The Career of Fola

really toughing it out with that braintree team, good work so far dude, and keep it up

20th February 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 34.


Starting XI: Walker; Marrs, Fry, Paine*, Habergham; Sparkes**, Davis ©, Miles, Modeste; Guthrie, Cox***.
Subs: Brundle*, Isaac**, Woodyard, Akinola, Cheek***.

Seven games unbeaten now as we grabbed a draw against a strong Barrow side. We went behind early on but were always in the game and looked dangerous up top, Guthrie in particular. Guthrie got the equaliser on the hour after a flick on from substitute Michael Cheek. Really happy with our form at the moment.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Kurtis Guthrie (7.6)
League Position: 12th
Next Opponent: Halifax (H)

23rd February 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 35.


Starting XI: Walker; Marrs, Brundle*, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes**, Davis ©, Miles, Guthrie; Akinola, Cox***.
Subs: Fry*, Isaac**, Woodyard, Modeste, Cheek***.

What an amazing game for the neutral but a massively disappointing game for me personally as we lost our first game for 8 matches. I changed the system round and put Guthrie on the left wing while I put my faith in Akinola up top. We didn't start great but managed to go into the break ahead. Michael Cheek came on at half time to score with his first touch and then it all went tits up. So disappointing to lose in the fashion we did, hope it doesn't affect the players confidence too much.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Taylor Miles (7.9)
League Position: 12th
Next Opponent: Guiseley (A)

24th February 2016


Quite disappointing for the lad really. He's barely featured for me this season but I gave him a chance yesterday but he was forced off after 20 minutes. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness before the season ends. I've also given left back Sam Habergham a new deal after a solid season so far. He's only on £220 a week which is an absolute bargain for a player who is playing every week.

Cheers for the comment Khyle and welcome to the forum.

That game vs. Halifax is the one that frustrates me the most @Fola, losing a game with a minute to go. Still toughing it out though with Braintree which is nice to see. KIU lad.

thanks fola

Oh Fola I do enjoy your careers. Just caught up with this one Looking forward to your summer transfer activity, there is usually some good bargains to be found in the lower leagues. Think Modeste is a good player at that level.

Kutgw

Thanks @Shedender and @Suffolk Seasider for the comments. I am glad you are both enjoying.

5th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 36.


Starting XI: Walker; Marrs, Miller, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes*, Davis ©, Miles**, Modeste; Guthrie, Cheek***.
Subs: Fry, Isaac*, Woodyard**, Akinola, Cox***.

The Guiseley game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Another good performance from the lads but another late goal has let us down. Eastleigh are a really good side for this division and are sitting just outside the Play Offs so all in all, a draw is a good result. Another goal for Kurtis Guthrie also which is good news, he's on brilliant form.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Kenny Davis (8.6)
League Position: 14th
Next Opponent: Guiseley (A)

8th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 37.


Starting XI: Walker; Marrs, Fry, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Davis ©, Miles*, Modeste; Guthrie**, Akinola***.
Subs: Miller, Isaac, Woodyard*, Cheek**, Cox***.

What a frustrating game. Matt Paine was sent off for a straight red just after Guiseley scored their first goal which meant we needed to have a reshuffle. Kurtis Guthrie then came off injured and Kenny Davis missed a penalty midway through the second half. Everything which could of gone wrong in this match went wrong. Just waiting now on the extent of Guthrie's injury. We go again.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Ricky Modeste (8.4)
League Position: 14th
Next Opponent: Grimsby (A)

9th March 2016


Kurtis Guthrie has been ruled out for anytime up to three months which will rule him out for the season. As he is only here on loan, we will probably not see him again in a Braintree shirt unless we can sort a deal out in the Summer. He's been great for me recently and has managed 7 goals in 18 appearances. He will be sorely missed.

12th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 38.


Starting XI: Walker; Marrs, Fry, Miller, Habergham; Isaac, Davis ©, Woodyard*, Modeste**; Strutton, Cheek***.
Subs: Clerima, Miles*, Sparkes**, Akinola***, Cox.

A poor result against a strong Grimsby side. We shuffled the side around and went for a defensive approach but it didn't really work. We were on the back foot for the majority of the game and gave two scrappy goals away near the end of the game. Quite a while since we've had a win now. Play Offs looking increasingly unlikely.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Alex Woodyard (7.1)
League Position: 14th
Next Opponent: Cheltenham (H)

19th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 39.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Fry, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Miles, Woodyard*, Modeste**; Strutton, Odubade***.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar*, Isaac**, Akinola***, Cheek.

What a brilliant win against 3rd placed Cheltenham thanks to two goals from Charlie Strutton. He has been unfortunate not to feature more this season but with Guthrie out, he will be given his chance. We dominated from start to finish and fully deserved this win. We are a bit too far off from Play Offs to catch up but its nice to get back to winning ways.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Charlie Strutton (8.8)
League Position: 14th
Next Opponent: Bromley (H)

26th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 40.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Fry, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Miles, Woodyard, Modeste*; Strutton**, Odubade***.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar*, Isaac, Akinola***, Cheek***.

Bromley are down there fighting for their lives at the moment and they nearly managed to grind out a result. It was quite an even game in all honesty but really happy to come away with a point. Since Ricky Modeste joined the club, Anthony Edgar has found his chances limited but he managed to come off the bench and grab an important late goal for us.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Matt Paine (7.3)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Aldershot (A)

26th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - League Table


Six games to go and Play Offs look too far off however we do look safe from relegation. The majority of our side are out of contract in the Summer so its their chance to try and earn themselves a new deal. Looking at the league table it looks as though Forest Green will get relegated. They were favourites to win the league and hopefully Kurtis Guthrie will want to leave them if they go down.

28th March 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 41.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Fry, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Miles*, Woodyard, Edgar**; Strutton, Cheek***.
Subs: Marrs, Modeste*, Isaac**, Akinola, Odubade***.

Great win as we came from behind to beat relegation threatened Aldershot. The hosts went ahead with a fine free kick before Matt Paine's first goal of the season and substitute Ricky Modeste won it for us. Really good performance, lets hope we can keep this up for the rest of the season.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Matt Paine (7.7)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Macclesfield (A)

2nd April 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 42.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Fry, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes*, Miles, Woodyard, Modeste; Strutton**, Cheek***.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar*, Isaac, Akinola**, Odubade***.

Amazing win as we battered the team that I support Macclesfield away from home. We looked shaky at the back but up top we were absolutely lethal. Matt Paine nodded in twice from corners while Yemi Odubade and Simeon Akinola performed fantastically coming off the bench. Nine points off the Play Offs with four games to go.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Matt Paine (9.2)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Forest Green (H)

9th April 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 43.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Fry, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Miles, Woodyard*, Modeste; Strutton**, Odubade***.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar, Isaac*, Akinola**, Cheek***.

Proper end of season encounter as we played out a bore draw against relegation threatened Forest Green. For a side who needed a win, Forest Green were useless. They have the biggest budget in this league and I'm shocked that they look on course to drop out of this league. Could of grabbed it at the end but Simeon Akinola hit the post.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Matt Paine (8.5)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Gateshead (A)

16th April 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 44.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Brundle, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes*, Miles, Woodyard**, Modeste; Strutton, Odubade***.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar*, Isaac**, Akinola***, Cheek.

We may not be able to get the Play Offs but I tell you what, we are on some brilliant form at the moment. We completely outclassed Gateshead today and should of won by much more. Ricky Modeste was brilliant and I will most likely trying to bring him in on a permanent deal when the season ends.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Ricky Modeste (9.0)
League Position: 12th
Next Opponent: Wrexham (A)

17th April 2016


With two games remaining the bookmakers favourites for the league Forest Green have been relegated. The reason I'm so bothered about this is that Kurtis Guthrie is on loan here from Forest Green. This may mean that he will be interested in a permanent deal.

23rd April 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 45.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Brundle, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Miles, Woodyard*, Modeste; Strutton**, Odubade***.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar, Isaac*, Akinola**, Cheek***.

Another great win by the lads. Why couldn't this form just of come a little earlier? Wrexham are currently sitting 2nd in the league and needed a win to keep the pressure on top of the league Grimsby but we were unstoppable. We went behind but the in form Charlie Strutton grabbed an equaliser soon after. Ricky Modeste grabbed the winner late on and he's definitely a player I will be looking to sign permanently.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Ricky Modeste (7.9)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Altrincham (H)

30rd April 2016 - Vanarama Conference - Matchday 46.


Starting XI: Walker; Davis ©, Brundle, Paine, Habergham; Sparkes, Miles, Woodyard*, Modeste; Strutton, Akinola**.
Subs: Marrs, Edgar, Isaac*, Cox**, Cheek.

What a brilliant way to end the season as we denied Altrincham a Play Off slot. Simeon Akinola hasn't lived up to his high standards this season but he managed a brace in this game. Ricky Modeste scored another goal to top of a brilliant end of the season while Charlie Strutton also found the scoresheet. I have a lot of big decisions now to make this Summer. Great season in my opinion, Play Offs next season has definitely got to be the aim.

Braintree Man Of The Match: Charlie Strutton (9.0)
League Position: 10th
Next Opponent: N/A

30th April - Vanarama Conference - League Table


We were predicted by the media to come 12th so to beat that and come 10th is very pleasing. In the end we only finish 6 points off the Play Offs positions and a massive 25 points off relegation. As I said previously, Play Offs next season definitely has to be the aim. I have a lot of big decisions to make in the Summer. I am edging towards to only bringing in 2/3 new faces and rewarding many of this squad with new deals as they definitely deserve it with the way they ended this season.

Up the Braintree.

Season 15/16 - Player Review


Goalkeepers


Mitch Walker was my number 1 goalkeeper this season and he had a really good season. There is a clause in his contract that means the club need to give Dover £60k if he makes another 8 league appearances for us so I am unsure whether I will keep him for next season. At this level, he's a top keeper.

Defenders


Matt Paine played every game for us this season and was fantastic at centre back for us. Miller, Phillips and Clerima were pretty poor alongside him but Mitch Brundle looked impressive during the back end of the season. At right back, Liam Marrs was OK and Kenny Davis played there now and again. Sam Habergham was class at left back and will be playing there again next season. May look to bring in a new right back and centre back in the Summer if finances allow.

Midfielders


In midfield we were fantastic. I will be looking to offer all of these players new deals and doubt I will be looking to make any changes. Alex Woodyard is a talented midfielder just needs to add goals to his game. Kenny Davis is a solid player and our Captain and was a key man for us this season. I found Taylor Miles in the under 18 side midway through the season and he came in and did really well. Chez Isaac is a solid back up player and did well when called upon. Daniel Sparkes wanted to leave the club at the start of the season but hopefully our pleasing league position will persuade him to stay. Ricky Modeste was fantastic and I will be looking to bring him here on a permanent deal. Anthony Edgar started well but found himself pushed out after the arrival of Modeste.

Strikers


Despite not having a player in the squad reaching double figures I was really happy with our goalscoring efforts. Charlie Strutton ended the season brilliantly and will be given more opportunities next season. Michael Cheek offers that target man option and is brilliant to come off the bench and cause havoc for sides. I will be looking to bring Kurtis Guthrie on a permanent deal if possible after he had a great spell here. I had high hopes for Simeon Akinola but 8 goals is OK, he obviously needs to score more but he's still a player I'm very fond of.

1st May 2016 - Retained List


Preparations for next season have begun and I have decided which players to offer deals who and which players will leave the club when their contracts run out.

Offered New Deals
Liam Marrs
Matt Fry
Matt Paine
Mitch Brundle
Alex Woodyard
Chez Isaac
Taylor Miles
Daniel Sparkes
Simeon Akinola
Jordan Cox

Contracted Until 2016/17
Michael Cheek
Kenny Davis
Charlie Strutton
Fabien Spiess
Mitch Walker
Sam Habergham
Mark Phillips

Non-Contract Deal
George Cole

Players Leaving The Club After Loan Expires
Kurtis Guthrie
Ricky Modeste
Yemi Odubade

Players Set For Release
Ian Miller
Remy Clerima
Anthony Edgar
Joe Gardner
Harry Crawford

5th August 2016 - Transfer Round Up

It has been just over three months since I last spoke and we are now on the eve of the new season. Previously I stated who I had offered new deals to and thankfully they all accepted new deals to stay at the club. It was always my intention to keep many of last season's squad together and I am happy to have done that. As you all know, Kurtis Guthrie was my number 1 target this Summer but unfortunately he is not interested in coming here. He was released by Forest Green and currently has no club.

In terms of incomings, five players have joined the squad. I would like to maybe bring in one more face but we are currently over our wage budget and the board aren't really allowing any movement with that.



Ricky Modeste


After his extremely successful loan spell here last season I was always looking to bring him in on a permanent deal. Dover decided against offering him a new deal which was surprising but their loss is our gain. Very tricky player to play against and an asset at this level.

Stefan Payne


Was Dover's top goalscorer last season and scored 13 goals in all competitions. Dover offered him a new deal but he turned them down to come here. Once I found out that the Kurtis Guthrie deal was not feasible then this guy was my next target.

Moses Emmanuel


Joins from relegated Bromley. He is pretty much a direct replacement from Anthony Edgar who I let go in the Summer. He can play on either wing but is also comfortable upfront. Looking forward to seeing this lad play.

Bondz N'Gala


This lad was playing in the League Two Play Off final a few months back so I am delighted to bring him here. We struggled in defence at times last season but I am sure that this guy can change that for us. Not sure how I've managed to pull this one off to be honest, too good for this league.

David Pipe


Experienced right back who Captained Forest Green last season. He can play at either right back on midfield and he's on a cheap deal. His experience will be valuable this season and another signing I'm really happy with.

Play Offs this season is the aim. The media have predicted me to finish 13th, I am sure we can get higher than that.

Go on GTFC!

What on earth went on at FGR?! Good end to the season for you, something to build on for next season! And some really good signings there!

BRING IN THE KLUK!

Going to get this going again.