FLEET IN EUROPE 2

[behindthegoal]

Having seen a thread earlier in the week with the Fleet in Europe heading and the recent discussion on Eurostar trains on another, a memory was triggered.

 

I am sure that I remember reading as a kid in 1960's? programmes about the Fleet playing in something called the "Channel Cup"? It seemed to be held on an annual basis between the Fleet and Racing Cub of Calais? in the late 50's/early 60's? Sorry about the question marks but this is all a bit vague.

 

I don't know if it was played here one year and in France the next.

 

Perhaps older supporters (Dave!?) will recall/know more detail.

 

I just wondered what with the Eurostar connection et al it might be time to revive the "Channel Cup" or similar. It might provide some good publicity, a good day/weekend away and a bit of interest perhaps to the pre-season.

 

Any other thoughts?

[Harry J Allstars]

There was once a programme on Ebay, I think it was about 1952/53? I may be getting mixed up with the Charlton friendly that opened the Floodlights.

 

Anyway scroll down to 08/11/1954

[Ray ellingham]

This was called the Dunkirk Cup. Later to be named after my Father around 1972 "Fred Ellingham". Not sure whatever happened to it

[behindthegoal]

..not sure. I think we were one of the first grounds in the country to get floodlights (and we certainly kept them for many years - better than candles but not much) so now doubt they were a initially a big attraction and games played just to use them for the novelty.

 

[Harry J Allstars]

A further google search tells me that they were the team that played against Nantes in the Frence Cup Final in 2000 in the Stade de France losing 2-1.

[behindthegoal]

..well done Ray. Who did we play against? Any idea. Was it Calais?

[behindthegoal]

...who were Harry?

[Harry J Allstars]

Originally Posted By: behindthegoal

...who were Harry?

Calais Racing Union Football Club!

They played us in 1954, see link provided and were also the losing finalists in the 2000 French Cup Final.

[behindthegoal]

...Paul Harrison would no doubt know all the facts. He is the real club history guru...

[Ray ellingham]

I have an old programme back in 1971/72 that mentions the Cup, although I have a feeling it was never played for in the new format. Last i knew of the Cup it was in the Boardroom

[behindthegoal]

...so we now seem to know the opposition....might still have the cup... as soon as the tunnel is fixed let's get it on...

 

How close to Calais does the train stop? There is that funny little station the other side where no one gets off and 3 folks get on but I don't think it is near. Might have to be a

[PatMan]

The Eurostar passenger train don't stop till Paris.

 

 

[behindthegoal]

...so now we seem to know the opposition...might have the cup...when the tunnel is fixed let's get it on...

 

Where does the train stop? There is that funny little station the other side where no one gets off and 3 folks get on but not sure that it is very close to Calais. Might need to be a

[behindthegoal]

..the trains that stop at Ebbsfleet stop before Paris...well the last one I was on did...

[Dave EUFC]

get Eurostar to give us a special train, Gravesham invades Calais.

[behindthegoal]

..a football special! Now there's an old term...

[Jeff]

It stops at Lille doesn't it?

 

The ferry would make more sense.

[PatMan]

Originally Posted By: behindthegoal

..the trains that stop at Ebbsfleet stop before Paris...well the last one I was on did...

Ashford?

[kaizen]

Ebbsfleet versus Lille - now there's a fixture!

[Ray ellingham]

Taken from the programme 10th March 1973 v Salisbury

 

"It was decided that the Dunkirk Cup which was played for between the old Gravesend Utd v Dunkirk in the 1930s, will be re engraved the Fred Ellingham Memmoral Cup in memmory of club director who died in November and will be played for in a pre season friendly each season"

 

Ps: Cost of the programme was 3p !!