Today we welcome St Cleer to Bodieve Park for a pre season friendly with a 14:00 kick off behind closed doors. This will be our third game in preparation for the coming season after games against Torrington and Tavistock.
It’s been superb to get back to playing games again, albeit under new restrictions. We played some nice stuff at Torrington but our old Achilles heel of conceding sloppy goals was still apparent and something we will need to address.
Despite the 8-0 defeat against Tavistock believe it or not there were some positives. The first half was a decent performance capped off by a commanding first 45 for the returning Dan Metherall. It was pre ordained that I would change the personnel and shape at half time and whilst at only 1 down at the interval, I was somewhat tempted to keep things as they were, i stuck to the plan. I take full responsibility for what ensued, but I found out what I needed to and I’ve checked and we are still joint top of the league!!
Wishing both Torrington and Tavistock all the best for the season.
The visit of St Cleer brings the added bonus of being able to welcome Ryan Chapman to Bodieve park. Ryan is the grandson of arguably (undoubtably in my opinion) Wadebridge’s greatest ever player, Brian ‘Chippy’ Chapman. Brian made his debut as a 17 year old in 1958 and played well into his forties. As a kid I remember going along to watch this most unhurried, tiny man, controlling the game from the sweeper position.
Enjoy some brilliant photos below of Brian’s career at Wadebridge.
On a scouting mission last season I watched the Godolphin v St Cleer Senior Cup match. Ryan, although a midfielder, carried that same calmness on the ball as his Grandfather. I made it he gave it away twice all game. Once was in stoppage time when he got a bit excited instead of taking it to the corner with his team 3-2 up. I’ve got a fair idea what Brian would have made of that if he was at the back that day!! Another trait he seems to have similar to Brian is his communication skills, encouraging those around him.
His form last season earned him the ECPL player of the year in a recent vote.
Welcome to Bodieve Park Ryan.
Unfortunately we still can’t welcome supporters into the ground, hopefully this will change soon.
The highlights from this game will be available in the coming days via our YouTube Bridgers TV channel.
Click on photos below to enjoy them larger.
