Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,075
He was not a scholar because he wanted to stay at Ardingley College, however he was part of that youth team, just as a sort of non contract player.
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The Babes of Wilkins
- Thread starter Barrel of Fun
- Start date
He was not a scholar because he wanted to stay at Ardingley College, however he was part of that youth team, just as a sort of non contract player.
Captain Pugwash
Paul Kitson
Didn't Virgo refuse to sign for Wilkins and that was one of the reasons why he got the boot?
Ninja Elephant
Doctor Elephant
- Feb 16, 2009
- 18,855
Started well, but was doomed when Wilkins left.
Much like all of them, actually. As WW said, Wilkins got the best out of them. When he left, the chord was cut and the majority of them sunk rather than swam. With the notable exception of Tommy Elphick. And I'd add Tommy Fraser to that aswell, he might be playing in a league below us (at a club who might still get promoted), but he's playing at a good standard at a good club.. and he's their captain aswell. I know they're not exactly in love with him (have we always loved El-Abd? I rest my case.), but that doesn't mean he's not an important team player.
Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,075
Started well, but was doomed when Wilkins left.
Much like all of them, actually. As WW said, Wilkins got the best out of them. When he left, the chord was cut and the majority of them sunk rather than swam. With the notable exception of Tommy Elphick. And I'd add Tommy Fraser to that aswell, he might be playing in a league below us (at a club who might still get promoted), but he's playing at a good standard at a good club.. and he's their captain aswell. I know they're not exactly in love with him (have we always loved El-Abd? I rest my case.), but that doesn't mean he's not an important team player.
Fogden did not really do anything, he always look too light weight when he played.
a perfectly reasonable view
It could be considered "rounded" if it also included references to poor man management and undermining the club hierarchy...........but hey, let's move on
I chose not to mention the unprofessionalism of some irrelevant players and the strange insistence of the chairman to involve himself in the retention or releasing of certain players
But as you rightly said we and the club have moved on, neither those players or that Chairman play a major role within the club.
That is true but at an age of say 17/18 he would be one of Wilkins charges, just as Grant Hall who came in a little later and was signed pro terms this season is still a youth team player and guided by the current youth team staff.
Common as Mook
Not Posh as Fook
- Jul 26, 2004
- 5,642
A certain Joe Gatting was playing and scoring alongside Bas Savage as well
severnside gull
Well-known member
was Sam Rents one of "them"?
I quite rated him altough he has not set the world alight since leaving
I quite rated him altough he has not set the world alight since leaving
Do your 'near relegation' seasons include the first under Wilkins?
Dave the OAP
Well-known member
I tend to agree. I think it is a sad inditement of our club that the only youngster to have come through and made it is Tommy Elphic ( and Adam El Abd)
Can anyone else thing of anyone who is at a higher standard of football than lower half of the third division who has been through our youth set up ( Apart from hammond and Harding)
Can anyone else thing of anyone who is at a higher standard of football than lower half of the third division who has been through our youth set up ( Apart from hammond and Harding)
Barrel of Fun
Abort, retry, fail
- Thread starter
- #32
I was reporting it as a god thing. We had a team that survived in the Championship and League One with homegrown talent, when we could ill afford to spend sums of money.
Virgo only came later because he wanted to do his A-levels and finish at Ardingly.
El Pres, the near relegation was an achievement in its own. We had a leading line of Hart, Robinson, Revell and Gatting. Where were the goals going to come from? Not forgetting to mention losing a whole hoard of influential players that had carried us for much of the decade. Tricky first season for an experienced manager, let alone a rookie.
Virgo only came later because he wanted to do his A-levels and finish at Ardingly.
El Pres, the near relegation was an achievement in its own. We had a leading line of Hart, Robinson, Revell and Gatting. Where were the goals going to come from? Not forgetting to mention losing a whole hoard of influential players that had carried us for much of the decade. Tricky first season for an experienced manager, let alone a rookie.
severnside gull
Well-known member
I chose not to mention the unprofessionalism of some irrelevant players and the strange insistence of the chairman to involve himself in the retention or releasing of certain players
But as you rightly said we and the club have moved on, neither those players or that Chairman play a major role within the club.
fair play to you
If you wish to again find a negative slant on Wilkins reign then yes, use that, but to be consistent you would offer that interpretation to every other manager since his dismissal including our current manager, whilst not emulating Wilkins 7th finish.
You may wish to factor in the relative riches given to those managers to improve their playing squads and again it adds to Wilkins achievements.
So it holds very little weight as an argument to dismiss the positives of that period, especially when achieved with so many local youngsters.
It seemed sufficient reason for Magoo to get the sack though...
err.......ok, can you remind me what those positives and achievements were?
Lord Bracknell
On fire
That lad on Brighton beach with a seagull on his head?
D
Deleted member 2719
Guest
What did Wilkins ever do to you because you constantly slag him off?
Your kiddin' me ....... you may not particularly be a fan but be reasonable.
Delivering 7th finish within quite significant financial constraints, probably the wage bill has at least quadrupled and we still havent made mid table.
25 Players came through the system and made their 1st team debuts.
Players sold who came through the system:
Virgo £1, 500, 000
Harding £800, 000
Hammond £250, 000
2006:Took youth team to the 6th round of FA Youth Cup, first time in clubs history.
Playing career whilst at BHAFC
1987 - 1996 Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Total Appearances: 330 + 28 Goals
Promotion 87-88 from old Div. 3 to old Div 2
Captained side to play off final 1990 - 1991 (Wembley Stadium)