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SPOTLIGHT ON GEOFF CHAPPLE
His bare office walls give little hint of his phenomenal success
in the game he has made his life. Amidst a background of hectic fixture lists,
boardroom rumblings of discontent and ambitious ground development plans, Kingstonian
manager Geoff Chapple granted me an interview earlier in the season.
To followers of non-league football, he needs little introduction.
His career at the top level of the semi-professional game spans fifteen years
and his remarkable successes have earned him the coveted title of 'Manager of
the Era' for the last two decades. He started his rise to prominence when he assumed
the manager's position at Woking in 1987, guiding the struggling Surrey club to
the elite of the Conference, along the way collecting three FA Trophies at Wembley.
Among these achievements came the famous FA Cup run in 1991 which first brought
the media savvy manager into the national spotlight. Chapple was undoubtedly 'Mr
Woking' and his departure from the club in 1997 marked the beginning of an unexpected
chapter in his career. Chapple joined ambitious Kingstonian, whose coup in attracting
him has led to two years of unprecedented success. First, promotion to the Nationwide
Conference and then an unforgettable day at Wembley in May 1999 when 12,000 K's
supporters witnessed Chapple lifting the FA Trophy for a record fourth time.
After thirteen years in the game, Chapple possesses the confident
demeanor of a man, not only justifiably proud of his past, but also fully intent
on maintaining his reputation in the profession he has helped to define. His success
on the pitch is well documented but what of Chapple as a person? He is arguably
the most admired figure in the non-league game, with a common sense approach to
human relationships that has also made him as popular, ' My philosophy on life
is that you try to get on with everyone, and respect everybody, regardless of
your differences.' This diplomacy extends to his experienced interview technique
as he comfortably fends off questions concerning the controversial administration
at Kingstonian, while skillfully diverting the conversation onto the more anodyne
aspects of his career and his role at the club. Only one subject penetrates the
smooth Chapple veneer: the circumstances of his departure from his beloved Woking.
'I was very bitter', his stare hardens as he inhales his fourth cigarette of the
interview, 'I'd expected to see out my days there. There was a new Chairman in
'97 and for whatever reason, some say I was too big for him, he refused to offer
me the contract 1 needed. My little girl was just starting school and I needed
security.' The subject successfully broached, Chapple's personable approach continued,
'My wife was in tears, she couldn't believe I would ever leave Woking... now she's
gone as well!' The reflective mood is shattered by a mirthless cackle.
The interview vascillates curiously from the typical football
managers' jargon to moments of surprising honesty. All the while he conducts himself
in an amicable, approachable manner with a knack for eye to eye contact that can
easily disarm the interviewer. Even for a student magazine interview he cancels
his calls and clears space in his diary for one hour with me. He is unashamedly
a self-made man, 'I come from a poor family. My parents never saw me go short
and they were a great help as far as they could be... it's a shame because my
mum died a few years back and missed out on seeing all the success. Jimmy Cyrill,
who was my trainer at Aldershot when I joined as an apprentice, was also a considerable
influence. From then on I've pretty much done it all myself', he concludes without
a hint of arrogance.
Chapple is of course currently at the helm of Kingstonian,
after an acrimonious departure from Woking. Although his contract and focus is
now at the K's, he unintentionally drifts into wistfull reminiscence of his days
at the club where he made his name, recalling FA Cup triumphs and league victories
with an acute attention to detail. Indeed, he readily admits that when Kingstonian
made their first overtures to him his reply was negative, but he did add that
'You never know, Woking FC may leave me one day.' And luckily for Kingstonian
they did. The subsequent rise of Kingstonian on the pitch has been astonishing
but Chapple agrees it came too quickly - before the infrastructure and fan-base
were in place. The last few years have seen mounting controversy over the performance
and role of Chief Executive Chris Kelly and the rest of the Kingstonian board.
Although Chapple himself is a director he pleads an unconvincing ignorance concerning
internal strife at the club and reported debts,' I don't get involved with the
finances. All I know is the bank are very happy with KFC... I don't have a problem
with Chris Kelly at all. People may have done in the past, I don't know. All I
know is that he's a very forthright character and he speaks his mind.' As for
the club's relationship with the council, Chapple is equally diplomatic, 'We're
getting on fine. There may have been problems in the past, I don't know.'
Despite declining to shed light on the rumoured strains within
the club, Chapple did give a revealing hint as to his position, 'See, the problems
you've talked about (calls from fans for Kelly to resign), I haven't heard them.
But then maybe I don't wanna hear them ... or I shut myself away... We've got
to be one, we have to make progress together.'
As generous in spirit as in girth, Chapple remains highly ambitious.
'I have to win the conference with Kingstonian... it's a tall order.' Having signed
a new five-year contract few would bet against him bringing further success to
Kingsmeadow over the next few years. Indeed while the K's are currently more than
holding their own in the Conference and the ground development plans are in full
swing, 'Big fat Geoff s red and white army' seem destined for the promised land
of the Football League sooner or later.
Taimour
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CHRONOLOGY OF A GROUND
Thursday 3rd December 1998
From yesterday's Daily Telegraph:
...In addition to anything up to an eventual £500,000 from Holligan's transfer
will allow Kingstonian to start upgrading their smart Kingsmeadow ground for a
tilt at Football League status...
Friday 18th December 1998
(Just been passed, over a year later)
150,000 shares have been issued by the club to finance re-building work at the
ground, if the shareholders agree.
Tuesday 2nd March 1999
The latest on the ground development situation is; the Kingston Road End and the
side opposite the current main stand will become 'big' terraces. Seats are to
be added to the front of the main stand, with future plans to build a two-sided
stand at the Athletics End. All work should be started in June with some money
coming from the lottery. Kingston Council is "fully behind the club"
- just not with any money.
Wednesday 5th May 1999
The ground capacity will be increased to 7,000 and all Football League deadlines
will be met.
Thursday 30th September 1999
The following letter by K's director Terry Weir was printed in this week's
Informer:
...Apart from our own resources we have also been allowed the maximum grant available
from the Football Trust and have a mortgage offer for the balance… we would
expect to start work immediately...
Wednesday 3rd November 1999
As on Ceefax last night:
Kingstonian have been granted planning permission to bring their ground up to
what they hope will be league standard. Kingston Borough Council approved planning
permission for development of their Kingsmeadow ground from 4500 seats to 6000
seats. The K's must now complete the building by the League's April 1st deadline.
If Geoff Chapple's side win the Nationwide Conference, they must have their ground
upgraded by then to gain admission to Division Three.
Thursday 4th November 1999
...In other matters, Lawrence Cooley said, and we quote, that "Chris Kelly
has said that we may proceed with the ground redevelopment..."
Friday 26th November 1999
Last night's open forum saw Chris Kelly say that the ground would be good enough
for league football if and when the inspectors come on April 1st. The athletics
end will be completely re-done, seats will be added to the main stand and crash
barriers will be put into the other two sides.
Wednesday 15th December 1999
We received the following 'Notice to all Supporters' from Chris Kelly:
The Football club would like to inform all supporters that with the new Development
work scheduled to start in mid January.
Thursday 3rd February 2000
The local papers today caught up with K's Web by telling people that the ground
development work will now not be done until the close season. The Guardian has
said that, should K's win the Conference, they will attempt to ground share with
a local league side.
Well, there you have it. A collection whatever you may want
to call it from our board. Lets say we feel misleaded. I for one have had enough.
We have been lead down the garden path too many times.
Ollie
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AN ODE TO TAR-KAN
To Welling we went, for MacMillan's cup,
The weather was cold, we had to wrap up.
Dick Hurst was in goal, the first game for him,
While Robin Taylor, was out on the wing.
Now Richard Hanlon, was up front for them,
He went close 3 times, with one shot a gem.
But out on the wing, at left back for K's,
Was little Luke B, who crosses all ways.
In shirt number 9, was Mr Marshall,
But with his first chance, he backheeled the ball.
Next Tarkan got in, and shot from out wide,
The goalkeeper flapped, but turned it aside.
Down at the far end, the 10 had a shot,
Dick Hurst turned and looked, stuck right in his spot.
The ball travelled on, but struck the K's bar,
Nil-nil at the break, and no-one hurrahed.
A shot from Marshall, hit somebody's knee,
Just over the bar, unfortunately.
The 10 thought he'd scored, from just six yards out,
But up went a flag, and 10 had a pout.
Geoff Pitcher got booked, on came Ronaldo,
And then, thank the Lord, the K's struck a blow.
With extra time close, and feet turning blue,
The goalkeeper flapped, and Tarkan was through.
The goal was open, and Tarks had to score,
He did - we all cheered, no extra time bore.
The players looked pleased, they hugged Mustafa,
And all said to him, "Oh thanks you're a star".
But still there was time, for more heart attacks,
When they headed home, when Dick H got lax.
But then luckily, we spotted the flag,
And got to go home, the win in the bag.
Gary
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STRANGE THINGS HAPPENING AT KINGSMEADOW
I went down to Kingsmeadow on Sun 13 Feb and found something
very strange going on. Upon arrival I noticed that some sort of match was to be
played. Excellent, I thought I'd go and watch that.
The first thing that struck me was that the goalposts had been
made a funny H shape - maybe so Wingers' headers actually go between the posts.
The two teams run out 1, 2… 11, 12, 13? 13 on each team, erm referee? 0k, they
both have 13 so I suppose its only fair.
The next thing I noticed was the lack of a goalkeeper on either
side so we should have a high scoring game I think to myself. The ball is placed
on the centre spot. It looks like one of those 'Top Team' plastic balls you have
as a kid that when you take down to the park go egg shaped. You still always used
them as if you toe punt it you can score the most amazing goals because it swerves
in three different directions and the keeper gets nowhere near it! To my amazement
the ref blows for kick off, it is launched forwards "HANDBALL REF, WHAT GAME ARE
YOU WATCHING!" The game continued with almost everyone handling and they had clearly
all been to the Patterson school of tackling!
One of the players ran the ball over the goal line he started
celebrating, erm... why has the ref not given a goal kick "Who's the wanker in
the, light blue?" Now what's going on - both linesmen ran behind the goal and
one player built a sandcastle (Surly he should play for Woking) all the other
team stood behind the linesmen and allowed the guy a completely free shot on goal.
Weird.
Ahhh! You missed - you put it over the bar you idiot what's
your name, Delton 'Barndoor' Francis?" Anyway it wouldn't have counted 'cos both
linesmen flagged for offside. Told you it was strange, but for all it's weird
customs and rules I enjoyed my first taste of rugby league, I also found out why
it is popular.
You remember the fat kid at school who was always last to be
picked for PE? Well... he plays Rugby league now... so I suppose there is hope
for fat boys everywhere - myself included!
Richard
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INTERVIEW WITH JOE O'CONNOR
WIAO: Hi Joe, firstly how are you settling in?
JOC: I'm settling quite well with all the players, they have made me welcome here.
It may take a bit more time to gel on the pitch but I'm looking forward to it.
WIAO: Is it a problem traveling from Telford all the time?
JOC: I like to get here early and have a chance to have a rest before the game,
but it's not causing me as many problems as I thought it would do.
WIAO: What about training?
JOC: I'm training with a local side in Wolverhampton, and also doing a bit of
coaching with them. I'm enjoying that side of it as well just keeping myself fit.
WIAO: You made your name at Hednesford, how hard was it to
go to Nuneaton?
JOC: It wasn't that difficult as I think the time was right. The fans knew it,
the players knew it, the backroom staff knew it, and I knew it. We all knew it
was time for me to move on and try somethng elsewhere. Unfortunately things didn't
work out as I had hoped at Nuneaton all I can do is to keep going and do my best
here at Kingstonian.
WIAO: As you say it didn't work out for you at Nuneaton how
did the move to K's come about?
JOC: K's were struggling up front a bit and Geoff needed a bit of cover. He knows
how I play and he decided to come and get me. Things are not going well at the
moment on the pitch - I think we have only won two games since I've been here
and it's a bit of a struggle. It's up to Geoff now to try and pull us all together
we just have to stick together and keep going forward.
WIAO: Ironically you made you debut against Hednesford…
JOC: Yeah, I should have scored against them. I had a couple of great chances
- one hit the bar and the header I should have done better with. I hadn't played
a game for about a month and was a bit match rusty more than anything else.
WIAO: You scored you first goal at Wealdstone…
JOC: I was pleased to get off the mark, just to score a goal really. I know I
can score goals whether it's against Wealdstone or a Conference side. Just to
get off the mark with a new club is always nice.
WIAO: DO you have a favorite goal you have scored, obviously
the two against Middlesborough spring to mind?
JOC: I haven't really. I treat all my goals the same weather it be against Wealdstone
or against a Premiership team four or five divisions above us. It doesn't matter
to me.
WIAO: Going off on a complete tangent, is it true that your
brother is called Des?
JOC: Yeah that's right!
WIAO: But who is the better singer?
JOC: I would say that he is a better singer than I am.
WIAO: On the subject of songs, we haven't really got a song
for you behind the goal, any suggestions?
JOC: (Laughs for about five seconds) No I will leave entirely up to the fans to
decide, Hopefully It will be in my favour.
WIAO: Back to football, is there anything you still haven't
achieved in your career that you would like to?
JOC: I'd love to win the league. I doubt it will be this season. We lost a very
important game today to Kidderminster and are a fair bit behind at the moment.
You have got to say that we are hanging from a very thin thread - we could even
be out of it after today.
WIAO: You mentioned that you are doing some coaching. Is that
something you are interested in?
JOC: Well no, I mean it's something that just came about when I left Nuneaton.
I know a couple of the lads down there and the manager, and I'm enjoying it. I
wasn't enjoying the training at Nuneaton, but fortunately I'm back to enjoying
it now. I've got the option of training at Telford at the moment. I'm quite happy
but who knows.
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ONLY JOKING
A couple go to the ticket office at Woking FC, hand over a
£10 note, and say "Two please." "Thank you" replies the man in the office. "Would
you like the goalie and a centre-forward, or are there two other players you'd
prefer?"
Apparently, Woking's main sponsor has pulled out. The new sponsor
lined up is Tampax - as the side are going through a very bad period.
A couple are in the middle of a messy divorce and are in court
battling over the custody of their child. In order to make a fair decision, the
judge takes the boy aside and asks him who he'd prefer to live with.
"Would you like to live with your mother?' enquires the judge.
"No" replies the boy, "She hits me"
"Would you like to live with your father?" enquires the judge.
"No" replies the boy, "He hits me"
"Well, who would you like to live with?" asks the judge.
"I'd like to live with Woking Football Club" the boy replies.
"Why on earth do you want to live with Woking FC?" asks the surprised judge.
"Because they never beat anybody" the boy replies.
After yet another defeat, Geoff Chapple had a right go at our
K's team for over an hour. The players would have left sooner, but some joker
had painted set of goalposts around the dressing room door and so no-one could
find it.
Q: If you see a Sutton fan on a bicycle, why don't you swerve
to hit him?
A: It might be your bicycle.
Quasimodo asks Esmerelda if he really was the ugliest man alive.
Esmerelda said, "Go upstairs and ask the magic mirror who is the ugliest man alive,
and the mirror will give you the correct answer." Five minutes later Quasi comes
back downstairs looking very pleased with himself, and asks Esmerelda 'Who on
earth is Andy Riley?'
Q: Why was the Sutton fan fired from the M&M's chocolate factory?
A: 'Cos he was throwing all the W's away.
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COFFEE AND TV
There are many arguments that there is too much football on
TV and that it is in danger of destroying our beautiful game on which it has built
its reputation. I don't know about that, but after you read this you may find
the argument that there is too much football on the goggle box quite apparent.
Last Sunday I decided to watch as many games 'live' on TV as
possible. I woke up at 10am after a particularly heavy night out with members
of table one (see contrary to popular belief, we do get on). I had already planned
to watch Saturday night's Match of the Day, which I had recorded. So, 10:00-10:45
MOTD (Bolton v Charlton, Middlesborough v Coventry).
This left me 45 minutes (ironically) to do the three S's before
the action moved to Sky Sports 1 with the small matter of Leeds Utd v Manchester
Utd, 11:30-13:00. Again rather conveniently just enough time for a particularly
fine roast, at 14:00 it was time for the first FA Cup quarter final of the day,
Tranmere v Newcastle. This was closely followed by Everton v Villa back over in
Murdoch-land.
Now just enough time to relieve myself of all the coffee I
have been drinking to try and keep me awake later before the action moves to Scotland
for Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Aberdeen from 18:00-20:00. Unfortunately this
overlaps with the start of Lazio v Milan on that rare channel known as ITV2, so
I miss the start of the Serie A version of the earlier clash at Elland Road. It
seemed like ages ago when Andy Cole scored for the Manc Scum. More coffee. Set
the video for Wolfsberg v Armilia Bielefeld, or whatever them 2nd rate German
sides are, on some three number combination Digital channel.
Then record Goals on Sunday, presented by that oh-so-knowledgeable
presenter. Another edition of Match of the Day at 22:30 means 12 hours of live
football and probably as many pots of coffee, but my marathon will continue for
over another 5 hours. Yet l need munchies so I raid the Pringles tub before settling
down to a live Spanish game. 23:00-01:00, then it's time to drink more coffee
and eat more Pringles, and settle down to watch what I recorded earlier this takes
me through to 4am - I am now well past the tired stage. I think I may have dropped
off during the Wolfsberg game but that's German football for you.
I toy with the idea that I only need to do another 6 hours
to make a whole day of football and so duly look at my video collection. The 1966
World Cup final is looking good or a certain game played at Wembley last May.
Then I realise that I need to be at work in 5 hours, and my boss is a Sutton fan,
so I want to get in early just to take the piss over where we've just sent them.
I eventually drop off around 4:45am watching some ice hockey on Channel 5, as
the fuzzy reception does that sport no harm.
So, do I think that there is too much football on TV? No way,
I had a great weekend!
Richard
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