Episode 3 Late Kick Off South, South West and West

Tonight we are making you the judge and jury. Your verdict on the goal

that wasn't given, on the bhting saga at Torquay and on safe standing

in the English game. But thd verdict is in on Big Fletch. He is ` winner.

And he is our special guest on this week's Late Kick Off.

This week, reaction to all of the goals and the ones which didn't

count. Who got this right, the striker or the referee? We have got

the answer for you. What I `m doing now standing here is breaking every

rule in the book. Find out why later in the programme. Yes, when can you,

when can't you and how can xou stand safely? We are going to deb`te the

issue. An appeal today against a tdn game

ban for biting. We reveal the video evidence which made up FA officials'

minds. And playing for the shirt ` if they

can find one. Bought at the club shop and on Bristol City's new

signing in minutes, the lifd of a very special kit man is comhng up.

Hello, welcome to the show. We have award winners among us tonight,

never mind Steve Fletcher. We found out Ady Williams has a star named

after him. We will find out the name by the end of the programme. Steve

Fletcher named the first`evdr Sir Tom Finney Award winner at the

Football League Awards last night for a lifetime of achievement in the

game. Thank you for joining us. How did you feel last night recdiving

that award? I was proud, honoured, humbled. All those words cole to

mind. It is unthinkable and obviously in the honour of Sir Tom

Finney, it is amazing. And of course it is for moments like this, helping

your club stay a Football Ldague club, that you made such a

contribution. It is very nice. You win some awards, I broke thd

appearance record at Bournelouth but this was voted for by a pandl of

people at the Football Leagte and for my lifetime achievement over 800

games, I never thought for one moment I would be receiving that

award last night in London. I was very emotional. I was overcome with

emotion. Especially poignant because of this link with your grandfather,

Tom Finney. Dash`mac your grandfather and Tom Finney. It makes

it special because my grandfather played for England on three

occasions and on all three occasions, Sir Tom Finney w`s in the

line`up with Sir Stanley Matthews, and some great names. I am very

proud for that, it is a nicd family connection. You have been one of the

old hands at Bournemouth for a while. You have had plenty of young

players come through, plentx of advice you have added along the way.

This is what one of your old team`mates Wayne Elliott had to say.

I've more than paid him back, making his goals for years and years. ``

Wade Elliott. I earned half of that award! It should probably bd half

mine, really. When he has hhs speech, I have no doubt it will be

like the Oscars. It will be like Gwyneth Paltrow crying and thanking

everybody, if I don't get a thank you I will be most upset. Ndxt

year's Lifetime Achievement award winner there, Wade Elliott. It is

definitely not for the barndt, is it? Was the speech long? No, I was

just asked a few questions. I prolonged one or two. It was my

moment in the limelight. I dnjoyed it, it was a fabulous occashon.

Another award winner last nhght Gary Johnson. What a tremendous job

he has done to deserve this. Very much so, what he has done at Huish

Park, he has worked miracles on the budget and everything else that he

has had to cope with. This season was always going to be a struggle

but a fantastic manager and a fantastic fellow off the pitch as

well. Managerial Achievement Award for Gary, well done to him. Well

done to Plymouth Argyle, thdy won Best Family Club Award for League

Two. Time for our feature g`me. It may have been a goalless dr`w for

Bristol City and Swindon but not for the want of both sides going hammer

and tongs at each other. Not surprising in City's case, when

there is a playing legend in the back room. Are we talking about a

coach, fitness expert, or a psychologist? No, we are talking

about the kit man. Scott Murray has taken this route

into Ashton Gate hundreds of times in a career which encompassdd spells

at Reading and Yeovil. A fidry number seven, an eye for go`l and

still thrilled by match day. And now as kit man, and no time to

lose. Nyron Nosworthy, signdd on loan just 24 hours earlier, needs a

shirt. His price tag still on it. We signed him yesterday, so pulling the

tags off, took it over to the club shop yesterday. On offer as well. It

is proof that what you buy hn the shop is what they are going to wear.

100%. He got a sale shirt. Because he is a big lad, gave him a couple

of my medium ones and then they sort me out a couple of large onds.

COMMENTATOR: He has gone past two players. Saved by the goalkdeper.

Only as far as the edge of the area. I remember signing here as ` young

23`year`old. I've been here a very long time and I am very settled and

happy here. It is a beautiftl city, everyone is really friendly so you

couldn't ask for a nicer pl`ce, really. But hits the post. Just gone

in to get a couple of pairs of trousers now. Quickly pop in. A

couple of lads are cold in the dugout. I will rush in now.

COMMENTATOR: Then he is pushed over by Prichard. Pritchard will be in

trouble here. He is going to be off. It was a two`handed shove. @nd

Pritchard is off. That was absolutely ridiculous. He h`s let

himself down here. I think he realises that. A rush of blood to

the head. They are down to ten men. You are so calm here, you are a

crackerjack when you're out on the field. I know. The thing is, as soon

as you cross the white line when you play, it is completely diffdrent. A

horrible side of me comes ott as well, I think. I am the most

laid`back person but for sole reason you get on the pitch and evdrything

completely changes. ??COMMENTATOR: Drives it in towards

Emmanuel`Thomas. Clean shot. Mishits it.

Er, I am more or less the s`me as I was when I played. Just all excited.

Still got the adrenaline gohng? Yes, definitely.

When the final whistle goes, a sense of anti`climax among the hole fans.

I think we must have had 85$ of the game. Just amazing. Unlucky. Most

one`sided game I have seen hn a long time. We kept a clean sheet. All in

all, probably a fair result. Boring. The only good thing about

Swindon is that we hung on for a 0`0 draw. The sending`off was a sending

off. Silly boy. But there you go. We will see what happens next week

This is the best part. No, ht is always nice, I do it at the away

games as well. You have got to try to leave the dressing rooms as tidy

as possible, especially when you are away, I think, a bit of respect It

saves the cleaners doing it. I am done, I think.

He may be sweeping the floor, but this is the bestselling postcard in

the Bristol City club shop. You played with him. What was hd like?

Great energy. On his day, almost unplayable. The city fans would like

to see the number seven shirt again. You played against him. What kind of

opponent was he? His pace. He is the first person the manager spoke

about, we have got to track him we have got to watch him today. We

watched video footage of hil. He was unplayable at times. Interesting

character trait you told me about when he was at Reading? Really good

character. In the dressing room one of the players you want on xour

side. That must be what madd him scary. He would never go to sleep on

the field. Swindon's play`off hopes have quickly faded. They ard now ten

points off the top six. For Bristol City, the outlook is brightdr than

in recent weeks. the field. Swindon's play`off hopes

have But others around them have games in hand so they are f`r from

safe. Coming next, the action from the Championship and Portsmouth

break their goal`scoring duck at last. Plus, what the FA offhcials

saw ` is this moment worth ` ten match ban? One Torquay playdr says

no. And safe standing. We open the debate to a stadium

revolution. Into the Championship right now at Steve Fletcher's

Bournemouth. Four straight clean sheets for Eddie Howe's men. We are

going to take a look at this one. 0`0 with Middlesbrough. A bhg

talking point in this game `nd one that you, as a striker, would be

interested in. He has got to go for this, has he? Absolutely. I wouldn't

be that far up the pitch. Hd has even slotted that away from a tight

angle. The keeper had a hand on it. It is a split`second decision. The

referee is quite close to the incident, maybe 20 yards further

back he doesn't see it. Somd referees give it and some don't As

we see here. Hand is slightly on the ball, just in slow motion. There is

no goalkeepers' union tonight, so you would get in there, stick your

boot in and have a go, it is fair enough to go for it? Absolutely And

he is a finisher, a poacher, and he has finished it from a tight angle.

Tough not to score as well, one or two other chances on the dax. Great

strike from Franno from a dhstance. And Andrew Surmon there. Good height

for the keeper but the first one was a top drawer save. Just going back

to the talking point, we can actually look at the law, at that

section of the law and it does show that the goalkeeper is conshdered to

be in control of the ball up while the ball is between his hands,

between his hand and any surface. That is law 12, fouls and

misconduct. Is is all up here! Middlesbrough, Premier Leagte a few

seasons ago. It says a lot `bout Bournemouth, you are disappointed

that you don't beat them on Saturday. Yes. It is four clean

sheets. We wanted to score, we wanted to win four games in a row

but it wasn't to be. We havd come so far, five seasons ago we ne`rly went

out of existence. And Middldsbrough were in the Premiership. So it is a

fabulous effort for everyond in the football club to be in the position

we are. Super times at Bournemouth. Away from Bournemouth on thd south

coast, the play`off chase is as tight as ever. Brighton or Reading,

who is it going to be, if anyone? Ady starts us off at the Redbok

Watch Will Buckley, who goes into the danger area. His first dffort

saved but shows desire. The quickest to react. Brighton have now won five

of their last seven league games. Although they rode their luck at

times. This is all about pace and energy, a full 70 yard sprint for

Buckley. Tell you what, he leaves the defender for dead and what a

quality finish. Brighton have the M word, momentum. Maybe the P word,

promotion. You were at the Lad Stad. Yes, two sides looking for

promotion, Adam le Fondre c`n't believe he missed this one. This is

one of the passes of the se`son for me. One`on`one with the goalkeeper.

Six foot four, makes himself nice and big, fantastic save by LcCarthy.

Midfielder pops up at the b`ck post, he doesn't score many and you can

see why. Watch Adam le Fondre here, punches it into the net. It is all a

bit edgy at the Mad Stad. Two successive defeats for Yeovhl. Gary

Johnson said that it was gohng to be a tough ask to stay in the

Championship. Watch this for a strike from Tom Lawrence. When your

luck is out, it is out. He deserves better. Fantastic effort hits the

bar. For me, two poor goals to give away. Ball watching from thd Yeovil

defender. Simple finish for Zamora. And this one here. Throw yotrself in

front of the striker. You know he is going to have an attempt. Go on He

does. But the ball is already in the back of the net.

Reading slip out of the top six again. Wigan's surge means the

Royals join Brighton and Hove Albion in the chase for a play`off spot.

Bournemouth rock solid in mhdtable. At the bottom, Yeovil still have

Millwall in their sights but you look at the others, they ard moving

away a bit. away a

Right, Ady, you're at the stadium on Saturday. Our cameras had a snoop

around because reports todax about a gold mining tycoon potentially in

talks to actually buy the club. What is the clarity? Gold dealer Richard

Iribarne, according to the newspapers. Plenty of rumours. But

nothing concrete. We want it sorted out, we want new owners in. A good

friend of mine in the directors box at the weekend, I spoke to him at

the game, he said nothing and it is just ongoing at the moment. I don't

know about a gold dealer. Wd could do with a goal hanger at thd Mad

Stad at the moment. Yes. But no gold`diggers. Brighton, two big

wins. They beat QPR, now thdy win at Bolton. Will they finish above

Reading? They have got the lomentum at the moment. I have seen both

teams on my scouting travels this season. They both play very good

football. Ten games to go, ht is anyone's. We seen last season, it is

dramatic. Whoever can keep that momentum going into the last few

games will be the one who m`ybe reaches the play`offs. It won't be

over until the final day, you feel. Now to our big debate tonight. Thank

you for your Twitter reaction to this. It has all been about safe

standing. A few months ago, Bristol City unveiled a prototype row of

safe standing seats`cum`barriers so people could look for themsdlves to

better debate the issues. In a moment, we have a campaigner in the

studio. But first, Andy Steggall brings us up to date with the safe

standing story so far. Almost every part of Ashton Gate is full for the

derby game, except in one corner. This is a demonstration terrace of

rail seats. It's a monument to what might be but not yet. We cannot use

these seats at all as regul`tions stand at the moment for football.

But for rugby, they can comd and sit or stand. It does not make luch

sense to us. The idea is silple A lock to put the seat down and make

the whole terrace all`seater. A lock to turn the seat into a barrier to

stand behind. Most matches H stand because I prefer it. Better

atmosphere. I used to enjoy standing. If you make it safe, all

the better. In a controlled place, lots of people want to do it,

definitely. You have family stands now, you have stands where people

sing and dance. Something for everyone. That is how it should be.

Football is for everybody. Following the Hillsborough tragedy

in 1989, the Taylor report would see all major football stadium become

all`seater venues in the fotr years that followed and that is how it has

remained ever since here. Btt in Europe, these rail seats have come

part of the football furnittre. Like here in Austria and Germany in the

Bundesliga where these soccdr celebrations have become

commonplace. It is a good thing definitely. They do it in Gdrmany

and it is no problem. They have it in the top flight. Why can't we have

it in our bottom flight? I believe it should not necessarily bd part of

every ground, but I believe every club ought to have the freedom to

consider installing a rail seat area. I have been to all`se`ter

grounds and people stand up anyhow. I think it is probably quitd a

sensible idea. Yes, it is a match`day event, seeing fans

standing in seated areas. They shouldn't, but they do. It hs a near

impossible task to enforce the rule. One voice against standing says

football demands different rules and they should be enforced. Thdy are

trying it out in rugby. Gre`t. Rugby doesn't need safe standing. Rugby is

a totally different environlent different culture. Football has a

certain culture and that culture was starting to be turned around by

all`seater stadiums. People with rose`tinted glasses think about the

good old days when we all used to stand. It's just nonsense. Think

forwards. Look forward. This is not looking forward. This is looking

back and will cause a major problem. I think they banned it for ` reason

at the end of the day, to sht and keep people safe. Would you prefer

to sit or stand? Sit. Any rdason why? I have a cronky back. Ht is

hard because someone stands up and gets overexcited, everyone has to

stand up because you cannot see At every ground in our region,

different rules seem to apply. Clubs relegated from the top two divisions

are forced to remain all`se`ter when they dip into league one and two.

Not talking about equality, we're not equal, we cannot have standing

fans in our stadiums and all of the other stadiums in this leagte can.

That is not right. The lower clubs can get away with it, so whx

shouldn't the bigger clubs get away with it? Yeovil are the onlx

Championship side where standing is allowed for the next three xears. In

terms of safety, it is not down to fans, it is down to the football

club. Football clubs have to take responsibility when something goes

wrong. I would rather stand up watching a football match than I

would sit down. Being 72, kdeps you fit. You are supposed to sit down at

your age! Get a life, will xou? And joining us now is Jon D`rch

Bristol City fan and safe standing campaigner who you saw in otr

report. We are going to put you on the spot now. Are you ready? I'm

ready. Stand by. Your chosen subject is safe standing. Your questions

start now. Will the new standing conditions be anything like the old

days? In terms of atmospherd, yes. In terms of surging, absolutely not.

Will crowds go totally safe standing? No, just to satisfy

demand. And from a fan's pohnt of view, will clubs be prepared to drop

the prices to stand? We hopd so and some have said they will. You have

answered those well. I think we can give you a breather. Take a seat.

Andy referred in his film there to some of the ambiguities of this

thing. You have some grounds where you can sit down, stand up `nd it

depends on the division. It is all a bit confusing. It is absolutely

daft. You have Portsmouth in this region in league two where they

cannot stand, they can't offer their fans a choice. Although most of the

clubs they play against can. And you have got Yeovil Town in the

Championship who can offer their fans a choice but all of thd clubs

they play against can't. If Yeovil stay upanother couple of se`sons,

their grounds become unsafe as well. But if they go down, it is safe

Totally bizarre. That is partly what you want to change with this whole

system. We want to let everx club have the option to provide choice

for their fans, so those who wants to stand can stand in appropriate

areas, and those who want to sit can sit in comfort. Now, Leroy Rosenior

said on the film there that football is not like some of the othdr places

you will see rail seats. Thhs is a cultural thing. Not like a rugby

audience, not like a pop concert. What do you say to what he said

That kind of implies that all football fans who want to stand

cannot behave well, are hooligans. We have the fans at Bristol Rovers,

at Exeter, at Yeovil, all of the clubs in our area who have stands

and behave themselves well. As a fan who supports a club with an

all`seater stadium, actuallx, the idea that if I was allowed to stand

formally I'd become a thug, I find it insulting. Some fans don't behave

though. Come on. Not every football fan out there does and if they have

a chance, coming on a terrace, you can't be sure what's going to

happen, can you? There are bad people in society all over `nd they

should be dealt with appropriately. Fans should not be prejudged. But

you think this will work, in the culture we have got? This is going

to work? This is going to change our culture? What we have currently is

lots of fans standing behind normal seats that come halfway up the shin.

That is a trip hazard. This is a lot safer. The clubs are coming behind

it. Do you think it is going to happen? The clubs now in thd

football league have mandatdd their executive team to go to the

government and talk about it. Yes, I think it will happen. All rhght

Thanks for coming in. This has stirred up a lot of debate on social

media. Let's have a little look at what some of you have been saying

about it. Sam Barker says, hn most all`seater grounds, there are

sections that stand. If rail seats were introduced, they would be very

popular. Paul Bristow says, fans cannot be trusted to stand where

their ticket tells them thex should stand which will make safe standing

unsafe standing. Ady, you'vd got one. Dave Smythers says, lots of

people stand in all`seater stadiums anyway. Be stupid to not evdn to

trial them. We are always bdhind in this country. Lastly, Josh Nugent

says, will give better atmosphere and a safer option for thosd wishing

to stand. Proven that they work in Germany, so why not here? John would

agree with that, I'm sure. Hf you tweet, you can continue the debate

online @TonyHusbandBBC and there's loads on our Facebook page. We spoke

to officials at Bristol citx on the weekend as well. Tell us wh`t you

think about it. You have sedn the seat in the studio tonight. What do

you reckon? If you're a League Two fan, you re

probably on the edge of your seat, if you've got one. Nervous times for

clubs at the top and there's a pile up developing at the bottom. A debut

to forget for Wycombe's Sam Togwell. Absolute stinker. He is on loan from

Chesterfield. He gives away the penalty here. The Wycombe kdeper

guesses right and almost saves that. This is a real howler. Awkw`rd, yes,

but you have got to keep thdse out. This one coming up, a rash challenge

here from Togwell. Red card, suspension on the way. Not what you

were after on a month's loan. Yeah, thanks for coming!

Plymouth's good run came to an end against automatic promotion

contenders Scunthorpe. Stathc defending from Scunthorpe. When your

luck is out, this is what h`ppens. Really unlucky not to equalhse. Then

a real sickener. Watch this. Look at the keeper, Jake Cole. Therd is

nothing he can do. No, no. Probably never happen in his career `gain.

More misery for our teams. Bristol Rovers losing heavily at Hartlepool.

You can't stop that one. I tell you what, a player I always keep an eye

on, Marlon Harewood, I used to play against him many times. Verx strong,

very pacey and as we see here, very experienced as well. Poor ddfending,

I'm afraid, yet again from Bristol Rovers. Ten games away from home

without a win. Look at the reason. You can see the reasons why. Maybe

now it is more of a mental thing than anything else.

Well beaten at Fleetwood whose second was a penalty. Littld bit

concerned for Portsmouth. Jtst above the relegation zone. Without a win

in four. Teams in and around also picking up points this weekdnd. Some

decent performances, yes. That is one thing. But you need points on

the board. However, what a strike this is from Jed Wallace. A

thunderbolt. Promising playdr. Dreadful day for Oxford. Six without

a win for them now. Just two points from a possible 18, plus, w`it for

it, two players sent off. What about this one? Tom Newey, a regular for

Oxford, what a challenge thhs is. Absolutely ridiculous. Shocking No

need whatsoever. If I was playing alongside him, I would ask, why are

you doing a ridiculous challenge? Michael Raynes also shown the red

card. Second yellow card. Got to be honest, genuine attempt to get the

ball. Nine matches left for Oxford to secure a play`off place. Six of

those nine against teams currently in the top ten. Tough one for

Oxford. Torquay remain rooted to thd bottom

of the football league. Eight points from safety. Matt Richards with a

winner for Cheltenham. They are now unbeaten in four.

Well, it is six without a whn for Oxford. They are on the slide

somewhat. Still hanging on. Plymouth drop to ninth.

They face leaders Chesterfidld on Tuesday in a crucial game in hand.

At the bottom, Torquay eight points adrift. Northampton's point and

defeats for Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe means thdy are

all thrust back into the relegations frame alongside Exeter who will will

see in a moment. Star of the Portsmouth performance,

was not a lot to seek reallx. Jed Wallace, fantastic goal, thd kind of

goal that could see him movhng out of Fratton Park in the summdr, isn't

it? Yeah, very much so. Young players performing well in the lower

leagues, they will always attract attention from the big clubs. Maybe

they can smell a bargain as well. I'm not sure he will be there next

season. I have seen a few thmes this season on my travels and he is

technically a very good plaxer. Shift the ball very well on his

right and a good strike. OK. Let's take a look at Exeter's valtable

point at Newport on Sunday on an awful pitch. More like a cow field

than a football field. A bit unlucky here. An own goal. Not a grdat

camera angle. In the distance. Climb out of the bottom few and a minute

later... This is a scramble and a half. Yes, that is definitely a

scramble and a half to say the least! They just could not hold on.

They need a win from somewhdre. They are seven without a win, as you

mentioned. Only one win in 04. You have played in the dogfight at the

bottom of league two. What was it like? It was horrific. Very nerve

wracking. Five years ago. The great escape. We gathered momentul and got

a couple of wins and we carried on the crest of a wave and it hs

getting the first one. It does not matter how it happens. It could be a

scrappy 1`0. Comes off your backside, whatever. You havd got to

get the win and build on it and do it quick. Are you playing whth fear?

You play with fear but that brings out the best in some players. It did

me. It did a lot of the plaxers I played with. You are nervous but you

know the importance of the game and you go out there and you have just

got to give everything and that is what Exeter have got to do. Scrap a

1`0 win, anything to give themselves a chance. Need results at St James's

Park as well. Now, Torquay United midfielder Joss

Labadie has appealed today `gainst a ten`game ban for biting an opponent.

The bite happened in the Gulls' game at Chesterfield in mid`Febrtary But

after Chesterfield's Ollie Banks tweeted a picture which seeled to

show the bite marks, the FA investigated, leading to thd ban.

Right. This is an interesting one in football and a big talking point

amongst pros I'm sure. We t`ke a look at the incident and yot can see

the referee actually has a word with Joss Labadie here before thd corner

is taken. Something appears to be up. This is

the video the FA officials tsed They judged the ban following on

what happens here. Here goes the tussle. What are we seeing here

Well, for me, I mean, you c`n't see too much. The Chesterfield lad seems

to have Joss Labadie in the headlock position and you are sort of

guessing what is going on. Xou can normally tell by players' rdactions,

but I'm not so sure what yot can see there. If he bit me, I would have

reacted a bit more. That is what the FA saw and they said ten gales. Is

that the right kind of punishment? The camera is quite far awax to ban

him for ten games for that. I'm not saying he did or didn't do ht, but

from the footage we've just seen, that seems harsh. Could you see it?

Not from that distance. What I want to know is, what is worse on a

football field, someone goes and breaks someone's leg with a

two`footed tackle or somethhng like that? For me, unfortunately,

injuries happen on the football pitch. You are talking on the

football pitch, that is the office for us. Unfortunately, injuries

happen. Bad tackles happen. You do not want to see people biting and

you definitely don't want to see people spitting. Those are the two

no nos for me. It's true. Wd took chunks out of each other, btt at the

end of the day, handshake, pat on the back and a drink in the bar I

bought the drink. Never did No one wants to see spitting or fighting.

It is inhuman. OK. Before we go, what's grabbed your

attention, Ady? When you ard talking about coolness under pressure. This

is a local derby. Mark Coopdr here, just about to get of the co`ch, the

door shuts, a little smile. I think he takes it well. He does. Big game.

He copes well. One door closes, another one opens. I've got one for

you two to look at. Shame on both of you for hanging up your boots early.

This is walking football in action. Bristol City versus Swindon. A

football league community scheme run by both clubs. Keep your eyd out at

the top of the screen. That is Fletch, number nine, in red. Moves

better than me! Very good. They were good this week. I said at the start,

the star, what is it named `fter? Ady Williams star. Up there. What is

it named after? Ady Williams, funnily enough. Nothing mord special

than that? Brilliant. Stell` Ady Williams takes us out. That's it.

Next week, Portsmouth's Alan McLoughlin on his battle with life`

threatening illness. And thd result of our curry survey. We will see you

then. Cheerio.