Tring Corinthians

Match Day

First team squad for Crawley Green away on 30th April

There is one remaining fixture for the first team; Crawley Green away on Wednesday 30th April. The reserve team season has now ended.

FIRST team squad vs Crawley Green (a)

Ashby: I Will Lead These Corinthians To Glory!

Centre half speaks of aspirations

New signing Stephen Ashby came through his second game for Corinthians on Saturday with another win. Ashby who signed from neighbours Berkhamstead Town has been an instant hit with supporters since his arrival three weeks ago and already he has been speaking of the prospect of Trophies to come.

NC.co.uk caught up with the muscular centre half for an exclusive interview and had this to say

"When the gaffer approached me about two months back about joining Corinthians, I admitedly raised an large left eyebrow, I have dropped a level to come here, but the gaffer sold the challenge to me, and asked me to lead this team to promotion glory next seaon, and since I've come here i know for sure it's a reality. We have got some real quality players here, when i look in front of me and see the likes of Smithy,AP, the Hawk, Lee, and Snox, I know there are not many teams that can cope with that creativity. The Gaffer told me that this season was the year for building a platform for next seasons' promotion push so he's brought me in now, to bed me in for the pre-season.

From what I've seen we have all the ingredients to acheive some real success at this club. The management team are spot-on, the secretary is extremely enthusaistic,and the Chairman seems like a real smart cookie, and the boys are well capable on the pitch. All we need is for me, JP and the lads at the back to keep it tight to let the others do their stuff. Someone needs to step up to the plate and score some goals now, that's all we're missing. This is a great challenge for me and I have my eyes fixed firmly on the Cup now, I can smell silverware round the corner. Bring on next season!! "

Ashby seems to have answered the the managers call for someone to lead a battle cry into next season. Parrett, currently away on International coaching duty in Egypt was available for brief comment.

Yes, I'm very happy with Stephen so far, he's exactly what we've needed. I've brought him in now to get acclimatised to this unpredictable division ready for next season. Something I've had to do also, but I've seen all the teams now, so there will be no suprises next season.

This season has always been about laying the necessary foundations for the following season. From the outset, building was the priority during this transition period, I thought we had a chance of snatching glory at the start, but injuries have robbed us of the fortune we needed to accomplish this. We went the first five games unbeaten, and then in the space of two weeks, we lost Chris Barrett (34) our brilliant 6ft 4" centre half., Dave Corbitt (27) our experienced centre mid, Olly Waite (19) our centre forward, and Nick Gurney (19) our right back ALL to serious ligament injuries, which to date only Dave has come back from last week. We then dropped off, which was no coincidence. That pretty much removed the spine of my side, and we've been playing catch up ever since. You can't replace players of Chris' experience and quality, a man who's played in the conference, and a natural leader cannot be replaced overnight, Stephen Ashby is the closest I've come to replacing him.

We are 90% of the team we need to gain promotion next season, I may need to add in few key areas, but to be honest, if we get the team back that we started the season with, i won't have to do much at all."

NC.co.uk would like to extend it's best wishes to all the players mentioned with their recovery, in particular Nick and Olly who go into surgery over the next month - we hope you get back to full fitness soon boys!

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.

Snox in the box

Snoxell on target again as Ashby shines on debut.

Corinthians returned home from a tricky away fixture at Mursley with all 3 points on Saturday. Mursley have been the surprise package this season and a draw would have been enough at a ground where most have come away with nothing this season. Yet The Corinthians completely dominated a match which was always going to be difficult as the conditions deteriorated after the weeks’ heavy rainfall.

The Corinthians started brightly with Wort in particular making his presence felt up front and sent both Hoque and Lewis through one on one with the keeper in the first 10 minutes only to see their shots saved comfortably.

On 18 minutes a Hawkins free-kick was deftly floated to the far post where Jordan Parrett had made a late run, where surprisingly Parrett chose not to use his head and instead connected with a left foot half-volley at full-stretch, that fizzed under the keeper 0-1!  

The Corinthians continued to threaten with Stephen Ashby looking commanding on his debut in a disciplined back four, and the midfield quartet winning the battle convincingly. However The Corinthians went into the break only one goal to the good.  

Predictably against the run of play, Mursleys’ one chance of the match was converted shortly after the break as a rare slip in defence left Law in goal exposed and unable to prevent the goal.  

The Corinthians were stirred into action with Hawkins dissecting the opposition defence almost at will, however Hoque had not bought his shooting boots on this occasion, and after missing a hat full of chances, on 62 minutes he had a chance to make amends when Hawkins again put him through, Hoque ran clear of the defence, rounded the keeper but shot wide of the empty goal.  

Corinthians refused to give in, and with 15 to go Hoque made way for Eteson, who made an instant impact with his direct running and closing down defenders. And it was a run from Eteson that created the space for man of the match Adam Parrett to run into, latching on to yet another Hawkins through ball. Parrett raced clear of the defence and with one defender to beat unselfishly picked out the on-rushing Snoxell with a square pass, and as we’ve come to expect from the man he casually put the ball past the keeper to ensure all 3 points for The Corinthian boys.

Snoxell had this to say exclusively to NC after the game:

“Mark, let me tell you this … No joke, I said to the boys at half time, if they get within sight of the goal to pick me out and I will win this game, and to be fair that’s exactly what I’ve done. It was a wicked ball from Adam, and he made the right decision in giving me the shot.

My record shows that I’m worth a goal a game, so if you pick me out under the basket, there is only one outcome … goal-time baby!!!

When I came here The Gaffer told me I had big boots to fill when Luke Byrne left the club, so I told him – no worries Gaff - I’ll be your Fox! And that’s what I’ve done – I’m a prolific mother. I’m in the best form of my life and I’ve got the Gaffmeister to thank for that, he’s been quality. With Worty coming into the side I can even see myself reaching 25 goals for the season, that’s my aim now. I’ve heard Cam, Joy and Jonny giving it large about finishing top scorer this season, but to be honest my name is all over that trophy, I’m the real Mcoy and at odds of 6-1 i’ll enjoy taking some proper wonga off Gary. Laters”

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.

Squad 2007/2008

A JOY to behold

Hoque commits future to Corinthians, as fans hail the return of club favourite Matt Wort

After weeks of speculation linking him with a move away from the club, Joynul Hoque has pledged his future to Tring Corinthians. After intense interest from a host of clubs including league rivals Holmer Green who had made an official approach for the player who has scored 14 goals this season and has lit up the league with sparkling performances and blistering pace.

However Hoque has turned them flat down stating that Corinthians were the club better suited to match his long –term ambitions.

Parrett has been quick heap praise on the player for his loyalty and contribution this season:

“ I am absolutely delighted Joy has decided to stay, especially when you consider he’s playing at 50% of what he’s capable of. I am particularly looking forward to working with the player and getting the very best out of him. Joy is a mercurial talent, a fantastic player, who has the ability to play at the highest level. We’ve seen only glimpses of what he can do this season. He has been unsettled by the speculation recently, so now it’s all over, you’ll see the real Joy Hoque in the following months.”

To round off a brilliant week for the club in which Charles Snoxell and Cameron Osbourne declared their love for the club by pledging to finish their careers with the Corinthians, prodigal son Matt Wort has also returned.

Assistant manager and flying winger Richard Barter had this to say:

“ I hear comments like that from the players all the time, and they’re not throwaway either.

It’s great to have Matt back, he is a great addition. I think the players and people of Tring have started to realise now what this club is all about, we’re a family here, and Ross and I treat our players as if they were our own sons. With the new Chairman coming in, the club has been reinvigorated. When I spoke to the Chairman and heard his plans for the club, I had to take second breath. This is certainly a very exciting time for the club and everyone wants a piece of the action. The players have realised as we have done for some time that the club mean business!! The sky is the limit now and we have only just started to embark on what will be an epic journey. I see us at the stage Wigan were at a few years back, I can see us emulating something of similar proportions. ”

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.

The cat is back!

Corbitt set for return after three month injury hell

Midfield supremo Dave Corbitt will make his competitive return from injury this weekend as he continues his road to recovery with a match for the reserve side against Holmer Green.

Ever present at the start of the season, Corbitt was one of the “galacticos” of the first team who, after a phenomenal pre-season, helped steer the side to an opening run of games that saw them take 3 wins and 2 draws from their first five league games. Then, as Corinthians were cruising to another away day victory, Corbitt collided with the keeper when through on goal and stressed knee ligaments in his left leg – a bitter blow for the man affectionally known as “granddad” and a lengthy layoff ensued.

The Cat was suspected to return pre-Christmas but it’s been a long road back after one months training. After setting the pace on Thursday night Dave had this to say:

“It will be a pleasure to pull the white of Corinthians back on and I’m relishing the moment I step back out onto the carpet at Tring this weekend. I was devastated when I did my knee as I was absolutely loving my time in the side at the beginning of the season and the occasions I was made captain were extra motivation. My driving force now is to get back to 100% fitness and help steer Ross, Rich and this club to the success it warrants this season! As for Saturday I'm looking forward to playing in the same team as Osborne - I've heard the rumours, now I want to see for myself if he can really score from any angle. ”

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.

In other news...

Steve Ashby and the Hayers brother sign.

Parrett bolsters his squad with three quality signings.

Parrett has moved to bring some “real quality” as he puts it for the close season, in signing Steve Ashby from neighbours Berkhamsted Town, and brothers Stuart and Neil Hayers. Ashby is a defender who can play both centre half and left back, Stuart Hayers who previously plied his trade in the US can play a number of positions including centre half and centre midfield. His brother Neil is an exciting versatile left-footed midfielder with a keen eye for goal. Neil has been out of the game for a year after a successful stint at Chesham United, and he had considered his career pretty much over before Parrett came knocking, Hayers citing the opportunity to work with him again, not one he could turn down!

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.

New year brings renewed optimism

First day of 2008 is a great day for the club

Tring Corinthians got the year off to the best possible start with a 2-1 away win at 7th placed Caddington. Goals came from Ashley Higgins and Chris West.

Tring now have a run of five games, which they must feel, if they play to their full potential, they can acquire maximum points from; four games against sides in the bottom five and one fixture against 6th placed Mursley.

With at least two games in hand over the current main title rivals, a decent run such as this could position them within touching distance of the pack come the crucial match against AFC Dunstable at the end of February. This must now be the focus as Corinthians plot their own destiny.

Reserves also grab win

Meanwhile, the reserves gave the home crowd something to cheer as they made it 2 wins from 3 games beating Buckingham Athletic 3-1 in a confident display – goals coming from Eteson, Smith and Apps. Ten goals scored by the reserves in their last three matches gave manager Barter encouragement. He said:

“It should have been out of site by half time - I counted nine clear-cut chances and I’m talking proper one-on-one chances. We’re looking a lot stronger in recent weeks with the return of a recognised keeper and key players but we need to learn to become calmer and more sharp-witted in goal scoring positions. On the positive side, we made less mistakes today in the defensive third.

After so much rain, the pitch wasn’t too conducive today for the greatest spectacle, but overall I’ve not seen a side in our league play better football than the way we do at times. The players owe it to themselves to finish the season in at least 5th place.”

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.

New management duo leaves players in no doubt as they set expectations for the coming season

New management duo leaves players in no doubt as they set expectations for the coming season

With the start of pre-season only days away, Parrett & Barter have declared themselves ‘ready for war’!

The message from the duo is clear; that they expect success in all competitions…

After two successive seasons finishing behind the top three, Parrett has fired a warning message to his rivals:

“ Without exception we will be the team to beat. But be clear on this point; I am not exclusively interested in winning the title – I am intent on winning everything put in front of us. ”

When asked how he would achieve this he made this resolute statement;

“ I will not achieve anything – the players will. I am here for the players – they are not here for me. If I can help them achieve success and to maximise their potential then I am satisfied I have done my job. The focus must be and will be the players and their development, this must come first. When this is achieved, success and trophies will come.”

“ I have experienced too many teams that get this the wrong way round – it’s not about the club’s ambitions – it’s about the player’s ambitions. They must achieve their own goals - not the clubs’. If the club benefits from the combined successes of all our players achieving their potential then we have achieved the ultimate goal – success on all fronts.”

When asked about the current state of his squad Parrett was full of praise for the team’s previous achievements.

“ There is not a lot I need to do in terms of improving the squad - we have striker who is capable of scoring 30+ a season and a midfield capable of creating chances. Put quite simply we need to sure up our defence and lose a lot less games, this will be principally down to organisation. I will be bringing some players into the squad who will increase competition for places - that goes without saying. But I fully expect last season’s squad to fight every inch for their place in the team. At this point in time I know a lot more about the players coming in than I do about last season’s squad, so I will expect the established players to prove a point to me and make my decisions as difficult as possible.”

Parrett whose managerial career took off prematurely after his playing career was cut tragically short by an unfortunate injury had this message for his team:

“ I know all about missing out on opportunities, however, mark my word my players will not miss out. If a player has the quality to progress then we will encourage them 100% to pursue their career at a higher level. ”

Parrett was also quick to point out that he believes his players best interests were to stay at the club.

“ We have put a system in place that will ensure our players get the best environment possible to further their future careers. The danger is that many players take a perceived step up in order to get noticed. The reality is that many of these clubs are only focused on increased squad numbers and their results and not the player’s development. The result usually being that they spend too much time on the bench treading water and going backwards. Our partnership with a sports management company will ensure that our best players are cared for and sent to trials at clubs that will make certain that personal development comes before the club’s cause. This is guaranteed.”

This is certainly a visionary statement from Parrett but does he have a recipe for success?

“Of course”

was his immediate response.

“I am an obsessive student of the game and have been for almost 10 years. My assistant Richard Barter is an outstanding psychologist and people person and I have brought him in with the express intention to listen to our players and to be a mentor to them. He is quiet in his manner but has the player’s best interests constantly in the back of his mind. Thus herein lays the key – putting the players first!”

“ Enjoyment is absolutely paramount – we will win through enjoyment and certainly not the other way round. This will only come from the players wanting to improve and enjoy their football. My hope is that in turn they will then enjoy achieving things for themselves, their team mates and their club.”

Barter, who is relishing working alongside his new protégés, had this to say.

“ We will be putting a lot of emphasis on our ethical charter. Many teams have their code of conduct hidden away in the annals of their club. For us, our ethical charter will be paramount to our teams’ identity. I feel it is of fundamental importance that we have an identity we are proud of upholding. We will adhere strictly to our ethical charter which will promote fair play, respect and sportsmanship. We will be an example to all that encounter us – a team that respects each other, opposition and officials alike. It is my primary aspiration that the players achieve their goals with these principles in mind!”

Parrett added finally,

“In many instances, particularly in cup competitions, we will be the underdog and this is what myself and Richard have wanted from the beginning. The opportunity to prove that our team will succeed against established clubs through working towards players’ goals and with a sense of integrity that will hopefully give us all a unique sense of satisfaction when we eventually win the league.”

For both Parrett and Barter there is a certain step into the unknown at this level of football. Yet it seems clear both are determined to bring success and a fresh approach to a club that have only recently established themselves as a semi-professional outfit. It appears that ‘with everything to prove and seemingly nothing to fear’, this small club abundant in character and ambition appears on first impressions to have a very unique and successful future.

Mark Russell – Web-Media Creator.