Woznotwas

Pretty certain that the Holcombe Hunt horse racing at Harwood took place on the Sat and we always tried not too clash as it was still a big day out for the locals. Was at Burnden that miserable night. Up til then supporting the Wanderers had been plain sailing. Usual bad planning. We could have lived with a poor crowd in order to stay up.

Two Kearsley lads worth a mention. Thomas Mort born 1897 played 28 times for Rochdale before being sold to Villa for £1000 about 1921 - prob a decent fee then. Went on to play 337 games in defence for Villa and 3 times for England. He would bolster the defence. Other one may be remembered by thowder end - Joe Hayes had already worked in a mill and the pit when given a trial at Man City aged 17. Scored 2 against Spurs 2 months later and played a total of 331 times for City including 1955/6 FA cup finals, scoring one goal.

The newly built Burnden Park included a cycle track which was soon under used. As the popularity of the Wanderers increased the two side paddocks were extended over the track. The site lines must have been a problem as, even with the ditch, the front row fans only had a worm's eye view. The pitch was also cambered so they could not see the feet of the wingers on the opposite touch line. The former velodrome also explains the position of the nets in relation to the front rows of the Embankment and Lever Ends. Burnden Park was a big site - plenty of room for a modern stadium and a superstore. Light the blue touch paper and retire to a safe distance !

The young Super Bock was a bit unlucky to see Holland at Anfield. The Dutch were expected to top group A and England finish second and thus meet the frogs at Anfield. However the fantastic 4-1 defeat by England consigned them up north. In spite of this, there was a BWFC England flag on the Kop that night.

If I remember correctly, the Zenit game was played on Thursday and The EUFA officials offered to abandon the game and try again on Friday. However, the Russians had a league game hundreds of miles from home on the Sunday and just wanted to get the match completed and go home.

About 59 years ago my dad took me on the floodlit Embankment to see the Trotters play Spurs. I was hooked. We have had many ups and downs since but even the arch arse Anderson couldn't dim the lights. Seen all the youngsters displays this season and I must say that I am proud as ever to be a Wanderer. Sorry, should have kicked off with How do?