The Rise and Fall

[fan of fans]

First post from me as I was only told about this forum on Saturday by a nice gentleman, not sure if you are on here but thank you, I was the chap in the brown jacket. Had a good read through the various topics yesterday, certainly some interesting views and I enjoyed most of it.

 

I've managed to get to a game every Saturday since the season has begun and seen various teams with various different ways of playing football - some going for the Arsenal approach and some going to the Wimbledon way, why not if it gets the points!

 

Saturday took me to the home of Chobham FC as it was nice and local and I also heard that they might have a few new players. Also a good chance to see what Knaphill were doing in order to put right a very poor start to their season in which I have seen them play 4 times. And who can resist a good old Cup game (no matter how un-important it is to some)

 

Which brings me on nicely to my Topic - The Rise and Fall......................of Knaphill FC.

 

Even before the game, I could tell that there was still a bad feeling in the Knaphill camp, sipping a cup of tea in the clubhouse (still not the worst I've seen) I could hear various conversations about people leaving Knaphill, various arguments going on, BP not doing anything, starting 11 never the same etc etc. What a contrast from the end of last season when all I heard was good things going on there! The Chobham supporters looked hopeful, there was talk of goals and even a win from them, surely not I thought.

 

And the 90 minutes went by.....

 

Well well, the once tough and energetic Knaphill were made to look like boys by the tough tackling Chobham lot. But it wasn't just the physical side to the game that made them look like boys, the communication, the passing, the fitness and the subs bench were all evidence too. Chobham deserved their win and Knaphill were well beaten. Read some of the 'goals disallowed' and 'had chances' and 'chobham defending for their lives' but this is all just talk. The goals were disallowed because they were offside, Chobham had more chances than Knaphill and certainly weren't defending for their lives.

 

Interestingly, it was the most people I have seen at a Chobham game for a long time, was this because it looked like a good game on paper or was it because people wanted to watch the circus that is Knaphill live?

 

So, what has changed between the end of last season and now? I was informed last season that there would be lights and a stadium of which I see none, could this be the factor, broken promises to players? Has BP lost the respect of the changing room? All said and done the players aren't performing, no matter who is in charge.

 

I predict at least 4 or 5 of the Knaphill players that were playing on Saturday jumping ship by Christmas, potentially to a rival club?

 

Never like to see one of my local clubs struggling, but it does make for an interesting league match at Sheerwater doesn't it? Surely if they lose there its all over for BP!

 

Thanks for having me guys, hopefully get to post a lot more on here.

 

LOCAL FAN

[duncs]

Great first post FOF welcome on board and thats probably the last time i'll be nice to you (only joking Smudge)

[johnnojudo]

welcome fan of fans.

 

Nice 1st post.

 

I can also see lots of Knaphill players jumping ship but i certainly would not blame them!

[Intershminter]

FOF - Good post. As a former Knaphill player - before the downfall (lol) and one that left seeing it coming I totally understand what you are saying.

 

I enjoyed my time at Knaphill very much but I think it is probably now a club where the players are not directed or managed effectively and are simply a group of individuals (very good ones) that are expected to go out and perform. It has been that way for a while but Savage wasthere as the motivator and the tactitician when I was there. I do wonder if BP has it in him to create the enthusiasm and desire within the players to get a win that might start another great run. I struggle to see a leader on and off the pitch there. Nathan Miles is probably the best to galvanise the troops but many of the others - Baker, Hogesden, Darnell (Tank) etc need a spark to get them going and need to enjoy not just the football but the atmosphere that your Saturday football should generate. Sadly that was the main reason I moved on and I can also see a few jumping ship if things don't get better for them soon. There are a few that would walk into many clubs in div 1 including mine. Still I wish the players all the best and hope they come good again and move forward. They are a great bunch of lads down there who suffer from the persona that the manager projects. If he could motivate as well as he can irritate and hold a grudge Knaphill would have won the league in the past two seasons.

 

I can also say first hand that the lack of lights etc does have an effect on the players, although last year a positive one. As far as I was concerned that goal on the last day was enough to get promotion as the lights were iminant!!!

When they do go up a massive burden will be lifted of many there including some of the players who I know are constantly asked about what's happening down there.

 

I hope this does not come across as negative as I have friends at KnaphilI and know many good people work very hard down there - Trentender probably more than anyone. Goodluck for the rest of the season Knaphill.

 

Just a passing note of Chabham - the fact they can even get a team out is credit to them. I would imagine that they see themselves as the old Wimbledon of the CCL. Every club in the league hates to play them at their place - how much longer can they last though?

[TRS]

Welcome FOF!

 

Can I just seek some clarification re the Arsenal approach and Wimbledon way? Presume you're referring to the Arsenal approach on Saturday against the Wimbledon way of being top of the Conference playing football the right way?

 

Whilst talking Arsenal, good to see Wenger was as scathing of Wilshere as he would have been had it been the other way round. He gained extra points too for trotting out the "not that type of player" excuse. That's alright then Arsene. Mind you I'm just surprised he saw the challenge at all!

[Krooner]

Clearly an Arsene fan TRS. The fact he did say that the red card was deserved should give him a little credit. To be fair no different to most if not all PL managers. Only ever see things one way.

[TRS]

Clearly an Arsene fan TRS. The fact he did say that the red card was deserved should give him a little credit. To be fair no different to most if not all PL managers. Only ever see things one way.

 

Indeed Kroons, but I was a little disappointed as he usually has so much more to say on such occasions. I gather his programme notes on Saturday went into some detail about how such tackling should be outlawed etc etc. I was going to suggest that Mr Wilshere's timing can't be faulted, but perhaps that is the wrong choice of words

[fan of fans]

Yes very much like that, its all very well trying to play the pretty stuff, but not scoring at the end of it all isn't going to win you anything, hence why Arsenal haven't won much! Not saying Knaphill or Chobham are Arsenal or Wimbledon in the slightest.

 

Looks like Knaphill are missing Nathan Miles at the back especially, wasn't convinced with the back four on Saturday, especially physically! I know Tank is a big miss in the centre of midfield too but surely Knaphill have enough quality to cope with him not being there?

 

Maybe they should concentrate on getting a starting 11 sorted as opposed to aquiring new players every fortnight.

 

Anyway, I am watching Cobham on Tuesday so will write a match report on that and then I'm back down to see Knaphill on the Saturday, maybe I'll stand near BP to listen to his words of wisdom?

 

 

[Smudge]

Yes very much like that, its all very well trying to play the pretty stuff, but not scoring at the end of it all isn't going to win you anything, hence why Arsenal haven't won much! Not saying Knaphill or Chobham are Arsenal or Wimbledon in the slightest.

 

Looks like Knaphill are missing Nathan Miles at the back especially, wasn't convinced with the back four on Saturday, especially physically! I know Tank is a big miss in the centre of midfield too but surely Knaphill have enough quality to cope with him not being there?

 

Maybe they should concentrate on getting a starting 11 sorted as opposed to aquiring new players every fortnight.

 

Anyway, I am watching Cobham on Tuesday so will write a match report on that and then I'm back down to see Knaphill on the Saturday, maybe I'll stand near BP to listen to his words of wisdom?

 

 

B.P. and 'Words of Wisdom' are not words you use in same sentence.More like shut up you Twat,is his way of dealing with things.I know from first hand experience.Not my cup of tea for sure.

[milesy4]

Yes very much like that, its all very well trying to play the pretty stuff, but not scoring at the end of it all isn't going to win you anything, hence why Arsenal haven't won much! Not saying Knaphill or Chobham are Arsenal or Wimbledon in the slightest.

 

Looks like Knaphill are missing Nathan Miles at the back especially, wasn't convinced with the back four on Saturday, especially physically! I know Tank is a big miss in the centre of midfield too but surely Knaphill have enough quality to cope with him not being there?

 

Maybe they should concentrate on getting a starting 11 sorted as opposed to aquiring new players every fortnight.

 

Anyway, I am watching Cobham on Tuesday so will write a match report on that and then I'm back down to see Knaphill on the Saturday, maybe I'll stand near BP to listen to his words of wisdom?

 

 

 

 

May well see you at the game Saturday then 'fan of fans'...

[NICE GUY]

Yes very much like that, its all very well trying to play the pretty stuff, but not scoring at the end of it all isn't going to win you anything, hence why Arsenal haven't won much! Not saying Knaphill or Chobham are Arsenal or Wimbledon in the slightest.

 

Looks like Knaphill are missing Nathan Miles at the back especially, wasn't convinced with the back four on Saturday, especially physically! I know Tank is a big miss in the centre of midfield too but surely Knaphill have enough quality to cope with him not being there?

 

Maybe they should concentrate on getting a starting 11 sorted as opposed to aquiring new players every fortnight.

 

Anyway, I am watching Cobham on Tuesday so will write a match report on that and then I'm back down to see Knaphill on the Saturday, maybe I'll stand near BP to listen to his words of wisdom?

 

 

 

WHAT ! NO MENTION OF BRUNTY, WHERE IS HE WHEN YOU NEED HIM .......................................LOL !

SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT HW MATE, LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE GOING GOOD GUNS UNDER ROACH !

Edited October 18, 2010 by NICE GUY

[fan of fans]

Hope so Milesy4, will you be back playing or still injured? They could sure do with you back in the team. I don't know you personally but have seen you play a fair few times and whilst I know your not going to say on here, I would fully expect someone of your ability to be one of the players jumping ship before xmas if things don't improve!

 

[Brunty.]

Yes very much like that, its all very well trying to play the pretty stuff, but not scoring at the end of it all isn't going to win you anything, hence why Arsenal haven't won much! Not saying Knaphill or Chobham are Arsenal or Wimbledon in the slightest.

 

Looks like Knaphill are missing Nathan Miles at the back especially, wasn't convinced with the back four on Saturday, especially physically! I know Tank is a big miss in the centre of midfield too but surely Knaphill have enough quality to cope with him not being there?

 

Maybe they should concentrate on getting a starting 11 sorted as opposed to aquiring new players every fortnight.

 

Anyway, I am watching Cobham on Tuesday so will write a match report on that and then I'm back down to see Knaphill on the Saturday, maybe I'll stand near BP to listen to his words of wisdom?

 

 

 

WHAT ! NO MENTION OF BRUNTY, WHERE IS HE WHEN YOU NEED HIM .......................................LOL !

SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT HW MATE, LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE GOING GOOD GUNS UNDER ROACH !

 

Im here NG , just observing the comments! - Yeah Hartley doing well now after a shakey start and good luck to them and Roachy!

[milesy4]

Hope so Milesy4, will you be back playing or still injured? They could sure do with you back in the team. I don't know you personally but have seen you play a fair few times and whilst I know your not going to say on here, I would fully expect someone of your ability to be one of the players jumping ship before xmas if things don't improve!

 

 

 

Unfortunately not on Saturday, another week and a half in the air cast, scan next week should give me the all clear as it feels all healed up now. Has defintely been a frustrating 2 months, given the fact the hospital missed the fracture the day after the game I did it, just means I probably would have been back a lot sooner. Have watched most of the games I havent been able to play in and it is somewhat of a mystery as to why results arent going our way, I must say! Probably a stronger squad than last year, just cant put my finger on it, although the low confidence in the camp does seem to be taking its toll.

[Intershminter]

Stronger squad, same manager, weeker coaching staff and more teams wanting to beat the Knappers more than anyother team in the league. Is 'Odgie getting a game yet and is Jack Ball starting regular. Crying out for you to play 3 up and of Rick, Jack, Baker and Pimmy if fit. Spoilt for choice in midfield as well. Tank, Fox and Brunt as a 3 looks pretty sound to me.

 

Has BP changed anything to try and put things right or is it just 4 4 2 and knaphill will come out on top eventually? Is he still playing the commitment, workrate endevour record!!

 

 

[THE ACE FACE]

Im not the biggest BP fan by a long shot,but it is so easy to blame him,i was at the chobham game on sat and the players let him the club and themselves down.

theese guys turn up have everything done for them (just short of putting the kit on for them).They just have to give 100%,on sat brunty aside not one of thoes players were interested,it was the worst knaphill performance i have ever seen.Ok the buck stops with the manager but the players down there must hold there hands up and take some resposability.

[Non League Nigel]

why all the violins on here- jesus you would have thought Knaphill were on minus 10 points.. They have missed argubly one of the best centre back in the division as any club would. At this level 2 or 3 players can really make the difference.

 

They will finish in top half this season - trust me....

Cant help but think though that their failure to get the ground developments in place has cost them the chance of promotion for a few years

[NICE GUY]

Im not the biggest BP fan by a long shot,but it is so easy to blame him,i was at the chobham game on sat and the players let him the club and themselves down.

theese guys turn up have everything done for them (just short of putting the kit on for them).They just have to give 100%,on sat brunty aside not one of thoes players were interested,it was the worst knaphill performance i have ever seen.Ok the buck stops with the manager but the players down there must hold there hands up and take some resposability.

 

ACE FACE, BY LOSING NEAR ON EVERY WEEK MAKES EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH A CLUB ON A DOWNER WITH THE ATMOSPHERE NOT GOOD.

 

YOU WILL BE SURPRISED WHAT A FEW WINS WILL DO, IT CHANGES MORALE, FEEL MORE CONFIDENT ''BUT'' YOU SAY DON'T JUST BLAME THE MANAGER BUT ALSO THE PLAYERS - CORRECT !

 

WELL IN MY EYES ITS A 2 WAY STREET. THE MANAGER, COACHES ETC., THEY GIVE THE ORDERS (TACTICS), SHOULD ENCOURAGE, MOTIVATE AND GIVE BELIEF. ON THE OTHER HAND, DOES BP HAVE GOOD MAN MANAGEMENT SKILLS, DO THE PLAYERS AGREE WITH THE TACTICS WHETHER OR NOT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, WHY ARE PLAYERS LEAVING, DO THEY LIKE OR PLAY FOR THE MANAGER/COACHES, HAS THE TEAM GOT A GOOD BONDING WITH A HAPPY ATMOSPHERE ? IF NOT AND THE PLAYERS ARE NOT TRYING (WHICH IS INEXCUSEABLE NO MATTER WHAT), IT'S EITHER THOSE PLAYERS THE MANAGER GET'S RID OF OR ALTERNATIVELY THE MANAGER IS SACKED. ONLY THE HONESTY OF THE PLAYERS WILL REVEAL WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND IF ITS TRUE WHAT I READ BETWEEN THE LINES, KNAPHILL HAVE GOOD PLAYERS/TEAM, BUT DO THEY HAVE ANY BELIEF IN THEIR MANAGER ?

 

NOW I DON'T KNOW BP WHO IS PROBABLY A REAL NICE GUY SO THIS IS NOT A PERSONAL ATTACK, I'M JUST SAYING MAYBE TRY OTHER SYSTEMS, TACTICS, SET PIECES, YOU NEVER KNOW THE PLAYERS MAY START ENJOYING THEMSELVES AND WHEN THEY ARE, THE RESULTS WILL CHANGE. IF HE DOESN'T IT COULD WELL BE CURTAINS FOR KNAPHILL - HERE'S ONE FOR YOU BP, WHY NOT HAVE A TEAM MEETING THRASH ANY UNCERTAINCIES WITH THE PLAYERS, CLEAR THE AIR THAT MAY WELL BENEFIT ALL CONCERNED........... DON'T SHOOT ME BP, IT'S ONLY MY SUGGESTION - HOPE IT HELPS !

Edited October 18, 2010 by NICE GUY

[Tucks1]

Knaphill have really suprised me since they battled with 9 men for a point against us a few weeks back. I said then that they were still a decent outfit and in any division a string of decent results goes along way to building confidence and getting morale back up. The problem with Knaphill is and I'm pretty sure I'm right in saying this everyone wants to beat them and teams raise there game 50% to play them, now why everyteam can raise their game against certain teams and not others is a mystery. Im sure BP and others associated with the club are struggling to find amswers as to where the season as gone so wrong we have all been there and all looked for a win if any kind just to get that W in the column. For my view for what its worth I hope knaphill do come good and get back to winning ways they are a progressive club whcih are going in the right direction off the field and at least they can get promoted out of the division if they finish in a promotion place.Which is more than can be said for some of the top sides up there now.

Edited October 18, 2010 by Tucks1

[diggity]

'Intershminter'

Stronger squad, same manager, weeker coaching staff and more teams wanting to beat the Knappers more than anyother team in the league. Is 'Odgie getting a game yet and is Jack Ball starting regular. Crying out for you to play 3 up and of Rick, Jack, Baker and Pimmy if fit. Spoilt for choice in midfield as well. Tank, Fox and Brunt as a 3 looks pretty sound to me.

 

Has BP changed anything to try and put things right or is it just 4 4 2 and knaphill will come out on top eventually? Is he still playing the commitment, workrate endevour record!!

 

 

Intershminter,

 

You seem to know knaphill very well. We dont just play 4-4-2, maybe that is the problem and we havnt stuck with one particular formation for longer than 3 games. We played a diamond last year and obviously this worked very well. With players going and coming formations are always changed to fit players. Maybe this does need to be looked at. I think the commitment of some could be questioned but were a great bunch and only have ourselves to look at to sort it out.

Jack Ball is a quality player and should get more minutes. Don't think Odgie has played that much, maybe he should...........................

 

Intershminter, which team / club are you now involved with?

 

 

Up you Knappers!