Football players these days don't tend to hang around at a club much longer than a Wycombe Wanderers finance director. That aside, we'll be hoping that our new charges stick and are in it for the long-haul, just like messrs Ryan, Brown, Cousins and Carroll were.
With the help of the fans of Aldershot Town, Brentford and Yeovil Town, we're running the rule over the new recruits and garnering opinion from those who have witnessed their performances first hand. Were they sad to see them leave or completely indifferent?
Brentford were the most accommodating lot once I'd been instructed to sign up for their message board. The Aldershot moderator invited me to join however it seems he/she can't be arsed to verify my membership and the comments from Aldershot and Yeovil are thusly the result of me scouring their forums.
So, we’ll start with the contingent from Brentford. Goalkeeper Nikki Bull played for the Bees and the general consensus was he is 'short as shit for a goalie' as one fan put it. I'm not entirely sure what you can read into that. Manchester City's Shay Given isn't too shabby for a relatively short goalkeeper.
Their thoughts on defender Danny Foster and striker Ben Strevens delved deeper than the previous gem although there was one useful reply to clarify opinion on Bull.
A Bees fan wrote: "Bull had an unlucky season. Having just displaced Lewis Price in goal in September, he suffered an injury that kept him out until April. By that time we had Szczesny, so Bull was never going to get a look in. He was called upon off the bench though at Southend in April and a couple of great saves meant we got a point when we were effectively playing with 9 men given the number of injuries we suffered in that game."
One poster had these opinions: (On Foster) "He isn't the greatest defender and certainly not ambitious in crossing the half-way line, but if you are looking for a steady, decent league two full-back - he'll be fine. (sic)
"I don't think we ever saw what we expected from Ben Strevens - he's quite a neat and tidy front-man but the one thing in his favour is that he doesn't stop working. And he scores his goals from inside the six-yard box, so you'll need to get balls in there for him!"
Should Wycombe win promotion and re-ignite the master plan of reaching the Championship, it will be interesting to see how many of the new contingent would be still be included given some Bees fans misgivings on our signing's supposed limitations further up the football pyramid.
As one Bees fan said: "I was very pleased that they all moved on, they are not bad players but also they are not what you need for where we hope to go. I would say that honest sums up Strevens and steady is good for Foster. I would suggest that Bull is short for bullshit but he's your average lower league keeper."
So, Strevens is going to need Kevin Betsy to dribble around the opposition team and then generously pass him the ball, good luck there Ben. Meanwhile Danny Foster will defend his territory bullishly without making too many inroads into the attacking half of the pitch. Bull might be another run of the mill goalkeeper.
Scott Shearer was a good shot-stopper however what we need is a commanding presence, something Bull can hopefully provide to a defence that for large swathes of last season was woefully disorganised.
Our friends in Hampshire, Aldershot Town, have a vociferous contingent who were none too pleased by the manner of defender Dave Winfield's departure.
Some feel that Winfield, who had allegedly agreed in principle to sign a new contract with the Shots upon his return from a holiday, has turned his back on his boyhood club, displaying a lack of class. Others are more forgiving. Politics aside, here's what they say about the lad.
One fan isn't too fussed he's left: "Waddock has just smooth talked him. Simple really. He will be on the bench for most of the season."
Another wished him all the best: "Those who have ever met, spoken to or spent time with Dave will all agree, I'm 100% sure, that the guy is a true gentleman, as polite as you could ever expect a footballer to be..and a true professional in terms of the way he approaches the game. If you believe the parting shot of a manager bitterly disappointed that he has lost a "potential future captain" and allow it to tarnish the view that you have of Dave, then so be it." (sic)
In signing a potential future captain and already having a former Shots captain in Adam Hinshelwood (subject to contract agreement), we should have a few leaders amongst the squad.
Yeovil Town fans didn't seem to say much about midfielder Kieran Murtagh other than that he will be a "quality player at this level". Likewise, Shots fans didn't appear to dwell too much on the departure of defender Andy Sandell. Either that or I’m just too lazy to dig deeper. Meh.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Ryanair's Potential Departure From Bournemouth Would Be Disastrous
Love it or loathe it, Irish airline, Ryanair, the budget way to fly with no frills. has become synonymous with Bournemouth Airport.
Thousands take advantage of cheap flights locally to get away to destinations such as Alicante, where nearby there is a significant ex-pat population.
If the rumours emerging this morning are true, Ryanair could be about to pull the plug on its operations from Bournemouth, potentially bringing about job losses and travel misery to the thousands of locals who had become reliant on their services.
Speaking as a foreign exchange cashier, I know first-hand that despite Ryanair's often questionable reputation with regards to service, most people are prepared to put up with the downside for a couple of hours to reach their intended destination.
Many of our customers are elderly or retired, seeing Bournemouth as a far easier option than making the long drive to Gatwick. They have relatives abroad and it would become much harder for them to visit should Ryanair cease flying from Bournemouth Airport.
Given Ryanair's relative success in flying from Bournemouth and long-standing relationship with the airport, dating back to 1996, it will be interesting to see them justify their reasoning should they halt their operations in the area.
Bournemouth's brand new £45 million terminal would no doubt suffer greatly should the worst happen with only Thomson remaining its primary user.
Keep reading Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs for the full story and reaction.
Thousands take advantage of cheap flights locally to get away to destinations such as Alicante, where nearby there is a significant ex-pat population.
If the rumours emerging this morning are true, Ryanair could be about to pull the plug on its operations from Bournemouth, potentially bringing about job losses and travel misery to the thousands of locals who had become reliant on their services.
Speaking as a foreign exchange cashier, I know first-hand that despite Ryanair's often questionable reputation with regards to service, most people are prepared to put up with the downside for a couple of hours to reach their intended destination.
Many of our customers are elderly or retired, seeing Bournemouth as a far easier option than making the long drive to Gatwick. They have relatives abroad and it would become much harder for them to visit should Ryanair cease flying from Bournemouth Airport.
Given Ryanair's relative success in flying from Bournemouth and long-standing relationship with the airport, dating back to 1996, it will be interesting to see them justify their reasoning should they halt their operations in the area.
Bournemouth's brand new £45 million terminal would no doubt suffer greatly should the worst happen with only Thomson remaining its primary user.
Keep reading Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs for the full story and reaction.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Dust Settles Following Wycombe's Relegation Campaign
Willi's Wycombe
Following a dismal 2009/2010 season, where Wycombe Wanderers succumbed to relegation from League One, the dust is beginning to settle ahead of their pre-season preparations. Manager Gary Waddock has already begun the re-building process with numerous out of contract players not being offered new terms.
Unlike the build-up to last season, the management team have acted promptly and decisively to bring in a glut of new faces. Gary Waddock was always keen to mould a side in his own image with new signings cherry-picked from his former club, Aldershot Town, amongst a host of others, coming in.
The flurry of news emanating from Wycombe doesn't merely make reference to changes amongst the playing staff. Local news outlets have also reported on a proposal to lay a plastic pitch at Adams Park.
Wycombe owner Steve Hayes espoused the benefits of a fourth generation artificial pitch back in May, citing examples from rugby, namely the pitch of Guinness Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons. Aside from being advantageous to the playing side, Hayes is convinced switching to an artificial pitch could have commercial benefits too.
He told The Bucks Free Press, “The amount of money it costs to keep a really good pitch is way in excess of £75k a year, and all you can do is play football and rugby on it. With an artificial surface we could be staging all sorts of events – concerts, you name it – every night."
Although should changes be made to the playing surface, the club would have to negotiate some way around Premier League and Football League regulations that forbid surfaces that are not predominantly natural grass. In addition, should the club wish to host non-football events, they would be subject to the agreement of Wycombe District Council.
In the end of season fall-out, Hayes was also quick to publically set his targets for the upcoming campaign, with anything but promotion seen as a professional and financial failure.
"We have to go up next year. Gary knows it and everyone knows it. We don’t want to wait around another year in that division, the aim is to go up automatically and we want to do it in a blaze of glory" he told The Bucks Free Press.
With regards to the playing personnel, there has been a radical shake-up. Kevin Betsy, Alex Revell, Matt Bloomfield, John Mousinho, Adam Hinshelwood and Steve Arnold were all offered new deals with utility man Mousinho deciding to join Stevenage Borough whilst striker Alex Revell has opted to join Leyton Orient instead.
Midfielder cum forward Kevin Betsy has signed a new deal in his second spell with the club and the Blues' longest-serving player, midfielder Matt Bloomfield, has also signed new terms following his resurgence at the end of last season.
Meanwhile those released are Scott Shearer, Joe Cobb, Lewis Hunt, Luke Oliver, Lewwis Spence, Dean Keates, Kevin McLeod and Matt Harrold. First year pro George Daly has also been released without making a First Team appearance and Tom Heaton, Julian Kelly and Alan Bennett have returned to their parent clubs.
Arriving at Adams Park are 28 year-old goalkeeper Nikki Bull from Brentford. Waddock is familiar with Bull with the 'keeper previously playing for Aldershot Town. Central defender Dave Winfield, 22, has also joined from Aldershot.
Wycombe have also swooped to bring in Brentford duo, Danny Foster, 25, and experienced striker, 30 year-old Ben Strevens. Foster is seen as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Lewis Hunt whilst Strevens is a familiar face, having played against Wycombe for Barnet and Dagenham and Redbridge.
Young midfielder, Kieran Murtagh, 21, has signed from Yeovil Town. Murtagh scored against the Wanderers last season and the Blues reportedly fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure his signature.
Replacing former captain Craig Woodman, who has since moved to Brentford, is another signing from Aldershot, left-back, Andy Sandell.
Wycombe have moved to form a potent strike force having struggled for goals last term. Aside from the addition of Strevens, the Blues have brought in striker Scott Rendell from Peterborough United. The 23 year-old failed to secure a starting berth at Posh but has enjoyed some successful loan spells, including last season at Torquay United where he scored 12 goals in 35 League Two games.
Wycombe will begin their pre-season campaign of friendlies barely a few days after this summer's World Cup has finished. The Blues face local outfit Chesham United at The Meadow before facing other non-league sides including Hayes and Yeading and Uxbridge.
Marquee home games include friendlies against Championship side and local rivals, Reading, on Saturday 24 July (kick-off 3pm) and a highly anticipated match against a Chelsea XI on Thursday 29 July (kick-off 7.45pm).
The beginning of the Football League season sees Wycombe open their League Two campaign against Morecambe on Saturday 7 August. The following week the Blues travel up north to meet old sparring partners, Stockport County. The Blues will renew another rivalry with Oxford United arriving at Adams Park on Saturday 21 August.
Refreshingly, Wycombe have moved fast in the transfer market to bolster the squad. There look to be some exciting additions with Ben Strevens, Scott Rendell, Jon Paul-Pittman and Stuart Beavon set to fiercely compete for starting-places up-front.
Willi's Wycombe will be analysing the ins and outs besides looking ahead in earnest to what will be a crucial 2010/2011 season.
Expectations are high as Wycombe seek automatic promotion to avoid more potential play-off heartbreak. Steve Hayes and co. will not tolerate another five seasons in the Football League's bottom tier. The fans will not accept financial meltdown in the pursuit of glory. It's imperative that this precarious balance is achieved.
Following a dismal 2009/2010 season, where Wycombe Wanderers succumbed to relegation from League One, the dust is beginning to settle ahead of their pre-season preparations. Manager Gary Waddock has already begun the re-building process with numerous out of contract players not being offered new terms.
Unlike the build-up to last season, the management team have acted promptly and decisively to bring in a glut of new faces. Gary Waddock was always keen to mould a side in his own image with new signings cherry-picked from his former club, Aldershot Town, amongst a host of others, coming in.
The flurry of news emanating from Wycombe doesn't merely make reference to changes amongst the playing staff. Local news outlets have also reported on a proposal to lay a plastic pitch at Adams Park.
Wycombe owner Steve Hayes espoused the benefits of a fourth generation artificial pitch back in May, citing examples from rugby, namely the pitch of Guinness Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons. Aside from being advantageous to the playing side, Hayes is convinced switching to an artificial pitch could have commercial benefits too.
He told The Bucks Free Press, “The amount of money it costs to keep a really good pitch is way in excess of £75k a year, and all you can do is play football and rugby on it. With an artificial surface we could be staging all sorts of events – concerts, you name it – every night."
Although should changes be made to the playing surface, the club would have to negotiate some way around Premier League and Football League regulations that forbid surfaces that are not predominantly natural grass. In addition, should the club wish to host non-football events, they would be subject to the agreement of Wycombe District Council.
In the end of season fall-out, Hayes was also quick to publically set his targets for the upcoming campaign, with anything but promotion seen as a professional and financial failure.
"We have to go up next year. Gary knows it and everyone knows it. We don’t want to wait around another year in that division, the aim is to go up automatically and we want to do it in a blaze of glory" he told The Bucks Free Press.
With regards to the playing personnel, there has been a radical shake-up. Kevin Betsy, Alex Revell, Matt Bloomfield, John Mousinho, Adam Hinshelwood and Steve Arnold were all offered new deals with utility man Mousinho deciding to join Stevenage Borough whilst striker Alex Revell has opted to join Leyton Orient instead.
Midfielder cum forward Kevin Betsy has signed a new deal in his second spell with the club and the Blues' longest-serving player, midfielder Matt Bloomfield, has also signed new terms following his resurgence at the end of last season.
Meanwhile those released are Scott Shearer, Joe Cobb, Lewis Hunt, Luke Oliver, Lewwis Spence, Dean Keates, Kevin McLeod and Matt Harrold. First year pro George Daly has also been released without making a First Team appearance and Tom Heaton, Julian Kelly and Alan Bennett have returned to their parent clubs.
Arriving at Adams Park are 28 year-old goalkeeper Nikki Bull from Brentford. Waddock is familiar with Bull with the 'keeper previously playing for Aldershot Town. Central defender Dave Winfield, 22, has also joined from Aldershot.
Wycombe have also swooped to bring in Brentford duo, Danny Foster, 25, and experienced striker, 30 year-old Ben Strevens. Foster is seen as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Lewis Hunt whilst Strevens is a familiar face, having played against Wycombe for Barnet and Dagenham and Redbridge.
Young midfielder, Kieran Murtagh, 21, has signed from Yeovil Town. Murtagh scored against the Wanderers last season and the Blues reportedly fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure his signature.
Replacing former captain Craig Woodman, who has since moved to Brentford, is another signing from Aldershot, left-back, Andy Sandell.
Wycombe have moved to form a potent strike force having struggled for goals last term. Aside from the addition of Strevens, the Blues have brought in striker Scott Rendell from Peterborough United. The 23 year-old failed to secure a starting berth at Posh but has enjoyed some successful loan spells, including last season at Torquay United where he scored 12 goals in 35 League Two games.
Wycombe will begin their pre-season campaign of friendlies barely a few days after this summer's World Cup has finished. The Blues face local outfit Chesham United at The Meadow before facing other non-league sides including Hayes and Yeading and Uxbridge.
Marquee home games include friendlies against Championship side and local rivals, Reading, on Saturday 24 July (kick-off 3pm) and a highly anticipated match against a Chelsea XI on Thursday 29 July (kick-off 7.45pm).
The beginning of the Football League season sees Wycombe open their League Two campaign against Morecambe on Saturday 7 August. The following week the Blues travel up north to meet old sparring partners, Stockport County. The Blues will renew another rivalry with Oxford United arriving at Adams Park on Saturday 21 August.
Refreshingly, Wycombe have moved fast in the transfer market to bolster the squad. There look to be some exciting additions with Ben Strevens, Scott Rendell, Jon Paul-Pittman and Stuart Beavon set to fiercely compete for starting-places up-front.
Willi's Wycombe will be analysing the ins and outs besides looking ahead in earnest to what will be a crucial 2010/2011 season.
Expectations are high as Wycombe seek automatic promotion to avoid more potential play-off heartbreak. Steve Hayes and co. will not tolerate another five seasons in the Football League's bottom tier. The fans will not accept financial meltdown in the pursuit of glory. It's imperative that this precarious balance is achieved.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
We'll Fight the 'Germans' on the Beaches and Outside Pubs
One unfortunate gentleman in High Wycombe, sporting a German national team football shirt on Sunday, was assaulted after leaving the Antelope Pub.
The 31-year-old man was punched but reportedly not injured following the game. Thought to be English, word on the web is that the man in question was making a nuisance of himself in the pub and revelling in England's 4-1 demise at the feet of arch-rivals, Germany.
We're a civilised folk here at Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs so we do not advocate groups of marauding hooligans assaulting members of the public for their footballing allegiances however perhaps this chap should have been more tactful given the sensitive nature of the game and distastrous outcome for England.
Pub manager Shane Mcdougall claimed staff offered him a different t-shirt to wear, an offer that was refused, and told him to leave for his own safety after he appeared to be getting a 'bit excited'.
In an ideal world, Wycombe fans would freely wear their colours in Oxford or Colchester pubs and vice versa but sadly this is not possible. No doubt the gentlemen knew the kind of trouble he was likely to encounter and whilst he didn't deserve to be assaulted, he probably went home knowing that it was not wholly unexpected, given his desire to not pursue any complaint.
The 31-year-old man was punched but reportedly not injured following the game. Thought to be English, word on the web is that the man in question was making a nuisance of himself in the pub and revelling in England's 4-1 demise at the feet of arch-rivals, Germany.
We're a civilised folk here at Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs so we do not advocate groups of marauding hooligans assaulting members of the public for their footballing allegiances however perhaps this chap should have been more tactful given the sensitive nature of the game and distastrous outcome for England.
Pub manager Shane Mcdougall claimed staff offered him a different t-shirt to wear, an offer that was refused, and told him to leave for his own safety after he appeared to be getting a 'bit excited'.
In an ideal world, Wycombe fans would freely wear their colours in Oxford or Colchester pubs and vice versa but sadly this is not possible. No doubt the gentlemen knew the kind of trouble he was likely to encounter and whilst he didn't deserve to be assaulted, he probably went home knowing that it was not wholly unexpected, given his desire to not pursue any complaint.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Winton Carnival 2010
Winton Recreation Ground was the setting for the annual Winton Carnival, held on Saturday 26 June. The parade started out on Wimborne Road and went through the suburb with floats, buses, cheerleaders, men in Batman costumes and a plethora of local organisations represented.
With the perfect vantage point as the parade neared its conclusion on Maxwell Road before entering the Recreation Ground, it was fantastic to see such a well-organised and vibrant display of local colour considering the size of the suburb.
Into the main event itself and there was an impressive array of stalls and entertainment to keep everyone occupied. I managed to muster a 50mph best when attempting to break the 68mph record at the football 'speed shot' attraction.
I was also encouraged to go on the waltzer and the ride that involved standing in a cage whilst being rotated at great speed.
One issue I did have was that I thought I remembered the Carnival as being advertised as finishing at 10pm with live bands playing into the evening. There were some fantastic acts, especially the Cuban band, though they were playing throughout the afternoon and the Carnival appeared to wind down at about 7.30pm.
Nevertheless, it was another great day out and one which attracted thousands of visitors. The locals seem to actively embrace the event and long may it continue, a big thank you from Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs goes to the Carnival Committee and the Winton Community Forum for organising and supporting the festivities.
With the perfect vantage point as the parade neared its conclusion on Maxwell Road before entering the Recreation Ground, it was fantastic to see such a well-organised and vibrant display of local colour considering the size of the suburb.
Into the main event itself and there was an impressive array of stalls and entertainment to keep everyone occupied. I managed to muster a 50mph best when attempting to break the 68mph record at the football 'speed shot' attraction.
I was also encouraged to go on the waltzer and the ride that involved standing in a cage whilst being rotated at great speed.
One issue I did have was that I thought I remembered the Carnival as being advertised as finishing at 10pm with live bands playing into the evening. There were some fantastic acts, especially the Cuban band, though they were playing throughout the afternoon and the Carnival appeared to wind down at about 7.30pm.
Nevertheless, it was another great day out and one which attracted thousands of visitors. The locals seem to actively embrace the event and long may it continue, a big thank you from Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs goes to the Carnival Committee and the Winton Community Forum for organising and supporting the festivities.
Monday, 7 June 2010
How Safe Do You Feel in Charminster?
Following a recent serious sexual assault on a 36 year-old Ringwood woman in Iddesleigh Road, Charminster, questions have been raised about the general safety of the area.
Iddesleigh Road itself flanks the cemetery and some of its pavements are obscured by the overhanging trees. The woman in question was subjected to the horrific attack on Sunday May 30 at around 5am.
Charminster's 'strip' of shops, clubs, bars and takeaways has people wandering up and down at all times of the day and night. As you venture into the labyrinthine streets, there are often people skulking around too.
Most of these people of course are completely innocent and are just going about their business however the area is known to be a haven for a criminal minority.
Brothels, drug dealers and an array of folk of ill repute all either exist or reside in the suburb and mix with the law abiders.
Locals know of these activities and some have expressed anger, fear, a sense of helplessness and a multitude of other emotions when describing the state of Charminster and the effect crime is having on the area.
Their feelings on walking in the area, day or night, are much the same. Whilst it can be an exciting, invigorating experience to spend an evening in cosmopolitan 'Charmy', there is also a sense of being on edge, especially if walking alone late at night.
Charminster's police community support unit urgently needs to reassure residents that the area is a safe place to visit and with the support of their colleagues, root out the undesirable element that is a blight on this otherwise exhilirating part of Bournemouth.
If you witnessed the attack on May 30 at around 5am or have any information regarding the man, call police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.
Iddesleigh Road itself flanks the cemetery and some of its pavements are obscured by the overhanging trees. The woman in question was subjected to the horrific attack on Sunday May 30 at around 5am.
Charminster's 'strip' of shops, clubs, bars and takeaways has people wandering up and down at all times of the day and night. As you venture into the labyrinthine streets, there are often people skulking around too.
Most of these people of course are completely innocent and are just going about their business however the area is known to be a haven for a criminal minority.
Brothels, drug dealers and an array of folk of ill repute all either exist or reside in the suburb and mix with the law abiders.
Locals know of these activities and some have expressed anger, fear, a sense of helplessness and a multitude of other emotions when describing the state of Charminster and the effect crime is having on the area.
Their feelings on walking in the area, day or night, are much the same. Whilst it can be an exciting, invigorating experience to spend an evening in cosmopolitan 'Charmy', there is also a sense of being on edge, especially if walking alone late at night.
Charminster's police community support unit urgently needs to reassure residents that the area is a safe place to visit and with the support of their colleagues, root out the undesirable element that is a blight on this otherwise exhilirating part of Bournemouth.
If you witnessed the attack on May 30 at around 5am or have any information regarding the man, call police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
We Will Be Back Soon!
Please let me apologise for the impromptu hiatus of late. Owing to a punishing work and social schedule, I haven't been able to post for a few weeks. Never fear, Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs will be back soon, covering more from Bournemouth and High Wycombe, including Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
There have been a lot of developing stories over the past few weeks, including developments in the Heather Barnett case and the verdict in the Ralph Millward trial has been announced. I'll be looking at these stories and more in the coming weeks.
I'm also looking for more contributions so if you have a passion for news from in and around Bournemouth or High Wycombe, please feel free to get in touch with some ideas! Simply email willgeldart@hotmail.co.uk and I'll reply as soon as possible.
WilliWycombe
There have been a lot of developing stories over the past few weeks, including developments in the Heather Barnett case and the verdict in the Ralph Millward trial has been announced. I'll be looking at these stories and more in the coming weeks.
I'm also looking for more contributions so if you have a passion for news from in and around Bournemouth or High Wycombe, please feel free to get in touch with some ideas! Simply email willgeldart@hotmail.co.uk and I'll reply as soon as possible.
WilliWycombe
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