crusader

[ronayne]

8d
b?l?t???r
supporter gives cushion to queen
could it be bolsterer?

15a
s?y?a?t?r
see teacher get control
sypmaster?

[glasman]

Both OK

[ronayne]

thank you housemouse

[PollyEsther]

I'm befuddled by 22d - Force grass into a vice (5)
I have
G_E_D

If it's 'greed' could somebody explain why?!

[PollyEsther]

Doh! 'Reed' - I suddenly get it!

[PollyEsther]

ah, 1d - Surly old king meets union fellows (5)
The only word that fits is 'Gruff' - G_U_F
but other than gruff meaning surly - I dont get it. Cant see the king or union fellows references. Can anyone explain?

[bibblebub]

old king = G.R. [any of the Georges]
union = U
fellow = F, so fellows = FF

[PollyEsther]

Housemouse and Bibblebub - many, many thanks!

[bookbinder]

Old king = GR = Georgius Rex = King George
Union = U
Fellows = FF [ plural of F = Fellow]

[PollyEsther]

Thanks to you too Bookbinder :)
Last query from me - I promise!
17a - Serious student negotiates his terms outside (9)
M_R_H_ _ _ _

Drawing a definite blank!! March something? Mirth something? Argh!!

[bibblebub]

mirthless

[vallaw]

mirthless

[PollyEsther]

Thankyou! I do have one more Q though - so sorry!
This actually is my last clue though! Although I fear I may have made an error.

19d I must deliver fifty-one spurs (7)
S_I_U_I

what on earth???!!!!

[mojay]

stimuli

[chelle7272]

Stimuli

Anag I m,st and LI (51)