Saturday 18 May 2013

A QUICK WORD WITH...... RICKY EATON

London Bari joined the Essex Senior League in 2012 and have just completed their first full season at Step five of non-league football where they finished tenth of eighteen teams playing their home games at Clapton FC's The Old Spotted Dog Stadium. Bari also reached the semi-finals of both The Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy (lost to Enfield 1893) and the League Cup (lost to Bowers and Pitsea).

The Cold End had a quick word with their manager Ricky Eaton regarding their season and about the formation of the club. Thanks to Ricky for taking part. The Cold End will hopefully bring you another local football interview soon.

Not much has been written about the formation of London Bari. How did it all come together? Where does the name come from?
Bari's name come from the Italian side called AS Bari from back in the 90's when David Platt played for them in Serie A. One of our committee members was a big fan of them and when it came to naming the Sunday side he insisted on being called Bari FC.
 
Bari FC tried to get into semi-pro football numerous times but failed at the first hurdle, they joined The Essex Sunday Corinthian Football League where I was a rival club manager and founder of Greengate FC who were the current champions. I also managed Brampton Park of The Essex Business Houses League who were also champions of their top division. I contacted Bari and offered to do an application on behalf of the club to enter the Essex Senior League via The FA. I completed a very detailed structured report/application that I will not go into details about at the risk of being boring but the rest is history.

How has your first season in the Essex Senior League gone?  
Very inconsistent in terms of results but we overcome some very difficult circumstances on and off the pitch to finish a respectable mid table finish and we reached the semi-final of both cup competitions we entered. We should of won both!

Best result? 5-0 away to Sawbridgeworth Town FC
Worst result? 1-3 home defeats to Takeley and Enfield 1893 + 3-1 defeat away to London APSA
Best opposing player? Reece Dobson (Takeley FC)
The Cold End note: Winger/Forward Dobson played against Enfield Town for Harlow Town in our Ryman North Days.
Best opposing team? Takeley

What are your aims for next season?
London Bari FC will look for a top six finish and hope for a good cup run - reaching a final would be a massive bonus.

The ESL has a good number of East London based teams now with Clapton, Sporting Bengal, Bethnal Green, Eton Manor (currently playing at Waltham Abbey but with roots firmly in the area) and Barking with Ilford joining for next season? Who would you consider Bari's rivals?
London Bari have no main rivals from the club's point of view but it seemed nearly every team wanted to beat us more than others for sure. All at London Bari hope that this will not be the case for the coming season. London APSA built up the most local rival tag out of the many in the local area I suppose.
 
Any impressive up and coming player's at Bari to look out for?
Emmanuel Stevens is one to watch out for, a 19 year old with plenty to offer.

Describe Bari's style of football?
Short passing style that got adapted due to us not being able to implement it effectively on our home pitch. We adopted a direct style down the flanks due to not having a target man up front.

How would you improve the Essex Senior League?
The league needs more exposure and advertisement. Maybe get ESL badges put on all kits. I will not comment on the running of the league as I have no valid right to after only being there for one season.
What Premier League Manager would your players most likely describe you as? 
It would range from Wenger to Pulis. They both win nothing and one plays a direct style so maybe they're right. Got to laugh!!
 
 
 

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