Gate 13

Count me in, I can hear the Doctor Who music already. What a season that was - let’s do Luton tonight and then and have Dirty Leeds in the next round.

Is the photo back to front or have I had a lemonade too many?

The ICF usual ploy of turn up early, 1230-1ish, get into the home end and then claim they had ‘taken’ it. Gate 13 was back in our hands sharpish - and we won 3-0.

Seem to think Bates accused West Ham of not covering the pitch so it would freeze as it suited them to have the match postponed. I got to Charing Cross around 10 to learn it was off, so headed for Covent Garden and light refreshments. The rescheduled match was around March/April and a I think a 1-1 draw with Speedo scoring in front us rammed in the South Bank. It got very lively down in the corner where the South Bank met the Chicken Run.

Try Kenny Burns, Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest - go to YouTube and looks up ‘Kenny Burns headbut v Arsenal’ - absolute corker!

An early Kenny Burns?

Wore the shirt with pride, and one of us. Rest easy JJ.

You had to be careful with those 0898 numbers, one slip of the finger and you could be talking to Marvellous Marge from Mitcham, or even Tremendous Teresa from Tooting ….

I think was at a pre-season game at Kingston, or maybe they were talent spotting amongst the stiffs?

Erskblue: thanks mate, I had completely forgotten about the speedway team.

I guess that ‘GRA’ at the left of the sign means Greyhound Racing Association? I don’t think there are any Dog Tracks left in London now. From memory: Walthamstow, Harringay, White City, Catford, Wimbledon and Romford. Anyone recall any others? Some of the dogs would out sprint our players, although Flash Walker (in his day) might have given them a run for their money.

Fantastic photo - four super Blues who knew exactly what Chelsea is about and never gave less than 110%.

No badge on the shirts, or they washed off in the steam laundry (remember them?). Seem to think the Le Coq Red Strip went wonky as well, we were on telly away at Everton, the long sleeved shirts did not have a badge, the short sleeve ones did. Go figure.

Norman, Norman give us a wave …. And he did!

My first match at the Bridge, aged 9!, saw us draw with Forest 1-1 on 14 August 1968, an evening ko at 7.30pm. Bobby Tambling scored for us. We sat in the old West Stand, floodlights on and a crowd of 35,000. I was hooked.

Thank you Erskblue, I much enjoyed reading this which brought back very happy memories - it was an unseasonably warm day as I remember it. The sheer joy of that day was almost tangible - I must confess to an overdose of lemonade at the British Legion Club at Parsons Green afterwards. For those that may remember it the Legion at PG is long gone - another sign of the times.

John Dempsey looks as if he been non thee lash for a week …

Two signings; one stuck with us through thick and thin and went on to lift silverware, and the other was off just as soon as a better offer came along. And the late Bobby Campbell - a thoroughly decent bloke.

I was allowed to stay up late (aged 11) and watch the replay in my pyjamas, got told off for yawning at school the day after.

He’s a false footballer.

“Canberra cruises where QE2 refuses” was the line from the blokes at San Carlos Water …

Just in … they have’nt got anything to tow it yet …

The quality is not brilliant but I think this is Steve Hickmott at Orient, just before the wall collapsed and he climbed up the pylon.

The only match I have watched from 3 different sides of the ground in 90 minutes …

I feel better already - thanks Erskblue and Happy Easter!