How long can we go on like this?

[No bull Towner]

27 minutes ago, lovely stuff said:

We can't have it both ways. We can't say we are mainly struggling this season because this league is far stronger than the Isthmian, then say it would take us many years to get back out of that 'weaker' league again. The problem as i see how to NOT get relegated from the NSL this season or when we (hopefully fairly quickly) get back into it.

I didn't say Isthmian was 'weaker', although it stands to reason, but if you drop down you are by no means guaranteed to jump straight back up!

[ETFC2001]

2 hours ago, No bull Towner said:

I agree with what you are saying that it would be a struggle and probably many years to get the opportunity to be in NLS again if we get relegated. Being at home should be our fortress and it would be great to get that. I think we can give that feeling to the lads but we won't get that by walking away at the end of matches or by not singing for 90 mins. If we are depressed by results how do we think they feel? No team likes to keep losing or sets out to lose and I'm sure they beat themselves up for it but they also carry the burden of letting the fans down and I feel they need us more than ever to be that extra man! There's nothing to keep players at the club except their desire to win and please the fans so it's easy for us to lose most of the team in a single week if they feel it's pointless and we aren't  behind them. They could all get back to winning ways dropping down to other clubs so we have to make them want to stay. Football is a funny old game and we've had a tough start but over the season other teams will have bad patches too and the gap narrows. We need to try and be positive and help to lift their dropping heads...if we all go that extra mile be it support or guts on the pitch who knows what can happen COYT

Totally agree with everything, NBT.

I think the fans including me were lacklustre against Aveley on Saturday. For large parts of the game the ground was quiet and we was getting outsung by Aveley fans for a majority of the game. This might be related to poor results or whatever was going on between the stewards and Aveley fans but we need to be better as this team was built on us fans. We need to be there for them and make them feel like we’re not throwing in the towel this early in the season and like you said a 12th man.

Comparing that to Weymouth a few weeks ago, for the whole game the place was loud and even against Maidstone for basically the whole game. Felt like there was a real sense of togetherness from the fans to the players and Gavin.

So, on the weekend let’s make it a nervous atmosphere for Chesham and let’s sing for 90 minutes because that’s what Enfield Town has been built on no matter what’s going on the pitch.

COYT.

[ETFC2001]

1 hour ago, lovely stuff said:

We can't have it both ways. We can't say we are mainly struggling this season because this league is far stronger than the Isthmian, then say it would take us many years to get back out of that 'weaker' league again. The problem as i see how to NOT get relegated from the NSL this season or when we (hopefully fairly quickly) get back into it.

I don’t think NLS is ‘far stronger’ then Isthmian though. Maybe in a terms of fitness but there is a lot of funny teams that have up and down form and we can be one of those teams with a bit of push from the fans or something else. Making sure to win our home games or picking up points atleast is what we need to stay in this league.

[No bull Towner]

7 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

Totally agree with everything, NBT.

I think the fans including me were lacklustre against Aveley on Saturday. For large parts of the game the ground was quiet and we was getting outsung by Aveley fans for a majority of the game. This might be related to poor results or whatever was going on between the stewards and Aveley fans but we need to be better as this team was built on us fans. We need to be there for them and make them feel like we’re not throwing in the towel this early in the season and like you said a 12th man.

Comparing that to Weymouth a few weeks ago, for the whole game the place was loud and even against Maidstone for basically the whole game. Felt like there was a real sense of togetherness from the fans to the players and Gavin.

So, on the weekend let’s make it a nervous atmosphere for Chesham and let’s sing for 90 minutes because that’s what Enfield Town has been built on no matter what’s going on the pitch.

COYT.

Absolutely right ET2001 rally the troops

[The Crowing Cockerel]

When I heard Marcus has left over the summer I was hoping that Gavin would be able to unearth another gem. At the time I didn't realise just how important it is to have that kind of player at this level. You can look at other sides in the league and see that often they are reliant on one mercurial star who scores/creates the goals that matter - Hedges at Salisbury, Matthews-Lewis at Farnborough, Tyler at Truro, Blair at Maidstone...etc. Not only do good forwards score goals, but they also take pressure off the defence by giving the opposition something to worry about. At present, I do not think the opposition are looking at Ottaway and Hutchinson and thinking they're going to be a handful - in fact, I'm far from convinced that that forward line would be prolific in the Isthmian League. Gavin needs to find a very good striker from somewhere. Like it or not, that's his job! If he doesn't then we are toast.

I agree that we need an experienced head in the centre of midfield. Its a shame we didn't try to recruit Matt Lench (who recently left Slough for St Albans) because I understand he fits the profile. (And reading the Slough forum following their 2-2 draw with The Saints, they think that the St Albans side are very much on the up - which isn't great news!).

All is not lost though. In desperate times EFC/ETFC have a tried and tested formula which will guarantee survival. Its time to bring back George Borg as joint manager and Paul Moran to run things in the centre of the park.

[ETFC2001]

5 minutes ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

When I heard Marcus has left over the summer I was hoping that Gavin would be able to unearth another gem. At the time I didn't realise just how important it is to have that kind of player at this level. You can look at other sides in the league and see that often they are reliant on one mercurial star who scores/creates the goals that matter - Hedges at Salisbury, Matthews-Lewis at Farnborough, Tyler at Truro, Blair at Maidstone...etc. Not only do good forwards score goals, but they also take pressure off the defence by giving the opposition something to worry about. At present, I do not think the opposition are looking at Ottaway and Hutchinson and thinking they're going to be a handful - in fact, I'm far from convinced that that forward line would be prolific in the Isthmian League. Gavin needs to find a very good striker from somewhere. Like it or not, that's his job! If he doesn't then we are toast.

I agree that we need an experienced head in the centre of midfield. Its a shame we didn't try to recruit Matt Lench (who recently left Slough for St Albans) because I understand he fits the profile. (And reading the Slough forum following their 2-2 draw with The Saints, they think that the St Albans side are very much on the up - which isn't great news!).

All is not lost though. In desperate times EFC/ETFC have a tried and tested formula which will guarantee survival. Its time to bring back George Borg as joint manager and Paul Moran to run things in the centre of the park.

Also agree with this for the most part.

It’s no coincidence that our best seasons recently we’ve had a dominant striker that can score goals and make defenses worry and gameplan around one person. Mo Faal, Marcus, and others I’m most likely missing that helps free other up attackers so the defense has a handful for the next 90 minutes.

If I was a defender and saw Harry Ottoway (great servant for the club, but now 36) and Hutchinson as a strike partnership I would not be scared compared to some of the strikers in this league. Hedges, Blair etc all names you mentioned.

We also do need someone in the midfield who can control tempo and let us settle down when we do go under a spell of pressure.

[No bull Towner]

34 minutes ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

When I heard Marcus has left over the summer I was hoping that Gavin would be able to unearth another gem. At the time I didn't realise just how important it is to have that kind of player at this level. You can look at other sides in the league and see that often they are reliant on one mercurial star who scores/creates the goals that matter - Hedges at Salisbury, Matthews-Lewis at Farnborough, Tyler at Truro, Blair at Maidstone...etc. Not only do good forwards score goals, but they also take pressure off the defence by giving the opposition something to worry about. At present, I do not think the opposition are looking at Ottaway and Hutchinson and thinking they're going to be a handful - in fact, I'm far from convinced that that forward line would be prolific in the Isthmian League. Gavin needs to find a very good striker from somewhere. Like it or not, that's his job! If he doesn't then we are toast.

I agree that we need an experienced head in the centre of midfield. Its a shame we didn't try to recruit Matt Lench (who recently left Slough for St Albans) because I understand he fits the profile. (And reading the Slough forum following their 2-2 draw with The Saints, they think that the St Albans side are very much on the up - which isn't great news!).

All is not lost though. In desperate times EFC/ETFC have a tried and tested formula which will guarantee survival. Its time to bring back George Borg as joint manager and Paul Moran to run things in the centre of the park.

And there's me thinking Ottaway is getting on a bit..

Edited October 24 by No bull Towner
Error

[The Crowing Cockerel]

1 minute ago, ETFC2001 said:

We also do need someone in the midfield who can control tempo and let us settle down when we do go under a spell of pressure.

Alfie Tuck is great - and will be a very good pro - but at 18 you can't expect him to do that job all on his own. He needs some experience alongside him. I don't think Lashabela was the answer. I'm not convinced Jack Smith is either. I wonder how long Ryan Blackman will be out injured and whether Chelmsford will be releasing him...?

[The Crowing Cockerel]

I think the title of this thread should really be: "How long can Gavin go on like this?"

I fear for his well-being and can already see the post-match interviews getting more fraught as the weeks go by. I'm not saying he's not prepared to take the flak and the pressure, but its a very tough gig at the moment.

[ETFC2001]

26 minutes ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

Alfie Tuck is great - and will be a very good pro - but at 18 you can't expect him to do that job all on his own. He needs some experience alongside him. I don't think Lashabela was the answer. I'm not convinced Jack Smith is either. I wonder how long Ryan Blackman will be out injured and whether Chelmsford will be releasing him...?

Yeah, asking Tuck to be that especially when he is a loan also. I also heard his mum was at the Welling game (and apparently goes every other) and wants him to stay until the end of the season here, which would be nice and gives us a position we can be set on.

Given the midfields listed on the site at the moment, really there’s not a standout player in midfield that gives me faith to control some of the younger players in pressure moments. This reminds me, if we do need a holding midfielder what about Ernaldo Krasniqi? Does anyone know anything about him or where he is, cos I haven’t seen him in a long while. Wasn’t bad in the minutes given and he’s also got pedigree at this level

Edited October 24 by ETFC2001

[Father Jack]

1 hour ago, ETFC2001 said:

Yeah, asking Tuck to be that especially when he is a loan also. I also heard his mum was at the Welling game (and apparently goes every other) and wants him to stay until the end of the season here, which would be nice and gives us a position we can be set on.

Given the midfields listed on the site at the moment, really there’s not a standout player in midfield that gives me faith to control some of the younger players in pressure moments. This reminds me, if we do need a holding midfielder what about Ernaldo Krasniqi? Does anyone know anything about him or where he is, cos I haven’t seen him in a long while. Wasn’t bad in the minutes given and he’s also got pedigree at this level

Krasniqi was released a while ago.  Of the midfielders we currently have, Jack Smith looks the best bet

[Barney]

1 hour ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

All is not lost though. In desperate times EFC/ETFC have a tried and tested formula which will guarantee survival. Its time to bring back George Borg as joint manager and Paul Moran to run things in the centre of the park.

Oh to have Paul Moran at his peak playing for us now 🤩

[4wembleyfinals]

Well I seemed to have provoked some really thoughtful realistic views. 

Let's hope they have given thought for those who matter. However, to be fair, I have been assured that at the beginning of the season and since a number of "desirable " players have been approached. But each time we were out bid by our rivals. Money talks!!! 

Perhaps it is about time thought should be given to raising funds for playing squad. Perhaps a transfer from the £35,000, of say £5,000 to start us off. Just a thought!!! If this helps with our situation a move up the table will soon repay this sum by maintained gate receipts. 

Lastly I must agree with CC's remarks about Gavin as it seems to me grossly unfair that he is having to take all the flack on his shoulders.  As they say "it's gone very quiet over there!!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 24 by 4wembleyfinals

[Flobalob]

50 minutes ago, 4wembleyfinals said:

Well I seemed to have provoked some really thoughtful realistic views. 

Let's hope they have given thought for those who matter. However, to be fair, I have been assured that at the beginning of the season and since a number of "desirable " players have been approached. But each time we were out bid by our rivals. Money talks!!! 

Perhaps it is about time thought should be given to raising funds for playing squad. Perhaps a transfer from the £35,000, of say £5,000 to start us off. Just a thought!!! If this helps with our situation a move up the table will soon repay this sum by maintained gate receipts. 

Lastly I must agree with CC's remarks about Gavin as it seems to me grossly unfair that he is having to take all the flack on his shoulders.  As they say "it's gone very quiet over there!!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure the manager is taking ANY flack apart from mine…. As far as i’m concerned he has had no pressure from anyone unless you know something i don’t… The players have taken all the criticism … all these players we we’re delighted to sign have either gone or now not good enough….

[No bull Towner]

1 hour ago, 4wembleyfinals said:

Well I seemed to have provoked some really thoughtful realistic views. 

Let's hope they have given thought for those who matter. However, to be fair, I have been assured that at the beginning of the season and since a number of "desirable " players have been approached. But each time we were out bid by our rivals. Money talks!!! 

Perhaps it is about time thought should be given to raising funds for playing squad. Perhaps a transfer from the £35,000, of say £5,000 to start us off. Just a thought!!! If this helps with our situation a move up the table will soon repay this sum by maintained gate receipts. 

Lastly I must agree with CC's remarks about Gavin as it seems to me grossly unfair that he is having to take all the flack on his shoulders.  As they say "it's gone very quiet over there!!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As has already been said you can't just use crowd funded money for things other than what it was advertised as for eg ground improvements. We can't afford the wages demanded by the type of players we need and it's refreshing for you to say players have been approached but we are outbid etc as that isn't Gav's fault, he's doing his job but his hands are somewhat tied. Maybe that's why he's trying so many different options to try to do the best he can with the money he's got. We will never survive long term at this level unless we can double or treble our playing budget. It is what it is as they say!

[Flobalob]

Your unwavering support of our manager NBT and the way you try to convince people that none of it is his fault and it’s impossible to survive in this league is admirable… your not actually Gavin or related are you ?

[No bull Towner]

13 minutes ago, WHY DO I BOTHER said:

Your unwavering support of our manager NBT and the way you try to convince people that none of it is his fault and it’s impossible to survive in this league is admirable… your not actually Gavin or related are you ?

Oh yes damn you're so clever NOT!  I'm as much Gavin as I am the pope. I'm as much a relative as the pope is Muslim. Just because I have a different opinion than you doesn't make mine any less valid than yours. Just don't respond to my posts and I won't respond to yours...problem solved! I don't care if you are right and I'm wrong, the other way round or neither. Have a pleasant evening!

Edited October 24 by No bull Towner
Error

[lovely stuff]

6 hours ago, ETFC2001 said:

I don’t think NLS is ‘far stronger’ then Isthmian though. Maybe in a terms of fitness but there is a lot of funny teams that have up and down form and we can be one of those teams with a bit of push from the fans or something else. Making sure to win our home games or picking up points atleast is what we need to stay in this league.

IF we are as strong as last season we should have a good chance in getting straight back up (if we go down). Or are we NOT as strong as the squad that gained promotion. And if not, why not.

[ETFC2001]

4 minutes ago, lovely stuff said:

IF we are as strong as last season we should have a good chance in getting straight back up (if we go down). Or are we NOT as strong as the squad that gained promotion. And if not, why not.

Wonder why mate.. don’t think we lost anyone important just that 40 goal a season goalscorer called Marcus Wyllie

[Flobalob]

Well it’s certainly been a heated discussion but i will leave you lot to it … this acceptance of failure don’t sit right with me and it becomes frustrating… no offence intended… COYT….