Kevin Keegan - the new (old) Messiah?

We are very close to the start of the EPL season - just need to get the first week of the Olympics out of the way.  When Kevin Keegan returned to Newcastle United in January I predicted a European future for the Toon Army.  Unfortunately it was some time before a point was bagged and the year didn't quite end the way I predicted - a not unusual event (having tipped Richmond to win 22 AFL games per year for the past 7 or 8 seasons!)

This season must be the one that determines whether or not Kevin is really worthy now of all that adulation he has received.  A full pre-season, a chance to shape the list, a chance to plan which games to win, which to draw and to practice lines to feed the media in any eventuality. 

Being a magpie team we must already point out "the draw is against us!"  Match 1 is a game against Manchester United - who seem to be fairly decent.

And of course the Refs are clearly against us...

Still, we can remember the Kevin of old if we cant match the old to the present we want.  

EPL or FFT U14 Div 3?

Which is the better comp?  Yes in the EPl there is the big four - in the FFT U14Div 3 there is the big four as well.  Watching the EPL is impossible unless pay television is installed. At  least the FFT U14Div 3 is accessible.  However, in the EPL the competition provides referees.  When will FFT do the same?

Coach Atkinson triumphs with unusual ploy!

Ever more inventive Coach - Engineer Guus Geoff Atkinson (fast becoming the longest name in football) delved deeply into the psyche of his Taroona charges this morning and devised a cunning plan to challenge them to step up again.  Deciding that 11 players are a luxury he sent his men onto the field with 10 players.

The Huon Valley side was notable for two reasons - one their magnificent goal keeper Trent Weir who saved countless attacks and secondly a player who  came to the attention of  Super Ref Tim O'Sullivan.

The Taroona side is fast becoming a team without stars as everyone plays their role.  Contributions are made selflessly - personal games are sacrificed for the good of the team. Schemes are hatched that lead to glorious results - Liam O'Donovan's second half goal was a good example today - many contributed to winning and placing the ball where the original goal sneak danced to perfect time and netted another beauty.

Ben Wisby opened the scoring with an Exocet that not only beat the teeth polishing wind but also the wall that is Tent Weir.  

All played well today. We await the return of the Japanese expeditioners for the final game of the season - who knows what Samurai wisdom will be brought through customs on Monday morning.  

Under the Ranelagh rainbow a team fewer in number prepared for the final outing with a disciplined thoughtful approach. Coach Atkinson (the shorter version) - that enemy of complacency - will no doubt twist the tale again!

Hello world - this is the Partisans Forum!

In a move reminiscent of one of Geoff Atkinson's global travel tactics we have gone open access.  Anyone can comment now - given that members have taken a vow of silence in a bid to be ready for the next Indoor Bowls season.  I retain the editorial rights however and only members can post.

Let the games begin!

Kelvedon oh Kelvedon!

I still hear your sea waves crashing!

A draw today - the first of the season.

After a mysterious Japanese expedition on the part of two team members and a Melbourne Victory try-out for another, the Taroona boys constructed a two nil lead - one to the ubiquitous Liam O'Donovan and one to Zac Osborne .  The Knights from the Glen cobbled together one goal before  a miracle goal that tied the scores late in the game.  From then the ball raced up and down the field - like medieval jousting charges - as both sides went for the kill.

A great game to watch. Ben Wisby in goals showed poise and skill.

Sayonara Kelvedon - the last home game of the season.

Next week Ranelagh.  By then the Japanese influence may be on show?

Shane Heard, Chris Etherington and Craig Kelly

Taroona Supremo Geoff Guus Hiddink Atkinson dug deep into the bag of coaching tricks to flummox the Kingborough Lions on Saturday.

Firstly he sent two key players - brother Mat and Chris - to another venue until just before the game started.   Then in a flash - they were at the ground stripped and shock inclusions - a bit reminiscent of Shane Heard's inclusion for the Big V all those years ago. Then Chris was given the job of minding the KL superstar  whose return has been a minimum two nets each game so far (except for the game where Chris played on him earlier this year (no goals)). 

I like tagging - it appeals to me as a great tactic. Chris executed it to the letter. One boundary line sequence of throw ins led to the first occasion where the KL player didn't look for the superstar because he knew Chris would spoil the throw.  I was in awe of the concentration (focus) and dedication.

Guus called on his men to play a reticent attacking game.  It worked (first goal to Liam) until the KL conglomerate pulled a trick from the St Kilda  repertoire.

What Guus hadnt expected was the old Moorabbin trick - water the ground, ask the superstar to run to the muddy spot, assume the Taroona players are not wearing snow shoes and kick over the goalie rather than past him.  Unfortunately this led to our downfall.  

We now look forward to Guus's next trick - I caught him checking a travel guide for Japan at half time.  What could that signal?

Taroona back on track

Your humble correspondent must admit he didnt make the trip to New Norfolk. I remember when in 1991 the savs were all gone by half time!

That might have been a different code (ground and time) but I have never forgotten or forgiven.

Taroona faced the demon of complacency this week and overcame it - more clever tutelage from Engineer  Geoff Atkinson (who now spells his name with a G in a tilt to Guus Hiddink).  Coach Engineer Atkinson decided a remodelling of travel cohorting was called for and I was banished to Sorell. As a result the team was even more focused than last week.

Taroona netted 7 - including two from the Imposing Joey Taylor.

More details as they come to hand - hurry up Football Federation of Tasmania.