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Squad still in the dark
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| Peter Beadle has broken his silence |
RELATIONS between Newport County and the playing staff hit a new low last night as fears increase over a mass exodus from Spytty Park.
On the day when former boss Peter Beadle finally broke his silence following his sacking, but refused to criticise Exiles chairman Chris Blight, a meeting between the players and chairman descended into farce.
The Argus understands that the entire squad - other than striker Charlie Griffin - travelled to Spytty Park only to be told that chairman Blight was unable to attend the meeting due to his commitments in the local elections.
The players collected their wages and promptly left, but a growing feeling of discontent has surfaced.
One unnamed player told the Argus: "The chairman didn't turn up and we still have no clue as to what the club plan to do.
"Loads of the boys made a real effort to get here (from as far away as Telford, Swansea and Cheltenham) and we weren't told anything.
"I have to look at my situation now as other clubs are interested. I know that some of the boys are in talks with other clubs and the longer this situation drags on the more other players will consider their options.
"All we want is for the club to talk to us and tell us what their plans are, but they haven't done so all week."
The Argus understands that at least five members of the current 21-man squad are already negotiating with other clubs, while striker Julian Alsop has already announced he is leaving.
Meanwhile boss Beadle was keen to draw a line under his Spytty Park tenure and refused to join Alsop - who did attend last night's meeting - in criticising the Exiles board. Beadle, sacked less than 24-hours after the Exiles failed to make the Conference South playoffs, is keen to end his time with the club without animosity.
He explained: "Further to my dismissal on Sunday it is with great sadness that I address the Newport County supporters for the final time.
"I would like to thank Chris Blight and the rest of the directors for giving me the opportunity to manage the club for two-and-a-half years.
"It has been a terrific journey full of highs and lows, from surviving relegation and missing out on the playoffs last year and this year.
"We reached two FAW Premier Cup Finals, winning the competition and enjoyed FA Cup and FA Trophy runs.
"I would like to thank all the players I worked with, past and present and the backroom staff and their families for their work and support.
"I would also like to thank the amazing volunteers who worked hard keep things running and all the fantastic fans who have supported me and the team both home and away week in, week out.
"I only wish I could've been the man to take the club to the next level but sadly in this short time it was not meant to be. I would like to wish Newport County every success in the future and hope one day they do take the step to the next level."
Meanwhile, young County loanee Matt Smith, 20, is expected to miss nine months after physio Tommy Cosh confirmed he has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his left knee.
Cosh commented: "It will mean a lay-off of about nine months and it's such a shame for a talented young player, we're hopeful he'll get his operation done within the next fortnight. The only good thing is that it's the different knee to his previous ligament injury, so we know exactly what we're dealing with."
Smith, a Wales under-19 international, is out of contract with Cardiff City and had been expected to sign with County this summer.
10:14am Friday 2nd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: HampshireDave, Farnborough on 10:54am Fri 2 May 08
The level of incompetence shown by Chris Blight since Peter Beadle's sacking has been staggering. Did the local elections take him by surprise? I understand the date had been set for at least 2 years. With the arrogance and lack of respect that Chris Blight has shown the players this week it's no wonder that they are looking to find new clubs. Mr Blight. You'd better get your act together quickly or pretty soon as well as having no manager you'll have no footballers at your football club. The players and the fans deserve much better than the treatment they have had this week. In stark contrast, Peter Beadle's statement does him credit and I wish him well in his future managerial career.
The level of incompetence shown by Chris Blight since Peter Beadle's sacking has been staggering. Did the local elections take him by surprise? I understand the date had been set for at least 2 years. With the arrogance and lack of respect that Chris Blight has shown the players this week it's no wonder that they are looking to find new clubs. Mr Blight. You'd better get your act together quickly or pretty soon as well as having no manager you'll have no footballers at your football club. The players and the fans deserve much better than the treatment they have had this week. In stark contrast, Peter Beadle's statement does him credit and I wish him well in his future managerial career.
Posted by: Owain Vaughan, Newport Monmouthshire on 10:59am Fri 2 May 08
That's not entirely fair on Mr Blight. You don't know exactly what circumstances let to him not turning up. He is a decent guy doing a difficult job, so cut him some slack!
That's not entirely fair on Mr Blight. You don't know exactly what circumstances let to him not turning up. He is a decent guy doing a difficult job, so cut him some slack!
Posted by: Phil Tanner, Berkshire on 11:45am Fri 2 May 08
There's a surprise, the Argus stirring it.
The players know exactly what the club's plans are because the club has told the Argus - appoint a new manager as soon as possible and leave assembling a squad for the new season up to him.
As for "fears of a mass exodus", the collapse in form since Christmas means a "mass exodus" is exactly what the club needs.
I've been a huge fan of Julian Alsop and greatly admire his willingness to play through injury, but the fact is he last scored on Boxing Day and I think most supporters would have been stunned if he was part of any manager's plans for new season.
There's a surprise, the Argus stirring it.
The players know exactly what the club's plans are because the club has told the Argus - appoint a new manager as soon as possible and leave assembling a squad for the new season up to him.
As for "fears of a mass exodus", the collapse in form since Christmas means a "mass exodus" is exactly what the club needs.
I've been a huge fan of Julian Alsop and greatly admire his willingness to play through injury, but the fact is he last scored on Boxing Day and I think most supporters would have been stunned if he was part of any manager's plans for new season.
Posted by: Bas, Horsham on 11:58am Fri 2 May 08
This speculation is doing noone any good, let's just wait for the "official statement" from Mr Blight before condemming him too much.
This speculation is doing noone any good, let's just wait for the "official statement" from Mr Blight before condemming him too much.
Posted by: Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond, Ferkum on 12:17pm Fri 2 May 08
The paper is a joke i stopped buying it years ago. and now read online as its free
Sir Sidney
The paper is a joke i stopped buying it years ago. and now read online as its free
Sir Sidney
Posted by: Marky, Newport on 12:22pm Fri 2 May 08
I agree with Phil, never mind 5 players leaving, there's only about 5 or 6 players that are worth keeping.
I agree with Phil, never mind 5 players leaving, there's only about 5 or 6 players that are worth keeping.
Posted by: Phil Tanner, Berkshire on 12:38pm Fri 2 May 08
It would present a problem if the five or six worth keeping did in fact leave, but that's statistically unlikely. As a season-ticket holder, I'd far rather what I pay to watch the club went to players who actually want to play for it. And are good enough, obviously.
If next season's squad wound up including as many as 16 of this season's, we would be far more likely to be fighting against relegation this time next year than pushing for promotion.
It would present a problem if the five or six worth keeping did in fact leave, but that's statistically unlikely. As a season-ticket holder, I'd far rather what I pay to watch the club went to players who actually want to play for it. And are good enough, obviously.
If next season's squad wound up including as many as 16 of this season's, we would be far more likely to be fighting against relegation this time next year than pushing for promotion.
Posted by: countymad, Newport on 1:49pm Fri 2 May 08
let them the players do what they want they are not good enough they let the manager down and the board and fans blame them not the board mr blight is hurt we all are.[italic]italic[/italic]
let them the players do what they want they are not good enough they let the manager down and the board and fans blame them not the board mr blight is hurt we all are.
Posted by: Acey on 3:02pm Fri 2 May 08
What a novelty, an Argus sports editor stirring things up between a local professional sports club's fans, directors and players.
It wasn't so long ago that Michael Pearlman was lecturing the good people of Newport on why they should get behind the side. Perhaps he should follow his own advice, resist the temptation to stir and get behind those people who are Newport County through and through and who despite having other important commitments in their lives are doing their best to bring Newport County and its loyal supporters what they want as quickly as possible and that is a return to the Football League.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of Peter Beadle’s dismissal it is done now. All that matters right now is that the right manager is brought in and that he assembles a squad that is good enough to take County to the next level and beyond. I wish Chris Bright and his fellow directors all the best in this task and would thank them for the time, effort and money that they have put into the club.
What a novelty, an Argus sports editor stirring things up between a local professional sports club's fans, directors and players.
It wasn't so long ago that Michael Pearlman was lecturing the good people of Newport on why they should get behind the side. Perhaps he should follow his own advice, resist the temptation to stir and get behind those people who are Newport County through and through and who despite having other important commitments in their lives are doing their best to bring Newport County and its loyal supporters what they want as quickly as possible and that is a return to the Football League.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of Peter Beadle’s dismissal it is done now. All that matters right now is that the right manager is brought in and that he assembles a squad that is good enough to take County to the next level and beyond. I wish Chris Bright and his fellow directors all the best in this task and would thank them for the time, effort and money that they have put into the club.
Posted by: Ken Ash on 3:13pm Fri 2 May 08
Can we get all of this into context, please as we have days and days of this stuff going on.
Newport County is a tin-pot little club playing in a nonsense semi-pro league that attracts about as many people to see them (800 to 1,200) that you get to see Newport Rugby's semi-pro side in the Welsh Premiership.
If there was any ambition from the County, Mr Blight and the other anoraks that go over to Spytty Park, then they would have been in the Blue Square Conference at least - if not the Football League - years ago.
FAW Premier Cup win? Yes, against Cardiff City reserves. No money, no chance of growth. All week, towns like Aldershot and Hereford have been talked about in these comment pieces but they are football towns. Newport is - and will always be - a rugby town because, if anyone wants to watch some decent football locally, they will either go to Cardiff City, Bristol City or Bristol Rovers. It's not that difficult.
Or they may, as many do all the time, join one of the Manchester United or Liverpool supporters clubs down here in Wales that regularly go to see Premiership football.
Sorry, County and the anoraks. As much as I would love to see you succeed, you won't - even if you appointed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager because you don't have the support and you don't have any financial clout.
Finally, Mr Pearlman. 'Exclusive?' It should be as you are this rag's football writer and, anyway, [bold]no other newspaper writes about or even cares a hoot about Newport County.[/bold]
Best of luck to you all - you are going to need it!
Can we get all of this into context, please as we have days and days of this stuff going on.
Newport County is a tin-pot little club playing in a nonsense semi-pro league that attracts about as many people to see them (800 to 1,200) that you get to see Newport Rugby's semi-pro side in the Welsh Premiership.
If there was any ambition from the County, Mr Blight and the other anoraks that go over to Spytty Park, then they would have been in the Blue Square Conference at least - if not the Football League - years ago.
FAW Premier Cup win? Yes, against Cardiff City reserves. No money, no chance of growth. All week, towns like Aldershot and Hereford have been talked about in these comment pieces but they are football towns. Newport is - and will always be - a rugby town because, if anyone wants to watch some decent football locally, they will either go to Cardiff City, Bristol City or Bristol Rovers. It's not that difficult.
Or they may, as many do all the time, join one of the Manchester United or Liverpool supporters clubs down here in Wales that regularly go to see Premiership football.
Sorry, County and the anoraks. As much as I would love to see you succeed, you won't - even if you appointed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager because you don't have the support and you don't have any financial clout.
Finally, Mr Pearlman. 'Exclusive?' It should be as you are this rag's football writer and, anyway,
no other newspaper writes about or even cares a hoot about Newport County.
Best of luck to you all - you are going to need it!
Posted by: D Taylor, Newport on 3:32pm Fri 2 May 08
Mr Ash. Eight paragraphs about why you are not interested in Newport County and why no-one else should be is most impressive. It's more than most us who are interested can manage.
Mr Ash. Eight paragraphs about why you are not interested in Newport County and why no-one else should be is most impressive. It's more than most us who are interested can manage.
Posted by: Steve Dunn on 3:57pm Fri 2 May 08
well said indeed Mr Ash
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 4:04pm Fri 2 May 08
Mr Ash (or should i call you Mr Sherman?)...You need to realise that this club re-formed in 1989 from vertually nothing. The club is moving forward, but at a slower pace than most would like. We support our local club through whatever is thrown in our way.Your comments are very amusing,doubt that you'll get an invite to the county annual ball though.I wouldn't mind betting that you were one of the 18,000 at the Carl Zeiss Jena match...Providing they let you out for the evening.
Mr Ash (or should i call you Mr Sherman?)...You need to realise that this club re-formed in 1989 from vertually nothing. The club is moving forward, but at a slower pace than most would like. We support our local club through whatever is thrown in our way.Your comments are very amusing,doubt that you'll get an invite to the county annual ball though.I wouldn't mind betting that you were one of the 18,000 at the Carl Zeiss Jena match...Providing they let you out for the evening.
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 4:25pm Fri 2 May 08
I've only just heard the sad news about former county keeper Mark Kendal....puts all this that we write on here in its place.
I've only just heard the sad news about former county keeper Mark Kendal....puts all this that we write on here in its place.
Posted by: Owain Vaughan, Newport Monmouthshire on 4:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Just what I needed on a long Friday train home - a good laugh. Thanks Ken!
Just what I needed on a long Friday train home - a good laugh. Thanks Ken!
Posted by: Gwenty, bed on 4:31pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Steve Dunn[/bold] wrote:
well said indeed Mr Ash[/quote] ponce!!
Steve Dunn wrote:
well said indeed Mr Ash
ponce!!
Posted by: Steve Dunn on 5:11pm Fri 2 May 08
19 years and county have moved up only 2 leagues - ha, ha
19 years and county have moved up only 2 leagues - ha, ha
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 5:24pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Steve Dunn[/bold] wrote:
19 years and county have moved up only 2 leagues - ha, ha[/quote] We're used to that,we didn't fair much better between 1912-1988...we do have a good sense of humour supporting County.
Steve Dunn wrote:
19 years and county have moved up only 2 leagues - ha, ha
We're used to that,we didn't fair much better between 1912-1988...we do have a good sense of humour supporting County.
Posted by: Steve Dunn on 5:36pm Fri 2 May 08
i know mate - o'm a county fan mtself. but that idiot gwenty, bed has been thinking i'm not 4 years now. so i've successfully been winding him up. been great fun!!
i know mate - o'm a county fan mtself. but that idiot gwenty, bed has been thinking i'm not 4 years now. so i've successfully been winding him up. been great fun!!
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 5:40pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Steve Dunn[/bold] wrote:
i know mate - o'm a county fan mtself. but that idiot gwenty, bed has been thinking i'm not 4 years now. so i've successfully been winding him up. been great fun!![/quote] Gotcha.
Steve Dunn wrote:
i know mate - o'm a county fan mtself. but that idiot gwenty, bed has been thinking i'm not 4 years now. so i've successfully been winding him up. been great fun!!
Gotcha.
Posted by: Marky, Newport on 5:48pm Fri 2 May 08
Ash, you don't have a clue what you're talking about. Cardiff City, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, they're nothing compared to the real big clubs, if we got promoted we'd get bigger attendances, quite simple.
Wigan is smaller than Newport, most definitely a rugby town and has the biggest sporting club in the world on its doorstep yet still manages to get a Premiership club. Go and watch your egg-chasing franchise and leave us alone.
Ash, you don't have a clue what you're talking about. Cardiff City, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, they're nothing compared to the real big clubs, if we got promoted we'd get bigger attendances, quite simple.
Wigan is smaller than Newport, most definitely a rugby town and has the biggest sporting club in the world on its doorstep yet still manages to get a Premiership club. Go and watch your egg-chasing franchise and leave us alone.
Posted by: zorro, Gwent on 7:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Whatever his other qualities, Chris Blight needs to develop some people-handling skills or the club will go downhill. Can you imagine his predecessor, David Hando,all in one season berate the fans, the manager and now the players? Maybe this quality had something to do with their respective showings in the local council elections this week!
Whatever his other qualities, Chris Blight needs to develop some people-handling skills or the club will go downhill. Can you imagine his predecessor, David Hando,all in one season berate the fans, the manager and now the players? Maybe this quality had something to do with their respective showings in the local council elections this week!
Posted by: G, Newport on 7:27pm Fri 2 May 08
ANY1 KNOW WOT HAPPEND TO POOR MARK KENDAL ?? RIP
ANY1 KNOW WOT HAPPEND TO POOR MARK KENDAL ?? RIP
Posted by: Marky, Newport on 7:37pm Fri 2 May 08
Heart attack by the sounds of it.
Now come on, don't take any notice of the Argus' sh*t stirring when none of us know the actual facts. On the messageboard someone said one of these players who wants out is on his way to Merthyr, can hardly be worth keeping if he's going to there can he?
Heart attack by the sounds of it.
Now come on, don't take any notice of the Argus' sh*t stirring when none of us know the actual facts. On the messageboard someone said one of these players who wants out is on his way to Merthyr, can hardly be worth keeping if he's going to there can he?
Posted by: Steve Dunn on 7:47pm Fri 2 May 08
thet are only one division belw us - and we nearly ended uo there not so long ago!!
thet are only one division belw us - and we nearly ended uo there not so long ago!!
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 8:01pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]G[/bold] wrote:
ANY1 KNOW WOT HAPPEND TO POOR MARK KENDAL ?? RIP [/quote] The official county web has a short update.
G wrote:
ANY1 KNOW WOT HAPPEND TO POOR MARK KENDAL ?? RIP
The official county web has a short update.
Posted by: Marky, Newport on 9:26pm Fri 2 May 08
"thet are only one division belw us - and we nearly ended uo there not so long ago!!"
A couple of seasons ago yes, but now we're going in opposite directions now. No player who's any good or has some ambition would choose a club from any lower division over County, especially a sinking ship like Merthyr.
"thet are only one division belw us - and we nearly ended uo there not so long ago!!"
A couple of seasons ago yes, but now we're going in opposite directions now. No player who's any good or has some ambition would choose a club from any lower division over County, especially a sinking ship like Merthyr.
Posted by: Steve Dunn on 9:37pm Fri 2 May 08
marky, while u r right about being good abd ambition, believe me some of these players would shop their granny for a tenner and if merthyr offered more -they'd go!
marky, while u r right about being good abd ambition, believe me some of these players would shop their granny for a tenner and if merthyr offered more -they'd go!
Posted by: paulwanderer, chepstow on 9:49pm Fri 2 May 08
Ive just watched Burton Albion/Cambridge Utd....we've got along way to go before reaching the football league (i know we competed well with Torquay)
Ive just watched Burton Albion/Cambridge Utd....we've got along way to go before reaching the football league (i know we competed well with Torquay)
Posted by: Gwenty, bed on 9:55pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Steve Dunn[/bold] wrote:
i know mate - o'm a county fan mtself. but that idiot gwenty, bed has been thinking i'm not 4 years now. so i've successfully been winding him up. been great fun!![/quote] Steve Dung what a funny guy
Steve Dunn wrote:
i know mate - o'm a county fan mtself. but that idiot gwenty, bed has been thinking i'm not 4 years now. so i've successfully been winding him up. been great fun!!
Steve Dung what a funny guy
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