COUNTY ROUND UP - 26/10/09

Joint-boss George Parris had some sympathy for opponents Crawley Down as Whitehawk powered back to the top of the County League table with an 8-1 thrashing of the visitors.
Ryan McBride (two), Sam Fisk (two), Jay Lovett, Josh Jones, Marc Whiteman and Ebou Jallow all scored as Hawks responded to last weekend’s defeat against Shoreham in impressive fashion.
Parris: “I think they were a bit unlucky to catch us on a good day and felt the backlash after last Saturday’s loss.
“It was eight but we should have had double figures as we missed a few chances. The goals were shared around and overall it was a good team performance.
“It puts us back on top and that calms nerves if there were any but there is a long way to go.”
Shoreham moved into second place as they beat troubled Crowborough 7-0 with Dean Smith bagging a hat-trick while Richard Hudson (two), Dan Jordan and Sam Blundell found the net.
Co-boss Darren Donnelly said: “We led 3-0 at half-time but hadn’t played that well. We improved second-half and thoroughly deserved the win against a young side.
“It helps our goal difference but there’s a long way to go and there are several sides who are going to be involved in the chase apart from us and Whitehawk.”
One of those is likely to be defending champions Eastbourne United, who edged out Selsey 2-1 at The Oval thanks to a superb Steve Morris volley.
Morris had opened the scoring with a fine half-volley but Rob Wimble’s 25-yard strike restored parity before Morris struck again from long distance.
Boss Brian Dennis said: “It was a fantastic strike for the winner but all three goals were good. It wasn’t a pretty game but we ground out the result and that is the sign of a good side.”
Chichester stay tucked into the pack at the top with a 2-0 win over St Francis Rangers with goals by James Temple and Toby Lempriere.
Mile Oak’s bid to escape the relegation places got a boost as they won 3-1 at Three Bridges with Kieran Howard, substitute Graham Martin and Nick Lansdale, with a thumping header, on target.
Oaks’ Tony Burnett said: “It’s a massive win for us and, hopefully, we can push on.
“It was pleasing we won after they equalised as we’ve had a few big losses and that drains your confidence.”
Bob Munnery’s Ringmer were the first side to play on division two Little Common’s pitch since drainage work and won 2-1 in the John O’Hara Cup thanks to a Joe Tubon brace.
Munnery said: “We could have won by more but it’s a nice, little club with friendly people and they have a good side.
“The pitch has problems now but will be fine once it beds down.”
There was an upset at the Beacon as division two Seaford Town beat Hassocks 2-1 with Joe Cutress pouncing on a spilled cross for their opener and Ben Dartnell adding a second after keeper Joel Harding’s punch under pressure fell kindly to him. Arni Kublickas got the Robins’ consolation.
Luke Piscina got the only goal as East Grinstead edged out division two basement side Midhurst and Easebourne.
Scott Murfin scored one and laid on two other goals in his first game for Wick since returning this week from Gosport Borough as Hailsham were beaten 4-1 in the RUR Cup.
Ben Torode, Phil Turner and Josh Sutcliffe, with his first goal for three years, were the other scorers.
Peacehaven also progressed with a 3-1 win over Redhill as Lee Newman, Tom Burton and Callum Saunders all struck.
Lingfield edged out Arundel 2-1 in their first round game with Steve Cant scoring for the visitors.
Pagham’s Brett Forden, Sean Towers (two) and Danny Cowtan struck as division two Wealden were beaten 4-2 in the Senior Cup.

County League Round Up 10/10/09

Darren Freeman admitted Whitehawk are having to deal with the tag of the team everyone wants to beat.
The Hawks came back from 2-0 down to win 5-3 away to Hassocks and regain top spot in County League division one.
Joint boss Freeman said: “Everybody wants to beat Whitehawk because of the rumours going round about the amount of money we are spending. The rumours are ridiculous.
“The opposition manager just has to say ‘you are playing Whitehawk’ and they are raring to go.
“A lot of people want us to fail. It is down to us to prove them wrong. We have a lot of new faces and we are just starting to gel.”
On target for Hawks were Wes Tate (two), Matt Geard, Scott Kirkwood and Jay Lovett, who was later sent off. Neil Kane (two) and Anthony Hibbert scored for the Robins.
Shoreham co-boss Mark Burt was frustrated after St Francis Rangers equalised througb Geoff Pitcher with a disputed penalty in the 89th minute.
Richard Hudson’s 30-yard free-kick was cancelled out by Pitcher before Dean Smith’s goal appeared to put third-placed Shoreham on the way to victory.
Michael Hunter was sent off for his comments after the award of the spot-kick and Burt said: “That was a measure of how frustrated the players were but it was a point away from home.”
Reigning champions Eastbourne United are up to fifth after Steve Dallaway scored twice in a 3-1 defeat of Arundel.
James McKenzie set up the first and Brad Manton the second before Ben Billings rounded things off in the second half.
Boss Brian Dennis said: “We were superb. We weren’t under any pressure. The ball was in the air a lot but we coped with it.”
Wick boss Vic Short was happy with a 2-2 draw against Lingfield after Phil Turner headed in an 80th-minute equaliser.
Steve Boston hit Wick’s opener but Andy Dalehouse and Joel Greaves put the visitors in front as they dominated the rest of the half.
Darren Guirey’s Crawley Down took a good point at his old club Peacehaven in a 3-3 draw.
Nick Sullivan grabbed a brace for Down and Sam Cane got the other while Craig Bunch, Clive Snell and Tom Levitt replied for the hosts.
Redhill won 2-0 at Hailsham.
Ringmer climbed off the bottom of the table with their new signing Tom Swancott on target in a 4-0 win over Mile Oak.
Joe Tubon. Kieran Patel and former Oak player Titus Paterson got the other goals.
Blues boss Bob Munnery said: “We have been playing some good stuff but have not been decisive enough in the final third but against Mile Oak we were. It was a very pleasing performance.
“We’re grateful to get the three points. Hopefully we can push on from this win against East Grinstead tomorrow.”
East Grinstead lost 2-0 at home to Pagham, who had Brett Forden and Michael Frangou on target.
Three Bridges snatched a 2-2 draw at Selsey thanks to Dean Wright’s late equaliser.
Ross Woolf and Andy Brown twice put the hosts ahead but Bridges kept battling and got their reward in the end. Joel O’Hara got Bridges’ first equaliser.
Selsey boss Danny Hinshelwood said: “We wasted a number of chances. It should have been over after 70 minutes but they kept going and got their equaliser. We will learn from this.”
Chichester were missing first-choice strikers Ben Vassallo and James Temple as well as a handful of other players but eased to a 4-2 win over Crowborough with frontman Drew Moore getting a brace. Callum Cutler and Shawn Benjamin got the other goals.
Boss Adie Girdler said: “We’re missing half the team so all we can do is try to keep grinding out wins until we get a couple back.”

FA VASE ROUND UP - 03/10/09

James Fraser scored on his debut as Whitehawk cruised into the second round of the FA Vase.
The former Bristol Rovers professional, who had loan spells with Lewes and Bognor last season, only signed for the Hawks on Friday.
But he needed just 37 minutes to break his duck for the club with the opener in a 5-0 win at East Grinstead.
Midfielder Josh Jones chipped in with a double to make it six goals in five games, while Wes Tate and substitute Matt Geard added one apiece.
Joint boss Darren Freeman said: “The Vase is something we want to go far in and something we believe we can do well in.”
Former Lewes goalkeeper Stuart Robinson, who has been signed from Farnborough, also made his debut but was rarely troubled.
Eastbourne United fought back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 after extra time at home to Greenwich Borough.
Lucas Mann, Brad Manton with a terrific strike, Steve Morris and Carl Harris, with a 97th-minute winner, got the goals.
Peacehaven boss Peter Edwards, who once took the club to the quarter-finals, guided them into the second round with a 3-1 defeat of Chichester thanks to goals from Carl Dunk, Tom Levitt and Craig Bunch.
Edwards said: “I don’t think we have a quarter-final side at the moment but to get through is good experience for them.”
Scott Osborne enjoyed his first win as Crowborough boss with a 3-2 success at Ringmer thanks to strikes from Luke Leppard, Scott Treleaven and Chris Ransome.
Osborne said: “We have got the team spirit back and deserved to win the game. This is a 50-50 partnership between me and Jeff O’Brien. He is a brilliant coach.”
Dave Walker headed home an injury time Lewis Hamilton free-kick to give Arundel a 2-1 victory at Molesey.
Rob Grove gave Mullets the lead but Moles levelled from a disputed penalty. Walker capped a fine game at centre-half with the winner after Scott Tipper had earlier missed a penalty.
Arundel assistant boss Simon Butler said: “It wasn’t a football spectacle but we got the win.”
Shoreham joint-boss Mark Burt hopes to finish the job in a replay tomorrow after drawing 1-1 at Bedfont on Saturday.
He said: “They are not a bad side but I thought we were worth a win. We’re still in it and hopefully we can do the job tomorrow.”
Nick Fogden’s sweetly struck volley put Shoreham ahead but Bedfont levelled when a wicked bounce favoured their striker.

County Round Up 26/09/09

From Argus Sport

27/09/09

By Howard Griggs

Josh Jones continued his rich vein of form as Whitehawk regained top spot in County League division one.
The midfielder made it four goals in three games since returning from six weeks out with an ankle injury by scoring the second on the stroke of half-time as Hawks won 3-1 away to St Francis Rangers.
Darren Budd had opened the scoring two minutes earlier and substitute Marc Whiteman added a third 17 minutes from time before Sam Palmer grabbed a consolation.
Joint boss Darren Freeman said: “Josh is on fire at the moment. We are really pleased with him and he is a real asset to us.”
Promoted Peacehaven went fourth in the table after a 4-1 win at home to Pagham which included four goals in five minutes just before half-time.
Ryan Cox put the visitors ahead on 40 minutes but strikes from Wes Millis, Craig Bunch and Clive Snell made it 3-1 at the interval before Callum Saunders added a late penalty.
Manager Peter Edwards said: “We had a spell where everything went for us and we were able to put the game to bed.”
Reigning champions Eastbourne United needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Lee Walsh to draw 2-2 at Three Bridges in a game which saw a player from each side sent off.
Ben Billings put the visitors ahead on 41 minutes only for Dean Wright to level three minutes later and then Elliot Romain made it 2-1 to Bridges with six minutes remaining.
Bridges captain Dean Carden and United’s Brad Manton both saw red for a clash. United also lost goalkeeper Adam Sargent to injury in the first half.
United boss Brian Dennis said: “It was disappointing because we didn’t perform. Last week we were brilliant and this week was the other end of the spectrum.”
Luke Piscini’s late equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for East Grinstead at home to Arundel. Matt Axell and Matt Huckett scored for the visitors to cancel out Ben Burns’ early opener.
Aaron Watson scored the only goal with a header from Dan Sullivan’s cross as Crawley Down won 1-0 at home to Hailsham Town.
Scott Osborne’s first game in charge of Crowborough ended in a 3-2 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Mile Oak, who netted through Graham Martin, Mo Alwan and Gary French. Phil Gault scored twice as Anthony Hibbert got the other as Hassocks beat Ringmer 3-0.

Tuesday 22/09/09 County Results Round up

From the Argus Sport

By Howard Griggs

Chichester claimed a place first round of the FA Vase with a convincing 4-0 win away to South Park.
Having drawn 4-4 at home on Saturday, Chi made no mistake this time as they clinched a trip to fellow Sussex side Peacehaven in the next round.
Goals came from Shawn Benjamin, James Archer, Adrian Brockway and a Callum Cutler penalty.
Lingfield’s FA Cup hopes ended as they lost 2-1 in a replay away to Badshot Lea.
Whitehawk needed extra time to beat Mile Oak in the Sussex Senior Cup, having thrown away a two-goal lead given to them in the first half by Ryan McBride and Matt Geard.
Chris Morrow and Chris Paine replied in the second half to make it 2-2 at 90 minutes but five minutes into the added 30 Josh Jones scored the winner.
In County League division one, Ryan Bradley scored twice as Shoreham beat Wick 3-1.
Results, FA Cup 1st qual rnd replay: Badshot Lea 2, Lingfield 1 (Greaves 23).
FA Vase 2nd qual rnd replay: South Park 0, Chichester 4 (Benjamin, Archer, Brockway, Cutler pen).
Sussex Senior Cup 2nd rnd: Arundel 1 (Tipper 89), Lewes 2 (Peauroux 35, Hopkinson 46); Mile Oak 2 (Morrow 62, Paine 80), Whitehawk 3 (aet, McBride 25, Geard 38, Jones 95).
Sussex RUR Cup 3rd rnd: Francis 1 (Palmer 29), Oakwood 0.
John O’Hara League Cup 2nd rnd: Selsey 2 (Martin 35, 86), Worthing United 1 (Curnow 90).
County League division one: Redhill 4 (Headley 4, 37, 66, Bonnett 75), Crawley Down 2 (Watson 30, Carpenter 82); Ringmer 1 (Brown 90), Eastbourne United 1 (Morris 73); Shoreham 3 (Bradley 36, 61, Smith 90), Wick 1 (S.Murfin 41); Three Bridges 2 (Hillier 4, 9), East Grinstead 4 (Burns 42, 86, 87, Crush 85).
Division two: Lancing 0, Wealden 1 (Dowell 2); Rye United 0, Little Common 1 (Poole 36).
Hastings Senior Cup 1st rnd: Sidley United v Westfield pp.

FA VASE ROUND UP - 19/09/09

From the Argus Sport
By Howard Griggs
21/09/09

Josh Jones scored twice as Whitehawk bagged their place in the first round of the FA Vase.
The midfielder marked his return from six weeks out due to an ankle injury with a super display as Hawks won 3-1 at home to Lingfield.
Chris Hatt fired the visitors ahead on 19 minutes but Jones scored twice in three minutes before the end of the half and sub Ryan McBride rounded things off 15 minutes from time.
Joint boss Darren Freeman said: “At the start of the season we highlighted the Vase as a competition we wanted to do well it. We played really well, especially in the first half when we were different class.”
Hawks are now away to East Grintead on October 3 after the Wasps won 2-1 after extra time at Hartley Wintney.
Grinstead boss Steve Johnson was pleased with a strong finish as their fitness told. John Sinclair got the winner after Ben Burns had levelled in normal time while Simon Funnell missed a penalty for the Wasps.
Johnson said: “No one will give us a chance against Whitehawk except for us but we could have beaten them at our place and they won’t take us lightly.”
Ringmer booked a home tie with Crowborough after Craig Brown’s goal a minute from the end of extra time sealed a 3-2 win at Cove. The outstanding Kieran Patel sent Brown through for the winner, having earlier twice equalised himself.
Joint boss Bob Munnery said: “They were saying afterwards we had used a ‘Get out of jail free’ card but I thought we played some fantastic stuff.”
Joshua Clayman made it two goals in two games since his elevation from the reserves as Shoreham won a hard-fought match at Worthing United 2-1 to book a trip to Bedfont.
Lee Eastman gave the Musselmen the lead before Grant Phillpott levelled and then Clayman struck.
Shoreham co-boss Mark Burt said: “We’re back on the road again in the Vase and that’s what it is all about.”
Chichester boss Adie Girdler was disappointed after his side drew 4-4 after extra time after leading 2-0 and 3-1 against visitors South Park, who they play tomorrow in a replay.
He said: “We’re our own worst enemies and now we will have to go up there and finish the job.”
Jamie Ford was sent off for Chi for retaliation while James Archer, Jo Briggs, Adrian Brockway and Shawn Benjamin netted.
Peacehaven beat division three Saltdean 2-0 with no real alarms and will meet the winners of that replay. Carl Dunk missed a penalty to make it more comfortable.
Brett Forden’s free-kick after 16 minutes gave Pagham a 1-0 win over Frimley Green to set up a trip to Erith and Belvedere.
Redhill won 2-1 at Bookham after extra time with goals from Leon Dussard and Johnny Gallagher.

TUESDAY NIGHT@S ROUND UP 15/09/09

From the Argus

Selsey are through to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup after winning 3-0 in their replay at home to Deal Town.
Ross Woolf scored twice with Calum Britton also on target in a comfortable win.
East Preston booked a trip to Blue Square south side Dover after beating Guildford City 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw. EP were 2-1 down going into stoppage time but Matt Windsor levelled to ensure extra time and penalties.
Lingfield’s replay away to Badshot Lea was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and will now be replayed next Tuesday.
In County League division one, Whitehawk suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 1-0 at home to Wick. Scott Murfin scored the only goal with a 78th-minute penalty.
Goals from Owen Callaghan and Joshua Clayton gave Shoreham a 2-1 win at home to fourth-placed Chichester.
Results, FA Cup 1st qual rnd replays: Badshot Lea v Lingfield pp, East Preston 2 (Dodd 20, Windsor 90) Guildford City 2 (aet, Adesia 72, Branton-Brown 81 – EP win 4-3 on penalties), Selsey 3 (Woolf 41, 52, Britton 85) Deal Town 0.
Sussex Senior Cup 1st rnd: Southwick 2 (Walton 10, Green 85) Storrington 1 (Humphreys 58).
Sussex RUR Cup 2nd rnd: Eastbourne United 1 (Bywater 66) Mile Oak 0.
County League division one: Ringmer 2 (R.MacMillan 19, Hasan 45) Hailsham Town 3 (Goatcher 14, Alexander 47, Del-Gaudio 71), Shoreham 2 (Callaghan 81, Clayman 89) Chichester 1 (Temple 90), St Francis Rangers 3 (Westlake 12, 50, Pitcher 24) Crowborough 0, Whitehawk 0 Wick 1 (S.Murfin 78pen).

Count Round Up 12/09/09

From the Argus - by Mike Legg

Mile Oak picked up their first win in County League division one with a 1-0 defeat of struggling Hailsham.
Marc Rewell grabbed the only goal of the game in the 89th minute via a big deflection.
Oak’s Tony Burnett said: “We deserved it although it was a scrappy affair. We’re pleased to get off the bottom and get that first win.”
Ashley Martin got Arundel off to a flying start after he latched on to a Scott Tipper pass to score within 60 seconds against Redhill in a 5-2 win for the Mullets.
It set the tone as shaky defending by the Lobsters was punished with Tipper and Russell Hardwell both going on to bag braces.
Mullets assistant boss Simon Butler said: “Scott and Russell were outstanding for us and it’s good to have Scott scoring again.
“He got his first goal in midweek and it’s a confidence thing with him as he could have had a hat-trick against Redhill.”
Wick stayed top on goal difference from Whitehawk after a 6-3 win at Ringmer with Phil Turner (two), Daren Pearce, Lee Barnard, Simon Clayton and Scott Murfin all scoring for the visitors.
Whitehawk won 5-2 at Crowborough with Wes Tate scoring twice against his former club and Ryan McBride getting a hat-trick while Eastbourne United won 3-1 at Hassocks with Brad Manton, Lee Jules and James McKenzie netting.
Seaford boss Bob Laundon was a VIP guest at Watford on Saturday so missed his side’s 3-2 win over Three Bridges in the John O’Hara League Cup.
Sam and Ben Dartnell and Drew Greenall got Seaford’s goals and Laundon, who resigned and was then reinstated in a turbulent week at the Crouch, said: “It’s about Seaford Town Football Club not Bob Laundon.
“We are a club and it does not matter where the individuals come from and I think the players wanted to show that on Saturday and put on a performance.”

WEEKLY ROUND UP - 09/09/09

From The Argus Sport
by Howard Griigs

Ryan McBride had a penalty saved as Whitehawk lost their 100% record in County League division one. McBride’s first-half effort was saved by Chris May as the Hawks had to settle for a 0-0 draw away to Redhill. The hosts, who are now up to third in the table, proved to be strong opposition and almost snatched victory themselves when John Difford’s header from a corner hit the bar. Whitehawk remain second but on the same points as leaders Wick, who have played a game more. Wick also had to settle for a point as they drew 2-2 at home to Arundel.
Ashley Martin gave the visitors a first-half lead but goals from George Gaskin and Daren Pearce put Wick in control with 14 minutes remaining only for Scott Tipper to level in the closing stages.
Joel O’Hara struck two minutes from time to earn Three Bridges a 1-1 draw at Hassocks while Ryan Alexander’s brace helped Hailsham to a 5-2 defeat of Crowborough. Geoff Pitcher scored again St Francis Rangers beat Mile Oak 2-0.

East Preston won the Brighton Charity Cup, held over from last year, when they beat Shoreham 1-0 with a goal from Terry Dodd.

Results, Sussex Senior Cup 1st rnd: Pagham 1 (Bradshaw 113), Midhurst and Easebourne 0 (aet); Ringmer 1 (Rowe 33), Westfield 2 (aet, Parsons 57, Smith 110); Wealden 4 (McDowell 20, 79, Swancott 47, Grice 75), Crawley Down 1 (Aylett 45).

County League division one: Hailsham Town 5 (McDonald 30, Alexander 68, 70, Cummings 77, Earley 83), Crowborough 2 (Ransome 18, Wilkins 90); Hassocks 1 (Kane 77), Three Bridges 1 (O’Hara 88); Redhill 0, Whitehawk 0; St Francis Rangers 2 (Duke 52, Pitcher 75pen), Mile Oak 0; Wick 2 (Gaskin 55, Pearce 76), Arundel 2 (Martin 42, Tipper 82).
Brighton Charity Cup (2008-09) Final: Shoreham 0, East Preston 1 (Dodd 23).

The Argus Weekend Round Up

By Mile Legg
07/09/09

Whitehawk joint-manager George Parris is delighted to be in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase after a nervy 2-1 win over County League division two strugglers Littlehampton at East Brighton Park.
Wes Tate’s left-foot strike gave Hawks a first-half lead but they failed to capitalise on their domination and Joel Sayer’s penalty on 57 minutes gave the visitors hope of a shock before Jay Lovett headed home the winner.
Parris said: “We played quite well in the first half but we needed to score a couple more goals.
“There was no question about the penalty in the second half but their goal had been coming due to the way we had been playing.
“We got nervous but if we had scored the goals in the first half we could have then it would have been a lot easier. They players will learn from that.
“I don’t know what Jay was doing up there at the far post but I was glad he was there.
“All games are important to us but a run in the Vase can get good national headlines. I am just pleased to be in the next round.”
The Hawks will entertain fellow County League division one high-flyers Lingfield in the next round after they won 2-1 after extra time at Norton Sports with goals from Joel Greaves and Joel Hughes.
Chichester’s Ben Vassallo bagged a hat-trick to make it 13 goals for the season as they beat Colliers Wood 4-1 but boss Adie Girdler revealed the striker is still not firing on all cylinders.
Girdler said: “He’s been sensational but he’s only about 75% fit at the moment. He keeps suffering from a recurring thigh problem so he got his hat-trick on Saturday and then we took him off.
“Colliers Wood were not all that good but you can only beat what is in front of you.”
Peacehaven will go to County League division three Saltdean in the next round after going behind to a Scott McDonald penalty before beating Hailsham 2-1 at a windy Piddinghoe Avenue.
Substitute Andy Wilkinson won the penalty from which Callum Saunders levelled before Roy Pook came off the bench to get the winner.
Peacehaven boss Peter Edwards said: “It’s nice to play teams from out of the league in the Vase but you can’t help the draw and we have a nice local derby to look forward to.”
Hassocks finished the stronger against Sevenoaks and booked a trip to Molesey with extra-time goals by substitute James Laing and Dan Jacques.
Neil Kane equalised on the hour after the Kent side had taken a 38th-minute lead and Robins boss Dave John said: “It was a bit of struggle. They went 1-0 up but we battered them in the second half and should have won it before extra-time.
“They drew with Dulwich Hamlet the week before but were just not as fit as us.”
East Grinstead had a 1-0 win at Chessington and Hook courtesy of a Drew Crush goal following a Ben Burns cross.
Boss Steve Johnson said: “We played well and 1-0 flattered them. We never looked like we weren’t going to win.
“We said before the game that if we could keep a clean sheet we would win as we look like scoring at the moment.”
Crawley Down won 5-2 at Lordswood and Selsey sunk Southwick 3-1 in an all-Sussex clash. Ringmer beat Deal Town 2-0 with goals by Sam Sowter and Kevin Barden while Three Bridges dumped out Oakwood 4-1 after extra time in their local derby with Markel Greenidge, Andy Howard, Elliott Romain and George Hiller on target. Eastbourne United won 3-1 against Pagham in County League division one with Lucas Mann and Lee Walsh (two) the scorers.
Assistant manager Steve Latuske admitted: “It may sound silly but we were disappointed to only win 3-1 as it should have been five or six had we been clinical.
“Come the end of the season, the goal difference can make all the difference.”

2009 - 2010 Season

The new look blog, the place for news and the like the place for bob's weekly newsletter.

If you want to leave a comment on any of the posts, you will see a link at the bottom of the post you want to comment on, click there and write away.

No 44 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

So the season ends and probably its time to reflect over the events of the year and the highs and lows of a season.

We saw the first anniversary of Herve Kings tragic death as Three Bridges and the three officials from that fateful day returned in a sombre mood to play a game in memory of the smiling fella. My friend Luke Gedling ran a marathon in memory of him and I think his memory will live on with all that knew him.

Chichester apparently cheated by playing a player who had a permanent ban against him, throwing the whole end of season events into disarray. Now it’s the end, we don’t know who’s won it and who’s going down for that matter. For me, if anyone goes down, surely it would be Chichester, or is that unfair?

The word unfair took on a new meaning with Ringmer Football Club Ltd going into Administration. Them going into Administration wasn’t unfair but the ten point deduction for their actions certainly was unfair, as I’m sure we’d all agree.

Our skipper Ryan Macmillan left us to join Whitehawk late in the season on a mega-bucks deal. We helped him to go with the knowledge that Ryan didn’t work and the deal offered would have helped him considerably. He played once - the deadline passed - and then he didn’t play again. Too late to get him back (and to be honest I’m not sure if he’d have come back either).

We saw our previous manager Steve Johnson take on the Ryman side Crowborough and after the main sponsor apparently pulled out he unceremoniously left - then to take charge of the relegation threatened East Grinstead and it seems (and I think only the Chichester events could alter it) he steered them to safety.

There were meetings about meetings with directors and trustees and Administrators - threats of legal action and serious recourse to those daring to oppose another’s view and all sorts of people puffing their chests out with self acclaimed knowledge to all things Ringmer. Worrying stuff but in truth if you took a snapshot of where we were at the beginning and where we are now there is only one difference that I can see and that is that Richard Soan is no longer involved with Ringmer Football Club Limited.

So a place of tenth, that I see (and you should too) as a place of sixth. I believe a lot of people believed Oli and I would fail abysmally this season and on reflection I guess it could be possible that that’s why we got the job in the first place perhaps? Our reserves slipped back from whence they came through changes in managers and personnel and now with the re-introduction of our 18s I have every hope for major success for all three sides next term.

Thanks to Oli, Ian and Deb who just takes care of everything. Thanks to everyone at the ground - Sally, Malc, Lynn, David, Stan, Tracy, Alan, Chris Christoff, Geoff, Neil, Meg and the quiet fella who does the gate every week and the many people who have kept this club going and have been there supporting us saying great stuff after every game. If I’ve left you out I’ll put you in next time promise. A word of special thanks to Ted Chitty for the conversation and views.

Finally - thanks to the players. Thanks fellas. If you’ve enjoyed this as much as we have you’ll be busting to come back for pre-season. Expect e mails and web site postings asking for help with the club and the surrounding ground - expect news regarding Administration - expect positive changes within your club and with regard to youth football but don’t expect a Newsletter. Back late June - if you want me I‘ll be working on the pitch. Bye.

SCFL Official message re: chi-gate

" It has been brought to the notice of the League that there is a possibility that one of our Division One clubs has used an ineligible player for a number of matches starting in the middle of February.A charge has been issued against the Club and Player by the Sussex County FA and it is hoped that they will deal with the matter as a case of extreme urgency. Should the decision find against the Club they will have recourse to appeal.We, the League cannot take action under our Rules until the matter is completed by the County FA.

The result, should the Club be found guilty may affect the final Division One table, as a result it may not be possible to present the Champion and Runner up trophies this weekend.Our apologies to all clubs that this situation has arisen. We will do our utmost to ensure a swift resolution."

Paul Beard
League Secretary

County 1- Chichester player found ineligible after 22 games played

Click title above for full story from the Worthing Herald

THE County League Division 1 title race has been thrown wide open this week following the news that Chichester have been playing an ineligible player this season

No 43 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Note, If you have not received this via e-mail it is because Bob has had a systems failure and can not send them out at the moment.

Our penultimate game was disappointing to say the least with our first defeat for some time. There’s not too much point in dwelling on it. The reality was we didn’t play our usual way and we had too many players who didn’t give 100%, and I think that a pretty fair assessment. To be fair to the players though, they’ve played eight games this month and turned in some impressive performances - six wins from eight.

During the week we entertained Steve Johnson’s and Paul Tomsett’s East Grinstead and ran out winners in a pretty good performance. They’d probably think to score three goals away should win you a game but I did feel that we looked pretty good going forward.

On Monday night the reserves play away at St Francis in what will be their penultimate game. By everyone’s admission, its not been our greatest year with our up an coming reserves. We were unable to hold on to our Reserve Premier status but lets just look at the two major occurrences that has influenced their destiny. First, some of the reserve players from last year were moved upwards into the first team - Jo Tubon, Jayson Sowter, Simon Greatwich, Will Broomfield, Aaron Last and Sam Sowter for example were all with the reserves last term. Take them out of any side then get promotion too and you’ve got to find players of similar ability to hold your own.

To be fair to Geoff, and Neil before him to be honest, they had little or no preparation as they were just given what they had to work with. If that sounds a bit unfair to players then I’d have to say that the league position doesn’t lie. (Unless you’ve had 10 points deducted of course). The second major issue was me stopping the Under 18s. That effectively stopped access to younger players to support the senior campaign. Just on that point - I stopped the under 18s because I was actually struggling with a side. What I did learn from that is that the first year U18s will support you and come through. Second year 18s will not be so reliable as they get jobs, birds and go out on a Saturday night. When I’ve had second year 18s playing, its because they want to play and you know they’ll be there. Kev Allen, I’m sure, will get our youth programme right.
So we move on to the final game for the first eleven and we travel to Arundel for the game that got postponed. Arundel drew at the weekend so this game will just be about final positions. After the game - which don’t forget is 2pm ko - we go back to the club for the early evening presentations. The reserves are away too so we’ll all be meeting back at the club, 6-8pm. Ringmer FC Ltd (in Administration still) will be putting money behind the bar and supplying food.

I haven’t really had a chance to speak to all of the players in the first team squad about next year but the ones I have spoken to tell me that they’ll be with us next term. I have spoken to three players we intend to sign but I think it likely we will possibly lose a couple of players who go to American colleges or to Lewes but I’d like to think that the majority will stay at Ringmer FC and help us in our campaign to become Sussex champions and no less.

Have a safe and enjoyable week.

No 42 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

First, I want to say hello to Josh Lawrence who gets this Newsletter and is currently unavailable to play football. Josh, - keep your head up mate and we all wish you the best and hope to see you out and about real soon. Keep yourself fit son.

The changes within our football club are slow and predictive and both Steve and I have to take a view on next season. Lets be frank – its unlikely that RFC Ltd will be out of Administration in the time-scales we have referred to previously when we said that we’d stay on if asked. But Steve and I really like not only the club but the people of Ringmer too and have really enjoyed our nearly complete season here. We wouldn’t leave without good reason and we recognise that certain people have worked really hard to get the club right and it would be a slap in the face to those people should we just cut and run to one of the clubs offering football. So if asked officially by whoever it is running this club now we would stay provided there was one – and only one as far as we are concerned – one change. Everyone knows what it is.

Our reserves found it tough to challenge the conditions and the Hassocks reserve side at the Caburn on Friday evening – us losing the game 0-1. Geoff will re-structure and re-build for next term with new faces and new goals being set by all in the proposed football management team and it was quite noticeable that body language and attitudes were not as Geoff will have wanted through the game. Looking to next term irrespective of youth football application that’s been discussed, we will be running our U18s next term with Kev Allen at the youth football helm. He’ll be working closely with Geoff feeding players through and utilising players from each squad in each side. We have new goals and ambitions for next term and more detailed standards. The standards in this football club need to be improved. This is not a cost factor – this is a standards issue.

Ringmer scored their 100th goal in all competitions on Saturday in our dramatic late equaliser courtesy of Dave Altendorf. We have tired players at the moment and it’ll be good to welcome back to the squad Dan Craghill, Matt Percival and Mark Price for the Tuesday encounter with East Grinstead. We beat East Grinstead 0-1 at their place and since then they have had a major upheaval with players coming and going and more importantly to the club perhaps, Steve Johnson and Tommo going there as the management team. They are in a dog-fight for survival and they need to come to the Caburn and get something from the game here on Tuesday night. We have a different agenda despite being robbed of 10 points and will look to get all 3 on Tuesday night.

We have taken 10 points from a possible 12 having beaten Lingfield, Whitehawk and the Championship contenders Arundel and we now have East Grinstead on Tuesday night, Three Bridges on Saturday then Arundel away for the last game of the season on Saturday week. The game v Arundel should be interesting as they may need to win it perhaps to win the title.

Have a safe and enjoyable week.

No 41 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

The three points gained on Saturday against Lingfield ensured safety and Sussex County division one football next term and from here on I’ll be referring to our position with the 10 points as if they weren’t taken. Mainly because they should never have been taken in the first place. Administration clearly did not change ownership of the ground - thank goodness- and it would seem that that was the intention of those that signed the paperwork which consigned us to a season of concern over our future here at the Caburn.

So our position is now seventh, one point behind Redhill and a game in hand. Our maximum points level is 70 and thats our target figure. Technically, we could have still won the league but with our mid-term blip - which had nothing to do with directors, Administrators’ or ten points being deducted - we would have fallen short.

Tomorrow (Tuesday night) our reserves play against Crawley Down reserves at the Caburn. We welcome back Sam O’Reagan who signed for us pre-season but the had to go to work in Ireland in this game and hope he stays with us for the remainder of the season. Together with a few other players lending a hand we feel confident of getting three points tomorrow. Geoff found himself particularly short of personnel on Saturday when they encountered Eastbourne Town. Town, let us not forget play their first team football in the Ryman League so quite naturally their reserves will be pretty good. And on the day they were better than us with Geoff taking part in the competition.

On Thursday night we have a re-scheduled game against Arundel who could well win the top spot in the County. They have a couple of games in hand over the top sides and will come to us fully expecting to get three points. I don’t believe in needle games and if they’ve still got the hump over our postponed game earlier in the season I couldn’t give a toss to be honest. They are like any other side - coming to us to win a game and we are looking for three points too. It should be interesting. Almost as interesting as the last game of the season - Arundel away on Friday May 1st. They may need to win that perhaps to clinch the title…

Today, Monday, we met Whitehawk to whom we lost to earlier in the season - and we lost Aaron Last in too. We scored three times and won the game 2-1 - a free-kick winning the tie after, (once more) we went behind, only to drag ourselves on and win the game.
On Saturday the first team play Redhill at home and the reserves are at home to Hassocks on the Friday night - so lets all get there and get behind Geoff’s side and then with us all together on Saturday.

So a win against Arundel on Thursday night followed by a win against Redhill will give us a further 6 points and quite possibly - by my reckoning - could take us to third place.
I think we’d all agree that in different circumstances and with clever people, this could have been a fantastic season.

Have a safe and enjoyable week.

No 40 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

It was noticeable that Worthing United were picking up points and this seemed unusual for a side seemingly destined to play division two football next term. So as some (although it should have been all) trained with Steve at Falmer on Tuesday night, I went down covertly to watch them take on the Arundel side and was immediately impressed with their performance. I know we had a bit of a run in with Arundel on this “no game” crap a few weeks ago and when they’ve all calmed down - and for the record - my view is that Arundel can play a bit of football and in this game it was no different - and that’s what bothered me when it turned out to be a draw 2-2 on the night - Arundel quite fortunate to drag it back to level scores after being 2 down. So we had to get a bit clever to overcome this very effective side when they visited the Caburn on Saturday.

Losing Aaron in the warm up didn’t help our preparations but a quick change of paperwork and we worked hard to graft out a win. And to be fair it pretty much all went to plan, Ringmer winning the game by a solitary goal, 1-0. It was a tough encounter and we move on to 39 points and I guess relative safety in the top flight of the County League. Of course, it should be 49 points but lets not go there until the end of the season huh..?

We move our attention to games that now come thick and fast - but not before we turn our attention to our reserves who travelled the length and breadth of the county to go to Pagham who are situated close to Lands End in Cornwall - well it seems like it when you drag your arse all the way down there - particularly if you lose as our young blues did on Saturday. Bad luck Geoff and the fellas - re-group and with players coming back in and a couple of mid week games coming up, lets see if we can put a few points together over the last part of the season. The one thing I’m sure of is that not having an U18s side this term has certainly hindered the selection availability for the reserve manager and next term - should they ever decide to get us out of Administration - we would certainly be re-booting our youth development project - should they ever decide to get us out of Administration.

On Tuesday night we come up against the much-fancied Eastbourne United. I’ll be quick to point out that we have already taken 3 points from them with a win earlier on in the season. Since then there’s been a bit of water under the bridge and they’ve had their eye on promotion to the Ryman League and …… we haven’t. Still we meet them on level terms and on a flat pitch and although I have to be honest and say we have quite a few squad players missing on this one, we still have plenty of quality to contest their challenge. 7.30 kick off.

So no training as Falmer has now finished for training, and incidentally the club needs to get the next booking in over the next few weeks to ensure we have a facility next term. Perhaps the powers that be should take a look at that.

On Saturday the front side take on Lingfield at home followed by Whitehawk on Easter Monday followed by Arundel away on the Wednesday night followed by Redhill at home on Saturday followed by the visit of Steve Johnson and Tommo with the East Grinstead side on the Tuesday. Busy huh?

The ressies have a less busy time visiting Eastbourne Town next Saturday. Hope to see as many of you as possible on the start of events at home on Tuesday evening. Have a good week.

Munnery in administration warning to Blues

RINGMER manager Bob Munnery says he is delighted with how his debut season in first team management has gone despite all the club's off-field problems, but warned he would consider his future if the club was still in administration next term.
Ringmer were the surprise package in county league division one at the beginning of the season, winning seven of their first eight games, including a 14-1 demolition of Worthing, to lead the pack going into November.

But a row over the ownership oADVERTISEMENTf their Caburn ground between the trustees and directors led them into administration and saw 10-points docked from the club.
Despite the setback, Munnery and assistant Steve Oliver, who stepped up from reserve team management at the beginning of the season, have guided a young side to virtual safety.
Munnery is happy to have comfortably met the season's 'brief' of survival, but not so impressed with continuing off the field problems."I have to say I was disgusted with the conduct within the club to allow the situation to unravel which has affected the players, coaches and managers," Munnery said.
"Having said that, we have survived the 10 points, we are 15th in the league and one more win will probably make us safe.
"I see it as a successful season considering we have had no budget and brought an awful lot of young players through, and at the beginning of the season I was given the brief to survive."
Young players such as Will Broomfield, Aaron Hasan, Matt Percival and Kieran Patel have stepped up to the plate and more than held their own to give Munnery reason for optimism for next season, should the club get things right off the field.
"We (he and Oliver) have really enjoyed the season and are looking forward to next season," he said.
"Hopefully Ringmer Football Club will get themselves out of administration.
"If they do not come out of administration we will have to weigh up where we are next term."
Munnery is targeting three points against a rejuvenated Worthing United at home on Saturday, and the club then have a difficult home match with Eastbourne on Tuesday before hosting Lingfield on Easter Saturday.

No 39 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTEE

I’m smart enough to realise that picking a side to win a game is a very small part of team management and whilst you can deliberate over it all week - as me and Steve very often do - you cant legislate for players not being available or being selected for their Country at the last minute. No, Capello didn’t want Mark Price - the Philippine manager called Simon Greenwich - “Get here quick Si” I’m sure was the call - and I hope he made it. He texted me from Singapore saying it was 35 degrees. No sign of any of the other Internationals as they were in Thailand a Si? He can play a bit but he aint got a clue where to play.

Sorry - I digressed - I’m smart enough etc… Both Steve and I really thought that we’d get 3 points on Saturday against Horsham YM, despite the fact we had Alex Mikolay, Mark Price, Aaron Macmillan, Luke Huggett, Simon Greatwich, Jo Tubon and of course the elusive Craig Browne and the injured Aaron Last all unavailable for this (on form) evenly matched encounter. And even it was until about an hour in and we conceded a second and Craggers took an elbow and had to come off and get 5 stitches in his lip - there was no way back. I’m taking nothing away from YM, they are a good side - for me better than some above them who we have beaten at least once - but with the right personnel we would achieved a level of success acceptable on the day. The players, the management and our ever increasing fan base watching did not find it acceptable so we will expect a much better performance and result next Saturday against the rejuvenated Worthing United.

Our skipper, Ryan Macmillan, has agreed to transfer to Whitehawk for the remainder of the season. I feel the need to express my view on this. I was notified by David Ruffles that a seven day approach had been made by Whitehawk and - of course - I called Ryan to let him know. He told me that he knew nothing of the approach and in any event he was going nowhere. I was reassured by his comment and left it there. I had heard that Whitehawk were allegedly paying big money for players so with the knowledge that Ryan was unemployed, I saw him at training on the Tuesday night. I told him that if they made a decent weekly amount, he should consider it. In a recession, you gotta get it where you can. I can see in my mind’s eye certain people who have paid over the top money at our club thinking we should have talked him out of going. Not a chance. I spoke at length to Steve Oliver and we both concluded that if the money was right he should take it. They contacted him a few days later. Ryan called me and discussed the offer and I told him to take it. We wish Ryan every success. We don’t pay the kind of money that’s being offered at some County league clubs. That’s been done here already and we have nothing to show for it other than debt to directors’ or their companies and a football club in Administration.

The reserves dragged themselves down to Selsey for their Reserve Premier encounter and, once again, were unlucky to come back with none of the spoils. 2-1 to Selsey on this one but with a mini-bus as transport commardare was at a premium. I have not yet spoken to Geoff as of yet but I know that we will bounce back next week as they too have players becoming available.

Training is on Tuesday night at Falmer for all then a repetition on Thursday night at the club. We need 4 points to get to the 40 minimum - or 50 if you don’t recognise the 10 gouged from us.

County League: Pressure is on leaders, says Stabler

Click Title above for more County One round up 21/03/09

Wick boss Carl Stabler has questioned leaders Eastbourne United’s ability to handle the pressure of being title favourites.

No 39 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

I cant help feeling frustrated now when I look at the County League table. We are now 4 points from the 40 point mark which usually ensures safety. So one win and a draw and RFC should be playing County one football next term if they get out of administration in time before the FA step in and decide the level that is played next season here at the Caburn.

But meanwhile we should all look seriously at where we would now be should we have not so recklessly been placed into Administration and ten points been unfairly taken from the first team. And where we would be is fifth. Fifth, with one, two and three games in hand over the four teams above us and three of them to play at home. I wonder what went through the minds of those responsible when, presumably, some bright spark said “Lets put Ringmer Football Club Limited into Administration”.

However, there certainly seems to be dividing lines now and before this ends (and for the record) I need to say that two directors’, Lynn Harris and David Ruffles, have worked tirelessly and without recognition for the whole period of this sad affair and should be applauded for their dedication to the day to day goings on at the club. Both have been stretched to the absolute limit and have shown great professionalism and application and from the management position I want to say thanks to these two people. I personally hope you both remain at the club particularly if Steve and I manage the first team in the season 2009/10.

Talking of management teams, Geoff has indicated to me that if the circumstances are right then he will be managing our reserves next term and I can say that our 18s manager is now lined up and ready to take on our youth development programme with us all - again providing the circumstances are right. For all this to happen of course Administration needs to be an issue resolved. Lets hope it is.

At the game on Saturday it felt great, I’m sure you’d all agree. The sun was shining, (the flag wasn’t up but hey - its gonna take more than me asking – the hidden powers of darkness control that issue) the pitch looked really cool with very little sign of the two games played on it mid week, it was warm and people were coming through the gate. 72 the official total I read. Bearing in mind that Selsey didn’t bring too many its encouraging that more people are coming out to watch our football. Oh and we won too. We didn’t play great - particularly in the first 45 - but in the second half we pushed them hard and we got all three points.

With no reserve fixture this week emphasis on a win for next week becomes obvious. Its away at Selsey and there will be a minibus for the reserves and management team. The front side play at our place against Horsham YMCA who, I think, were fortunate to beat us earlier in the season. Now is our chance to show what we can do at home.

Oh and Deb wants to know…. when we come out of Administration, when do we get our ten points back?……lol

Texts will be sent regarding games and training but Tuesdays training is confirmed for all at Falmer, 8 till 9. See you there.

No 38 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

On Wednesday night we were unceremoniously dumped out of the Brighton Charity Cup at the quarter-final hurdle by Seaford Town at The Crouch. In a game which we should have wrapped things up in the first half, we didn’t. We didn’t play particularly well and our managerial motivation probably wasn’t at the level required to take us through to the semis. Best of luck to Seaford in their efforts to win this cup and I watch with interest as to whether other teams succumb to this second division side.

On Saturday we continued our efforts to ensure our division one status encountering St Francis Rangers at their place. Steve and I have been up there five times in two years with the 18s, the reserves and front side with SJ last term and we’re pretty sure we’ve never got a single point. So we went up there full of confidence and without Ryan Mac, Huggy, Percy, Jo Jo, and with As Hasan on the bench with Pricey neither player 100% fit and As Mac complaining about something or the other - we knew the day would be an adventure. But our players are no shrinking violets and with full use of our squad we showed strength in depth taking the lead late in the first half. We went in one up upon 45 minutes and to be honest - in my opinion - we should really have had the game sown up. But we didn’t and very late in the second half we conceded and the points were shared. Honestly .. a point was our minimum requirement in this game but make no mistake 3 points against a resurgent Selsey United at home this coming Saturday is not a requirement - it’s a demand. You’ll see an attacking Ringmer side that’ll be going for it and hopefully playing some great attractive football that’ll be entertainment personified.

Geoff took his reserves to Arundel after the problems we encountered there with the first team and I hear we took a good account of ourselves. At the time of writing I haven’t spoken to Geoff but I understand that his young side did well and with several players out we were unlucky not to get something from the game. We are all working hard to try to ensure our safety in the Reserve Premier League - particularly Geoff who is doing no end of communication work during the week together with the match day effort - to say nothing of the two training sessions. Great work Geoff.

This week sees a series of events at The Caburn in which we play host to semi-finals in various cups. On Monday night we have a game and on Wednesday night too. On Thursday night we intend to have a training game (to be sorted) whilst the reserves will train at Falmer on Tuesday night.

Football can be a funny game but there’s no humour attached to Administration. A little known fact is that if you are in Administration at the point where Leagues are being decided - usually at around this time of the season or over the next few weeks - then its likely that the FA step in to advise the level that a side should play at for the next season. I am advised that Ringmer Football Club are on the precipice of returning to normality in terms of a County league club and I hope that that can be sorted before that mechanism of decision from the FA would become a necessity. We now need 7 points from 11 games to reach the 40 point mark and in real terms we would now be in sixth place and a game in hand over Three Bridges and seriously pushing for a top three place.

I’m sorry we’re not there……

No 37 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

First, on behalf of the management and the players, I'd like to apologise for not playing the game against Arundel. If you'll allow me to explain as I've heard whispers that we refused to play and that is out of context to what happened. We arrived well in time at Arundel. Our preparation was spot on and Steve did the warm up as I did the paperwork. At 2.15 (when the teamsheet goes in) Arundel said that the ref had not turned up. At 2.30 still no ref.

At 2.45 the two lino's had a meet with Arundel, and seeing this was gonna happen I went to listen. Apparently the ref - Boris - had not been confirmed by Arundel and therefore a few hasty calls were made to Wally and Peter Bentley and Boris was contacted and an ETA of 3.30 was given to kick off. Did we mind they asked? I knew two players and Steve Oliver had arrangements that could not be broken and we spoke to all concerned and it was agreed that 3.30pm ko was the latest we could start. This was agreed by all present including the two linesmen. At 3.15 I called Peter Bentley and told him all of the above. He knew as Wally had called him. He told me to tell the lead lino to start the game and swap with Boris when he arrived. I told the lino and HE chose to call the ref who was on route. The lino said after he'd be one minute. At 3.30 there was no ref.

At 3.40 the ref arrived saying he'd be ready in 5 minutes. This was too late for the players with arrangements and commitments given to children and we advised both Arundel and the officials of that.

Two game issues we need to inform everyone of this week. First, the reserve game planned for this week is off. Second the first team game in the Brighton Charity Cup against Seaford is now on Wednesday at Seaford - having being moved from Tuesday. On Saturday, the first team game against St Francis Rangers now has a 1pm kick off. Apparently we have to accommodate a cup game on that day.

Neil Thornicroft left our club last Monday and from everyone at the club we wish Neil every success for the future. I’d like to express my gratitude to Neil for the efforts he made with our reserves and I regret that Neil didn’t have more success. Geoff Mactiffen takes over the role with immediate effect.

Training for the reserves will be on Tuesday at Falmer and at the club on Thursday. Training is optional for the first team players as we play Wednesday night. If you need to do a minor work out then you have Tuesday or Thursday to sort it out - so use either session if you need to have an additional session to gain fitness.

Despite all the crap we’ve had to endure this term – none of it being the players fault – its fantastic to see them being named as SCL Team of the Month. Well done Ringmer.

No 36 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

With a win against Hailsham and a draw against Selsey, we move 4 points closer to safety. We now need 8 points from 12 remaining games to be assured of safety. Well, safety for this concluding season at least and the knowledge that on the playing front, we did our part. After that, its out of our hands.

Our only chance of silverware this season - unless someone tells us that we cant be in it for some reason or the other - is in the Brighton Charity Cup. We play Seaford next in the quarter final at their place next Tuesday 10 March and obviously a win would leave us 1 game from a final. I really hope we are fortunate enough to make the final as I think it’ll be a fitting tribute to the great squad that have represented Ringmer this term. Of course in league terms if we had our 10 points back we’d have 42 points, in sixth place and pushing for a top three finish. All this from a squad who’s average age is 19.4 years old and the average distance from Ringmer between all of the players is 5.2 miles. 7 players coming from Lewes Town centre itself.

For those who couldn’t make it or felt it would be politically incorrect to do so, the game against Hailsham I have to say, was as good a performance from our first team as I have seen this term. Shame you missed it really. Throughout the side we played some fast penetrative football that impressed all - including the management. Scoring 7 goals in any game is impressive but to score and win at a time when it really matters is particularly satisfying.

Last Saturday we drove the 47 miles to sunny Selsey and we did not repeat the standard we’d got used to whilst playing Hailsham. At half time we were lucky to go in honours even at 0-0. After a half time debate, the players worked harder and we became more and more dominant as we found rejuvenated pace and energy. At both ends there were opportunities and Selsey should have sown it up in the first half and we should have done the same in the second period. 0-0 full time and a fair result and four points from two games is acceptable to us provided we take three points on Saturday.

On Saturday we meet Arundel away who, in true points form, would be below us. Their form has been indifferent of late - two points from their last two games - and we all intend to go there and get the three points to make our requirement 5 from 11 games left. We’re leaving players out at the moment who are desperate to play and over the next few weeks with the games coming both Steve and I are confident that all squad players who can train will be involved.

So training at Falmer on Tuesday night for all and again on Thursday at the club, weather permitting.

The reserves entertained Hastings United who sit second to top in the Reserve Premier. We lost the game and I await a report from the web site and those involved.

We had a break-in to the changing rooms on Thursday night and the reserves medical bag, with countless items in it, together with a ball-pump, 1 match ball and 3 of the opposition balls you have to leave in the away changing rooms and a cd from the cd player (but not the player itself(?)), were stolen. The thief signs himself as “Beaver” on the changing room mirror and on the dry wipe board and on the windows of the club itself. So just so we’re all clear of the profile of this master-thief, - we’re looking for someone who can write their own name (more than once too) has the physical ability to force a door (possibly fat then) has their own cd player (as they didn’t nick ours) doesn’t know a good football from a crap one (as there were good balls in the home changing rooms) and has a dependency on liniment oil and freeze spray - or perhaps has a bit of a thing for red medical bags, who knows. If you know who this dingbat is, I don’t want you to catch him, I want you to kick

him really hard up the arse. Thank you.

See you players Tuesday night.

No 35 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

On Tuesday evening we meet Kenny Macreadie’s Hailsham Town for the second time this season - the first encounter going in their favour after we had taken the lead twice. To be fair we have numerous players adding to our squad since that game and that includes Joe Adams, Percy, Pricey, Simon Greatwich, Huggy to name but some - so we hope for a positive attacking game in which - have no doubt - we will be going there all guns blazing and attacking from minute one to get three points.

One mistake usually means one goal and this was the case against Shoreham on Saturday in the League one encounter. We played 4:3:3 for the first 45 and if our second conversion had not been disallowed, I think that we’d have gone on and won it. Having said that Shoreham had the ball in the net 3 times but disallowed on each occasion - twice for offside and one for a foul on our keeper - and whilst the players will have a view whether that and all other goals being disallowed, I don’t because I don’t belt up and down the line checking on lino decisions and I wasn’t close enough to see the foul on Joe either. Having said one mistake, I thought our back four were pretty tremendous to be honest. We have a balanced feel to the four and I think they enjoy playing together. I hope they continue to play as a unit in 2009-10.

Steve and I have made it clear at the football meeting that, regrettably, we cannot be a part of Ringmer FC next year if the current administration issue is not resolved. I have said also that I will not be working with certain members of the limited company - particularly those responsible for putting us into administration without consideration to me or Steve or more importantly, the players. Having said that of course we both hope that the issues are resolved and those people responsible go away forever from RFC and we can realise a dream of Football Youth Development leading into our senior football together with Chartered Standard to supply funding without the need of borrowing more and more money from the pitch. Together, perhaps with Ringmer College, we could start a “Football in the Community” side for young players who might not be given chances, given the high standard we play at - and in "Football in the Community", this would mean the RINGMER community to give the kids from this village involvement. So on one side I guess we have borrowing from a pitch idea and a return to directors’ running this club or perhaps a completely new way of doing football at Ringmer. Its your choice what happens next.

Football of course will continue for me and Steve and we’ll let the players know our plans as soon as Ringmer have concluded their issues. David Ruffles asked me on behalf of the club as to whether the players would attend an “End of Year” presentation evening. David stated that the Administrators, Atherton Bailey, were prepared to make funds available. We asked the players and they have decided that they do not want to attend a presentation event, instead they are intending to do a paint ball session together and as the end of season draws to a close, a horse racing day. The coach to and from the venue will be paid for by private sponsorship and the players will pay their way on the day.
Our reserves went down 1-2 on Saturday against a tough Shoreham reserve side. See Steve Frost’s report on the web site.

At this moment, I am uncertain what arrangements are being made for the reserves training on Tuesday - the first team playing as I said earlier. Texts notifying will be sent.
Next Saturday the front side are away to Selsey and the reserves are at home to Hastings United. There will be a mini-bus for all of the squad for the trip to Selsey.
We now need 12 points from 16 games to be safe. We need to make three of those land Tuesday.

Hope to see you all there.

No 34 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

I really didn’t know how to start this Newsletter this week. Should I start with the first team win over Chichester? Should I start with the reserve win over Hassocks? Or perhaps should I start with games coming up this week? Or even a mention of the “Football Only” meeting me and Steve held at the club on Friday night?

Or perhaps I’ll start with the 10 points now showing deducted on the SCL website. Yeah lets start there. I’m disgusted with this and I’m disgusted with the people responsible. If I didn’t care about Ringmer or our players, have no doubt that I would give you factual details regarding those I know to be directly responsible. But I’m gonna wait till we get through this and then we’ll have it straight.

The only people now to get us through this mess they’ve created is the players. When they’ve made it you can thank them and not the people who wander about like they own the place and who’ve been responsible for trying to kill Ringmer Football Club. I’m so angry about this and to be honest I feel completely betrayed. I’m not in the mood to accept the crap being banded about at the moment so if you’re responsible, stay away from me. We all know who has done this to our club and to be clear its certainly NOT the hard working people at the club almost every day trying to make this work.

Ok, so what do we do about it in this season? Well, we win games. We approach games with a must win mentality. We see it that if we were to have won our game in hand then we’d be in third place. Instead, and I cant believe I’m writing this, we have to get 13 points from 17 games. We are in 13th place instead of 6th. Remember, we are 13th because of this crap they’ve created and not because of form. We are playing every game now as “must win”. And win we did yesterday against Chichester who beat us 2-0 a few weeks ago - and we won convincingly 5-1. They couldn’t live with us and we played some great stuff. 3 points closer to safety. So we look at Shoreham away next week and see them as a side we must beat to gain our next 3 points.

Our reserves also play Shoreham next week - obviously at home. But first we need to dissect the performance that produced a 1-2 win for them in what - in league terms particularly - was a spectacular result. We evidently took the lead early in the second half only for the home side to equalize late on. A last minute interchange produced the winner and I have to say well done to all involved in playing their part in making it a successful footballing Saturday.

On Sunday we saw Herve King’s memorial game take place at Ringmer. I was a spectator at this game and its not my place to put something on the website from the club thanking all who attended but I’d like to think someone will. It was well attended and it seemed strange to me seeing those players together once again - probably for the last time I guess. A good game played in the right spirit with great attitude from everyone and a fitting tribute to a man who lost his life so suddenly and so tragically a year ago.

Training is on Tuesday at Falmer and on Thursday at the Club. 8-9pm on Tuesday night then 7-9pm on Thursday. As always the Thursday session could be weather challenged but texts will be sent if in doubt.

What a strange up and down week. If this football club had just people wanting great football what a fantastic place this would be.

07/02/09 County weekend Round up

Click title above for full story from the Argus

Eastbourne United took advantage of their rivals’ inactivity to open up a five-point lead at the top of the first division.
Brian Dennis’s side were good value for their 3-0 win over Wick, who began the day in third place.

No 33 THE RFC INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Chichester at home next Saturday brings a very early opportunity to address the recent encounter when we lost to this side and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity in doing this game again and playing and winning this time. Don’t doubt we’ll be hitting the ground running on this one and with three wins out of four we’re all excited about getting the next game on.

But this is not our first game of the week. The first one is against the table-toppers Eastbourne United who we beat 1-2 earlier in the season. They’ll feel they should have won that as no doubt Wick would feel they should have won the first encounter we had with them too. We have to work hard and apply pressure in the right areas to overcome this side who see Ryman football as their next stop. Our approach to the game needs to be the same approach we have to every game since they murmured the words “ten point deduction” and that is WIN THE GAME. Our formations and our player selection may confuse you at times but trust me, Steve and I start working it out from the moment the previous game ends and we are focussed on survival in the Sussex County League - and survive we will. The players have a winning mentality as do the management and we’ll try our hardest to show you all that in our application on the pitch. Attacking football without any fear wins games and that’s our methodology. 7.30 ko on Tuesday night.

In terms of life - and not the fantasy world that football can be - the most important occasion of the year is at the Caburn next Sunday. It’s the Herve King Memorial game against Three Bridges, 2pm ko. The game that was being played on that tragic day was against this side and I’m pleased that our football club have organised this event in conjunction with them. On the day Herve died last year, neither me or Steve were at the game - we were with the reserves playing a Cup game. I remember winning the game and trying to ring Jono to tell him only to have Dave Souter answer his phone and tell me the tragic news. I went into our dressing room - which as you can imagine was pretty jubilant having just won against some superior side - and told everyone. All the players just picked up their things and went home. By the time I got to the ground about an hour later I saw Herve’s BMW - the only car left there - and went in to find the still very shocked people still there. We shut the club and left; the players returning later. I didn’t know Herve but through this last year I’ve heard some great stories about him. He was obviously a great guy and his death must have left a terrible void in a lot of peoples lives. I hope the day goes well for his family and friends.

Football postponed and football on were the messages being sent on Saturday morning. We managed to get our reserve game on at home against Selsey reserves but lost the encounter 0-2 in a frustrating game but earlier heard that Arundel’s pitch was waterlogged. Not our greatest day but we have plans to get things right with our reserve side. Next week our ressies play Hassocks away - check Malc’s web site for detail.

This Friday night there’s a meeting at the club to discuss football and football only. I don’t mind who comes to this meeting to be honest but its gonna be about football only. If you’re interested in how me and Steve see our future and want a snapshot of our view on where we are now regarding football - be there. There will be a Q+A session either as we go through or at the end but please understand that there’ll be no platforms for people to bang on about their own agenda. It about football. I don’t expect my players to be there - they already know what we think.

Training for the reserves on Tuesday night at Falmer and for all at the club on Thursday - weather permitting. As I write this I’m hearing the news and they are forecasting a severe weather front coming in so things may well alter through this week.

Last note - going back to Herve’s Memorial game next Sunday - you can imagine how important it is for Ringmer to get this game on so if it rains they’ll need to get loads of people there forking the pitch and if it snows they’ll need to sweep it off. If they need help its likely that an emergency notice will be posted on the web-site (I imagine that’s what they‘ll do anyway).

See you all at the Eastbourne United game at home Tuesday night - 7.30 pm ko.

31/01/09 County One Round Up

For Full Report Click Title Above

Eastbourne United showed title-winning qualities when they came from 2-0 down to beat Pagham 3-2 and maintain their advantage at the top of the County League.
Dave Berkowitz’s first match in charge of the Lions looked like ending in victory

Wick and Arundel's title hopes both suffered a setback. Third-placed Wick went down 2-0 at Ringmer, and Gary Norgate netted for Mullets in their 4-1 loss at Lingfield.East Preston's recent revival came to an end with a 2-1 defeat against Three Bridges. Lee Farrell struck for EP.Bottom-of-the-table Worthing United lost 2-1 at Horsham YMCA, who got their winner with three minutes left.Shoreham's match at Oakwood was postponed.

No 32 THE RFC INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

I had a long talk with the first team and did some explaining about our 10 point deduction. The best question I was asked by a player was “How come we have to pay the price of Administration when clearly its not our fault?”. But it’s the players that pick up the tab for this action and we have (possibly) till the end of the season to decide how we feel about it. For those of you who dont know, the club cant afford the appeal costs so we wont be appealing.

I first spoke to the players on Thursday evening about this disgusting situation and I got one single attitude from all of the players. Lets go and get the 10 points back. On Saturday when we met, we sat and chatted about it and every single player agreed that we weren’t going to allow a bunch of people who know very little about football affect the way we play and approach every game. And approach the Wick encounter we did with a positive state of mind. Before the game we had 19 points to get from 18 games. Beating Wick meant we now have 16 points to get from 17 games to be safe. Wick probably felt that they would come and get 3 points but in the back of their minds would be that we’d beaten them once already and we knew their style. To be straight, they did have a couple of opportunities undeniably but so did we in the first half. In the second half we went up a gear and left them behind. I thank the players every week but in particular I’d like to thank them all for their great attitude and application through that 90 minutes.

Staying with the first team for a moment, we play another Brighton Charity Cup game on Wednesday this time against Mile Oak, 7.30 ko I think. We will be giving opportunities players who haven’t played or who have not been available for various reasons. I’d expect me and Steve to make around 7 changes for this game. Staying focussed on games to come we go to Arundel next week in what we aim to be another 3 points of the 10 they’re nicking off us - without so much as an appeal huh?

Although we have a first team game on Wednesday, and despite what I said in the dressing room there WILL be a very light training session on Tuesday night at Falmer. Half of you wont be involved in the game and if the weather closes in as predicted, the game Wednesday night could well be off anyway. So all to attend.

The reserves went to Eastbourne United for their Saturday encounter and came away with very little. Once again I have to say that I’ve not had the chance to get the complete lowdown but on the face of it a 3-0 defeat will not be accepted by players and management alike. Training for all players on Tuesday night with Geoff Mactiffen.

Get used to this idea reserve players. Being relegated from the Reserve Premier League is not an option and is not going to happen and from here on in get your arse to training or have a good reason why you cant. Players who train are players who play. Just tipping up on Saturday is not happening no more.

The reserves play Selsey at home next Saturday at 2:30pm and with the first team playing at Arundel it may be a bit too far for our usual supporters so I hope they’ll get to the Caburn to get behind this young side, as they always do.

I hope you have a better week this week than we did last week.

Div 1 Round up 24/01/09

Click Title above for more

An injury to goalkeeper Nicky Maynard marred Eastbourne United’s rise back to the top of the County League.
Maynard suffered a groin injury in Saturday’s 3-2 win at East Grinstead and has been pulled out of the Sussex squad for Wednesday’s game against Middlesex.

No 31 THE RFC INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Please tell everyone that Herve King’s memorial game is on Sunday 15 February at the Caburn at 2pm ko. I am told its against Three Bridges FC and admission prices are £5 for adults and £2.50 for everyone else. Other clubs read this Newsletter and through it I ask that you inform everyone of this event and make sure that every County league side has representatives at the game.

Training this week is definitely on Tuesday night for all squad members at Falmer and hopefully at the club on Thursday night if it ever stops raining. But it stopped raining long enough for us to get the reserve game on at the Caburn on Saturday. To be honest I felt we didn’t have a chance of getting it on with the amount of rain we’d had through the week – and after the first team game being postponed against Hailsham on Tuesday night - but when I went out there on Friday at around 4pm it looked almost playable. And play it we did against Southwick who, I understand, have many new signings to show. Well apparently we huffed and puffed our way through this slogging contest and came out honours even. I haven’t spoken to either Neil or Geoff yet but I suspect they’ll be happy with a point but disappointed in going a goal down in the first minute. 1 all in this game and hopefully we move one point closer to maintaining our Reserve Premiership status in the County League.

No such similar fortunes for our first eleven. On a pitch that looked ok to start with then resembled a ploughed field at half time, we battled with a resurgent Chichester City FC. We were disappointed not to have the variety of squad players we’ve become used to with Will Broomfield, Dave Altendorf, Luke Huggett, Simon Greatwich, Keiran Patel or Sam Sowter not available but nevertheless we should really have got something from this game. Chi are certainly on the up but our record shows 2 out of 3 wins of late and we’ve scored 9 in three games but in this one we struggled to convert. We lost this one 2-0 and I look forward to meeting Chichester at home later and playing, perhaps, different personnel and most likely a different formation.

Thanks to everyone for the comments about being in The Times newspaper on Saturday. To have our club’s name in the same column as Sir Alex Ferguson and The FA Cup was great. In fact it was great to see Ringmer FC in a national paper and not followed by the word “Administration” I guess. Good to see us in the paper for the right reasons, I think we’d all agree. For the record, they said I knew about this 124 year old rule in the FA Cup. Of course the truth is I did know and it was me who let Fergie know when I talk tactics to him on a Sunday evening…. Ha! – I didn’t have a clue mate. The Sussex FA said play to the end and we did. And we won. If you dunno what we’re talking about see story below for a laugh:

Next week we entertain Wick who are flying high in third place. We beat Wick if you recall earlier this season in a game that was hard fought but great football from both sides. They play a similar way to the way we (try to) play so I’ll make no secret of the fact we’re gonna put a side out there to really get at em. I’m hoping the pitch will be ok and we can play and watch a great game. 3pm at home for the first eleven this Saturday.

The reserves play away at Eastbourne United, similarly 3pm ko too. Neil will notify you of your involvement. I understand that you guys may need to rally round and sort transport as I understand that Deb has an appointment and will not be travelling to the reserve game.

I read that Steve Johnson and Tommo have rejoined their forces to manage East Grinstead Town. I bet that was a wake up call at the first training session. Best of luck to you both.

See you all on Tuesday night.

Sir Alex takes a tip from Bob

Click title above for full story from the Times Newspaper

Who will be first to ask for extra time?

Bob Munnery, the manager of Ringmer, knew all about it. So did Clive Taylor, his counterpart at Rye United. It may have been an East Sussex derby match, in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup in August, but there was no way this tie was going to the inconvenience and additional cost of a replay 36 miles away. And so it was played out on the day, with Ringmer winning 4-3 after extra time in front of 73 spectators.
Somehow Article 11a of the FA Cup’s regulations had gone unnoticed at the top end of the game until yesterday, but suddenly it is the talk of football. Sir Alex Ferguson more click title.

STEVE & TOMMO AT EAST GRINSTEAD!

Click on Title above for full story

Steve Johnson has been appointed manager at East Grinstead Town.
Johnson's appointment is the first time Town have gone outside the club.
And chairman Richard Tramontin

No 30 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Watching the encounters and form of other clubs as we all do, I have to say I'm saddened to hear the latest goings-on at Crowborough FC. With several of our last year players signed for the Ryman South side, I had hoped for their survival - at least - in the next step in the pyramid system. I speak to Steve Johnson a lot and I know he'll be disappointed not to have finished the job he started at the beginning of the season. I hope that the ex-Ringmer players together with Steve find happier times soon.

The Tuesday night encounter against Hassocks proved to be a strange game - not least with Mickey Jewell and I being sent off for no offences being committed. And that statement from the ref himself by the way. I try not to go on about refs at all but the one thing I want to say is that refs have to do better than that. No disciplinary report going in but two managers being sent off. I think it needs explaining. What doesn't need explaining is a 2-3 victory though. We were 2 down and finished when we found new vitality to grab three goals and three points. Hassocks will be disappointed but no more than we were when we were winning at 90 minutes against East Preston only to lose 3-2. Its football - thats it.

On Friday we achieved our second win in four days beating Littlehampton in the Brighton Charity Cup. I said in last week's Newsletter that it was a game I really didn't want to play as the timing and our personnel was off line. We left five squad players out giving starting opportunities to others. In my view, we never looked like losing this game and we looked like we could score at will but at times we were defensively vulnerable. But we managed to move on safely into the next round. Forgive me if I don't get too excited about it.

Before you judge that statement as a "manager who doesn't care" - let me explain. A comment was made about the Charity aspect of this competition. If its about the money then Ringmer's involvement wont change that as any club playing will give the end result so its not imperative we're in it. I can see authority figures or ex-authority figures perhaps within our club raising their eyebrows at that statement. Well before you do that, look in the mirror at yourself and decide if you're responsible for the FA deliberating as to whether we now have ten points deducted. If you were involved in putting Ringmer FC into Administration and you feel that your actions have put this club at risk and possibly into division 2, send me an e-mail saying its down to you and I'll include it in next weeks Newsletter. Raised eyebrows now? I await the FA's decision and I think I know what it'll be. I wont hold my breath on any "sorry about that" e-mails.

On Tuesday night we meet Hailsham at their place in a game that very much does matter. In a proverbial 6 pointer - should we be deducted the ten points - we need to win to get ourselves to 34 points (24) and closer to survival. I think it's a 7.45pm ko but check Malc's web site to see.

Neil's reserves went down to Shoreham being let down by three key players on Saturday morning and with time and experience against him, Neil put out a makeshift 11 to play. Inevitably I guess the experience of Shoreham's more senior players saw the home side get the points. Three individual errors didn't help the cause and if you didn't have a great game, saying "I aint playing next week" will result in you sitting home watching Sky Sports on a permanent basis. Get over it and get out there and play. Neil puts you on the park after that its down to you. Be more adult and start getting a winning mentality.

Saturdays games are away at Chichester for the front side and home for the reserves against Southwick. Check Malc's web site for details.

Training for the reserves is at Falmer on Tuesday night and for both squads at the club on Thursday. Deb will send texts with all information. Respond as soon as you can please.

The rocky horror show at Hassocks

Click Title for full story

Published Date: 14 January 2009
IT MAY still just be the pantomime season but Hassocks put on a performance of the Rocky Horror Show on Tuesday as they lost 3-2 at home to Ringmer in a game where they appeared to be cruising to victory.
Panic and an alarming lack of discipline cost them dearly as they conceded three goals in the last 12 minutes and had skipper Ashley Marsh sent off

Only right that both joint managers took responsibility: Boyes

Click title above for full story

By Brian Pollard, Sx Express
CROWBOROUGH Athletic chairman Malcolm Boyes said it was only fair that both Steve Johnson and Harry Smith took equal responsibility for the team's recent poor run.
The Crows have gone on a nine-game losing run and are five points adrift at the bottom of Ryman One South.

No 29 RFC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

The cold, together with the “recession” and a bleak outlook at the weeks ahead it makes you feel a bit pessimistic with regard to the future of County football in general. At Ringmer, I note we have a floodlight inspection on Wednesday night - I can only assume this happens periodically - and it ponders the question - what happens if we fail it? We have falling attendances, the club is in the stranglehold of Administration and we await news of our fate with regard to a possible points

penalty which could lead to possible relegation. The Administrator e-mailed me this week to make several points - one being that it is only his office that can resolve this administration issue - a view I have to accept - but surely its the members that should have the final say? Earlier in the week the ex-chairman e-mailed me to express his “disappointment” at my comments in the previous Newsletter and to him and to the Administrator I would say the same thing. Let the members decide the fate of Ringmer Football Club. Lets not see the club as an old girlfriend that’s been cast away only to decide that we don’t want anyone else to have her.

Lets all share the members names and addresses. Lets be open and hold a meeting and let the members decide the fate of the pitch and ultimately the club itself. If they want the directors’ to have control then so be it. If they want the Trustees to keep control then so be that too. Surely then that would be an end to it all?

This is a members club. You and me and all that are members should decide what happens here surely? It should be the members who say what happens next. You people that have sweated blood and tears dragging down buildings from Croydon, the people who had their dads, uncles, brothers and sons playing for Ringmer who are no longer with us, and you people who have worked tirelessly to keep the club afloat through all these years.

For the record, I will put in attachments from any writer with regards to any matter which will be there for all to see. If it moves us closer to resolving this depressing situation its gotta be worth it I guess. I aint putting in any political crap so make it honest and straight.

Frustration in not playing games can lead to being impetuous when trying to get games on and we are trying to focus when our next game will actually be. No doubt in the blazing sunshine to come in July and August, we will look back on minus 9 temperatures and laugh. Was it really that cold? I visited the ground on Friday afternoon, 24 hours before kick off time and it was minus 2. On Friday night I had the misfortune to have to go out again and the temperature thing in the car read minus 9. Would the game go ahead I wondered for about a millisecond. All games in the County (I hear) were off. So we hastily arranged a 5 a side indoor session for 17 of the squad and we had a 2 hour workout - which is probably more than most teams in the County had.

We’ve arranged a Reserve friendly game on Thursday evening at Ringmer, 7.15 ko. Its against a Bridge View side we played pre-season so we pretty much know what to expect. Thanks to Danny for sorting this out with me. On Tuesday evening the front side play Hassocks away 7.45 ko and on Friday night we have a first team game thrust upon us. We play Littlehampton in the Brighton Charity Cup and although I don’t want to play it (we have no keeper and Steve cant make it) I’m not given a choice. According to David Ruffles we have to do what we’re told evidently. A line of thinking I’m not used to. For the record I want it postponed.

Hope to see some of you at Hassocks if its on in