Spectator N0 2550

[Matakari]

Good morning, Doc has me somewhat puzzled with the following for which I would appreciate answers, thanks!
ACROSS:
11 Alton United seen regularly (5) : WO?I?
24 Caesar’s for backing mine! (4) : ???M
39 Grave demeanour having repaired one roué’s sari (10, two wds :
?E????S?L? ( AERIAL SILK )

DOWN:
1 Vandal and striker broke metal drinking vessel (13, two wds) : ????E?T?N?AR?
( PEWTER TANKARD )
36 Some upcoming amateur player (4) : P??E

I think I have the Unclueds, but have some doubts about them.

[dannyk13]

Matakari, I don't think that MNL Rugby was talking about the AnswerBank.We are here to help members so ignore MNL and keep on posting.Incidently have you given up doing Cryptic Connections?

[Matakari]

Dannyk13, I have not been getting the Telegraph for a while now.
I believe I need to renew the subcription. Could you send me this week's if you have it? Thanks!

[dannyk13]

Matakari, this week is not a Cryptic Connections but the next time there is one I will post it for you.

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, how on earth would I know your status on AB? What a bizarre question!

[bobbinwales]

Matakar....Ignore mnlrugby... i just don't believe that your entry's are rejected in the way he says.

[Matakari]

Sorry, NACW, about the way I posed the question! MLN:Rugby’s statement alarmed me somewhat and what I really wanted to know is what influence does MLN:Rugby have in identifying crossword lovers on the AB and determining whether their submissions are accepted or not for the prize draws.
Thanks, bobbinwales, for your confidence! And thanks also, Dannyk13, for your kind offer!

[u10]

I have finished the puzzle but only have six clues without definition. 11ac, 17, 30, 31, 32 and 36dn. Am I missing something. The only other names like 7dn and 41ac (&lit) have definitions.
Please put me out of my misery!

[ProfessorMaisie]

Yes, u10 - the two you mention have definitions but they're not 'thematic' definitions (they would be double def clues with the thematic elements added).

Matakari, MLN Rugby has asked for answers in the past and given them too - you're doing the same, so it can only be a question of degree.
I wouldn't worry about it - if some solvers really are being blacklisted then the setters/editors are more petty minded than I thought (but I doubt that, because it would be more trouble than it's worth).

[u10]

Only quite old editions of Chambers have a list of proper names. I’m surprised this wasn’t mentioned.

[ProfessorMaisie]

The list was reinstated for the most recent edition.

[u10]

No good if you have the app

[ProfessorMaisie]

From what I've read, the app is deficient in many ways but it helps solvers by providing lists of synonyms/definitions via the search function (I don't have it, so I don't know for sure).

[u10]

My 12th edition Chambers has no list of names

[ProfessorMaisie]

The revised 13th edition hardback has the list of names, it was published in 2016 and is still the standard reference for The Listener Crossword (although it isn't often mentioned in Spectator puzzles).
Spectator puzzles often reference Brewer's and, from what I've read, that gets updated more frequently, so its lists can become outdated quite quickly (at least I think that's right - I haven't got a copy so I can't be sure).

[Matakari]

Good evening ProfessorMaisie, I thank you for reassuring me about the terrible remarks made by MLN:Rugby. I’m still aghast that someone would go to those extremes to blacklist a solver who seeks help with the crosswords! It’s a frightening situation, indeed! But I’ll definitely continue doing my crosswords because I keep learning a great deal. Thanks again!

[ProfessorMaisie]

Good to see you'll be continuing with the puzzles, Matakari.

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari,I have just noticed that you apologised for your bizarre question - thanks.
I wouldn't waste too much time being 'aghast' or 'alarmed'. You've dealt with these very issues (sometimes even with the setters themselves) before in the past. I'm sure you'll continue to cope - and continue to ask for, and be given, the help you need.