Season 2007/2008

[Gally221263]

Here we are at last, a couple of days away from the start of the 2007/08 football season. It's been a long, wet summer since the away game at Dagenham & Redbridge but here we are, all looking forward to going to Stonebridge Road on Saturday for hopefully a moral boosting win against Northwich and then a successful season ending with, at least, a playoff place.

 

I think initially we will miss Charlie Mac's goals, which conference team wouldn't, that isn't to say we won't also miss Sodje and Ross Smith as well but let's hope that the new signings we've made make up for their absence. Barrett has looked solid in midfield, a good replacement for Quinn, Chukki and Nade both look pretty useful up front, where we still have young Luke Moore, another year older and wiser. Keeling, when he was fit, was good but Purcell seems to have come on since last season, as has James Smith who has looked good in the pre-season games I have seen, as has Liam Coleman. Starkey seems to be a good signing, if he has indeed signed, I haven't seen enough of McPhee yet to be able to make a judgement. It shows our intent that we were able to retain the services of Long, Debolla, Ricketts, all of whom are good enough for the step up to league football in my opinion, Opinel, MaCarthy, Cronin et all. I can't remember going into a new season with so much anticipation.

 

It may upset a few people but I think the board have done a great job, new sponsors, one of the biggest sponsorship deals in non-league history, which will undoubtedly raise out profile. I realise that some people aren't going to be happy about the £1 price increase but if we are going to push for league football we have to keep the finances in the black. I for one will be taking up the clubs fantastic new offer of under 16 season tickets for £25 all in, I have a season ticket and was able to get in early and buy at last seasons prices but I bring three boys under 13 to Stonebridge road for every game and the £6, now £7, soon adds up. All we need now is some solid news about the new ground

 

Go on Gravesend & Northfleet, sorry Ebbsfleet United, sod it, up the fleet

[Gravesendboy86]

I couldnt agree more we havent looked as promising to go for the title for a few years now even with out the boy wonder mac's goals and sodje weve still got some promising hopefuls there maybe even some good replacements!

 

I do agree thou it would be nice to here some good solid new on the clubs future plans for a new ground.

 

Although the shed has gave me most of my memorible moments from the fleet and it would be sad to say goodbye we need to see some future plans if we want to be a league1 or 2 status team?

 

I said on a post earlier that i think the new name and the new sponsors are going to draw more support i dont know how just have a feeling but there is definatley improvement as far as i can see and im sure we can acheive attendance records this season that will smash over the previous few years.

 

COME ON THE FLEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07/08 is ours for the taking lets all get behind them!

[Stu M]

How long have we been calling Stonebridge Road 'the shed'...?!

[Gravesendboy86]

Sorry when i was a boy i used to go to the games and sit next to a steward called albert!

 

I heard he was the tea boy at half time now?

 

He used to call the ground the shed because of the wooden work and old look.

 

Its just something that reminds me of him lol.

 

Although i have heard it been called that in the past,

 

My grandad knows it as the shed i think it is just a nickname/quickname not that it ever stuck,

[KShep]

We will miss Charlie's goals but I think, instead of one 30+ goals a season striker, now we have three or four 10-15 goals a season strikers in Moore, Nade, Chukki and McPhee.

 

Sodje's presence has been made up by Chukki and Nade, both of them are pacey and strong and I feel more than cover.

 

DeBolla, Stacy Long and Purcell will all be able to enjoy their seasons more than the injury-hit ones they had to endure last year- with a little more consistency and some games under their belt, all three of these players can assist and score goals.

 

Liam Daish made a comment about a 'team effort' sometime during last season. With the attacking flair in our side, a settled line-up and a great pre-season, I see no reason why the team can't cover for Charlie's goals and indeed surpass them this time round!

[Gravesendboy86]

True no i think every fan has a different perspective overall of this season with the players we have.

 

I mean we do have a tight attacking unit there now with players that are 100% effective to us.

 

At the end of the day we all want one thing TO WIN..............

 

Im sure that this year The Fleet have got the right players and staff there to give us that push for promotion.

 

We need as much help from the supporters thou aswell.

 

The team is looking very impressing and although it was a shame to see Charlie go Gary Mac and Mark Rickett's looking good in defence and DeBolla is back hopeful with an injury free season i can see Luke Moore shining this season alongside Nade and Chukki.

 

Like i said thats my prediction but i do agree with what you all said and hopefully this season is our time to shine im sure we will have a comfortable position this season and lets hope we stay a steady side coming from last season.

[Stu M]

You can come back again Gravesendboy86... some positivity for a change!!

[Gravesendboy86]

LOL Stu M thats the way we gotta be lol

[Maxman]

I note that not any body has mentioned G Mcdonnald I have watched a few pre season games and he has looked very impressive at the back.Reads the game very well and looks every bit as steady as Ross if not better.I think and hope the defence seems to be the best we have had with the choice of positoins all covered.

[Gravesendboy86]

No your right Gary is looking very positive for us i think i was mentioning him in another topic and also barrett.

 

Yes we have lost some big players for us but we have a strong and eager team there who work well together i just hope 07/08 seasons brings us all the success that we acquire and what we can acheive.