Latest News and Gossip from the Gloucester City terraces

17 October 2007
New Stadium Site Proposal is for Waterwells

Gloucester City fans now know the likely site of the club’s new home after the City Council confirmed the preferred site for the new football ground is at Waterwells, on the southern edge of the city.

The announcement of the Council’s intended plans follow a three week period of frenzied speculation and rumour amongst fans since an announcement that an undisclosed new site had been identified. Importantly the site has already secured cross-party political support in the Council chamber, which should smooth one potential obstacle to planning progress. Slightly misleadingly the Gloucester Citizen’s original report suggested the site would not be one of those previously discussed, although the Waterwells site has been frequently listed as a viable option on this site (see stories below) and in other fan discussions. However, in fairness, City supporters have argued the merits of nearly every scrap of land within five miles of Gloucester…

The Waterwells site on the edge of Quedgeley has many positive benefits for the club. Traffic access should be good, lying off the A38 dual carriageway by-pass, near the City’s outer ring-road and junction 12 of the M5. It is also already on a major bus route from the city centre, and although residential areas should not be close enough to create objections the club will be within walking distance of the new Kingsway housing development as well as the existing Quedgeley estates. Perhaps most importantly the site is well away from the floodplain of the River Severn!

The council owned Waterwells land is already in use for local junior and grassroots football by Quedgeley Wanderers and as a result some access roads already exist, along with some changing facilities built with help of a £301,228 grant from the Football Foundation. The scheme's progress will need to be taken forward delicately to combine the needs of the existing Wanderers club. The 14 acre site should be large enough to accommodate most reasonable needs and offer the potential for the club to operate as a genuine community football centre. Early sketch plans are understood to already include an artificial training surface and other sports facilities.

In the Gloucester Citizen report City council leader Paul James is quoted saying "These are very exciting ideas, and although it is only at first principles stage it feels like it can deliver significant benefits for the two football clubs and greatly enhance sporting facilities and enjoyment for Quedgeley and for Gloucester."
Gloucester City AFC owner Eamonn McGurk said: "I am genuinely excited by the Waterwells idea, not only because it is an excellent location but also by the opportunity to work with Quedgeley Wanderers, which has a fantastic record in developing grass roots football. I think both clubs stand to benefit a huge amount. We are really keen to begin more detailed discussions with the council, QWFC, Quedgeley Parish Council and the wider community."
Gloucester MP Parmjit Dhanda has also been heavily concerned in the developments and said: "It's important that any agreement is done carefully and with the interests of both Gloucester City and Quedgeley Wanderers at heart."

City have an agreement to rent at the New Lawn stadium of Forest Green Rovers for this season after a decision was taken that it was no longer financially viable to continue repairing the club’s Meadow Park home after July saw the third and worst major flood since the ground opened in 1986. The speedy developments are testament to magnificent progress and behind the scenes negotiations with the Council and planning officers by various club officials and club owner Eamonn McGurk. The next stage will see more detailed plans and designs developed before the proposal goes through the formal public planning procedures. At this point fans will have the opportunity to lend their support and weight to the consultation process, together with any recommendations to tweak the design to ensure the best possible matchday experience.

There are obviously many further details to be ironed out, and essentially there are still questions to be answered about the source of funding and indeed if land is to be provided by the Council or is intended to be bought by McGurk or the club itself. It is also not clear how large the site available to City will be – ideally the club will be hoping for room to continue providing community pitches, as well as parking and social revenue generating facilities. Those details are vital – this is an opportunity of a lifetime to secure a successful future for football in Gloucester and lay foundations for decades to come. However, for all of the remaining debate and the delicate neogitations that lay ahead, today’s news still provides a huge lift to fans and a club which has been enduring a miserable time since the exile to Forest Green. We would be wrong to feel the job is now done, but at least clear progress is being made and the Tigers’ return to playing football in Gloucester could be far quicker than feared.

Links: Gloucester Citizen, Gloucester City Council website, City FC Official Site, Quedgeley Wanderers FC.

 

24 September 2007
Pitcher Leads the Way to Wembley

City striker Jack Pitcher has booked his place to Wembley after fans voted him the player of the round for the 1st Qualifying stage of the E.On sponsored FA Cup.

Pitcher was nominated for the award by the Non-League Newspaper after his incredible performance netting all five goals as City demolished SLP rivals Yate Town 5-1 at their Lodge Road ground. The Bristol based forward picked up an overwhelming 58% of the poll, with nearly 1000 votes cast via the FA website. Pitcher no doubt benefited from City’s strong online community’s encouragement to secure the prize, but the Bristol based player’s scoring feat was also noticed by many other fans with even Yate supporters moved to vote in recognition of his achievement. Ironically the player coming second in the poll with 23% was Steve Cook, the forward bought in by Clevedon Town to replace Pitcher when he moved to Gloucester in the summer. Merthyr’s Matthew Harris recorded 15% and Selby Town keeper Adam Mitchell 4%.

Pitcher now has a VIP ticket for himself and a guest to attend the FA Cup Final at Wembley in May, as well as a trophy to mark the award and £500 worth of football equipment for a local school supplied by FA Cup sponsors E.On. His achievement will also help generate some much needed publicity for the club, and with his name and club now being listed on material for the rest of the competition we can look forward to Gloucester City’s name in print right the way up to the Cup Final programme.

Our 24 year-old striker may be hoping to watch Manchester United in the final, but City fans are an optimistic bunch and won’t easily give up hope that Pitcher may yet to have trade his VIP seat for a place on the pitch. However more realistic ambitions might have to be aiming for the 3rd Qualifying Round by beating Hellenic Premier outfit Shortwood United at The New Lawn on Sunday.

Links: FA Cup Player of the Round, Jack Pitcher pen pic.

17 September 2007
Five Star Pitcher Blasts City Past Yate in Cup Stormer

Gloucester City brushed aside SLP rivals Yate Town in a comprehensive 5-1 victory in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. The hero of the hour was striker Jack Pitcher who completed a memorable personal feat in claiming all five of the Gloucester goals.

The FA Cup tie had looked like a tough draw for City whose recent form has been inconsistent and patchy, unfortunate to be away to a side in the same division and especially Yate who have proven something of a bogey side for us in recent years. It proved to be anything but as Tim Harris’ side managed to exceed all expectations with one of those special performances that happen all too rarely for football fans, especially City’s put-upon fans.

Pitcher shot City into an early two goal lead, converting a low Jason Welsh cross and then curling an inch perfect shot from the right wing. Our half-time lead was soon under threat and it seemed things may get nervy as Yate pulled one back. Harris threw on Lyndon Tomkins to reinforce the defence, but City retaliated and accelerated away with the match. Pitcher completed the perfect right foot, left foot, header hatrick by nodding in Price’s free kick. To add insult he then notched another two for his highest ever personal match tally, Smith setting him away for both and arguably the pick up of the bunch seeing him round the keeper after a 30 yard run. Whilst Pitcher was clearly the star of the show City fans enjoyed Lee Smith making mincemeat of our favourite panto villain David Elsey, and Welsh led the line well before being forced out of the action with a suspected groin strain in the second half. It was also a fitting match for skipper Neil Mustoe to celebrate his 200th appearance for the club he used to support as a boy.

Jack Pitcher is now expected to be nominated for the player of the round award. Fans will be able to vote for him having registered on the FA website. The winner receives a pair of VIP tickets for the Wembley final, but the award would also provide the club with some very welcome positive publicity.

*In today’s 2nd Qualifying Round draw City have been handed a home tie against Gloucestershire neighbours Shortwood United. The Hellenic Premier side produced the shock result of the last round in winning 3-0 at SLP side Tiverton Town so we will not have an easy ride. The match will be played on the weekend of 29 September, although exact fixture arrangements have yet to be announced as landlords Forest Green Rovers have a home league game on the Saturday.

Links: FA Cup Player of the Round, Jack Pitcher pen pic, 2007-8 City Fixtures & Results.

13 September 2007
Wilko Heads for Forest while Smith & Price Come In

It’s been a busy fortnight in the T-Ender website’s absence with several exciting bits of business bringing new faces to the City playing squad. Unfortunately this inevitabley means a few departures as well, and we always get a little sentimental when long-serving players are shown the door.

One of our new signings is very familiar, with the glad news that right-wing paceman Lee Smith is back in City colours. This is very probably where he belongs, the Coney Hill lad became a firm fans favourite as he progressed from our youth team - winning the player of the season award before departing in 2005. Smudger entertained everyone when he suggested he was going to SLP rivals Cirencester Town to further his ambitions, but after a two year exile and a brief unhappy spell with Blue Square South outfit Weston-super-Mare it seems Lee has taken quite a pay cut to come home. That should silence any lingering suggestions he just left us for cash, and the prospect of his pace down the wing linking up with what the squad already has available is tantalising.

Another good bit of business seems to be the signing of former Ch#!tenham Town youngster Jamie Price who joins having been released by Premiership outfit Birmingham City. He may well yet progress back into pro football, but the 18 year-old left sided player has signed a contract with the Tigers and if he continues his early form for us he could well command quite a fee if any other clubs show an interest. Price’s arrival is a timely replacement for Luke Buttery who is taking a leave of absence from football due for undisclosed personal reasons. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious as Luke has shown good form in his brief spell with City, and it would be very sad if his promising talent was lost to local football. The club retains his Southern League registration and it’s understood Tim Harris will remain in touch with him, so hopefully he’ll be back in yellow and black before long.

Sadly the new arrivals put pressure on the already straining budget and it is no great surprise that long-serving midfield battler David Wilkinson has been released. It seems Wilko will now join up with Keith Knight’s ever growing list of City veterans at Cinderford Town. The decision makes sense in terms of squad management, and at least we now have Il Mister able to make such decisions, but Wilko’s contribution to our cause should be celebrated.

He joined us as part of Chris Burns’ initial in-take when he took over the City reigns in July 2001, making the vast step up from County League Brockworth at a time the club could barely afford to cover player’s expenses. He quickly became a fixture of the side, adding stability and teeth to what back then seemed a rather light weight side. His role was always mainly midfield tackling and disruption, but he played a central part in the side’s FA Trophy quarter-final run, our promotion from the Western Division and our survival in the SLP as we scrapped against relegation. Despite often being the player on the line to hack the ball clear Wilko also found the opposition net with astonishing regularity, netting 45 goals in his 248 City appearances, and finishing the 2004-05 first season back in the SLP as the side’s top scorer with 12. Many of those goals were created by late runs of deceptively slow pace, but also included some unforgettable screamers such as that at Merthyr and the crucial winner at Aylesbury in April 2006. Of course sadly loyalty and enthusiasm alone cannot command a place in the squad, but the fact that Wilko was one of those players available at short notice to try and rescue stock as Meadow Park flooded this summer also deserves to remembered. To Wilko’s great credit he was a player who never failed to give of his best, and made the very best of talents that were never quite as limited as some of his detractors liked to believe. A whole-hearted Tiger, and a City legend who will be fondly remembered wherever the T-End ends up being re-sited.

* City have been drawn at home to Bishop’s Cleeve in the 1st Round of this season’s Gloucestershire County Cup. The Ch#!tenham Southern League Midland side boast a string of former City players in their ranks so it’s bound to be an interesting contest, not least as they dumped us out of last season’s competition in a 3-1 defeat at Kayte Lane – the first competitive meeting of the clubs. No date has yet been sscheduled for the tie.

Links: Lee Smith pen pic, Jamie Price pen pic, Dave Wilkinson pen pic, 2007-8 City Fixtures & Results.

28 August 2007
Webb Rescues Point as City Debut at New Lawn

Gloucester City salvaged a point against Halesowen Town as the Tigers’ first game at our temporary New Lawn home ended in a 1-1 draw.

Injuries meant Tim Harris had to reshuffle his resources with Scott Griffin replacing Pitcher up front, and Marc Richards filling in at the back alongside Lyndon Tomkins. Those who made the journey from Gloucester to watch our first match in flood-enforced exile were rewarded with an entertaining game with plenty of attacking football and penalty box incident. Halesowen enjoyed more of the opening exchanges but thanks to their keeper’s inability to catch the visitors presented early chances by first dropping a Matt Rose corner and then a deep Allard free kick. At the other end the Brummies Aaron Farrell grazed the post and were then able to take advantage of a defensive reshuffle as Lyndon Tomkins limped off to be replaced by Hamblin.

Webb went close for City with an acrobatic volley and Griffin saw a shot sdaved by the keeper’s legs, but it was the Yeltz who opened the scoring. Farrell clipped the City crossbar with a sharp shot and then found the net just before the break with the pace of Shane Paul outstripping our defence. His cross was half blocked by Chris Thompson but the ball fell to Farrell who this time had an easy fnish from close range.

With City facing something of a defensive crisis with sub Tom Hamblin himself forced off with a knock at half-time the game closed down a little in the second half but Gloucester levelled on 64 minutes. Tom Webb’s shot from outside the area seemed speculative but it paid off when a tricky bounce helped to make Yeltz keeper Jack Dormand look foolish as he flapped at the shot and allowed it to go over the line.

City survived a scare when a deep Halesowen free kick was met by a firm header which flew just over, but City ended the stronger and came close to claiming victory in the closing stages. The visiting keeper was again suspect as he fumbled a shot from sub Dave Wilkinson and was just able to redeem himself by saving at the feet of Griffin as he raced in. Whittington also saw a good shot deflect wide and a long distance Sykes effort went close to nicking a sensational winner.

Although City have now gone three matches without a win since opening the new league season with a 3-0 defeat of Cheshunt this can be seen as a solid result. Halesowen will be one of the sides challenging for a promotion play-off place at the end of April, and this 1-1 draw is an improvement on last season when City were well beaten 3-1 in the corresponding Meadow Park fixture. Of almost as much importance for the club is the respectable home gate of 388. Although exactly 100 down on last season’s attendance the drop can be attributed to the enforced switch from the original bank holiday afternoon kick-off to a midweek evening as much as the change of venue. The fact the gate has held up will be considerable comfort given the club’s need to maintain income whilst looking for a long-term solution to our ground problems, as well as suggesting the side can record results at our rented accommodation.

Links: 2007-8 City Fixtures, Rugby Match Preview, 2007-8 Season Preview, League Table.

 

5 August 2007
Groundsharing Deal Agreed at Forest Green’s New Lawn

The flood damage at Gloucester City’s Meadow Park ground has been judged to be catastrophic the club’s Executive Committee has decided to sign a season long groundsharing agreement with Blue Square Premier neighbours Forest Green Rovers.

The freshly inked contract was announced at half-time yesterday as the two clubs met in a pre-season friendly that ended in a 3-3 draw (see below). It’s understood the season long deal will represent good value for City*, and if true the deal is a considerable act of generosity by Forest Green. Of course the Stroud valleys outfit will make additional money from the extra use of their stadium facilities through extra bar and catering revenue, but even so the price reflects well on the continuing goodwill of former City chairman Colin Gardner who is now at the helm at Forest Green Rovers.

City’s Meadow Park ground was ravaged by between 8 and 12 foot of floodwater and as the waters finally fell last week the full cost of recovery became apparent. The damage was always likely to be extensive, but this time the toxicity of the sewerage contaminated flood and the length of time the area was submerged have left the pitch turf seemingly dead to its roots. The water was even higher than the previous floods of 1990 and 2000, with the electricity circuits sodden and the lower levels of the Meadow Park clubhouse soaked, with even some of the ceilings having collapsed into the waters.

The previous floods left the club unable to gain any insurance cover at all and facing the full cost of repairs. The 2000 flood is believed to have cost around £70,000 to repair but this time the expected bill of restoring Meadow Park back to a position to stage football matches is estimated to be more than £100,000. In a club statement chairman Chris Hill said: The current devastation of the stadium, and the pitch, question of the wisdom of investing the £70,000 last time a flood occurred, and the subsequent work on the pitch, drainage etc just to see it all written off a couple of years later. If we were to contemplate recovering the stadium it would cost in the order of £100,000 plus and we would be irresponsible to attempt to raise that kind of money without seeking planning permission to at least raise the stadium and pitch above the flood level, though where might the flood level reach next time! A better option may be to create a new Gloucester City stadium somewhere other than Meadow Park.”

It is clear that the club is prepared to gamble on being able to find a new site suitable for a new stadium away from Gloucester’s western fringes that have proven so vulnerable to the River Severn’s whims. However the one year groundshare is unlikely to prove anywhere near sufficient to obtain planning permission, identify a new site and actually build a new facility.

The move will now need to be ratified by the Football Association and the two clubs’ respective leagues, but there would seem no likely obstacle in the circumstances. The real work will come in trying to re-work the two clubs fixtures to enable home games to go ahead at the New Lawn. With the home side fairly usually expecting to take priority this casts doubt on the exact times of City’s first two planned home fixtures on 18 August against Cheshunt and on summer bank holiday Monday against Halesowen. Both fixtures currently clash with home Blue Square Conference fixtures for Forest Green Rovers. The deal also only extends to City's first team so both the youth and ladies teams will need to make their own arrangements.

For City fans news of the move is a bitter pill to swallow, especially at a time when a series of exciting summer signings seemed to prepare the way for a genuine promotion challenge in this year’s campaign. Gloucester City fans are all too familiar with having to rally behind the club in testing times, but the prospect of several years playing outside the city boundaries is bound to create a new level of uncertainty and fears for the Tigers’ long-term future.

Links: 2007 Pre-Season Summer Fixtures, Trust Flood Appeal, Forest Green stadium info.

T-Ender Editorial: From Despair to Where?

The news that Gloucester City seem to have played their last match at Meadow Park will sadden our fans. It’s been our home since 1985 and for many of us is really the only home ground we remember. In that time there have been many happy memories, many fine matches and fine players. The fans have poured money into improving the ground and the pitch. To leave in the circumstances of this latest flood, the ground’s third, seems especially sad.

There’s no doubt though that Gloucester City’s long-term future has to lie away from Meadow Park. The huge financial cost of repairing the damage after flooding cannot continue. We need to get away from the vulnerable western fringe of the city to higher ground, away from the disruption and expense of flooding. With climate change now a reality the likelihood of more unpredictable weather and more frequent flooding disasters seems set only to increase. A move also presents a chance to address some of the other downsides of Meadow Park – a bigger bar that can be marketed for social functions, an area with a more accessible local community, even training and all-weather pitches to encourage greater community use and added income.

However, all of that lies in the future, and it is the length of time a new stadium is likely to take that is at the heart of concerns the club might be premature to dismiss the cost of renovating Meadow Park one last time – even for use in just the few years whilst a new more sustainable home can be found. The motivations behind groundsharing are easy to follow. The cost of repairing the flood damage is estimated at a huge sum of over £100,000, and you can well understand reluctance to go through all of that energy and effort again after seeing the summer’s work so cruelly destroyed. Even if the work was carried out City would need to spend on renting a temporary home for at least a few months. And then of course there is the ever present risk that the ground could flood again and all that money and effort could again spin down the drain.

Whatever decision was to be taken it would constitute a gamble, but we shouldn’t underestimate the dangers of being homeless and away from the city the club represents. The search for a new ground will take time, this is not a one year situation but the start of a self-imposed exile that is likely to last three to five years. That’s a long time for a small club to sustain itself away from it’s fanbase, and a long time that we’re gambling on sustaining the enthusiasm of our fans. It might also have proven easier to generate donations and sympathy for the repairing of the ground, less so to cover rent at another club’s ground. To pretend the club will be in a new stadium by this time next year is simply delusional, the planning and construction of most conservatories takes as long.

Even finding a new home will be hard enough, but land, planning and designing all cost money – and even if we can salvage and re-build parts of the old Meadow Park the actual construction costs will still be considerable. That money must come from somewhere – and where will that be? Club owner Eamonn McGurk also owns the Meadow Park site, but he’s unlikely to generate much money for land that so demonstrably floods, and then of course he must clear existing mortgages secured on the ground. He’s subbed the club extensively in recent seasons to reassure many of us who’ve previously doubted his motives. It seems unlikely he or other local business people are queueing up to fund the millions needed for our new theatre of dreams, and whilst the Trust’s fundraising has been extraordinary on our own it is not at a level to fund a new ground. Grant funding might plug some of the gap, but to achieve that the club will have to demonstrate financial reliability – despite improvements over the last few years that might be a challenge. Some level of collective share ownership by the Supporters Trust would increase the chances of the club’s community commitment being taken seriously, but that would take time even if McGurk sees the sense in that approach and can be persuaded to restructure.

That leaves the political angle. The regeneration project and central stadium may still be a possibility, but the Council doesn’t have a great track record of helping the football club. Any political support seems most likely to come from the efforts of Gloucester MP Parmjit Dhanda, but despite his active backing for the club his lobbying to a Tory controlled local authority may be limited in its influence. There is a fear a move out of the city could be an attempt at brinksmanship to force the local council’s hand, but there are long odds that they’d care even at a time when half the local economy wasn’t in tatters. As it is, we could just be cutting off noses to make our own faces even less attractive. Then there is a danger the club begins to panic and ends up going for anything in a rush to get back into Gloucester. We don’t want to end up with either a soulless half-finished park like Cirencester’s ground, or God forbid somewhere with a running track to kill off any hope of match atmosphere.

Whilst all of that lies ahead of us the club will be plying it’s trade in Forest Green and communication and club cohesion will be even more challenging. Sure, some clubs like Bristol Rovers, Newport County and Charlton Athletic have secured success whilst away from their home areas. For all of that though even those clubs would tell you how close to the edge they were in those years. For Wimbledon and Maidstone it ended in disaster, while Wealdstone have been without a ground for ten years and Brighton will tell a similar tale. Losing your ground isn’t easy, and the longer we leave Meadow Park untended the less likely is it that a return will ever be even a short-term option.

The deal with Forest Green seems excellent value for City if the basic annual figure widely circulated is correct*, especially if we its confirmed we’re to keep all of our gate money regardless of numbers of games played. However even at that price the cost of renting stacks up over time and provides less value year on year, the longer we’re there the more it looks like a false economy. There also has to be the danger that Forest Green become less welcoming as our fans take liberties with their stadium and the players with the pitch, especially if their own fixtures start getting shifted by the FA. As tenants we are not in control of our destiny. The cost is also not just that of rent, but of lost business opportunities through lost sponsorship revenue and limited earning potential. The Trust and the club will also have to save hard for the new stadium project, our resources won’t be easily spared to sub the playing squad.

And then there’s the cost of the loss of support - hard to quantify but invaluable. A club that you have to travel miles up a hill to watch is bound to act as a disincentive to the floating fan. Our hardcore supporters are the most loyal of any, and they would watch us play games in Manchester in the local district league. For some though the trip will be too much, at least game in game out, especially if the team struggles, and if our stay extends year on year. Evening games and winter games could be hardest hit. The links with Gloucester will fracture, and the danger of fans drifting away must grow with decreasing chance of new ones arriving. How easy it’ll be to recreate the T-End atmosphere at the New Lawn remains to be seen, but that will have a bearing on our chance of on the field success too (and dear God surely we don’t have to have Mambo Number 5 blared at us to remind us how excited we all are that the home team has scored). Even in the best of outcomes it is hard to see the club’s support and attendances growing in the way we’d hoped this year.

Of course we can now only hope and strive for the best. The deal is done and we all owe it to the club and the city to make it work as best as we can. A decision to stick to the task at Meadow Park would also be a huge risk, and although there is clearly work still to be done there the facilities at the New Lawn appear excellent and if we have to groundshare it is hard to think of a better option. This is the club that would not die, the fire they couldn’t quell and indeed the nightmare from which we cannot wake (all Ó various Hollywood films). Our fans have stuck through the club through the thin, thinner and wafer thin, but this will be our hardest challenge to date. All we can do is hope the road back to Gloucester is shorter than feared, and has fewer twists, turns and potholes than expected.

* The original versions of both the new story and the editorial referenced a figure understood to be the basic terms of the groundshare deal. The T-Ender has had representations from Gloucester City asking us to remove this figure, to which we have reluctantly agreed. We believe that fans should have access to this information, but understand the terms of the deal are considered to be commercially restricted despite having been widely known to those at the New Lawn on Saturday. The T-Ender website would not wish to damage the best interests of Gloucester City AFC, or to cause embarrassment to our new landlords Forest Green Rovers, and would ask any who have re-used the figure to remove it for the same reasons we have. Monday 6 August 11:50.

Well done to the swimmers.
Some Humour despite the flood ravaged pitch at Meadow Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 August 2007
Players Fight Off Flood Gloom with Goal Fest at Lawn

The Gloucester City players did much to help lift the spirits of despairing Tigers’ fans with a gutsy display to earn a highly creditable 3-3 draw at Blue Square Premier neighbours Forest Green Rovers.

With the flood waters revealing the true extent of the devastation at Meadow Park the match was played against the heart-wrenching backdrop of an announcement that the club is set to leave the city and groundshare with Forest Green (more on that tomorrow). That made City’s first visit to Forest Green’s New Lawn stadium on the hill high above Nailsworth also, slightly bizarrely, a first home game at the stadium our fans will hope will only be home for as short while as possible.

Forest Green put out a strong side but City started brightly and were ahead after only 3 minutes when Jack Pitcher glanced in a deft header from a deep Alex Sykes cross. Forest Green looked strong and physical but struggled to find their way through a City central midfield where Mustoe and Rose are already looking a formidable combination.

Right: Mustoe drags Les Awful away from trouble as the 'friendly' suddenly gets fresh

 

 

 

 

City were unlucky not to go further into the lead when a perfectly judged lobbed shot by Jamie Reid was harshly ruled out for offside with Marc Richards flagged as offending despite seeming to be well away from an ‘active’ position to interfere with a direct shot. Forest Green then pulled level through Les Awful, who had also earlier enjoyed an ill-judged skirmish with Lyndon Tomkins having seemingly misunderstood the concept of a friendly match.

City again started the second half as the livelier side and again took a quick lead soon after the kick-off. Alex Sykes scored with a clever lifted shot as the Forest Green defence suddenly disappeared to leave their area dominated by City’s white shirts. Falling behind the second time did seem to galvanise the home side who finally started to show signs of their status as a full-time side two divisions higher up the pyramid system. Kevin Sawyer did fantastically well to palm out a hard drive from the right but Mark Beesley was on hand to tap in the rebound from close range. City were then undone by a strong run from Gloucester boy Stuart Fleetwood who burst through the City defence and smashed in a crashing shot to put Forest Green into the lead.

It was the first time City had been chasing the game but despite tiring legs and an increasing flurry of subs from both benches the players showed great spirit to keep going. We deserved something from the match and it came when Lyndon Tomkins won a brave towering header at the far post and Michael Whittington swivelled to strike a crisp half-volley that whistled into the net.

Right: Lyndon's brave header across goal sets up Whitts for City's third to level the match

 

 

 

 

 

This was another impressive performance from the City squad, and it seems fair to say that the club’s main worries are not on the pitch this season. Perhaps the days real result was that of the half-time bucket collection towards City’s now heavily stretched finances which gathered in excess of £1,000 to the flood appeal cause. With City set to be away from Gloucester for the foreseeable future, that kind of continued generosity from the fans will be essential.

City: K.Sawyer, J.Reid, L.Buttery, N.Mustoe, T.Hamblin, L.Tomkins, M.Rose, M.Richards, J.Pitcher, A.Sykes, T.Webb. 2nd Half Subs Used: M.Whittington, C.Thompson, A.Allard, J.Taylor, D.Wilkinson, A.Harris.

Links: 2007 Pre-Season Summer Fixtures, Trust Flood Appeal.

 

28 July 2007
City Fans Glad to Get Bath Despite Defeat at Twerton

The unwashed Tigers hoards descended on Twerton Park and despite Gloucester City losing 2-0 to last season’s Southern League champions the fans were just glad to see some football – and to dip themselves in some running tap water.

After City’s Meadow Park stadium was engulfed by more than eight foot of floodwater from the River Severn last weekend emotions of the club’s supporters have been running as high as the murky waters. The match gave a huge boost to players and fans alike, Bath City having generously agreed to switch the venue to their stadium with Meadow Park so clearly out of action. Bath had also agreed that Gloucester City would be able to keep any revenue generated through the turnstiles, with the Somerset club’s supporters also donating funds from their 50/50 raffle draw. At a time when our club is struggling it was a morale boosting gesture as well as providing some funds which will be desperately needed once renovation work can start.

On the pitch City took a while to find their feet, and perhaps understandably it was a rather disjointed performance. The players showed commendable effort and spirit though, and a 2-0 defeat away to a side that has now been promoted to a higher level was no disgrace. Jack Pitcher showed a few real turns of speed while Chris Thompson is also pleasingly showing signs of stepping up a level, even if his determination did threaten to brim over as he escaped censure for a professional foul that would have seen him dismissed in a competitive game. Both of Bath’s goals came in the first half from paceman Craig Davidge, City’s defence looking a little slow at times and the first came from a mis-placed Hamblin header, but fans will see signs of a little more solidity in the second half.

The news from Meadow Park remains unchanged with the floodwater only starting to drop very slowly, with the water still several feet high at the clubhouse doorway. There is a strong sense of frustration from those wanting to start repair work but the sobering tragedy at Tewkesbury Rugby Club where two club volunteers sadly died attempting to pump out the clubhouse cellar has acted as a stark warning against rushing in.

With this third flood in 17 years it seems the time has come to have a real debate with the local city council about finding a new home for the football club away from Meadow Park. However this is likely to be a long-term solution and in the meantime a huge clean-up operation waits to get underway, and it seems entirely improbable that City’s scheduled opening home league fixture against Cheshunt on Saturday 18 August will be able to take place at Meadow Park. The most sensible option would seem to be to seek permission to swap this to an away fixture, but a short-term ground rental with Forest Green, Cirencester or Cinderford could all provide alternatives. At least the club’s pre-season preparations should not be overly affected with news that Saturday’s friendly against Blue Square Premier neighbours Forest Green Rovers will go ahead, with the venue switching to the New Lawn in Nailsworth.

Links: 2007 Pre-Season Summer Fixtures, Forest Green match preview.

 

20 July 2007
Bevan Goal Rounds Off Saracens Come-Back

City survived a bit of a scare to beat Hellenic League outfit Cheltenham Saracens 3-1 last night after the home team took a first half lead.

The Tigers fell behind when Saracens striker Andy Sherlock slotted past triallist keeper Elliott Seddon, but City rallied with Scott Griffin continuing his early summer form with a fine brace before the break. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was a closing goal from Jody Bevan, the popular City forward continuing his comeback from a dreadful injury sustained last October at Tiverton. It is likely the forward will start the season out on loan to continue his rehabilitation at a slightly less demanding level of football, but none the less his progress to date suggests real hope he could confound the medical pessimists and return to the City line-up.

Earlier in the week a stronger Gloucester City side picked up a highly credible 2-2 draw against newly promoted Blue Square Premier side Salisbury City who had thumped Weston-s-Mare 5-1 in their last outing. New signing striker Jack Pitcher impressed for City up front, setting up a second pre-season goal for trial forward Jody Taylor. City were in good form, although eventually an impressive curling free kick from sub Scott Griffin was needed to level the scores at 2-2 with just minutes of the game remaining.

City fans will have been cheered by the sight of new signing Matt Rose forming a solid midfield partnership with skipper Neil Mustoe, and a good flying save from new keeper Kevin Sawyer who made an acrobatic reflex save at point-blank range from a header against his old club. Equally pleasing were some energetic displays from old campaigners Chris Thompson and Dave Wilkinson who seem ready to step up and meet the new challenge for places. Young starlet Jamie Reid also stuck doggedly to former City winger Luke Prince and despite conceding a controversial and dubious penalty did well enough to suggest he could yet emerge as the player to solve our longstanding right-back problem.

Central defender Adam Shakespeare has been released after a trial spell at City proved unsuccessful, but Tim Harris seems set to give former Cirencester defender Ollie Holder and former Slimbridge defender Ashley Thomas further chances to add themselves to the Tigers’ squad. Both should feature as City take on Telford tomorrow, if the fixture survives today’s downpour and resulting flash flooding.

Links: 2007 Pre-Season Summer Fixtures, City Playing Squad, Next Game Preview.

 

22 June 2007
Rose Return Bolsters City Defence for Promotion Push

Gloucester City boss Tim Harris has pulled off another transfer coup by persuading Weston skipper Matt Rose to drop down a division and return to Meadow Park to help the club’s ambitions for next season.

The 31 year-old defensive utility player is well known to Tim Harris who previously signed the player for Newport County where Rose spent three seasons before heading to Weston. Rose is still fondly remembered by Meadow Park fans for his efforts in 1999-2000 when as a young player he was one of the few bright spots in a disasterous campaign with the club’s financial meltdown seeing the remaining players paid direct out of fans pockets and ending in relegation to the Southern League’s Western Division. Having started that season as a young squad player signed from Cirencester by Brian Hughes, he ended it having made 36 appearances all over the pitch and wearing the captain’s armband following the departure of Gary Kemp.

This time around Rose returns as a player with considerable experience of having played at the higher Conference South level, and although his versatility will continue to be a useful asset he will be expected to feature mainly in the centre of defence. He will bring some strength and grit to a City rearguard that at times last season shipped an alarming amount of goals. Whilst Lyndon Tomkins excelled in winning the player of the year award he is still prone to injury, and although Tom Hamblin shows great promise for the future there is little doubt Harris needed to add to his options in defence. The close season signing of Rose follows that of goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer from Cirencester and striker Jack Pitcher from Clevedon, all of which suggest the side can build on last season’s mid-table finish and challenge at the top end of the table. There are also suggestions Tim Harris has not yet finished his recruitment drive with at least one further player expected to arrive to add to the growing excitement of City fans.

Tim Harris said: “I have known Matt for a long time, and he was an immense asset for me at Newport. He can improve us in every respect – he is a terrific player, with a passion and drive to win, and he is a great presence to have in the dressing room and at training as well. He will improve what we have here at Gloucester in all of those respects, and will take us another step towards building the team that we need to challenge for honours.”

Matt is also quoted in the club statement saying: “I have been at the club before, but on that occasion it was not the best of the times for the club. But even then the fans were terrific, and I believe that has been maintained. Once I knew Tim wanted me, and he had explained what he was seeking to achieve down here, then I was keen to get on board. I am hungry for success, and hungry to win trophies, and I think we have a good springboard now. Tim and I both know how the other works, so I feel I can settle in quickly, and hope to play a big part in bringing success to the club. I know many of the players, and we have a great chance to push on this year and take the club towards the next level.”

* Two former City players are moving in the opposite direction to Matt Rose and have agreed terms with reprieved Blue Square South side Weston-super-Mare Town. Former City player of the year Lee Smith will be on the wing for the Seagulls next season, joined by central defender Ollie Barnes, briefly on loan with us last Christmas but now a free agent having been released by Bristol Rovers last month. Another former City player of the year is leaving Weston, defender Gary Thorne is new Mangotsfield United boss Frank Gregan’s first signing at Cossham Street.

Links: Matt Rose pen pic, 2007 Summer Fixtures, City Playing Squad.

14 June 2007
City Friendlies Lack Glamour but Test Squad Promotion Credentials

Gloucester City have announced a fixture list of nine pre-season friendlies, and the schedule suggests a summer intent on building a side fit to challenge for promotion even at the expense of headline grabbing matches to titillate casual fans or swell the club coffers.

The schedule includes four home games, three of them against newly promoted non-league clubs and all of them will offer higher division opposition for Tim Harris’ developing Tigers squad. Despite rumours the club had been trying to line up home matches against Bristol Rovers, Bristol City and Oxford United the summer friendly list doesn’t include any big names to draw in floating football fans. However the club does seem set to experiment with the dark spectre of Friday night football, presumably with a view to trying to provide some summer increase in revenue. Only one of the nine pre-season fixtures is on a Saturday, and two of the Meadow Park games are set to be played on Friday evening.

However the opposition that’s been lined up will provide more competitive fixtures than simple revenue generating visits by bigger clubs bringing reserve and youth players. The visit of Blue Square (former Conference) Premier newcomers Salisbury City brings former Tiger stars Michael Fowler and Luke Prince back to Meadow Park, while our new keeper Kevin Sawyer is set to make his first home start against the club he left just a year ago. Bath City won the Southern League title last season but will make an early return to Gloucester on Friday 27 July before taking their place in Blue Square South. City will also face two Blue Square North sides, newly promoted Northern Premier play-off winners Telford and Redditch United who pipped City to the Southern League Western Division championship back in 2004.

City will also travel to a string of local lower division opposition as Tim Harris hopes his squad can reach match sharpness and some form ahead of the Southern League campaign opening on 18 August. He must hope this summer goes better than last, when inexplicably the side managed a run of eight pre-season games without a win – including embarrassing defeats to lower division opposition in the shape of Slimbridge, Dawlish and Almondsbury. The team had to wait until the last match before the season proper to find some goals, crushing local league Staunton & Corse 14-0.

The close season signings of goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer from Cirencester and striker Jack Pitcher from Clevedon already suggest that City could emerge as real promotion contenders next season with Harris still seeking to further improve his squad. City’s pre-season will start with the players returning to training on 30 June and continue in July with a weekend exercise and bonding programme in Gwent being laid on by the army’s fitness training experts. The first pre-season action sees City hit the road to take on West Midlands League outfit Ledbury Town on Wednesday 11 July, and preparations conclude with a run out at Quedgeley Wanderers on Monday 13 August.

Tim Harris said: "I am grateful to Hartpury College and to the British Army for their support of the club, being able to access their superb facilities really helps in our preparation. Fans can rest assured that no stone will be left unturned as we look to prepare the squad for a positive league and cup campaign."

* Gloucester City have appointed Shaun Wetson to replace Jason Mills as the club’s football Secretary. Shaun is a longstanding City fan who has returned to Meadow Park as a regular spectator after ending his own playing career in local football. As a self-employed accountant Wetson will be able to provide flexibility in finding the hours to carry out the demanding job – good luck!

Links: 2007 Summer Fixtures, Southern League website, City Playing Squad, Playing Stats 2006-07.

 

23 May 2007
Big Goalkeeper Signing for City as Sawyer joins from Ciren

City’s close season transfer activities received a huge boost yesterday with news of the signing of highly rated goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer from recently relegated neighbours Cirencester Town. The keeper has caught the eye over many seasons with a string of impressive saves against City, and won the Southern League title with Salisbury City in 2006 before returning to Cirencester Town last season.

"City are a big club, with a great fan-base and ambitions for the future, so I was delighted to hear that they were interested in me," Sawyer told the Gloucester Citizen. "From that moment on I knew that there was no other club I wanted to play for at this level, even though several others were interested. The manager has told me of his plans, of his need to bring in a few players and his aims for next season, and it is clear that his ambitions match mine, I have not joined Gloucester City to spend my time in the Southern League Premier Division, and want to help the club reach a higher level.” Boss Tim Harris sounds fairly chuffed with his new keeper saying “I see this as a major coup for the club, especially as Kevin wanted to be part of what we are building here. He has tasted success at this level, and is one of, if not the best keeper in the league.”

The 27 year-old keeper began his career at Cirencester, progressing from a youngster at their academy into the first team. He moved on to Salisbury and helped them to two promotions and an appearance in the FA Cup 1st Round, being the only ever present in the Wiltshire club’s SLP championship winning side of 2005-06. Having felt his place at the newly promoted side was under threat Sawyer handed in a transfer request, but there was surprise when he elected to return to Cirencester Town last summer. Sawyer has now been secured on contract at Meadow Park and his arrival will increase optimism for next season’s campaign, his presence hopefully helping to address last season’s defensive frailties. Tim Harris is still believed to be actively seeking further additions to his squad, and although still operating with a tight budget is understood to be hoping to add at least one further new face before the summer break.

Sawyer has long been a familiar figure to City fans, and despite a load of banter about his ample frame he has been an opponent highly respected by the T-End. In the two City games against Ciren last season Sawyer was comfortably his team’s outstanding player, his fine form being largely responsible for limiting City to a goalless draw at Meadow Park in March. Despite Sawyer’s best efforts Ciren still finished in the SLP relegation places, although ironically the Cotswold club could still receive a reprieve from the drop if Conference South clubs Hayes and Yeading agree on a merger, necessitating a reshuffle of the non-league pyramid.

Unfortunately his signing does mean the departure of current keeper Ray Johnston, who must feel sore at leaving after just a few months with the Tigers. The former Bristol Rovers and Clevedon Town goalie made 17 City appearances since replacing long-serving City custodian Matt Bath in February. Razor had impressed with his character and attitude as much as his ability between the sticks, but whilst he was a good keeper Sawyer is an excellent keeper. Tim Harris has to be applauded for managing to attract a player of his quality and being able to take full opportunity of his availability. Sadly there is little room for sentiment in trying to build a successful team; hell, it almost feels like we’re a proper football club.

Links: Kevin Sawyer pen pic, Ray Johnston pen pic, Ciren v City match report, Cirencester Town FC website.