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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SoS:
Is there a _Wok in G_ary's house?
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You'll have to do better than that
Thursday - and more injuries. Though a 4-week layoff for fullback Calum Angus - a Groin Strain - would be a blow for the player, Fairway would be more worried about Ian Pulman - the talented youngster out for a week with a similar, but far less serious, injury.
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News of the World - Football - Sunday 9/9/07
'Easy for England against Minnows'
" England ran out easy 4-1 winners yesterday against the Faeroe Islands at Wembley, in a result which sees John Carver's side cement their position at the top of Group 2.
David Beckham opened the scoring, before a brace from Alan Smith gave the home side a comfortable lead at the interval. In the second half, the Faeroe's pulled a goal back on 56 before Perugia striker Jay Bothroyd came off the bench to score on his England debut and seal the win.
In other results, Northern Ireland thumped Andorra 4-1 in Belfast, Scotland confirmed their qualification for Euro 2008 with a superb 2-1 win over Spain, Wales went down 3-0 to France, while Ireland needed a late Colin Healy goal to hold the Czech Republic in Prague"
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Wednesday - and with an enforced absence due to International Fixtures, Fairway would travel back to Southport to watch Woking's reserves in action. Though the Second String lost 4-2, he was pleasantly suprised with the performance of transfer-listed striker Thomas Ward . Meanwhile, Ward would be joined on the transfer list - Steven Gilbert , a player who joined Woking from Fairway's beloved Brighton, put on the market for £3000.
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The Sun - Football - Thursday 13/9/07
'England Joy as Win seals Euro Progression'
" John Carver has led England to Euro 2008, to be held next summer in Austria & Switzerland with a 3-0 win over Serbia & Montenegro in Belgrade. The defending Champions will be participating after a confident performance.
Returning from a ban, Valencia's Wayne Rooney scored his 15th goal for England on 7 to open the scoring, before Darius Vassell scored on 13 to make it two. By the time Kevin Nolan had scored his first international goal on 20, the game was practically over - though the home side didn't help themselves, seeing Djorovic sent off late in the Second Half.
Carver suprised many by failing to include either of his potential two new caps - Darren Purse and Kelvin Davis - in the squad, but has said that both will have chances to impress before the Tournement begins.
For the other home nations, news was mixed - Already through Scotland cruised to a 3-1 win over Belarus, Already Out Wales ran out 3-1 winners at home to Lichtenstein, while Northern Ireland blew their already remote chances with a 4-1 home defeat to Romania. Ireland were not involved, but saw their chances of qualification stay alive after Albania suprisingly held the Czech Republic. Ireland need to win their final game against the Albanians, while hoping Czech Republic slip up at home to Croatia.
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Friday morning - and the last day at Woking for Steven Gilbert - moving away from his native South with a £3000 switch to Burton Albion . As one midfielder exited Kingfield, thoughts were already turning to a future replacement. Scout Steven Hall had been very busy, all over the British Isles to look at players - but after one or two reports filed under 'maybe' by Fairway, the 'spot' of a 15-Year old Scottish midfielder made him sit up and take notice. Young Kevin Walker came through Youth ranks at SPL side Kilmarnock, but is evidentally not rated by manager Jim Jeffries. Available on a free, Woking's bid of nothing initially, but a sell on fee in the future, was quickly accepted - although when Fairway offered Walker personal terms, it emerged that the player would have to complete his schooling first in Scotland, before moving to Woking in the summer.
Woking v Kidderminster Harriers - League
Unavailable
With no returns from injury in time for the game, and Kidderminster in good form, Fairway left his side unchanged for the game against the former League side. On a wet pitch the game opened in very scrappy fashion - with three bookings inside the opening 10 minutes not raising expectations of a great game. On 13 though Woking took the lead with the the first real chance - Baugley's corner glanced home by Lee Frecklington . Just three minutes later Kiddy levelled - Bo Henriksen reacting quickest to knock home Mark Debolla's near-post cross. Though the Woking defence could have been blamed for the equaliser, Fairway's side were soon back on top - on possesion, if not in scoreline terms. A succssesion of chances came and went, before just after the break, Woking took the lead again. On 49 Amos Foyewa got to the rebound first after yet another Frecklington drive had been beaten away by Greek 'keeper Kostantopoulos. Two minutes later Woking really came out of their shells - a Foyewa shot only blocked, Lee Collymore pouncing on the loose ball. With Kiddy shellshocked, the Cards faithful had only six minutes to wait for a fourth - Lee Collymore again on target with the rebound after his initial shot from Foyewa's driven cross had been parried. Scott Stamps came close 10 minutes from time for the visitors - but by then it was far too late, and their had long dissolved by the time the ex-Torquay man crashed a shot into the advertising hoardings just to the wrong side of the post.
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BBC Southern Counties Radio - Sports Update - 9.03 AM, Sunday 16/9/07
"Meanwhile in the Conference Woking continued their impressive form with a 4-1 win over Kidderminster. Although Amos Foyewa and Lee Collymore also hit the target, manager Stuart Fairway has publically praised midfielder Lee Frecklington , who opened the scoring. He told Southern Counties' Tim Durrans; "Lee has been immense since my arrival - I'm really pleased for him. He's scored a couple now, and is always willing to have a go"
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As well as taking time out to praise his midfielder, Fairway also found time on Sunday to welcome new signing Kevin Walker to the club - personally meeting the 15-year old midfielder and his parents for the first time, to put pen to paper on Walker's new contract - the Kilmarnock man agreeing terms over a free transfer move to Kingfield in the summer.
With both Narada and Ian Pulman back in training by the middle of the week, Fairway would have an almost full squad, with only long-term absentee Stuart Sangster unavailable, to select from on Saturday.
Barnet v Woking - League
Unavailable
Stuart Sangster - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)
Just one change from the side who beat Kidderminster last week, with the returning Narada replacing Cavell Coo at left back. Though Barnet are in midtable, the bookies had made the Bees firm favourites for the game - something which suprised Fairway and his players on their way to Underhill on the morning of the game. A tidy little ground, Underhill is nevertheless rather exposed at times - and with an early autumn wind whipping across the pitch, the first scarfs and bobble hats of the season were noted ahead of kickoff in the crowd. For the home faithful at least, things very quickly warmed up - just three minutes in Mark Williams raced onto a Hogg pass to slot past the exposed Bayes. Woking had the chance to get back on level terms almost immediatley - O'Brien hitting the post on 6 - but it took until the 14th minute for the equaliser to arrive. After a free kick broke down, Narada played the ball back down the line for Foyewa to cross. Lee Collymore met the ball with a flying header, making it 1-1 right in front of the main body of away support. Woking dominated the remainder of the first half - Foyewa in particular guilty of some disapointing finishing - but had their best chance to take the lead immediatley after the half time break. On 53 Foyewa snatched half a yard to prod the ball through, but Collymore could only drag his shot well wide of the far post. The striker - who had taken a knock - would soon be substituted, while Barnet had to deal with a forced change after Russell had been dismissed for hauling back Foyewa. Subs Giles and Teague added impetus for Woking - both having chances - but neither proved the missing ingredient, and indeed Barnet finished strongest - Boardman denying Williams with a brave injury-time headed clearance. A draw probably deserved.
"Former Wales international Darren Barnard has joined Woking as manager Stuart Fairway seeks to reshuffle the Scouting team.
"Scouting is a key part of life in the Lower Leagues" said Fairway. "With his experience, Darren knows how to spot a player, and I'm delighted that he has accepted our offer."
'Two Friendlies for Reserves'
"Woking manager Stuart Fairway has also announced that he plans to personally take charge of the Woking Reserve side for two freindlies against Chertsey Town and Crawley Town respectivley.
"I've had a word with Matt Crossley, and we will both be picking the teams for the game" he said. "Matt will of course keep control for the Reserve League games, but I wanted a more hands-on approach for the freindlies. We hope to have some trialists playing for us in the Crawley game as well as fringe players and those returning from injury."
Both games will be played at Kingfield - the Chertsey game on this coming Wednesday, kicking off at 7.30 PM, and the Crawley game on Thursday 4th October, kicking off at 7.45"
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For the 65 that did attend the Chertsey freindly, Fairway at least had some good news - vouchers for a free cup of tea handed out at half time. It had been a useful excersise - David Galbraith and Ian Pulman scoring the Cards goals in a 2-0 victory - both coming in the opening six minutes of the match.
On Thursday, the first of the promised trialists arrived ahead of the Crawley freindly - Matt Richards , a Welsh midfielder, and Irish winger Adrian Deane . Later that day - as scout Barnard headed out to search for Youth players - Scottish striker Paul Lynch joined them. Conrad Logan and Luke Harrington would follow on Friday - with Micheal Kenny arriving before the day was out.
Woking v Yeovil Town - League
Unavailable
Stuart Sangster - Injured - (Groin, 1 Month)
The crowd boosted by the presence of the trialists - all no doubt hoping that, after their trials, they too would be in consideration for a place in the league side. However, no changes to that team would be made ahead of the visit of the improving Huish Park outfit - although Pulman would replace Giles as a sub after his impressive showing for the reserves. Woking attacked from the off, and within 2 minutes, took the lead - Narada working the ball down the left for Foyewa to put in a tricky ball to the near post. With 'keeper McEwan in no-mans land, Lee Frecklington nipped in to divert the ball into the far corner. Woking continued to pressure, with Ashley Bayes still untroubled by the time they added a second on 18 - Amos Foyewa tapping home from close range after Collymore's cross. With Woking cruising, Yeovil had little answer - and at half time, still had to register a single shot on goal. After a brief lull, Woking stepped up again on the hour, and on 66, earned a penalty after Price pushed Frecklington at a corner. Rob O'Brien picked up the ball and made no mistake - slamming it into the roof of the net to complete a miserable day for 'keeper McEwan. Ashley Bayes would be tested - on 83 fielding Yeovil's only shot of the match, tipping a powerful Chris Hudson drive around the post. For Yeovil - Must do better. For Woking - can it get better?
Cheers Bjorn - time for a change, I felt. Cheers BoN too - I must avoid getting involved in discussions about dubious sexual practices, and instead thank you for your comments next time :o
Sunday - and another trialist. Ray Lynch was one of the first players spotted by Darren Barnard after his arrival at Kingfield - the 17-year old winger on trial for a week from Division One side Watford. By Monday, Fairway had also welcomed Calum Angus back from injury after his Groin strain.
"Woking midfielder Lee Frecklington has praised manager Stuart Fairway after picking up the Conference Young Player of the Month award for September.
"When Stuart joined I was yet to make my debut" he said. "So being picked straight away was excellent, and then of course it's been an incredible month - both for the team and for me. I'm really pleased to have scored three goals, and hopefully we can continue our good form and make the playoff places at the end of the season"
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Tuesday - and while Brentford's offer for winger Jamie Baugley - £7000 plus 20% of any sell on - would attract interest in the press, it impressed nobody at Kingfield, with Fairway able to reject the offer out of hand. Of far greater importance would be a league match for the Reserves - with trialist Paul Lynch shining, the former Rangers striker scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Hartlepool. All of the trialists appeared in the game, with Deane, Logan, Paul Lynch, Richards and Harrington all seeing their week at Kingfield expire on Wednesday morning, before the Crawley freindly. Someone else who wouldn't be involved in that game would be Calum Angus - just back after injury, but breaking down in training with strained ankle ligaments - to give him another 4 week spell on the sidelines.
By Thursday morning, a further trialist had arrived at Woking. Huddersfield midfielder Micheal Husbands , 23, would be the final player to 'sign-on' at Kingfield in time for the Crawley game - meaning that Fairway would have three trialists - Husbands, Ray Lynch and Micheal Kenny - available to select for the game.
Kenny had a - generally - good game, heading the opener in a 3-2 win, but also putting through his own net just after the break. Crawley though proved stronger opposition than Chertsey, and it was only due to a late Thomas Ward winner that the Woking eleven were able to seal the win. On Friday, Fairway made his decisions as Ray Lynch left the club - Micheal Kenny, Conrad Logan and Paul Lynch would all be offered terms - the three offered deals until the end of next season.
On Saturday morning, Irish goalkeeper Conrad Logan became the first player to accept the offer. Logan, 21, came through Youth ranks at Leicester City, but left without making a senior appearance for the Premiership side. He is though a regular in the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squads, making his solitary appearance to date in the 2-1 victory over Cyprus.
Nuneaton Borough v Woking - League
Unavailable
Stuart Sangster - Injured - (Groin, 1 Month)
With only Sangster unavailable - and new signing Logan added to the squad on Saturday morning - Fairway made no changes to his side ahead of the trip to Nuneaton. After interest from Brentford, all eyes would be on Jamie Baugley on the left - with rumours of more scouts in the Manor Park crowd. Woking started the better, and on 11, took the lead with the first chance of the game - Rob O'Brien making a gut-busting run to reach the loose ball down by the touchline, before crossing for Lee Collymore to flash home a magnificent volley from the edge of the area. On 16 though Nuneaton would draw level - in highly controversial circumstances. After beating everyone to a loose ball, Woking's Scott Canham pumped the ball away - but hurt himself in the process. Nuneaton, however, failed to clear the ball into touch - the midfielder still grounded in a hail of boos from the away support as play moved forward. When Brooks threaded the ball through to Bourne, the striker hit a snap shot at goal, which Bayes blocked - clearly anticipating the referee to blow and allow treatment for Canham. It never came - Woking's defenders slow to react, and Chris Senior able to crash the ball home. Furious Woking player surrounded the referee - while Manager Fairway prepeared sub Wallis for the clearly injured Canham. It put a dampener on the remainder of the first half - although Fairway left his side unchanged at the break. On 54 Nuneaton took the lead for the first time - Steven Bourne slotting home from Senior's cross. It would take just two minutes for Woking to level - Jamie Baugley's long ball forward turned into the box by Foyewa - for Lee Collymore to meet the ball at the near post to glance home from close range. Collymore came very close to his hatrick on 63 - heading straight at 'keeper Ovendale after a Frecklington cross. With a bad taste still in the mouth over Nuneaton's opener, the away support were equally annoyed when Chris Senior ran on to a McAndie pass - with just a hint of offside - before beating Bayes. A first defeat for Fairway at Woking - never really recovering from Canham's injury.
"Woking midfielder Scott Canham has been ruled out for 4 months after tearing his hamstring against Nuneaton Borough yesterday.
Canham, 32, requires surgery on the injury, and all at the club wish him a quick and speedy return'
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Canham's injury would be a real blow - the midfielder the Chalk to Lee Frecklington's Cheese in midfield - the 'engine room' who makes things tick. Though replacements for a midfielder, Fairway would have some good news for Cards fans on Monday morning, with the news of Paul Lynch and Micheal Kenny agreeing terms. Despite seeing his chances boosted by Canham's injury, fellow trialist Micheal Husbands left the club to return to Huddersfield - thanks, but no thanks the judgement on the midfielder.
Scottish striker Lynch , 17, was released over the summer by Glasgow Rangers - despite cracking 22 goals over two seasons at Youth level. An explosive striker, with real pace and power, Lynch scored twice for the reserves against Hartlepool, greatly impressing the watching Fairway. Kenny , another Scot, was also at Rangers with Lynch, but as a Central Defender. At 18, the youngster is very strong in the air - his two goals in Reserve Freindly games proving the fact.
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News of the World - Football - Sunday 14/10/07
'Bothroyd Strike Saves England'
"In England's final European Championship Qualifyer yesterday the home side required a late strike from sub Jay Bothroyd to rescue a point against Bulgaria at Wembley.
After dominating, John Carver's side conceded on 79 when veteran Martin Hristov opened the scoring, before Bothroyd scored his Second international goal just seven minutes from time. After naming only one potential new cap - Man City 'keeper Stuart Taylor - Carver said that he was pleased with the performance.
In other Home Nation news Northern Ireland achieved an incredible 2-1 win over Germany - Paul McVeigh scoring twice, but the Ulstermen already out, while already through Scotland went down 3-2 to Denmark. Ireland will be involved in the Playoffs after beating Albania 2-0, while Wales finished Third in their group after beating Ukraine 3-2.
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Monday morning - and the first Cup draw of a week that would see two. Monday's certainly the lesser of the two, with Woking drawn against Yeovil in the First Round (Southern Section) of the LDV Vans Trophy. Tuesday's was certainly far more interesting - Farnborough , local rivals in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup - a tournement that Woking have certainly had memorable times in past years.
Woking v Leigh RMI - League
Unavailable
Stuart Sangster - Injured - (Groin, 3 Weeks)
Scott Canham - Injure - (Hamstring, 4 Months)
With Canham out injured - and three new signings available - Fairway would make just the one change to his side for the match against Leigh, Jonathan Wallis replacing the injured midfielder. On the bench too there would be an addition - Wallis' place amongst the substitutes filled by 17-Year old new signing Paul Lynch. The visitors began very brightly, with first Madin then Roscoe testing Ashley Bayes with early chances. Woking though slowly got into the game, and on 13, took the lead - a scooped Collymore cross headed home by Lee Frecklington from around 12 Yards out. It proved the highlight of a poor first half - only one further chance coming before half time. After the break things certainly started better, with Leigh coming close on 50 through Wayne Hatswell's shot from a long way out. On 61 though Woking added a second - and in rather cheeky style. A Jonathan Wallis Free Kick not only crept under the jumping Leigh wall - but also into the far corner, with the daisycutter-style shot wrongfooting young 'keeper White. A triple change for Woking soon followed - teenager Lynch becoming the youngest player to represent the Cards in Conference Football. He would test White - a powerful header from Narada's early cross well held. Woking's Gary MacDonald came the closest to adding to the scoring - an injury time header brilliantly saved - but Woking won well, with a highly efficient and polished performance.
Sunday morning, and after another defeat for Division Three strugglers Grimsby , manager Ewald Lienen recieved his marching orders. The German, 53, has overseen two seasons of struggle for the Mariners, and they now need new inspiration if they are to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.
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Woking News & Mail - Football - Tuesday 23/10/07
'Fairway Rejects Scunny'
"Woking manager Stuart Fairway has refused the opportunity to manage Division Three side Scunthorpe United . "I applied for the Scunthorpe job whilst in Slovakia" he said. "But now they are in the position to offer the job, I have found new employment at Woking, and I am very happy here. I wish them all the best in their search for a new manager".
The Iron, 13th in Division Three, were granted permission from Woking Chairman Chris Ingram to speak to Fairway, but he has confirmed that there was 'No chance' Fairway would be taking the job.
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It had indeed came as a suprise - Scunthorpe acting far, far too late to bring Fairway to Glanford Park. After the inevitable media frenzy, he was pleased to get back to the real business of managing Woking - or at least, watching the Second String. A confident 2-0 victory over Fulham, with new boy Kenny and regular reserve scorer Ward giving the Conference side the victory.
Yeovil Town v Woking - LDV Vans Trophy (Southern Section) First Round
Unavailable
Stuart Sangster - Injured - (Groin, 2 Weeks)
Scott Canham - Injured - (Hamstring, 4 Months)
With the LDV Vans Trophy not a key priority for Woking, Fairway rang the changes - resting no less than seven players from the side who beat Scarborough. Logan, Coo, McNab, Teague, Giles, Lynch and Pulman all in, with Bayes, Narada, Baugley, O'Brien, Wallis, Collymore and Foyewa all left out of the game. First starts for new boys Logan and Lynch, with Chris Giles also hoping to impress on the right flank - not his natural position. Yeovil however, started the better, and within five minutes took the lead - Kevin Gall linking up well with Ben Abbey before the former beat Logan with a low, powerful shot into the far corner. Woking's inexperience was showing through, with Lynch in particular too keen to shoot early. Just before the break, Yeovil scored for a second time - on 36 Terry Skiverton rising above the pack to head home a Sheehan corner. Woking had their best spell soon after the break - earning a succession of corners before Chris Giles saw his inswinging effort hooked off the line by Robertson. There would be no comeback - Lynch, clearly talented but frustrated at his lack of fortune, was booked, and then 11 minutes from time Jonathan Boardman saw red for a second bookable offence. Yeovil grabbed a late third - Kevin Gall's second coming on 82 after Logan had parried a Blackwood drive. Out of the LDV, in fairly clinical style - but Fairway will hope to see the benefits on Saturday when his full squad return.
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