HomeWell it has sure been a busy time at Stour just lately, and it would be very easy to get too despondent, but let's take a longer view.
Following the high profile Wycombe game the departure of Dan to BCFC was no surprise and lets face it we were all happy for the lad. Just desserts and all that. And he is still a regular visitor/supporter along with his dad at Stour games....
Then a few days later, at the Mickleover away game, came rumours that Solihull were making an offer to Kristian Green. Again no surprise but this time I kinda hoped he might stay. He didn't, but the best of luck to the lad....onwards and upwards and all that.
So we get to the end of the season and regrettably the team was found wanting, promotion eluded us. Then what happens......Chris Lait is approached by Solihull and accepts, followed pretty quickly by, of all people, Luke Benbow. This is a surprise because Lait has been injured for weeks and Benbow tried to step up two years ago and couldn't make it at Hednesford. That's the same Hednesford that Dodd now thinks is a great move...oh and Tom Tonks is still, apparently, considering at move to....bloody Solihull again, but why wait Tom ? Could it be that he is trying to work out how to obliterate his "I love Stour" tattoo?
I was critical of making him captain last season and once again he is dithering. Great player but not a captain in my book. (Ok I'm in a minority of one...but he looked lost at times, hands on hips not really knowing what was going on around him,....imho).
I am now starting to sound rather bitter...and why ? I thought all these players loved Stour and were "gutted" to miss out on promotion.
But, the players who were not good enough to get our beloved Stour promoted last season now think that they are good enough to step up one or even two steps. ...Really ?
On the bright side it was great to see Matt Gould sign up early for next season and the recent news of those who have agreed terms for next season gives cause for optimism. Add to this the fact that Gary seems to have made a few good signings and there is really only one question. Who is going to help Jordan ? Lots of tasty defenders....Westlake is particularly good news. I wait with baited breath for news of another quality striker.
When I started following Stour a few years ago it was a real breath of fresh air after all the antics of Premiership players, Sky TV and so on. Saido who ? Here was a bunch of players who actually cared for their fans.....yeah right !
Ok I agree Leon does, and undoubtedly several others do too. I was sorry to see Birch go.Had a chat to him in the club after the Workington play off game, what a nice bloke who deserved a regular place I felt.
Ok rant over....still cannot wait for the start of the new season. Really miss my Saturdays watching and shouting for Stour. Will certainly take up a season ticket and live in hopes of another memorable season to come, cos after all....Stour Aye We !.....unlike some players.....oh sod it I'm off again......!!!!
Following the high profile Wycombe game the departure of Dan to BCFC was no surprise and lets face it we were all happy for the lad. Just desserts and all that. And he is still a regular visitor/supporter along with his dad at Stour games....
Then a few days later, at the Mickleover away game, came rumours that Solihull were making an offer to Kristian Green. Again no surprise but this time I kinda hoped he might stay. He didn't, but the best of luck to the lad....onwards and upwards and all that.
So we get to the end of the season and regrettably the team was found wanting, promotion eluded us. Then what happens......Chris Lait is approached by Solihull and accepts, followed pretty quickly by, of all people, Luke Benbow. This is a surprise because Lait has been injured for weeks and Benbow tried to step up two years ago and couldn't make it at Hednesford. That's the same Hednesford that Dodd now thinks is a great move...oh and Tom Tonks is still, apparently, considering at move to....bloody Solihull again, but why wait Tom ? Could it be that he is trying to work out how to obliterate his "I love Stour" tattoo?
I was critical of making him captain last season and once again he is dithering. Great player but not a captain in my book. (Ok I'm in a minority of one...but he looked lost at times, hands on hips not really knowing what was going on around him,....imho).
I am now starting to sound rather bitter...and why ? I thought all these players loved Stour and were "gutted" to miss out on promotion.
But, the players who were not good enough to get our beloved Stour promoted last season now think that they are good enough to step up one or even two steps. ...Really ?
On the bright side it was great to see Matt Gould sign up early for next season and the recent news of those who have agreed terms for next season gives cause for optimism. Add to this the fact that Gary seems to have made a few good signings and there is really only one question. Who is going to help Jordan ? Lots of tasty defenders....Westlake is particularly good news. I wait with baited breath for news of another quality striker.
When I started following Stour a few years ago it was a real breath of fresh air after all the antics of Premiership players, Sky TV and so on. Saido who ? Here was a bunch of players who actually cared for their fans.....yeah right !
Ok I agree Leon does, and undoubtedly several others do too. I was sorry to see Birch go.Had a chat to him in the club after the Workington play off game, what a nice bloke who deserved a regular place I felt.
Ok rant over....still cannot wait for the start of the new season. Really miss my Saturdays watching and shouting for Stour. Will certainly take up a season ticket and live in hopes of another memorable season to come, cos after all....Stour Aye We !.....unlike some players.....oh sod it I'm off again......!!!!
. And really looking forward to the pre-season friendlies, especially the one a home to Blues U23 and the one away at Hereford which is a ground I've not been to for years.
