The Best And The Worst

Last year during the tournament to mark our 15th anniversary, I chatted to one or two Accies about how I really wanted our club to be more than just a football team.  I've watched how our regular oppo Wanderers FC are run and, though I would never have sufficient spare time for the kinds of community work they do, I still felt as a collective we should be able to do something for charity or be something extra-special as we move into the latter part of our second decade as a club.  Not to do so seemed like a waste of the enthusiasm and talent at our disposal.

Graham Dietz was there in Palace that day, playing in the tournament, finishing on the winning team and celebrating in style afterwards, just as he had done in Rotterdam a month earlier.  No one, of course, had any clue as to the awful event that would take place a little over two months later.

On the day of Graham's funeral, with so many of his UK- and Netherlands-based friends mourning together, one of our founder members Oscar first suggested the idea of cycling to Rotterdam in 2015.  Several of us quickly agreed, only partly because drink had been taken, and once the ball was rolling the idea gathered pace very easily.

Over the past few weeks the plans for the trip have started to be finalised, and various Accies members past and present have been pedalling hard to train for our Century Ride, raising money for Médecins Sans Frontières at Graham's wife Valeria's request.  Sponsorship money was slow to come in at first, but over the past three days an extraordinary £400 or so has been added to the total, which as I type stands at £1,216.41.  The 'target' I set at the outset, £2,000, was arbitrary, but with 11 days to go it looks achievable.

I miss Graham pretty much every day.  I think about him pretty much every day, when I hear a song he liked, or would have liked, or remember some fun we had, or when I'm out on my bike preparing to remember him in the best way possible - with so many of his friends, together with a common purpose that was dear to him.  I absolutely hate the fact that he can't share in the experience, inspired by him, that we will have between 24-27 September.  Effra Academicals IS more than just a football team, and my desire back in October 2014 for us to do more to prove that is being fulfilled.  And my word, my word, Graham more than anyone would have LOVED this month's trip so much.

Our Century Ride will be the best achievement in all the years of the Accies.  But it's the worst too, because I wish with every fibre of my being that Graham was still with us and, with all due respect to our chosen charity, we were still just a football team planning a football match in Rotterdam.

Up the Accies,

Stuart.

Thursday's team- 10/9/15

I know that you have all been deeply disappointed that there's not been the team on the blog with all the changes, but fear not it is back..........

Anthony

Andrew D.   Lee. Barry.     Phil A

             Pasch.  Andy T

   Jon.       Charlie.    Scott

                  Dan

Subs- Joe (Charlie) Montell (Scott) Tremayne 

Anthony 

Andrew D  Lee. Barry      Montell

               Pasch.     Charlie

       Jon.     Joe       Scott 

                   Dan

Subs- Andy T (Pasch) Phil A (Barry) Tremayne 

Yes we're back to 4-2-3-1 because I believe it suits us as a team given the players we have at our disposal. 

I also feel that, as I have mentioned in previous weeks, with the size of the pitch it means that we can shore up the middle of the pitch whilst offering players in offensive positions.

4-2-3-1 formation against Claxton- 13/8/15- Update

Please find below the team and the changes-

First half-

Anthony

Andrew D     Lee.    Barry  Montell                                     

Pasch (distribution from defence) Andy T (breaking down the play)

Steve R (attacking m/f) Andy J (creative player supplying c/forward) Scott (attacking m/f)

Dan (target man holding ball up and linking with above three)                        

Subs- Charlie (Dan) Simon (Scott). Phil A. (Montell) 

Second half-

Anthony

Andrew D  Barry  Phil A.  Montell.      

Andy J         Charlie      

Steve R.    Simon     Scott    

Dan

Subs-  Andy T (Steve R)  Pasch (Greg)  Lee (Barry)

The team and the info attached to the position is in conjunction with an email I sent out yesterday regarding a new formation 4-2-3-1. It is not related just for the player rather it is an explanation of what that role involves whoever plays there.

Anybody who is not familiar with either the email or the formation please let me know and I will forward it to you. The team being on the blog two days before the match is also to familiarise yourselves and to ask any questions or raise any concerns.

                                                   

                                              

Unbelievably tonight's game is already on youtube.  Enjoy a terrific game (ugly incidents not recorded thankfully) and see Sam smash one home (almost taking my head off in the process) and Dan coolly slot another shot into the far bottom corner.  5 unbeaten after 1 win in 13, come on you Accies!

Si

Ps.  Big thanks to Stuart who has done most of the camera work this year during his enforced absence.  Much appreciated.

Hey Accies,

The latest slew of Effra Academicals videos are now on line.  15 in all dating back to the 1-2 defeat to Dulwich Tigers on Thursday 26th March 2015.  They include the two games in Spain, the quarter final win v Photo FC, the debacle in Kent v Cherry Tree FC, the high scoring games V Grafton Strollers (5-4), Crown Agents (5-1), Wanderers (5-4) and Southbank Cuaco (4-4).  Other delights include crackers from Sam, Pash, Scott and Jon with the hatricks from Scott and Andy Judd captured for ever more.  Sadly Dan's 5 v West Wickham Musicians isn't on the list as the camera wasn't taken to the game.  But don't fret Dan I believe there are one or two other goals from you on line!

Enjoy at my youtube site, sammesner.

Si

Team to play vs Atkins FC, 6 August 2015

Basically this week I have been Tremayne's secretary.  The skirts he makes me wear are very short.  Here is the planned line-up for this week's match:

Dave
Andy J - Lee - Luke - Phill A
Steve R - Pasch - Greg
Simon - Dan - Sam
First half subs: Charlie (for Phill A), Jose (for Greg)

Second half starting XI:
Dave
Charlie - Andy J - Lee - Phill A
Pasch - Greg - Jose
Simon - Dan - Sam
Second half subs: Steve R (on for Pasch), Luke, skin on knees permitting (for Simon - Andy J to right CF)

Thursday's team against Southbank 30/7/15- update

Here's the line up for tonight's game. I have updated it from last night as Greg is injured-

                                         Anthony 

Montell.                            Lee.     Luke                      Phil A

Steve R.                           Pasch.                               Jose                               
Sam.                                Simon.                               Scott

Subs- Charlie (Jose)  Dan (Simon) Jon (Steve R)  Barry (Lee)

                                       Anthony

Montell.                          Barry     Lee                      Charlie   

Steve R                           Jon                                      Jose

Simon                             Dan                                     Sam    

Subs- Phil A. (Montell) Charlie RB Phil A LB  Scott (Sam), Pasch (Steve R)

We are playing against a team who we have not beaten for a while so I have decided to select all players available this week. I want all players tomorrow to give 100% effort which will involve working really hard. As we have struggled against some of their younger players in recent games I am going to ask certain players to do 'man marking' for the first 20 minutes (possibly longer depending on its success). This may take some getting used to and will involve a lot of effort. I will be communicating this to the players concerned.

We have to cut their supply chain and that will involve expending a lot of energy particularly in the midfield.

Obviously we need to have an offensive outlet also so within the 4-3-3 formation the forwards will have to stop the ball being taken out and also give their defenders something to think about.

Wanderers 23/7/15

Team against The Wanderers with all the changes-

                                   Geoff

Andrew D.               Lee.   Andy J.               Montell

     Steve R.                  Pasch.              Jose    

     Simon.                     Dan                Sam      

Subs-   Greg (Pasch)      Scott (Sam)         Phil A (Montell) 

                                 

                                  Geoff

Andrew D               Phil A   Andy J.                 Montell 

     Pasch.                 Greg.               Steve R

        Sam.                      Dan.            Scott 

Subs- Simon ( Andy J)   Jose  ( Steve R)  Lee  ( Andrew D)  Lee CH Montell RB Phil A LB    

I think that 4-3-3 worked last week so let's give it another go tomorrow.

Team against Crown Agents 16/7/15

I would like to try the following formation tomorrow-                        

                        Geoff
Andrew D.         Lee.      Luke       Montell
Andy J.    Andy T.    Simon
Sam         Dan         Scott

Subs- Pasch (Sam) Dave (Andrew D) Greg  (Andy T)

                         Geoff
Andrew D.        Lee.    Dave      Montell 
Greg    Andy T   Pasch.                                                 
Sam     Dan   Simon

Subs-   Scott (Simon) Andy J ( Lee)      Luke

Some of the more observant members of the team may have spotted that there will be a change of formation this week........4-3-3
This requires the midfield to play compact and the full backs to push up to combat the right and left midfield opposition players.
A centre forward literally means that with Scott playing to the left of Dan and Sam to the right in the first half and Simon/Scott playing to the left and Sam to the right of Dan. Obviously there is flexibility with Sam/Pasch possibly dropping back if the midfield is getting over run in the first half ,but lets try this attacking formation and see how it pans out.

Team against West Wickham Musicians 9/7/15

Here is the team for tomorrow and the changes-

                                                 Geoff

Montell.                                   Lee.    Andy J.                          Phil A      

Steve R.                                  Jose.  Charlie                           Scott

                                                Sam.   Daniel

Subs-   Simon (Steve R), Luis (Scott)

                                                Geoff 

Montell.                                Simon.   Lee.                            Phil A

Steve R.                               Jose.      Andy J                        Scott

                                             Sam      Daniel 

Subs-    Luis (Jose), Charlie (Phil A)

I will not be there so I have asked  Lee/ Andy to do the honours on the side.

Let's get a long over due victory!!!!!

Team against Southbank 2/7/15

Here's the team for tomorrow will all of the changes in the first and second halves included-

                                      Anthony 

Andrew D                      Lee   Luke.                    Tremayne

Jon.                               Andy J. Pasch.              Charlie

                                      Simon Sam

Subs-   Daniel  (Simon), Luis ( Charlie), Barry (Andrew D)

                                     Anthony

Andrew D                     Lee      Barry                     Charlie

Luis                              Pasch  Andy J.                  Simon

                                    Daniel  Sam 

Subs-  Luke    Jon (Luis),  Tremayne (Sam) 

Team against Grafton Strollers 25/6/15

The team for tomorrow's game is below-

                                            Anthony

Andrew D.                           Luke  Lee                             Montell

Andy J                                 Pasch Jose.                        Charlie

                                            Sam Scott

Subs-  Simon (Sam),  Daniel (Charlie), Matt, Phil A (2nd half) Steve R. (2nd half)

They have 10 players. I'll go in goals for them so we need a couple of volunteers but will play it by ear tomorrow. 

The season so far.....

Well unlike the tennis season, we move away from grass and on to the artificial surface for a couple of months. So I thought it seemed like a good time to jot down a few thoughts on the year so far.

After a good start culminating in us reaching the semi final of the MI cup, it seemed like the pinnacle of the year. In retrospect given our results since then it seems to have knocked the wind out of our sails because we have struggled with results in recent weeks.

It seems to me that we are in transition at the moment. I have been experimenting with different formations and using players in positions which they have either enjoyed as a new experience or have been reticent about trying.

I have done this to give the team options in preparation for when we have a reasonably stable team and also give me an idea of your best positions. 

I am determined to build a winning team that plays football with style and passion. We have definitely improved our play recently with some impressive performances and I'm sure the results will follow.

It can be difficult picking a team when there are variations in who is available so I would ask you particularly in preparation for when we return to the grass in September to use the time at Dulwich to hone your skills. I'm always looking at how you play and I believe that competition is good for a team so don't take it badly if I move you about or ask other players to play in your favoured position. It's just how we do things at the Accies.

However please trust me to manage this situation. I have been impressed with both our work rate and our play over the past three weeks so don't worry about the results. We just need to convert our chances and shore things up at the back particularly preventing silly mistakes that have cost us recently. If in doubt..........

Use the time on the astro to pass the ball on a true surface, sort out our first touch and work hard to win the ball back. This week we need to continue our pressing game whilst using the ball creatively to prize open their defence. We have a nice blend of youth and experience so let's learn from each other and play to our strengths. 

Team for CP & DSV- 18/6/15

Here's the team for tomorrow 's match against Crystal Palace and Dulwich Super Vets (CP & DSV)-

                                                Anthony

Andrew D.                              Lee.   Barry.                            Phil A

Scott.                                     Jose.  Andy J.                        Montell

                                              Sam.     Simon

Subs-  Luke ( Barry)             Charlie. ( Phil A)       Andy T  (Jose)  Daniel

I am going to bring on Daniel in the second half to play up front ( his favoured position)  but it shouldn't affect everybody's playing time.

We are going through a challenging time recently but let's keep playing passing football, keep it tight at the back and knick some chances at the other end and we will soon be back to winning ways!!    

From The Archives: FA Cup Final Social, May 2012

Some would say these photos of questionable quality should have stayed in the archives!  It was a great day - I watched Norwich City draw 3-3 vs Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, then legged it to Palace to help the Accies to a 3-2 win over Southside U21 (a team put together by Scott I think).  Then on to the Paxton (RIP) to watch Chelsea defeat Liverpool in the FA Cup final.

Playing football does give a bloke an appetite

Two Chelsea fans looking unworried. I believe the explanation for Neill's
face paint is a Help For Heroes walk earlier in the day

Evidence should Luke need to sue the barber

Tea and cake for Sam. How very civilised

I seem to recall there was a singsong.  Don't know why

Team for Mott McDonald match- 11/6/15

Here's the team for Thursday's game-

                                              Anthony

Andrew D                             Barry  Luke                       Phil A

Charlie                                 Andy T Sam                      Montell

                                            Simon Scott

Subs-  Lee ( Andy T) Dave (Luke)  Tremayne (25 mins in second half)

We are sticking to our 4-4-2 formation from last week. We beat this team earlier on in the year so no pressure lads!!

Team Photo From Spain, April 2015

Apologies for the delay in posting this excellent photo! I do have some others from the trip which I will post in due course.  But here is our squad of 12 who were beaten finalists in the four-team 11-a-side tournament, plus the non-playing me.

Back row: Luke Fallon, Ian Holmes, Andy Thornes, Sam Herbert, Jose Carlos
Padliia Moreno, Stuart Dade, Anthony Emery, Phil Caldwell.  Front row:
Andrew Dade, Jose Cogolludo, Jorge Gonzalez, John McNally, Simon Mesner

From the Accies archives

When Graham passed away I found myself looking through ancient Accies artifacts, and one that caught my eye for a future blog post was this section of the minutes from our first ever AGM, in January 2001.  It concerns possible selection for our second ever 11-a-side game, vs Woodley Wanderers (who are now called Dolphin Riders and still play every Thursday, on the atrosturf pitch next to our superior pitch!).

I really like the arrows… Intrigued by the decision to play Tom Wrigley up front; and the full backs Luis Sandoval and Chris Osborne is an interesting choice.  I suspect on the day Andrew Dade played right-back and Chris Osborne right wing, but I can't remember, of course.  And the prospect of me and Luke at centre back in 2001 is terrifying, although in 2015 I'd be more than happy with him looking after me there.  As for Graham on the left wing…

Anyone involved in team selection will not be surprised to learn that the above forecasted 12-man squad didn't exactly resemble the final squad on the day.  Mick Woolhouse, Luis Sandoval and Luke Fallon didn't attend - their places were taken by Simon Mesner, making his 11-a-side debut, and someone called Richard Macmillan, who my fading memory reckons was a work colleague of John McNally.  Ian Holmes scored both our goals.  Ask him about them, he'll probably be able to describe them in detail!

We lost the game 7-2, and there's a symmetry to that, given that we lost 7-2 on Saturday too.  Albeit in January 2001 a total of 10 club members (or nine plus soon-to-be member Simon) attended, whereas on Saturday only seven club members turned up…  But let's not get into THAT here…

Dulwich Tigers- 4/6/15

Here's the team for Thursday's game against Dulwich Tigers-

                                               Anthony 

Andrew D                               Lee    Luke                        Phil A

Montell                                  Joe   Greg                         Charlie 

                                              Sam  Simon

Subs.    Andy T, Scott, Steve R 

Back to 4-4-2 which I've been told worked better last week. 

We have another game on Saturday so with that in mind those playing in two days time please let me know if you would like a rest (Luke is playing a half with this in mind). 

Wanderers FC 28/5/15

Here's the starting line up and the first half changes for the game on Thursday-

                                          Anthony 

                  Barry.                Lee.            Phil A

Jon.                                   Christian.                      Montell

                                          Andy J 

                                          Andy T. 

                       Sam.                              Scott

Subs          Charlie  (Montell)          Matt  (Scott)         Simon (Lee)

Unfortunately I will not be there so Stuart and Lee will be in charge with Stuart enacting the changes and Lee telling you what the team is.

A very pleasing development is that Matt, who played for us in the MI cup semi and Juddy's team mate from Southbank, is coming along. He is interested in joining and he will be playing up front in his favoured position as he did in the semi- final.

Come on the Accies (and the Gers).

Tremayne 

               

Team for 21/5/15- Crown Agents

Here is the team for Thursday's match against Crown Agents-

                                            Anthony 

Neil G                                 Luke     Lee                           Montell

Andrew D                           Sam  Pasch                          Phil A

 

                                           Scott  Simon       

Subs- Charlie                  

As you can see we are a bit low on numbers this week so change of formation to 4-4-2.

Accies v ' Strollers'

Just a quick one to say thank you to everybody today. I think Stuart's tweets to the right sum up the game so no need for my report.

You all did the club proud with your endeavours. A cutting edge up front would have topped off some impressive build up play and I'm sure the oppo wouldn't have begrudged us a goal because we deserved at least one.

There is no shame in losing to a team like that but there is plenty to be positive about. We held our own for periods of time with a team of young, fit, strong impressive players who were definitely not 'strollers'. Head held high with a valuable learning experience acquired. 

Tremayne

Team for Grafton 14/5/15

Just to let you know my reasoning behind Thursday's team selection below. As Simon, Charlie, Steve R and Andy D are not playing on Sunday I have given them a full 90 minutes whilst everybody else will get 45/65mins.That's why I have spelt out the changes before the game. It seems only fair and also I want those playing at the weekend to have a run around whilst also being mindful of Sunday.

First half                                               

                                               Anthony

               Andrew D                Barry                        Montell

    Andy J                               Jose                                       Steve R

                                               Christian 

                                               Greg

                       Simon                                  Charlie       

Subs- Phil A (Montell),  Lee (Barry), Scott (Greg), Andy T (Christian)   

Second Half

                                              Anthony 

              Andrew D                Barry                    Phil A

Montell                                  Andy J                                  Steve R     

                                              Lee        

                                              Scott

                    Simon                                          Charlie

Subs- Andy J (Barry), Christian (Scott), Jose (Andy T), Greg (Lee), Dean (Phil A) with Charlie going to left back and Dean up front.   

                                                                          

Team 7/5/15

Here is the team for tonight-

                                          Anthony

               Andrew D.          Lee                  Barry

Jon.                                   Andy J                               Steve R 

                                          Christian.          

                                          Andy T

                Scott                                          Greg 

Subs-  Charlie, Montell, Simon, Phil A

Dave- 25 mins        Dean-   25 mins    

As we have an impending cup match on Sunday 17th May tonight's match will be in preparation for that hence the large numbers with the resulting permutations later on in the game!!

I would encourage you to let Simon know if you are available for that game as I want to get the team right and prepare properly.   

Tremayne