They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
Grand National
Grand National: There's Always Next Year!
Posted by Peter Harvey on April 6, 2008 11:45 AM
AH well, that's the Center Parcs holiday money gone. Looks like a few day trips to Chorley Market, Chester Zoo or perhaps a picnic at the Southport Flower Show for the kids this summer.
D'Argent did really well and was right up alongside the winner Comply or Die with a mile to go. But, I think he was starting to show signs of struggling when he clattered the 26th fence.
Although Comply or Die was my third choice, I didn't put a penny on him once I saw the ante-post price drop beneath 25/1 in mid-March, much to The Gaffer's disappointment. She was hoping to get a new kitchen floor out of the winnings.
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2008 John Smith's Grand National: The Verdict
Posted by Peter Harvey on March 31, 2008 10:15 PM
40/1 D'ARGENT FOR GRAND NATIONAL GLORY?
WE’VE got the shortlist. Now, it’s a case of picking the winner. Here’s a look at each of the shortlisted horses (in alphabetical order):
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2008 John Smith's Grand National Tips: Part 1
Posted by Peter Harvey on March 23, 2008 6:00 PM
IT’S tough enough picking a Grand National winner with one fence to jump – so imagine trying to work out the winner weeks in advance when there’s more than 100 horses still standing. Well, here goes…
I’ve been lucky to enough to cover the Grand National as a journalist since 1989.
Alongside reporting on the triumphs, tragedies, washouts, cock-ups and terror threats, I have enjoyed some betting successes (and plenty of losses) while watching the dramas unfold from the privileged position of the media enclosure at the top of the main stand, next to giddy owners and anxious trainers.
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2008 John Smith's Grand National Tips: Part 2
Posted by Peter Harvey on March 23, 2008 6:00 PM
THIRTY years on from me cheering Red Rum to his historic third Grand National victory, Jack is developing the same interest in the race.
We watched the 1977 race on YouTube today. Peter O’Sullevan’s commentary took me back to watching it live on our old Rediffusion TV in the front room and the excitement the victory created. No doubt similar scenes were played out in homes up and down the land.
(Just click on the image above to see a YouTube video of Red Rum winning the 1977 Grand National)
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2008 John Smith's Grand National Tips: Part 3
Posted by Peter Harvey on March 23, 2008 6:00 PM
OVER the years I have heard umpteen theories on how to pick the Grand National winner. However, the most compelling and reliable theories are those based firmly on facts.
There is no doubt that every year there are at least 20 runners from the 40-strong line-up that can be immediately discounted, unless there is a Foinavon-style pile-up. Once-a-year punters will still back them, but those who consider themselves ‘in the know’ will not touch them.
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2008 John Smith's Grand National Tips: Part 4
Posted by Peter Harvey on March 23, 2008 6:00 PM
STATISTICS can help reduce the risk. They cannot eliminate it.
The shortlists for the 2008 race currently doing the rounds feature mostly the same names although there are a few variations depending on how much of a ‘trends purist’ the compiler is.
The lists in 2007 consistently contained the name of the eventual winner, 33/1 outsider Silver Birch. Only doubts about whether the horse had fully recovered from injury and settled with his new trainer in Ireland put off serious punters.
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2008 John Smith's Grand National Tips: Part 5
Posted by Peter Harvey on March 23, 2008 6:00 PM
WITHOUT getting bogged down in explaining how each horse either qualifies or not, or whether or not a shortlisted horse has a 100% perfect profile in all categories, here's my shortlist for 2008 (in alphabetical order).
CLOUDY LANE
COMPLY OR DIE
D'ARGENT
McKELVEY
NAUNTON BROOK
POINT BARROW
ROYAL AUCLAIR
As I write, two of these horses are trading at more than 100/1!
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This page contains an archive of all entries posted to Touchline Dad in the Grand National category. They are listed from oldest to newest.
General is the previous category. Liverpool FC is the next category.Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.
"A dookey????!!! Very funny. Very childish Jack. Oh..."
"Great clip. My favourite bit is Grant's uncertaint..."
"Not him! I'm off......"
"Have you gotta a light, pal?..."
"Я буду держать мои 115 рублей в моем кармане. Благ..."
"Регистрация доменов в зоне RU по 115 рублей за год..."