The Channings Board of Management have announced the provisional 16 man squad that will travel to Berlin in September to represent the club in 2008’s tour.
But amidst the excitement about Channings’ new signings in the close season, the squad news is overshadowed by the withdrawal of manager Bobby Brownsell from tour duty, due to an administrative mix-up. Despite the disappointment, Brownsell remains actively involved in tour preparation and will run the rule over his recruits in a keenly anticipated friendly in Battersea Park on July 19th.
Alex Brownsell: 'Gutted to miss out'
In the biggest selection surprise, winger Eduardo Goncalves has been named in Brownsell’s provisional tour squad. The 23-year-old wide player, who is yet to play for Channings’s first team, was one of ten midfielders named in a squad light on both defenders and frontmen. Ex-Enfant Terribles star ‘Magic’ Paul Nicol was also called up for his debut tour after financial irregularities prevented him playing in 2007. Nicol is joined by with recent graduate from the Channings Bristol academy Sean Mulready, and Dominic Bradley, brother of Channings’ left back Patrick.
Among the major absentees is Simon Rae, veteran poacher and Channings’ all-time leading goalscorer, who is reportedly undergoing rehabilitative therapy in India after being struck down by chronic gout. He is joined by Nottingham Law School centre back James Ingham – a Channings stalwart and the club’s main set-piece goal threat – who is also unavailable for selection. Others left behind include Jamie Welham, JJ Williams and David Franberg, while goalkeeper-cum-North London Jewish League midfielder Julian Noti was named among the standby players.
Given such big-name absences, fans concerned about Channings’ fortunes in East Germany will be reassured by the return of old-timers Alex McDonnell, Pete Stilwell and Steve Clarke – all of whom will be hoping to capture their best form as senior members of the side. Brownsell, whose replacement on tour is unknown at present, admitted that the inclusion of Goncalves and Mulready was a gamble, but described them both as ‘great talents’ with pace and trickery.
Back in the game, McDonnell has a point to prove
Brownsell will name his final squad on Aug 15, but has until 24 hours before Channing’s first game on September 4th to replace any injured or suspended players with last minute Easyjet transfers.
Goalkeeper: Jonny Randall
Defenders: Steve Clarke, Paul Nicol, Patrick Bradley
Midfielders: Tim Moonen, Ben Fitch, Alex Jones, Pete Stilwell, Alex McDonnell, Dominic Bradley, Fraser Mullen, Jonathan Symmons, Sean Mulready, Eduardo Goncalves
Strikers: Tom Paul, Doug Harrison
