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TFFC NEWS & VIEWS 2006/07 |
Welcome to TFN, Maccabi football's oldest established newsletter!
ABSOLUTELY TRUE! No other Maccabi club has had a regular newsletter running as long as THE FORTUNE NEWS! Now in e-mail form, this newsletter first originated as a printed sheet as far back as 1976 and continued each season on a regular basis until modern technology saw the printed format change to e-mail several years ago. Season 2006/07 will be Temple Fortune's 31st of keen participation in Maccabi football, currently making us the longest running Club to continuously participate in the MSFL for this long! And now TFN enters its 31st season too – an incredible achievement of longevity at this level of parks football! So a big welcome to THE FORTUNE NEWS, official mouthpiece of one of Maccabi's longest established and best run clubs.
NEW FIXTURES, RESULTS AND GOALSCORERS SERVICE FOR SEASON 2006/07
The weekly emailed issues of TFN no longer includes a list of fixtures, results, appearances and goalscorers as part of the newsletter text, as in recent seasons. Instead, you will find everything you need in terms of statistics in PDF form, mainly as 4 attachments (2 per team) within some issues. You can also find the fixtures on the website's home page, located on the far right under 'FOUNDED 1968' – to the right of Peter Kyte's head!) Again the link will open a PDF. Included in the emailed TFN will be new appearances tables cataloguing EVERY player's appearances for both teams in a clear match-by-match format. If you haven't got ADOBE ACROBAT READER to open PDFs, please visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.
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TEMPLE FORTUNE BACK IN GREEN AND WHITE... THIRTY YEARS ON! September 5th 2006 marks exactly 30 years since Temple Fortune first entered the Maccabi (Southern) Football League, an achievement of which we are extremely proud; this is because no other club has competed continually in the M(S)FL over the past 30 seasons under the same name. To mark this splendid occasion, the Club decided to order two new commemorative kits to reflect Temple Fortune's original M(S)FL colours back in 1976. When Temple Fortune first entered Maccabi football, the team wore green and white vertical stripes, green shorts and green socks. With the commemorative concept in mind, Club Member GARY BEKHOR generously agreed to sponsor two full playing kits for both teams for season 2006/07. The new shirts carry a special embroided commemorative badge, together with the sponsor's logotype. The change of colours is Temple Fortune's first change for 20 years. Says Chairman Nigel Kyte: "Yellow and red remain the Club's traditional colours, much as red and white remains Arsenal's despite the one-off redcurrent change last season, and no doubt we will return to our well-known identity in time. But the concept of celebrating 30 years in Maccabi football with a dramatic change – incidently conceived before Arsenal hatched their plan – is a refreshing move by this Club which has been received very well." |
THREE-STRIKES POLICY INTRODUCED TO DETER OFFENDERS
Certain problems were highlighted at the recent AGM which repeatedly occurred last season and have become a nuisance. Punctuality at meeting places/matches, failing to respond appropriately to emailed messages, and retaining Club playing kit instead of returning to the kit bag have all caused too much annoyance to those running the teams. Therefore, as part of the Schedules of Fines, the Club has introduced a new 'three-strikes' policy, which will be enforced with fines and possible suspensions for reported offences. This is how it works: If the offence is reported to the Club, a warning will be issued after the second offence. The fine will be imposed after the same offence is reported for the THIRD time. Thereafter, after a further warning, the charge will be under SoF No.13 for persistent offending. Each member will receive the Schedule of Fines together with the membership/registration documents soon. We want this Club to be run as efficiently as possible and feel that this is a step forward by reducing certain bad habits such as lateness and late emails. There is no place for discourtesy to those running the teams – punctuality, emailing and returning kit are requirements by every player, each week.
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PRINCES PARK, HOME OF TEMPLE FORTUNE'S EMBRYONIC DAYS As part of the 30 Years celebration of League football, a new feature has been added about Princes Park, the small area of grassy parkland in Temple Fortune, London NW11. It was here that the Club was virtually born in the mid to late-sixties and is very much a part of TFFC's history. The article includes several pictures of the infamous "Bottom Pitch", together with its hazardess trees, which staged so many early kick-abouts and small-sided games. Anyone interested in the Club's beginnings is recommended to browse at this particular page! |
TFFC GALA MORNING, INCORPORATING THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS 2005/06
The Club held its commemoration of 30 years of Maccabi football with a Gala Morning incorporating the unveiling of the new kits, a pre-season friendly between the Club's two teams, and a post-match reception including the presentation of last season's Club awards. As part of the celebration, Temple Fortune returned to wearing green and white to replicate the colours first worn when entering the MSFL in 1976. The event was staged at Hillingdon Borough FC in Ruislip and attracted a total of 32 players plus several other supporters watching from the sidelines. Before the match, Chairman Nigel Kyte greeted everybody in the clubhouse with a short address, followed by kit sponsor Gary Bekhor being invited to display a shirt before handing the large navy bags over to the respective teams. Then the players changed for the match, the Old Boys wearing their green and white kit and the Firsts in clash colours of yellow and red. Following the taking of team photos, the match was played on Hillingdon Borough's G3 pitch and was won 3-0 by the MSFL side. Once everyone had changed, a reception was held in the clubhouse with refreshments served before the presentation. Said Nigel: "I would like to thank everyone for getting there early and making the morning run well overall. The fact that most of the squad witnessed the presentation of trophies validified the Club's decision to hand out awards at this innovative event rather than at the traditional dinner which, of course, we had to cancel in June. I would say that this morning's occasion was successful and maybe this is something we can stage again."
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THE CLUB'S 30TH AGM The Club celebrated its 30th Annual General Meeting on Sunday 25th June held at PizzaExpress in Mill Hill Broadway. Garry Simpson was elected as First Team Secretary, replacing Andy Montlake who decided to stand down. The membership fees were kept the same. From left to right: Mike Shorvon (Admin Secretary), Lynne Kyte (General Secretary), Peter Kyte (Treasurer), Nigel Kyte (Chairman), Jonathan Davidoff (Club Member), Nick Waitsman (Old Boys Team Secretary) and Phil Friend (Club Member). David Goldberg (Old Boys Team Assistant Secretary) also attended the Meeting but had just departed when this picture was taken. Slices of pizza and drinks were served with the compliments of the Club! |
DRAWING BOARD STAGE AS THE CLUB PLANS AHEAD FOR A THIRD TEAM NEXT SEASON
The Club is looking into the possibility of running a THIRD team next season, which would mean having TWO sides in the Maccabi Masters Football League whilst retaining one team in the Maccabi (Southern) Football League. There are enough players currently in the First Team to form the backbone of a decent Over 35s team, under the banner of the OLD BOYS 'A' TEAM. These players include Jon Dubiner, Michael Kaye, Ged Kortach, Andy Montlake, Martin Seifert, Garry Simpson, Jamie Simpson and Phil Small. We imagine that the OLD BOYS 'A' TEAM would compete in the Masters League Division One, whilst the OLD BOYS 'B' TEAM would compete in the Masters League Division Two. The current FIRST TEAM would remain in the Maccabi (Southern) Football League, subject to having a sufficient squad. At the moment, we have the following players aged under 30: Dave Allen, Simon Allen, Jeff Bathija, Ollie Buckley, Dean Ingram, Ben Isaacs, Rob Jay, Gavin Levy, Neil Mifsud and David Suter. We are considering the feasibility of running three teams in other aspects as well, such as: Club records: The MSFL side would continue the record of the First Team, the Old Boys 'A' team would continue the record of the Old Boys Team, whilst the 'B' team would in effect become the 'new' team with a fresh record from scratch. Management: The structure of the Management Committee allows two additional officers for the extra team so that is fine. Pitches: We have secured Whitchurch Playing Fields for the MSFL team so this arrangement will continue, whilst the Masters League provide pitches so this shouldn't be an issue with a new team. Playing kit: Without needing to purchase a new green and white kit, we already have sufficient playing kits in good condition to sustain a third team. Unless we find another generous sponsor, it is envisaged that the MSFL XI would revert back to one of the Club's yellow and red kits whilst the two Old Boys teams would continue with the green and white kits. At the present time, we are at the drawing board stage and in this respect feedback is welcomed, both positive and negative, from members about the plans. So please feel free to email Nigel on info@tffc.co.uk.
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MACCABI MASTERS FOOTBALL LEAGUE WIN THE MACCABI GB SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD In November 2006, Maccabi Masters Football League Chairman Stuart Lustigman attended the Maccabi GB AGM and collected the Maccabi Sports Club of the Year Award 2005/06 on behalf of the League. The Maccabi Sports Club of the Year Award has been presented every year for almost 50 years to an affiliate of Maccabi GB (formerly Maccabi Union) for its contribution to Maccabi sport. Stuart accepted the Award on behalf of all the clubs and players of the Masters League and paid a special tribute to the MMFL Management Committee who ensure the League's smooth running. Pictured left is Stuart with the trophy (which is also shown in larger detail), The Club congratulates the League for this excellent achievement. |
THE 5TH TFFC INTER-CLUB FOOTBALL QUIZ: OLD BOYS REACH FEBRUARY'S FINAL
The Fifth Round of this season's Football Quiz competition has been completed and below is the list of participants' results. Former quiz champion DAVID GOLDBERG has topped the table, making his third Final, and will meet past runner-up PHIL FRIEND in the 25-question show-down to be held next February. The top two competitors on points have qualified for the Final, which will be held over 25 questions in February 2007. ROUND 5: 11, David Goldberg; 10, Dean Ingram; 9, Jonathan Dubiner and Bryan Silver; 8, Nick Waitsman; 7, Phil Friend and Steve Feiger; 6, Martin Seifert; 4, Michael Kaye and Peter Kyte.
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TFFC CO-FOUNDER MICHAEL ROOK TALKS ABOUT THE FIRST LEAGUE SEASON, 30 YEARS ON Co-Founder MICHAEL ROOK was Temple Fortune's first Team Manager during the Club's inaugural league season in 1976. Attending the same primary school as Chairman Nigel Kyte, whom he has known for over 40 years, Michael has lived in Newton Abbot in South Devon for the past 20 years or so. In July 2006, a few weeks short of the 30th anniversary of Fortune's league debut, Michael reflected back upon the 1976/77 season and his interview appears on this website. Shown here is Chairman Nigel Kyte with Michael at Michael's home in Newton Abbot. Nigel presented him with a shirt from the new 2006/07 commemorative playing kit. |
MSFL CLUBS VOTE TO THROW OUT ID CARD SCHEME AFTER ONE SEASON
The much-maligned ID card scheme, which has always been vigorously opposed by this Club from the start, has been scrapped by the Maccabi (Southern) Football League Council at the recent AGM. The scheme lasted one full season but was badly flawed. Instead of the League investing in suitable equipment to produce plastic credit-card style ID cards, the actual cards in use were produced relatively cheaply and the quality made a mockery of the whole concept. Cards were hand-made from flimsy laminated card, featured poor quality pictures (often indistinguishable) and were easy to falsify. The cards also included irrelevant information. Some clubs didn't receive their batch of ID cards, Temple Fortune being one of them. Said Chairman Nigel Kyte, who attended the AGM: "I am delighted that this flawed scheme has been shelved. It's been a complete waste of time and money. We received one card – for Andy Montlake – all season. There were too many unanswered questions regarding how the scheme could practically work. Even Adam Rynhold – the guy running it – openly opposed its introduction! He is as delighted as anyone opposing the scheme that it has been shelved." The MSFL are going back to team sheet pads but without signatures.
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MEMBERSHIP FORMS NOW ELECTRONIC The Club has done away with printed membership and registration forms, after many years of distributing membership packs to players. Documents were emailed to players for the first time and also appear as downloadable PDF's on this website. All players needed to do was print out one A4 laser of each form and return together with the correct remittance to the General Secretary. EARLY-PAYMENT MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT Membership/registration forms were emailed to everyone on last season's membership list, plus potential newcomers, in July. There are 2 registration forms – if you are joining to play in the MSFL, use the MSFL-RegForm0607 document only, whilst if you are joining to play in the MMFL (over 40s), use the MMFL-RegForm0607 document only. Please carefully read the Conditions of Membership and the Schedule Of Fines, yellow cards and red cards. To take advantage of the early-payment discounts, you have 14 days to return your forms and remittance to me – after that, the full fees apply. |
MASTERS CLUBS AGREE TO RAISE MINIMUM AGES IN BOTH DIVISIONS
At the MMFL AGM held last week, the clubs agreed to raise the minimum ages in both Masters League divisions next season. In Division One, the age has been raised from 35 to 37, whilst in Division 2 it has been increased from 40 to 42. Each team may sign a maximum of two NEW "under-age" players next season, ie. those aged over 35 but under 37 in Div.1 and over 40 but under 42 in Div.2. 'Under-age' players registered last season can continue playing next season. This means that, as far as we understand the situation, all of our players under 42 who played last season can play on, but we can only add two new players aged over 40 but under 42 next season.
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"BEST WIN AT MASTERS LEVEL" BY OLD BOYS Danny Caro, the JC Sports Editor, named Temple Fortune Old Boys in his weekly column as one of the best team performances of the season. He said: "One of my former clubs, Temple Fortune, recorded arguably their best win at Maccabi Masters level: a 3-2 success over London Maccabi Lions B." For good measure, Danny included a couple of quotes taken from The Fortune News (emailed version). "Fortune’s David Goldberg, normally a man with a scowl on his face, was this time spotted with a smile. “I have waited 16 years to see Spurs beat Chelsea and waited 30 years to be in a team which beat the London Maccabi Lions,” he said. Chairman Nigel Kyte added: “The elation at the final whistle was a sight to behold. Several players have stuck with the team for many arduous seasons and I am absolutely delighted for them.” Fortune's goalscorers during the epic win were Steve Feiger, Bryan Silver and Robert Botkai (pictured left). Danny played for Fortune for five seasons between 1990 and 1995, winning three First XI Player of the Year awards. He worked for the Totally plc group before moving to rival newspaper the JC." |
STEVE FEIGER HOPING FOR MEMBERSHIP STATUS CHANGES
For several years the Club rewarded those members making 200 appearances or more with 'Honorary Membership', which excluded them from paying a membership fee. Two hundred appearances represents at least eight seasons of commitment towards the Club's cause, making loyalty an attribute worthy of recognition by the Club. This reward scheme was implemented for a relatively small band and was seen as a token of gratitude of a member's commitment and dedication over so many seasons. However, over the last couple of seasons, the number of Honorary Members, ie. members of The 200 Club, has risen to the extent that the lost revenue from exempt membership fees would prove damaging to the Club's much-needed income over the course of the season. So a couple of years ago, the Club introduced a reduced membership fee for Honorary Members which was less than half of the Full Membership fee. Now, with more players likely to pass 200 appearances, there is a growing feeling that the scheme should be reviewed again and changed. Steve Feiger, one of the Club's longest serving players and a former Committee Member and current Old Boys captain, wants to bring in radical changes. "Don't get me wrong. I still want to reward loyalty and commitment to the Club. But there needs to be a scale to reflect each century of appearances, ie. the 200 Club, 300 Club and 400 Club. Assuming the Full Membership fee is £60, I would like to have 200 Club members paying £40, 300 Club members paying £30 and 400 Club members paying £20. I think anyone who has reached 500 appearances should be exempt from paying a membership fee, which is the true meaning of an Honorary Member." Steve's proposals would take in different levels of Associate Membership. He explains: "200 Club members should be Bronze Members, 300 Club members Silver and 400 Club members Gold. Anyone passing 500 appearances should be the true Honorary Members." As with the idea to adopt a third team next season, this scheme is at the drawing board stage and we welcome any comments and feedback from our members.
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NEW FEATURE: LIST OF TFFC HAT-TRICKS Another new feature for season 2006/07 is a list of players' hat-tricks scored for the Club, split into First XI, Second XI and Old Boys XI, plus the overall tallies. |
WE STILL WANT YOUR FAVOURITE TFFC TALES & ANECDOTES
The 2005/06 season has been the Club's 30th year of participating in Maccabi football - particularly in the MSFL - an achievement of which we are extremely proud. During that time, we have been the longest running club to have been in the MSFL continuously. With Brixton Old Boys no longer existing under that banner (they merged with Ebor to become Brixton Eagles), only Temple Fortune has been members of the MSFL without a break since 1976. We are celebrating this milestone with a special feature on the Club's website, made up of past and present players' stories and recollections of their association with TFFC. We are still looking for more contributions, so please email appropriate stuff to the Club asap. >>>See what's been featured so far...
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TRAINING TOPS LOOK GOOD! The new commemorative training tops arrived in July from Wirrel-based Soccer Company. A total of 16 were ordered for Jeff Bathija, Gary Bekhor, Robert Botkai, Alan Davidoff, Jonathan Davidoff, Jonathan Dubiner, Steve Feiger, Jeremy Fess, Perry Greenblatt, Rob Jay, Mike Kaye, Nigel Kyte, Peter Kyte, Gavin Levy, Bryan Silver and Dave Summer. Said Peter Kyte, Treasurer: "It is better quality than I expected, very smart and a great idea. This is a first for the Club and we should have done this years ago! Chairman Nigel Kyte added: "I am delighted with the tops and look forward to wearing my own with great pride". Depicted here is the reverse of the top. |
TRAINING TOPS ORDER SUBMITTED – SECOND BATCH IN HAND
MONDAY JULY 31ST was the second deadline for ordering a PRO-CLUB TRAINING TOP. This smart looking training top – in navy – has a mesh lining and features a half zip opening, two zipped side pockets, contrast white piping and azure blue micro-mesh panels under the arms. The all-inclusive price is £25 per top. A third batch may be ordered in September should the demand warrant it. If you wish to order one, get your remittance in the post NOW, together with your name and size required (large, x large, xx large). Full payment is required with your order if you want one.
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TFFC'S COMPLETE PLAYING RECORD With brightly coloured keys, here is the definitive summary of ALL matches played by the Club's three teams. Separated into league, cup and friendlies, the list includes totals season by season. With promotions and relegations shown, together with cup bests, this provides interest to any keen Fortune fan! |
THE SECOND TFN FANTASY LEAGUE
We are running the second TFN Fantasy League throughout the 2006/07 season, via the fantasy.premierleague.com website. Just log on – http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/myleagues.mc – register, click on LEAGUES and then JOIN A PRIVATE LEAGUE, add the code number 221923-40547 and it's that easy! Please choose a suitable name fitting for the competition, remember to type your team name like so: Temple Fortunates, NOT temple fortunates or in caps. Once the season commences, you can follow your fantasy team's progress each week via the fantasy.premierleague.com website.
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NEW FEATURE: REST IN PEACE, M(S)FL CLUB, 1976-2006 During the Club's 30 years of participation in the M(S)FL, well over 100 clubs have folded. This page is dedicated to all the former teams which this Club has outlived, from seasonal regulars over many years to the fly-by-night sides who arrived and departed so rapidly. We honour all the 'old' teams which have disappeared over the course of the past thirty years. |
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