Thursday, January 06, 2005

Yeading FC - who are ya?


It is no surprise to find out that Yeading's team consists of the preverbial painter, decorator and delivery driver. However for this week they are all superstars with television camera's appearing at their training ground and BBC cameras will show their match against Newcastle United live on Sunday. Kick off is 1.45pm.

The likeable manager Johnson "Drax" Hippolyte whose full-time job involves making marble kitchen worktops, has become a bit of a star but since he took over at The Warren in 2001 he has had quite a lot of success. After saving them from relegation in 2001, Yeading beat Canvey Island to win the Bryco Cup in 2003 and last year Johnson's side won the Ryman League Division One North.

This season they are pissing the Ryman Premier League and have only lost twice in 19 games. Money from the game at Loftus Road will enable Yeading to improve their stadium at The Warren and allow them to step up to the Nationwide Conference South next season.

Here is a look at some of their best players:

Dudley 'DJ' Campbell - started out as a pro at Aston Villa, then QPR but has slowly made his way down the football ladder however the striker has really caught the eye during their Cup run. Last season he won the Isthmian First Division Golden Boot after scoring 36 goals and is already close to the 30-goal mark for this season.

Marc Leach - Impressive defender who played many league games for Wycombe Wanderers.

Emond Protain - First name on the teamsheet. Came to the Ding via Harrow Borough and Wembley (presumably by bus!)

David Clarke - Club captain. Started his career with Notts County, current player of the year.

The chances of The Ding winning are slim if not anorexic but Magpies manager Graeme Souness has already stated that he is worried and it looks like Shearer, Bellamy and Kluivert will all be missing. Come on, it's got to be worth a fiver at 28/1 hasn't it?

Former Spurs hero Steve Perryman is vice-president of Yeading (great article). His brother Bill is their commercial manager. It's a big weekend for Steve as he is also Exeter's (unpaid) Director of Football

There are no excuses, get you arses in front of the box on Sunday and cheer The Ding to victory. I plan too.

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