Says Don Logan...
But I don't think we can boss...
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.... DO IT. DO IT. DO IT.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Monday, 23 November 2009
Three on the bounce - let's turn it around
Well, having had some time to reflect, and to read Rochester Valiant's match report, a bit more comment, as promised, on Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Fleet Town.
I mentioned the other week that I was disappointed that I'd been unable to attend the Corinthian Casuals home match. I mentioned was disappointed not to attend the Fleet away game. I still am.
Yes, we lost 4-3. Again, as AOB says on yourmedway, we capitulated at the worst possible moment. But AOB promised us excitement at the start of the season. I've mentioned we need to shore the defence up. Sure, we need to stop leaking goals, but if we go up with a goal difference of not very much, as long as we go up, how we achieve it doesn't matter. Yes, we'd all love to see a successful team at The Theatre of Slapstick. But the ground wouldn't be living up to its moniker if it weren't for the heart attack inducing moments that are becoming so frequent this season. I've lost count of how many games we've either won or lost or thrown away in the dying stages. It would of course be fantastic to be doing a Dartford, running away with the league with clean sheets left right and centre, but I'm not going to complain about the fun that is following the Chats this season.
To be frank, in the five seasons I've been watching us, this is still the most exciting I've seen it. We look awesome at times, and we've not even settled in yet. We were understrength on Saturday, and still scored three times. We've got too many strikers, I've said as much on the forum, but what's that to moan about. There were times over the last four years where we had no strikers - well, none who could cut the proverbial. Now we have, in my mind, the potentially best strike partnership in the league in Barnett and Cass, and now Steffan Gaisie, threatening to bring it on further. We've got Justin Ascheri, Byron Walker and Ray Powell, who I still think looks better up front than at the back.
There's been some chat on the forum about how we can improve at the back. I don't think dropping Dean Ruddy is the answer. Richie Stroud was conceded goals freely as well. And I don't think there's much difference between them - its simply the cost of playing such attack minded football. There's also talk about the apparent indiscipline - having given this some thought, is it the cost of the fire that AOB has put into the team? Can we be critical?
Tomorrow sees the visit of Ramsgate to TOSC. The Rams are good away from home, having lost just twice, scoring ten goals in their seven games. But we're good enough to beat them. Its a big game - we've got to turn it around before Met Police away on Saturday.
I have no doubt that AOB is going to turn it round. I've no doubt that this man is the man to make this club great. Come on the Chats!
I'll let you know how we get on.
I mentioned the other week that I was disappointed that I'd been unable to attend the Corinthian Casuals home match. I mentioned was disappointed not to attend the Fleet away game. I still am.
Yes, we lost 4-3. Again, as AOB says on yourmedway, we capitulated at the worst possible moment. But AOB promised us excitement at the start of the season. I've mentioned we need to shore the defence up. Sure, we need to stop leaking goals, but if we go up with a goal difference of not very much, as long as we go up, how we achieve it doesn't matter. Yes, we'd all love to see a successful team at The Theatre of Slapstick. But the ground wouldn't be living up to its moniker if it weren't for the heart attack inducing moments that are becoming so frequent this season. I've lost count of how many games we've either won or lost or thrown away in the dying stages. It would of course be fantastic to be doing a Dartford, running away with the league with clean sheets left right and centre, but I'm not going to complain about the fun that is following the Chats this season.
To be frank, in the five seasons I've been watching us, this is still the most exciting I've seen it. We look awesome at times, and we've not even settled in yet. We were understrength on Saturday, and still scored three times. We've got too many strikers, I've said as much on the forum, but what's that to moan about. There were times over the last four years where we had no strikers - well, none who could cut the proverbial. Now we have, in my mind, the potentially best strike partnership in the league in Barnett and Cass, and now Steffan Gaisie, threatening to bring it on further. We've got Justin Ascheri, Byron Walker and Ray Powell, who I still think looks better up front than at the back.
There's been some chat on the forum about how we can improve at the back. I don't think dropping Dean Ruddy is the answer. Richie Stroud was conceded goals freely as well. And I don't think there's much difference between them - its simply the cost of playing such attack minded football. There's also talk about the apparent indiscipline - having given this some thought, is it the cost of the fire that AOB has put into the team? Can we be critical?
Tomorrow sees the visit of Ramsgate to TOSC. The Rams are good away from home, having lost just twice, scoring ten goals in their seven games. But we're good enough to beat them. Its a big game - we've got to turn it around before Met Police away on Saturday.
I have no doubt that AOB is going to turn it round. I've no doubt that this man is the man to make this club great. Come on the Chats!
I'll let you know how we get on.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Sinton 4-3 AOB
Very quick post this - score fresh in off of NLN24 live - but Chatham beaten again - three on the bounce - 4-3 at Fleet Town.
Full reaction to follow.
Full reaction to follow.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
(Whyte)Leafy Suburb 3-1 Urban decay
Didn't go. You all knew that anyway. On first impressions from the NLN24 vidiprinter, I'm really glad I didn't. Appears we started where we left off on Saturday, as we were 3-0 down after 22 minutes. That means we conceded six goals, yes, SIX, in the space of 37 competitive minutes of football. Nowhere near good enough. OB - we hear the talk, but something's got to happen fast. This side, and your leadership are so much better than that. Even under Phil Miles with a bad squad we weren't that leaky.
On a positive, the Whyteleafe forum is all talk about game of two halves cliches, but one of their supporters has commented that we were strong in the second half and pegged them back, (as opposed to the general swell of opinion is that the ref had money on a draw or something). Let's take that second half performance to Fleet on Saturday, in what is a massive six pointer. 3 points please lads.
On a positive, the Whyteleafe forum is all talk about game of two halves cliches, but one of their supporters has commented that we were strong in the second half and pegged them back, (as opposed to the general swell of opinion is that the ref had money on a draw or something). Let's take that second half performance to Fleet on Saturday, in what is a massive six pointer. 3 points please lads.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Anyone need a coach?
No, not Kingsferry. Or Buzzlines for that fact.
Looks like Lee Barnett's business is growing in strength. Let's hope he's back leading the line for us soon. My prediction - he'll be player managing us in the Conference in ten years time. You read it here first.
http://www.skillschoolsacademy.co.uk/coaches.html
I wanted to make some sort of joke about this, but you've got to respect it all really.
Looks like Lee Barnett's business is growing in strength. Let's hope he's back leading the line for us soon. My prediction - he'll be player managing us in the Conference in ten years time. You read it here first.
http://www.skillschoolsacademy.co.uk/coaches.html
I wanted to make some sort of joke about this, but you've got to respect it all really.
Dedication, Dedication...
Dedication, is what you need... and we seem to have it in abundance at the moment. Maybe its in no small part thanks to our new American goalkeeper, Dean Ruddy.
Ruddy, above on the left, holds the world record for hugging strangers... in some countries, it would be illegal -but remember the old American addage, and Team America theme tune, "Freedom is the only way, yeah!". Personally, I think he looks a bit bored of it. Perhaps it hug number 3876.
Fuller details can be found here, along with an interesting American take on why Deano should represent his country, what with him being a first division footballer and all...
Shocking absence - and a shocking result
Stop-start would seem apt to describe both my recent blogging, and the Chats recent results. Having gone four unbeaten with last week's superb performance and victory over Cray, we were back down to earth with a bump on Saturday, beaten again on home soil, this time by fully amateur historical scamps, the Corinthian Casuals. I'm sure Jimmy Hill was rubbing his massive chin in delight whilst shouting "i-i-i-i-it was an encounter, good game good game, look at Rodney Marsh, nick me Copper!!".
Again, this piss-poor correspondent missed it. A comment on my last post asks where I've been? As I've said before, this is a blog about the Chatham Town Football Club. Not about me. Yes, some of you have enjoyed my ramblings, and I'm sorry they've been, shall I say, slipshod, of late, but life exists for me away from the Sports Ground. One way or another, I've simply had to prioritise home life ahead of the Chats. That said, things seem calmer now, and I aim to be reporting on next Tuesday's visit of Ramsgate for another midweek Kent derby, and to bring the results and misinformed comment on the do-or die must wins this week, away to Whytleafe tomorrow, and Andy Sinton's Fleet Town on Saturday.
I must admit, I'd love to go to Fleet. One of my favourite away venues, not so much for the sloping pitch, and somehow Ryman acceptable ground (just look at the money we've had to spend to comply and then at some grounds - I could and probably at some point will do an entire post on the subject), but for the fact that its a town where, if you come from Medway and are used to burger vans with no handwashing facilities, endless poundshops and abandoned desolate shopping centres, you feel like you're going to politely be asked to leave at any time.
Anyway, back to Saturday. I was on a plan at the time of the match, returning to these wind battered shores. I have to admit, I was surprised to hear the game was on given the weather forecasts I'd seen from afar (well, the west coast of Ireland, but it seems like another planet there), and there will be many wishing it hadn't been. I'm sure that the gale force winds put paid to any hopes of us bringing in another big crowd - it was over seventy down on the previous Saturday, and only marginally up on the cup game. Those who did attend rightly felt aggrieved that Chatham managed to dominate for 75 minutes and go 3-0 down within another ten. When we collapse its spectacular. Its such a shame, because against Ashford and Cray, we looked liked we'd finally solved the illusive defensive frailties. But we switched off by all accounts. AOB not happy. We grabbed a consolation through David "Daryl Hall" Hall, but missed a chance to go third. Due to other postponements, we remain in the play off spots, but have to hope other results continue to go our way. That's why 'leafe and Fleet are must win games. I have faith in AOB Don Logan - as I said previously, he wants us out of this league - upwards that is - and if we can just get the team to gel, which to be frank it hasn't really done yet, there's no reason why we can't. There's a positive embarrassment of riches in the squad, which could not be said for years - from going from being "just too good to go down", we're now looking more like "too good not to go up". How far we've come in a year is remarkable. If it didn't make me get that annoying The View song in my head (you'd be amazed at what you can achieve in a year), I'd say it more often.
Again, this piss-poor correspondent missed it. A comment on my last post asks where I've been? As I've said before, this is a blog about the Chatham Town Football Club. Not about me. Yes, some of you have enjoyed my ramblings, and I'm sorry they've been, shall I say, slipshod, of late, but life exists for me away from the Sports Ground. One way or another, I've simply had to prioritise home life ahead of the Chats. That said, things seem calmer now, and I aim to be reporting on next Tuesday's visit of Ramsgate for another midweek Kent derby, and to bring the results and misinformed comment on the do-or die must wins this week, away to Whytleafe tomorrow, and Andy Sinton's Fleet Town on Saturday.
I must admit, I'd love to go to Fleet. One of my favourite away venues, not so much for the sloping pitch, and somehow Ryman acceptable ground (just look at the money we've had to spend to comply and then at some grounds - I could and probably at some point will do an entire post on the subject), but for the fact that its a town where, if you come from Medway and are used to burger vans with no handwashing facilities, endless poundshops and abandoned desolate shopping centres, you feel like you're going to politely be asked to leave at any time.
Anyway, back to Saturday. I was on a plan at the time of the match, returning to these wind battered shores. I have to admit, I was surprised to hear the game was on given the weather forecasts I'd seen from afar (well, the west coast of Ireland, but it seems like another planet there), and there will be many wishing it hadn't been. I'm sure that the gale force winds put paid to any hopes of us bringing in another big crowd - it was over seventy down on the previous Saturday, and only marginally up on the cup game. Those who did attend rightly felt aggrieved that Chatham managed to dominate for 75 minutes and go 3-0 down within another ten. When we collapse its spectacular. Its such a shame, because against Ashford and Cray, we looked liked we'd finally solved the illusive defensive frailties. But we switched off by all accounts. AOB not happy. We grabbed a consolation through David "Daryl Hall" Hall, but missed a chance to go third. Due to other postponements, we remain in the play off spots, but have to hope other results continue to go our way. That's why 'leafe and Fleet are must win games. I have faith in AOB Don Logan - as I said previously, he wants us out of this league - upwards that is - and if we can just get the team to gel, which to be frank it hasn't really done yet, there's no reason why we can't. There's a positive embarrassment of riches in the squad, which could not be said for years - from going from being "just too good to go down", we're now looking more like "too good not to go up". How far we've come in a year is remarkable. If it didn't make me get that annoying The View song in my head (you'd be amazed at what you can achieve in a year), I'd say it more often.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Chatham Town 2-0 Cray Wanderers
Tonight saw the Chats stroll through comfortably to the third round of the Championship Manager Cup, with a very impressive 2-0 win over Ryman Premier League Cray Wanderers.
Cray played a strong side, but looked very poor. Richard Stroud, having a rare outing in goal was rarely troubled and made a couple of good saves when called upon to do so. His confidence needs boosting though, and his decision making is questionable, but its a pretty good thing that the only moan I can have about the game is about a young keeper who kept a clean sheet.
Chatham did the ugly things well, and the pressuring of Cray to keep them in their own half was highly credible. Both goals came in the first half, and it could have easily been 5-0 if not for the heroics of the Cray keeper, who made fine saves from Green and Powell.
In other news, its brilliant, absolutely top of the world brilliant, to read AOB's column in the programme. He wants us out of this division. Avo echoes this. Its all good. Four unbeaten now for the Chats - roll on the Co-Casuals on Saturday.
As AOB would say, always go another round, be positive... Come on the Chats!
Cray played a strong side, but looked very poor. Richard Stroud, having a rare outing in goal was rarely troubled and made a couple of good saves when called upon to do so. His confidence needs boosting though, and his decision making is questionable, but its a pretty good thing that the only moan I can have about the game is about a young keeper who kept a clean sheet.
Chatham did the ugly things well, and the pressuring of Cray to keep them in their own half was highly credible. Both goals came in the first half, and it could have easily been 5-0 if not for the heroics of the Cray keeper, who made fine saves from Green and Powell.
In other news, its brilliant, absolutely top of the world brilliant, to read AOB's column in the programme. He wants us out of this division. Avo echoes this. Its all good. Four unbeaten now for the Chats - roll on the Co-Casuals on Saturday.
As AOB would say, always go another round, be positive... Come on the Chats!
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