Ian Pethick

Regarding Steve Massey, I'm not always certain that his managerial record at his numerous clubs stands up to scrutiny, but what cannot be denied is how much of a passionate advocate for Cornish football he's been over the last 30 years or so.

Well done to St Austell. They'll be another great addition to the Western League. Worthy champions, no disputing the league table as it never lies. Still have that nagging feeling though that Liskeard blew it. Had a slightly mischievous thought regarding how many of the more senior St Austell players will stick around at Poltair for step 5 football. and whether we'll see any of them playing at Lux Park next season (a few have past history with Darren Gilbert at Bodmin).

That's how it works.

With Helston, is it the "Steve Massey Factor?" He certainly divides opinion on here . Mousehole have had their share of detractors on here over the years. Seem to remember the approach made by them to Penzance back in 2018 regarding a possible merger was quite warmly debated on this forum, similarly their recruitment of ex professional players from all over the country (and also Europe) has attracted criticism as well.

Jake Ash always cuts a very impressive managerial figure whether it's a win, loss or draw. Has also managed to assemble a very strong coaching staff in Jack Greenwood, Andy Graham and Charlie Davis. Mixed feelings though regarding the play offs. Want to see Mousehole reaching them and progressing,but I do worry that Southern Prem (step 3) is a bit beyond them. The jump up from Southern Div 1 is huge, and they would have to contend with a 42 game season while being based in the most westerly part of the country. Would hate to see the Mousehole story collapsing under the logistical and financial pressure.

If I was a manager at this sort of level, I would run a mile from the Taunton job. "Reset and new approach" is usually code for a "much reduced budget." Seems to me that Matt Cusack is a very in demand man, but very much still the Helston boss.

Yes, big advantage in finishing second.

Is this why the final three home matches of the 2023/24 season are being billed as "The Last Dance?" I had heard that potential candidates have been interviewed for the position, but had it down as the usual gossip. I'm still sure that if Parkway stay up (which, one way or another, I expect them to) and Lee Hobbs has a decent holiday, then I think he'll be fully refreshed, recharged and ready to go for next season. Can't imagine Parkway without Lee Hobbs to be honest.

Falmouth are who I want to win it. Good for Cornish football, keeps the debate "lively" on this forum and also upsets the Southern League clubs who will have to make another trip to West Cornwall. The downside though is that it will further devalue the Cornwall Senior Cup (a good chance the holders will not be able to defend their title next season). Bridgwater are hitting form at the right time though, and how many times in football do the top ranked sides in the final league table miss out in the play offs.

Looks like Falmouth v Bridgwater in the play off semi as well. The Ashes are ending the season in decent form Hope that they keep this side together in the summer, the Cornish step 4 clubs are bound to have an eye on a few of these players.

Was ever thus. Let the bidding begin!

Basingstoke were relegated from the Southern Prem with 49 pts in 2018/19, could see something similar this season.

Hopefully Bolitho Park will be packed on Wednesday night for this match which, as Lee Hobbs described it, is a game Parkway have to win. Even then, they will probably have to avoid defeat away to a Beaconsfield side on Saturday that has also been dragged into the relegation scrap.

Evander Grubb(did he ever pass that driving test?).

Announced today that relegated Taunton Town have parted company with Rob Dray

Doubt that teenager Dylan Jones will score many more important goals. Parkway now have a bit of life raft to take into next week's games.

Point against Torpoint and Helston are champions and promoted (realistically, given their vastly superior goal difference, they are already). Clevedon and Torpoint ending goalless means that if Barnstaple fail to win at Bridgwater on Tuesday night, then Falmouth will take the runners up spot, and that all important home advantage in the play offs.

Parkway's three crucial home matches in the next five days are being promoted as "The Last Dance." Does this mean that this is potentially the end of an era at Bolitho, and that major changes are on the way?

Champions, plus another via play offs.

Have to be favourites now, but wouldn't be surprised if the Western League title race throws up another twist in the final week.

Unconfirmed reports of an internet outage in the Falmouth area... 😀

Went to this last night. Very bad night with fellow strugglersTiverton winning at home and Hanwell treating this like a cup final right from the off. 36 year old ex Torquay striker Elliott Benyon rolled back the years with a brace, and they could have had more as they hit the bar twice in the first half. A very tired and patched up looking Parkway side that is staring right down the barrel at the moment, 3 huge home games in 5 days upcoming to avoid relegation for the first time in their history. Somehow, a couple of wins needs to be scraped together from somewhere. I still think (hope) that this will be achieved.

Neil Price is doing a superb job at Launceston. He's come in with no prior knowledge and experience of the scene, and has been a breath of fresh air in Cornish football. Always enjoy hearing him talk on the CS Podcast. Can imagine that step 4 and 5 clubs are already looking at some of the Lanson players although, judging by what Mr Price has said previously, if they are moving on to better themselves with clubs higher up the pyramid, he'll wish them nothing but luck. On a Truro note, would be interested to hear what people's thoughts are on their young striker Fin Harrison. A few years ago he was rated by Dane Bunney as the next star forward in Cornish football when he signed for Saltash, is he progressing to that sort of level?

Believe he has aspirations to play higher, but it does seem strange departing with only 10 days left in the season. Beyond Tavi picking him up from Mount Gould, and playing internationally for the British Virgin Islands, I know little about him. Is he Truro City quality for example?

Interesting read (taken from Cornwallreports.co.uk) EXCLUSIVE: Is football coming home? Don’t ask us, says County Hall, we haven’t got a clue Posted By Peter Tremayne on 28th March 2024 By Peter Tremayne The chances of Truro’s footballers starting the next season at Cornwall Council’s £11 million new mini-stadium at Langarth remain a mystery, as the 31st March deadline for a Football Association pitch inspection arrives on Sunday. Notwithstanding the Easter holiday period, the recently-seeded grass is still far from capable of hosting any sport other than mud-wrestling. The importance of the 31st March deadline was repeatedly stressed in the business case used to persuade the council’s cabinet, in November, that they should raid the public purse on behalf of a privately-owned football club. Repeated questions to the council, and to its property developer Treveth, went unanswered. This morning (Thursday) the council has provided an answer under Freedom of Information laws: Will the grass pitch be inspected by the FA or anyone else before 31st March? The FA inspection process and timing is being managed by Truro City Football Club (TCFC), who advised Cornwall Council of the deadline when the Cabinet Report was prepared, emphasising the importance of this date being achieved. Cornwall Council have been advised by TCFC that the FA inspection does not require the grass to be established, it is about compliance of the facility with required FA ground grading standards to play in the league system, which covers a range of considerations. The grass pitch has time to bed in from April to August. Has the FA agreed to defer this inspection, and if so until when? TCFC is managing the FA inspection process, and Cornwall Council have not been advised of a different date. Will Truro City be playing at Langarth in August? TCFC will occupy the site from August 2024 under a license arrangement, we have not yet been provided with any dates for proposed games. The council’s deflection of all questions to Truro City FC might sit uncomfortably with those councillors who wonder why taxpayers are providing the £11 million cost of construction. Councillors from outside of Truro are particularly hostile towards the project. Jumpers for goalposts? Truro City FC is remaining tight-lipped about its future - while Cornwall Council, cheerfully spending £11 million on a new mini-stadium, now says it has no idea about what is happening with the FA pitch inspection rules There are also tensions between some councillors and officials over priorities. Some local councillors want to see an emphasis on community facilities, while officials have long tried to support the private football club, even to the extent of helping pay Truro City's transport costs to "home" matches in Plymouth, Taunton and now Gloucester. The first date of the 2024/25 season is in fact 5th August. It is possible – although by no means certain – that the grass might have established sufficiently by then. Much depends on the weather over the next four months. But equally curious is the reluctance of Truro City to answer questions about the new ground. “We have absolutely no comment to make,” said a spokesman. “When there is something to say, we will say it.” If the new Langarth ground is not ready in time, Truro City face an automatic double-tier relegation from the National league south in which they compete. Truro City is currently only two points above the relegation zone anyway, and required to play nearly three times a week just to complete this season’s fixture list. Truro City is now owned by Canadian businessman Eric Perez, whose primary interest is the Penryn rugby league side, the Choughs. He is on record as saying he would like the Choughs to play in Truro.