retired_brittni10

Saturday 1st September 2001

A new month brings about our next game, but first lets get the awards or should I say Monthly award out of the way - Vinny Jones scooped the Manager of the Month gong for August having led Rhyl to the top of the Welsh Premier with two wins - fair enough but I'd have thought Bangor City's Peter Davenport would have got it, after all his side have won all three of their opening fixtures (in both league and cup) while Vinny's side have lost one of their four. Anyway back to the match.

Andrew Martin was away on and with Clive Mendonca now a long term injury casualty I decided to give Matt Coupe his debut up front alongside David Stevens. Coupe did well and caused the side we were visiting Afan Lido, some problems but I felt we were just missing something at half time so I bought myself on in his place. It seemed to do the trick as within four minutes of the restart Val Owen was firing us into the lead, having got on the end of Danny Stevens' cross. A minute later it was 2-0, this time I got in on the act again - not scoring but creating as I laid the ball into the path of Stevens on the edge of the box, the former Cardiff striker still had a lot to do but took the bouncing ball with aplomb to volley home. That's how it stayed, although I did manage to pick up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Philippe Vercruysse, I say rash but when someone nutmegs you twice in quick succession then goes for it again he's always going to go down.


Monday 3rd September 2001

I received a phone call today from Mr Sutton, it wasn't particularly long he just felt the need to say what a good job I was doing so far and that he hoped we'd continue to perform as well. Apparently I'll next see him at Christmas, his current whereabouts? Somewhere in the South Italy, nice to know someone has the money to enjoy themselves eh?!


Wednesday 5th September 2001

Cwmbran Town today, again an away match (our second in a row), this time in the League Cup though. Coupe out, Martin in is the end only change but neither get much chance from a stubborn Cwmbran defence in a first half totally dominated by our opponents - thankfully Andrew Marriott is on excellent form and keeps them at bay. Half time sees the introduction of yours truly into midfield but I can do little change the course of the game as just before the hour Jodie Jenkins buries a fine long range effort to give Cwmbran a somewhat deserved lead.

It only serves to wake up though and within minutes we've equalised, Neil Pointon hits the ball up field more in hope than anything else it falls nicely in front of me just past the half way line I take a look up and seeing the 'keeper off his line decide to chance it. This never comes off in matches usually but today, just today it did - the ball swerves slightly in mid air but it doesn't change the outcome Pat O'Hagan is in no-mans land and can do little as the ball dips violently past his outstretched arm to satisfyingly find the back of the net. Not a bad way to open my account for the season. It finishes 1-1.

Shermanez

Vinny's side might have lost one of their games, but I've heard he can be pretty persuasive when he wants something.

This is great Wag

retired_brittni10

Glad you like it Gino


Thursday 6th September 2001

It's the morning after my forty-five minute run out and I have to say I'm suffering no ill effects and feeling on top of the world, I do have one thing to say though and that is that I've come to a decision. Being thirty-six I wasn't ever really going to have all that long left in the game anyway and seeing as I'm now manager we've got a fairly big squad, well this will be my last as a player. At the end of the season I'm going to retire, the playing staff took it well and understood my decision - Kurt Nogan, now fully recovered from injury I think smiled a little in relief than anything else - after all surely he'd get more chances to play now?

The first of these came in tonight's reserve fixture at Banger City - the match was played at some speed but we won 2-0, Ramon Calliste hitting his fourth goal of the season at this level while youth team striker Mark Robinson got the over. Kurt had a good run out and more than played himself into contention for a place in the squad for Saturdays game.


Saturday 8th September 2001

'Despite being an Under 21 International you're not going to play every game' - that was what I told Andrew Martin before I announced the team for today - Kurt Nogan taking his place upfront, he was a little disappointed but he knows it's a season is a long time in football and he'll get another chance soon.

We started the match badly Bangor City's excellent young midfielder Owain Tudor Jones twice dancing through our defence to tee up goals for Paul Roberts and Tarek Mostafa within the first five minutes and from then on it was always going to be a case of chasing the game. Today it was Danny's turn to be replaced by me at half time but it was to no avail as we were reduced to ten men shortly after half time when Simon Morgan professional fouled Chris Watkins and it was Watkins who rounded off the scoring just before half time driving home from a Burgess cross. It was a disappointing performance but at least we lost to the team who currently sit top of the table. Peter Davenport really seems to have got his side going, I just wish we could find that level of consistency (they've won all six of their opening fixtures).


Monday 10th September 2001

I was too upset to write yesterday and I think I upset the lads too, well we played ***** and I think I was well within my rights to call them in for extra training, although perhaps the 8 am Sunday morning start was a bit much. Training's just finished for tonight as well, the thing with being part-time is that so often you have players who live no where near the club - this is the case with a couple of the ones on our books at the moment so it's basically a case of them training with whichever club is closest to them - Clive Mendonca had he not been ruled out for several months would today have been enjoying the delights of Charlton Athletic's training facilities while all the local based lads had to make do with the terrible playing surface here at Broughton, still I guess that's life.

We also learnt that Simon Morgan would be banned for a total of three matches following his sending off, it's a shame as he's been something of a rock so far this season but now perhaps I can take a look at French central defender Ludovic Troussier, after all he has moved to Wales to make a success of this, at least he shows commitment, I just wish he had as much ability.


Wednesday 12th September 2001
For once in recent weeks we don't have a game today so instead I decided to call the lads in for one anyway, a side picked by me takes on Scott Williams selection in a feast of football at the Broughton, the match only lasts for an hour but it's my side who come out on top left back David Blair curling home a late winner as the game finished 3-2. To the victor the spoils, for the losers - an hour of fartlek training, unlucky boys!

retired_brittni10

Saturday 15th September 2001

We played Port Talbot Town today at their Victoria Road ground, now most people seem to have this image of Port Talbot as a smog filled dump and well from first sight they'd be right, I would try and look again but I fear my eyes might be burnt out by the acid rain coming from beyond yonder factory. Ok a slight exaggeration, but it did absolutely **** down today and neither side really looked like they fancied a game much.

But one was played and after taking the lead in the fourteenth minute - David Hughes heading home a Neill Rimmer corner - we should have really buried Port Talbot especially when we were awarded a penalty with little over twenty-minutes on the clock. Andrew Martin, restored to the starting eleven in place of David Stevens won it, but passed up the opportunity to Kurt Nogan. Unfortunately for Kurt Gary Wager guessed the right way and palmed his spot-kick away, it's not been a very successful start to Kurt's airbus career - in and out of the side, missing chances and getting injured, never mind I think his luck will change shortly. We were to rue the miss though as with half time looming Steve Carpenter rose like the proverbial salmon to nod home an Allan Clarke cross so the teams went in all square at half time. Nogan was replaced by Stevens at half time and it was Danny who proved to be the match winner scoring an absolute screamer with just over twenty minutes left on the clock. Things were made slightly easier when Port Talbot had Robert Cockings sent off for headbutting Neil Pointon with ten minutes to go, but after Danny's goal the result never looked in doubt. The league table looked quite nice to, fourth place, not too shabby.


Monday 17th September 2001

Kurt Nogan came into my office today, he wanted to apologise for missing the penalty and his poor performances of late, it would seem this man is very low on confidence. I feel sorry for him it happens in all walks of life but a striker who can't score goals is no use to anyone and he knows it. He's asked me to give him a little breathing space and if he can play in the reserves for a month to see if he can find his spark again. I agree with him and let him know I won't hesitate to include him in the first team squad when he's ready again as I still him as a vital cog in the team. The last thing makes him smile a little and I think he feels better now

One player who's not very happy is Spanish defender José Javier Gómez Somavilla (you can see why we just call him Somavilla now, can't you?) He thinks he's made the wrong decision joining the club and wants to move back to Spain. I agree with him, he doesn't look half the player he did in pre season and as he doesn't wish to uproot his family and bring them to Chester we agree to part terms, so he's gone without making a single first team appearance. I wish him luck.


Wednesday 19th September 2001

With the squad a player lighter we travelled to Porthmadog for our third League Cup group game and came away with a hard fought 2-1 win - Andrew Martin scoring two headers to seal our place in the Quarter Finals. The game makes next weeks home match against Cwmbran practically meaningless, but nonetheless I'll still be looking for a win.

We're joined in the next round by Port Talbot Town, Haverfordwest and Total Network Solutions.


Saturday 22nd September 2001

Yesterday the reserves featuring Kurt Nogan (who scored, surprise, surprise!) up front played out a 1-1 draw with Caersws, today we face their first team however and it's a wholly different affair. We come out with all guns blazing and take the lead after just fourteen minutes - Jan-Harm Schippers slotting home a penalty off the post. Caersws hit back through the free-scoring Graham Evans before it was back to business for us as we hit three goals in the remaining seventy minutes of the match - Andrew Martin hitting his fourth & fifth goals of the season with well placed drives while Danny Stevens got his fourth with a stunning volley. Not bad going at all and we're now up to second place!

retired_brittni10

Monday 23rd September 2001

It seems Andrew Martin isn't just attracting the attention of the Welsh Under 21 selectors (today he is again selected for next months game at home to Latvia) and the plaudits of myself and the other staff, today we receive a tentative reply from Wrexham, they're quickly told he's not for sale. The fact Andrew doesn't wish to move does make a big difference, when we tell him about the rejected bid he just shrugs it off, he's only here to score goals. It's a nice attitude for me to reflect on.

One player who won't be joining the club is former Welsh International and Queens Park Rangers player Michael Meaker, we'd looked at signing the winger and even offered him a contract but he chose Welshpool instead, it's a shame as although he's lost his way recently he's clearly talented.


Wednesday 26th September 2001

Today Cwmbran visit the 'Morfa' for the final group game of the League cup, I give Simon Morgan a start as he has finished his suspension, he partners Darren Bradshaw, who has been impressive of late while David Hughes is rested. The game is pretty much academic and it shows with our performance we're two goals down before the twentieth minute and that's how it stays until just after the hour, Neill Rimmer pulls one back with a solo effort but Cwmbran score again before full time and it finishes 3-1.

After the match I listened to the radio where I found we'd been drawn away against Port Talbot Town in the Quarter Final. A tough tie but not one we can't win.


Saturday 29th September 2001

And so to the Oval we travelled and it was Caernarfon Town we faced, David Hughes returned to the side in place of Darren Bradshaw, while Mark Atkins came into midfield in place of player/coach Scott Williams. Two changes yes, but I felt they were needed. The match itself was something of a formality for us Danny Stevens or 'Former Cardiff City striker Danny Stevens' as he's seemingly known in the local press hit a quick fire second half hat trick as we came away with an excellent 4-1 win, Andrew Martin rounding off the scoring in the last minute. Not bad going, I didn't even feel the need to bring myself off the bench today.

retired_brittni10

Monday 1st October 2001

The first day of the Month as always brings out the award, Peter Davenport is the recipient this month, is Bangor side lost just once in September conceding just three goals in nine games - not bad going at all. They're also still top of the table, although we're only three points behind them in second place.

I get my monthly call from Mr. Sutton, it's the usual fair, how are you? How is the team doing? Etc etc but he's not finished their - the club is now some £521,262 in debt, lovely. I've been told to improve the financial situation! Short of robbing a bank or investing all the clubs funds in lottery tickets I think I'm in for a long haul.


Wednesday 3rd October 2001

NEWI Cefn Druids come to the 'Morfa' today for what I guess could be considered somewhat of a 'Derby' game. They were in ninth place before today's fixture while we sat closer to the top in second and that's exactly how things stayed but we got all three points as Val Owen struck the only goal of the game, for tonight at least we're joint top.


Saturday 6th October 2001

It's my birthday today and for once we don't have a game for me to celebrate after, not to worry the lads have apparently got something planned so if I don't write for a while I'm either still hung over or chained to a lamp post somewhere. Wednesday sees us travel to Port Talbot for the League Cup Quarter Final - I know it's going to be a difficult game but just hope we can get something out of it, it'd be nice to bring home a trophy this season.

One player who did have a game this weekend was striker Andrew Martin. He again captained the Welsh Under 21 as they stormed to an impressive 4-0 win over their Latvia counterparts - Martin scoring his sides second goal. He was jubilant as ever as you would expect.


Tuesday 9th October 2001

I have an irate Leon Bell in my office today, Leon's not happy having failed to play a single game this season - ok, yes I can understand his frustration but when you play a system that only provides spaces for two central midfielders what does he expect. I know that everyone wants to play but it's all about I feel picking the right team on the day. I tell him to give it a month and then come back to me, if he's still not happy we'll work it out.


Wednesday 10th October 2001

The second trip to Port Talbot of the season sees us looking for another win and hopefully a place in the Semi Finals of the League Cup. The first half is a blur of chances as both side aim to get going but it's Port Talbot who go in at half time with the lead seventeen-year-old Craig Hanford sweeping the ball home from close range midway through the first half.

I decide their is only one course of action - I bring myself on at half time - not to be boastful but I make an immediate impact as my strength causes the Port Talbot defence problems then on the hour mark we drew level. Mark Atkins found Andrew Martin on the edge of the box with a chipped cross, his volley forced Gary Wager into a fine block but he couldn't hold the ball and following up was myself to slot the ball home from just outside the six yard box. I knew I still had goals in me. The rest of the half is played at frenetic pace but after Danny Stevens hits the bar with a long range effort the game looks to be heading to extra time, then bang on full time we're awarded a freekick when Gary Twynham flattens Val Owen on the edge of the box. I step up and dispatch the ball perfectly around the wall and into the back of the net. We win 2-1.

retired_brittni10

Thursday 11th October 2001

I was delighted with our second half performance last night and selfishly my own, it was nice to score some goals for once but I don't think I'll be making a habit of playing too many games from now on. I'm sore today and there is a stiffness in my knee that I just can't seem to shift but I should be Ok for our next fixture, which isn't until ten days time.


Wednesday 17th October 2001

It's been a long time since I wrote and that's basically because not very much has happened. On the training ground we've had very little incident everyone has settled down and even the unhappy figure of Leon Bell seems to be smiling for once.

Off the field no changes are on the foot, no new signings and no one is going to be leaving within the next few weeks.

I'm going to have to change what I wrote earlier, that'll teach me to say training past by without incident, the final ball of our afternoon session sees me leaping to block a shot from Kurt Nogan, I block it but not with the part of the body I'd aimed for the ball smashing into my nose, breaking it in the process. Lovely.


Saturday 20th October 2001

After our ten day break it's back to league action today as we go to Llanelli. The sixth placed side have recently captured Maltese forward Mark Psaila but he fails to ignite a spark in their side as we cruise to the top of the table with an excellent 4-1 win. Danny Stevens is the star scoring two excellent goals in the first half before Mark Atkins and Andrew Martin get in on the act in the second half. Yes I did just saw top of the table - by a whole two points from Bangor. Who'd have thought that at the start of the season?

After the match I was informed that we'd drawn Clwyd based side Buckley Town in the Welsh Cup Third round, we'll be travelling to Globe Way midway through November.


Wednesday 24th October 2001

No real news to report, Nose has healed sufficiently to resume training though. Hooray!

Also we'll play Connah's Quay Nomands in the Semi Final of the League Cup, the first leg will take place next week at their Deeside Stadium. In the other game Aberystwyth Town face Bangor City.


Saturday 27th October 2001

Last night Kurt Nogan hit a double for the reserves against Cwmbran so he's recalled to the squad today and takes his place on the bench. The game itself is fairly eventful, we stay top thanks to a hard fought point but overall it's a disappointing performance. Danny Stevens glanced us into an early lead but Mattie Davies scored twice to give Cwmbran the lead. The introduction of Nogan did seem to give us a bit more impetus though and it was no surprise when Andrew Martin equalised with a fine right footed finish in front of our first +1000 crowd of the season.


Wednesday 31st October

So our League Cup adventure continues, to Connah's Quay we travelled and came away with a disappointing 2-1 defeat, this despite having the lions share of possession and taking the lead. Danny Stevens driving home after a being set up by Jeremy Goss. Sadly the second half was all Connah's Quay as Scottish striker Steve McCormick hit a double. It's left me with a sour taste in my mouth but I'm hopeful we can win the second leg and get through to the final.

retired_brittni10

Thursday 1st November 2001

Another month - more awards, again none for me, but I didn't expect any. They instead go to Tony Wilcox of Cwmbran Town. Why I'm not really sure, his side one only two games all month and conceded heavily, strange but never mind.

It's going to be an important period for the club with three home games within the next nine days, tiring but hopefully all winnable.

Late in the evening I get a phone call from Mr. Sutton - it's a monthly event and deserves special attention. For once though it's not just the usual random chit-chat and backslapping he's injected £475,000 into the club, which virtually clears all of the clubs current debt bar just under £80,000. I thank him resolutely, it's a much needed boost.

It's also followed by the news that once again Andrew Martin is in the Welsh Under 21 squad, this time he'll be travelling to Lithuania, nice.


Saturday 3rd November 2001

Welshpool came to the 'Morfa' today and were promptly dispatched with a 3-1 defeat, we go back to the top of the table due to Rhyl managing to pick up only a point against Cefn Druids. Neill Rimmer was the star of the show, curling home a delightful first half free kick then sealing the win with a late solo effort, in between Mark Atkins hit his second goal for the club. The only thing to dampen our spirits was an injury to midfielder Val Owen, it's not serious thankfully though - just a thigh strain, we both breathed a collective sigh of belief.

Val has been instrumental in much of our good form recently, I just hope this little knock won't disrupt his and our form too much. Especially as he'll now miss the vital game on Wednesday in the League Cup.


Monday 5th November 2001

Two days until our biggest game of the season so far and we have no new injuries worries - thankfully, just Valentine. Clive Mendonca is at the club today, he's started doing some light weight training and wanted to check that we were ok with his routines etc. He should be back in about three months according to the phyio's prognosis. Shame to say but we've hardly missed him with the form of Stevens and Martin upfront, at the back of his mind I think Clive knows this.


Wednesday 7th November 2001

So judgement day is upon us. The match itself is a good one, they score first through Tommy Mutton but an Andrew Martin penalty puts us back in the game, from then on it's siege mentality time as we strive to get the other goal - we get it with just three minutes of normal time Danny Stevens drilling a loose ball home inside the area. Two periods of extra time follow as both sides block each other out so it's settled on penalties. Both sides miss their first one, both sides score their second, this is sadly where the symmetry ends though as Connah's Quay convert their next two and we fail to score either. The guilty parties - Andrew Martin, Myself (Never a good time to miss the first penalty of your career) and Mark Atkins. So 3-3 on the night but a 3-1 loss on penalties - Connah's Quay will face Bangor City in the next round, they beat Aberystwyth 2-1 on aggregate.


Saturday 10th November 2001

The final home game of our quick fire threesome sees Porthmadog come to the 'Morfa,' or as I like to call it 'field of dreams,' or something of a nightmare considering the diversions we have to take to get here today, bloody traffic. That's the only problem with not playing our home games at 'home' the travelling is a real problem, everything feels like an away game. But at least now a few months into the season we're into a routine - meet at the ground, travel down on the coach, arrive at ground, play, go home, rest - sorted.

Today is wet, cold and miserable for the few hardy souls who decide to venture our for this Welsh Premiership clash of the newbies. The conditions don't make for good football and with players slipping and sliding all over the place it looks like it's going to be nil-nil at half time, wrong just on the stroke of half-time up pops Andrew Martin who buries a header past the 'keeper from a Mark Atkins cross - not a bad time to get his tenth goal of the season, not bad at all.

The second half starts with us extending the lead, not once but twice - first Neill Rimmer is crudely fouled in the box and Jan-Harm Schippers slots away the resulting penalty with just five minutes of the half gone. Then just before the hour Jeremy Goss plays a perfect pass into the path of Danny Stevens who meets it full on the volley for a superb goal. We win 3-0, the perfect tonic to a cup hangover.

retired_brittni10

Tuesday 13th November 2001

There was a nice little article in the press today they're running out of superlatives to throw at Airbus UK as we continue to streamroller our way throught the Welsh Premier Division, I just hope it can continue.

Val Owen returned to training today, his presence on the training ground is as valued as any. One who is now missing though is Neill Rimmer, the right sided midfielder suffering a groin strain during a practice match - a player of his quality out for three weeks on the sidelines is not something I really want right now but nonetheless. Leon Bell, your time has come!

Andrew Martin again captained the Welsh Under 21 side - this time they ran out 1-0 winners in Lithuania, Andrew was the star of the show picking up the man of the match award for a fine performance. Wigan's Mike Flynn hit the only goal.


Saturday 17th November 2001

Today gives us a break from League action as we face Buckley Town in the Third Round of the Welsh Cup. The Clwyd side play at Globe Way and in the cool conditions we start well Jan-Harm Schippers smacking home a penalty inside eight minutes, from their on Neil Pointon smashed home his first for the club and celebrated by diving into the corner flag while Andrew Martin made it three-nil with a low drive. Buckley pulled one back before half time but after the break Martin hit another and Leon Bell marked his debut with a fine strike from long range before Danny Stevens made it 6-1. Ivory Coast International René Bruce-Pinard pulled one back but the game was sealed by a quite stunning Jeremy Goss volley from all of thirty-yards. So 7-2, not bad, it'll do.


Monday 19th November 2001

We're drawn against Afan Lido in the next round of the Welsh Cup, we'll travel to the Runtech Stadium for the game which will be played in February. Hopefully we'll win through.

Morale in the squad is good at the moment and Leon Bell seems to be enjoying life again - although he's got a place in the team rather more through good fortune to himself and misfortune for Neill Rimmer - he's not looking to let it go. The twenty-one year is full of vigour and bounce during training, but slightly mistimes several tackles and I have to give him a ticking off, training is just training after all.


Saturday 24th November 2001

Llansantffraid, the home of Recreation Park, where the mighty Total Network Solutions play. This season hasn't been one of their best, they're tenth before today's game and their European adventure is over - French side Auxerre were just a step too far for them in the second round of the Uefa Cup.

We start the game well and Mark Atkins gives us the lead just after ten minutes, shortly after half time T.N.S hit back through Hogan before we again take the lead Bell swinging in the corner and David Hughes bulleting a header home. Minutes later T.N.S were level and then with the game looking like it was heading for a draw we completely capitulated - Nicky Ward, yes the Nicky Ward who'd so impressed me earlier in the season - headed home a Stuart Roberts cross and that was that. Disappointing to say the least but we manage to maintain our position at the top of the league.


Wednesday 28th November 2001

After the defeat at T.N.S I got the lads in for extra training so it's been a difficult week for them and they're mostly looking knackered, they better not be too bad though as they've got a game on Saturday and I want a win. I've been a manager for a while now and I'm finally starting to feel like one - it's a hell of a lot more stressful than playing ever could be, even at this level.

retired_brittni10

Saturday 1st December 2001

While T.N.S boss Ken McKenna was receiving the Manager of the Month award for November we were travelling to Bridge Meadow today for a game against Haverfordwest County, at twenty-six player/manager Deryn Brace has a big job on his hands to succeed but seems to be doing a decent job up until now. His side come out looking for a result and quickly go two goals up - Chris Piper and Craig Thomas the scorers nothing we do seems to go right as first Martin and then Stevens hits the bar in the first half. It's sadly a case of more of the same in the second half as Frank Mottram heads home on the hour, from then on their was only going to be one winner and Thomas even added his second of the game in the last minute - a 4-0 defeat to a fifteenth place side is demoralising enough but when it sees your nearest rivals leap frog you into first place it smarts just a little bit more.


Monday 3rd December 2001

I was too angry and upset to write yesterday so here goes today. I've added a defender to the squad, albeit only on trial - the experienced head of Dave Barnett - formerly of a dozen or so clubs but now a free agent, at thirty-four he's looking for one last club to have a few seasons with and I say we'll take a look at him in training for two weeks. So far he looks good but with Morgan, Bradshaw, Hughes and Troussier all vying for two central spots in defence he might have come to the wrong club.

One things for sure, with the recent run of two defeats I was hoping the lads could hit back at home on Saturday.


Wednesday 5th December 2001

Today offers good news for one of our number but bad news for another. First the good news, we've decided to offer Dave Barnett a contract, if he accepts he'll take up a role in the first team this year then take up some coaching responsibilities at the end of the season, it's all about delegation and a man of Dave's experience and vitality will be a bonus on and off the training field.

Now the bad news - Clive Mendonca returned to training today, great you'd think, but not quite he's still very much struggling with his injury and according to Phil Martin (the Physio) it's touch and go as to how much of a recovery he's made. We might not be seeing the same Clive Mendonca that scored regularly for Charlton and Grimsby - it's a shame, not only for the club but also for Clive. A nicer player you will not meet. He's not distraught by the news - he'd suspected it all along, but knows that with a bit of luck he could get back to reasonably level and touch wood should play again before the season is out.


Saturday 8th December 2001

Carmarthen Town visit the 'Morfa' today and are showed the same charity that T.N.S and Haverfordwest were given in the last two league games, yes we gifted them a goal, fortunately we'd already scored but Mark Atkins first half strike did nothing but illuminate a bland performance in the wind and rain for a brief moment. The point today was perhaps all we deserved (it finished 1-1), but I can't help thinking that during this recent run of poor form, we're just missing one thing - fortunately he's recovered from his injury so Neill Rimmer should be back to take his place at in the next match - we've missed him a lot.


Monday 10th December 2001

Dave Barnett agreed and signed his contract with the club today as we also welcomed Neill Rimmer back to training - as I said before he's been missed - his incisive runs and delicate passing skills allow me to give him somewhat of a free role in the side, although at thirty-four, he's perhaps not got many more seasons of doing this.

It was strange to have another face in the coaching office but Dave Settled in very quickly and had soon cultivated a corner just to himself - a Cayman Islands flag now adorns the far wall of the office, which he's taken as his.

Scott Williams countered this with a Welsh Flag while I preferred to stay out of it - sticking instead (bad choice of words I know, but) to the calendar featuring the nude models so gratefully donated to us by scout Lee Evans - seemingly the clubs main pornographer. I'm still to find out why they call him 'Big Lee,' although I'm not really sure I want to.