Tremendous, Neil obviously had some great trialists on show. At least things are looking up.

Paul Vines
John Main
John Wallis
Frannie Collin
Danny Hockton

All players who were out Of contract and signed AFTER Neil came here (in the period where he never signed no one)

He must know which players at lower league clubs arent on contract, Just go and get them cos we aint gonna get anyone good enough from this league or above. Clearly Neil hasnt signed all crap players, some are good enough. But hes either signed too many poor players or his and Stuart's coaching and tactics is rubbish.

Hes been saying hes bring players in for a few games, Where are they?? We are in big doo doo trust me.

Hes not giving too many signs he can sort this out, My only hope is we sign a manager whos been there done it RECENTLY at least at the level below us. And stop hiring these people whove never managed again because A they are on peanuts and B they wont be good enough to challenge and C they will be so greatful for the job they wont rock the boat for the owner...


If Neil gets us in the conference...ever (in what aint a great league) i will have i think barrie hobbins is the greatest owner in the world... tattooed on my john thomas! Please people though if a new manager is brought in remember WHO brings them in....


-- Edited by JgFc at 17:32, 2007-09-11

BKK, Unless there is something I've missed responsibility for the appointment of a manager is solely the province of the Club.

The ambition of the Club and the budget made available for management and the squad which is determined by the Club will be high among the factors in whether those initially expressing interest in the post will remain interested. The most likely outcome in our present situation is that the Club will appoint an ambitious and enthusiastic but virgin manager. All managers have to start somewhere and the Club could strike lucky and achieve success but as I have said before a virgin manager faces a baptism by fire and only the very strong will survive.

Unfortunately Neil has not had the sort of start to his career which reflects his enthusiasm and ambition. I'm sure that nobody wants to see a manager fail but he has a very tough 3 weeks ahead of him and if he does not gain at least a modicum of success his days must surely be numbered.

What must be of concern is who else is out there who would be prepared to take up the challenge if Neil were to go.

Getting back to the actual subject of the thread what happened to your match report SoaW? Could you not read your copious notes mate?

Not a match report but a very brief overview of how I saw the match.

First half both sides played what looked like young sides. There was some very neat football played and in my view Welling were the better side and desperately unlucky to go in trailing 1-0 after a 44th minute goal from Thamesmead.

The second half saw several changes to both sides and Thamesmead though still including many young players were much stronger. The first few minutes of the half saw Welling pushing for the necessary equaliser but Thamesmead then stamped and maintained their authority on the game scoring another 3 goals in the process. Defensively Welling were exposed and the forwards never really looked like scoring.

In my opinion there were several young players with potential in the Welling side but nobody who could provide Neil (who I believe was there for the second half) with any instant solutions to his current problems.

One point I would make to Grant Spelling is that I know it was a friendly but at one point I counted three different types of shorts being worn (including a black pair!) A minor and some may say an irrelevant matter but it doesn't do much for the image of the reserve side.

Correction unless I've missed something we do have a Conference Youth League side. They are in the Central Conference (SE) Division and they have their first League match next Wedneday (19th) when they are away to Wycombe Wanderers.

Neil has more than enough to focus on with the first team and the reserve side is the remit of Grant Spelling. The critical issue for the reserves in my view will be getting them games since they are not in a league and without games we will not attract other than our 1st year U18's. We need some players whose experience is greater and who should be knocking on the door of the first team and they were not there last night in my op[inion.

It is very early days for Grant who has previously had success with reserve sides and will I'm sure have his own ideas. Lets hope we get to hear what these ideas are and that he manages to get some publicity for the team and gives us more than 24 hours notice of matches.