retired_embartl

December

Hopes of a bright start to the month were given a bashing on the 2nd with a bizarre 3-1 home defeat to Plymouth. Bizarre in the sense that Hartlepool had so many chances they should have won easily, but, avoiding a well worn cliche, I guess that happens sometimes. Kevin Nancekivell gave the away side the initiative with an early penalty but thereafter it was all the home side - until the visitors scored on another break away through Ian Stonebridge 2 minutes before the break. Shocked, Hartlepool were on the defensive for the next two minutes, a tactic that saw the striker bag another and David Dunn get sent off. It was game over more or less despite Burton O'Brien pulling a goal back.

With a thankfully quiet week to follow Ryan and Martin were able to prepare for the Second Round of the FA Cup against Northwich and though it often tempts fate Ryan decided to start fringe players for it. Burton O'Brien wasn't available as the player was still deciding on whether to extend his loan spell or not but there were plenty of other options, though irritatingly Jerry Gill managed to fall off his tractor on the way to training and the wheel crushed his left leg. He's supposedly going to be away for a good month. The experimental side just managed to secure the victory but it proved to be a very nervy one despite dominating the first hour of the match. Phillip Johnson up front was enjoying a good game without scoring as was left back Mark Robinson now a little more beefed up, before James Bishop scored the opening goal from a Paul Stephenson pass. Whilst that did seem to settle the home side initially, the failure to extend the lead always ensured Northwich were never quite out of it and a shock breakaway goal from Ged Kimmins threatened to embarrass Ryan's team selection. A draw seemed inevitable but thankfully with 5 minutes to go Adam Boyd's shot was parried into Stephensons path and a third round place was finally secured.

Those of course who did perform well maintained their place for the cup match in midweek - the Autowindscreens Trophy. In truth it was a competition Ryan really could not be bothered with, but personal pride of course meant he'd want whatever side he'd put out to win. Before that though was the FA Cup third round draw - and with an astounding degree of luck Hartlepool had managed to secure another home tie against lower league opposition with high flying conference side Dagenham and Redbridge the visitors. Whilst it was no money spinner of a tie it still left the door open for further progression - and it certainly excited the fans - even Geoff and Bryan jokingly talked up Hartlepool's chances of winning it if they kept "fixing" the draws like this.

Burton O'Brien was back for the side's trip to Mansfield and he was joined by a couple of the youngsters, including, rather sadly, The Rory, but once more the right back performed creditably as the match was won by the two Blackburn loan signings who scored the 3 goals after Mansfield had taken an early lead. Burton O'Brien scored the first and David Dunn bagged the other two, with a belatedly good showing from Kevin Henderson - who's upturn in efforts were seemingly coinciding with his agent asking for a new contract. Cynical? Nah. The reward was a dastardly trip to Scunthorpe - with Martin immediately delegated to taking the team down whilst Ryan would be forced to socialise with his friends at the bar.

Interrupting his train of thought was a telephone call. From Brian Talbot, manager of Rushden and Diamonds. He wanted to buy the recently happy again Martin Hollund. The newspapers had been "tipped off" earlier - and the bid was over 500,000. Ryan went ballistic, and Brian never ever called him again. What was it about these people? Go fish elsewhere. Half an hour later and Max Griggs called. He was the chairman of Rushden. Ryan, with his face redder than a really painful sore, quietly hung up on him, and then made a call of his own. To an old acquaintance of his, Hitman Harry.

" How many? Right. Ok, yeah. So what did they do?... Ah I see, I understand. No traces obviously, don't worry. Double barrelled? No - oh ok. What do you mean not quite dead?? Argh, fine. I'll get the point across Ryan. Yep fees are standard rate, specials on journalists are buy one get one free at the minute. Yeah just give me a bell if that tickles your fancy. Gotta go. Have a good christmas pal."

retired_embartl

As per usual Shrewsbury , a bottom of the table side proved a tough nut to crack when they visited on the 16th. Despite an early goal from Kevin Henderson the match was very even, and it was no surprise when an equaliser arrived after twenty minutes through young Paul Howarth, but class always shines through eventually, well usually, and it was the clinical finishing of Leo Fortune West that seperated the sides as the forward grabbed his tenth league goal of the season. Of course, there's nothing like the mad sending off to keep nails in mouths and Chris Plummer duly obliged by intercepted an opponents long ball forward with both hands clasped around it. Only then did he remember he wasn't a goalkeeper. Thomas Tennebo evidently fancied a spell on the sidelines too as a self inflicted stud in the calf would keep him out for about 4 weeks.

The win kept morale high again, and Ryan was pleased with the news that Hitman Harry was bringing him, with hopefully fewer pestering bids heading his way, as a second home game in a row on the 23rd gave the fans an early christmas present with a 2-0 victory over Carlisle and it was one of Ryan's scandinavian signings, Endre Hansen, who scored his first goal for the club after Kevin Henderson's rasping shot came back off the bar. Leo Fortune West wrapped the result up late in the second half from a Stephenson corner.

Given that he'd focussed his attention on Hartlepool since taking over Ryan had given little thought to Christmas so it made for a pleasant surprise when Geoff and Bryan offered him lunch at the local carvery on Christmas Day, a chance to catch up with his good friends, Geoff a fisherman, and Bryan a priest.

Merry Christmas fella! Here we'll go and get the food in a tick, Geoff's bringing the drinks over now. So how you been?"

" Pretty good actually, well in footballing terms. Results have picked up again."

"Oh aye I've noticed Ry. Especially after that mare of a spell earlier! November wasn't so good was it?"

"Spotters badge for the frickin' obvious Bry. Couldn't get a grip at all. But I think we've picked it up now. The diamond midfield's working a treat for now, and when you've got versatile midfielders who can play across that line with relative ease it really does help."

" That and the team spirit. Twas impressive when they all crowded round that Hansen led when he scored."

"Yeah, I guess, haven't particularly noticed though - we have all these - ah cheers Geoff - we have all these team bonding larks anyway. You're either in or out, do it my way, or f*ck off, and it's working more or less. There's always the odd moaner though."

"I haven't read much of the papers - they still pestering you?"

"Nah not really! Called in an old friend."

"What's that grin for?!"

"Nothing Geoff, nothing at all. Anyway, Bry, what about you - isn't today sort of the big one for you with work and stuff?"

"Technically yes. But I took the day off, can't be f*cked this year."

"You said that last time!"

"Yeah but you know how it is, so many people all of a sudden barge in, same bloody sermon - it's just so boring - lost all meaning for me now to be honest."

"Not really a priesty thing to say is it?"

" Yeah, I think I'm having a career crisis now, if anything because the congregation will have all died within ten years."

"Ah fair enough, well before I forget, you guys are welcome to come to Torquay with us tomorrow if you've got nothing else planned..."


With the festivities over and done with it was back to action on the pitch way, way, way, down in Torquay, which meant a monstrously early wake up call for the squad, and a hefty trek down the motorway, to the coast, the not quite so perfect preparation. Changes that were made to the side were mostly based on fitness, but even so the lethargic start still handed the hosts an early chance to take the lead, and there after it was a case of trying really really hard to wake up and forget the hangover. Surviving until half time at 1-0 down, orange juice was discarded in favour of red bull and vodka in an effort to restore a degree of vitality to the side. Whilst it did no good for certain stomachs it definitely livened up the match and chances were created but not converted. A defeat seemed inevitable until in the final minute a cross from James Bishop flicked off the shin of teenager Adam Boyd to win a share of the points, and a simple text from Geoff that simply read: "Lucky Sod."

With 2000 coming to a close, there was just one more match as Hartlepool went past the halfway point in the season, and that was at Victoria Park to face York City, the first side Ryan had come up against. Then they'd earned a 2-0 victory, but this time around proved to be a much tougher test and after a tightly fought contest it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the second half through John Williams. A home side on the rampage did everything but find the net thereafter - until again a late, late effort spoiled York's day. The magnificent Adam Boyd proved instrumental in finding the space for Paul Stephenson to rattle it into the back of the net, to continue the unbeaten run.

New Year's Eve had many of the players thinking of the future, with resolutions of new career paths as four of the old men side announced their impending retirement. Gary Strodder felt a calling to join the VSO, whilst Nev Southall and Colin West reckoned they should just focus on their coaching abilities - though of course their decision made no difference whatsoever except Ryan would be able to force their wage packets down for their new contract. Paul Blades too wanted to give up the playing side too - which would be a shame, but a disastrous personal life including a divorce, losing custody of his children and an out of date MOT, meant Paul needed a break from the sport.



Results:

Hartlepool 1 Plymouth 3 (O'Brien 63, Nancekevill pen 5, Stonebridge 44,45)
Hartlepool 2 Northwich 1 (Bishop 24, Stephenson 86; Kimmins 58)
Mansfield 1 Hartlepool 3 ( Blake 4, O'Brien 6 Dunn 34, 76)
Hartlepool 2 Shrewsbury 1 (Henderson 4, Fortune West 41; Howarth 20)
Hartlepool 2 Carlisle 0 (Hansen 23, Fortune West 79 )
Torquay 1 Hartlepool 1 (Sissoko 2; Boyd 90)
Hartlepool 1 York 1 (Stephenson 86; Williams 56)

enjikari

You are ripping my team apart :p

I notice you got humped at Lincoln as well...:thdn:

Keep it up though! :thup:

retired_embartl

yeah they were a tad too good sadly

January 2001

The New Year saw a long, boring, dangerous trip south to London for a match with Orient, a side just below Hartlepool, and like the Boxing Day fixture it seemed the players hadn't learned their lessons of avoiding the drink the night before, and a slow start saw the hosts swiftly two goals ahead, before the side woke up and James Bishop reduced arrears. Amazingly, what followed could be described as complacency - bizarre considering the side were still losing, as Orient waltzed through the defense to restore the two goal advantage not ten minutes later.

With David Dunn knocking himself out entering the dressing room at half time, prospects for a bright start were as bleak as the weather. However one raging ramble later and the boys did respond well in the second half, applying pressure almost non stop on the Orient goal, and Kenneth Jorgensen's goal on 57 minutes inspired hope. More fine passing carved open the hosts back line but unfortunately a decent scoring chance was not forthcoming, as Orient made it 4 on the counter attack with 15 minutes to go, and being agiven that Sod's Law was out early this year, Jorgensen did score immediately after, but that was as good as it got, a thrilling, infuriating display which brought an end to the unbeaten run.

The Christmas season still ensuring that half knackered squads could become decimated with the brilliant logic of cramming in game after game just becuase it was the holidays. Darlington hosted Ryan's side and after taking an early lead in the first half, Hartlepool were forced to apply all the pressure in search of an equaliser - however with both Kevin Henderson and Adam Boyd the hosts goal was never seriously threatened as two incredibly tired sides tried to stay awake in the second half and failing quite miserably. Another loss wasn't the best of starts to the years, but with the FA Cup now capturing the attention of all the big sides now, Ryan could still at least hope for a win against Dagenham, and money spinning trip to a big side.

Sam Shilton, a player Ryan thought capable of attracting a sizeable bid, even with his contract expiring in the summer was the subject of a bid from Notts County. They offered bugger all up front and a 10% sell on fee, as another call to Harry would soon hopefully persuade the on form second division side to raise their bid substantially. As it transpired they soon decided it wasn't worth the hassle anymore and sent Ryan a gift of chocolate as an apology. Better news arrived in the form of Jerry Gill returning from injury and David Dunn had decided to join permanently on a bosman from Blackburn.

retired_embartl

There was a full strength side more or less for the cup match as Ryan and Martin both agreed there was no way any chances were being risked as the fans predicted a routine victory. What posessed them to do so is another matter given Hartlepool's inconsistent season, but once Leo Fortune West scored in the 3rd minute it seemed all rosy, but Dagenham showed exactly why they were in the third round of the Cup and 2nd in the Conference with a ferocious response, the cutting precision of their new striker Paul Cobb turned the lead around as he scored twice in two minutes before even a quarter of an hour had passed, and they could have had more as shellshocked home side simply watched on.

Martin took the half time talk, Ryan a tranquiliser, and Martin simply relayed their tactics to the side again. Patience and encouragement was offered, and it paid off, mercifully quickly as Leo again struck the back of the net, the forward in imperious form. More attacks arrived as a winning goal seemed inevitable, but a tendency to find the crowd rather than the net hindered such attempts.

The draw would mean a very much unwanted away replay, though the motivation was fortunately another home tie - against one of two division 2 sides, both of whom were doing fairly well and would probably win, but there was just the teeniest bit of optimism that progress in the Cup could be made - something Ryan was very much enjoying.

Next up in the hectic schedule of games every 3 days were Cardiff the club who decided Leo was dispensible, and now they're 17th in the league. Jerry Gill enjoyed another 90 minutes back from injury, whilst the side belatedly put in a very sound defensive performance AND complemented it with efficient striking, as a 3-0 win renewed confidence and propelled the side back into the play off positions, Paul Stephenson, Leo Fortune West and sub Kevin Henderson all scoring today - and Ken came in to the dressing rooms after to offer his personal congratulations - and good luck for the trip to Exeter - a game he would miss because of fund raising commitments.

That match with Exter it must be said was the venerable cliche - a game of two halves. Hartlepool in theirs ( the first ) scored 1 goal from a plethora of opportunities - Leo Fortune West, whilst Exeter, a lower mid table side, managed 3. The last two matches really were a microcosm of the season so far - the side was rich with goalscoring talent when on form, whilst the defense could be tighted than clingfilm, or leakier than a net with no string. The latter saw Endre Hansen pick up another injury, keeping the young Norwegian away from the side for a month, and also one of those that would irritate his girlfriend too. A yellow card for Lee Fitzpatrick also brought an immediate suspension for the midfielder.

January was turning out to be a very busy month indeed with no more than 4 days maximum between games, and with the replay in the FA Cup to come it wasn't going to get an easier, thus Martin took control of the Autowindscreens match with Scunthorpe whilst Ryan went off the pub with Bryan and Geoff again. There was more catching up on the other's respective professions, with Bryan considering forming a rock band and Geoff's latest girlfriend turning out to be nuttier than the previous one - an impressive achievement. In the match Hartlepool thankfully lost though a spirited performance or two had caught Martin's eye - including a first ever goal for 16 year old rookie Michael Norman - which left Ryan feeling a wee bit guilty. Paul Harsley and Alex Calvo Garcia ensured the fixture list would be slightly easier for Ryan's side however.

retired_embartl

With the majority of the first team having been handed a rest, Ryan decided to revert to 5-3-2 for the trip to Blackpool It had often worked away from home and a few twinkerings with the tactics seemed to work well initially as the defence held up well in the first half, as Ryan's men played their way into the game gradually. The second half was a similar affair but again it was the talismanic Leo Fortune West turning in Jerry Gill's cross just shy of the hour mark to hand the visitors two league wins on the bounce - decent form ahead of the Cup replay in midweek against Dagenham & Redbridge.

The changes that were made to the side for the match at Dagenham were made solely on fitness issues as Ryan and the team travelled in hope of securing their path to the next round. The 532 style continued to work well in the first half, stifling the the hosts midfield and limiting their options. Their frustration to break Hartlepool down allowed little chinks to appear in their defence, and the visitors capitalised shortly before the break when James Bishop volledyed in a Paul Arnison corner. The half time lead was short lived in the second half as Stafford Browne beat Martin Hollund at his near post. However, after a very open spell of chances raining like little droplets of H20, substitute Kenneth Jorgensen crashed in a half volley after a delightful chip pass from Burton O'Brien. That proved sufficient and within three days the side were back at Victoria Park for the 4th round at last, with second division side Port Vale the visitors.

A stunning first half display from the side enthralled the crowd as Paul Stephenson tucked away an early chance on 5 minutes to embolden the hosts and shake the side having a few wobbles in the league above. 15 minutes later and with the visitors still out of sorts Leo Fortune West made it 2-0 as the home side took full control to Ryan's delight, who perhaps follishly began to glance an eye on the 5th round draw and prospective opponents. Half time came and went with the scores still the same, as the fans were in dreamland. So it was no surprise that Port Vale scored twice in 10 minutes to ruin it for everyone. Another draw, another replay but this one would be alot harder, and still the club hadn't had any more than 4 days break between matches - even Ryan was tired. Travelling around all the time on a bus with no air conditioning, no leg space, and no qualified driver at the helm was not his idea of fun.

Results

Leyton Orient 4 Hartlepool 3 (Griffiths 3,17,Christie 37, 76; Bishop 20, Jorgensen 57, 77)
Hartlepool 2 Dagenham and Redbridge 2 (Fortune West 3,51; Cobb 12,14)
Hartlepool 3 Cardiff 0 (Stephenson 37, Fortune West 54, Henderson 86 )
Scunthorpe 2 Hartlepool 1 (Harsley 65, Garcia 81; Newman 53)
Blackpool 0 Hartlepool 1 (Fortune West 58 )
Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Hartlepool 2 (Browne 53; Bishop 43, Jorgensen 75)
Hartlepool 2 Port Vale 2 (Stephenson 5, Fortune West 20; Naylor 69, Brammer 80)

8th in Division 3

shannon2007

Results seem a bit mixed, but hanging in there.

retired_embartl

February

" Ok, yeah got that Ken. Don't worry I'll sort the lad out. Yep, you go enjoy that caviar extravangza - no I don't want to come - I'm allergic to expensive food - sorry."

Ryan switched off his mobile phone eventually after figuring out where the button was, before turning his attention to a 3/4 full pint glass and his companions. "Sorry about that lads, Ken's off his head. I've had another bloody player bin bid fer n' all!"

"Ha ha! Sorry Ryan... hey I said sorry stop staring! So you selling?"

"Bugger off am I selling, Geoff. It's Paul Stephenson they want. yeah 250k for a 33 year old is a lot of money but Reading can find themselves another player. I am sick of this. Are Hartlepool a shop window or something? The lads are doing ok, but all these bids are well... you know!"

"Relax mate. Drink up and wait for the half-baked pastie to arrive."

"If only it were that easy Bry. Anyway Mr. Priest/Rock Star, what do you reckon to our cup chances?"

" You did alright actually. Unlucky in the second half, but Port Vale did look a good side, but there's no reason you can't give em a decent game at their place. Plus you're on Sky Sports for this one!"

"We are? That's news to me, well hopefully that'll bring in a few quid. Ah hang on! That also means..."

"Your players are now on show to the whole country? Yep! Ahaha! Don't worry though, maybe you'll play sh*te?"

"I'm warning you Geoff! And we're not playing sh*te, I've too much pride for that."

"So when is the game then, pretty soon I imagine?"

"Yeah it is Bry. We've sold out our away allotment already. We've got the Cheltenham game tomorrow, and then the cup match is the following Tuesday or Wednesday I think..."

Indeed it was on the Wednesday but first of all there was a home tie with Cheltenham to focus on. A strong side was put out in the 532 formation, and managed to earn a hard fought victory against their resilient opponents, the work was done in the first half with goals from Kevin Henderson and the on-form Leo Fortune West, but the side had to be on their guard against complacency in the second half, with a nice and tidy defensive display earning a clean sheet for Tony Williams.

Of course it was then Port Vale and all hands on deck for the chance to face nearby Premiership side Middlesborough in the 5th round - a tie no-one wanted to miss out on. A more or less unchanged side went out with the express instructions to attack from the off, a tactic which bore fruit early on as yet again the finisher was Leo Fortune West, converting a Sam Shilton cross. The goal sparked an exciting first half with the pace of both sets of wingers ensuring defenders were kept busy, and keepers alert, but a sturdy showing ensured a 1-0 half time lead for the visitors.

With a foot seemingly already in the next round, Hartlepool stepped off the gas in the second half and immediately conceded to Ryan's intense fury, as the hosts regained their confidence, battering United's defense until John Eyre made it 2-1 to the hosts with half an hour still to play. A double substitution from Ryan seemed to work as James Bishop immediately found Leo on the edge of the area and the forward laid the ball off to Kenneth Jorgensen who restored parity merely minutes later and it was game on. Not long after that and the hosts were stunned as this time Shilton smashed home a Fortune West cross. With 15 minutes to go, Hartlepool were in front. With 14 minutes to go, they were level. Appalling defender allowed Tommy Widdrington to make it honours even, and extra time loomed.

The hosts extra bit of coaching was telling as Port Vale completely dominated the 30 minutes, thankfully without scoring though as the ever tense tie moved into a classic penalty shoot out decider.

retired_embartl

Ryan, Martin and the fans were having trouble containing the excitment. Nerves were jangling and legs about to fall off. Hartlepool would go first, kicking into their fans. Having forgotten to practice this situation since pre-season it was a shame Chris Plummer went first as he skied it over the bar to groans. Enjoyably though Tommy Widrington also blazed his effort high over the goal / stadium. Paul Blades and Mike Simpkins exchanged conversions before Chris Westwood missed and Marc-Bridge Wilkinson scored.

At 1-2 down with two to go, missing wasn't a serious option as Paul Stephenson calmed the team down by scoring easily into the bottom left hand corner. John Eyre then became the next player to have scored in normal time and miss in the shoot out as parity was restored going into the final round of spot kicks. For some reason Tony Williams barged his way through to take the 5th to Ryan's shock - and to his subsequent anger, the goalkeeper missed. Someone would be on the bench for the next few games, thought Ryan, though as the tension grew surrounding the potentially decisive final kick, he forgave his keeper as he sprang high and right to tip Tony Naylor's effort behind! It was becoming unbearable.

At 2-2 after 5 rounds this was probably the worst display of clinical finishing ever, but it was about to get worse as David Dunn's weak effort was saved by Mark Goodlad, returning the initiative to the hosts. This time Sagi Burton was charged with the responsibility and as he ran back, Ryan and co feared the worst. Ryan closed his eyes, and heard cheering, and groaned. Of course then he realised it was the Hartlepool end - another save from Tony! He was definitely keen on making amends! Finally Leo Fortune West found his balls, stepped up and showed the others how a spot kick should be taken, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and piling the pressure on John Finnigan. With the fans doing their best to put him off his stride, the midfielder took his time. Then he ran, placed the non-shooting foot beside the ball and fired high. It went over the stranded Tony Williams - and also the cross bar! They'd won - and Ryan was running onto the pitch to congratulate his goalkeeper and Leo again. What a match - and the 5th round beckoned.

Now are there any better ways to follow up such an night than a home tie with Brighton at the weekend? Well yes frankly there are but there wasn't much of an option. Unsurprisingly there was the odd tired body after their adventures in midweek but it mattered little given morale was certainly high. Brighton to their credit began the first half in fine fettle taking a deserved lead through Richard Carpenter, but once the hosts began to work their way back into the match, the direction of the game noticeably changed in the second half. Adam Boyd struck the equaliser, before the added momentum saw strike partner Kevin Henderson find the winner late on - an excellent result against rivals for the play-offs especially given that Leo Fortune West was given a rest. The improvement in Chris Plummer's recent performances was another bonus.

retired_embartl

That all preluded the big one, the showdown with Middlesbrough. The Premiership side were sitting comfortably in 8th spot but to their credit fielded a strong side for the match, effectively wiping out any idiotic hopes for an upset, but certainly giving the home crowd full value for their money. To say it was a close game and that the hosts were even halfway close to taking a result was naive idealism at the very least. Borough were a class above, with Noel Whelan and Alen Boksic setting up a 3-0 half time advantage. Ryan made a few changes just to try and solidify the midfield, but in truth the visitors took their foot off the gas anyway, but of the 3 chances Hartlepool had in the half none could be taken as a Dean Gordon goal made it 4. The fair spirited encounter was ruined somewhat when Tony Williams lost his head, and punched the Croatian striker - an act that would leave him axed from the side for downright stupidity, before Boksic completed the act in the final minute. A heavy loss but an experience the fans enjoyed nonetheless.

20,000 quid headed Cardiff's way in the next match as Leo notched up his 30th league appearance, but considering he'd scored 15 in those games Ryan was happy to pay for it. The match was against Mansfield a side both he, Martin, Tommy and Keith all knew were a better side and so dangerous on the attack but typically they were one of the sides Ken loved to beat. His fury at the resulting 2-1 loss ( fairly comprehensive in truth ) was heard throughout the training grounds. Only Paul Stephenson was allowed any of the decent food at lunch in training on the Monday for at least scoring a goal. The others were on the mass produced Shepherd's Pie, including Ryan - who was rather annoyed with that. Ken's rambling at signing Chris Greenacre both disturbed and half pleased Ryan. There was a non promotion release clause in his contract ( like Leo's ) so there was extra incentive to ensure Mansfield didn't go up.

Next on Ryan's agenda was dealing with a request for Tony Williams. This time he answered the call politely enough from Division 1's second but 1 worst side, and genuinely considered selling - until the bid was sent through - 45k. Not enough by a mile. Ryan though asked if there were any legitimately talented players who could do a good job at division 3 standard - and he emphasised the quality aspect, to ensure he wasn't offered a bunch of spotty teenagers.

As it happened Brian Laws seemed keen on offloading Alan Miller, 30 year old former Blackburn and West Brom player. Ryan knew the guy fairly well and thought it might be worth giving it a go - so he suggested it to Brian, and they both agreed they'd let the players decide. Tony, for all his ability had p*ssed off Ryan no end with his dismissal against Borough - so he was definitely up for sale, and young Chris Porter wasn't the worst of back ups for now.