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https://www.hornchurchfc.com/2020/02/club-statement/ Club statement

We've had a poxy week the last 3 games, but so much to play for see you at margate, crowd 300 on a horrid day thanks for the support

Hi All, Due to this weekend's forecast, the league have given the club permission to produce an e-edition programme for this weekend's set of fixtures. Therefore to reduce the risk of us losing money, we have decided to produce an online version only for Saturday's game v's Merstham. This will be available on the club website either tonight or tomorrow morning. If demand suffices, we may do a limited print run for the programme next week so please let me know and I'll add you too the list. Please don't take this as we will be doing this in the future. It's a one off circumstance and it makes sense for the club not to lose money should the game be postponed. Fingers crossed the forecast isn't as bad and we can cheer the Urchins! Hope everyone understands. Jordan.

Managed to get along to this one, and was very impressed with how we played - considering Bognor were the form side in the league, they didn't look that impressive, although much of that could have been us playing well and not allowing them to get going. As mentioned above Taafe had an excellent game, and showed how much we have missed him whilst injured - his decision making is excellent, and he almost always seems to play the right ball at the right time, either to retain possession, or picking a forward pass when it's on. We looked a lot more balanced with his inclusion - having a genuine wide midfielder rather than a forward playing out of place makes a huge difference. First time I've seen Urquhart play, and again he looks a decent addition, especially as it seems he can play anywhere in the back four - Muleba at centre back gives us a bit more pace through the middle, and Hatton had a decent game apart from a 15 minute patch in the second half which coincided with Bognor having their one period of pressure. No complaints about Thomas getting MoM, he goes about his job very well, breaking up play and retaining possession. Okojie worked hard all game, and is a decent physical presence - I think Bricknell looked better for having a genuine strike partner alongside him. It really frustrates me that we can put in a performance like this one week, but get hit for 4 another - we clearly are a decent side, and when we get it right, we can compete with anyone, it's just that we don't do it nearly often enough. If we string together some consistent form over the next month or so, then there's no reason why we can't finish 5th, but if we carry on as we have been, I think we'll fall just short. Still very much all to play for, and it makes a nice change to read through the forum without anyone saying that the manager has to go immediately - I just cross my fingers for more of the same on Tuesday (although not holding my breath) 😉

I was disappointed with Potters bar's reaction to what a players dad thought he heard we have a great away support which is very vocal, banter and abuse can be a fine line but racist comments don't play a part. Yesterday I heard what was said and it wasn't racist albeit it is not banter either in my opinion, see you Wednesday. Shame we are not talking about Jamie's goal

The Hornchurch FC Supporters' Association have entered the Buildbase 100k competition once again for a chance to win £25k of building supplies which will be used on our upcoming Academy classroom project. https://landing.buildbase.co.uk/pitch-in-your-support/?f24_pid=a1bc76ca-f7b1-4bc2-a79d-a7ab4c502a70&utm_campaign=FA Application 1&utm_source=force24&utm_medium=email&utm_content=textlink Please get your family and friends to vote in the link above. The final six will be shortlisted and will have to present their ideas to a committee at Wembley.

Agree completely LS - this is very much a long game, and if that means spending more time where we are getting the various foundations in place (and by that, I don't just mean the first team side of things), then that's fine with me if it means we're better prepared for the long run.

I see us on a similar path to that of Wealdstone FC since they lost their ground in 1990-91..It has taken them nearly 30 years to climb back (very slowly) to the National League South..We are less than 20 years into our project.

Just want to comment about some of the histrionics that I've seen in the recent games I've attended. (actually not by Mersham to their credit) but the diving, rolling about and squealing is getting worse. You know the player is going to be up and running as soon as play restarts which is the really annoying thing. Think it's about time that the FA stepped in at all levels to start to punish players who are clearly not injured acting in this way. It's cheating.

It has just been announced that our league match at East Thurrock tomorrow evening has had to be postponed due to storm damage problems.

Back in December Town travelled to Bognor on a Tuesday evening and lost a IPL match 4-1. Yesterday, with home advantage, we gave a much better account of ourselves at the QE2, and really could (should) have been out of sight by half time. This was an impressive all-round team performance and, after a goal-less first half, Town were determined to make amends for the Hornchurch reverse, and with their relentless pressure continuing after the interval, goals looked inevitable, and duly arrived from Lewis Taaffe and Ken Charles, to seal an important well deserved home win, which lifted the spirits of the loyal, vocal, Town faithful. This was The Rocks first defeat in seven games, and an important three points for Town against one of our main play off rivals. Well done all! An afternoon to remember. Enjoy! UP THE TOWN

The accusation that was made was untrue. The person who made the complaint misheard what was actually said and it wasn't a racist remark.

Enjoyed yesterday’s game. Thought we were good value for the win. The players we have added recently have strengthened the team and having Lewis available again is like having another new signing. Agreed with the Mom decision- Scott Thomas -he’s often overlooked but makes a great contribution. Let’s see where we are at the end of the month.

As announced on twitter, we have just announced the signing of Jamie Cureton from Bishop's Stortford Welcome Jamie

Exactly right. From my enquiries we need to increase the seating over the smaller stand, and segregate the away supporters. Anyone got a spare 15k knocking around? I really wish we could have discussions on here about how to help our club raise more finances, playing tactics ect And not the same old same old, sack the manager every time we lose or play a long ball. COYT

Not much positive to take from yesterday's game which I'm sure has left us all a bit down after the high of Tuesday night. We were simply beaten by a better team and our defensive frailties were as evident as ever. The second half was certainly better than the first - couldn't really have been worse - and Hornchurch probably took their foot off the gas. Makes it difficult to argue that this year's squad is better than last year's when we were so comprehensively outplayed by a team containing four of our ex-players. I'm sure AL would tell us that there are things behind the scenes that supporters are not always aware of and that he feels this squad gels better - this needs to translate to consistent performances on the pitch. Difficult day for our new striker, Shaun Okojie, to come into - particularly as were 4-0 down when he came on after only about half an hour! He only signed on Friday night so I suspect he didn't even know most of the players. Remains to be seen whether he'll improve the team. Ambition of the club continues to be questioned by some, which I understand. I do think the board have made it clear - the Chairman explicitly on a recent radio show - that promotion is the aim. Some have said, I think a little unfairly, that the club have only stuck with AL because he's cheap. Finances are, though, a reality and it's clear that we can't afford to pay a manager - finances are going to remain an overriding consideration unless we can bring in much bigger crowds and/or more sponsorship. Amazingly, we are still only 2 points off the play-offs - though my own opinion is that's mainly due to the inconsistency and lack of quality from other teams around us. We got a reaction to the Cray result at Margate on Tuesday - now need to see a reaction to this one against Bognor Regis on Saturday. COYT!

I'm sure this was banter but yet so nearly came true.

And fish & chips!

I’m sure it wasn’t real fighting, I imagine they were all just falling over without being touched.

You haven't changed at all in all these years have you, I remember you always loved to rub shoulders in boardrooms and chew the fat

Awaits Mr Rhodes return from Europe with interest for his views, Pete !!

Next two are huge! If we can get 6 points and hope Worthing and Folkestone draw Saturday it is game on again. 2-1 win Chins tmoro! Lets get behind the boys again!

Until recently, I've gone to most away games for several years and stood with the rest of the guys behind the goal and I can categorically say that there's been no racist remarks made by anyone in that time, not a single one. No-one I know would even consider doing it.

That would be the Assistant Referee in front of the Technical Areas so not me. Never mind, Rhodes. Pick up your case as you cannot rest it on this occasion.

I think you should write in and complain.

What case is this that you rest?

I rest my case. A match report and photos from Dunstable Town's website, why didn't Dunstable Town play in their blue strip: https://www.dunstabletownfc.co.uk/single-post/2020/02/10/Edgware-Town-10-Dunstable-Town

Fergus Moore #Nonleaguefootylegend if he shouts at you you have got to listen 😉

Disappointing but not surprising. Nothing to do with the pitch - one of the dugouts was apparently completely taken out by Storm Ciara.

This is the cleft-edged double sword of Damacles. If it had been racist and Potters Bar did nothing they'd have been crucified. On the other hand, for something this serious don't put it over the tannoy unless you're 100% certain. I don't stand behind the goal but I do chat with those who do. I reckon if someone had made that kind of comment then the 40+ travelling Urchins would have been all over them. And I read it was a player's parent. Every game I speak with several player's parents and they all seem level headed (except for Mikey who is a 'chin and hates Aveley) and all of them seem engaged with the entire holistic environment of Hornchurch FC. I can't see any of them making such a statement without 100% certainty and a whole heap of other people hearing the same thing.

I like the way you tried to sneak in the Aveley result there Mr Tea. But for the avoidance of doubt, only the top 3 lines count as below ... Porto 2 v 1 Benfica Brighton 1 v 2Watford Nott’m Forest 1 v 2 Leeds Aveley -VOID- Chemo (FAT - 3rd Round)) Potters Bar -VOID- Hornchurch Att: 6781 - I'll keep that one in!

Thank God this week Dr Jekyll turned up, in the place of Mr Hyde this week, in the form of Lewis Taafe. A midfielder who kept his position and made passes to members of his own team. Which is what some of us have been looking for for some time. I too was surprised at his substitution LS, but assumed after his long lay-off it was precautionary. The defence was somewhat more tighter than for many weeks although they still keep trying to hit 50yd killer balls when a simpler pass was on. But for once AL and his companions stopped screaming out useless advice. Of course if it wasn't for their goalie we could have had several more. I did suggested to my companion shortly after Taafes' goal it was time to introduce Charles' pace whilst we had them on the ropes. But later was better than never But that said from our point of view it was more entertaining to watch. Subject to injuries I do hope AL does not tinker with the team too much next time out. His first problem is what does he do with Blackman, assuming he is still not under suspension. As for the team as a whole so long as Mr Hyde doesn't immediately return next Tuesday and Saturday we may be in with a chance yet!!!!

Potters Bar Town 09.40 - Meet for Breakfast in Upminster Cafe 10.20 - Meet at Upminster 10.34 - Upminster to Liverpool St 11.06 - Arrive at Liverpool Street and walk to Moorgate 11.28 - Moorgate to Potters Bar 12.05 - Arrive in Potters Bar

It’s all hit the fan because of him Rhodes as far as I see it, he left well before Xmas I think, Let’s see what happens next, I fear he has had his nose put out of joint and will continue with a takeover bid. Just my thoughts

Just to add on previous post I’ve seen a bit of Ware and the Abbey this season and there is a lot of really good young talent at these local clubs... is AL aware of this and maybe they are the type of players that we should go for I’m sure many would love a bigger stage to play on. ( certainly no disrespect to Ware or Abbey intended)

As an ex committee member of tring myself I will have my two peneth worth to this debate an email with documents that were gonna be presented to the egm at the end of February , was sent to all club members in advance of meeting, in those documents was a list of 12 names, including players and coaches who along with ex chairman Wells proposing to replace the whole of the existing committee with a new executive committee, one of which was manager Kevin christou !! Now whatever people think of the current committee, these are hard working good people who have put everything including their own money into running tring the right way over the past 20/30 years , running in the black without overstretching the finances, this season tring upped its player budget to probably the highest in the division and its current league position is testament to that, now as far as I know the budget was being overspent and had to be bought back into line, which is what happened the crunch of it is, once the proposed new actions of mr wells was know, the club had no option but to relieve Kevin of his duties .and imho had no other option ! now Kevin is a good guy and his team have been superb this season and I genuinely hope he gets another job soon and all the players get sorted also, a great bunch of guys but as far as I can see the current committee had no other choice but to remove everyone involved . It’s all very well trying to move the club forward and as a supporter I would love to see the club in the southern league but not at the cost of crippling the club financially.

I believe he made his Premier League debut about 4 years before George Saunders was born!

Thank God for your daily reminders otherwise I would forget when the game is being played

What will ? !

Personally I'm getting a bit fed up with the constant wingeing. I don't like AL, either as a manager or as a conversationalist whenever I've spoken to him. I remember posting that he should go when I got fed up at how he failed to 'get' Mickey Parcell. But what's the point of keep moaning? I remember being behind the goal in the days before the Ultras and the atmosphere was dead. Lee posted a brilliant, rallying message on this forum before an away friendly against Potters Bar. We met up in a pub there before the game and, to cut a long story short, the Ultras were born. They've evolved and now have a life of there own. 'From mighty oaks...' and so on. The point I'm making is this, if people feel strongly enough, CREATE something. Mobilise. Form a grassroots group within the grassroots. Just stop w***ing off on this forum, please. It's getting boring.

Great performance from the boys, great atmosphere in the bar afterwards.

Actually, four of our players joined the Urchin's, you are forgetting Remi Sutton, who also played against us on Saturday. You say Hornchurch bought three (or was it four?) of our players. With all this talk about finance, I am sure we would all be very interested to know how much Hornchurch paid us for these players? Also, how much did ETFC pay-out for the other players you say we purchased? Please share your information.

Can’t forget that the next step up would probably mean a new set of ground grading criteria which comes at a cost. Where would that money come from?

Without wanting to speak for AT, I suspect that he meant we can't afford to pay a manager and continue to invest as much as we do in the squad - I would have thought that this all comes out of the same pot of money. I do agree with a lot of the sentiment posted above that the manager and coaching team is more important than the squad: a very good manager and coach can achieve a lot with lesser / cheaper players, and conversely it's possible for a manager to underachieve with a stronger squad. As I said the other day, I didn't expect us to get much from Saturday's game, I think Hornchurch (recent results notwithstanding) are one of a few sides that will definitely finish above us. That said, it sounded like we were awful for most of the first half, and to ship 4 goals in 20 minutes just isn't good enough. No issue with the new striker a) starting on the bench and b) taking time to settle in (think both can be said about Mo when he joined). Per AT's post, let's hope we bounce back from this one - the playoffs are still possible, although I agree that says far more about the standard of the league than it does about our quality and more importantly our consistency.

why does that no surprise me

I'll quickly get this in before you-know-who starts sniffing around LEVERSTOCK GREEN 1-4 BALDOCK TOWN The quoted attendance of 63 must surely have included the large gaggle of ex-Pancakes who’d gathered in the clubhouse as some form of tribute to one of their former team-mates who seemed to have developed some health issues. To be honest, they might have done better on the pitch today than the current crop who were completely bossed and outplayed by the visitors who raced into a four goal lead thanks to a rather clumsy own-goal before LG managed to sneak in a consolation which was greeted by only one person. Baldock’s following seemed to consist of one bloke in a black tracksuit top and five kids who spent the entire game down the bottom kicking their own ball around.

We had to get our goals against average back up after our clean sheet last week....

Yep. A 40 man brawl outside the ground I'm told.

Wot no match official warning this week 😁

And guess who Cheshunt are playing away on Tues.