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DREAM ON...
As K's are about to kick off their second season in the Conference
I thought I'd take a step back to recap on the short but successful career of
Jerome John, who signed for Enfield recently.
Jerome looked to be a top notch goalie, released by West Ham
for being too small, although he continued to train with the Premiership club
whilst playing for K's. As would turn out to be the case a number of times during
our Championship season Jerome's performance on his league debut ensured us of
three points, saying a spot kick in our opening day victory.
It was our first away victory of the season that Jerome ready
endeared himself to the fans. 1-0 up, but very much on the back foot in the second
half, St Albans were throwing everything at us, but they couldn't fund a way through.
JJ produced save after save to keep K's in the game long enough for us to break
twice in the final minutes and record a 3-0 victory. It was here under the mystic
guidance of THE tree that we realised that other teams fans could just dream on
if they thought they were going to score. And so a hero and the best ever song
about a goalie in the world ever (part 1) were born.
K's conceded just one goal in their first six games before
injury interrupted Jerome's run between the sticks. By contrast we then conceded
six goals in the next five before Jerorne was back and business was restored to
normal with a brilliant 4-0 win at Dover.
Injury again interrupted proceedings but Stewart McKenzie's
form meant we hardly noticed Jerome's absence as we started the run that would
eventually culminate with the Championship. Undoubtedly Farnborough DID notice
McKenzie's form and they recalled him from his loan period and a partially fit
Jerome had to play at Dagenham, making two errors and costing us three points.
He was soon back to his peak and turned in another St Albans-esque
performance at Boreham Wood. Although he was beaten a couple of times the woodwork
came to K's rescue and Jerome's display defied the laws of physics at tunes and
certainly preserved our three points at our only realistic Championship rivals.
His reaction at the final whistle was brilliant - pure emotion, joy and relief,
reminiscent of Andy Riley's reaction seconds after beating St Albans a couple
of years after we had again been hanging on for dear life.
I don't think anyone deserved to pick up two medals more than
Jerome that season, although of course it was great performances from the whole
team throughout the campaign that landed us two trophies.
JJ started the next season as first choice although Chapple
made no secret of the fact that he was after a new keeper. Jerome's confidence
seemed to dip badly and his performances were erratic to say the least. A string
of loan signings limited him to odd games here and there and the arrival of Steve
Farrelly signalled the end of his first choice days.
Despite being left out he remained upbeat and was as buoyant
as anyone at Wembley where he was on the subs bench. I'm sure all K's fans would
wish him well at Enfield and that he can recapture the form and confidence that
he showed during our last season In the Ryman League.
Lets hope that if we draw Enfield in the cup that he's not
back to his best otherwise it will be our turn to "Dream on, dream on, with hope
that we'll score, but we'll never beat Jerome… (Lyrics copyright Bimon Sell).
Best of luck JJ.
Simon Murray
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