The Rise of The Sports!

[itsBilly]

View attachment 435233

​The Rise of The Sports

Conference South side Eastbourne Borough have announced their new manager as 34 year old Billy Ray takes charge on the South Coast. Club Chairman Len Smith issued a statement on the club's website saying;

"Everyone at club would like to wish Mr Ray the best of luck for the forthcoming season. We feel that despite a lack of experience, he will be the right man to lead this club forward."

------------------------

Formed in 1964 as Langley Sports, Eastbourne Borough are a Semi-professional club that have been in the Conference leagues since 2004. They enjoyed promotion to the Conference Premier League in 2008, but were relegated the following season.

They currently play they're football at Priory Lane, a ground that holds just over 4000 people.
View attachment 435232

----------------------------

This story will follow my journey through the leagues as Eastbourne manager. I have already completed my first season, so I will be posting a brief summary before continuing with monthly updates. ​

 

[itsBilly]

Season 2013/14

Transfers

View attachment 435229
View attachment 435227View attachment 435226View attachment 435225

Being a semi-professional club, it is increasingly difficult to recruit. However, we managed to bring a mixture of youth and experience to the squad. Goalkeeper James Beasent was instrumental in my first season, notching up and increadible 50% clean sheet rate! Elvis Hammond brought some much needed firepower into the squad, while Patrick Kanyuka solidified the defence.

Friendly Results

Eastbourne Borough 0-5 Sheffield Wednesday
Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Hastings United
Aveley 0-0 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-7 Leicester City U21's
Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Stevenage
Thamesmead 0-1 Eastbourne Borough

Overall, a mixed pre-season. Despite some heavy losses, the team showed some great signs in the final two games, managing to get a win against League 1 side Stevenage.

Results
August
Weston-Super-Mare 1-2 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Tonbridge
Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Ebbsfleet
Hayes & Yeading 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 3-1 Farnborough

September
Staines 2-0 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Concord Rangers
Eastleigh 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Bishop's Stortford
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Maidstone

October
Sutton United 0-0 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 0-0 Dover
Chelmsford 0-1 Eastbourne Borough

November
Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Maidenhead
Havant & Waterlooville 1-2 Eastbourne Borough
Concord Rangers 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round
Ebbsfleet 1-2 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 5-2 Boreham Wood
FA Trophy 1st Round
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Welling

December
Dorchester 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Weston-Super-Mare
FA Trophy 2nd Round
Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Histon
Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Staines
Gosport 1-0 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Whitehawk
Tonbridge 1-0 Eastbourne Borough

January
Whitehawk 1-0 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 3-0 Eastleigh
Bromley 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
FA Trophy 3rd Round
Gateshead 0-0 Eastbourne Borough
FA Trophy 3rd Round Replay
Eastbourne Borough 0-0 Gateshead (p)
Eastbourne Borough 0-3 Basingstoke
Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Bath

February
Maidenhead 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Dorchester
Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Sutton United
Bishop's Stortford 1-2 Eastbourne Borough

March
Eastbourne Borough 2-2 Havant & Waterlooville
Basingstoke 1-2 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Chelmsford
Dover 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 0-2 Bromley

April
Bath 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Gosport
Ebbsfleet 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 4-2 Hayes & Yeading
Farnborough 1-1 Eastbourne Borough

View attachment 435213
CHAMPIONS!
Thanks to some impressive performances from our squad, and some slip-ups from Maidenhead, we were able to claim the title. At one stage, we had an impressive 16 point gap at the top of the league.

One for the Future?
View attachment 435212
As part of our Youth trial day, 16-year old Max Wheeler emerged as a bright young talent, who could force his way into the first team next season.

-------------------------
Club Stats

Player of the Year: Patrick Kanyuka - 7.02
Top Goalscorer: Elvis Hammond - 17

-------------------------
Elsewhere

Manchester United successfully retained their Premiership trophy. Local rivals Manchester City were pipped to a Champions League spot by Everton, forcing the board to sack manager Manuel Pellegrini. At the bottom end, Crystal Palace, Stoke & Hull were relegated.
In Europe, Chelsea lifted the Champions League for the 2nd time in 3 years, again beating German giants Bayern Munich.

In Brazil,England defied all odds to be crowned World Champions​, beating Spain 2-0 in the final.

---------------------------------

Thanks for reading! C/C appreciated. I will begin proper updates from my 2nd season that I am currently playing through.​

 

[Dynamo_ZahnZee]

This story will follow my journey through the leagues as Eastbourne manager. I have already completed my first season, so I will be posting a brief summary before continuing with monthly updates.
​

I missed this part when I first read the opening post. You can imagine my surprise and confusion when I saw an entire seasons update in one post

Best of luck my friend.

 

[itsBilly]

I missed this part when I first read the opening post. You can imagine my surprise and confusion when I saw an entire seasons update in one post

Best of luck my friend.

Aha sorry dude, should of made that part a bit clearer
Cheers!

 

[itsBilly]

Season 2014/15

Transfers

View attachment 435208
View attachment 435206View attachment 435205View attachment 435207

Another busy transfer window with 10 new faces coming into the squad. Gethin Jones was a rock at the heart of the Maidenhead defence last season, and will provide solid cover for the out-of-contract Lewis Tallack. David Prior is a great cover up front incase of injuries to Elvis Hammond. 15 year old Tim Waddington became Eastbourne record signing at ?5000 from Hastings United. Another player to watch for the future.

Squad
View attachment 435203
Here is the squad I will be using to tackle the Conference. Despite a lack of funds, I was able to secure a good number of players to cope with the dense schedule.

Pre-season Results

Tonbridge 2-1 Eastbourne Borough
Kingstonian 0-3 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 West Ham U21's
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Ipswich U21's
Eastbourne Borough 0-3 Newcastle U21's

The Season Starts Here!

August Results

Kidderminster Harriers 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
N. Freeman (90+1)
A great start to the season against one of the Leagues big boys! We really controlled the game after a sending off for Kidderminster and were rewarded with a dramatic late goal.

Eastbourne Borough 5-1 Hyde
M. Wheeler (13) T. Waddington (17, 30, 51) E. Hammond (75)

A sensational crowd of 925 gathered at Priory Lane for our first home game of the season, and what a game it was. With just a 2 day gap between fixtures, I was forced to debut some of our younger players, and they performed admirably. A debut hat-trick for record signing Tim Waddington gives us high hopes for the future.

Welling 0-1Eastbourne Borough
M. Wheeler ( 6 )

There were many positives to take from this games. Not only did we pick up back-to-back away wins, we were able to hold onto a lead. Another goal from young Max Wheeler shows my faith in him has payed off.

Eastbourne Borough 4-1 Woking
T. Waddington (16) J. Sodje (38) S.Cole (40 pen) E. Akokhia (90+2)

Another great home result, and a 100% start to the season! Again the younger stars shone as Tim Waddington picked up hi 4th goal in 2 game. Jero Sodje put in a MOTM performance on his debut, scoring the 2nd goal and setting up 2 more.

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Hereford
M. Wheeler (68)

A bit of a reality check as we had to come from behind to salvage a draw against a strong Hereford side. A third goal of the season for Max Wheeler was one of few positives from today's game.

Salisbury 3-0 Eastbourne Borough

A Real reality check as fatigue begins to set in. Injuries in defence to Fred Murray & Ollie Rowe meant that the selected line-up was very tired, although that does not excuse a poor performance.

----------------------------

At the end of August, we currently sit incredibly in 2nd place with 13 points.
Club Player of the Month: Max Wheeler (3 goals, 3 assists)

-----------------------------
I'm now up to date with the story. I will be playing through September and maybe get an update again today. If not, I will be back on Monday with updates hopefully into January.

Thanks for reading!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 435185
September 2014

Results

Cambridge United 4-0 Eastbourne Borough
Kanyuka sent off (53)

The poor form continues over into September with a second heavy defeat in a row. Cambridge are one of the League favourites, so I am not too downhearted. However, such a big loss, coupled with a sending off and no goals scored show that we have a lot of work to do.

Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Wrexham
A. Watts (7) E. Hammond (31)

Finally we were able to get back to winning ways against another one of the Leagues bigger teams. A goal for Elvis Hammond come as a relief, with the Ghanaian having not scored in 5 games prior to this.

Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Lincoln City
C. Sheppard (8 pen) P. Farman (84 own goal)

Back to back wins show that we are back on track, although we really had to work for this one. Lincoln drew level just minutes after we took the lead, but we remained strong to grind out a result. Elvis Hammond's shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Paul Farman for the winner.

The game was clouded by the injury to young Max Wheeler, who will be out for a month.

Forest Green Rovers 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
A. Watts (43)

Centre-back Adam Watts scored his second goal of the month as we ground out a strong 1-0 win away from home. Goalkeeper David Bevan made his debut and made a number of great saves to keep us in the lead.

Alfreton 2-3 Eastbourne Borough
T. Waddington (17, 59) M. Wylde (90+1)

Once again, we had to rely on an opposition error to gift us the win in injury time. This time, defender Michael Wylde headed past his own keeper from a corner. Tim Waddington scored twice to take his season tally to an impressive 7 goals.

Eastbourne Borough 3-3 Exeter City
H. Hollis (35) T. Waddington (72, 81)

An impressive second half performance looked like it would be enough to give us the win. However two late goals from Exeter rescued a point for them. James Beasent slipped up twice in the last five minutes, and his recent performances have been very disappointing.

Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Dartford
E. Akokhia (78)

We keep our good run of form intact against a Dartford side who really made us work for it. They had two goals disallowed for offside, one of which was very debatable. We did manage to find a breakthrough late on from midfielder Emmanuel Akokhia. The main positive from the game is that we were able to keep a much needed clean sheet. However, once again, our strikers failed to find the net.

Braintree 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
A. Watts (86)

Adam Watts scored his 3rd goal this season to once again rescue a point for us. Fatigue had settled in again and we were lucky to squander a draw.

---------------------

View attachment 435175
Following an up & down month, I sat down and had a talk with goalkeeper James Beasent about his poor form. Luckily, he seemed to be understanding and very enthused to do better.

--------------------

Review

League Position: 2nd (30 points)
Top Scorer: Tim Waddington (8 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Adam Watts (3 goals)
----------------------

Thanks for reading! More updates will be up now next week. C/C appreciated.​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 434751
October 2014

Results

Eastbourne Borough 2-3 Gateshead
J. Prior ( 6 ), J. Stirling (81 o.g)

For the second month in a row we start with a defeat. Overall, it was a terrible performance from the team. The only positive from the game is that Jason Prior is finally off the mark for the club, and it was his shot that deflected for the own goal.

Harrogate 2-3 Eastbourne Borough
S. Cole (1), O. Rowe (24) T. Waddington (90+3)

Back to winning ways over struggling Harrogate. We started the match in great style, with Sam Cole scoring in the opening minute before captain Ollie Rowe doubled our lead. However, some poor defensive errors once again meant that Harrogate pulled it back level just after half time. We showed fantastic character and didn't stop working till the final whistle, and were rewarded with a very late winner from young Tim Waddington.

Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Luton Town
E. Akokhia (82)

After a long, tedious afternoon, we finally broke Luton's resiliance in the final ten minutes. This win pulls us to within 3 points of Luton at the top of the league.

--------------------------------
View attachment 434735
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Eastbourne Borough 2-2 Woking
T. Waddington (26, 64)

A lackluster performance following our win over Luton. Tim Waddington spared the team embarrassment on two occassions pulling us level and setting us a replay.

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Woking 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
T. Waddington (16) A. Watts (32)

A much better performance all round as we qualify for the 1st round! Tim Waddington was, again, influential up front as he scored his 12th goal of the season.

--------------------------------

Aldershot 4-2 Eastbourne Borough
J. Prior (5), T. Beere (61)

We end the month the same way we started it, with a disappointing loss. We had started the game very well, but an outstanding second half performance wins it for Aldershot. After they pulled level, they were able to capitalize on our pressing to score two very late goals and steal the victory.

--------------------------------

Review

League Position: 2nd (38 points)
Top Scorer: Tim Waddington (12)
Club Player of the Month: Tim Waddington
Tim was influential in our FA cup ties and really led the line well.
--------------------------------

Thanks for reading! C/C appreciated. More updates Monday!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 434191
November 2014

Results
View attachment 434190
FA Cup 1st Round
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Lincoln City
T. Waddington (25)

A club record crowd of over 2000 people were at Priory Lane to watch us advance into the second round of the FA cup at the expense of fellow Conference side Lincoln. Tim Waddington's 13th goal of the season was enough to see off Lincoln. James Beasant kept a vital clean sheet that will hopefully boost his confidence.


Eastbourne Borough 5-1 Chester City
C. Sheppard (9, 54) J. Prior (25) G. Jones (65) C. Gorman (83)

What A Performance! A sensational team show, as well as an outstanding performance from winger Chris Sheppard, who scored two fantastic goals. Goals from Jason Prior and Gethin Jones' first for the club were a bonus as well. 10-man Chester did manage to pull one back through Alan Connell, the only blip in an otherwise perfect game.

Havant & Waterlooville 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
C. Sheppard (54)

Fatigue got the better of us in this one, as we could only squander a draw against fellow Promoted side Havant & Waterlooville. Chris Sheppard scored his 3rd in 2 games to level us up, but we were unable to find an equaliser.

Stockport 0-3 Eastbourne Borough
P. Kanyuka (62) J. Prior (68) E. Akokhia (73)

3 goals in 11 minutes in the second half saw off a valiant Stockport side away from home. We rode the wave of attacks in the first half, and were rewarded in the second with three quick goals, and another vital clean sheet.

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Bristol Rovers
O. Rowe (67)

Bristol Rovers were the pre-season favourites for the title following their relegation from League 2. Despite finding themselves struggling in 9th, they showed their class against us today. It took a captain's goal from Ollie Rowe to rescue a point for us and maintain our unbeaten month.

Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Nuneaton
J. Shama (45, o.g) T. Beere (59)

We completely controlled this game, but had to fight very hard for a breakthrough, which eventually came on the stroke of half time when Jason Prior's shot took a wicked deflection. Substitute Tom Beere scored a sensational volley to win us the game in the second half and ensure we saw out the month unbeaten.

------------------------
View attachment 434179
Eastbourne Borough have announced an affiliation with Coventry City. The link between clubs will see Eastbourne act as a feeder club for Coventry to send players on loan to develop. Coventry were unfortunately relegated to League 2 last season, but have every hope of returning to League 1, and sit comfortably at the top of their league.

---------------------------

League Position: 2nd (47 points : 2 games in hand)
Top Goalscorer: Tim Waddington (13 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Chris Sheppard

It was a difficult choice for the clubs POTM this month. Patrick Kanyuka had been solid at the back, but Chris Sheppard's performances against Nuneaton & Havant win it for him. The winger currently leads the club, and leagues, assist charts with 10 for the season.

-----------------------------

Thanks for reading! I'm playing December now, and hope to have an update later on today.
December will see us competing in the League, the FA Cup & the FA Trophy!
C/C appreciated.

​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 434154
December 2014

Results
--------------------------
View attachment 434153
FA Trophy 1st Round
Salisbury 2-2 Eastbourne Borough
P. Kanyuka (83) T. Beere (89)

A poor performance away to Salisbury again, but we pulled together in the last 10 minutes to squeeze a draw and a replay. Tom Beere scored for the second game running to level it all up.

FA Trophy 1st Round Replay
Eastbourne Borough 0-1 Salisbury

With the replay coming just 2 days after the original tie, the team clearly hadn't returned to full fitness and squandered the chance to progress in the competition. Salisbury's Angus McDonald scored with just 8 minutes left to play to knock us out.

--------------------------
View attachment 434155
FA Cup 2nd Round
Cambridge 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
T. Beere (72)

From one cup to another. After the heavy loss to Cambridge in the league, we were keen to get revenge. Tom Beere netted his 2nd this month to knock out Cambridge and progress us to the 3rd round of the FA Cup!
View attachment 434151
"Number 35... Eastbourne Borough will take on ...."
"No. 11.... MANCHESTER UNITED"

--------------------------

Hyde 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
G. Hart (61) A. Watts (86)

Finally back to the league and we were able to brush aside Hyde in this simple game. Adam Watts continued his fantastic scoring form this season after vice-captain Gary Hart had given us the lead.

Eastbourne Borough 4-1 Kidderminster
J. Prior (18, 79) P. Kanyuka (72) M. Wheeler (75)

An emphatic win against a struggling Kidderminster side. Max Wheeler was in fantastic form, netting the third, and setting up the other three goals. The game was unfortunately clouded by an injury to winger Sam Cole, who faces up to 3 months on the sidelines with fractured ribs. On the plus side, this win does put up top of the league at Christmas.

Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Welling
G. Jones (14) E. Akokhia (90+4)

'Tis the season to be jolly as we triumph in the Boxing Day clash. Two beautifully worked free-kicks from Chris Sheppard gives us a comfortable 2-0 result. Gethin Jones was part of a very solid back-four that picked up its third clean sheet of the month.

Woking 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
C. Sheppard (52) L. Triggs (86)

We end the year in winning style. Chris Sheppard continued his great form by scoring, and setting up young full-back Liam Triggs for his first goal for the club.

-----------------------------

League Position: 1st (59 points)
Top Goalscorer: Tim Waddington (13 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Patrick Kanyuka

Two goals this month for Patrick and was part of a defence that kept 4 impressive clean sheets.

----------------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments welcome.
January update will be update tomorrow. Includes big league ties against Hereford, Cambridge & Salisbury, as well as a massive FA Cup tie against Manchester United!
Stick around
​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 433855
January 2015

Transfers

View attachment 433853
Eastbourne Borough have announced the signing of 16 year old midfielder Jonno Lowe from Oxford City for a fee of ?5000.

Results
View attachment 433854
FA Cup 3rd Round
Eastbourne Borough 0-3 Manchester United

Our dream run comes to an inevitable end. Manchester United really didn't hold back with their team selection, with world class stars like Robin Van Persie, who scored the 3rd goal, and Wayne Rooney on show. Adnan Januzaj & Tom Cleverley netted the other two goals for the Premier League Champions.

------------------------

Hereford 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
O. Rowe (22)

Back to business in the League and this one showed we were still in the clouds from the United game. Captain Ollie Rowe levelled the game up after we fell to an early goal, but neither side were able to find a breakthrough.

Eastbourne Borough 3-1 Salisbury
A. Watts (3) J. Prior (30) G. Hart (69)

Salisbury had already beaten us twice this season, in the league & FA Trohpy, so revenge was definately on the cards in this one. Adam Watts netted his 6th goals of the season to give us a very early lead. Jason Prior scored a wonderful goal, brushing off 4 players to score a magnificent solo goal before vice-captain Gary Hart completed the win in the second half.

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Cambridge
T. Waddington (37)

Not the best performance, but an unlucky one nonetheless. Chris Sheppard struck the woodwork three times in what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon for everyone. Tim Waddington scored his 14th of the season before being stretchered off with a rib injury that will rule him out for up to three weeks.

Wrexham 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
J. N'Tame (55 o.g)

We end the month with another disappointing draw, this time away to promotion hopefuls Wrexham. This game come just 2 days after the Cambridge game, so I wasn't to worried about the performance due to a lack of fitness. Hopefully we can pick the pace back up in February.

---------------------------

League Position: 1st (65 points, 1 point clear)
Top Goalscorer: Tim Waddington (14 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Chris Sheppard

POTM was tough this month, with a string of mediocre performances from most. Chris Sheppard took his assist tally up to 15 this month, and for that reason only, takes this months prize.

---------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments welcomed!
February will be up either later today, or tomorrow.
Stick around!

​

 

[SVB]

Nice read !! Unlucky in the man utd game although u did well only to concede 3

 

[itsBilly]

Nice read !! Unlucky in the man utd game although u did well only to concede 3

Cheers mate!
I was a little shocked when I saw their team sheet. I was expecting a lot more youngsters.
Guess they were scared aha >.<

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 433818
February 2015

Results

Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Forest Green Rovers
E. Akokhia (27) B. O'Brien (45+3 o.g)

Back to winning ways with this won. Rovers enjoyed the lion share of possession, but we made our chances count. Emmanuel Akokhia had a fantastic game scoring a goal, and had it was his sot that hit the crossbar before deflecting of the goalkeepers back and into the goal.

Eastbourne Borough 5-2 Alfreton
L. Triggs (3) E. Akokhia (24) A. Eaton (51) C. Sheppard (75) P. Kanyuka (90)

Struggling Alfreton put up a very brave fight in this one, pulling the game back to 2-2 just before half-time. But a wonder team-talk saw a completely different side come up in the second half, as we netted three more to seal an emphatic win and put more pressure on relegation candidates Alfreton.

Exeter City 2-1 Eastbourne Borough
P. Kanyuka (20)

From hero to villain in the blink of an eye. Patrick Kanyuka scored his 5th goal of the season to give us a shock lead against Exeter, just two minutes before scoring an own goal. James Beasant put in a terrible performance in goal as we lost our first league match since October.

Lincoln City 1-4 Eastbourne Borough
G. Hart (20) J. Prior (51, 56, 90 pen)

What a turn around! After the disappointing defeat to Exeter. A wonderful hat-trick from Jason Prior sends us back to the top of the table.

Eastbourne Borough 0-2 Braintree

I have no idea what happened here. We throw away our lead at the top of the table. A rotated defence put in a terrible performance, that was pretty much matched by our attacking players.

Sam Cole returned from injury, but it was to replace Fred Murray, who broke his arm & will be out for 2 months.
------------------------

League Position: 2nd (74 points)
Top Goalscorer: Tim Waddington (14 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Chris Sheppard

Once again Chris had a great month. He got on the score sheet against Alfreton, and set up all 3 goals in Jason Prior's hat-trick against Lincoln.

-------------------------------

Thanks for reading!! Comments appreciated.
March features 3 daunting ties away to 5th place Gateshead, 4th place Dartford & lead leaders Luton.
Stick around!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 433545
March 2015

Results

Gateshead 2-1 Eastbourne Borough
J. Prior (32)

This was the first of three away ties this month that will make or break our title challenge. Our defence looked to be holding on to a 1-0 win until the 83rd minute, where two goals in as many minutes turned the game on its head and cost us the result.

Dartford 4-0 Eastbourne Borough

Two difficult games in three days. Dartford jumped right into the title mix with this win as they humiliated us. Luckily for us, league leaders Luton had lost their first two games this month, meaning they hadn't gained any ground in the title race.
Unfortunately, wins for Dartford & Bristol Rovers mean that the run in is now between 4 teams.

Eastbourne Borough 4-1 Harrogate
J. Prior (31, 47, 51 pen) T. Beere (90+1)

Just what we needed! A big win that incredibly puts us back on top of the table despite our terrible results so far this month. Jason Prior scored a fantastic hat-trick, his second of the season, to go joint top of the clubs goal-scoring charts for the season.

Luton 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
A. Watts (37)

Not an ideal result, but we will definitely take it! Adam Watts had given us the lead with his 7th goal of the season. It was vital that we didn't loose this one and a point away from home is a good result.

Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Chester City
C. Sheppard (41) J. Prior (73)

Another easy win for us against mid-table Chester. Chris Sheppard hit a fantastic goal before Jason Prior's 15th of the season secured it to keep us top of the league with just 5 games left to play!

----------------------------------

Youth

View attachment 433544
View attachment 433543View attachment 433542View attachment 433541

Our Annual Youth Trial Day brought in some fresh new talent, with these three particularly catching my eye. Goalkeeper Shane Stacey could press for a starting place with a little training, and midfielder Jack Elphick
possesses very good technique for someone of his age.

-------------------------

League Position: 1st (81 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jason Prior (15 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jason Prior

Jason was fantastic this month scoring 5 goals. He overtakes Tim Waddington as the top goalscorer for the season, and was rewarded with a new contract for his fine form.

-------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.
The season is almost over, with just five games left to play in April, including an away tie to 3rd place Bristol Rovers
Can we keep a hold of the lead? Update will be up later today!​

 

[DanRolls94]

Well done, Prior always seems to be a reliable goal scorer.

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 433536
April 2015

View attachment 433535
As a result of the teams fantastic performance in the league, I was offered another one year extension on my contract, which I gratefully accepted!

Results

Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Aldershot
J. Prior (37, 45+2)

Jason Prior continued his fine scoring run as we took a 4 point lead over Bristol Rovers at the top of the table (although Luton do have a game in hand). An early penalty for Aldershot meant we had to claw this result out, but we were able to find it, and keep a hold.

Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Havant & Waterlooville
A. Watts (60) M. Knudsen (76) E. Hammond (86)

This game come just 2 days after the Aldershot match, so rotation was vital. At half time, we found ourselves two nil down, with Luton & Bristol Rovers breathing down our necks. But a sensational second half performance saw us steal the win. Forgotten striker Elvis Hammond come off the bench to score what could be the biggest goal of the season for us with just four minutes left. This result also secured Havant & Waterloovillle's relegation.

Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Stockport
T. Waddington (20, 38, 55)

Relegation threatened Stockport put up one **** of a fight in this one. Every time we scored, they pulled it level. But they were unable to do so after Tim Waddington's third goal of the game as we put one hand on the title!

Bristol Rovers 1-4 Eastbourne Borough
J. Prior ( 6 ) T. Parkes (22 o.g) P. Kanyuka (65) C. Sheppard (82 pen)

CHAMPIONS!!!!! A sensational performance from everyone as we defy the odds to win the Skrill Premiership! Jason Prior got the scoring off to a start before being taken off injured. He will miss the final game of the season. A fitting result for what was my 100th game in charge of Eastbourne.

Nuneaton 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
E. Hammond (38)

A comfortable win to round off a breakthrough season. Elvis Hammond had been disappointing all season, but scored the winner for the second time this month as we saw out the season in style.

------------------------
View attachment 433522

League Position: 1st (96 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jason Prior (18 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jason Prior

Scored three important goals this month to help us achieve a perfect month, and win the Skrill Premier League.

--------------------------------

Thanks for reading!! Comments appreciated.
I might post a little May update just rounding-up the rest of the footballing world.
Updates from League 2 will be up either tomorrow or Friday!
​

 

[eagleheartf1chl]

nice job

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 433493
2014/15
Season Review

England

View attachment 433477View attachment 433476View attachment 433475View attachment 433474
View attachment 433473View attachment 433472View attachment 433471

Jose Mourinho lead Chelsea to their first league title in 5 years. Barnsley & Blackburn dropped straight back down to Championship along with Sunderland.

Cups
FA Cup: West Brom
League Cup: Chelsea
Community Shield: West Brom
Paint Trophy: Charlton Athletic
FA Trophy: Kidderminster

Europe

France: Paris St Germain
Spain: Real Madrid
Italy: AC Milan
Germany: Bayern Munich
Holland: AZ Alkmaar
Portugal: Benfica
Scotland: Celtic

Cups

Champions League: Manchester United (bt Chelsea)
Europa League: Valencia (bt Celtic)
UEFA Super Cup: Chelsea (bt Bordeaux)

Awards

View attachment 433470View attachment 433469

Eastbourne pulled a double award wins, as I picked up Manager of the Year, and Chris Sheppard was named Player of the Year​.​

 

[itsBilly]

2015/16 Season Preview

Transfers

View attachment 432741

Another very busy transfer window as we look to build our squad. ​

Tim Waddington became the club record sale with a ?35k move to Ipswich, although he was loaned back to us for the season. Some very good free agents joined up with the team, including former Arsenal defender Kerrea Gilbert.

Unfortunately, we were unable to acquire two of our big targets. Striker Charlie Sherringham failed to agree contract terms after being released from AFC Wimbledon. The Arsenal board seemed to be willing to give Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi away when our 'stab in the dark' loan offer was accepted. However, new Gunner's boss Ian Holloway pulled the plug on the deal when he joined.

Squad

Goalkeepers
View attachment 432740View attachment 432739
James Beasant | Shane Stacey

Defenders
Center backs
View attachment 432738View attachment 432737View attachment 432736View attachment 432735
Patrick Kanyuka (vc) | Adam Watts | Gethin Jones (c) | Martin Riley

Full backs
View attachment 432734View attachment 432733View attachment 432732View attachment 432731
Morten Knudsen | Kerrea Gilbert | Liam Triggs | Jon Osae

Midfielders
Center Midfielders
View attachment 432730View attachment 432729View attachment 432728View attachment 432727
Kyran Wiltshere | Nathan Rooney | Austin Eaton | Tom Beere

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers
View attachment 432726View attachment 432725View attachment 432724View attachment 432723
Chris Sheppard | Alex Rodman | Max Wheeler | Sam Cole

Strikers
View attachment 432722View attachment 432721View attachment 432720View attachment 432719
Jeff Goulding | Jason Prior | Ben Maund | Tim Waddington

-----------------------------

Friendly Results

Maidenhead 1-6 Eastbourne Borough
Cray 1-7 Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Swindon
Eastbourne Borough 0-1 Celtic U21's
Eastbourne Borough 1-3 Manchester City U21's

------------------------------
Club News

In other news, the club announced that it is now fully Professional, and that they will be expanding Priory Lane to hold over 5,000 people!

Club captain Ollie Rowe has left the club on a free transfer. He felt that the number of defenders hindered his chances at first team football and was therefor let go. The armband will be taken over by Gethin Jones.

-----------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments welcome.
Opinions on the squad?
I may get August done today, but its unlikely. It will be up at some point over the weekend!

​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 432665
August 2015

Staff Changes
View attachment 432664
With the club going pro, I felt that it was time we improved the quality of our coaching staff. Steve Wilson brings in some great experience from his coaching days with Birmingham & Huddersfield. He enjoyed a successful playing career as well with Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday & Everton.
The big coup is definitely ex-England international Bobby Zamora. The striker enjoyed a playing career with Tottenham, West Ham, Fulham & QPR, and has now hung up the boots to study his coaching badges with us at Eastbourne.

----------------------

Results

Eastbourne Borough 4-1 Wycombe
Max Wheeler (1)
Gethin Jones (56)
Jeff Goulding (58, 82)

A great start to our league campaign with an emphatic win over Wycombe. Max Wheeler gave the 1,600 fans at Priory lane a moment to cheer just 39 seconds into the game. New signing Jeff Goulding had a fantastic game, bagging a brace on his debut.

Capital One Cup 1st Round
Bournemouth 3-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jason Prior (78)

The draw for the League cup was a difficult one away to Championship side Bournemouth. We held out for a while, but striker Luchiano Becchio eventually broke the deadlock. We were able to pull a goal back for the travelling fans, but defeat was inevitable to avoid.

Rochdale 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jeff Goudling (37)
Adam Watts sent off (41)

Rochdale had made a good start to the season, so a draw was a very good result. Jeff Goulding made it 3 in 2 for him, continuing his good start to his Eastbourne career. Adam Watts was sent off for a second yellow card, and we showed great resiliance to hold onto the point.

Eastbourne Borough 1-3 Southend
Tom Beere (35)

We were really in this one up until the final ten minutes. Southend scored a goal that was offside, and wasn't called. The third goal came from a counter attack whilst we were pressing everything for an equaliser. A poor result, but it was influenced by poor refereeing.

Shrewsbury 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jason Prior (90)

What a defensive performance. We held off a wave off Shrewsbury attacks, and they became desperate towards the end. Mistakes led to one of their center backs being sent off, and thats when we took advantage. A fantastic goal from substitute Jason Prior wins us this one for 3 well earned points.

Luton Town 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
Austin Eaton (10)
Jeff Goulding (81)

Great result away to fellow promoted side Luton. Substitute Jeff Goulding scored his 4th of the month to seal the result after Austin Eaton nodded in a corner. Another fantastic defensive performance from everyone. Chris Sheppard continues where he left off last season with 2 assists and a MOTM performance.

---------------------------

League Position: 7th (10 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (4 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jeff Goulding

Jeff has had a good start to his Eastbourne career, smashing 4 goals this month and linking well with the rest of the team.

---------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.
Doubt i'll get anymore updates up this weekend, but i'll be back Monday with plenty!​