“Hopefully this new appointment can help to build stronger foundations off the field which will allow the club to move forward on the field. It’s an exciting time for the club as we enter our 40th anniversary year.” – Said Regional manager Moran on Sunday afternoon once the good news had been leaked to the Spanish Press.

Football forums and phone-ins have been busy with excited chat about the future of the No 1 English speaking football club in Madrid.

In only its second season playing Regional level football FCB Regional finished an impressive 8^th with 15 wins and a memorable 2-3 victory at the home of the champions to be in 2010/11, the Bunwar squad also did the club proud last year as they qualified easily for the playoffs before falling away slightly at the end due to injuries and absentees.

2011/12 has not lived up the great expectations laid down 6 months ago when the club wanted to build on the last two excellent years, with promotion for the Regional team and the cup for the Bunwar boys not seen as fanciful pipe dreams. There have been many reasons for the drop in form though lack of an overlord to ensure everything off the field is in order so that the players on the field have the best opportunity to perform was marked out as the chief concern.

This is all about to change as, after months searching the streets broad and narrow of Madrid, the FC Britanico de Madrid board pulled off a coup with the appointment of dashing Graeme Beaty as Club Chairman.

Graeme has built up invaluable experience in the UK business world as well as in Spain; with two successful companies already formed in Blighty he decided that Spain was the place to be and is working primarily as a teacher in the business environment while governing his projects back across the Bay of Biscay, which include englishwarehouse.com, while currently setting up a consultancy here in Madrid.

“We hope that the deeds and actions match the seriousness, enthusiasm and
sincerity shown by the new Chairman in his introductory speech.” – Was the clear call for unity and for the club to pull together around Graeme Beaty from Bunwar Manager Rami Majid.

Graeme wears his football fanaticism proudly on his chest as the lifelong Arsenal fan looks to break up the northern monopoly at the top of FCB and bring some much needed North London cheer and flair to the current dower commonsense driven board; though it is well known that Football’s cradle of life was The North.

FC Britanico is principally a place where foreign footballers can come to meet likeminded expatriates and travellers as well as playing a high standard of football. As the club takes the next forward step there is a new sense that something big is happening in this small corner of the Spanish Capital.

“I am delighted; the appointment of Graeme Beaty shows the club’s commitment and dedication to succeeding both on and off the field. I strongly believe we will add a lot of value to the club. I am extremely excited to work with him. FORZA FCB” – Were the words of Lee Fletcher, a key component in the capture of such a high profile addition to the club.

This show of ambition by the club’s board needs hard work from all the members of the FCB Family for us to maintain the wind in our sails and put the club back on course. This is a rallying call to the entire club to train hard this week and turn this around this weekend.

Welcome to the FCB Family Graeme and we wish you the greatest success in your new role. We hope you enjoy the camaraderie and culture that has been created after 40years of football at this club and when Britanico is on a winning run there is no better place to be or bunch of lads to be involved with.

Many Congratulations.

¡FORZA FCB!

An intense and frantic game for the Sala boys saw them leave the field with a deserved 6-5 result. Not everyone was particularly composed in the final third, but luckily new Mango model Jed Bernstein, replacing the repugnant Piqué, had his scoring boots on and put away 4 nice goals, with Julien and Fred adding one each. After initially going up 3-1 FCB Sala arrived at half time 3-3. There were some touch-and-go moments in the second period when the lead slip away, but some great defending from Jack and Julien helped secure the win. Smarter, calmer play needed with the ball next week to keep the team going forward but 3 fantastic points gained on an otherwise dreary weekend for FCB.

Stylish FCB Regional went down hard on Sunday in a wonderful game at the Cage. This was a game that had the barrio out in force as two top football sides showed off their talents by the barrica. 2-2 at half time with some sumptuous football already played saw Britanico come out confident of taking all 3 points, however, it was not to be after an early penalty and two late goals meant a harsh scoreline to a very even game.

Match report by Michael Langan

Returning to what has been, generally speaking, the happy hunting ground of La Elipa, FCB Regional took on high flying Absolut Sport A. Diminished in terms of numbers, FCB were forced into using a makeshift back four, but there was real quality throughout the side, and a determination to halt the malaise which had descended upon the club in the previous weeks. FCB lined up: Hutch, Yoichi, Lee, Will, Ne-Yo, Nick, Paul, Tomáz, Michael, Dave Pugh and Chat Pat. FCB began at a high tempo, taking the game to the opposition, with Pat beginning well in what is correctly renowned as an often thankless task. Little and large (although Lee Armstrong is slight in height only) were proving an effective combination in the centre of defence, and neither could be blamed for FCB going one down as an unlucky ricochet off saw the ball spin agonisingly into the net . A few minutes later, controversy struck, as an apparent handball, offside and definite lack of yardage saw FCB two nothing in arrears, although it has to be conceded it took a very smart finish to beat Hutch. However, while the last three games may not be looked upon fondly, there has been an evident lack of spirit and resolve underpinning the regional efforts and, a few minutes later, Lee Armstrong halved the deficit with an excellently struck penalty. In fact, it was the exact opposite of his last effort prior to Christmas. Seconds later, the game was level, after Lee delivered a testing ball on top of the goalkeeper, which was eventually bundled home by club captain Tom. Suddenly, FCB had a real opportunity to acquire an unlikely half-time lead. The half-time whistle came a little soon, however, and parity between the sides remained.

 While a lingering doubt that half-time had come at precisely the wrong time, this notion crystallised minutes into the second half when, after a moment of madness, FCB conceded yet another penalty. Worryingly, it was given for a push in the box, the second in two games, and something that must be corrected. Try as our colossus goalkeeper might, the penalty was the epitome of composure, and FCB were again behind and winded in the process. As the game crept on, in truth, tiredness began to become a feature, and the late salvo for an equaliser never materialised. While FCB had much of the ball and, as opposed to last week, in the opposition third, there was a lack of guile and penetration, and the danger that we may be caught out persisted. Ultimately this was the case, although we can have no complaints concerning the fourth and decisive goal which was a tremendous finish. Following this, FCB probably gave up hope a little, and were punished again in the dying minutes after an excellent delivery from a free kick was thundered home to give the scoreboard a rather unflattering slant.

While this is a third successive defeat, there is a certain belief that, at least, FCB regional are playing the correct way, and are rarely outclassed by the opposition. As it seems with British teams generally however, there is a slackness which handicaps our play which simply isn’t replicated in handsome Spanish sides. If we can find a way to eliminate this, a strong end to the season is by no means beyond us.

As a final point, a special thanks to the Bunwer lads who made the trip down to the game, as the Saturday side also do not have their troubles to seek, and the support was appreciated and most welcome.

Editor’s note: Michael Langan won the Man of the Match due to his diligence and will to work in the centre of the park. He was the main reason FCB controlled that middle third and managed to have the ball as near to the opposition goal as they did. He is too modest to mention this himself.

Goals: Lee, Tomáz

Assist: Lee

MOTM: Michael Langan

Silky’s Final Thought:

Well after a torrid morning down in Almudena, FCB slumped to their heaviest defeat of the season with ‘Los Animales’ running wild and racking up 6 in the process with no reply.  If anybody in the FCB camp has any ideas on how to stop this depressing rot please come forward as all suggestions are welcome!  This also applies to any members of the audience reading at home or abroad because the Bunwer boys are in a wee crisis.

 

So after being savaged by the ‘The Animals’  FCB left with their tails between their legs and singing ‘We gotta get outta this place’ 

Match report from Captain Ollie Hamilton

“It was a tough start to the new year for the sala team, as after their opening two games were postponed due to lack of available players, they took on top of the league O’Neils Celtic. To add to their troubles, a last-minute bout of the sh*ts (don’t worry Carlos I won’t say it was you) left the team with only 5 players and no subs. The spartan line-up included 3 regulars, Ollie, Jed and Fred, and 2 new signings Julien Chapu and Ridan Muradov.

The game started at a frantic pace, with the opposition going close a couple of times, only to be foiled by some good defending from new boys Julien and Ridan. And in fact it was FCB that got the first goal on the scoreboard after about 6 minutes – the ball seemingly stuck to Ollie’s boots as he weaved between two opposition players and smacked it into the back of the O’Neils’ net. It’s a good bet that he won’t score another goal like that for the rest of the season, if ever. However, the whole team knew it was going to be an uphill struggle, and so it proved, as O’Neils swiftly pulled back two. Some decent play from Britanico’s resulted in good but missed chances, and two goals on the break for O’Neils made the score 1-4. A ray of hope came about 10 minutes from the half, as some great passing play was sweetly finished by the ever reliable headless chicken that is Jed. Unfortunately, our tiredness started to show and O’Neils put two goals away before the half to make it 6-2 (they did have 5 subs you know).

Having caught a little breath over the short half-time period, FCB looked stronger and were linking up well, at the same time trying to slow the play a little as to not tire out too quickly. It didn’t last long though, and after some clinical finishing from the opposition we found ourselves down 2-8. Both Ollie and Jed scuppered one-on-one’s with the keeper (he was a big bastard alright), but they managed to redeem themselves as Jed’s well-placed corner was met by Ollie’s boot, putting the score at 3-8. Fred and Ridan also saw chances go just wide, and the punishing pace of the game meant cracks in the FCB defence had turned into canyons, O’Neils making the score 3-11 by the merciful final whistle. Certainly not the best result, but the team can be proud of themselves for playing some good football against a top side and basically running their a*ses off.”

The Regional team suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat away from home this afternoon to CD Estremera. The Brits thought they had gone ahead at 0-0, only for their early strike to be chopped off, however, they only had themselves to blame for their subsequent demise. Despite dominating possession of the ball, FCB found themselves unable to break down the home defence and create chances. At the other end, however, the FCB rear-guard was found wanting, leaving the management team with plenty of food for thought for the training week ahead.

Match report by Mikey Langan

“Looking to arrest a poor club run as of recent, FCB made the ridiculous journey 70 km south with nothing but Lee Armstrong’s awful taste in music for company to face CD Estremera. Placed only one position above the regional side, this appeared a good opportunity for the regional side to bounce back from last week, and string together their second away victory in succession. Welcoming three debutants to the side, Neil managed to find places for Reece and new lad Paul, but was unable to accomodate double agent Nick Boyle in his starting 11. FCB lined up Hutch, Seba, Fernando, Will, Reece. A midfield five of (from l-r) Pughy, Stevie Mac, Lee, Michael and Yoichi. New lad Paul was given the unenviable task of leading the line alone. FCB started promisingly, and moved the ball well, if a little conservatively among the back four and middle five. Paul, up front, displayed an undoubted ability to receive the ball under pressure, although was a little rushed in his distribution earlier on, but this improved vastly as the game proceeded. Within ten minutes, FCB had the ball in the back of the net after Will turned home a driven cross, but was harshly adjudged to have been in an offside position. From here, FCB day deteriorated, and within ten minutes, they were dealt a triple blow. Firstly, defensive colossus Fernando was forced off with a quad strain, to be replaced with Nick Boyle. And FCB went from 11 v 11 to what felt like 14 v 10 in a hearbeat. Matters were compounded when, after slack play from the rogue agent, the opposition broke quickly, and, after a mix up in the FCB defence, Hutch was rounded and FCB were undeservingly a goal down. From this, FCB dropped the tempo a little, and were penned in for the next fifteen minutes, before again regaining composure, and possibly being unlucky to remain trailing at the interval.

Stevie Mac waves “adios” to FCB with an interview over on BritanicoTV, our new video channel.

FCB Regional went down 1-4 at home against ALMUDENA “B” despite another strong performance. A goal from Yoichi Tanaka and several great saves, including a penalty, from MOTM Matt Hutchinson, were not enough to prevent Neil Moran’s Britanicos from losing their first match of 2012.

A sobering match report from Mikey Langan

“Looking for three straight wins, FCB Regional hosted ALMUDENA “B” at LaElipa with confidence riding high. With an absent Neil, Phil was left in charge, ably assisted by Nick Boyle. Despite their undoubted credentials, neither sought to tamper with the side any more than strictly necessary. FCB lined up Hutch, Seba, Fernando, Will, Nestor, Stevie, Lee, Yoichi, Pugh, Michael and Pat alone up front. 

FCB Bunwer continued their poor run of winter results this morning with a laboured draw against league strugglers Navidul. It was a case of letting a lead slip once again for Rami’s lads, who had gone ahead through a Martin Kirkpatrick header. Navidul looked strong though and their pace up front allowed them to take advantage of sloppy Britanico defending to equalise. With a week off next week, Rami will be looking to his team to refocus and ensure they make the top 12.

Match Report (mostly) from Michael Langan

“FCB, having kicked off the new year with a creditable draw against high flying maycometal, sought their first victory in five against struggling Navidul. With La Elipa covered in frost, and more than a hint of cold in the air, this was always going to be a tougher fixture than paper suggested. FCB lined up Hutch, Kiki, Tom Pope, Mike Ojo, Kirky, and Oldhams favourite son. In midfield, Michael, Double Agent Boyle, and the departing James Hamilton, with a returning George and Ishamel leading the line. The game kicked off at a snail’s pace- with FCB struggling to maintain possession, and looking very disjointed. Against poorer sides, we could have found ourself a couple down but, against Navidul, coped fined despite our inadequacies. As the game progressed, FCB began to play more of the game in the opposition half and, for the first time in recent memory were offering a genuine threat from set pieces. After consistent pressure, and impressive delivery from one yard specialist James Hamilton, Martin finally repaid manager Ramis faith in him with a bullet header which thundered off the bar and into the net. FCB could’ve made it 2 when loudmouth and general trouble-maker Langan missed an absolute sitter, later claiming that it had merely been due to a call at the back post from the advancing Sean Powell (aye right). However, the game was not without controversy and, minutes before the break, FCB should have had a penalty, and probably a man advantage, when George was felled by the Navidul goalkeeper, but the infringement was deemed to have occurred outside the area. From the resultant free kick, nothing materialised and FCB had to content themself with a slender and always fragile one nothing advantage at half time. As the second half kicked off, FCB again struggled to stamp their authority on the game and, with Double Agent Boyle beginning to have his own ‘impact on the game, we never looked safe. After an hour or so, disaster struck, and Double Agent Boyle revealed himself- when an excellent through ball from him (for Navidul) saw the struggling side equalise after some ill fortune at the back. FCB changed formation, and reverted to their familiar 4-3-3, in an attempt to chase a winning goal but, in truth, were toothless and lackluster in front of goal. But for the reckless tackle on Ishmael, and the resultant melee, there would really be nothing of note in the last ten minutes- a damning indictment of FCB’s front 6. The midfield must take a lot of responsibility, as at no time during the game did they truly dictate play and make things happen. Similarly, Ishamel had an off day, whereas George appeared just a little off the pace. A two week break now beckons for the Bunwer side (hopefully a bit longer for the disgraced Nick Boyle) and we must really strive to recapture our early season form, which saw us a genuine threat to decent teams. Today, frankly, was embarassing, and should be forgotten as quickly as Nick Boyle can turn a game, adversely, for FCB. MOTM goes to Kirky, but a special mention to Hutch, who wuz robbed. Special thanks to James who, even although his stay with the Bunwer side has been fleeting, has been a welcome addition to the middle of the park, and deserved better than the send off Nick gave him today. “

Silky’s final thought:

“After almost forgetting what a draw is since the opening day of the season, FCB recorded their second such result in a row at the weekend and it seems that the team has also forgotten how to win games.  La Elipa was shrouded in fog for Saturday morning’s encounter with Navidul and this was reflective of FCB’s performance and general play, at times not having the foggiest idea of how to kill off the opposition. However, at least we didn’t have the cheek to claim we couldn’t see each other properly as Sir Alex Ferguson did many years ago after Man Utd lost to Southampton while wearing a particularly c**p grey strip!  In the end 2 points went missing in the murkiness and FCB need to clear their heads quickly if they want to claim a top 12 finish.  On a positive note we were treated to a tribal dance of some sort from Mr Langan as the lacklustre performance began to take its toll“