With the 2024 Subbuteo World Cup being held in Tunbridge Wells, the Amelia Scott centre took the opportunity to host an exhibition to tell the fascinating story of Subbuteo, from its humble beginnings in Tunbridge Wells to its rise as an international phenomenon
The Oh! Oh! Oh! Subbuteo! exhibition captured the essence of this beloved tabletop football game, showcasing its evolution, cultural impact, and the enduring passion it inspires in fans worldwide.
Visitors were invited to explore a rich collection of memorabilia, rare editions, and interactive displays that brought the excitement of Subbuteo to life.
The good folk at the Amelia Scott centre got in touch with Friends of Old Subbuteo to see if we could provide exhibits - ones that showed the cultural impact of Subbuteo in addition to Subbuteo related products. After some chatting, it was agreed to lend some of the artwork, along with the Old Subbuteo Town pitch, and the Cheering Corner piece of terracing from the Stadium of Fingers.
Also, Ed Liddle, the Exhibition Officer from the Amelia came along to Southend, with Mark from Modeus Films, to do a shoot of an informal event, with some interviews with those taking part.
After the event ended, the Friends of Old Subbuteo received an official complaint from some of the 00-scale Subbuteo figures, who weren't given the opportunity to visit the exhibition. To make amends, a mini-museum was created for them to peruse the exhibits. This included bonus images of Keith Buckwell signing the roof of a green & tan grandstand, and of Ed and Mark, who helped to make the exhibition what it was!
So when Christmas approaches, and there's a Subbuteo exhibition going on at the Amelia Scott centre, the idea hatches to bring along the Christmas pitch and No Man’s Land pitch, as an interactive display.
A few exchanges later and everything is arranged. We turn up on the Saturday morning, put the pitches up and wait…
…and not for long, as they attract quite a bit of attention from the visitors. Some had clearly decided to visit the centre, and some were seeking respite from the wind and rain! Loads of folks reminisced about their youth, and the small children found the magic snow on the Christmas pitch too tempting to ignore. After reassuring nervous parents that it was ok for their children to play on the pitches, the snow (which started as a perfectly prepared football pitch, with lines cleared of snow), was less perfect in seconds!
The No-Man’s land pitch attached interest as well, with some parents calling their children to come and listen to the 1914 story, where supposed enemies recognised a kindred friendship on Christmas day, exchanged presents and played football together.
One lady mentioned her mother used to stick the figures in the bases, and that she had helped with this! She said the glue was still in the attic (Durafix, apparently). Needless to say, we’ll be passing her contact details to the Amelia team, who no doubt will be exploring some of the what, who, when etc!
Some of the youngsters played with the figures and, with their own impromptu rules, played Subbuteo! They could just reach over the sides, and some of the model trees were felled by overcoat sleeves. Also, some of the figure broke. One charming young girl’s commentary explained they needed to go to hospital, which was apparently in one of the corners of the pitch. The ward was fairly full by the end of the day! In fact the No man’s Land pitch looked like a war zone after a dozen or so 6-year-olds had finished with it! 😲😂
The highlight of the Subbuteo action was an unexpected cameo appearance by Sarah Buckwell, daughter of the designer of the iconic Green and Tan Subbuteo Stadium, Keith Buckwell. They had popped by to check out the pitches and after a really informative chat over coffee (see this page for how that chat went).
The conversation with Sarah went something like this...
Steve: “OK Sarah, when was the last time you flicked a Subbuteo player?
Sarah: “Like, never?!”
Steve: “Not too late to start” (puts sponge ball on penalty spot, in the magic snow)
Keith: “Wait a minute – let me set up the video!” (Sarah gets into flicking position…)
Steve: “OK – you ready?”
Sarah: *Bosh!- ‘ave it!*
Steve: 😲
Sarah: 😎🤣
Check out the slow-mo action replay, and let in sink in… Here’s a woman who has never flicked a Subbuteo figure in her life, using one of the new Subbuteo Lionesses, on magic snow, with a sponge ball, not just slotting, but smacking the ball into the bottom left. Leaving the goalie (who is fresh from winning a Subbuteo World Cup event in Tunbridge Wells) totally befuddled!. Also, notice it might be a middle finger flicking! If we reference the legendary Peter Upton, he says on his website, explaining the updated 1950 rulebook:“The text is altered to allow for use of the middle finger in flicking (does anyone do this?)”. Peter, I think you will find the answer is “Possibly!”
Overall, a great day, with over 100 folks popping by for a look, a chat, and a play!
The Friends of Old Subbuteo have committed to bringing more themed pitches to The Amelia. Long may the fun continue!
The 2025 event welcomed 22 players playing in 5 groups. Some regulars, some returners and a two participating for the first time.
At the end of 2024, the concept was inspired by the story of Jez.
Jez loved Subbuteo and Scalextric. After he passed, his widow Sue, donated his collection to Friends of Old Subbuteo. She said he tried to get his sons interested, but without much success. So it was mostly an individual hobby.
Not any more!
Thanks Jez, for the inspiration. The action in the first game between John and Riccardo did justice to the concept! We hope you were watching and smiling! 
...btw, the cars were a little temperamental as the day progressed. Something to do with a dodgy transformer that cost three pound ten, we suspected! 😅
As ever, the Melee was the consolation event for anyone that didn't make a final.
The score? 1-1 (maybe it ended up 4-3 on shots?). The camerawork and reffing? Questionable. The experience? Unforgettable!
It has the biggest trophy, based on the design of the famous Waddington's trophy!
Each team had 5 players this year, with the following roles allocated to each team
Probables
Hollywood
Donald Crowhurst
The Lion
The Power
Biley’s Boots
Possibles
RiccardoDimilano
Off Target
JohnCLU48
The Badger
Jelski
A new honours board has been erected for 2025, celebrating all of the SOS OSC events since 2015.
At BPP University, the Summer of '25 will be remembered by many, for a time when they started their studies or graduated. Others with recall the friendships they made, or a particular project they got involved with.
Some, however will recall how they responded to the challenge presented by the staff at BPP to play in the very first staff v students table cricket match!
| The Mission... To celebrate BPP’s culture and values of ‘Everybody Matters’, ‘Trust and Respect’, and ‘Stronger Together’ through a mixed race/gender table cricket event When... Monday 18th August 2025. 12:00-13:00 Where... Portsoken House - BPP London East |
Bowling
Put the ball in the metal triangle behind the bowling figure and firmly tap the figure on the back of the head!
Batting
Hold the red bat handle and twizzle it so the bat moves to hit the ball
Caught behind!
If the ball hits the bat and ends up in a cup in front of a fielder, the batter is caught out!
Runs
4s and 6s scored as it normal cricket. If the ball stops before reaching the boundary, use the white triangle to see how many runs are scored. One run for each length of the triangle from the nearest set of stumps.
The CHASERS are born...
...at 7.30pm on Wednesday 27th April 2022
...in The Cherry Tree pub in Wood Lane, Dagenham, RM8 3LJ
What is it about CHASERS?
All around the UK and Ireland, folks gather in their clubs to enjoy time together flicking little bits of plastic around on a miniature football pitch.
...and since April 2022, so do the CHASERS. Gary Gladwell set about starting up a club, one of several that were set up at lockdown eased, which reflected an unanticipated renewed interest in Subbuteo Table Football. With participants from Chadwell Heath, Romford and South Essex, the CHRSE was nearly born, until some bright spark suggested putting 'and South Essex' in the middle! ??
Chadwell Heath and South Essex, Romford Subbuteo Club
...there is a certain essence that CHASERS bring. The name starts it off. Not one CHASER cares that it's a clumsy anagram. All they care about is that they are a CHASER, and together they are CHASERS!
So what are they chasing?
After finishing bottom of division 2 for the 2nd time in 2 attempts, when there are just 2 divisions, some would say everybody and everything! A little more insight would indicate they might be chasing a dream...
CHASERS in team formation
So what is this dream?
No-one really knows, in fact it appears that no-one really cares. The standard CHASER is just happy to be here!
What happens in this dream?
Anyone who fancies getting involved, gets involved. No question about the standard of play they might be offering.
What is achieved in this dream?
Folks feel accepted, encouraged to play and improve if they want to. A safe place to play a game for enjoyment.
Notable things that have happened
By May 2023, Sam 'The Chasette' Levy had let in 183 goals and lost 77 games, with a constant grace and a smile on her face. ?
In November 2023 Steven Jackson scored his first ever goal. All games stopped immediately, as every player applauded and cheered! ?
Also, in November 2023, Sam won her first game, winning the player of the week award (and not for the first time!). ?
Solent came to play for a inter-club friendly. There's a certain unique kindred spirit between CHASERS and Solent. ?
CHASERS regularly host open WASPA tournaments, where everyone else wins the trophies! ?
CHASERS Westy and Steve buck the trend and accidentally win trophies at the October 2023 WASPA open .?
Sergeant Major Gladwell developed a special knack of getting everyone's attention when communicating the next round of games, with his trademark "SHUT UP!" ?
The rest of the CHASERS have a dawning realisation that are in fact, the rest of the cast from 'It Aint 'Alf Hot Mum!' ? ?"The folks to entertain yooouu!"?
Adz shows admirable sufferance about being mistaken as the CHASERS mascot by all the rest of the CHASERS.... which is a tad ironic as he is currently top of the CHASERS league! ?
The traditional Christmas gathering for 2023, involved many CHASERS, with a few other guests creating an event with a round dozen participating.
The 12 players were put into two groups of 6, Group A or Group B, with each playing 5 games with the other players.
One player from Group A was paired with a player from Group B, to make up 6 Christmas teams. The teams and players are shown below...
The traditional Christmas pitches were set up for this event, featuring...
The Ibiza pitch was lit by a UV light, and used figures painted with UV paint.
The final pitch for the event was one built by Cayne Matthews, a sturdy normal pitch that could be used by anyone needing a break from the themed pitches that haven't got sturdy barriers to hold onto.
...with an unexpected festive romantic encounter!
Check out rule 7.1 of the FingerFox rules, which states: “Players will try not to do dodgy flicks and won’t really be too bothered if their opponent does one every now and then… if the other player sees a finger foul, they should have a stern word with themselves for actually noticing and not being sufficiently absorbed by the game!”
In fact, this principle also needs to be applied to offsides, and the FingerFox rules will be updated to reflect this. Essentially: "If a player notices their opponent has a figure in an offside position, they will either flag this beforehand, or ignore it!"
Anyone who has experienced playing in the Stadium of Fingers will acknowledge that free-flowing play can be tricky, and this incident is a perfect example of the philosophy of play triumphing over the limitations of competition.
Three days before the tournament we learned of the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
It was right therefore to consider the status of the tournament and reflect on whether it should go ahead. The situation appeared more poignant as several of the pitches used in the tournament feature Her Majesty as a 00-scale figure. Back in 1973, Subbuteo had designed HRH, as part of the VIP Presentation Set (C135), and this figure had inspired many creations in and around the Stadium of Fingers.
She can be seen presenting the FA Cup in the Stadium, standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in the Anglo-Italian Pitch, serving sandwiches in pitchside kiosks in Old Subbuteo Town and the Seaside Pitch and doing Crouch’s robot dance in Ken Corner. She also stands next to the Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate the many years they were together.
Her Majesty is featured in a piece of stained glass in the window of the Cathedral of Fingers, holding the FA Cup.
In addition, a team of HRH figures had been adapted to fit into some LW bases, to form the team known as Queen’s Park Palace.
So, the decision was made to hold the tournament out of respect, and out of celebration and remembrance for a life lived full of loyal service.
It was also agreed that Queen’s Park Palace would take part in the tournament, to be represented by several of the players.
Before the games kicked-off, the 22 players stood silently in the back garden, with nothing to be heard save the occasional chirp from a songbird. This peaceful and respectful silence was concluded with a hearty round of applause for our former Monarch - with us in spirit and in miniature, for the sixth Southend-on-Sea Old Subbuteo tournament.
With 22 players turning up to take part in this year's event, the residents of the Mews had made some extra space available, with David hosting the Ewok Arena at Number 4, and Alex opening up her lounge to host the Subbuteo and the Beast pitch at Number 1. For the first time in SOS OSC history, four households had pooled their resources to welcome the Olds! ?
So it was game on, with all players starting their meandering journey towards one or other of the trophies or medals.
Westy got off to a creditable start by keeping The Cat goalless on the Anglo-Italian Pitch.
Plenty of action in any game involving Rocket, saw him joining The Cat and Westy in the Stadium of Fingers Cup. Off Target joined Howzat Dave and Cobra Kai Kicks in the Scoundrels Cup.
Closely contested with all players getting at least a couple of results. PIM played out a bunch of goalless draws, and the goal he did score was controversial! ? (Check the clip below!)
He joined Donald Crowhurst (recovering from an early defeat to top the group) and Braveheart in the Stadium of Fingers Cup. Malts found his true calling in the Scoundrels Cup, where he was joined by JohnClu48 and The Badger.
The Iceman and Bishop FPV progressed philosophically through the group, and then met each other in the final match in the Stadium of Fingers. Here they each won their first point! ??
Snake70, Len Shackelton Jr and Neilberto Sparkos took points from each other and all qualified for the Stadium of Fingers Cup.
A hotly contested group for the top spot, with Ghigliotti09 taking the honours. This was fitting as Marco offered to play against himself using Queens Park Palace, resulting in the likely loss of a point! The Hawk came out on top with our indefatigable Youbbuteo! They both head to the Scoundrels Cup! ?
Her Majesties then played their debut in the Stadium of Fingers, with HP Lovecraft providing the opposition. The match was characterised by HP Lovecraft politely shooting wide of the target and Her Majesties not quite understanding that a blocking flick doesn’t allow one to play the ball!
The next game was with Youbutteo in the fog. The first half saw a defensive error from The Lady in Waiting (Kicking Keeper), and Youbutteo was left with an open goal. Showing no concern that he might be about to enter a 'not-so-open' gaol, he slotted it home. The second half was a different matter entirely, with a Royal Hat-Trick in 4 minutes and 32 seconds!
The Hawk was the next player to risk being locked in the Tower when he scored a goal with 'Lady in Waiting' out. To be fair though it was a nice finish so he promptly received a Royal Pardon. The regular royal comeback then ensued with Her Majesties sending themselves victorious! ?
After getting knocked out by Queens Park Palace, Braveheart played with them in the semi-final with Rocket.
The recording got corrupted, so an attempt was made to record the recording using a phone. The coverage below is the result...
The Melee was first played in the 2019 event, when became clear that something else was needed to complement the 4 Finals, for the Olds that had the misfortune to get knocked out in the various cups, to play one last game.
This time it was a 6-a-side Melee, with all players slotting smoothly into their respective roles, albeit after a brief period of general bewilderment.
Player 1 – Attacker if the ball is in the attacking half
Player 2 – Attacker if the ball is in the defending half
Player 3 – Blocking if the ball is in the attacking half
Player 4 – Blocking if the ball is in the defending half
Player 5 – Goalkeeper, kicking goalie and goal-kicks
Player 6 – Special Teams (Free-kicks, throw-ins, corner-kicks and positional flicks)
The teams were chosen with little controversy. It was easy to do as half were stood on one side of the table and the other half were stood on the other side. ?
The controversy was with the figures each team was given to play with.
Apparently, if you're life-long die-hard supporter of Plymouth Argyle, it is not OK to be asked to play against them!
Westy sums the situation up well in this clip. If you are averse to seeing PAFC tattoos, look away now! ?
Some glorious reactions to what would ordinarily be standard Subbuteo flicks.
First Neilbertos Sparkos does a quality curling block. Then Braveheart does a nice midfield curl followed by a clumsy flick. These are probably the most enthusiastic reactions to midfield play in a game of Subbuteo, since it first appeared in the Boys Own Magazine in 1946! ?
THE BEGINNING
Chapter 1 - Genesis
"In the beginning, the world was without table football, and void and darkness reigned.
Then William L. Keeling did create New Footy in 1929.
And the Spirit of William L. Keeling moved upon the surface of the table, and figures were formed upon curved bases.
And there was Table Football…
And Peter Adolph saw the New Footy, and saw that it was good: And Peter Adolph did invent Subbuteo.
And Peter Adolph said, Let there be a green cloth for which to play Subbuteo upon: and it was so.
And Peter Adolph said, Let Subbuteo bring forth the Flat figure, to curl upon the green cloth: and it was so. And Peter Adolph saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
And there was evening and the morning.
Lo, in 1969, Peter Adolph sold the rights of Subbuteo to Waddingtons. Waddingtons, begat Hasbro, and in 2005, Hasbro did create flat photorealistic card-style figures.
A few years earlier, God did create Adam Lundy and Adam Kilgallon. Adam and Adam did play a game using the Photoreal figures. The game was without goals, and the evening and the morning saw both Adams crowned as the "Disputed Photoreal Subbuteo Champions of the World."
This is the story of the oft despised and downtrodden Photoreal Subbuteo figures.
When they were produced, according to Subbuteo guru, Peter Upton the figures received a lot of criticism from the table soccer community, most notably from existing players - moaning chiefly about playability. They fail to aid shooting and chipping, and cannot be used for long accurate glides, and lack the softer touch when reaching the ball. Comments have also been made about how cheap the product looks.
These comments were borne out when Table Football Monthly reviewed the figures. After a forlorn session, an exasperated Keith Littler explains: "The playing figures are total rubbish!... if you want to play it, particularly if you want to play against somebody, I'm afraid it is misery on a table - It's joyless!"
So, this is the story of the misunderstood underdog, loved by no-one and left in a box with the lid on for so long...too long!
The Friends of Old Subbuteo committed to trying the Photoreal Figures out, in practice, in friendly games in the Old Sods OldSubbuteo Club and the Rochford and Southend Casual Subbuteo Club, where they faired creditably, with a mix of inspired success and dismal failure.
They were also given a run-out in the more competitive TSPA circuit, where the 13th place out of 13 entries was not to be unexpected. However, even in this reputable company, the Photoreal figures were not without promise. It became clear that while the figure were challenging to play with, they have special gifts, and with love and care, they can uplift the soul!
The clips below show some of the unique moves they can make (some legal and others less so!)
Since Subbuteo released the Photoreal figures back in 2005, no doubt there have been countless games in the living rooms of the world. To our knowledge none of the results have ever been recorded, and no official event has ever been staged.
Therefore, it is unlikely that there is a Photoreal Subbuteo World Champion. To rectify this travesty, a trophy has been made, with the help of 'Jaguar Design and Print' who made a giant figure, which sits on a Subbuteo lamp base, and trophy base from 'Trophiesr4us'.
The legitimacy of this trophy in indisputable, and it will hopefully be a zenith for Subbuteo players everywhere!
Chronicles - April 2022
c2010: Adam 'Puffin' Lundy drew a game with Adam Kilgallon. Each with one hand on the trophy.
April 2022: Fingers beat Puffin, Adam K drew with Fingers. Fingers replaces Puffin with one hand on the trophy. Adam K keeps his hand on it...
April 2022: Fingers drew with Ute, Rocket, JohnClu48, Spudksi. These 4 'Old Sods' all have a finger on the trophy...
Numbers - June 2022
June 2022: Adam draws 1-1 with Ute, and gets a tenuous finger back on the trophy, courtesy of Ute's 'trophied finger' from his draw with Fingers back in April...
Puffin's 1-0 victory replacing Finger's hand on the trophy for a Puffin wing! ?
Fingers owned by Ute, Rocket, Spudski, & JohnClu48 were prised off, as they were only there vicariously, through their draw with former disputed champion, Fingers!
Surely a showdown beckons between the 2 Adams, to become the Undisputed Old Sod, crowned the Disputed Photoreal Subbuteo World Champion!
The first regular trophy won by the Photoreals!
This was the monthly WASPA event run by Chasers Subbuteo Club (Chadwell Heath & South Essex, Romford Subbuteo)
After a creditable 1-1 draw with Gary Gladwell, with a last-minute curled shot, the chaps went from strength to strength to finish unbeaten, and astoundingly, top of the table! ?
Here they are with their trophy!
2023 - Leviticus
At the February TSPA event, the Photoreal Subbuteo Club High Priest, Adam 'Puffin' Lundy, played once more with Steve 'Fingers' Moreton. This time Puffin lost his wing on the trophy as Fingers' fingers once again grasped it with relish!
April saw a newcomer to the Photoreal Subbuteo Club - Kyle 'Cobra Kai Kicks' Jamieson! Having never played with these figures before, he gamely agreed to a match with Fingers, after they had both got knocked out of the Chasers Spring Open.
During the game Kyle made some spectacular saves. both posts and the crossbar were also involved, and on occasion his keeper saved without any assistance!
For such a spirited first effort, Kyle deserved all the luck, and the game finished 0-0. This means he has a finger on the trophy, with a genuine bona fide legitimate claim to be the Disputed Photoreal Subbuteo World Champion! ?
2024 - Deuteromony
And it came to pass, that the Photoreals played in an event where they met the Chair of the English Subbuteo Association, Alan Lee.
After going 2-0 up by half-time, Alan put aside his table soccer sports figures, and joined the fray. A great commotion followed, with the trophy for the Disputed Photoreal World Champion being displayed and played for.
A very sporting gesture by Alan, to play with figures he had never used, and the reward was a very enjoyable half, with the players sharing a couple of top quality goals! 😎
At the end of 2025, the English Subbuteo Association gave permission for the Photoreals to play in the Wobbly Hobby League. This was much appreciated, and the following blog was written by the captain of the Red team.
Thanks to the ESA for allowing us the play in the Wobbly Hobby League!
…and thanks to all the players who agreed that we could play against them!
Day 1
Our very first game in a FISTF event with Brian Spoors from Glasgow, resulted in an entertaining 0-0. A few chances at either end, with some chaotic moments from ‘ping’ goal kicks and shots on the fly. Brian went close a few times, and also openly admitted to some ‘balls-ups’ when looking to set up the final shot. We have to admit we were relieved to get a result in our first game. The commentator (who is actually the person who flicks us about) said “It’s tough to play a game when you only have possession for 3 or 4 seconds at a time”. Brian’s response “Yes, but for those 3 or 4 seconds it’s bloody terrifying!”
We were so buzzing with this game that we totally forgot we were playing again, and admittedly lost our focus. We turned up with seconds to spare – no warm-up, no team talk, no nothing!
Dave Lauder from Cardiff kicked off and took us to school. After 2 mins and 30 seconds we were 3-0 down! The next 12 minutes was mostly a desperate rearguard attempt to keep the score down, and we managed to keep Dave at bay. After he scored again in the dying seconds, we were promptly substituted for someone who was actually ready to play!
Game 3 – We were not surprised to be left on the bench for the Surrey game. But at least we managed to avoid playing Simon Goodman, who knows our unique style only too well! The Gaffer gave us a run out at half-time with the task of overturning a 3-goal deficit playing Lee Fenton, who’d come on for Simon Goodman. We had joy, we had fun, but mostly we got done! …by conceding a couple more. This Wobbly Hobby League is turning out to be a tough gig!
Then, an unexpected opportunity to play a half with Graham Harwood. He played with our blue Photoreal team for a spinning extravaganza! The blues were victorious with a well-taken goal. Near the end there was a spectacular shot against the post that deserved to be the equalizer! Our commentator was also the cameraman for this, so we apologise for any dodgy flicking and substandard camerawork, but nevertheless, here are the highlights…
And then – an unexpected pleasure, when we were drawn to play Alan Lee in the match with Stanway, and Alan agreeing to play with the blue team. So it was a Photoreal extravaganza!
We all relaxed into the game and for some reason, the moves worked and the shooting was on target, and it was a somewhat bemused Alan who took another kick-off, 3-0 down after 8 minutes!
But our blue comrades then found their stride, as the ESA Chairman started to work out the magic of the Photoreal figures. With the last shot of the half, the blues almost equalised! At half-time it was 3-2, and everyone took a few minutes to catch their breath…
The bonkersness continued into the 2nd half, with great moves, accurate shots and four more goals. At 6-2 down Alan played 1-1-8, and the last 5 minutes was a non-stop goal-mouth scramble. He could have scored 5 and won 7-6, but lucky for us, a few shots hit the woodwork and we held on to a 6-3 win. We give our testament that never before in the history of the Photoreal movement has a game been played to such a high standard and resulted in a 9-goal thriller.
So that was the end of the group stages and we found ourselves in something called Division 2. And not only that, but the games were also to start today!
First up, Steve Wonnacott of Bristol. And fresh from our goal-fest, we had an early chance where his defender was up against the ball, half-blocking it. *Bosh!* *Loop!*, *Nestle!*, and we were 1-0 up! We said it was a lucky goal, but Steve said it wasn’t, reminding us that you have to get the pace right for those type of shots. Nice to play with players who show their appreciation when the other team plays well. Just before half-time Steve equalised after some fairly solid pressure, and the game was pretty open through the second half. Then we did some defending, ridden with 00-scale muppetry, and Steve scored the winner. Nice game, we were disappointed with the result but philosophically realistic that the better team had won.
Surely, that was the end of the day and we could have a well-deserved lie down in our box (specially designed by John Turpin). But no! One more Division 2 game, and a rematch with Surrey, where Joe Parody volunteered to play the game with us. He’d been watching our game with Alan Lee and fancied a closer Photoreal experience. Respect to Joe! On reflection, maybe we showed Joe too much respect initially, as after 3 minutes we were 2-0 down! “Here we go again!” our goalkeeper said. Our centre-back replied “This division 2 malarkey is hard work!”. But this time we dug deep, despite it being way passed our bedtime, we hung on in there. After we got one back, the rest of the game was quite open and it was a surprise there were no more goals at either end. The final whilst, and grins all round. Now for a sleep and dreaming of day 2!
Day 2
First up, playing White Star, packed with venerable players. Who would we get? John Turpin? Phil Holmes? Bob Green, Jeremy Bootham? No, it was Rob Patterson! Our favourite person to play. Many TSPA games over the years with some unforgettable moments, including the ridiculous goal where Rob was going for a pitch-wide forced throw-in in his own defending area, and our quick-thinking centre-forward intercepted to score in the blink of an eye. The artist impression pics show the goal and the celebration. After our flicking person finally got back to the pitch, Rob looked up, and with a wink said: “So that’s 3-1 to me!”
A game with Mr Patterson has the effect of raising our game, and for once no defending blunders and some prolonged periods of possession meant we were in the game throughout. We all concentrated and gave 110%, with a mixture of effort and nervous energy as Rob got up to all his tricks, from years of experience. One tactic threw us completely, when he put 4 players in our defending area, in a sort of funnel shape, when he had a goal kick. “No problems” said our goalie “There all offside”. Then as the ball was careering to this funnel, the goalie then said: “no wait, it’s from a goal-kick! They’re all onside!”
After hanging on for grim death for 29 minutes and 58 seconds, we suddenly has a chance for a shot on goal. 2 seconds later, Rob had extended his hand to commend us on our 1-0 victory. An amazing experience, and one we will always remember as our finest hour!
Now, we were unbeatable, or so we thought…! Colchester was the next game and we were matched with Jamie Warren. Jamie was a little reticent to play against us, but with some encouragement from Adz, he graciously agreed. What he found out in the next 15 minutes is that he had nothing to worry about, and what we found out is his chip-shots from an angle are exemplary. 3-0 down at half time, and the call went out to Shell to replace us. From ‘Heros’ to ‘Zeros’. Talk about being taken to school… by a schoolboy!
Our last 2 games were with Kent Flickers and a club that goes by the name of Rochford and Southend Casuals - allegedly shorted to RAScals!
First up was the young Hadley from Kent. Clearly a youngster with talent and promise, we soon discovered. We showed neither fear nor favour and got into the game with our trademark merciless demeanour, and scored a wonder goal, with our centre back running the length of the pitch, through an impossible gap and smacking the ball in the top right!
We didn't feel any guilt. Ok we felt some guilt! Our penance was to experience yet another quality chip-shot from a schoolboy! So 1-1, and honour was satisfied.
So now to the local Essex derby with RAS...
...and who better to finish with than Stewart (Youbutteo) Grant! The statistics say it was a boring 0-0. OK, it was 0-0, but the clips below suggest it was anything than boring!
The ref (Rob Fitch) was great, letting the game flow and uttering such judgements as: "F*** knows!" He also doubled up as cameraman and spectator/supporter, which compromised his official role somewhat...."Sorry, just realised I should be refereeing - I was just watching!"
What a great way to end our Wobbly Hobby experience! 😅
Brian asked the Friends of Old Subbuteo if they would run a demonstration Subbuteo session at Admiral Court Care Home in Leigh-on-Sea.
The Friends of Old Subbuteo said "Yeesssss!", and it was game on! ?
Lee turned up after 3 hours kip from doing his night shift at the home ? kitted out in his England 1982 Admiral shirt to match the team he was playing with.
England were playing against Plymouth Argyle...!
The event drew a bit of a crowd, with many residents popping in to watch some of the action.
Steve (Plymouth Argyle) and Lee (England 1982) played out two halves, and at 2-2 after about an hour, the classic 'next goal wins' principle, from 'the-sun-is-going-down-and-it's-dinnertime' rulebook was enacted! ?
Lee's defence stood firm, ably supported by a 00-scale Mick Mills and Kenny Sansom, and after length of the pitch breakaway move, Paul Mariner scored the winning goal.
Some of the residents got involved in the game with Martin starring at the England goalie (Ray Clemence), and Lena making some quality offside decisions - once by raising her mince pie and once by raising her glass of wine. Both great decisions - no need for VAR!
A return to Admirals Court after the winter lockdown, saw Shadnam playing a 'special teams' role, taking the throw-ins and corner kicks.
Truth be said - she came to Lee's rescue! Lee was playing Mansfield and was 2-0 down to Steve's Plymouth at halftime. The second half saw a spirited fightback, with Plymouth being pegged back to 2-2!
Steve and Lee then played an England (Lee) v Scotland (Steve) game, where the tartan army threatened to run amok!
The final score was England 0 Scotland 3!
A few interested spectators wandered through, and there was also a bit of air-hockey happening, that afternoon, with Brian showing some quality skills with the puck.
After some care home staff had seen the fantastic Subbuteo exhibition at the Amelia Scott centre, Friends of Old Subbuteo were asked to bring some Subbuteo memorabilia along.
Janet, who works at the home, had been chatting with some residents about Subbuteo. Many recalled the game, either playing it, or watching others play it, when they were young.
The request developed into a suggestion to bring a pitch as well as some of the old Subbuteo teams, accessories, catalogues and adverts.
So with the car loaded up, the Friends of Old Subbuteo, represented by David and Steve, crossed the Thames and headed to the birth place of Subbuteo.
After setting up in one of the lounges, a group of residents turned up, chatty and eager to see what was going on. There were some informal introductions and chatter as folks got used to the set-up.
After a few minutes, Janet welcomed the visitors and David introduced the session. He admitted to never having flicked a Subbuteo player, but for the purposes of today, he would let Steve teach him how to play.
Steve let David stew for a while, telling folks the story of how Subbuteo started and where it started. The demo game then commenced, and David who had duly prepared himself to be suitably embarrased, experienced a generous helping of beginners luck with his first flicks! 😀
Then, what do you know? After apologising earlier that morning for having to attend another meeting at short notice, Keith Buckwell suddenly appeared! 😃😎
The game stopped immediately as Keith was welcomed into the fold - and the next few minutes were all about Keith's involvement in designing Subbuteo accessories - which worked really well, as loads of them were on display! The grandstand, scoreboard, floodlights, fence surrounds, the trophies and the corner-kickers and throw-in figures - all designed by Keith! ...What a perfect entrance - If he hadn't have arrived a little out of puff and apologetic, one might have thought he'd been outside waiting for his cue!
David, like an old pro, took the opportunity to step down, with the announcement "Would anyone else like to have a go?"
No sooner was the invite offered, two of the residents got up and made their way to the playing surface. It's as if they'd been warming up, waiting for the call!
A penalty shoot-out was arranged, with the players completely engrossed in shooting and goalkeeping activity.
Other's got up to have a turn, and a staff member found they were unable to resist the urge to get involved.
Then, the players decide to try out shooting from other angles, and also using the corner-kicker as a free-kick taker! 😃
The resident who scored the final goal of the day had lived in Langton Green for many years, and remembered the house on the corner (The Lodge). He was fascinated to learn he'd lived just round the corner to where Peter Adolph had devised the game of Subbuteo.
After hitting the bar at the third attempt...
"If I'd have actually played the game I might well have ended up redesigning that corner kicker!"
(Buckwell. K)
Friends of Old Subbuteo were contacted by the Amelia Scott Centre, saying they had received a request from care home in Tunbridge Wells for a Subbuteo experience. We were asked to contact Kalypso at Birkin Lodge care home. We did, and what a whirlwind of an experience it was!!
Residents and relatives turned up, with special guests Keith and Sarah Buckwell! A wonderful coincidence was that Sarah’s mother was cared for at Birkin Lodge, and we found out that Sarah volunteers there - last seen at the home, enthusiastically taking part in a kazoo band!
When the game started, everyone got involved, and after an hour we had a 5-5 scoreline. The teams were Arsenal and Spurs. A North London derby, specially request by the residents.
There was also plenty of opportunity to chat, and we found out loads of fascinating gossip! Firstly, Ann said her auntie was a Subbuteo ‘net-knitter’. We hadn’t heard of this, but have been reassured this was a thing, and was highlighted as part of Amelia Scott’s Subbuteo exhibition in 2024.
Then chatting with Joyce, we discovered she used to paint the teams for Subbuteo. David, her son was wide-eyed with surprise. Even more so, when he was informed that his mother was a mythical ‘Subbuteo Kent Housewife’ What an honour for all of us!
…and it didn’t stop there. Fred was there with his two son’s (and Jack Russell, Tia!). It turns out his wife was also a ‘Subbuteo Kent Housewife’, starting off painting teams and then moving to assembling the goals.
So there we were, surrounded by Subbuteo heritage, catching our breath, when we were then introduced to 102 year-old Barbara, who told us about the cleaning job she had done for many years at the Subbuteo factory in Warwick Park!!
Could this possibly get any better? The answer – yes! …as Barbara then probably set a new Guinness World Record by scoring a goal and becoming the founding member of the 102 club!
Quotes of the day:
David (Joyce's son): "I wasn't intending to come along today, but Kalypso told me I was coming! I must say though, I've thoroughly enjoyed it!"
Joan (commenting on Sarah Buckwell's enthusiasm): "I can't believe I once had the energy and vitality that young lady has!"
Kalpyso: "Let's have a picture of us all around the Christmas tree!"
Keith Buckwell: "As long as I don't have to sit on the top again!"
Westcliff SVP was created in 2000, and has been involved in supporting homeless people through the Winter Night Shelter and many vulnerable people within the community who need a hand with bills, food parcels, necessities, emotional / spiritual support and other services
In the Summer of 2021, as lockdown restrictions were eased, the Friends of Old Subbuteo were asked to hold a Subbuteo event at their Community Support Hub. The Friends of Old Subbuteo don't need a second invite to arrange a local Subbuteo event, so it was game on!
This was either the first time anyone had played Subbuteo, or the first time for at least a couple of decades!
With two tables set up, there was a chance for anyone to have a go, and with a barbecue being prepared and served by our host and event organiser Daniel, there was a relaxed atmosphere for folks to eat, chat and play, as they wished.
In the end, 5 games were played, some lasting around 20 minutes with others played for nearly an hour! For some (especially Lee), once the playing got started, it wasn't very easy to stop! ? The game with Elliot was a bit of a marathon, and eventually needed settling with an epic shootout.
Lee 2 v 2 Steve (Lee won 1-0 on shots)
Chris 1 v 0 Alex
Steve 1 v 0 Jimmy
Lee 0 v 0 Elliot (Lee won 4-2 on shots)
Graham ? v ? Russell
The result of the game between Graham and Russell is unrecorded. It might go down as a mythical Subbuteo incident - a mystery never to be solved(!) ? ...or, it might be we find this out at the next event!
Next event is planned for October 2021... watch this space! ?
The second event at Westcliff SVP saw several closely contested games, which adopted a variety of formats. Singles, doubles and games purely consisting of shoot-outs were held, to give all a chance to get involved in a way that suited them.
Also, Russell was there, which gave the opportunity to explore what happened in that mythical unrecorded match in the Summer. Apparently both he and Graham had played Subbuteo as teenagers, but with the decades since had forgotten the rules and most of the skills(!). This didn't deter them from playing a game where the rules were agreed on as the game progressed. Russell magnanimously admitted to winning the tight affair 1-0, attributing the victory to a healthy slice of good fortune.
Steve 1 v 1 Chris
Russell 2 v 2 Steve
Catherine 1 v 0 Steve (Shots)
Russell 0 v 3 Nate (Shots)
Nate 4 - 3 Russell (Shots)
Nate 2 - 1 Chris
Nate/Steve 1 - 0 Chris/Russell
A relaxed affair saw a mixture of activity, with some singles and doubles matches mixed with some penalty shoot-outs.
The shootouts are proving to be a great way for folks to get involved - not needing to commit to a full match, and still able to have a flick-to-kick experience! ?
Peter, Alex, Chris and Steve shared a few games, then Jamie and Catherine joined in with some penalty shoot-out action...
Catherine kept up her 100% goal-scoring feats. To date, every shot she has ever taken in her life has finished up in the back of the net! ? (2 out of 2!)
Steve 1 v 0 Peter
Chris 1 - 1 Alex
Steve/Chris 1 - 1 Alex/Peter
Shootout goals...
Jamie wins with 2, Alex, Catherine, Steve and Chris manage to net 1, Peter was foiled by the keeper and then hit the post!
On the eve of the 2019 SoS OSC tournament, the Old Sods check out the Stadium of Fingers, which is set up for some end of summer Subbuteo Cricket.
Ever open to inspiration and unable to avoid the temptation to play a 00-scale test match between England and Australia, the inaugural Old Sods Subbuteo cricket match commences...
This clip shows the first ever piece of footage of the event, featuring Spudski bowling to Ute Ubo, watched on by Puffin, JohnClu48 and Donald 'Fabio' Crowhurst'...
One close-up video clip was taken for a hat-trick ball...
Ute, was having a purple patch with the ball and had already dispatched two fine Old Sods back to the pavilion...First Puffin, and then Fabio...
The hat-trick ball was fended off by an Older and Wiser Sod (Rocket), playing a solid forward defensive shot.
Even so, the ball nearly found a way through...
Fingers, tries to nullify the devastating Ute Ubo bodyline bowling, by taking a long stride down the pitch.
The tactic fails miserably and Australia are all out, beaten by an innings and 25 runs!
The Old Sods then strolled back to the pavilion to watch highlights of their game.
Suffice to say there was some plentiful sledging of the umpire with some suggested visits to the opticians...