BILLY BUNTER

Weblog: The football punter

I'm duty-bound to give you a heads-up

I'VE been looking forward for a while to devoting some of my punting energies to Kettering.

A lot of what goes on in the Conference tends to go under the radar of those of you who like to do your dough on the top-flight.

But I've always regarded myself as a humble public servant – or tosser, as Mrs B prefers – and I feel duty-bound to give you the heads-up before Kettering's trip to Tamworth. It's not on the telly or owt which is a serious pity because I feel we're missing out on a potential bloodbath.

Kettering's nickname, the Poppies, may topically hint at remembrance, forgiveness, reconciliation and several other words for which I thank my spellcheck. But I'm afraid the war's not over with this lot. In 19 league games this season they've managed to chalk up nine red cards which ought to be a source of shame but is, in fact, an unbelievable achievement of which they should be immensely proud.

So I've been on to the local paper's website to make sure this feisty mob have been doing all their usual gym work prior to their match at Tamworth. I'd hate them to turn over a new leaf just as I'm about to find a bet that makes the most of their indiscipline.

However, the local rag instead reveals that Mark ‘Mad Dod' Stimson has had to put his entire squad of light-heavies on the transfer list after a problem with their wages.

Well that changes everything. Obviously these boys – or at least the ones who aren't suspended – will be feeling the pain as they step out at The Lamb Stadium and the only solution is a massive punt on Tamworth.

You see, a little bit of homework can go a long way in this betting lark.