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What is a personal reason? A bust up with Mrs. Manager, or the kids playing up again? In Jimmy Quinn’s case, no one seems to know, but its enough to make him resign from Shrewsbury Town a mere month before the start of the upcoming 04/05 season. The applicants were many and varied, and among them me, Mark Cosford, owner of nearly all coaching badges, and with 2 season’s experience of management at the heady heights of Ludlow Town, in the Midland Combination League. During my time at the south Shropshire club, I had become well known for picking up most of the youth players let go by Shrewsbury, and molding them into a team which, after a frantic end of season battle, finished a very credible 3rd in the MCL and actually got to the first round proper of the F.A Cup. I’m also a Town fan, and I watched last year as Quinn’s team huffed and puffed towards the play-off final, eventually beating Aldershot and climbing back to the Football League, at the first attempt. Although the achievement was superb, the manner in which it was obtained was less so. Finishing a full 12 points behind free-flowing Hereford, Town survived on a rugged defense, a good goalkeeper, and a succession of midfielders and forwards grabbing the odd goal to secure the points. In the 3 play-off games, Shrewsbury managed a total of one goal from open play. They were the 7th least scorers overall, a feat a long way from the fan’s vision of a poor league waiting to be swept away by waves of blue and amber. I always believed, as I do, that I could do better.
I secured an interview, and laid out in the clearest possible terms my plan for the club. Complete reorganization. For years the place has been a old boys club, going from one half decent appointment to the next, living in visions of grandeur whilst actually content to simply survive, keep the books balanced, and every so often swap the manager for another ex player. I explained this would have to change. The club would be run professionally at every turn, things done quickly and efficiently. There would be no more dishing out of free tickets to everyone who knew someone (out of a 4000 gate I bet 1,500 get in free), no more getting by on half measures. I would get people moving, if they refused to move, or didn’t move fast enough, they’d be out.
Although the fans were eagerly anticipating the play-offs, I explained to the board that, with the current squad, the team would be lucky to stay up. Somewhat shocked, they asked me for a solution. ‘A new squad’. That got a laugh, they wanted to know where I’d find the money, and that was the easy bit. I explained that whilst the players here were good, competent, professional players, you can’t have 11 of them. You need 3 or 4, which surround a core of young, talented players looking to achieve. Its no use just being hard working and professional, its talent that wins matches.
It’s a bright Sunday morning down by the riverside. I walk the two or so miles down into town, past the imposing brick façade of the Wakeman technical collage, down the lane between it and the railway embankment, and out into the tarmac area in front of the rusting corrugated iron main stand. Its my first day at work. I sweep into the deserted main office, and climb the stairs behind the desk. A left, a few more steps, and I’m on the narrow, blue carpeted corridor that, if you turn right, leads to physio room and dressing rooms, and left to the boardroom and offices. I take a left. The board, equally unhappy at being in on a Sunday, are around their slightly stained old table. I sit down, and we go through a few bits and pieces, me essentially spelling out what needs doing where. One by one, they blanch at things, and wonder what this young man they’ve hardly heard of is going to do to their happy cocoon. Make it successful, I think to myself.
A few bits of paper get shoved at me in various suited hands. Financial stuff mainly. They explain that the club is not rich, and that this must be a primary factor when I am considering ‘improvements’. I smile, and convince them that any money I spend on improvements will be made to work for the club, and improve it overall. Therefore, the script runs, making the whole place more profitable overall. Onto the playing side. I explain that, assuming the club was to win the league, it would need about 10 new players of a much higher quality. This takes them by surprise, but it’s true. They stammer again that I only have £22,000 to spend on new transfers, and that a better team can’t be bought for such prices. That’s their opinion. The final act in the play is a stern look from the Chairman and the explanation that the board expects this year, despite whatever I’ve just said, the team to stay in the league. Without giving them a response, I’m up and off, leaving a straggle of suits and ties in my wake, all of them falling over themselves to show me and my file the office. In the ‘office’ there are 3 desks, a few computers, a bookcase, the odd photo of previous managers, and no window. One desk is mine, the other is my assistant’s, and the 3rd is the Chief Scout. Chief Scout? We don’t have a flipping chief scout. Eventually, they go home, leaving the chairman, a Mr. Roland Wycherly (made his money in vending machines), to show me round, and introduce me to all the rest of the coaching staff and other workers in the players lounge. The players themselves will be in tomorrow. I give this lot a similar speech, emphasizing that there will be no shortcuts, and if everyone just does the job they’ve been assigned, we’ll get on fine. I retreat to my office, beckoning the coaches, physio’s and scouts in with me. They’re a funny bunch:
Dave Cooke is my assistant manager, he was Jimmy Quinn’s, but didn’t leave when his boss did. He knows I’ll want a new assistant, and therefore keeps quiet. As a coach, the man is not completely useless I feel, so I can see a new contract offer on the table, removing him from his current position.
Nigel Vaughan is a relic of two regimes ago, and has been head of the youth system for ages. Once again, not terrible, but he’ll be offered a new one year deal soon.
Dave Timmins: Goalkeeper coach. A fat and lazy one. I can see Cooke taking his place, for the moment at least. Dave got the job, I suspect, because he ‘knows someone’.
Jamie Robinson: Another young coach, he’s not been here long, and has had the mat swept from under him, which is a shame. Unfortunately, once again, he seems to have powerful friends, and I ain’t one of them.
Chic Bates: Chic has played and managed this club before, and, whilst he’s a experienced coach, he’s been here too long. I don’t want relics of past years hanging over my head.
Dean Spink: Dean was a popular (if not terribly good) captain for the club in the early 90’s. He’s since turned into a physio. His qualifications are impressive, but once again, he may be close to people who don’t necessarily want me here. A outward move should be engineered as soon as possible.
Rachel Greenly: Our female member of staff is another physio, and a competent one. No problems with Rachel, but again, she’ll get a new 1 year deal to sign
Trevor Cook: Our only scout, and looking at the illegible reports he’s sent in over the past weeks. He’s someone I can cope with out.
The lot of these will be phased out, all will be offered new 1 year contracts, which won’t be renewed once expired.
I now turn to the individual dossiers on the playing staff, a set of men I think I know well. I’ve seen them in action often enough!
Scott Howie: One of our better players, big Scott is a tall classy keeper who I can easily see being my number one. He’s 32 though, and our only keeper, so I’m going to have to look for a replacement.
Darren Moss: Another of our good players. Darren is the only youngster whose really pushed on. He’s a solid 22 year old DR who has several caps for Wales U21’s. Unless someone really better comes along, he’s going to be with us for the foreseeable future.
Darren Tinson: 34 year old ‘Tinno’ is club captain and a much vaunted DC. It was his superb defending that got us up last year, but I feel that his wages are too high, and his legs too slow. He’s going to be gently moved aside.
Dave Ridler: Dave was the other half of Tinson’s centre half partnership and did excellently in the conference. But playing against what? Dave isn’t good enough, and shoring up the defense is a massive priority.
Stuart Whitehead: Signed from the now defunct Telford United in the summer, Stuart is a backup defender, signed when no-one else could be found. I know of better defenders, and therefore Stuart is on his way out.
Dave Walton: 31 year old Dave is back at the club for his second spell. He was a big presence for us many years ago, but he’s not the player he was, and there is suspicion in the press that it was not Quinn, but the chairman that signed him back. I’m not having that, and I’m not having Dave either.
Trevor Challis: Our one and only left back, Trev scored that penalty to take us up last year, and is generally a nice and solid 28 year old defender. Solid is as good as it gets, and while I’m happy to keep him, I’ll be looking for a new left sided defender.
Jake Sedgemore: Brought in as a utility player from Northwich, Jake is just that, a versatile, honest, hardworking 25 year old pro.
Jamie Tolley: Jamie should be the best DMC in the league. He broke into the team at 16, and now, at 21, he’s hardly moved on. He can, on his day, dominate games, but I think the Wales U21 international’s time here is up. He needs to move away from the cosy niche he’s dug himself, and take his £800 a week with him. He’s a asset we may actually get some money for, and his contract is up at the end of the season, so a transfer out now may be the best option.
Sam Aiston: A former England youth international, Sam looked to have it all, but his lack of a final ball has meant this AML has slid down the leagues. He’s still very strong, very quick, and has fantastic skills though, so the chances of him staying in the squad are nice and high I feel.
Dave Edwards: A genuine prospect, 18 year old Dave is already beginning to serge ahead of Jamie Tolley both in our team and in the Wales U21’s. He’s a tough midfielder who can also do bits and pieces with the ball. In a few years, there may be a player there.
Martin O’Connor: 36 year old Martin did more than his share last year, and was a huge favorite of the previous manager. He’s a decent enough MC, but his wages are more than mine, and in this pennywise atmosphere, Martin is going to have to go.
Kevin Street: 25 year old Kev is a good player, make no mistake. However, he’s not as good as some I could bring in for less money, so he could find himself being transferred away from here soon.
Ben Smith: Ben is almost identical to above. Part of that superb Hereford team last year, he’s brought his creative left foot to us. He’s a classy player, make no mistake, but I have plans to bring in some other classy players, so he could find himself squeezed out. No doubt though, he’s my type of player.
Ryan Lowe: Ryan’s a funny player. He’s capable of some good moments, but also of being completely useless. The AM/FR is also earning a pretty packet, so he’s going to be out soon.
Duane Darby: Part of our 3 strikers, Duane has a big reputation, and has never delivered. At 25, he may have been a powerful lower league force, but now, with his 31 year old legs failing, and no ability on the ball to fall back on, he’s turning into a overpaid liability. He’s got to go.
Luke Rodgers: The star man, the fans favorite, the so called goal threat. I’m inclined to disagree. Young Luke scores 5 wonder goals a season and everyone gets taken in by it. He’s a good player, but if we play him and Darby this year we’re not going to score enough goals. He’s quick, and reasonably skillful, but it isn’t going to work, he doesn’t have the brains.
John Grant: Again, signed from Telford, 22 year old John is a useful player, but plainly not good enough for this level. He’s never proved he’s anything more than hard working, and I make plans to ditch him.
There you are, out of that squad, I’m anticipating keeping 5 of them. At most. I like players with talent, and there’s enough of them about to consider scrapping this lot and producing a team with the ability to actually take the game to people and beat them, rather than simply containing them. My view is simple. I expect the things that fans like, like hard work and professionalism, to be there as a basic standard. On top of that, I give players a job to do. I don’t expect to have 11 Zidane’s, I just buy players who will do the job I tell them. A centre half for example, needs to be able to win the ball and give it to a colleague. If they can’t do that, then they’re not up to it. I find a job for people, focusing more on what they can do, rather than what they can’t.
To improve this lot I have £22k, plus a wage budget of just over £9000 a week. They are currently earning nearly £11k. So players will have to go before I can begin improvements.
So that’s it, 8 players transfer listed, and 4 more names circulated with a view to a deal.
Various contacts are already bearing fruit, and today will be spent trying to attract some interest in some players, and then start pre-season training tomorrow.
12.7.04
Monday morning hits like a submarine. The press are clambering over themselves to take photo’s of me, and there’s a fair few fans milling around the stadium. Its so bad that in the end I start pre-season training not at our dedicated facilities several miles away, but on the Gay Meadow pitch, and therefore finding myself on the wrong side of the groundsman on only my second day. Considering that, in the individual meetings we had this morning, most of these players were told their time at the club was coming to an abrupt end, the training goes fairly well.
To break them this news, I have an individual meeting with all the players, explaining their position. After 20 minutes or so, they begin to see it my way.
The phone is buzzing with messages. I’ve contacted several clubs with a view to freindlies, all of which will have to come after we play Arsenal! They signed a teenage youth player off us last season, and a friendly was part of the deal.
Also today, all of the coaching staff signed their new contracts. They know it’s the best they’ll get.
I sweep around the place changing things. The photo’s of all the old managers are dumped, and I stand over our receptionist as she takes a phone call. Afterwards, I take it upon myself to give her a lesson on professional caller handling. I didn’t work at Powergen for nothing.
13.7.04
A lot of messages back from the club’s we fired of faxes to regarding out unwanted players. Turns out we’re not the only ones who don’t want them. We have, however, received bids of varying amounts for Darby, Grant and Sedgemore.
14.7.04
I’ve settled in ok, and I’m beginning to add my own coaching staff. Gerry Reddy, a astute Irishman with a vicious sense of humor has joined as my assistant. Gerry is a superb diplomat, an inspiring coach, and a hard disciplinarian. He was on the same coaching course as me, and he’ll be fabulous for us. Spencer Field has arrived as chief scout, and Scott Middlemass, and Matthew Jones have both signed as coaches. Jones used to play for me at Ludlow before being finished by injury. He’s 23. Now he has a chance to use the skill’s he’s gained on various courses.
My first ever signing! Danny Bolt is a 28 year old left sided midfielder with incredible skill and a lovely left foot. He can beat people for fun, he’s quickish, and he can whip in some wonderful crosses. No-one knows who he is, but they soon will. He’s going to be a big influence for us.
Tonight is my first ever game, and what a start, the premiership champions at home! Yep, as part of that pre-agreed deal, we play Arsenal at home. I don’t actually want to play this game, it’s a huge distraction, with the players more concerned about whose shirt they’re going to get after the game. They forget we’ll probably be playing a reserve team. On the plus side, its good publicity, and we may make a bob or two.
The game is quite a spectacle. They cruise to a 6-2 win, demonstrating some lovely football, but Danny Bolt is our star. He scores one with a penalty, and goes on several fabulous run’s, one of which leads to a perfect through ball, which Kevin Street scores from. He looks like a sensational signing.
16.7.04
A signing, a cash signing! One of the main ways of winning a game is to score more goals than the opposition. Through signing Scott Fitzgerald, we have secured a player who should do that. The 24 year old has arrived from Watford for £9k, and, with his pace and finishing, he should get us some goals. Now to find someone to play him with.
Also today, the signing of Sergei Baltacha. The 24 year old was capped by Scotland U21’s before sliding away and signing for Peterhill. We’ve picked the DC up for free, and a darn good deal it is too. He’s big, he’s tough, and he’s not completely slow.
I’m also in negotiation to sign big centre forward Peter Weatherson from Greenock Morton. To be continued…
17.7.04
A player out. Jake Sedgemore has signed for Grays in a £2k deal. Good luck to him.
Also, 3 of our youth team have taken up my option and left for other clubs.
Its been a interesting experience with these trial players. They’re from all different backgrounds, different ages, different experience. Its been a eye opener I can tell you. There are no really famous names, but there are some old pro’s, and a few lively young kids. Most are here for two weeks.
To counter that, we have two players in! Lee Briscoe once played for England’s U21’s, but now the 28 year old left back has signed for us. He’s better than Trevor Challis, and is generally a very solid pro. I’m pleased to have him on board, I’m not happy with this defense, so the addition of Briscoe will significantly strengthen it.
Also in, for £8k, is Droylsden’s Chris O’Brien. He’s a tremendous 22 year old MC with a superb left foot and the ability to pick out a pass over any distance. He’s box to box, and can score more than his fair share of goals.
18.7.04
More transfer news: In is Christopher Todd, a man mountain centre back signed for 2 years. The 22 year old is absolutely huge, but has his fair share of pace and is quite classy too.
Out is John Grant, for £4k to non-league Marine.
19.7.04
Droylsden away, a sort of thank-you for Chris O’Brien.
It finishes 4-0. Danny Bolt scored two absolutely magical goals, Chris O’Brien smashed in a goal to cap off a man of the match display and trialist Simon Parke got one for luck.
We played well, and the raw talent of some of these players is there. Dave Edwards did well when he came on too…
20.7.04
Another signing to bolster that defense Gavin Bassinder is a big, quick, no-nonesense 24 year old defender we’ve signed from Fairsley for £4k. He’s uncompromising, and will do us a solid job. Which is all I ask for.
21.7.04
Yet another signing, with George Fotheringham coming in from Larkhall on a free. He’s a 23 year old right winger with something special. He’s not quick, but he seems to have a little turn of pace and a graceful, languid skill which takes him away from his man effortlessly. When he’s done that, he has the right foot to put the ball on a pinhead. To be fair, I admit that these signings are not exactly setting the world on fire, but I think that when they’ve had some time to play, we’ll be on a winner with these guys.
25.7.04
Afan Lido away, yet another warm up game for some of our new players.
Its an entertaining 4-2 win. They score two absolute wonder goals which Scott Howie admits he didn’t even see, but Danny Bolt scores yet again, twice George Fotheringham crosses for Simon Parke (the lankiest striker ever) to score with two bullet headers, and Gavin Bassinder slams in a penalty.
A good performance, and with us struggling to sign Peter Weatherson, Parke may find himself with a job sooner rather than later.
29.7.04
Another new player. We’ve signed 21 year old Petter Bjorkil from Hammerfest on a free transfer. He’s a very promising goalkeeper who will be backup for Scotty Howie.
We’re also away to Kingstonian tonight.
It finishes a 3-1 defeat. We don’t play well and make several mistakes. Blame being a new team.
31.7.04
New signing. Simon Parke is not that good. He’s a absolutely huge striker with lots of strength and not a lot of pace who has signed a 1 year deal. He’s 31. As I say, he’s not brilliant, but as a backup, he’ll do. He has two good feet, and is terrific in the air, he’ll cause some trouble, but only as a backup I hope.
2.8.04
Our final friendly, with Sunderland at home.
We lose 2-0, which is frustrating. Both their goals are sloppy, and only serve to highlight that my defense is not all it should be.
After the match, in my office, I received a strange phone call. A team based in Singapore, and drawing most of its players from the ranks of the military, wants to buy Luke Rodgers! I tell them that in principle, yes, and then go about making some enquiries about this mystery team…
7.8.04
Today is the day. The pratting about with freindlies is over, today is number 1 of 46, Mansfield at home.
The players are in early, and its not good news. Injuries to Bassinder, Moss and Baltacha have failed to clear. 3 of our best defenders already out.
Thus, my proposed system will have to change. Instead of a flat 4-4-2, we’re going with 3 centre half’s, wingbacks, 3 midfield players and two forwards. Howie is in goal, with a back 3 of Walton, Todd and Challis in front of him. Only Todd of those is a first choice defender. On the right, the wingback is George Fotheringham. I have little choice in that. On the left, it’s the classy Lee Briscoe, who should be ok there. Sitting in front of them will be Jamie Tolley. Its his job to win the ball, and give it to the wingbacks or his fellow midfielders. In front of him are Danny Bolt and Chris O’Brien. Both of them have license to roam, and will be expected to get forward, get shots in, and get the team moving at every opportunity. Up front are big Simon Parke and Scott Fitzgerald. Parke must get in on the deep crosses of the wingbacks, whilst holding the ball up for long enough to allow the midfielders to join him. Fitzgerald’s job is simple. Score goals.
Its not a good formation really, we’re so vulnerable to crosses, and over-heavy at the back. We must make sure that O’Brien and Bolt have most of the ball for us, otherwise the defenders will see too much of the ball, and we’ll be in trouble because they can’t pass to save their lives. On the bench are Bjorkil, Tinson, Edwards, Rodgers and Street.
The captain is young Chris O’Brien, he’s one of those who leads completely by example, and everyone has been impressed with him in pre-season. He leads the clattering group out into the wave of noise and color, for my first ever competitive professional match.
In front of nearly 6000 people, its 1-0 to the good guys at half time. We’ve played well, and our goal was excellent. Dave Walton got the ball to Tolley, who moved it forward for O’Brien. He gave the ball to Fitzgerald, who burst beyond their defender and rattled the ball into the net. We could have had more. Fitzgerald has missed several great chances, and generally we’re on top. Unfortunately, Asamoah is causing our make-shift back 3 immense trouble, and he must be shut out.
The game descends into a scrap, and our defense falls apart. They equalize. Howie only palms the ball away and their lad strokes it home. Not good.
We go forward, but the legs are a bit tired, most of these players have never even played league football before.
Then, in stoppage time, we get our break. Fitzgerald goes up the left wing, and pulls the ball back for Briscoe to shoot. He does so, and just before it reaches the keeper, Simon Parke juts out a leg, and deflects it beyond him and into the net!
A good performance, not as good it could have been, but hey, we got 3 debut points!
10.8.04
Cambridge away, which is a whole different ball game. It�s a long coach ride, but it gives Sergei Baltacha�s injury time to heal, and he comes in for Challis in the back 3. Today is going to be tough, so, as much as I like fancy football, it�s a case of hitting it at Parke today, and seeing what happens. They�ve got a 5 man midfield and 4 at the back. This means our wingbacks have to push on and make up a Shrewsbury midfield 5. Chris Todd will man mark their loan striker, and the rest should happen from there.
Half time, and we�re 2-1 down. After only 4 minutes, their star man, Luke Gutteridge, scores an incredible 30 yard curler. Suddenly, they�re bright and breezy and our team of newbie�s is on the back foot. Somehow, we get back into it. Briscoe uses that superb left foot to guide a ball over the top onto the boot of Scotty Fitzgerald. He takes a touch, and has the ball in the net before you can blink.
That might have been good, but within minutes its all undone. Guttridge crosses to the far post, Walton fails to deal with it, and its in our net before you can say fiddlesticks. Or anything else. I�m not happy, but I tell them to get out there and take the game to them. Play 10 yards further up the park, get the ball to O�Brien!
For a while it works, then a cross is stabbed into his own net by Jamie Tolley, and it appears to be game over. I�ve had enough, going for all out attack, we finally begin to play some football, and if only Fitzgerald was a bit quicker, we�d have been back in the game long before Danny Bolt cut in from the right and swung a left footed drive over the keeper and in. Surely now we�ll get back. We�re in total command, Cambridge locked in their own half, their formation beginning to cramp them. Then, without warning, Bolt goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. Slamming into a tackle, he earns booking number two, and he�s off back down the tunnel. That�s it, us finished. They come forward, their old confidence restored, and the game cruises to a predictable 3-2 defeat.
Unfortunate, I think had we had all our players fit today, we would have won, but it wasn�t to be.
12.8.04
Bits of transfer news: Firstly, Luke Rodgers has spoken to SAFFC (Singapore Armed Forces FC) and has agreed a deal. It will go through on the 24th of next month!
Also out, but to a less exotic destination, is Dave Ridler. He�s gone to Boston on a free transfer.
In has come Dave McEwen. Dave was once a real hot prospect, playing in the premiership several times for Spurs. One can see why he was so highly rated. He has a touch and grace about him which is way above this level, but its his own body that brings him down. He�s not quite quick, strong, or tall enough, although he is good enough in the air. He�s a real class player though, and to pick the 25 year old up on a free is a fantastic signing.
14.8.04
Lincoln at home, and we need to get a win to minimize the damage done by Tuesday night�s result. Finally, I have people fit, and therefore I�m able to go to 4-4-2. A back 4 of Darren Moss, Christopher Todd, Sergei Baltacha and Lee Briscoe sit behind a midfield of George Fotheringham, Chris O�Brien, Kevin Street and Sam Aiston. Yes, that means Jamie Tolley has been dropped. We have received a bid of �14k for him from Southport, and with money tight, we don�t want him getting injured and depriving us of that sum. Danny Bolt obviously can�t play in his preferred left wing role, so is replaced by Sam who is just as effective, but in other ways. McEwen is on the bench.
Half time brings more chaos than the match. Unused to the stunning concept of 4-4-2, our brave lads are pinned back in their own half by a Lincoln who could possibly score every time they come forward. Somehow, and mainly down to the man currently sitting in a ambulance, they haven�t. In only 45 minutes we�ve lost both captain (Chris O�Brien) and goalkeeper (Scott Howie) to injuries. The second half could be a long affair.
Despite the growing clouds, it starts brightly, and once again it�s the sweet left peg of Lee Briscoe that makes the difference. Calmly taking the ball from Bjorki, he fires a inch perfect pass up the line for Aiston. Sammy cuts inside and hoofs the ball to the far post where George Fotheringham arrives to drill home his first Shrewsbury goal. It doesn�t last. Briscoe gets pulled out, the back two are everywhere and nowhere, Moss, asleep on the right side, doesn�t pick up the runner, and they�re level before our young Norwegian can react.
It finishes 1-1, and before the end, both Moss and Fitzgerald are carried off injured. I�m not happy with either performance or point, we looked lost, we didn�t look like a cohesive unit, a problem I hope time will solve. Without Chris O�Brien there was little in the middle of the pitch and that is a huge problem. I need midfielders, and quick.
The injury news isn�t good either. We�ll be without O�Brien for a full 3 weeks and without Scott Howie for 2. That is most definitely not good, whilst Bjorki is good, his English is still not brilliant. So on top of everything, I need another keeper too.
One player has gone out. We�ve transferred big Darren Tinson to Grays for �2k. It�s a shame for Tinno, who is a perfect professional and a great player in his time. Unfortunately, it hasn�t worked out for him with me. Good luck to him.
17.8.04
Yet another player out, with striker Duane Darby being transferred to Grays as well as Tinno. He has 3 to choose from, so he chose the one that we wouldn�t get a fee from. Thanks, Duane.
21.8.04
A new signing. Lee Marshall is a 29 year old attack minded right back we�ve brought in on a free, but only on a short term contract. He�s better going forward than he is defending, but he passes the ball well. He came to my attention talking to Liam O�Kane at Nottingham Forest, who Lee used to play for. Turns out he�s been on a free since being released by Stockport at the end of last year. He�s not much better than what we have to be honest, but he�s good back up, as we don�t have many right backs.
We Swansea away today, and Lee Marshall goes straight into the side, replacing Darren Moss. Danny Bolt comes in on the left side for Aiston, and Jamie Tolley replaces the injured Chris O�Brien.
It�s a incredible first half. Within 5 minutes, our shape collapses, and we�re reduced to the long ball. They pummel us, and a lack of English doesn�t seem to prevent Bjorkli making several great saves to keep us in it. Then, we break, and get a free kick, which Danny Bolt curls into the top corner. Cue, mass attack from Swansea. Not always good, Baltacha clear, and Parke, doing all he can, flicks on. It sets Fitzgerald away, and he clips a lovely finish into the bottom corner. Can it be? Are we 2-0 up? Yes, and then no. Within 5 minutes, everything comes good, and Paul Connor and Lee Trundle have both made the most of mistakes to score two incredible goals. How come every goal we concede is a screamer?
I�m furious, but I hide it and try and build up the players. Ok, we�ve lost a two goal lead, but if we keep playing, we can go on and win this. It can go either way, please let it go ours. But it won�t without changes, our midfield is none existent, so Kevin Street comes off, and Dave Edwards is on.
We score after 30 seconds. Bolt escapes two down the left, and pulls the ball back to Parke, who slams the thing high over the keeper and in. Right, get yourselves together and hold this. Of course, we don�t. From 30 yards, Bjorkli barely moves as a deflected free kick whizzes past him.
I�m not happy, but I suppose I should be. 3 times ahead, and 3 times surrendering a lead, is not good. Our defense still looks very dodgy, but they need time. It�s the midfield that�s the real problem, the defense looks as though it could do ok, but at the moment what is in front of it is providing no real barrier. We have scored 8 goals, the 4th most in the league, but have let in the same number. Not at all what I want.
24.8.04
Another player out, and selling Ryan Lowe to Exeter on a free transfer will make a huge difference to our wage bill. He’s a good player, but not for us.
25.8.04
Tonight is an incredibly tough game. We’re away to Championship side Sheffield United. Obviously they will be looking to win, and privately I suspect they will, because our defense won’t be good enough, but we can score goals, and if our midfield can do its stuff in supporting the strikers and getting a few good balls in for them to feed on, we are capable of getting a result. Its going to take a different performance to that that we’ve put out so far, but we may get a bit more space tonight, if they’re not too bothered. Also, this should be a big earner! No changes to the team, we have to go for it if we’re to get anything at all.
As first half’s go, this hasn’t been too bad. They, obviously, have had all the play, but we’ve done ok defensively, even if its been their shocking finishing that has saved us at times. We actually took the lead! Danny Bolt has been wonderful down the left, and on one such occasion, he burst inside Wayne Quinn and pulled the ball to the edge of the area where Jamie Tolley shot first time into the bottom corner. Another Bolt cross was completely naused up by Fotheringham, meaning that we should actually be 2-1 up, rather than only the 1-0 we currently have. Their goal was slightly disappointing in that Sergei Baltacha was completely done for by their striker, but I have to give him some leeway, he was playing part time a month ago.
The second half is similar, us defending, and occasionally trying to play on the break. They have a few chances, which Bjorkli deals with, but we have to score again, at some point, we must get out and get a goal. With half an hour to go, Kevin Street comes off, and is replaced by young Dave Edwards. Its an instant effect. Picking up the ball from Briscoe, he drives at their defense, before chipping a ball over the top for Fitzgerald. He doesn’t reach it, but it bounces off Wayne Quinn’s boot, and falls invitingly to Fotheringham. Paddy Kenny comes racing out, Fotheringham dinks it around him, and uses the outside of his right boot to fire the ball into the empty net from a good 20 yards.
Only 5 minutes later, we do it all again. Edwards wins the ball, and feeds Briscoe up the left wing. Playing at this level is no worry for him, he did it last year. He swaggers past Wayne Quinn (again), and clips the ball to the edge of the area. It’s a repeat job, and Jamie Tolley obliges by hammering the ball into the net. A small cohort of blue and amber fans somersault out of the ground.
Although they pull a late goal back with a stunning strike, we survive, and cruise away up on cloud number 9!
It was a great performance, our defending could have been better, and if their finishing had been better, they should have beaten us, but on the break we showed that having players who can actually use a football rather than just run about is the way to go. Take Bolt for example, he only made 3 runs all afternoon, but from one we scored and went close from the other two. To me, that’s great play, he’s doing the job. Get the ball, and get a good cross in the box.
We’ve also made nearly £40k from tonight, which is a wonderful boost!
26.8.04
Another player has left us, with big Dave Walton going to Exeter for £2k. Its not a brilliant deal, but it gets him out of the way and at 31, it was probably as good as we could have got.
28.8.04
Home to Layton Orient, a team with no little ability, and one we must beat. We must press on from Wednesday, and start climbing the league. That starts today. There is one change, Scott Howie is fit again, so he returns to the starting line up, with the slightly unlucky Petter Bjorkli making way.
Half time, and its going very well. After only 15 minutes we�d powered into a 2-0 lead. Briscoe took a throw, Bolt turned, got a yard on his man at the byline and whipped a simply wonderful ball to the far post where George Fotheringham turned on the ball and drove it into the far corner. Bolt is some player. It was him who set up goal number 2. His left footed corner was perfect for our massive stand in skipper Chris Todd to smash a header over the keeper and in. Unfortunately, a bit of dodgy defending from Herr. Todd allowed former Shrews striker to nip in and hit a 30 yard screamer into our net.
Just before half time, we got our 3rd. Fotheringham made a fantastic run up the right, flying past two players like they weren�t there. He cut the ball back for Marshall, who gave it him back. George clipped it in, and Parke scored the rebound as Fitzgerald�s header was palmed away. We�re doing good, we�re in charge, and we must stay there. One change, with Dave Edwards replacing Kevin Street. Streety isn�t doing it for us today.
Dave Edwards makes an instant impact. He surges forward, and his long range screamer wins us a corner. Bolt swings it in, and Todd connects perfectly to plant a unstoppable header beyond the keeper.
4-1 it finishes, and it�s a result to be proud of, we actually looked like a very dangerous unit today.
In fact, it was a bit dodgy, if they had taken a few chances it would have been closer, and our strike force is still a bit weak, its midfielders coming forward that are causing the trouble at the moment.
On the plus side, the team is settling down wonderfully. Briscoe at the back is demonstrating some terrific class, George Fotheringham is starting to really play, and Bolt is looking class.
29.8.04
A new signing. We�ve brought in Keith Andrews on loan from nearby Wolves. He�s a 23 year old Irish defensive midfield player, and he�s a very decent player. Weather he�s what we�re after or not I don�t know, but he has a good workrate, and is all-round a decent footballer. Its weather he can have a big impact on every game with his tackling, which is what we need in midfield.
Also, young striker Jermaine Brown is here on a two week trial.
31.8.04
Before the closure of today�s deadline day, we have a new signing. Adriano Rigoglosio was Doncaster�s skillful, creative AM/FC. He has a lovely touch, good skills and can pass it well. He�s let down by his pace, and he�s not quite tough enough, but there is certainty talent there. He�s cost us �5000, and signed a 1 year deal.
He�ll be on the bench for tonight�s big game, the local derby away to Kidderminster Harriers. It�s a big game, and one I�m very confident we can win. We need too. It�s a great atmosphere in the dark, and there�s interest in our two new lads. Tonight is set up for us to get a morale boosting win.
Andrews plays, coming into central midfield for Kevin Street. No other changes.
The first half has been half disaster and half successful. I don�t moan about referees but 7 first half bookings for us in a very normal first half strikes me as slightly over the top. Two of those have gone to Keith Andrews. Not for a bad challenge, but for a silly trip and then arguing back. I�m livid, but I�ll deal with him later. Our second sending off of the season. Jamie Tolley has also had to come off injured, so Fitzgerald has been sacrificed to bring on Edwards and Rigoglosio. Its worked. A minute after his sending off, we scored. Sergei Baltacha headed a long ball out of defense, and it fell to Parke, our loan man up front. Turning, he powered past a defender, and from the edge of the area slid it just in against the post before jumping into our celebrating traveling support.
Almost instantly though, they get back. It�s a sloppy goal that we should have stopped, and once again we were punished for not picking up on-running midfielders. Ian Foster�s shot whipping in off the hands of Howie. Just before half time, after Howie had made a stunning one on one save, we score again! Dave Edwards got the ball from Bolt and powered forward, before slipping a pass inside to Parke. His touch was poor, but it diverted it away from the panicking keeper, and allowed him to nip around and roll the ball into a empty net! I�m talking up 3 points. If we keep defending as we have, keep it solid, and use Bolt to hit them on the break, this can be a superb away win. They don�t have a lot, and we must make sure that we don�t put undue pressure on ourselves by giving the ball away.
For 20 minutes at the start of the second half we�re superb, and we score again. Dave Edwards collects a loose ball wide on the left, cuts back and swings a deep swirling cross to the far post. The keeper misses it completely as it sails over his head. 3-1.
The game then goes downhill rapidly, peaks with Danny Bolt missing a penalty, and then slumps to a new low as skipper Chris Todd is carried off. Turns out we�ll be missing him for about 3 weeks.
When the final whistle goes, it�s a huge cheer from the away fans (more than half a disappointing crowd) and we come off to a standing ovation.
I�m very pleased, we battled well, but we�ve paid the cost. My captain injured, Jamie Tolley out as well for a week, and a new player suspended before he�s even started. A settled team is a successful team.
To tell the truth, it was dodgy. A defensive mistake and a fluke goal, we could easily have drawn or lost this, even though we were the better team.
5.9.04
Two transfers out today, and both will take a large chunk off the top of our wage bill. Martin O�Connor has signed for Exeter on a free, and we�ve got �5k from Southport for Ben Smith. O�Connor is finished, and is gladly forwarded, and he can take his �1k a week with him!
Smith is a classy player, but now we have Rigoglosio and Chris O�Brien back fit, we don�t need him.
6.9.04
And another out! Sam Aiston has gone to Worcester for another �5k. This could possibly be a mistake, as Sam�s dribbling skills are fantastic in this league, and its hard for full backs to stop him, but again, he was on bigger wages than we could really afford, and when you get offered a fee, one has to take it.
11.9.04
We�re in trouble now. Before today�s game with Rochdale, we�ve lost Fotheringham for a month, and Parke for the next week or so. Plus Todd, Tolley and Andrews. Bassinder comes in at centre half, David Edwards and Chris O�Brien in central midfield, and Kevin Street on the right. Dave McEwen makes his full debut up front.
It�s a home game, and I think we should be able to win it. We�re so low, even Luke Rodgers is on the bench.
Its been a poor, sterile match. We�ve defended poorly, and were punished when Holt ran through a gaping hole in our defense to slide home. Fortunalty, we got back to 1-1. Finally giving the ball to Bolt, he produced a magical run before crossing onto the head of Kevin Street, who headed in.
Its got to improve, we must play higher up the pitch, and we must play at a higher tempo.
It finishes a disappointing 1-1 draw. We have all the second half as Danny Bolt runs riot. He could score twice himself, and his crosses zip around the box. Unfortunately, we�re currently lacking the right man to turn them in, and they all go to waste.
It�s a shame, because had we been able to field the same team, we would probably have been rocking, but a team can only stand so many changes, and we looked off beat and off the pace today. Bolt was spectacular as usual, but O�Brien was off the pace, as was McEwen, and they�re two class players we need to be on form. Both of them can play football properly. Fitzgerald has also been a disappointment, he�s not getting many chances because the norm is to play the ball down the left and wait for the crosses, and he�s obviously a class player, but in these last few games he hasn�t been doing the business. We have the basis of a good side here, it�s a case of getting all our best players fit and playing them for 10 games. Then we�ll see what we can really do. I suspect what we can do is quite a lot. If you look as Briscoe, O�Brien, Fotheringham, McEwen, Bolt, Rigoglosio, Fitzgerald, they�re all players who can play football. All of them have the ability to pass the ball and use natural talent to cause trouble. If we could get them all in together and firing, we would score some goals. Its scoring goals that�s the problem, in the last few games we�ve had midfielders and all sorts coming through to nick us the winning goal. Today, with two strikers that barely know each other, we didn�t look like a serious threat until we got the ball to Bolt. We must make the distinction between good passing football and being direct enough to penetrate, get behind teams, get crosses in then finish of the moves. It will come.
18.9.04
Bury away, which is a hard game to go and play, but we�re �up for it� and I know that we can win today. Simon Parke is back at full fitness, but only makes the bench. Dave McEwen staying up front. Keith Andrews is available again, but doesn�t feature.
Half time, and we�re 1-0 down, Sergei Baltacha heading a corner into his own net. On the break we�ve looked fantastic, and only the either lousy final ball or shot from Bolt or McEwen has stopped us scoring at least 3 goals. They�ve had a lot of the ball, but that�s because we keep giving it to them! Free kicks, throw ins, headers, corners, we give them away like Santa, and its just not going to happen for us. These are big and tough and if you�re going to pass it, you have to do so quickly. They�re playing 3-4-3 and Bolt�s having a wail of a time down the left, but he can�t get the damn ball because we can�t keep it!
It finishes a 1-1 draw, a Bassinder penalty drawing us level. Again, we weren�t far away, but we need to take chances.
the mighty Garry, read both of his cracking books, seems to me he's a class chap and was a class player, despite what he says! Out of interest, do you know where he is now?
21.9.04
Tonight we take on Swansea away in the money-making League Cup, a game we could quite easily lose, but stand a good chance of winning if we pull ourselves together. There’s no Danny Bolt on our bus tonight, he’s suspended, so Chris O’Brien moves out to the left, with Keith Andrews coming into the middle. Tonight, without any recognized wingers, we’re going to have to play a bit different. The ball will have to go into the feet of Dave McEwen, who will have to do something with it.
He has, and we’ve played a excellent first half. We took the lead. O’Brien got the ball to Edwards, who drove forward into the box. He launched a curling shot towards the far post, which was palmed straight into the path of Fitzgerald, who scored. Then, o stupid man, they get into the box, they’re going nowhere, but Marshall fouls him, and gives away yet another penalty. Which they score.
We’ve made some good chances, and we’re playing some good football, with McEwen especially bossing the game. We have to get another goal, and we have to make sure we don’t give the ball away and remain professional.
We don’t do all of that, and lose 2-1. They score a corner 20 minutes from time and that’s it. Dave McEwen misses an easy chance but we don’t have the nous to get back in the game. Possibly with all our players, we’d have pushed them, but we’re nowhere near good enough at the back. I’m coming to the conclusion that Marshall can’t play, he looked lost out there tonight.
We have to toughen up, we have to take chances, and we simply have to play better. We don’t look like a unit, we’re all over the shop, bits of talent here and there, but no real impetus.
25.9.04
Time to go out and play. Even though its pouring down, and the crowd is noticeably down, the 11 I send out today are going to have to compete with this classy Grimsby side. Bolt is back after that enforced rest, so skipper O’Brien moves back into the middle, where Keith Andrews dislodges Dave Edwards. One other change is that Christopher Todd is back in central defense, replacing Bassinder.
We’re going to go out and hit them, pin them in their half for a change. Kevin Street will play right midfield, but he’ll be playing more centrally, just trying to balance the team. All the ball will go to Bolt, whose task today is simply to cross it onto the head of McEwen.
Its worked. Bolt is tearing them apart. We could have had 5 goals, but to be fair, I’ll take the 2-0 lead we’ve managed. Todd has had 3 headers cleared off the line, O’Brien hit the bar, we’ve played stunningly, and finally, we got the goals to cap it off. It was while the classy Dave McEwen, now subbed, was down injured, that we broke. Yet another fantastic tip-toe run from Bolt, and cut inside and burst past his man, and a perfect clipped cross onto the head of Fitzgerald, who got in front of his man at the near post to head home. The perfect goal. The second went, quite rightly, to Todd. Bolt swung in about his 10th dangerous corner, and Todd rose majestically to smash his header home. The midfield is winning the ball from them, and its all going up the left, where Bolt is having a field day. He either beats the man and crosses, or gets a corner or free kick. The defense is doing ok against their 3 man strike force, although Scott Howie has had to make 2 great saves when they broke, our midfield is doing superbly, Briscoe is supporting Bolt wonderfully, and the front two (now Parke and Rigoglosio as both Fitzgerald and McEwen are too knackered to carry on) are lively. We need to keep it going.
We don’t, and Bolt hardly sees the ball second half. Thus, we’re pinned back for most of it, and Scott Howie along with Chris Todd has to save us time and time again. Fortunately for the future health of our players, we still manage to win 2-0.
A much better display today, although there are still things I’m not happy with. What is annoying is that just as we’re getting a side I’m happy with, both McEwen and Fitzgerald will be out for a week. This means that they’ll miss our LDV Vans home tie with Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.
26.9.04
Been trying to bring a striker in on loan today, a task made more difficult by it being Sunday. Tommy Johnson, Kevin Rapley, Eugine Dadi and Dele Adebola are all potential targets.
28.9.04
The once mighty Sheffield Wednesday at home then, and anticipating a bumper crowd. We can win tonight, I know we can, but we�ll have to be more professional than we have recently, especially in the simple things, such as passing the ball, and making sure it stays away from our net. Bringing in a striker has failed, so I�ve produced a bit of a trick. No doubt they�re expecting us to play Chris O�Brien in midfield, but we�re not. He�s up front alongside Parke. Rigoglosio comes in for him in midfield. That may be a mistake, as he won�t tackle as much as others, but lets see what happens.
Pathetically, we�re 1-0 down at half time. We were playing wonderfully, playing them off the park, doing anything other than score of course, and then we switched. For about 5 minutes, we lumped it, we gave it away, we fell apart. Baltacha was asleep, and they scored. Not good enough. O�Brien is doing ok, but Parke is demonstrating he simply isn�t good enough. Half time, and Edwards will come on for Street, and Rodgers for Rigoglosio, with O�Brien going back into midfield.
The second half is pathetic as both teams fail to do anything amounting to anything. They�re good enough to hold us off though, and Bolt hardly sees the ball. They don�t seem to understand, Bolt is our dangerous player, our Ryan Giggs, John Robertson, Kancheilski�s, Figo, and he needs the ball! There�s nothing up front, and when they score again in stoppage time (Baltacha once again not anticipating the flick on) its game over. Very disappointed, we should have done more today.
29.9.04
Big news, finally, after many rounds of negotiation, I have agreed to bring in Peter Weatherson from Morton. On New Year�s day, when the transfer window re-opens, he�ll sign for us for �8k.
2.10.04
Wycome, with their manager of the month, visit us today. They�re a class side, and we�re going to have to be at our very best to beat them today. Fitzgerald is up front with Parke, so O�Brien moves back into midfield. It�s the usual plan, ball to Bolt, cross into box.
Half time, and we�re ridiculously 1-0 down. They had one chance, when Todd won the ball, lost it, and about 5 of our players failed to clear it before their lad slotted it home, and scored. We�ve had all the play, but our blasted front two can�t score! Bolt is injured but still doing the business, but his final ball must be better. Sort it!
We don�t. Once again, we have all the play, and lose 2-0. Once again, in stoppage time, they score after we�d done all the work. Simon Parke is the problem, he�s primarily crap, which I knew, but he�s just not doing anything. We were 3 points behind the leaders, we�re now 5. We�ve scored one more goal than we�ve let in, and it isn�t good enough. Baltacha isn�t doing his stuff, neither is O�Brien, neither is Fitzgerald, Street, Parke, Marshall or Andrews. All of them are underachieving, and I won�t stand for it much longer.
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