As many of you are aware, last season it was my job to
write up the player biographies on the opposing teams visiting Underhill, for
the matchday programme.
Although I received copy from other contributors, which
in a lot of cases meant just sub-editing, there was also a lot of researching
involved, particularly when information was out-of-date or incorrect.
I came across a number of former Bees while producing the
copy, which brought back a lot of memories and was interesting to see how (in
some cases, forgotten) players were getting on. I thought I’d include all of
these in a ‘where are they now?’ two-part special.
I previously posted part one: My XI former Bees, so here is part two – or everyone else
who didn’t make the cut, including a goalkeeper five-a-side.
Goalkeepers
JAKE
COLE (Plymouth Argyle)
27-year-old keeper Jake joined the Pilgrims in August
2011 as a free agent and went on to play a huge part in helping the team retain
their Football League status. On the books at QPR, he acted as understudy to
other goalkeepers including Lee Camp, spending time on loan at various clubs
including Hayes, AFC Wimbledon and Barnet. He eventually signed for the Bees on
a permanent basis and in his first season was named ‘Player of the Year’; he went
on to make over 100 appearances in two years. Following his release he joined
Plymouth.
Where
are they now? Out of contract, rumours suggest he’s off to
join Walsall.
STEVE
COLLIS (Rochdale)
Goalkeeper Steve arrived at Spotland towards the end of
the January transfer window on non-contract terms. Now at 31, he started his
career at Barnet and also had a spell with Nottingham Forest, but first played League
football for promoted Yeovil in the 2003/04 campaign. After three seasons at
Huish Park, Steve moved on to Southend and has since appeared for several other
clubs, including Crewe, Torquay and Northampton.
Where
are they now? Signed a one-year deal with Rochdale in May,
to act as goalkeeping coach.
ROSS
FLITNEY (Gillingham)
Ross began his career at Arsenal before joining Fulham as an apprentice. Released in 2005, he signed for Barnet where he made 58 appearances and will be remembered for that red card after 90 seconds at Old Trafford in League Cup. After two seasons, he dropped down to Non-League football playing for Grays and Croydon, before joining Dover Athletic. The 28-year old shot stopper then moved to Gillingham in 2011 on a two-year deal but knee injuries have kept him out of being first choice.
Ross began his career at Arsenal before joining Fulham as an apprentice. Released in 2005, he signed for Barnet where he made 58 appearances and will be remembered for that red card after 90 seconds at Old Trafford in League Cup. After two seasons, he dropped down to Non-League football playing for Grays and Croydon, before joining Dover Athletic. The 28-year old shot stopper then moved to Gillingham in 2011 on a two-year deal but knee injuries have kept him out of being first choice.
Where
are they now? Released by Gillingham in January, he plays
for Eastleigh in the Conference South.
MIKHAEL
JAIMEZ-RUIZ (AFC Wimbledon)
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has a wealth of experience,
both at club and international level. Venezuelan-born Mikhael played against
the likes of Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Mikhael began his career with
Romanian side CFR Cluj. After an unsuccessful trial at Tottenham Hotspur,
Mikhael spent time at Barnet, before earning his breakthrough in English
football at Aldershot, where he helped the club into the Football League. A
move back to his native Venezuela followed and he put in consistent
performances for Premier League team Yaracuyanos. He then returned to England
re-signing for Aldershot. Mikhael spent last season at Dover Athletic and
joined the Dons in August
Where
are they now? AFC Wimbledon but will discuss his future on
return from holiday.
SAM
WALKER (Bristol Rovers)
Young goalkeeper Sam joins Rovers on-loan from Chelsea.
At 20 years old, Sam has already had a season and half of experience in League
Two with loan spells at Barnet and Northampton. Last year he spent half of the
campaign at League One Yeovil.
Where
are they now? Returned to parent club Chelsea, after a
spell with Colchester.
Defenders
Damian
Batt (Oxford)
Where
are they now? Free agent, following his release from
Oxford.
Strikers
ADAM
BIRCHALL (Gillingham)
Striker Adam joined a three-year deal on arrival at
Priestfield in 2011, but a cruciate knee injury pre-season kept him out of last
campaign. Joining from Dover, Adam was a great success, scoring 63 goals in 93
appearances in all competitions. Starting out at Arsenal, but never making the
first team, the 27-year old also had spells with Mansfield and Barnet.
Where
are they now? Gillingham.
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