retired_brinker317

It certainly didn't help. Foyewa was the real disapointment - he's been good in the big games usually. Still, Lynch is really coming on, and hopefully we can push for automatic promotion next season.

Cheers for your continued support

2007/08 - End of Season Review

England

Premiership; Arsenal
Runners Up; Chelsea

Division One; Wolves
Promoted; Southampton, Gillingham

Division Two; Brighton & Hove Albion
Promoted; Northwich Victoria, Crystal Palace

Division Three; Brentford
Promoted; Swindon, Dagenham & Redbridge, Chester
Relegated; Rochdale, Exeter

Conference; Darlington
Promoted; Barnet
Relegated; Canvey Island, Telford Utd, Enfield

FA Cup; Newcastle Utd

League Cup; Newcastle Utd

FA Trophy; Barnet

LDV Vans Trophy; Burnley

Scotland

SPL; Celtic
FA Cup; Hearts
League Cup; Hibs

Germany

First Division; Bayern Munich
Cup; Schalke 04
League Cup; Dortmund

Holland

Premier Division; PSV
Cup; PSV
Super Cup; Ajax

Italy

Serie A; Inter
Cup; Juventus
Super Cup; Juventus

Spain

Primera League; Real Socieadad
Cup; Valencia
Super Cup; Sevilla

Czech Republic

First Division; Sparta Prague
Second Division; Zlin
Cup; Sparta Prague

Slovakia

First Division; Zilina
Second Division; Dubnica
Slovakian Cup; Zilina
Super Cup; Puchov
FC Druzstevnik Bac finished 7th in Division One. They were knocked out of the UEFA Cup 6-3 on aggregate by Livingston .

Europe

Champions League; Juventus
UEFA Cup; Aston Villa
Super Cup; Shakhtar

Worldwide

Intercontinental Cup; Cruziero

retired_brinker317

Chapter 11 - Chin Up Lads...

With Woking's dispirited and disappointed players off for their summer break, it would be left to their manager to rebuild his squad for the 2008/09 campaign - when Woking would hope to go one better and achieve that promotion to the big time. It would be a tricky task - Woking's bank balance didn't make healthy reading, with the club around £1.7 million in the red, and no easy way out.

With the transfer window opening on Tuesday (June 3rd), one of Fairway's principle targets became available very quickly. After the end of his youth contract at Brighton, manager Mark Bowen - suprisingly, in Fairway's eyes - decided not to retain Spencer Slade . The defender, who had impressed on his trial at Kingfield, was immediatley offered a one-year contract at Woking, with Fairway keen to snap him up before anyone else came sniffing around.

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www.wokingfc.co.uk - Features - Friday 6/6/08

'Meet The New Boy - Spencer Slade'

"Woking have today completed their first signing of the summer - with former trialist Spencer Slade joining on a one-year contract. Spencer, 17, is a powerful, strong central defender who's physique defies his tender years.

After signing youth forms at hometown club Brighton & Hove Albion, Spencer had hoped to secure a professional contract at Falmer, but was released despite being a regular at Under 19 and occasionally Reserve level for the Seagulls. In his final month as a Brighton scholar, Spencer spent 2 weeks on trial at Woking, and impressed a great deal - scoring against Sailsbury for the Reserves.

A tall player, Spencer is not only good in the air but also has a pleasing turn of pace. A very hardworking player, manager Stuart Fairway is known to be delighted that he has managed to secure Spencer's signature, and hopes that the young defender will be involved with the first team squad next season.

Report by Chris Bonner

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While Slade was completing his move to Woking, the rest of Europe would be concentrating on events in Austria and Switzerland - and Euro 2008. For the three home nations involved, the tournement really began on Sunday, with the opening game in Group D - Scotland v Romania. The Scots came off best - a brace for Lazio striker Scott Brown no doubt doing no harm to his chances of earning a move - the 23-year old's contract up in the summer. A day later Ireland opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over co-hosts Switzerland - Spurs' Robbie Keane scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.

Monday though saw another trialist arrive at Woking - defensive midfielder Lee Hulse , 23, after his release from Cardiff. A current Wales international (albeit with just the one cap), Hulse broke into the national team despite only appearing for Cardiff's reserves after the Welsh club bought him out of the Army.

Tuesday evening's Euro 2008 action though would be the first that many had been waiting for - and England certainly didn't disapoint. Against co-hosts Austria John Carver's side - with two debutants in Darren Carter and Phil Jagielka - comfortably won 2-0, with goals from James Beattie and Jordan Stewart .

With Hulse - a player who Fairway would like to sign - not getting back to Woking with a decision on a contract offer by Friday, Fairway instead settled down to watch Scotland against Turkey. Ahead of the tournement Turkey striker Nihat was predicted as 'One to Watch' - and he proved it, scoring all four as the Turks ran out 4-0 winners, demolishing Scotland and leaving George Burley's side with a tough task in their final game against Germany. Ireland were involved on Saturday - held 1-1 against Greece. Clinton Morrison put the Irish ahead before Greece equalised 11 minutes from time.

No news on Hulse by Sunday - and another game for England , who comfortably beat Denmark 2-1 in Geneva. After James Beattie opened the scoring, Darius Vassell bagged a second before half time - Jensen's late, injury-time goal only a consolation for Denmark.

A day later Fairway would talk again to Lee Hulse - with the Welshman deciding against joining Woking. Though interested in a move to Kingfield, the two parties appeared poles apart when it came to discussing personal terms, with Hulse's demands topping Fairway's allocated wage budget - something neither he, nor the board, wanted to break.

With the final games of the Euro 2008 Group stages during the week, Ireland became the first of the three home nations to qualify - holding Holland 2-2 in Salzburg, with both goals coming from Robbie Keane - the Irish, along with the Dutch, progress. On Wednesday England confirmed their progress, marching into the Knockout stages unbeaten - another James Beattie brace, as well as a Darius Vassell goal making it 3-1 over Czech Republic, who also progress from the group.

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www.wokingfc.co.uk - Features - Thursday 19/6/08

'Meet The New Boy - Kevin Walker'

"After becoming Stuart Fairway's first official signing in September, Scottish midfielder Kevin Walker has finally completed his move to Woking. Kevin is just 15, but is already a confident and highly talented young player - thought to be one of the most exciting prospects amongst Scottish midfielders of his emerging generation.

Kevin can play in the centre of midfield or on the right, and joins Woking after one year at Kilmarnock. Born in Cruden Bay, Kevin was passed over by local SPL side Aberdeen, as well as Scottish Division Three side Peterhead, but Killie saw something in the youngster, and offered him a place in their academy. Despite the long trip, Kevin and his parents agreed. In his first season, Kevin broke into the Kilmarnock Under 19 team - and it was here where he impressed Woking scout Stephen Hall. Stuart Fairway too went to watch the youngster - and saw enough to immediatley put in a bid.

Hardworking, powerful and determined, Kevin has a great 'engine', and the will to get things done in the middle of the park. Though he will be 16 in early September, Walker will no doubt want to make the best impression on management that he can if given the chance to impress this season.

Report by Chris Bonner

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While young Walker had only just arrived in England, one of his first tasks would be to contact home - but unfortunatley it would be in disapointed fashion. Despite starting well, Scotland's Euro 2008 campaign crashed and burned with defeats against Turkey, and in their final game, Germany - the Germans runnng out 3-1 winners, despite an early Barry Ferguson goal.

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www.bbc.co.uk/football - Euro 2008 - Thursday 19/6/08

'Group Roundup and Quarter Final Draw'

Euro 2008 Quarter Finals - The Draw

Ukraine v Holland
Ireland v France
Romania v England
Germany v Czech Republic

How They Got There

Ukraine suprised many, edging out fancied Italy to progress from Group B. Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko would have led the attack, but for injury - though the legendary forward is in the Ukraine squad - so the main goalscoring responsibility has been left to a player well known to English fans, Newcastle's Andriy Voronin . The bulk of the squad play their domestic football for Shakhtar, a team making real waves in Europe since winning the UEFA Cup.

Opponents Holland have always been there or thereabouts when it comes to International football, but despite some tremendous players, have only won one trophy - these Championships 20 years ago, back in 1988. With three star strikers in Ruud van Nistelrooy, Patrick Kluivert and Roy Makkay all now in their 30's, the spotlight has shifted to midfield, with Arjen Robben and Rafeal Van Der Vaart costing over £50 million between the two of them in recent transfers. Euro 2008 is thought to be Holland's best chance in years, and they came through top of Group A with little problem - only Ireland holding them in the final game.

Ireland themselves finished second in Group A, behind the Dutch, with one win and two draws. The Irish have had a solid tournement so far, with strikers Robbie Keane and Clinton Morrison both now in the prime of their careers. As ever, Ireland are a hard-working side, and in WBA's James O'Connor appear to have found the natural successor to the legendary Roy Keane. Utility man Steven Reid has also had a fine tournement - but misses the Quarter Final through suspension. It remains to be seen if Ireland will miss him equally as much.

The Irish face France , the side with the oldest overall squad left in the Competition. France lived up to their billing as one of the pre-tournemnt favourites, topping Group B, despite defeat against the Ukraine. Arsenal's Patrick Viera is now 31, but remains one of the greatest midfielders in the world. Up front it's hard to argue with the awesome goal record of Thierry Henry and David Trezuget but Liverpool's Anthony Le-Tallec is rapidly emerging as a player of genuine ability. It's hard to fault the French - strong all round, the reigning World Champions are still the team to beat in these competitions.

Romania recovered from an early setback - losing to an impressive Scotland in their opening game - but went from strength to strength, with a 3-0 victory over Turkey putting them second behind Germany in Group D. Romania can always be counted on to provide a player little known before a tournement who shines in the limelight - but this year, they've found two. Up front Mihai Nita has scored 7 in just 12 games, including two against the Turks, while in defence Gabriel Sebastian Tamas of Galatasaray is already attracting admirers from all over Europe. With History - England usually struggle against Romania - on their side, John Carver's men are surely in for a test.

England themselves have suprised many - even the most optimistic fans wouldn't have expected three wins - and comfortable ones at that. Manager John Carver susprised many with his Euro 2008 calls for the uncapped Phil Jagielka of Manchester City and Darren Carter of Birmingham, but both have impressed - Jagielka especially comfortable alongside established duo Ferdinand and Taylor in defence. In attack the prodigious Wayne Rooney has had a quiet tournement but for James Beattie , his call to replace the injured Owen was just the chance he needed. Beattie - as well as Darius Vassell - has had a fine tournement, with goals in all three games to date. Home fans will be hoping that England can retain the trophy - but at the age of 33, would there be many more chances for David Beckham to add to his international honours?

England's old rivals Germany are undoubtedly the form team of the tournement - walking undefeated through Group D and conceding just one goal on the way. Miroslav Klose has progressed from the bit-part player of his younger years to leading the German line - and in the footsteps of legends such as Muller, Klinsmann, Rummenigge and Voller he is setting the benchmark for a new generation. Sebastian Deisler too seems to be realising his immense potential, and with a typically strong defence, Germany can never be counted out.

Completing the last 8, the Czech Republic were 'best of the rest' in the England-dominated Group C. Veteran Jan Koller continues to rally the troops - the giant hitman scoring 25 last season for Dortmund at the age of 35. The Czech's Euro campaign though has been bitty, with defeat against England, a draw with Austria and victory over Denmark. Like Romania, Czech Republic are something of dark horses, and will certainly miss Tomas Rosicky , injured against Denmark. Rosicky is one of two truly World Class players in manager Zdenek Zeman's arsenal - the other 98-times capped veteran Pavel Nedved , still vital to both club and country at the age of 35. While the veterans are more well known, watch out for 26-year old defender Tomas Hubschman , who is attracting interest with a string of impreessive displays. Could suprise a few as the tournement draws to a close.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_brinker317

Thursday 19th June, and a crucial day for Fairway - meeting Woking Chairman Chris Ingram and his board of directors to thrash out objectives for the coming season. As expected, the board were delighted with Fairway's debut season at Kingfield - but from then on the news was mixed. While an average attendance of 3240 is a new high, and £100,000 has arrived from Sky for TV Rights, the news is less positive on the transfer front. Just £6000 has been allocated for new signings, with Fairway allowed to retain just 45% of any income - and a freeze in the wage budget, leaving Woking £1730 over budget. With Fairway planning to lose all six of his Out of Contract players, saving £1445, there would still be nothing available for further strengthening without upsetting the bean counters further. Ambition though would at least be realistic - the board asking for a comfortable, Mid-Table position - which Fairway interpreted as in or around the playoffs, his own target. The supporters club too had their chance to talk to the manager - they too hoping for mid-table. Lee Frecklington picked up the award for Fans Player of the Year, as expected after a fine season.

Elsewhere, Tranmere , who once sounded out Fairway about the Prenton Park job, appointed Tomas Repka as player/manager, while Fairway had a decision to make. Chris Giles struggled in his first season at Woking, and after circulating his name at the end of the season, Fairway had some responses. York, Boston, Luton, Oldham and Wrexham all expressed an interest - and he immediatley accepted the £20,000 bids. 10% of the fee would go to former club Swindon - but Woking would save on a future £22,000 fee after Giles had scored 30 times for Woking - 27 to go after that poor first season. There would also be no deal for trialist Lee Hulse , despite Fairway's best efforts.

Saturday's first Quarter Final in Euro 2008 was a tense affair - Ukraine just losing out to Holland after extra time - Kluivert tucking away the 'Silver' goal after a cracking run and shot from Wilfred Bouma. In the evening Ireland bowed out of the Championships - losing 3-1 to France . Damien Duff's first goal in the Championship was to little avail, as the French ran out easy winners - Govou, Luccin and Trezeguet scoring in Basel to put Les Blues into the Semi Finals.

On Sunday England oozed class - beating Romania 3-0 with goals from Kieron Dyer, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney putting John Carver's side into the last four. Romania were simply not at the races - England wrapping up the win fairly early on. For Calum Angus though it would be his last day as a Woking player - the full back released after 11 games for the Cards. Disapointment for Angus came before massive disapointment for Germany - the Czech Republic thumping Germany 3-0 with goals from Jun and Vachousek putting Uwe Nuehaus' men on the plane home.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Division Three - Monday 23/6/08

'York sign Giles'

"York City have signed Woking striker Chris Giles for a fee of around £20,000. Giles, 26, found chances at Woking limited under manager Stuart Fairway, having signed last summer under previous manager Glenn Cockerill.

Giles scored just three times for Woking, but will be hoping to relaunch his career at Bootham Crescent"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While Swindon took £2000 of Giles' transfer fee, Fairway saw his signings budget double - and the wage bill reduced by a significant amount to boot.

Elsewhere, Euro 2008 continued apace, and on Wednesday evening Holland bowed out - losing 3-2 on penalties after drawing 1-1 with suprise package Czech Republic . The Czechs took the lead on 67 through Milan Baros, but were pegged back - on 71 Dutch striker Arnold Bruggnik equalising to send the game into extra time. Neither side could force a winner, and after a tense shootout, the Czechs become the first to progress to the final.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

The Sun - Football - Friday 27/6/08

'Penalty Heartbreak for England - Again'

"England last night crashed out of Euro 2008 at the Semi-Final stage - beaten in a penalty shootout by France. After an enthralling 1-1 draw, the French progressed 5-4 on spot kicks.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for England on 20 with a close-range finish after a well-worked England move - Carter and Beattie combining well. After 'keeper Paul Robinson was forced off after a collision on 72, sub 'keeper Chris Kirkland quickly became busy, but was beaten on 81 - Sebastian Dalmat scoring his first goal for France to force Extra Time.

While Anthony Le Tallec missed for France, a clearly gutted Darren Carter - who, apart from his penalty, had an excellent tournement missed the opening penalty, with young Inter defender Steven Taylor joining the ranks of Waddle, Batty, Pearce and so many more who have missed for England down the years.

Continued Page 2, 3, 56, 57, 58 and Back Cover.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

England may have expected - but England were out. Also out - of Woking at least - would be full back Andrew Wells , the ex-Aston Villa man released after appearing just nine times in four seasons at Kingfield. It was a quiet week - with Fairway deciding to hold on the transfer front before the final of Euro 2008.

Sunday's game was undoubtedly big - but there would be no shock. France ran out 2-0 winners, with first half goals from Peter Luccin and David Trezeguet gave the French their second major international trophy in succession, following up the 2006 World Cup win in the best possible fashion.

The end of the tournement would bring the end for several international managers - Turkey's Fatih Terim, Germany's Uwe Nuehaus, Italy's Marcello Lippi and Ireland's Brian Kerr all getting the boot.

Tuesday 1st July, and with a fortnight still remaining before the players return to training, Fairway was able to finalise the Preseason Friendly campaign for the First Team early in the morning. A two-game tour of Scotland opens the campaign on Saturday 19th July - games at Montrose and Annan , before the solitary home friendly on Tuesday 29th July against Division Two side Southend , and finally away at Crawley Town on Saturday 2nd. Though Woking's first team would only be involved in four freindlies, Fairway decided that the Reserves also be in action on several occasions to give any trialists the chance to impress.

After a week with very little to do, on Monday Fairway saw three of the four international jobs - Turkey, Germany and Italy - filled - and would also welcome the first trialist of the summer to Kingfield. Scottish winger Kevin MacDonald , formerly of Motherwell, would have the chance to prove himself.

Monday morning - and the players are back. Potential new boy MacDonald had the advantage over the rest of the squad, as he had been training at Kingfield on his own for a week after joining. The usual banter and jokes seemed to show that Woking's players had got over the disapointment of the playoffs, and were now looking forward to the new campaign. Everton boss David O'Leary will be as well - taking control of the Ireland national team after Brian Kerr's dismissal.

On Wednesday, Fairway secured the arrival for a fortnight of another trialist - AFC Wimbledon striker Liam Hatch - and he, like MacDonald, will be on the two-game tour of Scotland. Unlike the winger, who's trial ends ahead of the Annan match, Hatch will have three matches to impress while for MacDonald, there will be just the one 'Senior' freindly, as well as a newly-announced Reserve freindly against Scottish Non-League outfit Forres Mechanics on Monday 21st, the final day of his trial.

Ahead of that trip though Fairway would have to send the squad numbers off for the season. It would prove the ideal time to say goodbye to Asa Beard and David Galbraith , both released at the end of their contracts after failing to do enough to impress Fairway - and of course, an even more perfect time for those player reports.

Goalkeepers

1 - Ashley Bayes - England - 36
13 - Conrad Logan - Ireland (4 U21 Caps) - 21
22 - Matthew Gregorie - England - 23

Despite some high-profile clangers on occasions last season, Bayes is still 'best of the bunch' in the goalkeeping stakes. A very experienced player, Ashley is just ten games shy of 600 senior appearances, and though getting on in years, still has a lot to offer us. Young Logan arrived last season, and despite a disasterous debut in an equally disasterous LDV Vans game, has the potential to succeed, unlike Gregorie , who hasn't come on as we had hoped.

Defenders

2 - Chris Turner - Northern Ireland - 20 - DR
3 - Narada - England - 27 - DL
4 - Jonathan Boardman - England - 27 - DC
5 - Gary MacDonald - England - 28 - SW/DC
16 - Darren Johnson - England - 18 - DLC
19 - Spencer Slade - England - 17 - DC
20 - Chris Judge - England - 18 - DR
25 - Micheal Kenny - Scotland - 20 - DC
-- - Neil Sharp - England - 30 - DC
-- - Anthony Wright - England - 22 - DL

Young Turner proved a revelation at Right Back last season, coming into the team and making 44 appearances despite his tender years. On the opposite side, Narada is a crucial link-man between defence and attack, and is a cornerstone of the defence. In the middle it's unlikely Boardman or MacDonald will lose their place this season - the two seem to have a superb understanding of each others' game, and both are critical if we are to end up in a good position at the business end of the season. As a backup, Johnson has plenty of admirers - a young defender, he possesses vision beyond his years, and could well go on to become a real success in the long-term. Someone else who will hopefully become a key player in the future is Slade - a recent arrival from Brighton who has the makings of a future captain and, who knows, international. Equally Kenny is a talented player who could go on to great things, but with his contract up at the end of the season, he has to really come on and prove himself this season. Young Judge has all that to come - a talented player, he is likely to be challenging Turner in the near future. That's more than can be said for Wright , transfer-listed and unlikely to appear, and Sharp , who has agreed a Bosman move to Hayes at the end of the month.

Midfielders

6 - Chris Davies - England - 24 - D/DMLC
7 - Lee Frecklington - England - 22 - MC
8 - Scott Canham - England - 33 - MRC
11 - Jamie Baugley - England - 24 - ML
12 - Rob O'Brien - England - 27 - MRC
14 - Kevin Hill - England - 32 - D/MLC
15 - Andrew Teague - England - 21 - MRC
18 - Jonathan Wallis - England - 22 - MC
21 - Cavell Coo - England - 24 - D/AM/FL
24 - Andy Poole - England - 18 - MRC
26 - Kevin Walker - Scotland - 15 - MRC

Davies did well last season, when given the chance - including scoring a brilliant goal against Kettering - and will want to be involved more this season. Player of the Season though was undoubtedly Frecklington - scoring, as well as setting up chances, Lee had a brilliant year, and if he can replicate his form this season may well become the target for bigger clubs. Alongside him Canham proved vital - with his season affected by injury, but remains a crucial player and a fan-favourite. On the right flank O'Brien had a mixed year. It's not his favoured position, and though he had some success, a true, natural winger is a priority. On the left Baugley proved just that player - attracting the interest of both Swindon and Cheltenham during last season. A good crosser of the ball, Baugley has the pace to make things happen, and will again be important this season. Another signing during the season, Hill had a good season, proved himself as a hardworking player in Canham's absence. Youngsters Teague and Wallis were in and out of the team - neither really impressing enough to force themselves into regular reckoning. Coo had a poor season - versatility his main asset, but that's unlikely to earn him a return to favour. Young Poole and the even younger Walker may have bit-part roles to play this season, but will probably again be learning their trade for the future.

Attackers

9 - Amos Foyewa - Nigeria/England - 26 - SC
10 - Lee Collymore - England - 21 - SC
17 - Paul Lynch - Scotland - 18 - FLC

Collymore came of age last year, lashing in an incredible 34 goals in 43 games. The striker scored a wide variety of goals - his poaching ability in particular helping - but it remains to be seen if he will carry that form into the new campaign. Alongside him Foyewa is an ideal foil - intelligent and hardworking, without being flashy, he is the ideal partner for Collymore. Completing the attack trio, young Lynch exploded onto the scene late last season. After signing on a free, he made a couple of appearances from the bench soon after arrival, before dropping down into the Under 19 and Reserve teams. Given his chance once a playoff place had been secured, Lynch scored his first senior goal - and again proved his worth in the playoff places. The three are a good mix of styles up front - but strengthening is definatley needed if we are to challenge this season.

retired_jkat116

Great work so far, I'm really enjoying this one.

KUTGW :thuppageness:

retired_bbcarr

[COLOR:RED]just caught up with this since its return, and the quality is just the same[/COLOR] :thup:

[COLOR:YELLOW]was disappointed to see you lose out on promotion[/COLOR]

[COLOR:GREEN]hope you can get out into the higher echelons by next season[/COLOR]

retired_bbcarr

bugger was seeing if the new little colour button worked. it didn't anyways, i'll end this with a generic 'keep up the good work' comment :thup:

retired_brinker317

Cheers both of you - especially cheers to Terk, who's tested something I wanted to :thup:


Montrose v Woking - Preseason Friendly

Woking showed no signs of rustiness against Montrose - destroying the Scottish outfit 4-1. Three goals in three first half minutes gave Lee Collymore one of the quickest hatricks in living memory - but for Fairway, the performance of trialists Kevin MacDonald and Liam Hatch was far more important. MacDonald had a fine game, working hard on the right and setting up Lee Collymore for the second of his four goals - Hatch providing the ammumition for another two. Substitutions abounded in the second half, with Fairway giving fringe players the chance to impress, and Montrose grabbed a consolation through Steven Walker on 82, but the result is something to be proud of.

Montrose 1 - Woking 4 (Collymore 4)

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www.wokingfc.co.uk - Features - Monday 21/7/08

'Meet The New Boy - Kevin MacDonald'

"Scottish winger Kevin MacDonald has signed a two-year contract for Woking after a successful trial spell. Kevin, 25, joined early in July, and worked hard training on his own before the rest of the players came back for preseason training before appearing for the club in the 4-1 win over Montrose on Saturday.

Born in Glasgow, Kevin played for Non-League side Gleniffer Thistle before joining Motherwell in 1999. He had to wait until the 01/02 season before making his debut, and then until 02/03 before he finally got a starting berth. Playing 8 games over the season, Kevin impressed many on the right as a youngster, but found himself out of the side after just three substitute appearances the following year. After spending time on loan in the English leagues, Kevin appeared for Swansea, scoring two goals, before having further loan spells without playing at Cheltenham and Oxford. Last season Kevin went on loan for nine matches to Notts County, scoring three times in his longest spell of regular football.

Out of contract in the summer, manager Stuart Fairway offered Kevin a trial having had him watched when at Notts County - and after two weeks of hard work in the Surrey sun, Kevin this morning put pen-to-paper on a deal which keeps him at Kingfield until the summer of 2010. A quick player, Kevin works hard and also has a fine shot - especially noted for his penalties, he will be hoping to make the right wing position his own this season.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With MacDonald signing permanent forms, he sat out Woking Reserves' 2-0 win over Forres Mechanics - with Micheal Kenny and schoolboy player Edwards scoring the goals. Someone who had a fine game for John Durnin's side though was Kevin Walker - dominating in midfield, but at 15, not old enough to appreciate the Man of the Match bottle of single malt, awarded by Forres' Chairman Mackay.

Annan Athletic v Woking - Preseason Friendly

Another friendly, and another chance for Liam Hatch to impress - but on a damp night in Annan a terrible pitch surface would help nobody. Annan made life tough for the Cards in the first half, with several substitutions coming at the interval. After the break though Woking would take the lead - on 62 Liam Hatch scoring a goal to cap his impressive performance. Woking could have added more, with sub O'Brien close on occasions - but for Fairway and Woking, the tour had been a resounding success.

Annan 0 - Woking 1 (Hatch)

Wednesday morning, and as Woking arrived back in Surrey, Fairway granted the players a suprise day off as a reward for their endevours in Scotland - but for him, it would be a busy day. Wrexham had been in touch, with a £10,000 bid for fringe midfielder Jonathan Wallis . On a high wage at Kingfield, Wallis was seen by many as something of a luxury player - and with young Poole looking to make a breakthrough, Fairway had little choice but to accept the offer. By Thursday Bristol Rovers had also had a £10,000 bid accepted - but for Fairway, there would be transfer news of a different kind.

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Non-League Paper Online - News - Thursday 24/7/08

'Woking Hatch striker move?'

"Reports from AFC Wimbledon suggest that Woking have enquired about striker Liam Hatch . Hatch, 26, is currently on trial at Woking, and it has been suggested that manager Stuart Fairway has asked the Dons to name their price for him.

Hatch scored for Woking on Tuesday against Annan, and after goals in the Conference for both Gravesend and Woking's near rivals Farnborough, he is the proven striker that Woking perhaps need to finalise their squad for a real push in the Conference this season."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It had, in fact, progressed further than the enquiry stage - Woking putting in a £7000 bid for Hatch, with Fairway particularly keen to get any deal tied up very quickly. Saturday morning - and while Sam Allardyce has been appointed manager of Manchester City , AFC Wimbledon accepted an offer for Liam Hatch . As Fairway offered a contract, Bristol Rovers agreed terms with Jonathan Wallis - the £10,000 transfer fee for the midfielder certainly helping to pay for Hatch's signing, pending agreement on personal terms with the striker. Wallis left on Monday morning, with the £10,000 fee representing a £10,000 profit for Woking on the midfielder, signed on a free after release by Gillingham.

Woking v Southend United - Preseason Friendly

The 'big name' of Woking's preseason campaign, and the only home Friendly of the four. There would be something of a suprise though in Fairway's team selection - just five subs named, with Hatch not amongst them - the striker picking up a shoulder knock, and though available, Fairway decided to rest his transfer target. It would, however, be a disapointing evening for Woking, both on and off the pitch. Just 157 turned out on a warm summers evening, while on the pitch Woking went down 1-0 to a Steve Thorpe strike on 43. More disapointingly, Lee Collymore had the proverbial 'mare' up front - looking a patch of the player who destroyed Montrose with a four-goal salvo. Work needed on the training ground - and a bit of a comedown after the successful tour of Scotland.

Woking 0 - Southend 1

Wednesday morning, and while Liam Hatch leaves at the end of his trial, Fairway would again have to enter into negociations with the striker. Trying to keep his wage bill low as possible, Fairway offered Hatch less than half of his wage demands - but quickly found himself forced to make a new offer.

The following day he recieved contract news of a different kind - no less than 8 Woking players will be out of contract at the end of the season, with Andy Poole also out of contract in March. Of those, Lee Collymore, Paul Lynch, Rob O'Brien, Jamie Baugley, Spencer Slade, Kevin Walker and Andy Poole can probably expect new deals, while, Micheal Kenny and Conrad Logan are slightly less likely to be re-signed, but still have time to prove themselves.

While Neil Sharp left Woking on Friday morning to join Hayes in a pre-arranged Bosman deal, Fairway began the long process of haggling and hammering out deals - but this time, with his existing players. Lee Collymore and Jamie Baugley would both be offered contracts as a priority, with other deals waiting on the success of those two.

Crawley Town v Woking - Preseason Friendly

The final freindly of a mixed summer - some success both on and off the park, but nothing spectacular as yet. Fairway again started his first choice side in the match, this time naming eleven substitutes with the main aim to get everybody back into the swing of things before the league opener in a week's time. It took Woking just six minutes to take the lead - Lee Collymore deftly knocking home a MacDonald cross from close range. On 20 the Cards added a second - Amos Foyewa smashing home the rebound from a corner. 10 changes at the interval slowed things down a little, but Woking's subs - including 15-year old Walker - created a fine goal on 76 to seal the win. A fine ball to the right from Poole released Collymore, who took the ball to the byline before passing back to Poole. Unselfishly, he squared into the path of Kevin Hill , who made no mistake from the edge of the area. The performance of his young subs will have pleased Fairway - Walker, Poole and Man of the Match Spencer Slade all impressing - and both Slade and Poole in particular may well force their way into first team consideration on this form.

Crawley 0 - Woking 3 (Collymore, Foyewa, Hill)

retired_brinker317

Fairway was pleased to note that Woking came through the game with no injury problems - but less pleased when, on Sunday morning, Liam Hatch came back with another inflated contract demand. This time, enough was enough - Fairway losing patience, and cancelling negociations with the striker. While it left Woking's wage budget in the black, it also left a hole in the Cards' front line - just three strikers is not enough for a season in the Conference.

He would, however, be able to see Lee Collymore tied down at Woking - last season's top scorer signing an extension to his contract until the summer of 2010. Scouts Barnard and Hall, meanwhile, would be despatched on an urgent mission - find a striker before the start of the season.

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www.wokingfc.co.uk - News - Tuesday 5/8/08

'Cards made Favourites for Promotion'

"Woking manager Stuart Fairway has told Cards Online of his 'suprise' that Woking are considered co-favourites - with Southport and Halifax - for Promotion from the Conference this season.

"We went all the way last year" he said "only to loose at Wembley in the Playoff Final - but I'm still suprised. It puts a bit of pressure on us really, and while I think we can handle that, I hope that the fans will keep patient when things aren't going so well. They were crucial last year, and have been since I arrived."

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It did come as a suprise - though at Bac Fairway was frequently angry at the bookmakers for downplaying his sides' prospects, here it was the polar opposite - while the playoffs were the target, it would take a lot more than ability if Woking were to be promoted at the end of the season - first and foremost, a large chunk of luck. Something that would certainly help though is a new contract for Jamie Baugley , who put pen to paper on a 3-year deal, taking him up to the summer of 2011, late on Tuesday afternoon.

Fairway, meanwhile, busied himself with the reports on various strikers would would, or in cases, might, be available to strengthen his attack. On Wednesday evening he finally found one - and by Friday, he had signed.

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www.wokingfc.co.uk - Features - Friday 8/8/08

'Meet The New Boy - Andrew Bagshaw'

"After a summer of trying, Woking manager Stuart Fairway has finally completed the signing of a fourth striker. Andrew Bagshaw is a 20-year old Scot who joins for the season on loan from Everton , relegated into Division One from the Premiership last season.

Andrew was born in Aberdeen, and signed Youth forms for his hometown club before becoming a professional at the age of 16. In his first season, Andrew played 16 times for Aberdeen, making one first team start with the remainder of appearances from the bench, and scored twice. Despite this promising start, he was released the following summer, signing for then English Premier League side Everton. Andrew broke into the first team immediatley on Merseyside, and scored 8 goals at Senior level as a teenager, including one goal in Everton's run in the UEFA Cup. He scored a further five - this time with two in Europe - the following season, before falling out of favour.

He failed to appear for Everton's first team last season, but did score six times for the Reserves as Everton were relegated from the Premier League. Out of contract next summer, Andrew took the chance to move on loan to Woking after being spotted by Scouts Hall and Barnard in a preseason friendly, and we wish him all the best while he is at Woking. Andrew is also an international - with 5 caps and 1 goal for the Scotland Under-21 team - and he will be hoping to add to this while at Woking"

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Kidderminster Harriers v Woking - League

The first game of the season - and no injury worries for Woking. Fairway called new signings MacDonald and Bagshaw into the squad, but while one Scot - the winger - starts, Bagshaw would only be on the bench. Kidderminster started the better, on a hard Aggborough surface in typically dry, hot August weather. On 17 Harriers should have opened the scoring - a brilliant lob-shot on the turn from midfielder Dane Carlton grazing the bar after good work by Debolla. Kiddy were dominating, and it took a good stop from Bayes on 20 to deny Dean Bennett, having a fine game. On 38 though, with their first real chance, Woking took the lead - a Canham pass finding Baugley wide on the left, who passed to Amos Foyewa , the Nigerian running on to beat 'keeper Konstantopoulos at his near post. Woking went in ahead at the break, but Foyewa's goal was his last contribution - on 54, replaced after taking a knock. Bagshaw came on for his debut, and immediatley settled in well, making some telling passes up front. On 75 he had a far more direct impact - Andrew Bagshaw running on to an Ashley Bayes clearance, beating Willis before beating the 'keeper from the edge of the box with a low, powerful drive. Kidderminster though were still very much in the game in an incredibly lively final spell - on 79, Luke Corbett, on loan from Brighton, netted for the home side after a flick-on from winger Walshe, before Woking bagged a third on 82. Picking up the ball on half way, Narada hit the ball forward. Kidderminster paused, anticipating a flag - but Bagshaw was away, coming into the box before firing a shot across goal. 'keeper Konstantopoulos got a touch, but not enough to divert the ball wide - Lee Collymore on hand to prod home. Kidderminster fought on - just two minutes later, pegging the scores back again, this time through Mark Debolla - the former Charlton man beating Boardman to the loose ball after Bayes had again parried a Corbett drive from the angle. All thoughts of a comeback were dashed pretty soon after - a further two minutes later, on 86, Woking sealed the win with a fine fourth. A great ball from the edge of his own area by Jamie Baugley released Andrew Bagshaw , and though he had plenty to do, the Scot peeled away from his marker before scoring with a low, angled drive from the corner of the box into the net, glancing off the far post as it did so. Woking were dominant in the second half - Bagshaw having a dream debut - and a perfect start to the season.

Kidderminster 2 - Woking 4 (Foyewa, Bagshaw 2, Collymore)

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, G MacDonald*, K MacDonald, Baugley, Canham, Frecklington, Foyewa (Replaced 54 Bagshaw), Collymore

Woking Position After Game; 4th

retired_brinker317

It had been the perfect start, with Woking firmly in the playoff positions. The news on Amos Foyewa wasn't too bad either - the Nigerian hitman out for just a couple of days with a sprained wrist.

On Sunday morning though Micheal Kenny recieved a huge injury blow - the young defender, who needs as much match-time as possible this season to earn a new contract, out for three months with a torn groin muscle. Rob O'Brien though would be happy - agreeing terms on a new, 3-year contract to keep him at Woking until 2011. Elsewhere, Conference newcomers Halesowen Town appointed John Thorpe as their new manager. An unusual pedigree - Thorpe formerly manager of Carribean island nation Anguilla - but for the Yeltz, someone to hopefully keep them in the Conference this season.

Leigh RMI v Woking - League

Foyewa fit again, and an unchanged side - with goalscoring substitute Bagshaw again only amongst the replacements. On a cool, dry evening at Kingfield Woking set their stall out early - attacking from the off, with Jon Boardman an early threat for the Railwaymen, guiding a header from a Baugley free kick towards goal, only to be denied by a fingertip Parker save. Parker quickly became the busier of the two 'keepers, but on 31 he was beaten - a long Boardman pass down the line should have been intercepted by defender Guy Heffernan. The full back dwelt on the ball, and Jamie Baugley siezed his opportunity, stealing in before beating 'keeper Parker with a powerful shot into the near corner, just evading the young stopper's full-stretch dive. Three minutes later Woking's hopes took a blow - Gary MacDonald picking up a knock and forced off. Leigh were poor throughout, and in the second half, Woking took things easy - stretching their lead on 63, with sub Andrew Bagshaw again hitting the target - his third Cards goal coming after the most basic of route-one moves - a long goal kick from Bayes, misjudged by defender Togwell, allowed the Scot to race on and beat 'keeper Parker from the edge of the box. Woking could, and perhaps should, have won more comfortably - but the dream start continues.

Leigh 0 - Woking 2 (Baugley, Bagshaw)

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, G MacDonald* (Replaced 34 Johnson), K MacDonald, Baugley, Canham, Frecklington, Foyewa, Collymore (Replaced 45 Bagshaw)

Woking Position After Game; 4th

retired_bbcarr

bagshaw looks like he could be a good signing, particularly for conference level. hope the season continues as it has started :thup: