Got to Beaconsfield Services on the M40 at around 11.50 and parked up for a while to listen to Talksport and the result of the noon inspection.
At 12.15 Talksport still hadn't reported the decision so I try to phone Wallsall....their line was constantly engaged.
Eventualy at around 12.35 mog calls me to let me know it was off, he had read it on the Charlton club site.
I then phoned Talksport to tell them and they announced it at around 12.45.... some forty five minutes 'after' the noon inspection time!!
I realise it may have taken up to 15 minutes to come to the decision but by 12.45 no major radio station had announced it, was this the fault of Wallsall? I intend to find out....their phone is now saying the offices are shut...yeah I bet they are....they'll be hearing from me on Monday morning to hear their side of it.
So much for 'up to the minute' news coverage!
I appreciate that some poor folk were a lot worse off than me and no doubt we'll be hearing from some of them in due course.
[cite]Posted By: cafckev[/cite]Its a good thing for the injury hit players, but its another game that our suspended players will now miss in the league!
we're only talking Sodje. I'm sure we can manage against the mighty O's without a player of his immense ability and tendancy to self-destruct.
F*cking c*nts, was in KFC in Brummy when found out, went down to the ground to have a look, everything around the ground was frost free, so how comes the pitch magically wasnt?
Was supposed to be on the 0845 but found out about the 0930 pitch inspection so delayed my trip to get the 1018. Saw the Cheesyjet mob who informed us of the 1200 pitch inspection so we took the chance and got the train to brum only to find out when we got of at brum that the game was off,
Sorry but backsides need to be kicked....thats two weeks in row walsall have pissed people off,i know it may not be their fault but if the pitch inspection threw doubt on the game being played at 09.30 why then wait until 1200 by which time people would started their journey to the ground..not a happy bunny
We travelled (from Sheffield) after the advice at 9AM that it was probably on, and as it was sunny when we got to Brum we didn't bother getting another update before we got to Bescot at ten to three. Walked all the way round the stadium and found the groundsman, pretty much the only person still there, looking cold, knackered and pissed off. He said they worked through the night to get the pitch de-frosted and it was only one hard patch in the corner that was cause for concern. Furthermore, he said Parkinson was the one who wanted to call off and he reckoned the ref would have let them play the game had the Charlton manager agreed to let it happen. He said after the other games they've missed they were desperate to play and even their owner had been there all morning helping in the defrosting effort.
To say we are pissed off it is an understatement. Nearly a ton down on train tickets and suitably oiled for footy, we ended up at Villa-Blackburn down the road, which was crap. If it is true that Parkinson made that call then I'm hoping at least for a decent explanation and apology.
[cite]Posted By: Curb_It[/cite]Im sure i read earlier from the same groundsman that Parky wanted it to be played so lets not all get irate with the wrong man.
Yes B, there are conflicting statements re who wanted it on and who wanted it off.
Yeah it was the fact that with the early inspection they said it looks good to go, just double check areas later. I mean thats basically telling fans to travel to the game
"Walsall worked extremely hard to get the game on," said Parkinson, who was at the ground at 9.30am for the first inspection alongside assistant manager Tim Breacker.
"About seven-eighths of the pitch are fine, and the sun is out and temperatures are rising, but the ref just felt there were areas of the pitch that weren't going to improve enough in time.
"We wanted the game on, as did Walsall, and both managers and everyone else were able to have their say, but ultimately the referee has to make a decision and it's his call."
At the first inspection, it seemed the match would go ahead after the referee instructed Saddlers groundstaff to concentrate on several areas of concern, and a second inspection was decided upon.
But despite intensive efforts and the use of heaters, the referee was still sufficiently concerned to call the game off at around 12.35pm.
Parkinson, who returned to the stadium for the second inspection, added: "The ref had to take the safety of the players into consideration.
"There was talk of leaving the decision until 2pm in the hope it would improve, but it was felt that wasn't fair on fans.
"Of course, we wanted to play the game, and I feel for all those supporters who were no doubt on their way already, and had probably even arrived in the area already."
On our way home from Walsall now. Still miffed and got loads of leftover mince pies that I'll have to bring to the valley next week. The bhajis/duck spring rolls are in bin :-(
[cite]Posted By: WSS[/cite]"Walsall worked extremely hard to get the game on," said Parkinson, who was at the ground at 9.30am for the first inspection alongside assistant manager Tim Breacker.
"About seven-eighths of the pitch are fine, and the sun is out and temperatures are rising, but the ref just felt there were areas of the pitch that weren't going to improve enough in time.
"We wanted the game on, as did Walsall, and both managers and everyone else were able to have their say, but ultimately the referee has to make a decision and it's his call."
At the first inspection, it seemed the match would go ahead after the referee instructed Saddlers groundstaff to concentrate on several areas of concern, and a second inspection was decided upon.
But despite intensive efforts and the use of heaters, the referee was still sufficiently concerned to call the game off at around 12.35pm.
Parkinson, who returned to the stadium for the second inspection, added: "The ref had to take the safety of the players into consideration.
"There was talk of leaving the decision until 2pm in the hope it would improve, but it was felt that wasn't fair on fans.
"Of course, we wanted to play the game, and I feel for all those supporters who were no doubt on their way already, and had probably even arrived in the area already."
[cite]Posted By: WSS[/cite]"Walsall worked extremely hard to get the game on," said Parkinson, who was at the ground at 9.30am for the first inspection alongside assistant manager Tim Breacker.
"About seven-eighths of the pitch are fine, and the sun is out and temperatures are rising, but the ref just felt there were areas of the pitch that weren't going to improve enough in time.
"We wanted the game on, as did Walsall, and both managers and everyone else were able to have their say, but ultimately the referee has to make a decision and it's his call."
At the first inspection, it seemed the match would go ahead after the referee instructed Saddlers groundstaff to concentrate on several areas of concern, and a second inspection was decided upon.
But despite intensive efforts and the use of heaters, the referee was still sufficiently concerned to call the game off at around 12.35pm.
Parkinson, who returned to the stadium for the second inspection, added: "The ref had to take the safety of the players into consideration.
"There was talk of leaving the decision until 2pm in the hope it would improve, but it was felt that wasn't fair on fans.
"Of course, we wanted to play the game, and I feel for all those supporters who were no doubt on their way already, and had probably even arrived in the area already."
they dont call him pinocchio for nothing
Exactly who calls Parkinson Pinocchio (am I reading you correctly)?
Is this some sort of silly comment/fact/simple hearsay or mischevious rumour (which could be quite damaging), what's your meaning?
If it's not a joke, then before coming out with that sort of comment you surely need to verify your information, as it's 'extremely' demeaning.
Of course I take on board that this might just simply be a joke on your part Steve, in which case I think you should have maybe added an 'LOL' or something to make that clear...otherwise how are we to interpret your comment...it can be taken literaly?
Well I believe the Groundsman who has no axe to grind in this at all and is clearly an unbiased witness ; - (
Henry jJr's game was called off at the weekend as one goal mouth was frozen where it had been sanded. The home team wanted to play but we weren't prepared to let 10 and 11 year old boys play on rock hard ground and maybe break a wrist or collarbone in a fall.
So their manager says "so do you want to play or not?" to which our manager replied "yes, we want to play, we've driven 40 minutes to get here, the whole team is here and we want to play but it's not safe so we're not playing".
I arrived at the Bescot at 1pm, just as the team coach was being re-loaded with the players kit.
I personally spoke to the Groundsman.
He told me they had been working their socks off to get the game going and BOTH managers wanted the game to go ahead. He said that unlike Lambert who told the ref that he wasn't thinking of the safety of his (Norwich's) players, Parky was 'very keen' for the match to go ahead.
The area in front of the away fans end was clearly still frozen, despite the braziers on the pitch.
The surrounding areas of the ground had a recent light dusting of snow.
IMHO, the ref should have postponed the game at 9.30 and saved a lot of grief for the 700 or so travelling Addicks who (like me) were waiting for his decision on whether to travel or not. I bet he still got his match fee and expenses though.
We arrived at the ground at 12.40ish to be met by a steward making a " cut throat" gesture....." Nice welcome", I thought 'til we realised it was no joke and the game was off with no confirmation on Five Live....
We spoke to " an official" ( who was originally believed to be the ref ! ) who confirmed Addickted's words. Seems as though just ONE corner of the pitch was a problem , which, presumably fails to get the sun. Surely it was common sense to realise this wouldn't change in 2.5 hours or so ? Why not use a hairdryer on a defined, small area ? Or a bucket of boiling water & a bit of sand ? We have played on a beach before, after all....Couldn't believe this constituted calling off the match when we had seen VERY little evidence of snow/ice in the area.
Out of pocket from paying petrol money and very frustrated at this total waste of time & energy.
As frustrated as I was with the ref i don't think you can blame Walsall too much. They would have known we had a weakened squad who have not won in 3 games and would have tried everything to get the game on. Pouring boiling water onto a frozen pitch might defrost the top to start but soon all that water would have probably frozen over too and made the situation worse!
[cite]Posted By: SoundAsa£[/cite]I realise it may have taken up to 15 minutes to come to the decision but by 12.45 no major radio station had announced it, was this the fault of Wallsall? I intend to find out....their phone is now saying the offices are shut...yeah I bet they are....they'll be hearing from me on Monday morning to hear their side of it.
[cite]Posted By: SoundAsa£[/cite]I realise it may have taken up to 15 minutes to come to the decision but by 12.45 no major radio station had announced it, was this the fault of Wallsall? I intend to find out....their phone is now saying the offices are shut...yeah I bet they are....they'll be hearing from me on Monday morning to hear their side of it.
what did they say for themselves?
Well...I really haven't got time to go through all that was said to me by their assistant secretary Dan.Who's brother is an avid Addick by the way!!
The inspection DID take place at 12.00......but the ref wanted the braziers moved and took another look at 12.15....the final decision to cancel came at around 12.25....Dan himself then called The Football League which took a few minutes and then the media which took a further 5 minutes.....Talksport then took about 10 minutes to react to the news following my call to them to tell them the game was off....we now arrive at 12.40....as opposed to around 12.10 or 12.15 that we might have expected to have heard under 'normal' circumstances.
Incidently, Dan recommended that 5 Live is the best option to hear of cancelled games etc....more informative and up to the minute by all accounts.
Nice guy and explained the situation thoroughly....I didn't ask if either of the managers asked for the game to be cancelled as I thought that might put him on the spot somewhat.
Comments
At 12.15 Talksport still hadn't reported the decision so I try to phone Wallsall....their line was constantly engaged.
Eventualy at around 12.35 mog calls me to let me know it was off, he had read it on the Charlton club site.
I then phoned Talksport to tell them and they announced it at around 12.45.... some forty five minutes 'after' the noon inspection time!!
I realise it may have taken up to 15 minutes to come to the decision but by 12.45 no major radio station had announced it, was this the fault of Wallsall? I intend to find out....their phone is now saying the offices are shut...yeah I bet they are....they'll be hearing from me on Monday morning to hear their side of it.
So much for 'up to the minute' news coverage!
I appreciate that some poor folk were a lot worse off than me and no doubt we'll be hearing from some of them in due course.
We are at a mates just down the road in chasetown so just gonna head to the pub. Gutted but will probably go to re-arranged match
we're only talking Sodje. I'm sure we can manage against the mighty O's without a player of his immense ability and tendancy to self-destruct.
Saw the Cheesyjet mob who informed us of the 1200 pitch inspection so we took the chance and got the train to brum only to find out when we got of at brum that the game was off,
Sorry but backsides need to be kicked....thats two weeks in row walsall have pissed people off,i know it may not be their fault but if the pitch inspection threw doubt on the game being played at 09.30 why then wait until 1200 by which time people would started their journey to the ground..not a happy bunny
To say we are pissed off it is an understatement. Nearly a ton down on train tickets and suitably oiled for footy, we ended up at Villa-Blackburn down the road, which was crap. If it is true that Parkinson made that call then I'm hoping at least for a decent explanation and apology.
Ian
Yes B, there are conflicting statements re who wanted it on and who wanted it off.
"About seven-eighths of the pitch are fine, and the sun is out and temperatures are rising, but the ref just felt there were areas of the pitch that weren't going to improve enough in time.
"We wanted the game on, as did Walsall, and both managers and everyone else were able to have their say, but ultimately the referee has to make a decision and it's his call."
At the first inspection, it seemed the match would go ahead after the referee instructed Saddlers groundstaff to concentrate on several areas of concern, and a second inspection was decided upon.
But despite intensive efforts and the use of heaters, the referee was still sufficiently concerned to call the game off at around 12.35pm.
Parkinson, who returned to the stadium for the second inspection, added: "The ref had to take the safety of the players into consideration.
"There was talk of leaving the decision until 2pm in the hope it would improve, but it was felt that wasn't fair on fans.
"Of course, we wanted to play the game, and I feel for all those supporters who were no doubt on their way already, and had probably even arrived in the area already."
they dont call him pinocchio for nothing
I don't think so mr groundsman!
Exactly who calls Parkinson Pinocchio (am I reading you correctly)?
Is this some sort of silly comment/fact/simple hearsay or mischevious rumour (which could be quite damaging), what's your meaning?
If it's not a joke, then before coming out with that sort of comment you surely need to verify your information, as it's 'extremely' demeaning.
Of course I take on board that this might just simply be a joke on your part Steve, in which case I think you should have maybe added an 'LOL' or something to make that clear...otherwise how are we to interpret your comment...it can be taken literaly?
Henry jJr's game was called off at the weekend as one goal mouth was frozen where it had been sanded. The home team wanted to play but we weren't prepared to let 10 and 11 year old boys play on rock hard ground and maybe break a wrist or collarbone in a fall.
So their manager says "so do you want to play or not?" to which our manager replied "yes, we want to play, we've driven 40 minutes to get here, the whole team is here and we want to play but it's not safe so we're not playing".
I personally spoke to the Groundsman.
He told me they had been working their socks off to get the game going and BOTH managers wanted the game to go ahead. He said that unlike Lambert who told the ref that he wasn't thinking of the safety of his (Norwich's) players, Parky was 'very keen' for the match to go ahead.
The area in front of the away fans end was clearly still frozen, despite the braziers on the pitch.
The surrounding areas of the ground had a recent light dusting of snow.
IMHO, the ref should have postponed the game at 9.30 and saved a lot of grief for the 700 or so travelling Addicks who (like me) were waiting for his decision on whether to travel or not. I bet he still got his match fee and expenses though.
We spoke to " an official" ( who was originally believed to be the ref ! ) who confirmed Addickted's words. Seems as though just ONE corner of the pitch was a problem , which, presumably fails to get the sun. Surely it was common sense to realise this wouldn't change in 2.5 hours or so ? Why not use a hairdryer on a defined, small area ? Or a bucket of boiling water & a bit of sand ? We have played on a beach before, after all....Couldn't believe this constituted calling off the match when we had seen VERY little evidence of snow/ice in the area.
Out of pocket from paying petrol money and very frustrated at this total waste of time & energy.
what did they say for themselves?
Well...I really haven't got time to go through all that was said to me by their assistant secretary Dan.Who's brother is an avid Addick by the way!!
The inspection DID take place at 12.00......but the ref wanted the braziers moved and took another look at 12.15....the final decision to cancel came at around 12.25....Dan himself then called The Football League which took a few minutes and then the media which took a further 5 minutes.....Talksport then took about 10 minutes to react to the news following my call to them to tell them the game was off....we now arrive at 12.40....as opposed to around 12.10 or 12.15 that we might have expected to have heard under 'normal' circumstances.
Incidently, Dan recommended that 5 Live is the best option to hear of cancelled games etc....more informative and up to the minute by all accounts.
Nice guy and explained the situation thoroughly....I didn't ask if either of the managers asked for the game to be cancelled as I thought that might put him on the spot somewhat.