A Long Way To The Top - 4 Weeks In

Weeks 3 & 4 have been my hardest weeks in the gym...

Towards the middle of week 3 I was starting to feel the strain on my body from my exploits in the gym. It may have been a direct result to going to the gym 7 times over weeks 1 & 2. At the end of week 3 and finally enjoyed my first 2 day stretch away from the gym.

So here is my progress:

Week 3

Monday 11/06/12
Squat	65kg
Overhead Press	30kg*
Deadlift	45kg

Wednesday 13/06/12
Squat	67.5kg
Bench Press	52.5kg
Barbell Rows	42.5kg

Friday 15/06/12
Squat	70kg
Overhead Press	30kg
Deadlift	52.5kg

Week 4

Monday 18/06/12
Squat	72.5kg
Bench Press	55kg
Barbell Rows	45kg

Wednesday 20/06/12
Squat	75kg
Overhead Press	32.5kg*
Deadlift	55kg

Friday 22/06/12
Squat	77.5kg
Bench Press	57.5kg
Barbell Rows	47.5kg

*4sets x 5reps & 1set x4reps

Was able to break through the plateau on overhead press, only to hit another once I upped the weight again. I also upped the weight on the deadlift by an extra 10kg on the recommendation of a few people and I was well able for it. On the gym front I was very happy with these 2 weeks, but on the diet front that's another story...

The 2 weeks were very up and down, with a number of good days with some bad, but I know I just need to get myself into a better rhythm and be better organised. Going to try and get into a proper sleeping routine, will be adding core work and some road biking over the next 2 weeks.


So as of Monday(25/06/12) here are my measurables:

	Starting Stats	After 4 Weeks
Weight	177lbs	172lbs
Body Fat%	18%	14.92

So over the last 2 weeks I've managed to drop another lb and bring my Body Fat% down as well...

Onwards to greatest

A Long Way To The Top - 2 Weeks In

Firstly I'll apologise for the delay in getting this post up, I've very much been just getting over that Irish game on Sunday...

So I've been doing the Stronglift 5x5 program for two weeks now and I've been progressing quiet well with the program. Certainly seems to be more effective than my previous program's. So as I've already said, the program focuses on doing 5 different exercises. Each exercise is performed in 5 sets of 5 reps, except deadlifts which is only one set.

• Squats
• Bench Press
• Barbell Rows
• Overhead Press
• Deadlift

So for the first two weeks I took the approach of one day on, next day off. So over the first two weeks I've done 7 sessions in gym. Here is the breakdown of my progress so far;

Week 1 

Monday 28/05/12
Squat	47.5kg
Bench Press	42.5kg
Barbell Rows	32.5kg

Wednesday 30/05/12
Squat	50kg
Overhead Press	25kg
Deadlift	37.5kg

Friday 01/06/12
Squat	52.5kg
Bench Press	45kg
Barbell Rows	35kg

Sunday 03/06/12
Squat	55kg
Overhead Press	27.5kg
Deadlift	40kg

Week 2

Tuesday 05/06/12
Squat	57.5kg
Bench Press	47.5kg
Barbell Rows	37.5kg

Thursday 07/06/12
Squat	60kg
Overhead Press	30kg*
Deadlift	42.5kg

Saturday 09/06/12
Squat	62.5kg
Bench Press	50kg
Barbell Rows	40kg

* 3sets x 5reps & 2sets x 4reps

So after two weeks at the program, I've been very happy with how its going for me. Although I did encounter an issue an the Overhead Press. I hit a mini plateau when I struggled to get full reps on my final two sets. 

But I've had issues with shoulder exercises in the past, so I will be staying on the same weight until I'm able to complete the my five full sets...

As you can see from my progress, the program is certainly showing signs of being quiet effective so I'm going to remain optimistic with regards to this program getting me to where I want to go.

So as of Monday(11/06) here are my measurable:

	Starting Stats	After 2 weeks
Weight	177lbs	173lbs
Body Fat%	18%	15.2%

So in 2 weeks I've managed to lose 4 lbs, now I will admit that my scales aren't the best so these readings may be a little out. The Body Fat % is just a rough estimation too(Tool here). 

So my plan over the next 2 weeks will be to hit the gym 3 times a week, this will give me the weekend off from the gym. I'll hopefully get myself back out on the bike a little bit and also get a little bit of core worked into my week...

Onwards to greatest

2nd Season Syndrome

With their first season back in the Blue Square South in the books, having finished a very respectable 12th it was time to crack on and get ready for season 2. There of course were questions raised, such as would the Gulls suffer from 2nd Season Syndrome...

Pre Season

Pre Season is a time that is traditional used to play friendlies as well as bring in new players...

Canvey Island arranged a number of friendlies for the upcoming season, their opening game was at home against Leeds Utd...

Canvey Island	1-3	Leeds Utd
Kingstonian	1-5	Canvey Island
Wealdstone	1-4	Canvey Island
Aylesbury Utd	0-8	Canvey Island
Concord Rangers	3-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	0-0	Ebbsfleet
Croydon	0-3	Canvey Island
Hemel Hemptstead	0-3	Canvey Island
Bedford	0-4	Canvey Island
Ringmer	0-2	Canvey Island

A very run of results in the pre season for the Gulls, keeping no fewer than 6 clean sheets and only losing 2 games. One of which was their opening game against the might of Leeds Utd, eventually losing 3-1 after a very spirited display.

Some Players who stood out in Pre Season:

• Max Wright (Scoring 10 in 7, Ave 8.09)
• Clive Makoni (Played 9, with 2 Assists, 2 Goals & Ave 7.40)
• Cameron Quinn (Played 9, with 4 Assists, 1 Goal, Ave 7.10)

As with his first season in charge, Ray Walsh set about making a number of changes to his playing staff. With a great number of players leaving the club as well as a number of new signings been brought into the side. Among the the new signings here are some of the more notable new comers:

• George Wickings (Former Leyton Orient striker,with 4 appearances in the football league)
• Tom Williams (Former Liverpool Trainee, Left Winger with No Senior Appereances Yet)
• Josh Knight (Former West Brom, Port Talbot &  Aberaman Striker)

As well as new players joining the club, a number of players also left the club, with 28 players leaving, here are the most notable players who exited the club:

• Chris McGroarty (41 Apps, 5 Gls, 7 Ast, 2 MoM with an Average Rating 6.75)

Although Dominic Marshall's contract expired, he decided to remain at the club on a rolling contract. The squad now had no player remaining players of the previous regime, all the players were Ray Walsh's players now so any under performance could not blamed on anybody but Walsh...

Season Proper

Going in the season, Canvey Island were set to compete in three competitions, The Blue Square South (BSS), FA Cup & FA Trophy. They were expected to stay clear of relegation, enjoy their experience in the FA Trophy and reach the 3rd Qualification Round of the FA Cup...

Media Prediction: 20th
Board Expectation: Stay Clear of Relegation

Setting into their 2 second season under Walsh, there was a sense of cautious optimism about the season ahead after Walsh's men confronted the media last season.

As the Gulls opened their campaign against local rivals Chelmsford, with a 2-0 victory. The Gulls then continued in a similar vein going undefeated in their opening 10 league games. This unbeaten run, combined with a 2 game run at the tail end of last season lead to a new Canvey Island record of 12 consecutive league games unbeaten. This unbeaten run also moved Canvey Island to the top of the league after 10 games played. Max Wright was top scorer with 8 goals, Cameron Quinn continued on from his impressive breakthrough last season by contributing 4 goals. Also during this period, the Gull's suffered from a number of defensive injuries, with Captain Gavin Cowen missing 5 weeks. This injury lead to the signing of former Crystal Palace trainee, Connor Dymond.

At the half way point of their campaign, the Gulls were still sitting top of the pile, but their unbeaten run had come to an end, at the hands of Sutton Utd in a 1-0 defeat. But not before it was extended to 16 games.  They also went 5 games without a league win, but in spite of this blip the Gulls never relinquished top spot. With 45 points already earned this season, Canvey Island were edging ever closer to reaching the 50 points mark which would pretty much guarantee safety. During this run Max Wright only managed to score 2 goals, but was still top scorer on 10 goals for the season. The Gull's were hit with yet another defensive injury, Callum Adebiyi torn a calf muscle and missed the last 10 league games.

Canvey Island	2-0	Chelmsford
Welling	0-1	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	5-2	Dartford
Truro	0-3	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	5-0	Tooting & Mitcham
Cambridge City	1-1	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	2-0	Maidenhead
Basingstoke	1-3	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	2-1	Bath
Bishop Stortford	1-3	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	1-0	Tonbridge
Staines	1-3	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	4-0	Farnborough
St Albans	0-0	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	0-1	Sutton Utd
Lewes	2-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	0-1	Boreham Wood
Eastleigh	2-0	Canvey Island
Gloucester	1-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	3-2	Worcester
Dover	1-0	Canvey Island

With just 10 games to go until the season ends. The Gulls were still sitting atop of the table, on 62 points and 5 points ahead of 2nd place Dartford. In their last 11 games the Gulls went through an indifferent patch of form losing 4 games, with 2 draws and 5 wins. During this run, Max Wright remained top scorer on 14 goals. Also during this run, former Arsenal player Daniel Boateng was brought in to shore up their defence; putting in a good run of games with an average rating 7.03 after 7 games.

As the season came to a close, the Gull's were engulfed in a battle for the title and promotion. Putting together a good run of form, with only one defeat in their last 8 games.

Tonbridge	0-0	Canvey Island
Farnborough	2-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	1-0	St Albans
Sutton Utd	0-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	1-2	Lewes
Boreham Wood	1-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	0-0	Eastleigh
Canvey Island	5-1	Gloucester

With just two games to go in the league, the Gull's were still seating atop of the table and 2 points clear of 2nd place Chelmsford. The Gull's remaining two games against Worcester & Dover, winning both of these game would ensure promotion and a league title. But Chelmsford remaining two games were against Lewes & Boreham Wood.

The Gull's failed to win their game against Worcester, only drawing the game 1-1, while Chelmsford recorded a 4-1 victory over Lewes. This sequence of results lead to Chelmsford dislodging Canvey Island at the top of the table by goal difference. This was the first time Canvey Island had surrendered the top spot since the 3rd week of the season. So heading into the last game of the season, Canvey Island needed to win by a large margin, or else hope that Chelmsford fail to win. As the final day of the season got under way, with both sides playing their biggest games of their season. Both sides went into half time in their games both still level at 0-0, but then disaster struck, as Chelmsford striker Brian Wake hit a hat trick...Canvey Island's season was now all but over. Chelmsford won their game 4-1 in the end, with the Gull's season ending in a whimper with a 1-1 draw against Dover.

After being top of the table for the vast majority season, failure to win enough games in the final stretch of the season ultimately lead to the Gull's losing out in their pursuit for promotion and a title. So the playoff's were next up for the Gull's, being drawn against Tonbridge. The Gull's were to play the first leg away from home...

Tonbridge	3-1	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	2-4	Tonbridge

A very disappointing season at the very end. A season that started very strong and with high hopes ended with great disappointment and ended with two abject performances in the playoff.

With the season in the books, a great deal of positives can be taken from the season as a whole. But the end of the season will leave a bitter taste, as they were so close to promotion and a league title, only for it to be thrown away but failing to get enough wins in the final stretch...

Final League Table & Position Graph:

Top League Scorer: Max Wright (21 Goals)
Top League Assists: George Wickings (9 Assists)
Most League MoM: Max Wright (5 MoM)
Top League Average Rating: Max Wright (7.08)



The FA Cup
Board Expectation: Reach 3rd Qualification Round
Best Performance: 3rd Round(2001)

English football's most storied competition, a competition were small and big football clubs alike dare to dream. A cup that is best remembered for the upsets more than the eventual winners on great number of occasions.

But for a club of the stature of Canvey Island to win it, that would be a real life fairytale, but the dream of being a giant killing is always a real possibility. Coming into the competition at the 2nd Qualification Round, the Gull's were drawn at home against fellow BSS outfit Welling. Canvey Island & The Gull's played out a scoreless draw 0-0. So the game went to a replay; After taking the leading to go 1-0 up, Canvey Island then surrendered the lead to fall behind 2-1. But pulled in back to 2-2, before conceded an 86 minute goal losing 3-2 and crashing out of the competition at the same point for the second year running...

The board were understandable upset at being knocked out of the cup, but understood, that it was a though draw at such an early stage of the season.

The FA Trophy

Board Expectation: Enjoy Experience

Best Performance: Winners 2001

Having reached the 2nd round in last year competition, a similar performance may well have been expected by the Gull's. This season's competition got off to a good start, with the Gull's being drawn at home against Isthman Premier outfit Hastings Utd, eventually running out 2-0 winners. With the Gull's into 1st round, their ambitions were dealt a blow when the draw was made, as it paired Blue Square Premier outfit Forest Green against Canvey Island. After a combative, gutsy performance the Gull's fell victim to an 85 minute Forest Green winner, with the game finishing 1-0. This meant Canvey Island were out and failed to equal last season's performance in the competition. 

End of Season Round Up

Overall Appearance Maker: Nick Draper (47 Appearances)

Overall Top Scorer: Max Wright (22 Goals)

Overall Top Assists: George Wickings/Clive Makoni (9 Assists)

Over Most MoM: Max Wright (5 MoM)

Overall Top Average Rating: Rob Gier (7.06)

Fans Player of the Year: Max Wright

Team of the Year:

Season Highlight: Finishing 2nd & Opening the Season with a run of 14 games without defeat.
Season Lowlight: Losing both Legs of the Playoff Semi-Final

Miscellaneous 

With the club having recorded a loss of €70,000 in the previous season, they were a number of cut backs made, but the club still recorded a loss of €30,000. It was a move in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. The club was also subject to a number of failed takeover bids during the season, one wonders did the financial standing of the club act as a stumbling block to the potential new owners?

On the field, Canvey had a good season overall, their performance in the league left a great number in the media red faced as the Gull's finished 2nd and were the BSS overachievers. Being dumbed out of the FA in the qualifying round wasn't ideal either, both in financial terms and their reputation within the English football pyramid.

A number of Key Players contracts are due to expire at season's end:

• Max Wright-Striker (44 Appearances 22 Goals, 8 Assists, Average Rating 7.05)
• Dominic Plant-CM (44 Appearances 2 Goals, 4 Assists, Average Rating 6.91)
• Rob Gier-RB (43 Appearances, 5 Assists, Average Rating 7.06)
• Gavin Cowen-CB (23 Appearances, 1 Goal, Average Rating 6.84)  

With the Gull's having come so close to promotion this season, it will be very interesting to see their approach in the transfer market in the coming off season. Does the club go out and spend more money on players wages in order to improve the squad with fresh faces, as well as fresh faces will the club be holding onto all the players who's contracts are to expire over the summer. Either way, next season should be a very interesting to witness, will the Gull's push on from this season and gain promotion or do they go backwards?

End of Season 2...

Can-ve Avoid Relegation

As the 2011/12 season drew to a close the Canvey Island(nicknamed the Gulls) fans were looking forward to playing in the Blue Square South next season after winning promotion. But as the new season drew closer, the fans and club were hit with a body blow as they struggled to appoint a new manager. 

So after a long difficult summer, the Canvey Island board plucked a young Irish man out of obscurity, a man with no managerial experience by the name of Ray Walsh. His first task would be to assess his new squad and start to build for the upcoming season. 

This would start with Pre Season... 

Pre Season

Walsh's first task would be to evaluate his team and bring in any new players that he felt would improve his side’s changes of competing in the league. This process would begin with looking in the transfer market and playing friendlies.

Walsh didn't waste any time in delving into the transfer market, bringing in a number of players on trail in order to get a better look at potential new signings. Eventually signing no fewer than 42 new players, here are a few of the most notable signings:

•  Richard McKinney (Former Man City Trainee & Canvey Island Player)
•  Rob Gier (Philippine International & Former Wimbledon Player)
•  Gavin Cowen (216 Senior Games including 11 for Canvey Island)
•  Chris McGroarty (Former Dunfermline player who played 71 SPL Games)
•  Alex Notman (Versatile Player, Former Man Utd Trainee & Norwich Player)

Aside from bringing in new players, a number of staff were brought in:

•  Ben Judge (Assistant Manager)
•  John Whiley (Physio)
•  Adam Roberts (Scout)
•  Daren Johnson (Scout)

As well as delving into the transfer market, Canvey Island also player 9 friendly matches, opening their pre season with a money spinning visit of Premiership Blackburn...

Canvey Island	0-9	Blackburn Rovers
Great Wakering	1-1	Canvey Island
Gedling	0-2	Canvey Island
Workingham	1-1	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	4-2	Dulwich Hamlet
Canvey Island	3-0	Tonbridge
Croydon	0-5	Canvey Island
Hemel Hempstead	2-1	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	2-0	Braintree

A pretty mixed pre season all in all...

Some players stood out in pre season...

•  Alex Notman (Scoring 4 in 4, Ave 7.53)
•  Jon Voigt (Twice MoM, 3 Goals, 2 Assist, Ave 7.10)
•  Alan Redford (Solid & Versatile Defender, Ave 7.03)

A lot of positives were taken from pre season, but there were signs that it would be a difficult season ahead.

Season Proper

Going in the season, Canvey Island were set to compete in three competitions, The Blue Square South (BSS), FA Cup & FA Trophy. They were expected to battle against relegation in the league and enjoy their experience in both cup competitions...

Media Prediction: 22th
Board Expectation: Battle Against Relegation


As a newly promoted side, Canvey Island's first task would be to gather as many points in order to achieve survival, history would suggest 42 points would be enough to for a second season in the BSS.

Having opened the season with an impressive 2-1 victory at home against Maidenhead, the Gulls struggled to find consistency and goals. Over their next 5 games the Gulls only recorded 1 win & failed to score in 3 of those games. As The Gulls struggled to find the net Max Wright was among a number of striking options brought in, along with Monday Awoyomi, Rob Wearne & Liam Hardy(On Loan from Harrogate). At the other end of the field goalkeeper Richard McKinney had been playing poorly and was in danger of losing his place. So after 10 league games, the Gulls were lying 13th in the table on 12 points, with Max Wright with 3 goals as the top scorer.

At the half way point of the campaign, the Gulls were still lying in 13th place on 26 points, edging ever closer to the magical 42 points mark. After being very inconsistent in the early stages, the Gulls managed to put together a good run with 3 wins, in their previous 4 games, the most memorial victory was the 2-1 victory against 3rd place Chelmsford away from home. In this run of fixtures young keeper Nick Draper put together a good run of games and managed to dislodge the experienced McKinney. Max Wright continued to be the Gull's leading scorer with 5 goals, also contributed with 3 assists. Chris McGroarty also weighted in with 4 assists. There were also a number of players set to exit Park Lane;

• Ben Knight(4 Apps, Ave 6.47) to Maidenhead - Free Transfer
• Graeme Grant(4 Apps, Ave 6.27) to Culter - Free Transfer
• Jon Voigt(7 Apps, 1 Goal, Ave 6.38) to Inverurie Loco Work - Free Transfer
• Richard McKinney(11 Apps, 17 Conceded, 2 Clean Sheets, Ave 6.58) to Berwick - Free Transfer

With just 10 games to go, the Gull's found themselves on 40 points just 2 points short of their pre season target, lying in 14th and 10 points above the drop zone survival was all but mathematically assured. Max Wright continued to be the Gull's brightest star scoring 10 goals. Youngster Clive Makoni started to show real promise, setting up 4 goals with an average rating of 6.74. Oscar Threlkeld a former Boltan trainee was brought in, in an attempt to strengthen the defence, putting in a solid debut in a 2-1 victory over Welling.

As the season came to a close, Canvey Island were confirmed of their BSS status for the following season, as they finish in 12th place on 58 points. Their league finished was achieved as a result of an impressive run of form at the tail end of the season;

Salisbury	4-4	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	2-0	Eastleigh
Bishop Strotford	3-0	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	0-0	Farnborough
St. Albans	1-2	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	5-3	Sutton Utd
Hendon	1-3	Canvey Island
Canvey Island	2-3	Chelmsford
Canvey Island  Truro City	3-0 0-0	Weston-Super-Mare Canvey Island

This run of games, also saw the emergence of an incredibly talented striker, by the name of Cameron Quinn. Making his debut against  Bishop Strotford as a sub and making his first start against Sutton Utd. Played a total of 8 games, scoring 5 goals. On top of that, he also became the youngest Canvey Island player to play a league game and also the youngest Canvey Island player to score in a league game. But Cameron Quinn wasn't the only young player to come through, Hugo Carter made an appearance off the bench in the final game of the season, taking the youngest player to play a league game record away from Quinn.

Also during this period, Alex Notman & Monday Awoyomi left the club to Weston-Super-Mare & Hendon respectively.

With the league campaign in the books, it was a very good season for the Gull's on the pitch. Comfortable avoiding relegation, managing to bring through a few young players and certainly have put down a solid foundation for the coming years.

Final League Table & Position Graph:

Top League Goal Scorer: Max Wright (18 Goals)
Top League Assist: Andy McGrory (8 Assists)
Most League MoM: Max Wright (5 MoM's)
Top League Average Rating: Cameron Quinn (7.49 / 8 Games) & Max Wright (7.23 / 33 Games)


The FA Cup
Board Expectation: Enjoy Experience
Best Performance: 3rd Round(2001)

English football's most storied competition, a competition were small and big football clubs alike dare to dream. A cup that is best remembered for the upsets more than the eventual winners on great number of occasions.

But for a club of the stature of Canvey Island to win it, that would be a real life fairytale, but the dream of being a giant killing is always a real possibility. Coming into the competition at the 2nd Qualification Round, the Gull's were drawn away against fellow BSS outfit Bishop Stortford. Canvey Island were overpowered by a strong Bishop Stortford side losing 2-0. The dreams of a cup run, giant killing and glory had to put on hold for another year. The early exit from the competition wasn't ideal for the rookie manager, or for the club on a financial stand point.

The FA Trophy

Board Expectation: Enjoy Experience

Best Performance: Winners 2001

With the media suggesting that the Gull's would struggle to avoid relegation, nobody was expecting them to do anything is this years FA Trophy, despite Canvey Island having history in the competition winning it back in 2001. Starting in the 3rd Qualification Round, getting a home draw against Sutton Utd...

3rd Qualificaton Rnd	Canvey Island	5-2	Sutton Utd
1st  Rnd	Canvey Island	3-1	Hendon
2nd Rnd	Canvey Island	1-1	Gateshead
2nd Rnd Replay	Gateshead	2-0	Canvey Island

A campaign ended at the hands of BSP outfit Gateshead, but things could have been so different. If Canvey Island hadn't missed a penalty in their first game against Gateshead...If that penalty had been scored who knows, Canvey Island could be the FA Trophy winners today. Max Wright was fantastic in the competition, playing in all  4 games and scoring 5 goals.

End of Season Round Up

Overall Appearance Maker: Gavin Cowen(43 Appearances)
Overall Top Scorer: Max Wright(23 Goals)
Overall Top Assists: Andy McGrory(9 Assists)
Overall Most MoM: Max Wright(6 MoM's)
Overall Top Average Rating: Max Wright(7.29 / 38 Games)

Fan's Player of the Year: Dominic Plant

Team of the Year:

Season Highlight: Finishing Mid-Table (Defying the Odds)
Season Lowlight: Missed Penalty Against Gateshead in the FA Trophy

Miscellaneous

Financially the club had a poor season, recording a loss of €70,000. This loss represented 26% of turnover for the past season. With such loses, there will be concerns that the club may need to make cut backs in the off season.

A number of first team player's contracts are due to expire at season's end, such players as;

• Alan Redford-RB (28 Apps, Ave 6.68)
• Chris McGroarty-LM (41 Apps, 5 Gls, 7 Assists, Ave 6.75)
• Dominic Marshall-LB (39 Apps, Ave 6.76)

As the players, coaches and fans alike are on holidays; it promises to be another busy summer for football managers up and down England and around the world, and surely a very important one for Canvey Island. If the club wishes to build on the season gone, they will surely have to strengthen in a number of areas while retaining the majority of this seasons panel.

End of Season 1...