We are further three months into the season since my last entry; a three month period of positives and a few negatives; cup exits, cup runs and pushing up the table.
Negatives first - Nicky Talbot has decided Newton Flotman isn’t for him. I found this decision to be both disappointing and in the long run, probably for the best. Nicky missed all of pre-season due to injury, and since returning to the team has been unable to hold-down a regular place in the team. Credit has to go to others around him, who have taken their opportunities very well. I found this whole situation a very hard one to deal with, as Nicky was a very reliable defender amongst the chaos of last season. Having spoken to him regularly and explained positions within the team have to be fought for I had hoped this would get the best out of him, as I do others. His attitude continued to drop, which was starting to affect others in the team. I still regard Nicky to be an exceptional defender, and a great asset to any team he decides to play for.
The only other negative that has come up in the previous few months, has been some players attitudes to playing reserve football. I’m not going to make a big deal about this as I feel a better understanding has been achieved within both teams. Both myself and Gaskin have many different things to consider when picking our teams. Dan’s job is much harder than mine as basically he picks his 14 and leaves the rest to me. Despite this we both are looking for the same things - Fitness levels, attendance at training, ability, previous games played, attitude
All of the above come into our thoughts, but what all players need to remember is the manager makes his decision as that is what he is there to do. And as players, all I ask is anyone playing in the reserves gives everything they have in what ever position they are asked to play.
The team spirit is at an all time high in my opinion. Players are enjoying their football, proud to wear their club jackets and numbers at training are always improving. Results on the pitch are showing everything is starting to work too. There is still such a long way to go for the Reserves, but with the squad I have, I see no reason why they can’t achieve anything they want to this season. Currently third in the league (and already beaten both teams above us). Our final league position is what counts as everyone knows. Commitment and concentration are what makes the difference, and this is something that needs to be more consistent from now to the close. After a fantastic first round in the Primary Cup, it was a shame to crash out at home to Thurton although it was great to see the players beat Lingwood in the `Shoe Traders Cup` from the league above us.
In short - continue the season with the great attitude and enjoyment levels that I see every week. Push on and finish strongly and I’m confident we will get our rewards.
September 2009
With all the activities during the run in of last season and very short break before the start of pre-season. It has yet again been a little difficult to find time to update my blog. With the season into full swing and matches coming thick and fast, I thought it best to write something as soon as possible. Having just picked up the first point of the season against Thorpe village, I feel confident that the team will go from strength to strength. Players are starting to find their feet with new team mates and also new tactics and formations being used.
Injuries and work commitments are always going to be a problem for the Reserves but the squad is a much better size this season. Hopefully this will mean call ups and missing players shouldn’t affect us as much.
March 2009
With all the events that have taken place over the last few weeks and months, football had seemingly taken a back seat at the club. But im glad to say we seem to be getting back on track. I also would like to say a personal thank you to Sid and Trev for all their hard work over the past few seasons. Without them there would never have been a club, of which we all get so much enjoyment from.
With very little football being played by the reserves over the past few weeks and what football was played has produced some disastrous results due to continuing changes every week to the line up. I see no real need to dwell on the past, and look forward to the team pulling together in the future. Although I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been with the reserves and me all season and have tried to bridge the gaps within the team. Tom Howard, Nicky Talbot and Damien (Dibbs) Kerton to name three. I have been so impressed with the attitude of the regulars and how playing in positions they aren't used to, has been taken without question.
Early communication with Danny regarding the future running of the club has been a great success. I feel all members of staff at this club are heading in the same direction and it is an exciting time.
Finally I would like to thank Owen for his help with the running of training. Still being a player also, I have greatly enjoyed his sessions. There has been a good mix of football and fitness. I look forward to Gaskin, myself and Owen continuing this trend and I hope all the players continue to show the commitment thus far. It is great to see both first team and reserves training as one. Long may it continue.
