I hope the Centre Back will be Ben Judge; but, as has been commented in another thread, there might be a doubt about that. Should Ben not be prepared to sign, how do matters rest with Sean Kelly? Is he still pursuing a boxing career? If not, would he be willing to return, and would TW want him? I thought him an excellent player in the first half of last season and thought it unfortunate that he left; but with all of this it is TW's wishes which are important - he must be happy he can weld what are already an impressive group of individuals into a winning team.
Agreed. Our mid season dip coincided with Sean's departure.
Fullbacks still a priority especially RB. Still think Andy corrigan did little wrong at LB when he got the chance though.
Agree there Dave ,,,,Andy is one for the future ...he will only get better and stronger ,,,but we could always do with two more full backs to make a very strong squad on paper,,,,
If all those that have agreed to sign do so then we will have a very impressive & strong looking spine to the side which all teams must have to build the rest of the team around. Well done so far Terry & Dave. Keep the signings coming. It's so nice to have positive news early in the closed season. Makes so much difference from previous years when we seemed to have been left behind the other teams in picking up targeted players.
-- Edited by kevin on Friday 23rd of May 2014 06:58:38 AM
Kevin, I very much agree. Nothing is certain until pen is put to paper; but the early progress has been most impressive, very encouraging and in sharp contrast to some previous years when we were left behind.
I can't see him returning all the while that DW is chairman not after the way he threw his dummy out of the pram. Good defender going forward but not so good getting back.
BOOOOOOM! TW close to signing Jamahl King from Horsham according to the Observer today. Fantastic player and an absolute monster. Him and Razor would be a frightening combination at the back. Could be the signing of the season. Would like to see a couple of full backs and another playmaker in midfield and then we are just about there. Nice to see my 'perfect squad' selection from a month ago taking shape. I could be the best scout that Terry has ever had
Pelling
Rowe Razor King Crutwell
Taser Timmy O Vickers Chapman
Sawyer Taylor/Welford
Subs
Adams, Ade O, Kenny, Judge, Irish
Unfortunately Rowe has gone to Lewes, Chapman staying at Ramsgate, and despite trying, I believe Welford didn't want the travelling at 35.
-- Edited by johnw on Friday 30th of May 2014 07:06:18 AM
-- Edited by johnw on Friday 30th of May 2014 07:09:31 AM
-- Edited by johnw on Friday 30th of May 2014 07:15:17 AM
Fingers crossed on King singing. Terry has been working very hard on this one for a while now. I rate Jamahal highly I totally agree him and Razor together would be a strong patnership.
I honestly believe with the addition of two full backs our defence will be the best defence in the league next season. Jamahl is highly respected at Horsham and to say his leaving them has left a few of their supporters gutted is an understatement. His agreeing to join us is massive. I can't wait to see him alongside Razor next season. Welcome Jamahl I know I won't be the only one wishing you a very successful time with us.
See Elliott cox just got has left maidstone, would be fantastic to bring him back, albeit an ambious transfer targe, think he see's himself at a higher level? But defiently worth an approach I think
Sometimes with a strong squad being assembled with the chance of being league winners players will be prepared to drop down a league. Would be great to see him back.
Said to Windy a couple of weeks ago that the thought of Cox and Taser down the right would be fantastic, didn't think we had a hope at the time though but you never know!
Although it's says he left as they couldn't agree terms as apparently they rated him and with those crowds and the income from the. you'd have thought they could keep pretty much anyone!
Squad is looking very good and I think Terry and Dave should be congratulated for getting so many on board this early.
I'm not being complacent but there is still a while to go before the start of the season and I believe Terry will get the final players he wants and we will have a great team to support.
Can't wait for the first game.
We came up short too many times last season against the top 6 or so sides when we seemed to be too often outmuscled and certainly lacked a leader. I am now looking at 4 or 5 leaders and plenty of strength, especially at the back. With Sammy able to offer cover for defence and attack and Timmy also able to drop back, we are probably only a left back short at the back unless Crutwell is pencilled in for that role.
The frontline looks strong, as long as Ade can stay fit. We now just need a couple in midfield, which looks a little light, and we then have possibly one of the strongest squads assembled at the Pilot Field for many a year. Such a shame Tom is not fit to start the season as he would make that midfield look the finished article.
Would like to see Tom O'Connor return ( as our player not on loan as such ) also Charlie Bachellier would defiantly be worth keeping as can cover several positions and looks to be growing as a player too. would also keep Wooders as think he would be able to fill the role that Danny Ellis did last season. Hopefully he can get a good preseason with us and take it from there. Think those 3 players would add good depth to the squad. Jacob Shelton may break through this season too up front.
Wooders definitely can do a job one of our most technical players IMO and one of the few players who on a regular basis actually had a positive impact coming off the bench last season. Fitness needs to be worked on and if he puts the effort in he put in last pre season he will be superb but it's keeping it like that. Bachellier did well towards the end of the season and credit must be given there however I don't think he can cover several positions he's a better defender than a midfield player and is often to lazy in midfield. Shelts is going to be one for the future, I know he got a shed load at Bexhill last season but that's county league two and in all honesty sussex county football is not a great standard. I'm not saying that the Ryman youth is any better than the county league but just look at how many he scored in that? seven if my memory serves me right and three in the U21's a similar situation to Jamie Crone, scored plenty for little common but just one in the Ryman youth in around 10 games. I would definitely keep both Shelts and Bachellier to develop as they will without a doubt struggle to get in such a strong experienced squad, Wooders though is a different story just the sort of player we need and also must mention his attitude was so much better last season compared to the a previous.
I agree with Charlie being better as a Defender but his versitality to play along the back line is useful, being able to learn from Rose & Razor would be crucial
For him. Would you keep Tom if you could?
Tom O'connor? Yeah I would and talking to him and his Dad sounds like he prefers playing for us. I believe he's a very talented player and deserved a bit more of a chance last season which may of swayed his opinion if he was asked to come back. I don't know whether or not he's been asked to return or not but would like to see him next season.
Think Charlie Tom wooders would all be good choices would still have Irish back but can't see it happening plus thought Jacob looked like had bags of potential when he came on for us
Back up GK's a difficult one as good ones dont tend to want to sit on the bench. best to get a promising U21 goalkeeper who is happy to learn and get experience.
Yeah but trouble there is u21s play saturdays don't they? And should try get Matt cruttwell back quality goalkeeper, we've always got Sammy I suppose ;)
I believe him and my lad have been playing in the same team at Uni and both are concentrating on their education at the moment so you can't blame them for not wanting to commit to more serious football at this present time.
Just been told that Kenny Pogue and Sean Kelly have signed for Eastbourne Town. Any truth in that? Can understand Irish still having the arse over being dropped for Jirbandy last year but would be shocked if Kenny decided to drop back to county league after making such huge strides last season.
-- Edited by johnw on Monday 30th of June 2014 07:55:03 PM
would be a shame if Kenny goes as he proved his worth last season and proved the haters wrong, maybe they feel as they would be second choice to the newbies and want to play as much first team football as they can
If it is true, and I am starting to think there may be something in it as no one at the club can dispel the rumours then it means TW needs to go out and find another top quality striker. Its a big ask expecting Ade to go through a whole season with his past injury problems and Frankie and Sam Adams just wouldn't work. A lot of the decent strikers seem to have already moved on such as Medlock, Taylor, Welford, Draycott so perhaps we need to be looking at someone moving down from the premier or someone making the move up such as McBride at Eastbourne Utd. Anyway, lets wait for confirmation first, but would be really disappointed with Kenny if true, as he really improved over the season and would be a big loss in my opinion.
I'm led to believe that Kenny thought that he would struggle to get in the side. In my opinion I would of wanted Kenny to stay, I hope I am wrong however if Ade picks up an injury I would of liked for Kenny to step in and prove what he can do. Kenny had a good season last term and ok probably should of scored a few more than he did. I can appreciate that any player wants to be playing regularly but on the flip side of that it does show how much of a strong squad we have for next season, If it was me I know I for one wouldn't of minded being part of what could be a monumental season for us.
I hope Kenny changes his mind and let's not forget that Eastbourne are now a county side and dual registrations are allowed. If Kenny decides not to stay then I can see Terry being busy sourcing a replacement.
disappointing with that news. felt sorry for irish last year and was wrong for jirbande to come straight in when irish playing very well and jirbande not fit. henson disappointed too as think he had good thing to come with us. but biggest loss is kenny. had excellent season. saw ade at rye last year and he was very poor for me we have ended up being weeker up front with this news as kenny the better player. hope it not to late to get kenny back and if he read this please change you mind
Agree. Very disappointing. Can't understand it at all. He will get games next season for sure. This time next year there's a chance of being a Ryman Premier player so why would you swap that for county league? Hope he changes his mind.
Disapointed to hear that Kens left, Fans favorite for a lot of people. He got a lot of match-day support from the Cole Warren in particular, was never going to score 20+ league goals but was very effective in own way closing down defenders and putting pressure on. but he can certainly be replaced if he has to be.
Plenty of time to get a replacement in and the other players required too. heard there was several new players up there training last night so we will be fine.
Eastbourne town could have up to 9 players who played for us last season at this rate!
Nessling
Gilbert
Henson
Kelly
Darby
Ellis
Maclean
Crone
Pogue
expect they should be strong enough to come straight back up too, must have a pretty decent budget for a County side to get that number of Ryman South players
From thinking the squad was looking as strong as ever it suddenly looks a little light on the ground again. Still no out and out left back, midfield looking 2 short although hoping Ronnie Dolan will come good. And up front we are definitely short of at least one striker. Sammy Adams can cover most positions but if Ade breaks down we are looking thin on the ground again.
As I have already said, disappointed with Kenny and was looking forward to his battle with Ade for the slot alongside Frankie. 18 months ago he looked no better than what you would see at Hollington on a Saturday afternoon but he made huge improvements over the season and sad to see him go. Never seen Henson have a good game for Hastings so no loss there but would have loved to have seen Irish back. Many could point the finger and say when he was dropped for Jirbandy our season dropped away. Great player and good luck to him at Eastbourne.
So who is still available locally? Would still love to see Steve Elliot back but would guess John Lambert is building a squad around him. How about McBride at Eastbourne Utd? I believe we were looking at him last year. Looking on the non league sites all the teams are very active in the transfer market at the moment so I am hoping TW works quickly to fill these positions.
Steve Elliott's just signed for Eastbourne again so think he's gone. I think we may be seeing a few new faces that we haven't seen before. No point keep recycling the same old county league names for a season like this. The ambition and players brought in so far has been great so hope it continues and I trust terry that it will.
I had hoped that Kenny would be with us next season and would get at least a share of games. For a tall player, in the past, I thought Kenny did not win nearly enough balls in the air. But that aspect of his play improved markedly during the course of last season. Like others, I thought him a much improved player all round. He is surely better than County league.
I had hoped that if Ade proved successful on his return as an orthodox central front player that Kenny might feature regularly alongside him in the team but playing wider. If Kenny does go and is not available (or chooses not to be available) to us on a dual registration basis; then I think another forward player is essential. I am happy that Ade is back but I do not think that we can rely on him - even hoping for him in full fitness and form - to score enough goals on his own in what will be once again a difficult and demanding league
I think that Ade will score a lot of goals personally. I don't think however that we can expect Ade to play all 46 games without injury and the same for Frankie.i think therefore that Kenny would get a lot if starts and also sub appearances .not too late to change your mind Ken! It is a bit risky to say that we have " plenty of time" in my opinion. Most of the decent players have now committed and we may have to look at what has turned up for trials - that can always uncover gems for sure but past experience shows that it's always difficult to get many in at this time of year.
-- Edited by Pat on Thursday 3rd of July 2014 05:33:29 AM
Andy Henson and kenny said they were committed to us obviously not for whatever the reason is with Kenny I'm sure there 2 sides to every story, he loved playing for Hastings you could tell that when was on the pitch always gave 110%
Agree about Josh. I thought he was raw but had great potential. He would be a great asset and could learn a lot from Ade and Frankie. He would need plenty of games as I don't think he played enough football while he was with us.
Sam signed for us on Tuesday night, I know there is nothing saying a player can't sign dual registrations but knowing Sam I don't think that if he wasn't intending to stay he would of signed.
I'm a big fan of Bailo, but it is very difficult for any team to deal with his work related non-availability. It is utterly understandable that he needs to put his day job first; but, sadly, if he can't be available to play on a more consistent basis I would rather that some other team had the problem.
Geoff is right, Bailo is a fantastic lad and I have a lot of time for him, however being realistic he isn't going to get as much playing for us on a Saturday than he will working.
As we are all are aware the retail trade is a seven day a week business and as much as I'd love for Bailo to come to some arrangement so he can play I really don't think it will be possible. I hope I'm wrong.
Good to see Ben Whites comments in the observer today about certain players shirking the challenge and looking for an easier option. Clearly and rightly feels let down by certain players.
With regards to Bailo, he had a really poor season last year, but on his day he's a match winner, so would love to see him at the club again next year.
Any news on Jordan Woodley? Is he training, is he looking fit? I really hope so and finally what happened to the big mystery of Rhys Whybourne? We were told last year he was in training and looking good but never heard of him again. Surely he would be fantastic cover for us at the back this season.
Good points by John. Yes, BW's comments in the Observer seem to me to be completely fair and to the point. Agreed Bailo didn't have a good season last year; but there were indications of what he can do. If his availability remains poor, however, he can never be expected to get into form. I thought Jordan Woodley showed more discipline last season; if only he could keep that and regain the terrific pace he had when he came to us the first time around ....
And yes, Rhys Whybourne. I thought him a very good player when he played regularly for us a few seasons back. Certainly well up to Ryman Premier standard. I would really like to see him back playing a role for us. As John says, we were told he was back in training last season then nothing more was ever said........
So perhaps it's not a case of "why why why Rhys Wybourne" but more like "where where where ?". Someone search the ground. If he's fallen behind the main stand it could be years before he is discovered....
Its all gone quiet on the signings front and TW has done a great job bringing in some real quality but am I the only one concerned with our lack of depth up front? We have captain Frankie, Ade who has been away and has a very chequered injury prone career and then Sam Adams, who has been a revelation in pre season playing in midfield. Apart from the young and inexperienced Temba the cupboard looks pretty bare and surely any players out there are now signed up for their new clubs. What happens if Frankie picks up an injury? Would hate to see all the hard work put in by all to be ruined by a lack of striker options. Cant help remember the lack of cover at full backs last year which ultimately cost us throughout the season.
Depends if you also count Bailo as a potential forward as well id suppose but yeah one more would be handy! ( I assume he's worked out something with his employers otherwise can't see why he's been involved so much up to now ) he's still a popular player with a lot of people and hope he has a good season, if playing regularly I think he could do a job up front with any of the other strikers despite not being prolific until now.
He might be popular but not good enough in my opinion. Has gone backwards over the past couple of seasons and even seems to have lost a yard of pace. 5 goals in 50 league appearances over the past 3 seasons does not fill me with confidence and certainly not adequate back for Frankie and Ade.
It would of course be nice to get another in but I'm thinking there is a lot of potential with Temba and with all the midfield options - especially when Vicks returns , Sam could quite easily provide decent cover In my opinion.
W were having the conversation on Saturday night on the drive home from Sevenoaks and we agreed that we have a squad that boasts a lot of versatility, for example, Sam can play anywhere, Tim can play in midfield or defence Rosie showed on Saturday he is capable of playing anywhere across the back or as at Sevenoaks in midfield, Tom is also capable of playing in midfield or even at the back if push comes to shove. We say about another striker but Cook was top goal scorer in this league just a couple of seasons ago. I reckon we are very close if not there to a very potent squad which if god forbid we have an injury crisis we will be able to cope with.
I think it is a pity that Kenny joined Eastbourne. Maybe you guys can persuade him to consider a return.
A second good goalkeeper would also be welcome i think.
But our main concern is upfront. Last year one of our biggest problems was the goals we scored.There were not enough.
Still think we look bit bare on players that have actually signed on :/ we obviously got bright temba n Bryce masters for definit but still need back up to Josh, would be happy with Matt cruttwell like said before good see him playing few games for us pre season good competition for Josh would also like see that Jason Taylor and Ronnie Dolan sign on plus bailo camera obviously
Stevie: Sorry, I'm a bit out of touch but I thought Ronnie D had committed to us? I certainly hope so, because I thought at the end of last season he was starting to show that he really is a quality player after, well, some pretty poor shows earlier on. Perhaps someone could give a list of those who have actually signed, those who we still hope will sign, and those who are in the 'uncertain' category?
