Player News Bonanza...

[Simon BTFC]

From www.thisisessex.co.uk

 

Soccer: Dormer staying but Town lose Luke

 

Billericay Town boss Justin Edinburgh has received mixed news on his playing line-up for next season.

 

He is delighted that midfielder and captain Jamie Dormer, one of the big successes of last term, has agreed a new one-year deal.

 

But the club have lost the services of outstanding goalkeeper Luke Weaver, who has decided to travel after being released by Nationwide League Northampton Town and is heading for Australia.

 

With top scorer Danny Hockton and Chris Stowe already tied up on contracts, Robin Trott and Leon Hunter have both agreed to stay and Pat Sappleton and Gary Henty are expected to sign new deals.

 

But strikers Luke Bauckham, whose season was wrecked by injury, KK Opara and Graeme Tomlinson have all been released.

 

Said ex-Spurs star Edinburgh: "I'm delighted that Jamie has pledged his immediate future to us. Obviously after the outstanding season he enjoyed there was a great deal of interest in him from other clubs."

 

 

[extaffyjim]

bit of a mixed bag there. obviously delighted than dormer is staying, and hopefully trott and sappleton will stay together at the back.

disapponited to lose weaver, but cant claim to be too fussed about losing the other luke, bauckhum.

this gives a bit more idea as to what were going to look like nnext year, just waiting on news of new signings now

[c'mon ricay]

Wasnt suprised Luke Weaver left as he still lives near Northampton. What is the situation with JJ. Hope we keep Pat and Trott together as they are a quality players who this level. Pleased to see luke B and KK released but unsure on Tommo as he is a good player whos very good at switching the play but he tended to drift in and out of games as he was quiet lazy and personally I prefer players who try and put effort in

[GazzaBTFC]

I don't think Luke Weavers "local" was an issue. If you read the report he is moving to Australia.

[Andy P]

Very surprised to see Hunter retained, thought he was a weak link in midfield throughout the season

[Simon BTFC]

Obviously disappointed that Weaver's gone travelling - can't see why he would prefer winter in Oz to winter in Essex <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

Looks like we'll be keeping Trott and Sappers, good solid centre back partnership there imho. Pleased Henty looks like staying for his sixth season.

 

With Stowe and Hockers up front, Justin reckons a keeper and another striker are his top priority.

 

Still think it's the midfield that needs the most work - Dormer staying is excellent news, but Hunter was at best frustratingly inconsistent. He will need to be at his best throughout next season. A couple of wide men wouldn't go amiss as well!

 

Of course this time 12 months ago we didn't have a manager, any players signed up or any friendlies arranged so we're well ahead this time around <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Keon D]

Glad to see Dorms signing again! I think Hunter is a great player so pleased to see him sign.

Not too suprised to see Weaver leave, i just hope JJ will sign, but to be honest I can't see that happening.

I'm not too disapointed with Bauckham and KK leaving, but I think we should have kept Tommo because I think he is a great player with a lot to offer, and if he stayed then he would have been able to prove himself.

I think the only other player Justin should really try to get to stay as well next season is Jones and maybe Henty.

[jl]

I think people are being a bit harsh on Hunter. For the first three months of the season he was playing as the holding midfielder and this role clearly didnt suit him. When Davidson arrived he pushed forward more and was more effective. When Davidson was left out and Dorms played in the centre with Hunter again, Hunter's form dipped when asked to play the defensive role, but when swapped roles with Dorms he picked up again. Sure he had some bad games but Christ who didn't. I may be wrong on this but I suspect he was our second top scorer last season and he also had the bottle to step up and slot home a penalty after a long delay. I am not saying he's a world beater but I think he's worth a place in the squad.

Apart from those mentioned (Hockers,Stowe,Dorms, Pat and Trott and Henty (and Hunter!)) I wouldnt look to retain anyone else from last seasons squad. Everyone knows JJ is well capable at this level, I spose it just depends how badly the bridges have been burnt.

[Simon BTFC]

Hunter was our 2nd top league scorer with 6 goals. Gary Ansell was our 2nd top "all competitions" scorer with 9 (including his hat-trick against Stanstead natch)

 

Interestingly Hunter only scored one goal prior to Christmas. Did somebody buy him some new boots for a pressie, or is that an indication of the tactical nuances outlined by JL above?

[GazzaBTFC]

I agree, Hunter is a good player and when played as a attacking midfielder, he come into his own.

 

Good agruement jl and well observed. Put over a point I was going to make better than I was going to.

[Simon BTFC]

Quote:

GazzaBTFC said:
Good agruement jl and well observed. Put over a point I was going to make better than I was going to.

I reckon we should get jl writing in the prog next season "Talking Tactics with Big JL" has a nice ring to it.....

[jl]

Yep I agree

 

Should I have a cheeseburger or a bacon and cheeseburger?

Should I have 2 or 3 pints before the game?

 

These are the sort of crucial tactical decisions that have to be made but I feel that I am up to the challenges in the season ahead!!!

[GazzaBTFC]

Is the burger and beer a defensive solution to our dietary requirements?

[Simon BTFC]

I can recommend the burger and beer diet - works for me...

[dufas]

We need to give Davidson a new contract!!! When he was in midfield as the holding player we rocked! Personally think he is 10 times better than Hunter!

[Guest]

I cant believe that Hunters been offered a contract , for me the poorest player we have and theres been a few of them to pick from.