New signings (5 of em!) and more to follow

[Iron Webbo]

Rod's been busy.

[cm7]

Finally, Martin Tuohy scored 28 goals for me last season which helped Aveley to finish in the top three; the year before he scored 51! A natural goalscorer and I know that he is looking forward to continuing that in the Conference South! He has this knack of getting in the right areas at the right time - a predatory finisher. 26 years of age, he was previously with East Thurrock.

Heard alot of good things about him, he'll score us goals for definate. Good players who will know each other and the manager well, they should fit into our system nicely!

[4whatitsworth]

Ryan Doyle and Martin Tuohy add up to two new players, and by all accounts sound like good signings. Who are the other three???

[braintreeo]

From the main site:-

Braintree Town have signed five players from Ryman League Premier Division side Aveley, with two Conference players in talks set for later this week. The five new boys are: Michael Alaile (Centre Half), Ryan Doyle (Right Back), Sam Holloway (Left Back), Nicky Symons (Midfield) and Martin Tuohy (Forward). Manager Rod Stringer explained to the Club website that he felt each player had more than enough ability to step up and do well at the higher level: "Michael Alaile started his career at Dagenham and is a very mobile central defender. John Still spoke very highly of Michael as a youngster and, still only 21, he is a very strong lad who can also play at right back. Ryan Doyle was my captain last season at Aveley and is a 6'2" right back. 23 years of age, he can also play in a central defensive role and has a great presence. Sam Holloway played Conference South with Redbridge when he was just an 18 year old. 6'1" and pacey with it and has a great delivery - still only 22. Nicky Symons is a strong midfielder who is very competitive, but with more than enough ability to play when coming forward. 25 years of age, he can also drop in at right back and was the fans player of the year at Aveley last season. Finally, Martin Tuohy scored 28 goals for me last season which helped Aveley to finish in the top three; the year before he scored 51! A natural goalscorer and I know that he is looking forward to continuing that in the Conference South! He has this knack of getting in the right areas at the right time - a predatory finisher. 26 years of age, he was previously with East Thurrock.
All these lads are hungry and really looking forward to coming to Braintree. I'm also talking to another centre half who was with a Conference South side last season and another midfield player that was playing in the Conference Premier. I hope to have negotiations with both these players concluded by the weekend. Many of the boys that were with the Club last season have gone away on Louis Riddle's stag do and I'll let you know who were keeping over the coming weeks - Rod."

Also as for comments about taking the club backwards, I was at first a little miffed that Garvey left seemingly half way through a two year plan, but things change. who here has not made cut backs or altered plans because of the recent recession?

The club are no different and I now see it as a re evaluation of where we are, things change nothing stays the same and we all have to trust IW and the board. It could be worse we could support the aviation fuel sniffers.

[mooresy25]

Are we turning into Aveley!? -I kinda rest my case!

Good luck to all the new signings, i'm looking forward to seeing them play and gel into the current team. Reading the website news Rod speaks very highly of them all so good times ahead!

I see a couple of them seem to play at right back. I hope this doesn't mean the end of Ryan Peters who, in my opinion, was player of the season last year.

[cm7]

Ryan can play in various positions so maybe Rod has ideas of playing him further forward, who knows?

But I'm happy with the signings who are obviously well rated by Rod and we must trust his judgement at the moment, If they are not good enough he will move them on. Which is what he did with players from Barkingside when he joined Aveley.

He said that he's talking to a Conf South defender and Conf Prem midfielder so not all of his signings are going to come from Aveley! Its not like we've signed his whole squad, got their kit and moved to Millfield Stadium!

[4whatitsworth]

Ok lets stop for a minute and take stock of the new signings. With the departure of Paul Goodacre we are IMO in need of a centre half and lets hope Rod has got it right in the signing of Michael Alaile. Also with Jacob gone the same applies to Nicky Symons . What concerns me a little is that unlike Robbie Garvey (Rod to the best of my knowledge) did not have the opportunity to see last years squad in action, and therefore players such as Ryan Peters, Jonah and Joe Bruce (all of whom IMO did a great job for us last season) could end up as squad players although they have already proved themselves time & time again at this level. With regard to Martin Tuohy, if he proves to be a prolific goalscorer at this level and can partner well with George and/or Marksy then the coming season promises well.
I am sure other players from last years squad will be released but just hope that none of the above apply along with Reece and of course Brad who when he was fit was as good as ever.

[cm7]

We did need two centre-halfs (we've got them) and we needed a centre-midfielder (we've got one). I cant see Burbridge or Brayley staying so Touhy coming in is a bonus.

Rod is bringing players in for positions that are needed, good job so far!

[castIRONgooner]

I'm sure that I read in the bwt that brad had signed a deal as player coach for next season, hopefully that will keep the majority of the squad together.

[stevet]

Rod is bringing players in who he feels will do the business on the pitch next season. Of course he would like to keep the services of some of the players from last season. Some will stay some will go, thats football at every level. The players coming to Braintree will be working there N""ts off to prove to themselves the manager and fans that they should be here. S""T happens with budgets, take it from a hammers fan! All i do know is come next season and pre friendly"s the true Iron fan will be there Win Loose or Draw (praying for more wins) Good luck Rod the team the Board but most of all the FANS.

[mooresy25]

Yeah totally agree Brad is a key player to keep for next year. He (along with Jonah) is Mr Braintree and pivitol in midfield. We never look quite the same without him pulling the strings. Glad to here he has got a coaching role he deserves it. I see Brad as the midfield spine player with George as the attacker in that spine. Sadly we have lost the keeper and defender in that spine but hopefully these new lads will step up to the mark!

No mention of a new keeper yet. Do we think a new keeper will be arriving? If not I guess its between Nicky Morgan (was he just out on loan last year?) and Nathan McDonald for the No.1 shirt. Both i'm not 100% sure about.

[cm7]

I've heard whispers of the Aveley keeper being on trial with us over pre-season but not sure how true it is.

I dont want Morgan back, he's never really impressed me and I'd much rather see McDonald in goal. He could be a very good keeper for us.

[mooresy25]

......I've just heard we are also trialling Aveley's ground, kit, training cones and team coach during pre season

[ironlover]

well done rod you seem to fit in at braintree i wish you luck with us and does anyone know if George Purcell is still with us

[stevet]

my earlier post reguarding Nathan still stands, as i have seen him in the reserves many times, i"am glad Catts is staying by all accounts, and closer work with Nathan will result in a class goalkeeper and future no1.I"am sure we are both right on that one, I agree with you on Tiny! With the strikeforce and retained players and new players coming in ;The CHAIRMAN can go in goal if Rod wants to sign him!!

[cm7]

ironlover George is still contracted for another season yes.

And mooresy25, you've had your joke mate its getting boring now

[4whatitsworth]

Grow up mooresy

[cm7]

Glad to see someone agrees with me so quickly, completely pathetic posting on his part. It wasnt even funny the first time

[stevet]

George contracted for next season, con prem and league clubs sound biting, but no confirmed bids as of yet,flexing their muscles but no money on the table

[littleali]

Jun 1, 2010 21:07:22 GMT 4whatitsworth said:

Grow up mooresy

I thought his last post was rather witty

[stevea]

The sooner we get some news on the remaining players from last season the better. Assuming we have lost the four we know about plus Braley, five out & five in is almost right except for the keeper.
I would keep Morgan, yes he makes mistakes but more often than not they do not lead to conceding goals (I dont need examples of where he has) & a plucks the high ones so easily.
I rate all of the remaining of last years squad & I beleive we & Rod need them for their invaluable & skill.
Come on Lee, Rod & the players, get this sorted ASAP so we all know where we are.
Good luck to the Riddler on his marriage

[dav]

As with every season, I'll judge the manager over the course of the year with the players he brings in, how he copes with changes to the squad and most importantly how the players perform.

Its easy to look at players on paper and comparing them to those no longer with us, but the truth is until they get their chance to play and mould together as a squad we don't know whether they'll be useful additions or not.

We only have to look back two summers ago with the players we signed, the established boys who had done the job elsewhere and always looked the part when we played against them, to know that it doesn't always go according to plan.

As for keepers, I have heard a few names banded about from a source I have reason to trust but until anything is signed, sealed and announced there is little point speculating. Personally I would love to see Nathan given a chance, but its up to the new gaffer to make his own mind up!

[cm7]

"I would keep Morgan, yes he makes mistakes but more often than not they do not lead to conceding goals (I dont need examples of where he has) & a plucks the high ones so easily."

steva, he still makes the mistakes though. Its only a matter of time before one mistake comes to a goal, you cannot have a keeper in your side who makes mistakes. The defence will lose trust and confidence in him very easily and very quickly. If he makes the mistakes he shouldnt be playing simple.

[mooresy25]

Only a bit of light hearted banter people. I apologise if my post has offended anyone (that wasn't my intention). I am fully behind Rod and what he's trying to achieve.

[castIRONgooner]

I would keep Morgan, yes he makes mistakes but more often than not they do not lead to conceding goals (I dont need examples of where he has) & a plucks the high ones so easily.


Thought the high ball was his big weakness along with his kicking??

[ashonthepa]

Nathan is a top class keeper and we should not waste the budget on getting another. Cats would still do the business to deputise as well. Just my humble opinion of course.............