Confused

[MarkCol]

But Jackman has been released

[AFF]

Just pretend that he hadn't for a moment, MarkCol. Where would he fit in to your starting line-up?

[Midweeksaint]

Hi AFF

I wasn't one of the 1,045 faithul on Saturday as I had an alternative family commitment which I couldn't escape. Afraid I won't be able to get to CP before Boxing day (unless we get a home draw in the FA Cup or Trophy). You make a good point about the probability of players stepping up from the Ryman not being good enough. Whilst the transfer window is a problem and we have had a lot of injuries, all of this has to be dealt with. I haven't done the maths but we must have average one new signing a week since the start of September. Most of those new signings have now left as they (in the opinion of LL, who at present is the only one that matters) weren't good enough. Perhaps it's time to look at different sources. Of all those signings Elliot Benyon is the only one to have come from the football league. My own Premiership club has several players out on loan at Crawley and Aldershot. Why aren't 'we' looking at similar sources? Surely Watford must have players in their academy who could benefit from Conference experience? Or maybe Luton? You get my drift? Of course, you all know LL better than I but dare I ask how good are his contacts at FL level?

Cheers

[AFF]

Hmmmnnnnn.

 

Damian Batt was signed, having been released from Paul Fairclough's Premiership Newcomers Barnet, and he is a class act in my view. Elliot Benyon is here on loan from Soeoneorother's Premiership Newcomers Bristol City and Alexis "Jack" Nicolas was formerly at Brighton £ Hove Albion. All three are in the current starting line-up, and appear to be worth their place.

 

Surely it is no surprise that there have been a number of comings and goings this season?

 

Clearly, a positive decision was made to stay part-time this year, and if Colin goes to a top striker at a full-time club, the offer of [high] part-time wages coupled with a suggestion that St Albans Post Office is actively seeking postal operatives is unlikely to be attractive, club Ferrari, or not.

 

Players have been 'looked at' and, in a number of cases, found wanting. As I recall, Matt 'Matty' Hann hardly missed a game last season due to injury and we can't afford to have a high quality right-sided midfield player, who would otherwise be a starter at a Conference South club, sitting on the bench covering the possibility that Matt would dislocate whatever he has dislocated. Similarly, Gary Elphick hardly suffered an injury as I recall from his last couple of spells at t'Park.

 

Colin knew from the start that it was going to be a tough season and it occurs to me that he has gone for younger players for the most part, in the hope that their level of fitness would be able to compete with the full-time players what we come up against every week. And you know the story of the old bull and the young bull.

 

I've no idea whether Colin comes on here, but if he does he will recognise that AFF doesn't know anything about football. But he will also know that we aren't likely to survive in this League with a team made up of players who 'show some nice touches' and who 'have long term potential'. And certainly, Rob 'Norro' Norris, Nathan 'Homer' Simpson, Warren 'Wazza' McBean, Josh 'SOZ' Sozzo, Duane 'Duane' Jackman, et al come into that category, for me.

 

Keep the faith, Mws. And do try to get to the odd game, old chap.

[Midweeksaint]

AFF

I certainly do try to get to the odd game (and I have seen some very odd ones at CP over the years). Only managed four so far this year (and only seen two goals, one for and one against, so not a great entertainment return I venture) plus a couple of the PSFs and as I said if we get a home draw in the FA Cup (assuming we can beat Yeading - I know I should never assume anything - or even a replay) or Trophy then I will probably be there. I thought 'we' were probably good enough to stay up at the start of the season but now I'm not so sure. Mainly because I haven't got a clue about the strength of the squad this week or next. Sure, we have had poor luck with injuries and I'm pleased to see that three of 'our' signings have come from the Football League. I think we probably need more. One final point, you seem to imply that we have to pay the wages of loan players. I have no idea how it works but surely if 'we' take youngsters like Benyon who are effectively with us for work experience then their own clubs will cover most if not all of their wages?

[Iron Webbo]

Quote:

Maldini66 said:

Quote:

Iron Webbo said:
"You can put a shilling or two on us avoiding the drop"

After the Club's heaviest home defeat in fifty years - hmmm, I wonder?

Hi IW <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

How are the mighty Irons shaping up this year?

We're doing OK - survival was the name of the game this season, but Saturday's win at the leaders was arguably our best of the season. George has got the lads working hard and I think we'll do OK. Trust you're well, etc.

[Iron Webbo]

Quote:

AFF said:
One things for sure, Fatboy, the cheques' don't bounce, the players' get paid and the thought of suspension from the League doesn't occur to anyone here anymore.

How's the planning application coming along?

That's more like it - I've missed your kind words. For the latest try:
www.braintree.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/D9571222-8C4C-4A69-A2D4-080399130295/0/WeeklyListNo42.pdf

"Fatboy" - I can always go on a diet. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Whereas you will NEVER be Chairman - we all saw to that! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

AFF: "You can put a shilling or two on us avoiding the drop"

[cityman]

CL has I am sure great links in to FL football and as AFF has put very well indeed we are simply having no luck whatsover with injuries etc.

 

As for Jackman, I thought he looked pretty good but from what I have heard he never bothered to turn up for training...we don't need that if we are going to survive.