FM 11 - From Blue Square to glory

[BYU 14]

Thanks to Radii and the fact that I am waiting for the patch from EA for NCAA 12 as I don't want to rish that end of season freeze up, I decided to start a FM dynasty in which I will try to start in BS South and work my way up. Hopefully I can follow in the Radii's footsteps.

Bishop's Stortford History

Founded in 1874 Bishop's is a semi-pro club known as the Blues, that plays in the Blue Square Bet South. The club plays its games at Woodside Park (capacity) and has a basic training setup and a very basic youth setup, which includes a limited recruitment network. Bishop's won the FA trophy in 1981 and won the English 8th Tier in 1981 and 1994.

07/06/2010 - Bishop's Stortford hires new boss

Chairman Luigi Del Basso has announced the hiring of Anthony Crooks to guide the Blues for the 2010-2011 campaign. The contract will pay $550 per week and is set to run through June of 2012. After discussions with his new Manager, Del Basso announced that a top of the table finish is expected.

[BYU 14]

7/7/2010

I appear before the media and among the topics are my style of play. I will be playing an attacking style, 4-2-2-2 with 2 Anchor type Defesive Midfielders who will be expected to trigger the break getting the ball out to our wingers. I will basically be conceding the middle third with this approach on terms of possession which is fine. This will be my main tactic for now and I will add a more defensive/countering version later for when we are up. Right now I want to go for it and play aggressive. I am also asked about the current staff and I indicate I will be evaluating everyone. (I already have and none will be worth keeping)

[BYU 14]

Goalkeepers	Position	Age	Wage	Aer	Cmd	Com	Ecc	Han	Kic	One	Ref	Rus	Pun	Thr
Nicky Eyre	GK	24	$210 p/w	7	8	9	12	10	9	9	10	8	10	7
Nick Morgan	GK	24	$325 p/w	12	10	6	2	11	5	11	11	11	1	3
Michael Neale	GK	16	$8 p/w	3	5	7	4	7	5	8	8	16	8	5

Nick Eyre is regarded as our best Keeper by the current staff, but I actually like Morgan (who is currently on loan to Billercay) better. I think I will let him stay there for a few friendlies to get Neale some work, but I am pretty sure I will recall him before the season starts.

Current Starter
Eyre

[BYU 14]

Fullbacks	Position	Age	Wage	Acc	Ant	Dec	Hea	Jum	Mar	Pac	Pos	Sta	Str	Tac
Matt Jones	D (R)	25	$450 p/w	9	6	8	6	7	10	9	8	10	8	10
Sanchez Ming	D (R)	25	$325 p/w	14	7	8	5	7	7	11	7	12	7	8
Michael Murphy	D/WB (L)	17	$8 p/w	9	3	3	3	6	4	10	6	9	6	7
Aiden Palmer	D (L)	23	$500 p/w	12	8	7	7	9	10	12	7	9	7	10

Key Attributes in red
As you can see this is a mixed bag. Based on my tactic this group is not ideal, but should make up for the lack of heading and anticipation prowess with decent pace for a Blue Square South side. Ming and Palmer are clearly the best, while Murphy is still on a youth contract and I will look to upgrade there.

Current Starters
Ming and Palmer

[Radii]

hooray! I'll be reading

[BYU 14]

Centre Backs	Position	Age	Wage	Acc	Ant	Dec	Hea	Jum	Mar	Pac	Pos	Sta	Str	Tac
Stevland Angus	D (LC)	29	$325 p/w	9	7	8	9	13	9	8	7	10	12	8
Lynvall Duncan	D (C)	25	$250 p/w	10	5	6	9	12	7	9	9	12	8	9
Joe O'Cearuill	D (RC)	23	$210 p/w	10	8	8	10	11	10	12	7	9	9	9
Ritchie Jones	D (RC)	19	$55 p/w	8	10	8	10	13	10	8	9	10	9	7

Key attributes in red
A fairly average group by BSS standards and the only one that looks to have a starting spot under lock and key for the moment is O'Cearuill. The others will fight it out during training and friendlies for the other spot. They are all decent jumpers for this level and and should help with defending set pieces. I am going to look for a bargain free transfer here to come in and press the others for time.

Current Starters
O'Cearuill and Angus

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by Radii

hooray! I'll be reading

Thanks, your great dynasty was the inspiration

[BYU 14]

Midfield	Position	Age	Wage	Pac	Cre	Cro	Dri	Fre	Fin	Fir	Fla	Lon	Off	Pas
Ben Bowditch	DM, M (C)	26	$400 p/w	9	9	6	7	11	5	8	7	7	7	8
Steve Birks	DM, M (C)	37	$120 p/w	12	3	6	2	8	2	7	2	6	6	6
Alli Abdullahi	DM, M (C)	20	$120 p/w	9	7	4	5	5	4	5	7	6	5	6
Abdulai Sankoh	DM, M (C)	16	$8 p/w	5	5	3	6	6	3	5	3	5	5	6
Ben Simpson	DM, M (C)	16	$8 p/w	6	5	3	6	4	3	8	4	3	2	5
Craig Edwards	M (C)	28	$375 p/w	10	9	6	6	6	6	6	5	7	6	7

Key attributes in red (Not included here, Work rate, Team Work, Determination, marking and tackling) next time I will customize this better.

This is the key position for my tactic and I need to find some help before the season starts. Sankoh and Simpson are only up to rest the others and will go back to youth once I sign some more players. I did pick up Steve Birks on a free but at 37 his future is not long with us. With Bowditch out hurt at the moment Abdullahi is the only current DMC with a shot to start. Craig Edwards is an adequate midfield type, but totally out of place with my tactic, so I will eventually release him when I shore up the ranks.

Current Starters
Abdullahi and Edwards


Transfer in - Steve Birks

[BYU 14]

Wingers	Position	Age	Wage	Pac	Cre	Cro	Dri	Fre	Fin	Fir	Fla	Lon	Off	Pas
Tyler Campbell	M (L), AM (RL)	19	$120 p/w	12	5	4	7	4	6	7	10	5	7	4
Scott Shulton	M (LC), AM (C)	20	$500 p/w	10	10	5	7	13	6	8	9	12	7	8
Jason Mason	M/AM (RC)	25	$325 p/w	7	11	8	7	7	7	6	9	7	8	10
Mitch Hahn	M/AM (R)	24	$170 p/w	10	8	5	9	8	4	7	10	8	7	8
Charlie Simpson	M/AM (L), ST	20	$170 p/w	12	4	4	5	4	6	5	12	5	7	5

Key attribute in red
Not what I want in terms of finishing as the wingers will get some cracks at goal in my scheme, but a good group to start with. Shulton is the best, but not even a pure winger, so he will begin to train as an AML immediately. Mason is the best passer of the lot, which is crucial, but lacks pace, so this will be a wide open competition through the pre-season with Shulton being the only one that that can be considered a fairly sure thing at this point.

Current Starters
Shulton and Mason

[BYU 14]

Strikers	Position	Age	Wage	Pac	Cre	Cro	Dri	Fre	Fin	Fir	Fla	Lon	Off	Pas
Josh Llewellyn	AM (RC), ST	23	$250 p/w	13	4	3	6	2	6	4	11	3	8	3
Danny Morgan	ST	25	$325 p/w	9	7	5	8	7	7	8	11	6	8	6
Duane Jackman	ST	24	$300 p/w	12	8	4	6	3	6	7	14	6	8	6
Hakeem Araba	ST	20	$250 p/w	9	5	3	6	3	6	6	13	5	9	5

Key attributes in red
Llewellyn could be a star in this tactic if he improves his touch and decisionm making, overall a fairly solid group for BSS who will all get chances. Morgan is currently injured, so Simpson will get some time at striker until he returns, with the other three part of a regular rotation. Jackman brings the desired pace and Araba I have been told has a knack for making plays, so this will be an interesting competition.

Current Starters
Llewellyn and Araba

[BYU 14]

I meet with the board and request a parent club, which they deny at first, but I talk them into it with the promise of additional revenue. I am also able to get an $8,000 weekly payroll with the promise of a top half finish. I quickly adjust that down to $7,325, which increases my transfer budget from 0 to $37,666. This is a minor coup, but I am not going to look to save this and go after free transfers early on. Next up is a friendly with Nostell Miners Welfare, then I have some bad news for some of, well all of the current staff.

[BYU 14]

7/9/2010 (Friendly)			Home to Nostell Miners			Sunny 59 Degrees
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Duncan			DL/R - Palmer / Ming
DMC - Edwards / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half				Score
6th	Craig Perks of NMW picks up a yellow card for impeding Llewellyn							--
10th	Craig Perks gets his 2nd yellow and is sent off as we go up a man							--
15th	Palmer centers from the flank and Mason who heads it in for our first goal							1-0
22nd	Mason plays a through ball to Hakeen Araba who buries it for our 2nd							2-0
24th	We strike again quickly as Alli Abdullahi puts back a rebound for the goal							3-0
31st	Jason Mason is tripped by Crowe and Shulton buries the ensuing penalty							4-0
Minute				Second Half				Score
46th	I sub out the entire side to start the second half							--
66th	Paul holder buries a free kick from 25 yds to NMW on the board							4-1
Final: Bishop's 4 - Nostell Miners Welfare 1					MOM: Alli Abdullahi 8.4

After the match I call the staff together and release them all on mutuals including Assistant Tim Moylette, Scout Adam Steele, Physio's David Jude and Adam Taylor and Youth Coach Dave Battram

[BYU 14]

7/11/2010

After two days of running the entire show I get my new staff in place just prior to a friendly against AFC Wimbledon. 29 yr old Ian Hart will be my new Assistant and will oversee tactics, ball control and defending. 54 yr old veteran Brian Casswell is brought in to coach Keepers and attacking, while 32 yr old Kevin Weston will be in charge of fitness training and shooting. This is my maximum allotment of coaches for now and this group at a level of 2 or better in everything but goalkeeping and shooting (both 1.5). I also snag 41 yeat old Mark Fairhurst (9) as a physio and 39 yr old Nathan Alexander as a scout. Neither are great, but they are all I can afford right now and the physio's I released were both rated at 6, so that area is still an upgrade.

[BYU 14]

7/11/2010 (Friendly)			Home to AFC Wimbledon			Breezy 80 Degrees - Att: 341
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Duncan			DL/R - Palmer / Ming
DMC - Edwards / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half				Score
15th	We concede the corner and Ismail Yakubu heads it in as Wimbledon takes the lead							0-1
16th	Jason Mason intercepts a back pass form Kedwell, jukes the Keeper and we are even							1-1
26th	Mason sets us up again, placing a ball near post that Llewellyn brings in and nets							2-1
27th	Wimbledons Steven Gregory goes off temporarily with an injury caused Abdullahi							-
41st	Gregory is back on for Wimbledon and earns a yellow for grabbing Mason's shirt							-
Minute				Second Half				Score
51st	We dodge a major bullet as Reece Jones volleys a rebound off the post wide							-
52nd	Wide scale substituations as I send 8 new players on							-
64th	DMC Alli Abdullahi in longer than he should have been has to leave the game hurt							-
67th	Joe O'Cearuill trips Kedwell just outside the box earning a yellow card							-
67th	Dale Robertson ties it off a corner after the ensuing free kick is deflected behind goal							2-2
84th	Micheal Neal is booked, receiving a yellow card after a handball							-
Final: Bishop's Stortford 2 - AFC Wimbledon 2					MOM: Sammy Moore (Wimbledon) 9.0

Wimbledon dominated with 15 shots to 6 and 58% possession, however we put 5 of ours on target to only 4 for them. Alli Abdullahi will be out 9-12 days with bruised ribs, a big blow to our thin and inexperienced cadre of DMC's, thankfully it is pre-season.

[BYU 14]

7/12/2010

D/WBL Michael Murphy is eligible for a professional contract, but he does not fit into my long term plans, so I will not be offering one.

7/13/2010

Injury update from Mark Fairhurst indicates both DMC Ben Bowditch and ST Danny Morgan still don't have dates determined for their return from Knee injuries.

I release 17 year old GK Luke Herbert who is now eligible for a professional contract but will never see 1st team football for us.

I ask for scouting reports on a number of Defensive Midfielders, Centre Backs and Fullbacks as we will look to shore up the back line.

[BYU 14]

7/14/2010 (Friendly)			Away to Ashford			Drizzle 48 Degrees - Att: 36
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / O'Cearuill			DL/R - Palmer / Ming
DMC - Edwards / Simpson			AML/R - Shulton / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half				Score
14th	Craig Edwards is booked for a hard foul							-
19th	Arron Bull draws a yellow card for holding Llewellyn by his shirt							-
26th	Harry Woods is given a yellow after tripping Mason							-
29th	Llewellyn takes the ball forward and uncorks a screamer that smacks the cross bar							-
Minute				Second Half				Score
50th	Akeem Araba breaks the offside trap and chips a beauty over the keeper off the bar							-
52nd	I do my usual mass friendly substitutions sending on 9 new players							-
58th	Jackman plays the ball forward to Charlie Simpson who beats West for the goal							1-0
73rd	Tyler Campbell is tripped by Jack James in the box and Steve Birks nails the penalty							2-0
Final: Bishop's Stortford 2 - Ashford 0					MOM: Charlie Simpson (Bishop's) 7.4

A poor match in the rain, but we dominate in shots 15-4, with none of Ashfords being on target. We also hold a slight edge in possession with 52%.

After the match I recall Nick Morgan from Billericay as I have seen enough of the youngster Neale to know he is heading back to the U18 squad.

[BYU 14]

7/15/2010

We sign Andeele Martins, a 23 yr old Finnish DMC for $400 PW who according to Ian Hart can be a key player. He has 12 pace and positioning, 13 teamwork and 11 work rate.

7/16/2010

Reserve squad striker Matthew Judge is out 3-4 weeks after suffering a severe gash to his leg during training

With the signing of Martins we release Craig Edwards on a free transfer. As mentioned he is a decent MC, but doesn’t fit the profile needed a midfielder in my tactic.

7/18/2010

The groundskeeper asks for pitch alterations and I go with the maximum possible at 121 yards long and 80 yards wide to play into our heavy flank attack style of play.

I score the crown jewel of my transfer targets as 18 yr old Nigerian Emexca Orwubiko pens a $425 pw contract through June 2012. Ian Hart believes he could become the best player on the club down the road. He boasts 13 teamwork, 11 tackling, 10 passing and work rate and a respectable 9 pace. The midfield is now shaping up.

7/19/2010

Still not done I bring in 18 year old Britsh Centre Back Simon Cox on a free. Hart believes he is already our best Centre Back and will be a key member of the team. He is physically gifted with 11 or better in acceleration, agility, balance, jumping, natural fitness and pace. He is also a 12 in heading and 11 in tackling and positioning. This is another good bargain buy at $300 pw for 2 seasons.

[BYU 14]

7/20/2010 (Friendly)			Home to Newton AFC			Dry 57 Degrees - Att: 70
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Duncan			DL/R - Palmer / Ming
DMC - Orwubiko / Martins			AML/R - Shulton / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half				Score
14th	Martins wastes no time making an impact with a put back on a rebound							1-0
19th	Hakeem Araba takes a pass from his partner up front Llewellyn and nets it top corner							2-0
25th	Jason Mason cuts inside and drives home a left footed volley off a lewellyn pass							3-0
45th	Mason goes down in stoppage time and has to leave the game - Charlie Simpson in							-
Minute				Second Half				Score
48th	Newtons Mike Jones tries to clear a Charlie Simpson shot and scores an own goal							4-0
57th	Joe O'Cearuill being his aggressive self draws a yellow card after a trip							-
62nd	Newton Midfielder Michael Brown is injured after a challenge by Birks and comes off							-
65th	Tyler Campbell takes a ball from Birks down the wing and finds the net from 25 yds							5-0
68th	Duane Jackman gets behind the defense and sends a scorcher top corner							6-0
81st	Joe O'Cearuill gets a very uncalled for 2nd yellow card and is off to the showers							-
Final: Bishop's Stortford 6 - Newton AFC 0					MOM: Jason Mason (Bishop's) 8.2

A total destruction of the amateur side, though we only outshot them 11-6, 7 of ours were on target and none of theirs were inside the framework. A narrow possesion edge of 51-49% is not a concern as our style is predicated on creating chances, not holding the ball. My only issue is the thuggish play of O'Cearuill who plays a very chippy game and now has 3 yellows in friendlies. This is the type of thing that will cost him a chance to start. The 2 new DMC's did a commendable job despite no time training in our tactic and I think they will be very good once up to speed.

[BYU 14]

7/22/2010

The board opens up an additional coaching slot and I bring on 43 yr old Paul Carty as strength coach. This is only due to who was available, but he will be a short term fix only to fill the extra coaching slot and I will upgrade here ASAP.

I complete what should be my final signing bringing in another free transfer in AMR Matt Barnes, an 18 yr old Brit who Ian Hart thinks is better than Jason Mason and could develop into a star at the Npower League 2 level, which is good to know for if/when we get there. He comes on for $300 PW and while not extremely pacey, has 14 crossing, 13 creativity and 11 flair. Another good pickup.

[BYU 14]

7/23/2010 (Friendly)			Home to Everton Reserves			Drizzle 55 Degrees - Att: 3804
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / Ming
DMC - Birks / Martins			AML/R - Campbell / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Jackman
Minute				First Half					Score
3rd	Llewellyn makes a great run in deep and drops it back to Aiden Palmer who curls it for the near post, with Everton keeper Davies just tipping it wide
26th	An Everton Goal kick is taken by Baxter, who plays it ahead to Joao Silva. Silva shoots far post and it goes just wide as Eyre was beaten
				Second Half
56th	James Wallace plays a superb ball ahead to Keiran Agard after a Barkley interception and Agard finds space and puts it away to for Everton								0-1
60th	I make my usual mass substitution swapping out the entire side
85th	Scott Shulton plays the ball from our own half to Charlies Simpson how sends a scorching low shot in on goal that Connor Roberts just tips away
90th	Nick Morgan makes a great save on Evertons Garbut, but can't hold the ball and Matthew Harris buries the rebound in stoppage time.								0-2
90th	New signing Matt Barnes comes up lame after the Harris goal
Final: Bishop's Stortford 0 - Everton Reserves 2					MOM: Matthew Harris (Everton) 7.5
Possession: Everton 52-48%					Shots: Everton 16-3
Goals: None					Goals: Agard 56', Harris 90+'

We did well to keep them close, but could generate no offense outside of the opening minutes and it was only a matter of time before they broke us down. Martins and Abudullahi played well in the DMC slot and are the 2 frontrunners to start, while Nicky Eyre is looking to be the #1 keeper.

[rlmayer32]

Excellent so far.

[BYU 14]

7/23/2010

Fairhurst comes bearing the great news after the Everton Match that Matt Barnes is out 5-6 weeks with a pulled Hamstring, friggin awesome!

7/27/2010

reviewing contracts we have 26 set to expire over the next 12 months including Scott Shulton, Matthew Judge and our resident thug Joe O'Cearuill. It is going to be a busy year as there is no way we will survive that much turnover.

I announce squad win bonuses to the team, which will be an 8.5K pool for a Blue Square South title and a 30K for a Cup win to be split among the lads. Tomorrow we have a friendly away to Horsham.

Originally Posted by rlmayer32

Excellent so far.

Thank you, glad to have you following along

[BYU 14]

7/28/2010 (Friendly)			Away to Horsham			Dry 53 Degrees - Att: 51
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / Jones
DMC - Martins / Abdullahi			AML/R - Campbell / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
29th	Aiden Palmer draws a yellow and Anthony Roach bangs the ensuing free kick off the cross bar. It is a sign of things to come
38th	Horshams Dave Buchanan is nicked up after a collision with Matt Jones
				Second Half
51st	Wooley fakes Andelee Martins out of his spikes and hits the side netting as he can't quite get the angle - I sub on 4 players
60th	Jason Mason finds himself unmarked and one times a pass from Jackman that Keeper Spearing is just able to divert wide. I sub 6 more players.
62nd	Nathan Barron gets his foot on a corner from Purches and squeezes it in between Nicky Eyres and the post for the goal.								0-1
67th	Perkins tries to cross from an impossible angle, but Nicky Eyres bobbles the ball off the post and then knocks it in diving to corral it, an own goal..								0-2
79th	Scott Shulton cuts into the box and tries to center the ball. John Hunter attempts to cut the pass off but knocks it into his own goal instead								1-2
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Horsham 2					MOM: Nathan Barron (Horsham) 8.1
Possession: Horsham 55-45%					Shots: Horsham 9-1
Goals: Hunter (Own Goal) 79'					Goals: Barron 62' Eyre (Own Goal) 67'

Apparently giving the reserves of a premier side a good go makes us too good for Horsham, who are quick to dispel that notion with a rude slap to the face. One shot on goal, are you kidding me? I am not happy after the match and everyone knows it.

[BYU 14]

7/31/2010 (Friendly)			Home to Sunderland reserves			Dry 73 Degrees - Att: 3797
GK - Morgan			DC - Duncan / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / Ming
DMC - Martins / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Mason			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
16th	Sunderlands Elliott leaves the ball for Nathan Wilson after a nice run and Wilson blasts it toward the top corner, just skimming the top of the bar
28th	The tandem of Araba and Llewellyn work a nice give and go as Llewellyn is tripped by Nathan Wilson. Scott Shulton nails the penalty kick for the goal!								1-0
45th	Palmer plays the ball ahead to Llewellyn, who knocks it to Shulton on the wing. Shulton centers back to Llewellyn whose shot is parried by King
				Second Half
49th	Araba heads the ball to Jason Mason who breaks the offside trap and gets off an uncontested shot forcing King to make another save
58th	Mass substitution time as I swap out 6 players
67th	Back up Keeper Nick Morgan takes a knock requiring attention from the physio but stays in the match
87th	Simon Cox fouls Matthew Fletcher giving Sunderland a free kick on the edge of the box, which Nathan Luscombe blazes over the bar
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Sunderland Res 0					MOM: Lynval Duncan (Bishop's) 7.6
Possession: Sunderland 51-49%					Shots: Sunderland 10-6
Goals (Bishop's): Shulton (Pen) 28'
Goals (Sunderland): None

A great rebound after the embarrassing effort against Horsham, as we easily created the better chances despite being out shot. One more official friendly and an intersquad match and we will open the BSS season away to Eastleigh.

After the match Chairman Luigi Del Basso informs me that the board has failed to find a suitable parent club, which is a huge disappointment as I was counting on the easy loan opportunies. I have already sent out inquiries for loaners to several L2 and L1 clubs and the players in each case have nixed the deal. I really need a quality striker and a better option on either wing than I have now and it is not looking promising.

[BYU 14]

August Schedule

08/04/10 V Pickering (Friendly)
08/08/10 Intra-squad scrimmage
08/14/10 @ Eastleigh (BSS)
08/17/10 V Staines (BSS)
08/21/10 V Ebbsfleet (BSS)
08/24/10 @ Dartford (BSS)
08/28/10 @ Thurrock (BSS)
08/30/10 V Bromley (BSS)

08/01/2010 - Transfer in

D (L/C) Ryan Carolan comes in on a free transfer for $170 a week. Ian Hart thinks he is equal to Simon Cox as our best DC and he wll play both DC and DL. His best attributes are Pace 13, Marking 12 and a decent 9 in tackling and heading.

8/2/2010 - Captains

In select DR Matt Jones as captain and D (L/C) Stevland Angus as vice captain. Neither fit into my long term first team plans, but I don't want to shake things up with chemistry right now

8/3/2010 - Injury updates

Injury update sees reserve striker Matthew Judge back in training. AMR Matt Barnes is a couple of weeks away, while DMC Ben Bowditch and Striker Danny Morgan are still on the long term injury list recovering from Knee injuries.

[BYU 14]

08/04/2010 (Friendly)			Home to Pickering Town			Dry 69 Degrees - Att: 81
GK - Eyre			DC - Duncan / Cox			DL/R - Carolan / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Hahn			ST - Jackman / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
7th	Hakeem Araba feeds Mitch Hahn in the area, Hahn centers to Duane Jackman who absolutely buries the shot to put us on the board								1-0
18th	Scott Shulton unleashes a shot that Pickering Keeper Barnett can not gather in and Mitch Hahn misses an open goal. It is Hahn's 3rd miss of the match
26th	Jackman plays a superb ball to Araba into the box and Araba is tripped by Ben Dunbar, penalty. Abdullahi puts the PK away as Dunbar earns a yellow.								2-0
45th	Jackman makes a great run and plays another pinpoint pass to Araba who one times it off the post.
				Second Half
52nd	Jack Jackson plays a nice 1-2 with Price for Pickering, avoids our defense and gets off a close range volley that Eyre just manages to turn away.
53rd	I substitute the entire squad as this will be the last chance for the players to make an impression before I cut to the reserve squad
59th	Tyler Campbell weaves his way through the Pickering Town defense and is tripped in the box by McCoy. Steve Birks steps up and misses the penalty!
74th	Pickerings Simon Jones is injured after a challenge by Richie Jones and is unable to continue
Final: Bishop's Stortford 2 - Pickering Town 0					MOM: Duane Jackman (Bishop's) 7.6
Possession: Pickering Town 51-49%					Shots: Bishop's Stortford 12-5
Goals (Bishop's): Jackman 7', Abdullahi (Pen) 26'
Goals (Pickering Town): None

Would have liked more killer instinct in the 2nd half as we seemed to lose focus. Mitch Hahn could have had a first half hat trick but could not put the ball on target to save his life. Finding an attacking midfielder for the right side that can finish is my top priority as that spot gets plenty of chances in our tactic.

Still a three way battle for the starting striker spots. Duane Jackman turns in a solid performance whenever I think I am set to go with Llewellyn and Araba up front. Birks was hanging on to the third DMC spot until this game, but a poor effort that included the missed PK is going to get him sent down and I will go with Orwubiko, Martins and Abdullahi as my DMC rotation. The rest of the cuts have been decided as we get ready for the season.

[BYU 14]

08/06/2010 - Transfer in

I sign 19 yr old Irish Keeper Kevin O'Brien to a $100 PW contract through June 2013. He is small for a Keeper at 5'9" but Ian Hart thinks he will become a key player for us. His best attributes are throwing (11), command of area (9) and one on ones (8)

8/8/2010 Updates

Our final season ticket sales are 80, not that I was expecting much more, but it is still a little disappointing, hopefully we can average 300-400 a game overall.

Roster Moves

GK Kevin O'Brien and DR Sanchez Ming are unhappy about being sent to the reserves. I tell them both to show they deserve a first team spot and O'Brien responds well, but Ming does not and I think he may be about through at Woodside Park.

Transfer out

After trying to talk to DR Sanchez Ming further I release him on a free as we will just not see eye to eye on his place with the club. I have ML Scott Shulton transfer listed as well, but no offers are made. I may end up pulling him back.

Intrasquad scrimmage

We play a 0-0 draw with the reserves in a rather tame match that that was little more than a training session. D (R/C) Ritchie Jones and DMC Adelee Martins had the best showing for the first team at 7.0 each.

8/10/2010

Scott Shulton and DL Aiden Palmer are both unhappy at being transfer listed. Palmer goes so far as to slam me in the press and it seems that clubs are shying away from him because of this. Shulton is more reasonable and though Cambridge United has shown mild interest I think he will probably stay put.

08/13/2010 - Presser

I hold my first pregame presser the day before the Eastleigh match and one of the main topics is Eastleigh dangerman Jamie Slabber. I try to avoid a direct comment, but finally tell the media there is far more to Eastleigh than just Slabber. I also discuss further player moves and mention that Ian King is scouting some players based on advice from my staff.

[BYU 14]

08/14/2010 (BSS)			Away to Eastleigh			Dry 80 Degrees - Att: 489
GK - Eyre			DC - Duncan / Cox			DL/R - Carolan / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Hahn			ST - Jackman / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
16th	Araba advances into the box but is dispossed by Tom Jordan, Mitch Hahn is johnny on the spot, but blasts it over from point blank range!
38th	After a throw in Duane Jackman curls it near post and Abdullahi is right there beating the Eastleigh keeper, but pushing it just wide.
45th	Lynvall Duncan in for Ryan Carolan who has been horrid. Angus moves to left Fullback and Duncan will play DCL.
				Second Half
49th	Duncan completes a nice tackle, but Richard Gillespie intercepts his clearance and sends a rocket on goal that Nicky Eyre clutches to his chest.
53rd	Orwubiko trips Eastleighs Jamie Slabber and earns a yellow card for his efforts as Slabber is upset
59th	A wild scramble in the box sees a header pop clear to Brett Poate, but Nicky Eyre is equal to the task again saving Poate's volley.
63rd	Eastleighs Craig Tawton is injured and is forced to leave the game after getting tangles with Abdullahi
64th	Andeele Martins replaces Orwubiko and Josh Llewellyn comes on for Duane Jackman who did not pick today to excell.
66th	Jamie Slabber continues to garner the attention of our defense and it brings another yellow card, this time to Simon Cox for impeding him.
Final: Bishop's Stortford 0 - Eastleigh 0					MOM: Simon Cox (Bishop's) 7.4
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 50-50%					Shots: Eastleigh 9-4
Goals (Bishop's): None
Goals (Eastleigh): None

The final 30 minutes of the match saw rain come out of nowhere and neither team threatened after that. I am pleased with the draw as Eastleigh was even money favorites going in and we were 11-5 underdogs. The backline did a great job with the exception of Carolan and once again Mitch Hahn could have been a hero but choked in close.

[BYU 14]

08/16/2010 - Transfers out

Looking to cut payroll and cut dead weight I release the following players on free transfers. Strikers Danny Morgan, Matthew Judge and Leon Antoine. Morgan is injured and the others are perennial reserve players. Next to go is reserve AM (R/L) Ola Akinnao, another perenial reserve and current first team players Lynval Duncan and Matthew Carolan. Duncan is expendable as I am bringing Aiden Palmer up from the reserves (I love the way he fought to stay on with us) and Carolan never fit in.

08/17/2010 - Transfer in

I sign our first full time player in 19 yr old D (R/L) Matt Clare, whom Ian Hart believes will be a key member of the first team. His best attributes are work rate and bravery (13) team work and anticipation (12) and he is rated a 9 in marking and tackling

I hate making moves this late, but the squad was bloated while I sorted things out and I needed to free up money for a true offensive threat, which I think I may have found. Carolan was just a mistake and better to cut ties now.

[BYU 14]

08/18/2010 - Transfer in

The morning of the Staines match I get great news, my second full time signing and a potentially potent force up front as 19 year old Striker Tim Hopkinson agrees to a $550 PW deal through the 2012 season. Ian Hart believes Tim is already our best Striker and could be a good NPower League 2 striker. His best attributes are finishing, heading and pace (12) as well as dribbling, passing and off the ball (10). He is a huge signing and he bumps Duane Jackman to the reserves.

Now I am set and I hope this is my Constantino, at least for now.

[BYU 14]

08/18/2010 (BSS)			Home to Staines 1-0-0			Dry 51 Degrees - Att: 297
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Clare / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Llewellyn			ST - Hopkinson / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
2nd	We earn a quick corner and Scott Shulton sends it in nicely. Taylor attempts to head it out, but can't and Simon Cox heads it inches wide of the post
8th	Staines is looking to attack down the right flank and Simon Jackson curls the ball in from the touchline over Eyre's hands into the net, horrid goalkeeping!								0-1
12th	Our new signing Hopkinson makes a nice run into the box, putting Staines under pressure and forcing an acrobatic save from Allaway
21st	Kamara intercepts a pass and plays it to Risberger who dekes Clare and finds Darren Dunning on the left post who buries his first goal for Staines.								0-2
				Second Half
46th	Hahn and Palmer come on to replace Araba and Clare, with Llewellyn joining Hopkinson up front and Hahn going to the wing.
66th	Campbell in for Orwubiko, he will play the left winger and Shulton moves back to left DMC
72nd	Hahn plays a corner to Stevland Angus who brings the ball down and fires. The shot deflects off of Michael Kamara for an own goal and we are in it								1-2
80th	Michael Kamara is booked for tripping Josh Llewellyn, but we are unable to capitalize on the free kick
84th	Tyler Campbell makes a long run in from the left, gets into space and blasts a shot off the cross bar. Llewellyn dives at the rebound and heads it just wide
85th	On the ensuing goal kick Campbell heads the ball to Llewellyn, who evades Kamara and blasts a rocket past Allaway off the bar again!!
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Staines 2					MOM: Simon Jackson (Staines) 7.9
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 53-47%					Shots: Bishop's Stortford 11-5
Goals (Bishop's): Kamara (Own Goal) 72'
Goals (Staines): Jackson 8', Dunning 21'

We fall to 0-1-1 with a very disappointing loss highlighted by some shoddy first half goal keeping. We made it interesting at the end and I think Tyler Campbell needs to get more pitch time as he made some plays near the end. I also liked the work of Hopkinson, though he tired at the end as he is not completely match fit. I like the side we have now and think we will be fine once they gel as we controlled most aspects of this match.

[BYU 14]

08/21/2010 (BSS)			Home to Ebbsfleet 2-0-0			Dry 69 Degrees - Att: 381
GK - Morgan			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Hahn			ST - Hopkinson / Llewellyn
Minute				First Half					Score
8th	Hopkinson makes a nice run into space just outside the box and unleashes a corker forcing Ebbsfleet Keeper Edwards to make an acrobatic save
26th	Ebbsfleet win a corner that Easton aims for the near post, but the ball skips past everyone finding Willock on the back post unmarked for the easy goal								0-1
28th	Scott Ginty tries to deke his way into the area and takes a dive after a slight brush by Simon Cox. Ginty is given a yellow for his poor performance
33rd	Stevland Angus is injured after a stiff challenge by Willock and unable to continue, Clare comes on to replace him
				Second Half
46th	Second half subs Martins on for Orwubiko at DMC and Campbell on for Shulton at the left wing.
47th	Campbell immediately gets into the action taking a nice pass from Hopkinson and banging it off the far post. How many times will we hit the woodwork?
51st	Willock finds Easton who advances to the byline then crosses to Ginty who strokes it in from a tight angles putting Ebbsfleet up by 2								0-2
80th	Michael Kamara is booked for tripping Josh Llewellyn, but we are unable to capitalize on the free kick
64th	Andeele Martins finds Tyler Campbell in the area, Campbell dips inside and volleys it in, setting things up for another exciting finish.								1-2
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Ebbsfleet 2					MOM: Clint Easton (Ebbsfleet) 7.8
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 54-46%					Shots: Bishop's Stortford 11-10
Goals (Bishop's): Campbell 64'
Goals (Ebbsfleet): Willock 26', Ginty 51'

Unfortunately that exciting late finish never came to fruition as the only things resembling chances went to Ebbsfleet in the form of 2 corners in the final 10 minutes.

We fall to 0-1-2 and once again reserve Keeper Kevin O'Brien is whining for first team action. After some critical mistakes in goal the last 2 games I am actually going to bring him up and send Morgan down to the reserves. The fans are expressing concern but we still are playing fairly well considering all the changes and I hope the board is patient while we gel.

More great news comes in the form of Stevland Angus, who is out 2-3 weeks after suffering a broken nose. I also receive a phone call after my press conference because of a critical offsides call that could have cost us a goal. I complained about the call and the FA is quick to send me a warm glass of shut the hell up.

[BYU 14]

08/24/2010 (BSS)			Away to Dartford 0-1-2			Breezy 59 Degrees - Att: 841
GK - Eyre			DC - R. Jones / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Abdullahi			AML/R - Campbell / Barnes			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
8th	Orwubiko takes the corner and lofts a beautiful ball into the 6 yard box that Simon Cox puts past the keeper with a diving header								1-0
12th	Dartford gain a corner and Shinn hits an out swinger that Salif Diao-Jimenez hits solidly, driving the ball beyond Eyre's outstretched arms, just wide.
16th	Sheringham tries to get on the end of a free kick but is brought down by Ritchie Jones, who is given a yellow card.
23rd	Diao-Jimenez brings the ball to the right byline, creating just enough space to send a cross into the box that Sheringham heads squarely into the net								1-1
				Second Half
46th	Clare and Hopkinson come on for Matt Jones and Josh Llewellyn at DR and ST respectively. As a club we are exhausted.
68th	Dartford back off Tyler Campbell as he advances and the winger takes advantage unleashing a vicious shot that just misses the top corner
69th	Matt Barnes is replaced by Matt Shulton, who goes to the left wing with Campbell moving to the right flank.
90th	In stoppage time Aiden Palmer crosses near post and Noble goes over the back of Hopkinson in the box, but no penalty is given despite our pleas
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Dartford 1					MOM: Simon Cox (Bishop's) 7.7
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 57-43%					Shots: Bishop's Stortford 6-4
Goals (Bishop's): Cox 8'
Goals (Dartford): Sheringham 23'

A promising start ends in a lackluster draw as we again outplay the opponent but can only nicka point on the road. The fans are satisfied but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Honors
After the match the Blue Square South releases it's team of the week and Bishop's Stortford is represented by Keeper Nicky Eyre, which is somewhat of a surprise to me.

Board request
Since we can't find a parent club I at least ask for a feeder club to send some players on loan for first team experience. The board agrees and sets off to find a suitable fit.

[BYU 14]

08/26/2010 - Transfer out

I release 24 yr old AM (R) Mitch Hahn on a free as I could no longer tolerate his inability to put a shot on target. That and the fact that I found a more serviceable option.

Transfer in

18 yr AM (R) / Striker Michael Whitwell joins the squad. He is nice prospect and gives us options up front, especially when we go to our Diamond formation down the road. Hart feels he will become a key member of the squad and at $170 PW for 2 years I could not pass him up. His best attributes are flair (15), off the ball, teamwork and composure (12) and dribbling and finishing (11). He will be able to spell Barnes and Araba.

08/28/2010 - Transfer in

Not done yet as I sign 19 yr old French Centre Back Tony Diagne, who Hart says could be a sold Npower league 1 defender. He rates him the equal of Simon Cox, perhaps better and his best attributes are fitness and stamina (14) with pace, jumping, strength and heading all (12). Both the new guys will be available for the reserves until match fit. Once again chemistry will suffer, but I am building for the future and I like the upgrades we are getting on free transfers.

[BYU 14]

08/28/2010 (BSS)			Away to Thurrock 1-0-3			Dry 75 Degrees - Att: 216
GK - Eyre			DC - R. Jones / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Martins			AML/R - Shulton / Barnes			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
9th	As expected by the referee's prior stats it doesn't take long for a yellow to come out as Thurrock's Ryan Andrews trips Shulton
10th	Matt Barnes comes up lame and has to leave the game after just barely getting back from his last injury. Tyler Campbell comes on to replace him.
25th	Thurrocks Akurang trips Aiden Palmer and is promptly gifted a yellow card of his own for the foul.
40th	Orwubiko takes a long throw from Matt Jones and dribbles to the edge of the box before unleashing a long range effort that just skims the bar.
				Second Half
46th	Orwubiko and Llewellyn are gassed at the half and Abdullahi and Hopkinson come on to start the 2nd at DMC and Striker respectively.
49th	Aiden Palmer intercepts a pass and puts a low cross to the far post. Araba breaks free and heads it into the net for the goal, but he is ruled offsides!!
56th	After Tyler Campbell is stripped, Matt Jones takes Bakare down with a hard tackle and is added to the yellow card list.
66th	After Lee is given a yellow for tripping Campbell, Shulton curls the free kick into the box and Araba again heads it in again, this time it stands, goal!!								1-0
69th	Lalite strips Campbell and makes a short run threading a perfect pass to Gilbey who quickly shoots, but Eyre comes up big with the save.
81st	Ryan Limb takes a pass in our third and is taken down by Abdullahi, which brings yet another yellow and a free kick.
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Thurrock 0					MOM: Hakeem Araba (Bishop's) 7.4
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 55-45%					Shots: Thurrock 7-3
Goals (Bishop's): Araba 66'
Goals (Thurrock): None

The Champagne flows as we get our first win of the campaign and I get my first win as a professional manager, which is a huge weight off my chest. In addition, early reports are that Matt Barnes will be fine and not miss any additional games, which is also great news.

It was a choppy start and stop match as Referee Warren Adkin called 23 fouls and handed out 7 yellow cards, which was no surprise as his tally in 4 games prior to this one was 14 yellows and 2 reds.

As sweet as the win is we have some tired legs, which makes the fact that we have to play again in 2 days home to Bromley a bit of a buzz kill. Our two new signings Whitwell and Diagne better get up to speed fast because they will be needed.

With our first win we now sit at 1-2-2 good for 15th place in Blue Square South.

[BYU 14]

08/30/2010 (BSS)			Home to Bromley 1-1-3			Drizzle 55 Degrees - Att: 280
GK - Eyre			DC - Diagne / Cox			DL/R - Clare / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko / Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Campbell			ST - Llewellyn / Araba
Minute				First Half					Score
16th	England earns a corner for Bromley and Graves plays it in nicely to Sobers who heads the ball solidly, just wide of the post
21st	Scott Shulton attempts to build the attack down the left side, but is tripped by Graves who is shown a yellow card
25th	Orwubiko is picked clean by McBean, who advances and then hits a through ball to McDonnell who smashes it home in the top corner, Bromley leads.								0-1
33rd	Llewellyn sprints forward through the drizzle, playing it to Abdullahi, to Jones and finally to Araba who runs onto it in the penalty area and finds the net!!								1-1
40th	Jamie England goes down akwardly after slipping on the wet pitch and has to leave the match with what appears to be a groin pull.
				Second Half
46th	Two halftime subs as Martins replaces Orwubiko at LDMC and Matt Barnes come on for Tyler Campbell on the right wing.
52nd	Shulton puts the ball into the 6 yard box and Sobers steers it away for Bromley, but Abullahi is there to pick it up and blast a shot off the upright!
61st	Abdullahi is given a yellow card after an ill advised challenge on Iam Cooper who crashes to the ground convincingly. Hopkinson on for Llewellyn.
70th	Hopkinson down the right wing on the counter attack, dekes past Boyle, into the box in space and uncorks a blistering shot into the side of the net..
85th	Hopkinson again looks to find space in the Bromley defense, but is brought to the ground by Sam Butler, who is shown a yellow card by Mr. Cooper.
87th	Dolby comes forward forward for Bromley and swings a cross to the far post, Butler outjumps Clare, it's on target and Eyre is in postion to make the save.
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Bromley 1					MOM: Warren Bean (Bromley) 7.2
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 52-48%					Shots: Bishop's Stortford 10-7
Goals (Bishop's): Araba 33'
Goals (Bromley): McDonnell 25'

With but a day of rest the squad is dragging and I suppose we are fortunate to grab a draw as we go to 1-3-2 on the campaign and still have been unable to generate any real offense.

Quite honestly the lack of offensive firepower has me in a mild panic as August goes into the books. I prefer a 4-4-2 Diamond, but thought this unique version of a 4-2-2-2 would serve me better in the lower leagues. In reality it has turned out to be ill-suited for the lower levels as I can't obtain the quality at DMC or on the wing to make it click. I have been practicing two versions of a 4-4-2 Diamond (offensive and defensive) since about mid August when began to doubt this tactic and though far from polished I am going to make the change next match and scrap this tactic.

One problem this presents is the only player I have that can play the AMC spot in the Diamond is Shulton and though he is better suited for that position than any other, he is still pissed I tried to shop him and I don't know what he will give me. I also have 4 DMC's on roster and only need 2 for the diamond. First to go will be Ben Bowditch, who has been hurt since I took over. Of the three left (Martins, Orwubiko, Abdullahi) all have holes in their games, but Orwubiko has the most upside, so he will stay.

I have some other decisions to make as well with the attack, so it seems the instability will continue into September as I look for bargains and cut those that are not working out. I don't like many transactions after the season starts, but it will be necessary to get the pieces I will need for my old standby Diamond attack. If we can survive the next 6 weeks above the drop zone I am confident we can still get a top half finish.

[BYU 14]

September 1st 2010

Monthly Schedule
09/04/10 V Farnborough (BSS)
09/11/10 @ Boreham Wood (BSS)
09/13/10 - FA Cup 2nd round qualifying draw
09/18/10 V Hampton & Richmond (BSS)
09/25/10 - FA Cup 2nd round qualifying matchs (TBD)
09/27/0 - FA Cup 3rd qualifying round draw

A light month with only 4 matches all well spaced, will give me plenty of time to train and get any new faces acclimated.

Blue Square South Table			Won	Drn	Lst	Pts
Ebbsfleet			5	1	0	16
Hampton & Richmond			5	1	0	16
Dover			3	3	0	12
Havant & W			3	2	1	11
Eastleigh			3	2	1	11
Braintree			3	0	3	9
Woking			2	3	1	9
Staines			2	3	1	9
Maidenhead			2	3	1	9
Chelmsford			3	0	3	9
Boreham Wood			3	0	3	9
Lewes			2	2	2	8
Farnborough			2	2	2	8
St. Albans			2	1	3	7
Bishop's Stortford			1	3	2	6
Welling			1	3	2	6
Dorchester			1	2	3	5
Bromley			1	2	3	5
Weston-super-Mare			1	2	3	5
Basingstoke			1	1	4	4
Thurrock			1	0	5	3
Dartford			0	2	4	2

[BYU 14]

BSS - League Leaders 09/01/10
Goals
Callum Willock Ebbsfleet - 4
Adam Birchall Dover - 4
Ben Hunt Dover - 4
Charlie Moone Hampton - 4
Andy Forbes Woking - 4
Assists
Clint Easton Ebbsfleet - 6
Jon Wallis Dover - 4
Daryl McMahon Farnborough - 3
Stephen Reed Chelmsford - 3
Ricky Shakes Ebbsfleet - 3
Passing
Nicky Eyre Bishop's - 92%
Brad Quinton Braintree - 84%
Matt Lovett Hampton - 83%
Ian Hughes Hampton - 82%
Lee Allinson Boreham Wood - 81%
Average Rating
Anthony Mason Braintree - 7.48
Dean Pooley Ebbsfleet 7.48
Simon Jackson Staines 7.47
Andy Forbes Woking - 7.43
Leigh Smith Staines - 7.43
Man of the Match Awards
Clint Easton Ebbsfleet - 3
Eight tied with 2
Team Leaders 09/01/10
Goals
Hakeem Araba - 2
Tyler Campbell - 1
Simon Cox - 1
Assists
Scott Shulton - 1
Ritchie Jones - 1
Emexca Orwubiko - 1
Adeele Martins - 1
Stevland Angus - 1
Passing
Nicky Eyre - 97%
Tim Hopkinson - 79%
Matt Jones - 75%
Mark Clare - 75%
Emexca Orwubiko - 73%
Average Rating
Simon Cox - 7.18
Ritchie Jones - 7.05
Nicky Eyre - 6.84
Andeele Martins - 6.82
Alli Abduallahi - 6.80
Man of the Match Awards
Simon Cox - 2
Hakeem Araba - 1

[BYU 14]

09/03/10 - On the mend

D (L/C) Stevland Angus has resumed full training and should be back to match fitness within a week as his broken Nose continues to mend.

Disharmony

Not two days after switching to my favored 4-4-2 Diamond as our main tactic, M/AMC (L/C) Scott Shulton requests a transfer. I refuse indicting that is is important to the club, which he is in this new tactic. He refuses to speak to me further, like he is friggin Renaldo or something. Somebody remind him he plays for a Blue Square South side.

National duty

Emexco Orwubiko is away representing the Nigeria under 20 team for a two match swing.

[BYU 14]

09/04/2010 (BSS)			Home to Farnborough 2-2-2			Dry 78 Degrees - Att: 341
GK - O'Brien			DC - Diagne / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / R. Jones
DMC - Martins			AMC - Shulton			AML/R - Campbell / Barnes
ST - Whitwell / Hopkinson
Minute				First Half					Score
13th	Bubb off the throw in and advances into the final third for Farnbrough, finding Dale Binns on a forward run, Binns shoots low and hard beating O'Brien.								0-1
26th	Hopkinson is tripped in front of the box and Scott Shulton steps up and bends the free kick over the wall, with Jordan just getting a hand on it for the save.
36th	Diagne wins the ball from Bubb and plays it ahead for Hopkinson who works into space and beats Jordan for his first goal as a member of Bishop's!!								1-1
44th	Michael Whitwell skips past McDonald and curls it in from the byline, Hopkinson gets above Binns and heads it home for his second of the match!								2-1
				Second Half
46th	Araba comes in for Matt Barnes, with Whitwell moving to winger and Alli Abdullahi comes on for Martins at DMC.
55th	Opinel intercepts and moves forward crossing the ball to the near post to Lemaire who sends a header just inches wide of the post.
64th	Jay Conroy takes a pass from Lemaire and dribbles it in for Farnborough, crossing to the near post where Ibe comes forward and bangs it in..								2-2
65th	Matt Jones comes on for Ritchie Jones at DR as Ritchie is looking absolutely gassed out there.
74th	Tyler Campbell tries to build an attack down the left flank but goes down on a hard challenge by Holloway and is forced to come out, we are down to 10.
85th	Farnborough sets up for the free kick after Palmer trips McDonald, with McMahon sending it in, where Robinson heads it just over the bar.
Final: Bishop's Stortford 2 - Farnborough 2					MOM: Tim Hopkinson (Bishop's Stortford) 8.8
Possession: Farnborough 52-48%					Shots: Farnborough 10-5
Goals (Bishop's): Hopkinson 36', 44'
Goals (Bromley): McDonald 13', Ibe 64'

We maintain our unbeaten run, though unfortunately it is another draw. Hard to be too disappointed though as my familiar Diamond tactic produces 2 goals, despite most areas of play still being awkward for the squad. Hopkinson looks like he will shine in his role as a poacher up front and Shulton also played well at AMC despite his hatred of me.

Todays match was fan appreciation day and I think we showed the crowd enough excitement to help with future attendance. I am now looking for a couple of pieces to fit into the new tactic, which means some old pieces will be sent packing.

[BYU 14]

09/06/10 - News from the board

Same story I got with the Parent club search. Despite acknowlegding we could use a feeder the board says there are no viable options at this time.

Transfers out

I release injured DMC Ben Bowditch and AM (R) Jason Mason on free transfers. It was doubtful that Bowditch was going to be an asset even after he recovered from his Knee injury under our old tactic and the switch to the 4-4-2 diamond seals his fate. Mason showed flashes, but played his way onto the reserves squad with his inconsistency and was basically just eating salary I can use elsewhere.

09/07/10 - Accolades

Tim Hopkinson's 2 goal outburst against Farnborough earns him a spot on the Blue Square South team of the week.

09/10/10

I bring in 16 yr old Brit Michael Adebole on a 2 week trial to see if he is worth pursuing to shore up the left wing. He is a promising young player, but he has several suitors so it may be a stretch to sign him to a permanent deal.

[BYU 14]

09/11/2010 (BSS)			Away to Boreham Wood 4-0-3			Dry 60 Degrees - Att: 191
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / R. Jones
DMC - Martins			AMC - Abdullahi			AML/R - Shulton / Barnes
ST - Whitwell / Hopkinson
Minute				First Half					Score
7th	Martins trips Allinson earning a yellow and giving Boreham a free kick that Luke Garrard blasted by Eyre, but just wide of the post.
8th	Boreham almost immediately earns another free kick and Noto puts the ball on target forcing Eyre to make a diving save.
31st	Allinson takes a throw in and plays it ahead to Judd who makes a nice run into the area, squares and launches a rocket that rebounds off the post.
36th	Shulton lines up the corner after a shot by Michael Whitwell is deflected out, finding Angus wide of the far post, who one times it home for the goal!								1-0
				Second Half
46th	Sticking with my usual pattern I bring on 2 second half subs as Araba comes on for Whitwell and Orwubiko replaces Martins.
47th	Noto finds King on the forward run, King quickly plays it ahead to Leon McKenzie, who bangs it in after a sweet give and go with Allinson.								1-1
82nd	Curtis Ujah deflects a Hopkinson shot setting up the corner. Araba attacks from deep and heads it in on net, but Ashlee Jones is there to block it.
90th	In stoppage time Dadson works down the flank and centers the ball for Greg Morgan, who connects with a solid header that see the ball skim the bar.
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Boreham Wood 1					MOM: Stevland Angus (Bishop's Stortford) 7.6
Possession: Boreham Wood 55-45%					Shots: Boreham Wood 8-4
Goals (Bishop's): Angus 36'
Goals (Boreham Wood): McKenzie 47'

Still on the unbeaten run (now 5) but yet another draw has me frustrated, which is compounded as we leave the pitch when one of our few fans that made the trip calls us a bunch of Picasso's, cause "all you can do is draw." Clever.

Not creating the shots yet, which is key to success in this tactic, but our set pieces are top notch at the moment and that will hopefully continue as the team continues to come together. I really want to keep trial player Adebole as I feel he could be great, hopefully he enjoys his time and I will be able to sign him when the trial is up.

[BYU 14]

09/13/10 - FA Cup

We draw Canvey Island away in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA cup. They are a semi-professional side that are currently plying their trade in the Isthmian premier division. They are also a feeder side to Braintree

09/14/10 - Accolades

Stevland Angus is named the Blue Square South team of the week off of his man of the match performance against Boreham Wood.

Dissention

GK Kevin O'Brien has requested a transfer and I ask him to be patient as he is still learning and is part of our future. He relents and says he will stay, though he is still unhappy.

09/15/10 - Trial

We bring in another left winger on trial in 17 year old Robbie Hume. The Northern Ireland native is not as highly regarded as Abedole, but is still considered a good prospect.

Transfer in

With the youngsters in on trial, I sign a more established Left Winger in 23 yr old Brit Darren Brady. He has nowhere near the upside I am looking for, but is a suitable short term solution. Ian Hart rates him close to Scott Shulton and his best attributes are flair and teamwork (14) pace, crossing, agility and acceleration (11).

9/16/10 - Transfer out

In a move that surprises some I release DMC Alli Abdullahi on a free transfer. He had played in every match, but I see Orwubiko and Martins as the players I want to go with and feel it is only fair to give Abdullahi a chance to find first team football elsewhere.

Injuries

In a double whammy my starting strikers both suffer injuries in training today as Michael Whitwell will miss 9-12 days with a severe shin bruise and Tim Hopkinson could be out as long as 4 weeks with a strained thigh muscle. This is a disaster the day before our match with Hampton & Richmond. I will have to bring Duane Jackman, who is capable and 19 yr old George Daly from the reserves.

[BYU 14]

09/17/2010 (BSS)			Home to Hampton 6-2-0			Wet 60 Degrees - Att: 271
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / M. Jones
DMC - Orwubiko			AMC - Shulton			AML/R - Brady / Barnes
ST - Araba / Jackman
Minute				First Half					Score
17th	Moone ahead to Scott as H&R builds the attack. Scott centers to Tarpey, Tarpey heads the ball to Danny Davenport who drives it past Eyre.								0-1
27th	Tarpey finds Charlie Moone to the left of goal and Moone beats Orwubiko and enters the area unleashing a rocket that Eyre is able to parry away.
35th	Moone again takes Orwubiko to the school of hard jukes and sips past him forcing Orwubiko to grab his shirt drawing a yellow card.
41st	Jeffrey leads an H&R break, ahead to Danny Davenport, who is tripped by Orwubiko on a poorly timed tackle. Yellow #2 and Orwubiko is sent off!!
				Second Half
53rd	Cox knocks the ball out for an H&R corner on an errant back pass to Eyre and Dean Wells just misses on ensuing kick, hitting the side netting.
57th	Moone is booked for holding back Simon Cox as Cox tries to initiate a break for our side. We are fighting despite being a man down.
57th	Campbell on for Brady, with Campbell going to right wing. Shulton moves to left wing and Andeele Martins comes on for Barnes and will play AMC
70th	Ian Hodges put the ball into the six yard box, Moone strikes it on the half volley and slips it past Eyre for Hampton & Richmonds second goal.								0-2
72nd	Craig Tanner is injured after slipping on the wet turf and is unable to continue for Hampton & Richmond.
75th	Clare comes on for Palmer at left Fullback as Palmer has gone south in the 2nd half (5.8)
Final: Bishop's Stortford 0 - Hampton & Richmond 2					MOM: Charlie Moone (Hampton) 7.7
Possession: Hampton & Richmond 56% to 44%					Shots: Hampton & Richmond 9-3
Goals (Bishop's): None
Goals (Hampton & Richmond): Davenport 17', Moone 70'

First place Hampton & Richmond absolutely dominates us as we get nothing going offensively with our top two strikers injured for the game. Add to that the fact that we are still adapting to a new tactic, played nearly 50 minutes a man down and it was not pretty.

I give Orwubiko a vote of confidence in the post match press conference and express regret that our unbeaten run has come to an end, even though 5 of those 6 matches were draws and haven't helped much as we sit in 16th place.

[BYU 14]

09/19/10 - Press release

GK Kevin O'Brien informs the media that we have put our differences aside and that he is now looking forward to staying on with the club. This kid is bi-polar, but I dcide I will ride the goodwill and give him the start in our upcoming FA Cup match.

09/21/10 - Injury update

Michael Whitwell is close to full fitness after his shin injury and will be available if needed against Canvey Island. Hopkinson is still about 2 weeks away.

09/22/10 - Under 18's win scorcher

Our youth squad engaged in a thriller against Stevenages under 18's, winning 7-6 on penalties after a nil-nil draw at the end of 90 minutes.

09/24/10 - Transfer in

I sign another prospect for the future in 18 yr old Turkish Midfielder Coskun Ekim to a $120 pw contract. Hart feels he will eventually be better than Orwubiko, though he is not there yet. Best attributes, Jumping (15) workrate (14) composure (12). The fans are delighted with this signing.

[BYU 14]

09/25/2010 (FA Cup)			Away to Canvey Island			Showers 57 Degrees - Att: 483
GK - O'Brien			DC - Diagne / Cox			DL/R - Angus / M. Jones
DMC - Martins			AMC - Shulton			AML/R - Brady / Barnes
ST - Araba / Jackman
Minute				First Half					Score
1st	Steven Ryan advances for Canvey and tries to find Lewis who is tripped by Andeele Martins. Atkins calls Martins over and produces a yellow card.
12th	A Gary Lewis interception springs Aidan Simpson on the break. Simpson is ahead of everyone and O'Brien has no chance as he buries it.								0-1
20th	Araba gets some space in the box and outjumps Ben Jackson on a cross from Brady to get the ball on target, but Stevens makes the save for Canvey.
40th	Eastwood weighted the ball out right for Paul West, West cuts inside and fires a volley that O'Brien is able to smother.
				Second Half
46th	I swap out the Jones boys, putting Ritchie in for Matt at right Fullback and bring Campbell on in place of Brady on the Left Wing.
47th	Aiden Simpson is free in the box cutting inside of Angus who makes a last minute sliding tackle, that the Canvey bench thinks should be a penalty.
48th	Araba gets on the end of a great cross by Barnes from the right wing and puts it in the net with ease as we draw level!!								1-1
52nd	Simpson, Cameron and Hoyte play keep away 30 yards out, when Simpson suddenly wheels and unleashes a wicked blast that somehow gets in..								1-2
63rd	Jackman has done virtually nothing in two games since his call up and I sub him out for Michael Whitwell, who is still not completely match fit.
90th	We are applying intense pressure, which sets up another Canvey break and Simpson caps it off with a fine move to complete the hat trick and sink us.								1-3
Final: Bishop's Stortford 1 - Canvey Island 3					MOM: Aiden Simpson (Canvey Island) 9.6
Possession: Canvey Island 52% to 48%					Shots: Canvey Island 11-6
Goals (Bishop's): Araba 50'
Goals (Canvey Island): Simpson 12', 52', 90' Easily the most humiliating loss of my short career and though Canvey Island is a solid side that will contend for promotion to Blue Square, we should have won. Unfortunately missing Hopkinson and not having Whitwell at 100% kill us again, combined with the fact that Aiden Simpson simply shredded our back line. I am so impressed with him I decide to scout him.

We are out of the FA Cup and the fanbase is in an uproar!!

[BYU 14]

October 1st 2010

Monthly Schedule
10/02/10 @ St. Albans (BSS)
10/16/10 V Havant & Waterloo (BSS)
10/23/10 @ Welling (BSS)
10/30/10 V Dover (BSS)
10/31/10 FA Trophy - 3rd round qualifying draw

A nice two week gap in games thanks to our early FA Cup exit, hopefully we do better in the trophy competition. I will use the break to really focus on our tactical training and also throw in some rest to hopefully boost morale and avoud injuries. Still sitting at 16 with only one win in 9 games. The good news is Hopkinson will only miss one more match.

Blue Square South Table			Won	Drn	Lst	Pts
Hampton & Richmond			7	2	0	23
Ebbsfleet			6	3	0	21
Dover			5	3	1	18
Woking			5	3	1	18
Havant & W			4	4	1	16
Boreham Wood			5	1	3	16
Braintree			5	0	4	15
Eastleigh			4	2	3	14
Chelmsford			4	1	4	13
Staines			2	6	1	12
Maidenhead			2	6	1	12
Bromley			2	4	3	10
Basingstoke			3	1	5	10
Farnborough			2	4	3	10
Weston-super-Mare			2	3	4	9
Bishop's Stortford			1	5	3	8
St. Albans			2	2	5	8
Lewes			2	2	5	8
Dorchester			1	4	4	7
Welling			1	4	4	7
Thurrock			2	0	7	6
Dartford			0	4	5	4

[BYU 14]

BSS - League Leaders 10/01/10
Goals
Adam Birchall Dover - 6
Anthony Mason Braintree - 6
Ben Hunt Dover - 6
Charlie Moone Hampton - 6
Callum Willock Ebbsfleet - 5
Assists
Clint Easton Ebbsfleet - 7
Stephen Reed Chelmsford - 5
Moses Ademola Woking - 4
Jon Wallis Dover - 4
Ricky Shakes Ebbsfleet - 4
Passing
Matt Lovett Hampton - 84%
Adam Birchall Dover - 84%
Ian Hodges Hampton - 81%
Nicky Eyre Bishop's - 79%
Michael Husbands Chelmsford - 78%
Average Rating
Clint Easton Ebbsfleet - 7.70
Anthony Mason Braintree - 7.48
Ben Hunt Dover - 7.39
Greg Morgan Boreham Wood - 7.38
David Pratt Basingstoke - 7.36
Man of the Match Awards
Clint Easton Ebbsfleet - 5
Ben Hunt Dover - 3
14 tied with 2
Team Leaders 10/01/10
Goals
Hakeem Araba - 3
Tim Hopkinson - 2
Tyler Campbell - 1
Simon Cox - 1
Stevland Angus - 1
Assists
Scott Shulton - 2
Ritchie Jones - 2
Emexca Orwubiko - 1
Adeele Martins - 1
Stevland Angus - 1
Passing
Duane Jackman - 84%
Michael Whitwell - 82%
Nicky Eyre - 79%
Tim Hopkinson - 78%
Mark Clare - 75%
Average Rating
Simon Cox - 7.16
Tim Hopkinson - 7.01
Stevland Angus - 6.83
Ritchie Jones - 6.81
Nicky Eyre - 6.76
Man of the Match Awards
Simon Cox - 2
Tim Hopkinson - 1
Stevland Angus - 1
Hakeem Araba - 1

[BYU 14]

10/02/2010 (BSS)			Away to St. Albans 2-2-5			Drizzle 53 Degrees - Att: 239
GK - Eyre			DC - Angus / Cox			DL/R - Palmer / Clare
DMC - Orwubiko			AMC - Shulton			AML/R - Brady / Barnes
ST - Araba / Jackman
Minute				First Half					Score
6th	Everitt with the ball for St. Albans, crosses the ball in from the left, Barnes tries to head it behind for Bishop's and it goes into the net, own goal!!								0-1
22nd	Jackman breaks the offside trap and is clean through on goal, he fires and Bastock pushes it away.
32nd	Hakeem Araba plays a perfect pass for Duane Jackman, St. Albans are backing off and Jackman shoots, hitting the cross bar.
41st	Shulton takes the corner and Rob Magwood clears it. Darren Brady makes as a long run and unleashes a long range shot that beats Eyre and hits the bar.
				Second Half
58th	Effiong and Jean-Michel Sigere exchange passes, Effiong finds himself in space and uncorks a shot top corner that Eyre is just able to deflect wide.
61st	Whitwell is on for Araba as the target striker and Tyler Campbell replaces Brady at left wing.
73rd	Aiden Palmer looks to cut off Magwood as he tries to infiltrate Bishop's defense and takes him down drawing a yellow card.
	Shulton takes the corner and Rob Magwood clears it. Darren Brady makes as a long run and unleashes a long range shot that beats Eyre and hits the bar.
82nd	Shields laya it wide right to Fisher, Fisher with a low cross in from the byline and Sigere slips in behind the defense to bang it home..								0-2
90th	We push up and Adam Everitt intercepts and starts the break. Good play by Shields makes himself some space, wheels, fires, goal for St. Albans.								0-3
Final: Bishop's Stortford 0 - St. Albans 3					MOM: James Fisher (St. Albans) 7.8
Possession: Bishop's Stortford 53% to 47%					Shots: Even 8-8
Goals (Bishop's): None
Goals (St. Albans): Barnes (Own goal) 6', Sigere 82', Shields 90'

We are in total free fall and this match sums up our season perfectly so far. We control the first half, but trail because of an own goal by a winger! Have a couple of chances to draw level, then totally collapse at the end in what looks like a complete rout on the scoresheet. Morale is in the toilet and we need a win badly as we are a mere point above the drop zone.

[BYU 14]

10/03/10 - Transfer in

I sign AMC Harry Rubbins, an 18 yr old englishmen who Ian Hart believes will be the equal of Orwubiko and give us a solid midfield combination. He comes in on a free (as usual) and is rated 11 or better in eight areas and 10 in five others. This signing also makes Shulton, who is still unhappy, someone I don't need to worry about bringing back next season.

10/08/10 - Injury update

Tim Hopkinson is back to full training and will be fit for our next match. Duane Jackman goes back to the reserves.

10/15/10 - Rumors

Word is that the board is starting to lose patience with me, making the upcoming match with Havant & Waterloo a bit more tense than usual. I think our style will give them problems and I hope the return of Hopkinson makes the difference.