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Diary - October 2005
I hope to update the diary on a regular basis, so do come back often to keep up with the latest information!
As my diary has been so popular and got so large I have now split it into months, which you can access by using the sub navigation at the top of the screen.
Training
31 October 2005
Off in the morning. In for de-brief and training later. Took Ryan to Watford training.
Dare I Tell You This ...?!
30 October 2005
Up for Sunday morning training. Got back in time for most of Ryan's match where he won 6 - 0 and Ryan scored one. Sad day as the guinea pig had to be put down in the morning so had to bury him in the garden. We have had him over 6 years so he has done well! Friends Laraine and Richard Harvey and family from my previous club beginning with "L", came to see us for the afternoon.
Watford v Wolves
29 October 2005
Wolves match. After a bright start Ben had plenty to do and kept us in the game. Second half was more even but great to get three points and keep on track up the table. Had friends over for dinner in the evening so good to catch up and enjoy their company.
Match Preparation
28 October 2005
Prepared for the match tomorrow v Wolves. Short, sharp session after the extended game and long journey on Tuesday.
A Family Day
27 October 2005
Family came to training with me. Girls went shopping and Ryan joined in the training session and became ball boy for the morning session. He loved it! Went to visit my sister Patricia in Cambridge and caught up with her, and her family.
Birthday Celebrations
26 October 2005
After a late night we had a day off and spent the day with the family, a belated birthday game of golf with my son. Family went out for a meal in the evening to celebrate Ryan's special day.
Happy Birthday Ryan (and Wigan v Watford)
25 October 2005
Happy Birthday to my son Ryan! I am up in Wigan all day so won't get to see the birthday boy. Played the game in the evening in wet and windy conditions. Had a busy first half and kept the scoreline blank until half time. Second half we played better and forced their keeper into a couple of good saves. The longer the game went though, the more it looked like extra time was going to be needed. That was the case and not long into the first half they were awarded a dubious penalty which put them in control. The second half we really gambled with our formation and paid the ultimate price by conceding two late goals. It was nice to have a game for the first team but still not good when you get beat!
Match Preparation
24 October 2005
In for a de-brief then travel to Wigan.
Match Preparation
23 October 2005
In early again to prepare for the Wigan game. Ryan isn't playing today so no mad dash up the motorway!
Ipswich v Watford
22 October 2005
Back to Portman Road where I started my career in 1981. Saw a few faces from the past. After a slow start we get back into the game and feel confident at half time that we can go on and win the game. This we do in a fairly comfortable fashion. Should have been a more convincing win but it was great to get back to winning ways. Had a quick drink in the bar after the game and saw Trevor Putney there - as quiet as ever but good to see Putters - a great character.
Match Preparation
21 October 2005
Train and travel to Ipswich ready for match at Portman Road
Match & Testimonial Race Night Preparation
20 October 2005
Back in again to train and prepare for the Ipswich game. In the evening, had a testimonial committee meeting. We discussed the forthcoming race night on Thursday 3rd November which has all of a sudden come around. Plenty to be done and prepare for the evening.
Southampton Reserves v Watford Reserves
19 October 2005
In for de-brief and then travelled to Southampton for reserve game that evening. We won 1-0 in very wet conditions so happy to keep a clean sheet.
Sheffield Wednesday v Watford
18 October 2005
Match at Hillsborough. Not a great game but at least we kept battling and got a late equaliser to bring back a point.
Match Preparation
17 October 2005
Train and travel to Sheffield.
Excitement all the Way!
16 October 2005
Early start for training but made it back just in time to Wellingborough to see my son play and score a hatrick. They won 5-1. Spent the afternoon tidying up our garage - oh what fun!
Watford v Leicester & Nicky Wright's Birthday
15 October 2005
Disappointing game and result against Leicester. We never really got going and gave two poor goals away.
In the evening we met up with Nick Wright for his 30th birthday celebrations in Milton Keynes. Gibbo and Luke Anthony were there also with their wives. I was driving as we train on Sundays. Good to celebrate the youngster!!
Ref for a Day
14 October 2005
Short, sharp training and then home ready to ref the football at my son's 9th birthday party. He had a basketball/football party with his friend from school which went well and luckily it did not rain!
Match Preparation
13 October 2005
More training with Saturday in mind.
Happy Birthday Mum!
12 October 2005
My mum's birthday! Did some team play in preparation for the game against Leicester on Saturday.
Back to Work
11 October 2005
Back to training for a double session. Cannot complain after 4 days off!
A Nice Break
07-10 October 2005
International break. No training so have a weekend away with the family in Spain but did watch the football as England beat Austria and qualified for the world cup.
A Welcome Break Ahead
05-06 October 2005
Have a tough couple of days training before we are given a long weekend off as there are no games. England have got two games that they need to win to qualify for the World Cup. Looking forward to the break, as is everyone at the club. Time to get a few people fit and available again.
A Father's Work is Never Done!
04 October 2005
Back in to training and de-brief from the Leeds game. Then out to train in the afternoon. Back in time for the ballet run!
Sigh, More Golf for Me!
03 October 2005
Day off. Usual scenario of everyone out so off to the golf course I go! Ryan's training at Milton Keynes again.
A Family Evening
02 October 2005
Sunday warm down for the team and extra training for the rest of us. Miss Ryan's match again and they suffer their first defeat - 4-1. Ryan does get the goal though!
Take Tash and Ryan for 9 holes on the local par three course. It's a lovely evening and we all have fun. Think we will be doing that again.
Watford v Leeds
01 October 2005
We huff and we puff but we can't blow Leeds' defence down! More than enough possession but not a great amount of chances. Leeds come closest to scoring when they hit both posts but that would have been very harsh on us.
See some friends in the evening for a bite to eat.
