Jack Compton

Sad to see he has sent a (a nice) tweet saying he is leaving Bath (without any conformation from the club?!).

I guess if a full-time deal is being offered elsewhere then you cannot blame him for going but it would be sad to see him playing for another team in this league (if it is Torquay he is joining).

Personally I think he could do a job higher up the pyramid (perhaps even League 2) but I see someone on another thread has seemed to confirm he is joining Torquay. Is this gospel or just an assumption?

All the best to him wherever he ends up - some excellent performances and goals last season.

EDIT
Just seen he has signed for Chippenham Town....

I could have taken a step up the ladder (which Torquay likely would be) but for Chippenham?! They must have some wedge to throw around!

Seems like another Dave Pratt situation - would be interesting to know if we had made him any sort of offer.

Perhaps JG let him go? Dave Pratt didn't spend long back at Chip at this level.

Based on the evidence of his great performances the only reason must be money.  On that basis, to allow Jack to go to an arch-rival, is a disaster.  

The deafening silence from Bath City management does not help whatever the "player news at 8:30" is; City need to add more players of Football League standard not lose them.  

Gonna be two great local derby games again!

Beau Nash wrote:City need to add more players of Football League standard not lose them.  

How do you do that without Football League money?

Interesting that on Twitter the club has said that they made Jack an improved offer but couldn’t reach agreement while in response he has said that he was offered less than last season.

Jack Compton obviously has ability but if you look at his record he has never stayed anywhere long, usually one season and 2 at the most. Several clubs he has signed for then seem to ship him out on loan quickly which makes me wonder if there are other issues.
To be honest I thought he would go, but not to Chippenham.
I am more concerned about Miles, who I was hoping would stay.
Also I am not sure about the need for a goalkeeping coach. Ryan Clarke is very experienced and I don't think Jason is going to be able to pass on much to him. As for Kiernan surely Ryan could help with any coaching he needs and whatever we are paying Jason could go towards a player. Nothing against Jason but looking at it from the point of view of getting the most from the budget.

SteveS wrote:
Also I am not sure about the need for a goalkeeping coach. Ryan Clarke is very experienced and I don't think Jason is going to be able to pass on much to him. As for Kiernan surely Ryan could help with any coaching he needs and whatever we are paying Jason could go towards a player. Nothing against Jason but looking at it from the point of view of getting the most from the budget.

Could be an astute piece of management by Jerry. Maybe JG feels he hasn't as much experience coaching the keepers and wants to strengthen the overall balance of the coaching structure.

Have to admit, I'm more with Steve on that one, I don't see the point of Jason Matthews being brought in. Nothing against him, he always seemed a nice bloke, but what is he going to teach a 36 year old keeper who's played at a higher level than him? Especially as Steve says, Ryan Clarke could help train Kieran Hodges/pass on his experience to him.

With Compton, gutted he's gone, but if it's the club being sensible with budget I'll accept it.

It would be a bit off to sign Clarke and then expect him to do some coaching on top. No idea what the deal for Jason includes but keepers rarely get specialist training at this level and below, it could be a big help in the development of Hodges, Forster and any other young keepers in the academy/uni development sides.

Added to that, Jason has managed as Southern League level as well. I don't think he's the type of person who would interfere, but can offer advice if needed.

The Chronicle have published an interview with Jerry which answers most of the questions raised above:

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-clarke-bath-city-compton-1581512

Not sure if 100% correct but is Miles the only player signed by Gary Owers who is still with us ( assuming he re-signs).
Wonder if Nat Jarvis and George Rigg will end up at Chippenham as well.

Peter Newman wrote:Not sure if 100% correct but is Miles the only player signed by Gary Owers who is still with us ( assuming he re-signs).
Wonder if Nat Jarvis  and George Rigg will end up at Chippenham as well.

Straker was signed by Owers. but I think that's it (as Batten was on loan when Howells left, although was signed on contract by Owers).

Amankwaah was an Owers signing.

Forgot about Straker. Must be my excitement over the Royal Wedding has distracted me!