Lee Boylan off to play in America

[Ian_W]

England National Game XI manager Paul Fairclough has named a squad of 16 players for the match against the USA, which is to be played at the Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston on Wednesday 9th June.

 

After missing last week's historic international friendly against the Iraq national team - ranked 42nd in the world by FIFA - Canvey Island's Lee Boylan comes into the squad for his first cap.

 

Manager Paul Fairclough said:

 

"Lee was suffering from an injury he picked up in The FA Trophy, but he is thrilled to be joining up with the squad, and being selected for his country should seal another hugely successful season for him. As some already know, Lee came on trial when I was manager at Stevenage Borough, and despite scoring a goal, I felt at the time that we wasn't quite right for us.

 

"It shows that Managers don't always get it right! Over the past couple of seasons his form has been remarkably consistent and he has scored a lot of goals. People may query whether he can perform at the same level now that Canvey have been promoted to the Conference, but I think he can, and his form has made it impossible to ignore him for the England squad."

 

On the 20th March 2002, the two sides met at Stevenage Borough, when a 2-1 victory extended John Owen's unbeaten run as manager to eleven matches. USA took the lead and held on until the 65th minute, when former Yeovil Town midfielder Nick Crittenden fired home from 8 yards after good work by Kirk Jackson.

 

Jackson was involved again on 83 minutes when he was felled by Mark Schulte, and Doncaster Rovers' Tim Ryan stepped up to cooly convert the penalty which ensured that England took the honours.

 

The USA this time will be coached by former England Youth Coach Chris Ramsey.

Ramsey began his playing career as an apprentice with Bristol City; during this period he was also a member of the England Youth Team. From 1980 to 1985, Ramsey played for Brighton and Hove Albion F.C., a spell that included an FA Cup Final against Manchester United. Brighton drew 2-2 in the final but lost the replay 4-0.

 

In 1998 Ramsey began working for the FA where he was a Regional Director of Coaching. While working for the FA he was the Assistant Coach to the U18 England Team and was the Head Coach of the U20 England team. He was also the Assistant Coach of the U16 England Team at the 2000 European Championships in Israel.

 

In addition to his coaching responsibilities while at The FA, Ramsey was a scout for the Full National Team under Kevin Keegan. After leaving the FA, Ramsey was the Assistant Coach at Luton Town until November 2000 and is now Head Coach at Charleston Battery, who will play host to next Wednesday's international.

England National Game XI Squad

 

Baker (Hereford Utd), Jon Kennedy (Accrington Stanley), Sedgemore (Shrewsbury Town), Vickers (Dagenham & Redbridge), Perkins (Morecambe), John Kennedy (Canvey Island), Tretton (Hereford Utd), Yakubu (Barnet), Boardman (Woking), Thompson (Morecambe), Southam (Dagenham & Redbridge), Sheldon (Exeter City), Hatch (Barnet), McNiven (Leigh RMI), Guinan (Cheltenham Town), Boylan (Canvey Island).

 

[Staying-up]

Almost gave me a heart attack there Ian when I saw the headline. Thought he might be off to play in their pro League. Glad to see its only for one game and he will be back for us next season.

[ronin]

If anyone wants to listen to live commentary of tonights game it starts 15mins before the game at http://charlestonbattery.com/webcast.asp

 

You will need windows mediaplayer 9 to listen

[CANV EFM]

nil nil boylan got on in the 59th minuite