23 August, 2008 | Winston Smith
Well, in the words of Yazz and the plastic population from 1988 "The only way is up". At least we are making chances even if we aren't taking them. Nice to see David Blackmore watching although not sure about that hat!! Even nicer to see David Bryant in a Thurrock tie, hope he will be the one to get things going for us. How long will Greg Lincoln be out for? Congratulations to Ebeneezer Masade for his debut goal but keep your shirt on next time! Bishops Stortford lost as well so Monday is a real 6 pointer.


23 August, 2008 | les bailey
good match today.We've been supporting since the middle of last season and, for the first time, we felt that Thurrock were really strong in attack. Keep it up!

Welling suppoerters are a bit "in yer face" aren't they? Especiially behind the goal, with shouted obseneties. At least we are a club with a bit of decorum.............


14 August, 2008 | Spike
I didnt realise Thurrock was running an educational website. Comments made were based on my opinion of watching the same games and directed at his opinion and were not personal, so please dont get personal with me, you have no idea what my educational background is and indeed who I am. I will continue to make comments if I believe they are valid. and hopfully constructive. I have agreed to meet Wez and we have communucated directly in a constructive positive way (please fel free to cheque my spelin)


13 August, 2008 | Tony Flood
Spike, I would suggest that before you ask others to review their own reports that you review your own posts. Your grammar and spelling is terrible and I think it is unfair to take issue with the reporter's bias. I used to write the reports for the old website and it isn't easy. You can only give what you see and opinions are valid in football.


13 August, 2008 | Tony Flood
Was at the game last night and we battled gamely. Greg Lincoln was an absolute class above eveeryone on the pitch. As soon as he went off we got a bit overrun. AFC deserved the points even if it took so long for them to level. The players do, however, deserve a lot of credit for a fine battling performance which, if we had won, would have been reminiscent of the first away game a few years ago at AFC Hornchurch when Kris Lee's goal brought us a backs to the wall 1-0 victory against one of the favourites for the league.


13 August, 2008 | Sean Fleet
Gutted that we didn't pick up the points last night. Didn't see the game but at 9:50pm, saw we were 1-0 up and thought we had won. When I checked the tables at 10:30pm to see we had infact lost I was gutted.



Spike & Wes - I often go to Thurrock home games and can say that I am certainly watching the same game as Wes as the reports and man of the match allocations are usually accurate (especially since Matt Paine doesn't get man of the match week in week out like when Wes first started).



When I don't go to away games I am happy to trust what Wes writes, and especially like the fact that we are one of few teams outside of the Football League to keep track of statistics, which I have also secretly validated a couple of times.



Not sure who "Spike" is but you must have upset someone Wes. But I agree with you that it's all about opinions. It's what makes it interesting.



Team Bath up next who have now scored ten goals in two games. Our superior defence will have to be on guard again.


12 August, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Derrick - Thanks for the feedback. As you may or may not be aware, I write the match reports and also am the Web Manager at Thurrock. I am happy to publish your point of view on the message board as it is only the second time (fourth in total) that I have been challenged with regards to the reports, as contrary to what you are saying I often receive positive feedback. One of the parents actually approached me with some issues on Saturday which were not specifically linked to the match reports, but I would encourge you to do the same thing as I am always keen on learning from your mistakes. I do not consider myself bias or innacurate and would therefore like for you to help me understand where you feel this may be the case. Remember, football is a matter of opinions after all. Please feel free to contact me through the site, or offline either in person or by email (wesley.a.saunders@gmail.com).


12 August, 2008 | SPIKE
i think that whoever writes the match reports needs to review there write ups.They are inaccurate and often favouring several players that seem to be the only ones that receive any acknowledgment of a good performance.Something needs to be done about this as it is very obvoius and clear to all the spectators at the games that the reports are very biased.Certain key points in games are edited to the match reporter's favour so that the same players get the recognition week in week out which to those that go to the games week in week out know are untrue and again i say very biased. The team wokred very hard and played very well in many games last season and when we were having our more disappointing games and results the same players got praise and seemed to avaid any criticism even when it was due. The performance against Eastleigh was very positive in many areas. Look forward to seeing more performances like that in the season.


06 August, 2008 | Rob Coshell
It's good to see that most of the squad who finished last season are starting this one for the Fleet. I think and hope that stability will give us a great chance to push onwards and upwards this season. Good luck to HRH and the team. Will Leon come back in time to score the winning goal against Chelmsford City at Christmas ? We are the Fleet !


04 August, 2008 | Spike
Reference Tilbury game and comments about commitment from players, for information the tackle on Craig Hughes in the first 5 minutes nearly broke his ankle thanfully x ray showed no break but has ligament damage he is now on crutches. He played on for the full 90 minutes but apparently according to some comments showed no commitment!!! Think again.


04 August, 2008 | Gill S Fan
With regard saturdays match against Gillingham , i attended the game (as I do all Gills matches ,Home and away) with my twelve year old daughter.I would like to congratulate you and your staff for making our afternoon enjoyable.Your staff , fans and stewards were all friendly and welcoming.Your pricing policy was excellent and we both really enjoyed our afternoon.



Hopefully your club made some profit for the afternoon and your team enjoyed playing against league opposition , good luck to you all for the coming season ,having read the programme if you avoid a first half of the season like last year and continue with the second halfs form you will do well.



Good Luck and thank you all.


04 August, 2008 | Steve Allen
2nd string friendly against Leyton FC 02/08/08

It was a tighter game than the 0-2 scoreline suggests.

Two slide shows from the game. Corker of a save from Thurrocks keeper in the 1st slide show.



http://stallenuk.webng.com/020807a/ 49 images

http://stallenuk.webng.com/020807/ 143 images


03 August, 2008 | Terrace Terry
I agree with a lot of what Brad has to say. If Kenny goes into the middle we lose a right back. Although Lee Flynn did play there last season he looks much more at ease on the left side. The new lad up front looked useful. Bit it could be up front where we struggle.


02 August, 2008 | Brad James
It was a good all round performance against Gillingham after a nervous start. The back four looked pretty solid and didn't seem to miss Rob Swaine, which is good news if his red card count is going to be anything like last season. One question though, why is Kenny Clark still being played out of position at right back when, given the oppertunity to play there, he is an excellent centre half? When he and Matt Paine played together last season Thurrock had some of there best performances.


29 July, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Hi Dave. Thanks for your message. I think I may have spoken to you this evening actually. Thankfully we have another opportunity to work on pre-season this weekend against the Gillingham XI in advance of the season opener against Eastleigh. I think come then Hak will have his squad sorted and whilst tonight's performance was a long way off of expectations, there were still a number of trialists and fringe players involved in the starting line up, and of course Flynny and Fola missing. Musn't get too carried away after this evenings poor performance but hopefully the boys will learn from this as maybe an early wake up call as to not be complacent against lower sides, which also cost us at times last season.


29 July, 2008 | Dave Tilbury
I've been to see Purfleet a few times this summer and also Tilbury and tonight I was shocked by the performance of some of the first team players. Personally I was embarressed by the lack of effort, not sure if it was because it was against Tilbury or because it was a friendly but the only players who could be proud to wear the Purfleet badge tonight would be Greg Lincoln and Che Stadhart. Thankfully it came in a friendly so Hakan can sort this nonsense out before the season starts. I wish everyone at the club good luck for the season but today was quite simply a joke.


28 July, 2008 | mick livett
i have been to all the pre season games and i think the young keeper shane herbert looks a good prospect for the future lets get him on board.....so come on hakan lets sign him up....


28 July, 2008 | Terrace Terry
I have been along to most of the pre-season games so far and we seem to be heading in the right direction. It look as though Hakan is going to rely on most of last season's team. We will need a goalkeeper and there doesn't seem much to choose between either Shane Herbert or Andrew Young. What is worrying though is our lack of forward power.


10 June, 2008 | bob johnson
Sad that David Bryant has gone, he scored nearly twenty goals, just think how many a proper forward would have got!


10 June, 2008 | Winston Smith
More divisonal change as Nuneaton Borough go into administration causing Redditch to move back to the Blue Square North (I bet they're pleased as they lost some players who didn't want to travel South) and gaining a reprieve for Dorchester Town who are reinstated to the Blue Square South.

This division really is difficult to get relegated from if you remain solvent !


02 June, 2008 | Winston Smith
Cambridge City failed in their ground grading appeal and have been relegated meaning that Weston-super-Mare reveive their third reprieve on the trot and ensure that the National Conference South continues its tradition of not relegating the bottom three placed teams.


26 May, 2008 | GARY
26-May-2008

PRE SEASON FIXTURES

Thurrock FC pre season fixtures have now been finalised and can confirm as follows:-

July 12th - Southend United 1st XI - 3 o'clock KO

July 16th - Dagenham & Redbridge 1st XI 7.45 KO

July 19th - East Thurrock (Away) 3 o'clock KO

July 22nd - Concorde Rangers (Away) 7.45 KO

July 26th - West Ham XI - 3 o'clock KO

July 29th - Tilbury (Away) 7.45 KO

Aug 2nd - Gillingham XI - 3 o'clock KO

News & Fixtures section on the website will be updated shortly


12 May, 2008 | Mike (Rafa) Bailey
Congratulations go to the Thurrock YFC U13 Team for winning their league this year. The boys all put in a tremendous amout of hard work and we are pleased it delivered a reward - League Champions. Heres to the next exciting season. Well done !!


09 May, 2008 | Winston Smith
Thin pickings for football in the Thurrock Gazette this week but I did note that ex-Thurrock players Shane Gore and Ben Wood were named joint players of the year for East Thurrock.


30 April, 2008 | Tony Millsom
Congratulations to the Under 11 Thurrock 'A' team for winning the League Cup on Sunday 27th April. It was a fantastic game and a great result.


27 April, 2008 | Graeme Horobin
Well done to Thurrock, you certainly don't look like a mid-table Team. Good luck for next season. Some Match photos here by the way.
www.graemehorobin.smugmug.com



25 April, 2008 | Winston Smith
Fantastic news about the ticket prices. I know there were complaints last year, especially with the season we had. This season we have had some real treats and can only hope the momentum continues into next year so we too can be in playoff contention at the end of the season.

A final word from Eastleigh manager Paul Doswell quoted on thisishampshire.net

"They've got decent, young players who, on their day, are as good as anyone in this league - especially in wide areas - and I can honestly say that going to Thurrock on Saturday will be as hard a game as we've had all season."

You can't say fairer than that. Let's make the nightmare come true.




22 April, 2008 | Shane Bond
fabulous team.i was at the newport county game last night.thurrock are a pleasure to watch.sheer class.why on earth your not up there challenging for promotion i dont know.good luck next season.great team great setup.the team had a standing ovation after the game from us county fans you deserved it.well done.


22 April, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
And to think I had said on 7th April that 4 wins out of 5 would have seen us sneak in the play offs and it looks like I would have been right.

Still, play offs or not, we have had an incredible season and I echoe the comments by Winston and Gary. Well done to everyone involved.

Roll on next season!!


22 April, 2008 | Winston Smith
Well, don't I wish I'd waited until after the Newport game. I saw the odds were 4/1, I didn't realise it was a results prediction!

That has to be the absolute icing on the cake (unless we beat Eastleigh 8-0 on Saturday).

FANTASTIC




21 April, 2008 | GARY REED
Another season has gone, but what a nicer way to end the season, we can actually enjoy the game rather than looking over our shoulder at relegation.

I think Hak & Has have done an excellent job this year and I share Winstone sentiments in hoping that the team stay together. With another years experience under their belts I think we can push onwards and upwards.

Hopefully we can finish the season with a final 3 points.

See you Saturday


21 April, 2008 | Winston Smith
It's the last week of the season.. and what a season it's been.

The lows of Ware and Bromley away and Hampton at home. The highs of St. Albans and Hampton away and Cambridge and Newport at home. The middling indifference of Braintree home and away and Fisher at home.

And we're still in a position to ruin two playoff contenders hopes and aspirations.

Congratulations to the whole team effort for much more consistent performances this year and prettier to watch football.

I sincerely hope that the core of the team will still be here next year and we can build further upon this year's achievements.




10 April, 2008 | Steve Cooke
I must agree with Rob Coshells comments on the team, hakan and his coaching staff have worked wonders for us. This young team have shown commitment, heart and football good to the eye. The fans that left us a couple of years ago during our darker days, why dont you come back, you are missing atreat.


09 April, 2008 | Jamie Hooper
If any visiting Thurrock fans would like to know of a friendly pub a short walk from Fisher's ground this Saturday, try our gaff, with quality real ales. You will be very welcome. Map showing where we are is on our website www.hoopersbar.co.uk
Regards, Jamie Hooper


08 April, 2008 | Rob Coshell
The win against Eastbourne on Saturday was testament to how far Hakan's team have come on this season. Behind twice, the team didn't panic. Instead they showed us some brilliant football - the winning goal was sheer class - and they deservedly won against a good side. Full credit to the board for showing faith in the manager just after Christmas. Hakan and his team are now repaying that faith and in some style too.


07 April, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
With you on that one Winston. However, I believe that the play offs are still a possibility. I think 4 wins out of 5 and we might sneak in the back door - 5 wins out of 5 would probably be enough due to other fixtures. How amazing is that? That we can even suggest this at this time of the season is impressive.

I said at the weekend, whatever happens now this season has been a massive improvement on last and hopefully we will continue the momentum into next season.

Here's some interesting stats for you - since losing 3-0 away to Basingstoke on 15th September 2007, the conference south table (top four) would look like this:

1. Lewes - 59 pts
2. Eastbourne - 54 pts
3. Hampton - 53 pts
4. Thurrock - 52 pts

Just think, dropping points against Basingstoke (home), Weston (away), Lewes (home and away with late goals), Cambridge (away, after being 2-0 up), Maidenhead at home after being 2-1 up with 5 mins to go, Bognor and Sutton away ..... it'd be a very different story.

Well done lads for the current form. Keep the heads up, and realise what this side are capable of.


07 April, 2008 | Winston Smith
What a terrific result against Eastbourne Borough at the weekend. An excellent team effort. That puts us onto the tail end of the play-off contenders. I think it's a little bit too late to believe we can finish in the top 5 but as our remaining games are against other play-off contenders - who knows? More achievable is a top ten finish and a positive goal difference.

Well done lads, one and all, and let's keep the pressure on until the final, final whistle.


04 April, 2008 | Winston Smith
A bit of late breaking news in the Eastbourne Herald. Just click the link.

http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/Boro-bring-in-five-on.3948896.jp


01 April, 2008 | Norman Posner
I have noticed on the Dorchester web site that they thought our goal was unfair as their goalkeeper slipped as we played the ballback to him from a drop ballthus resulting in a corner. We should have kicked the ballout from the corner. I think our side of the story needs to be said. Firstly our player got injured as a result of a foul tackle that the referee missed. I am not sure that Dorchester had the ball when the referee stopped the game. A normal drop ball would have seemed the fairest way to restart the game. WE played the ball back towards the Dorchester goal line, we didn't smash it back as was said. IT is certainly not our fault if the Dorchester goalkeeper fumbled the ball and we were quite entitled to take a normal corner.


28 March, 2008 | Den
will the game with Dorchester be on Saturday as weather is not going to be good and its a long way to go for nothing when will we find out.


14 March, 2008 | Winston Smith
Well worth looking on Newport County Messageboard at the sticky article to see video of the goals in our last two meetings.

There is another message indicating that the pitch may not be playable so if you are thinking of travelling I would phone first.


11 March, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - Yes it is monitored and I have responded to you from there today, and agree re: public domain.

Thanks for the posts re: Chris Saunders and Newport County.


11 March, 2008 | Winston Smith
Wesley, that link works fine now, thanks. Also found out that Chris Saunders was a Welsh U16 international.

Do you monitor web-master@thurrock-fc.com because it strikes me that this sort of chit-chat may be better held less publicly. Sent a test email anyway just to see if everything is working as it should.

Lots of praise from Newport supporters on the Conf South website after our home victory so let's not dissapoint and complete the double.


11 March, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - please try the Chris Saunders link now. FYI - We will use the trip to Newport County to update the player profiles so should all be updated by Tuesday 18th March.


11 March, 2008 | Winston Smith
What a busy weekend you had Wesley and your efforts are appreciated. I gave up looking at the player profiles some time ago because it still showed Damian Yoxall as a squad member when I don't think he stayed beyond the pre-season friendlies - I note that has been remedied now. I also note the absence of Wesley Samuels, has he also gone?
The 7th March news item link for Chris Saunders appears to be broken, I've tried on three different PCs and both the HTML and Flash sites, I wonder if you could look into it.
Good to see some youth players getting a chance to step up. I'd like to see David Pugh get some more chances as well as Inch, Gilbert and Bellotti.

The school's initiative sounds like a good idea, I hope it works well. Looking forward to providing feedback for you on the next set of website changes.

Oh, and just before I finish, 5-2 what a result and an unusual well done from Cambridge City manager Gary Roberts on the City website to add to the joy.


07 March, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Winston, I thought the Matt Mann news had been poste previously under one of the transfer updates and will need to check through myself. Anyway, Matt Mann has left the club. The latest Players list has been available for a while under the "Players" section and is generally up to date with the Players names, if not the profiles.


07 March, 2008 | Winston Smith
Oh, Mr. Saunders, you are a tease of the most outrageous nature. You tell us more to follow about Christopher Saunders but over a week passes and nothing new to whet our whistles with. You tell us of new initiatives to be discussed but give us no flesh on the bone. Such flirtation must cease, it is more than we can bear.

I take it Andre Foster has returned from loan but what about Matt Mann? Harrow list him as an ex-player but Godalming Town list him in goal on 1st March so has he left us or is he on loan with Godalming now?


02 March, 2008 | bob johnson
I have said that I would not post any more messages but am moved to do so by the garbage of a report of the game against Lewes that appeared in today's Non League. Apparently we didn't play (didn't get a mention), they on the other hand should have had four penalties, two being "cast iron". What a joke! The only thing their scribe got right was that the referee was guilty of over zealous officiating and that the crowd were laughing at him. However, I feel the only mistake the ref made was getting up Saturday morning.
We weren't at pur best, Lewes were fairly awful, we had seven chances, their keeper made two good saves. Dave only had to save once. Their winner came in the 97th minute, were the extra time came from no one knows with their crowd calling desperately for the whistle as Thurrock looked like the only winners. The goal came from a freekick, the scorer was offside, fouled Kenny Clark from behind, plus there was a hint of handball. The referee was clearly at a loss to decide which of these three episodes to penalise so he awarded a goal and blew for full time pausing only to book David Blackmore for being tall.


29 February, 2008 | megan flynn
go on thurrock ur the best i love u all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


28 February, 2008 | Rookie Gibson
Looking forward to meeting you at Lewes on Sat. If anyone fancies a drink/eat before the game, my mate's just taken over the King's Head. They're doing great food and the Harvey's is very good. Turn left out of Lewes station, then come to a small roundabout (you'll see the ground on the left.) Turn right at the roundabout and walk for about 2 minutes to the King's Head on the right. It's the nearest pub to the ground.


27 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Thanks for the feedback BJ. I will follow the comments regarding man of the match up with Hakan and the board as this is not the impression that I am getting from the players I speak with. Of course if it is such a problem as you mention that could risk the team spirit, then despite it being part of the game and a requirement for the Non-League publications I will certainly relay your feedback to the committee.


27 February, 2008 | bob johnson
Our supporters do not receive much feedback from what goes on in the dressingroom but the vocal support we now get from the young Thurrock players is really appreciated, in fact the squad feel that the recent series of home wins is partly due to the increased noise from the kids. They love it.
Conversely they are not keen on man of the match awards, it doesn't do anything to aid team spirit, and for the same reason they don't want to see a return of "player of the month".


26 February, 2008 | Rob Coshell
Six home wins on the trot ! What a turn-around after Christmas. Great to see Hakan's team proving themsleves in this division. Surely we can't make the play-offs, can we ? Also good to hear some noise from behind the goal again. We are the Fleet !


25 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Hi Winston. With regards to Tom Inch and Wesley Samuel, there was a transfer update at the beginning of January highlighting these. I am just waiting for some final details about Jake Gilbert and one other before being able to post.

There is a player site developing (in progress) at www.brad4t.com but is currently work in progress (feel free to browse). This will eventually take over the "Players" section - tbc.

The "little extra shouty people" are due to Grays Cosmos becoming Thurrock FC, and maybe a news article should have been listed to explain that from now until the end of the season, each week one of the Thurrock Youth teams will attend each home game - A great idea if you ask me as they are very vocal and seem to really enjoy the experience!!! As I have said, maybe this should have been listed as a news article.

Hak's say was "cancelled", whether this is short term or long term is to be confirmed. As was the player of the month votes.

Just to keep you updated, there are a number of new web and programme initiatives that the board will be discussing this Thursday so hopefully there will be some more information then. In the mean time, if there were features that you particularly enjoyed/would like to see etc, please let me know and I will factor these into Thursdays conversations.


25 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Hey Wesley, No news since 28th January - Is that true?
Who are Tom Inch and Jake Gilbert named as recent subs? Is Wesley Samuels still here?
Lots of extra little shouty people lately, is that due to the Grays Cosmos thing or is there some other form of incentive?
Where has Hakan's say on the week ahead gone? Is Hakan ever likely to do a Gary Roberts and provide comment on the game from his point of view?
Are you going to be able to bring the player profiles up to date?


25 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Another good team game, a bit harder than Newport and very brave of Wesley to name a MOTM after last week\'s debate.

Everybody working together to get the job done seems to be paying dividends. David Bryant heading off of our goal line, Tim Cole staying up and having a go at dribbling past their defence are a couple of examples. Matt Bodkin is also getting more involved and I hope to see more of what he gave at the end of last season.

Lewes will be a hard game but another 11-man performance like these last two and we\'re in with a shout for a result. Last Saturday got us to the top of the bottom half of the table, let\'s see if we can be bottom of the top-half come 5pm next Saturday


24 February, 2008 | Lee Carpenter
If anyone would like to see the highlights of the game yesterday,it is on the www.fcvideo.co.uk website.

Just click on the H&Y TAb at the top, and then click on the Thurrock match.

Well done on the 3 points


22 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Now that is a superb match report. That's the beauty of being able to re-watch highlights etc. Very comprehensive.

BJ - where you have said "For an accurate report", are you suggesting that my report is inaccurate? (Man of the Match aside).


22 February, 2008 | bob johnson
To all who disagree with my comments.
For an accurate report of the Newport game go to their website which is full of praise for the quality of our football; remarks that we should have won by more and refers to Greg Lincoln as the "General in charge of midfield", Man of the Match. And no I didn't write the report for Newport!
Incidently what a pleasure it is to entertain Newport County.
Their supporters are vocal but never any trouble.
Their players play by the rules and are not cynical or devious and their management team are always friendly whatever the result.


22 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Phil, if this is a general opinion then I am happy to do this - If you are reading this and agree, please let me know.

Don't be too harsh on BJ. He's been around football for a long long time so is certainly entitled to an opinion, even if it is not always as modern as others. From discussions I have had, those who disagree with the man of the match choice can understand why he was selected and that's all I ask for.


22 February, 2008 | Phil Bines
Bob - Greg Lincoln was outstanding, so was David Bryant. Man of the match is part of the game. I don't hear professionals complaining about it. It's a matter of opinion and not always right. So what?

Wesley - I think your match reports are always an acurate reflection of the game and enjoy reading them. Maybe, to avoid fools being upset by your judgment (or however you select it), you should just ask the match day sponsors to nominate one.


22 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
BJ - I accept that. Football is an opinions game after all.

Hopefully, despite there being a disagreement with the man of the match choice (not by all by the way as a number of people have also questioned your post, but none on the message board), it is very clear that in what was an outstanding team performance, man of the match was selected based on the individual who contributed two very well and composed goals to the game. Maybe not the right choice but having watched the game from the stand, there wasn't anyone sat around me who could pick a man of the match as it was a superb team performance all round. This of course directly agrees with your first point about man of the match. And maybe the man of the match should have been "The Whole Team" but what's done is done. It's just a shame even after such a well respected and accomplished victory that this is still a talking point!!!


22 February, 2008 | bob johnson
I have never agreed with the conception of a "Man of the Match". It was invented by the media in fairly recent years as an extension of their awarding "marks" to players. Neither marks nor moms existed in my playing days and I don't think that it adds anything to the game and certainly doesn't help team spirit. You win or lose as a team, its the team that matters and if anyone has come off the pitch saying "Dave (or any other name) was man of the match" it hasn't been one I've ever been in.
That aside, I fail to see were I mentioned David Bryant was our worst player against Newport, he scored two excellent goals. I merely placed him behind Alex and Rob to show the extent of my belief that if you insist in naming a mom you should get it fairly close to being right. The dissension before training on Tuesday signified that you didn't. Most of the team thought you couldn't have been at the game.


18 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Wow - what a result and what a team effort! How did we lose to Sutton and Bognor Regis?

I think the difference on Saturday was the way the midfield kept the ball and also won it back. I agree with Wesley that all of the starting XI had MOTM potential but for me I have to agree with BJ and go with Greg Lincoln.

The midfield quality meant that the defence didn't just hoof the ball in Che's general direction and hope he could hold it up for a bit, and that in turn meant we weren't always on the back foot. Some of the one touch stuff was simply sublime.

I've said it before, David Bryant is just so composed one on one with the keeper, we saw it at Hampton as well as yesterday, let's keep giving him more of the same.

One question though, is David on a hat-trick bonus and are we short of budget to pay it because I can't see why he was subbed towards the end of the game and I don't think I've seen a hat-trick under Hakan's command.


18 February, 2008 | Den
Just like to say well done to Hakan and all the players on Saturday it was a great win.Now can we please keep it up as the game against Suton last week was unacceptable.


17 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
BJ, BJ, BJ, in what was an outstanding performance all round, anyone of the starting XI could have been given man of the match. I agree with most of what you said but to say that Bryant was the least-best (don't want to refer to him as worst) is unfair. As you acknowledged it is a matter of opinions and I thought having Bryant running the front line again contributed to the positive attacking performance from the side. And of course his two goals possibly edged him in front of the likes of Lincoln, Orilonishe, Cole and Clark who also had potentially-man-of-the-match winning displays!


17 February, 2008 | bob johnson
The performance against Newport County was our best for many many years with the accurate passing being particularly good. I don,t think that the match report gives a true reflection of our dominance and how Dave Bryant can be man of the match is astounding, albeit he scored two good goals. I grant you football is always about opinions but as you no doubt be aware mine are right.
Mom: Greg Lincoln
Runner up: Matt Piane
Third Tim Cole
Joint Fourth Kenny Clark, Lee Flynn, Matt Bodkin.
Dave Bryant comes just behind Alex Read and Rob Swaine.


15 February, 2008 | Den
club house is open at 12:30pm


13 February, 2008 | GARY
The club house should be open from about 2 o'clock I think. All are welcome, the more the merrier


12 February, 2008 | Amber Alf
Mesage from Newport County Supporters, we are all looking forward to our game (not the journey!) on Saturday, will the clubshouse be open to visiting supporters? We would envisage about 150/200 making the trip..all the best and good luck!


11 February, 2008 | Clint
Kenny clarke is the best centre back thurrock have!!!! no lie if he gets a injury free run playing just CB he will prove it!!!


11 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
So, I see Rob's ban has come through and it is 5 matches. Some pretty important games amongst those 5 as well unfortunately.
Still, on we go and I have to echo BJ's sentiments that even without the Rob/Matt partnership the back 4 were quite solid and hardly threatened. I especially enjoyed Tim Cole refusing to be baited by the Sutton fans and taking the mickey out of them.


10 February, 2008 | bob johnson
Colin; what planet are you on? Any alarm bells ringing you say. Until Saturday we had won 5 out of the last 6 games, why should any alarm bells be ringing? OK Saturdays performance wasn't the best, but apart from the poor goal kick that led to them scoring they never really threatened and Kenny and Tim Cole looked solid. We are well aware that we need more punch up front but a proven goalscorer at this level costs more than we can afford.


09 February, 2008 | colin
The longer we allow forwards to turn and run at our defence, without closing them down ,the longer it will be before we start to begin a decent run of form. When will the alarm clock go off and wake the strike force? Where have they been the last three games? What about a set piece for a corner or a free kick! Do we actually have any?. Another poor performance. Are there any alarm bells ringing yet? because there should be. Come on without the basics you can't expect much. We are better than this.!.


08 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - I would guess that RB - Clark, LB - Flynn, CB's - Anderson & Cole will be the most likely back four. A back three (Anderson, Clark & Cole) could work with Flynny and Fola playing wingbacks (Fola is so quick!!!!), but where would Bodkin play? Behind lone striker with Hughes in Midfield alongside Lincoln & Max with Bryant or Che as centre forward? What would be your choice?

To be honest Sutton looked good as an attacking force against us at home but Blackmore played well and to be fair, they couldn't finish (although it was a belter of a goal from them in the end!!) - on the back of that, a back three might not be the best choice.

The managers choice will be interesting tomorrow. Hopefully he and the team continue the progress. It's been a pleasure to watch the team grow with the season.


08 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Sutton have a new striker and we have Swaine and Paine suspended. Who should be alongside Tim Cole in the middle? Kenny Clarke would mean the least disruption but Hakan seems to prefer Phil Anderson. But if Phil Anderson goes in the centre then Lee Flynn swaps to the left and when the music stops we all sit down.

How about 3-5-2 or even 3-4-3 ?

Anyway, 2nd in the recent form table, who would have thought it with strong play-off contenders as our most recent opponents. If we hadn't had a mare at Bognor we'd be top with a maximu 18 points from 6 games.




08 February, 2008 | Phil Bines
Painey gets enough credit. Everyone on this board always says how outstanding he is, plus you give him man of the match most weeks!


07 February, 2008 | Gary Reed
it is a difficult job Hakan has, because the aggression, Swainy has is part of his game, that you don't want to lose. But we can't afford to lose for so many games a year, plus the FA probably will not be happy with 3 sending off's in a year.

To be honest it is a steep learning curve for him, as he is only 19 but I think missing 5 games (or whatever the ban is) will be incentive enough. i think he has learn from the previous 2, so this should just be another chapter in his football career.

On the postiive though, he is has now established himself as a 1st team regular and think that him and Matt paine (who has also be excellent and doesn't get enough credit) has been a real plus this season.


06 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Def not an Edgeware Town player, unless there are two Rob Swaine's. And I thought there was only one :)


06 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Rob Swaine is showing up as an Edgeware Town player on the FA.COM list of suspended players. A mistake by the FA I hope!


06 February, 2008 | Phil Bines
I just hope the manager understands the importance of having Swaine in the team and man-manages him out of his juvenile aggression. Alot of young players have been wasted through bad temper. I just hope that Swaine isn't one of them. The boy is a potential star. It is a pleasure to watch him in the yellow and green.


05 February, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
It's a real shame that he's going to miss a large chunk (circa 25%) of the run in. I understand his frustration at lashing out (but don't make it right), and am sure he will learn from this. At 19, he is a massive talent and the Swaine-Paine partnership is outstanding.

If you look at the stats, Swaine has played a part in 14 games this season. He has received 3 reds (2 of which for 2 yellows), and 2 yellow cards. He has played 10 full games, 54 mins against Dorchester (sent off), 20 mins against Sutton (back from suspension, on as sub), 86 mins against Maidenhead (sent off), and 82 mins against Bath (sent off). In that time, Thurrock have conceded just 7 goals in 1,072 mins (plus added time). Note, he came off at 1-0 vs Bromley in the 8-1 massacre.

Compare this to Thurrock without Swaine - 39 goals conceded in 1,358 minutes, or 1 goal every 35 mins vs 1 goal every 153 with him.

Hopefully when he returns (Winston: I wonder if it could be a bigger ban than 5 for the third red and violent conduct), he and Thurrock can continue the excellent progress made this season.


05 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Just read BJ's post (http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/purfleet/vpost?id=2470919) and now at least I know why. Sod's law that this was the only thing the linesman saw all day.


05 February, 2008 | Winston Smith
Rob Swaine - Why, oh why, oh why? What were you thinking?

Is that a 5 game ban to go on top of the 1 game ban for 5 yellows?


04 February, 2008 | Josh - Thurrock U'13
Thurrock vs Bath City was a well good match, with our load surport


04 February, 2008 | lorenzo
hi guys!
I guess i am the only italian supporter you've got...i hope so...can anybody telle me how i can get a t-shirt?
thanks i appreciate



28 January, 2008 | Dave Astel
I agree with the Paine - Swaine partnership, both were outstanding saturday especially Swaine... won everything both in air and on the ground. I think Both strikers worked very hard the whole match which was key. All over the pitch we were the better team. Blackmore seemed solid when he as rarely called upon and the midfield seems more organised with Lincoln back.
Lets hope we continue on saturday!


28 January, 2008 | peter McCormack
Thanks Winston. Looking forward to coming acrosss to Thurrock!


28 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
Dear Peter McCormack.
Bus route 372 from Lakeside shopping centre stops outside Thurrock Football Club, ask for Ship Lane.
Chafford Hundred rail station has better rail connections to London and is at one end of Lakeside shopping centre and the bus station is outside Debenhams at the other end of Lakeside shopping centre.
Put "bus ship lane" into Google and you'll get a timetable in the first hit or alternatively click here (if I've managed to code my HTML correctly)
http://www.londonbusroutes.net/times/372.htm if I haven't


27 January, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Phil - I think the Paine-Swaine parternship is possibly the best in the League. Unfortunately I've not seen that much of others but these two are almost faultless. They are consistantly performing and with age, can only get better.


27 January, 2008 | Phil Bines
Matt Paine was absolutely outstanding yesterday. The best performance by him that I have seen.


26 January, 2008 | STEVE COOKE
Peter Bath City
nearest station is Purfleet and it is not walking distance you will need to get a taxi. Chafford Hundred is another option but again not walking distance once again taxi required.
If anybody from thurrock knows any bus routes from the stations previously mentioned please can you inform our friend from Bath.


25 January, 2008 | Peter McCormack
I am a Bath City fan based in West London. I am coming over for the game next week. Is the ground within walking distance of a railway station(your website directions don't mention trains) and do you have any rela ale in the Club bar?

Looking forwrad to coming across.

Pete Mac


22 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
Purfleet station is probably further than Chafford Hundred, although I doubt there is much in it. However, Chafford Hundre has better rail links with London and more taxis. Walking, in either case, is pretty bleak.


22 January, 2008 | bryan
hi everyone.just a quick question.is our ground up to conference standards?just wondering thats all.cheers.


21 January, 2008 | Martin cook
Is your ground walking distance from Purfleet station...last year came up via Chafford Hundred and it was much further away then conf. south website had suggested, had to get taxi from station etc


16 January, 2008 | gary howard
thanks for all the nice comments much appreciated


16 January, 2008 | Rob Coshell
I'd like to echo the comments made by Cookie & the other Fleet fans about Gary Howard. He has been Thurrock's engine room, a consistant and wholehearted performer for us over the years. I hope he has success at Maldon, he would deserve it.



15 January, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
To Gary Howard - Obviously being new to the club this year I have only known you for a short while. However, I would like to thank you for firstly welcoming me and my family into the club early on, and secondly for leaving a lasting impression on my five-year-old son after he was mascot earlier this season. When he is asked who he supports by men/women/children in shops, etc, he always says Thurrock. And when they ask who his favorite player is, he replies "Gary Howard" without hesitation. He, like everyone at the club, is sad to see you go. All the best, and good luck at Maldon Town and in future coaching careers should that be an avenue one day.


15 January, 2008 | Gary Howard
it is with sad regret that i am leaving the club. i am no longer part of the managers plans so i have a new challenge ahead at maldon to get them promoted.i have had a great time in my 3spells at the club.last season i was asked to come back to the club to help out in a relegation dogfight in which we survived just.so just a big thanks to the fans who have always supported me ,and to craig the pysio and bj .thanks for looking after me ,lastly all the best to the lads hopefully see you again


15 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
Gary Howard - Purfleet LEGEND.
Gary never gave less than 100% in any game, never shirked a tackle and last season was dragging his body all over the pitch long after younger hearts and legs had given up.
In my opinion, Gary Howard is the reason we are not playing in the Ryman league this year.

Thank you for all you efforts Gary and best wishes for the future at Maldon Town, I hope they appreciate what they are getting.


15 January, 2008 | steve cooke
I was sad to hear that Gary Howard has left to go to Maldon Town. I believe Gary was one of the major factors that helped us to survive in the Conference last season. Your reason for leaving I can understand but your experience will not be waisted at Maldon.
I wish you the very best for the future and thank you for the heart and soul that you gave the Club.
Steve Cooke and the Gatecrew


15 January, 2008 | Jay M.
Bodkin - is there a chance we could keep him? I understand he's out of favour at Grays.

Any chance we'll take him off their hands this January or in the summer?


14 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
Hi John,
I'd be surprised if there is a minibus as the only time I can remember such a thing was when Grant Beglan was chairman and he made available one of his ACL company minibuses. This only lasted for a handful of games though and was driven by our most stalwart supporter.

An attempt to raise funds for such a venture was made when Thurrock first joined the Conference South but this was short-lived.

I always make my own way to away games but I know a number of fans travel with the team bus, maybe it's worth you phoning the club office to find out how that works.


14 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
WOW, what an unexpected but thoroughly deserved win.
Both teams were down to bare bones with injuries and suspension but ours were the stronger bones.
Excellent performances all round but Che in particular gave a masterclass in never giving up for setting up the second goal which David Bryant took with confidence. David sometimes seems to lack a bit of strength but one on one with the keeper he is incredibly composed. Fola also went a couple of steps closer to the most improved player of the season.

Very pleased to see that Tommy was able to attend and the result must have been a shot in the arm for him.

Onwards to Bognor!


12 January, 2008 | John Smith
Is there a mini bus to Bognor because we have won are last 3 games and it should be an enertaining game.


10 January, 2008 | Norman Posner
Dave/Winston
Rob Swain is on contract until the end of next season. Greg Lincoln is also on contract until the end of this season.


10 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
Hi Dave,
Reading through the news section the following information can be gleaned.

Matt Paine signed a 2 year contract around 26th July
Rob Swaine signed a 2 year deal (not sure if this is also a contract) around 26th October.
Matt Bodkin is a Grays Athletic player on loan.
Greg Lincoln is signed to the club but no information available to me as to whether he is on contract.

Regards.


09 January, 2008 | Dave Astel
I hear there are a few teams enquiring about the two centre halves Paine and Swaine. I have seen Paine play a few times and he is a quality player. Havent seen Swaine as much but when i have he looks very strong and comfortable at this level and they could definately go higher.
I think it is important to try and hold on to the top players at the club such as the two mentioned along with Bodkin and Lincoln. Hopefully they will all be staying for next season too!


07 January, 2008 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - Hope you had a good holiday and enjoyed your break. Yes both Chris Taylor and Darren Duporte are still on loan. The articles regarding the transfer news was published on Saturday - I was also away with the family over Xmas so apologies for some of the brief delays.

Good victory on Saturday - could have been a real six pointer had results gone the other way. Hampton will be tough on Saturday, followed by another must win game at Bognor. It's interesting that we are still floating almost exactly half way between the play offs and relegation. What I mean is we seem to have been consistant with those around us.

Saying that, the club is continuing to build both on and off the pitch and whilst it looks like the play offs may be a little too much this season (despite remaining optimistic), if we keep the majority of the squad together and fit, I am sure we will continue to progress.


07 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
Are Chris Taylor and Darren Duporte still on loan?


04 January, 2008 | Winston Smith
When will the "more to follow" items about Craig Hughes, Michael Malcolm and Wesley Samuels be updated?


23 December, 2007 | bob Johnson
Dear Dangermouse (Alan Reynolds)
The first time that I really became aware of your support was at an away fixture against Ruislip Manor in 1993, and you have been a pain in the butt ever since. Do you remember pinning a Purfleet rosette to your first baby's cot at Basildon Hospital? That was the mark of a true Purfleet fan! We will always be "the Fleet" hope to see you back in the New Year.


21 December, 2007 | Norman Posner
Alan, thank you for your very consutructive message and a lot of what you say will be noted and acted upon. Like you I loved the name of Purfleet but it was thought by some that the name of Thurrock would be a commerical advantage. I am sure you know that Purfleet never made it to the First Round of the FA Cup, but Thurrock did in its fir two years of existence. Who knows may be it was the change of name. What Colin McBride did for the club will never be forgotten but at the end of the season before last it was considered to be in the best interests of the club to have a change in manager. The manager we have now is a very passionate person and works tirelessly on behalf of the club. He is not a 'yes man' and will always stand up for himself and what he believes in. I do hope you enjoy your break but also that you will miss doing what you have done for the last 828 consecutive times. If you're not there who will there by to have a good moan. Nine points while you are away would be fantastic and if that was to happen may be we wouldn't let you back. All the very best to you and your family.


21 December, 2007 | Alan Reynolds
On the 21st of August 1993 I watched my third Purfleet game, this was to be the start of my unbroken run of game which culminated with St Albans away last Saturday – 828 games with out missing any (Norman is bound to tell me that I have got that wrong).

There where some games that were touch and go, when sickness played a part or when I had to rush from Basildon Hospital to Hitchin after Matthew was born or during the fuel crisis in 2000 when I stopped my wife visiting her mum in Crawley so I would have enough Petrol in her car to see us play Uxbridge away in the Ryman League cup, but I did make them all.

Well I have now decided, through a combination of guilt, lack of enjoyment and having lost touch with my club to actually give something back to my kids and take them away for Christmas.

I will defiantly miss the next 3 games then I will see how I feel when I come back – will I have missed going to Purfleet or will it be a liberating experience? I honestly don’t know.

The love has died for my football club, it used to really hurt when we lost – to the point of not talking to people and generally being really fcked off until the next game (Clarky, Chappo, Mick, Steve, Tit, Dennis you will all have experienced it as well as my family) now it is just a dull throb, nothing more.

A large part died when we changed our name – Thurrock? No one lives in Thurrock we all live in Aveley or South Ockendon or Purfleet or Chadwell or Chafford – no one lives in Thurrock.

Then the final nail in the coffin, sacking Colin McBride in such a piss awful way – this man played 234 games for Purfleet and then managed us for over 500. He is a legend for Purfleet in everyway. Yes he wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea but he was a clubman and we should have let him go with some dignity.

Then there is the way we play now – loads of kids running around lacking any real spirit. Don’t get me wrong we are now a much better side than last year and even the beginning of this season but we just don’t seem to really have any bollocks about us. We do have some good players now, I like the two 2 centre halves and Lincoln has impressed much as Bryant has up front and Flynny and Groward for the old uns.

We had a 'fans forum' at the beginning of the season, which everyone found really good – except the supporters! We agreed that day that we need to increase the fan base and, fair enough, we did a free game, has this been followed up? We also said that people want information regarding the club – the new website in July had 15 news items, August 45, September 37, October 17, November 11, December 2, Prizes for anyone who can spot a trend.

Apparently we have been decimated but injuries over the past month or so and we have been told absolutely nothing and they wonder why we get fcked off!

Good luck to the team, and for once your wont have me moaning at you!


19 December, 2007 | Rob Swaine
Mr Flood, i apologise for calling you son. I assumed you were a a young child after the fuss you were kicking up over something so little.
In regards to my lack of respect for officals i agree with you entirely. That will be worked on in the very near future. Thank you for your concern.


15 December, 2007 | Tony Flood
BJ, it does apply in the pro game, Alec Ferguson has just received a two game touchline ban for it!

As for a 20(ish) year old calling me son, that is quite funny. As a fan, I can, and do, slag the officials regularly. Players cannot in public. i like Swaine and think he is a very good defender. However, maybe his lack of respect for officials on here explains the number of cards he has picked up for us?


14 December, 2007 | Rob Swaine
Tony Flood, you not got anything better to talk/moan about son?


13 December, 2007 | Reb johnson
Tony
It does not appear to apply the pro game!


12 December, 2007 | Tony Flood
BJ, the point is that players or club officials should never make comments in public about a referee. It doesn't matter whether they are right or wrong.


11 December, 2007 | saintswebbo
St Albans City vs Thurrock 15th December...

Just a quick note to any Thurrock fans making the trip to Clarence Park on Saturday.

The clubhouse (located at the rear of the mainstand) is open from 12:15pm and will be showing the West Brom v Charlton game (KO 12:45pm) for those of you who may wish to get there early! also will be showing the Colchester v Norwich (KO 5:20pm) game for those who want to stay later!

If you are travelling by train the best way to get to the ground is to turn left when you get out of the station, walk up station way (multi storey car park on your left). When you get to the junction turn left, walk about 20 yards - you will see an entrance to Clarence park on the opposite side of the road - enter the park and follow the path to the left. You will pass a turnstyle on your right (never open!) - carry on past and walk behind the stand. The clubhouse is at the other end of the stand up a flight of stairs.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Good beer & food available :)




11 December, 2007 | rebjohnson
Tony Flood
I don't understand your remark "I hope it was not one of our players commenting on the referee". Why do you hope not?
I agree absolutely with Rob, after 10 minutes I said to Garry Howard that there was no way we wre going to finish the match with eleven men.. and I was right.
The tackle on Dave Bryant in the first half deserved a straight red, and the tackle on Leon (it was not a collision)
which has left him with a horrendous injury should have been a card, but the ref didn,t even give a free-kick. A complete and utter homer from the first whistle.


10 December, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - have put the link in for you - it's basic HTML script, but not something that you would be aware of unless you have experience in HTML. For future reference if you paste this code, replacing my bold text with that described in the text, and put an arrow pointing left (won't let me paste for some reason) in front of the first "a" that should do the job (had to change that otherwise you wouldn't be able to see the code)

a href="WEB_PAGE_THAT_YOU_WISH_TO_LINK_TO" target="_blank" onclick="link_popup(this); return false" (WORD_THAT_YOU_WISH_TO_CLICK_ON_TO_LAUNCH_WEB_PAGE)



10 December, 2007 | Winston Smith
Just noticed that the Eastleigh game tomorrow night is free admission for all supporters according to the website at http://jozefmontigue.tripod.com/ (I'd would have hyperlinked this but this message board doesn't seem to easily allow that) -> (Read)



07 December, 2007 | Rob Coshell
I can't remember getting too stressed out at the Ref on Monday and I was too far away from Greg's challenge to comment on that. Chelmsford will be in the Conference South next season and as long as we're there to welcome them to Ship Lane, that'll be ok by me. Three points against Braintree on Saturday will be a good start towards that. We are the Fleet !


06 December, 2007 | Tony Flood
I really hope that it's not one of our players commenting on a referee on our website......

Was the ref that bad anyway? I've seen a lot worse. I thought that Lincoln was going to see a straight red for the first challenge, it could so easily have been.


05 December, 2007 | Rob Swaine
In all seriousness I thought the referee was without doubt the worst ref i have ever had or seen ref a game of football.


04 December, 2007 | rob coshell
I'd like to acknowledge the effort ad the performance of the Fleet players in last night's Essex Senior Cup defeat at Chelmsford. City were excellent, all credit to them, but Fleet battled to the bitter end and never looked like a ten-man team. Fola's dipping effort deserved a goal and, at last, we got a decision when Bodders was kicked ! We are the Fleet !


29 November, 2007 | peter foster
Will the MT be sending a strong side to MP for this Monday's Essex Senior Cup game against Chelmsford City.


19 November, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Thought we were unlucky on Saturday. Good test for the young squad. I thought a draw would have been a fair result and I thought it was a good, even contest. David Blackmore made some impressive saves once again, and Fola, Lincoln and Bods all linked up well with Hughes, with Bryant making sure their back four remained focussed. And of course Paine and Swaine were yet again instrumental in reducing the opportunities from their strikers.

The ref was getting stick from the Eastbourne fans but I thought he was pretty consistant with his inconsistencies so would not say he really influenced the game. I think once Che is back fully fit we will start to score goals again and start to pick up three points in games.

Hopefully we will remain positive and despite being disappointed not to come away with a point at least, it was a good performance against the League leaders who (stats aside) were definately the best team we have played so far this season (in my opinion!).


14 November, 2007 | Steve Merrick
We should have won on saturday, poor mistake at the back cost us! If Bodkin had scored the penalty i think that would have been game over.


08 November, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - thanks for that, to be honest that should not be an issue but I will keep my eye out on this now. Admittedly, I always access through the flash site and randomly check HTML but will ensure I do so more frequently.

And to all those "Mad" Max fans out there, thought you might like this ....

http://www.surreyad.co.uk/sport/2017/2017319/football_mad_max_the_hero


08 November, 2007 | Winston Smith
Cheers Wes, Whatever you did has resulted in all the links becoming active in my browser. I suppose I should have mentioned I was looking at the HTML version, not the flash version. Maybe that is where the misunderstanding occurred.


08 November, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Winston - Firstly the kick off time for game on Saturday has now been updated (3pm).

Not sure what issue you had with launching the "Read" functions of the news page? I have just checked all November & October articles and have no problem here. I have turned on the Taylor/Duporte story today (which previously said "More to follow") - My error, similar to the incident at the end of October (complacency!!!)

Essex Senior Cup match will be played on Saturday 8th December (subject to Essex FA changes). This is available on the Fixtures & Results page and the News article.


08 November, 2007 | bob johnson
Wes
I was fairly certain that you hadn't mentioned "The Rocks" in your report and I trust the wording of my note to you conveyed that!
BJ


08 November, 2007 | Winston Smith
What time is kick-Off against Cambridge City? The fixtures page says TBC.

What day are we playing Chelmsford City in the Essex Senior Cup?

Why don't the News page headlines have links to the articles any more?


06 November, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
BJ - I saw that too ... that wasn't me who wrote that - I am fully aware who the Rocks are. I sent the match report that is on this site to them but they appear to have taken it upon themselves to write "The Rocks" when editing. I sent them an email first thing on Sunday addressing it so hopefully we will see an apology this weekend.

They also gave the game a 1/5 and Craig Hughes man of the match which is also not what I had given in the stats.


06 November, 2007 | bob johnson
Wes
The NLP referred to us twice as The Rocks! on Sunday. May I suggest that you include the words The Fleet somewhere in your match report to ensure the NLP do not repeat such errors as it serves to p*ss off proper Fleet supporters. The Rocks are Bognor and East Thurrock.
Cheers
BJ


30 October, 2007 | Winston Smith
A good display on Saturday. Not sure about Ben Wood as MOTM although he did have arguably his best game yet for Thurrock, the responsibility of the armband perhaps. For me, Rob Swaine was immense and he managed to complete 90 minutes card free. I'm really glad that he has been signed onto a 2 year deal, he and Matt Paine are developing into a terrific pairing.

A shame we couldn't have beaten Ware in the FA Cup as they have made it to the first round proper with a home draw against Kidderminster Harriers. Their intervening games have been against teams in lower leagues so that could have been us.

Still, no use crying over spilt milk, just the one win tonight to round out October unbeaten and who knows Manager of the Month for Hakan?


25 October, 2007 | Gary
I agree, not our best performance but 3 points, which at this stage is all that matters.

I think craig will be Ok for Saturday, but both Che and Leon will be assessed nearer the time.


24 October, 2007 | Winston Smith
Hurrah, another 3 points but a huge slice of luck as I thought Sutton were a lot better than us on the night. At times we were playing 7-2-1 and I guess this is reflected in David Blackmore being given Man of the Match.

But, unbeaten so far in October. Mid table and clear from the relegation zone, what a difference a month makes. I thought Cambridge City in the Setanta Shield was the best performance and here's looking for a repeat against Bishop's Stortford.

Just wondering about injuries though. Craig Hughes and Che Stadhart both went off injured last night and I saw Leon Mackenzie limping around but hopefully not too serious for any of them.


24 October, 2007 | Phil Bines
Well done last night lads. Wasn't the best of wins but still a win. Did not think Sutton looked like a team bottom of the league. Lucky in the end but overall we deserved to win it. Keep the run going. Well done boys, and Hakan and the board for changing the recent fortunes. Must keep this run going.


23 October, 2007 | josh huckle
i just got home from watching thurrock play sutton and you played well


22 October, 2007 | Phil Bines
That looks like an excuse to me (joking).

Will Rob Swaine be back to play against Sutton tomorrow night?


22 October, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Phil - no excuses from me I'm afraid - loaded it online on Friday but simply forgot to press the 'live' button. Simple error but hey, we're all human. It's there now. Thanks for spotting the mistake.

As for the football, thought a draw was probably a fair result in the end but it was a good football match. Both sides had chances to win it before the goals started and it was debatable whether we should have had a penalty at the end, but the ref said that a Thurrock player pulled a shirt in the build up and the whistle had gone before the ball hit the hand of a Hayes & Yeading player. Shame that. Would have kept the 100% league run on course.


22 October, 2007 | Phil Bines
Shame we could not have picked up a deserved three points on Saturday. I missed the goal but caught theirs. Wouldn't have described their goal as Trevor-Sinclare like but it was a cracker. Where is the Essex Snr news? We are playing Billericy. It did make me laugh reading the unofficial site that they have breaking news, if they had put as much effort into the site as they did the message board it might have been a decent site. I'm sure there are circumstances that delayed this as everything else on this site is super quick.


15 October, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Hi Winston - Yes, a solid performance on Saturday and a good run of late .... clubs are rewarded financially for progressing in the Setanta Shield .... Unfortunately Rob Swaine was injured on Saturday, and you ar right regarding his suspension.


15 October, 2007 | Winston Smith
Another win, 4 wins in 5, shame the loss was the FA Cup (and I see Hythe got beat 3-1 by Ware). Do we get any money for winning Setanta Shield games.

Hayes&Yeading on Saturday, another club performing the same as us so a six-pointer. These games against clubs around us in the league are the must-wins to make progress in the league so we can avoid end of year excitement. Done OK in the last three so let's have a fourth, blimey we'll be top of the form league if we keep this up!

Where was Rob Swaine on Saturday? Was he suspended from the red card? I thought there was something like two weeks between card and suspension?


03 October, 2007 | steve cooke
due to unforseen circumstances I regretfully can not attend George`s funeral. Kenny, chris, roy, dave, reece and myself steve cooke would like the club, the fans and most importantly his wife to know how much we will miss him. He always had a smile and a kind word with us the Gatecrew. George you will never be forgotten.


02 October, 2007 | gary howard
i would like to apologise as i am unable to make the funeral of george due to work commitments.george was a lovely man who in my many years at the club always had time for a chat .my condolences to his family he will be sadly missed


02 October, 2007 | Bob Johnson
Alan
You must forgive me for misreading your message, I still had tears in my eyes from Saturday.


01 October, 2007 | Gary
To be honest I think the truth is somewhere in between.

The performance was more than sub - standard and was unacceptable. However, in terms of not getting major decision wrong I do disagree slightly, when Greg Lincoln got fouled on the edge of the box there was no advantage to be played and the ref didn't bring back play. In addition from where I was sitting it looked like a penalty against Che right at the death. I also felt that he kept stopping the game far too much in the 2nd half.

I don't want to blame the ref as I feel that you shouldn't have to rely on them to get things right (although it would be nice) to win a game. We should have been out of sight in the first half albeit for a couple of good saves in the first half.

Extremely disappointing considering the last to league games.

On a different note, the committee opted for a minutes appluase as we wanted to celebrate what George had done over the years for our club.


01 October, 2007 | Alan Reynolds
Read the post BJ - i never mentioned the FA cup i said FA games (which includes Cup and Trophy)


30 September, 2007 | Tony Flood
BJ, Alan stated that we have lost 3 FA games under Hakan, this is correct. The FA Trophy is an FA game.

As for the referee, he was shocking but equally shocking both ways, mainly to do with his attitude. There were no major decisions that he got wrong. Our penalty was cancelled out due to offside given by the linesman and the penalty conceded was clear cut. If anything we were lucky that Swaine was not sent off after two bookable fouls and a bad case of dissent late on.


30 September, 2007 | Alan Reynolds
Read the post - i never said 3 FA Cup games i said 3 FA games


30 September, 2007 | bob johnson
This is only Hakan's second season so he could not have lost three FA cup games, I believe you will find that the Ashford match was Trophy. I agree with much of what you say Alan but assume the law of libel caused you not to pass comment on the ref! In my opinion utterly incompetent is the kindest description of his performance.


30 September, 2007 | Alan Reynolds
2 Things
The first, i am very sorry to hear about George, really nice bloke always willing to talk to people. But why the minute of applause? We used to respect people and have a minute’s silence a much better way of showing respect than all this now applause nonsense.

The second is on the disgrace yesterday, we were the better side until they got a break away goal then they got more confidence and wanted the win more than us. We didn’t have a tackle in the midfield with Lincoln and Wood which was shown for their third goal when no one tackled for the length of the pitch. We continually lost our shape – what is the point of Orilonishe? He cant cross a ball and defiantly has no tactical idea.

Under Hakan we have played 3 FA games – all against teams below us in the league - Dover (Lost 3-0) Ashford Town Middx (Lost 2-1) and Ware (3-2). Even if we accept we can not compete in the league we must be able to beat teams 2 divisions below us but we don’t fight we are gutless and they wanted it more than us.
After 58 games under Hakan we must realise that we have to COMPETE before passing the ball around



28 September, 2007 | graham beechey
So sad to hear of the loss of George Brooks, a true gent and i will surely miss him. Sincere Sympathy to all the Brooks family for thier loss from Graham Beechey & his family.


27 September, 2007 | ashley
amzing football club im proud tom plzy for the under 16's who are in the echo A thanks for all that the club does for our team


27 September, 2007 | Gary
Alan has got it spot on.

George was a true gentleman. The first team will be wearing black armbands on Staurday as a mark of respect and a minute applause will be undertaken at our next home game.




27 September, 2007 | Gary Skinner
Very sad news about George


26 September, 2007 | Alan Gray
Sad news about George true gentleman who loved Purfleet/Thurrock.


25 September, 2007 | Winston Smith
Is Wesley Thomas still a Thurrock player or not?
There seems to be opposing information posted by two different committee members.

Is it possible for a clarification?


21 September, 2007 | Winston Smith
If Hakan is unable to turn things around I understand that a Mr. Mourinho is recently unemployed. He has a good record apparently.


20 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
At this stage of the season we'd all take points over performances - But you don't win 5-0 and play sht.


20 September, 2007 | Gary
Lee Flynn played at right back and did a good job. Rob Swaine and Matt Paine played at centre half and looked very comfortable together. Swaine had a great debut and looks solid.

To be honest it probably wasn't our best footballing performance we have had, but that was made up for with work rate and desire, but a great result and will be a good boost for the players.

Speaking to them after the game they are aware that this is all for nothing if they drop points at home Saturday, and are really looking forward to the Bognor game.

Well done lads a great effort and hopefully a corner turned. Shows games can be won without influencial players like Tim Cole, Wes and Gary Howard.


20 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Typical, I miss the game and we win five-nil. Great win. That has to be a confidence booster for the whole club but we must take this forward into Saturday's game against Bognor. So it was against 10 men, but we still need to win those games! Well done lads. How did we play? Who played at Right Back last night? Saw the line up but couldn't figure it out? Was it the new lad, Swaine? Well done team, and well done Hakan. Hopefully this is a turning point - HOPEFULLY.


18 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Let's hope we can give Rob Swaine a welcoming three points tomorrow evening. Phil, yep, we can't keep you off here today but feel free to post as much as you like - it's actually been worth while today hearing yours and Danny's views, and it's nice to see the board getting this level of attention.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Wow, you just can't keep me off here today. So we've signed Rob Swaine. 18 years old, goalscoring central defender. Interesting signing. Maybe with Timmy Cole's experience, Swaine, Paine or Anderson can shore up the defence. I like Matty Paine but let's face it, he's been rubbish since the player of the month award. The lad Anderson is good and could occupy left back spot so now we just need a right back, two wingers and a goalscorer.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
If we are going by facts, under Hakan we have won 12, drawn 12 and lost 26 out of 50 league games - 46 points out of a possible 150. In a season the maximum points is 126. We are averaging at 0.92 points per game or 38.64 for a season (42 games). The last two seasons, 44 points were required to stay up, the season before 47. In fact I can't remember a time where 39 points was enough to stay up other than years that clubs went into administration. So far this season we have 4 points out of 8 - average 0.5 pts per game.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
I also hope we have 6 pints in the bag, and also a point to match each one (sorry Danny, couldn't resist).

Danny - I agree with you totally, but we also have to appreciate what Gary is saying. The chairman is totally committed to the club, it's just a shame that the players can't show half of his commitment!

Gary - I'll give you my support regardless of results but my faith can be won and lost. Right now, it's on the verge of disappearing as it's certainly been lost.

If I have to predict, we will lose tomorrow night and win on Saturday. We are shite away and mid-week. Saturday home games will continue to be our best bet.


18 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
Gary - Knee Jerk?
We were awful all last year and have started this season exactly the same.
Please remind me when exactly Hakan has ever had the team actually playing well to justify this display of faith that I'm supposed to show?

Also you say new players are to be brought in etc - The team is full of new players and ALL of them are Hakans so if they aren't good enough then where does the buck stop?

Sorry mate but you seem to want support and faith regardless of the results. Knee-jerk critisism this certainly isn't it is a considered opinion after around 60 games, of which 90% have been awful.

I hope to god that come 5.45pm Sat afternoon we have 6 pints in the bag and I'm celebrating a couple of solid wins. Truth be told I'll be stunned if we get 1 point out of the next two games.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
So it's either JUST September or ONLY September (whether you look at it as opportunity for progress "JUST" or on a slippery slope to relegation "ONLY") - either way, it's September and we have 4 points out of a possible 24. Kneejerk you say? Okay so we don't want to be guilty of sacking the manager early like Charlton did last year with Iain Dowie but when does kneejerk reaction become a valid reaction? Four defeats on the trot? Five? Six? Ten? I'm not criticising you Gary and being deliberately argumentative but you have to admit that there must be a time in the Chairman's head when enough is enough. I am a Hakan fan to an extent but a couple more lacklustre performances and we have to question whether he has the respect of the team. I am positive and expect us to get out of the current position - It'd be nice by the end of October to be 5-6 points clear of the relegation zone but I just cant see it.


18 September, 2007 | Gary
Danny I have been around since the Colin/Grant days and remember going out in the play off to a very good Eastbourne side.

One thing that people should realise that Thurrock FC as a club are not in any financial debt owning their ground and surrounding area. We can all guess from the gate we receive that the club is not self sufficient and we have chairman that contributes not only financially but works extremely hard in preparing the ground and pitch every year.

Many clubs in this league are gambling on promotion and are spending vast quantites of money they don't have trying to get promoted, which is something we as a club are not prepared to do.

Whilst I agree with your comments that on pitch activities must take priority I can ensure you that every available resource goes to hakan to try and improve his side.

It is only September and I agree results and performance need to improve but changing everything is not the answer, it a kneejerk reaction. There will be new players coming in, which will improve the side, but we need to get behind the side. I have no problem debating the merits of new website or ways to improve attendance, but as long as it is to the benefit of the club.

It is never the intention to alienate any of the fans in anything we do, but having a website that was managed by the committee was something we though we needed. Wes will ensure that your messages get posted as will I.

My two pennies worth but ney. Hopefully good news and result to follow.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Wesley - you clearly sound like you want the best for the club and I can sense your enthusiasm for it. However, just be conscious us football fans can be fickle and we want results now. It probably will take time but these should have been addressed in pre-season. Looking at the fixture list, we had to pick up something vs Hampton, expected to pick up something from Basingstoke and now face another bottom side. If we have no points come tomorrow night then the committee will need to question whether we have the right people at the helm. Good luck to you though. I don't know how much of an influence you have over others but if you can get some of that enthusiasm rubbing off then positive attitudes may go some way to help the cause, who knows!

Danny - Slightly negative maybe but at least you are honest as you say. However, we need to try to pick ourselves up as fans and get behind the team no matter how bad it is right now. Things have to change, they have to. It couldn't get any worse than it is right now, surely? We have to support Hakan.

And just as an aside, how has this site alienated hardcore fans? I thought the fans would be happy with it. After all, at least one part of the club is now competing with the other sides in the League!


18 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Danny, no offence taken - I understand football is an opinions game and in your mentioned case, it is also factual (regarding me not being around etc). As a newly appointed committee member (even if it is just as web-manager), I will make sure all of these comments are presented to the board. What I will say is that alot of what has been mentioned here has been and is being discussed behind the scenes. It is evident to everyone involved in the club that it's heading in a direction that is not desirable (to say the least) and actions are being taken to try to improve this. The effort behind the scenes from the chairman and other members of the committee is not always evident to the public eye or the fans, especially when results are going against us. Everyone involved would love to see the club anywhere near the achievements of 03/04 & 04/05 and that has to be the target. Hopefully things will start to improve and sharpish.


18 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
Ben - Not being argumentative mate, just stating that I beleive we are struggling more that the Club would like to admit. Phils right that what message boards are for and my only reason for writing on it is that maybe someone from the Commitee will read and hopefully take note of.
At the nd of the day we all want the same thing - a side that can compete. We currently cannot do that and appear to be trundling on towards another Relegation dogfight - AND ITS ONLY SEPTEMBER!!!
Wes I take inro account your comments - my only issue is that you and please don't take offence but you weren't around a few years ago so I'm not sure you appreciate just how far this club has fallen. We finished 3rd in 2003-04 & again in 2004-05 - with a +42 goal diff one season. 2 seasons later and we now get routinly battered week in week out by teams in the bottom 6. Quite frankly this club is headed in one direction and if the Commitee and Management can't see that then we truely are deep trouble. The pitch is the priority, that was my point. Has the squad improved from last season? Are we better equipped to win games, have we adapted our playing style which was inadequate last year? No we haven't - but we have shiny new website which has alienated our Hardcore fans. Marvellous.
Apologies if my comments are negative, but if the I'm just being honest and at the moment there is absolutly nothing to be positve about when you mention Thurrock FC.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Arguing? We're simply debating the issues surrounding the club at the moment in an attempt to make our opinions heard to hopefully turn things around. That's what message boards are for after all and whether we get on or not we want Thurrock Football Club to be a success. Mind you, the rest of what you said was pretty true.


18 September, 2007 | Ben Thomas
Brilliant so now we have a board with very little financial backing, a manager who may be out of his depth, a squad that are trying to punch above their weight and now supporters and comittee members arguing amongst each other. It's a little embarressing don't you think?


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
I would happily swap a new improved website for three points right now but I would also rather know today's news than being led to believe that our next game is at home to Dagenham and Redbridge on 28th July. Maybe I am being a bit dumb but as long as the committee has members concentrating on the pitch, and members concentrating off it I think it's balanced. I am not going to hold the board responsible for the current issue on the field but let's face facts, since Colin left we've lost our dollar and our panache. Danny is right when he says we've gone back 5 years but is wrong that Gary is our second best player - HE IS OUR BEST PLAYER AT THE MOMENT.


18 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Danny - the new site did not cost the board any time or extra money (as far as I am aware). During the summer it was the manager (with the chairman and secretary) who took care of the on-field priorities, and other committee members drove the new website on request of the entire board, predictably just as most clubs would do. The new site was not designed to alienate any support and it may not have contributed to an increase in the gate, although the average attendences have gone up slightly on last year, fans have contacted the club to comment on the communication from the new site. A fans forum was held in July which the board listened to a number of the most valued fans opinions and suggestions and a number of incentives were taking to try to improve the support (attendence). There are a number of initiatives in the pipe line and hopefully we will see an improvement. The committee continue to focus on all areas of the club at present .... it's just unfortunate that so far the football has not been able to do the talking.


18 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Danny, I agree regarding fully strength squad, which is why I wrote "Unfortunately, Hakan has not been able to field his strongest side once this season, and although that may not be the answer to the problems we don't know for certain right now until we have seen it ourselves." - I also mentioned that "behind the scenes the chairman and the board are trying to improve things on the field" - hopefully this will be evident come Saturday.


18 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
Wes - When does any manager really get to field a full stregnth side? Rarely, that why you have squad. If Managers always got to field their best side then the job would be a lot easier - thats what separates the good from the bad, use of squad, player selection, square pegs in square holes. On Sat I counted 3 players who played out of position - all performed badly. Guarantee in the next game several players will also be played out of position as this particular lesson never seems to be learned.



18 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
Gary - I would like the club to address the fact that this club has gone backwards 5 years. Several years ago Gary Howard was let go as he wasn't good enough, now 3 years later he is Best Player we have after Wes!?
The team are not responding to Hakan whatsoever and no lesson were learned from last seasons debacle - how long do you support a manager that simply doesn't produce results or performaces? When do the alarm bells start ringing? Or do you blindly support him until your relegated?
Phil - I'm conncered that even though you say on the old site it was always the same 4/5 people commenting - the invention of this site seems to have stopped those people commenting and therfore the has alienated some very loyal supporters who pay a considerable amount of money to support the club home and away and have been doing so for a number of years. Not a very bright thing to do when fans are already low in numbers. Has this site generated supporters? It doesn't seem to have.
Perhaps focus on the TEAM and its direction would have been a better priority than a new Website.



18 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Phil, thanks for the continued support of the site. I have only been involved in the club since June of this year, and can say that behind the scenes the chairman and the board are trying to improve things on the field, but as you have suggested these things sometimes take time. In football, you don't always have time and I have noticed that a number of people are now looking towards the manager. Unfortunately, Hakan has not been able to field his strongest side once this season, and although that may not be the answer to the problems we don't know for certain right now until we have seen it ourselves. With the budget available he has done a good job.

I had a pre-booked holiday this weekend and was not able to go to Basingstoke (the first game I have missed since being involved) and was disappointed to have missed it. Irrespective of that, the result was a poor one whatever the performance may have been like (be it good or bad) and I am sure that as Hak said in his column last week, the players know they owe the club a performance. We have some very good players at the club who are maybe playing below par right now but hopefully we can turn it around this weekend. A number of journalists had suggested that we were play off contenders with a fully fit squad (I'm not suggesting this, but it's been quoted in other media sources).

Keep with us gents (Danny, Phil) as your support is valued by all at the club. Regarding support, if you have any suggestions off the field, the committee are always open to them so please email info@thurrock-fc.com or call the club directly.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
To Gary - I appreciate that the fans cannot know everything that is going on behind the scenes and that you are busy but losing to a poor team like Basingstoke 3-0 is awful. I thought tactically we were terrible again. And whilst we do have to support Hakan, it doesn't seem he has been able to improve on last season. The budget contribute's to this, but it also appears players are not responding to him.


18 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
"Massively concerned that on this "Official Website" no-one has offered up a comment" on what you posted yesterday? What are you expecting people to say? I think everyone agrees with you! What do you want people to write, I agree? I really like this site - it's much better than the old one. The club have done a good job here. It's great for info etc and looks and feels much better. However, I have to agree with you that it doesn't look like anyone cares, but either people are not expressing their opinion or the club are hiding messages. We don't know what's going on behind the scenes although there have been a few news articles suggesting something, but no one cares and that is evident as we only have 10 fans! And who used to comment on the old one? It seems it's always the same three or four people (maximum) who start/respond to everything. Having been to a number of home and away games over the years, I think the disharmony extends from the terraces (as fans don't mingle), to the board, to the coaching/management team to the players. Right now I am expecting the board to do something behind the scenes and am happy to wait a little longer. It doesn't mean I will wait forever before losing my patience, but I won't walk away. BTW - I am a season ticket holder and have been since my company joined the patron scheem a couple of years ago.


18 September, 2007 | Gary
Danny, What do you want the club to say. It not rocket science that we need to improve 11 concede and noen scored in the last 3 games is not good.

All I can say is that a lot of work is going on but it is not easy to get quality players in as they are at other clubs or are generally out of budget. We all do care and we have to support Hakan to help him turn it around.


18 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
Massively concerned that on this "Official Website" no-one has offered up a comment regarding what I posted yesterday. This leads me to beleive that a.) No one cares or b.) people simply don't like this site as they used to comment on the old one. Message to Board - change something and actually get this club moving in some kind of positve direction before all of our 10 fans pack up and go somewhere else less depressing.


17 September, 2007 | Joe
how come our under 18s were thrashed by non league manford way in a league game somebody wants to get over there coaching staff and players were on a different level


17 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
On the back of of a 5-0 home thumping, now we are on the receiving end of a comprehensive 3-0 hammering by a god awful side.
Surely it time Hakan or the Club to do something. Were lessons not learned by last years desperate escape from Relegation? Bad Side, Awful Performance, Passionless, Tactically naive and Poor Players played out of position.
All in all Relegation looms as the team appear to be rudderless and the Management oblivious to the obvious glaring deficiences in the side.


14 September, 2007 | Brian @ LEWES FC
David Blackmore.....an excellent stopper. He was at Lewes recently and made a real impact with team-mates and the crowd. good luck to your season.
Brian.


13 September, 2007 | Bob Johnson
Regarding match report. it must be my PC that is up the wall. I clicked on Report for the Hampton game and the Hampton website appeared. There was no indication that the report had been written by Wes. Nevertheless it still seems a bit odd!



12 September, 2007 | Tony Flood
For me the Hampton game was my lowest point as a Purfleet/Thurrock fan. Not only the poor performance but the terrible home support which seems to get worse and worse.

As for the game itself, Lincoln did ok early on but from 25 minutes was anonymous. The big problem is that the wingers don't come central when they need to and poor Garry Howard was overrun. As for Wes Thomas, it was the first game this season that he has done everything right. His attitude was good and about time too!!


11 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
or he didn't read it properly.

Wesely, hopefully your optimism rubs off around the others at the club but seeing some of the recent performances (including Basingstoke which was a rubbish game), I hope it's not a delusion. Still I am a positive fella and expect us to get out of the current position. It'd be nice by the end of October to be 5-6 points clear of the relegation zone but I just cant see it.

Where was that polite fella (big, old geezer) on the gate on Friday?


11 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Phil - I think the word is deflated - not lack of interest. As the articles are written for the official site, and local community they are generally geared towards reporting on events of Thurrock (just as any official site does). Maybe the fact that the report is mainly about the five goals we conceded, maybe BJ thought it was written by the opposition. Although Friday was extremely disappointing/embarressing or whatever emotion can be chosen to describe losing this heavily at home, we must look forward, starting with the trip to Basingstoke on Saturday. At home, I didn't think they really threatened, and with 11 men on the pitch for the second 45 minutes this time, there is no reason why we shouldn't believe we can come away with the points.


11 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Not sure what that Bob is on about, I thought the report was okay considering we'd just been tanked five-nil (by "okay" I mean it didn't slaughter us and managed to stick to the goals rather than say how terrible we actually were - fair enough coming from our official site, don't ya think?) - the Hampton report can be found here: http://www.hamptonfc.com/matchreports/070907.html - interesting quote about the manager too. I am a fan of the big man's but I gootta say I did think he looked like a man who had lost interest (prob had!)


11 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Not sure what you mean BJ - I wrote that match report.


10 September, 2007 | bob johnson
The "Thurrock" match report refers you merely to the report prepared by Hampton, the away side! What the hell is all that about? Are we incapable of preparing our own report or is it that no-one can be bothered?
Gentleman it would seem that the current shambles is not confined to the performance on the park


10 September, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Dominic has returned to D&R. He was on a one month loan deal which ended on Friday. I am a fan of Dominic's and thought he played well in every game for us. Shame we couldn't take advantage of his crossing ability whilst he was here. He is strong for his size, and it will not surprise me if we see him taking big steps forward in his career, starting with some first team games at D&R this season. I wish him all the best for the future.


10 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Oh, and another thing - whilst I think this site is a great improvement and fantastic with it's News articles, I haven't seen anything about Dominic Green. Is he off now? I went to the Daggers game on Saturday and he was on the bench. Take it his loan has finished then???? So that'll be another gap in the side.


10 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
The player of the month prize seems to have had an adverse effect on Painey. He had a shocker. And Norval- what happened there? Hard day at work was it? five-nil at home is unnaceptable at any level. Lincoln did alright but his clever runs and balls seemed to go un-noticed by the lacklustre pairing of Thomas and McKenzie (or was it supposed to be a trio with Bryant?) We seem to lack any form of grit or determination - come on Hakan sort this mob out (or sort them OUT - either one).


10 September, 2007 | Danny Cerda
5-O THUMPING. PATHETIC,WOEFUL AND A WASTE OF MONEY.
IF THERE HAS BEEN A WORSE PERFORMANCE FROM THIS TEAM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS THEN I FORTUNATLY I DID NOT SEE IT.



04 September, 2007 | Dave
grays athletic u16 v thurrock u16. a big well done to thurrock's u16 junior alliance side who beat grays athletic u16 side 3-0.a good game with some good football from the young thurrock side.there season starts sunday away to romford and id like to wish them all the best for the new season.after what i saw tonight im sure they are in for a good season.


01 September, 2007 | Phil Bines
Kris - Steve Bould now or Steve Bould when he was playing? I think everyone would have rather had Bould when he was playing because he was a great player for us (Gunners). I think Painey is one of the best defenders in the League and is more than capable of playing in the Conference, if not League Two. Great acquisition by the gaffa.


31 August, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Congratulations to Matt Paine for winning player of the month - thought he had been superb over the bank holiday weekend, typical of his performances so far this season. Also well done to Leon McKenzie (2nd) and Dominic Green (3rd), and everybody else who got a vote (Lee Flynn, Wesley Thomas, Gary Howard, Kenny Clark, and Liam Norval) - Let's hope the squad add to the four points received so far, tomorrow at Havant!


31 August, 2007 | Kris Rose
I think matt paine was the worst buy in the history of the thurrock fc. I would rather have steve bould. Money could be spent better elsewhere.


30 August, 2007 | Chloe South-x
What did i say hay about watch this space what a fantastic game (a bit rough though) they was shouting abuse and everythink but what did they achive by it they lost the game and the best team one so well done boys.And Hakan. wesley when the Thurrocks old site was in place you couldnt post a comment at all well i suppose you could but you would have had to know a lot about computers to do that and it was all grey and white totally the wrong colours its now the proper Thurrock colours it would be better claret and blue thought ! and you can actuallu type a message what a diffrence try and stop me from typing.-x


29 August, 2007 | Norman Posner
The official web site welcomes all comments both giving praise or criticism. What it will not tolerate is foul language or derogatory remarks aimed at individuals. To my knowledge and the web master will conform it, no message has been censored. Unlike the last time I tried to place a message on the "Unofficial" site.
I also think some people are being carried away. In figures we have won one game and lost three. We need to improve.


29 August, 2007 | Graham Beechey
Well done Colin, Great to see some positive comments,
The Weekends results put previous performanbces into context. Not so bad to be beaten by a wonder goal against Lewes when they go out and thrash Bognor 5-0. and the Result against Bishop who win 4-2 away on Monday.
Well done Hakan been going in the right direction all Season keep doing what you do.


28 August, 2007 | Tony Flood
Colin, think you should calm down with comments like that! I would take mid-table mediocrity this season and I think and hope we are good enough to do it! We were excellent against Welling, I think the best the best performance under Hakan. Solid all over the park and took our chances. However, we were poor at Weston and the first half at Stortford could have seen us a long way behind.

In all, let's not run before we can walk. There was definite improvement on Monday but consistency is the big thing!


27 August, 2007 | Colin Brown
Mate, Faaaaantaaaaaastic! All systems go now then! Play like that everyweek and we'll be pushing for a play off place!


25 August, 2007 | Steve Mace
unlucky today you murdered us in the second half but you just couldnt buy a goal. i thought a goal was cumming and was relieved to walk away with thr three points. young wudda bin my man of the match tho not gore. the little left winger u have was very good toohe'll be decent as the season goes on - you shud be alright


20 August, 2007 | Phil Bines
Good idea for player of the month. Its 2 early 2 decide now but my vote will probably be going to either Matty Paine or Flynn dog.


19 August, 2007 | annie
2 4 6 8 who do we appreciate ????????

THUUUUUUUURRRRROCK!!!


19 August, 2007 | Annie
hello i am Annie tommy souths second oldest grandaughter
as chloe said hakan is a great manager & he is very supportive to the team. Lee Flynn is a great team captain and Garry Howard was a great captain to.Shane gore is a brilliant goalie. I think everybody should support the the team so we can score more goals!!!!!!!!!!!!!


17 August, 2007 | Chloe
Hi, i am Chloe Tommy Souths granddaughter well done the team not got of to a very good start but they will pick very soon so watch this space well done wesley for making a really good site and constaently updated. Hakan is a great manager well done. A great football team sponsers staff,people who help & the people we love the best the fans who are our stars.


17 August, 2007 | Rob Coshell
The photos on the site are very impressive but the ones showing Lewes' players celebrating belongs on their site and not ours. Please don't do this to us again - it was painful enough watching them celebrating that superb late winner on Tuesday !


17 August, 2007 | Bob Johnson (BJ)
Two top teams? You are surely having a laugh. Weston were 66-1 to win the league and favourites to finish bottom. The only reason they are "top sides" at the moment is because they took 3 points from us. Even Lewes were no more than average and we should have got something from the game. We don't have a problem with the back four and keeper.


16 August, 2007 | Bobby Fay (Ipswich Town 1964-1967)
Damian Yoxall's first ever league game for the club was okay! No one in their first game ever plays that well! Obviously we are not bottom of the league because of the forwards goal scoring aility as they have scored 3 goals in 2 games against two of the top teams in this division! We are bottom because we have conceded six goals, more than any other club! We are over looking the facts! And the facts are that if you let in more goals than you score...you will be in the position that we are!
P.S. Stop talking about our forwards who are scoring goals and lets talk about our defence who are letting them in! Afterall...three goals against two top teams is acceptable!


16 August, 2007 | Ben Thomas
Took the goal well against Dagenham. Worked aggresively against Lewes (I would say their central defencive pair def knew he was there!), didn't see the Hullbridge game so can't comment.


16 August, 2007 | Winston Smith
I didn't see the Dagenham game so can't comment but I did see the Hullbridge game. They had a lump who couldn't catch in goal for the first half. A striker of quality should have been able to easily score a hat-trick or more. Damian seemed comfortable at that level but he should have been scoring for fun.

It takes time to adjust and I hope he does turn into a useful addition to the squad but on current Blue Square South appearances he isn't very good.


16 August, 2007 | Phil Bines
Likewise .... just read Hayrettin's comments, and totally agree. He might not have had much of the game on Tuesday but he is a work horse. I was pleased with his effort ... and reckon he could do well at this level in time.


16 August, 2007 | Jack Lewis
i think you all are being very harsh on damien yoxall i've watched him play for his old team and has got alot of talent you just need to give the boy a chance to produce it.


16 August, 2007 | Terry Epstein
I watched the game against Lewes Tuesday night and feel the comments made about Damien Yoxhall totally out of order.If Thurrock try to play football on the floor rather than play the long ball up in the air all the time they have more success and see the qualities Damien has.Although this wasn't his best game he has had a couple of good games against Hullbridge and Dagenham so can all please give him a chance!!


16 August, 2007 | Wesley Saunders
Happy Anniversary BJ. The date issue appears to only be a problem on the Message Board, and we are trying to get this changed (as it's automated from the host). All other dates (News, Fixtures & Results) are written correctly. Certainly happy to listen to your views on improvements for the site, so I will email you privately to discuss (but feel free to post your views here). Hopefully most of the gripes that have been addressed to me have been solved to date.

As for the other site being the "enemy", this is definately not my view - you will find the unofficial site listed as the first link on our "Links" page.

Let's hope we can celebrate your anniversary with a win on Saturday!


16 August, 2007 | Bob Johnson (BJ)
It is my anniverary! On 16 August 1991 left Dagenham and became physio for Purfleet. We played Southall and won 2-0. The date was 16.08.1991 not 08 16 91 which is just one of the things which irritate me in connexion with this official site; you can't even get the date correct. A full list will be supplied should this be required. Please note that I do not consider myself to be a "traitor" (as has been suggested) simply because I prefer the previous site, I believe that we are all on the same side, we want Thurrock to be successful