rmoore

JULY

The first action for the month was the confirmation of Willy Gueret'sBosman switch to Rushden; disappointing, but i'd known about it for 6 months so there was little i could do. the keeper seemed somewhat less keen than he had been after our promotion and Rushden's poor season, but i assured him he'd do a good job & wished him well. He'd been a good aquisition in his short period at the club & would be tough to replace.

Willy Gueret, GK, 31, French. Daggers Career P48, con 57, A 0, MOM 1, AR 7.33


Also leaving the club early in the month was a stalwart of the years BM (Before Me), Paul Terry. Although Paul is a good player and a great servant to the club, i felt he was too good to play in the reserves, where he'd most likely have been this year, so when Cheltenham offered me 35k for his services, i accepted. A few days later one of our longest serving players depart with te best wishes of the club behind him.

Paul Terry, 26, MC, English. Daggers Career P102(24), G6, A3, MOM2, AR 6.75.


As players began to be released by their clubs in the traditional July exodus, i sent out my scouts and brought in some trialists. Two players caught my eye, however, who i didn't even need to bring in on trial; former Coventry Goalkeeper Morten Hyldgaardand ex Leeds full back Frazer Richardson. both players with experience of the top two divisions, i bid for both without question and was lucky to receive positive responses from both. Quality acquisitions the pair of them, and they both went striaght into our next friendly against Canvey Island...which we promptly lost . Still, not all bad, the defeat was mostly due to inept trialists, and Frazer actually received the man of the match award.

Two friendlies in five days followed, and i put out similar squads for both, concentrating on full timers rather than trialists. The latter category, however, did include a player i was extremely interested in; former Leeds and Australia under 21 midfielder Jamie McMaster. Sadly he wanted £6000 a week, far more than i could or would stretch to, but i thought if we gave him some games he might be inspired to stick around.

First up were Blyth Spartans, and an almost instantaneous return to the road for Wayne Vaughan. Nevertheless, we demolished the Conference side 5-0, with Richardson, Lennon, McLean and McMaster (twice) netting the goals. more of the same followed as we crushed Newport FC of the Isle of Wight 4-0, Viana, Richardson and McMaster (twice) scoring this time. Needless to say i upped my bid for Jamie to the highest possible level... at which point he joined Port Vale (although on 10k a week so way out of my price bracket). Tremendously irritating though.


On a more positive note, i managed to acquire 15 year old defensive prodigy Michael Davenportfrom Hull a few days later. Although the fee (90k) was high for such a young player, he'd turned in 40 games for Hull last season and been voted fans player of the year. He had the potential to be something special so i took the risk. Less risky (and more impressive) was the acquistition of former Charlton and England left back Chris Powell as a player coach. Although 35, he was still class & should thrive at this level. To make way for him i disposed of the disappointing Adam Eaton, who moved to Macclesfield for 22k.

Our next cycle of friendlies (five in two weeks) were against more illustrious opposition than we were used to facing. A stale 0-0 at Gillingham was followed by the arrival of Premiership giants Millwall. A strong side did themselves proud and even took the lead through Emilio Cid, but the South London side were too strong, a second half hat trick from Nicola Ventola sealing the tie.

We then took on German 2nd division side Augsburg, with another two new arrivals in the starting eleven. Martin Jensen was a 25 year old Norwegian right back who i'd offered a short contract to after doing ok on trial, while Marnix Kolder was a highly talented dutch forward i'd taken on loan from Veendam for the rest of the season. We still lost though, 2-1, Emilio Cid scoring our goal again.

A near full strength side managed to overcome Reading 2-1 in our penultimate friendly, Mcdougald & Carslake on the scoresheet and Tamas Byrne giving me a potential goalkeeper related headache with an inspired performance. Finally we travelled to Brisbane Road for our traditional local derby with First division Orient, and surprised everyone with an inspiring 3-0 victory. Hugo Viana thrilled the fans with two beautiful solo goals, while David Henderson chipped in with a thirty yard stunner. It was our best performance in ages and filled me with hope for the year ahead.

As a postscript to the month i let two more players go. Stefan Hoppe, although by far the best of the three Germans i signed last year, was let go when his deal expired as i no longer needed him for cover, while Colin McMennamin was allowed to move to Bath City for 6k, as i felt he'd struggle in Division 2. His stats for the club were quite good, and he should do well again back in the conference.

Colin McMennamin, SC, 21, English. Daggers Career P32(22), G14, A6, MOM3, AR 6.85.


Player profiles and a league preview next, then onto the new season when i get round to it.

rmoore

15 July - Bizarre bit of news today. Junior Mcdougald came into my office this morning looking slightly bemused, claiming that he'd received a call from representatives of USA coach Bruce Arena, requesting his participation in the forthcoming Confederations Cup! Needless to say i gave him my blessing - a current international is always welcome at a little club like ours - but I couldn't help wondering what sort of state the game was in across the pond if a 31 year old lower league journeyman is deemed worthy of a call up . In any case, we'd lose Junior for the first few games of the season, but i felt we could manage without him if necessary.

rmoore

Dagenham & Redbridge Squad, Season 2004/5

Goalkeepers


Morten Hyldgaard, GK, 27, Danish (1 cap).
New signing Morten should in theory be our new number one, his experience and undoubted ability making him the best stopper at the club on paper. The only slight worry is that he played 4 games in six seasons at Highfield Road, so match fitness could take a while to come.


Paul Rachubka, GK, 23, American (Under 21 caps). Last Season P18(1), Con 35, MOM 1, AR 7.10. Daggers Career P25(1) Con 44, MOM 2, AR7.11
Still undoubtedly one for the future, Paul battled hard for the number one jersey last season but never quite made it his. Acrobatic & quick, he's perhaps the most stylish keeper we have, but his consistency is still questionable.

Greg Bass, GK, 17, English. Last Season P0. Daggers Career P0(2) Con2, AR 6.50.
I'm not convinced Greg will ever be the superstar i hoped he'd become...he's improving but painfully slowly. Still, at 17, he has time in abundance, so i'm willing to keep him on for a bit longer.


DEFENDERS


Matthew Carslake, DC, 20, English. Last Season P47(3), G7, MOM 1, AR 7.04. Daggers Career P52 (4), G8, MOM 2, AR 7.14
I took a calculated risk in giving Matt the captaincy at the start of the season, but he did me proud, playing more games than anyone and maintaining a good level of consistency, as well as chipping in with some vital goals. Still only 20, the tall Brighton born centre back could go far if he can maintain his improvement, although division 2 is a very different prospect.


Jamie Parry, DC, 20, English. Last Season P29(4), G1, MOM1, AR 7.21. Daggers Career P49(5), G2, MOM5, AR 7.53
The former Old Trafford trainee has had no problem with adapting to life in the lower leagues, forming half of the best young defensive partnership in division 3 last year. Less commanding but more cultured than Carslake, Parry will need to up his game again this year, but he has the natural ability to prosper at a higher level.

Scott Marshall, DC, 31, English. Last Season P27(3), G2, MOM1, AR 7.06. Daggers Career P39(5), G3, MOM2, AR 7.15.
The senior figure in the defence, Scott provides a much needed solidity both on and off the field. Unfussy and no nonsense, he works well with either of the two youngsters, and spent much of last season mopping up in front of them to prove his versatility. He still has a couple of years in him , and his experience could be critical this term.

Andy Farley, DC, 23, English. Last Season P5, G0, MOM 0, AR6.20. Daggers Career P32(2), G1, MOM1, AR 6.93.
A frustrating last year for the man who should be the best defender on our books, dogged by injury and poor form and rapidly superceded by the two younger players. In theory Andy should be an automatic choice, but his potential remains unfulfilled, and he'll need to raise his game if he is to feature more in a very competitive back line.


Michael Davenport, DC, 15, English.
One of the new boys whom i'm most excited about, Michael has the ability to play straight away, but his tender years mean i'll probably try & hold him back a little. He'll get some first team experience, though, as he has already proved himself ready for league football with Hull.


Mark Maley, DDMR, 26, English. Last Season P17, G0, MOM0, AR6.94
Niggling injury stopped Mark fully establishing himself last year, but he is fully capable of making the right back slot his own this term if he stays fit.

Jamie Little, DMR, 18, Scottish. Last Season P6, G0, MOM0, Ar 6.50
The young Scottish full back was a bit part player last term, and it is unlikely he'll be more than that this time out. Nevertheless, he has potential and could surprise people.


Frazer Richardson, DLC, 23, English.
With premiership appearances for Leeds under his belt (albeit only a couple) Frazer's arrival is a coup for us. A genuinely quick and skilful wide man, he should help us in both attack and defence and add a dimension to our play we lacked at times last year.

Chris Powell, DL, 35, English (1 cap).
Although in the twilight of a distinguished career, Chris still has something to offer us. A leader on and off the field, he'll give us consistency and solidity on the left flank, and his experience will be of great benefit to his younger colleagues.

Others

Adam Quinn, DC, 24, Irish.
Cliff Byrne, DL, 23, Irish.
Linus Ritheim, DRL, 25, Swedish.
Mike Simpkins, DRLC, 26, English.
Stefan Stam, DL, 25, Dutch.
Martin Jensen, DR, 27, Norwegian.

rmoore

MIDFIELDERS

Juan Antonio Garai, DMC, 19, Spanish. Last Season P37, G6, MOM1, AR7.18. Daggers career P48 (12), G8, MOM1, AR 7.02
Establishing himself as a genuine first teamer last season, the young Spaniard showed consistency and maturity beyoond his years as the rock in midfield. Tough tacking but skilful and with excellent distribution, Juan could be a star for this club, although as with many of the other players, this is a big step up for him.

Hugo Viana, AMRC, 22, Portuguese (Under 21 Caps).
I was surprised to get Hugo in the summer - for all that his career seems to have stalled, he's a class act capable of playing at a higher level than division 2. Hopefully this'll work to our advantage, the flamboyant young winger will be out to prove himself and could be a prize asset.

Layton Maxwell, AML, 25, Welsh. Last Season P6, G1, MOM1, AR7.33
joining us permanently after a successful loan spell, Layton has a lot to offer us, as a genuine left footed winger with pace to burn and good crossing abilities. working in tandem with Viana on the right, he should be one of our main providers in the season ahead.

David Henderson, AMRC, 20, English. Last Season P18(5), G9, MOM2, AR7.23
Periodically spectacular, always entertaining, David proved a real find in the second half of last season. A genuine goalscoring winger who is equally happy up front, look for him to feature heavily again thiis year, despite the increased competition.

Emilio Cid, AMFC, 19, Spanish. Last Season P10 (4), G1, AR 7.21.
A genuine flair player with as yet untapped goalscoring abilities, Emilio will be looking for a big season this time out to cement his growing reputation. arguably more capable on the ball than anyone else at the club, if he can find the end product more consistently he could be a crucial figure for us.

Others

Mark Janney, MR, 25, English.
Shane Nicholson, AMRC, 34, Welsh.
Chris Keeble, MC, 26, English.
Pablo Facundo Bonvin, AMLC, 23, Argentinian.


STRIKERS

Oleg Salenko, SC, 33, Russian (8 caps, 6 goals). Last Season P39(8), G25, MOM8, AR7.68. Daggers Career P49(11), G31, MOM10, AR 7.69
The pace is dropping, the fitness is fading, but Oleg remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the Nationwide. His strength and ability on the ball, combined with his unparalleled eye for goal, were critical in giving us promotion last season, and there's no reason at all why he can't repeat the trick a division higher.

Richard Naylor, Sc, 27, English. Last Season P37(5), G18, MOM6, AR7.91
Our most consistent performer last year and the fans player of the year, Richard has proved well and truly recovered from his past injury woes. The only impediment to his going on to be a Reds legend is the fact that the big clubs are already sniffing around, but if he stays, he'll be a pivotal figure again.


Junior McDougald, SC, 31, American. Last Season P37(7), G14, MOM0, AR7.72. Daggers Career P104(8), G48, MOM11, AR7.69
Overshadowed a little by his more illustrious strike partners last year, Junior will be looking to do better still this term and cement his place in the hearts of Reds fans. International caps could even be in the offing at the Confederations Cup.


Aaron McLean, SC, 21, English. Last Season P16(22), G12, MOM1, 6.97. Daggers career P32(22), G22, MOM3, AR7.42
Spending most of last year as a goalscoring super sub, Aaron has the advantage of youth over his strike partners, and is more than capable of stepping into the shoes of McDougald or Salenko in the years ahead

Alioune Toure, AMFRC, 31, French. Last Season P28(5), G4, MOM1, AR7.15.
The cultured Frenchman had a reasonable first term at Victoria Road, marred by injury and a tendency towards poor finishing. If he can overcome these he could be a fixture for years to come.


Others

Marnix Kolder, SC, 25, Dutch.
Keith Duffy, FRC, 17, English.
Alan Kinsella, SC, 21, Irish.
Martin Taylor, SC, 18, English.
Stephen Webster, SC, 22, English.
Chris Barrett, SC, 20, English.
Johan Pater, Sc, 24, Dutch.


Still too many strikers...

rmoore

Well, i was going to look at the rest of the league as before to prepare for the season ahead, but seeing as this is my first chance to post in weeks i think i'm going to go straight into the new season.

AUGUST

An unusually busy month for our first in the League, which saw us start badly as we crashed 3-0 at home to hotly tipped Port Vale. The lads looked unprepared for the increased pace of the game and, despite some valiant defending to take the game into half time goalless, they caved in in the second half, Brooker, Maye and Warren Cummins netting the goals. Needless to say Jamie McMaster tormented us throughout...what i'd have given for the wage budget to sign him.

By way of consolation, before our next game against Oldham, I managed to sign cultured German right back Moritz Volz on a free transfer. The ex Arsenal man had been holding out for an offer from a higher division club, but when none was forthcoming, he joined the Victoria Road revolution. He should prove to be a great capture...he has the youth and talent to help us all the way to the upper leagues.
I also managed to get shot of unimpressive striker Johan Pater; our next opponents Oldham obviously saw something they liked as the came in with a 28k bid for the recently transfer listed Dutchman. He joined them just in time to play against us on the 21st...hope that wont be cause for regret.


But of course it was. The striker who'd looked out of his depth in the Conference reserves suddenly turned into Marco Van Basten, firing home a pair of blinders as Oldham comprehensively took us apart 4-1. Lee Morris scored the other two, Layton Maxwell's long range effort giving us little consolation, despite being our first goal in league football.

So how to recover from two consecutive hidings? ooo, a league cup tie. Against First Division Burnley. No thanks. A Darren Eadie hat trick later and our reserves were heading home again. Always valuable.

In the spirit of tinkering further with the squad, I brought in another reasonably big name; former Leicester captain and Scotland defender Matt Elliott. Although 35 now, and with the speed and turning circle of a heavily laden car ferry, he has a lot to offer at the back, namely experience, consistency and the ability to kick people into orbit. Plus he's going to help with the coaching. and was free. All good selling points. I also acquired Italian forward Eder Bau from Triestina on a free, for no reason other than the fact i liked his name and fancied his wife. He's almost certainly rubbish but still.

Both Bau & Elliott went into a much changed side against Huddersfield as we sought to end the month on a high. We almost did it too, a magnificent perfomance by former Wimbledon man Kelvin Davis between the posts denying us a solid victory. Our first league point though, and something to build on.

On the last day of the month i sold utility defender Mike Simpkins to Kidderminster for 16k. With a solid squad these days i could live without someone who could play badly in five different positions. And the money will cover our losses for another couple of weeks.

GAMES

Daggers 0 Port Vale 3 (Brooker 53, Cummins 73, Maye 85)

Byrne 6; Richardson 8, Davenport 7, Carslake 7, Volz 6; Garai 6; Maxwell 6, Toure 7; Viana 7; Naylor 6, Salenko 7. Subs McDougald 7, Kolder 7, Cid 6.


Oldham 4 (Morris 5, 12, Pater 10, 70) Daggers 1 (Maxwell 52)

Hyldgaard 5; Richardson 4, Parry 5, Carslake 6, Jensen 6; Volz 7; Maxwell 7, Henderson 8; Viana 7; McLean 6, Salenko 6. Subs McDougald 7, Davenport 6.

Burnley 3 (Eadie 3, 11,14) Daggers 0 (Pointless Cup, 1st round)

Rachubka 5; Richardson 6, Parry 8, Carslake 6, Jensen 6; Garai 6; Maxwell 7, Henderson 7; Cid 7; McDougald 6, Viana 5. Subs Salenko 7, Volz 6.


Daggers 0 Huddersfield 0

Byrne 8; Powell 7, Davenport 7, Elliott 8, Maley 8; Keeble 7; Bonvin 6, Henderson 7; Viana 7; Salenko 7, Bau 7. Subs Kolder 6, McLean 6, Carslake 7.

rmoore

SEPTEMBER

And so to Valley Parade for the first of six games this month, against a now comically poor Bradford City side. In utter freefall and financially destitute, surely the Bantams were there for the taking?
Well, no. We were every bit as bad as they were as the home side chalked up their first points of the season. Once again defensive lapses cost us... not least the sending off of keeper Tamas Byrne five minuutes after half time for handling outside the area. We were already 2-1 down by then though, Salenko's powerful drive cancelled out by a pair from Tony Hibbert, and Robbie Blake's late effort meant little. Hello bottom of the league.

Desperate for a win now we entertained fellow promotees/strugglers Rotherham. Junior McDougald returned to the starting line up and immediately made his bullish presence felt, two towering headers putting us in control. Despite conceding late on we held out for our first win in Diivision 2, and the heady heights of 23rd.

Normal service was resumed as we ran across our old friends Kidderminster at Aggborough. Again we were defensively suspect. Again we failed to get a point away from home. A first goal from on loan striker Marnix Kolder lifted the gloom briefly, but the 2-1 reverse left us on the bottom again.

Next up we entertained fellow londoners QPR, in an entertaining derby match that we could both easily have won. High flying Rangers took the lead twice, but we came back spiritedly, first through Hugo Viana and then, dramatically, rescued a point at the death thhanks to a 25 yarder from Juan Antonio Garai. Another point but we really needed to start winning.

A visit to Darlington was next up for us, Lawrie Dudfield's first half winner the only event of any note in a dire battle between two strugglers. We ended the month at top of the table Peterborough, and true to form were comprehensively turned over by a superior side, three first half goals killing us off in fairly short order.

GAMES

Bradford 3 (Hibbert 18, 42, Blake 75) Daggers 1 (Salenko 8)

Byrne 5 (SO 50); Richardson 7, Davenport 7, Marshall 8, Little 7; Parry 5; Maxwell 7, Janney 5; Cid 8; Salenko 8, McLean 6. Subs Hyldgaard 8, Toure 6, Bau 6.


Daggers 2 (McDougald 14, 67) Rotherham 1 (Law 83)

Rachubka 7; Powell 7, Elliott 9, Marshall 8, Maley 6; Keeble 7; Maxwell 7, Viana 6; Cid 9; MCDOUGALD 9, Salenko 7. Subs Bau 7, Carslake 6, Toure 6.


Kidderminster 2 (Wright 47, Blake 50) Daggers 1 (Kolder 77)

Rachubka 5; Richardson 7, Elliott 7, Marshall 7, Little 5; Keeble 6; Bonvin 7, Viana 8; Cid 6; McDougald 8, Salenko 7. Subs Kolder 8, Bau 7, Garai 7.


Daggers 2 (Viana 29, Garai 90) QPR 2 (Cochrane 25, McKeever 40)

Rachubka 5; Richardson 7, Davenport 9, MARSHALL 9, Maley 7; Garai 8; Bonvin 7, Henderson 6; Viana 9; Kolder 6, McDougald 6. Subs Cid 8, Salenko 7, Keeble 7.


Darlington 1 (Dudfield 30) Daggers 0

Hyldgaard 8; Stam 7, Elliott 6, Marshall 7, Maley 7; Garai 7; Bonvin 7, Toure 7; Viana 6; Salenko 7, Cid 6. Subs McLean 7, Parry 6.


Peterborough 3 (Mullins 25, McKenzie 26, Rusk 39) Daggers 0

Hyldgaard 8; Stam 5, Davenport 5, Marshall 6, Volz 6; Garai 7; Maxwell 6, Henderson 7; Viana 5; Mcdougald 6, Salenko 6. Subs Parry 6, McLean 7, Elliott 6.


It had been a dreadful month, the worst since i'd taken over at the club. We were rooted to the bottom and our deficiencies were there for all to see. Our much vaunted forward line was simply not delivering, all three of my capable keepers were sufferng crises of confidence, and the defence, though individually solid, was shipping far too many goals, even for an attacking side like ourselves. I'd spent much of the month scouring the transfer market for a quick fix (or even a long term one) buut so far had nothing to show for it other than a few interesting leads. Nevertheless i shed three more bit part players to accomodate any new arrivals - young forwards Keith Duffy & Alan Kinsella moved on to Scunthorpe and Telford respectively, Duffy for 7k, Kinsella on a free. Both could come good but i needed ability rather than potential at the moment. I also disposed of centre back Alan Quinn, because a) i'd forgotten we still had him and b) i didn't care even when i remembered. He too ended up at Telford after we released him.

things had to change. I had over a million in the kitty and although i wasn't keen on spending it i'd happily blow the lot to keep us in the Second Division. Now who to buy?

rmoore

OCTOBER

Best thing about this time of year is that all of the free transfer players who've been expecting big money moves start to panic and lower their demands. As such a small & ambitious club like ourselves can punch above their weight when it comes to interesting signings. But this month pretty much beats everything...

Started off quietly enough. I brought in two players on the first of the month...french left winger Matthieu Antolini from Sampdoria, and Angolan international forward Mawete Junior from Benfica. Neither is as impressive as that sounds. In fact their pedigree is all that persuaded me to sign them. But they both justified short contracts and could surprise me.

First game of the month was home to Brighton, and frankly we were poor again, albeit against a strong side. Wayne Corden and Jamie Cureton did the damage as we again failed to score. Still, with a week between games i was hopeful of adding more players to the mix in the meantime.

Still, even i couldn't have foreseen the events of the next few days, as five players of genuine quality came in, 3 on free transfers, 2 for fees. the former made for impressive reading; former Paris St Germain and France under 21 winger Gael Hiroux, Ivory Coast international forward Gilles Domoraud, and most impressively of all, 35 year old Spain legend Guillermo Amor, who came from Villareal as a player coach. The other two signings were less starry but possibly more important. One was Crystal Palace defensive midfielder James O Connor for a knockdown 100k, the other a young Ghanaian forward i'd been tracking for many months and tried to acquire on loan earlier in the season. Derby had turned down my offer then, but with the club in financial difficulties and the player demanding a move i found myself in a strong bargaining position. The culmination of months of furious haggling, Tonton Zola Moukoko signed a five year deal with the Daggers just in time to play against Oxford. The final price was steep - 525k up front, a further 275k in future payments - and i was criticised in the press and boardroom alike for my rashness, but i felt the kid would do me proud .

And so it was to the Kassam Stadium and perennial mid tablers Oxford United. Hiroux, Moukoko & Domoraud all went into the starting line up as we looked to turn things round. And in truth we destroyed them. Marnix Kolder, revelling in actual service from the midfield, grabbed two and should have had five. Domoraud rattled home a penalty after being brought down, and Frazer Richardson topped things up nicely with a great 25 yarder. Yes, Oxford scored from their only two attacks. Yes, things were much easier after Craig Forrest was sent off for bringing Domoraud down. But for once we could look at the positives...the Daggers were coming back.

By way of an epilogue i brought in another player...Jerel Ifil, a promising centre back on loan from Watford. I also allowed occasional right back Mark Maley to join Norwich for 30k.

rmoore

Forgot to mention, incidentally. Junior McDougald travelled to the Confederations Cup with the USA squad and appeared in all three group games, twice as a sub, but starting against France :o Against whom he promptly scored a 25 yard belter .You don't see that every day from a Division 3 footballer. They lost 5-1, incidentally.


OCTOBER (Cont)

With a win finally under our belts, we entertained Chesterfield in the hope of creating a bit of momentum. It was a tougher game but our new, faster attack did the damage again. Just before half time Tonton Moukoko gave the fans a taster of things to come by waltzing through an awestruck defence and flicking home a goal of the season candidate. Despite conceding a sloppy equaliser shortly after the break, we pressed home our advantage, and were rewarded when Gilles Domoraud gave us the points with a venomous strike.

Next up we travelled to Wycombe, turning in a performance that had me alternately cheering and tearing my hair out. We went 2-0 then 3-1 down as a poor defensive performance was compounded by bizarre individual errors (the pick a 60 yard Garai pass back that hit the bar & was slotted home on the rebound by Stonebridge). However, an inspired Hugo Vianawith two and an equaliser from Domoraud (again) gave us a fortunate point.

After this drama we went to Stoke. It was 0-0. Moving swiftly on...

...to Cambridge, in fact, where we made it five unbeaten as we escaped with a close 2-1 win. Jerel Ifil headed his first for the club, while TZMscored a surprisingly mundane second. the home side came back strongly towards the end but could only pull back one goal as we moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

With a week before our last game of the month I felt obliged to do something...as it turned out i didn't need to. A successful work permit application led to ex Real Madrid and Columbia striker Edwin Congo being unveiled as the latest surprise member of the Daggers squad. Despite appearances this was a risk. Congo had been abject in his last two seasons at Madrid, failing to even get into the reserves. He also had a serious attitude problem which would almost certainly cause friction at the club. (Actually, i only signed him as part of a cunning plan. With several clubs interested in him even as we acquired him, i could almost certainly make i tidy profit if he failed to fit in.)

In a separate & completely unexpected turn of events, Crystal Palce came in with an offer of 275k for Alione Toure. Almost double his value, this was an outrageous offer for a player i perceived as a luxury, and i wasted no time in accepting. The extra cash & First Division football were clearly a temptation as he agreed terms almost immediately and left us within 24 hours of the offer being received. The fee was a welcome boost, and would keep us solvent for a while even accounting for Moukoko's hefty fee.

After all this we still had to play Bristol City at Victoria Road. Congo started and di pretty well, but iit was jaded performance overall as we slumped to a 2-1 defeat. We almost escaped with a late penalty, but Jerel Ifil, taking it for no reason i could ascertain, ballooned it over the bar


GAMES


Daggers 0 Brighton 2 (Corden 26, Cureton 37)

Hyldgaard 5; Richardson 7, Marshall 6, Parry 6, Volz 8; Garai 8; Maxwell 5, Henderson 6; Viana 6; Salenko 7, Cid 7. Sub Carslake 6


Oxford 2 (Davies 22, Wardley 88) Daggers 4 (Kolder 18, 71, Domoraud 66p, Richardson 82)

Hyldgaard 7; Richardson 7, Parry 7, Marshall 6, VOLZ 9; Hiroux 8; Moukoko 7, Henderson 7; Domoraud 8; Salenko 7, Kolder 9. Subs Bau 8, Elliott 7, Carslake 6.


Daggers 2 (Moukoko 41, Domoraud 61) Chesterfield 1 (McEwen 51)

Hyldgaard 8; Richardson 8, Ifil 8, Elliott 8, Volz 8; Garai 6; Hiroux 7, Viana 6; Moukoko 8; Kolder 7, Domoraud 8. Subs Naylor 7, Cid 7, Davenport 7.


Wycombe 3 (Stonebridge 19, 43, Harsley 21) Daggers 3 (Viana 34, 48, Domoraud 74)

Hyldgaard 7; Powell 7, Elliott 7, Davenport 8, Volz 7; Garai 4; Maxwell 6, Viana 8; Moukoko 8; Kolder 6, Domoraud 8. Subs Salenko 6, Naylor 7, Hiroux 7.


Daggers 0 Stoke 0

Hyldgaard 8; Richardson 7, Marshall 8, DAVENPORT 9, Volz 8; Ifil 7; Hiroux 7, viana 7; Cid 7; Naylor 6, Domoraud 6. Subs Salenko 7, Moukoko 7.


Cambridge 1 (Chambers 79) Daggers 2 (Ifil 28, Moukoko 78)

Hyldgaard 6; Powell 8, Elliott 8, IFIL 8, Volz 7; O Connor 6; Keeble 7, Viana 6; Moukoko 8; Naylor 8, Domoraud 8. Subs McDougald 6, Salenko 6, Hiroux 7.


Daggers 1 (Moukoko 6) Bristol City 2 (Brown 42, 44)

Hyldgaard 5; Richardson 6, Elliott 8, Ifil 7, Jensen 6; Amor 7; Hiroux 7, Viana 8; Moukoko 8; Congo 8, Kolder 6. Sub McLean 6

A good month overall then, although our shocking start leaves us just a point out of the relegation zone. The influx of new players has created even more healthy competition for places, and some of the new arrivals are of a very high quality. At this point a playoff spot is still a hope for us, but we need to tighten up our defence and maintain our good form of late.

rmoore

NOVEMBER

After last month's drama it was nice to be able to relax a little going into November...with only four games in the month (one a cup tie) it should give the lads time to recover & prepare for our heavy December schedule. I contiinued to prune the squad of underachievers, releasing young defenders Cliff Byrne & Jamie Little. Byrne went home to Wales as he joined Neath for 8k, while Little joined Dagenham juniors...or Telford, as it said on the gate, for 7k. Jamie had disappointed me slightly, he was still young but was showing little of the promise i'd originally spotted.

First up for the month were Norwich City, another once great side in freefall and our neighbours at the bottom of the table. We silenced Carrow Road fairly abruptly with four goals in twenty five minutes either side of half time; Moukoko, Congo, Viana & Kolder all on the score sheet before Jo Tessem's late consolation. A great performance, especially from Edwin Congo who played out of his skin.

We entertained Plymouth next, annd much to my delight turned them over by the same margin. This time it was the Moukoko show, the Ghanaian forward outstanding as he scored two and made another for Hugo Viana. Salenko popped up with a fourth to cap another impressive performance.

The FA Cup first round had thrown us a fairly straightforward tie with conference strugglers Hayes, but i still put out a fairly strong side in order to ensure there were no slip ups. As hoped for, we made short work of the lower division side, despite Matthew Carslake's sending off early in the first half, as we triumphed 3-0. Richard Naylor did te damage with two goals and an assist for Layton Maxwell.

We had ten days before the Walsall game, and during that time we said goodbye to two club legends. Winger Mark Janney, who'd struggled with the step up to league football, returned to the conference with new boys Guiseley for a fee of 10k. The big news, however, was the departure of Junior Mcdougald. The striker had requested a move at the end of last month after I admitted that his first team chances could be limited by the new arrivals. First Division Wimbledon had been thhe first to meet my 350k valuation, and the big striker became a Don on the eve of the Walsall game. Both players would be missed as survivors from the old days (the last two, in fact), but their best days were behind them, and i said goodbye without regrets.

Mark Janney, 26, MR. Daggers Career P109(17), G11, A13, MOM1, AR6.83

Junior McDougald, 31, SC, American (3 caps/1 goal). Daggers Career P137(9), G59, A15, MOM 8, AR 7.42.

Subdued after the departure of two long serving pros, the lads picked themselves up well as we entertained Walsall in our last game of the month. For the third league game in a row we scored four, propelled forward by the dynamic midfield pairing of Hugo Vianaand Tonton Moukoko. Viana grabbed two but Moukoko got the Man of the Match award for a beauty and an assist to Oleg Salenko. Walsall grabbed a couple back but we still won comfortably enough.


GAMES

Norwich 1 (Tessem 87) Daggers 4 (Moukoko 27, Congo 30, Viana 38, Kolder 52)

Rachubka 7; Richardson 8, Elliott 8, Davenport 9, Volz 8; Amor 7; Hiroux 7, Viana 8; Moukoko 8; Kolder 8, CONGO 10. Subs Ifil 7, Salenko 6, O Connor 6.


Daggers 4 (Viana 11, Moukoko 44, 61, Salenko 87) Plymouth 1 (McGlinchey 90)

Rachubka 7; Richhardson 8, Elliott 7, Davenport 8, Jensen 7; Amor 8; Hiroux 8, Viana 8; MOUKOKO 10; Kolder 7, Congo 7. Subs Ifil 7, McLean 7, Salenko 7.


Daggers 3 (Naylor 5, 77, Maxwell 33) Hayes 0 (FA Cup 1st Rd)

Hyldgaard 8; Powell 7, Carslake 8, Farley 8, Jensen 8; O Connor 8; Maxwell 8, Henderson 7; Cid 7; McLean 7, NAYLOR 10. Subs Parry 7, Salenko 7, Garai 7.


Daggers 4 (Moukoko 2, Viana 19, 47, Salenko 76) Walsall 2 (Horlock 25, Herivelto 63)

Rachubka 7; Ricardson 7, Elliott 8, Davenport 9, Jensen 7; Amor 8; Hiroux 7, Viana 8; MOUKOKO 10; Naylor 8, Domoraud 7. Subs Salenko 8, Congo 7, Farley 6.


After such a good month we were back in mid table obscurity, and our three heavy league wins earned me my first Manager of the month award in League football . TZM was also celebrating, receiving the Player of the Month award.

rmoore

DECEMBER

December looked like being a frenetic time for the Reds as we prepared to play no less than seven games around the Christmas period. We started with a tricky visit to Swindon's Britannia Stadium, from where we were unlucky not to get a point, as we dominated for much of the game but conceded a sloppy goal straight after half time. Three days later we were entertaining...um, Swindon, in the first round of the Vans Trophy. My attitude to the League Cup will give you a broad hint as to how highly i hold the Trophy in my esteem; a poor reserve side did unexpectedly well in keeping a full strength visiting side to victory by a solitary goal.

four days later and it was time for a competition that mattered...away at Third Dvision Lincoln in the FA Cup. Again we dominated, but a couple of breakaway goals from the home team meant we were reliant on a late Scott Marshall header to force a replay. Another game this month? just what we needed

After being frustrated midweek we turned our attention to Portsmouth in the League. Another big side in a downward slump, Pompey had little answer to our flowing attacking football as we silenced the Fratton Park faithful with goals from Domoraud & Moukoko. Barnsley away was next, the games coming thick and fast as we neared Christmas, and we looked jaded in an uneventful 0-0 draw.

The cup replay was next, as we looked to dispose of Lincoln and set up a plum tie with Premiership Champions Leeds at Elland Road. Goals from Moukoko & Kolder ensured we did the job little fuss, and we could start preparing for the biggest game in the club's history .

Before that, of course, we had two more Christmas fixtures to negotiate. First up were Bradford, even more deeply in the poo than they had been n our first meeting. We gleefully rubbed their noses in it (metaphorically of course) by spanking them 5-0. Five different scorers found the net; James O Connor, TZM, Viana, Volz & Kolder.For O Connor & Volz, it was their first for the club, and the former in particular turned in a great performance.

So could we maintain this form into our last game of 2004, against high flying Port Vale? Could be ********. Jamie McMaster tormented us again as Vale escaped with a barely deserved 3-2 win. Moukoko & Naylor scored our goals but again we'd come up short against quality opposition. I feared for us against Leeds in ten days.


GAMES

Swindon 1(Brady 46) Daggers 0

Rachubka 8; Richardson 6, Elliott 7, Marshall 8, Jensen 6; Amor 7; Hiroux 5, viana 6; Moukoko 7; Naylor 6, Congo 6. Subs Ifil 6, Salenko 6, Kolder 7.


Daggers 0 Swindon 1 (Ferrera Rodrigues 67)Worthless Trophy 1st round

Byrne 8; Stam 7, Ifil 7, Parry 8, Volz 8; O Connor 8; Antolini 7, Lennon 7; Cid 6; McLean 6, Mawete Junior 6. Subs Bau 6, Bonvin 7.


Lincoln 2 (Cameron 8, Thorpe 57) Daggers 2 (Kolder 6, Marshall 72)FA Cup 2nd Rd

Rachubka 6; Richardson 7, Ifil 9, Marshall 7, Volz 7; Amor 7; Hiroux 6, VIANA 9; Moukoko 7; Kolder 9, Domoraud 7. Subs Congo 7, Salenko 7.


Portsmouth 0 Daggers 2(Domoraud 35, Moukoko 65)

Hyldgaard 7; Powell 7, Ifil 9, Elliott 7, Volz 8; Garai 6; Maxwell 7, Viana 7; Cid 6; Kolder 8, DOMORAUD 9. Subs Moukoko 8, Congo 6, Salenko 6.


Barnsley 0 Daggers 0

HYLDGAARD 9; Richardson 7, Ifil 8, Elliott 7, Volz 7; Amor 7; Maxwell 6, Domoraud 7; Moukoko 7; Congo 6, Kolder 6. Subs Cid 6, Viana 6, Salenko 6.


Daggers 2 (Moukoko 23, Kolder 44)FA Cup 2nd Rd Replay

Hyldgaard 8; Richardson 7, Ifil 8, Elliott 8, Volz 8; O Connor 7; Hiroux 7, Viana 7; Moukoko 8; Kolder 8, DOMORAUD 10. Subs Salenko 6, Cid 6, Farley 7.


Daggers 5 (O Connor 7, Moukoko 20, Viana 29, Volz 57, Kolder 63) Bradford 0

Hyldgaard 7; Richardson 7, Ifil 9, Elliott 8, Volz 8; O CONNOR 10; Hiroux 7, Viana 9; Moukoko 9; Kolder 9, Domoraud 8. Subs Congo 7, Salenko 7, Cid 7.


Port Vale 3 (Brooker 13, Farr 47, Simpson 74) Daggers 2 (moukoko 2, Naylor 90)

Hyldgaard 8; Powell 7, Ifil 7, Davenport 6, Jensen 7; O Connor 6; Hiroux 6, Domoraud 7; Moukoko 7; Salenko 7, Kolder 7. Subs Naylor 8, Viana 7, Bau 7.


Not a bad month overall...we're up to 12th place, which is respectable, and the playoffs are in striking distance (ish). But the big news coming up will be that FA Cup tie at Elland Raod, against arguably the best side in Europe at the moment. Keane, Agahowa, Bridges, Palermo, Kewell, Joe Cole...all world class players. Anything other than a thrashing would delight me...