E-Mail : mark@rangeyMONSTER.demon.co.uk
(Remove the MONSTER for mail to get to me)
Okay, I'll be the first one to have a picture (or 2) up here then!!!
I was struggling to find a good one of me and unfortunately, this was the best I could come up with (taken in August 2006).
Here's another one which is certainly no better!!!
So, now you know what I look like you probably want to know a bit about me - To find out general stuff, please visit MY INFO PAGE and I'll concentrate on Rugby stuff here.
So, why Cas??? The answer is simple - I was born here and have lived here all my life
You'll usually find me standing at the back of the covered stand (princess street???) at around the 20 yard line (closest to the scoreboard ) I sometimes venture out into the Kop but even though the atmosphere tends to be better, I don't like watching the game from that angle.
I can't remember when I first started watching Cas but I will have been around 10 years old. This means I have been watching/supporting them for around 18 years!!!
My first real recollection of The Jungle (Nee Wheldon Road) is when I was 9 - I actually got to play on the hallowed turf for Redhill Under 9's against, I think, Stanley Rangers Under 9's - Paul Anderson also played alongside ME in this game!!! To be honest, I can't remember if we won or not but I do remember that I only touched the ball once in the entire 30 minute game!!!
From there on I was a regular supporter and for no particular reason I remember a game against Widnes on a Sunday night in the late 80's when they were going for the title - Can't remember the score or even if we did actually beat them but I remember it was a cracker of a game and It was the 1st time I had seen Martin Offiah play in the flesh (No, he did have his kit on!!!)
My favourite player of all time has to be Lee Crooks - His skill on the field and the effort that he put into the playing the game was obvious. I also thought that Nikau was a fantastic player too.
One of our players that I always thought was overrated was St John Ellis - I'd nothing against him personally, but I just didn't think he was a good player - His try scoring record probably proves me wrong though. My other least liked players are Steve Larder, David Nelson (both these ran sideways rather than forwards!!!) and Jon Wray. I only include Wray with these other two because I thought his defence was awful and he didn't have the speed needed for a winger (not very good really when you think about it!!!). I thought the 1st 2 were awful in every department. Anyway, please remember that this is only my own personal point of view.
The most memorable game I've ever seen was an 8:8 tie against St Helens sometime around 1990. The game had everything and around 3 missed drop goals from both sides in the last 10 minutes made it even more interesting.
The best Try I've seen by a Cas player was by Graham Steadman against Leeds at Headingley, He took the ball on the goal line, beat a couple of tacklers, sidestepped a third and set off for the line. He made it but not without some huffing and puffing near the end. He also scored another one like this at Headingley but this time it was against Fulham in the cup. Another of my favourite tries was also scored by Steadman - GB V Australia on the tour in I think 1992 when we beat them convincingly - Steady scored the final try with a great burst of speed, even Offiah in his peak would have struggled to keep up with him - Watch it on SKY Sporting Greats if you get the chance, it's brilliant.
Best Kicker of all time, Well, I'll have to go for Frano Botica - Yes, I know he didn't do anything for us while he was at Cas BUT, there has never been a kicker for my money who could slot them over the sticks with such accuracy on such a regular basis. The best kicker I've seen for Cas has to be Crooksy again (even if it did take him 5 minutes before he kicked it!!!)
Best Drop Goal - Steady gets another award - In the mid 90's or whenever the last season of "Scrumdown" was on ITV, we were playing at St Helens and Steadman kicked what must have been over a 40 yard drop goal which sailed through the middle of the posts and just over my head!!! It still looked a great kick when I watched it on TV that same night.
The 1999 playoffs still rank highly with me in my rugby supporting "career" The atmosphere at all 3 playoff games was fantastic and believe it or not, was best at St Helens when we lost - I don't think that feeling will ever be beaten!!! (please prove me wrong, Cas, please!!!)
I'm sure that there was some other stuff I had to write but I can't remember what it was right now - It'll come back to me and I'll put it up here when it does.
Final point for now - This Website - I started the site back in 1997 just for a bit of fun and to try and learn how to write web pages. Since then, this thing has grown beyond all belief as has my ability (hopefully!!!). So far, it's been a great learning process and as the Net takes off more and more, I hope that others will enjoy visiting the site as much as I enjoy writing it - Cheers for now - Mark
E-Mail : thejesterishere@hotmail.com
My name is The
Jester and I live with Mrs Jester in Reading, Berkshire.
I am 30 years old, and for my first 26 years I lived in Townville; becoming an
economic migrant only recently!
My earliest Cas memory is Tony Marchant's try at Wembley. With regards
favourites, I have so many that I can not possibly begin to catalogue
them.
I am hoping that our relegation is actually a blessing in disguise and that we
will learn massive lessons from it and get immediately promoted. Time will
tell...
Yours in sport,
The Jester
E-Mail : Bonzo@getanother.com
Neil Underwood aka Bonzo or JT
I am a 19 year old university student in Huddersfield and I've been a Tigers fan all my life,
watching them regularly since I was about 7 or 8yrs old.
My favourite player of all time for the Tigers is a tough call but I always thought of Graham
Steadman and Lee Crooks as heroes. Other favourites of mine have been Tawera Nikau, Richie
Blackmore, St.John Ellis, David Plange etc. I think very highly of the greats such as Hardisty,
Hepworth, Reilly and Millward etc because of what I've learned from my grandad since they were all
from before my time!
My favourite players at the moment are Adrian Vowles (definitely gonna be one of the
greats) Danny Orr and Dean Sampson( another all time great in my opinion).
Best ever game? well that ones easy - Regal Trophy Final 1994 when we beat Wigan 33-2, but any win
against Wigan, Leeds, Saints or Bradford is always a great game and I've seen a hell of a lot of
them!
It's my ambition in life to go to every single Cas' match in a season, especially since I missed
most of the 1998 season with a part time job( Only got to 4 games that year). Made up for it since
tho cos I missed about 8 in 1999 which isn't bad out of about 35 and I got to 26 out of 31 this
year. I'm determined I will be an ever present at some point!
CASTLEFORD TIGERS FOREVER.
E-Mail : S-s.main@tees.ac.uk
Age:19 I am a student at Teesside University - hence I do very little at all with my days. I am entering
my 4th season of supporting the tigers after being introduced to the sport by a Bradford Bulls fan
at the start of Superleague II. I am a season ticket holder and stand at the Wheldon Rd end of the
ground.
My favourite match has to be the 33-18 victory over Wigan down t'lane last season.
Favourite player, Dean Sampson for commitment although Brad Hepi for entertainment value and getting
the crowd going.
E-Mail : stuart@lakefamily.freeserve.co.uk
Hi, Disco Stu here, but I guess you can call me Disco. So what do I say? (this is weird .. wish I'd looked at that Ipswich page first!) I'm a ... er ... Cas fan, have been for ages. I live in Crofton, near Wakey.
Er (desperately looking for guidelines here!) Favourite player: Well I thought Tawera was a GOD in
his day but I guess that'll change this year. Age: 35 but apparently about 16 (if you listen to my
ex which, apparently, I never did - sorry bad joke).
Best Game: Most memorable one was ages ago away at Leigh (yeah, THAT long ago) when we couldn't find
Hilton Park - we stopped to ask directions and got the only bleeding Italian in Lancashire. Still
found it though! How long a supporter?: Well, away at Leigh's a bit of a giveaway isn't it? Let's just say - a while.
Why post this message?: I just thought Mark's name looked kind of lonely up there.
Why Disco Stu?: I wanted to put Disco Stud but the club shop only had one D left (fans of the
Simpsons - you'll get that one).
Other incarnations: Used to be "Cyber Tiger" for a while - ran a p**s poor website (by comparison) for one season - forget which - till my old PC finally gave up the ghost. Now I've got a new one I work (unpaid) for the RLSA setting their magazine (TGG) and soon hope to be involved with a BRAND NEW tigers fanzine (THE AYE OF THE TIGERS - BUY IT NOW, BEFORE IT'S BEEN PUBLISHED) on a slightly more lucrative contract.
Anyway - it's ten past two, I've got work tomorr.. today, and BT have earned enuff out of me tonight. I won't be offended if you email me though ...ta ta
E-Mail : teale@coventry.ac.uk
Hello to all Tigers Supporters. My name is Sarah and I have been supporting Castleford for years. I
have recently come to Coventry Uni and I now have to get the National Express on a Sat morning in order to get back for the
matches.
My favourite player used to be Tawera Nikau (hope I spelt that right!) however I would have to say that nowadays I admire Danny Orr and I feel
Jason Flowers has really come into his own, especially last season.
The most memorable game would have to be the semi-final against Leeds last season. I never thought that a Rugby match could stimulate such a
mix of emotions. I also never thought that Rugby would become such a major part of my life. The atmosphere at a match whether it be home or
away is unparalled. I would like to say carry on shouting and singing and 'You'll never walk alone' as long as you are supporting the Tigers.
I am really looking forward to the RL World Cup in November. I was lucky enough to do work experience with Neal Coupland and Jason Harborow
and let me say that it is nice to know that such an important RL event
is being organised by two people who care about the game as much as these two people do. It is
going to be a wonderful tournament and I can't wait to watch loads of matches.
That's me then
BYE, SARAH
E-Mail : jones@tigerman.karoo.co.uk
Hello! Colin Jones here also known as C.J. I have supported Castleford Tigers for 45 years.
I was 6 years old when I was first taken to watch my first match with my Uncle Norman (Evans). I was born in South Kirby and then later lived in Castleford, but, for the last 20 years I have lived in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire. Despite this we always travel to all the home matches and most of the away games.
My favourite player at this moment is Dean Sampson because of his 100% commitment in every game he plays, he has shown much improvement under the guidance of Stuart Raper.
One of the proudest moments as a CAS supporter has to be the Regal Trophy final against Wigan. Living where we do we come in for a lot of stick from Hull fans but that day everyone was congratulating us!!
I think that the atmosphere at The Jungle is fantastic and can't wait to get down there on
a Sunday to
watch the game. we always stand under the covered stand, obviously not too far away from Mark - so we
will keep an eye out for you!!!
See yer for now - C.J.
UPDATE
Hello, Colin Jones here again. It has been quite a while since I last contributed to the 'Who are yer ' site.
My next comment may upset some folk but why on earth are Cas re signing B J Mather,I never rated him when he played for us before and I don't believe that he has done anything whilst playing Union - but let's hope I am proven wrong.
Have you all got your tickets' for London? Me and the Wife (Katie) have got ours'-Coach number 91 if anyone is interested! Should be a really good day with lots' of atmosphere.
Hello to all Tigers fans from up here in Bonnie Scotland.
My name is Gavin Mooney & I live in a small town called Larkhall, on the outskirts of Glasgow. My wife Susan, sister-in-law Janis & brother-in-law Mark have followed my lead & are also Tiger fanatics. I am 36 years old & my "obsession" with the Tigers began with the "Big League" on Sky & has snowballed from there.
Favourite player from that era was undoubtedly Tawera Nikau, sadly now a Warrington star, & today's favourites are Vowlsey & the "unsung hero"
We try to get to as many games as possible, starting with the Blue Sox this Sunday - The highlights of our visits being the play-offs last year. What an atmosphere @ Headingley & Knowsley Rd.
Are we the only Scottish supporters? That's me, see you all Sunday
E-Mail : cas.tiger@virginnet.co.uk
My names Carl Mitchell and I live in Kenilworth, near Warwick. I've supported Cas
since I was about 8, which means I've supported them for 18 years. I still travel to every game home
and away and thought last season was the best in a long long time.
My favourite players who have graced the famous "black and Amber" over the years have been Lee
Crooks, Tawera Nikau, Ronnie Gibbs, and of course Vowlsey and Sampson, but my all time fave has to
be Kevin Ward, who put fear into ANY opposition.
Favourite game of all time has to be either the 33-2 Regal trophy final against Wigan or last years
Semi-Final win over Leeds. Both games just epitomised "Classy Cas"
That's about it really other than I stand in the corner opposite the scoreboard and often change
ends at half time.
Good luck for the coming season to players and supporters alike!!
Carl (Midlands Tiger)
E-Mail : grez@hagis.madasafish.com
Website: "Chez Grez" - www.hagis.freeserve.co.uk.
Grez - who he?
Current home: Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire.
Born: Cutsyke, November 1966.
Supported Castleford: Lifetime.
Why? In the blood!
Favourite players: Anyone in a Cas shirt
Earliest memory: "Cas for t'cup" rosette, 1969-70 Wembley souvenir
Best try seen: Regal trophy final 1994, Cas v Wigan. Mike Ford runs out of defence,
passes to Richie Blackmore, then quick hands to St John Ellis to break defensive line. Ellis kicks, regathers ad gets tackled about 20m out.
Plays ball to Ford who distributes to Ian Smales in centre field. Smales kicks to opposite corner and Grant Anderson wins chase to touch down
over line. Fantastic teamwork from a great team.
Ideal team 1 Steadman;
2 Ellis,
3 Marchant,
4 Joyner,
5 Plange,
6 Orr,
7 Ford;
8 Crooks
9 Beardmore
10 Ward
11 England
12 Hay
13 Reilly
Subs: 14 Vowles
15 Sampson
16 Fenton
17 Harland
Bound to be controversial, but I've seen them all play for Cas and they'd give any team a working over on their day. Shame about all my
heroes I've left out. Let's hope the current charges lift some silverware this year.
E-Mail : ngw@barclays.net
Nigel Grey. 40 yrs. I live near Darlington, Co. Durham which is not a RL. area.
First got into RL. when I took my son to Gateshead Stadium to watch the Charity Shield match Wigan v St. Helens - Became a Wigan fan after the game (even though they lost). It is a 240 mile round trip to see a Wigan home game, so I attend most away games. Found Cas to be an very friendly atmosphere, plus the pub is just over the road from the ground.
E-Mail : a_howard13@hotmail.com
Hi - I'm Andy Howard I'm 31 a sports photographer currently working for League Express and providing an odd photo or two for this site.
I've been a Cas fan since I can remember and was finally allowed to go to my first match in 1977 in those days my heroes were John Joyner, Mal
Reilly and Sammy Lloyd. Little did I know that I would one day have the pleasure of working for the club as
official photographer from 89 to 94.
My close involvement in Rugby League and the Tigers particular as given me the privilege of covering games in such diverse
locations as Wembley Stadium (There nowhere quite like pitched at Wembley) to Stade
Myre-More in Villneuve from the Cas v Halifax Game at Stade Maziacou, Albi in 87
to the never to be forgotten January day when we took Wigan apart to lift the Regal Trophy .It's a day that will live long in the memory for
so many reasons, one of which was the fact that was my last game as club photographer.
Leaving the Tigers was a sad moment but in a way I've never really left as I spend most of my spare time designing posters and promotion
material for the marketing Department (Keep up the good work).
My Ambitions are to help Cas, (in what ever way I Can ),become the most
profitable, successful and feared team in the land
Well that's enough from me just to wish Stuart and the lads all the best for the season (I know some of the lads read stuff on this site).
And Thanks to Mark for providing Cas fans with a very Bright, Lively and Well informed site about the Tigers.
I am 16 years old and I live in Garforth. I've supported Cas since I was about seven (old enough to see over the fence) My favourite all time players are Tawera Nikau and Steady.
My favourite all time matches are Cas 33 Wigan
2 regal trophy final. Cas 34 Leeds 14 regal trophy 1994, all last seasons matches and every match we've ever beaten Leeds in.
E-Mail : Angela.Purchon@vu.edu.au
Name: Angela Purchon
Born: 12 December 1969 Birthplace: Great Preston (small village in between Allerton Bywater and Kippax
- Darryl van der Velde used to live there!!!!)
Residence: Was living in Kippax until April 1999. Currently living in Melbourne, Australia, but keeping up with what is happening at 'The Jungle' on a daily basis.
History: Have been supporting Castleford since I was a bairn! I think I went to my first match
aged about three years old with my Dad and Granddad, although I can't remember the details. I can remember games from 1976/77 with the likes of Malcolm Reilly
(who happens to be the Uncle of one of my friends!) and Terry Richardson, followed
by the Beardmore twins.
I was also taken to watch Castleford's post Wembley celebrations in 1970, although I
don't remember much about that either.
Favourite Player: Difficult - Never really favored any players in particular, although I am reminded by
my parents that I used to have a Castleford shirt with Andy Timson's name and number on the back! Most of the lads I went to school with have played for
Castleford or at least the Colts (former Academy) at some stage. Tawera Nikau was probably my favourite player of recent
years. I got to see him last season in Australia where he was playing with Melbourne Storm. Class player,
Melbourne are really missing him this year.
Favourite game: Beating Wigan 33-2 in the Regal Trophy final, closely followed by Castleford's
Challenge Cup triumph in 1986. I couldn't speak for three days!
Dislikes: Leeds - Can't stand the club or their fans. It is an hereditary thing as well, as my
family hate them too! Once when I was in my teens my Dad banned me from going to Headingley, as I got too worked up and he feared I may do something I might
regret later.
E-Mail : Simonoo@yahoo.com
I am Simon Outten. 29 years old as well. I've been a Cas fan since 1/1/1994.
My favourite player has been Tawera Nikau, shame he didn't come back to Cas. These days my favourite player would be Adrian Vowles/Dean Sampson.
Favourite game would probably be last seasons playoff at Headingley, but then again any favourite game would be when we beat Leeds, Wigan & Bradford.
Best Wishes to the team for the coming season and lets make the papers eat their words over
predicting Cas only to finish 7th in Super League 5.
E-Mail : JonWadey@compuserve.com
Hi - I'm Jon Wadey - I'm 28 and the ex Chair of Castleford Tigers Supporters Club, a position I held for 5 years which I unfortunately had to relinquish due to promotion at work which required a move away from my beloved club.
I still travel the four hours 'Home' for games
as and when I can. First one this season being the Wigan game at home. (I live just
outside Edinburgh).
I've been a Cas fan since the early 80's and finally went to go to my first match in 1987 in those
days my heroes were John Joyner, Neil Battye.
My favourite games (note the plural as there are so many) but the ones that stick most in my mind
are the day when we took Wigan apart to lift the Regal Trophy, (The Video getting a bit worn now.)
The two games we beat Leeds firstly in the challenge cup in the dying seconds, when Andrew Shick out
leapt everybody else, and last years playoff game.
Not being able to attend all the Tigers games is heart breaking but in a way I've never really left
as I get most of the hot gossip and information from people still close to the club.
E-Mail : pamila.bye@tesco.net
My name is Pamila Bye, I live in Gorleston-on-sea, Great Yarmouth and I'm 57 years old.
I am a fairly recent convert to Rugby League, having followed it seriously for the last 3 seasons. With my husband I visited Weldon Road last year, we arranged our holiday specifically to see some Rugby but chose the weekend of the play-offs when you were playing away, so we cheered you from our hotel room!!!
Have downloaded your fixtures for this season and will definitely make one of the matches.