Saturday 1st August 2015 V SOUTHEND UNITED XI 125th Anniversary (1890-2015) Match At Mill Field, Aveley RM15 4SR Kick-off 3.00pm

NEXT HOME MATCH Saturday 8th August 2015 Kick-off 3.00pm V HENDON Ryman League Premier Division INSIDE COVER Today’s Sat. 1st Thoughts From With Line-Ups August 2015 The Board Tony Packer Good afternoon and welcome to Mill Field GRAYS ATHLETIC SOUTHEND UNITED XI for today’s game against Southend United. Blue Yellow This game is part of our 125th year cele - FROM: FROM: brations and we thank Phil Brown and his Lamar Johnson players for attending today and hope the Sean Cronin John White game is enjoyed by one and all. With our Jay Leader own Mark Bentley having been part of the Jey Siva Adam Thompson Southend set-up in prior years we trust Tommy Cummings some old friendships will be revisited and rekindled. Southend pulled the proverbial Kenny Beaney David Worrall “rabbit out of the hat” with their last James Stevens Michael Timlin minute of injury time equaliser in the Nathan Ferguson Myles Weston Wembley play-off final before going on to Race Night taking place at The Ship pub in Bradley Tomlinson Will Atkinson defeat Wycombe Wanderers 7-6 on penal - Little Thurrock, which starts at 7.30pm Dumebi GB-Dumaka Ted Smith ties. We send our congratulations to the after today’s game. I hope as many of you Joao Carlos Kevan Hurst “other Blues” on their victory and trust as possible will attend tonight especially Alex Addai Cian Bolger they will enjoy their tenure back in League considering all the excellent work done by Glen Little Ryan Leonard 1. Phil Boston to get tonight’s function on. Mark Bentley Jack Payne For the Grays Athletic faithful our “near Our League season kicks off next Jared Small Paul Smith miss” last season will give us all hope that Saturday here at Mill Field against our Cup Lamar Reynolds Gary Deegan we can at least achieve the playoffs this Final conquerors Hendon. The Ryman Josh Bexon coming season especially with the majority League Cup Final was a close run affair and Jordan Williams of players we have retained from last sea - it would be great to start the season off Jason Williams son. I honestly expected us to lose more with a victory against a team that is sure to Daniel Matsuzaka than the three players we did and was be pushing for a play-off position, at least. Paul Coutts exceptionally pleased that we were able to Today we also unveil our new home and Manny Adeyeye sign Sean Cronin from Wealdstone on a away kits that we hope you all approve of Macauley Keating permanent deal after his loan spell at the and are available upon request from Yours Freddie Gard end of last season. Sean’s partnership Truly. We have also ordered several 125th Jack Bridge with Jay Leader promises to give us more year merchandise pieces, which will hope - security in defence and the prospect of a fully be available for next week’s home big presence from corners in the opposi - game. Season tickets are still available for tion’s box. I personally wish Conor Gough the coming season. Please see me at Referee: and Manny Parry every success at their today’s game or at tonight’s Race Night. TBA new clubs and they both leave in the Finally many thanks to Colin Tillett who Assistant Referees: knowledge that were part of Mark Bentley’s has done a superb job on the advertising TBA evolving Grays Athletic side that promises for this season’s programme. [Hear, hear – TBA much for the future. Ed]. It is with our printer as I write this NEXT HOME MATCH The Grays Athletic Supporters Trust has piece and I hope many of you will return been very busy behind the scenes during next Saturday to see the improvements Saturday 8th August 2015 Kick-off 3.00pm the close season. Today is the first of sev - your programme team have made to the V HENDON eral functions planned to celebrate our 125 content. It is still priced at just £2. years of football in Thurrock with the GAFC Enjoy today’s game…. Ryman League Premier Division Who’s Who at Officials & Grays Athletic Club Grays Athletic Committee Football Club Honours GRAYS ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB (1982) LTD Conference South Founder Member Club: 2004-05 First Team Manager: Mark Bentley Champions: 2004-05 Corinthian League Under 21 Manager: Andy Swallow Founder Member Club: 1945-46 Coach/Scout: David Raven Champions: 1945-46 Runners Up: 1956-57, 1954-55, 1951-52 Physiotherapist: Jack Hughes League Premier Kitman: Sam Madgewick Champions: 1929-30, 1926-27, 1921-22 Runners Up: 1930-31, 1928-29, 1927-28, 1920-21, 1914-15 Youth Development: Rainer Hein Division One Runners Up: 1999-00, 1987-88 Isthmian League North Division CLUB OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS Champions: 2012-13 Isthmian League Division Two South Chairman: Keith Burns Champions: 1984-85 Vice Chairman: Danny Swallow Athenian League Founder Member Club: 1912-13 Chief Executive Officer: Joel Nathan Runners Up: 1982-83 FA Trophy Secretary: Janet Packer Winners: 2005-06, 2004-05 Treasurer: Tony Packer FA Cup 2nd Round: 2005-06 Programme Editor: Glyn Balmer 1st Round: 2008-09, 2003-04, 2001-02, 2000-01, 1988-89, 1952-53 Isthmian League Cup Assistant Programme Editor: Glyn Jarvis Winners: 1991-92 Programme Production: Mark Kettlety (MK Publications) Runners Up: 2014-15 Athenian League Cup Website Manager: Rob Seaman Runners Up: 1979-80, 1977-78 Fundraising: GAFC 1890 Supporters Trust London League Challenge Cup Winners: 1936-1937 Safety Officer: Steve Boughen Corinthian Memorial Shield Winners: 1979-80, 1977-78, 1946-47, 1945-46 East Anglian Cup LIFE PRESIDENTS Winners: 1944-45 Runners Up: 1954-55, 1943-44 Alan Barnard, Glyn Jarvis, Jamie Lee Senior Cup Winners: 1994-95, 1993-94, 1987-88, 1956-57, 1944-45, 1922-23, Fred Saxton, Jeff Saxton, John Turner 1920-21, 1914-15 Runners Up: 2012-13, 1988-89, 1965-66, 1957-58, 1954-55, 1953-54, 1952-53, 1925-26, 1923-24, 1919-20 GRAYS ATHLETIC 1890 SUPPORTERS TRUST Essex Thameside Trophy Chairman: Fred Wakeling Winners: 2001-02, 1990-91, 1988-89, 1987-88, 1980-81, 1978-79, 1947-48 Vice Chairman: Steve Skinner Runners Up: 1993-94, 1985-86, 1984-85, 1968-69, 1961-62, 1958-59, 1945-46 Secretary: David Barnes Essex Elizabethan Trophy Treasurer: Anthony Auger Winners: 1976-77 Runners Up: 1965-66 Prediction Who Will Win Ryman League Directory League This Season? Premier Division Of Clubs Final League Table 2014-2015 as at 5pm, 28th John M 2264 Billericay Town FC “The Blues” New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9SA Saturday 25th April 2015 29th Stephen 2256 http://www.billericaytownfc.co.uk/ 30th Ant Auger 2252 Bognor Regis Town FC “The Rocks”Nyewood Lane, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 2TY 1st Shepherd 2869* 31st Rhino1890 2234 http://www.therocks.co.uk/ 2nd Mickyrod 2806 32nd Robbo 2218 Brentwood Town FC “The Blues” The Arena, Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, 3rd Magic 2766 33rd Don 2124 Essex CM15 9NN http://brentwoodtownfc.co.uk/ 4th Miller 2703 34th Gazza56 2074 Burgess Hill FC “The Hillians” Leylands Park, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill,West Sussex 5th Graysgooner 2690 35th Stewieg 2056 RH15 8DL http://www.bhtfc.co.uk/ 6th Stiffordblue 2655 36th PDoc1967 2045 7th Glynbo 2630 37th Grayscan 2025 Canvey Island FC “The Gulls”The Prospect Stadium, Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, 8th Gwatts 2625 38th Welchandmahoney 1938 SS8 7PX http://canveyislandfc.com/home 9th Flintstone 2530 39th JDockerill2025 1933 Dulwich Hamlet FC “The Hamlet” Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, Dog Kennel Hill, 10th Tony Packer 2506 40th Blueblood 1839 East Dulwich, London, SE22 8DB http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet/ 11th Parker1890 2481 41st Jim_1890 1640 East Thurrock United FC “The Rocks” Rookery Hill, Corringham, Essex, SS17 9LB 12th Kris 2471 Monthly Winners http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/eastthurrockunited/ 13th Ashingdonblue 2437 August Tony Packer Enfield Town FC “Towners” Queen Elizabeth II Stadium, Donkey Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, 14th Kim Ross 2424 September Mr Bridger EN1 3PL http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/enfieldtown/ 15th Elizabeth 2404 November Andy G Farnborough FC “Boro” Cherrywood Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 8UD 16th Pasha 2403 December Miller http://www.farnboroughfc.co.uk/ 17th AndyG 2383 January Graysgooner Grays Athletic FC “The Blues” Mill Field, Aveley, Essex, RM15 4SJ (Groundsharing with 18th Brian 2382 February Wolfie Aveley FC) http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/graysathletic/ 19th Muttley 2356 March Mickyrod 20th Wolfie 2355 April John Mist Hampton & R.B. FC “The Beavers” The Beveree Stadium, Beaver Close, Station Road, Hampton, 21st Jones 2350 Middlesex, TW12 2BX 22nd David 2349 Congratulations to Shepherd for winning http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/hamptonrichmondboroughfc/ 23rd MrBridger 2345 last season’s prediction league. We hope he Harrow Borough FC “The Boro” Earlsmead, Corylean Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex, HA2 8SS 24th Graham 2313 makes good use of his season ticket and we http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/harrowborough/ 25th Coursie 2297 look forward to challenging him for the title Hendon FC “The Greens” Earlsmead, Corylean Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex, 26th Jackieboy 2291 for the forthcoming 2015-2016 season. HA2 8SS (Groundsharing with Harrow Borough FC) http://www.hendonfc.net/ 27th Graysblue 2283 Kingstonian FC “The K’s” Kingsmeadow Stadium, 422a Kingston Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, , KT1 3PB (Groundsharing with AFC Wimbledon) PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING. http://www.kingstonian.com/ The following are arrestable offences under the Football (Offences & Disorder) Leatherhead FC “The Tanners” Fetcham Grove, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, Act 1999. KT22 9AS http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/leatherhead/ 1. Throwing of an object within the ground without lawful authority or excuse. Leiston FC “The Blues” Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/leistonfc/ 2. The chanting of anything indecent, racial or homophobic comments Lewes FC “The Rooks” The Dripping Pan, Mountfield Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3XD http://www.lewesfc.com/ 3. Entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally Merstham FC “The Moatsiders ” Weldon Way, Merstham, Surrey, RH1 3QB admitted without lawful authority or excuse. Conviction could result in a Football Banning http://www.mersthamfc.co.uk/ Metropolitan Police FC “The Blues”Imber Court, Sports Ground, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Order being made for ALL grounds in the country, together with the surrender of passport Surrey, KT8 0BT http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/metropolitanpolicefc/ whenever England are playing abroad. Needham Market FC “The Marketmen” ‘Bloomfields’ Quinton Road, Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8DA http://www.needhammarketfc.co.uk 4. Alcohol may not be consumed with sight of the playing surface (The club may at its dis - Staines Town FC “The Swans” Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Ln, Staines, Middlesex cretion relax this rule, by using plastic glasses for friendly fixtures). TW18 2PD http://stainestownfootballclub.co.uk/ Tonbridge Angels FC “The Angels” Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent, Any breach of these regulations will lead in the first instance to ejection from the ground, TN10 3JF http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/tonbridgeangelsfc / but could also lead to the suspension of season tickets, and Grays Athletic and the Police VCD Athletic FC “The Vickers”Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent, DA1 4DN issuing a football banning order. http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/vcdathleticfc/ Grays Athletic wish to encourage families and genuine supporters to visit home matches Wingate & Finchley FC “The Blues” The Harry Abrahams Stadium, Sumners Lane, Finchley, and hope they enjoy the match-day experience in a safe and friendly atmosphere. London, N12 0PD http://www.wingatefinchley.com/ Benno & His With Blue Notes Mark Bentley I would like to welcome everyone back for this final pre-season friendly against Southend United. I would like to thank Graham Coughlan and Ricky Duncan who managed to help me bring this fixture together and we welcome them and all connected to Southend and we wish them well in their up and coming league cam - paign. We have been looking forward to this fix - ture not only because it brings a very good test to see where our players are in terms of fitness and organisation against our pro - fessional opponents but probably more importantly it gives everyone connected to the club a chance to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the football club. Hopefully we can all enjoy the day along with having the opportunity to see our squad in action I have quickly learned that one day a play - as we approach the new season. er will say yes I'm coming then - just as It has been a busy couple of months you think it's sorted – will change their preparing for our start on 8th August but mind. This is very frustrating at this level generally I have been very happy in what as we could have pursued other options. In has happened over pre-season. Being my terms of the current squad and the new first as a manager I knew it would be pret - lads who have come in, I feel we are not ty much full on and I haven't been disap - too far away from being serious contenders pointed. My first and most important task for the league this year. was to try and keep the squad together Without looking into pre-season results from last season who - since I took other – too much I have been excited by how we have been nothing less than exceptional in have played and against Conference South terms of form and attitude to want to win sides - we have certainly been the domi - and improve. Fortunately the majority have nant team. Other than the game decided to stay with just a few deciding which was a disappointing performance their future was elsewhere, which I had no (but which I learned a lot from) against problems about and wished them well. our local rivals we have played some excel - Within the current squad a couple of play - lent football. I feel we are still a couple of ers were offered the opportunity to play players away at the moment so still some higher but thankfully they have seen the work to do but the spine of the squad is potential in the squad. Hopefully that is looking very competitive and we will see something me and Glen can take a big pos - next weekend how far we have come when itive from as we are two people who want we play our nemesis from last season to play the game the right way and give Hendon. the players a chance to improve and maybe All in all I feel we are set for a really pos - go on and have good careers - which we itive season and quietly confident that this were fortunate enough to have. Between squad can bring success back to this club myself, Andy and Dave we have been sort - which would be fantastic in its 125th year. ing through endless emails for potential Your support of course will be vital and I signings. However, player recruitment has look forward to you being on the journey been quite difficult as I need to make sure with us. we were getting the right players in to fit Benno into the squad and have the right attitude. On This 1st Half-Time Courtesy of Day In History August 1976 Quiz Glyn Balmer 1976: Lauda fights for life 1. Which Formula One driver was nick - after Grand Prix crash named The Professor? Formula One racing driver Niki Lauda is in a critical condition in hospital after an hor - 2. What was the nickname of the French rific accident at the Nurburgring Grand Prix tennis star Rene Lacoste? in Germany. The Austrian-born driver became trapped inside his Ferrari after it swerved off the 3. Which snooker player was nicknamed track before bouncing back into the path of The Grinder? the oncoming cars and catching fire. Fellow driver Guy Edwards managed to 4. Which sportsman is known as The avoid the blazing wreckage but Harald Ertl Golden Bear? and Brett Lunger both hit it. All three driv - ers raced to the burning Ferrari and, with 5. Who is the record breaking American the help of the Italian driver Arturo sprinter of the 1990's with the nickname Merzario, who also stopped, eventually managed to pull 27-year-old Lauda from The Kansas Cannonball? his vehicle. 2003 he launched another airline, Niki. Guy Lauda, who has led this drivers' champi - Edwards was awarded a Queen's Gallantry 6. Which footballer was known as the Lion onship since the beginning of the season, Medal for his bravery. of Vienna? began the race second on the grid behind James Hunt in pole position. Guy Edwards Other News - 1994 7. In Rugby Union, who are the Puma's? said they had had problems getting the Thousands of historic documents and trapped driver out. "Lauda was basically more than 100,000 books have been 8. Deadly was the nickname of which sitting in the middle of a fire and I would destroyed in a blaze which ripped through bowler, who took 297 Test wickets? guess it would be about a minute before Norwich Central Library in the early hours we managed to get the belts undone. In of this morning. the meantime Ertl had got a fire extin - Initial reports suggest the fire was caused 9. Which famous European football club is See Question 16. guisher from somewhere and was aiming it by a gas explosion, triggered when the known as The Old Lady? towards the central cockpit area so he was caretaker switched on the lights. He was 19. In which sport do participants wear able to keep the fire under some sort of catapulted backwards by the force of the 10. Which British sporting personality was sheepskin nosebands? control. Lauda was conscious most of the explosion but escaped unhurt. No-one else known as The Dark Destroyer? time and was saying 'get me out'." was injured in the incident. Archivists are 20. How many league goals did Bobby Mr Lauda was taken to nearby Adenau currently attempting to salvage documents 11. Graeme Le Saux was born in which Charlton score for Manchester United? hospital with serious burns. From there he including the 800-year-old Norwich City

Islands?

was flown to the University Hospital in Charter and manuscripts dating back as far Answers

9 9 1 . 0

Mannheim where his condition is described as 1090. 2

g n i c a r - e s r o H . 9 as critical. These items were among more than two 12. What, in Britain’s capital, did Dionico 1

h g u o r b s e l d d i M . 8 million documents stored in fire-proof Ceron win for 3 years in a row? 1

. l l a b t o o F . 7 In Context vaults in the basement of the library which 1

. g n i c a r - e s r o H . 6 Within six weeks of the Nurburgring acci - became drenched as fire-fighters attempted 13. At which US sports event did Janet 1

dent Niki Lauda was back behind the to extinguish the blaze. The American Air . e c I . 5 Jackson famously suffer a wardrobe mal - 1

wheel. He fought for his life for several Division Memorial Library, a unique record s o n i h R . 4 function? 1

days following the accident and suffered of the activities of US servicemen who were

. l w o b r e p u S e h T . 3

horrendous burns to his head and face. stationed in Norfolk during World War II, 1

. n o h t a r a M n o d n o L e h T . 2 14. After which horny animal is the Leeds 1

Part of one of his ears was burnt off and was also destroyed. At the height of the fire

s d n a l s I l e n n a h C e h T . 1 his tear duct mechanism was severely smoke could be seen 20 miles away and Rugby Super League team named? 1

n n e B l e g i N . 0 damaged which affected his vision in sub - more than 65 fire officers were in atten - 1

15. On what surface is curling played? s u t n e v u J . sequent races. Lauda won the World dance at the scene. The fire burned for four 9

Championship a total of three times - in hours. d o o w r e d n U k e r e D .

1975, 1977 and 1984. He retired from F1 in Mr Hilary Hammond, director of Norfolk 16. With which sport do you associate TV 8 a n i t n e g r A .

1985. Before the 1976 accident he had library services, said the loss to the people commentator, Julian Wilson? 7

e s u o h t f o L t a N .

been well on course to win it again - but of Norfolk was on the same scale as if the 6

e n e e r G e c i r u a M .

National Gallery in London had gone up in 5

eventually lost by just one point to James 17. Steve Bloomer is associated with which s u a l k c i N k c a J .

Hunt. flames. The library, which was opened in 4

sport?

n r u b r o h T f f i l C . At the end of the 1970s he launched his 1963 by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen 3

e l i d o c o r C e h T . own airline Lauda Air, which was later sold Mother, ad recently undergone a £380,000 2

refurbishment project. 18. Which football club plays at the t s o r P n i a l A . to Austrian Airlines. He managed the 1 Jaguar F1 racing team from 2001-2. In late Riverside Stadium? 50 Shades With Grays Athletic Special Of Grays Parker FC Feature Hello everybody and welcome to Grays belt in London, giving him the honour of Jay Leader: Why I said no to former Grays boss) for a while and I Athletic's 125th year anniversary game being the first ever black world champion Concord Rangers to stay at Grays thought about it a lot but I felt the best against Southend United Stiffs. As you in any sport. Athletic thing for me was to stay,” said the 25- might have guessed, the recognised In July, Idaho and Wyoming are admit - year-old. founding date of the club is 1890 ted as the 43rd and the 44th U.S. States, Staying put – Jay Leader, left, has reject - “Grays are a club in a good place at the (although evidence has recently surfaced also in the same month, Vincent Van ed a move to Concord moment. We came so close last year and that it could actually be 1888, although Gogh (below) passes away. it was a bittersweet end to the season to that is for another time). I decided to use Report courtesy of Luke Lambert be honest. If we had had another two or the great accurate resource that is Wednesday 8 July 2015 three games I think we would have made Wikipedia to see what events happened www.echo-news.co.uk the play-offs and we need to be challeng - in 1890. ing again next year. In January, a woman by the name of JAY Leader says he turned down a move “I have unfinished business here and I Alice Sanger becomes the first female to Concord Rangers as he felt he had want to be fighting at the top of the staffer in the White House. In February unfinished business with Grays Athletic. league. Concord are in a higher division the United States establishes its Weather The highly-rated centre-back was one of but a top 10 finish is a success for them Bureau within the department of agricul - Grays’ outstanding players towards the and I want to win this league.” ture. In March, the Forth Bridge (below) end of last season, as Mark Bentley’s side Leader is likely to partner Sean Cronin opens to rail traffic and to think after all lost only one of their last 14 league in central defence next season, after the that time they still haven't finished paint - matches to come within a point of making latter signed forms having left ing it! the play-offs. Wealdstone and the departure of Manny And Leader’s performances did not go Parry to Maidstone United. In August William Kemmler was the first unnoticed. side And Leader, who can also play at full- person electrocuted by electric chair. Concord have been in negotiations with back, said he was enjoying playing foot - Unfortunately the execution using direct Leader for the past few weeks but the ball under Bentley, who has been a reve - current was botched, and this paved the defender opted against joining them, lation since taking over at the turn of the way for the alternating current that admitting he wanted to be fighting at the year. “I like Benno a lot,” he said. “He is towns, cities and houses use today as a top of the league next season. And he one of the boys having been a player safer way of working. believes he will be proved right in turning before he became manager and that In November, the first deep level London down a move. helps I think. He has a laid-back Underground line opens officially. It was “I had been speaking to Flan (Adam approach and I like that. Hopefully he named the City and South London Flanagan – Concord manager) and Jody and the team will continue to push on Railway. Also in November, Luxembourg (Brown – Concord assistant manager and next year.” In May the first "official" County declared independence from the Championship cricket match takes place Netherlands as King William III died with - in Bristol. Yorkshire beat Gloucestershire out leaving a male heir behind! by 8 wickets, although I'm sure Geoffrey A number of famous people were born still could have done better! in 1890 as well. Stan Laurel, Agatha In June, Canadian born boxer, George Christie, Groucho Marx and Michael Dixon (Below) wins the Bantamweight Collins to name a few. As well as Grays Athletic, a long list of clubs were formed in 1890, here are a few you might (or might not) know. Brackley Town Chertsey Town Poole Town Slough Town Weymouth So that's a little about our formation year, here's to the next 125 years - well if the next few go to plan then there is no reason why the club can't make it! Enjoy the game Parker The Club currently requires additional help on match days in a variety of different roles including the following: * Assistance in the Board Room * Programme / Raffle Sales * Operate on various gates throughout the ground * Ballboys

If you would like to be part of the team, and are able to commit to a number of set dates throughout the season, please see any Club Official in person, or contact via email ([email protected])

If you can help, you wouldn't be expected to keep with the same position all season, and we are looking at putting together a rota once we know who we have available. Grays Athletic GAFC 1890 FC Supporters Trust The launch of the GAFC 1890 We would, however, ask the supporters Supporters Trust "12th Man" who feel that they would like to con - fundraising initiative. tribute more towards Club funds, to con - sider using our "12th man" scheme to do As many of you will be aware, a number this. of Football Club Trusts and Supporters Associations in non-league football It works in the following way: undertake fundraising initiatives in order Supporters can pledge to donate funds to help their club meet the costs incurred to the scheme for every game that we over a season. win or draw. For example, if you pledge These funds have been used towards £2 per win and over the season we win meeting the costs of fielding the team, 25 games, your donation in total would management and coaching personnel. be £50. This has helped a number of Clubs In addition, you may wish to contribute improve their League position. a fixed amount per month regardless of As an example the Dulwich Hamlet F.C. results which would also be welcomed "12th Man" scheme had contributed over and a standing order can be set up to £22,000 to their club's budget since its facilitate this. launch in 2012. The scheme has been discussed at Trust We recognise that we are lucky enough meetings during the close season and we to have a fantastically loyal base of sup - have already received total pledges of porters who are always willing to con - £150 per month, £75 per win and £20 per tribute to the Club via season tickets, draw. As a result, should we have a suc - advertising, player sponsorship, match cessful season on the pitch, the scheme attendance, buying programmes, 50/50 could generate over £3,500. tickets, Community Chest tickets, Golden This season, after two years of consoli - Grays, raffles and supporting various dation in the Ryman , the social events. Club are very keen to push on in the The board of the Club is extremely League and would welcome your support grateful for these funds, as while we do more than ever. not have the income stream that we Should you want to join, please see could generate from having our own David Barnes or Anthony Auger or com - ground, these monies are very important plete the form which you can download to our progress. from the website. Regular By Meet Our Southend Feature The Wanderer Visitors United FC

Continued from over men’s team and have won new supporters Peter Miles gives us a that had been erected on the east side of the out and support our domestic teams, then, as a result’. ‘The media has a role to play, history of our visitors. ground by a local firm, Ducat's, was disman - with the league just restarting and today’s too. Coverage has improved hugely; a few Organised football in the Borough of tled with the wood being given to a local tim - Southend-on-Sea really started taking hold in ber yard whose buildings had been damaged FA Cup final being held at Wembley for the slightly demeaning articles appeared early in the late 1890's. Clubs such as Southend by enemy bombs. When hostilities ceased first time, the increase in attendances would this World Cup, but overall it was a big step Victoria, Southend Amateurs, Southend and football resumed in 1919 the be huge’. forward. Now it needs to continue – the Corinthians, Southend Ramblers and even site was deemed unusable and Southend men’s game restarts soon but consistent Southend Wesleyans were on the local scene United's only option was to move across town ‘There is an opportunity to win thousands at this time. A team called Southend United to the former Marine Park, now known as The of new supporters and, crucially, there is slots on the television, radio and in the were recorded as early as 1898 but it is not . also a chance for clubs to attract some seri - newspapers would keep the narrative mov - known where they played. One thing is for In 1920 the Southern League clubs, includ - ous sponsorship. That has to be the next ing. People have learned a lot about the sure is that they are in no way related to our ing Southend United, were elected en bloc to club. At the same time over at Marine Park, form the new Third Division of the Football step. Participation is always important and characters in the women’s team, so let’s which incorporated a football pitch among its League. A year later this became the Third the FA has done superbly to create a situa - develop them and keep telling the story’. attractions, Southend-on-Sea Football Club Division South as a northern section had also tion where girls have more opportunities to ‘We have to be realistic: it is easy for people were establishing a reputation as a top ama - been introduced. The honour of scoring play than ever before. That must continue to return to their routines after the initial teur side. The clubs' colours were white shirts Southend’s first ever goal in the Football and blue ' knickers ‘. By 1900 this side has League fell to Albert Fairclough. Despite hav - but perhaps the biggest impact the World euphoria of a tournament. That was per - changed its' name to Southend Athletic, and ing to apply for re-election to the League in Cup could make is in potential sponsors haps what happened after we reached the although Marine Park was later to become only the second season, the Shrimpers really realising that this is a sport they can work Euro 2009 final, when our success did not The Kursaal, Athletics’ ground was radically progressed when Ted Birnie became manager with’. ‘I know from experience the questions make a huge difference in the long run. Our different to the one occupied by Southend in January 1922. He turned a mid table club United in their early Football League days. It into one that challenged for promotion, companies will ask: “What figures will we job is to make women’s football seem main - consisted of a railed off pitch surrounded by though he never managed to get the club see? What audience are we going to get?” stream – and to ensure that, even if the a 'trotting’ track and a large pavilion with into the Second Division. Hopefully this World Cup has shown that the older generations are not engaged, children absolutely no spectator accommodation. Also Prominent players in the Birnie era were Jim during 1900 a new pitch was laid out adja - McClelland who was sold to Middlesbrough interest is there but also that our players who will be able to attend games in years to cent to the large property in Victoria Avenue for a sizable fee, Billy Hick and Jimmy can be viably marketed to a new, family- come are hooked’. called Roots Hall. Ironically one of the first Shankly, older brother of Bill Shankly. One of based audience. These are wonderful role ‘Four years ago, I was in Laura Bassett’s teams to stage games there was Southend the most notable matches in this period was models: honest young women who would position. I had just missed the decisive Athletic. However the face of football in the the 4-1 trouncing of Second Division leaders Borough was to change forever following a Derby County in the FA Cup 4th round at The give anything to play for the Three penalty in our quarter-final against France meeting held in the Blue Boar Public House Kursaal. Ted Birnie’s departure at the end of Lionesses. Their motivation has been to and the knot in my stomach during those on May 19th 1906. the 1933/34 season after twelve years ush - push the game on and inspire youngsters final stages against Japan brought those It is well documented that Southend United ered in a new era at the club. The Blues who dream of playing for England. It would feelings flooding back. It might not help were formed at this meeting convened by moved across town to the Southend Stadium landlord Oliver Trigg and a band of fellow in Grainger Road which was primarily a grey - be a huge step if the ladies’ branches of Laura to hear it now but she and her team- enthusiasts. The fledgling club usurped the hound racing track, albeit with a larger clubs such as mine, Arsenal, can attract mates have done women’s football in prominence of the established Southend capacity than The Kursaal. The old ground sponsorship in their own right and become England an immeasurable amount of good – Athletic club, who were to disband soon after, was demolished within two years of vacation. and we must make sure we create some - and gained election to the professional The new start also saw , son of more sustainable individually. The benefits Southern League Second Division. Their Bob Jack, Southend’s first manager, take over for the league’s professionalism would be thing permanent from it’. opponents were mainly reserve teams but the team. He had been the pre-eminent play - immeasurable’. At Grays we will have our own Under 16 also included the likes of Hastings and St er of the time, having captained England and ‘ Improving the match-day experience must girls’ team this season. They have already Leonards, Tunbridge Wells Rangers and winning many honours with Bolton and Salisbury City. The Southern League Division Arsenal. The team struggled along in mid- be a priority if we are to attract new fans had success, winning a pre-season tourna - Two title was won twice in succession in the table under Jack although The Blues gave and keep them – giving people that “wow” ment. We hope that they will blossom as club's first two seasons. Bob Jack's side, led Tottenham Hotspur a fright in the FA Cup of factor and getting them close to their part of the Club’s determination to make us by goal machine Harold Halse and the mercu - 1935/6, drawing a dramatic game 4-4 at heroes. Our average attendance at Arsenal a real ‘Football Club in the Community’ as rial inside forward Prince Blott, lost only five . The replay at the Stadium matches in that time. In later Southern was lost 2-1 but the crowd of 23,634 was a is just over 800; that is 100 up on last year we strive towards getting our own home, League campaigns The Blues were forced on new club record. and we are aiming to exceed 1,000, the with facilities for all in our locality. long trips to deepest Wales to fulfil fixtures Among Southend’s best players of the league’s average, this season. We have a Finally, on to our own celebrations today as against the likes of Mardy, Treharris and Mid 1930’s were Len Bolan, Billy Moore, Leo great set-up at Boreham Wood, but it would we welcome promotion-winning Southend Rhondda. The FA Cup was entered for the Stevens and Irish internationals George first time in 1907 with a match against East McKenzie and Charlie Turner. The 1939/40 push us on if we could play more games at United to Mill Field. We wish them another Ham. Early ties included games against long season was abandoned after just three the Emirates Stadium, where the feeling of successful season and thank them for help - lost teams such as London Caledonians, games after the outbreak of war with occasion is something special. There is a ing us to commemorate our 125 years of Walthamstow Grange, Southend Amateurs, Germany. David Jack was called to London to football. Custom House and the 4th Kings Royal Rifles. work in a bank and after the war took up the general need to improve facilities and make The First World War intervened and Roots manager’s job at Middlesbrough. Southend it easier for people to attend games – not ‘THE WANDERER’ Hall’s fixtures and fittings were sold off and was a restricted area and the team had to everyone is in the same position as Notts the ground requisitioned for allotments to aid relocate to City’s New Writtle County, who share with their the war effort. The wooden 200 seater stand Continued over Meet Our Southend ed Women’s World Cup in history – with realised the ball had gone into the net from 1.35million beating the previous best of her attempted clearance. Fortunately, the Visitors United FC 1.19million for the 1999 World Cup, held in ‘rock’ of the team ended the tournament the United States. However, this total with a smile on her face. No player was Street ground. City’s manager became man - ny centre forward from Tottenham Hotspur ager of both sides, although in war time reserves. The signing of Roy Hollis was a included inflated attendances for ‘double more relieved after the third-fourth place matches the Southend side was effectively a master stroke as he went on to score 135 headers’ held during the group stages. play-off win over Germany, during which she combined side anyway. goals in six years with the Blues. His record Buying one ticket got you entry to two was a colossus. Warren stayed as manager of Southend tally still stands today. when the Blues returned to The Stadium for The 1955/56 campaign was to prove one of games, but your attendance counted twice. When the Women’s Super League resumed the 1946/47 campaign. He had put together a the most pivotal in the club’s history. After 21 It didn’t matter that you decided to miss the last month, record crowds turned out. A useful, free scoring side and in that first sea - years at the largely unpopular Southend first game as FIFA counted the attendance new club-record crowd of 2,102 saw son Cyril Thompson, Frank Dudley, Harry Stadium the Blues moved into their new at 75 minutes of the second game and then Manchester City beat Birmingham City 1-0 at Lane and Alf Smirk all hit double figures for home. The new Roots Hall had been built goals. entirely by internal labour with Sid doubled it. That was despite some stadia the Academy Stadium. The average atten - The club suffered a blip in the 1948/49 sea - Broomfield leading a small band of men to being half empty for the first of the day’s dance at the opening games was 78% high - son finishing fourth bottom of the table and build the stadium we know and love today. two fixtures. There are lies, damn lies and er than the average for the first half of the narrowly missing the dreaded re-election The entire cost of the stadium, save for a FIFA’s statistics! 2014/15 season and the 2,061 who saw vote. Warren had pulled off a masterstroke small grant from , that season though, signing Irish midfield was met by the Supporters Club and their Despite the threat of player boycotts and Liverpool win 3-1 against Arsenal at maestro Jimmy McAlinden who was to prove extensive fund-raising programme. The open - lawsuits, the issue of playing on artificial Borehamwood was more than two-and-a- to be the fulcrum of the team for several sea - ing day fixture against Norwich City attracted pitches largely faded into the background. half times the crowd for the Gunners’ last sons. The following campaign with “Jimmy 17,700 to the new stadium, built on the site Mac” in imperious form saw the Shrimpers of the old Roots Hall ground the club had Other than the impact on players’ bodies home game. The average crowd at the four challenging for promotion all season. used between 1906 and 1915. The move had after playing games in quick succession, games was 1,588, compared to an 892 aver - However, a disastrous run of no wins in the the desired effect, home league crowds aver - there appear to have been few serious age in the first half of last season. last four games saw the team miss out fin - aged in excess of 10,000, some 2,500 up on injuries. The surfaces were far from univer - Faye White, the former England and ishing third behind Notts County and the last campaign at Grainger Road. Northampton Town. Southend United headed The season ended on a low however when sally popular and there is no doubt they con - Arsenal Ladies captain and now the into the 1950’s with the considerable opti - after sixteen years in charge of the club tributed to some technical problems with the Marketing Officer for Arsenal Ladies spoke mism that gripped post-War Britain. In April Harry Warren left for an ill-fated spell at ball sticking to the ‘turf’ when played about the impact of England’s excellent run 1950 Sandy Anderson joined the club from Coventry City. Welshman Eddie Perry took through and then rolling away once it spun finishing with that heartbreaking own goal Newburgh Juniors and became a defensive over at the helm and failed to win any of his stalwart for 12 seasons. He made 452 league first ten games in charge. However, he stead - forwards. It certainly didn’t help fast for - at the end of the semi-final against Japan. appearances for the Blues; no man has ied the ship and guided the club to three top wards or dribblers of the ball. It was a good ‘These latest attendances will seem a long played more. His overall total of 483 matches ten finishes in Division Three without ever experiment, but it would be dangerous to way from playing in front of over 31,000 in was only beaten in the 1980’s by Alan Moody. really challenging for promotion. It was a use this as a precedent for future tourna - Edmonton for a place in the World Cup final. Crowds soared and under the consistent, shame that promotion could not be achieved long-term management of Harry Warren, the as Southend boasted some excellent players ments. There were plenty of grazed thighs! But a swift return to action has its benefits Blues entered a period where high scoring in this era. Arthur Williamson, a consistent On the refereeing in the tournament, it’s – and one will be that the momentum gained matches were a regular occurrence. At the Scottish full back who played in a record 229 probably a category that can split as a high by what happened in Canada can feed upon Stadium in February 1951, Southend found consecutive matches for the club. There was themselves 2-0 down to Swindon Town early also the likes of Sam McCrory who was or a low. Some people seem to enjoy the an energised domestic audience’. ‘This has in a game. It was down to inspirational cap - capped by Northern Ireland, John McGuigan, aggressive nature of women’s football when the chance to be a turning point for tain, Jimmy McAlinden, that the team gal - Jimmy Stirling and Lou Costello. Eccentric referees allow the game to flow. It makes a women’s football and it is important that the vanised themselves, completely swamping goalkeeper Harry Thread-gold was a crowd nice change from the men’s game where increased interest and goodwill are not the visitors and winning by eight goals to favourite although the advent of floodlights two. A season later the FA Cup proved a high - at Roots Hall in 1959 would restrict his players roll around, trying to fool referees allowed to fade. The manner of England’s light with an impressive run to the fifth appearances as he claimed he struggled to into thinking they have been fouled. But performances – the agonising defeat against round. Bourne-mouth, Oldham, see the ball under their glare. there is a danger that referees allow too Japan and the recovery to make history and Bristol Rovers had been dispatched in the Eddie Perry would leave his post at the club much to go unpunished and that could have against Germany – was heroic and will stick previous rounds with sixteen goals being in February 1960 so the Blues would enter scored. A crowd of nearly 22,000 gathered at the new decade looking for a new manager. serious consequences. England defender in the memory. The job now is to ensure the Stadium for the visit of Second Division With Eddie Perry leaving Southend United as Laura Bassett was fortunate that all she that those hearts and minds are captured on Sheffield United. Despite taking the lead manager in February 1960, the club finished came away with following Camille Abily’s a longer-lasting basis, and the hard work through Albert Wakefield, the Shrimpers the campaign with Chairman Major Alf Hay elbow was a black eye. Poor Laura suffered that has been going on for years needs to bowed out of the competition by a score of 2- selecting the team. The club finished in a dis - 1. appointing mid-table position although even greater misfortune in the semi-final step up another level’. ‘When you hear that In this season both Jack French and Les Duggie Price enjoyed a very successful cam - defeat at the hands of holders, Japan. 2.4 million people stayed up to watch the Stubbs were selected for an Olympic Trial paign, claiming 28 league goals in 41 games. England has become accustomed to losing semi-final – a greater number than watched match at Highbury. Both Southend men For the first season of the new decade, the scored in the game. Stubbs would join club appointed Frank Broome as manager. He tournament semi-finals on penalties, but some live Premier League games last season Chelsea for a not inconsiderable fee at the had a decent pedigree as a winger with Aston going out to an injury-time own goal - that – it hits home that there is a genuine time of £10,000. Towards the end of the Villa and England and had cut his managerial was a whole new level of heartbreak. Laura appetite to watch the women’s team in 1953/54 a heartfelt standing ovation at the teeth at Exeter. The board only offered him a sent the Lionesses out of the World Cup and major tournaments. If we can engage just Stadium saw Southend say goodbye to its week to week contract though and restricted retiring captain, Jimmy McAlinden. In him to just five new players in the close sea - described to the BBC in a tear-jerking inter - 3% or 4% of that television audience to go February 1953 Warren signed a gangly, skin - son. Prolific scorer Roy Hollis had moved on view how she ‘couldn’t breathe’ when she Continued over and Broome replaced him with Jim Fryatt. and would become a hero to a generation at Regular By However, Broome did land a brilliant signing Southend. in young outside-left John McKinven from Blues looked to be heading for promotion in Feature The Wanderer Raith Rovers. He would thrill Roots Hall for the 1967/8 season but an inexplicable col - the best part of a decade. Broome’s tenure lapse at the end of the season, that produced AN ODD SUMMER FOR SOME players were keen to stress how grateful however was markedly shorter, by Christmas one win in the last nine games, saw Southend The ‘odd’ years in our calendar tend to be they were for the welcome they received. he was gone. Major Hay took the reigns again finish four points adrift of a return to Division fallow times during our domestic close sea - Like their male counterparts, England’s cam - until the club secured the services of Ted Three. The 1968/69 was a dramatic cam - son for those of us who look for our football paigns have usually ended in misery, or at Fenton towards the end of the season. The paign, again Blues challenged for promotion team finished 20th in the table missing out under Shepherd’s guidance. Billy Best and fix. 2015 has been rather different. best, glorious failure. The semi-final loss to on relegation to Division Four by a single Gary Moore forged a prolific partnership and First, we had the Euro Under 21 holders Japan seemed to consign Canada point. Ian “Chico” Hamilton and Eddie Clayton Championships. England were tipped by the 2015 to the latter category. Then watching After the controversy of white home shirts would also reach double figures of goals. It press to do well, but were disappointing in the Lionesses finish third, the best World for the previous two seasons the club revert - should have been enough to gain promotion, ed to blue shirts for the 1961/62 season, but once again three defeats in the last four their three qualifying games, finishing bot - Cup performance by a senior England side albeit with a white pinstripe. Tony Bentley, games saw the Blues finish five points short tom of their group, with just one win. The since that win in 1966, put a real gloss on who would spend twelve years with the club, in the final reckoning. only small consolation was that they beat the tournament. joined from Stoke City. The Blues would The FA Cup campaign, however, was a England had much to celebrate after their improve steadily under Fenton and in the record breaking one for the club before a the eventual winners, Sweden, 1-0 and lost 1962/3 campaign, despite the worst winter fourth round exit at the hands of Mansfield by the same score to the other finalists, historic campaign. It was great to watch the weather on record, climbed to a respectable Town. In the first two rounds the club Portugal. Many commentators thought it was players cut loose with bronze medals around eighth in the final table, Ken Jones top scored enjoyed home ties against non-league oppo - unfair that some of our more established their necks after almost six weeks away. for the second season running. Despite an nents. Kings Lynn were dispatched by nine influx of new players for the 1963/4 season in goals to nil with Moore and Best sharing hat- Premier League players like Jack Wilshere, They deserved the accolades that came to the form of Jimmy Conway, Benny Friel, tricks. The Shrimpers went one better in Ross Barkley, Phil Jones, Alex Oxlade- them on their return home. As their manag - Bobby Gilfillan, Bobby King and Malcolm round two defeating Brentwood Town by 10- Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling, all eligi - er said, they are not just special players, but Slater the Blues struggled to gel and finished 1 with Best hitting five and Moore four. It was ble to play, were given the summer off. special people. British audiences lapped up in the bottom half. A poor season was high - the first instance of consecutive hat-tricks by lighted by an FA Cup first round exit at the the same players in successive rounds of the Only four of the starting line-up for the final England’s success with up to 2.5million hands of non-league Yeovil Town. The club competition. qualifying game against Italy were estab - watching each game and 11.9million watch - also finished the season with significant The final season of the decade proved to be lished at Premier league level. The 3-1 vic - ing some part of the journey to third place. debts of £42,000 with gates down by an aver - a fragmented campaign. A poor start to the tors could register players with 264 Serie A Not bad when you consider the kick-offs age of 1,500 people per game. season saw Ernie Shepherd admitting to Fenton left the club at the end of the 1964/5 being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. games for the season. For the losers, the were at midnight for the quarter-final and campaign, another mid table finish resulted He resigned in October and Geoff Hudson figure was 133 matches in England’s top semi-final. Often one of the first sticks with in the board deciding on fresh ideas. The new was bought in as manager. He lasted just 13 flight. Manager Gareth Southgate took the which women’s football is beaten is goal - man at the helm was fiery Welshman Alvan League matches, which produced a meagre Williams, a man who in later life would be four wins. The board persuaded Shepherd to admirable position to maintain faith with the keeping. In this tournament it improved charged with attempted murder of a young hold the fort again while they looked for a group who had qualified for this tourna - markedly. Even the Ivory Coast keeper had man outside the public house he ran. He had new manager yet again. The man they chose ment, beating Croatia over two legs in the a good game despite her team losing their coached Bangor City to a famous European was the all-time record goalscorer in English play-off. But against opposition a level opener 10-0 to Germany. Without her it Cup-Winners Cup run. He spent a club record League football, , who signed a fee of £10,000 on bringing Italian interna - deal in March 1970. However, despite Billy above, some looked short of standard. could have been a lot worse. tional Eddie Firmani to Roots Hall from Best netting 23 League goals, the Blues fin - In 2009, England made the final in the If organisers hoped the tournament would Charlton Athletic. Firmani’s wage packet ished in a miserable 17th place in Division Under 21 Euros against Germany, losing 4-0 finish with a flourish, then they certainly got would divide the dressing room and it Four. Surely things could only get better? to a team of future World Cup winners. For their wish. It was the highest-scoring final became a disastrous campaign. In November, Arthur Rowley’s first full season in charge at the club lost 9-1 at the Goldstone Ground Roots Hall proved to be a spectacular disap - England that should have been the signal for in the tournament’s history, matching the against , their worst ever Football pointment. His three year contract with the progression, a sign pointing in the right highest-scoring men’s final of 1958 when League defeat. It was a hopeless cause and club came with one of the highest salaries in direction. Sadly, we appear to be lost again. Brazil beat Sweden 5-2. Carli Lloyd’s 13- the club were relegated for the first time the lower divisions. What was expected to be minute hat-trick was impressive enough, but since their Southern League days. a promotion contending season faltered early Turning to a rather more enjoyable experi - The club stuck with Williams, tightened its on, the Blues winning just three of their ence, we also had the Women’s World Cup her wonder goal from the halfway line belt further, and a tiny squad launched into a opening thirteen encounters. Strangely for a finals. With eight new teams joining the almost made the US fans tear the roof off BC first season in the fourth tier. The club faired record goalscorer like Rowley, his charges party, bringing the total number of sides at Place. Holders Japan just couldn’t live with reasonably well but shocking away form mustered only seven goals in that run. While meant the club never really stood a chance of his own signings took time to settle, it was this 2015 edition to 24, there was scepticism their powerful opponents. In terms of atten - a promotion place. Firmani was sold back to Ernie Shepherd’s final signing that caught the it would dilute the competition and turn the dances, the home nation was well supported Charlton in March for just £2,000 and a eye. Young winger, Peter Taylor, a £100 sign - tournament into a split between the new as were the USA, but in general stadia were month later Williams decamped to Wrexham ing from Canvey Island, gained some rave kids on the block and the wily veterans. As rarely packed to the rafters. There was a amid rumours he was about to be axed. reviews when he broke into the team towards Assistant Ernie Shepherd was promoted to the end of the campaign. Prolific front man it turned out, three debutants made it new Canadian record attendance in their manager and the board backed him with a Billy Best top scored for the third successive through to the second round, including quarter-final against England of 54,027, but record fee of £17,000 to bring Phil Chisnall to campaign. Cameroon, who shocked Switzerland in the apart from the hosts’ matches attendances Roots Hall from Liverpool. In January of 1968 In the build up to the 1971/72 season the group stages to win 2-1. Columbia went one were mixed and the 31,467 fans at England’s Shepherd again went to the board asking for Blues undertook a historic tour to Russia. money to strengthen his team. A £3,000 fee Although all four matches played ended in better beating the much-fancied French. The semi-final were disappointing. Figures from bought a Glaswegian forward to the club from narrow defeats, the tour was a resounding Canadian’s were great hosts. The England FIFA show that this was the highest attend - Northampton Town. His name was Billy Best Continued over Meet Our Southend Grays Athletic Season Visitors United FC Kit Sponsorship 2015-16 success and gained the club positive head - pruned his squad further, preferring to work JAY LEADER AKWASI MARFO lines. Rowley had rebuilt his team for the new with a smaller tightly knitted team. The ful - season, notably in defence with Ray Ternent crum of the team, Alan Moody, Derrick Parker and Brian Albeson joining the club. After and Colin Morris would play every game while Peter Jackson another slow start the side picked up sub - Laverick and Frankie Banks would only miss stantial momentum in the League and also five games between them. While the Blues enjoyed an FA Cup success against eventual finished some distance behind champions Third Division champions, Aston Villa. The Watford, excellent home form ensured pro - JORDAN SIDHU CORREY DAVIDSON club had a super run of seventeen unbeaten motion was always on the cards for the matches in March and April and looked strong Shrimpers. bets for the title. However, a vital home game Smith reinforced his defence for the chal - Phil Boston against United was lost when lenges of the third tier by recruiting Micky goalkeeper Derek Bellotti was injured early Stead, Dave Cusack and Mervyn Cawston. All on in the game. A further three draws hand - three would make a significant impact on the ed the title to Grimsby Town but second place club. The team were marooned in mid-table ensured a return to the Third Division. Long for the whole campaign, with goalscoring JOEL NOUBLE ALEX ADDAI serving defender, Tony Bentley, was rewarded problems hampering any hopes a good finish with a second testimonial match against to the season. The previously reliable Derrick Rob Stevens TBA Stoke City. Parker, mustered only a dozen goals, yet this The new season saw an excellent signing would be five strikes more than his nearest arriving at the club, Alan Moody signed from team mate. The undoubted highlight of the Middlesbrough and would go on to set the campaign would be the FA Cup which saw the club’s all time appearance record of 507 Blues drawn at home to European champions TOMMY CUMMINGS TBA games. However, after a League Cup tie with Liverpool at home in the third round. On an Chelsea in September, the Shrimpers accept - icy pitch, the original date having been ed a club record bid of £80,000 for Bill Garner frozen off, the Blues gave their famous guest TBA from the Stamford Bridge club. Goals proved a hell of a fright and held them to a goalless hard to come by without Garner and Gary draw in front of a record Roots Hall gate of Moore went a dozen matches with out a goal. 31,033. While the replay at Anfield was lost, In November Rowley bought in Chris Guthrie legendary Liverpool manager Bob Paisley was TBA TBA from Newcastle to help Best with the burden full of praise for Dave Smith’s men. The last of goalscoring. He obliged with 15 goals in 25 season of the decade would prove to be a games and steered the Blues to mid-table real shock for Smith’s men and would result safety. in relegation. Pre-season was difficult after The next two seasons under Rowley proved the whole squad went down with food poi - to be a disappointment with the club failing soning following a game at Dover. to progress up the table, indeed an 18th plac - When the season proper started it TBA TBA ing in 1974/75 saw the Blues avoid relegation appeared to start well, a League Cup run had by a mere four points. Prodigious talent Peter seen the club defeat First Division opposition Taylor had been sold to Crystal Palace for a away from home for the first time ever when record fee of £120,000 and would eventually Bolton Wanderers fell to two goals from Colin win full England caps. Rowley had secured Morris. The third round saw a three game some very decent signings, Stuart Brace top epic against West Ham United with a crowd scored in the 73/74 season and Tony Hadley of 22,429 watching the first replay at Roots TBA and Ronnie Pountney would enjoy lengthy Hall. The FA Cup though would prove the TBA careers at Roots Hall. If those seasons were antithesis this however, the Blues suffering disappointing the 1975/76 campaign was an the ignominy of a defeat to Isthmian unmitigated disaster and would prove to be Leaguers Harlow Town. Smith altered his Rowley’s last at the helm. While the FA Cup strike force mid-season, trading Colin Morris proved to be a welcome distraction, Swansea, for Derek Spence from Blackpool and buying Dover, Brighton and Cardiff were beaten in a Keith Mercer for £80,000 from Watford. The run to the fifth round, League form slid new strike partnership could not halt the TBA alarming during the season. A run of just two slide and a run of one win in the last five wins in the final thirteen games of the cam - matches of the season meant the Blues fin - paign ensured the Blues finished second bot - ished two points short of safety. The new tom and dropped back to Division Four. decade would start in the basement division Scotsman Dave Smith was the man charged once again. with reviving Southend’s fortunes. He cleared If Southend’s relegation at the end of the out a number of Rowley’s men and signed the 1979/80 season was a shock to the system, likes of Neil Freeman, Ken Price and Micky Dave Smith and his small squad provided the THE LIST MAY CHANGE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON Laverick. While a tenth place finish in the perfect antidote in the following campaign. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A PLAYER, League was viewed as a disappointment, the Club records tumbled as Southend won the club reached the third round of the FA Cup Division Four title in fine style. Using only MATCH OR BALL for the fourth successive campaign. Smith seventeen players all season, three of whom PLEASE SPEAK TO TONY PACKER OR STEVE SKINNER only made fleeting appearances, Southend 1984/85. Money was going missing at an Grays Athletic Season won their first ever major trophy as a alarming rate and crowds dwindle to an all- Football League club. The team was built on time low, home crowds averaged fewer than Kit Sponsorship 2015-16 a rock solid defence and an amazing home 2,000 for the first and only time in the clubs record. The team won nineteen and drew history. An experiment with Rugby League at MARK BENTLEY DAVID RAVEN four of its 23 home games and in the ten Roots Hall under the guise of Southend (Manager) (Coach) home games between August 22nd and Invicta was also leaking money hand over November 15th didn’t even concede a League fist. Just 85 people paid to watch the game Glyn Jarvis David Barnes goal at Roots Hall. Goalkeeper Mervyn against Huddersfield Barracudas. Cawston went 985 minutes unbeaten in home Five defeats in a row without a single goal games until Bradford City’s Bobby Campbell being scored saw the Blues going into the finally ended the run. It was two points for a final match of the season at home to rock ANDY SWALLOW JACK HUGHES win in those days, but under the present sys - bottom Torquay United with a win absolutely (U21 Manager) (Physio) tem, Southend would have clocked up a stag - essential. Anything less and the club would gering 97 points as they headed the table be pitched into the lottery of the re-election from the likes of Lincoln City, Doncaster battle where clubs in the bottom four would Rovers and the old Wimbledon club. Although go cap in hand to League members in the it was a real team effort top scorer Derek hope they would garner more votes than any Spence was voted Player of the Year and also would be newcomers from the non-league SAM MADGEWICK KENNY BEANEY won caps for Northern Ireland whilst with the world. Rivals for the fourth spot Halifax Town Blues. had won at home on the Friday night against (Kit Man) Southend looked, at times, good prospects Swindon Town to finish with 50 points. David Barnes Peter Jackson for a second straight promotion in the follow - Southend were now fourth bottom on 47 ing season. However, inexplicable losses of points (it was now three points for a win), form such as six straight draws in February but a marginally better goal difference meant and no wins in the final four matches, saw a win would suffice. A Steve Phillips penalty CHRIS BENJAMIN JEY SIVA the club finish a creditable if somewhat dis - secured a much needed 1-0 win for appointing seventh in Division Three. Southend. The threat of re-election proved The 1982/83 was to prove to be the end of academic as Gola League champions Anthony Auger a golden era. If the departure of Derek Wealdstone withdrew their application and Spence in the close season caused raised the bottom four clubs were re-elected unop - eyebrows the sale of Dave Cusack and Anton posed. Meanwhile debts at the club had tre - Otulakowski to Millwall in March for a meagre bled during the season, and although Anton combined fee of £60,000 was alarming. A bad Johnson had been ousted and also banned MARK BENTLEY SEAN CRONIN run of form after the sales saw the Blues from involvement in football, Southend under slump to 15th in the table. Steve Phillips, an new chairman Vic Jobson faced a consider - Fred Wakeling admirable replacement for Spence, topped able period of rebuilding. scored with a creditable 20 goals whilst vet - bought in seasoned veterans eran midfielder Ronnie Pountney was the Frank Lampard and Barry Silkman whilst Roy clubs Player of the Year for an unprecedent - McDonough returned to Roots Hall from ed third time. These were troubled times off Exeter. At £4,000 the purchase of Richard NATHAN FERGUSON JOAO CARLOS the field for Southend, long standing owners Cadette from Leyton Orient would prove to be the Rubin family had sold out to local butch - a steal. The young forward announced him - er turned entrepreneur Anton Johnson. self emphatically with a four goal salvo on his Brian Page Peter Jackson Popular manager Dave Smith was dismissed full League debut against his old team at whilst on holiday in Tenerife only to stage a Roots Hall. Crowds were still a concern lock-in in his office at the club when he though, just seven years after the new atten - returned. He would successfully sue the club dance record was set against Liverpool a LAMAR JOHNSON DUMEBI GB-DUMAKA for damages. The turmoil meant new incum - nadir was reached in March when just 1,006 bent, Peter Morris, was appointed late in the watched the League game at home to Halifax close season and had little time to muster a Town, the lowest home League gate ever. George Watts Phil Boston decent squad. He had inherited just ten con - Worse still was the “crowd” for the home tracted players, two of which were goalkeep - Freight Rover Trophy tie Northampton Town, ers. just 683 hardy souls attending. Blues did, Morris would last only until February, his however, mount a challenge for promotion BRADLEY GLEN LITTLE dismissal was formerly announced on the with Cadette scoring 25 goals, but some cover of the Associate Member’s Cup game at wretchedly inconsistent results saw the team FORTNAM-TOMLINSON home to Reading, a tie the Blues would fall away to a final position of ninth. However, Alan Roberts Glyn Jarvis emphatically win 5-0. The new man in charge Bobby Moore had already announced his was already at the club and was a household decision to resign from the manager’s post. name. England’s World Cup winning captain The new man at the helm was Dave Webb Bobby Moore was a member of the board at who set about dismantling Moore’s squad. In JAMES STEVENS BRIAN MOSES Southend and accepted the request to step came the likes of Peter Johnson, Derek Hall into the breach following Morris’ departure. and Dave Martin. Blues challenged for pro - However, the great man could not stop the motion all season and enjoyed a big League Glyn Balmer rot and after only ten wins all season Blues Cup tie with Manchester City which was nar - slid into the bottom four some five points rowly lost 2-1 on aggregate. In March the adrift of safety. Moore would preside over club was rocked by Dave Webb’s resignation, arguably Southend’s worst ever season of Continued over Meet Our Southend Grays Athletic Unofficial Visitors United FC FC Fans Forum citing interference from the board as his rea - pestuous decade as they had started it with GRAYS ATHLETIC F.C. UNOFFICIAL the Match’ performance against Wingate & son. Stalwart player Paul Clark stepped into promotion to the third tier. start - FANS’ FORUM Finchley and probably our ‘Goal of the the void and attempted to finish the promo - ed the 1990/91 with a much changed squad MAN OF THE MATCH AND PLAYER OF THE Season’ at Kingstonian, which also gave tion job off. A vital win at home to in spite of a successful promotion campaign. Wolverhampton in late April in front of over Top scorer for the previous three seasons, MONTH SELECTIONS FOR APRIL 2015 him the deserved ‘Golden Boot’ Award as 10,000 people meant a top three finish was David Crown was allowed to leave for Supporters have an opportunity to vote for leading goalscorer for the season. achievable. A Friday night trip to Stockport in Gillingham and in his place came , their Man of the Match after every first In third place was skipper and ‘Mr. the final game meant a win would mean a £100,000 capture from Stockport County. team game. All you have to do is register Consistency’, Kenny Beaney. Despite the Wolves could not overtake the Blues by win - Other significant arrivals included Chris on the fans’ forum at http://graysathlet - disappointment of losing the Robert Dyas ning the following day. Goals from Glenn Powell and John Cornwall. The season start - Pennyfather and Richard Cadette, his 31st of ed very well indeed with eight wins in the icfc.proboards.com/, go to the section League Cup final, Kenny was our outstand - the campaign, ensured the required points opening nine matches ensuring the Blues ‘Man of the Match’ and cast your vote. ing player on the night. The runner-up and came back to Essex. lead the table in the early weeks. Less Each month we add up all the votes to the overwhelming choice for ‘Player of the The 1987/88 season saw Clark return to impressive though was an 8-0 trashing at determine the ‘Player of the Month’ and we Season’ was central defender, Jay Leader. playing duties as Vic Jobson ushered in a new Crystal Palace in the Rumbelows Cup. The report the results in our Matchday ‘Man of the Match’ in our narrow defeat at manager, Dick Bate, who though untried at unpopular Leyland DAF Cup however saw the Programme. There is a bottle of cham - Champions Maidstone, he played in the League level, had a reputation as an out - Shrimpers find their scoring boots with a club standing coach. Cadette had been sold to record equalling 10-1 victory against pagne for the winner, donated by a sup - unfamiliar position of right-back during the Sheffield United and Bate bought in the likes Aldershot in the opening. New man Angell porter. month, but his adaptability shone through of Chris Ramsey, Eric Steele and Richard claimed four and there was also a hat-trick For April, we were very pleased that to earn a deserved second place for the Young. The appointment was to prove disas - for . A subsequent tie against staunch Blues, Steve Allen and his lovely month. trous, aside from a League Cup win against Torquay saw the Blues rattle in seven goals wife, Sandra, donated the bubbly. There The clear April winner was centre half, Brentford, Bate failed to win any of his twelve without reply in the final 25 minutes of the League games in charge. By September he game, Andy Ansah this time keeping the was a slight change for the voting arrange - Sean Cronin, who became an instant hit was gone and Clark once again stepped in to match ball. ments as we were away at Kingstonian for with the fans following his loan transfer steady the ship. One of his best moments as League form dipped in the Christmas and our last game of the 2014/15 season. So from Wealdstone for the last nine games of boss came quickly, a memorable 1-0 win over New Year period and Webb strengthened his we added up the online votes from the pre - the season. He produced ‘Man of the First Division Derby County in the League defensive options with Pat Scully arriving vious five games and at the end of the Ks Match’ performances in the League draw Cup. A Roy McDonough penalty against from Arsenal. As the run in to the end of the England goalkeeper settled the season began missed opportunities at home game collected votes from the good num - with Hendon and the 2-0 win at tie. Clark’s capture of David Crown in to the likes of Chester, Wigan and Cambridge ber of supporters who were there to see us Kingstonian, where he also opened the November would prove pivotal in a remark - saw promotion rivals gain valuable ground. A miss out on the play-offs by two points, scoring, after getting his debut goal in the able escape from relegation after such an win at Exeter though saw Blues in the home despite a good 2-0 win on the day. 3-2 Cup defeat to Hendon. During the appalling start to the season. The 1988/89 straight knowing a win on the road again up Kingstonian kindly allowed us to make the month he polled over 20% of all votes season, however, proved to be a real strug - at Bury would secure back to back promo - ‘Player of the Month’ presentation in their cast. Steve and Sandra Allen had the gle. Even the re-introduction of Webb as tions for Webb’s men. A tense encounter manager in December could not halt the ensued at , not helped by Scully’s Clubhouse after the game. pleasure of presenting him with his award downward slide. A disastrous run of six early dismissal for an injudicious challenge. Of the six games played in April, we won after our last game on 25 April. games without a win in the run in to the end The ten men rallied and as the game entered three, drew one and lost two, including the Supporters have another reason to cele - of the season meant a final day home win the closing stages Andy Ansah yet again ram - 3-2 loss in that gripping Robert Dyas brate as Sean has now joined us for the over Chester was not enough as the Blues paged down the right flank, his scuffed cross League Cup final. We scored 10 goals and upcoming season to become one of the two went down by goal difference having secured fell to Ian Benjamin. The man who had ter - a decent tally of 54 points. rorised Southend in the 80’s as part of the conceded seven in League and Cup. central defensive lynchpins along with Jay The disappointment of relegation was short- powerful Northampton side turned neatly on Based on your votes, the ‘Man of the Leader. lived however as Webb rallied the troops for the edge of the box. His deft shot found the Match’ for each match was as follows: The other eight monthly winners for the another tilt at promotion. The season started corner of the home net and the away terrace Wingate & Finchley (h) won 3-2 season were: well, a great two legged League Cup win over paused momentarily to let the realisation – Joao Carlos August – Kenny Beaney Colchester earned Southend a plum tie dawn, and then unbridled jubilation was against Tottenham Hotspur. A narrow 1-0 unleashed. It was a truly iconic moment in East Thurrock (a) won 2-0 September – Glen Little defeat at White Hart Lane meant there was the club’s history. Southend had won promo - – James Stevens October – Jay Leader all to play for in the second leg at Roots Hall. tion to the second tier of English football for Maidstone (a) lost 2-1 – Jay Leader November – Conor Gough Goals from Gary Bennett (2) and Dave the first time ever. The squad was bolstered Hendon – League Cup (n) lost 3-2 December – Joseph Zerafa Martin, ensured a shock 3-2 win on the night, with the arrival of Kevin O’Callaghan and – Kenny Beaney January – Kenny Beaney/Jay Leader (tied) but the Londoners sneaked through on the Andy Sussex. After a difficult start goals Hendon - League (a) drew 0-0 February – Conor Gough away goals rule. started flowing, Brett Angell set a post-War League form gathered momentum, and even club record by scoring in seven consecutive – Sean Cronin March – Correy Davidson a shock FA Cup defeat at Aylesbury United games, falling just one short of Billy Hick’s all Kingstonian (a) won 2-0 – Sean Cronin With your support, we intend to run the could not detract from the target of an imme - time record. For the first time in the club’s online voting system again for next season diate return to the Third Division. A magnifi - history the team entered the FA Cup at the There were four leading contenders for and hope we can find some more support - cent brace from 23 goal top scorer David third round stage, drawing Everton away at the ‘Player of the Month’ Award who ers to donate the monthly prize and enjoy Crown on the final day of the season at . Blues gave a great account of United ensured third place in themselves losing to a single between them polled over 73% of the presenting it to the successful player each the table behind champions Exeter City and goal. The match had come three days after a total. In fourth place, it was Joao Carlos month. Grimsby Town. Southend would finish a tem - 4-0 home win over Newcastle United on New with two goals and an outstanding ‘Man of Year’s Day which had seen the Shrimpers arrived from Galatasaray for a record temporarily top the First Division table. £500,000 whilst Mike Lapper, Andy Rammell, Form wavered though and despite a club Mark McNally and Jeroen Boere all command - record fee of £175,000 spent on the services ed six figure fees. of Keith Jones, the club finished in twelfth Despite the influx of new players goalscor - position in the final analysis. The season fin - ing again proved to be the weakness in the ished on a flat note when David Webb team, Dave Regis would top score with eight resigned for a second time. The board League goals despite leaving the club in appointed the experienced Colin Murphy as February. A final placing of 14th was only his replacement and his unusual training seven points above relegation in a tight divi - methods and rambling philosophical pro - sion. The success and glamour of the first gramme notes had the Blues faithful scratch - half of the 1990’s would be mirrored in the ing their heads. On November 21st however, starkest possible fashion by the second peri - Murphy pulled off a master stroke by rescuing od of the decade. Whelan’s second season in a young centre forward from Crystal Palace charge was an unmitigated disaster with the reserves. burst onto the club finishing bottom of the First Division Southend scene like no other player in living table winning just eight games all season. memory. Raw strength, skill and energy saw Whelan departed and ex West Ham and him rattle in 18 goals in 33 games. It had, England defender was charged however, remained a season of struggle and with halting the slide for the 1997/98 season. Murphy paid the price with his job. It was another desperate period for the was drafted in to save the Blues from the Blues, a run of five games without even being drop. He seemed to get even more out of able to score a goal at the turn of the year Collymore and four wins out of the last four summed up a dire campaign. The Blues were home games ensured survival on the last day relegated for a second time in successive of the season against Luton Town. Collymore seasons, again finished at the foot of the was chaired of the pitch in his underpants, it table. For the 1998/99 season Martin drafted was to prove to be the last time he wore and in the experienced Mick Gooding as his assis - lost a Southend shirt. tant but to no avail, an 18th place finish saw In the summer he was sold to Nottingham the club flirting dangerously with the trap - Forest for a fee of £2,250,000, shattering the door to the Conference. club’s record fee. With Fry’s undoubted acu - The final season of the decade saw Martin men in the transfer market, the fee eventual - Carruthers arrive from Darlington for £50,000 ly climbed to an astonishing £3.57 million. It and he would score 19 times for the Blues in was widely viewed that Collymore was the his debut campaign. However goals among most naturally gifted player the club had ever the other players were scarce and by early fielded. Fry shed many players in the summer March Alvin Martin had left the club as man - and bought in the likes of Ricky Otto, who ager. The Blues board turned to another for - would light up Roots Hall with his mesmeric mer Southend player as the new man in dribbling, Jason Lee and Gary Poole who charge as was appointed manager would cost a club record fee of £400,000. A after a successful spell as a player more than clutch of players also arrived from Fry’s for - twenty years previously. The final nine games mer club Barnet. By January however, Fry of another wretched season mustered only was gone. Despite saying he wouldn’t leave five League goals as the Blues limped to 16th the club he changed his mind and amid not place in the table. However, popular left back inconsiderable acrimony departed for Nathan Jones bought the curtain down on the Birmingham City. Former Southend player 20th century with a wonder goal in the final Peter Taylor was handed the reins and the game at home to Cheltenham Town. team laboured to a final placing of 15th. The 2000/01 season had not started partic - Taylor again struggled to get the team going ularly well for Southend United and despite a in the 1994/95 campaign with goalscoring rally of three successive 1-0 wins in late proving to be a real problem for his charges. September, Alan Little was replaced as man - Despite the luxury of the vastly experienced ager by David Webb. His third stint in charge in midfield, the team strug - at Roots Hall saw 1,000 Shrimpers trek to gled for form and as relegation looked a seri - Blackpool to welcome back one of the club’s ous possibility Taylor resigned in February. most successful managers ever. Blues chal - Steve Thompson was handed the job on a lenged for promotion for much of the season caretaker basis with a dozen games remain - but in the closing months too many drawn ing. It marked an unbelievable change in the games and a lack of goals meant a final posi - team, confidence flowed through every play - tion of 11th. The paucity of goals was reflect - er and goals came thick and fast. Eight wins ed in Martin Carruthers, who had left for under Thompson ensured a comfortable plac - Scunthorpe United in March, sharing the top ing of 13th in the final reckoning. Thompson scorer’s mantle with Ben Abbey and David turned down a full time contract and Ronnie Lee on ten apiece. For once the season had Whelan took over as player-manager, been notable for cup performances. In the FA although he would suffer a career ending Cup the Shrimpers drew neighbours Canvey injury in the opening game of the 1995/96 Island in the second round. The tie was season. The club spent unprecedented switched to Roots Hall and a big crowd of amounts in the transfer market, Mike Marsh Continued over Meet Our Southend “My personal favourite moment was the Dan Duckworth, Andrew Mangan & Ronan end of the game against Arsenal, looking Howard. Visitors United FC around and seeing 20,000 Reading fans belting out that they were ‘Reading ‘til Route To The Final 11,402 saw the Blues win by two goals to form, an unlikely victory. However the team they die.’ It’s not often football chants Extra Preliminary Round one. Unusually the club were drawn against froze on the big day went behind early and really give you a proper spine tingle, but Hatfield Town 0-3 Baldock Town another non-league side, Kingstonian, in lost 2-0 in front of a crowd of 34,031. that one struck with me. On a non-Reading Preliminary Round round three but went down to an ignominious Tilson revamped his squad for the 2004/05 note, following the Chelsea v Bradford Baldock Town 0-3 Harlow Town 1-0 defeat, only the second time the club had season with many expecting another difficult succumbed to a non-league side at home in campaign. His key signing though came in score on Sky!”, said Reading fan, Alex First Qualifying Round the FA Cup. In the Leyland DAF Cup the Blues October when he bought in youngster Freddy Everson. Grays Athletic 2-2 Harlow Town enjoyed a win over Swindon Town on the Eastwood, initially on loan, from non-lea - “Bradford’s fourth goal against Chelsea – Replay – Harlow 2-4 Grays Athletic briefly employed “golden goal” rule en route guers Grays Athletic. He announced himself it reminded us all of what’s possible in the Second Qualifying Round to the Area final. In the two legged area final in the best possibly way with a debut hat- FA Cup – still!” added Roger Titford, whilst Grays Athletic 1-0 Hastings United though, Brentford proved too strong winning trick against Swansea City, the first coming Dave Harris said: “I have to choose Third Qualifying Round 4-2 on aggregate. after just 7.7 seconds of the game. The LDV Reading’s first ever FA Cup Semi Final goal Grays Athletic 0-0 Bromley By October 2001 Webb had resigned from trophy again proved successful with the club – Garath McCleary’s strike against Arsenal, Replay – Bromley 5-0 Grays Athletic Roots Hall for a third time citing health prob - reaching the final for the second consecutive in front of the travelling Royals at Fourth Qualifying Round lems as the reason. Veteran player Rob season. However, Wrexham proved to be the Wembley. It’s always good seeing your Evesham United 1-2 Bromley Newman, popular with the Roots Hall crowd better side in the final and won by two goals for his whole hearted play, was handed the to nil. Tilson had galvanised his team and team score but this was a rare old feeling First Round job of trying to get the Blues out of the base - automatic promotion looked a real possibility that doesn’t present itself at all often.” Bromley 3-4 Dartford ment division. It was another average season until a late season wobble meant the play- “We may have gone on to lose the game Second Round however despite the arrival of several new offs beckoned. In a tight semi-final against in what can only be filed under the term Bradford City 4-1 Dartford players like Leon Cort, Barrington Belgrave Northampton Town, only a ‘devastating’, but going in to the game the Third Round and Steve Clark. Away form yet again proved penalty separated the sides after two legs. general feeling many had was to a) just do Millwall 3-3 Bradford City problematic with just three wins on the road. The Blues were heading to Cardiff for the us proud and play your hearts out and b) Replay – Bradford City 4-0 Millwall The 2002/03 campaign was also a real strug - third time in 15 months, surely it would be a give us something to cheer. They did both, Fourth Round gle for the club and although never in real case of third time lucky? Lincoln City manful - but when the latter happened, the feeling, Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City danger of relegation to the Conference, the ly stood up to the Blues for ninety minutes the unbridled joy, the uncontrollability of Fifth Round clubs low position in the table saw Newman before an unlikely hero emerged in extra relived of his duties in March 2003. Ex time. In the 105th minute Freddy Eastwood limbs flying around all over the place, the Bradford City 2-0 Arsenal midfielder, had been had given the Blues a narrow lead but pro - voice that didn’t right itself for a full four Sixth Round bought in to assist Newman with coaching motion was gloriously confirmed five minutes days afterwards – for Reading fans, no Bradford City 0-0 Reading and was handed the job on a caretaker basis later when full back Duncan Jupp ran fully other moment comes close.” Replay – Reading 3-0 Bradford City until was ushered in as the new seventy yards in searing heat to dispatch the FA Cup Final Score Predictions: Semi-Final manager. ball masterfully into the Lincoln net. It was Lee (Baldock): Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal. Reading 1-2 Arsenal Wignall’s stay at Roots Hall lasted just 23 his first senior goal in ten years and secured Ray (Harlow): Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal. Final matches. The Blues had won just two of the promotion to League One. Phil (Harlow): ‘I fancy Villa to cause an Aston Villa v Arsenal first twelve games of the 2003/04 season. After seven seasons in the basement divi - upset in the final – the pressure is all on Dave Webb returned briefly this time for a sion, many would have settled for a season of Arsenal and Villa have found a new belief Result: Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 4. So bad four game fourth spell as manager before for - consolidation, Steve Tilson though had other mer player Steve Tilson was given the chance ideas. He bought in some experienced play - in their play.’ luck to Phil from Harlow and Alex from to manage the club he had served so well as ers like Efe Sodje and former Manchester City Glyn (Grays Ath.): Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal. Reading who went for a Villa win and well a player. The Shrimpers flirted with relegation legend Shaun Goater, while Spencer Prior Matt (Bromley): Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal. done to ALL the others (including our own to the Conference all season despite Leon returned to the club where he started his Tim (Bromley): Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal. Life President, Glyn [I’m really a closet Constantine’s proficiency in front of goal. The career. The acquisition of the veteran Goater Elliot (Dartford): Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal. Arsenal fan] Jarvis), who really stuck their striker’s 21 League goals meant he was the proved a masterstroke, a knowledgeable foil Gary (Dartford): Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal. necks out (didn’t they?) and went for the first player to score twenty League goals in a for the rampant youngster Freddy Eastwood. Steve (Dartford): Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal. Gunners, although no one predicted the season since Brett Angell more than a decade The club topped the table on January 2nd Kate (Bradford): Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal. actual score! previously. The FA Cup saw the club reach and stayed there until the end of the season Tim (Bradford): Aston Villa 2-3 Arsenal. A final thank you to Mark, whose compa - the third round and a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall to win the championship in fine style. The Alex (Reading): Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal. ny we enjoyed in our 2-2 home draw against non-league Scarborough saw the Blues needed to win on the last day of the incentive of a fourth round tie against season to deny Essex rivals Colchester United Roger (Reading): Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal. against Harlow and our late 1-0 win at Mill Chelsea awaiting the replay winners. the coveted silverware and a tense game Dave (Reading): Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal. Field over Hastings. We are sure everyone Scarborough won the replay by a solitary against Bristol City at Roots Hall ensued. will agree, it’s an interesting and enjoyable goal. In the LDV trophy however the Blues Home fans had dressed up in Caribbean style So, from Hatfield Town v Baldock Town to read! Also commiserations to Mark as his put together an impressive run, including a clothing to say farewell to Shaun Goater who Aston Villa v Arsenal. Who will win the beloved Millwall not only went out in a brilliant 4-0 defeat of QPR. The tireless work - had announced his retirement. With a few 2014/15 FA Cup? Find out this Saturday! replay to giant-killers, Bradford City, in horse of a centre forward, Drewe Broughton, minutes remaining and the game still goal - With thanks to: Lee Rusbridge, Ray Dyer, Round Three, but also suffered relegation became a cult hero as the Blues defeated less, the game paused as the entire crowd, Spencer Knight, Phil Tuson, Glyn Jarvis, to League One at the end of the season. arch rivals Colchester United in an all Essex including some 400 Manchester City fans, Liam Willis, Matt Hall, Tim Hutton, Rob Best of luck to the Lions for a swift return Area final. The Shrimpers had qualified for gave an incredible ovation to an emotional Swaine, David Cooke, Roger Westmacott, to the Championship under Essex boy, Neil their first ever major final and although the Goater as he walked of a pitch for the last game would be staged at Cardiff’s Millennium time. His replacement, Wayne Gray, settled Elliot Bradbrook, Steve Kennedy, Gary Harris in 2015/16, one-time legend at Stadium, as Wembley was being rebuilt, cup the nerves of the home crowd with a goal Clark, Kate Eveleigh, Tim Penfold, Katie today’s visitors, Southend United. final fever gripped the town. Blackpool stood three minutes from time. Southend United Whyatt, Stephen Jones, Sam Khan, Keith in between Southend and, given League were League One champions and Tilson had Chapman, Alex Everson, Roger Titford, Michele Mead, Dave Harris, Kieran Daly, achieved back-to-back promotions. Southampton for £175,000. He would remain Special With Southend’s stay in the Championship was the clubs leading goalscorer despite playing brief, winning only ten games all season. only half the campaign. A lack of goals and Feature Mark Litchfield Tilson’s men had dropped in the bottom three low confidence saw the side relegated to Continued from over with our cameras to get all of the reaction in September and remained in it all season, League Two with only Stockport County finishing seven points adrift of safety. The below them in the table. After seven highly moments this season – it always does. and the buzz in the dressing room. The cup competitions proved more heartening entertaining seasons in charge Steve Tilson But, what moments stand out for the peo - entire squad and backroom staff all joined however, Bournemouth, Brighton and Leeds was replaced at the helm by . ple that have so kindly helped me out on together for a rendition of ‘Wonderwall’ by United had all been dispatched in the Carling The Scotsman inherited a massively depleted my journey through the rounds? Oasis – that is a moment I will never for - Cup when Southend drew the big one in the squad with just four contracted players, but Lee Rusbridge, Club Secretary at Baldock get. It helped that Evesham were such fourth round, Manchester United at home. his impressive scouting network assembled a Town, spoke of his pride at seeing his team courteous hosts who really looked after us, The illustrious visitors respectfully fielded ten varied and experienced crop of players for in the FA Cup for the very first time. “My as well as congratulating us after the internationals including golden boys Wayne the 2010/11 campaign. Gems from the non- favourite moment from this season’s FA game.” Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. In the 27th league scene, Sean Clohessy and Ryan Hall Cup has to be our involvement for the first ”My favourite FA Cup moment would have minute Southend were awarded a free kick on also proved pivotal signings. A mid table fin - to be our match against Dartford in the the edge of the box, Freddy Eastwood curled ish seven points adrift of the play-offs was a time. It was obviously great to get the ball past the wall and into the top corner decent effort after the considerable turnover through the opening round against Hatfield First Round, as it was such a special occa - for a goal worthy of winning any game. The of personnel. For the 2011/12 season Blues Town, but to pit our wits against a good sion (despite the result). To have over visitors battered the Southend goal for the mounted a serious challenge for promotion to side from two levels above (Harlow Town) 4,000 people coming through the door was rest of the match but they could not find a League One being in an automatic promotion was a great experience. Even though we incredible and it resulted in a superb way past a superb Darryl Flahavan in goal. position as late as March. However, indiffer - went down 3-0 in the end, we could be atmosphere. They certainly got their mon - Legendary manager, Alex Ferguson rued the ent form at a vital period, encapsulated by proud of our performance – particularly as eys worth, with a very entertaining game “bloody nose” Southend had given his team. the eccentric performances of French import we played most of it with 10 men!” of football. It was a pleasure to be a part Tottenham put the Shrimpers out of the com - , meant promotion would have to Harlow Town duo, Ray Dyer and Phil of the day, but I still find myself wishing petition in the fifth round, although extra be achieved via the play-offs. Sadly the Tuson, offered differing opinions. Phil the result was somewhat different!” said time was needed at White Hart Lane to sepa - Shrimpers drew the in form team in the semis Matt. “My best moment was beating rate the sides. Strangely the side from North and lost to a rampant Crewe Alexandra side. went for the perhaps the biggest shock in London also accounted for the Blues in the FA Sturrock again shuffled his pack for the FA Cup history, as Bradford City defeated Bromley to get into the Second Round”, Cup as well that season, winning a fourth 2012/13 campaign bringing in promising Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, whilst Ray said Dartford captain, Elliot Bradbrook. “I round tie by 3-1 at White Hart Lane. strikers Gavin Tomlin and Britt stuck to his non-league roots. “My best have never been that far in the competi - It was back to League One for the 2007/08 Assombalonga. Freddy Eastwood, having moment was seeing Maidstone beat tion before, having lost a couple of times season with Tilson bringing some astute sign - returned on loan towards the end of the pre - Stevenage on their 3G surface. It was a in the First Round, so to get there was ings throughout the campaign, notably Leon vious campaign, would sign a deal as well. big moment in showing how good 3G sur - great.” Owner of PureDFC, Gary Clark, Clarke, and Lee Barnard. Crowd favourite Barry Corr would also make a faces are and was a massive help in get - added: “Seeing Dartford playing away at Meanwhile, Freddy Eastwood had departed to triumphant return to the game after 17 ting them approved, so they can be Bradford (who went on to write their own Wolves for a fee of £1,500,000. The club months out through injury. Blues, however, allowed in the Football League and FA Cup story!) and subsequently hearing were on the periphery of the promotion pic - never really mounted a serious promotion our club mentioned whenever Bradford ture all season and it was no surprise that the challenge with shocking home form being the National Conference.” regular season ended with a position in the team’s Achilles heel. Once again though, sol - Grays Athletic’s Life President, Glyn were mentioned as beating Chelsea!” play-offs. A resurgent Doncaster Rovers were ace came in the shape of the Johnstone’s Jarvis, agreed with Ray. “As a staunch Darts’ Programme Editor, Steve Kennedy, the semi-final opponents and it was they who Paint Trophy, the latest incarnation of the non-League supporter, I will go for spoke of the Bromley game as his high - progressed to the final after a limp second much maligned Football League Trophy. The Maidstone’s fantastic 2-1 replay win in the light. “The First Round match at Bromley. leg performance by the Blues resulted in a 5- run included a penalty shoot out win, late First Round against League Two Massive crowd, with two non-league clubs 1 mauling. The following season was more of goalkeeper substitutions and a truly dramatic Stevenage, after a 0-0 draw in going toe-to-toe for 90 minutes. The game the same, some great spells of form but ulti - last gasp Area Final goal by Hertfordshire. I watched the game on TV had everything, from loads of goals to mately falling five points short of another against Leyton Orient. League form had and thought the Ryman Premier Division defensive mishaps and even the odd flare play-off adventure. The undoubted highlight remained indifferent however and Sturrock side didn’t look at all out of place against a thrown in (and onto the pitch) for good of the 2008/09 season was an FA Cup third would be relieved of his duties in the weeks measure. It was not only a great selling draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. leading up to Southend’s first ever Wembley side three tiers above them and deserved Fuelled by endless oil money Chelsea was a final appearance. Phil Brown was charged their win.” point for the FA Cup, but also showed the truly tough opponent for the Shrimpers and with overseeing the last few weeks of the Matt Hall and Tim Hutton, from Vanarama wider world the entertainment on offer 6,000 supporters headed towards West campaign as Wembley fever gripped the South champions, Bromley, both chose below Football League level.” London for the glamorous tie. Predictably town. A magnificent 32,000 tickets were sold moments from their FA Cup run earlier in “So many to choose from – I’ve actually Chelsea launched a barrage of attacks but as was well and truly the season. “The favourite moment for me rewritten this about three times, switching only had a Salomon Kalou header to show for painted blue. However a crippling injury list had to be the moments after the Evesham my choice each time, but I’m going to go their efforts. Southend’s Peter Clarke, cele - saw Crewe Alexandra secure the trophy with United game in the Fourth Qualifying with Andy Halliday’s goal against Chelsea brating his 27th birthday, scored a 90th some ease. Round”, said Tim. “The game itself was to put us 3-2 up – the celebrations which minute equaliser to silence the home crowd. So as Phil Brown builds his first Southend end to end and Evesham were a great side followed involved one of my mates trying Remarkably in injury time the same player squad for new season the club enters a piv - to lift me up, failing miserably and pulling saw a header hit the crossbar as the otal moment in its long history. With a new who were so up for it. Fortunately for us, Shrimpers pressed for an unlikely winner. The stadium on the horizon and a move away Danny Waldren stepped up and did the a muscle in his arm!” , said Bradford City replay at Roots Hall bought welcome cash from what Simon Inglis described as “a mon - business with two goals from midfield, fan, Tim Penfold. “It’s not an amazing into the coffers, but there was to be no fairy - ument to the British football supporter”, the while I remember Seb Brown making a moment unless someone injures them - tale ending as Chelsea cantered to a 4-1 vic - fan funded Roots Hall, exciting times could be number of superb saves. I was fortunate selves celebrating too hard! I’m surprised tory. just around the corner once again. to interview both Danny and Seb on the you need to ask – not sure if you remem - The last season of the decade was to prove pitch immediately after the game, while ber, but there was a kick about at dispiriting, the club had lost some key play - myself and our cameraman, David Cook, Stamford Bridge in January that was pretty ers, Peter Clarke went to Huddersfield and in followed Waldren into the dressing room damn good!”, added Kate Eveleigh. January top scorer Lee Barnard moved to Grays Athletic Match “I personally love Arsene Wenger and all are a fantastic side and they have had a he has done for Arsenal Football Club. I brilliant end to the season, but they have FC Report would categorically say NO change is their weaknesses.” required”, said Kieran. is the man charged with Bishop’s Stortford 2 - 3 Grays Athletic by George Allen who headed in off the Dan also expressed his love and gratitude bringing the Midlands club success and Saturday 11th July 2015 underside of the crossbar. for the gaffer. “I could write for days on despite his doubters in the media, Ronan is By David Raven As the home side started to feel the heat Arsene Wenger. Quite simply, the man is fully behind the Villa boss. “Sherwood has Blues were back in the game after 32 min - a genius. He’s transformed the club in 19 been a breath of fresh air since coming in years into one of Europe’s elite, with just to the club. The FA Cup 5th Round tie Blues get pre-season underway with a win utes when Siva played a low corner into the one feather left to sew into his cap – a against Leicester was played immediately at National League South side Bishop's feet of Carlos inside the area, he played European Cup. I don’t believe he’s irre - after the announcement of him joining and Stortford. Mark Bentley's side started their Beaney in on the right and the skipper placeable – certainly, lots can be learned after yet another dismal and negative first pre-season program with a surprisingly drilled home through a crowded six yard from those around us; for example, half, Sherwood decided to go into the entertaining match at a sun-drenched ProKit box. DD was taken off as a precaution just Manchester United and the way they dealt changing room to deliver some tactical UK stadium with the Blues edging a 3-2 win after 40 minutes and his replacement, Chris with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. advice. The second half was night and against their National League South hosts. Benjamin, was involved in the move which But, I do believe he’s still one of the best day. We were positive, allowed the wing there is and only he knows when the time backs to get forward, fed Benteke, allowed It was a good workout for both sides, with led to the equaliser. A ball forward was is right to call it a day.” two of our three central midfield players to Benno and Rod Stringer making the most of deflected high into the air and Benji brought “I think he’s the man that the club see as attack the box and ended up winning 2-1. the opportunity to see first team regulars it down superbly, changing the direction of the best man for the job with no intention On top of his results on the pitch, the rea - alongside fringe players and trialists as they play and wrong footing his marker. He of changing” , added Andrew. “The fact that son Sherwood is the ideal man to take prepare for the coming season. played the ball behind the defence for he’s 64 now means change is inevitable Aston Villa forward is due to his belief and Benno will be the happier of the two man - Bradley Tomlinson to latch onto and drive sooner or later, so fresh blood will be com - trust in youth. We have seen this through agers especially as The Bishops were the past the keeper to make the score 2-2. ing – probably not until the end of his con - (Jack) Grealish already and through more committed side in the opening stages The hosts made ten changes at the break, tract though.” Moving on to the matter at (Harry) Kane, (Ryan) Mason, (Nabil) hand – the Gunners were almost given a Bentaleb etc at Spurs. With Randy Lerner and were well in control of the game when Blues making five and the second-half was fright by the Tigers in last years’ Final; will seemingly less keen to invest in the club, it they took a deserved lead after eight min - end-to-end as trialists and fringe players they underestimate Aston Villa? “Definitely is essential that we capitalise on our utes. Elliott Buchanan capitalised on some looked to impress their respective managers not” , said Kieran. “We were 2-0 down to impressive youth set up, which has hesitancy amongst the Blues defence to set and make inroads to a regular place in the Hull after 10 minutes last season. No cup churned out Premier League stars such as up Billy Lobjoit who fired the ball home squad. Both sides made plenty of half- final is ever easy. With his Tottenham Gabby Agbonlahor, Gary Cahill, Steven from the corner of the box. The well organ - chances but too many shots were wayward connections, I’m sure that Tim Sherwood Davis and Craig Gardner, to name a few.” ised hosts pressed The Blues deep into their and at one point there was farcical defend - would love to beat us!” Score Predictions before kick off: Andrew: “I don’t do those kind of predictions – but own half, were strong in the challenge and ing at both ends to keep the crowd enter - ASTON VILLA F.C. obviously hope it’s an Arsenal win!” Dan: denying any space to the wide players. DD tained. Blues made a further three changes, Representing Villa is Ronan Murphy, who Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal. Kieran: Aston Villa and Bradley Tomlinson were well marshalled including assistant manager Glen Little told me of the ‘brilliant’ feeling of reaching 1-3 Arsenal. Ronan: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal and it looked like it was going to be a long replacing Sean Cronin at centre-half, and in the FA Cup Final. “It’s a brilliant feeling (AET). Ronan had recently launched an afternoon when Stortford tightened their the dying moments of the game Akwasi knowing that we have reached the FA Cup app to the App Store (and was also work - grip on the game after 26 minutes. Marfo wriggled in from the left and Final. It has been a difficult few years for ing on the Android version) and he told me Buchanan was first to the ball from a corner unselfishly set up Brian Moses to finish Villa fans since Martin O’Neill’s departure a bit about it. “I’m sure football fans will (a week before the 2010/11 season) and definitely be interested. It is a free app, and his chip back into the box was met well from close range and make the score 3-2. this season has been no different, so to where you answer football trivia questions reach the Wembley showdown is a real (either general or club specific) to move boost to everyone associated with the higher up the pitch to try and score a goal. club. It is our first FA Cup Final since the You can easily sync with Facebook and last Final at the old Wembley, where we play against your mates, to see who gets lost to Chelsea, so we’ll certainly be up for the bragging rights! Brilliant for away it.” The 6-1 defeat to Southampton two days, toilet breaks and Stoke games!!” weeks before the Final, suggests that eyes Meanwhile, owner of Arseblog, Andew may already be on the prize at Villa, but Mangan, told me a bit about his website. Ronan is adamant that his side will not be “It’s a website that gives Arsenal fans there just to make up the numbers. “I everything they could want. A daily blog, think the intention has to be to win the seven-day a week news, two podcasts per cup. Everyone enjoyed the Semi Final week, columnists, tactics, stats, humour, against Liverpool – that was viewed as a merchandise, books and everything else day to enjoy the occasion, but the players we can possibly fit in. We’ve been running were exceptional, notably Delph, Grealish since 2002, so we’re well established.” and Benteke, who really showed a desire Take a look at Arseblog here - http://arse - to win.” We are a club in form, despite that blog.com. howler against Southampton (long journey The FA Cup has produced some magical home from that one!) and we have to view this as a chance to lift the trophy. Arsenal Continued over Special With Grays Fixtures Feature Mark Litchfield Athletic FC 2015-16 The Club would like to thank Mark for holder, Dan Duckworth. “ Last year’s FA Sat 8th Aug Hendon Lge H permission to include extracts from his Cup success was undoubtedly sweet, end - Tues 11th Aug Tonbridge Angels Lge A blog relating to last season’s FA Cup in ing a long overdue trophy drought. To win today’s special programme. it again this year would, for me, be as big Sat 15th Aug Burgess Hill Town Lge A At the beginning of August 2014, a ran - an achievement. Back to back FA Cup wins Sat 22nd Aug Billericay Town Lge H dom selection was made for me to start my after a long wait without a trophy, becom - Weds 26th Aug Canvey Island Lge H journey from the Extra Preliminary Round ing the most successful club to win the tro - Sat 29th Aug Dulwich Hamlet Lge A to the Final of the FA Cup with Baldock phy – and Mr. Wenger winning it for the Town. In a journey that covered Harlow (what I hope is) the sixth time.” Mon 31st Aug Brentwood Town Lge H Town, GRAYS ATHLETIC, Bromley, “I love the FA Cup” , added Andrew Sat 5th Sep Leiston Lge A Dartford, Bradford City and Reading, as Mangan, owner and writer at Arseblog. Tues 8th Sep Canvey Island Lge A well as Baldock, I finally reached the Final “It’s the first competition I ever saw Sat 19th Sep Bognor Regis Town Lge H with the current holders of the FA Cup, Arsenal win (in 1979), so it holds a special Arsenal, thanks to their 2-1 (after extra place in my heart. I think winning it this Weds 23rd Sep Staines Town Lge H time) Semi-Final win over Reading at season would be fantastic, obviously, but Sat 26th Sep Wingate & Finchley Lge A Wembley, so the Gunners sat just 90 min - last season’s win ended a nine year trophy Weds 30th Sep Leatherhead Lge A utes away from back-to-back cup wins – drought, so there was something a bit Sat 3rd Oct Kingstonian Lge H not bad after nine years without a trophy. extra special about that.” As stated, Standing in their way was a resurgent Arsenal are in the Final thanks to a Semi- Sat 10th Oct Harrow Borough Lge A Aston Villa side, managed to Premier Final victory over Championship side Weds 14th Oct Leatherhead Lge H League safety and a first FA Cup Final Reading. The plucky second-tier side were Sat 17th Oct Lewes Lge H since 2000 – and only a second since 1957 standing up to their Premier League oppo - Tues 20th Oct Staines Town Lge A – by Tim Sherwood. nents as extra-time began at Wembley Stadium, buth Alexis Sanchez’s shot Sat 24th Oct Hendon Lge A ARSENAL F.C. slipped through the grasp of Royals’ ‘keep - Weds 28th Oct Tonbridge Angels Lge H Founded in Woolwich in 1886, Dial Square er, Adam Federici, sending the Gunners Sat 7th Nov Burgess Hill Town Lge H swiftly became Royal Arsenal, before through. Sat 14th Nov Billericay Town Lge A changing their name to Woolwich Arsenal. Dan said that the Semi-Final tie was ‘to Arsenal moved to Highbury Stadium in be expected'. “With the greatest respect Sat 21st Nov Enfield Town Lge H 1913, where they would spend 93 years, to Reading, both their supporters and play - Sat 28th Nov Needham Market Lge A before moving to the Emirates Stadium in ers made it their cup final that day. The Sat 5th Dec VCD Athletic Lge H 2006. Perhaps the most famous season at old FA Cup cliché of ‘anything can happen’ Sat 12th Dec Hampton & Richmond Borough Lge A Highbury was the 2003/04 campaign, in ran true that afternoon, but when it went which Arsene Wenger’s charges went the to extra time, you always felt that Sat 19th Dec Dulwich Hamlet Lge H entire Premier League season unbeaten, Arsenal’s stamina would be too much for Sat 26th Dec Brentwood Town Lge A winning one of 13 league titles in their his - the Championship strugglers. Luckily, it Sat 2nd Jan East Thurrock United Lge H tory. Completing a domestic double on did!” Sat 9th Jan Merstham Lge A three occasions, the Gunners also had 11 Despite being without a Premier League FA Cup trophies to their name and boast title since that invincible 03/04 season, Sat 16th Jan Farnborough Lge H names from the past such as Liam Brady, Wenger and his squad have consistently Sat 23rd Jan Metropolitan Police Lge A Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony finished in the top four over the last Sat 30th Jan Wingate & Finchley Lge H Adams, Frank McLintock, Alan Ball, Ian decade – but is that good enough? Does a Sat 6th Feb Kingstonian Lge A Wright, Robert Pires, Pat Rice and Ted third-place finish and an FA Cup Final con - Drake. tribute towards a ‘good season’ for Sat 13th Feb Harrow Borough Lge H On Saturday 30 May 2015, they were Arsenal? Sat 20th Feb Lewes Lge A looking to add FA Cup number 12 to the “It potentially is a positive”, said Arsenal Sat 27th Feb Metropolitan Police Lge H trophy cabinet. The Gunners were the fan, Kieran Daly. “It shows progression. Sat 5th Mar Farnborough Lge A holders of the trophy, courtesy of a victory However, we did go out to Monaco in the over Hull City in last year’s show-piece Champions League. The question now Sat 12th Mar Leiston Lge H occasion, so were looking to retain the cup remains, can we move forward and chal - Sat 19th Mar Bognor Regis Town Lge A this time round. But, would holding on to lenge for the title? Some supporters would Sat 26th Mar Merstham Lge H the world’s most famous cup be sweeter most definitely demand more.” For some, Mon 28th Mar East Thurrock United Lge A than breaking their nine-year run without a top four finishes every season are not trophy last season? “Whilst I maintain that enough. In recent years, pressure has Sat 2nd Apr Enfield Town Lge A winning your domestic league title is the grown from certain sections regarding the Sat 9th Apr Needham Market Lge H number one priority, I wholeheartedly future of the Gunners’ long-serving manag - Sat 16th Apr Hampton & Richmond Borough Lge H agree that the FA Cup is a prestigious com - er, Arsene Wenger, saying that his time is Sat 23rd Apr VCD Athletic Lge A petition and is the hallmark game in up and change is needed. But, what do English football” said Arsenal season-ticket our trio of Arsenal fans think of their boss? times when you need to be a little more laid-back and footballing history and their disciplinary record. It is Fixtures Ryman League positive and there are times when you have to be more also important to see what a player does off the ball, demanding, focused and not so soft around the edges. how he interacts with his team-mates and how he & Results Premier Division I like to think that having coached for a long time that responds to the dugout. I will also monitor players that I manage those extremes quite well but I also think it's we have out on loan and, when possible, get over to Saturday 8th August 2015 Needham Market vs Heybridge Swifts fair to say that between the three of us I have higher watch them. When watching opposition I'm looking for PREMIER DIVISION Staines Town vs Hampton & RB expectations of attitude and discipline from the players anything that will give us an advantage. That advan - Bognor Regis Town vs Merstham Three Bridges vs Leatherhead on the training ground, especially when it comes to tage can be identifying a particular strength or weak - Dulwich Hamlet vs Canvey Island Tonbridge Angels vs Herne Bay preparation, hydration and recovery and I can be a ness, the players to watch, how the team reacts to East Thurrock United vs Billericay Town VCD Athletic vs Chatham Town harsh taskmaster in this regard. We're not a full-time changes in the game, good or bad habits in a player or Enfield Town vs Tonbridge Angels Wingate & Finchley vs Harlow Town club so we have to make the most of the time we do players and the strength of the bench...we even con - Grays Athletic vs Hendon Worthing vs Burgess Hill Town have available so sessions are well planned and the sider the state of the pitch and the reaction of the Harrow Borough vs Hampton & RB THE ROBERT DYAS LEAGUE CUP PREL. ROUND players do work hard so there will be plenty of positive crowd. I take notes, record stats and film the games I Leatherhead vs Lewes Billericay Town vs Aveley encouragement but if the focus or work rate drops to a watch and aim to have the info to Benno within 24 Leiston vs Kingstonian point where the overall drill or exercise is being dis - hours of the end of the match. Metropolitan Police vs Staines Town Wednesday 19th August 2015 rupted then you have to step in and get them back on Needham Market vs Burgess Hill Town THE ROBERT DYAS LEAGUE CUP 1ST ROUND track...you will find that the players themselves will Q11 ANY TEAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE VCD Athletic vs Farnborough Romford vs East Thurrock United manage each other when they have to do it all over 2015/16 RYMAN PREMIER SEASON? Wingate & Finchley vs Brentwood Town again. I'm really keen to encourage players to look for Grays Athletic. If I'm honest, I love the unpredictabil - Saturday 22nd August 2015 ways to improve aspects of their own game and I'm ity of it all! We still had something like 12 teams still in Monday 10th August 2015 PREMIER DIVISION happy to stay out for a one-on-session with half-a- with a shout of the play-offs coming into the last few PREMIER DIVISION Bognor Regis Town vs Tonbridge Angels dozen balls and some cones for an hour. If we have weeks of the last season. There have been some inter - Farnborough vs Harrow Borough Dulwich Hamlet vs Staines Town players on recovery or doing some fitness work Jack esting player moves in the close season but I heard Hendon vs Enfield Town East Thurrock United vs Farnborough O'Hughes will recommend some routines and it's here that the highest number of players for many years had Kingstonian vs Leatherhead Enfield Town vs Burgess Hill Town you need to have a harder edge to motivate and push earned deals at clubs higher up the pyramid or in the Grays Athletic vs Billericay Town the players along to get them ready to resume training football league which shows just how strong our divi - Tuesday 11th August 2015 Harrow Borough vs Brentwood Town and hopefully playing again as soon as possible. sion was. I expect Hendon to continue where they left PREMIER DIVISION Leatherhead vs Canvey Island off, Dulwich Hamlet will be in the mix again but I also Billericay Town vs Needham Market Leiston vs Lewes Q8 WHO IS THE JOKER IN THE CHANGING think Billericay Town might surprise a few people. Brentwood Town vs East Thurrock United Metropolitan Police vs Merstham ROOM? Relegated Farnborough and Staines Town may find the Canvey Island vs Leiston Needham Market vs Hendon No shortage of takers in this department, though it league tougher than expected but I think they have Hampton & RB vs Wingate & Finchley VCD Athletic vs Hampton & RB tends to be the more experienced (older!) players retained enough quality players to make a serious Merstham vs Dulwich Hamlet Wingate & Finchley vs Kingstonian handing it out. Generally if it's not Blakey then it's Andy attempt at getting promoted back out of the league. Staines Town vs Bognor Regis Town Swallow who at one point this season had the place in Tonbridge Angels vs Grays Athletic Monday 24th August 2015 uproar when he was running around in a gorilla suit. Q12 WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS FOR THE FORTH - PREMIER DIVISION COMING SEASON? Wednesday 12th August 2015 Hendon vs East Thurrock United Q9 WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST PRO - Our aim is to build on what we achieved at the end PREMIER DIVISION Kingstonian vs VCD Athletic FESSIONAL PLAYER IN THE SQUAD? of last season and push for promotion and a better run Burgess Hill Town vs VCD Athletic Throughout the season the one thing Jody, Andy and in the cups. Given our limited resources if we can be in Lewes vs Metropolitan Police Tuesday 25th August 2015 Benno demanded was a professional attitude from the the mix again come the end of the season we can con - PREMIER DIVISION coaches and players. The difference it makes to every - sider it a success. We have retained much of the squad Saturday 15th August 2015 Billericay Town vs Merstham thing we are trying to do is huge, and I think that and have a number of new players coming in for pre- PREMIER DIVISION Enfield Town vs Leiston became more evident as the season progressed. The season. We have had the players in prior to the open Billericay Town vs Enfield Town Metropolitan Police vs Bognor Regis Town attitude throughout the whole squad really was out - day on Saturday and we are looking to get into our standing and Benno and Glen set a superb example but stride early. The mood in the camp is positive and we Brentwood Town vs VCD Athletic Needham Market vs Wingate & Finchley I would have to say Kenny Beaney. He came back from have no reason not to be confident we can compete at Burgess Hill Town vs Grays Athletic Staines Town vs Farnborough the break fit and ready to go right from the off. He real - the top of the league. I will be back on my ramblings Canvey Island vs Bognor Regis Town Tonbridge Angels vs Brentwood Town ly grew into the club captain's role, was a real leader which I am really looking forward to but I will be in the Farnborough vs Wingate & Finchley on and off the pitch and was a positive influence in the dugout occasionally as it is just as important to watch Hampton & RB vs East Thurrock United Wednesday 26th August 2015 period before Benno took over and one of our better us play as it is the opposition and I will be on the train - Hendon vs Dulwich Hamlet PREMIER DIVISION players after. I was also impressed with DD who I felt ing ground every week come rain or shine! Kingstonian vs Metropolitan Police Burgess Hill Town vs Harrow Borough took a while to find his feet but was constantly work - Lewes vs Harrow Borough Grays Athletic vs Canvey Island ing to improve his game. Lamar Johnson, after a long Q13 ANY WORDS FOR OUR FANTASTIC SUP - Merstham vs Leiston Leatherhead vs Dulwich Hamlet absence from all football, got his head down and PORTERS? Staines Town vs Leatherhead Lewes vs Hampton & RB worked so hard all season both as an understudy to A massive thank you for your support both for the Tonbridge Angels vs Needham Market Conor Gough and on loan and after a shaky comeback team and me personally. Ever since I turned up at Rush game against ETU bounced back to show towards the Green expecting half a dozen people and not enough Monday 17th August 2015 end of the season that he is one of the best players spades I have been constantly and consistently THE ROBERT DYAS LEAGUE CUP 1ST ROUND between the sticks at this level. amazed and impressed at the dedication of our sup - Farnborough vs Lewes "The Ryman Football League strongly support porters and the lengths they go to for the love of the the FA statement that there should be a zero Q10 AS CLUB SCOUT WHAT IS IT YOU LOOK club and the way they get behind the team. I am start - Tuesday 18th August 2015 FOR? ing my fifth season at the club - long may it continue - THE ROBERT DYAS LEAGUE CUP 1ST ROUND tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. In a player we are looking for someone who will but wherever I end up in football I will always look Brentwood Town vs Enfield Town improve our starting eleven or someone we can bring back at this period as a high-point of my career and I Bury Town vs Leiston Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse into the reserves that can challenge for a position in am a Blues fan for life. As Rhino likes to remind me: Canvey Island vs Grays Athletic whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual the first team...it really does wonders for motivation Athletic and I know it! I lost my Mum during the sea - Dulwich Hamlet vs Thamesmead Town orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any when players know you have options. On more than son and the support of the club and the supporters Haringey Borough vs Metropolitan Police other form of abuse will be reported to the The one occasion I have been sent to watch one player and helped me through a really rough time and for that I Harrow Borough vs Kingstonian Football Association for action by that another has caught the eye. As well as watching a will be forever grateful. Merstham vs Sittingbourne promising player a couple of times we will look at their Molesey vs Hendon Association." Raven’s With League Ryman League Ramblings David Raven Table Premier Division We catch up with 1st team coach and club was a sign that we had something special developing; scout David Raven as the squad prepares for Benno's penalty save, Correy's switch, Joao's screamer P W D L F A PT the coming season and the media frenzy afterwards; the wall of noise for 90 minutes at Mill Field for the cup match against Maidstone United 46 29 11 6 85 41 98 Q1 HI DAVID WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO IN Billericay Town; coming off the pitch against Maidstone Hendon 46 27 14 5 82 55 95 THE CLOSE SEASON? disappointed that we didn't win, a real measure of our Benno pretty much had our pre-season plans nailed progress. Margate 46 25 10 11 94 58 85 down before the end of last season so for the first time Dulwich Hamlet 46 21 13 12 66 51 76 in years I have had a complete break from football. I Q4 AND YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE MOMENT(S)? attended the trials for the new u18s and have most Walking into the dressing room after the cup final and Metropolitan Police 46 21 12 13 72 51 75 recently been going through applications from players hearing and feeling the change in the mood of the sup - Grays Athletic 46 22 8 16 70 57 74 looking for trials with Benno and Glen. I've been over porters towards the end of the Kingstonian game. the park, cycling and swimming a lot with the kids as Enfield Town 46 24 4 18 70 56 73 well as doing a bit of rugby training and I've lost Q5 WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH Billericay Town 46 20 8 18 73 65 68 around 20lbs but I've had to ease up as I sustained MARK BENTLEY FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS? stress fractures in June. My eldest lad is looking to Sound, as we say in Liverpool. It's like we've been Leiston 46 18 13 15 73 58 67 secure a Uni place for next year so we have been working together for years and I've enjoyed every Leatherhead 46 19 10 17 72 62 67 attending open-days at campuses around the country. minute of it. For the first half of the season our club My wife is a nurse and getting time off over the sum - and work commitments meant we were rarely in the Kingstonian 46 18 13 15 63 56 67 mer is a bit of a lottery so we are away for the last same place at the same time then we were sort of Wingate & Finchley 46 20 7 19 72 70 67 week of July and I will unfortunately miss part of pre- flung together early in January but things clicked into season and the 125th anniversary game. I've also real - place and we hit the ground running. I think it helps East Thurrock United 46 17 15 14 66 71 66 ly enjoyed watching the Women's World Cup and, final - having had experience in a similar role so it meant Bognor Regis Town 46 17 12 17 71 64 63 ly, I have re-registered as an active referee after a cou - Benno could focus on the squad and sorting out mat - ple of seasons out. ters on the pitch. To be honest I wanted to get back to Hampton & Richmond Borough 46 16 9 21 62 79 57 rambling and encouraged Benno to bring someone else Harrow Borough 46 15 8 23 64 77 53 Q2 ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PRE-SEA - in but he was happy with how things were working so SON? I was given a great opportunity to play a more promi - Canvey Island 46 14 11 21 61 77 53 Absolutely. It always helps when there is a bit of footy nent role in what we were doing on the pitch, espe - VCD Athletic 46 14 11 21 53 70 53 on the telly over the summer and we've been quite cially when Benno was on it. He has that respect from spoilt this year with three tournaments on but you the players that you can only earn on the pitch and as Lewes 46 14 11 21 45 67 53 reach a point where you just can't wait to get back. a gaffer he reminds me very much of Hakan, is a stu - Tonbridge Angels 46 13 13 20 63 67 52 After such a strong finish to last season we are deter - dent of the game and takes information on board even mined to keep that momentum going by retaining as if that means you disagree with his tactics or, say, play - Peacehaven & Telscombe 46 13 9 24 58 85 48 many of the players as we can and build a stronger er selection and he does set high standards which I Witham Town 46 9 15 22 61 84 42 squad around that strong core and get cracking on the think Glenn, myself, Rhino and Jack do our best to pre-season games sooner. We have had the lads in for meet because he has made us all feel like an important AFC Hornchurch 46 10 10 26 46 70 40 a couple of sessions to shake away the cobwebs and part of what we are trying to achieve and it really does Bury Town 46 7 11 28 35 86 32 the open training session is always a great day with the push you on to try and raise that bar a little higher. supporters coming in and I love the banter and the opportunity for the staff, players and fans to get Q6 IT'S RECENTLY BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT together in a more informal setting. Andy and Benno GLEN LITTLE HAS AGREED TO RETURN TO THE GAFC 1890 TRUST have been busy over the summer sorting out a chal - CLUB AS BENNO’S NO.2. WHAT DO YOU FEEL This is one of my favourite times of year as Trust Membership Secretary as it lenging fixture schedule, there will be a number of tri - GLEN BRINGS TO THE COACHING SET UP? alists on show and maybe a few of our stronger youth Glen is one of the best players I have ever worked gives me the opportunity to pressgang former (and future) Trust members into players and with a strength and conditioning coach with and it is fantastic to have a player of his calibre at coming on board for pre-season I'm really looking for - the club. Judging by the stories he tells he has mel - parting with their hard-earned readies. I’m a bit like Bob Geldof at Live Aid – but ward to getting back on the training ground. lowed with age but young and older players alike can without the charm, of course. Having said that, I am pleasantly surprised that at learn from his ability and experience of playing at the Q3 WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE highest level and working with some of the best coach - the time of writing we already have 62 members who have renewed their mem - 2014/15 SEASON es in the country. He has an encyclopaedia of uncon - From a personal point of view it has to be being in the ventional drills picked up from his playing days and he bership, or joined for the first time. This is some 38% of last season’s entire total dugout for the second half of the season and working will pluck one out and take the edge off a hard training of 165 – and a ball hasn’t yet been kicked in anger! As you will see elsewhere in closer with the squad, being a part of that turnaround session or provide an ideal warm-down at the end of and the climb up the table. It was a fantastic and chal - the night. He has a youthful and infectious enthusiasm this programme and indeed in all the forthcoming season’s home programmes, lenging opportunity and I thank Andy and Benno for and still wants to play and train hard and while he giving me that chance.In terms of the season our might appear to be full of hijinks he is 100% focused there are a number of initiatives being launched by the Trust this season. Your objective was to improve on the previous one and ulti - on the end result. I think like Benno he has reached a support – where you are able – is, as ever, appreciated by the club and the Trust. mately we did that. We reached the league cup final point where he is ready to get on the managerial lad - and made the fans proud so that for me was massive. der and his returning to the Blues as assistant manag - The 12th Man scheme detailed in today’s programme is just one such initiative. It's hard to pick out a few highlights because we had a er is a huge positive for the club. Please enjoy today’s game which celebrates our 125th anniversary year – let’s great run and defied the odds on more than one occa - sion. The 1-0 win at Met Police saw the character of the Q7 HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR get behind Benno and the boys and hope for an excellent game of football. squad really tested against a very good side that had COACHING STYLE? beaten us at Mill Field a few days earlier and it really It depends on what we are working on. There are Glyn Balmer (glynbo) GAFC 1890 Trust Membership Secretary Jordan Sidhu – Midfield. Young midfielder resented Northern Ireland amateurs in the Other Ryman 2014-15 joins from Dagenham Academy. The club are Umbro cup in Limerick. pleased to announce the signing of attacking League Tables Season midfielder Jordan Sidhu. Jordan's previous Nathan Ferguson – Midfield. Age 19. clubs include Southend United and Buckhurst Nathan started his career at Norwich City in NORTH DIVISION P W D L F A PT Hill. He is currently on the books at their youth academy and has played for Needham Market 46 33 58101 41 104 Dagenham & Redbridge and has been heavi - sides including; Chelmsford City, St Albans Harlow Town 46 31 10 5 108 58 103 ly involved in their Academy squad. City, Folkestone Invicta, Dagenham & Redbridge and Billericay Town . AFC Sudbury 46 28 6 12 89 51 90 Kenny Beaney – Midfield. Age 28. This Brentwood Town 46 25 10 11 83 63 85 season’s Club captain. He made two appear - Glen Little – Midfield. Age 39. Thurrock 46 25 9 12 104 57 84 ances for Grays Athletic in October 2008 A vastly experienced player. He joined in Brightlingsea Regent 46 25 7 14 88 57 82 before being released. He started his career August 2014 from last season’s Ryman League Dereham Town 46 25 6 15 82 63 81 at Dulwich Hamlet and had a loan spell at Champions, Wealdstone. He was born in Wealdstone before joining Fisher Athletic in Wimbledon. He also previously played for Wroxham 46 23 10 13 97 58 79 2007. He also had a short spell with Burnley, Derry City, Glentoran, Crystal Palace, Aveley 46 21 7 18 86 75 70 Beckenham Town and then moved on to Sheffield United, Wrexham and Aldershot Ware 46 16 16 14 76 61 64 Thurrock in December 2008. Rejoining Town. He has also appeared in the Premier Soham Town Rangers 46 19 6 21 74 86 63 Grays Athletic in 2011, he has made one of League for Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Heybridge Swifts 46 17 11 18 70 75 62 the midfield spots his own. Portsmouth. He is the scorer of some classic Thamesmead Town 46 16 10 20 61 69 58 goals, with either foot and the maker of many Dumebi GB-Dumaka – Striker. Age 21. more, as ‘You Tube’ will testify! Glen rejoined Tilbury 46 16 10 20 64 76 58 Signed in August 2014. Affectionately the club in March 2015 after his recent spell at Great Wakering Rovers 46 14 10 22 80 87 52 known as ‘DD’, the young striker was impres - Welling United. Cray Wanderers 46 14 10 22 77 86 52 sive in training and pre-season friendlies. Waltham Abbey 46 14 10 22 76 90 52 He was previously with Heybridge Swifts and Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson – Striker. Cheshunt 46 13 13 20 63 78 52 Barking, for whom he performed well against Age 20. Narborough-born Tomlinson was us in an tie in 2013. snapped up at the age of 11 by Leicester & Tiptree 46 13 10 23 57 78 49 City before moving to Sheffield Wednesday Romford 46 13 9 24 69 99 48 Joel Nouble – Striker. Age 19. The club are at the age of 16. Before his release in 2013 Chatham Town 46 12 11 23 52 75 47 pleased to announce that Joel Nouble has he featured twice for Northern Ireland's U19 Barkingside 46 12 9 25 59 98 45 joined the club on a short term loan with the side and signed his first professional con - Redbridge 46 13 6 27 64 111 45 intention of extending until the end of the tract for St. Johnston in Scotland in season. Joel last played for the club in September 2013. Tomlinson returned to Burnham Ramblers 46 5734 50 138 22 2013/14 season. He made his debut for the England in summer 2014, joining Hereford club in the victory over Tilbury in the Ryman United on a six-month deal and becomes SOUTH DIVISION P W D L F A PT League Cup, coming on as a substitute for Andy Swallow's first signing since taking Burgess Hill Town 46 33 10 3 105 39 109 Jeff Hammond and scoring with only his sec - over the reins from Jody Brown in December Folkestone Invicta 46 29 11 6 107 47 98 ond touch. His first goal in the league came 2014. Bradley rejoined the club in March in a 3–2 defeat to Dulwich Hamlet. He 2015. Faversham Town 46 30 79111 52 97 scored in the 3–3 draw with Chatham Town Merstham 46 27 12 7 107 51 93 as the Blues progressed through to the semi- Sean Cronin – Centre Back. Age 28. Whyteleafe 46 23 12 11 91 61 81 finals of the Ryman League Cup on penal - ON 24 March 2015, Sean joined the Blues on Worthing 46 22 10 14 92 65 76 ties. Joel scored his first ever brace in the loan from Wealdstone. He signed for Three Bridges 46 21 9 16 94 95 72 4–2 home league win over Lewes. He Wealdstone in August 2010 having previously Whitstable Town 46 20 11 15 82 77 71 returned to Dagenham & Redbridge having played for Neath FC in the Welsh Premier made thirty-two appearances, and scoring League. Sean has also played for Cardiff City Herne Bay 46 20 9 17 62 65 69 nine goals for the Blues. Joel has recently and represented Wales at Under 18, Under 19 Guernsey 46 19 7 20 92 94 64 been on loan at Thurrock FC scoring a great and semi-pro Under 23 level, and has made Tooting & Mitcham United 46 15 14 17 77 66 59 goal for them last week. He will be available over 170 starts for the Stones. Sittingbourne 46 16 11 19 55 69 59 for selection for tomorrows league cup Corinthian Casuals 46 16 10 20 64 82 58 match against Cheshunt FC. Welcome back Chris Benjamin - Striker. to Grays Athletic Joel. Age 22. Chris rejoined us on League reg - South Park 46 16 8 22 76 105 56 istration deadline day, 31 March 2015, for Chipstead 46 15 9 22 67 84 54 Brian Moses – Striker. the final run-in. He was previously with us Hythe Town 46 14 11 21 82 79 53 The club are very pleased to announce that in 2013/14 after joining from Sutton United. Walton & Hersham 46 14 11 21 59 76 53 Striker Brian Moses has rejoined the club. Scored some important goals on our return Walton Casuals 46 16 5 25 62 94 53 to the Ryman Premier Division. Despite Correy Davidson – Striker. Age 21. training with us in pre-season, he started Hastings United 46 12 12 22 57 70 48 The club are pleased to announce the sign - this season with Billericay Town and scored Carshalton Athletic 46 13 9 24 61 79 48 ing of Dublin born Correy Davidson. The 21 against us on the opening day. He moved to Ramsgate 46 13 9 24 61 86 48 year old winger hails from Dublin, has previ - Bury Town in October 2014. He is the cousin East Grinstead Town 46 13 6 27 55 94 45 ously played for Carrick Rangers, Bohemians of another former Blue, Joe Benjamin. Redhill 46 10 11 25 69 101 41 FC and most recently AFC Sudbury. Last year he represented Ireland in the World University Horsham 46 10 6 30 50 107 36 games finishing Ireland's top scorer and rep - Grays Athletic Meet The Staff Special George Watts FC & Players Feature Honoured Mark Bentley – Midfield/Manager. Aged 37. Alex Addai - Alex started his career with Lifelong supporter George Watts is hon - Athletic since he was a boy and the award Joined Grays Athletic in August 2014. He Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster but oured at GAFC Supporters Trust end of is testament to George's commitment and started his career at Enfield in 1998, later moved north to join Blackpool as a trainee. season dinner. passion for the club. George is part of the moving to Aldershot Town, Gravesend & He was released at the end of the 2012/13 Northfleet, where he won Player of the Year season without managing to break into the Everyone at the club would like to send task force to help bring the club back to for 2002/03 and Dagenham & Redbridge. He senior squad at Bloomfield Road. After an their congratulations to lifelong Blues sup - Grays and we thank him for all of his help. stepped up to the Football League with unsuccessful trial with Leyton Orient in the porter George Watts who received the The award was presented to George by Southend United in 2004 where he made 93 summer of 2013, he joined then Ryman Bryan Coker memorial award for services Bryan Coker's daughter, Alison Coker. appearances and was involved in two con - Premier Division side Carshalton Athletic and to GAFC at the supporters’ trust end of Congratulations George secutive promotions. He moved to made eleven appearances for the Robins, Gillingham in 2006 and he was runner up for scoring once. He joined Conference South season meal. George has supported Grays their 2006/07 and 2009/10 Player of the side in December 2013 and then Year award. He also represented Cambridge moved onto Crawley Down Gatwick in March United, Hayes & Yeading, Boreham Wood 2014. He signed for Ryman Premier side and was a member of Wealdstone’s Ryman Kingstonian in the summer of 2014 and League Championship winning squad last played forty-one times, scoring just once. season. In January 2015 Mark took over as from Andy Swallow. In Tommy Cummings – Mark Bentley has also February 2015 it was announced that Mark announced the signing of defender Tommy would retain the manager’s role for the Cummings. With Arsenal and Charlton remainder of the 2014-2015 season. Athletic as a youngster, he became disillu - Discussions are ongoing for his tenure to sioned with the game and gave up for a continue for next season. while, but has been playing locally in the past year or so and has impressed suffi - David Raven – Coach / Scout. Age 46. ciently to be offered terms by Bentley. Retired from playing in 1999 after a career that included spells at Wigan Athletic, Jey Siva – Left Back. Age 26. Joined from Slough Town and Didcot Town. Joined the Wealdstone in August 2014 where he was staff in 2011. A former Kilmarnock coach and part of their Championship winning squad in Grays reserve team manager. Previously a 2013/14. He was at Enfield from 2010 until youth coach and assistant manager for the 2013 and previously played for Hillingdon Capital League side at Redbridge before Borough, Indian Gymkhana and Newbury joining Grays Athletic in 2011 as assistant Forest. He has coaching experience at a manager for the reserves. His role was number of English Clubs and in the USA. He expanded to include scouting opponents and achieved a sports science degree at Brunel potential signings. He will continue in his University where he made the England dual coaching/ scouting role working on fit - University side. ness & rehabilitation and working closer with the U21 and U18 coaching staff to identify Akwasi Marfo – Wide Midfield. Age 22. players to develop through into the first Joined in August 2014 from Dulwich Hamlet team. where a broken foot restricted his appear - ances. Has previously played for Slough and Lamar Johnson – Goalkeeper. Age 22. He can play up front. He scored a match-win - joined Grays in 2011 after spells at Romford ning goal in a pre-season win at Chatham and Aveley. In his early career, he was part Town to earn his place in this season’s of the Charlton Athletic youth setup and also squad. played for Thurrock’s under 18’s and their reserve side, before switching to Canvey- Joao Carlos – Midfield. Age 25. He joined based Concord Rangers in 2010. He will in the pre-season of 2011. The Portuguese available to play after 15 October 2014. winger started his career at Clapton before moving on to Brentwood Town and then Jay Leader – Centre Half. Age 24. A prod - Aveley. He went on to sign for Football uct of the Dagenham & Redbridge youth League side Dagenham & Redbridge in setup he has progressed through the non- November 2009, where he made one appear - league ranks playing for Bethnal Green in ance as a substitute. He rejoined Brentwood the Essex Senior League before moving to Town in August 2010, before a move to Aveley where he was made captain in his Thurrock. He was voted the Player of the first season. He joined in August 2014 from Year in 2011/12 and the Supporters’ Player The Millers where he was voted Fans’ and of the Year 2013/14. He was also the top Players’ Player of the Year last season. scorer in both seasons. DATE OPPOSITION C R 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Substitutes Used ATT OG Sat 9th Aug Billericay Town Lge 0-2 Gough Everett Best Glowacki Wilson Yala Bryan Griffiths * Ladapo Beaney Benjamin + Carlos + Marfo * 420 Wed 13th Aug Margate Lge 0-2 Gough Everett Best Wilson @ Parry Leader Bryan * Beaney Ladapo Benjamin + Carlos Griffiths + Akwasi * Glowacki @ 242 Sat 16th Aug Leatherhead Lge 1-1 Gough Leader Everett * Best-Riley Parry Beaney Carlos + Harrington Bryan Ladapo 1 Benjamin = Yala * Wilson + Guy = 147 Tues 19th Aug Witham Town Lge 1-1 Gough Best-Riley Leader Siva Glowacki + Harrington Parry Beaney Ladapo Bryan * Guy 1 = Carlos * Little + Benjamin = 156 Sat 23rd Aug Hampton & RB Lge 4-0 Gough Leader 1 Best-Riley * Siva Parry Beaney Carlos Harrington 1 Wilson = Ladapo Guy 1 = Glowacki * Little + Benjamin = 253 1 Mon 25th Aug AFC Hornchurch Lge 1-0 Gough Leader Siva Yala Harrington * Carlos Parry Beaney Wilson = Benjamin + Guy 1 Little * Ladapo + Glowacki = 245 Sun 31st Aug Peacehaven & T. Lge 1-0 Gough Best-Riley Yala Glowacki Parry Leader Wilson + Beaney Guy = Benjamin 1 * Carlos Ladapo * Little + Griffiths = 174 Wed 3rd Sep Lewes Lge 2-3 Gough Best-Riley LeaderJ Siva Glowacki Beaney Carlos + Little = Parry Ladapo 1 Guy * Bentley * Wilson + 1 Yala = 355 Sat 6th Sep Harrow Borough Lge 4-1 Gough Siva Best-Riley Leader Parry Carlos 1 + Little = Bentley Wilson * Ladapo 2 Guy Beaney * Bryan + 1 Benjamin = 230 Wed 10th Sep Dulwich Hamlet Lge 1-0 Gough Best-Riley Siva Bentley * Parry Leader Little Beaney Guy = Ladapo 1 Carlos + Wilson * Bryan + Dumaka = 197 Sat 13th Sep Harlow Town FAC1Q 2-2 Gough Best-Riley Siva Bentley Parry Leader Wilson * Beaney Guy 1 Bryan + Carlos 1 Litte * Benjamin + 184 Tue 16th Sep Harlow Town FAC1Qr 4-2 Gough Best-Riley Siva Bentley + Parry Leader Little 1 Beaney 1 Guy 1 Bryan * Carlos Benjamin *= Wilson + 1 Marfo = 248 Sat 20th Sep Bognor Regis Tn Lge 0-1 Gough Yala Leader Siva Beaney Carlos Little Dark Wilson * Ladapo Guy + Dumaka * Bryan + 199 Wed 24th Sep Bury Town Lge 2-0 Gough Best-Riley Siva Bentley Parry Leader Little + Beaney Guy 1 = Ladapo 1 Carlos * Bryan * Dark + Zerafa = 158 Sat 27th Sep Hastings United FAC2Q 1-0 Gough Siva Yala + Leader Bentley Beaney Parry Wilson Bryan = Ladapo 1 Guy * Carlos * Zerafa + Dumaka = 231 Wed 1st Oct Canvey Island Lge 1-2 Gough Best-Riley Siva * Bentley + Parry Leader Zerafa Beaney Guy @ Ladapo Carlos 1 Wilson + Bryan @ Dark * 244 Sat 4th Oct Enfield Town Lge 2-2 Gough Best-Riley Siva Bentley Parry Wilson * Zerafa+ Beaney Ladapo 2 Bryan @ Carlos Dumaka @ Guy + Glowacki * 391 Sat 11th Oct Bromley FAC3Q 0-0 Gough Leader Best-Riley Siva Glowacki + Carlos = Parry Bentley Beaney Dumaka * Ladapo Guy * Zerafa + Bryan = 350 Tue 14th Oct Bromley FAC3Qr 0-5 Gough Siva Leader Best-Riley Bentley Beaney = Carlos Parry Zerafa * Ladapo Guy + Marfo * Bryan + Wilson = 455 Sat 18th Oct Tonbridge Angels Lge 2-1 Gough Leader Best-Riley Siva Parry Bentley + Beaney Carlos * Wilson Dumaka = Ladapo 1 Zerafa * Little + Dumaka = 1 429 Tue 21st Oct FC Clacton ESC3 4-0 Gough Leader 1 Siva + Glowacki Parry Zerafa Dark Marfo 1 Wilson = Ladapo * Dumaka 2 Guy * Yala + Little = 70 Tue 28th Oct Leiston Lge 0-3 Gough Leader Glowacki Parry Zerafa Carlos = Little Bentley Beaney * Ladapo Dumaka + Dark * Wilson + Marfo = 190 Sat 1st Nov Hampton & RB FAT1Q 3-0 Gough Leader Best-Riley Siva Dark Zerafa Carlos 1 + Bentley Beaney = Wilson * Ladapo 1 Dumaka * Guy + 1 Little = 269 Sat 8th Nov Hendon Lge 2-3 Gough Best-Riley @ Siva Dark Bentley Leader Wilson + Beaney* GB-Dumaka Ladapo 2 Zerafa Little + Carlos @ Guy * 164 Wed 12th Nov Tilbury RDC1 3-1 Gough Best-Riley Leader Siva Dark = Sanderson Parry Marfo + Beaney Ladapo 1 * Guy 1 Dumaka * 1 Zerafa + Little = 103 Sat 15th Nov Tonbridge Angels FAT2Q 0-2 Gough Siva Leader Bentley Beaney Sanderson * Little + Dark Zerafa Carlos = Ladapo Guy * Wilson + Dumaka = 343 Sat 22nd Nov Billericay Town Lge 2-0 Gough Best Siva Bentley Parry Leader Little + Beaney Guy @ Ladapo Carlos * 1 Wilson + Marfo * Dumaka @ 1 191 Sat 29th Nov Margate Lge 0-3 Gough Best Zerafa Bentley * Parry Leader Little + Beaney Guy @ Ladapo Carlos Wilson + Sanderson * Dumaka @ 562 Sat 6th Dec Witham Town Lge 4-0 Gough Best * Zerafa Dark Parry Leader Little + Beaney 1 GB-Dumaka + 1 Ladapo 2 Carlos @ Marfo + Wilson * Wickham @ 149 Tue 9th Dec Concord R. ***** ESC4 1-1 Gough Best Zerafa Wilson * Parry Leader Dark Beaney GB-Dumaka + Ladapo Carlos 1 Wickham * 116 Sat 13th Dec Leatherhead Lge 1-3 Gough Best Siva + Dark @ Parry Leader Little Beaney Ladapo 1 Wilson * Carlos Wickham * Zerafa + Stevens @ 236 Sat 20th Dec Wingate & Finchley Lge 0-1 Gough Best Zerafa Bentley * Parry Leader Wickham + Stevens @ Ladapo Beaney Carlos Wilson + Little * Dark @ 129 Mon 22nd Dec Barkingside RDC2 1-0 Johnson Zerafa Best Wilson + Parry Leader Wickham * Beaney Ladapo James-Lewis Carlos 1 @ Dark + Marfo @ F. -Tomlinson * 115 Sat 27th Dec East Thurrock U. Lge 1-3 Johnson Best Zerafa Wilson @ Parry Leader Wickham + Beaney James-Lewis * Ladapo Carlos 1 Siva + Bentley @ F. -Tomlinson * 342 Thurs 1st Jan AFC Hornchurch Lge 0-2 Gough M.-Derbyshire Siva Leader Parry Stevens+ Zerafa @ Beaney F.-Tomlinson * Ladapo Carlos Wickham + Fry @ GB-Dumaka * 246 Wed 7th Jan Kingstonian Lge 3-1 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry Stevens + 1 Ladapo Beaney GB-Dumaka @ F.-Tomlinson Carlos * 1 M.-Derbyshire * Bentley + Wilson @ 1 161 Sat 10th Jan Peacehaven & T. Lge 5-2 Gough Best Siva Leader 1 Parry Stevens * Ladapo Beaney GB-Dumaka F.-Tomlinson @ 1 Carlos + 1 Jordan * Bentley + 1 M.-Derbyshire @ 170 1 Sat 17th Jan Lewes Lge 1-3 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry Stevens Wilson Beaney GB-Dumaka 1 Young * Carlos + Udoh * Marfo + 173 Sat 24th Jan Harrow Borough Lge 2-1 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry 1 Stevens + Wilson Beaney 1 GB-Dumaka Nouble Carlos * M.-Derbyshire * Bentley + 144 Tue 27th Jan Cheshunt RDC3 2-0 Gough Best M. -Derbyshire Leader Siva Marfo 1 @ Bentley + Beaney Young 1 Nouble * GB-Dumaka Knight * Wilson + Sidhu @ 81 Sat 31st Jan Dulwich Hamlet Lge 0-2 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry Stevens * Wilson Beaney GB-Dumaka Nouble Carlos Young * 1047 Sat 7th Feb Enfield Town Lge 3-1 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry 2 Stevens Wilson 1 Beaney GB-Dumaka Nouble * Carlos + Ferguson * Bentley + 200 Tue 10th Feb AFC Sudbury RDCQF 3-0 Johnson Best Siva Leader Ferguson + M.-Derbyshire * Wilson Beaney 1 GB-Dumaka 1 Marfo 1 Carlos @ Parry * Nouble + Bentley @ 126 Sat 14th Feb Canvey Island Lge 1-1 Gough M.-Derbyshire Siva Leader Parry 1 Stevens * Wilson Beaney GB-Dumaka Nouble + Carlos Bentley * Ferguson + 361 Wed 25th Feb Met. Police Lge 0-1 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry Wilson + Ferguson * Beaney GB-Dumaka Nouble Carlos @ Bentley * Davidson + 121 Sat 28th Feb Metropolitan Police Lge 1-0 Gough Best Siva Leader Parry Wilson * Nouble + Beaney GB-Dumaka Bentley Carlos @ M.-Derbyshire * Ferguson + Davidson @ 108 1 Wed 4th Mar Hampton & RB Lge 3-2 Gough Best Siva Leader + Parry Wilson @ Nouble Beaney GB-Dumaka Stevens 1 * Carlos 1 @ Bentley * 1 M.-Derbyshire + Davidson @ 113 Sat 7th Mar Leiston Lge 1-1 Gough Best Marfo * M.-Derbyshire Parry Stevens Davidson @ Beaney GB-Dumaka 1 Bentley + Carlos Wilson * Ferguson + Nouble @ 157 Wed 11th Mar Billericay Town RDCSF 2-1 Gough M. -Derbyshire Siva Leader 1 Parry Bentley Wilson + Beaney GB-Dumaka Nouble 1 Carlos * Ferguson * Marfo + 211 Sat 14th Mar Bognor Regis Town Lge 2-1 Gough M. -Derbyshire Siva Leader Parry Stevens @ Davidson + Beaney GB-Dumaka Ferguson * 1 Carlos Bentley * Wilson + 1 Marfo @ 421 Tue 17th Mar VCD Athletic Lge 2-1 Gough M. -Derbyshire Siva Leader Parry + Wilson Stevens * Beaney 1 GB-Dumaka 1 Ferguson @ Carlos Bentley * Little + Marfo @ 95 Sat 21st Mar VCD Athletic Lge 1-1 Johnson M. -Derbyshire @ Siva Leader Parry Bentley * Davidson 1 + Beaney GB-Dumaka Agombar Carlos Wilson * Marfo + Best @ 146 Wed 25th Mar Tonbridge Angels Lge 3-1 Johnson M. -Derbyshire @ Siva Cronin Parry Bentley Wilson Stevens * GB-Dumaka 2 + Agombar 1 Davidson Ferguson * Marfo + Beaney @ 204 Sat 28th Mar Bury Town Lge 2-0 Johnson M.-Derbyshire * Siva Cronin Parry Stevens @ Wilson Ferguson GB-Dumaka 1 Agombar + Davidson F. -Tomlinson * 1Beaney+ Marfo @ 315 Mon 30th Mar Maidstone United Lge 0-0 Johnson Leader Siva Cronin Parry Stevens Davidson * Beaney GB-Dumaka F.-Tomlinson Carlos Wilson * 507 Wed 1st Apr Wingate & Finch. Lge 3-2 Johnson Leader Siva Cronin Parry Agombar @ Ferguson Stevens * 1 Wilson + F.-Tomlinson Carlos 2 M.-Derbyshire * Beaney + Marfo @ 201 Mon 6th Apr East Thurrock U. Lge 2-0 Johnson Leader Davidson* Cronin Parry Stevens Wilson 1 Beaney GB-Dumaka 1 F.Tomlinson+ Carlos Ferguson* Agombar + 543 Sat 11th Apr Maidstone United Lge 1-2 Johnson Leader Siva Cronin Parry Stevens 1 @ Agombar + Beaney GB-Dumaka F.-Tomlinson* Carlos Ferguson* Davidson + Little @ 2094 Wed 15th Apr Hendon RDCF 2-3 Johnson Leader Siva Cronin 1 Parry Ferguson Agombar + Beaney GB-Dumaka F.-Tomlinson* 1 Carlos Little* Moses + 379 Sat 18th Apr Hendon Lge 0-0 Gough Leader Siva Cronin Parry Stevens Davidson Beaney GB-Dumaka F--Tomlinson Carlos 253 Sat 25th Apr Kingstonian Lge 2-0 Gough Leader Siva Cronin 1 Parry Stevens Ferguson Beaney Agombar F.-Tomlinson Carlos 1 304 ***** Lost on pens