| But
for some ex Rangers their seasons had already ended the weekend
before as they plied their trades on pitches that often would
serve better as dogs litter trays and they meandered home in
Uncle Alfie’s Ford Anglia, and looked forward to a comforting
pot noodle. For these people are those whose careers have ebbed
rather than flowed or have yet to hit the heights of their
contemporaries. But that
doesn’t mean they cant have their own version of success. At
least one ex Ranger will be returning to the ranks of league
football next year and rescuing themselves from the ex-files.
Chester won the Nationwide conference and Hereford were
favourites to go up with them. However, a remarkable performance
by Aldershot in the playoff semi final has seen them reach the
final to play Shrewsbury for a return to the big time.
Shrewsbury in the last few weeks took on the much travelled
Trevor Challis, who had been enjoying a great season at Telford
(including the mockery inducing defeat of Brentford in the
cup!). In his way will be the remarkable figure of “Chippy”. Lee
Charles has done a sterling job at Aldershot and his goal
secured their play off birth. But another hoop put in a man of
the match performance in the first leg of the play off semi
final with some outstanding saves. Young Nikki Bull hasn’t had
the most comfortable job in football, falling out several times
with his manager. But he has proved his worth and although
they’re the underdogs, could get back into the league with the
Shots.
Not quite making was Barnet.
Their defeat to the Shrews has left Chris Plummer and Danny
Maddix stranded on the other side of the non league river. That
is unless, old “Mad dog” comes to their assistance. Having
deserted Barnet at their time of need to join the hapless
“wanabe Londoners” of Brentford, Martin Allen may be considering
turning TW8 blue and white hooped - you never know!
There is yet more success to
report. Everybody’s favourite Gents loiterer, and friend of Row
Z, Karl Ready has helped Crawley Town to the non league holy
grail of the Conference. Admittedly at the end of the season he
helped most by sitting on the bench, but generally his presence
has been a factor in the Town’s considerable 12 point domination
of the Dr Martens league.
Elsewhere, enjoying less
success but receiving glowing reports for their performances are
some recent ex Rangers. Particularly in the Ryman Premier
division. It seems Leroy Griffiths has found his level down at
Grays Athletic. He has been a considerable influence there and
is extremely popular too. Over at Northwood ex youth teamers
Alastair Heselton and Brian Fitzgerald have been amongst the
goals towards the end of the season, and at Aylesbury Alvin Bubb
put the disappointment of finishing bottom behind him, by being
called up by his national side. He and his brother Byron were
called up by Grenada as they pulled off a 5-0 victory in a world
cup qualifier against Guyana.
Some players are still hoping
not to be permanent members of the ex files squad. Ben Walshe
has had a reasonable season on loan in the non league. Many will
have seen him on Sky in the FA Cup (he actually played in the FA
Cup longer than any other QPR player this season!) as he chased
success with Gravesend and Northfleet. Their run came to an end
and probably so has his QPR career. Ben was at Yeovil earlier
this week having a trial. Dennis Oli also spent some time at
Gravesend, enjoying 5 games whilst Wes Daly completed a single
game as sub before being recalled to Loftus Road. Jake Cole
spent a very productive season in goal on and off at Hayes FC,
and Marien Ifura gained yet more experience at Hendon and
Farnborough. The Ryman League is certainly proving to be a good
training ground for these youngsters, but yet here we are at the
end of the season and they find themselves wondering if they
will be back there for good next year. Speaking to Dennis Oli
and Marien Ifura the other night, they both stated their
determination to play for the R’s. Marien has enjoyed his time
in non league, particularly at Aylesbury last season where the
fans really got behind him.
I wish them all the best for
next season, hopefully with the R’s rather than becoming the
next Michael Meaker (still playing for 50p and a tin of baked
beans at Southall Town in the Cherry Red Records Hellenic
League)
If they do end up playing in
your back yard next season, I’ll do my best to keep you up to
date here.
The Ex-Files will return next
season but as ever I need your vigilant eyes. If you see an ex R
touting their wares at a level you never thought they'd stoop to
then please email at the address below.
varc@qprnet.com |
