Troggs FC could undergo a major shake up after the lackluster performances of late. The Troggs limped to victory over Egerton a week ago and then compounded the fans misery by allowing Ashford eagles to take all 3 points at the weekend. Several of the Troggs players were accused of bottling the game by Club chairman Tim Archer who was overheard saying "7 or 8 of those players weren't up for that at all, Tony Carty was the only one I saw win a tackle"
The ever controversial Rich Moon, was again in the papers as fickle troggs fans vented their frustration through their usual scapegoat. Fans gathered outside the clubs headquarters- the flying horse - chanting "mooney out". One angry fan even set ablaze a nana moon doll, thought to be an effigy of the troggs forward.
Other fans and pundits alike questioned rookie manager Paul Newman's ability to motivate his team. Newman has got to come up with answers fast as the Troggs face Appledore in the cup quarter final on Sunday. Newman is widely expected to drop mooney and play himself up front after notching the only troggs goal of the weekend to make it 3 in 3 for the larger than life playmaker. Newman is also thought to be considering the easy way out after being heavily tipped for the vacant post at Fratton Park. Archer admitted Milan Mandaric had been on the phone regarding the managers availability and whilst he didn't give anything away he did say "every employee of this club has a price tag"
Newman responded to the rumor by assuring fans his future was at the club and he would turn things round he said "I have a cunning plan". A source from inside the club told us that this plan was to bring back Troggs legend Butch. Widely regarded as the most naturally gifted player in Smarden, Butch has been spotted training at the clubs Tenterden leisure center training ground with the first team but when approached, he declined to comment.
Only time will tell if Newman will stay and turn things round at the struggling club.
Moon moved quickly to rubbish rumours regarding his questionable dedication to the Troggs cause this season. Talking in person on Ashford-based radio station, Gash FM, Moon stipulated that he was willing to concede that his performances in recent weeks have been 'below par', but he was still very much committed to the team and fully expected to make a tackle in one of the three remaining games before the christmas break to highlight that committment. The out of form playmaker went on to outline disappointing performances from other players, particularly in the Eagles game. A large section of the interview was shelved on the instruction of manager, Paul Newman, who described Moon's conduct as 'At best unproffessional and at worst spiteful'. Newman, was said to be shocked by what he'd heard refused to release the names of the 12 players singled out for abuse.
Moon, also stated that the rumours regarding the 'Mooney out' chants and burning effigies had definately been taken out of context. He stated that the only man to have shout 'Mooney out' at the Flying Horse on Sunday night was Barman Gerard at 11:15pm, shortly after a shout of 'last orders'. When questioned on the buring effigy, Moon laughed stating: 'If you can refer to Malboros as buring effigies - then I'm gulity as charged - I must have seen at least 80 buring away at different times on Sunday evening'. Moon blamed assistant manager George Dyke for the confusion and Tony Carty for just about everything else.
The interview, which has been released in full on several unofficial Troggs websites, can only fuel speculation that Moon's imminent departure from the Smarden-based outfit.