LOOKING BACK AT R&R
Feeling in a particularly tidying up mode, I tackled the task of cleaning up my office at home. I was very ruthless and soon had two bin bags full of crap, then I started on a box under one of the tables, and low and behold I found some old copies of Rushin & Rantin.
The first one I ever bought was Issue 3, March 99. The front page displayed a rather unflattering picture of Carl Alford’s head on a rotund lady’s body, holding a banner which read “Bring your Vodka and Bacardi”, oh how I miss that song? On opening up the Mag the inside page was covered in jokes about the other local sides, the best one being “Did you hear about the kid who asked for a cowboy outfit for his birthday? His dad got him a Cobblers shirt”, and believe me that WAS the best one!
On the next page we were treated to the Editorial which strangely enough sounded similar to the recent Editorials. It starts with praise for Macca being one of Brian Talbot’s best ever signings alongside Rodders, Unders and Bradshaw (the editor must have been watching too many war films?) because, it goes on, “If you look at the other pre-season signings they have been nothing short of a disaster” and these were: Hanlon, Archer, Wilson, Gayle, Warburton and Heggs? Although there was sympathy for Razor because of injury.
Carrying on through the Mag we get a lot of pictures and cartoons, much more than nowadays, (the lads must have grown up a bit?) because there was a dot-to-dot picture which is so obvious a Dinosaur and the caption read “Join the dots to see what creature lived in the year that Ketterin last won a trophy” Nice one lads.
However under the Dot-to-dot was a two picture cartoon of a newspaper seller talking to a customer, in the first picture he says “Okay I admit it’s not true” and in the second he say’s “But it doesn’t half shift some papers” with the headline behind him “Ketterin relegated to Southern league” A bit spooky that one lads.
Most of the articles were short and snappy, more comments than articles generally taking the piss out of every local club, but mainly Ketterin and Carl Alford. There was a one page article written by a cobbler’s fan in which he describes his first trip to Nene Park and how impressed he was. The best bit being when he says “The electronic scoreboard and burst of music following each goal, although presumably annoying for away fans (remember Colchester?) Added to the atmosphere which, with a packed home terrace, was excellent” There, that was by a cobbler’s fan who presumably didn’t ever think we would be above them one day?
There was a particularly interesting article entitled “Spot the difference” which showed newspaper cuttings quoting Brian Talbot. In one he says “And I certainly don’t feel under pressure. No-one has given me any reason to feel that way” and in the next he says “I think the media and other people put more pressure on our club, but we are quite relaxed about it” Talk about changing your mind?
There was also a piece on Rushden & Diamonds Hardest XI, which included Smudger Smith, Graham Reed, Steve Holden, Junior Wilson (who broke 3 players legs in 5 games?) John Flower, Gary Butterworth, Michael Mison? Al-James Hannigan, Richard Bailey, Colin West and Carl Alford. I think we could add a few later players to that list.
An article by a Gillingham fan about a trip to Nene Park was very funny, but with hindsight a bit patronising. There was “Honest Reggie” whose letters I miss and the “Pissheads guide to Rushden” which featured The Rose & Crown.
On the back page was a newspaper clipping from the Evening Telegraph describing an incident at Kiddy when apparently some supporters turned on the players after they left the pitch after a 0-0 draw? Apparently they got into the tunnel and verbally abused the team. Brian Talbot was quoted as saying “I certainly wouldn’t call them supporters” Somethings never change?
It was a good read, but nowhere near as good as today’s R&R. Well done to all who contributed. Rushin & Rantin has to be one of the best fanzines going and long may it continue.
Now I must finish cleaning up, Oh here’s another one!
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