A Bad Day at the Office

Well that was shit, was my initial thought when thinking about this blog yesterday afternoon. Maybe that's a bit harsh, as you know the boys put in 100% effort during the game. However you cannot hide from the fact that yesterday was a bit shit.  As a Concord fan and not trying to speaking for others, we will never slag off the players or management. Never. In all my eight years of going to watch Concord I've not heard one boo. I've heard plenty from opposing fans, even when the slightest thing goes wrong, but never any negativity from the home supporters.  I think that's something to be proud of.  This is a tough league, it's a hard long season.  Always has been, and it's only getting harder with the quality of players now filtering down the pyramid into this division, and with more sides becoming full time. If you make individual errors you will get punished in this league.  There is no denying the fact that defensively we are letting in too many goals recently.  It's hard to win games if you have to score three goals a game to ensure you get the three points. I don't know how many penalties we have conceded this season, but I know it's too many. During the first half of yesterday's game, if you told me Hungerford would score four, I would have told you to get lost. We were comfortable for the opening thirty minutes. Then we gave away a silly penalty. The spirit and the character of the side shone through, and we equalised almost immediately.  The second half started and us fans thought ok, let's press on and gain the three points.  However we gave away two goals in the opening minutes of the half.  It was sloppy.  You cannot make mistakes at this level, and whilst it's frustrating for me to write that, the players know themselves.  These are good players, I've seen them all play excellently this season, every single one of them, so yes I think yesterday was a bad day at the office.  Put it to one side, and focus on the next league game, which is Dartford the league leaders at home. There is no better opportunity to show the Concord spirit and the true Concord way then giving one of the big sides in the league a right good game.

On a side note from the actual football on the pitch, it was wonderful to see so many people at the game yesterday.  Plenty of youngsters and faces I haven't seen before.  Driven by good initiatives from the committee members, let's hope those youngsters who turned up yesterday, pester their parents to carry on taking them and we can see them attend again.  Maybe they will become Concord players of the future! It was also nice to see so many people in the bar afterwards, in the past that has been quite a lonely after-match drink, so it was good to see people hang around and watch a player pick up a man of the match award.  A bit galling that it was an opposition player that won the trophy, but maybe next time a Concord player can win it!

Interview with the Manager

It's been a promising start to the season for Concord Rangers and it's been a joy to watch them over the first games of the season. Concord are currently sitting in the play-off positions after nine league matches  under new management for this season.  How has Chris Search found the transition from managing the U18s to managing at National League South level?

"It's been a very enjoyable transition.  Look obviously the level is higher with regards to the quality of the players, and their individual experience and knowledge, but overall it's been a very good experience."

During the first months of the season, there have been some stand out performances alongside some disappointing results.  Is that down to having a young team?

"Personally I think it's down to a number of factors.  Firstly, yes we are a young team.  Secondly, we need to realise that some teams are almost full time, in regards to their training interaction time.  We maybe get four hours a week with our group, where as other teams in the league are getting I would think sixteen-twenty hours a week.  This obviously would play a factor, but we aren't complaining. It's just reality."

From watching on the sidelines, the team are trying to play more football in recent years.  Is that more important than results? How hard is it to get the team to continue playing that way if you've just had a bad result?

"I think the way we play is different for sure, and it's not a knock on anyone previously on how they've done things.  Myself and the coaching staff have a specific philosophy on how we want to play, and of course the results are the most important thing as that's what we're judged on, but I do believe we can get positive results whilst maintaining our preferred style of play.  I understand our style of play may be questioned and I respect everyone's views but the boys are buying into what we want and so far things are going ok."

Looking back on the games so far, the St Albans home game in the FA Cup looks like a missed opportunity, as the team deserved to win the game. How disappointing was that?

"St Albans was definitely a missed opportunity. For me in the first half, that's the best we've played this season.  Unfortunately we didn't get the result, and as much it's a frustration we can't focus on too much negativity.  We live and learn and as such, it's a case of dusting ourselves down and getting back to winning ways as soon as possible."

Enough about disappointments! What has been the stand out result so far?

"It has to be Dorking. It was my first ever game at this level, my adrenaline was sky high, but the boys were exceptional and showed some real back bone to earn the three points.  I was buzzing for about a week after that!"

What are you looking for the squad to improve on in the coming months?

"It's a case of fine tuning what we have.  We have a very good group but of course you have to strive to improve all areas.  To get into specifics as we stand it's to stay more compact out of possession and restrict the spacing between our players.  Other than that it's just pushing to improve the small margins."

As a fan it's been refreshing to watch the attacking players take risks. Is that something you're always willing your sides to do?

"The attackers are the ones that generally win the games so we need them to play in possession with freedom and enjoyment, it's something we of course try to promote but I wouldn't say it's something we've focussed specifically on. The forwards still need to pull their weight out of possession and this is something that's important to the group.  We can't have anyone slacking as our strength comes from everyone pulling in the same direction and working together.  My key is to make sure the boys enjoy what they're doing and giving them the best foundations to perform."

You're Missing Out

Pass. Move. Pass. Move.  Back to front. Ball on the deck. Constant movement. Easy on the eye, that's how purists want the game to be played.  Some of the best teams ever have played football this way. Pep's Barcelona and Bayern Munich spring to mind.  Obviously to reach that level you need exceptional footballers, but what is wrong with trying to aspire to that kind of football with the player's you have in your team.  Can you picture that archetypal Manchester City goal, where they pass the ball for a period of time, maintaining possession and then they pounce and Raheem Sterling turns the ball into the goal from 6 yards out.  Well Concord yesterday scored a similar goal, however Lamar Reynolds was wrongly ruled offside.  A side point, yesterday that linesman in particular was very keen to raise his flag, for both sides it had to be said.  I thought the benefit of the doubt was to be given to the attacking side this season under the new rules...maybe that news hasn't filtered down the leagues yet!

Anyway back to the main point, Concord are playing some delightful football at times this season.  It's really encouraging to see young footballers prepared to pass the ball out of defence, and having the courage to keep on trying if they at don't first succeed. The midfielders rotate constantly, and cover every blade of grass on the pitch, doing the hard work...but their quality on the ball is to be admired.  When the ball needs to be pinged to the advancing wing backs the ball is 9 times out of 10 perfect.  Those wing backs, whoever they are require a set of lungs to play in that position.  I remember when the wing back formation really came into fashion in this country, in around the mid 90s.  Most the Premier League sides dabbled in playing that way, and our Sunday league manager decided he wanted to try that formation out.  Well I played left wing back one week, and was completely f**ked after 90 minutes.  So it's really encouraging to see whoever plays wide right or left for Concord still defending and attacking the penalty boxes late into the game.

Lamar Reynolds again was excellent yesterday, I'm not surprised he ran out of legs late in the second half, as he had given his all.  With a bit more luck in front of goal, and maybe with an over-eager linesman not being in attendance he would have had a deserved couple of goals to his name.  The only minor downside on the team performance was the lack of that goal to get the club definitely into the next round of the Cup. If the game ended 3-0 St Albans could have had no complaints, St Albans dodged a bullet yesterday, and I would imagine the replay to be a lot tougher at their place.  It was a shame Temi missed the late penalty, but penalties can be scored and missed, and I'm sure Temi will bounce back from that with a solid performance in his next start.

Whilst it was a lovely Saturday afternoon, and people's times at weekends is precious, it would be great to see more fans in attendance at home games.  There was a time pre-pandemic at home games when it was full of kids who played for the youth teams and their parents, and it made for a really nice family atmosphere at games.  It would be fantastic if we could get back to that.  When there are more fans in the stadium it creates a better atmosphere for everyone, players and fans alike. For me growing up, the FA Cup gave me some of my best footballing memories, supporting a so-called big club. (I could go on about their lack of trophies over the last 30 years, but that's for another time!) However Tottenham's cup run under Gazza and Gary Lineker in 1991 will stay long in my memory, and also my Mum telling me Spurs had scored in the 1987 FA Cup Final, I was in the toilet at the time, I rushed out, and found that Gary Mabbutt had scored an own goal! Also the FA Cup was the scene of the best game I've ever seen live.  It was Southend 4 Northampton 4 in 1986 (I think, yes just googled it). In which there was like 6 goals scored in 20 minutes.  Richard Cadette scored his hat trick goal, and came over and ruffled my hair.  As a 10 year old then, I was ecstatic and can still remember it now.  That's what football memories are all about, and it would be great if some of the kids attending Concord matches will in 30 years time, maybe blog about the time a footballer celebrated with them.

Finally to finish, it was great to see that Billy Roast has returned to training with the club.  Billy is a real favourite with the fans, and his never-say-die attitude on the pitch, and his undoubted footballing qualities will be a real pleasure to watch again, when he's ready to return to playing.

#YAMC

The Dynamic Duo

 Yesterday was the proverbial game of two halves.  Let's focus on the good, and by good, I actually mean very good.  Concord at times during the first half were a delight to watch.  When they attacked, they attacked with power and purpose, and make the Hampton defence look clumsy and slow.  When I had last seen Hampton defence play at the Aspect Arena they were a solid unbreakable unit.  Well yesterday they were the opposite, and all credit for that can go the Dynamic Duo of Temi Babalola and Lamar Reynolds.

Let's be honest, for those of us who were there, the first Concord goal was one of the best you are likely to see.  A brilliant ball out wide to Lamar, who drove at the full back at pace, and the whipped in the perfect cross for Temi to expertly guide it home.  Seriously it was a superb goal.  Later on in the half, Temi returned the favour as he slid the ball to Lamar, who spun and got his shot on target, and Alan Julian will be unhappy that the shot crept in.  However a word of praise for Julian in the Hampton goal, apart from that slight error he was outstanding in that first half.  He made an amazing double save in the last few minutes of the first half, and you felt if Concord had gone into the break three nil up that would have been game over.  If Concord had gone in three nil up, that would have been fully deserved.  But, let's get back to Temi and Lamar.  Both are playing with huge confidence at the moment, you can tell it in their play.  Temi was up against a very experienced centre back in Charlie Wassmer yesterday, and his power and physique caused the Hampton centre back all sorts of problems.  However it's just not power with Temi, he has a good touch and his game awareness is getting better each week.  You can see a real player developing.  As for Lamar the change in him is remarkable, gone is the unsure play, and now he's someone who looks a threat every time he gets the ball.  He is gunning for his opposition defender and taking them on, driving into the box, being positive. It's great to watch.

Back to the match.  We all knew that Hampton that would come firing out of the traps in the second half. Well they couldn't be any worse.  Credit has to be given to Hampton and the way they changed shape. They looked like they had an extra man all half.  They played very, very well.  Of course they got an early goal to get themselves back into the game, but then that Concord spirit kicked in.  Yes, they rode their luck at times, and were indebted to Myles Roberts in goal.  Again Myles made some fantastic saves.  We've been very lucky with the quality of goalkeepers at the club through my years of watching the team, and Myles is another to add to that list.

It would be unfair on the whole team to single out the three players above, as yesterday was another great team performance. Going forward excellent as mentioned above and keeping out a very good team by defending heroically. The back three are well marshalled by the Captain, and it's encouraging to see Ollie and Jayden with the confidence to bring the ball out of defence.  Both full backs/wing backs were solid in defence and also offered a threat going forward.  The midfield three ran their socks off covering every inch of the pitch, whilst also showing real quality on the ball to link into the front player's strengths.  The subs who came on, knew what they were being thrust into yesterday, and gave everything to ensure with picked up the three points.

I was saying to someone at the game yesterday, just how nice it is to be back in the stadium watching football amongst friends, and it's made even sweeter that the team are performing well, making the experience even more enjoyable. Long may it continue!

#YAMC

That's Concord!

Here are some words. Heart. Desire. Tenacity. Brave. Teamwork. Spirit. Passion. Attitude. Yesterday's performance was all of those and more.  When you support the perennial underdogs in the division, the player's have to give their all to challenge the so-called better sides in the league, and credit should be given to all previous managers, coaches and players that this is Concord's 9th consecutive season at this level.

Searchy and the coaching staff couldn't have asked for a harder test on the opening day of the season, then to play the favourites for promotion, or you could say that you couldn't have asked for a better test.  No better way to prove yourselves then playing the best.  

The talk before the game in the stands, was that we were apprehensive, that Dorking side on paper is strong.  Proven players at this level, and players with experience in the leagues above.  "As long as we play well", "Not expecting much today."  Once the game got underway and after a period of time, the growing conclusion was that whilst Dorking had plenty of the ball, they weren't necessarily threatening and when they did find themselves in good positions their final ball was poor.  All the time Concord were gaining in confidence, maybe I'm not giving the team credit they may have been confident beforehand, but as the match progressed you could see our players grow in confidence.  Whilst the confidence grew on the pitch, so it did in the stands, talk turned of maybe us getting a point...you can never be too confident!!

Everyone reading this knows what happened in the second half, with Dorking coming out a bit livelier, and Concord hung on in their for that initial ten minute burst.  Concord then started winning possession further up the pitch and started threatening, and creating really good goal-scoring chances...which weren't taken.  Dorking were still a threat, and special mention should go to young Myles Roberts on loan from Watford, who was dominant with crosses in the box, and looks an exceptional shot-stopper. We've been blessed with very good goalkeepers over the years at Concord, and Myles looks to add to that list. Obviously Myles big moment would come later in the half.  

I mentioned Lamar Reynolds in last week's blog, and for me he was lively again this week.  When I had watched Lamar in previous season's maybe his head would drop in matches, but yesterday he was constantly looking to take his full back on, and his direct approach gained a deserved penalty.  In a summer of missed penalties, a few of us couldn't watch as Temi stepped up.  We needn't have worried it was an excellently taken spot kick.

Dorking pressed with 5 minutes to go, and they won themselves a penalty.  Regarding the penalty, to quote Arsene Wenger "I didn't see it", but the Dorking players lined up for a free kick outside the box, and were equally surprised when the referee pointed to the spot.  Concord didn't deserve this late kick in the bollocks, and thanks to Myles Roberts superb save and excellent all-round defending on the follow-up Concord weren't denied.  It was heart-warming to see all ten outfield players go and celebrate with the keeper.  That's the team-spirit showing through.  The Concord DNA.  It's been passed onto another group of players.

It really was an excellent team performance yesterday, and all the players deserve mention, however I'd just like to single out a couple.  Arron Pollock was a real leader yesterday.  He headed and blocked everything, whilst also being a threat in the opposition box.  A captain's performance.  I'd been encouraged by Ryan Blackman's performance against Maldon the week before, but could he do it against higher quality players.  I needn't have worried.  He covered every blade of grass, much like another Blackman who had played for the club, and Ryan's passing was excellent throughout.

Obviously this season will have ups and downs like any other, but beating Dorking at home in the first game is a great start and puts the club and fans in a positive mind-set for matches ahead! 

YAMC!

Optimism over Pragmatism

It was great to be back at the Aspect Arena yesterday afternoon.  To hear the sounds of the turnstiles clicking as I approached the ground was fantastic. The little things in life, which bring cheer to your heart.  These tiny things seem so important after the last 18 months everyone has experienced.

Walking round the ground, just looking at people's faces, just happy to getting back to some kind of normality.  You could say, back to the old routine...but how have we all missed that old routine!

In my previous blog, I mentioned that the team maybe should be taking a more pragmatic approach to the season ahead.  In hindsight that was a little unfair without seeing the team play.  What I saw yesterday afternoon, encouraged me greatly.  Player's wanting to play out from the back.  It didn't come off every time, but they weren't scared to try again.  They were encouraged to try again.  Good passing from the centre-midfielders, always looking forward.  Always looking to break the press. Player's willing to try a trick, exuding confidence.  I'm not sure what has happened to Lamar Reynolds since the last time I saw him play, yesterday he was a revelation.  He did not stop running all day.  He was a constant threat.  More importantly he had a smile on his face.  In fact all the player's had a smile on their face.  

Let's not carried away totally, as the real stuff starts next week with the visit of one of the joint favourites for the league, in big spending Dorking. But if we can go into that match with the confidence and the willingness to play football, and look to entertain the fans, then the team will get 100% support from us watching and constant encouragement to try again.

This blog cannot pass by without mentioning one of the funniest things I have seen on a football pitch in a long time.  There was a little scuffle on the pitch, which led to a bit of a free-for-all.  James Blanchfield decided to run over and get involved, and was immediately but on his backside.  Now it was very windy yesterday, so I will give Blanchy the definite of the doubt, and he may have lost his balance in the wind!

New Season...New Concord?

This has been a while, but I'm speaking to you whilst self-isolating.  I dared to go out of the house and enjoy myself for one day at the Open golf last weekend and then got pinged by the track and trace app.  That'll teach me for trying to enjoy myself in 2021.

This is obviously a concern going forward, if you want to go and attend a game of football next season.  Will people bother if there is a risk of having to self-isolate?  Will people self-isolate if asked? Will they change the rules again? Does anyone know what they're meant to be doing?  That's a lot of questions and it feels like this country is losing the plot. Maybe it's time for a new leader...

Speaking of which Concord have a new leader, Chris Search has stepped up from the Under 18's to take charge of the side, after Danny Scopes departure.  Dan seemed to depart whilst they were giving the medals out at Wembley.  It all seemed a bit sudden and as just a fan of the club, I don't know any of the background and the reasoning why Dan left, but I was sorry to see him go and wish him and the back-room staff well for whatever they decide to do in the future.

However you can only look forward in football, especially in non-league football, as there always seems to be a revolving door aspect to it.  Don't fall in love with a player, as you will find that they will soon move onto pastures new.  Maybe just fancy them from afar...seems a good approach.  I appreciate that a club like Concord will always be a club which gives an opportunity/ a second chance to young players and it's up to the player to take advantage of that.  In my years of following the club, (not as long as some of you reading this) I've seen plenty of player's move onto a higher level...but at the back of your mind is "you bastard, you could have given us one season more!" This pre-season has been no different, and there is another new raft of players joining Concord, and there will probably be more before the start of the season, and also more arriving and departing during the season.

My spies at the pre-season games so far, have told me that Searchy, who is ably assisted by Danny Green this season, is asking the team to play out from the back more.  That's always good to hear, however being an ever increasing cynic and curmudgeon, maybe a more direct approach would be beneficial in an increasingly physical National League South.  It would probably be better to pass judgement once I've seen the team play this season myself.  It won't be this weekend though.  I'm not allowed out for another six days.  What a farce!

Concord Rangers Season Review

Well that was fun wasn't it?  You ask any Concord Rangers supporter for their view of the 2018/2019 season, it will be "well that was a right fucking laugh."  You can look at the seats issue, not being able to play in the play-offs, points being deducted and the manager leaving at the end of the season, but all of that shouldn't hide the fact, that I've never enjoyed a season of football, or had a laugh at football matches then this season, and that's what football should all be about, shouldn't it?

Let's go right back to the start of the season, when Sammy Moore and Jack Midson brought an entire new team to our club.  Now I was initially sceptical of this approach, but was proved completely wrong in the early months.  Player's such as Sammy Blackman, Tyrone Sterling, Alex Wall and Midson himself hit the ground running.  I'm only a fan of five seasons now, but if I was asked to do my all-time Concord Rangers team, those four would be in it. We stood toe-to-toe with the best sides in the league in the opening months of the season.  We turned Thames Road into a fortress.  An undoubted highlight was watching us destroy Chelmsford in 45 minutes.  I'd never seen an opposition team mentally and physically fold on the pitch before, but Chelmsford did in that first half.  As a Concord fan it was exhilarating, but in all honesty, it was fucking hilarious. 

As the season progressed, some player's came and went.  Sean Clohessy, Billy Knott who contributed solidly to the team's good start, where effectively replaced.  That has been an issue with Concord in the past, that good player's were never really adequately replaced, but player's such as Tosan Popo, Ahmed Abdulla were brought in, and the team rolled on.  Part of this impressive run was Liam Nash, and during his 3 month loan spell, that boy left nothing on the pitch.  He was far too good to play at our level, and credit must go to the previous management team for persuading him to play at this level.  When we attacked teams with a front three of Wall, Midson and Nash we were exceptional.  We could give any team in the league a game, and we did.

Now I'm not party to what went on off the field during the season, nor do I particularly want to be.  All I care about is that when a Concord Rangers team takes the pitch, they all give 100% and enjoy the game.  Despite all the setbacks every player and coaching staff gave their all, you could tell it on the player's faces. It meant something. The 2018/2019 season meant something to all of us.  Gates increased.  Yes the same old faces, were there, but coming through the gates were younger fans.  Now Concord have always struggled to attract fans, and it's a hard one to resolve and understand.  The team always try their best, you don't get any trouble at games, there's a friendly atmosphere.  These lack of fans is always a sense of mirth to our rivals at Billericay and Chelmsford, in fact I think it winds them up more than us.  They seem to take great fun in attacking the club on social media "you've only got 3 fans" "You're never be a big club, your ground is rubbish."  The reason behind these faceless and snide attacks, is that this season they were scared of us.  Both these teams could not beat us on the pitch in the league, so they lashed out on something Concord are fully aware of. Yes, we didn't have enough seats to take place in the play-offs, but genuinely I don't think us fans particularly cared.  We had spent the season winding up these so-called bigger teams, and beaten them on the pitch.

Now I enjoyed chatting to Sammy, Jack and Darren after the matches.  It made a pleasant change from previous management, who hid away socially after the game, not wanting to chat to the people who had given up their money and time to follow the club.  Every single player who stayed after games, was happy to chat to you.  They were also happy to give up their time to chat to the youth teams, passing on their years of experience and knowledge to hopefully the next batch of Concord players. It was always nice to see Sammy and his family enjoying their time at home games, before and after games, and whatever the future holds for Sammy, I wish him all the best for the future.

I'm not sure what this review was really about to be honest, I just wanted to get something in print, to really thank the player's and the staff for a brilliant football season.  I myself had some worrying family news to deal with during the majority of the season, and those times spent at the football watching an excellent football team allowed me to enjoy the moment, and take a bit of a break from the more stressful stuff in life.  So in finishing I'd just like to say thankyou to Sam Beasant, Jed Smith, Aron Pollock, Frazer Shaw, Tosan Popo, Lee Minshull, Conor Essam, Tyrone Sterling, Ahmed Abdulla, Sam Blackman, Danny Green, Joe Gardner, Joan Luque, Taylor Mahoney, Billy Knott, Sean Clohessy, Liam Nash, Jack Midson, Alex Wall and Sam Ashford.

The Magic of the Cup

Speak to a fan of a Premier League team, and what will the response be when you say "What do you think about the FA Cup?" The answer nine times out of ten is "could do without it mate, we need to keep fresh for the league".  In today's world of money talks in the top two divisions, that attitude is probably true.  To find the true magic of the cup, you need to step into the non-league world.

The FA Cup is still the competition which captures the imagination for player's, coaching staff and fans of these non-league teams.  For anyone under the age of 25 reading this, you will never appreciate the glory of FA Cup Final day on the TV.  Your team didn't even need to be in it. It was amazing.

Setting off for the Aspect Arena on a wet Saturday afternoon, the mind wanders as to what could await Concord Rangers in this year's cup.  I'll let you into a little secret readers, I also support another football team, and I never get that feeling about the FA Cup with them, even when we consistently lose in the semi-finals.

I'm a bit of jonny-come-lately with Concord and despite them being local to me, I only started following them when they reached the 1st round of the FA Cup in 2014.  Now I couldn't have been the only fan who did that, so that's another thing the FA Cup can do.  It captures the indifferent fans attention, and I've said this many times before about Concord.  Once you've gone once, that's it...Concord just grabs you.

Wouldn't it be great if Concord could reach the promised land of the 1st round proper again.  Thirty-two teams non-league teams will reach that round, so why can't it be Concord?  There's no reason why it can't.  The team is well coached, pragmatic, but also more importantly for those special cup-ties it has player's that can do something out of the ordinary.  If a player does something magical in a cup-tie it will be talked of in folklore by the club's fans. 

So back to yesterday's game, Margate was potentially a banana-skin for Concord.  Albeit a team from a league below, but Margate are a side who have in the past spent money and time in the Conference South.  Imagine my surprise also when Leroy Lita appeared for Margate up front.  Leroy is obviously on his way down the football pyramid, and if I was a Margate fan I would have appreciated him running a bit yesterday.  I don't think he broke sweat.

Concord on a spell of indifferent results, started the match slowly, but as the game wore on began to dominate possession and territory.  Whilst not creating many chances in the first half, for those watching it was just a case of "we'll get a goal soon", but for the pessimists amongst the watching support it was a case of "we better get one soon!"

The second half started with the score still goal-less, and the goal came early in the 2nd half, with Jack Midson bundling the ball over the line after good work from Lee Minshull at the far post.  A little point about Lee Minshull...every team at whatever level needs someone like Minshull.  He's good on the ball, but he will fight the team. Any trouble, and he's there front and centre.  Lovely fella off the pitch, I would not want to tangle with him on it!

Concord were in control, and it was nice to see so many young player's on the bench experiencing an FA Cup fixture for probably the first team.  It was the best of this young crop of player's Adam Topley who came on and scored a delightful header to wrap the game up in the dying stages. Concord are now in the 3rd Qualifying Round and await Monday's with anticipation.

Two rounds away from something special happening again.  It's what every player and fan loves at this level. Long live the FA Cup!

The Buzz

Early season optimism has moved onto something more serious. One thing's for sure Concord Rangers won't be in a relegation fight this season. Two home games in a week, tested Concord for entirely different reasons. First up was Dartford, a team who finished last season in 2nd place.  Dartford are always a strong and physical side, Dartford will never blow teams away with their playing style, but after every game with them you know you've been in a battle.  The match wasn't pretty. Every single challenge was highly contested, player's had to dig in and just clear their lines.  Dartford had the majority of possession and whilst they put plenty of crosses in the box, they never created a "oh he should have finished that chance".  Concord's first goal against Dartford was one of those I was there strikes.  Imagine Marco Van Basten's goal in the European Championships in 1988. It was from that kind of angle, but it was not a full volley. It was a half volley. We were right behind Alex Wall's strike and as soon as he hit it, you knew it was in.

Concord's performance on Tuesday night against Dartford was an all-round team display. In fact, if you were marking the player's performance out of 10 for each match this season, I don't think any player would have got below a seven so far. That is testament to the coaching, the player's own pride in their performance and also the team spirit which has been established in a short period of time.

Going to the ground now, there is an expectation. There is a buzz in the air.  From fans who have been going longer than I, to the youth player's and their parents who are coming along for the first time. Concord have always prided themselves on being a family club, and doing things the right way. If it's possible, Concord have gone up another level this season.

Talking about that buzz, and that sense of something happening. I've seen a lot of football in my time, and showing my age a little bit, the last time I felt something like this was back in 1993, when Barry Fry built an entirely new Southend side in the Summer and his un-fancied side were in the promotion places in the 1st Division (what is now the Championship). You couldn't wait till the next game, life was just a ticking clock till the next match. You would turn up to matches against the bigger teams in the division and give them a real game, invariably winning.  Then when you played the sides you should beat at home, they were swatted aside with the minimum of fuss, which leads me to the second home game of the week against Hungerford.

Concord have very rarely been in the position of "well we should win this today comfortably" in fact in my five seasons of attending, I've never before turned up thinking that. Well Saturday I did.  Thinking you're going to win comfortably, and actually doing it are two entirely different things, and to give credit to Hungerford they made things tough for twenty minutes.  However from the opening goal to the half-time whistle Concord were sensational.  The movement off the ball, the third man running, the passing, the organisation, the quality of the finishing. It was all superb.  The second half was a non-event, Concord were four nil up.  It would have been nice to notch a couple more goals in the 2nd half, but the game was in the bag.  A special mention should be given to Sam Beasant in goal, as he generally had a very quiet afternoon, but still pulled out a magnificent save when Hungerford fired in a bolt from the blue from 25 yards.  That's three clean sheets on the trot for Beasant who is looking an astute summer signing.  In fact, all the signings look astute.  In the crowd, and you ask "who has been the best player so far this season?" You just won't get one player, you'll get a loads of different names.  In fact the answer to that question is "all of them."

An evening out at Tamplin Towers

Daylight robbery that was.  £1.80 for a can of coke.

There is no denying that the AGP Arena is an impressive stadium for Conference South Level.  It's an excellent set-up and the club appears well run.  They could do with revising their pricing policies for food, but if you're getting over a thousand through the gate every other week, then that's probably low on their list of priorities.

Moving to the game, both sides had impressive results at the weekend, and Concord and Billericay would be keen to keep that early season momentum going.  Billericay are a good team. Pacy. Goal machines up front and a solid back four.  However this season it is a completely different Concord Rangers. Fuck me they're well coached. Every player knows his role. One presses, the rest press. I'm not saying last season the side was a ramshackled old unit, but this year it's like chalk and cheese.  Concord went to the favourite's for the title, and they stood toe to toe with them, and didn't look inferior in the slightest.

You could see the respect that each side had for the opposition, there was no quarter given or asked. If you lost the ball, you weren't getting it back for a while. Press all you like, we're keeping the ball under pressure.  I saw some local reporters called the first half uneventful.  I would have called it an exceptional standard of football for Conference South Level.

A quick word about the refereeing again sadly.  I've seen two league games at this level this season now, and the standard is shocking. I know it's a hard job to be referee, but no-one has asked these guys to be referee's, it's their own choice. Be better at your job!

As the second half wore on, Concord were frustrating their illustrious neighbours. For me Billericay rolled the dice too early with their substitutions, and this played more and more into Concord's hands.  The early withdrawal of the pacy Adam Coombes, helped Concord press higher up the pitch, and as the half wore on, Concord were applying more pressure further up the pitch.  Don't ask me what minute I lost my head, but when Alex Wall thumped home a free kick to give Concord the lead, I celebrated it more than any goal in the last five seasons.  Little Concord were rubbing Billericay's noses in it.

Billericay got a leveller in injury time. If we're being honest about it, a draw was a fair result, but I've seen a Concord that I've never seen before. It's only early days, but and I think I can speak for a number of Concord fans, Sammy Moore is building something here.  Our merry band of supporters should tell their mates to come along, as this season could bring something special.

#YAMC

First Match Thoughts

Sun. Beer. Meeting with mates. A home win.  What's not to like about that?

Turning up to Concord Rangers at 2pm on Saturday afternoon, and it was already busy. I thought something's afoot here.  The enthusiasm brought to the club in the summer, from the young lads doing the club's social media, the positive messages from the Chairman and the new management team telling everyone to get behind the club had paid off. As the time moved closer to kick off, it was great to see so many young fans at the ground, it's an excellent idea to give the youth team player's free season tickets.  Hopefully many of them will be here for years to come, either as first team player's or fans.

With a couple of tricky away games coming up, talk before the game was already "this is a must win game".  It was the first game of a new season! However this had been the life of a Concord supporter over the last few seasons. Pessimism. "I can't see us winning this." "How can we beat these?" 

Looking at the match objectively before kick-off, Gloucester are a hard-working, durable side. No real stand out player's but a really hard team to break down.  We would need an early goal to ease any nerves amongst the new supporters, and the one's who had been down this road before.

An entirely new playing eleven kicked off for Concord and for the opening 15 minutes, all thoughts about Gloucester were proving correct. They were a tough side to break down.  Concord were pressing hard but struggling to create goal-scoring opportunities.  Sam Blackman was all over the midfield, but I felt as he played a little deeper, picking up the scraps and recycling the ball efficiently that Concord grew more and more on top.  A personal note about Blackman's overall performance, if he carries on playing like that week-in, week-out he will become a huge fan favourite.

There's no denying that there is more physicality about Concord this season, and the opening goal proved it.  Lee Minshull muscly winning the ball from a corner and Alex Wall using his strength and power to turn and fire the ball home.  Wall will be a huge handful for opposition defences at this level this season, and with excellent delivery from Hayes, Green and Knott he should be looking for twenty goals this season.

As the half-time whistle blew, in a match that Concord were looking very comfortable, there was an incident off the ball between Minshull and Gloucester's number 4 Hanks, Minshull was shown a red card.  The referee had not seen the incident, but took the word of his Assistant Referee who was twenty yards away.  Talk at half-time was that the sending off was very harsh.  From what was seeming a nice stroll in the Saturday afternoon sun, now had taken a twist. All those pessimistic thoughts from season's past started rearing their ugly head.

A change was made at half-time, and Ryan Hayes was substituted for centre back Arron Pollock.  Pollock apart from one early error was superb. Gloucester constantly lumped the ball forward, and Pollock time after time won the ball in the air and cleared the danger.  In fact as the 2nd half grew on, it was Concord who were looking more and more like the side with eleven men.  The second half performance reminded me of an away team in the Champions League, soaking up the opposition's pressure, not letting them having any opportunities, and then breaking on them at pace.  There was some real team performances in that 2nd half, none more so than Jack Midson who worked tirelessly down the left flank, chasing and harrying every lost cause.

The second goal when it came from Concord was no surprise, and it was no real surprise that it was that man Wall again. The Gloucester defence were terrified of him all game.  A long ball from defence a real 50/50 ball and Alex Wall turned it into his. He strode into the penalty area, and the Gloucester keeper could not keep out his firm shot from sixteen yards.  A special word for the Gloucester goalie, who despite being on the smallish side was excellent. A young player with a real good future in the game.

So that was it, despite playing with ten men for forty-five minutes Concord won the game comfortably.  There was none of last season's panic in defence.  The team are well coached, and the player's complement each other.  Pollock/Minshull winning the ball in the air at centre back, with the excellent Tyrone Sterling covering defend. Clohessy and Hayes linking up down the right.  This is a really well thought out team, and full credit must go to Sammy and Jack for having a clear idea on how they want their team to play, and getting the correct players for the side.

So we go onto Tamplin Towers on Tuesday night, and we'll be looking to lay down a real marker for the season ahead.

#YAMC

All Change at Concord

I won't lie, I fell out of love with Concord Rangers during the 2017/2018 season.  I would rather watch the Premier League team I support play on TV, then go and watch Concord Rangers play.  That is the battle for all non-league teams I suppose, however a football team has to offer the paying fan a reason to attend.  That's something Concord didn't offer last season.  Don't get me wrong Concord had good players, they had proved it in the past seasons, but something wasn't working last season.  It was like Concord Rangers I knew was slowly dying, it needed urgent surgery.

Adam Flanagan was a nice man, but I think he will admit himself that it wasn't working at Concord. He needed to go, for the club's sake and quite possibly for his own sake.  I hope he does well at Dartford.

I was shocked to see Sammy Moore and Jack Midson turn up during the summer, I won't say I followed their progress at Leatherhead intently, but your interest is always piqued when young ex-pros decide to have a go at non-league management.  Especially more these days when League 1 and League 2 sides are more prepared to take a gamble on younger managers.  Non League football should always be seen as a springboard for aspiring player's and manager's.  You learn lessons in non-league football which will always stand you in good stead in the professional game.

Concord I felt as mentioned above, had good player's last season.  I was not expecting 99% of them to leave during the summer.  I don't mind saying that I still think that four or five of them would still have something to offer the club this season.  Something you have to get used to in non-league football is the constant turn over of playing staff, especially if you're operating with one of the lowest budgets in the league your operating in.  However without knowing the inside track, I felt a few of last season's players were dispensed with too quickly in the summer.

It's going to be weird watching an entirely new team start for Concord Rangers.  A little bit of me was thinking in the Summer is this still Concord Rangers? This isn't the Concord Rangers I fell in love with during the 2013/2014 season, but neither was the team last season. It had stagnated, I probably wasn't the only one of the volunteers who found it hard going.

A new season brings new optimism, I've been impressed with Sammy and Jack's interaction with the supporters, both are quite happy to discuss formations and playing style with us "expert football managers" after the game, something which I felt the previous manager failed to do.  Manager's don't have to do this of course, but if the fans feel engaged, they will keep the faith more and help the team, when the team needs them.

So what can Concord supporter's hope for next season?  Personally speaking, I want the team to make it fun to go to the football again.  Results aren't everything. Just show the fans that you've given everything you can every game. Anything else is a bonus.

#YAMC

The Man Who Loved Islands - Book Review

The wonders of social media are such, that you can become friends with people you've never met. Maybe that's too bold to call David Ross a friend, perhaps an enjoyable online presence. Yes David Ross is an enjoyable online presence.

Mine and David's lives became intertwined through a twitter account by the name of @bythemins and David's insistence that key events in football matches tended to happen in the 67th minute. David was adamant on this fact, he probably still is now. Anyways I digress, this little twitter account now strides across the world wide web like a behemoth (bytheminute.co if you're interested!) and mine and David's paths don't cross as much as I would like.  However. When David has the time to share his thoughts for this website, man I've got to tell you something. The page comes alive. I don't know how he does it. David Ross has a gift. The man is an excellent story-teller. To tell you the truth I'm jealous.

In David's previous two books, The Last Days of Disco and The Rise and Fall of the Miraculous Vespas he transported me back to 1980s Kilmarnock.  I've never been to Kilmarnock, nor do I want to go. But David's writing has always made me feel like I lived there.
David's story-telling has a charm.  It warms the heart. You turn the page or those of you with a kindle, press the screen, with a smile on the face eagerly anticipating the next page.

I'm not going to tell you much about The Man Who Loved Islands, because if you've read the first two books of the trilogy, then you must surely be anticipating this third one.  All I'm going to say is it's as good as you hoped, if not better.  For those of you, who have not read one of David's books. Please go and buy them, I'd even say don't wait for a 3 for 2 deal. They're that good!
I'll end this book review, well it was meant to be a book review, but it feel's like an ode to David by simply saying, I cannot wait for what David Ross decides to do next.  I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking that.

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!

Concord Rangers: The Battle to Stay Up.

Let's start with a quiz question.  Look at the above picture, taken at the end of the 2015/2016 season. How many of those player's still play for Concord?  I'll answer it for you. It's four.  Therein lies the problem of Concord's current season. Yes playing at the Conference South level with the lowest budget in the league does come with difficulties, but for a team of Concord's size to constantly be losing player's through transfers, or long term injuries it's going to have an effect eventually.

Since I've followed Concord thing's have generally been on an upward curve.  The success of the Danny Cowley years, followed by an excellent first season in charge by Adam Flanagan. But this season, oh this season.  Where to begin? Let's go back to the picture. Ben Greenhalgh and Lewis Taaffe two key components in 2015/2016, spirited away by other clubs. Tom Stephen the supporter's player of the year last season - did his ACL in pre-season. Out for the season. The goalkeeper, Ben McNamara, he won the Chairman's Player of the Season in 2015/2016. Now not being horrible to Ben, but I don't know what happened to him in the Summer, it's like his twin brother turned up at Concord at the start of this season. Ben's now left the club.

Concord hover just outside the relegation zone, having played more games than their rivals, but what remains at Concord is probably the key to their survival. Whilst Concord have lost player's left, right and centre through one mean's or another. The Concord heart still remains. "I've never been involved in a situation such as the one we are in now, but I do know through speaking with others and being around football long enough what it takes to get through a period that we're experiencing at the moment" said club stalwart Steve King "We need to ensure we work hard on the training pitch firstly, and then on matchday we must be determined to win our individual battles on the pitch. If we can do that, the team has enough quality to get ourselves out of the mess we find ourselves in" confirmed Steve, when I asked him how Concord work their way out of this sticky situation.

What Concord do you have through Steve, and the captain James White are individuals who will run through walls for Concord, they're not the only two, but it's their voices you can hear loudest on a Saturday afternoon, "For me, as skipper, I've got to keep the group close and make sure your willing to help your mate out on the pitch. This is no time for individuals now." said Whitey. Now that team ethic runs deep in Concord, it always has done.  Actually from the player's on the pitch, to the people behind the bar, to the volunteers who give up their precious time on a weekend to help the club, everyone pulls in the same direction. But what about those people who pay to watch the matches, now admittedly there's not many of them, but I tell you what, they don't moan or boo at the team during the match, unlike some "bigger" teams supporters. I won't name those team's supporters here, it would be wrong (I will it's Ebbsfleet and Chelmsford). "A club the size of Concord depends on everyone, there a few that keep the club ticking over constantly, however everyone is important, we are going through a difficult phase and want the staff and supporters to keep faith that we do care about the club and the league we are in. Everything is put on to help us, so there can be no excuses from the players, we need to perform to the qualities that Concord are known for" again James White, see the skipper of the club, knows exactly what everyone feels.

Now I don't think I would be writing this blog, if it wasn't for one thing.  You see, Concord have dropped, I say dropped, lost is better.  Concord have lost 8 points from goals conceded in the 88th minute or later in games this season.  That has happened across 5 matches this term. You'd expect it happening maybe once or twice in a season as that's football, but 5 times. You're sitting there thinking of "for fucks sake". That's the fan's view, but how about the player's, again Steve King "There's no clear reason why this happens. When it starts to happen you put it down to bad luck and not having the rub of the green, but ultimately it's a desire or concentration issue. At this level you need to have 100% focus every second of the game or you will be punished. Added to that you need to want to die for the cause whether it be getting on the end of a delivery to score a goal, or throw your body on the line to block a goal bound effort defensively, which as a team we haven't been doing well enough."

Concord still have sixteen games to play this season, so there is plenty of time left for them to dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in, but are the player's confident?  I'll leave the final word to firstly Kingy. " I'm confident, there is a lot of quality in the changing room. We just need to get the mental side of things right and once we put a couple of results together I'm certain we will be fine."

Secondly the Captain James White, boomed out this statement. It gets the heart pumping this. "Yes, being honest now if any player in the side has committed to relegation, then please leave the club. There is a lot of football to be played and I can guarantee we will all fight for the right to play in this league next season."


#YAMC.

Non League Life with Jody Brown

What does it take to coach, manage or play in Non-League football? How high are the playing standard these days?

In the first of a series of interviews, I'm speaking to Non-League managers, coaches and players to find out what makes the Non-League world tick.  First up is Jody Brown who has managed/coached from Step 1 down to Step 6. Jody is currently managing Heybridge Swifts in the Ryman League Division One North.

I first asked Jody, how does he deal with what seems an ongoing turnover of players at the lower level of Non-League football.

"Unfortunately it is part and parcel of football at Ryman Level. It happens less the higher you go. It becomes difficult for the coaches that believe in working with a team on the training ground, and developing players over a period of time. There are few contracts, and players have little reason to remain at clubs where they aren't playing regularly.
This season at Heybridge we have suffered with injuries this season, but we still have eleven/twelve players with over twenty appearances this season, and that's despite losing three/four regulars to rival clubs.  I honestly believe that the club's that manage to retain a consistent group over a two/three year period have a far better chance of success on and off the field.
Supporters want to bond with the players too, and it's great when that happens. However for that to happen players need to play 50/100/200 games for a club to develop that relationship."

That bond between players and supporters, how important is that and does it breed success?

"When you get an "all in it" together mentality between club, players and supporters, you have the ingredients for success. Danny Cowley's recent successes have illustrated that, and Rod Stringer is developing it at Chelmsford.
In my short time at Concord Rangers, I could see that the Steve Cawley's and Tony Stokes of this world had a tremendous relationship with their fans. It breeds loyalty in both directions. The players then play for the fans, and the fans support them even during the tough times. It's a great feeling to feel that your winning games for a greater cause than just yourself, and that bond and positivity is worth plenty of points over a season."

You mentioned about losing 3/4 regulars this season to rival club's, is that kind of problem exclusive to the Ryman North?

"The lower the level the more it happens. Less money, fewer contracts, less restriction of player movements and approaches - all adds up to less commitment. Plus players that play higher up the pyramid often have a more professional approach to the game and appreciate the benefits of stability and the importance of being durable enough to earn your place in the team. There will always be players that move for money at every level, I understand that, but having to fight for your place shouldn't be a reason to move on if you believe in your ability."

How effective is the seven day approach? Is there another alternative?

"Not sure really. I think it's fairly common place for a club to have already spoken with their target, whether directly or indirectly. The rule obviously protects a club from being ripped to shreds over night, but in terms of aiding the long term security of a club, or to allow foundations to be built over a period of time, the rule does very little. The alternative would be to put in a transfer window all the way down to Step 4 (Ryman League North/South). Then manager's recruitment, coaching, management and tactical performance would be tested.  The way it is currently isn't too dissimilar to playing a computer game, allowing clubs with money to take another club's players to regularly and too easily. It also completely deflects from a coaches ability to improve player's and teams.  It's a case of lose a game, go out and buy three new players. So in reality, it minimises the effect of a coach can have and it creates a very short term mentality."

With the idea of a Non-League transfer window, do you think there would be a danger of the wealthier clubs just stock-piling players for the sake of it?

"I think that happens anyway. Player's are more likely to be content as a bit-part squad player when earning £200/300/400 plus per week. There are obvious examples in every level."

The role of an agent is becoming increasingly prominent at Non-League level. Do they help or hinder when managing a team?

"Like any walk of life, there are good and bad agents. I know some good ones, but you do hear a lot less from them when things are challenging.
Agents that force or hunt for moves, rather than mentor their players to play games, act professionally, perform consistently and get noticed, do become a hinderance. They can create false hope, and unrealistic expectations in players. Obviously there are massive Non-League success stories that have probably only come about as a result of a proactive agent.
In my opinion, moving clubs regularly has never helped any player. The best thing a player can do is find a manager they feel they can excel and develop under, and then work hard, perform consistently and opportunities will follow. Possibly there are too many agents nowadays, but people need to make a living, and I can appreciate it from both sides of the fence.

What are characteristics you're looking for, when you want to add a player to the squad?

"Personally I look for technical ability, ambition, previous pedigree and the potential to develop into a better player. I've rarely had the financial support to look for the ready made winner, so it's been a case of working together to improve. In a perfect world, I'd recruit established players between 22-32 years of age, big athletic, technically sound players that know me, know each other, have an affiliation with the club, and a track record of winning. However that is very difficult."

Do you scout player's yourself and are player's signed on word of mouth?

"I think player's do get signed on word of mouth. I've only done it once personally and wasn't comfortable.  I see manager's and club staff at games, so scouting does take place. Personally I fall a little bit short on that element of management at the moment, due to the fact that I take every training session.  But it's an area that I think the club's with sound infrastructure excel in."

"You've coached at all levels in the Non-League pyramid, is there much difference in the quality of football being played?"

The biggest difference is the preparation the higher you go up.  The use of video analysis, scouting and game specific sessions are the norm, as opposed to only for special occasions and big games. The players are better conditioned, coaches are better qualified, facilities are better, crowds are bigger, and the coverage is more intense each time you climb another level.  That breeds ambition, professionalism and a higher tempo on match day, which then becomes inherent."

What challenges does each level bring to a manager?

"The more money a player is paid, the more committed he is to the game and his own development in most cases. That is probably the biggest challenge you face lower down the pyramid. I personally find it difficult to find the balance between my expectations in terms of training, conditioning, preparation, and the club's and player's expectations."

Can you give an example of that?

Sure, not being able to prepare your team because player's are at work, or not pick your strongest team because a player is on holiday isn't an issue you face at the best clubs at Step 2 or any clubs at Step 1. Training facilities also generally improve, which saves those arguments with club groundsman about getting on the pitch to do your shape work etc."

But going up through the levels, also bring's it challenges?

"Of course, there are pitfalls higher up for managers. Personally I didn't deal with the supporters or media particularly well when I was at level, and I've tried to learn from that experience, and hope it's something I am improving whilst working hard with people to rebuild Heybridge Swifts on and off the field."

So what is the key to progressing through the levels?

"If you aspire to, and have the capabilities to do things professionally, and work with a good support network, committed, talented players, and building a club as opposed to just building a team - get as high as you possibly can.  Managing non contract players, without money, appropriate facilities and limited support staff can massively detract from your ability to work with your team and individuals in the way you would like to. Even Jose Mourinho could not win Ryman Division One without money, staff, or a place to train. To succeed as an individual or a club following promotions, I think you have to raise the bar and consider all of the above. If you just continue the way you have at the lower level, it won't be enough. Each jump is quite a significant one."

© Chris Clark 2017