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And who is to tell if that cabbie isn’t ex Ranger Warren Neill?
But back to those who still have their feet on the grass carpets
of the English downs and, to start our ramble, an introduction
to QPR’s nursery team.
When Marien Ifura was released at the end of the season, many
admiring fans (including me) got a shock but I suspect the shock
was similar on his face when he joined Kingstonian FC this
season. Looking through the seasons stats it would appear that
he has met up with some old friends. He joined Giles Coke,
Martin Williams and Dean Lodge, but it hasn’t helped hapless
Kingstonian who are bottom of the Ryman Premier League. Giles
Coke is the one impressing, despite his “colourful” disciplinary
record, he is being chased by several clubs.
The biggest story of the non league season though is the
predictable demise of Hornchurch FC. They were universally
reviled throughout the non league community for “Doing an
Abramovich”. They play in the Conference South and three games
ago were top by four points. Now, although still in the hunt,
they are second and four points behind.
They were bought out by Karl Williams, the owner of a double
glazing firm. He decided to chuck money at players and increased
the playing budget to £1.2million! He brought in journeyman
fatboy Darren Caskey on £2,300 per week and signed ex QPR youth
player Wayne Purser from Orient for £15,000 and paid him £1,200
a week.
These two were just the tip of the iceberg of players laughing
all the way to the bank but you know you should never trust a
double glazing salesman! It was revealed on BBC’s Watchdog that
he was little more than a con man whose companies invariably
disappeared into the night at the first sign of financial
stress, only to re-appear as something similar in a different
part of the country two weeks later.
The upshot of it all? He’s been caught up with and declared
himself bankrupt. The club is in turmoil and the playing staff
is shrinking due to the fact that most of them have decided they
can get their dosh elsewhere and jumped ship!
Chelsea fans take note!!!
One of those released from his contract at Hornchurch was an old
stalwart of the ex files, Bertie Brayley. The one time R’s youth
player has moved on to Heybridge Swifts where he can be paid for
a change. Many thanks go to Keith Hussey for the info. Keith has
also learned the location of our old hairy friend Robbie Herrara.
No doubt he’s still erm, “terrifying” defences in the Screwfix
Direct Western League Premier Division. Well Bideford are top!
Also still playing (but dropping down a level every season) is
Dennis Bailey. He’s joined Stratford Town in the relegation
fight from the Travel Factory Midland Alliance League!
Whilst Aldershot were happy to dispense with his services last
season, Lee “Chippy” Charles is happy to carry on at Weymouth,
scoring in their 3-2 win over Havant and Waterlooville this
weekend in the Conference South. This leaves Adam Miller’s old
club with Nikki Bull as the sole Rangers old boy.
To finish this weeks ex file, I give you a tale of contrast.
There was a time when we had a tricky Welsh international
winger, and a solid defensive French stalwart. One of them is
now playing for Caen in the top flight of French football. The
other has been cleaning his own boots in the Motaquote Welsh
league for Taffs Well AFC. If there is any doubt in your mind
which one is Aziz Ben Askar and which is Leon Jeanne I can be
contacted on the link below to explain (!), but I’d be far
happier to hear your stories of ex hoops who have switched
hydro-active sports energy drinks for half a lager in the
clubhouse, so drop me a line.
varc@qprnet.com |
