retired_brinker317

PM - That's no excuse - Cheers Flip :thup:


Paul Patterson's covert activity around Sussex continues - not content with a positive report on Ashley Jarvis , who impressed against ourselves for Hailsham, he's also found a potential gem from Sweden - in the not so Nordic surroundings of Horsham . Midfielder Martin Johansson is 22, and finds himself playing Ryman League football after experience at a considerably higher level back home. Certainly a find for the mid-Sussex side, if they can be persuaded to let him go, then I feel that he could do a job in the centre of our midfield as well.

In between all the transfer talk - the Dripping Pan's somewhat broomcupboard-esq managers office is a hive of activity at the moment - I've also been pondering other parts of this managerial lark. Though one win and one defeat isn't too bad from our opening two games, I have been considering changes to the formation. We'll trial something that we've been working on in training on Monday, and hopefully this should allow our midfielders to see more of the ball.

Lewes v Gloucester - Preseason Friendly (19/7/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Lovett, Coulson, Legge, Hankin, Kennett*, Harkin, Beckford, Barker, Price, Holligan

Subs; Hustwick, Leach (GK), Hooper, Watts, Sigire, Robinson

With Kirk Watts still to decide on his future, I've made two changes to the side - as well as that slight formation changed previously mentioned. We've gone with Kennett in 'the hole' - sitting in front of the defence to help out at the back, whilst also providing a position to springboard our attacks with some ranged passes. Barker replaces Wattsy, whilst at the back, Coulson comes in for Hooper. It took approximatley 18 minutes for those carefully laid plans to fall apart. Leon Legge's dismissal - a professional foul - didn't help, but after Gloucester netted the penalty, we fell apart. They ended up scoring four, and the tactical experiment - or that one at least - will go down as a total faliure.

Lewes 0 - Gloucester 4

Attendance; 119
MOM; Darren Preece (Gloucester)

retired_brinker317

By Tuesday, transfer activity had reached previously untold heights - reports and rumours flying around so fast that nobody - least of all me - knew what was going on. I did, of course, know what players we'd approached, but other than that, which I kept close to my chest, the media could speculate to their hearts content as far as I was concerned. Mo Harkin limping off injured on Sunday evening though hadn't helped - he'll be out for around a couple of weeks after damaging his foot.

One certainty though came on Tuesday morning - with Russell Tanner saying 'No' to Histon and 'Yes' to Lewes - putting pen to paper on a deal that will finally see some competition to Paul Wilkerson arrive. Wednesday though, saw one go the other way...

Thursday night - and another two members of the Youth team are getting their big chances...

Lewes v Tottenham XI - Preseason Friendly (21/7/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Legge, Hankin, Hustwick, Kennett*, Beckford, Barker, Hudson, Holligan, Price, Jennings

Subs; Robinson, Tanner (GK), Lovett, Coulson, Sigire, Hooper

Spurs Reserves was clearly the highlight of our preseason calender when it was announced - but after recent results, some fans - not to mention staff and players - are beginning to wish it had never been arranged. We're still to get the balance right, and again, we're trying something a bit different tonight. New boy Tanner is amongst the subs, whilst teenage prospects Jennings and Hudson are thrown into the deep end. All you need to know about it is that we failed to get a shot on target - although, at times, looked suprisingly comfortable on the ball. In a side containing such well known players as Pedro Mendes and Goran Bunjevcevic, it was perhaps inevitable that one of the Spurs' youngsters would shine - and Radwan Hamed certainly did, bagging a first half brace. Icelandic winger Emil Halfredsson netted the third late on, denying Tanner, who had come on at the break, a clean sheet against some pretty impressive opposition. What to do, what to do?

Lewes 0 - Tottenham XI 3

Attendance; 139
MOM; Nathan Peprah Annan (Tottenham)

retired_brinker317

The phone call was not expected. Friday morning, sitting in my office, the last person who I expected to ring was Steve King . His words were simple - and, perhaps suprisingly, kindly - no malice, no agression, no nothing. Just good, honest, advice. "Stick at it Son" he said. "I know you've not got much to play with finanically, so try and make the most of what you have. The lads did OK last night, but I really think you should perhaps try something slightly more defensive on the tactical front"

Perhaps it would happen when I got up - although vivid as anything, it seemed like Kingy's call had been a dream. Whatever had *actually* happened, it certainly gave me ideas - Lovett and Hooper are two quality wingbacks, and perhaps we are not utilising them to the best of their abilities at the moment. Whatever, we need to sort something out before too long.

3-5-2 would be the answer - with two wingbacks operating on the flanks, a three man central defence, two midfielders, a link-man between midfield and attack and two up front. The answer, at least, for this week - We do need to settle on something soon - and something that doesent result in humiliating results against the likes of Gloucester City to boot. If this doesent work, we'll probably revert to some kind of 4-4-2. You can't get sacked on preseason results, can you?

Saturday saw something resembling success in the Transfer Market - Horsham accepting our offer for Swedish midfielder Martin Johanssen , resulting in a contract offer that would see him just about double his wages to £100-a-week.

Lewes v Hampton & Richmond - Preseason Friendly (24/7/05)

Lewes; 5-3-2; Wilkerson, Legge, Hankin, Hustwick, Lovett, Hooper, Kennett*, Barker, Beckford, Holligan, Sigire

Subs; Robinson, Tanner (GK), Coulson, Cooke, Price

Another game, another youngster on the bench - Steve Cooke called away from the Reserves to sit amongst the 'stars'. It was the same old story - second best in every department, and the London visitors fully deserved Gareth Davis' 26th minute opener to give them the lead into the interval. There would be no glorious comeback, and you can strike 5-3-2 off the list of 'maybes' for opening day at home to St Albans.

Lewes 0 - Hampton & Richmond 1

Attendance; 63
MOM: Paul Campbell (H&R)

retired_brinker317

Martin Johanssen's rejection phone call came on Tuesday morning - not interested in risking guarenteed first team football at Horsham. There's no pleasing some people. Still, we've been working hard in training, and have reverted to that 4-4-2 style formation with Kennett sitting in front of the back four.

Lewes v Tiverton Town - Preseason Friendly (27/7/05)

Lewes; 4-1-3-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Hankin, Legge, Hooper, Kennett*, Price, Beckford, Barker, Sigire, Holligan

Subs; Hustwick, Tanner (GK), Coulson, Jennings, Grant, Lovett

Still no Harkin, so youth teamers in Jennings - who has played once already in preseason - and Grant, help to make up the bench. There was no immediate change - no 'fliicking the switch' to turn on a 'good' Lewes side - and in fact, Tiverton had most of the early pressure, Wood close early on. While Wilkerson quickly became the busier of the two keepers, we did on occasions push forward, and when Robinson's long throw found Legge, Ridley upended the defender - before Gavin Holligan blasted his penalty straight at the 'keeper. Changes seemed to help Tiverton more than ourselves, but on 81, a break resulted in a miracle - substitute Chris Grant scoring from close range. A win!

Lewes 1 - Tiverton 0

Attendance; 94
MOM; Steve Barker (Lewes)

retired_brinker317

Two friendlies remain - so one more opportunity to trial another tactical idea. I've noticed a bit of local criticism about my frequent changes, but if you can't experiment in preseason, when can you?

Lewes v Harrow Boro - Preseason Friendly (31/7/05)

Lewes; 3-2-3-2; Wilkerson, Lovett, Hankin, Legge, Hustwick, Hooper, Kennett*, Beckford, Barker, Sigire, Holligan

Subs; Coulson, Tanner (GK), Robinson, Jennings, Price

We began brightly enough, with Jean-Michel Sigire netting on 32, but after a couple of horrendous errors at the back, conceded twice to Carl Douglas to go in behind at the break. Leon Legge's well struck effort restored the draw on 52, but - same old story. An Allen penalty and a late Collins free kick gave the visitors - as usual - the victory. Why can't we get it together?

Lewes 2 - Harrow Boro 4

Attendance; 83
MOM; John Francis (Harrow)

retired_brinker317

That would be the theme of Sunday evening's session - talking over where it had gone wrong. I've got my own theories, but then again, you can't expect the players to be fully match fit just quite yet. One friendly remains, at home to Burgess Hill, before a few days 'rest' ahead of the big kick off. Which, of course, we are not yet ready for.

Squad strengthening will be the order of the day, and in particular the midfield. Between myself, Stuart Cash and scout Paul Patterson, we've targeted Swindon midfielder Chris Taylor - a talented youngster, more capable with his left foot than his right, but certainly someone who could do a job at this level.

One more friendly? - One more tactical variation then. Inspired by - and if you can't be inspired by the best, then you're not doing your job properly - Chelsea - we've decided on a 5-4-1 style variant for the final preseason warmup against fellow Sussex outfit Burgess Hill . With Taylor still to make up his mind - though Swindon did accept our offer on Wednesday morning, I've still got selection problems ahead of the final friendly. The fitness levels, I must admit, do worry me.

Lewes v Burgess Hill - Preseason Friendly (3/8/05)

Lewes; 5-4-1; Tanner, Hankin, Legge, Hustwick, Lovett, Coulson, Kennett*, Barker, Beckford, Price, Holligan

Subs; Robinson, Wilkerson (GK), Hooper, Jennings, Sigire

With Tanner between the sticks, and Price playing just behind target man Holligan, I'm hoping that we can finally 'click' today. To be honest, we are currently clueless about how to start the Conference South, but a good performance today would certainly help to make up my mind. The result said it all - a 1-0 victory. A victory! . Steve Barker's 19th minute free kick was the difference between the two sides, but we certainly impressed, and could have scored more. At the other end, Harrison saw a late 'leveller' ruled out by the offside flag - which would have been harsh on Russ Tanner, who played a blinder and certainly will give 'General' Wilkerson cause for concern. We'll go into the opening day with this formation.

Lewes 1 - Burgess Hill 0

Attendance; 101
MOM: Russ Tanner (Lewes)

retired_brinker317

The win obviously impressed someone else as well - by Sunday, 19-year old Chris Taylor became the second player from outside the club - so not including teenage prospect Steve Barker - to join my 'Rook Revolution' - and immediatley made a good impression on our supporters, when he told the Non-League Paper that he is really looking forward to playing for the club, and can't wait to make his debut.

I'm also hopeful that Mo Harkin will be fit for the opening day - again on Sunday, he was assessed by Physio Fox, who seems to think that the Northern Irish winger could well be in contention for a place. Meanwhile, over in Cardiff, Chelsea have won the first trophy of the Domestic Season - beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Community Sheild match.

Tuesday morning - and my first real dilemma since taking charge. Owen Price is, without any shadow of a doubt, a player with a big future. Boston United have spotted that potential, and have tested our mettle with an £8000 bid. My head says no - we'd be left with just two strikers - but after the lad was treated so badly by Spurs, my heart has to overrule it - we'll accept. The money will come in handy, and Owen will no doubt relish the opportunity to get into the Football League.

Thursday evening's training session brought less training, and more of a meeting with the players. After all the preseason experimentation, I just wanted to reassure them that now we've got what - we hope - will be a winning formula, we'll stick with it. For the opening few matches at least, Lewes will play 5-4-1. It also proved a prudent time to call Paul Wilkerson aside. After some indifferent displays in preseason, it'll be new signing Russ Tanner who starts between the sticks on Saturday. One thing that wasn't let on is that the club - for the third time - offered personal terms to Martin Johanssen , the Swedish midfielder currently on the books of Horsham .

Owen Price checked out on Friday morning - the club now £8000 the richer, but down to two strikers, and surely there's no time to bring one in before Saturday. Owen, however, may find things a little tough at Boston - as well as himself, Lawrie Dudfield, Jason Lee, Julian Joachim and Noel Whelan will compete for front roles in Lincolnshire. Of those five, the young striker is surely the fifth choice - at the moment.

Lewes v St Albans - Conference South Game 1 (13/8/05)

Lewes; 5-4-1; Tanner, Hankin, Legge, Hustwick, Lovett, Hooper, Kennett*, Taylor, Beckford, Barker, Holligan

Subs; Robinson, Wilkerson (GK), Coulson, Harkin, Sigire

Mo Harkin did return to fitness - of sorts - but he's still not yet up to starting, in my eyes. 16-year old Steve Barker will no doubt have plenty of expectation on him - many who came to our preseason friendlies have been commenting on the clubs' website that he looks a real prospect. Another new signing, Chris Taylor, makes his bow in midfield to boot. Conceding a goal then to Lee Clarke after all of two minutes then, wasn't really in the game plan. Nine minutes later, things got a lot worse - Dean Hooper idiotically kicking out at Matt Hann, and recieving his marching orders for his troubles. The Lewes supporters were furious, whilst the small St Albans contingent merely waved and cheered as Hooper trudged back to the changing rooms. We reorganised, with Hankin going to the left, whilst Legge and Hustwick remained in the centre of defence. Almost immediatley we came close to levelling - Beckford's bullet header tipped over the top. Sigire replaced an uninspiring Holligan at the break, and despite the Saints' Seeby hitting the bar, we did draw level on 53. After the prematch buildup, his first half contribution had been limited to a few classy touches, but Steve Barker would get his dream debut goal. The youngster did very well, throwing off the shackles of his marker before blasting low from just outside the box. On the hour, however, we were again undone - but this time, by the officials. Hustwick's clearance under pressure seemed to offend the referee, and much to the fury of supporters - and myself - referee Craig Barker awarded a free kick. Scott Cousins stepped up, and even if Russ Tanner had been 10 foot tall, he wouldn't have reached it, such was the exquisite placement - right in the top corner from the edge of the area. 10 minutes later, after Tanner had again clawed away from Clarke, we made our final two changes - throwing on Coulson for Hustwick, and replacing the booked Taylor, who had an industrious debut, with Mo Harkin. We went forward with gusto, and sub Sigire drew a stunning stop from veteran Bastock. That was about it - a defeat in my opening match, but this style of play certainly seems to suit us despite the result - it's just about taking the chances we do create now.

Lewes 1 - St Albans 2

Attendance; 319
MOM; Lee Clarke (St Albans)

retired_brinker317

Sunday morning - and while the Non League Paper doesent make happy reading, Dean Hooper will be banned for one match after his dismissal. That's an initial ban - if referee Barker includes the incident in his report, the Football Association could crack down further on the veteran. Sunday, however, will also go down as the day we finally got our man. Martin Johanssen has signed on a free from Horsham until 2007 - whilst another arrival was one of those who I hoped to get earlier on, but had been keeping under my hat. Ruben Zadkovich is hardly a Sussex-sounding name, and unsuprisingly, he too is a foreign import. The 19-year old has signed for us for the season, on loan from Notts County - the Australian-born attacking midfield man moved over as a young man to join QPR, and has made 9 Football League appearances in his career in England, scoring once.

Eastleigh v Lewes - Conference South Game 2 (16/8/05)

Lewes; 5-4-1; Tanner, Hankin, Legge, Hustwick, Lovett, Coulson, Kennett*, Taylor, Beckford, Johanssen, Sigire

Subs; Robinson, Wilkerson (GK), Barker, Zadkovich, Holligan

'Ziggy', Coulson and Johanssen in - Hooper, Barker and Holligan making way. Despite his goal, it's perhaps still too early to play a 16-year old week in, week out, and young Barker will benefit from the rest in our opinion. A scrappy opening saw 4 yellow cards - and just one chance - inside the opening 21 minutes. Fortunatley, we had the chance - Sigire shooting wide after some hard graft. We again came close on 27 - Taylor's effort tipped over - and from the corner, Karl Beckford met Sean Hankin's deep cross to head home his first goal in a Rooks shirt. The goal certainly lifted us, and especially defensivley, we began to play with purpose - Hankin, Kennett and Legge all throwing themselves around to block various chances and create others - Karl Beckford not too far away on the stroke of half time. With the physical style employed by the visitors, we did pick up a couple of knocks, and both Johanssen and Taylor stayed in the changing rooms at half time - Zadkovich and Barker replacing them. The two linked up well on 49, with Kadzovich blazing over after being fed by Barker, a player who delights the supporters whenever he gets the ball - this young man will go a long way. If anything though, our performance at the back was far more impressive - Russ Tanner diving at full stretch to deny Nicky Banger, once a Premiership player with Southampton, before punching an Ashford cross away right at the death. The victory deserved, and it's certainly a weight off my shoulders.

Eastleigh 0 - Lewes 1

Attendance; 317
MOM; Nick Burton (Eastleigh)

retired_brinker317

The trip back from Hampshire was upbeat and noisy - the first victory of the season is always one of the sweetest. Bad news, however, concerns Dean Hooper - as expected, the FA have extended his suspension to three matches, ruling the full back out of Saturday's visit of Welling as well as the trip to Basingstoke a week later. Jay Lovett will also miss out on - at least - those two matches, after he pulled up with a Hamstring strain against Eastleigh, although he completed the game as 'walking wounded'. Physio Fox reckons he could be out for up to a Month, but Jay is a tough one, and hopefully it won't do him much long-term damage.

Lewes v Welling - Conference South Game 3 (20/8/05)

Lewes; 5-4-1; Tanner, Hankin, Legge, Hustwick, Robinson, Coulson, Kennett*, Taylor, Beckford, Johanssen, Sigire

Subs; McDonald, Wilkerson (GK), Barker, Zadkovich, Holligan

Whilst Lovett is injured, Taylor and Johanssen both continue after shrugging off the knocks that forced them off in midweek. We'll include 19-year old Jimmy McDonald on the bench - one of the teenagers in the youth squad, as cover - Hooper's ban and Lovett's injury have exposed our slight weakness in numbers at the back. Welling had the best of a poor opening spell, with Kedwell, Stadhart and Pinnock all close early on. An opener for the visitors looked inevitable, and on 24, Clarke fed Danny Kedwell, who slotted under Tanner with irritating ease. On the stroke of half time, Danny Kedwell grabbed a second - and the half time team talk wasn't a happy one. Three off at the break seemed to pacify the supporters, with McDonald, Holligan and Barker all on - replacing Taylor, Sigire and Hustwick. Almost instantly, we changed - a fine, flowing move involving Hankin and Kennett saw the skipper feed Gavin Holligan , who blasted home to put us back into the game. it felt as if the leveller would never come - a Robinson cross cut out well by 'keeper Turner, before Holligan let himself down with a poor finish after breaking away and shrugging off a defender. Three minutes from time though wewon a throw in - and although struggling with a knock, Coulson still was alert to Martin Johanssen dropping short. The Swede turned, as if to cross, and the ball dipped into the net - much to the fury of 'keeper Turner, who considered himself impeded by Holligan, but it would count. A real game of two halves!

Lewes 2 - Welling 2

Attendance; 332
MOM: Danny Kedwell (Welling)

retired_lnspeer

Nice start d_s, always had a soft spot for Lewes after playing with them on FM 05.

Couldn't help but notice Foyewa isn't in the database, any idea why this is?