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| Thameside final in doubt? 26th April 2004 |
It is hoped that the Thameside Trophy final, which is an attractive local derby featuring two clubs between which there are many connections, will proceed as planned but there is a slight possibility that it may have to be postponed if Ford United do not secure automatic promotion to the Conference Division 2 South and have to participate in the play offs. This is a historic game not to be missed as it will be the last appearance under the name of Ford United, following the decision to change to Redbridge next season. If, as we hope, Ford beat Harrow Borough on Saturday they will be promoted but, in the event of any uncertainty, information can be obtained from this website or by ringing the club. |
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| End of season disco update 26th April 2004 |
A disco for Players, Supporters, Friends and Family will take place at the club on the evening of Saturday May 1st. The annual presentations will be made to the player of the season etc and this year’s event will have added poignancy because in the year of the Silver (25th) anniversary of our winning the Isthmian League championship in 1978-9 . Manager Eddie McCluskey and many of the successful squad will be in attendance. Acceptances have been received from the following legendary club heroes – Eddie McCluskey, Nicky Ironton, Keith Barrett, Dave Waite, Mickey Cleaver (father of Dean), Dave Guiver, Derek Baker, Chris Ballard, Bryn Key, Kay Ford (widow of the late and greatly lamented John). It is hoped that Gary Anderson and Bob Makin (holder of the club appearance record) will also be able to attend and Noel Ashford, who is in America, might be represented by his parents. Tony Brothers (scorer of the goal against Oxford United in our only FA Cup victory over a Football League side) regrets that he will be in the USA on business and Ken Varney has also sent apologies as he will also be abroad. Unfortunately we have lost track of Peter Burton as nobody is aware of his whereabouts following his rumoured return from Australia. During the evening the John Ford Memorial Trophy will be inaugurated.
Our thanks are due to supporter Mark Harris, who organised the previous re-union and has liaised with Eddie to facilitate this one. |
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| Relegation - the saga continues 26th April 2004 |
Although we are now relegated and will not know our fate for next season until after the meeting of the Alliance Joint Committee on May 9th, rumour suggests that relegated clubs will be invited back into the new level four Division 1. The Non League Paper has been running a story suggesting that the F A National League System Committee has decided this and the current issue states “ …the FA announced that they would grant a reprieve to the clubs relegated from the three Conference feeder leagues ….and in a specially convened meeting the committee refused to back down. Hellenic League Chairman Michael Broadley said “…the vote went against the level Three leagues” (e.g. Essex Senior League, Spartan Midland League). The accuracy of this report is not known. |
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| Injury hit Blues at Berko 23rd April 2004 |
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Barking’s defence and midfield will be without four players at Berkhamsted tomorrow due to injury or illness affecting Bradley Woodards, Ben Willis, Jonathan Higgs and Nick Savidge. Bradley, Ben and Nick will unfortunately be unable to play again this season.
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| Supporters meeting announced 19th April 2004 |
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All Barking supporters are invited to a meeting in the clubhouse at 5pm on Saturday May first following the home game versus Chesham United with a view to resuscitating the Supporters’ Club which has been dormant this season.
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| Hawaii the lads 19th April 2004 |
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For our last Hawaii (sorry) game of the season at Berkhamsted on Saturday a group of prominent and dedicated supporters has decided to eschew the replica Barking shirts for once and appear in Hawaiian garb. All supporters are invited to join in this initiative. Well Hawaii not?
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| Ex Blues on the move 19th April 2004 |
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Congratulations to former Blue John Still on his return to the position of manager of Dagenham & Redbridge. John played a season for us when aged 16. Former Player and Manager George Borg is reported to be about to join Boston United of the Football League Third Division as coach after leaving Hornchurch.
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| Thameside final opponents known 15th April 2004 |
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We now know who will be our opponents in the Thameside Trophy final - Ford United, managed by former boss Craig Edwards. The Motormen last night overcame Romford at Rush Green by 4-1. As there were number of players on both sides with Barking connections it was no surprise to see Jay Murray bag a brace with Romford's goal coming right at the death from a Mickey Rogan penalty. This will be our ninth final with our previous record being a even won four, lost four. Our last final in this competition was the titanic game against Canvey Island which was won on the 22nd penalty. The final will be played at Mayesbrook Park on Bank Holiday Monday May the 3rd - kick off 1pm.
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| Dennis signs just one more 5th April 2004 |
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Dennis Elliott’s final signing of the season brought the welcome return of the popular and versatile Ashley Marsh from Barkingside for his third spell with the club. Ashley, who has also played for Ford United, stepped straight into Saturday’s team as a replacement for Robert Carter who was unfortunately taken ill shortly before the kick off with a stomach virus.
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| Dennis signs two more 1st April 2004 |
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Dennis Elliott has made his final captures before the transfer deadline with the signing of John Morgan and Jonathan Higgs.
John Morgan is an experienced and highly regarded wing back signed from Waltham Forest but with previous experience at Enfield, Stevenage and Grays Athletic. Jonathan Higgs is well known to Barking supporters from his impressive appearances on loan from Dagenham and Redbridge earlier in the season and has joined from Heybridge Swifts.
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