The Wide Boy Diary with Dion Sembie-Ferris

Whilst some non-league clubs splash the cash, looking for short term gain, other non-league sides are happy to give youth a chance and entrust a first team place with a young professional from a league side.

Dion Sembie-Ferris has been tearing it up for Concord Rangers since arriving on loan from Colchester United earlier in the season, but what is a normal week like for Dion? Well I spent some time with him to find out...

MONDAY

It's an early start on a Monday, as I go into training for 9am, so I can do some prepare myself for the session ahead with some light stretching and mobility work. If I haven't played at the weekend I will go out with the Under 23's later in the morning, but if I've had a game on Saturday, I'll just do some gym work to cool my body down.

Whilst on a Monday, the boys are quite curious on how I've got on at the weekend, and they will always ask what the game was like, as not many of them have experienced first team football. I think it's vital that as a young pro you get experience playing men's football as it is a world away from playing U23's.  However the good thing about Colchester is that they always give their own players a chance, so hopefully my opportunity isn't too far away!

After I've lunched and showered I go home from training, but my day isn't done! I go to a gym which is close to my house where I will continue to mobilise my body, which involves massaging of the muscles, dynamic stretches in a cold pool, then I will unwind with a jacuzzi and a sauna.


TUESDAY

Training on a Tuesday would be light for me, as I have training with Concord Rangers in the evening, so I'll do the technical part and some possession based play, before stepping out before the small-sided games begin.
There isn't much difference between the training at professional and non-league level.  Both are based around technique and possession. At any level keeping the ball is vital.  However on a Thursday at Concord the emphasis changes and is geared towards our opponent on the Saturday, and we work on areas that can give us the best chance of victory, be that working on our shape or working on our attacking moves.
Tuesday is a long day for me, as I won't get home till after 10pm, and as I've done two sessions I will have a cold bath to relieve my muscles.


WEDNESDAY

Is a day off at Colchester, but not for me! I always go to the gym and work on things specific to my position on the pitch.  It's key for me to always keep my explosive pace. It's one of my biggest attributes and working in the gym to maintain and better my pace is vital for me.
When I was younger I tried to base my style of play on Thierry Henry, he was my biggest idoal and I loved the way he ran with power and elegance on the ball and the affect he had on other team-mates around him.  Nowadays I don't have a specific player I look up to, but when I watch football on the TV I try to focus on the wingers to see what they do, and implement some of their good things into my game.

THURSDAY

Today is very similar to the Tuesday, and it's very much the same routine.  As I said before Thursday evening's are focused with an eye on the game on Saturday.  Flan and Glen (Adam Flanagan and Glen Alzapeidi) are always giving me good feedback on how I'm progressing and it's a great motivator for me to go out their on a Saturday and improve on my previous performance.
I think what I need to play at the highest level is to just be positive and believe in myself sometimes, that's my biggest downfall, so any encouragement I get from the coaching staff at Colchester or Concord is really beneficial to me.
Playing regular men's football I'm now finding myself believing in myself and willing to try things on the ball! I'm always going to give 100% so when the games over I can look back and think I couldn't have given anymore.
Again I'll get home late and have a cold bath to relax my muscles (Writer's note - always in the bath this boy!)

FRIDAY

As it's the day before a game I make sure that I train well so I'm well prepared for the game on the Saturday.  At Colchester we do small-sided games with the U23s and some of the youth team, so most of the time is spent playing inside in the dome at the training ground.
Training will finish at 130pm and then I'll go home, unwind, have a good meal and get a decent night's sleep ahead of the game tomorrow (Writer's Note .... no bath!?!)

SATURDAY

Game Day! So I'll prepare with pasta and toast for breakfast with a smoothie and then I'll take a banana and some water for me for the journey towards the stadium as it was a long journey to Hungerford (Interview took place just after Hungerford away match) to make sure I have some small snacks to keep my energy levels for the match.
Long distance travel can affect some people, as it can cause tight muscles due to sitting down too long or even cause tiredness, but it shouldn't be used as an excuse for starting a game slowly. You can start a game slowly at your own ground! It's all down to getting in the right mindset, plus you have plenty of time shake-off any lethargy after travelling if you warm up properly before the game.
The dressing room is quite loud before a game, the music's on, Hoody is in charge of the music and it's quite decent to be fair, the boys are chatting away and it's quite relaxed beforehand, but as it get's closer to kick-off things get focused.  The Gaffa gives us our instructions and we go out onto the pitch fully prepared and ready to win the game.
After the game and on the way back home on the coach, I will wear my compression socks which will help my muscle recovery. Then once home I'll have a cold bath (Writer's Note...there it is!)

SUNDAY

Depending on how long I've played on the Saturday, I will use the Sunday to completely rest, or I will again go to the gym and do another pool session. I'll just chill on a Sunday evening, watch some TV and get ready to go for the next week ahead!

Keeping a Diary with Bailey Vose

The non-league game is littered with young professionals from league clubs trying to make their way in the game, however you don't find many young goalkeeper's out on loan.  Bailey Vose is an exception.  Bailey trains with Brighton during the week, and on match-day's he's between the sticks for Concord Rangers in the Conference South.

So what happen's during a normal week for Bailey? I spent some time with the young goalkeeper and found out what goes on, and how he hopes to become a top-level goalkeeper...

Monday

Monday is normally a game day for Brighton Under 23's, so this involves having a pre match meal at 4pm. Then we have a team meeting around 4:30pm, just prepping us on the opposition. We would then head to the stadium to get ready for the game with kick off being at 7pm.

However as I'm now on loan at Concord, my day is different. My day starts with breakfast at 9am, from then onwards i will prepare myself for training at 10:15am. On a Monday training would be with the first team keepers unless they have a game on the Tuesday. Training would last for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, however, I would only spend 30-40 minutes with the goalkeeper coach. 

When we train with the rest of the team we normally have a small sided game. In addition to this, if any of the strikers want to of extra training then I would jump in goal for them.

There is a variety of strikers at Brighton, target men, pacey forwards, but I tell you they're all exceptionally good at finishing. They don’t whack the ball hard, but they hit the ball with enough pace to beat you, and is in the corners 99% of the time. It's all about precision. I can only improve my own performance from this additional practice, so it works for both the forwards and myself. 

After training we then have lunch which is available from 12-1pm. After lunch, I will then do a gym session for 45 minutes. My gym sessions normally work my lower body. This is because I want to improve the power in my legs, to give me a better chance to reaching the top corners. In my opinion, my strongest part of my game is my distribution. I think i am very good with the ball at my feet, as I didn’t turn a goalkeeper until I was 15 (*hang on - writer interjects*) 

"What do you mean you only starting playing in goal at 15!?" 

Well I've always liked the position, and played their occasionally growing up, it's just when the keeper for my Sunday team got badly injured, I thought yeah I'll go in goal, and it's gone on from there! Do I fancy myself out on pitch now? Haha. I don't know I love being a keeper now. But playing out on pitch for so long as a boy has definitely helped me out.

Tuesday

Tuesday starts exactly the same as Monday with training beginning again at 1015am. This session will start with goalkeepers working on our positioning and technical ability. This will be for around 45 minutes and will then be followed by going with the team for a game. 

After lunch I would then be able to leave the training ground to go home and recover, but I like to hang around after training to practice my kicking and other bits of my game.

On some Tuesdays the first team may have a game, for example on the 28th they're at home to Newcastle, so the whole 23 squad would attend. This is a great way to observe the first team keepers, watch them warm up and see what you have to do the reach the top level. 

Furthermore, if I play for the Under 23's on a Monday then today would be the day I sit down with my goalkeeper coach to watch through the game, as all the games are filmed. Again, looking on what I done well and what I need to improve on. 

Wednesday

This is a rest day.

"You're not just getting away with that! What goalkeeper do you look to as an inspiration/role model?"

For me, the keeper I would base my game on would be Joe Hart. This is because I think he is a great shot stopper, he shows that he can dominate his defence and I feel that his distribution is good as well. A good goalkeeper in my opinion is that he has to be a excellent shot stopper because that is our job you've got to keep the ball out of the net. It's that simple really.

"Some games you might only have to face one shot, so how important is it to stay focussed?"

Concentration is vital for a keeper as like you say you may not have nothing to do all game and then suddenly you are called into action and you need to deliver. Thats for me what makes a top keeper, when you are called upon you deliver. All  goalkeepers can make saves but the top keepers make the difference in games, they make the vital saves when they're needed and win their team points. 

Thursday

Training would again begin at 10:15am for me, however this  would be a lighter session for me as I train with Concord in the evening. Lunch would be taken at 12pm and after that, I would head off to train at Concord.

The training at Concord follows a similar pattern as it does at Brighton, I'll spend around 30 minutes with the goalkeeper coach Andy Young, and after we have done some technical work, I would then join the full team for a game.

Training and playing at Conference South level is really helping me improve the facets of my game, which I think need improving the most and that's communication and dealing with crosses. It's vital at this level that I communicate with my defence, they need to know when I'm coming for corners etc, and where I want my wall positioned. The team are relying on me. At Conference level there are so many crosses going into the box, it's giving me plenty of chances to improve my game, which I think it steadily is in this area.

Friday

Training on a Friday would be about preparing me for the game on Saturday. This would include some handling work, shot stopping, some crossing and some kicking. After lunch I go home and unwind.  I try not to think about the game on Saturday, I like to just chill out and watch a film or some TV.  I'll then go to bed and wake up the next day with myself all refreshed.

Saturday

Saturday is a game day for Concord. Pre match would be around 12pm for me, meeting at the ground for 1:30pm. There is always a member of Brighton that will come and watch me, this may be my goalkeeper coach or a Brighton scout. If my goalkeeper coach comes and watches me then we would talk through the game on what I did well and what things I need to improve on. If a Brighton scout comes and watches me then he would contact my goalkeeper coach and we would go through it later in the week. 

The main difference that I notice between non-league and the U23's is the pace of the game. The pace in the Conference is a lot quicker because the players don’t get as much time on the ball as they do compared to under 23 games. Physically, the conference is a lot stronger as your playing with men. However, U23 football is a lot more technical. 

The movement of player's at both levels is very good, however a lot of the non-league strikers like the ball into their feet as they have the physicality to defend it.  You can tell when a striker is a good player, when you see their body shape when they're striking a ball.  Sometimes I can tell where they are going to shoot through their body position, however better players know that the keeper is trying to read their body position, and try to trick us. For example, if a strike shapes up to shoot in the far corner, but in the last second changes to squeeze it in at the near post. Another key component of a striker is that movement off the ball, the best forward I've played against so far, Saido Berahino is excellent at that. He is an outstanding centre forward.

A big difference is coping mentally from the abuse you get from the opposition spectators, which you don’t get to experience at U23 football. The abuse I get behind the goal is always funny. I get called every name under the sun which is just standard. But I remember playing for Whyteleafe when I was 17 and as I’ve gone to get the ball out of the net, the opposition supporters threw all beer over me, that was probably the worse, but I’m sure it will get worse!

Sunday

Sunday would again start with breakfast at 9am and training being at 10:15. As it is a day after a game, training would be light and would involve some handling and some diving. Furthermore, on a Sunday, for part of my recovery I go in the gym and do some upper body but also go in the ice baths for my muscles to recover. Then I'm all set to start again on Monday!

Cowley's success is no surprise to Concord Rangers

Whilst Lincoln City ride high in the National League and look poised for a return to the Football League, the club's recent success and good form doesn't come as a shock to a team you may have not heard about on Canvey Island.

24th January 2015 was when I first encountered what can only be described as the wonder of Danny Cowley's management. His Concord side walloped big spending Whitehawk 3-0 in the National League South. To my then un-trained eyes this was ridiculous, how had Danny got this group of players punching above their weight in this Division and beating full-time sides with bigger budgets and packed with professional footballers so easily? As I was to find out, Danny had been doing this for years.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, Danny and his brother Nicky, who was his Assistant Manager were to leave Concord Rangers at the end of the 2014/2015 season to move onto National League Braintree Town. I only captured the last few months of Cowley's reign at Concord, but it had been an incredible rise up through the divisions which had begun back in 2007, when Danny Cowley was appointed Joint-Manager with Danny Scopes in the Essex Senior League. A world away from the Conference South that Concord now competed in. "When I first spoke to him, I was under no illusion that this guy would end up managing in full time football. He impressed me from day one." said Concord Chairman Antony Smith of that meeting back in 2007.

The 2007/2008 season began with Concord under the dual managership of Cowley and Scopes, there was an identikit of the kind of player the two Danny's wanted playing for Concord "We demanded that players had the right attitude and the team came first. We wanted fit lads with outstanding work rate and as we progressed through the levels the quality required for that league." Danny Scopes was only confirming what Danny Cowley said me to back in January 2015 when I first spoke to him "The players have to buy into the ethos of the club. A player's personality is more important to me than their ability."

Whilst the team battled for the Essex Senior League title with Cowley in joint charge of the team, Danny's brother Nicky joined the club.  Nicky was a tough-tackling centre-midfielder. No quarter asked. No quarter given.  "Nicky typified the spirit of our team at the time. He was definitely the type of player you'd rather have on your team than against you though, that's for sure. said Miki Hood who had also joined the club that season, in some kind of back-room coach/kit-man/physio role.
Nicky's influence on the team was immense "He was the player you would make Captain of your team on the first day of pre-season training" said Danny Scopes "He has the passion you need and every manager dreams of this from his players.  The attitude to give his best and to drive others on, to give their best on and off the pitch. He would never tolerate someone not trying, and not having the same desire on the pitch as him. He was a leader of men" This type of player typified what Cowley and Scopes wanted from their team, and this worked as Concord had a highly successful season in the Essex Senior League. They travelled to Barkingside on the last day of the season knowing that victory on that day would bring them the title - again Danny Scopes "Dan had a great understanding of when to scream and shout and when to be calm in the dressing room, I have heard and been around plenty of other managers that feel they need to shout and scream to get their point across, but they actually lose focus of what needed to be said.  At this time this game (Barkingside) was maybe and might still be one of the most important games in Danny/Nicky's management/playing career's so far. We come in at half time 0-0 and we have not been playing well, and looked nervous in our play. We were playing on a difficult pitch against a Barkingside team that 100% wanted to destroy our dream of winning the League. Danny went on to give one of the best half-time team talks I have heard as a manager or player, driving the player's on and encouraging them to go take what we had worked so hard for all season, to go and make it happen and not wait for it to happen. It was an emotional moment for everyone in that dressing room and maybe the moment that got us over the line with a 1-0 win, promotion and the start of an incredible journey."

In 2008/2009 Concord battled it out in the Ryman League Division One North, not much was expected of them.  Mid-table consolidation would have been gratefully accepted. Not for Cowley though, Concord finished a credible 5th place and a place in the league play-offs. Unfortunately Concord were defeated in the play-off final by Waltham Abbey on penalties. Concord would not be denied though and the following season they achieved promotion to the Ryman Premier League beating Enfield Town 3-1 in the play-off final.  By this time Steve King had played for Danny Cowley and with Nicky Cowley for a couple of seasons, and the centre back remembers his playing time with Nicky "We always used to fight and bicker on the pitch, but we were so successful because of it. Each of us without knowing it were driving each other on. As soon as that final whistle went, we had a cuddle and a sing-song on the way home from away matches."

As Concord moved up the levels that consequently the standard of opposition rose, so Cowley, now managing the club on his own after Danny Scopes retirement began looking for ways that Concord could beat the odds. "He left no stone un-turned.  Every minor detail was spot on. That minor detail could make the difference and his attention to detail was second to none" confirms Steve King.  But how could Concord who were a part-time club operate against the bigger sides in the division? Miki Hood who was on-hand for the majority of the training sessions at that time - "Danny will probably be the first person to tell you the limitations of working in the part-time football environment. Realistically in 3/4 hours a week, are you going to be able to make every single individual in your squad a markedly better technical footballer, more tactically astute, a more well-rounded player, and look to develop individual skills - probably not. But you can instil a team organisation, an identity, a collective understanding and belief - to make something greater than the sum of it's parts? You have to say yes, and that's what he did."

As it transpired teams could not cope with Concord's pressing game. They were hard to break down, and always carried a goal threat. They didn't know when they were beaten.  Look at Lincoln's results this season. Notice those late goals. It's not coincidence.  But back to Concord. In 2012/2013 after a slow start to the season everything clicked into place. Concord found themselves in the play-offs. An unbelievable feat for the club.  However Cowley would not let his team rest on it's laurels and congratulate themselves for making the play-offs. Towards the end of the normal season, Concord had lost 2-1 to a late winner, and Wealdstone's fans had spilled onto the pitch after they had scored. "After the game in the dressing room Danny told us we'd get a second chance. That football always gives you a chance to right a wrong, and that we'd be coming back here in the play-offs to do just that. You could sense they weren't just words for show. He was convinced. Regardless of the possible permutations of the games between then and the play-off's; he told us it was going to happen. The players and coaching staff believed it. And it happened."

Concord travelled to Wealdstone for the play-off semi final as predicted by Danny Cowley and won 2-1 in extra time "It was almost surreal. He'd already predicted it. He'd stood in front of all of us back in March and told us what was going to happen. The man's a footballing freak. He decides on what's going to happen and makes it happen." That day back in 2013 is still fresh in Miki Hood's as he re-told me the story of those Wealdstone encounters.

Danny Cowley and Concord then found themselves in a play-off final away to Lowestoft for a place in the Conference South.  This was unheard of for a team the size of Concord Rangers. Of course under Cowley Concord won and one of the goalscorer's on the day Steve King think's that win was one of Cowley's greatest achievements at the club "That play-off final win against Lowestoft stands out for me. We always tended to be underdogs against any opposition as we are such a small club compared to the others and we were never a bigger underdog than in that game. We had been beaten significantly every time we had played there, but Danny instilled a belief in the boys that it was our time and against all the odds we gained promotion. He is an excellent man-manager and can get the best out of his players."

So the 2013/2014 saw Concord Rangers playing in the Conference South for the first time in the club's history. They were dead-certs for relegation in a league which contained clubs such as Dover, Eastleigh, Bromley and Boreham Wood.  Again Cowley defied expectations and led Concord to a creditable ninth place finish.  They finished eight points away from the play-offs. A remarkable performance.  A great season in the league was topped off with Concord winning the Essex Senior Cup beating Conference side Braintree in the final. This was to be the first of three consecutive Essex Senior Cup's that Concord would win (2 under Cowley, and 1 under current manager Adam Flanagan).

The following season and what was to be Cowley's last in charge of Concord, Danny was joined by his brother Nicky in the dug-out as Nicky became Danny's Assistant Manager.  This was also the season I first turned up at Concord and I saw how Danny and Nicky dovetailed each other in the dug-out. Whilst Danny was on touchline driving his side on, cajoling and berating his players at times, Nicky was more studious. He had his ring-binder of set-pieces and formations to be used during the game. Again no stone was being left un-turned. To stand next to the Cowley's in the dug-out was an education in man-management and tactical awareness. But why do the Cowley's work together so well? "They both have the same beliefs in life and of what they want for football. I would say a key factor is there is still that element that brothers have, where they push each other and are not afraid to say what they think to each other or have a row. I'm pretty sure they disagree plenty of times on things behind closed doors, but when it comes to being in front of the players they're 100% focused and together, with a positive mindset to get the job done." was Danny Scopes answer when the question was raised.

Cowley's final season would thrust the club in the public eye as Concord reached the FA Cup 1st Round for the first time in their history. They pulled out League 2 Mansfield Town away from home in the draw.  Concord travelled to Field Mill and didn't disgrace themselves. In fact they excelled. They drew 1-1 at their league opponents and in the replay at the Aspect Arena lost by one goal to nil.  Now Cowley was appearing on other club's radars and it came as no surprise that Danny and his brother left the club at the end of the 2014/2015 to join National League Braintree Town.

That season at Braintree was another rung up a highly successful ladder for the Cowley's as they led part-time Braintree to the National League play-offs and only narrowly lost to Grimsby Town on aggregate.

As Lincoln gain plenty of admirers in Non-League football and beyond for their football, there is no doubt that the future is bright for the Cowley's and who know's what level they could end up at - "As far as I'm concerned the sky's the limit for them both. The only thing that could possibly stop them managing at the very top level is that they weren't household names as players. I find that sad and hope very much that they break the mould and genuinely believe they can manage at Championship level and then...who knows" said Steve King who is probably better to judge than a lot of us having played under Cowley for seven years.

There is an immense feeling of pride with everyone connected at Concord Rangers to see the Cowley's do so well for themselves, and maybe the final word should be with Danny Scopes who was there at the start of Danny Cowley's remarkable journey back in 2007 "I was never in any doubt from the first moment we worked together at Concord Rangers, that they (Danny and Nicky) would go on and be successful in management at non-league level. I think their rise in value from what they did at Braintree last year has really made people stand up and take notice and that has carried on at Lincoln, as we all expected once they got the job. When you watch Lincoln City play, you know you're watching a Cowley team play, and it's great to see."

Concord Rangers - One Year On.

It pull's you in.  It's infectious.  What is that I hear you ask?  It's the Concord Rangers spirit and it can't be explained.  I've been following the Beachboys for a year now, and I bloody love them.  I didn't expect it to happen when I turned up a year ago wanting to interview people at the club. I thought 'well I'll have a nice day here, write a piece and bugger off" - that didn't happen.  I was made so welcome by everyone from the chairman down to the programme editor, I couldn't just walk away...so I didn't.

So one year what has changed?  Well the manager has left, half the team which played on that cold January afternoon has moved on...but do you know something Concord still find themselves roughly in the same league position.  So on one hand loads has changed, but on the other nothing has changed.  Concord are still holding their own and rubbing dirt in the faces of their so called "bigger rivals."

Concord always find themselves at the prey of these "bigger rivals" but the club will not be denied.  Two weeks ago their best defender this season Adam Bailey-Dennis was snapped up by Hemel Hempstead, 24 hours before a key match away to Bath City. Adam was a rock in that defence, that's why Hemel signed him. He was winning the player of the season award, well he was in my head. Now the initial reaction when you see that news filter through is "Oh for fuck's sake." It's human nature.   Let's think of a parallel, it's like Winston Reid joining Liverpool a day before West Ham play Everton away.  It's a kick in the teeth.  Most teams would crumble. Not Concord.  They only bloody won at Bath and they kept a clean sheet.  There it is again that spirit.  You can't buy it, it's just ingrained as soon as you walk through the door.

But what make's that spirit?  It's everyone involved.  Concord is one big family. You've got Jayne cooking up a variety of meals for the players and staff, (I won't mention the quality) then there is Tony and Brian at the gate always making everyone welcome come rain or shine. First impressions count and if you've got a miserable sod at the gate when you walk in well you might think about not coming back. That's just a few of them, but you've got unsung people doing loads of jobs not just on a matchday but during the week making things tick - Cliff, Toby, Jack Jnr, Chris...the list goes on and on.  Everyone is pulling in the right direction...how can we make the club enjoyable for everyone? Of course results matter on the football pitch, but Concord Rangers is much more than that 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.

There have been up's and down's along the way in the year I've followed the club. Danny Cowley who impressed me so much with his management style on my first day at the club has moved onto manage Braintree Town.  Danny won't stop at Braintree, he's going higher and it was great to share time with him, in what I'm sure he will look back fondly on when he's famous "as a great time at Concord". Tony Stokes who was always happy to chat after a game, and made me feel like I'd known him years.  It was a sad day when I interviewed him after he had confirmed his move to local rivals Canvey Island.  The club-house isn't the same without his little son Chase kicking a ball around.  But like life, non-league football moves on fast.

The love of Concord has always led to me sponsoring a player this season, and I like to think that there is no coincidence that Steve Cawley is having one of his best goal-scoring seasons due to me sponsoring his kit.  I can't wait to be thanked when he win's the golden boot in the league!

For a freelance writer like myself, a non-league club is a godsend.  I encourage any budding writers to knock on the door of their local team.  You'll be surprised how much they're willing to let you do.  In the last year, I've interviewed every player in the squad, in fact some of them a couple of times.  These players are dying to be interviewed (well I like to think so!) I've found out so much about them and their lives away from the football pitch.  Could I call them friends, I like to think so.
Now at home games I find myself in the press box doing match reports for the official club website, I'm living out my teenage dreams.  I'm very thankful to everyone at the club for making me so welcome.

#YAMC

PELE BROKE MY ARSE...and other childhood goals

As my 40th birthday looms ever nearer day by day, I often try to sit back and wonder where those forty years have disappeared to.  However I cannot sit back, as the footballer Pele broke my arse...let me explain.

As a young boy growing up on a council estate on what can only be described as the shittest island in the world...Canvey, I needed a release, I needed to look elsewhere for my dreams.  Those dreams were found invariably on the television.  What things attracted a naive ten year old, was it the cheeky grin of one of Bruce's dolly dealers on Play your Cards right, unlikely.  Maybe now if one of them smiled on the television, I'd think "cor she's a bit of alright"...but back then it was football goals, and the more spectacular the better.  I'd see a goal and I'd want to replicate it the next day at school or on a Sunday morning where I was the hot-shot for the local team.  If you wanted a goal scored, than I was the man.  Well 10 year old boy..but you understand the sentiment.

Back in 1984 I was a gangly git.  All skin and bones, my Grandad used to call me a Biafran.  No idea what he meant.  Looking back it's highly racist, but these were simpler times.  As I grew older my body shape moved round the African continent and I was being called an Ethiopian in my early teens, this was done to my face, or more hurtfully on my schoolbooks by some of the older kids.  Could the fuckers spell Ethiopian then, could they fuck.  I knew how to. I had the last laugh.  Anyway the gangly-ness...god I could head a ball.  Get that ball in the penalty area and I would head it.  I towered over kids my own age.  I was 1984's Peter Crouch.  Then I saw this goal, and I realised I didn't need to head the ball in the air.





What a fucking ridiculous header.  I lapped it up.  I thought I have to try this.  When the ball comes in the box, no defender is going to think someone is going to head that.  Too right they didn't.  It was a fortnight after seeing this goal, that the opportunity arose.  The ball was dribbled across the box and I flung myself at the ball head first...my head connected with the ball..my face connected with the mud which always smelt of shit on Canvey, but also a defender's boot connected with my face. I had a lump the size of Biafra on my head, but I didn't care.  I had scored a goal just like Andy Gray's. In my head I was a legend, to everyone else I was a prick who headed the ball one foot off the floor.

My heading was beyond renown, but I needed to add more to my game.  If the ball came into the penalty area then most of the opposition would think he's going to head it.  Well I needed another string to my bow, the last thing I wanted to be was predictable.  Whilst watching Sportsnight one morning before school.  Yes before school.  Taped on a betamax video player the size of a smartcar. I still remember the day my Dad brought that videoplayer home from work..I'm sure we had to open the back window to get it in the house.  Anyways, Mark Hughes scored this volley, well it's not a volley, I'm not sure how you describe it to this day.  Here it is.




Just imagine the other kid's faces when I pull that bad boy off on a Sunday morning. Off to the back garden I went to practice.  Now the problem with having a younger sister is they aren't much good for having proper games of football, but they are marginally ok for throwing the ball in the air so you can practice your volleys.  Try as hard as I could, I just could not pull of the "Hughes volley". Nevermind when the moment arises in a future match I'm sure I'll be fine I thought.  You know what happened, I never tried it.  That ball flew into the box plenty of times, but I just headed everything.  Not once did I leap sideways in the air and take off a-la Sparky.

As I grew older, the other kids started to catch up with my height.  There were now plenty of contenders to be the gangliest kid in the area.  In fact I don't think I was anymore.  I was an also ran. I was still deadly in the penalty box, but headers now were very much 50/50.  Around this time I was introduced to the film Escape to Victory.  What a movie.  Even now I could quite happily sit down and watch that, whilst ignoring the gaping plot holes in the movie.  When you get to the age of about 13/14 you're basically a berk, who will try anything to impress his mates.  As you look back you think why the fuck did I even try that, I could have done some real damage, but at the time you want to be the man.  Pele scored a bicycle kick in Escape to Victory after suffering a heart attack.  It was the stuff of legends.  Me and my mates fucking loved that goal.  So much so that we used to practice it on a concrete playground at lunchtimes.




You see when that music kicks in.  In the playground we would take turns in humming that music as one of us practiced doing that bicycle kick.  What a bunch of twats.  Have you ever landed on concrete on your lower back say five times in thirty minutes.  It hurts.  But we didn't think of the long-lasting damage it would do.  I vividly remember one of the group, pulling off that bicycle kick whilst eating a cream doughnut.  What a man.  Last I heard he was still living at home with his parents, but what a man.
I know what you're all wondering, did I manage the bicycle kick.  Of course I did but to, as I found out, irrepairable damage to my arse, or what the medical profession call the coccyx.  As I moved to my later teens, I found that anytime I bent over for a lengthy period of time...stop sniggering, my lower back just seized up.  "Aah this is just a twinge"  I thought it will soon pass.  Well it never did, and when you've spent a week in bed at the age of 20 with a bad back, you think fucking hell I've done well to get to nearly 40.

Around the age of 25, I was still playing Sunday football, but by now the back was causing constant gip with any physical activity, my goalscoring days were a thing of the past, and I was now an adequate (in my head) left back.  To everyone else I was hopeless.  I didn't enjoy playing, it was tiresome.  I was playing in a defence which generally was still pissed from the night before and in front of the worst goalkeeper I've ever seen in my life.  Sundays were a chore.

Then a goal happened which took me back to my childhood.  Last game of the season.  Last minute of a game his side needed to win to get into the Champions League...Rivaldo did this




I was a man inspired.  I thought there is no-way I can manage this in the opposition's penalty box, but surely I can pull out the bicycle kick when defending for old time's sake.  When you get a bit wiser, you can manufacture circumstances so they go in your favour.  So I did it.  The ball fell to me thirty yards from our own goal, which I was facing...I headed the ball up in the air, and then pulled off the Rivaldo bicycle kick, all the time humming the Pele music in my head.  I landed on my arse and got carried off, never to play football again.

So there you have it kids, don't try and replicate your heroes it all only ends up in pain and misery.

An Interview with ... Danny Clare

Concord Rangers have had some exceptional goalkeepers over the last few seasons, and instrumental to all that is goalkeeping coach Danny Clare.

In what is often an unsung role, the art of being a good goalkeeping coach is just not about practicing saves, but developing the mindset and concentration of a goalkeeper.

I spoke with Danny about goalkeeping coaching, being a goalkeeper himself and what was his biggest clanger.

Did you ever have trials at a professional level?  Did you always want to be a goalkeeper growing up?

I  played for Watford and spent some of my school holidays staying in digs and training with the first team, it was a great experience but for one reason or another it never worked out for me.  When I left school, I also had trials elsewhere but again these come to nothing.  To be honest, I actually started my footballing career by playing out on pitch, but the team I played for never had a regular goalkeeper.  One week I had actually played a match for my older brother's team earlier in the day, so the manager said go in goal and have a rest...I never conceded a goal and I never looked back from there!

So did you have a goalkeeping idol growing up?

Yeah I did, and it has to be Ray Clemence, and I don't think Liverpool have had a better keeper since.  I loved it when he signed for Spurs, as my brother was playing for them at the time and I got to watch him train and play loads!!

How long have you been at Concord as a player/reserve team manager/keeper coach?

I had two spells at Concord as a player in our first season in the Essex Senior League in 1991/1992, and then I came back and played when my good friend Steve Knott was gaffer.
I was reserve team manager for a couple of seasons, I started helping out the reserve team manager in Dan's (Cowley) first season with Scopesy in 2007/2008.  I then took over as manager the following season, and the reserves were moved into the Capital league on Wednesday nights, so that allowed me to start coaching the keepers which was what I always wanted to do.

Who has been the best goalkeeper you've coached?

So far I would say Josh Vickers, it was a great opportunity to work with a full time pro and get his feedback from my coaching.  I also enjoy coaching the youngsters and in the group I have at the moment there's a young lad called Tommy Woodcock, he has great potential.  He is a natural who just lives and breathes goalkeeping and is a joy to work with.

Is goalkeeping coaching more about the psychology than the actual keeper coaching?  I always feel that any goalkeeper can make saves, but it's their concentration which is key.

I would say that and fitness, as you say must people can put a pair of gloves on and make a few saves, it's when you haven't been involved in long spells of the game and your called upon to make a game changing save then it's down to how switched on you are and how quick you can react to that situation.  So from my coaching, if you can give the goalkeeper confidence in their ability and the right levels of fitness to react, then more often or not they will make that save.

Stepping back to your time as reserve team manager...is it something you would consider doing again?

I have to say I enjoyed it immensely, especially the second season when we moved into the Capital League as I got to take the squad players who didn't play on the Tuesday, and the odd trialist.  It is something I would consider doing again, but as long as it didn't interfere with my goalkeeping coaching.

You've been involved with Concord for a long time, what is the appeal of the club?

The people at the club are a massive part of it whether there involved with the team, committee or watching.  Everyone pulls in the same direction, and has the best interests of the club at heart.

How much are you looking forward to working under the new management team?

Adam (Flanagan) did a great job at Brentwood taking them from relegation favourites to promotion, and I have heard nothing but good things about Jody (Brown), so I am very much looking forward to working with them and helping them create another great side at Concord.

You've done some pretty epic endurance events.  Have you always been interested in that kind of thing?  Do you have anymore on the horizon?

Yeah I love pushing myself!  The mountains were great fun, but it hurt like hell! I did the 24hr 3 peak challenge with 6 other goalkeepers....who says we're all mad haha!!
I've applied to do the London marathon again so hopefully I will get in, but a cycling challenge has always interested me, so something like London to Paris or even a triathlon!

Bloody hell...do you actually unwind and relax?

Oh yes, there's always time for that, I love spending time with my family and friends.

Right let's end up with a question about goalkeeping.  What is the greatest save you've ever made?

Oh there's too many to remember...next question!

Ok, what is the biggest clanger!

Oh that's easy, and I'm sure someone on the committee has prompted this question haha!  Ok...I was playing for Concord in a pre-qualifying round of the FA Cup against Haringey. We had a throw on, and the full back wanted to throw it back to me, it wasn't on but he still did it...I controlled it and tried to kick it as far as I could, but the forward had closed me down, he jumped turning his back at the same time, so the ball hits him on the arse and flew into the top corner!  That made the score 5-0 so it had no bearing on the game, however unfortunately for  me we were the only FA Cup game playing that weekend, so Sky Sports were there with the cameras.  They showed it on Sky Sports News and the presenter signed of the clip by saying poor old Danny Clare, which as you can imagine the team lived off that for months, even to the extent of playing it on a loop down the club for the whole Sunday lunchtime with most of the team in attendance, still to this day I get called poor old Danny Clare lol!!

An Interview with ... Jody Brown

Concord Rangers have certainly got a coup in bringing in Jody Brown as Assistant Manager for the 2015/2016 season.  Jody has coached/managed at all non-league levels from Step 6 to Step 1.

Jody has recently been manager at Welling in the Conference Premier, and prior to that was managing at Grays and Heybridge Swifts.

Before the start of the season, I spoke to Jody about what he hopes to bring to Concord Rangers and his aims for next season.

What does the role of Assistant Manager mean to you, and how do you see your relationship with Adam Flanagan working?

I've been an Assistant Manager before and really enjoyed it.  Myself and Adam bring different qualities to the club.  I'm comfortable on the training ground, I enjoy recruitment, and preparing the team tactically.  Hopefully I've aided players development over the years, and in this role I can focus on those elements.
That will allow Adam to manage the club the way he wants to, and hopefully build on the great year he has had at Brentwood Town.

Are you aiming to bounce back from your time at Welling, and have you learned any lessons from your brief time there?

I've learned as much as you can in two months, but I guess the real lessons relate to the type of job to take, and the circumstances to take them in.  Whilst also remembering to do things your way, and not be led by the previous regime, sentiment, or good will, cause ultimately your judged on results.
Those that know the ins and outs of my Welling Utd experience will know it's not quite how it may seem.  I was surprised by so many aspects of the set up there. However the games against Forest Green, Macclesfield and Aldershot, all away from home were good tests tactically and great experience for me to take into the future.

How aware have you been of Concord's rise through the non-league pyramid?

I've been very much aware over the last couple of years.  I had the opportunity to join Danny Cowley's management team a few years back, but felt we were on the verge of a special season at Maldon & Tiptree.  So of course I've watched the progress since and been impressed, particularly with how the players have evolved and manage to step up to each new challenge.

Obviously you and Adam have big shoes to fill, and how conscious are you of that?

Danny did a great job, but he had a long time to develop a squad and an infrastructure.  That can't be done overnight, but Adam's very positive, and I feel I have something positive to offer to.  Although we all realise that the transition will take time, and won't be without obstacles.  However, players win football matches, and if the squad can be kept together and improved, I'm sure progress can continue.

I note that you have extensive coaching experience at all levels of the game, where did this love of coaching come from?

I coached as a teenager as fun, then following my second leg break, I started doing more and more until it became apparent that my coaching career could take me much further than my playing career.  I'm glad I made that choice as I've had the privilege of working with some top professionals, as well as some excellent young players.

How did your first coaching experience materialise?

I was doing my badges, and helping out with my local Sunday side, which went really well, and led to a managerial opportunity at Tiptree Utd in the Eastern Counties league, and latterly a coaching role at Colchester Utd.

Describe the feeling of improving a player's game from coaching.  How does that feel to you?

I've always enjoyed that aspect of my job, and take great pride in their progress and successes, even after they've moved on.  It's a little like parenthood in that you always care about their well being and progress even after they've left home.  Joe Gardner, Tom Stephen and Conor Gough are examples of that, and it's great to get the chance to work with them again here.

What coaches/managers do you admire?  Do you try to model yourself on one of them, or do you try to have your own ideas?

I don't really model myself on anyone.  I'm a strong believer in having your own identity, but learning from everyone around you.  I admired Phil Parkinson's winning mentality when he was at Colchester, and Joe Dunne's work ethic in terms of research and preparation at the same club.  I'm a fan of Arsene Wenger's philosophy and player development, but Mourinho is the one we all have to follow.  He seems to have it all, and even his haters have to admire his ability to build a team and win trophies.

How keen are you on the season starting, and what are realistic ambitions for Concord this season?

I'm enjoying my break from the game, but it's going to be exciting to start a new season, set new goals, play in the FA Cup again, and work with a group of players that I hear so many positive things about.
I don't think now is the right time to talk about expectations, I'm just looking forward to playing my small part in the club's continued progress on and off the field.

An Interview with ... Sam Bantick

35 starts.
18 goals.
26 assists.

Whatever level of football, that is an amazing season.

Well that's what Sam Bantick did in the 2014/2015 for Brentwood Town.  Once Brentwood manager Adam Flanagan moved onto Concord Rangers to replace the departed Danny Cowley, Sam's impressive form made him a cert to join Adam at Concord.

As Sam gears himself up for pre-season training with Concord, I asked him what was the main reason he joined the Beach Boys

"I think the main reason I signed for Concord was I worked with Adam (Flanners) last season, and I've just had my best season in football with him.  I think in football all you want is an honest manager with a passion for winning games and he's definitely got both of those.
Concord seems like a really ambitious football club with good things happening there all the time, and everyone has been really welcoming."

So what can the Concord fans expect from you, what kind of player are you?

I like to play on either wing, I'm not really fussed as to what side.  My real strengths are that I'm always direct and positive, looking to make things happen.
I also like playing behind the front man in the number 10 role, but Flanners will probably disagree with that!

What do you feel you can add to this Concord team?

It's hard to say what I could add to the team as it could take time, I just like getting the ball to feet and being able to get at my man, so hopefully assists and goals!
Let me just say, If I'm on the pitch I will try to make something positive happen, and that's a promise!!

I like it...good positive stuff! So who were your idols growing up, who do you base your game on?

Definitely Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, they were both unbelievable players, who could always make an impact in the game even when they were playing bad.

Do you see yourself as a combination of those two?

Haha I wished, if I was a combination of those two I would be playing in the Premier League!  I just like to think that whenever I'm involved in the game, I'm looking to make a positive impact and that's probably the only similarity.

You had a great season at Brentwood last year, how difficult was it to leave?

God yeah leaving Brentwood was a really hard decision to make.  The bond we had in that changing room got us through the season, some of the football we played at times wasn't pretty to say the least, but I think our team spirit won us a lot of games.  However saying all that, joining Concord is a massive opportunity for me and everyone at the club understands that and have all been really good about it.

Would you have joined Concord, if Adam Flanagan was not in charge?

Yes I probably would have still joined, even if Flanners didn't get the job.  Concord play in a higher league than Brentwood and I've always said I want to try and play as high as possible.  Like I said earlier Concord are a really ambitious club with huge potential and a lot of good people at the club....I'm just buzzing for the season to start now!

That's great to hear, what about away from football, is there anything else you like doing?

I like to think I can play a bit of golf, but I'm a fair weather golfer who only plays when the weather's decent.

Not very often then, in this country! So what is your handicap then?

Well it used to be 14, but I just hadn't played for a long time so it's probably something like 28 now!!

Did you have any nicknames at Brentwood ... keep it clean please!

Well obviously there is "Bano" and sometimes I get called "Brains" as well.

Is that ironic or are you really clever?

I definitely consider myself brainy, but most of the boys at Brentwood would disagree haha!

Young, hungry, positive, looking to improve.  Sam appears the identikit Concord Rangers player.  2015/2016 could be a great season for Sam Bantick and Concord Rangers.

An Interview with ... Ant Smith

      Under Antony Smith's stewardship Concord Rangers have risen through the non-league ranks at a rate of knots.  When Antony took over the Chairmanship Concord were plying their trade in the Essex Senior League and as Anthony celebrates his 15th year in charge - Concord finished 7th in the Conference South only missing out on the promotion play-offs by a few points.

     It has been a meteoritic rise for the Canvey based club, and whilst the Chairman was enjoying a well earned holiday he gladly answered some questions about running the club, and how the Concord "spirit" is fostered.

      Celebrating 15 years as Chairman of the Football club this week, can you describe your emotions at this time?  Looking back at your first week, in your wildest dreams could you imagine the club would be where it is now?

I took over when the club was pretty much rock bottom in always, on and off the pitch so its been a real roller coaster ride.

We would never of dreamed of becoming a Conference club never !

Every player I've spoken to, has always commented on the Concord spirit and that it's driven by you. How does that make you feel?

Its fantastic that the lads feel that but it’s the collective of people that are involved that keep that spirit going and maybe my discovery recently of the “meaning of Concord” helps explain it also! (unison, harmony, unanimity, happy family) 

The family feel of the club, was that something you were keen to instigate when you took over the Chairmanship?

Yes my family (Albert, Chris and my Dad and his brother Clive were all instrumental in the building of the club and I played from aged 7 till 24 (retired injured).

So it was in my blood to carry it on and keep the family feel.

      What has been your proudest moment as Chairman of the football club?

      

      There are so many but I still have to say gaining promotion from the Essex Senior League as the club had tried a few times but were knocked back due to our proximity to the then gas terminal, but where there’s a will there’s a way(I don’t give up easily) !

Obviously the win at Lowestoft and the 1^st Essex Senior Cup win over Braintree are up there too.

Obviously the summer saw Danny Cowley leave the club after 8 years, how hard was it for you when he decided to leave for Braintree?

I knew it would come eventually but even when it did it was still a massive shock to all of us at the club, but 8 years is a long time and maybe it was the right time for a freshen up for both him and the club.

But we wish him, Nicky and all the family the best for the future.

However football moves on, how happy are you that Adam Flanagan has accepted the manager's role, and what are you hoping he can bring to Concord?

Adam was number 1 on my list from the moment Danny left, we have kept in contact since his time at the club and I like the way he goes about his football business and I know he understands the way we like to do things at the club

He will be the opposite too Danny as you will not see him running up and down the touchline shouting and screaming at players and officials (this will probably disappoint some home and away supporters lol) 

A lot of work is being done at Concord to reach out into the community (Community day against St Albans, Conference play off final tickets) How important is it for the progression of Concord that the club actively engages with the community

Yes this is the next most important initiative at the club and Phil Crowe and his team have done a great job to date and there is lots in the pipeline for it to progress

      In relation to the above, is this how Concord can improve attendances.  There's some fantastic football, and footballers on show at every home game.  How can the club get the message out there?

Again yes, getting the local community more involved in our different projects will definitely bring more interaction and once we get them here to see a game they tend to return (as you know)

      What do you like to do in your spare time (do you have any!)  How much work is actually put into running a football club, as well as a business.

Contrary to others beliefs I play golf a couple of times a month on average, of course a lot of hard work goes into the club and juggling it with running a business all over the UK can be testing at times, but I have some terrific people around me who will all run through walls for Concord.

How is the golf going, what is your handicap?  Who is your favourite professional golfer?  

My handicap is 14 but if I could get out more frequently I would probably be around 11, I love watching Rory McIlroy but Ian Poulter has the Concord type spirit!

Do you play with anyone else at the club, and if so, who do you keep on taking money off!

That’s a sore subject because we all play and I love taking the money!

Looking at the owners of professional football clubs, and even other businessmen....are they're any you admire.  Or do you see yourself as your own man, with his own ideals?

I wouldn’t say anyone in particular in pro football, I like to see myself as a little bit of Sugar & Branson as I can be a nasty sod but also the nicest fella to those who treat me the right way.

As the interview concluded, Concord have brought in three young players for next season who are keen to improve and better themselves. The Concord way.  The club will give you an opportunity to play and enjoy your football.  A proper family club, run the correct way.