THE FENWOOD TIMES
The only source of FTFC news
MONDAY 26th JULY
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREEN-ACRE ON THE OTHER SIDE
Chairman Alf Worthington today unveiled Scott Greenacre as Barry Collins second summer signing.
The left-back is also the second free agent to arrive at The Woodlands Stadium this month, following Butch McGovern's move at the beginning of July.
Greenacre has been brought up in Premiership side Laydenmere City's Youth Academy for five years, but the 19 year old was released after failing to win a contract. He then had an unsuccessful trial at Second Division Elmford Town, but caught the eye of Fenwood Town manager Collins.
"It is an absolute pleasure signing for Fenwood, because they were once a great club and I believe that they will be again," Greenacre explained during the press conference. "I know it will be a battle to get into the side, what with Adam Stewart playing so well against Glentoran, but I will work hard and hopefully I can catch the gaffer's eye."
Greenacre has signed a three year deal, and will pick up £700 a week.
SUNDAY 25th JULY
LUMBERJACKS BID FOR REECE AND GREENACRE
Chairman Alf Worthington has revealed that the club have made formal bids for defenders William Reece and Scott Greenacre.
The news comes as a shock to Town fans because of Barry Collins' determination to bring in a Goalkeeper and a Striker first, but the manager has admitted that eventually every position would need strengthening.
"I have read reports in various newspapers about us signing this player and that player", Worthington explained to The Fenwood Times. "But in truth there are only two players that we have enquired about. And I can confirm those players are William Reece and Scott Greenacre."
Reece, 27, is an experianced right-back who has spent 8 years years at now Division Two side Redwich Town. Scott Greenacre meanwhile is only 19, and his only experiance comes from a five year spell at Laydenmere City's [Premiership] Youth Academy. Town are believed to have bid £75,000 for Reece, and Greenacre is a free agent after being released from his apprenticeship.
FRIDAY 23rd JULY
TOWN LINKED WITH FIVE
National newspapers have published a list of five players who are believed to be on Fenwood Town's shopping list.
Despite Barry Collins' claims that his only transfer activity is scouting in Ireland, rumours are rife that up to half a dozen new faces will enter The Woodlands Stadium in the near future.
The most persistant rumour so far is that Town have offered non-league outfit Runchester County 16 year old Ledley Davis and a further £3,000 in exchange for veteren goalkeeper Darren Colcombe. Collins has made it clear that signing a keeper is his number one priority, and apparantly he sees Colcombe as a perfect stand in for the injured Graham Jones.
Other players linked to The Lumberjacks are out-of-contract left-back Scott Greenacre, Lavenheath [Division One] goalkeeper Greg Dalton, out of favour Redwich right-back William Reece and Aylesford Avenue [non-league] striker Jordan James.
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Meanwhile, the club HAVE taken former Welsh International keeper Bruno Cairns on trial. The 38 year old has been released by 2nd Division Colbay United, and he will be in the squad for Saturday's match against Glentoran having travelled to Ireland today.
THURSDAY 22nd JULY
JONES OUT FOR TWO MONTHS
Fenwood Town goalkeeper Graham Jones will miss the start of the season after scans confirmed he has broken two toes and a major bone in his foot.
The injury occured during the 2-1 loss against Linfield, as Jones kicked the rockhard ground instead of the ball. The news is a huge blow for Jones, who after four years at the club has finally one the right to the number one jersey. It is also another setback for Barry Collins, who know has only one fit goalkeeper in teenager Matthew Burns.
"Signing a keeper is now my number one priority", Collins told The Fenwood Times. "With the limited funds I have, I was prepared to risk having just two goalkeepers in the squad. But with Graham out for up to three months, that leaves us with Matthew Burns, who has played just once for the club."
MONDAY 19th JULY
COLLINS INTERESTED IN IRISH TALENT
Barry Collins has revealed that he will use his team's Tour Of Ireland as a scouting trip as well as preparation for the new season.
The Town manager has a shortlist of "around 20-30 players" who he will be keeping a close eye on over the course of the next two weeks.
"I do not want to give away too many details, but yes I will be watching quite a few players over the next fortnight, around 20 to 30 to be precise. Some of them I want to sign and just want to see them in action, some I have had recommended to me and I want to look at for the first time."
NEWS IN BRIEF
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Town have confirmed that they will be sponsored by Spinn, a small-scale record company, next season. The deal only lasts a year, but will bring the club a generous £150,000.
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Assistant Manager Keith Redmond will have more responsability than purely coaching next season. Chairman Alf Worthington has deemed it "unecessary" to hire a reserve team manager, so Redmond will take charge. Reserve matches will be played at Charlie Briggs Sports Arena, located just outside Fenwood.
