Dorking Are Coming

Tomorrow night sees Dorking arrive to make a challenge for the Advertiser Trophy, a piece of silverware we retained in a second half mauling last season.

Ex-Tanner Tony Webb will be in charge of The Chicks as Lunn is away.

The remainder of the friendly fixtures looks like this;

Saturday 5 August Sutton - Home
Tuesday 8 August Uxbridge - Away
Saturday 12 August Lymington & New Milton – AWAY
Monday 14 August Horsham - Home

Leatherhead XI 7 - 4 Diamonds (I think)

The crowd was treated to a lesson in football today. Some names of the past were on show as well as four member of the committee to boost the numbers.

Gerald "The Cat" Derby was deceived by the flight of these new-fangled balls early into his stint in goal. Popeye took his chance well with a left footed volley. Dickie made some good runs and missed out only due to a bobbly pitch and I... well I made space for Sargent to score.

There were other goal scorers, but I was too focused on my game to notice who they were but I am sure Steve Dennis will fill you all in on the official message board.

The event raised lots of money for the British Heart Foundation, an important charity for the Ross family for one, so if you couldn't go and would like to donate you can do so via their website.

The Diamonds Are Coming

Today at 2pm, a team packed with stars of the Palace – and other clubs will kick off at Fetcham Grove in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Lead by Steve Kember, they will face a Leatherhead eleven that should include Mickey Cook, Alex Inglethorpe (newly appointed as Youth Team Manager at Tottenham), Johnny Egan, Chris Hills, Andy Riley, Paul Harford, Dave Harlow and some other surprise guest appearances.

The British Heart Foundation side will include old Palace favourite such as Jim Cannon, Simon Roger, Brian Sparrow, Stuart Massey and Kit Symons.This match is one of a series played each year and is the brainchild of brothers John and Bert Aldridge.

The Spirit of Jazz

A quick reminder that Jazz is arriving at the Grove tonight. The doors will open at 7.30 (the bar will close at 11pm) and the music will begin at 8.30 with tickets cost £8 for members and £10 for non-members.










The Spirit of Jaaazzzzz

BIG News!

What do Dave Bassett, Brian Clough, Terry Fenwick and Hayden Bird have in common? Go to the Official Site to find out!

Tanners 0 - 1 Millwall XI

The Tanners pre-season preparation officially kicked-off last night at the Grove with a useful workout against Millwall.

With first team manager Nigel Spackman looking on from the stands Millwall brought a young team that included Dorryl Proffitt who played in the same England U-17 side as a certain Mr Rooney.

The Tanners dug-out sported new Assistant Manager Hayden Bird (doing his best Jonny Cash impression dressed in black) and new physio John Steerwood (newly joined from Banstead Athletic).

Much sweat was expended on a balmy, sultry evening at the Grove - and that was just the supporters! (not mentioning Dick and Bridget who had to suffer the heat behind the bar) There were several new faces on show for the Tanners, and as usual with friendlies, the team changed personnel with regularity ensuring everyone got a decent run out. Each goalkeeper - Chris Gibson and Paul Borg - got 45 minutes, and outfield newcomers Steve Gibson, James Greenaway, Stewart Holmes, Gavin Bolger all got good spells on the pitch. Late triallist Jamie Reid also got half an hour during which he created Tanners best chance, and was lively enough up front to surely deserve another run out.

Millwall started the stronger (with Tanners keeper Gibson producing one stunning point blank stop), but the Tanners gradually settled down and for a first game back, and with so many new faces, it was good to see some good passing moves, and running off the ball. Half time was 0-0 which accurately reflected the even nature of the contest, although just before the break Sarge shot over from the edge of the box following a smart, training ground move from Beer's corner (worth trying again as none of our league opposition will have seen it, just need to refrain from the Jonny Wilkinson's next time, Sarge!)

Millwall took the lead early in the 2nd half following some defensive hesitation, and the rest off the game - which was played in a competitive but sporting spirit - produced some good football but apart from Reid's effort, little by way of clear cut chances.

All in all, a useful and informative match on which Dave Harlow and his management team will no doubt deliberate and cogitate.

So onwards and upwards to the next game - home to Dorking next Tuesday evening 1st August. Can the Tanners retain the Leatherhead Advertiser Cup and pick up their first piece of silverware this season?

Popeye

Millwall Are Coming

Tonight see the return of Millwall to the Grove for the first friendly of the season. For the Tanners fans there is a chance to see six new players on show, many of which have already won this division with previous clubs.
It is also a chance to buy The History of Leatherhead FC which premiered last night at the AGM.

For Millwall fans it is a chance to see their Youth team with a splattering of senior players and enjoy in the Surrey sunshine.

AGM Tonight

Leatherhead Members are reminded that tonight is the AGM, due to start at 7.30pm. As usual a review of the past season and a chance to assess the future will be on the Agenda.

Get there early to buy suitable refreshment and ensure a timely start.

Three… it’s the magic number

The Lip! is three years old, notching up another year since its humble start as a message board back in the summer of 2003. In those days I was keen and got two bulletins a day in but the site is still bang up to date when it comes to getting results posted.

Thanks to you all for your contributions on the forum and to Popeye for standing in while I am away!

Palace Stars Support the Heart Foundation

On the 30th July, a team packed with stars of the Palace – and other clubs will kick off at Fetcham Grove in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Lead by Steve Kember, they will face a Leatherhead eleven that should include Mickey Cook, Alex Inglethorpe (newly appointed as Youth Team Manager at Tottenham), Johnny Egan, Chris Hills, Andy Riley, Paul Harford, Dave Harlow, Hayden Bird and a guest appearance from club secretary, Gerald Darby. The British Heart Foundation side will include old Palace favourite such as Jim Cannon, Simon Roger, Brian Sparrow, Stuart Massey and Kit Symons.
This match is one of a series played each year and is the brainchild of brothers John and Bert Aldridge. The side play about four times a year and are based at Whyteleafe FC – the Ryman Division 1 side.

Bert Aldridge said, “We are tremendously grateful to Whyteleafe for the support they have given us. Mark Coote (Whyteleafe’s Chairman) offered us a base and we are now able to field a side of ex-professionals for about four games a year. Leaf’s ground is an ideal base for us.”

The whole initiative began when John was made redundant and Bert retired. Sadly, their mother died of a heart condition and their sister suffers from one. At that point they decided to channel their energy and raise money for this very worthy cause. John said, “We both love football and it seemed to us to be an ideal way to support this charity. It did not take very much persuading for Steve (Kember) to come on board and this has helped us tremendously.”

To date, matches are played against non-league sides but next year, the brothers are hoping to arrange a match against a Chelsea Veterans side.

Leatherhead were delighted to support this cause as it links very strongly into their ethos of being a club that is part of the community. Secretary, Gerald Darby said, “There was no hesitation on our part when John and Bert approached us to play this game. It will be great to see so many ex pros here. There are rumours that Chris Kelly will also make an appearance – although it might be a fleeting one! It seemed fitting that we joined this initiative in the club’s Diamond Jubilee year.”

The match will kick off at 2pm on Sunday the 30th July with all proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation. Entrance will be £4 (£1 For under 16s) on the gate and programmes will cost £1. the Tanners Lounge will be open for drinks before and after the game.

Game Cancelled

The extreme weather conditions has meant the first friendly this Saturday against Bracknell has been cancelled. The pitch is still is very hard in the goal mouths while some seed has still yet to take due to the lack of water we have been able to get on the pitch.

Tuesday’s game against Millwall is still planned to go ahead but watch out for any future announcements…

Chessington & Hook 0-1 Tanners

Julian Thompson got the only goal of the game with only a few fresh faces. A few 'keepers were tried out for one thing.

The big news was the return of MCS into the fold as he got in touch midweek and is ready for action!

Its Out!

Start telling your partners where you'll be and when... here is this years fixture list. (Thanks to Bertrand on the messageboard)

Fleet Town v Leatherhead Saturday, 19 August 2006
Leatherhead v Whyteleafe Tuesday, 22 August 2006
Leatherhead v Sittingbourne Saturday, 26 August 2006
Metropolitan Police v Leatherhead Tuesday, 29 August 2006
Leatherhead v Chatham Town Saturday, 09 September 2006
Molesey v Leatherhead Tuesday, 19 September 2006
Horsham YMCA v Leatherhead Saturday, 23 September 2006
Leatherhead v Dulwich Hamlet Saturday, 30 September 2006
Ashford Town v Leatherhead Saturday, 14 October 2006
Leatherhead v Dover Athletic Tuesday, 17 October 2006
Leatherhead v Hastings United Saturday, 28 October 2006
Dartford v Leatherhead Tuesday, 31 October 2006
Leatherhead v Croydon Athletic Saturday, 04 November 2006
Burgess Hill Town v Leatherhead Saturday, 11 November 2006
Leatherhead v Maidstone United Saturday, 18 November 2006
Leatherhead v Dartford Tuesday, 21 November 2006
Tooting & Mitcham United v Leatherhead Saturday, 25 November 2006
Leatherhead v Walton Casuals Saturday, 02 December 2006
Godalming Town v Leatherhead Saturday, 09 December 2006
Leatherhead v Corinthian-Casuals Saturday, 16 December 2006
Cray Wanderers v Leatherhead Saturday, 23 December 2006
Kingstonian v Leatherhead Tuesday, 26 December 2006
Leatherhead v Metropolitan Police Saturday, 30 December 2006
Whyteleafe v Leatherhead Saturday, 06 January 2007
Leatherhead v Fleet Town Saturday, 13 January 2007
Croydon Athletic v Leatherhead Saturday, 20 January 2007
Leatherhead v Burgess Hill Town Saturday, 27 January 2007
Maidstone United v Leatherhead Saturday, 03 February 2007
Leatherhead v Tooting & Mitcham United Saturday, 10 February 2007
Walton Casuals v Leatherhead Saturday, 17 February 2007
Leatherhead v Godalming Town Saturday, 24 February 2007
Dover Athletic v Leatherhead Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Leatherhead v Horsham YMCA Saturday, 03 March 2007
Dulwich Hamlet v Leatherhead Saturday, 10 March 2007
Leatherhead v Ashford Town Saturday, 17 March 2007
Hastings United v Leatherhead Saturday, 24 March 2007
Leatherhead v Molesey Saturday, 31 March 2007
Sittingbourne v Leatherhead Saturday, 07 April 2007
Leatherhead v Kingstonian Monday, 09 April 2007
Chatham Town v Leatherhead Saturday, 14 April 2007
Leatherhead v Cray Wanderers Saturday, 21 April 2007
Corinthian-Casuals v Leatherhead Saturday, 28 April 2007

Fixture Time

Fixtures for season 2006/07 will be published tomorrow on the Ryman Official site tomorrow at 9.00 a.m.

You can use the link above as now that I am in my new job I am unlikely to be there pressing refresh every 10 seconds to get them on the Lip sharpish.

Lets hope they have been kinder with the mid-week games and more importantly the big Bank Holiday games!

Rumour Tuesday

It would appear the tallest physio in the land has gone up in the world.... if that was possible. He will now be plying his trade at Chalton Athletic so you may see him run out during Match of the day, well you could hardly miss him if he did.

That will leave the Tanners requiring a qualified match day physio in addition to Gail Pope's legendry rub downs...

You heard it here first!

Rumour rating - 9/10

Practice Makes Perfect

At short notice, a practice game has been arranged for Thursday evening against Chessington & Hook. It will be played at Colliers Wood's ground next to the A3 near to the Robin Hood roundabout. Kick off will be at 7.30.

The aim will be to give the squad - including new players - a run out before we start the pre-seasons.

Everybody is welcome so see you there!

Cup Draws

As reported via the messageboard the FA have completed their draws and we
find ourselves away to Epsom & Ewell on 2nd September. Providing we get through that we are then away to Horsham YMCA or Molesey two weeks later.

In the Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy Leatherhead will be at home to Berkhamsted on 7th October. A chance to avenge the 6-0 defeat four years ago.

Fans Forum

Hayden has been reading the message board with interest over the last few weeks and approached me to set up a meeting with both him and David to field our questions.

Due to training commitments etc, it looks like next Wednesday could be the best night. If you are able to make that night could you email me as soon possible so I can confirm numbers. If no one is interested the meeting wont go ahead...

Date for the diary - AGM date confirmed

The Tanners Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 24th July.

Usual place, usual time (7.30 pm), usual suspects.

Popeye

Jazz Comes To The Grove

The Official Site holds news of a new movement sweeping the Grove... a Jazz movement as they are holding a Jazz Night on 29 July.

Full details found there!

Progress Report

Your intrepid Assistant Blogmeister reports:

Off pitch

Good news! The drought has eased sufficiently to enable us to water the pitch - Gerald was triumphantly waving the official confirmation in the air yesterday morning, just like Neville Chamberlain - and we all know what happened then. Still hopefully we'll have more luck than Nev, and get our pitch tip-top in time for the first friendly.

So Dave Blas's exhortations in the Leatherhead Advertiser have been listened to. It was either that or him getting the prayer mat out, because the pitch is looking well in need of a drink. All the hard work that Dave and others have put into re-seeding and levelling the pitch will go to waste unless we get some H2O on the hallowed turf. And soon.

Just a word of warning though, we are only allowed to water the pitch after 10pm and before 6am. So if you're passing the Grove late at night and see someone on the pitch with a large hose, don't worry or report it to the police.

Other stuff - Percy has been giving a fresh lick of paint to various places around the ground, new advertising hoardings have appeared, old ones repaired. The home changing room showers have been re-tiled, and the physio's room has a splendid new tiled floor - both courtesy of Chris Kelly. There's loads more that's been going on that I've either forgotten or haven't noticed - all I know is that every time I'm at the ground Laurence seems to have his head in the bar ceiling doing something vaguely electrical.

All in all, lots going on in readiness for the new campaign.

On pitch

Yesterday saw the players reporting back for the first training session after the break. As usual at this time of year there was a blend of familiar faces and new ones. The heat meant that 'shorts only' was the order of the day. Rather alarmingly this revealed a mix of full-on sun tans (eg. Stevo, Benno) and lily white bodies (my lips are sealed). With degrees in between. The difference between a week in Magaluf and Margate.

In blistering heat a run to, around and back from Norbury Park quickly revealed who had been dodging the salads over the close season break. Just a joke, everyone looked in pretty good shape, Stevo in particular keen to show the fruits of his fitness regime (and the sun bed). Great to see the full coaching staff there, Dave Harlow, Hayden Bird, Woodsy and Harps, with Ross on hand to put the players through their paces. The winner of the run was a new face from the new youth team, although he was so far ahead we all think he either went the wrong way or caught a bus back.

I grabbed a quick word with Stevo who told me he was "well up" for the season ahead, couldn't wait for it to start, and Scotty Bennetts who showed me the very impressive scar following an operation a couple of weeks ago to remove the metal from his shoulder. I've never seen one that long before but it's sure to be a hit with the girls. He's on track to be fit for the new campaign which is great news for Tanners fans.

Further training updates as we have them....


England

No progress to report.

When you most need your so-called 'big players' to step up to the plate, they all duck out.

Well done Neville, Terry, Ferdinand, Cole (A), and esp Hargreaves

Shame on you Lampard, Cole (J), Gerrard, Beckham, Rooney

When your engine won't start, you don't go anywhere.

How can an old man like Zidane run around the pitch like a 20-year old for 90 minutes, whilst the younger Lampard and Gerrard run out of gas after 60?

Something is wrong, very wrong.

Goodbye and good riddance Sven, go and **** it up somewhere else.

Feel better now,

David