Review: Around The Grounds

08/09/2010 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

‘Around The Grounds’ is a fans’ guide to the clubs of the English Football League, with a twist. The book covers all the 92 clubs with the information that you would expect. It has the address details, a bit about the history and directions like a normal ground guide, but ‘Around The Grounds’ also gives readers an insight into the club by having the fans comment on the culture of the club from the Heroes on the Sideline to an interesting fact that opposition supporters may not know about.

The guide contains 264 pages of well written and researched material as well as some outstanding colour photographs that bring the book together. It’s ideal for having around the house before planning that away trip up North or in the car on the way up the motorway.

Whether you’re an armchair expert, or a firm fixture on the terraces, Chris Nelson’s Around The Grounds is your pass through the gates, hearts and minds of the 92 clubs of the English Football league. Broken down by club, the story of each hallowed ground is told, celebrating the victories and commiserating the losses both on and off the pitch, taking in the defining moments as well as the legendary characters that helped to fix each club in the hearts of their supporters.

Combined with essential facts, stats and little-known nuggets of information, and illustrated throughout with full colour photography, this book gives a unique insight into the life and personality of each team and those who support them.

Around the Grounds combines passionate, knowledgeable writing, contemporary design and classic images from past and present, within a practical guide that’s always on the ball. A true football fans companion. Official Description

Thanks to the people at Footprint, I’m pleased to offer readers a 25% discount if they wish to purchase the book themselves. You can order online at www.footprinttravelguides.com or visit this link. To claim the discount, simply enter the word “footie” in the coupon code box at the checkout. The book is also available at other retailers including WH Smith and Waterstones. I’ve found amazon.co.uk to be the cheapest so far though.

Just so you know, Stevenage are on pages 218 and 219.

Filed under Reviews Tagged with , , ,

Beardsley blow for Boro

06/09/2010 by sgmboro 1 Comment

Chris Beardsley has been ruled out for the next six weeks after dislocating his shoulder in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Brentford last week. It looked like a fairly innocuous challenge at first, but the Boro striker will now miss a crucial period of the season including games against Cheltenham, Lincoln and Wycombe. He may return for the visit of Burton Albion in the middle of October.

Although not prolific, Beardsley has won a lot of admirers at Broadhall Way for his effort on the pitch and work in and around the box. He was arguably the man of the match in the recent victory over Stockport at Broadhall Way, setting up Charlie Griffin for one of the goals. He also got off the mark himself with a strike against Aldershot last week.

The news of Beardsley’s injury will be a big blow to Graham Westley’s plans.  Boro have been in the market for another attacker all summer and have seen a number of trialists come and go including the likes of Chris Dickson, Bas Savage and Njazi Kuqi. Beardsley’s enforced absence and the fact that we have been struggling for goals recently may force Westley’s hand in to bringing a striker in.

Another option Westley could turn to while Beardsley is out is Peter Vincenti. The Jersey-born utility man matches Beardsley’s work rate, but lacks in other areas. Vincenti made a cameo appearance on Saturday against Crewe and he is certainly someone who Stevenage can throw the ball up to and see what he can do. Vincenti, along with the likes of Tim Sills and Lee Boylan, will be looking to make the most out of a rare chance to impress in the coming weeks.

In other news, Millwall have slapped a £3m price tag on to the head of Steve Morison. Blackburn amongst others are supposed to be lining up a January move for Morison who has continued to improve at Championship and International level in the last few weeks. Kenny Jackett has already come out and said that the Lions don’t need to sell. However, I’m pretty sure they will be powerless to resist a big money move if it does come in January. Stevenage do have a sell on clause on any future move Morison makes so the next transfer window could be interesting in more ways than one.

Filed under General Tagged with , , , ,

Long off as Boro are held at home

04/09/2010 by sgmboro 2 Comments

Stevenage 1-1 Crewe (Odubade 45)
Highlights | Westley Interview

So then, another 1-1 draw. The second one in the space of a week after the Aldershot game last Saturday. In some ways I’m frustrated that we’ve only drawn at home against a Crewe side that were there for the taking, but on the other hand I’m a bit relieved that we’ve held onto a point even though we played with 10 men for a third of the game. All in all, I’ll take a point.

Graham Westley made three changes to the team that started against Brentford in mid-week. In came Charlie Griffin for Chris Beardsley. Griffin made a surprise return, just a week after suffering another head injury at Aldershot. Robbie Sinclair and Stacy Long also came into the team as GW reverted to a flat 4-4-2 formation. I mentioned on BoroChat the other day that the 4-3-3 system may have been one of the reasons why we have conceded quite a few goals from crosses this season. It looks like Westley has also noticed that and given his full backs a bit more protection.

Boro started brightly and knocked the ball around quite well for the first 5-10 minutes without causing Crewe any problems. Crewe’s defensive duo of Ada and Artell kept Griffin and Yemi quiet and gradually the visitors came into the game. The opening 45 minutes went past with little action to speak of until a snap shot by Long was parried by Crewe’s on loan keeper Taylor into the path of Yemi Odubade, who finished from close range. Boro went into the break with a slender, if fortunate lead.

“We were probably fortunate to be one-nil up at half-time, but we took our chance and had grafted away in that first half. In the second half, thirty minutes with ten men does make a difference there is no doubt about it. We could easily have got ourselves a goal as much as they could have done.” Westley’s view

However that lead didn’t last long. A little over 10 minutes into the second half, a mistake from Michael Bostwick gifted Crewe possession and Ashley Westwood took full advantage. He received the ball from Clayton Donaldson and hit a beautiful curling shot which hit the post before nestling into the back of Day’s net. It was a good goal, but it stemmed from another individual mistake, which seems to be a regular occurrence at the moment.

The game was poised at 1-1 and I felt that we still had a good chance of going on a getting a winner. However, the referee changed all that. Mr Linington had not let the game flow all afternoon and to add to his already poor performance, he sent off Long for a second bookable offence. It looked like a harsh decision at the time and having seen it again, I have to say that Long was very unlucky to get a booking for that, especially as Crewe’s Shaun Miller got the same punishment for a reckless challenge on Laird.

There’s no doubt that the sending off of Long on the hour changed the game. Long’s dismissal limited Boro’s creative side and we seemed to struggle going forward with a man light. Frustrated at not looking capable of creating anything going forward, Boro sat deep and seemed to settle for a point. Crewe substitute Nick Powell looked the most dangerous player on the pitch as the game went on. Everytime he got the ball, he was positive and was unlucky not to score when his left footed shot was well saved by Day. Another one-off the Crewe conveyor belt it seems?

On the whole it was probably a fair result. Both sides could have won, in a game that was spoilt by the man in the middle. So far this season I think the standard of refereeing has improved, but today’s official certainly lowered that opinion.

Next up for Boro is Cheltenham next Saturday at Whaddon Road. They got beat at Barnet of all places today, so surely our first away win in the league awaits…doesn’t it?

Filed under General Tagged with , , , ,

Crewe Preview

03/09/2010 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

Stevenage’s first month in League 2 has been pretty mixed, but overall I think it’s safe to say that we are going in the right direction. The opening day draw with Macclesfield was a bit of an anti-climax after all the hype, but Boro have responded with some good performances that see them sitting comfortably in 10th place. After a defeat to Bradford, even though we were the better side, another good performance followed against Stockport, where the team recorded their first win. Westley’s side then went away to Aldershot and earned themselves a good point at a ground where we notoriously struggle.

So with August done and dusted, Boro now host Crewe Alexandra as they aim to kick off September with a win. It’s amazing to think that after tomorrow’s game, we will be over 10% in to our first League season already.

Graham Westley has a couple of injury problems to mull over before naming his team. Charlie Griffin is expected to miss the clash after suffering a “severe concussion” in last week’s draw at Aldershot. Chris Beardsley is also a doubt after going off injured against Brentford in mid-week. Their absence could give Tim Sills a chance to stake a claim for a regular place to partner Yemi Odubade up top.

I don’t know whether Darren Murphy has recovered from the dislocated shoulder he picked up against Portsmouth back in August, but even if he has, he is unlikely to be included in the starting XI as Michael Bostwick and John Mousinho continue their good form in the middle. Robbie Sinclair is also expected to be recalled into the midfield after he was rested for the Brentford game in the week.

As for Crewe, they have also had a mixed start to their season. After 2 defeats from their opening 2 league games, Dario Gradi’s side found themselves stuck at the bottom of the table. However, they got back to winning ways in the best way possible, beating a poor Barnet side 7-0 at Gresty Road. That was followed by a 1-1 draw away against Lincoln as the Railwaymen continue to climb up the table after their slow start.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi has already claimed that his team will have to be prepared for a bruising, physical contest. That may mean he will stick with former Histon defender Nat Mitchel-King at right back, while Calvin Zola may be recalled to the starting eleven.

“Everybody tells me Stevenage are a team of giants who rely on set-plays a lot. So if there was a game to use our big men this is it. I’m happy with Mitchel-King at the back and that increases the chances of Zola coming back into the side.” Gradi’s “scouting” report

Boro fans with a good memory may remember Danny Blanchett, who will play at left back for them tomorrow. Blanchett spent a short time at Boro on loan from Peterborough in the 2008/09 season, but failed to get off the bench before going back to the London Road club.

I think tomorrow’s game will be a good benchmark for Boro. Crewe finished in the lower regions of the division last season and have not exactly hit the ground running this time around. If we want to push for a top-half finish or even the play-offs then these are the games we need to be winning. Our home form has been strong over the last few years and I’m confident that we can bounce back after Tuesday’s defeat to Brentford and get back to winning ways.

Filed under General Tagged with , , , ,

The Crewe Perspective

02/09/2010 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

Up next for Stevenage is the visit of Crewe Alexandra, who have endured a mixed start to their season. After the disappointment of 2 defeats from their opening 2 league games, the Railwaymen returned the following week to smash Barnet for 7! I caught up with the editor from the Vital Crewe site to talk about Crewe’s aims for the new season, who their “star” player is plus an insight into what to expect from League 2.

You finished 18th last season. What is the target for Crewe this time around?

After last season, I think we’ll be happy to just secure a top half finish. We spent last season seriously looking over our shoulders at the relegation spots and considering we’re still slightly hung over from our 9 years in the Championship, it wasn’t very nice. Throw in one sacked manager – which is an unusual experience as a Crewe fan – and general discontent amongst fans, it did seem like a club that was crumbling in on itself. Thankfully everyone seems to have calmed down over the summer and there is actually a bit of hope about the place, though I’m sure that can soon be wiped.

Was it a busy summer at Gresty Road?

Not particularly busy. It’s always very “controlled” under Dario. He makes his plans in May and sticks to them. He’s certainly not one to be throwing money about (should we have it) and it’s rare he’s doing a Harry Redknapp on deadline day to get anyone in. The biggest news of the summer was the sale of James Bailey and John Brayford to Derby for a combined fee of £1m. Brayford had been arguably our best player since signing from Burton Albion, whilst Bailey is a cracking young midfielder who I think Derby wanted before we started asking silly money. The fee raised a few eyebrows, but personally I can see Derby having the last laugh as the pair of them, particularly Bailey, progress.

Aside from that, we released five or six other players who were only really on the fringes of the side or had wanted to leave. We’ve bought in a bit of bite and experience, including David Artell, who is the pick of the bunch. Artell adds a bit of steel to the defence. Lee Bell, who was Macclesfield’s player of the season, and a player we know well as he came through our academy has also come in. Highly rated keeper Rhys Taylor has signed to cover for our main keeper Steve Phillips, whilst he recovers from injury.

Who is Crewe’s “key” player?

Ask 3 different Crewe fans and you’ll get 3 different answers. David Artell, Ashley Westwood and Calvin Zola would all, deservedly, get a mention, which is fair enough as they pretty much make up the spine of the team. Artell seems to have steadied the back-line and Westwood, another young midfielder from our academy, is going to have a great career in the higher leagues, but personally I’d go for Calvin Zola.

It will be to no surprise to those who know me, but I’m a bit of a “Zola fanboy”. He infuriates a lot of fans because, aside from costing us £200k, he’s your typical big lanky striker who never looks comfortable with the ball at his feet. Even with 18 goals last season, there was still the odd “boo” if he dared to put a foot wrong. However, as I have argued many a time, he makes us tick. He is the one player I can’t imagine League 2 defences like coming up against. He can hold up the ball and bring the entire team into the attacking play and let’s face it…18 goals isn’t too bad!

What is the situation with the manager? One minute it looks like Gradi has retired, but then the next he is back?

It’s a long and not very interesting story! Essentially it was a monumental balls up by the club. Dario’s successor was always planned to be Steve Holland, who had worked in the academy for some 13 years with Dario, bringing through the likes of Dean Ashton, so when Tottenham approached us to appoint Holland as the boss of their academy, it all went a little haywire. To avoid losing Holland, he was appointed as “first team coach” and Dario moved upstairs. It was a move that Dario said he wasn’t happy with at the start. In short, Holland made a pretty lousy manager and after spending £800k in one summer on some very average players, he was given the boot.

Then came the second balls up. The club appointed Gudjon Thordarson, which to be fair, was a direct response to fans’ criticism of the “stagnant” club. I don’t know how non-Crewe fans view us so I’m not sure how to put it, but it was like replacing Lennon and McCartney in the Beatles with Jedward? Square pegs, round holes. We did enjoy the change for a while, but it soon became pretty clear that Thordarson wasn’t for us and after 10 months he had to go.

Finally, Dario returned last year, although it was no hero’s return. He returned more to steady a sinking ship that Thordarson left and secure his academy, which had seen youngsters wanting to leave left, right and centre. Dario’s seeming lack of interest in first team matters got on our nerves for a bit, but things have mellowed over pre-season. However, he’s got to produce the goods this season.

What can we expect in League 2?

You’ll be fine. I think you’ll be surprised at how little a gap there is between League 2 and the Blue Square Premier. The division isn’t of great quality and it shows when 80% of sides are considering themselves as play-off hopefuls. To use a cliché, anyone can beat anyone and it’s rare that anyone really outclassed another team in this division. Even Notts County and their phantom bank balance last season were far from being a cut above.

What do you expect from Stevenage when you visit?

Well teams coming up from the Blue Square Premier are usually very organised and more often than not get the better of us! We’ll by no means be underestimating it – I think we did that with the likes of Dagenham, Accrington and Morecambe last season and were punished for it.

We play the return fixture in February. What can you tell us about the ground?

I may be slightly biased when I say it’s a nice place we’ve got. It is literally a two minute walk from the train station, there’s a fantastic chippy on the doorstep, plenty of friendly pubs just down the road and away fans even get the “luxury” of the seating down one side of the pitch, which can generate a good atmosphere. Its looks though will no doubt get a few giggles! The main stand is about 3 times as big as the other stands, so it certainly gives it its own look.

Lastly, what is your prediction for the game?

I do think it’ll be a very close game, but I have to admit that a defeat would be extremely disappointing from our point of view. I can’t see either side completely running away with it so I’ll sit on the fence and say 1-1. Ok…2-1 to Crewe with us getting a late winner!

Filed under General Tagged with , , , ,

Boro v Brentford LIVE text updates

31/08/2010 by sgmboro 1 Comment

It’s Stevenage v Brentford tonight in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. For those not going down to Broadhall Way tonight, but still wanting to keep an eye on the game, you can keep updated on here from 7.45pm as we give you LIVE text updates from the game. It’ll be more exciting than keeping up to date on the transfer deadline day! ;-)

FULL TIME: Boro 0-1 Brentford

BORO TEAM

Day, Henry, Laird, Roberts, Ashton, Bostwick, Byrom, Mousinho, Beardsley, Yemi, Winn
SUBS: Sills, Bayes, Bridges, Wilson, Sinclair

BRENTFORD TEAM

Lee, Spillane, Osbourne, Balkenstein, Woodman, Adams, O’Connor, Diagouraga, Weston, Simpson, Forster
SUBS: Moore, Legge, Bean, Cort, Wood

0 mins: Boro to kick off.
2 mins: Byrom through ball to Winn who crosses, but it goes out for a throw in to Brentford.
3 mins: Beardsley offside from Day goal kick.
6 mins: Stevenage break and win a corner off Craig Woodman.
7 mins: Corner played short to Roberts who’s effort on goal forces a good save out of Lee.
9 mins: Boro have started well and are keeping the pressure on their League 1 opponents.
10 mins: Brentford make a rare break forward, but Myles Weston’s cross is easily cut out by Day.
13 mins: Game delayed for a minute or two as Michael Spillane gets a telling off after kicking the ball away.
15 mins: Brentford corner only half cleared to Adams who shoots, but it is saved by Day.
17 mins: Boro break and Yemi crosses for Mousinho, who heads straight at Lee.
18 mins: Yeah it’s that time. Drinks break.
23 mins: Long ball forward from Roberts is headed over by Yemi.
25 mins: Another long ball forward finds Beardsley. He sets up Yemi who shoots straight at Lee.
26 mins: Boro have been the better side.
27 mins: GOAL! Brentford take the lead against the run of play. Cross from Adams finished by Simpson.
28 mins: Sounds like the Brentford goal came from our left side again.
29 mins: Mousinho has an effort for Boro from long range that goes wide.
32 mins: Winn shoots over from the edge of the box.
33 mins: Good break from Boro. Mousinho plays in Byrom, who shoots wide.
34 mins: Laird beaten again, but this time Boro aren’t punished as Forster shoots over.
37 mins: Boro’s long ball plan doesn’t seem to be working. Brentford sweeping up everything.
38 mins: Brentford free-kick cleared by Ashton.
42 mins: Late tackle by Yemi on Spillane. No yellow card though.
44 mins: 3 minutes to be added on.
46 mins: Brentford’s Robbie Simpson has a shot that goes wide. Not far away though.

HALF TIME: Boro 0-1 Brentford (Simpson)

46 mins: We’re back underway.
48 mins: Brentford make a break forward. Cross goes right across the 6 yard box.
51 mins: Winn gets a cross in to Yemi who swings and misses.
53 mins: Stevenage attack again. Laird crosses to Mousinho who heads down for Yemi. He shoots over. Waste.
55 mins: Corner to Stevenage. Taken by Byrom. It eventually finds its way to Yemi who shoots straight at Lee.
59 mins: Great chance for Boro. Good build up leads to Byrom shooting straight at Lee.
61 mins: Brentford free-kick deflected into six yard box. Cleared by Henry. Drinks Break.
63 mins: BORO SUB – Not good news. Beardsley goes off with his arm in a sling. Replaced by Tim Sills.
64 mins: Looks like Beardsley collided with Lee at a corner.
66 mins: Bostwick shoots straight at Lee.
69 mins: Silly free-kick given away. Straight into the wall.
70 mins: Crowd announced as 1,916.
70 mins: BORO SUB – Sinclair replaces Byrom.
71 mins: Yemi wins Boro a corner. Taken by Mousinho. Cleared.
74 mins: In other scores. Aldeshot are 2-0 up against Oxford. Cole went off after an hour.
74 mins: Good flick on by Sills to Winn to wastes the cross.
75 mins: Sills shoots well over.
77 mins: Another mis-communication between Day and his centre defender, this time Roberts.
78 mins: BRENTFORD SUB – Wood replaces Forster.
82 mins: BORO SUB – Bridges on for Roberts.
86 mins: Brentford counter after pressure from Boro. Defended well by Ashton.
87 mins: BRENTFORD SUB – Cort on for Adams.
89 mins: Good possession now from Brentford. Playing out the last few minutes.
90 mins: 4 minutes to be added on.
93 mins: Bridges hits the post, but the offside flag is up anyway.

FULL TIME: Boro 0-1 Brentford

Filed under General Tagged with , , ,

Brentford Preview

30/08/2010 by sgmboro 1 Comment

Boro are back in action tomorrow night as Brentford visit Broadhall Way in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Stevenage’s last action in this competition came back in the 2005/2006 season when Graham Westley’s side lost 2-0 at Swindon Town. This was back in the days when the Football League Trophy, to give it its full title, allowed the top teams from the Conference to enter, but Boro never did that well in it in the four seasons they participated in it.

Stevenage’s first foray into the then called LDV Vans Trophy was back in the 2001/2002 season. Boro drew Southend United at home and were comfortably beaten 4-1. Jean-Michel Sigere getting the Boro consolation. A season later, Stevenage were again drew at home. This time it was Swansea City and Boro pulled off one of the shocks of the round, beating the Welsh side 2-1 thanks to goals from Kirk Jackson and Richard Pacquette. Wayne Turner’s side drew Luton in the next round and were beaten 4-3 in a thrilling game. A season later it was Stevenage v Luton round 2. The Bedfordshire side came out on top again, winning the game 1-0.

The following season saw Boro draw local rivals Barnet in an all Conference tie. An under strength Stevenage went down 3-1 at Underhill with Anthony Elding grabbing Boro’s goal. The 05/06 season saw Stevenage make their first trip outside of Hertfordshire in the competition as they travelled down to Swindon. Boro failed to repeat their Cup exploits of 1998, ending up losing the game 2-0 in front of just 1771 at the County Ground.

So, what will 2010 bring in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and more to the point is anyone really that bothered?

Brentford are currently bottom of League 1, but will be taking the game seriously as they aim to get back on track. The Bees lost 3-1 at home at the weekend against newly promoted Rochdale, with former Boro striker Anthony Elding getting on the score sheet. Whilst they are yet to record a victory in the League, Brentford are going well in the Carling Cup. They’ve beaten both Cheltenham and Hull so far to progress into the 3rd round, where they will host Everton at Griffin Park.

As for Boro, they go into the game looking to get back to winning ways after the draw against Aldershot at the weekend. I’m not sure how seriously we are taking the competition, so it could be a chance for a few of the “fringe” players to go out and impress. Charlie Griffin will miss the game as he went off with a “serious concussion” on Saturday. Griffin’s absence may prompt GW to giving Tim Sills a start or recalling Peter Vincenti to the squad. John Mousinho is also in line to face his former club.

I won’t be going down to BHW myself, but there will be LIVE text updates from the game on here, similar to what I’ve done previously for a couple of the reserve games and friendlies. I’m sure it will still be a good game, even though neither side will be particularly bothered if they end up on the losing side.

Filed under General Tagged with , , ,

← Older posts