June 2008 Archives

PLODDED up Clent Hills the other day with my two badly behaved German Shepherds.
Who should I spot trundling around at a fair rate of knots but a fit-looking Danny McDonnell.
I always reckoned Danny was the best goalkeeper in Non League football and should have played in the Football League.
To my knowledge he won one England Non League cap, but it should have been more.
Danny missed out on last season with Worcester City through injury, but looks in good shape now.
In fact Clent's quite a popular haunt for Non League sides during pre-season - although they're probably not that popular with some of the players.
Stourbridge train just across the road at Old Halesonians, so I would imagine manager Gary Hackett is already mapping out a few arduous running routes for his players.
Clent also used to be a favourite pre-season training location for Graham Allner when he was in charge of Kidderminster Harriers. Some of the tales concerning legendary bad trainer Chris Brindley are hilarious.
In fact Harriers spent most of the sessions looking for him!
I recommend Sunday mornings on Clent during July as ideal for Non League spotting. If you can't manage that, try Tuesday or Thursday evenings (7pm to 9pm approx).
If any managers or coaches are looking to get a bit more out of any players reknown for slacking in training, they are welcome to borrow my Shepherds. That should liven things up a bit!

WHAT is it with this close season that we're hearing doom and gloom from so many of our clubs?
Nuneaton Borough could be going into receivership,
There's a consortium trying to wrestle control from the current chairman at Bromsgrove Rovers.
And I'm hearing nothing but bad vibes coming out of Halesowen Town.
These are major clubs, which is all the more worrying.
There used to be a period up until the end of June when nothing ever really happened - certainly not these days!
Managers always used to tell me they were busier in the close season. I can believe it.
Football never goes away.
If anyone hears any gossip - give us a shout and we'll chase it up!