Friendlies? Signings? Departures?

[doctorhiston]

Well done to all involved in the signings, its been a while since we have had such positive news so early on, look forward to the rest of the squad being announced and seeing how they perform in the friendlies

[cliveh]

Very pleased to read that Danny Rumens has signed on again for the new season.
I read one or two disparaging comments about the lad last season, which I didn't agree with. I reckon that the Key/Rumens pairing looked stronger as the season progressed. Both under 20 years old I think. To be playing at SLP level at their age and looking good at it is rare, especially in central defence.

[cliveh]

Spotted a Peter Clarke having played for St Neots in a friendly v Stanway Rovers

[ewstute]

Would hope if he were to leave that he'd go somewhere better than them.

Having a nose around, a John Beck seems to be involved with them. Peter Clark wouldn't fit in there with him, long ball is not his style.

[cliveh]

Think you're being disrespectful to John Beck, ewstute.
There is far more than the alleged long ball to his talents.
His wide coaching abilities and vision are well recognised by the FA and many others.
St Neots are going places and would be a good club for any young lad.

[ewstute]

Not questioning his coaching ability etc. His playing style was most definitely direct, long ball. It worked. Peter Clark may not suit that.

St Neots are being bank rolled by their chairman. If he pulls out or something happens they'd be in trouble. He blatantly threw money at promotion last season and it didn't work out. Last season at the Glassworld they played very direct, most players 6 foot odd. They would suit Becks style of play. Effective, but very boring non-league.

[histonne]

I think he lives in St Neots so it's likely it was him. A real shame for us as he's a proper talented footballer! Our loss their gain.
Not sure why we're getting all fussed by the long ball game though as god knows we did enough of it last season given the number of 'hoofball' references that were made.
Thought he was one of our contracted players, like Ash, so what happened there??
So looks like we've lost him but what about the others - Ryan Auger, Nick, Eugene and has Geoff Mitchell taken the offer he has had?
If we lose them all Brian will have his work cut out.
Must agree with cliveh though about John Beck, love him or hate him, it will be an education for the lad.

[cliveh]

Look into St Neots Town FC a little more carefully ewstute
They have a wage structure that is not exceeded. Players have left and players have not joined due to that rigidity.
Yes, I expect Mr Kearns holds all the aces, as does virtually every Chairman of a football club. Look at Cambridge City for instance. Where would they be without the Satchell money. Two guesses. It's the same wherever you look. It's why so many clubs go bust.
But there are good Chairmen and bad Chairmen. It is not necessarily the case that those with money are not good and loyal Chairmen.
As regards Peter Clarke, I think he is a real talent. Far too good for the SLP in the medium to long term. But if he couldn't stake a regular starting place at Histon, will he at St Neots? If it is him trialling there, it's not certain they'll take him on. So, personally, I really hope he is at Bridge Road this season.

[cliveh]

Also, I think a lot of fans get carried away with the passing game.
Yes, it's good to watch, but it can be boring, if overdone. Twenty passes and not a yard closer to the opponent's goal. Is that good?
There is always a place for route one play, and it makes for end to end stuff which all fans love. The real coach will incorporate all styles, all formations, and all tactics. As a player, John Beck was a stylish midfielder. Fans should not mistake him, as many seem to, as a one trick pony. He was a master tactician. Was? Sorry, Is.
I would love to be a young player learning the game from John Beck's viewpoint, honestly.

[ewstute]

Again, I'm not questioning Beck as a coach, it's his playing style. Those of us old enough to remember his time at Cambridge Utd and all that went on there. Whilst it worked for awhile there, they received a lot of criticism and it wasn't great to watch.

Personally the hoofball stuff I didn't like because when the team had the ball on the floor they looked dangerous and played well.

The 100k the chairman puts in a year probably helps them chase the dream.

[hammers]

I have to say, Clive you speak more sense than anyone else who posts on here!! There is a good reason the FA employ Beck to Yeach coaches. I watched as he taught Mitchell King defend, Mat had been around the clubs at Histon level, but ended up in the football league, many other (inc, NatKP) benefited greatly under him. Whilst I agree that his long ball tactics were.nt pretty, he always MADE THE MOST of what he had to use. That was/ is his skill, getting results with what he had available. No use playing open football if you are going to get torn apart. I for one, wish he had stayed at Histon in some capacity, because he would have still influenced the team, even if he was tea lady. Brian Page (great) could still learn an awful lot from JB.

[cliveh]

I've been around a long time hammers and look at everything with an open mind. Thanks for your comment.
Everyone has something to learn. No one has the definitive answer. John Beck is, and still is, I'm certain, innovative.
St Neots will gain from his association, believe me.

[cliveh]

Went to St Neots today. Watched a very interesting and entertaining game.
Peter Clarke & Nick Freeman both played 2nd half for the Saints.
Bedford next Saturday with the Stutes.

[hfc08stutes]

Went to Saf Waldon today. Was a fairly scrappy performance against what one walden fan told me was a depleted team. Struggled to get any rhythm to our play and didn't try and hold onto the ball long enough. Think we were looking to go long to smudge with salim playing off him but that didn't really work today. Second half sorta went the same way until changes were made which surprisingly improved the half's performance but only marginally. I'm sure the lads are still a bit rusty and you can't really look into these games too much but I do hope we sharpen up soon as it would be good to go into the first game of the season with a few positive results and more importantly some good performances under our belt. Stand out performers, Sal was a handful today and was good on the ball, smudge looked like he'll provide good physical presence upfront and Rogan played well at right back in the second half. Also our number 11 who I think may have been Nicholson looked a neat player with good attacking potential.

So onto Wisbeach we go where hopefully we start to hit our stride a little more !

[cliveh]

hfc, reckon No11 might well have been Jordan Nicholson(Joey). That's where he plays.
I watched this lad, then 17, destroy Wisbech Town in the CIC for City about 4 years ago.
Never given a chance by the manager there, lost confidence, drifted, ended up at Eynesbury Rovers, and resurrected his career. Scored 20+ last season and found his way onto Brian Page's radar.
Wonderful left peg, pace, crosser of the ball, a trick or two, and goals in him. Hope I'm not wrong, but think he'll cut it in the improved SLP this season.