Stick up London

Viking wednesday

Happy Lancashire Day

On this day in 1295 the first elected representatives from Lancashire were called to Westminster by King Edward I to attend what later became known as "The Model Parliament".
The Lancashire Day proclamation is read out by town criers throughout the county on 27th November.

A brief history of Lancashire
At the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066 the County of Lancashire had not yet been defined, but its subsequent components already existed as administrative areas.
Six or seven years after the conquest (1072/3) King William gave the land between the Ribble and the Mersey, together with Amounderness to Roger of Poitou. In the early 1090s King William II (William Rufus) added Lonsdale, Cartmel and Furness to Roger's estates, thereby giving him control of all the land between the river Mersey in the south and the river Duddon in the north. Roger chose Lancaster as the site for his castle which thereby became the centre of administration for the lands that he controlled. As the area of lands held by a lord were known as his 'honour', Roger's lands became known as the Honour of Roger of Poitou or the Honour of Lancaster.
In 1102 Roger supported his brother Robert of Bellene in an unsuccessful rebellion against King Henry I and all his English estates were confiscated and given to Stephen of Blois the grandson of the Conqueror.
In 1168 Lancashire was first termed 'the county of Lancashire' under King Henry II.
1267 Edmund Crouchback was created 1st Earl of Lancaster.
In 1351 Henry, Earl of Lancaster, was made a Duke and was also granted Palatinate powers - the royal powers, or the powers belonging to the palace.
These powers lapsed with Henry's Death, but were restored to the most famous Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt and were made hereditary.
Palatinate status was granted to Lancashire because of its strategic position in defending England from the Scots and conferred legal recognition of the extraordinary powers of the Duke within Lancashire. The county developed its own chancery, could issue writs under its own seal and even had its own dating year running from 6th March 1351, the date of the establishment of the palatine. The Duke was able to appoint his own sheriff who was answerable to the Duke, not the King. Lancaster had its own justices and the king's writ did not run within the palatine county. The king did however still collect the taxes and reserved the right to correct 'errors of judgement' in the duke's courts.
For a short period in the 16th century the Duke appointed a butler to collect dues payable to him for wine brought into the county.

From  http://www.forl.co.uk/history.html

Sing along with Paul & Tom

From the tube somewhere underneath the city of London. Scott Laird get well soon. People miss you and care about you. You are North End, so are we.

2012/2013, Leyton O away

This is what a wet but warm welcome looks like

Last time we where over it was sunny and about 25 degrees. This time around it was a bit different. Rain and just about 6 degrees. Last time we won, this time we lost. Last time we were two coming over, this time we were four. The one thing that was exactly the same was the warm welcome from our Preston comrades.

On the move from Oslo

After work friday we all met up at Oslo Central Station and got a taxi to Rygge Airport - the start of all Branch trips to England. Normally we get into friendly arguments with Premiership team`s fans but this time we where pretty much alone. Nico had his priorities straight and made sure we had enough whiskey to last the whole trip. One way at least.

Touchdown London

Getting to London is not much different than going to Preston in our case. Fly time is pretty much the same and what do you know, the taxi time also pretty similar to. Our hotel was ok except some dodgy stains on the carpet, underwear in the staircase and just to many french people. You do understand English, you just don`t want to, twats. Merde!

Always show your true colors

First night out was spent at Burger King several local pubs around Hyde Park. Max being 27 years old was asked for ID at some point. Nothing wrong with looking young though but when you are older than the bartender you don`t tip him much after that do you? After some more or less eventful stays at soulless pubs we ended up at one where we had 4-5 IPAs thanks to Nico. That pub was a bit more alive. Glass broke and stickers was handed out to walls and other places.

One big happy family

But we were not in London to hang out at random bars by our selves. We were in London to hang with our Preston family. And after showing Ben the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street and the Stone Island flagship store we met up at the Water Poet. And what a meet up it was. When people ask me - Why Preston? The short response to that is - Because it feels so f*cking good! The atmosphere in a Preston faithful get-together is just brilliant. We are proud to call us a part of it all.

A packed Water Poet

Once again happy birthday to Tim. 30 years on the 10th season. Get it this time pal?:-)
After the quality time spent at the Water Poet we moved on to Leyton by tube. The sky kept pissing on us as we made our way to Brisbane Road. The place was buzzing and the expectations were high and we all agreed that we could not loose this one. The boys were going to avenge Scott Laird`s broken leg. Weren`t they?

Could we loose this one?

Kicking off our team looked good and the home team brought nothing until they on a rare visit up the field scored a lucky goal just before halftime. With disbelief we went to half time one goal behind. To be honest the effort was good but the skill both on and of the ball is just not good enough.

The thing that pretty much ruins a great day out

The stadium stewards was keeping a close eye on the crowd from Lancashire. I looked like they felt the crowd could go mental at any time and we could feel their hearts pound all the way from the grass to the terraces. The relieved smiles on their faces when they realized we just wanted to put our flag out and not rushing onto the pitch were very cute. At half time they tried to pull of a stunt by blocking one of the entrances. It did not work out the way they planned. Anyways..

Preston faithful at Brisbane Road

The second half was as result less on our behalf as the first. We had the ball and the will they scored the goal. We had some great chances to not just get a deserved draw but also to win it. After the match we had to admit our first defeat. We are truly sorry and hope to get back on the winning track as soon as possible. This was not the result we wanted for our 7th game.

Rich and Nic with a NB stick(er)

Scott Laird is no longer an unsung hero. With Paul and Tom as lead singers a group of thirsty North Enders entertained the Londoners with a great version of Mr. Harrison`s "My sweet lord". We hope you appreciate the gesture Scotty and that you are back as soon as possible. Keep on getting better. After the the last beer was necked around Euston we went to a party in a part of London I don`t recall unfortunally. Newcastle supporter Rich was a great host and your variety of girls was interesting.

Myyyy Scott Laird, my Scott Laird

Thank you so much for a great weekend lads. Looking forward to making the trip over again. Looks like the next game wil be Brentford away, so London - we`ll meet again.

If you want to see more pictures from Leyton away and other stuff follow @norwegianbranch on Instagram. Probably gonna put out more fotos on the blog later as well.

20th round, League One

Leyton Orient FC  2 (1) - (0) 0  Preston North End FC

Brisbane Road

Attendance: 4,190 (875 away fans, 4 Branch members)

Goals:

L: 43`Baudry 61`Lisbie

Read full match report here

My sole is clean.

Did you hear that, Doug?! We`re coming to London. With a new pair of trainers and the same old Norwegian swag we are taking on Leyton away. Tickets of all kinds are bought or given and we are set for a wwekend to remember. And in case we don`t remember nothing, we´ll take a shitload of pictures for your amusement. See you soon lads.

New logo

Our new twitter avi is a mash up between a well known iconic sportswear brand and a traditional Norwegian hat. Like it or love it. We care some.

Viking wednesday

19th round, League One

Preston North End FC  0 (0) - (0) 0  Notts County FC

Deepdale

Attendance: 8,013 (212 away fans)

Red card: 90`Campbell-Ryce

Read full match report here

What do we look like?

So who`s coming over for the Leyton away game really? And how will you recognize us? Well on this picture you see us standing in the middle of this rather huge Norwegian rock - drunk as skunks needless to say - keeping a safe distance to the edge. So now you know what we look like, don`t be afraid to come over and say hi. See you soon cha.

18th round, League One

Preston North End FC  1 (0) - (0) 1  Brentford FC

Deepdale

Attendance: 8,804

Goals:

P: 62´Laird

B: 88`German

Read full match report here

Viking wednesday

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," in accordance with the Armistice, signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.) World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.

The poppy of wartime remembrance is Papaver rhoeas, the red-flowered corn poppy. This poppy is a common weed in Europe and is found in many locations, including Flanders, the setting of the famous poem "In Flanders Fields," by the Canadian surgeon and soldier John McCrae. In Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, artificial poppies (plastic in Canada, paper in the UK, Australia, South Africa, Malta and New Zealand) are worn to commemorate those who died in war. This form of commemoration is associated with Remembrance Day, which falls on November 11. In Canada, Australia and the UK, poppies are often worn from the beginning of November through to the 11th, or Remembrance Sunday if that falls on a later date (November 13 in 2011). In New Zealand and Australia, soldiers are commemorated on ANZAC day (April 25), although the poppy is still commonly worn around Remembrance Day. Wearing of poppies has been a custom since 1924 in the United States. Miss Moina Michael of Georgia is credited as the founder of the Memorial Poppy in the United States.  from Wiki.

17th round, League One

Stevenage FC  1 (1) - (2) 4  Preston North End FC

The Lamex Stadium

Attendance: 3,740

Goals:

P: 6`Beavon 32`King 58`Monakana 74`Wroe

S: 15`Tansey

Read full match report here

Viking wednesday

16th round, League One

Preston North End FC  1 (0) - (1) 1  Carlisle United FC

Deepdale

Attendance: 9,249

Goals:

C: 31`Garner (Pen)

P: 90`Cummings

Read full match report here

Comic relief

Since Bill mentioned "Hagar the Horrible", or "Hårek den Hardbalne" as the cartoon is called in Norway we have decided to give the viking som attention on our blog. It is not the funniest cartoon around but it gets a couple of laughs. Also it`s pretty accurate regarding Norwegian culture and climate. The periode it`s supposed to be from is also the periode our to great nations had alot to do with each other. A kinda give-and-take -relationship. Us doing most of the taking though..

Anyways the blog is all about giving so enjoy. Stay tuned for Viking Wednesday.

The FA Cup`s 2nd round

Preston North End are playing Gillingham at Deepdale on December 1st. Personally we belive in focusing on the league and the JPT Cup. Two of the things we can and should be successful in. Yes it`s great drawing a big name out of the hat and maby even getting a game on TV. But we are at the moment in the position of David. And he already beat Goliath once. We will win the FA Cup again, but it`s not this year. We`ll do it as a Football League Championship team or even a Premiership team. As of for now it`s just a waste of time and legs. The club could do with the money but not with the potential injuries.

Anyways bring on Gills! And for God`s sake prove us wrong.

1st round, FA Cup

Preston North End FC  3 (2) - (0) 0  Yeovil Town FC

Deepdale

Attendance: 4,757

Goals:

P: 38`Byrom 41`Amoo 70`Robertson

Red card: 63`Upson

Read full match report here