Billy The Cat

[the cats mum]

I have just read on the forum that Billy is not playing for ETFC any more. I would like to know where the news came from as it is news to us and Billy, who has been waiting for a call from Jim.

[ETFC Neil]

Wasn't it in the local papers? Jim is on holiday so I would suggest Billy phones up his other contacts at the club.

[the cats mum]

We know Jim is on holiday. But Billy spoke to him two weeks ago to tell him he still wanted to play for the club but because of work commitments he couldn't make it to thursday training sessions, Jim said he wanted him to play but it might be a problem with Phil but he would get back to him. the first we knew about it was when we read the forum.

[Beer Sponsor]

I can see that that could make things a bit dificult, but I'd hope that all concerned were prepared to give it a go. That has to include Phil, and after all there has been some lack of training attendance a bit closer to home for him!

[Squadron Leader]

I really hope that what was in the Advertiser was wrong, but I doubt it. I seriously will miss Billy & all his Family & whatever happens I still wish you the best of luck whatever you do & wherever you go.

 

<img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

 

PS: Take good care of my "JETS" Trophy till April 2005 Billy. (That shows you how well you were liked Billy does'nt it.) Lets hope you can sort something out mate!!!

[Southport - TOWNER]

I can't believe we would let "the cat" go just because he can't train on a Thursday; we had guys we couldn't play on saturdays last season who will be there next season. This is crap.

 

JC is the manager; he it has to be his decision as to who is kept; and on what terms.

 

Has he been let go to accomodate Danny Clarke? for half a season before he goes off somewhere else?

 

Billy - good luck where ever you go; most of us realise you have given 110%; even when the bl**dy ball wouldn't go in the net. cheers

 

 

 

[Squadron Leader]

Southport I do agree with some of your comments, but I do believe that JC is trying to get our players as fit as possible for the new Season. That is why he has brought the new "Fitness Trainer" in. So far the lads have not seen a Football & I don't think they will next week either.

 

You should get down to Brimo on a Thursday Evening, its quite funny watching them after they have run back from Albany Park, I think this type of Fitness Training will sort out the "Men from the Boys" so to speak.

 

We need for the Team to be 100% fit to win the ESL this Season & if Billy can't commit to Training then I think its only right & proper that he should be able to leave & maybe find a club that will not be quite so strict on training etc. Any way thats my 2 bobs woth, but at the end of the day JC is the Manager & it is up to him. As I said before Good Luck Billy, I for one will miss you mate.

 

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[Steph]

Have to agree with SL

 

"I can't believe we would let "the cat" go just because he can't train on a Thursday; we had guys we couldn't play on saturdays last season who will be there next season." >>Southport How would you feel if as a young 18/19 year old you were committed to training every Thursday and worked your guts out only to see a player come in who, as far as you know, has not done a stroke from one Saturday to the next.

 

As far as Billy is concerned it is known on this board that I am not his greatest fan, though he had skills and touches that many players in the squad lacked. The Town will miss his experience however I have no doubt that another player will come along to replace him, if he has left.

 

I wish him all the best no matter whether he stays or goes.

[andyetfc]

SL - Maybe the issue is how Billy left the club rather than why?

 

That's my two penneth worth!

 

Bobs, pennies - real money from the past!

[lovely stuff]

I think the best course of action would be if Billy reconcidered his decision to not train on thursday's (if that's at all possible for him). We need Billy Cove next season,but we need a FIT Billy Cove.

[bigboybubs]

Remember the cat is also our goalkeeping cover as well, we need the cat back.

[andyetfc]

It's good to read that BBB says 'our' and 'we'.

 

Does that mean that BBB is back in Town?

[Southport - TOWNER]

looks like BBB has changed sports as well?

 

Any way looks like some poor communication.

 

Also do the guys only train once a week? not going to get or stay fit like that

 

[bjr]

I follow (and sometimes contribute) to this forum because I like to know what might or might not be happening off the pitch.

 

But I don't like the way this affair seems to have been conducted. No player should find out about his future in a forum such as this - or a newspaper for that matter.

 

A lesson learned for the club's officials here surely. If you are acting as a spokesman for ETFC in whatever capacity, make sure the right people have been informed BEFORE the papers.

[andyetfc]

BJR.

 

If you read on another thread, then you will be aware that I was surprised as the next person to hear that Billy had gone.

 

My previous note asks the question as to 'how' and not 'why' he has left.

 

I am not acting as spokesman, just pointing out a few facts.

 

I believe we, you and I, both realise that there is an issue that needs resolving.

[The Invisible Man]

Very true, bjr, but by the same token the fault may lie outside the club, or at least outside the committee (or board, or whatever we have).

 

The press may have misinterpreted or elected to embellish the facts a little.

 

However, the Gazette does quote JC as saying that the club and Billy have parted by mutual agreement.

[Jim Cunneen]

absolutely right Andy!

 

and we still need another answer as well - has Digby gone?

[the cats mum]

hello everyone , just thought id put a few things straight . As you may be aware i have recently started a new job , this consists of me being in the west end of london at 7.30pm every thursday , I did everything i could not to have to be there but its out of my hands . I spoke to Jim before pre season started explaining this to him and he said he would get back to me , he didnt and the next thing i know i have left the club by mutaul consent ! . the e.s.l is the lowest standard of football that i have played in and i was very loyal to the club when ryman 1 and 2 managers were ringing me last season , Im just gutted the club havent shown me the same loyalty as i was hoping to be a big part of E.T.F.C'S rise up the leagues . Anyway it looks like the decision has already been made and im no longer BILLY THE CAT so take care everyone i wish you a successful season , looks like one the management has finally got me out , thanks .

[Southport Jr.]

such a shame.

[andyetfc]

I didn't know that Billy's mum played for us!!!

 

Good luck Bill - you will always be 'Billy the Cat'. Certainly got us out of trouble at Basildon!