News - July 2002

News - July 2002

Trialist News

30/07/2002

The Daggers gave a trial to Ross Johnson, formerly of Colchester United, against Heybridge. The centre back has played over 160 games in the league for Colchester and Brighton and had a decent debut that ended in a goal. Ross is 26 years old, and has also played for HJK Helsinki in Iceland this summer. In the previous friendly at Great Wakering, Emmanuel Sarpong and Sonny Nwachukwu played their second games, with both scoring. Sarpong has played in Belgium for most of his career and Nwachukwu has played for Montreal Impact and also in Belgium. Emmanuel is 1.94 metres tall and is Ghanaian, and Sonny is Nigerian. However, both have been released.

Boston Saga In Parliament

29/07/2002

Dagenham MP, John Cruddas, has proposed an Early Day Motion in Parliament asking the FA to explain their decision of allowing Boston to remain in the Football League. This motion was backed by 24 MPs.

FA Decision Makes Mockery Of Football

19/07/2002

The FA have announced the punishment Boston will be given after finding them guilty of financial irregularities, and it allows them to take their place in the Football League. This decision follows in a long line of shams that have seen Chesterfield allowed to take promotion despite being found guilty of similar matters, and the FA backing down in the infamous Tottenham Hotspur case appeal hearing. Boston pleaded guilty to all six charges and were given a -4 point start this season and a Ł100,000 fine - something I am sure most clubs would take for a place in the Holy Grail of Division 3. The fine can easily be paid from prize-money and increased gates that the League brings.

Although the dealings related to last season, the FA saw fit to dock points for the coming season - which is virtually giving a green-light to others to follow suit. To make the matter even more of a joke, Boston plan to appeal against their fine, which they say is excessive. Manager Steve Evans admitted to 4 charges but denied another 4, and the outcome of this will be at a later date. This signifies that the FA seem willing to punish Evans separate of the club, despite the fact that the club benefitted from his dealings. Despite the appeal against the fine, Boston are probably laughing all the way home.

Garry Hill said of the decision: "This decision is laughable. Boston have been allowed to cheat. It's left the door open for anyone who wants to do what they've done to act in the same way. How can you deduct four points from a League season when they broke the rules in the Conference last year? I'd take a Ł100,000 fine to stay in the League. This is not justice. Irrespective of whether we got promoted or not this has made a mockery of football." A lot of fans everywhere have shown their annoyance that cheats are being allowed to prosper and hopefully the FA will look at how they deal out 'nothing' punishments in future. I wouldn't hold your breath though.

Daggers Trialists

15/07/2002

The Daggers have taken former QPR player Paul Bruce on trial, as well as Purfleet's Jon Keeling. Paul Bruce has notched up over 30 games in the Football League and can play left back or midfield. He has a superb free kick and is 24. Jon Keeling has been at Purfleet for many years and is a small but tricky winger.

New SC Sponsor

11/07/2002

The Supporters Club have unveiled a new sponsor, the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian. Martin Oldaker (Editor in Chief), Alistair Strayton (Sports editor) and Jackie Bass (Daggers sports reporter) helped to engineer the deal. Also thanks to the Supporters Club Committee for the commitment. You will see the Guardian logo and name on your membership cards, AGM info, membership forms, the SC page, e-mail and much more. There will be a column in the Sports section of the paper with Supporters Club travel information each week and news from the Supporters Club approximately a couple times of month. Check the SC page on this site for the full story.