2019-20 National League South

[Seventyseven]

Bet victor have released their odds.


Maidstone 6/1
Tonbridge 25/1

The pressure will be on Maidstone to beat the Angels both home and away next season... and it's a bloody long time since that happened when both playing in the same division.

Can't wait for the visiting Stone's wazzocks to lord it over the Angels at Longmead only to be silenced in injury time when Alex Teniola's successor slots home for a 1-0 win.

COYA!

 

[Aberstone]

Ross Lafayette returns to the Stones for a second spell after a handful of appearances back in 2009.

Retained:
Jonathan North
Jerome Okimo
Connor Stevens
Jake Sheppard
Danny Green
Femi Azeez

Incomings:
Reece Beckles-Richards (Wingate and Finchley)
Kavan Cotter (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Ryan Sellers (Halifax Town)
Connor Smith (Billericay Town)
Jacob Cook (Kings Langley)
Nick Arnold (Aldershot Town)
Dejon Noel-Williams (Oxford United)
Ross Lafayette (Billericay Town)
Dennon Lewis (Bromley)
Jacob Mendy (Carshalton Athletic)
Afolabi Coker (Ashford United)
Michee Efete (Billericay Town)

Outgoings:
David Pratt (Chippenham Town)
Freddie Grant (Maidenhead United)
Godfrey Poku (Woking)
Jeffrey Monakana (Dulwich Hamlet)
Christian Smith (Dulwich Hamlet)
Stefan Brown (Oxford City)
Rhys Tyler (Chippenham Town)
Simon Mensah (TBC)
Bradley Bubb (TBC)

 

[Farleigh]

The pressure will be on Maidstone to beat the Angels both home and away next season... and it's a bloody long time since that happened when both playing in the same division.

Can't wait for the visiting Stone's wazzocks to lord it over the Angels at Longmead only to be silenced in injury time when Alex Teniola's successor slots home for a 1-0 win.

COYA!

Maidstone never win Kent derbies. Apparently.

 

[Seventyseven]

Maidstone never win Kent derbies. Apparently.

....and long may that continue

 

[Magpie Mike]

Ross Lafayette returns to the Stones for a second spell after a handful of appearances back in 2009.

Retained:
Jonathan North
Jerome Okimo
Connor Stevens
Jake Sheppard
Danny Green

Incomings:
Reece Beckles-Richards (Wingate and Finchley)
Kavan Cotter (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Ryan Sellers (Halifax Town)
Connor Smith (Billericay Town)
Jacob Cook (Kings Langley)
Nick Arnold (Aldershot Town)
Dejon Noel-Williams (Oxford United)
Ross Lafayette (Billericay Town)

Outgoings:
David Pratt (Chippenham Town)
Freddie Grant (Maidenhead United)
Godfrey Poku (Woking)
Jeffrey Monakana (Dulwich Hamlet)
Christian Smith (Dulwich Hamlet)
Stefan Brown (Oxford City)
Rhys Tyler (TBC)
Simon Mensah (TBC)
Bradley Bubb (TBC)

Youve lost a few decent players here.
Always fancy Stones to do better than they do.
Could be a struggle next year?

 

[Pinner Stones]

Another youngster signed, Dennon Lewis from Bromley. Previously part of the Watford academy and had spells at Woking, Crawley and Falkrik.

 

[Aberstone]

Youve lost a few decent players here.
Always fancy Stones to do better than they do.
Could be a struggle next year?

That's us in a nutshell, perennial underachievers.

I don't think we'll be in the relegation battle (famous last words) but I believe we'll be back to our usual mid-table mediocrity this season.

Falkirk supporters are really glowing in their appraisal of Dennon Lewis - fraud is a term that comes up more than once.

 

[Stoney Ground]

Sounds like they were poor all round so an ex U23 player wasn’t going to save the world. Let’s see how he does, now he is closer to home.

 

[Aberstone]

Let's hope so, given his supposed versatility and our lack of wingers I can only assume that he'll be shifted out wide. I like the business that Brennan is doing - young, hungry local players who have a point to prove.

We still need to add a couple of defenders, another winger and a backup keeper then I believe we're set.

 

[#Beebot]

I've read that Hemel are being heavily bankrolled this year and that Alex Wall in particular is on crazy money.

 

[Pink Panther]

I've read that Hemel are being heavily bankrolled this year and that Alex Wall in particular is on crazy money.

I can't help thinking there's an element of Chinese whispers here, I take all of it with a pinch of salt. Last year Concord appeared to find a holdall full of used banknotes to fund a bigger playing budget and appointed Sammy Moore as manager. Now Hemel have appointed Sammy Moore as manager, but why do newly rich clubs want him as manager, and why did he leave Concord so abruptly? I can't help thinking he's a bit of a charlatan. Is he the new Steve King?

Moore remains a young and inexperienced manager. He's only had 2 seasons as a manager and he's on his third club already. He underachieved at Leatherhead two seasons ago with what appeared to be a top 5 budget, then walked away proclaiming a successful season and that he was ready for a bigger challenge. After one bloody season as a manager! He appears to see a club as a vehicle for his own ambitions rather than looking to integrate with those who are already there. Personally I prefer the commitment and continuity of my own club's manager Gavin Rose, who achieved 8 consecutive top 6 finishes including two promotions before last season, who has turned down numerous offers from other clubs, and who has just agreed a 3 year contract extension ahead of his eleventh season in the job.

Furthermore Moore's touchline manner and win-at-all-costs approach of his team also leaves a lot to be desired. I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt a huge amount of karma when Concord had points deducted, had to revisit Truro following a late abandonment, then got disqualified from the play-offs. Couldn't happen to a nicer bloke.

 

[Aberstone]

The Stones signed winger Jacob Mendy from Carshalton yesterday evening and from what little I've seen the guy is rapid. 22 as well so well worth taking the punt on.

 

[Aberstone]

Weymouth away on August Bank Holiday Monday, Bath away is our pre-xmas jolly and St. Albans away is on a Tuesday night. Happy with that!

Interesting to note that we've gone back to playing on Tuesday nights.

 

[Pinner Stones]

Weymouth away on August Bank Holiday Monday, Bath away is our pre-xmas jolly and St. Albans away is on a Tuesday night. Happy with that!

Interesting to note that we've gone back to playing on Tuesday nights.

Terrible decision to go back to Tuesday nights. Monday night football was a big winner in terms of gates, with little or no fall off from a Saturday.

 

[Aberstone]

Terrible decision to go back to Tuesday nights. Monday night football was a big winner in terms of gates, with little or no fall off from a Saturday.

110% agree (ha). I'd be interested to find out DB and/or SM's reasoning for the change.

 

[Aberstone]

Centre half Afolabi Coker signs from Ashford United. Never heard of him, he was on the youth books of Leeds and Norwich previously.

 

[Raymondo316]

So much for his claims that they would be living within their means

https://twitter.com/x/status/1149786663255760896

 

[Pink Panther]

So much for his claims that they would be living within their means

So much for his claims that they would be living within their means

https://twitter.com/x/status/1149786663255760896

https://twitter.com/x/status/1149786663255760896

He can spend as much as he likes, they've still got a clown pulling the strings with a mediocre yes-man as manager. He's a serial bullshitter who changes his mind every 5 minutes, we've heard it all before.

 

[Super_horns]

Sounds like they were poor all round so an ex U23 player wasn’t going to save the world. Let’s see how he does, now he is closer to home.

Probably didn't help that he accused some fans of racism....

No doubt they took offence to that .

When he is on Love island?

 

[Aberstone]

He can spend as much as he likes, they've still got a clown pulling the strings with a mediocre yes-man as manager. He's a serial bullshitter who changes his mind every 5 minutes, we've heard it all before.

The cynic in me has also noticed that they've really started to drive selling pitchside boardings so I think he's using this as a tactic to bring in more revenue for the club. Whoever it is will be a washed up pro anyway so I'm not really fussed.

On a separate note, great job from Dulwich in arranging friendlies at Chester and Marine this weekend. Not jealous at all...

Probably didn't help that he accused some fans of racism....

No doubt they took offence to that .

When he is on Love island?

He was on Love Island for less than a week in the end so made it back for a pre-season training session and has played in both of our friendlies so far.

 

[Super_horns]

He was on Love Island for less than a week in the end so made it back for a pre-season training session and has played in both of our friendlies so far.

Guess he wasn't too popular then!

Good news for you...

 

[Pink Panther]

On a separate note, great job from Dulwich in arranging friendlies at Chester and Marine this weekend. Not jealous at all...
.

We were invited by Marine as one of their 125th anniversary events, then sought a second fixture to make a weekend of it and landed Chester.

Marine's only appearance in the FA Amateur Cup Final was against the Hamlet at Upton Park in 1932, with Hamlet winning by a record score for the final of 7-1. Apparently they invited us for their centenary 25 years ago but our then chairman's response was "Well who's going to fucking pay for that!" so it never happened. Even a couple of years ago I reckon the cost of a pre-season weekend up north would have been prohibitive but the club has come a long way in recent times. (Last year's tour to Hamburg was paid for by three years' worth of fundraising events by supporters with the money ringfenced in its own bank account.)

The Amateur Cup trophy is on display at the match today and was on the pitch before kick off. Here's Hamlet President Jack Payne with the cup in the boardroom before the match:

• 
  
  

 

[Aberstone]

That's fantastic to hear, our only non-local opponents at Wembley were Boston and they don't have an anniversary coming up anytime soon. After our trip to Southport in the Trophy a couple of seasons ago I'd love to go back there for a pre-season friendly.

Back to today however, we won 3-2 at Hitchin with two goals from Ross Lafayette and a really well taken finish from youth graduate Eric Lopes. I really liked what I saw today, yes it's pre-season and results do mean squat but our transitional play was lightning compared to what I've seen previously, win the ball back deep and clever movement was giving us opportunities to counter quickly.

Billy Clifford started on trial today, a Stones supporter who's normally on the money on Nomads had him going to Aldershot (instead of Slough) a couple of weeks back. Very impressed with what I saw of him today but again I don't want to rush to conclusions.

Edit: Hitchin were awesome hosts as ever, Top Field is an absolute gem of a football ground and their cider festival was great to partake in, there must have been 50+ options available.

 

[pinknblue]

On a separate note, great job from Dulwich in arranging friendlies at Chester and Marine this weekend. Not jealous at all...

It was a fab couple of games and a lovely weekend in Liverpool. Two very friendly clubs and a delightful stay with an old friend and his family plus a visit to the Tate to see the excellent Keith Haring exhibition. Two very good performances by us (when the official squad players were on the pitch!). A 2-1 win at Chetser and 4-2 win at Marine. Some goal of the season contenders from Ade Yusuff and Ben Chapman at Marine too.

I have to say that we look very strong this year with far more leaders on the pitch while still playing Gavin Rose's brand of possession footy. I know it's only pre-season but we definitely look way stronger this year, especially in midfield, and our underbelly is no longer a soft touch. Ben Chapman is absolute quality too! I've no idea why he turned a contract down with Gillingham to come and play with us but boy what a player we've got there! Danny Mills also looks very good! Right back looks a potential issue but I'm sure Gavin will fix it.

17 signed on so far with the possibility of more to come. I'm sure PP will update at some point!

Next up is Bromley at home on Tuesday. They'll give us a stern test and a clearer picture of where we're at.

 

[Pink Panther]

Hitchin were awesome hosts as ever, Top Field is an absolute gem of a football ground and their cider festival was great to partake in, there must have been 50+ options available.

I miss our trips to Hitchin. They were regular league opponents of ours from the mid-60's onwards but it must be nearly 20 years since our last visit now. Hamlet had a memorable win there on the final day of the season in 1992 to secure promotion. I 'd love to see them promoted although they might be in danger of ending up in the North Division.

It was a fab couple of games and a lovely weekend in Liverpool. Two very friendly clubs and a delightful stay with an old friend and his family plus a visit to the Tate to see the excellent Keith Haring exhibition. Two very good performances by us (when the official squad players were on the pitch!). A 2-1 win at Chetser and 4-2 win at Marine. Some goal of the season contenders from Ade Yusuff and Ben Chapman at Marine too.

I have to say that we look very strong this year with far more leaders on the pitch while still playing Gavin Rose's brand of possession footy. I know it's only pre-season but we definitely look way stronger this year, especially in midfield, and our underbelly is no longer a soft touch. Ben Chapman is absolute quality too! I've no idea why he turned a contract down with Gillingham to come and play with us but boy what a player we've got there! Danny Mills also looks very good! Right back looks a potential issue but I'm sure Gavin will fix it.

17 signed on so far with the possibility of more to come. I'm sure PP will update at some point!

Next up is Bromley at home on Tuesday. They'll give us a stern test and a clearer picture of where we're at.

I haven't seen any of the games so far but Chapman seems to be attracting a lot of favourable comments. Gillingham were managerless when the club offered him a new contract, then shortly afterwards they appointed Steve Evans as manager.

With only 5 of last season's squad under contract plus Dipo Akinyemi I'm not getting carried away just yet. However the steady progress already made over the last 10 seasons suggests we should improve upon last season's 14th place with all its off-field issues.

 

[Raymondo316]

Tamplin announces 3 of his 4 ''big'' signings

Doug Loft from Shrewsbury
Craig Robson from Barnet
Gavin Gunning from FGR

 

[jbet]

Tamplin announces 3 of his 4 ''big'' signings

Doug Loft from Shrewsbury
Craig Robson from Barnet
Gavin Gunning from FGR

Two ex Vale players there who if asked, most of our fans would have back as squad players in our current squad.

Got to say, good signings.

 

[#Beebot]

Robson is a good signing and left mainly because he was disrupting squad harmony after embarrassing some of his teammates on social media earlier in the season.

 

[Pink Panther]

Robson is a good signing and left mainly because he was disrupting squad harmony after embarrassing some of his teammates on social media earlier in the season.

Embarrassing behaviour on social media? Easy to see why Tamplin rates him!

 

[Urban]

I really did think Robson looked like our only quality summer signing early in the season. Solid at the back, didn’t lose a header and positionally smart.

Then the whole balloon incident happened and he seems to have been the only one to come off being severely disciplined by the club. So I can only assume he reacted badly to the clubs response to this and alienated himself further, or balloon-gate was one of several discipline issues that all came to a head.

He’ll be very decent at NLS level mind. Gav Gunning though... absolute psycho that one.