rmoore

www.daggersonline.net. 14/7/03

It's been a busy two weeks at victoria Road, with two home friendlies to play and a couple more new faces to welcome. On the first of the month we were delighted to receive a couple of players with Premiership experience into our midst. First up was Richard Naylor, a tall, talented striker who arrives on a bosman free from Ipswich Town. I feel his capture is quite a coup, as several other league teams were interested, but a lot depends on how well he has recovered from a badly broken leg he sustained at the tail end of 2001. Having been out for nearly two years he'll need a recovery period, but if he gets back to his best he'll excel at this level. The other new boy is Alioune Toure, a cultured French winger recently released by Manchester City. In terms of skill, vision and all round ability he's a star; in terms of work rate and temperament he's questionable. If he decides he's willing to play in division 3 we should do well out of him.
Our other transfer activity has been less dramatic; one more signing in the shape of
Shane Nicholson, a young, pacy midfielder released by Sheffield United, and two youngsters departing, Kenny Simpson & Ross Adams. Ross has an adventure ahead of him, incidentally; he's moved to Racing Club De Andorra for 5k.

We won one of our two friendlies and drew the other; most of the first team helped us overcome Aylesbury 2-0 at the Road, Salenko & McLean with the goals. Then last Wednesday we had an excellent match at Boston, a side comprising of trialists and a few first teamers grabbing a 1-1 draw, with Oleg Salenko scoring again. Coming up we've got Premiership Preston and a game at Southport.

Dagenham Recorder, 24/07/03

Makeshift Daggers suffer heavy defeat

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Preston North End 5

The Reds suffered a second pre season mauling at the hands of Premiership opposition, newly promoted Preston comfortably putting away an inexperienced home side. The visitors were three up inside 11 minutes, a header from captain Chris Lucketti and a spectacular double from young star Kalam Mooniaruck effectively ending the game as a contest. England under 21 international Mooniaruck made it four before half time, and although Richard Naylor opened his Daggers account, Preston scored a fifth near the end through Jamie Forrester. Rich Wellard was sanguine about the defeat; 'We came up against a hell of a side today. I think Preston will surprise a lot of people in the top flight this year. The boy Mooniaruck is dynamite, he tore us to shreds in the first half. Having said that, there were encouraging signs after the break. it's a setback, yes, but not a major one.'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-3-2) Rachubka 6; Croft 5, Crosby 6, Mitchell 5, Little 5; Garai 6; Simpkins 5, vaughan 6, Henderson 6; Naylor 7, Kinsella 6. Subs Duffy 6, Toure 6, Salenko 7, McLean 6, Marshall 7, Bass 6, Janney 5.

Goals Naylor 57. Lucketti 3, Mooniaruck 6, 11, 33, Forrester 81

MOM Mooniaruck


www.daggersonline.net. 31/07/03

The Preston debacle hurt us somewhat, i'll admit. I made the mistake of thinking they'd send a weak side, and i put out a team patently uncapable of challenging them. Having said that, it doesn't actually matter at all... and nor does the equally miserable performance against Southport, where we lost 2-1. Pre season friendlies are there to get some fitness and form back, the results are unimportant. Still, if we start the season like that i'll be concerned...

As for new signings, i've got three permanent and one loan for you this update ; the loanee is left back Adrian Clarke, with us for a couple of months from Hull. The signings are right midfielder Lee Crooks, a 70k record signing from Barnsley who looks impressive; Adam Eaton, a 23 year old left back from macclesfield for 24k; and Adam Quinn, an academy centre back released by Sheffield Wednesday. In terms of rebuilding that's about it for now, although i'm still looking for a left midfielder...

I'll be back weekly for the start of the new season

rmoore

The Sunday Times, 3/08/03

Nationwide League Division III Preview


Blackpool
02/03 position ; 24th, Division 2
Players in : Jurgen Macho, Bos, Sunderland. Willem korsten, Bos, Spurs.Radostin Kisischev, Bos, Charlton. Patrick Suffo, Bos, Sheff Utd.
Players Out : Graham Fenton, Bos, Darlington. Jamie Milligan, 120k, Cardiff. Brett Ormerod, 775k, Notts County. John O Kane, Bos, Northampton. danny Nardiello, 50k, Walsall.

Despite their relegation last season, Blackpool have the foundations of a strong side. although the loss of Ormerod in paticular will be a blow, they have bought wisely in the summer and are certainly a favourite for promotion. Much will depend on the form of the new boys, although veterans Paul Furlong & Warren Barton will also be crucial to the cause.

Predicted Position : will just miss out on promotion, but may get through the playoffs. 4th.


Bournemouth
02/03 Position : 12th
Players in : Kit Symons, Bos, Fulham. Steve Harkness, Bos, sheffield Wednesday
Players Out : Jason Tindall, 50k, Aldershot.

Mid table mediocrity seems to suit Bournemouth at the moment, and they offer little suggestion of doing anything else this year. The experience of Symons and Harkness will shore up an often leaky defence, but a lot will depend once again on the goals of Carl Fletcher.

Predicted Position : Same again. 12th


Bristol Rovers
02/03 Position : 13th
Players in : Graham Stuart, 230k, Charlton
Players Out : Vitalis Astafjevs, Bos, Macclesfield

Graham Stuart gives Rovers something resembling a star name, but in truth this is another side with little ambition. Last season's form oozed mediocrity, as the rovers drew more games than they won and scored relatively few goals. those that did come came from the mercurial Nathan Ellington, and 'the duke' will be looking for a strong season this time around.

Predicted Position : Better than last term but still some way off the pace. 9th.


Bury
position 02/03 : 17th
Players in : Paul Nicholls, 16k, Boston. darren Pitcher, Bos, Peterborough.
players Out : Baichung Bhutia, released.

A team on the slide, Bury are devoid of stars and frequently short of ideas. last season's 17th was a good result considering a disastrous start that left them bottom at Christmas. Ex Chelsea man Nicholls will give them options up front but most of their guile has departed with Bhutia, leaving Ian Hillier in the role of midfield general.

Predicted Position : they'll start better, but still finish worse off. 20th.


Cardiff City
02/03 position : 23rd in Division II
Players In : James Coppinger, 45k, Dagenham & Redbridge. Jamie Milligan, 120k, BlackpoolMikael Menetrier, 140k, Bradford. arjan Van Heusden, 10k, Woking
players Out : Robert Earnshaw, 425k, Notts County. Graham Kavanagh, 200k, Notts County. Steve Torpey, 50k, Gillingham

Not so long ago, Cardiff were looking towards the First Division as a reasonable goal, with a dynamic young team and capable manager. Now they're shorn of both, and with the loss of Earnshaw & Kavanagh, the goals could be hard to come by this season. none of their new signings look particularly stellar, but the bare bones of the old cardiff should keep them going ok.

predicted Position : Playoffs, but they wont go back up. 6th.


Cheltenham Town
02/03 Position : 5th
Players in : Alan Cawley, 240k, Millwall. Adrian Viveash, Bos, Reading.
players Out : Jamie Victory, Bos, Peterborough. darren Ellison, 75k, Crystal Palace

Play off finalists last season, Cheltenham will feel they can go one better this year. With a strong squad based around flying winger Scott Huckerby and talented Portuguese striker Kiwi, they'll be good to watch and in there at the end.

predicted Position : Not good enough to win, definitely good enough to come second. 2nd.


Colchester United
02/03 Position : 14th
Player In : Steve Watson, 55k, Macclesfield
Players Out : Nick Maddison, 600k, Bolton. Dean Morgan, 75k, Norwich.

perennial underachievers Colchester could struggle this year, having lost star striker Morgan and the division's best keeper in the shape of Maddison. Former Everton man Watson should pull the strings, and the attacking flair of Kevin Rapley & Kemi Izzet cannot be completely discounted, but the odds are on a difficult season.

predicted Position ; Bottom half strugglers. 19th.


Dagenham & Redbridge
02/03 Position : 1st, Conference
Players in : Richard Naylor, Bos, Ipswich. Lee Crooks, 70k, Barnsley. Alioune toure, Bos, Manchester City. Paul Dalglish, 35k, Orient.
Players Out : James Coppinger, 45k, Cardiff. Lee Goodwin, 75k, portsmouth. Paul Gothard, Bos, Doncaster.

Considering they are the new boys in the league, the Daggers look to have plenty of strength in depth. Their forward line in particular is formidable, new signing Naylor joining Conference top scorer junior McDougald and Russian international Oleg Salenko. However, with an inexperienced defence, back to back titles seem a long way off.

Predicted Position : Dagenham could surprise a lot of people, and have an outside chance of a playoff place. 8th.


These are taking a while...will do the remaining 16 either over the weekend or next week.

retired_embartl

For tables, you could try coding - but nonetheless this has been excellent so far - I hadn't really noticed this until recently Good luck in division 3

rmoore

BoN - Great to have you on board... will try & get a better table together for the end of next season...long way off though

Darlington
02/03 Position - 18th
Players In : Graham Fenton, Bos, Blackpool. Vince Bartram, 50k, Orient. gary McSheffrey, Free, Coventry.
Players Out : Neil Edwards, 100k, Oldham

Darlington look to have added little to the squad that struggled last season. Bartram and MacSheffrey should shore up their leaky defence, while Neil Wainwright will bag his share of the goals, but another tough season is on the cards.

predicted position : Free of relegation worries but little for the fans to cheer about. 16th.


Doncaster Rovers
02/03 Position : 7th
Players in : Paul Gothard, Bos, Dagenham & Redbridge.
Players Out : None

Rovers impressed a lot of people last season in gaining a playoff place, and have every chance of doing the same this season. A lot well depend on towering centre back Nevin Saroya marshalling the defence, as well as the aging legs of midfield general john Moncur.

Predicted Position : in the shake up for playoff places but their lack of depth will cost them. 10th.


Exeter City
02/03 position : 15th
Players in : Scott McNiven, Bos, Oldham.
Players Out : Darren Wright, 120k, Kidderminster. Jamie Campbell, Bos, Lincoln

Perennial strugglers Exeter were satisfied with 15th last season, and should be again. striker Christian roberts will always score at this level, and a tough defence built around Chris Casper, Gethin Jones & Curtis Fleming will be difficult to break down.

Predicted Position : No change is a good thing for Exeter... 15th.


halifax town
02/03 Position : 6th
Players In : Paul Thirlwell, 200k, Sunderland. Mitch Ward, 45k, Hull.
Players Out : None

Another unfancied side who did well last year, Halifax have the squad to go one better and actually get promotion this year. mike Duff is developing into one of the Third Division's best players, while Cayman international striker Jamie Wood and ex Villa playmaker Mark Draper keep things moving up front.

Predicted Position : A playoff final beckons, and promotion is a possibility. 3rd.


Hartlepool United
02/03 Position : 16th
Player in : Lee Bullock, 110k, York
Player Out : Ritchie Humphreys, Bos, Oxford

A mediocre season last time out bodes badly for hartlepool, and in truth they offer little to suggest improvement. the midfield pairing of tommy Widdrington & Sebastian Favata have talent, but the rest of the squad is somewhat lacking. an improvement on last year is a must though.

Predicted Position : Mid Table Obscurity. 11th


Kidderminster Harriers
02/03 Position : 8th
Player In : darren Wright, 120k, Exeter.
Player Out : Sam Shilton, Bos, Huddersfield

Kidderminster have largely retained the talented young side who just missed out on the playoffs last season. peter Weatherston will be looking for a repeat of the form that got him 22 goals last season, whil highly rated teenage stopper Tony stevenson should do well behind a notoriously mean defence.

Predicted Position : Possible playOff finalists. 5th


Lincoln City
02/03 position : 11th
Players In : Peter Beagrie, Bos, Orient. Kerry Mayo, 40k, Brighton
Players Out : None

A satisfactory 11th last season failed to hide the weaknesses in the Lincoln line up. Beagrie and Mayo will go some way to bolstering a weak midfield but a forward line still missing the departed Lee Thorpe will struggle for goals.

Predicted Position : safe but unspectacular. 14th


Macclesfield Town
02/03 Position : 23rd
Players in : Vitalis Astafjevs, bos, Bristol Rovers. Ian Hendon, Bos, Sheff Wed. Richard Norris, 40k, Tranmere.
Players Out : Steve Watson, 55k, Colchester

Town have strengthened their squad somewhat after a catastrophic last season that saw them escape relaegation on goal difference. 17 year old winger Nathan Davisis a tremendous prospect but beyond that they have little to offer.

Predicted Position : A small improvement but still in the relegation dogfight. 17th

rmoore

Mansfield Town
02/03 Position : 20th
Players In : Brett Angell, Bos, Rochdale. Lee Jones, 150k, barnsley.
Players Out : Chris Greenacre, 325k, Northampton. Bobby Hassell, 35k, Carlisle. Allen Tankard, Bos, Carlisle.

Mansfield are a weak side made significantly weaker by the loss of star striker Greenacre. veteran forward Angell will try & fill the gap, but much will depend on the defence, especially young talent Alistair Asher.

Predicted Position : Another season of struggle. 22nd.


Reading
02/03 Position : 22nd, division 2
Players In : Eric Sabin, Bos, Swindon
Players Out : Danny Butterfield, 725k, Wigan. Jamie Cureton, Bos, Brighton. Robbie Ryan 150k, Walsall. Adrian Viveash, Bos, Cheltenham. Shaun Teale, bos, Rushden.

After their surprise relegation last season, and the subsequent loss of key players, reading will need to pick up the pieces in a division they are unfamiliar with. Nevertheless, with players like million pound striker Jason Bent and Darius henderson in the side, they remain a potent threat, and the threatening atmosphere of the Madejski should serve them well.

Predicted Finish : You cannot see them staying in the Third for long. 1st.


Rochdale
02/03 Position : 22nd
Players in : Lee Marshall, Bos, Leicester. Justin Edinburgh, 60k, Portsmouth.
Player Out : Brett Angell, Bos, Mansfield
A poor year last season is threatening to become a regular occurence for Rochdale, a side devoid of flair or inspiration. Veteran keeper
Alec Chamberlain can expect another extremely busy season.

Predicted Finish : Free of relegation...just barely. 23rd.


Rotherham United
02/03 Position : 21st in Division 2.
Player In : Danny Webber, Free, Man United.
Players Out : Chris Beech, Bos, Oxford. Vidar Fagerheim, 150k, Oldham. Simon Bryant, 190k, Portsmouth.

Like Reading, Rotherham will be expected by many to bounce straight back up. A solid first team built around veterans Neil Redfearn, Mark Robins & Simon Charlton should be strong enough to achieve this, although they lack strength in depth.

Predicted Finish : Promoted through he playoffs after an average season. 7th.

rmoore

Rushden & Diamonds
02/03 position : 9th
Players In : Shaun Teale, Bos, Reading. Mick Stockwell, Bos, Colchester
Players Out : Joca, 220k, Stoke. Billy turley, 28k, Oldham. Nick Culkin 95k, Walsall

Living proof that money cannot buy success, the Diamonds continue to plod along in the middle reaches of the Third Division. This season could be different, however; having sold all three first team goalkeepers in the close season they could be leaking goals at an alarming rate. A solid forward line featuring Angola international Arthur Correia and Iceland forward Heigi Danielsson aside they have few stars, and with young defender Gavin Bassinder coveted by many higher division clubs, this could b a tough season for the Diamonds.

Predicted Position : A mediocre effort. 13th


Scunthorpe United
02/03 Position : 10th
Players In : Mo Harkin, 30k, Carlisle. Justin Whittle, free
Players Out : Martin Carruthers, released. Mark Jackson, bos, Portsmouth

That a team with the fearsome attacking triumvirate of Andy Burgess, Courtney Naylor & Johnny Dixon can struggle in Division 3 is testimony to the ineptitude of the Scunthorpe defence. Finishing 10th last season despite shipping 86 goals, a repeat this season looks unlikely without reinforcement.

Predicted Finish : They'll score plenty, and concede far more...18th.


Torquay United
02/03 Position : 19th
Players In : Greg Berry, Bos, Purfleet. Eddie Youds, 110k, QPR
Players Out : None

Torquay fans are more than familiar with relegation battles, and this season looks like being another. Their saving grace could be their defence; veterans Youds & Berry will line up in front of Kevin Pilkington and should prove a solid back line. Few striking options will cost them, however.

Predicted Finish : Safe, but not by much. 21st


York City
02/03 Position : 21st
Players In : Mike Milligan, Bos, Isernia. Adrian Williams, 120k, WBA
Players Out : Alex Gildea, 85k, Tranmere. Lee Bullock, 110k, Hartlepool

Perennial strugglers York no longer have Carlisle to serve as a buffer between them and the conference; combine this with the loss of their two most creative players and you can't help but fear for their league status. The ageless steve Claridge will do his best for them but there looks to be no service.

Predicted Finish : It'll take a miracle to save them. 24th.

rmoore

www.daggersonline.net. 5/08/03

Dagenham & Redbridge Squad Profiles 2003/2004

With the new season around the corner, we've taken the opportunity to look at the squad and assess our chances in the heady heights of Division 3.


Goalkeepers


Willy Gueret. Age 30. French. Last Season (games/goals) 26/0. Daggers Career (games/goals) 26/0.AR (Last Season) 7.57

Fully established as the side's number 1, the experienced Frenchman settled in well last season with a couple of man of the match performances & great consistency. Big, quick & an excellent shot stopper, he should be with us for some time.


Paul Rachubka. age 22. American (Under 21 caps). Last Season 7/0. Career 7/0. AR 7.13

Paul has adjusted well to the drop from the heady atmosphere of Old Trafford to the less dramatic climes of Dagenham. Although he is far from the finished article, he filled in well when called upon and should feature more this season, especially in the cup competitions.


Greg Bass. Age 16. English. Last Season 0(2)/0. Career 0(2)/0. AR 6.50

For all his tender years Greg shows a great deal of promise. He made a couple of substitute appearances in the lesser competitions and looked comfortable enough, but is some way from first team football. another season in the reserves should help him develop.

More tomorrow if i find time...

rmoore

DEFENDERS

Jamie Parry, DC, Age 19. English. Last Season 20(1)/0. career 20(1)/0. AR 7.93

Parry proved last season that he could be the defensive rock we need to build around for a very long time. Quick for a big man & with tremendous timing, the partnership he forged with Matthew Carslake at the end of last season was impressive enough to earn the pair starting positions ahead of more experienced defenders.


Matthew Carslake, DC, Age 19. English. Last season 5(1)/3. Career 5(1)/3. AR 7.67

Difficult though it is to pin our hopes on someone who played half a dozen games last season, such was the quality of Matthew Carslake's end of term cameo that he genuinely justifies the high expectations. A masterful centre back with great positional sense and an unexpected eye for goal, he should contribute fully at both ends this year. Apparently he also takes a good penalty...


Andy Farley, DC, Age 23. English. Last Season 27(2)/1. Career 27(2)/1AR 7.21

Andy is too good a player to be a backup defender... he reportedly wants a move and we are well enough equipped with centre backs that he might be allowed to go. He would be missed though; unusually skilful for a big man, his ability suggests he can play at a higher level if he puts his mind to it.


Scott Marshall, DC, Age 30. Scottish. Last Season 12(3)/0. Career 12(3)/0. AR 7.24

The veteran in a very young defence, Scott has been around a bit and offers valuable experience to the younger lads. Like Farley, he would be more than good enough for most teams at our level, but the potential of the two youngsters ahead of him will see him reduced to a secondary role again this season.

These are going to be in small bursts today...i'm working around them but the whole squad should be up by end of today...

rmoore

Andy Crosby, DC, Age 28. Welsh. Last Season -

Andy has played at higher levels with wrexham, but in truth he's been brought in as a backup in the event of Andy Farley leaving. If it turns out that Farley stays, Crosby probably isn't good enough to get a lot of game time (although with the rotation system used last season you never know...)


Adam Quinn, DC, Age 23. English. Last Season -

Adam has never fulfilled the promise he showed at Sheffield Wednesday as a teenager; indeed, he might never do so. He's been signed as a backup on a short(ish) contract in the hope that he can regain some form.


Reserve Centre Backs

Tony Mitchell, DC, Age 20.
Kevin Harrison, DC, Age 17.


Michael Croft, DDML, Age 19. English. Last Season 11(4)/0. Career 11(4)/0. AR 7.20

Despite only having a moderate season last time out, admittedly due to injury in the most part, Michael has been attracting attention from higher levels recently. At his best it's easy to see why, as he has pace and guile going forward, and solidity at the back. He should feature heavily this season.

Craig Woodman, DL, Age 20. EnglishLast Season 17/0. Career 17/0. AR 6.53

Craig played more games than expected last year, largely thanks to Croft's injury worries. He's a trier, but has limited ability and is at best an average backup. With the arrival of Mike Simpkins it's doubtful he'll see as much action this year.


Mike Simpkins, DDMLRC, Age 26. English. Last Season 6/0. Career 6/0. AR 7.17

This versatile defender came into the club at the back end of last season and immediately claimed the right back spot as his own. Although he'll face competition from Mark Maley this term, his versatility will allow him a lot of game time. Big and strong in the tackle, his relative lack of pace is his only real weakness.

Adam Eaton, DMLR, Age 23. English. Last Season -

Formerly of Preston, Adam is another once lauded youngster attempting to rebuild a stalled career. He probably looks more likely to succeed than Adam Quinn, seeing as his problems are psychological rather than physical, but hhe is another on a short contract for appraisal.


Mark Maley, DDMR, Age 25. English. Last season -

Despite spending six years at the Stadium of Light, Mark's first team experience totals three games... needless to say he'll take time to settle in. However, at this level he is a quality player, and depending on form could push hard for a first team place.


Jamie Little, DR, Age 16. Scottish. Last Season -

There's not much chance of first team football for young Jamie this year - at 16 he's just beginning to find his feet in the professional game. Rich Wellard obviously saw enough in him to pay Alloa 12k for him so we'll look on him as one for the future.


Reserve Full Backs

Keith Martin DL, Age 17. Last Season 4(4) AR 6.45
Chris Baird DR, Age 21.

rmoore

MIDFIELDERS

Juan Antonio Garai, DMC, Age 18. Spanish. Last Season 11(12)/0. Career 11(12)/0. AR 6.57

It's worrying that, as someone who always plays with a defensive midfielder, the only one i have on my books is a talented but raw 18 year old. Last season i tended to solve the problem with loanees; this seasoon will probably be the same as Juan isn't quite up to the rigours of regular first team football. In time he could grow into the role, though.

Paul Terry, MC, Age 24. English. Last Season 31(1)/4. Career 92/15. AR 7.06

Paul had a solid season last time out, although the continued progression of younger brother John into the England setup is undoubtedly an irritation. He spent most of last year on the left side of midfield, and should again this term, although as a long time conference player he'll need to make the step up.


Lee Crooks, DDMLC, age 25. English. Last Season -

What amounts to a big money signing on our limited budget, Lee has come in due to his versatility. He should play a lot of games at defensive or left midfield, but left back is equally within his scope.

Mark Janney, MR, age 25. English. Last Season 10 (8)/1. Career 77/5. AR 6.83

A comparatively long serving player in thhis newly assembled squad, Mark was one of the conference's top wingers, his pace & crossing ability always a danger. Injuries & lack of form hurt him last year, but with any luck he can see some success in the Third division as well.

Paul Dalglish, AMRC, Age 30. Scottish. Last Season 9(2)/0 (on loan).AR 6.82

A moderately successful loan spell sees Kenny's progeny at the Road permanently this year. A very peaky player, Paul can look world class & totally inept in the space of a few minutes. More of the former and he could become a Reds legend; the latter & he'll be dismissed as another failed experiment.


David Henderson, AMFRC, age 19. English. Last Season -

An exceptional midfield prospect who sat on the fringes of the first team last term, David looks capable of stepping up this year. although right midfield is a competitive position, the youngster's passing ability and blistering pace could see him the winner by the end of the season.

Shane Nicholson, MRC, age 33. English. Last Season -

The veteran of the midfield, Shane's role will be limited to a back up, not due to lack of ability, but due to competition. Nevertheless he should prove an able deputy.


Midfield Reserves

Steve Vaughan, MC, age 21.
Darren Pearson, Mc, age 21
Chris Jackson, AMC, age 19



ATTACKERS

Junior McDougald, SC, Age 30. American. Last Season 34/25. Career 82/41. AR 7.88

A stunning season in the conference saw Junior voted player of the season by the fans in the summer. Thoroughly deserved, the award was not merely for his 25 goals, but also his impeccable link up play and impressive awareness. The only concern is whether he can continue this form at the next level; his previous experiences of league football at Brisbane Road were less than stellar.


Aaron McLean, SC, Age 21. English. Last Season 16/10. Career 16/10. AR 7.81

Like McDougald a former Orient man, McLean's impact last year was nothing short of remarkable. Quick, skilful and deadly from anywhere inside the area, the young man has a great future, and will look to do even better this season.

Oleg Salenko, Sc, Age 32. Russian (8 caps/6 goals). Last Season 10(3)/6. Career 10(3)/6. AR 7.73

The only thing that stopped Oleg tearing up the conference last year was his fitness - the fact that he looked a class apart at no more than 50% capacity is proof of his innate talent. A return to the glory days is probably too far off for the 32 year old; but on his day he'll still be the best striker in the division.


Colin McMennamin, SC, Age 22. English. Last Season 30(6)/13. Career 30(6)/13. AR 7.33

Inconsistency is Colin's only real weakness; at his best he's as good as any forward on the Reds' books. However, with the strength of the three men ahead of him, his role this year looks to be that of super-sub, one he did well at at the back end of last year.


Richard Naylor, SC, Age 25. English. Last Season -

Richard's Dagenham career depends solely on his recovery from the horrific knee injury that has kept him out for nigh on two years. If he comes back well (and the initial signs are good), he'll bring a touch of true class to proceedings and should score freely.


Alioune Toure, FRC, Age 29. French. Last Season -

This season represents quite a fall for Toure; premiership football was still his just six months ago. Much will depend on how he reacts to his dumping by Manchester City - his temperament suggests he'll sulk, but if he surprises us and puts his back into it his silky skills will be a great bonus.


Danny Senda, FRC, Age 22. English. Last Season 5(4)/1. Career 5(4)/1. AR 6.78

Danny coulld struggle to see a lot of first team action, such is the calibre of the Reds' forward line. His move towards the end of last season offered him a chance to show what he could do, which he did in brief flashes. He has the potential to be a star, though.


Reserves - Attackers

Wayne Vaughan, SC, Age 26. Last Season 4(12)/4. AR 7.25
Mark Stein, SC, age 39. Last Season 16(8)/4. AR 6.71
Leon Mike, SC, age 24. Last Season 0(4)/0. AR 6.75
Keith Duffy, FRC, age 16. Last Season 4(13)/1 AR 7.05
Mark King, SC, Age 16
Alan Kinsella, SC, Age 20
Tommy Douglas, SC, age 20.
Stephen Webster, SC, age 21
Chris Barrett, Sc, age 19.


Mental note; sell some strikers...


Anyway, now that's done i'll get onto next season, either today or tomorrow.