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Deleted Account #151676
#89875 The Night Thread Mk. IX
#89610 Pre-Season 2013
#89408 France on FM 2013 Dark Skin
#89398 Pre-Season 2013
#89283 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
Save for a wonderful cup upset against Premier League Fulham, my first month in charge of Walsall hasn't quite got off to the start I had hoped for, late goals have been a real problem for us, all three of our League games have concluded with the opposition scoring within the final fifteen minutes, this is something that needs addressing ASAP.
As you can see Jamie Paterson has been in an inspired vein of form this month, netting eight times in our five games, Jamie is a particularly useful forward as he can play down either flank as well as through the middle, giving me the option to swap him around interchangeably with the two inside forwards on the wings to keep the opposition guessing and draw them out of position.
This month I have strengthened my squad with a couple of new signings;
Phil is a veteran of football in Oceania having spent most of his career in New Zealand with Team Wellington as well as a stint in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix. He was on trial here in pre-season where he was impressive so I decided to offer him a one year contract to provide backup for Sam Johnstone whilst I loan out young Liam Roberts in order to allow him to gain first team experience at a club lower down the system.
I initially made an approach for Daniel last month but was turned down by Villa who wanted him to play at a higher level, however after they accepted a bid from Gillingham I tried again and was this time successful in bringing him up the road to the Banks's stadium where he should fit nicely into our three man central midfield.
Now for a quick recap of the results;
- Preston 1-2 Walsall (Capital One Cup)
A fifth minute own goal by Andy Taylor got us off to the worst possible start to the season however Jamie Paterson quickly squared the scores with a well placed effort from the edge of the area just three minutes later.
It was Paterson who struck again to see us advance into a second round tie with Fulham at Craven cottage when the Preston defence failed to stop Ashley Hemmings from jinking inside them before teeing up Paterson to convert from inside the North End area.
- Walsall 2-2 MK Dons (nPower League One)
A 90th minute 30 yard screamer from Ryan Lowe stole two points from us in a tight game with Karl Robinson's men. Lowe had also scored MK's opener on the stroke of half time just moments after Jamie Paterson had seen a penalty brilliantly saved by Dons keeper David Martin.
Paterson did find the net shortly after half time with another placed shot on the edge of the box before being on hand to tap in ten minutes later to give us the lead we held until stoppage time.
- Peterborough 3-1 Walsall (nPower League One)
A bad performance all round, particularly by the defence as they time and again allowed the recently relegated Posh in behind them, Paterson briefly sparked beleif in a comeback by pulling a goal back to make it 2-1, however that was soon snuffed out by Mark Little to send us home empty handed.
- Walsall 1-2 Stevenage (nPower League One)
This was a devastating result to take, we had been leading right up until the 89th minute through Paterson's strike on the brink of half time, however two goals in two stoppage time minutes saw what looked like being three points suddenly become one and then none at all as my defence switched off allowing Harcus Haber and Darius Charles to score their late salvo. truly gutting.
- Fulham 1-2 Walsall (Capital One Cup Second Round)
A wonderful result against Premier League Fulham which supporters can savour for a long time to come, John Arne Riise brought down Paterson in the area, allowing the youngster to open the scoring from the spot after seven minutes, a lead we maintained until just after half time when Brede Hangeland headed in an equaliser for the home team from a corner. My lads refused to lie down to their illustrious counterparts however and were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Paterson was on hand to slide the ball past Martin Steklenburg to win the game, causing a major upset in doing so and booking a third round tie with Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
The league table doesn't mean a great deal after just three games, however we really do need to find a win from somewhere soon as I don't want to have to take part in a relegation fight.Tactically I have used my 4-5-1 formation which I described in the previous post for every game except Stevenage where I went to 4-4-2 in order to help out Paterson on his own against a five man defence, there is still plenty of work to be done on the training ground before my side reaches full competency with either tactic yet though;
Next month is shaping up to be a hard one with n fewer than nine games to negociate ourselves around;
Rotation is going to be key if we are to come out of that run with a reasonable set of results, if things go badly then we could find ourselves already entrenched in a relegation slog before we even reach half way which would be a disaster. I think I shall be treating the Johnsons Paint Trophy as a reserve competition in order to preserve the legs of my key players, I shall however be employing my stars against QPR in the League cup in the hope of reaching the last sixteen for the first time since 1997 when they lost to West Ham at Upton Park.
#89223 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
I suspect that will include a relatively low release clause to facilitate a move in January or next summer if Villa's season goes the same way as last season.
#89119 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
My first month in charge at the Banks's stadium has been far from encouraging for several reasons, not least of which was a poor set of friendly results as well as missing out on most of my transfer targets thus far. but before I go into detail I shall start with the targets I have set myself for my first season in the Saddlers hot seat;
Mid-table is precisely what the Bookies are predicting for us and what the board expects
Transfers
I set out with four or five players on my short list, Midfielder Richard Taundry and striker George Bowerman were both released by former manager Dean Smith before I took charge, I attempted to re-sign both of them to boost squad numbers, with them both having friends in the dressing room already their returns would have only boosted morale in side, however Taundry chose to accept an offer from Notts County instead and I was unable to agree on a fair deal with Bowerman who was asking for a far higher wage than a player of his stature constitutes.
I also made a loan move for neighbouring Aston Villa's young Jamaican midfielder Daniel Johnson, however Villa were reluctant to allow him to play at our level which was disappointing as he is a prospect I rate highly.
I have however managed to sort out a couple of deals, first is the season long loan of Fulham's Finnish under-21 striker Lauri Dalla Valle who will provide competition up front for Jamie Paterson and Amadou Bakayoko. Lauri is certainlly a player I can see scoring plenty of goals in League one, hopefully boosting his chances of selection by Martin Jol upon his return to Craven cottage next season.
My other signing is on a permanent two year deal after being released from Aberdeen in the summer;
Yoann comes with plenty of experience within the football league having had spells with Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth, he will provide valuable depth to the midfield and should vie for a starting place immediately.
As I have mentioned already I want to keep the squad together this season so I haven't sold or released anyone, although young fullback Ben George has joined Conference side Lincoln City for the season on loan where hopefully he will improve as a player with regular first team football.
Financially I have the wage bill well under control with an excess of over £2.7k set aside should I need it;
Staff
Unlike the playing staff I have made a few changes in my coaching team, I've brought former Saddlers favourite Martin O'Connor back to the club as my assistant manager, a role he held briefly before under Chris Hutchings before the pair were sacked in 2011. Martin has had three spells with Walsall, making over 150 appearances as well as featuring in the 2001 League cup final for neighbouring Birmingham City where he spent six years.
Coach Michael Dobson is another former player for the club who was part of the side that were crowned League Two champions in 2007, however Michaels career was cut short not long after by a reoccurring knee problem.
Both O'Connor and Dobson are both good coaches, however our set-up is still far from impressive, I asked the board for permission to hire another but they refused for financial reasons.
Tactics & Results
4-5-1 has always been my favourite tactic and will likely continue to be so with the above settings, we've also been utilising a box standard 4-4-2 in pre-season games as well as a 5-3-2 formation with wingbacks occasions in which we are forced to play on the break although there is still some tweaking needed with that one. do any of you guys use 5-3-2 and if so how do you get it to work effectively?
As you can see our pre-season campaign didn't go all that well. as I predicted my reputation is hindering my ability to motivate the team, particularly the more experienced lads who looked unmotivated and lazy, fair play to the younger players who I brought on at half time in a complete team change over, they really gave it their and battled away to try and impress me, it didn't go unnoticed.
The defeat to now Premier league Cardiff was to be expected, however losing to non-league sides such as Altrincham and the special kid next door Rushall Olympic were plain unacceptable.
My first competitive game is away to Preston North End in the Capital One cup first round before our League One campaign opens at home to MK Dons the following Saturday.
#89060 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
Cheers bud, I did think about it but most of the top Northern Irish players show up anyway on a large database.
Thanks dude.
Haha, getting fed up with Hansa Rostock then?
#89059 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
Let us now take a look at the most important aspect of any club, the players.
Obviously being a Walsall supporter in real life gives me an advantage of already knowing who's a good player, who might be one day and who just isn't good enough, so here's my squad analysis;
Squad Review
Team Report
Goalkeepers
Currently Walsall only have one decent goalkeeper on the books, and he's not even ours technically. Manchester United and England under-19 international Sam Johnstone. Johnstone has good aerial ability's (15) as well as being trustworthy when handling (14), unfortunately his concentration (8), anticipation (8) and decision making (9) don't inspire me with confidence, hopefully they will improve as he gains more experience and attempts to fulfil his potential.
Should anything happen to Johnstone I would have to put my faith in 17 year old Liam Roberts who like Johnstone is a good shot stopper (12) but is let down by poor anticipation (2) and decision making (3).
This is one are of the squad I will be looking to strengthen with a move to bring club legend Jimmy Walker back for a third spell as cover for Johnstone a possibility.
Defenders
Best Defender: Andy Butler
Worst Defender: Matthew Preston
Best Prospect: Malvind Benning
Highest Valued: Andy Butler (£425k)
Highest Wage: Andy Butler (£1.5k pw)
Captain Andy Butler is undoubtedly the rock around which the defence is built, he has all the attributes required to inspire those around him bravery (18), determination (18) and influence (18). he is also a constant threat from set-pieces at the other end of the field, heading (16).
Alongside Butler in central defence I have two main option in either the experienced Dean Holden or the up and coming Paul Downing, Holden is a strong (17) and aggressive (18) 32 year old but is sadly lacking in pace (5) which will make me favour Downing against quicker forwards.
I'm fully stocked in the full back positions, James Chambers is playing for us on a non-contract basis, a great talent to have, particularly as we're not paying him any wages! Like his twin brother Adam in midfield James works his socks off in each game (15) as well as possessing decent technical abilities.
Former Blackburn and Sheffield United left back Andy Taylor is a good first choice on that side, however the exciting youngster Malvind Benning is sure to make is début this season as he looks to begin establishing himself.
Midfielders
Best Midfielder: Adam Chambers
Worst Midfielder: Ashley Hemmings
Best Prospect: Sam Mantom
Highest Valued: Craig Westcarr (£250k)
Highest Wage: Adam Chambers (£1.5k pw)
My favoured formation is 4-5-1 with three central midfielder's and two advanced wingers so this area is integral to my plans, I have a decent starting three in the middle with Adam Chambers protecting the back four, allowing Sam Mantom and Nicky Featherstone to support the attack. beyond those three however there is little competition for a starting place as youngsters Lewis Kinsella (son of former Charlton midfielder Mark), Reece Flannagan and Jake Heath are all a long way from becoming finished articles and I will likely try to loan them out whilst I bring in a couple of loanees myself to add depth.
On the right flank Craig Westcarr will probably set up plenty of goals with his accurate crossing (16) as he competes with 19 year old James Baxendale for a place. however I'm not at all convinced by the left flank which consists of former Wolves reserve Ashley Hemmings and 18 year old Keiron Morris, neither of whom look good enough for this level in my eyes.
Forwards
Best Forward: Jamie Paterson
Worst Forward: Daniel Griffiths
Best Prospect: Jamie Paterson
Highest Valued: Jamie Paterson (£300k)
Highest Wage: Adam Chambers (£500 pw)
With the recent departures of Will Grigg (Brentford) and George Bowerman (released) Walsall are only really left with twenty year old Jamie Paterson up front, Jamie is a capable finisher (12) and should score goals this season, however we desperately need a back up in case he should be ruled out by injury or suspension as youth players Amadou Bakayoko and Daniel Griffiths just aren't going to cut it in League one, at least not just yet. Re-signing Bowerman isn't out of the question.
Squad Strengths
- High Work rate and determination - always the first attributes I look for in my players.
- Solid Defence - Easily the strongest area of my team
- Plenty of pace up front - All of my wingers and forwards are nippy and could cause most full backs at this level serious problems.
Squad Weaknesses#88623 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
Ok, on to the FM side of things, I am using Nik33's excellent Summer data pack which updates transfers as well as adding numerous other things such as new media, wonderkids, types of injuries etc, if your not using it already I thoroughly recommend it. link
As this is a long term challenge with a single club there is no need to load lots of memory draining leagues, these four should do just fine in supplying me with players, I can always add more later if necessary.
I have this game saving on both my computer and onto Dropbox so I have a back-up just in case anything should happen to my computer as was the case with my Latvian career.
My profile;
My Sunday league reputation may make it difficult to inspire the troops to begin with but that should improve pretty quickly in League One.
And finally here's the club's info;
Sixteenth is certainly achievable, in fact I think I would be disappointed to finish as low as that, I'm aiming for the top half of the table this year.
#88615 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
Giant Killers
In 1933 Walsall pulled off what is often regarded as the greatest FA cup upset of all time when mighty Arsenal visited Fellows Park, Legendary Gunners manager Herbert Chapman saw his defending first division champions, who at the time were regarded as the best club side in the world, go down 3-0 to their humble third division counterparts in what is still heralded as Walsall FC's finest hour. The two would meat again over half a century later in 1984, this time in the League cup as the Saddlers again put the Gunners to the sword in the fifth round on their way to the semi-final where they were eventually beaten by treble winning Liverpool.
Highest Position
In 1999 The Saddlers achieved promotion to Division One for the first time in their history by beating Fulham to finish second in division two, they were guided by Ray Graydon, an old school manager who believed in strict discipline, refusing to allow modern frivolities such as ear rings, baseball caps or personal stereos within his dressing room, Graydon's side were relegated after a brave fight but returned at the first time of asking after winning the play-off's, Walsall spent three years in the second tier before eventually succumbing to relegation again in 2004.
Nickname
The club are nicknamed 'The Saddlers' in honour of the areas once affluent leather industry. The club is also sometimes refered to as the Swifts in reference to Walsall Town Swifts FC who were one of three clubs merged in 1888 to form the modern day club.
Most Apperances
Jimmy 'Wacka' Walker currently holds this honour, between 1993 and 2004 he made 403 league appearances in goal for the Saddlers before joining Premiership sides West Ham United and later Tottenham where he was largely back-up for the first teams. Following his release from Spurs in 2010 he rejoined Walsall, making his 529th appearance against Bournemouth in January 2012, breaking Colin Harrisons record which had stood since 1981. Walker's popularity proved such that an autobiography was commissioned to coincide with his testimonial season; it proved to be a relative success with fans of Walsall and of West Ham United.
'Wacka' now works as goalkeeping coach at Peterborough United.
M6J9
The Banks's stadium sits adjacent to the M6 motorway, the club car park is home to the Europe's largest advertising board which faces the motorway, eclipsing the three single tiered stands at the ground. Recently Saddlers supporters were outraged when neighbouring Aston Villa used the board to advertise their upcoming kit launch.
Rivals
Walsall maintains many rivalries, the most potent are Black Country derby's with West Bromwich Albion and in particular Wolverhampton Wanderers who have just been relegated from the Championship to League one, meaning the two sides are back at the same level for the first time since 2003. There are also more amicable rivalries with fellow West Midlands sides Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Coventry as well as a strong dislike for Shrewsbury Town.
The Ground
Built in 1990 the 11,300 seat Banks's stadium (still known as Bescot stadium to most supporters) took the place of Fellows Park which was situated just quarter of a mile away, the ground comes complete with it's very own train station. Many say the stadium looks unbalanced with the two tiered Tile Choice stand behind the goal looming above the three small single level stands.
#88585 125 Years and Won F*ck All...
Hey guys,
After the untimely death of my ten year career in Latvia and then a non-league game which I never really got in to I have decided to give FM13 one last go before I give up entirely and wait for 14's release in the Autumn.
I've decided to go back to basics and manage my beloved Walsall, hopefully transforming them from a lower/mid table League One outfit that visiting supporters dread travelling to on a frigid Tuesday night in January, into a serious promotion contender and perhaps take them even higher than that in time.
Targets
This is no easy task, The Saddlers have no money to spend due to outstanding loan re-payments as well as having a very young squad, most of whom have come through the academy ranks, whether they are good enough to help take the club to the next level remains to be seen so I have given myself plenty of time to achieve my goals. As luck would have it this season is the clubs 125th anniversary which gives me a reasonable target of executing my master plan by it's 150th birthday in 2038.
Promotion to the Championship - Within four years
Promotion to Premiership - Within ten years
Win FA Cup or League Cup - Within twelve years
Play in Europa League - Within fifteen years
Play in Champions League - Within eighteen Years
Win Premiership - Within twenty years
Win Champions League - Within twenty five years
Of course if I could do it sooner that would be even better!
Personal Rules
- Financial Security - With the aforementioned debts outstanding as well as having to pay over £400k in rent for the Banks's stadium per annum, it would be all to easy to slip into financial peril, In order to prevent this I will strictly be adhering to a sell to buy policy until we have the debts cleared and have a healthy bank balance built up. I'll also be playing hard ball in contract negotiations not offering ridiculous wages or in particular large bonuses or agent fees. this may hinder the club in the short-term but the money saved will be invested in my long term plans later on.
- Give Youth A Chance - Walsall have a history of producing exciting youngsters, Northern Ireland international Will Grigg, Blackburn's Scott Dann and Hull forward Matty Fryatt are recent graduates of the Saddlers academy, the problem for the club has been keeping hold of their gems as they are quickly poached by bigger sides. My job will be to keep the production line manufacturing quality goods whilst trying to ensure they remain ours.
- Tactical Mastermind - It's all to easy to be lazy in FM and just stick with one formation and hope for the best in each game, I'm going to make sure that I take into account things such as weather conditions, referee leniency and of course the opposition players individual strengths and weaknesses before each game and tweak where appropriate during matches.
I sincerely hope this will be the career that rekindles my love of FM and that you all enjoy reading it as I attempt to guide the club to greater things.#87900 SS' Fantasy Kits Thread (NO REAL KITS)
Home
Away
Third
#87671 The Night Thread Mk. IX
#87622 The Lower League Thread
#87318 Rick's Non-League Story
Michael Nottingham struggles to get to grips with Burton's Adi Yussef.
The gap of five divisions separating Burton and the Moatmen was evident for all to see this afternoon as Gary Rowett's Brewers looked in total control, securing victory in this National forest derby at a canter.
Gresley rarely caused their visitors an problems and disappointingly failed to hit the target with a single effort despite just about edging the possession split 51-49%.
The League Two side went ahead when striker Adi Yussef brought down Lee Bell's in swinging corner with an impressive first touch before firing the ball past Joe Murrell from four yards out in the 14th minute.
The second arrived in the 38th minute when defender Dan Douglas failed to clear his lines effectively under pressure from Chris Palmer, Dan's clearance fell straight to Bell who immediately looped a ball into the box for an unmarked Yussef to tap in his second of the afternoon.
Gresley improved somewhat in the second half and began playing some sleek football, however Burton always had the situation under control as they sat back and contained the situation throughout.
Richard Beale's men will need to get over this disappointment quickly as we gear up for the opening league fixture against Market Drayton Town next Saturday.
Gresley First Half XI
Matthew Roome - Dan Douglas - Marc Strzyzewski - Matty Johnson
Christian Dacres - Mickey Lyons (c) - James Jepson
Anthony Carney -------------------------------------------Marc Goodfellow
Jordan Nadat
Second Half XI
Sam Woods - Michael Nottingham - Ryan Walker - Matt Hill
Jamie Barrett (c) - Dean Rathbone - Rob Spencer
Louis Hamilton -------------------------------------------Jordi Gough
Richard Hanslow
*Man of the Match
#87251 Rick's Non-League Story
10th August 2012
Beale Looks Forward To Brewers Clash
In an exclusive interview with gresleyfc.co.uk manager Richard Beale revealed how he is excited by the prospect of facing local rivals Burton this Saturday as we complete our pre-season commitments against Gary Rowett's men and how he sees the Brewers rise into the Football League as an ideal blueprint for our own future.
Beale was quick to praise the work done by the Brewers board in helping the club rise from step four to being a leading candidate for promotion to nPower League one this season in the space of a decade. "Burton are fantastic model for how all clubs at our level should be run" says Beale; "Their management has real vision which was realised in building the impressive [Pirelli] stadium (which opened in 2005), they maintain a strong fan base despite much of the town favouring Derby, Forest, Leicester or one of the Birmingham teams, which really helped them out financially in building a squad and facility's worthy of league football"
The men in yellow will make the six mile journey up the A444 for our clash at the Moat this Saturday with a full strength side as two old rivals lock horns once again. The last competitive meeting between the two was a heavy defeat for the Moatmen in the 2007 Bass Vase final where they were hammered 5-1 by Nigel Clough's men, the last time the two sides competed at the same level was in the Dr. Martins Premier division back in the 1998/99 season with Burton finishing 13th and Gresley relegated.
If you can't get down to the Moat this Saturday stayed tuned to gresleyfc.co.uk for a full match report from the big game!
#87240 Rick's Non-League Story
Dean Rathbone..
Nuneaton came from behind to run out winners in a tight encounter at the Moat this afternoon.
There was cause for concern amongst the Moat faithful when star winger Marc Goodfellow was stretchered off after 23 minutes clutching his knee, thankfully the medical staff were able to confirm after the game that the injury was not as serious as it first appeared and the former Stoke and Swansea wide man should be fit to face another of his ex-employers Burton next weekend.
Gresley rallied behind Marc by taking the lead less than two minutes later when newly appointed captain Mickey Lyons drove forward before unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the Nuneaton penalty area which nestled into Town goalkeeper Ben MacNamara's net.
Richard Beale's men took their narrow lead in with them at half time, however our guests from the Conference were level within three minutes of the restart when Wes York floated a hanging cross over the penalty area which marauding left back Tom James struck venomously on the volley from a tight angle, beating George Woodward at his near post.
Eight minutes later Town completed the turn around Ben Ford whipped in an accurate corner for defender Gavin Cowen to meet with a powerful header which proved to be the winner.
Gresley First Half XI
Matthew Roome - Michael Nottingham - Marc Strzyzewski - Matty Johnson
Christian Dacres - Mickey Lyons* (c) - James Jepson
Anthony Carney -------------------------------------------Marc Goodfellow
Jordan Nadat
Second Half XI
Sam Woods - Dan Douglas - Ryan Walker - Richie Butler
Jamie Barrett (c) - Dean Rathbone - Rob Spencer
Louis Hamilton -------------------------------------------Jordi Gough
Richard Hanslow
*Man of the Match
#87218 Rick's Non-League Story
James Jepson..
Gresley maintained their unbeaten start to pre-season with a straight forward win over nearby Ellistown.
Midfielder James Jepson opened the scoring after twenty minutes after Micky Lyons nodded Marc Goodfellow's cross into the former Hucknall and Rainworth MW star's path which the 30 year old coolly slotted into the net.
Goal number two came shortly before half time courtesy of Ellistown goalkeeper Nedjet Burton-Jones, the keeper came to try and catch a Goodfellow cross but wound up flapping at it under pressure from Jordan Nadat and inadvertently punching the ball into his own net.
Today's result concludes our away fixtures for this years pre-season schedule, next week we welcome Conference outfit Nuneaton Town before Burton Albion make the short trip up the road to the Moat for a derby clash.
Gresley First Half XI
Matthew Roome - Michael Nottingham - Marc Strzyzewski - Matty Johnson
Christian Dacres - Mickey Lyons (c) - James Jepson
Anthony Carney -------------------------------------------Marc Goodfellow
Jordan Nadat
Second Half XI
Sam Woods - Dan Douglas* - Ryan Walker - Richie Butler
Jamie Barrett (c) - Dean Rathbone - Rob Spencer
Louis Hamilton -------------------------------------------Jordi Gough
Royce Turville
*Man of the Match
#87201 Rick's Non-League Story
Marc Strzyzewski is congratulated by Michael Nottingham after equalising..
It finished honours even in this afternoons game with old rivals Rocester after a tight encounter at Hillsfield.
It was the Romans who took the lead after just eight minutes when Sam Griffiths pounced upon a lose ball on the edge of the Gresley penalty area when the defence failed to clear their lines.
Marc Strzyzewski levelled the score in the 33rd minute, Mickey Lyons's free kick found the big centre half perfectly as he chested the ball down before lashing home a half volley for his second goal in as many games.
The second half didn't produce many chances, the best opportunity fell to Jordi Gough who fired into the side netting after jinking through the Romans defence. In hindsight a draw was probably a fair result as the Midland Alliance side held their own against us.
Next up the Moatmen head to neighbours Ellistown for the last of our pre-season way trips before we welcome Nuneton and Burton to the Moat in the final two friendly's.
Gresley First Half XI
Matthew Roome - Michael Nottingham - Marc Strzyzewski - Matty Johnson
Christian Dacres - Mickey Lyons (c) - James Jepson
Anthony Carney -------------------------------------------Marc Goodfellow
Richard Hanslow
Second Half XI
Sam Woods - Dan Douglas* - Ryan Walker - Richie Butler
Jamie Barrett (c) - Dean Rathbone - Rob Spencer
Louis Hamilton -------------------------------------------Jordi Gough
Jordan Nadat
*Man of the Match
#87196 Rick's Non-League Story
Rob Spencer gets the better of Ibstock during the second half..
Gresley secured a second consecutive 4-1 away win as our pre-season schedule continued at the Welfare ground this evening.
Centre back Marc Strzyzewski opened the scoring after ten minutes when he thumped home a half volley from a Marc Goodfellow corner with technique that any striker would have been proud of. unfortunately for Marc his joy was shot lived as he slid in on Welfares Kyle Rowe, his attempt to reach the ball succeeded but only to jab the ball into the path of Welfare forward Joseph Corrigan who rounded Joe Murrell and tapped into an empty net.
The Moatmen retook the lead eight minutes later when Louis Hamilton headed down Christian Darces's long ball for Royce Turville to prod home.
The fans inside the Welfare ground had to wait until the 80th minute to see the net bulge again, Richard Beale again opted to completely change his team at half time, leading to a somewhat disjointed performance for the first half hour of the second period. despite this the team whirred into life towards the end, Anthony Carney finishing off a fine team move to make a fine first impression on his first appearance for the Moatmen, the winger was played through by a decisive through ball from Jordi Gough to crown an incisive counter attack.
Carney repaid the favour just moments later when his hanging cross wasn't dealt with by the Welfare defence, the ball just eluded Jordan Nadat who stretched out to meet it with his head, however 22 year old Jordi was on hand at the back post to tap in and put the icing on the cake.
Gresley First Half XI
Matthew Roome - Michael Nottingham - Marc Strzyzewski - Matty Johnson
Christian Dacres - Mickey Lyons (c) - James Jepson
Louis Hamilton -------------------------------------------Marc Goodfellow
Royce Turville
Second Half XI
Sam Woods - Dan Douglas - Ryan Walker - Richie Butler
Jamie Barrett (c) - Dean Rathbone - Rob Spencer
Anthony Carney -------------------------------------------Jordi Gough*
Jordan Nadat
*Man of the Match
#87177 Rick's Non-League Story
Ravens Raided
Anthony Carney has swapped Coalville for Gresley.
Coalville Town winger Anthony Carney has become the latest new face to join the Moatmen this summer.
23 year old Carney makes the short hop across the county border from Leicestershire into Derbyshire after thee years with Adam Stevens's Ravens where he made 110 appearances and scored 39 goals, helping to win promotion from the Midland Alliance in 2010.
Carney's arrival comes after Aarron Dillon's departure to Central league outfit Woodford United yesterday, the left footer prefers to play on the right flank and cut inside to enable him to shoot on his stronger foot.
This is new manager Richard Beale's fourth signing of the summer as he tries to put together a squad of his own after taking over from Gary Norton last month.
#87176 Rick's Non-League Story
Gresley FC are saddened to confirm the departures of both Aaron Dillon and Gary Hateley to Woodford United and Daventry respectively. we wish them the best of luck at their new clubs
5 minutes ago 24/07/2012, Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.
#87170 Rick's Non-League Story
Jordan Nadat celebrates one of his strikes.
Gresley eased to victory in our opening pre-season game with Shepshed Dynamo this evening.
The opening goal came after sixteen minutes when Aaron Dillon picked out Jordan Nadat with a pin point cross delivered onto the strikers head inside the six yard box. Dillon again turned provider in ten minutes later when he chested down new signing Christian Dacres's pass on the edge of the area before teeing up Nadat to lash the ball past Shepshed keeper Tommy Allen.
Dynamo rarely asked any questions of the Gresley defence, however Joe Murrell was forced to rush out quickly to deny Steve Chaplin when the striker suddenly found himself through on goal courtesy of a missed interception by Michael Nottingham.
Half time brought about a complete change in line-up for Gresley as Richard Beale sent out a totally different side for the second period, perhaps a way of assessing some of the players whose futures he may not have made his mind up about just yet.
The home side briefly threatened a come back when they pulled a goal back by utilising an obviously well rehearsed throw in routine, Leighton Simmonds launching a quick throw to Luke Marston just inside the penalty area who immediately pulled the ball back for midfielder Ryan Perkins to thump past George Woodward in the Moatmen goal.
Richard Hanslow quickly extinguished the Dynamo supporters hopes of a turnaround as Jordi Gough drilled a ball across the six yard box moments after Louis Hamilton had been denied on the line by a fine piece of defending, 22 year old Hanslow was well positioned at the far post to turn the ball past Allen on the half volley.
Hanslow was denied his second in the 68th minute when Gough split the Dynamo defence in two with a precise through ball which the striker latched onto but was blocked by the on rushing Allen. Hanslow who spent last season on loan at Heather St. Johns was not to be denied eight minutes as Jordi Gough once again set up the forward after breaking way down his left flank, Jordi flicked the ball up for Hanslow to nod the ball past Allen to complete a convincing display at the Dovecote this evening.
Gresley First Half XI
Matthew Roome - Michael Nottingham - Marc Strzyzewski - Matty Johnson
Christian Dacres - Mickey Lyons (c) - James Jepson
Aaron Dillon -------------------------------------------Marc Goodfellow
Jordan Nadat
Second Half XI
Sam Woods - Dan Douglas - Ryan Walker - Richie Butler
Jamie Barrett (c) - Dean Rathbone - Rob Spencer
Louis Hamilton -------------------------------------------Jordi Gough
Richard Hanslow*
*Man of the Match
#87149 Rick's Non-League Story
Cup Draws Made
York are the reigning FA Trophy champions
Gresley have been drawn to face Ryman League side Walton Casual's in the Preliminary round of the FA Trophy.
The game will be played at home on the 15th of September with the winner advancing to face either Brigg Town or Aveley in the first qualifying round.
In the FA Cup Richard Beale's men will take on the winner of Borrowash Victoria and Congenhoe United on the 25th of August, also at home.
Finally in the Doodson Sports cup we have been pitted against our divisional rivals Romulus although supporters need not worry about that one just yet as the game does not take place until the 27th of November as the Birmingham based side visit the Moat.
With these three competitions to enter in addition to the Derbyshire senior cup, could the Moatmen deliver some silverware this season? you can be sure we'll be following right here at gresleyfc.co.uk!
#87144 Rick's Non-League Story
One In, One Out
Chrstian Dacres has become a Moatman.
The transfer merry-go-round completed a full rotation today as midfielder Danny Holmes departed for pastures new before quickly being replaced with Stafford's Christian Dacres.
Holmes, 25 has joined up with Conference South outfit Eastleigh Town after two years splitting his time between playing for Gresley and his role coaching the Derby County under-18's. Danny began his career at Port Vale before being released to join Burton Albion where he was a part of the Brewers side which won promotion to League Two in 2009. He would later join Derbyshire outfit Ilkeston where he was named club captain before moving to Altrincham.
Dacres, also 25 joins us from Stafford after having previously had spells with Rushall Olympic and Rocester, like Danny he is a combative midfielder who prefers to sit back and protect the defence, allowing his fellow midfielder to venture forward.
Christian could make his Gresley bow next week along with fellow new boys Joe Murrell and Matty Johnson as we travel to Shepshed for our opening friendly game of the campaign.
#87093 Rick's Non-League Story
Moatmen Swoop For Duo
Goalkeeper Joe Murrell in action for Banbury.
Gresley have secured their first new signings of the season by welcoming goalkeeper Joe Murrell and fullback Matty Johnson to the Moat.
Murrell, 22 joins from Blue Square South outfit Brackley Town where he was a part of the Saints promotion winning side from the Southern Premier League last season. The goalkeeper had previously donned the gloves for Banbury at the same level.
Experienced left back Johnson has been recruited from our divisional rivals Market Drayton, he has had spells with clubs all over the Midlands including Leek, Bromsgrove and AFC Telford and should provide some important experience in the Moatmen defence this season.
Will we see further transfer activity this summer or will this duo be new manager Richard Beale's only foray into the market for now? Stay tuned to Gresley.co.uk for all the latest news from the Moat!
#87044 Poe's gfx
#87043 Private Messages
#87040 Rick's Non-League Story
Thanks lads, I have been working on a few graphics on Photoshop which I will be using for match reports, hopefully they will make my story easy on the eye and intresting to read. Keep reading!