Margate 5 Canterbury City 0

[michael]

I agree DM that i would be more than happy with mid-table; but i have a feeling that TY has set his sights a fair bit higher -would that be a season to early for the clubs infrastructure ?

[BlueGate Alan]

Our next two friendly??? games will show if we have come further, I for one am convinced we are on the right path so far.

[Dutch_Mike]

Not to put a 'dampner' on everything - and perhaps I am being far too pessimistic - but I personally would take safety if it was offered now. I just think it is another season of building, and I think it is going to be another tough season ahead again. Lest we forget that we finished fourth from bottom last season - and the squad has changed minimally - plus the impending debt hanging over our heads - and if we could be looking forward to another season in the Ryman Premier this time next year, I would be more than happy.

[BlueGate Alan]

Me too Mike, what I meant is that I am convinced with players like Lewis and Blackman and hopefully Beech added to the squad things hopefully will be much calmer. As for the debt am pretty sure that by September this millstone will be removed and all will be paid up.

[dannyriding]

Re:- Improvement on Last Season. Let us not forget the rocky road we travelled to get to the dizzy heights of last season, two managers and countless young/new un-bloodied players in the team of which Im not blaming for the most forgetable season in MFCs history but we all in our own way played a part Management/players and supporters all. We picked up a few rough diamonds and were missing some experienced/mature players but with TY/NS holding the reigns in what should be a more rounded and stable side (of his choosing), then mid table Ill take right now - anything else is a bonus..........

UP THE "NEW" GATE

[michael]

Originally Posted By: BlueGate Alan

Me too Mike, what I meant is that I am convinced with players like Lewis and Blackman and hopefully Beech added to the squad things hopefully will be much calmer. As for the debt am pretty sure that by September this millstone will be removed and all will be paid up.

Why are you so sure BGA. ?

looks a pretty close run thing to me.
KP has stated that does not have the personal funds(and why should he anyway )and no-one else is forthcoming with the money it seems; so where exactly is

[BlueGate Alan]

Because I ask questions up there Michael, simples as the meerkat says

[Chris1]

Originally Posted By: dannyriding

most forgetable season in MFCs history

You must be joking! There's been plenty worse seasons than that. What about... erm... oh dear, I've forgotten it.

[Gate4TehWin]

Enjoyable game against a week opponent, I'm under no illusion of any games in the Ryman being near as easy, but still some encouraging play from a lot of the players heading towards the start of the season; Blackman, Robinson, Beech stood out last night, I also think Sam Cliff deserves a mention, an exciting young lad but looks far to lightweight to be anything more than a bit player at the moment, but certainly a very good talent for the future.

 

A settled season and survival is what we should be trying to achieve, as to be fair we wouldn

[michael]

Whilst we beat canterbury 5-0; i read that Maidstone beat them 6-2,so honours about even-although for me,its the better result when you don't concede.

 

Up the 'Gate

[Coffin Ender]

That was Maidstone Reserves to be fair.

[BlueGate Alan]

So was ours for at least two of the goals.

[Bigmacca]

its interesting to see all these young bright players being mentioned but no talk of axon felt he played excellent in the two games he came on he was tipped to be a star player for us but has perhaps dwindled a little in reserves definatly feel he is worthy of a chance this season with lacey being our only right sided player

[CT9]

Spot on, I've seen Axon play a several times now. Yet on Tuesday evening I thought he was outstanding at right back. Until then I'd only ever seen him play wide right on the wing. Each and everyone of the lads Chris Lewis, Shane Brown, Joe Taylor, Sam Cliff and Paul Axon all showed exactly what our club has got to look forward too.

They all play the game the way I want to watch the game to be played. Keep possesion of the ball in deep positions, gradually inching up the pitch, and then explode into action once in the oppositions half. Very quick interplay, one and two touch passing, ALL running off the ball leaving the opposition chasing shadows, because they all gain 3 yards on their markers in an instance. They always seem to know where each other is going to pass the ball before it has even been played.

I would love the club to put on a pre-season friendly with a team of Beresford, Axon, Treadwell, Wheatley, Robinson, Keki, McAree, Taylor, Cliff, Brown and Chris Lewis taking on our first team's starting XI.

Then we can all have a view on exactly how good this group of lads are. No more doubts or reservations of whether they're good enough or not. Plus some extra funds from the turnstiles to help pay off the clubs debt to the taxman.

I know I've nicked Robinson from the 1st team but this game would make for a mouth watering encounter.

[Dutch_Mike]

Let's have a bit of a reality check here: granted, I am the first to admit that the youngsters who played on Tuesday did all play very well, and I am not taking that away from them. But the quality of the opposition was a big factor in that. I think even Ramsgate would have filled their boots against Canterbury!

 

As good as the youngsters looked, they are still a million miles away from establishing a place in the first XI and playing against lumbering Ryman players week in / week out. Football is not pretty at this level, and you often find that the burlier, less skillful, more 'put-himself-about' footballer will be more successful than the little lad with flair. Over the previous seasons, the reserves who have 'graduated' to the first team have generally been those who are not afraid to 'get stuck in' and have a bit about them - see Robinson, for example.

 

To succeed at this level, you need the mix of youth and experience. Look at the start of last year: almost exclusively youth, and we were poor. You would hope for maybe 2 or 3 reserves to graduate to the first team every year. I think we have a good balance of experience and youth this season. For now, it might be an idea to let those youngsters who have shown promise to get a bit more reserve football under their belts, maybe go out on loan for a few games, and come back ready for first team action in a season or two.

[CT9]

Thought that it might be a good way of raising extra much needed funds for the club and hopefully generate a lot of interest from fans.

Plus with these lads all being local it might generate some extra interest from their families and friends coming through the turnstiles.

Reports are we're about a third of the way there which means we still need around

[blueblood]

The youngsters on the verge of the 1st are just the tip of the talent to come. I believe from what I have heard and will know more about on Tuesday, we have a very young and talented reserve side.

If results do not go their way this season I hope the fans don't start criticising to much as, results at this level are not what its about.

Development is the name of the game.

I will put money on Sam Cliff being a fixture before the end of the season with Chris Lewis and Shane Brown also being on the verge. Its down to attitude, they have it.

Paul Axon did look good the other night, maybe that position gives him the constraints his wide attacking game lacks, there is no doubt he has the natural talent.

A couple of the others need to look at themselves and buckle down or else in my opinion they are going to be left behind.

I cannot wait to see the next genration on Tuesday night.

Come on over you Ramsgate 16 year olds, the future is on the Blue side of the Island.

[bigtw]

BB why would my 16s want to leave the only Developement charter standard club in east kent to join a youth section thats not even part of the main club.

 

A few of the lads you mention were actually developed via Ramsgate.

 

Ramsgate have a fantastic set up for development with every team having unpaid minimum level 2 coaches including 3 level 3 coaches. They have just opened the academy at Sandwich school where the boys and girls can go for further education and progression.

 

So BB give me one good validated reason why they should come to Margate.

[GEEBEE]

FOR RYMAN PREM FOOTBALL.

[bigtw]

What 16 year old is playing for the first team then geebee ?

 

We are talking about development on young players here not some comp to see who the best club is in the area.