October 2007
 
Squad news 28th October 2007

Jamie Murat - sadly departingSadly for us Jamie Murat (left) has exchanged the blue of Barking FC for the blue of the sea as he departs for foreign shores. Jamie who joined us in the summer of 2005 has always been very reliable, always given 100% effort and has been a very effective member of our team. While sad to lose him we wish him every success in his future endeavours. 

Long term injury victim Chris Bullock hopes to be fit to resume training in the near future. Our game against Beaumont Athletic on Thursday saw the welcome return to first team action of Duane Miller, Michael Lee and Darren Bennett.
Reserve team help wanted 24th October 2007

Jamie Murat - sadly departingIf you do not follow the first team when they play away on a Saturday or a Tuesday would you be willing to help the Reserves out? As always the club need volunteers - at the moment one area we urgently require assistance for is our successful Reserve side - if you are willing to give up a few hours then please contact Gill Faherty on 0776 4587112 or e-mail secretary@barking-fc.co.uk for further details.
Les Wilson 19th October 2007

The club are deeply saddened to announce the death of their long serving officer Les Wilson aged 88 yesterday (October 18th) at King Georges Hospital. Les (pictured left) came to follow the Blues when they moved to their new home at Mayesbrook Park in 1973 - during those 30 plus years he served the club in various capacities, team liaison and statistician to name just a couple. He also entertained the supporters with the pre-match announcements delivered in his own unique manner.

Press Officer Derek Pedder paid this tribute: "I first met Les in 1973 when we moved to Mayesbrook Park and he came to investigate the football club near his home. He stayed for 34 years and did many jobs for the club. I have many reasons to be grateful to Les as he helped me so much in my job as press officer especially giving me the details of any matches which I could not attend. I also enjoyed our post match discussions about the times of goals - our watches never seemed to agree - and sometimes the identity of scorers as well as the merits of referees. Les was agreat believer in keeping the game flowing and to him a good referee was one who issued few or no cards.He made no secret of the fact that he considered rugby league to be the world's greatest game and he attended some games when it was played in London but this did not prevent him giving 34 years of dedicated service to Barking FC. He was overjoyed if he met a fellow rugby league lover among the officials of our opponents as happened occasionally.

Unlike me Les was always very well organised and up to date in his meticulous record keeping and he could settle any query about any game since 1973. He was still updating his records almost to the end and I hope that they will be preserved as he devoted so much time and attention to them. I was surprised to discover fairly late in our relationship that we shared another interest in the music of Elvis Presley and others of that era although his frequent threats to sing when making his announcements should have been a clue. Through his role as announcer Les became the public face and voice of the club and people he did not know would stop him in the street and ask about Barking FC. "

Our thoughts are with Les's daughter Joanne, son John and their families at this difficult time. The funeral will be held on Friday October 26th 3pm at the South Essex crematorium Corbett's Tey.

A minutes silence will be held prior to tomorrows game with Basildon United in memory of Les.

Thank you Les and God bless from everyone at Barking FC

Les presenting Bobby Makin with his player of the year award for season 1980-81
Below are two of the floral tributes at the funeral of Les Wilson - photos by Gill Faherty
 

 
Cup latest 11th October 2007

We now know our next opponents in two cup competitions. In the FA Carlsberg Vase we will travel to Stanway Rovers who last night beat Wellingborough 1-0 in their replay. The match will take place on Saturday November 17th kick off 3pm. In the London Senior cup third round we will entertain VCD Athletic on a date to be confirmed. VCD beat Croydon 2-1 and the winners will be away to Fisher Athletic.

Fixture update 8th October 2007

Our reward for beating Daventry in extra time on Saturday is an away trip to either Wellingborough Town or Stanway Rovers in the FA Vase second round. Wellingborough known as "The Doughboys" play in the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division and are currently eighth with a record of P 9 W 4 D 3 L 2. Stanway Rovers play in the Ridgeons League Premier Division and are fourth from bottom with a record of P 8 W 3 D 0 L 5. The teams met on Saturday and played out a 1-1 draw after extra team - the replay is on Wednesday evening. The winners will take on the Blues on Saturday November 17th kick-off 3pm.

Saturdays Gordon Brasted memorial trophy home match against Beaumont Athletic has been postponed - this will be rescheduled for a later date.
New Signing/Injury latest 1st October 2007

The club are happy to welcome back from Ilford Remi Nelson (pictured left) - Remi was part of our successful Under 18's team and after playing for the Reserves made his first team debut last season. In total Remi made 29 appearances scoring two goals, both in the league cup. Remi was a second half sub at Southend on Saturday and drew a great save from the Manor keeper. We still have three forwards injured - Chris Bullock, who will be out for a few weeks yet, Carl Griffiths and Duane Miller.