Stow FC's uphill battle

This season has seen Walthamstow FC face several setbacks, but new manager Vinny Murphy has a fighting spirit, says David O’Driscoll

It has been a strange and disappointing season for Walthamstow FC.

The team started off the new campaign in the new surroundings of the Isthmian League (North Division) with such bright hopes. Their aim was to get into the play-off and to have a successful cup run. Stow got knocked out of various cup competitions early in the season and, after some disappointing league results, sacked their manager halfway through the season.

At this point, the plays-offs looked out of reach. The new gaffer, Vince Murphy, got off to a promising start, as he helped the team to move within range of the play-offs. Surprisingly and disappointingly, Stow lost to some teams below them in the league.

After this, Murphy disposed of several players and promoted a few younger players from the reserve team. Since then, Stow have finished the season strongly, thrashing a number of teams. Sadly, this strong performance comes too late, and they will finish the season in sixth place and just outside the playoffs.

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It is no surprise that Murphy promoted players from the reserves. They have had a decent season and won the final of the Essex Senior Cup on the 30th of April at the Orient ground on Brisbane Road.

In a thrilling and challenging encounter, their opponents were another Walthamstow-based team, FC Baresi, who despite being formidable opponents lost 2-1 to the reserves.

The new players Murphy has brought in have certainly caught the eye. Ezra Agyiri and Michail Barack are skilful forwards and have bagged several goals. The winger Kymani Thomas has impressed many and looks like he could play at a higher level. If they can keep hold of him, Stow will have a front line to be feared.

But the key player who could make the difference is in midfield; Ade Cole. Cole has been playing at a higher level for the majority of his career – and it shows. I believe that he could be the missing playmaker to make the team tick and if they keep this group together, Stow are in with a serious chance next year.

The big dogs running the club have great faith in Murphy, with it being confirmed he will be there for the start of the new season in August 2024. Hopefully this will be the start of a winning team for the 2024-2025 season.

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