There was an article in the Indie on Saturday, about fans who've got totally fed up with professional football, and have started supporting non-league teams instead. It sounded, sort of, fun.

Totally laid back, having pints and picnics behind the goal, sitting/standing wherever you like instead of where you're told, making loads of friends you wouldn't meet otherwise etc etc. Made me feel a bit better about things if the worst should happen and we have to 'adjust'.

At least it might be an escape route from the grip of people who are preoccupied with ground sales and VAT and teabags and all that.

some of us already watch loads of football outside of the professional game.

It's not the same as supporting a home team, though, is it?

I go to Clapton FC quite often (they're mentioned in the article) - always a good time had by all, with a cracking atmosphere. I'll be watching them away at Waltham Forest tomorrow night.

And the football isn't at all bad to be fair.

I bet Gateshead come up if we go down. Don't mind Halifax away, been there a couple of times when they were in Div 3.

Yes, the odd times I've been to Gateshead games, the football has been more entertaining than Pools have been for good while.

Does this all mean that League football has become so rubbish that going down would lead to fun crowds with picnics, better football and occupation of the moral high ground? When you look at it like that Ken becomes a visionary leader - he is taking us down because he knows we'll love it.

Ive told you, Pools are going down so the first team standard will be in line with the standard of the youth team shadow squad.

You lot never listen.

No, he's more the sort of visionary leader who keeps saying: Play by my rules or I take the ball away, until the shocking day comes when folk say, Go on, then, sod off.

I used to watch Selby Town when I lived in Selby and couldn't afford to follow Pools in person - the standard of football was, ahem, a bit pants but if was a decent enough afternoon. The people were spot on and get this, the season ticket was £25 for adults and a tenner for under 16's. (I asked why it was so low and the Secretary said that if they could get 'x' number - can't remember how many but think it was 100 or so - of people to buy a season ticket it would pay the ref's fees for the season). They play in the North Eastern Counties if anyone wants to know.

It's 100 times better to watch your own/family's kid(s) play (apart from some of the parents who REALLY need to have a word with themselves) - my lad played a cup game on Sunday...was 5-5 at full time, 6-6 after extra time and my lads team went through 4-2 on penalties. All the parents from both sides clapped them off, it was the dogs fucking bollocks. (And for the record, my lad scored twice during normal time - one direct from a free kick - and took and scored our first penalty...go on son, you'll be playing for Pools in a few years )

(is that better Mr Teeth? )

Have you just said "It was ace"

lol - I'll edit it just for you Mr Teeth - I know you will vehemently disagree but if we'd had this coversation face to face, the use of 'ace' wouldn't have attracted the same response....probably

That is better

I enjoy non league football. As for price, tomorrow me and my mates are in the executive box to watch the Bishops in the FA Vase. free entry, free pint, 2 course meal, free programme, all for £20 Quid!!!! Bargain.

Just realised the above aren't free coz I paid £20, but you know what I mean!!!!

Heaton Stannington last week, good craic.Watch non league footy and combine it with my other hobby of drinking real ale in nice pubs. Durham v North Shields next on the 15th

Love the Northern League. Tend to see Durham City AFC as home team and been all over the NL - Bishops, West Auckland, Spenny, Consett, Bedlington to name a few.

Some of the grounds a bit ramshackle but you can enjoy yourself. Craics good and the standard of football is really good (hence Northern League domination of FAvase in recent years)