A difficult season. Funnily enough not necessarily because of ability but more because of availability. The league table does not lie and we have finished 5th out of 8 teams - comfortably outside relegation but not challenging.
We played 14 league matches scoring 46 goals (which includes 2 own goals) but conceding 48.
When you consider availability we have had four players that played every match this season, Willbo, Louis, Luca and Freddie.
That's not to criticise the other lads as life goes on and illness and injury all take a toll. Something else that has been more apparent this season, with multiple significant demands on them the injury rate has gone up. We have played two games with 10 men, the away matches to Hucclecote and Painswick. Both showed everything that is great about this team. As George, that learned philosopher, did say "...we have great chemistry...". This is plainly apparent, look at the reaction when we scored against Hucclecote, When Sam scored against Painswick. When we beat Cleeve so convincingly the week after they had beaten us.
It goes further, Tom and Conor both came back. They are good enough to play for most teams in the league but wanted to play with their mates. That is so important, I cannot imagine any of the lads we have now lining up for another team, they are loyal to each other and the team.
You can test this - ask them if they'd play for anyone else.
There's all sorts of talk on the touchlines about lads moving clubs and each to their own - I tend to think that so long as we know what we are about and what we are capable of, that the lads and parents enjoy it (even on those horrible cold, wet and windy days) then we are doing it right.
Don't get me wrong it would be great to be competitive and challenging for the league and cups but not at the expense of the chemistry.
Looking ahead we are losing two players for next season with both Jordan and Paddy succumbing to increasing school commitments. They will both be a loss to the squad and team. Who knows they might be back. We all wish them well.
Next season will only be tougher, it's the same story we need to be more combative across all areas of the pitch. When we have the ball we are as good as anyone, it's the power that we struggle with. Some of the teams we play against have players that are twice the size of our lads. Whilst technique and ability go some way to levelling the playing field it's difficult to keep going when you're being tackled by a man-boy!
I continue to genuinely believe that we can be competitive in this division. Look at the way we play and how we put moves together. On solid pitches we are a match for most - something we have proven repeatedly. We have a good squad and a really strong first 11 it's just rare, if ever, that they get on the pitch at the same time.
Next season Will will be the club captain. Stepping up from his role as vice captain. We will pick a new vice captain before next season. This leads neatly to another area where we are weak.
Talking.
Funny really because if you were at training you'd think we were great at this as they don't stop. But on the pitch - mute. To a player they need to communicate more, to show confidence in that way, to own the game. Will will be the captain but we need 10 more on the pitch.
A final note is a thank you to the parents. I never for one moment take you for granted and the role you play. When we are the home team the pitch is set-up, cleared and dismantled all without a word. The line is run and you continue to support the the coaches and the team.
Thank you!
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Will (goalkeeper)
As solid and consistent as ever in goal. Will makes saves that do not look possible. Athleticism and increasing composure have seen him develop a presence in goal that belies his stature. We have conceded more goals than usual this season but consider the saves that Will makes and it would be a whole lot more with a lesser keeper.
My favourite moment of the season was when we played GVR in a game we drew 2-2, with GVR putting pressure on us they had a shot that looked goal bound. Their support were cheering before the ball had hit the back of the net when from nowhere Will flew across the goal to make the save.
Jordan (Defender)
This has been a season where we have not seen much of Jordan as the demands of school increased significantly. When available he has given everything that we expect and offers much more than just his physical attributes with his driving the team on. We will miss him next season as he has to leave the team to concentrate on the ever-increasing demands of his school.
Best moment would have to be the composure and maturity he showed when we played Cleeve home and away. We wish him well going forward and I guess we will see him (and definitely hear him) on a rugby pitch in the area at some time....
George (Defender)
We typically associate toughness, speed and power with George. Relying on his pace and determination to get us out of trouble. This season he has added composure to his repertoire, capable of bringing the ball out of defence and playing neat passes to launch attacks earlier. Still the quiet man he is prone to moments of philosophy when considering his team mates.
Best moment of the season? Where do you start? Tackle after tackle and consistently excellent performances. A player who always gives everything he can for the team.
Paddy (Defender)
A player that we have missed when he has not been available this season simply by virtue of how he has played when he has been around. Playing this season as a central defender he has been impressive chasing back and then having the power and composure to bring the ball forward. Comparisons with Baresi being made after the GVR home game.
Paddy is another player that will be leaving us this season due to the demands of school.
Best moment, has to be his performance against GVR where he was man of the match, also his performance in the first game v Painswick where he battled for the full match against a strong opposition.
Willbo (Defender)
Strong, solid, stoic in defence. A utility player that has played across the entire back line and also in midfield to great effect in the away match to Cleeve. Always composed in possession and not frightened of the more physical aspects of the game Will has had another very consistent season. Reliable and one of only four players this season to play every game for us.
Best moment? It would have to be the midfield performance against Cleeve where his composure on the ball and strength in the tackle helped us break up their forward play time and again.
Harvey (Defender)
HPA may have found his best position this season. Starting out as a striker we have gradually moved him back to the left back perch where he has come into his own. Athleticism to burn playing in a defensive position allows him to read the game better and pick his moments to join the attack. It also provides the team with some additional pace at the back which has proven valuable on more than one occasion.
Best moment - probably his headed goal in the opening game against Gotherington. From a corner Harvey bravely heading in at a point where we were as a team not really very good at headers.
Sam (Defender / Midfielder)
A utility player who has played a number of positions across defence, midfield and wide on the wing. One of the athletes in the team Sam has seemingly limitless energy and when playing wide right can deliver an excellent cross. Always plays with a smile on his face even when asked to play in defence Sam is a classic 100% player.
Best moment? Would have to be that goal against Painswick on the final match of the season.
Dan G (Defender / Midfielder)
Has had a really improving season and shown that games give confidence. Genuinely two-footed, Dan has started to express himself in games more and been confident to dribble the ball more and use his skill. Improving fitness has also helped with strong performances in both games where we have had 10 men. Continuing on this trajectory and working on his fitness will be great heading into next season.
Best moment - the two 10-man games where he played a full part, showing excellent decision making and strength of character. Notably v Painswick where in a more midfield role he showed some very neat touches and forward play.
Jacob (Midfielder / “Battery”)
Continues to be the heart-beat of the team. What can you say about Jacob that we have not said before? He tackles, he dribbles, he passes, he reads the game, he has an incredible engine, he's durable and he never lets his head drop. Goals have been harder to find for him this season but that is probably due to his discipline in protecting the defence at the expense of getting forward himself.
Best moment.....his man-of-the-match performance against a very good Churchdown side on the second game of the season
Louis (Jinky Winger / Striker)
Our left winger with some unbelievable tekkers. As the season has progressed he has gotten stronger and performed superbly in the games where we haven’t been under the cosh. Louis has weighed in with 6 goals this season including a 4 goal haul in the away match to Cashes Green. Hugging the touch-line his ability to beat a player with a swerve or drop of the shoulder is a sight to see. A proper winger who has had a very good season being one of four players who have played every match this season.
Best moment, 4 goals against Cashes Green and some sparkling performances in the last few games of the season.
Luca (Striker)
Converted this season from a winger to a striker has seen Luca finish as the top scorer with 18 goals. Fleet of foot and with stamina to keep making lung bursting runs through the full match Luca has shown to be a constant threat. Scoring goals with both feet and his head this season he has been something of a revelation playing this role. He has, as we have been under pressure with availability, also played in central midfield, a new position for him but one where his energy and speed have proved valuable.
Best moment? A memorable hat-trick against Cleeve and 6 braces this season show consistent finishing against all opposition.
Max T (Libero)
Languid and full of guile. Max glides around the pitch collecting the ball and keeping us moving forward. Playing either as second striker or at the tip of a midfield diamond he pulls the attacking strings for the team. Always looking to thread balls through to the forwards or wingers.
Best moment - his Ricky Villa moment against Gotherington on the opening day of the season that relaxed the team and set us up for an opening day win.
Max P (Midfielder / Striker)
A 100% player. You ask Max to do a role and he does it. If that role is something he's not used to he does it. A joy to have in the squad. It's not all about willingness though, Max has great technique in close quarters and has contributed 3 goals this season. He always plays with a smile on his face and despite his size is not afraid to mix it with much larger (and older) opposition. Best moment - a brace in the cup V Lakeside.
Callum (Striker / Midfielder)
Callum missed a big chunk of the season when he injured his thumb playing rugby. When available Callum has given what he can on the pitch and, towards the end of the season has been much more involved. Playing either as a striker where we have tried to use him as a target man or wide in midfield and even in defence he has done whatever has been asked of him.
Best moment - easy! His goal in the 4-2 defeat to Hucclecote.
Freddie (Midfielder / Defender)
Playing either as a holding midfielder or in the central defensive positions Freddie has what is commonly known as 'quick feet'. He can jink his way out of trouble no problem. He has started to use his body more to protect the ball and keep possession. Freddie just needs to work on his fitness more. He's durable and is in the gang-of-four but to be the player he wants to be is just a matter of fitness. He can win the ball, is not frightened of using his head and has a great eye for a pass.
Best moment .......a great all-round performance capped with a great goal against Cashes Green. Wasl also heard to say, “...i feel a bicy coming on...” when heading into the box for a corner v Cashes Green.
Dan H (Winger)
Dan is another player that has seen his role change this season. Moving from being our striker (a position he has played since we were u9's) to now being a right winger. Providing a different sort of outlet to Louis on the left Dan is all about aggressive running and power. Driving at the full back to with get in on goal or deliver a cross. He has still weighed in with 9 goals this season including a very memorable hat-trick against Cashes Green in the home match.
Best moment? .....A strong run and finish against GVR in the home to put us ahead against a strong title-chasing team
Tom (They seek him here they seek him there....)
A returning Cougar! Tom realising his love for the round ball re-joined the team in March for the final few games of the season and looking ahead to next. Nicknamed flymo for his ability to cover every blade of grass in the few games he's played this season he's done nothing to suggest that that name isn't still apt! Is quite possibly the fittest member of the team, his tenacity to win the ball, strength when he has it and fight when he loses it is something that will be a massive asset looking ahead to next season.
Best moment - watching him fight his way through tackles and challenges in any game he plays. Welcome back!
Conor (Midfielder)
Another returning Cougar! Conor decided that egg chasing wasn't all its cracked up to be (see what i did there!) and, like Tom, rejoined the team in April. Conor provides much needed physicality in midfield and can boss games - his first half against Painswick was particularly memorable. Another player that next season will provide us with some strong support and ability in midfield.
Best moment - his goal on his returning debut, outside the area, top corner - BOOM!
New signings
With one of the main problems this season being availability we took the decision to look to sign three additional players. There was interest in the team from outside the club and also from the LRFC Panthers who have unfortunately folded and will not be continuing next season. A trial was held that was very well attended. It was difficult as there were only three spots but everyone knew that and a tough decision was made.
Joining us for the new season are Ben Higgs, George Mooney and Lewis Carter. They have all played football for a number of years and mean our squad is now 19 strong for the new season, we welcome them aboard and look forward to them challenging for places and increasing the competition for places across a number of positions.