SEASON OVERVIEW 07/08 The Club
Home Ground: Nene Park, Irthlingborough (capacity 6441, 4641 seated)
Rivals: Kettering, Northampton (fierce); Peterborough, Oxford, Luton
Reputation: Local
Estimated Value: ₤575K
Balance -₤200K
Transfer Budget: ₤5K
Media Prediction: 14th
Board Expectation: Stay Clear of Relegation
Fan Expectation: Fight Bravely Against Relegation
Staff
Chairman: Keith Cousins
Assistant Manager: John Dreyer
Coaches: Will Weedon, Alex Tobin, Wilie McStay, Geoff Evans (General); Tony Godden (GK); Paul Driver (Youth)
Physios: Phil Ward, Simon Parsell
Scout: Antonio Nort
The Squad
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pkd | Inf | Name | No. | Squad Status | Cnt | Weekly wage | Expires | Value | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Adam Legzdins | - | Key Player | F/T | £150 | 30.6.2010 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Chris Hope | 5 | Key Player | F/T | £800 | 30.6.2008 | £5K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Gary Mills | 17 | First Team | F/T | £500 | 30.6.2009 | £20K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Michael Bostwick | 32 | First Team | F/T | £375 | 30.6.2008 | £12K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Scott Tynan | 20 | First Team | F/T | £210 | 30.6.2011 | £3K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Wnt | Glenn Wilson | 2 | First Team | F/T | £375 | 30.6.2008 | £10K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Daniel Clitnovich | 24 | First Team | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2008 | £14K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | David Perpetuini | 28 | Rotation | F/T | £500 | 30.6.2008 | £14K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Inj | Paul Watson | 3 | Rotation | F/T | £500 | 30.6.2008 | £6K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Dino Maamria | 10 | Rotation | F/T | £400 | 30.6.2008 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Gavin McCallum | - | Rotation | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2010 | £14K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Kyle Storer | - | Rotation | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2011 | £12K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Wayne Hatswell | 6 | Rotation | F/T | £500 | 30.6.2008 | £8K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Chris Beardsley | 29 | Rotation | F/T | £525 | 30.6.2008 | £12K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Jon Ashton | 4 | Rotation | F/T | £550 | 30.6.2008 | £14K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Tom Bonner | 19 | Rotation | F/T | £210 | 30.6.2009 | £5K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Scott Cousins | - | Rotation | F/T | £160 | 30.6.2009 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Ine | Conrad Logan | - | Rotation | F/T | £0 | 23.6.2008 | £28K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Marcus Kelly | 11 | Rotation | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2008 | £20K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Simeon Jackson | 12 | Rotation | F/T | £275 | 30.6.2008 | £24K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Tom Shaw | 18 | Rotation | F/T | £250 | 30.6.2010 | £16K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Ikechi Anya | - | Rotation | F/T | £425 | 30.6.2011 | £7K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Mark Preece | 25 | Rotation | F/T | £300 | 30.6.2009 | £3K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Ine | Max Gradel | - | Rotation | F/T | £0 | 23.6.2008 | £6K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Stevie Ferguson | - | Backup | F/T | £375 | 30.6.2009 | £8K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Alex Bryant | 1 | Backup | F/T | £160 | 30.6.2010 | £16K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Yth | T. J. McClory-Cuthbertson | - | Backup | Yth | £90 | 30.6.2008 | - | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Lee Tomlin | 14 | Backup | F/T | £275 | 30.6.2008 | £20K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Alex Bolt | - | Hot Prospect | F/T | £80 | 30.6.2009 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Lawrence Lambley | - | Hot Prospect | F/T | £80 | 30.6.2009 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Dominic Langdon | - | Hot Prospect | F/T | £85 | 30.6.2008 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Martyn Margarson | 23 | Hot Prospect | F/T | £80 | 30.6.2008 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Marvin McDonald | 9 | Youngster | F/T | £100 | 30.6.2008 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Sean O'Keefe | - | Youngster | F/T | £100 | 30.6.2010 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Inj | Ben Reynolds | - | Youngster | Yth | £90 | 30.6.2008 | - | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Slt | Leo Fortune-West | - | Not Needed | F/T | £1,800 | 30.6.2008 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>
Wage Budget: £14,155
Total Weekly Wages at 10/7/07: £13,090
Senior Players: 25
Reserve Players: 11
U-18 Players: 17
[Note that players classed as Backup, Prospect or Youngster will not be profiled, and are regarded as reserve players]
Player [Pos, Nationality, Height, Age] – Rushden Seasons, Rushden Games, Rushden Goals
Goalkeepers Conrad Logan [GK, IRE – 1 U21 Cap, 21] – 0, 0, 0
On Loan from Leicester
One of two players sent down to us by our parent club, Logan has no first team experience but has the talent to be a first-choice keeper. He's brave, solid in the goal and could set up a few moves with his superb kicking.
Adam Legzdins [GK, ENG, 176cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
Formerly of Birmingham, Legzdins was going to be a challenger to Tynan for the first choice keeping role before Logan arrived. Don't read too much into the “Key Player” tag – that was to get the board to allow me the grand sum of ₤150 per week wages. He looks capable, and will get a go early.
Scott Tynan [GK, ENG, 186cm, 23] – 2, 54, 0
Struggled with the first team role last season, and a handful of good games did not cover a generally poor performance. He will have a much reduced role now that we have two other options.
Defenders Jon Ashton [D RC/DM, ENG, 188cm, 24] – 1, 16, 0
Managed to play the rotational role expected of him last season, and should do the same again. Has not really shown any improvement, but as long as he's a reasonably solid option, I don't need much more.
Tom Bonner [D C, SCO, 183cm, 19] – 1, 21, 0
I said he wasn't ready for first team action at the start of last season, but he was actually one of our best players in the weeks following his debut. He fell away a bit in early 2007, but picked up by the end of the season. He's nothing special, but handy as a pure defender.
Michael Bostwick [D/M C, ENG, 188cm, 19] – 1, 29, 2
Though his shooting ability means I prefer to play him as a midfielder, our numerous midfield signings and lack of pace at the back means he will probably be better used as a defender. He's probably not as good in this role as some of our pure defenders, but has the height and strength to hold his own.
Scott Cousins [D/WB L, ENG, 178cm, 24] –0, 0, 0
Signed from Conference North side St Albans where he was an average player, Cousins is most notable for his set piece ability. He likes to go forward, but doesn't really have the skill to score or set up many goals. A rotational player at best.
Wayne Hatswell [D LC, ENG, 186cm, 31] – 2, 32, 1
One of several disturbingly slow players along our back line, Hatswell is strong in the air and played a solid role last season. He will do the same this year.
Chris Hope [D C, ENG, 185cm, 34] – 1, 38, 0
Nearing the end of his career, but still a good leader and solid presence at the back. It's probably time to start phasing him out due to his age, but with not many other options, he will have another big season.
Rushden captain 06/07 David Perpetuini [D/WB/M L, ENG, 175cm, 27] – 1, 22, 2
Played a bit more of a role last season than I expected, mostly in the midfield. This year he will play more in defence, since we have a few wingers.
Mark Preece [D C, ENG, 191cm, 20] – 1, 1, 0
Signed late last season after being released by Forest Green. He's a bit slow to be playing alongside the likes of Hopes or Hatswell, but does show some promise in the defensive skills. Wayne Hatswell will be tutoring him this season.
Paul Watson [D RL, ENG, 32] – 1, 34, 2
Coming to the end of his career, and in poor shape after missing much of the pre-season through injury. Will probably play a limited role now that we have options at both sides of defence.
Glenn Wilson [D RC, WAL, 186cm, 21] – 1, 15, 0
Didn't play nearly as much as I expected last season thanks to two injuries which put him out for the latter half of the season. Looks to be fit now though, and will play a bigger role as Watson is phased out.
Midfielders Ikechi Anya [AM RL, SCO, 170cm, 19] – 0, 0, 0
Formerly of Wycombe, Anya is a rather small and fragile player, but possesses enough skill and pace to be a handy option on the wings.
Daniel Clitnovich [AM C, AUS, 172cm, 25] – 1, 40, 6
Originally signed as a backup for Maamria, Clitnovich became a key member of the side. He doesn't look overly skilful, but is adventurous enough to create chances.
Supporters' Player of the Year 06/07 Max Gradel [AM R, CIV, 180cm, 19] – 0, 0, 0
On Loan from Leicester
Our second on-loan player, Gradel is a superb runner who should create plenty of excitement. He's unfortunately not too good at crossing, but should carry the ball forward regularly.
Marcus Kelly [AM L, ENG, 170cm, 21] – 4, 75, 3
Our best midfielder according to my assistant, but Kelly certainly didn't look like that last season. Admittedly, he was not able to play in his preferred position of left wing, and he will get a chance to do so this year. Like Gradel, he can carry the ball, but doesn't do too much with it aside from that.
Gavin McCallum [AM RL, CAN – 3 caps, 176cm, 19] – 0, 0, 0
A new signing from Yeovil, McCallum isn't as quick as our other wingers but is much more of a threat with his crosses. Could be a handy player, especially with corners.
Gary Mills [M C, ENG, 175cm, 26] – 8, 161, 8
One of our better players last season, doing exactly what I wanted from him – holding down a central midfield spot. He's a player we can always rely on for a good, solid effort.
Tom Shaw [M C, ENG, 183cm, 20] – 4, 38, 3
Played much more than expected due to Savage's long absences, and stood up well despite his youth. Shaw should have a lesser role now that we have more options, which will give him time to develop.
Kyle Storer [M C, ENG, 180cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
Notable for his Mohawk hairstyle, Storer was a solid player for fellow Conference side Tamworth last season. He's similar to Mills in that he's a solid worker in the middle, and should have a similar role.
Forwards Chris Beardsley [ST, WAL, 183cm, 23] – 1, 10, 0
Had no impact last season, and looks a fringe player at best.
Leo Fortune-West [ST, ENG, 193cm, 36] – 0, 0, 0
A huge concern. He was out all last season on loan, and I didn't realise his wages were more than three times higher than that of any other player at the club. He refuses to leave on a mutual agreement and no club is willing to take him off our hands. He's incredibly slow and not much of a shot, but his height could be dangerous if we get a corner or cross.
Simeon Jackson [ST, CAN – 3 Caps, 178cm, 19] – 4, 44, 14
Made his international debut after a solid performance for Rushden. He has plenty of pace, which could make him a good partner for Fortune-West or Maamria.
Dino Maamria [AM/F C, TUN, 183cm, 36] – 1, 31, 5
Certainly in the final year of his time at Rushden, if not his career, but still an interesting option. He doesn't have the pace to play regularly, but his aggression, work rate and experience could make him a handy impact player off the bench.
Lee Tomlin [ST, ENG, 181cm, 18] – 2, 29, 2
Scored two goals in eight games despite his youth after coming into the seniors last season. He is quite quick but has a lot of improvement to make in the skills area.
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