How many will we get for West Ham?

[gary james]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at ***EDIT: Stamford Bridge*** for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

[Goaters 103]

I remember my grandad telling me the 76 run to Wembley and win was notable as all the teams we played along the way began with M or N.

That weekend in 76 both my parents and Grandad went to Wembley and I was left at my grandmas at age 5. I still havent forgiven them.

[City64]

I will be there in the "comfy" seats ;-)

[Slim]

Jesus, I knew West Ham were bad, but I can't see us scoring that many.

[DoomMerchant]

Jesus, I knew West Ham were bad, but I can't see us scoring that many.

We will win by 3 or draw....cunts.

[Ted Hughes]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at OT for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

Gary, I thought the 6k v Norwich was at Stamford Bridge ? My memory was John Bond mouthing off about Bell & Marsh underperforming, then them shoving his words up his arse & by reports being absolutely incredible in the 2nd replay at Chelsea, poss Bell hat trick ? Then Bond eating humble pie & calling them 2 of best players in the world.

[Goataldo]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at OT for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

Gary, I thought the 6k v Norwich was at Stamford Bridge ? My memory was John Bond mouthing off about Bell & Marsh underperforming, then them shoving his words up his arse & by reports being absolutely incredible in the 2nd replay at Chelsea, poss Bell hat trick ? Then Bond eating humble pie & calling them 2 of best players in the world.

Sounds like good management, dare I say, Mancini style..?

[Ted Hughes]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at OT for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

Gary, I thought the 6k v Norwich was at Stamford Bridge ? My memory was John Bond mouthing off about Bell & Marsh underperforming, then them shoving his words up his arse & by reports being absolutely incredible in the 2nd replay at Chelsea, poss Bell hat trick ? Then Bond eating humble pie & calling them 2 of best players in the world.

Sounds like good management, dare I say, Mancini style..?

He was managing Norwich at the time mate ;)

[Invisible Man Fan]

I won't be going. Money just isn't there after Christmas.

Will be there against Blackburn though, and I'm taking the other half to her first ever game after I 'converted' her. Only taken me 6 years

[gary james]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at OT for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

Gary, I thought the 6k v Norwich was at Stamford Bridge ? My memory was John Bond mouthing off about Bell & Marsh underperforming, then them shoving his words up his arse & by reports being absolutely incredible in the 2nd replay at Chelsea, poss Bell hat trick ? Then Bond eating humble pie & calling them 2 of best players in the world.

Yes, my error. I was thinking about Walsall in 73-74, sorry! You're spot on with the Norwich stuff and he was very critical of City (as Norwich boss). In fact when he became City boss in 1980 some fans brought it up and he had to eat humble pie again. Got a great interview with Bond in the MCFC film show I'm hosting at Cornerhouse in March (along with Swales, Mercer, Book, Allison, and lots of rare footage). Details here: http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/film-ev ... -on-film-3 Thanks.

[Wonderwall]

Are the top two tiers closed for this game?

Just looked online and the only tickets available now are sections of the lower east with low/ok availability and the usual Family stand tickets where there are loads available.

It looks like West ham have returned tickets but will be brining just over the 3k normally apportioned to an away following so that will be good.

[john@staustell]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at OT for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

Gary, I thought the 6k v Norwich was at Stamford Bridge ? My memory was John Bond mouthing off about Bell & Marsh underperforming, then them shoving his words up his arse & by reports being absolutely incredible in the 2nd replay at Chelsea, poss Bell hat trick ? Then Bond eating humble pie & calling them 2 of best players in the world.

Yes, my error. I was thinking about Walsall in 73-74, sorry! You're spot on with the Norwich stuff and he was very critical of City (as Norwich boss). In fact when he became City boss in 1980 some fans brought it up and he had to eat humble pie again. Got a great interview with Bond in the MCFC film show I'm hosting at Cornerhouse in March (along with Swales, Mercer, Book, Allison, and lots of rare footage). Details here: http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/film-ev ... -on-film-3 Thanks.

I was at the 81 semi against Liverpool. Right in the north stand behind the goal at about the height it went into the net from Reeves. I didn't know why it was disallowed then and I still dont.

Alf Gray wasn't it, who had the dosh in his sarnies that time?

[john@staustell]

Are the top two tiers closed for this game?

Just looked online and the only tickets available now are sections of the lower east with low/ok availability and the usual Family stand tickets where there are loads available.

It looks like West ham have returned tickets but will be brining just over the 3k normally apportioned to an away following so that will be good.

We may be selling a few, I'm sure the top tiers were available. Otherwise I'd better revise my estimate downward!

[Ted Hughes]

So - ticket sales sluggish, never popular these CC matches. Even in 76 we only got about 44-45,000 I seem to recall. Shocking performance at Blackburn not doing much for the enthusiasm.

I'm going to go for 40-42,000 and the usual stick from the RAGS for fans dressed as blue seats. Unless they lose today of course in which case they'll all keep their heads well down all week!

John your memory's spot on as usual - 44,426 v Middlesbrough in 76 semi-final but it was the 2nd leg so that may have helped. In the earlier rounds we had 30,022 v Mansfield (qtr final), 50,182 Utd (4th), 28,536 Forest (3rd) and 29,667 Norwich in 2nd round replay (followed by 6,238 at OT for 2nd replay).

The 1981 semi v LFC was watched by 48,045 (1st leg); 1974 v Plymouth = 40,117 (2nd leg); then there have been the 2 recent years V utd & LFC; but the biggest of all our League Cup semifinal crowds was 55,799 Utd in 1969-70 (1st leg).

Gary, I thought the 6k v Norwich was at Stamford Bridge ? My memory was John Bond mouthing off about Bell & Marsh underperforming, then them shoving his words up his arse & by reports being absolutely incredible in the 2nd replay at Chelsea, poss Bell hat trick ? Then Bond eating humble pie & calling them 2 of best players in the world.

Yes, my error. I was thinking about Walsall in 73-74, sorry! You're spot on with the Norwich stuff and he was very critical of City (as Norwich boss). In fact when he became City boss in 1980 some fans brought it up and he had to eat humble pie again. Got a great interview with Bond in the MCFC film show I'm hosting at Cornerhouse in March (along with Swales, Mercer, Book, Allison, and lots of rare footage). Details here: http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/film-ev ... -on-film-3 Thanks.

Cheers Gary.

I remember Bond being very anti City & getting abuse from the Kippax every time he showed up, then I was rather shocked when we appointed him manager.

Equivalent in recent times would have been giving Moyes the City job.

Always figured Harry Redknapp learned bollocks from JB.

[Hutch's Shoulder]

I was at the 81 semi against Liverpool. Right in the north stand behind the goal at about the height it went into the net from Reeves. I didn't know why it was disallowed then and I still dont. Alf Gray wasn't it, who had the dosh in his sarnies that time?

I too have yet to forgive that decision.

[Goaters 103]

I was at the 81 semi against Liverpool. Right in the north stand behind the goal at about the height it went into the net from Reeves. I didn't know why it was disallowed then and I still dont. Alf Gray wasn't it, who had the dosh in his sarnies that time?

I too have yet to forgive that decision.

Me three. It was Alf fuclin Grey the bent bastard.

[Tokyo Blue]

I was at the 81 semi against Liverpool. Right in the north stand behind the goal at about the height it went into the net from Reeves. I didn't know why it was disallowed then and I still dont. Alf Gray wasn't it, who had the dosh in his sarnies that time?

I too have yet to forgive that decision.

Me three. It was Alf fuclin Grey the bent bastard.

Cheating fucking shitbag.

[gary james]

I was at the 81 semi against Liverpool. Right in the north stand behind the goal at about the height it went into the net from Reeves. I didn't know why it was disallowed then and I still dont.

Alf Gray wasn't it, who had the dosh in his sarnies that time?

Yes - this was the first time I seriously believed something dodgy was happening. The goal was legit but disallowed. I interviewed Bond, Reeves and others about this game and incident and they all say they don't understand why it was disallowed. Here's what Reeves said when I interviewed him: "This was the most controversial incident of my time really. There was absolutely nothing wrong with that goal and the television film proved it. It was perfectly legitimate and the referee could never properly explain why he disallowed it. What made it worse was that after scoring I ran to the Kippax celebrating with the other players unaware of the referee’s decision, and then discovered Liverpool were attacking our goal. The entire match changed by a very, very unfair decision. We were all furious. If I’d have known I’d done something wrong then I’d have owned up at the time but, believe me, 22 years later I still know I did nothing wrong that day."

[Ted Hughes]

I was at the 81 semi against Liverpool. Right in the north stand behind the goal at about the height it went into the net from Reeves. I didn't know why it was disallowed then and I still dont. Alf Gray wasn't it, who had the dosh in his sarnies that time?

I too have yet to forgive that decision.

Me three. It was Alf fuclin Grey the bent bastard.

Cheating fucking shitbag.

I was there, but can mainly remember it because of tv replays since. Can barely remember anything about the game.

Strange how some things are perfect in the memory & others disappear. It's not down to whether it's good or bad either. I remember the George Courtney Liverpool game clearly.

I can still remember the nightmare of Brian Gayle v Saunders/Goddard (plus Mark Wright at corners) at Derby County, or Steve Redmond at Ayresome Park, but struggle remembering many of Ali Benarbia's best moments without prompting.

Bizarre.

[Mark Garrett]

Are the top two tiers closed for this game?

Just looked online and the only tickets available now are sections of the lower east with low/ok availability and the usual Family stand tickets where there are loads available.

It looks like West ham have returned tickets but will be brining just over the 3k normally apportioned to an away following so that will be good.

We may be selling a few, I'm sure the top tiers were available. Otherwise I'd better revise my estimate downward!

Yep Level 3 for both stands are open but I think the club via online sales at least are trying to encourage Level 1 tickets to be taken.

Why is the Family Stand both Level 1 and Level 2? Can it not just be Level 2? Because for any evening match there are always gaps in the level 1 section and I am guessing that is down to families thinking it is too late for kids to be at the match etc