Simple Match Fishing Forum

I am 65 in a few weeks time and have decided to hang up my pen with the results service for Anglers Mail at the end of August.
Just like to thank anyone reading this that has sent me results over the past 27 years.
I shall miss the chats but shall be continuing with my other posts at AM, hopefully for some time yet.
I am unsure as to where to tell you to send results after August but as soon as I know I will advise.
Thanks for your time in reading this.

65 still a spring chicken '65 is just a number

I have to take my hat off to you Tony doing all the weekend results working through the nights .Making sure there no mistakes and then going over them again I'm sure you have enjoyed doing this job for the last umpteen years and I for one will miss our Sunday night chats . All good things must come to a end and I'm sure it's not been a easy decision to finish the result but I'm quite sure it's the right one with the ever changing style of competition angling when you started it was all about 200 to 300 peggers every weekend now all your time has been spent typing up a 100 thirty peggers now you have made your decision get yourself back on the canal bank and enjoy yourself you more than most have given angling so much pleasure with your Whitt and sense of humour to tens of thousands of young and old anglers . It's great you are staying on part time as it will always give me a excuse to ring you not that I need one plus it will give you more time on this site

Certainly an excellent innings Tony Many thanks for all the help You have given me Mate and all the best for the future

65!!! How long you been counting backwards xxxx
Happy retirement mate

It's the right time you just know it; nowt to do with age. It's been over 30 years since I could pop down my local for a pint on a Sunday. That is a luxury I am looking forward too, if I can remember where my local is! When I look back at all the 'big names' past and present I have had the pleasure to talk to, report on and get to know I will miss it. I will miss talking to all the regulars as well. As well as 27 years with the AM I also did the same, different format, plus a large report and pics for my local for 29 years, wrote regular articles on snooker and billiards plus a little know fact that I did five annuals on fishing venues. I have done lots of photography too and snapped loads of you on this site, - some ain't been used yet so beware!
I now have the option to go to a match without having to bust a gut to get back, even have he option of fishing matches that end at 4pm, that is something that was nigh on impossible. Going to bed on a Monday morning as my head has clouted my desk or working straight through the night doesn't appeal any more.
All that will stop and of course I'll miss it- with the obvious exceptions mentioned. I know I can't thank Ken Cope as he is no longer with us but without his knowledge it would have been tough for me at the beginning. Ken rang me or I rang him every week and that practise has continued with Steve and Lynn who have kept me sane most Sunday nights! I only hope that I have repaid all Ken's help in a small way.
I really put this up so you could help me by spreading the word around as I don't want to go to the trouble of changing my phone numbers and other contacts.

It would be remiss of me not to thank Angler's Mail too.

Yes, that first pint on a Sunday night will go down well; you never know I might even get Lloydy to pay for it!

all the very best in your retirement bill

Top dogging bill, your a credit to your sport and the anglers mail who pay you 50 grand a year LOL

Happy forthcoming 'retirement' Bill and thanks for all you help over the years

Tony, what more can I add to the already glowing list of compliments.

I think it was nearly 40 years ago I first met you on one of the local leagues, and you have always been the same character throughout these years. By far the best Match organiser I have ever known.

I know, after speaking to you several times recently, that you were not "feeling the same" about your fishing and other aspects of your life, so I applaud your decision to do something about it 

Even when I was out of the scene living in Scotland for 8 years, your results and column were always the first thing i looked for when AM dropped on the mat. You remind me so much of Boris....a big full on character who said it as it was, but always had the anglers welfare and well being at heart.

I am sure many thousands of AM readers will miss your wit and spicy comments. Time now to relax old pal and put Tony first. You have my number, so f you fancy a day out some time, give me a call.  Big Respect mate.   

Eh up Bill , have a much deserved retirement you have earned it Always good company and quality chat in the few recent years i have had the pleasure of knowing you ..... top man

Ay up bill as one my fellow team members up your clay lane, enjoy your retirement you have earned it and thanks for the matches, leagues and events you have organised and the articles in the mail nice one tony topman

Enjoy!! Ya retirement William    

However im sure theres a tad ov lead left in the ol'pencil 

We're looking forward to reading of ya exploits on  Division 1 on Trent n Misery   

SVEN:...wots tha gonna be fishin fo - like ?¿?.......

Brownie Points. .......mi-thinks   

Good luck matey you will be missed by all

Copey callin' ... da worker, not the other one ... I learnt from the maestro (no 'p') ... will miss u n George ... Baby Love, 'that's good' ... Still got ur Scrumpy, will get draw-bag to give it to u sooooon ... He has just said, Ken often said 'I don't know what I'd do without Tone' ... n u know summat, neither do we !!! gonna fone ya Sundees, just to drive ya nuts ... Luv u from Gobby Gudgeon & Towpath2 xxx Petri heil !

Quite happily buy you a pint anytime

27 years, nearly as old as me. Well done master a true asset to the sport we love

Quite happily buy you a pint anytime