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A lighthearted look at Hengrove
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UNDER 18'S Breaking News
posted 16/09/05
BREAKING NEWS : Dale Rhodes makes an amazing recovery from a broken ankle - making himself available for the Under 18's after picking up his injury less than 3 weeks ago - Doctors were heard saying, 'hes a walking miracle, how did the lad do it' - Manager Rod Milkins, was less than fooled by his recovery, but was pleased to hear he's on the road to regaining his place on the left wing. - previous management team member, Craig Ford, has yet to stop laughing, quoted as saying ' what a lad young Dale is, I'm sure the national newpapers will be in touch soon for an interview with him, I am just glad we got him in our team'
24/09/05
Hengrove Athletic are happy to announce the signing of Liam Farmer back after a stint with 'team argos' the lad goes straight into the squad for Sundays match with olveston. Manager Rod Milkins with the help of his son Sam are said to be very happy with the signing, and are looking forward to teaming up again with the lad who had a short spell with Hengrove last year. Liam was believed to say 'hes very happy to join the club he supported as a boy and beleives the club are a sleeping giant . He cant wait to put on the green of Hengrove and run out of the changing rooms and score his first goal at home for the long suffering fans ,they are great crowd and deserve so much better than what they have been watching.
30/09/05
Rodney milkins and the directors of Hengrove are sad to announce the departure of striker Jake Baldock to Brislington on a free transfer after being unable to agree a new deal with the hot shot from knowle. "Its sad" manager Milkins said "but we just could not match what Brislington had to offer". Jake is now free to ply his trade at ironmould lane and goes with the best wishes of the players and board of Hengrove.
03/10/05
A disappointed Milkins refused to comment after Hengrove lost 2-0 at Highridge, driving off with his chin dragging the floor. The large band of travelling support however were quicker to voice their opinions, "We were outbattled by a physical side today" said one fan, another voiced more concern about the way Highridge went about kicking their way to victory, " I thought football was about kicking the ball, not kicking out at everything that moved", "We were up against 13 men today" shouted another, "The ref even had the same colours on as their players, and how did the linesman fail to see the ball go out of play before their goal, it was out of play by over a foot. "Its laughable" said another disappointed fan. Other suffering fans were more concerned that they had cleaned off their shoes, "Bloody hell, thats the fifth turd I stepped in, I've never seen so many around a football pitch in my life." "Football pitch" laughed another, "It was more like playing on Bridge Valley Road".
04/10/05
After a bit of research on the Bristol City Council website, I reckon that I have found Andy Robins Bristol Half Marathron race time - first of all 'Congratulations Mate' some said you would still be running a week later, and miss a few more games, but as always Craig (thats me) stuck up for you. I'm sure the rest of the squad send their congratulations as well, and of course Mike Bassett ,Oh I mean Rodders do. So Position: 7270 Gun time: 2hrs 33mins 02 secs Chip time: 2hrs 18mins 02 secs ( was this the time before you rushed to the chip shop ?) and Chip position 7087 WELL DONE
10/10/05
Rocket Ricky scored his first Hengrove goal yesterday from 30, 35 or it could of been 40 yards as a 10 man Hengrove defeated the leaders 3-0. Dale Rhodes had enough running around after 15 minutes, and had a ride in an ambulance, 'I havent had a ride in one before' said Dale, ' I was watching Carry-on Doctor on tv a few days ago, and it looked like fun", Dale added ' This gas stuff is good, hurting my ankle has been worth it, just so I could get a lung full ' - the squad send him their best wishes and hope for a speedy recovery. Manager Milkins went home smiling after a completely different performance from the previous week ' Thats better, we have a good side here, and today with 10 men we proved it, hopefully with everyone fit, we would be a match for most teams, on a down side the injury to Dale, was a blow' .
The board of Hengrove Athletic have given permission for manager Rod Milkins in light of the long injury crises sweeping through the club to go out and purchase more players to help them through this mid season crises. The board said even though we have to balance the books its essential to give Rod every help in his quest to finish off the fine work he and his backroom staff have done over the last couple of months. Rod milkins was said to be 'VERY PLEASED' with the outcome of the meeting and would hopefully have a new player installed by the time Highridge come to visit the grove next Sunday. The only downside to the very positive meeting held behind closed doors for more than three hours was the fact Dale Rhodes has to pay for the socks the ambulance staff had to cut off him while attending his wound. I will go back to the board and ask them to re-think on that decision commented Milkins, I might even pay for it myself seeing i like the young scallywag, who always gives 100% with his effort and his moaning.
12/10/05
After days of traveling up and down the country watching game after game Rod Milkins is happy to announce the signings of two more players for Hengrove under 18s, now on board are Simon Aston and Joe Suchecki. "Its been a long couple of days"commented Milkins, "dealing with players agents is not the best thing to do when your tired but it just goes to show we have a very good scouting network to dig these two talented left footed players out". One player happy with the signing of Joe is midfield playmaker and goalscorer Tom Lester. "Thats fantastic news" he beamed "now all i have to do is strike up a good friendship with him off the field and then hopefully sit by him at school, copy all his work, and my grades should shoot through the roof just like my goals". Backroom staff member Craig Ford, said, "It was nice to see Tom score on Sunday, he's not really known for his goals, so I'm pleased for the lad" as for the new signings he added, " With the amount of injuries this season , we needed to get more players on board, I'm sure they could do very well for the club, and as long as they put in the effort, the supporters will love them". A warm welcome to both players and hopefully they both will be availiable for Sundays selection.
19/10/05
Hengrove manager Rod Milkins was quick to acknowledge the part the large crowd played in obtaining another hard working 3 points off Highridge at the weekend, and keeping another clean sheet in the process."The boys really appreciated the backing the fans gave today "commented Milkins."One moment which stands out more than any other was when both match balls were dispatched into the fields opposite, how the fans sang and danced around was wonderful" he said, "After that we just seemed to step up another gear". The match itself was payback for a poor performance against the same opposition a few weeks earlier."We never competed in that game, but this time was different" Milkins said. "Players who stood out today were goalscoring hero Liam Farmer,Ricky Clarke and Luke Lipinski, but in saying that it was a good team effort from everyone, seeing that we again played 25 minutes with only ten men". Milkins added, " A funny quote I heard from the crowd was that Ricky Nelmes ran himself stupid out there today, to which a reply from another was, he done that when he jogged out of the changing room before the game had even begun", the supporters here are priceless.
20/10/05
With Milkins off scouting in Europe on Thursday, we managed to catch up with Craig Ford to hear his views before the League Cup match at the Imperial Ground with Langton this coming Sunday. Ford commented, " I always look forward to the cup competitions as its a good opportunity to pick up a piece of silverware, it only takes three or four wins and you got the trophy in your hands". Asked, what the injury front was looking like for the game, he replied, " Sadly its not looking any better, it now looks as if we have lost Tom Lester, for a number of weeks, after a tackle forced him off last weekend, he has some damage to his foot and we have heard he may need to go into plaster, as a hairline fracture is suspected". Ford continued, "Its been hardwork so far this season to field a fully fit side, but to be leading the division goes to show what a set up we have here, I only hope Marcus Purnell shakes off his injury in time for the weekend", On the latest signing he commented, that Joe Sucheki, should be available for selection and there were no reported injury problems with Simon. Ford went on to say, "I just hope all the players get through their Saturday games and survive the Saturday night without too many hitches, its turning our Manager into a nervous wreak, he spends all Saturday night in the pub before retuning home and polishing off a couple of bottles of red wine at home.
24/10/05
Hengrove progressed into Rd.3 with ease yesterday after a 7-1 victory over Langton. After the game we spoke to Jack Horwood, "I scored for Langton today as I thought it was only fair that we gave them a start" he continued "We started with Ricky Nelmes up front, and he wouldn't of scored in a brothel today" Jack added, "It looked like Sam Milkins was on some kind of pay off from the Langton directors, he had so many clear cut chances, I could hardly believe he kept missing, there must of been some cash involved". Manager Milkins spoke of his delight with the win, "I was a little concerned with the injury crisis, and with the prospect of travelling to a team in a lower division on an uneven muddy wet pitch, after the early morning rain, but the lads did enough without really having to raise their game". Hengrove reserve manager Nigel Gray watching from the stands left early only saying that he had "seen enough", he must of had better eyes than most of the crowd as both teams played in a shade of green. Craig Ford spoke of the welcome sight of Tom Lester coaching from the touchline, "That lad will make a great coach or manager one day, he reminds me of Sven Goran Eriksson, and that's just to look at"..... Meanwhile the Police has started an investigation into the antics of previous player Gary Shorney who had arranged a late night drinking binge on the eve of the big cup tie, in what looked like a ploy to upset the preparation of the team only hours before the game.
04/11/05
Rodney Milkins was said to be happy with the draw made at lancaster gate late Wednesday night, which pitched Hengrove against Div 1 rivals Roman Glass. "Any home draw at this stage of the competition is worth having" he said "I know they are probably one of the tougher teams left in the quarter finals but if you want to be the best and win the cup you have to play teams like this, the fans can play a big part in this match which will almost certainly be a sell out" he continued, "If the fans can be as vociferous as the last cup game, then that puts opposition teams under a lot more pressure and mistakes sometimes happen" . One person more than happy with the draw is Hengrove stalwart Nigel Gray "A great draw and a stadium packed to the raffers sends shivers down the spine just thinking about it,and the gate receipts for this game alone would put us financially secure for the rest of the season.and add on all the merchandise sold and you can say we are very happy."but he went on to stress there will be no more money to purchase anymore new signings. The game is to be played on feb 12th and hopefully will be screened on skysports. Meanwhile the club has been quick the distance themselves from the rumours that Western League side Hallen has approached the club about taking both Milkins and Ford as their new management team, its is known they have been mentioned at numerous clubs recently including Cheddar and Tiverton, but at present both are said to be happy with their roles at Hengrove.
7/11/05
Manager Rodney Milkins was left disappointed with the cancellation of Sundays match with Brislington. " I had a inkling it was going to be off when i looked out of my bedroom window early Sunday morning and saw the SS GREAT BRITAIN sailing along the road", Milkins added "We play well in the pouring rain and especially when there's puddles, as we usually get to the bye line more and float the crosses in and tend to dive into the tackles more" he continued, "It would have been a great chance to bring the subs on early to see what they could do in those conditions as well". One player happy with the cancellation was defender Ricky Clarke, " Boy i'm glad that was off because when my hair gets wet i cant do i thing with it for hours"he said. One good thing about the game being off is that it gives a chance for the injuries to have another week to clear up.
9/11/05
Latest news breaking from Hengrove Athletic this morning, is that its has been rumoured that since the injuries to three of the clubs top players they have taken up dancing roles in a Bristol nightclub. A club spokesman has refused to comment on the rumours first heard at the Queenshilling. "If this is true then I haven't heard it, footballers today seem to have too much time on there hands, especially when they are out injured, I'm sure people will bend over backwards and try to disrupt this club", he added "With us being top of the league there are always people out there to try and shot you down"
11/11/05
More scandal has again struck Hengrove, after it was reveal that the management team of Rod Milkins and Craig Ford were spotted out late last night, breaking a club drinking curfew. The pair was seen stumbling home amid rumours of an altercation with supporters of a rival club. The local press had reported in its early editions that Craig Ford had spent the evening with an unknown person called Stella ? On questioning Ford as he arrived to oversee the maintenance work at Norton Lane he said, "The only Stella, I can remember being with, was a bottle of Stella", meanwhlie Milkins had yet to appear, furthering rumours of his late night antics
14/11/05
Rod Milkins refused to comment on the game today, but Craig Ford directed his frustrations firmly at the officials, after watching his Hengrove side crash to a Home defeat yesterday afternoon. Former boss Ford was left fuming at the end of 90 minutes. "We defended poorly for the first 15 to 20 minutes and looked like we couldn't care less, Cadbury Heath were not a special side but we gave them too much respect. We got ourselves back into the game and could of been ahead by half time, but for too many missed chances. Andy Robins had nothing to do all match apart for pick the ball out the net on two occasions, and both those goals were down to our own errors". Ford was clearly annoyed and continued, "We dominated the second half, and when we did score, we should of went on to pick up at least a point if not all three", "Their keeper pulled off some top saves, however I'm very disappointed in the officials today, we should of had a penalty in the first half when Ricky Nelmes was hacked down in the area, and had a good call for one in the second half, but what has really p****ed me off was that we were not awarded a goal when Jack Horwood had clearly knocked the ball into the Cadbury Heath net". Ford continued to rant "When six or seven players go up claiming a goal at the same time, surely that's some indication that the ball had crossed the line", "I was very disappointed to hear the Heath linesman quote, "Its not for me to give the goal, is it". Ford finished off by saying "Its hard work form here in, basically we cannot drop another point". Jon Readings commented on hearing its a hollow Cadbury Heath victory, summed up the players feelings, "Hollow win or not, they have still gone home with the 3 points" clearly disappointed in how cheated the all the players felt.
02/12/05
Asked about the prospects of the weekends clash with Portishead, Craig Ford only replied, ''The world is like an apple revolving around in space and these images unwind like the circles in your mind'' he then jumped into his waiting taxi before disappearing up Norton Lane. Meanwhile Rod Milkins refused to comment on speculation linking him with the vaccant Portsmouth job, he only said, '' I sit at home watching my coffee going cold, If I was a fish I'll swim the ocean seas''. - No further news is breaking from a wet and dark Norton Lane clubhouse late this Friday afternoon.
14/12/05
Craig Ford has started talks with numerous experienced players to evolve the Hengrove U18's into the first Hengrove Athletic Sunday side for many years, allowing the current crop of youngster's to stick together, and continue their winning ways. Craig explained ''I have been asked to take the side into senior football, ensuring that the lads have a guaranteed game on a Sunday in familiar surroundings at Norton Lane'' he added ''I'm looking forward to the challenge, and as always I expect us to be shouting for honours once the season kicks off''. Its rumoured that at least half a dozen experience players have already agreed to join the crop of young Hengrove talent, as the club pulls towards Western League status. Its has also been rumoured that experience midfield-striker Jeff Parslow will take on the role as a playing assistant manager. On hearing the news, he commented ''I like that ideal''. Its also hoped that his former striking partner 'Nev' formerly of Bitton will boast the squad, along with utility defender 'Paul Allen'. Craig Ford finished by saying ''It will be nice to get my boots back on if only as a substitute'. Rodney Milkins is known to be pleased with the evolution of the Under 18's.
09/01/06
Speaking after another defeat Manager Rod Milkins was left highly disappointed with the display against Henbury, "We were rubbish out there today, with too many players not showing enough commitment, the game was there to win, but we didn't apply ourselves. If we would of played at anywhere near our best we would of won the game comfortably, too many players don't put enough effort in at times, and it then escalates throughout the side" Milkins added, "Its a shame the lads don't put their hearts into these games as we have underachieved again this season, there has not been a side better than us all season, but we have no divine right to beat anyone, and when we lost its nobody fault but our own" Craig Ford added "Its a shame to go down today, because for a 15-20 minute spell in the first half we looked very good, and could of found ourselves 3 or 4-1 up, unfortunately we conceded a poor corner and defended poorly from it, right on the stroke of half time, to find ourselves at 2-2" he added "In the second half we were never at the races, and didn't play as a team at any stage, we gave the ball away cheaply, and failed to do any of the basics of football, saying that we still had a couple of guilt-edge chances late in the game, but you cant keep missing from a few yards, and expect to win matches, I'm sure the lads will feel pretty rotten playing like they did today, and will want to prove to themselves that they can do it" Ford added "They are a good set of lads, and because of this probably, sometimes lack the killer instinct" Craig Ford finished by saying, "We must now pick up as many points as possible and see where it gets us, we still have a Quarter-Final cup game to play, and all is not lost yet" On a light-hearted note, Dale Rhodes has again picked up a injury after falling off a step ladder, with initial fears he would be out for 3-4 months with serious ligament damage, it now looks like he will be back in the squad within a week, as it was no more than a sprain. Tom Moore the teams famous 'Sicknote' also picked up a career threatening injury in yesterdays second half, and at one stage he was unable to move, worrying his ankle was shattered like a broken bottle, and requiring two spectators to carry him off. Thankfully it was no more than a knock on the ankle and within a couple of minutes he was back on and running as freely as he had done all afternoon. Tom was heard saying after the game "Look everyone, I got a red mark on my ankle, Look, Look"
16/01/06
Rod Milkins has been called into a meeting with the board of directors after another heavy defeat. The Hengrove chairman and directors refused to comment on Sundays display, but were clearly not happy to hear of another heavy defeat, conceeding three late first half goals, and again stuggling to raise a team. Rod Milkins was happy that there was a bit more effort than in previous weeks, but after a 5-1 defeat, the fans took little or no postives from the game. Meanwhile Tom Moore was seen at Bristol University at lunchtime today (Monday), he added when questioned "I'm working". But the fans could not be fooled as easy as they had been on Sunday afternnoon. "working" they were heard to shout back, "working as a tailors dummy". It was unjustified, as I'm sure he was working on his near post defensive stance.
17/01/06
Hengrove are set to name two new signings in time for Sunday's clash at Brislington
18/01/06
Manager Rod Milkins has announced at Wednesday Mornings press conference that there has been a couple of enquires for the services of Hengrove's big centre half Marcus 'partridge' Purnell from some of Bristol's 'big clubs'. Milkins said "Its my duty as manager to tell any of the players of any interest from other clubs" Milkins continued, "I think Marcus has been a revelation this season, after he came back to pre-season a little heavy around the waistline, but since we put him on a strict diet & fitness regime, he has lost that unwanted 7 stone, and hes now down to his best 'FIGHTING WEIGHT' of 15 stone and it shows in recent performances, where he's has been a tower of strength for us", Hopefully Marcus will ignore the 'big clubs' syndrome and continue to ply his trade and keep his sparkling form for Hengrove. Milkins finished by saying "Why Marcus want to become a bouncer, at Lloyds, Bar Excellence, bsb, or any other of Bristol's big NIGHT CLUBS that are chasing him, and pack in football, is anyones guess.
19/01/06
Breaking news coming in from Hengrove is that the club has just signed Sam Fry until the end of the season. "Its great news, and a timely boost for the club" said Milkins, "The lad has good pace and leads the frontline very well, he also got this uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time". Milkins added,"We have been working on this deal for some time now and I'm more than happy", Milkins also said, "Special praise must go to our chief scout Phil 'Baden Powell' Moore who has put in a lot of time and effort into securing this deal, along with his little runner Tom". Milkins continued, "We also have one more deal on the table and have put in our final offer to the lad and I'm sure he will be on board by the end of the month". Milkins then beaming, walked out of the meeting with his trusty sidekick Craig ford and into the bar where uncannily Sam Fry was at the bar, in the right place at the right time yet again. "See what I mean being in the right place at the right time," Milkins chuckled, "Two pints of bitter please Sam."
Meanwhlie other questions were raised by the press at the meeting, about how the club feel the season has gone so far. Milkins responded by saying, "At present we are 4th in the league and in the quarter final of the cup, and with the horrendous amount of injuries, short and long term we've had everybody connected to the club should feel proud at what they have achieved so far this season". Milkins continued, "Good news on the long term injury front is that De-Tommio Lester could play some part in the next match, hopefully we can give him a short run out from the bench, we need someone to collect the flags. Milkins giggled. Craig Ford butted in saying "Seriously, it would be nice to see Tom back again". Milkins then added, "I have spoken to Dale Rhodes and he told me its only his little pinkie, on his left tootsie that's hurting him now, and he hopes to be playing in the not to distant future, probably by the end of the month", Dale would also like us to publicly thank everyone for all the toys and comics that the fans have sent him, as he recuperated, he added the big polar bear was his favourite. Milkins finished by saying, "I have always said judge me at the end of January when hopefully all the players will have my work ethic instilled into them and then you will see the true Hengrove play."
23/01/06
Hengrove refused to face the press after another drubbing by 5 goals to 3 at the weekend. Hengrove manager is now coming under serve pressure from the fans to be sacked, and its believed that the board has given him only six more games at the helm, before a new influx of players and management could be put in place. It was rumoured that Jeff Parslow was seen making notes on the players, with whom he was looking to offer contracts too, for next seasons challenge in Division Two of the Bristol Wessex league. Fans also saw Craig Ford making contract offers to Scott Lewis and Tom Lester, and in recent weeks, Marcus Purnell and Andy Robins are know to have been offered contracts. It is also expected that he will be looking to ensure Jack Horwood, Tom Moore, and Luke Lipinski are soon signed up, amongst other yet to be named players. Its also known that Ford's former team mate Paul Allen has signed, along with 'Neville' (former Western league striker at Bitton) having already pledged to play next season. Meanwhile the club supporters are still coming to terms with throwing away a 3-1 lead with only 20 minutes remaining, conceeding four late goals, in a game they had according to manager Milkins 'On Toast'. But by the end it was the Hengrove side that were pickled like a jar of eggs.
26/01/06
Speculation has emerged in the last 48 hours that has linked Craig Ford with another football club currently leading their division in the Bristol Sunday Regional League. It is known that at the end of the current campaign Ford was thought to be leading a Hengrove Sunday side along with sidekick Jeff Parslow into next seasons campaign, however it has been leaked that other offers are on the table that involves Ford becoming part of an already established side. Its known that Parslow will also be offered a position in the new set up as part of the deal. This devolvement has thought to of emerged, due to the lack of concrete interest from current Hengrove players, and its known that Ford will not wait about whilst players 'um and ah'. Nigel Gray current Hengrove 'football supremeo' was in late night talks with Ford on Monday evening, but its not known what was said at the meeting. Yesterday we tried to get a comment from U18's manager Rodney Milkins, but he had nothing to add, but did say that things have moved on, and confirmed that a meeting had taken place between Ford and Gray. Meanwhile Tom Moore and Jack Horwood had yet to sign new offers for next season.
27/01/06
Breaking News from Hengrove this Friday lunchtime, is that Rod Milkins has been abducted by Dale Rhodes and held for ransom. Its believed Dales asking price for the return of Rodney is a game on Sunday. These rumours has been fuelled, due to the fact that Milkins has not been heard from since early Wednesday morning. The press are currently checking all the local toy shops in the search for Dale, and to check out the story. Meanwhile its believed that Hengrove have made another signing in time for the weekends clash at Mangotsfield United, but with Milkins missing this story has yet to be confirmed. In other news Ricky Clarke has announced that he will be wearing his new 'orange earrings' this weekend, after wearing a rather fetching blue set at Brislington last week.
06/02/06
It was understood that last night both Rod Milkins and Craig Ford offered to stand down as Hengrove U18 management team, after yesterday embarrassement. The board refused the offer and asked them to carry on. It is know that both are unhappy with a 'who cares' attitude shown by too many of the players, and was also disappointed in the low attendance figure, which saw Hengrove play in front of their smallest gate of the season. Milkins was upset in the manner Hengrove won 4-1 at Norton Lane yesterday against only nine players, with a QF cup match less than 7 days away, "If we play like that, we will not beat Glass next week, and would be lucky if we could beat an egg".
Marcus Purnell turned up at the match in his mobile disco, along with Jon Reddings Dale Rhodes and Ricky Nelmes. It was later confirmed that all four were suffering from the effects of deafness, which may explain why none of the players could here each other on the field of play, and the passes went astray all afternoon.. Milkins finished by saying, "The players will need to learn how to shot from 6 yards out, how we missed from that distance, on what must of been at least ten times, is shocking" Ford refused to comment on the game, but did say "roll on the summer"
05/03/06
Quote of the day : where do all our subs go ?
Are you having a laugh - the ref takes between 15-30 quid, the league takes 30quid each season along with annual signing on fees of 40quid - A kit costs around 400quid , the hire of a pitch per home game costs 25 plus (x approx 12 games) - first aid kit around 30quid, a bottle of spray and tube of deep heat sets you back a fiver - a set of water bottles 50quid, a match ball costs 40-50quid each, and how many times have we lost one of them ? oh and the medals and engraving - Add all that up and you looking a alot of money, then there is league afflication fees, insurance, do you want to know more 'BORING'- And to join the Bristol & Wessex league will costs 85quid up front before we even kick a ball.
07/03/06
With only one game remaining, the local 'Hengrove Press Officer' managed to catch up with Craig Ford for a interview on the last season at Hengrove FC:
So how do you think the season has gone - well to be honest, not as well as expected, myself and Rod (milkins) were looking to be title challengers this season, and we even expected a cup run and possibile winners. At the start of the season we had a strong looking side, that should of been more than a match for anyone at this level.
So were do you think it all went wrong - If I could put my finger on that, I would be looking at being the next England manager, but we have struggled all season with injuries and illness. It didnt help that we lost a natural born goalscorer over the summer, but we were pleased to had signed a number of players who we expected to take on that role, however it didnt work out like we would of liked. For some reason we have created chances but failed to score the goals, while at the other end, we have been punished, therefore losing games.
Since Christmas, the fans have been staying away, and the Manager has received alot of stick, can you tell us whats being going on ? - Again its strange why we have looked shakey since the Xmas break, at times during a game, we have looked very good, but within minutes we just switch off and we are punished. You only have to look at the Henbury game, were we looked a class above Henbury, then as if a magic wand is waved at us, we switch off, and seem to give up trying. I must say that Rod has been pulling his hair out, with what to say too the lads, as it seems to be the same things week after week. He's also brought in new players to try and add a bit of extra spice to the side, but we just havent performed. Saying that the lads are playing alot of football now, and for some the Sunday afternoon fixture can be their third game of the weekend. As for the fans staying away, well its easy to support a winning side, but the real fan will be there week in week out whatever.
Who do you think has been the best side this season ? - Roman Glass have looked the side to beat, they were well oganized, which put them out front from the rest, and they have a natural goalscorer. Saying that I still think man for man at the start of the season we had the best side, but the different was that 'Glass' players wanted to win things more as a side than us. Apart from Roman Glass, I have not been impressed with anyone else. Henbury were workmanlike as were Cadbury Heath, but in terms of football, they havent that much on offer. The rest have a player or two, but thats about it.
Well thanks for that Craig, I'm sure your years in youth football has been enjoyable - There has been many enjoyable weekends along the way, as there has been a few stinkers, but I will look back at this adventure with fond memories, and the 2002 championship winning year as the highlight. Its just a shame these lads didnt reach their goals, but never mind, time and tide waits for no man.
13/03/06
With the Under 18's without a fixture over the weekend the successful management duo of Rod Milkins & Craig Ford were out watching many of their squad playing for Hengrove Athletic Saturday teams.
They were asked "How does it feel to see so many of the players you have both been involved with since the tender age of ten, now putting new life into the Hengrove club" the pair answered in unison "Were not one for blowing our own trumpet, but the evidence speaks for itself, the third team has now become a much younger and competitive side, the Somerset Senior reserves are a very young side, and the first team haven't lost all season, and are on the brink of Western League status, with a number of our Under 18's making appearances throughout the season" they added, we were the first pair to put together a youth side that was actually going to move the club forward, and we have left it in a healthy state. The new influx of Under 18's will be able to complete at the highest level, after we managed to obtain promotion to the top flight, which will again benefit the future development of Hengrove".
The local press had asked the pair why the first team manager had not watched the Under 18's more often?. Milkins replied " Only he can answer that question, but if he would of come and seen us on more occasions, then I'm sure we would of had more of them involved with the first team squad, however that's a problem to be addressed by the club chairman". Ford added, that the second team had benefited from this and they will be stronger in depth because of it. Ford continued, "I hope the likes of Tom Moore, Ricky Clarke, Scott Lewis and Luke Lipinski, amongst others, start banging on the first team managers door, and ask him to start giving them more of a chance" Ford finished by saying, "They are players with good potential, and the future of this club"
Before you go, how do you think Hengrove will thank you both ?, Milkins and Ford laughed, "A season ticket for next year's Toolstation campaign"
17/03/06
Manager Rod Milkins was said to be very happy and pleased with the outcome of the few days warm weather training in la manga spain. "It was an unexpected pleasure, and thanks must go to the Hengrove board for stumping up the money, for a change" - "It was great just to get away and get some much needed sun on our backs, and a great team bonding exercise". Milkins also hopes to have his first team squad availiable for the first time this season against Portishead this Sunday. - Milkins was also quick to stress that there was no truth in the rumour that any of his squad being involved in the 'News of the World' allegations of lewd acts involving premiership players. Milkins laughed and said "I know sometimes they play like fairies on the pitch, but that's all" - Milkins also played down rumours of a rift with Dale Rhodes saying the lad only wanted to show how fit he was, there was no way we was going to let him attempt to swim home from spain its all water under the bridge now and hes accepted my decisions.
In other news Marcus Purnell Jon Readings, Luke Lipinski, Dale Rhodes and Ricky Nelmes have all sent in their applications to enter the Commonwealth Games, boxing advent, it is however been revealed that they had missed the deadline after Dale had failed to post the forms off in time, due to spending an evening in Plods Hotel.
This week Andy Robins turned down the opportunity to test drive for the Williams BMW Formula One team, Andy said, "It was nice of them to ask, but have you seen how fast those cars move, I think I give that one a miss, I have a goalkeeper career to think of"
Its also be reported that the Doctor had good news for Scott Lewis this week when he was given the all clear from the doc, Scott beamed, "I didn't have bird flu after all, it was just a cold, but it taught me to stay away from those chickens in future, I wont be sneaking around that farm again".
Simon Aston, and Tom Lester were seen out singing on the corner of Salcombe Road this week, both Simon and Tom were said to be entering the next series of the X-factor due on ITV later this year. Tom said, "Me and our Sime, has been singing all day, our favourite song, 'Simple Simon says put your hands in the air' its a great tune, and you should see the hands and arms being waved around by the locals".
Sam Milkins and Liam Farmer were seen 'dancing' around the sportshall at Soundwell College earlier today, Sam said "Its alright I'm practicing with Liam to enter Come Dancing later this year, he's a lovely mover". Liam quickly packed away his tap shoes and left without making to much comment, "If they hear about this I'm finished"
Jon Readings didn't escape the limelight either this week, when he was caught trying on ladies hats in Debenhams, "Leave it out" he was heard to cry "You know what I'm like with hats, I just can't pass a hat without trying one on"
Finally Tom Moore and Ricky Clarke has again played down rumours that they will be joining the army in the summer, Ricky said, "There's no way I'm having a haircut like Moorie, and taking out my lovely earrings, if Tom wants to look the thug, then that's his problem".
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