Episode 2 Late Kick Off London and the South East

Welcome to the show. Plenty coming up tonight, including: From prisoner

to mentor, Leyton Orient defender on seizing his second chance.

I got arrested and realised how serious it was. I thought well,

could be, this could be the end of the road there. Fair play to

Brighton, financially speaking that is. How the Seagulls are coping with

financial fair play. In this window it's been difficult,

more difficult because of financial fair play, we can't afford to get

any doles wrong. Rock`and`roll, Wycombe's Steich on his

international debut with Gibraltar. And a look back at the day the Dons

of Wimbledon truly arrived. ? With me is a man who used to play in

defence Chris Perry. Now it was an awful day for your former club in

the FA Cup quarter finals. Are you concerned for them now? It was

disappointing yesterday. I'm concerned, their league position

isn't great. They have games in hand. Their destiny is in their

hands. Back memories seeing this man by your side? This is how close he

used to mark me. Pulling me down and giving away fouls. I wasn't clean.

Said that you were dirty. You've said, "I wasn't clean." At least

he's honest. Late ton orient right back Omazusi

has played a key role in their promotion push this season. Two

years ago he appeared to have thrown all his talents away after being

sent to prison. Since his release he's been working to ensure local

youngsters don't repeat his mistakes. He's been telling Richard

Adams about how he's turned his life around, after losing his job and

freedom. It was surreal really. I was looking

around thinking, I'm going to wake up soon. This can't be happening. It

was tough for him. I think this was a real wake`up call. It focussed me

and sent me down to earth with a bump. In 2011 Elliott Omazusi was

sentenced to two`and`a`half years in prison for witness intimidation. He

was sacked by his club and served 16 months. The day I got arrested, I

realised how serious it was. I thought, this could be the end of

the road here. What was it like when you first, you got sentence and you

first went to prison? It was surreal really, looking around thinking, I'm

going to wake up soon. This can't be happening. My family and friends

were good. They just said keep your head down, keep as fit as you can. I

ended up getting a job in the gym, which was good. I kept myself in

pretty good condition. The assistant manager went to see him. He was very

quiet, but reflective as well. I knew that this is definitely not

some place, this ain't the place for me, that definitely ain't the life I

want to lead. Time in prison had a profound impact and gave him a sense

of responsibility. It was this change in Elliott that encouraged

his former club to resign him. It seems to have evolved him into a

better person. He will do anything for you. He's always upbeat, always

a smile on his face now. It shows in his football as well. His football

has come on leaps and bounds. I have a story to tell and I want to make a

difference and help a lot of people. We've been doing a lot of work in

the estate`based works in schools, youth club things like that. I'll be

real. As soon as the judge said "guilty", bang that was my lesson

learned. That's all I needed. I didn't need the 16 months in jail. I

knew straight away, but I messed up. Do you get what I'm saying? He's not

in there feeling as if he's pressed into doing it. He wants to do it. He

talks about the mistakes he made and he just doesn't want other people to

make those mistakes. What kind of things do you try to get across to

the people you speak to? Just a bit about my personal experiences, both

a footballer and going to prison and things like that and growing up in

the place that I did. A lot of them can relate to that. Just coming from

someone who's seen it, been there, done it and come through the other

side. What do you personally get out of it? Ah, it helps me massively. It

helps me to focus, stay humble. It's definitely stuff that I like to do a

lot more of and continue to do in the future. Elliott's proven that

you can be mixing with possibly the wrong crowd and come out the back of

it and really pb a positive character to the younger lads. His

work has led Elliott to be nominated for the PFA player in the community

award. The event takes place on Sunday. What was it like first

stepping back onto the pitch and playing football again? It was

unbelievable. I'll never forget coming back onto the pitch and

second chance, a lot of people don't get first chances let alone a second

chance. I intend to take it with both hands. Do you think it has

improved you as a player, the overall experience? Yeah,

a person. It's the overall a person. It's the overall

experience, it's definitely got me to where I want to do, what I want

to be and the kind of example I want to set for others.

There's no escaping the fact that it was an extremely serious case that

Elliott was involved in. How impressed have you been with his

reaction? First acknowledgement that he did wrong. He got punished. He

served that. He's come out`and`out of something bad has come something

good. He's going back into the community and warning the youngsters

of the perils of getting involved with gangs etc. Fair play to him. On

the positive side, his form has been excellent this season. He's possibly

been their player of the season so far. It's a real turn around for him

and the club. Chris, you've worked as a youth team coach, latterly at

Dagenham and reg bridge, what can clubs do, if anything, to avoid

players getting into that situation in the first place? Clubs use a

holistic approach nowadays. When the boys come in from the age of nine,

they try to educate them not only on the football side of things, but on

their whole life and make sure that the boys come out of it, whether

they're released at 16 or 18 at rounded human beings. Last week, we

gave Leyton Orient the big build up about how many goals they scored and

the highest scorers in Europe. That provoked the first goalless draw

this evening. the highest scorers in Europe. That

provoked the first goalless draw The second one here, he hits the ball ``

bar, that's unlucky. And Campbell`Rice missing a chance. For

the leading goal scorers, the fiven in Europe `` fifth in Europe,

playing the bottom team, you expected them to win. That's why we

love football because you don't know what's going to happen next. For

Brentford, a better day for them. A goalless draw at Carlisle recently

and that heavy defeint at home it Wolves. How important was it that

they got back on track. Donald's son's 50th for the club. And Savile

on loan for `` from Chelsea. It's not the prettiest goal. But they all

count. Brentford have been on a great run. They have lost one in 14

games to Wolves. It's not unexpected. It's a minor blip. They

have got back to winning ways, which is important in their push for

promotion. There's no such thing as an ugly goal. A goal's a goal.

Absolutely. Looking at the top of it, it's tight. Who will go up?

Wolves are doing fantastic. Leyton and Brentful are in the mix.

That top six might stay as it is, but if you have games in hand you

fancy your chances. I'm hoping one of our two go automatic. I think

Wolves are nailed on. Wolves will win it. Brentford will end up second

with orient in the play`offs. You hope that all three would go up,

ultimately. It doesn't always work like that. Of course, Wolves. No!

Just because they're the best club. Last week QPR nowed that they lost

?65 million in the last financial year. Clubs losing ?8 million will

face penalties under the fair play rules. We've been finding out how

clubs will go about it. Traditionally played out on a

Saturday afternoon, football now has a critical financial game being

played in the background. QPR have announced a loss of ?65

million. Clubs losing more than ?8 million this season will be subject

to sanctions... They face fines totalling tens of millions...

Financial fair play, limiting club's losses to make the game more

sustainable. Last season, brighton lost 14. .7 million, like other

championship clubs, they're working hard to reduce that or face

punishment by the Football League. This is one of our executive boxes.

We have more than 20 of these across the stadium. They are used on match

day for entertaining and non`match day for other events. They're

important revenue generators for the club. We're forever trying to drive

income. We want people to come to the stadium and feel part of the

experience. The more that we can get people here earlier, have them here

later, the more chance of building those revenues and creating a

sustainable club for the future. It's not easy. It's not any easier

now that financial fair play is here. The pressure is on

championship clubs. This season, the first that their finances have come

under the spotlight. A club can only make a ?3 million loss, that's the

basics. An additional ?5 million loss can be made if an owner decides

to put equity in the club, which makes ?8 million total figure. Any

punishment would come as an unwelcome Christmas present, with

sanctions due around December this year. The figures can be confusing.

Could they be overcomplicating our enjoyment of football? What can you

tell me about financial fair play, do you understand it? Not

completely. I know the club are trying hard to stick to the rules.

We understand the general idea of it. We don't understand how it's

actually going to work. It's a pain, because we just want to buy, buy,

buy here so we can get up, up, up. The majority of a club's spending is

on wages and transfers. So preparing for match day has become more

complicated too. We've been lucky to get Lingard on loan from Manchester

United. We beat off competition from five clubs to do that. We're looking

forward to seeing him perform in this part of the season. How dish

has it been doing that under the regulations than before? This is a

Man's World window it's been more difficult because of financial fair

play. We can't afford to get any of the deals wrong. Every penny has to

counts on the field otherwise we could miss the target off the field.

Off the field, the goal posts could be set to move. The number of

unnamed clubs at the moment are suggesting that the sanctions may be

too harsh, that there aren't enough acceptable loss that's are

permitted. The interesting question will now come ` what will the

Football League do and can changes occur? How would you feel if any of

these rules were to change now? We'd be very disappointed. 21 out of 24

clubs voted in favour of the rules. Most of us are working hard to

comply. Any change would be very unfair on those clubs that have

worked hard to make sure they stay within the rules. Football's always

been a numbers game. But the off the field numbers are getting ever more

important. So Brighton sticking to FFP, some of

the other clubs are considering a legal challenge. Amongst those clubs

are Queens Park Rangers. As we mentioned, they loss 65. .4 million

in the year up until May 2013. They have to reduce those losses down to

?8 million. Proposed sanctions are if a club goes up to the Premier

League, they'll be hit with fines on a sliding scale. A ?40 million loss

would result in a fine of 28. 7 million. If the club stays? The

champion `` if the club stays in the championship, there will be a

transfer embargo until the following January.

Harsh. It's scary stuff. QPR owner has said directly to the fans, don't

worry, don't lose sleep over it. But will the fans worry, should they? If

he says that, maybe they won't. QPR are trying to stay in the Premier

League last year, upped their wage bill by ?17 million to ?68 million

just to try and stay in and they got relegated. They had a higher wage

bill than Borussia Dortmund. They're Champions League finalists. They

spent big to stay in. The punishments are heavy. The pressure

is on them to stay up or go straight back up. There's so much money in

the football world now. Do you think these rules are positive, that

they're trying to reduce the amount of losses? I do, yeah. It's

important that the clubs at the bottom of the table have got a

chance to compete with these clubs like QPR, who have the massive

backing, the millionaires come into the clubs who are theo`o clubs who

go up `` yo`yo clubs who go up from the championship to the Premier

League. The Barnsleys struggle everiory. The more even we can make

the playing field, the better. We heard from Paul of Brighton, these

new rules are concentrating the minds of chief executives. Is that a

good thing? Yeah, of course. What we don't want is people going in trying

to save the club year in, year out, going into administration. It can be

a positive thing. Brighton host QPR on Tuesday night. Let's remind

ourselves how they and Millwall fared on Saturday in our round up.

QPR's finances might be under scrutiny at the minute, but the fans

who travelled to St Andrews got their money's worth. That thanks to

the first goals in hay QPR shirt from Morrison. He opened with a

curling free kick early in the first half. Clint Hill hoped to extend the

lead before the break, but saw his header bounce off the wood work. The

first win in six was sealed when Morrison had the chance to claim

goal number two. I spoke to Lee Clark before I signed

him. Lee said to me, he's the best chal `` talent. I think he did some

things today, people close to him and tackles and goals, just a

fantastic footballer. As we've been hearing, there's plenty of hard work

currently happening off the pitch at the Amex and plenty on it too as the

seagulls try to remain in play`off contention. Reading gave them a

helping hand, or head, he was no doubt hoping to turn it back to his

keeper. Not surprisingly the head coach says his skipper's sending off

was a game changer. Greer was booked for bringing down a player in the

first half. The second yellow was for a late challenge. Minutes later

they were back into the game. This is his first goal for the Royals.

Both teams had chances to win it. Buckly came close in stoppage time.

A point apiece means Reading move back into the play`off places. (

aware they were the underdogs. Millwall were on a run of just one

win and six points from their last ten league matches. The game was

surely only going to end one way. Not if David Forde had anything to

do with it. The keeper blocking an early effort from Salmond. He saved

a low shot from Dawkins. After the hour mark, the Lions pounced. With

Derby desperately pushing for an equaliser, Morrison had a chance to

extend the lead late on. Their second away win of the season means

Millwall are above the relegation zone, but it came at a cost.

There are plenty of injuries to assess ahead of Tuesday's trip to

Blackpool. Very big relief for Millwall. We're

taking credit for it, because we think we might have inspired them a

little bit. Allen Dunne said, "The feeling when you wake up on Sunday

morning with three points and the sun shining puts a smile on your

face. Similar to this." You can tweet us: if you're a

Millwall fan and you feel the need to watch that goal again, we're on

the iPlayer all week, as are the other regional versions of Late Kick

Off. You can watch around the country. So, as we heard from Emma

Jones that Ole will be going back to Blackpool on Tuesday night. Charlton

at home it Huddersfield on Wednesday. Then they meet on

Saturday, which is a pretty huge game. I'm going to Leyton Orient

first versus Brentford and then on a bike an going to watch a promotion

battle hopefully, it's so so important. Fear for most? As

Charlton have so many games in hand. It's always a struggle. You look at

the bottom there and games rained off etc, in the FA Cup and you have

to win those games. Players would have the points, if you asked them.

Charlton have been on a great cup run, but it's cost them. They now

have four games in hand, but they're four points away from safety. What

psychological effect could that have on the players? I think it's

difficult. When you're in the FA Cup and winning games, it breeds a lot

of confidence. They've had a couple of good results off the back of

that. Now the disappointment of going out in the quarter final. It

will be difficult to lift themselves again. They need three points and

they need to win all their games in hand. The Millwall game on Saturday

will be a massive six pointer. It's the back`to`back games. That's what

you have to do. If you can win two games in a row, everyone will be

lifteded. `` lifted. Now, when euro 2016 qualifying begins in September,

a new name will be amongst the teams taking part. Last week, Gibraltar

staged its first home matches since UEFA granted full member status. For

the players it's a chance to take to the international stage.

My uncles live here, my cousins liver here. The lads are welcoming.

They're brilliant. If there's ever a conversation in their language, they

tend to translate for you. Even if you're not listening, somebody will

say oh, we were talking about this. They're very courteous.

British`based players don't speak the language.

The lad over there in the white T`shirt, he says he's the best

player Gibraltar has ever produced. He's now the fattest player they've

ever produced. It's a big game, the first game at home on home soil for

Gibraltar since they've been recognised by UEFA.

It's a rude awakening today to realise that there's a lot of work

to be done. We have one of the giants of Europe,

Germany. Special matches with Scotland and Ireland. I think

Gibraltar was over the moon about it. The coach is just like Britain,

it's just exactly like England. I just think there's a lot more

relaxed atmosphere. You've got that recognition that you

are an international footballer that you're playing against teams that

are going to be playing in the European Championships, teams

playing in the World Cup. Just enjoying it while it lasts. You

never know when your career could be cut short.

Defeat for Gibraltar against the pharaoh and Estonia. Is that a good

thing for a League Two player to be playing that level of international

football? He can get something out of it. It raises his profile of

playing international football. I don't think I would have wanted to

go to a team that was going to be beaten every time they turn up, but

international football is international football. It's big on

his CV. For Wycombe, a good win at the weekend. They had to come from

behind. Then Dean Morgan and McClure turn it around for them. A couple of

weeks ago they looked in trouble. Six unbeaten and seven points clear

of relegation makes it a lot better, easier reading for the players when

they pick up the paper. The only way is up from here. Chris used to play

with Ainsworth. Is he managerial material? Not at the time! He used

to play in a band. He was always a bit different to most other

footballers really. He's done extremely well since he's gone

there. Good to see Morgan grabbing goals. Played with Dean, he's got a

lot of talent. We wish Gareth and the team all the very best. Let's

get the other goals from our teams in leagues one and two.

Gillingham boss Peter Taylor said his side had played better in their

previous three matches and come away with nothing. Jon Gregory felt his

team could have and should have won. Crawley did have their chances.

Walsh hit the post. The goal`scoring opportunities included this from

McDonald. With just two minutes left to play,

the home side claimed the victory. Charlie Lee making it two goals in

two games. The win moves Gillingham six points

clear aat the bottom four. Dagenham were denoid a win late on, after

battle their way back into the match. Nicholls gave them the lead.

After the hour mark, Norris curled in a fine equaliser. The Daggers

wept ahead. A foul on Brian Saa and they scored from the penalty spot.

In the 95th minute, Richards' shot was fumbled by the keeper and rolled

just over the line. The players now have to pick

themselves up quickly for a trip to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

Neil Ardley warned his players there is no room for complacency as

competition for places hots up. Wimbledon were unbeaten in two

games. Their opponents were aiming fire fourth win in six. The Dons

went close before Michael Coulson heed York into the lead. Appeals for

a penalty were waved away. And then a missed open goal. Next up:

Chesterfield. Chris, you were a Wimbledon fan

growing up. Do you follow their fortunes? I do, very closely. I

still have family who go to the games, a lot of friends at the club.

What about Dagenham, your former club. A howler amongst howlers for

the keeper. club. A howler amongst howlers for

That was unlike Chris. The mistakes he usually makes is coming for

crosses. It was such a disappointing way to end the game really. They did

really well to take the lead 2`1. Question for you on Twitter. What

was your best moment as a Charlton player? Probably scoring an

equaliser against Man City at home. I didn't score many goals. It was,

David James was the England keeper at the time. We were 2`1 down. I

ended up passing the ball with my left foot and carried into the box,

inexplicably for me. It was the only goal I scored with my left foot. I

was proud of it. Would you consider coming back to work at Wimbledon?

You're in the market for work at the moment. I am in the mark. Of I would

definitely considering going back to Wimbledon. If a job became available

that suited me, definitely. You have that tastive double header this

weekend. Yeah, Leyton Orient versus Brentford. Then Millwall against

Charlton, also crucial in the championship.

I wish all those teams all the best. I hope you get a great atmosphere as

well. Thank you Mark and Chris. Lovely to have you in the studio

with us. Tonight, we leave you with a memorable day in the history of

one of Chris's former clubs, Wimbledon. Their first ever Football

League fixture at homes to Halifax in August 1977. A special occasion

for everyone connected with the club, including a man who was a key

figure in London football, the late Ron Rodes. Good night.

Before the game was due to start, the crowds began to arrive. I spoke

to Wimbledon's chairman. We are very excited. I think the whole club is.

Probably apprehensive. Maybe we need a result on the first game. That may

be important today. Before today the club had sold 5,000 programs and

thousands more went today. I'd rather come here than go to Fulham.