The Channings FC squad yesterday returned from their latest European adventure in Berlin with the respectable record of - W 1 D 1 L 1.

Many photos, videos and match reports will be added over the coming days, but just a quick thank-you to everyone for making it a great trip. Particular thanks to our new players (Magic, Eduardo, Dom, Terry and Rico), and of course a big thanks to our three opponents for agreeing to host us for friendly game (SG Sportfreunde Johannisthal 1930 e.V. 2nd XI, British Lions FC and SG Aufbau Alex e.V.)

In the meantime, check out the Aufbau Alex website for a rather generous match report on Sunday’s game.

*Depending on an individual, subjective definition of success.

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

As confirmed in the emails, the BBC’s Match of the Day (disillusioned with the prospect of a Pompey v Cardiff FA Cup Final) has approached us to stage a truly heavyweight footballing encounter in London on 17th May. Naturally we weren’t going to let Linekar and the boys down, so the much-anticipated Channings FC vs Victoria game will be taking place.

Unfortunately Regents Park, the proposed venue for the occasion, isn’t confident it has the facilities to take on such a game so Victoria boss JJ Williams is looking into alternative pitch options. More news when we have it. The game will also be held to celebrate the Victorian’s end-of-season party, with booze aplenty to be drunk after the game so we can all watch the Cup Final.

Oh – and the Channings FC ‘Fixtures’ page is now up and running, and I’ll be updating it once I have any further news on opponents for the Berlin tour. As you can see we’ve arranged a friendly against Britische Loewen FC for the Saturday.

Bobby

May I firstly apologise for the inevitable email threads that threaten to derail your productivity by at least 40% over the next 4 months. I’ll try and do my bit to keep it manageable and get down to business… 

1)       In case you weren’t sure, this year’s tour is in Berlin from Wednesday 3rd until Sunday 7th September. The outline of the tour has been finalised, and Bobby is using his German contacts to arrange our fixtures. 

2)       We are leaving after work (6.30pm) on Wednesday from London to Brussels on Eurostar, and subsequently getting the Brussels to Berlin overnight sleeper train (the ‘Perseus’), equipped with ferry-style cabins. We are (probably) flying back on the Sunday evening. We are staying at a new central Berlin hostel, including a 10-bed apartment and a 3-bed ensuite. 

3)       After the disorganisation of last year, the finances of this tour will be managed centrally. We will ask that everyone pay all costs upfront into one single account (tbc), from which all transport and accommodation will be dealt with. There will be a maximum of 18 players on tour, selected on a first come, first pay, first served basis. 

4)       In recognition of financial and lifestyle diversity currently defining Channings members, the 2008 tour will offer four pricing options. 

OPTION A – Corporate Comfort. Designed for those who value a quality accommodation experience and an earlier return on the Sunday. This option will offer a private shared ensuite room, and fly you back in the comparative comfort of BA – arriving back at Heathrow at 20.45 on Sunday.  Total cost = £210 

OPTION B – Standard. Accommodation in main apartment (or dorms for latecomers). Easyjet flight to Luton back, midnight ETA in central London. Total cost = £170.  

OPTION C – La vida loco. For train/all night drinking lovers. The return leg would be the same as the outward leg, leaving Berlin at 9.30pm and arriving in London at 8am on Monday locomotively refreshed for a day’s work/rest. Beds included both ways. Total cost = £175 

OPTION D – Economy. For those on a shoestring budget. This would mean missing the outward train leg and arriving by air on Wednesday or very early Thursday to and from Stansted on Ryanair. Total cost  = £130 .(inclusive of trains to and from London city centre) 

Options are negotiable for those who aren’t in London etc. 

We want all of you who are committed to coming to choose one of the four options, and once account details are released, deposit that sum into the account so that group purchases can be made. We hope decisions can be made by the end of April, so that we can confirm bookings by the middle of May. 

Let us know what your early thoughts are on attendance and options (if you don’t want to email the whole list email me, Bobby and Jonesy.)

Tim

A message from Jonesy about the forthcoming Channings AGM:

Chaps,

The footie game on the 8^th is most likely going to take place from 5pm-6pm in Kennington Park. I say most likely because I can only book the astro 6 days in advance, so will have to do it this Sunday, but hopefully shouldn’t be a problem.

For ease of planning: the contingency plan for the footie if I don’t manage to book the astro is we will still play in Kennington Park (albeit on grass) but the kick off will be at 2pm due to light constraints – I’ll let you know on Monday (3^rd Dec) morning at the latest if this is going to be the case. However, assume we will be on astro.

Formal Agenda:

Saturday 8^th December – Channings FC AGM

- Venue: 10 Sullivan Road, London, SE11 4UH
- Timings: Pre-event exhibition match – 5-6pm Kennington Park (bring 1 white shirt, 1 blue)
- Main Event – arrival 8pm for 8.30 meal.
- Post dinner: voting on club issues (awards, tour location etc.), various speeches etc.
- Managers Speech
- Toast to Channings FC

Let me know if there are any late cancellations. Tim – could you update Facebook with these details? Cheers pal.

p.s. if anyone lives mile away from Kennington and won’t be able to make it back in time for the dinner after the footie, they are welcome to get changed etc at mine after the game.

Thanks,
Jonesy

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Lots of content, including squad profiles and the club history, will follow in the coming weeks.

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