News - September 2007

Following my statement at the beginning of this week I have had a meeting with some of those that were alleged to have said things about the way the club was ran, I would like to say thank you to Steve, Shirley & Carol for your honesty and integrity, I hope we can now close this chapter and move forward with Grays Athletic

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With immediate effect Simon Downer and Ben Watson are available for loan.

Donny Barnard has not had his loan agreement renewed

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I have been informed that following Saturdays game against York City certain supporters felt the need to criticise the way I run the club to the Boardroom Manager, it was suggested that I had no right to sell the club as I only had a 1% share in the club, I would like to state that the ground is owned by the Billings and they have agreed to sell to Fairview and Galliard Homes, from the proceeds of this sale they have kindly donated a substantial amount towards the new stadium.

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The Q&A meeting with Justin & Jimmy will now take place in the clubhouse on Wednesday 3rd October at 18:30, not Wednesday 26th September as previously advertised

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Following the incident between Jamie Stuart and Chris Beardsley during Saturday‘s game with York City which resulted in Chris Beardsley sustaining a broken jaw; Grays Athletic will not be making a full statement until all the evidence is collected from the various officials and agencies.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Chris a very speedy and full recovery.

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Grays Athletic have released midfielder, Jamie Day, on a months loan to Blue Square South side Eastbourne Borough FC

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Grays Athletic striker Matt Bodkin has joined Blue Square South side Thurrock FC on loan for the remainder of the 2007/8 season

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Grays Athletic have signed 18 year old Peterborough United midfielder Alfie Potter on a months loan.

Alfie is the first player to graduate from their Centre of Excellence, he was offered a 1 year professional contract in June 2007, Posh boss darren Ferguson rates Alfie very highly and feels that he needs some extra games under his belt and stated. “Alfie is one for the future. He can get some games under his belt at a good level with Grays which will help us in the long run.”

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Grays Athletic reserves suffered their first defeat in the Pontin‘s Combination Leage today at the hands of Southend United. Danny Kedwell netted twice today but it was not enough as Southend doubled that score, three of which came from ex Ebbsfleet striker Charlie McDonald.

With the other fixture between Northampton Town and Luton going the Cobblers way in a 1-0 victory, this sees Grays move below Southend into 5th place
Match Details

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Ben Watson has been called up for the F.A. England Futsal 4 Team Friendly Tournament due to be held in Izmir, Turkey between 23rd - 27th September 2007. Grays Athletic have reviewed the situation and have spoken to Ben regarding this Tournament, and it is felt that due to the Midweek fixture with Rushden & Diamonds on the 25th it is in both parties interests that Ben declines the offer.

Whilst this is a great opportunity for Ben to gain another cap for his country he is happy with the clubs decision.

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A great performance from the players last night getting their first win in the Pontin‘s Combination Reserves League against Northampton Town, the youngsters in the squad played really well and showed what they are capable of.

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Following tomorrows game against Forest Green Rovers the Club Bar will be showing the live England vs Israel along with the England vs USA Rugby fixture on the multi screens so why not pop in for a drink and cheer England along, dont forget “England needs you”

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Salisbury City boss Nick Holmes has won the Blue Square “Manager of the Month” award for August.

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The first ever Blue Square “Player of the Month” awards have been announced, rewarding players that have taken the eye in the first month of the season.

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Grays Athletic are pleased to announce that Credit / Debit card facilities will be available in the Club Shop from this Saturday, a second terminal will be being placed in the Club Bar where cash back will be available, up to £50, when spending a minimum of £5.

An online shop is being created and should be available shortly, also a postal order service will be being offered.

All major credit/debit cards accepted with the exception of American Express and Electron.

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Following a successful session with Grays Athletic Youth Team Goal Keepers, Gary Philips, Grays Athletic first team goalkeeping coach, is planning his next coaching school for young aspiring goalkeepers (Under 16 only).

The first session will take place in the GAFC Ball Court next Thursday, 13th September, starting at 3.45pm until 5pm and will be FREE.

At this session parents/youngsters will be able to sign up for a 6-8 week course for a nominal fee.

All youngsters MUST have their own gloves, good trainers/astro boots (no studded boots) and a water bottle. Track bottoms are suggested to protect legs.

Just turn up or contact the clubs main office for further details.

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To vote for the Blue Square Premier “Player of the Month” award for August please click here

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News from our Physio Dickie Harper prior to Cambridge Fixture:

Charley Hearn is unavailable for tomorrows fixture against Cambridge following an intramuscular haematoma (Dead Leg) in the Droylsden game.

Both Stuart Thurgood and Simon Downer are now back to full training and taking on extra conditioning to get match fit and should return soon

Cam Mawer is still undergoing a specialist rehabilitation programme.

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