Last autumn while I was pretending to be a professional gambler I spent all my time just getting more and more information about the most obscure of sporting events. At one point I was going to bet against Brentford in a League game. I went off to their web site to try and pick up views form their fans on their current form. To get in I had to give an e-mail address and a home address. No problem as I wasn't going on to be abusive.

This morning I received a letter from the the caretaker manager Ray Lewington and the club captain Paul Evans. Apparently Brentford are thro to the Southern Area final of the LDV Vans Trophy and are imploring all fans to turn up and make some noise.

Up the Bees !

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Answers

Perhaps Boby Robson and Alan Shearer should try that approach with our lot!

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

I got the same letter from Brentford this morning - don't ask. On a serious note, a relatively small, almost always struggling outfit like Brentford appear to have a much more efficient system for communicating/keeping in touch with their fans (and anyone who has ever bought a pie within ten miles of Griffin Park) than a certain club I could mention.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

As Port Vale are in the Northern Area final of said LDV Vans trophy, Macbeth, fate could have a visit to Cardiff in store for us two this season after all despite the Toon's demise at Villa! Vale (four wins in 8 days, including beating Stoke in LDV on Monday at their place - he he he!) are on the crest of a wave, despite league position. They play Lincoln on Tuesday away and the following Tuesday at home. Could be interesting. I'm not counting chickens yet, however.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Brentford are effectively my 'second' club, since it's been the closest ground to me for about 10 years now. I was at Griffin Park a few weeks ago in fact, and saw them lose to Reading. To say the club is in turmoil is an understatement. Ron Noades, after pumping a bit of money into the club, is now asset stripping it, selling all the best players for a snip (I wouldn't be surprised if brown envelopes were involved) and trying to relocate the club to Woking. The gates have been tailing off badly, but there's a real backs to the wall spirit that Lewington has managed to get going, and this canvassing for support is another excellent example. Although if you're cynical, it's the sort of measure you resort to when desperate.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001

Just got the invite to the final.

Hospitality option of £110 for champagne reception, three course lunch, top ticket, souvenir gift ad programme, VIP Brentford guest in attendance, afternoon tea, access to bar

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2001