News archive
18/11/10
More injuries and suspensions
The situation just gets worse for EAFC manager Paul Shaw with the latest round of injuries and suspensions. In addition to Steve Arnold, Mark Barber, Andrew Markham, and the suspended Ian Pugh, midfielder Luke Deakin is now added to the treatment table and will be out for 3 weeks with a hamstring injury, while another midfielder Wayne Newman will be absent for 3 weeks due to work commitments. To compound matters Johaine Thompson has also received a 5 week ban which will start on 6th December, ironically the same day Ian Pugh becomes eligible to return, although he too is currently injured. Shaw was, as ever, philosophical about the situation, saying: “I’m not one for excuses. One of the main reasons we have a reserve team is to cater for this exact situation. I am also talking to a few players at the moment and with players being out it means I can offer them instant first team football. Every cloud has a silver lining, it’s just a matter of converting it into reality.”
The situation just gets worse for EAFC manager Paul Shaw with the latest round of injuries and suspensions. In addition to Steve Arnold, Mark Barber, Andrew Markham, and the suspended Ian Pugh, midfielder Luke Deakin is now added to the treatment table and will be out for 3 weeks with a hamstring injury, while another midfielder Wayne Newman will be absent for 3 weeks due to work commitments. To compound matters Johaine Thompson has also received a 5 week ban which will start on 6th December, ironically the same day Ian Pugh becomes eligible to return, although he too is currently injured. Shaw was, as ever, philosophical about the situation, saying: “I’m not one for excuses. One of the main reasons we have a reserve team is to cater for this exact situation. I am also talking to a few players at the moment and with players being out it means I can offer them instant first team football. Every cloud has a silver lining, it’s just a matter of converting it into reality.”
13/11/10
Erdington to play Glascote Swifts in the FA Sunday Vase
Erdington will open their Sunday Vase campaign against Glascote Swifts of the Tamworth and District Sunday League on Sunday 21st Nov. Glascote Swifts, formed in 1971, will provide a stern test for EAFC, in the match to be played in Amington, Tamworth. Please contact us for further details if you want to come and cheers us on! The Vase is the most prestigious competition EAFC take part in every year, and includes teams from all the local Sunday Premier leagues from around the West Midlands.
Erdington will open their Sunday Vase campaign against Glascote Swifts of the Tamworth and District Sunday League on Sunday 21st Nov. Glascote Swifts, formed in 1971, will provide a stern test for EAFC, in the match to be played in Amington, Tamworth. Please contact us for further details if you want to come and cheers us on! The Vase is the most prestigious competition EAFC take part in every year, and includes teams from all the local Sunday Premier leagues from around the West Midlands.
12/11/10
Fred grabs goal milestone for EAFC Reserves!
It was fitting for the Reserves that a club legend scored the 100th goal in the history of EAFC reserves. When Stephen Fred Parker scored the second goal v Dresden Malt Shovel a week ago, he became the scorer of the EAFC Reserves 100th goal, since its formation in summer 2008. Fred, second place on the All Time Goals Chart, was the first EAFC player to reach 100 goals for the club back in 2004, and he retired soon after. After the odd cameo appearance last season, Fred has recently returned to EAFC to play for the reserves full time, along with fellow ex EAFC first team star player (circa 2001!) Craig Brooks, and both have made an excellent instant impact on the side, both scoring in both games since their return.Fred grabs goal milestone for EAFC Reserves!
It was fitting for the Reserves that a club legend scored the 100th goal in the history of EAFC reserves. When Stephen Fred Parker scored the second goal v Dresden Malt Shovel a week ago, he became the scorer of the EAFC Reserves 100th goal, since its formation in summer 2008. Fred, second place on the All Time Goals Chart, was the first EAFC player to reach 100 goals for the club back in 2004, and he retired soon after. After the odd cameo appearance last season, Fred has recently returned to EAFC to play for the reserves full time, along with fellow ex EAFC first team star player (circa 2001!) Craig Brooks, and both have made an excellent instant impact on the side, both scoring in both games since their return.Fred grabs goal milestone for EAFC Reserves!
12/11/10
Stats update!
Andrew Markham's 2 goals v JDFC has put him level with Lee Byrnes in the All Time Goals Chart! Markham skillfully (!) deflected a Baz Thompson shot into the net for his first, and won and scored a penalty for his second, in his final match before going under the surgeons knife, Lee and Andrew are now joint 8th on 28 goals each. Hope this news gives you a boost as you start your recovery Andrew!
Andrew Markham's 2 goals v JDFC has put him level with Lee Byrnes in the All Time Goals Chart! Markham skillfully (!) deflected a Baz Thompson shot into the net for his first, and won and scored a penalty for his second, in his final match before going under the surgeons knife, Lee and Andrew are now joint 8th on 28 goals each. Hope this news gives you a boost as you start your recovery Andrew!
11/11/10
Deano moving on up
Dean Campbell's recent fine run of goal scoring form has elevated him to 11th place in the All Time Goal Rankings. Recent important strikes at Pheasey and Hardwick Arms (his 23rd and 24th goals) have moved him past EAFC legend Mark Phelps, and Deano will now be hunting down his mate Mark Barber's 26 goal total! Well done Deano!
Dean Campbell's recent fine run of goal scoring form has elevated him to 11th place in the All Time Goal Rankings. Recent important strikes at Pheasey and Hardwick Arms (his 23rd and 24th goals) have moved him past EAFC legend Mark Phelps, and Deano will now be hunting down his mate Mark Barber's 26 goal total! Well done Deano!
11/11/10
Daniel "Rusek" Michalowski - Super Sub Appearance
Reserve striker Daniel "Rusek" Michalowski made the most of a late substitute appearance for the first team v JDFC on Sunday, scoring 2 well taken goals, and giving him the sought after honour of being EAFC's 69th different goal-scorer in history (not including own-goals)! The list dates back to Erdington AFC's first ever goal, scored by Andy Newman away at Foley Arms in September 1996. The full list can be found on the All Time Goals download on the Stats section of the website.
Reserve striker Daniel "Rusek" Michalowski made the most of a late substitute appearance for the first team v JDFC on Sunday, scoring 2 well taken goals, and giving him the sought after honour of being EAFC's 69th different goal-scorer in history (not including own-goals)! The list dates back to Erdington AFC's first ever goal, scored by Andy Newman away at Foley Arms in September 1996. The full list can be found on the All Time Goals download on the Stats section of the website.
10/11/10
DVDs available
40 minute extended highlights of EAFC's massive 'friendly' match v former captain Luke Farrington's team back in August, A Mark Barber master-class, a 3-1 win for EAFC, many funny moments, plenty of slow-mo replays of Farrington getting skinned, a very good watch! DVDs cost £5 to buy, and can be rented aswell for a nominal fee. Please e-mail 'feedback' if you want to order a copy.
Mansell Cup Final 2010 - Full Match and build up/half time chat, semi final highlights, etc etc. 2 disk set, £6 to buy. EAFC were 3-0 down at half time but gave an excellent performance in the second half under the floodlights at Sutton Town to do themselves proud, and the final score of 4-1 flattered Hardwick Arms.
40 minute extended highlights of EAFC's massive 'friendly' match v former captain Luke Farrington's team back in August, A Mark Barber master-class, a 3-1 win for EAFC, many funny moments, plenty of slow-mo replays of Farrington getting skinned, a very good watch! DVDs cost £5 to buy, and can be rented aswell for a nominal fee. Please e-mail 'feedback' if you want to order a copy.
Mansell Cup Final 2010 - Full Match and build up/half time chat, semi final highlights, etc etc. 2 disk set, £6 to buy. EAFC were 3-0 down at half time but gave an excellent performance in the second half under the floodlights at Sutton Town to do themselves proud, and the final score of 4-1 flattered Hardwick Arms.
04/11/10
Steve Arnold - Injured
Erdington’s injury jinx has struck again with the news that goalkeeper Steve Arnold will be absent for at least 4 weeks following an injury sustained at Hardwick Arms on Sunday. Erdington fought back from 3-1 down to claim a valuable point against the side who beat them in the Mansell Cup final last season, but the injury to the highly rated goalkeeper took the gloss off the performance. Arnold fell awkwardly after making a save, causing a hairline fracture of the collar bone. Erdington can look to reserve keepers James Woodward and Tomasz Dacz to get them through the month. “Steve wins us points on his own at times; I don’t think that’s any secret. If you talk to other managers in the league, the one thing they are all consistent in saying about Erdington is that we have a tremendous goalkeeper. Although now we might give the reserve lads a chance to impress.”
Erdington’s injury jinx has struck again with the news that goalkeeper Steve Arnold will be absent for at least 4 weeks following an injury sustained at Hardwick Arms on Sunday. Erdington fought back from 3-1 down to claim a valuable point against the side who beat them in the Mansell Cup final last season, but the injury to the highly rated goalkeeper took the gloss off the performance. Arnold fell awkwardly after making a save, causing a hairline fracture of the collar bone. Erdington can look to reserve keepers James Woodward and Tomasz Dacz to get them through the month. “Steve wins us points on his own at times; I don’t think that’s any secret. If you talk to other managers in the league, the one thing they are all consistent in saying about Erdington is that we have a tremendous goalkeeper. Although now we might give the reserve lads a chance to impress.”
25/10/10
Shaw: we must overcome fear factor
Paul Shaw believes his side must overcome the fear factor if they are to continue their rise up the Premier division table. The EAFC boss was reflecting on another missed opportunity after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Pheasey. A Dean Campbell goal had given a dominant Erdington a 78th minute lead, only for Pheasey to draw level with 3 minutes to go. It is not the first time Erdington have thrown games away this season, leading 2-0 at Sutton Gate earlier in the month, only to lose 3-2.
"We seem to be fearful of giving something away once we have something to lose" Shaw said. "We are playing good football at 0-0, but once we go ahead we are letting teams back into the game and playing with fear. That shows that we lack confidence; we are trying to protect something when we don't need to. After taking the lead on Sunday we should have gone on to win 2 or 3 nil, but we sat back and they had a spell and ultimately scored. It comes from confidence and that is growing, but we have to not fear failure and go out and make things happen."
Paul Shaw believes his side must overcome the fear factor if they are to continue their rise up the Premier division table. The EAFC boss was reflecting on another missed opportunity after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Pheasey. A Dean Campbell goal had given a dominant Erdington a 78th minute lead, only for Pheasey to draw level with 3 minutes to go. It is not the first time Erdington have thrown games away this season, leading 2-0 at Sutton Gate earlier in the month, only to lose 3-2.
"We seem to be fearful of giving something away once we have something to lose" Shaw said. "We are playing good football at 0-0, but once we go ahead we are letting teams back into the game and playing with fear. That shows that we lack confidence; we are trying to protect something when we don't need to. After taking the lead on Sunday we should have gone on to win 2 or 3 nil, but we sat back and they had a spell and ultimately scored. It comes from confidence and that is growing, but we have to not fear failure and go out and make things happen."
25/10/10
Injuries and suspension
Paul Shaw has re-affirmed his intention to add quality to the squad in the coming weeks, after a speight of injuries and a forthcoming suspension. On possible new signings, Shaw said "extra experience on the pitch means those on a learning curve get there so much quicker. I hope to have a couple of players tied up in time for Hardwick next Sunday. That will be a tough game and we owe them one from the cup final last year. They have been going well though and we are well aware of the need to be at our best."
Shaw revealed that the 5 week suspension faced by striker Ian Pugh, together with the imminent operation faced by Andrew Markham have had an impact on his immediate plans for expanding the squad. "With Pughy, on the one hand it gives me an opportunity to get Deano (Dean Campbell) back where he wants to play and where he is best. However he has done very well at right midfield recently, so moving him will leave a bit of a hole in terms of quality on the ball from wide areas." Pugh will be available for the game against Hardwick Arms and will then be sidelined up to and including 5th December.
Meanwhile EAFC veteran Markham will face a lengthy lay off after groin surgery. Shaw said "We have known about Andrew's situation for a while and know we will have to find a replacement. I hope to have that sorted out by Tuesday night." Both centre backs are also looking like requiring surgery, with Liam Irons (knee) and Adam Williams (hernia) both struggling through games, but Shaw hopes that can be delayed until later in the season. "Right now we need them, so I just hope they can soldier on until I can turn my attention to centre backs. I'd like a natural left back as well, but any that are good enough are like gold dust at this level! You can see how many players I want ideally, but it's about getting the right characters as well as the right ability. We have a great team spirit here and we don't want to ruin that by bringing in any 'big time charlies', however tempting they might be ability-wise."
Paul Shaw has re-affirmed his intention to add quality to the squad in the coming weeks, after a speight of injuries and a forthcoming suspension. On possible new signings, Shaw said "extra experience on the pitch means those on a learning curve get there so much quicker. I hope to have a couple of players tied up in time for Hardwick next Sunday. That will be a tough game and we owe them one from the cup final last year. They have been going well though and we are well aware of the need to be at our best."
Shaw revealed that the 5 week suspension faced by striker Ian Pugh, together with the imminent operation faced by Andrew Markham have had an impact on his immediate plans for expanding the squad. "With Pughy, on the one hand it gives me an opportunity to get Deano (Dean Campbell) back where he wants to play and where he is best. However he has done very well at right midfield recently, so moving him will leave a bit of a hole in terms of quality on the ball from wide areas." Pugh will be available for the game against Hardwick Arms and will then be sidelined up to and including 5th December.
Meanwhile EAFC veteran Markham will face a lengthy lay off after groin surgery. Shaw said "We have known about Andrew's situation for a while and know we will have to find a replacement. I hope to have that sorted out by Tuesday night." Both centre backs are also looking like requiring surgery, with Liam Irons (knee) and Adam Williams (hernia) both struggling through games, but Shaw hopes that can be delayed until later in the season. "Right now we need them, so I just hope they can soldier on until I can turn my attention to centre backs. I'd like a natural left back as well, but any that are good enough are like gold dust at this level! You can see how many players I want ideally, but it's about getting the right characters as well as the right ability. We have a great team spirit here and we don't want to ruin that by bringing in any 'big time charlies', however tempting they might be ability-wise."
25/10/10
Mark Hield
Central defender Mark Hield has joined Midland Combination side Enville. Of the defender's exit, Shaw said, "he was finding the travelling increasingly difficult and has managed to move up a couple of levels, as well as getting a club closer to his home. I wish him all the best, I never mind seeing a player move upwards." The EAFC Manager singled out Liam Irons as someone he hopes will take the opportunity created by Hield's departure. Shaw said "Liam has done really well since coming out of the Reserves this season. That's one of the things the Reserve team is for, to enable people to get fit enough to play for the first team; in Liam's case that's all that was missing when he joined us and Hieldy's departure has given him his chance."
Central defender Mark Hield has joined Midland Combination side Enville. Of the defender's exit, Shaw said, "he was finding the travelling increasingly difficult and has managed to move up a couple of levels, as well as getting a club closer to his home. I wish him all the best, I never mind seeing a player move upwards." The EAFC Manager singled out Liam Irons as someone he hopes will take the opportunity created by Hield's departure. Shaw said "Liam has done really well since coming out of the Reserves this season. That's one of the things the Reserve team is for, to enable people to get fit enough to play for the first team; in Liam's case that's all that was missing when he joined us and Hieldy's departure has given him his chance."
08/10/10
Johaine Thompson - New signing
EAFC have responded to the loss of Mark Barber by signing Johaine ‘Baz’ Thompson. Following the news that Barber, who has ruptured a cruciate ligament, will be out for the entire season, manager Paul Shaw decided there was no time to waste. “Baz will be a big asset to us; he is quick and strong, and knows where the goal is. For one reason or another we have tried to develop less experienced players over the last few seasons, but the premier division is an unforgiving place at times and we want to be winning things again. Things are going well off the pitch and we have two new sponsorship deals in place. This will not be our last signing over the next few weeks. It’s time to make things happen here again and we are hoping Baz might open a few doors for us.”
EAFC have responded to the loss of Mark Barber by signing Johaine ‘Baz’ Thompson. Following the news that Barber, who has ruptured a cruciate ligament, will be out for the entire season, manager Paul Shaw decided there was no time to waste. “Baz will be a big asset to us; he is quick and strong, and knows where the goal is. For one reason or another we have tried to develop less experienced players over the last few seasons, but the premier division is an unforgiving place at times and we want to be winning things again. Things are going well off the pitch and we have two new sponsorship deals in place. This will not be our last signing over the next few weeks. It’s time to make things happen here again and we are hoping Baz might open a few doors for us.”
