Can AFCB add more teeth to their attack?

Roy Keane was pretty brutal in his assessment of AFCB's attack in the last third against Liverpool last weekend, but I guess you can't expect many positives from Roy. In a way I like the way he gives his opinions in a forthright manner with no hesitation and stern belief that he is right. You cannot disagree though that AFCB did not have the tools to hurt a team like Liverpool on the day, but can Eddie Howe strengthen this transfer window?

The main attacking threats AFCB currently use - Grabban, Pitman and TK.

Whether the attacking threat AFCB has changes in the near future is a question that AFCB fans will be keen to know. If Eddie Howe is going to dip into the transfer market for a striker this window he is leaving it late. There has been speculation that Yann Kermorgant is the man that AFCB could be after if Powell does not stay as manager at Charlton. While Josh O'Hanlon is reputed to be joining the club from Longford Town in Ireland, I imagine as a Development squad player.

At the moment 34 goals from 27 games is not strong enough to challenge for the play-offs. It is the most difficult area to strengthen as we have seen. Some may have hoped that Tokelo Rantie would have provided more ammunition than he has so far in front of goal, but perhaps last night is all that he needed to get going. It is good to see a smile on his face any way, even if he was not pleased to miss out on a second goal last night. But it's not just Tokelo that needs to find the net regularly. Brett Pitman and Andrew Surman need to be doing better in front of goal and they will want to be doing better, while Josh McQuoid is still waiting to get a run in the side. Surman is starting to be more involved and getting into threatening positions and Eddie Howe seems to like him above Josh McQuoid and perhaps Pitman with the 4-1-4-1 system.

Andrew Surman is yet t score this season.

What was a little surprising was to hear TK say that Eddie Howe should not be changing anything and that the team is best using him as a second half sub at the moment. If that suits AFCb and TK has more success that way then surely it is a good thing as Rantie gets used to playing English football.

Tokelo Rantie score his first home goal for AFCB.

Rantie starts to feel at home - must be the weather!

It was great to hear that Tokelo Rantie have a good evening at Dean Court last night. The value of strikers in this league shows itself all the time. Huddersfield were lacking their main forward while AFCB could bring on their highest costing striker to win the game. At some points during the evening there were worries that the game could have been abandoned, but thanks to some frantic forking before kick off and half time the pitch just about stayed playable.

Rantie breaks his home scoring duck.

The conditions were terrible at the Goldsands stadium last night but it was a battling effort that won AFCB the three points. Huddersfield goal keeper Smithies made three amazing saves in the first half with Ward, Arter and Ritchie especially going close. Marc Pugh was said to run himself into the ground on the wings where it was treacherous under foot. It was Pugh who won the first opportunity to get AFCB on the score sheet and this time there was not many complaints from the Huddersfield players when he went down in the box. The pressure must have been on Grabban more than ever, to take the spot kick having missed his last one. At least this one was at the other end of the pitch in front of the north stand and with him slotting away the kick it looked like AFCB were well on their way to a home win.

TK could do no wrong against Huddersfield and was cheered after scoring.

It wasn't just the weather that was making it hard for the Cherries to get that home win though. Huddersfield are a good footballing side and they were able to strike back quickly through Calum Woods and yet again I had that sinking feeling that it might not be AFCB's night after all.

For some reason Willo who is always confident that TK can do the business was even more sure that Rantie would score when he came on. And surprise, surprise Rantie wasted no time in finding the back of the net with the help of an upright. While it was a battle to the end this win makes a tremendous difference not only to the look of the table but to the players' confidence. Now the home games are starting to bring points and TK is going to feel a lot more at home after this.

Rantie is interviewed after the match.

Match Description: TK tip-toes through the rain to score AFCB 2 v 1 Huddersfield

AFCB 2 V 1 Huddersfield Town

28 January 2014

Attendance: 7258 (including 326 Huddersfield fans) 

Under the floodlights (pic Harry Brown)

The teams are out but the groundsman still want to do their work.

AFCB named an unchanged team for the visit of Huddersfield. Having recovered from their exploits in the FA Cup this was always billed as a tricky home fixture for the Cherries having seen five goals fly past them in the away fixture earlier in the season. But there was no James Vaughan or Adam Hammill for the visitors and AFCB fans were buoyant having heard the news that Adam Smith had signed a permanent deal with the club even if he was not available for this game.

HTAFC are very artistic so here is there nice diagram.

Match Description listening to BBC Radio Solent: As it happened
AFCB kicking towards the Ted MacDougall stand this half with Huddersfield in yellow. Graham Horwood's first game as ref in the Championship we hear. Wells is tackled by Francis. Arter up to half way and his pass is cut out by Anthony Gerrard.Danny Ward to Woods and Wells had a nice shot but camp makes the save.

The ball is played out quick but Grabban can't get to it in time. Huddersfield have it until it goes out for a throw. Francis heads out. Gobern loses the ball and O'Kane to Grabban, Gerrard comes in and it could have been a penalty, but an initial infringement is given instead - corner. Ritchie takes a corner, Ward and then Arter looked like they would score but the keeper brings off brilliant saves from point blank range! Grabban is now offside. "Fantastic reflexes," says Willo.

Francis on the right to Ritchie and Gerrard puts it out. Arter to Surman, Ritchie fires wide. Huddersfield just playing with three at the back. Huddersfield throw and Danny Ward almost scores with a header but goes past the left hand post. Elphick did just enough to put him off. 

Daniels loses the ball. Smith takes the throw but Arter has it then Ritchie and Francis. Ward counters with O'Kane chasing. Elphick volleys the ball away after 8 minutes. Huddersfield win a corner off Francis. Norwood takes it. Matt Ritchie charges it down but its back in to Woods and Clayton but Dixon over hits it as Grabban closes.

Wells wriggles away from Elphick but shoots wide. Willo not impressed that Elphick let the ball bounce there. Daniles to Pugh, low cross but its out for a goal kick. There's puddles on the pitch apparently in some spots! Grabban puts Wallace under pressure and gets a corner. Ritchie now with Francis and Grabban but Wells clears. 11 minute gone. Surman tries a long pass but it's out for a goal kick.

Daniels is in trouble and Steve Hard comes on to the pitch. Daniels is coming off after 13 minutes and Ian Harte gets ready to come on. "He's probably got something to prove here," says Willo. O'Kane to Arter, now a chance for Woods and Gobern to Clayton who finds Dixon but it's cleared.

The Cherries have the ball. "A lot of water came off that ball," says Willo. Francis and Ritchie, but there was an important touch by Danny Ward. 17.5 minutes gone. Grabban wins a through off of Wallace, chasing lost causes. Francis and Ritchie linking up again. Long ball to Ian Harte, but Dixon gets the header wrong and its a corner to AFCB. Harte and Ritchie by the ball. It comes to Ritchie and a terrific save around the post for another corner. Loads of pace on that corner but a great save. "That's the third save Smithies has made, got down to his left at full stretch," says Willo.

Pugh in field to O'Kane and Ian Harte. Arter looks for ugh, but it's easy for Smithies. Huddersfield down the right with Ward crossing but Camp claims it. Ritchie to Grabban but Clayton has it and looks for Wells, Woods and Gobern and through to Camp.

O'Kane to Surman but Dixon wins it to Clayton and Norwood and Elphick wins the ball. O'Kane looks for Grabban and Gerrard gets a good tackle in. Harte takes a corner but it's cleared out of play. the rain has nearly stopped - light drizzle.

Ritchie and Pugh to Harte and onto Grabban. O'Kane on half way and now Elphick. Harte to Grabban trying to link with Arter but Huddersfield clear. Ritchie seems to have a floating role and is switching wings. Wells and O'Kane battle for the ball. Now Pugh and back to Elliot Ward. Elphick to Francis and Surman. Now Arter and Clayton is away. Dixon has a shot and Camp goes down well on his right hand post. Pugh loses control on the break. "It's an attritional night," says Temple.

Grabban is being forced away from goal. Wells on the break and it's back to Camp. O'Kane and Ward. Grabban is offside as Surman looked for him. "Magnificent pass," says Willo. Grabban down the right and Gerrard gets in when Surman and Pugh wanted the ball.

O'Kane feeds it through to Grabban who is offside again. The rain is back, 32 minutes gone. Danny Ward finds Wells in his green boots but Arter blocks Norwood. Francis though gives a free kick against Francis on Norwood, dead centre near the box. "A shooting opportunity," says Willo.

Norwood to take. It's too high and over the bar. The Cherries get a free kick. Ritchie is annoyed that Elphick is not giving any information to him. Grabban to Arter and Surman. Harte in support, Grabban heads it behind. Handball by Gobern. Surman to Grabban outside box but Gerrard slides in.

"Danny Ward has the cleanest of the Huddersfield shirts," says Temple. It hasn't been the most thrilling of spectacles he adds, apart from some chance is the first 20 minutes. Elliott Ward air shots but has a second attempt to clear and Arter is fouled. Ritchie over to Harte. Pugh to Ritchie and Grabban was on it but the ball did not hold up. Six minutes until half time.

Francis has a shot but its scooped away. O'Kane to Surman and AFCB get the throw. Dixon cannons it off Ritchie and gets a throw. "Red Army" is belted out! still 0:0 here. Woods plays back to the keeper who clears in a hurry. Francis now caught by Woods. Francis with the free kick, but Smithies collects.

Both teams get four to six passes in but then it keeps breaking down.Two minutes added on. Wells looks for Ward but it runs out for a throw. Pugh is caught and another set piece half way inside the Huddersfield half. Harte takes but it's half time. Smithies the busier of the two keepers, but it's 0:0 at half time.

That doesn't look good - goal mouth at the North stand. (pic from Geoff zzzzz)

A delayed second half as groundsmen try and clear the pitch of standing water!

Second Half
Ritchie to Grabban, avoids Wallace and now Pugh across goal, beats everyone but wide! Almost a great start for AFCB. Arter to Grabban across comes Wallace. Arter and Surman and Harte to Pugh but the cross goes out. Ward tidies up in the Cherries half. "Is it more of a three up top," says Temple looking at AFCB's formation. Ritchie certainly has a floating role tonight. Ward shoots for Huddersfield but Camp saves.

Clayton and Gobern runs into Harte. Arter has it but plays it behind Pugh and out. Harte plays it forward. The ball is sticking in places but there's no more rain. Pugh over half way and Surman on through the middle. O'Kane turns and into Gabban but it's cleared. Norwood to Clayton and Dixon. But Surman has it. Wells almost in but Ward gets a head in. 

Pugh now has a shot well off target on his left foot. O'Kane against Norwood. Huddersfield down the left with Dixon and Wells charitably hooks it into Elliott Ward. Ward to Pugh but Gobern has it and Wells bends his run but the ball is too strong.

Pitman is limbering up. Gobern to Woods level with the box. Dixon overlaps, Ritchie knicks it back. Harte to Pugh and goes down. Penalty to AFCB! "The game needed livening up," says Temple. Grabban to take the penalty - deep breathe1 He missed his last one. "No mistake this time! 54 minutes, low to the keeper's left - 1:0 to the Cherries.

I am praying that the game is not called off now. "Eleven times when AFCB have scored first they have won the game," says Temple. Don't you just love meaningless stats!

11 minutes gone in the second half. "We're on our way," being sung. Another few goals would be nice. "Eddie Howe's Barmy Army" now. handball against Gerrard played on. Cherries on left with Ricthie, but Clayton wins it and Ward then Woods with Dixon to Wells and a one to with Woods. GOAL! Woods low shot and it's 1:1. A rasping finish from Woods. Cut along 18 yard box. It was a one-two that undid AFCB. Top corner finish. " Absolutely leathered the ball, cutting on to his favourite foot," says Willo. 59 minutes gone.

Gobern goes off and Southern enters the game on the hour. Ward up to Gerrard. and Norwood. Ritchie wins the ball. "Nine of the last 11 goals for AFCB have come from Ritchie or Grabban," says Temple. Harry  Arter slides in and comes off worse. Free kick to AFCB.

Pugh turns from Smith. Harte to Grabban and Arter, back to Harte. Pugh to Harte, but can't find O'Kane too much water! Ritchie with Francis, but Huddersfield defending well. Arter and Surman shoots blocked by Gerrard. Francis to the byline headed out by Gerrard. Pugh now but Ritchie loses it until O'Kane and now Francis, but Huddersfield clear.

Pugh almost unlocked the door again. A quarter of the game to go. Francis puts the ball out. AFCB make a sub. Rantie comes on and Surman comes off after 68 minutes. Wells to Woods and Dixon. Southern dinks it in Smith is there but Harte hacks it away. Norwood's cross is headed out by Elliott Ward.

"The last three goals in the Championship have been Grabban penalties," says Temple. Wells is offside. Willo was not sure about that one. GOAL! Francis to O'Kane and Rantie has his first goal at home. 18 minutes to go and it's 2:1. Willo was sure that Rantie would score and he has. Rantie gets booked for over celebrating. "Let's hope that it's the first of a lot more to come," says Willo.

O'Kane had broken through the middle and while Rantie hit the post it went in - they all count! Pugh is caught by Norwood and Norwood is booked. "Rantie give us a wave," sing the North stand. " He's just running across the ground and not even making foot prints - Rantie, says Willo.

Scannell comes on for Norwood after 76 minutes. 13 minutes to go. Here's Ritchie to Rantie but Wallace clears. Now Arter but Rantie is offside. Scannell loses the ball and Elphick plays it up to Rantie who wins a throw. The conditions are ideal for him. Stead replaces Woods the goal scorer. Grabban spins looking for Rantie and wins a corner.

A good delivery please Ian Harte. Here he comes. It's volleyed clear by Clayton. Pugh has been running through quicksand all night," says Temple. AFCB given a throw after Huddersfield tried to grab too many yards. Arter to the byline volleyed clear. Scannell has the ball finds Ward and lee camp at full stretch from Wells' shot. Francis missed the header and got underneath the ball. It's a corner to Huddersfield. Francis heads back towards his own goal. Another corner. Wallace jumps with Harte. Clayton shoots but it's hammered clear by Arter.

Eight minutes to go. The ball is out on the far side. Lee Camp again saves from another Huddersfield shot. AFCB hitting the channels for Rantie to chase. Harte holds up Scannell. Six minutes left. The Cherries have it with Arter and then Rantie takes on Wallace but Smithies gets the ball. Five minutes left. Stead wins a throw in off Elphick by the corner flag.

Goal kick now to AFCB. Rantie has support with Grabban but it's a Huddersfield goal kick. Three and a half minutes to go. Southern to Dixon and Stead but Francis gets in and plays it back to Camp. Francis has had a ropey 10 minutes.

MacDonald comes on for Ritchie. Dixon crossed but Pugh clears. We are into the 90th minute. Elliott Ward clears to Southern and Scannell and Pugh gets a block in for a corner. Ward takes it. camp was being blocked but the ball lands on to of the net. Five minutes of extra time.

O'Kane again is man of the match on text. The ball came in to the back post and Danny Ward had a good chance and could not keep it down. That was a dangerous ball  in the corridor between centre back and full back and they all missed it for AFCB!

Pugh releases Rantie at the corner and wins a throw off of Wallace. Grabban and Arter fight for possession. Pugh and Harte annoyed that Huddersfield have the throw. The Cherries have a throw now. 1 minute left of extra time. Smithies clears from Rantie.

Rantie is in and goes round the keeper and can't get the ball away and it sticks under his foot. Rantie bows his head in frustration, but it doesn't matter. The whistle has gone. 2:1 to the Cherries.

AFCB team sheet not so polished but it's the official one.

The hand is a nice touch.

AFCB:
Camp, Francis, Ward, Elphick, Daniels (Harte 13), Ritchie (MacDonald 88), Arter, O'Kane, Surman (Rantie 68), Pugh, Grabban

AFCB Subs: Allsop, Pitman, Harte, Rantie, Cook, McQuoid, MacDonald

Huddersfield Town:
Smithies, Smith, Gerrard, Wallace, Woods (Stead 78), Dixon, Gobern (Southern 59), Norwood (Scannell 76), Clayton, Wells, Ward.

Huddersfield Subs:
Holmes, Scannell, Clarke, Stead, Lolley, Bennett and Southern.

Huddersfield are ones to watch

I know we had a bad experience last time AFCB played the Terriers. That scoreline still resonates in my memory banks, but I have to admit Mark Robins and his team intrigue me. This January he has really been splashing the cash, not on experienced players but on youthful talent. It may be more in an attempt to build for next season than to have a dash at the play-off this time around, but I like his thinking.

New signing Joe Lolly from Kiddermister Harriers is set to make his first start for the Terriers having singed a 2.5 year deal with a six figure transfer fee. Lolly is 21 years-old and has 11 goals in 25 games this season. Whether he can make the step up is perhaps give a bit of credance by his FA Cup goal against Peterborough on a week or so ago.

The real poucher I have heard about is Nahki Wells who was a regular scorer at Bardford City over the last two seasons. The transfer has broken the club record so even a player from League One is not cheap to pick up at the moment - think about that a moment those of you who still want Leon Clarke at AFCB.

Robins has also brought in Sondre Trondstad a Norweigan U18 international and Harry Bunn, a 21-year-old striker who was on Man City's books - I expect they could spare a few players with their squad. So is Robins building for the future? I think so. It looks like he believes they are heading towards safety this season and that he can give some young players a chance to get used to the Championship. It could be a good move for next season as long as the results keep coming in for Robins.

Against AFCB though I would expect a strong side from the Terriers with at least one of the new signings starting and some more of them on the bench. Wells has been getting an opportunity right away and he scored a good goal against QPR. Vaughan remains the big threat though as we know all to well. We may have to tell the ground staff to reinforce the corner flags with his goal celebrations!

But at the back too they been pretty measly with letting in goals. Their defenders include Calum Woods at left back who was signed a couple of seasons ago from Dunfermiline, while Paul Dixon also came from Scotland when his contract ended with Dundee Utd. Peter Clarke though is the player at the player at the back that I remember power his headers against AFCB in the League One play-offs a couple of years ago. He is strong and a real handful when he comes up for corners.

It is reported that winger Adam Hammill is a doubt for the game and will have a fitness test. He scored the opener against Bournemouth last August if you remember and basically ran the match with Vaughan.

It is only the top teams that have been knocking Huddersfield over. Everyone else has found the Terries a difficult team to get a result against. Still Bolton was their last away win back on 3 December and they have found things more testing away from home.

Bournemouth will be looking to improve on their last home league draw against Watford. Goals are becoming a bit hard to come by for the Cherries and they need to find more of a goal threat pretty quickly. I am confident that AFCB can hold Huddersfield but they really need a win to kick-start their 2014.

Huddersfield Away League form:
WLDLL

AFCB League Home form:
DLWDD

Also check out the blogger pre-match interview with Thrice Champions at Rival Lines.

Smith returns to Dean Court on a permanent deal

Adam Smith (22) is the latest signing for AFCB in the January transfer window as he signs on a three and a half year deal. Cherry supporters will remember him from the time of Eddie Howe's first managerial stint at AFCB, although he probably played as many if more games in the number 15 shirt under Lee Bradbury. He certainly played a pivotal role at right back as the Cherries sought to get into the League One play-offs in 2010-11. As a Spurs player Adam has spent loan periods with Milton Keynes Dons, Leeds Utd, Millwall and Derby County as well as with the Cherries. He is a quick full back that has shown he can deliver telling crosses while also being a stern defender.

The move is likely to see Adam contend for a starting place in the team with Simon Francis. There has not been much cover for Francis since Eddie Howe returned to the club and with the amount of games stepping up again as we approach the Easter it would seem a wise move to get some more support for Francis at this time.

Tricky wingers in the Championship have been able to get round the back of Francis on occasion this season and his pace is something that is perhaps a slight worry to Eddie Howe. I have no worries about the way Adam plays his football. He is versatile and strong in the challenge and should be a good addition to the team.

I was disappointed when Smith decided to go to Milton Keynes having been at Bournemouth at the start of the 2011-12 season, only because I though he was one of the best young full backs I had seen at the club in recent years. Having been capped at U21 for England Smith is still one for the future and if Spurs feel he is not ready to feature in their match squads then I'm very glad that he'll be playing for us rather than one of the other Championship clubs. With Kyle Walker holding the right back position at Tottenham, I am pretty pleased that they can allow Smith to come out on loan as Walker does not give me much confidence even if he may make the plane to Brazil in the summer.

Cherry Chimes interviews Huddersfield blog Thrice Champions

Match Preview
AFC V Huddersfield
Blogger Interview - Thrice Champions

Cherry Chimes speaks to Greg Marah, editor of Thrice Champions - a Huddersfield Town blog, who has been keeping tabs on all the new players arriving at the Terriers while also being adamant that the Terriers can hold off Premiership interest in to their inform striker James Vaughan.

CC: You ran Burnley and QPR close in recent away games so how do you feel about how Mark Robins has set the team up away from home?

TC: Robins' has set up not to nullify the opposition like some do away from home, rather play our own fluid game. Whilst we didn't play that well away at Burnley we were unlucky not to get a point. In the QPR fixture most fans felt happy in the overall performance, its just we didn't take our chances unlike QPR. Had we taken those we would have come away from Loftus Road with 3 points.

CC: Are you pleased that Huddersfield are signing young players like Harry Bunn from Man City, Joe Lolley from Kidderminster Harriers and Sondre Trondstad, a former IK Start player from Norway?

TC: Personally I'm delighted we are focusing our transfer policy on young hungry players rather than signing has beens who are looking for one last payout.

Lolley will be involved in the first team squad primarily, while Tronstad and Bunn will be involved in the development squad with the aim of pushing for the first team. Hopefully as we continue to sign young players we find a couple of gems who either take us towards a play-off charge in the future or go for a large sum of money like Jordan Rhodes did.

CC: Huddersfield may have something against newly promoted sides having thumped AFCB and Yeovil 5:1 - were they similar games?

TC: The only way they were similar was the scorelines. Against Bournemouth we clicked and took our chances while AFCB did ask a few questions of us. The Yeovil game was a walk in the park for Town and we won at a canter without getting out of second gear. Realistically had we taken all of our better chances and played better than we did, it could have been 10-1.

CC: Do you think the Terriers can still mount a play-off challenge or is mid-table okay for you this season?

TC: The heart says we could scrape the play-offs but in this division everyone has to be realistic. From surviving by the skin of our teeth on the final day of last season, mid-table would be good progress. A top half finish would be a brilliant season for us and isn't unrealistic but anything better than 10th and we have really overachieved, but that is testament to Mark Robins' terrific management and a shout to the work of Ross Wilson and Dean Hoyle behind the scenes.

CC: Do you think a bid is likely for James Vaughan in the summer if it does not come in this January?

TC: He won't be leaving in this transfer window, our chairman has said that and he doesn't lie! However, just like Jordan Rhodes, if a ludicrous bid comes in for him then we can't say no and there are plenty of teams sniffing about including Celtic. Vaughan was a shrewd signing and only cost us 600k, so to potentially get millions for him, especially with his injury record we would be mad not to say no. However, without that injury record he wouldn't be at Huddersfield Town as he is Premier League quality.

CC: Is there a player that has done better than you expected this season for Huddersfield, not counting Vaughan?

TC: Everyone has improved from last season but the one stand out is Tom Smith, our young defender. We signed him on a free transfer from Man City and he was a stalwart for our development squad for 18 months until he got an opportunity with Peter Clarke being injured. He's come into the side and hasn't looked out of place, in fact was our best player away at QPR and is one of the first names on the team sheet.

CC: Which game do you think was the best performance for Huddersfield this season and why?

TC: Burnley at home where we won 2-1. Again we could and should have been 4 or 5 up at halftime but didn't take our chances, but for 65 minutes totally dominated the then top side in the division playing fantastic football. We just need to do that for 90 minutes and ensure we score when on top.

CC: Which three teams do you expect to go down?

TC: Yeovil - nice story that they got promoted but that squad just isn't good enough. Barnsley - one season too far of relegation scraps. Charlton - Just a sneaky feeling as they lack an out and out goalscorer.

Although I've put a quid on Blackpool at 33/1 as they are in free fall. Sacking Ince may have saved Blackpool's season.

CC: What do you think Mark Robins has got right this season?

TC: Playing passing fluid football, it's good to watch. Also having interchangeable formations within games, we primarily start with a 3-5-2 formation but depending on the opposition and the state of the game can play 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1 with the same starting line up... he's a clever one is Mark Robins.

CC: How do you think new signing Nakhi Wells might do for you - he has already scored I hear?

TC: Two goals, two games. A natural goalscorer with pace and a snip at £1.3million plus add ons. He can help us towards a top 6 finish... next season.

CC: Thanks for your input Greg. Huddersfield Town is certainly a team that is building its squad up and Mark Robins seems to be making a successful go at manager's job. As a former striker it looks like he has an eye for young forwards and with the strike force that he is assembling it is likely that some clubs will be watching the progress of Huddersfield's front line. I only hope that they draw a blank at Dean Court and help AFCB start to move up the table a bit.

As for those you suggest are going down the Charlton comment worries me a little if we are to pick up Yann Kemorgrant, not someone you rate I suspect, perhaps we will hear more on that topic today from AFCB. I heard that Huddersfield were all over Charlton in the FA Cup tie but it was the Addicks that got through. No backlash please! 

To read more about Greg's thoughts, visit the Thrice Champions blog.

AFCB is starting to out grow Dean Court

For the first time on Saturday I could clearly see that on such days with big football matches Dean Court is really beginning to feel the strain. Okay, it's not every week that AFCB play Liverpool but you can see that there is trouble ahead. It is beginning to look ever clearer that the club is starting to out grow the ground which is something that I didn't think would happen so quickly. AFCB has managed in the Championship when big teams have come down, but you can see that if the club went up another division it would not be able to sustain itself with a crowd of 12,000.

The Goldsands stadium was packed from early on Saturday.

While AFCB could have drawn a team like Liverpool at any stage of their previous 13 years or so since the new Fitness First and then Goldsands stadium has been built, it has rarely happened that a side has caused the ground to basically bulge at the seams. But that was the case on Saturday. The electronic hoardings were cramped in down the edges of the pitch, cameras had to be marooned in islands of seats and the car park had to be very carefully managed. As we left the ground it took almost an hour just to get to Wessex Way!

Is there a way to expand Dean Court while improving
traffic congestion around the ground?

The frustration of drivers and local residents will be hard to contain if and when this happens regularly and as a supporter I want the club to do well and to be able to host big football matches. We already know that the Legends Bar was closed in part because the team needed the extra space for match preparation and Hot radio is similarly under pressure to remain at the stadium. We also heard that Jeff Mostyn is looking at plans for a new slip road exit to the Wessex Way to ease congestion from the ground.  A new slip road appears to be heading up the agenda.

In such circumstances buying the stadium back may not be such a priority unless a new stadium with a bigger capacity can be built on the same land. Otherwise AFCB may find that it is looking for a new home and I got the feeling that such a consideration is not a wild pipe dream but a possibility that the club has to take seriously in the next few years. Success brings growth and we know that the Liverpool game could have been sold out two or three times over. But such new stadiums take years to get planning permission for and are fraught with costly planning applications, delays and possibly years when AFCB is still trying to fill a new stadium with enough supporters. 

Standing room at the edges.

Moreover, who would fund the project? Would Maxim Demin and his fellow board members support such a venture? We only have to look at Brighton's Amex stadium to know that such new stadiums are difficult to build, but in the long run it may be the option that the club ultimately goes for. At the moment the temporary stand at the South end is evidence that Dean Court is still in transition, but will expanding that stand to the same size as the North stand itself create problems over more numbers coming through the turnstiles?

There will come a tipping point when some kind of action is taken. The first has already begun with all available space at Dean Court being carefully monitored and ensuring that best is made of all resources at the club. The car parking is an ongoing discussion with local residents and the council as AFCB would still like to make use of all the space by the ground. It is evacuating the immediate vicinity of the ground that is the problem when there is a capacity crowd. I wish I knew the answers but there are cleverer people than me working on this aspect of AFCB every day I would imagine.

While it would break my heart to leave Dean Court I can clearly see the need for the situation to improve as the club continues to grow with more potential supporters becoming aware that they have an excellent footballing side on their doorstep.  

BREAKING NEWS: AFCB appear to be making a bid for Yann Kermorgant of Charlton Athletic.