Well what can I say? I have resisted the urge not to go on record and say" What I think ‘is or isn't going to happen” I haven't wrote a match report yet this season ‘as all too often you can shoot yourself in the foot!

But what I witnessed Saturday was just simply magic. One game don't make a season, we know that! But, what I feared most all along is starting to take place. One Minute you’re the Underdog, the next you’re expected to perform, every game, which I may add is a fantastic feeling, but now we are under a different kind of pressure because now we are expected to win everytime put on the Manor colours, simply lads, all I am saying is “let's not get carried away with ourselves” OK we are now 7 games unbeaten, Concord is a fantastic side, but Saturday was all about us and our performance.

The difference with this side is we fear no-one, but we won't under estimate anyone either. We are a new side that still has a lot to learn, but we are so strong in every department, there was 3/4 key players missing on Saturday, yet it didn't matter, as without being big headed, we have more strength in depth than you can image. three go out & three come in; if we all stay together anything is possible. Tony Leary, Nigel Nelson and I know ‘things will never be the same at the Manor ever again. Gone are the days when we used to make up the numbers and now and then nick an odd result. When teams come to the Manor they’d better bring their "A" game of else!

We went 3-5-2 today, the back three were brilliant, Courtney Mclean is one of the finest Right Backs in the League and my Captain "Steve Willis" is on a different planet to us mere Mortals, young Justin Cummins is a fantastic find and to be honest, the only 2 goals Concord scored against us we gave them because of school boy errors.

The midfield is fantasy football, Messrs Jamie Wallace, Lee Smith, Ricardo Amado and Neil Barrett are nightmare to the opposition in their own right and the boy Junior Konadu is out of a Harry Potter novel, he has got a magic Wand and where ever he wants the ball to go it does! It’s as simple and as non complicated as that!

Our forwards are a complete nightmare for defenders, most of them probably wake up in the middle of the night in cold sweats worrying about them and I haven’t even spoken about our Subs bench yet! shall I carry on? All joking aside Chaps, I speak for all the Staff at the Manor when I say that “you lot this season are different gravy”

Well done, but please remember it's a long Season and we have a lot of work to do, lets keep out feet firmly on the floor and take each game as it comes!

Here endith the lesson!

Regards - Chester

So last game of the season against our old enemy Barkingside. Lucky for them, unlucky for us we had 4 games this week and it showed. We had 3/4 key players out and with the 4th game this week we looked tied. But all credit to the boys we never gave up.

With Bradley Nelson, Lee Smith and Lucien Ntolla all out it was a nothing game for us, it was very hard on the team to be up for this one, after all' playing 360 minutes of Football in 7 days what do you expect! Barkingside needing the points to finish 3rd in the League, they wanted it more then us, it’s as simple as that!

A debatable penalty in the first half and tied minds in the second, we found ourselves 2-0 down. We had our chances but failed to take them. On top of that we also picked up a few injuries, not taking anything away from Barkingside they came to us with only one thought on their mind and that was their league position possibility and with our unbeaten run broken on Thursday against Basildon United we had nothing to play for.

I would like to thank all the players and staff for the effort that they have produced this season; it’s been a very hard and often difficult time for the club. I would like to thank Kirk Whitelock who without this club would have slipped into obscurity. This year has been very hard learning curve for the players and me. I would also like to thank our Chairman Reg Curtis and General Manager Alex Lee whose input often goes unnoticed. I would like to thank (now I know this is starting to sound like an Oscar speech) Jamie Warren and Martin Ash who without, it would not been possible. Also big shout to the backroom boys, Larry McDonald and Paul Tandy who are a master class in their own right.

The bottom line is we are back on track and now we must continue to move forwards. We must be patient but also prudent. We now have a vision and it’s my duty to deliver the goods. For so long now we have been making up the numbers, we must now start to compete. Which I have no doubt we will in the forth-coming season.

Judge me next year, (wish I had said that the last time I was in front of a judge) And last but not least I would like to thank all the entire Manager’s who week in and week out are under extreme pressure to produce results and are the unsung heroes of our league.

I can’t wait to next season

Chester

Welcome to “Fortress Manor” When teams come to us now they better bring their "A" game. My only regret is our season finishes on Saturday. To my whole Team I say “Next season is ours for the taking. On the fans forum they all talk about who they think is going to win next season? Who is going to come second and third? And you know what 'not one of them said us! Well I told you about 6 weeks ago to “watch this space” because the way I see it there’s only one team who’s going to win it next Season, so therefore the only question is “just who’s going to come second?”

Anyway we changed things around to suit our busy week ahead. In went Ray Coker on the left, Neil Barrett in the middle and a fit Bradley Nelson upfront. By half time it was all over bar the shouting Bradley with two well taken goals Anton Stevenson with the other.

It’s very hard to keep your team focused when you go in 3-0 at half time.
We took our foot of the peddle in the second half and let APSA back in for a short while until that was Chris Hammond on for Bradley sent a brilliant ball over the back four for Ricardo Amado on for Coker who smashed it into the back of the net to make it 4-0 on the night..

Overall another quality performance from The Manor that is fast becoming the side no one wants to play. Bring on Basildon United and Barkingside I can’t wait. One final note goes to Charlie Tartan who for me was “The Man of the Match” on Tuesday Night, with an outstanding display at right back; Charlie’s really making his mark at right back at the moment.

Well done chaps…is it "Can we?" or is it "We Can?"

Chester

 

 

Yet again we had to change the side after some late fitness tests, Steve Reading pulled up with a knee problem, Bradley Nelson with a shoulder injury, Alexander Moussanga also not 100%. In went Mr utility Neil Barratt who is proving to be one of those players who can play anywhere, even in goal I would suspect, so watch out Chamberlain.

We moved Miko inside to play in the centre with the very impressive Lee Smith who truly is a class act. In went young Stevey Parker who has set up three goals now in as many games getting his first start in a few weeks. Did very well just needs to learn to release the ball a bit quicker.

The condition where very hard in the heat and the ground was rock solid. Brentwood looked lively upfront to start with, once we dropped off a couple of yards to cope with their long tactics we where comfortable. In all fairness both sides had little to offer in the first half, second half we got the ball on the floor and started to play some nice football. Lee Smith was awesome in midfield he’s like Harvey Kartell in pulp fiction "the cleaner"
.
Anton Stevenson worked very hard upfront and so did all the team.
Lucien Ntolla had another great game at the back and got on the score sheet once again

We where cruising at 1-0 and then Chamberlain called "keepers ball" then changed his mind to leave it for the second time in the match and the Ref awarded a free kick, which they scored from.

We had a great opportunity to beat the No1 side in our division and because of one simple schoolboy error we didn’t.

So we are unbeaten in 6 and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people on the fans forum who said where we were going wrong, I’m so glad I listened to your advice!

So onto another Home fixture against London APSA on Tuesday night, let’s see if we can still carry on the good work chaps.

Chester

 

 

We went into tonight’s game unbeaten in our last 4 games and now starting to believe in ourselves. We have come such a long way since we took over at Stansted. Tonight was the benchmark. Romford are currently second in the table and Reedy has done a great job their this season. We made a few changes as we are playing 4 games next week! This Saturday home to top of the table & title contenders Brentwood Town, then Tuesday night home to London APSA, and if that’s not enough playing our old friends and rivals Basildon United and then we round off the week with another home fixture on Saturday to Barkingside, so its rotation time here at the Manor. But as I have said we now have the making of a great squad.

Against Romford I made a few changes, I brought Stretch in at left back for Coker, Reece in for Charlie and Alexander and Smithy in the middle. Kenny pulled his groin a little in the warm up, so in went Chamberlain in goal who was brilliant. Stretch had a great game at the back; in fact the back four was superb. Romford went long and we dealt with it no problem. We where very unlucky not to be in front at half time. Anton had a couple of chances and Ricardo was giving there right back a torrid time.

We had a little chat at half time and the boys responded very well. Romford looked dangerous from set pieces but I felt they didn’t really trouble us. In all fairness we could have had 3 or 4. Nice to see Tony Leary back after a long lay off, Tony on for Alexander and Parker on for Miko. Bradley dislocated his shoulder so on went Neil Barrett. Overall I couldn’t have asked for anymore form our lads, each one waste a real credit to themselves and the club. So onto Brentwood on Saturday let’s see what happens, I know one things for sure Brentwood will have to be on top of their game, because I know we will be, and if we win that one I think I’ll be in contention for manger of the month & our Chairmen Reg Curtis will buy everyone a drink in the bar after the game! Actually thinking about it, Martin Ash has got more chance of fitting into a 52" waist size pair of shorts then our Reg buying a round of drinks, oh well we can only dream on I guess!.

Keep up the good work chaps.

Chester

 

 

Well after telling the boys to come out of the blocks faster, they did, Ricardo scored an early goal followed by Lucien to go 2-0 at half time. We had complete control of the game and then we gave away the 19th penalty of the season followed by Kenny dropping the easiest of catches we let them back in the game. So we pushed and got a third goal only to let in a corner to go 3-3 we pushed on and Anton gets his second of the game and we win 4-3.

Bottom line is we shouldn’t have been in that position in the first place.
We got away with it today on another day we might not be so lucky. There are so many goals within this squad of players, but we must stop playing this Newcastle style of football!

We are unbeaten in 5 and are starting to gel but I expect so much more, everyone knows now when they come to us, they know they have to be on top of their game, most teams are lucky that they played us earlier in the season. I let the players know what I expect and next season will be our bench mark. But we have 5 more games to play lets send a message to everyone, "sorry but things have changed and guess what, you where lucky to have played us earlier in the season. We are Eton Manor and we don’t care who you are!‘your just another team who we have to deal with"

Commitment was outstanding Saturday, but at times we are our own worst enemy.

Chester

 

 

Expectations are high and so they should be after the Southend result. We changed the side again as we are still looking at some new players, which in all fairness with the squad we are developing doesn’t matter as we have so much depth now. When your subs bench reads Lee Smith, Jamie Barry, Chrisy Hammond Alexander Read and Ray Coker then you can see the changes the club is going through.

Ricardo started his first game for us on the left and did very well. The problem is that we need to learn to come out of the starting blocks a lot quicker; we keep giving soft goals away. At the moment we are getting away with it because our season is nearly over but next year will be a different kettle of fish.

We where forced to make a change at half time with Saul Salmon coming off with a sore ankle, but I resisted the change to replace him with Coker and dropped Neil Barrett into the back four forcing Steve reading to play on the left and bringing on Lee Smith into the centre.

Smithy brought the composure we needed as we where guilty of going to long again. Anton Stevenson twice on the score sheet again and another for Bradley Nelson who had an outstanding game again. So two games they have been partners and 6 goals between them.

We gave away another soft penalty and Chamberlain in goal will be appearing on next weeks question of sport for what happened next when Neil passed the ball back to him for an easy clearance and fell over the ball and gifted the easiest goal of any forwards life. So back to 3-3 and we pushed very hard for the winner but to no avail. But another excellent performance from a side that’s growing in confidence each week.
Onto Clapton on Saturday with an optimistic smile.

Chester

 

For the first time in 6/7weeks we could pick a side that we wanted too, rather than be forced too by injuries. And you could see the difference from start to finish. We looked strong in every department with Neil Barrett back after a long spell away, slotted nicely into the middle of the park he gave us what we've been missing "a ball winner" Also back was Anton Stephenson who when combined with Bradley Nelson up front, they where too hot to handle. The pace and strength of the front two will cause huge problems for defenders. Ray Coker was also back in the line up. So we started a little too impatient and went a little too long, in the first half. After a schoolboy error we gifted Southend with an early goal. But with a little patients we soon turned that round with a brilliant through ball to Anton who took his opportunity very well.

Young Alex had a good game on the left; he is getting better every week just needs to learn to let the ball go earlier. Chris Hammond also back after injury came on for Miko who worked very hard again in midfield, so Jamie, Martin and myself are now looking forward to the next few weeks fixtures as the injuries shorten and we start to return to a full strength squad once more.

By Tuesday when we play Concord Rangers at home Lee Smith, Jamie Barry and Saul Salmon will be in contention. Well done lads you thoroughly deserved that win, now we must maintain that level of play.

Chester

 

We went into the Barking game having been very unlucky not to get something out of the Barkingside game, with yet more injuries to Saul Salmon and Chris Barratt we were forced to change the line up once again, but with Steve Reading and new boy Luchin making his debut gave us a few options.

We started of very slowly again and rode our luck in the first half. Chamberlain in goal pulled off a fantastic save that denied Barking scoring from the penalty spot, in all fairness was never a penalty.

Tim looked a shadow of his former self in the middle of the park and that was where we losing the game. We gave our back four no protection. So we pushed our Skipper Steve Reading into the centre mid in the second half and dropped Chris Barratt into the back four and took control of the game, young Alex Read played a great through ball to Bradley Nelson who lobbed the goalkeeper to go 1-0. Unfortunately we switched off and let Barking back in with a soft goal. We continued to apply pressure but didn’t make the most of our chances.

I’m very pleased how we responded and are now starting to take shape, with several players now coming back from injury we will travel to our good friends at Southend Manor on Tuesday night with a much stronger squad to select from.

Chester

 

We where extremely unlucky not get something out of this game. The boys responded brilliantly and worked very hard only to have the first goal go in from a corner through the side netting. New boy Miko was a sensation in midfield, he run Barkingside ragged and hit the woodwork with a brilliantly executed shot in the first half, young Alex Read turned the defence inside out only to have the keeper save his shot with his legs.

Chamberlin in goal had another excellent game. We went in at half time very unlucky not to be in front. But with only 2 subs because of an injury ragged squad, which is 15 and counting we faded towards the end of the match, but all credit to the men they fought every inch of the pitch and was a credit to themselves.

The new players we have signed are now starting to show promise and when we get our regular players back we should have a formidable squad. There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes by myself, Jamie and Martin and all will be reviled very shortly and all I can say is watch this space?

Chester

 

Disappointed is an understatement. I think some of the teams in our league have employed a witch doctor, because our injury list is growing faster than Martin’s waistline. We simply forgot how to play football. We left our brains in the changing room. Yet again we had to pick a different line up because of injuries but at the end of the day you could see what was going to happen just by watching the warm up.

There was no desire, in first 10 mins we tried to play football but we completely lost the game in the middle of the park. David Annobil was well below himself as well as most of the team. The first goal was a joke if you give away a free kick outside the edge of your area, you must get some one to stand in front of the ball and let the referee push you back or what happens is they take a quick free kick and the rest was history.

We just didn’t compete enough. We keep going far to long and we are not direct enough having only scored 5 in our last 6 games we need to take our chances more often. Chamberlin in goal had a good game, and that’s about the only high light of a very poor showing on our behalf. If you have to tell or teach players the basics of the game then obviously you don’t fit in at this level. Martin, Jamie and myself are very frustrated at the attitude of certain players at the moment and its time to move on and start to cut the squad down and prepare for next season and on reflection of that result we would probably only take about 4 or 5 players into next season. So onto Monday’s game away to Barkingside, which will be a hard game especially if we played the way, we did today.

Chester

 

After two very good performances away to Burnham and last Saturday’s home game to Sawbo in which we didn’t get anything apart from a fantastic report from the league Chairman. We found ourselves away to Beaumont who have let in 113 goals this season. Last time we played them we won
6-2. Well they are a completely different outfit now. They are very organised and very fit team. They work very hard for each other and will cause a lot of team’s problems.

With injuries and suspensions we had another changed line up without our two first choice goalkeepers, Ragan Bailey started in goal on his debut. In the first half we were very poor, second in every department. We were out played, and second to every ball and lacked confidence. After the good football we’ve played in the last two games we just completely forgot how to play football. All we did was play the long ball. I don’t think we put more than 3 passes together all half. Apparently after Saturdays game there was 4/5 players who also played on Sunday, so by Monday nights game you could really tell that there performances where well below par.
So we had a little chat in the changing room at half time and the second half we responded very well. After being a goal down we drew level after a great header by Steve Reading. We made a few changes in the second half bringing on David Annabel who really settled the midfield down and started to make things happen for us. We also brought on Steve Thomas in midfield and after Saul Salmon had to come off injured on went Robert Boyce. We didn’t take our chances and a draw was a fair reflection of the game.
I’ve signed a couple of new players this week Bradley Nelson from Sawbridgeworth a big strong centre forward and Anton Stephenson is back with us.

I’ve let go Tazewell Thompson this week and we wish him all the best for the future. Each week the squad is getting stronger and stronger and is starting to take shape. We just need a bit of consistency with regards to playing the same team week in week out, but with injuries and suspensions what can you do. So on to Saturday away to Bowers & Pitsea and then Monday night away to Barkingside two hard games that will be a good test for us!

Chester

 

I was very disappointed at the result of the Hullbridge game for two reasons?

1) Because we lost to a side we should be beating day in day out!
2) Because of the way we lost? There are far to many players that give up to easily. I can honestly say, which is sad that there are only 4/5 players out there week in week out who give everything for the club and the cause. For this group of players it must be so frustrating to see their team mates give up.

When you tell players that they are playing for their career and future at the club and they still don’t respond then what can you do? You cannot help people that don’t help themselves. It’s a real shame, we have several players that one-week play excellent football and next week forget how to play. So unfortunately I have made the decision to let some players go this week. It’s very hard to throw in new players and expect them to have an understanding straight away, but with injuries and suspensions we had no choice!

There where several new debutants on display, the young Alexander Reed up front did very well and got himself on the score sheet. Welcome to semi pro, at this level to have to do it week in week out.

Kenny Addi in goal was very impressive in the first half, his organisational skills were excellent, I think he ruffled a few feathers with his in your face style of defensive management. This is what is needed in our squad, which is very noisy in the changing room but very quiet on the pitch. I think when players get used to his style of play he will be a great addition to the squad, unfortunately where he hasn’t played in over a year all the kicking took its toll and he pulled a thigh muscle in the second half which affected his game.

Mark Debono in midfield was playing out of position and is unfit, he will be the first one to tell you this, but because of the injury and suspension situation he started, and with the pitch heavy underfoot it soon takes its toll on you, I feel once we get him fit he will be a good addition to the squad.

Tim Oduniyi came on in the second half and settled things down and showed why he was at Ilford last season until he was injured, again once when fit he will do well. Steve Thomas also came on in the second half and again given time will be a good addition to the squad. Unfortunately George Cooper who came on for Charlie Tarten was the only disappointment to the new boys, he was completely out of his depth and you cannot lie at this level you get found out very quickly. Steve Reading was back for his first game and was a welcomed sight as we were having a bit of a right back crises.

Finally David Jenkins resigned as first team coach today we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work and input over the past 4 years, and wish him good luck the future. Onto Wednesdays home game against London APSA, where myself and Jamie Warren will be taking a final look at several players and deciding on their future with the Club. We have a couple of players coming back from suspensions and I expect nothing else but a win.

Chester

 

Saturday sees us at home to Hullbridge, in a game that we must win. After a recent run of bad results against poor sides, I have therefore made nine new signings over last two weeks and will be introducing them in the forthcoming games.

The signings we have acquired will bring depth and stability to the squad and will force everyone to fight for their positions. We have also acquired a quality new coach in Martin Ash who is working extremely well with myself Jamie and Jenko.
I expect everyone to rise to the occasion on Saturday every player must know they have to fight for their position
I am looking forward to Saturday as the past few training sessions everyone has shown commitment and great improvement and I am confident if we can relay that performance onto the pitch we will have a winning side.

Chester

 

Well' where do we begin? The first thing that will be addressed immediately is the discipline at the club. Now I know the ref looked inexperienced & uncertain at times, but giving him verbal directly to his face & he will send you off! for godsake' it's not rocket science!

So to have two players do this to you with 30 mins left on the clock will undoubtedly put your team in all sorts of trouble and under pressure. It's just not good enough, you can't keep blaming the ref 's every week, you've got a job to do so get on with it.

We stated really well and at times played some nice football, when we do keep the ball we look good, I thought Chris Barratt, Paul Smyth and Devon Saunders played well at the back, Lee Smith is getting better with every game and when he's fitter will be a great asset to the club. We didn't utilise Jamie Barry enough who worked very hard down the right and whose distribution was very good. Anton and Chris linked up very well and in all
fairness had enough chances between them to put the game beyond Stansted's reach. Darren Smyth's handling was superb and I felt sorry for him as he was let down by the discipline of his team mates.

There will be some new signings this week as we start our rebuilding process. On to next week training on Thursday and Bowers and Pitsea on Saturday.

Chester

 

What can I say about the 11 players we had out there today.They all travel to Basildon with a top class attitude, play superb football and still get beat? After the game we were downbeat but there are plenty of positives to be taken from today game. We seemed to run out of gas with 20 minutes to go and again conceded with 4 minutes left exactly what happened at Hullbridge. I know we are a better team than Basildon but they took their chances so good luck to them.

Chester, Jenko and I were totally despondent with the turn out today, with 8 first team players out for various reasons, however, three simply failed to show! this is not good enough at this level and I personally feel let down by these three individuals. We must now make sure we deal with this serious issue and make sure that the entire squad are not let down again by this type of careless, negative attitude, it's simply not good enough!

A great debut today from Sean Funnell who pulled of 2 quality saves and did not deserve to be on the losing side. Great banter between the two benches today a very enjoyable game until the 86th minute.

I would like to finish sharing my thoughts with you in 2006 by wishing everyone and their families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year, I will see you all on the 6th at Home to high flying Romford.

 

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

Well no game for 14 days, must have helped us by the way we tore APSA apart by 6-1. We looked hungry for a win today, completely outclassing our opponents all over the Park, we could have scored 10 plus easy. We have worked so hard in training over the past two weeks and it has paid dividends today. Jenko and Jamie Warren really putting the lads through thier paces.

Our new signing Anton Stephenson made a superb debut with a well taken Hat Trick, what a great start and hopefully many more of them to come. Anton only started because of the lateness of Danny Sabaroche . It was good to have Darren Smyth back between the sticks today, the players respond well to him. Carl Bailey and Devon were excellent today and Coker had a decent game. We completely controlled the midfield with Wallace,Taz and the impressive Jamie Barry running the show. Big Neil Barratt had a quality game and shone in his holding role. Chrissie Hammond again run his socks off and our three subs McCarthy who scored a blinder, Parker and Sabaroche all done themselves and us proud.

We now have a very good squad and selection is becoming a headache for me personally, but hey! that is a good headache to have. On to next Saturday away again this time Hullbridge who have improved like ourselves so fingers crossed.

 

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

Well we just about managed to get a side out for the Barking game and we certainly did ourselves proud. I have never known a injury list like ours, it's like we are cursed at the moment . We committed suicide in a 12 minute spell and again conceded a penalty, which I think is six against us in 5 games? Harsh decision I think, when blatant fouls go unpunished, but we give a tap on the shoulder to shoulder and the cards come out? My players have done terrific in the last few games, keeping their discipline in order when it could quite easily have got out of control.

I would like to see Managers, Coaches and Referees have a meeting to express views from both directions,the game is a contact sport? Certain well known, volatile, professional players like Wayne Rooney can use extreme bad language to officials and walk away Scot free, one of my players makes a constructive criticism and gets a straight red card, 35 day ban and £48 fine?? Something needs to be sorted, because referees at our level just can't be spoken too, they refuse to listen? We as a club feel victimised and I'm sure other clubs do as well, so lets all put our heads together to sort the problem out. Well enough griping onto the midweek fixture at home to Concord and Sunday in the FA Vase versus Clapton.

 

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

Well it had to happen, we just had to have some luck from somewhere for a change and today it was delivered. After the week I have had with players dropping like flies, I made 5 new signings in three days and it as paid dividends, with 3 points away at Sawbridgeworth. Every player was superb today and rolled there socks down and battled. For guts and attitude we deserved to win and we were by far the better side for 45 minutes. After the break it was wave after wave, but we showed we wanted to win and our new Keeper Nicky Mitchell pulled off at least 6 quality saves today. What a debut, one he will never forget. Jamie Barry another making his debut was superb in attitude and work rate. We were forced to make a change with Neil Barratt falling ill and having double version and young Jamie dropping into midfield with Wallace. We have so many players who can adapt to play in many positions.The spirit in the camp is electric and lets hope we can take this on to our 125 mile trip to Rothwell next week in the FA Vase. Next game Wednesday at home to Romford in the Group Cup and we will give players a chance who have not been playing. Sammy Williams is recovering well after his injury and he should be fit within 6 weeks.

 

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

Well, another bad day at the office, can be my only answer for Saturday's defeat away at Brentwood. Six changes from midweek and players coasting around thinking they're alot better than what they really are? Danny Hunt as had to quit through injury, this as comes has a massive blow to the club. Danny worked so hard to get fit, had an operation to cure the dodgy knee, but his recovery was never going to be plan sailing. I'm gutted for him and after speaking to Danny after the game Saturday, he was down in the dumps as well. I am now looking for another forward, so watch this space. On to Sunday's FA Cup Game and I fancy us big time. I have had my scouts out, so fingers crossed.

 

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

What a great night for all of us at the club. I must admit I cant take many more of them, I was told that I had lapped the ground at least 4 times! That's just my will to win, it's in me, I kick every ball, I head every header that's just me! We were poor for the first 45 minutes and so I made some positional changes and it worked a treat. It was like we put 11 different players on the pitch. The win has made history for us at Eton Manor and I'm over the moon for my back room crew Larry McDonald, Jenko, Chester and Jamie Warren, as I know what it meant to them, they all put so much into this club, most of which goes relatively unnoticed. Also my good mate Paul Tandy, who puts 24 hours into the best football Club Website around. I would like to thank them all for the hard work they put into this club.

On to the football side of things our pre season was our best we have had in 4 years. This being the reason we signed so many players as we have learned the hard way in previous seasons. Chris Hammond told me he was leaving at the beginning of the week and we have parted on good terms, as much as I'm disappointed, I was not surprised. I made a couple of decisions myself today by releasing Aaron Gayle and Karim Alkanash. Both players were let go for footballing reasons, I couldn't see Aaron shifting what we have up front also Karim has much talent, but simply did not fit in with the way we play. I spoke to both players and wish them both well in the future. There is probably to many players in our squad, so there could be another couple of surprises on the way. It is never nice to let a player go, but these things have to be done and if I'm honest, letting Aaron & Karim go brought a lump to my throat. On to Saturday away at Brentwood and another tough game, but as we know, we fear no one? Wallace and Ryan are both unavailable for Saturday, so the door opens for others to take there chance!

 

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

Well I feel we should have won today away at St Margaretsbury. We had numerous chance's but did not take them, saying that Ricky and Taz, both had a good game and compliment each other. Wallace was excellent all through and posed them problems, when going on one of his runs. The back four worked hard but a little blip cost us again. Lee Canham was superb in the middle of the park and Ryan worked hard again. On to the replay Wednesday, I'm sure we can win and progress. Our commitment and passion can not be questioned, but our self belief can, I feel some player's lack the will to win or they don't realise that they can? Our squad is very big in numbers and players have to be patient and when they get the chance take it. Great to see some other ESL sides progressing in the FA Cup and I'm well pleased for Bowers to go through. Lets hope we follow them as we will be the first side at Eton Manor to do this since 1957.

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

Losing 0-4 at home, sounds like a complete disaster, but it was far from that, with loads of positives taken from last nights game. For 44 minutes we matched Burnham in every department, then one mistake later and we are losing 0-1. We told the players at half time keep the ball, keep doing what we believe in and that is keep passing and have self belief. 50 minutes, we hit the underside of the bar, they go up the other end BANG
0-2 down. We then start to see heads drop, no confidence, all drained and we lose 0-4. Which I feel was unjustified towards us.

Take nothing away from them, Burnham are a very good side and without doubt they will get promoted this season. Our Mark Clarey was absolute quality last night, as was young Chico, whom we all tend to forget sometimes, is only just 17 years of age and he was marking a quality player in Dan Jones. Give Chico some time and I'm telling you all, he will be a top drawer player in a season or two. On to Saturday away in the FA Cup, fingers crossed, but I'm telling you we fear no one?

Best Wishes - Kirk

 

On reflection we did not lose! so a point is a point. Romford will not lose that many at home they work hard for each other, so we have to be satisfied. We again lose a player with an injury within 10 minutes away at Romford. I think that has repeated itself on four occasions. Well pleased today with certain performances, but disappointed with others and they know who they are. We cannot have half the team running their cods off and the other half strolling around. Ricky was superb again and got us two well deserved goals, that will have done him the world of good. Big Ryan had a very good game and we can't fault Darren for either goals. Devon is proving to be a good strong player and will only get better in time. Great to have Danny Hunt back and once fit will be awesome. On to Wednesday at home to Burnham,and this will be another tough game, but we will be up for it.

Best Wishes - Kirk

Pre season is going really well and our fitness levels are excellent. Away at Thamesmead Saturday we showed we can play and showed guts and determination in getting a win against a well organised Thamesmead side. The Redbridge game was a good eye opener for us all and I feel we justified ourselves against a side who were Ryman Prem last season, the boy Cooper looking a quality player for them. Stretch twisted his ankle and a few knocks here and there meant we had to call the East Thurrock game off. On to Saturday we play Harold Wood and we again expect a tough game. Speaking with Jenko we both feel we are still a couple of players short of being a decent squad so expect a couple of signings very soon.

Best Wishes - Kirk

Well all the hard work we have put in over the last 6 weeks started to show last night versus Tilbury. Our first 45 minutes was excellent against a composed Tilbury side. We showed we can pass and play, we can defend in numbers and we can attack with pace. Jenko has put so much time into this pre season and we will all benefit from that. The fixtures are coming fast we have 30 players which need dropping to 22 so there's still lots of talking to do. The pitch at Tilbury was quality last night so lets hope it stays like that. We welcome Jamie Warren onto the staff wage bill? and Jamie has already started to flourish with new ideas and bringing a fresh approach. The season looks promising, but we have said this before, only for it to go belly up, well this season is hopefully different, the attitude seems different and we seem to have a more serious and professional approach to everything. Long may this continue.

Best Wishes - Kirk

Well pleased with the effort of our boys last night. 6 players 18 and under so the future looks good. This season has had it's high's and low's. The injury list from day one was severe Smythy has not kicked a ball Danny Hunt out since November Coker missed about 15 games Lee Canham long term, Steve Richards long term, Glenn Kendall knee damage, Jason McCarthy long term suspension, Jamie Warren long term & Alan Griffiths appendix problems, the list goes on and on, these were all regular players. The high point was the youngsters getting their chance and doing very well, for example Richard Bastin and Ryan Whyche. I would like to thank all involved at the Manor for their continued support especially Larry McDonald, Graham Chester, Paul Tandy,Sue Abercrombie, Neil Day,David Jenkins Alex Lee, Jimmy Reading and Mark Clarey's parents. Well done & Thank you for your support.

Best Wishes - Kirk

I thought without doubt that Sawbo were a class above us on Saturday. They are well organised, well drilled plus their work rate from each player was excellent, this makes them in my opinion, hard to beat and a very good side indeed.

We never really got going a bit like after the Lord Mayors show. Ryan Whyche come on early in the game to replace the injured Lee Canham, I thought Ryan made a big difference to the shape of the team and as a result I thought he was superb especially for one so young, I am sure he will become a very good player given time.

We must now forget the Burnham victory and try to get some more points, so we can reach 30 + which was our original target. So back to basics Thursday night at training, working hard and getting the players fit is our objective, get this right and I am sure the results will follow.

.Best Wishes - Kirk

What can I say! no one believed we could go to Burnham and win? Well we did, we told the boy's Thursday we can beat Burnham. We had a plan the boys stuck to it and believe me we more than deserved the 3 points today. After the first 5 minutes, we had 2 chances and the boys became more and more confident. Chrissy Hammond was superb today, scoring again hitting the post and was causing them problems every time he got the ball. Great to have Skipper Steve Reading back, his so vocal and would die for the cause. Redders and young Sam Williams compliment each other and Wallace playing alongside them was a great combination. Quinny and Little Charlie worked their socks off, as did young Dean and young Matty Spicer. Marshy had a great game and Glenn Connolly stopped them with ease down their left. Ryan, Steve Parker and Glen Kendall all done well when called upon and Carl Prince had a terrific game, collecting balls out of the air like he used to. My man of the Match goes to the whole team for a whole hearted performance, from start to finish. Must say the lads from Burnham took defeat well and the staff made us very welcome from start to finish. We thank them for their kind hospitality.

.Best Wishes - Kirk

Well, no one can say we didn't deserve the points today. APSA had a couple of chances early in both halves, but we dominated play all around the pitch. We actually played quality football in very difficult conditions. Big Colin worked hard with the boys at training and again today and it runs all through the squad. We had 4 boys making debuts today, all done well, but young Matty Spicer was top notch today and looks very promising for the future. Quinny was moved out left and had a great game as did Wallace, and Canham was superb at left back. Sam Williams did not put a foot wrong and we are proud to have him on board. Smithy and Little Charlie done very well and both worked hard has did Ricky Defraitas who on a better day would have had five or six. Old work horse Jenko had a great game and certainly showed the boys he can play. Big Carl done everything right and again Lenny worked his socks off. My last words are for Chester, who came off the bench and scored a very good goal, well done to us all.

.Best Wishes - Kirk

Disappointing is the fact we only start playing when the chips are down, but again we showed we can play has we dominated most of the 2nd half. The injury to big D