We need to be fit to win, not fit to drop (30.09.05)

MAGPIES supremo Carl Taylor believes that once his new charges raise their fitness levels, the team’s attacking ambitions will have a greater chance of being realised.
On Saturday, the Magpies were dumped out of the FA Cup by a strong Yeading outfit who showed the levels to which the Magpies need to aspire, both with regards to fitness and cohesion.
Taylor underscored this when he said: “The scoreline reflected our fitness levels at present and the strength of Yeading.
“We did well in the first half and could easily have nicked a goal, but after this we couldn’t maintain the pace.
“We must improve our fitness levels if we are to play this high-tempo style of football.
“To be fair, some of the players weren’t expecting to be doing as much running as they are now, as their pre-season was geared towards a different style.
“We are playing catch-up at present, but were getting there.”
But with even more new faces in the Magpies line-up at The Warren, playing as a unit was also a struggle, but taylor is convinced this will improve.
He said: “I’m working towards a more settled side over the next few weeks, and more familiar faces will be back on Saturday after being cup-tied.
“I have a pretty much full strength squad to chose from for the Weymouth match.”
This comes tomorrow (Saturday) when the south coast side are the visitors to York Road, for what will be a stern test of Taylor’s developing squad.
He said: “I have high hopes for the match.
“I want us to be competitive as it’s a home match and I want to win one for the fans.
“I don’t know the last time the team won at home.
“But whatever happens, we will attack them, that’s for certain.
“I intend to play this attacking style all season. It’s our best chance of stringing a run together rather than just trying to nick a win here and there.
“It would also be nice to get a bit of luck against a big team which is running into form.
“We didn’t get much against Yeading and they are also a form side.”
The Magpies can take heart from an almost full squad with only John Bacon, who is in America, being unavailable.
After being cup tied against Yeading, midfielder Mattie Glynn (who is also the new club captain) and defender Chris Elsegood will be back, while Robert Traynor is also available again after his suspension.

GRIMACE: Maidenhead United manager Carl Taylor has disappointment etched on his face after the Magpies’ 3-0 setback at Yeading on Saturday. Picture by Nigel Keene

Revolving door is still spinning (30.09.05)

THE comings and goings continue at York Road after new manager Carl Taylor took charge of the Magpies two weeks ago.
Coming through the ‘in door’ are Enoch Boateng, Rob Courtnage, Matthew Hayes, Abdul Saeed Osman and Andy Tomlinson.
Meanwhile, Olawale Ojelabi has moved to St Albans City.
Midfielder Matt Glynn, who only re-joined the club when taylor joined, has been appointed club captain, and Richie Goddard has joined the backroom squad as a coach.
Robert Traynor is available to play again following suspension.

New players:
ENOCH BOATENG
Signed in September 2005, Boateng started this season at Kingsbury Town.
Has also played for Egham Town and Feltham.

ROB COURTNAGE
Defender.
A tough tackling centre back, Courtnage has spent most of 2005 at Hendon.
He began his career at Norwich and has also had spells at Wealdstone, Walton & Hersham, Dulwich Hamlet and Hemel Hempstead Town.

MATTHEW HAYES
Midfielder.
This attacking midfielder was signed from Barking & East Ham United after starting the season at Leyton.

ABDUL SAEED OSMAN
Midfielder
Signed in September 2005.

ANDY TOMLINSON
Midfielder
Tomlinson is a creative midfield playmaker whose impressive displays last season earned him a call up to the FA XI.
He also has experience with Heybridge Swifts, Billericay Town, Brentwood and Enfield.