Billericay Town (my view)

[baz0hara]

Firstly, i would just like to say that i live in billericay and used to play for Town as a youth player 11-16. Recently i have found myself attracted to the idea of watching the mens team on a (fairly) regular basis and have ended up going to visit new lodge probably around 15 times since last christmas. I know this is sad and probably against everything that you "die hard" supporters believe in, but i have been feeling a bit disheartened this year now the results are not going our way, don't get me wrong loyalty is not the problem, it is the simple fact that the last couple of games i have seen imo have not equated to £8 of value. I have come here today to see if any you regulars have similar views? And whether you can fill in some blanks You guys seem to be fairly open to debate so I thought I would throw in my two cents.

 

Current Team

Goalkeeper – I fully appreciate that a good goalkeeper is hard to come by and to be honest the last game I watched (W&F) when dale was in goal he did not have too much to do so I don’t know whether he is up to the challenge (current threads suggest he is not though). I have no doubt when I say “what I have seen from Mel has just not been good enough”, I am making this judgement based on the fact that other goalkeepers from other teams have come to new lodge and looked a class above him, there is nothing more frustrating than a goalkeeper that can't kick! If I was a manager I would do all I could to ensure my goalkeeper was one of the best in the division because I see them as making the biggest difference to a team position for position.

 

Defence – I have to say I agree that Ricky Dobson did not look good enough as lot of you did too, no offence to him because I don’t think he has done anything in particular, he just does not seem to have the abiltity to deal with strikers from this division. Pat and Robin look strong, both very good in the air (esp pat) and more than anything else well organised, i like this partnership. Macsweeney looks solid and consistent and it is clear why he appears to be a fans favourite. I am a little concerned about the left back position because although I agree with a lot of the statements saying Kerrigan has performed well this season, his ability does look limited to me if the team want to progress. Is Ben Price still at the club? Imo the defence looks good enough to match last years achievements now Robin is back.

 

Midfield – I think Leon & Ross have both improved from last year, especially Ross, although he did not get many games at the end of last season. These two are very important but I think they have not been supported well by other members of the midfield. Scott Parker was undoubtedly a player playing below his level, but I don’t think getting players in like him for a short period is of any benefit, did anyone really think he looked like he really cared if the team won? Leon is crying out for someone of Parkers ability to play with him, just not his attitude. This is paramount to Billericay getting promoted imo. I think Matt Game is our best alternative at present, has a good touch and a good range of passing, I see him as a good, versatile, squad player. From what I saw of Simmons in the last game I don’t think he is good enough, impossible to judge after one game though. Neil Cousins impressed me in one of the first games I saw when he missed a couple of sitters versus Stevenage or was it Exeter? Can’t remember. I could never understand why he did not play more, he just looks dangerous whenever he gets the ball. At present he is the only player I can see doing a good job out wide (and ross). My main frustration is George, I don’t want to go in to it, but I have not seen him contribute anything to the team at all, all season, has anyone else? Must do something in training though??? Bourne looks dangerous with his pace, but I don’t know if he is technically good enough again hard to judge. Lastly Dormer the skipper looks a good player, but I am not sure if he should play out wide as much as he does, but is he good enough in the centre? What has happened to him this year? I have read he played and got injured on Sat, was he injured before I have not seen him all season? I think the midfield looks a lot weaker than last year and for this reason the team has been seeing the effects in their results. The loss of Dormer (injury) and Forbes has been a problem.

 

Forwards – I did not see Hockton last year, but his record speaks for itself. I just hope that he can recapture his form because it seems clear that on this seasons display he would not get close to his goalscoring ratio of last. I hope his hamstring is not serious. I know this is a bit drastic but Nathan reminds me of Drogba, strong, determined, good in the air and very pacey. In my opinion if Hockton can get back to form then ability wise there is no reason why they can’t emulate the partnership of Armstrong and Nathan at the end of last year. Can they play together though? Is Armstrong getting a game at crawley town, I thought he was a fantastic player, why did he leave? Poole is scoring goals, my first impressions was he would not be any good I don’t know why? I am glad he seems to be proving me wrong, I am keen to see his performance against Chelmsford.

 

Conclusion – I think it is clear that changes need to be made to build on last years performance the team has clearly struggled. After Edinburgh’s statement it seems he thinks so too and I think this is backed up by the releasing of Thommo who was terrible at best when I saw him at CM. Making a statement is easy, Edinburgh has just got to do it now! I really hope he can bring in some players that clearly look like they will improve the team. Does anyone know why we don’t do the criss-cross runs for throw ins anymore? I thought that was a real success.

 

Apologies if I have offended anyone with this, I just though you might be interested in another opinion from (I like to think) a fairly unbiased source. I know there are a lot of question marks, but if someone of better knowledge around the club could fill anything in for me I would greatly appreciate it. This is just my opinion <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[The Town Crier]

Living in Billericay isn’t sad, it's a very nice area. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 

You make some valid points, and I'm sure most of the fans, officials and Management share some of your views.

 

As your assessment is based on approx a year’s viewing "Exeter or Stevenage" I find your statement that all the keepers you have seen are “a class above Mel Cappleton”. Some what strange. Hie performance Vs Fisher, Walton and St Margretsbury were not good this season but apart from that ....

 

You speak of George as if you know him well?, and pass a somewhat harsh judgment. He has only started one League game for us, Not an inspiring game I will admit, and his few subs appearances have not been to his usual standard. Maybe because he missed a lot of pre season with mumps, or maybe at 19 he's not the player he was at 17, only time will tell.

I'm sure he would get a game if he left us though...eh? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

"Imo the defence looks good enough to match last year’s achievements now Robin is back" ...Lets hope so.

 

Nathan reminds you of Drogba, so I guess he's ok, and yes Danny Hockton's record

does speak for itself. I think Tom Poole will continue to surprise a lot of people.,

Which game was it that gave you that first impression "he would not be any good"? Perhaps it was because he, as is John Simmons, are of an age which qualifies them to play in this seasons U18s

 

Ross has done well this season, but then last season he was not a midfielder. This new wing position does seem to suit him though.

 

 

John Simmons.

I agree, its difficult to judge one of our Under 18s when you’ve seen him in just a single appearance for the first team.

 

To loose a Captain will be a blow for any team.

 

Steve Forbes never really did it for us last season, and he wasn’t the fans favourite, but to be fair to him ,he did miss all pre season and more through injury.

 

It has been a disappointing season so far, I doubt you will get anyone to disagree with that. We hope to improve!

 

As for the £8- , well I don't think you can get a lot for £8- these days, and I'm sure the fans of St Margretsbury Fisher Maldon and the like were very pleased with the entertainment they got for 8 quid. It just depends on the result.

 

I would fully accept a home supporter being upset with a loss or draw after being 2 up at half time even if it were just a £1 entry (which it is for some)

A loss is bad...a win is good regardless of the entry price.

 

If you really are looking for an opinion form an unbiased source, why post on our forum? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[baz0hara]

Thank you for replying i have just read my post and realised that perhaps it is coming across as a mass criticism, that was not my intention. I think what i am trying to say is that i am disapointed that the team is not doing as well as i hoped it would, it comes with the territory i guess <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Some decisions are hard to understand when you don't know the reasons behind them, i was simply just trying to find out.

 

I was at the walton and fisher games, unfortunately Mel did not play well but i think the signs were there before. I like to have a keeper that feels safe and some other teams seem to have keepers that emulate that feeling (i am sure they have bad days too.. ). Some of the decision making doesn't seem right and I think the third goal against fisher has been a long while waiting to happen. I also find his kicking very frustrating, he seems to slice every other kick and many times this leads to pressure going straight back on the defence. I feel for him as a goalkeeper because it does not matter how many great saves you make, it is the mistakes that you get remebered for. I just feel that given the level of football in the league a team looking for promotion should have better quality in that department. Where would you place Mel in the pecking order if you had to pick a ryman XI? First choice <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Perhaps I have been unlucky and managed to not turn up for his better days, has he made any point saving displays recently?

 

I don't know george well at all, i think i have seen two starts and one sub appearence and once for chelmsford last season, but i honestly cannot think of anything in any of them games which added any value. In the games in question he looked to struggle to keep up with play and looked almost lost. You say his usual standard? Has he put in some good performances? Did you see him playing for chelmsford last year in many games? where was he at 17? I hope he comes good

 

Tom Poole, when he came on for hockton against (W&F), i thought i don't know about this .. i know he scored straight away and it was a very good finish but at the end of the match i was not thinking "he looked really good" i was thinking "i hope hockton is not going to be out for long". To my surprise though, i have read that he has got another couple of goals and played well, so he must be doing something right. As i said i am now looking forward to seeing him versus chelmsford on Tuesday. how has he been playing in the last couple of games? Has he been linking up well with some flick ons from Nathan?

 

There are many positive things about Billericay and I think the most important one to mention is the style and quality of football that has been played over the last year. A typical non league team can easily play a solid 3-5-2 and rely on route one methods, but generally i find Billericay to play good football which is extremely pleasing to watch. When i talk about value i am talking about this good football makes paying £8 worth it. It is the lack of this lately that is making me downhearted.

 

I agree that even though fisher won easily it was very entertaining. I thought hearn had a good match (too much for hunter and parker), steve watts linked up the play extremely well and griffith was dangerous and gave us problems all match. I would pay the £8 again, my point is i don't want to go and watch billericay and rely on the opposition to provide the entertainment!

 

Again thanks for the reply, appreciated.

[The Town Crier]

You clearly have a good knowledge of non-league and its players.

 

I'm glad I could be of some help!

[Tom_smalleyBTFC]

Im going to post a really biased opinion about john simmons as ive known him since he was about 10! we played together all through unders 11s - 15's and for the first year and half of his football career he sat on the bench and came on time to time (we played for a team that won league/came second year after year)He would then train for 3/4 hours a night after school improving daily til he got into our sunday league team and school team and begun to shine! Give him the chance and he will take it like svens takes the chance to get in bed with a secretary! He easily posses the talent to become the "best" player in the squad and move onto league football! i think he is wasted on the bench!

 

but like i said! this i a biased opinion, but its what i truely think!

[Simon BTFC]

I suppose one aspect of the Dorms injury is that it presents an opportunity for the likes of Simmo, Lay and Bourne to make a name for themselves on the wing. Simmon was unlucky in that he had a good pre-season but then got injured and missed the start of the league season.

[Keith.P]

What's your form like these days Tom ? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[Tom_smalleyBTFC]

i play for a team that concides anywhere between 5-11 goals each week and fails to reply :S :S!!

 

But hey we won a game already this season and have scored 5 goals! conceded 28 but never mind!

 

but i know if we were 2-0 up at half time we would play for our lifes to keep it!