Saturday 22 December 2012

Christmas 1912

With today's game off here is the Way Back Then article I wrote for the programme

If one wanted to stock up on drinks for Christmas 1912 then wine importer and spirit merchant W R Mann had plenty to offer, including fine old brandies, special old Scotch and Irish whiskies, light old port (recommended for invalids) and champagne. At the cheaper end of the spectrum, there was British wine, cooking sherry and cooking brandy. Beers on offer included Bass, Allsipp and Worthington, as well as Guiness’s Extra Stout, but no Brakes Fluid. In addition, there were Havana and British cigars and Turkish and Virginia cigarettes.

W.J. Randall in Regent Street West were offering ‘useful’ Christmas presents which included palm stands; coal boxes; Japanese and Chinese vases, plaques and bowls; and draught screens. In similar vein one could visit Lee Longland in Birmingham for ‘useful and artistic gifts’ which included ‘a nice cushion, pretty table covers, occasional tables, palm stands, book racks and easy chairs.’

Cinderella was the pantomime on offer at the Theatre Royal. As the Courier noted, ‘We look forward to the timely entertainment with as keen an appetite as we look forward to turkey, Christmas pudding, mince pies, and all the other gastronomic bon-touches of the season.’ The Courier spent more time describing the appearance and condition of the theatre, although it was full of praise for the production as well.

The decorations of the theatre received particular attention, in particular a floral design that reflected the spirit of the age by depicting ‘an aeronaut on a monoplane.’ It will be recalled that earlier that year the first heavier-than-air machine had landed in Leamington on the old football pitch. On entering the foyer of the theatre, patrons saw ‘a glorious fully-berried holly tree, groups of the choicest hothouse flowers, in which lilies and poinsettias are conspicuous amidst delicate pink blooms on the staircase, a graceful floral swan under the spreading leaves of a Kentia palm in one corner.’ Further praise was given to the way in which draughts had been excluded, in particular by the installation of a warm carpet.

Over at the Colonade Theatre, the evening’s entertainment started with moving pictures, including ‘The Hand of Fate’, a story of German duelling, and the ‘Physician of Silver Gulch’ which apparently offered a mixture of cowboy and medical themes with the story of ‘a doctor’s temptation’. Other films on offer included the seasonal ‘A Christmas Messenger’ and an ‘instructive’ film called ‘Unique Nature Studies’ (this was believed not to be an early venture into nudism films). Having enjoyed the miracle of moving pictures, the live bill included The Murrati Brothers, ‘a trio of expert clog dancers, including a marvellously clever roller-skater’. The following week offered acrobats and gymnasts and Tyrolean vocalists.

If one wanted more sober entertainment, one could go to the Town Hall to view the portrait of the ex-Mayor, apparently an ‘esteemed and popular figure’. The Courier advised its readers that it was well worth a visit, despite having been hung in bad light.

On Christmas morning, carol singers who have been ‘remarkably quiet’ in the preceding week started to sing at 2 a.m. in the morning and continued to do so until daybreak. One of the wettest years on record ended with a cold, wet and windy Christmas, ‘leading the fireside to hold its traditional place in the esteem of English people at Yuletide.’ A Happy Christmas to you.

Saturday 15 December 2012

Leamington back to winning ways - just

Leamington won a tightly fought encounter at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon, beating 'the pride of North Devon', Bideford Town, 2-1 in front of a depleted pre-Christmas crowd of 429. (I'm assuming the collie dog doesn't count, but he certainly takes a keen interest in the match). There were those who thought that the Brakes rode their luck and that a draw would have been a fair result, but it was a spirited and committed performance in the second half a rather disappointing first half.

Brakes started well and were camped out in the opposition's half for the opening phase of the game, but then the visitors started to apply some pressure. A defensive error by Mace gave the ball away and keeper Niall Cooper had to make the first of a number of excellent saves. Batchelor received a yellow card after he advised the referee where he could put himself.

Bideford went ahead on 25 minutes after a miss kick by Batchelor in front of goal. But then a penalty gave Brakes the chance to level on 38 minutes and it was well taken by Dodd to make it 1-1. In the first half as a whole there was too much hoofing of the ball and not enough getting it down, controlling it and passing it.

Half time: Brakes 1, Robins 1

Bideford were dangerous in their counter attacks throughout the game and Cooper had to make a vital save from one such break. On 56 minutes Jimmy Husband was able to burst through and put the ball in the corner of the net to make it 2-1.

Cooper had to make good save from a corner. The young referee was enthusiastic, but did not always have a grip and there was an outbreak of handbags away from him which led to two yellow cards after consultation with the linesman. Bideford forward Matt Andrew may work for Ambrosia, but he was far from being an example of creamy charm and picked up a yellow card for a foul on Daly.

Leamington then saw the ball come off the inside of the post, allowing the keeper to gather. Not long afterwards Berwick hit the post, possibly he should have done better. The yellow cards continued to be handed out to both teams, including one for Daly: at least the referee by now did not make the mistake he nearly made earlier in the game by showing a green card.

Bideford continued to threaten and my heart was in mouth as a free kick was driven across the front of the Brakes goal. The Bideford keeper then made an excellent stop from a strong shot from distance which would have gone in. The referee found plenty of time to add on, but then the whistle was blown and Paul Holleran bowed to acknowledge the chants of the Harbury Lane end.

Saturday 1 December 2012

Brakes hunt down Stags

Leamington secured an emphatic 2-1 victory over AFC Totton in front of a crowd of 554 on an icy afternoon at the New Windmill Ground.

Totton threatened just after 10 minutes but the ball was kept out and Brakes raced up the other end, Chilton scoring the opener on 12 minutes. Then a Daly header went just wide and Batchelor got injured and required attention.

Cooper then gave away an avoidable penalty, but redeemed himself by saving the shot. Magunda and Batchelor picked up yellow cards from the referee who was well up himself. Brakes created some pressure from two successive corners, but the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Shortly into the second half there was an outbreak of pinball in front of the Totton goal with shots by Leamington being blocked three or four times. Then on 54 minutes Chris Mason equalised for Totton with a strong shot from distance.

On 60 minutes Jimmy Husband put in a first rate cross and Dodd sent the ball skimming along the bar as Leamington sought to restore their lead. Eventually Dodd scored for the home side on 66 minutes, the move starting with a free kick for offside. Totton charm merchant Jonathan Davies charged in and was shown the red card.

Totton continued to play fluently and always looked as if they might equalise, but Brakes stood firm and launched a number of attacks.

Liam Daly was my man of the match, always stalwart in defence.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Job done

Leamington cashed in one of their games in hand with a 2-1 victory over Kettering Town in a front of an attendance of 418 at the New Windmill Ground last night.

It was by no means an easy victory. Financially troubled Kettering had brought along a young side with plenty of pace who looked strong on the counter attack. Their keeper Yannick Nlate, who has played for Staines Town, made some outstanding saves. For our part we hit the bar in the first half and missed an outstanding chance to score in the second. The Poppies picked up three yellow cards in the first half through needless indiscipline such as kicking the ball away.

The visitors went 1-0 ahead on 18 minutes, but Berwick replied in a move from a corner on 25 minutes. Chilton scored our winner on 72 minutes.

The game against St.Neots on Saturday promises to be a cracker. The visitors have lost only one match away. They can score goals, but look weak defensively, having conceded 25. To my annoyance, I have to chair a meeting on Saturday afternoon and will miss the game.

Saturday 3 November 2012

Brakes tough it out to secure points

Leamington secured a 1-0 victory and an important three points in a tough match against Chippenham Town at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon. Starved of home football for seven weeks, 621 turned out to see the game.

The teams changed ends with Brakes playing towards the Harbury Lane end in the first half: they usually play towards the North Bank. There was bizarre incident at the beginning of the team when Chippenham charm merchant Alan Griffin (the former Swindon Supermarine ace) kicked the ball out of the hand of keeper Niall Cooper and put it in the back of the net. The referee was facing towards what he assumed would be the direction of play and did not see what happened so he had to run over to consult the smiling lino on the Sheepside and the 'goal' was ruled out to the great indignation of Griffin who lived up to the Costcutters brand on the back of his shirt.

Chippenham were indulging in some agricultural clearances, but some real skill by Jimmy Husband nearly resulted in an opener for the Brakes. As tempers flared, there was an outbreak of handbags which was smoothed over by the referee. Then just after the half hour Johnson scored the only goal of the game for Leamington.

Chippenham stepped up the pressure in the final quarter of an hour, winning their first corner. Cooper made a good save by kicking the ball away from danger to preserve Leamington's lead.

H-T 1-0

Chippenham came out of the blocks at a furious pace at the beginning of the second half and Cooper had to make a great save. Johnson put the ball just over when he had a scoring chance and Chippenham's keeper also had to make a great save. Mouthy James Guthrie got a yellow card and was taken off immediately as he was always looked like a candidate for a second.

In the last minute of play Brakes foolishly gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, but the visitors were unable to take advantage and the ball sailed over the goal. Cooper was my man of the match for two fantastic second half saves, but honourable mentions for Husband who was substituted and captain Stephan Morley.

Hemel Hempstead won at Frome and St.Neots drew at Bashley meaning the Brakes stay in second place, five points behind the Tudors but with four games in hand.

Saturday 15 September 2012

Seven goal thriller at the New Windmill

Leamington beat Aresley Town 4-3 in front of a crowd of 539 at the New Windmill Ground despite the best efforts of a penalty happy referee.

Paul Holleran had talked up Aresley before the game and they were certainly impressive going forward, showing considerable pace and passing well. They also had two big centre backs.

Brakes went ahead after 7 minutes. Tom Berwick burst through, controlled the ball well with his chest and put in a decisive strike. Ten minutes later, however, the visitors equalised. A casual attitude in midfield meant that Leamington lost possession and Aresley took advantage with Dillon finding the back of the net.

After another ten minutes two players collided whilst going for the ball in the area and the referee pointed to the spot, Roberts scoring for the visitors by putting the ball into the far corner of the net, although Sawyer nearly made contact with it.

Two minutes later 'goal a game' Liam Daly rose well to a corner and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2. The remaining quarter of an hour wa a bit scrappy, but Berwick missed a golden chance to make it 3-2 when he was one on one with the keeper but blasted the ball over.

Another 50-50 challenge, this time by the keeper saw Sawyer given a yellow card and Roberts stepped up to make it 2-3 on 54 minutes. Brakes made a double substitution with Dodd and Chilton coming off and Taylor and Husband coming on, notwithstanding a note in the programme that Husband would be rested due to lack of sleep.

A Aresley goal was ruled offside and then Abbey in their goal saved on the line after I thought the ball had gone in. The match was increasingly about the referee who delighted in giving long lectures to errant players. The referee was advised from the Sheepside to get in the box when Aresley had a free kick and to get back when Brakes counter attacked.

However, he did award Leamington a penalty, after Berwick was brought down allowing Magunda to make it 3-3. Then in the dying minutes of the game, Brakes managed to make it 4-3. Good work by Moore set up Daly who headed the ball into the roof of the net. An incredible match.

Saturday 8 September 2012

Play It Again

Leamington go to Stourbridge's Memorial Ground for a 1st qualifying round FA Cup replay on Tuesday night after they drew 2-2 at home with the Glassboys in front of a crowd of 601. It would be difficult to complain about the result.

Stour went ahead on 3 minutes after Hood lost a challenge on the halfway and Liam Daly was beaten for pace by the foraging Knight who easily beat Sawyer to make it 0-1. Craig Owen had to be taken off after seven minutes and replaced by Lee Moore.

The ball was going up in the air too much and we weren't playing our usual passing game, although that may be down in part to the disruptive efforts of the visitors. Sawyer had to make a key save just before the break.

After Brakes had equalised through Lee Moore on 65 minutes who put in a good chip after the keeper punched the ball out, it looked as it might end up 1-1. But then Stour scored a rocket of a shot on 72 minutes to make it 1-2. Brakes did not give up, however, and after a series of corners, it was Daly who equalised with a well taken strike on 86 minutes.

Stour won a free kick in time added on which looked potentially dangerous, but they were not able to make use of the opportunity.

Husband, who looked out of sorts after becoming a father again earlier in the week, was not really comfortable or effective as left back and was eventually replaced by Morley.

Saturday 1 September 2012

One Is (Just) Enough

Leamington won their third match in a row with a 1-0 defeat of Cambridge City at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon. However, it was a less convincing display than the 3-0 defeats of Hitchin and Bedworth, particularly given that the visitors had conceded 13 goals in their first three games. A crowd of 502 plus two dogs watched the spectacle on a warm and increasingly sunny afternoon.

For a moment it looked as if Cambridge might go ahead in the opening minutes, but Swayer made a good recovery after a defender had played the ball in dangerously. However, the ball was up the other end immediately and Berwick nipped round the keeper to put Brakes ahead on four minutes.

Then Berwick challenged the keeper and got the ball in the net, but the referee, who was keen to demonstrate he was not a 'homer' by giving any marginal decision to the visitors, ruled it out for a foul.

And that was pretty much that as far as Brakes were concerned, although they had their chances, Lee Chilton just failing to connect in the second half with a ball across the goal which would have been a tap in. The visitors, meanwhile, showed an ability to stage fast counter attacks.

Cambridge had made their first substitution at half time, taking off the pacey Jordan Patrick. After they made a double substitution halfway through the half, they increasingly dominated the game.

After manager Holleran had been urged to get the hair out of his eyes by one Sheepsider, he made two late substitutions, taking off Dodd who had been below his usual standard and then Batchelor. By that time it was panic stations with Brakes forced back in front of their goal and conceding free kicks and corners. However, the defence stood firm and a late counter relieved the pressure so that Leamington could claim all three points with some relief.

Brakes are now 2nd. Bring on the Stour.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Points shared with Stour

In a high tempo, no holds barred game with Stourbridge at the New Windmill Ground last night Leamington secured a 1-1 draw. I wouldn't argue that it was an unfair result, although the referee took a benign stance towards cynical fouling by the visitors, only awarding two yellow cards to the visitors and one to Brakes at the end.

Stour turned up with a rag, tag and bobtail self-styled Red Army who informed us that 'We are Stourbridge.

Leamington showed some real moments of skill, but the way the midfield sometimes disappeared in the face of an admittedly high tempo Stourbridge attack was a matter for some concern.

Sawyer in the Leamington goal showed once again that he is an excellent acquisition and made some great saves, showing real agility that one might not necessarily expect in someone of his size, most notably in dealing with a chaotic situation following a Stour corner. He also made a great save with his feet just before half time. He could not be blamed for the Stour goal.

Our goal was scored by Berwick on 10 minutes. Stour rattled the crossbar with some force in the second half. Their goal on 71 minutes came from a move that started with a free kick.

We threatened from a corner at the end of the game, then Stour broke away and got a free kick and then a corner, but it ended all square.

An acceptable result against a side that are something of a bogey team for us and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Hopefully we can get three points on Saturday to move us up the league.

Saturday 11 August 2012

Good pre-season continues

A good pre-season for Leamington in which they have competed well against higher league opposition continued with a 2-2 draw against Blue Square North outfit Worcester City at the New Windmill Ground in front of a crowd of 246 this afternoon.

Pre-seasons are not necessarily any guide to the season itself but the standard of passing has been good and for most of the time Brakes have kept the ball on the ground with less hoofing than was evident last season. New giant but agile keeper Kevin Sawyer has slotted in well.

Good work on the right created an opportunity for Brakes on 7 minutes and Worcester City Welsh international Owen Goal was on hand to put the ball decisively into his own net. Worcester equalised on 34 minutes after they had sped down the wing through former Port Vale player Danny Glover.

On 59 minutes Brakes won a penalty taken by Matt Dodds who for me was man of the match. He slotted home but Worcester stepped up a gear and equalised on 78 minutes.

Things got a bit niggly in the second half and after a clash between Batchelor and Worcester's Matt Symons the latter, who looked as if he was on loan from the rugby club, left the field of play.

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Nathan Vaughan

Sorry to hear of his departure to Kidderminster, that's the second keeper we have lost there. Tony Breeden has since moved on to Kidderminster. But, of course, if players are any good they are likely to go higher up the non-league pyramid.

The news from a Kiddy angle here: Vaughan

Not sure who his replacement will be, the guy we had last Saturday was ok, but not as good as Vaughan.

Thursday 26 July 2012

Olympic football

I missed last night's Brakes game against Coventry City as I went to the City of Coventry Stadium to see Japan play Canada and Sweden play South Africa in the women's football. There was a real sense of occasion and perhaps much of the negativty surrounding the Olympics has at last been overcome, although the stadium was far from full with an attendance of 15,210.

The pitch announcer appeared to be the guy from the ice hockey and some of the tactics that work in a rink ('can I hear you Block 3'?) did not work in a far from full stadium where many people had a poor command of English. Goal announcements were very delayed and used the 'Goal scored Player No.8' formula.

We were surrounded by Japanese fans chanting 'Nippon'. Some women were in traditional dress, while one man had his face painted white and was wearing what looked like a clown outfit. Clearly there was a cultural meaning here that was lost on me.

When the Japanese team ran on to the pitch they were so diminutive that at first I thought they were mascots. The Canadians were so massive that they could have played for Sheffield Wednesday, but the authoritative Finnish referee made it clear that she would stand for no nonsense in the sauna like conditions.

The Japanese were compared into the programme to Barcelona. Whilst this was something of an exaggeration, they passed and kept possession very well and were also good at finding one of their players with long balls. Not surprisingly, they were 2-0 up at half time, although one of these goals involved a mix up in the Canadian defence. The Canadians stepped up a gear and got a goal back in the second half but Japan were deserved 2-1 winners.

The City of Coventry stadium excelled itself in the break between the two matches. When I arrived I was told there was no water, only coca cola (this week's Private Eye covers shows two armed policemen saying 'Put that can of pepsi down and you won't be harmed'). The nearest outlet had no pies and the next one had no vegetarian option for my wife.

We were surrounded by Swedish flags and blondes for the next game. It was soon evident that the Swedes combined athleticism and skill and the South Africans were no match for them. They were 3-0 down in 20 minutes, the last goal coming after a defensive mix up. The South Africans pulled one back with an outrageous chip over the goalkeeper who was off her line, but the final score was 4-1. As the Swedish lady next to me commented, though she was pleased to see her team win, the first game had been more interesting as it was less one sided.

Men's football, Belarus versus New Zealand, tonight.

Sunday 15 July 2012

Brakes Get Good Workout

Leamington got a good work out against Conference side Mansfield Town at the New Windmill Ground yesterday as they went down 0-1 through a second half penalty.

Brakes started brightly with one wag commenting that he had seen more football in the first ten minutes than he had in the whole of last season. Alex Taylor posed a number of questions to Mansfield early on through penetrating runs down the right. Long range shots from Adkins and Taylor tested Stags keeper Shane Redmond. Jamie Hood nodded the ball in the net, but was judged to be offside. The Brakes back line held their discipline and the linesman was raising his flag as often as the guard on a preserved railway.

Stags introduced a completely different eleven in the second half and they posed more of a threat after a somewhat disjointed first half performance from the visitors. Brakes lost their shape after they made some substitutions, some of them players unknown to me and those around me. As Brakes tired, the inevitable happened and Liam Daly conceded a penalty with Matt Green sending Vaughan the wrong way.

If it hadn't been a number of fine saves by the on form Vaughan, Mansfield could have gone away with a bigger scoreline. However, it was an encouraging start to the season.

Sunday 27 May 2012

Worcestershire's No.3

Asa Charlton has now left the Brakes to be assistant manager at his spiritual home, Redditch United. Ranked as the No.3 team in Worcestershire (how massive can you get) this BBC report provides an interesting insight into the club's finances: Redditch

Some good news about well-liked players such as Jimmy Husband staying on at Harbury Lane. I do get the impression sometimes that we have a big turnover of players, although I have no time to work out the stats or how it might compare with other non-league clubs.

Friday 25 May 2012

Brakes to face Poppies

With Kettering Town relegated to the Southern Premier because of their financial troubles and the consequent Company Voluntary Arrangement, Leamington will be facing the Poppies for the first time since 1981/82 next season. Kettering are now playing at Nene Park, the former home of Rushden and Diamonds which briefly saw League 1 football. Indeed, before Leamington got under away, I used to go and watch Rushden play from time to time: for example, I saw them draw with Queen's Park Rangers.

Rushden (formed from a merger of Rushden and Irthlingborough Diamonds) were the ultimate benefactor club, but it all ended in tears and the Irthlingborough stadium must be a ghost of its former self. It will be a game worth going to, all the same.

There was an intense rivalry between Rushden and Kettering up the road. The Rushden fanzine once suggested that the team from 'Rocking Horse Road' had launched a space mission to Uranus in the hope of finding intelligent life there as there was none in Kettering. Quite what Kettering fans think of playing at Nene Park is an interesting question. Diamonds fans have, in the meantime, formed a phoenix club.

I read in The Non-League Paper that Kettering are going to have a playing budget of £20,000 a month. Totally unnecessary in the SLP, but every year we get one: Truro City, AFC Totton (now without their benefactor) and now Kettering.

Friday 4 May 2012

How much for Jacob Blyth?

The record transfer fee received by the Brakes was £5,000 in 1978 when Roger Brown went to Bournemouth. That was £24,500 in today's prices. I doubt whether we will get anywhere near that amount if the move to Leicester revealed in The Courier goes ahead.

A number of sides are thought to have been interested, but the move to the Foxes reflects links between Brakes manager Paul Holleran and Leicester City assistant manager Craig Shakespeare. It also makes sense for the young player to move to a Midlands club rather than, say, go to London.

Saturday 28 April 2012

Season ends with victory

Leamington ended their season with a 3-2 victory over Chesham United. They finished in seventh place, seven points clear of St. Albans City. The final day's results were distorted by the postponement of the match at AFC Totton, but Chesham United have secured their play off place despite their defeat.

After the recent slump in attendances the match was played in front of a crowd of 601, bolstered by a large Chesham contingent, no doubt expecting the kings of the Metropolitan Line to motor to an easy victory. I was seated in front of two self-declared neutrals, probably ground hoppers, although they seemed very vague about the pyramid. If anything, it is more irritating to have your side's shortcomings pointed out by a neutral: we did tend to over hit the ball and to hoof it down the pitch rather than try and pass it on the ground, although things improved a bit in that respect in the second half. Once again, very blustery conditions at the exposed New Windmill Ground did not help to provide quality football.

Chesham signalled their intent with a fierce angled shot which went just wide on seven minutes. Brakes had a chance when the keeper spilled the ball, but we could not find the back of the net. Then a free kick was played in again, allowing David Kolodynski to head the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0. But two minutes later the visitors equalised after a failure to clear the ball alllowed Walters to make it 1-1.

The first corner of the game was won by Chesham late in the half. They were given a free kick for supposed handball in a dangerous position, but their effort came off the wall. Brakes had a free kick in a promising position, but sent it so high in the sky it would have been a threat to aircraft if Coventry Airport was still functioning.

HT 1-1

Good work by Jimmy Husband set up Kolo to score his second goal on 51 minutes. Then a good ball down the right allowed veteran Lee Steele to celebrate his last game with a goal that bounced off the keeper's leg. Chesham then came back into the game more and we allowed ourselves to be pinned back too much with insufficient outlets so it was no great surprise when they made it 3-2 through Thomas. A free kick gave them their best chance of an equaliser, but it was cleared and Leamington were able to assume sufficient control in the closing minutes.

The tall referee had a competent game, although he seemed very keen on shouting out explanations of all his decisions.

There was no sign of Jacob Blyth who is presumably going on to greater things. The management team were given the vote of confidence in the programme with the view being taken that we slightly over performed last season and slightly under performed this season.

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Not So Super

Leamington's chances of a play off place were diminished by a 2-2 draw at the New Windmill Ground against relegation threatened Swindon Supermarine tonight.  All credit to Swindon, they played with spirit and battled away, but Brakes needed to show more consistent quality.   With three matches on television, only 314 turned up to watch the spectacle.

The opening exchanges were scrappy with no real pattern, but then Chilton opened the scoring on 19 minutes with a real burst of pace.  But then the visitors equalised with a move from the left where Leamington always seem vulnerable.

Then Stephan Morley made it 2-1 before the break with a great strike from distance.

After the break Leamington really needed a 3rd goal, but were unable to impose themselves, their best chance coming when a header from a corner struck the post.

Supermarine then equalised with a well-taken free kick which went over the wall and beat Vaughan in the Brakes goal.

Even the rather flabby referee was getting fed up with the shouts of ****ing hell from Supermarine captain David Bampton at every decision but took no action beyond a talking to.

Leamington suffered a further blow when Jacob Blyth, who had not been at his best, had to be carried off the pitch.

Thursday 22 March 2012

Totton benefactor walks away

This was orginally posted on sister site Football Economy (as advertised in the Brakes programme):

Benefactors can bring untold riches to clubs. But they can also suddenly walk away, transforming a club's prospects in the opposite direction. This can be because their money dries up or because they become disillusioned. The latter applies to Evo-Stik Southern Premier club AFC Totton, currently second in the division.

Jim Fallon has decided to pull his funding out of the club. His company Beaumont Water Heaters had been ploughing £2,400 a week into the club to fund its bid for promotion to the Blue Square South. He also paid £10,000 to sponsor the first team kit and was planning to put in another £50,000 next season rather than renew his executive box at Southampton.

However he became unhappy with what he saw as the club's inability to raise sufficient funds to turn the Stags into a self-financing club. The club should not have any problems for the rest of the season given their good FA Cup run.

It's all kicking off at The Jockeys

Manager Lee Knight has threatened to walk out at Racing Club Warwick after the club were thrown out of the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup.   Last year they were thrown out of the Coventry Telegraph Challenge Cup.  It's all glamour competitons for the Jockeys.

Apparently Knight thinks there are inefficiencies behind the scenes.   Why I am not surprised?

Get it from the horse's mouth here: http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/sport/football/knight-threatens-to-quit-after-racers-kicked-out-of-cup-1-3655632

About This Blog

For some time I have been carrying reports of Leamington home games on my Charlton blog, albeit on a blog that is not currently active for Charlton material.   Indeed, it was my proud boast that mine was the only Charlton blog covering Brakes games.

However, one Addick has objected to having to read about a Midland non-league side.  I'm not sure whether it's the Midland or non-league aspect that offends him most.   Anyway, in future reports on Brakes games will appear here, along with the occasional news item.