triangle for about a decade.  I am sure the ET will give us a big write up all week to help boost the attendance (yeah like fuck they will).  They're too busy writing about mid table teams or teams in danger of dropping out of the league (my heart bleeds purple piss).  Well done to the BOTS for clapping the team off the park after being beat: this is what makes us different from all the other wank teams in this county so keep it up .

There was of course the first ever game played by FC Town of Corby before the Potters Bar game.  A game verses the  Steelmen greats of the past, nice to see Elwyn Roberts back in a Corby shirt and of course DECKER 601 AKA Derek Walker.  The supporters team won on the day a goal from Robbie Dunion Jnr sealing a two nil win.  Yes GENERAL YOU MADE A GREAT SAVE (sorry that voice in my head again) from 'Muff', the player who scored the first ever goal twenty years ago at the Triangle.

The crack was also great in the club house that night as the celtic band Romirish played to a packed club house: plenty of song from the BOTS too (I WOULD WATCH 500 GAMES) 

..and Gordon the drums, fuck me he was good.

That's it for now except to say get up to the big game and let's hear your battle cry  

come on the Steelmen..!

BIG DALE

(the bloke in the hat next to the taffy)

02/12 Happy New Year everyone, would have been even better but for a late Ilford goal and a school boy ref at Rothwell, two wins would have put us top again . Still five points over Christmas keeps us third and I think we would have taken that before a ball was kicked this season (fucking right).

After our long break we spanked Barton Rovers five nil.  The game was in doubt because because of the snow.  Well done to Ian Hopewell and the others who helped clear the pitch (get the orange ball on).  Was nice to see Jeremy Richards had made the trip from South Wales for the Christmas matches, he is without a doubt one of most loyal fans the club has (even if it was his first home game for ten years).  He is a bit like the shop keeper in the old kids show "Mr Benn" he just pops up at away games every now and then having made a 14 hour round trip from Wales (still a boring bastard but we love him ).

We had our first club night of the season after the game too, it was a good night.  I won the killer on the pool table (£20 get in there) and the General's team won the big quiz (young bots who are yer?) ended up in the indian but that's another story. Talking of the pool table, the results are starting to come in from the comp Big Yin knocked me out (git) the best result so far was Martin coming back from seven balls down to beat Geordie Chris (the dick potted the black and white) .

So after drawing with Ilford (I quite agree with Paul about the moaning bastards) we set off to Rothwell as normal.  A good away following turning up over a hundred I would say maybe more, to watch a shite game made worse by knob of a ref (think he was only 15).  We did score late on but after about ten minutes the ref changed his mind so it was only a point for the Steelmen.

Results were good to us over Christmas so we're still in the title hunt.  What we need now is to back the team even more than we have been doing and keep winning and you never know.

HERE'S TO 2006 UP THE STEELMEN 

BIG DALE

10/12 Hello it's Christmas time in my strange world and we're not quite top of the tree for Christmas, but even with our 16 day break until our next game we should be in the second place on the big day.  Jamie Clarke's late strike getting us a point at Berkhamsted this after a 0.0 draw at home to Uxbridge (ten men we only had ten men).

Talking of Christmas its pantomime time over at sheep street, the Poppies becoming the laughing stock of non league football (Gazza is a Steelman) Ii don't think I could have made a better job myself of fucking up the club (well maybe I could).

The local rag made total cunts of themselves lapping up Gazza's take over, well who's laughing now (me for one) ?  Also a big thank you to Sky Sports news for the best comedy program of the year last Monday (the Gazza interview) even I felt sorry for the sheep supporters.  I went to say sorry on their sheep chatterbox forum only to find they had banned guests (WANKERS).

Any way moving back to the Steelmen the supporters club ran a bus (I think it was a bus) to King's Lynn (six fingers and webbed feet).  What a laugh that was the young Steelmen supporters (new BOTS) were a credit to the club singing and chanting even at five nil .  The way home was a good crack too with the older bots leading the singing (o a p b o t ) until we got lost that was.  The team bus beat us home that was the only thing they beat that night.

Lastly today I just want to say for years and years we have been trying to get the crowds back up to the Triangle with out much luck.  'Give us local players' - been there done that, 'give us a winning side' - been doing that.  Yes a few have come back but most say I used to go the old ground (we moved 20 years ago pal !) or I don't like the Triangle (total crap) or I would go if Jimmy never went (NEVER SEEN THEM UP THE TOWN MAKING MONEY FOR THE CLUB ON A COLD SATURDAY MORNING).  All these reasons are things I hear every week.  All I say is if you every want to see a Corby team move back up the divisions stop knocking and start backing them (this is aimed at the people that don't come not the super few who do).

HAVE A HAPPY XMAS STEELMEN, CHEERS

BIG DALE  

(GET THE BEERS IN GAZZA)

28/11 We Are Top of The League I Say We Are Top of The League !!  How many times have I wanted to say that being a Steelmen fan.  Well it's twenty years since we were top the league in November, the last time being when we just moved to the Triangle in 1985 (15 managers as well).

After beating Harlow to bring up our 12th home win in a row (fucking hell !) last Saturday, coming back from one nil down to win two one (unlucky pikeys).  The Harlow board were pissed off with the the BOTS (if you can't take the heat get out the kitchen) for making lots of noise as normal.

So off we went to Ilford with the chance to go top if we won but no, we lost one nil (bastards).

That brings me to the game with Forest.  I nearly missed the coach, I saw it pulling off as I ran after it but it just went without me. So I phone the gits and they came back for me, not many clubs would do that (or was it because Dunny forgot his phone ?!)

After picking up the lads on route we got to Forest about 1:45 and once again it was a shit hole, a small bar, and a shitty little ground (hope we get out of this league).  The game started and we were three up in no time goals from Byrne (2) and Buzz doing the job.  Just before half time they pulled one back but Clarke made it four one just before half time (easy easy).

The second half started (we never) and before you know it it was four four (fair play to the Turks).  However with ten mins left Dingle came off the bench to score a cracker to put us five four up and top of the league.  Then the big man gets booked for celebrating with me at the edge of the pitch !  Think the supporters will chip in to pay for that one.

The bus home was a happy bus and we ended up back at our club house for a beer.  I must say are bar is spot on now good beer and the big screen telly to watch the Premier league games on .

This club that I love so much (Steelman 'til I die) is moving forward on and off the field so forget about last day escapes forget about Bips burning down forget about the poor gates (I think 20 of our fans are still trying to get out of the new Wilkinson up the town) and enjoy enjoy enjoy we are top the league.

PS DON'T FORGET THE SUPPORTERS COACH TO KINGS LYNN ONLY £5 A SEAT ON THE 29TH NOVEMBER LEAVES THE GROUND AT 5:30pm.

BIG DALE (PISSED AGAIN)  

09/11 Hello everyone and welcome once again to my Strange World.  I will start by saying well done to our boss old Dunny (and Dessie) for winning the Southern League Team of the Month for October.  The last time the club won this award was in 1990/91.  I had just left school and recall waking down Welland Vale wearing my Corby scarf cutting threw the streets and going across the field with carrier bags over my Hi-Tec Shadow trainers (cool dude or what !?)

Muff scoring from the spot to send over 700 BOTS in to heaven, well the Beazer Homes League Premier Division (that's the Conference North in new money).  Back to this season and our reward for beating Rothwell in the the League Cup is a third round tie away at Premier Division side King's Lynn (I never knew there was more than two rounds).  There a bit of history between the two clubs: five nil, six nil, sorry early 90's flash back again !  They hate the Triangle and also dislike our north of the border fans.

So with this in mind and the fact they get 800 fans every week we are running a supporters coach which will leave about six on the 29th November.  To see a large away following would give the lads a big boost and should be a good laugh.

The General has asked me to say we're doing well now so let's pull together and get this club back up the leagues.  Some people have been getting on my tits on match days (Will Young !) being so negative and just moaning.  On the up-side it's great to see the ever growing younger BOTS section getting bigger by the day and a gate of over 400 was a big step forward.

I see will still get lots of post from the sheep on the forum having a dig (rattle rattle).  I'm sure their new boss will like living in Corby, I HEAR HE EVEN POPED IN TO THE SALLY ARMY HALL FOR A CUP OF TEA..!

Back to me now, thanks General.  Don't forget the pool comp: the draw is on the 3/12/05, it's only a pound to enter so have a go.  Right I'm off to Sittingbourne there's £2000 at stake, up the Corby..!

SEE YOU SOON - BIG DALE  

26/10 Just a quick update to cover our great wins in the last week: first there was our 1.0 win away to Enfield (hallows hallows). Then our win over Rothwell in front of a southern league east record crowd for this season of 405.  Moving back a couple for days a big well done to all the supporters who helped out this week fans aged 5- 80 have helped to get the ground ready for re-opening.  It was great seeing all those people pulling together to move the club forward.  The bar is looking a lot better and will be painted out in the next couple of weeks.

Back to the ROTHWELL match and all I can say is that's the best support I have know for many years so well done everyone and I hope they all turn up Saturday.  Bet there'll be a few raised eyebrows in London then they see that gate !  Last thing today is to say once again don't buy the ET, we got shite pre-match coverage and their reporter ginger twat M8rk Lea was very rude ( what's it like to hear a crowd) to me then I asked why the coverage was so poor (wanker).

BIG DALE ( GREAT TO BE BACK)

21/10 Well that's three wins and two defeats since my last notes.  There only one place to start and that's with the game over at Stamford on the pitch a fair result however the actions of Herve Villechaize (that's Tattoo from Fantasy Island) AKA the Stamford boss.  Spitting at a young Corby fan was bang out of order he has to write a letter saying sorry to the Steelmen supporters (not come yet).  I am sure the BOTS will give him a warm welcome when the ginger dwarf comes to the Triangle.

Talking of the Triangle it's nearly home time I can't wait.  (at time of writing Corby are due to return) The BOTS have been up the ground getting the club house ready and the pool table has been fixed (I think).  So here's to a happy return on the 26th October v a small town near Desborough (Rothwell).

Back to the results now after beating bottom markers Wivenhoe 3-0.  We made the trip to Enfield only to go down 2-1 but I am pleased to say we took back second place in the table with a good win over Berkhamstead Town, young Campbell getting us the points.

Up next the long trek to Hastings United in the FA trophy and with a patched up side we kept the 370 Hastings supporters heads' down with a battling display to earn a replay.

The replay was played at the Bones ground as Kettering don't want us any more (fuck 'em I think the P.A.O.C know why) so with the small crowd over just over a 100 roaring the team on we won the replay 2-0.  Great free kick from Darby and a o.g. doing the job on the night.

So with October nearly over it's a big well done to Rob and Des for the start we have made and I hope on our return to the Triangle the gates will go up.  After all people say I would go and watch a winning side well eight wins in nine home games (getting for fat arses up the ground) is just that.

Also chaps don't forget to check out the forum on this site it's a good laugh all ways someone having a pop at the club or me ( nice to have other teams fans rattled).

Lots of people using false names, I think Gazza was on, well it said wife beater so it's just a guess.  

CALLING ALL EXILE SUPPORTERS THE TIME TO DUST OFF YOUR CORBY SCARF HAS COME SEE YOU BACK AT THE TRIANGLE 

BIG DALE IS BACK (TWAT).

CHEERS, BIG DALE (HOME AT LAST !)

24/09 Hello chaps I write this having just returned from Matlock so if its a a load of crap that's why (its shite every week big man shut it general.)  Sorry voices in my head again.  Well we racked wins seven and eight with four one wins over Dartford (chaz and dave bad losers) and Brackley (it was our youth team mister honest).  The goals just keep flying in at the moment and that's why we sit third in the table.  We dropped a place as we were playing in the FA Cup this week but still not a bad start.  Up next was the trip to Matlock with one coach, a mini bus, and lots of cars going (the town was empty!)  We got there and first thing you think was what a shit hole however that soon changed when we meet their supporters.

A great bunch of lads well up for the crack so we each formed up the hosts massing near the club house and the large away following of bots on the other side of the ground each side with a drummer in tow (what's that band in Corby called, oh yes Sack the Drummer !)  The game kicked off and so did the singing and chanting (me and the General fucking love it)  Our stands bigger than your ground, the Scotch Pie which some of our new found supporters kept mixing up the words (see what happens when I miss a few home games!)  It was good to see lots of old faces at the game and meet the new younger BOTS for the first time, you really had to be there to see what good fun you can have following the Steelmen, we never shut up even at two nil down (that was the score by the way).

The end of the match came and the players came over to thank the supporters and we just kept singing and singing and singing then it was in the club house to share a drink with our hosts and then off to the transport.

I went back on the mini bus, what a laugh that was, so even in defeat a good day was had all. 

Cheers, Big Dale  (one game in exile to go)

12/09 Hello and welcome to Big Dale Strange World (should be dream world).  Six wins on the spin put that in your pipe and smoke it to the people who knock our little club.  We're second in the league and still in the FA Cup after two rounds (N IRELAND WILL BEAT ENGLAND NEXT OPPPS).  Lets turn the clock back to our trip to Conlegton town in the pre-round of the FA Cup, was good to see the supporter's bus making its first game of the season it was a sea of black and white behind the goal and what a start we had never finished saying scotch pie currant bun before Tattie made it one nil, a goal too for Buzz sealed that win.

That win was followed by wins over Enfield and Rovers to send us soaring up the table.

The 5th win has started a mini buzz around the town, people stopping me in Asda to ask me the score and say they're doing well, I might go next week.  Even at work the odd person says you're doing well playing at Kettering (to which I snapped 3 away wins as well) .

The ET even put a few "your shout" comments in the paper and well done to David for sending in the pictures that have been used (didn't think those twats would travel away did you).

So next up was the Shepshed match and chance to get in to the 2Q round for the first time in 9 seasons.  It also brought my exile to the half way point (its a fucking killer).  I am not the only one not going but I really wanted to go on Sunday (but a stand's a stand twat) anyway fuck the exiles its the team results that count and goals from Goodman and White put us in the hat for the next round (hope its away) the gate was up by nearly 50%.  If we can keep that up when the dark times are over and we're back up the triangle (they have started the track), it would be great.

Keep it going lads, that makes it seven.

Cheers Steelman in exile (front room) BIG DALE

30/08 Hello there its Strange World time once again don't normally update so quick but there was no way I was going to miss the chance to say "we are 4th in the league we are 4th in the league" (get in there you little darling).

Moving back a couple of days to our FA Cup trip to Congleton town, what a 1st half that one was one.  Up in 80 seconds (never even got to finish saying scotch pie currant bun before the ball was in the net).  Great to see the supporters bus there fuck knows where there they all came from, but a sea of black and white was behind the goal going crazy when we went two up after 15 minutes.  More singing and great play followed after the break, we held on after the hosts pulled one back and off we went to the bar with a £1000 pound in the back pocket (get the beers in jimmy, no fucking chance).

So on to the Enfield game and a good 3-0 win (thanks for keeping me up to date lads, not!) goals from Turner Holmes and Byrne in the 1st half doing the damage.  The dark times will be over soon and I can come out of exile and watch great wins like that one.  Were off on our travels again this Saturday so lets hope its a 5th win on the bounce.

Don't forget to look out for our kit man bunter's (Macca) burger and pie review, and soon also the new issue of the fanzine 

Cheers, Steelman in exile (or is that Steelman in the front room)

24/08 Hello Corby fans, well a lot has happen since my last notes and where do I start ?  It will have to be the two home/away games at Rockingham Road.  I heard that the BOTS were noisy (who needs me) which was great to hear.  After losing 1-2 to Arlesey the Steelmen regrouped and two goals from Carl Holmes on Saturday verses Sittingbourne got us our first win in Kettering for 23 long years (shame it was not the sheep we were playing).

Other point of note that day was I wore my new Corby top up the town and the number of people that took a double take was unreal (yes it's a fucking Corby shirt !)  Moving on the BOTS now play five a side footy at the rugby club every Thursday 8 to 9 check out the forum on a Thursday to see who's going.  It was a good laugh last week I even had a go.  Turn the clock back a few years (or should that be stone) with some wizard saves, so come and shown us your skills.

Back to the real football and our trip to Potters Bar Town.  We played well and should have won by more than one goal but 1-0 will do.  The three summer signings all played their part in getting our first away win of the season, we're looking in good nick for a crack at the playoffs, were up to 7th in the table early doors, I know (fuck were going to win the league !)

Good to see disco Danny back in the side after his long injury.  Talking of injuries, Richard Moore is out again he's had more knocks than the Aussie cricket team.  It's the FA cup next up and a trip to Cheshire to play Congleton Town, hope we get into the hat for the next round, we've not won away in the cup for 12 seasons so its long over due.  We'll see what happens.. 

Until next time "Steeeeeeeeelmen...!"

16/08  Hello everyone and welcome to my strange world for another season.

Thank fuck the season has started, I think I was going mad (or should that be sane) so off we went to Chatham Town for the opening match.  The trip down was pretty uneventful a part from bumping in to a group of kids from Rothwell at the services (or was that the new Bones squad ?) not sure, but the queue for sweets was long.  Also there was this one bloke on the bus but I couldn't place who he was until he said "scratch cards £1" (bloody hell, it's the Chairman !)

So we got to the ground about 1:45 (plenty of time for beer) and the first thing I noticed was it was £7 to get in (don't have a pass any more) so that's £2 more than the Triangle.  Maybe we should put ours up to £6, it'd still be cheaper then most of the grounds in the league.  Anyway moving on to the game, the boys were a little shot shy in the first half, not much for the BOTS to cheer about (so we just started singing anyway ) I got in trouble for banging on the stand again.

Second half we played better getting more into the game but the Scotch Pie song never got past the first verse.  Still it was a good away point.  A few more beers on the way back and we were back in Corby for 8:15.  On now to our first home/away match at Rockingham road and the chance to get our first win there for 23 years.  On this I totally agree with the PAOC (People's Army of Corby) statement about buying fuck all over there.  My good friend the General says power to the people so come on you Steelmen let's get a win over there.

Last thing this time is don't forget to use the free bus to sheepland, I am sure there will be plenty of new faces there having a look so lets make some noise (I want to hear it from Corby).  See you all at the next away/away match, don't forget to book a seat. 

The exile begins !  Cheers,  Big Dale.

07/08/05  First thing today is to say well done to the website team the new look site is great (nice one Paul).  Only a week to go and were off two Chatham, the small band of nutcases that follow the Steelmen away will be let out for the day.  Looking forward to seeing the league programme start as pre-season matches don't have the bite that league games have.

Sorry to see Lavin go, he's been of the best keepers in the league on his day.  However the new stopper's here so good luck to him (looks like he can kick the ball over the half way line).  It looks like the new bar is not going to happen (what a surprise) however nothing would make me happier then seeing a nice new club house under the main stand so I hope it happens.  Maybe I'll hold Jude's 18th there (he's 5 next week).

Not long back from my trip to Norfolk with the army, the highlight being E company (Corby) beating D company (The sheep) four three at football.  Both teams got stuck in a crowd of over a 100 watched the game even got a few chants going . 

So here's to the new season and maybe a good run in the cup (is it October yet ?)

11/07/05  Well lots has happened since my last post in the strangle world of sport.  We now have a new British tennis hope in the form of young Scot Andy Murray.  It's funny its pissed me off for years seeing all the England flags when Henmen has been playing for GBR so to see the odd Scotland flag made me laugh (should be the union flag).

Talking of the union flag too, it should be flying high after London winning the race to host the 2012 Olympics, this should be great for the whole of the United Kingdom (even the football hating mob we share our ground with will be smiling).

As for the Steelmen the news is starting to come though with us making our first big signing and what a good signing it was.  Carl Holmes has scored goals for all his old club so lets hope the midfielder keeps that record going in the new black and white Nike (yes Nike) kit of Corby Town. 

We should be away for the first game of the season as the scum are at home so lets get the BOTS army there in good numbers to start the season with a bang.  Last thing today is to say let's not let the bastards who bombed London win, so I for one will be going to our away games many for which are around the London area.

11/06/05  Well the football season has come to an end so what do we do ?.

It's summer so its time for the battle for the ashes.  It's funny I spend all year supporting whoever England are playing at football but then along comes the ashes and its come on England. (strange)

I am not a big fan of watching football on the telly but the champions league final was wonderful well done to Liverpool for the best come back I have ever seen **.  Back to the Steelmen now and its a new league again this time it's the Eastern (chas and dave) division which means trips to London and our old friends Dartford.  The banter has started before a ball has been kicked and Macca has took a hammering on their web site.  To this I say it will be good to have a few teams in the league with travelling support but lets let the football do the talking (six points in the bag then ?)

Well done to the BOTS for being voted best supporters in the league home and away by the Stourport fans.  Lets hope we can keep it up away from home and when we move back to the Triangle next season.

One bit of good news is that the bar is to be done up and by the time I return from exile it should be ready however, it is self help so keep checking the forum for detail of when we need help.  The difference it would make with the bar and kitchen being moved and a lick of paint (might even get a nice pint in a clean glass).

That's all for now see you soon up the steelmen.

UP THE STEELMEN    contact Dale here