2011/2 Season Preview Part 1:
It’s that time of the year where experts and novices begin pontificate wildly over the prospects of various clubs over the coming season. As a blogging novice, I am no different. So let me take you through the first part of my preview of the 2011/2 Ryman League Premier Division line-up and then, in 9 months time, you can all laugh at how horribly I’ve misjudged things. First up, our friends from Bridge Avenue.
AFC Hornchurch
Manager: Jimmy MacFarlane
Last Season: 10th
Hendon’s 10/11 Results: Home W 2-1, Away D 0-0
Considering Hendon’s record against Messrs McBride, MacFarlane and Purdie when they were involved at Purfleet / Thurrock and the fact that the Urchins always seem to be hovering in or around the play off zone, it’s quite an achievement for the Greens to be unbeaten in our last 4 meetings. With Jimmy MacFarlane entering his second full season in the dugout, what looks like a settled squad and an impressive start to pre-season under their belts, I expect Hornchurch to once again be knocking on the door of the top 5. MacFarlane has publically stated his disappointment with their 10th place finish last season – albeit only 4 points outside the play offs – and his determination not to fall short again this time around. In Darren Behcet the Urchins have a very capable custodian whilst Ronnie Fletcher, Elliott Styles and new additions Simon Glover and Reiss Noel provide what is on paper, a very strong barrier just in front of him. In Martin Tuohy and Jo Flack, the Urchins have no shortage of proven goal potential at this level whilst Jon Hunt, Frankie Curley and Dave Collis provide plenty of experience and quality in midfield. With a number of promising youngsters coming through, the Urchins will prove tough opponents for any side this season.
Verdict: Play off Potential
Aveley
Manager: Carl Griffiths
Last Season: 20th
Hendon Results 10/11: Home L 1-2, Away W 2-0
The Millers suffered from a pretty major bout of 2nd season syndrome last season following the success of their Premier Division debut season which saw them sensationally reach the play offs. Manager Rod Stringer soon departed to lead Braintree Town into the Blue Square National leaving former Wimbledon left back Alan Kimble in charge. After just two wins in their first 16 league matches last term, Kimble was relieved of his duties and replaced by former Brentwood Town boss (and member of the Leyton Orient side vanquished by Junior Lewis’ header at Brisbane Road in November 1997) Carl Griffiths. Despite an improvement in form, including an impressive performance in winning 2-1 at Vale Farm in March, the Millers fell just short of survival, finishing behind Hastings United on goal difference. With the annual merry-go-round further up the pyramid, Aveley received a reprieve from relegation and will be looking to make the most of their second chance. The signing of former Jamaican international Micah Hyde from Billericay Town looks a good one and if the side shows the same enthusiasm and organisation as they did towards the end of last season, then whilst a repeat of their play off achievements looks a way off, they ought to be looking to steer clear of the relegation dogfight.
Verdict: Surviving
Billericay Town
Manager: Craig Edwards
Last Season: 11th
Hendon Results 10/11: Home D 1-1, Away L 0-2
Billericay and Craig Edwards are pretty well matched. I have a lot of time for both club and manager and Hendon always have trouble getting much in the way of change from either as well. In spite of that, neither seem to achieve what they promise for one reason or another. Last season’s 11th place finish doesn’t tell the whole story as like Hornchurch above them, ‘Ricay finished just four points outside the play offs. Edwards always creates attractive, pacy sides who like to push forwards and games against any club managed by the ex-boxer are usually decent to watch. Their pre-season has been up and down and seen them lose key defenders Ian Cousins and Adam Flanagan to Division 1 North side Maldon & Tiptree United along with dangerous striker James Lawson. Returning to the club where he made his name is Rob Swaine from Thurrock, along with fellow centre half Matty Toms from Romford. Further forward former Leyton Orient midfielder Paul Semakula comes in from Sittingbourne and experienced striker Jay May has signed to add strength to their forward line.
Their preparations have been further hindered by a freak accident over the weekend that saw defender Chris Wild airlifted to hospital after falling through a 1st level balcony floor into a basement area at the Folkestone hotel where the squad were staying ahead of their friendly with Sittingbourne. The game was cancelled as a result of the accident. Miraculously, Wild suffered nothing more than serious bruising, but is sure to be out of action for a while. It goes without saying that I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he’s back in action by the time ‘Ricay visit Vale Farm in November. All of which is leading me towards the conclusion that once again, I think our friends from Essex will be there or thereabouts all season but may just come short again of finishing in the top 5. I’m sure they’ll be keen to prove me very wrong.
Verdict: Play Off Push, Just missing out.
Bury Town
Manager: Richard Wilkins
Last Season: 3rd
Hendon Results 10/11: Home D 3-3, Away D 2-2
Last season’s matches against Bury Town saw a couple of high scoring draws served up to entertain fans of both clubs on autumnal midweek evenings. The Suffolk side went on to enjoy an excellent first term in the Ryman Premier Division finishing 3rd and losing in the play off semi final to their county rivals Lowestoft Town, for whom former Hendon hero Lubomir Guentchev scored the 2nd half winner. Bury will be looking to go one better this time around and look well placed to do so. There may be a concern that they might suffer 2nd season syndrome and the loss of Chris Henderson to Lowestoft looks like a blow as well. That said, the commitment of James Scowcroft to the club for another 2 seasons is a huge boost and John Kennedy provides plenty of experience and knowhow as well. Roy Essandoh has appeared in pre-season, whilst the Reed brothers provide plenty of goal threat. They’ve had a strong pre-season with plenty of goals scored and a good draw against Cambridge United as well so look in very good shape going into the season. I strongly expect them to be up at the top end of the table again, but may well have to settle for a spot in the play offs for a second season running.
Verdict: Play Off Bankers.
Verdict: Play Off Bankers.
Canvey Island
Manager: John Batch
Last Season: 6th
Hendon Results 10/11: Home L 0-3, Away L 1-4
Another side who last season came close to reaching the play offs missing out only on goal difference to Harrow Borough. The Gulls have made progress year on year since their return to the top level of the Ryman League and look set to launch another attack on the top 5. Two of Hendon's more wretched performances (and believe me, there were plenty to choose from) last term came against Canvey with the indisciplined performance at Park Lane being a particular nadir. Jason Hallett's superb hat-trick at Vale Farm proved the difference between the two sides towards the end of the season and he will be integral to the Islander's fortunes again this time around. Looking through their squad there is plenty of quality and experience for John Batch to call upon. Tarkan Mustapha, Craig Davidson, Chris Moore and Steve Ward could comprise one of the most experienced back fours seen at this level in many a year and with Ashley Dumas and Danny Kerrigan also pushing for a place, Canvey have a strong base from which to work. Jordan Rhodes is one of the most exciting and explosive talents in the division and Robbie King provides his fair share of goals from the middle of the park. With Danny Heale, Leon Gordon and Jay Curran adding to the goal threat of Hallett, hopes will be high amongst the Gulls' faithful that they will be able to go one better this time around. I'm not sure that I'm prepared at the moment to bet against them.
Verdict: Play off Push
Tomorrow I will be looking at the prospects for Carshalton, Concord, Cray, East Thurrock, Harrow and Hastings ahead of the new season in Part Two.
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