BBC ESSEX

[Ozbrit]

Not live, but follow it on Fox sports and good to see the "roar" up to 4th spot. I see you also barrack (stupid Aussie expression that)for the Eels to,they have to be the under-achievers of the decade. When I was last down-under in 2002, the Eels had a young side ready to sweep all before them, what happened?

[Guest]

Well, I'm a Parramatta boy born and bred - and it pains me to say it but the Eels are the "chokers" of League... We build a brilliant side and it ALWAYS comes crashing down on the second last weekend of the season (or, as in 2001, on the LAST weekend)! And this year it all went wrong against a bloody QUEENSLAND team - oh, the shame!

 

Anyway, how do you think the A-League compares to UK football. I've heard people say that the old NSL was equal to the English 3rd Division - do you think that's still true?

[Ozbrit]

Its hard to make direct comparisons unless they play each other, but I wasn't one to compare it with the old third division more like fourth or even conference level. But believe the A-League is better. Its a pity with so many premier league clubs having a permanent scouting presence in Oz, the young talent is so rarely seen here. As soon as a youngster looks to have what it takes at 15-16 they're spirited away to Arsenal or Liverpool. That only serves to deny the Aussie public the chance of seeing first rate players perform in the A-League and that in turns prevents football from making a break through. Sad to say it but Aussie Rules and Rugby League will not be challenged for no.1 status in Oz for a long long time, which is a pity as its only soccer that can be considered the "World game", if you want to perform at the highest level it can only be limited with Rugby League and can't happen at all with Aussie Rules as its not played anywhere else. Apologies to Hx fans for using their forum and going off subject.

[Guest]

It makes sense for those Aussie youngsters to come to the UK, of course - they can earn a lot more even playing for a (full-time squad) non-league club than they could have hoped to earn in the old NSL comp. There were a couple of Aussies playing with Nuneaton last season, I think - though I doubt they have a full-time squad. Yep, apologies to the Urchin fans for going off-topic on your board - I adopted Hornchurch as my favourite non-league club a while ago (hearing of your success) so no disrespect intended!

[maxinio]

Hello B & G

I wuz in Oz nearly 3 years ago and went on the ferry to Parramatta, past Holbush and the Olympic stadium and the the ferry slows to prevent the wash I presume.

Hottest I've ever been cos it's a long way inland, anyway I had a walk around, and then cameback on the next ferry to CQ

Nice few hours away and a pleasant ride.

good luck mate

[Guest]

Glad you enjoyed it M! The Parramatta Ferry slows down when you get near the Parramatta City area because it gets bloody shallow! It's generally a pretty slow trip - though quicker than it was 200 years ago when apparently it used to take 2 days to sail from Sydney to Parramatta down the river... You should have stopped in Parra and checked out some local sports - even though its almost exclusively a Rugby League town it has a State Premier League football team and a champion cricket side (Richie Benaud used to play for Parramatta). Though, I think Parra still has it's fair share of what you'd call 'chavs' - though I don't live around there anymore...

[maxinio]

B&G

Bloody ell mate 2 days for 20 klms or so

Anyway I remember it all so vividly

and the visits to the Entrance, Newcastle Beach, Nelson Bay, all upper N as you can see

good luck mate

[Guest]

Ah, The Entrance. Did you go to Gosford? Here we call knee-high boots 'Gosfords' - 'cos they're halfway to The Entrance... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

BBC Essex have responded to my suggestion for a boycott. Their is response is long and boring and in my opinion factually incorrect so in the best traditions of the BBC I am going to serialise it.

 

Episode 1

"Half their season ticket holders have Essex addresses, there are supporters clubs in Clacton and Braintree and there's at least one shop in the county, at Lakeside".

 

OK then feature Man Utd as the same goes for them.

 

Episode 2 Coming soon.

 

I cant wait to show you the bit where they have a dig at Daggers.

[maxinio]

Nice one B and G, I saw all the pelicans at 3.30, amazing sight.But only went through Gosford on the ratler.

[Guest]

Oiy!! [****!!****] off I know this your forum, but you are hijacking me thread.

 

I got a protest going on here.

[Eastside Urchin]

what about arsenal then,there are more gooners than anyone else in this county(apart from west ham)

death to the bbc

[maxinio]

Did they play in Parramatta ESU ?