11th May 2013

The branch will be travelling to pre-season games. Once they are announced we will be publishing travel and ticket details to the membership.

21st April 2013

Brighton – home news

Bus details and those booked on the buses will be published on the travel News page along with pick up times on Tuesday evening 23rd April.

UPDATE:  Now back working

17th March 2013

Brighton Home fixture – Overnight

As the season is now coming to a premature and extremely disappointing end, the Thames Valley are planning to make the last home game of the season an overnight stay for those that want to see out the season in a party style.

There will be two buses running for this game with one coming straight back after the game and the second staying over in Leeds. We will be advising which hotel we intend in using so members can book early.

Those that wish to stay over will need to email ASAP so we can keep the travel and hotel stay down to a minimum price.

 

11th March 2013

Adey the branch Chair gives his views on the TVW away day last Saturday to Palace

As usual at a London game, an outstanding turn out by the TVWs. Apologies for the pub stop – a first for Leeds fans; condemned and demolished before we arrived – but, personally, I thought the Bag O’ Nails was a better boozer. I will ensure that the venue for the Charlton game is better scrutinised beforehand!

The game was exciting and a draw was probably a fair reflection, but, yet again, we were the masters of our own downfall by getting the basics of defending a lead wrong and not taking the opportunity to finish off the opposition when a decent opportunity arises. That’s three away games we have blown a lead late on and those 6 points will cost us dearly in the final analysis (sorry to be negative).

Holloway proved what a complete Wurzel twat he really is (two off my arse and a referee who could only indicate in one direction the majority of the time. Five Leeds players booked to none for the home side in a pretty even game. More one eyed than Nelson) and Palace were clearly shaken by our performance. As for their fans……..”We’re Palace, we’re Palace; You’re wankers, you’re wankers; ohhh, oh, ohh” or however the nauseating shite chant goes. Yet another set of happy clappies led like lemmings by a drum and a plastic song when they score. At least our Muppets haven’t introduced it to Elland Road yet, and long may that be the case.

Some good news though; did anyone see Goals on Sunday? Neil Warnock stating that he will be going at the end of the season even if we get promotion. Without a miracle the size of the parting of the Red Sea or, as we’re close to Easter, an even bigger ressurrection than the one we will be celebrating at the end of the month, I really can’t see us getting promotion. But if we do, if we do, it would not hurt any of you to salute him just this once. (Macca will get the joke).

Judging by the weather, Leeds won’t need to “Paint it White” at Elland Road this Saturday because there will be snow everywhere. Get your seat booked on the bus by letting Griff know pronto. Huddersfield, let’s just batter them once and for all and hope they just piss off so that we don’t have two 12.30 kick-offs next season.

There is no game the weekend of 23rd March and then it is Ipswich away on Easter Saturday. No trains into Paddington, so we are running a minibus on a first come, first served basis, unless there is a big enough demand for a coach – don’t leave it to the last minute, let Griff know that you are coming now.

Finally, remember that we are stopping over in Leeds after the last home game of the season against Brighton. Again, let us know as early as possible if you are joining us in order that we can accommodate numbers on travel and sort-out £5 off vouchers for those who need match tickets. If you are up & back in the same day, please let us know now so that we can gauge numbers and arrange appropriate travel – pushbike, motorbike with side-car or Reliant Robin.

Enjoy the rest of the season.

Now how does that song go………

The Grand Old Duke of York, He had a drinking den,
Last year we went to drink in it, and this year we went back there again.
Now when it was up, we could sup. And when it’s knocked down , we’ll be down.
And though we travelled half way up, some bastard had closed it down

MOTG,
Adey.

21st February 2013

Thou Should Never Leave A Game Early – Just Ask This Leeds United Fan

Sit daaaahn!

Walking out of a football match is like walking out of your mother’s funeral, no matter how painful you just shouldn’t do it. This Leeds United fan should know – he learned the hard way.

I blame Mark. I’d never left a Leeds match early until I started going with him.

‘Another one goes in and I’m off’, he says, or ‘If it’s still three nil with ten to go I’ll see you in the boozer’.

And on occasions I’ve followed him. I’ve not done it very often and it’s a pet hate to see fans leave early but I have done it. And it’s wasn’t to get a flyer out of the car park or to catch an earlier train but to escape whatever torture was being dished up on the pitch. How many times have I done it? Five maybe? And always with Mark. So, as I said, I blame him.

November 2003 and Leeds United were going through ‘a period of transition’, ‘a feet-finding mission’, ‘a rebuilding exercise’ if you will. In other words we were s***. Manager, Peter Reid had cobbled together a team from late summer deals, remnants of David O’Leary and Terry Venables’ previous endeavours and a Frenchmen called Cyril. Instantly forgettable recruits included the likes of Lamine Sakho, Zoumana Camara and Roque Junior. The latter, we seemed to be constantly reminded, was a World Cup winner for Brazil. However, what was never really apparent was the sport at which he was victorious. Rarely have I seen a defender so clearly out of his depth and comfort zone who fast-tracked incompetence to unprecedented levels. We were fighting for our Premiership lives and clearly losing the battle. And so to Portsmouth away.

It felt like the build up to a funeral, standing around and waiting for the coffin to arrive.

The previous Saturday we’d lost 4-1 at home to eventual champions, the invincible Arsenal team. An expected defeat perhaps but surely at Portsmouth we could get something and improve on our meagre eight points. Leading up to kick off there had been a power cut. Fratton Park was cast in early winter semi-darkness with only occasional cigarettes being lit providing brief moments of illumination. With no power, this meant no public address system and no music. It felt strangely subdued and the crowd were in the dark all round as to what was happening. Once 3pm had come and gone the sporadic singing of both sets of fans died away replaced by a gentle buzz of chatter in the cold gloom. It felt like the build up to a funeral, standing around and waiting for the coffin to arrive.

The kick off came eventually and within sixteen minutes Leeds were a goal down. Alan Smith equalised two minutes later but this was to be just a stay of execution. With Roque Junior (a World Cup winner, you know) proving to be as desperately inept in midfield as he was at the back, we were continually carved apart and on the stroke of half time Portsmouth made it 2-1. Early in the second half 3-1 soon followed. Hayden Foxe, a player I can only describe as having the mobility of a large wardrobe and who would later sign for us, swivelled to crack home a volley and make it four. It was too much. My mate, Mark, grunted something and we turned and shuffled away in silence. Up the terrace, down the steps, through the gates and away from Leeds United. We walked to Fratton Station in silence, with heads down and hands deep in pockets. The only sound was the Pompey crowd, cheering and chanting. Another roar meant another goal and another bullet to the heart. We stood on the train platform with one or two others and yet another cheer went up, 6-1. I gazed towards the stadium where I had stood a few minutes earlier. No ‘Useless b*****ds’ was spat, no ‘let’s write this one off’ – we were going down and we knew it.

The journey back to Banbury seemed endless. I walked into the house and took a can of lager from the fridge, went upstairs and stared out of the window into the night. Then tears filled my eyes; a reaction I’d not anticipated. It was relegation we were staring at, not an imminent death for God’s sake! I hadn’t even realised that I could raise such emotion for Leeds. I thought back to 1982 and West Brom away, the last time Leeds were relegated. I didn’t go to the game but listened on the radio as we slipped to defeat and into the Second Division. The next day at school we had PE as the first lesson of the day, followed by Music. I went though the motions with little physical exertion, got showered and changed and trudged sombrely to the music room. Kids, mostly mates gathered at the windows awaiting my arrival. I saw them laughing and pointing as they scurried back to their desks upon seeing me. I walked into the classroom and on a supposed given cue; the music teacher struck the piano keys. He played jauntily and loud and the kids sang along, ‘Going down, going down, going down, going down, going down, going do – own…’ I stood in the doorway with wet hair and an Adidas sports bag while they all chanted at me. I didn’t buckle and waited until they’d finished, sat at my desk and took my books out. Twenty one years later and I think of it again. The hurt inside. I’m in my house staring out of the window with a drink in my hand and I’m twelve years old sitting at a desk in the music room. Once again Leeds were going down, going down, going down and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I finished my beer and went to bed hoping to wake up five years later.

Two years have passed and I’m on a train going to watch Leeds at Southampton. It was our second season down and despite going into the game in the dizzy position of fourth, things were not going quite to plan. We hadn’t taken maximum points from any of the previous five matches and the football being played was approaching and often beyond dreadful. The manager, Kevin Blackwell, when questioned on our form, continued to trot out his stock statements of how, when he had arrived at the club there was only him, Gary Kelly and the tea lady on the staff.  It was true that following relegation and financial mismanagement the squad had been wearing thin but so were his excuses. With Kelly in the team at St.Mary’s that day was Paul Butler. Most teams have at some point employed the services of players who can best be described as a BRB (Big Rough Bastard). Think Micky Droy, Larry Lloyd, Sam Allardyce and so on. These are players who are there to stop others. Players who are not blessed with the finer nuances of the beautiful game perhaps. Paul Butler was our BRB. This man had somehow contrived to become internationally recognised for the art of stopping, albeit a single cap for Eire. He was cumbersome. He was a liability. He was s***t. It was said that Butler was actually running the show behind the scenes so I’ll blame him for how poor we were at the time.

After traditional liquid refreshment I took my position in the ground with fellow seasoned away travellers, Mark and Smurf. So what delights were we about to be regally spoilt with?  Would it be the nonchalant passing of previous Leeds v Southampton encounters, with the Whites carving the hapless Saints to ribbons or would we be playing with the swagger, style and beauty of Brazil 1970 or the Dutch team that followed?

‘I’ll tek a f***ing draw now’, said Mark.

Southampton were kind to us and sportingly waited until the twenty seventh minute to score their first. Theo Walcott ripped through us and two more goals followed with Leeds offering little resistance – three-nil down. Around me, people were shaking their heads both bemused and amused. It was as bad as it had ever been and nothing could get us out of it. Blackwell’s position was discussed amongst the faithful; formations weren’t working, players were out of position and there seemed to be no leadership. We couldn’t defend, we couldn’t attack and we couldn’t create.  It wasn’t a case of where was the next win was coming from but where was the next goal? Mark thought long and hard about the dismal display of Leeds United as the last player left the field at half-time with the boos raining down. He bit his bottom lip and reflected on what he’d witnessed.  This was a man of reason but also a champion ranter when given a suitable platform. But he was quiet. Thoughtful. What wrathful disdain was about to be ejected or would it be an optimistic rallying cry for the downtrodden troops?  Here it comes. A glance round the ground, eyes narrowing, deep breath, lips apart…

‘Pint?’

He looked hopefully at me and Smurf. This was new territory. I was a fledgling member of ‘the early getaway club’ and a reluctant one at that. A half-time departure had never been mentioned on the application form. A couple of minutes from the end when getting hammered and drenched maybe but HALF TIME? This needed careful consideration and reasoned judgement.  A whole new ball game you might say.

‘Aye’, I replied, ‘f*** it’.

We itched along the row of seats and under the stand. Smurf followed, seemingly eager too for solace in alcohol. At the heavy red gates I turned and he was ten yards behind looking perplexed.

‘Where you off?’ he asked

‘Pub’

‘I thought you meant a drink in here. I’ll pass ta…’

Mark and I walked out of the ground with Smurf’s last words tapping away at our shoulders – ‘… owt could happen’.

We hurried through the damp streets back towards the city centre. It felt wrong to be leaving a ground where Leeds were still playing but as long-time sufferers we’d seen it all before. Why should we stay? For the thousandth time we’d got up at a daft time to travel two hundred miles only to be treated to clueless, directionless football. We were being embarrassed, AGAIN. We were being outfought, AGAIN. We were about to get tonked, AGAIN. And so we trotted on.

As the Guinness started to kick in I didn’t feel quite so bad any more at not being there.

This was no Portsmouth 6-1 and we chatted and joked and laughed at the spectacle we’d witnessed, almost revelling in how poor it had been. Walking into the pub we were met by twenty or so more like-minded Leeds fans, fellow early risers and complainants. All were laughing and drinking. There was nothing else you could do.  But I felt uneasy, this wasn’t right, I shouldn’t have been there. I should have been back at the ground taking the defeat on the chin. What did the song say about up and downs and staying with Leeds forever?  I felt detached as I drank my pint. The TV was on and a glance up confirmed that it was still 3-0 with twenty minutes to go.  That would be a  reasonably respectable score on reflection. Then, as I was still watching, the score changed and my phone vibrated with an incoming text. It was from Smurf.  Butler, the BRB, had made it 3-1. A consolation goal. This was definite respectability now. As the Guinness started to kick in I didn’t feel quite so bad any more at not being there. Okay, I’d missed a goal but I was in a warm pub on a cold day watching the scores whilst chatting and relaxing.

Soon after, my phone buzzed again. I looked at it and my eyes widened in a slight panic. Robbie Blake had scored for Leeds – it was now 3-2 with thirteen minutes to go.

I forgot everything about warm pubs and cold days and stared at Mark, ‘If we f***ing score again…’ but I was shot down.

‘We won’t though, we’re Leeds. There’s more chance of me shagging the Pope.’

Mark was right. Both scenarios were highly unlikely. We’d staged comebacks before; the 4-3 wins at home to Derby and Liverpool for example, but these were at Elland Road in front of big noisy crowds, not at the other end of the country in the driving rain. I kept on glancing at the TV, selfishly hoping for full-time and the match report, ‘Southampton 3 Leeds 2 – a spirited fightback was thwarted by stout home defending’, or ‘A respectable effort by Leeds but they couldn’t quite conjure up the all important equalizer. A third goal was to prove a bridge too…’ On the table my phone vibrated again. I couldn’t look. I daren’t. But I had to. Deep breath. Oh my good God, we’d just equalised. I felt empty as I raised my eyes from the text and told Mark the news and then how I was never listening to him again. David Healy had come off the sub’s bench and scored with an eighty-fourth minute penalty. This was bittersweet. I could only imagine the scenes in the Leeds end as fans tumbled over seats where I’d been sat, hugged each other and looked to the heavens.

I think I was still going on and on about the fact that I’d never left a match early before I’d met him to Mark when Smurf’s next text came in. Misspelt but clearly readable, it informed me that not only had Liam Miller now made it 4-3 to Leeds but that ‘WERE OFF F***IN MENTL!’

I smiled, I had no option, and showed the phone to my disbelieving mate, took a long draw on my pint and declared, ‘We are never, ever, EVER, going to live this f***er down’.

How could they do it? How could Leeds possibly do this to me? The years of dedication I’d given them at home, away and in Europe. The credit card bills I’d racked up, the weddings I’d missed, the sickies I’d pulled – and this is how they reward me…by winning! The bastards.

The result came up on the screen and a pub half full of Leeds fans could only shake their heads, or smile, or cry. The choice was ours. I was a victim of cliché as my jaw genuinely dropped and I was rendered speechless. I wanted the next match now. I wanted today to be five matches ago. I wanted it to be ‘Can you remember when Leeds came back to win 4-3 at Southampton?’ and I say, ‘God, that was some years ago now’. I dreaded the next few days. What was I possibly going to say when people ask how it was? Does it make up for all the bad times? Was it worth all the effort of getting there now? What the f*** would I say?  ‘Well actually I left at half-time because my tit of a mate said let’s go to the boozer’, But I was the tit because I’d followed him and as a consequence had missed probably Leeds’ greatest ever comeback for the sake of a few extra pints.

I woke up on the train fifteen minutes from home and checked my phone; twenty odd texts and numerous missed calls. I deleted them all and did what I knew I couldn’t put off any longer. The truth had to come out sooner or later. I typed a text, ‘Left at half time, missed all goals’ and sent it to everyone I could think of and turned the phone off. I thought of them all reading the message and saying. ‘I don’t believe it, what a d***’. So, in the following days I faced the backlash. Ridicule came in droves and I deserved every bit of it. No one let up – and why should they? I’d do the same to anyone else in that situation.

My wife, my work colleagues, my mates, the postman, in fact anyone who had spent more than eight seconds in my company seemed to rise up as one to rip the complete p***out of me. It was a long few days but the worst was yet to come. The Tuesday night after the fiasco, Leeds were at home to Burnley. I dreaded going into my usual home match pub but the inevitable had to be done and so I swallowed what minute speck of pride remained and opened the door. I did so just as Mark, the Pied Piper to my rat, was entering too. I knew we had to face the music but this was to be the London Philharmonic as, gathered in the corner, were all the lads we knew who’d stayed at half time and not thrown in the beer towel. They’d had their ‘ups and downs’ and they’d ‘marched on together’ while I’d been asking ‘for another in there and whatever he’s having’. A cheer went up when we were spotted and the insults came thick and fast. All I could see were mouths moving at a hundred miles per hour as they fought to be heard over each other. ‘Knobs’ was one frequently-used word, ‘t**s’ another and a fair few ‘d***heads’ were offered. None of these I could refute as being anything but the truth. We stood there taking the lot and other drinkers started sniggering and shaking their heads when they realised what we’d done. Everyone was mocking, even the bar staff.

Then I abandoned any loyalty I had, any ‘We’ll see it through together, mate’, and stepped back from Mark. Like a kid who’d just smashed a volley through the greenhouse window, I pointed in his direction, ‘It was him’ I said, ‘he made me do it.’ ‘He’s right’, Mark offered meekly, ‘it was my idea’ and shook his head with a hint of despair. Then the laughing continued and I felt bad for trying to wriggle out of something that I should have taken on the chin.  But it was his idea.

We beat Burnley 2-0 that night. It was 0-0 at half-time and whilst I was still muttering feeble excuses regarding my early exit to anyone who’d listen a text came in from Mark that read:

‘Fancy a pint?’

I didn’t respond.

I don’t leave matches early any more. How could I? I’m shackled now, waiting for a repeat of Southampton away, waiting to put things right. I’ll be the one who’s still in the ground when we’re 5-0 down and the board’s gone up indicating two minutes of injury time thinking, ‘Come on, we can still do it, this could be the one, I could make amends, put the ghost to rest’. But it ain’t going to happen and I realise that. I ballsed up and there’s no denying it. Occasionally, I start making my way down the steps as the referee is looking at his watch. Or I might hover annoyingly at the exit to the displeasure of anyone whose view I’m selfishly blocking. But in the main my a***e is welded to the seat until the last peep of the ref’s whistle has drifted over the stands.  After all, owt could happen.

Tuz…

24th December 2012

TVW Christmas Message

Ho Ho Ho!  Merry Christmas to you all.

After yesterday’s performance against ‘Boro I think we can look forward to the second half of the season with optimism following the takeover by GHF.  I think we produced an excellent performance against a strong team and there wasn’t enough time to sing “You should have gone Christmas Shopping” to the 3,000 away fans (best turn-out this year, so praise where it is due).  Let’s hope we can get a result at Forest & Hull and sort-out Bolton at home on New Year’s Day.

Something that may be of interest to some of you is the newly introduced “Half Season Ticket” now available for the last ten home games of which only one is mid-week.  Despite what the despot Bates claims, this was not his idea; Steve Griffin raised this at the RMC’s meeting in November 2011.  We also suggested opening-up the South East wedge for school kids so perhaps the club may be listening to the fans at last even if they don’t give any credit to the “morons” who follow the club but we all know how our beloved Chairman works.

Disappointingly, but not unsurprisingly, numbers are down at Elland Road and this has been reflected in numbers travelling with the TVWs (home and away, with a few exceptions).  What I would say to you is the atmosphere at Elland Road has been back to its best for the last two games so give it a bash; we know the numbers the Thames Valley Whites can turn-out so let’s see more of you again. We still run transport to all League games.

On this note I trust none of you have fallen in to the same trap as this member:

 This is our Christmas Caption Competition; answers to Griff by New Year’s Eve.

Prize will be free travel on the coach of the winner’s choice for a game this season………

Finally, a few thank yous:-

To all of you who continue to support the TVWs whether it is home or away, once or twenty five times this season.  You are our lifeblood………and my drinking partners!!

To Kath for running our membership scheme this season and the support from Glynn & Nigel on the Committee.

To Griff for his tireless efforts, smiling face and sheer bloody hard work.  You are the heart and soul of this RMC.

But also at this festive time, a big thank you to all your families, girlfriends and boyfriends for putting up with the “wrong ‘uns” who follow Leeds United with the Thames Valley Whites.

Have a great time and see you at Forest on Boxing Day.

MARCHING ON TOGETHER,

Adey  – Thames Valley Whites – Chairman

 

 

13th November 2012

Millwall Travel Details

Travel details for members of the Thames Valley have now been sent out via the membership global emails. Please email me directly if you have not received or want this information.

7th November 2012

Huddersfield Away branch details

Thames Valley will initially be running a 17-Seater mini bus to this fixture, 1st December 2012 on a first come first served basis. It will be leaving Reading Station at Approx 06.00am to ensure we make the 12.30 kick off time.

Ticket go on sale to Season ticket holders on Tuesday 13th November 2012 – 10.30am

Member sales Monday 19th November 2012 – 10.30am

7th November 2012

Global emails back on line

The Thames Valley Whites global emails are now back up and running and members will receive an up dated email today. Those that have not received one by 3pm today please get in touch.

4th November 2012

Burnley and Watford travel news

Those wishing to travel to these two matches please book your seats via text or email. To check whether you are booked on and pick up times please go to the Travel news page where the current details are published. These will be updated daily.

Details for the Millwall fixture will be published later in the week however the global messaging system will be up ad running again on Wednesday, fingers crossed.

31st October 2012

Brighton Coach departure times

Coach pick up times are now published on the travel news page. Please ensure that if you are traveling with us that day that you are on the published list. If you are not on the list or at the correct pick-up point please email or text me so I can adjust. We still have seats available so last minute additions are welcome.

28th October 2012

Brighton Pub stop details

The Woolpack

West Street,
Burgess Hill,
RH15 8NN

http://www.thewoolpack.net/

28th October 2011

Brighton Away

We will be running the 36-seater coach to Brighton. Times have yet to be published but we will be looking to leave early afternoon to beat the Friday rush hour travel around the M25.

We have a pub stop planned and details of this will be published later next week.

We still have seats available for those with tickets. Those still looking for tickets are advised to keep checking the Official site for any returns that Leeds may receive back.

26th October 2012

Communication problems

Many members will have picked up on that they are not receiving global emails. This is due to the fact that I have lost my internet connection until  the 7th November. I am able to receive emails from my phone and reply to those emails on an individual basis. Therefore those wishing to make bookings for travel please do so by email and I will confirm back individually back by mail.

What wont be available is global emails out to members therefore the travel lists will now be published on the website under Travel News so please check back to find out the latest on travel and timings.

26th October 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

The game against Huddersfield Town has again been re-arranged and now will be played on Saturday, 1st December with a 12.30 kick off. Thames Valley will be running an early morning bus to this fixture.

25th October 2012

Latest News

There will be no transport for the League Cup game against Southampton. We currently have some spare tickets for the Birmingham game at £20 if anyone would like them, they are in the Kop and South Stand.

10th September 2012

Cardiff Away transport

Due to high demand, we are now running two buses to Cardiff, also please note that there are still around 200 tickets available for this fixture. Thames Valley are happy for guests to travel with the branch for this fixture.

8th September 2012

BRISTOL CITY / BOLTON TICKET DETAILS

Please see below info for the next two away games after Cardiff on the 15th September

Bristol City is on Saturday 27th September 2012 AD  - 3pm Kick Off
and
Bolton is on Tuesday 2nd October 2012 AD- 7.45pm Kick Off

Both games go on sale next week (apart from Bolton to Members which is the Monday after)

For Season Ticket Holders

Bristol City on Monday 10th September 2012 AD
Bolton on Tuesday 11th September 2012 AD

For Members

Bristol City on Friday 14th September 2012 AD
Bolton on Monday 17th September 2012 AD

3rd September 2012

Cardiff City away

Tickets have gone on general sale and there are still tickets avaiable. Thames Valley will be adding coach pick up points for this match at Reading Calcot, Swindon and Bristol. Please email to book seats.

27th August 2012

Latest travel news

There will be no branch travel for the Capitol Cup match against Oxford United.

Bookings for Blackburn Rovers are now being taken for this Saturday.

22nd August 2012

POSH Travel

We still have seat availability for travel to Peterborough this Saturday.

18th August 2012

Leeds United v Wolves

“All the lads and lasses were there, with all their smiling faces, Coming out of Elland Road, after seeing Warnock’s aces”

What a difference a few months makes.  The end of the season couldn’t come quick enough as the final home game against Leicester produced the usual dross that we had been served-up all season at home and the mood was where do we go from here and why do we want to bother spending our money on these wasters and line Bates’s pockets?

Pre-season proved yet again the fanaticism of our away support with two new League grounds for the anoraks amogst us (78 current with Bolton another new one shortly).  The signings by Colin seemed sound and so did the solidity of the defence – they were communicating, had a good shape and seemed not to panic when put under pressure.

Then came the inevitable departure of Snoddy and the “announcement” about our takeover, or lack of it, and the speculation that continues.  The writers of soaps would be impressed with the way this storyline is being dragged-out!  Here we go, another season affected by everything but the football.

Ok, I’ve renewed my home and away season ticket because that’s what I do but do I go up for a League Cup tie against Shrewsbury?  I did and I was glad I did.  Everything was positive and the 18,000+ crowd were smiling except when our latest signing entered the fray.e new season was looming; we have the most hated Chairman, the most hated Manager, the most hated supporters and now the most hated player.  We are Leeds.  Can we expect the signings of Savage, Bellamy and Barton by Christmas just to round-off things?!!!

And then it was Saturday morning.  Bring it on.  Was I confident? Yes I was.

The coach was late but the members weren’t and by Leicester Forest we were 39 strong and the buzz and the banter was as good as ever.  Even the purchase of a season ticket next to mine by my good mate but nutcase Johnny Weddell added to the excitement as we headed up the M1.

And so the 2012/13 promotion campaign commenced.  A stern test against newly relegated Wolves, a team full of players with Premiership experience. We looked good; Solid at the back and winning everything in midfield that came out of the defence with Rudolph Austin particularly vibrant.

After a succession of half opportunities including a goalmouth scramble on 8 minutes which would have won me £59 in the coach sweepstake, the season’s opener arrived.  A magnificent passed clearence by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny (great signing Colin!), pinpoint cross by Ross McCormack and a diving header by Luciano Becchio to round-off an excellent move.  Oh, how we loved it.

An injury to Paul Green led to a league debut for El Hadji Diouf, the Senegalese Spitting Cobra.  Is he a good signing? Yes, he showed yesterday his all round ability to hold-up the ball and take-on players without being knocked-off the ball.  He clearly has an intelligent footballing brain as he demonstrated yesterday.  I felt he was possibly our man of the match.  Will he last the season without courting controversy?  I would be pleasantly surprised, but genuinely hope he does; our manager will have a big infuence, as, I suspect, will our fans.

We weathered not so much a storm as a persistent drizzle from Wolves for much of the second half but didn’t seriously look in trouble and held on for a deserved win in a game I suspect we probably would have lost last year.

And so to the journey home; the boys pen were on form.  Garry the Gill’s drinks cabinet continued to keep many of us supplied with drink and the pub stop for the driver’s compulsory break at Lutterworth (a new idea from the Committee for this season) was particularly well received.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, there is no doubt that the journey home passed-off quickly because of one thing…..Leeds United had produced a performance at Elland Road that had us all believing that maybe, just maybe, this really could be our season.  Welcome to the start of the 2012/13 rollercoaster ride with Leeds United as presented by The Thames Valley Whites.

Marching On Together.

Adey, Chairman

13th August 2012

Sundays get together was again well attended with old and new members getting together for a few beers and discussing all things Leeds United. Big thank you to everyone and now looking forward to the season proper this Saturday.

11th August 2012

The proposed take-over was announced to have collapsed by LUST. However things seem to be changing on a daily basis. It is now widely reported that both parties are still working together and that the deal is not dead in the water yet. Therefore as a branch I would urge members to wait and see what news comes from Elland Road in the next seven days before tearing up your Season tickets.

9th August 2012

Thames Valley Whites will publish a statement at 2pm on Saturday the  11th August once I have consulted with the Chairman and committee members on the result of the collapse of the take-over of Leeds United.

9th August 2012

8th August 2012

Pre-Season Ends

Well, the shouting is over, pre-season has been negotiated successfully, and the serious stuff starts at Elland Road against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

I suspect Warnock’s addage of “winning ugly” is going to be the reality for the season ahead, but after last year’s calamitous home form I really don’t care so long as we get promoted!

A good crew of 9 from the TVWs turned-out at Burton last night and were treated to an excellent real, old-fashioned pub in the The Derby Inn in Burton as instructed by Gay Ray Lock of the Coventry & Warwicks and Anorak Martin O’Connor from Thorne, both of whom had clearly been on it most of the afternoon.  Taunts of part-time supporter and part-time drinker were aimed at your Chairman proving conclusively they had both had one too many sherberts.

The Pirelli is a classic new-build non-entity of a ground but the double faggots with peas and gravy at £3.50 were a culinary delight for football supporters and are highly recommended.  Well done Burton Albion.  Something else the charmless nerks at Elland Road could learn from the locals was the friendly stewarding including “we’re about to shut the bar so if you lads want a last beer you had get one in now”.  Class!

Little can be said of the football other than we won, kept a clean sheet and didn’t really look like conceding.  The new players are starting to gel as a team but I think that the cup game against Shrewsbury is a very important starter before the league game against Wolves which will be a the real test.

Hopefully many of you will be joining us for the pre-season drink at the Three Guineas at Reading station on Sunday from 2.00pm.  Don’t forget to bring your registration forms and £5.

Adey Curd – Chairman – MOTG

3rd August 2012

Thames Valley pre-season social

On Sunday 12th August 2012 members of the Thames Valley will be meeting at the Three Guineas pub adjacent to Reading train station. This social meet up wll commence from 2pm until late.

This has now become a tradition within the branch with around 50 members attending last years get together.

Please note that U16′s will not be permitted in the pub after 7pm including the outside seating area.

three guienas pub

 

 

1st August 2012

Today is YORKSHIRE DAY!!!!

Happy Yorkshire Day

MOT

26th July 2012

Latest travel news

 

Coach seats for this fixture are available to be booked and at present with three weeks until kick-off two thirds have already been taken. Member who wish to travel on the branch coach are advised to book sooner rather than later as a second coach may not be available due to the Olympics.

23rd July 2012

Preseason: Torquay United

Members of Thames Valley will be traveling in force to the Devon & Cornwall pre-season fixtures. The main body of our members will be arriving Friday afternoon for the main match against Torquay United. The branch flag will also be making the trip.

On our return we will publish a feature on the branch news about the weekend and photos of those that succumb to too much alcohol and fine dinning.

23rd July 2012

Newsletter

All

Here we go again, It is only 4 weeks away until the first Championship game kicks off against Wolves. Many of you have already purchased your tickets for this game and booked your seats onto the coach.

I’m sure everyone has had a busy summer and none so more as myself. Therefore I apologies if I have been slow in answering peoples emails, queries and membership applications. Good news is I am now on leave for the next two weeks.

This newsletter will give all our members information on what we are planning for the new season.

Committee meeting

The Thames Valley Committee met after the close of the season and discussed various points.

The most important point discussed was from the AGM earlier in the year. The committee therefore have introduced for the 2012/13 season the following:

 

1. Fares to Elland Road will increase to 27.50

 

1. There will be two TVW membership schemes for 2102/13

Associate members – This benefits those fans that wish to part of the Thames Valley Whites but who can rarely travel to games or wish to meet other members.

• Paid up Members – This benfits those fans who wish to attend and travel with the branch to games over the season

Paid up members will pay a £5 membership fee  which will entitle them to the following –

£2.50 off travel costs on coaches

Where the ACCOUNTS ALLOW may receive ad hoc further discounts or free travel to Elland Road and away games.

Reduced entry to the Leeds United On the Road event

Discount on any Thames Valley Merchandise

Priority allocation on any spare Away tickets

Priority on any other benefits that may be offered to the branch

U12’s may have the opportunity to be a Leeds United mascot.

Associate members will be FREE and continue as before but will not prioritise over paid up members.

The membership scheme will be strictly adhered to as the committee believes it can deliver savings to paid up members over the course of the season. The membership fee should be fully recouped after traveling on two trips either home or away.

Under 16’s will automatically on registration with the branch be given paid up membership free of charge.

We have introduced a new fare structure for 2012/13 to Elland Road

Adults   £27.50   PUM(£25.00)

U21        £22.50   PUM(£20.00)

U16        £17.50   PUM(£15.00 must be registered before travel)

We have introduced a new fare band for those who are U21

Membership will be from the 1^st August 2012 until the 30^th May 2013

U21 and U16 will be classed as those who are 16 or 21 on or before the 1^st August 2012.

Membership fees can be paid on the coach or posted directly to myself in either cash or postal order. No cheques will be accepted at present.

The above scheme will be ratified at the next AGM scheduled for early December.

 

1. We will remain a Regional Members Club however we will not register until we see the outcome of the take-over.
2. Kath Evans will be the Membership secretary
3. There will be an AGM in December.

Membership Registration – Important

At present we have over 200 members registered to the branch. This number has accumulated over the past 5 seasons since the branch was formed. We would like to trim back these numbers as we believe there are many who have moved or no longer in touch with the branch. So we can have an accurate number of our membership can I ask all those who wish to remain members whether Paid up or Associate to re-register again through the website. This will then give us a good idea on exact numbers. Those currently on this emailing list, is a good indication that you are regarded as members. From the 1^ST November this current list will be deleted and we will use the new re-registered list. Please can everyone please take 5 mins to register their membership. LINK

PRE Season

After Ken Bates announced that Leeds United would be going somewhere hot and warm and a place that Leeds fans can take a holiday we didn’t expect it to be Devon and Cornwall. Plans for a trip to Europe have thwarted our branch intention of organising such a trip and left us with the delights of the South West of England. Due to most members needs the following fixtures will be the only organised events.

Bodmin                                No official TVW travel

Tavistock                             No official TVW travel

Torquay United                Members will staying overnight in Torquay will be catching the train on Friday 27^th July 2012. The train Departs from Reading at 10.27am and also calls in at Swindon at 10.55am. We will be based in coach ‘D’. Those traveling independently can meet up with us in Torquay once we have                                  found a suitable watering hole. Just text me to find us.

Burton Albion                    We will be running a minibus to this fixture. Anyone wishing to travel please email me so I can book you a seat. This is a pay on the gate fixture but advisable pre order your tickets.

We will not be organising any other pre-season games.

Season Start

The first game we will be attending proper will be at Elland Road for the Wolves match. This is now a 12.45 kick off so will be an early start for members. We will not be running transport to the Shrewsbury match.

Initially we will be booking the 36-seater coach and if demand outstrips this, then we will upgrade to the 52-seater. Please note that the first game of the season is usually popular within the membership and it is advisable to book your coach seats well in advance. Currently we have around 20 already booked.

Tickets for the Wolves match are on sale, with a take-over imminent it is highly likely with expectations currently running high that Elland road could sell out.

Shortly after the Wolves game we go to Blackpool on a Tuesday night. Current feedback is that we will not stay overnight for this fixture but we shall confirm nearer the time. Peterborough follows on the Saturday and we expect to take the 36-seater to this 3pm fixture. Peterborough still retains its terracing and in the past has allocated around 4200 tickets to Leeds fans. This has the potential if it is not moved to be a cracking away game.

The above should cover the month of Augusts games. The website will update for the fixtures during the course of the season.

Website

The website will again become active and I will ensure it continually updates with all the important information and news from within the branch.

LOTR

We have formally asked Leeds United that we wish to host this event early in the season, we are currently awaiting for them to allocate us a date. Once we receive this we will email members details.

Pre-Season Drink

As usual we will be having a pre-season get together at the Three Guineas pub at Reading station from 2pm on Sunday the 12^th August until late. This will be excellent excuse for everyone to have a drink and  new members who joined over the summer to come and meet the members.

I hope all of the above is useful information. If anyone has any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact myself.

MOT

Steve  – Thames Valley Whites – Secretary

 

 

21st July 2012

Latest email for all Thames Valley Whites has now been sent out with details of pre-season and August fixtures with travel details. Included in the email is our new membership structure.

19th July 2012

All the season is now getting closer and Branch news will soon be sent to all TVW members of our travel plans and pre-season meet ups.

Communications from the club suggest that the take-over is imminent with an announcement coming soon!!!

8th May 2012

Caption Competition winner goes to Andy Norfolk (Fruit Bat)

8th May 2012

Information for those that wish to buy the new Leeds Home Replica top:

Above is a guide to sizes for Macron wear for 2012/13 -ages are a guide only.

26th April 2012

The season is now coming to an end however within the Thames Valley we have always attended pre season games during the summermonths of July and August. Those that arehaving withdrawl symptons can see all the latest rumours and official announcements in the Leeds United news page. See link below for the latest rumours.

http://www.thamesvalleywhites.co.uk/leeds-united-news/

February 24th 2012

All members, the global emailing has again become a problem, if you are no longer recieving these emails please email me directly so I can re-add you.

6th February 2012

 

 

 

 

Tickets for this fixture go on sale today at 10.30 am for season ticket holders only with member sales this Friday again at 10.30am.

Prices £30 Adults – £22 Senior Citizens and 17-22 – £15 for under 17′s

Thames Valley will be running a coach to this fixture with a pub stop on route to Portsmouth. Initial allocation wll be around the   3000 mark

5th February 2012

An excellent turn out by the branch that travelled to Bristol City. Most travelled by coach with an excellent pub stop in Chipping Sudbury shared with the White Rose branch and Doncaster whites. The was also a large contingent that also travelled by train and by all accounts had a great day out in Bristol city centre.

Home brew seems to be all the rage on away trips now so a big thanks to Garry Gill and Pete Baier who provided the winter warmer tipples.

Boys pen members found the day a bit of a strain with goals galore and a bit of snow to play in, below is a picture of the tiresome twosome 20mins into our journey back home on the M4

 

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