Conference trucks::football;1

    
    I think England or Portugal would be ideal venues.  Obviously I'd have 
    a strong preference for England as it's much closer.  
    
    The hooligan problems in england have eased considerably recently and
    the stadia are being upgraded.  given that it's a football country
    there should be huge interest in the finals.
    
    
    Gary.

    Another chance to impress the rest of the world with the venue of
    legendary prices....Wembley. The only thing it's good for is FA Cup
    finals. Interesting to note that the River Plate stadium was built 
    no more than 10 years after Wembley (and possibly the Bernabau (sp?)
    too. I'd say most people would choose the last two in terms of 
    architectural magnificence but Wembley just seems to be everyone's
    favourite granny because of it's history. 
    
    Barry.

    i dont like Wembley, the car park isnt muddy enough!
    i prefer Barnsleys ground, Oakwell, now THERE is REAL mud.
    a match isnt a match without wading through 10 feet of mud first...
    Oakwell for Euro venue!
    Ian.
     

    Yeah Wembleys a real dump. The problem is you don't actually realize it
    until you walk into the place. It looks O.K. on the box.

    Why not get the EC to Holland. As far as I can remember Holland never
    hosted such a big football event. It lies also very central in Europe
    which makes it easy for the competitors' supporters to attend the
    matches.
    
    Rob

    Holland doesn't have big enough stadiums, and the hooligan reputation
    is still to high. England can provide the stadiums, the crowds and the
    hooligan element is under control.
    
    jb.

    reply 125.6
    
    Didn't hear very much about hooligan problems in Holland of late.
    We already have "De Kuip" in Rotterdam (+/- 60.000), there will be a
    replacement for the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam by that time. To my
    knowledge Sweden also uses only 2 stadiums for the coming
    Championships.

    De Kuip. Is'nt that where Spurs fans re-arranged the seating back
    in the seventies against Fey***d (can't spell it)? Are'nt they also
    going there again for the quarter finals of the ECWC? Actually I 
    Fey***d's stadium is called something completely different. 
    
    Barry

    
    re; .7
    
    >>To my knowledge Sweden also uses only 2 stadiums for the coming
    >>Championchips.
    
    We use 4 stadiums in Euro-92, see 92.1 for information about them.
    
    There's been a great focus on holligalism in Europe during the past
    years. Every country have made great efforts on dealing with it, and it
    seems that England finally is getting a grip on it. I have my doupts
    about English, German and Dutch supporters, but i'll give them a chance
    until Euro-92 is over.
    
    The Swedish police will spend millions on police-protection and
    arrangements, and they have been talking with police-organisations from
    other European countries with hooligan-problems. But, with Holland,
    England and Germany here in Gothenburg, it will be tough to avoid
    trouble.
    
    Mats

    reply 125.9
    
    You're right that there were some troubles with club-supporters,
    f.e. FC Den Haag. But with the national team it is different. There
    seems to be far less violence.
    
    Rob

 <<< Note 125.10 by BONNET::ZIJL "I think I can, I think I can,.....,I did" >>>
                   -< Not much violence with national team >-

>>    reply 125.9
    
>>    You're right that there were some troubles with club-supporters,
>>    f.e. FC Den Haag. But with the national team it is different. There
>>    seems to be far less violence.
    
>>    Rob

Rob,

you are completely right, I can't recall any cases of violence with the
National team for years, club-teams is a different thing!

T_

    
    
    Worraloadacrap.!!!!!
    
    What about Italy last year or Germany two years before that. They
    weren't exactly angels were they?!?!?!?
    
    P

    So what did the Dutch supporters do there??? I think it was mostly the
    Germans that caused some disturbance.....
    
    Rob

       <<< Note 125.12 by CROWN::MURRAY "Digital has it. Well sort of" >>>

    
    
>>    Worraloadacrap.!!!!!
    
>>    What about Italy last year or Germany two years before that. They
>>    weren't exactly angels were they?!?!?!?
    
>>    P

Excuse me but could you give me some details then? 'cause as far as I can recall
there were no problems in both Italy and Germany!!!!!!!!!!!!1

T_

    I read in the Portuguese sports weekly 'A Bola' a while back when
    Portugal applied that there was substantial support from other
    countries, namely France, Spain and the UK. I don't remember exactly
    what type of support the paper referred to but I assume it means those
    countries would lobby in favor of Portugal getting the games. Whatever
    happens, we do have the stadiums. Its been a long time since I've been
    back there but if my memory serves me right we have:
    
        Stadium               City              home field of:
    Estadio da Luz           Lisboa              Benfica   
    Jose Alvalade            Lisboa              Sporting
    Estadio do Restelo       Lisboa              Belenenses
    Estadio das Antas        Porto               Porto
    Estadio do Bonfim        Setubal             Vitoria de Setubal
                                                 (near Lisboa)
    
    There are a few others such as at Guimaraes and Braga, if they
    want to spread out the action throughout the country. I think another 
    factor in Portugal's favor may be the cost of living. I believe its 
    cheaper in Portugal then anywhere else in Europe, except for perhaps 
    some of the former communist countries. I don't know if FIFA are that
    worried about expenses, but if they are this should give Portugal a bit
    of an edge I would think.
    
    JC

	I heard on the news this morning (or did I dream it) that the
	qualifying draw for Euro-96 has already been made....

	Its the 1994 World Cup groups all over again. 

	West Germany are in Spain's group, replacing Northern Ireland
	who for some reason aren't competing.

	Contraversial, or what.

	Dave

    
    Re -1,  Dave that was the draw for the European U21 championship.  This
    is generally agreed to coincide with the world cup and European
    championship draw to facilitate travelling.  The fixtures will coincide
    with the U21 game played the night before the full International.
    
    As Northern Ireland, Lithuania and Latvia declined an invitation to
    compete our group was the smallest.  Germany were then included in this
    group.  The competition should be intense.
    
    Gary.

    What was the draw guys ?   Is the tournament played in parrallel with
    the qualifying games for the 94 world cup ?

    Oh.. I've got it (or have I)

    European Championship .. every 4 years
    European Championship (U21) .. every 2 years

    

    The Under-21 games are usually played the day before the big boys
    games. It is also a system of qualifying groups which ends with 8 sides
    which compete in quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, all home and
    away. In 1984, France beat England in the semis and Greece in the
    final. Most of the players who played in that team now are in the
    National side, so it is always a good indication of future strength.
    
    �JF?

    > so it is always a good indication of future strength.
    
    Not for Greece :>)  
    
    
    Happy new year JF.

Anyone know when a decision will be taken by UEFA on the venue for this?

Also, I read on teletext last night something about having the tournament
in England and Wales, with CardifF Arms Park being mentioned as a possible 
site. The English spokesman, (cant remember his name) said that obviously, he'd
prefer England to host the tournament by themselves, but if UEFA wanted two 
countries to do the hosting, then so be it. I find it all a bit strange....
.........and I'm sure I didnt just dream this!

Note 125.15 describes the facilities in Portugal. I know that Benfica's 
stadium is absolutely huuuuge, but does anyone know about the other stadia?

 - Kevin

    
    Kevin, Porto's stadium is also huge (100000+). Though I don't know how
    others are.
    
    G�nter

    Re .22,
    
    If they played at Cardiff Arms Park then they'd have to let Wales
    qualify as host nation also wouldn't they?
    
    Oh goody at least we get to qualify for a european/world cup tournament
    in my lifetime!
    
    Couple of pints of Brains in the Old Arcade before the game and I 
    wouldn't mind watching the Latvia vs Faroe Islands game (0-0 after
    120 mins - decided 27-26 on penalities)
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    I read somewhere that they were thinking of increasing the tournament
    to 16 teams (good idea as less of the best teams would get knocked out
    in the qualifying) and because of the number of stadia involved it
    would rule out all the small(er) countries from ever being the host ,
    thus the proposal to have two countries hosting the tournament.
    
    In the 16 team format they would need something like 6 to 8 stadia -
    something like Wembley , The arse , Man U , Villa , Cardiff , Everton ,
    Sheff Wed and 1 in the north east. I  think one of the criteria is
    40000 seats - which might rule out Liverpool.
    
    Nige
    

    Hillsborough won't be used, Elland Road probably will. Wembley, Villa
    Park, Old Trafford, Elland Rd, Cardiff Arms Park, Twickenham look the
    likely grounds.
    
    jb.

    Is there a specific reason for using Elland Road,as apposed to 
    Hillsborough,as Hillsborough is by far,the better ground of the two.
    
    Dave...

    re -1
    
    The aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster.
    
    Elland Road will be a 40,000 all seater stadium in 3 years, a new East
    STand is to be built anf the Kop will be seated. Elland Road is also
    much more accessible, being next to the Motorway network, and there is
    a lot more room round the ground so a Hillsborough style 'accident'
    couldn't happen.
    
    jb.

    
    
     Yeh, but Leeds are second in Division 1 surely that gives them some 
     right to hold the games there but saying that come 1996 they will
     proberly be back in division two so I would go for Hillsborough as
     well.
    
                              Neil...... 

    re -1
    
    I don't think Leeds will go down to Division 2, they've been there for
    too long annd they won't want to go back. There is too much financial
    backing and commitment also for them to slump back to Div 2.
    
    jb.

    re .26
    
    Twickenham ?????????? - why should they need two venues in London ? -
    it's already difficult enough attracting anyone to Wembley.
    
    I wouldn't bank on Elland Road either, Goodison, Anfield and Maine Road
    could all probably make a better case than Elland Road - they are used
    to having 40,000 plus crowds - something they haven't had a Leeds for a
    while now.
    
    Paul

    Venues will be by Geographic locatrion - the NW is looked after by OT,
    the NE by Elland Rd and the Midlands by Villa Park. As for Maine Road,
    wasn't a bomb dropped in Moss Side and damage was estimated at 10p ?
    
    jb.

    re:-1 I agree Paul. Another plus for Goodison is that the playing
    surface is one of the best in the league (probably due to lack of use
    this year). Trouble is that 3 (4 if you count main rd) of the best
    stadia are in a small area - and the area is not London.
    
    Whats the Man U playing surface like this year - it used to have the 
    reputation for being a bit of cabbage patch. And Villa is a cabbage
    patch.
    
    Nige

    
     Remember it's not until 1996.....They might have improved there
     pitches by then.
    
       Wasnt Sinderland mentioned,I thought the FA wanted one in the North
     East.They will have to build a new stadium,or rebuild Roker.
       
     Dave...

    
    Re .32
    
    Geographical location ? - I wonder who defines that ? 
    
    Okay, so Manchester and Liverpool are both in the North West, but
    where's Leeds - the North East ? Surely Leeds is closer to Manchester
    than it is to Newcastle ?
    
    Weren't both Goodison and Old Trafford used in 1966 - as Nige said, why
    should clubs be discounted just because they're in the same location ?
    Using your arguement, Plymouth could stage some games - if they can get
    a 40,000+ all seater stadium.
    
    Nige - The pitch at Old Trafford is still the same as it ever was......
    
    Paul
    
    PS - It wasn't a bomb that was dropped in Manchester - 5,000 Leeds
    supporters were unleashed on Maine Road... (oops sorry they didn't
    wreck the seats did they -they 'fell apart' when they were stood on,
    still they'd only been there for 15+ years..... :-) )

    
    	If we are to assume the locations will be selected on a
    	"geographical" basis as was suggested earlier, though it hurts
    	me to say it I would have thought Maine Road was a better ground to
    	stage the NW venue than OT. Maine Road is bigger, and in all
    	honesty whenever I've been there (fortunately not for about 15
    	years..8-)) I've been impressed. When is it being made all-seater?
    	OT is a good "atmospheric" stadium, but Maine Road is surely
    	more suitable?
    
    	As for the NE..didn't Ayresome Park stage the WC games in '66?
        St.James' Park is vast if I remember rightly as well..
    
    	Andy.

    A City fan speaks!
    
    
    	Maine Road has probably one of the best pitches around. However
    Andy, (and this is going to be weird for non-mancunians) Old Trafford
    is probably the best stadium in the first division (I believe Highbury
    is good but that's one of the few I've never been to.) Maine Road is a
    better stadium though, than Elland Road, even if Moss side is a dump.
    
    	I reckon that Goodison is a reasonable bet, (better than Anfield),
    and what about St James park or Roker? As for Twickenham? What a
    bl**din' joke? All those chinless wonders in there wax jackets! They
    probably won't even realize it's not 'Rugger', and start singing
    'Jerusalem' or whatever that ridiculous song is.....
    
    
    		Steve

    
    Re -1 
    	Ayresome Park was used in 66. I don't know what state it is in
    nowadays but with it being slightly further south than both Sunderland
    and Newcatle i.e. not so far from the major international airports. I
    think it would probably have a better chance. I don't know what the
    capacity is at St James, but I don't think it could be increased
    sufficiently in time for the championships IMHO. I know Newcatle has an
    international airport, but .....
    
    Keith

    
    re .38
    
    Ayresmore Park is probably in the same state it was in 1966 - so that
    can be discounted. Haven't Newcastle been planning to build a stand at
    the Leazes End since about 1978 ? - It probably could hold 40,000
    seated, but they'd have to spend some money, while Sunderland have been
    threatening to build a new stadium - so the incentive is there for one
    of the North-east clubs to get their fingers out a provide a decent
    stadium.
    
    paul                                               

    
      There's no way St James Park could hold 40.000,its tiny.It looks big
    on TV,but when you get there its really small.They would have to put
    another stand on the Leazes end,not just develop it.If they made it all
    seater as it is now it would hold no more than 20.000.
    
      Elland road the same.Really small but I have to agree that it has
    good car park space and easy to get to.Main Road is a no-no.Its the
    perfect example of the English Football ground.Surounded by Coronation
     Street and alleys.Then again Old Trafford isnt the best Located ground
    either.
    
    Dave...

    Presuming they do increase it to 16 teams. 4 groups of 4. Each group
    would probably be based in an area. That would make 6 matches to played
    in an area over a 10 - 14 day period. In that case you would need 2
    grounds per area (3 games per ground , 1 game every 3 days or so).
    Possible break down of areas :
    
    		North West :	Man U
    				Goodison
    
    		Sarf	   :	The Arse
    				Wembley (All England games to be played
    				here , so the Jocks can have a good moan
    				after we win it)
    
    		East	   :	Leeds
    				Sheff Wed or North Eastern team
    
    		Other	   :	Cardiff
    				Aston Villa (I wouldnt choose it)
    
    	This leaves Liverpool and Man City with no games.
    
        Quarter Finals - 1 in each area.
    
    	Semi's - Wembley and Wembley
    
    	Final Wembley
    
    	Come 96 see if im not right
            
    	Nige

    
    	What about Ibrox ? According to the Glasgow Herald, the English
        FA have already ruled out Cardiff Arms Park and would make
        overtures to the SFA to allow Rangers' ground to be one of the
        venues, if UEFA forced a two-host championship. Another (unlikely) 
    	possibility could be Celtic's new stadium which (according to the 
        Celtic board) should be completed in 1994.
    
    	Apparently Scotland would not gain automatic entry to the finals
    	should they be involved in hosting the championship.   

    > Ayresmore Park is probably in the same state it was in 1966 - so that
    > can be discounted. Haven't Newcastle been planning to build a stand at
    > the Leazes End since about 1978 ? - It probably could hold 40,000
    > seated, but they'd have to spend some money, while Sunderland have
    > been threatening to build a new stadium - so the incentive is there for
    > one

    Paul,

    Ayresome Park got the world cup in 1966 because Newcastle couldn't
    agree on a long term lease with the local council. Without that the FA
    wouldn't give the world cup grounds development grants. Newcastle are
    still negotiating a long term lease for the ground so that they can get
    some development money!!!!

    They were planning to turn the Leazes into a stand in the late sixties.
    They then tore down the roof over the terracing, put up foundations for
    a new stand, ran out of interest and gave that end to away supporters.
    
    Peter 

    The grounds I would pick for a tournament in the UK of 16 teams would be :
    
    a.  Hampden(Ibrox)     - St James Park (No not Exeter)
    
    b.  Old Trafford       - Hillsborough
    
    c.  Cardiff Arms Park  - Villa Park(Goodison)  
    
    d.  Wembley            - Twickenham
    
    
    The reasons would be for the total choice that this is geographically
    the best with access to all country.
    
    In choice a. Scotland deserves a group as do the geordies who would 
    support the tournament and ensure good attendances. I think that
    although Hampden is being remodernised it might be not be sufficient for
    1996 ie. Ibrox alternative. If the changes are made before then I would 
    go for Hampden. Perhaps the choice of the UK for 1996 would spur the 
    Scots FA to make the stadium suitable for the occasion.
    
    I think that the choices in b. and c. are fairly straight forward
    although there must be firm proviso's against Old Trafford's pitch.
    
    In the case of Cardiff Arms Park again there should be a good
    attendance and the stadium actually looks like an international
    stadium, apart for the those silly coloured goalnets.
    
    The only slight reservation is Villa Park against say the choice of 
    Goodison, but Liverpool is close to Manchester so there could
    be some problems there with mixing supporters plus Birmingham should
    have a venue with it's population.
    
    The last choice is Wembley and Twickers. I went for Twickenham against
    say Arsenal because I don't know if you saw the plans for the ground but
    they are impressive to say the least. By 1995 there will be a 75,000
    all seater stadium ready for use, the pitch itself will have been
    enlarged, especially the widths so a football pitch could easily be
    accomodated. As it stands at present it is the same size as the pitch
    at Highbury 71 yds wide, and again it really looks the part for a
    fixture and tournament. 
    
    I would play qtr finals at Sheffield, Old Trafford, Villa Park and
    Twickenham
    
    Semi Finals at Hampden and Cardiff Arms Park
    
    3rd place at Twickenham. 
    
    Final at Wembley.  
    
    The main problem in this would be who would get the home FA and a pass
    as hosts into the tournament. I would forfeit that and make all three
    home nations take their chance. 
    
    I would say that if there are 16 places for grabs there should
    be a good chance of all three home nations qualifying. However in
    reality it will be whatever FA get the UEFA nod as official host who's 
    team will qualify as hosts, probably England. 

	BRITAIN HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AS THE TOURNAMENT HOSTS FOR 1996 Euro' Cup.

	Does anyone else have any further detailes, i.e. grounds, tickets, etc.

				Alboy...

    Grounds :-
    
    Wembley
    Villa Park
    Old Trafford
    Elland Rd/Goodison Park/St. James' Park/Roker Park, Elland Rd
    favourite.
    
    Tickets - expensive and they won't cater for the real fans, only
    'package tour all inclusives'.
    
    jb.

    
    
    Jon,
    
    why do you keep saying Elland Rd is the favourite ?
    
    Goodison's capacity is now almost 40,000 and the majority of the ground
    is already all-seater. If/when they put seats in the Kop at Elland Rd,
    I would guess the capacity will still be below 40,000.
    
    Paul

    Paul,
    
    The East Stand at Elland Rd is being demolished and replaced with a
    brand new stand. The Kop will be seated, the total capacity after all
    work is done will be 40,000. Work is due to start in the next week or
    so.
    
    jb.

    
    
    If it is Britain that has been picked to host the '96 Euro
    Championships then why are all you southerners presuming it's 
    England
    
    
    
    Peter

    ENGLAND has been chosen.
    
    jb.

    
    
    I was only going by what note .45 said matey.............
    anyway it's the only way you lot will qualify.........

    
    Oooh errr.. sour grapes from the McNoters already.
    
    Still at least the Scots won't be there to get humiliated again.....
    
    Iran, Peru, Costa Rica   :-)
    
    Paul

    
    Congratulations England!! I'm looking forward to travel to your country
    in four years time as Sweden will qualify for real... :-)
    
    I don't know if anyone mentioned it yet, but FIFA has decided that it
    still will be only eight teams in Euro-96. I presume that you only need
    four stadiums for the tournament like we do in Sweden. BTW, is Wembley
    only used for the final, or will group matches be played there as well?
    
    It will be more difficult to qualify this time. As the number of
    European nations increases, the groups will get larger. A group can
    contain 6 or 7 teams, and only one will qualify. At least we won't have
    England in our group, nor will Ireland... :-)
    
    Mats

Mats,

Apparently it's already been decided that England will play 'all' of their 
games at Wembley (however many that is). As any Scot could tell you, this is a 
change from 1966, when England changed the rules during the WC Finals so they 
could play their semi-final at Wembley - they should have played, I think, at 
Everton.

grahame

    re Too many qualifying matches
    
    Now with over 40 countries in Europe, have UEFA considered a
    preliminary round to the qualifiers? Something like a "Minnows' Cup"
    where countries like Albania, Luxumbourg, Malta, Estonia, etc. would
    play home-home series, with the winners being places in a more
    manageable size group. This would reduce the number of matches played 
    (probably the reason they WON'T consider this) and give the minnows a
    little glory. Imangine being a Luxumbourg player, where you will never
    even have a chance at qualifying for anything on the international
    scale, and routinely get thumped by 6 or 7 goals by a giant looking to
    improve their goal-difference. This way, fans could at least have
    something to crow about in being among the "best" of the smaller
    countries.  
    
    I think the last time Luxumbourg got even a point was at the end of the
    1990 WC qualifiers, when they drew with Belgium. Belgium had already
    clinched a spot, and were trying out some new players. That was the
    first point Luxubbourg had earned in over 20 years. What fun is that?
    
    Just curious, do the minnows get good crowds when the big teams come to
    town, even though they know they will probably lose big?
    
    Tom 

Its been very quiet in here.....

Included with my MAN UTD season ticket this month was a EURO 96 ticket 
application form. And already the cheapest seats for all the games at
Wembley Stadium (1st rnd to final) have been sold out.

So if any of you are planning to go then I suggest you get your application in.

As far as I know you should be able to get them from your teams ticket office.



Tony

    In today's Daily Record it states that goals scored against the
    so-called `minnows', (i.e. Latvia, Faroe Islands etc.), will not count
    towards your teams goal difference at the end of the qualifying
    tournament. Is the Daily Record talking rubbish as usual or could this
    be true?...If it is true then what would be the point of sending out
    your best team to play these minnows? A 1-0 win would count as much as 
    a 14-0 win....daft!!!!
    
    Ray....

    Ray,
    
    Sounds a bit like Bovine Excrement to me.  Surely the point about
    playing the minnows is that everyone gets to play against them, thereby
    giving everyone the opportunity to score a hatful against them. Otherwise 
    what's the point of the tournament system. Granted, one might argue that 
    after playing a few games against "top-class" opposition, the minnows may 
    learn to deal with them better and start to tighten up in defense. I'm 
    afraid I'm just not convinced that one can simply discard goals scored on 
    the  grounds that the opposition were crap. 
    
    
    It seems to me that either :
    
    1. If the teams are so crap, then they shouldn't be allowed to enter.
    
    OR ELSE
    
    2. Let them play and treat them like everyone else !
    
    
    JMHO,
    
    Jerry.
    

    Pure bull to me!
    
    �JF?

    
    This is how I understand it:
    
    The 8 group winners are directly qualified. All games count.
    
    7 out of 8 group seconds also qualify and are compared against each
    other. Here is where it gets tricky; since there is an uneven number of
    teams in the groups (sixes and fives) there would be an unfair
    advantage for teams playing in the groups with six teams (very probably
    6 easy points plus). So in order to have an equal number of games
    played, games against the last placed team in the six team groups don't
    count.
    
    Makes perfect sense.
    
    	cheers,
    
    		/Stefan

    Any comments on Venables decision to quit the Englsand job after Euro 
    96?...It looks like Gerry Francis is the early favourite to replace 
    him....
    
    Ray....

Presumably Venables is the best judge of whether his other interests will 
interfere with the job, so it's the right decision. Unless, of course, he 
knows the FA will dump him as soon as all of the filth is exposed, and he's 
jumping before he's pushed?

At first I thought this was bad news for the team, but he hasn't actually been 
the saviour we all expected. And there aren't too many obvious successors:

>    96?...It looks like Gerry Francis is the early favourite to replace 
>    him....
    
best news I've had today - paper here said Keegan was the favourite!

grahame

    Heard on the Radio that the German Football Team was considering
    bringing it's own food for the Championships, for fear of catching
    CJD.
    
    This is a true story.
    
    Chancellor Kohl
    
    Boris Becker
    
    Gerd Muller
    
    Bernard Langer
    
    'Your boys will take a hell of an eating'
    
    
    Andy

    CJD? isn't it KJD

Andrew,

its CJD. 


Ian.

    Ian 
    
    I'll call CNN immediately as they're reporting it as KJD.
    
    Regards
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    re: 63 
    
    The best in ages :-) 

    What does the panel think of the state of the pitches that will be used
    during Euro 96?...Villa Park at the moment is a desert, Anfield isn't
    much better and I'm sure a few of the others have taken an awful
    pounding this winter. Are they in this state because players train on
    these pitches or is it simply a case of too many matches?, or are they
    just $#!t pitches?...
    
    Ray....

    Villa Park is apparently being relaid before Euro 96. As for the
    others, they have all assured the FA that they will be in tip top
    condition, ready for the Championships.
    
    At present, the conditions make The Baseball Ground in the 70's seem
    fit for Crown Green Bowling.
    
    Stuart

    Will some kind soul with access to the web copy dates and times for the
    games in Euro 96?, and could they start new notes for the 4 groups as
    well?...
    
    Ray....

From the Guardian's Euro '96 webpage www.eurosoccer.com
>                            [the tournament]
> 
>                          The Full Fixture List
> 
>     Date
>          Team 1      vs. Team 2      GroupGround        [Image]BST
>     June                                                       CET+1
>     8    England     vs. Switzerland A    Wembley      15:00
>     9    Spain       vs. Bulgaria    B    Elland Road  14:30
> 
>     9    Germany     vs. Czech       C    Old Trafford 17:00
>                          Republic
>     9    Denmark     vs. Portugal    D    Hillsborough 19:30
>     10   Holland     vs. Scotland    A    Villa Park   16:30
> 
>     10   Romania     vs. France      B    St James'    19:30
>                                           Park
>     11   Italy       vs. Russia      C    Anfield      16:30
>     11   Turkey      vs. Croatia     D    City Ground  19:30
> 
>     13   Bulgaria    vs. Romania     B    St James'    16:30
>                                           Park
>     13   Switzerland vs. Holland     A    Villa Park   19:30
>     14   Portugal    vs. Turkey      D    City Ground  16:30
> 
>     14   Czech       vs. Italy       C    Anfield      19:30
>          Republic
>     15   England     vs. Scotland    A    Wembley      15:00
>     15   France      vs. Spain       B    Elland Road  18:00
>     16   Russia      vs. Germany     C    Old Trafford 15:00
>     16   Croatia     vs. Denmark     D    Hillsborough 18:00
> 
>     18   France      vs. Bulgaria    B    St James'    16:30
>                                           Park
>     18   Romania     vs. Spain       B    Elland Road  16:30
>     18   England     vs. Holland     A    Wembley      19:30
>     18   Scotland    vs. Switzerland A    Villa Park   19:30
>     19   Croatia     vs. Portugal    D    City Ground  16:30
>     19   Turkey      vs. Denmark     D    Hillsborough 19:30
>     19   Italy       vs. Germany     C    Old Trafford 19:30
> 
>     19   Russia      vs. Czech       C    Anfield      19:30
>                          Republic
> 
>     22   Group B     vs. Group A     Qtr  Wembley      15:00
>          Runners-up      Winners
> 
>     22   Group B     vs. Group A     Qtr  Anfield      18:30
>          Winners         Runners-up
> 
>     23   Group C     vs. Group D     Qtr  Old Trafford 15:00
>          Winners         Runners-up
> 
>     23   Group C     vs. Group D     Qtr  Villa Park   18:30
>          Runners-up      Winners
> 
>     26   Anfield     vs  Villa Park  SF   Old Trafford 16:00
>          Winners         Winners
>                          Old
>     26   Wembley     vs  Trafford    SF   Wembley      19:30
>          Winners
>                          Winners
>     30   EURO        96  The Final   F    Wembley      19:00
> 
>      [� �][�][UP][�][� �][Map][Home][Search]              [Image]
>      [The Guardian][Vauxhall]
>      copyright � Guardian Media Group plc 1996. All
>      rights reserved.

-- 
------------- 
 "Of the first was he to bare arms and a name: Wassaily 
 Booslaeugh of Riesengeborg.  His crest of huroldry, in 
 vert with ancillars, troublant,argent, a hegoak, 
 poursuivant, horrid, horned. His scutschum fessed, 
 witharchers strung, helio, of the second."                            
  				James Joyce ("finnegans wake")

Grainne Ni Choiligh   Digital Equipment Corp.     Galway, Ireland. 
mailto:[email protected]

    
    For anyone interested, the names left out of the England squad are:
    
    Wise
    Wilcox
    Lee
    Ehiogu
    Beardsley
    
    The squad is:
    
    Seamen
    Walker
    Flowers
    
    Adams
    Pearce
    Neville P
    Neville G
    Howey
    Cambell
    Southgate
    
    Anderton
    McMannaman
    Ince
    Gazza
    Redknapp
    Platt
    Stone
    
    Fowler
    Ferdinand
    Shearer
    Sheringham
    Barmby
    
    Dave...                                       

    Initial impressions:
    
    1 - What the hell has happened to Rob Jones during the last 3 years,
    after possibly the most convincing international debut I've seen?
    
    2 - Surprised to see he's left out both Wise AND Wilcox. Makes
    Anderton's place look pretty solid.
    
    3 - Of those omitted, the one that most peaves me is definitely Robert
    Lee.
    
    4 - Hmm...rather too many players getting over an injury (Shearer,
    Anderton, Howey, Adams, Redknapp), not to mention injury-prone players
    (GASCOIGNE) for my liking.
    
    Still, a lot more appetizing than the 1992 squad...
    
    Dom

Rob Jones is out for several months with a stress fracture of the back. It can't 
have helped his cause either that Liverpool have been playing him at Left 
Back all season to accomodate McAteer

Paul

>Rob Jones is out for several months with a stress fracture of the back. It can't 
>have helped his cause either that Liverpool have been playing him at Left 
>Back all season to accomodate McAteer
    
    Yeah, I noticed that in the Cup Final. Made him look dead ordinary too.
    
    Dom

    
    RE : The question about web site for Euro96, I've found :-
    
    	http://www.eventsonline.co.uk/open/sports/euro96.html
    
    hth,
    Ian

    
    Can someone tell me if any of the terrestrial French TV channels will be 
    covering the England v Scotland game on June 15th? 
    
    Thanks,
    Richard.
    
    
    

    
    Tell you tomorrow!
    
    Ian

Anyone feel like kicking off a Euro-96 only predictions competition
(like the last one we did - see note 210.*)

I'd do it but I'm too busy (OK not too busy to make the suggestion...but
too busy to keep track of the score)

Dave

    
    Hi,

    I thought about this, but you're right about the effort to do it.
    Designing the Excel spreadsheet isn't too difficult but the thought of
    entering everyone's selections put me off the idea. Given infinite
    time it would be interesting but work takes precedence...

    So may I suggest that we run a competition but everyone is responsible
    for keeping their own scores? 

    Ok, what about the rules. Here is what I thought...

    1. At each stage of the competition you have to predict the results:

    	i) Predict all the results of the group matches
       ii) Predict the results of the quarter-finals
      iii) Predict the results of the semi-finals
       iv) Predict the results of the final and playoff (is there one?)

    I don't know what rules you use for the weekly predictions, but they
    should work. Alternatively you could try...

    2. You get 5 pts for guessing the correct result

    3. For each goal you are adrift subtract one point.

       e.g. you predict England will beat Switzerland 2-1
    	    the actual result is 4-0 to Switzerland.

    	    this scores -2 for England (predicted 2 actual 0) and 
    	    -3 for Switzerland (predicted 1 actual 4) making -5 points.

    4. The person with the most points is the winner.

    
    re: .78
    
    The match England-Scotland will be shown live on FR3 June the 15 th 
    at 4 PM.
    
    Cheers
    PYV

    
    re .82
    
    Great! Thanks. Le Mans live and England v Scotland on the box at the
    same time. What more could a chap want... don't answer that!
    
    Richard.

    
    
    	Can anyone confirm whether there will be a 3rd/4th place play-off
    	match ? Where is it being played ???
    
    

Do you really care? Never seen the point of this game.

grahame

    .84
    
    I have checked various listings and a 3rd and 4th place game is not
    listed. Do you remeber how bored the teams in that game in the world cup
    looked?
    
    
    			Stretch.

    
    
    Thanks for checking, I found the same.  I guess this fixture must have
    been dispensed with.
    
    	It was only for the purposes of our SWEEP in the office.
           
    	Cheers
    
    	Ian

    re. 86
    
    wasn't the 3rd/4th game at the World Cup the one that finished 4-0 or
    something - as opposed to the riveting 0-0 final
    
    regards
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks ( who saw both games )

    Come to think of it, there was no third place play-off in '92 (it would
    have been Holland v Sweden) or in '88 (it would have been Germany v
    Italy). Can't remember about '84...
    
    Dom

    
    re. 88
    
    >> And England won the 90 version.
    
    
    Nope. Italy won it either 2-1 or 3-1.
    
    
    j.
    

>    wasn't the 3rd/4th game at the World Cup the one that finished 4-0 or
>    something - as opposed to the riveting 0-0 final
    
Hi Andy,

Didn't Sweden put 5 past Bulgaria in the first half? But it was only 
entertaining at a "pre-season friendly" sort of level. Sounds as if the only 
justification would be so that office sweeps could have a 1-2-3!

grahame

    There appears to be player-profiles everywhere at the moment on all
    the likely stars of the tournament. All the ones I've read always
    have the comment "Rangers showing an interest in him" after each player
    - I assume not the QPR variety.
    
    I would suggest that after Euro 96, a Census of Scotland takes place
    as it appears a population explosion is about to happen.
    
    Andy

    Hi Folks,
             I am not a regular noter in this conf but have what I am told to
    be a serious problem!  Here in Salem NH (NIO) facility we have two
    gents from Scotland doing some rework for us and their #1 priority is
    to see the Scotland vs. England match this Saturday.  It is being shown
    at 10:00AM EST in the States on ESPN2 cable.  This is clearly a bit
    early for any pub viewing action and I am wondering if there are any
    folks in this notesfile in the States that would have any suggestions
    on where these two gents could view the match this Saturday AM??
    I am told this is a serious issue for them so anyone in the States in
    the MA or NH area please reply to me directly and let me know if there 
    are any options for viewing.  Any leads appreciated.
    
    thanks,
            Tim
            223-2633
            CONSLT::HOLLAND

    Tim
                                       
    Aren't pubs in Boston (I know that's in MA) open that early Even in 
    Atlanta they are because i'm going to one for the game.
    
    As well as ESPN2 the game is on RTP - a portuguese satellite channnel
    so someone with access to a satellite dish on the G6 or G2 bands will
    be able to pick it up
    
    Oliver Tse's web page at www.best.com/~olivert/soccer/tv.html has a
    pointer to bars showing these games including ones in Boston and
    Cambridge.   
    
    regards
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    Yup...the pub guide you point out will get you to many (mainly Irish)
    bars which will be showing the game live. I would have been going
    myself...but "her who shall be obeyed" decided it would be better if I
    stayed home and repaired things etc etc....it was never like this in
    Scotland, they knew their place there ;-).
    Anyhoo, hope the guys find a bar OK, I'm sure there will be
    many "honorary" Jocks in there with Irish roots. They have a mutual
    regard for all things Engl*sh ;-)
    Ah well, suppose I'll just have to paint my face Mel Gibson style and
    drink coffee - watchin' on TV.
    Wonder of I could say I'm going out for bread...catch a train..mmmnnnnn
    
    Timmy

    >but "her who shall be obeyed" decided it would be better if I
    >stayed home and repaired things etc etc....
    
    Well I can guess you wear the skirt in your family.... ;->>
    
    Come on you Engeeeerland!!!! 
    
    Cheers,
    
    	Rick.

    Anyone catch the `Inside Story' prog on BBC1 last night?...It was about
    the policing of the tournament. Although the full-scale riots never
    materialised, there were still quite a few lunatics determined to cause
    trouble no matter what happened. The best bit was when they showed the
    police outside the stadium during the In-ger-land v Germany match. They 
    were almost praying that England wouldn't lose on penalties, and when the
    winning German penalty went in, the look on their faces was priceless, a 
    kind of `Oh $#!t, this will be a long night' look, and it turned out to
    be the worst night of violence in the whole tournament....
    
    Ray....
         

    I watched the show last night.  What I found absolutely staggering was
    the cost of policing the event - �20m !  Who pays for this ?  Does the
    English F.A have to contribute, or is the tax payer expected to cough
    up the whole lot ?

Gutter television at its best - this was a great documentary a few weeks ago,
but broadcast two days before the english league kick off it is a severe case of
tabloid journalisim striking at the heart of the bbc.

Anyway, thought the most interesting aspect was seeing what people were wearing!
In the clips from Wembly of England v Scotland/Germany a huge percentage were
england tops (even the grey!), scotland tops, kilts.

In the clips from trafalgar, there was a severe lack of the above. Oh what a
surprise, NOT. But did the narrator mention that the trouble did not seem to
involve the fans who had been in the party atmospheres in the stadiums ?

NO. I rest my case, gutter journalisim.

(though it did bring back many memories of trips to maine road in the late '80s.
especially old 2nd division games v with the likes of leeds,chelsea etc scenes
in the kippax car park made trafalgar square look like a vicars tea party)


Danny.

    >>there were still quite a few lunatics determined to cause
    >>trouble no matter what happened.
    
    And that was just the Police! Did anyone else think they started the
    ball rolling on a couple of occasions i.e the tube, Trafalgar Square
    prior to the Scotland v England game.
    
    I also agree about the tabloidisms of the whole programme - Reading was
    mentioned again as a trouble spot which at the time p*ssed the Police
    off no end as it gave the impression they lost control of the town when in
    fact it was quieter than a normal Friday night!!! (unless a Drinkies
    with Ray in attendence was going on!!!)
    
    
    
    			Stretch.