Ian Pethick

The 22 team, 42 game, Southern Div 1 season worries me. Can see serious issues for teams trying to fit these extra games in (especially if this past winter is the new normal).

Huge achievement for Mousehole to get to the play offs, but interesting to see where they go from here. There is of course now both Helston and Falmouth joining them in this league, and competing for players in the same talent pool. The sides that have gone up, Wimborne and Frome, both attract average gates of over 500 and have the support and backing to compete strongly in the Southern Prem.

Well done to all at Falmouth. Big West Cornwall feel to the Southern League South next season, will be fascinating to watch.

Great feature on the CS Podcast this week about Langarth, with Rappo visiting the site and interviewing Truro's operations director, Rob Butland. Starting to think that this is going to be ready for August.

Seen Ed Palmer play for various clubs over the years, so was amazed to see the latest slimmed down version and the almost Beckenbauer like style of play this season

I agree Gary, having these teams (and hopefully Falmouth) not competing in the Senior Cup does seriously compromise and devalue the competition. What I would say though is, where would the fixtures fit in? The Southern League Div 1 is going to be a 22 team, 42 game, league next season, I can foresee serious problems getting these games played as it is. Also, it would pretty much mean the end of the Easter Monday showpiece final as the SL routinely schedules fixtures for this day.

I do get quite nostalgic for the no shin pads, socks down, look. Had to be a hell of a player though.

Might be an idea for the club to knock the glossy videos showcasing the new signings on the head. Out of the 6 grand "unveilings" only 1 saw the season out, 1 never even started it and the others had gone by Christmas.

Biggest game in the club's history? More important than the FA Cup 1st Round and FA Vase 1/4 Final matches in my opinion.

Interesting interview with Lee Hobbs in the Evening Herald. This comment caught my attention; "With Truro out of the building and set to return home for next season, investment in the playing surface and the White Tigers’ temporary stay leading to a modified stadium suitable for Step Two football, then it does beggar the question why Hobbs wants to leave now. “Because my own personal ambition outweighs that of the football club,” Hobbs says adamantly. “Obviously the football club’s remit each year will probably likely be to stay in the league and I want a little bit more." This would suggest that whoever the next manager is at Parkway, they will have to work within a tighter budget.

Yep, gullible plonker.

Looks like Max Gilbert has departed Liskeard. Come and get me plea to a Southern League club?

Kept the core of the squad together, but interesting to see that negotiations are ongoing with James Hamon regarding a new contract. As a keeper who had an outstanding season in the NLS last time around, would think that he'll be in demand.

If I was Macca Brown, I'd be putting those players you've mentioned under lock and key for the summer. Step 4 clubs are bound to be looking at them. Shame we won't be seeing the return of the Liskeard- Saltash league derbies next season as well.

Why was Bodmin v St Dennis abandoned?

Did seem to be a fairly open secret that Lee Hobbs was on his way out at Parkway (billing your final week of fixtures as "The Last Dance" fuelled this). Having said that, his demeanour in the post match interview did not give the impression of man who was in the final hours of a 7 year reign. After seeing this, I thought that after a much earned holiday and rest he would be back for next season refreshed and ready to go. I very much doubt that this is the last we have seen of Lee Hobbs on the local scene, I fully expect him to be back in charge at step 4 or 5 level before too long. Regarding the next manager in, it will give a good idea of where Parkway see themselves heading, and if step 2 football is still the ambition or it's to be a period of consolidation. A good comparison in my mind are Salisbury, they made the decision last season to make the change and remove high profile Steve Claridge. Claridge was an investor in the club, had been instrumental in them reforming as a phoenix club, and had achieved 5 promotions in his 7 seasons as manager. It was incredibly divisive amongst fans when he was sacked, but the new boss has taken them to 3rd in the league and a play off spot. It is going to take big money to take the club from where they are now, and up towards the play offs. Hobbs has often eluded to (and mentioned it again yesterday) the gap in budget and resources available between them and the teams towards the top of this division. Any big name that is brought in would expect this to be addressed, just not sure Parkway have this capability. I notice that an advert for the position has been placed, with a deadline of May 2nd for applications. Logically, you would already think there is a name in the frame for the job, they will certainly have no time to waste in terms of player retention and recruitment with a lot of work to do in terms of squad strength and quality. After last summers problems, it is vital that the right players are brought in promptly for July's pre season and that there is a strong start to the season proper. Something that has not happened in recent years. Much has been said (rightly) about the chaotic end of the season that almost sent Parkway down, but the awful start that saw them win just 2 of their opening 13 league games and had them playing catch up from the word go, is not so widely spoken about. All in all, going to be another summer of major comings and goings at Bolitho Park.

Parkway stay up on goal difference after drawing 1-1 with Beaconsfield, they had to endure almost 10 mins of stoppage time at the end. Hayes & Yeading came from behind 3 times to draw away to Bracknell. Had they managed another, and took the points, that would have sent Parkway down. In the other relevant game at the bottom, Supermarine beat Winchester 3-0 to ensure step 3 football next season.

Think we're coming up to the 20th anniversary of Kevin Heaney walking into the club. "The Heaney Years- South Western League To Wembley To Winding Up Orders" documentary would make quite some viewing. Especially if there was input from those that were there.

On the face of it, after the adversity they have faced on and off the pitch this season, and yet comfortably (in the end) ensuring NLS football for 2024/25, they have a real story to tell here.

Ian Southcott, really talented goal scorer and favourite at Lux Park (will even forgive him for that year away at Saltash). He scored 30 league goals in what was, to be honest, a pretty awful Liskeard side in 1992/93, which kept us from getting relegated from the Western League Prem. Think most people will agree that the play offs have added extra interest to the business end of the Western League, and kept the season alive for a group of clubs. I'm a big fan (although I'm certain I would feel differently if my team finished 2nd, then got beat in them).

As it's a construction site and private property, weren't we told not to go up there and have a look for ourselves? Not sure what the stupid comments are either.

Gareth Davies really didn't want to speak about Langarth during his usual spot on the CS Podcast this week (well done to Dave Deacon for trying to get blood out of that particular stone). Also not sure why any progress on the construction is such a bloody secret (unless of course there isn't much to speak about). Would think the National League would have had to be told by now where City will be playing at the start of the new season in August. If it's not ready then, and there are significant delays, that's a conversation with the league that I certainly wouldn't like to have.

Barnstaple are one of those clubs I have always had a dislike for, goes back many years to my Liskeard following days. The trip, the ground, everything. Remember as well Ian Southcott effectively having his playing career finished when Phil Lloyd, ex Torquay brute of a centre half, scythed him down from behind in a Les Phillips Cup tie in (I think) 1994.

Given the recent history of mild antagonism between Parkway and Winchester, be ironic if they could do them a big favour by winning at Swindon Supermarine. Parkway aren't good enough defensively to play for the draw, they need to get on the front foot and go for the win. Not something they have made a habit of though away from home, with only 3 from the 24 games played in all competitions this season.

Transistor radios will be glued to the ears of Parkway supporters on Saturday eager for news of developments at Swindon and Bracknell. Very much in their own hands now though.