From Grassroots...

  • Thread starter Thread starter AndySams10
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 20
  • Views Views 5K
A

AndySams10

Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
2,320
Reaction score
0
Points
36
View attachment 406374
MATTHEWS LEAVES BRAY WANDERERS:

View attachment 406357
Former Bray Wanderers manager Alan Matthews has claimed his immediate departure is down to the lack of trust between himself and the clubs' board members at the Carlisle Grounds, since his appointment back in January.

The 48 year-old took the unusual step yesterday of holding a press conference to speak about the circumstances of his departure from the club although, he insisted, there is much he cannot speak about quite yet.

"I've enjoyed my time at the club, albeit only a few months, but you expect to be treated properly, no matter how long you are in a job." He says. "The current board members have gone back on agreements made to me and my backroom staff when we were appointed and due to this, I've decided to leave. Despite our current poor league standing, I felt if the requests had been met, we would've steered the team away from the relegation zone!"

As yet there has been no formal statement from the club, but already a handful of names have been linked with the vacant managerial role. Former Limerick manager Pat Scully is the early favorite with the bookies. Shelbourne head of youth development Dermot Keely and ex-Dundalk boss Sean McCaffery are also in the frame, but the surprise name being mentioned is 32-year-old Andy Samuels, who is currently in Ireland to complete his pro license. Samuels, who coaches and oversees the development of players and coaches at a grassroots club in Hampshire, is widely tipped to have a promising future in the game. Yet whether a relative unknown is the answer to secure the clubs' safety remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on who will be in the hot seat for the upcoming game against Drogheda United at the weekend.

View attachment 406337
​
 
Last edited:
View attachment 406336
'SEAGULLS' APPOINT SAMUELS:

View attachment 406335
League of Ireland Premier Division side Bray Wanderers have appointed Englishman Andy Samuels as the clubs' new manager on a short term contract, in a bid to steer the club away from the relegation zone.

The semi-professional side who play their home games at The Carlisle Grounds, have moved swiftly to appoint Samuels following Alan Matthews resignation a couple of days ago.

Seen by many as a huge risk to appoint an unknown with no managerial experience, chairman Eddie *** is more than confident that Devon born Samuels can save the club from relegation to the First Division.
"Myself and the rest of the board members were extremely pleased with the amount of interest in the vacant managerial position. After interviewing the main candidates, Andy Samuels was the stand out applicant that we feel can keep this club in the division and despite no experience managing at this level, he possess the ambition and drive to succeed that we are looking for to take this club forward."

With just over half the season remaining, Samuels will be hoping to hit the ground running when Bray travel to Drogheda Unted on Saturday for what will be his first game in charge and it's a moment he is relishing. "It's all happened so quick." He said, before continuing. "I only arrived in Ireland at the weekend and was looking forward to starting the pro license qualification, but when I heard that Eddie *** wanted to speak to me regarding taking over despite my lack of experience, it was an opportunity I couldn't refuse. I'm very much looking forward to this exciting challenge and will put all my energy and commitment into keeping the club in this division."
​
 
Nice start mate - hoping you can really get into this and have some interesting twists and turns along the way.
 
ZeCarlos said:
Nice start mate - hoping you can really get into this and have some interesting twists and turns along the way.
Click to expand...

Cheers mate, have a few ideas how the story can go. Appreciate your continued support as always. :)
 
ContinentalReputation said:
Why have you abandoned another story? Best of luck with this one and please try not to pull the plug
Click to expand...

Due to work and house commitments(which have happened over last couple days), my last save/story was becoming to time consuming with how I wanted to update it, plus I was struggling to get into the save, like quite a few people I've seen on here and other forums. The only way I enjoy playing FM is by writing stories, this new one will allow me to post short, informative updates to allow me to enjoy the save in the little spare time I will currently have and I'll need something to take my mind off things, which FM will do.

Thank you for your support, it's very much welcomed. :)
 
July 2013 - Round Up

View attachment 406038
SAMUELS LIFTS WANDERERS AWAY FROM DROP ZONE:

View attachment 406035
New Bray Wanderers boss Andy Samuels has guided his new club away from the relegation zone, after just five games in charge since being appointed at the beginning of July.

'The Seagulls' began the month with a narrow victory away at Drogheda United, with the only goal coming from young Nigerian striker Ismahil Akinade, who scored with a well placed finish from eight yards.
Bray then drew their next two games when they held Derry City and Bohemians respectively, despite the opposition sitting in the European places in the league. Another Ismahil Akinade solo effort was enough to claim the three points as they over came a strong Cork City side in front of their home fans. Finally and probably the best win of the month came when Samuels' side won a five goal thriller away to Limerick and it was the in-form Akinade who bagged a brace to secure the victory and steer Bray eight points from safety.

View attachment 406014
In other news, Samuels completed his first signing with left back Anthony Costigan joining the club on a free transfer. With only one recognized left sided full back, the former Drogheda United player will provide competition with Jamie McGlynn, as Bray look to pull further away from the bottom of the league over the coming months.

View attachment 406004
​
 
Last edited:
August 2013 - Injury and Transfer News

View attachment 405902
INJURY PROBLEMS MOUNT FOR BRAY, AS TWO JOIN THE CLUB:

View attachment 405901
Leading scorer Ismahil Akinade has been ruled out for up to four weeks with an ankle injury, which will be a huge blow for the in-form side, just as the 19 year-old was beginning to find some consistent form.

With Akinade ruled out and only a another young Nigerian forward, Bidemi Afolabi, as the only fit striker at the club, Samuels entered the transfer market to bring in Daniel Purdy on a free transfer. A signing the Bray boss feels can fill the gap left by Akinade. "It's a huge blow losing Ismahil, especially as he just started to find form and score goals. Young Daniel has been brought in and having seen some clips of him, I'm sure he can fill the void up top for us."

View attachment 405900

Losing their top scorer, who scored four goals in five games since Samuels took over, isn't their only injury concern as four other key members of the starting line up face lengthy spells on the sidelines. Both Graham Kelly, who's played a starring role in midfield and right back Shane O'Connor are looking at four to five weeks out with ankle injuries, while central midfielder Dean Zambra has been ruled out for five weeks with a knee ligament problem. And finally hot prospect Adam ***, who had just started to break into the first team is out for two months with an ankle ligament injury.

Despite the recent run of fine form and huge improvements defensively, Samuels has decided to strengthen his goalkeeping options with the signing of former Stade Rennais keeper Niall Burdon, though he didn't feature for the Lique 1 side, the Irish Under 21 star is keen to make a name for himself at his new club and challenge current number one Shane Redmond for the starting jersey.

View attachment 405897
​
 
A very good start mate! A great few games to put distance between yourself and the bottom.
 
August 2013 - Round Up

View attachment 405619
SAMUELS GETS BRAY FIRING, BUT SUFFERS FIRST LOSS:

View attachment 405618
Bray Wanderers made a fine start to the month of August winning their opening three games and scoring nine goals in the process, with the in-form Jake Kelly scoring four of them.

Kelly, who plays left midfield for 'The Seagulls', helped himself to a hat-trick including two penalties as Bray easily beat relegation rivals Shelbourne by three goals to nil. That fine result was followed by another away victory over bottom of the table U.C.D, with the goals coming from Kelly, a brace from David Cassidy and a debut strike from new signing Daniel Purdy who secured an emphatic win.
Up next was their final win of the month, as they beat Sligo Rovers thanks to a couple of goals from Daniel Purdy, who looks to have hit the ground running, as he deputizes for top scorer Ismahil Akinade who is missing through injury.

Four days later Samuels' side entertained Derry City at home in the third round of the Senior Challenge Cup, but after playing a full strength side over the weekend, Bray couldn't over turn an early goal and a make shift side crashed out of the tournament, leaving the new manager to experience his first loss since taking control. Worse was to come for Samuels and his team, as they entered the latter stages of the month, experiencing two defeats on the trot in the league, as Shamrock Rovers visited 'The Carlisle Grounds' and left with a convincing two nil win, this then led to Sligo Rovers getting their own back from the earlier defeat they experienced a little under two weeks ago, meaning there is more work left to do if Bray are to secure their Premier Division safety next month.

View attachment 405601
​
 
Last edited:
September 2013 - Round Up

View attachment 404405
BRAY GO WANDERING UP THE TABLE:

View attachment 404404
'The Seagulls' continued their fine start to Andy Samuels' debut season in charge, as they end the month of September taking seven points from a possible twelve.

Bray started the month with an excellent victory over top of the table Dundalk. After finding themselves a goal down in the first half, an inspired half time team talk by manager Andy Samuels, saw his side come from behind, thanks to goals by Jake Kelly, who equalised from the penalty and a fine finish by Bidemi Afolabi who grabbed his first goal for the club, gave the home side a valuable win.

After the international break, Bray visited St Pat's Athletic and despite a spirited performance they slumped to a disappointing loss, but Samuels saw enough to be happy with his sides effort. "The lads were unlucky out there tonight, as I feel our play deserved more. I can see the improvements since I've taken over and if we continue to show the same fight and desire in the remaining games, I'm confident we can end the season on a high."

Samuels side continued their impressive form in their next game, as they entertained Drogheda Utd at The Carlisle Grounds. A superb solo effort from the returning Ismahil Akinade saw Bray earn another three points and pull further away from the drop zone.
The final game of the month saw an away trip to Derry City, in a game that ended in a draw. A goal from captain Danny O'Connor ensured his side went home with a share of the points.

View attachment 404385
​
 
Last edited:
October 2013 - End of Season

View attachment 404373
BRAY END SEASON UNBEATEN:

View attachment 404372
After taking over at Bray Wanderers in July and with the team sitting just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, Plymouth born manager Andy Samuels has led them to an impressive mid-table finish.

Following a dismal stalemate with Bohemians at the beginning of the month, Bray turned on the style in their remaining two games of the Irish Premier Division, with the in-form Ismahil Akinade impressing as he notched four goals, taking his tally to nine goals in eighteen games since Samuels took charge.

View attachment 404341

Akinade was the difference, as he helped his team to a fine win in a seven goal thriller with Limerick, by scoring a superb hat-trick. "Of course it's a great feeling to score three, but I wouldn't of done it without my team mates. Since the new gaffer has come in, he's not only given me confidence, but the whole squad and that's shown in our performances." A jubilant Akinade told journalists.

In their final game of the season, an away trip to Cork City, it was 19-year-old Akinade, who again inspired his team to a fine come back victory, as he equalised with a trademark solo effort, before setting up right winger Adam Hanlon to score the winner in the closing stages of the game.

View attachment 404331
​
 
View attachment 403115
SAMUELS LEAVES BRAY TO JOIN SALISBURY CITY:

View attachment 403106
Skrill Premier side Salisbury City have appointed former Bray Wanderers boss Andy Samuels as their new manager, after the Wiltshire based club sacked Mikey Harris following a run of bad results.

Samuels, who has spent the last few weeks finishing off his Pro Licence since the end of the Irish season, led Bray Wanderers to a fine mid-table finish and with his contract coming to an end has jumped at the chance to return to England. "It was a nice surprise and great opportunity to be given the job at Bray, even though I was only in Ireland to complete my Pro Licence. I feel I did a good job while I was in charge there, but it was only a short term deal, as the chairman knew I was keen to return home and try and make a name for myself here in England." He said, as he prepared to meet a small cluster of the local media who were in attendance at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

Following the sacking of Mikey Harris, chairman Wiiliam Harrison-Allen has been criticized for appointing another young, untried manager, but the entrepreneur from Maiden Bradley is confident Plymouth born Samuels is the man to silence the doubters. "Mikey did a fantastic job at this club, but in recent weeks the results and performances have been well below what are expectations are and Mikey agreed, so we felt it best to part ways. Once we heard Andy was keen on the vacant role, we didn't waste anytime in meeting him and after a series of talks we are confident he is the right appointment to take this club forward." Harrison Allen replied to the journalists, as he sat next to his new manager.

With Salisbury sitting in a disappointing 21st place in the league and over half the season remaining, the 33-year-old is confident he can turn the clubs season around. "It won't be easy, there are lots of great clubs in the division, but I have faith in my ability to lift the club away from the drop zone. I've read the comments from other managers, but with a couple of improvements and hard work by the players, results on the pitch will arrive and prove I am the right person for the job." Replied Samuels, to a reporter asking for his thoughts on Garry Hill's recent comments that he's is too inexperienced for the role.

Samuels' first game in charge is this Saturday afternoon in the second round of the FA Trophy, when his side face Skrill South side Bath City at 'The Ray Mac' stadium, before they travel to Macclesfield in the league three days later.

View attachment 403056
​
 
Last edited:
December 2013

View attachment 403091
View attachment 403065

SAMUELS: "TOO GOOD TO TURN DOWN!"

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Samuels as the clubs' new manager. The 32-year-old, former Bray Wanderers manager, has signed a contract until the end of the current 2013/14 season.

Following his arrival at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Samuels was delighted to be given an opportunity to manage in England. "I'm thrilled to be given this opportunity. I went to Ireland, as it's extremely difficult for a grassroots coach to get on the Pro Licence qualification, without any experience of playing at a professional level. While I was attending the course, Eddie *** chairman of Bray approached me to ask if I'd be interested in managing his club. Of course I'm extremely grateful for the experience, but I made it clear to him that it would only be short term, as I was keen to return home and look to get into the game here.
Once Mr Harrison-Allen contacted me and spoke of his plans and ambitions for Salisbury City, it was too good to turn down and I can't wait to get started and work with the players on the training pitch."

The first team are at home to Bath City in the second round of the FA Trophy at the weekend, with kick off at 3pm.
​
 
Last edited:
Football Focus - Around the Grounds:

View attachment 402241
AROUND THE GROUNDS:

View attachment 402240
Dan Walker: "Hello and welcome to Football Focus this Saturday lunch time. On today's show we look back
at the midweek action from the Premier League and review the goals from the all the Sky Bet divisions. But first, our roaming
reporter Mark 'Clem' Clemmit has a special report on Skrill Premier side Salisbury City. Since appointing a young manager
a couple weeks ago, 'Clem' has gone along to find out more about the club situated in Wiltshire."

View attachment 402238

'Clem': I'm here at Salisbury City, who have made the lower league headlines this week, when chairman William
Harrison-Allen appointed an unknown 33-year-old tasked with the challenge of taking the club forward. It's the second
time Mr Harrison-Allen has appointed a young manager, with Mikey Harris, who was only 27 at the time, appointed
two years ago. And following the dismissal of Harris a couple weeks ago, Mr Harrison-Allen has kept faith in
giving young British coaches an opportunity to make a name for themselves in England by hiring Andy Samuels, who has
been working at a local grassroots club in Hampshire and has just completed his Pro Licence in Ireland, where he managed
Bray Wanderers on a short term deal until the end of the season.

Hopefully we'll get the chance to speak to Andy and Mr Harrison-Allen later. But before that lets find out a little more about
Salisbury City and their history. Founded in 1947 and nicknamed 'The Whites', the club play there home matches at
The Raymond McEnhill Stadium, which is also know as 'The Ray Mac' by the locals. The clubs biggest icon is Matt Tubbs,
who scored over a 100 goals in a 7 year spell at the Wiltshire club. With not many other Professional clubs nearby 'The
Whites' see Skrill Prem side Eastleigh as their big rivals.
Salisbury have never been higher than the Skrill Premier division and that's a challenge the new man in the hot seat has
been tasked with delivering by his chairman. And earlier I caught up with the newly appointed gaffer to speak about
his aims and objectives.

So Andy, sitting here in your office, surely this is a dream come true compared to what you were doing a few months ago?"

Me: "Of course it's a wonderful opportunity that's been presented to me here at Salisbury and one I know I'll
have to deliver in."

'Clem': "You managed for a few months in Ireland and did well by all accounts. What is the ambition here?"

Me: "I spoke with the chairman and the board and Mikey did a great job getting us here, but they felt the club needed
fresh ideas and a change of manager, so we set our expectations to challenge for a play off spot. Which I feel if we can
add a couple players to the squad who can make a difference and we can go on a run, then we have enough
games left to give it a real shot. After that it's down to the chairman to decide if I stay here longer term."

'Clem': "And right on cue, as you mention his name, here is the chairman himself. So Mr Harrison-Allen, you sit with
your new appointment, what do you make of him?"

Mr Harrison-Allen: "We were made aware of Andy's successes in the short time he was at Bray and though he
didn't win trophies there, the style of football he played, while getting results to lift them away from relegation is what
really attracted us and we knew he was keen on trying his luck here in England, so we decided to give him that
opportunity. As you know we are lacking in quality young British managers currently, so I'd like to try and change
that outlook and hopefully we have one here who can take us to the next level."

'Clem': "I know you have a big game coming up tonight against Barnet, so I wish you the best of luck and for the rest
of the season, thank you both for your time.
Let's hope the vision of this chairman, who is willing to give English managers a chance to make a
name for themselves works and is replicated at other clubs across the country, so maybe we will see fewer foreign
managers coming in, in the near future."
​
 
December 2013 - Round Up

DECEMBER 2013:

View attachment 402208

FA Trophy - 2nd Round
Saturday 14th December 2013
The Raymond McEnhill Stadium

Salisbury (4 - 1) Bath
 Dan Fitchett (12'), Jamie White (18', 22'), Robbie Sinclair (54')

"We were superb today in my first game in charge. Though I won't be getting too carried away, it's very pleasing to see everything come together that we have been working hard on in training in the few days I've been here."


Skrill Premier
Tuesday 17th December 2013
The Moss Rose

Macclesfield (2 - 4) Salisbury
Dan Fitchett (7', 45', 54'), Jamie White (34')

"Another top performance by the lads tonight and both Dan Fitchett and Jamie White are in fine form currently. Disappointing to concede two goals late on, but luckily we were out of sight before then, so a come back was unlikely."


Skrill Premier
Saturday 21st December 2013
The Raymond McEnhill Stadium

Salisbury (3 - 0) Southport
Stuart Sinclair (51'), Dan Fitchett (62'), Jamie White(74')

"After an even first half, the lads responded superbly in the second. Again, both Dan and Jamie found the back of the net, before Jamie White was stretchered off with a nasty looking ankle injury."


Skrill Premier
Thursday 26th December 2013
Kingfield Stadium

Woking (0 - 2) Salisbury
Dan Fitchett (23'), Chris McPhee (31')

"With Jamie White out injured, Dan Fitchett continued his fine form in front of goal, as he opened the scoring. Captain Chris McPhee added the second as we closed the gap on the teams above us in the league."


Skrill Premier
Saturday 28th December 2013
The Raymond McEnhill Stadium

Salisbury (1 - 0) Barnet
Chris McPhee (pen 23')

"We end the month unbeaten and with five wins out of five, which is more than I could've wished for. Despite the low score, we could've easily won by a bigger margin, but nonetheless I'll always take maximum points however they come."


LEAGUE TABLE:

View attachment 402175
​
 
Hi Guys,

Would be really keen to hear some feedback and get some more people following and liking. I appreciate I still need to keep posting, to hopefully get some of you interested more due to me stopping a couple of stories, but I just want to say that I've finally got the buzz back and am really enjoying playing this save and one I'm confident will be long term(fingers crossed :P).

Appreciate any comments. :)

Thanks for your time. Another update tomorrow or Thursday.
 
January 2014 - Transfer News

View attachment 399443
CLUB AGREES TRANI DEAL:

View attachment 399440
We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with former AC Milan and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Tommaso Trani.

The 20-year-old Italian came through the youth ranks at Serie A giants AC Milan and though he didn't feature for the first team during his two year spell, English side Queens Park Rangers saw enough to bring him to England, where he was then later released without a single appearance.

Tommaso has signed a one and a half year contract and will wear number 25.
​
 
January 2014 - Transfer News

View attachment 399439
FOUR ARRIVE ON LOAN:

View attachment 399437View attachment 399436View attachment 399435View attachment 399434

The club are delighted to announce the loan signings of Shepherd Murombedzi, Peter Sweeney, James Jennings and Mark Byrne, with all four joining until the end of the current campaign.

Shepherd, who is a talented attacking midfielder, joins us from parent club Reading, will provide cover for the injured Robbie Sinclair and will wear the number 5 shirt.

Peter Sweeney has arrived from Sky Bet League Two side AFC Wimbledon and will bring a wealth of experience to our relative young midfield. Peter will wear number 22.

26 year-old left back James Jennings joins from Skrill Premier side Mansfield. The former Cambridge and Macclesfield player, will be first choice left back during his time with us and will wear the number 39 jersey.

Finally joining 'The Whites' is Barnet playmaker Mark Byrne, who found himself out of the first team at Underhill and has moved to Wiltshire in search of regular playing time. Byrne will wear number 16.
​
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

FMBase

Beta

Resources

Back
Top