Introduction to the blog...

Hi, my name's Toby Wildgoose. I'm a 21 year old who's obsessed by sport, so much so, that I am looking to become a sports journalist/media officer in later life.

I've set up this blog not only so that I can improve and refine my writing skills, but also to provide a platform for potential employers to view my work.

I have already developed a small portfolio of my work, with my experience in the industry including: written match reports for junior football teams, published work at numerous EFL clubs in a variety of formats, and work experience placements at Chesterfield FC and Rotherham United Community Sports Trust - to see my full portfolio click here: http://goo.gl/VWws3H.

I hope to post as often as possible on this blog about anything that is sport related. Please find the time to read any of my posts.

Any comments or suggestions on how I can improve the blog would be greatly appreciated, and I would also be happy to receive any other suggestions for work experience. Please comment on here, email me (tobywildgoose@gmail.com), or even tweet me (@TobyWildgoose). Cheers!

Start Date: 11/12/12 (Aged 15)

Friday 31 January 2014

Iron-Bru.net

From this week onwards I have begun to contribute to Away Day Previews for Scunthorpe United fan site Iron-Bru.net.

This week, the Away Day piece previews the Iron's trip to Hartlepool United in League 2. My work includes the headings of: Victoria Park, Getting there by car, Pubs & grub and Players to watch.

View my contributions to the piece here: www.iron-bru.com/hartlepool-travel-pack/ 

Match Preview: Rotherham United vs Leyton Orient

Rotherham United will be looking to making it two wins on the bounce as they take on Leyton Orient at the New York Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The game follows a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers in midweek, which saw Alex Revell grab two goals in a man-of-the-match display.

Orient come into the game on the back of four straight wins and will be looking to do the double over the Millers after a 1-0 victory earlier in the season.

New signing Nicky Adams could make his Rotherham debut after signing for an undisclosed fee from Crawley Town on transfer deadline day. 

Defender Miles Addison is likely to return to the Millers' side after illness forced him to miss Tuesday's win over Tranmere.

Midfielders Lee Frecklington and Rob Milsom will also be available for selection despite coming off injured during the second-half of Tuesday's game.

Last result: Leyton Orient 1-0 Rotherham United, Saturday 26th October 2013.

My interview with Leyton Orient fan Tim Morris...

Q1: Hi Tim, thanks for agreeing to answer my questions. To start with, how long have you been an Orient fan and how’d you get into supporting them? This is my 9th season as an O's fan. Living close to London and not actually supporting anyone before, me and a mate decided to go and see a football match. That happened to be Orient v Boston and it kind of stuck!

Q2: So, now that we’re over half way through the season how would you assess Orient’s fortunes so far? Unbelievable. After last season, play-offs were the aim. Though as the season has gone on that has changed. We're scoring a lot and are fairly solid at the back. Hopefully we'll make it to the Championship!

Q3: Who’s been your stand out performer(s) and why? For me it's been Elliott Omozusi, purely because he is a right back who filled in at left back and made the position his own. He's worked hard and it's paying off for us.

Q4: How do you see the rest of the season going? Bare minimum for us now has to be the play-offs, but provided we can stay clear of injuries and suspensions as much as possible then we could well take it to the wire.

Q5: Finally, prediction for Saturday’s game? 2-1 Orient, with Revell scoring against his old club, Mooney and Dagnall for us.

Make sure to follow Tim on Twitter (@TJMLOFC)

Monday 27 January 2014

Match Report: Rotherham United 2-2 Crawley Town

On Saturday 25th January 2014, I went to the New York Stadium to see Rotherham United take on Crawley Town in SkyBet League One.

This was only my second match of the New Year, and I was looking forward to it having seen the Millers beat Crewe just two weeks before. It had been a mixed start for Rotherham at home in 2014, with a loss and a win helping to leave the Millers fifth in the league table.

The game promised extra spice with the fact that current Millers boss, Steve Evans, had previously left Crawley to take up the Rotherham hot seat in 2012, a decision that proved unpopular with Red Devils fans. A positive for the Crawley faithful though, was the return of star-striker Matt Tubbs, who had recently left Rotherham after a tough loan spell.


Rotherham United secured a valuable point in the fight for play-off spots after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Crawley Town at the New York Stadium.

Kieran Agard struck twice in an entertaining encounter and earned the Millers a point with a last gasp equaliser in the final minute of added time.  

Ex-Crawley boss, Steve Evans, made two changes to the Millers side that had seen off Shrewsbury Town 3-0, with the most notable change coming in the form of the return of Kari Arnason to the centre of defence, which also meant a drop to the bench for Mark Bradley.

Middlesbrough loanee Richard Smallwood, who signed on Thursday, took his place in the starting line-up at the expense of Captain Lee Frecklington, who was later confirmed to have been missing with a hamstring injury.

The first chance of the game came in just the second minute when Ben Pringle won the Millers a corner after some good build up play on the edge of the box. The 24-year-old then curled a brilliant corner into the heart of the Crawley area, but Kari Arnason's powerful header fired just wide of Paul Jones' goal. 

The Millers continued to push forward and another chance followed just minutes later. A neat passing move on the edge of the Red Devils' box allowed Alex Revell to turn and shoot, but the forward's effort settled comfortably in the palms of 'keeper Jones.

Moments later, the home side again came close to taking the lead, this time through Kieran Agard. The Millers' forward raced past the Crawley defence only to see his shot deflect into the path of Revell, who was later flagged as offside.

Despite Rotherham's numerous early chances and continued pressure, it was in fact Crawley who took the lead in the 24th minute when ex-Miller Matt Tubbs came back to haunt his former club.

After a curling ball was played across the box by Crawley midfielder Nicky Adams, Rotherham 'keeper Adam Collin's save was parried directly into the path of the on-rushing Tubbs, who subsequently slotted home for the first goal of his second spell at the Red Devils.

The first yellow card of the game was awarded not long after the goal when Miles Addison tackled goal scorer Matt Tubbs from behind, much to the anger of the travelling support. The referee was left with little choice but to brandish the yellow card and award a free-kick just short of the halfway line.

It didn't take long for the Millers to draw level though, and after 33 minutes a penalty was awarded.

Ex-Derby winger Ben Pringle forced his way into the box, with his pace proving too much to handle for Crawley midfielder Joe Walsh who consequently brought Pringle down. The penalty was awarded and Rotherham top scorer Kieran Agard stepped up to slot home and draw the game level at 1-1.

A number of chances followed for the hosts after the goal, with Richard Smallwood and Kari Arnason both coming close, but it wasn't to be and the sides went into the break on level terms.


Half-time: Rotherham United 1-1 Crawley Town

The first chance of the second-half fell to the visitors when a Nicky Adams corner eventually dropped for Mark Connolly. The Crawley man controlled the ball well, but fired just wide of the target with a tantalising volley from just outside the box.

The pressure only continued to build on the hosts, and in the 58th minute, Crawley missed a fantastic chance to regain the lead as Billy Clarke fired a tame shot directly into the hands of Collin.

Crawley did regain the lead just after the hour mark though.

Adams, who had been the catalyst for much of the visitor's attacking play, picked up the ball on the wing before cutting inside to create some space for Matt Tubbs in the box. The striker then played an audacious flick into the path of Josh Simpson who calmly slid home to guide Crawley back into the lead.

Minutes later, Crawley had the chance to seal the game when Mike Jones and goal scorer Simpson combined well to create an opening in the Millers' defence, but the chance went begging and Jones fired into the side of the net, keeping the home side in the game.

Tubbs was then involved again in the 85th minute when his clever flick created space for Simpson, but the Crawley man fired over the bar from distance.

The game appeared to be slipping away from Rotherham, however, deep into injury time the Millers secured a crucial point in the fight for promotion. After Ben Pringle's curling cross had caused trouble in the Crawley penalty area, the ball was knocked into Paul Jones before bouncing invitingly for Agard to hit home and send the home fans into wild celebrations.

There would be one last chance for Crawley to claim all three points though when the ball fell first to Gary Alexander, then Andy Drury, and finally Billy Clarke, but the Red Devils couldn't find a way past Adam Collin whose triple save ensured a share of the spoils for the hosts.


Full-time: Rotherham United 2-2 Crawley Town



Rotherham: Collin, Tavernier, Arnason, Skarz, Agard, Smallwood (O’Connor 72), Milsom, Pringle, Revell (Thomas 46), Hitchcock (Vuckic 53)

Unused: Shearer, Brindley, Davis, Bradley


Crawley: P Jones, Sadler, Connolly, McFadzean, Clarke, Drury, Simpson (Dicker 90), Walsh, Adams, Tubbs (Alexander 90), M Jones

Unused: Essam, Torres, Proctor, Malins, Maddison




 Attendance: 7579 (201)


 The Crawley players warm up.

 The officials warm up.

 The players line up and shake hands.

Kick-off.

 Kieran Agard levels from the spot.

 Crawley players celebrate retaking the lead.

 The travelling support.

 Full-time: Rotherham United 2-2 Crawley Town

Friday 24 January 2014

Match preview: Rotherham United vs Crawley Town

Rotherham United will be looking to make it three league wins in a row as they take on Crawley Town at the New York Stadium on Saturday. 

The Millers come into the match in good form after defeating Shrewsbury Town 3-0 at the Greenhous Meadow last weekend, with goals from Tom Hitchcock, Ben Pringle and James Tavernier sealing the victory.

The Red Devils, however, will play their first game in two weeks after last Saturday's match against Wolves was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. 

Rotherham could hand a debut to new loan signing Richard Smallwood, who arrived at New York Stadium on Thursday afternoon. 

Defenders Kari Arnason and Claude Davis will also be available for selction after the two return from illness and suspension respectively. 

Crawley midfielder Gary Dicker is likely to make his debut for the Red Devils after joining until the end of the season, and striker Billy Clarke is also available after his suspension ended. 

Last result: Crawley Town 1-2 Rotherham United, Saturday 17th August 2013.

My interview with Crawley Town fan Craig Bratt…

Q1: Hi Craig, thanks for agreeing to answer my questions. To start with, how long have you been a Crawley fan and how’d you get into supporting them? Since 2006/07 season. A family friend took me to a game one evening so I went again and loved it. Been going ever since, I can't get enough of it!

Q2: So, now that we’re over half way through the season how would you assess Crawley’s fortunes so far? A rollercoaster to say the least. We were slowly establishing ourselves under Richie Barker before he was sacked after 0 wins in 9. John Gregory came to the club and results are looking positive. We are improving but transfer activity will be key!

Q3: Who’s been your stand out performer(s) and why? There's two. In defence, Joe Walsh. He's young and recently we've turned down a 400k bid for him. He's scored 6 goals from the back and he has saved us many a time! Also, Gary Alexander has begun to find form again after a blip, and he's scored some key goals for us.

Q4: How do you see the rest of the season going? If we'd kept barker, a relegation battle no doubt, but under Gregory I feel we'll finish similar to last season - 10th. We play some of the higher teams in the next few weeks so it will be interesting to see how we get on. Good results from those and I’d say 10th is a realistic target.

Q5: Finally, prediction for Saturday’s game? Tough question in all honesty. Looking at your recent home results I’d say a draw. 1-1!


Make sure to follow Craig on Twitter (@craigybratt) and visit his blog online (http://queseraserablogs.blogspot.co.uk/). 

Friday 17 January 2014

Millers sign Blair Turgott on loan

Rotherham United have today confirmed the loan signing of winger Blair Turgott from Premier League side West Ham United.

The 19-year-old signed on a one-month youth loan and joined up with team mates for training at Parkgate this morning.

Turgott has previously enjoyed loan spells at League One rivals Bradford City and Colchester United, scoring one goal in four games for the U's and no goals during his time with the Bantams.

Steve Evans commented on the signing, saying: "We have been monitoring the situation closely and we are delighted to add him to our squad."

The midfielder could feature in this Saturday's game at Shrewsbury Town.

Thursday 16 January 2014

Millers enquire for Clarke

Steve Evans has today confirmed that Rotherham United have made an enquiry to Coventry City for Leon Clarke.

The Sky Blues' frontman has scored 28 goals in 43 games during his time at Coventry, including 18 goals this season.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker has plenty of League One experience, with stints at Coventry, Crawley and Oldham.

The Millers are expected to confirm their second signing of the week on Friday morning.

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Millers sign striker Wes Thomas from AFC Bournemouth

Rotherham United have completed the signing of striker Wes Thomas on an initial deal until the end of the season.

The forward, who joined up with his new team mates for training this morning, signed for an undisclosed fee, subject to FA confirmation.

Thomas has scored no goals in 12 appearances for AFC Bournemouth this season, and has previously worked under Millers' boss Steve Evans at Crawley Town.

During the 2011/12 season, the former Cheltenham frontman scored 18 goals in 41 appearances, proving his goal scoring prowess.

Evans commented on the capture, saying "Wes is an excellent signing and I thank our Chairman for his continued support."

The club will have an option to extend the striker's contract at the end of the season.

Sunday 12 January 2014

Match Report: Rotherham United 4-2 Crewe Alexandra

Rotherham United secured their first points of the New Year after defeating Crewe Alexandra in an enthralling game at the New York Stadium.

A second-half brace from captain Lee Frecklington ensured the victory after Bradden Inman had given Crewe the lead early on in the match.

Steve Evans made two changes to the side that slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Coventry City on New Year’s Day.

On-loan Bournemouth defender Miles Addison made his debut in place of the suspended Craig Morgan, whilst Ben Pringle returned from suspension to take his place in the starting eleven, replacing Joe Skarz who slipped to the bench.

A familiar face to Crewe fans featured on the Millers’ bench, as Tom Hitchcock came up against his former employers just over a week after playing his last game for the Alex.

The Millers’ opening chance of the game came in the first minute, when Kieran Agard took on a shot from just inside the box after beating Anthony Grant for pace. The effort wasn’t quite as emphatic as Agard’s run though and rolled harmlessly wide of Ben Garratt’s goal.

The visitors’ attacking intent was also clear to see in the early minutes, as Ajay Leitch-Smith took on a mazy run before firing a powerful drive through the centre of the box. The danger, however, was averted by Adam Collin who made a comfortable save. 

The Alex weren’t to be denied though, and in the 12th minute Bradden Inman gave the away side the lead.

A deep long ball was nodded into the path of Leitch-Smith by Millers’ defender Kari Arnason, and the Crewe forward created some space after outwitting Miles Addison. His left-footed shot bounced back off the upright though, and the chance instead fell to Inman who smashed home from close range.

The hosts fought back valiantly after the goal, and when Ben Pringle played a dangerous ball into the visitors’ box, frontman Alex Revell was unlucky to see his looping header bounce off the upright and away from the on-rushing Agard.

The Millers’ next outstanding opportunity came in the 25th minute. Ben Pringle’s corner was only half-cleared by the Crewe defence but Lee Frecklington’s long range effort was high and wide of the target, much to the relief of the away support behind the goal.

The pressure was now fully on the Alex and it was only a matter of time before Rotherham found an equaliser through Kieran Agard. The goal was scored in the 28th minute when Mark Bradley and Agard combined well before the Millers’ top scorer rolled home past an outstretched Garratt to make the score 1-1.

The home side’s pressure only continued after the equaliser and Lee Frecklington came close to giving the Millers the lead in the 31st minute, however, the 28-year-old blazed wide from just inside the area.

Rotherham’s first yellow card of the game came just before half-time, when Welshman Mark Bradley hauled down Leitch-Smith who had proved to be a handful in the first-half.

The last chance of the half fell to debutant Miles Addison after Ben Pringle curled in a threatening corner, but the defender’s header sailed wide of the post and the sides went in level at the break.


Half-time: Rotherham United 1-1 Crewe Alexandra

The second-half started where the first half had left off, with a chance for the Millers. This time it was James Tavernier who took on a shot, but he also saw his effort fly past the target and into the crowd.

Despite the home side’s numerous chances and continued pressure, it was in fact Crewe who regained the lead on the stroke of 60 minutes. After some scrappy play in the box, Kelvin Mellor controlled the ball and fired home for the Railwaymen, sending the away support into raptures and once again silencing the home crowd.

As had happened in the first-half though, Rotherham pegged the visitors back. Ex-Crewe loanee Tom Hitchcock drew Mark Ellis into a challenge in the area and referee Keith Hill awarded a penalty.  Lee Frecklington then stepped up to draw the Millers level for the second time in the game and score his first of the match.

Then came the game’s major turning point, a second penalty of the match.

Crewe were given the opportunity to take the lead for the third time when Miles Addison forced AJ Leitch-Smith to ground inside the area. Harry Davis stepped up for the Railwaymen, however, Adam Collin correctly dived to his left and forced the ball out for a corner, much to the delight of the Millers’ faithful.

The tide then began to swing Rotherham’s way, and almost immediately after the penalty save Alex Revell put the hosts in front for the first time in the match.

After some good build up play from Hitchcock, Ben Pringle found himself in acres of space, and with time on his side, fired a pinpoint cross for Revell to steer home, who had intelligently found space in the box.

The momentum was now fully with the Millers and a fourth goal in the 91st minute all but wrapped up the three points in emphatic style. Tom Hitchcock was once again involved as he thread the ball through to Lee Frecklington who impressively hit home to score his second of the afternoon.

The result sees Rotherham move up to fifth in the play-off spots, whilst Crewe fall further back in the relegation zone.


Full-time: Rotherham United 4-2 Crewe Alexandra



Rotherham: Collin, Bradley (Brindley 90), Arnason, Addison, Tavernier, Agard, Frecklington, Milsom (O’Connor 82), Pringle, Revell, Vuckic (Hitchcock 61)

Unused: Shearer, Skarz, Walker, Rowe


Crewe: Garratt, Tootle, Mellor, Davis, Ellis, Osman, Leitch-Smith (Pogba 81), Moore, Inman, Aneke, Grant

Unused: Martin, Ray, Guthrie, Nolan, Oliver, Evans




Attendance: 7737 (456)