mametz1536

(This story is a new amalgamation of some ideas I had written about 6 months ago. Sadly due to computer faults and game corruption those games were lost to me. So here is a new one and which I hope is not too laughable!!!).


I was on my second cup of coffee of the morning and I was just about getting my head around the final arrangements for the beginning of the new season. Monday morning is always a never ending merry-go-round of meetings and updates and today was no exception. The trouble with being a part-time manager of a conference team is that I have to do most of the donkey work. I looked at the email from my Assistant who just happened to be my wife, Reinette all the arrangements were in place for our trip away to Thurrock on Saturday. It would be a trip just up the A22 and round the M25 to just east of London. Having gained promotion last season from The Ryman’s Premier Division it would be no different in distance than some of last year’s fixtures. But this was a division closer to the Football League and that was a whole different game.
I emailed her back, most of the time she worked from home; it’s amazing what you can do over the internet! It was time to get a sniff of the days training and I had a meeting with the Chairman Roland Duchatelet and ex-Chairman and now Executive-Director Rupert Imich on the ground at 9.30. That would be fairly standard, going over the team, especially the new signings. I had spent 95K bringing in 10 players and I know Roland would want a good return from his money. I was also aware that 95K was a great deal of money compared to the small budget of our main rivals, Eastbourne Borough. The local newspapers had had a field day fueling the flames of discontent between us. I had no problem with Garry Wilson or their Chairman Len Smith, but Eastbourne Borough had been top-dogs here for a good few years and we were now moving in on their patch!!
But that is what money brings and with it success can follow.

Four years ago Eastbourne Town had been promoted to the Ryman’s First Division and under then manager Ady Colwell things were looking up. They would have settled for that I think but things took a strange if unexpected turn. A consortium of entrepreneur Belgian businessmen and women decided to target the south-coast to open up a chain of Belgian Cafes ‘The Belgian Experience.’ Deeply involved with this venture, was the past Chairman of Saint Truiden namely Roland Duchatelet. Spotting a ‘business opportunity’ and a chance to invest in some local soccer, the consortium bought out Eastbourne Town, Roland was installed as the Chairman, Rupert was kept on and a modest amount of cash was made available. The following season he brought in changes, I was installed as the new manager, on a part-time basis moving from Diksmuide but staying on in my job as an expert for Belgacom for Belgian Internationals. It was whilst I was at the studio I brought on board my old Belgian team-mate Marc Wilmots who ironically had just been sacked from Saint Truiden. To complete the staff I contacted my best friend the ex-swiss international Alain Sutter who was working for Swiss TV SF DRS and he took little persuading to join me has my Assistant-Manager. Alain and I went way back to 1995 when we were both in the Bayern Munich midfield. We were able to attract a few out of contract players to Eastbourne, namely, Demets, Bevernage, Goossens, partly due to the pulling power, Wilmot’s and I had and also the fact we could offer good salaries. Last season we won promotion to the Conference South much to the pleasure of everyone at the club. This of course raised a few eyebrows and in some quarters some unjust criticism, but any club that starts to win has to cope with that. Enough of the history lesson, anyway this was going to be an interesting season and the matches against Borough would be a severe test.

I ambled over to the training pitch in Larkin’s Field just behind the Main stand. Alain and Marc were going through the days schedule with senior coach, Mick French. Mick had been with Eastbourne Town a number of years and he was now the stand in manager when all three of us were off with our television commitments.
“Good Morning Gentlemen, everything going to plan?” I enquired.
“Hi Marc,” said a half concentrating Alain and the other two joined in with a muffled reply. “Just going through those new set plays, we all agree attacking the near post might give us an edge.”
“And the new lads?”
“Good, the midfield trio of Sutter, Samedan and Zonnebeke are continuing to play well together building on the friendlies.” Replied Mick.
Marc Sutter and Karl Samedan were two Swiss teenagers that had joined us from Baden. We had picked them up at a bargain price and they were on a decent contract with us. Micheal Zonnebeke was a left winger who along with two strikers; Jan Verlorenhoek and Kurt Putzeys together with Mehdi Makhloufi had all joined us from newly relegated KV Kortrijk. It took some negotiation to bring them here, but thanks to Roland we had other incentives to offer them.
“I tell you something for nothing,” added Mick. “Kris Vandeputte is a quality keeper and we will be lucky to hang on to him.”
“He will make the difference this year.” Commented Marc.
“I am glad we signed him, but I am also glad that Damien is progressing well and if we do lose Kris he will have to set up. Are all the lads putting the effort in?” I asked.
“They don’t need much motivation, it is early days and they are all fired up.”

We took a look at the training schedule and agreed a few amendments; I looked up and spotted the Chairman and Director coming towards me. They would want reassurances that everything was in place for Marc and me departure to Brussels tomorrow for the Belgacom TV update. Still Alain was staying put this time his next SF DRS programme was a week Tuesday. The next internationals were a month away but speculation about who would be playing was already the talk of most newspapers and sure enough when there is plenty of gossip, there is news and a TV programme.

Peacemaker7

Unless it's a comedy of course

One little tip, when using direct speech, treat each new line as a new paragraph like: (it makes it a bit easier to read )


I ambled over to the training pitch in Larkin’s Field just behind the Main stand. Alain and Marc were going through the days schedule with senior coach, Mick French. Mick had been with Eastbourne Town a number of years and he was now the stand in manager when all three of us were off with our television commitments.

“Good Morning Gentlemen, everything going to plan?” I enquired.

“Hi Marc,” said a half concentrating Alain and the other two joined in with a muffled reply. “Just going through those new set plays, we all agree attacking the near post might give us an edge.”

“And the new lads?”

Panpardus

Yeah pretty decent start there Mametz, I think I was reading one of your story's before and that one was pretty good.

PM7 tips are pretty sound with the new lines for speech, makes it alot easier to read and differentiate who is saying what.

I generally find if its pleasant on the eyes and easy to read I'll give it a go and read for a while.

Anyway enough dribble from me, good start and hope to see a bit more.

mametz1536

(Hi, thanks for your help and encouragement. It really helps).

I pulled away from my conversation and with my cup of coffee in hand I met Roland and Rupert. Monday was the only day when all three of us could met face to face, in the week it was emails (apart for the fortnightly evening committee meeting). I knew that Roland would have a few worries; this was the beginning of the biggest season for Town and a step nearer to his dream.

“Good Morning Marc,” Roland opened up greeting me with a broad smile. “What a lovely day, I was just saying to Rupert, it’s good to be alive on a day like this.”

“Better than being dead.” Commented Rupert wrily.

“It was certainly very pleasant on my stroll down through the park.” I said. I lived about 10 minutes walk away.

“I bet there are few managers that walk to work each day. I watched Ferguson on the Audi Channel last night swaning to Old Trafford in his new Audi.” commented Roland. “One day that will be us, up there with Fergie.” He carried on.

Rupert chuckled out loud, “One day, Roland…One day.”

Roland gave him a dismissive look. “Everything going OK here Marc, the lads all seem to be ready for it.”

Roland could hardly contain his excitement, I looked at him and if it hadn’t occurred to me before it did now he was going to be hard to please this year.

“Brilliant, Roland I was just talking with Alain, Marc and Mick. They are all really impressed with the new signings and the friendly results were certainly encouraging.”

“Have the new lads settled in, you know moving to a new country can be daunting and some of them are so young?”

I smiled, “They are settling in the best they can Rupert, most have moved in to the new apartments down the Harbour that we are renting to them. But it will take a bit of time. Language is not a problem, everyone speaks English and I keep it that way.”

“Good to hear it,” Said Roland as he handed me a copy of the local newspaper. “Have you seen the latest? Looks like you are going to have your work cut out with the press with your daily meetings.”

I took the newspaper from him and glanced at the back page, I had already read it earlier.

Testing time for Marc and his Town team

For the first time in our history, Eastbourne has started the football season with two teams above Isthmian League status.

Since Borough won their first promotion from the Isthmian League at the turn of the Millennium they have continued to climb.

Now it is Town's turn to take the journey into the unknown. It has been a good summer; cash for the players is available albeit in restricted quantities at the Saffron’s and some players have moved to other clubs as the team continues to develop.

It is going to be a season when Marc Mametz will have a great chance to enhance his credentials as a soccer boss.

When Mametz took over the managerial reins in June, 2003, Town were 15th in the Isthmian Premier League. Now with promotion to the Conference South, they have already come a long way.

But while survival may not be the name of the Mametz game, Saffron’s fans will not be too unhappy if that is achieved in the Conference South this season.


“Speculation is rife, Marc and a good start will be important.” Added Roland.

“I know Sir, but we have the players here I am sure, we just need to get the supporters along.”

“750 a home game is my target, that’s why we’ve only increased the entrance fee by 50p. Its £6.00 for Adults and £2.50 the rest. That should make us more then competitive. Borough are charging £9.00.”

“They won’t like that down at Priory Lane, being undercut!” Stated Rupert with a faint smile.

“Hopefully, there’s more they won’t like coming their way.” Laughed Roland.

“If it gets us some good support I don’t care.” I said, but I did really, they rivalry between the two clubs was bit too much some time.

“Well the new 3rd team kit arrives today and the team photo-shoot is at 4.00pm in front of the main stand. Sales of replica kit should go up this season.”

“There has already been a few enquires on the website, according to Reinette. Also the picture board to sponsor a player has brought in some money.”

“Excellent lad, and tell you wife she is doing a grand job. You’ve got a little gem there.”

“I know and Marc’s wife Isabella with be helping her this season.”

“God Marc!” Roland exclaimed. “You’re turning it into a family business!”

I laughed, “It’s all free labour Sir and that should be music to you’re ears.”

“We must keep the money rolling in, Marc. On a different note how are the new rules working out.”

I had introduced some new club rules as we moved into a higher division. The most notable of these rules was: No playing Golf 48 hours before a match and a complete ban on riding motorcycles.

“There has been some rumblings but not from the first team squad. Most of them except that these new rules are now necessary.”

“You have the Committee’s 100 percent support, don’t be afraid.”

I smiled, I was not sure if that was good thing or bad thing.

“You have both remembered that Marc and I are off to Brussels on Wednesday morning, we should be back for Thursday first thing.”

“Agh yes, the Belgacom International review, who are they playing next?”

“Home to Lithuania in a world cup qualifier on the 4th. Alain will be in charge with Mick. He’s off next week, Switzerland have a qualifier at home to the Faeroe Islands.”

“One day, Marc I’ll employ you fulltime, but I suppose you will still fly off to further your Television career.”

“One day, Sir. The BBC might even want me!” I joked.

“The only thing they want Eastbourne for now is Songs of Praise.” Laughed Rupert.
“Or the Antique’s Roadshow!”


And with the sound of quiet chuckling, my Chairman and Executive-Director departed for a mid-morning meeting with the Head of the Council and the Police Chief. They had to discuss the increase traffic problems that might occur in the town this season and how the town would cope with extra supporters.

For me it was another cup of coffee, a check of my emails and a word with the club physio Paul Baskin on who was fit and who wasn’t.

Wegason

Some good stuff here, writing is good and the new format and layout makes it much easier and nicer to read. KUTGW

mametz1536

It was an early start but the 7.40am flight from Gatwick to Brussels was on time and I was glad to be in the air. I had always enjoyed flying with Brussels Airlines, Business Class was always exceptional and the seats had plenty of leg room. Marc and I were on our second helpings of fruit and yogurt but we had sneaked a couple of croissants in along the way. It had been a rush and the last thing I wanted to do was leave the team days before our opening fixture, but working for Belgacom paid the bills handsomely and as I kept reminding Reinette it was definitely needed. To be fair to her she didn’t mind with Isabella Wilmots living around the corner and her work at the club she had plenty to keep her going. Marc was going through a pile of newspapers in front of him and I picked up the latest copy of HLN to see what they were commenting on. My phone rang and I picked up a text message from my wife. Ben my 6 year old son was complaining of an upset stomach and she had decided to keep him off school for the day. Isabella was going to stay with him this morning; I quickly sent a text message back. Just the way, something always crops up when you can do nothing about it.

“Everything all right?” Asked Wilmots, half engrossed in the paper.

“Yes, Ben’s off school, but Isabella is going to step in.”

He smiled, “I think it was a trip to 'Next' sales today, so that’s saved me some money.”

“Funny,” I said. “But Reinette didn’t mention that!” As it slowly dawned on me that my wife had avoided any conversation about going shopping.

Wilmots shook his head and laughed.

“The papers are full of it, Make or break time Aime Anthuenis? Will he keep his job as Belgium manager? Who will replace him? Will Marc Mametz call for changes on Wednesday night?”

“Lord, the sods, I only mentioned that the price for failure to reach the European Championships in most countries would be the sack, so why has he still got his job?”

“We both know the reason; two successive league wins with Anderlecht. That’s why! No matter how you paint the picture he is the most successful manager we have at the moment. Granted he had the resources, but he still had to get the results!”

I sighed out loud and relaxed back in the seat. “All right, point taken Marc, but how did he keep his job? Surely we should have qualified?”

“He did and that is all there is to it, a good start against Lithuania will help him this campaign.”

“If we lose…” I said blowing out air. “He has to play Sonck now Mpenza has retired Sonck is our only decent striker.”

“Don’t forget Buffel, he’s doing the business at Rangers.”

“But Sonck.”

“OK” agreed Wilmots. “Sonck is a must.”

We both chuckled and went back to reading the newspapers.

“You know what will happen tonight.” I said looking up. “We’ll get endless replays of your disallowed goal against Brazil again. Of all the instances they could replay, it will be that 2002 second round game and the look on everyone’s face when the ref, what’s his name? Disallowed your goal.”

“Peter Prendegast, the name will be forever in my memory. God, even the Brazilians couldn’t believe he disallowed it. The sod! We should have beaten them. Anyway what’s so bad about that, what would you show? Let me guess the goal!!”

“1994….Belguim 1 Holland 0.” I said with an air of triumph. “65 minutes corner floated in from the right, ball runs lose in the area, whipped into the net, by none other than Marc Mametz!”

Wilmots laughed out loud. “God, you’re finest moment. World cup finals and we actually beat Holland and you score the goal. Here he is national hero Mametz !! Never mind that I played in more world cup finals, 4 to your 2, scored more goals, you scored the goal that beat Holland and then you buggered of to Bayern Munich.”

I laughed with him, “And the nation has loved me since, those were the days, Nilis, Scifo, Degryse, Wilmots and Mametz, before losing to Germany.”

“Here,” he said handing me a newspaper. “Have you seen this in the Gazette?”

I looked at the article in front of me and smiled. I had spoken to the press late on Monday and forgetting Belgium for I second I was thrust back into the world of Eastbourne Town.

Demets named as Captain for Town

Eastbourne Town boss Marc Mametz has named defender Stephane Demets as Captain for the coming season. The 27 year old Belgian who joined last season on a free transfer from Beveren replaces Mark Tombs who departed this summer for Hastings United.

Town who start for the first time in their history in the Conference South on Saturday away at Thurrock, Mametz as ever had something to say “Challenges present opportunities and as champions of the Rymans Premier League I think we have earned the right to have that opportunity of competing in the next step up.”

”We rather liked the fact that we were tipped not to win the Rymans Premier and we rather like the fact that we are now being tipped for relegation. But we are not talking about survival; that word is not in my vocabulary. We are initially aiming to get 45 points.”

"But I must admit I have not done any homework on any of the other sides. We have preferred to concentrate on ourselves."

Mametz paid tribute to the loyalty of those of his players who had declined offers of money from other clubs. "When we won the Rymans Premier, our players were targeted, but the likes of Stephane Demets, Matthias Bevernage, Filip Goossens , Pieter Strachx and Kevin Putland stayed with us and this has enabled us to maintain a good nucleus of last year's squad."

Town's visit to Thurrock will be followed by next Tuesday’s second away game against Hayes.

IN: Marc Sutter (Baden), Karl Samedan (Baden), Jan Verlorenhoek (KV Kortrijk), Kris Vandeputte (Baal), Maxime Baijot (Standard), Kurt Putzeys (KV Kortrijk), Peter Holmes (Luton), Phillipe Veldhoek (FC Brussels), Michael Zonnebeke (Ieper) Mehdi Makhloufi (KV Kortrijk).

OUT: Mark Tombs (Hastings United), Yemi Odubade (Eastbourne Borough), Chris Davies (Crowborough), Carl Hart (Eastbourne United), Sean Brown (Wealden).


“Well I’ve nailed my colours to the mast as you know, 13 wins will do us nicely. You don’t think I sound too arrogant”

“You Arrogant!!” He bleated out. “Come on modesty is your middle name.”

I laughed, “All right, point taken, still I can’t change my ways now.”

“Did Reinette tell you the latest family news?” He asked.

I looked at him as if he was from another planet.

“Obviously not, well it seems that our new captain and his wife are expecting another kid. His wife is 3 months pregnant.”

“Brillant!!” I said not quite believing it. “Just as I make him captain. Last season he went to pieces for 2 months. Well let’s hope he copes better this time.”

“Isabella and Reinette are going to start a support group for his wife and that should help.”

“Looks like I’ve got another small chat coming up.” I said quietly.

“And you do them so well.” Wilmot’s said chuckling.

I relaxed back in the chair and closed my eyes. The thought of holding my captains hand through another crisis was more than I could take. Still, it was all in the job description, manager, counselor and confidante. All I needed now was to make some stupid remark tonight and the press would have it over the back page in the morning. I promised myself I would shut up and let Wilmot’s do the talking, but as I did I knew I was a lost cause.

mametz1536

The noise of the ‘Tornado’ flying over Eastbourne seafront defended me. It was hot, blistering hot, summer had finally arrived and with it had the crowds of people for Airbourne 2004. I looked around the ‘Western Lawns’ on the seafront, it was a hive of activity and excitement. Flight simulators, Stalls, Event Arena and Displays, directly opposite was the Brighton & Hove Albion ‘Seagull Coach’ with their short skirted beautiful girls handing out leaflets about the coming season. Our stall was a lot less glamorous but I had got all the first team and coaches out there to meet the public. It was my wife’s idea and we had a lot of goodies to hand out as well as replica tickets to sell. Training had gone well in the morning and this afternoon was a great opportunity for public relationships.

Reinette appeared by my shoulder and handed me a white chocolate magnum. I took it and smiled to myself, they always advertised that the ice creams were covered with Belgian Chocolate. But it was unlike any Belgian Chocolate I had ever tasted.

“Thank you darling, this was a great idea of yours, the team have been talking all afternoon. It’s done wonders for our profile.”

“I think young Marc Sutter is been followed around by a hoard of teenage girls and Jan Verlorenhoek is having difficulty escaping from an older woman. I tried to rescue him twice but I think the lady wants a toy boy.” She said.

I smiled back but to be honest I was completely unaware of any of that.

“I see Wilmot’s is over there now, he’ll sort them out.”

“Do you wish we could have a few short-skirted beauties, like those?” She said looking in the direction of the ‘Seagulls Coach.’

“I don’t need them when I’ve got you.” I replied. “You beat them hands down.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere.” She said. “Keep it up and we will see what I can do later!”

I turned around and in front of me was a man in his mid forties with a newspaper in his hand.

“You the manager, Marc Mammetiz?” He shouted at me.

“Yes, Marc Mametz.” I answered, trying to be polite.

“Have you read the newspaper?” He asked pointing at an article.

“Yes.” I replied.

“”Seems that you sold the opposition our best player?”

The article was the editor’s comment in the Eastbourne Herald.

The big football kick-off

What a weekend for local sport!

Typically, with the summer actually arriving and Airbourne upon us, the soccer season is starting and we wish all our teams the best of luck in their ambition to succeed.

This Saturday is a great day for Eastbourne with both its top teams starting their Conference South Campaigns.

Over at Eastbourne Borough head coach Nick Greenwood believes Yemi Odubade could be a key factor in Eastbourne Borough's bid to reach the Conference South play-offs this season.

The Ex-Eastbourne Town striker scored more than 25 goals in the Rymans Preimier League last year and has already opened his account for Boro with two goals in two full pre-season appearances.

Speaking ahead of Borough's opening Conference game at Priory Lane against St.Albans tomorrow, Greenwood said, "Yemi is a penalty box player and perhaps that is a type of player we have not always had. He is a sort of player who can nick you the odd goal in a tight game and at times we needed that last season. I think we had 15 or 16 draws last year and if we could have grabbed a goal in just half of them we would have been up there."

There are just a few new arrivals at Priory Lane this season but more importantly for Greenwood, there was just the one departure.

"We are pleased with our signings over the summer but delighted that so many of last year's squad committed for another season. We came close last season but our squad was a bit thin at crucial times."

Boss Garry Wilson is also confident of another good season and insists Boro have a squad capable of making the play-offs.

He said, "I think the play-offs has to be a realistic target for the club. As long as we can keep the players free of injuries and suspensions then we can have a good run at it. There is no pressure on the club to get promoted but having said that we came close and it would be nice to go one step further this year."

A relaxed Wilson added, "We are all looking forward to the first match. The players can't wait to get started. It has been a long pre-season but we feel we are well prepared and ready for the first match.

Wilson also believes the biggest threat in the league will come from their closest rivals Lewes and Havant.

"You have to look at the big spending teams. Lewes have invested heavily on the playing side.”

And talking of big spending teams across town at the Saffron’s the final plans are being put in place for Towns away trip to Thurrock.


This is uncharted territory for Eastbourne Town, but with talented manager Marc Mametz and a squad the equal of any in the league, confidence must be running high.

This season looks to be the best ever for Eatbourne and you can stay in touch with the Eastbourne Gazette and Herald for all the latest up-dates and match reports.


“I’m sorry about that,” I told the man. “But Yemi wanted to go and I had to let him. No matter how hard you try you can’t keep someone against their will.”

“You’ve played into their hands, mark my words, you will live to regret it, selling our best player. Live to regret it, I tell you!!!” He shouted at me and wandered back into the crowd.

I couldn’t really believe what I just heard, when an old lady in her seventies walked up to me.

“Young man, you should be very proud of your boys. They are such polite young men and very nice and so well dressed.”

“Thank you.” I proudly replied.

She moved in closely towards me and touched my sleeve. “I’ve met that Chairman of the other team, Eastbourne Borough, Len Smith. I don’t like to speak ill, but he was so scruffy and well he was just untidy. I am sure he never washes his hair, such a common man, very unlike your nice young men.”

She smiled and disappeared quietly back into the crowd. There was a strange noise above in the sky a sort of chug, chug and the ‘Utterly Butterly’ Bi-plane ambled overhead. I walked towards my wife, when an old gentleman cut in from of me.

“I’ve been a supporter of Town man and boy; my father took me along when I was a child.” He started. “And we’ve been proud because it was all about Eastbourne, it was the team that represented the town. But now it’s full of Bloody Foreigners!! Not an English name in sight, full of Bloody Foreigners!! It’s not the town team anymore it’s more like bloody….Chelsea! I tell you I’m disgusted and I’m not going to watch your lot of European misfits any, I’m off to Borough at least they haven’t sold out to Europe!!!”

Before I could say anything he left in a huff. I stood there Gob-smacked. I had been manager here for over a year and it was the first time anyone had confronted me like that. I didn’t know what to think! An older well dressed man in a Havana sun hat carefully approached me.

“Sorry about that,” He said. “Couldn’t help but overhearing what that chap had to say. You realize that not everyone feels like that.”

“Thank you, it was a bit of a shock.”

“You know feelings do run high sometimes. I say, live and let live. Before it all changed, Town were just a little club, but it doesn’t take a genius to see that given the right chance, you can change it all around. And any success is good for the Town.”

“I hope to bring success and raise the profile although it will take time.”

“A young chap like you, you’ve got time on your side. There is one thing, Eastbourne Town has always ran out on the pitch to ‘Sussex by the Sea’ it’s a long tradition. Someone said that you wanted a song, ‘Free Electric Band’?”

“There are no plans to change the music, Sir. Albert Hammond’s song is sort of my team song, the song that I play in the dressing room; I want to play it just before ‘Sussex by the Sea.’ Be assured it won’t replace it.”

“Good, good.” He said. “Something’s it is best to leave, you know!”

He shook my hand and wandered away, and then he stopped, turned and said, “Oh, by the way I’ve got a season ticket. I’ve a feeling this one’s is going to be a good one.”

He smiled at me and left. To be honest I really didn’t know what to think. The last half an hour had been quite a whirlwind. I had been hoping for a quiet afternoon, to think over if I would show “Under Siege”, “The Rock” or a James Bond movie on the coach up tomorrow. Well, I would leave it up to Alain, he could choose. I wandered over to my wife, put my arm around her waist and I pulled her tight and tried to whisper in her ear. But before I could say anything a little red haired lad of about 9 stood in front of me with his programme wanting an autograph. I smiled and thought what the heck and gave him a replica shirt. His mates may be wearing the latest Liverpool or Manchester United, but he would be wearing the yellow of Eastbourne Town and I got all the team to sign his progamme for him.

mametz1536

14th August 2004.

10.30am

Erika Eleniak was just about to pop out of a cake. The DVD of ‘Under Seige’ was going down a treat and as I looked out of the coach window I saw the unmistakable sight of the Mormon Cathedral at East Grinstead. Alain Sutter was sitting next to me busily amending my notes.

“There that should do it. The old hands know the system 4-1-3-2. Nothing has changed from last year and the new lads have had plenty of practice. Just got to make sure Mehdi doesn’t stray too much, we can’t be caught short at the back.” He said. Alain for all his laid back positive approach was in fact very cautious when it came to attacking.

Medhi Makhloufi was our new 25 year old French defensive midfielder I had brought in, highly talented but with a tendency to get forward and look for a bit of glory.

“We have to contain them as much as possible, hit them on the break and use our wide men, Samedan and Zonnebeke as outlets.” I confirmed, knowing I was just running over old ground. “Sutter has his orders containing midfield and arriving late in the box to give us the extra attacker. That is why it is essential that we don’t over stretch ourselves.”

The team had picked itself and I was quietly confident that we could get some sort of result; I looked at my notes and the team again.

Keeper – Kris Vandeputte

Right Back – Dave Thomas
Left Back – Phillipe Veldhoek
Right Centre Back – Stephane Demets
Left Centre back – Maxime Baijot.

Central Defensive Midfielder – Mehdi Makhloufi.

Left Wing – Michael Zonnebeke.
Central Midfield – Marc Sutter.
Right Wing – Karl Samedan.

Striker – Matthias Bevernage.
Sriker – Jan Verlorenhoek.

Subs:
Keeper – Damien Pourbaix.
Defender – Barry Kenwood.
Midfielder – Filip Goossens.
Midfielder – Pieter Strackx.
Striker – Kurt Putzeys.

“It looks well balanced, just make sure they don’t get carried away and start to move out of position.” Confirmed Alain.

2.55pm

The final team talk was over, Ship Lane at Thurrock was only a fraction full something around 300 supporters had turned up; about 50 of our loyal followers were behind the far goal. I could still hear the tune of “Free Electric Band” ringing in my ears, I had given enough of the positive chat to the lads, it was now their turn. They all knew the drill, containment in our own half, tight defense, pressing on the ball and then hitting them on the break. It was a relief when the whistle was finally blown and the season got under way.
Now our bench is a hive of activity: Alain Sutter likes to play it cool and will sit down and study the game making notes. Marc Wilmots is always on the edge of the technical area, shouting at officials and players alike. I am somewhere in between, I like to study but if a word is needed, I’m there.

The game started as we expected they came at us like an express train. Kandol came close with a shot over the bar and Lee forced a safe from Vandeputte. Our players found it difficult to keep the ball and a few sloppy passes put us under pressure, but Thurrock were unable to make anything of it.

It wasn’t until 25 mins were played that things started to turn. If there was one player that was looking good, it was Michael Zonnebeke. He was fed the ball deep within our half and decided to take on the opposition by himself. He played a reverse pass into the inside left position to Verlorenhoek . Jan Verlorenhoek hit a first time pass into the centre, it was met by Marc Sutter arriving late. He hit a right foot volley and it deflected off Goodfellow and gave the keeper no chance. 1-0. Sutter scored for Eastbourne Town.

What a great start, the bench erupted; it was exactly what we were hoping for. We had hardly time to sit down before it all started again. Thurrock immediately picked up the pace and tried to answer back. Steve Heffer played a great ball through and Kandol and Lee combined but Maxime Baijot was equal to the threat and was able to clean up. Our bench was up as one man, shouting at him to get it forward. He passed the ball to Zonnebeke who in turn flicked it sideways to Sutter. Thurrock were stretched and Marc Sutter played a wonderful ball into the right channel for Matthias Bevernage to run on to, he was quickly closed down buy two defenders, who had left Jan Verlorenhoek to run free in the centre. Matthias found a free Verlorenhoek, who rounded the keeper to score the second. 2-0. Jan Verlorenhoek scored for Eastbourne Town.

Two in 2 minutes, we could hardly contain ourselves. A sweeping Counter-attack move from one end of the field to the other, finished off by passing the ball into the net. I knew it was time to stop the excitement and concentrate on the job in hand. I called Demets over and got him to calm the players down and keep their focus.

We another two or three opportunities to extend the lead before half time but our strikers could not take them and their keeper made some good saves. The first half ended with us 2-0 up and looking good.

I gave the lads a very positive half time team talk, but made it clear that the Thurrock boss would be laying it on the line to his team. We needed to be prepared for a strong start from them.

Second Half:

Sure enough Thurrock came out for the second half fired up and for the first ten minutes they certainly came at us. But we were able to withstand the pressure and things were very even. Things changed suddenly on 70 mins when Matthias Bevernage picked up an ankle injury going for a 50/50 challenge. I brought on Kurt Putzeys to replace him and took the opportunity to swap Karl Samedan for Filip Goosens on the right wing. The physio told me that Matthias’s injury was a 40 percent one.

The change, although not planned reaped immediate dividends. One thing early on in the season about bringing on fresh legs is that the opposition were not fully up to speed yet and new players can rip past tired legs.

On 74 mins Phillipe Veldhoek hit a wonderful 60 yard ball into space beyond the defence, Kurt Putzeys with new legs ran on to it and powered it past the keeper, for 3-0, to the Town.

Momentum had now finally swung our way and 5 minutes later Zonnebeke ripped down the left from a goal kick, swung a vicious cross into the box and Verlorenhoek met it with a diving header, 4-0.

The victory was all but complete and in injury time Veldhoek hit another great pass for Putzeys to run on to, round the keeper and score, 5-0.

We couldn’t believe it, our first game in the Conference South and a 5-0 victory.

Final Score:
Thurrock 0 Eastbourne Town 5

Sutter (25)
Verlorenhoek (35, 79)
Putzeys (75, 90).

The only drawback was the injury to Bevernage but hopefully he would only be out for a short time.

mametz1536

Monday 16th August 2004

There was a cold north-east wind blowing across the training pitch, but that couldn’t dampen the team spirit. Expectations were already running high; the local Newspaper website had wasted no time in publishing details of our victory over Thurrock. Our rivals Eastbourne Borough had only managed a 2-2 home draw with St. Alban’s and as it stood we were now top of the table. I glanced down at the results again:

Bognor Regis 1:1 Welling
Cambridge City 0:0 Weymouth
Charshalton 2:0 Basingstoke
Eastbourne Boro 2:2 St. Albans
Grays 2:1 Margate
Havant & W 0:0 Bishops Stortford
Hayes 3:0 Dorchester
Hornchurch 1:2 Madienhead
Lewes 1:4 Newport
Sutton Utd 3:3 Weston-super-Mare
Thurrock 0:5 Eastbourne Town

Alain Sutter walked towards me and joined me.

“It’s good reading,” He said. “Everyone is up for Hayes tomorrow night; the difficulty will be to keep their feet on the ground.”

“Hayes had a good win at home to Dorchester. They must be feeling confident too.” I replied.

“I think they need a chat this afternoon.” Alain said with a smile.

“It’s another trip to London; let’s hope we don’t get stuck on the M25.”

“Baskers said that Matthias would be out until Friday but should be back on Saturday for the visit of Grays.”

“Just as we expected, still it will give Putzeys a starting slot and Kevin Putland can take a place on the bench.”

“OK, by the way did any of those scouts at the match speak to you? I heard a rumor that Charlton are interested in Matthais.”

“No, I heard the rumor too; just keep your ea to the ground Alain. You fly out on Wednesday morning?”

“Yes the usual routine, I’ll be back here Thursday morning, the flight out of Geneva will get me in, in time for training.”

My wife joined me and told me I was needed by the Chairman apparently the press wanted some reaction to Saturday’s match and he wanted to talk over the visit of the Mayor on Saturday first home game. I left my Assistant to sort out training whilst I had to talk about public relations, I wondered if the same thing happened to Alex Ferguson, but I guessed it did, but on a grander scale.

markyt

Eastbourne Town - Good luck, good start and keep an eye out for the mighty Weston Super Mare. Left sided midfielder Scott Walker is an animal at that level and I will look forward to reading the about the match! Keep an eye on him..... :thup: