|
Welcome to the home of the Margate Independent Supporters Association..
From here you can find out about our forthcoming events and how to join MISA.
Current News / Event Info:
|
April Draw
|
The April Draw took place after the Folkestone game with the winners being:
No 20 Kenneth Chesson £15
No 65 Melvyn Ellingham £10 |
|
|
|
Folkestone Game
|
Working to help our football club’
The curtain falls (notwithstanding the final act being played out against Harrow next weekend) on another season. You, the fans in the guise of critics, will digest the data from about fifty games covering some seventy-five hours of football, and determine the level of success achieved at the end of the seven months long campaign. But surely there is no need to waste valuable time on such a pointless exercise? Measuring success is easy with the answer to the simple question ‘what did we win?’ becoming the yardstick. If the answer is ‘nothing’ then the season has been a failure, relegation, of course, some way beyond this. Thus, by definition, the supporters of less than 15% of clubs can enjoy the summer recess with smiles on their faces whilst the remainder sink into a morose state of depression hoping it rains on all others! (For those whose clubs are going down choosing where to jump from tops the agenda!) Naturally this is sheer bunkum. Success is appraised differently by all men/women, by all clubs, by all players/managers. For ourselves the attainments and triumphs of our recent history cloud the issue. We may be correctly accused of constantly questioning how soon we will return to the heady heights of the Blue Square Premier after all this is where a club like Margate should be, shouldn’t it? The facts behind our rise and fall are conveniently forgotten as we pursue what is perceived as our ‘divine right’. So back to this term. Last April we were mortified, a team capable of winning the league, let alone reaching the play-offs failing over the last few furlongs. August saw a reduced budget in place with many of the ‘stars’ being released by the club. Many, if not the majority, felt mid-table would be the pinnacle of achievement with hopefully a good run in the cups to add cheer. The standard in the Ryman Premier produced a complicated mish-mash of results so that all clubs bar one were in with a chance, incredulously, of promotion. Suddenly our sights were adjusted, earlier reasoning discarded and ultimately disappointment followed. Oh well roll on next year, a phrase consistently used from black and white days!, as we wait to hear just a snippet of gossip, rumour or confirmed information that ignites a feeling of hope for 2008/09. So, those of you that are, change from being a doom and gloom merchant and join the band of perpetual optimists, the half-full brigade, although this may mean more disenchantment next year!
For MISA it has been a very different year to the previous two, following Margate F.C.’s return to Hartsdown. The upgrading and eventual longer opening hours in the social club saw us take a back seat. A more prominent role was again undertaken when in December MISA was asked to manage the catering facilities. With regards to this thanks are due to the small band of willing volunteers who have successfully seen that players and officials have been suitably fed after matches. Full details of MISA business may be heard at the AGM which has been arranged for Thursday June 12th commencing at 7.30 p.m. here in the social club. The next quiz has been has been fixed for Friday April 25th again a 7.30 p.m. start in The Hartsdown when we hope to host a similar number of teams as in March. With food included the price of £3 per person is a snip. To book places ring me, Keith Lewis, on 01843 226963. Today we will be holding the 200 Club April draw. As communication becomes more difficult through the ‘dormant period’ information about any of MISA’s activities may be found on the MISA section of the margate-fc.com website or by ringing me on the above number.
It leaves me to wish you an enjoyable summer, a chance to recharge the batteries whether you are snoozing amongst the tented village at the St.Lawrence ground, enjoying the old-fashioned genteel seaside pastime of donkey rides or downing too many ‘tinnies’ at family barbecues! But before you depart why not swell the numbers in the bar afterwards as the various awards are handed out, your chance to thank the players for all their efforts. Enjoy the game; see you at the friendlies.
|
|
|
|
Heybridge game
|
‘Working to help our football club’
April couldn’t have come soon enough that is if the spring-like weather from earlier in the week lingers on. None of the wintry conditions that we have experienced in the last month, after such a promising start to 2008, do we wish to see again. March traditionally sees windy weather, in like a lion and all that, but why oh why were the gales so rampant on Saturdays? The last three Saturday first team games at Hartsdown have been unprecedented with horrendous conditions on each occasion, live blow football! Now I’m not saying that this has been even partly responsible for our demise, after all, as the saying goes, it’s the same for both sides, but I do know from personal experience that it isn’t easy to play a simple passing game when the ball has a mind of its own. There will be some who protest that good players can perform whatever the conditions. These no doubt are the ones in the crowd who laugh when goalkeepers struggle to clear a goal kick from the area or continually find the stand, sneer when throw-ins sail back into touch and snigger when clearances land on Tivoli rec. They are likely never to have played the game. And, yes, gales aren’t new to Hartsdown, Folkestone’s visit in January last year and Bashley in a cup semi when Lee Turner scored directly from a drop kick spring to mind. But my memory tells me that there wasn’t much football played in these games either! Sure I, like most, would be happy to see Gate win whatever but I also want to remember games for the right reasons. With Hartsdown reminiscent of the Mersey tunnel and with global warming promising more of the same perhaps it is time to think of franchising the club. What about Chicago? Is it windy there? Just a thought. A better one is the construction of a retractable roof stretching from the ‘coffin end’ to Hartsdown Road. And if that is not possible why not consider placing windmills on the roofs of the
proposed buildings which should provide enough energy to fuel the floodlights twenty-four hours a day! Such brainwaves; The Apprentice calls!
Following on from the introduction of the Misa fanzine we are now in the process of working on a regular free newssheet, obviously a touch late to make an impression this season, but hopefully a regular feature next term. This will provide the link between committee and fans informing of decisions made and actions taken which are not generally published on the Misa page in the programme.
The 200 Club draw was kindly made by the Chairman, Malcolm Rowlett, last Saturday the winning numbers being 55 D. Steel £15 and 50 D. Swinnock £10. As there is just one game remaining the April draw will be made when we play Folkestone on the 19th. During the recess the draws will be made when the committee meets with details obtainable from the Misa section of the Margate-fc.com website or by ringing me, Keith Lewis, on 01843 226963.
A cracking atmosphere was generated by the ten teams competing in the March quiz held in the Hartsdown bar. A competitive evening resulted in failure to unseat Frankie’s team who continued with their impressive run of victories. Dressed in an array of hospital uniforms they showed that what the NHS lacks in funds they more than made up for in brains. Or something like that! With a choice of pasta, lasagne or chilli for supper this must be the best £3 night out in Margate. We will endeavour to run further quizzes throughout the summer. Again information can be found via the website and telephone number above.
Whoops! My mistake; I got the week wrong! Today is in fact your opportunity to vote for the ‘Supporters’ Player of the Year’. Your vote can be registered close to the turnstiles with the result announced after the match on April 19th.
Nothing to play for? Maybe not except pride. But harking back to the main content of this piece, today is the chance for the team to show us what they can do. And with the pressure off let’s hope we are treated to some decent entertainment over the ninety minutes. For certain Heybridge, battling at the wrong end of the table, will be up for it. Let’s match the determination they show. Enjoy the game.
|
|
|
|
Questions to Robin Trott - Part2
|
Q: Have you thought of playing Corbishley at right back with Peters pushed forward?
A: I have thought about it definately. Corbishley is a full back or a wing back and I spoke to him Saturday to tell him he could play in this League. Its just tough at the moment when you have the likes of Pinnock who has been outstanding and Haworth playing well to fit him in the side. I want him down here, I like him but he must wait and his time will come for sure.
Q: What are your thoughts on Dover being in our league next season and what Hassenteller has done there?
A: I think he has done very well and, although money can't always buy success I know he has a big budget down there. They always had the makings of a good team down there when Walker was there and although coming up, have probably already earmarked 5 or 6 players for next season. I believe they will start as hot favourites due to the budget, steady team but this can only be good for the club as another derby, and monies coming in. The difference between what he has had to work with compared to me is not comparable.
Q: Do you intend to build your squad mainly around what we have or can you see new arrivals next season.
A: Yes its hard to say but I yes I think their will be fundamental differences to the side next season.
Q: What is the hardest decision/decisions you have had to make this season?
A: There are many but the first one I had to do was realeasing Mike Flanagan who was my right hand man, a very difficult decision but one that had to be made due to cuts. On the playing side one of the worst was to sub myself against Wealdstone when winning at the time.
Robin also asked me to tell the fans that despite what they have heard about playing budgets he can assure them that his was amongst the lower end in this league this season as he is aware of others.
Alan Anstice Interviewed on Wed 16/4 |
|
|
<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next >>
|
